bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of healthcare providers in expanding legal abortion: Qualitative insights from Argentina, Ireland, and South Korea
Authors: Juanola van Keizerswaard Lisa , de Vries Irene , Moran Nicole , Poorter Saskia , Kok Maryse , Zamberlin Nina , Kim Sunhye , Favier Mary , Chavkin Wendy
Published: February 2024

Abortion laws are key in creating an enabling environment that facilitates the advancement of people's sexual and reproductive health and rights. Around 50 countries have liberalized their abortion laws in the last decades by adding new grounds allowing abortion. The road toward the expansion of legal abortion is a long, highly sensitive, and difficult process. The specific role of healthcare providers in influencing abortion law reforms has been scarcely studied. With the objective to better understand their (potential) roles, a qualitative study was conducted in 2021 focusing on three countries that had recently liberalized their abortion regulations: Argentina, South Korea, and Ireland. For each country, key informant interviews were conducted with actors in advocacy for legal change, the majority with healthcare providers. The study results indicate that healthcare providers can contribute to the expansion of legal abortion through their influence on public and legal debates. Healthcare providers were found to be scientifically credible and trustworthy. Their voice and argumentation counteracted anti‐rights arguments and addressed information gaps, by providing specific clinical experiences and medical information. Healthcare providers amplified women's experiences through their testimonies and had entry points within governmental bodies, which facilitated their advocacy. These healthcare providers often functioned as individual operating obstetrician/gynecologists or general practitioners who were engaged in networks of health professionals or had previous advocacy experience. In a global context of social and political contention around abortion, extending the engagement of healthcare providers in law and policy deliberation on abortion appears to be useful. This requires recognizing the diversity of roles that healthcare providers can take up, creating a safe environment in which they can operate, equipping them with skills that go beyond the medical expert role and facilitating strategic partnerships that seek complementarity between multiple stakeholders, building on the uniqueness of each stakeholder's expertise.
Respectful Abortion Care initiative: How a large‐scale virtual training for providers in India increased knowledge of the new 2021 Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act
Authors: Kumari Shantha , Sharma Kandala Aparna , Ghosh Sumita , Suman Barru Aruna , Bhardwaj Ajey , Puri Manju , Chaudhary Pushpa , Chatterjee Tapas , Dubey Sapna , Karna Priya
Published: February 2024

Background

In a historic move to ensure comprehensive abortion care, India amended the 1971 Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act in 2021, creating an unprecedented opportunity for accelerating safe, respectful, and rights‐based abortion services. The Federation of Obstetric and Gynecological Societies of India (FOGSI), together with World Health Organization (WHO) India and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, set up a flagship initiative “Respectful Abortion Care” (RAC) to provide training to obstetricians and gynecologists on the new Act, and also address their values and biases.

Methods

Virtual training sessions were organized during the COVID‐19 pandemic to disseminate the amendments made under the MTP Act and address provider values and biases. The primary focus was on private providers as they account for more than half of all abortion services in India (52.9%). The RAC modules were systematically designed and delivered by 690 Master Trainers, trained by FOGSI and WHO.

Results

A total of 9051 FOGSI members (22%, with 50% from private clinics) completed the RAC trainings. Pretests and post‐tests were conducted for impact assessment. Significant improvement was seen on knowledge of criteria for termination of pregnancy for significant birth defects (52%–83%). The post‐training survey showed a high level of commitment to promote RAC: >95% were strongly motivated to perform or assist in abortion; 89% reported that the WHO value clarification exercises were helpful in facilitating open discussions on sensitive topics in a comfortable manner; 96% expressed a strong commitment to addressing the issue of respect and confidentiality in abortion care.

Conclusion

RAC was a unique initiative around the MTP Act amendment 2021 in India, which demonstrated that collaboration and leadership by professional associations can help motivate providers and lead to improved knowledge and commitment from public and private sector providers.
Assessment of unintended pregnancies, contraception, and abortion in Botswana
Authors: Rakereng Tshepo Mokganedi , Dikgole Kesaobaka Sheila , Maribe Lucy Sejo , Speciale Anna Maria , Lavelanet Antonella
Published: February 2024

Botswana has a policy of contraception for all that is delivered through a rights‐based family planning program. The program combines a “rights‐based family planning approach” with “supportive policies for contraception,” and “a commitment to promote equitable access to modern contraception, and expand availability, method mix and uptake of modern contraceptive methods for all women and girls.” However, abortion is legally restricted up to 16 weeks of pregnancy provided that provisions of Section 160–162 of the Botswana Penal Code Amendment Act 1991 are met, and that the termination of pregnancy is carried out by a registered medical practitioner in a health facility approved for the purpose. In 2020, the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Botswana, in collaboration with United Nations Population Fund and World Health Organization, conducted a strategic assessment of unintended pregnancies, contraception, unsafe abortion, and abortion services in Botswana. A consensus operational plan to address these issues was developed during a national stakeholder meeting in Gaborone, Botswana. The consensus reached was to avert unintended pregnancies, improve access to modern contraception, and open nationwide discussions around abortion in the community to enable positive change and decrease maternal morbidity and mortality from unsafe abortion. This article describes the findings of the assessment and outlines the foundation for new or modified services or practices to be developed and pilot tested.
Design and implementation of an automated baby monitoring cradle
Authors: Satti Adil Ahmed , Iqbal Muhammad Shahid , Nabi Fizza Ghulam , Azhar Muhammad Fawaq , Ali Mehran
Published: February 2024

Ever increasing global birth rate, increased working women ratio and innovative technologies motivate the engineering society to introduce novel ideas for the baby caring. Considering this, we present hardware implementation of an automatic cradle for smart and remote monitoring. In contrast to previous implementations, we present the design insights such as swing angle, required force and torque, arc length and speed of the cradle for the first time in the literature. Furthermore, to make the cradle more comfortable and smooth swing, we introduce a novel Slider Crank Mechanism to control the cradle swing for the first time in the literature. This provides flexibility, and improved energy efficiency, while maintaining controlled and predictable reciprocating motion. The proposed solution is equipped with a number of technological features, that is, cry detection based swing, collision avoidance, WiFi based remote video monitoring, wet detection and baby health monitoring system.
The effect of bioactivity of airway epithelial cells using methacrylated gelatin scaffold loaded with exosomes derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Li Yongsen , Chen Zhike , Xia Tian , Wan Haoxin , Lu Yi , Ding Cheng , Zhang Fangbiao , Shen Ziqing , Pan Shu
Published: February 2024

The current evidence provides support for the involvement of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in the regulation of airway epithelial cells. However, a comprehensive understanding of the underlying biological mechanisms remains elusive. This study aimed to isolate and characterize BMSC‐derived exosomes (BMSC‐Exos) and epithelial cells (ECs) through primary culture. Subsequently, the impact of BMSC‐Exos on ECs was assessed in vitro, and sequencing analysis was conducted to identify potential molecular mechanisms involved in these interactions. Finally, the efficacy of BMSC‐Exos was evaluated in animal models in vivo. In this study, primary BMSCs and ECs were efficiently isolated and cultured, and high‐purity Exos were obtained. Upon uptake of BMSC‐Exos, ECs exhibited enhanced proliferation (p < .05), while migration showed no difference (p > .05). Notably, invasion demonstrated significant difference (p < .05). Sequencing analysis suggested that miR‐21‐5p may be the key molecule responsible for the effects of BMSC‐Exos, potentially mediated through the MAPK or PI3k‐Akt signaling pathway. The in vivo experiments showed that the presence of methacrylated gelatin (GelMA) loaded with BMSC‐Exos in composite scaffold significantly enhanced epithelial crawling in the patches in comparison to the pure decellularized group. In conclusion, this scheme provides a solid theoretical foundation and novel insights for the research and clinical application of tracheal replacement in the field of tissue engineering.
Social cognition in women with borderline personality disorder based on an exhaustive analysis of the Movie for Assessment of Social Cognition (MASC) categories
Authors: Coma Gonzalez Aser Alba , Vilella Elisabet , Gutiérrez‐Zotes Alfonso
Published: February 2024

A significant number of borderline personality disorder (BPD) symptoms are manifested in the interpersonal context. This can be explained by the difficulties in attributing the mental states of oneself and others, which constitutes social cognition. Errors in social cognition are interrelated with the affective, cognitive, impulsive, and interpersonal areas of the person with BPD. The aims of this study was to analyze social cognition in women with BPD compared with a control group and to analyze social cognition in BPD based on BPD symptoms and its severity. To assess social cognition, we used a full range of social cognition categories provided by the Movie for the Assessment of Social Cognition (MASC): correct theory of mind (ToM); attribution of mental states (thoughts, emotions, or intentions); errors of mentalization; types of ToM; and attribution of mental states through perceptive or cognitive cues and through hot or cold emotions. The MASC has high ecological validity and has been validated in Spanish. The sample comprised 79 women, including 47 women with BPD and 32 healthy women. Worse social cognition performance was observed in women with BPD. More severe borderline symptoms were related to worse functioning in the correct ToM and to errors of no mentalization. Involvement of the cognitive area in borderline symptoms was associated with worse functioning in correct ToM and worse social cognition in cognitive areas as well as with hypermentalization. This is the first study that uses all the MASC categories and considers BPD heterogeneity and its severity to study social cognition.
Development and application of a 3D image analysis strategy for focused ion beam – Scanning electron microscopy tomography of porous soft materials
Authors: Prochukhan Nadezda , Rafferty Aran , Canavan Megan , Daly Dermot , Selkirk Andrew , Rameshkumar Saranya , Morris Michael A.
Published: February 2024

In recent years, the potential of porous soft materials in various device technologies has increased in importance due to applications in fields, such as wearable electronics, medicine, and transient devices. However, understanding the 3‐dimensional architecture of porous soft materials at the microscale remains a challenge. Herein, we present a method to structurally analyze soft materials using Focused Ion Beam – Scanning Electron Microscopy (FIB‐SEM) tomography. Two materials, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) membrane and pine wood veneer were chosen as test‐cases. FIB‐SEM was successfully used to reconstruct the true topography of these materials in 3D. Structural and physical properties were subsequently deduced from the rendered 3D models. The methodology used segmentation, coupled with optimized thresholding, image processing, and reconstruction protocols. The 3D models generated pore size distribution, pore inter‐connectivity, tortuosity, thickness, and curvature data. It was shown that FIB‐SEM tomography provides both an informative and visual depiction of structure. To evaluate and validate the FIB‐SEM reconstructions, porous properties were generated from the physical property analysis techniques, gas adsorption analysis using Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET) surface area analysis and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) analysis. In general, the data obtained from the FIB‐SEM reconstructions was well‐matched with the physical data.

Research Highlights

Porous specimens of both synthetic and biological nature, a poly(methyl methacrylate) membrane and a pine veneer respectively, are reconstructed via FIB‐SEM tomography without resin‐embedding.

Different thresholding and reconstruction methods are explored whereby shadowing artifacts are present with the aid of free open‐source software.

Reconstruction data is compared to physical data: MIP, gas adsorption isotherms which are analyzed via BET and Barrett‐Joyner‐Halenda (BJH) analysis to yield a full picture of the materials.
Volunteering in China: How significant is the peer effect?
Authors: Li Fang , Ma Hongxu , Shen Suyan
Published: February 2024

This study theoretically evaluated and empirically tested the peer effect of residents' volunteering behaviour in a Chinese scenario using data from the 2019 China Comprehensive Social Situation Survey (CSS). The study found that residents' volunteering behaviour had significant peer effect, with every unit increase in volunteering activities of other residents in the community enhancing the probability of residents' participation in volunteering by 21.0% to 30.0%. The results were still valid even after using community location, province dummy variables, and instrumental variables to determine reflexivity and correlation. By contrast, urban community residents were more affected by peer effect. Internet access attenuated the peer influence. Interpersonal trust and trust in charitable organizations reinforced the peer effect, whereas trust in dysfunctional government inhibited the peer influence. The study findings provide a theoretical and empirical standard for improving volunteer incentives and mechanisms as well as enhancing policy effectiveness.
Resistance‐associated mutations to the anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 agent nirmatrelvir: Selection not induction
Authors: Colson Philippe , Delerce Jérémy , Pontarotti Pierre , Devaux Christian , La Scola Bernard , Fantini Jacques , Raoult Didier
Published: February 2024

Mutations associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) resistance to antiprotease nirmatrelvir were reported. We aimed to detect them in SARS‐CoV‐2 genomes and quasispecies retrieved in our institute before drug availability in January 2022 and to analyze the impact of mutations on protease (3CLpro) structure. We sought for 38 3CLpro nirmatrelvir resistance mutations in a set of 62 673 SARS‐CoV‐2 genomes obtained in our institute from respiratory samples collected between 2020 and 2023 and for these mutations in SARS‐CoV‐2 quasispecies for 90 samples collected in 2020, using Python. SARS‐CoV‐2 protease with major mutation E166V was generated with Swiss Pdb Viewer and Molegro Molecular Viewer. We detected 22 (58%) of the resistance‐associated mutations in 417 (0.67%) of the genomes analyzed; 325 (78%) of these genomes had been obtained from samples collected in 2020−2021. APOBEC signatures were found for 12/22 mutations. We also detected among viral quasispecies from 90 samples some minority reads harboring any of 15 nirmatrelvir resistance mutations, including E166V. Also, we predicted that E166V has a very limited effect on 3CLpro structure but may prevent drug attachment. Thus, we evidenced that mutations associated with nirmatrelvir resistance pre‐existed in SARS‐CoV‐2 before drug availability. These findings further warrant SARS‐CoV‐2 genomic surveillance and SARS‐CoV‐2 quasispecies characterization.
A volumetric asymmetry study of gray matter in individuals with and without dyslexia
Authors: Nisbet Kelly , Kostiw Avary , Huynh Thi Kim Truc , Saggu Sukhmani Kaur , Patel Dev , Cummine Jacqueline
Published: February 2024

Brain imaging work aimed at increased classification of dyslexia has underscored an important relationship between anterior (i.e., the inferior frontal gyrus; IFG) and posterior (i.e., superior temporal gyrus and supramarginal gyrus) brain regions. The extent to which the three components of the inferior frontal gyrus, namely the pars orbitalis, triangularis, and opercularis, are differentially related to the posterior regions, namely the superior temporal gyrus and supramarginal gyrus, needs further elucidation. Information about the nature of the anterior–posterior connections would facilitate our understanding of the neural underpinnings associated with dyslexia. Adult participants (N = 38; 16 with dyslexia) took part in an MRI study, whereby high‐resolution structural scans were obtained. Volumetric asymmetry of the three regions of the IFG, the superior temporal gyrus, and the supramarginal gyrus was extracted. Significant differences were found for each of the three IFG regions, such that skilled readers had a greater leftward asymmetry of the orbitalis and triangularis, and greater rightward asymmetry of the opercularis, when compared to individuals with dyslexia. Furthermore, the pars triangularis was significantly associated with leftward asymmetry of the superior temporal gyrus for skilled but not dyslexic participants. For individuals with dyslexia, the cortical asymmetry of the IFG, and the corresponding connections with other reading‐related brain regions, is inherently different from skilled readers. We discuss our findings in the context of the print‐to‐speech framework to further our understanding of the neural underpinnings associated with dyslexia.
Fronto‐limbic white matter microstructural changes in psychiatrically healthy adults with childhood trauma
Authors: Hendrikse Chanellé , Lückhoff Hilmar Klaus , Fouché Jean‐Paul , van den Heuvel Leigh L. , Emsley Robin , Seedat Soraya , du Plessis Stefan
Published: February 2024

Childhood trauma (CT) may influence brain white matter microstructure; however, few studies have examined the differential impact of distinct CT types on white matter microstructure in psychiatrically healthy adults living in a developing country. In adults without significant medical or psychiatric disorders, we investigated the association(s) between CT, including abuse and neglect, and fractional anisotropy (FA) of limbic tracts previously shown to be associated with CT. Participants underwent diffusion tensor imaging and completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. Multivariate analysis of variance models were used to test the effects of total overall CT, as well as CT subtypes, on FA in six fronto‐limbic tracts, adjusting for age, sex, and educational level. The final sample included 69 adults (age 47 ± 17 years; 70% female). Overall, CT had a significant main effect on FA for tracts of interest (p < .001). Greater CT severity was associated with lower FA for the bilateral and left stria terminalis (uncorrected) as well as the bilateral, left, and right anterior limb of the internal capsule (ALIC; corrected). Exposure to total non‐violent/deprivational trauma specifically was associated with lower FA of the bilateral, left, and right ALIC, suggesting that distinct types of CT are associated with differential white matter changes in apparently healthy adults. The ALIC predominantly carries fibers connecting the thalamus with prefrontal cortical regions. Microstructural alterations in the ALIC may be associated with functional brain changes, which may be adaptive or increase the risk of accelerated age‐related cognitive decline, maladaptive behaviors, and subsyndromal psychiatric symptoms.
Synthesis and application of novel Gemini esterquats in fabric softeners: Role of spacer chain length on surfactant properties
Authors: Paranjpe Susmita Suhas , Sanap Prasad Sanjaykumar , Madankar Chandu , Pratap Amit Prabhakar
Published: February 2024

Gemini surfactants are dimeric molecules having two monomeric units connected by a spacer. Gemini surfactants, owing to their molecular structure have better surfactant properties than other monomeric surfactants. Esterquat class gemini surfactants can be synthesized using a spacer containing ester linkages. In the current study, the synthesis of novel esterquat gemini surfactants was carried out with spacers of varying chain lengths and was characterized using sophisticated instrumental methods. Various surfactant properties including foaming, emulsification, CMC, surface excess, antimicrobial activity and wetting potential using contact angle were analyzed and compared with benzalkonium chloride. It was observed that the CMC as low as 24.79 × 10−3 mM of the synthesized surfactants is potentially lower than that of conventional monomeric surfactants and was found to increase with an increase in spacer chain length. Further, the applicability and evaluation of performance properties of the synthesized surfactants were studied in fabric softener formulation. The water absorbency and whiteness retention of the formulation prepared using 12‐6‐12 GS was the highest due to its better wettability amongst other synthesized surfactants owing to its higher spacer chain length. To summarize, the surface and anti‐microbial properties of the synthesized surfactants vary greatly with the alteration in spacer chain length.
NIR‐HSI as a tool to predict deoxynivalenol and fumonisins in maize kernels: a step forward in preventing mycotoxin contamination
Authors: Borràs‐Vallverdú Bernat , Marín Sonia , Sanchis Vicente , Gatius Ferran , Ramos Antonio J.
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Maize is frequently contaminated with deoxynivalenol (DON) and fumonisins B1 (FB1) and B2 (FB2). In the European Union, these mycotoxins are regulated in maize and maize‐derived products. To comply with these regulations, industries require a fast, economic, safe, non‐destructive and environmentally friendly analysis method.

RESULTS

In the present study, near‐infrared hyperspectral imaging (NIR‐HSI) was used to develop regression and classification models for DON, FB1 and FB2 in maize kernels. The best regression models presented the following root mean square error of cross validation and ratio of performance to deviation values: 0.848 mg kg−1 and 2.344 (DON), 3.714 mg kg−1 and 2.018 (FB1) and 2.104 mg kg−1 and 2.301 (FB2). Regarding classification, European Union legal limits for DON and FB1 + FB2 were selected as thresholds to classify maize kernels as acceptable or not. The sensitivity and specificity were 0.778 and 1 for the best DON classification model and 0.607 and 0.938 for the best FB1 + FB2 classification model.

CONCLUSION

NIR‐HSI can help reduce DON and fumonisins contamination in the maize food and feed chain. © 2024 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
LncRNA HOTTIP regulates TLR4 promoter methylation by recruiting H3K4 methyltransferase MLL1 to affect apoptosis and inflammatory response of fibroblast‐like synoviocyte in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Wang Guan , Xu Yu‐Lin , Zhang Xi‐Hai , Tang Lian , Li Yao
Published: February 2024

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease, and the role of HOXA transcript at the distal tip (HOTTIP) in its pathogenesis remains underexplored. This study investigates the mechanism by which HOTTIP influences apoptosis and the inflammatory response of fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLS). An RA mouse model was established, and clinical scores were analyzed. Pathological changes in synovial tissues, bone mineral density (BMD) of the paws, serum tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity, and TNF‐α and IL‐1β levels were assessed. FLS were transfected, and cell proliferation and apoptosis were examined. The RNA‐pull‐down assay determined HOTTIP's interaction with mixed‐lineage leukemia 1 (MLL1), while RNA immunoprecipitation assay measured HOTTIP expression pulled down by MLL1. The levels of MLL1 and toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) after MLL1 overexpression based on HOTTIP silencing were determined. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) was performed with H3K4me3 as an antibody, followed by the evaluation of TLR4 expression. HOTTIP expression was elevated in RA mouse synovial tissues. Inhibition of HOTTIP led to reduced clinical scores, inflammatory infiltration, synovial hyperplasia, TRAP activity, and TNF‐α and IL‐1β levels, along with increased BMD. In vitro Interference with HOTTIP suppressed RA‐FLS apoptosis and inflammation. HOTTIP upregulated TLR4 expression by recruiting MLL1 to facilitate TLR4 promoter methylation. MLL1 overexpression reversed HOTTIP silencing‐mediated repression of RA‐FLS apoptosis. Activation of H3K4 methylation counteracted HOTTIP knockout, ameliorating the inflammatory response. HOTTIP regulates TLR4 expression by recruiting MLL1, leading to TLR4 promoter methylation, thereby suppressing RA‐FLS proliferation and inducing cell apoptosis and inflammatory response in RA.
Novel Fluorinated Anion Exchange Membranes Based on Poly(Pentafluorophenyl‐Carbazole) with High Ionic Conductivity and Alkaline Stability for Fuel Cell Applications
Authors: Li Qijia , Wu Liming , Pang Yang , Liu Binghui , Zhu Xuanbo , Zhao Chengji
Published: February 2024

Constructing good microphase separation structures by designing different polymer backbones and ion‐conducting groups is an effective strategy for improving the ionic conductivity and chemical stability of anion exchange membranes (AEMs). In this study, a series of AEMs based on the poly(pentafluorophenylcarbazole) backbone grafted with different cationic groups are designed and prepared to construct well‐defined microphase separation morphology and improve the trade‐off between the properties of AEMs. Highly hydrophobic fluorinated backbone and alkyl spaces enhance phase separation and construct interconnected hydrophilic channels for anion transport. The ionic conductivity of the PC‐PF‐QA membrane is 123 mS cm−1 at 80 °C, and the ionic conductivity of the PC‐PF‐QA membrane decreased by only 6% after 960 h of immersion at 60 °C in 1 M NaOH aqueous solution. The maximum peak power density of the single cell based on PC‐PF‐QA is 214 mW cm−2 at 60 °C.
EMX2 inhibits clear cell renal cell carcinoma progress via modulating Akt/FOXO3a pathway
Authors: Zhou Xiaofeng , Dong Sicheng , Zhou Yuhao , He Zhiqing , Zhang Zhixiong , Liao Liqiong , Zou Bangyu , Zheng Xiaopeng , Peng Kaoqing , Duan Xiaolu
Published: February 2024

Empty spiracles homeobox 2 (EMX2) is initially identified as a key transcription factor that plays an essential role in the regulation of neuronal development and some brain disorders. Recently, several studies emphasized that EMX2 could as a tumor suppressor, but its role in human clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the role and underlying mechanism of EMX2 in the regulation of ccRCC progress. Our results demonstrated that EMX2 expression was markedly decreased in ccRCC tissues and cell lines, and low EMX2 expression predicted the poor prognosis of ccRCC patients. In addition, forced expression of EMX2 significantly inhibited the cell growth, migration, and invasion in vitro, as well as ccRCC tumor growth in nude mice, via, at least in part, regulating Akt/FOXO3a pathway. In detail, EMX2 could attenuate the phosphorylation levels of Akt and FOXO3a, and increase FOXO3a expression without affecting total Akt expression in vivo and in vitro. Meanwhile, shRNA‐mediated knockdown of FOXO3a expression could obviously attenuate the effects of EMX2 on cell growth, migration, invasion, and tumor growth. Furthermore, EMX2 could significantly attenuate the interaction between Akt and FOXO3a. Taken together, our results demonstrated that EMX2 could inhibit ccRCC progress through, at least in part, modulating Akt/FOXO3a signaling pathway, thus representing a novel role and underlying mechanism of EMX2 in the regulation of ccRCC progress.
Plantar intermetatarsal perforator flap for first web skin‐graftless syndactyly release: Anatomical study and clinical application
Authors: Soldado Francisco , Prieto‐Mere Jose Antonio , Cherqaoui Abdelmounim , Diaz Gallardo Paula , Knorr Jorge , Corona Pablo
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Foot‐syndactyly has long been managed through conventional surgical procedures, each having its own distinct advantages and drawbacks. While these methods, which do not require skin grafts, exhibit a lower incidence of long‐term complications, they lead to undesirable scarring on the dorsal side of the foot and reduced patient satisfaction. In this study, we introduce an innovative technique involving an intermetatarsal plantar flap, supported by an anatomical investigation and clinical application.

Methods

Eight freshly preserved lower limbs were injected with colored latex to examine the cutaneous vessels on the plantar surface, a skin‐flap was designed in an elliptical shape to address first web conjoined toes. The flap was extended from the center of each affected ray measuring ~30% of the sole's length. Using the mentioned novel approach, a flap was created and dorsally extended with a straight incision to release bilateral simple foot‐syndactyly in an 8‐year‐old child presented with Apert's Syndrome.

Results

We identified cutaneous branches originating either from the medial plantar vessels or the lateral proper artery of the hallux. On average, the mean number of cutaneous branches found over the first intermetatarsal web spaces was 5.8 (ranging from 5 to 8) most of them originating from medial plantar vessels with a mean of 5.1 branches (range 4–6) while proper lateral great‐toe digital artery provided a mean of 0.6 branches (range 0–2). Intra‐operatively, in our patient, advancing the plantar flap ensured complete coverage of the commissure, obviating the necessity for skin grafts. Incisions healed uneventfully and a wide first web was obtained. Over a 15 months follow‐up, no complications were observed.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the skin‐graftless first web release of syndactyly using a plantar intermetatarsal flap is a reliable and straightforward procedure with good cosmetic results, offering a promising alternative to conventional techniques.

Level of evidence

Therapeutic IV.
Q‐space imaging based on Gaussian radial basis function with Laplace regularization
Authors: Wang Yuanjun , Zhu Yuemin , Luo Lingli , He Jianglin
Published: February 2024

Purpose

To introduce the diffusion signal characteristics presented by spherical harmonics (SH) basis into the q‐space imaging method based on Gaussian radial basis function (GRBF) to robustly reconstruct ensemble average diffusion propagator (EAP) in diffusion MRI (dMRI).

Methods

We introduced the Laplacian regularization of the signal into the dMRI imaging method based on GRBF, and derived the relevant indicators of microstructure imaging and the orientation distribution function (ODF) providing fiber bundle direction information based on EAP. In addition, this method is combined with a multi‐compartment model to calculate the diameter of fiber bundle axons. The evaluation of the results included qualitative comparisons and quantitative assessments of the signal fitting.

Results

The results show that the proposed method achieves the more significant accuracy improvement in reconstructing signal. Meanwhile, ODFs estimated by the proposed method show the sharper profiles and less spurious peaks, even under the sparse and noisy conditions. In the 36 sets of axon diameter estimation experiments, 34 and 30 sets of results showed that the proposed method reduced the mean and SD of axon diameter estimates, respectively. Moreover, compared with the current state‐of‐the‐art method, the mean and SD of axon diameter estimated by the proposed method are mostly lower, with 32 and 29 of 36 groups.

Conclusion

The proposed method outperforms the GRBF regarding signal fitting and the estimation of the EAP and ODF with multi‐shell sparse samples. Moreover, it shows the potential to recover important features of microstructures with less uncertainty by using proposed method together with multi‐compartment models.
Celebrate World Water Day 2024
Authors: Adams Hunter
Published: February 2024

“Yesterday's gone on down the river and you can’t get it back.”

—Captain Augustus McCrae, Lonesome Dove
Operators Need to Know Nuisance Microorganisms in Water
Authors: Adams Hunter , Nayak Bina , Watson Susan B. , Zaitlin Beryl , Smith Stuart , Cullimore Roy , Sturbaum Greg , Del Rey Zoe Rodriguez , Ash Steve , Southard Mark
Published: February 2024

Understanding how to control microorganisms in source water and during treatment can help operators suppress microbial proliferation in distribution systems and prevent customer complaints.
Reflecting on the Status of Women in Water and Sanitation
Authors: Huber Brianna
Published: February 2024

Addressing present and future water challenges requires attracting top talent from both genders, but there is insufficient investment in developing and recruiting women in the water and sanitation industry. It's important to consider ways to develop a water workforce where women are well represented, respected, and retained.
Associations between adverse childhood experiences and history of weight cycling
Authors: Smith Caitlin E. , Sinclair Kelsey L. , Erinosho Temitope , Pickett Andrew C. , Martinez Kercher Vanessa M. , Ciciolla Lucia , Hawkins Misty A. W.
Published: February 2024

Background

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) predict obesity onset; however, the relationship between ACEs and history of weight cycling has not been adequately explored. This gap is problematic given the difficulty in weight loss maintenance and the impact of ACEs on obesity development, chronicity, and associated weight stigma. The objective of this study was to examine associations between self‐reported history of ACEs and weight cycling in a sample of weight loss treatment‐seeking adults with overweight/obesity.

Methods

The number of participants in the analyzed sample was 78, mostly white educated adult women (80% female, 81% Caucasian, 75% ≥ bachelor's degree) with excess adiposity enrolled in the Cognitive and Self‐regulatory Mechanisms of Obesity Study. ACEs were measured at baseline using the ACEs Scale. History of weight cycling was measured using the Weight and Lifestyle Inventory that documented weight loss(es) of 10 or more pounds.

Results

Higher ACE scores were associated with a greater likelihood of reporting a history of weight cycling. Participants with four or more ACEs had 8 times higher odds (OR = 8.301, 95% CI = 2.271–54.209, p = 0.027) of reporting weight cycling compared with participants with no ACEs. The association of weight cycling for those who endorsed one to three ACEs was not significant (OR = 2.3, 95% CI = 0.771–6.857, p = 0.135) in this sample.

Conclusions

The role of ACEs in health may be related to associations with weight cycling. Results indicated that those who reported four or more ACEs had significantly higher odds of reporting weight cycling compared with those with no ACEs. Further research is needed to further explore how ACEs predict the likelihood of weight cycling, which may be prognostic for sustained weight loss treatment response and weight stigma impacts.
Registration of ‘CP 15‐2516’ sugarcane for organic soils in Florida
Authors: Sood S. , Momotaz A. , Coto Arbelo O. , Baltazar M. , Davidson R. W. , Islam M. S. , Sandhu H. S. , Zhao D. , Rounds E.
Published: February 2024

‘CP 15‐2516’ (Reg. no. CV‐215, PI 703029) sugarcane cultivar, a complex hybrid of Saccharum spp., was developed jointly by USDA‐ARS, the University of Florida, and the Florida Sugar Cane League. CP 15‐2516 was released in June 2022 for commercial cultivation on the Florida organic (muck) soils due to its high cane and sucrose yields, commercial recoverable sucrose (CRS), and economic index (EI). CP 15‐2516 originated from CPX13‐1630, a cross between a female parent (CP 95‐1039) and a male parent (‘CP 06‐2400’). CP 15‐2516 is resistant to brown rust, orange rust, and Sugarcane mosaic virus strain E. CP 15‐2516 harbors the Bru1 marker associated with brown rust resistance. CP 15‐2516 is moderately resistant to leaf scald and ratoon stunt disease, smut, and yellow leaf. Based on the results of three harvest cycles over five locations in Stage 4 on muck soils, cane and sucrose yields of CP 15‐2516 were 10.48% (181.31 Mg ha−1) and 11.49% (18.62 Mg ha−1) respectively, higher (P < .05) than those of the reference cultivar ‘CP 96‐1252’. Compared with CP 96‐1252, the EI of CP 15‐2516 was significantly (P < .05) higher by 15% (3233 ha−1). The mean cane fiber content of CP 15‐2516 was 138.7 kg Mg−1 and was 1% to 8% higher than the reference cultivars (‘CP 00‐1101’, CP 96‐1252, and ‘CPCL 05‐1201’). CP 15‐2516 flowers intermittently during January in Florida's climate. CP 15‐2516 has a better freeze tolerance than commercial reference cultivars CP 00‐1101 and CP 96‐1252. CP 15‐2516 is expected to positively contribute to the profitability and sustainability of the Florida sugarcane industry.
High‐performance epoxy vitrimer composites based on double dynamic covalent bonds
Authors: Li Ben , Zhu Guangming , Hao Yujia , Li Ruichao , Zhang Xuebei , Guo Xinyi
Published: February 2024

Thermoset epoxy resin materials can be endowed with unique dynamic properties by introducing dynamic covalent bonds (DCB) into the cross‐link network of the epoxy resin. However, it remains a challenge to obtain epoxy materials with high mechanical, thermodynamic, and dynamic properties. In this work, a series of epoxy vitrimers with double DCBs were prepared by using a curing agent with imine bonds (PAMD) and an epoxy resin with disulfide bonds (BGPDS). PAMD and BGPDS are cross‐linked and form a uniform aromatic framework that ensures the mechanical and thermal properties of the material. High‐density DCBs ensure the dynamic performance of epoxy vitrimer. In addition, tetra‐needle‐like ZnO whiskers (T‐ZnOw) were added to the epoxy vitrimer for further reinforcement. The results demonstrated that epoxy vitrimer composites with T‐ZnOw content of 10 wt.% exhibit high tensile strength, high Tg, high healing efficiency, shape reconfiguration, reprocessing and rapid degradation. The degradation products can recycle and produce new epoxy vitrimer, leading to a closed‐loop recycling which reduced the environmental pollution and resource waste.
Collapsing Shear‐Free Anisotropic Embedding Star Model in f(R)$f(R)$ Gravity
Authors: Nazar Hammad , Abbas Ghulam , Abbas Athar , Qaisar Shahid
Published: February 2024

The current paper studied the dynamics of shear‐free and spherically symmetric collapsing stars by incorporating the features of anisotropic dissipative fluid in the realm of gravity. A complete radiative star model that describes the early static configuration obeying the embedding class 1 approach is generated. To acquittance the exact solutions of the geometric variables, a specific form of pressure anisotropy along with a time‐dependent Karmarkar condition is employed, leading to a spacetime solution that seems to be potentially reliable and regular throughout the collapse process. The matching conditions have been thoroughly investigated between the interior geometry and the Vaidya outgoing solution over the junction interface. The physical attributes of our solutions to the Einstein field equations under two viable and cosmologically well‐consistent models of are manifested. The presented features are in a stable equilibrium state and sustainable to model a dynamic structure of gravitational collapse without forming the black hole.
Recent advancements in disulfide bridge characterization: Insights from mass spectrometry
Authors: Chaturvedi Sachin , Bawake Sanket , Sharma Nitish
Published: February 2024

Rationale

Disulfide bridges (DSB) play an important role in stabilizing three‐dimensional structures of biopharmaceuticals, single purified proteins, and various cyclic peptide drugs that contain disulfide in their structures. Incorrect cross‐linking known as DSB scrambling results in misfolded structures that can be inactive, immunogenic, and susceptible to aggregation. Very few articles have been published on the experimental annotation of DSBs in proteins and cyclic peptide drugs. Accurate characterization of the disulfide bond is essential for understanding protein confirmation.

Methods

Characterizing DSBs using mass spectrometry (MS) involves the chemical and enzymatic digestion of samples to obtain smaller peptide fragments, in both reduced and nonreduced forms. Subsequently, these samples are analyzed using MS to locate the DSB, either through interpretation or by employing various software tools.

Results

The main challenge in DSB analysis methods using sample preparation is to obtain a sample solution in which nonnative DSBs are not formed due to high pH, temperature, and presence of free sulfhydryl groups. Formation of nonnative DSBs can lead to erroneous annotation of disulfide bond. Sample preparation techniques, fragmentation methods for DSB analysis, and contemporary approaches for DSB mapping using this fragmentation were discussed.

Conclusions

This review presents the latest advancement in MS‐based characterization; also a critical perspective is presented for further annotation of DSBs using MS, primarily for single purified proteins or peptides that are densely connected and rich in cysteine. Despite significant breakthroughs resulting from advancements in MS, the analysis of disulfide bonds is not straightforward; it necessitates expertise in sample preparation and interpretation.
Adaptive fault‐tolerant platooning control for nonlinear homogeneous multiple autonomous vehicles under unreliable communication networks
Authors: Wang Xin , Park Ju H. , Liu Heng , Zhang Xian
Published: February 2024

This article presents a fault‐tolerant platooning control algorithm for a class of nonlinear homogeneous multi‐vehicle systems under unreliable network communication environment. The considered types of actuator failures in individual vehicle are loss‐in‐effectiveness, and bias faults. Suppose the communication network among vehicles is here described as a switching graph subject to intermittent communications. Unlike the existing results dealing with vehicle platoon under continuous communications, this article develops a hierarchical fault‐tolerant platooning control approach, under which, the multiple vehicle coordination platooning objective is ensured even in the cases of discontinuous communication faults and actuator failures. First, each following vehicle can estimate the desire reference information via cooperative adaptive virtual estimator even in intermittent communications. Second, the local fault‐tolerant controller with adaptive parameter update mechanism can guarantee the practical position and velocity of following vehicles asymptotically track the desire estimations. Finally, a simulation example of a team of autonomous vehicles is given to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
A series of 2‐phenylbenzothiazole‐based iridium complexes with N‐H derivatives: synthesis, photophysics, DFT calculations and a preliminary exploration in fluoride ions sensing
Authors: Chen Meng‐Sen , Zhou Qin , Xiang Yi‐Xing , Mo Zheng‐Rong , Niu Zhi‐Gang , Guo Shu , Li Gao‐Nan
Published: February 2024

A series of new pbt‐based Ir(III) complexes containing N−H derivatives ancillary ligands (piz/pbiz) were designed and synthesized rationally, naming [(CH3Opbt)2Ir(piz)][PF6] (Ir1), [(CF3pbt)2Ir(piz)][PF6] (Ir2), [(Fpbt)2Ir(piz)][PF6] (Ir3), [(CH3Opbt)2Ir(pbiz)][PF6] (Ir4), [(CF3pbt)2Ir(pbiz)][PF6] (Ir5) and [(Fpbt)2Ir(pbiz)][PF6] (Ir6) (where pbt=2‐phenylbenzothiazole, piz=2‐(1H‐imidazol‐2‐yl)pyridine, and pbiz=2‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐1H‐benzoimidazole). Combined with photophysical properties and theoretical calculations, their structure‐property relationships were systematically researched. These iridium(III) complexes are phosphorescent in the green and yellow‐green region with quantum yields of 14.1–28.7 % and lifetimes of 0.35–0.88 μs. Considering the relatively high quantum yield and imidazole group on ancillary ligands, [(CF3pbt)2Ir(pbiz)][PF6] (Ir5) was preliminary explored as the phosphorescent sensor toward F− ions. The results showed that the addition of fluoride ions to complex Ir5 in dichloromethane solution induced a red shift of the emission color, along with an enhancement in the luminescent intensity. Theoretical calculations were carried out to understand the mechanism, and the results reveal that the hydrogen bonding interaction of N−H bond with F− influence the electron transfer processes of the lowest energy absorption and emission, leading to a significant change in the photophysical properties.
Antioxidant and cytotoxic properties of water‐soluble crude polysaccharides from two edible mushroom species of Ramaria
Authors: Muñoz‐Castiblanco Tatiana , Santa Maria de la Parra Lucía , Peña‐Cañón Rocio , Muñoz‐Losada Kelly , Mejía‐Giraldo Juan Camilo , León Ignacio E. , Puertas‐Mejía Miguel Ángel
Published: February 2024

Water‐soluble crude polysaccharides (WSCPs) were isolated from the fruiting bodies of Ramaria flava (Schaeff.) Quél. (RFCP) and Ramaria cf. aurea (Schaeff.) Quél. (RACP). Species of Ramaria were collected in Boyacá‐Colombia. WSCPs were obtained by hot‐water extraction, ethanol precipitation, and dialysis and characterized using UV‐Vis spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography, high‐performance liquid chromatography‐diode array detector, fourier transform infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Different assays evaluated the antioxidant capacity, and the 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT)‐assay was used to determine cytotoxic effects. Chemical compositional analysis revealed that RFCP and RACP are heteropolysaccharides with molecular weights of 407 and 818 kDa, respectively compose mainly of glucose, mannose, galactose, fucose, and glucuronic acid with small amounts of protein and polyphenols. The backbone of RFCP and RACP is composed of β‐D‐Glcp‐(4→,→3)‐β‐D‐Glcp‐(1→,→2,6)‐α‐D‐Galp‐(1→,→3,6)‐α‐D‐Manp‐(1→. Antioxidant capacity demonstrated that both crude polysaccharides exhibit reducing power, radical scavenging ability, and a protective effect on lipid‐peroxidation. MTT assay showed that RFCP and RACP inhibited the growth of cancer cells HCT 116‐(colorectal) and MG‐63‐(bone) in a concentration‐dependent manner. Compared with RFCP, RACP showed better antioxidant capacity and cytotoxic effects due to differences in composition, molecular weight, and triple‐helical conformation. Overall, WSCPs exhibited a promising biological effect, highlighting the cultural, nutritional, and medicinal value of wild mushrooms.