bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Techniques for in vivo serotonin detection in the brain: State of the art
Authors: Zhao Shuchang , Piatkevich Kiryl D. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractNeuronal circuits in the brain that utilize the neurotransmitter serotonin are essential to the regulation of mood and emotional expression. Disruptions in serotonin signaling underlie neuropsychiatric conditions such as depression and anxiety. However, the cellular mechanisms that regulate serotonergic signaling in the brain in healthy and diseased states remain to be better understood. In particular, as more is learned about serotonin in the brain, we recognize an urgent need to develop techniques capable of mapping its complex spatiotemporal dynamics in awake, behaving animals. Notably, analytical methods to detect serotonin in situ, including tomography, are widely used but still recognized as limited in terms of their spatiotemporal resolution, their methodological caveats, and their technical limitations when cross‐referenced with behavioral studies. To overcome such limitations, genetically encoded serotonin indicators were developed, leading to the introduction of novel imaging modalities that enable researchers to achieve remarkable spatiotemporal resolution in the study of serotonergic circuits in preclinical models of neuropsychiatric disorders. These novel approaches, while remarkably powerful, are also not without limitations. Here, we review the current techniques for detecting and quantifying serotonin in vivo within the brain and discuss how novel approaches such as genetically encoded serotonin indicators will lead to new insights into the roles of serotonergic circuits in health and disease.image
Impact of chemogenetic activation of dorsal vagal complex astrocytes in mice on adaptive glucoregulatory responses
Authors: MacDonald Alastair J. , Pye Katherine R. , Beall Craig , Ellacott Kate L. J. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe dorsal vagal complex (DVC) regulates diverse aspects of physiology including food intake and blood glucose homeostasis. Astrocytes play an active role in regulating DVC function and, by extension, physiological parameters. DVC astrocytes in ex vivo slices respond to low tissue glucose. The response of neurons to low glucose is conditional on intact astrocyte signalling in slice preparations, suggesting astrocytes are primary sensors of glucose deprivation (glucoprivation). Based on these published findings we hypothesised that in vivo DVC astrocyte manipulation with chemogenetics would be sufficient to alter physiological responses that control blood glucose. We found that 2‐h after systemic 2‐DG‐induced glucoprivation there were no observable changes in morphology of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)‐immunoreactive DVC cells, specifically those in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS). Chemogenetic activation of DVC astrocytes was sufficient to suppress nocturnal food intake by reducing both meal size and meal number and this manipulation also suppressed 2‐DG‐induced glucoprivic food intake. Chemogenetic activation of DVC astrocytes did not increase basal blood glucose nor protect against insulin‐induced hypoglycaemia. In male mice, chemogenetic DVC astrocyte activation did not alter glucose tolerance. In female mice, the initial glucose excursion was reduced in a glucose tolerance test, suggesting enhanced glucose absorption. Based on our data and published work, we propose that DVC astrocytes may play an indispensable homeostatic role, that is, are necessary to maintain the function of glucoregulatory neuronal circuitry, but alone their bulk activation is not sufficient to result in adaptive glucoregulatory responses. It is possible that there are state‐dependent effects and/or DVC astrocyte subsets that have this specialised role, but this was unresolvable using the experimental approaches employed here.
What are the key factors influencing newly graduated nurses' preference for choosing their workplace? A best–worst scaling approach
Authors: Min Ari , Baek Wonhee , Choi Sungkyoung 
Published: June 2023

AbstractIntroductionThe literature cites many factors that influence a nurse's decision when choosing their workplace. However, it is unclear which attributes matter the most to newly graduated nurses. The study aimed to identify the relative importance of workplace preference attributes among newly graduated nurses.DesignA cross‐sectional study.MethodsWe conducted an online survey and data were collected in June 2022. A total of 1111 newly graduated nurses in South Korea participated. The study employed best–worst scaling to quantify the relative importance of nine workplace preferences and also included questions about participants' willingness to pay for each workplace preferences. The relationships between the relative importance of the workplace attribute and the willingness to pay were determined using a quadrant analysis.ResultsThe order according to the relative importance of workplace preferences is as follows: salary, working conditions, organizational climate, welfare program, hospital location, hospital level, hospital reputation, professional development, and the chance of promotion. The most important factor, salary, was 16.67 times more important than the least important factor, the chance of promotion, in terms of choosing workplace. In addition, working conditions and organizational climate were recognized as high economic value indicators.ConclusionNewly graduated nurses nominated better salaries, working conditions, and organizational climate as having a more important role in choosing their workplace.Clinical RelevanceThe findings of this study have important implications for institutions and administrators in recruiting and retaining newly graduated nurses.
Adaptation in work and family roles link support to mental health during a pandemic
Authors: Pichler Shaun , Casper Wendy J. , Fletcher Luke , Babu Nishat 
Published: June 2023

AbstractWe address a key unresolved issue in the social support literature—how social support relates to psychological health—by examining behavioural adaptation as a mechanism through which support from work and family domains, during the COVID‐19 pandemic, impacts psychological health. Given support may not equally benefit all, we consider individual differences in demographics as moderators in the relationships between support, adaptation and health outcomes. We examine both within‐domain and cross‐domain effects of support on adaptation using a sample of 392 employees who responded to two surveys, 3 weeks apart, shortly after the COVID‐19 lockdown. Consistent with expectations, adaptation both within and across domains mediated the relationships between social support and psychological health. Moreover, the family support–family adaptation and family adaptation–psychological health relationships were stronger among participants without a cohabiting partner. Our findings highlight the important role social support and adaptation play in maintaining well‐being during crisis events, particularly for persons without cohabiting partners. Our results suggest that workers can protect their psychological health during a crisis event to the extent they engage in behavioural adaptation and, thus, organizations should consider adopting interventions that promote behavioural adaptation, such as micro‐interventions focused on stress reappraisal.
Nitrogen‐fixing cushion Astragalus siculus modulates soil fertility, microclimate, plant facilitation, bacterial and fungal microbiota along an elevation gradient
Authors: Bonanomi Giuliano , Idbella Mohamed , Stinca Adriano , Maisto Giulia , De Marco Anna , Giusso Del Galdo Gian Pietro , Guarino Riccardo , Zotti Maurizio 
Published: June 2023

AbstractQuestionCushion‐forming vascular plants are adapted to alpine environments and act as ecosystem engineers by moderating microclimate and creating a fertility island under their canopy. Most of the available studies on cushion ecology have been devoted to plant facilitation, but none used a holistic approach that considers the response of co‐existing plant species with other key ecosystem players. Here, we quantified the biogenic effect and facilitation capacity of Astragalus siculus, a spiny nitrogen‐fixing cushion plant, and test the hypothesis that the facilitation effect would increase with elevation as stress gradient.LocationMount Etna, the highest active volcano in the Mediterranean Basin.MethodsWe combined chemical characterization of the soil with a description of the soil microbiota by high‐throughput sequencing of bacterial and eukaryotic rRNA gene markers carried out at three elevations, that is 1650, 1900 and 2210 m a.s.l. In addition, we analysed the microclimate outside and inside the Astragalus canopy to assess the linkages between above‐ and below‐ground ecosystem compartments and quantified the occurrence of co‐existing vascular plants.ResultsAstragalus cushions have strong biogenic effects on above‐ and below‐ground conditions by dramatically increasing soil organic carbon and total nitrogen stocks at 1900 and 2210 m elevation. Moreover, a buffering of soil temperature and moisture regimes was recorded, with lower temperatures in summer but higher in winter inside the cushions. Cushions harbour a specific bacterial and fungal microbiota compared to external bare soil. Stem density and cushion height increase significantly with altitude, as does the nurse effect of the cushion on the growth and survival of co‐existing vascular plants.ConclusionsAs a result of cushion biogenic environmental changes, the effect of Astragalus on some of the co‐existing species shifted from negative or null at 1650 m to facilitative along the elevation gradient. Furthermore, our data show a relationship between Astragalus morphological traits and soil biogenic changes related to soil chemistry and microbiota that affect plant interaction and coexistence.
Arabidopsis thaliana rosette habit is controlled by combined light and energy signaling converging on transcriptional control of the TALE homeobox gene ATH1
Authors: Shokrian Hajibehzad Shahram , Silva Savani S. , Peeters Niels , Stouten Evelien , Buijs Guido , Smeekens Sjef , Proveniers Marcel 
Published: June 2023

Summary

In the absence of light signals, Arabidopsis plants fail to develop the rosette habit typical for this species. Instead, plants display caulescent growth due to elongation of rosette internodes. This aspect of photomorphogenic development has been paid little attention and molecular events involved, downstream of photoreceptor signaling, remain to be identified.

Using a combination of genetic and molecular approaches, we show that Arabidopsis rosette habit is a photomorphogenic trait controlled by induction of ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA HOMEOBOX GENE1 (ATH1) as downstream target of multiple photoreceptors.

ATH1 induction prevents rosette internode elongation by maintaining the shoot apical meristem (SAM) rib zone area inactive and requires inactivation of photomorphogenesis inhibitors, including PHYTOCHROME INTERACTING FACTOR (PIF) proteins. ATH1 activity results in tissue‐specific inhibition of PIF expression, establishing double‐negative feedback‐regulation at the SAM. Light‐requirement for ATH1 expression can be overcome by high sugar availability to the SAM. Both sugar and light signals that induce ATH1 and, subsequently, rosette habit are mediated by TOR kinase.

Collectively, our data reveal a SAM‐specific, double‐negative ATH1‐PIF feedback loop at the basis of rosette habit. Upstream, TOR kinase functions as central hub integrating light and energy signals that control this for Arabidopsis quintessential trait.
Comparative evaluation of efficacy and safety of calcipotriol versus calcitriol ointment, both in combination with narrow‐band ultraviolet B phototherapy in the treatment of stable plaque psoriasis
Authors: Chakraborty Disha , Aggarwal Kamal 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundVitamin D analogues and NBUVB are both well‐recognised modes of therapy in the treatment of chronic stable plaque psoriasis. The objective of this open label intraindividual, left right study was to compare two different vitamin D analogues, calcipotriol and calcitriol, in combination with NBUVB phototherapy in psoriasis.MethodsThirty patients with stable plaque psoriasis were enrolled for a 12‐week clinical trial. The target lesion on the left side was treated topically with calcitriol ointment, while that on the right side was treated with calcipotriol ointment once daily. The whole body was irradiated with narrow‐band ultraviolet B phototherapy (NBUVB) three times per week. Efficacy was assessed by target plaque scoring.ResultsBoth therapies resulted in a statistically significant reduction in erythema, scaling, thickness, and target plaque score, seen as early as 2 weeks into therapy. However, the calcipotriol combination led to an earlier clearance of plaques and a lesser relapse rate than the calcitriol combination. The number of treatment sessions and cumulative NBUVB doses were significantly lower in the calcipotriol‐treated group.ConclusionBoth vitamin D analogues appear to be safe, effective, and cosmetically acceptable, with calcipotriol being more efficacious, well tolerated, with a rapid onset of action and a better maintenance of response.
Functional identification of PhMATE1 in flower color formation in petunia
Authors: Yuan Junwei , Qiu Zhujun , Long Yu , Liu Yazhi , Huang Jiajun , Liu Juanxu , Yu Yixun 
Published: June 2023

AbstractMultidrug and toxic compound extrusion (MATE) transporter proteins are a class of secondary transporter proteins that can transport flavonoids. Anthocyanins, a kind of flavonoid, are important secondary metabolites widely found in higher plants; they determine the flower color of most angiosperms. TT12 in Arabidopsis was the first MATE protein identified to be involved in flavonoid transport. Petunia (Petunia hybrida) is an important ornamental plant and is one of the ideal plants for studying plant flower color. However, there are few reports on anthocyanin transport in petunia. In this study, we characterized a homolog of Arabidopsis TT12 in the petunia genome, PhMATE1, that shares the highest amino acid sequence identity with Arabidopsis TT12. PhMATE1 protein contained 11 transmembrane helices. PhMATE1 showed a high transcription level in corollas. The silencing of PhMATE1 mediated by both virus‐induced gene silence and RNA interference changed flower color and reduced anthocyanin content in petunia, suggesting that PhMATE1 is involved in anthocyanin transport in petunia. Furthermore, PhMATE1 silencing downregulated the expression of the structural genes of the anthocyanin synthesis pathway. The results of this study supported the hypothesis that MATEs are involved in the sequestration of anthocyanins during flower color formation.
Refrigerated human mesenchymal stromal cells as an alternative to cryostorage for use in clinical investigation
Authors: Christy Barbara A. , Herzig Maryanne C. , Abaasah Isaac E. , Heard Tiffany C. , Cap Andrew P. , Bynum James A. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundMesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and other therapeutic cells show efficacy for cardiac damage, neurological disease, chronic lung disease, pediatric graft versus host disease, and several inflammatory conditions. Based on their anti‐inflammatory and immune‐modulatory activities, responsiveness, and secretion of beneficial factors, cellular therapeutics may provide benefits in acute and chronic traumatic injury. However, the use of live cells presents logistical challenges, especially for military trauma. MSCs are generally shipped and stored frozen but require sterile handling before infusion. This requires skilled personnel and equipment not readily available in a forward medical treatment facility or even a small community hospital.MethodsCommercial human bone marrow‐ and adipose‐derived MSCs from multiple donors were cultured under standard conditions, harvested and stored at 4°C in solution for up to 21 days. Cell viability, ATP content, apoptosis, proliferation capability, immunomodulation activity, and responsiveness were assessed after different amounts of time.ResultsHuman MSCs can be stored at 4°C in MSC culture medium for 14 days while maintaining a reasonable level of viability and function. Both viability and function are reduced when MSCs are stored in crystalloid solutions.ConclusionsThis approach makes it feasible to prepare cellular therapeutic agents in a laboratory or commercial facility and ship them under refrigerated conditions. Once they reach their destination, they can be stored at 4°C under conditions similar to blood products. Cells prepared and stored this way could also be used directly with minimal handling, making them more practical for both civilian and military trauma.
Epiploic foramen entrapment in a dog
Authors: Kerby Mary Douglass , Tobias Karen M. , Monto Thomas , Morandi Federica 
Published: June 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo report small intestinal herniation through the epiploic foramen in a dog.AnimalsNine‐year‐old male castrated Shih Tzu.Study designCase report.MethodsThe dog presented with an 8‐year history of vomiting and regurgitation and acute onset of melena, lethargy, anorexia, anemia, and suspected gastrointestinal mass or obstruction on prereferral imaging. Abnormalities on abdominal radiographs included a large, midcaudal soft tissue structure and cranial displacement and segmental dilation of the small intestine. On abdominal ultrasound, severe gastric dilation, jejunal tortuosity and stacking, and peritoneal effusion were observed. Epiploic herniation of the small intestine and segmental jejunal devitalization was diagnosed on exploratory laparotomy, and the dog underwent hernia reduction, jejunal resection and anastomosis, and nasogastric tube placement.ResultsSevere gastric distention and atony persisted 24 h after surgery, despite medical management. The dog was taken to surgery for decompressive gastrotomy and placement of gastrostomy and nasojejunostomy tubes for postoperative decompression and feeding, respectively. Three days after the original surgery, the dog developed a septic abdomen from anastomotic dehiscence and underwent jejunal resection and anastomosis and peritoneal drain placement. Gastric dysmotility gradually resolved with the administration of motility stimulants, removal of gastric residual volume, and nutritional support via nasojejunostomy tube feedings. Three months after discharge, the dog was clinically normal.ConclusionEpiploic foramen entrapment should be considered a type of herniation in dogs. Clinical suspicion should be raised in dogs with unresolving regurgitation and vomiting, visceral displacement, and stacking and distension of small intestine.
Sodium appetite and thirst do not require angiotensinogen production in astrocytes or hepatocytes
Authors: Peltekian Lila , Gasparini Silvia , Fazan Frederico S. , Karthik Samyukta , Iverson Gabrielle , Resch Jon M. , Geerling Joel C. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractIn addition to its renal and cardiovascular functions, angiotensin signalling is thought to be responsible for the increases in salt and water intake caused by hypovolaemia. However, it remains unclear whether these behaviours require angiotensin production in the brain or liver. Here, we use in situ hybridization to identify tissue‐specific expression of the genes required for producing angiotensin peptides, and then use conditional genetic deletion of the angiotensinogen gene (Agt) to test whether production in the brain or liver is necessary for sodium appetite and thirst. In the mouse brain, we identified expression of Agt (the precursor for all angiotensin peptides) in a large subset of astrocytes. We also identified Ren1 and Ace (encoding enzymes required to produce angiotensin II) expression in the choroid plexus, and Ren1 expression in neurons within the nucleus ambiguus compact formation. In the liver, we confirmed that Agt is widely expressed in hepatocytes. We next tested whether thirst and sodium appetite require angiotensinogen production in astrocytes or hepatocytes. Despite virtually eliminating expression in the brain, deleting astrocytic Agt did not reduce thirst or sodium appetite. Despite markedly reducing angiotensinogen in the blood, eliminating Agt from hepatocytes did not reduce thirst or sodium appetite, and in fact, these mice consumed the largest amounts of salt and water after sodium deprivation. Deleting Agt from both astrocytes and hepatocytes also did not prevent thirst or sodium appetite. Our findings suggest that angiotensin signalling is not required for sodium appetite or thirst and highlight the need to identify alternative signalling mechanisms.
imageKey points
Angiotensin signalling is thought to be responsible for the increased thirst and sodium appetite caused by hypovolaemia, producing elevated water and sodium intake.
Specific cells in separate brain regions express the three genes needed to produce angiotensin peptides, but brain‐specific deletion of the angiotensinogen gene (Agt), which encodes the lone precursor for all angiotensin peptides, did not reduce thirst or sodium appetite.
Double‐deletion of Agt from brain and liver also did not reduce thirst or sodium appetite.
Liver‐specific deletion of Agt reduced circulating angiotensinogen levels without reducing thirst or sodium appetite. Instead, these angiotensin‐deficient mice exhibited an enhanced sodium appetite.
Because the physiological mechanisms controlling thirst and sodium appetite continued functioning without angiotensin production in the brain and liver, understanding these mechanisms requires a renewed search for the hypovolaemic signals necessary for activating each behaviour.
A Cavity-Based Micromechanical Model for the Shear-Band Failure in Metallic Glasses Under Arbitrary Stress States
Authors: Gao Yanfei 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Deformation and fracture of metallic glasses are often modeled by stress-based criteria which often incorporate some sorts of pressure dependence. However, detailed mechanisms that are responsible for the shear-band formation and the entire damage initiation and evolution process are complex and the origin of such a pressure dependence is obscure. Here, we argue that the shear-band formation results from the constitutive instability, so that the shear-band angle and arrangements can be easily related to the macroscopic constitutive parameters such as internal friction and dilatancy factor. This is one reason for the observed tension-compression asymmetry in metallic glasses. The free volume coalescence leads to precipitous formation of voids or cavities inside the shear bands, and the intrinsic “ductility” is therefore governed by the growth of these cavities. Based on a generalized Stokes–Hookean analogy, we can derive the critical shear-band failure strain with respect to the applied stress triaxiality, in which the cavity evolution scenarios are sharply different between tension-controlled and shear/compression-dominated conditions. This is another possible reason for the tension-compression asymmetry. It is noted that diffusive-controlled cavity growth could also be the rate-determining process, as suggested by the recent measurements of shear-band diffusivity and viscosity that turn out to satisfy the Stokes–Einstein relationship. This constitutes the third possible reason for the tension-compression asymmetry.