bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Protective effect of clusterin against interleukin‐1β‐induced apoptosis and inflammation in human knee osteoarthritis chondrocytes
Authors: Ungsudechachai Tachatra , Jittikoon Jiraphun , Honsawek Sittisak , Udomsinprasert Wanvisa 
Published: July 2024

AbstractChondrocyte apoptosis is recognized as one of the pathological features involved in cartilage degeneration driving the onset and progression of knee osteoarthritis (OA). This study aimed to determine the molecular mechanism underlying the effect of clusterin (CLU), anti‐apoptotic molecule, in human knee OA chondrocytes. Primary knee OA chondrocytes were isolated from the cartilage of knee OA patients and divided into five groups: (1) the cells treated with interleukin (IL)‐1β, (2) CLU alone, (3) a combination of IL‐1β and CLU, (4) LY294002 (PI3K inhibitor) along with IL‐1β and CLU, and (5) the untreated cells. Production of apoptotic, inflammatory, anabolic, and catabolic mediators in knee OA chondrocytes was determined after treatment for 24 h. Our in vitro study uncovered that CLU significantly suppressed the production of inflammatory mediators [nitric oxide (NO), IL6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α] and apoptotic molecule (caspase‐3, CASP3). CLU significantly upregulated messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expressions of anabolic factors [SRY‐box transcription factor‐9 (SOX9) and aggrecan (ACAN)], but significantly downregulated mRNA expressions of IL6, nuclear factor kappa‐B (NF‐κB), CASP3, and matrix metalloproteinase‐13 (MMP13). Anti‐apoptotic and anti‐inflammatory effects of CLU were mediated through activating PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. The findings suggest that CLU might have beneficial effects on knee OA chondrocytes by exerting anti‐apoptotic and anti‐inflammatory functions via PI3K/Akt pathway, making CLU a promising target for potential therapeutic interventions in knee OA.
Liver fibrosis and liver stiffness in patients with obesity and type 1 diabetes
Authors: Al‐Ozairi Ebaa , Irshad Mohammad , AlKandari Jumana , Mashankar Anant , Alroudhan Dherar , le Roux Carel W. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAimTo compare hepatic stiffness and fat fraction in patients with obesity and type 1 diabetes (T1D) with type 2 diabetes (T2D) with a similar body mass index (BMI).MethodsIn this prospective cross‐sectional study, 90 participants with T1D (BMI 30.5 ± 4.5 kg/m2; diabetes duration 20.5 ± 9.8 years; HbA1c 8.2% ± 1.4%) and 69 with T2D (BMI: 30.8 ± 4.6 kg/m2; diabetes duration: 11.7 ± 7.8 years; HbA1c: 7.3% ± 1.4%) were included. Liver fat fraction and stiffness were examined by magnetic resonance imaging and elastography, respectively. Logistic regressions were used to evaluate associations with biomedical variables.ResultsThe mean liver stiffness score in patients with obesity and T1D was 2.2 ± 0.5 kPa, while in T2D it was 2.6 ± 0.8 kPa (P < .001). The liver fat fraction in patients with obesity and T1D was 3.7% ± 6.3%, and in T2D it was 10.6% ± 7.9% (P < .001). Metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) was present in 13.3% of patients with T1D and in 69.6% of patients with T2D, whereas fibrosis was suggested in 7.8% of patients with T1D and in 27.5% of patients with T2D. Liver stiffness was four times higher in patients with T2D compared with those with T1D (odds ratio = 5.4, 95% confidence interval: 2.1‐13.6, P < .001). Aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase, gamma‐glutamyl transferase (GGT), triglycerides and the android‐to‐gynoid ratio were associated with elevated fat fraction in both cohorts. AST and GGT were associated with elevated liver stiffness in both cohorts.ConclusionsPatients with obesity and T1D had lower liver fat and liver stiffness compared with those patients with T2D, despite similar levels of BMI, a longer duration of diabetes and worse glycaemic control.
Managing migration crises: Evidence from surge facilities and unaccompanied minor children flows
Authors: Amuedo‐Dorantes Catalina , Bucheli José R. , Lopez Mary J. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractClimate change, political turmoil, and economic instability worldwide suggest that managing migration surges will be a permanent challenge for many economies. In response to the record arrival of unaccompanied migrant children at the southern border, the Biden administration used surge facilities to expedite the processing of children. We assess the effectiveness of this strategy and document reductions in the time children spent under government custody. A counterfactual analysis reveals that, in their absence, the average time to reunification would have risen from 37 to 50 days. Migration surges involving unaccompanied children underscore the urgency of identifying efficient and humanitarian strategies.
Do Tasmanian devil declines impact ecosystem function?
Authors: Stephenson Torrey , Hudiburg Tara , Mathias Justin M. , Jones Menna , Lynch Laurel M. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractTasmanian eucalypt forests are among the most carbon‐dense in the world, but projected climate change could destabilize this critical carbon sink. While the impact of abiotic factors on forest ecosystem carbon dynamics have received considerable attention, biotic factors such as the input of animal scat are less understood. Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii)—an osteophageous scavenger that can ingest and solubilize nutrients locked in bone material—may subsidize plant and microbial productivity by concentrating bioavailable nutrients (e.g., nitrogen and phosphorus) in scat latrines. However, dramatic declines in devil population densities, driven by the spread of a transmissible cancer, may have underappreciated consequences for soil organic carbon (SOC) storage and forest productivity by altering nutrient cycling. Here, we fuse experimental data and modeling to quantify and predict future changes to forest productivity and SOC under various climate and scat‐quality futures. We find that devil scat significantly increases concentrations of nitrogen, ammonium, phosphorus, and phosphate in the soil and shifts soil microbial communities toward those dominated by r‐selected (e.g., fast‐growing) phyla. Further, under expected increases in temperature and changes in precipitation, devil scat inputs are projected to increase above‐ and below‐ground net primary productivity and microbial biomass carbon through 2100. In contrast, when devil scat is replaced by lower‐quality scat (e.g., from non‐osteophageous scavengers and herbivores), forest carbon pools are likely to increase more slowly, or in some cases, decline. Together, our results suggest often overlooked biotic factors will interact with climate change to drive current and future carbon pool dynamics in Tasmanian forests.
Number of teeth and functional disability in community‐dwelling older adults
Authors: Komiyama Takamasa , Ohi Takashi , Miyoshi Yoshitada , Kogure Mana , Nakaya Naoki , Hozawa Atsushi , Tsuji Ichiro , Watanabe Makoto , Hattori Yoshinori 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionThis study determined whether tooth loss was associated with the development of functional disability and estimated the population attributable fraction (PAF) of functional disability due to tooth loss, along with risk factors for functional disability such as physical function and cognitive impairment.MethodsThe participants were 838 community‐dwelling older adults aged ≥70 years living in the Tsurugaya district in Japan in 2003. The exposure variable was the number of remaining teeth (counted by trained dentists). Other variables were age, sex, depressive symptoms, cognitive impairment, educational attainment, physical function and social support. The Cox proportional hazards model was applied to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the incidence of functional disability for each risk factor, such as tooth loss. The functional disability PAF due to tooth loss was estimated, and risk factors for functional disability were identified.ResultsIn total, 619 (73.9%) participants developed functional disability during follow‐up. A multivariable model showed that those with <20 teeth (HR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.08–1.53) were more likely to develop functional disability than those with 20 teeth or more. PAF estimation for functional disability was shown to have decreasing values in the following order: age, female sex, tooth loss and reduced physical function.ConclusionsTooth loss was associated with the development of functional disability in community‐dwelling older Japanese adults. While retaining teeth may be a potential strategy for avoiding functional disability, clinical studies on the effect of dental treatment on preventing functional disability are warranted.
Importance of gamma‐glutamyl transferase elevation in patients with Fontan‐associated liver disease
Authors: Kogiso Tomomi , Ogasawara Yuri , Taniai Makiko , Shimada Eriko , Inai Kei , Tokushige Katsutoshi , Nakai Yousuke 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAimIn patients with Fontan‐associated liver disease (FALD), gamma‐glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels are often elevated, however, its clinical importance is unclear. We investigated the relationship between the clinical course of FALD and GGT levels.MethodsWe enrolled 145 patients with FALD who underwent right‐heart catheterization (RHC) and visited our department. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) was administered to 62 of the patients. Patients with GGT levels <50 and ≥50 U/L were compared. Follow‐up RHC was undertaken in 76 patients. Cases in which GGT levels decreased by ≥10% or <50 U/L were defined as improved (n = 33).ResultsPatients with GGT levels ≥50 U/L had significantly lower levels of albumin and higher levels of alanine transaminase (ALT) but no significant differences in RHC factors. Over a 4.6‐year period, 43.4% showed improvement in GGT levels. Improved cases had significantly lower total bilirubin (1.1 vs. 1.6 mg/dL), AST (22 vs. 28 U/L), and ALT (18 vs. 27 U/L) levels than nonimproved cases (n = 29, p < 0.05), and the change in platelet count (−0.5 vs. −3.0 × 10−4/μL) was significantly lower in the latter (p = 0.03). The improvement rate was significantly higher in UDCA‐treated cases (55.2%) with GGT levels ≥50 U/L compared to cases not treated with UDCA (18.2%, p = 0.04).ConclusionIn cases of FALD with no improvement in GGT level, the platelet count decreased over time, suggesting progression of fibrosis. Physicians should be aware of the importance of a high GGT level in patients with FALD.
Methods, precision, and analytical sensitivity of a novel low‐plasma‐volume assay of fibrinolytic capacity utilizing the euglobulin fraction
Authors: Bruzek Steven , Betensky Marisol , Sochet Anthony A. , Goldenberg Neil A. , Ignjatovic Vera 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIntroductionFibrinolysis is a critical aspect of the hemostatic system, with assessment of fibrinolytic potential being critical to predict bleeding and clotting risk. We describe the method for a novel low‐plasma‐volume assay of fibrinolytic capacity utilizing the euglobulin fraction (the “modified mini‐euglobulin clot lysis assay [ECLA]”), its analytic sensitivity to alterations in key fibrinolytic substrates/regulators, and its initial applications in acute and convalescent disease cohorts.MethodsThe modified mini‐ECLA requires 50 μL of plasma, a maximal read time of 3 h (with most results available within 60 min), and is entirely performed in a 96‐well microplate. Assay measurements were obtained in a variety of commercial control and deficient plasmas representing clinically relevant hypo‐ and hyperfibrinolytic states, and in three distinct adolescent cohorts with acute or convalescent illness: critically ill, following endotracheal intubation; acute COVID‐19‐related illness; and ambulatory, 3 months following a venous thromboembolic event.ResultsIn 100% and 75% deficient plasmas, hypofibrinolysis for plasminogen‐deficient, fibrinolysis for alpha‐2‐antiplasmin‐deficient, and hyperfibrinolysis for plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1‐deficient plasmas were observed.ConclusionThe modified mini‐ECLA Clot Lysis Time Ratio (“CLTR”) demonstrated moderate‐strength correlations with the Clot Formation and Lysis (CloFAL) assay, is analytically sensitive to altered fibrinolytic states in vitro, and correlates with clinical outcomes in preliminarily‐studied patient populations.
Custom fabricated three‐dimensional printed surgical guide for trephine bur in autogenous bone graft: A technique report
Authors: Kim Jaewon , Kaenploy Jekita , Lee Du‐Hyeong , Ashsams Nur , Arany Praveen R. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis technique presents a workflow that designs the custom surgical guide to cover a trephine bur using simple slicer software and three‐dimensional (3D) printing to perform the semilunar technique. This method in autogenous bone grafting surgery harvests a thin layer of cortical bone in the donor site with a trephine bur. Its biologically favorable, round shape can be used as a shell to reconstruct the ridge with a 3D contour acceptable for future implant placement. A 78‐year‐old female patient required vertical and horizontal bone grafting for future implant placement due to the infection caused by the vertically fractured root of a premolar. The patient's cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) file was translated into a standard tessellation language (STL) file, and recipient and donor site models were created. Simulated surgery was done using the software first to detect any possible complications during surgery. The trephine bur planned for use in surgery was measured in necessary dimensions, and the values were added to create a guide for surgery in slicer software. Then, it was 3D‐printed with a stereolithography (SLA) printer. After testing the fit of the guide, it was further tested on a fused filament fabrication (FFF) printed donor site model to check if the desired shape and size of the plate were acquired after harvest. Then, the plates were used for model surgery on the recipient site model. After no issues from the previous steps, the final patient surgery was approved and completed with success. This technique utilizes the SLA printing method to create the custom surgical guide for a trephine bur without using commercially available products. Moreover, it could be tested on FFF 3D‐printed anatomical models to ensure its validity. With this innovative technique, clinicians can efficiently perform a semilunar technique, facilitating the surgery and improving patient care.
Novel MRI‐Based Pedicle Bone Quality Score Independently Predicts Pedicle Screw Loosening after Degenerative Lumbar Fusion Surgery
Authors: Li Qiujiang , Fu Haiying , Yang Huiliang , Yang Xi , Wang Lei , Song Yueming 
Published: July 2024

SummaryPedicle screw loosening after posterior lumbar fusion is associated with poor bone quality, which often determines screw pull‐out strength, insertion torque, and vertebral body loading characteristics. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐based vertebral bone quality (VBQ) score were associated with poor bone quality. Current evidence suggests that pedicle bone quality (PBQ) has a greater impact on screw stability. However, the correlation between MRI‐based PBQ score and screw loosening has not been reported.PurposeTo introduce and evaluate an MRI‐based PBQ score to determine its effectiveness in predicting pedicle screw loosening following lumbar fusion surgery.MethodsThe retrospective study analyzed 244 patients who underwent posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) with pedicle screws between December 2017 and December 2021, with CT and MRI imaging before surgery. Data collected included patient demographics and preoperative radiological data. Radiographic screw loosening was measured at 12 months postoperatively. Clinical assessments included pain visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores. The PBQ score was measured using MRI scans. We use univariate analysis for preliminary screening of the risk factors of screw loosening. Subsequent analysis involved multivariate logistic regression to identify independent predictive factors for screw loosening. We constructed the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to ascertain the discriminative capacity of the PBQ score. The area under the curve (AUC) quantified its predictive accuracy. Additionally, we evaluated the association between PBQ score and screw loosening using Spearman's correlation analysis.ResultsOverall, 244 patients who underwent PLIF with pedicle screw fixation participated in this study, including 35 in the loosening group and 209 in the non‐loosening group. PBQ score in the loosening group was significantly higher than that in the non‐loosening group. On multivariate logistic regression, the higher PBQ score (OR = 8.481, 95% CI: 3.158–22.774; p < 0.001) and the lower mean Hounsfield unit (HU) value of L1‐4 (OR = 0.967, 95% CI 0.951–0.984; p < 0.001) were the variables that significantly predicted screw loosening. The AUC for the PBQ score and HU value were 0.751 (95% CI: 0.673–0.828) and 0.702 (95% CI: 0.612–0.791). The PBQ score optimal cutoff to differentiate patients with loosening and with non‐loosening was calculated as 3.045 with a sensitivity of 85.7% and specificity of 76.9%, while the optimal cutoff of the HU value was 151.5 with a sensitivity of 64.6% and specificity of 89.5%.ConclusionsThe association between the PBQ score and the propensity for lumbar pedicle screw loosening was found to be substantial. As a predictive measure, the PBQ score outperformed the HU value in forecasting the likelihood of screw loosening post‐posterior lumbar fusion.
Towards the adoption of climate change acts in the Visegrad Group countries
Authors: Balounová Eva , Snopková Tereza 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe majority of Western European countries have adopted a framework climate law (a climate change act [CCA]) to serve as a comprehensive basis for their climate policy and set economy‐wide climate targets. By contrast, among the new European Union Member States, only Malta and Hungary have adopted such a CCA. In Czechia, Poland and Slovakia, a draft CCA exists, yet their adoption is uncertain. This article therefore focuses on countries of the Visegrad Group (Czechia, Poland and Slovakia) and examines the chances of adopting an effective CCA in these countries, taking into account trends, pressures and needs. The article proposes elements that these climate laws should contain, considering the specific situation in these States.
Communicating the science of suicide prevention: A call to action for psychologists
Authors: Bond Allison E. , Rodriguez Taylor R. , Bandel Shelby L. , Hamilton Jessica L. , Boyd Simone I. , Gordon Kathryn , Anestis Michael D. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIntroductionSuicide is a major public health concern within the United States, and prevention efforts are essential for decreasing the suicide rate. Researchers and clinicians have knowledge and effective treatments for preventing suicide; however, their impact is limited to those with access to services. Science Communication (SciComm) is an effective tool that can be integrated into the field of suicide prevention and can bridge the gap between scientific findings and the general population. SciComm can help disseminate evidence‐based strategies for suicide prevention, dispel misinformation on suicide, and normalize help‐seeking.PurposeIn this article, we propose specific, tangible ways that SciComm can be integrated into graduate school programs, mentorship, career advancement requirements and can help enact systemic change within the field of suicide prevention. Additionally, we discuss why it is important that the field of suicide prevention, specifically, adopts a SciComm framework. Embracing SciComm can help the field of suicide prevention to have a broader impact and can help to reduce rates of suicide.
Trust, Workload, and Performance in Human–Artificial Intelligence Partnering: The Role of Artificial Intelligence Attributes in Solving Classification Problems
Authors: Lotfalian Saremi Mostaan , Ziv Isabella , Asan Onur , Bayrak Alparslan Emrah 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Intelligent systems have been rapidly evolving and play a pivotal role in assisting individuals across diverse domains, from healthcare to transportation. Understanding the dynamics of human–artificial intelligence (AI) partnering, particularly how humans trust and collaborate with intelligent systems, is becoming increasingly critical to design effective systems. This paper presents an experimental analysis to assess the impact of AI design attributes on users’ trust, workload, and performance when solving classification problems supported by an AI assistant. Specifically, we study the effect of transparency, fairness, and robustness in the design of an AI assistant and analyze the role of participants’ gender and education background on the outcomes. The experiment is conducted with 47 students in undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. programs using a drawing game application where the users are asked to recognize incomplete sketches revealed progressively while receiving recommendations from multiple versions of an AI assistant. The results show that when collaborating with the AI, participants achieve a higher performance than their individual performance or the performance of the AI. The results also show that gender does not have an impact on users’ trust and performance when collaborating with different versions of the AI system, whereas education level has a significant impact on the participants’ performance but not on trust. Finally, the impact of design attributes on participants’ trust and performance highly depends on the accuracy of the AI recommendations, and improvements in participants’ performance and trust in some cases come at the expense of increased workload.
Estimated changes in free sugar consumption one year after the UK soft drinks industry levy came into force: controlled interrupted time series analysis of the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (2011–2019)
Authors: Rogers Nina Trivedy , Cummins Steven , Jones Catrin P , Mytton Oliver , Rayner Mike , Rutter Harry , White Martin , Adams Jean 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundThe UK soft drinks industry levy (SDIL) was announced in March 2016 and implemented in April 2018, encouraging manufacturers to reduce the sugar content of soft drinks. This is the first study to investigate changes in individual-level consumption of free sugars in relation to the SDIL.MethodsWe used controlled interrupted time series (2011–2019) to explore changes in the consumption of free sugars in the whole diet and from soft drinks alone 11 months after SDIL implementation in a nationally representative sample of adults (>18 years; n=7999) and children (1.5–19 years; n=7656) drawn from the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey. Estimates were based on differences between observed data and a counterfactual scenario of no SDIL announcement/implementation. Models included protein consumption (control) and accounted for autocorrelation.ResultsAccounting for trends prior to the SDIL announcement, there were absolute reductions in the daily consumption of free sugars from the whole diet in children and adults of 4.8 g (95% CI 0.6 to 9.1) and 10.9 g (95% CI 7.8 to 13.9), respectively. Comparable reductions in free sugar consumption from drinks alone were 3.0 g (95% CI 0.1 to 5.8) and 5.2 g (95% CI 4.2 to 6.1). The percentage of total dietary energy from free sugars declined over the study period but was not significantly different from the counterfactual.ConclusionThe SDIL led to significant reductions in dietary free sugar consumption in children and adults. Energy from free sugar as a percentage of total energy did not change relative to the counterfactual, which could be due to simultaneous reductions in total energy intake associated with reductions in dietary free sugar.