bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ionic strength and anion‐specificity effects on the interfacial behavior of double hydrophilic block copolymer PNIPAM‐b‐POEGA
Authors: Pan Wenting , Wen Gangyao , Giaouzi Despoina , Pispas Stergios , Chen Hongxu 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn our prior paper, surface micelles with the core‐shell‐petal structure of the double hydrophilic block copolymer poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)‐block‐poly[oligo(ethylene glycol) acrylate] (PNIPAM‐b‐POEGA) were successfully evaluated. In this work, ionic strength (under acidic conditions) and anion‐specificity effects (under neutral conditions) on the aggregation behavior of PNIPAM‐b‐POEGA at the air/water interface and the morphologies of its Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) films were systematically studied. Under acidic conditions, the salting‐out effect prevails over the electrostatic shielding effect, and the amide group shells with a slight protonation degree are covered up by the large POEGA petals. Under neutral conditions, the stretching degrees of POEGA blocks at low/moderate salt concentrations are close. At high salt concentrations, the isotherms gradually shift to large molecular areas in the order of the NaCl, Na2SO4, NaNO3, and NaSCN cases. The hysteresis degrees of the monolayers increase with the increase of salt concentrations due to the gradually increased interfacial stretching degree and compression‐induced underwater solubility of POEGA blocks. All the initial LB films of PNIPAM‐b‐POEGA exhibit isolated circular micelles with small cores. Upon compression, the LB films exhibit slightly large micelles because of the possible coalescence of some neighboring cores.
Genome‐wide analysis of spina bifida risk variants in a case–control study from Bangladesh
Authors: Tindula Gwen , Issac Biju , Mukherjee Sudipta Kumer , Ekramullah Sheikh Muhammad , Arman D. M. , Islam Joynul , Suchanda Hafiza Sultana , Sun Liang , Rockowitz Shira , Christiani David C. , Warf Benjamin C. , Mazumdar Maitreyi 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundHuman studies of genetic risk factors for neural tube defects, severe birth defects associated with long‐term health consequences in surviving children, have predominantly been restricted to a subset of candidate genes in specific biological pathways including folate metabolism.MethodsIn this study, we investigated the association of genetic variants spanning the genome with risk of spina bifida (i.e., myelomeningocele and meningocele) in a subset of families enrolled from December 2016 through December 2022 in a case–control study in Bangladesh, a population often underrepresented in genetic studies. Saliva DNA samples were analyzed using the Illumina Global Screening Array. We performed genetic association analyses to compare allele frequencies between 112 case and 121 control children, 272 mothers, and 128 trios.ResultsIn the transmission disequilibrium test analyses with trios only, we identified three novel exonic spina bifida risk loci, including rs140199800 (SULT1C2, p = 1.9 × 10−7), rs45580033 (ASB2, p = 4.2 × 10−10), and rs75426652 (LHPP, p = 7.2 × 10−14), after adjusting for multiple hypothesis testing. Association analyses comparing cases and controls, as well as models that included their mothers, did not identify genome‐wide significant variants.ConclusionsThis study identified three novel single nucleotide polymorphisms involved in biological pathways not previously associated with neural tube defects. The study warrants replication in larger groups to validate findings and to inform targeted prevention strategies.
Chiral Spiro‐Tetrathiafulvalenes: Synthesis, Chiroptical Properties, Conformational Issues and Charge Transfer Complexes
Authors: Bogdan Alexandra , Moraru Ionut‐Tudor , Vanthuyne Nicolas , Auban‐Senzier Pascale , Grosu Ion , Avarvari Narcis , Pop Flavia 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWithin this work we have investigated spiro‐based tetrathiafulvalenes (TTFs) obtained as mixtures of stereoisomers from racemic spiro[5.5]undeca‐1,8‐dien‐3‐one. Compared to previously described spiro‐TTFs, enantiomeric and diastereoisomeric forms have been here separated by chiral HPLC and fully characterized both experimentally and theoretically. The two types of spiro‐based chiral derivatives contain either one (2) or three (1) chiral centres out of each one is spiro‐type. Experimental CD, supported by TD‐DFT calculations, shows differences in the optical activity between the 1 and 2 and their intermediates. The low optical activity of 2 and 3 (spiro alone chirality) was attributed to the presence of two conformers in the solution (ax and eq) of opposite Cotton effect whereas in the case of 1 and 5 (spiro and stereogenic centres) the spiro chirality seems to be responsible of the Cotton effect in the high energy region whereas the R and S chirality in the low energy region. Racemic and enantiopure forms have been successfully used for the synthesis of charge transfer complexes with tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) based acceptors.
Disease‐related non‐muscle myosin IIA D1424N rod domain mutation, but not R702C motor domain mutation, disrupts mouse ocular lens fiber cell alignment and hexagonal packing
Authors: Islam Sadia T. , Cheheltani Sepideh , Cheng Catherine , Fowler Velia M. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe mouse ocular lens is an excellent vertebrate model system for studying hexagonal cell packing and shape changes during tissue morphogenesis and differentiation. The lens is composed of two types of cells, epithelial and fiber cells. During the initiation of fiber cell differentiation, lens epithelial cells transform from randomly packed cells to hexagonally shaped and packed cells to form meridional row cells. The meridional row cells further differentiate and elongate into newly formed fiber cells that maintain hexagonal cell shape and ordered packing. In other tissues, actomyosin contractility regulates cell hexagonal packing geometry during epithelial tissue morphogenesis. Here, we use the mouse lens as a model to study the effect of two human disease‐related non‐muscle myosin IIA (NMIIA) mutations on lens cellular organization during fiber cell morphogenesis and differentiation. We studied genetic knock‐in heterozygous mice with NMIIA‐R702C motor domain or NMIIA‐D1424N rod domain mutations. We observed that while one allele of NMIIA‐R702C has no impact on lens meridional row epithelial cell shape and packing, one allele of the NMIIA‐D1424N mutation can cause localized defects in cell hexagonal packing. Similarly, one allele of NMIIA‐R702C motor domain mutation does not affect lens fiber cell organization while the NMIIA‐D1424N mutant proteins disrupt fiber cell organization and packing. Our work demonstrates that disease‐related NMIIA rod domain mutations (D1424N or E1841K) disrupt mouse lens fiber cell morphogenesis and differentiation.
Reactive Eutectic Media for Lignocellulosic Biomass Fractionation
Authors: Schneider Helen , Doskaliuk Nataliia , Buchner Ella , Antonietti Markus , Filonenko Svitlana 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis study introduces an alternative approach towards lignocellulosic biomass fractionation. For this purpose, reactive eutectic media (REM) based on ammonium formate and different organic acids are investigated, possible products are identified, and the REM are employed for lignin extraction and terminal isolation of cellulose pulp from beech wood. The method promises a considerable process intensification by simultaneous separation of high purity cellulose pulp, lignin isolation as a cationically modified species, and production of value‐added chemicals from reaction products of the REM. This study puts a further focus on the generated cellulose pulp and investigates it with respect to surface charge and fiber length.
Reliability of a clinical sensory test battery in patients with spine‐related leg and arm pain
Authors: Bender Cedric , Karstens Sven , Muth Fabian , Baskozos Georgios , Schmid Annina B. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe current standard to evaluate the presence of somatosensory dysfunctions is quantitative sensory testing, but its clinical utility remains limited. Low‐cost and time‐efficient clinical sensory testing (CST) batteries have thus been developed. Recent studies show moderate to substantial reliability in populations with neuropathic pain. This study evaluates the inter‐ and intra‐tester reliability of people with spine‐related leg and arm pain, representing mixed pain mechanisms.MethodsFifty‐three patients with spine‐related leg (n = 41) and arm pain (n = 12) attended three CST sessions. The CST battery consisted of eleven tests, determining loss and gain of sensory nerve function. CST was performed by the same investigator twice and by an additional investigator to determine inter‐ and intra‐tester reliability. Fleiss' (inter‐tester) and Cohen's (intra‐tester) kappa were calculated for dichotomized and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) for continuous outcomes.ResultsFleiss' kappa varied among modalities from fair to substantial (κ = 0.23–0.66). Cold, warm, and vibration detection thresholds and cold and pressure pain thresholds reached kappa >0.4 (moderate to substantial reliability). Cohen's kappa ranged from moderate to substantial (κ = 0.45–0.66). The reliability of the windup ratio was poor (ICC <0.18).ConclusionCST modalities with moderate to substantial inter‐tester reliability could be of benefit as a screening tool. The moderate to substantial intra‐tester reliability for all sensory modalities (except windup ratio) supports their potential use in clinical practice and research to monitor somatosensory changes over time in patients with spine‐related limb pain of mixed pain mechanisms.SignificanceWe already know that most modalities of clinical sensory test (CST) batteries achieve moderate to substantial inter‐ and intra‐tester reliability in populations with neuropathic pain.This study evaluates the reliability of a CST battery in populations with mixed pain mechanisms. We found inter‐tester reliability varied from poor to substantial for sensory modalities, questioning the value of some CST modalities. The CST battery showed moderate to substantial intra‐tester reliability, suggesting its usefulness to monitor sensory changes over time in this cohort.
Wholegrain triticale sourdough: Effects of triticale:Wheat flour ratio and hydration level on bread quality
Authors: Messina Valeria , Cano Jason , Silvio Anthony , Pattison Angela L. , Roberts Thomas H. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractTriticale (×Triticosecale) is a hybrid between wheat (Triticum spp.) and rye (Secale cereale), producing higher grain yields than wheat in challenging environments. Triticale grain is also highly nutritious. Thus, the potential of triticale grain for an expanded range of food applications should be explored. Sourdough bread has unique functional and nutritional properties, but understanding the effects of partial substitution of triticale for wheat flour and varying levels of dough moisture content on sourdough quality requires further research. The aim of this study was to evaluate the wholegrain flour of contrasting triticale cultivars in comparison to that of a common wheat cultivar in commercial sourdough breadmaking. Two triticale cultivars (Goanna and Hawkeye, selected from a panel of Australian genotypes) and one wheat cultivar (Scout) were grown in a field trial in northern NSW, Australia. Differences in quantitative texture and color parameters of the dough and sourdough bread resulting from (1) substitution of commercial wholemeal wheat flour with different proportions of wholegrain triticale or wholegrain wheat (Scout) flour (0%, 60%, 70%, 80%, and 90%) and (2) varying the amount of water included in the dough preparation (70%, 80%, 90%, and 100 g water/100 g flour) were determined. Replacement of wholemeal wheat flour with 60% wholegrain Goanna flour (protein content 12.76%; c.f. 11.50% for Hawkeye, 12.40% for Scout), and addition of 100 g water/100 g flour in the dough preparation gave the highest quality sourdough bread based on specific volume, texture, and color parameters and had similar properties to the control made from wheat alone.
In vivo anti‐Salmonella properties of aqueous extract of prickly pear (Opuntia ficus indica) cladode, hepatological and toxicological evaluation
Authors: Iftikhar Khansa , Siddique Farzana , Ameer Kashif , Arshad Muhammad , Kharal Sadia , Mohamed Ahmed Isam A. , Khalid Shakila 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe present study aimed to evaluate antidiarrheal potential of prickly pear cladode and its hepatoprotective role in different groups of diarrhea‐induced mice. Mice received cefixime (4 mg/kg of bw) and different concentrations of aqueous cladode extract (250 mg/kg of bw, 500 mg/kg of bw and 1000 mg/kg of bw). Feces Salmonella typhi ATCC 19430 was used to assess antidiarrheal potential and hematological, biochemical parameters, and histopathological analyses were carried out for 17 days. The results showed that administration of Salmonella typhi ATCC 19430 in mice produced liver injuries with histological damage, whereas 1000 mg/kg of bw cladode extract reduced the Salmonella typhi ATCC 19430 load of feces earlier as compared to the other groups during 17 days. Hematological parameters, like red blood cells (RBCs) (6.19 ± 1.85 × 106/mm3) and hemoglobin (Hb) (10.06 ± 2.03 g/dL), of negative control group decreased, while white blood cells (WBCs) (13.46 × 106/mm3) increased from reference values. In lipid profile, low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) (9.0 ± 2.41 mg/dL), high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) (6.07 ± 2.45 mg/dL) and total cholesterol (TC) (35.22 ± 8.29 mg/dL) of negative control group decreased, while triglycerides (TG) (168.35 ± 71.75 mg/dL) increased from reference values. Alanine transferase (ALT) (60.30 ± 20.33 IU/L), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (359.9 ± 100.05 IU/L) and aspartate transferase (AST) (168.77 ± 66.61 IU/L) of negative control group increased from reference values. Urea (27.36 ± 10.54 mmol/L) and creatinine (35.29 ± 12.15 mmol/L) of the negative control group increased. Cefixime also ameliorated injuries due to the administration of Salmonella typhi ATCC 19430. Conclusively, these findings indicated that pure aqueous extract of cladode showed more promising results regarding antidiarrheal potential. Hence, cladode might be used in food and supplement formulations as a functional ingredient.
Can Trichoderma harzianum be used to enhance the yield and nutrient uptake of Lactuca sativa cv “Lollo Rosso” in floating systems?
Authors: Shabani Edris , Alemzadeh Ansari Naser , Fayezizadeh Mohammad Reza , Caser Matteo 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAn experiment was performed to evaluate the effect of Trichoderma harzianum MVT801 combined with different ratios of nutrient solution (NR) (25%, 50%, and 100%) on the growth and physiological traits of Lactuca sativa “Lollo Rosso” plants cultivated in floating systems. Inoculation of lettuce plants with T. harzianum MVT801 (T1) in a floating system improves biometric properties, photosynthetic parameters, and nutrient uptake compared with uninoculated treatment (T0). The results clearly showed that in T1, despite a 50% reduction in the ratio of nutrient solution, no significant difference was observed in the growth and photosynthesis characteristics and nutrient uptake in L. sativa “Lollo Rosso” leaves compared with a complete nutrient solution treatment (100%), which is one of the notable results of this study. In this regard, the highest yield was observed in T1NR50 (inoculated with fungi and 50% of the nutrient solution) and T1NR100 (inoculated with fungi and complete nutrient solution) treatments. Also, the highest concentrations of phosphorus and potassium in “Lollo Rosso” leaves were observed in T1NR50 and T1NR100 treatments. Accordingly, the use of T. harzianum in floating lettuce cultivation could be recommended to increase crop productivity and reduce the use of chemical fertilizers.
Pregnant women's dietary patterns and knowledge of gestational weight gain: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Dikgale Busisiwe , Dlakavu Fuziwe , Masenge Andries , De Gouveia Slava , Adam Sumaiya 
Published: March 2024

AbstractObjectiveExcess gestational weight gain (GWG) is a risk factor for various unfavorable maternal and neonatal outcomes that may be preventable. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle while pregnant can help prevent uncontrollable weight gain. The aim of this study was to assess pregnant women's knowledge on weight, GWG, diet, and knowledge of obesity‐related complications among women who seek care at our semi‐urban, regional setting.MethodsA prospective observational study was conducted at the prenatal clinic at Kalafong Academic Hospital. Prospective participants completed a questionnaire on their perception of GWG, attitudes toward GWG, knowledge of GWG, associated complications of obesity, and food choices. Data analysis was performed using SAS version 9.4.ResultsThe majority of the 500 individuals were overweight or obese prior to pregnancy. By the end of the third trimester, this increased by 10.1% (n = 420; 86.1%). Nearly half (n = 240; 48.78%) of the overweight and obese women underestimated their weight. Only 26.53% (n = 26) of women who checked their body mass index (BMI, calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters) gained weight according to recommendations. However, less than half (n = 96; 30.5%) gained weight within the recommended range, despite the fact that the majority of them (n = 315; 64%) were aware of the harmful effects of obesity on the cardiovascular system and the effects of high calories on weight gain (n = 321; 65%).ConclusionDespite basic knowledge of the impact of high‐caloric intake on weight gain and cardiovascular complications, less than half of the study population gained weight within the recommended range.
Hours worked and the US distribution of real annual earnings 1976–2019
Authors: Fernández‐Val Iván , van Vuuren Aico , Vella Francis , Peracchi Franco 
Published: March 2024

SummaryWe examine the impact of annual hours worked on annual earnings by decomposing changes in the real annual earnings distribution into composition, structural, and hours effects. We do so via a nonseparable simultaneous model of hours, wages, and earnings. Using the Current Population Survey for the survey years 1976–2019, we find that changes in the female distribution of annual hours of work are important in explaining movements in inequality in female annual earnings. This captures the substantial changes in their employment behavior over this period. Movements in the male hours' distribution only affect the lower part of their earnings distribution and reflect the sensitivity of these workers' annual hours of work to cyclical factors.
Chronic low‐dose chromium VI exposure induces oxidative stress and apoptosis with altered expressions of DNA repair genes and promoter hypermethylation in the liver of Swiss albino mice
Authors: Islam Shehnaz , Sarkar Olivia , Mukherjee Sunanda , Kamila Sreejata , Bhowmik Arpan Dey , Chattopadhyay Ansuman 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe present investigation dealt with harmful effects of hexavalent chromium (Cr [VI]) on liver of Swiss albino mice. This variant exhibited cytotoxicity, mutagenicity, and carcinogenicity. Our study focused on elucidating the hepatotoxic effects of chronic low‐dose exposure to Cr (VI) (2, 5, and 10 ppm) administered via drinking water for 4 and 8 months. The observed elevation in SGPT, ALP, and SGOT and increased oxidative stress markers unequivocally confirmed the severe disruption of liver homeostasis at these low treatment doses. Noteworthy alterations in histoarchitecture, body weight, and water intake provided further evidences of the harmful effects of Cr (VI). Production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during metabolism led to DNA damages. Immunohistochemistry and qRT‐PCR analyses revealed that chronic low‐dose exposure of Cr (VI) induced apoptosis in liver tissue. Our study exhibited alterations in the expression pattern of DNA repair genes (Rad51, Mutyh, Mlh1, and Ogg1), coupled with promoter hypermethylation of Mutyh and Rad51, leading to transcriptional inhibition. Our findings underscored the potential of low‐dose Cr (VI) exposure on hepatotoxicity by the intricate interplay between apoptosis induction and epigenetic alterations of DNA repair genes.
From zen to stigma: Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and their cross‐cultural links to mental health
Authors: Lin Yi‐Ying , Swanson Dena Phillips , Rogge Ronald D. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractStigma remains a significant barrier preventing individuals from seeking the support they need, particularly for individuals with East Asian heritages. To explore potential mechanisms, this study examined links from East Asian ideologies to mental health help‐seeking attitudes and peace of mind across five cultural groups: 322 respondents in China, 400 in Japan, 362 in Taiwan, 319 Asian Americans, and 688 white Americans. The three teachings of East Asia accounted for 31%–85% of the cross‐cultural differences in mental health attitudes and peace of mind. Empowering Confucian tenets (self‐cultivation, leading by example, and human heartedness), Taoism, and Buddhism all uniquely predicted greater peace of mind across most of the groups. Empowering Confucianism also predicted lower mental health stigma whereas Buddhism predicted greater stigma. Finally, Restrictive Confucian tenets (e.g., interpersonal harmony, propriety, and relational hierarchy) predicted greater stigma and lower peace of mind. Implications for addressing stigma/resistance within treatment and for promoting mental health across cultures are discussed.
Investigating the perceptions of career development as the Japanese regional quota medical students and graduates in A prefecture
Authors: Suematsu Mina , Inoue Rikako , Takahashi Noriyuki , Miyazaki Kei , Okazaki Kentaro , Miyata Yasushi , Ohashi Wataru , Kuzuya Masafumi 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundThere are few reports about the perceptions of the regional quota called Chiikiwaku medical students and graduates.MethodEighty‐four medical students and 41 graduates were enrolled in A prefecture. The questionnaire comprised 22 items scored on a 7‐point Likert scale, focusing on perceptions of merit and demerit of Chiikiwaku. The data were collected online.ResultsChiikiwaku students scored higher on an item such as ‘regional quotas are a solution to the doctor shortage’. Chiikiwaku graduates felt more burdened than Chiikiwaku students.ConclusionOur results suggested that the perception of Chiikiwaku was different between Chiikiwaku students and graduates.
N‐Azidoethyl azoles through N‐alkylation under highly harmonized reaction conditions: Synthesis, characterization, and complexation as energetic coordination compounds
Authors: Bauer Lukas , Endraß Simon M. J. , Klapötke Thomas M. , Stierstorfer Jörg , Zeitlmeir Nicole 
Published: March 2024

AbstractOrganic azides are universally important in many areas of chemistry, particularly in organic synthesis. The availability of these azides often depends on specific transfer reagents and reaction conditions, or only work with certain substrates. Customizable transfer reagents offer a safe and direct pathway to desired compounds, thereby increasing the availability of N‐alkyl‐azides. In an effort to streamline the synthesis and broaden the scope of N‐azidoethyl‐containing molecules, three different versatile azidoethyl transfer reagents were synthesized and a uniform reaction protocol with azoles as substrates, including imidazole, pyrazole, 1,2,3‐triazole, 1,2,4‐triazole, and tetrazole was established. The resulting azidoethyl‐azoles were further used as ligands for energetic coordination compounds in an effort to create new lead‐free primary explosives. A comprehensive characterization of the transfer reagents, the azidoethyl‐containing products, and energetic coordination compounds was conducted using multinuclear nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, and infrared spectroscopy (IR). Furthermore, their thermal stability and sensitivity toward friction and impact were determined as well as the detonation properties were calculated by using the EXPLO5 code.