bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
BOK-engaged mitophagy alleviates neuropathology in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Yang Yang , Chen Hui , Huang Shuwen , Chen Hao , Verkhratsky Alexei , Niu Jianqin , Qu Yibo , Yi Chenju 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Mitochondrial malfunction associated with impaired mitochondrial quality control and self-renewal machinery, known as mitophagy, is an under-appreciated mechanism precipitating synaptic loss and cognitive impairments in Alzheimer’s disease. Promoting mitophagy has been shown to improve cognitive function in Alzheimer’s disease animals. However, the regulatory mechanism was unclear, which formed the aim of this study.
Here, we found that a neuron-specific loss of Bcl-2 family member BOK in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and APPswe/PS1dE9 (APP/PS1) mice is closely associated with mitochondrial damage and mitophagy defects. We further revealed that BOK is the key to the Parkin-mediated mitophagy through competitive binding to the MCL1/Parkin complex, resulting in Parkin release and translocation to damaged mitochondria to initiate mitophagy. Furthermore, overexpressing bok in hippocampal neurons of APP/PS1 mice alleviated mitophagy and mitochondrial malfunction, resulting in improved cognitive function. Conversely, the knockdown of bok worsened the aforementioned Alzheimer’s disease-related changes.
Our findings uncover a novel mechanism of BOK signalling through regulating Parkin-mediated mitophagy to mitigate amyloid pathology, mitochondrial and synaptic malfunctions, and cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease, thus representing a promising therapeutic target.
Beyond the Timeline: 1-Year Mortality Trends in Early Versus Late Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis
Authors: Papadimitriou-Olivgeris Matthaios , Ledergerber Bruno , Siedentop Berit , Monney Pierre , Frank Michelle , Tzimas Georgios , Tozzi Piergiorgio , Kirsch Matthias , Epprecht Jana , van Hemelrijck Mathias , Dzemali Omer , Guery Benoit , Hasse Barbara 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Among 302 episodes of prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE), 1-year mortality was 31%. There was no evidence indicating that early-onset PVE within 6 months from valve surgery led to a worse outcome compared to late-onset PVE (21% vs 32%, P = .126), despite similar redo valve surgeries across both categories.
Genomic patterns in the dwarf kingfishers of northern Melanesia reveal a mechanistic framework explaining the paradox of the great speciators
Authors: DeRaad Devon A , Files Alexandra N , DeCicco Lucas H , Martin Rene P , McCullough Jenna M , Holland Piokera , Pikacha Douglas , Tigulu Ikuo G , Boseto David , Lavery Tyrone H , Andersen Michael J , Moyle Robert G 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The paradox of the great speciators describes a contradictory biogeographic pattern exhibited by numerous avian lineages in Oceania. Specifically, these lineages display broad geographic distributions across the region, implying strong over-water dispersal capabilities; yet, they also display repeated genetic and phenotypic divergence—even between geographically proximate islands—implying poor inter-island dispersal capabilities. One group originally cited as evidence for this paradox is the dwarf kingfishers of the genus Ceyx. Here, using genomic sequencing and comprehensive geographic sampling of the monophyletic Ceyx radiation from northern Melanesia, we find repeated, deep genetic divergence and no evidence for gene flow between lineages found on geographically proximate islands, providing an exceptionally clear example of the paradox of the great speciators. A dated phylogenetic reconstruction suggests a significant burst of diversification occurred rapidly after reaching northern Melanesia, between 3.9 and 2.9 MYA. This pattern supports a shift in net diversification rate, concordant with the expectations of the “colonization cycle” hypothesis, which implies a historical shift in dispersiveness among great speciator lineages during the evolutionary past. Here, we present a formalized framework that explains how repeated founder effects and shifting selection pressures on highly dispersive genotypes are the only ultimate causes needed to generate the paradox of the great speciators. Within this framework, we emphasize that lineage-specific traits and island-specific abiotic factors will result in varying levels of selection pressure against dispersiveness, caused by varying proximate eco-evolutionary mechanisms. Overall, we highlight how understanding patterns of diversification in the Ceyx dwarf kingfishers helped us generate a cohesive framework that provides a rigorous mechanistic explanation for patterns concordant with the paradox of the great speciators and the repeated emergence of geographic radiations in island archipelagoes across the globe.
A rapid analysis of aftershock processes after a moderate magnitude earthquake with ML methods
Authors: Fonzetti Rossella , Govoni Aladino , De Gori Pasquale , Chiarabba Claudio 
Published: July 2024

SUMMARY
Moderate magnitude earthquakes and seismic sequences frequently develop on fault systems, but whether they are linked to future major ruptures is always ambiguous. In this study, we investigated a seismic sequence that has developed within a portion of the stretching region of the Apennines in Italy where moderate to large earthquakes are likely to occur. We captured a total of 2039 aftershocks of the 2023 September 18, Mw 4.9 earthquake occurred during the first week, by using machine-learning (ML) based algorithms. Aftershocks align on two 5–7 km long parallel faults, from a length that exceeds what is expected from the main shock magnitude. The segments are ramping at about 6 km depth on closely spaced N100 striking 70 N dipping planes, at a distance of some kilometres from the main shock hypocentre. Our results indicate that even moderate magnitude events trigger seismicity on a spread set of fault segments around the main shock hypocentre, revealing processes of interaction within the crustal layer. The possibility that larger earthquakes develop during seismicity spread is favoured by pore pressure diffusion, in relation with the closeness to criticality of fault segments. Based on the very rapid activation of seismicity on the entire system and a back-front signal from the hypocentre of the main event, we infer that fluid pressure, initially high within the crustal layer, rapidly dropped after the main shock. Our study reinforces the importance of timely extracting information on fault geometry and seismicity distribution on faults. ML-based methods represent a viable tool for semi-real-time application, yielding constraints on short-time forecasts.
Luteolin, a natural flavonoid, exhibits a protective effect on intestinal injury induced by soybean meal in early-weaned piglets
Authors: Liang Xuecong , Zheng Shugui , Zhou Yang , Li Jiguang , Zhang Zhuo 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Soybean meal is known to be able to cause intestinal damage and dysfunction in early-weaned piglets. However, research on natural compounds that can alleviate these effects is scarce. In this study, the effect of luteolin, a natural flavonoid, on intestinal health of piglets fed on a soybean meal-based diet was explored. A total of eighteen 21-d-old piglets were selected and randomly divided into 3 groups: a negative control group fed with an animal protein-based diet, a positive control group fed with a soybean meal-based diet, and a luteolin group that was fed with the positive control diet supplemented with luteolin. The results suggested that luteolin supplementation significantly increased the average daily gain and average daily feed intake of early-weaned piglets, while effectively reducing the diarrhea incidence. Additionally, luteolin supplementation lowered the levels of soybean antigen-specific immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin E anitbodies, increased the superoxide dismutase activity in both sera and small intestine mucosa, and enhanced the total antioxidant capacity in sera. Further research found that luteolin supplementation increased the intestinal villi height and decreased the crypt depth, resulting in an increased ratio of villi to crypts. At the same time, it reduced the concentration of serum diamine oxidase, improving intestinal barrier function. Moreover, luteolin significantly decreased the gene expression of Bax and Caspase-3, reducing cell apoptosis in the intestinal mucosa. Luteolin supplementation also increased the abundance of Actinobacteria at the phylum level, reduced the abundance of Prevotella and increased the abundance of Olsenella at the genus level. In conclusion, the supplementation of luteolin to the soybean meal diet was capable of effectively reducing allergic response, enhancing the antioxidant capacity of early-weaned piglets, protecting their intestinal barrier function, inhibiting intestinal mucosal cell apoptosis, and altering the intestinal microbiota structure, therefore promoting intestinal health and improving production performance in early-weaned piglets.
He Loves the One He Has Invested In: The Effects of Mating Cues on Men’s and Women’s Sunk Cost Bias
Authors: Chen Rui , Sun Hao , Guo Zhaoyang , Chen Haipeng (Allan) 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The sunk cost bias, that is, people’s suboptimal tendency to continue to pursue previously invested options, has been found in many domains, and various mechanisms have been proposed. The current study offers a novel perspective for understanding sunk cost bias. Drawing on previous findings suggesting that sunk cost bias may be adaptive and promoted by fundamental motives, it is theorized that sunk cost bias may be a goal-oriented behavior in the mating domain and that this bias can extend to consumption domains (e.g., product/service with nonrefundable deposits, lotteries earned through prior effort, loyalty program memberships obtained through previous purchases) when mating cues are salient. One field study and seven experiments (six of which were pre-registered) demonstrated that mating cues strengthen an implemental mindset among men (vs. women). Consequently, men exhibit a stronger sunk cost bias in consumption when mating cues are salient. However, this effect was not found among women due to differences in their mating tactics. In addition, this article distinguishes sunk cost effect from status quo bias and rules out multiple alternative explanations for the results (including affect, overconfidence, the investment-payoff link, persistence, perceived morality, shame, guilt, and disgust associated with abandoning the original option).
Simulation study on the radioactive logging responses in the spiral borehole
Authors: Mi Honggang , Liang Yunan , Sun Qiang , Wei Chao , Song Hongwei , Zhang Quanying , Li Ningchao , Nie Xin 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The spiral borehole, primarily attributed to uneven force on the drill bit, poses a unique drilling and well logging challenge. In certain logging applications, this phenomenon can disrupt logging responses, introducing periodic fluctuations in the logging curve and complicating the interpretation process. To elucidate the impact of the spiral-borehole phenomenon on conventional radioactive logging methods, we conducted a simulation study examining its effects on traditional density tool, thermal-neutron porosity tool, and natural gamma tool. Our findings reveal significant influences on density and porosity tool responses, with the amplitude of periodic fluctuations in logging curves closely linked to the groove depth of the spiral borehole. Conversely, the natural gamma tool exhibits minimal impact, with noticeable spiral-borehole effects causing limited fluctuations. Additionally, when the groove depth of the spiral borehole is fixed, the smaller the distance between the logging tool and the well wall, the closer the value obtained by the logging tool is to the true value of the formation parameter, and vice versa. This research offers theoretical insights for effectively correcting spiral-borehole effects in radioactive logging methods.
About two unusual cases of pancreatic primary squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Boujida Ismail , Horache Kenza , Derqaoui Sabrine , Jahid Ahmed , Zouaidia Fouad , El-Aoufir Omar , Bernoussi Zakia , Znati Kaoutar 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Pancreatic primary squamous cell carcinoma (PPSCC) is very uncommon. The major diagnostic method is histology, and it requires the exclusion of a metastasis from a different primary location (lung, esophagus…). Herein, we describe two cases of a PPSCC (one in the head and the other one in the tail and the body of the pancreas) with a brief review of literature. When it comes to the poorly differentiated PPSCC, immunohistochemistry (IHC) is crucial. Regretfully, there is currently no unanimity on treatment, and the outcome is dismal.
Phenylboronic acid interacts with pectic rhamnogalacturonan-II and displays anti-auxinic effects during Arabidopsis thaliana root growth and development
Authors: Hays Quentin , Ropitaux Marc , Gügi Bruno , Vallois Anthony , Baron Aurélie , Vauzeilles Boris , Lerouge Patrice , Anderson Charles T , Lehner Arnaud 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Boron dimerizes rhamnogalacturonan-II (RG-II) in the plant cell wall and is crucial for cell elongation; however, studying RG-II dimerization is challenging because of the severe phenotypes or lethality of RG-II mutants. Boron deprivation negates both RG-II dimerization and plant growth, but whether or how these phenotypes are functionally linked has remained unclear. Boric acid analogues can serve as experimental tools to interfere with RG-II cross-linking. In this study, we treated Arabidopsis seedlings with the boric acid analogue phenylboronic acid (PBA) to examine whether the resulting developmental phenotypes were attributable to alteration of RG-II dimerization or to other putative functions of boron in plants. We found that PBA treatment altered root development in the seedlings while RG-II dimerization and its distribution were not affected. Surprisingly, under low boron conditions, PBA treatment had no effect on root size but still prevented lateral root development, and it restored RG-II dimerization. PBA treatment also disrupted auxin levels, potentially explaining the absence of lateral roots in the seedlings treated with this analogue. We conclude that PBA interacts both with RG-II and other cellular targets such as auxin signaling components, and that the phenotypes caused by PBA arise from interference with multiple functions of boron.
Stress-regulated Arabidopsis GAT2 is a low affinity γ-aminobutyric acid transporter
Authors: Meier Stefan , Bautzmann Robin , Komarova Nataliya Y , Ernst Viona , Suter Grotemeyer Marianne , Schröder Kirsten , Haindrich Alexander C , Vega Fernández Adriana , Robert Christelle A M , Ward John M , Rentsch Doris 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe four-carbon non-proteinogenic amino acid γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) accumulates to high levels in plants in response to various abiotic and biotic stress stimuli, and plays a role in C:N balance, signaling, and as a transport regulator. Expression in Xenopus oocytes and voltage-clamping allowed the characterization of Arabidopsis GAT2 (At5g41800) as a low affinity GABA transporter with a K0.5GABA ~8 mM. l-Alanine and butylamine represented additional substrates. GABA-induced currents were strongly dependent on the membrane potential, reaching the highest affinity and highest transport rates at strongly negative membrane potentials. Mutation of Ser17, previously reported to be phosphorylated in planta, did not result in altered affinity. In a short-term stress experiment, AtGAT2 mRNA levels were up-regulated at low water potential and under osmotic stress (polyethylene glycol and mannitol). Furthermore, AtGAT2 promoter activity was detected in vascular tissues, maturating pollen, and the phloem unloading region of young seeds. Even though this suggested a role for AtGAT2 in long-distance transport and loading of sink organs, under the conditions tested neither AtGAT2-overexpressing plants, atgat2 or atgat1 T-DNA insertion lines, nor atgat1 atgat2 doubleknockout mutants differed from wild-type plants in growth on GABA, amino acid levels, or resistance to salt and osmotic stress.
High-Frequency Oscillations
Authors: Menendez de la Prida Liset , Gotman Jean 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
This chapter focuses on high frequency oscillations (HFOs), which are also known as transient oscillations in the broad 80 to 6000 Hz frequency range. HFOs typically represent a normal physiological activity and pathological phenomenon found in epileptic tissue. Technologies like intracranial EEG (iEEG) and scalp electrodes aid with recording HFOs and ripples that became an important biomarker of epilepsy and epileptogenesis. The chapter highlights the significance of identifying ripples and fast ripples of neuronal activity, which are neurophysiological events that can be defined by features such as association with sharp waves and particular laminar distribution. It then expounds on the differences between physiological HFOs and pathological HFOs.
Seizures and Sleep
Authors: Frauscher Birgit , Timofeev Igor 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
This chapter highlights recent advances in our understanding of the bidirectional interactions between sleep and epilepsy. It describes underlying neuronal correlates of sleep oscillations and epileptic activity followed by an overview of how epileptic activity during the interictal and ictal state relates to sleep. It highlights effects of sleep microstructure and sleep stability on epileptic activity, with slow oscillations and sleep fragmentation enhancing epileptic activity, and phasic rapid-eye-movement sleep having suppressive properties. Moreover, it discusses evidence of the contribution of sleep studies for improved identification of the epileptogenic zone and prediction of seizure outcome. In addition to the effects of sleep, this chapter explains how epileptic activity is influenced by longer time intervals on a day, multiday, and year scale. It then discusses how the link between epileptic activity and sleep microstructure might affect physiological functioning beyond seizures by impairing the fine-tuned orchestration of slow oscillations, spindles, and ripples necessary for memory consolidation, and reviews research addressing this question in epilepsy. Finally, the chapter provides an overview of the relationship between sudden unexplained death in epilepsy, sleep, and seizures, and discusses cardio-respiratory dysfunction as one putative mechanism. The review concludes with discussing future directions necessary to bridge current gaps in understanding, and it provides suggestions for advancing this field.
Human Single-Neuron Recordings in Epilepsy
Authors: Merricks Edward M. , Schevon Catherine A. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
This chapter reviews the history, technology, and scientific contributions of single-neuron recordings in humans, which have largely been conducted in epilepsy patients undergoing surgical procedures for clinical treatment purposes. Single-neuron recordings have been used by epileptologists to study interictal discharges and the onset, propagation, and termination of human focal seizures, and by neuroscientists and biomedical engineers to study normal cognition in areas such as visual and spatial memory and decision-making. While there are many practical and ethical limitations, this work has proven invaluable for both exploratory studies and for validating research from animal or computational models. Ongoing technological innovation is likely to expand the use and applicability of human single-neuron studies in the foreseeable future.
Convergence of Thalamic Mechanisms in Genetic Epilepsies
Authors: Cho Frances S. , Paz Jeanne T. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The thalamus, a deep brain structure with broad connectivity, plays key roles in local and global rhythmic activity in sleep, arousal, and cognition. Disruptions in thalamic and thalamocortical circuits—and the ensuing hypersynchrony and hyperexcitability—have been widely studied in the context of genetic epilepsies and have garnered increasing interest in the context of acquired epilepsies. In this chapter, key structural, synaptic, cellular, and biophysical elements underlying the rhythmogenic properties of the thalamus are described, and then how diverse perturbations of these properties in rodent genetic models ultimately generate or facilitate seizures. The chapter briefly highlights recent studies which have identified mechanisms of thalamic involvement in the development or modulation of epilepsies acquired following incidents such as traumatic brain injury and ischemic stroke. Understanding how diverse etiologies converge upon thalamic hyperexcitability can pinpoint elements of vulnerability, resilience, redundancy, necessity, and sufficiency in the thalamocortical circuit. Understanding how the thalamus generates and modulates aberrant activity—even when it is not the primary or sole site of genetic perturbation—will be key to identifying therapeutic targets and paradigms to treat epilepsies. Such efforts will benefit from continued advancements in our knowledge of cell-type heterogeneity, meso- and macro-scale connectivity, and interspecies differences in the thalamus.
The Diverse Roles of Mossy Cells in the Normal Brain, Epileptogenesis, and Chronic Epilepsy
Authors: Scharfman Helen E. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Mossy cells (MCs) of the dentate gyrus (DG) are glutamatergic neurons with the potential for different roles in the normal brain. In epilepsy, particularly temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), MCs are also considered to be important based on their vulnerability to the brain insults that can cause TLE. Two hypotheses have developed to explain the effects of MC loss in TLE: the dormant basket cell hypothesis suggest that MC death weakens GC inhibition, promoting seizures. The second hypothesis, the irritable mossy cell hypothesis, suggests that those MCs that survive in TLE increase GC excitation. This chapter discusses a “bridging hypothesis” based on the idea that MC functions change depending on the state of the DG network: the normal state, the state during the initial insult of TLE, or during chronic epilepsy in TLE. It is suggested that during the normal state MCs mainly inhibit GCs by activating DG GABAergic neurons. In contrast, during the initial insult, MCs excitation of GCs increases dramatically. After the insult, many of the MCs and hilar GABAergic neurons die due to excitotoxicity. However, some survive, and in chronic epilepsy there are significant structural and functional changes to the circuitry. MCs appear to revert to their mainly inhibitory role. This view reconciles data showing that inhibition of MCs during the initial insult will decrease excitotoxicity, reducing epileptogenesis, but activation of MCs in chronic epilepsy will reduce convulsive seizures. In summary, it is suggested that MCs have diverse roles in the DG that greatly influence the GCs and are different depending on the state of the network.