bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
GLT‐1 downregulation in hippocampal astrocytes induced by type 2 diabetes contributes to postoperative cognitive dysfunction in adult mice
Authors: Jiao Xin‐Hao , Wan Jie , Wu Wei‐Feng , Ma Lin‐Hui , Chen Chen , Dong Wei , Liu Yi‐Qi , Jin Chun‐Hui , Sun Ao , Zhou Yue , Li Zi‐Yi , Liu Qiang , Wu Yu‐Qing , Zhou Cheng‐Hua 
Published: September 2024

AbstractAimsType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is related to an increased risk of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD), which may be caused by neuronal hyperexcitability. Astrocyte glutamate transporter 1 (GLT‐1) plays a crucial role in regulating neuron excitability. We investigated if T2DM would magnify the increased neuronal excitability induced by anesthesia/surgery (A/S) and lead to POCD in young adult mice, and if so, determined whether these effects were associated with GLT‐1 expression.MethodsT2DM model was induced by high fat diet (HFD) and injecting STZ. Then, we evaluated the spatial learning and memory of T2DM mice after A/S with the novel object recognition test (NORT) and object location test (OLT). Western blotting and immunofluorescence were used to analyze the expression levels of GLT‐1 and neuronal excitability. Oxidative stress reaction and neuronal apoptosis were detected with SOD2 expression, MMP level, and Tunel staining. Hippocampal functional synaptic plasticity was assessed with long‐term potentiation (LTP). In the intervention study, we overexpressed hippocampal astrocyte GLT‐1 in GFAP‐Cre mice. Besides, AAV‐Camkllα‐hM4Di‐mCherry was injected to inhibit neuronal hyperexcitability in CA1 region.ResultsOur study found T2DM but not A/S reduced GLT‐1 expression in hippocampal astrocytes. Interestingly, GLT‐1 deficiency alone couldn't lead to cognitive decline, but the downregulation of GLT‐1 in T2DM mice obviously enhanced increased hippocampal glutamatergic neuron excitability induced by A/S. The hyperexcitability caused neuronal apoptosis and cognitive impairment. Overexpression of GLT‐1 rescued postoperative cognitive dysfunction, glutamatergic neuron hyperexcitability, oxidative stress reaction, and apoptosis in hippocampus. Moreover, chemogenetic inhibition of hippocampal glutamatergic neurons reduced oxidative stress and apoptosis and alleviated postoperative cognitive dysfunction.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that the adult mice with type 2 diabetes are at an increased risk of developing POCD, perhaps due to the downregulation of GLT‐1 in hippocampal astrocytes, which enhances increased glutamatergic neuron excitability induced by A/S and leads to oxidative stress reaction, and neuronal apoptosis.
Strategy and Outcomes of Cardiac Surgery in Patients With Cirrhosis: Comprehensive Approach With Liver Transplant Program
Authors: Shimamura Junichi , Okumura Kenji , Misawa Ryosuke , Bodin Roxana , Nishida Seigo , Tavolacci Sooyun , Malekan Ramin , Lansman Steven , Spielvogel David , Ohira Suguru 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundCardiac surgery is considered a contraindication in patients with advanced liver cirrhosis (LC) due to increased mortality and morbidity. There are limited data on the treatment strategy and management of this population. We aimed to present our strategy and evaluate the clinical outcome of cardiac surgery in patients with LC.MethodsOur strategy was (i) to list patients for liver transplant (LT) at the time of cardiac surgery; (ii) to maintain high cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) flow (index up to 3.0 L/min/m2) based on hyper‐dynamic states due to LC; and (iii) to proceed to LT if patients’ liver function deteriorated with an increasing model for end‐stage liver disease Na (MELD‐Na) score after cardiac surgery. Thirteen patients (12 male and 1 female [mean age, 63.0]) with LC who underwent cardiac surgery between 2017 and 2024 were retrospectively analyzed.ResultsSix patients were listed for LT. Indications for cardiac surgery included coronary artery disease (N = 7), endocarditis (N = 2), and tricuspid regurgitation (N = 1), tricuspid stenosis (N = 1), mitral regurgitation (N = 1), and hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (N = 1). The Child–Pugh score was A in five, B in six, and C in one patient. The procedure included coronary artery bypass grafting (N = 6), single valve surgery (mitral valve [N = 2] and tricuspid valve [N = 1]), concomitant aortic and tricuspid valve surgery (N = 2), and septal myectomy (N = 1). Two patients had a history of previous sternotomy. The perfusion index during CPB was 3.1 ± 0.5 L/min/m2. Postoperative complications include pleural effusion (N = 6), bleeding events (N = 3), acute kidney injury (N = 1), respiratory failure requiring tracheostomy (N = 2), tamponade (N = 1), and sternal infection (N = 1). There was no in‐hospital death. There was one remote death due to COVID‐19 complication. Preoperative and postoperative highest MELD‐Na score among listed patients was 15.8 ± 5.1 and 19.3 ± 5.3, respectively. Five patients underwent LT (1, 5, 8, 16, and 24 months following cardiac surgery) and one patient remains on the list. Survival rates at 1 and 3 years are 100% and 75.0%, respectively.ConclusionCardiac surgery maintaining high CPB flow with LT backup is a feasible strategy in an otherwise inoperable patient population with an acceptable early and midterm survival when performed in a center with an experienced cardiac surgery and LT program.
An announcement effect in reverse? Evidence from cash‐settled convertible bonds
Authors: Gatti Stefano , Sperl Ulrich 
Published: September 2024

AbstractWe analyze the trading activity of underlying shares at the maturity of convertible bonds with cash‐settlement provisions. Our findings indicate that arbitrageurs and option dealers engage in systematic trading that leads to an increase in trading volumes and changes in the level of short interest in the affected underlying equities. We find significantly positive abnormal returns for the affected stocks if convertible bond‐related trading is not contaminated by opposing option‐related flows. This finding supports the notion that arbitrageurs can create a substantial market impact on shares underlying convertible bonds even without any relevant news dissemination.
Injury to the palmar supporting structures of the fetlock alters limb stiffness and fetlock angle
Authors: Hanousek Katherine , Fiske‐Jackson Andrew , O'Leary Lauren , Smith Roger K. W. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundIn vivo measurement of limb stiffness and conformation provides a non‐invasive proxy assessment of superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) and suspensory ligament (SL) function. Here, we compared it in fore and hindlimbs and after injury.ObjectivesTo compare the limb stiffness and conformation in forelimbs and hindlimbs, changes with age, and following injury to the SDFT and SL.Study designRetrospective cohort study.MethodsLimb stiffness was calculated using floor scales and an electrogoniometer taped to the dorsal fetlock. The fetlock angle and weight were simultaneously recorded five times with the limb weight‐bearing and when the opposite limb was picked up (increased load). Limb stiffness of both limbs was calculated from the gradient of the regression line of angle versus load. Fetlock angle when the weight was zero was extrapolated from the graph and used as a measure of conformation. Limb stiffness was measured in uninjured forelimbs (n = 42 limbs), hindlimbs (n = 19 limbs), forelimbs with SDFT injury (n = 18) and hindlimbs with SL injury (n = 5).ResultsLimb stiffness correlated with weight in forelimbs as shown previously (p < 0.001) but also in hindlimbs (p = 0.006). When normalised to the horse's weight (503 kg, IQR 471.5–560), forelimb stiffness was significantly higher (22.3 [±4.5] × 10−3 degree−1) than for the hindlimb (16.4 [±4.0] × 10−3 degree−1; p < 0.001). While there were no significant differences between forelimb and hindlimb conformation in unaffected or SDFT injury, both limb stiffness and conformation was significantly greater in limbs with SL injury (p = 0.009 and p = 0.002, respectively).Main limitationsSmall sample size, lack of clinical data including lameness and quantification of injuries.ConclusionsInjury to the forelimb SDFT does not alter limb stiffness or conformation in the long‐term, while hindlimb SL injury simultaneously increases limb stiffness and fetlock angle, suggesting an increase in SL length following injury.
Corrosion fatigue cracking behaviors of Q690qE high‐strength bridge steel as a weld joint in simulated marine environment
Authors: Lu Cuiping , Yao Qiong , Li Ningning , Sun Liyang , Dai Wenhe , Zhang Chuang , Ma Hongchi 
Published: September 2024

AbstractCorrosion fatigue behavior and mechanism of the weld joint of Q690qE high‐strength bridge steel was investigated in a simulated marine environment. It reveals the sub‐critical heat‐affected zone (SCHAZ) and coarse‐grained heat‐affected zone (CGHAZ) are the most vulnerable sites to corrosion fatigue cracking. The CGHAZ of the Q690qE steel weld joint was prone to corrosion fatigue initiation mainly because of micro‐galvanic corrosion between CGHAZ and weld metal (WM). The corrosion fatigue failure in SCHAZ mainly resulted from local stress/strain concentration due to weld softening. The final fracture location was determined by the competition between these two effects.
Relationship Between Original Research Experiences and Evidence‐Based Practice Among Undergraduate Dental Hygiene Students
Authors: Partido Brian B. , Wesolek Michael , Lint Anna , Ford Carey 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTObjectivesFor the dental hygiene profession, a need exists to engage students in research experiences as undergraduate students to foster interest in research and improve the implementation of evidence‐based practice. The purpose was to explore the relationships between original research experiences and evidence‐based practice among undergraduate dental hygiene students.MethodsThis quantitative survey research study of undergraduate dental hygiene students in the USA was conducted in 2021. Original research experience was measured using the Wessex Research Network (WReN) spider instrument and evidence‐based practice was measured using the Knowledge, Attitudes, Access and Confidence Evaluation (KACE) instrument. Invitation e‐mails were sent to the directors of US entry‐level dental hygiene programs to forward the survey e‐mail message to students in the last semester of their dental hygiene programs. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis and multiple linear regression analysis.ResultsA total of 128 responses were analysed. The foundational knowledge domain of research experience was found to be a significant predictor of evidence‐based practice and the mediators of evidence‐based knowledge, evidence‐based attitudes, evidence‐based access and evidence‐based confidence.ConclusionResearch experience was found to be a significant predictor of Evidence‐Based Practice. Engaging undergraduate dental hygiene students in research opportunities may prepare students for the clinical application of evidence‐based practice and original research projects.
Active deprescribing attitudes and practices in a large regional tertiary health service: a mixed methods study
Authors: Robinson Michael , Vangaveti Venkat , Edelman Alexandra , Mallett Andrew J. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIn this pilot study, we explored current attitudes and deprescribing practices of clinicians in a large regional health service through a mixed methods approach. Respondents included doctors, pharmacists and nurse practitioners, who outlined three themes including professional and organisational contexts, disconnect between goals and practices and factors influencing deprescribing.
Response of Antioxidant Enzymes of Winter Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to Shallow and Saline Groundwater Depths
Authors: Kiremit Mehmet Sait , Arslan Hakan 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTAntioxidant enzymes in plants are critical for protection against oxidative stress and for the overall health and resilience of plant systems. However, antioxidant responses of plants grown in shallow and saline groundwater are poorly understood. Therefore, understanding the biochemical responses of plants to shallow groundwater significantly affects food security and environmental conservation. With this aim, the present work was carried out for 2 years in drainable lysimeters to assess the effects of four different groundwater salinities (0.38, 2.0, 4.0 and 8.0 dS m−1) on the temporal changes in antioxidant enzymatic activity in wheat plants under three different groundwater depths (30, 55 and 80 cm). Superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione S‐transferase (GST) and catalase (CAT) activities varied significantly based on groundwater depth and salinity. CAT and GST enzyme levels increased curvilinearly with rising groundwater depth and salinity. Conversely, the GR enzyme activity showed no significant change with groundwater depths but increased linearly with higher salinity. SOD enzyme activity notably increased at a groundwater depth of 30 cm but decreased at a depth of 80 cm. Moreover, the peak activity of the GR enzyme was observed at a 6 dS m−1 groundwater salinity under groundwater depths. Additionally, the GST and CAT enzyme activities were inhibited more when the groundwater depth was <55 cm and the groundwater salinity was >4.20 dS m−1. Finally, identifying the peak levels of antioxidant enzymes could potentially serve as an indicator for determining the optimal timing for applying stress mitigation methods in areas with shallow and saline groundwater.
Bone marrow stromal and anterior cruciate ligament remnant cell co‐culture‐derived extracellular vesicles promote cell activity in both cell types
Authors: Lin Sung‐Yen , Wu Shun Cheng , Liu Zi‐Miao , Chou Paul Pei‐Hsi , Zhao Chunfeng , Ho Mei‐Ling , Lu Cheng‐Chang 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe significance of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) remnants during reconstruction remains unclear. Co‐culturing ACL remnant cells and bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) may reduce apoptosis and enhance hamstring tendon activity. This study investigated whether extracellular vesicles (EVs), which facilitate cell–cell interactions, act as the active components, improving graft maturation in this co‐culture. The effects of EVs on cell viability, proliferation, migration and gene expression in the rabbit ACL remnant cells and BMSCs were assessed using control (BMSC‐only culture), co‐culture (ACL remnant cells and BMSCs, CM) and co‐culture without EVs (CM ∆ EVs) media. EVs were isolated from control (BMSC‐EV) and co‐culture (CM‐EV) media and characterized. CM significantly enhanced the proliferation, migration and expression of transforming growth factor (TGF‐β)‐, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐, collagen synthesis‐ and tenogenesis‐related genes. However, CM‐induced effects were reversed by the CM ∆ EVs treatment. CM‐EV treatment exhibited higher potential to enhance proliferation, migration and gene expression in the ACL remnant cells and BMSCs than BMSC‐EV and non‐EV treatments. In conclusion, EVs, secreted under the coexistence of ACL remnant cells and BMSCs, primarily increase the cell viability, proliferation, migration and gene expression of collagen synthesis‐, TGF‐β‐, VEGF‐ and tenogenesis‐related genes in both cell types.
Clinical decision‐making process and distributive justice: The mediating role of economic analysis. Empirical evidence from Italy
Authors: Arcari Anna , Picozzi Mario , Pistoni Anna , Battisti Davide , Ceruti Silvia 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe COVID‐19 pandemic has not only tested the resilience of public health systems but also underscored the criticality of allocative choices on health resources. These choices, however, are not confined to health emergencies but are integral to public health decisions, which inherently grapple with limited resources. In this context, physicians play a pivotal role as the architects of clinical actions in various scenarios. Therefore, doctors are called upon to make their decisions by considering not only the criteria of clinical appropriateness but also the ethical aspects linked, in particular, to the principle of justice. Indeed, the assessment of the effectiveness of a treatment for a particular patient must be balanced against criteria of equity and justice for the whole. To be fully applied, the principle of justice presupposes the use of economic evaluation techniques designed to drive the organisation decisions by effectiveness and efficiency.MethodsThe present paper aims to empirically analyse whether and to what extent economic evaluation is known and used by doctors in healthcare decision‐making and, therefore, what the most widespread approaches are used in such processes.In particular, this paper intends to present the results of an empirical study on a sample of doctors registered with the Order of Physicians in Lombardy (Italy), one of the areas most affected by the COVID‐19 pandemic.ResultsThe research reveals a particular awareness of the criticality of allocation issues accompanied by a lack of knowledge of the economic evaluation techniques or, more broadly, by an almost total disuse of financial criteria. The main reasons are doctors’ need for more knowledge of these tools and insufficient availability of economic information at the country system level.ConclusionIn the conclusion, we propose some suggestions to facilitate the transition to more current decision‐making models consistent with the characteristics of more advanced national healthcare contexts.
Gone with the flow: Whitefish egg drift in relation to substrate coarseness under a range of flow velocities
Authors: Lehtonen Topi K. , Veneranta Lari 
Published: September 2024

AbstractMost major rivers in Europe have been dammed for hydropower or other purposes. Such river alterations have decimated natural reproduction of many migratory fish species, including that of the anadromous European whitefish, Coregonus lavaretus, which is now maintained by extensive stocking programmes. In addition to stocking, limited natural reproduction may occur downstream of dams, where peak flow bouts from the dams threaten to flush the eggs into unsuitable habitats. Here, we assessed the effects of water flow velocity and substrate coarseness on downstream drift of whitefish eggs under laboratory conditions. The experiment's two different gravel substrates retained eggs better than cobble or sand substrates; the water velocity needed for notable egg drift was higher for the gravel substrates. The results indicate that egg drift is one of the factors that should be considered when evaluating the effects of hydropower plant operations. Moreover, measures mitigating the effects of the artificial flow regimes should incorporate the type and coarseness of the riverbed's substrate.
Laterality in tactile working memory: The one‐hand version of the Tactual Span
Authors: Heled Eyal 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe Tactual Span assesses tactile working memory (WM) using both hands while applying forward and backward conditions. The study objectives were to validate a one‐hand version of the Tactual Span and to evaluate WM laterality in the tactile modality. Of the 145 participants, 80 performed the Tactual Span with their right hand, and 65 performed it with their left hand. Moreover, all participants performed two span tasks in the visuo‐spatial and auditory modalities, each encompassing forward and backward conditions. Results revealed adequate Cronbach's alpha values for each hand in both conditions of the Tactual Span, along with a positive correlation between forward and backward conditions in each hand. However, overall performance on the Tactual Span was poorer compared to performance on the Auditory and Visuo‐spatial Spans. Furthermore, in the forward condition, there was a correlation between the Auditory Span and the Tactual Span, but only for the right hand. In the backward condition, the Auditory Span correlated with the Tactual Span in both hands. The findings indicate that there is no effect of hand laterality in tactile WM, showing the two hands are related to each other in their WM function. Additionally, the one‐hand version of the Tactual Span is deemed useful for evaluating tactile WM and can therefore be used in empirical and clinical settings for neuropsychological assessment purposes.
The bZIP Transcription Factor UvbZIP14 Regulates Vegetative Growth, Conidiation and Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Ustilaginoidea virens
Authors: Zhang Han , Qu Jinsong , Liu Lianmeng , Yin Weixiao , Luo Chaoxi 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTbZIP transcription factors play a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes in phytopathogens. Ustilaginoidea virens is known to possess 28 bZIP transcription factors; however, their biological functions remain unexplored. In this study, the function of UvbZIP14 in U. virens was investigated. The expression levels of UvbZIP14 were found to be up‐regulated after rice inoculation with U. virens. The knockout mutants and complemented strains of UvbZIP14 were generated and characterised. The knockout mutants display increased growth and decreased conidiation. Compared with the wild‐type strain, the knockout mutants exhibit reduced sensitivity to NaCl and sorbitol but increased sensitivity to CFW. There was no significant difference in the number of false smut balls in rice between the knockout and wild‐type strains. These results findings highlight the significant role of UvbZIP14 in regulating vegetative growth, conidiation and tolerance to abiotic stress in U. virens.
Melatonin Regulates Neuronal Synaptic Plasticity in the Supramammillary Nucleus and Attenuates Methamphetamine‐Induced Conditioned Place Preference and Sensitization in Mice
Authors: Ren Qingyu , Han Weikai , Yue Yanan , Tang Yaqi , Yue Qingwei , Comai Stefano , Sun Jinhao 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTMethamphetamine (METH) is an addictive drug that threatens human health. The supramammillary nucleus (SuM) and its neural circuits play key roles in the regulation of spatial memory retrieval, and hippocampal contextual or social memory. Melatonin (MLT), a pineal hormone, can regulate hypothalamic‐neurohypophysial activity. Our previous study showed that MLT attenuates METH‐induced locomotor sensitization. However, whether MLT regulates SuM function and participates in METH‐induced contextual memory retrieval remains unclear. Using a mouse model of METH‐conditioned place preference (CPP) and sensitization, we found that METH activated c‐Fos expression and elevated calcium (Ca²⁺) levels in SuM neurons. Chemogenetic inhibition of SuM attenuates CPP and sensitization. Pretreatment with MLT decreased c‐Fos expression and Ca2+ levels in the SuM and reversed METH‐induced addictive behavior, effects that were blocked with the selective MT2 receptors antagonist 4P‐PDOT and the MT1 receptors antagonist S26131. Furthermore, MLT reduced SuM synaptic plasticity, glutamate (Glu) release, and neuronal oscillations caused by METH, which were blocked by 4P‐PDOT. In conclusion, our data revealed that MLT regulates neuronal synaptic plasticity in the SuM, likely through the MLT receptors (MTs), and plays a role in modulating METH‐addictive behavior.