bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mice deficient in complement C3 are protected against recognition memory deficits and astrogliosis induced by status epilepticus
Authors: Schartz Nicole D. , Aroor Alisha , Li Yibo , Pinzón-Hoyos Nicole , Brewster Amy L. 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionStatus epilepticus (SE) can significantly increase the risk of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and cognitive comorbidities. A potential candidate mechanism underlying memory defects in epilepsy may be the immune complement system. The complement cascade, part of the innate immune system, modulates inflammatory and phagocytosis signaling, and has been shown to contribute to learning and memory dysfunctions in neurodegenerative disorders. We previously reported that complement C3 is elevated in brain biopsies from human drug-resistant epilepsy and in experimental rodent models. We also found that SE-induced increases in hippocampal C3 levels paralleled the development of hippocampal-dependent spatial learning and memory deficits in rats. Thus, we hypothesized that SE-induced C3 activation contributes to this pathophysiology in a mouse model of SE and acquired TLE.MethodsIn this study C3 knockout (KO) and wild type (WT) mice were subjected to one hour of pilocarpine-induced SE or sham conditions (control; C). Following a latent period of two weeks, recognition memory was assessed utilizing the novel object recognition (NOR) test. Western blotting was utilized to determine the protein levels of C3 in hippocampal lysates. In addition, we assessed the protein levels and distribution of the astrocyte marker glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP).ResultsIn the NOR test, control WT + C or C3 KO + C mice spent significantly more time exploring the novel object compared to the familiar object. In contrast, WT+SE mice did not show preference for either object, indicating a memory defect. This deficit was prevented in C3 KO + SE mice, which performed similarly to controls. In addition, we found that SE triggered significant increases in the protein levels of GFAP in hippocampi of WT mice but not in C3 KO mice.DiscussionThese findings suggest that ablation of C3 prevents SE-induced recognition memory deficits and that a C3-astrocyte interplay may play a role. Therefore, it is possible that enhanced C3 signaling contributes to SE-associated cognitive decline during epileptogenesis and may serve as a potential therapeutic target for treating cognitive comorbidities in acquired TLE.
Combined training in addition to cortisol reduction can improve the mental health of girls with precocious puberty and obesity
Authors: Heidarianpour Ali , Shokri Elnaz , Sadeghian Efat , Cheraghi Fatemeh , Razavi Zahra 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundObesity and central precocious puberty (CPP) are associated with increased anxiety, depression, and anger in girls. The contribution of exercise as an efﬁcacious component in decreasing anxiety, depression, and anger has been increasingly recognized.ObjectivesThis study aims to evaluate the effects of combined training on cortisol, anxiety, depression, and anger in overweight and obese girls with CPP.MethodsThe study involved 30 girls aged 7–9 years diagnosed with CPP (undergoing triptorelin treatment) and dealing with obesity. In addition, these girls scored higher than the cut-off line for anxiety, depression, and anger. The participants were divided into two groups, with 15 individuals in each group. The exercise group engaged in 60 min of combined aerobic and resistance training three times per week for a duration of 12 weeks. On the other hand, the control group did not receive any training. Throughout the study, the serum cortisol levels were measured in both groups. Anxiety, anger, and depression questionnaires were also completed at three different stages, namely, baseline, 12 weeks, and 16 weeks (after a 4-week period of detraining).ResultsIn the exercise group, there was a significant decrease (P &lt; 0.05) in cortisol serum levels and anxiety, depression, and anger scores. These changes were observed consistently during detraining (P &gt; 0.05). However, in the control group, only the depression score significantly decreased (P &lt; 0.05).ConclusionsBased on the results, it can be concluded that combined training is a method to improve the mental health of CPP girls.Clinical Trial Registrationhttps://en.irct.ir/trial/61990, identifier IRCT20170411033378N10.
Exploring the antecedents of AI adoption for effective HRM practices in the Indian pharmaceutical sector
Authors: Goswami Manisha , Jain Supriya , Alam Tabish , Deifalla Ahmed Farouk , Ragab Adham E. , Khargotra Rohit 
Published: November 2023

Purpose: The aim of this research is to investigate the factors that facilitate the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in order to establish effective human resource management (HRM) practices within the Indian pharmaceutical sector.Design/methodology/approach: A model explaining the antecedents of AI adoption for building effective HRM practices in the Indian pharmaceutical sector is proposed in this study. The proposed model is based on task-technology fit theory. To test the model, a two-step procedure, known as partial least squares structural equational modeling (PLS-SEM), was used. To collect data, 160 HRM employees from pharmacy firms from pan India were approached. Only senior and specialized HRM positions were sought.Findings: An examination of the relevant literature reveals factors such as how prepared an organization is, how people perceive the benefits, and how technological readiness influences AI adoption. As a result, HR systems may become more efficient. The PLS-SEM data support all the mediation hypothesized by proving both full and partial mediation, demonstrating the accuracy of the proposed model.Originality: There has been little prior research on the topic; this study adds a great deal to our understanding of what motivates human resource departments to adopt AI in the pharmaceutical companies of India. Furthermore, AI-related recommendations are made available to HRM based on the results of a statistical analysis.
In vitro pharmacological characterization of standard and new lysophosphatidic acid receptor antagonists using dynamic mass redistribution assay
Authors: Ruzza C. , Argentieri M. , Ferrari F. , Armani E. , Trevisani M. , Marchini G. , Calo’ G. 
Published: November 2023

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a bioactive phospholipid that acts as an agonist of six G protein-coupled receptors named LPA receptors (LPA1-6). LPA elicits diverse intracellular events and modulates several biological functions, including cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Overactivation of the LPA–LPA receptor system is reported to be involved in several pathologies, including cancer, neuropathic pain, fibrotic diseases, atherosclerosis, and type 2 diabetes. Thus, LPA receptor modulators may be clinically relevant in numerous diseases, making the identification and pharmacodynamic characterization of new LPA receptor ligands of strong interest. In the present work, label-free dynamic mass redistribution (DMR) assay has been used to evaluate the pharmacological activity of some LPA1 and LPA2 standard antagonists at the recombinant human LPA1 and LPA2 receptors. These results are compared to those obtained in parallel experiments with the calcium mobilization assay. Additionally, the same experimental protocol has been used for the pharmacological characterization of the new compound CHI. KI 16425, RO 6842262, and BMS-986020 behaved as LPA1 inverse agonists in DMR experiments and as LPA1 antagonists in calcium mobilization assays. Amgen compound 35 behaved as an LPA2 antagonist, while Merck compound 20 from WO2012028243 was detected as an LPA2 inverse agonist using the DMR test. Of note, for all the compounds, similar potency values were estimated by DMR and calcium assay. The new compound CHI was found to be an LPA1 inverse agonist, but with potency lower than that of the standard compounds. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that DMR assay can be successfully used to characterize LPA1 and LPA2 ligands. Compared to the classical calcium mobilization assay, DMR offers some advantages, in particular allowing the identification of inverse agonists. Finally, in the frame of this study, a new LPA1 inverse agonist has been identified.
The protective effect of vagus nerve stimulation against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury: pooled review from preclinical studies
Authors: Xu Yu-Peng , Lu Xin-Yu , Song Zheng-Qi , Lin Hui , Chen Yi-He 
Published: November 2023

Aims: Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury markedly undermines the protective benefits of revascularization, contributing to ventricular dysfunction and mortality. Due to complex mechanisms, no efficient ways exist to prevent cardiomyocyte reperfusion damage. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) appears as a potential therapeutic intervention to alleviate myocardial I/R injury. Hence, this meta-analysis intends to elucidate the potential cellular and molecular mechanisms underpinning the beneficial impact of VNS, along with its prospective clinical implications.Methods and Results: A literature search of MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Database yielded 10 articles that satisfied the inclusion criteria. VNS was significantly correlated with a reduced infarct size following myocardial I/R injury [Weighed mean difference (WMD): 25.24, 95% confidence interval (CI): 32.24 to 18.23, p &lt; 0.001] when compared to the control group. Despite high heterogeneity (I2 = 95.3%, p &lt; 0.001), sensitivity and subgroup analyses corroborated the robust efficacy of VNS in limiting infarct expansion. Moreover, meta-regression failed to identify significant influences of pre-specified covariates (i.e., stimulation type or site, VNS duration, condition, and species) on the primary estimates. Notably, VNS considerably impeded ventricular remodeling and cardiac dysfunction, as evidenced by improved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (WMD: 10.12, 95% CI: 4.28; 15.97, p = 0.001) and end-diastolic pressure (EDP) (WMD: 5.79, 95% CI: 9.84; −1.74, p = 0.005) during the reperfusion phase.Conclusion: VNS offers a protective role against myocardial I/R injury and emerges as a promising therapeutic strategy for future clinical application.
Pangenomic and immunoinformatics based analysis of Nipah virus revealed CD4+ and CD8+ T-Cell epitopes as potential vaccine candidates
Authors: Muhammad Syed Aun , Guo Jinlei , Noor Komal , Mustafa Aymen , Amjad Anam , Bai Baogang 
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Nipah (NiV) is the zoonotic deadly bat-borne virus that causes neurological and respiratory infections which ultimately lead to death. There are 706 infected cases reported up till now especially in Asia, out of which 409 patients died. There is no vaccine and effective treatment available for NiV infections and we have to timely design such strategies as world could not bear another pandemic situation.Methods: In this study, we screened viral proteins of NiV strains based on pangenomics analysis, antigenicity, molecular weight, and sub-cellular localization. The immunoproteomics based approach was used to predict T-cell epitopes of MHC class-I and II as potential vaccine candidates. These epitopes are capable to activate CD4+, CD8+, and T-cell dependent B-lymphocytes.Results: The two surface proteins including fusion glycoprotein (F) and attachment glycoprotein (G) are antigenic with molecular weights of 60 kDa and 67 kDa respectively. Three epitopes of F protein (VNYNSEGIA, PNFILVRNT, and IKMIPNVSN) were ranked and selected based on the binding affinity with MHC class-I, and 3 epitopes (VILNKRYYS, ILVRNTLIS, and VKLQETAEK) with MHC-II molecules. Similarly, for G protein, 3 epitopes each for MHC-I (GKYDKVMPY, ILKPKLISY, and KNKIWCISL) and MHC-II (LRNIEKGKY, FLIDRINWI, and FLLKNKIWC) with substantial binding energies were predicted. Based on the physicochemical properties, all these epitopes are non-toxic, hydrophilic, and stable.Conclusion: Our vaccinomics and system-level investigation could help to trigger the host immune system to prevent NiV infection.
Potential functions of the shared bacterial taxa in the citrus leaf midribs determine the symptoms of Huanglongbing
Authors: Xia Kaili , Feng Zengwei , Zhang Xianjiao , Zhou Yang , Zhu Honghui , Yao Qing 
Published: November 2023

InstructionCitrus is a globally important fruit tree whose microbiome plays a vital role in its growth, adaptability, and resistance to stress.MethodsWith the high throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA genes, this study focused on analyzing the bacterial community, especially in the leaf midribs, of healthy and Huanglongbing (HLB)-infected plants.ResultsWe firstly identified the shared bacterial taxa in the midribs of both healthy and HLB-infected plants, and then analyzed their functions. Results showed that the shared bacterial taxa in midribs belonged to 62 genera, with approximately 1/3 of which modified in the infected samples. Furthermore, 366 metabolic pathways, 5851 proteins, and 1833 enzymes in the shared taxa were predicted. Among these, three metabolic pathways and one protein showed significant importance in HLB infection. With the random forest method, six genera were identified to be significantly important for HLB infection. Notably, four of these genera were also among the significantly different shared taxa. Further functional characterization of these four genera revealed that Pseudomonas and Erwinia likely contributed to plant defense against HLB, while Streptomyces might have implications for plant defense against HLB or the pathogenicity of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas).DisccusionOverall, our study highlights that the functions of the shared taxa in leaf midribs are distinguished between healthy and HLB-infected plants, and these microbiome-based findings can contribute to the management and protection of citrus crops against CLas.
Impact of students assistance policies on quality of life and mental health
Authors: dos Santos de Brito Lara , Pereira Tiago Novaes , dos Santos Emerson Roberto , de Barros Thales Guardia , Martinez William Donegá , dos Santos Loiane Letícia , Brienze Vânia Maria Sabadoto , de Abreu Lima Alba Regina , Bizotto Thaís Santana Gastardelo , André Júlio César 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionStudent assistance policies in higher education, in their various modalities, seek to reduce the dropout of a new profile of students, non-traditional, with socioeconomic weaknesses, promoting quality of life (QoL) and mental health during the university journey. In this context, the Student Social Support Center (C.A.S.A) promotes assistance to students who need personal and/or economic support.ObjectivesTo evaluate the QoL and the presence of minor mental disorders (MMD) in students from the 1st to the 4th year of medicine at a public college in Brazil, comparing C.A.S.A beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries.Materials and methodsCross-sectional study with 283 students. SRQ-20 and WHOQOL-BREF questionnaires were used, in addition to a questionnaire addressing sociodemographic data.ResultsThe general average of QoL was regular in the four evaluated domains (physical, psychological, social relationships, environment) and 55.5% of the students have evidence of MMD, in which the QoL scores are lower in all domains. The environment domain, which discusses socioeconomic conditions, has the worst score among C.A.S.A beneficiaries and the best among C.A.S.A non-beneficiaries.DiscussionThe data corroborate the fragile situation of mental health and QoL of medical students. The student assistance modality of the analyzed program possibly presents vulnerabilities in its performance since the environment domain, the one with the lowest score among the program beneficiaries, precisely encompasses financial resources, access to goods and leisure and the individual’s physical environment.
Cerebellar transcranial magnetic stimulation in psychotic disorders: intermittent, continuous, and sham theta-burst stimulation on time perception and symptom severity
Authors: Shinn Ann K. , Hurtado-Puerto Aura M. , Roh Youkyung S. , Ho Victoria , Hwang Melissa , Cohen Bruce M. , Öngür Dost , Camprodon Joan A. 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundThe cerebellum contributes to the precise timing of non-motor and motor functions, and cerebellum abnormalities have been implicated in psychosis pathophysiology. In this study, we explored the effects of cerebellar theta burst stimulation (TBS), an efficient transcranial magnetic stimulation protocol, on temporal discrimination and self-reported mood and psychotic symptoms.MethodsWe conducted a case-crossover study in which patients with psychosis (schizophrenias, schizoaffective disorders, or bipolar disorders with psychotic features) were assigned to three sessions of TBS to the cerebellar vermis: one session each of intermittent (iTBS), continuous (cTBS), and sham TBS. Of 28 enrolled patients, 26 underwent at least one TBS session, and 20 completed all three. Before and immediately following TBS, participants rated their mood and psychotic symptoms and performed a time interval discrimination task (IDT). We hypothesized that cerebellar iTBS and cTBS would modulate these measures in opposing directions, with iTBS being adaptive and cTBS maladaptive.ResultsReaction time (RT) in the IDT decreased significantly after iTBS vs. Sham (LS-mean difference = −73.3, p = 0.0001, Cohen’s d = 1.62), after iTBS vs. cTBS (LS-mean difference = −137.6, p &lt; 0.0001, d = 2.03), and after Sham vs. cTBS (LS-mean difference = −64.4, p &lt; 0.0001, d = 1.33). We found no effect on IDT accuracy. We did not observe any effects on symptom severity after correcting for multiple comparisons.ConclusionWe observed a frequency-dependent dissociation between the effects of iTBS vs. cTBS to the cerebellar midline on the reaction time of interval discrimination in patients with psychosis. iTBS showed improved (adaptive) while cTBS led to worsening (maladaptive) speed of response. These results demonstrate behavioral target engagement in a cognitive dimension of relevance to patients with psychosis and generate testable hypotheses about the potential therapeutic role of cerebellar iTBS in this clinical population.Clinical Trial Registrationclinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT02642029.
When virtual reality supports patients’ emotional management in chemotherapy
Authors: Buche Hélène , Michel Aude , Blanc Nathalie 
Published: November 2023

Objectives: Our study is a follow-up of a previous research study that was carried out in physiotherapy. The present study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) as a tool to support emotional management during the acute phase of breast cancer treatment (chemotherapy session).Materials and methods: A quasi-experimental protocol was implemented in an oncology department with 120 patients randomly assigned to one of four conditions that were being compared. During the first 10 minutes of a chemotherapy session, patients could either be exposed to a participatory immersion in a natural environment; or be placed in a contemplative immersion condition in the same environment; or listen to classical music; or receive no distraction. The involvement of the patients in the virtual environment and the relevance of the immersive modalities were measured through the evaluation of sense of presence. Particular interest was given to the evaluation of anxiety level and the emotional state of the patients.Results: VR during chemotherapy reduces anxiety and calms emotional tension. The multi-sensory nature of this emotional regulation support tool was more effective than music in inducing positive emotion, and this benefit was the most salient when immersion was offered in an interactive format.Conclusion: The relevance of providing support through VR in oncology is confirmed in this study. This tool can compensate for the fluctuating availability of caregivers by offering patients the possibility of shaping their own relaxing worlds and could help preserve the patient-caregiver relationship.
General Practitioner’s Experience of Public-Private Partnerships to Develop Team-Based Care: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Schütz Leuthold Muriel , El-Hakmaoui Fatima , Senn Nicolas , Cohidon Christine 
Published: November 2023

Objectives: A tripartite public–private partnership was established between GPs’ practices, public health authorities and a university department of family medicine, to develop multidisciplinary teams and integrate nurses into GPs’ practices. The present paper describes the points of view of the GPs involved in this collaboration.Methods: We conducted a qualitative study, with data coming from eight interviews with GPs, one from each practice. We also used the facilitator’s project diary to complete the discussion.Results: The principal issue discussed was the financial aspects of the collaboration. GPs are generally satisfied, but time spent coordinating with nurses and transferring activities made them fear financial losses. Secondly, the partnership with public health authorities was well appreciated, but not clear enough. Some aspects of the partnership, such as referring patient to the nurse should have been better defined et controlled. The last aspect was the academic support. It allowed reducing GPs’ workload in training nurses and supporting the project implementation within the GPs’ practice.Conclusion: GPs have a positive point of view of such public-private partnership and saw an opportunity to be involved in developing public health policies.
Molecular Characterization of Escherichia coli Producing Extended-Spectrum ß-Lactamase and MCR-1 from Sick Pigs in a Greek Slaughterhouse
Authors: Avgere Ermioni , Zafeiridis Christos , Procter Kassandra A. , Beloukas Apostolos , Giakkoupi Panagiota 
Published: November 2023

The first prospective surveillance of ESBL and colistin-resistant Escherichia coli recovered from sick pigs from a slaughterhouse in Central Greece aimed to investigate the spread of relevant genetic elements. In February 2021, 25 E. coli isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing using disk diffusion and broth microdilution techniques. PCR screening was conducted to identify ESBLs and mcr genes. Additional assays, encompassing mating-out procedures, molecular typing utilizing Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis, multilocus sequence typing analysis, and plasmid typing, were also conducted. A 40% prevalence of ESBLs and an 80% prevalence of MCR-1 were identified, with a co-occurrence rate of 32%. The predominant ESBL identified was CTX-M-3, followed by SHV-12. Resistance to colistin, chloramphenicol, cotrimoxazol, and ciprofloxacin was detected in twenty (80%), fifteen (60%), twelve (48%), and four (16%) isolates, respectively. All blaCTX-M-3 harboring plasmids were conjugative, belonging to the incompatibility group IncI1, and approximately 50 kb in size. Those carrying blaSHV-12 were also conjugative, classified into incompatibility group IncI2, and approximately 70 kb in size. The mcr-1 genes were predominantly located on conjugative plasmids associated with the IncX4 incompatibility group. Molecular typing of the ten concurrent ESBL and MCR-1 producers revealed seven multilocus sequence types. The heterogeneous population of E. coli isolates carrying resistant genes on constant plasmids implies that the dissemination of resistance genes is likely facilitated by horizontal plasmid transfer.