bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Image processing tools in the study of environmental contamination by microplastics: reliability and perspectives
Authors: Valente Tommaso , Ventura Daniele , Matiddi Marco , Sbrana Alice , Silvestri Cecilia , Piermarini Raffaella , Jacomini Carlo , Costantini Maria Letizia 
Published: July 2022

AbstractMicroplastic pollution is one of the greatest environmental concerns for contemporary times and the future. In the last years, the number of publications about microplastic contamination has increased rapidly and the list is daily updated. However, the lack of standard analytical approaches might generate data inconsistencies, reducing the comparability among different studies. The present study investigates the potential of two image processing tools (namely the shapeR package for R and ImageJ 1.52v) in providing an accurate characterization of the shape of microplastics using a restricted set of shape descriptors. To ascertain that the selected tools can measure small shape differences, we perform an experiment to verify the detection of pre-post variations in the shape of different microplastic types (i.e., nylon [NY], polyethylene [PE], polyethylene terephthalate [PET], polypropylene [PP], polystyrene [PS], and polyvinylchloride [PVC]) treated with mildly corrosive chemicals (i.e., 10% KOH at 60 °C, 30% H2O2at 50 °C, and 15% H2O2 + 5% HNO3at 40 °C; incubation time ≈ 12 h). Analysis of surface area variations returns results about the vulnerability of plastic polymers to digestive solutions that are aligned with most of the acquired knowledge. The largest decrease in surface area occurs for KOH-treated PET particles, while NY results in the most susceptible polymer to the 30% H2O2treatment, followed by PVC and PS. PE and PP are the most resistant polymers to all the used treatments. The adopted methods to characterize microplastics seem reliable tools for detecting small differences in the shape and size of these particles. Then, the analytic perspectives that can be developed using such widely accessible and low-cost equipment are discussed.
Bempedoic Acid: for Whom and When
Authors: Ruscica Massimiliano , Sirtori Cesare R. , Carugo Stefano , Banach Maciej , Corsini Alberto 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Purpose of Review
The aim of creating an orally active non-statin cholesterol-lowering drug was achieved with bempedoic acid, a small linear molecule providing both a significant low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) reduction and an anti-inflammatory effect by decreasing high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. Bempedoic acid antagonizes ATP citrate-lyase, a cytosolic enzyme upstream of HMGCoA reductase which is the rate-limiting step of cholesterol biosynthesis. Bempedoic acid is a pro-drug converted to its active metabolite by very-long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 1 which is present mostly in the liver and absent in skeletal muscles. This limits the risk of myalgia and myopathy. The remit of this review is to give clinical insights on the safety and efficacy of bempedoic acid and to understand for whom it should be prescribed.

Recent Findings
Bempedoic acid with a single daily dose (180 mg) reduces LDL-C by a mean 24.5% when given alone, by 18% when given on top of a major statin and by 38–40% when given in a fixed-dose combination with ezetimibe. Bempedoic acid does not lead to the risk of new-onset diabetes, and moderately improves the glycaemic profile.

Summary
The extensive knowledge on bempedoic acid mechanism, metabolism and side effects has led to an improved understanding of the potential benefits of this agent and offers a possible alternative to cardiologists and clinical practitioners somewhat worn out today by the occurrence of the muscular side effects of statins.
Paracrine Factors Released by Stem Cells of Mesenchymal Origin and their Effects in Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review of Pre-clinical Studies
Authors: Mabotuwana Nishani S. , Rech Lavinia , Lim Joyce , Hardy Sean A. , Murtha Lucy A. , Rainer Peter P. , Boyle Andrew J. 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy has gained significant traction in the context of cardiovascular repair, and have been proposed to exert their regenerative effects via the secretion of paracrine factors. In this systematic review, we examined the literature and consolidated available evidence for the “paracrine hypothesis”. Two Ovid SP databases were searched using a strategy encompassing paracrine mediated MSC therapy in the context of ischemic heart disease. This yielded 86 articles which met the selection criteria for inclusion in this study. We found that the MSCs utilized in these articles were primarily derived from bone marrow, cardiac tissue, and adipose tissue. We identified 234 individual protective factors across these studies, including VEGF, HGF, and FGF2; which are proposed to exert their effects in a paracrine manner. The data collated in this systematic review identifies secreted paracrine factors that could decrease apoptosis, and increase angiogenesis, cell proliferation, and cell viability. These included studies have also demonstrated that the administration of MSCs and indirectly, their secreted factors can reduce infarct size, and improve left ventricular ejection fraction, contractility, compliance, and vessel density. Furthering our understanding of the way these factors mediate repair could lead to the identification of therapeutic targets for cardiac regeneration.
Graphical abstract
“In the broom closet”: exploring the role of online communities in shaping the identities of contemporary witchcraft practitioners
Authors: Frampton Alexandra , Grandison Alexandra 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThere are multiple lenses through which contemporary witchcraft practitioners are perceived in literature: self-identification; mainstream stereotyping; and counterculture. Contemporary witchcraft is a sociocultural phenomenon that has not received much attention outside of the disciplines of anthropology and sociology. Therefore, the individual views and experiences of self-identified practitioners have arguably been diluted within social research due to an emphasis on historical or group-based observations. With the aim of incorporating a psychological perspective into existing contemporary literature, the current study used semi-structured interviews to explore how practitioners personally engage with online communities to navigate the individual, social, and collective interpretations of their ‘witchcraft-related identity’. Using data from 16 participant interviews, it emerged that digitising witchcraft practices served two key roles in engaging with the practitioners’ identities by providing access to both group membership and interactive knowledge exchange. Positive and negative aspects of these experiences were discussed. Moreover, it was found that the relationship between online and face-to-face constructions of being ‘a witch’ was observably fluid, wherein digital practices could help practitioners compartmentalise their witchcraft-related identity to online spaces or, alternatively, enhance its in-person identity saliency. This investigation offers timely and novel insights into contemporary witchcraft by taking a psychological perspective that contributes to broader debates about the notion of identity and how this manifests in online communities.
Selective targeting BMP2 and 4 in SMAD4 negative esophageal adenocarcinoma inhibits tumor growth and aggressiveness in preclinical models
Authors: Li Shulin , Hoefnagel Sanne J. M. , Read Matthew , Meijer Sybren , van Berge Henegouwen Mark I. , Gisbertz Suzanne S. , Bonora Elena , Liu David S. H. , Phillips Wayne A. , Calpe Silvia , Correia Ana C. P. , Sancho-Serra Maria D. C. , Mattioli Sandro , Krishnadath Kausilia K. ,   Members of the Esophageal Adenocarcinoma Study Group Europe (EACSGE)
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Abnormalities within the Sonic Hedgehog (SHH), Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) and SMAD4 signalling pathways have been associated with the malignant behavior of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). We recently developed two specific llama-derived antibodies (VHHs), C4C4 and C8C8, which target BMP4 and BMP2/4, respectively. Here we aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of the VHHs for the treatment of EAC and to elucidate its underlying mechanism.

Methods
Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was performed on a TCGA dataset, while expression of SHH, BMP2/4 and SMAD4 was validated in a cohort of EAC patients. The effects of the VHHs were tested on the recently established SMAD4(-) ISO76A primary EAC cell line and its counterpart SMAD4(+) ISO76A. In a patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model, the VHHs were evaluated for their ability to selectively target tumor cells and for their effects on tumor growth and survival.

Results
High expression of BMP2/4 was detected in all SMAD4 negative EACs. SHH upregulated BMP2/4 expression and induced p38 MAPK signaling in the SMAD4(-) ISO76A cells. Inhibition of BMP2/4 by VHHs decreased the aggressive and chemo-resistant phenotype of the SMAD4(-) ISO76A but not of the SMAD4(+) ISO76A cells. In the PDX model, in vivo imaging indicated that VHHs effectively targeted tumor cells. Both VHHs significantly inhibited tumor growth and acted synergistically with cisplatin. Furthermore, we found that C8C8 significantly improved survival of the mice.

Conclusions
Our data indicate that increased BMP2/4 expression triggers aggressive non-canonical BMP signaling in SMAD4 negative EAC. Inhibiting BMP2/4 decreases malignant behavior and improves survival. Therefore, VHHs directed against BMP2/4 hold promise for the treatment of SMAD4 negative EAC.
Relationship between insulin-biochemical resistance levels and the degree of depression and anxiety in patients from Honduras
Authors: Díaz-Carías Juan Pablo , Morilla Romero de la Osa Rubén , Cano-Rodríguez Mercedes 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background/purpose
Many studies suggest that insulin resistance in obese patients bridges mental illness. Our objective was to identify the association between levels of depression and anxiety with insulin resistance, and its relationship with obesity and abdominal obesity

Methods
A cross-sectional analytical study was carried out in Honduras. Sociodemographic variables, anthropometric parameters, HOMA index, and level of severity of anxiety and depression were collected, and a descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate were performed.

Results
In a sample of 381 adult patients, the bivariate analysis showed a statistic association of insulin resistance with all remaining variables. However, multivariate analysis showed a significative association of anxiety with BMI, depression, waist circumference, and insulinemia, while depression was associated with HOMA, anxiety, insulinemia, glycemia, and waist circumference.

Conclusions
Our results provide important evidence of a direct and growing association between HOMA-IR and the severity of depression, and indirectly with anxiety. Secondarily, also with anthropometric factors (BMI and WC), traditionally associated with cardiovascular risk. This finding has important implications both for the early diagnosis of these mental pathologies, taking into account HOMA-IR values, and for preventive interventions focused on maintaining blood insulin levels.
Facile synthesis of hollow Ti3AlC2 microrods in molten salts via Kirkendall effect
Authors: Liu Yi , Wang Chuangye , Luo Wei , Bai Liang , Xu Yang , Hao Xiaodong , Zhu Jianfeng , Guo Shouwu 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe microstructure and morphology of Ti3AlC2powders not only affect the preparation of Ti3C2MXene but also have a great influence on their potential applications, such as microwave absorbers, alloy additives, or catalytic supports. However, the synthesis of Ti3AlC2powders with desired microstructure and morphology remains a challenge. Herein, hollow Ti3AlC2microrods were prepared for the first time in NaCl/KCl molten salts by using titanium, aluminum, and short carbon fibers as starting materials. It was found that the short carbon fibers not only performed as carbon source but also acted as sacrificial template. Furthermore, it was revealed that TiC and Ti2AlC were initially formed on the surface of carbon fibers. The subsequent reactions between the outer Ti, Al and the inner carbon were dominated by the Kirkendall effect which gave rise to the formation of a hollow structure. Based on this mechanism, hollow Ti3AlC2microspheres and a series of hollow TiC, Ti2AlC, and V2AlC powders were also successfully fabricated. This work provides a facile route to synthesize hollow MAX phases and may give enlightenment on preparing other hollow carbide powders via the Kirkendall effect in the molten salts.
Food Addiction: a Deep Dive into ‘Loss of Control’ and ‘Craving’
Authors: Whatnall Megan , Skinner Janelle A. , Leary Mark , Burrows Tracy L. 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Purpose of Review
The majority of existing research discusses food addiction (FA) classification, which provides information for different groups and which groups may or may not be affected to differing degrees. Fewer studies report FA symptom scores, and fewer still report on individual symptoms. This paper discusses the symptoms of craving and loss of control as they are common FA symptoms that demonstrate similarities with both substance use disorders and some eating disorder pathology.

Recent Findings
Loss of control presents parallels with disordered eating, particularly binge eating disorder. Craving refers to the powerful or strong desire for something and, in contrast to lack of control, presents most overlap with substance use disorders.

Summary
While not the most common symptoms reported in published research, loss of control and craving attract attention because of parallels with substance use and eating disorder pathology, and research has increasingly focused on these symptoms in recent years.
On superoscillations and supershifts in several variables
Authors: Aharonov Y. , Colombo F. , Jordan A. N. , Sabadini I. , Shushi T. , Struppa D. C. , Tollaksen J. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe aim of this paper is to study a class of superoscillatory functions in several variables, removing some restrictions on the functions that we introduced in a previous paper. Since the tools that we used with our approach are not common knowledge we will give detailed proof for the case of two variables. The results proved for superoscillatory functions in several variables can be further extended to supershifts in several variables.
Tribological mechanisms of slurry abrasive wear
Authors: Li Yulong , Schreiber Paul , Schneider Johannes , Greiner Christian 
Published: July 2022

AbstractAbrasive wear mechanisms—including two-body and three-body abrasion—dominate the performance and lifespan of tribological systems in many engineering fields, even of those operating in lubricated conditions. Bearing steel (100Cr6) pins and discs in a flat-on-flat contact were utilized in experiments together with 5 and 13 µm Al2O3-based slurries as interfacial media to shed light on the acting mechanisms. The results indicate that a speed-induced hydrodynamic effect occurred and significantly altered the systems’ frictional behavior in tests that were performed using the 5 µm slurry. Further experiments revealed that a speed-dependent hydrodynamic effect can lead to a 14% increase in film thickness and a decrease in friction of around 2/3, accompanied by a transition from two-body abrasion to three-body abrasion and a change in wear mechanism from microcutting and microploughing to fatigue wear. Surprisingly, no correlation could be found between the total amount of wear and the operating state of the system during the experiment; however, the wear distribution over pin and disc was observed to change significantly. This paper studies the influence of the hydrodynamic effect on the tribological mechanism of lubricated abrasive wear and also highlights the importance to not only consider a tribological systems’ global amount of wear.
Lignin composite ionic liquid lubricants with excellent anti-corrosion, anti-oxidation, and tribological properties
Authors: Zhang Chaoyang , Yang Zhiquan , Huang Qing , Wang Xingwei , Yang Wufang , Zhou Chunyu , Yu Bo , Yu Qiangliang , Cai Meirong , Zhou Feng 
Published: July 2022

AbstractA new type of lubricating material (BTA-P4444-Lig) was synthesized by combining lignin with tetrabutylphosphorus and benzotriazole. The tribological properties, corrosion resistance, and anti-oxidation properties of BTA-P4444-Lig as a lubricant were investigated. The lubricating material exhibits excellent friction reduction and wear resistance, as well as good thermal stability and excellent oxidation resistance. Mechanistic analysis reveals that the active elements N and P in the lubricating material react with the metal substrate, and the reaction film effectively blocks direct contact between the friction pairs, affording excellent friction reduction and wear resistance. At the same time, the phenolic hydroxyl group in lignin reacts with oxygen free radicals to form a resonance-stable semi-quinone free radical, which interrupts the chain reaction and affords good anti-oxidant activity.
Environmental Chemical Exposures and Mitochondrial Dysfunction: a Review of Recent Literature
Authors: Reddam Aalekhya , McLarnan Sarah , Kupsco Allison 
Published: July 2022

AbstractPurpose of ReviewMitochondria play various roles that are important for cell function and survival; therefore, significant mitochondrial dysfunction may have chronic consequences that extend beyond the cell. Mitochondria are already susceptible to damage, which may be exacerbated by environmental exposures. Therefore, the aim of this review is to summarize the recent literature (2012–2022) looking at the effects of six ubiquitous classes of compounds on mitochondrial dysfunction in human populations.Recent FindingsThe literature suggests that there are a number of biomarkers that are commonly used to identify mitochondrial dysfunction, each with certain advantages and limitations. Classes of environmental toxicants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, air pollutants, heavy metals, endocrine-disrupting compounds, pesticides, and nanomaterials can damage the mitochondria in varied ways, with changes in mtDNA copy number and measures of oxidative damage the most commonly measured in human populations. Other significant biomarkers include changes in mitochondrial membrane potential, calcium levels, and ATP levels.SummaryThis review identifies the biomarkers that are commonly used to characterize mitochondrial dysfunction but suggests that emerging mitochondrial biomarkers, such as cell-free mitochondria and blood cardiolipin levels, may provide greater insight into the impacts of exposures on mitochondrial function. This review identifies that the mtDNA copy number and measures of oxidative damage are commonly used to characterize mitochondrial dysfunction, but suggests using novel approaches in addition to well-characterized ones to create standardized protocols. We identified a dearth of studies on mitochondrial dysfunction in human populations exposed to metals, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, pesticides, and nanoparticles as a gap in knowledge that needs attention.
An environment-driven hybrid evolutionary algorithm for dynamic multi-objective optimization problems
Authors: Chen Meirong , Guo Yinan , Jin Yaochu , Yang Shengxiang , Gong Dunwei , Yu Zekuan 
Published: July 2022

AbstractIn dynamic multi-objective optimization problems, the environmental parameters may change over time, which makes the Pareto fronts shifting. To address the issue, a common idea is to track the moving Pareto front once an environmental change occurs. However, it might be hard to obtain the Pareto optimal solutions if the environment changes rapidly. Moreover, it may be costly to implement a new solution. By contrast, robust Pareto optimization over time provides a novel framework to find the robust solutions whose performance is acceptable for more than one environment, which not only saves the computational costs for tracking solutions, but also minimizes the cost for switching solutions. However, neither of the above two approaches can balance between the quality of the obtained non-dominated solutions and the computation cost. To address this issue, environment-driven hybrid dynamic multi-objective evolutionary optimization method is proposed, aiming to fully use strengths of TMO and RPOOT under various characteristics of environmental changes. Two indexes, i.e., the frequency and intensity of environmental changes, are first defined. Then, a criterion is presented based on the characteristics of dynamic environments and the switching cost of solutions, to select an appropriate optimization method in a given environment. The experimental results on a set of dynamic benchmark functions indicate that the proposed hybrid dynamic multi-objective evolutionary optimization method can choose the most rational method that meets the requirements of decision makers, and balance the convergence and robustness of the obtained non-dominated solutions.
The Critical Role of a Backing Material in Assessing the Performance of Soft Ballistic Protection
Authors: Nguyen Thuy-Tien N. , Tsukada Hirotaka , Breeze John , Masouros Spyros D. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractPenetrating trauma by energised fragments is the most common injury from an explosive event. Fragment penetrations to the truncal region can result in lethal haemorrhage. Personal armour is used to mitigate ballistic threats; it comprises hard armour to protect from high-velocity bullets and soft armour to protect against energised fragments and other ballistic threats (such as from a hand gun) with low impact velocities. Current testing standards for soft armour do not focus on realistic boundary conditions, and a backing material is not always recommended. This study provides a comprehensive set of evidence to support the inclusion of a backing used in testing of soft body armour. Experiments were performed with a gas-gun system using fragment-simulating projectiles (FSPs) of different shapes and sizes to impact on a woven aramid and a knitted high-performance polyethylene ballistic fabric, with and without the ballistic gelatine soft tissue simulant as the backing material. The results showed statistically significant differences in the impact velocities at 50% risk (V50) of fabric perforation across all test configurations when the gelatine backing was used. Furthermore, the backing material enabled the collection of injury-related metrics such as V50 of tissue-simulant penetrations as well as depth of penetration against impact velocity. The normalised energy absorbed by the fabric could also be calculated when the backing material was present. This study confirms that a backing material is essential, particularly when assessing the performance of single layer fabrics against FSPs of low mass. It also demonstrates the additional benefits provided by the backing for predicting injury outcomes.