bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Excitation–contraction coupling reflects the metabolic profile of mantle muscle in young cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis)
Authors: Callaghan Neal I. , Ducros Loïck , Bennett J. Craig , Capaz Juan C. , Andrade José Pedro , Sykes Antonio V. , Driedzic William R. , Lamarre Simon G. , MacCormack Tyson J. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe mantle muscle of common cuttlefish, Sepia officinalis, is responsible both for high‐magnitude and rapid movements for locomotion, as well as sustained ventilation, which require specific metabolic, electrophysiological, and structural organization. Young cuttlefish have a highly oxidative phenotype and a rapid growth rate. Here, we show high rates of oxygen consumption and protein synthesis in juveniles, and these rates decay exponentially over the first few weeks of growth. This is associated with considerable citrate synthase activity (relative to larger cuttlefish) but a lack of glucose metabolism based on zero uptake of glucose by isolated muscle sheets and minimal activity of hexokinase (similar to larger animals). In contrast to glucose metabolism in the heart, glucose metabolism in these muscle sheets was not stimulated by extracellular taurine. Previous research revealed an unusual ion channel complement in mantle myocytes, the most notable feature of which is the lack of a Na+ current during depolarization. Because this adaptation is not consistent across the coleoid clade, we investigated excitation–contraction coupling. Here, mantle energetics and contractility, including the individual components of the total Ca2+ flux driving contraction, were studied. Results indicate that the majority of Ca2+ current underlying contractile stress development capacity in cuttlefish juveniles is not mediated by dihydropyridine‐sensitive L‐type channels, in contrast to their adult counterparts, and the sarcoplasmic reticulum contributes little to routine contractility. We had previously noted an influence of physiological levels of taurine in limiting cardiac contractility but found no analogous sensitivity in mantle muscle. Finally, transmission electron microscopy of subcellular architecture revealed the presence of sarcoplasmic tubular aggregates, suggesting that oxidative inhibition of sarcoplasmic reticulum function limits its role in this life stage.
Functional variants of the pentraxin 3 gene are associated with the metastasis and progression of prostate cancer
Authors: Weng Wei‐Chun , Hsieh Yi‐Hsien , Lin Chia‐Yen , Liu Yu‐Fan , Su Shih‐Chi , Wang Shian‐Shiang , Yang Shun‐Fa 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAge, ethnic background and genetic components have been identified as the established risks for prostate cancer (PCa). Pentraxin 3 (PTX3), originally identified as a pattern‐recognition molecule for defence against infectious agents, has multiple functions in tissue repair and in the regulation of cancer‐associated inflammation. In this study, we sought to investigate the impact of PTX3 gene variants on the development of PCa. Genotypes of four common single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of PTX3 gene, including rs1840680, rs2305619, rs3816527 and rs2120243, were profiled among 705 PCa patients and 705 ethnicity‐matched controls. In this study, we found that patients who carry at least one minor allele (C) of rs3816527 (AC and CC) tended to develop advanced forms of diseases (clinical large T stage, OR, 1.593, p = 0.032; pathologically‐confirmed nodal spread, OR, 1.987, p = 0.011; metastatic tumour, OR, 3.896, p = 0.032) as compared with those homologous for the major allele (AA). Further stratification analysis showed that such association of rs3816527 with lymphatic and distal metastasis of PCa was accentuated in the younger age group (≤65 at diagnosis) but not seen in the older age group (>65 at diagnosis), suggesting an age‐specific effect of PTX3 variants. Prediction of PTX3 protein structure implied that polymorphism may alter the quaternary organization and oligomerization of PTX3 protein. Moreover, our gene silencing experiments and survey of public datasets revealed that elevation of PTX3 levels in PCa was required for cell migration and associated with tumour metastasis. Our results highlight an association of PTX3 rs3816527 with the progression of PCa.
Normal menstrual flow volume range and its characteristics measured from sanitary napkins in Japanese women: Discrepancy between measured and subjective menstrual flow volume
Authors: Atsuko Shiota , Hiromi Teraoka , Hiroki Ishikawa 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAimThe 2018 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics abnormal uterine bleeding System‐1 defines menstrual flow volume on a 3‐point scale based on subjective assessment. However, the normal flow range has not been established, and it is unclear whether subjective assessment is accurate. We investigated the normal menstrual flow volume range in Japanese women and whether the actual measured menstrual flow volume agreed with the subjective evaluation.MethodsWe included female menstruating volunteers aged 18–49 years in this prospective observational study. Menstrual napkins were weighed before and after use for up to three cycles, and the values were recorded in an online diary.ResultsOverall, 211 participants were recruited. All items were completed by 167 participants, and 497 menstrual cycles were included in the analysis. The median total menstrual flow volume per cycle for 497 cycles was 56.7 g. The 5th–95th percentile values ranged from 15.7 to 166.4 g. The mean value was 77.6 ± 99.6 g, with no significant differences according to age group. In the 25 cycles corresponding to heavy flow, that is, above the 95th percentile of measured flow volume, 92% were underrated as “normal” by subjective evaluation, and only 8% were correctly rated as “heavy.”ConclusionsOur results clarify the actual menstrual flow volume in the Japanese population; this will contribute toward making women aware of the normal range of menstrual flow volume, which may facilitate appropriate preconception care.
Granulomatous mastitis during pregnancy with sudden onset of gait difficulty and erythema nodosum: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Miyahara Hideyuki , Kurokawa Yusuke , Muto Megumi , Takao Yuko , Iwanaga Erina , Mihara Yutaro , Fukushima Nao , Yoshizato Toshiyuki , Tsuda Naotake 
Published: August 2024

AbstractGranulomatous mastitis (GM), a benign inflammatory disease of the breast, often mimics breast cancer on presentation. We present a case of GM during pregnancy manifesting as a breast mass, sudden onset of plantar pain, and erythema nodosum (EN). A 31‐year‐old pregnant Japanese woman, gravida 2, para 1, was referred to our hospital with severe plantar pain on both soles, causing difficulty walking. This pain worsened and EN appeared on both lower legs, followed by a left breast mass. Ultrasound findings suggested malignancy; however, aspiration biopsy confirmed GM. Her arthritis and EN resolved 2 days after commencing oral prednisolone and her walking improved. EN with/without arthritis is commonly associated with GM, especially during pregnancy. The described manifestations with a breast mass are suggestive of this diagnosis.
Initial development of the Sugar‐Sweetened Fruit Drink Questionnaire for examining beliefs, knowledge, and behaviors in an intervention to reduce sugar‐sweetened fruit drink intake in Alaska Native children
Authors: Edwards Todd C. , Randall Cameron L. , Hill Courtney M. , Hopkins Scarlett , Orr Eliza , Cruz Stephanie , Lee Jeffrey , Mancl Lloyd , Chi Donald L. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractObjectiveAlaska Native children may be at increased risk for dental caries because of added sugar intake from sugar‐sweetened fruit drinks. This study describes development of a questionnaire to (a) assess Alaska Native caregivers' beliefs, knowledge, and behaviors regarding sugar‐sweetened fruit drinks, and (b) describe behavior changes within a community‐based intervention.MethodsQuestionnaire development was conducted in three phases with Yup'ik Alaska Native caregivers in Southwest Alaska: (1) initial selection and adaptation of questionnaire items; (2) cognitive testing; and (3) data collection. The Sugar‐Sweetened Fruit Drink Questionnaire (SFDQ) contains 31 culturally‐tailored items across six areas: beliefs/values, environment/skills, knowledge, motivation, self‐efficacy, and behaviors.ResultsEighty‐one percent of caregivers gave their children sugar‐sweetened fruit drinks. Motivations included: what they grew up with (52%), few other options (46%), makes child happy (46%), healthier than soda (45%), and others in community drink them (42%). On average, 93% of caregivers believed drinking a lot of sugar‐sweetened fruit drinks leads to cavities in children and caregivers agreed (mean 4.1 on 5‐point scale, 5 = strongly agree) it is important to limit sugar‐sweetened fruit drinks. Among a sub‐sample of respondents (n = 20), we found low to moderate temporal stability in some SFDQ items over a 10–14 day period, indicating respondent ambivalence and/or uncertainty.ConclusionsUsing community‐based participatory research methods, we developed a culturally tailored exploratory questionnaire that will be used to describe changes in caregiver knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, self‐efficacy, and behavior within a planned intervention to reduce sugar‐sweetened fruit drink intake in Alaska Native children.
Not intervening as a form of care: Negotiating medical practices at the end‐of‐life
Authors: Cohn Simon , Borgstrom Erica , Driessen Annelieke 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBiomedicine is organized around interventions. Despite growing concern about overtreatment in healthcare systems, not intervening can still raise questions about potential negligence and the quality of care. Based on ethnographic fieldwork with palliative care teams in England, we explore the work palliative care specialists do to reduce and sometimes halt interventions for patients at the end‐of‐life, in a general medical environment that is largely interventionist. We describe how judgments about what is an action or not aren't based on obvious or agreed criteria, but ultimately according to what different actors feel constitutes the best form of care. In other words, the underlying values that shape ideas of care determine how action and inaction are nominated, and not the other way around.
Winter activity of Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) inside and outside stables in Germany
Authors: Groschupp Sarah , Kampen Helge , Werner Doreen 
Published: August 2024

AbstractCulicoides biting midge species (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) of the Obsoletus Group and the Pulicaris Complex are considered the major vectors of bluetongue and Schmallenberg viruses in Europe. Overwintering strategies of these arboviruses are controversially discussed, with the ongoing activity of vector species and a non‐disrupted transmission cycle during winter being a plausible explanation. Although data on Culicoides winter activity are relatively scant, a seasonal vector‐free period (SVFP), during which adult Culicoides are not or hardly active, is questionable. To determine winter activity and define SVFPs according to the EU Commission Regulation No 1266/2007, adult Culicoides were trapped weekly with UV‐light traps from October to April 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 inside and outside stables on 16 farms throughout Germany. Temperature measurements were taken regularly at each trapping site since the temperature is a known driver of biting midge activity. In 960 indoor and outdoor catches, 32,377 Culicoides were trapped, with 90.9% of them belonging to the Obsoletus Group, 6.1% to the Pulicaris Complex and 3.0% to ‘other Culicoides’ according to morphological identification. The majority (61.3%) of Culicoides were trapped indoors, with substantial numbers of specimens collected from October to December, in March and in April, and only a few or no specimens in January and February. Obsoletus Group biting midges were active indoors for almost the entire winter. Outdoors, Culicoides numbers decreased from October to December, few or no specimens were caught from January to March, and high numbers were captured in April. Of the collected Culicoides, 2028 were blood‐fed, of which 94.6% were trapped in the stables. The indoor SVFP, although calculated for blood‐fed instead of parous females, lasted for almost 4 months (late November until mid‐March) in winter 2019/2020 and 2 months (January and February) in winter 2020/2021. The outdoor SVFPs covered almost the entire study period in both winters, with slight differences between the onsets and the ends. The Culicoides activity significantly depended on temperature. Specimens of the Obsoletus Group were caught at an average temperature of 7.4°C (minimum 0.3°C) and of the Pulicaris Complex at an average temperature of 10.3°C (minimum 1.2°C). These temperatures were reached inside the stables over more extended periods than outside. The average indoor temperatures were 1.2 K higher than the average outdoor temperatures, although absolute temperature differences of up to 9.0 K were recorded. Based on Culicoides activity, the results of the present study indicate an almost continuous potential for virus transmission in winter within livestock houses.
Natural variation in the Tn1a promoter regulates tillering in rice
Authors: Yang Tao , Ma Xiaoqian , Zhang Quan , Li Lin , Zhu Rui , Zeng An , Liu Wanying , Liu Haixia , Wang Yulong , Han Shichen , Khan Najeeb Ullah , Li Jinjie , Li Zichao , Zhang Zhanying , Zhang Hongliang 
Published: August 2024

SummaryRice tillering is an important agronomic trait that influences plant architecture and ultimately affects yield. This can be genetically improved by mining favourable variations in genes associated with tillering. Based on a previous study on dynamic tiller number, we cloned the gene Tiller number 1a (Tn1a), which encodes a membrane‐localised protein containing the C2 domain that negatively regulates tillering in rice. A 272 bp insertion/deletion at 387 bp upstream of the start codon in the Tn1a promoter confers a differential transcriptional response and results in a change in tiller number. Moreover, the TCP family transcription factors Tb2 and TCP21 repress the Tn1a promoter activity by binding to the TCP recognition site within the 272 bp indel. In addition, we identified that Tn1a may affect the intracellular K+ content by interacting with a cation‐chloride cotransporter (OsCCC1), thereby affecting the expression of downstream tillering‐related genes. The Tn1a+272 bp allele, associated with high tillering, might have been preferably preserved in rice varieties in potassium‐poor regions during domestication. The discovery of Tn1a is of great significance for further elucidating the genetic basis of tillering characteristics in rice and provides a new and favourable allele for promoting the geographic adaptation of rice to soil potassium.
PpIX‐enabled fluorescence‐based detection and photodynamic priming of platinum‐resistant ovarian cancer cells under fluid shear stress
Authors: Ruhi Mustafa Kemal , Rickard Brittany P. , Overchuk Marta , Sinawang Prima Dewi , Stanley Elizabeth , Mansi Matthew , Sierra Raymond G. , Hayes Brandon , Tan Xianming , Akin Demir , Chen Bin , Demirci Utkan , Rizvi Imran 
Published: August 2024

AbstractOver 75% percent of ovarian cancer patients are diagnosed with advanced‐stage disease characterized by unresectable intraperitoneal dissemination and the presence of ascites, or excessive fluid build‐up within the abdomen. Conventional treatments include cytoreductive surgery followed by multi‐line platinum and taxane chemotherapy regimens. Despite an initial response to treatment, over 75% of patients with advanced‐stage ovarian cancer will relapse and succumb to platinum‐resistant disease. Recent evidence suggests that fluid shear stress (FSS), which results from the movement of fluid such as ascites, induces epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition and confers resistance to carboplatin in ovarian cancer cells. This study demonstrates, for the first time, that FSS‐induced platinum resistance correlates with increased cellular protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), the penultimate downstream product of heme biosynthesis, the production of which can be enhanced using the clinically approved pro‐drug aminolevulinic acid (ALA). These data suggest that, with further investigation, PpIX could serve as a fluorescence‐based biomarker of FSS‐induced platinum resistance. Additionally, this study investigates the efficacy of PpIX‐enabled photodynamic therapy (PDT) and the secretion of extracellular vesicles under static and FSS conditions in Caov‐3 and NIH:OVCAR‐3 cells, two representative cell lines for high‐grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC), the most lethal form of the disease. FSS induces resistance to ALA‐PpIX‐mediated PDT, along with a significant increase in the number of EVs. Finally, the ability of PpIX‐mediated photodynamic priming (PDP) to enhance carboplatin efficacy under FSS conditions is quantified. These preliminary findings in monolayer cultures necessitate additional studies to determine the feasibility of PpIX as a fluorescence‐based indicator, and mediator of PDP, to target chemoresistance in the context of FSS.
Light exposure of tetra‐cationic porphyrins containing peripheral Pd(II)‐bipyridyl complexes and the induced effects on purified DNA molecule, fibroblast and melanoma cell lines
Authors: Trentin Luana B. , Viana Altevir R. , Iwersen Sophia , Iglesias Bernardo A. , Chaves Otávio A. , Schuch André P. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPhotodynamic therapy (PDT) combines a light source, oxygen, and a photosensitizer (PS) to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) for treating diseases. In this study, we evaluated two meso‐tetra‐pyridyl porphyrins with [Pd(bpy)Cl]+, namely 3‐PdTPyP and 4‐PdTPyP, as PS for PDT application. DNA interaction was assessed by spectroscopic measurements (UV–Vis and fluorescence emission), viscosity analysis, and molecular docking simulations. The results indicate that Pd(II)‐porphyrins do not intercalate into DNA, suggesting that the minor groove is the primary interaction site, mainly through van der Waals forces. These metalloporphyrins effectively induced nitrogenous bases oxidation, particularly in purines, after white light irradiation. The induced DNA lesions were able to inactivate plasmid DNA metabolism (DNA replication and transcription) in a bacterial model. 3‐PdTPyP and 4‐PdTPyP significantly decreased the viability of treated melanoma cell lines (A375 and B16‐F10), demonstrating that melanoma cell lines were more sensitive to these Pd(II)‐porphyrins than the fibroblast cell line (L929). Moreover, 3‐PdTPyP was more photototoxic to A375 cells (IC50 = 0.43 μM), whereas 4‐PdTPyP was more photototoxic to B16‐F10 cells (IC50 = 0.51 μM). These findings suggest that these porphyrins are promising PS for future PDT research focused on skin cancer.
Spectral‐genomic chain‐model approach enhances the wheat yield component prediction under the Mediterranean climate
Authors: Sadeh Roy , Ben‐David Roi , Herrmann Ittai , Peleg Zvi 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIn light of the changing climate that jeopardizes future food security, genomic selection is emerging as a valuable tool for breeders to enhance genetic gains and introduce high‐yielding varieties. However, predicting grain yield is challenging due to the genetic and physiological complexities involved and the effect of genetic‐by‐environment interactions on prediction accuracy. We utilized a chained model approach to address these challenges, breaking down the complex prediction task into simpler steps. A diversity panel with a narrow phenological range was phenotyped across three Mediterranean environments for various morpho‐physiological and yield‐related traits. The results indicated that a multi‐environment model outperformed a single‐environment model in prediction accuracy for most traits. However, prediction accuracy for grain yield was not improved. Thus, in an attempt to ameliorate the grain yield prediction accuracy, we integrated a spectral estimation of spike number, being a major wheat yield component, with genomic data. A machine learning approach was used for spike number estimation from canopy hyperspectral reflectance captured by an unmanned aerial vehicle. The spectral‐based estimated spike number was utilized as a secondary trait in a multi‐trait genomic selection, significantly improving grain yield prediction accuracy. Moreover, the ability to predict the spike number based on data from previous seasons implies that it could be applied to new trials at various scales, even in small plot sizes. Overall, we demonstrate here that incorporating a novel spectral‐genomic chain‐model workflow, which utilizes spectral‐based phenotypes as a secondary trait, improves the predictive accuracy of wheat grain yield.
Traces of spiritual care in nursing records: A qualitative study of cancer care
Authors: Hynnekleiv Ingerd Irgens , Giske Tove , Heggdal Kristin 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundSerious illnesses, such as cancer, bring the threat of loss of health and life closer. This may compromise spiritual well‐being. Addressing patients' spirituality is essential in nursing care. Therefore, nursing records should reflect, clarify, and enable spiritual‐care follow‐up.AimThe aim of this study is to explore how spiritual care is expressed in nursing records in cancer care.MethodThis study adopted a hermeneutic approach, and a qualitative content analysis was used to explore the nursing records of 43 inpatients with cancer from Norway. Ethical approval was obtained, and the privacy of the patients and healthcare professionals was safeguarded in line with the applicable legislation.ResultsSpiritual care was rarely reported in the nursing records (i.e., the nursing care plans and the progress notes). However, traces of spiritual care appeared in the records of everyday nursing. Four themes emerged from the analysis: (1) relieving life pain and mitigating loss, (2) facilitating faith support, (3) welcoming family and friends, and (4) sustaining normality and sharing joy.ConclusionsThis study showed that the nursing records of cancer care seldom expressed spiritual care concerning patients' life pain, loss, or faith support. Increasing nurses' competencies in mapping, documenting, and attending to spiritual care, as well as overcoming the limitations of documentation systems, could help address the spiritual needs of cancer patients.