bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression pattern of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit transcripts in neurons and astrocytes in the ventral tegmental area and locus coeruleus
Authors: Gao Runbo , Schneider Amelia M. , Mulloy Sarah M. , Lee Anna M. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAcetylcholine is the endogenous agonist for the neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) system, which is involved in attention, memory, affective behaviours and substance use disorders. Brain nAChRs are highly diverse with 11 different subunits that can form multiple receptor subtypes, each with distinct receptor and pharmacological properties. Different neuronal cell types can also express different nAChR subtypes, resulting in highly complex cholinergic signalling. Identifying which nAChR subunit transcripts are expressed in cell types can provide an indication of which nAChR combinations are possible and which receptor subtypes may be most pharmacologically relevant to target. In addition to differences in expression across cell types, nAChRs also undergo changes in expression levels from adolescence to adulthood. In this study, we used fluorescent in situ hybridization to identify and quantify the expression of α4, α5, α6, β2 and β3 nAChR subunit transcripts in dopaminergic, GABAergic, glutamatergic and noradrenergic neurons and astrocytes in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and locus coeruleus (LC) in adult and adolescent, male and female C57BL/6J mice. There were distinct differences in the pattern of nAChR subunit transcript expression between the two brain regions. LC noradrenergic neurons had high prevalence of α6, β2 and β3 expression, with very low expression of α4, suggesting the α6(non‐α4)β2β3 receptor as a main subtype in these neurons. VTA astrocytes from adult mice showed greater prevalence of α5, α6, β2 and β3 transcript compared with adolescent mice. These data highlight the complex nAChR expression patterns across brain region and cell type.
Determination of nuclear magnetic resonance T2 cutoff in remoulded loess by the freezing point
Authors: Liu Jialiang , Xu Qiang , Li Pinliang , Pu Chuanhao , Zhao Kuanyao , Peng Dalei , Lei Mingyu 
Published: August 2023

AbstractProton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is widely applied to characterize the microscopic properties of hydrogen‐containing porous media. The transverse relaxation time cutoff (T2c) value is the crucial parameter for the quantitative analysis of NMR data. Currently, there is no universal method for the determination of the T2c in clayey soils. This study aimed to develop a laboratory method for determining the T2c of remoulded loess by the freezing point of loosely bound water. Malan loess, a kind of typical clayey silt, was used as test material. Based on the soil freezing characteristic, NMR measurements were performed on remoulded loess with different macro‐parameter controls during the cooling process to obtain the T2 spectrum at each target temperature. By analysing the variation of unfrozen water content with temperature reduction, the freezing point of loosely bound water and the T2c value within the freezing‐point range was determined. The freezing point of loosely bound water in remoulded loess is about −3 to −5°C and that of firmly bound water is less than −5°C. Accordingly, the T2c value of remoulded loess is determined to be 1.5–1.8 ms. The assessment of heating and cooling process and different methods for determining the T2c shows that the laboratory method by the freezing point is effective and reliable, and the T2c determined by statistical methods is worthy of further study and improvement. The saturated permeability of remoulded loess is evaluated according to the determined T2c, and two NMR‐based permeability equations can well reflect pore water distribution in remoulded loess, but to a certain extent, both equations ignore soil microstructure, pore connectivity and chemical effects of pore solution. The laboratory method by the freezing point and the determined T2c value of remoulded loess fill the gap of NMR measurement in loess analysis and are of great significance for low‐plastic clays and clay types.
E2730, an uncompetitive γ‐aminobutyric acid transporter‐1 inhibitor, suppresses epileptic seizures in a rat model of chronic mesial temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Ali Idrish , Silva Juliana , Casillas‐Espinosa Pablo M. , Braine Emma , Yamakawa Glenn R. , Hudson Matthew R. , Brady Rhys D. , Major Brendan , Thergarajan Peravina , Haskali Mohammad B. , Wright David K. , Jupp Bianca , Vivash Lucy , Shultz Sandy R. , Mychasiuk Richelle , Kwan Patrick , Jones Nigel C. , Fukushima Kazuyuki , Sachdev Pallavi , Cheng Jocelyn Y. , O'Brien Terence J. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractObjectiveMore than one third of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) patients are resistant to current antiseizure medications (ASMs), and half experience mild‐to‐moderate adverse effects of ASMs. There is therefore a strong need to develop and test novel ASMs. The objective of this work is to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and neurological toxicity of E2730, a novel uncompetitive inhibitor of γ‐aminobutyric acid transporter‐1, and to test its seizure suppression effects in a rat model of chronic MTLE.MethodsWe first examined plasma levels and adverse neurological effects of E2730 in healthy Wistar rats. Adult male rats were implanted with osmotic pumps delivering either 10, 20, or 100 mg/kg/day of E2730 subcutaneously for 1 week. Blood sampling and behavioral assessments were performed at several timepoints. We next examined whether E2730 suppressed seizures in rats with chronic MTLE. These rats were exposed to kainic acid‐induced status epilepticus, and 9 weeks later, when chronic epilepsy was established, were assigned to receive one of the three doses of E2730 or vehicle for 1 week in a randomized crossover design. Continuous video‐electroencephalographic monitoring was acquired during the treatment period to evaluate epileptic seizures.ResultsPlasma levels following continuous infusion of E2730 showed a clear dose‐related increase in concentration. The drug was well tolerated at all doses, and any sedation or neuromotor impairment was mild and transient, resolving within 48 h of treatment initiation. Remarkably, E2730 treatment in chronically epileptic rats led to seizure suppression in a dose‐dependent manner, with 65% of rats becoming seizure‐free at the highest dose tested. Mean seizure class did not differ between the treatment groups.SignificanceThis study shows that continuous subcutaneous infusion of E2730 over 7 days results in a marked, dose‐dependent suppression of spontaneous recurrent seizures, with minimal adverse neurological effects, in a rat model of chronic MTLE. E2730 shows strong promise as an effective new ASM to be translated into clinical trials.
A Latin American Perspective on the Leuenberg Agreement
Authors: Skupch Sonia 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAmong the 104 churches signatory to the Leuenberg Agreement of 1973, which created ecclesial communion between Lutheran, Reformed, and United churches in Europe, are six churches from Latin America, five of them from the Southern Cone. This article reviews how the Protestant churches in the Southern Cone came to be signatories of the Leuenberg Agreement and its significance for their life and witness. Two elements in particular have proven significant over the years. The first is the theological and ecumenical platform the Leuenberg Agreement provided, which gave visibility to a phenomenon already taking place. The second is the fact that the Communion of Protestant Churches in Europe has a regional group in South America: this was the case almost from the beginning, which also poses an interesting theological and contextual challenge.
Life after paediatric brain tumour; the perspectives of the survivors and their parents
Authors: Aalykkja Anette , Larsen Elna Hamilton , Larsen Marie Hamilton , Ruud Ellen , Puhr Anita , Lie Hanne Cathrine 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAimsTo explore how long‐term and late effects of paediatric brain tumours influence the everyday lives of survivors at various ages and their parents.DesignA qualitative interview study using reflexive thematic analysis.MethodsWe conducted individual interviews and focus groups with 14 paediatric brain tumour survivors aged 9–52 years and 16 parents, which were audiorecorded and transcribed. We inductively analyzed the data using Braun and Clarke's reflexive thematic analysis. Inductively derived themes were then mapped onto the components of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health framework to examine the survivors' everyday functioning.ResultsAll survivors experienced ongoing long‐term and late effects but with considerable variations in how these restricted the survivors' functioning and thus their ability to participate in everyday life activities (e.g. social, educational and work activities). All survivors expressed an explicit focus on and use of different strategies to manage their perceived functional limitations and participation restrictions. Many survivors expressed discrepancies between their own goals, expectations and actual abilities post‐cancer; making them very aware of their limitations. In addition, many survivors and parents experienced ongoing concerns about the survivors’ future, including the risk of late effects, relapse or other complications.ConclusionA wide range of long‐term and late effects continue to affect the survivors and their parents' functioning and everyday lives. Their ongoing needs emphasize the importance of comprehensive, life‐long follow‐up care, as recommended.Implications for the Profession and/or Patient CareThe complex challenges across the biopsychosocial realms faced by the survivors supports the call for multidisciplinary survivorship care. Nurses are well positioned to lead such care, as they are trained to provide holistic care and thereby support survivors' functioning and activity participation in everyday life.Reporting MethodWe used the COREQ guidelines when reporting the study.Patient or Public ContributionTwo user representatives (one young adult PBT survivor and one mother of a PBT survivor) ensured the relevance and quality of the semi‐structured interview guides prior to the interviews with the survivors and parents. The guides were sent to the user representatives by mail, and they provided their written feedback by mail to the first author.
Learning computer algorithms through dynamic visualizations: Benefits of ‘AlgoRythmics’ videos
Authors: Katai Zoltan , Osztian Erika 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundThis study is the first to address the topic of schematic versus realistic dynamic visualization with particular focus on the human movement effect (HME) when the content to be learned takes the form of a computer algorithm. An AlgoRythmics dance choreography illustration (HM‐realistic) was compared with an abstract computer animation (schematic). Previous research in the field of dynamic visualizations found schematic illustrations to be more effective, but the examined realistic representations did not include HME.ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to explore the process of comprehension of computer algorithms from these two types of representations (abstract animation vs. dance choreography illustration).MethodsThe experiment (pre‐test, study phase, post‐test) involved 84 undergraduate students and included the following conditions (2 × 2 between‐participants‐design): HM‐realistic → HM‐realistic, schematic → schematic, HM‐realistic → schematic, schematic → HM‐realistic.Results and ConclusionsThe results reveal that: (i) the group of participants who saw the dance choreography twice outperformed those who saw the computer animation twice; (ii) dance choreography illustration is only beneficial if it is presented as the second visualization. These findings are apparently contrary to the conclusions of some relevant previous research in the field, but they are in line with recent results regarding the HME.TakeawaysRealistic dynamic visualizations can be more effective than schematic ones if they involve human movement. To benefit maximally from realistic visualization, students need to have previously viewed it or to have previously viewed the isomorphic schematic presentation of it.
Metabolomic profiles of obesity and subgingival microbiome in periodontally healthy individuals: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Khocht Ahmed , Paster Bruce , Lenoir Leticia , Irani Crissy , Fraser Gary 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAimSince blood metabolomic profiles of obese individuals are known to be altered, our objective was to examine the association between obesity‐related metabolic patterns and subgingival microbial compositions in obese and non‐obese periodontally healthy individuals.Materials and MethodsThirty‐nine periodontally healthy subjects were enrolled. Based on body mass index scores, 20 subjects were categorized as lean and 19 as obese. A comprehensive periodontal examination was performed. Subgingival plaque and blood samples were collected. Plaque samples were analysed for bacteria using 16S rDNA sequencing. Untargeted metabolomic profiling (mass spectrometry) was used to quantify metabolites in serum.ResultsObese subjects were statistically associated with several periodontopathic taxa includingDialister invisus,Prevotella intermedia,Prevotella denticola,Fusobacterium nucleatum_subsp.vincentii,Mogibacterium diversum,Parvimonas micraandShuttleworthia satelles. In obese individuals, an amino acid‐related metabolic pattern was elevated; however, there was a decrease in metabolic patterns related to lipids and cofactor/vitamins. These metabolic perturbations were associated with multiple subgingival bacterial species that differentiated lean from obese individuals.ConclusionsObesity‐related perturbations in circulating blood metabolites are associated with the development of periodontopathic bacterial colonization in the subgingival microbiome and consequently may increase the risk for periodontal disease in obese individuals.
Circadian aspects in the aetiology and pathophysiology of insomnia
Authors: Lack Leon C. , Micic Gorica , Lovato Nicole 
Published: August 2023

SummaryBecause the endogenous circadian pacemaker is a very strong determinant of alertness/sleep propensity across the 24 h period, its mistiming may contribute to symptoms of insomnia (e.g., difficulties initiating sleep and maintaining sleep) and to the development of insomnia disorder. Despite the separation of insomnia and circadian rhythm disorders in diagnostic nosology implying independent pathophysiology, there is considerable evidence of co‐morbidity and interaction between them. Sleep onset insomnia is associated with later timed circadian rhythms and can be treated with morning bright light to shift rhythms to an earlier timing. It is also possible that the causal link may go in both directions and that having a delayed circadian rhythm can result in enough experiences of delayed sleep onset to lead to some conditioned insomnia or insomnia disorder further exacerbating a delayed circadian rhythm. Early morning awakening insomnia is associated with an advanced circadian phase (early timing) and can be treated with evening bright light resulting in a delay of rhythms and an improved ability to sleep later in the morning and to obtain more sleep. There is some evidence suggesting that sleep maintenance insomnia is associated with a blunted amplitude of circadian rhythm that may be treated with increased regularity of sleep and light exposure timing. However, this is an insomnia phenotype that requires considerably more circadian research as well as further insomnia clinical research with the other insomnia phenotypes incorporating circadian timing measures and treatments.
A Clinical Comparative Study on Percutaneous and Open Approaches for Screw Internal Fixation in Treating Thoracolumbar Fractures
Authors: Xu Yafei , Sun Yapeng , Shi Ruiqing , Li Jiaqi , Zhang Fei , Guo Lei , Zhang Wei 
Published: August 2023

ObjectiveConventional open internal fixation surgery for thoracolumbar fractures has many complications and long recovery time. There are few clinical studies on the minimally invasive percutaneous injured vertebrae screw internal fixation. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the application value of minimally invasive percutaneous injured vertebrae screw internal fixation in the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures (TF).MethodsA total of 98 patients with TF admitted to our hospital from January 2019 to December 2021 were retrospectively enrolled. According to the surgical method, the patients were divided into the study group (n = 49, treated with minimally invasive percutaneous injured vertebrae screw internal fixation) and the control group (n = 49, treated with traditional open internal fixation surgery). The two groups were compared in the perioperative period, the degree of pain at different periods, the percentage of the height of the anterior edge of the injured vertebra, the Cobb angle of the injured vertebra body and the wedge angle of the injured vertebra body at the first week and the last follow‐up, and the postoperative complications and the occurrence of the cone shell after the operation were recorded. Then, statistical analysis such as Student's t test or Chi‐Square test was performed.ResultsThe operation time (p = 0.002), intraoperative blood loss (p < 0.001), postoperative drainage volume (p = 0.011), and length of hospital stay (p = 0.003) in the study group were significantly lower than that in the control group. The VAS in the study group (3.38 ± 1.02) was significantly lower than that in the control group (4.56 ± 1.04) on the 7th day after the operation, with a significant difference (p < 0.001). The correction values of the percentage of leading edge height (LEH), Cobb angle, wedge angle in the study group were significantly lower than that in the control group at 1 week after surgery (all ps < 0.001). The incidence of postoperative complications in the study group (one case, 2.04%) was significantly lower than that in the control group (seven cases, 14.29%) (p = 0.031). At 1 month, 6 months, 10 months, and the last follow‐up, the incidence of “empty shell” on CT scan in the study group were lower than that in the control group with a significant difference (all ps < 0.05).ConclusionApplying minimally invasive percutaneous injured vertebrae screw internal fixation is more beneficial to shorten the operation time and hospital stay, with fewer postoperative complications.
Feasibility of Anterior Fixation with Single Screw for Odontoid Fractures in Pediatrics: A Computed Tomographic Study
Authors: Lin Junyu , Ji Wei , Huang Zucheng , Huang Zhiping , Zhu Qingan , Liu Junhao 
Published: August 2023

ObjectiveAlthough it is an effective fixation technique for an unstable odontoid, anterior fixation remains challenging in pediatric populations. Our study measures the anatomical parameters of the odontoid to identify the feasibility of anterior fixation with a single screw for children.MethodsWe retrospectively collected data from 112 normal male and female children (aged between 2 and 18) in our institute from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022. Subjects were divided into a youth group (2–6 years old), a juvenile group (7–12 years old), and an adolescent group (13–18 years old). Sagittal and coronal computed tomography images of the upper cervical spine were used to measure the screw length, angle, and inner and outer diameters of the odontoid. One‐way analysis of variance with the Tukey test was used to analyze the parameters among the groups, while the t‐test was used to analyze gender differences. Correlations between parameters and age were assessed using Pearson's test.ResultsThere were significant differences between male and female subjects in screw length and inner and outer diameters (of both sagittal and coronal views) but not in screw angle. The narrowest diameter of the odontoid was 4.0 ± 1.5 mm in the youth group, 5.5 ± 1.5 mm in the juvenile group, and 5.6 ± 1.1 mm in the adolescent group, respectively. There were significant differences among the three groups in screw length (p < 0.0001). The screw angle of the adolescent group was significantly smaller than that of the youth and juvenile groups. More than 90% of children aged 7–18 years old had an odontoid diameter greater than 4 mm, while only half of the youth group had an odontoid with diameter >4 mm. Screw length and inner and outer diameters in lateral view were positively correlated with age, and screw angle was negatively correlated with age.ConclusionIt is feasible to insert a standard single screw (Φ 3.5 mm) into the odontoid of children aged 7–18 years old but not those aged 2–6 years old. How the anatomical parameters of the odontoid change with age, especially the narrowest diameters, is worthy of attention.
Nutrient resorption responses of female and male Populus cathayana to drought and shade stress
Authors: Tang Shuanglei , Lin Xiazhen , Li Wen , Guo Chengjin , Han Jungang , Yu Lei 
Published: August 2023

AbstractNutrient resorption can increase nutrient use and play important roles in terrestrial plant nutrient cycles. Although several studies have reported individual responses of plant nutrient resorption to drought or shade stress, the interaction of drought and shade remains unclear, especially for dioecious plants. This study explored whether nutrient resorption is correlated to growth characteristics (such as biomass and root/shoot ratio [R/S ratio]) and leaf economics (such as leaf thickness, leaf mass per area [LMA] and leaf vein density [LVD]) in female and male Populus cathayana across different conditions. We found that drought stress significantly increased nitrogen (N) resorption efficiency (NRE) in both sexes, but shade and interactive stress decreased NRE in P. cathayana females. Under drought stress, nutrient resorption was sexually dimorphic such that P. cathayana males have higher NRE than females. Furthermore, NRE and phosphorous (P) resorption efficiency (PRE) were positively related to R/S ratio, leaf thickness, LMA, and LVD in both sexes across different treatments. Our study is the first to present how nutrient resorption is related to biomass accumulation and allocation, and leaf economics, suggesting that nutrient uptake may be modulated by R/S ratio and leaf economics, which is important for understanding the conservation mechanism of plant nutrients.