bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dendritic spine loss in epileptogenic Type II focal cortical dysplasia: Role of enhanced classical complement pathway activation
Authors: Rossini Laura , De Santis Dalia , Cecchini Erica , Cagnoli Cinzia , Maderna Emanuela , Cartelli Daniele , Morgan Bryan Paul , Torvell Megan , Spreafico Roberto , di Giacomo Roberta , Tassi Laura , de Curtis Marco , Garbelli Rita 
Published: December 2022

AbstractDendritic spines are the postsynaptic sites for most excitatory glutamatergic synapses. We previously demonstrated a severe spine loss and synaptic reorganization in human neocortices presenting Type II focal cortical dysplasia (FCD), a developmental malformation and frequent cause of drug‐resistant focal epilepsy. We extend the findings, investigating the potential role of complement components C1q and C3 in synaptic pruning imbalance. Data from Type II FCD were compared with those obtained in focal epilepsies with different etiologies. Neocortical tissues were collected from 20 subjects, mainly adults with a mean age at surgery of 31 years, admitted to epilepsy surgery with a neuropathological diagnosis of: cryptogenic, temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis, and Type IIa/b FCD. Dendritic spine density quantitation, evaluated in a previous paper using Golgi impregnation, was available in a subgroup. Immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, electron microscopy, and organotypic cultures were utilized to study complement/microglial activation patterns. FCD Type II samples presenting dendritic spine loss were characterized by an activation of the classical complement pathway and microglial reactivity. In the same samples, a close relationship between microglial cells and dendritic segments/synapses was found. These features were consistently observed in Type IIb FCD and in 1 of 3 Type IIa cases. In other patient groups and in perilesional areas outside the dysplasia, not presenting spine loss, these features were not observed. In vitro treatment with complement proteins of organotypic slices of cortical tissue with no sign of FCD induced a reduction in dendritic spine density. These data suggest that dysregulation of the complement system plays a role in microglia‐mediated spine loss. This mechanism, known to be involved in the removal of redundant synapses during development, is likely reactivated in Type II FCD, particularly in Type IIb; local treatment with anticomplement drugs could in principle modify the course of disease in these patients.
Therapeutic potential of allosteric modulators for the treatment of gastrointestinal motility disorders
Authors: Saito Ayame , Alvi Sadia , Valant Celine , Christopoulos Arthur , Carbone Simona E. , Poole Daniel P. 
Published: December 2022

Gastrointestinal motility is tightly regulated by the enteric nervous system (ENS). Disruption of coordinated enteric nervous system activity can result in dysmotility. Pharmacological treatment options for dysmotility include targeting of G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) expressed by neurons of the enteric nervous system. Current GPCR‐targeting drugs for motility disorders bind to the highly conserved endogenous ligand‐binding site and promote indiscriminate activation or inhibition of the target receptor throughout the body. This can be associated with significant side‐effect liability and a loss of physiological tone. Allosteric modulators of GPCRs bind to a distinct site from the endogenous ligand, which is typically less conserved across multiple receptor subtypes and can modulate endogenous ligand signalling. Allosteric modulation of GPCRs that are important for enteric nervous system function may provide effective relief from motility disorders while limiting side‐effects. This review will focus on how allosteric modulators of GPCRs may influence gastrointestinal motility, using 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT), acetylcholine (ACh) and opioid receptors as examples.LINKED ARTICLESThis article is part of a themed issue Therapeutic Targeting of G Protein‐Coupled Receptors: hot topics from the Australasian Society of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacologists and Toxicologists 2021 Virtual Annual Scientific Meeting. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v181.14/issuetoc
‘Why blame the girls’?: Contextual factors enabling juvenile prostitution in a Ghanaian metropolis
Authors: Oduro Georgina Yaa , Amoah John Oti 
Published: December 2022

AbstractFramed by Urie Bronfenbrenners' (1979) ecological systems theory, this paper analyses the contextual factors that facilitate commercial sex work among adolescent girls in a metropolis in Ghana. Focusing on contextual factors rather than individual perspectives, we examined the background of minors involved in sex trade by interviewing 15 juvenile prostitutes (aged 14–17) and several key stakeholders. We explored factors that cause them to engage in prostitution, such as dysfunctional family systems, peer and sibling influence, inadequate accommodation, media influence and fashionable trends, as well as poverty and survival dynamics. An innovative discovery presented in this paper is the strong presence of schools, and resultant young people, as well as tourist attractions and cultural celebrations such as festivals and funerals as drivers of juvenile prostitution in the study site. The paper concludes by recommending a multi‐sectoral approach to addressing juvenile prostitution challenges.
Effect of discontinuation of lemborexant following long‐term treatment of insomnia disorder: Secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Takaesu Yoshikazu , Suzuki Masahiro , Moline Margaret , Pinner Kate , Inabe Kanako , Nishi Yurie , Kuriyama Kenichi 
Published: December 2022

AbstractDiscontinuing long‐term pharmacotherapy for insomnia can result in rebound insomnia or withdrawal symptoms and suboptimal treatment. Post hoc analyses evaluated rebound insomnia and withdrawal symptoms among the subset of subjects from a phase III, 12‐month, global, multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, parallel‐group study who completed 12 or 6 months of active treatment and follow‐up period. Study E2006‐G000‐303 (Study 303) included adults (N = 655) with subjective sleep‐onset latency ≥30 min and/or subjective wake‐after‐sleep onset ≥60 min at least three times weekly during the 4 weeks before enrollment. Subjects were randomized 1:1:1 to lemborexant 5 mg (LEM5) or 10 mg (LEM10) or placebo for 6 months. Thereafter, for an additional 6 months, LEM5‐ and LEM10‐treated subjects continued lemborexant and the placebo group was rerandomized 1:1 to LEM5 or LEM10. Month 12 was followed by abrupt discontinuation and a 2‐week end‐of‐study follow‐up. Using daily electronic sleep diaries, patients reported (subjective) sleep end points (sleep‐onset latency, wake‐after‐sleep onset, sleep efficiency, and total sleep time). Withdrawal symptoms were assessed using the Tyrer Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Symptoms Questionnaire (T‐BWSQ). Sleep outcome improvements with lemborexant at month 12 were generally maintained throughout the 2‐week off‐treatment period wherein <20% of subjects experienced significant worsening of insomnia symptoms versus screening. There was no evidence of withdrawal symptoms by T‐BWSQ following lemborexant discontinuation. This analysis demonstrates rebound insomnia is unlikely to occur with lemborexant, and its effectiveness is maintained after abrupt discontinuation without placebo replacement following 6–12 months of treatment.
A conceptual framework for trust in standardised assessments: Commercial, quasi‐market and national systems
Authors: Ehren Melanie 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThis article presents a conceptual framework for trust in standardised assessments. Standardised assessments play an important role in many education systems as they inform decisions about students' future schooling career or entry to the labour market. Also, standardised assessments are often used for teacher performance reviews and school accountability, or to monitor learning outcomes on the national level. Various stakeholders rely on the accuracy of assessment outcomes when making decisions about students' competences, or seek to improve the quality of education. Such reliance implies a need for trust in those who design and administer standardised assessments and make decisions on the basis of the outcomes. The framework presented in this article describes the type of relational and macro‐level trust that is relevant for three types of assessment systems: national, quasi‐market and commercial systems. Throughout the analysis presented, examples are provided to illustrate the ways in which relational and macro‐level trust can vary by who is tested and by whom they are assessed; and how trust in evaluations varies by the purpose and consequences of testing, as well as the individual agency of students, their teachers and school leaders.
Identification of molecular network of gut‐brain axis associated with neuroprotective effects of PPARδ‐ligand erucic acid in rotenone‐induced Parkinson's disease model in zebrafish
Authors: Ünal İsmail , Cansız Derya , Sürmen Mustafa Gani , Sürmen Saime , Sezer Zehra , Beler Merih , Üstündağ Ünsal Veli , Güzel Elif , Alturfan A. Ata , Emekli‐Alturfan Ebru 
Published: December 2022

AbstractDisruption of the gut‐brain axis in Parkinson's disease (PD) may lead to motor symptoms and PD pathogenesis. Recently, the neuroprotective potential of different PPARδ‐agonists has been shown. We aimed to reveal the effects of erucic acid, peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors (PPARs)‐ligand in rotenone‐induced PD model in zebrafish, focusing on the gut‐brain axis. Adult zebrafish were exposed to rotenone and erucic acid for 30 days. Liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry and tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) analysis was performed. Raw files were analysed by Proteome Discoverer 2.4 software; peptide lists were searched against Danio rerio proteins. STRING database was used for protein annotations or interactions. Lipid peroxidation (LPO), nitric oxide (No), alkaline phosphatase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione S‐transferase (GST), acetylcholinesterase and the expressions of PD‐related genes were determined. Immunohistochemical tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) staining was performed. LC–MS/MS analyses allowed identification of over 2000 proteins in each sample. The 2502 and 2707 proteins overlapped for intestine and brain. The 196 and 243 significantly dysregulated proteins in the brain and intestines were found in rotenone groups. Erucic acid treatment corrected the changes in the expression of proteins associated with cytoskeletal organisation, transport and localisation and improved locomotor activity, expressions of TH, PD‐related genes (lrrk2, park2, park7, pink1) and oxidant‐damage in brain and intestines in the rotenone group as evidenced by decreased LPO, No and increased GST. Our results showed beneficial effects of erucic acid as a PPARδ‐ligand in neurotoxin‐induced PD model in zebrafish. We believe that our study will shed light on the mechanism of the effects of PPARδ agonists and ω9‐fatty acids in the gut‐brain axis of PD.
Effects of family therapy for substance abuse: A systematic review of recent research
Authors: Esteban Jessica , Suárez‐Relinque Cristian , Jiménez Teresa I. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractOne of the most serious psychosocial problems worldwide is substance abuse because of its repercussions not only on the physical and psychological health of the abuser but also on their relational functioning. Among the well‐established therapeutic approaches for the treatment of substance abuse is family therapy, which, in addition to influencing personal variables, promotes changes in family dynamics. The main objective of this study is to review the scientific literature published from 2010 to the present on the efficacy and effectiveness shown by family‐based treatment approaches for substance use problems both in adolescent and adult samples. In addition, the effect on secondary variables such as family functioning and behavioral problems is evaluated. The empirical evidence accumulated in the last decade and reviewed in the present study indicates that the incorporation of family members in the treatment of substance abuse produces benefits by diminishing consumption and improving family functioning. Limitations of this study and of the research reviewed are discussed and directions for future research are provided.
Fatigue life evaluation of automotive mechanical components by using smart design algorithm
Authors: Alberti Fabio , Foti Pietro , Berto Filippo , Risitano Giacomo , D'Andrea Danilo 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe aim of this work is to develop a so‐called “smart design” in MATLAB™ environment. The design process consists of an innovative and automatic algorithm aimed at rapidly evaluating the fatigue damage of automotive mechanical components, starting from the load cycle that the component is subjected. In this work, the target component is the front halfshaft of a sport utility vehicle. The algorithm works as follows. A driving cycle has been acquired through an experimental setup consisting of a control unit, a GPS and an OBD port. A mathematical model of the vehicle, based on longitudinal vehicle dynamics, has been developed in Simulink™ environment to evaluate the traction torque at the wheel. A torsional fatigue tests campaign has been carried out on nine front halfshafts of the vehicle to evaluate the torque amplitude–number of cycles curve of the component. The output histories, computed with the rainflow method, have been referred to a load ratio R = −1, according to the experimental fatigue tests, by the application of three different mean stress fatigue criteria: Goodman, Gerber, and Morrow. At the end, cumulative fatigue damage on the component has been evaluated by the application of the Palmgren–Miner rules. The results show that the Goodman criteria, with a fatigue damage value of around 20%, represents the most precautionary criteria for the fatigue design of an automotive component.
A new unified creep‐plasticity constitutive model coupled with damage for viscoplastic materials subjected to fatigue loading
Authors: Long Xu , Guo Ying , Su Yutai , Siow Kim S. , Chen Chuantong 
Published: December 2022

AbstractA new unified creep‐plasticity (UCP) constitutive model coupled with damage is proposed for Sn–3.0Ag–0.5Cu (SAC305), one of the most successfully commercialized Pb‐free solders. By calibrating the proposed damage model based on entropy generation, the fatigue issues are elucidated for SAC305 solder at different temperatures and strain rates. After implementing a user‐defined material subroutine, finite element simulations with the proposed UCP‐damage model are capable of predicting the strength deterioration as the macroscopic response in terms of load‐deformation curves. More importantly, the UCP‐damage model reveals the damage accumulation and evolution of viscoplastic materials sensitive to fatigue deformation at different temperatures and strain rates. By comparing the predictions with and without damage, the equivalent plastic strains are obviously different when evaluating the thermal cycling fatigue life of electronic packaging structures, which confirms the significance of the UCP model reasonably coupled with the intrinsic description of damage by the concept of entropy generation.
Resistance from a resident heterospecific affects establishment success of a globally invasive freshwater fish
Authors: Deacon Amy E. , Fraser Douglas F. , Farrell Aidan D. 
Published: December 2022

Abstract

The role of biotic resistance is a subject of debate in our understanding of invasions. We used a well‐known system in the Northern Range of Trinidad, where ephemeral conditions in small pool habitats lead to repeated colonisation by two native species (guppies, Poecilia reticulata, and killifish, Anablepsoides hartii), to ask questions about the role of biotic resistance and intraguild predation in natural, small‐water habitats.

Using horticultural containers under forest cover, alongside constructed bankside mesocosms, we established populations of each species to test hypotheses concerning the conditions under which the guppy, a globally successful invasive species with the potential to establish populations from a single female, could be excluded by a resident intraguild predator, the killifish.

Recruitment success of the guppy depended on founder numbers (propagule size) and introduction order (whether first or last to arrive in the habitat). Single founder guppies always failed to recruit in pools with resident killifish, which we posit is directly attributable to biotic resistance from the resident. However, increased propagule pressure (introduction attempts and propagule number) greatly increased the probability of successful invasion.

Our results have two main implications. The first is that guppies are capable of being successful colonisers even in the presence of a resident intraguild predator. The second is to highlight the role that biotic resistance can play in preventing establishment in small‐water habitats, especially under circumstances of low propagule pressure.

While previous studies have shown that guppies are strong colonisers outside of their native range, our findings suggest that this may not always be the case when there are other small‐bodied fish present. Accordingly, we argue that in small‐water habitats, biotic resistance and intraguild predation relationships should be important considerations when the ability to establish is being assessed for a taxon.
Dietary sterol availability modulates heat tolerance of Daphnia
Authors: Koussoroplis Apostolos‐Manuel , Sperfeld Erik , Pincebourde Sylvain , Bec Alexandre , Wacker Alexander 
Published: December 2022

Abstract

The increasing frequency and intensity of summer heatwaves are pushing freshwater zooplankton towards their upper thermal tolerance limits. At the same time, higher temperatures and prolonged water column stratification can favour the dominance of cyanobacteria in phytoplankton. Even when not toxic or grazing resistant, these prokaryotes lack phytosterols as essential precursors for cholesterol, the main sterol in animal tissues. Cholesterol plays a crucial role in the physiological adaptation of ectotherms to high temperature. Therefore, the shift to cyanobacteria‐dominated systems may increase the vulnerability of zooplankton to heatwaves by intensifying cholesterol limitation.

Here, we used death time curves that take into consideration the intensity and duration of a thermal challenge and a dynamic model to study the effects of cholesterol limitation on the heat tolerance of the keystone species Daphnia magna and to simulate the cumulative mortality that could occur in a fluctuating environment over several days of heatwave.

We show that increasing cholesterol limitation does not affect the slope between time‐to‐immobilisation and temperature, but does decrease the maximal temperature that Daphnia can withstand by up to 0.74°C. This seemingly small difference is sufficient to halve the time individuals can survive heat stress.

Our simulations predicted that, when facing heatwaves over several days, the differences in survival caused by cholesterol limitation build up rapidly. Considering the anticipated intensity and duration of future (2070–2099) heatwaves, cholesterol limitation could increase mortality by up to 45% and 72% under low and medium greenhouse gas emission scenarios, respectively.

These results suggest that the increasing risk of cholesterol limitation due to more frequent cyanobacterial blooms could compromise the resistance of zooplankton populations to future heatwaves. More generally, this study shows the importance of considering the nutritional context in any attempt to predict ectotherm mortality with increasing temperatures in the field.
BACH1 regulates erythrophagocytosis and iron‐recycling in β‐thalassemia
Authors: Penglong Tipparat , Saensuwanna Apisara , Pholngam Nuttanan , Tansila Natta , Buncherd Hansuk , Srinoun Kanitta 
Published: December 2022

AbstractMacrophages play essential roles in erythrophagocytosis and iron recycling. β‐thalassemia is characterized by a genetic defect in hemoglobin synthesis, which increases the rate of iron recycling. We previously showed that reduced expression of the BTB and CNC homolog 1 (BACH1) gene leads to increased phagocytosis of abnormal RBCs by activated monocytes. However, the mechanisms underlying this abnormal RBC clearance remained unclear. Herein, the spleen and bone marrow cells of β‐thalassemic mice were examined for erythrophagocytosis CD markers and iron‐recycling genes. Higher expression levels of CD47 and CD163 on RBCs and macrophages, respectively, were observed in β‐thalassemic mice than in wild‐type cells. The decreased expression of BACH1 caused an increase in Nrf2, Spic, Slc40a1, and HMOX1 expression in splenic red pulp macrophages of thalassemic mice. To investigate BACH1 regulation, a macrophage cell line was transfected with BACH1‐siRNA. Decreased BACH1 expression caused an increase in CD163 expression; however, the expression levels were lower when the cells were cultured in media supplemented with β‐thalassemia/HbE patient plasma. Additionally, the iron recycling‐related genes SPIC, SLC40A1, and HMOX1 were significantly upregulated in BACH1‐suppressed macrophages. Our findings provide insights into BACH1 regulation, which plays an important role in erythrophagocytosis and iron recycling in thalassemic macrophages.
Comparative study of titanium dioxide to improve the quality of finished cosmetic products
Authors: Świątczak Dominika , Belica‐Pacha Sylwia , Zawisza Anna , Kisielewska Aneta , Światły‐Błaszkiewicz Agata , Kupcewicz Bogumiła , Bartosewicz Bartosz , Jankiewicz Bartłomiej J. , Małecka Magdalena 
Published: December 2022

AbstractObjectiveTitanium dioxide (TiO2) pigments (pure) or with a hydrophobic coating of triethoxycaprylylsilane (TECSi) used in cosmetics. Using different methods, we studied properties of commercially available pure and coated pigment. We determined the elemental composition of pigments that differ in their behaviour in a cosmetic formulation. The significant differences in the coating composition were revealed.MethodsUV–Vis absorption spectroscopy allowed us to investigate the pigment purity and determined the polymorph form in pigments. FTIR was employed to identify functional groups present in the samples with the modified surface. XRD, DLS, TEM and DCS were applied to characterize particle size and morphology. The experiment of ED‐XRF method was used to determine the elemental composition of pigments that differ in their behaviour in a cosmetic formulation.ResultsUV–Vis spectroscopy was used to detect organic pollutants in particular batches, which were not detected in the cases of the tested samples. Solid UV–Vis spectroscopy and XRD revealed which crystalline form of TiO2 is present in pigments. TEM and DLS methods were used to characterize particle size and morphology as well as DCS method, which provide more accurate information about form (separated or clustered particles) of pigments' particles in suspensions. Based on FTIR spectra, the presence of a coating in the raw material was identified, and the tell‐tale signal of the silane group. On the contrary, spectroscopy of washed‐out product can identify the well or poorly modified pigment. Applying ED‐XRF, it turned out that the content of silicon (and consequently of the TECSi) was lower than that declared by the manufacturer.ConclusionOur data indicate how we can recognize poorly coated pigments in raw material. The results show that ED‐XRF method is nondestructive, effective and fast, hence, can be successfully introduced into preproduction pigment control in cosmetic industry.