Publications by authors named "H J Fricke"

Inducing a transient state of hypocalcemia prepartum mobilizes stored calcium (Ca) before the abrupt demand for Ca at parturition thus more tightly regulating postpartum hypocalcemia. Prepartum transient hypocalcemia can be achieved through intravenous infusions of either the precursor to serotonin, 5-hydroxy-tryptophan (5HTP) or a Ca chelating agent, ethylene-glycol-tetraacetic acid (EGTA). This study aimed to compare the ability of 5HTP and EGTA treatments to prevent postpartum hypocalcemia.

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The transition to lactation demands a substantial amount of calcium (Ca) to support colostrum and milk production. Extensive research has been focused on elucidating the interplay between the traditional Ca-parathyroid hormone-vitamin D axis and mammary-derived factors, such as serotonin (5-HT) and parathyroid-hormone-like hormone (PTHLH), in regulating Ca metabolism during the transition period. Here, we investigate the impact of induced subclinical hypocalcemia (SCH) on 5-HT and parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations in early-lactation dairy cows under conditions of 24-h milk stasis.

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Background: The phase 2 ASUNCTIS study assessed the efficacy and safety of asunercept, a fully human CD95 (Fas) ligand-binding protein, in hospitalised patients with moderate-to-severe coronavirus disease (COVID-19) to assess the clinical benefit of CD95 ligand inhibition in this viral disease.

Methods: In this open-label, multicentre, randomised, controlled, phase 2 trial, patients with COVID-19-induced pneumonia and respiratory deterioration were randomly assigned (1:1:1:1) in 12 Russian and Spanish hospitals using an interactive web-response system to receive standard of care (SOC) or SOC plus weekly asunercept 25 mg, 100 mg, or 400 mg, administered intravenously for up to 4 weeks, or until hospital discharge or death. The randomisation was stratified according to the respiratory support methods at the time of enrolment, corresponding to categories 4-6 of a clinical severity assessment scale comprising 9 levels that was recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) at the time of the study.

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Perinatal mood disorders are a tremendous burden to childbearing families and treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants is increasingly common. Exposure to SSRIs may affect serotonin signaling and ultimately, microbes that live in the gut. Health of the gut microbiome during pregnancy, lactation, and early infancy is critical, yet there is limited evidence to describe the relationship between SSRI exposure and gut microbiome status in this population.

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Postpartum depression affects many individuals after parturition, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are often used as the first-line treatment; however, both SSRIs and lactation are independently associated with bone loss due to the role of serotonin in bone remodeling. Previously, we have established that administration of the SSRI fluoxetine during the peripartal period results in alterations in long-term skeletal characteristics. In the present study, we treated mice with either a low or high dose of fluoxetine during lactation to determine the consequences of the perturbation of serotonin signaling during this time period on the dam skeleton.

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