bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Heavy metal contamination in medicinal plants: assessing carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks
Authors: Sulaiman Mohammad Bashir , Adamu Auwal M. , Ali Sulaiman Babayo , Ezenobi Uzoamaka Virginia , Gimba Abdullahi Muhammad , Akinlotan Oluyinka Omoyeni , Abubakar Auwal 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMedicinal plants have played an undeniable role in treating diseases in mankind. However, these plants may be contaminated by toxic substances like heavy metals. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the contamination and health risks (carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic) of heavy metals in economically important medicinal plants mostly in Northern Nigeria. A total of 72 samples from 12 medical plants were purchased and analyzed for heavy metal (Pb, Cr, As, Cd, Zn, Cu, Ni and Fe) contamination using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) after wet digestion. The concentrations of the heavy metals (mg·kg−1) were in the range of 1.71–9.01 for Pb, 0.23–2.08 for Cr, 0.00–0.05 for As, 0.00–0.51 for Cd, 5.08–23.67 for Zn, 1.28–13.45 for Cu, 0.96–1.95 for Ni and 20.58–108.50 for Fe. The results revealed that the plant under study contained unsafe levels of Cr and Cd being higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limits. The hazard index (HI) was < 1, suggesting a probable non-carcinogenic effect. Similarly, the cancer risk (CR) for children and adults was below the (1.0 × 10–4) acceptable limit, indicating non-probable cancer development for consumers. Based on the studied results, the samples may not pose a carcinogenic health risk. However, there is a need for the regulatory agency to continuously monitor medicine plants available in the markets for the safety of consumers.
Microalgae: an emerging source of bioplastics production
Authors: A Anli Dino , G Kishore 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBioplastics has gained attention as a sustainable alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics. Microalgae have become one of the more promising and environmentally benign feedstocks to produce bioplastics. The goal of this in-depth review study is to address both the possibilities and the difficulties of manufacturing microalgae-based bioplastics. The review begins by discussing the negative impacts that commercial plastics have on the environment, pollution, and resource depletion. It then introduces the idea of bioplastics and discusses their importance in reducing the previously mentioned issues brought on by plastics. The article discusses the distinctive qualities of microalgae as a sustainable biomass source, noting their rapid development, high lipid content, and low need for both land and water. The various production processes and procedures used to create microalgae-based bioplastics are thoroughly explored. To determine whether the mechanical, thermal, and barrier qualities were appropriate for different applications, they were examined. Biodegradability and shelf life are factors in environmental impact assessments that highlight their potential to help mitigate the negative effects of plastics. Economic viability is a crucial factor that is examined through cost analyses and discussions of the prospects and incentives for market growth. To provide a glimpse into the future of microalgae-based bioplastics as a sustainable material option, current trends and innovations are emphasized. This review advances our knowledge of microalgae-based bioplastics in the race for a more sustainable plastics industry by offering a fair evaluation of their advantages, disadvantages, and uses.
Graphical Abstract
Genetic diversity, correlation and genotype × yield × trait (GYT) analysis of grain yield and nutritional quality traits in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench) genotypes in Tigray, northern Ethiopia
Authors: Welderufael Shushay , Abay Fetien , Ayana Amsalu , Amede Tilahun 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSelecting sorghum genotypes with higher grain yield and nutritional quality is essential to tackle food insecurity and malnutrition in arid and semi-arid areas. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the genetic diversity, trait association and genotype by yield by trait (GYT) analysis and to select superior sorghum genotypes. One hundred and ten sorghum genotypes were evaluated at three locations in Tigray during the 2018 and 2019 growing seasons using alpha lattice design. Traits such as grain yield, protein content, ash content, starch content, zinc content, iron content, calcium content and magnesium content were profiled. Results showed that wide range and highly significant (p < 0.001) genotype mean performance in each environment as well as combined environments. Several highly performing genotypes were distinguished for each trait studied that could be exploited as breeding parents or direct use. This study further detected highly significant variation (p < 0.001) among the test genotypes for all the traits studied in individual environments and across environments suggesting the presence of sufficient genetic diversity for selection. The high broad-sense heritability (H2 > 0.9) in all individual environments and moderate to high (H2 > 0.0.41 < 0.82) in pooled environments recorded in the present study assured the possibility of effective selection among the genotypes. Besides, strong positive and negative associations were detected between some of the traits in individual and across environments. The significant positive association between traits indicates that both the traits can be improved concurrently through direct selection. Using the GYT analysis, we suggest ten promising sorghum genotypes for direct use or breeding programs in arid and semi-arid areas in general and in Tigray in particular.
Holocene peopling and sea-level changes along the northern coast of the Arabian Sea (Pakistan)
Authors: Biagi Paolo 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSurveys carried out in the provinces of Las Bela and Lower Sindh (Pakistan) have led to the discovery of many concentrations of knapped stone artefacts associated with mangrove and sea shells. The most important group of sites has been discovered along the shores of Lake Siranda (Balochistan) and on the limestone terraces that rise from the Indus Plain in Lower Sindh. The radiocarbon dates obtained from the Lake Siranda sites have shown that the ancient lagoon was seasonally settled between the last two centuries of the 8th and the end of the 5th millennium uncal BP that is from the beginning of the Neolithic to the Bronze Age. Although more research is needed, we now know the important role played by the coastal zones of Las Bela and Lower Sindh in the Holocene archaeology of the Arabian Sea, the only region of the northern coastline that has provided evidence of Neolithic and Chalcolithic settlement. The Neolithic knapped stones discovered during the surveys consist of bladelet artefacts and geometric microliths made from local cherts, while the Chalcolithic Amri Culture implements are obtained from exotic flint. Since the beginning of the Holocene the coastal zone has been affected by dramatic events among which are sea-level rise, tectonic activity, subsidence, and the advance of the Indus Delta. The present landscape shaped around the end of the Bronze Age, when arid conditions established and the Indus Civilisation declined. Unfortunately many of the coastal sites are in danger or have been destroyed by industrial development.
Identifying core global mental health professional competencies: A multi-sectoral perspective
Authors: Karadzhov Dimitar , Lee Joanne , Hatton George , White Ross G. , Sharp Laura , Jalloh Abdul , Langan Martin Julie 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Concerned with sustainably alleviating mental distress and promoting the right to health worldwide, global mental health (GMH) is practised across various contexts spanning the humanitarian-development-peace nexus. The inherently intersectoral and multidisciplinary nature of GMH calls for competency frameworks and training programmes that embody diversity, decolonisation and multiprofessionalism. Existing competency frameworks have failed to capture the multi-sectoral, inter-professional nature of contemporary GMH practice. In response to these needs, a qualitative content analysis of relevant job advertisements was conducted to distil a comprehensive set of professional competencies in contemporary GMH practice. Approximately 200 distinct skills and competencies were extracted from 70 job advertisements and organised into four meta-dimensions: ‘skills’, ‘sector’, ‘self’ and ‘subject’. The first known systematic attempt at a multi-sectoral GMH competency framework, it offers a springboard for exploring vital yet overlooked professional competencies such as resilience, self-reflection, political skills and entrepreneurialism. On this basis, recommendations for building a competent, agile and effective GMH workforce with diversified and future-proof skillsets are proposed. The framework can also inform inter-professional training and curriculum design, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at early-career professional development, particularly in low- and middle-income settings.
The Populist Backlash Against Globalization: A Meta-Analysis of the Causal Evidence
Authors: Scheiring Gábor , Serrano-Alarcón Manuel , Moise Alexandru , McNamara Courtney , Stuckler David 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe literature on populism is divided on whether economic factors are significant and robust causes of populism. To clarify this, we performed the first systematic review and meta-analysis of the evidence of a causal association between economic insecurity and populism. We combined database searches with searching the citations of eligible studies and recently published reviews. We identified and reviewed thirty-six studies and presented a concise narrative summary and numerical synthesis of the key findings. Although we found significant heterogeneity in several dimensions, all studies reported a significant causal association. A recurrent magnitude was that economic insecurity explained around one-third of recent surges in populism. We tested for publication bias by conducting a funnel-plot asymmetry test and a density discontinuity test of the distribution of t-statistics. We found significant evidence of publication bias; however, the causal association between economic insecurity and populism remains significant after controlling for it.
Medical exemptions to mandatory vaccinations: The state of play in Australia and a pressure point to watch
Authors: Yap William Kouji , Attwell Katie 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAustralia’s mandatory vaccination policies have historically allowed for non-medical exemptions (NMEs), but this changed in 2016 when the Federal Government discontinued NMEs for childhood vaccination requirements. Australian states introduced further mandatory vaccination policies during the COVID-19 pandemic for a range of occupations including healthcare workers (HCWs). There is global evidence to suggest that medical exemptions (MEs) increase following the discontinuation of NMEs; the new swathe of COVID-19 mandatory vaccination policies likely also placed further pressure on ME systems in many jurisdictions. This paper examines the state of play of mandatory vaccination and ME policies in Australia by outlining the structure and operation of these policies for childhood vaccines, then for COVID-19, with a case study of HCW mandates. Next, the paper explores HCWs’ experiences in providing vaccine exemptions to patients (and MEs in particular). Finally, the paper synthesizes existing literature and reflects on the challenges of MEs as a pressure point for people who do not want to vaccinate and for the clinicians who care for them, proposing areas for future research and action.
The pernicious role of stress on intergenerational continuity of psychopathology
Authors: Leve Leslie D. , Oro Veronica , Natsuaki Misaki N. , Harold Gordon T. , Neiderhiser Jenae M. , Ganiban Jody M. , Shaw Daniel S. , DeGarmo David S. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractDevelopment and Psychopathology has been a premier resource for understanding stressful childhood experiences and the intergenerational continuity of psychopathology. Building on that tradition, we examined the unique and joint influences of maternal stress on children’s effortful control (age 7) and externalizing behavior (age 11) as transmitted via genetics, the prenatal environment, and the postnatal environment. The sample included N = 561 adopted children and their biological and adoptive parents. Path models identified a direct effect of biological mother life stress on children’s effortful control (β = −.08) and an indirect effect of her life stress on child externalizing behavior via effortful control (β = .52), but no main or indirect effects of biological parent psychopathology, prenatal stress, or adoptive mother adverse childhood experiences (ACES). Adoptive mother ACES amplified the association between biological mother life stress and child effortful control (β = −.08), externalizing behavior (β = 1.41), and the indirect effect via effortful control, strengthening associations when adoptive mothers reported average or high ACES during their own childhoods. Results suggest that novel study designs are needed to enhance the understanding of how life stress gets “under the skin” to affect psychopathology in the offspring of adults who have experienced stress.
Ultra‐Fast Kelvin Wave Packets in Mars' Atmosphere and Their Interactions With Tides as Viewed by MAVEN/NGIMS and MRO/MCS
Authors: Gasperini Federico , Hughes J. , Forbes J. M. , Thiemann E. M. B. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractA key element of successful aerobraking operations at Mars is accurate thermospheric density predictions. Evidence suggests that much of the longitude variability in Mars' aerobraking region is associated with atmospheric tides, and the day‐to‐day variability is connected with tidal modulation by longer‐period global‐scale waves. Specifically, ultra‐fast Kelvin waves (UFKWs) and their modulation of the tidal spectrum play a key role in coupling Mars' lower (<∼80 km) and middle (∼80–100 km) atmosphere with the aerobraking region above. In this study, over 5 years of Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution Neutral Gas and Ion Mass Spectrometer CO2 density observations are employed to reveal prominent, frequent, and persistent 2.5‐ to 4.5‐day UFKW packets in the whole Martian middle and upper thermosphere (ca. 150–200 km), and large secondary waves arising from their nonlinear interactions with the tidal spectrum. Detailed analyses focusing on a prominent ∼2.5‐day UFKW event in late 2015 demonstrate primary and secondary wave amplitudes growing twofold with altitude from ∼7%–14% near 150 km to ∼12%–25% near 200 km and their combined effects to account for ∼60%–80% of the altitude‐longitudinal variability of Mars' thermospheric density. Concurrent temperature measurements from Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Mars Climate Sounder reveal consistent wave signatures near 80 km altitude suggesting propagation of both primary and secondary waves from the lower atmosphere. This study demonstrates that UFKWs and secondary waves from UFKW‐tide interactions are sources of significant altitude‐longitude variability in the Mars' aerobraking region that should be accounted for when analyzing satellite observations and nonlinear models.
Observations of cold-induced vasodilation in persons with spinal cord injuries
Authors: Fujita Yasuhisa , Kamijo Yoshi-ichiro , Kinoshita Tokio , Hashizaki Takamasa , Murai Kouta , Yoshikawa Tatsuya , Umemoto Yasunori , Kaminaka Chikako , Shibasaki Manabu , Tajima Fumihiro , Nishimura Yukihide 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Study design
Acute experimental study.

Objectives
Cold-induced vasodilation is a local mechanism of protection against frostbite in non-injured persons. We assessed whether an increase in skin blood flow (SkBF) during local cooling (LC) was observed in individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCIs) and if the response patterns differed between region levels or sites.

Setting
Laboratory of Wakayama Medical University and the affiliated clinics, Japan.

Methods
A local cooler device (diameter 4 cm) was placed on the chest (sensate) and right thigh (non-sensate) in persons with cervical (SCIC; n = 9) and thoracolumbar SCIs (SCITL; n = 9). After the surface temperature under the device was controlled at 33 °C for 10 min (baseline), LC (−0.045 °C/s) was applied and the skin temperature was maintained at 15 and 8 °C for 15 min of each stage. SkBF (laser Doppler flowmetry) was monitored using a 1-mm needle-type probe inserted into its center.

Results
The percent change in SkBF (%ΔSkBF) on the chest remained unchanged until the end of 15 °C stage; thereafter, it increased to a level at least 70% greater than the baseline during the 8 °C stage in both groups. The %ΔSkBF on the thigh in both SCIC and SCITL notably increased from 8 and 6 min respectively, during the 8°C stage, compared to 1 min before the stage; however, it did not exceed the baseline level.

Conclusions
An increase in SkBF during LC was observed both in the sensate and non-sensate areas in SCIs, although the magnitude was larger in the sensate area.
Interorgan communication in neurogenic heterotopic ossification: the role of brain-derived extracellular vesicles
Authors: Lu Weicheng , Yan Jianfei , Wang Chenyu , Qin Wenpin , Han Xiaoxiao , Qin Zixuan , Wei Yu , Xu Haoqing , Gao Jialu , Gao Changhe , Ye Tao , Tay Franklin R. , Niu Lina , Jiao Kai 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBrain-derived extracellular vesicles participate in interorgan communication after traumatic brain injury by transporting pathogens to initiate secondary injury. Inflammasome-related proteins encapsulated in brain-derived extracellular vesicles can cross the blood‒brain barrier to reach distal tissues. These proteins initiate inflammatory dysfunction, such as neurogenic heterotopic ossification. This recurrent condition is highly debilitating to patients because of its relatively unknown pathogenesis and the lack of effective prophylactic intervention strategies. Accordingly, a rat model of neurogenic heterotopic ossification induced by combined traumatic brain injury and achillotenotomy was developed to address these two issues. Histological examination of the injured tendon revealed the coexistence of ectopic calcification and fibroblast pyroptosis. The relationships among brain-derived extracellular vesicles, fibroblast pyroptosis and ectopic calcification were further investigated in vitro and in vivo. Intravenous injection of the pyroptosis inhibitor Ac-YVAD-cmk reversed the development of neurogenic heterotopic ossification in vivo. The present work highlights the role of brain-derived extracellular vesicles in the pathogenesis of neurogenic heterotopic ossification and offers a potential strategy for preventing neurogenic heterotopic ossification after traumatic brain injury.
CDK4/6i-treated HR+/HER2- breast cancer tumors show higher ESR1 mutation prevalence and more altered genomic landscape
Authors: Chaudhary Nayan , Chibly Alejandro M. , Collier Ann , Martinalbo Jorge , Perez-Moreno Pablo , Moore Heather M. , Luhn Patricia , Metcalfe Ciara , Hafner Marc 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAs CDK4/6 inhibitor (CDK4/6i) approval changed treatment strategies for patients with hormone receptor-positive HER2-negative (HR+/HER2-) breast cancer (BC), understanding how exposure to CDK4/6i affects the tumor genomic landscape is critical for precision oncology. Using real-world data (RWD) with tumor genomic profiling from 5910 patients with metastatic HR+/HER2- BC, we investigated the evolution of alteration prevalence in commonly mutated genes across patient journeys. We found that ESR1 is more often altered in tumors exposed to at least 1 year of adjuvant endocrine therapy, contrasting with TP53 alterations. We observed a similar trend after first-line treatments in the advanced setting, but strikingly exposure to aromatase inhibitors (AI) combined with CDK4/6i led to significantly higher ESR1 alteration prevalence compared to AI alone, independent of treatment duration. Further, CDK4/6i exposure was associated with higher occurrence of concomitant alterations in multiple oncogenic pathways. Differences based on CDK4/6i exposure were confirmed in samples collected after 2L and validated in samples from the acelERA BC clinical trial. In conclusion, our work uncovers opportunities for further treatment personalization and stresses the need for effective combination treatments to address the altered tumor genomic landscape following AI+CDK4/6i exposure. Further, we demonstrated the potential of RWD for refining patient treatment strategy and guiding clinical trial design.
Linking childhood trauma to the psychopathology of schizophrenia: the role of oxytocin
Authors: Chen Yuan-Jung , Lu Mong-Liang , Chiu Yi-Hang , Chen Chenyi , Santos Vitor Hugo Jesus , Goh Kah Kheng 
Published: February 2024

AbstractChildhood trauma has been linked to schizophrenia, but underlying biological mechanisms remain elusive. This study explored the potential role of plasma oxytocin as a mediator in the relationship between childhood trauma and the psychopathology of schizophrenia. 160 patients with schizophrenia and 80 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were assessed for childhood trauma experiences using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire and structured interviews. Psychopathology was evaluated using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale and plasma oxytocin levels were measured. Results showed that patients with schizophrenia had lower oxytocin levels and higher childhood trauma scores than healthy controls. There was a significant correlation between childhood trauma scores and psychopathology, with plasma oxytocin levels being inversely associated with psychopathology, except for positive symptoms. Hierarchical regression analysis indicated that both childhood trauma scores and plasma oxytocin levels significantly predicted psychopathology. Plasma oxytocin levels partially mediated the relationship between childhood trauma and schizophrenia psychopathology. This study underscores the potential role of oxytocin in bridging the gap between childhood trauma and schizophrenia.
Dance/movement therapy for improving metabolic parameters in long-term veterans with schizophrenia
Authors: Zhou Zhaoxia , Guan Hengyong , Xiu Meihong , Wu Fengchun 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAccumulating evidence has supported the implementation of dance/movement therapy (DMT) as a promising intervention for patients with schizophrenia (SCZ). However, its effect on body weight and metabolic profile in SCZ remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the outcome of a 12-week DMT session on weight and lipid profile in patients with SCZ using a randomized, single-blinded, controlled trial design. This study encompassed two groups of long-term hospitalized patients with SCZ, who were randomly assigned to the DMT intervention (n = 30) or the treatment as usual (TAU) group (n = 30). Metabolic markers, including weight, body mass index (BMI), fasting glucose, triglycerides, and total cholesterol were measured in both groups at two measurement points (at baseline and the end of the 12-week treatment). We found that DMT intervention significantly decreased body weight (F = 5.5, p = 0.02) and BMI (F = 5.7, p = 0.02) as compared to the TAU group. However, no significance was observed in other metabolic markers, including fasting glucose, triglycerides, and total cholesterol after treatment (all p > 0.05). Our study indicates that a 12-week, 24-session DMT program may be effective in decreasing body weight and BMI in long-term hospitalized patients with SCZ. DMT intervention may be a promising treatment strategy for long-term inpatients in the psychiatric department.