bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cell‐permeable JNK‐inhibitory peptide regulates intestinal barrier function and inflammation to ameliorate necrotizing enterocolitis
Authors: Bu Chaozhi , Hu Mengyuan , Su Yinglin , Yuan Fuqiang , Zhang Yiting , Xia Jing , Jia Zhenyu , Zhang Le 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIntestinal dysbiosis is believed to play a role in the development of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). The efficacy of JNK‐inhibitory peptide (CPJIP) in treating NEC was assessed. Treatment with CPJIP led to a notable reduction in p‐JNK expression in IEC‐6 cells and NEC mice. Following LPS stimulation, the expression of RNA and protein of claudin‐1, claudin‐3, claudin‐4 and occludin was significantly decreased, with this decrease being reversed by CPJIP administration, except for claudin‐3, which remained consistent in NEC mice. Moreover, the expression levels of the inflammatory factors TNF‐α, IL‐1β and IL‐6 were markedly elevated, a phenomenon that was effectively mitigated by the addition of CPJIP in both IEC‐6 cells and NEC mice. CPJIP administration resulted in improved survival rates, ameliorated microscopic intestinal mucosal injury, and increased the total length of the intestines and colon in NEC mice. Additionally, CPJIP treatment led to a reduction in serum concentrations of FD‐4, D‐lactate and DAO. Furthermore, our results revealed that CPJIP effectively inhibited intestinal cell apoptosis and promoted cell proliferation in the intestine. This study represents the first documentation of CPJIP's ability to enhance the expression of tight junction components, suppress inflammatory responses, and rescue intestinal cell fate by inhibiting JNK activation, ultimately mitigating intestinal severity. These findings suggest that CPJIP has the potential to serve as a promising candidate for the treatment of NEC.
Hypoxia impairs urothelial barrier function by inhibiting the expression of tight junction proteins in SV‐HUC‐1 cells
Authors: Luo Huijiu , Zhou Hui , Chen Yuzhu , Sun Xianwu , Li Yihuan , Li Guangjie , Long Shouyi , Wang Shiyu , Liang Guobiao , Chen Shulian 
Published: July 2024

AbstractHypoxia plays an important role in the pathological process of bladder outlet obstruction. Previous research has mostly focused on the dysfunction of bladder smooth muscle cells, which are directly related to bladder contraction. This study delves into the barrier function changes of the urothelial cells under exposure to hypoxia. Results indicated that after a 5‐day culture, SV‐HUC‐1 formed a monolayer and/or bilayer of cell sheets, with tight junction formation, but no asymmetrical unit membrane was observed. qPCR and western blotting revealed the expression of TJ‐associated proteins (occludin, claudin1 and ZO‐1) was significantly decreased in the hypoxia group in a time‐dependent manner. No expression changes were observed in uroplakins. When compared to normoxic groups, immunofluorescent staining revealed a reduction in the expression of TJ‐associated proteins in the hypoxia group. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) revealed a statistically significant decrease in resistance in the hypoxia group. Fluorescein isothiocyanate‐conjugated dextran assay was inversely proportional to the results of TEER. Taken together, hypoxia down‐regulates the expression of TJ‐associated proteins and breaks tight junctions, thus impairing the barrier function in human urothelial cells.
Identification of necroptosis‐related genes in ankylosing spondylitis by bioinformatics and experimental validation
Authors: Wen Pengfei , Zhao Yan , Yang Mingyi , Yang Peng , Nan Kai , Liu Lin , Xu Peng 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe pathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) remains unclear, and while recent studies have implicated necroptosis in various autoimmune diseases, an investigation of its relationship with AS has not been reported. In this study, we utilized the Gene Expression Omnibus database to compare gene expressions between AS patients and healthy controls, identifying 18 differentially expressed necroptosis‐related genes (DENRGs), with 8 upregulated and 10 downregulated. Through the application of three machine learning algorithms—least absolute shrinkage and selection operation, support vector machine‐recursive feature elimination and random forest—two hub genes, FASLG and TARDBP, were pinpointed. These genes demonstrated high specificity and sensitivity for AS diagnosis, as evidenced by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. These findings were further supported by external datasets and cellular experiments, which confirmed the downregulation of FASLG and upregulation of TARDBP in AS patients. Immune cell infiltration analysis suggested that CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, NK cells and neutrophils may be associated with the development of AS. Notably, in the group with high FASLG expression, there was a significant infiltration of CD8+ T cells, memory‐activated CD4+ T cells and resting NK cells, with relatively less infiltration of memory‐resting CD4+ T cells and neutrophils. Conversely, in the group with high TARDBP expression, there was enhanced infiltration of naïve CD4+ T cells and M0 macrophages, with a reduced presence of memory‐resting CD4+ T cells. In summary, FASLG and TARDBP may contribute to AS pathogenesis by regulating the immune microenvironment and immune‐related signalling pathways. These findings offer new insights into the molecular mechanisms of AS and suggest potential new targets for therapeutic strategies.
Simultaneous mutations in ITPK4 and MRP5 genes result in a low phytic acid level without compromising salt tolerance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Ren Yuying , Jiang Mengdan , Zhu Jian‐Kang , Zhou Wenkun , Zhao Chunzhao 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTGeneration of crops with low phytic acid (myo‐inositol‐1,2,3,4,5,6‐hexakisphosphate (InsP6)) is an important breeding direction, but such plants often display less desirable agronomic traits. In this study, through ethyl methanesulfonate‐mediated mutagenesis, we found that inositol 1,3,4‐trisphosphate 5/6‐kinase 4 (ITPK4), which is essential for producing InsP6, is a critical regulator of salt tolerance in Arabidopsis. Loss of function of ITPK4 gene leads to reduced root elongation under salt stress, which is primarily because of decreased root meristem length and reduced meristematic cell number. The itpk4 mutation also results in increased root hair density and increased accumulation of reactive oxygen species during salt exposure. RNA sequencing assay reveals that several auxin‐responsive genes are down‐regulated in the itpk4‐1 mutant compared to the wild‐type. Consistently, the itpk4‐1 mutant exhibits a reduced auxin level in the root tip and displays compromised gravity response, indicating that ITPK4 is involved in the regulation of the auxin signaling pathway. Through suppressor screening, it was found that mutation of Multidrug Resistance Protein 5 (MRP5)5 gene, which encodes an ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporter required for transporting InsP6 from the cytoplasm into the vacuole, fully rescues the salt hypersensitivity of the itpk4‐1 mutant, but in the itpk4‐1 mrp5 double mutant, InsP6 remains at a very low level. These results imply that InsP6 homeostasis rather than its overall amount is beneficial for stress tolerance in plants. Collectively, this study uncovers a pair of gene mutations that confer low InsP6 content without impacting stress tolerance, which offers a new strategy for creating “low‐phytate” crops.
Ultrasound diagnostic of intrauterine adhesions: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ding Caiyun , Wei Wei , Ding Fengzhi , Ding Jin , Li Bozheng , Ma Qiang 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPurposeTo summarize and compare the accuracy of transvaginal ultrasound (TVS), 3D‐TVS, and sonohysterography (SHG) for the diagnosis of intrauterine adhesions (IUA).MethodsThe computer searches databases such as web of science, Medline, EMBASE, and PubMed collecting diagnostic studies of IUA via ultrasound. The retrieval time was included from inception to January 1, 2023. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted information, and used RevMan 5.3 to complete an assessment of the risk of bias in the included literature. Meta‐analysis of included studies using Stata 16.0 and Meta Disc 1.4 software.ResultsThirteen studies were included. The analysis results of 2D‐TVS are The sensitivity (SEN): 0.54 (95% CI [0.28078]), specificity (SPE): 0.96 (95% CI [0.78, 0.99]), and the area (AUC) under the operating characteristic curve (SROC): 0.83 (95% CI [0.80, 0.86]); the SEN, SPE, and AUC of 3D‐TVS are: 0.96 (95% CI [0.90, 0.98]), 0.84 (95% CI [0.68, 0.93]), 0.97 (95% CI [0.95, 0.98]); and the SEN, SPE, and AUC of SHG are: 0.74 (95% CI [0.53, 0.88]), 0.97 (95% CI [0.94, 0.99]), 0.95 (95% CI [0.93, 0.97]).ConclusionThe current results show that the diagnostic value of 3D‐TVS for IUA is better than SHG and significantly higher than that of 2D‐TVS. However, the analysis of subgroups is still limited by the number of included studies. In order to better explore the application of ultrasound in intrauterine adhesion, more high‐quality studies are needed in the future.
Assessing pet owners' willingness to embrace insects in pet food
Authors: Baptista da Silva Camila , Santos Neto Elias Leocádio dos , Broeckx Bart J. G. , Ruiz‐Suárez Norberto , Eeckhout Mia , Hesta Myriam 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAlternative diets for pets have gained attention in recent years due to concerns about sustainability and environmental impact. One emerging option is the inclusion of edible insects in pet food. This study aimed to survey dog (DO) and cat (CO) owners regarding their willingness to feed insect‐based pet food (IBPF) to their pets and to identify potential motivating factors. A total of 435 valid responses were evaluated, with 66% being DO and 58% CO. Of those, 24% owned both dogs and cats. About half of DO (52%) and 62% of CO were positive about IBPF. CO had a higher acceptance of IBPF than DO (p < 0.05). Moreover, both DO and CO showed a significant increase in acceptance if IBPF has been proven to provide sustainable and nutritional benefits (p < 0.01). CO adhering to a specific diet themselves showed a significantly higher acceptance of IBPF (p < 0.05), however it was independent of the type of diet. Additionally, 32% of DO and 34% of CO reported prior experience with eating edible insects themselves, and a positive entomophagy experience increased DO's (p = 0.108) and CO's (p < 0.01) acceptance of IBPF. Furthermore, the interest in entomophagy resulted in increased acceptance of IBPF by both DO and CO who had not yet tried insects (p < 0.01). In conclusion, pet owners demonstrated a favourable perception of IBPF and showed a willingness to incorporate these products into their pets' diets. CO displayed a more positive perception compared to DO, suggesting a beneficial focus on the feline niche. To enhance overall acceptance, emphasizing sustainability and conducting further research to establish the nutritional benefits of IBPF are crucial. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for pet food manufacturers and marketers to develop strategies and products aligned with the preferences and needs of pet owners.
An Assessment of Local People's Knowledge and Management Practices of Freshwater Macrophytes in Three Kenyan Lakes
Authors: Onwong'a Rebeccah Kwamboka , Oduor Ayub M. O. , Sitoki Lewis , Handa Collins 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTIt is increasingly being recognised that local people's knowledge can contribute to the ecological and socioeconomic goals of natural resource management programmes. Yet, few studies have examined local people's knowledge concerning freshwater macrophyte diversity. Consequently, the extent to which local people's knowledge can contribute to mitigating freshwater macrophyte degradation and supporting their management remains largely unknown. To contribute towards filling this knowledge gap, we investigated local people's knowledge, perceptions and management practices of freshwater macrophyte species. Data collection involved conducting face‐to‐face in‐depth interviews and focus group discussions among local people who lived in areas adjacent to Lake Baringo, Nyanza Gulf of Lake Victoria and the Kenyan side of Lake Jipe. The sociodemographic characteristics of the respondents were summarised using descriptive statistics. Then, generalised linear mixed‐effect models were used to test whether the respondent's sociodemographic characteristics were associated with their macrophyte species recognition skills, benefits and problems associated with macrophytes and management practices. Our respondents named a total of 35 macrophyte species, with each respondent naming an average of six species. Our results showed that respondents who were not involved in fishing and fish‐related activities identified more macrophytes than those who participated in such activities. Additionally, individuals who frequently visited the lake named more macrophyte species compared to those who visited either daily or occasionally. While our respondents acknowledged various benefits and problems associated with macrophytes, there was a higher recognition rate for those that directly impacted humans. Regarding local management practices, it was observed that macrophytes were not conserved, with management efforts focusing solely on problematic species. Overall, macrophyte naming skills, knowledge on provisioning and supporting ecosystem services, direct adverse macrophyte impacts and management methods increased with age. We identified knowledge gaps regarding alien species and the indirect impacts of macrophytes. Addressing these gaps is crucial.
Online shopping and rural‐urban wage inequality
Authors: Pi Jiancai , Liu Xinyi 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis paper takes online shopping into consideration, and constructs general equilibrium models to analyze how consumers' dependence on online shopping affects rural‐urban skilled‐unskilled wage inequality. We find that when consumers' dependence on online shopping increases, wage inequality can be conditionally narrowed down, depending on the unskilled labor intensity in the urban manufacturing sector and the possible elasticity of the contract price.
A mixed methods evaluation of the breastfeeding memory aide CHINS
Authors: Shotton Lynette , Collins Tracy , Cordier Reinie , Chikwava Fadzai , Steen Mary 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBreastfeeding rates remain persistently low in the United Kingdom (UK) despite wide‐scale rollout of UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative training and accreditation. More must be done to ensure breastfeeding practitioners can provide effective support. The memory aide CHINS (Close, Head free, In‐line, Nose to Nipple and Sustainable) could help practitioners remember, recall, and apply breastfeeding theory in practice and this paper presents a UK evaluation of its impact. A concurrent, convergent mixed methods approach was adopted using Normalisation Process Theory (NPT) as an overarching framework. An online survey targeted breastfeeding practitioners and academics from the UK (n = 115). A sub‐set (n = 16) of respondents took part in qualitative focus groups. Survey data was subjected to descriptive and inferential statistical analysis, and the focus group data was analysed, using NPT. CHINS is widely used in breastfeeding education and practice largely because of its simplicity and ease of integration in everyday practice, as well as its sustained inclusion in UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative training. CHINS has introduced a standardised approach to the principles of positioning for effective breastfeeding. Doing so has helped address inconsistencies and poor practice in this area, and CHINS plays a role in assisting practitioners in building confidence in their breastfeeding practice. More needs to be done to ensure the breastfeeding workforce develop and maintain the requisite skills to promote and support breastfeeding, including the role of memory aides such as CHINS in achieving this.
Dissecting the role of the MS‐ring protein FliF in Bacillus cereus flagella‐related functions
Authors: Mazzantini Diletta , Gherardini Guendalina , Rossi Virginia , Celandroni Francesco , Calvigioni Marco , Panattoni Adelaide , Massimino Mariacristina , Lupetti Antonella , Ghelardi Emilia 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe flagellar MS‐ring, uniquely constituted by FliF, is essential for flagellar biogenesis and functionality in several bacteria. The aim of this study was to dissect the role of FliF in the Gram‐positive and peritrichously flagellated Bacillus cereus. We demonstrate that fliF forms an operon with the upstream gene fliE. In silico analysis of B. cereus ATCC 14579 FliF identifies functional domains and amino acid residues that are essential for protein functioning. The analysis of a ΔfliF mutant of B. cereus, constructed in this study using an in frame markerless gene replacement method, reveals that the mutant is unexpectedly able to assemble flagella, although in reduced amounts compared to the parental strain. Nevertheless, motility is completely abolished by fliF deletion. FliF deprivation causes the production of submerged biofilms and affects the ability of B. cereus to adhere to gastrointestinal mucins. We additionally show that the fliF deletion does not compromise the secretion of the three components of hemolysin BL, a toxin secreted through the flagellar type III secretion system. Overall, our findings highlight the important role of B. cereus FliF in flagella‐related functions, being the protein required for complete flagellation, motility, mucin adhesion, and pellicle biofilms.
The everyday phenomenology of bedside insight: Response to Paley's critique of phenomenological research in nursing
Authors: Birnbaum Shira 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe quality of phenomenological research in nursing has been a subject of long‐standing debate and critique, but conversation took a particularly contentious turn following publication of John Paley's 2017 Phenomenology as Qualitative Research (Routledge), which elicited strong reactions. Faculty in nursing doctoral programs now face a challenge: in light of current controversies, what can we teach that is appropriately labeled phenomenological, and is there a way to present philosophical concepts that might equip students to avoid the most egregious mistakes of the past? In this article, I suggest that ordinary clinical nursing practice is an inherently phenomenological enterprise, and creative bedside insights belong at the center of our teaching, as they embody an everyday phenomenology which exemplifies core elements of the phenomenological method. Instead of following ever‐more‐precisely elaborated instructional manuals, I propose, our students should begin their studies of phenomenology by returning attention to the way creative insight emerges during routine care. Bedside insights have been rendered invisible by our discipline's valuing of technical proceduralism over artistry in research and by the turn to evidence‐based practice in clinical work, but they are a valuable pathway to learning and should be part of our response to the current crisis.
Gastric slow‐wave modulation via power‐controlled, irrigated radio‐frequency ablation
Authors: Matthee Ashton , Aghababaie Zahra , Nisbet Linley A. , Simmonds Sam , Dowrick Jarrah M. , Sands Gregory B. , Angeli‐Gordon Timothy R. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundRecently, radio‐frequency ablation has been used to modulate slow‐wave activity in the porcine stomach. Gastric ablation is, however, still in its infancy compared to its history in the cardiac field, and electrophysiological studies have been restricted to temperature‐controlled, non‐irrigated ablation. Power‐controlled, irrigated ablation may improve lesion formation at lower catheter‐tip temperatures that produce the desired localized conduction block.Methods and ResultsPower‐controlled, irrigated radio‐frequency ablation was performed on the gastric serosal surface of female weaner pigs (n = 5) in vivo. Three combinations of power (10–15 W) and irrigation settings (2–5 mL min−1) were investigated. A total of 12 linear lesions were created (n = 4 for each combination). Slow waves were recorded before and after ablation using high‐resolution electrical mapping.Key ResultsIrrigation maintained catheter‐tip temperature below 50°C. Ablation induced a complete conduction block in 8/12 cases (4/4 for 10 W at 2 mL min−1, 1/4 for 10 W at 5 mL min−1, 3/4 for 15 W at 5 mL min−1). Blocks were characterized by a decrease in signal amplitude at the lesion site, along with changes in slow‐wave propagation patterns, where slow waves terminated at and/or rotated around the edge of the lesion.Conclusions and InferencesPower‐controlled, irrigated ablation can successfully modulate gastric slow‐wave activity at a reduced catheter‐tip temperature compared to temperature‐controlled, non‐irrigated ablation. Reducing the irrigation rate is more effective than increasing power for blocking slow‐wave activity. These benefits suggest that irrigated ablation is a suitable option for further translation into a clinical intervention for gastric electrophysiology disorders.
Acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy: 20‐year experience from an Italian tertiary referral center
Authors: Fiordelisi Adele , Soldovieri Sara , Pagnini Ilaria , Marrani Edoardo , Simonini Gabriele , Indolfi Giuseppe , Trapani Sandra 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPurposeData on acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy (AHEI) are derived from small case series or case reports. We report a 20‐year experience at a national referral center.MethodsWe performed a single‐center retrospective study including patients who were diagnosed with AHEI from January 1, 2004, to June 30, 2023.ResultsWe identified 21 patients (57.1% females) with a median age of 18 months (range 7–33 months). Thirteen (61.9%) patients were admitted to the pediatric ward, the remaining eight (38.1%) presented to the emergency department and were discharged for outpatient management. The median length of hospitalization was 5 days (range 3–9 days). Twenty patients (95.2%) had prodromal symptoms. The most common cutaneous findings were targetoid purpuric plaques. The lesions were most localized on the face (13, 61.9%) and on the upper limbs (18 patients, 85.7%). Sixteen (76%) patients presented with nonpitting and tender edema, localized on the feet (9/16, 56%) and hands (6/16, 37.5%). Systemic involvement was rare, and no patients experienced complications or sequelae. Twelve (57.1%) patients underwent infectious disease investigations, with positive results in only four (33.3%). None of the patients diagnosed after the SARS‐CoV‐2 outbreak (March 2020) had positive nasopharyngeal swabs for the virus. For the 13 patients who were admitted to the pediatric ward, the median length of hospitalization was five days (3–9 days).ConclusionsThe 21‐patient single‐center cohort of children affected by AHEI confirmed a generally benign course of AHEI, despite a 62% rate of hospitalization.