bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mercury and Radiocesium Accumulation and Associations With Sublethal Endpoints in the Florida Green Watersnake (Nerodia floridana)
Authors: Brown Marty Kyle , Haskins David Lee , Russell Amelia L. , Lambert Michaela L. , Quick Caleigh E. , Pilgrim Melissa A. , Tuberville Tracey D. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Mercury (Hg) and radiocesium (137Cs) are well-known environmental contaminants with the potential to impact the health of humans and wildlife. Snakes have several characteristics conducive to studying environmental contamination but have rarely been included in the monitoring of polluted sites. We investigated the bioaccumulation of Hg and 137Cs and associations with sublethal effects (standard metabolic rate [SMR] and hemoparasite infections) in Florida green watersnakes (Nerodia floridana). We captured 78 snakes from three former nuclear cooling reservoirs on the US Department of Energy's Savannah River Site in South Carolina (USA). For captured snakes, we (1) determined whole-body 137Cs, (2) quantified total Hg (THg) using snake tail clips, (3) conducted hemoparasite counts, and (4) measured the SMR. We used multiple regression models to determine associations among snake body size, capture location, sex, tail THg, whole-body 137Cs, Hepatozoon spp. prevalence and parasitemia, and SMR. Average whole-body 137Cs (0.23 ± 0.08 Becquerels [Bq]/g; range: 0.00–1.02 Bq/g) was correlated with snake body size and differed significantly by capture site (Pond B: 0.67 ± 0.05 Bq/g; Par Pond: 0.10 ± 0.02 Bq/g; Pond 2: 0.03 ± 0.02 Bq/g). Tail THg (0.33 ± 0.03 mg/kg dry wt; range: 0.16–2.10 mg/kg) was significantly correlated with snake body size but did not differ by capture site. We found no clear relationship between SMR and contaminant burdens. However, models indicated that the prevalence of Hepatozoon spp. in snakes was inversely related to increasing whole-body 137Cs burdens. Our results indicate the bioaccumulation of Hg and 137Cs in N. floridana and further demonstrate the utility of aquatic snakes as bioindicators. Our results also suggest a decrease in Hepatozoon spp. prevalence related to increased burdens of 137Cs. Although the results are intriguing, further research is needed to understand the dynamics between 137Cs and Hepatozoon spp. infections in semiaquatic snakes. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:758–770. © 2022 SETAC
Sofosbuvir‐velpatasvir‐voxilaprevir in adolescents 12 to 17 years old with HCV infection
Authors: Indolfi Guiseppe , Kelly Deirdre , Nebbia Gabriella , Iorio Raffaele , Mania Anna , Giacomet Vania , Szenborn Leszek , Shao Jiang , Sang Yue Mun , Hsueh Chia‐Hsiang , Parhy Bandita , Kersey Kathryn , Mangia Alessandra , Pawlowska Malgorzata , Bansal Sanjay 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Background and Aims
Sofosbuvir‐velpatasvir‐voxilaprevir is a pangenotypic regimen for chronic HCV infection. In the USA and Europe, sofosbuvir‐velpatasvir‐voxilaprevir once daily for 12 weeks is indicated for adults who previously received an HCV NS5A inhibitor. In Europe, sofosbuvir‐velpatasvir‐voxilaprevir is also indicated in the absence of prior HCV direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) therapy as an 8‐week or 12‐week regimen. In an open‐label study, we evaluated the safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of sofosbuvir‐velpatasvir‐voxilaprevir in adolescents 12 to 17 years with chronic HCV of any genotype.

Methods
In this Phase 2, multicenter study, sofosbuvir‐velpatasvir‐voxilaprevir 400/100/100 mg daily was administered to adolescents for 8 weeks if DAA‐naïve or for 12 weeks for cirrhosis or prior DAA failure. The key efficacy endpoint was sustained virologic response 12 weeks after therapy (SVR12). Intensive pharmacokinetic sampling was done in 14 patients at week 2 or 4, and samples for population pharmacokinetics were collected in all patients.

Results
All patients (n = 21) were naïve to HCV DAAs, and none had cirrhosis. HCV genotype 3a infection was most common, occurring in 43% of patients. Overall, 100% of patients (21 of 21) reached SVR12. The most common adverse events were abdominal pain and headache (24% each) and nausea (19%); no adverse events led to discontinuation. The only serious adverse event, hypotension, was considered related to study drug and resolved the same day without interruption of treatment. Sofosbuvir‐velpatasvir‐voxilaprevir exposures were similar to those observed in adults.

Conclusions
The pangenotypic regimen of sofosbuvir‐velpatasvir‐voxilaprevir is highly efficacious and well‐tolerated in treating chronic HCV infection in adolescents.
Scrutinization of thermodynamic second law for the steady flow of couple stress nanofluid in an inclined microchannel by varying thermal conductivity
Authors: Manthesha  , Gireesha B. J. , Almeida Felicita , Patil Mallikarjun B. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThis study comprises the flow of Ti6Al4N nanoparticle alloy allowed to flow within the microchannel kept at a certain angle. Engine oil is the base fluid in which nanodimensional particles are immersed. The flow is caused by the influence of linear and exponential heat sources. The microchannel is a permeable media with the suction/injection at the microchannel extremes. During the flow, the impact of the microstructure of these particles is concerned, thus reporting the rotational interaction amidst the particles. The obtained nonlinear equations are solved using the effective numerical method, namely, finite difference code improved by using the Lobatto IIIA formula and the findings are discussed using the graphs. The results attained claim that linear and exponential space‐dependent heat source parameter has augmented the thermal profile. Also, consideration of the couple stress of the fluid is known to retard the flow.
Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, family care plans and infants with prenatal substance exposure: Theoretical framework and directions for future research
Authors: Lloyd Sieger Margaret H. , Nichols Cynthia , Chasnoff Ira J. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIn May 2021, a reauthorization of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) was introduced in the U.S. Senate. This reauthorization substantially amends provisions concerning infants affected by prenatal substance exposure (PSE) and decidedly shifts the policy from a child safety‐ to a public health‐focused approach to achieve the larger goals of healthy and safe child development and caregiver recovery from substance use disorder. Despite its honourable aspirations, no research has tested whether CAPTA “works.” To advance scholarship on this policy, we summarize the service needs for this population and clarify how the CAPTA reauthorization aims to address these needs. We then apply a health utilization theory to understanding the mechanisms of effect on maternal‐child outcomes. Based on this theoretical analysis, we discuss directions for future research.
A Meta‐Model for integrating Human Factors into System Engineering
Authors: Amokrane‐Ferka Kahina , Hein Andreas M. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractWith the emergence of autonomous systems, it is no longer sufficient to only consider the interactions between humans and systems but to assign roles and allocate functions to both. Systems engineering methods, which aim for designing such systems need to take this paradigm shift into account. Domains such as human system integration aim to work towards this objective from a systems engineering perspective. However, one shortcoming of existing systems engineering approaches is that they do not explicitly take the human aspect into account. The objective of this paper is to formalize this relationship at the level of modeling languages by integrating elements from ergonomics modeling languages into SysML/UML, a systems modeling language in widespread use. We conclude that integrating human factors into SysML/UML significantly extends the expressivity regarding ergonomic concepts for designing autonomous systems which collaborate with humans.
Evaluating the therapeutic efficacy of radiolabeled BSA@CuS nanoparticle‐induced radio‐photothermal therapy against anaplastic thyroid cancer
Authors: Zhang Chunmei , Chai Jinyan , Jia Qiang , Tan Jian , Meng Zhaowei , Li Ning , Yuan Menghui 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBovine serum albumin (BSA) has been employed as a mild biological template in nanoscale particles. Copper sulfide (CuS) has been used for photothermal therapy (PTT) in several studies. In this study, we aimed to synthesize the 131I‐labeled BSA‐modified CuS nanoparticles (131I‐BSA@CuS), with attributes of both radiotherapy and PTT, as a therapeutic agent against anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC). BSA@CuS nanoparticles were prepared using the solvothermal reaction and then labeled with Na131I by the chloramine‐T method. The products were characterized and their cytotoxicity was investigated in vitro and in vivo. The therapeutic efficacy of 131I‐BSA@CuS was evaluated in ARO cell (an ATC cell line) subcutaneous tumors. The nanoparticles showed good biocompatibility and low toxicity in vitro and in vivo. BSA@CuS rapidly and effectively converted the light energy from an 808 nm laser into thermal energy with a conversion efficiency of 28.07%. SPECT/CT imaging demonstrated that the accumulation of radioactivity peaked within 24 hr and resided in the tumors for 5 days post intratumoral injection. In vivo assays indicated that, compared to monotherapy, the synthesized nanoparticles employing both PTT and radiotherapy possess better therapeutic efficacy against tumors. The synthesized nanomaterial showed uniform dispersion, good stability and aqueous solubility, excellent photothermal properties, and long‐term retention in ATC. Hence, combined radiotherapy and PTT can significantly inhibit tumor growth compared to monotherapy, and can be applied in clinical settings.
Vitamin D Analogues and Fracture Risk in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Khelifi Nada , Desbiens Louis‐Charles , Sidibé Aboubacar , Mac‐Way Fabrice 
Published: February 2022

ABSTRACTVitamin D receptor agonists (VDRAs) are commonly prescribed in chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, their protective effects on bone remain controversial. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the effect of VDRAs on fracture risk and bone mineral density (BMD) in adult patients with CKD. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the WHO's International Clinical Trials Registry Platform databases from inception to June 19, 2021. We included RCTs comparing VDRAs, to placebo or another medication, in adults with CKD requiring or not dialysis. Conference abstracts and trials involving kidney transplant recipients and/or comparing VDRAs to antiresorptive or anabolic bone therapy were excluded. Primary outcome was fracture at any anatomical site. Secondary outcomes were BMD at femoral neck, lumbar spine, and/or total hip. Prespecified subgroup analyses were conducted according to baseline demographics, overall risk of bias, and follow‐up time. From 6868 references retrieved, eight RCTs were eligible: five reported fracture, two reported BMD, and one reported both outcomes. As comparator, one study used no VDRAs, one used nutritional intervention and no medication, and six used placebo. In meta‐analysis, VDRAs were not associated with a significant reduction in total fractures in overall (risk ratio = 0.79, 95% confidence interval 0.38–1.65, I2 = 0%, six trials, 1507 participants, 27 fractures) or in prespecified subgroup analyses. Three trials reported BMD at different sites and with different BMD measurements; thus, a meta‐analysis could not be performed. Two RCTs were at high risk of bias, notably because of deviations from the intended interventions. As limitation, we have to mention the low total number of fractures included in our meta‐analysis. In conclusion, current evidence from RCTs is insufficient to associate VDRAs with bone protection in CKD. Further large and long‐term studies specifically designed to evaluate the efficacy of VDRAs on bone outcomes are thus required. © 2022 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Tax design and rent sharing in mining sector: Evidence from African gold‐producing countries
Authors: Laporte Bertrand , de Quatrebarbes Celine , Bouterige Yannick 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBased on the innovative database, we use a discounted cash flow model to study the rent sharing and the mining tax design in African gold‐producing countries. Two main tax designs emerge: those that favourproduction‐based taxesin order to secure government's revenues and those that favourprofit‐based taxesto support economic efficiency. From the estimation of a panel model regression, we show that tax design depends essentially on the evolution of world prices and not on institutional variables. The recent ‘innovations’ in mining taxation to introduce more progressivity have had mitigated results. In the best of cases, the regressivity of tax regimes has been reduced.
Biomolecules‐releasing click chemistry‐based bioadhesives for repairing acetabular labrum tears
Authors: Li Shuxin , Co Cynthia M. , Izuagbe Samira , Hong Yi , Liao Jun , Borrelli Joseph , Tang Liping 
Published: February 2022

AbstractCurrently, there are no effective clinical or experimental treatments to fully restore the function of the torn acetabular labrum. To fill the gap, here, we report the finding of progenitor cells in labral tissue, which can be recruited and stimulated to repair torn acetabular labral tissue. This study aimed to develop a biomolecule releasing bioadhesive which can speed up labral tissue healing by eliciting autologous labral progenitor cellular responses. A click chemistry‐based bioadhesive, capable of releasing biomolecules, was synthesized to exert ~3× adhesion strength compared with fibrin glue. Via the release of platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF), the adhesive was shown to actively recruit and stimulate the proliferation of labral progenitor cells to the tear sites and within the adhesive. Finally, the ability of this biomolecules‐releasing adhesive designed to promote labral tissue regeneration was evaluated using discarded human acetabular labrum tissue compared with surgical suture ex vivo. Histological analysis shows that PDGF‐releasing bioadhesive yielded significantly more labrum cell responses and extracellular matrix protein (proteoglycan and collagen) production at the tear tissue site than surgical suture controls. The results confirm that the new PDGF‐releasing bioadhesive can activate the responses of autologous labral progenitor cells to significantly improve labral tissue regeneration. Clinical significance: These PDGF‐releasing bioadhesives may serve as a new and effective tool for repairing and regenerating acetabular labrum tears.
Changes in the Sphenoid Bone Encountered During the Endoscopic Endonasal Transsphenoidal Approach
Authors: Jeong Chang Yeong , Hong Yong‐Kil , Jeun Sin‐Soo , Park Jae‐Sung , Kim Soo Whan , Cho Jin Hee , Park Yong Jin , Kim Do Hyun , Kim Sung Won 
Published: February 2022

ObjectivesWe estimated volume changes in the posterior bony wall of the sphenoid sinus, as well as alterations in nasal function (including olfactory function and subjective symptoms), after sphenoid mucosal repositioning using the endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach (EETSA).MethodsDuring 2010 and 2021, 13 patients underwent sphenoid mucosal repositioning during EETSA, while 24 patients (the control group) did not. Pre‐ and postoperative paranasal sinus computed tomography and the Mimics program were used to evaluate three‐dimensional changes in the posterior wall of the sphenoid sinus. All patients underwent the Connecticut Chemosensory Clinical Research Center (CCCRC) test, the Cross‐Cultural Smell Identification Test (CCSIT), Nasal Obstruction Symptoms Evaluation (NOSE), the Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test‐20 (SNOT‐20), and visual analog scale (VAS) evaluation.ResultsThe increase in the volume of the posterior wall of the sphenoid sinus after surgery was objectively smaller in the sphenoid mucosal repositioning group than in the control group (P = .046). However, this did not affect olfactory function (as revealed by the CCCRC test or the CCSIT) or subjective symptoms (as revealed by the NOSE, SNOT‐20, and VAS scores) (all P > .05).ConclusionSurgical closure via sphenoid mucosal repositioning during EETSA reduces the volume of the posterior wall of the sphenoid sinus and facilitates re‐operation. We suggest that sphenoid mucosal repositioning is appropriate during EETSA.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 132:965–972, 2022
Structure and putative function of a soil microbial community impacted by the deposition of tailings and subsequent revegetation after the rupture of the Fundao Dam
Authors: Lima Helena Santiago , Cavalcante João Paulo Campos Moura , Silva Lívia Carneiro Fidélis , da Silva Marliane de Cássia Soares , de Paula Sérgio Oliveira , Kasuya Maria Catarina Megumi , da Silva Cynthia Canêdo 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe rupture of the Fundão Dam containing iron‐rich mining tailings, in 2015, was one of the worst environmental disasters in Brazil. The deposition of tailings has generated serious impacts on the soil and, as microorganisms play an important role in these environments, the recovery of the microbial community is a critical step in restoring the soil for sustainable use. Soil microorganisms and their activities are recognized as sensitive bioindicators for environmental changes; however, few experiments have been conducted to investigate the response of the microbial community to the magnitude of the impact caused by the Fundão Dam rupture and the effect of the use of revegetation natural or induced for ecosystem recovery, especially in Brazil. This study aimed to evaluate the dynamics of community structure and putative functions, over time, in response to the deposition of the tailings on the soil by bacterial 16S rRNA sequencing. We evaluated an area affected by tailings, covered with natural and induced revegetation. The results revealed a temporal dynamic of the soil microbiota, which demonstrates that the microbial community structure of these areas differed, mainly in less abundant taxa, and the induced revegetation area was closer to the forest than natural revegetation. These results reveal the importance of implementing revegetation programs to accelerate the initial recovery. Functions related to the use of alternative electron acceptors differed, possibly due to the greater compaction of the affected soil. Despite the improvement of the impacted areas over time, the strong effect of tailings deposition on the bacterial community structure can still be noticed.
Deeper by the Dozen: Diving into a Database of 17,675 Depths for U.S. Lakes and Reservoirs
Authors: Webster Katherine E. , McCullough Ian M. , Soranno Patricia A. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractDepth is a fundamental property of lakes, essential for understanding and quantifying a range of biological, chemical, and physical processes of individual lakes as well as the collective functioning of the millions of lakes across the globe. Despite this importance, lake depth is rarely available for large numbers of lakes across the broad scales of regions and continents. We describe a new open‐access dataset, LAGOS‐US DEPTH, which contains 17,675 maximum depths and 6,137 mean depths for lakes in the conterminous United States. These data represent one of the largest compilations of lake depths in the world and are connected to other data products through the LAGOS‐US research platform. Here, we describe characteristics of lake maximum depth across the conterminous United States and identify gaps in data coverage that we encourage other researchers to fill by linking their own depth datasets for lakes within the LAGOS‐US spatial footprint. Extending this open‐access effort to include other regions and countries across the globe to build a more comprehensive and representative database of lake depth would better position scientists to quantify and articulate the critical roles that lakes play globally in biogeochemical cycling, maintaining biodiversity, and in maintaining the many ecosystem services that lakes provide.
Improvement of field fluorometry estimates of chlorophyll a concentration in a cyanobacteria‐rich eutrophic lake
Authors: Chegoonian Amir M. , Zolfaghari Kiana , Leavitt Peter R. , Baulch Helen M. , Duguay Claude R. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractInstrumented buoys are used to monitor water quality, yet there remains a need to evaluate whether in vivo fluorometric measures of chlorophyll a (Chl a) produce accurate estimates of phytoplankton abundance. Here, 6 years (2014–2019) of in vitro measurements of Chl a by spectrophotometry were compared with coeval estimates from buoy‐based fluorescence measurements in eutrophic Buffalo Pound Lake, Saskatchewan, Canada. Analysis revealed that fluorometric and in vitro estimates of Chl a differed both in terms of absolute concentration and patterns of relative change through time. Three models were developed to improve agreement between metrics of Chl a concentration, including two based on Chl a and phycocyanin (PC) fluorescence and one based on multiple linear regressions with measured environmental conditions. All models were examined in terms of two performance metrics; accuracy (lowest error) and reliability (% fit within confidence intervals). The model based on PC fluorescence was most accurate (error = 35%), whereas that using environmental factors was most reliable (89% within 3σ of mean). Models were also evaluated on their ability to produce spatial maps of Chl a using remotely sensed imagery. Here, newly developed models significantly improved system performance with a 30% decrease in Chl a errors and a twofold increase in the range of reconstructed Chl a values. Superiority of the PC model likely reflected high cyanobacterial abundance, as well as the excitation–emission wavelength configuration of fluorometers. Our findings suggest that a PC fluorometer, used alone or in combination with environmental measurements, performs better than a single‐excitation‐band Chl a fluorometer in estimating Chl a content in highly eutrophic waters.
Freeform Fabrication of Pneumatic Soft Robots via Multi‐Material Jointed Direct Ink Writing
Authors: Wang Zhenhua , Zhang Boyu , Cui Weicheng , Zhou Nanjia 
Published: February 2022

AbstractPneumatically actuated soft robots have attracted significant attention in recent years due to their non‐linear structures for performing biomimetic motions to enhance human‐machine interactions. However, manufacturing soft robots, especially those featuring complex 3D structures, still faces significant challenges as traditional lithography‐based micro/nanofabrication technologies have some limitations, such as limited material choices and layer‐by‐layer architectures. In this work, a facile multi‐material jointed direct ink writing (MJDIW) printing method is introduced. In comparing with the traditional micro/nanofabrication and other additive manufacturing methods, the method enables truly freeform 3D printing to fabricate entirely soft actuators and robots with complex 3D structures, while integrating materials with different mechanical characteristics to expand the manufacturing capabilities of additive manufacturing methods. The material properties and printing parameters, and conducted finite element analysis (FEA) is systematically investigated to provide the general design guidelines through simulating actuator motions. Several actuators such as linear elongation and bending actuators are manufactured either by employing a single material or multiple materials with different mechanical properties. Finally, a multi‐directional soft manipulator with complex internal channels is printed using different materials to illustrate the versatility of the printing methods.