bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of calcium on acute sodium chloride toxicity in Daphnia species
Authors: Buren Shakira , Arnott Shelley E 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Chloride concentrations in freshwater are rising, with toxic effects on aquatic life. In temperate regions with cold winters, road salt used for deicing paved surfaces is a primary cause. There is evidence that water hardness can modify salt toxicity, but data are insufficient to inform policy. Because calcium is a primary ion influencing water hardness and there is widespread calcium decline in lakes, we examined the effects of varying calcium concentrations on acute salt toxicity in three Daphnia species to gain a greater understanding of the water hardness–salt toxicity relationship. We conducted 48-hr acute sodium chloride (NaCl) toxicity tests, using chloride concentrations as our metric, on neonates less than 24 hrs old in six calcium treatments: 1.5 to 128 mg/L (hardness ∼7 to 323 mgCaCO3/L). We determined the effective concentration of chloride that was lethal to 10%, 25%, and 50% of the sample populations from each iso-female line in each calcium treatment. Acute NaCl toxicity decreased as calcium concentrations increased. The relationship between NaCl toxicity and calcium concentration differed among Daphnia, such that Daphnia catawba and Daphnia pulex were more sensitive to NaCl in lower calcium treatments and less sensitive in higher calcium treatments compared to Daphnia pulicaria. Our results provide evidence that water quality guidelines are not protective enough for aquatic life in very soft water (≤3 mg Ca2+/L, 11.3 mg CaCO3/L) because most ECxx values we found for Daphnia were significantly lower than Canada’s national guidelines for short-term chloride exposure. There are already many lakes with calcium concentrations below 3 mg/L, and global widespread calcium decline may put more aquatic ecosystems at risk of experiencing NaCl toxicity.
Visualization of labeled micro- and nanoplastics in interaction with algae, using super-resolution stimulated emission depletion microscopy and fluorescence lifetime imaging
Authors: Sioen Marie , De Keersmaecker Herlinde , Vercauteren Maaike , Janssen Colin , Asselman Jana 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
In contrast to microplastics, studying the interactions of nanoplastics (NPs) with primary producers such as marine microalgae remains challenging. This is attributed to the lack of adequate visualization methods that can distinguish NPs from autofluorescent biological material such as marine algae. The aim of this study was to develop a method for labeling and visualizing nonfluorescent micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) of various polymer types, shapes, and sizes, in interaction with marine primary producers, which are autofluorescent. A labeling technique for plastics was refined, using a swell incorporation method with the commercial dye “IDye.” Comprehensive quality control measures, including toxicity, leaching, and dye longevity tests, were applied to ensure the robustness of the method. Although stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy successfully enabled the visualization of the diverse labeled NPs smaller than 200 nm, it could not distinguish NPs from autofluorescent organic material such as marine microalgae, due to overlapping excitation and emission spectra with the photosynthetically active molecule chlorophyll-a. This study is the first to advance the field by coupling STED with fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM). The FLIM technique, based on the differing lifetimes of fluorescent signals, allowed us to overcome the challenge of overlapping spectra. Our work not only refines and expands existing plastic labeling protocols to accommodate a wide range of polymer types, but also introduces a more precise method for studying interactions between MNPs and autofluorescent organisms. This combined STED-FLIM approach provides a reproducible and reliable framework for examining MNP impacts in complex, ecologically relevant environments, particularly highlighting its potential for investigating MNP–microalgae interactions.
Spatial occurrence of emerging contaminants in rivers and wastewater. Analysis of environmental and human risks
Authors: Teglia Carla Mariela , Gutierrez Fabiana Andrea , Machado Selva , Hadad Hérnan Ricardo , Maine María Alejandra , Goicoechea Héctor Casimiro 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This study assesses the occurrence of emerging contaminants (ECs) from agricultural and livestock production activities along the Salado River (Santa Fe province, Argentina). Of the 23 ECs studied, 8 were detected and quantified in river and wastewater samples, including ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin, chlorpyrifos-methyl, albendazole, fenbendazole, levamisole, diazepam, and thiamethoxam. In river samples, the highest concentrations corresponded to ciprofloxacin, chlorpyrifos-methyl, and enrofloxacin. In wastewater samples, albendazole, fenbendazole, ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin, and thiamethoxam were found. The detection frequency ranged from 4.2% to 54.2% in river samples and from 11.1% to 22.2% in wastewater samples. The spatial distribution of contaminants showed different concentrations, with higher levels often found near urban and agricultural areas, suggesting anthropogenic sources. Ecological risk assessments for different organisms were conducted. Ciprofloxacin posed the highest risk, especially affecting bacteria, cyanobacteria, and algae. Diazepam also was found to pose significant risks to algae, crustaceans, and fishes. Chlorpyrifos-methyl was identified as highly hazardous to multiple living organisms, which is in agreement with the fish mortality that occurred at the sampling sites. The risk assessment in humans showed differences among children, adolescents, and adults, with infants (6 months to 1 year) being at a higher risk than adults. Children may be at a higher daily intake of contaminants than adults, raising concerns about the long-term effects of exposure. This work underscores the critical need for monitoring and regulating ECs in aquatic environments. Further studies are necessary to fully understand their impact and to develop effective strategies for mitigating their presence in water systems.
Trends in smoking-attributable cardiovascular mortality in Germany
Authors: Mons Ute , Lohner Valerie , Seuthe Katharina 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
We quantified the fraction of cardiovascular deaths attributable to smoking in Germany over time, accounting for population ageing. We calculated population-attributable fractions to quantify cardiovascular deaths attributable to smoking for 1992 to 2021, and compared actual with age-standardized figures. We found a significant decline in the number of cardiovascular deaths attributable to smoking: from about 71 900 cases in 1992 to around 42 000 cases in 2021, with a steeper decline in men. Age-standardized figures suggest that population ageing partially offset this trend. Forward projections indicate increasing trends over the next decade. The results highlight the need for targeted smoking cessation programmes.
Fungal communities in boreal soils are influenced by land use, agricultural soil management, and depth
Authors: Häkkinen Laura , Pessi Igor S , Salonen Anna-Reetta , Uhlgren Oona , Soinne Helena , Hultman Jenni , Heinonsalo Jussi 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Land use and agricultural soil management affect soil fungal communities that ultimately influence soil health. Subsoils harbor nutrient reservoir for plants and can play a significant role in plant growth and soil carbon sequestration. Typically, microbial analyses are restricted to topsoil (0–30 cm) leaving subsoil fungal communities underexplored. To address this knowledge gap, we analyzed fungal communities in the vertical profile of four boreal soil treatments: long-term (24 years) organic and conventional crop rotation, meadow, and forest. Internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) amplicon sequencing revealed soil-layer-specific land use or agricultural soil management effects on fungal communities down to the deepest measured soil layer (40–80 cm). Compared to other treatments, higher proportion of symbiotrophs, saprotrophs, and pathotrophs + plant pathogens were found in forest, meadow and crop rotations, respectively. The proportion of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi was higher in deeper (&gt;20 cm) soil than in topsoil. Forest soil below 20 cm was dominated by fungal functional groups with proposed interactions with plants or other soil biota, whether symbiotrophic or pathotrophic. Ferrous oxide was an important factor shaping fungal communities throughout the vertical profile of meadow and cropping systems. Our results emphasize the importance of including subsoil in microbial community analyses in differently managed soils.
Rice husk- and lemongrass-derived eco-enzymes as potential food contact surface disinfectants against biofilm-forming foodborne pathogens
Authors: Vimalanathan Vickneish , Hasan Hanan , Kunasegaran Vickineshwari , Sarawanan Kausalyaa , Ilangovan Monisha , Sandrasaigaran Pratheep 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This study aims to evaluate the rice husk (EE-R)- and lemongrass (EE-L)-derived eco-enzymes (EE) as alternatives to chemical-based disinfectants. The EE-R’s and EE-L’s antimicrobial activity were tested against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Staphylococcus aureus using a broth microdilution method. The antibiofilm activities of EE were determined using crystal violet staining. Lastly, the minimal contact time of EE for effectively reducing biofilm-forming pathogens (&lt;25 CFU/ml) was assessed on various food contact surfaces (wood, glass, plastic, stainless steel, and marble). The results show that EE-R at 25%–50% concentration significantly inhibited P. aeruginosa and S. aureus while reducing the initial biofilm formation by 61% and 58%, respectively. In contrast, EE-L inhibited S. Typhimurium at a concentration of 12.5%–50% and P. aeruginosa at 25%–50%, with a strong preformed biofilm inhibition noticed for S. Typhimurium (70%). For the minimal contact time, EE-R superiorly inhibited P. aeruginosa (60 s) and S. aureus (120 s) on all contact surfaces, while EE-L needed 120 s to reduce P. aeruginosa and S. Typhimurium. These outcomes were comparable to sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl, 2.5%). The study’s outcomes implicate the potential application of EE-R and EE-L as surface disinfectants against biofilm-forming bacteria, thus promoting safer food processing practices while minimizing environmental impacts.
Resilience Through Social Connectedness and Cognition: Is Theory of Mind a Form of Enrichment for Older adults?
Authors: Krendl Anne C , Hamilton Lucas J , Apostolova Liana G , Perry Brea L 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Objective
Social connectedness is a modifiable lifestyle factor that delays age-related cognitive decline. Using cross-sectional, longitudinal, and experimental approaches, we examined whether theory of mind—inferring what others think or feel—is a potential mechanism underlying this relationship.

Methods
In Study 1, 305 community-dwelling older adults participating in two different, but related, studies completed comprehensive measures of general cognition, theory of mind, and personal social networks. We examined whether theory of mind mediated the relationship between older adults’ social connectedness and cognition. One hundred and ten of those participants completed follow-up social network interviews and cognitive assessments about 1.5 years later to determine whether baseline social connectedness and theory of mind predicted cognitive change. In Study 2, 55 other older adults completed a procedural discourse task targeting a close and distant network member. We predicted that higher theory of mind would be reflected through providing more details to distant, versus close, others, especially among older adults with larger, less interconnected, personal social networks.

Results
Results revealed that theory of mind accounted for 32% of the relationship between social connectedness and overall cognition, even when covarying age, gender, education, and a control task. The effects were particularly robust for episodic memory and language. Longitudinal analyses replicated this pattern. In Study 2, older adults with larger, less dense social networks provided more details to distant versus very close network members.

Discussion
Together, these results suggest that theory of mind may provide the mechanism through which social connectedness confers cognitive resilience associated with slower cognitive decline.
Communications Needs of Family Caregivers of Geriatric Unit Residents at End-of-Life
Authors: Cohen Rinat , Maydan Gal , Brill Shai , Cohen-Mansfield Jiska 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background and Objectives
There is a dearth of literature regarding the communication needs of family caregivers of institutionalized older adults and the degree to which these needs are fulfilled. This study aimed to clarify those needs regarding communication with staff in geriatric facilities during older noncommunicative residents’ end-of-life.

Research Design and Methods
Personal interviews were conducted with 135 family caregivers from 2 geriatric medical centers and 2 nursing homes in Israel. Questions referred to the quality of available communication and family caregivers’ communication needs. We utilized inductive content analysis to identify these needs.

Results
The first and last authors independently examined all the qualitative data regarding family caregivers’ needs, and identified themes and categories based on similarities. These were further discussed and modified until agreement was reached. Family caregivers wished to have an available staff member to approach when needed, to be kept current on their older relatives’ condition, to feel supported during a difficult time in their lives, and to overcome language and cultural barriers.

Discussion and Implications
This is the first study to examine family caregivers’ communication needs using a broad perspective that relates to overall needs rather than specific ones, thus yielding a fuller understanding of family caregivers’ emotional and practical needs, as well as language and cultural barriers. Translating these needs into practice by offering guidelines on how to fulfill them and developing tailored interventions and tools to assess them may improve not only communication but also end-of-life care for residents of geriatric facilities.
Knowledge graph–based thought: a knowledge graph–enhanced LLM framework for pan-cancer question answering
Authors: Feng Yichun , Zhou Lu , Ma Chao , Zheng Yikai , He Ruikun , Li Yixue 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
In recent years, large language models (LLMs) have shown promise in various domains, notably in biomedical sciences. However, their real-world application is often limited by issues like erroneous outputs and hallucinatory responses.

Results
We developed the knowledge graph–based thought (KGT) framework, an innovative solution that integrates LLMs with knowledge graphs (KGs) to improve their initial responses by utilizing verifiable information from KGs, thus significantly reducing factual errors in reasoning. The KGT framework demonstrates strong adaptability and performs well across various open-source LLMs. Notably, KGT can facilitate the discovery of new uses for existing drugs through potential drug–cancer associations and can assist in predicting resistance by analyzing relevant biomarkers and genetic mechanisms. To evaluate the knowledge graph question answering task within biomedicine, we utilize a pan-cancer knowledge graph to develop a pan-cancer question answering benchmark, named pan-cancer question answering.

Conclusions
The KGT framework substantially improves the accuracy and utility of LLMs in the biomedical field. This study serves as a proof of concept, demonstrating its exceptional performance in biomedical question answering.
Substituting confidence for competence in health literacy: a review of studies, citations, and trial registrations
Authors: Jagemann Inga , Thiele Christian , von Brachel Ruth , Hirschfeld Gerrit 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Patient health literacy is crucial for effective patient–physician communication, and interventions targeting health literacy can use measures based on either actual performance (competence) or self-ratings (confidence). This paper analyzed the development of these measures through three studies. Study 1 reviewed articles describing the development of novel measures; Study 2 examined the citations of these studies, and Study 3 evaluated data from clinical trials registries. The literature search was conducted from 14 April 2023 to 27 April 2023. PubMed was used as the main database in which studies on health literacy measures were searched for the systematic review (Study 1). We then used Google Scholar and the OpenCitations database to describe citation patterns of the included health literacy measures (Study 2). Finally, we evaluated confidence- or competence-based health literacy measures by extracting and analyzing trial data from ClinicalTrials.gov (Study 3). Our review included 55 health literacy measures, among which 23 (42%) were competence-based, 28 (51%) confidence-based, and 4 (7%) assessed both. Recent trends show a shift toward developing more confidence-based measures and a decline in creating new competence-based measures. Confidence-based measures were increasingly cited, whereas citations for competence-based measures have plateaued. Lastly, our findings showed a steady increase in the use of confidence-based measures in recent clinical trials and a decrease in the use of competence-based measures when controlling for sample size. This shift may be problematic because confidence-based measures do not improve our limited knowledge about patients’ actual ability to meet demands of shared decision-making, especially regarding new technologies like artificial intelligence in healthcare.
The effect of motivational interview-based breastfeeding education on breastfeeding motivation, success, self-efficacy perceptions, and exclusive breastfeeding duration after cesarean section: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bekmezci Ebru , Meram Halime Esra 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of motivational interview-based breastfeeding education on breastfeeding motivation, breastfeeding success, self-efficacy perceptions, and exclusive breastfeeding duration in primiparous mothers after cesarean section. A parallel-group randomized controlled experimental study. Mothers were randomly assigned to an intervention group (IG; n = 39) and a control group (CG; n = 37). IG was provided with four sessions of motivational interview-based breastfeeding education, while CG did not receive any motivational interview-based education. The research data were collected by using ‘Introductory Information Form’, ‘Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form’, ‘LATCH Breastfeeding Assessment Tool’, ‘The Primipara Breastfeeding Motivation Scale’, and ‘Importance and Confidence-Sufficiency Rulers’. In addition, in the follow-ups except for the pretest, mothers were asked about exclusive breastfeeding. The study was registered at ClinicalTrials database (NCT05562245). Group × time interactions in mothers, breastfeeding self-efficacy, breastfeeding success, the value ascribed to breastfeeding, breastfeeding self-effectiveness, and confidence sufficiency in breastfeeding ability were statistically significant (P &lt; 0.05). A motivational interviewing-based breastfeeding education provided to mothers increased their breastfeeding self-efficacy, the value ascribed to breastfeeding, and confidence sufficiency in breastfeeding ability. Therefore, motivational interviewing can contribute to mothers’ positive experience of breastfeeding.
UBE2S, downregulated by miR-152-3p, facilitates prostate cancer progression through the PTEN-mediated AKT/mTOR pathway
Authors: Wang Chunhui , Zhang Gang , Jiang Ying , Bao Guochang , Li Chunsheng 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Objectives: In recent years, the incidence and mortality rates of prostate cancer (PCa) have still not been significantly reduced and the mechanisms of tumor onset and progression are still not fully understood. The pathogenic mechanisms and upstream regulation of UBE2S expression in prostate cancer have not been elucidated. Methods: Here, we performed bioinformatic analysis of public databases to reveal the expression of UBE2S in PCa and its association with Gleason score, tumor staging, biochemical recurrence, and survival. Subsequently, the effect of UBE2S on the proliferation and invasive capacity of PCa cells was explored. Next, miR-152-3p was identified to bind to the 3′-UTR of UBE2S mRNA and down-regulated in PCa through luciferase reporter assays. Dual immunofluorescence assay and co-immunoprecipitation assays were performed to verify the regulatory role of UBE2S on PTEN. Finally, the molecular mechanism of UBE2S regulation of PCa progression was further confirmed by rescue experiments and in vivo nude mouse subcutaneous transplantation tumor experiments. Results: UBE2S expression was upregulated in PCa and correlated with patient Gleason score, TNM stage, biochemical recurrence, and disease-free survival. miR-152-3p regulated UBE2S expression in PCa by binding to the UBE2S mRNA 3′-UTR. Mechanistically, UBE2S combines with PTEN and ubiquitinates it, leading to PTEN degradation and ultimately promoting PCa progression via the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Conclusions: UBE2S, down-regulated by miR-152-3p, plays an important role in the onset and progression of PCa through the PTEN-mediated Akt/mTOR pathway and may become a new diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for PCa.
Changes in traffic-related air pollution exposures and associations with adverse birth outcomes over 20 years in Texas
Authors: Hystad Perry , Hill Elaine L , Larkin Andrew , Schrank David , Harleman Max , Volkin Evan , Campbell Erin J , Molitor John , Harris Lena , Ritz Beate R , Willis Mary D 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Billions of dollars have been spent implementing regulations to reduce traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) from exhaust pipe emissions. However, few health studies have evaluated the change in TRAP emissions and associations with infant health outcomes. We hypothesize that the magnitude of association between vehicle exposure measures and adverse birth outcomes has decreased over time, parallelling regulatory improvements in exhaust pipe emissions.

Methods
Using birth records in Texas from 1996 to 2016, we calculated residential exposure measures related to TRAP: nitrogen dioxide (NO2, a marker of the TRAP mixture), vehicle miles travelled within 500 m of homes (VMT500), a measure of traffic volume, and highway proximity. Using an accountability study framework, our analysis examined term birthweight, term low birthweight (TLBW) (&lt;2500 g), preterm birth (PTB) (&lt;37 weeks) and very preterm birth (VPTB) (&lt;32 weeks). We implemented linear and logistic regression models to examine overall and time-stratified associations, including trends by race/ethnicity and socioeconomic groups.

Results
Among exposures for 6 158 518 births, NO2 exposures decreased 59% over time but VMT500 remained relatively stable. TRAP-related exposure measures were persistently associated with harmful birth outcomes [e.g. OR1996-2016 of 1.07 (95% CI: 1.04, 1.08) for TLBW comparing the highest vs lowest NO2 quintile]. The magnitude of associations decreased for total VMT500 and TLBW (-60%, OR1996: 1.08 to OR2016: 1.03 for the highest vs lowest quintile) and PTB (-65%) and VTPT (-61%), but not for term birthweight.

Conclusions
We observed evidence of small improvements in birth outcomes associated with reductions in exhaust pipe emissions over a 20-year period in Texas.