bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cladosporium cladosporioides (strain Clc/1): a candidate for low-density polyethylene degradation
Authors: Puliga Federico , Zuffi Veronica , Baldo David , Cavatorta Daniel , Zambonelli Alessandra , Francioso Ornella , Sanchez-Cortes Santiago 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
Plastic is one of the most widely used materials worldwide in various fields, including packaging and agriculture. Its large quantities require proper disposal and for this reason more and more attention is paid to the issue of degrading plastic. Thanks to the production of non-specific enzymes, fungi are able to attack complex and recalcitrant xenobiotics such as plastics. In recent years, several spectroscopic methods were used to study the plastic degradation ability of different fungal species. Among these, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and FT-Raman spectroscopy techniques are the most used. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy is a powerful technique which uses metal nanoparticles (NPs) to enhance the Raman signal of molecules adsorbed on the NPs surface. In this work, the isolation of different fungi from field-collected plastic debris and the ability of these isolates to growth and colonizing the low-density polyethylene (LDPE) were explored by using scanning electron microscope (SEM), attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) and SERS spectroscopies.

Results
Forty-seven fungal isolates belonging to 10 genera were obtained; among them only 11 were able to grow and colonize the LDPE film. However, after 90 days trial, only one isolate of Cladosporium cladosporioides (Clc/1) was able to carry out the initial degradation of the LDPE film. In particular, based on SEM observations, small cavities and depressed areas of circular shape were visible in the treated samples. Additionally, ATR-FTIR, normal Raman and SERS analyses supported the structural changes observed via SEM. Notably, ATR-FTIR and normal Raman spectra showed a significant decrease in the relative intensity of the methylene group bands. Similarly, the SERS spectra of LDPE after the fungal attack, confirmed the decrease of methylene groups bands and the appearance of other bands referring to LDPE polyphenolic admixtures.

Conclusions
These results suggest that Cladosporium cladosporioides Clc/1 is able to carry out an initial degradation of LDPE. Moreover, combining ATR-FTIR, Raman and SERS spectroscopies with SEM observations, the early stages of LDPE degradation can be explored without any sample pretreatment.

Graphical Abstract
A meta-analytic investigation of the impact of middle school STEM education: where are all the students of color?
Authors: Thomas Danielle R. , Larwin Karen H. 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
Integrated science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education initiatives are becoming an increasingly popular approach to narrow the opportunity gap among underrepresented minority (i.e., Black, Hispanic, and first-generation) students. However, there are limited studies on the impact of exposure to integrated STEM education on academic achievement and an even lesser amount on performance among underrepresented minority (URM) groups. Students exposed to STEM programming in middle school are more likely to pursue a STEM field in college or a STEM-related career. However, despite increases in middle school STEM programming initiatives, STEM college graduation rates have declined, particularly among URM populations. This meta-analysis aims to determine the effectiveness of STEM education in middle school, focusing on URM students.

Results
A total of 20 studies containing 45 independent samples met the study criteria. The studies included were published from January 1, 2011 to May 1, 2022, and identified from the following academic databases: ERIC, Google Scholar, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, and SCOPUS. Integrated STEM programming was most impactful when: engineering was incorporated into science courses and at full STEM integration, occurring over one academic year (d = 0.89) and occurring in 8th grade (d = 1.55). Overall, the effect size estimate demonstrated heterogeneity, with a large positive significant effect across the studies (d = 0.558, 95% CI [0.514–0.603], p < 0.001), indicating a significant impact on student achievement. The most notable finding was the lack of empirical studies involving URM groups, with only one effect size estimate reported for Black students and other minority groups and 40 effect size estimates for non-minority groups revealing a non-significant difference in effect size estimates.

Conclusions
Students benefit from STEM program participation, with the average STEM student outperforming approximately 70% of their same-age, same-grade peers not participating in STEM programming. In particular, URM students benefit even more from quality integrated STEM education initiatives, given one caveat—students must be given the opportunity. We conclude that the issue is not that URM students are not academically benefiting from middle school integrated STEM education programs, based on the available research—they are merely not participating. We highlight the need and suggest interventions for providing collaborative and focused attention on the societal and cultural factors impacting URM student participation and retention in integrated STEM education programs.
Technological dividend sharing mechanism of internet platforms
Authors: Zhang Maoyuan , Huang Wei 
Published: June 2023

AbstractTaking the sharing economy as an example, the article discusses the social basis for the development of the internet platform. It shows that the development of the sharing economy and internet platform not only benefits from its economic efficiency and social benefits but also relies on the sharing of technological dividends constructed by its technical characteristics and application, which have expanded the beneficiary groups and broadened the social basis of new technology.
Impact of supplementation with dihydroxylated vitamin D3 on performance parameters and gut health in weaned Iberian piglets under indoor/outdoor conditions
Authors: Álvarez-Delgado Carmen , Ruedas-Torres Inés , Sánchez-Carvajal José M. , Priego-Capote Feliciano , Castillo-Peinado Laura , Galán-Relaño Ángela , Moreno Pedro J. , Díaz-Bueno Esperanza , Lozano-Buenestado Benito , Rodríguez-Gómez Irene M. , Carrasco Librado , Pallarés Francisco J. , Gómez-Laguna Jaime 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
Vitamin D may improve innate antimicrobial response and the integrity of the intestinal mucosal barrier representing an alternative to antibiotics for improving pig health. Therefore, benefits of dietary supplementation with a product based on vitamin D3 metabolite-rich plant extracts were assessed in 252 purebred Iberian piglets for a period of 60 days. The study group received 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) (100 ppm) in the conventional feed, which already included vitamin D (2000 IU in the starter and 1000 IU in the adaptation diets, respectively). Average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and coefficient of variation of body weight (CV-BW) were assessed along the study. Blood samples, from 18 animals of the study group and 14 animals of the control group, were collected at selected time points to determine white blood cell count, concentration of vitamin D3 and its metabolites, and IgA and IgG in serum. Histopathology, morphometry, and immunohistochemistry (IgA and FoxP3) from small intestine samples were performed on days 30 and 60 of the study from 3 animals per group and time point.

Results
The ADG (493 vs 444 g/day) and FCR (2.3 vs 3.02) showed an improved performance in the supplemented animals. Moreover, the lower CV-BW indicated a greater homogeneity in the treated batches (13.17 vs 26.23%). Furthermore, a mild increase of IgA and in the number of regulatory T cells in the small intestine were observed in treated pigs.

Conclusions
These results highlight the benefits of this supplementation and encourage to develop further studies along other production stages.
The impact of thymectomy in subgroups of Myasthenia gravis patients: a single center longitudinal observation
Authors: Menghesha Hruy , Schroeter Michael , Nelke Christopher , Ruck Tobias , Schlachtenberger Georg , Welskop Clara , Camo Amina , Heldwein Matthias , Bennink Gerardus , Wahlers Thorsten , Bölükbas Servet , Doerr Fabian , Hekmat Khosro 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundMyasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare neuromuscular disorder. Symptoms can range from ptosis only to life threatening myasthenic crisis. Thymectomy is recommended for anti-acetylcholine receptor-antibody positive patients with early-onset MG. Here, we investigated prognostic factors shaping therapeutic outcomes of thymectomy to improve patient stratification.MethodsWe retrospectively collected single-center data from a specialized center for MG from all consecutive adult patients that underwent thymectomy from 01/2012 to 12/2020. We selected patients with thymoma-associated and non-thymomatous MG for further investigations. We analyzed the patient collective regarding perioperative parameters in relation to the surgical approach. Furthermore, we investigated the dynamics of the anti-acetylcholine receptor-antibody titers and concurrent immunosuppressive therapies, as well as the therapeutic outcomes in dependence of clinical classifications.ResultsOf 137 patients 94 were included for further analysis. We used a minimally invasive approach in 73 patients, whereas 21 patients underwent sternotomy. A total of 45 patients were classified as early-onset MG (EOMG), 28 as late-onset MG (LOMG) and 21 as thymoma-associated MG (TAMG). The groups differed in terms of age at diagnosis (EOMG: 31.1 ± 12.2 years; LOMG: 59.8 ± 13.7 years; TAMG: 58.6 ± 16.7 years; p < 0.001). Patients with EOMG and TAMG were more often female than patients in the LOMG group (EOMG: 75.6%; LOMG: 42.9%; TAMG: 61.9%; p = 0.018). There were no significant differences in outcome scores (quantitative MG; MG activities of daily living; MG Quality of Live) with a median follow-up of 46 months. However, Complete Stable Remission was achieved significantly more frequently in the EOMG group than in the other two groups (p = 0.031). At the same time, symptoms seem to improve similarly in all three groups (p = 0.25).ConclusionOur study confirms the benefit of thymectomy in the therapy of MG. Both, the concentration of acetylcholine receptor antibodies and the necessary dosage of cortisone therapy show a continuous regression after thymectomy in the overall cohort. Beyond EOMG, groups of LOMG and thymomatous MG responded to thymectomy as well, but therapy success was less pronounced and delayed compared to the EOMG subgroup. Thymectomy is a mainstay of MG therapy to be considered in all subgroups of MG patients investigated.
Spectrum-optimized direct image reconstruction of super-resolution structured illumination microscopy
Authors: Wen Gang , Li Simin , Liang Yong , Wang Linbo , Zhang Jie , Chen Xiaohu , Jin Xin , Chen Chong , Tang Yuguo , Li Hui 
Published: June 2023

AbstractSuper-resolution structured illumination microscopy (SR-SIM) has become a widely used nanoscopy technique for rapid, long-term, and multi-color imaging of live cells. Precise but troublesome determination of the illumination pattern parameters is a prerequisite for Wiener-deconvolution-based SR-SIM image reconstruction. Here, we present a direct reconstruction SIM algorithm (direct-SIM) with an initial spatial-domain reconstruction followed by frequency-domain spectrum optimization. Without any prior knowledge of illumination patterns and bypassing the artifact-sensitive Wiener deconvolution procedures, resolution-doubled SR images could be reconstructed by direct-SIM free of common artifacts, even for the raw images with large pattern variance in the field of view (FOV). Direct-SIM can be applied to previously difficult scenarios such as very sparse samples, periodic samples, very small FOV imaging, and stitched large FOV imaging.
Realization of high aspect ratio metalenses by facile nanoimprint lithography using water-soluble stamps
Authors: Choi Hojung , Kim Joohoon , Kim Wonjoong , Seong Junhwa , Park Chanwoong , Choi Minseok , Kim Nakhyun , Ha Jisung , Qiu Cheng-Wei , Rho Junsuk , Lee Heon 
Published: June 2023

AbstractNanoimprint lithography (NIL) has attracted attention recently as a promising fabrication method for dielectric metalenses owing to its low cost and high throughput, however, high aspect ratio (HAR) nanostructures are required to manipulate the full 2π phase of light. Conventional NIL using a hard-polydimethylsiloxane (h-PDMS) mold inevitably incurs shear stress on the nanostructures which is inversely proportional to the surface area parallel to the direction of detachment. Therefore, HAR structures are subjected to larger shear stresses, causing structural failure. Herein, we propose a novel wet etching NIL method with no detachment process to fabricate flawless HAR metalenses. The water-soluble replica mold is fabricated with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) which is simpler than an h-PDMS mold, and the flexibility of the PVA mold is suitable for direct printing as its high tensile modulus allows high-resolution patterning of HAR metalenses. The diffraction-limited focusing of the printed metalenses demonstrates that it operates as an ideal lens in the visible regime. This method can potentially be used for manufacturing various nanophotonic devices that require HAR nanostructures at low cost and high throughput, facilitating commercialization.
A facile approach to fabrication and characterization of novel herbal microemulsion-based UV shielding cream
Authors: Bhalke R. D. , Kulkarni S. S. , Kendre P. N. , Pande V. V. , Giri M. A. 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
Since many decades, phytoconstituents are well known for their potential therapeutic benefits but the development of herbal products has been limited due to difficulties like collection, isolation, stability and aqueous solubility of the phytoconstituents. The present study focuses on the development of microemulsion-based sunscreen cream formulation containing therapeutically active phytoconstituents like lycopene, β-carotene and curcumin which are reported for both antioxidant and ultraviolet radiation barrier properties. But the major hurdle in the development of the formulation is poor solubility and stability of these 3 components. Microemulsion preparation helps to enhance the solubility and stability of the final product. Screening of oils, surfactants and cosurfactants were done based on solubility studies followed by the construction of pseudo-ternary phase diagrams, sesame oil, span 80 to tween 80 (surfactant) and isopropyl alcohol (co-surfactant) which were selected to stable microemulsion.

Result
Based on a solubility study of components and pseudo-ternary phase diagrams, surfactant to co-surfactant (Smix) with 2:1 ratio and oil to Smix with 2:8 ratio were selected for preparation of the final microemulsion. Results show an average globule size of 208 nm, conductance 0.935 moh/cm, pH 7.1, zeta potential − 17.5 mV, refractive index 1.002, polydispersibility index 0.342, percent transmittance 90.68% and viscosity 82.45 cps. In a drug content study, the presence of lycopene, β-carotene and curcumin was found to be 87.53, 85.08 and 90.65%, respectively. Finally, microemulsion-based sunscreen cream was prepared and evaluated for various parameters like pH, extrudability, spreadability and drug content study. The sun protection factor (SPF) of microemulsion and cream was found to be 36.32 and 37.65, respectively. The stability study data shows better stability of the final formulation.

Conclusion
Formulation of microemulsion-based sunscreen cream may be a better option in the design and development of herbal phytoconstituents.
Beneficial Effects of Setmelanotide in a 5-Year-Old Boy With POMC Deficiency and on His Caregivers
Authors: Dubern Beatrice , Lourdelle Alexandre , Clément Karine 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
The melanocortin-4 receptor agonist setmelanotide is now recommended for the treatment of genetic obesity due to proopiomelanocortin (POMC), proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 1 (PCSK1), or leptin receptor (LEPR) deficiency in patients aged 6 years and older. Here, we describe the clinical benefit of setmelanotide administration in a 5-year-old child with severe hyperphagia and obesity due to POMC deficiency. Daily administration of 0.5 mg setmelanotide for 12 months resulted in significant weight loss of −30 kg from baseline (−36% of weight loss) and improvements in hyperphagia and metabolic status. No major side effects were observed, except for hyperpigmentation and transient spontaneous erections. Interestingly, the clinical improvement of the child was associated with a remarkable improvement in the quality of life of the parents, along with a decrease in their emotional scores. This observation supports the early use of setmelanotide in young children with melanocortin pathway variants, in order to limit the adverse consequences of early and extreme weight gain, and to improve the quality of life of patients and of their relatives.
A Rare Case of Precocious Puberty Secondary to an LH-secreting Pituitary Adenoma
Authors: Uhing Anna , Ahmed Azam , Salamat Shahriar , Chen Melinda 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
An 8-year, 7-month-old male presented with puberty symptoms, including a 1.5-year history of facial hair with 9 months of phallic growth, body odor, and acne. Physical examination revealed phallic enlargement but only 4 mL testes bilaterally. Laboratory evaluation revealed markedly elevated LH and testosterone, but a prepubertal FSH level and minimally elevated adrenal androgens. A magnetic resonance imaging scan of the head revealed an anterior pituitary adenoma, and after the patient failed to respond to leuprolide, he was initiated on spironolactone and anastrozole to minimize pubertal progression before transsphenoidal adenomectomy. Postoperatively, the patient had rapid reduction of LH and testosterone, with subsequent cessation of pubertal progression, confirming the diagnosis of an LH-secreting pituitary adenoma despite negative immunoreactivity for LH and FSH. Functioning gonadotroph adenomas are rare and have been documented only in small case series and case reports. When active, these most commonly secrete FSH or co-secrete FSH and LH, and only very rarely result in precocious puberty. Here, we describe a rare case of an isolated LH-secreting functioning gonadotroph adenoma resulting in precocious puberty. This case reinforces the need to critically analyze departures from the typical pubertal sequence and to expand one's differential to include etiologies that can cause unbalanced secretion of gonadotropins.
The Effect of Prophylactic Steroids on Shivering in Adults Undergoing Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Misra Satyajeet , Singh Sweta , Sarkar Soumya , Behera Bikram Kishore , Jena Sritam Swarup 
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND:
Shivering is common following anesthesia and surgery. Corticosteroids (steroids) have been tried to reduce the risk of shivering, but the evidence in favor of their use is uncertain. The primary objective of this review was to evaluate the effect of steroids on the risk of perioperative (intra- and postoperative) shivering versus controls (placebo and active controls). Additional objectives were to assess the risk of severity of shivering, patient satisfaction with shivering prophylaxis, quality of recovery (QoR), and the risk of steroid-related adverse effects.

METHODS:
PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Registry of Trials, Google Scholar, and preprint servers were searched from inception until November 30, 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in the English language were retrieved, provided they reported on shivering either as a primary or secondary outcome following steroid prophylaxis in adult patients undergoing surgery under spinal or general anesthesia.

RESULTS:
A total of 3148 patients from 25 RCTs were included in the final analysis. The steroids used in the studies were either dexamethasone or hydrocortisone. Dexamethasone was administered intravenously or intrathecally, while hydrocortisone was administered intravenously. Prophylactic administration of steroids reduced the risk of overall shivering (risk ratio [RR], 0.65 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 0.52–0.82]; P = .0002; I
2 = 77%) as well as the risk of moderate to severe shivering (RR, 0.49 [95% CI, 0.34–0.71]; P = .0002; I
2 = 61%) in comparison to controls. Administration of intravenous dexamethasone (RR, 0.67 [95% CI, 0.52–0.87]; P = .002; I
2 = 78%) and hydrocortisone (RR, 0.51 [95% CI, 0.32–0.80]; P = .003; I
2 = 58%) were effective in shivering prophylaxis. For intrathecal dexamethasone (RR, 0.84 [95% CI, 0.34–2.08]; P = .7; I
2 = 56%), the null hypothesis of no subgroup difference was not rejected (P = .47), preventing definitive conclusions about the efficacy of this route of administration. The prediction intervals for both overall shivering risk (0.24–1.70) and risk of severity of shivering (0.23–1.0) precluded generalization of results in future studies. Meta-regression analysis was used to further explore heterogeneity. Factors like the dose and timing of administration of steroids or the type of anesthesia were not found to be significant. Patient satisfaction and QoR were higher in the dexamethasone groups versus placebo. No increased risk of adverse events of steroids was noted versus placebo or controls.

CONCLUSIONS:
Prophylactic steroid administration may be beneficial in reducing the risk of perioperative shivering. However, the quality of evidence in favor of steroids is very low. Further well-designed studies are needed for establishing generalization.