bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Complement tunes glutamate release and supports synaptic impairments in an animal model of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Olivero Guendalina , Taddeucci Alice , Vallarino Giulia , Trebesova Hanna , Roggeri Alessandra , Gagliani Maria Cristina , Cortese Katia , Grilli Massimo , Pittaluga Anna 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackground and PurposeTo deepen our knowledge of the role of complement in synaptic impairment in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mice, we investigated the distribution of C1q and C3 proteins and the role of complement as a promoter of glutamate release in purified nerve endings (synaptosomes) and astrocytic processes (gliosomes) isolated from the cortex of EAE mice at the acute stage of the disease (21 ± 1 day post‐immunization).Experimental ApproachEAE cortical synaptosomes and gliosomes were analysed for glutamate release efficiency (measured as release of preloaded [3H]D‐aspartate ([3H]D‐ASP)), C1q and C3 protein density, and for viability and ongoing apoptosis.Key ResultsIn healthy mice, complement releases [3H]D‐ASP from gliosomes more efficiently than from synaptosomes. The releasing activity occurs in a dilution‐dependent manner and involves the reversal of the excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs). In EAE mice, the complement‐induced releasing activity is significantly reduced in cortical synaptosomes but amplified in cortical gliosomes. These adaptations are paralleled by decreased density of the EAAT2 protein in synaptosomes and increased EAAT1 staining in gliosomes. Concomitantly, PSD95, GFAP, and CD11b, but not SNAP25, proteins are overexpressed in the cortex of the EAE mice. Similarly, C1q and C3 protein immunostaining is increased in EAE cortical synaptosomes and gliosomes, although signs of ongoing apoptosis or altered viability are not detectable.Conclusion and ImplicationsOur results unveil a new noncanonical role of complement in the CNS of EAE mice relevant to disease progression and central synaptopathy that suggests new therapeutic targets for the management of MS.
Dropped head syndrome in anti‐MuSK antibody‐positive myasthenia gravis with possible concurrent axial myopathy
Authors: Okubo So , Kainaga Mitsuhiro , Tokushige Shin‐ichi , Uchibori Ayumi , Oishi Chizuko , Hirano Teruyuki , Ichikawa Yaeko 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundDropped head syndrome (DHS) is a group of disorders that result in anterior neck flexion. Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a common cause of DHS. Previous reports have suggested that concurrent myopathy involving the paraspinal musculature may underlie DHS in patients with anti‐acetylcholine receptor antibody‐positive or thymoma‐associated MG.Case PresentationA 64‐year‐old woman presented with a 3‐month history of head drop and lordosis. Neurological examination revealed bilateral ptosis and weakness of the posterior neck extensors. Electrophysiology suggested neuromuscular junction involvement. Serum anti‐MuSK antibodies were positive, and generalized anti‐MuSK antibody‐positive myasthenia gravis (MuSK‐MG) was diagnosed. Needle electromyography (nEMG) of the splenius capitus and paraspinal muscles revealed acute and chronic myogenic changes. Imaging suggested paraspinal muscle atrophy. nEMG and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of both extremities were normal, and autoimmune myopathy‐related antibody testing was negative.ConclusionThymoma‐negative MuSK‐MG, demonstrating treatment‐refractory DHS, may present with concurrent axial myopathy.
Work and family conflicts, depressive symptoms and coparenting conflict behaviours: An interdependent approach
Authors: Ren Yizhen , Liu Aiyi , Zou Shengqi , Ying Jiefeng , Wang Xinyi , Wu Xinchun 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis study aims to investigate the relationships between work and family conflicts, specifically work‐to‐family and family‐to‐work conflicts, parental depressive symptoms and coparenting conflict behaviours during the COVID‐19 pandemic. This national survey study involved the participation of 830 families in mainland China, including fathers, mothers and adolescents. Fathers and mothers provided self‐reports on their experiences of work‐to‐family conflicts, family‐to‐work conflicts and depressive symptoms. Meanwhile, adolescents reported their perceptions of coparenting conflict behaviours exhibited by both fathers and mothers. The Actor‐Partner Interdependence Mediation Model was employed to analyse these relationships. In the Actor‐Partner Interdependence Mediation Model, paternal family‐to‐work conflicts were found to be positively associated with both paternal and maternal coparenting conflict behaviours, mediated through paternal depressive symptoms. Similarly, maternal family‐to‐work conflicts were positively linked to both paternal and maternal coparenting conflict behaviours, mediated through maternal depressive symptoms. Additionally, paternal family‐to‐work conflicts exhibited a direct positive relationship with both paternal and maternal coparenting conflict behaviours. However, paternal work‐to‐family conflicts demonstrated a direct negative association with paternal coparenting conflict behaviours. This study sheds light on the complex interconnectedness between work and family conflicts, parental depressive symptoms and coparenting conflict behaviours during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The findings highlight the importance of addressing work and family conflicts in understanding and managing coparenting dynamics, particularly during challenging times such as a pandemic. Such insights can inform interventions and support systems to promote healthier coparenting relationships and family well‐being.
Co‐Designing Strategic Rituals in Craft Beer: Churches, Denominations, Sects, and Mystics
Authors: Parkman Ian D. , Holloway Samuel , Turnbloom David 
Published: February 2024

As many business marketplaces have become increasingly oversaturated and driven toward commoditization, the concept of ritualized consumption has emerged as a potentially powerful method for organizations to imbue their products and services with distinctive meaning and value.Take a journey into the craft beer industry of the Pacific Northwest to explore how the strategic rituals around tasting flights are co‐designed. You'll never look at beer the same!
Enabling Neurodiversity with Design
Authors: Wolfe Jeff 
Published: February 2024

As a dyslexic person, I use divergent and convergent thinking to fit into the neurotypical world, which is why I was naturally drawn to design thinking.Understanding the difficulties faced by neurodivergent people as well as the strengths they bring to the table can help welcome them into the workplace—which ultimately helps everyone by gaining their perspectives in looking at problems in new and different ways.
Clinical and biochemical predictors of longitudinal changes in left atrial structure and function: A general population study
Authors: Kuznetsova Tatiana , Daels Yne , Ntalianis Evangelos , Santana Everton J. , Sabovčik František , Haddad Francois , Cauwenberghs Nicholas 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPurposeThere is a need for better understanding the factors that modulate left atrial (LA) dysfunction. Therefore, we determined associations of clinical and biochemical biomarkers with serial changes in echocardiographic indexes of LA function in the general population.MethodsWe measured LA maximal and minimal volume indexes (LAVImax and LAVImin) by echocardiography and LA reservoir strain (LARS) by two‐dimensional speckle‐tracking in 627 participants (mean age 50.8 years, 51.2% women) at baseline and after 4.8 years.ResultsDuring follow‐up, LARS decreased significantly in men (−.90%, P = .033) but not in women (−.23%, P = .60). In stepwise regression analysis, stronger decrease in LARS over time was associated with male sex, a higher age, body mass index (BMI), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and serum insulin at baseline and with a greater increase in BMI and MAP over time (P ≤ .018). Similarly, an increased risk of developing or retaining abnormal LARS was observed in older participants, in subjects with a higher baseline BMI, MAP, heart rate (HR), troponin T and ΔMAP, and in those who used β‐blockers at baseline. Both LAVImax and LAVImin increased significantly over time (P ≤ .0007). This increase was associated with a higher baseline age, pulse pressure and a lower HR at baseline and a greater increase in pulse pressure over time (P ≤ .029). Higher serum insulin and D‐dimer were independently associated with a stronger increase in LAVImin (P ≤ .0034).ConclusionSubclinical worsening in LA dysfunction was associated with older age, hypertension, obesity, insulin resistance and troponin T levels. Cardiovascular risk management strategies may delay LA deterioration.
Husserl on knowing essences: Transworld identity and epistemic progression
Authors: Butler Andrew P. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractHusserl's proposed method for knowing the essences of universals, which he calls “free variation,” has been widely criticized for involving viciously circular reasoning. In this paper, I review existing attempts to resolve this problem, and I argue that they all fail. I then show that extant accounts are all guilty of a common mistake: they assume that circularity is inevitable as long as the exercise of free variation presupposes the ability to identify the universal whose essence is in question, that is, the ability to recognize entities as instances of it. I reject this assumption: I argue on both Husserlian and independent philosophical grounds that knowledge of a universal's essence is not required for identifying it, but only for re‐identifying it at every possible world in which it is instantiated. I then defend a reading on which free variation's purpose is to move its practitioner from non‐essentialistic knowledge of a universal's identity (its actual instantiation‐pattern) to essentialistic knowledge of its transworld identity (its instantiation‐pattern in every possible world in which it is present). And I show that such a transformation is a non‐circular progression from non‐modal to modal knowledge.
Pressurizing or encouraging: Health behaviors among long‐distance couples
Authors: Kumaria Shveta , Fivecoat Hayley , Li Jessie , Scott Brandon , Sher Tamara Goldman 
Published: February 2024

AbstractCouples in long‐distance relationships face unique challenges that affect their health outcomes and relationship dynamics in ways that are different from couples in close proximal relationships (PR). The results of previous literature analyzing health outcomes for long‐distance relationship (LDR) couples have been mixed, and factors such as couple satisfaction and gender of the individuals contribute to the variance. This study examined the good health practices of couples in LDRs, the ways in which partners influence each other's health, and the health outcomes of these couples as compared to couples in PRs. Multilevel multivariate analysis showed that couples in LDRs had better health practices than those in PRs, and men overall had poorer health practices than women. There was no main effect seen for LDRs when we examined strategies used for influencing health. There was a main effect for gender, though, and we found that women tend to use more collaborative and pressurizing strategies for influencing their partner's health. On health indices, we found that LDR couples tended to have lower levels of fatigue and sleep disturbance as compared to PR couples. In the adjusted model with covariates, which included age, income, couple satisfaction, and married or unmarried couples, we found that lower couple satisfaction and lower income significantly predicted poorer health on all health indices. These results are discussed in light of unequal gender roles, social control, and positive aspects of LDRs on health in an attempt to understand LDRs better and destigmatize the narrative of these relationships as ‘less than’ PRs. Implications for health and mental health practitioners are also discussed.
An examination of the postgraduation benefits of earning a Seal of Biliteracy
Authors: Davin Kristin J. , Cruz Kristen R. , Hancock Charlotte R. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAcross the United States, students have the opportunity to earn a Seal of Biliteracy (SoBL) when they graduate from high school. Awarded to students who demonstrate proficiency in two or more languages, the SoBL originated to confront English‐only ideologies and promote multilingualism. But critics question the impact of the policy on students and whether English‐dominant students experience greater impacts than their linguistically‐minoritized peers. To that end, this study posed the question, What do recipients report postgraduation as benefits of earning a SoBL? In this qualitative investigation, 33 SoBL earners were interviewed postgraduation to analyze the benefits that they experienced from SoBL attainment. Four themes characterized the findings: increased employability in sales and education, pride and acknowledgment for linguistically‐minoritized students, greater confidence and interest in postsecondary education, and difficulty receiving college credit. The article concludes with implications for strengthening the impact of the policy.
CO2 elevation and N fertilizer supply modulate leaf physiology, crop growth and water use efficiency of maize in response to progressive soil drought
Authors: Zhang Manyi , Wei Guiyu , Cui Bingjing , Liu Chunshuo , Wan Heng , Hou Jingxiang , Chen Yiting , Zhang Jiarui , Liu Jie , Wei Zhenhua 
Published: February 2024

AbstractElevated atmospheric CO2 concentration (e[CO2]) and varied nitrogen (N) fertilization levels may mediate the different responses of C4 crops to progressive soil drought. In this study, the effects of reduced N (N1, 0.8 g pot−1) and adequate N (N2, 1.6 g pot−1) supply on leaf physiology, plant growth and water use efficiency (WUE) of maize (C4 crop) exposed to progressive soil drought grown at ambient CO2 (a[CO2], 400 ppm) and elevated CO2 (e[CO2], 800 ppm) concentration were investigated. The results indicated that compared with a[CO2], net photosynthetic rate (An) and leaf water potential (Ψl) at e[CO2] were maintained in maize leaves, while stomatal conductance (gs), transpiration rate and leaf hydraulic conductance were decreased, leading to enhanced WUE from stomatal to leaf scale. Despite An and Ψl of e[CO2] plants were more sensitive to progressive soil drought under both N fertilization levels, e[CO2] would increase leaf ABA concentration ([ABA]leaf) but decline the gs response to [ABA]leaf under N1 supply. e[CO2] coupled with N1 fertilization was conducive to enlarging leaf area, promoting specific leaf area, root and total dry mass, whereas reduced stomatal aperture and plant water use under progressive drought stress, contributing to an improvement in plant WUE, implying a better modulation of maize leaf stomata and water status under reduced N supply combined with e[CO2] responding to progressive soil drought. These findings in the current study would provide valuable advice for N management on maize (C4) crop efficient water use in a drier and CO2‐enriched environment.
Parental material and climate jointly determine the biomass and diversity of soil microbial communities along an elevational gradient on a subtropical karst mountain
Authors: He Xianjin , Zeng Lian , Zhu Guangyu , Ellwood M. D. Farnon , Zhou Lihua , Huang Junlong , Wang Chenchen , Li Wei , Lin Dunmei , Wei Pei , Liu Shijun , Luo Min , Zhang Yonghua , Yang Yongchuan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAimClimate is widely understood to determine elevational patterns of soil microbial communities, whereas the effects of parental material are uncertain. Changes in the composition of parental materials along elevational transects could also affect soil microbial communities by influencing soil pH and nutrient availability. Here, we aim to illustrate the combined effects of climate and parental material on the biomass and composition of soil microbial communities along an elevational transect.LocationA subtropical forest on a karst mountain (Mt. Jinfo), China.TaxonBacteria and Fungi.MethodsWe use phospholipid fatty acid analysis (PLFA) and DNA amplicon high‐throughput sequencing to determine biomass and diversity patterns of soil microbial communities along a subtropical elevational gradient with contrasting parental materials (limestone and clasolite).ResultsWe observed that the microbial communities were more diverse (α‐diversity) and productive (biomass) on limestone than on clasolite. Additionally, we found that parental material played a role in shaping the composition (β‐diversity) of soil microbial communities along the elevational gradient. The impact of climate on soil microbial communities was found to be significant, albeit relatively weak. Structural equation models provided evidence for both direct and indirect effects of climate and parental material on microbial biomass and α‐diversity along the elevational gradient. Notably, the changes in soil pH, influenced by both parental material and climate, were identified as a key factor driving these effects.Main ConclusionsOur results underline the importance of both climate and parental material variations in space‐for‐time studies investigating soil microbial communities along elevational gradients.
Increased levels of advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) were associated with nociceptive behavior and clinical scores in an experimental progressive autoimmune encephalomyelitis model (PMS‐EAE)
Authors: Rodrigues Patrícia , Frare Julia Maria , Peres Diulle Spat , Viero Fernanda Tibolla , Ruviaro Náthaly Andrighetto , dos Santos Stein Carolina , da Silva Brum Evelyne , Moresco Rafael Noal , Oliveira Sara Marchesan , Bochi Guilherme Vargas , Trevisan Gabriela 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS) generating neuropathic pain and anxiety. Primary progressive MS (PPMS) is the most disabling clinical form, and the patients present an intense neurodegenerative process. In this context, the advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) are oxidized compounds and their accumulation in plasma has been related to clinical disability in MS patients. However, the involvement of AOPPs in neuropathic pain‐ and anxiety‐like symptoms was not previously evaluated. To assess this, female mice C57BL/6J were used to induce progressive experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (PMS‐EAE). Clinical score, weight, strength of plantar pressure, rotarod test, mechanical allodynia, and cold hypersensitivity were evaluated before induction (baseline) and on days 7th, 10th, and 14th post‐immunization. We assessed nest building, open field, and elevated plus‐maze tests 13 days post‐immunization. Animals were killed at 14 days post‐immunization; then, AOPPs levels, NADPH oxidase, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were measured in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and spinal cord samples. The clinical score increased 14th post‐immunization without changes in weight and mobility. Reduced paw strength, mechanical allodynia, and cold allodynia increased in the PMS‐EAE animals. PMS‐EAE mice showed spontaneous nociception and anxiety‐like behavior. AOPPs concentration, NADPH oxidase, and MPO activity increase in CNS structures. Multivariate analyses indicated that the rise of AOPPs levels, NADPH oxidase, and MPO activity influenced the clinical score and cold allodynia. Thus, we indicated the association between non‐stimuli painful perception, anxiety‐like, and CNS oxidative damage in the PMS‐EAE model.image
2‐Mercaptonicotinoyl glycine prevents UV‐induced skin darkening and delayed tanning in healthy subjects: A randomized controlled clinical study
Authors: de Dormael R. , Sextius P. , Bourokba N. , Mainguene E. , Tachon R. , Gaurav K. , Jouni H. , Bastien P. , Diridollou S. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundChronic nonextreme sun exposure induces two mechanisms of skin pigmentation, causing immediate darkening and delayed tanning. A new molecule, 2‐mercaptonicotinoyl glycine (2‐MNG), has been shown in vitro to inhibit both immediate darkening and new melanin synthesis via covalent conjugation of the thiol group of 2‐MNG to melanin precursors.ObjectiveTo evaluate 2‐MNG in preventing both mechanisms in vivo.MethodsIn a randomized, intra‐individual and controlled study, 33 subjects with melanin‐rich skin were exposed to UV daylight on designated areas on the back and treated with a cosmetic formula containing 0.5% or 1% 2‐MNG alone or 0.5% 2‐MNG in association with lipohydroxy acid (LHA, 0.3%) plus Mexoryl‐SX (MSX, 1.5%). The respective vehicles were used as controls and 4‐n‐butyl‐resorcinol (4‐n‐BR, 2.5%) as a positive reference.Results2‐MNG alone significantly reduced immediate darkening and inhibited new melanin production when compared with vehicle, with higher performance at 1% than at 0.5%. 2‐MNG at 0.5% in association with LHA and MSX showed significantly higher performance than 2‐MNG 0.5% alone. 2‐MNG at 0.5% and 1% showed significantly better performance than 4‐n‐BR.Conclusions2‐MNG inhibited both UV‐induced skin pigmentation mechanisms in vivo. The association of 2‐MNG with LHA plus MSX showed the highest efficacy on melanin‐rich skin with pigmentation induced by UV exposure.
Autologous follicular unit extraction transplant for postburn cicatricial alopecia: A single‐center's retrospective case series
Authors: Niu Yanchao , Ren Ci , Jin Zhoufeng , Qiao Min , Wang Xiaoxu , Zhang Jian , Zhu Ling 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackground and RationaleCicatricial alopecia not only affects patients' appearance but also has negative effects on their physical and mental well‐being, as well as their daily lives. Therefore, it is essential to provide proactive treatment to patients.ObjectiveTo explore the clinical effects of autologous follicular unit extraction (FUE) transplantation in the treatment of secondary scarring alopecia caused by burn, and to evaluate its effectiveness.MethodsA retrospective observational study has been conducted, which included 41 patients with secondary scarring alopecia caused by burn. All patients underwent initial autologous FUE hair transplantation surgery, and the occurrence of postoperative complications was monitored. Patient satisfaction was evaluated after 12 months post‐surgery.ResultsSatisfaction assessments were conducted for all 41 patients. Out of the total, 31 individuals expressed being very satisfied, 7 individuals reported being satisfied, and 3 individuals indicated being not very satisfied. Among the patients, 3 experienced complications, including herpes in the donor area for one patient, temporary hair loss for another patient, and thick scab for the third patient.ConclusionFUE hair transplantation yields positive results for secondary scarring alopecia caused by burn. It offers natural hair growth patterns, minimal trauma, quick recovery, high patient satisfaction, and few complications.
Direct and spillover effects of short‐ and long‐term land pricing drivers: Evidence from Italian districts, 1992−2019
Authors: Bruno Emma , Castellano Rosalia , Punzo Gennaro , Salvati Luca 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe global economic and food crisis has increased the demand for land and rekindled the interest in farmland market investments worldwide. This study explores the Italian farmland market, investigating its main influencing factors from 1992 to 2019 using a spatial econometric framework. Traditional land characteristics and location‐specific agricultural factors, as well as non‐agricultural factors, are assessed. The average level of farmland prices and their growth are analyzed by modeling the potential types of spatial interactions, and the results are corroborated by considering different configurations of spatial weight matrices. The results show that farmland markets are influenced by land's current net returns as well as by its potential alternative uses. Therefore, factors considered external to the agricultural dimension, such as population pressure, climate change, and speculative expectations, increasingly shape farmland prices.