bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Use of Multiple Biomarkers to Assess the Health of Anuran Amphibians in the Brazilian Cerrado Savanna: An Ecotoxicological Approach
Authors: Lopes Alice Tâmara de Carvalho , de Benvindo-Souza Marcelino , Sotero Daiany Folador , Pedroso Thays Millena Alves , Guerra Vinicius , Vieira Thiago Bernardi , Andreani Tainã Lucas , Benetti Edson José , Simões Karina , Bastos Rogério Pereira , de Melo e Silva Daniela 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Changes in the natural landscape and the indiscriminate use of pesticides can have a major impact on aquatic environments and have contributed to the worldwide decline of amphibian populations. In the present study, we sampled tadpoles of three anuran amphibians (Boana albopunctata, Physalaemus cuvieri, and Dendropsophus minutus) from ponds in six different agricultural landscapes of the Brazilian Cerrado savanna and evaluated whether and to what extent genotoxic and mutagenic damage was related to land use (the amount of forest and agricultural remnants, and related physicochemical factors) and the presence of pesticides in the water of the study ponds. We also evaluated the hepatotoxicity in P. cuvieri, which was the most abundant species at five of the six sampling points. Clomazone and atrazine were the most common pesticides found in the ponds. The B. albopunctata and P. cuvieri tadpoles presented similar patterns of DNA damage among the sampling points. The least DNA damage was found in the D. minutus tadpoles, although this species was present in only one of the study ponds. More binucleated and anucleated cells were observed in B. albopunctata, but there was no significant variation among species in terms of the number of micronuclei or other erythrocytic nuclear abnormalities. Land use and physicochemical factors did not explain the variation in the DNA damage observed in the three anurans. The hepatotoxicity analyses of P. cuvieri revealed the presence of a series of alterations, including the enlargement of the sinusoids, vacuolization of the hepatocytes, the infiltration of inflammatory cells, hepatic steatosis, and dilation of the blood vessels. The interaction between physicochemical factors and the biomarkers analyzed in the present study is complex. In particular, it will be important to better elucidate which factors are contributing, either directly or indirectly, to the decline of anuran amphibian populations, especially in threatened biomes, such as the Brazilian Cerrado. In this case, we would encourage further in situ studies that assess the ecotoxicology of the landscape, together with the systematic monitoring of aquatic environments, to guarantee the long-term integrity of amphibian populations, and those of other organisms that play an essential functional role in the ecosystem. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:2422–2439. © 2023 SETAC
Abstract
A worrisome look into aquatic life: Anuran egg masses in Goiás State reveal toxic and DNA damage.
Stability over time of immature platelet fraction and comparison between EDTA and citrated whole blood samples
Authors: Noel Marc Michel , Feugray Guillaume , Kasonga Fiston , Buchonnet Gérard , Daliphard Sylvie , Barbay Virginie , Bera Elsa , Le Cam Duchez Véronique , Billoir Paul 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundImmature platelets (IP) are the youngest circulating platelets, released from megakaryocytes, and demonstrating increased dimensions, significant RNA content, and enhanced activity. Immature platelet research focuses on a differential diagnostic help in patients with thrombocytopenia. The objectives of this study were to compare the variability of IP in citrate and EDTA samples, and to determine stability over time.MethodsFifty‐six patients were included for comparison between EDTA and citrate whole blood sample collection. Among the patients, 28 had thrombocytopenia (platelet count < 150G/L). Platelet measurement impedancemetry and fluorimetry were performed with Sysmex XN‐9000. The immature platelet fraction (IPF) and absolute immature platelet count (A‐IPC) were determined with a fluorescent method.ResultsThe mean value of platelet count with fluorescence was, in EDTA sample, 215 ± 171 and, in citrate sample, 153 ± 118 G/L. No significant difference was observed between IPF between EDTA and citrate (7.74 ± 6.68% vs. 8.45 ± 7.37%, p = 0.69), respectively. With the Bland–Altman analysis, the mean difference in the EDTA sample, between 1 and 24 h, was 8.06 ± 6.96% and 8.73 ± 7.12% for IPF, whereas in the citrate sample, between 1 and 6 h, it was 8.60 ± 7.29% and 7.54 ± 6.97%, for IPF. Comparing 1 h EDTA sample with 6 h citrate sample, the variance ratio was 0.974 (95% CI: 0.864–1.084) in IPF.ConclusionsWe confirmed the potential to conduct IP measurements up to 24 h in the EDTA sample and IPF measurements in the citrate sample for up to 6 h. These results may be useful for the use of IPF, which is a promising parameter whose interest in clinical practice and standardization is not yet well defined.
Spatial and temporal patterns of near‐surface ground temperature in the Arctic mountain catchment
Authors: Kasprzak Marek , Szymanowski Mariusz 
Published: July 2023

AbstractWe consider the case of a mountain catchment representative of southwest Spitsbergen to investigate the spatial and temporal variation in temperature of the near‐surface ground. We set up 20 thermistor strings distributed in different parts of the catchment, combine the measured data with land surface temperature (LST) retrieved from Landsat imagery, and verify the depth of ground thawing using electrical resistivity tomography. Under current climatic conditions, the thickness of the active layer (ALT) is at least 1.5 m, and in the lower parts of the catchment, between 3.5 and 4 m. The maximum ground surface temperature in the study area can be 27°C, and the temperature at a depth of 1.5 m, 5.4°C. We identified unfrozen ground (taliks) to a depth of 10–30 m in zones of water concentration at foot slopes and under river channels. The persistence of year‐round taliks at lake shores is possible. We verify the hypothesis that topographic parameters significantly determine the spatial variation of near‐surface ground temperature. For each level of temperature aggregation (from 6 h to 12 months data) and each examined the depth of the active layer, it is possible to identify environmental variables—related to energy conditions, heights, terrain relief, and ground surface moisture—significantly correlated with ground temperature, and consequently to specify multiple regression models. Topographic exposure and LST (used only in daily models), altitude, and various approximations of relative height are crucial in their construction. The ground temperature variance, unexplained in the regression analysis, prompts recognition of the critical role of factors not included in the modelling (groundwater, soil structure).
A qualitative study of improving megavoltage computed tomography image quality and maintaining dose accuracy using cycleGAN‐based image synthesis
Authors: Lv Tie , Xie Chuanbin , Zhang Yihang , Liu Yaoying , Zhang Gaolong , Qu Baolin , Zhao Wei , Xu Shouping 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundDue to inconsistent positioning, tumor shrinking, and weight loss during fractionated treatment, the initial plan was no longer appropriate after a few fractional treatments, and the patient will require adaptive helical tomotherapy (HT) to overcome the issue. Patients are scanned with megavoltage computed tomography (MVCT) before each fractional treatment, which is utilized for patient setup and provides information for dose reconstruction. However, the low contrast and high noise of MVCT make it challenging to delineate treatment targets and organs at risk (OAR).PurposeThis study developed a deep‐learning‐based approach to generate high‐quality synthetic kilovoltage computed tomography (skVCT) from MVCT and meet clinical dose requirements.MethodsData from 41 head and neck cancer patients were collected; 25 (2995 slices) were used for training, and 16 (1898 slices) for testing. A cycle generative adversarial network (cycleGAN) based on attention gate and residual blocks was used to generate MVCT‐based skVCT. For the 16 patients, kVCT‐based plans were transferred to skVCT images and electron density profile‐corrected MVCT images to recalculate the dose. The quantitative indices and clinically relevant dosimetric metrics, including the mean absolute error (MAE), structural similarity index measure (SSIM), peak signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR), gamma passing rates, and dose‐volume‐histogram (DVH) parameters (Dmax, Dmean, Dmin), were used to assess the skVCT images.ResultsThe MAE, PSNR, and SSIM of MVCT were 109.6 ± 12.3 HU, 27.5 ± 1.1 dB, and 91.9% ± 1.7%, respectively, while those of skVCT were 60.6 ± 9.0 HU, 34.0 ± 1.9 dB, and 96.5% ± 1.1%. The image quality and contrast were enhanced, and the noise was reduced. The gamma passing rates improved from 98.31% ± 1.11% to 99.71% ± 0.20% (2 mm/2%) and 99.77% ± 0.18% to 99.98% ± 0.02% (3 mm/3%). No significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed in DVH parameters between kVCT and skVCT.ConclusionWith training on a small data set (2995 slices), the model successfully generated skVCT with improved image quality, and the dose calculation accuracy was similar to that of MVCT. MVCT‐based skVCT can increase treatment accuracy and offer the possibility of implementing adaptive radiotherapy.
Combining electromyography and Raman spectroscopy: optical EMG
Authors: Alix James J. P. , Plesia Maria , Shaw Pamela J. , Mead Richard J. , Day John C. C. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIntroduction/AimsElectromyography (EMG) remains a key component of the diagnostic work‐up for suspected neuromuscular disease, but it does not provide insight into the molecular composition of muscle which can provide diagnostic information. Raman spectroscopy is an emerging neuromuscular biomarker capable of generating highly specific, molecular fingerprints of tissue. Here, we present “optical EMG,” a combination of EMG and Raman spectroscopy, achieved using a single needle.MethodsAn optical EMG needle was created to collect electrophysiological and Raman spectroscopic data during a single insertion. We tested functionality with in vivo recordings in the SOD1G93A mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), using both transgenic (n = 10) and non‐transgenic (NTg, n = 7) mice. Under anesthesia, compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs), spontaneous EMG activity and Raman spectra were recorded from both gastrocnemius muscles with the optical EMG needle. Standard concentric EMG needle recordings were also undertaken. Electrophysiological data were analyzed with standard univariate statistics, Raman data with both univariate and multivariate analyses.ResultsA significant difference in CMAP amplitude was observed between SOD1G93A and NTg mice with optical EMG and standard concentric needles (p = .015 and p = .011, respectively). Spontaneous EMG activity (positive sharp waves) was detected in transgenic SOD1G93A mice only. Raman spectra demonstrated peaks associated with key muscle components. Significant differences in molecular composition between SOD1G93A and NTg muscle were identified through the Raman spectra.DiscussionOptical EMG can provide standard electrophysiological data and molecular Raman data during a single needle insertion and represents a potential biomarker for neuromuscular disease.
Balancing the strength and toughness of polypropylene/carbon nanotube nanocomposites by shear and high‐temperature annealing
Authors: Mi Dashan , Jia Shikui , Zhao Zhongguo , Bai Haiqing 
Published: July 2023

AbstractMelt‐mixed polypropylene (PP) and multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are molded by compression molding, conventional injection molding, and interval injection molding (IntM). IntM can provide high‐shear stress promoting the dispersion of CNTs and forming many shish‐kebab structures, which can improve the strength at the cost of toughness. Meanwhile, high‐temperature annealing (HTA) can be finished in 3 min and can release free molecular chains, enhance orientation, and further promote the dispersion of CNTs, thus improving toughness at the expense of strength. Therefore, in this work, IntM and HTA are combined, which can balance and enhance both the toughness and strength of PP‐CNT nanocomposites. For different CNT contents, the enhancement effect also differs. The combined IntM and HTA do not require replacing existing production equipment, so this research can provide a more economical and practical approach to enhancing PP‐CNT nanocomposites.Highlights
HTA can be finished in 3 min and promote the dispersion of CNT agglomerates.
IntM can enhance the orientation and dispersion of CNTs.
Combined IntM and HTA can enhance and balance toughness and strength.
Synthesis, antibacterial and antifungal activity of myricetin derivatives containing piperidine and amide fragments
Authors: Zhang Miaohe , Feng Shuang , Chen Shuai , Zhou Yuanxiang , Gong Chenyu , Xue Wei 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDContinuous use of synthetic bactericides and fungicides is causing pathogens to develop resistance, resulting in increased use of pesticides and affecting food security. The green pesticides derived from natural products could reduce or avoid ‘pesticide hazards’ caused by synthetic pesticides as a result of their unique mechanism of action. Therefore, it is of great significance to create green pesticides with novel structures.RESULTSHerein, 30 novel myricetin derivatives containing piperidine and amide fragments were designed and synthesized using active group splicing. Among them, compound Z30 had excellent inhibitory effect against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. Oryzae (Xoo) with the half effective concentration (EC50) of 2.7 μg mL−1. Compound Z26 not only exhibited better antibacterial activity against Xaxonopodis pv. Citri (Xac) with EC50 of 3.9 μg mL−1, but also displayed higher antifungal activity against Rhizoctonia solani (Rs) with EC50 of 8.3 μg mL−1. In vivo experiments proved that Z30 against bacterial blight of rice and Z26 against rice blast exhibits significant protective and curative effect. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that Z26 and Z30 could change the integrity of cell wall and membrane of pathogen Xoo, Xac and Rs, resulting in cytoplasmic leakage and eventually death. Enzymatic assay, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations (MDs) indicated that Z26 could be used as a potential succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor (SDHI).CONCLUSIONZ26 and Z30 significantly reduced the pathogenicity of the pathogens, which provided a new idea and direction for the development of green pesticides. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Transdisciplinary approach for planning the expansion of irrigation infrastructure at a regional scale
Authors: Issac Annie Maria , Mullassery Harshitha Sahira , Lakshmi Thatiparthi Vijay , Hagare Dharmappa , Maheshwari Basant , Dollin Jen , Packham Roger , Spencer Ricky 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe focus on irrigation infrastructure development in countries like India, including a significant allocation of the government's budget, highlights the importance of achieving a high benefit–cost ratio for these projects. However, past reviews have revealed instances where irrigation projects yielded low benefits. To address this issue and ensure a more effective evaluation of future projects, it is crucial to develop multi‐criteria and transdisciplinary approaches. In the context of Telangana, India, a study was conducted to determine cultivable land using a multi‐criteria and transdisciplinary approach. This approach aimed to provide assistance to managers involved in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of irrigation schemes. The study was undertaken as part of the Indian Young Water Professionals (IYWP) training program in 2022. The project followed a journey outlined within this paper as part of the training program. It utilized the Situation Understanding and Improvement Project (SUIP) as an inquiry‐based learning design program. This initiative facilitated the understanding and implementation of transdisciplinary learning approaches learned during the training program. The SUIP project demonstrated the benefits of incorporating a multi‐criteria framework, known as the [I]NSPECT model, into the decision‐making process. The [I]NSPECT model considers various perspectives, including individual, natural, social, political, economic, cultural, and technical factors. By incorporating these perspectives, the decision‐making process becomes more comprehensive and holistic. Overall, this study highlights the importance of adopting multi‐criteria and transdisciplinary approaches for evaluating irrigation projects. By incorporating diverse perspectives and considering various factors, it becomes possible to enhance the effectiveness of decision‐making processes in the realm of irrigation infrastructure development. The study concluded that the absence of transdisciplinary approaches, the inefficient techno‐managerial performance of governmental workplaces, and the non‐use of technological advancements to the fullest are primary reasons for gaps in the irrigation potential created and utilized in the State.
On the Impact of GNSS Receiver Settings on the Estimation of Codephase Center Corrections
Authors: Breva Yannick , Kröger Johannes , Kersten Tobias , Schön Steffen 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe role of codephase center corrections (CPC), also known as group delay variations (GDV), becomes more important nowadays, e.g. in navigation applications or ambiguity resolution. CPC are antenna dependent delays of the received codephase. They are varying with the angle of arrival of the signal at the GNSS antenna, i.e. with azimuth and elevation. CPC can be determined with a robot in the field with a similar approach as used for phase center corrections (PCC) for carrierphase measurements. The big challenge in the estimation of reliable CPC pattern is to deal with relatively noisy codephase observations compared to the correction magnitude. A better repeatability can be reached by reducing the overall codephase noise. One possibility to do this is to understand and improve the tracking loops of the receiver, especially the loop filters, within the calibration process. Due to highly dynamic stress caused by the fast robot motion, a perfect tracking of the GNSS signals is challenging. In this paper, a detailed look on the impact of different loop filter settings, like the noise bandwidth, the filter order or the use of an aided or unaided delay lock loop, on the time differenced single differences is done. To this end, an antenna calibration experiment was carried out, where, in addition to the hardware receivers, the IFEN Sx3 software receiver was used. The software receiver allows to change the settings in post-processing. The experiment shows, that the noise of the observations can be reduced by decreasing the noise bandwidth, but pattern information can be lost by using a bandwidth, which is too small. The trade-off between a small bandwidth and consequently less overall noise and the signal dynamics, caused by the fast robot motion, must be chosen carefully. At the end, an improvement in the pattern repeatability from 99.2 mm, using a hardware receiver, to 65.6 mm, using a software receiver with carefully chosen parameters, can be achieved.
Correlations between sleep problems, core symptoms, and behavioral problems in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kim Heeyeon , Kim Jae Han , Yi Ju Hyeon , Kim Jong Yeob , Solmi Marco , Cortese Samuele , Smith Lee , Koyanagi Ai , Shin Jae Il , Cheon Keun-Ah , Fusar-Poli Paolo 
Published: July 2023

AbstractChildren and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience various sleep problems. Sleep problems co-occur in a bidirectional relationship with ASD core symptoms and behavioral problems. However, studies on how these three factors are intricately linked to each other are limited. This meta-analysis examined the differential relationship between specific sleep problems, core symptoms, and behavioral problems in this population. This study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022339695). We systematically searched the PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus databases from inception to April 27, 2022. Observational studies that reported correlations between measures of sleep problems, ASD core symptoms, or ASD behavioral problems were included, and participants aged 18 years or below were enrolled. The correlation coefficient (r) was assessed as the primary effect metric. Total 22 cross-sectional studies were included, which comprised 2655 participants (mean age = 6.60 years old; mean percentage of boys = 80.64%). We found correlations between total sleep problems and total core symptoms (r 0.293 [95% confidence interval − 0.095 to 0.604]), total sleep problems and total behavioral problems (r 0.429 [0.299–0.544]), and total core symptoms and total behavioral problems (r − 0.050 [− 0.177 to 0.079]) and identified statistically significant correlations between specific components of sleep problems, ASD core symptoms, and ASD behavioral problems. Each specific sleep problem showed a unique association with core symptoms and behavioral problems. Sleep problems in ASD should be explored in detail, and the closely linked core symptoms and behavioral problems should be common therapeutic targets.
360-degree video-based body-ownership illusion for inducing embodiment: development and feasibility results
Authors: Serino Silvia , Sansoni Maria , Di Lernia Daniele , Parisi Alessandra , Tuena Cosimo , Riva Giuseppe 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIllusions that create a sense of ownership over a virtual body have been widely used to investigate the characteristics of our bodily experience. Despite the great potential of 360-degree videos to implement full-body ownership illusion, research is in its early stages, and no validated tools—neither commercial nor free—are available for the scientific and clinical community. In the current study, we present and discuss the development and feasibility results of a free 360-degree video-based body ownership illusion that researchers and scholars can experience using a cardboard headset with their smartphones. Forty-six participants underwent the 360-degree video-based full-body ownership illusion, visualizing in a first-person perspective (1PP) or in a mirror view the pre-recorded body of a young female performer. All participants were exposed to a congruent visuo-tactile condition (embodiment condition) and to an incongruent visuo-tactile condition (control condition). Participants completed the Embodiment Questionnaire and the Objectified Body Consciousness (OBC) scale. Results revealed that in the congruent visuo-tactile condition (compared to the control one), participants experienced a strong illusion in terms of body ownership, self-location, and agency. In terms of visual perspective, there was no difference in embodiment feelings between participants who experienced the illusion in 1PP and those who underwent a mirror perspective. Lastly, the control beliefs subscale (i.e., OBC scale) displayed a positive correlation with the self-location illusion susceptibility. Overall, these results point to the feasibility of this novel tool as immersive 360-degree video-based scenarios to deliver bodily illusions, and they open new avenues for future clinical interventions.