bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Contribution of Red Blood Cells and Platelets to Blood Clot Computed Tomography Imaging and Compressive Mechanical Characteristics
Authors: Cahalane Rachel M. E. , Cruts Janneke M. H. , van Beusekom Heleen M. M. , de Maat Moniek P. M. , Dijkshoorn Marcel , van der Lugt Aad , Gijsen Frank J. H. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThrombus computed tomography (CT) imaging characteristics may correspond with thrombus mechanical properties and thus predict thrombectomy success. The impact of red blood cell (RBC) content on these properties (imaging and mechanics) has been widely studied. However, the additional effect of platelets has not been considered. The objective of the current study was to examine the individual and combined effects of blood clot RBC and platelet content on resultant CT imaging and mechanical characteristics. Human blood clot analogues were prepared from a combination of preselected RBC volumes and platelet concentrations to decouple their contributions. The resulting clot RBC content (%) and platelet content (%) were determined using Martius Scarlet Blue and CD42b staining, respectively. Non-contrast and contrast-enhanced CT (NCCT and CECT) scans were performed to measure the clot densities. CECT density increase was taken as a proxy for clinical perviousness. Unconfined compressive mechanics were analysed by performing 10 cycles of 80% strain. RBC content is the major determinant of clot NCCT density. However, additional consideration of the platelet content improves the association. CECT density increase is influenced by clot platelet and not RBC content. Platelet content is the dominant component driving clot stiffness, especially at high strains. Both RBC and platelet content contribute to the clot’s viscoelastic and plastic compressive properties. The current in vitro results suggest that CT density is reflective of RBC content and subsequent clot viscoelasticity and plasticity, and that perviousness reflects the clot’s platelet content and subsequent stiffness. However, these indications should be confirmed in a clinical stroke cohort.
Awareness of U = U among Sexual and Gender Minorities in Brazil, Mexico, and Peru: Differences According to Self-reported HIV Status
Authors: Konda K. A. , Qquellon J. , Torres T. S. , Vega-Ramirez E. H. , Elorreaga O. , Guillén-Díaz-Barriga C. , Diaz-Sosa D. , Hoagland B. , Guanira J. V. , Benedetti M. , Pimenta C. , Vermandere H. , Bautista-Arredondo S. , Veloso V. G. , Grinsztejn B. , Caceres C. F. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe slogan Undetectable equals Untransmittable (U = U) communicates that people living with HIV (PLHIV) who are on antiretroviral therapy (ART) will not transmit HIV to their sexual partners. We describe awareness of U = U among sexual and gender minorities (SGM) living in Brazil, Mexico, and Peru by self-reported HIV status (PLHIV, negative, unknown) during 2021 using an online survey. We estimated two models using Poisson regression for each population group: Model A including socio-demographic factors (country, gender, age, race, education, and income), and then Model B including taking ART (for PLHIV) or risk behavior, ever-taking PrEP, and HIV risk perception (for HIV-negative or of unknown HIV status). A total of 21,590 respondents were included (Brazil: 61%, Mexico: 30%, Peru: 9%). Among HIV-negative (74%) and unknown status (12%), 13% ever used PrEP. Among PLHIV (13%), 93% reported current use of ART. Awareness of U = U was 89% in both Brazil and Mexico, which was higher than in Peru 64%. Awareness of U = U was higher among PLHIV (96%) than HIV-negative (88%) and HIV-unknown (70%). In multivariate models, PLHIV with lower education were less aware of U = U, while those taking ART were more aware. Among HIV-negative, non-cisgender, lower income, and those with lower education had lower awareness of U = U, while individuals ever using PrEP had higher awareness. In conclusion, awareness of U = U varied by HIV status, socio-demographic characteristics, and HIV risk behavior. The concept of U = U should be disseminated through educational strategies and include a focus on SGM to combat HIV stigma.
Multi-item order quantity optimization through stochastic goal programing
Authors: Azimian Alireza , Aouni Belaid 
Published: April 2024

AbstractManaging multi-item economic order quantity (MIEOQ) problems within an uncertain business environment is a critical challenge. Decision-makers, with a comprehensive understanding of organizational goals and risk tolerances, play a pivotal role in this context. However, existing solutions often inadequately consider decision-maker preferences in MIEOQ problem-solving. The literature suggests that integrating the concept of satisfaction function with stochastic goal programming (SGP) can address this issue. However, the existing SGP approaches struggle with the challenge of effective goal setting. Additionally, employing distinct satisfaction functions for each uncertain goal can complicate threshold setting, diminishing their effectiveness. To tackle these challenges, we introduce a straightforward, yet effective approach called aspiration-free goal programming (AFGP) and integrate it with a unified satisfaction function. AFGP operates by minimizing expected values of deviation variables, eliminating the challenging task of goal setting under uncertainty. A unified satisfaction function is a singular metric applied uniformly across multiple goals, offering a consistent framework for evaluating performance across diverse objectives. This integration forms a preference-sensitive framework that not only captures nuanced trade-offs between conflicting objectives but also enhances decision quality and stakeholder satisfaction. By emphasizing the importance of decision-maker’s preferences and addressing identified issues, our research introduces a practical and effective approach for achieving balanced solutions in uncertain MIEOQ environments.
Species diversity and extinction risk of vertebrate pollinators in India
Authors: Kallivalappil Ratheesh , Grattarola Florencia , de Alwis Pitts Dilkushi , Cotter Sheena C. , Pincheira-Donoso Daniel 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAnimal pollinators underpin the functioning and persistence of ecosystems globally. However, the vital role of pollination is being progressively eroded by the worldwide decline of pollinator species caused by human-induced environmental degradation, resulting in rising costs to biodiversity, agriculture, and economy. Most studies quantifying pollinator diversity and declines have focused on insects, whereas vertebrate pollinators remain comparatively neglected. Here, we present the first comprehensive study quantifying the macroecological patterns of species richness and extinction risk of bird and mammal pollinators in India, a region of extremely high biodiversity and increasing anthropogenic pressure. Our results reveal that hotspots of mammal pollinator diversity are restricted to the south of the Western Ghats, whereas bird pollinator diversity hotspots are scattered throughout the country. Analyses of hotspots of threatened species (based on the IUCN Red List) show that only mammal pollinators are currently classified as threatened in India, whereas multiple hotspots of population declines were observed for birds, and primarily in the Southwest for mammal pollinators. Our analyses failed to identify a role for species traits as drivers of these patterns, whereas most pollinators appear to be threatened by agriculture, logging and hunting for food, and medicinal purposes. Pollinator endangerment has widescale ecological and economic implications such as reduced food production, plant extinction, loss of functional and genetic diversity, and economic damage. We suggest protection of vertebrate pollinators should be emphasised in active conservation agendas in India.
Clinical and Brain Morphometry Predictors of Deep Brain Stimulation Outcome in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Koivu Maija , Sihvonen Aleksi J. , Eerola-Rautio Johanna , Pauls K. Amande M. , Resendiz-Nieves Julio , Vartiainen Nuutti , Kivisaari Riku , Scheperjans Filip , Pekkonen Eero 
Published: April 2024

AbstractSubthalamic deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) is known to improve motor function in advanced Parkinson’s disease (PD) and to enable a reduction of anti-parkinsonian medication. While the levodopa challenge test and disease duration are considered good predictors of STN-DBS outcome, other clinical and neuroanatomical predictors are less established. This study aimed to evaluate, in addition to clinical predictors, the effect of patients’ individual brain topography on DBS outcome. The medical records of 35 PD patients were used to analyze DBS outcomes measured with the following scales: Part III of the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS-III) off medication at baseline, and at 6-months during medication off and stimulation on, use of anti-parkinsonian medication (LED), Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) and Non-Motor Symptoms Questionnaire (NMS-Quest). Furthermore, preoperative brain MRI images were utilized to analyze the brain morphology in relation to STN-DBS outcome. With STN-DBS, a 44% reduction in the UPDRS-III score and a 43% decrease in the LED were observed (p<0.001). Dyskinesia and non-motor symptoms decreased significantly [median reductions of 78,6% (IQR 45,5%) and 18,4% (IQR 32,2%) respectively, p=0.001 – 0.047]. Along with the levodopa challenge test, patients’ age correlated with the observed DBS outcome measured as UPDRS-III improvement (ρ= -0.466 – -0.521, p<0.005). Patients with greater LED decline had lower grey matter volumes in left superior medial frontal gyrus, in supplementary motor area and cingulum bilaterally. Additionally, patients with greater UPDRS-III score improvement had lower grey matter volume in similar grey matter areas. These findings remained significant when adjusted for sex, age, baseline LED and UPDRS scores respectively and for total intracranial volume (p=0.0041- 0.001). However, only the LED decrease finding remained significant when the analyses were further controlled for stimulation amplitude. It appears that along with the clinical predictors of STN-DBS outcome, individual patient topographic differences may influence DBS outcome. Clinical Trial Registration Number: NCT06095245, registration date October 23, 2023, retrospectively registered
Delignification of wood fibers using a eutectic carvacrol–methanesulfonic acid mixture analyses of the structure and fractional distribution of lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose
Authors: Ismail Mostafa Y. , Sirviö Juho Antti , Ronkainen Veli-Pekka , Patanen Minna , Karvonen Ville , Liimatainen Henrikki 
Published: April 2024

AbstractDelignification and fractional pretreatments are essential for valorization of wood biomass in various bioproducts. Herein, lignocellulose wood fibers were exposed to a eutectic mixture (EM) of carvacrol and methanesulfonic acid for different times. The resulting structural and chemical alterations in biomass were explored in terms of the fiber morphology and fractional chemical composition through fiber image analysis, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, high-performance liquid chromatography, and a novel approach based on fluorescence-lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM). The autofluorescence of the lignocellulose fibers, which was primarily due to lignin with contributions from cellulose and hemicellulose, enabled application of FLIM in lignocellulose compositional analysis in micro-scale. FLIM analysis revealed that EM treatment efficiently removed lignin from the outer fiber layers. Furthermore, the effective EM treatment time was 3 h (with a residual lignin content of ~ 7 wt%), after which defects were observed on the fibers and the cellulose chains started breaking. This degradation was also indicated by a shift of the lifetime spectra toward the fluorescence lifetime of cellulose with increasing treatment time. Overall, our findings provide valuable insights to the response of lignocellulose fibers to EM treatment, contributing to the important goal of wood biomass application in bioproducts.
Beyond climate change? Environmental discourse on the planetary boundaries in Twitter networks
Authors: Dubey Shreya , Meijers Marijn H. C. , Smit Eline S. , Smit Edith G. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractSocial media are increasingly used to obtain and disseminate information about environmental issues. Yet, environmental communication research has focused mainly on social media discussions pertaining to climate change, while overlooking public awareness and discourse regarding the other planetary boundaries (i.e., important and interlinked environmental issues other than climate change). Moreover, while discussions about climate change are often found to be polarising, it remains to be seen if this extends to other environmental issues. We used network analysis and topic modelling to analyse two million environment-related tweets and identified nine ‘green communities’ of users. Climate change was the most popular issue across all communities and other issues like biodiversity loss were discussed infrequently. The discourse was less polarised than previously assumed, was largely pro-environmental, and originated more from the Global North than the Global South. The relevance of our findings for policymakers and researchers in environmental communication is discussed.
The Value of Pretend Play for Social Competence in Early Childhood: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Smits-van der Nat Mireille , van der Wilt Femke , Meeter Martijn , van der Veen Chiel 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAccording to Vygotsky’s cultural-historical activity theory, pretend play can be an important context for the development of children’s social competence. The aim of this meta-analysis was to synthesize the current evidence about the relation between pretend play and social competence in early childhood (age 3–8 years). A systematic literature search of PsycINFO, ERIC, and Web of Science identified a total of 34 relevant empirical studies. The included studies were systematically coded and categorized for pretend play and social competence. Overall, the findings of this meta-analysis reveal a positive relation between pretend play and social competence, irrespective of how the latter was measured. The relation between pretend play and social competence was slightly negatively impacted by children’s age, suggesting that the relation weakens as children get older. Studies measuring the amount of pretend play found lower correlations between pretend play and social competence than studies measuring the quality of pretend play. Most included studies adopted a cross-sectional design, so claims about causal effects could not be supported. Future research is required to determine the direction of causality and potential mechanisms that may explain the relation between pretend play and social competence.
REDD implementation for greenhouse gas reduction and climate change mitigation in Hyrcanian forests: a case study of the Kojoor Watershed, Northern Iran
Authors: Niknam Arman , Sarli Reza , Taherizadeh Mehrnoosh , Attarroshan Sina , Pourmansouri Fatemeh 
Published: April 2024

AbstractReducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD) is a specific strategy for combating deforestation and forest degradation to alleviate the effects of climate change. In this study, the potential greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction resulting from the implementation of a REDD project is estimated. Changes in forest cover throughout the years 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2010, 2015, and 2020 were analyzed using time-series Landsat imagery (TM, ETM + , and OLI) and a random forest algorithm. Multilayer perceptron neural networks were used to model the transition potential of the forest cover, which were then predicted via Markov chain analysis. The change detection analysis revealed two discernible patterns in forest cover dynamics. Between 1985 and 2000, a notable decrease in forest cover was seen, whereas from 2000 to 2020, it significantly increased. The results suggested that the absence of REDD implementation would result in the deforestation of approximately 199,569 hectares of forest cover between 2020 and 2050, leading to the release of 1,995,695 tCO2e of emissions into the atmosphere. However, with the implementation of REDD, these emissions would be reduced to 405,512 tCO2e, effectively preventing the release of 1,590,183 tCO2e of emissions into the upper atmosphere. This study demonstrates that the implementation of REDD projects can be an effective strategy for reducing GHG emissions and mitigating climate change in the Hyrcanian forests.
All too real metacapitalism: towards a non-dualist political ontology of metaverse
Authors: Coeckelbergh Mark 
Published: April 2024

AbstractCurrent techno-utopian visions of metaverse raise ontological, ethical, and political questions. Drawing on existing literature on virtual worlds but also philosophically moving beyond that body of work and responding to political contexts concerning identity, capitalism, and climate, this paper begins to address these questions by offering a conceptual framework to think about the ontology of metaverse(s) in ways that see metaverse as real, experienced and shaping our experience, technologically constituted, and political. It shows how this non-dualist political-ontological approach helps to better identify, understand, predict, and evaluate some real and potentially dangerous ethically and politically relevant phenomena, including what I call ‘metacapitalism’’s environmentally problematic dream.
Surgical aspects related to hereditary pancreatic cancer
Authors: Maurer Elisabeth , Bartsch Detlef K. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe goal of surveillance programs for individuals at risk (IAR) from familial pancreatic cancer (FPC) families or families with other inherited tumor syndromes predisposing to the development of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC), such as hereditary pancreatitis or Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, is the dectection and consecutive curative resection of early PDAC or even better its high-grade precursor lesions. Although the indication for surgery is quite established, the extent of surgery is not well defined due to the lack of evidence-based data. In addition, multiple factors have to be taken into account to determine an optimal personalized surgical strategy. This holds especially true since pancreatic surgery is associated with a relatively high morbidity and might impair the quality of life significantly. In this article the surgical aspects in the setting of hereditary PDAC are discussed.
Sinapic Acid Mitigates Pentylenetetrazol-induced Acute Seizures By Modulating the NLRP3 Inflammasome and Regulating Calcium/calcineurin Signaling: In Vivo and In Silico Approaches
Authors: Ali Shimaa O. , Ghaiad Heba R. , Elmasry Ghada F. , Mehana Noha A. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractSinapic acid (SA) is a naturally occurring carboxylic acid found in citrus fruits and cereals. Recent studies have shown that SA has potential anti-seizure properties due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic effects. The present study investigated the neuroprotective role of SA at two different dosages in a pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced acute seizure model. Mice were divided into six groups: normal control, PTZ, SA (20 mg/kg), SA (20 mg/kg) + PTZ, SA (40 mg/kg), and SA (40 mg/kg) + PTZ. SA was orally administered for 21 days, followed by a convulsive dose of intraperitoneal PTZ (50 mg/kg). Seizures were estimated via the Racine scale, and animals were behaviorally tested using the Y-maze. Brain tissues were used to assess the levels of GABA, glutamate, oxidative stress markers, calcium, calcineurin, (Nod)-like receptor protein-3 (NLRP3), interleukin (IL)-1β, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC), Bcl-2–associated death protein (Bad) and Bcl-2. Molecular docking of SA using a multistep in silico protocol was also performed. The results showed that SA alleviated oxidative stress, restored the GABA/glutamate balance and calcium/calcineurin signaling, downregulated NLRP3 and apoptosis, and improved recognition and ambulatory activity in PTZ-treated mice. In silico results also revealed that SA strongly interacts with the target proteins NLRP3 and ASC. Overall, the results suggest that SA is a promising antiseizure agent and that both doses of SA are comparable, with 40 mg/kg SA being superior in normalizing glutathione, calcium and IL-1β, in addition to calcineurin, NLRP3, ASC and Bad.
Graphical Abstract
Review: interaction of water vapour with wood and other hygro-responsive materials
Authors: Hill Callum , Altgen Michael , Penttilӓ Paavo , Rautkari Lauri 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe purpose of this review is to report on the state-of-the-art on the interaction of moisture with natural materials and fabricated biomimetic functional materials, with an emphasis upon the hygro-responsive behaviour of wood. The primary objective is to examine how water sorption affects dimensional behaviour and how knowledge of this property in natural plant-based (mainly, but not exclusively wood) materials can be used to inform biomimetic design of moisture-responsive materials and devices. The study examines the literature on natural and bio-inspired materials, concentrating upon sorption kinetics, water migration and location of the sorbed water in the materials and their microstructure and mechanical response of the microstructure and how this affects molecular mobility of the sorbate translating to macrostructural changes. Also included within this review, it is an overview of the main experimental techniques which have been used to investigate the interaction of water with these materials at molecular length scales and how modern techniques can resolve the response of these materials at the cell wall level.
Exploration of Hierarchically Porous Perovskite Ba0.5Sr0.5FeO3 Catalyst Through Experimental and Computational Investigations for Sustainable Synthesis of Acrolein
Authors: Essehaity Al-Shaimaa M. , Aman Delvin , Abd El-Hafiz Dalia R. , Khedr Ghada E. , Mikhail Sara , Abdel-Monem Yasser K. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBa0.5Sr0.5FeO3, SrMn0.5Fe0.5O3, and BaMn0.5Fe0.5O3 perovskite catalysts were synthesized via the hydrothermal method. The developing perovskite catalysts with dual bed, redox and acid/base sites, for direct oxidation reactions is one of the recent/important research ideas. Therefore, this study deals with the impact of substituting A and/ or B sites on the catalytic oxidative reactivity of mixed oxides perovskite catalysts. Then, their reactivity was tested in a single reactor oxidative coupling of methanol/ethanol mixture for sustainable acrolein production. The Ba0.5Sr0.5FeO3 perovskite sample has the highest catalytic performance at low temperatures (300○C) with 78% acrolein selectivity, followed by SrMn0.5Fe0.5O3 (65%), then BaMn0.5Fe0.5O3 (58%). The enhanced catalytic reactivity of Ba0.5Sr0.5FeO3 is associated with its effective acidic property and the ability to form O-vacancies easily, so, the strong proclivity for C–C coupling formation.