bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long-term ambient air pollution exposure and renal function and biomarkers of renal disease
Authors: Kilbo Edlund Karl , Xu Yiyi , Andersson Eva M. , Christensson Anders , Dehlin Mats , Forsblad-d’Elia Helena , Harari Florencia , Ljunggren Stefan , Molnár Peter , Oudin Anna , Svartengren Magnus , Ljungman Petter , Stockfelt Leo 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Despite accumulating evidence of an association between air pollution and renal disease, studies on the association between long-term exposure to air pollution and renal function are still contradictory. This study aimed to investigate this association in a large population with relatively low exposure and with improved estimation of renal function as well as renal injury biomarkers.

Methods
We performed a cross-sectional analysis in the middle-aged general population participating in the Swedish CardioPulmonary bioImaging Study (SCAPIS; n = 30 154). Individual 10-year exposure to total and locally emitted fine particulate matter (PM2.5), inhalable particulate matter (PM10), and nitrogen oxides (NOx) were modelled using high-resolution dispersion models. Linear regression models were used to estimate associations between exposures and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR, combined creatinine and cystatin C) and serum levels of renal injury biomarkers (KIM-1, MCP-1, IL-6, IL-18, MMP-2, MMP-7, MMP-9, FGF-23, and uric acid), with consideration of potential confounders.

Results
Median long-term PM2.5 exposure was 6.2 µg/m3. Almost all participants had a normal renal function and median eGFR was 99.2 mL/min/1.73 m2. PM2.5 exposure was associated with 1.3% (95% CI 0.6, 2.0) higher eGFR per 2.03 µg/m3 (interquartile range, IQR). PM2.5 exposure was also associated with elevated serum matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) concentration, with 7.2% (95% CI 1.9, 12.8) higher MMP-2 per 2.03 µg/m3. There was a tendency towards an association between PM10 and higher levels of uric acid, but no associations were found with the other biomarkers. Associations with other air pollutants were null or inconsistent.

Conclusion
In this large general population sample at low exposure levels, we found a surprising association between PM2.5 exposure and a higher renal filtration. It seems unlikely that particle function would improve renal function. However, increased filtration is an early sign of renal injury and may be related to the relatively healthy population at comparatively low exposure levels. Furthermore, PM2.5 exposure was associated with higher serum concentrations of MMP-2, an early indicator of renal and cardiovascular pathology.
Pediatric idiopathic anaphylaxis: practical management from infants to adolescents
Authors: Mori Francesca , Saretta Francesca , Giovannini Mattia , Gelsomino Mariannita , Liotti Lucia , Barni Simona , Mastrorilli Carla , Pecoraro Luca , Castagnoli Riccardo , Arasi Stefania , Caminiti Lucia , Klain Angela , Miraglia del Giudice Michele , Novembre Elio 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIdiopathic anaphylaxis (IA) remains a frustrating challenge for both patients and physicians. The aim of this paper is to focus on IA in pediatric ages and suggest possible diagnostic algorithms according to specific age ranges (infants, children, and adolescents). In fact, in a variable percentage of patients, despite extensive diagnostic tests, the cause of anaphylactic episodes cannot be identified. Moreover, the lack of a unanimous IA definition requires a careful and detailed diagnostic workup. Prompt recognition of signs and symptoms, especially in younger children, and an accurate clinical history often allow a choice of the most appropriate diagnostic tests and a correct differential diagnosis.
Benchmarking clustering, alignment, and integration methods for spatial transcriptomics
Authors: Hu Yunfei , Xie Manfei , Li Yikang , Rao Mingxing , Shen Wenjun , Luo Can , Qin Haoran , Baek Jihoon , Zhou Xin Maizie 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Spatial transcriptomics (ST) is advancing our understanding of complex tissues and organisms. However, building a robust clustering algorithm to define spatially coherent regions in a single tissue slice and aligning or integrating multiple tissue slices originating from diverse sources for essential downstream analyses remains challenging. Numerous clustering, alignment, and integration methods have been specifically designed for ST data by leveraging its spatial information. The absence of comprehensive benchmark studies complicates the selection of methods and future method development.

Results
In this study, we systematically benchmark a variety of state-of-the-art algorithms with a wide range of real and simulated datasets of varying sizes, technologies, species, and complexity. We analyze the strengths and weaknesses of each method using diverse quantitative and qualitative metrics and analyses, including eight metrics for spatial clustering accuracy and contiguity, uniform manifold approximation and projection visualization, layer-wise and spot-to-spot alignment accuracy, and 3D reconstruction, which are designed to assess method performance as well as data quality. The code used for evaluation is available on our GitHub. Additionally, we provide online notebook tutorials and documentation to facilitate the reproduction of all benchmarking results and to support the study of new methods and new datasets.

Conclusions
Our analyses lead to comprehensive recommendations that cover multiple aspects, helping users to select optimal tools for their specific needs and guide future method development.
Green micellar UPLC and complementary eco-friendly spectroscopic techniques for simultaneous analysis of anti-COVID drugs: a comprehensive evaluation of greenness, blueness, and whiteness
Authors: katamesh Noha S. , Abbas Ahmed Emad F. , Halim Michael K. , Abdel-Lateef Mohamed A. , Mahmoud Shimaa A. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe development of sustainable analytical methodologies that minimize hazards, waste generation, and energy consumption has become crucial. This study introduces pioneering green‒blue-white approaches for the simultaneous quantification of montelukast sodium (MLK) and fexofenadine hydrochloride (FEX) in combination formulations. The first approach employs an ultra-performance liquid chromatographic method (UPLC) with a green micellar mobile phase of 0.02 M sodium dodecyl sulfate and 10% 1-pentanol (65:35%). The method demonstrated excellent resolution, peak symmetry, and a short analysis time, with retention times of 3.53 min for MLK and 1.67 min for FEX. The MLK and FEX linearities were 1–260 and 1.2–312 μg/mL, respectively. The second approach involves complementary built-in spectroscopic techniques (second derivative, third derivative, and ratio difference methods) using water as a solvent, providing a green, simple, low-cost alternative in laboratories where expensive chromatographic devices may not be readily available. The MLK and FEX linearities were 3–50 and 3–60 μg/mL, respectively. All methods were comprehensively validated and showed satisfactory results. The proposed methods demonstrated excellent linearity (r2 ≥ 0.9990), accuracy (recovery 98.5–101.5%), and precision (RSD ≤ 2%) across wide concentration ranges. A multifaceted evaluation was conducted to assess the environmental sustainability, real-world applicability, and economic viability of the proposed methods in comparison with previously reported techniques. This comprehensive assessment leveraged several state-of-the-art tools, including NEMI, ComplexGAPI, AGREE, ESA, BAGI, and RGB12. The suggested approaches exhibited favorable quadrant profiles in the NEMI and ComplexGAPI assessments, coupled with higher AGREE scores (0.90, 0.86) than reported (0.62, 0.74, 0.75, 0.69, 0.74, 0.74, and 0.75), in addition to higher ESA score (88, 92) than reported (75, 84, 85, 79, 82, 82, and 83), collectively affirming their environmentally friendly credentials. Moreover, we embraced the innovative notions of 'blueness' and 'whiteness' assessment by harnessing the recently formulated BAGI and RGB12 algorithms. The higher BAGI score (90, 82.5) than reported (72.5, 70, 70, 67.5, 67.5, 67.5, and 72.5), confirmed the excellent real-world applicability of the proposed methods, while the notable RGB12 indices (89.8, 88.1) than reported (67.8, 72.8, 71.5, 67.1, 73.7, 70.3, and 73.2), validated their cost-effectiveness and overall sustainability, contributing to an eco-friendly future for quality control processes.
First detection of Leishmania major in dogs living in an endemic area of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in Tunisia
Authors: Maurelli Maria Paola , Zribi Lilia , Fayala Nour El Houda Ben , Manzillo Valentina Foglia , Balestrino Ines , Hamdi Noureddine , Bouratbine Aida , Gizzarelli Manuela , Rinaldi Laura , Aoun Karim , Oliva Gaetano 
Published: August 2024

﻿Abstract
Background
Dogs are considered the main domestic animals that may be a reservoir for Leishmania infantum, the agent of zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis (ZVL) in several countries of the world. The dog may host other Leishmania species, but its epidemiological role in the maintenance and spreading of these parasites is not completely elucidated. Zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL), caused by Leishmania major, affects thousands of people every year and is particularly diffused in many countries of North Africa and Middle East Asia. In ZCL endemic countries, few reports of L. major-positive dogs have been reported, probably because most human cases occur in poor rural areas where the social role of the dog and its medical management is not well considered. The aim of the present study is to better understand the possible involvement of domestic dogs in the epidemiology of ZCL.

Methods
Our research focused on a well-established endemic focus of ZCL, in the area of Echrarda, Kairouan Governorate, central Tunisia. A total of 51 dogs with no or mild clinical signs of vector borne diseases were selected in small villages where human cases of ZCL are yearly present. All dogs were sampled for the Leishmania spp. diagnosis, by using the following procedures: blood sample for serology and buffy coat quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), popliteal fine needle aspiration, and cutaneous biopsy punch for lymph node and skin qPCR.

Results
The results demonstrated a high percentage (21.6%) of dogs positive at least at one or more test; the most sensitive technique was the lymph node qPCR that detected 8/11 positive dogs. Nine, out of the eleven positive dogs, resulted as infected by Leishmania infantum; ITS1-PCR-sequencing allowed Leishmania major identification in the remaining two cases, both from the popliteal lymph node samples, which can suggest a possible visceral spread of a cutaneous Leishmania species in the dog. Interestingly, one of the two L. major-positive dogs was living in the same house where 6-year-old children showed cutaneous lesions referred to as ZCL.

Conclusions
To our knowledge, this is the first report of L. major-positive dogs in Tunisia, the epidemiological role of which remains under investigation.

Graphical Abstract
PointPCA: point cloud objective quality assessment using PCA-based descriptors
Authors: Alexiou Evangelos , Zhou Xuemei , Viola Irene , Cesar Pablo 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPoint clouds denote a prominent solution for the representation of 3D photo-realistic content in immersive applications. Similarly to other imaging modalities, quality predictions for point cloud contents are vital for a wide range of applications, enabling trade-off optimizations between data quality and data size in every processing step from acquisition to rendering. In this work, we focus on use cases that consider human end-users consuming point cloud contents and, hence, we concentrate on visual quality metrics. In particular, we propose a set of perceptually relevant descriptors based on principal component analysis (PCA) decomposition, which is applied to both geometry and texture data for full-reference point cloud quality assessment. Statistical features are derived from these descriptors to characterize local shape and appearance properties for both a reference and a distorted point cloud. The extracted statistical features are subsequently compared to provide corresponding predictions of visual quality for the distorted point cloud. As part of our method, a learning-based approach is proposed to fuse these individual predictors to a unified perceptual score. We validate the accuracy of the individual predictors, as well as the unified quality scores obtained after regression against subjectively annotated datasets, showing that our metric outperforms state-of-the-art solutions. Insights regarding design decisions are provided through exploratory studies, evaluating the performance of our metric under different parameter configurations, attribute domains, color spaces, and regression models. A software implementation of the proposed metric is made available at the following link: https://github.com/cwi-dis/pointpca.
Deconstructing stigmatising narratives: a qualitative analysis of contrast devices in interviews with mothers with a mental illness
Authors: Schamschula Monika , Paul Jean Lillian 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
In the context of stigma and mental health research, limited empirical studies examine stigma through the positioning of individuals within interview contexts. This study addresses this gap by investigating the positioning processes in interviews with mothers with a mental illness, with a specific focus on the use of contrast devices as a strategy identified through analysis. By analysing how mothers position themselves through contrast devices and to which discourses they refer, this study provides insights into how stigmatising discourses are evident in the narratives of mothers with a mental illness.

Methods
This study is based on 20 semi-narrative interviews with mothers with a mental illness who participated in the Village Project (a pilot project co-created for children of parents with mental illness in Tyrol, Austria). Our analysis focuses on identifying stigmatising discourses related to motherhood and mental illness by examining the use of contrast devices in their accounts.

Results
The analysis shows insights into mothers’ efforts to distance themselves from labels such as ‘bad mother’, ‘not normal/crazy women’ and ‘weak person’. These positions often carry a gendered dimension, with motherhood emerging as a central position. Our study highlights the challenges mothers with a mental illness face in navigating societal norms and expectations related to motherhood during research interviews.

Conclusion
The research contributes to a deeper understanding of mental health stigma in the context of motherhood, emphasising the importance of considering gendered dynamics and societal expectations in mental health research.
Development, optimization, and characterization of vitamin C-fortified oleogel-based chewable gels and a novel nondestructive analysis method for the vitamin C assay
Authors: Sabourian Reyhaneh , Dorkoosh Farid Abedin , Khoshayand Mohammad Reza , Amini Mohsen , Tamiji Zahra , Ghasemi Jahan B. , Sadeghi Naficeh , Hajimahmoodi Mannan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractChewable gels represent an excellent alternative to oral dosage forms, such as tablets and capsules, owing to their appealing appearance, easy swallowing, and attractive colors. Given the inherent instability of vitamin C, particularly within chewable gels, it is imperative to enhance its stability and mitigate its degradation during processing and storage. Oleogel, systems prepared through an environmentally friendly and pollution-free method, exhibit a three-dimensional network structure that eliminates oxygen, alleviates oxidation, and enhances vitamin C stability. This study focused on optimizing vitamin C-fortified oleogel-based chewable gels using Plackett–Burman and D-Optimal design methodologies to maximize vitamin C stability while maintaining favorable mechanical properties. The optimal formulation, Opt-C, was achieved by crystallizing the gel at -18 °C, incorporating 2.5 g of distilled monoglyceride (DMG), and maintaining an oleogel-to-chewable gel ratio of 10%. Opt-C was comprehensively characterized using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and its stability was rigorously assessed. Furthermore, a nondestructive assay method for vitamin C determination in chewable gels was developed employing near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) and chemometric techniques. Storage studies demonstrated that Opt-C retained 85% of its vitamin C content during accelerated tests over ten weeks, surpassing the 69% retention observed in the control chewable gel. Opt-C exhibited a slower release of vitamin C in simulated digestive fluids; however, this release profile did not adversely impact the overall availability of vitamin C. Ultimately, the developed multivariate model successfully predicts vitamin C concentration: root mean square error of calibration (RMSEC): 0.284, $${\text{R}}_{\text{cal}}^{2}$$

R

cal

2

: 0.9906; RMSE cross-validation (RMSECV): 0.501, $${\text{R}}_{\text{val}}^{2}$$

R

val

2

: 0.9722; RMSE prediction (RMSEP): 0.670, $${\text{R}}_{\text{pred}}^{2}$$

R

pred

2

: 0.9154. This innovative approach enhances the stability of water-soluble vitamins in chewable gels.

Graphical Abstract
CT attenuation values predict liver injury in COVID-19 patients
Authors: Abdi Negar , Ghaznavi Hamid 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Liver injuries such as metabolic-associated fatty liver disease, liver fibrosis, and steatosis are common in COVID-19 patients. Unenhanced CT can be used to diagnose the morphological traits of steatosis and cirrhosis. This study aims to provide a clear overview on the association between liver injuries and decreased hepatic CT attenuation values on chest CT images in patients with COVID-19.

Main text
Measuring HU values can be used as an additional method to diagnose liver injuries, even though HU values alone cannot definitively diagnose specific liver diseases. Chest CT is a common imaging procedure for diagnosing pneumonia, and during this CT examination, the upper abdomen, including the liver and spleen, is incidentally captured on the CT scan. Therefore, the assessment of liver injuries in chest CT of patients with COVID-19 can be performed by measuring the HU value of the liver and spleen. In this review, we summarize all the currently available CT findings in liver injuries associated with decreased hepatic CT attenuation values.

Conclusion
We found out that liver injuries such as hepatic steatosis and metabolic disease were more frequent in the COVID-19 patient, especially in severe and ICU patients. Compared to control group and COVID-19 patients with mild symptoms, the hepatic CT attenuation values and L/S ratios were lower in research group and severe COVID-19 patients.
Vertical movement of microplastics by roots of wheat plant (Triticum aestivum) and the plant response in sandy soil
Authors: Tumwet Faith Chebet , Richter Anne , Kleint Tomas , Scheytt Traugott 
Published: August 2024

AbstractMicroplastics persist as a challenging pollutant in agroecosystems, posing potential risks to soil health and crop productivity. Root growth, elongation and expansion may significantly influence the vertical transport and infiltration of microplastics into the soil profile. Wheat plants (Triticum aestivum) grown in 70 cm deep rhizotrons were investigated for their influence on the vertical movement of two prevalent microplastic shapes, polyester fibres and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) fragments. Wheat was chosen for its dense and extensive fibrous and fine root system, which is a robust model for studying root-soil-microplastic interactions. Microplastics at a 0.24% w/w dry soil weight concentration were homogeneously distributed in the topsoil (0–20 cm). Infiltration of polyester fibres up to 50 cm into the soil profile was discerned as strong adherence to plant roots. PVC fragments exhibited greater mobility, reaching depths of 70 cm in the presence and absence of wheat plants. Plant growth response on exposure to microplastics appeared in the form of increased root branching and decreased shoot biomass, indicating a stress response in wheat plants. The results prove the vertical movement of microplastics, while the infiltration depth was influenced by microplastic shape. Movement was detected as either strong adherence of polyester fibres to plant roots or infiltration of PVC fragments. PVC fragments may have infiltrated through preferential flow paths in soil pores and the fissures created by root elongation and water movement.
Psychiatric evidence in UK immigration and asylum cases
Authors: Galappathie Nuwan 
Published: August 2024

SUMMARYThis article critically reviews the case law, guidance and standards related to the provision of expert psychiatric evidence in immigration and asylum cases in the UK. It discusses the potentially complex and medico-legally challenging process of psychiatric evaluation of asylum seekers, and the implications of the presence of psychiatric disorders for issues such as the individual's ability to give oral evidence in court, immigration detention, fitness to fly, removal, deportation, ability to reintegrate into the destination country and appeal rights. To give context to the discussion, it outlines the asylum process in the UK from claiming asylum, initial screening and the ‘substantive interview’ to, if a claim is rejected, appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber), detention and the removal process.
Air pollutants, genetic susceptibility and the risk of schizophrenia: large prospective study
Authors: Liu Run , Li Dankang , Ma Yudiyang , Tang Lingxi , Chen Ruiqi , Tian Yaohua 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundEvidence linking air pollutants and the risk of schizophrenia remains limited and inconsistent, and no studies have investigated the joint effect of air pollutant exposure and genetic factors on schizophrenia risk.AimsTo investigate how exposure to air pollution affects schizophrenia risk and the potential effect modification of genetic susceptibility.MethodOur study was conducted using data on 485 288 participants from the UK Biobank. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the schizophrenia risk as a function of long-term air pollution exposure presented as a time-varying variable. We also derived the schizophrenia polygenic risk score (PRS) utilising data provided by the UK Biobank, and investigated the modification effect of genetic susceptibility.ResultsDuring a median follow-up period of 11.9 years, 417 individuals developed schizophrenia (mean age 55.57 years, s.d. = 8.68; 45.6% female). Significant correlations were observed between long-term exposure to four air pollutants (PM2.5; PM10; nitrogen oxides, NOx; nitrogen dioxide, NO2) and the schizophrenia risk in each genetic risk group. Interactions between genetic factors and the pollutants NO2 and NOx had an effect on schizophrenia events. Compared with those with low PRS and low air pollution, participants with high PRS and high air pollution had the highest risk of incident schizophrenia (PM2.5: hazard ratio = 6.25 (95% CI 5.03–7.76); PM10: hazard ratio = 7.38 (95% CI 5.86–9.29); NO2: hazard ratio = 6.31 (95% CI 5.02–7.93); NOx: hazard ratio = 6.62 (95% CI 5.24–8.37)).ConclusionsLong-term exposure to air pollutants was positively related to the schizophrenia risk. Furthermore, high genetic susceptibility could increase the effect of NO2 and NOx on schizophrenia risk.