bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of honey suppositories in treating paediatric functional constipation: A comparative study
Authors: Yu Guili , Gao Jing , Gu Jinglian , Li Huazhen , Wang Xiaoying , Bian Hui 
Published: November 2024

AimThis study sought to assess the clinical efficacy of honey suppositories in managing functional constipation in pre‐school children, with a focus on those exhibiting Yin deficiency and intestinal dryness according to traditional Chinese medicine principles. The investigation aimed to determine whether honey suppositories could serve as a safer and more efficacious alternative to standard treatments.MethodsA randomised controlled trial was conducted involving pre‐school children diagnosed with functional constipation. They were allocated to either a control group or a treatment group. While both groups received standard care, the treatment group also received honey suppositories. The efficacy of the treatment was evaluated based on the ‘Guiding Principles for Clinical Research of New Chinese Medicines’, and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 25.0.ResultsFollowing treatment, the treatment group demonstrated significantly lower constipation scoring system scores and higher bowel movement frequencies compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The clinical efficacy of the treatment group was notably superior, with a higher rate of complete recovery and effectiveness observed (P < 0.05). Additionally, no significant differences in baseline characteristics were found between the groups, confirming the comparability of the study cohorts.ConclusionsHoney suppositories offer a promising therapeutic intervention for paediatric functional constipation, with significant clinical benefits over standard care.
Regulatory Effects of Copper on Ghrelin Secretion in Rat Fundic Glands
Authors: Sun Rui , Wang Zhongshen , Li Meng , Du Tianyang , Jia Shuang , Yang Wenyan , Yang Lianyu 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTCopper (Cu) is an effective additive in feed for promoting growth. Growth dan axis comprising growth hormone (GH), somatostatin (SS) and GH‐releasing hormone (GHRH), with ghrelin regulating their release. The growth‐promoting effects of Cu are closely related to ghrelin, but the specific mechanism behind the relationship remains unknown. We investigated the adjustment of ghrelin synthesis and secretion by Cu. Sprague–Dawley rats were fed basal diets with an addition of 0, 120 or 240 mg/kg Cu sulfate for 28 day to establish a growth‐promoting model. Signalling molecules relevant to ghrelin synthesis and secretion were detected and mechanistically explored using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. The 120 mg/kg supplement improved growth performance; significantly increased the serum levels of ghrelin, ghrelin O‐acyltransferase (GOAT), acylated ghrelin (AG), GH, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decreased those of SS; significantly increased the mRNA and protein expression of ghrelin, GOAT, ghrelin receptor (GHS‐R1α), and activator protein 1 (AP‐1); increased the phosphorylation ratio of JNK and p38 MAPK; and inhibited the mRNA and protein expression of SS and SS receptor subtype 2 (SSTR2) in gastric fundic gland tissues. Thus, Cu may affect gastric ghrelin synthesis at the transcriptional level by activating the JNK/p38 MAPK pathway through increased ROS levels and regulating the activation of the downstream redox‐sensitive transcription factor AP‐1. SS plays a crucial determinant role in ghrelin regulation via intragastric Cu. Cu promotes GOAT activity and ghrelin secretion by inhibiting SS secretion, affecting AG levels, and promoting ghrelin acylation through ghrelin/GOAT/GHS‐R1α system, modulating ghrelin secretion.
Asiatic Acid Alleviates LPS‐Induced Pyroptosis and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress‐Mediated Apoptosis via Inhibiting the HMGB1/TLR4/NF‐κB Pathway in Broiler Hepatocytes
Authors: Qiu Wenyue , Jiang Wenxin , Su Yiman , Huang Hui , Ye Jiali , Wang Rongmei , Tang Zhaoxin , Su Rongsheng 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTLipopolysaccharides (LPS) is the major compoent of Gram‐negative bacteria and an important factor in inducing inflammation, which usually leads to multiple organ failure in broilers, seriously affecting the growth performance of broilers and hindering the development of poultry farming. Under the policy of prohibiting antibiotics in feed, it has become more urgent to find natural drugs to prevent liver damage caused by LPS in broilers. Asiatic acid (AA) is a pentacyclic triterpene that has been proven to have anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant effects. However, the protective effects of AA in LPS‐induced liver damage in broilers still need to be clarified. This study aims to explore the complete mechanism of AA against LPS‐induced acute liver injury (ALI) in broilers. A total of 60 broilers (1 day old) were randomly divided into the control group, LPS group, LPS+AA (15, 30 and 60 mg/kg) group and control+AA (60 mg/kg) group. At 16, 18 and 20 days of age, the broilers were attacked with LPS (0.5 mg/kg) to construct liver injury model. H&E staining assessed liver pathological changes. The mRNA and protein expression levels related to the HMGB1/TLR4/NF‐κB pathway, pyroptosis, and ERS‐mediated apoptosis in the liver tissue were detected. Our results founded that intraperitoneal injection of LPS in broilers increased the activities of AST and ALT, as well as raising the related gene and protein expression of the HMGB1/TLR4/NF‐κB pathway, pyroptosis, and ERS‐mediated apoptosis. Interestingly, AA improved LPS‐induced liver damage and decreased the activities of AST and ALT in broilers. Additionally, AA mitigated LPS‐induced ALI by reducing the mRNA levels and protein expressions of the HMGB1/TLR4/NF‐κB pathway, pyroptosis and ERS‐mediated apoptosis. In conclusion, the present study investigated that AA mitigated LPS‐induced ALI in broilers by reducing pyroptosis and ERS‐mediated apoptosis via inhibition of the HMGB1/TLR4/NF‐κB pathway. Therefore, AA may serve as a potential feed additive for the prevention of LPS‐induced ALI in broilers.
A machine learning approach to stratify patients with hypermobile Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome/hypermobility spectrum disorders according to disorders of gut brain interaction, comorbidities and quality of life
Authors: Choudhary Anisa , Fikree Asma , Ruffle James K. , Takahashi Kazuya , Palsson Olafur S. , Aziz Imran , Aziz Qasim 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundA high prevalence of disorders of gut‐brain interaction (DGBI) exist in patients with hypermobile Ehlers‐Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD). However, it is unknown if clusters of hEDS/HSD patients exist which overlap with different DGBIs and whether this overlap influences presence of comorbidities and quality of life. We aimed to study these knowledge gaps.MethodsA prospectively collected hEDS/HSD cohort of 1044 individuals were studied. We undertook Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection‐enabled (UMAP) dimension reduction to create a representation of nonlinear interactions between hEDS/HSD and DGBIs, from which individuals were stratified into clusters. Somatization, Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS), autonomic symptoms, psychological factors and quality of life were statistically compared between clusters.Key ResultsThe mean age of patients was 40 ± 13.2 years; 87.8% were female. Patients segregated into three clusters: Cluster 0 (n = 466): hEDS/HSD+ functional foregut disorders (FFD) + irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); Cluster 1 (n = 180): hEDS/HSD+ IBS and Cluster 2 (n = 337): hEDS/HSD alone. In cluster 0, we demonstrated increased somatization (p <0.0001), anxiety (p <0.0001), depression (p <0.0001), PoTS prevalence (p = 0.003), autonomic symptoms (p <0.0001) and reduced quality of life (p <0.0001) compared to cluster 2. Cluster 0 had greater comorbidity burden than cluster 1.ConclusionsWithin hEDS/HSD, subgroups exist with a high prevalence of FFD and IBS. These subgroups have a higher prevalence of psychological disorders, dysautonomia and poorer quality of life compared with hEDS/HSD alone. Further research should focus on healthcare utilization, management and prognosis in hEDS/HSD and DGBI overlap.
A systematic review of nurse objects as safe sites for seedling establishment and implications for restoration
Authors: Shemesh Hagai 
Published: November 2024

SummaryDirect human activity and global climatic changes are threatening the existence of many vegetated habitats. Seedling establishment, one of the riskiest plant life stages, must be successful for such habitats to persist. The establishment of seedlings is known to be enhanced by nurse effects, but most studies to date have looked at the nursing effects of plants while sidelining inanimate objects. Nevertheless, nurse objects can support seedling establishment via diverse mechanisms such as moderating abiotic stresses like extreme temperatures and drought, reducing negative biological interactions such as herbivory while enhancing positive processes like seed dispersal, and providing protection from physical disturbances such as trampling and fire. The robust nature of nurse objects highlights their potential in habitat restoration. The addition of nurse objects allows a simple, single‐effort rehabilitation strategy that can later draw on natural seed dispersal and establishment. By achieving a better understanding of the processes in which nurse objects are involved we should be able to better predict vegetation dynamics and manipulate them to minimize adverse processes and support regeneration in natural habitats.
Multi‐Omics and Physiological Analysis Reveal Crosstalk Between Aphid Resistance and Nitrogen Fertilization in Wheat
Authors: Wang Yuanyuan , Di Bin , Sun Ze , Sonali  , Donovan‐Mak Michelle , Chen Zhong‐Hua , Wang Man‐Qun 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTThe availability of nitrogen (N) can dramatically influence crops resistance to herbivorous insects. However, the interaction between N fertilization and crop resistance to insects is not well understood. In this study, the effects of N fertilization on the grain aphid (Sitobion miscanthi) were investigated using three wheat (Triticum aestivum) cultivars with different aphid resistances. We measured aphid life cycle parameters, fecundity, survival rate, weight and feeding behavior, in conjunction with wheat metabolomics, transcriptomics and alien introgression analysis. Our results demonstrated that higher N application benefits aphid feeding across all three wheat cultivars. We also reveal that the highly resistant cultivar (ZM9) can only exert its resistance‐advantage under low N fertilization, losing its advantage compared to moderately resistant cultivar YN19 and susceptible cultivar YN23 under higher N fertilization. The effects of N fertilization on wheat‐aphid interactions were due to changes in the regulation of carbon and nitrogen metabolism. Integration of multi‐omics highlighted specific aphid‐induced differentially expressed genes (DEGs, e.g., TUB6, Tubulin 6; ENODL20, Early nodulin‐like protein 20; ACT7 Actin 7; Prx47, Peroxidase 47) and significantly different metabolites (SDMs, e.g., crotonoside, guanine, 2′‐O‐methyladenosine, ferulic acid) in ZM9. Additionally, we report the unique SDMs‐DEGs interactions, associated with introgression during wheat domestication, may help infer aphid resistance. In summary, this study provides new insights into the relationships between N fertilization practices, defense responses and integrated pest management for sustainable wheat production.
Multiple Phytophthora species associated with declining wild olive trees in Sardinia, Italy
Authors: Deidda Antonio , Satta Gabriele G. A. , Brandano Andrea , Morittu Camilla , Mureddu Davide , Scanu Bruno 
Published: November 2024

AbstractWild olive represents one of the most iconic woody plants in the Mediterranean Basin. This slow‐growing evergreen tree is characteristic of sclerophyll vegetation, extremely tolerant to drought, salinity and diseases, thus is commonly used as rootstock for grafting cultivated olive varieties. Since 2022, extensive dieback and mortality of wild olive trees have been observed in Sardinia, Italy. Affected plants showed leaf chlorosis, wilting, defoliation, shoot blight and epicormic shoots, often associated with root rot and necroses on the feeder roots, initially associated with Phytophthora bilorbang and P. pseudocryptogea. A 2‐year study was thereafter conducted to clarify the aetiology of this unusual disease. Using a baiting technique, 10 Phytophthora taxa from three phylogenetic clades (2, 6, 8) were isolated from 53 of 87 rhizosphere soil samples collected, including P. asparagi, P. bilorbang, P. crassamura, P. inundata, P. kelmanii, P. oleae, P. pseudocryptogea, P. sansomeana and P. syringae. Additionally, some isolates that showed several polymorphisms in rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences compared with closely related known species are reported here as P. taxon paulensis. Pathogenicity tests on 1‐year‐old wild olive seedlings showed that nine out of 10 Phytophthora taxa significantly reduced root length of inoculated seedlings compared to controls. P. inundata and P. oleae caused the greatest reduction, while root length of seedlings inoculated with P. kelmanii did not differ from the controls. This study provides insights into the role of Phytophthora taxa in the wild olive decline in Sardinia, indicating the urgent need to expand monitoring and implement effective management strategies to mitigate the disease.
TOR Inhibition Enhances Autophagic Flux and Immune Response in Tomato Plants Against PSTVd Infection
Authors: Silva‐Valencia Samanta , Prol Francisco Vázquez , Rodrigo Ismael , Lisón Purificación , Belda‐Palazón Borja 
Published: November 2024

AbstractViroids are small, non‐coding RNA pathogens known for their ability to cause severe plant diseases. Despite their simple structure, viroids like Potato Spindle Tuber Viroid (PSTVd) can interfere with plant cellular processes, including transcriptional and post‐transcriptional mechanisms, impacting plant growth and yield. In this study, we have investigated the role of the Target Of Rapamycin (TOR) signaling pathway in modulating viroid pathogenesis in tomato plants infected with PSTVd. Our findings reveal that PSTVd infection induces the accumulation of the selective autophagy receptor NBR1, potentially inhibiting autophagic flux. Pharmacological inhibition of TOR with AZD8055 mitigated PSTVd symptomatology by reducing viroid accumulation. Furthermore, TOR inhibition promoted the recovery of autophagic flux through NBR1. It primed the plant defense response, as evidenced by enhanced expression of the defense‐related gene PR1b and S5H, a gene involved in the salicylic acid catabolism. These results suggest a novel role for TOR in regulating viroid‐induced pathogenesis and highlight the potential of TOR inhibitors as tools for enhancing plant resistance against viroid infections.
Characterization of Arabidopsis eskimo1 reveals a metabolic link between xylan O‐acetylation and aliphatic glucosinolate metabolism
Authors: Singh Deepika , Zhao Haohao , Gupta Sonu Kumar , Kumar Yashwant , Kim Jeongim , Pawar Prashant Anupama‐Mohan 
Published: November 2024

AbstractGlucuronoxylan is present mainly in the dicot of the secondary cell walls, often O‐acetylated, which stabilizes cell structure by maintaining interaction with cellulose and other cell wall components. Some members of the Golgi localized Trichome Birefringence‐Like (TBL) family function as xylan O‐acetyl transferase (XOAT). The primary XOAT in the stem of Arabidopsis is ESKIMO1/TBL29, and its disruption results in decreased xylan acetylation, stunted plant growth, and collapsed xylem vessels. To elucidate the effect on metabolic reprogramming and identify the underlying cause of the stunted growth in eskimo1, we performed transcriptomic, targeted, and untargeted metabolome analysis, mainly in the inflorescence stem tissue. RNA sequencing analysis revealed that the genes involved in the biosynthesis, regulation, and transport of aliphatic glucosinolates (GSLs) were upregulated, whereas those responsible for indolic GSL metabolism were unaffected in the eskimo1 inflorescence stem. Consistently, aliphatic GSLs, such as 4‐methylsulfinylbutyl (4MSOB), were increased in stem tissues and seeds. This shift in the profile of aliphatic GSLs in eskimo1 was further supported by the quantification of the soluble acetate, decrease in accumulation of GSL precursor, i.e., methionine, and increase in the level of jasmonic acid.
Towards an Emplaced Vocabulary of Motive: Senses of Place and Land Sale Decision‐Making in the Northern Great Plains*
Authors: Schmidt Danielle 
Published: November 2024

AbstractOne of the most remote regions in the contiguous United States, the Upper Missouri River Breaks in the Northern Great Plains of Montana is both “cattle country” and “pristine prairie”: an identity that brings repeated tension over land use. Over the last twenty years, a conservation organization with a mission to rewild the region has purchased thousands of acres of ranchland from willing sellers despite widespread agricultural community resistance. In this study, I interview those who chose to sell and those who chose to stay, and I ask how landowners justify their decisions to sell, or not sell, their land. By using what C. Wright Mills calls “vocabularies of motive,” I investigate two central questions. The first asks why a landowner would sell land against what social norms would dictate to be “right.” The second asks why a landowner would not sell land, given the perceived inevitable eventual loss of a regional agricultural livelihood. I suggest one way to understand these questions is by considering how senses of place shape what decision‐makers believe to be the most justifiable course of action. Extending the vocabulary of motive framework to include senses of place better informs the understanding of land sale decision‐making. Though deeply contextual, the themes running through this case (i.e., ongoing existential threats to the agricultural industry, booms in the buying power of private philanthropists, and decision making in socially and politically contentious spaces) are relevant to a broader understanding of shifts within agricultural communities and the ongoing perceived “battle” between production and conservation.
Effects of Postural Conditions During Magnetic Resonance Imaging on Thigh Muscle Size
Authors: Shiotani Hiroto , Nishino Yusaku , Ichinose Hoshizora , Kawakami Yasuo 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the gold standard for measuring muscle size. However, postural conditions for thigh musculature have not been standardized across studies, with some employing supine or prone positions and the thigh either placed on the examination table or suspended to avoid contact. In either case, the thigh is compressed or sagged by gravity, potentially affecting muscle size. This study aimed to examine the effects of postural conditions on thigh muscle size. Twenty Olympic‐style weightlifters and 20 untrained controls (10 men and 10 women in each group) underwent 3‐Tesla MRI in the supine and prone positions, with the thigh in compressed and suspended conditions to determine the maximal anatomical cross‐sectional area (ACSAmax) and muscle volume of 15 thigh muscle groups/individual muscles. Postural conditions changed the ACSAmax of the quadriceps (range of postural‐related changes: 1.0%–7.9%), hamstrings (0.8%–19.1%), and adductors (2.4%–19.2%). Regardless of measurement position, the total volume of thigh muscles decreased under compressed conditions (0.6%–3.8%). Quadriceps and adductors decreased in muscle volume under compressed conditions (0.9%–4.0% and 0.8%–6.6%), while hamstrings increased (1.4%–9.3%). Male weightlifters, who possessed the largest thigh muscle volume, showed greater postural‐related changes in the muscle volume of quadriceps, hamstrings, and adductors than the other subgroups. Therefore, postural conditions during MRI substantially change thigh muscle size, and the magnitude of the change depends on muscle size. Our results provide in vivo evidence of the compressive behavior of thigh muscles and a new technical perspective for assessing thigh muscle size.
Analysis of wrong blood in tube events at a hospital‐based blood centre in a tertiary care referral hospital: A perspective from a lower middle‐income country
Authors: Krishna Aparna , Pandey Hem Chandra , Coshic Poonam , Kumar Rakesh , Jain Romesh 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesWrong blood in tube (WBIT) continues to be a preventable cause of unintended harm to the patient. The literature describing extent of the problem, its consequences and factors leading to WBIT from the perspective of lower middle‐income countries (LMICs) is limited. The present study describes WBIT and its outcome in a hospital‐based blood centre from an LMIC.Materials and MethodsWBIT events occurring during the study period were analysed to identify the root cause. In addition, they were analysed according to discipline, department and time of sample draw. Root causes were divided and compared with standard operating procedure (SOP) for sample collection for blood requests. All WBIT events were followed and their outcomes analysed.ResultsWBIT events occurred at a rate of 4.8/10,000 blood requests, with a higher rate in urgent requests (5.2/10,000 requests). The average rate of WBIT was higher in surgical disciplines compared to medical and acute care services (6.58 vs. 4.43 vs. 3/10,000 requests). The highest rate of WBIT was observed when requests were received during 8:00 PM–2:00 AM (p = 0.02). Deviations from SOP with contribution from human and organizational elements were identified as the root cause. The consequences ranged from delay in providing blood to acute haemolytic transfusion reactions.ConclusionWe found that WBITs occurred at a rate comparable to that reported from developed countries. Use of software and automation may reduce the rate of WBIT but not eliminate it completely. Strict adherence to SOPs and continuous training of phlebotomy staff would help reduce it to a minimum. Blood centres need to develop specific strategies with respect to their root causes.