bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Obesity and Asthma: Implementing a Treatable Trait Care Model
Authors: Mendes Francisca Castro , Garcia‐Larsen Vanessa , Moreira André 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACTRecognition of obesity as a treatable trait of asthma, impacting its development, clinical presentation and management, is gaining widespread acceptance. Obesity is a significant risk factor and disease modifier for asthma, complicating treatment. Epidemiological evidence highlights that obese asthma correlates with poorer disease control, increased severity and persistence, compromised lung function and reduced quality of life. Various mechanisms contribute to the physiological and clinical complexities observed in individuals with obesity and asthma. These encompass different immune responses, including Type IVb, where T helper 2 cells are pivotal and driven by cytokines like interleukins 4, 5, 9 and 13, and Type IVc, characterised by T helper 17 cells and Type 3 innate lymphoid cells producing interleukin 17, which recruits neutrophils. Additionally, Type V involves immune response dysregulation with significant activation of T helper 1, 2 and 17 responses. Finally, Type VI is recognised as metabolic‐induced immune dysregulation associated with obesity. Body mass index (BMI) stands out as a biomarker of a treatable trait in asthma, readily identifiable and targetable, with significant implications for disease management. There exists a notable gap in treatment options for individuals with obese asthma, where asthma management guidelines lack specificity. For example, there is currently no evidence supporting the use of incretin mimetics to improve asthma outcomes in asthmatic individuals without Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In this review, we advocate for integrating BMI into asthma care models by establishing clear target BMI goals, promoting sustainable weight loss via healthy dietary choices and physical activity and implementing regular reassessment and referral as necessary.
Volumetric assessment of volume stable collagen matrix in maxillary single implant site development: A randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Hamdy Ahmed , Ibrahim Suzan Seif Allah , Ghalwash Dalia , Adel‐Khattab Doaa 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIntroductionThe stability of soft tissue volume around dental implants is an important factor for the final esthetic outcome. The main objective of this study was to compare volume stable collagen matrix (VCMX) versus connective tissue graft (CTG) in the augmentation of soft tissue profiles in single implant sites with a class I Siebert ridge defect.Materials and MethodsTwenty patients (14 females and 6 males) were enrolled in the present study. After implant placement and augmentation of the buccal defect by VCMX or CTG, post‐operative evaluation of the volumetric changes at the augmented implant site was carried out at 3, 6, and 9 months as primary outcome, clinical and radiographic soft tissue thickness were carried out at baseline and 9‐month intervals, visual analog scale (VAS) and oral health impact profile‐14 (OHIP14) were recorded 2 weeks after the surgery.ResultsA statistically significant difference in soft tissue volume was found between baseline and 3, 6, and 9 months postoperatively in both groups with the highest value at 9 months (136.33 ± 86.80) (mm3) in VCMX and (186.38 ± 57.52) (mm3) in CTG. Soft tissue thickness was significantly increased in both groups at 9 months in comparison to baseline. However, there was a significantly higher increase in soft tissue thickness at 9 months in CTG (3.87 ± 0.91) than in VCMX (2.94 ± 0.31). Regarding the radiographic soft tissue thickness, there was a statistically significant increase in both groups at 9 months in comparison to baseline. However, there was a statistically higher increase in the radiographic soft tissue thickness at 9 months in CTG (3.08 ± 0.97) than in VCMX (2.37 ± 0.29). VAS showed a statistically lower value in VCMX (0.4 ± 0.7) than CTG (2.8 ± 1.48). The OHIP recorded lower values in the VCMX group than the CTG group with no statistical significance. In addition, there was no difference in the PES between the two groups.ConclusionThe present study showed that CTG and VCMX were both effective in soft tissue augmentation around implants in the esthetic zone. However, CTG proved more efficient in increasing peri‐implant soft tissue volume and mucosal thickness around single implants at a 9‐month follow‐up period. VCMX was associated with less pain or discomfort and reduced patient morbidity, as reflected by the significantly reduced VAS value in the VCMX group.
Artificial intelligence and mixed reality for dental implant planning: A technical note
Authors: Mangano Francesco Guido , Yang Kyung Ran , Lerner Henriette , Admakin Oleg , Mangano Carlo 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAimThe aim of this work is to present a new protocol for implant surgical planning which involves the combined use of artificial intelligence (AI) and mixed reality (MR).MethodsThis protocol involves the acquisition of three‐dimensional (3D) patient data through intraoral scanning (IOS) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). These data are loaded into AI software which automatically segments and aligns the patient's 3D models. These 3D models are loaded into MR software and used for planning implant surgery through holography. The files are then exported and used to design surgical guides via open‐source software, which are 3D printed and used to prepare the implant sites through static computer‐assisted implant surgery (s‐CAIS). The case is finalized prosthetically through a fully digital protocol. The accuracy of implant positioning is verified by comparing the planned position with the actual position of the implants after surgery.ResultsAs a proof of principle, the present protocol seems to be to be reliable and efficient when used for planning simple cases of s‐CAIS in partially edentulous patients. The clinician can plan the implants in an authentic 3D environment without using any radiology‐guided surgery software. The precision of implant placement seems clinically acceptable, with minor deviations.ConclusionsThe present study suggests that AI and MR technologies can be successfully used in s‐CAIS for an authentic 3D planning. Further clinical studies are needed to validate this protocol.
Transcription factor EB reprograms branched‐chain amino acid metabolism and promotes pancreatic cancer progression via transcriptional regulation of BCAT1
Authors: Wang Ting , Hu Qiangsheng , Li Borui , Fan Guixiong , Jing Desheng , Xu Junfeng , Hu Yuheng , Dang Qin , Ji Shunrong , Zhou Chenjie , Zhuo Qifeng , Xu Xiaowu , Qin Yi , Yu Xianjun , Li Zheng 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPancreatic cancer cells have a much higher metabolic demand than that of normal cells. However, the abundant interstitium and lack of blood supply determine the lack of nutrients in the tumour microenvironment. Although pancreatic cancer has been reported to supply extra metabolic demand for proliferation through autophagy and other means, the specific regulatory mechanisms have not yet been elucidated. In this study, we focused on transcription factor EB (TFEB), a key factor in the regulation of autophagy, to explore its effect on the phenotype and role in the unique amino acid utilisation pattern of pancreatic cancer cells (PCCs). The results showed that TFEB, which is generally highly expressed in pancreatic cancer, promoted the proliferation and metastasis of PCCs. TFEB knockdown inhibited the proliferation and metastasis of PCCs by blocking the catabolism of branched‐chain amino acids (BCAAs). Concerning the mechanism, we found that TFEB regulates the catabolism of BCAAs by regulating BCAT1, a key enzyme in BCAA metabolism. BCAA deprivation alone did not effectively inhibit PCC proliferation. However, BCAA deprivation combined with eltrombopag, a drug targeting TFEB, can play a two‐pronged role in exogenous supply deprivation and endogenous utilisation blockade to inhibit the proliferation of pancreatic cancer to the greatest extent, providing a new therapeutic direction, such as targeted metabolic reprogramming of pancreatic cancer.
Islet autoantibody frequency in relatives of children with type 1 diabetes who have a type 2 diabetes diagnosis
Authors: Lewis Shanice J. , Williams Claire L. , Mortimer Georgina L. ,   AWAF,   BOX Study Group, Oram Richard A. , Hagopian William A. , Gillespie Kathleen M. , Long Anna E. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAimThis study aimed to evaluate characteristics of autoimmunity in individuals who have a type 2 diagnosis and are relatives of children with type 1 diabetes.MethodsPre‐diagnosis samples (median 17 months before onset) from relatives who were later diagnosed with type 2 diabetes were measured for autoantibodies to glutamate decarboxylase 65 (GADA), islet antigen‐2 (IA‐2A), zinc transporter 8 (ZnT8A) and insulin (IAA) as well as the type 1 diabetes genetic risk score (GRS2). Associations between islet autoantibodies, insulin treatment and GRS2 were analysed using Fisher's exact and t‐tests.ResultsAmong 226 relatives (64% men; mean age at sampling 41 years; mean age 54 years at diagnosis), 32 (14%) were islet autoantibody‐positive for at least one autoantibody more than a decade before diagnosis. Approximately half of these (n = 15) were treated with insulin. GADA‐positivity was higher in insulin‐treated relatives than in non‐insulin‐treated relatives (12/18 [67%] vs. 6/18 [33%], p < 0.001). IAA‐positivity was observed in 13/32 (41%) of relatives with autoantibodies. GRS2 scores were increased in autoantibody‐positive relatives (p = 0.032), but there was no clear evidence for a difference according to treatment (p = 0.072).ConclusionThis study highlights the importance of measuring islet autoantibodies, including IAA, in relatives of people with type 1 diabetes to avoid misdiagnosis.
Clinical efficacy and cost‐effectiveness of metformin in different patient populations: A narrative review of real‐world evidence
Authors: Solini Anna , Tricò Domenico 
Published: June 2024

AbstractOver the past two decades, diabetes pharmacopoeia has flourished, with new drugs that, on top of their glucose‐lowering efficacy, have been shown to protect the heart and the kidney. Despite these new opportunities, metformin retains a pivotal role among glucose‐lowering agents. As one of the few available insulin sensitizers, metformin is an effective, safe, and overall well‐tolerated drug backed by over 60 years of clinical experience, including evidence for potential benefits beyond glucose reduction across different ages, sexes, genetic backgrounds, geographical areas, and stages of disease. Although there is some discussion of whether metformin offers the most effective front‐line option in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes (T2D), it remains a natural companion to all other glucose‐lowering agents. Furthermore, metformin comes at a very low cost and, as such, it has extremely high cost‐effectiveness, particularly given the serious economic burden associated with diabetes complications. This financial advantage is particularly relevant in resource‐constrained healthcare systems, where the affordability of metformin may be instrumental in implementing an effective treatment in an evergrowing number of individuals. We present here compelling real‐world evidence in support of the clinical efficacy and cost‐effectiveness of metformin across different patient populations, highlighting areas where more population‐based studies are needed to further incorporate and consolidate its use in the pharmacological management of T2D.
Omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and pulmonary arterial hypertension: Insights and perspectives
Authors: Massaro Marika , Quarta Stefano , Calabriso Nadia , Carluccio Maria Annunziata , Scoditti Egeria , Mancuso Peter , De Caterina Raffaele , Madonna Rosalinda 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare and progressive disorder that affects the pulmonary vasculature. Although recent developments in pharmacotherapy have extended the life expectancy of PAH patients, their 5‐year survival remains unacceptably low, underscoring the need for multitarget and more comprehensive approaches to managing the disease. This should incorporate not only medical, but also lifestyle interventions, including dietary changes and the use of nutraceutical support. Among these strategies, n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n‐3 PUFAs) are emerging as promising agents able to counteract the inflammatory component of PAH. In this narrative review, we aim at analysing the preclinical evidence for the impact of n‐3 PUFAs on the pathogenesis and the course of PAH. Although evidence for the role of n‐3 PUFAs deficiencies in the development and progression of PAH in humans is limited, preclinical studies suggest that these dietary components may influence several aspects of the pathobiology of PAH. Further clinical research should test the efficacy of n‐3 PUFAs on top of approved clinical management. These studies will provide evidence on whether n‐3 PUFAs can genuinely serve as a valuable tool to enhance the efficacy of pharmacotherapy in the treatment of PAH.
Self‐perceptions in difficult times. A study highlighting how creative self‐efficacy of teachers is influenced by perceived stress, hope and critical thinking disposition
Authors: Mangion Margaret , Camilleri Gilmour , Vella Melchior 
Published: June 2024

AbstractEducators are indispensable assets to society as they support students through the provision of good quality education (SDG4). While they establish working environments where students feel safe and able to contribute to their intellectual capital, an essential consideration arises when educators find themselves facing significant challenges. This study examines how critical thinking disposition, hope and stress perceived during the COVID‐19 pandemic relate to participants' belief in their ability to address pandemic‐related challenges through creative means. Responses from 173 educators revealed that critical thinking disposition is positively associated with educators' self‐perception of creative self‐efficacy. This study also finds that creative self‐efficacy is negatively affected by perceived stress. The findings also indicate demographic and professional differences in creative self‐efficacy among educators in Malta, with younger educators and those working in higher educational levels, particularly at tertiary institutions, exhibiting higher levels of this construct. However, the role within the institution influenced creative self‐efficacy levels differently. The findings from this study underline the relevance of initiatives aimed at bolstering support for educators.
Marked hyperferritinemia in critically ill cancer patients
Authors: Liedgens Paul , Heger Jan‐Michel , Sieg Noelle , Garcia Borrega Jorge , Naendrup Jan‐Hendrik , Simon Florian , Johannis Wibke , Hallek Michael , Shimabukuro‐Vornhagen Alexander , Kochanek Matthias , Böll Boris , Eichenauer Dennis A. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate characteristics and outcomes of critically ill cancer patients with marked hyperferritinemia.MethodsA single‐center retrospective analysis comprising cancer patients with a ferritin level >10.000 μg/L treated in the intensive care unit (ICU) between 2012 and 2022 was conducted.ResultsA total of 117 patients were included in the analysis. The median age was 59 years (range: 15–86 years). Females accounted for 48% of cases. 90% of patients had a hematologic malignancy. The median maximum ferritin level was 27.349 μg/L (range: 10.300–426.073 μg/L). The diagnostic criteria of septic shock were fulfilled in 51% of cases; 31% of patients had hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) according to the HLH‐2004 criteria. Mechanical ventilation, renal replacement therapy and the use of vasopressors were necessary in 59%, 35% and 70% of cases, respectively. The ICU, hospital, 90‐day and 1‐year survival rates were 33.3%, 23.1%, 23.7% and 11.7%. Patients with septic shock had a worse survival than those without septic shock (p = .001); the survival of patients who fulfilled the HLH‐2004 criteria did not differ from those who did not (p = .88).ConclusionCritically ill cancer patients with marked hyperferritinemia have poor outcomes. The present data may help to make informed decisions for this patient group.
Diffuse, subcutaneous presentation of neurolymphomatosis in a horse with multicentric lymphoma
Authors: Graham Annabelle E. , Ricci Emanuele , Rocchigiani Guido , Carslake Harry B. 
Published: June 2024

SummaryA five‐year‐old Dales gelding was presented with an eight‐week history of progressive, apparently nonpainful, cord‐like, subcutaneous masses across the face, neck, trunk and forelimbs. Physical and neurological examinations identified mild, diffuse weakness, hyperaesthesia and moderate tachycardia. Transcutaneous and transrectal ultrasonography and endoscopy of the guttural pouches confirmed marked enlargement of peripheral nerves and visible cranial nerves, respectively. Histopathology of the subcutaneous lesions was indicative of chronic lymphoplasmacytic polyneuritis with fibrosis. The horse failed to respond to treatment with glucocorticoids, showing progressive generalised weakness and was euthanised. Post‐mortem examination identified a generalised lymphadenopathy and widespread dissemination of neoplastic lymphocytes, throughout the peripheral and central nervous system, heart and liver, identified by immunohistochemistry as T‐cell rich B‐cell lymphoma. This is the first report in the veterinary literature of diffuse neurolymphomatosis presenting as visible branching subcutaneous masses.
Congenital variants of the ventral laminae of the sixth and seventh cervical vertebrae are not associated with clinical signs or other radiological abnormalities of the cervicothoracic region in Warmblood horses
Authors: Dyson Sue , Phillips Kathryn , Zheng Shichen , Aleman Monica 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundThere is controversy about the clinical relevance of congenital variants of the ventral laminae of the sixth (C6) and seventh (C7) cervical vertebrae and their relationship with other radiological abnormalities.ObjectivesTo document the prevalence of congenital variants of C6 and C7 and that of other radiological abnormalities from C6 to the second thoracic vertebra (T2).Study designCross‐sectional.MethodsThe study included Warmblood horses ≥3 years of age undergoing clinical assessment at two referral institutions: 127 control horses and 96 cases (neurologic, neck pain or stiffness, or neck‐related forelimb lameness). All horses underwent a standardised orthopaedic and neurologic examination. Lateral–lateral and lateral 45°–55° ventral–lateral dorsal (left to right and right to left) radiographic views of C5 to T2 were acquired and assessed blinded to the horse's clinical category using a predetermined grading system.ResultsThe ventral profile of C7 was abnormal in 54 horses (24.2%). Cases were less likely to have congenital variants than control horses, p = 0.0002, relative risk (RR): 0.63 (95% confidence intervals [CIs]: 0.4, 1.0). There was no association between the presence of a congenital variant of C7 and the presence of modelling of the articular processes (APs) of C6–C7, C7–T1 or T1–T2. Cases were more likely to have severe modelling of the APs at C6–C7, p = 0.01, RR: 1.94, CI: 1.1, 3.5 and C7–T1, p = 0.04, RR: 1.97, CI: 1.2, 3.2 compared with control horses.Main limitationsRadiographs were read by one assessor independently at each institution.ConclusionsThere was no association between the presence of congenital variants of C7 and any other radiological findings. Congenital variants occurred less frequently in cases compared with control horses. There was no association between the presence or absence of a congenital variant and the type of case.
Sensitivity of the stock assessment for the Antarctic krill fishery to time‐varying natural and fishing mortality
Authors: Johannessen Elling Deehr , Krafft Bjørn A. , Donovan Carl R. , Wiff Rodrigo , Caneco Bruno , Lowther Andrew 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe stock assessment model for the Antarctic krill fishery is a population model operating on daily timesteps, which permits modeling within‐year patterns of some population dynamics. We explored the effects of including within‐year patterns in natural and fishing mortality on catch limits of krill, by incorporating temporal presence of key predator species and contemporary temporal trends of the fishing fleet. We found that inclusion of within‐year variation in natural and fishing mortalities increased catch limits. Fishing mortality had a greater effect than natural mortality despite differences in top‐down predation on krill, and potentially increased catch limits by 24% compared to the baseline model. Additionally, the stock assessment model allowed a higher catch limit when fishing was during peak summer months than autumn. Number of days with active fishing was negatively related to precautionary catch limits. Future stock assessments should incorporate contemporary spatiotemporal fishing trends and consider implementing additional ecosystem components into the model.
Yield development and nutrient offtake in contrasting miscanthus hybrids under green and brown harvest regimes
Authors: Lewin Eva , Clifton Brown John , Magenau Elena , Jensen Elaine , Mangold Anja , Lewandowski Iris , Kiesel Andreas 
Published: June 2024

AbstractHarvest time is an important variable that determines the yield of miscanthus biomass, its possible end uses, and the nutrient offtake from the field. Green harvests result in a higher yield and greater nutrient removal from the field. Brown miscanthus harvests, carried out in late winter or early spring, result in lower yields and a lower nutrient offtake, whereby the harvested biomass is better suited to use in combustion. To look at the long‐term impact of green harvests on miscanthus, this experiment followed the yield development of two miscanthus hybrids subjected to green and brown harvests over a period of seven years at one site in Southern Germany. The standard commercial hybrid Miscanthus × giganteus (Mxg) was compared with a novel late‐ripening Miscanthus sinensis hybrid: Syn55. Average yields of Mxg were 19.9 t ha−1 for green harvests and 13.2 t ha−1 for brown harvests compared to 13.9 and 12.9 t ha−1 for green and brown harvested Syn55, respectively. Yields of Mxg were very different for green and brown harvests; green harvested Mxg had very high nutrient offtake, while brown harvested Mxg had the lowest nutrient offtakes of all treatments. Syn55 showed a less marked difference between green and brown harvests likely due to its tendency to retain its leaves over winter. Syn55 was however not tolerant of a green harvest, with yields of brown harvested stands surpassing the yield of green harvested stands in several years. Although Mxg demonstrated consistently high yields when harvested in October, some signs of yield decline were detected in both hybrids when harvested green, which was due to insufficient carbohydrate relocation. Alternating green and brown harvests are recommended to allow stands to replenish carbohydrate stores and to form a litter layer.