bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Peak occipital alpha frequency mediates the relationship between sporting expertise and multiple object tracking performance
Authors: Mackenzie Andrew K. , Baker Joshua , Daly Rosie C. , Howard Christina J. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundMultiple object tracking (MOT) is often used as a lab‐based paradigm for investigating goal‐driven attention as an indicator for “real‐world” attention in tasks such as sport. When exploring MOT performance in the context of sporting expertise, we typically observe that individuals with sporting expertise outperform non‐sporting individuals. There are a number of general explanations for performance differences such as cognitive transfer effects; however, the potential neurophysiological mechanisms explaining the relationship between sporting expertise and performance differences in MOT are not clear. Based on the role occipital alpha (posterior oscillations usually around 8–12 Hz) has been shown to have in visuospatial attention, the aim of this study was to examine whether individual differences in occipital peak alpha frequency (PAF) mediate the relationship between sporting expertise and performance in two object tracking tasks: a standard MOT task and a visuomotor‐controlled object tracking task (multiple object avoidance [MOA]).MethodUsing electroencephalography (EEG), participants, who either played sport competitively or did not, had their posterior PAF measured at rest (eyes closed) across a 2‐min window. They completed the two tasks separately from the resting EEG measures.ResultsThose who engaged in sport performed better in the MOT and MOA tasks and had higher PAF. Higher PAF predicted superior MOT performance. The mediation analysis revealed that sporting individuals had significantly higher PAF, and this was in turn related to superior MOT performance.ConclusionsIt is suggested that PAF is a possible neurophysiological mediating mechanism as to why sporting individuals have superior MOT performance. There was no evidence that PAF mediated the relationship between sporting expertise and visuomotor MOA performance. Explanations and implications are discussed, and unanswered questions are proposed.
Development of an Enzyme Cascade System for the Synthesis of Enantiomerically Pure D‐Amino Acids Utilizing Ancestral L‐Amino Acid Oxidase
Authors: Araseki Hayato , Sugishima Narumi , Chisuga Taichi , Nakano Shogo 
Published: February 2024

AbstractEnantiomerically pure D‐amino acids hold significant potential as precursors for synthesizing various fine chemicals, including peptide‐based drugs and other pharmaceuticals. This study focuses on establishing an enzymatic cascade system capable of converting various L‐amino acids into their D‐isomers. The system integrates four enzymes: ancestral L‐amino acid oxidase (AncLAAO‐N4), D‐amino acid dehydrogenase (DAADH), D‐glucose dehydrogenase (GDH), and catalase. AncLAAO‐N4 initiates the process by converting L‐amino acids to corresponding keto acids, which are then stereo‐selectively aminated to D‐amino acids by DAADH using NADPH and NH4Cl. Concurrently, any generated H2O2 is decomposed into O2 and H2O by catalase, while GDH regenerates NADPH from D‐glucose. Optimization of reaction conditions and substrate concentrations enabled the successful synthesis of five D‐amino acids, including a D‐Phe derivative, three D‐Trp derivatives, and D‐phenylglycine, all with high enantiopurity (>99 % ee) at a preparative scale (>100 mg). This system demonstrates a versatile approach for producing a diverse array of D‐amino acids.
Investigating Recurrent Matere Bonds in Pertechnetate Compounds
Authors: Grödler Dennis , Burguera Sergi , Frontera Antonio , Strub Erik 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn this manuscript we evaluate the X‐ray structure of five new pertechnetate derivatives of general formula [M(H2O)4(TcO4)2], M=Mg, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn (compounds 1–5) and one perrhenate compound Zn(H2O)4(ReO4)2 (6). In these complexes the metal center exhibits an octahedral coordination with the pertechnetate units as axial ligands. All compounds exhibit the formation of directional Tc⋅⋅⋅O Matere bonds (MaBs) that propagate the [M(H2O)4(TcO4)2], into 1D supramolecular polymers in the solid state. Such 1D polymers are linked, generating 2D layers, by combining additional MaBs and hydrogen bonds (HBs). Such concurrent motifs have been analyzed theoretically, suggesting the noncovalent σ‐hole nature of the MaBs. The interaction energies range from weak (~ −2 kcal/mol) for the MaBs to strong (~ −30 kcal/mol) for the MaB+HB assemblies, where HB dominates. In case of M=Zn, the corresponding perrhenate Zn(H2O)4(ReO4)2 complex, has been also synthesized for comparison purposes, resulting in the formation of an isostructural X‐ray structure, corroborating the structure‐directing role of Matere bonds.
Targeting of G‐quadruplex DNA with 99mTc(I)/Re(I) Tricarbonyl Complexes Carrying Pyridostatin Derivatives
Authors: Palma Elisa , Içhedef Cigdem , Fernandes Célia , Belchior Ana , Raposinho Paula , Gano Lurdes , Miranda André , Moreira David , Lourenço Pedro , Cruz Carla , Pires Ana Salomé , Botelho Maria Filomena , Paulo António 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe main goal of this work was to elucidate the potential relevance of (radio)metal chelates of 99mTc and Re targeting G‐quadruplex structures for the design of new tools for cancer theranostics. 99mTc provides the complexes with the ability to perform single‐photon‐emission computed tomography imaging studies, while the Re complexes should act as anticancer agents upon interaction with specific G4 DNA or RNA structures present in tumor tissues. Towards this goal, we have developed isostructural 99mTc(I) and Re(I) tricarbonyl complexes anchored by a pyrazolyl‐diamine (Pz) chelator carrying a pendant pyridostatin (PDS) fragment as the G4‐binding motif. The interaction of the PDF‐Pz‐Re (8) complex with different G4‐forming oligonucleotides was studied by circular dichroism, fluorescence spectroscopy and FRET‐melting assays. The results showed that the Re complex retained the ability to bind and stabilize G4‐structures from different DNA or RNA sequences, namely those present on the SRC proto‐oncogene and telomeric RNA (TERRA sequence). PDF‐Pz‐Re (8) showed low to moderate cytotoxicity in PC3 and MCF‐7 cancer cell lines, as typically observed for G4‐binders. Biodistribution studies of the congener PDF‐Pz‐99mTc (12) in normal mice showed that the complex undergoes a fast blood clearance with a predominant hepatobiliary excretion, pointing also for a high in vitro stability.
Critical perspective on the elimination of emerging contaminants from industrial wastewater via microbial electrochemical technologies
Authors: Sikarwar Divyanshu , Bashir Yasser , Sharma Neha , Rasheed Almeenu , Das Sovik 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIndustrial water pollution originating from various industries like textile, dairy, oil, and petrochemical industries, etc. is a huge concern globally and has led to devastating effects on the environment due to the release of refractory emerging contaminants (ECs). These ECs of concern have attracted wide devotion from the scientific community due to their recalcitrant nature and disastrous effects on plants, aquatic life forms, and humans. In this regard, conventional wastewater treatment technologies such as coagulation, flocculation, membrane technologies, electrocoagulation, and other biological technologies like sequencing batch reactor, anaerobic up‐flow sludge blanket reactor, etc., are inefficient in removing ECs from the industrial effluent, while conventional advanced oxidation processes incur high cost due to the extensive requirement of energy for the degradation of ECs. To overcome this issue, microbial electrochemical technologies (METs) can be employed. For instance, METs have shown promising results in the degradation of various ECs, such as microbial fuel cells, which have shown nearly 92% to 98% removal of sulfamethoxazole with simultaneous power recovery. Alizarin yellow R, nitrobenzene, and Congo red were degraded by microbial electrolysis cells with removal efficiency in the range of 88% to 98%, demonstrating their superiority in the elimination of trace contaminants. Similarly, almost 100% mineralization of pyraclostrobin was noticed for the bio‐electro‐Fenton process, showing the elevated potential of these neoteric technologies for the remediation of recalcitrant pollutants. Thus, the current review article aims to critically analyze the intervention of METs for the elimination of ECs from industrial wastewater.
Assessment of circulating apoE4 levels from dried blood spot samples in a large survey setting
Authors: Borbye‐Lorenzen Nis , Deza‐Lougovski Yacila I. , Holmgaard Solveig , Weiss Luzia M. , Bækvad‐Hansen Marie , Skogstrand Kristin , Rieckmann Anna , Börsch‐Supan Axel , Börsch‐Supan Martina 
Published: February 2024

AbstractINTRODUCTIONThe apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele is associated with high risk for Alzheimer's disease. It is unclear whether individual levels of the circulating apoE4 protein in ε4 carriers confer additional risk. Measuring apoE4 protein levels from dried blood spots (DBS) has the potential to provide information on genetic status as well as circulating levels and to include these measures in large survey settings.METHODSWe developed a multiplex immunoassay to detect apoE4 protein levels in DBS from 15,974 participants, aged 50+ from Wave 6 of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE).RESULTSThe apoE4 protein signal was presented in two separable distributions. One distribution corresponded to carriers of at least one copy of the ε4 allele. Fieldwork cofounders affected protein levels but did not explain individual differences.DISCUSSIONFuture research should investigate how genotype and apoE4 level interact with lifestyle and other variables to impact cognitive aging.
Food quality shapes gradual phenotypic plasticity in ectotherms facing temperature variability
Authors: Van Baelen Marine , Bec Alexandre , Sperfeld Erik , Frizot Nathan , Koussoroplis Apostolos‐Manuel 
Published: February 2024

AbstractOrganisms exhibit reversible physiological adjustments as a response to rapidly changing environments. Yet such plasticity of the phenotype is gradual and may lag behind environmental fluctuations, thereby affecting long‐term average performance of the organisms. By supplying energy and essential compounds for optimal tissue building, food determines the range of possible phenotypic changes and potentially the rate at which they occur. Here, we assess how differences in the dietary supply of essential lipids modulate the phenotypic plasticity of an ectotherm facing thermal fluctuations. We use three phytoplankton strains to create a gradient of polyunsaturated fatty acid and sterol supply for Daphnia magna under constant and fluctuating temperatures. We used three different fluctuation periodicities to unravel the temporal dynamics of gradual plasticity and its long‐term consequences for D. magna performance measured as juvenile somatic growth rate. In agreement with gradual plasticity theory, we show that in D. magna, fluctuation periodicity determines the differential between observed growth rates and those expected from constant conditions. Most importantly, we show that diet modulates both the size and the direction of the growth rate differential. Overall, we demonstrate that the nutritional context is essential for predicting ectotherm consumers' performance in fluctuating thermal environments.
Improving liposolubility and lipid antioxidant activity of mangiferin through esterification by lipase
Authors: Yu Xin , Yang Xinyi , Qian Junqing , Guo Hui 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMangiferin is one of the main bioactive ingredients in leaves of Mangifera indica. But the poor liposolubility and low bioavailability restrict its application. This study aimed to esterify mangiferin with lipase to improve its lipophilicity, and evaluate its antioxidant activity and hypoglycemic properties. Four fatty acids (palmitic acid, lauric acid, stearic acid, oleic acid) were selected for enzymatic esterification with mangiferin by single‐factor experiments. Under the following optimum reaction conditions of tetrahydrofuran (THF):tert‐amyl alcohol (2:1) was used as solvent, water activity was 0.31, TLIM lipase was 45 mg mL–1, The ratio of mangiferin to fatty acid was 1:50, and the substrates were pretreated by ultrasonic for 0.5 h, then reacted at 55°C for 21 h, the resulting conversion rates of mangiferin‐esterified derivatives exceeded 70.0%.Lipophilicity, antioxidant, and PTP1B inhibitory activity of mangiferin‐esterified derivatives were determined. The results demonstrated that compared with mangiferin, the ability to scavenge DPPH radicals decreased by about 9%, but the lipophilicity was increased by 10–30 times, and the lipid antioxidant capacity was also improved significantly. Moreover, the inhibitory activity of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) exhibited minimal alteration. This indicates that esterification can not only improve the lipophilicity of mangiferin, but also improve its lipid antioxidant capacity.Practical Applications: In the study, a series of mangiferin‐esterified derivatives were synthesized and their lipophilicity, antioxidant properties, and PTP1B inhibitory activity were determined. The results indicated that, compared with the untreated mangiferin, the mangiferin‐esterified derivatives exhibited superior lipid antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities. Furthermore, the enzymatic esterification method employed in this study offered greater economic and environmental advantages when compared to chemical catalysis. Therefore, the preparation of mangiferin derivatives through enzymatic esterification were deemed feasible with potential application value for enhancing lipid antioxidant capacity in high‐fat foods.
Educational needs and career development of young epileptologists in Italy
Authors: Spagnoli Carlotta , Duca Maddalena , Pelliccia Veronica , Lanzone Jacopo , Masnada Silvia , Chiarello Daniela , Barco Tommaso Lo , Dono Fedele , Nucera Bruna 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe Education and Career Task Force of the Young Epilepsy Section‐Italy focuses on educational and career development needs of young Italian epileptologists. Two surveys were developed (pre‐ and post COVID‐19 pandemic) in order to identify the needs of members of the Lega Italiana Contro l'Epilessia under 40 years of age.MethodsThe first was distributed during the 42nd National Congress (Rome, June 5–7, 2019); the second during the 45th National Congress (Padova, June 8–10, 2022) and subsequently by e‐mail until July 9, 2022. Data from the 2019 survey were analyzed descriptively. Data from the 2022 survey were further analyzed with Pearson's chi‐square test to establish if gender, field of clinical practice, and professional role were associated with different needs.ResultsSixty surveys were completed in 2019 and 69 in 2022. Attendance to courses and congresses as the preferred way to keep medical knowledge updated reduced between 2019 and 2022. The reason was different between trainees (mostly elevated costs) and early‐career consultants (mostly organizational issues) (p = 0.005). The main needs for improvement also diverged: trainees indicated differential diagnosis and diagnostic approach to the first seizure while consultants indicated diagnostic approach to genetic epilepsies (p = 0.004); in the genetic field, priority needs were selection of genetic investigations for trainees versus genotype–phenotype correlations for consultants (p = 0.022). The field of practice (pediatric vs. adult) also impacted on the main needs for improvement that is, acquisition of expertise in neuroradiology and drug therapy for pediatric versus genetics for adult neurology trainees or consultants (p = 0.018); in the clinical area, differential diagnosis and approach to the first seizure versus status epilepticus (p = 0.027); in the genetic field, precision medicine versus genotype–phenotype correlations (p = 0.034). No differences were found based on gender.SignificanceThe surveys identified different needs based on professional role and discipline.Plain Language SummaryThe Education and Career Task Force of the Young Epilepsy Section‐Italy (YES‐I) launched two surveys among young Italian epileptologists. Our research shows that the educational and professional needs of young Italian epileptologists vary based on their job role and field of practice, but not on gender. Their preference for on‐site congresses and courses reduced after the pandemic, and the main reason is linked to financial constraints for trainees and to organizational issues for consultants. The main expectation toward YES‐I is to receive support for education and career development. Thus, we collected useful suggestions on how to organize our future YES‐I activities.
Reproductive late effects and testosterone replacement therapy in male childhood cancer survivors: A population‐based study (the Fex‐Can study)
Authors: Haavisto Anu , Lampic Claudia , Wettergren Lena , Lähteenmäki Päivi M. , Jahnukainen Kirsi 
Published: February 2024

AbstractChildhood cancer survivors are at risk of various endocrine late effects affecting their quality of life. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and predictors of endocrine and reproductive outcomes in young adult survivors. A secondary aim was to assess possible associations between testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and other endocrine, cardiovascular and psychosocial late effects. This nationwide study comprised 1212 male childhood cancer survivors aged 19–40 years, identified through the National Quality Registry for Childhood Cancer in Sweden. Median age at diagnosis during 1981–2017 was 7 (range 0–17) and at study 29 (19–40) years. The study combined self‐report survey data with cancer treatment data from the national registry. Hormone‐induced puberty was self‐reported by 3.8% of the survivors and ongoing TRT by 6.0%. In separate logistic regression analyses, these treatments were associated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and cranial radiotherapy. Hormone‐induced puberty was additionally associated with younger age at diagnosis. Men with TRT had a higher prevalence of other endocrine deficiencies, cholesterol medication, depressive symptoms and fatigue as well as a lower probability of living with a partner, having a biological child or current occupation. In the total male cohort, 28.2% reported having a biological child. Reassuring reproductive outcomes after less intensive therapies and low frequency of TRT were observed in young adult male childhood cancer survivors treated in the most recent treatment era. However, men with TRT suffered from several other endocrine, cardiovascular and psychosocial late effects, indicating a need for long‐term monitoring of this high‐risk group.
Iron Deficiency and Intestinal Malabsorption in HIV Disease
Authors: Castaldo Annunziata , Tarallo Luigi , Palomba Elvia , Albano Fabio , Russo Stefania , Zuin Giovanna , Buffardi Floriana , Guarino Alfredo 
Published: February 2024

SummaryChildren with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection have a higher prevalence of intestinal malabsorption. Anemia is also a common feature in these children. The aims of this work were (a) to establish the prevalence of iron deficiency in HIV‐infected children, (b) to test the hypothesis that iron deficiency is related to intestinal malabsorption, (c) to see whether it may contribute to anemia, and (d) to evaluate the sensitivity of oral iron load in the investigation of intestinal function. To accomplish these goals, 71 HIV‐infected symptomatic children were enrolled. Iron serum values were determined before and after oral load with ferrous sulfate. The correlation between basal and post‐load iron levels was evaluated by linear regression. Xylose level after oral load, fecal fat, and fecal alpha1‐antitrypsin concentration were also determined. Iron deficiency was detected in 48% of patients, and it was significantly associated with intestinal iron malabsorption. Sugar malabsorption, steatorrhea, and fecal protein loss were detected in 26,36, and 17% of patients, respectively. Low hemoglobin levels were detected in 66% of patients. The majority of children with iron deficiency also had anemia. Preliminary data showed that oral iron administration was sufficient for raising hemoglobin in children with normal iron absorption, whereas parenteral administration was required in those with iron malabsorption. We conclude that (a) iron deficiency is a major feature of pediatric HIV infection, (b) it is related to intestinal malabsorption, and (c) it contributes to anemia. Finally, oral iron load is a sensitive test for investigating intestinal function.
Gastrointestinal pH, Motility/Transit and Permeability in Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Gregory P. C. 
Published: February 2024

SummaryI reviewed the literature (1966‐1994) concerning gastrointestinal (GI) pH, motility/transit, and permeability in cystic fibrosis (CF). Most studies reported were performed with very small numbers of patients, but even when considered together the published data do not confirm some generally expressed views on these topics. The only clear findings were a high incidence of gastroesophageal reflux in CF; pre‐ and postprandial duodenal pH is 1‐2 U lower in patients with CF than in healthy controls; and small intestinal paracellular permeability is 4‐10 times greater than normal in CF. Some patients showed abnormalities of lower esophageal sphincter pressure and of esophageal motility, but apart from one case study other disturbances of GI motility have not been reported. The results of hydrogen breath tests strongly suggest that oro‐cecal transit is slowed in CF, but these results must be confirmed by an alternative test. Measurements of colonic transit and colonic permeability have not been reported. The few studies of gastric emptying reported are controversial. Whether GI pH, apart from duodenal pH, is normal in CF or whether a subset of patients has exceptionally acid intestinal contents requiring specialized pancreatic enzyme supplementation to normalize digestion is not clear. Finally, I briefly discuss the findings in relation to their possible impact on the pathogenesis of fibrosing colonopathy.
Increased Prevalence of Diabetes‐Related Autoantibodies in Celiac Disease
Authors: Rapoport M. J. , Bistritzer T. , Vardi O. , Broide E. , Azizi A. , Vardi P. 
Published: February 2024

SummaryForty‐four nondiabetic patients with celiac disease (CD) were examined for the presence of insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM)‐related autoantibodies. Islet cell antibodies (ICA) were detected in 2 of 44 (4.5%). None of the 200 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls was ICA positive (p < 0.05). Competitive anti‐insulin antibodies (CIAA) were detected in 1 of 44 (2.5%) patients. First‐phase insulin reserve (FPIR), stimulated insulin reserve (SIR), and glycosylated hemoglobin (GHB) levels were normal in the autoantibody‐positive patients. Our data suggest that, like first‐degree relatives of IDDM patients, CD patients are characterized by an increased prevalence of diabetes‐related autoantibodies. Further follow‐up is needed to determine whether the presence of these autoantibodies in nondiabetic CD patients predicts future IDDM.