bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phoenixin knockout mice show no impairment in fertility or differences in metabolic response to a high‐fat diet, but exhibit behavioral differences in an open field test
Authors: McIlwraith Emma K. , Loganathan Neruja , Mak Kimberly W. Y. , He Wenyuan , Belsham Denise D. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPhoenixin (PNX) is a conserved secreted peptide that was identified 10 years ago with numerous studies published on its pleiotropic functions. PNX is associated with estrous cycle length, protection from a high‐fat diet, and reduction of anxiety behavior. However, no study had yet evaluated the impact of deleting PNX in the whole animal. We sought to evaluate a mouse model lacking the PNX parent gene, small integral membrane protein 20 (Smim20), and the resulting effect on reproduction, energy homeostasis, and anxiety. We found that the Smim20 knockout mice had normal fertility and estrous cycle lengths. Consistent with normal fertility, the hypothalamii of the knockout mice showed no changes in the levels of reproduction‐related genes, but the male mice had some changes in energy homeostasis‐related genes, such as melanocortin receptor 4 (Mc4r). When placed on a high‐fat diet, the wildtype and knockout mice responded similarly, but the male heterozygous mice gained slightly less weight. When placed in an open field test box, the female knockout mice traveled less distance in the outer zone, indicating alterations in anxiety or locomotor behavior. In summary, the homozygous knockout of PNX did not alter fertility and modestly alters a few neuroendocrine genes in response to a high‐fat diet, especially in the female mice. However, it altered the behavior of mice in an open field test. PNX therefore may not be crucial for reproductive function or weight, however, we cannot rule out possible compensatory mechanisms in the knockout model. Understanding the role of PNX in physiology may ultimately lead to an enhanced understanding of neuroendocrine mechanisms involving this enigmatic peptide.
Investigation of core symptoms and symptom clusters in maintenance hemodialysis patients: A network analysis
Authors: Zhang Yingjun , Liu Li , Chen Lin , He Li , Shi Mei , Chen Hui 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPurposeTo construct a symptom network of maintenance hemodialysis patients and identify the core symptoms and core symptom clusters. Finally, this study provides a reference for accurate symptom management.Design and MethodA correlational cross‐sectional design. A total of 368 patients who underwent maintenance hemodialysis were enrolled from two hemodialysis centers in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China. A symptom network was constructed with the R coding language to analyze the centrality index. Symptom clusters were extracted by exploratory factor analysis, and core symptom clusters were preliminarily determined according to the centrality index of the symptom network.FindingsThe most common symptoms in maintenance hemodialysis patients were fatigue, dry skin, and pruritus. In the symptom network, headache had the highest mediation centrality (rB = 2.789) and closeness centrality (rC = 2.218) and the greatest intensity of numbness or tingling in the feet (rS = 1.952). A total of six symptom clusters were extracted, including pain and discomfort symptom clusters, emotional symptom clusters, gastrointestinal symptom clusters, sleep disorder symptom clusters, dry symptom clusters, and sexual dysfunction symptom clusters. The cumulative variance contribution rate was 69.269%.ConclusionsFatigue, dry skin, and pruritus are the sentinel symptoms of maintenance hemodialysis patients, headache is the core symptom and bridge symptom, and pain symptom clusters are the core symptom clusters of MHD patients. Nurses can develop interventions based on core symptoms and symptom clusters to improve the effectiveness of symptom management in maintenance hemodialysis patients.Clinical RelevanceUnderstanding the core symptoms and symptom groups that plague maintenance hemodialysis patients is critical to providing accurate symptom management. To ensure that maintenance hemodialysis patients receive effective support during treatment, reduce the adverse effects of symptoms, and improve the quality of life of patients.
Efficacy and safety of CO2 fractional laser versus Er:YAG fractional laser in the treatment of atrophic acne scar: A meta‐analysis and systematic review
Authors: Liu Fei , Zhou Qiujun , Tao Maocan , Shu Luying , Cao Yi 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundTo date, a consensus on the relative efficacy and safety of CO2 fractional laser versus erbium‐doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) fractional laser treatments for atrophic acne scars has not been reached. This meta‐analysis aims to systematically assess and compare their effectiveness and safety in clinical practice.MethodsFor this meta‐analysis, we conducted comprehensive searches in Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane databases, covering publications from their inception up to August 2023. Our focus was on studies comparing fractional CO2 laser with Er:YAG fractional laser treatments for atrophic acne scars. We excluded duplicate publications, research lacking full‐text access, incomplete data, or cases where data extraction was not feasible. Additionally, animal experiments, reviews, and systematic reviews were not considered. Data analysis was performed using STATA 15.1.ResultsEight studies (seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and a retrospective study) were included in this meta‐analysis. The sample size ranged from 28 to 106 with a total of 418 patients, including 210 in the CO2 fractional group and 208 in Er:YAG fractional group. The pooled results showed that the effective rate of CO2 fractional laser in treating atrophic acne scar was significantly higher than that of Er:YAG fractional laser (OR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.08–3.01) and the downtime of CO2 fractional laser in treating atrophic acne scar was significantly shorter than that of Er:YAG fractional laser (Weighted Mean Difference (WMD) = −2.11, 95% CI: −3.11 to −1.10). In addition, VAS of CO2 fractional laser in treating atrophic acne scar was significantly higher than that of Er:YAG fractional laser (WMD = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.32–2.21) and the duration of erythema of CO2 fractional laser in treating atrophic acne scar was significantly longer than that of Er:YAG fractional laser (WMD = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.63–2.07). However, there was no significant difference in the duration of pain and incidence of PIHbetween CO2 fractional laser and of Er:YAG fractional laser.ConclusionWhen it comes to treating atrophic acne scars, CO2 fractional laser demonstrates superior efficacy and leads to shorter downtime. However, it is important to note that CO2 fractional laser treatments tend to result in higher pain intensity and may carry a higher risk of post‐treatment pigmentation compared to Er:YAG fractional laser procedures.
Olaparib maintenance therapy for platinum‐sensitive relapsed ovarian cancer at a single institution: A retrospective study
Authors: Katsuda Takahiro , Nishio Shin , Tasaki Shingo , Park Jongmyung , Tasaki Kazuto , Tsuda Naotake , Ushijima Kimio 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAimIn this study, we aimed to investigate patient characteristics, efficacy, prognostic factors, and safety of olaparib maintenance therapy for platinum‐sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer at our institution.MethodsPatients responding to platinum‐based therapy and starting olaparib maintenance therapy for recurrent epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or peritoneal cancer at Kurume University Hospital between January 2018 and November 2021 were enrolled in the study. Their data were extracted retrospectively from medical records.ResultsIn all, 50 patients were included. The median (range) age of the patients, follow‐up time, and duration of olaparib maintenance therapy were 62 (39–87) years, 21.6 (2.2–45.9) months, and 7.2 (2–45.9) months, respectively. Among the 29 patients tested for homologous recombination (HR) status, 22 (75.9%) were positive for HR deficiency (HRD), 12 (54.5%) of whom had BRCA‐positive tumors. The median progression‐free survival was 8.9 months (95% confidence interval: 6.2–12.6), and the median overall survival was 27.1 months (95% confidence interval: 22.5–40.3). Multivariate analysis of prognostic factors revealed that HRD was an independent prognostic factor for both progression‐free survival and overall survival. The most common adverse event was nausea (any grade, n = 30, 60%), resulting in drug interruption (n = 23, 46%), dose reduction (n = 17, 34%), and discontinuation of treatment (n = 1, 2%).ConclusionOlaparib maintenance therapy for recurrent platinum‐sensitive ovarian cancer at our institution was effective, with acceptable adverse events. HRD was the most significant prognostic factor for patients with recurrent platinum‐sensitive ovarian cancer.
Enhancing immune and antioxidant responses in Nile tilapia through dietary supplementation with Ulva fasciata extract: A study on gene expression and resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila
Authors: Abo‐Raya Mohamed H. , Shi Yuntian , Wang Youji , sayed Samy M. , Shukry Mustafa 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackground: The study focused on the impact of Ulva fasciata extract (UFE) supplementation in the diets of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) on blood and biochemical markers, immune and oxidative responses, and the expression of related genes, with a specific interest in their condition following exposure to Aeromonas hydrophila. Methods: Four different levels of UFE were tested in the diets: 0% (0 mg kg−1) for the control group (U0), and incremental additions of 0.05% (50 mg kg−1), 0.1% (100 mg kg−1), and 0.15% (150 mg kg−1) for the experimental groups U50, U100, and U150 respectively. Groups of 45 fish weighing 3.126 ± 0.120 g were fed these diets over 90 days. Results: The study found that groups treated with UFE showed statistically significant enhancements (p < 0.05) compared to the control group. These improvements included increased red and white blood cell counts, higher haemoglobin concentrations, greater packed cell volume, and elevated enzyme activities—specifically, superoxide dismutase, catalase, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase. Additionally, lysozyme and phagocytic activities were notably higher, especially in the U100 group after exposure. Before exposure to Aeromonas hydrophila, all levels of UFE supplementation led to increased expression of TNF‐α and COXII genes and decreased NFκ‐B expression. After the challenge, UFE intake resulted in varied expression levels of immune and antioxidant genes (TNF‐α, NFκ‐B, SOD, and COXII) in the liver, with the most effective responses observed in the U50, U100, and U150 groups. Conclusions: The findings underscore the potential of dietary UFE as a natural antioxidant and immune booster for Nile tilapia.
Umbelliferone reduces inflammation and ligature‐induced osteoclastic alveolar bone resorption in mice
Authors: Tavares Samia Jessica Silva , Pereira Camila Rodrigues , Fortes Roseane Aline Monteiro , Alves Bianca Elen Souza , Fonteles Cristiane Sá Roriz , Wong Deysi Viviana Tenazoa , Lima‐Júnior Roberto César Pereira , Moraes Manoel Odorico , Lima Vilma 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAimsThis study aimed to investigate the effects of Umbelliferone (UMB) on the inflammation underlying alveolar bone resorption in mouse periodontitis.MethodsMale Swiss mice subjected to a ligature of molars were grouped as non‐treated (NT), received UMB (15, 45, or 135 mg/kg) or saline daily for 7 days, respectively, and were compared with naïve mice as control. Gingival tissues were evaluated by myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and interleukin‐1β level by ELISA. The bone resorption was directly assessed on the region between the cement–enamel junction and the alveolar bone crest. Microscopically, histomorphometry of the furcation region, immunofluorescence for nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐ĸB), and immunohistochemistry for tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), and cathepsin K (CTSK) were performed. Systemically, body mass variation and leukogram were analyzed.ResultsPeriodontitis significantly increased MPO activity, interleukin‐1β level, and NF‐ĸB+ immunofluorescence, and induced severe alveolar bone and furcation resorptions, besides increased TRAP+ and CTSK+ cells compared with naïve. UMB significantly prevented the inflammation by reducing MPO activity, interleukin‐1β level, and NF‐ĸB+ intensity, besides reduction of resorption of alveolar bone and furcation area, and TRAP+ and CTSK+ cells compared with the NT group. Periodontitis or UMB treatment did not affect the animals systemically.ConclusionUMB improved periodontitis by reducing inflammation and bone markers.
A hybrid method for intercity transport mode identification based on mobility features and sequential relations mined from cellular signaling data
Authors: Ding Fan , Zhang Yongyi , Peng Jiankun , Ge Yuming , Qu Tao , Tao Xingyuan , Chen Jun 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe proliferation of mobile phones has generated vast quantities of cellular signaling data (CSD), covering extensive spatial areas and populations. These data, containing spatiotemporal information, can be employed to identify and analyze intercity transport modes, providing valuable insights for understanding travel distribution and behavior. However, CSD are primarily intended for communication purposes and are not directly suitable for transportation research due to issues such as low spatial precision, sparse sampling granularity, and lacking traffic semantic features. This article proposes a Hybrid model for identifying individual intercity transport modes based on CSD. Several multidimensional mobility features are proposed that extract interpretable motion characteristics from CSD. A preliminary transport mode probability judgment is made based on the mobility features. Then, the complete transport mode is confirmed considering the temporal continuity correlation of the entire trace. Experiments confirm the Hybrid model's superior precision in identifying transport modes over baseline models, with an average F1 score of 0.92, maintaining high accuracy across various trajectory lengths. This model would support further studying individual intercity travel behavior patterns, aiding transportation planning and operational management decisions using CSD.
Perineuronal nets are phagocytosed by MMP‐9 expressing microglia and astrocytes in the SOD1G93A ALS mouse model
Authors: Cheung Sang Won , Bhavnani Ekta , Simmons David G. , Bellingham Mark C. , Noakes Peter G. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAimsPerineuronal nets (PNNs) are an extracellular matrix structure that encases excitable neurons. PNNs play a role in neuroprotection against oxidative stress. Oxidative stress within motor neurons can trigger neuronal death, which has been implicated in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We investigated the spatio‐temporal timeline of PNN breakdown and the contributing cellular factors in the SOD1G93A strain, a fast‐onset ALS mouse model.MethodsThis was conducted at the presymptomatic (P30), onset (P70), mid‐stage (P130), and end‐stage disease (P150) using immunofluorescent microscopy, as this characterisation has not been conducted in the SOD1G93A strain.ResultsWe observed a significant breakdown of PNNs around α‐motor neurons in the ventral horn of onset and mid‐stage disease SOD1G93A mice compared with wild‐type controls. This was observed with increased numbers of microglia expressing matrix metallopeptidase‐9 (MMP‐9), an endopeptidase that degrades PNNs. Microglia also engulfed PNN components in the SOD1G93A mouse. Further increases in microglia and astrocyte number, MMP‐9 expression, and engulfment of PNN components by glia were observed in mid‐stage SOD1G93A mice. This was observed with increased expression of fractalkine, a signal for microglia engulfment, within α‐motor neurons of SOD1G93A mice. Following PNN breakdown, α‐motor neurons of onset and mid‐stage SOD1G93A mice showed increased expression of 3‐nitrotyrosine, a marker for protein oxidation, which could render them vulnerable to death.ConclusionsOur observations suggest that increased numbers of MMP‐9 expressing glia and their subsequent engulfment of PNNs around α‐motor neurons render these neurons sensitive to oxidative damage and eventual death in the SOD1G93A ALS model mouse.
Feelings and thoughts of midwifery students during their first birth suite placement: A qualitative study
Authors: Balkan Elif , Genc Koyucu Refika 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis descriptive qualitative study aimed to understand the feelings and thoughts experienced by 4th year midwifery students during the first birth they attended during clinical practice. Focus group interviews were conducted with 22 final year midwifery students in Istanbul, Türkiye December 2020. The transcribed data were analyzed by the descriptive qualitative analysis method. The students experienced not only negative feelings such as fear, torment, anxiety but also positive feelings such as hope, excitement, and curiosity during the first birth practice. The situations that caused negative feelings and thoughts were not only the feelings of the students but also the conditions that negatively affected the care provided to the patient in the clinic. The clinical practice environment affects the feelings and thoughts of midwifery students about the birth process. For this reason, improving the clinical practice environment and supporting students throughout the education process may contribute to the development of positive feelings and thoughts when attending as a student for their first birth suite placement.
Post‐ICU psychology support during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Reynolds‐Cowie Paul , Kirkwood Kim , O'Connor Rory 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundCritical illness survival rates have improved, but patients frequently face prolonged new or worsened physical, cognitive and psychosocial impairments. These difficulties associated with critical care admission are known as post‐intensive care syndrome (PICS).AimsThe multidisciplinary Intensive care Syndrome: Promoting Independence and Return to Employment (InS:PIRE) programme was developed to support patients in the recovery period from critical illness. During the COVID‐19 pandemic, the psychology support offered by this service was adapted from an in‐person group to individual remote review. This audit evaluated both the extent to which this input aligned with the recommended guidelines and the acceptability of this adapted delivery to this patient group, which could help guide post‐pandemic psychology input to the service.Study DesignThe records of 207 patients were analysed retrospectively. The nature of support offered to a sub‐sample of 50 patients detailed in clinical summary letters was compared with the Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine (2019) guidelines. Telephone calls were made to gather feedback on the virtual psychology support from 10 patients.ResultsPsychological difficulties were identified by 111 of the 207 patients who attended the virtual clinic. A total of 88 of these patients accepted referral for virtual psychology support and 67 (76%) of those patients attended. The virtual psychology support offered was found to be largely in accordance with ICU aftercare guidance and acceptable to patients. Patients found the summary letters of consultations accurate and helpful. Most patients expressed a preference for in‐person support and the opportunity to meet other patients.ConclusionsThe adaptations to the psychology support offered by InS:PIRE during the COVID‐19 pandemic were found to be largely in line with ICU aftercare psychology guidelines and were acceptable to patients. Further research is needed on future methods of delivering psychology support for this patient group.Relevance to Clinical PracticeThis audit highlights issues important to patients in the post‐ICU period based on individual consultations not previously possible. Patient opinion was sought on the impact of changing the delivery of post‐ICU psychological support, which will help guide future improvements in the service.
ATR2Cala2 from Arabidopsis‐infecting downy mildew requires 4 TIR‐NLR immune receptors for full recognition
Authors: Kim Dae Sung , Li Yufei , Ahn Hee‐Kyung , Woods‐Tör Alison , Cevik Volkan , Furzer Oliver J. , Ma Wenbo , Tör Mahmut , Jones Jonathan D. G. 
Published: May 2024

Summary

Arabidopsis Col‐0 RPP2A and RPP2B confer recognition of Arabidopsis downy mildew (Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis [Hpa]) isolate Cala2, but the identity of the recognized ATR2Cala2 effector was unknown.

To reveal ATR2Cala2, an F2 population was generated from a cross between Hpa‐Cala2 and Hpa‐Noks1. We identified ATR2Cala2 as a non‐canonical RxLR‐type effector that carries a signal peptide, a dEER motif, and WY domains but no RxLR motif. Recognition of ATR2Cala2 and its effector function were verified by biolistic bombardment, ectopic expression and Hpa infection.

ATR2Cala2 is recognized in accession Col‐0 but not in Ler‐0 in which RPP2A and RPP2B are absent. In ATR2Emoy2 and ATR2Noks1 alleles, a frameshift results in an early stop codon. RPP2A and RPP2B are essential for the recognition of ATR2Cala2. Stable and transient expression of ATR2Cala2 under 35S promoter in Arabidopsis and Nicotiana benthamiana enhances disease susceptibility.

Two additional Col‐0 TIR‐NLR (TNL) genes (RPP2C and RPP2D) adjacent to RPP2A and RPP2B are quantitatively required for full resistance to Hpa‐Cala2. We compared RPP2 haplotypes in multiple Arabidopsis accessions and showed that all four genes are present in all ATR2Cala2‐recognizing accessions.
LbSakA‐mediated phosphorylation of the scaffolding protein LbNoxR in the ectomycorrhizal basidiomycete Laccaria bicolor regulates NADPH oxidase activity, ROS accumulation and symbiosis development
Authors: Shi Liang , Wang Zi , Chen Ju Hong , Qiu Hao , Liu Wei Dong , Zhang Xiao Yan , Martin Francis M. , Zhao Ming Wen 
Published: May 2024

Summary

Ectomycorrhizal symbiosis, which involves mutually beneficial interactions between soil fungi and tree roots, is essential for promoting tree growth. To establish this symbiotic relationship, fungal symbionts must initiate and sustain mutualistic interactions with host plants while avoiding host defense responses. This study investigated the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by fungal NADPH oxidase (Nox) in the development of Laccaria bicolor/Populus tremula × alba symbiosis.

Our findings revealed that L. bicolor LbNox expression was significantly higher in ectomycorrhizal roots than in free‐living mycelia. RNAi was used to silence LbNox, which resulted in decreased ROS signaling, limited formation of the Hartig net, and a lower mycorrhizal formation rate.

Using Y2H library screening, BiFC and Co‐IP, we demonstrated an interaction between the mitogen‐activated protein kinase LbSakA and LbNoxR. LbSakA‐mediated phosphorylation of LbNoxR at T409, T477 and T480 positively modulates LbNox activity, ROS accumulation and upregulation of symbiosis‐related genes involved in dampening host defense reactions.

These results demonstrate that regulation of fungal ROS metabolism is critical for maintaining the mutualistic interaction between L. bicolor and P. tremula × alba. Our findings also highlight a novel and complex regulatory mechanism governing the development of symbiosis, involving both transcriptional and posttranslational regulation of gene networks.