bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Heroin regulates the voltage-gated sodium channel auxiliary subunit, SCN1b, to modulate nucleus accumbens medium spiny neuron intrinsic excitability and cue-induced heroin seeking.
Authors: Anderson Ethan M. , Tsvetkov Evgeny , Wood Daniel , Akiki Rose Marie , Al Hasanieh Karim , McCue Lauren M. , Taniguchi Makoto , Lavin Antonieta , Cowan Christopher W. 
Published: February 2025

Self-administration of addictive substances like heroin can couple the rewarding/euphoric effects of the drug with drug-associated cues, and opioid cue reactivity contributes to relapse vulnerability in abstinent individuals recovering from an opioid use disorder (OUD). Opioids are reported to alter the intrinsic excitability of medium spiny neurons (MSNs) in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), a key brain reward region linked to drug seeking, but how opioids alter NAc MSN neuronal excitability and the impact of altered MSN excitability on relapse-like opioid seeking remain unclear. Here we discovered that self-administered, but not experimenter-administered, heroin reduced NAc protein levels of the voltage-gated sodium channel auxiliary subunit, SCN1b in male and female rats. Viral-mediated reduction of NAc SCN1b increased the intrinsic excitability of MSNs, but without altering glutamatergic and GABAergic synaptic transmission. While reducing NAc SCN1b levels had no effect on acquisition of heroin self-administration or extinction learning, we observed a significant increase in cue-reinstated heroin seeking, suggesting that NAc SCN1b normally limits cue-reinstated heroin seeking. We also observed that NAc SCN1b protein levels returned to baseline following heroin self-administration, home-cage abstinence, and extinction training, suggesting that the noted reduction of NAc SCN1b during acquisition of heroin self-administration likely enhances MSN excitability and the strength of heroin-cue associations formed during active heroin use. As such, enhancing NAc SCN1b function might mitigate opioid cue reactivity and a return to active drug use in individuals suffering from OUD.Significance StatementOpioid use disorder (OUD) is a chronic, relapsing disease characterized by excessive craving. Here we found that repeated heroin self-administration reduced the expression of the sodium channel subunit, SCN1b, in the nucleus accumbens, a brain area important for reward signaling and addiction. We show here that reducing SCN1b increased excitability of NAc neurons and increased relapse-like drug seeking in a rodent model of opioid craving. The discovery of this novel mechanism of opioid action in the brain could help lead to future treatments for patients that suffer from OUD.
A common stay-on-goal mechanism in anterior cingulate cortex for information and effort choices
Authors: González Valeria V. , Malvaez Melissa , Yeghikian Alex , Wissing Sydney , Sharpe Melissa , Wassum Kate M. , Izquierdo Alicia 
Published: February 2025

Humans and non-humans alike often make choices to gain information, even when the information cannot be used to change the outcome. Prior research has shown the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is important for evaluating options involving reward-predictive information. Here we studied the role of ACC in information choices using optical inhibition to evaluate the contribution of this region during specific epochs of decision making. Rats could choose between an uninformative option followed by a cue that predicted reward 50% of the time vs. a fully informative option that signaled outcomes with certainty, but was rewarded only 20% of the time. Reward seeking during the informative S+ cue decreased following ACC inhibition, indicating a causal contribution of this region in supporting reward expectation to a cue signaling reward with certainty. Separately in a positive control experiment and in support of a known role for this region in sustaining high-effort behavior for preferred rewards, we observed reduced lever presses and lower breakpoints in effort choices following ACC inhibition. The lack of changes in reward latencies in both types of decisions indicate the motivational value of rewards remained intact, revealing instead a common role for ACC in maintaining persistence toward certain and valuable rewards.Significance StatementWe often make choices to gain information, even when the information cannot be used to change the outcome. Here we investigated the precise timing of the role of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in decisions that involve seeking certain versus uncertain rewards. By optically inhibiting ACC neurons, we demonstrate that this region is crucial for maintaining persistence toward rewards signaled with certainty, without altering the motivational value of the reward itself. In a positive control experiment, we also confirm that ACC is important in effort-based choice. The findings reveal a common role for ACC in maintaining persistence toward certain and valuable rewards, necessary for making optimal decisions. These results have implications for understanding psychiatric disorders involving maladaptive reward-seeking behavior.
The Dual Role of A2aR in Neuroinflammation: Modulating Microglial Polarization in White Matter Lesions
Authors: Cheng Chang , Cheng Wenchao , Wang Yuhan , Chen Xiuying , Zhang Lan , Li Yi , Shen Fa , Yuan Dezhi , Hong Pian , Huang Wen 
Published: February 2025

Neuroinflammation has been widely recognized as the primary pathophysiological mechanism underlying ischemic white matter lesions (IWML) in chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH), with microglia serving as the principal effector cells. A2aR, an important adenosine receptor, exhibits a dual role in neuroinflammation by modulating both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses, particularly through its regulation of microglial polarization. This study aimed to investigate the specific functions and mechanisms of A2aR in neuroinflammation. The findings revealed that A2aR initially exerted a pro-inflammatory role in the CCH model, transitioning to an anti-inflammatory role in later stages by regulating the phenotypic transformation of microglia. Further analyses using CoIP-MS, in situ proximity ligation assay, Alphafold protein structure prediction, [35S]GTPγS Binding Assay and Nano-Bit technology demonstrated that A2aR formed heteromers with mGluR5 during the early stage of CCH under high glutamate conditions, promoting the polarization of microglia towards a pro-inflammatory phenotype. In contrast, during later stages characterized by low glutamate levels, A2aR predominantly existed as a monomer, facilitating microglial polarization towards an anti-inflammatory phenotype. Our findings indicate that elevated glutamate levels drive the formation of A2aR-mGluR5 heteromers, contributing to neuroinflammation by promoting pro-inflammatory microglial polarization in CCH white matter. Conversely, under low glutamate conditions, A2aR primarily functions in its monomeric form, favoring an anti-inflammatory microglial phenotype and exerting a protective effect. This study elucidates the mechanism by which A2aR mediates microglial phenotypic transformation and participates in neuroinflammation under CCH. It also identifies A2aR as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of IWML.Significance StatementNeuroinflammation of white matter is widely recognized as the primary pathophysiological mechanism associated with vascular dementia (VaD) in middle-aged and elderly individuals.A2aR, a crucial adenosine receptor, exhibits a dual role in neuroinflammation by modulating both proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses, particularly in relation to microglia polarization. The objective of this study is to investigate the specific functions and mechanisms of A2aR in neuroinflammation. The results indicate that elevated glutamate levels facilitate the formation of A2aR-mGluR5 heteromers, thereby promoting the polarization of microglia towards a pro-inflammatory phenotype, which contributes to neuroinflammation in CCH white matter. Conversely, under conditions of low glutamate, A2aR predominantly exists in monomeric form, which favors the polarization of microglia towards an anti-inflammatory phenotype, thereby exerting a protective effect.
The Serotonergic Dorsal Raphe Promotes Emergence from Propofol Anesthesia in Zebrafish
Authors: Yang Xiaoxuan , Zhu Shan , Xia Miaoyun , Sun Le , Li Sha , Xiang Peishan , Li Funing , Deng Qiusui , Chen Lijun , Zhang Wei , Wang Ying , Li Qiang , Lyu Zhuochen , Du Xufei , Du Jiulin , Yang Qianzi , Luo Yan 
Published: February 2025

The mechanisms through which general anesthetics induce loss of consciousness remain unclear. Previous studies have suggested that dorsal raphe nucleus serotonergic (DRN5-HT) neurons are involved in inhalational anesthesia, but the underlying neuronal and synaptic mechanisms are not well understood. In this study, we investigated the role of DRN5-HTneurons in propofol-induced anesthesia in larval zebrafish (sex undetermined at this developmental stage) using a combination of in vivo single-cell calcium imaging, two-photon laser ablation, optogenetic activation, in vivo glutamate imaging and in vivo whole-cell recording. We found that calcium activity of DRN5-HTneurons reversibly decreased during propofol perfusion. Ablation of DRN5-HTneurons prolonged emergence from 30 μM propofol anesthesia, while induction times were not affected under concentrations of 1 μM, 3 μM, and 30 μM. Additionally, optogenetic activation of DRN5-HTneurons strongly promoted emergence from propofol anesthesia. Propofol application to DRN5-HTneurons suppressed both spontaneous and current injection-evoked spike firing, abolished spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents, and decreased membrane input resistance. Presynaptic glutamate release events in DRN5-HTneurons were also abolished by propofol. Furthermore, the hyperpolarization of DRN5-HTneurons caused by propofol was abolished by picrotoxin, a GABAAreceptor antagonist, which shortened emergence time from propofol anesthesia when locally applied to the DRN. Our results reveal that DRN5-HTneurons in zebrafish are involved in the emergence from propofol anesthesia by inhibiting presynaptic excitatory glutamate inputs and inducing GABAAreceptor-mediated hyperpolarization.Significance StatementThe neural mechanisms of general anesthesia remain unclear. We studied the role of the dorsal raphe nucleus serotonergic (DRN5-HT) neurons in propofol anesthesia using larval zebrafish, employing in vivo calcium imaging at single-neuron resolution, two-photon ablation, optogenetic activation, and in vivo whole-cell recording. We found that the DRN5-HTneurons are involved in emergence from anesthesia, but not induction. Propofol suppresses DRN5-HTactivity by inhibiting the activity of DRN5-HTneurons via GABAAreceptors and blocking presynaptic excitatory glutamate inputs. These findings further support larval zebrafish as an ideal model for investigating the mechanisms of general anesthesia.
(Re)invenções entre currículos, narrativas e diferenças na formação de professores(as)
Authors: Morais Joelson de Sousa 
Published: February 2025

O texto origina-se de um ensaio teórico-reflexivo articulando-se com alguns relatos de experiências na docência no Ensino Superior e se tece a partir do entrelaçamento de três dimensões voltadas para a formação de professores (as): o currículo, as narrativas e as diferenças. Os objetivos desse texto buscam refletir acerca das contribuições das narrativas e do currículo na produção da diferença relacionadas na formação de professores(as), bem como compreender como se tece currículos na formação docente na (re)invenções de outros mundos possíveis com as abordagens metodológicas das narrativas. É feito um entrelaçamento entre as abordagens narrativas, com a filosofia da diferença e as teorias curriculares, situando-as no contexto da formação de professores (as) com os contributos de: Josso (2010), Goodson (2019), Ricoeur (2010), Bragança (2021), Passeggi (2021), Pereira (2016), Deleuze & Guattari (2010; 2011), Oliveira (2012) entre outros. As lições e os resultados que ficam evidenciam que narrar as experiências do vivido e tecer reflexões sobre as abordagens narrativas (auto)biográficas é pensar por outras múltiplas lógicas contra hegemônicas que vão possibilitando (re)invenções de si, do outro, do mundo e dos contextos em volta do sujeito.
State Child Abuse and Mandated Reporting Policies for Prenatal Substance Use and Congenital Syphilis Case Rates: United States, 2018–2022
Authors: Austin Anna E. , O’Callaghan Kevin , Rushmore Julie , Cramer Ryan , McDonald Robert , Learner Emily R. 
Published: February 2025

Objectives. To estimate the association of state policies that define prenatal substance use as child abuse and mandate that health care professionals report prenatal substance use to child protective services with congenital syphilis case rates. Methods. We used 2018 to 2022 US data on congenital syphilis case notifications to the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System. We conducted linear regression with a generalized estimating equation approach to compare congenital syphilis case rates in states with a child abuse policy only, a mandated reporting policy only, and both polices to rates in states with neither policy. Results. After adjustment for confounders, the rate of congenital syphilis cases was, on average, 23.5 (95% confidence interval = 2.2, 44.8) cases per 100 000 live births higher in states with both a child abuse policy and a mandated reporting policy for prenatal substance use than in states with neither policy. Rates were similar in states with a child abuse policy only and a mandated reporting policy only compared to states with neither policy. Conclusions. The combination of state child abuse policies and mandated reporting policies for prenatal substance use potentially contributes to higher congenital syphilis case rates. ( Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print February 13, 2025:e1–e9. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307951 )
Advanced airborne eDNA sampling allows robust spatiotemporal characterisation of vertebrate communities
Authors: Bodawatta Kasun , Madsen Agnete , Holman Luke , Rasmussen Jacob , Johnson Matthew , Frøslev Tobias , Lynggaard Christina , Bohmann Kristine 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Effective biodiversity survey methods are crucial for monitoring ecosystems threatened by climatic fluctuations and anthropogenic pressures. Here we advance methods for the collection of a novel source of biodiversity data - airborne environmental DNA (eDNA) - and investigate whether it yields habitat- and season-specific signatures of terrestrial vertebrate communities. Using portable and low budget samplers, we sampled airborne eDNA in three protected nature areas across Denmark and show that air filters with a large surface area and the widest range of particle retention sizes yield detections of higher numbers of vertebrate taxa and show higher community homogeneity across samples. Further, we show that increased airflow rate and dry storage of filters − 20°C yield detections of more diverse and consistent vertebrate communities. Overall, we demonstrate that airborne eDNA yields robust detections of spatio-temporal dynamics across terrestrial vertebrate classes, which can be adapted by conservation programs to monitor terrestrial biodiversity across the globe.
Targeting pH Regulation in Cancer: Combined Mild Alkalosis and NHE1 Inhibition as a Potential Therapy for Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Celi Ana Beatriz , Mechali Ana , Beltramone Natalia , Casal Juan José , Capurro Claudia , Giusto Gisela Di , Ford Paula , Rivarola Valeria 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Acid-base homeostasis is critical for maintaining physiological functions. In cancer, an acidic tumor microenvironment, driven by altered cellular metabolism, plays a pivotal role in tumor progression by fostering aggressive phenotypes, immune evasion, and resistance to therapy, often at the detriment of surrounding normal tissues. The Na⁺/H⁺ exchanger isoform 1 (NHE1) is a key regulator of intracellular pH and a critical factor in cancer cell survival and proliferation. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of mild alkalosis, combined with NHE1 inhibition, on cell viability in normal renal cells and clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) cells. Our findings reveal that this therapeutic combination selectively induces cell death in ccRCC cells while sparing normal renal cells. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that NHE1 activity is higher in ccRCC cells than in normal cells. Mild alkalosis enhances NHE1 activity in normal cells but inhibits its activity in cancer cells. Furthermore, prolonged alkaline exposure alters the subcellular localization of NHE1 in the plasma membrane, with distinct patterns observed between normal and cancer cells. These results suggest that targeting NHE1 activity in conjunction with alkalosis represents a promising strategy for ccRCC treatment, providing a potential therapeutic avenue to exploit the differential pH regulation between cancerous and normal cells.
The prevalence of postural deficiencies in Romanian preadolescent children and the correlation with foot conditions, body composition, and coordination: a cross-sectional study (Preprint)
Authors: Vlad Silviu , Ciobanu Doriana Ioana , Fulop Julia , Matei Nicola , Cristea Dana Ioana , Szabo-Alexi Mariana , Blaga Florin Nicolae , Ianc Dorina 
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND

Correct posture during preadolescence is essential, as it can influence harmonious physical development and long-term health.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to estimate the prevalence of postural deficiencies among preadolescents and establish whether there is a correlation between bad posture, body composition, and coordination or between foot conditions and spine postural deficiencies.

METHODS

The study included 983 children assessed for posture, plantar pressure, and general coordination.

RESULTS

Results: The most prevalent spine deficiency was found to be the head forward posture (641/983, 65.2%). It was found a strong negative correlation of BMI with the presence of kyphosis (r=-.072, n=983, p<.001) and hyperlordosis (r=.020, n=983, p=.009). The correlation analysis also shows that there is a significant association between ankle valgus and the presence of scoliosis (x2(1)=7.87,p=.005) and between flat feet and coordination (x2(3)=22.96, p=.005) and the presence of scoliosis (x2(1)=12.18, p<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The most common spinal deficiency observed was forward head posture. Significant correlations were found between body composition and kyphosis, hyperlordosis, ankle valgus, flatfoot, scoliosis, and coordination. Early detection and targeted prevention programs for school children are crucial to address these postural deficiencies effectively.
iTouch Store
Authors: Jewellery witch Seraphita  
Published: February 2025

iTouch Store is a video created for the eponymous exhibition, where physical jewellery is presented in a speculative advertising style. Rejecting words, it offers the viewer a tactile experience through visual perception, reminiscent of advertisements for beauty industry devices. Jewellery, animated video effects, and a multi-layered composition transform this film into an exploration of the boundaries of touch in the digital age. How does jewellery feel when it can only be touched with the eyes?

iTouch Store, 2019, A-Gallery, Tallinn
Editing and effects: Ando Naulainen
Sound: Andres Nõlvak
Concept and jewellery: Darja Popolitova
Fratura de cabeça de fêmur associado à luxação e fratura de acetábulo bilateral
Authors: Silva Tacio Antonio Barros , Ferro Cibele Alexandra , Buffalo Richard  Anderson Belmonte , Silva Junior Eduardo Antonio Barros , Del Favero Gabriela Sanchez , Rocha Vitor Freire da 
Published: February 2025

A fratura de cabeça de fêmur foi descrita, pela primeira vez, em 1869, por Birket, e corresponde à uma lesão rara, ocorrendo entre 5% a 15% dos casos de luxação de quadril. Dentre os graus definidos por Pipkin, I II e IV são os mais comuns, enquanto o grau III é o mais raro. Apesar dessa classificação não apresentar originalmente um valor prognóstico, estudos posteriores apontam a lesão grau IV como a de pior sintoma. O presente estudo tem como objetivo relatar um caso de fratura bilateral de cabeça de fêmur, Pipkin I à esquerda e Pipkin IV à direita, ambas acompanhadas de luxações. Relato: Paciente do sexo masculino, 24 anos, tabagista, sem comorbidades, sofreu um acidente automobilístico ao colidir frontalmente com um trator em alta velocidade. Uma radiografia foi feita, na qual se evidenciou uma luxação posteriorbilateral de quadril concomitante à fratura bilateral da cabeça de fêmur, com isso, uma redução incruenta de urgência foi efetuada. Um tratamento cirúrgico foi realizado em dois tempos. Discussão: Em relação à luxação do quadril, sendo essa uma urgência ortopédica, deve ser realizada a redução o mais rápido possível, tomando-se cautela para não contribuir para uma fratura iatrogênica grau III de Pipkin de pescoço femoral. Conclusão: Independente do tratamento, o prognóstico é reservado. Apesar de carecer de estudos mais aprofundados, a artroplastia total de quadril é uma opção provável. Em nosso caso, o paciente evoluiu bem nos primeiros meses, mas apresentou, posteriormente, necrose vascular bilateral e artrose póstraumática à direita.
Evaluation of The Efficiency of Treatment of Industrial Wastewater in a Ministation Using Charcoal Ash
Authors: Silva Larielly Regina Santos , Begnini Mauro Luiz , Silva José Roberto Delalíbera , Moura Nayara Aparecida 
Published: February 2025

Objective: This study proposed the use of charcoal ash in Industrial Effluent Treatment Plants (IETPs) for the removal of metals present in effluents, contributing to the improvement of environmental quality and the reduction of waste generated by industrial activities.

Theoretical Framework: The lack of treatment and improper disposal of industrial effluents causes significant environmental damage. In this context, the global movement for recycling has driven the search for sustainable solutions, including the utilization of industrial waste. Charcoal ash presents potential as a coagulant in treatment processes due to its physical and chemical properties.

Methods: Charcoal ash was subjected to granulometric analysis using sieves of different mesh sizes (8, 9, 20, 48, 60, 100, and bottom), determining an average diameter (DSauter) of 0.345 mm. Coagulant solutions were prepared: a 10% (m/v) Ca(OH)₂ solution and a leached charcoal ash solution. During the sedimentation process, the sedimentation velocities of the retained solids were measured. Physical-chemical analyzes conducted after treatment evaluated the process's efficiency in parameters such as BOD, COD, turbidity, conductivity, and pH.

Results and Discussion: During the sedimentation process, the leaked ash solution presented a sedimentation velocity of 0.27 m/s, while the 10% Ca(OH)₂ solution had a velocity of 0.00173 m/s. After treatment, the analyzes showed significant removals: 80.73% for BOD and COD, 91.36% for turbidity, and 11.67% for conductivity, with a final pH of 6.03. The results meet the standards required by the National Environment Council (CONAMA), confirming the efficiency of treatment with charcoal ash.

Originality/Value: The study highlights the potential use of charcoal ash as an efficient coagulant in industrial effluent treatment, promoting a sustainable and economical alternative that contributes to waste reduction and environmental preservation.