bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Itching for innovation: the role of aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonists as a future therapy for atopic dermatitis
Authors: Wazir Areen , O’Toole Edel A 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that affects over 200 million people worldwide. Patients commonly present with dry, itchy and sore skin. The challenge in finding optimal treatment for AD stems from the heterogeneous nature of the disease and its multifaceted aetiology: skin barrier dysfunction, immune system dysregulation, genetic factors, environmental factors and alterations in skin microorganisms. Traditional treatments for AD, such as corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors and immunosuppressants, have several limitations, such as the reoccurrence of symptoms when discontinued, lack of targeted action and risk of adverse effects. The aim of this literature review was to explore and summarize the role of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) agonists (namely tapinarof) as potential future therapy for AD. It is hoped that AHR agonists will overcome the limitations of traditional AD therapies and exert their therapeutic value by maintaining the integrity of the skin barrier, defending against oxidative stress, modulating immune activity and inflammation and restoring a healthy skin microbiome. Tapinarof, a topical AHR agonist, is showing promising results and has recently concluded its long-term extension phase III trial (ADORING 3). For tapinarof to be integrated into the AD treatment pathway, robust research evidence must be presented on its efficacy, durability, potential remittive effect and safety across different AD subtypes in a large, diverse patient population. In addition, the cost-effectiveness of tapinarof compared with its topical counterparts needs to be considered and multidisciplinary collaboration is required between researchers, clinicians and policymakers.
Effectiveness of wide local excision and secondary intention healing in hidradenitis suppurativa: a single-centre study on quality of life and mental health outcomes
Authors: Michelucci Alessandra , Manzo Margiotta Flavia , Salvia Giorgia , Vietina Antonella , Janowska Agata , Morganti Riccardo , Romanelli Marco , Dini Valentina 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that significantly impacts patients’ quality of life and mental health. Effective management often involves both medical and surgical interventions.

Objectives
To assess the effectiveness of wide local excision and secondary intention healing in improving quality of life and mental health in patients with moderate-to-severe HS.

Methods
A single-centre prospective study was conducted with 40 patients with moderate-to-severe HS that had been refractory to previous treatment. Presurgical mapping of lesions was performed using ultra-high-frequency ultrasound. Patients underwent wide surgical excision followed by secondary intention healing based on HS-TIME (tissue, infection/inflammation, moisture, edges) principles. Quality of life was measured using Skindex-16, and mental health was assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), with subscales for anxiety (HADS-A) and depression (HADS-D). Assessments were conducted at baseline, 4 weeks after surgery and after complete wound healing. Statistical analyses included paired t-tests and multiple linear regression to determine factors influencing outcomes.

Results
Fourteen men and 26 women with a mean (SD) age of 39 (15) years participated in the study. Significant improvements were observed in Skindex-16 scores (presurgery 57.92, postsurgery 16.03) and HADS scores (HADS-A presurgery 6.13, postsurgery 2.63; HADS-D presurgery 5.50, postsurgery 3.21), indicating reduced pain, discomfort and psychological distress. Multivariate analysis revealed that improvements were associated with male sex, HS stage II disease, longer disease duration and lower body mass index.

Conclusions
Wide local excision combined with secondary intention healing significantly improves quality of life and mental health in patients with HS. The findings suggest that a comprehensive approach addressing both surgical and psychological aspects can enhance patient outcomes. Future research should focus on long-term benefits and the development of standardized postoperative care protocols.
Snow White’s tale in nephrology: the emerging threat of skin-whitening creams on kidney health
Authors: Meena Priti , Das Paromita , Rathore Vinay , Panda Sandip , Popa Cristina 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT
The timeless tale of Snow White, with its emphasis on fair skin as a beauty ideal, mirrors a contemporary issue in nephrology: the harmful impact of skin-whitening creams on kidney health. Fairness creams have deeply embedded themselves in global society, driven by a pervasive obsession with lighter skin tones as a symbol of beauty. This widespread use reflects deeply rooted cultural beliefs and social norms, despite the significant health risks associated with these products. Despite regulatory bans, these creams often contain hazardous substances such as hydroquinone, mercury, and arsenic, posing serious health risks. Mercury, a frequent component of these cosmetics, disrupts melanin synthesis by inhibiting tyrosinase, leading to serious health risks, including nephrotoxicity. Chronic exposure to mercury from cosmetics can harm the liver, kidneys, nervous system, and eyes, with the kidneys being particularly vulnerable. This review discusses the link between fairness creams and the occurrence of glomerular diseases. It delves into the mechanisms by which skin-whitening agents cause kidney damage. Mercury can induce kidney damage through direct cellular toxicity and immune-mediated mechanisms. We present evidence from case studies and published studies connecting mercury-containing creams to nephrotic syndrome. Minimal change disease and membranous nephropathy are the most frequently reported glomerular diseases due to these products. Treatment typically involves stopping the use of the creams and chelation therapy, with glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants for non-responsive cases. The prognosis is generally favourable, with high remission rates, and relapses are seldom reported. By highlighting the nephrotoxic effects of skin-whitening creams, this manuscript emphasizes the urgent need for stringent regulatory oversight and increased public awareness to prevent further health complications.
Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors and new-onset diabetes in cardiovascular or kidney disease
Authors: Ostrominski John W , Højbjerg Lassen Mats C , Claggett Brian L , Miao Zi Michael , Inzucchi Silvio E , Docherty Kieran F , Desai Akshay S , Jhund Pardeep S , Køber Lars , Ponikowski Piotr , Sabatine Marc S , Lam Carolyn S P , Martinez Felipe A , de Boer Rudolf A , Hernandez Adrian F , Shah Sanjiv J , Petersson Magnus , Langkilde Anna Maria , McMurray John J V , Solomon Scott D , Vaduganathan Muthiah 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background and Aims
Individuals with heart failure (HF), other forms of cardiovascular disease, or kidney disease are at increased risk for the development and adverse health effects of diabetes. As such, prevention or delay of diabetes is an important treatment priority in these groups. The aim of this meta-analysis was to determine the effect of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) on incident diabetes in HF across the spectrum of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and across the broader spectrum of cardiovascular or kidney disease.

Methods
First, the effects of dapagliflozin vs. placebo on new-onset diabetes were assessed in a pooled, participant-level analysis of the DAPA-HF and DELIVER trials. New-onset diabetes was defined as the new initiation of glucose-lowering therapy during follow-up, and time from randomization to new-onset diabetes was evaluated using Cox proportional hazards models. Second, PubMed and Embase were searched to identify large-scale randomized clinical outcomes trials (RCTs) comparing SGLT2i with placebo among adults with cardiovascular or kidney disease. A trial-level meta-analysis was then conducted to summarize the treatment effects of SGLT2i on the incidence of new-onset diabetes.

Results
In the pooled analysis of DAPA-HF and DELIVER including 5623 participants with HF but without diabetes at baseline, dapagliflozin reduced the incidence of new-onset diabetes by 33% [hazard ratio (HR), 0.67; 95% confidence interval (CI), .49–.91; P = .012] when compared with placebo. There was no evidence of heterogeneity across the spectrum of continuous LVEF or key subgroups. Among seven complementary RCTs including 17 855 participants with cardiovascular or kidney disease, SGLT2i reduced the of new-onset diabetes by 26% (HR, 0.74; 95% CI .65–.85; P &lt; .001), with consistent effects across trials.

Conclusions
SGLT2i reduced the incidence of new-onset diabetes among individuals with cardiovascular or kidney disease. These findings suggest that SGLT2i implementation may have an important ancillary benefit on prevention or delay of diabetes in these high-risk populations.
Disruption of the pkac2 gene in Pleurotus ostreatus alters cell wall structures and enables mycelial dispersion in liquid culture
Authors: Otsuka Yuitsu , Kawauchi Moriyuki , Yoshizawa Kai , Endo Saori , Schiphof Kim , Tsuji Kenya , Yoshimi Akira , Tanaka Chihiro , Yano Shigekazu , Elisashvili Vladimir , Nakazawa Takehito , Irie Toshikazu , Honda Yoichi 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
In this study, we developed a mycelial dispersion strain by disrupting the pkac2 gene in the white-rot fungus Pleurotus ostreatus. pkac2 is a catalytic subunit gene of protein kinase A, which regulates several transcription factors related to cell wall synthesis. Liquid cultures of the Δpkac2 strains showed very high mycelial dispersibility and were visibly different from the wild-type (WT) strain. Although growth on agar medium was slower than that of WT, Δpkac2 strains grew faster in liquid culture and had approximately twice the mycelial dry weight of WT after 5 days of culture. Microscopic observations showed that the cell walls of the Δpkac2 strains were thinner compared to WT. The β-glucan content in the cell walls decreased in the pkac2 disruptants, although the transcription levels of β-glucan synthase genes increased. Furthermore, the Δpkac2 strains showed decreased hydrophobicity and stress tolerance compared to WT. These results indicate that disruption of the pkac2 gene in P. ostreatus alters the structure of the cell wall surface layer, resulting in high-density cultures due to mycelial dispersion.
Accountable care organization changes in equity of ambulatory care quality by patient race and ethnicity, 2019-2022
Authors: Rodriguez Hector P , Xu Shihan , Brewster Amanda L , Brown Timothy T , Chen Stacy , Epstein Sarah D 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
There is limited information about accountable care organization (ACO) variation in equity of ambulatory care quality. We examine whether equity of care changed for racial and ethnic minority patients from 2019 to 2022 and the extent to which equity of care performance varied for 11 ACOs in Massachusetts over time. We analyzed ACO-level changes in equity of care for 8 ambulatory care quality measures for Asian, Black, and Hispanic patients, measured as the percentage point difference between each group and the majority non-Hispanic White patient group. Cervical cancer screening (3.54 percentage point change, P &lt; 0.001), colorectal cancer screening (3.54 percentage point change, P &lt; 0.001), and eye exams for adults with diabetes (3.56 percentage point change, P = 0.008) had the largest performance declines. Equity of ambulatory care quality did not significantly change over time. The one exception was for breast cancer screening, where equity declined for Asian patients (3.52 percentage point change, P = 0.04). Although equity of care generally did not significantly change over time across ACOs, high variation in equity of care performance between ACOs highlights opportunities to identify and share the strategies that enable physician practices and healthcare systems to advance equity of care for racial and ethnic minority patients.
Prevalence and predictors of misperceptions of ‘better-for-you’ alcohol products among Australian adult drinkers
Authors: Haynes Ashleigh , Ilchenko Elizaveta , Dixon Helen , Morley Belinda 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
This study investigated the prevalence and predictors of misperceptions about the healthiness of alcohol products carrying common health-oriented marketing cues and the relative importance of the type (versus amount) of alcohol consumed in contributing to health risks. Data were from a 2022 cross-sectional national population survey. Australian adults (18–65 years) who consumed alcohol in the past year (n = 1960) reported their agreement with statements that a selection of health-oriented marketing cues meant an alcohol product was ‘better for you’ and rated the importance of the type and amount of alcohol consumed in causing health risks. The majority of participants misperceived the type of alcohol to be at least as important as the amount in causing health risks (61%) and misperceived at least one health-oriented marketing cue as meaning a product was ‘better for you’ (75%). Misperceptions about low sugar, calorie and carbohydrate; and preservative-free claims (46–56%) were most common. Misperceptions about natural, organic, vegan, low sugar, low calorie, gluten-free and seltzer cues were less prevalent among older (45–65 years) than young adults (18–24 years, PR = 0.27–0.86). A lower proportion of women (compared to men) held misperceptions about vegan (PR = 0.66) and gluten-free claims (PR = 0.78), but a higher proportion held misperceptions about low sugar claims (PR = 1.13). There were also variations by socioeconomic status, alcohol consumption, education and regional/metropolitan location. Misperceptions about health-oriented marketing of alcohol are widespread. Further regulation of permissible alcohol marketing content is needed, but until then, differences in misperceptions between population segments may inform targeted health promotion efforts.
Watered down: a cross-case political economy analysis of sugar-sweetened beverage taxes in Vanuatu and Fiji
Authors: Elliott Lana M , Waqa Gade D , Ravuvu Amerita L A , Dalglish Sarah L , Topp Stephanie M 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) in Vanuatu and Fiji are praised for their alignment with the World Health Organization’s noncommunicable diseases Best Buy policy recommendations. SSB taxes also intersect with economic, trade and commercial interests as well as complex domestic and international power dynamics. Yet, to date, the role of these broader interests and power dynamics in shaping SSB tax adoption in Vanuatu and Fiji has remained underexamined. Drawing on Bourdieu’s forms of capital and triangulating interview (n = 50), document (n = 461) and observational data, this cross-case political economy analysis sought to understand where forms of power reside, how they manifest, and what impact they have on the alignment between SSB tax in Vanuatu and Fiji and national and global goals and priorities. Three interconnected themes emerged from the analysis: the influence of domestic industry actors in a context of shifting fiscal and trade incentives; the pivotal agenda-setting role of pro-tax multisectoral coalitions and the way political instability lent importance to informal policy processes. Findings evidence the varying influence of economic, social, and cultural capitals across the policy cycle and showcase the way in which actors strategically deployed, lost or re-imagined their capitals to secure policy influence. Importantly, cultural capital was essential to leveraging influence across the policy cycle and more inward-facing systems favoured the protection of domestic actors and industries, including their economic capital. From a health perspective, these political forces ultimately culminated in weaker or ‘watered down’ SSB taxes in both Vanuatu and Fiji.
Community sports leaders’ perceptions of the risks and benefits of gambling sponsorship in community sport
Authors: McCarthy Simone , Pitt Hannah , Randle Melanie , Arnot Grace , Marko Sarah , Daube Mike , Thomas Samantha L 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Gambling sponsorship of professional sport, particularly relating to online wagering, has been a key focus of global regulatory reform efforts to address the normalization of gambling. In Australia, gambling companies and venues (including community clubs and hotels) also sponsor and develop relationships with community (non-professional) sports teams and clubs. In-depth interviews (n = 24) were conducted with senior leaders in community sporting organizations in Australia with an aim of understanding the factors that shape decisions about accepting or refusing gambling sponsorships and partnerships. A reflexive approach to thematic analysis was used to construct three themes from the data. First, participants considered the alignment of values between the sponsor and the community sporting organization. While most stated that gambling and sport should not be aligned through sponsorship, some forms of sponsorship (for example from community clubs) were perceived as less harmful than others (such as online wagering). Second, some thought that while there were ethical ways to engage with gambling sponsors such as not promoting sponsors’ products, they were concerned about how gambling sponsorship might have an overall impact on the community. Third, was the impact of gambling sponsorships on the organization’s reputation, and balancing this with a need for financial stability. Decisions to accept (or reject) gambling sponsorship were influenced by a range of perceived risks and benefits. Addressing the acceptance of gambling sponsorships among community sporting organizations could involve several approaches to interventions, including regulation, formal policies to guide sponsorship decisions and education about the risks of accepting these sponsorships.
CPR training as a gender and rights-based healthcare issue
Authors: Szabo Rebecca Amalia , Forrest Kirsty , Morley Peter , Barwick Stephanie , Bajaj Komal , Britt Kellie , Yong Sarah A , Park-Ross Jocelyn , Story David , Stokes-Parish Jessica 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
It is not understood how cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training, specifically the representation of sex in CPR manikins, contributes to inequitable outcomes in cardiac arrest survival. The aim of this study was to identify the sex and chest wall secondary sexual characteristics of CPR manikins on the global market. The secondary aim was to identify if manikin manufacturing companies had a publicly available sustainability policy or equivalent, and if these covered products were manufactured. We conducted an observational descriptive study of the secondary sex characteristics and named sex of CPR training manikins available on the global market, and equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), human rights and sustainability policies of the companies that manufacture them. Nine CPR manikin manufacturers were identified. Twenty CPR manikins were included for analysis. Of the 20 manikins, 75% were identified as male (n = 8, 40%) or no gender specified (n = 7, 35%) and all these had flat torsos—one had a breast overlay available. One company had a 2020 sustainability report that addressed EDI for the workforce only, and a 2023 report addresses this for products manufactured. Adult CPR manikins available globally are largely homogenous, flat-chested and do not have secondary sex characteristics or a named sex. One company had a sustainability report that referenced workforce only and has since committed to EDI for products manufactured. We urge CPR training providers and manufacturers to collectively promote a rights-based approach to healthcare aligned with the commercial determinants of health by committing to improving the diversity of CPR training manikins.
Conducting industry informant interviews to advance healthy food retail initiatives: challenges, opportunities, and lessons
Authors: Zhang Angela Y , Antonacci Cerra C , Laska Melissa N , Winkler Megan R 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Retail food environments influence dietary health, yet efforts to improve them have had limited success. Recruiting informants from the food and beverage retail industry for insider information has been challenging due to the sensitivity of inquiries and proprietary protections. Moreover, which recruitment approaches are successful are seldom disseminated. This paper aimed to bridge this gap by detailing the complexities of recruiting and interviewing four food industry insider groups—independent store owners, corporate chain managers, food and beverage distributors, and sales representatives of major companies—to provide insights and specific guidance for future research. From October 2021 to November 2022, we interviewed 49 industry informants to explore business and commercial practices used in the US food retail sector. Recruitment methods were tailored to each group, and qualitative data were collected through in-person or virtual ‘walk-along’ interviews with customized interview guides. Across the study, we experienced distinct challenges around participant inaccessibility, hierarchy within corporate chains, skepticism, mistrust and variation in knowledge across industry groups. We detail our response to these challenges through four lessons learned, including persistence and flexibility, the importance of vetting, the value of trust-building measures and adapting the study protocol to new information. Given our success in reaching industry groups and accessing insider information, we provide key recommendations that future researchers can use to engage diverse industry groups and advance efforts to promote healthy food retail.
A case of superior trunk brachial plexus injury after right mini-thoracotomy mitral valve repair
Authors: Ozaki Tatsuya , Kawamura Masashi , Iwahashi Toru , Miyagawa Shigeru 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
We report a case of superior trunk brachial plexus injury following a right mini-thoracotomy mitral valve repair. A 45-year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus, who was on steroids and immunosuppressive drugs, underwent mitral valve repair via right mini-thoracotomy. The patient was positioned in the left semisagittal position with the right upper arm elevated. Postoperatively, she exhibited focal motor and sensory deficits in the right upper extremity, and a superior trunk brachial plexus injury on the right side was diagnosed through brachial plexus MRI and electrophysiological examination. The nerve injury was likely due to excessive left lateral flexion of the head during the procedure. Sensation returned to normal 4 weeks postoperatively, and muscle strength fully recovered 3 months postoperatively. Careful attention to positioning during minimally invasive cardiac surgery is crucial to prevent nerve compression in superficial areas and excessive lateral flexion of the head.