bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unravelling the influence of landscape alteration from flow alteration on benthic macroinvertebrate assemblage response in the Delaware River Basin
Authors: Kennen Jonathan G. , Cuffney Thomas F. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractQuantifying the effects of streamflow alteration on assemblage response is central to understanding the role humans play in shaping aquatic environments. These changes represent a level of complexity that impedes developing quantitative links between flow and ecological response because stream hydrology is strongly intertwined with natural and anthropogenic factors. Better management outcomes require disentangling these linkages. Benthic macroinvertebrate data were combined with GIS‐derived natural and anthropogenic basin characteristics to identify factors associated with changes in flow and assemblage characteristics. Models linking streamflow metrics and macroinvertebrate response at basin‐ and subregion‐scales were developed using boosted regression tree (BRT) analysis. Basin‐scale BRT analyses revealed that links between macroinvertebrate response and streamflow metrics were often obscured, whereas more homogeneous subregions were better able to discern relations with flow. Urban land cover was the primary factor accounting for changes in flow characteristics. Elevation, land cover and high flow frequency were the principal variables driving changes in assemblage structure within subregions. Assemblage metrics and traits were equally useful for building response models and were affected similarly by flow alteration. Our results indicate that response models based on upland and lowland subregions performed better than basin‐scale models. However, when defining subregions, care should be taken to maintain data sufficiency. Developing practical flow‐protection standards that support a balance between human water requirements and ecological integrity requires models that reduce uncertainty and identify management‐relevant drivers. However, effective management often differs by location and models developed at the subregion level may be more applicable to management and stakeholder interests.
210Pbxs. is a viable alternative to 137Cs for tracing soil redistribution in mountain pastures affected by heterogeneous Chernobyl fallout
Authors: Baccolo Giovanni , El Khair Davide Abu , Nastasi Massimiliano , Sisti Monica , Ferrè Chiara , Alewell Christine , Comolli Roberto 
Published: November 2022

AbstractSoil mobilization has been investigated by means of fallout radionuclides (FRN) in a first‐order catchment of the Eastern Alps. Caesium‐137, 210Pbxs. (210Pb excess or unsupported fraction), and 241Am have been measured in soil samples collected from a pasture at about 2150 m above sea level. Combining pedological and radioactivity data, including mineral‐related radionuclides (primordial 40K and nuclides belonging to the 232Th and 238U decay chains), the distribution of FRNs, their spatial variability, vertical distribution, and relationships with pedological and topographical variables were assessed. Because of low activity concentration, it was not possible to use artificial long‐lived 241Am as a soil tracer, but preliminary results are encouraging. Inventories of 210Pbxs. and 137Cs have been converted into soil mobilization rates applying the MODERN model. Despite the gentle steepness and the absence of evident signs of erosion, the slopes of the considered catchment are affected by erosion at a rate up to 6 t ha−1 yr−1, likely related to grazing. A comparison between 210Pbxs. and 137Cs has revealed that at this site 137Cs, the most used FRN for estimating soil redistribution, is not suitable for this purpose, probably due to its irregular spatial distribution on snow‐covered ground after the Chernobyl accident. Conversely, 210Pbxs., owing to its continuous input, has provided reliable estimates of soil redistribution rates, in accordance with local morphology. The latter has in fact been related to morphometric variables in a regression model to provide an overview of soil erosion/sedimentation across the entire catchment, confirming that 210Pbxs. is a viable alternative to trace soil erosion and deposition where the Chernobyl fallout occurred on snow‐covered ground.
Do Pharmaceuticals in the Environment Pose a Risk to Wildlife?
Authors: Bean Thomas G. , Chadwick Elizabeth A. , Herrero-Villar Marta , Mateo Rafael , Naidoo Vinny , Rattner Barnett A. 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
The vast majority of knowledge related to the question “To what extent do pharmaceuticals in the environment pose a risk to wildlife?” stems from the Asian vulture crisis (&gt;99% decline of some species of Old World vultures on the Indian subcontinent related to the veterinary use of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug [NSAID] diclofenac). The hazard of diclofenac and other NSAIDs (carprofen, flunixin, ketoprofen, nimesulide, phenylbutazone) to vultures and other avian species has since been demonstrated; indeed, only meloxicam and tolfenamic acid have been found to be vulture-safe. Since diclofenac was approved for veterinary use in Spain and Italy in 2013 (home to ~95% of vultures in Europe), the risk of NSAIDs to vultures in these countries has become one of the principal concerns related to pharmaceuticals and wildlife. Many of the other bodies of work on pharmaceutical exposure, hazard and risk to wildlife also relate to adverse effects in birds (e.g., poisoning of scavenging birds in North America and Europe from animal carcasses containing pentobarbital, secondary and even tertiary poisoning of birds exposed to pesticides used in veterinary medicine as cattle dips, migratory birds as a vector for the transfer of antimicrobial and antifungal resistance). Although there is some research related to endocrine disruption in reptiles and potential exposure of aerial insectivores, there remain numerous knowledge gaps for risk posed by pharmaceuticals to amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. Developing noninvasive sampling techniques and new approach methodologies (e.g., genomic, in vitro, in silico, in ovo) is important if we are to bridge the current knowledge gaps without extensive vertebrate testing. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:595–610. © 2022 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
Creatine consumption and liver disease manifestations in individuals aged 12 years and over
Authors: Todorovic Nikola , Korovljev Darinka , Stajer Valdemar , Jorga Jagoda , Ostojic Sergej M. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractDespite the overwhelming safety evidence concerning creatine intake in various settings, there is still incomplete information whether dietary creatine affects liver health at the population level. The main aim of this cross‐sectional population‐based study was to evaluate the association between creatine intake through regular diet and liver disease manifestations, including liver fibrosis and hepatic steatosis, among individuals aged 12 years and over, using open‐source data from the 2017–2018 U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). A total of 9254 male and female participants of all ages were included in the 2017–2018 NHANES round. We extracted data from the total sample population for participants who provided dietary data for individual foods via dietary interviews and examination data from liver ultrasound transient elastography. The final study sample consisted of 5957 participants (mean age 44.7 ± 21.0 years; 50.1% women), and the mean dietary creatine intake across the study population was 0.88 ± 0.71 g/day. Liver fibrosis and cirrhosis were diagnosed in 1703 (28.7%) and 288 (4.8%) participants, respectively; hepatic steatosis was identified in 2595 (43.7%) individuals. Binary logistic regression with multivariable model adjusted for age, gender, family income to poverty ratio, body mass index, total energy intake, and alcohol consumption showed that consuming more creatine (≥2 g/day) did not significantly increase the risk of liver fibrosis (OR = 0.92, 95% CI 0.70–1.21, p = .57), cirrhosis (OR = 0.94, 95% CI 0.53–1.65, p = .82), or hepatic steatosis (OR = 0.77, 95% CI 0.59–1.02, p = .07), as compared to participants who ingested <1 g of creatine daily. Dietary exposure to creatine through a regular diet is not associated with an increase in disease manifestations in individuals 12 years and over; further research is warranted to address the effects of excessive creatine intake (≥5 g/day) through a regular diet on liver health at the population level.
Mechanisms of the Ammonium Sulfate Roasting of Spent Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Qu Xin , Tang Yiqi , Li Mengting , Liu DongXu , Gao Shuaibo , Yin Huayi 
Published: November 2022

AbstractAmmonium sulfate ((NH4)2SO4) assisted roasting has been proven to be an effective way to convert spent lithium‐ion battery cathodes to water‐soluble salts. Herein, thermogravimetric (TG) experiments are performed to analyze the mechanism of the sulfation conversion process. First, the reaction activation energies of the sulfate‐assisted roasting are 88.87 and 95.27 kJ mol−1, which are calculated by Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose (KAS) and Flynn–Wall–Ozawa (FWO) methods, respectively. Then, nucleation and growth are determined and verified as the sulfation reaction model by the Šatava–Šesták method. Finally, sub‐reactions of the sulfation process are investigated and reaction controlling mechanisms are determined by the contribution of sub‐reaction. Based on the thermogravimetric analysis, the phase boundary reaction is found to dominate in the initial step of the roasting process (α < 0.6) while the nucleation reaction controlls the following step (α > 0.6), agreeing well with changing trend of activation energy. Overall, thermogravimetric analysis is a general way to study the mechanism of the various roasting processes.
Performance analysis and experimental validation of a vee‐corrugated absorber integrated collector storage solar water heater
Authors: Kumar Ayush , Prakash Om 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThis paper focuses on enhancing the energy collection efficiency of an integrated collector storage solar water heater (ICS SWH) by vee‐corrugating the absorber and optimizing the design for the vee‐included angle through simulation and experimental study. This paper presents an efficient algorithm for analyzing a vee‐corrugated absorber ICS SWH using Engineering Equation Solver Software. For validating this algorithm, two models of ICS SWH systems have been fabricated: one with a flat absorber and the other with a 60° vee‐included angle corrugated absorber with eight corrugations. The basic purpose of the fabrication of the flat absorber ICS SWH system was to approximate the absorptivity of the absorber. A typical value of 0.68 was estimated for the absorptivity of the aluminum absorber coated with nonselective black paint. After the experimental investigation of the 60° vee‐included angle ICS SWH system, it was found that the real‐time readings were in close agreement with the numerical model readings. For comparison with the previous work, a five‐corrugation system with an approximate 90° vee‐included angle with the same projected dimensions was modeled and the efficiencies of both the models for the time from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. were calculated. The efficiency of the eight‐corrugation model was 42.56%, which was better than the previous work of the five‐corrugation model, with a 38.86% efficiency for the same ambient conditions. Also, it was theoretically deduced that we had an optimized system at 18 corrugations and a vee‐included angle of 28.78°.
Overexpression of CD86 enhances the ability of THP‐1 macrophages to defend against Talaromyces marneffei
Authors: Chen Rifeng , Yang Di , Shen Linxia , Fang Jinling , Khan Raqib , Liu Donghua 
Published: November 2022

AbstractBackgroundMacrophages are the first line of defense against Talaromyces marneffei. CD86 is a surface molecule expressed on antigen‐presenting cells, such as macrophages, that provide costimulatory signals necessary for T cell activation and survival. In a prior study, it was shown that as infection progressed, CD86 expression levels in macrophages considerably declined while CD86 concentrations in the supernatant significantly increased. Additionally, M1 macrophage polarization was insufficient and switched to M2 macrophage polarization. Besides costimulation, however, additional roles of CD86 are not known or well‐studies. Therefore, we hypothesized that upregulating CD86 on macrophages might promote T. marneffei defense.MethodsA lentivirus vector, called Lenti‐CD86, was used to infect THP‐1 cells to overexpress secretory CD86. Through killing assay, nitric oxide detection, and cytokine detection, the capacity of THP‐1 macrophages to phagocytose and kill T. marneffei was examined.ResultsIn the current study, Lenti‐CD86 transfection of THP‐1 cells resulted in a signifant expression of CD86. Additionally, the THP‐1 macrophages stably transfected with Lenti‐CD86 showed higher nitric oxide and IL‐1β production, faster polarization, and stronger phagocytosis and killing capabilities than the non‐transfected or control virus transfected cells.ConclusionOur study shows that lentivirus‐mediated CD86 overexpression improves THP‐1 macrophages' capacity to phagocytose and eliminate T. marneffei.
Volatility spillovers, hedging and safe‐havens under pandemics: All that glitters is not gold!
Authors: Ghabri Yosra , Huynh Luu Duc Toan , Nasir Muhammad Ali 
Published: November 2022

AbstractIn the context of the COVID‐19's outbreak and its implications for the financial sector, this study analyses the aspect of hedging and safe‐haven under the pandemic. Drawing on the daily data from 02 August 2019 to 17 April 2020, our key findings suggest that the contagious effects in financial assets' returns significantly increased under COVID‐19, indicating exacerbated market risk. The connectedness spiked in the middle of March, consistent with lockdown timings in major economies. The effect became severe with the WHO's declaration of a pandemic, confirming negative news effects. The return connectedness suggests that COVID‐19 has been a catalyst of contagious effects on the financial markets. The crude oil and the government bonds are however not as much affected by the spillovers as their endogenous innovation. In terms of spillovers, we do find the safe‐haven function of Gold and Bitcoin. Comparatively, the safe‐haven effectiveness of Bitcoin is unstable over the pandemic. Whereas, GOLD is the most promising hedge and safe‐haven asset, as it remains robust during the current crisis of COVID‐19 and thus exhibits superiority over Bitcoin and Tether. Our findings are useful for investors, portfolio managers and policymakers interested in spillovers and safe havens during the current pandemic.
Evaluation of interleukins 37 and 38 and vitamin D status in the serum of women with Graves' disease
Authors: Ibrahim Hiba Y. , Sulaiman Ghassan M. , Al‐shammaa Mohamed S. , Ad'hiah Ali H. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractBackgroundGraves' disease (GD) is an autoimmune thyroid disorder and recent studies have proposed a role for interleukin (IL)‐37, IL‐38, and vitamin D (VitD) in the pathophysiology of disease. Therefore, this study investigated the expression of IL‐37, IL‐38, and VitD in the serum of GD patients and correlations of their levels with some demographic and clinical characteristics.MethodsSerum IL‐37, IL‐38, and VitD levels were evaluated in 90 women with GD and 93 control women using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kits. Depending on therapy, six patients were newly diagnosed (ND; untreated), and 50 patients were receiving only carbimazole (CMZ), while 34 patients were also on CMZ but also received one (31 patients), two (one patient), or three (two patients) doses of radioactive iodine (RAI).ResultsIL‐37 levels were significantly higher in GD patients than in controls, while IL‐38 and VitD levels were significantly decreased. As indicated by the area under the curve (AUC), receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated the potential of IL‐37, IL‐38, and VitD as biomarkers to distinguish GD patients from controls (AUC = 0.953, 0.959, and 0.793, respectively). Multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that altered levels of IL‐37, IL‐38, and VitD were most likely associated with the pathogenesis of GD. IL‐37 was negatively correlated with IL‐38 and VitD, while IL‐38 and VitD were positively correlated.ConclusionSerum Il‐37 levels were upregulated in women with GD, while IL‐38 and VitD levels showed downregulated levels. The latter two were positively correlated while they showed a negative correlation with IL‐37.
Giant plasma cells with multiple immature nuclei in a young woman with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma
Authors: Giudice Valentina , De Novellis Danilo , Guariglia Roberto , Fumo Rosalba , Ciancia Giuseppe , Serio Bianca , Selleri Carmine 
Published: November 2022

AbstractBackgroundMultiple myeloma with giant multinucleated plasma cells is a very rare entity and mostly reported cases are dated. This plasma cell morphology has been observed after monoclonal antibody treatments, such as daratumumab, and patients have experienced a worse prognosis with partial responses and a high rate of relapse.ResultsHere, we showed a newly diagnosed multiple myeloma with giant plasma cells with multiple (up to 13) immature nuclei who achieved a complete remission after a first line therapy and underwent to autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, as per international guidelines.
Neonatal intestinal failure: Growth pattern and nutrition intakes in accordance with weaning from parenteral nutrition
Authors: Roggero Paola , Liotto Nadia , Piemontese Pasqua , Menis Camilla , Perrone Michela , Tabasso Chiara , Amato Orsola , Orsi Anna , Pesenti Nicola , Leva Ernesto , Mosca Fabio 
Published: November 2022

AbstractBackgroundShort bowel syndrome is the most common cause of intestinal failure (IF) in infants. We aimed to evaluate growth, nutrition intakes, and predictors of weaning from parenteral nutrition (PN) of infants with IF.MethodsClinical parameters, nutrition intakes, body weight and length z‐scores were compared monthly from the 1st to 12th and at 18 and 24 months among infants receiving PN and those weaned. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to explore the predictors of weaning.ResultsWe included 23 infants (10/23 weaned). Median [range: minimum; maximum] birth weight and gestational age were 1620 [590; 3490] g and 31 [24; 39] weeks, respectively. All infants showed growth retardation with similar median delta weight z‐score from birth to discharge: −1.48 [−1.92; −0.94] in not‐weaned and −1.18 [−2.70; 0.31] in weaned infants (P = 0.833) and a subsequent regain after the discharge: 0.20 [−3.47; 3.25] and 0.84 [−0.03; 2.58], respectively (P = 0.518). No differences in length z‐score were found. After the sixth month, infants weaned from PN received lower PN energy and protein intakes compared with those not‐weaned. Infants weaned from PN showed lower PN dependency index (PNDI%) from 5 months onward (45% for weaned and 113% for not‐weaned infants at 5 months: P < 0.001). The Belza score, a predictor of enteral autonomy computed at 6 months, is associated with being weaned from PN within 24 months (odds ratio: 1.906; P = 0.039).ConclusionInfants weaned and not‐weaned showed similar growth patterns. Our findings support the clinical relevance of Belza score and PNDI% as predictors of weaning from PN.
Red Perovskite Light‐Emitting Diodes: Recent Advances and Perspectives
Authors: Yu Yi , Tang Yingyi , Wang Bingfeng , Zhang Kai , Tang Jian‐Xin , Li Yan‐Qing 
Published: November 2022

AbstractMetal halide perovskite (MHP) materials have shown great advantages for the next‐generation optoelectronic devices, especially for light‐emitting diodes (LEDs), on account of their outstanding photoelectric properties and facile solution processability. However, the performances of red perovskite LEDs (PeLEDs) are not ready for commercialization, presumably due to the instability both of the emission spectra and operation conditions, and the toxicity of lead ions. In this review, the structures, physical properties, and preparation approaches of red emissive perovskite materials are first introduced, including 3D bulk perovskites, 2D and quasi‐2D perovskites, and colloidal perovskite nanocrystals (NCs). In addition, several strategies that contribute to the recent development and achievement of red PeLEDs are summarized in detail, mainly involving component engineering, dimension, and phase distribution modulation, ligand engineering, additive engineering, interfacial engineering, and strategies for the light out‐coupling device structure. Moreover, the challenges and corresponding solutions are discussed from three aspects of spectral stability, operational stability, and lead‐free red PeLEDs. Finally, the conclusion and outlook on the promising future of the red PeLEDs are raised.
Chitosan‐Placental ECM Composite Thermos‐Responsive Hydrogel as a Biomimetic Wound Dressing with Angiogenic Property
Authors: Azadbakht Abdolnaser , Alizadeh Sanaz , Aliakbar Ahovan Zahra , Khosrowpour Zahra , Majidi Mohammad , Pakzad Saeedreza , Shojaei Shahrokh , Chauhan Narendra Pal Singh , Jafari Marzieh , Gholipourmalekabadi Mazaher 
Published: November 2022

AbstractAttempts are being made to develop an ideal wound dressing with excellent biomechanical and biological properties. Here, a thermos‐responsive hydrogel is fabricated using chitosan (CTS) with various concentrations (1%, 2.5%, and 5% w/v) of solubilized placental extracellular matrix (ECM) and 20% β‐glycerophosphate to optimize a smart wound dressing hydrogel with improved biological behavior. The thermo‐responsive CTS (TCTS) alone or loaded with ECMs (ECM‐TCTS) demonstrate uniform morphology using SEM. TCTS and ECM1%‐TCTS and ECM2.5%‐TCTS show a gelation time of 5 min at 37 °C, while no gel formation is observed at 4 and 25 °C. ECM5%‐TCTS forms gel at both 25 and 37 °C. The degradation and swelling ratios increase as the ECM content of the hydrogel increase. All the constructs show excellent biocompatibility in vitro and in vivo, however, the hydrogels with a higher concentration of ECM demonstrate better cell adhesion for fibroblast cells and induce expression of angiogenic factors (VEGF and VEGFR) from HUVEC. Only the ECM5%‐TCTS has antibacterial activity against Acinetobacter baumannii ATCC 19606. The data obtained from the current study suggest the ECM2.5%‐TCTS as an optimized smart biomimetic wound dressing with improved angiogenic properties now promises to proceed with pre‐clinical and clinical investigations.