bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Macroscale coupling between structural and effective connectivity in the mouse brain
Authors: Benozzo Danilo , Baron Giorgia , Coletta Ludovico , Chiuso Alessandro , Gozzi Alessandro , Bertoldo Alessandra 
Published: February 2024

AbstractExploring how the emergent functional connectivity (FC) relates to the underlying anatomy (structural connectivity, SC) is one of the major goals of modern neuroscience. At the macroscale level, no one-to-one correspondence between structural and functional links seems to exist. And we posit that to better understand their coupling, two key aspects should be considered: the directionality of the structural connectome and limitations in explaining networks functions through an undirected measure such as FC. Here, we employed an accurate directed SC of the mouse brain acquired through viral tracers and compared it with single-subject effective connectivity (EC) matrices derived from a dynamic causal model (DCM) applied to whole-brain resting-state fMRI data. We analyzed how SC deviates from EC and quantified their respective couplings by conditioning on the strongest SC links and EC links. We found that when conditioning on the strongest EC links, the obtained coupling follows the unimodal-transmodal functional hierarchy. Whereas the reverse is not true, as there are strong SC links within high-order cortical areas with no corresponding strong EC links. This mismatch is even more clear across networks; only within sensory motor networks did we observe connections that align in terms of both effective and structural strength.
MICAL2 implies immunosuppressive features and acts as an independent and adverse prognostic biomarker in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Liu Zhicheng , Sun Bing , Xu Aiguo , Tang Jingjiao , Zhang Huiqin , Gao Jie , Wang Lei 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAt present, clinical outcomes of pancreatic cancer patients are still poor. New therapeutic targets for pancreatic cancer are urgently needed. Previous studies have indicated that Microtubule Associated Monooxygenase, Calponin and LIM Domain Containing 2 (MICAL2) is highly expressed in many tumors and promotes tumor progression. However, the role played by MICAL2 in pancreatic cancer remains unclear. Based on gene expression and clinical information from multiple datasets, we used comprehensive bioinformatics analysis in combination with tissue microarray to explore the function and clinical value of MICAL2. The results showed that MICAL2 was highly expressed in pancreatic cancer tissue and exhibited potential diagnostic capability. High expression of MICAL2 was also associated with poor prognosis and acted as an independent prognostic factor. MICAL2, mainly expressed in fibroblasts of pancreatic cancer, was closely related to metastasis and immune-related features, such as epithelial-mesenchymal transformation, extracellular cell matrix degradation, and inflammatory response. Furthermore, higher MICAL2 expression in pancreatic cancer was also associated with an increase in cancer-associated fibroblasts as well as M2 macrophage infiltration, and a reduction in CD8 + T cell infiltration, thereby facilitating the formation of an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Our results helped elucidate the clinical value and function in metastasis and immunity of MICAL2 in pancreatic cancer. These findings provided potential clinical strategies for diagnosis, targeted therapy combination immunotherapy, and prognosis in patients with pancreatic cancer.
Psilocybin-induced changes in neural reactivity to alcohol and emotional cues in patients with alcohol use disorder: an fMRI pilot study
Authors: Pagni B. A. , Petridis P. D. , Podrebarac S. K. , Grinband J. , Claus E. D. , Bogenschutz M. P. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis pilot study investigated psilocybin-induced changes in neural reactivity to alcohol and emotional cues in patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Participants were recruited from a phase II, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial investigating psilocybin-assisted therapy (PAT) for the treatment of AUD (NCT02061293). Eleven adult patients completed task-based blood oxygen dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) approximately 3 days before and 2 days after receiving 25 mg of psilocybin (n = 5) or 50 mg of diphenhydramine (n = 6). Visual alcohol and emotionally valanced (positive, negative, or neutral) stimuli were presented in block design. Across both alcohol and emotional cues, psilocybin increased activity in the medial and lateral prefrontal cortex (PFC) and left caudate, and decreased activity in the insular, motor, temporal, parietal, and occipital cortices, and cerebellum. Unique to negative cues, psilocybin increased supramarginal gyrus activity; unique to positive cues, psilocybin increased right hippocampus activity and decreased left hippocampus activity. Greater PFC and caudate engagement and concomitant insula, motor, and cerebellar disengagement suggests enhanced goal-directed action, improved emotional regulation, and diminished craving. The robust changes in brain activity observed in this pilot study warrant larger neuroimaging studies to elucidate neural mechanisms of PAT.Trial registration: NCT02061293.
Differential effects of the venoms of Russell’s viper and Indian cobra on human myoblasts
Authors: Bin Haidar Husain , Almeida José R. , Williams Jarred , Guo Bokai , Bigot Anne , Senthilkumaran Subramanian , Vaiyapuri Sakthivel , Patel Ketan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractLocal tissue damage following snakebite envenoming remains a poorly researched area. To develop better strategies to treat snakebites, it is critical to understand the mechanisms through which venom toxins induce envenomation effects including local tissue damage. Here, we demonstrate how the venoms of two medically important Indian snakes (Russell's viper and cobra) affect human skeletal muscle using a cultured human myoblast cell line. The data suggest that both venoms affect the viability of myoblasts. Russell’s viper venom reduced the total number of cells, their migration, and the area of focal adhesions. It also suppressed myogenic differentiation and induced muscle atrophy. While cobra venom decreased the viability, it did not largely affect cell migration and focal adhesions. Cobra venom affected the formation of myotubes and induced atrophy. Cobra venom-induced atrophy could not be reversed by small molecule inhibitors such as varespladib (a phospholipase A2 inhibitor) and prinomastat (a metalloprotease inhibitor), and soluble activin type IIb receptor (a molecule used to promote regeneration of skeletal muscle), although the antivenom (raised against the Indian ‘Big Four’ snakes) has attenuated the effects. However, all these molecules rescued the myotubes from Russell’s viper venom-induced atrophy. This study demonstrates key steps in the muscle regeneration process that are affected by both Indian Russell’s viper and cobra venoms and offers insights into the potential causes of clinical features displayed in envenomed victims. Further research is required to investigate the molecular mechanisms of venom-induced myotoxicity under in vivo settings and develop better therapies for snakebite-induced muscle damage.
In situ monolayer patch clamp of acutely stimulated human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes promotes consistent electrophysiological responses to SK channel inhibition
Authors: Butler Andrew S. , Ascione Raimondo , Marrion Neil V. , Harmer Stephen C. , Hancox Jules C. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractHuman induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs) represent an in vitro model of cardiac function. Isolated iPSC-CMs, however, exhibit electrophysiological heterogeneity which hinders their utility in the study of certain cardiac currents. In the healthy adult heart, the current mediated by small conductance, calcium-activated potassium (SK) channels (ISK) is atrial-selective. Functional expression of ISK within atrial-like iPSC-CMs has not been explored thoroughly. The present study therefore aimed to investigate atrial-like iPSC-CMs as a model system for the study of ISK. iPSCs were differentiated using retinoic acid (RA) to produce iPSC-CMs which exhibited an atrial-like phenotype (RA-iPSC-CMs). Only 18% of isolated RA-iPSC-CMs responded to SK channel inhibition by UCL1684 and isolated iPSC-CMs exhibited substantial cell-to-cell electrophysiological heterogeneity. This variability was significantly reduced by patch clamp of RA-iPSC-CMs in situ as a monolayer (iPSC-ML). A novel method of electrical stimulation was developed to facilitate recording from iPSC-MLs via In situ Monolayer Patch clamp of Acutely Stimulated iPSC-CMs (IMPASC). Using IMPASC, > 95% of iPSC-MLs could be paced at a 1 Hz. In contrast to isolated RA-iPSC-CMs, 100% of RA-iPSC-MLs responded to UCL1684, with APD50 being prolonged by 16.0 ± 2.0 ms (p < 0.0001; n = 12). These data demonstrate that in conjunction with IMPASC, RA-iPSC-MLs represent an improved model for the study of ISK. IMPASC may be of wider value in the study of other ion channels that are inconsistently expressed in isolated iPSC-CMs and in pharmacological studies.
C5a–C5AR1 axis as a potential trigger of the rupture of intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Okada Akihiro , Shimizu Kampei , Kawashima Akitsugu , Kayahara Tomomichi , Itani Masahiko , Kurita Hiroki , Miyamoto Susumu , Kataoka Hiroharu , Aoki Tomohiro 
Published: February 2024

AbstractRecent studies have indicated the involvement of neutrophil-mediated inflammatory responses in the process leading to intracranial aneurysm (IA) rupture. Receptors mediating neutrophil recruitment could thus be therapeutic targets of unruptured IAs. In this study, complement C5a receptor 1 (C5AR1) was picked up as a candidate that may cause neutrophil-dependent inflammation in IA lesions from comprehensive gene expression profile data acquired from rat and human samples. The induction of C5AR1 in IA lesions was confirmed by immunohistochemistry; the up-regulations of C5AR1/C5ar1 stemmed from infiltrated neutrophils, which physiologically express C5AR1/C5ar1, and adventitial fibroblasts that induce C5AR1/C5ar1 in human/rat IA lesions. In in vitro experiments using NIH/3T3, a mouse fibroblast-like cell line, induction of C5ar1 was demonstrated by starvation or pharmacological inhibition of mTOR signaling by Torin1. Immunohistochemistry and an experiment in a cell-free system using recombinant C5 protein and recombinant Plasmin indicated that the ligand of C5AR1, C5a, could be produced through the enzymatic digestion by Plasmin in IA lesions. In conclusion, we have identified a potential contribution of the C5a–C5AR1 axis to neutrophil infiltration as well as inflammatory responses in inflammatory cells and fibroblasts of IA lesions. This cascade may become a therapeutic target to prevent the rupture of IAs.
First neurotranscriptome of adults Tambaquis (Colossoma macropomum) with characterization and differential expression between males and females
Authors: Miranda Josy , Veneza Ivana , Ferreira Charles , Santana Paula , Lutz Italo , Furtado Carolina , Pereira Patrick , Rabelo Luan , Guerreiro-Diniz Cristovam , Melo Mauro , Sampaio Iracilda , Vallinoto Marcelo , Evangelista-Gomes Grazielle 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe Tambaqui is one of the most representative Amazon fish species, being highly exploited in fisheries, aquaculture and as a research model. Nonetheless, data about functional genome are still required to evaluate reproductive and nutrition parameters as well as resistance to pathogens. The of next-generation sequencing has allows assessing the transcriptional processes in non-model species by providing comprehensive gene collections to be used as a database in further genomic applications and increased performance of captive populations. In this study, we relied on RNAseq approach to generate the first transcriptome of the telencephalon from adult males and females of Colossoma macropomum, resulting in a reference dataset for future functional studies. We retrieved 896,238 transcripts, including the identification of 267,785 contigs and 203,790 genes. From this total, 91 transcripts were differentially expressed, being 63 and 28 of them positively regulated for females and males, respectively. The functional annotation resulted in a library of 40 candidate genes for females and 20 for males. The functional enrichment classes comprised reproductive processes (GO:0,048,609; GO:0,003,006; GO:0,044,703; GO:0,032,504; GO:0,019,953) being related to sex differentiation (e.g., SAFB) and immune response (e.g., SLC2A6, AHNAK, NLRC3, NLRP3 and IgC MHC I alpha3), thus indicating that the genes in the neurotranscriptome of Tambaqui participate in sex differentiation and homeostasis of captive specimens. These data are useful to design the selection of genes related to sex determination and animal welfare in raising systems of Tambaqui.
The inhibition effects of Lentilactobacillus buchneri-derived membrane vesicles on AGS and HT-29 cancer cells by inducing cell apoptosis
Authors: Abedi Adel , Tafvizi Farzaneh , Jafari Parvaneh , Akbari Neda 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn recent years, probiotics and their derivatives have been recognized as important therapeutic agents in the fight against cancer. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the anticancer effects of membrane vesicles (MVs) from Lentilactobacillus buchneri strain HBUM07105 probiotic isolated from conventional and unprocessed yogurt in Arak province, Iran, against gastric and colon cancer cell lines. The MVs were prepared from the cell-free supernatant (CFS) of L. buchneri and characterized using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and SPS-PAGE techniques. The anticancer activity of MVs was evaluated using MTT, flow cytometry, qRT-PCR techniques, and a scratch assay. The study investigated the anti-adenocarcinoma effect of MVs isolated from L. buchneri on a human gastric adenocarcinoma cell line (AGS) and a human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line (HT-29) at 24, 48, and 72-h time intervals. The results demonstrated that all prepared concentrations (12.5, 25, 50, 100, and 200 µg/mL) of MVs reduced the viability of both types of human adenocarcinoma cells after 24, 48, and 72 h of treatment. The analysis of the apoptosis results revealed that the percentage of AGS and HT-29 cancer cells in the early and late stages of apoptosis was significantly higher after 24, 48, and 72 h of treatment compared to the untreated cancer cells. After treating both AGS and HT-29 cells with the MVs, the cells were arrested in the G0/G1 phase. These microvesicles demonstrate apoptotic activity by increasing the expression of pro-apoptotic genes (BAX, CASP3, and CASP9). According to the scratch test, MVs can significantly decrease the migration of HT-29 and AGS cancer cells after 24, 48, and 72 h of incubation compared to the control groups. The MVs of L. buchneri can also be considered a potential option for inhibiting cancer cell activities.
A stable Mn(ii) coordination polymer demonstrating proton conductivity and quantitative sensing of oxytetracycline in aquaculture
Authors: Zhang Xu , Zhang Yana , Li Xin , Yu Jiahui , Chi Weijia , Wang Zikang , Zheng Hanwen , Sun Zhengang , Zhu Yanyu , Jiao Chengqi 
Published: February 2024

The dual–functional Mn–CP not only exhibits relatively high proton conductivity of 1.07 × 10−4 S cm−1 at 368 K and 95% RH, but displays turn-off and quantitative luminescent sensing of OTC in actural aquaculture systems with satisfactory recoveries.
Seed longevity and genome damage
Authors: Waterworth Wanda , Balobaid Atheer , West Chris 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Seeds are the mode of propagation for most plant species and form the basis of both agriculture and ecosystems. Desiccation tolerant seeds, representative of most crop species, can survive maturation drying to become metabolically quiescent. The desiccated state prolongs embryo viability and provides protection from adverse environmental conditions, including seasonal periods of drought and freezing often encountered in temperate regions. However, the capacity of the seed to germinate declines over time and culminates in the loss of seed viability. The relationship between environmental conditions (temperature and humidity) and the rate of seed deterioration (ageing) is well defined, but less is known about the biochemical and genetic factors that determine seed longevity. This review will highlight recent advances in our knowledge that provide insight into the cellular stresses and protective mechanisms that promote seed survival, with a focus on the roles of DNA repair and response mechanisms. Collectively, these pathways function to maintain the germination potential of seeds. Understanding the molecular basis of seed longevity provides important new genetic targets for the production of crops with enhanced resilience to changing climates and knowledge important for the preservation of plant germplasm in seedbanks.
Associations Between Recreational Noise Exposure and Hearing Function in Adolescents and Young Adults: A Systematic Review
Authors: Elmazoska Iris , Mäki-Torkko Elina , Granberg Sarah , Widén Stephen 
Published: February 2024

Purpose:
There is an increasing concern regarding hazardous recreational noise exposure among adolescents and young adults. Daily exposure to loud sound levels over a long period of time can increase the risk of noise-induced hearing loss. The full extent of the impact of recreational noise on hearing is not yet fully understood. The purpose of this review was to synthesize research that investigated hearing function in relation to recreational noise exposure in adolescents and young adults.

Method:
A systematic literature search of five databases covering the years 2000–2023 was performed. The articles included investigated audiological measurements of hearing function in relation to recreational noise exposure.

Results:
Four hundred sixty records were identified, of which 20 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the results. This review showed that although some recreational noise activities can be potentially harmful, there is an unclear relationship between exposure and outcome. Some findings indicated hearing threshold shifts or reduced otoacoustic emission amplitudes after recreational noise exposure, but most changes were short term and in the extended high-frequency range.

Conclusions:
There seemed to be inconsistencies regarding the utilization of methods of measuring exposure and outcome between studies. This might be one reason for the differing results in studies on the reported impact on hearing function from recreational noise exposure. To draw more certain conclusions about long-term effects, there is a need for longitudinal research that utilizes sound level measurements to assess low and high degrees of recreational noise exposure in relation to hearing function.

Supplemental Material:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.25114193
Utilization of Polydioxanone Plate for Endoscopic Anterior Skull Base Repair: Operative Technique and Long-Term Cohort Outcomes
Authors: Gutierrez III Jorge A. , Soler Zachary M. , Larrew Thomas , Chapurin Nikita , Wessell Jeffrey E. , Schlosser Rodney J. , Vandergrift III W. Alexander 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Objective The purpose of this study is to report the technical procedure and our experience using a polydioxanone suture (PDS) plate with dural substitute as part of a fully resorbable gasket seal technique to repair anterior skull base defects.
Methods A series of patients undergoing anterior skull base reconstruction utilizing our resorbable gasket seal technique from January 2014 to July 2022 was reviewed.
Results A total of 155 patients were included. Nine (5.8%) of the included patients developed postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks requiring reoperation. There were no cases of intraoperative cranial nerve injury or internal carotid artery injury. A total of 103 (66.5%) patients were observed to have an intraoperative CSF leak, including 57 low-flow leaks and 46 high-flow leaks; 1 of 57 (1.8%) patients with low-flow leaks and 8 of 46 (17.4%) patients with high-flow leaks developed a postoperative CSF leak. During the first 3 years that this technique was utilized at our center for the management of high-flow intraoperative CSF leaks, postoperative CSF leaks were documented in 4 of 12 (33.3%) patients, in comparison to 4 of 34 (11.8%) in the following years.
Conclusion PDS plate reconstruction confers several advantages and can be used in a diverse set of operative scenarios in conjunction with other reconstruction options. There appeared to be an associated learning curve as surgeons at our center gained experience with this new technique. Our findings show that the PDS plate reconstruction is safe and effective in repairing the skull base.
Morbid Obesity and Diabetes Increase the Risk of Reoperation following Microvascular Decompression: A National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Analysis of 1,303 Patients
Authors: Dincer Alper , Tabor Joanna K. , Pappajohn Alexandros F. , O'Brien Joseph , Morales-Valero Saul , Kim Miri , Moliterno Jennifer 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background Microvascular decompression (MVD) is the preferred treatment for refractory trigeminal neuralgia (TN) and hemifacial spasm (HFS). MVD provides long-lasting results for these conditions with a relatively low risk of postoperative complications. However, reoperation rates are reported up to 11%, an unacceptably high rate for an elective procedure. We determined what factors may increase the risk of reoperation among patients undergoing MVD for TN or HFS.
Methods Patient data from 2015 to 2020 were obtained from the American College of Surgeons–National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database and were included in this study if they had a procedure corresponding to an MVD with the current procedural terminology code 61458. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and outcomes were analyzed. Patients were subsequently categorized based on body mass index (BMI) and a logistic regression analysis was used to model the association of comorbidities with reoperation and its indication.
Results The overall rate of reoperation in the cohort is 3.2 and 7.2% for patients with morbid obesity (BMI ≥ 40; p = 0.006). Patients with morbid obesity were more likely to present at a younger age (50.1 vs. 57.4; p < 0.0001), have comorbidities such as hypertension (60.9 vs. 33.5%; p < 0.0001) and diabetes (16.3 vs. 7.7%; p = 0.0002), and increased procedure duration (179 vs. 164 minutes; p = 0.02). Indications for reoperation include cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak (31%), wound complications (19%), refractory pain (11.9), intracranial hemorrhage (4.8%), and other/unknown (33.3%). Patients with either morbid obesity or diabetes have a 2-fold increase in risk of reoperation, while having both is associated with a 5-fold risk of reoperation.
Conclusions We demonstrate morbid obesity leads to increased procedure duration and increased risk of reoperation due to wound complications and CSF leak. In these patients, alternative treatment strategies or preoperative optimization may be reasonable to reduce the risk of surgical complications and reoperation.