bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cortisol, Stress, and Disease—Bidirectional Associations; Role for Corticosteroid-Binding Globulin?
Authors: Lee Jessica H , Meyer Emily Jane , Nenke Marni Anne , Lightman Stafford L , Torpy David J 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Selye described stress as a unified neurohormonal mechanism maintaining homeostasis. Acute stress system activation is adaptive through neurocognitive, catecholaminergic, and immunomodulation mechanisms, followed by a reset via cortisol. Stress system components, the sympathoadrenomedullary system, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and limbic structures are implicated in many chronic diseases by establishing an altered homeostatic state, allostasis. Consequent “primary stress system disorders” were popularly accepted, with phenotypes based on conditions such as Cushing syndrome, pheochromocytoma, and adrenal insufficiency. Cardiometabolic and major depressive disorders are candidates for hypercortisolemic etiology, contrasting the “hypocortisolemic symptom triad” of stress sensitivity, chronic fatigue, and pain. However, acceptance of chronic stress etiology requires cause-and-effect associations, and practical utility such as therapeutics altering stress system function. Inherent predispositions to stress system perturbations may be relevant. Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) variants have been associated with metabolic/neuropsychological states. The SERPINA6 gene encoding corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG), was the sole genetic factor in a single-nucleotide variation–genome-wide association study linkage study of morning plasma cortisol, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, with alterations in tissue-specific GR-related gene expression. Studies showed genetically predicted high cortisol concentrations are associated with hypertension and anxiety, and low CBG concentrations/binding affinity, with the hypocortisolemic triad. Acquired CBG deficiency in septic shock results in 3-fold higher mortality when hydrocortisone administration produces equivocal results, consistent with CBG's role in spatiotemporal cortisol delivery. We propose some stress system disorders result from constitutional stress system variants rather than stressors themselves. Altered CBG:cortisol buffering may influence interstitial cortisol ultradian surges leading to pathological tissue effects, an example of stress system variants contributing to stress-related disorders.
Llgl1 mediates timely epicardial emergence and establishment of an apical laminin sheath around the trabeculating cardiac ventricle
Authors: Pollitt Eric J. G. , Sánchez-Posada Juliana , Snashall Corinna M. , Derrick Christopher J. , Noël Emily S. 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT
During heart development, the embryonic ventricle becomes enveloped by the epicardium, which adheres to the outer apical surface of the heart. This is concomitant with onset of ventricular trabeculation, where a subset of cardiomyocytes lose apicobasal polarity and delaminate basally from the ventricular wall. Llgl1 regulates the formation of apical cell junctions and apicobasal polarity, and we investigated its role in ventricular wall maturation. We found that llgl1 mutant zebrafish embryos exhibit aberrant apical extrusion of ventricular cardiomyocytes. While investigating apical cardiomyocyte extrusion, we identified a basal-to-apical shift in laminin deposition from the internal to the external ventricular wall. We find that epicardial cells express several laminin subunits as they adhere to the ventricle, and that the epicardium is required for laminin deposition on the ventricular surface. In llgl1 mutants, timely establishment of the epicardial layer is disrupted due to delayed emergence of epicardial cells, resulting in delayed apical deposition of laminin on the ventricular surface. Together, our analyses reveal an unexpected role for Llgl1 in correct timing of epicardial development, supporting integrity of the ventricular myocardial wall.
Natural reversal of cavefish heart asymmetry is controlled by Sonic Hedgehog effects on the left-right organizer
Authors: Ng Mandy , Ma Li , Shi Janet , Jeffery William R. 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT
The direction of left-right visceral asymmetry is conserved in vertebrates. Deviations of the standard asymmetric pattern are rare, and the underlying mechanisms are not understood. Here, we use the teleost Astyanax mexicanus, consisting of surface fish with normal left-oriented heart asymmetry and cavefish with high levels of reversed right-oriented heart asymmetry, to explore natural changes in asymmetry determination. We show that Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) signaling is increased at the posterior midline, Kupffer's vesicle (the teleost left-right organizer) is enlarged and contains longer cilia, and the number of dorsal forerunner cells is increased in cavefish. Furthermore, Shh increase in surface fish embryos induces asymmetric changes resembling the cavefish phenotype. Asymmetric expression of the Nodal antagonist Dand5 is equalized or reversed in cavefish, and Shh increase in surface fish mimics changes in cavefish dand5 asymmetry. Shh decrease reduces the level of right-oriented heart asymmetry in cavefish. Thus, naturally occurring modifications in cavefish heart asymmetry are controlled by the effects of Shh signaling on left-right organizer function.
The Hox code responsible for the patterning of the anterior vertebrae in zebrafish
Authors: Maeno Akiteru , Koita Rina , Nakazawa Hidemichi , Fujii Renka , Yamada Kazuya , Oikawa Sae , Tani Taisei , Ishizaka Mizuki , Satoh Koumi , Ishizu Atsuki , Sugawara Takumi , Adachi Urara , Kikuchi Morimichi , Iwanami Norimasa , Matsuda Masaru , Kawamura Akinori 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT
The vertebral column is a characteristic structure of vertebrates. Genetic studies in mice have shown that Hox-mediated patterning plays a key role in specifying discrete anatomical regions of the vertebral column. Expression pattern analyses in several vertebrate embryos have provided correlative evidence that the anterior boundaries of Hox expression coincide with distinct anatomical vertebrae. However, because functional analyses have been limited to mice, it remains unclear which Hox genes actually function in vertebral patterning in other vertebrates. In this study, various zebrafish Hox mutants were generated for loss-of-function phenotypic analysis to functionally decipher the Hox code responsible for the zebrafish anterior vertebrae between the occipital and thoracic vertebrae. We found that Hox genes in HoxB- and HoxC-related clusters participate in regulating the morphology of the zebrafish anterior vertebrae. In addition, medaka hoxc6a was found to be responsible for anterior vertebral identity, as in zebrafish. Based on phenotypic similarities with Hoxc6 knockout mice, our results suggest that the Hox patterning system, including at least Hoxc6, may have been functionally established in the vertebral patterning of the common ancestor of ray-finned and lobe-finned fishes.
Path Coherence and Disruption in Routine Dynamics
Authors: Kim Inkyu , Pentland Brian T. , Frank Kenneth A. , Wolf Julie Ryan 
Published: June 2024

We use evidence from a disruption of clinical documentation routines to propose a novel, predictive mechanism for routine dynamics based on path coherence. Path coherence refers to the continuity of situational attributes from one event to the next along a path, for example, a set of activities conducted by the same person has high actor coherence. Situational attributes include classic descriptors such as who, what, when, where, and why. To be recognized as a path, a minimal level of coherence is required, but path coherence can vary along a path. For example, in a medical clinic, typical paths flow from place to place (e.g., reception, waiting room, exam room) and involve different clinical staff (e.g., receptionist, nurse, physician). Using latent factor network models, we compare clinical documentation routines in five outpatient clinics before and after a technological disruption (an upgrade to the electronic health record system). We show that coherent paths are up to 14 times more likely to persist and up to 40 times more likely to form than less coherent paths. We use these findings to theorize about the role of path coherence in routine dynamics. Path coherence in narrative networks is like homophily in social networks, but with a completely different underlying mechanism. We discuss the implications of our findings for organizational path dependence, resilience, and inertia. Funding: This research was supported by the National Science Foundation [Grants SES-1734237 and BCS-2120530]. This research was also supported in part by the University of Rochester CTSA [Grant UL1 TR002001] from the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Exploration and characterization of indigenous Trichoderma spp. as antagonist of Rhizoctonia solani and plant growth promoter of maize
Authors: ISWATI RIDA , AINI LUQMAN QURATA , SOEMARNO SOEMARNO , ABADI ABDUL LATIEF 
Published: June 2024

Abstract. Iswati R, Aini LQ, Soemarno, Abadi AL. 2024. Exploration and characterization of indigenous Trichoderma spp. as antagonist of Rhizoctonia solani and plant growth promoter of maize. Biodiversitas 25: 1375-1385. Maize sheath blight disease, caused by Rhizoctonia solani, is the main maize disease in Gorontalo and is widespread from the lowlands to the highlands. The indigenous Trichoderma spp. is known to function as a biocontrol agent while producing secondary metabolites that promote plant growth. The objective of this study was to isolate, select, and identify indigenous Trichoderma strains that act as antagonistic agents and promote maize plants growth. The bulk of the soil samples were collected from the rhizosphere of maize plantations in the lowland (0-300 masl), medium (300-500 masl), and highland (500-1000 masl) regions at several sites in Gorontalo. Trichoderma spp. isolation was carried out using the serial dilution method on Rose Bengal chloramphenicol medium, and the strains were further purified in PDA medium, followed by morphological and molecular identification. The antagonistic effect was assessed using dual culture method. In addition, the plant growth-promoting traits examined were qualitative IAA production, potassium solubilization, phosphate solubilization, and in vivo for maize plant growth promotion. Molecular identification revealed that the indigenous fungal strains were dominated by three species, namely, Trichoderma asperellum, T. virens, and T. brevicompactum. Other strains identified were T. ghanense, T. reesei, and T. dorothopsis. Of the 30 Trichoderma spp. strains, 25 inhibited R. solani more than 50%. All Trichoderma spp. strains can produce IAA qualitatively and dissolve phosphate at different intensities; only one fungal strain namely T. dorothopsis-TZ31LU1, can solubilize potassium. In addition, several indigenous Trichoderma spp. strains were able to increase the growth of maize plants in vivo. Thus, 25 Trichoderma spp. strains had the potential to be developed as biological control agents for maize sheath blight disease as well as plant growth promoters in maize.
Symptom response and episodic disability of long COVID in people with spinal cord injury: A case-control study
Authors: Kabir Md. Feroz , Nyein Yin Khin , Htwe Ohnmar , Saffree Jeffree Mohammad , Binti Ahmedy Fatimah , Faizal Zainudin Muhamad , Jahan Sharmila , Hossain Md. Zahid , Hossain K. M. Amran , Islam Md. Waliul , Hossain Tofajjal 
Published: June 2024

Background
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a consequence of significant disability and health issues globally, and long COVID represents the symptoms of neuro-musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and respiratory complications.

Purpose
This study aimed to identify the symptom responses and disease burden of long COVID in individuals with spinal cord injury.

Methods
This case-control study was conducted on patients with SCI residing at a specialised rehabilitation centre in Bangladesh. Forty patients with SCI with and without long COVID symptoms (LCS) were enrolled in this study at a 1:1 ratio according to WHO criteria.

Result
Twelve LCS were observed in patients with SCI, including fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, memory loss, headache, respiratory problems, anxiety, depression, insomnia, problem in ADL
problem in work, palpitation, and weakness. The predictors of developing long COVID include increasing age (p<0.002), increasing BMI (p<0.03), and longer duration of spinal cord injury (p<0.004). A significant difference (p<0.01) in overall years of healthy life lost due to disability (YLD) for non-long COVID cases was 2.04±0.596 compared to long COVID (LC) cases 1.22±2.09 was observed.

Conclusion
Bangladeshi patients of SCI presented 12 long COVID symptoms and have a significant disease burden compared to non long COVID cases.
Efficacy and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in Africa: A systematic review
Authors: Raji Tajudeen , Fallah Mosoka Papa , Dereje Nebiyu , Kakooza Francis , Ndembi Nicaise , Abdulaziz Mohammed , Aragaw Merawi , Kaseya Jean , Ngongo Alain Ngashi 
Published: June 2024

Background
Data on COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness to support regional vaccine policy and practice are limited in Africa. Thus, this review aimed to evaluate the efficacy and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines administered in Africa.

Methods
We systematically searched peer-reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs), prospective and retrospective cohort studies, and case-control studies that reported on VE in Africa. We carried out a risk of bias assessment, and the findings of this review were synthesized and presented in a narrative form, including tables and figures. The synthesis was focused on COVID-19 VE against various levels of the disease condition and outcomes (infection, hospitalization or critical, and death), time points, and variants of concern.

Results
A total of 13 studies, with a total sample size of 913,285 participants, were included in this review. The majority (8/13) of studies were from South Africa and 38.5% (5/13) were randomized clinical trials. The studies reported that a full dose of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine had a VE of 100% against COVID-19 infection by Beta (B.1.351) and Delta variants and 96.7% against hospitalization by Delta variant. The Johnson and Johnson vaccine had VE ranging from 38.1%-62.0% against hospitalization and 51.9%- 86% against critical disease by Beta (B 1.351) variant. The Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine had a VE of 89.4% against hospitalization by the Omicron variant but was not effective against the B.1.351 variant (10.4%). The Sinopharm vaccine had a VE of 67% against infection and 46% against hospitalization by Delta variant.

Conclusions
COVID-19 vaccines administered in Africa were effective in preventing infections, hospitalization, and death. These review findings underscore the need for concerted efforts of all stakeholders to enhance the access and availability of COVID-19 vaccines and reinforce public awareness to reach the high-risk, unvaccinated group of the African population.
Dancing Indigenous Worlds: Choreographies of Relation, Jacqueline Shea Murphy (2023)
Authors: Aros-Mitchell Sam 
Published: June 2024

Review of: Dancing Indigenous Worlds: Choreographies of Relation, Jacqueline Shea Murphy (2023)
Minneapolis, MN: University of Minnesota Press, 408 pp.,
ISBN 978-1-51791-268-7, p/bk, $35.00
ISBN 978-1-51791-268-0, e-book, $35.00
ISBN 978-1-51791-267-3, h/bk, $140.00
Comparison of Digitally Delivered Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy Program With an Active Control for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Anderson Ellen J. , Peters Simone L. , Gibson Peter R. , Halmos Emma P. 
Published: June 2024

INTRODUCTION:
Gut-directed hypnotherapy (GDH) treats irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but its accessibility is limited. This problem may be overcome by digital delivery. The aim of this study was to perform a randomized control trial comparing the efficacy of a digitally delivered program with and without GDH in IBS.

METHODS:
Adults with IBS were randomized to a 42-session daily digital program with the GDH Program (Nerva) or without (Active Control). Questionnaires were completed to assess gastrointestinal symptoms through IBS Symptom Severity Scale (IBS-SSS), quality of life, and psychological symptoms (Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-21) at regular intervals during the program and 6 months following the conclusion on the intervention. The primary end point was the proportion of participants with ≥50-point decrease in IBS-SSS between the interventions at the end of the program.

RESULTS:
Of 240/244 randomized participants, 121 received GDH Program—the median age 38 (range 20–65) years, 90% female, IBS-SSS 321 (interquartile range 273–367)—and 119 Active Control—36 (21–65), 91% female, IBS-SSS 303 (255–360). At program completion, 81% met the primary end point with GDH Program vs 63% Active Control (P = 0.002). IBS-SSS was median 208 (interquartile range 154–265) with GDH and 244 (190–308) with control (P = 0.004), 30% reduction in pain was reported by 71% compared with 35% (P < 0.001), and IBS quality of life improved by 14 (6–25) compared with 7 (1–15), respectively (P < 0.001). Psychological status improved similarly in both groups.

DISCUSSION:
A digitally delivered GDH Program provided to patients with IBS was superior to the active control, with greater improvement in both gastrointestinal symptoms and quality of life and provides an equitable alternative to face-to-face behavioral strategies.
Engineered living materials: pushing the boundaries of materials sciences through biological engineering
Authors: Muñoz-Guamuro Geisler , Baños Miguel , Becker Jan , Weber Wilfried 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Biological engineering is enabling disruptive innovations in biopharmaceutical research, in the bio-based and sustainable production of chemicals, in decarbonization, energy production, or bioremediation. Recently, the transfer of technologies from biological engineering and synthetic biology to materials sciences established the concept of engineered living materials (ELMs). ELMs are defined as materials composed of living cells that form or assemble the material itself or modulate the functional performance of the material. ELMs enable the sustainable production of materials as well as the design of novel material properties and functions that have so far been beyond the realm of technical materials. In this contribution, we give an overview of how ELMs can offer innovative and sustainable solutions to overcome current boundaries in materials science.
A bio-engineering approach to generate bioinspired (spider) silk protein-based materials
Authors: Bargel Hendrik , Scheibel Thomas 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Natural materials exhibit unique properties from the molecular to the macro scale. Utilizing biological engineering approaches, they can act as a blueprint for novel and sustainable solutions in material science and technology. This paper focuses on spider silks, exemplifying a high-performance biopolymeric fibrous material with exceptional mechanical properties, high biocompatibility, slow biodegradation, low immunogenicity, and, in some cases, microbe-repellent features. In-depth understanding of the molecular structure-function relationship has facilitated the development of engineered recombinant silk proteins. In combination with biomimetic processing, they can be used for technical as well as biomedical applications.
Façade greening – from science to school
Authors: Aduse-Poku Minka , Niels Wibke , Pacini Annalisa , Großschedl Jörg , Edelmann Hans Georg , Schlüter Kirsten 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
The growing need for cities to adapt to anthropogenic climate change has ushered into a new paradigm where architecture synergistically meets nature. Façade greening may help to take over multifunctional ecosystem services that impact on city residents’ well-being as well as on building energy budget. In recent studies on façade greenings, we demonstrated a cooling effect in summer, an insulation effect in winter and a Nitrogen dioxide absorption potential. Introducing this knowledge into school by offering project days led to longer-term changes in students’ knowledge, but not in their environmental attitudes. The latter will probably require constant reminders such as a series of project days focusing on environmental issues, bioengineering solutions and personal adaptation strategies.
Impact of “3414” fertilization on the yield and quality of greenhouse tomatoes
Authors: Wu Chunyan , Han Xiaoyi , Cheng Yan , Wang Xueke , Wang Wei 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
This study aimed to explore the effects of different nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium ratios on the yield and nutritional quality of greenhouse tomatoes under a water and fertilizer integration model. Greenhouse tomatoes were used as the research object, and the “3414” fertilizer trial design was employed to assess tomato growth, yield, quality, and soil indicators across various treatment combinations. The goal was to determine the optimal fertilization scheme and recommend appropriate fertilizer quantities for tomato cultivation and production. The results revealed that different fertilizer ratios significantly affected both the quality and yield of tomatoes. Overall, the tomato yield tended to increase with higher fertilization amounts, with potassium exhibiting the most pronounced effect on yield increase, followed by phosphorus and nitrogen. The comprehensive analysis of principal components indicated that the N2P2K1 treatment yielded the highest nutritional quality and yield. Therefore, the best fertilization combination identified in this study consisted of nitrogen fertilizer at 197.28 kg hm−2, phosphorus fertilizer at 88.75 kg hm−2, and potassium fertilizer at 229.80 kg hm−2. These findings provided the scientific basis for optimizing fertilization practices in greenhouse tomato cultivation and production in the Jilin Province.
Determination of heavy elements in agricultural regions, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Abdallah Alnuwaiser Maha 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
This study utilized an inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometer (model ICPE-9000) to determine the concentrations of Mo, Hg, Cd, Be, Co, V, Se, Ti, As, Cr, Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe, Ni, and Pb elements in the soil samples, and estimate its ratio compared to the standard global percentages. Several indices were employed, including enrichment factors, pollution load index, and accumulation index. The concentration of heavy metals in the soil samples was below the average concentration found in the soil. However, there were exceptions for five minerals, Cd, Mo, As, Se, and Hg, which had concentrations exceeding the average. The potential contamination or elevated levels of these heavy elements in soil could have implications for plant growth and environmental quality. In the soil, the pH levels were from 5.1 to 6.4, with an average pH of 5.8, and electrical conductivity ranged from 2.14 to 7.89 µS/m. The highest total dissolved solids found in the Qassim region were 1,710 mg/L, and lower values were observed in the Medina region. Furthermore, this study noted a high concentration of Cl– anions, with the highest concentration of 283.9 mg/L in the soil of the Qassim region, indicating the presence of chloride ions in the soil. This study will provide great benefits to the agricultural community in Saudi Arabia regarding the metals and behavior of the soils concerning the crops.
Sheaf quantization from exact WKB analysis
Authors: Kuwagaki Tatsuki 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
A sheaf quantization is a sheaf associated to a Lagrangian brane.
By using the results of exact WKB analysis, we sheaf-quantize spectral curves over the Novikov ring under some assumptions on the behavior of Stokes curves.
For Schrödinger equations, we prove that the local system associated to the sheaf quantization (microlocalization a.k.a. abelianization) over the spectral curve can be identified with the Voros–Iwaki–Nakanishi coordinate.
We expect that these sheaf quantizations are the object-level realizations of the

ℏ

\hbar

-enhanced Riemann–Hilbert correspondence.