bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Disruption of Fuz in mouse embryos generates hypoplastic hindbrain development and reduced cranial nerve ganglia
Authors: Caiaffa Carlo Donato , Ambekar Yogeshwari S. , Singh Manmohan , Lin Ying Linda , Wlodarczyk Bogdan , Aglyamov Salavat R. , Scarcelli Giuliano , Larin Kirill V. , Finnell Richard H. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe brain and spinal cord formation is initiated in the earliest stages of mammalian pregnancy in a highly organized process known as neurulation. Environmental or genetic interferences can impair neurulation, resulting in clinically significant birth defects known collectively as neural tube defects. The Fuz gene encodes a subunit of the CPLANE complex, a macromolecular planar polarity effector required for ciliogenesis. Ablation of Fuz in mouse embryos results in exencephaly and spina bifida, including dysmorphic craniofacial structures due to defective cilia formation and impaired Sonic Hedgehog signaling.ResultsWe demonstrate that knocking Fuz out during embryonic mouse development results in a hypoplastic hindbrain phenotype, displaying abnormal rhombomeres with reduced length and width. This phenotype is associated with persistent reduction of ventral neuroepithelial stiffness in a notochord adjacent area at the level of the rhombomere 5. The formation of cranial and paravertebral ganglia is also impaired in these embryos.ConclusionsThis study reveals that hypoplastic hindbrain development, identified by abnormal rhombomere morphology and persistent loss of ventral neuroepithelial stiffness, precedes exencephaly in Fuz ablated murine mutants, indicating that the gene Fuz has a critical function sustaining normal neural tube development and neuronal differentiation.
Gap junctions in polycystic ovary syndrome: Implications for follicular arrest
Authors: Zhu Ying , Zhu Hongqiu , Wu Peijuan 
Published: March 2024

AbstractGap junctions are specialized intercellular conduits that provide a direct pathway between neighboring cells, which are involved in numerous physiological processes, such as cellular differentiation, cell growth, and metabolic coordination. The effect of gap junctional hemichannels in folliculogenesis is particularly obvious, and the down‐regulation of connexins is related to abnormal follicle growth. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a ubiquitous endocrine disorder of the reproductive system, affecting the fertility of adult women due to anovulation. Exciting evidence shows that gap junction is involved in the pathological process related to PCOS and affects the development of follicles in women with PCOS. In this review, we examine the expression of connexins in follicular cells of PCOS and figure out whether such communication could have consequences for PCOS women. While along with results from clinical and related animal studies, we summarize the mechanism of connexins involved in the pathogenesis of PCOS.
Cu(III)‐CF3 Compound‐Activated DMSO: An Efficient Oxidizing Reagent to Convert Alcohols to Ketones
Authors: Hou Yi‐Feng , Zhang Song‐Lin 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn this study high‐valent Cu(III) trifluoromethyl compounds in combination with DMSO is shown to be an efficient and mild oxidizing system for the conversion of alcohols to ketones (aldehydes as well). Trifluoromethoxylated sulfonium species is proposed to be initially formed that engages in crucial steps of alkoxy replacement at sulfonium center and deprotonative collapse of the resulting alkoxysulfonium intermediate in the presence of a base. This reaction is highly selective without over‐oxidation, and can tolerate a broad range of functional groups owing to mild oxidizing ability of the Cu(III)‐CF3/DMSO system and the inert N2 conditions. This method can be applied to the synthesis and functionalization of commercial drug compounds. This study illustrates an unusual reactivity property of high‐valent Cu(III) trifluoromethyl compounds beyond the conventional CF3 group transfer reactivity, and opens up new opportunities for developing novel reactions of Cu(III)‐CF3 compounds. The combined use of high‐valent Cu(III)‐CF3 compound and DMSO is anticipated to find more applications to develop other novel and useful oxidation reactions.
A New Strategy for the Synthesis of (+)‐Crambescin B Decarboxylate
Authors: Yonekura Yuki , Konno Masahide , Ozaki Taku , Nakazaki Atsuo 
Published: March 2024

AbstractCrambescin B decarboxylate is an inhibitor of voltage‐gated sodium channels and a potential biochemical tool. Herein, we report the asymmetric total synthesis of crambescin B decarboxylate using a new synthetic strategy. The key aspects of this new protocol include: 1) the use of an optically pure epoxide, synthesized by the Jacobsen hydrolytic kinetic resolution, as the starting material for guanidino‐aziridine, and 2) the introduction of the THF ring through nucleophilic substitution using an acyl anion equivalent. The synthetic protocol reported herein is nine steps shorter than the previously reported shortest method. We determined the cytotoxicity and protective effects of crambescin B decarboxylate in mouse‐hippocampus‐derived neuronal HT22 cells with an MTS assay. Cell viability was observed to decrease in a concentration‐dependent manner without cell detachment or shrinkage. In addition, crambescin B decarboxylate protected glutamate‐induced cell death.
Next‐generation sequencing reveals that miR‐16‐5p, miR‐19a‐3p, miR‐451a, and miR‐25‐3p cargo in plasma extracellular vesicles differentiates sedentary young males from athletes
Authors: Fernandez‐Sanjurjo Manuel , Pinto‐Hernandez Paola , Dávalos Alberto , Díaz‐Martínez Ángel Enrique , Martín‐Hernández Roberto , Castilla‐Silgado Juan , Toyos‐Rodríguez Celia , Whitham Martin , Amado‐Rodríguez Laura , Muñiz‐Albaiceta Guillermo , Terrados Nicolás , Fernández‐García Benjamín , Iglesias‐Gutiérrez Eduardo 
Published: March 2024

AbstractA sedentary lifestyle and Olympic participation are contrary risk factors for global mortality and incidence of cancer and cardiovascular disease. Extracellular vesicle miRNAs have been described to respond to exercise. No molecular characterization of young male sedentary people versus athletes is available; so, our aim was to identify the extracellular vesicle miRNA profile of chronically trained young endurance and resistance male athletes compared to their sedentary counterparts. A descriptive case–control design was used with 16 sedentary young men, 16 Olympic male endurance athletes, and 16 Olympic male resistance athletes. Next‐generation sequencing and RT‐qPCR and external and internal validation were performed in order to analyze extracellular vesicle miRNA profiles. Endurance and resistance athletes had significant lower levels of miR‐16‐5p, miR‐19a‐3p, and miR‐451a compared to sedentary people. Taking all together, exercise‐trained miRNA profile in extracellular vesicles provides a differential signature of athletes irrespective of the type of exercise compared to sedentary people. Besides, miR‐25‐3p levels were specifically lower in endurance athletes which defines its role as a specific responder in this type of athletes. In silico analysis of this profile suggests a role in adaptive energy metabolism in this context that needs to be experimentally validated. Therefore, this study provides for the first time basal levels of circulating miRNA in extracellular vesicles emerge as relevant players in intertissue communication in response to chronic exercise exposure in young elite male athletes.
Ferricretes in fluvial archives of a tropical iron province: Records of the Late Quaternary landscape dynamics in the Brazilian Atlantic Plateau
Authors: de Paula Barros Luiz Fernando , de Oliveira Fábio Soares , Magalhães Antônio Pereira , Varajão Angélica Fortes Drummond Chicarino 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe occurrence of iron‐rich rocks in some areas makes possible the formation of duricrusts in positions from the relief tops to the slopes and valley bottoms, as is the case of the Quadrilátero Ferrífero (QF—‘Iron Quadrangle’) in the Brazilian Atlantic Plateau. This study aimed to analyse these materials in the Late Pleistocene fluvial archives of the QF to contribute to the understanding of the complex processes involved in the evolution of surface coverage in tropical regions. The results showed an essential external iron source for the Fe‐cemented alluvium, that is, they are ferricretes. Two ferricrete facies were identified: plate‐shaped and conglomeratic. They are characterised by the infilling of a primary porous system with crystalline and amorphous ferruginous phases or grain coatings by ferruginous materials. In plate‐shaped ferricretes, the size of the cemented grains differentiates the identified subtypes. Conglomeratic ferricretes can be subdivided into ferruginous and aluminous, and feature two types of cementing microstructures: septary and microlaminar. The results of the X‐ray diffraction analysis of the conglomeratic ferricretes highlight the strong presence of goethite (more common) and hematite. The chemical composition corroborated the mineralogical analysis, with the septa having an average iron‐rich composition. Aluminous conglomeratic ferricretes also occur and are the oldest in the area; their cement is composed mainly of gibbsite. Thus, it can be considered (i) a possible past source area of aluminous sediments or (ii) the in situ deferruginisation of a first level of ferricretes. A certain granulometric control in both ferricrete facies reinforces the importance of transport and deposition during ferricrete genesis. However, the cementing of sediments under supergene conditions and their microstructural variety suggest that their formation and evolution also occurred as a result of lateritic processes. Furthermore, the ferricretes revealed integration with the regional relief evolution, and the conglomeratic ones may be associated with lower rates of drainage incisions in some valleys.
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Water (2008–2022) and Fish (2015–2022) in The Netherlands: Spatiotemporal Trends, Fingerprints, Mass Discharges, Sources, and Bioaccumulation Factors
Authors: Jonker Michiel T. O. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic synthetic chemicals of concern, which have been detected in nearly all environmental compartments. The present study provides a data analysis on PFAS concentrations in the Dutch inland and coastal national waters and fish sampled from 2008 to 2022 and 2015 to 2022, respectively. Although the fish database is relatively small, the water database is unique because of its temporal dimension. It appears that PFAS are omnipresent in Dutch water and fish, with relatively small spatial differences in absolute and relative concentrations (fingerprints) and few obvious temporal trends. Only perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) aqueous concentrations in the rivers Rhine and Scheldt have substantially decreased since 2012. Still, PFOS concentrations exceed the European water quality standards at all and fish standards at many locations. Masses of PFAS entering the country and the North Sea are roughly 3.5 tonnes/year. Generally, the data suggest that most PFAS enter the Dutch aquatic environment predominantly through diffuse sources, yet several major point sources of specific PFAS were identified using fingerprints and monthly concentration profiles as identification tools. Finally, combining concentrations in fish and water, 265 bioaccumulation factors were derived, showing no statistically significant differences between freshwater and marine fish. Overall, the analysis provides new insights into PFAS bioaccumulation and spatiotemporal trends, mass discharges, and sources in The Netherlands. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:965–975. © 2024 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Predicting tail risks by a Markov switching MGARCH model with varying copula regimes
Authors: Fülle Markus J. , Herwartz Helmut 
Published: March 2024

AbstractTo improve the dynamic assessment of risks of speculative assets, we apply a Markov switching MGARCH approach to portfolio risk forecasting. More specifically, we take advantage of the flexible Markov switching copula multivariate GARCH (MS‐C‐MGARCH) model of Fülle and Herwartz (2022). As an empirical illustration, we take the perspective of a risk‐averse agent and employ the suggested model for assessments of future risks of portfolios composed of a high‐yield equity index (S&P 500) and two safe‐haven investment instruments (i.e., Gold and US Treasury Bond Futures). We follow recent suggestions to employ the expected shortfall as a prime assessment of tail risks. To accurately evaluate the merits of the new model, we back‐test the risk forecasting for daily returns over 10 years for heterogeneous market environments including, for example, the COVID‐19 pandemic. We find that the MS‐C‐MGARCH model outperforms benchmark volatility models (MGARCH, C‐MGARCH) in predicting both value‐at‐risk and expected shortfall. The superiority of the MS‐C‐MGARCH model becomes stronger, when the share of comparably risky assets in the portfolio is relatively large.
Simultaneous detection of melamine and cyanuric acid using powder X‐ray diffraction
Authors: Paranthaman R. , Moses J. A. , Vidyalakshmi R. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractA novel, non‐destructive, powder X‐ray diffraction (P‐XRD) approach was developed and validated for the simultaneous detection of melamine (ME) and cyanuric acid (CA). Sample holders, and a range of P‐XRD X‐ray tube parameters (voltage: 25–45 kV; current: 25–45 mA), and scanning conditions (scan step size: 0.006–0.10°; step time: 50–150 s) were experimented at 2θ conditions. Based on the obtained diffraction patterns, the following conditions were optimized: sample holder: reflection‐transmission spinner, tube voltage: 45 kV, tube current: 45 mA, scan step size: 0.006°, and scan step time: 150 s. The crystalline properties were assessed and phase quantification of both ME and CA was performed using Rietveld refinement, aligning to the International Center for Diffraction Data (ICDD) PDF4+ 2023 library. The approach was validated considering repeatability, precision, and linearity, and recovery and stability studies also support the findings. The limit of detection (LOD) was found to be 0.2 to 1 wt. % per phase of powder sample. Then, spiked and real food powder samples were screened for ME and CA. To date, there is no nondestructive technique available to simultaneously detect ME and CA in a single run. The developed P‐XRD approach can find vast applications in quality testing facilities.
Guidelines for Raman spectroscopy and imaging techniques in food safety analysis
Authors: Li Ning , Hussain Nisar , Ding Zhongxiang , Qu Cheng , Li Yuzhu , Chu Leiming , Liu Honglin 
Published: March 2024

AbstractEnsuring the highest standards of food quality and safety is crucial for maintaining human health. This requires the creation of sophisticated and highly sensitive techniques for detecting and identifying food pollutants. Raman spectroscopy, known for its rapidity, simplicity, sensitivity, and noninvasive characteristics, has become a prominent method in the field of food safety and quality analysis. This review discusses in detail the fundamental principles, instruments, methodology, and data processing techniques of Raman spectroscopy. It specifically emphasizes the practical applications of Raman spectroscopy in assessing foodborne pathogens, toxic gases in spoiled foods, and monitoring the translocation of pesticide in plants. Finally, we discussed the development trend and challenges of Raman spectroscopy in the field of food safety analysis, aiming to provide an accessible and practical guide. This review article equips readers with essential insights into conducting and understanding Raman spectroscopy experiments, thereby contributing to development in the field of food safety analysis.
Appearance quality, nutritional value, and aroma components of wild diguo (Ficus tikoua Bur.) fruit collected from southwest China
Authors: Li Yang , Yan Xu , Hu Juncheng , Wu Zizhou , Du Zhouhe , Wang Honglin , Zuo Yanchun 
Published: March 2024

AbstractDiguo (Ficus tikoua Bur.), an ancient wild fruit, is widely spread in southwest China. However, there is little information on the phenotypic traits, quality characteristics, and aroma compounds available to diguo fruit. The present study is an investigation into the effects of geographical origin on the phenotypic traits and quality characteristics of wild diguo fruit collected from southwest China. The volatile compounds in the mixed fruit samples were also investigated using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Our results indicated that significant variation existed among the sampling materials in all the phenotypic parameters. Fruit fresh weight ranged between 2.06 and 4.59 g. Moreover, significant variation existed among the selected materials in all macronutrients (dry matter, total soluble solids, crude protein, crude fat, and ash) and some nutritional parameters (glutamate, arginine, total soluble solids, maltose, and mannose, etc.). Regardless of their geographical origin, diguo fruit is relatively low in fat and fructose and high in fiber and glutamate. A total of 95 volatile constituents were identified in the frozen diguo fruit. In conclusion, diguo fruit with rich nutritional attributes has a promising future for commercial‐scale production. The variability of the observed morphological and nutritional features of diguo fruit provides important characteristics for improving the breeding of diguo as a modern fruit crop.
The profession of occupational health and safety technician: Does gender matter?
Authors: Insunza Gaizka , Basañez Aitor , Iradi Jon , Aldasoro Juan Carlos , Cantonnet Maria Luisa 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWorkers' health and safety, and equality between men and women are two of the main challenges currently facing the labor framework in Spain. Despite the fact that the different risks faced by men and women have been widely studied, the way in which gender can affect the working conditions and career development of occupational health and safety (OHS) technicians has hardly been investigated. To delve into this aspect, a study has been carried out by conducting semistructured interviews with six women who work as OHS technicians and a survey among OHS technicians in the Basque Country (Spain) with 124 responses. The results suggest that there are differences between men and women both in the conditions and in the career development of the OHS technician profession. These differences appear in various thematic blocks such as empowerment, recognition, or aspirations. Women tend to be more skeptical than men on gender equality issues such as the idea of equal promotion opportunities for men and women, or the notion that men's and women's ideas are equally valued, or the way in which having children affects men and women's aspirations. It is very important to reduce these gender differences to achieve a more efficient work environment, which can lead to more efficient OHS management.
Economic priorities over population health: A political dilemma in addressing noncommunicable diseases in developing countries
Authors: Max Baraka L. , Mashauri Harold L. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe world is observing a rapid shift in the burden of diseases with predominance of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). NCDs contribute to 41 million deaths which is equivalent to 74% of all death globally per year. There is ongoing debate on the approaches to reduce public exposure to NCDs' modifiable risk factors which are of economic potential. As the World Health Organization and the World Bank recommend the implementation of taxation to these factors, still questions arise on the effectiveness, sustainability, and practicality of this strategy. With the ongoing transition globally from consumption of natural to processed foods, it is important to counter‐check the best interventions on how to protect people from unhealthy eating behaviors. While taxation on unhealthy food and other products like tobacco has been recommended as one among interventional approaches, its effectiveness on sugar sweetened beverages is not reliable compared to approaches that increase self‐control. Despite the perceived economic benefits of tobacco and sugar sweetened products, there is detrimental implication in terms of public health. The introduction of taxation which favors public health faces challenges due to conflict of interest from government authorities and other stakeholders. The intertwined relationship between public health and economic development becomes more obvious during implementation of preventive and control measures against modifiable risk factors for NCDs. It is evident that reaching a balanced rational decision on choosing between economic growth and public health is difficult. Countries should enhance both local and international intersectoral and multisectoral approaches in creating integrative policies which include health component in all non‐health policies including economic policies so as to harmonize public health and economic growth during this era of extensive globalization.
Shaping the immune‐suppressive microenvironment on tumor‐associated myeloid cells through tumor‐derived exosomes
Authors: Wang Hongmei , Liu Shanshan , Zhan Jianhao , Liang Yuqing , Zeng Xiaoping 
Published: March 2024

AbstractTumor‐associated myeloid cells (TAMCs) play a crucial role in orchestrating the dynamics of the tumor immune microenvironment. This heterogeneous population encompasses myeloid‐derived suppressor cells, tumor‐associated macrophages and dendritic cells, all of which contribute to the establishment of an immunosuppressive milieu that fosters tumor progression. Tumor‐derived exosomes (TEXs), small extracellular vesicles secreted by tumor cells, have emerged as central mediators in intercellular communication within the tumor microenvironment. In this comprehensive review, we explore the intricate mechanisms through which TEXs modulate immune‐suppressive effects on TAMCs and their profound implications in cancer progression. We delve into the multifaceted ways in which TEXs influence TAMC functions, subsequently affecting tumor immune evasion. Furthermore, we elucidate various therapeutic strategies aimed at targeting TEX‐mediated immune suppression, with the ultimate goal of bolstering antitumor immunity.
Childhood trauma and sex addiction among adult men
Authors: Giordano Amanda L. , Hedden Lisa E. , Kim Sung Woo , Lundeen Lindsay A. , Lu Zhenqiu 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis study explored the relationship between childhood trauma and sex addiction among a sample of adult men (N = 149). Thirty‐eight (25.5%) men screened positive for sex addiction, whereas 111 (74.5%) did not. Using descriptive discriminant analysis, we found that four subscales of early trauma predicted risk of sex addiction group membership to varying degrees, accounting for 22.3% of the variance explained. Sexual and emotional abuse accounted for the most variance explained in the group differences, whereas physical abuse and, to a lesser extent, general trauma also contributed to the group differences. Implications of the study findings are discussed.