bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Re‐sequencing of candidate genes FOXF1, HSPA6, HAAO, and KYNU in 522 individuals with VATER/VACTERL, VACTER/VACTERL‐like association, and isolated anorectal malformation
Authors: Thiem Corina E. , Stegmann Jil D. , Hilger Alina C. , Waffenschmidt Lea , Bendixen Charlotte , Köllges Ricarda , Schmiedeke Eberhard , Schäfer Frank‐Mattias , Lacher Martin , Kosch Ferdinand , Grasshoff‐Derr Sabine , Kabs Carmen , Neser Jörg , Jenetzky Ekkehart , Fazaal Julia , Schumacher Johannes , Hoefele Julia , Ludwig Kerstin U. , Reutter Heiko 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe acronym VATER/VACTERL association describes the combination of at least three component features (CFs): vertebral defects (V), anorectal malformations (ARM) (A), cardiac defects (C), tracheoesophageal fistula with or without esophageal atresia (TE), renal malformations (R), and limb defects (L). Individuals presenting two CFs have been termed VATER/VACTERL‐like. Recently, FOXF1, HSPA6, HAAO, KYNU, TRAP1, and ZIC3 have been proposed as candidate genes for VATER/VACTERL, VATER/VACTERL‐like, and ARM. Re‐sequencing studies identified disease‐causing variants in TRAP1 and ZIC3, the contribution of other genes was not independently investigated. One affected variant carrier in FOXF1 was previously identified. Here we re‐sequenced FOXF1, HSPA6, HAAO, and KYNU in 522 affected individuals.MethodsUsing molecular inversion probe (MIP) technology, re‐sequencing was performed in 63 individuals with VATER/VACTERL association, 313 with VATER/VACTERL‐like association, and 146 with ARM. All individuals were of European ethnicity. Variant filtering considered variants with a minor allele frequency (MAF) ≤0.01 for putative recessive disease‐genes HSPA6, HAAO, and KYNU. For the putative dominant disease‐gene FOXF1 we considered variants with a MAF ≤0.0001. In silico prediction tools were used for further prioritization.ResultsOnly two variants in FOXF1 in two independently affected individuals [c.443G>T, p.(Cys148Phe); c.850T>C, p.(Tyr284His)] passed our filter criteria. One individual presented with ARM, the second presented with TE and C comprising atrial and ventricular septal defects. Sanger sequencing confirmed both variants but also their inheritance from the healthy mother.ConclusionOur analysis suggests that FOXF1, HSPA6, HAAO and KYNU do not play a major role in the formation of VACTER/VACTERL phenotypes or ARM.
Reactions of a Four‐Membered Borete with Carbon, Silicon, and Gallium Donor Ligands: Fused and Spiro‐Type Boracycles
Authors: Güven Zeynep , Denker Lars , Dolati Hadi , Wullschläger Daniela , Trzaskowski Bartosz , Frank René 
Published: April 2022

AbstractDonor‐acceptor cyclopropanes or cyclobutanes are dipolar reagents, which are widely used in the synthesis of complex organic (hetero)cycles in ring expansion reactions. Applying this concept to boron containing heterocycles, the four‐membered boretecyclo‐iPr2N‐BC10H6reacted with the carbon donor ligands 2,6‐xylylisonitrile and the carbene IMes :C(NMesCH)2with ring expansion and ring fusion, respectively. In particular, the tetracyclic structure formed with IMes displays zwitterionic character and absorption in the visible region. In contrast to the carbene IMes, the heavier carbenoids :Si(NDippCH)2and :Ga(AmIm) with a two‐coordinate donor atom affordspiro‐type bicyclic compounds, which display four‐coordinate geometry at silicon or gallium. (TD‐)DFT calculations provide deeper insight into the mechanism of formation and the absorption properties of these new compounds.
The ecosystem impacts of dominant species exclusion in a prairie restoration
Authors: Hernández Daniel L. , Antia Alice , McKone Mark J. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractDominant species often have disproportionately high abundance in restored communities compared to native remnants, which potentially could reduce the conservation value of restorations. Research is needed to determine how the abundance of dominant species in restoration plantings affects community assembly, species diversity, and ecosystem function. Most studies of dominant species in grasslands were modeled after experiments on keystone species, using the short‐term experimental removal of dominants to test their functional role in ecosystems. However, the removal of established dominants constitutes a major disturbance that may influence the interpretation of their long‐term functional impact. To address this, we experimentally assembled high‐diversity tallgrass prairie communities that included or excluded the predicted dominant species (Andropogon gerardii and Sorghastrum nutans) from the seed mix at the time of planting, but without further manipulation of community composition. From 2013 to 2019, we measured several ecosystem functions and community dynamics in the presence or absence of dominants. Communities that included the dominant species had lower species richness, greater aboveground biomass, and reduced light availability at the soil surface. Dominant species presence also increased soil nutrient availability and rates of litter decomposition, although dominant grass litter decomposed more slowly than litter from other common species in both treatments. In the absence of the dominant grasses, communities were instead dominated by a common unplanted forb, Solidago altissima, and there was partial compensation in ecosystem functioning in these forb‐dominated communities. The effects of dominant species exclusion may only be apparent in long‐term studies of experimentally assembled communities that avoid the legacy effects associated with removal experiments. Furthermore, our results suggest that prairie restorations that limit or exclude the dominant grasses in seed mixes may achieve higher species diversity, increasing the conservation value of these systems.
Connecting Organic Redox‐Active Building Blocks through Mild Noncatalytic C−H Activation
Authors: Wild Ute , Hübner Olaf , Enders Markus , Kaifer Elisabeth , Himmel Hans‐Jörg 
Published: April 2022

AbstractCompounds with two or more redox‐active units, connected by a bridge that supports electronic coupling between the units, have been studied for a long time. Redox reactions could result in mixed‐valence compounds, in which the electronic structure depends on the degree of electronic coupling. Here we report the synthesis of the first molecule in which two redox‐active guanidines are connected through a bridge. The compound is synthesized in an unprecedented, simple one‐step procedure involving an atom‐economically favorable, non‐catalytic C−H activation reaction at room temperature from novel 1,2,4‐trisguanidino‐benzene molecules and 1,4‐benzenedithiol. We then apply similar protocols to introduce other substituents in 5‐position of a 1,2,4‐trisguanidino‐benzene molecule, demonstrating the scope of these exceptional C−H activation reactions. Finally, we report the synthesis of a hexakisguanidino‐biphenyl by direct coupling of two trisguanidino‐benzene units through C−H activation. Its oxidation leads to the first mixed‐valence compound with charge delocalization between two redox‐active guanidino units. The redox states of the resulting novel compounds are systematically studied.
Values‐based cognitive behavioural therapy for the prevention of chronic whiplash associated disorders: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Andersen Tonny Elmose , Ravn Sophie L. , Mejldal Anna , Roessler Kirsten Kaya 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundWhiplash is a common traffic‐related injury with up to 50% of those affected continuing to experience symptoms one‐year post‐injury. Unfortunately, treatments have not proven highly effective in preventing and treating chronic symptomatology. The overall aim of this study was to test the effectiveness of an early values‐based cognitive‐behavioural therapeutic intervention (V‐CBT) delivered within 6 months post‐injury in preventing chronic symptomatology compared to wait list controls.MethodsThe study was a two‐armed randomized controlled trial. Participants (n = 91) experienced pain, disability and at least one psychological risk factor (e.g. enhanced pain‐catastrophizing) after a whiplash trauma no later than 6 months prior. Participants were randomized to 10 sessions of V‐CBT starting 1 week (group A) or 3 months (group B) post‐randomization. The primary outcome was pain‐related disability, while secondary outcomes were pain intensity, neck‐pain related disability, depression, anxiety, PTSD symptoms, pain‐catastrophizing and kinesiophobia. These were evaluated at baseline and at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months post‐randomization.ResultsAt 3 months, group A demonstrated clinically important effects on all outcomes that were significantly better than group B (waitlist). When group B received the intervention at 6 months, they also demonstrated clinically important effects on all outcomes. However, there was a significant difference at 12 months for the primary outcome, in which group B increased their disability levels, while group A remained stable.ConclusionsWhile this indicates that an intervention window for early prevention of disability after whiplash injury may exist, this needs to be tested in a truly early intervention.SignificanceAn early Values‐based Cognitive Behavioural Therapeutic intervention delivered within 6 months post‐injury (mean days 117) was effective in reducing pain‐related disability and psychological distress compared to the control group that received the intervention later after a three months wait‐list period. The effects were sustained at 12 months follow‐up. The early intervention was significantly more effective in reducing pain‐related disability compared to the control group, indicating that an intervention window for early prevention of disability after whiplash injury may exist.
Recent Development and Perspectives of Solvents and Electrode Materials for Electrochemical Oxidative Degradation of Lignin
Authors: Li Penghui , Zhou Hui , Tao Yuting , Ren Jianpeng , Wu Caiwen , Wu Wenjuan 
Published: April 2022

AbstractLignin is the most abundant potential renewable resource of aromatic structural units. Turning lignin into high‐value compounds, such as fuels, adhesives or refined chemicals, is the cornerstone and focus of biorefinery in the future. Depolymerization of lignin can convert its macromolecules towards smaller molecules (monomers or oligomers) allowing it to be used for further applications. Electrochemical depolymerization is an excellent method of green and sustainable transformation, which can effectively avoid reagent waste and mild reaction. This review pretents the research progress of lignin electrochemical oxidation in recent years, summarizes the effects of solvent system (alkaline solvent, ionic liquid and deep eutectic solvents, as well as different lignin concentration and medium), electrode materials (platinum, gold, copper, nickel, cobalt, lead dioxide, tin dioxide and titanium‐based metal electrodes) and electrolytic parameters (current density, temperature, reaction time and photocatalysis) on the oxidative degradation efficiency and product distribution of lignin, and prospects its development. The development of low‐cost electrode materials and efficient solvent systems will still be an important direction for the high‐value and high‐quality application of lignin.
Are there outcome differences between NAFLD and metabolic‐associated fatty liver disease?
Authors: Younossi Zobair M. , Paik James M. , Al Shabeeb Reem , Golabi Pegah , Younossi Issah , Henry Linda 
Published: April 2022

Abstract

Background
Given the association of NAFLD with metabolic risks, a name change to MAFLD is proposed. We compared the long‐term outcomes of NAFLD and MAFLD.

Methods
We included patients with fatty liver disease (FLD) from NHANES III and NHANES 2017–2018 (FLD defined as moderate to severe hepatic steatosis by ultrasound for NHANES III and as having a controlled attenuation parameter ≥285 dB/m for NHANES 2017–2018). NAFLD was defined as FLD without other liver diseases and excess alcohol use. Metabolic‐associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) was defined as FLD and metabolic dysfunction per criteria. All NHANES III participants had linked mortality data through December 31, 2015.

Results
NHANES III participants (n = 12,878): mean age 43.1 years old; 49.5% male; 20.3% with FLD, 16.5% with NAFLD, and 18.1% with MAFLD. NHANES 2017–2018 participants (n = 4328): mean age 48.0 years old; 49.1% male; 36.8% with FLD, 34.2% with NAFLD, and 36.3% with MAFLD. Excellent concordance was noted between MAFLD and NAFLD diagnosis in both data sets (kappa coefficient = 0.83–0.94). Except for components of each definition (e.g., alcohol use for MAFLD), no other major differences in clinical characteristics were noted. During up to 27 years of follow‐up (median of 22.8 years), no differences in cumulative all‐cause and cause‐specific mortality were noted. In addition to the stage of fibrosis, insulin resistance was a predictor of liver mortality in NAFLD, and alcohol‐associated liver disease (ALD) was a predictor of mortality in MAFLD.

Conclusions
MAFLD and NAFLD have similar clinical profiles and long‐term outcomes. The increased liver‐related mortality among NAFLD is driven by insulin resistance, and among MAFLD is primarily driven by ALD.
Interactions Between Diabetes Mellitus and Osteoarthritis: From Animal Studies to Clinical Data
Authors: Rios‐Arce Naiomy D. , Hum Nicholas R. , Loots Gabriela G. 
Published: April 2022

ABSTRACTDiabetes mellitus (DM) and osteoarthritis (OA) are commonly known metabolic diseases that affect a large segment of the world population. These two conditions share several risk factors such as obesity and aging; however, there is still no consensus regarding the direct role of DM on OA development and progression. Interestingly, both animal and human studies have yielded conflicting results, with some showing a significant role for DM in promoting OA, while others found no significant interactions between these conditions. In this review, we will discuss preclinical and clinical data that assessed the interaction between DM and OA. We will also discuss possible mechanisms associated with the effect of high glucose on the articular cartilage and chondrocytes. An emerging theme dominates the breath of published work in this area: most of the studies discussed in this review do not take into consideration the role of other factors such as the type of diabetes, age, biological sex, type of animal model, body mass index, and the use of pain medications when analyzing and interpreting data. Therefore, future studies should be more rigorous when designing experiments looking at DM and its effects on OA and should carefully account for these confounding factors, so that better approaches can be developed for monitoring and treating patients at risk of OA and DM. © 2022 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
miR‐122 and the WNT/β‐catenin pathway inhibit effects of both interleukin‐1β and tumor necrosis factor‐α in articular chondrocytes in vitro
Authors: Scott Kayla M. , Cohen D. Joshua , Boyan Barbara D. , Schwartz Zvi 
Published: April 2022

AbstractInterleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), and WNT/β‐catenin signaling cause dysregulation of rat primary articular chondrocytes (rArCs), resulting in cartilage extracellular matrix destruction and osteoarthritis (OA) progression. microRNA (miR) miR‐122 represses these effects whereas miR‐451 exacerbates IL‐1β‐stimulated matrix metalloproteinase‐13 (MMP‐13) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production. The goals of this study were to evaluate crosstalk between these signaling pathways and determine if miR‐122 and miR‐451 exert their protective/destructive effects through these pathways in an in vitro model of OA. Primary rArCs were treated with IL‐1β or TNF‐α for 24 h and total DNA, MMP‐13, and PGE2, as well as expression levels of miR‐122 and miR‐451 were measured. After 24‐h transfection with miR‐122, miR‐451, miR‐122‐inhibitor, or miR‐451‐inhibitor, rArCs were treated with or without TNF‐α for 24 h; total DNA, MMP‐13, and PGE2 were measured. Similarly, cells were treated with WNT‐agonist lithium chloride (LiCl), WNT‐antagonist XAV‐939 (XAV), or PKF‐118‐310 (PKF) with and without IL‐1β or TNF‐α stimulation. Both IL‐1β and TNF‐α‐stimulation increased MMP‐13 and PGE2 production. Transfection with miR‐122 prevented TNF‐α‐stimulated increases in MMP‐13 and PGE2 whereas transfection with miR‐451 did not change these levels. No differences were found in MMP‐13 or PGE2 production with miR‐122 or miR‐451 inhibitors. LiCl treatment decreased PGE2 production in cultures treated with TNF‐α, but not MMP‐13. XAV increased TNF‐α‐stimulated increases in PGE2 but not MMP‐13. LiCl reduced IL‐1β‐stimulated increases in MMP‐13 and PGE2. XAV and PKF increased IL‐1β‐stimulated increases in MMP‐13 and PGE2. In this in vitro OA model, miR‐122 protects against both IL‐1β and TNF‐α stimulated increases in MMP‐13 and PGE2 production. miR‐451 does not act through the TNF‐α pathway. The WNT/β‐catenin pathway regulates the effects of IL‐1β and TNF‐α stimulation. This study suggests that miR‐122 can be used as a treatment or prevention for OA.
Lipid‐based strategies used to identify extracellular vesicles in flow cytometry can be confounded by lipoproteins: Evaluations of annexin V, lactadherin, and detergent lysis
Authors: Botha Jaco , Handberg Aase , Simonsen Jens B. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractFlow cytometry (FCM) is a popular method used in characterisation of extracellular vesicles (EVs). Circulating EVs are often identified by FCM by exploiting the lipid nature of EVs by staining with Annexin V (Anx5) or lactadherin against the membrane phospholipid phosphatidylserine (PS) and evaluating the specificity of the labels by detergent lysis of EVs. Here, we investigate whether PS labelling and detergent lysis approaches are confounded by lipoproteins, another family of lipid‐based nanoparticles found in blood, in both frozen and fresh blood plasma. We demonstrated that Anx5 and lactadherin in addition to EVs stained ApoB‐containing lipoproteins, identified by the use of fluorophore‐labelled polyclonal ApoB‐antibody, and that Anx5 had a significantly larger tendency for labelling lipoprotein‐bound PS than lactadherin. Furthermore, detergent lysis resulted in a decrease in both EV and lipoprotein events and especially lipoproteins positive for either Anx5 or lactadherin. Taken together, our findings pose concerns to the use of lipid‐based strategies in identifying EVs by FCM and support the use of transmembrane proteins such as tetraspannins to distinguish EVs from lipoproteins.
African trading brokers in China: The internet, Covid‐19 and the transformation of low‐end globalization
Authors: Mathews Gordon 
Published: April 2022

AbstractAfrican trading brokers in China buy knock‐off or copy goods and move them through customs via bribery to African ports; this trade, although illegal, brings desired global products to Africa. This paper, based on interviews with African trading brokers, examines how the internet and Covid‐19 have affected their trade. African customers can now find out the accurate prices of goods; computerized customs regimes make bribery difficult; and Covid‐19 has raised shipping costs. While the informal economic arrangements of these trading brokers will probably continue despite policymakers' efforts to eradicate them, China may no longer be the source of their goods.
Through the relational looking glass: Applications of relational–cultural theory to career development and mental health
Authors: Chan Christian D. , Hammer Tonya R. , Richardson Lawrence , Hughes Crystal L. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractSocial justice and advocacy have been characterized as foundational underpinnings in the history of career development practices. Despite the uptick of research synthesizing social justice, advocacy, and career development, theories centering social justice have distinctly focused on individual career development rather than identifying relationships as the driver for growth and change. Established in feminist philosophical underpinnings, relational–cultural theory (RCT) illuminates the importance of social justice, mutuality, and relationships that promote employees’ authenticity and mental health. This article describes (a) an overview of RCT tenets; (b) the connection among RCT, career development, and wellness; and (c) a case example for application.
Controlling Solution‐State Aggregation and Solid‐State Microstructures of Conjugated Polymers by Tuning Backbone Conformation
Authors: Wu Hao‐Tian , Yao Ze‐Fan , Xu Zhe , Kong Hua‐Kang , Wang Xin‐Yi , Li Qi‐Yi , Wang Jie‐Yu , Pei Jian 
Published: April 2022

AbstractMolecular ordering of conjugated polymers both in solution‐state aggregates and in solid‐state microstructures is a determining factor of the charge transport properties in optoelectronic devices. However, the effect of backbone conformation in conjugated polymers on assembly structures is still unclear. Herein, to understand such backbone conformation effect, three novel chlorinated benzodifurandionge‐based oligo(p‐phenylene vinylene) (BDOPV) polymers are systematically developed. These BDOPV‐based polymers exhibit significantly twisted backbone conformation (near 90° interunit torsion angle) between conjugated units, which can prevent polymer chains from forming ordered assembly structures by increasing conformational energy penalty in closely packed chains. A higher rotational barrier of the torsion angle would further prevent polymer chains from assembling, finally resulting in nonaggregated chains in solution and highly disordered solid‐state packing structures. This work will deepen the understanding of the relationship between polymer backbone conformation and assembly structures, contributing to the exploration of the structure–property relationship of polymers.
Sample size and precision of estimates in studies of depression screening tool accuracy: A meta‐research review of studies published in 2018–2021
Authors: Nassar Elsa‐Lynn , Levis Brooke , Neyer Marieke A. , Rice Danielle B. , Booij Linda , Benedetti Andrea , Thombs Brett D. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractObjectivesDepression screening tool accuracy studies should be conducted with large enough sample sizes to generate precise accuracy estimates. We assessed the proportion of recently published depression screening tool diagnostic accuracy studies that reported sample size calculations; the proportion that provided confidence intervals (CIs); and precision, based on the width and lower bounds of 95% CIs for sensitivity and specificity. In addition, we assessed whether these results have improved since a previous review of studies published in 2013–2015.MethodsMEDLINE was searched from January 1, 2018, through May 21, 2021.ResultsTwelve of 106 primary studies (11%) described a viable sample size calculation, which represented an improvement of 8% since the last review. Thirty‐six studies (34%) provided reasonably accurate CIs. Of 103 studies where 95% CIs were provided or could be calculated, seven (7%) had sensitivity CI widths of ≤10%, whereas 58 (56%) had widths of ≥21%. Eighty‐four studies (82%) had lower bounds of CIs <80% for sensitivity and 77 studies (75%) for specificity. These results were similar to those reported previously.ConclusionFew studies reported sample size calculations, and the number of included individuals in most studies was too small to generate reasonably precise accuracy estimates.