bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Toward a Better Understanding of the Contribution of Wastewater Treatment Plants to Microplastic Pollution in Receiving Waterways
Authors: Vercauteren Maaike , Semmouri Ilias , Van Acker Emmanuel , Pequeur Emmy , Janssen Colin R. , Asselman Jana 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Microplastics (1 µm–5 mm), are ubiquitous in daily-use products and regularly end up in the wastewater. The main part of the wastewater is treated in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), which allow for at least partial removal of microplastics. The present study aimed to understand the contribution of domestic wastewater to microplastic pollution in Flanders (Belgium) via two main discharge routes of microplastics: (1) the effluent, and (2) removed fractions. Furthermore the effect of effluent discharge on the microplastic contamination in the waterway was studied in both surface water and sediment samples of upstream and downstream locations of the discharge from three WWTPs. On average, 12.64 ± 20.20 microplastic/L entered a WWTP (10 µm–5 mm). The effluent contained on average 0.41 ± 0.91 microplastic/L, resulting in an average removal efficiency of 97.46% ± 2.33%, which is comparable with various (non-)European countries. Removal efficiencies are both polymer- and size-specific, and data suggest that smaller particles are less efficiently removed from the wastewater, which also causes an increased input of smaller particles to the environment. The sludge is the most efficient treatment process to remove microplastics. Despite the high removal efficiencies, still 1.11 × 107 ± 3.07 × 107 microplastics end up in the nearby waterway daily. Nonetheless, based on the results gathered in the present study, this does not seem to impact the microplastic concentration in the waterway significantly. In summary, the present study offers a holistic approach in the research on the impact of wastewater on microplastic pollution in the ecosystem, integrating different discharge routes and measuring the impact on environmental microplastic pollution. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:642–654. © 2022 SETAC
No survival benefit in never‐smoker never‐drinker patients with oral cavity cancer
Authors: Yan Emily Z. , Wahle Benjamin M. , Nakken Erik R. , Chidambaram Smrithi , Getz Kayla , Thorstad Wade L. , Zevallos Jose P. , Mazul Angela L. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackgroundAlthough strongly associated with tobacco and alcohol use, many oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) cases occur in patients without exposure to either, known as “never‐smoker, never‐drinkers” (NSND). We aimed to compare clinical outcomes between NSND and tobacco/alcohol‐exposed populations and to define demographic characteristics of NSND.MethodsWe performed a retrospective, single‐institution cohort study of 672 OCSCC patients. Cox models were used to estimate differences in overall survival (OS) and recurrence‐free survival (RFS) between NSND and tobacco/alcohol‐exposed patients while adjusting for confounders.ResultsNSND represented 25.6% of our cohort and were older, more female, and more economically advantaged. Among NSND, oral tongue tumors dominated in younger patients, while alveolar ridge tumors dominated in elderly patients. Multivariate survival analysis revealed no differences in OS or RFS between NSND and tobacco/alcohol‐exposed patients.ConclusionWhen adjusted for independent biologic features, clinical outcomes in OCSCC are similar between NSND and tobacco/alcohol‐exposed patients.
Association between measured or calculated small dense low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and oxidized low‐density lipoprotein in subjects with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Kim Hyun‐Ki , Hong Jinyoung , Ahn Sunyoung , Lee Woochang , Chun Sail , Min Won‐Ki 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackgroundSmall dense low‐density lipoprotein (sdLDL) possesses atherogenic potential and is predicted to be susceptible to atherogenic modifications, which further increases its atherogenicity. However, studies on the association between measured or estimated sdLDL cholesterol (sdLDL‐C) levels and atherogenic modification in diverse population groups are lacking.MethodsSurplus serum samples were collected from male subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) under treatment (n = 300) and without DM (non‐DM; n = 150). sdLDL and oxidized LDL (oxLDL) levels were measured using the Lipoprint LDL subfractions kit (Quantimetrix Corporation) and the Mercodia oxidized LDL competitive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kit (Mercodia), respectively. The estimated sdLDL‐Cs were calculated from two relevant equations. The effects of sdLDL‐C on oxLDL were assessed using multiple linear regression (MLR) models.ResultsThe mean (±SD) of measured sdLDL‐C and oxLDL concentrations were 11.8 ± 10.0 mg/dl and 53.4 ± 14.2 U/L in the non‐DM group and 0.20 ± 0.81 mg/dl and 46.0 ± 15.3 U/L in the DM group, respectively. The effects of measured sdLDL‐Cs were significant (p = 0.031), whereas those of estimated sdLDL‐Cs were not (p = 0.060, p = 0.116) in the non‐DM group in the MLR models. The effects of sdLDL‐Cs in the DM group were not significant.ConclusionIn the general population, high level of sdLDL‐C appeared to be associated with high level of oxLDL. The equation for estimating sdLDL‐C developed from a general population should be applied with caution to a special population, such as patients with DM on treatment.
Reproductive justice for unhoused women: An integrative review of the literature
Authors: Brott Holly , Townley Greg 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThis review examines the reproductive health experiences of unhoused women and youth. Guided by the reproductive justice framework, this review examines barriers to accessing contraception, medical abortion, and prenatal care while homeless. Twenty‐one articles were identified through keyword searches in Google Scholar, Ebscohost Academic Search Premier, and PsycINFO. In included articles, barriers were identified at the individual, relational, and contextual levels. Findings from this scoping review illustrate the need to examine multiple levels of analysis when seeking to improve access to family planning services for individuals experiencing homelessness. Included literature suggests an overabundance of research documenting barriers to contraceptive care relative to the literature examining abortion and prenatal care experiences and a scarcity of research examining barriers to reproductive justice among unhoused individuals who do not identify as women.
Comparison of Endoscopic Modified and Typical Myringoplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Lou Zhengcai , Lou Zihan , Lv Tian , Chen Zhengnong 
Published: December 2022

ObjectiveHere, we aimed to compare the operation time, postoperative pain score, graft healing, graft success rate, cholesteatoma incidence, audiometric outcomes, and complications between endoscopic modified myringoplasty (EMM) and endoscopic typical myringoplasty (ETM).MethodsPatients with unilateral chronic tympanic membrane (TM) perforations undergoing myringoplasty were prospectively randomized to undergo EMM (n = 44) or ETM (n = 45). The operation time, postoperative pain score, graft healing, graft success rate, cholesteatoma incidence, audiometric outcomes, and complications were compared between these groups.ResultsIn total, 89 patients with unilateral chronic perforations were included (EMM group, 44; ETM group, 45). There were significant differences between the EMM and ETM groups in mean pain scores on the day after surgery (1.32 ± 0.56 vs. 2.58 ± 1.16, p < 0.001) and in the mean operation time (18.18 ± 2.43 vs. 51.53 ± 8.28 min, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in graft success rates (93.18% vs. 88.89%, p = 0.735), pre‐ or postoperative air conduction pure‐tone averages or air bone gaps (ABGs), or changes in ABGs between the groups. However, the difference in graft healing was significant at postoperative week 2 (33/44 vs. 24/45, p = 0.033) but was nonsignificant at postoperative week 4 and month 6. Computed tomography revealed the middle ear and mastoid to be well pneumatized at 12 months in all patients.ConclusionWhile 12‐month graft and audiometric outcomes were comparable between EMM and ETM techniques, patients who underwent EMM had less postoperative pain, shorter operative times, faster healing, and a lower incidence of complications.Level of Evidence1 Laryngoscope, 133:2779–2785, 2023
l‐Arginine Modified Lignin Composite Carbon Quantum Dots Fluorescent Probe for Cr(VI) Detection
Authors: Lv Shenghua , Zuo Jingjing , Zhang Shanshan , Liang Shan , Wang Jialin , Wei Dequan 
Published: December 2022

AbstractAs a typical heavy metal pollutant, chromium has caused great harm to the natural environment. Chromium mainly exists in trivalent and hexavalent compounds in nature, among which Cr(VI) is more toxic. As an outstanding fluorescent material, carbon quantum dots (CQDs) have the advantages of easy preparation, low cost, good optical stability, good biocompatibility, and low toxicity. The composite carbon quantum dots formed by compounding carbon quantum dots with other functional molecules can not only effectively reduce the preparation cost but also have stable fluorescence emission and metal ion recognition functions. In this paper, l‐arginine modified lignin composite carbon quantum dots (Arg‐l‐CQDs) are synthesized, their fluorescence responsiveness to a series of metal ions is analyzed, and their feasibility for Cr(VI) detection is analyzed. The results show that the Arg‐l‐CQDs can be used as a fluorescent probe to achieve specific fluorescence response, high selectivity, and anti‐interference to Cr(VI). There is a certain linear relationship between the concentration and the fluorescence intensity of the fluorescent probe. The linear equation is F/F0 = 0.5568‐0.0012C[Cr(VI)], the linear correlation coefficient is 0.9945, and the detection limit of the fluorescent probe is 0.8625 µmol L−1.
Cyclic modeling of unsaturated sands using a pore‐scale hydromechanical approach
Authors: Hosseinkhani Elham , Habibagahi Ghassem , Nikooee Ehsan 
Published: December 2022

AbstractDetermining proper strain‐dependent shear modulus and damping ratio for soils is of utmost importance when investigating their response to cyclic loads. Experimental studies on the effect of the degree of saturation and suction on the shear modulus at large strain amplitudes are scarce due to the complexities involved in testing such soils. Furthermore, the previously presented micromechanical models for the cyclic behavior of unsaturated soils lack some of the required features of soil pore skeleton essential to model unsaturated soils’ hydromechanical behavior. This paper is, thus, aimed at addressing this shortcoming by incorporating a pore‐scale numerical method that couples the discrete element simulation of the solid phase and the fluid pore network to capture the cyclic behavior of unsaturated sands. To this end, the model is first calibrated to determine the micro‐scale parameters using experimental results from static drained triaxial compression tests on dry and saturated sand samples. Next, the coupled model is employed to simulate the observed behavior during cyclic triaxial tests on unsaturated sands. A linear dependence of the plastic rolling coefficient and the interparticle friction angle on the degree of saturation is proposed from simulations of suction‐controlled cyclic triaxial tests. Variation of shear modulus with shear strain amplitude and degree of saturation indicates a continuous increase in the shear modulus with the decrease in saturation. In contrast, the trend for the damping ratio is the opposite. Finally, closed‐form relationships are proposed based on the simulation results for the shear modulus and damping ratio of unsaturated soils.
The bladder contractility and bladder outlet obstruction indices in adult women. Results of a global Delphi consensus study
Authors: Sinha Sanjay , Dmochowski Roger Roman , Hashim Hashim , Finazzi‐Agrò Enrico , Iacovelli Valerio 
Published: December 2022

AbstractAimsThis Delphi study was planned to examine global expert consensus with regard to utility, accuracy, and categorization of the bladder contractility index (BCI), bladder outlet obstruction index (BOOI), and the related evidence. This manuscript deals with adult women and follows a previous manuscript reporting on adult men.MethodsTwenty‐nine experts were invited to answer the two‐round survey including three foundation questions and 12 survey questions. Consensus was defined as ≥75% agreement. The ordinal scale (0–10) in round 1 was classified into “strongly agree,” “agree,” “neutral,” “disagree,” and “strongly disagree” for the final round. A systematic search for evidence was conducted for therapeutic studies that have examined outcome stratified by the indices in women.ResultsEighteen experts participated in the survey with 100% completion. Consensus was noted with regard to 2 of 12 questions, both in the negative. The experts had a consensus that BOOI was neither accurate nor useful and a similar negative trend was noted with regard to BCI. However, there was support, short of consensus, for the utility on an index of bladder contractility and bladder outflow obstruction. Systematic search yielded eight publications pertaining to stress urinary incontinence (n = 6), pelvic organ prolapse (n = 1), and intra‐sphincteric botulinum toxin (n = 1).ConclusionsExperts had significant concerns with regard to the use of the male BCI and BOOI in adult women despite a general recognition of the need for numerical indices of contractility and obstruction. Systematic search showed a striking lack of evidence in this regard.
Wound healing complications in gender‐affirming surgery
Authors: Weinstein Brielle , Schechter Loren 
Published: December 2022

AbstractAimsGender‐affirming surgery consists of a group of surgical procedures for patients presenting with gender incongruence. Patients may seek treatment of anatomic areas including the face, chest, breast, and genitalia. The aim of this scoping review is to provide a general understanding of wound healing to optimize outcomes and manage complications.MethodsA scoping review was performed to include wound healing principles, outcomes related to gender‐affirming surgery, and management of postsurgical wounds.ResultsBased on the review performed and clinical experience, strategies to manage complications are recommended. These include an understanding of wound healing principles, patient optimization, and postoperative management.ConclusionsA comprehensive understanding of wound healing principles, perioperative optimization, and postoperative management of wounds assists the provider in mitigating and managing complications.
Origin of the Ligand Ring‐Size Effect on the Catalytic Activity of Cationic Calcium Hydride Dimers in the Hydrogenation of Unactivated 1‐Alkenes
Authors: Zhu Hui , Qu Zheng‐Wang , Grimme Stefan 
Published: December 2022

AbstractRecently, it was shown that the double Ca−H−Ca‐bridged calcium hydride cation dimer [LCaH2CaL]2+ when stabilized by a larger macrocyclic N,N’,N’’,N’’’,N’’’’‐pentadentate ligand showed evidently higher activity than when stabilized by a smaller N,N’,N’’,N’’’‐tetradentate ligand in the catalytic hydrogenation of unactivated 1‐alkenes. In this DFT‐mechanistic work, the origin of the observed ring‐size effect is examined in detail using 1‐hexene, CH2=CH2 and H2 as substrates. It is shown that, at room temperature, both the N,N’,N’’,N’’’,N’’’’‐stabilized dimer and the monomer are not coordinated by THF in solution, while the corresponding N,N’,N’’,N’’’‐stabilized structures are coordinated by one THF molecule mimicking the fifth N‐coordination. Catalytic 1‐alkene hydrogenation may occur via anti‐Markovnikov addition over the terminal Ca−H bonds of transient monomers, followed by faster Ca−C bond hydrogenolysis. The higher catalytic activity of the larger N,N’,N’’,N’’’,N’’’’‐stabilized dimer is due to not only easier formation of but also due to the higher reactivity of the catalytic monomeric species. In contrast, despite unfavorable THF‐coordination in solution, the smaller N,N’,N’’,N’’’‐stabilized dimer shows a 3.2 kcal mol−1 lower barrier via a dinuclear cooperative Ca−H−Ca bridge for H2 isotope exchange than the large N,N’,N’’,N’’’,N’’’’‐stabilized dimer, mainly due to less steric hindrance. The observed ring‐size effect can be understood mainly by a subtle interplay of solvent, steric and cooperative effects that can be resolved in detail by state‐of‐the‐art quantum chemistry calculations.
Aneuploidy and sex concordance rate between cell‐free DNA analysis from spent culture media of preimplantation embryo and DNA from whole embryo with respect to different morphological grading
Authors: Sonehara Hiroki , Matsumoto Ryoya , Nakayama Naoki , Kobanawa Masato , Numata Koki , Kawasaki Akiko , Shozu Makio 
Published: December 2022

AbstractPurposeThe aneuploidy and sex concordance between cell‐free DNA in spent culture media (SCM) and DNA from whole embryo with respect to different morphological grading were examined to evaluate the feasibility of non‐invasive preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (niPGT‐A).MethodsA total of 46 pairs of embryos and corresponding SCM were divided into two groups based on the morphological grade. DNA was extracted from 22 and 24 pairs of low‐ and high‐grade embryos, respectively, and respective SCM followed by chromosomal analysis using next‐generation sequencing. Aneuploidy study and sex determination were conducted for both groups, and concordance rates were calculated.ResultsFor low‐grade embryos, 63.6% (14/22) were determined as aneuploidy by whole embryo analysis, and concordance rates were 54.5% (12/22) using niPGT‐A. On the contrary, for high‐grade embryos 41.7% (10/24) were determined as aneuploidy by whole embryo analysis, and concordance rates were 62.5% (15/24) using niPGT‐A. The concordance rates were not statistically different between the low‐grade and high‐grade embryo groups (p = 0.804). For sex determination, concordance rates between whole embryo and SCM were 81.8% (18/22) and 87.5% (21/24) in low‐ and high‐grade groups, respectively.ConclusionAneuploidy and sex evaluation by niPGT‐A may be feasible for both morphologically low‐ and high‐grade embryos.
Ag(I)‐Promoted Decarboxylative Annulation of Alkynoic Acids towards 2‐Arylimidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines
Authors: Liu Yun , Wang Ziqing , Lei Ting , Li Yuling 
Published: December 2022

AbstractA silver‐promoted decarboxylative annulation of alkynoic acids with 2‐aminopyridines has been developed to assemble 2‐arylimidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines. Various functionalities in the aromatic rings in the two substrates are well tolerated in this reaction and gave the desired products in good yields for a broad scope of substrates. Additional advantages of this protocol include mild reaction conditions and high regioselectivity. This report represents the first example of synthesis of 2‐arylimidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines from alkynoic acids.
Examining landowners' preferences for a chronic wasting disease management program
Authors: Landon Adam C. , Smith Kyle , Cornicelli Louis , Fulton David C. , McInenly Leslie E. , Schroeder Susan A. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractPrivate landowners are key partners in chronic wasting disease (CWD) management, especially in landscapes where there is limited public ownership. In this study, we evaluated landowners' preferences for alternative hypothetical CWD management programs using a stated choice experiment. We were particularly interested in understanding preferences for the use of financial incentives to motivate white‐tailed deer harvest and facilitate hunter access to private lands as potential CWD management tools. We used latent class analysis to characterize preference heterogeneity among landowners stemming from patterns of choice. We compared means and distributions of auxiliary variables related to landowners' perceived risks, trust, attitudes toward management, and sociodemographics across latent classes stemming from choice model results. The pooled model demonstrated that reducing deer population density, providing payments to landowners for CWD‐positive deer taken from their property, the form of incentives for public access, and banning recreational deer feeding had a small positive effect on respondents' choice of CWD management program. However, providing financial payments to hunters for harvesting CWD‐positive deer and the use of targeted culling had the opposite effect on choice. Latent class models revealed that a majority of respondents exhibited a pattern of preference where all forms of incentives exerted a negative effect on choice, but smaller subsets of landowners positively evaluate the use of some incentives. Post‐hoc contrasts revealed relationships between patterns of preferences and trust, risk, and attitudes toward CWD management with small to medium effects. Results demonstrated limited support for the use of financial incentives as a tool to manage access and harvest in the southeast Minnesota CWD management zone.
Empagliflozin protects mice against diet-induced obesity, insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis
Authors: Radlinger Bernhard , Ress Claudia , Folie Sabrina , Salzmann Karin , Lechuga Ana , Weiss Bernhard , Salvenmoser Willi , Graber Michael , Hirsch Jakob , Holfeld Johannes , Kremser Christian , Moser Patrizia , Staudacher Gabriele , Jelenik Tomas , Roden Michael , Tilg Herbert , Kaser Susanne 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Aims/hypothesis
Sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are widely used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, heart failure and chronic kidney disease. Their role in the prevention of diet-induced metabolic deteriorations, such as obesity, insulin resistance and fatty liver disease, has not been defined yet. In this study we set out to test whether empagliflozin prevents weight gain and metabolic dysfunction in a mouse model of diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance.

Methods
C57Bl/6 mice were fed a western-type diet supplemented with empagliflozin (WDE) or without empagliflozin (WD) for 10 weeks. A standard control diet (CD) without or with empagliflozin (CDE) was used to control for diet-specific effects. Metabolic phenotyping included assessment of body weight, food and water intake, body composition, hepatic energy metabolism, skeletal muscle mitochondria and measurement of insulin sensitivity using hyperinsulinaemic–euglycaemic clamps.

Results
Mice fed the WD were overweight, hyperglycaemic, hyperinsulinaemic and insulin resistant after 10 weeks. Supplementation of the WD with empagliflozin prevented these metabolic alterations. While water intake was significantly increased by empagliflozin supplementation, food intake was similar in WDE- and WD-fed mice. Adipose tissue depots measured by MRI were significantly smaller in WDE-fed mice than in WD-fed mice. Additionally, empagliflozin supplementation prevented significant steatosis found in WD-fed mice. Accordingly, hepatic insulin signalling was deteriorated in WD-fed mice but not in WDE-fed mice. Empagliflozin supplementation positively affected size and morphology of mitochondria in skeletal muscle in both CD- and WD-fed mice.

Conclusions/interpretation
Empagliflozin protects mice from diet-induced weight gain, insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis in a preventative setting and improves muscle mitochondrial morphology independent of the type of diet.

Graphical abstract