bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microplastics and non-natural cellulosic particles in Spanish bottled drinking water
Authors: Gálvez-Blanca Virginia , Edo Carlos , González-Pleiter Miguel , Fernández-Piñas Francisca , Leganés Francisco , Rosal Roberto 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis investigation explored the presence of microplastics (MPs) and artificial cellulosic particles (ACPs) in commercial water marketed in single use 1.5 L poly(ethylene terephthalate) bottles. In this work we determined a mass concentration of 1.61 (1.10–2.88) µg/L and 1.04 (0.43–1.82) µg/L for MPs and ACPs respectively in five top-selling brands from the Spanish bottled water market. Most MPs consisted of white and transparent polyester and polyethylene particles, while most ACPs were cellulosic fibers likely originating from textiles. The median size of MPs and ACPs was 93 µm (interquartile range 76–130 µm) and 77 µm (interquartile range 60–96 µm), respectively. Particle mass size distributions were fitted to a logistic function, enabling comparisons with other studies. The estimated daily intake of MPs due to the consumption of bottled water falls within the 4–18 ng kg−1 day−1 range, meaning that exposure to plastics through bottled water probably represents a negligible risk to human health. However, it's worth noting that the concentration of plastic found was much higher than that recorded for tap water, which supports the argument in favour of municipal drinking water.
Quantifying disparities in intimate partner violence: a machine learning method to correct for underreporting
Authors: Shanmugam Divya , Hou Kaihua , Pierson Emma 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe first step towards reducing the pervasive disparities in women’s health is to quantify them. Accurate estimates of the relative prevalence across groups—capturing, for example, that a condition affects Black women more frequently than white women—facilitate effective and equitable health policy that prioritizes groups who are disproportionately affected by a condition. However, it is difficult to estimate relative prevalence when a health condition is underreported, as many women’s health conditions are. In this work, we present , a method for accurately estimating the relative prevalence of underreported health conditions which builds upon the literature in positive unlabeled learning. We show that under a commonly made assumption—that the probability of having a health condition given a set of symptoms remains constant across groups—we can recover the relative prevalence, even without restrictive assumptions commonly made in positive unlabeled learning and even if it is impossible to recover the absolute prevalence. We conduct experiments on synthetic and real health data which demonstrate ’s ability to recover the relative prevalence more accurately than do previous methods. We then use to quantify the relative prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) in two large emergency department datasets. We find higher prevalences of IPV among patients who are on Medicaid, not legally married, and non-white, and among patients who live in lower-income zip codes or in metropolitan counties. We show that correcting for underreporting is important to accurately quantify these disparities and that failing to do so yields less plausible estimates. Our method is broadly applicable to underreported conditions in women’s health, as well as to gender biases beyond healthcare.
An immunohistochemical atlas of necroptotic pathway expression
Authors: Chiou Shene , Al-Ani Aysha H , Pan Yi , Patel Komal M , Kong Isabella Y , Whitehead Lachlan W , Light Amanda , Young Samuel N , Barrios Marilou , Sargeant Callum , Rajasekhar Pradeep , Zhu Leah , Hempel Anne , Lin Ann , Rickard James A , Hall Cathrine , Gangatirkar Pradnya , Yip Raymond KH , Cawthorne Wayne , Jacobsen Annette V , Horne Christopher R , Martin Katherine R , Ioannidis Lisa J , Hansen Diana S , Day Jessica , Wicks Ian P , Law Charity , Ritchie Matthew E , Bowden Rory , Hildebrand Joanne M , O’Reilly Lorraine A , Silke John , Giulino-Roth Lisa , Tsui Ellen , Rogers Kelly L , Hawkins Edwin D , Christensen Britt , Murphy James M , Samson André L 
Published: May 2024

AbstractNecroptosis is a lytic form of regulated cell death reported to contribute to inflammatory diseases of the gut, skin and lung, as well as ischemic-reperfusion injuries of the kidney, heart and brain. However, precise identification of the cells and tissues that undergo necroptotic cell death in vivo has proven challenging in the absence of robust protocols for immunohistochemical detection. Here, we provide automated immunohistochemistry protocols to detect core necroptosis regulators – Caspase-8, RIPK1, RIPK3 and MLKL – in formalin-fixed mouse and human tissues. We observed surprising heterogeneity in protein expression within tissues, whereby short-lived immune barrier cells were replete with necroptotic effectors, whereas long-lived cells lacked RIPK3 or MLKL expression. Local changes in the expression of necroptotic effectors occurred in response to insults such as inflammation, dysbiosis or immune challenge, consistent with necroptosis being dysregulated in disease contexts. These methods will facilitate the precise localisation and evaluation of necroptotic signaling in vivo.
A broadly applicable protein-polymer adjuvant system for antiviral vaccines
Authors: Wang Caiqian , Geng Yuanyuan , Wang Haoran , Ren Zeheng , Hou Qingxiu , Fang An , Wu Qiong , Wu Liqin , Shi Xiujuan , Zhou Ming , Fu Zhen F , Lovell Jonathan F , Jin Honglin , Zhao Ling 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAlthough protein subunit vaccines generally have acceptable safety profiles with precise antigenic content, limited immunogenicity can lead to unsatisfactory humoral and cellular immunity and the need for vaccine adjuvants and delivery system. Herein, we assess a vaccine adjuvant system comprising Quillaja Saponaria-21(QS-21) and cobalt porphyrin polymeric micelles that enabling the display of His-tagged antigen on its surface. The nanoscale micelles promote antigen uptake and dendritic cell activation to induce robust cytotoxic T lymphocyte response and germinal center formation. Using the recombinant protein antigens from influenza A and rabies virus, the micelle adjuvant system elicited robust antiviral responses and protected mice from lethal challenge. In addition, this system could be combined with other antigens to induce high titers of neutralizing antibodies in models of three highly pathogenic viral pathogens: Ebola virus, Marburg virus, and Nipah virus. Collectively, our results demonstrate this polymeric micelle adjuvant system can be used as a potent nanoplatform for developing antiviral vaccine countermeasures that promote humoral and cellular immunity.
A new biphenol-dipicolylamine based ligand and its dinuclear Zn2+ complex as fluorescent sensors for ibuprofen and ketoprofen in aqueous solution
Authors: Paderni Daniele , Macedi Eleonora , Giacomazzo Gina Elena , Formica Mauro , Giorgi Luca , Valtancoli Barbara , Rossi Patrizia , Paoli Paola , Conti Luca , Fusi Vieri , Giorgi Claudia 
Published: May 2024

Biphenol-dipicolylamine containing ligands are not only suitable chemosensors for H+/Zn2+ ions but also attractive metallo-receptors for environmentally relevant anionic guests belonging to the NSAIDs family, such as ibuprofen and ketoprofen.
Examining Force Level Output of Skin-Drive Bone Conduction Hearing Devices in Adults With Simulated Conductive Hearing Loss
Authors: El-Naji Rana , Scollie Susan , Bagatto Marlene 
Published: May 2024

Purpose:
Bone conduction hearing devices (BCDs) that deliver sound across the skin (i.e., transcutaneous) are suitable for some individuals who have conductive or mixed hearing losses. Prescriptive targets for percutaneous devices are available, for example, from the Desired Sensation Level–Bone Conduction Hearing Device (DSL-BCD) algorithm. These targets, however, may require modification for use with transcutaneous BCDs. The current study investigated three key variables that may inform target modification: (a) comparison of thresholds measured using an audiometric bone conduction (BC) transducer versus transcutaneous BCDs that offer in situ threshold measurement, (b) transcutaneous BCD default force level outputs versus recommended DSL percutaneous BC targets, and (c) the preferred listening levels (PLLs) of adults wearing transcutaneous BCDs in a laboratory setting.

Method:
Bilateral conductive hearing loss was simulated in 20 normal-hearing adults via earplugs. Thresholds were measured using a B-71 BC transducer and two commercially available BCDs coupled to a soft headband. DSL percutaneous BC targets were generated, and PLLs were obtained for a 60-dB SPL speech stimulus. Force level outputs were measured using a skull simulator on the Audioscan Verifit2 at the hearing aids' default settings and at the participants' PLL for each device.

Results:
On average, audiometric BC thresholds were significantly better than those measured in situ with each BCD. PLLs were similar to prescribed targets for one device with the smoother response shape and agreed in the high frequencies for both devices.

Conclusions:
In situ thresholds are significantly higher than audiometric BC thresholds, suggesting that device-based in situ measurement more accurately accounts for the signal transmission from transcutaneous BCDs. PLLs differed from the percutaneous targets and varied between devices, which may indicate that either target modifications or manipulations of device frequency response shaping are needed to approximate PLL with transcutaneous BCD devices.
Validity of Acoustic Measures Obtained Using Various Recording Methods Including Smartphones With and Without Headset Microphones
Authors: Awan Shaheen N. , Bahr Ruth , Watts Stephanie , Boyer Micah , Budinsky Robert ,   Bridge2AI Voice Consortium, Bensoussan Yael 
Published: May 2024

Purpose:
The goal of this study was to assess various recording methods, including combinations of high- versus low-cost microphones, recording interfaces, and smartphones in terms of their ability to produce commonly used time- and spectral-based voice measurements.

Method:
Twenty-four vowel samples representing a diversity of voice quality deviations and severities from a wide age range of male and female speakers were played via a head-and-thorax model and recorded using a high-cost, research standard GRAS 40AF (GRAS Sound & Vibration) microphone and amplification system. Additional recordings were made using various combinations of headset microphones (AKG C555 L [AKG Acoustics GmbH], Shure SM35-XLR [Shure Incorporated], AVID AE-36 [AVID Products, Inc.]) and audio interfaces (Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 [Focusrite Audio Engineering Ltd.] and PC, Focusrite and smartphone, smartphone via a TRRS adapter), as well as smartphones direct (Apple iPhone 13 Pro, Google Pixel 6) using their built-in microphones. The effect of background noise from four different room conditions was also evaluated. Vowel samples were analyzed for measures of fundamental frequency, perturbation, cepstral peak prominence, and spectral tilt (low vs. high spectral ratio).

Results:

Results show that a wide variety of recording methods, including smartphones with and without a low-cost headset microphone, can effectively track the wide range of acoustic characteristics in a diverse set of typical and disordered voice samples. Although significant differences in acoustic measures of voice may be observed, the presence of extremely strong correlations (
r
s > .90) with the recording standard implies a strong linear relationship between the results of different methods that may be used to predict and adjust any observed differences in measurement results.

Conclusion:
Because handheld smartphone distance and positioning may be highly variable when used in actual clinical recording situations, smartphone + a low-cost headset microphone is recommended as an affordable recording method that controls mouth-to-microphone distance and positioning and allows both hands to be available for manipulation of the smartphone device.
Measuring Preschool Teachers' Language Use During Shared Book Reading With Children With Developmental Disabilities: A Pilot Study
Authors: Cornett Sara C. , Barton-Hulsey Andrea , Burnett Tyler 
Published: May 2024

Purpose:
Opportunities to actively engage in literacy instruction should be accessible to all students in the classroom. Shared book reading provides a literacy-based context in which teachers may adapt their communication to allow students with a range of abilities to participate. The current study examines teacher communication during shared book-reading activities to understand what specific strategies teachers are using when children with developmental disabilities are included.

Method:
A shared reading activity was video-recorded in one classroom with and one classroom without students with developmental disabilities. Quantity of teacher communication was measured using the Systematic Analysis of Language Transcripts (SALT) tool, while communication functions were measured by adapting the Systematic Assessment of Book Reading. Survey methods reported teachers' typical classroom literacy instruction.

Results:
While both teachers used similar amounts of language, the teacher with students with developmental disabilities in her classroom used more literacy-related functions (e.g., referencing letters, phonics, decoding) to discuss print concepts and slightly greater communication to support comprehension of the story. Both teachers reported rarely—if not at all—using technology as an instructional strategy.

Conclusions:
SALT, an adapted assessment, and survey methods may capture differences in teacher communication during shared reading within heterogeneous classrooms. Understanding more about teacher communication yields important implications for intercollaborative practice to allow support for students with a range of abilities within inclusive literacy-based instruction.
Hirntoddiagnostik: Einsatz ergänzender apparativer Untersuchungen
Authors: Walter Uwe 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWith the determination of the definitive, irreversible loss of the overall function of the cerebrum, cerebellum and brain stem (irreversible loss of brain function, IHA, "brain death"), the death of the human being is determined from a scientific-medical point of view. The determination of IHA, with cardiovascular function being maintained by intensive care, requires special diagnostics ("brain death diagnostics"). This is carried out in the intensive care unit either to assess the medical prognosis, or as a prerequisite for post-mortem organ donation. In Germany, in accordance with the Transplantation Act, the procedural rules for determining IHA are laid down in corresponding guidelines of the German Medical Association (RL-BÄK), the 5th update of which has been in force since September 2022. Here, the indications, the requirements and the technical procedures of ancillary tests (electroencephalography, early auditory and somatosensory evoked potentials, Doppler and duplex sonography, computed tomography angiography, radionuclide perfusion scintigraphy, digital subtraction angiography) according to the German guidelines are outlined.
Instructions for meaningful figures in radiological research publications
Authors: Pape Luca Julius , Hambach Julia , Bannas Peter 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn this paper, we explain the structure and function of different types of figures and provide guidance on how to create effective figures for radiological research publications.Based on scientific literature and our own experience, we have compiled a series of instructions to support the purposeful creation of effective figures for radiological research publications.Effective figures play a crucial role in radiological research publications by clearly visualizing complex content and thereby enhancing its comprehensibility. Different types of figures have distinct strengths that should be strategically employed for optimal impact. The interplay between figures weaves the “common thread” of a publication, facilitating reader comprehension and providing a straightforward path to the answer of the central research question. The systematic coordination (line of evidence) and effective design of individual figures are crucial to compellingly support the publication’s central hypothesis.The deliberate creation and coordination of figures in radiological research publications are decisive factors for successful publishing.
Regionale Gesamtversorgung von Menschen mit psychischen Erkrankungen
– Chance für Transparenz und innovative Evaluation
Authors: Priebe Stefan , Brieger Peter 
Published: May 2024

ZusammenfassungVor dem Hintergrund der Diskussion um eine regionale Gesamtversorgung psychisch
kranker Menschen diskutiert der Aufsatz die Möglichkeit einer umfassenden,
transparenten und sinnvollen Evaluation. Dazu werden Vorschläge zur Erfassung
von Struktur, Prozessen und konkreten Ergebniskriterien dargestellt. Es sollen
Daten erhoben werden, die für alle Ebenen einer Gesundheitsorganisation
transparent und handlungsrelevant sind. Die vorgeschlagene Evaluation wäre
innovativ, bedeutsam für einzelne Patienten, Behandlungseinheiten, Einrichtungen
und ganze Regionen, und somit ein Ansatz für eine datengestützte andauernde
Qualitätsverbesserung.
Diabetes Insipidus after Endoscopic Endonasal Pituitary Macroadenoma Resection: Correlation of Patient and Surgery-Related Risk Factors
Authors: Hosri Jad , Abi Zeid Daou Christophe , Darwish Hussein , Korban Zeina 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Purpose This article aims to identify patient- and surgery-related factors that could predict the development of postoperative central diabetes insipidus (DI).
Methods This is a retrospective case–control study conducted at a single-institution tertiary referral center. Patients undergoing endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery for pituitary adenoma between November 2018 and April 2023 were recruited. The main outcome measures collected include age, gender, comorbidities, tumor type, postoperative DI, intraoperative and postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, flow of CSF leak, number of layers required for repair, the use of nasal packing, and hospital length of stay.
Results A total of 20 patients developed DI postoperatively. Patients' demographic and comorbidity profile did not correlate with DI development. The encounter of an intraoperative CSF leak was correlated with postop DI (chi-square (1) = 18.35, p < 0.001) with a relative risk (RR) of 2.7 (confidence interval [CI] = 1.37–5.28). The use of nasal packs was also correlated with postop DI (chi-square (1) = 10.17, p = 0.001) with a RR of 1.8 (CI = 1.15–2.87). Defects requiring a two or more layers for reconstruction also correlated with postop DI compared to single layer repairs (chi-square (1) = 12.15, p < 0.001) irrelevant of the materials used. Development of DI postop correlated with an increased hospital length of stay (t(64) = –3.35, p = 0.001).
Conclusion The physician should be careful when evaluating patients with pituitary adenomas in the postoperative period, particularly those with intraoperative CSF leak, nasal packing, and those who underwent multilayer reconstruction of the surgical defect.
A computer-aided detection system in the everyday setting of diagnostic, screening, and surveillance colonoscopy: an international, randomized trial
Authors: Maas Michiel H. J. , Rath Timo , Spada Cristiano , Soons Elsa , Forbes Nauzer , Kashin Sergey , Cesaro Paola , Eickhoff Axel , Vanbiervliet Geoffroy , Salvi Daniele , Belletrutti Paul J. , Siersema Peter D. ,   for the Discovery study team
Published: May 2024

Background Computer-aided detection (CADe) has been developed to improve detection during colonoscopy. After initial reports of high efficacy, there has been an increasing recognition of variability in the effectiveness of CADe systems. The aim of this study was to evaluate a CADe system in a varied colonoscopy population.
Methods A multicenter, randomized trial was conducted at seven hospitals (both university and non-university) in Europe and Canada. Participants referred for diagnostic, non-immunochemical fecal occult blood test (iFOBT) screening, or surveillance colonoscopy were randomized (1:1) to undergo CADe-assisted or conventional colonoscopy by experienced endoscopists. Participants with insufficient bowel preparation were excluded from the analysis. The primary outcome was adenoma detection rate (ADR). Secondary outcomes included adenomas per colonoscopy (APC) and sessile serrated lesions (SSLs) per colonoscopy.
Results 581 participants were enrolled, of whom 497 were included in the final analysis: 250 in the CADe arm and 247 in the conventional colonoscopy arm. The indication was surveillance in 202/497 colonoscopies (40.6 %), diagnostic in 199/497 (40.0 %), and non-iFOBT screening in 96/497 (19.3 %). Overall, ADR (38.4 % vs. 37.7 %; P = 0.43) and APC (0.66 vs. 0.66; P = 0.97) were similar between CADe and conventional colonoscopy. SSLs per colonoscopy was increased (0.30 vs. 0.19; P = 0.049) in the CADe arm vs. the conventional colonoscopy arm.
Conclusions In this study conducted by experienced endoscopists, CADe did not result in a statistically significant increase in ADR. However, the ADR of our control group substantially surpassed our sample size assumptions, increasing the risk of an underpowered trial.
Closing the Gap: Approaches to Improving Colorectal Surgery Care for the Uninsured and Underinsured
Authors: Isenberg Erin , Harbaugh Calista 
Published: May 2024

AbstractHealth insurance plays a critical role in access to and delivery of health care in the United States. As the only industrialized nation without universal health coverage, Americans without adequate insurance (i.e., uninsured or underinsured individuals) face numerous obstacles to obtaining necessary health care. In this article, we review the mechanisms by which inadequate insurance leads to worse clinical outcomes in patients with common benign and malignant colorectal pathologies. We then discuss several evidence-based solutions for improving access to optimal colorectal care for these patients. These include increasing access to and affordability of health insurance, mitigating disparities between differently insured populations, strengthening the health care safety net, and tailoring outreach and clinical decision-making for the uninsured and underinsured. By exploring the nuance and impact of inadequate insurance coverage, we ultimately seek to highlight critical opportunities for future research and advocacy within the realm of insurance design and policy.
The Belt and Road Initiative and Dynamics of Structural Transformation
Authors: Calabrese Linda , Jenkins Rhys , Lombardozzi Lorena 
Published: May 2024

AbstractStructural transformation is among the core questions in development economics, but in recent decades, the discipline has shifted its focus away from production and transformation in favour of analyses on exchange, growth and productivity. Yet, the structural transformation question remains central, and needs to be confronted with the main changes in the global economic and political landscape, such as the emergence of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). With its emphasis on an infrastructure-based connectivity agenda, the BRI opens the space for a paradigm shift in development, and for a renewed emphasis on structural transformation. This article introduces a special issue that explores the role of the BRI in promoting structural transformation in low- and middle-income countries, to understand if and under which conditions the BRI creates pathways that can change the structure of the economies. Through an explicit focus on the role of BRI on transformation in low- and middle-income countries, this special issue examines how domestic institutions regulate and coordinate production diversification, national and international sectoral specificities, and drivers and barriers to technological innovation and trade. In this sense, the special issue sheds light on new conceptualisations and empirical examples of industrial policies.