bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exposure Assessment
Authors: Paustenbach Dennis J. , Madl Amy K. , Massarsky Andrey 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Exposure assessment is a critical step in the risk assessment process and is an important component of dose–response analysis and interpretation of causal associations in epidemiology studies. Exposure assessment describes the nature, magnitude, duration, and extent to which various populations are exposed to a chemical agent. There are several factors to consider when conducting an exposure assessment, such as contaminated media, route of exposure, timing of exposure (duration, frequency), and bioavailability. This chapter will review the general principles of exposure assessment, as well as methods and available tools for evaluating exposures from different media (air, soil, water, food) and different routes of exposure (dermal, oral, inhalation). Additionally, this chapter will review different methods for quantifying exposures, whether through direct measurement, historical reconstruction, modeling, or biomarkers/biomonitoring. Methods for quantifying variability and uncertainty in the exposure assessment through modeling and sensitivity analyses are also discussed. The field of exposure assessment has made significant advancements over the last several decades. The chapter will end on reflections of several lessons learned over the evolution of exposure assessment and insights for its future.
Titanium Dioxide
Authors: Battersby Rodger V. , Warheit David B. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractTitanium is a naturally occurring element. The commercially most important titanium compound is pigmentary TiO2, whereas nano‐scaled TiO2represents only a small amount on the market. Since humans are exposed to TiO2at workplace or through consumer products, a thorough evaluation of its potential toxicity has been summarized herein. Dermal absorption of TiO2is deemed to be negligible, whereas oral and inhalation absorption has been reported but is assumed to be very low. TiO2has been shown to be of low acute oral, dermal, and inhalation toxicity and is considered to be void of skin and eye‐irritating properties. It also does not show any potential for skin and respiratory sensitization. Oral long‐term toxicity studies in rats report no adverse effects, and due to lack of dermal absorption of TiO2, it is assumed that dermal exposure is also not a hazard. TiO2does not show any primary mutagenicity and is also void of reproductive or developmental toxicity. However, in long‐term inhalation toxicity studies in rats, inflammation, fibroproliferative effects, and lung tumor formation has been observed but only under conditions of excessive particle lung overload. Carcinogenicity under such extreme conditions with complete cessation of lung clearance is considered to not imply a cancer hazard for humans, which is in line with epidemiological studies showing no causative link between TiO2particle exposure and cancer risk in humans. However, based on the available animal database, IARC in the past classified TiO2as possibly carcinogenic to humans, and the Risk Assessment Committee of ECHA also concluded that TiO2warrants a Category 2 classification for carcinogenicity.
Cross‐sectional association between blood cholesterol and calcium levels in genetically diverse strains of mice
Authors: Cousineau Cody M. , Loftus Kaelin , Churchill Gary A. , Bridges Dave 
Published: December 2023

Genetically diverse outbred mice allow for the study of genetic variation in the context of high dietary and environmental control. Using a machine learning approach, we investigated clinical and morphometric factors that associate with serum cholesterol levels in 840 genetically unique Diversity Outbred mice of both sexes (n = 417 male and 423 female), and on both a control chow (% kcals in diet: protein 22%, carbohydrate 62%, fat 16%, no cholesterol) and high fat high sucrose (% kcals in diet: protein 15%, carbohydrate 41%, fat 45%, 0.05% cholesterol). We find expected elevations of cholesterol in male mice, as well as in mice with elevated serum triglycerides and/or fed a high fat high sucrose diet. The third strongest predictor was serum calcium which correlated with serum cholesterol across both diets and sexes (r = 0.39–0.48) in both Diversity Outbred (P = 3.0 × 10−43) and BXD (P = 0.005) mice. This is in‐line with several human cohort studies which show associations between calcium and cholesterol, and calcium as an independent predictor of cardiovascular events.
Improving Osseointegration Potential of 3D Printed PEEK Implants with Biomimetic Periodontal Ligament Fiber Hydrogel Surface Modifications
Authors: Xu Xiaojie , Zuo Jiahui , Zeng Huajing , Zhao Yuan , Fan Zengjie 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe bioinertness, poor antibacterial properties, and weak osseointegration of polyether‐etherketone (PEEK) limit its clinical application as oral implants. In this study, it is developed a personalized and customizable PEEK implant with multifunctional capabilities through sequential 3D printing, surface sulfonation (SPEEK), and modification using a drug‐loaded photocured hydrogel composed of acrylic acid‐acrylamide (AA‐AM) containing simvastatin‐cefepime (SIM‐CFP). The modified implant, referred to as SCHSPEEK, mimics the structure of biomimetic periodontal ligament (PDL) fibers. The chemical composition, surface characteristics, and biological properties of SCHSPEEK both in vitro and in vivo are systematically investigated. The results demonstrate that hydrogel modification not only enhances hydrophilicity and reduces surface roughness and friction coefficient, but also improves biocompatibility, drug release, and antibacterial efficacy. Importantly, SCHSPEEK exhibits a significant improvement in osseointegration capacity in vivo. These findings highlight the potential of SCHSPEEK implants to serve as promising orthopedic and dental implants in clinical settings.
Strain‐driven Switching Between Antiferromagnetic States in Frustrated Antiferromagnet UO2 Probed by Exchange Bias Effect
Authors: Tereshina‐Chitrova Evgenia A. , Pourovskii Leonid V. , Khmelevskyi Sergii , Horak Lukas , Bao Zhaohui , Mackova Anna , Malinsky Petr , Gouder Thomas , Caciuffo Roberto 
Published: December 2023

AbstractFrustrated antiferromagnets offer a captivating platform to study the intricate relationship of magnetic interactions, geometric constraints, and emergent phenomena. By controlling spin orientations, these materials can be tailored for applications in spintronics and quantum information processing. The research focuses on the interplay of magnetic and exchange anisotropy effects in artificial heterostructures based on a canonical frustrated antiferromagnet, UO2. The potential to manipulate the spin directions in this material and switch between distinct antiferromagnetic (AFM) states is investigated using substrate‐induced strain. The phenomenon is probed using exchange bias effects in stoichiometric UO2/Fe3O4 bilayers. By employing many‐body first‐principles calculations magnetic configurations in the UO2 layers are identified. Even a minor tetragonal distortion triggers a transition between AFM states of different symmetries, driven by a robust alteration of single‐ion anisotropy due to the distortion. Consequently, this change influences the arrangement of magnetic moments at the UO2/Fe3O4 interface, affecting the magnitude of exchange bias. The findings showcase how epitaxial strain can effectively manipulate the AFM states in frustrated antiferromagnets by controlling single‐site anisotropy.
Protonation Stimulates the Layered to Rock Salt Phase Transition of Ni‐Rich Sodium Cathodes
Authors: Xiao Biwei , Zheng Yu , Song Miao , Liu Xiang , Lee Gi‐Hyeok , Omenya Fred , Yang Xin , Engelhard Mark H. , Reed David , Yang Wanli , Amine Khalil , Xu Gui‐Liang , Balbuena Perla B. , Li Xiaolin 
Published: December 2023

AbstractProtonation of oxide cathodes triggers surface transition metal dissolution and accelerates the performance degradation of Li‐ion batteries. While strategies are developed to improve cathode material surface stability, little is known about the effects of protonation on bulk phase transitions in these cathode materials or their sodium‐ion battery counterparts. Here, using NaNiO2 in electrolytes with different proton‐generating levels as model systems, a holistic picture of the effect of incorporated protons is presented. Protonation of lattice oxygens stimulate transition metal migration to the alkaline layer and accelerates layered‐rock‐salt phase transition, which leads to bulk structure disintegration and anisotropic surface reconstruction layers formation. A cathode that undergoes severe protonation reactions attains a porous architecture corresponding to its multifold performance fade. This work reveals that interactions between electrolyte and cathode that result in protonation can dominate the structural reversibility/stability of bulk cathodes, and the insight sheds light for the development of future batteries.
A Comparative Study of NiCo2O4, NiO, and Co3O4 Electrocatalysts Synthesized by a Facile Spray Pyrolysis For Electrochemical Water Oxidation
Authors: Qu Yuanju , Gomaa Mohammed M. , Sayed Mohamed H. , Boshta Mostafa , Greczynski Grzegorz , Yakimova Rositsa , Sun Jianwu 
Published: December 2023

AbstractExploiting low‐cost, highly active, and robust oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysts based on earth‐abundant elements by a simple synthesis approach holds paramount importance for green hydrogen production through water electrolysis. In this work, the NiO, Co3O4 and NiCo2O4 nanoparticle layers with identical surface morphologies are prepared under same deposition conditions by a simple spray pyrolysis method and their OER activities are comparatively investigated. Among all these three electrocatalysts, NiCo2O4 shows the lowest overpotential of 420 mV to drive benchmark current density of 10 mA cm−2 and the smallest Tafel slope (84.1 mV dec−1), which are comparable to the OER performance of the benchmark commercial RuO2 electrocatalyst. The high OER activity of NiCo2O4 is attributed to the synergy effect and the modulation of electronic properties between Co and Ni atoms, which drastically reduces the overpotential required to drive OER activities. Therefore, it is believed that the NiCo2O4 synthesized by this simple method would be a competitive candidate as an industrial electrocatalyst with high‐efficiency and low cost for large‐scale green hydrogen production via water electrolysis.
Uncertainty in a globalizing world. Livelihood and fertility variance increases in response to rapid change
Authors: Kramer Karen L. , Hackman Joseph V. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjectivesThe extreme condition that we address in this special issue is how people adapt to rapid change, which in this case study is instigated by globalization and the process of market integration. Although market integration has been underway for centuries in some parts of the world, it often occurs precipitously in small‐scale societies, initiating an abrupt break with traditional ways of life and fostering a keen sense of uncertainty.MethodsUsing cross sections from 30‐years of data collected in a Yucatec Maya subsistence farming community, we test the expectation that when payoffs to pursue new livelihood and reproductive options are uncertain, variance in social, economic, and reproductive traits will increase in the population. Our data span the transition from subsistence farming to a mixed economy, and bridge the transition from natural to contracepting fertility. Exposure to globalizing and market forces occurred when a paved road was built in the early 2000s.ResultsWe find that livelihood traits (a household's primary economic strategy, amount of land under cultivation, amount of maize and honey sold), become more variable as new, but uncertain options become available. Variance in levels of education and family size likewise immediately increase following the road, but show signs of settling back down a decade later. Rather than replacing one way of life with another, Maya farmers conservatively adopt some new elements (family planning, wage labor), until the tradeoffs to commit to smaller families and the labor market become clearer.ConclusionOur findings highlight that in rapidly changing environments when the payoffs to assimilate new options are uncertain, some households and individuals intensify what they know best, while others adopt new opportunities, driving variance up in the population.
Expanding the phenotypic and genotypic spectrum of GGPS1 related congenital muscular dystrophy
Authors: Altassan Ruqaiah , AlQudairy Hanan , AlJebreen Sarah , AlMuhaizea Mohammed , Al‐Hindi Hindi , Pena‐Guerra Karla A. , Ghebeh Hazem , Almzroua Amer , Albakheet Albandary , AlDosary Mazhor , Colak Dilek , Arold Stefan T. , Kaya Namik 
Published: December 2023

AbstractCongenital muscular dystrophies are a group of progressive disorders with wide range of symptoms associated with diverse cellular mechanisms. Recently, biallelic variants in GGPS1 were linked to a distinct autosomal recessive form of muscular dystrophy associated with hearing loss and ovarian insufficiency. In this report, we present a case of a young patient with a homozygous variant in GGPS1. The patient presented with only proximal muscle weakness, and elevated liver transaminases with spared hearing function. The hepatic involvement in this patient caused by a novel deleterious variant in the gene extends the phenotypic and genotypic spectrum of GGPS1 related muscular dystrophy.
Validation and modification of simplified Geriatric Assessment and Elderly Prognostic Index: Effective tools for older patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Yun Xiaoya , Bai Jiefei , Feng Ru , Li Jiangtao , Wang Ting , Yang Yazi , Yin Jingjing , Qian Long , Zhang Shuai , Cao Qingyun , Xue Xiaoxuan , Jing Hongmei , Liu Hui 
Published: December 2023

AbstractGeriatric assessment can aid in optimizing treatment strategies and supportive interventions for older patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Fondazione Italiana Linformi has recently introduced novel geriatric assessment tools, simplified Geriatric Assessment (sGA) and Elderly Prognostic Index (EPI), aimed at tailoring the treatment and predicting the outcomes for older patients with DLBCL. The objectives of this study are the validation and possible modification of the sGA and EPI in China. In the study, both sGA and EPI demonstrated the predictive capabilities for overall survival (OS) and early mortality (both p < 0.05) in older individuals with DLBCL. Albumin, serving as an independent predictive biomarker for OS (p = 0.006), was utilized to adjust the measurements, resulting in the establishment of sGA‐A and EPI‐A. The sGA‐A effectively addressed the shortcomings of the sGA and EPI in predicting PFS and surpassed them in predicting OS and early mortality. Nevertheless, there is insufficient evidence to support the use of sGA and EPI as treatment guidance tools. In conclusion, the modified sGA‐A model proved to be a successful instrument for geriatric assessment of older patients with DLBCL.
Comparison of the Glucocorticoid Receptor Binding and Agonist Activities of Typical Glucocorticoids: Insights into Their Endocrine Disrupting Effects
Authors: Liang Yuan , Li Zhuolin , Zhang Jie , Li Tiezhu , Lv Chengyu 
Published: December 2023

AbstractOver the past decades, the synthetic glucocorticoids (GCs) have been widely used in clinical practice and animal husbandry. Given the health hazard of these toxic residues in food, it is necessary to explore the detailed interaction mechanisms of typical GCs and their main target glucocorticoid receptor (GR). Hence, this work compared the GR binding and agonist activities of typical GCs. Fluorescence polarization assay showed that these GCs were potent ligands of GR. Their GR binding affinities were in the order of methylprednisolone>betamethasone≈prednisolone>dexamethasone, with IC50 values of 1.67, 2.94, 2.95, and 5.58 nM. Additionally, the limits of detection of dexamethasone, betamethasone, prednisolone, and methylprednisolone were 0.32, 0.14, 0.19, and 0.09 μg/kg in fluorescence polarization assay. Reporter gene assay showed that these GCs induced GR transactivation in a dose‐dependent manner, confirming their GR agonist activities. Among which, dexamethasone at the concentration of 100 nM produced a maximal induction of more than 11‐fold over the blank control. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations suggested that hydrogen‐bonding and hydrophobic interactions played an important role in stabilizing the GC‐GR‐LBD complexes. In summary, this work might help to understand the GR‐mediated endocrine disrupting effects of typical GCs.
Extensive ischemic gastroduodenal necrosis caused by antihypertensive drug overdose in a young man
Authors: Yuan Tao , Sun Ji , Ma Qin 
Published: December 2023

Key Clinical MessageTo raise the awareness of the rare and life‐threatening clinical entity, we report a 23‐year‐old male presenting with acute abdomen who was finally diagnosed with gastroduodenal necrosis due to gut hypoperfusion after antihypertensive drug overdose.
Surface Display and Engineering of Laccase CotA for Increased Growth of Pseudomonas putida on Lignin
Authors: Gesing Katrin , Lenz Florian , Schreiber Sebastian , Kasimir Matthias , Humpf Hans‐Ulrich , Jose Joachim 
Published: December 2023

AbstractLignin is an underutilized raw material. Existing processes in which bacteria degrade lignin and produce added value products are not economically feasible yet due to limited lignin degradation. The aim of our study was to enhance microbial lignin degradation by surface‐display of the bacterial laccase CotA from the thermophilic Bacillus coagulans. Enzyme engineering of surface‐displayed CotA was used to increase its activity at 30 °C for the application at moderate temperatures. Libraries of CotA were created using error‐prone PCR and site saturation mutagenesis. Two different substrates with distinct binding properties in CotA were utilized for activity screening to detect variants with enhanced activity regardless of substrate specificity. Combination of favorable mutations resulted in the variant CotA T260S/L385K/F416R which showed 1.95‐fold and 13.4‐fold activity of CotA with 2,2’‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and 2,6‐dimethoxyphenol (2,6‐DMP) as substrate, respectively. All mutations were located within the substrate binding site. The KM‐value of CotA T260S/L385K/F416R was increased with ABTS (2.08 mM versus 0.44 mM of ancestor CotA) and decreased with 2,6‐DMP (0.31 mM versus 3.79 mM of ancestor CotA). Surface display of the identified variant CotA T260S/L385K/F416R on Pseudomonas putida enhanced its growth on lignin.
Bifunctional Substrates: In‐situ Ni, Fe co‐doped Cobalt Carbonate Hydroxides for Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Sun Yiqing , Liang Xiongyi , Yin Di , Zhang Yuxuan , Chen Dong , Yue Kaihang , Cai Ziyan , Bu Xiuming , Wang Xianying , Ho Johnny C. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractDeveloping highly efficient and stable electrocatalysts with large current densities for hydrogen and oxygen evolution is still challenging. Herein, Ni and Fe co‐doped cobalt carbonate hydroxide catalysts were designed in situ on the three‐dimensional porous NiFe foam through a facile one‐step hydrothermal strategy. Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrum, transmission electron microscopy‐element mapping, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and DFT calculations demonstrate that the three‐dimensional NiFe foam substrate not only serves as the porous substrate, which enhances the exposed number of active sites, but also enhances the intrinsic activities of single active sites via introducing Ni and Fe dopants in the cobalt carbonate hydroxide catalyst during the hydrothermal process. The obtained hybrid electrocatalyst can be employed as a highly efficient and stable bifunctional electrocatalyst for the oxygen and hydrogen evolution reactions, with overpotentials of 340 mV and 371 mV at 1000 mA cm−2, respectively. In addition, tests in an alkaline electrolyzer revealed that the current density could reach 1000 mA cm−2 at a voltage of 2 V and maintain stable operation for 100 h.
Visible Light‐Induced Ru‐Catalyzed Directing‐Group‐Assisted C−H Activation of Arenes
Authors: Wang Xinjuan , An Guanghui , Li Guangming 
Published: December 2023

AbstractRu‐catalyzed directing group assisted C−H functionalization of arenes remains one of the powerful tools for site selective organic synthesis. Previous thermos versions normally require high temperature, rendering low functional group tolerance. With the emergence of the photoredox chemistry, visible light mediated mild Ru‐catalyzed directed C−H activation, especially using [RuCl2(p‐cymene)]2 as catalyst, have recently been investigated. Meta, ortho, and para selectivity have been achieved owing to the different activation mode of ruthenium complex. Inner‐sphere electron transfer and outer‐sphere electron transfer redox processes were attributed to different reaction pathway. In this review, we will provide an overview on recent achievements in visible light mediated Ru‐catalyzed directed C−H activation of arenes.
Influence of Process Parameters on the Electrochemical Properties of Hierarchically Structured Na3V2(PO4)3/C Composites
Authors: Häringer Marcel , Geßwein Holger , Bohn Nicole , Ehrenberg Helmut , Binder Joachim R. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractSodium vanadium phosphate Na3V2(PO4)3 (NVP) is a promising next‐generation cathode material for sodium‐ion batteries (SIB) but the practical application as a cathode active material for SIBs is hindered by its poor electronic conductivity. To overcome this limitation and to improve the electrochemical performance in terms of rate capability and cycling stability, carbon coatings are a viable approach. In this work, we utilized a spray‐drying synthesis process and systematically varied the processing parameters to optimize the electrochemical performance of NVP/carbon composite materials. The spray‐drying process yields spherical, porous granules of NVP particles embedded in a carbon matrix, which is formed by the thermal decomposition of polyacrylic acid or β‐lactose.
Molecular Actuation of a Bistable Liquid‐Crystalline [c2]Daisy Chain Rotaxane
Authors: Carmona‐Vargas Christian C. , Faour Lara , Tokunaga Shoichi , Constantin Doru , Fleith Guillaume , Moulin Emilie , Giuseppone Nicolas 
Published: December 2023

AbstractA bistable [c2]daisy chain rotaxane bearing two mesogenic units was synthesized, and its liquid crystal phase diagram was characterized. As a remarkable result, this study demonstrates that, depending on the contracted or extended state of its mechanical bond, the system can convert between an isotropic and a smectic A mesophase at constant temperature.
A case of myasthenia gravis following alopecia areata
Authors: Sasaki Naoki , Sawada Yu 
Published: December 2023

AbstractWe present a case of myasthenia gravis that occurred after alopecia areata and evaluate the literature on the comorbidity of alopecia and myasthenia gravis. A 41‐year‐old male noticed hair loss on his scalp 4 months ago, and his hair loss progressed with drooping of both upper eyelids and diplopia. Physical and laboratory examination identified the comorbidity of myasthenia gravis and alopecia areata. Prednisolone 10 mg/day and tacrolimus 3 mg/day were administered for 7 days following hospitalization, which served to improve diplopia and ptosis. Following methylprednisolone therapy, hair loss in alopecia areata improved without the enlargement of bald areas. Based on the literature review, a total of 29 cases with alopecia and myasthenia gravis including our case have been reported. Among them, seven cases of myasthenia gravis developed after alopecia. The average time for the onset of myasthenia gravis after alopecia was 16.6 months. Four cases showed other autoimmune disease comorbidity, such as vitiligo, lichen planus, cutaneous lupus erythematosus, and pemphigus foliaceus, suggesting the involvement of Th1‐significant immunological states in these patients.