bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Astrocytic phagocytosis in the medial prefrontal cortex jeopardises postoperative memory consolidation in mice
Authors: Ma Xin , Le Yuan , Hu Lin , Ouyang Wen , Li Cheng , Ma Daqing , Tong Jianbin 
Published: March 2024

AbstractMemory impairment is one of the main characteristics of postoperative cognitive dysfunction. It remains elusive how postoperative pathological changes of the brain link to the memory impairment. The clinical setting of perioperation was mimicked via partial hepatectomy under sevoflurane anaesthesia together with preoperative restraint stress (Hep‐Sev‐stress) in mice. Memory changes were assessed with fear conditioning. The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC)‐dorsal hippocampus connectivity was evaluated with injecting neurotracer 28 days before surgery. Astrocytic activation was limited via injecting AAV‐GFAP‐hM4Di‐eGFP into the mPFC. Astrocytic and microglial phagocytosis of synapses were visualised with co‐labelling hippocampal neuronal axon terminals with PSD‐95 and S100β or Iba1. Neuroinflammation and oxidative stress status were also detected. Hep‐Sev‐stress impaired the memory consolidation (mean [standard error], 49.91 [2.55]% vs. 35.40 [3.97]% in the contextual memory, p = 0.007; 40.72 [2.78]% vs. 27.77 [2.22]% in cued memory, p = 0.002) and the cued memory retrieval (39.00 [3.08]% vs. 24.11 [2.06]%, p = 0.001) in mice when compared with these in the naïve controls. Hep‐Sev‐stress damaged the connectivity from the dorsal hippocampus to mPFC but not from the mPFC to the dorsal hippocampus and increased the astrocytic but not microglial phagocytosis of hippocampal neuronal axon terminals in the mPFC. The intervention also induced neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in the dorsal hippocampus and the mPFC in a regional‐dependent manner. Limiting astrocyte activation in the mPFC alleviated memory consolidation impairment induced by Hep‐Sev‐stress. Postoperative memory consolidation was impaired due to astrocytic phagocytosis‐induced connectivity injury from the dorsal hippocampus to the medial prefrontal cortex.
Structural bases for stoichiometry‐selective calcium potentiation of a neuronal nicotinic receptor
Authors: Mazzaferro Simone , Kang Guipeun , Natarajan Kathiresan , Hibbs Ryan E. , Sine Steven M. 
Published: March 2024

Background and Purposeα4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine (nACh) receptors assemble in two stoichiometric forms, one of which is potentiated by calcium. The sites of calcium binding that underpin potentiation are not known.Experimental ApproachTo identify calcium binding sites, we applied cryo‐electron microscopy (cryo‐EM) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to each stoichiometric form of the α4β2 nACh receptor in the presence of calcium ions. To test whether the identified calcium sites are linked to potentiation, we generated mutants of anionic residues at the sites, expressed wild type and mutant receptors in clonal mammalian fibroblasts, and recorded ACh‐elicited single‐channel currents with or without calcium.Key ResultsBoth cryo‐EM and MD simulations show calcium bound to a site between the extracellular and transmembrane domains of each α4 subunit (ECD‐TMD site). Substituting alanine for anionic residues at the ECD‐TMD site abolishes stoichiometry‐selective calcium potentiation, as monitored by single‐channel patch clamp electrophysiology. Additionally, MD simulation reveals calcium association at subunit interfaces within the extracellular domain. Substituting alanine for anionic residues at the ECD sites reduces or abolishes stoichiometry‐selective calcium potentiation.Conclusions and ImplicationsStoichiometry‐selective calcium potentiation of the α4β2 nACh receptor is achieved by calcium association with topographically distinct sites framed by anionic residues within the α4 subunit and between the α4 and β2 subunits. Stoichiometry‐selective calcium potentiation could result from the greater number of calcium sites in the stoichiometric form with three rather than two α4 subunits. The results are relevant to modulation of signalling via α4β2 nACh receptors in physiological and pathophysiological conditions.
Ingesting probiotic yogurt containing Lactiplantibacillus plantarum OLL2712 improves glycaemic control in adults with prediabetes in a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Toshimitsu Takayuki , Gotou Ayako , Sashihara Toshihiro , Hojo Kenichi , Hachimura Satoshi , Shioya Nobuhiko , Iwama Yoshitaka , Irie Junichiro , Ichihara Yoshitatsu 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAimThe ingestion of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum OLL2712 (OLL2712) cells has been shown to improve glucose metabolism by suppressing chronic inflammation in murine models and clinical studies. This study aimed to clarify the effect of OLL2712 on glycaemic control in healthy adults with prediabetes.Materials and MethodsThe study was a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group design. Adult participants with prediabetes [n = 148, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) range: 5.6%‐6.4%, age range: 20‐64 years] were assigned randomly to placebo or OLL2712 groups (n = 74/group) and administered daily for 12 weeks either conventional yogurt or yogurt containing >5 × 109 heat‐treated OLL2712 cells, respectively. In addition, the participants were followed for 8 weeks after the discontinuation of either yogurt. The primary outcome was the changes in HbA1c levels at weeks 12 and 16 by analysis of covariance.ResultsThe levels of HbA1c and glycoalbumin decreased significantly in both groups at week 12 in comparison with those at week 0, but only in the OLL2712 group at week 16. HbA1c levels decreased significantly at weeks 12 and 16 in the OLL2712 group in comparison with the placebo group (p = .014 and p = .006, respectively). No significant inter‐ and intragroup differences in HbA1c levels were observed at week 20.ConclusionsThe ingestion of OLL2712 prevents the deterioration of glycaemic control and maintains the HbA1c levels within the normal range in adults with prediabetes; yogurt probably exhibits similar effects, which may contribute to reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Application of echocardiography in transcatheter aortic valve replacement in patients with severe aortic regurgitation and correlation analysis of postprocedural complications
Authors: Hu Guobing , Lv Zhen , Ding Jie , Zhu Xiangming 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundTranscatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is gradually becoming an alternative therapy for patients who cannot adapt to surgical treatment or have contraindications.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to investigate the value of echocardiography in the evaluation of severe AR patients treated with TAVR and to analyze the correlations with postprocedural complications to improve the evaluation and screening of patients.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed clinical and echocardiographic data of 70 patients with severe AR. Periaortic valve structures were carefully measured by esophageal echocardiography (TEE) and compared with the multilayer slice computed tomography (MSCT) findings. Real‐time three‐dimensional esophageal echocardiography (RT‐3D TEE) was monitored during the operation, and a 30‐day postprocedural follow‐up was performed. The relationship between postprocedural complications and patients’ clinical data or periaortic valve structures was analyzed by multifactorial analysis to identify relevant predictors of complications.ResultsThe TEE measurements of periaortic valve structures were in good agreement with the MSCT measurements. Among the patients who underwent successful operations, both left atrial (LA) and left ventricular (LV) diameters were reduced, and the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was improved 30 days after TAVR compared with the preprocedural period (P < .05). Permanent pacemakers were implanted in 15 patients. The presence of preprocedural right bundle branch block (RBBB) (OR: 2.93; 95% CI: 1.18‐12.70; P = .01) was an independent factor for permanent pacemaker implantation after TAVR.ConclusionsEchocardiography plays an extremely important role in TAVR procedures. The presence of preprocedural RBBB can be an independent predictor of postprocedural pacemaker implantation.
Prognostic relevance of the C‐X‐C motif chemokine ligand 13 and interleukin‐8 in predicting the transition from clinically isolated syndrome to multiple sclerosis
Authors: Klíčová Kateřina , Mareš Jan , Sobek Ondřej , Rous Zuzana , Rous Matouš , Raška Milan , Hartung Hans‐Peter 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe initial phase of multiple sclerosis (MS), often known as clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), is a critical period for identifying individuals at high risk of progressing to full‐blown MS and initiating timely treatment. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of C‐X‐C motif chemokine ligand 13 (CXCL13) and interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) as potential markers for CIS patients' conversion to MS. Our study encompassed patients with CIS, those with relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS), and control subjects, with sample analysis conducted on both cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum. Patients were categorized into four groups: CIS–CIS (no MS development within 2 years), CIS–RRMS (conversion to RRMS within 2 years), RRMS (already diagnosed), and a control group (CG) with noninflammatory central nervous system disorders. Results showed significantly elevated levels of CXCL13 in CSF across all patient groups compared with the CG (p < 0.0001, Kruskal–Wallis test). Although CXCL13 concentrations were slightly higher in the CIS–RRMS group, statistical significance was not reached. Similarly, significantly higher levels of IL‐8 were detected in CSF samples from all patient groups compared with the CG (p < 0.0001, Kruskal–Wallis test). Receiver operating characteristic analysis in the CIS–RRMS group identified both CXCL13 (area under receiver operating characteristic curve = .959) and IL‐8 (area under receiver operating characteristic curve = .939) in CSF as significant predictors of CIS to RRMS conversion. In conclusion, our study suggests a trend towards elevated CSF IL‐8 and CSF CXCL13 levels in CIS patients progressing to RRMS. These findings emphasize the importance of identifying prognostic markers to guide appropriate treatment strategies for individuals in the early stages of MS.
Shaming and Unreasonable Shame in the Book of Job1
Authors: Garner Marina 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWhile the philosophical study of shame has gained popularity, its application in the interpretation of the Hebrew Bible remains in its early stages. This paper delves into an analysis of shaming and unreasonable shame in the Book of Job, particularly in chapter 19. Through an examination of the Hebrew text and drawing on contemporary philosophical definitions of shame and shaming, I argue that Job perceives his friends, God, and the community to be employing shaming tactics against him, attempting to induce feelings of shame, a sentiment Job considers unjustified. In his case, shame is deemed unreasonable because Job has not violated any cherished values that would warrant such an emotion. Additionally, I demonstrate that while Job senses God shaming him, the biblical character acknowledges that his deity is the sole entity aware of his innocence—God's eyes perceive accurately, in contrast to humans', which only assess outward appearances. The role of God as the perfect witness to Job's life is fulfilled in the epilogue of the book, where Yahweh vindicates Job from the shame he has endured by publicly denouncing the serious faults of his friends.
“Eco‐style” perceptions: The interplay of different sustainability cues and fashion styles in consumers' fashion brand attitudes
Authors: Behre Barbara , Cauberghe Verolien 
Published: March 2024

AbstractSustainable fashion is becoming increasingly integrated in today's society. However, the use of the term “eco” in fashion branding may evoke negative consumer perceptions, especially in terms of the perceived fashionability of clothing items. Hence, this study investigates consumer responses to environmental versus social sustainability cues used by an online fashion shop. In particular, the moderating influence of basic versus modern fashion style is examined, considering the idea that fashion style is central to consumers' brand evaluations. Using a 2 (environmental vs. social sustainability cue) × 2 (timeless basic vs. modern fashion style) between‐subjects factorial design, this study explored the effectiveness of sustainability cues on fashion brand value perceptions (emotional, social, and functional value) and brand attitudes. Among the 358 respondents, the results indicate more positive brand attitudes when fashion items are presented with an environmental (vs. social) sustainability cue. In particular, this effect is stronger for the timeless basic (vs. modern trend‐based) fashion style. Yet, a cue referring to environmental sustainability increases social brand values for the modern fashion style. This study offers valuable contributions to the sustainable fashion literature and recommendations for online fashion retailers.
Immunophenotypic characterization of leukemic stem cells in acute myeloid leukemia using single tube 10‐colour panel by multiparametric flow cytometry: Deciphering the spectrum, complexity and immunophenotypic heterogeneity
Authors: Das Nupur , Panda Devasis , Gajendra Smeeta , Gupta Ritu , Thakral Deepshi , Kaur Gurvinder , Khan Aafreen , Singh Vivek Kumar , Vemprala Arushi , Bakhshi Sameer , Seth Rachna , Sahoo Ranjit Kumar , Sharma Atul , Rai Sandeep , Prajapati Vijay K. , Singh Saroj 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIntroductionDespite extensive research, comprehensive characterization of leukaemic stem cells (LSC) and information on their immunophenotypic differences from normal haematopoietic stem cells (HSC) is lacking. Herein, we attempted to unravel the immunophenotypic (IPT) characteristics and heterogeneity of LSC using multiparametric flow cytometry (MFC) and single‐cell sequencing.Materials and MethodsBone marrow aspirate samples from patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) were evaluated using MFC at diagnostic and post induction time points using a single tube‐10‐colour‐panel containing LSC‐associated antibodies CD123, CD45RA, CD44, CD33 and COMPOSITE (CLL‐1, TIM‐3, CD25, CD11b, CD22, CD7, CD56) with backbone markers that is, CD45, CD34, CD38, CD117, sCD3. Single‐cell sequencing of the whole transcriptome was also done in a bone marrow sample.ResultsLSCs and HSCs were identified in 225/255 (88.2%) and 183/255 (71.6%) samples, respectively. Significantly higher expression was noted for COMPOSITE, CD45RA, CD123, CD33, and CD44 in LSCs than HSCs (p < 0.0001). On comparing the LSC specific antigen expressions between CD34+ (n = 184) and CD34‐ LSCs (n = 41), no difference was observed between the groups. More than one sub‐population of LSC was demonstrated in 4.4% of cases, which further revealed high concordance between MFC and single cell transcriptomic analysis in one of the cases displaying three LSC subpopulations by both methods.ConclusionA single tube‐10‐colour MFC panel is proposed as an easy and reproducible tool to identify and discriminate LSCs from HSCs. LSCs display both inter‐ and intra‐sample heterogeneity in terms of antigen expressions, which opens the facets for single cell molecular analysis to elucidate the role of subpopulations of LSCs in AML progression.
Flavonoid extracted from Epimedium attenuate cGAS‐STING‐mediated diseases by targeting the formation of functional STING signalosome
Authors: Wang Yan , Xu Guang , Wen Jincai , Zhao Xiaomei , Zhao Huanying , Lv Guiji , Xu Yingjie , Xiu Ye , Li Junjie , Chen Simin , Yao Qing , Chen Yuanyuan , Ma Lina , Xiao Xiaohe , Cao Junling , Bai Zhaofang 
Published: March 2024

AbstractHyperactivation of the cyclic‐GMP‐AMP synthase (cGAS)–stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signalling pathway has been shown to be associated with the development of a variety of inflammatory diseases, and the discovery of an inhibitor of the cGAS‐STING signalling pathway holds great promise in the therapeutic interventions. Epimedium flavonoid (EF), a major active ingredient isolated from the medicinal plant Epimedium, has been reported to have good anti‐inflammatory activity, but its exact mechanism of action remains unclear. In the present study, we found that EF in mouse bone marrow‐derived macrophages (BMDMs), THP‐1 (Tohoku Hospital Pediatrics‐1) as well as in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMC) inhibited the activation of the cGAS‐STING signalling pathway, which subsequently led to a decrease in the expression of type I interferon (IFN‐β, CXCL10 and ISG15) and pro‐inflammatory cytokines (IL‐6 and TNF‐α). Mechanistically, EF does not affect STING oligomerization, but inhibits the formation of functional STING signalosome by attenuating the interaction of interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) with STING and TANK‐binding kinase 1 (TBK1). Importantly, in vivo experiments, EF has shown promising therapeutic effects on inflammatory diseases mediated by the cGAS‐STING pathway, which include the agonist model induced by DMXAA stimulation, the autoimmune inflammatory disease model induced by three prime repair exonuclease 1 (Trex1) deficiency, and the non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) model induced by a pathogenic amino acid and choline deficiency diet (MCD). To summarize, our study suggests that EF is a potent potential inhibitor component of the cGAS‐STING signalling pathway for the treatment of inflammatory diseases mediated by the cGAS‐STING signalling pathway.
Information and selling mode strategies in a supply chain with an outsourced private label product
Authors: Wang Fa , Chen Jing , Yang Hui , Sun Fei 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis paper examines the interplay between the information strategy of an e‐commerce platform and the selling mode strategy of a manufacturer within a co‐opetitive supply chain, as well as the identification of the optimal supply chain strategy. We develop a supply chain model where a platform outsources production of its private label product to a manufacturer, who also sells its national brand product through the platform. The platform must decide whether to acquire consumer quality preference information at a cost and share it with the manufacturer, while the manufacturer needs to choose between the reselling mode or the agency selling mode for its national brand product. The two driving effects (competition‐intensification effect and mode differentiation effect) are identified. Our findings show that the platform will acquire and share information when the acquisition cost is sufficiently low, leading to the “competition‐intensification effect.” Additionally, the manufacturer prefers the agency selling mode when cost‐quality efficiency is low, and the reselling mode otherwise, driven by the “mode differentiation effect.” In cases where information sharing is absent, the manufacturer is more likely to choose the agency selling mode. Interestingly, when the cost‐quality efficiency of the manufacturer's product is moderate and the information acquisition cost is low, the “competition‐intensification effect” and the “mode differentiation effect” offset each other, resulting in the expansion of the region where the manufacturer chooses the reselling mode due to the platform's information‐sharing strategy. As a result, this enhances a cooperative relationship between the manufacturer and the platform. We also derive the optimal supply chain strategy, providing insights into both the manufacturer's selling mode and the platform's information strategies in online retailing.
Pressure‐driven homogenization of lithium disilicate glasses
Authors: Bakhouch Yasser , Buchner Silvio , Silveira Rafael Abel , Resende Leonardo , Pereira Altair Soria , Hasnaoui Abdellatif , Atila Achraf 
Published: March 2024

AbstractLithium disilicate glasses and glass–ceramics are good potential candidates for biomedical applications, solid‐state batteries, and serve as models of nucleation and crystal growth. Moreover, these glasses exhibit a phase separation that influences their nucleation and crystallization behavior. The atomistic mechanisms of the phase separation and their pressure dependence are unclear so far. Here, we used molecular dynamics simulations supported by experiments to assess the spatial heterogeneity of lithium disilicate glasses prepared under pressure. We show that the glass heterogeneity decreases with increasing the pressure under which the system was cooled and almost disappears at pressures around 30 GPa. The origin of the heterogeneity is due to the attraction between Li cations to form clustering channels, which decreases with pressure. Through our results, we hope to provide valuable insights and guidance for making glass–ceramics with controlled crystallization.
‘Can I code?’ Exploring rural fifth‐grade girls' programming self‐efficacy and interest in a developing country
Authors: Liu Yanjia , Qin Chao , He Hao 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe world is moving towards digitalization and intelligence. Programming has become an essential development competency. Even though many countries are currently making great efforts to expand programming education, the programming education in these countries shows an imbalance in geographical and gender dimensions. We found that few studies paid attention to rural girls' programming learning in developing countries.ObjectivesThis study focuses on programming learning among rural girls in a developing country (China) from an educational equity perspective. We investigated the level and the changes in these girls' self‐efficacy and interest in programming.MethodsWe conducted a three‐month (12‐week) semester of programming teaching for rural fifth‐grade girls. Two rounds of data collection were conducted at the mid‐semester (first‐measure) and the end of the semester (second‐measure), with semi‐structured interviews at the end of the semester.Results and conclusionsThe results showed that rural girls' programming self‐efficacy was at a moderate‐to‐high level and remained stable, but there were no gender differences in programming self‐efficacy between boys and girls in the second‐measure. Girls' self‐efficacy was positively correlated with interest, and programming education could help girls to increase their interest in programming, but boys and girls did not show gender differences in their programming interest in second‐measure. Interestingly, we found that girls' perceived programming knowledge acquisition was significantly higher than overall programming efficacy.TakeawaysThese findings provide meaningful implications for programming education in less developed areas and female early programming education.