bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of buprenorphine‐related deaths using urinary metabolite concentrations
Authors: Mariottini Claudia , Kriikku Pirkko , Ojanperä Ilkka 
Published: July 2022

AbstractQuantitative analysis of postmortem urine, instead of blood, for buprenorphine and metabolites may provide additional evidence for the diagnosis of fatal buprenorphine poisoning. In this study, 247 autopsy urine samples, previously testing positive for buprenorphine or norbuprenorphine, were quantitatively reanalysed with a recently developed liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) method for unconjugated buprenorphine (BUP), norbuprenorphine (NBUP), naloxone (NAL), and their respective conjugated metabolites, buprenorphine glucuronide (BUPG), norbuprenorphine glucuronide (NBUPG), and naloxone glucuronide (NALG). The cases were divided, according to medical examiners' decision, to buprenorphine poisonings and other causes of death. The groups were compared for urinary concentrations and metabolite concentration ratios of the six analytes. All median concentrations were higher in the buprenorphine poisoning group. The median concentration of BUPG was significantly higher and the median metabolite ratios NBUP/BUP, NBUPG/BUPG, and NBUPtotal/BUPtotal were significantly lower in poisonings than in other causes of death. Naloxone‐related concentrations and ratios were not significantly different between the groups.
The interplay of fungal and bacterial microbiomes on rainforest frogs following a disease outbreak
Authors: McKnight Donald T. , Huerlimann Roger , Bower Deborah S. , Schwarzkopf Lin , Alford Ross A. , Zenger Kyall R. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractEmerging infectious diseases are a serious threat to wildlife populations, and there is growing evidence that host microbiomes play important roles in infection dynamics, possibly even mitigating diseases. Nevertheless, most research on this topic has focused only on bacterial microbiomes, while fungal microbiomes have been largely neglected. To help fill this gap in our knowledge, we examined both the bacterial and fungal microbiomes of four sympatric Australian frog species, which had different population‐level responses to the emergence of chytridiomycosis, a widespread disease caused by the fungal pathogenBatrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). We sequenced 16,884 fungal amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) and 41,774 bacterial ASVs. Bacterial communities had higher richness and were less variable within frog species than were fungal communities. Nevertheless, both communities were correlated for both ASV richness and beta diversity (i.e., frogs with similar bacterial richness and community composition tended to also have similar fungal richness and community composition). This suggests that either one microbial community was having a large impact on the other or that they were both being driven by similar environmental factors. For both microbial taxa, we found little evidence of associations betweenBd(prevalence or intensity) and either individuals' ASVs or beta diversity. However, there was mixed evidence of associations between richness (both bacterial and fungal) andBd, with high richness potentially providing a protective effect. Surprisingly, the relative abundance of bacteria that have previously been shown to inhibitBdwas also positively associated withBdinfection intensity, suggesting that a high relative abundance of those bacteria provides poor protection against infection.
Autoimmunity and SARS‐CoV‐2 infection: Unraveling the link in neurological disorders
Authors: Latorre Daniela 
Published: July 2022

AbstractAccording to the World Health Organization, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) has already infected more than 400 million people and caused over 5 million deaths globally. The infection is associated with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, ranging from no signs of illness to severe pathological complications that go beyond the typical respiratory symptoms. On this note, new‐onset neurological and neuropsychiatric syndromes have been increasingly reported in a large fraction of COVID‐19 patients, thus potentially representing a significant public health threat. Although the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms remain elusive, a growing body of evidence suggests that SARS‐CoV‐2 infection may trigger an autoimmune response, which could potentially contribute to the establishment and/or exacerbation of neurological disorders in COVID‐19 patients. Shedding light on this aspect is urgently needed for the development of effective therapeutic intervention. This review highlights the current knowledge of the immune responses occurring in Neuro‐COVID patients and discusses potential immune‐mediated mechanisms by which SARS‐CoV‐2 infection may trigger neurological complications.
Uncovering the Synchronous Role of Bis‐borane with Nucleophilic Solvent as Frustrated Lewis Pair in Metal‐Free Catalytic Dehydrogenation of Ammonia‐borane**
Authors: Sultana Munia , Bhattacharjee Ishita , Bhunya Sourav , Paul Ankan 
Published: July 2022

AbstractMetal free catalysis has emerged as a viable alternative for transition metal based catalysts for enabling different chemical processes, particularly for de/hydrogenation reactions. Herein, employing theoretical studies we reveal the unexpected Frustrated Lewis Pair like reactivity of a boron based catalyst, 9,10‐dichlorodiboraanthracene and the ethereal solvent to enable dehydrogenation of ammonia‐borane (NH3BH3, AB) under moderate conditions. The mechanistic channels thus uncovered reveal that the boron catalyst abstracts a hydride from NH3BH3 followed by crucial stabilization of the NH3BH2+ moiety by the nucleophilic action of the solvent. H2 is released by the combination of hydride and proton from the borohydride moiety and the solvated NH3BH2+ respectively. Catalysis becomes unfeasible if the Lewis base‐like action of the ethereal solvent is not taken into consideration. Thus, it is suggested that the clandestine partnership of the Lewis Acid, Boron catalyst and the Lewis Base, ethereal solvent, i. e. FLP like action enables dehydrogenation of NH3BH3 in the instant case.
Hierarchical Rhree‐dimensional CoNi LDH‐Ni3S2 Supported on Ni Foam as a Stable and Efficient Electrocatalytic Material for Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Liu Yitong , Zhao Yiwei , Zhang Yuanqing , Xing Shuangxi 
Published: July 2022

AbstractHerein, a novel self‐supporting three‐dimensional nanostructured CoNi LDH‐Ni3S2 catalyst was generated in a two‐step process combining hydrothermal synthesis and high‐temperature electrodeposition techniques. The CoNi LDH‐Ni3S2/NF electrode exhibits superior electrocatalytic performance with low overpotentials of 193 and 382 mV in 1 M KOH to drive a high current density of 100 mA cm−2 for HER and OER, respectively. Meanwhile, a small cell voltage of 1.51 V was obtained upon using CoNi LDH‐Ni3S2/NF as a dual‐functional catalyst. Additionally, CoNi LDH‐Ni3S2/NF exhibits high stability with almost no change in HER and OER overpotentials and electrocatalytic total decomposition of water within 80,000 s.
Validation of physics‐based regional‐scale ground‐motion simulations of the 2008 Mw 7.9 Wenchuan earthquake for engineering applications
Authors: Zhang Fan , Mavroeidis George P. , Wang Jingquan , Papageorgiou Apostolos S. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe 2008 Mw 7.9 Wenchuan earthquake, one of the largest continental intraplate events instrumentally recorded, struck the central part of Sichuan Province in southwestern China causing great destruction and loss of life but also providing a wealth of seismological data, geodetic measurements, and tectonic observations. The Wenchuan earthquake ruptured two northwest‐dipping imbricate oblique reverse faults along the middle segment of the Longmenshan fault zone—a northeast‐trending thrust belt located at the boundary between the Tibetan Plateau and the Sichuan Basin. In this study, a hybrid approach that combines deterministic modeling at low frequencies with stochastic modeling at high frequencies is used to simulate broadband ground motions at 52 strong‐motion stations and 506 geodetic sites in the vicinity of the causative fault. The low‐frequency components of the synthetic ground motion are simulated using an extended kinematic source model embedded in a layered medium, whereas the high‐frequency components are generated using a stochastic finite‐fault model. The two independently derived ground‐motion components are then combined using matched filtering at a crossover frequency of 0.8 Hz to generate broadband ground‐motion time histories and response spectra. The temporal and spectral characteristics of the synthetic and recorded ground motions at the 52 strong‐motion stations are compared and the effect of soil nonlinearity on the simulated ground motions is investigated through 1‐D nonlinear site response analysis. Finally, the simulated permanent ground displacements at the 506 geodetic sites are evaluated against geodetic observations and the peak amplitudes of the synthetic ground motions at the same locations are compared with predictions of empirical ground‐motion models.
Field Validation of a Novel Passive Sampler for Dissolved PFAS in Surface Waters
Authors: Gardiner Christine , Robuck Anna , Becanova Jitka , Cantwell Mark , Kaserzon Sarit , Katz David , Mueller Jochen , Lohmann Rainer 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Numerous per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are of growing concern worldwide due to their ubiquitous presence, bioaccumulation and adverse effects. Surface waters in the United States have displayed elevated concentrations of PFAS, but so far discrete water sampling has been the commonly applied sampling approach. In the present study we field-tested a novel integrative passive sampler, a microporous polyethylene tube, and derived sampling rates (Rs) for nine PFAS in surface waters. Three sampling campaigns were conducted, deploying polyethylene tube passive samplers in the effluent of two wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluents and across Narragansett Bay (Rhode Island, USA) for 1 month each in 2017 and 2018. Passive samplers exhibited linear uptake of PFAS in the WWTP effluents over 16–29 days, with in situ Rs for nine PFAS ranging from 10 ml day−1 (perfluoropentanoic acid) to 29 ml day−1 (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid). Similar sampling rates of 19 ± 4.8 ml day−1 were observed in estuarine field deployments. Applying these Rs values in a different WWTP effluent predicted dissolved PFAS concentrations mostly within 50% of their observations in daily composite water samples, except for perfluorobutanoic acid (where predictions from passive samplers were 3 times greater than measured values), perfluorononanoic acid (1.9 times), perfluorodecanoic acid (1.7 times), and perfluoropentanesulfonic acid (0.1 times). These results highlight the potential use of passive samplers as measurement and assessment tools of PFAS in dynamic aquatic environments. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:2375–2385. © 2022 SETAC
Abstract
A novel integrative passive sampler was field-tested and sampling rates derived for nine per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in two wastewater treatment plant effluents and in Narragansett Bay surface waters.
The effect of broadband Internet on the gender gap in mental health: Evidence from Germany
Authors: Golin Marta 
Published: July 2022

AbstractMental health disorders are among the leading causes of disease burden worldwide. Recently, attention has been drawn to the Internet and social media as determinants of the increase in mental health conditions in recent years. In this paper, I analyze the causal effect of broadband Internet access on the mental health of adults. I leverage confidential information on the coordinates of respondents to the German Socio‐Economic Panel (GSOEP) and exploit technological features of the German telecommunication network to instrument for broadband Internet access. The results are suggestive that broadband Internet leads to worse mental health for women (primarily those aged 17–30) but not for men, thus widening the gender gap in mental disorders. Looking at sub‐facets of mental health, broadband access leads to a worsening of socializing behavior and ability to cope with emotional problems. The fact that the results are concentrated among the younger cohorts of women is suggestive that high Internet usage intensity amplifies the negative effect of broadband internet access on mental health.
A novel skin cancer prevention strategy: Preservice teachers' perceptions of a sun safety intervention and experiences in schools
Authors: Scott Joseph J. , Johnston Robyn S. , Darby Jill , Blane Sally , Strickland Mark , McNoe Bronwen M. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractIssue addressedTeachers play a vital role in developing children's sun protection routines however upskilling preservice teachers (PSTs) while at university has not yet been trialled as a targeted skin cancer prevention strategy. Hence, this study investigated PSTs perceptions and experiences of sun safety following a brief pilot intervention and placement in primary schools in Western Australia.MethodsThis study used a triangulation mixed methods design. Participants (n = 161) completed a post intervention survey which was analysed quantitatively. A random sub‐sample was invited to participate in focus groups (three groups, n = 21) and one‐on‐one interviews (n = 4). This data was transcribed and uploaded in NVIVO software for thematic analysis.ResultsParticipants felt the intervention increased their awareness of the dangers of overexposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) with many feeling more knowledgeable, skilled and confident to teach sun safety in school settings. Most reported clear sun safety messages in their placement schools. However, only 34.4% reported they had been briefed on the school's sun safety procedures. There was consensus among PSTs that sun protection in primary schools needs to be improved to maximise the protection of children from harmful UVR overexposure. Participants supported a need for consistent sun protection messaging across primary schools with greater emphasis on education rather than compliance management to sun protection.ConclusionEnhancing existing teacher education programs to include more rigorous curriculum content and pedagogical approaches to sun protection education is a novel skin cancer prevention strategy and could feasibly support PSTs self‐efficacy to effectively deliver sun safety curriculum in Australian schools.
Oxygen vacancies and N‐doping in organic–inorganic pre‐intercalated vanadium oxide for high‐performance aqueous zinc‐ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Feng , Du Min , Miao Zhenyu , Li Houzhen , Dong Wentao , Sang Yuanhua , Jiang Hechun , Li Wenzhi , Liu Hong , Wang Shuhua 
Published: July 2022

AbstractPre‐intercalation of metal ions into vanadium oxide is an effective strategy for optimizing the performance of rechargeable zinc‐ion battery (ZIB) cathodes. However, the battery long‐lifespan achievement and high‐capacity retention remain a challenge. Increasing the electronic conductivity while simultaneously prompting the cathode diffusion kinetics can improve ZIB electrochemical performance. Herein, N‐doped vanadium oxide (N‐(Zn,en)VO) via defect engineering is reported as cathode for aqueous ZIBs. Positron annihilation and electron paramagnetic resonance clearly indicate oxygen vacancies in the material. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations show that N‐doping and oxygen vacancies concurrently increase the electronic conductivity and accelerate the diffusion kinetics of zinc ions. Moreover, the presence of oxygen vacancies substantially increases the storage sites of zinc ions. Therefore, N‐(Zn,en)VO exhibits excellent electrochemical performance, including a peak capacity of 420.5 mA h g−1at 0.05 A g−1, a high power density of more than 10 000 W kg−1at 65.3 Wh kg−1, and a long cycle life at 5 A g−1(4500 cycles without capacity decay). The methodology adopted in our study can be applied to other cathodic materials to improve their performance and extend their practical applications.image
The significance of nanofiber polyglycolic acid for promoting tissue repair in a rat subcutaneous implantation model
Authors: Sueyoshi Yu , Niwa Atsuko , Nishikawa Yuki , Isogai Noritaka 
Published: July 2022

AbstractAmong various biomaterials, we focused on nanofiber‐based polyglycolic acid (PGA) fabric and examined the dynamics of cells that migrate within the non‐woven fabric after implantation. The efficacy of nano‐PGA as a tissue reinforcement in the process of subcutaneous tissue repair was immunohistochemically investigated. Two types of clinically available PGA non‐woven sheet (nano‐PGA: fiber diameter = 2.0 μm, conventional PGA: fiber diameter = 14.2 μm) were used and subcutaneously implanted in rats. Samples were collected 3 days, and 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks after the implantation to perform histological and immunohistochemical (CD68, CD163, α‐SMA, Type I collagen, CD34, MCP‐1, IL‐6, TNF‐α, TGF‐β, VEGF, IgG) examinations to assess the expression of molecules related to inflammation or tissue repair. Immunohistochemical analysis in nano‐PGA revealed that the intensity and positive cells (CD68, MCP‐1, IL‐6, TNF‐α) significantly increased which indicated an early inflammatory response. This was followed by phagocytosis of nano‐PGA with foreign body giant cells and CD68+ macrophages. Finally, the number of proliferating cells (CD163, α‐SMA, TGF‐β) and angiogenesis (CD34, VEGF) for tissue repair promoted the formation of collagen fibers (type I collagen). Unlike nano‐PGA, implantation of conventional PGA sheet resulted in a prolonged inflammatory response and was characterized by the presence of discontinuous collagen fibers with many foreign body giant cells, which did not lead to tissue repair. Nano‐PGA sheets demonstrated a better tissue compatibility compared with conventional PGA by inducing early polarization to M2 phenotype macrophages, which triggered subsequent angiogenesis and tissue repair in the subcutaneous tissue.
Farrerol exhibits inhibitory effects on lung adenocarcinoma cells by activating the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway
Authors: Guo Yi , Li Quan , Xia Rongmu , Cai Chuanshu 
Published: July 2022

AbstractFarrerol is an herbal compound extracted from rhododendron. Here, our study is to investigate biological effects of farrerol on lung adenocarcinoma (LAC) cells. Human LAC cell lines and xenograft mouse model were utilized to define the effects of farrerol on tumor growth. Our findings indicated that farrerol significantly reduced LAC cell viability as well as the colony‐forming capacity. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that farrerol contributed to cell apoptosis and G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest. Mechanistically, farrerol treatment upregulated proapoptotic molecules (Bak, Bid, cleaved caspase‐3 and cleaved caspase‐9) and senescence markers (p16 and p2), but downregulated antiapoptosis genes (Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐XL) and cell cycle‐associated genes (CyclinD1 and CDK4); meanwhile, the phosphorylation of retinoblastoma (Rb) protein was attenuated upon pretreatment of LAC cells with farrerol in comparison to untreated control. Further studies indicated that farrerol elevated reactive oxygen species levels, activating mitochondrial apoptotic pathway and causing cell apoptosis. However, exposure to farrerol did not result in significant apoptosis in normal lung epithelial cells, suggesting a tumor‐specific effect of farrerol on LAC cells. In animal model, farrerol showed a significant inhibitory effect on LAC xenograft tumor growth. And gene expressions in tumor tissues, as mentioned above, were in line with the in vitro results. Taken together, these results suggested that farrerol caused LAC cell apoptosis by activating mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, whereas farrerol treatment had no notable effect on normal lung epithelial cells. Farrerol might be an effective therapeutic drug for LAC.
The protective effect of vitamin U on pentylenetetrazole‐induced brain damage in rats
Authors: Bayrak Gamze , Turkyilmaz Ismet Burcu , Yanardag Refiye 
Published: July 2022

AbstractPentylenetetrazole (PTZ) is preferred for experimental epilepsy induction. PTZ damages brain and other organs by elevating oxidative substances. Vitamin U (Vit U) is sulfur derivative substance that proved to be an excellent antioxidant. The current study was intended to determine the protective role of Vit U on PTZ‐induced brain damage. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were separated into four groups. The Control group (Group I), was given saline for 7 days intraperitoneally (i.p); Vit U (Group II) was given as 50 mg/kg/day for 7 days by gavage; PTZ was injected into animals (Group III) at a single dose of 60 mg/kg, by i.p; PTZ + Vit U group (Group IV) was administered PTZ and Vit U in same dose and time as aforementioned. After the experiment was terminated, brain tissues were taken for the preparation of homogenates. In the PTZ group, glutathione and lipid peroxidation levels, alkaline phosphatase, myeloperoxidase, xanthine oxidase, acetylcholine esterase, antioxidant enzyme activities, total oxidant status, oxidative stress index, reactive oxygen species, and nitric oxide levels were increased. However, total antioxidant capacity was decreased in the PTZ group. Vit U ameliorated these effects in the PTZ‐induced brain damage. Consequently, we can suggest that Vit U protected brain tissue via its antioxidant feature against PTZ kindling epilepsy.
Pubertal emergence of testosterone effects on depressive symptoms in boys
Authors: Culbert Kristen M. , Milá Roa Antonio , Stevens Kimberly , Sisk Cheryl L. , Burt S. Alexandra , Klump Kelly L. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractBackgroundPuberty‐driven increases in the secretion of testosterone may be a biological factor that protects males against the development of depression. Although all males produce testosterone, there are substantial between‐person differences that could contribute to differential vulnerability to depression among pre‐adolescent and adolescent boys, particularly after pubertal onset. Indeed, experimental animal and human data have shown that low testosterone increases risk for depressive‐like symptoms in males, whereas higher levels of testosterone may be protective; however, prior studies have primarily investigated these effects in adulthood. This study investigated whether lower circulating levels of testosterone predict depressive symptoms in pre‐adolescent and adolescent boys, and in particular, whether the testosterone‐depression association becomes prominent with advancing pubertal maturation.MethodsMale twins (N = 213; ages 10–15 years) from the Michigan State University Twin Registry self‐reported their depressive symptoms and pubertal status using the Children's Depression Inventory and the Pubertal Development Scale, respectively. Salivary testosterone was assayed using high‐sensitivity enzyme immunoassays. Mixed Linear Models (MLMs), which could account for the non‐independence of twin data, were used for analyses.ResultsAs expected, lower testosterone concentrations were associated with higher depressive symptoms, and the magnitude of this effect increased with advancing pubertal status. In contrast, boys with higher levels of testosterone showed low levels of depressive symptomatology at all stages of pubertal maturation.ConclusionsOverall, these findings enhance understanding of within‐sex variability in risk for depression in boys – average‐to‐high testosterone levels may underlie the general male resilience to depression after pubertal onset, whereas lower levels may increase vulnerability during/after puberty.