bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rumex nervosus nanoparticles versus aqueous extract: introduction of novel immunomodulatory anti-inflammatory nano-preparation for management of paw oedema and gastritis in rats
Authors: Ibrahim Bassant M. M. , Awad Hanem M. , Shaffie Nermeen M. , Youness Eman R. , Mahmoud Ahlam H. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Rumex nervosus is abundant in East African and Arabian countries, and is used in curing gastrointestinal diseases as well as in wound healing. The current study intends to assess Rumex nervosus aqueous extract's anti-inflammatory benefits compared to its nanoparticles on rat paw edema and its gastric mucosal protection against ulceration.

Materials and methods
In-vitro cytotoxicity effects and antioxidant activity of Rumex nervosus nanoparticles versus aqueous extract were studied, followed by a pilot in vivo pharmacological study to determine the suitable dose of nanoparticles that would be used in the safety and efficacy studies in comparison with the aqueous extract. Its protective effects on arthritis and soft tissue inflammation were studied in rat paw edema and gastric ulcer models. Rumex nervosus extract (250 and 500 mg/kg) and nanoparticles (3.3 and 6.6 mg/kg) were given to four groups of rats orally before induction of paw oedema with subplantar 0.2 ml (1% w/v) formaldehyde or gastritis with oral ethanol 1 ml (70%), besides negative, positive control and reference groups.

Results
Paw volumes and gastric ulcer indices, as well as the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant parameters (kappa β, Paraoxonase1, and Malondialdehyde) that were measured in sera showed a marked reduction in groups treated with high doses of Rumex nervosus extract, and nanoparticles. Histopathologic and histochemical assessment of the stomachs confirmed the other investigations. All results were significant compared to positive control untreated groups.

Conclusions
Most studies demonstrated Rumex nervosus’s protective anti-inflammatory benefits with the superiority of large doses of nanoparticles, offering a promising natural solution for low cost against inflammation.
Unraveling the antimicrobial efficacy and chemical fingerprinting of medicinal plants against the WHO’s prioritized pathogens
Authors: Palanisamy Balaji , Pachaiyappan Saravana Kumar , Subramanian Mutheeswaran , Das Reena , Savarimuthu Ignacimuthu 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
The global spread of drug-resistant organisms has necessitated the search for alternative treatments against bacterial and candidal resistant pathogens. Plants have long been used as traditional medicines to ameliorate various diseases, and their antimicrobial properties are still being explored. The aim of the present study is to assess the antimicrobial activity of extracts from Alstonia scholaris, Orthosiphon aristatus, Sphaeranthus amaranthoides, Crateva magna and Garcinia travancorica against bacteria and Candida pathogens.

Results
Out of 60 different sequential extracts tested, several showed moderate to good antimicrobial activity. Among them, ethyl acetate extract of G. travancorica exhibited significant activity against Lactobacillus acidophilus (17 mm) followed by Staphylococcus aureus (16 mm), Escherichia coli (13 mm), Proteus mirabilis (12 mm), Staphylococcus epidermis, Candida krusei (11 mm), Candida glabrata (10 mm) and the chloroform extract from O. aristatus showed good activity against S. epidermis, L. acidophilus (13 mm), S. aureus, Escherichia fergusonii, C. krusei (12 mm), C. glabrata, E. coli (11 mm) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (10 mm), respectively. In addition, GC–MS analysis revealed the presence of nine major compounds in G. travancorica and ten compounds in O. aristatus which were responsible for the significant antimicrobial activity.

Conclusions
These findings highlight the potential of G. travancorica and O. aristatus as sources for developing new antimicrobial agents against the World Health Organization’s (WHO) prioritized pathogens. Further research on these plants could lead to the discovery and synthesis of novel therapeutic agents with enhanced antimicrobial properties.

Graphical abstract
Genome-wide identification and expression profiling of photosystem II (PsbX) gene family in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L)
Authors: Raza Irum , Parveen Abida , Ahmad Adeel , Hu Daowu , Pan Zhaoe , Ali Imran , Du Xiongming 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Photosystem II (PSII) constitutes an intricate assembly of protein pigments, featuring extrinsic and intrinsic polypeptides within the photosynthetic membrane. The low-molecular-weight transmembrane protein PsbX has been identified in PSII, which is associated with the oxygen-evolving complex. The expression of PsbX gene protein is regulated by light. PsbX's central role involves the regulation of PSII, facilitating the binding of quinone molecules to the Qb (PsbA) site, and it additionally plays a crucial role in optimizing the efficiency of photosynthesis. Despite these insights, a comprehensive understanding of the PsbX gene's functions has remained elusive.

Results
In this study, we identified ten PsbX genes in Gossypium hirsutum L. The phylogenetic analysis results showed that 40 genes from nine species were classified into one clade. The resulting sequence logos exhibited substantial conservation across the N and C terminals at multiple sites among all Gossypium species. Furthermore, the orthologous/paralogous, Ka/Ks ratio revealed that cotton PsbX genes subjected to positive as well as purifying selection pressure might lead to limited divergence, which resulted in the whole genome and segmental duplication. The expression patterns of GhPsbX genes exhibited variations across specific tissues, as indicated by the analysis. Moreover, the expression of GhPsbX genes could potentially be regulated in response to salt, intense light, and drought stresses. Therefore, GhPsbX genes may play a significant role in the modulation of photosynthesis under adverse abiotic conditions.

Conclusion
We examined the structure and function of PsbX gene family very first by using comparative genomics and systems biology approaches in cotton. It seems that PsbX gene family plays a vital role during the growth and development of cotton under stress conditions. Collectively, the results of this study provide basic information to unveil the molecular and physiological function of PsbX genes of cotton plants.
Temperature effects on the hormetic response of
Myzus persicae
after sublethal exposure to insecticides
Authors: Silva Ana Paula Nascimento , Chagas Camila Faria , de Andrade Alves Emanuel Lucas , de Castro Carvalho Vinícius , Haddi Khalid 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Studies on insecticide-induced stimulatory effects in pest insects have become of utmost importance due to their potential implications in pest management. Temperature influences the physiology and biology of ectothermic organisms like pest insects. It can also affect the toxicity and relative efficacy of insecticides that are used in agricultural fields. However, the impact of temperature on the insect stimulatory responses after exposure to mild insecticide-induced stresses has frequently been overlooked. Here, we investigated how different temperature levels (15; 20; 25; 28 °C) can modulate the toxicity of two synthetic insecticides chlorpyrifos (organophosphate) and deltamethrin pyrethroid); and subsequently how temperature impacts the survival and reproduction of the green peach aphid
Myzus persicae
exposed to sublethal concentrations of the two insecticides. Our findings indicated temperature-dependent effects of the two chemicals on mortality, longevity, and the number of nymphs produced by the aphids after lethal and sublethal exposures. In fact, besides the high toxicity induced by temperature at lower concentrations, the change’s magnitude and occurrence of stimulatory responses varied between temperatures and depended on the sublethal concentrations faced by the aphid females. Temperature increase from 15 to 28 °C increased chlorpyrifos and deltamethrin toxicity 4 and fivefold. Sublethal exposure of aphids extended the longevities for individuals treated with chlorpyrifos at 15 (all sublethal concentrations) and 25 °C (LC
15
and LC
20
) and with deltamethrin at 20 (LC
1
) and 28 °C (LC
20
). Additionally, the total number of nymphs produced during the females' lifespan was increased after sublethal exposure to chlorpyrifos at 15 °C (LC
1
, LC
5
, and LC
20
) and at 20 °C (LC
10
) and to deltamethrin at 20 °C (LC
1
), 25 °C (LC
5
and LC
10
) and 28 °C (LC
1
, LC
5
, and LC
20
). Our results reinforce the importance of a shift from studies focusing on the stimulatory effects of single stresses to studies investigating the effects of stressors’ combinations on insect hormetic response.
Coronary slow flow and its correlation with reduced left ventricle global longitudinal strain: a case–control study
Authors: Shereef Ahmed Shawky , Abdelmajeed Mohamed Gamal , Alshair Mohamad Hossam , El-Dosouky Ibtesam Ibrahim , Khalil Wael Ali , Wageeh Shaimaa , Shehata Islam Elsayed 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Coronary slow flow (CSF) often links to inflammation and endothelial function disturbance. While conventional ejection fraction measurements fall short in identifying myocardial dysfunction, left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV GLS) has shown superior efficacy in this regard. Our study aimed to explore subclinical left ventricular systolic dysfunction by assessing LV GLS in patients diagnosed with coronary slow flow (CSF).

Methods
The study included sixty patients with CSF and sixty control individuals without CSF. Coronary angiography employed the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) frame count (TFC) to identify CSF. LV GLS values were evaluated and compared between the two groups.

Results
Significantly reduced LV GLS was evident in the CSF group compared to the control group (− 16.18 ± 1.25 vs. − 19.34 ± 1.33, p < 0.001). A notable correlation (r = 0.492, p < 0.001) between LV GLS and TFC was observed in the CSF group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis highlighted reduced LV-GLS (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.57–3.09, p < 0.001) and smoking (OR 11.55, 95% CI 3.24–41.2, p < 0.001) as significant predictors for CSF presence. The receiver operating characteristic curve established that an LV GLS value of ≥ − 17.8% accurately predicted the presence of CSF (AUC: 0.958, 95% CI: 0.924–0.991, p < 0.001) with 90% specificity and 91.7% sensitivity.

Conclusion
Our study indicates that reduced LV GLS is associated with CSF presence, offering a valuable means to early detect subclinical left ventricular systolic dysfunction in high-risk patients susceptible to heart failure.
Trial registration: ZU-IRB#7038/12-7-2021 Registered 12 July 2021, email: IRB_123@medicine.zu.edu.eg.
Co-emulsified Alginate-Eudragit Nanoparticles: Potential Carriers for Localized and Time-defined Release of Tenofovir in the Female Genital Tract
Authors: Takalani Funanani , Kumar Pradeep , Kondiah Pierre P. D. , Choonara Yahya E. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis research aimed to explore the possibilities of Eudragit S100 (ES100) and sodium alginate as carriers for tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) in the female genital tract. Alginate and alginate-ES100 nanoparticles were prepared using the ionic gelation and emulsion/gelation complexation method, respectively. The nanocarriers were tested using morphological, physicochemical, in vitro drug release, and cytotoxicity analyses. In SEM and TEM images, the presence of spherical and uniformly distributed nanoparticles was revealed. The FTIR spectrum showed that alginate and calcium chloride interacted due to ionic bonds linking divalent calcium ions and the -COO- of alginate groups. Alginate and ES100 interacted via the ester C=O amide stretching. The results obtained from XRD and DSC, on the other hand, revealed a favorable interaction between sodium alginate and ES100 polymers, as evidenced by the crystallization peaks observed. Under experimental design analysis and optimization, overall size distribution profiles ranged from 134.9 to 228.0 nm, while zeta potential results showed stable nanoparticles (−17.8 to −38.4 MV). The optimal formulation exhibited a maximum cumulative in vitro release of 72% (pH 4.2) up to 96 h. The cytotoxicity tests revealed the safety of TDF-loaded nanoparticles on vaginal epithelial cells at concentrations of 0.025 mg/mL, 0.5 mg/mL, and 1 mg/mL for 72 h. These results indicated that alginate-ES100 nanoparticles have the potential to preserve and sustain the release of the TDF drug in the FGT. The future goal is to develop a low-dose non-toxic microbicide that can be administered long term in the vagina to cater to both pregnant and non-pregnant HIV patients.
Endometrial BMP2 Deficiency Impairs ITGB3-Mediated Trophoblast Invasion in Women With Repeated Implantation Failure
Authors: Hu Cuiping , Deng Jianye , Liu Mingxi , Ni Tianxiang , Chen Zi-Jiang , Yan Junhao , Li Yan 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Repeated implantation failure (RIF) leads to a waste of high-quality embryos and remains a challenge in assisted reproductive technology. During early human placentation, the invasion of trophoblast cells into the decidua is an essential step for the establishment of maternal–fetal interactions and subsequent successful pregnancy. Bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) has been reported to regulate endometrial receptivity and promote trophoblast invasion. However, whether there is dysregulation of endometrial BMP2 expression in patients with RIF remains unknown. Additionally, the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of BMP2 on human trophoblast invasion and early placentation remain to be further elucidated.

Methods
Midluteal phase endometrial samples were biopsied from patients with RIF and from routine control in vitro fertilization followed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting analyses. Human trophoblast organoids, primary human trophoblast cells, and an immortalized trophoblast cell line (HTR8/SVneo) were used as study models.

Results
We found that BMP2 was aberrantly low in midluteal phase endometrial tissues from patients with RIF. Recombinant human BMP2 treatment upregulated integrin β3 (ITGB3) in a SMAD2/3-SMAD4 signaling-dependent manner in both HTR8/SVneo cells and primary trophoblast cells. siRNA-mediated integrin β3 downregulation reduced both basal and BMP2-upregulated trophoblast invasion and vascular mimicry in HTR8/SVneo cells. Importantly, shRNA-mediated ITGB3 knockdown significantly decreased the formation ability of human trophoblast organoids.

Conclusion
Our results demonstrate endometrial BMP2 deficiency in patients with RIF. ITGB3 mediates both basal and BMP2-promoted human trophoblast invasion and is essential for early placentation. These findings broaden our knowledge regarding the regulation of early placentation and provide candidate diagnostic and therapeutic targets for RIF clinical management.
Effect of Volatile Anesthesia Versus Intravenous Anesthesia on Postoperative Pulmonary Complications in Patients Undergoing Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Zhang Yu-Tong , Chen Ying , Shang Kai-Xi , Yu Hong , Li Xue-Fei , Yu Hai 
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND:
The effect of intraoperative anesthetic regimen on pulmonary outcome after minimally invasive esophagectomy for esophageal cancer is yet undetermined. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of volatile anesthesia (sevoflurane or desflurane) compared with propofol-based intravenous anesthesia on pulmonary complications after minimally invasive esophagectomy.

METHODS:
Patients scheduled for minimally invasive esophagectomy were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 general anesthetic regimens (sevoflurane, desflurane, or propofol). The primary outcome was the incidence of pulmonary complications within the 7 days postoperatively, which was a collapsed composite end point, including respiratory infection, pleural effusion, pneumothorax, atelectasis, respiratory failure, bronchospasm, pulmonary embolism, and aspiration pneumonitis. The severity of pulmonary complications, surgery-related complications, and other secondary outcomes were also assessed.

RESULTS:
Of 647 patients assessed for eligibility, 558 were randomized, and 553 were analyzed. A total of 185 patients were assigned to the sevoflurane group, 185 in the desflurane, and 183 in the propofol group. Patients receiving a volatile anesthetic (sevoflurane or desflurane) had a significantly lower incidence (36.5% vs 47.5%; odds ratio, 0.63; 95% confidence interval, 0.44–0.91; P = .013) and lower severity grade of pulmonary complications (P = .035) compared to the patients receiving propofol. There were no statistically significant differences in other secondary outcomes between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS:
In patients undergoing minimally invasive esophagectomy, the use of volatile anesthesia (sevoflurane or desflurane) resulted in the reduced risk and severity of pulmonary complications within the first 7 postoperative days as compared to propofol-based intravenous anesthesia.
The role of microtubule-associated protein tau in netrin-1 attractive signaling
Authors: Huang Huai , Majumder Tanushree , Khot Bhakti , Suriyaarachchi Harindi , Yang Tao , Shao Qiangqiang , Tirukovalluru Shraddha , Liu Guofa 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT
Direct binding of netrin receptors with dynamic microtubules (MTs) in the neuronal growth cone plays an important role in netrin-mediated axon guidance. However, how netrin-1 (NTN1) regulates MT dynamics in axon turning remains a major unanswered question. Here, we show that the coupling of netrin-1 receptor DCC with tau (MAPT)-regulated MTs is involved in netrin-1-promoted axon attraction. Tau directly interacts with DCC and partially overlaps with DCC in the growth cone of primary neurons. Netrin-1 induces this interaction and the colocalization of DCC and tau in the growth cone. The netrin-1-induced interaction of tau with DCC relies on MT dynamics and TUBB3, a highly dynamic β-tubulin isotype in developing neurons. Netrin-1 increased cosedimentation of DCC with tau and TUBB3 in MTs, and knockdown of either tau or TUBB3 mutually blocked this effect. Downregulation of endogenous tau levels by tau shRNAs inhibited netrin-1-induced axon outgrowth, branching and commissural axon attraction in vitro, and led to defects in spinal commissural axon projection in vivo. These findings suggest that tau is a key MT-associated protein coupling DCC with MT dynamics in netrin-1-promoted axon attraction.
Believing is seeing – the deceptive influence of bias in quantitative microscopy
Authors: Lee Rachel M. , Eisenman Leanna R. , Khuon Satya , Aaron Jesse S. , Chew Teng-Leong 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT
The visual allure of microscopy makes it an intuitively powerful research tool. Intuition, however, can easily obscure or distort the reality of the information contained in an image. Common cognitive biases, combined with institutional pressures that reward positive research results, can quickly skew a microscopy project towards upholding, rather than rigorously challenging, a hypothesis. The impact of these biases on a variety of research topics is well known. What might be less appreciated are the many forms in which bias can permeate a microscopy experiment. Even well-intentioned researchers are susceptible to bias, which must therefore be actively recognized to be mitigated. Importantly, although image quantification has increasingly become an expectation, ostensibly to confront subtle biases, it is not a guarantee against bias and cannot alone shield an experiment from cognitive distortions. Here, we provide illustrative examples of the insidiously pervasive nature of bias in microscopy experiments – from initial experimental design to image acquisition, analysis and data interpretation. We then provide suggestions that can serve as guard rails against bias.
Multielectrode array use in insect auditory neuroscience to unravel the spatio-temporal response pattern in the prothoracic ganglion of Mecopoda elongata
Authors: Scherberich Jan , Stange-Marten Annette , Schöneich Stefan , Merdan-Desik Melisa , Nowotny Manuela 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT
Mechanoreceptors in hearing organs transduce sound-induced mechanical responses into neuronal signals, which are further processed and forwarded to the brain along a chain of neurons in the auditory pathway. Bushcrickets (katydids) have their ears in the front leg tibia, and the first synaptic integration of sound-induced neuronal signals takes place in the primary auditory neuropil of the prothoracic ganglion. By combining intracellular recordings of the receptor activity in the ear, extracellular multichannel array recordings on top of the prothoracic ganglion and hook electrode recordings at the neck connective, we mapped the timing of neuronal responses to tonal sound stimuli along the auditory pathway from the ears towards the brain. The use of the multielectrode array allows the observation of spatio-temporal patterns of neuronal responses within the prothoracic ganglion. By eliminating the sensory input from one ear, we investigated the impact of contralateral projecting interneurons in the prothoracic ganglion and added to previous research on the functional importance of contralateral inhibition for binaural processing. Furthermore, our data analysis demonstrates changes in the signal integration processes at the synaptic level indicated by a long-lasting increase in the local field potential amplitude. We hypothesize that this persistent increase of the local field potential amplitude is important for the processing of complex signals, such as the conspecific song.
Voltage-gated ion channels are expressed in the Malpighian tubules and anal papillae of the yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti), and may regulate ion transport during salt and water imbalance
Authors: Farrell Serena , Dates Jocelyne , Ramirez Nancy , Hausknecht-Buss Hannah , Kolosov Dennis 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACTVectors of infectious disease include several species of Aedes mosquitoes. The life cycle of Aedes aegypti, the yellow fever mosquito, consists of a terrestrial adult and an aquatic larval life stage. Developing in coastal waters can expose larvae to fluctuating salinity, causing salt and water imbalance, which is addressed by two prime osmoregulatory organs – the Malpighian tubules (MTs) and anal papillae (AP). Voltage-gated ion channels (VGICs) have recently been implicated in the regulation of ion transport in the osmoregulatory epithelia of insects. In the current study, we: (i) generated MT transcriptomes of freshwater-acclimated and brackish water-exposed larvae of Ae. aegypti, (ii) detected expression of several voltage-gated Ca2+, K+, Na+ and non-ion-selective ion channels in the MTs and AP using transcriptomics, PCR and gel electrophoresis, (iii) demonstrated that mRNA abundance of many altered significantly following brackish water exposure, and (iv) immunolocalized CaV1, NALCN, TRP/Painless and KCNH8 in the MTs and AP of larvae using custom-made antibodies. We found CaV1 to be expressed in the apical membrane of MTs of both larvae and adults, and its inhibition to alter membrane potentials of this osmoregulatory epithelium. Our data demonstrate that multiple VGICs are expressed in osmoregulatory epithelia of Ae. aegypti and may play an important role in the autonomous regulation of ion transport.