bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alleviation of nicotine-induced reproductive disorder, clastogenicity, and histopathological alterations by fenugreek saponin bulk and nanoparticles in male rats
Authors: Hamed Karima A. , El-Fiky Samia A. , Gawish Azza M. , Khalil Wagdy K. B. , Mohamed Hanan R. H. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractNicotine is the most abundant ingredient in cigarette smoking and has serious side effects on the lung, heart, reproductive system, and many other human organs. Saponins extracted from many plants exhibit multiple biological actions such as anti-cancer effects. Therefore, the possible protective effect of fenugreek saponin (FS) and nanofenugreek saponin (NFS) against nicotine-induced toxicity in male rats was investigated in this study. Animals were divided into a control group and the nicotine (1.5 mg/kg/day), FS (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg/day), or/and NFS (20, 40, and 80 mg/kg/day) administered groups. Micronucleus assay, histopathological, and sperm abnormality examinations as well as measurement of the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) gene expression were conducted. Our findings revealed that nicotine treatment induced significant increases in the incidence of micronucleus, sperm abnormalities, and expression levels of AChE in addition to inducing histopathological changes in rat testis. On the other hand, administration of FS or NFS with nicotine significantly decreased the incidence of micronuclei and the percentage of sperm abnormalities as well as the expression levels of AChE gene. Moreover, nicotine-induced histological alterations were reduced by given FS or NFS with nicotine. In conclusion, nicotine-induced sperm abnormalities, chromosomal damage, and histological injuries were mitigated by administration of FS or NFS with nicotine, and thus, FS and NFS could be used as ameliorating agents against nicotine toxicity.
Graphical abstract
Reuse of lead glass sludge in the fabrication of thermally insulating foamed glass with outstanding properties and high Pb-stabilization
Authors: Abdel-Gawwad Hamdy A. , Mohammed Mona S. , Arif Mohammed A. , Shoukry Hamada 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
This study represents the sustainable/safe consumption of lead glass sludge (LGS) in the fabrication of thermally insulating foamed glass via sintering (750–950º C) and chlorination processes. The impact of selected additives including calcium chloride (CaCl2) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) on the foaming efficiency and Pb-stabilization has been deeply investigated. LGS is mainly lead silicate material with considerable content of calcium carbonate, which acts as foaming agent during sintering process. The newly developed foamed-materials exhibited thermal conductivity of 0.054–0.136 W/m.K, density of 0.23–1.10 g/cm3, porosity of 63.3–92.6%, and compressive strength of 0.10–2.69 MPa. X-ray diffraction proved that the immobilization mechanism was attributed to the transformation of free Pb within LGS into insoluble ganomalite Pb9Ca5MnSi9O33 phase. Adding NaOH enhanced the foaming process accompanied by a significant reduction in Pb-leaching. Incorporating CaCl2 has resulted in a retardation in Pb-leaching, which associated with Pb-stabilization and Pb-vaporization. In an attempt to reduce CO2-emission, the potential use of alkali-rich-wastewater (AW) as eco-friendly alkali source in lieu of NaOH was studied. Regardless of the variation in Pb-concentrations in leachates, all samples recorded Pb-concentrations lower than the safe limit (≤ 5 mg/l), achieving Pb-immobilization of 95.98–99.87%. The significantly reduced thermal conductivity and enhanced Pb-immobilization efficiency along with the reasonable compressive strength summarize the major innovation presented in this study.
Managing e-waste from a closed-loop lifecycle perspective: China’s challenges and fund policy redesign
Authors: Tian Tingting , Liu Guangfu , Yasemi Hussein , Liu Yang 
Published: February 2022

AbstractE-waste is one of the fastest growing streams of solid waste globally, and its effective management has become a focused issue, which requires a deep understanding of the core guiding theory of extended producer responsibility (EPR). Over the past 20 years, China, one of the world’s largest producers of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE), has made great efforts to improve e-waste management along with the massive generation of e-waste. In 2012, China implemented a unique EPR-based e-waste fund policy. However, the fund policy is unsustainable due to the challenges of non-closed resource use, informal recycling, and fund imbalance. Beginning with an overview of these challenges, this paper focuses on redesigning the fund policy from a closed-loop lifecycle perspective in order to maintain a balanced development of the resource use loop and the fund system in China’s ten-year plan. In doing so, two EPR instruments, recycling content standards and consumer-oriented deposits, are added to the current fund policy. Subsequently, three extension scenarios alternately changed a critical parameter of the model to test the impact on sustainable capabilities. In this way, the sustainable supply of funds and secondary resources for the e-waste industry can be established in China and effectively demonstrate solid waste management in developing countries.
Designing and delivering representation-focused science lessons in a digital learning environment
Authors: Cirkony Connie , Tytler Russell , Hubber Peter 
Published: February 2022

AbstractInquiry-based representation-focused approaches in science education have shown promising outcomes when students engage in knowledge building via an active process of constructing, coordinating, and evaluating representations. To date, much of the existing research around these approaches has taken place in pre-digital classrooms, but the increasing importance of digital technologies in contemporary science classrooms that has heightened during the on-going Covid pandemic could have ramifications for such approaches. To explore the potential for productive integration of a digital technology with active learning processes, this study investigated the role an interactive online learning platform played in supporting the construction and refinement of representations by students. This paper draws on research generated in the context of an Australian Grade 9 science class studying a physics unit focused on energy transfer considerations for sustainable housing. The research design featured an exploratory case study approach using multiple methods for data collection including video capture, interviews, and student artefacts. Data analysis involved the application of socio-semiotic perspectives to understand the nature of students’ meaning-making processes through their generation and coordination of both digital and non-digital multimodal representations. This study found that the online platform allowed for extended access and the flexible use of multimodal resources facilitated students’ representation construction activities. However, activities involving teacher-guided discussions and ongoing feedback were limited. The socio-semiotic analysis provided insights into the effective design of online learning sequences to guide conceptual development. This paper concludes by suggesting how specific affordances of interactive online platforms can effectively facilitate the design and delivery of active learning approaches involving representation construction.
Implementation of the flipped classroom and its longitudinal impact on improving academic performance
Authors: Torres-Martín César , Acal Christian , El-Homrani Mohammed , Mingorance-Estrada Ángel C. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe objective has been to know the impact of the flipped classroom methodology on the academic performance of students during their training process in relation to the traditional methodology over time, in order to establish baselines in the academic grades in both models. The research is of a quasi-experimental type of non-equivalent groups, with a longitudinal trend design in the data collection process. The entire available population has been selected, with 1.236 students participating, exploring the grades as an analytical resource, from the 2010/2011 to the 2019/2020 academic years. The results show statistically significant differences in the improvement of academic performance with the flipped classroom methodology. Furthermore, the results reinforce that the flipped teaching model effectively promotes students’ interest, their capacity for autonomous learning and personal and cooperative relationships.
Effect of Nb and Mo on Austenite Microstructural Evolution During Hot Deformation in Boron High Strength Steels
Authors: Zurutuza Irati , Isasti Nerea , Detemple Eric , Schwinn Volker , Mohrbacher Hardy , Uranga Pello 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
This work has focused on the study of hot working behavior of boron high strength steels microalloyed with different combinations of Nb and/or Mo. The role of Nb and Mo during the hot deformation of low carbon steels is well known: both mainly retard austenite recrystallization, leading to pancaked austenite microstructures before phase transformation and to refined room temperature microstructures. However, the design of rolling schedules resulting in properly conditioned microstructures, requires microstructural evolution models that take into account the effect of the different alloying elements. In this specific case, the effect that high levels of molybdenum (0.5 pct) have in the recrystallization delay was evaluated. In that respect, hot torsion tests were performed in this work to investigate the microstructural evolution during hot deformation of four boron steels, with different Nb (0.025 pct) and Mo (0.5 pct) combinations. The retardation in recrystallization kinetics was modeled in all cases and measured kinetics agree with those predicted by equations previously developed for Nb–Mo microalloyed steels with lower Mo concentrations (< 0.3 pct). The strain-induced precipitation in the Nb and Nb–Mo bearing steels was also characterized. Finally, the fractional softening evolution during multipass rolling simulations was compared with MicroSim® model predictions, showing a good agreement with experimental results.
Eight versus 28-point lung ultrasonography in moderate acute heart failure: a prospective comparative study
Authors: Leidi Antonio , Soret Guillaume , Mann Tamara , Koegler Flora , Coen Matteo , Leszek Alexandre , Dubouchet Laetitia , Guillermin Alexandre , Kaddour Myriam , Rouyer Frédéric , Combescure Christophe , Carballo Sebastian , Reny Jean-Luc , Marti Christophe , Stirnemann Jérôme , Grosgurin Olivier 
Published: February 2022

AbstractLung ultrasonography (LUS) is an accurate method of estimating lung congestion but there is ongoing debate on the optimal number of scanning points. The aim of the present study was to compare the reproducibility (i.e. interobserver agreement) and the feasibility (i.e. time consumption) of the two most practiced protocols in patients hospitalized for acute heart failure (AHF). This prospective trial compared 8- and 28-point LUS protocols. Both were performed by an expert–novice pair of sonographers at admission and after 4 to 6 days on patients admitted for AHF. A structured bio-clinical evaluation was simultaneously carried out by the treating physician. The primary outcome was expert-novice interobserver agreement estimated by kappa statistics. Secondary outcomes included time spent on image acquisition and interpretation. During the study period, 43 patients underwent a total of 319 LUS exams. Expert–novice interobserver agreement was moderate at admission and substantial at follow-up for 8-point protocol (weighted kappa of 0.54 and 0.62, respectively) with no significant difference for 28-point protocol (weighted kappa of 0.51 and 0.41; P value for comparison 0.74 at admission and 0.13 at follow-up). The 8-point protocol required significantly less time for image acquisition at admission (mean time difference − 3.6 min for experts, − 5.1 min for novices) and interpretation (− 6.0 min for experts and − 6.3 min for novices; P value < 0.001 for all time comparisons). Similar differences were observed at follow-up. In conclusion, an 8-point LUS protocol was shown to be timesaving with similar reproducibility when compared with a 28-point protocol. It should be preferred for evaluating lung congestion in AHF inpatients.
SARS-CoV-2 Infects Red Blood Cell Progenitors and Dysregulates Hemoglobin and Iron Metabolism
Authors: Kronstein-Wiedemann Romy , Stadtmüller Marlena , Traikov Sofia , Georgi Mandy , Teichert Madeleine , Yosef Hesham , Wallenborn Jan , Karl Andreas , Schütze Karin , Wagner Michael , El-Armouche Ali , Tonn Torsten 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
SARS-CoV-2 infection causes acute respiratory distress, which may progress to multiorgan failure and death. Severe COVID-19 disease is accompanied by reduced erythrocyte turnover, low hemoglobin levels along with increased total bilirubin and ferritin serum concentrations. Moreover, expansion of erythroid progenitors in peripheral blood together with hypoxia, anemia, and coagulopathies highly correlates with severity and mortality. We demonstrate that SARS-CoV-2 directly infects erythroid precursor cells, impairs hemoglobin homeostasis and aggravates COVID-19 disease.

Methods
Erythroid precursor cells derived from peripheral CD34+ blood stem cells of healthy donors were infected in vitro with SARS-CoV-2 alpha variant and differentiated into red blood cells (RBCs). Hemoglobin and iron metabolism in hospitalized COVID-19 patients and controls were analyzed in plasma-depleted whole blood samples. Raman trapping spectroscopy rapidly identified diseased cells.

Results
RBC precursors express ACE2 receptor and CD147 at day 5 of differentiation, which makes them susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. qPCR analysis of differentiated RBCs revealed increased HAMP mRNA expression levels, encoding for hepcidin, which inhibits iron uptake. COVID-19 patients showed impaired hemoglobin biosynthesis, enhanced formation of zinc-protoporphyrine IX, heme-CO2, and CO-hemoglobin as well as degradation of Fe-heme. Moreover, significant iron dysmetablolism with high serum ferritin and low serum iron and transferrin levels occurred, explaining disturbances of oxygen-binding capacity in severely ill COVID-19 patients.

Conclusions
Our data identify RBC precursors as a direct target of SARS-CoV-2 and suggest that SARS-CoV-2 induced dysregulation in hemoglobin- and iron-metabolism contributes to the severe systemic course of COVID-19. This opens the door for new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Graphical Abstract
Neuroinflammatory Modulation of Extracellular Vesicle Biogenesis and Cargo Loading
Authors: Spiers Jereme G. , Vassileff Natasha , Hill Andrew F. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIncreasing evidence suggests neuroinflammation is a highly coordinated response involving multiple cell types and utilising several different forms of cellular communication. In addition to the well documented cytokine and chemokine messengers, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as key regulators of the inflammatory response. EVs act as vectors of intercellular communication, capable of travelling between different cells and tissues to deliver selectively packaged protein, miRNA, and lipids from the parent cell. During neuroinflammation, EVs transmit specific inflammatory mediators, particularly from microglia, to promote inflammatory resolution. This mini-review will highlight the novel neuroinflammatory mechanisms contributing to the biogenesis and selective packaging of EVs.
Influence of antidepressant use on 123I-MIBG heart and lung uptakes in the diagnosis of Lewy body disease
Authors: Adaniya Shinobu , Takahashi Miwako , Koyama Keitaro , Ogane Kenichiro , Momose Toshimitsu 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Objective
The clinical significance of decreased physiological lung uptake of 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) has not been well investigated. This study aimed to elucidate the association between a decrease in lung MIBG uptake with antidepressant intake and the myocardial MIBG uptake in patients who were clinically diagnosed with Lewy body disease (LBD) and patients who were diagnosed as not having LBD.

Methods
We retrospectively reviewed the heart and lung uptakes on 167 consecutive MIBG scans, antidepressant status, and clinical diagnosis of LBD. The images were visually classified into two groups: decreased lung uptake and preserved lung uptake. A semi-quantitative analysis was performed using the heart-to-mediastinum ratio (H/M), lung-to-mediastinum ratio (L/M), and myocardial washout rate (WR).

Results
All 17 patients with decreased lung uptake were on treated with antidepressants, while none of the 150 patients with preserved lung uptake were treated with any antidepressants. Of the 17 patients with decreased lung uptake, 6 patients were clinically diagnosed as LBD and other 11 were clinically diagnosed as non-LBD. There was not significant difference in early H/M, delayed H/M, and myocardial WR between the 11 non-LBD patients with decreased lung uptake and 83 non-LBD patients with preserved lung uptake (2.87 ± 0.69 vs. 2.89 ± 0.44, 3.09 ± 0.48 vs. 2.98 ± 0.59, and 21.8 ± 11.3% vs. 21.1 ± 12.5%, respectively). Moreover, in LBD patients, there were no significant differences in those values between six patients with decreased lung uptake and 67 patients with preserved lung uptake (1.68 ± 0.32 vs. 1.73 ± 0.42, 1.34 ± 0.21 vs. 1.54 ± 0.57, 46.2 ± 22.8% vs. 42.8 ± 21.3%, respectively).

Conclusions
Antidepressants probably blocked MIBG uptake in the lungs, and a decreased lung uptake was not significantly associated with heart uptake. A remarkable decrease in lung uptake can be a signal to check a patient’s medication status.
Dynamic Light Scattering on Nanoparticles in Microgravity in a Drop Tower
Authors: Pyttlik Andrea , Kuttich Björn , Kraus Tobias 
Published: February 2022

AbstractGravity affects colloidal dispersions via sedimentation and convection. We used dynamic light scattering (DLS) to quantify the mobility of nanoparticles on ground and in microgravity. A DLS instrument was adapted to withstand the accelerations in a drop tower, and a liquid handling set-up was connected in order to stabilize the liquid temperature and enable rapid cooling or heating. Light scattering experiments were performed in the drop tower at ZARM (Bremen, Germany) during a microgravity interval of 9.1 s and compared to measurements on ground. Particle dynamics were analyzed at constant temperature and after a rapid temperature drop using a series of DLS measurements with 1 s integration time. We observed nanoparticles with average gold core diameters of 7.8 nm and non-polar oleylamine shells that were dispersed in tetradecane and had an average hydrodynamic diameter of 21 nm. The particles did not change their diameter in the observed temperature range. The particle dynamics inferred from DLS on ground and in microgravity were in good agreement, demonstrating the possibility to perform reliable DLS measurements in a drop tower.
Mithraism under the microscope: new revelations about rituals through micromorphology, histotaphonomy and zooarchaeology
Authors: Lo Russo Sarah , Brönnimann David , Deschler-Erb Sabine , Ebnöther Christa , Rentzel Philippe 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThis paper is the first to use an innovative multi-proxy approach to obtain insights into hitherto unknown Mithraic cult practices. Using soil micromorphology, zooarchaeology and histotaphonomy, we investigated two mithraea (Biesheim FR, Kempraten CH) and one cult cave (Zillis CH). This was also the first study to include micromorphological and histotaphonomic approaches within the context of Mithraic research. The systematic evaluation of thermal alteration and bioerosion (in particular bacterial attack) on the animal bones, in combination with zooarchaeological results, allows a differentiation between various (cult) practices involving animals. Thanks to the micromorphological investigations, it was possible to demonstrate that repeatedly spreading combustion residues and renewing the floor were important parts of the cult practices of Mithraism. Our results suggest that a cult practice consisting of several stages was carried out on all three sites. Our study highlights that multiple floor constructions as well as the related sediments and (micro-) artefacts of cultic indoor features are important sources of information.
Caught in travertine: computed tomography reveals the youngest record of Amphicyon giganteus from the travertine deposits of Karacalar (late middle Miocene, central Anatolia, Turkey)
Authors: van der Hoek Julien , Karabaşoğlu Aslı , Mayda Serdar , van den Hoek Ostende Lars W. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractA computed tomography scan of a travertine slab from the Karacalar Silver Travertine Quarry (Afyonkarahisar Province, Turkey) revealed the presence of an encased partial cranium, partial mandible and three vertebrae. 3D reconstruction of the fossil helped identifying it asAmphicyon giganteus.As the travertine caps a section correlated to MN7/8, the specimen represents the youngest record ofAmphicyon giganteus, the known range previously being limited to MN4 – MN6. This young age is in line with the more advanced morphology of the lower molars.
Applying BERT Embeddings to Predict Legal Textual Entailment
Authors: Wehnert Sabine , Dureja Shipra , Kutty Libin , Sudhi Viju , De Luca Ernesto William 
Published: February 2022

AbstractTextual entailment classification is one of the hardest tasks for the Natural Language Processing community. In particular, working on entailment with legal statutes comes with an increased difficulty, for example in terms of different abstraction levels, terminology and required domain knowledge to solve this task. In course of the COLIEE competition, we develop three approaches to classify entailment. The first approach combines Sentence-BERT embeddings with a graph neural network, while the second approach uses the domain-specific model LEGAL-BERT, further trained on the competition’s retrieval task and fine-tuned for entailment classification. The third approach involves embedding syntactic parse trees with the KERMIT encoder and using them with a BERT model. In this work, we discuss the potential of the latter technique and why of all our submissions, the LEGAL-BERT runs may have outperformed the graph-based approach.