bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
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

AbstractMutations 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

AbstractBrain 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

AbstractChildhood 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

AbstractGemini 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

AbstractBACKGROUNDMaize 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.RESULTSIn 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.CONCLUSIONNIR‐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

AbstractRheumatoid 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

AbstractConstructing 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

AbstractEmpty 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

AbstractIntroductionFoot‐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.MethodsEight 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.ResultsWe 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.ConclusionsOur 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 evidenceTherapeutic 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

AbstractPurposeTo 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).MethodsWe 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.ResultsThe 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.ConclusionThe 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.
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

AbstractBackgroundAdverse 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.MethodsThe 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.ResultsHigher 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.ConclusionsThe 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

Abstract‘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

AbstractThermoset 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.