bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evidence of extraganglionic vagal mechanoreceptors in the mouse vagus nerve
Authors: Leon‐Mercado Luis , Tinajero Arely , Gautron Laurent 
Published: July 2023

AbstractVagal afferent neuronal somas are in the nodose and jugular ganglia. In this study, we identified extraganglionic neurons in whole‐mount preparations of the vagus nerves from Phox2b‐Cre‐ZsGreen transgenic mice. These neurons are typically arranged in small clusters and monolayers along the cervical vagus nerve. Although infrequent, these neurons were sometimes observed along the thoracic and esophageal vagus. We performed RNAscope in situ hybridization and confirmed that the extraganglionic neurons detected in this transgenic mouse strain expressed vagal afferent markers (i.e., Phox2b and Slc17a6) as well as markers that identify them as potential gastrointestinal mechanoreceptors (i.e., Tmc3 and Glp1r). We also identified extraganglionic neurons in the vagus nerves of wild‐type mice that were injected intraperitoneally with Fluoro‐Gold, thereby ruling out possible anatomical discrepancies specific for transgenic mice. In wild‐type mice, extraganglionic cells were positive for peripherin, confirming their neuronal nature. Taken together, our findings revealed a previously undiscovered population of extraganglionic neurons associated with the vagus nerve. Going forward, it is important to consider the possible existence of extraganglionic mechanoreceptors that transmit signals from the abdominal viscera in future studies related to vagal structure and function.
Adherence to sleep restriction therapy – An evaluation of existing measures
Authors: Steinmetz Lisa , Simon Laura , Feige Bernd , Riemann Dieter , Akram Umair , Crawford Megan R. , Johann Anna F. , Spiegelhalder Kai 
Published: July 2023

SummarySleep restriction, a key element of cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia, involves considerable behavioural changes in patients' lives, leading to side‐effects like increased daytime sleepiness. Studies on sleep restriction rarely report adherence, and when assessed it is often limited to the average number of therapy sessions attended. This study aims to systematically evaluate different measures of adherence to cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia and their relationship with treatment outcome. This is a secondary analysis of data from a randomized controlled trial investigating cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (Johann et al. (2020) Journal of Sleep Research, 29, e13102). The sample included 23 patients diagnosed with insomnia according to DSM‐5 criteria who underwent 8 weeks of cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia. The following adherence measures based on sleep diary data were used: number of sessions completed; deviations from agreed time in bed; average percentage of patients deviating from bedtime by 15, 30 or 60 min; variability of bedtime and wake‐up time; change in time in bed from pre‐ to post‐assessment. Treatment outcome was assessed using the Insomnia Severity Index. Multiple regression models were employed, and insomnia severity was controlled for. Results showed that none of the adherence measures predict insomnia severity. Baseline insomnia severity, dysfunctional thoughts and attitudes about sleep, depression or perfectionism did not predict adherence. The limited variance in the outcome parameter due to most patients benefiting from treatment and the small sample size may explain these findings. Additionally, using objective measures like actigraphy could provide a better understanding of adherence behaviour. Lastly, the presence of perfectionism in patients with insomnia may have mitigated adherence problems in this study.
Alternative splicing of TaHSFA6e modulates heat shock protein–mediated translational regulation in response to heat stress in wheat
Authors: Wen Jingjing , Qin Zhen , Sun Lv , Zhang Yumei , Wang Dongli , Peng Huiru , Yao Yingyin , Hu Zhaorong , Ni Zhongfu , Sun Qixin , Xin Mingming 
Published: July 2023

Summary
Heat stress greatly threatens crop production. Plants have evolved multiple adaptive mechanisms, including alternative splicing, that allow them to withstand this stress. However, how alternative splicing contributes to heat stress responses in wheat (Triticum aestivum) is unclear.
We reveal that the heat shock transcription factor gene TaHSFA6e is alternatively spliced in response to heat stress. TaHSFA6e generates two major functional transcripts: TaHSFA6e‐II and TaHSFA6e‐III. TaHSFA6e‐III enhances the transcriptional activity of three downstream heat shock protein 70 (TaHSP70) genes to a greater extent than does TaHSFA6e‐II. Further investigation reveals that the enhanced transcriptional activity of TaHSFA6e‐III is due to a 14‐amino acid peptide at its C‐terminus, which arises from alternative splicing and is predicted to form an amphipathic helix.
Results show that knockout of TaHSFA6e or TaHSP70s increases heat sensitivity in wheat. Moreover, TaHSP70s are localized in stress granule following exposure to heat stress and are involved in regulating stress granule disassembly and translation re‐initiation upon stress relief. Polysome profiling analysis confirms that the translational efficiency of stress granule stored mRNAs is lower at the recovery stage in Tahsp70s mutants than in the wild types.
Our finding provides insight into the molecular mechanisms by which alternative splicing improves the thermotolerance in wheat.
Learning Curve and Clinical Outcomes of Ultrasonic Osteotome‐based En Bloc Laminectomy for Thoracic Ossification of the Ligamentum Flavum
Authors: Hu Yuanyu , Dong Yanlei , Qi Junbo , Chen Zhongqiang , Li Weishi , Tian Yun , Sun Chuiguo 
Published: July 2023

ObjectiveDespite rapid advances in minimally invasive surgery, en bloc laminectomy remains the most common surgical approach for treating thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum (TOLF). However, the learning curve of this risky operation is rarely reported. Therefore, we aimed to describe and analyze the learning curve of ultrasonic osteotome‐based en bloc laminectomy for TOLF.MethodsAmong 151 consecutive patients with TOLF who underwent en bloc laminectomy performed by one surgeon between January 2012 and December 2017, we retrospectively analyzed their demographic data, surgical parameters, and neurological function. Neurological outcome was evaluated with the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) scale, and the Hirabayashi method was used to calculate the neurological recovery rate. The learning curve was assessed with logarithmic curve‐fitting regression analysis. Univariate analysis methods were used for statistical analysis, including t‐test, rank sum test, and chi‐square test.ResultsA total of 50% of learning milestones could be reached in approximately 14 cases, and the asymptote in 76 cases. Therefore, 76 of the 151 enrolled patients were defined as the “early group,” and the remaining 75 were delimitated as the “late group” for comparison. There was a significant intergroup difference in the corrected operative time (94.80 ± 27.77 vs 65.93 ± 15.67 min, P < 0.001) and the estimated blood loss (median 240 vs 400 mL, P < 0.001). The overall follow‐up was 83.1 ± 18.5 months. The mJOA significantly increased from a median of 5 (IQR: 4–5) before the surgery to 10 (IQR: 9–10) at the last follow‐up (P < 0.001). The overall complication rate was 37.1%, and no significant intergroup difference was found, except for the incidence of dural tears (31.6% vs 17.3%, p = 0.042).ConclusionInitially, mastering the en bloc laminectomy technique using ultrasonic osteotome for TOLF treatment can be challenging, but the surgeon's experience improves as the operative time and blood loss decrease. Improved surgical experience reduced the risk of dural tears but was not associated with the overall complication rate or long‐term neurological function. Despite the relatively long learning curve, en bloc laminectomy is a secure and valid technique for TOLF treatment.
Inclusive growth in the face of increasing urbanization: What experience for African countries?
Authors: Ngounou Borice Augustin , Tekam Oumbe Honoré , Ongo Nkoa Bruno Emmanuel , Noubissi Domguia Edmond 
Published: July 2023

AbstractUrbanization and inclusive growth in Africa are very closely linked, and the literature is extremely fertile. The objective of this paper is to determine the effects of urbanization on inclusive growth in a sample of 48 African countries. We specify and estimate respectively a panel data model, fixed effects, Driscoll and Kraay, generalized least squares, robustness via Lewbel two‐stage least squares, and system generalized method of moments over the period 1995–2020. Our results show that urbanization significantly and statistically improves inclusive growth in Africa. We obtain the same result for each regional area (North Africa, West Africa, East Africa, and Central Africa) except for Southern Africa where we find that urbanization rather contributes to worsening inclusive growth. We propose that African policymakers take advantage of current urbanization patterns to effectively plan, manage and deliver U infrastructure technology services such as transport and ICT infrastructure. This will enable the growing population moving from underdeveloped regions to urban centers to access better services and employment opportunities, thereby contributing to economic progress.
Secular trends in the physical fitness of Brazilian youth: Evidence that fitness is declining for the majority but not for a fit minority
Authors: Nevill Alan M. , Duncan Michael J. , Gaya Adroaldo , Mello Júlio B. 
Published: July 2023

BackgroundThere has been a decline in children's physical fitness in recent decades. Such concerns are largely based on evidence from North America, Europe, and Asia. The current study describes the secular trend and variation (spread) in the physical fitness scores of young Brazilians from 2005 to 2022.MethodsThis study is a repeated, cross‐sectional surveillance study (1999–2022). Children and adolescents (n = 65 139; boys = 36 539) participated between 2005 and 2022. In each cohort six physical fitness tests were conducted: (1) 20‐m sprint speed (m s−1), (2) cardio‐respiratory 6‐min run test (m min−1), (3) abdominal strength test (sit‐ups per min), (4) horizontal jump test (cm), (5) the agility test (m s−1), and (6) the medicine ball throw test (cm). Means and distributional characteristics of the population were assessed using ANOVA, ANCOVA adopting BMI as the body‐size covariate, Levene's test of equality‐of‐error variances, and Box and whisker plots.ResultsANOVAs and ANCOVA's identified significant declines in physical fitness over time/year in 5 of the 6 physical fitness variables (e.g., 20‐m sprint speed slope B = −0.018 (m s−1 y−1); 95% CI −0.019 to −0.017; p < 0.001), the only exception being the medicine ball throw test (cm). The Levene's test of equality‐of‐error variances also identified a systematic increase in the variances/standard deviations over time/years.ConclusionsResults provide powerful evidence that children and adolescents' physical fitness is declining, a trend that is also diverging asymmetrically, becoming more extreme in more recent years. The “fit” appear to be getting fitter, but the fitness of the “less‐fit” appears to be declining further. These results have important implications for sports medicine and government policy makers.
Anti‐acne activity of carnitine salicylate and magnolol through the regulation of exfoliation, lipogenesis, bacterial growth and inflammation
Authors: Kwon Koo Chul , Won Jong Gu , Kim Mi‐Sun , Shin Yong Won , Park Sang‐Wook , Song Young‐Sook 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundSalicylic acid has been used as an anti‐acne agent with its comedolytic property and antimicrobial activity. However, there is a limit to use for leave‐on cosmetics because of the transient skin irritation and low efficacy at neutral pH condition. We prepared a salicylic acid‐based ionic pair with L‐carnitine (we named, IP‐BHA) overcoming the limitation of salicylic acid. We examined the effect of IP‐BHA as well as the combination effect with magnolol, a bioactive organic lignan, in order to clarify their efficacy as anti‐acne agents.MethodsAfter verifying the structure of IP‐BHA, we confirmed anti‐acne activities including the regulation of exfoliation, lipogenesis, bacterial growth, and inflammation with IP‐BHA and/or magnolol.ResultsThe antibacterial activity of IP‐BHA and magnolol was evaluated by determining the minimum antibacterial inhibitory concentration. Magnolol showed strong activity against Cutibacterium acnes, which was better than a medical antibiotic acne drug, clindamycin. The combined application with IP‐BHA was more effective in antibacterial activity by 2.5 times. It was confirmed that testosterone‐induced lipogenesis was significantly inhibited by treatment with IP‐BHA and magnolol, while single treatment had no significant inhibitory effect. Interestingly, MMP‐1 and VEGF were induced by C. acnes lysate in human keratinocytes. We found that these inflammatory molecules were completely inhibited by combined application of IP‐BHA and magnolol. Through ex vivo test, the dose‐dependent exfoliation effect of IP‐BHA was confirmed at pH 5.5, and the synergic exfoliation effect was shown in the combined application of IP‐BHA and magnolol. When topically applied, the emulsion containing IP‐BHA and magnolol relieved the sodium dodecyl sulfate‐induced erythema and improved inflamed acne with papule and pustule.ConclusionOur data demonstrate that the ionic paired salicylic acid with L‐carnitine can overcome the limitations of salicylic acid at low concentration and natural skin pH. Based on the dual administration effects, we suggest that IP‐BHA and magnolol may be the potential agent for acne by improving inflammatory skin condition.
Chronic kidney disease of unknown aetiology: A comprehensive review of a global public health problem
Authors: Rao Indu Ramachandra , Bangera Ashika , Nagaraju Shankar Prasad , Shenoy Srinivas Vinayak , Prabhu Ravindra Attur , Rangaswamy Dharshan , Bhojaraja Mohan Varadanayakanahalli 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe term chronic kidney disease of unknown aetiology (CKDu) refers to chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the absence of diabetes, long‐standing hypertension, glomerulonephritis, obstructive uropathy or other apparent causes. An increasing number of CKDu cases have been reported from Latin America, Sri Lanka, India and others over the last two decades. These regional nephropathies share the following common attributes: (a) they affect low‐to‐middle income countries with tropical climates, (b) involve predominantly rural agricultural communities, (c) male predilection, (d) absence of significant proteinuria and hypertension, and (e) chronic tubulointerstitial nephritis on kidney biopsy. The current body of literature suggests that CKDu may be caused by heat stress, agrochemicals, contaminated drinking water or heavy metals; however, considerable regional disparities in CKDu research make it difficult to establish a common causal link. In the absence of a definite aetiology, specific preventive and therapeutic interventions are lacking. Improvement of working conditions of farmers and labourers, provision of safe drinking water and changes in agricultural practices are some of the measures that have been implemented; however, there is lack of data to assess their impact on the incidence and progression of CKDu. There is a need for a concerted global effort to address the current knowledge gaps, and to develop effective and sustainable strategies to tackle this devastating disease.
GoSTR, a negative modulator of stem trichome formation in cotton
Authors: Xu Biyu , Zhang Jun , Shi Yue , Dai Fan , Jiang Tao , Xuan Lisha , He Ying , Zhang Zhiyuan , Deng Jieqiong , Zhang Tianzhen , Hu Yan , Si Zhanfeng 
Published: July 2023

SUMMARYTrichomes, the outward projection of plant epidermal tissue, provide an effective defense against stress and insect pests. Although numerous genes have been identified to be involved in trichome development, the molecular mechanism for trichome cell fate determination is not well enunciated. Here, we reported GoSTR functions as a master repressor for stem trichome formation, which was isolated by map‐based cloning based on a large F2 segregating population derived from a cross between TM‐1 (pubescent stem) and J220 (smooth stem). Sequence alignment revealed a critical G‐to‐T point mutation in GoSTR's coding region that converted codon 2 from GCA (Alanine) to TCA (Serine). This mutation occurred between the majority of Gossypium hirsutum with pubescent stem (GG‐haplotype) and G. barbadense with glabrous stem (TT‐haplotype). Silencing of GoSTR in J220 and Hai7124 via virus‐induced gene silencing resulted in the pubescent stems but no visible change in leaf trichomes, suggesting stem trichomes and leaf trichomes are genetically distinct. Yeast two‐hybrid assay and luciferase complementation imaging assay showed GoSTR interacts with GoHD1 and GoHOX3, two key regulators of trichome development. Comparative transcriptomic analysis further indicated that many transcription factors such as GhMYB109, GhTTG1, and GhMYC1/GhDEL65 which function as positive regulators of trichomes were significantly upregulated in the stem from the GoSTR‐silencing plant. Taken together, these results indicate that GoSTR functions as an essential negative modulator of stem trichomes and its transcripts will greatly repress trichome cell differentiation and growth. This study provided valuable insights for plant epidermal hair initiation and differentiation research.
A cross‐sectional study ofAngiostrongylus malaysiensisin rats and gastropod hosts from recreational parks in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Detection, risk factors and pathology
Authors: Low Suey Yee , Lau Seng Fong , Ahmad Nur Indah , Sharma Reuben Sunil Kumar , Rosli Muhammad Zahin , Mohd‐Taib Farah Shafawati , Ajat Mohd Mokrish Md. , Kamaludeen Juriah , Syed Hussain Sharifah Salmah , Wan Kiew‐Lian , Salleh Annas , Aziz Nor Azlina Abdul 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAngiostrongylus malaysiensisis a potential zoonotic parasite, which reported to co‐occur withA. cantonensisin human cerebrospinal fluid. It is a heteroxenous nematode that primarily develops through the early larval stages in gastropods and attains sexual maturity within rats. This study was conducted to determine the host species responsible for the reservoir ofA. malaysiensisand investigate the risk factor for transmission among the hosts in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Sampling was conducted in six recreational parks. The rats were trapped alive using steel wire traps with bait, while the gastropods were collected by active searching. The rats were euthanized and dissected to collect any adult worms observed. The molecular detection ofA. malaysiensiswas performed by PCR on gastropod tissue samples. Biotic and landscape factors were recorded for risk factor analysis. In total, 82 rats and 330 gastropods were collected throughout the study. Overall, 3.64% of gastropods and 32.9% of rats were infected withA. malaysiensis.Rattus tiomanicus(Malayan wood rat) andParmarion martensi(Yellow‐shelled semi‐slug) were found as important hosts forA. malaysiensis. Host species, sampling site and macrohabitat type are risk factors associated with the prevalence ofA. malaysiensisinfection in rats. For gastropods, host species and sampling site are risk factors that correlate with the parasite detection. In total, 128 adultA. malaysiensiswere recovered from the infected rats. The mean intensity of infection with adultA. malaysiensiswas 4.65 forRattus rattuscomplex and 4.90 forR. tiomanicus. Adult worms were found in the pulmonary artery or right ventricle, while eggs and first‐stage larvae were found in capillaries of the caudal lung lobe. Infected lungs showed extravasated red blood cells in the alveolar spaces. The pulmonary arteries in the infected lung lobe were thickened. Kepong Metropolitan Park is the hotspot area forA. malaysiensisin Kuala Lumpur. These results provide essential information for public health officials to develop targeted interventions to reduce the transmission ofA. malaysiensisin urban areas, particularly in recreational parks.
AEDES SURVEILLANCE AND OVIPOSITION PREFERENCES: A CASE STUDY WITHIN UNIVERSITY CAMPUS AND HOSPITAL AREA
Authors: Anua Siti Marwanis , Mohamad Asri Amiratul Aifa , Khairuddin Nurul Nazihah , Mohd Sukery Nur Syahirah , Mahmud @ Mansor Nur Fatin Fatihah , Mohd Nordin Mohd Amierul Aieman , Man Noor Sarahida 
Published: July 2023

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and preference of the Aedes mosquitoes to oviposit based on the container index, types of container and types of water. To achieve the aim, 58 ovitraps consisted two types, modified can and plactic material Aedes Larva Ovitrap (ALOT), each were placed side by side at selected sampling sites within a university campus and teaching hospital area. Five different types of water were used (rain water, tap water, reverse osmosis water, pond water and well water). The identified Aedes species in this study were more for Aedes Albopictuscompared to Aedes Aegypti, with more mosquito eggs were oviposited in modified can and rain water. In conclusion, Aedes surveillance using ovitrap is the most sensitive, cost-effective and reliable method to detect the presence of Aedes species.
Francisella tularensis
disrupts TLR2-MYD88-p38 signaling early during infection to delay apoptosis of macrophages and promote virulence in the host
Authors: Benziger P. Todd , Kopping Erik J. , McLaughlin Patrick A. , Thanassi David G. 
Published: July 2023

ABSTRACT

Francisella tularensis
is a zoonotic pathogen and the causative agent of tularemia.
F. tularensis
replicates to high levels within the cytosol of macrophages and other host cells while subverting the host response to infection. Critical to the success of
F. tularensis
is its ability to delay macrophage apoptosis to maintain its intracellular replicative niche. However, the host-signaling pathway(s) modulated by
F. tularensis
to delay apoptosis are poorly characterized. The outer membrane channel protein TolC is required for
F. tularensis
virulence and its ability to suppress apoptosis and cytokine expression during infection of macrophages. We took advantage of the
F. tularensis
∆
tolC
mutant phenotype to identify host pathways that are important for activating macrophage apoptosis and that are disrupted by the bacteria. Comparison of macrophages infected with wild-type or ∆
tolC F. tularensis
revealed that the bacteria interfere with TLR2-MYD88-p38 signaling at early times post infection to delay apoptosis, dampen innate host responses, and preserve the intracellular replicative niche. Experiments using the mouse pneumonic tularemia model confirmed the
in vivo
relevance of these findings, revealing contributions of TLR2 and MYD88 signaling to the protective host response to
F. tularensis
, which is modulated by the bacteria to promote virulence
.

IMPORTANCE

Francisella tularensis
is a Gram-negative intracellular bacterial pathogen and the causative agent of the zoonotic disease tularemia.
F. tularensis
, like other intracellular pathogens, modulates host-programmed cell death pathways to ensure its replication and survival. We previously identified the outer membrane channel protein TolC as required for the ability of
F. tularensis
to delay host cell death. However, the mechanism by which
F. tularensis
delays cell death pathways during intracellular replication is unclear despite being critical to pathogenesis. In the present study, we address this gap in knowledge by taking advantage of ∆
tolC
mutants of
F. tularensis
to uncover signaling pathways governing host apoptotic responses to
F. tularensis
and which are modulated by the bacteria during infection to promote virulence. These findings reveal mechanisms by which intracellular pathogens subvert host responses and enhance our understanding of the pathogenesis of tularemia.