bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of age on indication for chemotherapy in early breast cancer patients: results from 104 German institutions from 2008 to 2017
Authors: Hoffmann Ann Sophie , Hennigs André , Feisst Manuel , Moderow Mareike , Heublein Sabine , Deutsch Thomas Maximilian , Togawa Riku , Schäfgen Benedikt , Wallwiener Markus , Golatta Michael , Heil Jörg , Riedel Fabian 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Purpose

Today, the decision to treat patients with chemotherapy for early breast cancer (EBC) is made based on the patient’s individual risk stratification and tumor biology. In cases with chemotherapy indication, the neoadjuvant application (NACT) is the preferred option in comparison with primary surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT). Age remains a relevant factor in the decision-making process. The aim of the present study was to illustrate the impact of age on the use of systemic therapy in clinical routine.

Methods

The study separately analyzed chemotherapy use among six age cohorts of EBC patients who had been treated at 104 German breast units between January 2008 and December 2017.

Results
In total, 124,084 patients were included, 46,279 (37.3%) of whom had received chemotherapy. For 44,765 of these cases, detailed information on treatment was available. Within this cohort, chemotherapy was administered as NACT to 14,783 patients (33.0%) and as ACT to 29,982 (67.0%) patients. Due to the higher prevalence of unfavorable tumor subtypes, younger patients had a higher rate of chemotherapy (≤ 29y: 74.2%; 30–39y: 71.3%) and a higher proportion of NACT administration ( ≤ 29y: 66.9%; 30–39y: 56.0%) in comparison with elderly patients, who had lower rates for overall chemotherapy (60–69y: 37.5%; ≥ 70y: 17.6%) and NACT (60–69y: 25.5%; ≥ 70y: 22.8%). Pathologic complete response was higher in younger than in older patients (≤ 29y: 30.4% vs. ≥ 70y: 16.7%), especially for HER2− subtypes.

Conclusion

The data from the nationwide German cohort reveal relevant age-dependent discrepancies concerning the use of chemotherapy for EBC.
Effect of veneering material type and thickness ratio on flexural strength of bi-layered PEEK restorations before and after thermal cycling
Authors: Gouda Ahmed , Sherif Ashraf , Wahba Mennatallah , Morsi Tarek 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Objective
The purpose of this study was evaluating the biaxial strength of bi-layered PEEK restorations before and after aging using different veneering materials in different thickness ratios.

Material and Methods
Ninety specimens of thickness 1.5 mm were divided into three groups according to their veneering material. Group (CAD LD): BioHPP discs veneered with CAD milled lithium disilicate (n=30), group (CAD C): BioHPP discs veneered with CAD milled composite (n=30), and group (LC): BioHPP discs veneered with conventionally layered composite (n=30). Each group was subdivided into 3 subgroups (n=10) according to the different thickness ratios between the core and the veneering material (TC:TV). Subgroup 1: TC:TV=1:0.5, subgroup 2: TC:TV=0.7:0.8, and subgroup 3: TC:TV=0.5:1. Half of the specimens of each subgroup were subjected to thermocycling, and the bi-axial flexural strength of all specimens was tested before and after aging. Three-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni’s post hoc test were used for data analysis. The significance level was set at P ≤ 0.05.

Results
Material, thickness ratio, and aging all had a significant effect on biaxial flexural strength. (LC) group had the highest biaxial flexural strength. TC:TV=0.5:1 showed the lowest biaxial flexural strength. All groups showed significant decrease in biaxial flexural strength after aging.

Conclusions
Veneering material for PEEK together with the thickness ratio between the core and veneering material greatly affect the flexural strength of bi-layered restorations. Thermocycling negatively impacts the flexural strength of PEEK bi-layered restorations.

Clinical significance
According to the results of that study, PEEK cores are best veneered with conventionally layered composite with core to veneering thickness ratio being 1:0.5.
The relevance of basic psychological needs and subject interest as explanatory variables for student dropout in higher education — a German case study using the example of a cooperative education program
Authors: Wild Steffen , Rahn Sebastian , Meyer Thomas 
Published: January 2023

Abstract Student dropout in higher education is a challenge for higher education systems. In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on analyzing motivational aspects in order to counteract dropout. However, the detailed impact mechanisms and processes of motivation on dropout have not been sufficiently researched. For example, there is very little research analyzing the preconditions of motivation and their influence on motivation as well as their eventual influence on dropout. From the background of self-determination theory and the person-object theory of interest, this study analyzes the effects of satisfying the three basic psychological needs on dropout via subject interest. We use data from a cross-sectional design with N = 2662 cooperative students in their first academic year. Our analysis identifies a direct effect of relatedness and subject interest on dropout. Furthermore, indirect effects of satisfying basic psychological needs, specifically, autonomy and relatedness, on dropout via subject interest are noted. We evaluate our results in the context of the current state of research and discuss implications.
Does SARS-CoV-2 Affect Human Semen? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Klepinowski Tomasz , Klepinowska Marta , Sagan Leszek , Syrenicz Anhelli 
Published: January 2023

AbstractContradictory results have been reported regarding effects of the SARS-CoV-2 upon human semen. A timely and up-to-date systematic review with meta-analysis appears necessary. This study aimed to deliver pooled prevalence (PP) of SARS-CoV-2 in semen and pooled semen parameters as compared with the uninfected. The relevant databases were scanned by two authors for observational studies reporting analysis of semen in COVID-19 patients. The SARS-CoV-2-infected were assigned to group A (exposed arm), whereas the uninfected to group B (unexposed arm). Newcastle–Ottawa Scale was used to address the risk of bias. PRISMA guidelines were adopted. In case of homogenous studies, fixed-effects model was followed, whereas for heterogenous studies random-effects model was used. Of 990 studies, 24 were eligible involving 1589 subjects (947 in group A and 642 in group B). The “comparability” domain was biased the most. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in three studies among 8 individuals producing the PP of 1.76% (95% CI 0.72–3.21). Sperm concentration was reduced significantly (WMD = –16.23 [95% CI –25.56 to –6.89], as well as total sperm in ejaculate (WMD = –34.84 [95% CI − 43.51 to –26.17]) and sperm volume (WMD =  − 0.48 [95% CI − 0.59 to − 0.36] in group A as compared with controls. There was a non-significant effect upon progressive motility and leukocyte presence in semen. SARS-CoV-2 RNA in semen among the infected individuals is detected infrequently. By this token, sexual transmission through semen is of low probability and little concern for public health. However, significant decrease in sperm volume, sperm concentration, and total sperm in ejaculate has been noted. The current data, though, are limited, and more studies with longer follow-up are needed to evaluate the further impact.
Male sex hormones, aging, and inflammation
Authors: Ketchem Justin M. , Bowman Elizabeth J. , Isales Carlos M. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractAdequate levels of androgens (eugonadism), and specifically testosterone, are vital compounds for male quality of life, longevity, and positive health outcomes. Testosterone exerts its effects by binding to the androgen receptor, which is expressed in numerous tissues throughout the body. Significant research has been conducted on the impact of this steroid hormone on skeletal, muscle and adipose tissues and on the cardiovascular, immune, and nervous systems. Testosterone levels have also been studied in relation to the impact of diseases, aging, nutrition and the environment on its circulating levels. Conversely, the impact of testosterone on health has also been evaluated with respect to its cardiac and vascular protective effects, body composition, autoimmunity and all-cause mortality. The male aging process results in decreasing testosterone levels over time. The exact mechanisms and impact of these changes in testosterone levels with age on health- and life-span are still not completely clear. Further research is needed to determine the optimal testosterone and androgen levels to protect from chronic age-related conditions such as frailty and osteoporosis.
Immobilized cellulose nanospheres enable rapid antigen detection in lateral flow immunoassays
Authors: Solin Katariina , Beaumont Marco , Borghei Maryam , Orelma Hannes , Mertens Pascal , Rojas Orlando J. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractRapid diagnostic systems are essential in controlling the spread of viral pathogens and efficient patient management. The available technologies for low-cost viral antigen testing have several limitations, including a lack of accuracy and sensitivity. Here, we introduce a platform based on cellulose II nanoparticles (oppositely charged NPan and NPcat) for effective control of surface protein interactions, leading to rapid and sensitive antigen tests. Passivation against non-specific adsorption and augmented immobilization of sensing antibodies is achieved by adjusting the electrostatic charge of the nanoparticles. The interactions affecting the performance of the system are investigated by microgravimetry and confocal imaging. As a proof-of-concept test, SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid sensing was carried out by using saliva-wicking by channels that were stencil-printed on paper. We conclude that inkjet-printed NPcat elicits strong optical signals, visible after a few minutes, opening the opportunity for cost-effective and rapid diagnostic.
Graphical abstract
The bioeconomy in Spain as a new economic paradigm: the role of key sectors with different approaches
Authors: Ferreira Valeria , Pié Laia , Mainar-Causapé Alfredo , Terceño Antonio 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe bioeconomy includes the sectors that use renewable biological resources to produce value added products, such as food, feed, energy, and bio-based products. Its importance has been demonstrated by its inclusion as a priority in specific and related policies such as the bioeconomy strategy, the Sustainable Development Goals, the European Green Deal, and the Next Generation recovery plan. Spain has not lagged behind and considers the bioeconomy as a priority in its policy strategies to achieve a more sustainable economy. Despite its importance, the analysis of the potential of the bioeconomy sectors in Spain is limited. To carry out policy-relevant impact assessment in support of bioeconomy development, specific databases describing bio-based products are required. Hence, this work based on the Bio Social Accounting Matrix (BioSAM) for Spain for the year 2010 with a high disaggregation of bio products to perform a structural analysis based on two different and complementary methods: the traditional and the Hypothetical Extraction approach. The structural analysis results reveal promising products as key wealth generators and growth promoters and allow to identify the most suitable to be stimulated with policies to promote the development of the Spanish bioeconomy. Therefore, this paper provides some proposed avenues that should be considered by policymakers.
Perceived feasibility of sward management options in permanent grassland of Alpine regions and expected effects on delivery of ecosystem services
Authors: Mack Gabriele , El Benni Nadja , Spörri Martina , Huguenin-Elie Olivier , Tindale Sophie , Hunter Erik , Newell Price Paul , Frewer Lynn J. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractAgriculture in Alpine regions plays an important role for multiple ecosystem services (ES) supplied from permanent grassland (PG). This paper investigates the feasibility of sward renewal, overseeding, and rising plate meters on PG for the Swiss Alpine region and analyses their expected effects on ES supply. Sward renewal and overseeding are management options implemented in response to a decline of grassland yields and nutritive value or sward damage. Rising plate meters focus on increased grass utilisation for improving profitability of grassland farms in a sustainable manner. The aim was to improve the understanding which of these three PG management practices could be promoted to deliver a wide range of agricultural and non-agricultural ESs in the Swiss Alpine region. Through interviews with 75 farmers (including organic and intensive/extensive non-organic farmers) and a Delphi-methodology on a panel of experts (N = 10 experts with different expertise), we found that sward renewal is perceived to have negative effects on biodiversity, carbon storage, flood control, prevention of soil erosion, and prevention of loss of organic matter in Alpine regions. Therefore, sward renewal should not be promoted, although about half of the farmers interviewed had already carried out the practice on plots following severe sward damage in Alpine regions. Overseeding is perceived to have positive effects on biodiversity, prevention of soil erosion, and grass production. Thus, the high level of overseeding that is currently practiced in the Swiss Alpine region is probably sustainable. Rising plate meters do not play a significant role in PG management in the Alpine region because calibration in PG with diverse grassland botanical composition in the Alpine region is too difficult.
Functional interactions of non-native aquatic fauna with European freshwater bivalves: implications for management
Authors: Geist Juergen , Benedict Alia , Dobler Andreas H. , Hoess Rebecca , Hoos Philipp 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Freshwater bivalves are key faunal elements of aquatic ecosystems. Native species declines are paralleled by increasing distribution and abundances of non-native species. Appropriate management of both groups depends on knowledge of their interactions, which remains limited. Herein, we systematically review the current knowledge status of native and non-native bivalves in Europe, analyzing their functional interactions as well as niche and distribution overlaps between species. We also review existing management tools for non-native species in light of their applicability and sustainability. Strong and multiple interactions as well as niche overlaps between native and non-native bivalves already exist in Central Europe, especially with regard to Dreissena spp., Corbicula spp., and Sinanodonta woodiana. Direct competition is low with native species that have a high degree of specialization such as Margaritifera margaritifera, whereas the greatest niche overlap and competition occurs in generalist species such as Anadonta anatina, Unio pictorum, and S. woodiana. Early detection and preventive measures against undesired species are most successful in limiting their spread. Most methods for managing non-native species are unspecific and thus also include undesired side effects on endangered native species. The conservation and restoration of functionally intact bivalve habitats are the most sustainable and most resilient ways of management.
Freshwater mussel populations in Pacific Coast Watersheds (Oregon, USA): occurrence, condition, habitat, and fish species overlap
Authors: Scully-Engelmeyer Kaegan , Blevins Emilie , Granek Elise F. , Constable Ron 
Published: January 2023

AbstractIn the western US, freshwater mussels (Order Unionida) contribute valuable ecosystem functions to riverine systems, yet have declined across their range following widespread degradation of freshwater habitat and parallel declines in salmonids, host fish for larval western pearlshell mussels (Margaritifera falcata). The status of M. falcata populations is of particular conservation interest in isolated coastal watersheds given unique freshwater mussel-host fish relationships. To understand M. falcata population ecology in Oregon’s coastal watersheds, we analyzed stream survey data on presence/absence of mussels collected over a recent eleven-year period, explored co-varying habitat characteristics, and summarized mussel distribution and host fish co-occurrence. We also collected M. falcata and compared condition indices among eight locations. Naïve occupancy in surveyed areas was 12.3%, about half of predicted occupancy (ψ = 0.24, CI 0.19–0.31) based on modeling repeated visits over a ten year assumed closed period. Mussel occupancy was correlated with reach-scale habitat variables, and the probability of mussel observations was positively correlated with presence of coho (Oncorhynchus kisutch) salmon. Condition varied significantly among locations. Spatial relationships between existing mussel distribution, host species, and habitat variables answer questions about coastal freshwater mussel populations, as well as serve to identify priorities for further research and population assessment.
LDL-Dependent Regulation of TNFα/PGE2 Induced COX-2/mPGES-1 Expression in Human Macrophage Cell Lines
Authors: Neuschäfer-Rube Frank , Schön Theresa , Kahnt Ines , Püschel Gerhard Paul 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Inflammation is a hallmark in severe diseases such as atherosclerosis and non-alcohol-induced steatohepatitis (NASH). In the development of inflammation, prostaglandins, especially prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), are major players alongside with chemo- and cytokines, like tumor-necrosis-factor alpha (TNFα) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β). During inflammation, PGE2 synthesis can be increased by the transcriptional induction of the two key enzymes: cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), which converts arachidonic acid to PGH2, and microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase 1 (mPGES-1), which synthesizes PGE2 from PGH2. Both COX-2 and mPGES-2 were induced by a dietary intervention where mice were fed a fatty acid-rich and, more importantly, cholesterol-rich diet, leading to the development of NASH. Since macrophages are the main source of PGE2 synthesis and cholesterol is predominantly transported as LDL, the regulation of COX-2 and mPGES-1 expression by native LDL was analyzed in human macrophage cell lines. THP-1 and U937 monocytes were differentiated into macrophages, through which TNFα and PGE-2 induced COX-2 and mPGES-1 expression by LDL could be analyzed on both mRNA and protein levels. In addition, the interaction of LDL- and EP receptor signal chains in COX-2/mPGES-1 expression and PGE2-synthesis were analyzed in more detail using EP receptor specific agonists. Furthermore, the LDL-mediated signal transduction in THP-1 macrophages was analyzed by measuring ERK and Akt phosphorylation as well as transcriptional regulation of transcription factor Egr-1. COX-2 and mPGES-1 were induced in both THP-1 and U937 macrophages by the combination of TNFα and PGE2. Surprisingly, LDL dose-dependently increased the expression of mPGES-1 but repressed the expression of COX-2 on mRNA and protein levels in both cell lines. The interaction of LDL and PGE2 signal chains in mPGES-1 induction as well as PGE2-synthesis could be mimicked by through simultaneous stimulation with EP2 and EP4 agonists. In THP-1 macrophages, LDL induced Akt-phosphorylation, which could be blocked by a PI3 kinase inhibitor. Alongside blocking Akt-phosphorylation, the PI3K inhibitor inhibited LDL-mediated mPGES-1 induction; however, it did not attenuate the repression of COX-2 expression. LDL repressed basal ERK phosphorylation and expression of downstream transcription factor Egr-1, which might lead to inhibition of COX-2 expression. These findings suggest that simultaneous stimulation with a combination of TNFα, PGE2, and native LDL-activated signal chains in macrophage cell lines leads to maximal mPGES-1 activity, as well repression of COX-2 expression, by activating PI3K as well as repression of ERK/Egr-1 signal chains.
Environmentally friendly mesoporous SiO2 with mixed fiber/particle morphology and large surface area for enhanced dye adsorption
Authors: Samy A. , Ismail A. M. , Ali Heba 
Published: January 2023

AbstractRice straw is made up of hemicelluloses (19–27%), celluloses (32–47%), lignin (5–24%), and ash (13–20%), which are all agricultural waste. Rice straw ash is considered a green/eco-friendly source of silicon dioxide (SiO2). This study focuses on the synthesis and characterization of different mesoporous SiO2nanostructures derived from rice straw waste material through controlling the pH of the extraction process for the first time. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), zeta potential, and surface area analyzer were used to examine the produced materials. Amorphous silica nanostructures, S3 and S7, were produced at pH values of 3 and 7, respectively, according to XRD measurement, whereas higher pH causes the production of crystalline silica (S9). The pH of the extraction has a major effect on the morphology of the resultant nanosilica, as S3 has an irregular shape, S7 is made of distorted spherical particles, and S9 is composed of mixed fiber and spherical particle structures. For pollutant removal, greenly produced SiO2nanostructures were used. The optimal mesoporous nanosilica (S9) demonstrated the highest surface roughness, the largest surface area (262.1 m2/g), the most negative zeta potential (− 20.2 mV), and the best dye adsorption capacity (71.4 mg/g).
Microstructural and oxidation effects on fatigue crack initiation mechanisms in a turbine disc alloy
Authors: Kim D. , Jiang R. , Reed P. A. S. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractEffects of microstructure and oxidation on fatigue crack initiation and early propagation processes were investigated in RR1000 turbine disc alloy with different γ′ distributions and carbide distributions on the grain boundary. Fatigue tests were carried out under three-point bending and trapezoidal waveform loading (with a 90 s dwell) at 650 °C in air. The failure mode in both γ′ variants is clearly characterised by intergranular features. A number of fatigue cracks are seen to initiate at grain boundaries with bulged Co-rich oxides at the surface and/or interfaces between carbides and grain boundaries, resulting from oxidation damage assisted by applied loading. Reduced lifetime is closely linked to significant intergranular crack initiation and frequent consequent crack coalescence events, which results in enhanced fatigue crack growth (FCG) rates. The extent of intergranular features and enhanced FCG are more marked where more continuous carbides exist at the grain boundary.