bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Formation of self-nitrogen-doping activated carbon from Fish/sawdust/ZnCl2 by hydrothermal and pyrolysis for toxic chromium adsorption from wastewater
Authors: El-Nemr Mohamed A. , Hassaan Mohamed A. , Ashour Ibrahim 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThis study gives a description of the formation of self-nitrogen doped activated carbon (NDAC) by a novel way of employing fish meal (mixture of Atherina hepseetus and Sardina pilchardus of 60% protein) as nitrogen dopant, ZnCl2 as impregnate agent, sawdust as carbon source and water with a mass ratio (2:1:1:12), which subjected to the hydrothermal process. The hydrothermal mixture was oven dried and carbonized under a flow of nitrogen for one h at 600, 700, and 800 °C. The characterization of NDAC was performed by using various analytical techniques analyses. The synthesized NDAC exhibited unique features such as microporous structure (1.84 ~ 2.01 nm), high surface area (437.51 ~ 680.86 m2/g), the volume of total pores (0.22 ~ 0.32 cm3/g) and nitrogen content (12.82 ~ 13.73%). Batch removal tests were achieved to investigate the impact of chromium ions starting concentration (100–400 mg/L), NDAC dose (0.5–2.5 g/L), pH and contact time (5–120 min). Such helpful characteristics of NDAC, particularly for NDAC600, were suitable to use as an excellent adsorbent for Cr6+ ions with a maximum adsorption capacity (Qm) (769.23 mg/g), and the highest chromium ions adsorption uptake (81.18%) was obtained at pH value 1.5 at room temperature. Both Halsey and Temkin models fitted the adsorption data quite reasonably. The uptake of toxic chromium ions is best represented with pseudo-second-order rate kinetics data.
Medium-chain fatty acids modify macrophage expression of metabolic and inflammatory genes in a PPAR β/δ-dependent manner
Authors: Gaete Paula V. , Nieves-Barreto Luz D. , Guatibonza-García Valentina , Losada-Barragán Mónica , Vargas-Sánchez Karina , Mendivil Carlos O. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThere is great interest on medium chain fatty acids (MCFA) for cardiovascular health. We explored the effects of MCFA on the expression of lipid metabolism and inflammatory genes in macrophages, and the extent to which they were mediated by the nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor beta/delta (PPAR β/δ). J774A.1 murine macrophages were exposed to octanoate or decanoate as MCFA, a long-chain fatty acid control (palmitate), or the PPAR β/δ agonist GW501516, with or without lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation, and with or without an siRNA-induced knockdown of PPAR β/δ. MCFA increased the expression of Plin2, encoding a lipid-droplet associated protein with anti-inflammatory effects in macrophages, in a partially PPAR β/δ-dependent manner. Both MCFA stimulated expression of the cholesterol efflux pump ABCA1, more pronouncedly under LPS stimulation and in the absence of PPAR β/δ. Octanoate stimulated the expression of Pltp, encoding a phospholipid transfer protein that aids ABCA1 in cellular lipid efflux. Only palmitate increased expression of the proinflammatory genes Il6, Tnf, Nos2 and Mmp9. Non-stimulated macrophages exposed to MCFA showed less internalization of fluorescently labeled lipoproteins. MCFA influenced the transcriptional responses of macrophages favoring cholesterol efflux and a less inflammatory response compared to palmitate. These effects were partially mediated by PPAR β/δ.
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and its homolog D-dopachrome tautomerase (D-DT) are significant promotors of UVB- but not chemically induced non-melanoma skin cancer
Authors: Huth Sebastian , Huth Laura , Heise Ruth , Marquardt Yvonne , Lopopolo Linda , Piecychna Marta , Boor Peter , Fingerle-Rowson Günter , Kapurniotu Aphrodite , Yazdi Amir S. , Bucala Richard , Bernhagen Jürgen , Baron Jens Malte 
Published: July 2023

AbstractNon-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common cancer in Caucasians worldwide. We investigated the pathophysiological role of MIF and its homolog D-DT in UVB- and chemically induced NMSC using Mif−/−, D-dt−/− and Mif−/−/D-dt−/− mice on a hairless SKH1 background. Knockout of both cytokines showed similar attenuating effects on inflammation after acute UVB irradiation and tumor formation during chronic UVB irradiation, without additive protective effects noted in double knockout mice, indicating that both cytokines activate a similar signaling threshold. In contrast, genetic deletion of Mif and D-dt had no major effects on chemically induced skin tumors. To get insight into the contributing mechanisms, we used an in vitro 3D skin model with incorporated macrophages. Application of recombinant MIF and D-DT led to an accumulation of macrophages within the epidermal part that could be reversed by selective inhibitors of MIF and D-DT pathways. In summary, our data indicate that MIF and D-DT contribute to the development and progression of UVB- but not chemically induced NMSC, a role at least partially accounted by effects of both cytokines on epidermal macrophage accumulation. These data highlight that MIF and D-DT are both potential therapeutic targets for the prevention of photocarcinogenesis but not chemical carcinogenesis.
Identification of circulating monocytes as producers of tuberculosis disease biomarker C1q
Authors: Niewold Paula , Dijkstra Douwe J. , Cai Yi , Goletti Delia , Palmieri Fabrizio , van Meijgaarden Krista E. , Verreck Frank A. W. , Akkerman Onno W. , Hofland Regina W. , Delemarre Eveline M. , Nierkens Stefan , Verheul Marije K. , Pollard Andrew J. , van Dissel Jaap T. , Ottenhoff Tom H. M. , Trouw Leendert A. , Joosten Simone A. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractTuberculosis (TB) is a prevalent disease causing an estimated 1.6 million deaths and 10.6 million new cases annually. Discriminating TB disease from differential diagnoses can be complex, particularly in the field. Increased levels of complement component C1q in serum have been identified as a specific and accessible biomarker for TB disease but the source of C1q in circulation has not been identified. Here, data and samples previously collected from human cohorts, a clinical trial and a non-human primate study were used to identify cells producing C1q in circulation. Cell subset frequencies were correlated with serum C1q levels and combined with single cell RNA sequencing and flow cytometry analyses. This identified monocytes as C1q producers in circulation, with a pronounced expression of C1q in classical and intermediate monocytes and variable expression in non-classical monocytes.
A double rare earth doped CD nanoplatform for nanocatalytic/starving-like synergistic therapy with GSH-depletion and enhanced reactive oxygen species generation
Authors: Cui Shufeng , Wang Bin , Zhai Changyu , Wei Shanshan , Zhang Hongyuan , Sun Guoying 
Published: July 2023

Ce–Gd@CDs–GOx can promote generation of ˙OH and oxidation of glucose, achieving nanocatalytic anticancer activities and starving-like synergistic therapy. Ce ions can decompose H2O2 to relieve hypoxia and deplete GSH, for precise treatment using T1-weighted MR imaging.
Development of a multiple convolutional neural network–facilitated diagnostic screening program for immunofluorescence images of IgA nephropathy and idiopathic membranous nephropathy
Authors: Xia Peng , Lv Zhilong , Wen Yubing , Zhang Baichuan , Zhao Xuesong , Zhang Boyao , Wang Ying , Cui Haoyuan , Wang Chuanpeng , Zheng Hua , Qin Yan , Sun Lijun , Ye Nan , Cheng Hong , Yao Li , Zhou Hua , Zhen Junhui , Hu Zhao , Zhu Weiguo , Zhang Fa , Li Xuemei , Ren Fei , Chen Limeng 
Published: July 2023

ABSTRACT

Background
Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) and idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) are the most common glomerular diseases. Immunofluorescence (IF) tests of renal tissues are crucial for the diagnosis. We developed a multiple convolutional neural network (CNN)-facilitated diagnostic program to assist the IF diagnosis of IgAN and IMN.

Methods
The diagnostic program consisted of four parts: a CNN trained as a glomeruli detection module, an IF intensity comparator, dual-CNN (D-CNN) trained as a deposition appearance and location classifier and a post-processing module. A total of 1573 glomerular IF images from 1009 patients with glomerular diseases were used for the training and validation of the diagnostic program. A total of 1610 images of 426 patients from different hospitals were used as test datasets. The performance of the diagnostic program was compared with nephropathologists.

Results
In &gt;90% of the tested images, the glomerulus location module achieved an intersection over union &gt;0.8. The accuracy of the D-CNN in recognizing irregular granular mesangial deposition and fine granular deposition along the glomerular basement membrane was 96.1% and 93.3%, respectively. As for the diagnostic program, the accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of diagnosing suspected IgAN were 97.6%, 94.4% and 96.0%, respectively. The accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of diagnosing suspected IMN were 91.7%, 88.9% and 95.8%, respectively. The corresponding areas under the curve (AUCs) were 0.983 and 0.935. When tested with images from the outside hospital, the diagnostic program showed stable performance. The AUCs for diagnosing suspected IgAN and IMN were 0.972 and 0.948, respectively. Compared with inexperienced nephropathologists, the program showed better performance.

Conclusion
The proposed diagnostic program could assist the IF diagnosis of IgAN and IMN.
Current clinical use of speckle-tracking strain imaging: insights from a worldwide survey from the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI)
Authors: Sade Leyla Elif , Joshi Shruti S , Cameli Matteo , Cosyns Bernard , Delgado Victoria , Donal Erwan , Edvardsen Thor , Carvalho Ricardo Fontes , Manka Robert , Podlesnikar Tomaz , Popescu Bogdan A , Hanzevacki Jadranka Separovic , Sitges Marta , Dweck Marc R 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Aims
Speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) strain imaging has been a major advancement in myocardial function quantification. We aimed to explore current worldwide clinical application of STE.

Methods and results
Access, feasibility, access, and clinical implementation of STE were investigated with a worldwide open-access online survey of the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging. Participants (429 respondents and 77 countries) from tertiary centres (46%), private clinics, or public hospitals (54%) using different vendors for data acquisition and analysis were represented. Despite almost universal access (98%) to STE, only 39% of the participants performed and reported STE results frequently (&gt;50%). Incomplete training and time constraints were the main reasons for not using STE more regularly. STE was mainly used to assess the LV (99%) and less frequently the right ventricular (57%) and the left atrial (46%) function. Cardiotoxicity (88%) and cardiac amyloidosis (87%) were the most frequent reasons for the clinical use of LV STE. Left atrial STE was used most frequently for the diagnosis of diastolic dysfunction and right ventricular STE for the assessment of right ventricle (RV) function in pulmonary hypertension (51%). Frequency of STE use, adherence to optimal techniques, and clinical appropriateness of STE differed according to training experience and across vendors. Key suggestions outlined by respondents to increase the clinical use of STE included improved reproducibility (48%) and standardization of strain values across vendors (42%).

Conclusion
Although STE is now readily available, it is underutilized in the majority of centres. Structured training, improved reproducibility, and inter-vendor standardization may increase its uptake.
Demonstration of in vivo engineered tandem duplications of varying sizes using CRISPR and recombinases in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Loehlin David W , McClain Georgia L , Xu Manting , Kedia Ria , Root Elise 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Tandem gene duplicates are important parts of eukaryotic genome structure, yet the phenotypic effects of new tandem duplications are not well-understood, in part owing to a lack of techniques to build and modify them. We introduce a method, Recombinase-Mediated Tandem Duplication, to engineer specific tandem duplications in vivo using CRISPR and recombinases. We describe construction of four different tandem duplications of the Alcohol Dehydrogenase (Adh) gene in Drosophila melanogaster, with duplicated block sizes ranging from 4.2 to 20.7 kb. Flies with the Adh duplications show elevated ADH enzyme activity over unduplicated single copies. This approach to engineering duplications is combinatoric, opening the door to systematic study of the relationship between the structure of tandem duplications and their effects on expression.
Double robust semi-supervised inference for the mean: selection bias under MAR labeling with decaying overlap
Authors: Zhang Yuqian , Chakrabortty Abhishek , Bradic Jelena 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Semi-supervised (SS) inference has received much attention in recent years. Apart from a moderate-sized labeled data, $\mathcal L$, the SS setting is characterized by an additional, much larger sized, unlabeled data, $\mathcal U$. The setting of $|\mathcal U\ |\gg |\mathcal L\ |$, makes SS inference unique and different from the standard missing data problems, owing to natural violation of the so-called ‘positivity’ or ‘overlap’ assumption. However, most of the SS literature implicitly assumes $\mathcal L$ and $\mathcal U$ to be equally distributed, i.e., no selection bias in the labeling. Inferential challenges in missing at random type labeling allowing for selection bias, are inevitably exacerbated by the decaying nature of the propensity score (PS). We address this gap for a prototype problem, the estimation of the response’s mean. We propose a double robust SS mean estimator and give a complete characterization of its asymptotic properties. The proposed estimator is consistent as long as either the outcome or the PS model is correctly specified. When both models are correctly specified, we provide inference results with a non-standard consistency rate that depends on the smaller size $|\mathcal L\ |$. The results are also extended to causal inference with imbalanced treatment groups. Further, we provide several novel choices of models and estimators of the decaying PS, including a novel offset logistic model and a stratified labeling model. We present their properties under both high- and low-dimensional settings. These may be of independent interest. Lastly, we present extensive simulations and also a real data application.
Efficacy Comparison of an Automated Growth-Based System and Plate-Count Method on the Detection of Yeasts and Molds in Personal Care Products
Authors: Prada-Ramírez Harold Alexis , Celeita Sandra , Fonseca Juan Camilo 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Objective
The present investigation studies the efficacy of an automated growth-based system for a quantitative determination of Candida albicans and Aspergillus brasiliensis in several personal care products. The main purpose of this validation study was to prove that the alternative method’s entire performance is not inferior to the conventional pour-plate method for a quantitative determination of yeasts and molds. Thus, a performance equivalence was established in accordance with the United Stated Pharmacopeia (USP-NF) Validation of Alternative Microbiological Methods ˂1223˃.

Methods
C. albicans and A. brasiliensis were pooled to use as inoculum (equivalent to 1.0 × 108 CFU/mL) in the suitability of the method test. PCP's preservatives were chemically neutralized leading to the yeast and mold recovery by means of the alternative microbiological method (AMM) and the pour-plate method. A correlation curve was generated for each PCP by plotting DTs relative to the corresponding log CFU values.

Results
Thirty PCPs have been tested for quantification of yeasts and molds using an AMM. An equivalence of results was made through the construction of correlation curves that allowed the establishment of numerically equivalent results between the enumeration data from the reference method (CFU) and the alternative method (Detection times, DTs). Thus, following the guidelines of USP Ch.1223, essential validation parameters were tested, such as equivalence of results (Correlation coeficient, CC &gt;0.95), linearity (R2 &gt;0.9025), accuracy (% recovery &gt;70%), operating range, precision (CV &lt;35%), ruggedness (one-way ANOVA, P &gt; 0.05), specificity, LOD, and LOQ.

Conclusion
It was shown that all the test results obtained from the alternative method were in statistical agreement with the standard plate-count method (PCM). Thus, this new technology was found to meet all the validation criteria needed to be considered for an alternative method for yeast and mold quantification in the PCPs tested.

Highlights
In accordance with the United Stated Pharmacopeia (USP-NF) Validation of Alternative Microbiological Methods ˂1223˃, the implementation of alternative methods can offer benefits in execution and automation while improving accuracy, sensitivity, and precision and reduce the microbiological process time compared to the traditional ones.
Islam and Digital Religion
Authors: Abusharif Ibrahim N. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Researchers of religion and media have long anticipated the need for increasing multi-disciplinary approaches to unpack the historical and contemporary import of religious content online. After nearly 25 years of Islamic content in digital spaces, it has become progressively more important to address disciplinary matters that more comprehensively connect online content with their intellectual and social legacies and contemporary concerns, that is, to examine religious content unfettered from a strict media-studies-centric point of view. It has never been difficult to find Islam-based content online. However, there is a challenge in assessing such a large and varied corpus of Islam-related content. The challenge has less to do with keeping pace with emerging digital platforms than it does with contextualizing the content within broader academic frames, critical conversations, and intellectual and juristic traditions, guided by allied disciplinary fields, such as history, sociology, and religious and/or Islamic studies.
A Critical Phenomenology of Sound Art
Authors: Fielding Helen A. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
This chapter argues that some sound art can provide bridges, opening dwelling structures for new relational possibilities. Sound art can connect and transform us, even as it reveals the limits of such connections and the structures that work to colonize them. Considering the critical qualities of sound art, the chapter thinks alongside three works by Jules Gimbrone. It then critiques neo-materialist and postmodern approaches to sound art and explains why a critical phenomenological approach best clarifies the embodied ideas Gimbrone’s sound art reveals. Finally, the chapter turns a critical ear to Martin Heidegger to better understand how sound art contributes to dwelling. At stake are different ontological approaches—different relational ways of being, relational ways of engaging place, world, and other beings. Sound art can help us engage different relational ways of being; but the move too often made of collapsing distance—of not respecting place—does not, as xwélméxw (Stó:lō) musicologist Dylan Robinson points out, accomplish this goal.
Opioid Overdose
Authors: Brandt Laura 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Opioids are responsible for the largest number of drug overdoses. A multipronged approach is needed to dramatically change the course of this public health crisis. This chapter focuses on harm-reduction interventions with an emphasis on Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution (OEND), including a brief historical overview of first implementation steps and details about the current organization of OEND in different contexts. The effectiveness of OEND to improve knowledge about overdose prevention and to reduce fatal opioid overdoses along with new challenges in the context of OEND—reversing overdoses that involve fentanyl and providing OEND in times of a global pandemic—are discussed. In closing, this chapter highlights the need to develop a portfolio of interventions at different levels, including but also extending beyond harm reduction, to substantially reduce death rates in the long run.
Early, Persistent Lymphopenia Is Associated With Prolonged Multiple Organ Failure and Mortality in Septic Children
Authors: Podd Bradley S. , Banks Russell K. , Reeder Ron , Telford Russell , Holubkov Richard , Carcillo Joseph , Berg Robert A. , Wessel David , Pollack Murray M. , Meert Kathleen , Hall Mark , Newth Christopher , Lin John C. , Doctor Allan , Shanley Tom , Cornell Tim , Harrison Rick E. , Zuppa Athena F. , Sward Katherine , Dean J. Michael , Randolph Adrienne G. ,   on behalf of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Collaborative Pediatric Critical Care Research Network
Published: July 2023

OBJECTIVES:
Sepsis-associated immune suppression correlates with poor outcomes. Adult trials are evaluating immune support therapies. Limited data exist to support consideration of immunomodulation in pediatric sepsis. We tested the hypothesis that early, persistent lymphopenia predicts worse outcomes in pediatric severe sepsis.

DESIGN:
Observational cohort comparing children with severe sepsis and early, persistent lymphopenia (absolute lymphocyte count < 1,000 cells/µL on 2 d between study days 0–5) to children without. The composite outcome was prolonged multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS, organ dysfunction beyond day 7) or PICU mortality.

SETTING:
Nine PICUs in the National Institutes of Health Collaborative Pediatric Critical Care Research Network between 2015 and 2017.

PATIENTS:
Children with severe sepsis and indwelling arterial and/or central venous catheters.

INTERVENTIONS:
Blood sampling and clinical data analysis.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:
Among 401 pediatric patients with severe sepsis, 152 (38%) had persistent lymphopenia. These patients were older, had higher illness severity, and were more likely to have underlying comorbidities including solid organ transplant or malignancy. Persistent lymphopenia was associated with the composite outcome prolonged MODS or PICU mortality (66/152, 43% vs 45/249, 18%; p < 0.01) and its components prolonged MODS (59/152 [39%] vs 43/249 [17%]), and PICU mortality (32/152, 21% vs 12/249, 5%; p < 0.01) versus children without. After adjusting for baseline factors at enrollment, the presence of persistent lymphopenia was associated with an odds ratio of 2.98 (95% CI [1.85–4.02]; p < 0.01) for the composite outcome. Lymphocyte count trajectories showed that patients with persistent lymphopenia generally did not recover lymphocyte counts during the study, had lower nadir whole blood tumor necrosis factor-α response to lipopolysaccharide stimulation, and higher maximal inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein and ferritin) during days 0–3 (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS:
Children with severe sepsis and persistent lymphopenia are at risk of prolonged MODS or PICU mortality. This evidence supports testing therapies for pediatric severe sepsis patients risk-stratified by early, persistent lymphopenia.