bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inpatient treatment for severe obesity: a retrospective cohort study in Brazil
Authors: Rios Domingos L. S. , Oliveira Márcia C. A. M. , Braga Sérgio Q. , Chamorro Matheus J. , Cunha Beatriz L. B. , Reis Ana C. R. , Guimarães Ana P. , Silva Ana D. N. , Silva Dandara A. R. , Araújo Edilene M. Q. , Pimentel Magno M. W. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIntroductionVery low-calorie diets with hospitalization have demonstrated promise as a viable therapeutic option for severe obesity and its associated comorbidities. However, large studies providing a comprehensive longitudinal observation of patients undergoing this therapy are lacking. We evaluated the effectiveness of treating severe obesity in hospitalized patients, using very low-calorie diets and clinical support to develop lifestyle changes.MethodsA retrospective cohort study with a pre-post quasi-experimental design analyzed secondary data from 2016–2022 medical records of patients with severe obesity (grade II or III) treated in a Brazilian obesity specialist hospital. The patients underwent a very low-calorie diet (500–800 kCal/day) and immersive changes in lifestyle habits, monitored by a multidisciplinary team. At 3 months, 777 patients presented complete data and 402 presented complete data at 6 months. The study compared changes in bioimpedance and laboratory tests, between men and women and age groups (elderly vs. non-elderly).ResultsThree months of hospitalization yielded significant reductions in weight, body mass index (BMI), body fat, skeletal muscle mass, glucose, inflammatory, and lipid parameters. These reductions were more pronounced after 6 months, nearly doubling those observed at 3 months. In women, BMI and fat mass reduced by 10.4% and 15.2% at 3 months and 20.4% and 31.3% at 6 months, respectively. In men, BMI and fat mass decreased by 12.9% and 25.3 at 3 months and 23.6% and 45.3% at 6 months, respectively. Elderly individuals (aged ≥ 60 years) had smaller reductions in BMI and fat mass than non-elderly individuals (aged < 60 years) but still presented significant improvements.ConclusionThis study suggests the viability of treating severe obesity by hospitalization with low-calorie diets and immersive lifestyle changes. This treatment modality significantly improves anthropometric measurements, glucose, lipids, and inflammatory markers, thereby reducing cardiovascular risk.
Receptor binding and tissue architecture explain the morphogen local-to-global mobility transition
Authors: Zhu Shiwen , Loo Yi Ting , Veerapathiran Sapthaswaran , Loo Tricia Y. J. , Tran Bich Ngoc , Teh Cathleen , Zhong Jun , Matsudaira Paul , Saunders Timothy E. , Wohland Thorsten 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACTMorphogens are intercellular signaling molecules providing spatial information to cells in developing tissues to coordinate cell fate decisions. The spatial information is encoded within long-ranged concentration gradients of the morphogen. Direct measurement of morphogen dynamics in a range of systems suggests that local and global diffusion coefficients can differ by orders of magnitude. Further, local diffusivity can be large, which would potentially abolish any concentration gradient rapidly. Such observations have led to alternative transport models being proposed, including transcytosis and cytonemes. Here, we show that accounting for tissue architecture combined with receptor binding is sufficient to hinder the diffusive dynamics of morphogens, leading to an order of magnitude decrease in the effective diffusion coefficient from local to global scales. In particular, we built a realisticin silicoarchitecture of the extracellular spaces of the zebrafish brain using light and electron microscopy data. Simulations on realistic architectures demonstrate that tortuosity and receptor binding within these spaces are sufficient to reproduce experimentally measured morphogen dynamics. Importantly, this work demonstrates that hindered diffusion is a viable mechanism for gradient formation, without requiring additional regulatory control.SIGNIFICANCEMeasurements of morphogen diffusivity vary significantly depending on experimental approach. Such differences have been used to argue against diffusion as a viable mechanism of morphogen gradient formation. Here, we demonstrate that accounting for the local tissue architecture in concert with including receptor binding is sufficient to explain a range of biological observations. This demonstrates that (hindered) diffusion-driven transport is a viable mechanism of gradient formation.
Google Trends and Online Q&A site Reveal Surging Demand for Endemic Pet Reptiles in Japan
Authors: Digirolamo Richard 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe global trade in pet reptiles is substantial, with Japan being a major importer. Understanding pet reptile preferences is crucial for conservation, as overexploitation of wild populations can occur. This study aimed to determine Japan’s most popular pet reptiles, including traded and endemic species, using the largest question-answering website in Japan, Yahoo! Chiebukuro and Google Trends as data sources. We analysed data from 2004 to 2023, focusing on recent periods (2020-2023) for a comprehensive assessment of public interest in 20 different pet reptile species. Data revealed a significant overlap between the two tools in identifying popular species. Leopard geckos were consistently the most popular, aligning with trade data. Surprisingly, the endemic Japanese grass lizard surpassed the popularity of traditionally favoured species like central bearded dragons. A concerning preference for invasive turtles (Chinese pond turtles, red-eared sliders) was also noted. These findings highlight the popularity of both traded and readily available endemic species within Japan’s pet market. This emphasises the need to monitor domestic trends alongside the traditional trade focus to ensure the sustainability of wild reptile populations. Yahoo! Chiebukuro and Google Trends offer valuable tools for such monitoring. Google Trends’ regional data pinpointed Okinawa prefecture’s high interest in leopard geckos, raising concerns about potential invasiveness. This study demonstrates the importance of a comprehensive approach to understanding pet reptile popularity. The combined use of these tools and the adaptable methodology provide a template for monitoring trends in Japan and other countries, contributing to proactive conservation efforts within the global pet trade.
Exogenous stimulation ofTanacetum vulgareroots with pipecolic acid leads to tissue-specific responses in terpenoid composition
Authors: Rahimova Humay , Heinen Robin , Weber Baris , Weisser Wolfgang W. , Schnitzler Jörg-Peter 
Published: April 2024

AbstractTanacetum vulgareL., known as tansy, is a perennial plant with a highly variable terpenoid composition, with mono- and sesquiterpenoids being the most abundant. The high diversity of terpenoids is known to play an important role in mediating ecological interactions. However, the distribution of terpenoids in different tissues and the inducibility of terpenoids in these tissues by biotic stress are poorly understood.In this study, we investigated the changes in terpenoid profiles and concentrations in different plant organs following treatment of roots with pipecolic acid (Pip). Pipecolic acid is a non-proteinogenic amino acid that triggers defense responses in plants. It is often used to induce systemic resistance (SAR) in plants under controlled conditions.Examination of the tissues showed that the leaves and midribs contained mainly monoterpenoids, while the coarse and fine roots of the plants contained mainly sesquiterpenoids. The rhizomes occupied an intermediate position by presenting the terpenoid profiles of both the midribs and roots but also the unique compounds of its own. Treatment with pipecolic acid led to an increase in the concentration of mono- and sesquiterpenoids in all tissues except rhizomes. However, a significantly higher amount of sesquiterpenoids was formed in root tissues in response to Pip compared to shoots.The metabolic atlas for terpenoids presented here shows that there is an exceptionally strong differentiation of terpenoid patterns and terpenoid contents in the different tissues of tansy. This, together with the differential inducibility by biotic stress, suggests that the chemical diversity of terpenoids may play an important role in the ecological interactions of tansy and in the defense against biotic stressors that feed on the below- and above-ground organs of the plant.
The gut-brain vagal axis scales hippocampal memory processes and plasticity
Authors: Onimus Oriane , Arrivet Faustine , de Oliveira Souza Isis Nem , Bertrand Benoit , Castel Julien , Luquet Serge , Mothet Jean-Pierre , Heck Nicolas , Gangarossa Giuseppe 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe vagus nerve serves as an interoceptive relay between the body and the brain. Despite its well-established role in feeding behaviors, energy metabolism, and cognitive functions, the intricate functional processes linking the vagus nerve to the hippocampus and its contribution to learning and memory dynamics remain still elusive.Here, we investigated whether and how the gut-brain vagal axis contributes to hippocampal learning and memory processes at behavioral, functional, cellular, and molecular levels. Our results indicate that the integrity of the vagal axis is essential for long-term recognition memories, while sparing other forms of memory. In addition, by combing multi-scale approaches, our findings show that the gut-brain vagal tone exerts a permissive role in scaling intracellular signaling events, gene expressions, hippocampal dendritic spines density as well as functional long-term plasticities (LTD and LTP). These results highlight the critical role of the gut-brain vagal axis in maintaining the spontaneous and homeostatic functions of hippocampal ensembles and in regulating their learning and memory functions.In conclusion, our study provides comprehensive insights into the multifaceted involvement of the gut-brain vagal axis in shaping time-dependent hippocampal learning and memory dynamics. Understanding the mechanisms underlying this interoceptive body-brain neuronal communication may pave the way for novel therapeutic approaches in conditions associated with cognitive decline, including neurodegenerative disorders.HighlightsThe gut-brain vagal axis contributes to long-term recognition memoriesThe gut-brain vagal axis is dispensable for short-term memoriesThe vagal axis regulates molecular and signaling dynamics in the hippocampusThe gut-brain vagal tone shapes the structural density of hippocampal dendritic spinesThe gut-brain vagal tone ensures physiological forms of synaptic plasticity
SMAD4 and KRAS status shape malignant-stromal crosstalk in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Lloyd Eloise G. , Jihad Muntadher , Manansala Judhell S. , Li Wenlong , Cheng Priscilla S. W. , Teles Sara Pinto , Mucciolo Gianluca , Henríquez Joaquín Araos , Ashworth Sally , Luo Weike , Harish Sneha , Johnson Paul M. , Veghini Lisa , Zaccaria Marta , Brais Rebecca , Vallespinos Mireia , Corbo Vincenzo , Biffi Giulia 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACTPancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) contains an extensive stroma that modulates response to therapy, contributing to the dismal prognosis associated with this cancer. Evidence suggests that the stromal composition of PDAC is shaped by mutations within malignant cells; however, most pre-clinical models of PDAC are driven byKrasG12Dand mutantTrp53and have not assessed the contribution of other known oncogenic drivers, includingKRASG12Vand alterations inCDKN2AandSMAD4. To increase understanding of malignant cell-stroma crosstalk in PDAC, we analyzedTrp53-mutant mouse models driven byKrasG12DorKrasG12Vin whichSmad4was wild-type or deleted.KrasG12D;Smad4-deleted PDAC developed a fibro-inflammatory rich stroma with increased JAK/STAT malignant cell signaling and an enhanced therapeutic response to JAK/STAT inhibition. In stark contrast, the stroma ofSmad4-deletedKrasG12VPDAC was differently altered, and the malignant compartment lacked JAK/STAT signaling dependency. Thus, malignant cell genotype impacts malignant-stromal phenotype in PDAC, directly affecting therapeutic efficacy.STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCEUnderstanding malignant cell-stroma crosstalk in PDAC has focused on models containingKrasG12Dand mutantTrp53. Here, we show that PDAC driven byKrasG12DorKrasG12Vin whichSmad4is deleted display differences in malignant-stromal signaling and treatment sensitivity, highlighting the importance of understanding genotype-phenotype relationships for precision PDAC therapy.
Stem cell models of TAFAZZIN deficiency reveal novel tissue-specific pathologies in Barth Syndrome
Authors: Sniezek Carney Olivia , Harris Kodi William , Wohlfarter Yvonne , Lee Kyuna , Butschek Grant , Anzmann Arianna , Claypool Steven M , Hamacher-Brady Anne , Keller Markus , Vernon Hilary J. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBarth syndrome (BTHS) is a rare mitochondrial disease caused by pathogenic variants in the gene TAFAZZIN, which leads to abnormal cardiolipin (CL) metabolism on the inner mitochondrial membrane. AlthoughTAFAZZINis ubiquitously expressed, BTHS involves a complex combination of tissue specific phenotypes including cardiomyopathy, neutropenia, skeletal myopathy, and growth delays, with a relatively minimal neurological burden. To understand both the developmental and functional effects of TAZ-deficiency in different tissues, we generated isogenic TAZ knockout (TAZ- KO) and WT cardiomyocytes (CMs) and neural progenitor cells (NPCs) from CRISPR-edited induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). In TAZ-KO CMs we discovered evidence of dysregulated mitophagy including dysmorphic mitochondria and mitochondrial cristae, differential expression of key autophagy-associated genes, and an inability of TAZ-deficient CMs to properly initiate stress-induced mitophagy. In TAZ-deficient NPCs we identified novel phenotypes including a reduction in CIV abundance and CIV activity in the CIII2&CIV2 intermediate complex. Interestingly, while CL acyl chain manipulation was unable to alter mitophagy defects in TAZ-KO CMs, we found that linoleic acid or oleic acid supplementation was able to partially restore CIV abundance in TAZ-deficient NPCs. Taken together, our results have implications for understanding the tissue-specific pathology of BTHS and potential for tissue-specific therapeutic targeting. Moreover, our results highlight an emerging role for mitophagy in the cardiac pathophysiology of BTHS and reveal a potential neuron-specific bioenergetic phenotype.
Rhizobial effector NopM ubiquitinates Nod factor receptor NFR5 and promotes rhizobial infection inLotus japonicus
Authors: Wang Yanan , Bao Hanbin , Lei Yutao , Yuan Lifa , Li Haoxing , Zhu Hui , Xin Dawei , Staehelin Christian , Cao Yangrong 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBacterial pathogens and nitrogen-fixing rhizobia employ type III protein secretion system (T3SS) effectors as potent tools to manipulate plant signaling pathways, thereby facilitating infection and host colonization. However, the molecular mechanisms by which rhizobial effectors affect legume infection remain largely elusive. In this study, we investigated the symbiotic role of T3SS effectors in the interaction betweenSinorhizobium frediiNGR234 andLotus japonicus. Mutants deficient in the T3SS genesTts1orNopAshowed enhanced rhizobial infection ofL. japonicusroots. Further mutant analysis showed that the NopT effector negatively affects infection, while the NopM effector in the absence of NopT promotes infection. Notably, NopM interacts with the Nod factor receptors LjNFR1 and LjNFR5. NopM ubiquitinates LjNFR5 on ten lysine residues as identified using mass spectrometry. Expression ofNopMinL. japonicusresulted in an approximately twofold increase in LjNFR5 protein levels and enhanced rhizobial infection. Our findings indicate that NopM directly interferes with the symbiotic signaling pathway through interaction and ubiquitination of Nod factor receptors, which likely benefits rhizobial infection ofL. japonicus. Our research contributes to the intricate interplay between the Nod factor signaling pathway and rhizobial T3SS effectors delivered into host cells.Significance StatementThis study unravels intricate mechanisms underlying the symbiotic interaction betweenSinorhizobium frediiNGR234 andLotus japonicus. By focusing on the role of the rhizobial effector NopM, this research sheds light on how bacteria manipulate host symbiotic signaling to promote infection and colonization. NopM interacts with NFRs and ubiquitinates LjNFR5, suggesting a novel strategy employed by rhizobia to enhance symbiotic signaling.
Impact of Species-Specific Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) on Maize (Zea mays) Phenotypic and Biochemical Diversity
Authors: Singh Swapnil , Roychowdhury Rajib , Mukherjee Arkadeep , Kaur Harleen , Kaur Ravneet , Jagota Neetu , Sandhu Surinder , Kumar Vinod , Gupta Mahiti , Ahn Young-Ho , Meshram Vineet , Sharma Ashish 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMaize (Zea mays) is a vital cereal crop used as a staple diet in many countries. In contemporary farming practises, inoculation with plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) can be promoted as a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers and pesticides in cereal crops including maize. For experimental verification of the above-mentioned hypothesis, four PGPR inoculantsPseudomonas fluorescens,P. putida, Azospirillum lipoferumandBacillus subtiliswere applied to three maize genotypes (AXE*, PMH1 and PMH10) and their effects were studied by measurement of various morphological and biochemical paramters. Substantial increase in the amount of chlorophyll a (45%), chlorophyll b (100%), total chlorophyll (95%), nitrate reductase (22%), superoxide dismutase (52%), protein content (16%), methionine content (31.8%), grain protein content (69%) were recorded over the control (non-treated or mock) plants. Morphological parameters also exhibited an increase in leaf number (53%), fresh weight (41%) and dry weight (62%) in test plants. Comparable outcome was observed for whole cob weight showing an increase of 42%, cob weight (60%), hundred-grain weight (25.9%), maize grain yield m-2(18%) and yield ha-1(18%) over the control. This study highlights the efficacy of the aforementioned four PGPR species as the most effective for maize crops.Bacillus subtilisandAzospirillum lipoferummay be considered species-specific PGPRs due to their superior performance compared to other strains. The considerable growth-promoting advantages observed in maize plants treated with bacterial inoculation indicated that PGPRs have the potential to be employed as sustainable solutions in maize production.
Non-invasive fasciculation assessment of gastrocnemius failed to show diagnostic or prognostic utility in ALS
Authors: Muir Robbie , O’Shea Brendan , Iniesta Raquel , Masood Urooba , Cabassi Cristina , Planinc Domen , Hodson-Tole Emma , Drakakis Emmanuel , Boutelle Martyn , Shaw Christopher E , Bashford James 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectivesAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder, affecting both upper and lower motor neurons. High-density surface electromyography is a non-invasive measure of muscle fasciculations, a phenomenon prevalent early in the disease. Previous studies highlighted the clinical importance of these measures from the biceps brachii muscle. Our study aimed to investigate the diagnostic and prognostic value of the medial gastrocnemius muscle.MethodsWe performed a retrospective study of 49 ALS and 25 control participants. Means comparisons, logistic regression, receiver operating characteristic analysis, Kaplan-Meier analysis, and a multilevel Cox model were used to determine the predictive utility of fasciculation potential (FP) parameters including FP frequency, median amplitude, and amplitude dispersion.ResultsFP parameters demonstrated a poor ability to differentiate between ALS and controls, with ROC analysis producing areas under the curve between 0.58 and 0.63. Furthermore, there was no association between FP parameters and ALS prognosis in the Cox model.ConclusionsFP parameters from the medial gastrocnemius muscle are not useful for the diagnosis or prognosis of ALS patients.SignificanceOur results highlight the poor clinical utility of fasciculation quantification in the medial gastrocnemius muscle. Future studies should focus on recordings from more clinically relevant muscles earlier in the disease.HighlightsFasciculation parameters from the medial gastrocnemius muscle have poor ability to differentiate ALS patients from controls.Fasciculation parameters from the medial gastrocnemius muscle cannot reliably predict the prognosis of ALS patients.Future studies should measure more clinically relevant muscles at an earlier stage in the disease course over a protracted period.
Comparative genomics of the extremophileCryomyces antarcticusand other psychrophilic Dothideomycetes
Authors: Gomez Sandra V. , Sic Wily , Haridas Sajeet , LaButti Kurt , Eichenberger Joanne , Kaur Navneet , Lipzen Anna , Barry Kerrie , Goodwin Stephen B. , Gribskov Michael , Grigoriev Igor V. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractCryomyces antarcticusis an endolithic fungus that inhabits rock outcrops in Antarctica. It survives extremes of cold, humidity and solar radiation in one of the least habitable environments on Earth. This fungus is unusual because it produces heavily melanized, meristematic growth and is thought to be haploid and asexual. Due to its growth in the most extreme environment, it has been suggested as an organism that could survive on Mars. However, the mechanisms it uses to achieve its extremophilic nature are not known. Over a billion years of fungal evolution has enabled representatives of this kingdom to populate almost all parts of planet Earth and to adapt to some of its most uninhabitable environments including extremes of temperature, salinity, pH, water, light, or other sources of radiation. Comparative genomics can provide clues to the processes underlying biological diversity, evolution, and adaptation. This effort has been greatly facilitated by the 1000 Fungal Genomes project and the JGI MycoCosm portal where sequenced genomes have been assembled into phylogenetic and ecological groups representing different projects, lifestyles, ecologies, and evolutionary histories. Comparative genomics within and between these groups provides insights into fungal adaptations, for example to extreme environmental conditions. Here, we analyze twoCryomycesgenomes in the context of additional psychrophilic fungi, as well as non-psychrophilic fungi with diverse lifestyles selected from the MycoCosm database. This analysis identifies families of genes that are expanded and contracted inCryomycesand other psychrophiles and may explain their extremophilic lifestyle. Higher GC contents of genes and of bases in the third positions of codons may help to stabilize DNA under extreme conditions. Numerous smaller contigs inC. antarcticussuggest the presence of an alternative haplotype that could indicate that the sequenced isolate is diploid or dikaryotic. These analyses provide a first step to unraveling the secrets of the extreme lifestyle ofC. antarcticus.