bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Potential role of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth in inducing liver regeneration
Authors: Alatas Fatima Safira , Yamaza Takayoshi , Matsuura Toshiharu , Ongko Lukito , Kadim Muzal , Ohga Shouichi , Taguchi Tomoaki , Tajiri Tatsuro 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackground and AimEven with advancement of medical technologies, liver transplantation still faces several major challenges. Hence, other treatment modalities are urgently needed for patients with end‐stage liver disease. Stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) was discovered to have highly proliferative and pluripotent properties; including differentiation into hepatocyte‐like cells. This study aims to investigate the capability of intrasplenic transplanted SHED and SHED‐Hep cells in inducing proliferation of stem cells and native hepatocytes in order to accelerate liver regeneration in liver fibrosis mice models.MethodsThree carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)‐injured male mice groups were used in this study. Two of those groups were transplanted with either SHED or SHED‐Hep, while the other did not undergo transplantation. One age‐ and sex‐ matched healthy mice group was used as control. All specimens were immunohistochemically stained with anti‐Ki‐67 antibodies and anti‐proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) antibodies before counter stained with hematoxylin–eosin.ResultsAnti‐Ki‐67 antibodies staining: at both 8 and 12 weeks, proliferating activity was predominantly seen on both SHED‐ and SHED‐Hep‐transplanted CCl4‐injured mice groups, while control and non‐transplanted CCl4‐injured mice group showed little to no sign of proliferation activity. Anti‐PCNA staining: at both 8 and 12 weeks, significant proliferating activity was detected by PCNA staining, mainly on stem cells population area on SHED‐ and SHED‐Hep‐treated group.ConclusionsIn conclusion, this study has provided the evidence that transplantation of SHED or SHED‐Hep on liver‐injured mice induced proliferation of both transplanted stem cells and native liver cells in order to accelerate liver regeneration.
Employee training and bank stability
Authors: D'Amato Antonio , Cotugno Matteo , Perdichizzi Salvatore , Stefanelli Valeria 
Published: June 2024

AbstractUsing a unique data set of Italian banks covering the 2011 to 2019 period, this study investigates the influence of human resource training on bank stability and examines whether this relationship is affected by bank efficiency and credit risk. In line with the resource‐based view (RBV) of the firm, our findings suggest that employee training exerts a positive impact on bank stability. Credit risk and bank efficiency are also identified as potential drivers in this relationship. Importantly, our results remain robust when addressing endogeneity issues and considering alternative model specifications. This study offers novel insights into the impact of employee‐related variables on bank performance. The practical implications of our findings hold relevance for both banks and regulatory authorities, as human resource training can profoundly influence the effectiveness of risk management strategies and, ultimately, the sound and prudent management of banks.
Abundance, sizes, and major element compositions of components in CR and LL chondrites: Formation from single reservoirs
Authors: Ebel Denton S. , Gemma Marina E. , Alpert Samuel P. , Bayron Jasmine , Lobo Ana H. , Weisberg Michael K. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAbundances, apparent sizes, and individual chemical compositions of chondrules, refractory inclusions, other objects, and surrounding matrix have been determined for Semarkona (LL3.00) and Renazzo (CR2) using consistent methods and criteria on X‐ray element intensity maps. These represent the non‐carbonaceous (NC, Semarkona) and carbonaceous chondrite (CC, Renazzo) superclans of chondrite types. We compare object and matrix abundances with similar data for CM, CO, K, and CV chondrites. We assess, pixel‐by‐pixel, the major element abundance in each object and in the entire matrix. We determine the abundance of “metallic chondrules” in LL chondrites. Chondrules with high Mg/Si and low Fe/Si and matrix carrying opposing ratios complement each other to make whole rocks with near‐solar major element ratios in Renazzo. Similar Mg/Si and Fe/Si chondrule–matrix relationships are seen in Semarkona, which is within 11% of solar Mg/Si but significantly Fe‐depleted. These results provide a robust constraint in support of single‐reservoir models for chondrule formation and accretion, ruling out whole classes of astrophysical models and constraining processes of chondrite component formation and accretion into chondrite parent bodies.
Associations between bioelectrical impedance analysis‐derived phase angle, protein‐energy wasting and all‐cause mortality in older patients undergoing haemodialysis
Authors: Kojima Sho , Usui Naoto , Uehata Akimi , Inatsu Akihito , Tsubaki Atsuhiro 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAimProtein‐energy wasting (PEW) is a common syndrome in patients undergoing haemodialysis (HD) and is associated with poor prognosis. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)‐derived phase angle (PA) is useful for predicting PEW, but sex and age need to be considered. We aimed to reveal sex‐specific cut‐off values of PA predicting PEW in HD patients aged ≥65.MethodsThis two‐centre retrospective cohort study included patients on HD who underwent BIA. PEW was detected using the International Society of Renal Nutrition and Metabolism (ISRNM) criteria as a reference. The PA was measured using a multifrequency bioimpedance device. Sex‐specific cut‐off values of PA predicting PEW were detected by receiver‐operator characteristic analysis. We investigated the association between PEW determined using sex‐specific cut‐off values for PA and all‐cause mortality.ResultsThis study included 274 patients undergoing HD, with a median age of 75 (70–80) years, mean PA of 3.8 ± 1.1° and PEW of 43%. Over a median follow‐up duration of 1095 (400–1095) days, 111 patients died. Cut‐off values of PA predicting PEW were as follows: female, 3.00° (sensitivity, 87.3%; specificity, 77.5%), and male, 3.84° (sensitivity, 77.6%; specificity, 71.4%). The kappa coefficient between sex‐specific cut‐off values of the PA and ISRNM criteria had a moderate coincidence level of 0.55. PEW detected by PA was independently associated with all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio: 2.40; 95% confidence interval: 1.51–3.85; p < .001).ConclusionsSex‐specific cut‐off values for PA in older HD patients may be useful as a screening tool for predicting PEW and mortality.image
The path dependency of power‐sharing: Bosnia and Herzegovina's, Cyprus', and Lebanon's first experiences with popular representation
Authors: Herenda Tahir 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe political systems of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, and Lebanon are defined by ethnic or religious divides that have historical roots in their Ottoman and European colonial past. This paper aims to investigate the impact of these historical legacies on popular representation and institutional structures. The Ottomans and European colonizers created institutions that allowed subjects to elect their representatives, shaping these countries' initial experiences with modernity. This paper employs historical institutionalism as a theoretical approach, and path dependency as a methodology to explore how historical legacies have shaped the political institutions and power‐sharing arrangements in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, and Lebanon.
Clinical drivers of hospitalisation in patients with mitochondrial diseases
Authors: Haque Sameen , Crawley Karen , Davis Ryan , Schofield Deborah , Shrestha Rupendra , Sue Carolyn M 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundMitochondrial diseases in adults are generally chronic conditions with a wide spectrum of severity contributing to disease burden and healthcare resource utilisation. Data on healthcare resource utilisation in mitochondrial diseases are limited.ObjectivesWe performed a retrospective longitudinal study to investigate the clinical drivers of hospitalisation in adult patients with mitochondrial diseases to better understand healthcare resource utilisation.MethodsWe recruited participants from our specialised Mitochondrial Disease Clinic in Sydney, Australia between September 2018 and December 2021. We performed a retrospective chart review for the period 2013–2022 considering emergency department (ED) and/or hospital admission notes, as well as discharge summaries. We used multiple linear regression models to examine the association between the type of presenting symptom(s) and duration of hospital stay and frequency of admissions, while adjusting for relevant covariates.ResultsOf the 99 patients considered, the duration of hospitalisation ranged from 0 to 116 days per participant and the number of admissions ranged from 0 to 21 per participant. Participants with one or more mitochondrial disease-associated admissions constituted 52% of the study cohort. 13% of the participants presented to the ED without requiring an admission and 35% never attended the ED or required a hospital admission during this period. Neurological (p<0.0001), gastroenterological (p=0.01) and symptoms categorised as ‘other’ (p<0.0001) were the main presentations driving the total number of days admitted to hospital. A statistically significant association was evident for the number of admissions and all types of presenting symptoms (p<0.0001).ConclusionThere are variable reasons for hospitalisation in adults with mitochondrial diseases, with neurological and gastroenterological presentations being associated with prolonged and complex hospitalisation. A better understanding of clinical drivers such as these allows for better informed and well-coordinated management aimed at optimising healthcare resource utilisation.
Implementation and evaluation of a national quality improvement initiative in cancer surgery
Authors: Arnaout Angel , Mukhi Shaheena , Brehaut Jamie , Davidson Sarah , Fung Kee Fung Michael , Hebbard Pamela , Hillis Christopher , Leonard Robyn , Mack Lloyd A , Mathieson Alex , Presseau Justin , Schaeffer David , Seely Andrew , Stuart Gavin , Tesch Marvin , Westhuizen Nicholas , Earle Craig 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundIn 2017, the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, a Canadian federally sponsored organisation, initiated a national multijurisdictional quality improvement (QI) initiative to maximise the use of synoptic data to drive cancer system improvements, known as the Evidence for Surgical Synoptic Quality Improvement Programme. The goal of our study was to evaluate the outcomes, determinants and learning of this nationally led initiative across six jurisdictions in Canada, integrating a mix of cancer surgery disease sites and clinicians.MethodsA mixed-methods evaluation (surveys, semistructured interviews and focus groups) of this initiative was focused on the ability of each jurisdiction to use synoptic reporting data to successfully implement and sustain QI projects to beyond the completion of the initiative and the lessons learnt in the process. Resources provided to the jurisdictions included operational funding, training in QI methodology, national forums, expert coaches, and ad hoc monitoring and support. The programme emphasised foundational concepts of the QI process including data literacy, audit and feedback reports, communities of practice (CoP) and positive deviance methodology.Results101 CoP meetings were held and 337 clinicians received feedback reports. There were 23 projects, and 22 of 23 (95%) showed improvements with 15 of 23 (65%) achieving the proposed targets. Enablers of effective data utilisation/feedback reports for QI included the need for clinicians to trust the data, have comparative data for feedback, and the engagement of both data scientists and clinicians in designing feedback reports. Enablers of sustainability of QI within each jurisdiction included QI training for clinicians, the ability to continue CoP meetings, executive and broad stakeholder engagement, and the ability to use pre-existing organisational infrastructures and processes. Barriers to continue QI work included lack of funding for core team members, lack of automated data collection processes and lack of clinician incentives (financial and other).ConclusionSuccess and sustainability in data-driven QI in cancer surgery require skills in QI methodology, data literacy and feedback, dedicated supportive personnel and an environment that promotes the process of collective learning and shared accountability. Building these capabilities in jurisdictional teams, tailoring interventions to facility contexts and strong leadership engagement will create the capacity for continued success in QI for cancer surgery.
Herpes zoster burden in patients with asthma: real-world incidence, healthcare resource utilisation and cost
Authors: Singer David , Thompson-Leduc Philippe , Ma Siyu , Gupta Deepshekhar , Cheng Wendy Y , Muthukumar Aruna , Devine Francesca , Sundar Manasvi , Bogart Michael , Hagopian Ella , Poston Sara , Duh Mei Sheng , Oppenheimer John J 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundHerpes zoster (HZ) is a painful condition caused by reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus. The objectives of this study were to compare HZ incidence in adults with asthma versus adults without asthma and to compare healthcare resource use as well as direct costs in adults with HZ and asthma versus adults with asthma alone in the USA.MethodsThis retrospective longitudinal cohort study included adults aged ≥18 years across the USA. Patients were identified from Optum’s deidentified Clinformatics Data Mart Database, an administrative claims database, between 1 October 2015 and 28 February 2020, including commercially insured and Medicare Advantage with part D beneficiaries. Cohorts of patients with and without asthma, and separate cohorts of patients with asthma and HZ and with asthma but not HZ, were identified using International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision, Clinical Modification codes. HZ incidence, healthcare resource use and costs were compared, adjusting for baseline characteristics, between the relevant cohorts using generalised linear models.ResultsHZ incidence was higher in patients with asthma (11.59 per 1000 person-years) than patients without asthma (7.16 per 1000 person-years). The adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRR) for HZ in patients with asthma, compared with patients without asthma, was 1.34 (95% CI 1.32 to 1.37). Over 12 months of follow-up, patients with asthma and HZ had more inpatient stays (aIRR 1.11; 95% CI 1.02 to 1.21), emergency department visits (aIRR 1.26; 95% CI 1.18 to 1.34) and outpatient visits (aIRR 1.19; 95% CI 1.16 to 1.22), and direct healthcare costs that were US dollars ($) 3058 (95% CI $1671 to $4492) higher than patients with asthma without HZ.ConclusionPatients with asthma had a higher incidence of HZ than those without asthma, and among patients with asthma HZ added to their healthcare resource use and costs.
Epidemiological analysis of fatal and non-fatal firearm injuries occurring in gun establishments in the United States, 2015–2022
Authors: Henson-Garcia Mike , Malthaner Lauren , Beauchamp Alaina , McKay Sandra , Jetelina Katelyn 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundFirearm-related injury represents a significant public health problem in the USA. Firearm purchasing has risen nationwide and there has been increased efforts to deploy injury prevention initiatives within gun establishments. However, firearm-related risks and harms that may occur inside these high-exposure settings are not well characterized.MethodsThis secondary analysis leveraged Gun Violence Archive data to quantify firearm injury prevalence rates within different types of gun establishments from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2022. Data were restricted to incidents that occurred in gun ranges, gun shops, and public and private ranges. The following incident characteristics were available in the individual-level data: date, location, injury count, fatality count, victim demographics (age, sex), shooting intent (suicide/self-inflicted, assault/homicide, unintentional, undetermined) and establishment type.ResultsOver 7 years, 445 non-fatal and 183 fatal shooting events occurred across 576 unique establishments. Non-fatal, unintentional injuries predominated in stand-alone firing ranges whereas fatal, self-inflicted injuries concentrated in retail shops with accompanying firing ranges. Firearm-related assaults were prevalent among stand-alone retail shops.ConclusionOverall, this secondary analysis underscores that the prevalence of firearm injury in gun establishments across the USA is low, and these settings should continue to be studied as important contexts for intervention. Interweaving public health interventions into gun establishments presents an opportunity to potentially reduce associated harms to consumers interacting within these environments.
Low compliance and proliferation of IQOS purchase cues at points-of-sale: a comparative study before and after Israel’s display ban
Authors: Bar-Zeev Yael , Berg Carla J , Khayat Amal , Abroms Lorien C , Wang Yan , Duan Zongshuan , LoParco Cassidy R , Cui Yuxian , Elbaz Daniel , Levine Hagai 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionIt is unclear how tobacco companies respond to increasing restrictions on points-of-sale (POS) (eg, advertisement ban, display ban), especially regarding newer products, such as IQOS, a heated tobacco product. This study compared POS marketing strategies for IQOS (and HEETS tobacco sticks) before and after Israel implemented a display ban and plain packaging.MethodsAudits of stores selling IQOS (n=87) in four Israeli cities were conducted, 16–20 months post display ban and plain packaging introduction, including previously audited stores (n=60) (prior to the implementation of these measures). Descriptive analyses and matched pre–post comparisons were conducted to assess regulatory compliance and marketing strategies over time.ResultsAlmost all stores (90.8%) were non-compliant with the display ban; but most were compliant with plain packaging (81.6%) and advertisement ban (83.5%) regulations. Following the display ban, there was a significant increase in the number of IQOS/HEETS internal advertisements (21.7% vs 41.7%, p=0.023). These were mostly compliant with the advertisement ban (ie, did not mention the brand name explicitly), and appeared in the form of generic signs or flags and/or special displays. The percentage of stores featuring the IQOS device increased (1.7% to 20.0%, p=0.003), as did the percentage carrying at least four HEETS flavours (36.7% to 63.3%, p=0.006).ConclusionThis sample of Israeli stores selling IQOS showed low compliance with the display ban. The increase in signs/special displays, mostly compliant with the advertisement ban, could serve as purchase cues circumventing the intent of the legislation. Regulatory efforts should consider more specific legislative language and comprehensive enforcement plans.
The Ottawa River Gneiss Complex revisited: definition of the metamorphic core and detachment zone of a large Grenvillian metamorphic core complex
Authors: Rivers Toby , Schwerdtner W.M. 
Published: June 2024

Using new and published data, we synthesize the tectonic evolution of the Ottawa River Gneiss Complex (ORGC), the metamorphic core and detachment zone of a large mid- to late-Ottawan metamorphic core complex in the western Grenville Province. Field and petrologic data indicative of retrogression and exhumation, combined with maps and schematic crustal-scale sections, are used to document spatial and temporal relationships of multi-scale structures developed during its formation, of which the largest, termed mega-cross-folds and megaboudins, occur within and define the detachment zone. Mega-cross-folds, orogen-normal structures up to 70 km in length with coaxial constrictional fabrics in their hinge-lines, formed in a single phase of deformation during retrogression and exhumation. A cluster of asymmetric megaboudins, individually from 10–50 km long with granulite-facies cores and high-strain amphibolite-facies rims, similarly formed during syntectonic retrogression and exhumation of granulite-facies precursors. We argue the mega-cross-folds developed in a regime of regional transtension, whereas the megaboudin cluster formed by extensional inversion of an anastomosing early-Ottawan thrust system, with the strain patterns of both suggesting the detachment zone was the site of intense ductile flow between the stronger metamorphic core and cover. Comparison of these results with generic numerical models of extensional collapse of overthickened continental crust suggests the first-order tectonometamorphic features of the ORGC developed during necking of the upper crust and associated large-scale extensional flow of the mid and lower crust into the domiform necked region during collapse of the early-Ottawan thrust stack.
Serine Depletion Promotes Antitumor Immunity by Activating Mitochondrial DNA-Mediated cGAS-STING Signaling
Authors: Saha Suchandrima , Ghosh Monisankar , Li Jinyu , Wen Asher , Galluzzi Lorenzo , Martinez Luis A. , Montrose David C. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Serine is critical for supporting cancer metabolism, and depriving malignant cells of this nonessential amino acid exerts antineoplastic effects, in large part, through disrupting metabolic pathways. Given the intricate relationship between cancer metabolism and the immune system, the metabolic defects imposed by serine deprivation might impact tumor-targeting immunity. In this study, we demonstrated that restricting endogenous and exogenous sources of serine in colorectal cancer cells results in mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) accumulation in the cytosol and consequent cGAS-STING1-driven type I IFN secretion. Depleting mtDNA or blocking its release attenuated cGAS-STING1 activation during serine deprivation. In vivo studies revealed that serine deprivation limits tumor growth, accompanied by enhanced type I IFN signaling and intratumoral infiltration of immune effector cells. Notably, the tumor-suppressive and immune-enhancing effects of serine restriction were impaired by T-cell depletion and IFN receptor blockade. Moreover, disrupting cGAS-STING1 signaling in colorectal cancer cells limited the immunostimulatory and tumor-suppressive effects of serine deprivation. Lastly, serine depletion increased the sensitivity of tumors to an immune checkpoint inhibitor targeting PD-1. Taken together, these findings reveal a role for serine as a suppressor of antitumor immunity, suggesting that serine deprivation may be employed to enhance tumor immunogenicity and improve responsiveness to immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Significance: Depriving cancer cells of serine provokes mitochondrial perturbations that induce cytosolic mitochondrial DNA accumulation and subsequent activation of cGAS-STING signaling, stimulating tumor-targeting immune responses that can be enhanced with PD-1 targeted therapy.
See related commentary by Borges and Garg, p. 2569