bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A promising approach to monitor microplastic masses in composts
Authors: Wiesner Yosri , Bednarz Marius , Braun Ulrike , Bannick Claus Gerhard , Ricking Mathias , Altmann Korinna 
Published: October 2023

Inputs of plastic impurities into the environment via the application of fertilizers are regulated in Germany and the EU by means of ordinances. Robust and fast analytical methods are the basis of legal regulations. Currently, only macro- and large microplastic contents (&gt;1 mm) are measured. Microplastics (1–1,000 µm), are not yet monitored. Thermal analytical methods are suitable for this purpose, which can determine the mass content and can also be operated fully automatically in routine mode. Thermal extraction desorption-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (TED-GC/MS) allows the identification of polymers and the determination of mass contents in solid samples from natural environments. In accordance with the German or European Commission (EC) Fertiliser Ordinance, composting plants should be monitored for microplastic particles with this method in the future. In this context a compost plant was sampled. At the end of the rotting process, the compost was sieved and separated in a coarse (&gt;1 mm) and a fine fraction (&lt;1 mm). The fine fraction was processed using density separation comparing NaCl and NaI as possible salt alternative and screened for microplastic masses by TED-GC/MS with additional validation and quality assurance experiments. With TED-GC/MS total microplastics mass contents of 1.1–3.0 μg/mg in finished compost could be detected with polyethylene mainly. What differs much to the total mass of plastics in the coarse fraction with up to 60 μg/mg, which were visually searched, identified via ATR-FTIR and gravimetrically weighted.
Improving vasculoprotective effects of MSCs in coronary microvessels – benefits of 3D culture, sub-populations and heparin
Authors: Bumroongthai Kobkaew , Kavanagh Dean P. J. , Genever Paul , Kalia Neena 
Published: October 2023

IntroductionOpening occluded coronary arteries in patients with myocardial infarction (MI) damages the delicate coronary microvessels through a process called myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion injury. Although mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have the potential to limit this injury, clinical success remains limited. This may be due to (i) poor MSC homing to the heart (ii) infused MSCs, even if derived from the same site, being a heterogeneous population with varying therapeutic efficacy and (iii) conventional 2D culture of MSCs decreasing their homing and beneficial properties. This study investigated whether 3D culture of two distinctly different bone marrow (BM)-derived MSC sub-populations could improve their homing and coronary vasculoprotective efficacy.MethodsIntravital imaging of the anaesthetised mouse beating heart was used to investigate the trafficking and microvascular protective effects of two clonally-derived BM-derived MSC lines, namely CD317neg MSCs-Y201 and CD317pos MSCs-Y202, cultured using conventional monolayer and 3D hanging drop methods.Results3D culture consistently improved the adhesive behaviour of MSCs-Y201 to various substrates in vitro. However, it was their differential ability to reduce neutrophil events within the coronary capillaries and improve ventricular perfusion in vivo that was most remarkable. Moreover, dual therapy combined with heparin further improved the vasculoprotection afforded by 3D cultured MSCs-Y201 by also modifying platelet as well as neutrophil recruitment, which subsequently led to the greatest salvage of viable myocardium. Therapeutic benefit could mechanistically be explained by reductions in coronary endothelial oxidative stress and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1)/vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) expression. However, since this was noted by both 2D and 3D cultured MSCs-Y201, therapeutic benefit is likely explained by the fact that 3D cultured MSCs-Y201 were the most potent sub-population at reducing serum levels of several pro-inflammatory cytokines.ConclusionThis novel study highlights the importance of not only 3D culture, but also of a specific CD317neg MSC sub-population, as being critical to realising their full coronary vasculoprotective potential in the injured heart. Since the smallest coronary blood vessels are increasingly recognised as a primary target of reperfusion injury, therapeutic interventions must be able to protect these delicate structures from inflammatory cells and maintain perfusion in the heart. We propose that relatively feasible technical modifications in a specific BM-derived MSC sub-population could achieve this.
Evaluating distinct KRAS subtypes as potential biomarkers for immune checkpoint inhibitor efficacy in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wang Qi , Tang Zhuoran , Li Chunyu , Li Xuefei , Su Chunxia 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundDespite the acknowledged predictive value of KRAS in immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) responses, the heterogeneous behavior of its mutations in this sphere remains largely unexplored. As of now, no studies have definitively categorized KRAS subtype variations as independent prognostic indicators for ICI responses in lung cancer patients.MethodsWe analyzed a cohort of 103 patients, all harboring different KRAS mutation subtypes, and complemented this data with information from TCGA and GEO databases. Our research focused on delineating the relationships between KRAS mutation subtypes and factors like immunotherapy markers and immune cell composition, in addition to examining survival rates, drug sensitivity, and PD-L1 responses corresponding to distinct KRAS subtypes.ResultsWe found that the G12V and G12D subtypes demonstrated elevated expressions of immunotherapy markers, implying a potentially enhanced benefit from immunotherapy. Significant variations were identified in the distribution of naive B cells, activated CD4+ memory T cells, and regulatory T cells (Tregs) across different KRAS mutant subtypes. A notable difference was observed in the Tumor Mutation Burden (TMB) levels across the four KRAS subtypes, with the G12D subtype displaying the lowest TMB level. Furthermore, G12C subtype showcased the worst prognosis in terms of progression-free intervals (PFI), in stark contrast to the more favorable outcomes associated with the G12A subtype.ConclusionOur study reveals that KRAS mutations exhibit considerable variability in predicting outcomes for LUAD patients undergoing ICI treatment. Thus, the evaluation of KRAS as a biomarker for ICIs necessitates recognizing the potential diversity inherent in KRAS mutations.
Sound category habituation requires task-relevant attention
Authors: Moskowitz Howard S. , Sussman Elyse S. 
Published: October 2023

IntroductionProcessing the wealth of sensory information from the surrounding environment is a vital human function with the potential to develop learning, advance social interactions, and promote safety and well-being.MethodsTo elucidate underlying processes governing these activities we measured neurophysiological responses to patterned stimulus sequences during a sound categorization task to evaluate attention effects on implicit learning, sound categorization, and speech perception. Using a unique experimental design, we uncoupled conceptual categorical effects from stimulus-specific effects by presenting categorical stimulus tokens that did not physically repeat.ResultsWe found effects of implicit learning, categorical habituation, and a speech perception bias when the sounds were attended, and the listeners performed a categorization task (task-relevant). In contrast, there was no evidence of a speech perception bias, implicit learning of the structured sound sequence, or repetition suppression to repeated within-category sounds (no categorical habituation) when participants passively listened to the sounds and watched a silent closed-captioned video (task-irrelevant). No indication of category perception was demonstrated in the scalp-recorded brain components when participants were watching a movie and had no task with the sounds.DiscussionThese results demonstrate that attention is required to maintain category identification and expectations induced by a structured sequence when the conceptual information must be extracted from stimuli that are acoustically distinct. Taken together, these striking attention effects support the theoretical view that top-down control is required to initiate expectations for higher level cognitive processing.
The factorial survey as an approach to investigate clinical decision-making: examining influences on a clinician's decision to initiate life-sustaining clinical technology for a child with spinal muscular atrophy type 1
Authors: Quirke Mary Brigid , Cassidy Lorna , Alexander Denise , Walsh Cathal , Hill Katie , Masterson Kate , Flynn Nia , Brenner Maria 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundSpinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) type 1 is a debilitating condition with a poor prognosis, though therapeutic advances are promising. Long-term ventilation is a common management strategy as respiratory function deteriorates. Without consensus on best practice respiratory management, the decision to initiate invasive LTV (I-LTV) for this group of young children involves many ethical considerations. Understanding the main influencing factors on a clinician's likelihood to initiative I-LTV for a child with chronic critical illness is important to maintain transparency and trust with the family during this challenging time.MethodsA factorial survey was used to identify the factors that influence a clinician to support initiation of I-LTV for children with SMA type 1. Factorial survey content was based on literature and evidence-based practice and the content was subject to extensive pretesting and pilot testing. An anonymous survey was disseminated (Oct 2021–Jan 2022), via eight international professional organisations, to clinicians with experience caring for children at the time of initiation of I-LTV.Results251 participants answered 514 vignettes on SMA type 1. The greatest influencing factor on clinician's likelihood to initiate I-LTV was parental agreement with the need to initiate I-LTV. Additional qualitative comments from participants support this finding. Clinicians also highlighted the important role of innovative therapies as well as the availability of supports for families when considering initiation however these findings were context based.ConclusionsThe factorial survey approach provides a valuable way of identifying influencers on decision-making in sensitive situations. The findings demonstrate the acceptance of the centrality of parental influence in decisions on care delivery. Effective communication with the child's family is key to ensuring shared understanding and agreement of goals of care. More international research is needed on the long-term effects of novel treatments, as well as impact on quality of life and influence of geographical location, to inform decision-making.
Understanding the prolonged impact of online sexual abuse occurring in childhood
Authors: Schmidt Felipa , Varese Filippo , Bucci Sandra 
Published: October 2023

IntroductionThere has been a rapid increase in prevalence rates of online sexual abuse (OSA). Existing research has highlighted the negative impact OSA can have on victims. However, there is a gap in understanding the long-term impact of OSA when it occurred in childhood.MethodsThis qualitative study comprised interviews with eight female participants aged 18–28  years recruited in UK NHS Trusts, and via mental health charities, University bulletins and social media. Each participant self-reported having experienced abuse through either the production or dissemination of sexual material online.ResultsResults showed that the longer-term impact of OSA was multi-fold, including negative impact on sense of self and broader interpersonal relationships, and significant impact on the participants’ mental health, including experiences of self-harm, anxiety, and low mood. Likewise, participants discussed long-term apprehension to taking images and the added fear and worry that their sexual images were distributed online. Seven participants had received mental health support but only two recounted a positive experience when receiving support for OSA.DiscussionFuture research using a quantitative longitudinal design is needed to further explore the prolonged impact of OSA. Clinical implications of the research highlight the need for support services to assess the impact of OSA and interventions that target OSA experiences.
Understanding the reparative effects of schema modes: an in-depth analysis of the healthy adult mode
Authors: Yakın Duygu , Arntz Arnoud 
Published: October 2023

ObjectivesEvidence in favor of schema therapy's effectiveness in treating personality disorders is growing. One of the central and recently popular concepts of schema therapy is schema modes [i.e., temporary emotional–cognitive–behavioral states resulting from the activation of early maladaptive schemas (EMSs)]. A key aspect herein is self-reparenting, i.e., a healing relationship between the healthy adult (HA, i.e., compassionate and healthy emotional states, and functional dealing with reality) and the child modes (i.e., representation of fragile and hurt feelings and dysfunctional coping). Through an in-depth qualitative analysis, we aimed to better understand the components of the HA that enable self-reparenting.MethodPurposive sampling procedures were used to recruit eligible participants (n = 10) with relatively strong HA modes, as determined by high scores on positive affect and satisfaction with life measures and low scores on EMSs and psychopathological symptom measures. Semi-structured 45- to 60-min face-to-face interviews were conducted individually, in which individuals were asked to help the child modes reflected in the pictures. Interviews were then analyzed using deductive thematic analysis in MaxQDA.Results and discussionThe analysis revealed three superordinate themes comprising of a total of 10 group themes: (1) bonding between HA and the vulnerable child modes (“Bond”); (2) balancing expression and inhibition of adult and child mode emotions (“Balancing”); and (3) opposing demanding and critical voices and maladaptive coping styles (“Battle”). Furthermore, a strong HA mode seems to have a reciprocal relationship with the child modes: the HA gives nurturance and protection to the child modes, and the child modes boost up the HA with spontaneity and happiness. In conclusion, emotional stability and resilience may be highest when HA-child mode interaction happens bidirectionally; when the child modes get reparented by the HA, and the HA is informed by the child modes.
Maternal factors associated with early childhood caries among 3–5-year-old children with low socio-economic status in Trishal, Bangladesh
Authors: Haque Farzana , Folayan Morenike Oluwatoyin , Virtanen Jorma Ilmari 
Published: October 2023

IntroductionEarly Childhood Caries (ECC) is more prevalent in nations where a larger portion of the population resides below the poverty line. This study aimed to evaluate the connections between maternal awareness, attitudes, practices related to oral health, and the occurrence of ECC among children aged 3–5 years in Bangladesh, a low–middle income country with high level of poverty.MethodsThis cross–sectional study recruited mother–child pairs with a focus on children aged 3–5 years from low socioeconomic backgrounds in Trishal, Bangladesh. Data collected included maternal oral health knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. Clinical examinations were conducted to check for dental plaque on the upper central incisors' labial surfaces. ECC was identified using the ICDAS II index criteria. Associations between maternal oral health knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and children's plaque score and caries status were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression, and adjusting for confounding variables (child's age, gender, mother's age, education, and number of children).ResultsAmong 532 mother-child pairs, 491 (93.2%) mothers were unaware of the role of fluoride in preventing caries, while 516 (97%) recognized the importance of using fluoridated toothpaste during brushing. Additionally, 520 (97.7%) mothers reported not knowing how to brush their child's teeth, and 87 (16.4%) brushed their children's teeth twice daily. Visible dental plaque was observed in 420 (78.9%) children, and 321 (60.3%) had ECC. Higher plaque score increased the odds of ECC in the study population (AOR: 5.617, 95% CI: 3.511–8.987).ConclusionsMothers of preschool children with low socioeconomic status were poorly aware of caries preventive behaviors and had suboptimal oral health practices for their children. The plaque score was the only oral health factor that seems to increase the risk for ECC among children with low socio-economic status in Bangladesh. It is imperative to prioritize support and interventions aimed at improving oral hygiene practices to reduce ECC risk in this population.
A comparative study of canine epididymal sperm collection techniques and cryopreservation
Authors: Ali Hassan Hiba , Banchi Penelope , Domain Guillaume , El Khoury Rosemary , Chaaya Rana , Wydooghe Eline , Smits Katrien , Van Soom Ann 
Published: October 2023

IntroductionAn optimized collection method and freezing protocol for preservation of epididymal spermatozoa remains a topic of interest to many scientists. The current study focused on the collection and preservation of canine epididymal spermatozoa. During the process of collection of canine epididymal spermatozoa, blood content can occur, which may affect sperm cryopreservation in a negative way. Here, we compared first two epididymal sperm collection techniques [epididymal mincing (EM) and single incision epididymal sperm aspiration (SESA)]; and next we tried to solve the issue of blood content using an erythrocyte lysis buffer (ELB).MethodsHence spermatozoa were collected after weighing the epididymides, either by EM or SESA, and sperm quality assessed prior to and post freezing (concentration, total sperm output (TSO), motility, viability and morphology). Next, new sperm samples were collected from eight epididymides by EM and subjected either to a standard freezing protocol or to an ELB treatment freezing protocol. Post-thaw sperm parameters (concentration, TSO, motility, viability and morphology), including intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation were assessed. The correlation between the weight of the epididymis and the TSO was evaluated based on the collection technique, and differences in sperm parameters were detected both within different collection techniques and between different pre-freezing treatment protocols.ResultsThere was a very strong correlation between the weight of the epididymis and the TSO for the EM technique (p  =  0.002, R2 =  0.6), along with an increased sperm motility with EM compared to SESA (median 80%, inter-quartile range (IQR) 88–65 and median 67.5%, IQR 72.5–52.5, respectively; (p  =  0.002). Post-thaw samples subjected to ELB treatment freezing protocol had lower motility and higher intracellular ROS compared to the standard freezing protocol (motility: median 56.25%, IQR 60–48.75 and median 70%, IQR 72.5–63, respectively; p   =  0.01; ROS: median 78.5%, IQR 81.25–75.5 and median 70%, IQR 70.5–68.75, respectively; (p  =  0.04).DiscussionThe results indicated that EM is a better technique to harvest epididymal spermatozoa despite the presence of some blood content. Furthermore, the ELB treatment should not be implemented to remove those red blood cells prior to cryopreservation of epididymal spermatozoa in dogs.
Anaphylaxis to Cow’s Milk Proteins is a Multifaceted and Unresolved Problem
Authors: Пампура А.Н. , Есакова Н.В. , Конюкова Н.Г. 
Published: October 2023

Белки коровьего молока являются одной из наиболее частых причин пищевой аллергии и пищевой анафилаксии у детей во всем мире, в связи с чем данная группа пациентов представляется глобальной проблемой здравоохранения и находится в зоне интереса врачей различного профиля. Возможность развития жизнеугрожающей системной реакции к белкам коровьего молока связана с рядом факторов и может иметь место при различных обстоятельствах, что требует от врача соответствующих знаний и единого подхода в данном вопросе. В настоящей статье представлены эпидемиологические данные в отношении анафилаксии к белкам коровьего молока у детей, важные характеристики молекул аллергена в контексте системных реакций и реальные клинические сценарии их развития, знание о которых позволит врачу своевременно оценить и предупредить риски, персонализировать рекомендации и ведение пациента, а также максимально доступно донести важную информацию до родителей и контактирующих с ребенком лиц.
Cow’s milk proteins are one of the most common causes of food allergy and food anaphylaxis in children all over the world, so this group of patients is a global health problem and is of interest to doctors of various profiles. Life-threatening systemic reactions to cow’s milk proteins are associated with a number of factors and can occur under various circumstances, which requires knowledge and a unified approach from the doctor in this matter. This article presents epidemiological data on anaphylaxis to cow’s milk proteins in children, important characteristics of allergen molecules and real clinical scenarios for the development of anaphylaxis, knowledge of which will help the doctor to assess and prevent risks, personalize recommendations and patient management, and explain important information to the child’s parents.
Investigation of the effect of plasmonic Au nanoparticles on crystalline Si solar cells
Authors: Jonai Sachiko , Kobayashi Komei , Nakamura Kyotaro , Masuda Atsushi , Shinbo Kazunari , Kato Keizo , Baba Akira 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
In order to increase the photocurrent of tandem solar cells with a silicon (Si) solar cell as the bottom cell, we investigate the relationship between the localized surface plasmon resonance effect of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and the arrangement of AuNPs onto solar cells. AuNPs were deposited on P-type crystalline Si (c-Si) cells and Si heterojunction (SHJ) type cells. To obtain the localized surface plasmon resonance effect, the shape, size, and arrangement of the nanostructures are important. Especially, arrangement of AuNPs onto solar cells was inquired in this study because these parameters must be adjusted appropriately to produce a plasmon resonance in a specific wavelength range. It was found that the plasmon resonance effect is significant when deposited on the surface of c-Si cell rather than on top of the Ag electrode. AuNPs deposition on the c-Si cell surface leads to not only the localized surface plasmon resonance effect but also improvement in charge transport between the c-Si cell surface and Ag electrode. However, in the SHJ-type cells, the plasmon resonance effect was not observed because the surface layer was composed of a W-doped In2O3 (IWO) layer.