bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fibroblast growth factor 2 promotes osteo/odontogenic differentiation in stem cells from the apical papilla by inhibiting PI3K/AKT pathway
Authors: Wang Zijie , Chen Chuying , Sun Liying , He Mei , Huang Ting , Zheng Jiji , Wu Jiayuan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) is a crucial factor in odontoblast differentiation and dentin matrix deposition, which facilitates pulpodentin repair and regeneration. Nevertheless, the specific biological function of FGF2 in odontoblastic differentiation remains unclear because it is controlled by complex signalling pathways. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism underlying the effect of FGF2 on osteo/odontogenic differentiation of stem cells from the apical papilla (SCAP). SCAP were pretreated with conditioned media containing FGF2 for one week, followed by culturing in induced differentiation medium for another week. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) combined with quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to evaluate the pathways affected by FGF2 in SCAP. Osteo/odontogenic differentiation of SCAP was determined using Alizarin red S staining, alkaline phosphatase staining, RT-qPCR, and western blotting. Pretreatment with FGF2 for one week increased the osteo/odontogenic differentiation ability of SCAP. RNA-seq and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses revealed that phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signalling is involved in the osteogenic function of FGF2. RT-qPCR results indicated that SCAP expressed FGF receptors, and western blotting showed that p-AKT was reduced in FGF2-pretreated SCAP. The activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway partially reversed the stimulatory effect of FGF2 on osteo/odontogenic differentiation of SCAP. Our findings suggest that pretreatment with FGF2 enhances the osteo/odontogenic differentiation ability of SCAP by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT pathway.
A luminous, fast blue optical transient from a stellar tidal
disruption event by an intermediate-mass black hole
Authors: Gutiérrez Claudia , Mattila Seppo , Lundqvist Peter , Dessart Luc , González-Gaitán Santiago , Jonker Peter , Dong Subo , Coppejans Deanne , Chen Ping , Charalampopoulos Panagiotis , Elias-Rosa Nancy , Reynolds Tom , Kochanek Christopher , Fraser Morgan , Pastorello Andrea , Gromadzki Mariusz , Neustadt Jack , Benetti Stefano , Kankare Erkki , Kangas Tuomas , Kotak Rubina , Stritzinger Maximilian , Wevers Thomas , Zhang Bing , Bersier David , Bose Subhash , Buckley David , Dastidar Raya , Gangopadhyay Anjasha , Hamanowicz Aleksandra , Kollmeier Juna , Mao Jirong , Potter Stephen , Romero-Colmenero Encarni , Singh Mridweeka , Somero Auni , Terreran Giacomo , Vaisanen Petri , Wyrzykowski Lukasz 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Intermediate-mass black holes (BHs) bridging the gap between stellar mass (MBH ≤ 100 M⊙) and supermassive BHs (M_BH ≥ 106 M⊙) are still elusive [1]. Recent James Webb Space Telescope discoveries of supermassive BHs in the early Universe (z ∼ 7-10) call for new pathways for their formation [2, 3] when the Universe was less than a billion years old, requiring intermediate-mass BHs as their seeds [4]. Here, we report the observations of a remarkable optical transient event CRTS-CSS161010 J045834-081803 (CSS161010 hereafter) 0.4” from the centre of a dwarf galaxy with a stellar mass log(M∗/M⊙)= 8.135+0.087 −0.079 M⊙. The bright and extremely fast-evolving light curves of CSS161010 share many similarities with those of the rare, luminous, fast blue optical transients. Spectroscopically, its evolution is unprecedented. The spectra show blueshifted, broad hydrogen emission lines indicating velocities of up to 10% of the speed of light. We show that CSS161010’s observed properties can naturally be explained by the tidal disruption of a star by an intermediate-mass BH with M BH = 10 3.6±0.1 M⊙. Further observations of events similar to CSS161010 can pinpoint quiescent intermediate-mass BHs in low-redshift galaxies and constrain their masses, shedding light on the formation of massive BHs in the early Universe.
M. orygis hypervirulence provides new insights into tuberculosis pathogenesis
Authors: Behr Marcel , Danchuk Sarah , Duffy Shannon , Sullivan Jaryd , Rufai Syed Beenish , McIntosh Fiona , Lupien Andreanne , Taylor Lorne , Joubert Philippe , Mortensen Rasmus , Kapur Vivek 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) includes M. tuberculosis (M. tb), the cause of human tuberculosis, and the animal pathogens, M. bovis and M. orygis, causes of tuberculosis in a broad range of mammalian hosts, including humans. Since the late 1800s, M. tb and M. bovis have shown distinct differences in clinical presentation and virulence following experimental infection. However, the pathogenicity of M. orygis has yet to be subject to experimental investigation. Despite possessing the smallest genome of the three, M. orygis is hypervirulent in C57BL/6 mice, comparable to M. bovis, but markedly different from M. tb. Proteomic comparisons, gene disruptions and infection studies reinforced the importance of the canonical virulence factor, ESAT-6, and identified MPT70 as a non-canonical virulence factor. The demonstration of differential virulence among these MTBC lineages necessitates a reconsideration of M. tb as the default organism for pathogenesis studies and has fundamental and translational implications for tuberculosis research.
Intranasal Oxytocin Increases Head Motion During Functional MRI Scanning
Authors: Houlton Sydney , Vaidya Jatin , Breheny Patrick , Strathearn Lane 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Oxytocin is a neuropeptide associated with prosocial behaviors, such as parent-child bonding, eye contact, and sexual activity. Intranasally-administered oxytocin has been widely used to study its effects on the brain using functional magnetic resonance imaging. Head motion is a significant confounding variable which was assessed as part of a double blind, placebo-controlled crossover study. Twenty-four mothers with drug addiction problems were initially recruited, along with 22 healthy control mothers, to test whether intranasal oxytocin enhances functional brain responses to images of their own versus unknown infant faces. Significant differences in head motion between oxytocin/placebo conditions and addiction/control groups were discovered. Administration of intranasal oxytocin was associated with more frequent counts of head motion exceeding 3 mm of framewise displacement, independent of group status (z=2.89, p=0.004). This effect was seen more strongly in the control group (z=2.30, p=0.02) than the addiction group (z=1.77, p=0.08). The addiction group was more likely to show increased head motion, independent of oxytocin or placebo condition (z=2.21, p=0.03). When examining the mean head motion across all time points, as opposed to the count of large movements, oxytocin’s effect was limited to the addiction group (z=2.58, p=0.01), with a significant group by condition interaction effect observed. Intranasally-administered oxytocin may therefore have a confounding effect on functional MRI scanning results via its independent effect on head motion. These findings should be examined and replicated in other clinical populations.
Prolonged latency of the Gustatory Evoked Potentials for sucrose solution in subjects living with obesity compared with normal-weight subjects
Authors: Jacquin-Piques Agnès , Mouillot Thomas , Brindisi Marie-Claude , Gauthier Cyril , Barthet Sophie , Quere Clémence , Litime Djihed , Perrignon-Sommet Manon , Grall Sylvie , Lienard Fabienne , Fenech Claire , Devilliers Hervé , Rouland Alexia , Georges Marjolaine , Penicaud Luc , Brondel Laurent , Leloup Corinne 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Objectives A difference in cortical treatment of taste information could alter food intake promoting the development of obesity. The main purpose was to compare, in subjects living with obesity (OB) and normal-weight subjects (NW), the characteristics of gustatory evoked potentials (GEP) for sucrose solution (10 g.100 mL− 1) before and after a standard lunch. The secondary objective was to evaluate the correlations between GEP and the plasmatic levels of acylated ghrelin, leptin, insulin and serotonin.Methods Each subject had 2 randomized sessions spaced by an interval of 2 days. During one session, subjects were fasting and during the other, subjects took a lunch low in sugar. In each session, subjects had a blood test before a first GEP recording followed by a second GEP recording either after a lunch (feeding session) or no lunch (fasting session).Results Twenty-eight OB (BMI: 38.6 ± 9.0 kg.m− 2) were matched to 22 NW (BMI: 22.3 ± 2.2 kg.m− 2). GEP latencies were prolonged in OB regardless the sessions and the time before and after lunch, compared with NW (in Cz at the morning: 170 ± 33 ms vs 138 ± 25 ms respectively; p < 0.001). The increase in latency observed in NW after lunch was not observed in OB. Negative or positive correlations were noted between GEP latencies and ghrelin, leptin, insulin plasmatic levels (P1Cz, r = − 0.38, r = 0.33, r = 0.37 respectively, p < 0.0001).Conclusions This study highlights a slower activation in the taste cortex in OB compared with NW.
Pickering emulsion to the construction of spherical nAl/PVDF complexes with excellent thermal properties
Authors: Gao DengZhao , Yang Min , Chen Xin , Guo Hao , Luo LianChong , Wang Qian , Zhang XingQuan , Guo Jun , Guo ChangPing 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Non-uniform mixing of nano aluminum powder(nAl) with PVDF affects its thermal properties. Spherical nAl/PVDF complexes were prepared using the Pickering emulsion. Tricosafluorododecanoic acid-modified nAl was employed as the surfactant in the emulsion, enhancing the combustion performance by uniformly combining nAl and PVDF without compromising the system's energy. The effects of the concentration of PVDF and nAl, the oil-water ratio, and the static duration on the stability of the emulsion were first investigated. It was found that the emulsion had good stability at a concentration of 5 wt%~20 wt%, with an oil-water ratio of 1:4 ~ 1:7, with a static duration of less than 60 minutes. The emulsion was extracted and dried to obtain spherical nAl/PVDF complexes. These complexes were then characterized for their morphology, size, thermal decomposition, and combustion properties. The results showed that the complexes were regular spheres with particle sizes of 20–50 µm. They were uniformly complexed on the nano-scale, resulting in enhanced reaction and combustion rates compared to the physical mixture. The exothermic amount was increased by a range of 24.4–49.6%, leading to more efficient and stable combustion. The Pickering emulsion presents a new approach for the preparation of nano-fluorinated aluminum thermite.
Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE) Combined with Lenvatinib versus TACE Alone in Intermediate-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients Beyond Up-To-Seven Criteria: A Retrospective, Propensity Score-Matched Analysis
Authors: Zhou Churen , Chang Boyang , Xiang Zhanwang , Li Zhengran , Wu Chun , Bai Mingjun , Jiang Zaibo , Huang Mingsheng , Chen Junwei 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background: To compare the treatment efficacy and safety of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with lenvatinib versus TACE alone in patients with intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) beyond up-to-seven criteria.
Methods: A total of 107 newly diagnosed HCC patients with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage B HCC beyond up-to-seven criteria were included in this retrospective cohort study. These patients were divided into two groups: TACE-Lenv group and TACE alone group. Propensity score matching was used to account for potential confounding factors. Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), downstaging rate, liver function, and adverse events (AEs) were recorded and evaluated.
Results: Both the median OS and median PFS were significantly longer in the TACE-Lenv group compared to the TACE alone group (median OS: 28.0 vs 12.0 months, P = 0.017; median PFS [mRECIST]: 8.2 vs 3.7 months, P = 0.018; median PFS [RECIST v1.1]: 8.9 vs 3.7 months, P= 0.003). Furthermore, the ORR and DCR were also significantly higher in TACE-Lenv group (ORR: 94% [30/32] vs 47% [15/32], P< 0.001; DCR: 97% [31/32] vs 62% [20/32], P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in terms of liver function and grade 3 or 4 AEs rate between two groups.
Conclusion: The combination of TACE and lenvatinib provides clinical benefits for patients with intermediate HCC beyond the up-to-seven criteria, has an acceptable safety profile, shows a trend towards improving liver function, and does not increase the occurrence of grade 3-4 AEs.
Overcoming barriers to equality, diversity, inclusivity, and sense of belonging in healthcare education: the Underrepresented Groups’ Experiences in Osteopathic Training (UrGEnT) mixed methods study.
Authors: Draper-Rodi Jerry , Abbey Hilary , Hammond John , Thomson Oliver , Brownhill Kevin , MacMillan Andrew , Fabusuyi Yinka , Vogel Steven 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background Individuals from minority groups have historically faced social injustices. Those from underrepresented groups have been less likely to access both healthcare services and higher education. Little is known about the experiences of underrepresented students during their undergraduate studies in osteopathy in the UK. The aim of this project was to evaluate osteopathic students' awareness of cultural diversity and their beliefs about patients from underrepresented backgrounds, as well as their preparedness to manage them. The project also aimed to investigate the educational experiences of students from underrepresented backgrounds during their training and their opinions on changes that could support better levels of recruitment and achievement. The findings were disseminated to stakeholders through interactive workshops with the aim to develop recommendations for action and change.Methods A transformative action research paradigm informed this mixed methods project. It included: 1/ a survey of students from all seven osteopathic educational providers in the UK using the Multidimensional Cultural Humility Scale (MCHS); 2/ a series of focus groups with students from underrepresented groups (women, students with disabilities, students from minority ethnic backgrounds, and students identifying as LGBTQIA+); and 3/ a workshop forum to discuss findings.Results A total of 202 participants completed the MCHS and demographic questionnaire and seven focus groups were conducted. A model was developed to describe participants' training experiences comprising two main themes: institutional contextual obstacles (with four sub-themes) and underrepresented students' conceptual understanding of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI). Recommendations for change identified in the workshops were based on three topics: institutions, staff, and students.Conclusion Our findings suggest that staff education is urgently needed to create and maintain equitable, inclusive environments in osteopathic educational institutions in the UK to support all students, particularly those from underrepresented groups. Institutional EDI processes and policies also need to be clarified or modified to ensure their usefulness, accessibility, and implementation.
Reconsidering α-Synuclein inclusion pathology in neurons, mice, and humans with an antibody sensing NAC engagement during α-Synuclein amyloid conversion
Authors: De Giorgi Francesca , Letourneur Ænora , Kashyrina Marianna , Zinghirino Federica , Dovero Sandra , Dutheil Nathalie , Largitte Leslie-Ann , Arotçarena Marie-Laure , Bezard Erwan , Canron Marie-Hélène , Meissner Wassilios , De Nuccio Francesco , Lofrumento Dario Domenico , Laferrière Florent , Ichas François 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The neuropathology of α-Synucleinopathies (αSP) is characterized by the spread of subcellular inclusions containing fibrils made of stacked-up α-Synuclein (α-Syn) monomers. The repetitive amyloid fold adopted by α-Syn has now been characterized at the atomic scale. However, the direct observation of amyloid α-Syn using routine immuno-histological procedures remains an issue. In particular, the widely used phosphorylated α-Syn (pS129) is only a surrogate marker of aggregation. We report here that pS129 is misleading in overexpression-based models in which it detects the overflow of soluble α-Syn while no fibrillization takes place. Further, frequent pS129-negative α-Syn inclusions are observed when seeding with preformed fibrils (PFFs) is used to force fibrillization in neurons overexpressing α-Syn. This prompted us to scrutinize a series of routine antibodies for their genuine ability to discriminate α-Syn monomers engaged or not into amyloid fibrils, irrespective of phosphorylation. We observed unexpected antibody properties and utilized these latter in neurons and brain sections to detect the loss of accessibility of interlocked NAC domains when the monomers engage into fibrils. In cultured neurons, we observed that α-Syn mutations associated with familial Parkinson’s disease (PD), or S129A which prevents α-Syn phosphorylation, are neither sufficient to trigger spontaneous α-Syn fibrillization nor aggravate the process seeded by PFFs. Further challenging the pathogenic role of fibrillization, our results also indicated that the pS129-positive α-Syn inclusions detected in the brains of mice inoculated with PFFs and of a sporadic PD patient are not exclusively amyloid. This not only points to the notion that pS129 positivity is not tantamount to amyloid α-Syn but also indicates that the experimental α-Syn inclusions seeded in mice as well as the Lewy bodies forming in PD are populated by non-amyloid species which might represent alternative proxies of the α-Syn mutations endowed with a pathogenic potential.
Alterations of the Alpha Rhythm in Visual Snow Syndrome: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Klein Antonia , Aeschlimann Sarah A. , Zubler Frederic , Scutelnic Adrian , Riederer Franz , Ertl Matthias , Schankin Christoph J. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background: Visual snow syndrome is a disorder characterized by the combination of typical perceptual disturbances. The clinical picture suggests an impairment of visual filtering mechanisms and might involve primary and secondary visual brain areas, as well as higher-order attentional networks. On the level of cortical oscillations, the alpha rhythm is a prominent EEG pattern that is involved in the prioritisation of visual information. It can be regarded as a correlate of inhibitory modulation within the visual network.
Methods: Twenty-one patients with visual snow syndrome were compared to 21 controls matched for age, sex, and migraine. We analysed the resting-state alpha rhythm by identifying the individual alpha peak frequency using a fast Fourier transform and then calculating the power spectral density around the individual alpha peak (+/- 1Hz). We anticipated a reduced power spectral density in the alpha band over the primary visual cortex in participants with visual snow syndrome.
Results: There were no significant differences in the power spectral density in the alpha band over the occipital electrodes (O1 and O2), leading to the rejection of our primary hypothesis. However, the power spectral density in the alpha band was significantly reduced over temporal and parietal electrodes. There was also a trend towards increased individual alpha peak frequency in the subgroup of participants without comorbid migraine.
Conclusions: Our main finding was a decreased power spectral density in the alpha band over parietal and temporal brain regions corresponding to areas of the secondary visual cortex. These findings complement previous functional and structural imaging data at a electrophysiological level. They underscore the involvement of higher-order visual brain areas, and potentially reflect a disturbance in inhibitory top-down modulation. The alpha rhythm alterations might represent a novel target for specific neuromodulation.
Trial registration: we preregistered the study before preprocessing and data analysis on the platform osf.org (DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/XPQHF, date of registration: November 19th 2022).
Factors associated with antenatal depression among women attending antenatal care at Mubende Regional Referral Hospital: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Kasujja Musa , Omara Samuel , Senkungu Nasifu , Ndibuuza Shamim , Kirabira Joseph , Ibe Usman , Barankunda Lyse 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
This study investigated the prevalence, severity, and factors associated with antenatal depression among women receiving antenatal care at Mubende Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH) in Uganda. Antenatal depression is a critical concern for maternal and child well-being, as it can lead to adverse outcomes, including preterm birth, abortion, low birth weight, and impaired maternal–infant bonding. Despite several international guidelines recommending routine screening for antenatal depression, local Ugandan guidelines often overlook this essential aspect of maternal care.
Methods
A cross-sectional study involving 353 pregnant women utilized the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) to assess antenatal depression. Participants’ psychosocial demographic and obstetric characteristics were recorded. Logistic regression analysis identified factors linked to antenatal depression.
Results
Antenatal depression burden was notably high, affecting 37.68% of the participants. The majority of patients with antenatal depression had mild symptoms (72.68%). The significantly associated factors at multivariate analysis included younger age (≤ 20), older age (≥ 35), history of domestic violence, alcohol use, gestational age, abortion history, history of preeclampsia and unplanned pregnancies.
Conclusion
This study revealed a significantly high prevalence of antenatal depression, emphasizing its public health importance. Most cases were classified as mild, emphasizing the need for timely interventions to prevent escalation. The identified risk factors included age, history of domestic violence, alcohol use, first-trimester pregnancy, abortion history, past preeclampsia, and unplanned pregnancy.
Using a GFP-labeled Stagonospora nodorum strain as a DNA extraction efficiency standard in plant disease diagnosis
Authors: Fu Heting , Yang Yalong , Zahr Kher , Xue Shiming , Jiang Junye , Harding Michael , Feindel David , Feng Jie 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

A Stagonospora nodorum strain named DPGZL-2023 was created by transferring a green florescent protein (GFP) gene into the genome of the S. nodorum strain Sn15. DPGZL-2023 showed a similar pathogenicity as Sn15 but carried a strong GFP activity. A qPCR primers/probe set named P-GFP, targeting the GFP sequence, was designed. Using P-GFP, qPCR analysis was conducted on DNA extracted from replicated samples of DPGZL-2023 conidia, and confirmed that DPGZL-2023 could be used to characterize the variation in replicated DNA extractions. Conidia of DPGZL-2023 were used to spike soil samples inoculated with the canola clubroot pathogen Plasmodiophora brassicae, canola stem samples infected with the blackleg pathogens Leptosphaeria biglobosa and/or L. maculans and wheat/barley samples infected with Xanthomonas translucens pv. translucens (Xtt) or X. translucens pv. undulosa (Xtu). Duplex qPCR using P-GFP and a primers/probe set specific to P. brassicae, triplex qPCR using P-GFP and primers/probe sets specific to L. biglobosa and L. maculans, and triplex qPCR using P-GFP and primers/probe sets specific to Xtt and Xtu were conducted. The results indicated that DPGZL-2023 could be used as a standard for DNA extraction efficiency in qPCR-based plant disease diagnosis. Adding DPGZL-2023 conidia to plant or soil samples prior to DNA extraction, and subsequent use of the P-GFP detection control, provided an added control that could distinguish truly negative from false-negative qPCR results.