bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
IL-33/ST2 axis mediates diesel exhaust particles-induced mast cell activation
Authors: Cheng Wun-Hao , Zhuang Ting-Li , Lee Meng-Jung , Chou Chun-Liang , Chen Bing-Chang , Kuo Han-Pin , Weng Chih-Ming 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Mast cells are implicated in the pathogenesis and severity of asthma in children and adults. The release of proinflammatory mediators and cytokines from activated mast cells (MC) is associated with Type 2 (T2) cell-skewed inflammation.

Methods
We obtained the airway tissues of Balb/c mice with or without intra-tracheal diesel exhaust particles (DEP) instillation to measure the extent of tryptase+ MCs infiltration and interleukin (IL)-33 expression. Cultured human mast cells (HMC-1) were stimulated with DEP to determine the role of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in mediating the synthesis and release of IL-33 and type-2 cytokines.

Results
In the control animals, most of the MC accumulated in the submucosal vessels without expression of IL-33. Intra-tracheal DEP installation increased the number of IL-33+ MC infiltrating in the epithelial and sub-epithelial areas of mice. Human MC exposed to DEP upregulated mRNA and protein expression of IL-33. These effects were abolished by knockdown of expression of the AhR or AhR nuclear translocator (ARNT) by small interfering (si)RNA transfection. DEP also activated nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) to facilitate nuclear translocation of the AhR. DEP increased MC migration and induced the synthesis and release of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 in MCs, and these effects were abolished by anti-ST2 antibodies.

Conclusions
Airborne pollutants may activate MCs to produce IL-33 via the AhR/NF-κB pathway, leading to type 2 cytokines production and enhancing MC airway epithelium-shifted migration through the autocrine or paracrine IL-33/ST2 axis.
Benchmarks for low back pain in general practice in Flanders: electronic audit of INTEGO
Authors: Paridaens Rico , Vaes Bert , Van den Bulck Steve , Soetaert Justine 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most frequent reasons for encounter in general practice. Yet results from literature show adherence to clinical practice guidelines is low. Audit & feedback is a well-known strategy to improve adherence to guidelines. Benchmarking is an important step in the audit & feedback process. The objective of this study was to develop data-derived benchmarks for low back pain quality indicators.

Methods
Four electronic health record extractable quality indicators were selected from an existing indicator set developed by CEBAM, an independent, multidisciplinary and interuniversity medical scientific institute in Belgium. Data from 2021-2022 from INTEGO, a general practice morbidity registry, were used to calculate benchmarks for the four quality indicators. The Achievable Benchmark of Care methodology was used to create benchmarks based on the performance of the 10% best-performing practices.

Results
The following benchmarks were derived: 4.2% prescription for medical imaging, 12.7% prescription for opioids, 27.2% for prescription for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or acetaminophen, 37.7% prescription for physical therapy and 11.9% prescription for work absenteeism.

Conclusions
Benchmarks for four electronic health record-extractable quality indicators have been established. They can be used for an electronic audit & feedback tool in primary practice in Flanders or other quality improvement initiatives.
Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn and Rhesus alloimmunization in Latin American countries: a scoping review
Authors: Júnior Mário Dias Corrêa , Sosa Salvador Espino y , Fernandes Milene , do Carmo Lais , de Oliveira Renato Watanabe , Kanevsky Gabriela 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) is a condition due to maternal blood group antibodies targeting antigens in fetal red blood cells, with significant prenatal/perinatal morbidity and mortality. Severe HDFN cases are often associated with alloimmunization against Rhesus D (RhD) or Kell antigens. Information about HDFN epidemiology and treatment in Latin American countries is limited. This review aims to identify and synthesize the available evidence on the epidemiology and management of HDFN in this region.

Methods
In July 2023, EMBASE, PubMed, LILACS, and other databases were searched for articles reporting epidemiology, treatment, prenatal and perinatal outcomes, and patient journey of HDFN cases in Latin American countries. A snowball search of cross-references and gray literature complemented the initial search. Publications in English, Spanish, and Portuguese were reviewed. Data were extracted using a defined template and charted in tables.

Results
We reviewed five guidelines and 19 observational studies from Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Panamá, Paraguay, and Peru. HDFN due to Rh alloimmunization ranged from 0.5 to 5 per 1000 live births, and anti-D remains the most frequent alloantibody type for severe HDFN. The perinatal mortality rate of HDFN is approximately 1.3–1.6 per 100,000 live births, and fetal deaths can reach 30% among patients treated with intrauterine transfusions. Up to 47% of alloimmunized pregnancies were referred to reference centers only during the third trimester. About 60% of eligible pregnancies received anti-D IgG prophylaxis.

Conclusions
Although estimates in LATAM countries are scarce and lack standardized measures, we observed that the incidence, morbidity, and mortality of HDFN in this region are problematic. RhD alloimmunization was reported in approximately up to 70% of severe HDFN cases, despite anti D HDFN being largely preventable.
Establishment and characterization of a new intestinal-type ampullary carcinoma cell line, DPC-X3
Authors: Chai Changpeng , Miao Xin , Su Yuanhui , Yu Cheng , Tang Huan , Li Lu , Wang Zhengfeng , Yi Jianfeng , Ye Zhenzhen , Miao Long , Zhang Hui , Hu Zhao , Chen Luyang , Wu Keren , Li Ning , Wang Linpei , Zhou Wence , Xu Hao 
Published: December 2024

AbstractAmpullary carcinoma (AC) of the intestinal type represents a distinct variant within the broader category of ampullary neoplasms. The scarcity of pertinent cellular models has constrained investigations centered on this particular malignancy. This research effectively generated a cell line (CL) of intestinal-type AC (DPC-X3). This newly developed CL has been continuously cultured for 1 year and has demonstrated stable passaging exceeding 60 generations. Morphologically, DPC-X3 exhibited characteristic attributes of an epithelial tumor. The cell proliferation rate of DPC-X3 exhibited a doubling interval of 79 h. Short tandem repeat (STR) analysis validated the high consistency between DPC-X3 and the patient’s primary tumor. Characteristically, DPC-X3 displayed sub diploid karyotypes, primarily featuring 44, XY inv (9), -18, -20, -22, and + mar. Under suspension culture conditions, DPC-X3 could efficiently form organoids, and DPC-X3 cells inoculated subcutaneously into NXG mice could form transplanted tumors. Drug susceptibility assays demonstrated that DPC-X3 resisted paclitaxel, oxaliplatin, 5-fluorouracil(5-FU), and gemcitabine. Immunohistochemical (IHC) evaluation revealed affirmative reactivity for CK7 and CK20 within DPC-X3 cells, while CDX2 exhibited no detectable expression. E-cadherin and Vimentin demonstrated positive immunoreactivity, whereas CEA and CA19-9 displayed faint positivity. The Ki-67 proliferation index was determined to be approximately 40%. DPC-X3 presents a valuable experimental platform for elucidating the pathogenesis of intestinal-type AC and can serve as a driver for drug development efforts.
Development and psychometric evaluation of an instrument measuring ambulance nurses’ adherence and attitudes to acute chest pain guidelines
Authors: Hansen Michael Ulrich , Zdravkovic Slobodan , Jakobsson Ulf , Vejzovic Vedrana , Axelsson Malin 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Effective prehospital care for acute chest pain critically relies on ambulance nurses’ adherence to clinical guidelines. However, current adherence is inadequate, with no instruments available to improve the situation. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and psychometrically evaluate an instrument measuring ambulance nurses’ adherence to and attitudes towards acute chest pain guidelines, and to adapt and test the Attitudes Regarding Practice Guidelines instrument for measuring general attitudes towards guidelines.

Methods
An instrument development design was used. A 49-item Adherence Instrument was initially developed for measuring adherence to and attitudes towards acute chest pain guidelines and the 18-item Attitudes Regarding Practice Guidelines instrument was translated into Swedish. Both instruments were validated through cognitive interviews and expert reviews. To ascertain its reliability, a test‒retest was conducted. The construct validity of the Adherence Instrument was assessed via principal component analysis on the basis of a polychoric correlation matrix.

Results
The developed Adherence Instrument was refined to 18 items and showed strong validity and reliability. Similarly, the Attitudes Regarding Practice Guidelines instrument, refined to 12 items, demonstrated strong validity and reliability. Principal component analysis of the Adherence Instrument identified five components: professional evidence-based practice, assessment of symptoms, confidence in skills, clinical autonomy, and guideline clarity and education. These components accounted for 64.5% of the total variance and demonstrated strong reliability, with an ordinal alpha of 0.84 for the entire scale.

Conclusion
The psychometric properties of the Adherence Instrument were satisfactory and will be useful in prehospital emergency care to measure attitudes and adherence towards acute chest pain guidelines.
Understanding the financial barriers to treatment among individuals with opioid use disorder: a focus group study
Authors: Anyanwu Precious , Olateju Olajumoke A. , Tata Vaishnavi , Varisco Tyler , Gilbert Lauren R. , Ogunsanya Motolani E. , Essien E. James , Johnson Michael L. , Thornton J. Douglas 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Introduction
Despite the established effectiveness and relatively widespread availability of Medications for Opioid Use Disorder, individuals seeking treatment frequently encounter various structural and social barriers, including costs of treatment. This study aimed to understand the financial barriers that affect treatment continuation in individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD).

Methods
In this qualitative study, seven semi-structured in-depth focus group interviews were conducted among 28 participants in treatment for OUD. Basic demographic information were collected in a pre-focus group survey. Focus group interviews were conducted from December 2021 to February 2022. A moderator guide was used to facilitate the discussion. Transcripts were managed using ATLAS.ti© v7. Data collected from the focus groups underwent deductive thematic analysis.

Results
Data saturation was reached in 7 focus groups with a total of 28 participants (17 [60.7%] women; 27 [96.4%] white; 24 [85.7%] non-Hispanic). All three medications for OUD were represented (18 [64.3%] buprenorphine and naloxone, 5 [17.9%] methadone, 3 [10.7%] naltrexone, and 2 [7.1%] buprenorphine) and the time in treatment ranged from 1 month to over 36 months. Nearly all participants (27 [96.4%]) indicated a financial barrier that led to delayed treatment initiation and treatment retention. Two themes were identified from the focus group interviews: (1) OUD treatment-related financial burden- the direct and indirect cost associated with the treatment, and (2) psychosocial effects associated with the cost of OUD treatment -the mental, emotional, and social effects of the disease.

Conclusions
Most participants described the desire and need for resources to offset the unaffordable cost that inhibits treatment initiation and retention. Further work is required to help identify individuals susceptible to financial barriers that can lead to early discontinuation in treatment.
Do targeted intergovernmental fiscal transfers improve health outcomes? Evidence from Kenyan decentralization using the difference-in-differences technique
Authors: Thapa Bishnu Bahadur , Rahman Momotazur , Were Lawrence , Wamai Richard , Galárraga Omar 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
As envisioned by the 2010 Constitution, Kenya implemented a devolved system of government in March 2013, setting up 47 counties and a corresponding number of local governments. These counties differed in their levels of development. While counties such as Nairobi and Kiambu led in social and economic indicators, others such as Turkana, Mandera and Wajir were at the bottom of the list. Keeping the between-country disparities and the need to remedy those disparities in mind, the national government used formula-based criteria to determine counties’ eligibility for the receipt of financial resources. On the basis of these criteria, counties were classified into marginalized and nonmarginalized counties. The marginalized counties were the 14 (of the 47) most socially and economically disadvantaged counties. These counties receive additional financial resources, which we call targeted intergovernmental fiscal transfers (i.e. fiscal transfers from the national government to county governments).

Methods
We used the difference-in-differences (DID) technique and fixed effects models to estimate the effects of these targeted intergovernmental fiscal transfers on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) incidence and diarrhoea incidence.

Results
The results revealed that the counties receiving those transfers experienced a statistically significant decline in the incidence of diarrhoea but had no impact on the incidence of HIV. Our study fills a major gap in causal evidence linking intergovernmental fiscal transfers to health outcomes, especially in the context of low–middle-income countries in a newly decentralized setting.

Conclusions
Our results imply that targeted intergovernmental fiscal transfers may be effective at improving some subnational health outcomes, and therefore in reducing within-country health inequalities.
Eplerenone, a mineralocorticoid receptor inhibitor, reduces cirrhosis associated changes of hepatocyte glucose and lipid metabolism
Authors: Mohib Mohammad Mohabbulla , Rabe Sindy , Nolze Alexander , Rooney Michael , Ain Quratul , Zipprich Alexander , Gekle Michael , Schreier Barbara 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Recent studies suggest a contribution of intrahepatic mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) activation to the development of cirrhosis. As MR blockade abrogates the development of cirrhosis and hypoxia, common during the development of cirrhosis, can activate MR in hepatocytes. But, the impact of non-physiological hepatic MR activation is unknown. In this study, we investigate the impact of hypoxia-induced hepatocyte MR activation as a relevant factor in cirrhosis.

Methods
RNA sequencing followed by gene ontology term enrichment analysis was performed on liver samples from rats treated for 12 weeks with or without CCl4 and for the last four weeks with or without eplerenone (MR antagonist). We investigated if these changes can be mimicked by hypoxia in a human hepatocyte cell line (HepG2 cells) and in primary rat hepatocytes (pRH). In order to evaluate the functional cellular importance, hepatocyte lipid accumulation, glucose consumption, lactate production and mitochondrial function were analyzed.

Results
In cirrhotic liver tissue genes annotated to the GOterm “Monocarboxylic acid metabolic process” (PPARα, PDK4, AMACR, ABCC2, Lipin1) are downregulated. This effect is reversed by the MR antagonist eplerenone in vivo. The alterations are partially mimicked by hypoxia in rat and human hepatocytes in tissue culture. Furthermore, the reduction of mRNA and protein expression of PPARα, PDK4, AMACR, ABCC2 and Lipin1 during hypoxia is prevented by eplerenone in rat and human hepatocytes. Aldosterone, the endogenous MR agonist, did not affect the expression of those proteins in hepatocytes. As those proteins are key regulators of hepatocyte energy homeostasis, we analyzed if hypoxia affected glucose consumption, lactate production and lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells in a MR-mediated manner. All three parameters were affected by hypoxia and were partially normalized by eplerenone.

Conclusion
Our findings suggest that non-physiological MR activation plays a role in the dysregulation of glucose and lipid metabolism in hepatocytes. This leads to an increase in apoptosis, probably resulting in a proinflammatory micromilieu of the hepatic tissue. The enhanced deposition of extracellular matrix contributes to the development of cirrhosis. Therefore, MR antagonists may have therapeutic potential in the treatment of early stages of liver disease due to their direct action in the liver.
From controllers to cognition: the importance of selection factors on video game and gameplay mechanic-derived cognitive differences
Authors: Vo Tina T. , Pahlen Shandell , Zheng Anqing , Yu Sian , Lor Emery , Bowman Nicholas D. , Corley Robin P. , Friedman Naomi P. , Wadsworth Sally J. , Reynolds Chandra A. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractPlaying video games, especially games with action-based mechanics, is correlated with better cognitive performance, yet these performance advantages may originate from intrinsic factors such as earlier life cognitive differences. We investigated whether gaming-cognition associations in a sample past young adulthood remain robust after accounting for adolescent cognitive functioning. Using data from the Colorado Adoption/Twin Study of Lifespan behavioral development and cognitive aging (CATSLife; N = 1241, Mage = 33.3, %, age range = 28–51, Female = 52.9%), we compared cognitive performance of adult recreational gamers (40.6%) to non-gamers (59.4%) and between different types of gamers. Measures included processing speed, spatial reasoning, and working memory cognitive tasks, gaming status, and gameplay type engagement. The majority of gamer participants reported exclusively playing puzzle/strategy/life simulation games (53.0%) or action type games (33.1%); a smaller proportion reported playing both types of games (10.3%). Overall, gamers significantly outperformed non-gamers across most cognitive tasks (Cohen’s d = 0.17–0.25), with limited evidence of a differential gameplay mechanic effect across tasks. Selection effects were evident whereby after adolescent IQ adjustment, gamer cognitive effects diminished by over 35% but persisted for spatial performance. Adolescent IQ predicted puzzle/strategy/life simulation preference but not action-type games, suggesting a selection effect. Our study replicates prior gaming findings and reveals that earlier life functioning contributes to adult gaming-cognition associations. Gamer-spatial associations are not fully attributable to intrinsic factors, and playing video games, regardless of a specific gameplay mechanic or genre, may represent a cognitively engaging lifestyle behavior that may benefit cognitive functioning, with implications for preserved cognition.
A systematic review of peer support interventions to improve psychosocial functioning among cancer survivors: can findings be translated to survivors with a rare cancer living rurally?
Authors: Hemming L. , Duijts S. F. A. , Zomerdijk N. , Cockburn C. , Yuen E. , Hardman R. , Van Vuuren J. , Farrugia T. , Wilson C. , Spelten E. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
This study aimed to (1) summarise research on the impact of peer support interventions aimed at improving psychosocial functioning among cancer survivors, and (2) identify key components for developing a support intervention for patients with a rare cancer living in rural, regional or remote areas.

Methods
A comprehensive search of EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library identified papers that examined peer support interventions: (i) for rare cancer patients, or (ii) for those living in rural, regional or remote locations, or (iii) that provided support online or via telehealth. After screening, data on study characteristics, intervention components and impact on psychosocial functioning were extracted. Quality assessment was conducted, and findings were synthesised narratively.

Results
A total of 23 unique studies were included, primarily exploring peer support for middle-aged females with a breast cancer diagnosis. Interventions were online or telephone-based, targeting a range of psychosocial outcomes with significant improvements found for coping abilities and loneliness. The most impactful interventions involved online, group formats facilitated by healthcare professionals. There were limited data on rare cancers and rural populations.

Conclusions
Few studies have explored peer support interventions for those diagnosed with a rare cancer living in rural, regional or remote areas. Evidence shows mixed impact on psychosocial functioning for cancer survivors, yet promising elements of peer support that can be translated to rare cancer patients living in rural, regional or remote areas.
Clinical differential factors in patients with hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis with Val142Ile and Ser43Asn mutations
Authors: Castellar-Leones Sandra Milena , Ruiz-Ospina Edicson , Diaz-Ruiz Jorge , Correa-Arrieta Cristian , Ruiz-Cortés Xiomara , Luzuriaga-Carpio Diana , Zambrano-Vera Dario , Cedeño-Quincha Jeanneth , Guerrero-Cepeda Luis , César-Chávez Daniel , Ortiz-Corredor Fernando 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (hATTR) is a rare autosomal dominant disease with high clinical variability, influenced by both genotype and the geographic origins of carriers. There is a limited understanding of the Val142Ile and Ser43Asn recognised mutations in Ecuador and Colombia. Therefore, the objective of this study is to describe the neurological and functional characteristics of patients with hATTR associated with the Val142Ile and Ser43Asn mutations, as well as to identify possible differentiating factors between the two mutations.

Methods
This cross-sectional, multicenter study included 35 hATTR patients from rehabilitation centers in Ecuador and Colombia. Patients had confirmed Val142Ile or Ser43Asn mutations. Neurological and functional assessments included the Neurological Impairment Scale, Norfolk Quality of Life-Diabetic Neuropathy (QOL-DN), Composite Autonomic Symptom Score-31, and various motor function tests as nine-hole peg test (NHP). Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) evaluating small fiber function, while ultrasound measured the cross-sectional area (CSA) of peripheral nerves. Statistical analysis employed nonparametric tests and random forest classifiers, using SHAP values to identify differentiating variables.

Results
Val142Ile carriers showed lower performance in the right NHP test and greater sensitivity to cold pain in hand and leg. Ultrasound revealed increased CSA of the median nerve at the elbow and arm and the ulnar nerve at the arm in Val142Ile carriers compared to Ser43Asn carriers. The final random forest model identified the NHP test, Norfolk QOL-DN score, and CSA of the median and ulnar nerves as key discriminating variables.

Conclusion
This study identified significant neurophysiological and ultrasound markers differentiating Val142Ile and Ser43Asn mutations in hATTR-PN patients. Increased nerve CSA and specific motor and sensory impairments highlight the need for comprehensive evaluations to guide diagnosis and treatment.