bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantitative sensory testing in a magnetic resonance environment: considerations for thermal sensitivity and patient safety
Authors: Kim Ayeong (Jenny) , Szabo Edina , Lunde Claire E. , Comptdaer Gabriela , Zurakowski David , Sieberg Christine B. , Holmes Scott A. 
Published: September 2023

IntroductionQuantitative sensory testing (QST) is often used to understand the perceptual basis of acute and chronic conditions, including pain. As the need grows for developing a mechanistic understanding of neurological pathways underlying perception in the basic and clinical sciences, there is a greater need to adapt techniques such as QST to the magnetic resonance (MR) environment. No studies have yet evaluated the impact of the MR environment on the perception of thermal stimuli. This study aimed to evaluate the differences in temperature sensitivity outside an MR environment and during an MRI scanning session. We hypothesized that there would be a difference in how participants reported their pain sensitivity between the two environments.MethodsHealthy participants underwent thermal QST outside the MR scanning environment, where they were asked to rate the temperature of a noxious stimulus at which they perceived their pain to be 7/10, using a Likert scale ranging from 0 to 10. Participants repeated this procedure inside a 3.0 T MRI approximately 30 min later. We repeated our investigation in a clinical cohort of participants with a chronic pain condition.ResultsThere were statistically significant changes of 1.1°C in thermal sensitivity between environments. This increase in pain threshold was found in healthy participants and replicated in the clinical cohort.DiscussionFindings can be applied toward improving MR safety, the resolution of brain pathways underlying pain mechanisms, and to more broadly comment on the impact of the MR environment on investigations that integrate perception-influenced processes.
Chronic pain: its impact on the quality of life and gender
Authors: Pandelani Funeka Faith , Nyalunga Suzan Louisa Nnanile , Mogotsi Miriam Morongwa , Mkhatshwa Vangile Bridget 
Published: September 2023

BackgroundChronic pain poses a considerable challenge to individuals' well-being, leading to decreased quality of life, limitations in daily functioning, and a higher reliance on healthcare services, resulting in significant economic burdens. In South Africa, chronic pain ranks among the prevalent chronic health conditions, although the exact prevalence might differ across different regions. To address this issue effectively, it is crucial to gain a comprehensive understanding of the problem by utilising the most up-to-date and relevant data available.AimThe aim of this study was to assess the impact of chronic pain on the quality of life and gender of the patients attending a primary healthcare centre.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional quantitative study among chronic care patients at Soshanguve Community Health Centre (CHC). The study utilized a validated Wisconsin Brief Pain Questionnaire to collect data. A total of 331 patients actively participated in the study.ResultsThe prevalence of chronic pain was 21.5% [95% CI: 17.0–25.9]. Females were affected more frequently than male patients, chronic pain was 11.1% greater in females than in male. Furthermore, chronic pain mildly impacted the general activity of patients 33.8% [95% CI: 23.9–45.4], mood 42.3% [ 95% CI: 31.4–53.8], walking ability 29.6% [95% CI: 20.2–41.0], relationships 47.9% [95% CI: 36.7–59.3), sleep 31.0% [95% CI: 21.4–42.5], enjoyment of life 39.4% [95% CI: 28.9–51.1] and normal working ability 25.3% [ 95% CI: 16.7–36.6].ConclusionsThe exact Fisher test conducted to assess the association between the experienced chronic pain and its impact on the quality of life yielded a significant result, with a p-value of 0.0071 (p &lt; 0.05). This indicates that a considerable number of patients are currently enduring chronic pain that has a noticeable effect on their overall quality of life. These findings offer invaluable insights that are essential for enhancing resource allocation at the primary care level and facilitating a more comprehensive evaluation of pain management in our communities.
Low levels of serum vitamin C in children with limb fractures: a case-control study
Authors: Ding Yangkun , Wang Chunhua , Yu Jiazhi , Lu Mingzhu , Mu Pengfei , Liu Xiangfei , Liu Tao 
Published: September 2023

IntroductionThe role of vitamin C in pediatric fractures has not received much attention, although it is known to be a factor in osteoporotic fractures in the elderly. This case-control study aimed to investigate the changes in serum vitamin C levels among children with limb fractures.MethodsWe recruited 325 children with and 316 children without limb fractures hospitalized between January 2021 and December 2021. Following admission, basic demographic data of all participants were collected, and fasting serum vitamin C levels were determined using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.ResultsThe mean age of the fracture group was 5.1 years (95% CI, 4.83–5.33). The serum vitamin C levels in the fracture group (4.48 µg/ml) were significantly lower than those in the control group (8.38 µg/ml) (p &lt; 0.0001). Further subgroup analysis of the fracture group revealed that serum vitamin C levels decreased significantly after 4 years of age and there was a significant difference in the duration after injury between &lt;6 and &gt;6 h (p = 0.0224). Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient suggested that age and vitamin C levels were negatively correlated in the fracture group.ConclusionIn general, children with limb fractures had lower serum vitamin C levels, especially those aged 4 years and over.
Improving NICU staff decision-making with parents in medical rounds: a pilot study of reflective group dialogue intervention
Authors: Ahlqvist-Björkroth Sari , Thernström Blomqvist Ylva , Nyberg Jenni , Normann Erik , Axelin Anna 
Published: September 2023

IntroductionThe communication skills of healthcare professionals play a crucial role in successful shared decision-making with parents in neonatal intensive care. Improving communication skills can be achieved through practice and reflection on personal experiences after authentic interaction events with parents. The process of reflection typically involves three phases: description, reflection, and critical reflection. In this study, our aim was to explore the acceptability of the Reflective Group Dialogue intervention and its effectiveness in supporting the reflective process.MethodsThis qualitative pilot study was conducted in the neonatal intensive care unit at Uppsala University Children's Hospital, Sweden. The sample consisted of nine medical rounds with seven families, five neonatologists, seven registered nurses, and five assistant nurses. Purposive sampling was used to collect the data. The intervention comprised four elements: (1) before the intervention, a recorded presentation on shared decision-making was given to the entire unit staff, (2) an observation of a normal medical round discussion with parents, (3) an interview with parents about their experience after the same round, and (4) a reflective discussion with the participating health care professionals after the round. The parent interviews and reflective discussions were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. They were analyzed using thematic analysis as a theoretical strategy.ResultsBoth parents and staff widely accepted the intervention and found it beneficial. We identified four discussions that remained in the descriptive phase of the reflection process, four that reached the reflective phase, and one that reached the critical reflection phase. The descriptive discussions were characterized by using a single perspective to reflect, often based on personal opinions. The reflective discussions included analyzing interaction sequences from both staff and parent perspectives and were primarily based on actual observations of communication during medical rounds. The critical discussion led to a new awareness of current practices concerning parental involvement in decision-making. These discussions also utilized “what-if” thinking to evaluate potential new practices and their pros and cons.ConclusionsThe intervention seems promising as it was perceived as beneficial by the recipients and facilitated reflection in most cases. However, to enhance the feasibility of the intervention, some improvements are discussed.
Properties of the particle distribution in Pb–Pb collisions at sNN=5.02 TeV and sNN=2.76 TeV
Authors: Geng Yan-Feng , Li Bao-Chun 
Published: September 2023

Properties of the particle distribution in high energy heavy-ion collisions are important for understanding the particle production. In Tsallis statistics with a multisource production, we study the transverse momentum spectra of D0, D+, D*+, Ds+, J/ψ in Pb–Pb collisions at sNN = 5.02 TeV and charged particles in Pb–Pb collisions at sNN = 2.76 TeV. A good agreement can be observed between the results obtained in the model and the experimental results of ALICE and CMS collaboration. The nuclear modification factor RAA is reproduced. Properties reflected in the multiparticle system are discussed by the parameters provided in the improved model. It is found that the temperature T and the tft/τ increase with the centrality for the same particle due to the excitation degree of the multiparticle system. The non-equilibrium degree at sNN = 5.02 TeV is larger than that at sNN = 2.76 TeV. It shows that the system at the larger collision energy deviates farther from the equilibrium state.
Angiotensinergic and GABAergic transmission in the medial preoptic area: role in urinary bladder and cardiovascular control in female rats
Authors: Daiuto Sergio A. , de Carvalho Rodrigo P. , Vale Bárbara do , Dsouki Nuha A. , Giannocco Gisele , Cafarchio Eduardo M. , Aronsson Patrik , Sato Monica A. 
Published: September 2023

Introduction: The medial preoptic area (mPOA) participates in thermoregulatory control and blood pressure modulation as shown by studies with electrical stimulation of this area or cobalt chloride injection, a non-selective synapse inhibitor. This study aimed to investigate whether angiotensin II (Ang II) and GABA could act or not in the mPOA to mediate the cardiovascular and micturition control pathways.Methods: Female Wistar rats were submitted to stereotaxic surgery for implantation of a guide cannula into the mPOA 7 days prior to the experiments. Afterwards, the animals were isoflurane- anesthetized and submitted to the catheterization of the femoral artery and vein and urinary bladder cannulation for mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and intravesical pressure (IP) recordings, respectively. After the baseline MAP, HR, and IP recordings for 15 min, Ang II (0.1 nM, 1 μL), losartan (AT-1 receptor antagonist, 100 nM, 1 μL), GABA (50 mM, 1 μL) or saline (1 μL) were injected into the mPOA, and the variables were measured for additional 30 min. In a different group of rats, the AT-1 receptor, angiotensin II converting enzyme (ACE), and GABAa receptor gene expression was evaluated in mPOA samples by qPCR. The data are as mean ± SEM and submitted to One-way ANOVA (Tukey posttest) or paired Student t-test (P &lt;0.05).Results: The injection of Ang II into the mPOA evoked a significant hypotension (−37±10 mmHg, n = 6, p = 0.024) and bradycardia (−47 ± 20 bpm, p = 0.030) compared to saline (+1 ± 1 mmHg and +6 ± 2 bpm, n = 6). A significant increase in IP was observed after Ang II injection into the mPOA (+72.25 ± 17.91%, p = 0.015 vs. −1.80 ± 2.98%, n = 6, saline). No significant changes were observed in MAP, HR and IP after the losartan injection in the mPOA compared to saline injection. Injection of GABA into the mPOA evoked a significant fall in MAP and HR (−68 ± 2 mmHg, n = 6, p &lt; 0.0001 and −115 ± 14 bpm, n = 6, p = 0.0002 vs. −1 ± 1 mmHg and +4 ± 2 bpm, n = 6, saline), but no significant changes were observed in IP. The AT-1 receptor, ACE and GABAa receptor mRNA expression was observed in all mPOA samples.Discussion: Therefore, in female rats, Ang II mediated transmission in the mPOA is involved in the cardiovascular regulation and in the control of central micturition pathways. A phasic control dependent on AT-1 receptors in the mPOA seems to be involved in the regulation of those cardiovascular and intravesical 3 parameters. In contrast, GABAergic transmission in the mPOA participates in the pathways of cardiovascular control in anesthetized female rats, nevertheless, this neurotransmission is not involved in the micturition control.
p90RSK2, a new MLCK mediates contractility in myosin light chain kinase null smooth muscle
Authors: Kalra Jaspreet , Artamonov Mykhaylo , Wang Hua , Franke Aaron , Markowska Zaneta , Jin Li , Derewenda Zygmunt S. , Ayon Ramon J. , Somlyo Avril 
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Phosphorylation of smooth muscle (SM) myosin regulatory light chain (RLC20) is a critical switch leading to SM contraction. The canonical view held that only the short isoform of myosin light chain kinase (MLCK1) catalyzed this reaction. It is now accepted that auxiliary kinases may contribute to vascular SM tone and contractility. We have previously reported that p90 ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK2) functions as such a kinase, in parallel with MLCK1, contributing ∼25% of the maximal myogenic force in resistance arteries. Thus, RSK2 may be instrumental in the regulation of basal vascular tone and blood pressure. Here, we take advantage of a MLCK1 null mouse (mylk1−/−) to further test our hypothesis that RSK2 can function as an MLCK, playing a significant physiological role in SM contractility.Methods: Using fetal (E14.5-18.5) SM tissues, as embryos die at birth, we investigated the necessity of MLCK for contractility and fetal development and determined the ability of RSK2 kinase to compensate for the lack of MLCK and characterized its signaling pathway in SM.Results and Discussion: Agonists induced contraction and RLC20 phosphorylation in mylk1−/− SM was attenuated by RSK2 inhibition. The pCa-tension relationships in permeabilized strips of bladder showed no difference in Ca2+ sensitivity in WT vs mylk1−/− muscles, although the magnitude of force responses was considerably smaller in the absence of MLCK. The magnitude of contractile responses was similar upon addition of GTPγS to activate the RhoA/ROCK pathway or calyculinA to inhibit the myosin phosphatase. The Ca2+-dependent tyrosine kinase, Pyk2, contributed to RSK2-mediated contractility and RLC20 phosphorylation. Proximity-ligation and immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated an association of RSK2, PDK1 and ERK1/2 with MLCK and actin. RSK2, PDK1, ERK1/2 and MLCK formed a signaling complex on the actin filament, positioning them for interaction with adjacent myosin heads. The Ca2+-dependent component reflected the agonist mediated increases in Ca2+, which activated the Pyk2/PDK1/RSK2 signaling cascade. The Ca2+−independent component was through activation of Erk1/2/PDK1/RSK2 leading to direct phosphorylation of RLC20, to increase contraction. Overall, RSK2 signaling constitutes a new third signaling pathway, in addition to the established Ca2+/CaM/MLCK and RhoA/ROCK pathways to regulate SM contractility.
Therapeutic role of exosomes and conditioned medium in keloid and hypertrophic scar and possible mechanisms
Authors: Zhong Yixiu , Zhang Youfan , Yu Aijiao , Zhang Zhiwen , Deng Zhenjun , Xiong Kaifen , Wang Qi , Zhang Jianglin 
Published: September 2023

Exosomes, ranging from 40 to 160 nm in diameter, are extracellular lipid bilayer microvesicles that regulate the body’s physiological and pathological processes and are secreted by cells that contain proteins, nucleic acids, amino acids and other metabolites. Previous studies suggested that mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived exosomes could either suppress or support keloid and hypertrophic scar progression. Although previous research has identified the potential value of MSC-exosomes in keloid and hypertrophic scar, a comprehensive analysis of different sources of MSC-exosome in keloid and hypertrophic scar is still lacking. This review mainly discusses different insights regarding the roles of MSC-exosomes in keloid and hypertrophic scar treatment and summarizes possible underlying mechanisms.
Analysis of oxygen consumption rates in zebrafish reveals differences based on sex, age and physical activity recovery
Authors: Konadu Bridget , Hosler Jonathan P. , Gibert Yann , Edwards Kristin S. 
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Mitochondrial dysfunction is linked to a variety of human diseases. Understanding the dynamic alterations in mitochondrial respiration at various stages of development is important to our understanding of disease progression. Zebrafish provide a system for investigating mitochondrial function and alterations during different life stages. The purpose of this study was to investigate our ability to measure mitochondrial oxygen consumption rates in zebrafish embryos, larvae, and adults as an indicator of mitochondrial function.Methods: Basal respiration of entire zebrafish embryos (5 dpf), larvae (0.6–0.9 cm), young adults (3-month-old), and old adults (12-month-old) was measured using an Oroboros Oxygraph, with a stirrer speed of 26 rpm. For embryos and larvae, “leak” respiration (plus oligomycin), maximum respiration (plus uncoupler), non-mitochondrial respiration (plus inhibitors), and complex IV activity were also measured. To induce physical activity in adult fish, the stirrer speed was increased to 200 rpm.Results and Discussion: We demonstrate the ability to accurately measure respiration rates in zebrafish at various ages using the Oroboros Oxygraph. When comparing zebrafish embryos to larvae, embryos have a higher maximum respiration. Three-month-old zebrafish males have higher basal respiration than females, while 12-month-old zebrafish females exhibit greater rates of respiration than males and younger females. When the stirrer speed was increased, respiration rates decrease, but with differences depending on sex. This study demonstrates a simple and accessible method to assess zebrafish physiology by mitochondrial oxygen consumption measurements in an unmodified Oroboros Oxygraph. The method should facilitate studies to understand the intricate interplay between mitochondrial function, development, and aging.
Bamboo expansion promotes radial growth of surviving trees in a broadleaf forest
Authors: Gong Chao , Zeng Xiaoxia , Zhu Xianglong , Huang Wenhui , Compson Zacchaeus G. , Ren Zewen , Ran Huan , Song Qingni , Yang Qingpei , Huang Dongmei , Liu Jun 
Published: September 2023

IntroductionConsiderable evidence indicates that some trees are more vulnerable than others during bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) expansion, which can affect plant community structure and alter the environment, but there has been insufficient research on the growth status of surviving individuals in colonized forests.MethodsIn this study, we compared the annual growth increment, growth rate, and onset, cessation, and duration of radial growth of Alniphyllum fortunei, Machilus pauhoi, and Castanopsis eyrei in a bamboo-expended broadleaf forest (BEBF) and a bamboo-absent broadleaf forest (BABF) using high-resolution point dendrometers.ResultsWe found that the annual radial growth of A. fortunei, M. pauhoi, and C. eyrei was 22.5%, 172.2%, and 59.3% greater in BEBF than in BABF, respectively. The growth rates of M. pauhoi and C. eyrei in BEBF were significantly higher than in BABF by13.9 μm/d and 19.6 μm/d, whereas A. fortunei decreased significantly by 7.9 μm/d from BABF to BEBF. The onset and cessation of broad-leaf tree growth was later, and the growth duration was longer in BEBF compared to BABF. For example, A. fortunei and M. pauhoi in BEBF had more than one month longer growth duration than in BABF. Additionally, the nighttime growth rates of some surviving broad-leaf trees in BEBF was significantly higher than that in BABF.DiscussionThese results suggest that the surviving trees have plasticity and can adapt to atmospheric changes and competitive relationships after expansion of bamboo in one of two ways: by increasing their growth rates or by modifying onset and cessation of growth to extend the growth duration of trees or avoid the period of intense competition with bamboo, thereby growing better. Our research reveals for the first time how the growth of surviving broad-leaf trees adjusts to bamboo expansion. These results provide insights into how biological expansions impact primary production and have implications for forest management in the Anthropocene.
Self-reported traumatic brain injury in a sample of impulsive violent offenders: neuropsychiatric correlates and possible “dose effects”
Authors: Challakere Ramaswamy Vasudeva Murthy , Butler Tony , Ton Bianca , Wilhelm Kay , Mitchell Philip B. , Knight Lee , Greenberg David , Ellis Andrew , Allnutt Stephen , Jones Jocelyn , Gebski Val , Carr Vaughan , Scott Rodney J. , Schofield Peter William 
Published: September 2023

BackgroundTraumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major public health problem that may be associated with numerous behavioral problems, including impulsivity, aggression and violence. Rates of self-reported TBI are high within offender populations, but the extent to which TBI is causally implicated in causing illegal behavior is unclear. This study examined the psychological and functional correlates of histories of traumatic brain injury in a sample of impulsive violent offenders.MethodsStudy participants, all men, had been recruited to participate in a randomized controlled trial of sertraline to reduce recidivism. Study entry criteria were an age of at least 18 years, a documented history of two or more violent offenses and a score of 70 or above on the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale. An extensive list of standardized questionnaires was administered to obtain information on previous TBI and other neuropsychiatric conditions or symptoms.ResultsIn the sample of 693 men, 66% were aged between 18 and 35 years old, and 55% gave a history of TBI (“TBI+”). Overall, 55% of study participants reported at least one TBI. High levels of neuropsychiatric symptomatology were reported. In 75% of TBI+ individuals, their most severe TBI (by self-report) was associated with loss of consciousness (LOC) &lt; 30 min. Compared to TBI- (those without history of TBI) participants, TBI+ individuals were more impulsive (Eysenck Impulsivity), irritable, angry, and reported higher levels of assaultive behavior, depressive symptomology, alcohol use disorder, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and lower quality of life. Potential “dose effects” of TBI severity and frequency in terms of neuropsychiatric symptomatology were identified.ConclusionLike other studies of offender populations, single and multiple TBIs were very common. The associations of TBI, TBI severity, and TBI frequency (i.e., TBI “burden”) with adverse neuropsychiatric phenomena suggest TBI contributes importantly to offender morbidity but the select nature of the sample and cross-sectional study design constrain the interpretation of these findings.