bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structural Perspective into the Interaction of an Oncogenesis‐Relevant pre‐miRNA G‐Quadruplex Ligand Carrier with the Protein Nucleolin
Authors: Santos Tiago , Silva Micael , Imbert Lionel , Campello Maria P. C. , Paulo António , Amrane Samir , Salgado Gilmar F. , Cruz Carla , Cabrita Eurico J. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe structural determinants of the interaction of the G‐quadruplex (G4) motif found in precursor miRNA 149 (rG4) with the acridine orange derivative C8, a G4 ligand stabilizer possessing anticancer activity, and the protein nucleolin (overexpressed in cancer cells) were investigated by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. For the rG4/C8 complex, the results revealed a strong stabilizing interaction between the aromatic core and the iodinated ring of the C8 ligand with the rG4 structure. The NMR study revealed also different interaction patterns between nucleolin and rG4 and nucleolin and rG4/C8 complex. In the absence of the ligand, rG4 establishes interactions with polar residues of the protein while for the rG4/C8 complex, these contacts are mainly established with amino acids that have hydrophobic side chains. However, nucleolin chemical shift perturbation studies in the presence of rG4 or rG4/C8 reveal the same location between domains 1 and 2 of the protein, which suggests that the rG4 and rG4/C8 complex bind in this region. This puzzling structural study opens a new framework to study rG4/ligand/nucleolin complexes that might impact the biogenesis of miRNA 149.
Efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment for head and neck mucosal melanoma recurrence in patients treated with carbon‐ion radiotherapy
Authors: Musha Atsushi , Kubo Nobuteru , Kawamura Hidemasa , Okano Naoko , Sato Hiro , Okada Kohei , Tomizawa Kento , Ota Norichika , Adachi Akiko , Shino Masato , Nikkuni Osamu , Ida Shota , Shirai Katsuyuki , Saitoh Jun‐ichi , Yokoo Satoshi , Chikamatsu Kazuaki , Ohno Tatsuya 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundCarbon‐ion radiotherapy (C‐ion RT) is effective for head and neck mucosal melanoma (HN‐MM), including radioresistant mucosal melanoma. Melanoma also responds effectively to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Data on the efficacy and safety of ICIs for HN‐MM are insufficient.AimsTo analyze the efficacy and safety of ICI salvage therapy in patients with HN‐MM recurrence after C‐ion RT.Methods and ResultsThis retrospective study analyzed the medical records of 52 patients with HN‐MM treated with C‐ion RT between 2012 and 2020. A dose of 57.6 or 64.0 Gy (relative biological effectiveness) was provided in 16 fractions. The primary endpoint was 3‐year overall survival (OS) rate. The median follow‐up time was 26.8 months for all patients. A total of 29 patients had local recurrence or distant metastasis, and 16 patients who received ICI therapy. The 3‐year OS rate in the ICI group (n = 16) and best supportive care group (n = 13) were 53.8% and 0.0%, respectively (p = 0.837); the difference was not statistically significant. There were no deaths after 1 year among patients who underwent ICI therapy. No adverse events associated with C‐ion RT were related to or exacerbated by ICI.ConclusionICI salvage therapy is effective and safe for patients with HN‐MM recurrence after C‐ion RT.
The role of psychotherapists' perceived barriers in providing psychotherapy to refugee patients
Authors: Dumke Lars , Wilker Sarah , Kotterba Anna , Neuner Frank 
Published: April 2023

AbstractAccess to psychotherapy is critical to improving mental health, but only a small proportion of refugees receive treatment in the regular psychotherapeutic care system in high‐income countries. In previous research, outpatient psychotherapists reported several barriers to more frequent treatment of refugee patients. However, it is unclear to what extent these perceived barriers contribute to the poor provision of services to refugees. In a survey of N = 2002 outpatient psychotherapists in Germany, we collected data on perceived treatment barriers and on the integration of refugees into regular psychotherapeutic practice. Half of the psychotherapists reported that they do not treat refugee patients. In addition, therapies provided for refugees were, on average, 20% shorter than for other patients. Regression analyses showed direct negative associations between psychotherapists' overall perception of barriers with the number of refugees treated and the number of sessions offered to refugee patients, even when controlling for sociodemographic and workload‐related characteristics. Correlation analyses on the level of specific types of barriers further revealed that particularly language‐related barriers and lack of contact with the refugee population are negatively correlated with the number of refugees treated and the number of sessions for refugees. Our findings indicate that the integration of refugees into regular psychotherapeutic care could be improved by measures to connect psychotherapists with refugee patients as well as professional interpreters and to ensure coverage of costs for therapy, interpreters and related administrative tasks.
Evaluation of Struthio camelus eggshell as an in vitro alternative to extracted human teeth in preliminary screening studies on dental erosion
Authors: Qutieshat Abubaker , Mason Andrew Graham , Chadwick Richard Graham 
Published: April 2023

AbstractObjectivesThis in vitro work investigates the potential of ostrich eggshell as a substitute for extracted human teeth in preliminary screening studies on dental erosion. Additionally, it aims to demonstrate the potential of ostrich eggshell compared to human enamel in evaluating the efficacy of a preventive agent in protecting against dental erosion, using an artificial mouth model.MethodsThe experiment utilized 96 erosion testing specimens from each substrate, human enamel, and ostrich eggshell. The specimens were subjected to six different experimental regimens of increasing erosive challenge, simulating the consumption of an acidic drink. The acidic drink was delivered at a consistent volume and duration range. Both artificially stimulated and unstimulated saliva flowed throughout the experimental regimens. Surface hardness was measured using a Through‐Indenter Viewing hardness tester with a Vickers diamond, while surface profiling was done using a surface contacting profilometer with a diamond stylus. An automated chemistry analyzer system was used to detect calcium and phosphate ions.ResultsThe study found that ostrich eggshell specimens demonstrated predictable surface loss, hardness drop, and ion loss due to the acidic challenge. Meanwhile, enamel appeared to fall short in terms of surface hardness predictability. The transient hardness loss phase, which manifests as an overlooked decrease in surface hardness despite significant ion and structural loss, may explain this phenomenon.ConclusionsThe experiment showed that assessing surface loss is essential in addition to hardness testing, particularly as certain experimental conditions may produce a false perception of tissue recovery despite the actual surface loss. By analyzing the response of ostrich eggshell specimens to erosive challenges, researchers were able to identify an “overlooked” reduction in hardness in enamel specimens. The differences in the structure, chemical composition, and biological response to erosion in the presence of artificial saliva between enamel and ostrich eggshell could explain their distinct behaviors.
Impact of executive pay gap on environmental, social, and governance disclosure in China: Is there a strategic choice?
Authors: Zhang Dingzu , Pan Lijuan , Liu Luqi , Zeng Huixiang 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThis study investigates the mechanisms through which the executive pay gap affects the disclosure of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) information. Utilizing panel data from China's A‐share listed firms between 2012 and 2020, our findings reveal a significant positive correlation between the executive pay gap and ESG disclosure, with real earnings management playing a partial mediating role. Notably, the impact of the executive pay gap on ESG disclosure is more pronounced in voluntary disclosure firms and those with low internal control levels, as compared to mandatory disclosure firms and those with high internal control levels. This study provides international evidence for the strategic disclosure behavior of ESG information and the necessity of ESG disclosure regulation.
Circular RNAs in the chemoresistance of triple‐negative breast cancer: A systematic review
Authors: Wang Hongmei , Shan Xuefeng , Peng Yang , Zhou Weiying 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThis study aims to assess studies on circular RNAs (circRNAs) in the chemoresistance of triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) and provide relevant references for the development of new TNBC chemotherapy sensitivity biomarkers and therapeutic targets. The PubMed, Embase, Web of Knowledge, Cochrane Library, and four Chinese databases were searched up to January 27, 2023, and studies related to TNBC chemoresistance were included. The basic characteristics of the studies and the mechanisms of circRNAs in regulating TNBC chemoresistance were analyzed. A total of 28 studies published between 2018 and 2023 were included, and the chemotherapeutics included adriamycin, paclitaxel, docetaxel, 5‐fluorouracil, lapatinib, and so forth. A total of 30 circRNAs were identified, 86.67% (n = 26) of these circRNAs were reported to act as microRNA (miRNA) sponges to regulate chemotherapy sensitivity, while only two circRNAs (circRNA‐MTO1 and circRNA‐CREIT) interacted with proteins. A total of 14, 12, and 2 circRNAs were reported to be associated with chemoresistance to adriamycin, taxanes, and 5‐fluorouracil, respectively. Six circRNAs were found to act as miRNA sponges that promote chemotherapy resistance by regulating the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway. CircRNAs participate in the regulation of TNBC chemoresistance and can be used as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for improving chemotherapy sensitivity. However, further studies are needed to confirm the role of circRNAs in TNBC chemoresistance.
Interpretation of hair and nails findings in an infant death case related to maternal addiction to tramadol
Authors: Gish Alexandr , Richeval Camille , Wiart Jean‐François , Hennart Benjamin , Hakim Florian , Demarly Christophe , Balgairies Axelle , Hédouin Valéry , Allorge Delphine , Gaulier Jean‐Michel 
Published: April 2023

AbstractAn 11‐month‐old boy was found dead. Autopsy findings (cyanosis and polyvisceral congestion) and blood tramadol (TR) concentration of 6240 μg/L were consistent with an acute TR intoxication. In this poisoning situation, owing to the mother's statements (TR addiction leading to daily TR‐orange juice mixture preparation accidentally used for the baby bottle preparation by the mother's partner), and the question of possible previous TR administrations to the infant, hair and/or nails (infant, mother, partner, 6‐year‐old sister) analysis was performed. Hair (2‐cm‐long hair segments from proximal [S1] to distal [S3]) and nails concentrations (pg/mg; nd: not detected) were as follows: Infant (hair: TR 1420 [S1], 1622 [S2], 2736 [S3]; O‐DMT 16–38; N‐DMT 34–100 [TR in significant quantities in the hair decontamination bath]—toenails: TR 584; O‐DMT 8; N‐DMT 15), mother (hair: TR 2340 [S1], 2150 [S2], 2500 [S3]; O‐DMT 704–1170; N‐DMT 827–1360), mother's partner (fingernails: TR 72; O‐DMT nd; N‐DMT nd) and sister (hair: TR 261 [S1], 524 [S2]; O‐DMT 15 [S1], 16 [S2]; N‐DMT 20 [S1], 38 [S2]). Metabolite ratio (infant and sister hair) was comparable to those observed in hair of pharmaceutical industry employees manufacturing tramadol. TR in washing baths, low observed nail concentrations (infant and partner) confirm (i) TR‐related mother's addiction and (ii) external contamination issues (TR in sweat of the child at the time of death and in living environment) to explain the infant's keratinized samples results. This case report illustrates the interest of analyzing keratinized matrices of the whole family in such a situation.
Determination of amphetamine enantiomers in urine by conductive vial electromembrane extraction and ultra‐high performance supercritical fluid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Skaalvik Tonje Gottenberg , Øiestad Elisabeth Leere , Pedersen‐Bjergaard Stig , Hegstad Solfrid 
Published: April 2023

AbstractSeparation and quantification of amphetamine enantiomers are commonly used to distinguish between consumption of prescription amphetamine (mostly S‐amphetamine) and illicit forms of the drug (racemate). In this study, electromembrane extraction with prototype conductive vials was combined with ultra‐high performance supercritical fluid chromatography (UHPSFC‐MS/MS) to quantify R‐ and S‐amphetamine in urine. Amphetamine was extracted from 100 μL urine, diluted with 25 μL internal standard solution and 175 μL 130 mM formic acid, across a supported liquid membrane (SLM) consisting of 9 μL of a 1:1(w/w) mixture of 2‐nitrophenyloctyl ether (NPOE) and bis(2‐ethylhexyl)phosphite (DEHPi) into an acceptor phase containing 300 μL 130 mM formic acid. The extraction was facilitated by the application of 30 V for 15 min. Enantiomeric separation was achieved using UHPSFC‐MS/MS with a chiral stationary phase. The calibration range was 50–10,000 ng/mL for each enantiomer. The between‐assay CV was ≤5%, within‐assay CV ≤ 1.5%, and bias within ±2%. Recoveries were 83%–90% (CV ≤ 6%), and internal standard corrected matrix effects were 99–105 (CV ≤ 2%). The matrix effects ranged from 96% to 98% (CV ≤ 8%) when not corrected by the internal standard. The EME method was compared with a chiral routine method that employed liquid–liquid extraction (LLE) for sample preparation. Assay results were in agreement with the routine method, and the mean deviation between methods was 3%, ranging from −21% to 31%. Finally, sample preparation greenness was assessed using the AGREEprep tool, which resulted in a greenness score of 0.54 for conductive vial EME, opposed to 0.47 for semi‐automated 96‐well LLE.
β‐diversity reveals ecological connectivity patterns underlying marine community recovery: Implications for conservation
Authors: Bevilacqua Stanislao , Boero Ferdinando , De Leo Francesco , Guarnieri Giuseppe , Mačić Vesna , Benedetti‐Cecchi Lisandro , Terlizzi Antonio , Fraschetti Simonetta 
Published: April 2023

AbstractAs β‐diversity can be seen as a proxy of ecological connections among species assemblages, modeling the decay of similarity in species composition at increasing distance may help elucidate spatial patterns of connectivity and local‐ to large‐scale processes driving community assembly within a marine region. This, in turn, may provide invaluable information for setting ecologically coherent networks of marine protected areas (MPAs) in which protected communities are potentially interrelated and can mutually sustain against environmental perturbations. However, field studies investigating changes in β‐diversity patterns at a range of spatial scales and in relation to disturbance are scant, limiting our understanding of how spatial ecological connections among marine communities may affect their recovery dynamics. We carried out a manipulative experiment simulating a strong physical disturbance on subtidal rocky reefs at several locations spanning >1000 km of coast in the Adriatic Sea (Mediterranean Sea) and compared β‐diversity patterns and decay of similarity with distance and time by current transport between undisturbed and experimentally disturbed macrobenthic assemblages to shed light on connectivity processes and scales involved in recovery. In contrast to the expectation that very local‐scale processes, such as vegetative regrowth and larval supply from neighboring undisturbed assemblages, might be the major determinants of recovery in disturbed patches, we found that connectivity mediated by currents at larger spatial scales strongly contributed to shape community reassembly after disturbance. Across our study sites in the Adriatic Sea, β‐diversity patterns suggested that additional protected sites that matched hotspots of propagule exchange could increase the complementarity and strengthen the ecological connectivity throughout the MPA network. More generally, conditional to habitat distribution and selection of sites of high conservation priority (e.g., biodiversity hotspots), setting network internode distance within 100–150 km, along with sizing no‐take zones to cover at least 5 km of coast, would help enhance the potential connectivity of Mediterranean subtidal rocky reef assemblages from local to large scale. These results can help improve conservation planning to achieve the goals of promoting ecological connectivity within MPA networks and enhancing their effectiveness in protecting marine communities against rapidly increasing natural and anthropogenic disturbances.
Synthesis of Remdesivir by Direct Lithiation of Pyrrolo[2,1‐f][1,2,4]triazine Derivatives Enabled C‐Glycosylation
Authors: Xu Chao , Hu Yu‐Han , He Yong , Hu Zhigang , Li Shikuo , Zhang Hui , Huang Fangzhi , Zhang Feng‐Lian , Chen Yue‐Lei 
Published: April 2023

AbstractA direct and regioselective lithiation was realized on N‐Boc‐pyrrolo[2,1‐f][1,2,4]triazine, simply utilizing the distinct sigma‐acidity on C‐9. Starting from this enabling discovery, C‐glycoside formation, cyanation, and global deprotection steps constitute one of the most efficient syntheses of GS‐441524. Furthermore, transient protection was applied on GS‐441524 with phenyl boronic acid, which facilitated a powerful one‐pot synthesis of remdesivir.
Chemical and thermodynamic characterization of antioxidant emulsifiers: The case of complex of sodium caseinate with EGCG
Authors: Tang Wei , Li Minghui , Ritzoulis Christos , Liu Yefeng , Ding Yuting , Liu Weilin , Liu Jianhua 
Published: April 2023

AbstractIn this study, complexes formed by sodium caseinate (CS) and different concentrations of (−)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) were successfully prepared. The structures of the CS–EGCG complexes were then analyzed by fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Their thermodynamic features were also analyzed by Van't Hoff equation before evaluating antioxidant properties as well as emulsion stability. The results showed that EGCG grafting significantly altered the CS structure, primarily due to their interactions. However, besides the covalent bonding within CS–EGCG, thermodynamic analysis further highlighted the presence of slight interactions driven by hydrophobic and entropic changes. The EGCG grafting also decreased the surface hydrophobicity of CS while increasing its solubility, thus improving the stability of the protein in water. Finally, the grafting process significantly improved the thermal and emulsifying stability of CS as well as its antioxidant properties, especially 3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid and 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl scavenging properties and ferric ion reducing power. These findings can contribute to the study of protein and polyphenol interactions in food fields.
The relationship between placental thickness and gestational age in pregnant women: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Sharami Seyedeh H. , Milani Forozan , Fallah Arzpeyma Sima , Dalil Heirati Seyedeh F. , Pourhabibi Zahra 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackground and AimsEstimating gestational age (GA) is of utmost importance to assess the condition of the fetus. Incorporating placental thickness and fetal biometrics in estimating GA may improve the accuracy of fetal age estimation. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between placental thickness and GA in pregnant women referred to Al‐Zahra Hospital's prenatal and emergency clinic in Rasht, Iran.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study was conducted on pregnant women referred to Al‐Zahra Clinic for prenatal care over a 6‐month period. After obtaining informed consent, data were collected on the date of the first day of the last safe menstruation, average body mass index, and medical and surgical history. Placental thickness was estimated using ultrasound and various clinical information was recorded. The data were then analyzed using Pearson correlation analysis in SPSS software version 21.ResultsThe results showed a significant correlation between GA and placental thickness (p < 0.0001,r = 0.729). Placental thickness increased with increasing GA. There was also a significant relationship between placental thickness and placental location (p = 0.009,r = 0.14). In the posterior position, placental thickness increased by 14% or 0.14. The placental thickness in the posterior position (29.49 ± 0.75) was greater than the anterior position (26.94 ± 10.72).ConclusionThe findings of this study suggest that there is a significant increase in placental thickness with increasing GA during the first and second trimesters. Additionally, placental thickness significantly increased in the posterior placental position, as well as in women with high BMI. Therefore, it is recommended that measuring placental thickness should be routine during obstetric ultrasounds.
The role of DNA methylation in ovarian cancer chemoresistance: A narrative review
Authors: Song Kaiyang , Artibani Mara 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackground and AimsOvarian cancer (OC) is the most lethal gynecological cancer. In 2018, it was responsible for over 180,000 deaths worldwide. The high mortality rate is the culmination of a lack of early diagnosis and high rates of chemotherapy resistance, which is synonymous with disease recurrence. Over the last two decades, an increasingly significant role of epigenetic mechanisms, in particular DNA methylation, has emerged. This review will discuss several of the most significant genes whose hypo/hypermethylation profiles are associated with chemoresistance. Aside from functionally elucidating and evaluating these epimutations, this review will discuss recent trials of DNA methyltransferase inhibitors (DNMTi). Finally, we will propose future directions that could enhance the feasibility of utilizing these candidate epimutations as clinical biomarkers.MethodsTo perform this review, a comprehensive literature search based on our keywords was conducted across the online databases PubMed and Google Scholar for identifying relevant studies published up until August 2022.ResultsEpimutations affecting MLH1, MSH2, and Ras‐association domain family 1 isoform A (DNA damage repair and apoptosis); ATP‐binding cassette subfamily B member 1 and methylation‐controlled J (drug export); secreted frizzled‐related proteins (Wnt/β‐catenin signaling), neurocalcin delta (calcium and G protein‐coupled receptor signaling), and zinc finger protein 671 all have potential as biomarkers for chemoresistance. However, specific uncertainties relating to these epimutations include histotype‐specific differences, intrinsic versus acquired chemoresistance, and the interplay with complete surgical debulking. DNMTi for chemoresistant OC patients has shown some promise; however, issues surrounding their efficacy and dose‐limiting toxicities remain; a personalized approach is required to maximize their effectiveness.ConclusionEstablishing a panel of aberrantly methylated chemoresistance‐related genes to predict chemoresponsiveness and patients' suitability to DNMTi could significantly reduce OC recurrence, while improving DNMTi therapy viability. To achieve this, a large‐scale prospective genome‐wide DNA methylation profile study that spans different histotypes, includes paired samples (before and after chemotherapy), and integrates transcriptomic and methylomic analysis, is warranted.