bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Astrocytic Chitinase‐3‐like protein 1 in neurological diseases: Potential roles and future perspectives
Authors: Li Fei , Liu An , Zhao Minggao , Luo Lanxin 
Published: April 2023

AbstractChitinase‐3‐like protein 1 (CHI3L1) is a secreted glycoprotein characterized by its ability to regulate multiple biological processes, such as the inflammatory response and gene transcriptional signaling activation. Abnormal CHI3L1 expression has been associated with multiple neurological disorders and serves as a biomarker for the early detection of several neurodegenerative diseases. Aberrant CHI3L1 expression is also reportedly associated with brain tumor migration and metastasis, as well as contributions to immune escape, playing important roles in brain tumor progression. CHI3L1 is synthesized and secreted mainly by reactive astrocytes in the central nervous system. Thus, targeting astrocytic CHI3L1 could be a promising approach for the treatment of neurological diseases, such as traumatic brain injury, ischemic stroke, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and glioma. Based on current knowledge of CHI3L1, we assume that it acts as a molecule mediating several signaling pathways driving the initiation and progression of neurological disorders. This narrative review is the first to introduce the potential roles of astrocytic CHI3L1 in neurological disorders. We also equally explore astrocytic CHI3L1 mRNA expression under physiological and pathological conditions. Inhibiting CHI3L1 and disrupting its interaction with its receptors through multiple mechanisms of action are briefly discussed. These endeavors highlight the pivotal roles of astrocytic CHI3L1 in neurological disorders and could contribute to the development of effective inhibitors based on the strategy of structure‐based drug discovery, which could be an attractive therapeutic approach for neurological disease treatment.image
Functional imaging and neurochemistry identify in vivo neuroprotection mechanisms counteracting excitotoxicity and neurovascular changes in the hippocampus and visual cortex of obese and type 2 diabetic animal models
Authors: Caramelo Beatriz , Monteiro‐Alfredo Tamaeh , Martins João , Sereno José , Castelhano João , Manadas Bruno , Castelo‐Branco Miguel , Matafome Paulo 
Published: April 2023

AbstractFunctional MRI (fMRI) with 1H‐MRS was combined on the hippocampus and visual cortex of animal models of obesity (high‐fat diet, HFD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) to identify the involved mechanisms and temporal evolution of neurometabolic changes in these disorders that could serve as potentially reliable clinical biomarkers. HFD rats presented elevated levels of N‐acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) (p = 0.0365 vs. standard diet, SD) and glutathione (GSH) (p = 0.0494 vs. SD) in the hippocampus. NAAG and GSH levels in this structure proved to be correlated (r = 0.4652, p = 0.0336). This mechanism was not observed in diabetic rats. Combining MRS and fMRI‐evaluated blood‐oxygen‐level‐dependent (BOLD) response, elevated taurine (p = 0.0326 vs. HFD) and GABA type A receptor (GABAAR) (p = 0.0211 vs. SD and p = 0.0153 vs. HFD) were observed in the visual cortex of only diabetic rats, counteracting the elevated BOLD response and suggesting an adaptative mechanism against hyperexcitability observed in the primary visual cortex (V1) (p = 0.0226 vs. SD). BOLD amplitude was correlated with the glutamate levels (r = 0.4491; p = 0.0316). Therefore, here we found evidence for several biological dichotomies regarding excitotoxicity and neuroprotection in different brain regions, identifying putative markers of their different susceptibility and response to the metabolic and vascular insults of obesity and diabetes.image
SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody dynamics over time and risk factors associated with infection and long COVID‐19 symptoms in large working environments
Authors: Hansen Cecilie Bo , Dvoncova Kristina , Pérez‐Alós Laura , Fogh Kamille , Madsen Johannes Roth , Garred Caroline Hartwell , Jarlhelt Ida , Nielsen Pernille Brok , Petersen Steffan Svejgaard , Fjordager Charlotte Gandsø , Lauritsen Klara Tølbøll , Hilsted Linda , Boding Lasse , Iversen Kasper Karmark , Hyveled Liselotte , Garred Peter 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundFactors influencing SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody dynamics, transmission, waning and long COVID‐19 symptomatology are still not fully understood.MethodsIn the Danish section of the Novo Nordisk Group, we performed a prospective seroepidemiological study during the first and second waves of the COVID‐19 pandemic. All employees and their household members (>18 years) were invited to participate in a baseline (June–August 2020), 6‐month follow‐up (December 2020–January 2021), and 12‐month follow‐up (August 2021) sampling. In total, 18,614 accepted and provided at least one blood sample and completed a questionnaire regarding socioeconomic background, health status, previous SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, and persistent symptoms. Total antibody and specific IgM, IgG and IgA levels against recombinant receptor binding domain were tested.ResultsAt baseline, the SARS‐CoV‐2‐antibody seroprevalence was 3.9%. At 6‐month follow‐up, the seroprevalence was 9.1%, while at 12‐month follow‐up, the seroprevalence was 94.4% (after the vaccine roll‐out). Male sex and younger age (18–40 years) were significant risk factors for seropositivity. From baseline to the 6‐month sampling, we observed a substantial waning of IgM, IgG and IgA levels (p < 0.001), regardless of age, sex and initial antibody level. An increased antibody level was found in individuals infected prior to vaccination compared to vaccinated infection naïves (p < 0.0001). Approximately a third of the seropositive individuals reported one or more persistent COVID‐19 symptoms, with anosmia and/or ageusia (17.5%) and fatigue (15.3%) being the most prevalent.ConclusionThe study provides a comprehensive insight into SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody seroprevalence following infection and vaccination, waning, persistent COVID‐19 symptomatology and risk factors for seropositivity in large working environments.
Marked versus unmarked tip catheter for less invasive surfactant administration: A crossover randomised controlled manikin trial
Authors: Cavallin Francesco , Beltrame Francesca , Bua Benedetta , Margarita Teresa , Pasta Elisa , Villani Paolo Ernesto , Trevisanuto Daniele 
Published: April 2023

AimLess invasive surfactant administration is becoming increasingly popular, but health‐care providers may experience some difficulties in achieving the correct positioning of the catheter in the trachea. We compared catheters with marked versus unmarked tips in terms of correct depth positioning in the trachea, total time, number of attempts and participant's opinion on using the device in a manikin model.MethodsA randomised controlled crossover trial of surfactant administration with less invasive surfactant administration catheters with marked versus unmarked tip in a preterm infant manikin. Fifty tertiary hospital consultants and paediatric residents with previous experience in surfactant administration participated. The primary outcome measure was the positioning of the device at the correct depth in the trachea. The secondary outcome measures were the total time and the number of attempts for positioning the device in the trachea, and participant's opinion on using the device.ResultsCorrect depth in the trachea was achieved by 38 (76%) and 28 (56%) participants using the catheters with marked and unmarked tip, respectively (P = 0.04). Median time of device positioning (P = 0.08) and number of attempts (P = 0.13) were not statistically different between the two catheters. Participants found the catheter with the marked tip easier to use (P = 0.007), especially concerning the insertion in the trachea (P = 0.04) and the positioning at the correct depth (P = 0.004).ConclusionsIn a preterm manikin model, the marked tip catheter offered a higher chance of achieving the correct depth of the device in the trachea and was favoured by the participants.
Salivary levels of BAFF, TWEAK, and soluble CD163 and salivary arginase activity before and after periodontal treatment
Authors: Yilmaz Mustafa , Demir Esra , Gürsoy Mervi , Firatli Erhan , Loimaranta Vuokko , Gürsoy Ulvi Kahraman 
Published: April 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo monitor salivary B‐cell activating factor (BAFF), tumor necrosis factor‐like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK), and soluble (s)CD163 levels and arginase activity in periodontitis patients following nonsurgical periodontal treatment.BackgroundBAFF, TWEAK, and sCD163 and arginase are associated with activities of B cells and macrophages, which are important regulators of periodontal immune‐inflammatory response and healing following treatment. Increased salivary BAFF and sCD163 levels and arginase activity in periodontitis have been demonstrated, but their changes following treatment have not been evaluated before.Materials and MethodsForty‐four Stage III/IV periodontitis patients and 35 periodontally healthy controls were included in the study. Full‐mouth periodontal measurements were recorded and unstimulated saliva was obtained from all participants at baseline. Sample collection and measurements were repeated in periodontitis patients at 2, 6, 12, and 24 weeks following full‐mouth scaling and root debridement, whereas controls were only seen at baseline. BAFF, TWEAK, and sCD163 levels were analyzed with bead‐based multiplexed immunoassay. Arginase activity was measured with Chinard's method.ResultsBAFF (p < .001) and sCD163 (p = .003) levels and arginase activity (p < .015) were higher in periodontitis patients compared to healthy controls. BAFF levels (p < .001) and arginase activity (p < .001) of periodontitis patients were reduced at 2 weeks posttreatment and continued to decrease up to 6 (p = .038) and 12 weeks (p = .024), respectively. The reduction of sCD163 levels became significant (p = .003) at 24 weeks posttreatment.ConclusionsThe decrease in salivary BAFF levels 2 weeks after periodontal treatment indicates a change in cell signaling toward limited B‐cell activation. Decreasing arginase activity similarly reflects a significant reduction in inflammatory response. The reduction in sCD163 levels that are observed at 24 weeks may reflect a longstanding anti‐inflammatory macrophage activation, given their multiple functions in immune response, inflammation, and healing.
Analytical performance evaluation of two automated urine sediment analysers using two levels of commercially available quality control material
Authors: Hokamp J. A. , Freeman K. , Harr K. E. 
Published: April 2023

ObjectivesEvaluate the in‐clinic performance of point‐of‐care sediment analysers, Analyzer V (Vetscan SA, Abaxis) and Analyzer S (SediVue DX, IDEXX), using assayed, bilevel (2 concentrations) urine quality control material to determine if instrument specifications are acceptable for semi‐quantitative clinical urine sediment analysis.Materials and MethodsAccuracy, precision and clinical utility of Analyzer V and Analyzer S measurements were evaluated using a bilevel, assayed quality control material in 23 veterinary practices.ResultsPhotomicrographs taken by the instruments facilitated manual review and quality assessment. Analyzer V and Analyzer S under‐identified the presence of cystine crystals with 83 and 13% inaccuracy in the positive quality control material, respectively. Analyzer V and Analyzer S over‐reported bacteria in the sterile quality control material with 82 and 94% specificity, respectively. Analyzer V and Analyzer S reported RBCs and WBCs within manufacturer specifications with excellent sensitivity (93 to 100%) and specificity (100%).Clinical SignificanceAdditional improvement is needed to better classify crystal types and reduce false positives for bacteria before clinical use. While normal samples can generally be trusted, a manual review of abnormal samples is required to ensure that clinically important urine components are correctly evaluated. Future studies should evaluate the performance of these instruments with species‐specific urine sediment.
The main factors that drive plant dieback under extreme drought differ among Mediterranean shrubland plant biotypes
Authors: Maturano‐Ruiz Adrián , Ruiz‐Yanetti Samantha , Manrique‐Alba Àngela , Moutahir Hassane , Chirino Esteban , Vilagrosa Alberto , Bellot Juan F. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractQuestionsKnowledge of how extreme drought events induce plant dieback and, eventually, plant mortality, may improve our forecasting of ecosystem change according to future climate projections, especially in Mediterranean drylands. In them, shrublands are the main vegetation communities in transition areas from a subhumid to semi‐arid climate. This study analyzed differences in plant dieback after an unusual drought in 2014 and identified their main underlying factors in relation to three groups of explanatory variables: water availability, soil properties and vegetation structure attributes.LocationFour Mediterranean shrublands along a climatic gradient in SE Spain.MethodsAt each experimental field site, we sampled a pool of vegetation structure characteristics, soil depth and soil surface properties, and we also determined water availability by continuously monitoring soil moisture and the microclimate conditions.ResultsThe climatic analysis showed that there was an extreme drought event in 2014, which was below the first percentile of the driest years. Under such conditions, vegetation dieback occurred at all the study sites. However, plant dieback differed between sites and plant biotypes. Subshrubs were the main affected biotype, with diebacks close to 60% at the driest sites, and up to 40% dieback for shrubs depending on their vertical development. Relative extractable water and bare soil surface cover were the best explanatory variables of plant community dieback but changed between plant biotypes. Vegetation structure variables related to plant vertical development (leaf area index [LAI], plant height, phytovolume) were significant explanatory variables of plant dieback in shrubs, subshrubs and grasses. Consecutive dry days fitted the best model to explain subshrub dieback.ConclusionsWe found that rainfall pattern rather than total annual rainfall was the climatic factor that best determined water availability for plants in Mediterranean drylands. These results also pointed out the relevance of plant structure and soil properties for explaining ecosystem responses to extreme drought.
Trophic structure using ecological relationships between five dominant commercial fish in Kolahi to Dargahan
Authors: Masoomi Zahra , Haghi Mahsa , Zakeri Mohammad , Momeni Mohammad 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to determine the effects of frequent species population fluctuations and the impact of different rates of exploitation on other ecological links in the food web. The mass‐balanced Ecopath model represents the trophic interactions among the 31 defined functional groups in the Kolahi to Dargahan area, with five main species, including Trichiurus lepturus, Saurida tumbil, Nemipterus japonicus, Sillago sihama, and Cynoglossus arel (from April 2018 to April 2019). To investigate the effects of fishing and environmental disturbances, the Ecopath modeling approach combines software for analyzing ecosystem trophic‐level balances with population dynamic models. In the past 5 years, Hormozgan province has caught more than 45% of the benthic fish caught off the northern coasts of the Persian Gulf. From Kolahi to Dargahan, one of the most important fishing grounds in this province's southeast is located. Food web models are used to represent a marine system's current state, assess stock levels, and predict change over time. Over a year, the first five dominant fish in the study area, S. tumbil, S. sihama, C. arel, N. japonicus, and T. lepturus, were biometrically measured, and their population dynamics parameters as well as feeding ecology indices were analyzed. According to the trophic‐level index results, the five most common species studied in this study belonged to the third (N. Japonicas, S. sihama, and C. arel) and fourth (T. lepturus, and S. tumbil) trophic levels. The key species with the greatest impact on other groups of studied species were identified as S. tumbil and T. lepturus, respectively. The estimated ecosystem indicators were the system operational power (75846.797), the primary production/respiration ratio (0.034), the connectance index (0.159), and the system omnivory index (0.253). A pedigree index (PI) of 0.38 was estimated for the present model. Overexploitation of T. lepturus could disrupt the aquatic food web and adversely affect the long‐term sustainable use of aquatic resources, according to data. As a result, ecosystem‐based fisheries management should be implemented to find a more appropriate solution to sustainable exploitation in the studied habitat, an important fishing area in the Persian Gulf's north.
Oral health, anxiety symptoms and depressive symptoms: findings from the survey of health, ageing and retirement in Europe
Authors: Hajek André , Lieske Berit , König Hans‐Helmut , Zwar Larissa , Kretzler Benedikt , Moszka Nina , Aarabi Ghazal 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundThere is limited knowledge regarding the association between oral health and mental health in terms of depressive symptoms and particularly anxiety symptoms. Therefore, our aim was to close this gap in knowledge.MethodsCross‐sectional data were used from wave 5 of the pan‐European Survey of Health Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) (n = 62 358 observations). The Beck Anxiety Inventory was used to quantify anxiety symptoms and the Euro‐D was used to measure depressive symptoms. Oral health was quantified based on the presence of missing natural teeth, the number of missing natural teeth and the extent of replaced teeth. It was adjusted for several covariates in regression analysis.ResultsMultiple linear regressions revealed that the presence of missing natural teeth was associated with higher anxiety symptoms (β = 0.11, P < 0.001) and higher depressive symptoms (β = 0.22, P < 0.001) among the total sample. Among individuals with at least one missing natural tooth, the number of missing natural teeth was positively associated with higher anxiety symptoms (β = 0.02, P < 0.001) and higher depressive symptoms (β = 0.02, P < 0.001) – and fully replaced teeth (compared to not at all replaced teeth) were associated with lower anxiety symptoms (β = −0.35, P < 0.001) and lower depressive symptoms (β = −0.36, P < 0.001).ConclusionOur study stresses the association between lower oral health and lower mental health among older adults in Europe. Future studies based on longitudinal data are required.
Reproductive response of crossbredBos taurus × Bos indicuscows to biostimulation by pre‐pubertal and pubertal teasers
Authors: Landaeta‐Hernández Antonio J. , Castellanos Mario , Gil‐Araujo Marcelo , Peña‐Marcano María E. , Soto‐Belloso Eleazar , Dios‐Palomares Rafaela , Rae D. Owen , Archbald Louis F. , Chenoweth Peter J. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractAlthough the beneficial effect of biostimulation on reproduction has been reported, the influence of selectivity and social factors on the response to biostimulation has not received sufficient research attention in bothBos indicusandBos indicusinfluenced cattle. Furthermore, ‘green and cheap’ strategies to improve cattle reproduction are currently in demand whileBos indicusinfluenced cattle with inferior reproductive performance, and farmers with economic limitations are common in tropical zones. Hence, to assess the reproductive response of crossbredtaurus × indicuscows to biostimulation by pre‐pubertal (PPM) or pubertal (PM) teasers males, two trials of 2 years each were conducted. Trial 1n = 187 cows (Year 1:85 cows exposed to PPM and Year 2:102 cows exposed to PM). Trial 2n = 196 cows (Year 1:101 cows exposed to PPM and Year 2:95 cows exposed to PM). The effect of exposing cows to PPM and PM on the intervals calving to first service (ICFS), calving to conception (ICC) and economic cost of days open (ECDO) was analysed using Kruskal–Wallis ANOVA and the effect of exposing cows to PPM and to PM on reproductive status at 90 days (RS90) and proportion of cows requiring hormonal protocols (PRH) was compared usingχ2analysis. Both ICFS and ICC were shorter (p < .0001) for PM‐exposed females (96.12 ± 4.1 and 110.93 ± 2.9 days; respectively) compared with those PPM‐exposed (134.41 ± 3.3 and 135.64 ± 2.4 days; respectively). With RS90, more (p < .0001) PM‐exposed cows (50.7%) were pregnant compared with PPM‐exposed cows (16.1%). The PRH was greater (p < .0001) in PPM‐exposed cows (79.0%) compared with PM‐exposed (27.9%). The ECDO was less (p < .0001) in PM‐exposed cows (US$ 142.9 ± 3.8) compared with PPM‐exposed (US$ 176.3 ± 2.9). In conclusion, cows exposed to PM had shorter ICFS and ICC compared with cows exposed to PPM. More cows exposed to PM were pregnant after 90 days, and PRH was less than cows exposed to PPM. Cows exposed to PM had a reduced ECDO than those exposed to PPM.
Unfair inequality and growth*
Authors: Marrero Gustavo A. , Rodríguez Juan G. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractFighting against economic inequality is one fundamental social goal in the agendas of most governments. However, recent studies highlight that people actually prefer unequal societies, as they accept inequality generated by an individual's effort and wish to reduce only unfair inequality (generated by factors beyond an individual's control). This distinction might help to explain the fundamental unsolved question about whether inequality is good or bad for growth: unfair inequality (UI) could be growth‐deterring, while fair inequality (FI) might be growth‐enhancing. We derive a reduced‐form growth equation from a stylized overlapping‐generations model with human capital that includes FI, UI, and poverty. Then, using an instrumental variable approach, we show for alternative samples and inequality measures at the worldwide level that the estimated coefficient associated with UI is always negative, while the coefficient of total inequality increases when UI is included in the regression. Moreover, we find that poverty mediates this relationship because the higher the poverty rate, the smaller the impact of either type of inequality on growth.
Hours risk and wage risk: repercussions over the life cycle*
Authors: Jessen Robin , König Johannes 
Published: April 2023

AbstractWe decompose earnings risk into contributions from hours and wage shocks. To distinguish between hours shocks, modeled as innovations to the marginal disutility of work, and labor supply reactions to wage shocks, we formulate a life‐cycle model of consumption and labor supply. For estimation, we use data on married American men from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics. Permanent wage shocks explain 31 percent of total risk, permanent hours shocks 21 percent. Progressive taxation attenuates cross‐sectional earnings risk, but its life‐cycle insurance impact is much smaller. At the mean, a one‐standard‐deviation hours shock raises lifetime income by 11 percent, a wage shock by 13 percent.