bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased expression of mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (MANF) contributes to synapse loss in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Zhang Yiran , Chen Xiusheng , Chen Laiqiang , Shao Mingting , Zhu Wenzhen , Xing Tingting , Guo Tingting , Jia Qingqing , Yang Huiming , Yin Peng , Yan Xiao-Xin , Yu Jiandong , Li Shihua , Li Xiao-Jiang , Yang Su 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
The activation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is an early pathological hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) brain, but how ER stress contributes to the onset and development of AD remains poorly characterized. Mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (MANF) is a non-canonical neurotrophic factor and an ER stress inducible protein. Previous studies reported that MANF is increased in the brains of both pre-symptomatic and symptomatic AD patients, but the consequence of the early rise in MANF protein is unknown.

Methods
We examined the expression of MANF in the brain of AD mouse models at different pathological stages. Through behavioral, electrophysiological, and neuropathological analyses, we assessed the level of synaptic dysfunctions in the MANF transgenic mouse model which overexpresses MANF in the brain and in wild type (WT) mice with MANF overexpression in the hippocampus. Using proteomic and transcriptomic screening, we identified and validated the molecular mechanism underlying the effects of MANF on synaptic function.

Results
We found that increased expression of MANF correlates with synapse loss in the hippocampus of AD mice. The ectopic expression of MANF in mice via transgenic or viral approaches causes synapse loss and defects in learning and memory. We also identified that MANF interacts with ELAV like RNA-binding protein 2 (ELAVL2) and affects its binding to RNA transcripts that are involved in synaptic functions. Increasing or decreasing MANF expression in the hippocampus of AD mice exacerbates or ameliorates the behavioral deficits and synaptic pathology, respectively.

Conclusions
Our study established MANF as a mechanistic link between ER stress and synapse loss in AD and hinted at MANF as a therapeutic target in AD treatment.
Socioeconomic status, linguistic skills and language background differentially relate to preschoolers’ emotional and behavioural profile
Authors: Bonifacci Paola , Ravaldini Viola , Cangelosi Martina , Tobia Valentina 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Proximal and distal factors interact to shape children’s development and well-being. The present study aimed to examine socioeconomic status (SES), linguistic skills, and language background as concurrent predictors of socio-emotional and behavioural outcomes in heritage bilingual and monolingual children attending preschool.

Methods
Parents of 1810 children (mean age = 63.42 months ± 7.36), attending preschool in Italy, completed the Four Factor Index of SES and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Teachers (n = 99) completed a questionnaire on children’s linguistic skills and emotional and behavioural profiles. A subsample of 995 children was administered an expressive vocabulary task in Italian.

Results
Regression analyses showed that linguistic skills were the only concurrent predictor of conduct problems, as well as the dominant predictor of hyperactivity/impulsivity, peer problems, and better prosocial behaviour. SES was negatively related to ADHD traits, peer problems, and prosocial behaviour. Finally, heritage bilingualism background was associated, although not as a primary predictor, with increased emotional problems, peer relationship problems, and lower teacher-rated emotional and behavioural skills. However, it was the main factor positively associated with prosocial behaviour.

Conclusions
The implications of these findings for research in this area and for educational policy are discussed, highlighting the need for a multidimensional perspective that includes linguistic skills and SES in the assessment of children’s emotional and behavioural outcomes.
The relationship between implicit motives and physical activity: a scoping review
Authors: Brummer Julian , Sudharsanan Nikkil , Köllner Martin G. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundInterventions that leverage implicit motives — affect-based, non-conscious motivational dispositions — may increase physical activity by making physical activity more pleasurable. However, there is no evidence synthesis of the empirical data linking the major implicit motives (achievement, affiliation, and power motives) and physical activity. We aimed to close this research gap.MethodsFollowing a systematic literature search in the PsycInfo, PubMed, and Web of Science databases until August 2024, we performed a scoping review. We included German- or English-language publications in peer-reviewed journals or books that followed an observational or intervention study design. Studies had to link ≥ 1 major implicit motive measured via a well-established method to physical activity behavior. We critically appraised the methodological quality of the included studies using an adaptation of the JBI critical appraisal checklist for analytical cross-sectional studies and synthesized the evidence qualitatively.ResultsOut of 1047 potentially relevant records, five publications (seven studies,N = 550) were included. All eligible studies were observational (six cross-sectional, one prospective longitudinal). The achievement motive was researched the most. The data indicated a relatively consistent positive association between physical activity and the achievement motive, particularly in athletes and in sports-specific settings. The associations with the affiliation and power motives were more mixed. Most studies were conducted in sports-specific settings. All studies elicited methodological concerns, to varying degrees.ConclusionsThe available data indicate a positive association between achievement motive strength and physical activity. However, important limitations, especially the lack of intervention studies and the use of non-gold standard assessment methods, limit the confidence in the findings. More, methodologically sound research is needed to better understand the link between implicit motives and physical activity, especially in the general population.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD42023392198.
A review of botanical interventions for neuropathy and neuropathic pain
Authors: Olalekan Samuel Oluwadare , Okwute Patrick Godwin , Osonuga Ifabunmi Oduyemi , Adeyanju Muinat Moronke 
Published: October 2024

AbstractNeuropathy is a complex condition characterized by nerve damage and a wide range of symptoms, creating significant challenges in clinical management. Traditional pharmacological treatments often present partial efficacy and adverse side effects, prompting increasing interest in botanical interventions. This review evaluates the effectiveness of various plants in treating neuropathy and neuropathic pain, focusing on their pharmacological properties, mechanisms of action, clinical studies, dosage, and safety profiles. Notable plants include Crocus sativus (saffron), Citrullus colocynthis (bitter apple), Curcuma longa (turmeric), Lavandula angustifolia (lavender), and Cannabis sativa. These botanicals demonstrate anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and analgesic effects, highlighting their potential to reduce neuropathic pain and improve patients’ quality of life. Future research should focus on optimizing dosages, clarifying long-term effects, and integrating botanicals into broader treatment protocols for neuropathic care.
The Gaming Disorder Test and Gaming Disorder Scale for Adolescents: Translation and validation among Vietnamese young adults
Authors: Ruckwongpatr Kamolthip , Lee Yu-Han , Tran Ngoc Dang , Pham Le An , Griffiths Mark D. , Pakpour Amir H. , Lin Cheng-Kuan , Huang Yu-Ting , Chen Jung-Sheng , Lei Sio-Meng , Lin Chung-Ying 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Previous studies have shown that the Gaming Disorder Test (GDT) and Gaming Disorder Scale for Adolescents (GADIS-A) have promising validity and reliability when assessing symptoms of gaming disorder among young adults. However, validity and reliability properties of the two scales have not been established among a Vietnamese population.

Objective
The present study translated the GDT and GADIS-A into Vietnamese and examined their factor structures, measurement invariance, convergent validity, concurrent validity, and divergent validity among university students.

Methods
A total of 610 young adults (mean age = 21.09 years; 63.4% females) were recruited using convenience sampling and who completed a paper-and-pencil survey between April and June 2023. All participants completed a demographic questionnaire, GDT, GADIS-A, and six standardized scales related to gaming disorder, social media addiction, smartphone addiction, and psychological distress. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), internal consistency testing, and Pearson’s correlations were performed.

Results
CFA showed that the GDT had a one-factor structure and the GADIS-A had a two-factor structure. The internal consistency was excellent for both scales among this population. Moreover, both GDT and GADIS-A showed convergent, concurrent, and divergent validity with other standardized scales.

Conclusion
The Vietnamese versions of the GDT and GADIS-A have good psychometrics, which may be utilized in future research regarding gaming disorder among Vietnamese populations.
Is platelet-rich plasma as safe as we think?: a case report
Authors: Leventoğlu Emre , Böncüoğlu Elif 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous plasma product in which the concentration of platelets is several times higher than the physiologic level in peripheral blood and is a kind of concentrated form of platelet growth factor. It is widely used in dentistry, sports medicine, dermatology and cosmetology, gynecology and reproductive medicine, and ophthalmology. It has also been used in neurology for pain alleviation and regeneration of neurons. Herein, a 4-year-old patient, who was diagnosed with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis and received PRP subcutaneous injection was presented.

Case presentation
A 4-year-old patient, who was diagnosed with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis at the age of 3 years old and recovered with severe neurological sequelae despite treatment, received PRP subcutaneous injection in a private center to provide neuronal regeneration. The patient was admitted to our hospital 5 days after PRP with fever, refusal to feed, and decreased urine output. He was intubated due to respiratory distress. Inotropic treatments were initiated when hypotension and circulatory disturbance did not improve despite appropriate intravenous fluid administration. Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteremia was detected. Unfortunately, the patient died despite all interventions.

Conclusion
In this case, it should not be ignored that the PRP procedure, which can be performed easily and quickly for various indications in many health institutions today, may be associated with serious side effects that may result in death. PRP injection must be performed in competent hands, following disinfection recommendations.
The Role of Whole Food Plant-Based Food Intake on Postprandial Glycemia in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Johnson Rebecca J , Bergford Simon , Gal Robin L , Calhoun Peter , Neubig Karissa , Martin Corby K , Riddell Michael C , Addala Ananta 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Context
A whole food plant-based diet (WFPBD), minimally processed foods with limited consumption of animal products, is associated with improved health outcomes. The benefits of WFPBD are underexplored in individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Objective
The primary objective of this analysis is to evaluate the association between WFPBD on glycemia in individuals with T1D.

Methods
Utilizing prospectively collected meal events from the Type 1 Diabetes Exercise Initiative, we examined the effect of WFPBD intake on glycemia, determined by the plant-based diet index (PDI). The PDI calculates overall, healthful (hPDI), and unhealthy PDI (uPDI) to evaluate for degree of processed foods and animal products (ie, WFPBD). Mixed effects linear regression model assessed time in range (TIR), time above range, and time below range.

Results
We analyzed 7938 meals from 367 participants. TIR improved with increasing hPDI scores, conferring a 4% improvement in TIR between highest and lowest hPDI scores (high hPDI: 75%, low hPDI: 71%; P &lt; .001). Compared with meals with low hPDI, meals with high hPDI had lower glucose excursion (high hPDI: 53 mg/dL, low hPDI: 62 mg/dL; P &lt; .001) and less time &gt;250 mg/dL (high hPDI: 8%, low hPDI: 14%; P &lt; .001). These effects were present but less pronounced by PDI (high PDI: 74%, low PDI: 71%; P = .01). No differences in time below 70 mg/dL and 54 mg/dL were observed by PDI or hPDI.

Conclusion
Meal events with higher hPDI were associated with 4% postprandial TIR improvement. These benefits were seen primarily in WFPBD meals (captured by hPDI) and less pronounced plant-based meals (captured by PDI), emphasizing the benefit of increasing unprocessed food intake over limiting animal products alone.
The Prognostic Impact of Tumor Size and BRAF Mutational Status in Middle Eastern Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Parvathareddy Sandeep Kumar , Siraj Abdul K , Qadri Zeeshan , Siraj Nabil , Al-Rasheed Maha , Haqawi Wael , Al-Sobhi Saif S , Al-Dayel Fouad , Al-Kuraya Khawla S 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Context
Tumor size at diagnosis has been widely used as a major mortality risk factor in risk stratification of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC).

Objective
The current study was designed to analyze whether tumor size at diagnosis is a major prognostic factor in Middle Eastern DTC.

Methods
We conducted a comparative study of the relationship between tumor size at diagnosis and event-free survival (EFS) with respect to BRAF status in 1709 consecutive patients treated surgically for DTC. Patients were divided into 4 groups according to the size of tumor and BRAF mutation status: Group 1 (≤4 cm without BRAF mutation), Group 2 (≤4 cm with BRAF mutation), Group 3 (&gt;4 cm without BRAF mutation), and Group 4 (&gt;4 cm with BRAF mutation). Predictors of EFS were compared using the log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards models.

Results
Tumor size &gt;4 cm was associated with clinicopathologic characteristics, such as older age, male gender, bilateral tumors, extrathyroidal extension, lymphovascular invasion, advanced tumor stage, and persistent/recurrent disease. Tumor size was also inversely associated with BRAF mutation. Both tumor size (&gt;4 cm) and BRAF mutation were associated with EFS on univariate analysis. On subgroup analysis, larger tumor size was an independent predictor of EFS (Group 3 vs Group 1), irrespective of BRAF mutation status. Also, within the BRAF mutant tumors, larger tumor size was still an independent predictor of EFS (Group 4 vs Group 2).

Conclusion
Tumor size is an independent predictor of EFS in Middle Eastern patients with DTC, regardless of BRAF mutational status.
Living in a multi-stressor world: nitrate pollution and thermal stress interact to affect amphibian larvae
Authors: Sinai Noa , Eterovick Paula C. , Kruger Natasha , Oetken Ben , Ruthsatz Katharina 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT
The interaction of widespread stressors such as nitrate pollution and increasing temperatures associated with climate change is likely to affect aquatic ectotherms such as amphibians. The metamorphic and physiological traits of amphibian larvae during the critical onset of metamorphosis are particularly susceptible to these stressors. We used a crossed experimental design subjecting Rana temporaria larvae to four constant rearing temperatures (18, 22, 26, 28°C) crossed with three environmentally relevant nitrate concentrations (0, 50, 100 mg l−1) to investigate the interactive and individual effects of these stressors on metamorphic (i.e. growth and development) and physiological traits (i.e. metabolism and heat tolerance) at the onset of metamorphosis. Larvae exposed to elevated nitrate concentrations and thermal stress displayed increased metabolic rates but decreased developmental rate, highlighting interactive effects of these stressors. However, nitrate pollution alone had no effect on either metamorphic or physiological traits, suggesting that detoxification processes were sufficient to maintain homeostasis but not in combination with increased rearing temperatures. Furthermore, larvae exposed to nitrate displayed diminished abilities to exhibit temperature-induced plasticity in metamorphosis timing and heat tolerance, as well as reduced acclimation capacity in heat tolerance and an increased thermal sensitivity of metabolic rate to higher temperatures. These results highlight the importance of considering the exposure to multiple stressors when investigating how natural populations respond to global change.
Immunological resilience of a temperate catshark to a simulated marine heatwave
Authors: Martins Sandra , Ferreira Cristina , Mateus Ana Patrícia , Santos Catarina Pereira , Fonseca Joana , Rosa Rui , Power Deborah M. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT
Marine heatwaves (MHWs) have recently been proposed to be more relevant in driving population changes than the continuous increase in average temperatures associated with climate change. The causal processes underpinning MHW effects in sharks are unclear but may be linked to changes in fitness caused by physiological trade-offs that influence the immune response. Considering the scarcity of data about the immune response of sharks under anomalous warming events, the present study analyzed several fitness indices and characterized the immune response (in the blood, epigonal organ, liver, spleen and intestine) of temperate adult small-spotted catsharks (Scyliorhinus canicula) after a 30 day exposure to a category II MHW. The results indicated that adult small-spotted catsharks have developed coping strategies for MHWs. Specifically, among the 35 parameters investigated, only the gonad-to-body ratio (GBR) and plasma glucose concentration showed significant increases. In contrast, gene expression of igm and tumor necrosis factor receptor (tnfr) in blood cells, and tnfr in the epigonal organ, as well as the number of monocytes, all significantly decreased. Although a decline in immune function in small-spotted catsharks was revealed following MHW exposure, energy mobilization restored homeostasis and indicated a shift in energy allocation towards reproduction. Group resilience may be due to the variable tolerance of individuals, the phenotypic plasticity of cellular immunity, thermal imprinting and/or metabolic capacity of the individuals.
The avian vocal system: 3D reconstruction reveals upper vocal tract elongation during head motion
Authors: Fournier Morgane , Olson Rachel , Van Wassenbergh Sam , Provini Pauline 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT
While the impressive singing abilities of birds are made possible by the syrinx, the upper vocal system (i.e. trachea, larynx and beak) could also play a role in sound filtration. Yet, we still lack a clear understanding of the range of elongation this system can undertake, especially along the trachea. Here, we used biplanar cineradiography and X-ray reconstruction of moving morphology (XROMM) to record 15 species of cadaveric birds from 9 different orders while an operator moved the birds’ heads in different directions. In all studied species, we found elongation of the trachea to be correlated with neck extension, and significantly greater (ranging from 18 to 48% for the whole motion; and from 1.4 to 15.7% for the singing positions) than previously reported on a live singing bird (3%). This elongation or compression was not always homogeneous along its entire length. Some specimens showed increased lengthening in the rostral part and others in both the rostral and caudal parts of the vocal tract. The diversity of elongation patterns shows that trachea elongation is more complex than previously thought. Since tracheal lengthening affects sound frequencies, our results contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms involved in complex communication signals, one of the amazing traits we share with birds.
Socially induced plasticity of the posterior tuberculum and motor behavior in zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Heagy Faith K. , Clements Katie N. , Adams Carrie L. , Blain Elena , Issa Fadi A. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT
Social dominance is prevalent throughout the animal kingdom. It facilitates the stabilization of social relationships and allows animals to divide resources according to social rank. Zebrafish form stable dominance relationships that consist of dominants and subordinates. Although social status-dependent differences in behavior must arise as a result of neural plasticity, mechanisms by which neural circuits are reconfigured to cope with social dominance are poorly described. Here, we describe how the posterior tuberculum nucleus (PTN), which integrates sensory social information to modulate spinal motor circuits, is morphologically and functionally influenced by social status. We combined non-invasive behavioral monitoring of motor activity (startle escape and swim) and histological approaches to investigate how social dominance affects the morphological structure, axosomatic synaptic connectivity and functional activity of the PTN in relation to changes in motor behavior. We show that dopaminergic cell number significantly increases in dominants compared with subordinates, while PTN synaptic interconnectivity, demonstrated with PSD-95 expression, is higher in subordinates than in dominants. Secondly, these socially induced morphological differences emerge after 1 week of dominance formation and correlate with differences in cellular activities illustrated with higher phosphor-S6 ribosomal protein expression in dominants compared with subordinates. Thirdly, these morphological differences are reversible as the social environment evolves and correlate with adaptations in startle escape and swim behaviors. Our results provide new insights into the neural bases of social behavior that may be applicable to other social species with similar structural and functional organization.
The integrative biology of the heart: mechanisms enabling cardiac plasticity
Authors: Joyce William , Shiels Holly A. , Franklin Craig E. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTCardiac phenotypic plasticity, the remodelling of heart structure and function, is a response to any sustained (or repeated) stimulus or stressor that results in a change in heart performance. Cardiac plasticity can be either adaptive (beneficial) or maladaptive (pathological), depending on the nature and intensity of the stimulus. Here, we draw on articles published in this Special Issue of Journal of Experimental Biology, and from the broader comparative physiology literature, to highlight the core components that enable cardiac plasticity, including structural remodelling, excitation–contraction coupling remodelling and metabolic rewiring. We discuss when and how these changes occur, with a focus on the underlying molecular mechanisms, from the regulation of gene transcription by epigenetic processes to post-translational modifications of cardiac proteins. Looking to the future, we anticipate that the growing use of -omics technologies in integration with traditional comparative physiology approaches will allow researchers to continue to uncover the vast scope for plasticity in cardiac function across animals.