bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison between upper and lower airway microbiome profiles in chronic rhinosinusitis patients
Authors: Hernaiz‐Leonardo Juan Carlos , Ryu Changwan , Pascual Athenea , Fan Judy , Caray Maria , Pezato Rogério , Yang Julia , Sin Don , Thamboo Andrew 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundDysregulation of the airway microbiota is thought to contribute to airway inflammation in both chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and asthma. However, the relationship between the upper and lower airway microbiome remains unclear.MethodsSinus and lung brushes were collected from 29 CRS participants undergoing sinus surgery. DNA was extracted and submitted for 16s rRNA microbiome sequencing. Alpha and beta diversity metrics, taxonomic composition, and differences between individual taxa were compared for paired sinus and bronchial samples.ResultsTwenty‐three out of 29 participants had sufficient samples for analysis. The mean (standard deviation) age was 51.59 (14.57) years, and 10 (44%) patients were female. Twelve (52%) patients had comorbid asthma. Sinus brushes had significantly higher alpha diversity indexes (Shannon and Faith) compared to bronchial brushes (p < 0.001). Beta diversity metrics were significantly different between the sinus and bronchial samples. Principal coordinate analysis showed no clustering of paired nasal and bronchial samples. Sinus brushes had significantly more Lawsonella, Corynebacterium, and Staphylococcus compared to bronchia brushes, while the latter were enriched in Tropheryma and Sphingomonas, among others (false discovery rate [FDR]‐adjusted p < 0.01). Finally, CRS patients with comorbid asthma had significantly higher Pseudomonas and Peptoniphilus in sinus brushes and lower Prevotella in bronchial brushes when compared to non‐asthmatics (FDR‐adjusted p < 0.01).ConclusionThe sinus and bronchial bacterial microbiomes differ in important ways. Our study suggests that migration of bacteria from the sinus into the lower airways is unlikely in patients with CRS.
Gene replacement‐Alzheimer's disease (GR‐AD): Modeling the genetics of human dementias in mice
Authors: Benzow Kellie , Karanjeet Kul , Oblak Adrian L. , Carter Gregory W. , Sasner Michael , Koob Michael D. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractINTRODUCTIONGenetic studies conducted over the past four decades have provided us with a detailed catalog of genes that play critical roles in the etiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related dementias (ADRDs). Despite this progress, as a field we have had only limited success in incorporating this rich complexity of human AD/ADRD genetics findings into our animal models of these diseases. Our primary goal for the gene replacement (GR)‐AD project is to develop mouse lines that model the genetics of AD/ADRD as closely as possible.METHODSTo do this, we are generating mouse lines in which the genes of interest are precisely and completely replaced in the mouse genome by their full human orthologs.RESULTSEach model set consists of a control line with a wild‐type human allele and variant lines that precisely match the human genomic sequence in the control line except for a high‐impact pathogenic mutation or risk variant.
Enhancing Flavins Photochemical Activity in Hydrogen Atom Abstraction and Triplet Sensitization through Ring‐Contraction
Authors: Rehpenn Andreas , Hindelang Stephan , Truong Khai‐Nghi , Pöthig Alexander , Storch Golo 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe isoalloxazine heterocycle of flavin cofactors reacts with various nucleophiles to form covalent adducts with important functions in enzymes. Molecular flavin models allow for the characterization of such adducts and the study of their properties. A fascinating set of reactions occurs when flavins react with hydroxide base, which leads to imidazolonequinoxalines, ring‐contracted flavins, with so far unexplored activity. We report a systematic study of the photophysical properties of this new chromophore by absorption and emission spectroscopy as well as cyclic voltammetry. Excited, ring‐contracted flavins are significantly stronger hydrogen atom abstractors when compared to the parent flavins, which allowed the direct trifluoromethylthiolation of aliphatic methine positions (bond dissociation energy (BDE) of 400.8 kJ mol−1). In an orthogonal activity, their increased triplet energy (E(S0←T1)=244 kJ mol−1) made sensitized reactions possible which exceeded the power of standard flavins. Combining both properties, ring‐contracted flavin catalysts enabled the one‐pot, five‐step transformation of α‐tropolone into trans‐3,4‐disubstituted cyclopentanones. We envision this new class of flavin‐derived chromophores to open up new modes of reactivity that are currently impossible with unmodified flavins.
Coarse‐Grained Model‐Assisted Design of Polymer Prodrug Nanoparticles with Enhanced Cytotoxicity: A Combined Theoretical and Experimental Study
Authors: Gao Ping , Ha‐Duong Tâp , Nicolas Julien 
Published: February 2024

AbstractTo achieve drug release from polymer prodrug nanoparticles, the drug‐polymer linker must be accessible for cleavage to release the drug, which can occur under certain physiological conditions (e.g., presence of specific enzymes). Supramolecular organization of polymer prodrug nanoparticles is crucial as it greatly affects the location of the linker, its surface exposure/solvation and thus its cleavage to release the drug. Since experimental access to these data is not straightforward, new methodologies are critically needed to access this information and to accelerate the development of more effective polymer prodrug nanoparticles, and replace the time‐consuming and resource‐intensive traditional trial‐and‐error strategy. In this context, we reported here the use of a coarse‐grained model to assist the design of polymer prodrug nanoparticles with enhanced cytotoxicity. By choosing the solvent accessible surface area as the critical parameter for predicting drug release and hence cytotoxicity of polymer prodrug nanoparticles, we developed an optimized polymer‐drug linker with enhanced hydrophilicity and solvation. Our hypothesis was then experimentally validated by the synthesis of the corresponding polymer prodrugs based on two different drugs (gemcitabine and paclitaxel), which demonstrated greater performances in terms of drug release and cytotoxicity on two cancer cell lines. Interestingly, our methodology can be easily applied to other polymer prodrug structures, which would contribute to the development of more efficient drug delivery systems via in silico screening.
Negatively Curved Octagon‐Incorporated Aza‐nanographene and its Assembly with Fullerenes
Authors: Liu Jun , Hong Juan , Liao Zhenxing , Tan Jingyun , Liu Haoliang , Dmitrieva Evgenia , Zhou Long , Ren Jie , Cao Xiao‐Yu , Popov Alexey A. , Zou Yingping , Narita Akimitsu , Hu Yunbin 
Published: February 2024

AbstractA negatively curved aza‐nanographene (NG) containing two octagons was synthesized by a regioselective and stepwise cyclodehydrogenation procedure, in which a double aza[7]helicene was simultaneously formed as an intermediate. Their saddle‐shaped structures with negative curvature were unambiguously confirmed by X‐ray crystallography, thereby enabling the exploration of the structure–property relationship by photophysical, electrochemical and conformational studies. Moreover, the assembly of the octagon‐embedded aza‐NG with fullerenes was probed by fluorescence spectral titration, with record‐high binding constants (Ka=9.5×103 M−1 with C60, Ka=3.7×104 M−1 with C70) found among reported negatively curved polycyclic aromatic compounds. The tight association of aza‐NG with C60 was further elucidated by X‐ray diffraction analysis of their co‐crystal, which showed the formation of a 1 : 1 complex with substantial concave‐convex interactions.
Cooperation of Different Active Sites to Promote CO2 Electroreduction to Multi‐carbon Products at Ampere‐Level
Authors: Zhou Dawei , Chen Chunjun , Zhang Yichi , Wang Min , Han Shitao , Dong Xue , Yao Ting , Jia Shuaiqiang , He Mingyuan , Wu Haihong , Han Buxing 
Published: February 2024

AbstractElectroreduction of CO2 to C2+ products provides a promising strategy for reaching the goal of carbon neutrality. However, achieving high selectivity of C2+ products at high current density remains a challenge. In this work, we designed and prepared a multi‐sites catalyst, in which Pd was atomically dispersed in Cu (Pd−Cu). It was found that the Pd−Cu catalyst had excellent performance for producing C2+ products from CO2 electroreduction. The Faradaic efficiency (FE) of C2+ products could be maintained at approximately 80.8 %, even at a high current density of 0.8 A cm−2 for at least 20 hours. In addition, the FE of C2+ products was above 70 % at 1.4 A cm−2. Experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed that the catalyst had three distinct catalytic sites. These three active sites allowed for efficient conversion of CO2, water dissociation, and CO conversion, ultimately leading to high yields of C2+ products.
Preparation and characterization of sodium caseinate/xanthan gum complexes in acidic conditions and their use for the stabilization of oil‐in‐water emulsions
Authors: Bouziane Houria , Seddari Soumia , Boudjema Fatiha , Moulai‐Mostefa Nadji 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn this work, complexes formed by sodium caseinate (NaCn) and xanthan gum (XG) were tested as novel natural stabilizers. They were prepared at pH 4, using a constant concentration of XG (0.4%) and different NaCn concentrations. Then, they were characterized in terms of turbidity, surface tension (ST), and rheology. The acquired results indicated that the ST of NaCn solution and NaCn/XG dispersion decreases with NaCn concentration. In addition, the ST of NaCn/XG is higher than that of NaCn solution indicating interactions between NaCn and XG. In addition, the turbidity of the dispersions increases while ST decreases with NaCn concentration. Fourier transform spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra confirmed the formation of a complex between NaCn and XG through electrostatic interactions. Structural analyses demonstrated that the morphologies of the complex particles are different compared to the pure biopolymer ones. Furthermore, the oil‐in‐water (O/W) emulsions based on NaCn/XG complexes formed into acid conditions were studied. The obtained results showed that the stability, the average diameter of the droplets, and the rheological behavior of the formulated emulsions depend on the NaCn:XG ratio. Emulsion formulated with 0.5:1, 1:1, 1.5:1, 2:1 NaCn:XG ratio presented good creaming stability during 1 month of storage at 25°C. On the other hand, samples formulated with a 1:1 ratio of NaCn/XG exhibited the best stability. Their average diameter (29.026 μm) remained constant during the storage. Emulsions formulated with higher ration PR:PS (2.5:1, 3:1) were unstable and have larger droplets. Also, all formulations showed a shear‐thinning and elastic behavior.
Membrane‐based mechanical characterization of screen‐printed inks: Deflection analysis of ink layers on polyimide membranes
Authors: Masarweh Eléonore , Arseenko Mariia , Guaino Philippe , Flandre Denis 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMeasurements of Young's modulus and residual stresses of screen‐printed ink layers using a bulge test on coated polyimide‐based membranes are proposed in this work. The applied bulge test monitors the deflection of membranes under pressure with interferometry. The obtained Young's modulus ranges from 6 to 8 GPa for a carbon blend‐based ink and is around 12 GPa for a silver nanoparticle ink. These values are compared with standard nanoindentation and show good agreement. Besides, the residual stresses range from −4 to 8 MPa for the carbon blend‐based ink, while the silver ink is measured around −10 MPa. The use of the membrane‐based method underlines the influence of exact deposition and curing conditions on the ink film material properties. The impact of the substrate on the ink layer properties, such as the thickness and its uniformity, is discussed, especially with regard to the heat treatment of the membrane.
The dawn of an Era: New contributions on comparative and functional anatomy of Triassic tetrapods
Authors: Pinheiro Felipe L. , Pretto Flávio A. , Kerber Leonardo 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe Triassic period stands as a crucial moment for understanding tetrapod evolution, marking the emergence and early diversification of numerous lineages that persist in today's ecosystems. Birds, crocodiles, testudines, lizards, and mammals can all trace their origins to the Triassic, which is distinguished by several adaptive radiation events that fostered unparalleled diversity in body plans and lifestyles. Beyond this macroevolutionary significance, the Triassic period serves as fertile ground for scientific inquiry, especially in tetrapod studies. The aim of this Special Issue is to assemble a diverse array of new contributions focused on continental Triassic tetrapods globally, encouraging collaboration among researchers across generations, pooling their efforts to comprehend this pivotal moment in tetrapod evolutionary history. This issue encompasses almost 40 varied contributions, spanning topics from comparative and functional anatomy, including descriptions of novel taxa, comprehensive anatomical reviews, systematic investigations, phylogenetic analyses, paleoneurological studies, biomechanical assessments, and detailed examinations of histology and ontogeny. Collectively, this Special Issue offers an extensive exploration of Triassic tetrapods from anatomical, ecological, and evolutionary perspectives, unveiling fresh insights into this intriguing moment in vertebrate evolutionary history.
Synthesis of novel benzylamine antimycotics and evaluation of their antimycotic potency
Authors: Klimt Monika , Stadler Martina , Binder Ulrike , Krauss Jürgen 
Published: February 2024

AbstractA series of 23 novel benzylamines was synthesized by reductive amination from halogen‐substituted 3‐ and 4‐benzyloxybenzaldehyde derivatives and 6‐methylhept‐2‐yl amine or n‐octylamine. The antimycotic activity of the resulting amines was evaluated in a microdilution assay against the apathogenic yeast Yarrowia lipolytica as test microorganism. Promising compounds were also tested against human pathogenic Candida species. The influence of halogen substituents at the benzyl ether side chain was studied in this screening, as well as the influence of the branched side chain of (±)‐6‐methylhept‐2‐yl amine in comparison with the n‐octyl side chain.
A method for estimating the effect of climate change on monthly mean temperatures: September 2023 and other recent record‐warm months in Helsinki, Finland
Authors: Rantanen Mika , Räisänen Jouni , Merikanto Joonas 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWe describe a method for quantifying the contribution of climate change to local monthly, seasonal, and annual mean temperatures for locations where long observational temperature records are available. The method is based on estimating the change in the monthly mean temperature distribution due to climate change using CMIP6 (Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6) model data. As a case study, we apply the method to the record‐warm September 2023 in Helsinki, and then briefly examine all record‐warm months of the 21st century. Our results suggest that climate change made the record‐warm September in Helsinki 9.4 times more likely and 1.4°C warmer. Thus, the new monthly mean record in September 2023 would probably not have been set without the observed global warming. The presented and provided tool allows operational meteorologists and climatologists to monitor and report the impact of climate change on local temperatures in near real time.
Pyrolysis of macroalgae residue from the agar industry for silica‐rich biochar and other sustainable chemicals: Process performances, product applications, and simple business scenario
Authors: Putri Anisa Helena Isma , Steven Soen , Oktavia Fika Dwi , Restiawaty Elvi , Adilina Indri Badria , Safaat Muhammad , Hernowo Pandit , Prakoso Tirto , Istyami Astri Nur , Pratiwi Meiti , Bindar Yazid 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe macroalgae residue from the industrial agar extraction process contains a significant amount of carbon and has potential as a renewable feedstock. Unfortunately, it is often overlooked and is poorly utilized. This study aims to valorize this macroalgae residue through pyrolysis to produce silica‐rich biochar and other value‐added products in the form of biocrude oil (BCO) and biopyrolysis gas. The macroalgae residue was pyrolyzed at 300–700 °C with a heating rate of 20–40 °C/min. Yields of biochar, BCO, and gas of 62%, 25%, and 13% were obtained at a temperature of 700 °C and a heating rate of 20 °C/min. Biochar has a porous structure, a surface area exceeding 15 m2/g, and is dominated by amorphous silica of up to 13%. This silica‐rich biochar also contains Na and K, which hold potential benefits in agriculture, serving as soil ameliorants and playing a crucial role in enhancing soil fertility and promoting plant growth. In the meantime, BCO contains 29.3% carboxylic acid group as the most important chemical component. Other than that, the biopyrolysis gas contains mainly CH4 and H2 (up to 24–32%), which can act as chemical building blocks. Finally, a simple business scenario of silica‐rich biochar production reveals that it has a specific cost of 0.37 US$/kg. It could be economically viable as a soil ameliorant or fertilizer. However, challenges persist in scaling up production to an industrial scale.
Antifungal medication use during early pregnancy and the risk of congenital heart defects in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study, 1997–2011
Authors: Papadopoulos Eleni A. , Howley Meredith M. , Fisher Sarah C. , Van Zutphen Alissa R. , Werler Martha M. , Romitti Paul A. , Browne Marilyn L. ,   for the National Birth Defects Prevention Study
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundFungal infections are common among pregnant people. Recent studies suggest positive associations between oral antifungals used to treat fungal infections and congenital heart defects (CHDs).MethodsWe estimated associations between first trimester antifungal use and 20 major, specific CHDs using data from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study (NBDPS), a multi‐site, case–control study that included pregnancies with estimated delivery dates from October 1997 through December 2011. Infants with CHDs (“cases”) were ascertained from 10 birth defect surveillance programs. Live born infants without major birth defects (“controls”) were randomly selected from birth records or hospital discharge lists. First trimester antifungal use was self‐reported via maternal interview. We estimated adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using logistic regression with Firth's penalized likelihood.ResultsFirst trimester antifungal use was reported by 148/11,653 (1.3%) case and 123/11,427 (1.1%) control participants. We estimated AORs for 12 CHDs; six had AORs >1.5 (tetralogy of Fallot, double outlet right ventricle with transposition of the great arteries [DORV‐TGA], atrioventricular septal defect, hypoplastic left heart syndrome, pulmonary atresia, muscular ventricular septal defect), and one (pulmonary valve stenosis) had an AOR <0.7. All CIs included the null, except for DORV‐TGA.ConclusionsFirst trimester antifungal use was rare. We observed some positive associations for several specific CHDs in our analysis, although the CIs largely included the null. Results do not support a large increase in risk, but smaller increases in risk for certain CHD cannot be ruled out.
A case‐control study characterizing polydactyly risk factors in Bogotá and Cali, Colombia between 2002 and 2020
Authors: Portilla‐Rojas Esteban , Ramírez Lina , Moreno Camilo , Lores Juliana , Sarmiento Karen , Zarante Ignacio 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundPolydactyly is a congenital abnormality characterized by the presence of additional fingers on one or more extremities. In Colombia, polydactyly accounted for 17% of musculoskeletal congenital abnormalities in 2021, with a prevalence of 6.03 per 10,000 live births. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of polydactyly and identify associated risk factors in Bogotá and Cali, Colombia, from 2002 to 2020.MethodsA retrospective case‐control study design was employed, analyzing data from birth defect reports provided by the Program for the Prevention and Follow‐up of Congenital Defects and Orphan Diseases surveillance system. Cases included live births or stillbirths with polydactyly, while controls consisted of infants without congenital abnormality, matched in terms of birth date and hospital. Prevalence of polydactyly was calculated and risk factors were assessed through odds ratios obtained by logistic regression models, considering a 95% confidence interval.ResultsAmong the 558,255 births included in the study, 848 cases of polydactyly were identified, resulting in a prevalence rate of 15.19 per 10,000 live births. Risk factors associated with polydactyly included male newborn sex, pregestational diabetes, and a family history of malformation among first‐degree relatives.ConclusionThese findings highlight the importance a surveillance system aimed to characterize populations with congenital abnormalities, providing a better option for analyzing risk factors, help improving prevention, diagnosis, notification, and optimal treatment in patients.
The evosystem: A centerpiece for evolutionary studies
Authors: Papale François , Not Fabrice , Bapteste Éric , Haraoui Louis‐Patrick 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn this paper, we redefine the target of evolutionary explanations by proposing the “evosystem” as an alternative to populations, lineages and species. Evosystems account for changes in the distribution of heritable variation within individual Darwinian populations (evolution by natural selection, drift, or constructive neutral evolution), but also for changes in the networks of interactions within or between Darwinian populations and changes in the abiotic environment (whether these changes are caused by the organic entities or not). The evosystem can thereby become a centerpiece for a redefined evolutionary science, that is, evolutionary studies, that apprehends through a single framework the variety of evolutionary processes that lie at various scales. To illustrate the importance of this broadened perspective on evolution, we use a case of antimicrobial resistance evolution: the spread of the blaNDM gene family and the related resistance to carbapenem antibiotics observed globally, and show how evolutionary studies can contribute to answering contemporary socially relevant challenges.