bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microplastics in Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) spraints and their potential as a biomonitoring tool in freshwater systems
Authors: O'Connor James D. , Lally Heather T. , Mahon Anne Marie , O'Connor Ian , Nash Róisín , O'Sullivan John J. , Bruen Michael , Heerey Linda , Koelmans Albert A. , Marnell Ferdia , Murphy Sinéad 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe ubiquitous nature of microplastics in aquatic ecosystems may have serious implications for aquatic biota. While microplastic research in freshwater ecosystems is increasing, very few studies have assessed the physical presence of microplastics among top predators. The Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra), a top predator of aquatic ecosystems, is one of the most widely distributed otter species and has a broad habitat niche. The opportunistic collection of otter spraints (i.e., feces) presents a valuable opportunity to assess pollutants of freshwater ecosystems through noninvasive means. Here, we assessed the prevalence, abundance, and concentration of microplastics (100 μm to 5 mm), as well as dietary remains, in 53 spraint samples collected over eight river catchments spanning three regions of Ireland. We found microplastics present in 57% of spraints at an abundance of 1.2 ± 0.1 microplastics (MPs)/spraint (mean ± SE) and a concentration of 3.8 ± 0.6 MPs/g (dry weight). Fibers were the dominant particle type recovered (85%), followed by film (10%). No significant differences in microplastic concentrations were detected between the three regions assessed, or between spraints collected from areas upstream (i.e., “lower” exposure) or downstream (“higher” exposure) of putative microplastic sources, which were defined using spatial vector data. While microplastic concentrations were not explained by spraint condition (i.e., fresh, drying, or dry), spraints collected in autumn had a significantly higher concentration than spring and summer. Furthermore, microplastic abundance or concentration could not be linked to dietary composition based on the items identified. From a trophic perspective, this study showed that the presence of microplastics in the feces of otter is most likely being obtained through its prey (i.e., secondary ingestion). While there may be limitations associated with using spraints as a biomonitoring tool for microplastics in freshwater systems, particularly with respect to otter home range and dietary niche breadth, they could still be employed for a regional assessment of microplastic levels.
Spatio‐temporal monitoring of lake fish spawning activity using environmental DNA metabarcoding
Authors: Di Muri Cristina , Lawson Handley Lori , Bean Colin W. , Benucci Marco , Harper Lynsey R. , James Ben , Li Jianlong , Winfield Ian J. , Hänfling Bernd 
Published: July 2022

AbstractDetermining the timing and location of fish reproductive events is crucial for the implementation of correct management and conservation schemes. Conventional methods used to monitor these events are often unable to assess the spawning activity directly or can be invasive and therefore problematic. This is especially the case when threatened fish populations are the study subject, such as the Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus L.) populations in Windermere (Cumbria, UK). Arctic charr populations have been studied in this lake since the 1940s, and the locations and characteristics of spawning grounds have been described in detail using techniques such as hydroacoustics, as well as physical and visual surveys of the lake bottom. Here, in conjunction with established netting surveys, we added an environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding approach to assess the spatial distribution of Arctic charr in the lake throughout the year to test whether this tool could allow us to identify spawning locations and activity. Sampling was carried out between October 2017 and July 2018 at three locations in the lake, covering putative and known spawning sites. eDNA metabarcoding provided accurate spatial and temporal characterization of Arctic charr spawning events. Peaks of Arctic charr relative read counts from eDNA metabarcoding were observed during the spawning season and at specific locations of both putative and known spawning sites. Net catches of mature Arctic charr individuals confirmed the association between the Arctic charr spawning activity and the peaks of eDNA metabarcoding relative read counts. This study demonstrates the ability of eDNA metabarcoding to effectively and efficiently characterize the spatial and temporal nature of fish spawning in lentic systems.
Vericiguat and NT‐proBNP in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: analyses from the VICTORIA trial
Authors: Senni Michele , Lopez‐Sendon Jose , Cohen‐Solal Alain , Ponikowski Piotr , Nkulikiyinka Richard , Freitas Cecilia , Vlajnic Vanja Miodrag , Roessig Lothar , Pieske Burkert 
Published: July 2022

AbstractAimsTreatment response to vericiguat, based on baseline N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) subgroups specified in the protocol, was evaluated in the heart failure (HF) VICTORIA trial population by post hoc analysis of combined lower three quartiles [Q1–Q3] vs. the upper quartile [Q4].Methods and resultsVICTORIA participants with available baseline NT‐proBNP levels (n = 4805; 95.1% of total) were included. Compared with patients in Q1–Q3 (NT‐proBNP: Q1, ≤1556 pg/mL; Q2, >1556–2816 pg/mL; and Q3, >2816–5314 pg/mL), patients in Q4 (NT‐proBNP: >5314 pg/mL) were older (69.2 ± 12.0 vs. 66.6 ± 12.1 years), had lower mean ejection fraction (27.2 ± 8.3% vs. 29.5 ± 8.2%; P < 0.0001), and were more likely to be in New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class III (51.8 vs. 35.6%) or IV (2.4 vs. 1.0%). Compared with Q1–Q3, patients in Q4 had higher mean Meta‐Analysis Global Group in Chronic Heart Failure risk score (27.3 ± 6.6 vs. 23.5 ± 6.4; P < 0.0001), had lower mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; 51.5 ± 25.5 vs. 65.0 ± 26.8 mL/min/1.73 m2; P < 0.0001) and haemoglobin (12.8 ± 2.0 vs. 13.6 ± 1.9 g/dL; P < 0.0001), and more had atrial fibrillation (48.7% vs. 43.1%; P = 0.0007) and were randomized while hospitalized for HF (14.8 vs. 9.9%; P < 0.0001). Target dose was achieved in 72.3 and 63.7% of patients in Q1–Q3 and Q4, respectively (P < 0.0001). Primary outcome (composite of time to cardiovascular death or first HF hospitalization) rates were 24.5 and 31.7 per 100 patient‐years for vericiguat and placebo in Q1–Q3 [hazard ratio (HR) 0.78; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.69–0.88, P < 0.001] and 73.6 and 63.6 in Q4 (HR 1.15; 95% CI 0.99–1.34, P = 0.070).Serious adverse events were more frequent in NT‐proBNP Q4 (total population) compared with Q1–Q3 (38.3 vs. 32.3%; P = 0.0001), driven mainly by the placebo group. Adverse events leading to death were more frequent in Q4 than Q1–Q3 (5.8 vs. 2.4%; P < 0.0001).ConclusionsPlasma NT‐proBNP may help identify patients with worsening HF with reduced ejection fraction, in whom the beneficial effects of vericiguat may be highest. Patients with highest NT‐proBNP values are probably too far advanced, suffering more co‐morbidities, or still clinically unstable after decompensation to derive benefit from vericiguat.
An Acyclic Silylone Stabilized by Mesoionic Carbene
Authors: Wu Mengyuan , He Yuhao , Zhang Li , Wei Rui , Wang Dongmin , Liu Jingjing , Leo Liu Liu , Tan Gengwen 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe synthesis and characterization of an acyclic silylone (MIC)2Si 2 (MIC=1,3‐di(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3‐triazol‐5‐ylidene) supported by a mesoionic carbene was reported. 2 was obtained by the reduction of (MIC)SiCl4 1 with 4 molar equivalents of potassium graphite in toluene at −10 °C. Theoretical calculations on 2 reveal that the silicon center is highly electron‐rich and bears two lone‐pairs of electrons. Preliminary reactivity study shows that 2 can coordinate to two CuCl molecules to furnish a dinuclear copper(I) complex (MIC)2Si(CuCl)2 3.
Separation of the Thorpe−Ingold and Reactive Rotamer Effect by Using the Formation of Bicyclic Aziridinium Ions
Authors: Helbing Tim , Kirchner Michael , Becker Jonathan , Göttlich Richard 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe geminal dialkyl effect is widely used in organic synthesis to promote cyclization reactions, although the exact origin of its rate enhancement remains unclear. In the present study, we demonstrate the applicability of this effect for the intramolecular formation of bicyclic aziridinium ions and assign it to angle contractions provided by introduction of sterically demanding substituents. Due to the cyclic structure of the examined 3‐chloropiperidines the acceleration of this ring closure cannot be explained by an increased population of reactive gauche rotamers and therefore agrees with the original Thorpe‐Ingold theory. Furthermore, introduction of strained aliphatic rings resulted in internal angle expansions and were accompanied by a preliminary decrease of rate constants for the investigated aziridinium ion formation. These results lead to a linear correlation between internal angle and relative reaction rate, supported by computational and X‐ray crystallographic structural data.
Ring Rearrangement of 1,3‐Azasilinyl‐4‐epoxides to Synthesize 2‐Silamorpolines by a Si−C Bond Migration/Oxidation Process
Authors: Zhou Song , Tu Xiaoyu , He Yuanhang , Gao Lu , Song Zhen Lei 
Published: July 2022

AbstractPhI(OAc)2/CuI‐promoted ring rearrangement of 1,3‐azasilinyl‐4‐epoxides has been developed. The reaction proceeds by a Si−C bond migration/oxidation process, leading to structurally novel 2‐silamorpolines containing an aryl/aldehyde groups‐substituted quaternary carbon.
Near‐Infrared and Dual Emissions of Diphenylamino Group‐Substituted Malachite Green Derivatives
Authors: Mori Toshiaki , Sekine Kohei , Kawashima Kyohei , Mori Toshifumi , Kuninobu Yoichiro 
Published: July 2022

AbstractNovel triarylmethanols and triarylmethyl cations with diphenylamino groups were designed and synthesized. The triarylmethyl cations exhibited near‐infrared (NIR) emission in toluene solution, solid film state, and polystyrene (PS) film. The emission intensities of the triarylmethyl cations were strongest in the PS film. The relative quantum yield of the PS film increased as the number of diphenylamino groups increased. In addition, triarylmethanols exhibit dual emission in their aggregated state owing to the intermolecular interactions between triphenyl amine moieties and/or hydroxy groups. These findings are interesting because NIR and dual emissions are not observed in the dimethylamino group‐substituted triarylmethyl cation, which is referred to as the “malachite green,” and the corresponding triarylmethanol, respectively.
A Novel IMFET Biosensor Strategy for Interleukin‐10 Quantification for Early Screening Heart Failure Disease in Saliva
Authors: Ben Halima Hamdi , Bellagambi Francesca G. , Hangouët Marie , Alcacer Albert , Pfeiffer Norman , Heuberger Albert , Zine Nadia , Bausells Joan , Errachid Abdelhamid 
Published: July 2022

AbstractWe propose a salivary Interleukin‐10 detection strategy as part of an easily integrable Lab‐on‐Chip and Point‐of‐Care IMFET for multi‐detection Heart Failure (HF) biomarkers. Our developed IMFET showed good linearity between increasing IL‐10 concentration and the charge transfer resistance in both standard solutions and real saliva samples with a LOD of 0.02 pg mL−1. Moreover, the cross‐selectivity study showed that the developed IMFET was highly selective towards IL‐10 against other HF biomarkers. The precision of our IMFET was also evaluated, and the difference between the determined IL‐10 concentration using the standard addition method and its expected one is<20 %.
Nucleus‐specific RNAi nanoplatform for targeted regulation of nuclear lncRNA function and effective cancer therapy
Authors: Huang Zixian , Liu Shaomin , Lu Nan , Xu Lei , Shen Qian , Huang Zhuoshan , Huang Zhiquan , Saw Phei Er , Xu Xiaoding 
Published: July 2022

AbstractIn the context of cancer therapy, a recently identified therapeutic target is represented by the essential subtype of RNA transcripts ‐ the long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA). While this is the case, it is especially difficult to successfully regulate the expression of this subtype in vivo, particularly due to the protection granted by the nuclear envelope of nuclear lncRNAs. This study documents the development of a nucleus‐specific RNA interference (RNAi) nanoparticle (NP) platform for the targeted regulation of the nuclear lncRNA function, in order to effectuate successful cancer therapy. An NTPA (nucleus‐targeting peptide amphiphile) and an endosomal pH‐responsive polymer make up the novel RNAi nanoplatform in development, which is capable of complexing siRNA. The nanoplatform is capable of accumulating greatly in the tumor tissues and being internalized by tumor cells, following intravenous administration. The exposed complexes of the NTPA/siRNA may conveniently escape from the endosome with the pH‐triggered NP disassociation, following which it can target the nucleus by specifically interacting with the importin α/β heterodimer. In orthotopic and subcutaneous xenograft tumor models, this would result in a notable suppression of the expression of nuclear lncNEAT2 as well as greatly impede the growth of tumors in liver cancer.
Biological activities of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) tips and tubers
Authors: Hong Chae Young , Jo Yeon Jae , Kim Min Young , Chung Mi Nam , Choi Ehn‐Kyoung , Kim Yun‐Bae , Lee Junsoo , Jeong Heon Sang 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThis study was conducted to evaluate the biological activities of sweet potato tips and tubers. Antioxidant activity of 2,2‐azino‐bis 93‐ethlbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) and 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activities had the highest value of 32.45 mg, AAE/g, and 15.10 mg AAE/g, respectively, in ‘Pungwonmi’ tips. Angiotensin converting enzyme I inhibitory activity ranged between 47.72% in ‘Sinjami’ tubers and 62.25% in ‘Pungwonmi’ tips. α‐Glucosidase inhibitory activity had the highest value of 78.81% and 62.93% in ‘Pungwonmi’ tips and ‘Juhwangmi’ tubers, respectively. In particular, ‘Pungwonmi’ tips had the most effective inhibiting effect on intracellular reactive oxygen species levels in HepG2 cells. Wound healing assay result revealed that ‘Sinjami’ showed 75% wound healing effect. For skin whitening, ‘Pungwonmi’ tips showed 63% activity at 10 mg/ml. These results suggest that sweet potato tips and tubers can be used to develop functional food and cosmetic materials.
A bi‐objective ergonomic assembly line balancing model with conic scalarization method
Authors: Yetkin Busra N. , Kahya Emin 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe most important factor affecting efficiency and ergonomic risk levels in an assembly line design is the problem of assigning certain tasks to certain stations, namely the assembly line balancing problem. In the literature, assembly line balancing problem has often been studied, but studies that consider ergonomic risks are deficient. Recently, it has been one of the issues that have started to attract great attention with the realization of health problems caused by assembly lines. To this end, in this study, a bi‐objective mathematical model is developed that considers balancing assembly line station time and ergonomic risk levels, simultaneously. It is aimed to minimize both station time and the total deviations of ergonomic risk scores for the stations. Weighted sum and conic scalarization methods are applied to solve the bi‐objective model. To analyze the outcomes of the developed model, an application is proposed and tested on a real industrial case, at a home appliance assembly line. The deployment of the OMAX method is a contribution to the literature since it shows an analysis tool which evaluates the results of assembly line balancing. This method evaluates the performance of the stations based on different criteria such as station time and ergonomic risk. The number of high‐risk stations is obtained as 13 in the single‐objective model aiming to minimize the station time, while it is found to be nine in the bi‐objective model solved with CSM, without an increase in the total number of stations.
Parametric study of fluidization conditions of bed sediments in the hyporheic zone
Authors: Marciniak Marek , Kaczmarek Mariusz , Matusiak Magdalena , Szczucińska Anna 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe phenomenon of fluidization of the bed sediment of the hyporheic zone involves the production of dynamic suspension of solid particles in a stream of water flowing in the direction opposite to gravity. Fluidization may be permanent; then, it becomes a spring or a headwater zone, where groundwater discharge rate is almost unchanged within an entire hydrological year. But it can also occur periodically, depending on the changing hydrodynamic conditions. In such cases, the fluidization of the bed sediment of the hyporheic zone may disturb its functioning by changing the conditions of surface water and groundwater exchange. The disturbances affect hydrodynamic and hydrochemical processes connected with water exchange, but first of all, the living conditions of hyporheic zone flora and fauna. Therefore, the phenomenon of fluidization is significant for broadly understood ecology of the hyporheic zone. The paper presents the analysis of conditions of fluidization occurrence depending on the main hydrodynamic parameters that may affect this process. The authors analysed the influence of the difference in water level between the drained aquifer and the river, the hydraulic conductivity and anisotropy of the aquifer, the vertical hydraulic conductivity in the hyporheic zone, thickness of the hyporheic zone, and the width of the river on the possibility of fluidization of the bed sediment of the hyporheic zone. The range of variability of particular parameters corresponds to the actual variability of those parameters in natural conditions. It was proved that the fluidization of the bed sediment of the hyporheic zone mostly depends on: water level difference, hydraulic conductivity of the aquifer, and value of vertical hydraulic conductivity in the hyporheic zone. The other parameters have little influence on this process.
Surgical disorders in pediatric and adolescent gynecology: Vaginal and uterine anomalies
Authors: Mentessidou Anastasia , Mirilas Petros 
Published: July 2022

AbstractObstructive vaginal and uterine anomalies including imperforate hymen, transverse vaginal septum, and vaginal and/or cervical atresia or aplasia, might rarely present in infancy or childhood with hydrocolpos and/or hydrometra but they usually go unrecognized until presentation with amenorrhea and hematocolpos and/or hematometra in puberty. They should always be included in the differential diagnosis of a suprapubic and/or introital mass; in the latter case, vaginal vascular malformations and vaginal tumors should also be considered. Uterovaginal aplasia typically manifests with amenorrhea in puberty and needs to be differentiated from complete androgen insensitivity syndrome and gonadal dysgenesis of genetic males. Uterine fusion anomalies usually present with fertility and/or obstetrical complications in adulthood. However, a unicornuate uterus with a blind rudimentary contralateral horn containing functioning endometrium, and didelphys or septate uterus with a deviating obstructive septum might present in childhood or puberty with sequelae related with secretions or menstrual retention. This review provides a collective account of the most clinically important information about vaginal and uterine anomalies in childhood and adolescence for clinicians involved in the care of young females with the aim to provide guidance in appropriate evaluation and management.
Young people and adult stakeholders' reflections on how school staff should support students who self‐harm: A qualitative study
Authors: Meinhardt Inge , Cuthbert Sasha , Gibson Kerry , Fortune Sarah , Hetrick Sarah Elisabeth 
Published: July 2022

AbstractIntroductionSelf‐harm is a significant public health issue affecting school communities, students, and families. The school is an ideal environment for early intervention and prevention. This study aimed to explore the views of young people and stakeholders on how school staff should support students who self‐harm in the context of developing accessible and acceptable guidelines.MethodsThe study was nested within a larger Delphi study conducted in New Zealand. Two panels were asked to provide reflection in open text boxes in two questionnaires on how school staff can support students who self‐harm. The youth panel included 22 participants between 16 and 25 years, and 81.8% identified as female and 18.3% as male. The stakeholder panel (e.g., school staff) included 27 participants over 25 years, and 63.0% identified as female, and 37.0% as male. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key themes.ResultsEight themes were identified; (1) an approach that prioritizes trust, (2) an approach that recognizes students' agency, (3) an individually tailored approach, (4) a whole‐school approach, (5) an approach that recognizes role boundaries, (6) an approach that prioritizes safety, (7) a nonpunitive approach, and (8) an appropriately‐resourced approach.ConclusionThe eight themes identified highlighted ineffective practices in response to self‐harm in schools. The eight themes provide solutions to these practices. Our findings highlighted four recommendations that address ineffective management approaches in response to students who self‐harm. These recommendations included using a student‐centered approach, a whole‐school approach, avoiding punitive approaches, and providing adequate resourcing to schools.
Cultural dimensions of individualism and collectivism and risk of opioid misuse: A test of Social Cognitive Theory
Authors: Kim Shin Ye , Park Sung Yong , Mathai Babetta , Daheim Jacob , France Christopher , Delgado Betsaida 
Published: July 2022

AbstractBackgroundDespite the critical role social and cultural contexts play in pain experience, limited theoretical and empirical attention has been devoted to the interplay between social, cognitive, cultural, and psychological factors in chronic pain management and the risk of opioid misuse.MethodsUsing structural equation modeling, the present study tested the Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) of chronic pain management and risk of opioid misuse in the context of intraindividual cultural dimensions of individualism and collectivism among 316 ethnically diverse adults with chronic pain in the United States.ResultsSocial cognitive predictors account for a significant amount of variance in pain dysfunction and risk of opioid misuse in adults with chronic pain. Satisfaction with pain support was positively associated with both greater pain acceptance and greater pain self‐efficacy. Individualism was found to be positively associated with satisfaction with pain support, pain self‐efficacy, and pain acceptance but negatively associated with the risk of opioid misuse. Collectivism was positively associated with the risk of opioid misuse.ConclusionsThe study findings not only empirically support using SCT for adults with chronic pain, but also provide a more thorough conceptual framework that highlights the intracultural diversity and interplay among social, cognitive, and psychological factors that affect pain experience and the risk of opioid misuse among adults with chronic pain.