bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Digital peer-to-peer support programme for informal caregivers of people living with motor neuron disease: study protocol for a multi-centre parallel group, single blinded (outcome assessor) randomised controlled superiority trial
Authors: Rose Louise , Thaventhiran Thilipan , Hobson Esther , Rogers Rebecca , James Kirsty , Chu Petrina , Carter Ben , Faull Christina , Saha Sian , Lee Jeong Su , Kaltsaka Georgios , McDermott Christopher , Ramsay Michelle 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
• Background

Peer support is effective in improving psychological well-being of family caregivers of people with conditions such as dementia, cancer, and brain injury. However, there are limited data on effective psychological interventions for family caregivers of people living with motor neurone disease. Our objective is to evaluate the efficacy of a virtual peer support programme for improving caregiver psychological wellbeing and caregiving related outcomes.

• Methods

We will conduct a multi-centre parallel group randomised controlled superiority trial. Using a multi-modal recruitment strategy, we will recruit informal caregivers from UK MND clinics, in-patient units, and hospices. We will randomise (1:1, stratified by gender) participants to either a 12-week virtual peer support programme or usual care comprising provision of online information resources publicly available via the MND Association website. Peer support programme elements will be delivered via a secure digital e-platform aTouchAway™ (Aetonix, Canada). Our target sample size is 160 (80 each arm). Our primary outcome is the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) assessed at 12-weeks (primary endpoint). Secondary outcomes that will also be assessed at 12 weeks include the Zarit Burden Interview, Pearlin Mastery Scale, Personal Gain Scale, Positive Affect Scale and the Brief COPE. Outcome assessors will be blinded to allocation. Tertiary outcomes include perceived usability (1 item 9-point Likert scale) and acceptability (semi-structured qualitative interviews) of the peer support programme. Intervention fidelity measures will comprise frequency, type (text, audio, video), and duration (audio and video) of peer support contact downloaded from the aTouchAway AWS server. We will use a mixed-effects linear model to test the effect of the intervention on the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes will be analysed using linear regression. We have ethical approval (21/NW/0269) from the North-West Research Ethics Committee, UK.

• Discussion

This single blinded randomised controlled trial will determine the effect of a virtual peer support programme on caregiver psychological wellbeing and caregiver burden. This study will examine the impact of a virtual peer support intervention on quality-of-life measures in informal caregivers of individuals with MND living in the community.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04695210
Icaritin (SNG162) promotes apoptosis and inhibits proliferation by regulating IL-6/STAT3 signals in a novel preliminarily identified canine malignant melanoma cell line
Authors: Li RiFei , Sun Yue , Chen Jinwen , Lin Degui , Kuang Yu , Xu Shuo , Li Gebin , Tang Jun 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
Malignant melanoma is one of the most common tumors in canines. Although there are radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatments, clinical outcomes for most patients remain poor. To change this situation, novel study models are needed for understanding the biology of malignant melanoma and developing new chemotherapy drugs. Canine cancer cell lines constitute crucial scientific tools, but there are few canine melanoma cell lines available. Icaritin (SNG162), an active compound from Epimedium, has anticancer functions against breast cancer, lung cancer, glioblastoma and leukemia in humans, while its anticancer effects on canine melanoma remain unclear.
Methods
In this study, we preliminary characterize a novel canine melanoma cell line, Melan-C, and explore the anti-canine melanoma effects and potential mechanisms of SNG162.
Results
The Melan-C cell line comprises fast-growing cells with a population doubling time (PDT) of 52.5 h. In Melan-C, CDH1 expression was significantly low or even absent, while Melan-A expression was dramatically high. The mRNA of IL-6 and STAT3 were higher in Melan-C than in MDCK and CMT7364. Next, we investigated the cytotoxicity of SNG162 to Melan-C cells. The results showed that SNG162 effectively inhibited the growth of the cells in vitro within a certain concentration range. Additionally, SNG162 was able to induce Melan-C cell apoptosis and activate caspase-3 to increase the expression of cleaved caspase-3.
Conclusions
The anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of SNG162 are likely mediated by the inhibition of IL-6/STAT3 pathways. Therefore, the isolation and establishment of the Melan-C cell line is of great importance for screening such drugs as SNG162 considered in the present study.
Ultrafast deposition of faceted lithium polyhedra by outpacing SEI formation
Authors: Li Yuzhang , Yuan Xintong , Liu Bo , Mecklenburg Matthew 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Electrodeposition of lithium metal is critical for high energy batteries. However, the simultaneous formation of a surface corrosion film termed the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) complicates the deposition process. Here, we decouple these two intertwined processes by outpacing corrosion at ultrafast deposition current densities while also avoiding mass transport limitations. Using cryogenic-electron microscopy, we discover the intrinsic deposition morphology of metallic lithium to be that of a rhombic dodecahedron, which is surprisingly independent of electrolyte chemistry or current collector substrate. In a coin cell architecture, these rhombic dodecahedra reveal a key failure mode at high current densities: rather than promoting dendritic morphologies, the near point-contact electrical connectivity of the polyhedra to the current collector accelerates inactive Li formation that can explain poor cycling efficiency at high current densities. While Li deposition and SEI formation have always been tightly linked in past studies, our experimental approach enables new opportunities to fundamentally understand these processes decoupled from each other and bring about new insights to engineer better batteries.
Artemisia argyi potentially prevents the infections with SARS-CoV-2 variants
Authors: Cheng Fang-Ju , Huynh Thanh Kieu , Ko Hung-Yu , Hsueh Chen-Si , Yeh Yi-Lun , Wu Yang-Chang , Tang Chih-Hsin , Chen Chia-Hung , Tu Chih-Yen , Huang Wei-Chien , Ho Chien-Yi 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has potential benefits to prevent multi-viral infection including by modulating the immune system or defending oxidative stress. Artemisia argyi (A. argyi) has been widely used for anti-microbial infection, anti-allergy, anti-diabetes, and anti-inflammation in Eastern Asia. However, it remain unclear whether A. argyi has the potential to reduce the infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
Results
Through the docking simulation, eriodictyol and umbelliferone, two phytochemicals existed in Artemisia argyi, have showed their potential to bind to cellular proteins transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which are required for the cellular entry of SARS-CoV-2. Our results further found that eriodictyol and umbelliferone suppressed the infection of ACE2-expressed HEK-293T cells with lentiviral-based pseudo-particles expressing wild type and variants of SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein via interrupting the interaction between S protein and cellular receptor ACE2 and via reducing ACE2 and TMPRSS2 expressions.
Conclusions
In summary, Artemisia argyi and its ingredients eriodictyol and umbelliferone are potential agents to reduce SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Molecular-Level Architecture of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii’s Glycoprotein-Rich Cell Wall
Authors: Poulhazan Alexandre , Arnold Alexandre , Mentink-Vigier Frederic , Muszyński Artur , Azadi Parastoo , Wang Tuo , Warschawski Dror , Marcotte Isabelle 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Microalgae are a renewable and promising biomass for large-scale biofuel, food and nutrient production. However, their efficient exploitation depends on our knowledge of the cell wall composition and organization as it can limit access to high-value molecules. Here we provide an atomic-level model of the non-crystalline and insoluble glycoprotein-rich cell wall of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Using in situ solid-state and sensitivity-enhanced nuclear magnetic resonance, we reveal unprecedented details on the protein and carbohydrate composition and their nanoscale heterogeneity, as well as the presence of spatially segregated protein- and glycan-rich regions with different dynamics and hydration levels. We show that mannose-rich lower-molecular-weight proteins contribute to the cell wall cohesion by crosslinking high-molecular weight protein components, and that water provides plasticity to the cell-wall architecture. The methodology used here is transposable to study other microorganisms and plant materials – including those rich in cellulose – and their responses to contaminants and stresses.
North African Humid Periods over the past 800000 years – Timing, Amplitude and Forcing
Authors: Armstrong Edward , Tallavaara Miikka , Hopcroft Peter , Valdes Paul 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
The Sahara region has experienced periodic wet periods over the Quaternary and beyond. These North African Humid Periods (NAHPs) are astronomically paced by precession which controls the position of the African monsoon system. However, most IPCC-class climate models cannot generate enough precipitation to reconcile the magnitude of these events and so the driving mechanisms remain poorly constrained. Here, we present an 800kyr climate dataset produced using a recently developed version of the HadCM3B coupled climate model that simulates 20 NAHPs over the past 800kyr which have good agreement with the timing and amplitude of NAHPs identified in proxy data. Our results confirm that precession determines their pacing, but we identify that their amplitude is strongly linked to eccentricity via its control over ice sheet extent. During glacials, cooling due to enhanced ice-sheet albedo suppresses the amplitude of the NAHPs during periods of precession minima. Our results highlight the importance of both precession and eccentricity, and the role of high latitude processes in determining the timing and amplitude of the NAHPs. This may have implications for the out of Africa dispersal of plants and animals throughout the Quaternary.
Use of a modified Michaelis-Menten equation to estimate growth from birth to 3 years in healthy full term babies
Authors: Walters William , Ley Catherine , Hastie Trevor , Ley Ruth , Parsonnet Julie 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Mathematical models that accurately describe growth in human infants are lacking. We used the Michaelis-Menten equation, initially derived to relate substrate concentration to reaction rate, and subsequently modified and applied to nonhuman vertebrate growth, to model growth in humans from birth to 36 months. We compared the model results to actual growth values from two pediatric cohorts.
The modified Michaelis-Menten equation showed excellent fit for both infant weight (median RMSE: boys: 0.22kg [IQR:0.19; 90%<0.43]; girls: 0.20kg [IQR:0.32; 90%<0.39]) and height (median RMSE: boys: 0.93cm [IQR:0.53; 90%<1.0]; girls: 0.91cm [IQR:0.50;90%<1.0]). Using permutations of dropped data, few combinations of time points were critical to optimizing model fit.
This modified Michaelis-Menten equation accurately describes growth in humans aged 0-36 months, allowing imputation of missing weight and height values in individual longitudinal measurement series. The pattern of growth in healthy babies raised in resource-rich environments mirrors the saturation curve of a basic enzymatic reaction.
Formation and Characterization of Leaf Waste into Organic Compost
Authors: Mahongnao Sophayo , Sharma Pooja , Singh Darshan , Ahamad Arif , Kumar Pavitra V , Kumar Pankaj , Nanda Sarita 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
In solid waste management, pollution-free disposal of leaf waste in urban areas is still not standardized and adopted. This project was designed to undertake and understand the composting of leaf waste and characterizing the organic fertilizer formed from it. The composting of the leaf waste was set up through the essential microbe (EM) method to produce compost. Different parameters like pH, electrical conductivity, macronutrients, micronutrients, and heavy metals contents were measured at zero to fifty days of composting using appropriate methods. Leaf waste composting attained its maturity within 21–40 days of composting. The values were used to calculate its fertility index based on six parameters like total carbon, total nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur contents. The Potentially Toxic Elements (PTE) and trace elements in the compost were analyzed through ICP-MS. An analysis was also done on samples of other popular matured composts like Kitchen Waste compost, Vermicompost, Cow dung manure, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) organic waste compost, and Neem cake compost. Arsenic, Chromium, and Mercury were high in all the compost except the leaf waste compost. The trace elements such as Ba, Be, Se, Ti, Tl, and V concentrations were moderate in all the compost. The PTE values were used to calculate their clean index. It was found that leaf waste compost has very good fertility index only next to Neem Cake Compost and has the best clean index. Leaf waste compost could be categorized as good quality compost.
Evaluation of some Haematological and Immunologic Parameters as Adjunct marker to Viral Load in HBV Management in a Resource-Constrained Setting
Authors: Shuaib Bukhari Isah , Mohammed Musa , Usman Abdul Rasheed , Bola Bakare Tawakalitu , Audu Oduma , Hamid Mohammed Auwal , Abidemi Muhibi Musa , Pius Omosigho Omoruyi , Daud Aminat , Umeche Ijeoma Evagenline , Latifat Lukman , Isah Samirah Shuaib , Adeiza Mukhtar Abdulmajid 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Introduction: In a resource-constrained situation where HBV DNA viral load testing may not be available or be prohibitively expensive, the current study sought to assess the levels of white blood cells, red blood cells, haemoglobin, platelets count and other red cell indices, CD4+ T-cell count and ALT as an adjunct marker to viral load in HBV Management.
Methods: A case-control cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 subjects (100 acute HBV patients, 100 chronic HBV patients, and 100 HBV-negative individuals). The haemostatic parameter, absolute CD4+ T-cell count, HBcAb-IgM, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and HBV-DNA were measured using standard methods.
Results: When compared to HBV-negative individuals, the median (interquartile range, IQR) of acute and chronic HBV-infected participants had significantly higher total WBC, granulocyte, and monocyte counts, but lower platelet, lymphocyte, and RBC counts. When compared to the HBV-negative group, the median (IQR) of acute and chronic HBV-infected participants had significantly lower haemoglobin, haematocrit, mean cell volume, mean cell haemoglobin, and mean cell haemoglobin concentration. ALT levels were highest in acute HBV participants (median 61.0 [IQR: 48.75-72.00]) and lowest in HBV negative controls (median 24.50 [IQR: 20.0-36.75]) (Krustal-Wallis test= 151.2, p <0.0001). HBV negative controls had the highest CD4+ T-cell count levels (median 784.0 [IQR: 548.0-953.8] and lowest in acute HBV infected participants (median 194.5 [IQR: 142.0-308.0]) (Krustal-Wallis test= 193.2, p < 0.0001)
Conclusion: Our findings highlight the impact of HBV infection on iron metabolism and the production of haematological precursor cells. As such these parameters could be used as adjunct markers for viral load in the management of HBV infection in a resource-constrained setting.
The clinical impact of using a single set of radiotherapy planning data for two kilovoltage therapy units
Authors: Peters Iliana , Nelson Vinod , Deshpande Shrikant , Walker Amy , Hiatt Joshua , Roach Dale , Erven Tania , Rajapakse Satya , Gray Alison 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Kilovoltage therapy units are used for superficial radiotherapy treatment delivery. Peer reviewed studies for MV linear accelerators describe tolerances to dosimetrically match multiple LINACS enabling patient treatment on any matched machine. There is an absence of literature on using a single planning data set for multiple kilovoltage units which have limited ability for beam adjustment. This study reviewed kilovoltage dosimetry and treatment planning scenarios to evaluate the suitability of ACPSEM annual QA tolerances to determine whether two units (of the same make and model) were dosimetrically matched. The dosimetric characteristics, such as measured half value layer (HVL), percentage depth dose (PDD), applicator factor and output variation with stand-off distance for each kV unit were compared to assess the agreement. Independent planning data based on the measured HVL for each beam energy from each kV unit was prepared. Monitor unit (MU) calculations were performed using both sets of planning data for approximately 200 clinical scenarios and compared with an overall agreement between units of < 2%. Additionally, a dosimetry measurement comparison was completed at each site for a subset of nine scenarios. All machine characterisation measurements were within the ACPSEM Annual QA tolerances, and dosimetric testing was within 2.5%. This work demonstrates that using a single set of planning data for two kilovoltage units is feasible, resulting in a clinical impact within published uncertainty.
Protocol for the production of micro- and nanoplastic test materials
Authors: Parker Luke A. , Höppener Elena M. , Amelrooij Edward F. van , Henke Sieger , Kooter Ingeborg M. , Grigoriadi Kalouda , Nooijens Merel G.A. , Brunner Andrea M. , Boersma Arjen 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Micro- and nanoplastics (MNP) are ubiquitous, but little is known about the risks they pose to human health. Currently available data are of limited use for developing relevant risk assessments due to poor quality control, the lack of a standardised approach to particle characterisation and environmental analysis, and the use of test materials that do not reflect those found in the environment. A set of well-characterised MNP test materials would greatly alleviate this. Here, we present a robust method to produce, fractionate and characterise such test materials of PP and PVC. Initial size reduction of commercial powders to 500 µm was performed using a centrifugal mill under cryogenic conditions. Further ball-milling between room temperature and − 50°C in 1-propanol was then performed to reach the final particle sizes. Fractionation into size ranges of < 1, 1–5, 5–10, 10–90, 90–180 and 180–300 µm was performed by sedimentation and filtration. Characterisation of the reference materials through SLS, SEM-EDX, XRF and TGA demonstrated that the fractions were of the desired size and levels of contamination from the procedure were < 1 wt%. Stability testing in both 1-propanol and 0.05 wt% BSA solution showed that whilst some agglomeration occurred during storage in 1-propanol the suspensions were stable in BSA over 9 months and some of the previous agglomeration was reversed.
Soil Pollution, Animal Contamination and Safe Food Production: The Case of the French West Indies
Authors: Andrés-Domenech Pablo , Angeon Valérie , Bates Samuel , Lesage Colombine 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
This article presents a new model to manage the provision of healthy food despite incomplete information about exposure of natural resources to a persistent pollutant (chlordecone). This toxic molecule has contaminated both terrestrial and aquatic resources for several decades in the French West Indies. As a consequence, the threat of exposing humans to contaminated food jeopardizes local agricultural and livestock activities. We address the problem that breeders face: producing healthy food with incomplete information on the animals' contamination. We examine the compatibility of respecting health-production constraints with the timing of animal management. We consider the dual set of constraints that breeders face: (1) they must achieve a target contamination rate that complies with the regulation on the Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) and (2) they must comply with a production calendar that tells them at what age the animals are to be sold. We also discuss the economic and biotechnical consequences that changes in the MRL impose on meat production. We compute the time required to decontaminate the animals and analyse the cost for farmers to adapt to (i) the regulation in place and to (ii) the more stringent health-related targets that are expected in the future. Our results are sensitive to the choice of species cattle, goats, sheep and pigs), the rearing practices, the information setting and the initial contamination rate. This paper opens strategic windows for breeders to guarantee their economic sustainability and their ability to produce healthy meat despite the incomplete information on pollution at their disposal.
Occurrence and concentrations of organic micropollutants (OMPs) in highway stormwater: A comparative field study in Sweden
Authors: Beryani Ali , Flanagan Kelsey , Viklander Maria , Blecken Godecke-Tobias 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
This study details the occurrence and concentrations of organic micropollutants (OMPs) in stormwater collected from a highway bridge catchment in Sweden. The prioritized OMPs were bisphenol-A (BPA), eight alkylphenols, sixteen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and four fractions of petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs), along with other global parameters, namely, total organic carbon (TOC), total suspended solids (TSS), turbidity, and conductivity (EC). A Monte Carlo (MC) simulation was applied to estimate the event mean concentrations (EMC) of OMPs based on intra-event subsamples during eight rain events, and analyze the associated uncertainties. Assessing the occurrence of all OMPs in the catchment and comparing the EMC values with corresponding environmental quality standards (EQSs) revealed that BPA, octylphenol (OP), nonylphenol (NP), five carcinogenic and four non-carcinogenic PAHs, and C16-C40 fractions of PHCs can be problematic for freshwater. On the other hand, alkylphenol ethoxylates (OPnEO and NPnEO), six low molecule weight PAHs, and lighter fractions of PHCs (C10-C16) do not occur at levels that are expected to pose an environmental risk. Our data analysis suggests that three water quality parameters (turbidity, TOC, and EC) hold strong potential as surrogate parameters for PAHs, PHCs, BPA, OP, and TSS. Therefore, continuously measuring these parameters could complement data from monitoring programs in which long-term, high-resolution time series are of interest. Furthermore, the EMC error analysis showed that high uncertainty in OMP data can influence the final interpretation of EMC values. As such, some of the challenges that were experienced in the presented research yielded suggestions for future monitoring programs to obtain more reliable data acquisition and analysis.