bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hepatic cell junctions: Pulling a double‐duty
Authors: Van Campenhout Raf , Vinken Mathieu 
Published: August 2024

AbstractCell junctions, including anchoring, occluding and communicating junctions, play an indispensable role in the structural and functional organization of multicellular tissues, including in liver. Specifically, hepatic cell junctions mediate intercellular adhesion and communication between liver cells. The establishment of the hepatic cell junction network is a prerequisite for normal liver functioning. Hepatic cell junctions indeed support liver‐specific features and control essential aspects of the hepatic life cycle. This review paper summarizes the role of cell junctions and their components in relation to liver physiology, thereby also discussing their involvement in hepatic dysfunctionality, including liver disease and toxicity.
The transcription factor LBD10 sustains pollen tube growth and integrity by modulating reactive oxygen species homeostasis via the regulation of flavonol biosynthesis in Arabidopsis
Authors: Nguyen Thu‐Hien , Kim Min Jung , Kim Jungmook 
Published: August 2024

Summary

Reproduction in angiosperms relies on the precise growth of pollen tubes, facilitating the delivery of sperm cells to the ovule for double fertilization. LATERAL ORGAN BOUNDARIES DOMAIN10 (LBD10), a plant‐specific transcription factor, plays a pivotal role in Arabidopsis pollen development.

Here, we uncovered LBD10's function in sustaining pollen tube growth and integrity.

The lbd10 mutant exhibited elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in both pollen grains and tubes, leading to compromised pollen tube growth. The inhibition of ROS synthesis and scavenging of excess ROS with an antioxidant treatment each alleviated these defects in lbd10. The lbd10 mutant displayed reduced flavonol accumulation in both pollen grains and tubes. All the altered phenotypes of lbd10 were complemented by expressing LBD10 under its native promoter. Exogenous application of flavonoids recused the defects in pollen tube growth and integrity in lbd10, along with reducing the excess levels of ROS and H2O2. LBD10 directly binds the promoters of key flavonol biosynthesis genes in chromatin and promotes reporter gene expression in Arabidopsis mesophyll protoplasts.

Our findings indicate that LBD10 modulates ROS homeostasis by transcriptionally activating genes crucial for flavonol biosynthesis, thereby maintaining pollen tube growth and integrity.
Metabolic modelling identifies mitochondrial Pi uptake and pyruvate efflux as key aspects of daytime metabolism and proton homeostasis in crassulacean acid metabolism leaves
Authors: Daems Stijn , Shameer Sanu , Ceusters Nathalie , Sweetlove Lee , Ceusters Johan 
Published: August 2024

Summary

Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) leaves are characterized by nocturnal acidification and diurnal deacidification processes related with the timed actions of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase and Rubisco, respectively. How CAM leaves manage cytosolic proton homeostasis, particularly when facing massive diurnal proton effluxes from the vacuole, remains unclear.

A 12‐phase flux balance analysis (FBA) model was constructed for a mature malic enzyme‐type CAM mesophyll cell in order to predict diel kinetics of intracellular proton fluxes.

The charge‐ and proton‐balanced FBA model identified the mitochondrial phosphate carrier (PiC, Pi/H+ symport), which provides Pi to the matrix to sustain ATP biosynthesis, as a major consumer of cytosolic protons during daytime (> 50%). The delivery of Pi to the mitochondrion, co‐transported with protons, is required for oxidative phosphorylation and allows sufficient ATP to be synthesized to meet the high energy demand during CAM Phase III. Additionally, the model predicts that mitochondrial pyruvate originating from decarboxylation of malate is exclusively exported to the cytosol, probably via a pyruvate channel mechanism, to fuel gluconeogenesis. In this biochemical cycle, glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) acts as another important cytosolic proton consumer.

Overall, our findings emphasize the importance of mitochondria in CAM and uncover a hitherto unappreciated role in metabolic proton homeostasis.
Bilateral Spondylolysis of Lumbar Vertebra Secondary to Long Spinal Fusion for Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Huang Yue , Dong Yulei , Liu Fuze , Li Yifei , Wang Hai , Zhang Jianguo 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundLumbar spondylolysis is a common cause of low back pain in adolescents. A lot of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with concomitant spondylolysis has been reported before, but only two cases with acquired spondylolysis following long fusion for scoliosis were reported. We described another similar rare case and discussed its causes and treatment options in this paper.Case PresentationA 17‐year‐old female underwent growing rod implantation, growing rod extension, and final long spinal fusion for idiopathic scoliosis. Then, she suffered from low back pain with a VAS of 1‐2 points and gradually aggravated to a VAS of 7‐8 points at 3.5 years after the final fusion. The X‐ray images showed that there was L4‐S1 instability. And the CT scan images showed new bilateral spondylolysis of L5.ConclusionsThese findings suggested that distal mechanical stress might cause spondylolysis of the distal vertebra following long fusion for scoliosis. Surgeons should keep instrumentation as short as possible and avoid choosing a low lumbar as LIV when they decide on the fusion levels.
Lignin lite: Boosting plant power through selective downregulation
Authors: Dokka Narasimham , Rathinam Maniraj , Sreevathsa Rohini 
Published: August 2024

SUMMARY STATEMENTThis article explores the dual benefits of reducing lignin content in plants, which streamlines biofuel production while maintaining robust defence mechanisms. It discusses how plants compensate for lower lignin levels through alternative defence strategies, recent biotechnological advances in lignin modification, and the implications for agriculture and industry.
Placental mitochondrial impairment and its association with maternal metabolic dysfunction
Authors: Grismaldo R Adriana , Luévano‐Martínez Luis A. , Reyes Monserrat , García‐Márquez Grecia , García‐Rivas Gerardo , Sobrevia Luis 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe placenta plays an essential role in pregnancy, leading to proper fetal development and growth. As an organ with multiple physiological functions for both mother and fetus, it is a highly energetic and metabolically demanding tissue. Mitochondrial physiology plays a crucial role in the metabolism of this organ and thus any alteration leading to mitochondrial dysfunction has a severe outcome in the development of the fetus. Pregnancy‐related pathological states with a mitochondrial dysfunction outcome include preeclampsia and gestational diabetes mellitus. In this review, we address the role of mitochondrial morphology, metabolism and physiology of the placenta during pregnancy, highlighting the roles of the cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast. We also describe the relationship between preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, gestational diabesity and pre‐pregnancy maternal obesity with mitochondrial dysfunction.
image
A Universal and Efficient Quadrilateral Shell Element Based on Absolute Nodal Coordinate Formulation for Thin Shell Structures With Complex Surfaces
Authors: Zhang Binghua , Fan Wei , Ren Hui 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This work proposes a new quadrilateral shell element to analyze large deformations or rotations of membrane or shell structures. The element is an improvement of the previously proposed gradient-deficient quadrilateral elements. The proposed element adopts three techniques to enhance its universality and efficiency. First, an enriched field is added to make the element immune to in-plane mesh distortions. Second, local numerical curvilinear coordinates are used for curved surfaces where global curvilinear coordinates cannot be obtained analytically. Third, the slope vector of the element is obtained by cross-producting the two gradient vectors only on each node but interpolated inside the element to ensure continuity, especially for complex quadrilateral meshes. Additionally, this processing maintains the linear relationships between the shape functions and nodal coordinates, allowing the pre-integral of the elastic tensors. Several numerical examples show that this new element is universal for those irregularly curved surfaces and immune to mesh distortions. In addition, the efficiency is much higher compared to the traditional quadrilateral element.
Describing the Flick Movement Kinematic Biomechanically and Investigating the Effect of Thrower’s Ten Exercises in Underwater Hockey Players
Authors: Deniz Damla , Eraslan Leyla , Bas Cagdas , Bayrakcı Tunay Volga 
Published: August 2024

Context: Analyzing flick movement kinematics biomechanically is important to prevent sport-related injuries in underwater hockey players since the aquatic-based flick movement is completely different from land-based flick movements. The study aimed to describe the flick movement kinematic biomechanically in underwater hockey players. Moreover, this study further aimed to investigate the effect of the Thrower’s Ten exercises on flick movement kinematics in underwater hockey players. Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Seventeen underwater hockey players (age: 26.2 [4.3] y; sports age: 6.2 [4.5] y) were included. First, 2 underwater cameras using motion capture video analysis MATLAB were used to biomechanically analyze the angular changes on the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and body while players were performing the flick movements. Players were then recruited to the Thrower’s Ten exercise program for 6 weeks. Flick movement kinematics and flick-throwing distance were recorded at baseline and 6 weeks. Results: The flick movement kinematic patterns demonstrated increased shoulder flexion (from 102.5° to 144.9°), wrist extension (from 9.5° to 10.8°), and upper-extremity rotation (from 5.7° to 56.8°) while decreased elbow extension (from 107.7° to 159.2°) from the stick met the puck until the competition of the movement. The Thrower’s Ten exercises improved the elbow extension (P = .04), wrist extension (P = .01), body rotation (P < .001), and flick-throwing distance (P < .001) from baseline to 6 weeks. Conclusion: This study describes the underwater flick kinematic technique biomechanically and interprets preliminary findings for the first time. Thus, 6 weeks of Thrower’s Ten exercise program provides more body muscle movements than the smaller ones during the flick movements and higher flick-throwing distance in underwater hockey players.
SARS-CoV-2 spike fusion peptide
trans
interaction with phosphatidylserine lipid triggers membrane fusion for viral entry
Authors: Singh Puspangana , Pahari Purba , Mukherjee Srija , Karmakar Sharmistha , Hoffmann Markus , Mandal Taraknath , Das Dibyendu Kumar 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACT

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike is the fusion machine for host cell entry. Still, the mechanism by which spike protein interacts with the target lipid membrane to facilitate membrane fusion during entry is not fully understood. Here, using steady-state membrane fusion and single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer imaging of spike trimers on the surface of SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirion, we directly show that spike protein interacts with phosphatidylserine (PS) lipid in the target membrane for mediating fusion. We observed that the fusion peptide of the spike S2 domain interacts with the PS lipid of the target membrane. Low pH and Ca
2+
trigger the spike conformational change and bring fusion peptide in close proximity to the PS lipid of the membrane. The binding of the spike with PS lipid of its viral membrane (
cis
interaction) impedes the fusion activation. PS on the target membrane promotes spike binding via
trans
interaction, prevents the
cis
interaction, and accelerates fusion. Sequestering or absence of PS lipid abrogates the spike-mediated fusion process and restricts SARS-CoV-2 infectivity. We found that PS-dependent interaction for fusion is conserved across all the SARS-CoV-2 spike variants of concern (D614G, Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron). Our study suggests that PS lipid is indispensable for SARS-CoV-2 spike-mediated virus and target membrane fusion for entry, and restricting PS interaction with spike inhibits the SARS-CoV-2 spike-mediated entry. Therefore, PS is an important cofactor and acts as a molecular beacon in the target membrane for SARS-CoV-2 entry.

IMPORTANCE

The role of lipids in the host cell target membrane for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) entry is not clear. We do not know whether SARS-CoV-2 spike protein has any specificity in terms of lipid for membrane fusion reaction. Here, using
in vitro
reconstitution of membrane fusion assay and single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer imaging of SARS-CoV-2 spike trimers on the surface of the virion, we have demonstrated that phosphatidylserine (PS) lipid plays a key role in SARS-CoV-2 spike-mediated membrane fusion reaction for entry. Membrane-externalized PS lipid strongly promotes spike-mediated membrane fusion and COVID-19 infection. Blocking externalized PS lipid with PS-binding protein or in the absence of PS, SARS-CoV-2 spike-mediated fusion is strongly inhibited. Therefore, PS is an important target for restricting viral entry and intervening spike, and PS interaction presents new targets for COVID-19 interventions.
Perspectives on telemedicine across urban, rural and remote areas in the Philippines during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Fabian Noleen , De Mesa Regine Ynez , Tan-Lim Carol , Sandigan Gillian , Lopez Johanna , Loreche Arianna Maever , Dans Leonila , Benzon Zharie , Zabala Herbert , Sanchez Josephine , Sundiang Nanette , Rey Mia , Dans Antonio 
Published: August 2024

ObjectivesThis study explored attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control of participants across urban, rural and remote settings and examined intention-to-use telemedicine (defined in this study as remote patient–clinician consultations) during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study. 12 focus group discussions were conducted with 60 diverse telemedicine user and non-user participants across 3 study settings. Analysis of responses was done to understand the attitudes, norms and perceived behavioural control of participants. This explored the relationship between the aforementioned factors and intention to use.ResultsBoth users and non-users of telemedicine relayed that the benefits of telemedicine include protection from COVID-19 exposure, decreased out-of-pocket expenses and better work–life balance. Both groups also relayed perceived barriers to telemedicine. Users from the urban site relayed that the lack of preferred physicians discouraged use. Users from the rural and remote sites were concerned about spending on resources (ie, compatible smartphones) to access telemedicine. Non-users from all three sites mentioned that they would not try telemedicine if they felt overwhelmed prior to access.DiscussionFirst-hand experiences, peer promotions, and maximising resource support instil hope that telemedicine can help people gain more access to healthcare. However, utilisation will remain low if patients feel overwhelmed by the behavioural modifications and material resources needed to access telemedicine. Boosting infrastructure must come with improving confidence and trust among people.ConclusionSustainable access beyond the pandemic requires an understanding of factors that prevent usage. Sufficient investment in infrastructure and other related resources is needed if telemedicine will be used to address inequities in healthcare access, especially in rural and remote areas.
Estimation and determinants of direct hospitalisation cost for coronary heart disease in a low-middle-income country: evidence from a nationwide study in Iranian hospitals
Authors: Kazemi Zohreh , Emamgholipour Sara , Daroudi Rajabali , Yunesian Masud , Hassanvand Mohammad Sadegh 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundCoronary heart disease (CHD) is the most prevalent type of cardiovascular disease in Iran. This study aims to investigate the estimation and determinants of direct hospitalisation cost for patients with CHD in Iranian hospitals.MethodsWe identified patients with CHD in Iran in 2019–2020. Data were gathered from the Iran Health Insurance Organisation information systems and the Ministry of Health and Medical Education. This was a cross-sectional prevalence-based study. Generalised linear models were used to find the determinants of hospitalisation cost for patients with CHD. A total of 86 834 patients suffering from CHD were studied.ResultsMean hospitalisation cost per CHD patient was US$382.90±US$500.72 while the mean daily hospitalisation cost per CHD patient was US$89.71±US$89.99. In-hospital mortality of CHD was 2.52%. Hospitalisation accommodation and medications had the highest share of hospitalisation costs (25.59% and 22.63%, respectively). Men spent 1.12 (95% CI 1.11 to 1.13) times more on hospitalisation costs compared with women, and individuals aged 60 to 69 had hospitalisation costs 1.04 (95% CI 1.02 to 1.06) times higher than those in the 0–49 age range. Patients insured by the Iranian Fund have significantly higher costs 1.17 (95% CI 1.14 to 1.19) than the Rural fund. Hospitalisation costs for patients with CHD who received surgery and angiography were significantly 2.36 (95% CI 2.30 to 2.43) times higher than for patients who did not undergo surgery and angiography.ConclusionApplying CHD prevention strategies for men and the middle-aged population (50–70 years) is strongly recommended. Prudent use and prescribing of medications will be helpful to reduce hospitalisation cost.
Safety and efficacy of drug-eluting stents versus heparin-bonded stents in treatment of femoropopliteal peripheral artery disease: study protocol for a multicentre, prospective randomised controlled trial in China (ELITE trial)
Authors: Qi Yuhan , Zhang Huawei , Zhao Jichun , Yuan Ding , Wang Jiarong , Ge Jinting , Huang Bin , Weng Chengxin , Wang Tiehao 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionEndovascular therapy has emerged as a prominent strategy for managing femoropopliteal peripheral artery disease, offering acceptable safety and efficacy compared with open surgical bypass. Both paclitaxel-eluting stents and heparin-bonded covered stents have exhibited enhanced clinical outcomes compared with bare metal stents. However, there is currently a lack of level I evidence comparing the safety and efficacy of paclitaxel-eluting stents and heparin-bonded covered stents. Therefore, the primary objective of this study is to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety outcomes of these two types of stents.Methods and analysisThe ELITE trial is a prospective, multicentre, parallel, randomised controlled trial. A total of 450 patients will be recruited. The primary endpoints of the study include primary patency at 1 year post-index procedure.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval for this study was obtained from the Ethics Committee of West China Hospital of Sichuan University (approval number: 2023–1186). The results will be submitted to a major clinical journal for peer review and publication.Trial registrationELITE trial was registered on 27 September 2023 in the Chinese Clinical Trials Registry (ChiCTR2300076236).
Diagnostic prediction models for bacterial meningitis in children with a suspected central nervous system infection: a systematic review and prospective validation study
Authors: Groeneveld Nina S , Bijlsma Merijn W , van Zeggeren Ingeborg E , Staal Steven L , Tanck Michael W T , van de Beek Diederik , Brouwer Matthijs C 
Published: August 2024

ObjectivesDiagnostic prediction models exist to assess the probability of bacterial meningitis (BM) in paediatric patients with suspected meningitis. To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of these models in a broad population of children suspected of a central nervous system (CNS) infection, we performed external validation.MethodsWe performed a systematic literature review in Medline to identify articles on the development, refinement or validation of a prediction model for BM, and validated these models in a prospective cohort of children aged 0–18 years old suspected of a CNS infection.Primary and secondary outcome measuresWe calculated sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and evaluated calibration of the models for diagnosis of BM.ResultsIn total, 23 prediction models were validated in a cohort of 450 patients suspected of a CNS infection included between 2012 and 2015. In 75 patients (17%), the final diagnosis was a CNS infection including 30 with BM (7%). AUCs ranged from 0.69 to 0.94 (median 0.83, interquartile range [IQR] 0.79–0.87) overall, from 0.74 to 0.96 (median 0.89, IQR 0.82–0.92) in children aged ≥28 days and from 0.58 to 0.91 (median 0.79, IQR 0.75–0.82) in neonates.ConclusionsPrediction models show good to excellent test characteristics for excluding BM in children and can be of help in the diagnostic workup of paediatric patients with a suspected CNS infection, but cannot replace a thorough history, physical examination and ancillary testing.
Does an expanded allied health student training programme in regional New South Wales (Australia) result in a positive social return on investment? A protocol for a single-university education-based economic evaluation
Authors: Nott Melissa , Green Elyce , Anderson Micheal , French Louise , Lander Chelsea , McAleer Rachael , Brusco Natasha 
Published: August 2024

Introduction20 years ago, health professional student placements in rural areas of Australia were identified as an important rural recruitment strategy and funding priority. Since then, there has been a growing body of research investigating the value, impact, barriers and facilitators of student placements in rural areas of Australia. Charles Sturt University, Three Rivers Department of Rural Health, was recently awarded an Australian Government grant to expand their Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training (RHMT) programme, designed to increase multi-disciplinary student placements in rural areas of New South Wales (NSW), Australia. The aim of this study is to determine if the expanded RHMT has a positive social return on investment (SROI).Methods and analysesThe RHMT Programme will expand into the Forbes/Parkes/Lachlan local government areas of NSW where there is a population of 21 004 people, including 3743 First Nations peoples. Data collection includes collecting programme outputs, programme costs and conducting surveys and interviews with students, host organisations, supervisors and community members including First Nations peoples. The SROI will quantify the ‘investment’ required to implement the RHMT programme, as well as the ‘social return’ on the RHMT programme from the student, organisational, supervisor and community perspectives. The SROI will compare the combined cost with the combined return, from a societal perspective, including a 3-year time horizon, with cost data presented in $A 2024/25.DiscussionThe findings of this SROI study may influence future Australian government investment in RHMT as a mechanism for supporting rural allied health recruitment and for investing in the local rural economy.Ethics and disseminationThis study has been approved by the Charles Sturt University Human Research Ethics Committee (#H23589) and the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of New South Wales (#2130/23). Results will be disseminated via a peer-review journal publication, as well as conference presentations.