bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Difluorinated thromboxane A2 reveals crosstalk between platelet activatory and inhibitory pathways by targeting both the TP and IP receptors
Authors: Allen Megan F. , Hutchinson James L. , Keith Michael , Mallah Shahida , Corey Robin A. , Trory Justin S. , Jing Changcheng , Fang Huaquan , Wei Liang , Bennett Steven H. , Aggarwal Varinder K. , Mundell Stuart J. , Hers Ingeborg 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackground and PurposeThromboxane A2 (TXA2) is a prostanoid produced during platelet activaton, important in enhancing platelet reactivity by activation of TP receptors. However, due to the short half‐life, studying TXA2 signalling is challenging. To enhance our understanding of TP receptor‐mediated platelet biology, we therefore synthesised mono and difluorinated TXA2 analogues and explored their pharmacology on heterologous and endogenously expressed TP receptor function.Experimental ApproachPlatelet functional and signalling responses were studied using aggregometry, Ca2+ mobilisation experiments and immunoblotting and compared with an analogue of the TXA2 precursor prostaglandin H2, U46619. Gαq/Gαs receptor signalling was determined using a bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) assay in a cell line overexpression system.Key ResultsBRET studies revealed that F‐TXA2 and F2‐TXA2 promoted receptor‐stimulated TP receptor G‐protein activation similarly to U46619. Unexpectedly, F2‐TXA2 caused reversible aggregation in platelets, whereas F‐TXA2 and U46619 induced sustained aggregation. Blocking the IP receptor switched F2‐TXA2‐mediated reversible aggregation into sustained aggregation. Further BRET studies confirmed F2‐TXA2‐mediated IP receptor activation. F2‐TXA2 rapidly and potently stimulated platelet TP receptor‐mediated protein kinase C/P‐pleckstrin, whereas IP‐mediated protein kinase A/P‐vasodilator‐stimulated phosphoprotein was more delayed.Conclusion and ImplicationsF‐TXA2 is a close analogue to TXA2 used as a selective tool for TP receptor platelet activation. In contrast, F2‐TXA2 acts on both TP and IP receptors differently over time, resulting in an initial wave of TP receptor‐mediated platelet aggregation followed by IP receptor‐induced reversibility of aggregation. This study reveals the potential difference in the temporal aspects of stimulatory and inhibitory pathways involved in platelet activation.
Sparse q‐ball imaging towards efficient visual exploration of HARDI data
Authors: Lei D. , Miandji E. , Unger J. , Hotz I. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractDiffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (D‐MRI) is a technique to measure the diffusion of water, in biological tissues. It is used to detect microscopic patterns, such as neural fibers in the living human brain, with many medical and neuroscience applications e.g. for fiber tracking. In this paper, we consider High‐Angular Resolution Diffusion Imaging (HARDI) which provides one of the richest representations of water diffusion. It records the movement of water molecules by measuring diffusion under 64 or more directions. A key challenge is that it generates high‐dimensional, large, and complex datasets. In our work, we develop a novel representation that exploits the inherent sparsity of the HARDI signal by approximating it as a linear sum of basic atoms in an overcomplete data‐driven dictionary using only a sparse set of coefficients. We show that this approach can be efficiently integrated into the standard q‐ball imaging pipeline to compute the diffusion orientation distribution function (ODF). Sparse representations have the potential to reduce the size of the data while also giving some insight into the data. To explore the results, we provide a visualization of the atoms of the dictionary and their frequency in the data to highlight the basic characteristics of the data. We present our proposed pipeline and demonstrate its performance on 5 HARDI datasets.
Using eco‐evolutionary models to improve management of introgression in brown trout
Authors: Folio Dorinda , Caudron Arnaud , Vigier Laure , Oddou‐Muratorio Sylvie , Labonne Jacques 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe management of intraspecific diversity in many species is usually disconnected from eco‐evolutionary processes happening in natura. A classic example is embodied in the problem of introgression in hybridized fish populations, wherein management practices are generally unaware of any selective process at work, and therefore generally rely on numbers (adding or removing individuals) to reduce introgression. Such an example can be observed in the French Alps, where native Mediterranea (MED) brown trout have been highly introgressed through decades of stocking with domesticated Atlantic (ATL) brown trout. Recently however, new results shed light on a potential selective mechanism that may affect differentially the fitness of MED and ATL genes depending on the environment (GxE interaction). Using a demogenetic agent‐based model able to account for such GxE interaction, we simulate a management scenario implemented in 2005 by some biodiversity managers and scientists, who attempted to restore the Mediterranea gene pool using translocation of near pure MED individuals in Atlantic‐dominated areas. We show that the model is unable to recreate the observed introgression dynamics if the GxE interaction is not included. This finding implies that (i) eco‐evolutionary mechanisms can have large effects on introgression dynamics on very short time scales and (ii) management of intraspecific diversity should increasingly rely on these natural mechanisms, so as to improve management targets and facilitate adaptation to rapid environmental changes.
Auxiliary osseous findings in fetlocks of non‐racing sports horses with sagittal groove disease of the proximal phalanx on low‐field magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Faulkner Josephine E. , Joostens Zoë , Broeckx Bart J. G. , Hauspie Stijn , Mariën Tom , Vanderperren Katrien 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundSagittal groove disease of the proximal phalanx in equine athletes is commonly considered a bone stress injury. Repetitive hyperextension of the fetlock under high load is thought to contribute to its development. Concurrent changes are often reported in the dorsal sagittal ridge of the third metacarpus/metatarsus (MC3/MT3).ObjectivesTo describe the spectrum of associated osseous abnormalities that are present in the fetlock in a large group of horses diagnosed with sagittal groove disease on low‐field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).Study designRetrospective, cross‐sectional.MethodsMRI images of horses diagnosed with sagittal groove disease at Equitom Equine Clinic between March 2014 and March 2023 were evaluated using semi‐quantitative grading schemes and a sagittal groove disease MRI classification system.ResultsMRIs of 132 limbs were evaluated, predominantly from warmbloods used for showjumping (n = 83) and dressage (n = 18). Osseous densification and bone oedema‐like signal grades were higher in the dorsal sagittal ridge than palmarly/plantarly (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively). Grades of both osseous densification and bone oedema‐like signal in the dorsal sagittal ridge did not significantly differ between the different sagittal groove disease MRI classifications (both p > 0.05).Main limitationsInclusion based on original MRI reports, absence of control group, small numbers within some grading groups hindering statistical analyses.ConclusionsFindings support the aetiological theories of chronic bone‐stress due to loaded fetlock hyperextension however the severity of osseous changes of the dorsal sagittal ridge does not appear to be associated with the severity of sagittal groove disease classification.
ATP‐dependent chromatin remodeller brahma related gene 1 promotes keratinocyte migration and modulates cell Signalling during wound healing in human skin
Authors: Kellett Carl , Bhogal Ranjit K. , Botchkareva Natalia V. , Fessing Michael Y. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractSkin wound healing is driven by proliferation, migration and differentiation of several cell types that are controlled by the alterations in the gene expression programmes. Brahma Gene 1 (BRG1) (also known as SMARCA4) is a core ATPase in the BRG1 Associated Factors (BAF) ATP‐dependent chromatin remodelling complexes that alter DNA‐histone interaction in chromatin at the specific gene regulatory elements resulting in increase or decrease of the target gene transcription. Using siRNA mediated suppression of BRG1 during wound healing in a human ex vivo and in vitro (scratch assay) models, we demonstrated that BRG1 is essential for efficient skin wound healing by promoting epidermal keratinocytes migration, but not their proliferation or survival. BRG1 controls changes in the expression of genes associated with gene transcription, response to wounding, cell migration and cell signalling. Altogether, our data revealed that BRG1 play positive role in skin repair by promoting keratinocyte migration and impacting the genes expression programmes associated with cell migration and cellular signalling.
Family bonds and personal factors in caregiver burden in patients at the end of life
Authors: Ribera‐Asensi Olga , Pérez‐Marín Marián , Valero‐Moreno Selene 
Published: June 2024

AbstractFamily caregivers are defined as those who assume substantial responsibilities for the care of an ill loved one without formal health care training. This study aims to analyze the predictors of physical and emotional burden in caregivers of palliative patients using qualitative comparative analysis methodologies (QCA) and taking into account patient and caregiver personal and relational variables. A total of 125 caregivers of patients at the end of life were assessed using an ad hoc emotional and physical burden questionnaire and patient and caregiver personal and relational variables were recorded. Results indicate moderately high levels of both emotional and physical burden. Differences in burden are found only as a function of kinship. Emotional burden is positively associated with the use of physical health medication in the caregiver and kinship; meanwhile, physical burden is positively associated with time since diagnosis, patient functional independence, and economic problems. For the QCA models, several pathways predict the observed variance in the emotional and physical burden of family caregivers of patients at the end of life, based on patient, caregiver, and relationship variables. In conclusion, it is relevant to design intervention programs focused on patient–caregiver relationship to prevent the development of emotional and physical burden.
Woody plant encroachment drives population declines in 20% of common open ecosystem bird species
Authors: White Joseph D. M. , Stevens Nicola , Fisher Jolene T. , Reynolds Chevonne 
Published: June 2024

AbstractGrassy ecosystems cover more than 40% of the world's terrestrial surface, supporting crucial ecosystem services and unique biodiversity. These ecosystems have experienced major losses from conversion to agriculture with the remaining fragments threatened by global change. Woody plant encroachment, the increase in woody cover threatening grassy ecosystems, is a major global change symptom, shifting the composition, structure, and function of plant communities with concomitant effects on all biodiversity. To identify generalisable impacts of encroachment on biodiversity, we urgently need broad‐scale studies on how species respond to woody cover change. Here, we make use of bird atlas, woody cover change data (between 2007 and 2016) and species traits, to assess: (1) population trends and woody cover responses using dynamic occupancy models; (2) how outcomes relate to habitat, diet and nesting traits; and (3) predictions of future occupancy trends, for 191 abundant, southern African bird species. We found that: (1) 63% (121) of species showed a decline in occupancy, with 18% (34) of species' declines correlated with increasing woody cover (i.e. losers). Only 2% (4) of species showed increasing population trends linked with increased woody cover (i.e. winners); (2) Open habitat specialist, invertivorous, ground nesting birds were the most frequent losers, however, we found no definitive evidence that the selected traits could predict outcomes; and (3) We predict open habitat loser species will take on average 52 years to experience 50% population declines with current rates of encroachment. Our results bring attention to concerning region‐wide declining bird population trends and highlight woody plant encroachment as an important driver of bird population dynamics. Importantly, these findings should encourage improved management and restoration of our remaining grassy ecosystems. Furthermore, our findings show the importance of lands beyond protected areas for biodiversity, and the urgent need to mitigate the impacts of woody plant encroachment on bird biodiversity.
Is transvaginal mesh surgery with polytetrafluoroethylene mesh ORIHIME® feasible for anterior pelvic organ prolapse?—Randomized comparative study between ORIHIME® and Polyform™
Authors: Takeyama Masami , Kuwata Tomoko , Kashihara Hiromi , Kato Chikako , Watanabe Masaki 
Published: June 2024

ObjectiveTransvaginal mesh surgery for pelvic organ prolapse has been widely performed in Japan, but polypropylene mesh has not been used in Japan since the ban on TVM using polypropylene mesh in the United States. Currently, polytetrafluoroethylene mesh ORIHIME® is the only mesh available for TVM in Japan. Although polytetrafluoroethylene is a safe material, its low coefficient of friction and insufficient adhesion to the surrounding tissue make it difficult to maintain the mesh position when it is used in the transvaginal mesh surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of TVM‐A2 using ORIHIME®.MethodsOne hundred cases of TVM‐A2 were included in the study. The patients were randomly assigned to two groups: the ORIHIME® group (Group O) and the PolyformTM group (Group P). With 50 patients in each group, the complications and recurrences up to the fourth year were compared. Surgeries were performed using the TVM‐A2 method. Statistical analysis was performed using EZR.ResultsThere were no significant differences in baseline parameters between the two groups. We observed no perioperative complications, and saw one case of postoperative abscess formation in Group O, which resolved successfully after incision and drainage. The 4‐year recurrence rate was significantly higher in Group O.ConclusionAs the recurrence rate was significantly higher in Group O, we conclude that TVM‐A2 using ORIHIME® which is the same procedure as TVM‐A2 using polypropylene mesh is not feasible in repairing the pelvic organ prolapse.
Rapid eye movement sleep and epilepsy: exploring interactions and therapeutic prospects
Authors: Nobili Lino , Cordani Ramona , Arnaldi Dario , Mattioli Pietro , Veneruso Marco , Ng Marcus 
Published: June 2024

SummaryWhile research interest in the relationship between sleep and epilepsy is growing, it primarily centres on the effects of non‐rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep in favouring seizures. Nonetheless, a noteworthy aspect is the observation that, in the lives of patients with epilepsy, REM sleep represents the moment with the least epileptic activity and the lowest probability of having a seizure. Studies demonstrate a suppressive effect of phasic REM sleep on interictal epileptiform discharges, potentially offering insights into epilepsy localisation and management. Furthermore, epilepsy impacts REM sleep, with successful treatment correlating with improved REM sleep quality. Novel therapeutic strategies aim to harness REM's anti‐epileptic effects, including pharmacological approaches targeting orexinergic systems and neuromodulation techniques promoting cortical desynchronisation. These findings underscore the intricate relationship between REM sleep and epilepsy, highlighting avenues for further research and therapeutic innovation in epilepsy management.
Blood‐brain barrier dysfunction and decreased transcription of tight junction proteins in epileptic dogs
Authors: Hanael Erez , Baruch Shelly , Altman Rotem Kalev , Chai Orit , Rapoport Kira , Peery Dana , Friedman Alon , Shamir Merav H. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundEpilepsy in dogs and humans is associated with blood‐brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction (BBBD), which may involve dysfunction of tight junction (TJ) proteins, matrix metalloproteases, and astrocytes. Imaging techniques to assess BBB integrity, to identify potential treatment strategies, have not yet been evaluated in veterinary medicine.HypothesisSome dogs with idiopathic epilepsy (IE) will exhibit BBBD. Identifying BBBD may improve antiepileptic treatment in the future.AnimalsTwenty‐seven dogs with IE and 10 healthy controls.MethodsRetrospective, prospective cohort study. Blood‐brain barrier permeability (BBBP) scores were calculated for the whole brain and piriform lobe of all dogs by using dynamic contrast enhancement (DCE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and subtraction enhancement analysis (SEA). Matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP9) activity in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was measured and its expression in the piriform lobe was examined using immunofluorescent staining. Gene expression of TJ proteins and astrocytic transporters was analyzed in the piriform lobe.ResultsThe DCE‐MRI analysis of the piriform lobe identified higher BBBP score in the IE group when compared with controls (34.5% vs 26.5%; P = .02). Activity and expression of MMP9 were increased in the serum, CSF, and piriform lobe of IE dogs as compared with controls. Gene expression of Kir4.1 and claudin‐5 in the piriform lobe of IE dogs was significantly lower than in control dogs.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceOur findings demonstrate BBBD in dogs with IE and were supported by increased MMP9 activity and downregulation of astrocytic potassium channels and some TJ proteins. Blood brain barrier dysfunction may be a novel antiepileptic therapy target.
Metagenome‐assembled genome of the glacier alga Ancylonema yields insights into the evolution of streptophyte life on ice and land
Authors: Bowles Alexander M. C. , Williams Tom A. , Donoghue Philip C. J. , Campbell Douglas A. , Williamson Christopher J. 
Published: June 2024

Summary

Contemporary glaciers are inhabited by streptophyte algae that balance photosynthesis and growth with tolerance of low temperature, desiccation and UV radiation. These same environmental challenges have been hypothesised as the driving force behind the evolution of land plants from streptophyte algal ancestors in the Cryogenian (720–635 million years ago).

We sequenced, assembled and analysed the metagenome‐assembled genome of the glacier alga Ancylonema nordenskiöldii to investigate its adaptations to life in ice, and whether this represents a vestige of Cryogenian exaptations.

Phylogenetic analysis confirms the placement of glacier algae within the sister lineage to land plants, Zygnematophyceae. The metagenome‐assembled genome is characterised by an expansion of genes involved in tolerance of high irradiance and UV light, while lineage‐specific diversification is linked to the novel screening pigmentation of glacier algae. We found no support for the hypothesis of a common genomic basis for adaptations to ice and to land in streptophytes. Comparative genomics revealed that the reductive morphological evolution in the ancestor of Zygnematophyceae was accompanied by reductive genome evolution.

This first genome‐scale data for glacier algae suggests an Ancylonema‐specific adaptation to the cryosphere, and sheds light on the genome evolution of land plants and Zygnematophyceae.
Rapid growth of a carbonate island over the last millennium
Authors: Cantine Marjorie , Orzechowski Emily , Stein Nathan , Lincoln Tyler , Hibner Brianna , Present Theodore , Thorpe Michael , Strauss Justin , Bahniuk Rumbelsperger Anelize Manuela , Knoll Andrew H. , Grotzinger John , Gomes Maya , Trower Elizabeth 
Published: June 2024

AbstractLow‐lying islands in tropical regions are vulnerable to near‐term sea‐level rise and hurricane‐induced flooding, with substantial human impact. These risks motivate researchers to elucidate the processes and timescales involved in the formation, growth and stabilization of coastlines through the study of Holocene shoreline dynamics. Little Ambergris Cay (Turks and Caicos Islands) is a low‐lying carbonate island that provides a case study in the nucleation and growth of such islands. This study investigates the sedimentology and radiocarbon chronology of the island's lithified sediments to develop a model for its history. The island's lithified rim encloses a tidal swamp populated by microbial mats and mangroves. Preliminary radiocarbon data supported a long‐standing inference that the island is Holocene in age. This study integrates petrographic, sedimentological and new radiocarbon data to quantify the age of the island and develop a model for its evolution. Results indicate that the ages of most lithified sediments on the island are <1000 cal yr bp, and the generation and lithification of carbonate sediment in this system supports coastline growth of at least 5 cm/year. The lithification of anthropogenic detritus was documented, consistent with other evidence that in recent centuries the lithified rim has grown by rates up to tens of centimetres per year. A unit of mid‐Holocene age was identified and correlated with a similar unit of early transgressive aeolianite described from San Salvador, The Bahamas. It is proposed that this antecedent feature played an important role in the nucleation and formation of the modern island. Results extend an established Bahamian stratigraphic framework to the south‐western extreme of the Lucayan archipelago, and highlight the dynamism of carbonate shorelines, which should inform forward‐looking mitigation strategies to increase coastal resiliency to sea‐level rise. These results inform interpretation of the palaeoenvironmental record of carbonate environments, underscoring their geologically rapid pace of lithification.
Over‐accumulation of chloroplast‐nucleus located WHIRLY1 in barley leads to a decrease in growth and an enhanced stress resistance
Authors: Frank Susann , Saeid Nia Monireh , Schäfer Anke , Desel Christine , Mulisch Maria , Voigt Ulrike , Nowara Daniela , Tandron Moya Yudelsy Antonia , von Wiren Nicolaus , Bilger Wolfgang , Hensel Götz , Krupinska Karin 
Published: June 2024

SUMMARYWHIRLY1 is a chloroplast‐nucleus located DNA/RNA‐binding protein with functions in development and stress tolerance. By overexpression of HvWHIRLY1 in barley, one line with a 10‐fold and two lines with a 50‐fold accumulation of the protein were obtained. In these lines, the relative abundance of the nuclear form exceeded that of the chloroplast form. Growth of the plants was shown to be compromised in a WHIRLY1 abundance‐dependent manner. Over‐accumulation of WHIRLY1 in chloroplasts had neither an evident impact on nucleoid morphology nor on the composition of the photosynthetic apparatus. Nevertheless, oeW1 plants were found to be compromised in the light reactions of photosynthesis as well as in carbon fixation. The reduction in growth and photosynthesis was shown to be accompanied by a decrease in the levels of cytokinins and an increase in the level of jasmonic acid. Gene expression analyses revealed that in nonstress conditions the oeW1 plants had enhanced levels of pathogen response (PR) gene expression indicating activation of constitutive defense. During growth in continuous light of high irradiance PR gene expression increased indicating that under stress conditions oeW1 are capable to further enhance defense.