bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dietary digestible carbohydrates are associated with higher prevalence of asthma in humans and with aggravated lung allergic inflammation in mice
Authors: Musiol Stephanie , Harris Carla P. , Karlina Ruth , Gostner Johanna M. , Rathkolb Birgit , Schnautz Benjamin , Schneider Evelyn , Mair Lisa , Vergara Ernesto Elorduy , Flexeder Claudia , Koletzko Sibylle , Bauer Carl‐Peter , Schikowski Tamara , Berdel Dietrich , von Berg Andrea , Herberth Gunda , Rozman Jan , Hrabe de Angelis Martin , Standl Marie , Schmidt‐Weber Carsten B. , Ussar Siegfried , Alessandrini Francesca 
Published: November 2022

AbstractBackgroundDietary carbohydrates and fats are intrinsically correlated within the habitual diet. We aimed to disentangle the associations of starch and sucrose from those of fat, in relation to allergic sensitization, asthma and rhinoconjuctivitis prevalence in humans, and to investigate underlying mechanisms using murine models.MethodsEpidemiological data from participants of two German birth cohorts (age 15) were used in logistic regression analyses testing cross‐sectional associations of starch and sucrose (and their main dietary sources) with aeroallergen sensitization, asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis, adjusting for correlated fats (saturated, monounsaturated, omega‐6 and omega‐3 polyunsaturated) and other covariates. For mechanistic insights, murine models of aeroallergen‐induced allergic airway inflammation (AAI) fed with a low‐fat‐high‐sucrose or ‐high‐starch versus a high‐fat diet were used to characterize and quantify disease development. Metabolic and physiologic parameters were used to track outcomes of dietary interventions and cellular and molecular responses to monitor the development of AAI. Oxidative stress biomarkers were measured in murine sera or lung homogenates.ResultsWe demonstrate a direct association of dietary sucrose with asthma prevalence in males, while starch was associated with higher asthma prevalence in females. In mice, high‐carbohydrate feeding, despite scant metabolic effects, aggravated AAI compared to high‐fat in both sexes, as displayed by humoral response, mucus hypersecretion, lung inflammatory cell infiltration and TH2‐TH17 profiles. Compared to high‐fat, high‐carbohydrate intake was associated with increased pulmonary oxidative stress, signals of metabolic switch to glycolysis and decreased systemic anti‐oxidative capacity.ConclusionHigh consumption of digestible carbohydrates is associated with an increased prevalence of asthma in humans and aggravated lung allergic inflammation in mice, involving oxidative stress‐related mechanisms.
Feather function and the evolution of birds
Authors: Terrill Ryan S. , Shultz Allison J. 
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACTThe ability of feathers to perform many functions either simultaneously or at different times throughout the year or life of a bird is integral to the evolutionary history of birds. Many studies focus on single functions of feathers, but any given feather performs many functions over its lifetime. These functions necessarily interact with each other throughout the evolution and development of birds, so our knowledge of avian evolution is incomplete without understanding the multifunctionality of feathers, and how different functions may act synergistically or antagonistically during natural selection. Here, we review how feather functions interact with avian evolution, with a focus on recent technological and discovery‐based advances. By synthesising research into feather functions over hierarchical scales (pattern, arrangement, macrostructure, microstructure, nanostructure, molecules), we aim to provide a broad context for how the adaptability and multifunctionality of feathers have allowed birds to diversify into an astounding array of environments and life‐history strategies. We suggest that future research into avian evolution involving feather function should consider multiple aspects of a feather, including multiple functions, seasonal wear and renewal, and ecological or mechanical interactions. With this more holistic view, processes such as the evolution of avian coloration and flight can be understood in a broader and more nuanced context.
Influences of intratumoral heterogeneity on assessment of tumor microenvironment in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Sugawara Kotaro , Fukuda Takashi , Kishimoto Yutaka , Oka Daiji , Yoshii Takako , Hara Hiroki , Uemura Yukari , Kawashima Yoshiyuki , Kanda Hiroaki , Motoi Noriko 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThe intratumoral heterogeneity (ITH) of the tumor microenvironment (TME) has yet to be addressed in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Here, we studied the ITH of CD8 and PD‐L1 status in ESCC, and examined the potential of the tumor surface for representing the TME. In total, 67 surgically resected clinical Stage II ESCC specimens were analyzed. The CD8‐cell density, PD‐L1 tumor proportion score (TPS), and combined positive score (CPS) were calculated in three (superficial, middle, and deep) areas of each specimen. ITH was quantified by distance‐standardized coefficient variations of the three values. The CD8 and PD‐L1 status of each area was dichotomized and tumor‐surface capabilities for predicting the entire tumor status were estimated. Variables were compared according to the presence of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). The ITH, especially PD‐L1 heterogeneity, differed markedly among specimens. The concordance rates of CD8 and PD‐L1 (CPS and TPS) status among the three different areas were 71.6%, 74.6%, and 73.1%, respectively. The sensitivity and the specificity of the tumor surface for predicting the CD8 status of the whole tumor were high, especially in the NAC− group (both 1.0). The tumor surface also showed high capabilities for representing the whole PD‐L1 status, while yielding moderate positive predictive values (0.70). The ITH degrees and predictive capabilities did not differ according to NAC. Taken together, the ITH of CD8 and PD‐L1 differed among ESCC specimens, while not being markedly affected by NAC. The use of a biopsy specimen from the tumor surface might be feasible for TME evaluation.
Adipocytokine plasma concentrations reflect influence of inflammation but not body mass index (BMI) on clinical outcomes of COVID‐19 patients: A prospective observational study from the Netherlands
Authors: de Nooijer Aline H. , Kooistra Emma J. , Grondman Inge , Janssen Nico A. F. , Joosten Leo A. B. , van de Veerdonk Frank L. , Kox Matthijs , Pickkers Peter , Netea Mihai G. ,   the RCI‐COVID‐19 study group
Published: November 2022

SummaryObesity is recognized as a risk factor for adverse outcome in COVID‐19, but the molecular mechanisms underlying this relationship remain unknown. Adipose tissue functions as an endocrine organ by secreting multiple pro‐inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory factors, known as adipocytokines, which could be involved in COVID‐19 severity. We explored the role of adipocytokines in COVID‐19 and its association with BMI, clinical outcome, and inflammation. This is an observational study in 195 hospitalized COVID‐19 patients. Serial plasma concentrations of the adipocytokines leptin, adiponectin, resistin, and various inflammatory cytokines were assessed. Adipocytokines were compared between patients with normal weight (BMI: 18.5–24.9 kg/m2), overweight (BMI: 25.0–29.9 kg/m2), and obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2), between patients admitted to the ICU and to non‐ICU clinical wards, and between survivors and non‐survivors. Patients with overweight and obesity displayed higher leptin concentrations and lower adiponectin concentrations throughout hospital admission (p < .001), whereas resistin concentrations were not different from patients with normal weight (p = .12). Resistin concentrations correlated with inflammatory markers and were persistently higher in ICU patients and non‐survivors compared to non‐ICU patients and survivors, respectively (both p < .001), whereas no such relationships were found for the other adipocytokines. In conclusion, leptin and adiponectin are associated with BMI, but not with clinical outcomes and inflammation in COVID‐19 patients. In contrast, resistin is not associated with BMI, but high concentrations are associated with worse clinical outcomes and more pronounced inflammation. Therefore, it is unlikely that BMI‐related adipocytokines or differences in the inflammatory response underlie obesity as a risk factor for severe COVID‐19.
Welfare effects of automatic‐IRAs
Authors: Cottle Hunt Erin 
Published: November 2022

AbstractSeveral states require employers who do not offer retirement benefits to automatically enroll their employees in individual retirement accounts (IRAs). We quantify the welfare effects of this program for individuals who follow a rule‐of‐thumb to make savings decisions. We find workers who save more than 3% would be willing to give up 0%–1.4% of lifetime consumption to avoid an IRA. We also consider a fully rational model with credit frictions, stochastic income and pre‐retirement withdrawals, and costly IRA opt‐outs. We find that being enrolled in an IRA is most likely to benefit workers who do not borrow during the life‐cycle.
Seven decades of clinical experience with Wilson's disease: Report from the national reference centre in Poland
Authors: Członkowska Anna , Niewada Maciej , Litwin Tomasz , Kraiński Łukasz , Skowrońska Marta , Piechal Agnieszka , Antos Agnieszka , Misztal Monika , Khanna Ishani , Kurkowska‐Jastrzębska Iwona 
Published: November 2022

AbstractBackground and purposeWilson's disease (WD) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder causing excessive copper deposition and a spectrum of manifestations, particularly neurological and hepatic symptoms. We analysed the clinical characteristics of patients with WD admitted to the country's only reference centre, which provided long‐term care to most adult patients in Poland over seven decades (pre‐1959 to 2019).MethodsElectronic prospective data collection began in the 2000s and, for prior years, medical records were analysed retrospectively. Demographic and clinical characteristics, treatment and outcomes were analysed by decade of diagnosis. Life‐years lost were estimated in patients with WD compared with the general population. Kaplan–Meier curves were used for a time‐to‐death analysis using 2000–2009 as a reference.ResultsIn total, 929 patients were analysed. The number of patients increased from 21 before 1959 to 315 for 2000 to 2009 period. Mostly males were diagnosed before the 1990s, but the numbers of female patients diagnosed increased thereafter. Initially, most patients presented with neurological manifestations; however, the incidence of hepatic manifestations and asymptomatic presentations increased over time as patients were diagnosed early and consequently were more independent at diagnosis. Fewer Kayser‐Fleischer rings were detected recently. Prior to 1970, patients were treated with D‐penicillamine (DP); however, since the introduction of zinc, both therapies have been used as often. Since the 1990s, switches between DP and zinc were recorded in 6%–7% of patients. Consistent improvement in survival has been observed over the years.ConclusionsThis is the largest cohort of patients with WD reported in Poland, with the longest follow‐up. Earlier diagnosis and prognosis have improved over seven decades.
Summer drought exposure, stand structure, and soil properties jointly control the growth of European beech along a steep precipitation gradient in northern Germany
Authors: Weigel Robert , Bat‐Enerel Banzragch , Dulamsuren Choimaa , Muffler Lena , Weithmann Greta , Leuschner Christoph 
Published: November 2022

AbstractIncreasing exposure to climate warming‐related drought and heat threatens forest vitality in many regions on earth, with the trees' vulnerability likely depending on local climatic aridity, recent climate trends, edaphic conditions, and the drought acclimatization and adaptation of populations. Studies exploring tree species' vulnerability to climate change often have a local focus or model the species' entire distribution range, which hampers the separation of climatic and edaphic drivers of drought and heat vulnerability. We compared recent radial growth trends and the sensitivity of growth to drought and heat in central populations of a widespread and naturally dominant tree species in Europe, European beech (Fagus sylvatica), at 30 forest sites across a steep precipitation gradient (500–850 mm year−1) of short length to assess the species' adaptive potential. Size‐standardized basal area increment remained more constant during the period of accelerated warming since the early 1980s in populations with >360 mm growing season precipitation (April–September), while growth trends were negative at sites with <360 mm. Climatic drought in June appeared as the most influential climatic factor affecting radial growth, with a stronger effect at drier sites. A decadal decrease in the climatic water balance of the summer was identified as the most important factor leading to growth decline, which is amplified by higher stem densities. Inter‐annual growth variability has increased since the early 1980s, and variability is generally higher at drier and sandier sites. Similarly, within‐population growth synchrony is higher at sandier sites and has increased with a decrease in the June climatic water balance. Our results caution against predicting the drought vulnerability of trees solely from climate projections, as soil properties emerged as an important modulating factor. We conclude that beech is facing recent growth decline at drier sites in the centre of its distribution range, driven by climate change‐related climate aridification.
Doing gender equality and undoing gender inequality—A practice theory perspective
Authors: Grzelec Anna 
Published: November 2022

AbstractMany of the efforts made by organizations to deal with gender inequalities fail to have the desired impact. This is not only because these efforts are undermined by individuals who disagree with them, nor because individuals do not perceive gender inequalities to be a problem. Rather, the issue is that gender equality practices may be embedded in an organizational context where other practices counteract gender equality. By means of a 17‐month‐long ethnographic study conducted at a technical university in Sweden, the interaction between gender equality practices and gender inequality practices has been identified. It is shown that gender equality practices are themselves based on either questionable assumptions (e.g., that increasing the number of women in senior roles will make a difference), or in an attempt to avoid blaming the victim, on reducing the salience of gendered categorization from which gendered inequalities can be adequately challenged. By focusing on the nexus of practices that move beyond equality work, two practices that undermine gender equality work have been identified, that is, a data‐driven approach to change work and a preference for simple solutions. The conclusion drawn alerts us to the fact that even practices that do not seem related to gender equality work can have an impact on the success or failure of the gender equality work of the organization. This in turn may imply that the institutionalized underpinnings of the organization need to be changed, for example, the belief that more data will help us to find more solutions, or that there are practices out there that can be implemented to wash away gender inequality.
Duration and characteristics of persistent headache following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Gaastra Ben , Carmichael Harry , Galea Ian , Bulters Diederik 
Published: November 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the long‐term frequency, prognosis, and phenotype of persistent headache following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH).BackgroundVery little is known about long‐term headache following aSAH with no studies looking beyond 3 years.MethodsRetrospective analysis comparing aSAH cases to matched controls in the UK Biobank, a prospective cohort study. Headache frequency and phenotype were compared using group comparison tests. The relationship between headache frequency and time was assessed using correlation analysis.ResultsHeadache was more frequent following aSAH (aSAH: 258/864 [29.9%] vs. controls: 666/3456 [19.3%], χ2 = 45.5, p < 0.001) at a median follow‐up of 7.5 years. Headache frequency decreased over time (RS = −0.71, p = 0.028), affecting 29/58 (50%) patients in the first year and reducing to 13/47 (28%) patients 10 years later. Headache frequency was not related to aSAH severity (z = 0.249, p = 0.803), treatment (z = 0.583, p = 0.560), or hydrocephalus (z = −1.244, p = 0.214). There was a consistently higher frequency of migrainous features following aSAH compared to controls, although this did not reach statistical significance.ConclusionsPersistent headache is more frequent following aSAH compared to controls in the long term and the prevalence reduces gradually over time. The increased frequency of migrainous features suggests that selected patients with post‐aSAH headache may benefit from migraine treatment.
Leadership and the fourth industrial revolution: A systematic literature review
Authors: Tetteh Edward Nartey 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThis paper examines research in the area of leadership and the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) by scoping literature through a systematic approach. The purpose of this study is to identify trends and gaps relating to issues addressed, theoretical and conceptual approaches, methodologies, geographical representation of research, and future research directions in the area. In all, 45 articles were sampled through a predetermined selection criteria and analysed using descriptive statistics. The results indicate that four major issues investigated in multiple sectors dominate the area. Besides, a number of theories were found to have been used in understanding the topic, while in terms of methodology, there appears to be a fair distribution of papers using qualitative and quantitative approaches but an imbalance between cross‐sectional and longitudinal designs. Again, most of the studies were conducted at the meso and micro levels and were produced in Asia, Europe, Africa, North America, Australia, and South America in that ranking order. Overall, it was realised that because of the emerging nature of the 4IR phenomenon, research work in the area is now rising, requiring further research output to address the gaps identified through this study.
Adiponectin protects skeletal muscle from ischaemia–reperfusion injury in mice through miR‐21/PI3K/Akt signalling pathway
Authors: Zhou Min , Zhang Hao , Chen Hairen , Qi Baiwen 
Published: November 2022

AbstractPrevious studies have confirmed that adiponectin (APN) plays a protective role in myocardial ischaemia–reperfusion (IR) injury, and the aim of this study was to investigate its effect on skeletal muscle. ELISA was used to detect the levels of Creatinine Kinase (CK), LDH, SOD and MDA in the plasma of the lower limbs of mice, and the levels of IL‐6, IL‐1β and TNF‐α in the gastrocnemius. Quantitative PCR was used to detect the expression level of miR‐21. TUNEL staining was used to detect the apoptosis of the gastrocnemius. The expression levels of apoptosis proteins, autophagy marker proteins and downstream target genes of miR‐21 in gastrocnemius were detected by Western Blot. The results of this study revealed that APN levels were significantly reduced in gastrocnemius of IR mice. The oxidative stress, inflammatory response, apoptosis and autophagy induced by IR were significantly ameliorated by APN injection. The above effects of APN may be achieved through miR‐21/PI3K signalling pathway, as found by interfering gene expression levels with miRNA antagomir and lentiviral injection. Taken together, our study revealed that APN protects skeletal muscle from IR injury through miR‐21 /PI3K/Akt signalling pathway through inhibiting inflammatory response, apoptosis and autophagy.
Evaluation of the effects of COVID‐19 disease and the trimester in which the disease is diagnosed on obstetric and neonatal outcomes: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Sertel Emre , Demir Merve 
Published: November 2022

AbstractAimTo evaluate the effects of COVID‐19 disease and the trimester in which the disease is diagnosed on obstetric and neonatal outcomes.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study was conducted with 358 patients who had or had not been diagnosed with COVID‐19 during their pregnancy, had a miscarriage or had given birth.ResultsCOVID‐19 disease during pregnancy was associated with higher maternal hypertensive disease, preterm birth, low birth weight, low first‐ and fifth‐minute Apgar scores, and need for neonatal intensive care unit. The incidence of preterm birth, low birth weight, low first‐ and fifth‐minute Apgar scores, and need for neonatal intensive care unit in those diagnosed with COVID‐19 in the second trimester was significantly higher than those diagnosed with COVID‐19 in other trimesters. The frequency of cesarean section was observed most in those diagnosed with COVID‐19 in the 3rd trimester, while it was observed in those diagnosed with COVID‐19 at least in the first trimester.ConclusionThe presence of COVID‐19 during pregnancy may be associated with an increased risk of iatrogenic preterm birth. The frequency of preterm birth in pregnant women diagnosed with COVID‐19 in the second trimester is higher than in pregnant women diagnosed with COVID‐19 in other trimesters. As the pregnancy trimester at the time of diagnosis progresses, the frequency of cesarean section increases. While the risk of maternal hypertensive disease increases more in pregnant women with COVID‐19, the effect of the trimester in which COVID‐19 was passed on the risk of maternal hypertensive disease is not observed.
Evening chronotype is associated with hormonal and metabolic disorders in polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Barrea Luigi , Verde Ludovica , Vetrani Claudia , Docimo Annamaria , de Alteriis Giulia , Savastano Silvia , Colao Annamaria , Muscogiuri Giovanna 
Published: November 2022

AbstractDespite current treatments for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a considerable number of women with this syndrome do not reach the treatment goal, suggesting the presence of other probable misdiagnosed features of this syndrome that are not taken into account in the assessment and therefore in the therapeutical approach. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of chronotype categories in women with PCOS and their role in determining hormonal and metabolic aspects of PCOS. This observational case‐control study was conducted on 112 women with PCOS and 112 healthy women matched for age and body mass index (BMI). At baseline anthropometric parameters such as weight, height, BMI and waist circumference, clinical parameters such as Ferriman−Gallwey (FG) score, biochemical parameters such as fasting plasma glucose, insulin levels and assessment of the homeostasis model of insulin resistance (HoMA‐IR), inflammatory parameters such as C‐reactive protein (CRP) and hormonal parameters such as testosterone levels were evaluated. Women with PCOS had a lower chronotype score (p < .001) which indicates a higher prevalence of evening chronotype (EC) category (p = .037) compared to controls. After adjustment for BMI, chronotype score was significantly negatively correlated with CRP levels (r = −0.418, p < .001), testosterone levels (r = −0.543, p < .001) and FG score (r = −0.514, p < .001). Linear regression analysis showed that high testosterone levels were among the factors most associated with a lower chronotype score (p < .001), followed by BMI (p < .001) and HoMA‐IR (p < .05). In conclusion, there is a higher prevalence of EC in women with PCOS than in women without the condition, which in turn was associated with a worse hormonal and metabolic profile. These findings provide support for the relevance of including chronotype assessment in the treatment of women with PCOS.