bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interleukin‐23 inhibitors decrease Fibrosis‐4 index in psoriasis patients with elevated Fibrosis‐4 index but not inteleukin‐17 inhibitors
Authors: Takeshima Ryosuke , Kamata Masahiro , Suzuki Shoya , Ito Makoto , Watanabe Ayu , Uchida Hideaki , Chijiwa Chika , Okada Yoshiki , Azuma Saori , Nagata Mayumi , Egawa Shota , Hiura Azusa , Fukaya Saki , Hayashi Kotaro , Fukuyasu Atsuko , Tanaka Takamitsu , Ishikawa Takeko , Tada Yayoi 
Published: May 2024

AbstractRecent studies indicate that hepatic diseases are associated with psoriasis. Non‐invasive tests, including the Fibrosis‐4 (FIB‐4) index, which can confidently rule out the presence of advanced fibrosis, are currently receiving attention. However, data on the FIB‐4 index in psoriasis patients and the effects of biologics on the FIB‐4 index are limited. We investigated the relationships between the FIB‐4 index and demographic or clinical characteristics as well as the effects of biologics on the FIB‐4 index in psoriasis patients. Psoriasis patients aged 36–64 years, whose treatment was initiated with interleukin (IL)‐17 inhibitors or IL‐23 inhibitors for psoriasis from May 2015 to December 2022, were consecutively included. Data were collected retrospectively from the patients' charts. A total of 171 psoriasis patients were included in this study. Thirty‐four, 43, 21, 32, and 41 psoriasis patients were treated with secukinumab, ixekizumab, brodalumab, guselkumab, or risankizumab, respectively. In biologics‐naïve patients, a significant but weak positive correlation was observed between the FIB‐4 index and age (r = 0.3246, p = 0.0018). There was no significant correlation between the FIB‐4 index and other demographic or clinical characteristics. Regarding the effects of biologics on the FIB‐4 index, no significant change was observed in psoriasis patients treated with any biologics. However, in psoriasis patients with a baseline FIB‐4 index of >1.3, patients treated with guselkumab and those treated with either IL‐23 inhibitor showed significantly decreased FIB‐4 index scores 6 months after initiating the biologics (p = 0.0323, p = 0.0212). In contrast, no change was observed in FIB‐4 index scores in patients treated with IL‐17 inhibitors. In conclusion, our study revealed that the FIB‐4 index was correlated with age in psoriasis patients. Furthermore, IL‐23 inhibitors (but not IL‐17 inhibitors) decreased the FIB‐4 index score at 6 months in psoriasis patients with elevated FIB‐4 index scores at baseline. Further studies are needed to clarify whether IL‐23 inhibitors improve liver fibrosis physiologically and functionally.
Floral deception in dioecious Actinidia polygama (Actinidiaceae) revealed by differential nitrogen investment in male organs
Authors: Nakayama Haruka , Takada Ranko , Miyake Takashi , Miyake Keiko , Nirei Takashi , Sakio Hitoshi 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAnimal‐pollinated plants have evolved rewards and advertisements to attract pollinators, which learn to associate advertisements with rewards. Pollen‐collecting insects, such as bees, associate stamens with pollen (a reward) essential for brood rearing. In some dioecious plants, female flowers have stamens with sterile pollen grains to mimic male flowers. It is not yet fully understood whether females offer less nutritious pollen to pollinators in order to conserve nutrition. Here, we tested this hypothesis in a perennial vine, Actinidia polygama, which bears nectarless flowers. We quantified flower production and measured the dry mass of floral parts as well as carbon and nitrogen concentrations in floral parts and pollen in both sexes. Males produced more flowers per inflorescence and more inflorescences per shoot than females, while the dry mass of each flower was greater in females. The carbon allocation pattern was similar to that of biomass, but nitrogen allocation exhibited a remarkable reduction in sterile stamens and pollen of female flowers. In addition, as sterile pollen of females was sparse, when compared at the same volume, it was lighter than the pollen of males. Sterile pollen produced in female flowers appears to be as voluminous as that of male flowers but extremely poor in nutrients, especially in nitrogen, which clearly suggests that A. polygama females deceive pollen‐collecting pollinators for brood rearing.
Urban identity versus national identity in the global city: Evidence from six European cities
Authors: SHAHAM‐MAYMON GIL , BRENNER NOAM , YAACOV PAZ , MIODOWNIK DAN 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis study explores the prioritization of urban identity over national identity in the context of the global city. Scholars have extensively discussed the fragmentation of national identity among individuals in the globalized world, and the relative proliferation of other communal identities, whether more cosmopolitan or place‐based. As globalization gradually erodes the cultural distinctiveness of nation states, cities are revealed as arenas within which inhabitants nurture a particular collective character, which is used as an attractive source of local, communal belonging. Global cities, in particular, are a compelling case to inquire into the interplay between national and urban identity. Due to their relative independence vis‐à‐vis the state, the global city can promote the values shared by inhabitants while constituting significant competition for nation‐based self‐determination and providing a unique source of urban identity that is simultaneously cosmopolitan and place‐based.In this paper we ask whether city‐zens living in highly globalized cities are more likely to prioritize their urban identity over their national identity. Utilizing the GaWC Index of cities’ globalization levels, we analyze the results of an original survey conducted among residents of six European cities: Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, Berlin, Utrecht and Glasgow. Our empirical evidence supports the hypothesis that in globalized cities a higher level of globalism accords with a more explicit tendency to prioritize urban identity over national identity. In conclusion, we interpret this evidence as an identities trade‐off that challenges the coexistence of urban and national identities within globalized cities, discussing its implications for future studies of contemporary politics.
The role of Medicaid home‐ and community‐based services in use of Medicare post‐acute care
Authors: Wang Sijiu , Werner Rachel M. , Coe Norma B. , Chua Rhys , Qi Mingyu , Konetzka R. Tamara 
Published: May 2024

AbstractObjectiveMedicaid‐funded long‐term services and supports are increasingly provided through home‐ and community‐based services (HCBS) to promote continued community living. While an emerging body of evidence examines the direct benefits and costs of HCBS, there may also be unexplored synergies with Medicare‐funded post‐acute care (PAC). This study aimed to provide empirical evidence on how the use of Medicaid HCBS influences Medicare PAC utilization among the dually enrolled.Data SourcesNational Medicare claims, Medicaid claims, nursing home assessment data, and home health assessment data from 2016 to 2018.Study DesignWe estimated the relationship between prior Medicaid HCBS use and PAC (skilled nursing facilities [SNF] or home health) utilization in a national sample of duals with qualifying index hospitalizations. We used inverse probability weights to create balanced samples on observed characteristics and estimated multivariable regression with hospital fixed effects and extensive controls. We also conducted stratified analyses for key subgroups.Data Extraction MethodsThe primary sample included 887,598 hospital discharges from community‐dwelling duals who had an eligible index hospitalization between April 1, 2016, and September 30, 2018.Principal FindingsWe found HCBS use was associated with a 9 percentage‐point increase in the use of home health relative to SNF, conditional on using PAC, and a meaningful reduction in length of stay for those using SNF. In addition, in our primary sample, we found HCBS use to be associated with an overall increase in PAC use, given that the absolute increase in home health use was larger than the absolute decrease in SNF use. In other words, the use of Medicaid‐funded HCBS was associated with a shift in Medicare‐funded PAC use toward home‐based settings.ConclusionOur findings indicate potential synergies between Medicaid‐funded HCBS and increased use of home‐based PAC, suggesting policymakers should cautiously consider these dynamics in HCBS expansion efforts.
Trends in hospital price transparency after implementation of the CMS Final Rule
Authors: Brant Aaron , Lewicki Patrick , Rhodes Stephen , Zhu Alec , Shoag Jonathan 
Published: May 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo assess trends in hospital price disclosures after the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Final Rule went into effect.Data Sources and Study SettingThe Turquoise Health Price Transparency Dataset was used to identify all US hospitals that publicly displayed pricing from 2021 to 2023.Study DesignPrice‐disclosing versus nondisclosing hospitals were compared using Pearson's Chi‐squared and Wilcoxon rank sum tests. Bayesian structural time‐series modeling was used to determine if enforcement of increased penalties for nondisclosure was associated with a change in the trend of hospital disclosures.Data Collection/Extraction MethodsNot applicable.Principal FindingsAs of January 2023, 5162 of 6692 (77.1%) US hospitals disclosed pricing of their services, with the majority (2794 of 5162 [54.1%]) reporting their pricing within the first 6 months of the final rule going into effect in January 2021. An increase in hospital disclosures was observed after penalties for nondisclosure were enforced in January 2022 (relative effect size 20%, p = 0.002). Compared with nondisclosing hospitals, disclosing hospitals had higher annual revenue, bed number, and were more likely to be have nonprofit ownership, academic affiliation, provide emergency services, and be in highly concentrated markets (p < 0.001).ConclusionsHospital pricing disclosures are continuously in flux and influenced by regulatory and market factors.
‘Through education, we can make change’: A design thinking approach to entry‐level dietetics education regarding eating disorders
Authors: Heafala Alana , Ball Lauren , Rundle‐Thiele Sharyn , Mitchell Lana J. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAimsTo co‐create strategies and identify opportunities to integrate eating disorder content within dietetics curricula at one Australian university with stakeholders using a design thinking approach.MethodsA pragmatic mixed‐methods, participatory design approach was used. An online survey explored the learning needs of dietetic students and recent graduates regarding eating disorders. Following the survey, a one‐day design thinking retreat was held with stakeholders who were identified from the research team's professional networks. Eating disorder dietitians, learning experts, dietetic students, graduates, and those with lived experience were asked to identify strategies to enhance students' confidence and competence to provide care for people living with eating disorders. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and qualitative data were analysed using inductive coding and reflexive thematic analysis.ResultsSixty‐four students (n = 55, 86%) and recent graduates (n = 9, 14%) completed the online survey (26% response). Seventeen stakeholders attended the retreat. Four themes were identified: (1) changing perceptions of eating disorder care from specialist to ‘core business’; (2) desiring and advocating for a national change to dietetics curricula; (3) importance of lived experience at the centre of curriculum design and delivery; and (4) collaborating to co‐design and deliver eating disorder content at university.ConclusionRaising awareness, upskilling students and educators, enhanced collaboration between universities and stakeholders, and the inclusion of lived experience were key to preparing students to provide care to people seeking support for eating disorders. Further research is needed to assess the impact these strategies have on dietetic students' confidence and competence.
CircSLC25A16 facilitates the development of non‐small‐cell lung cancer through the miR‐335‐5p/CISD2 axis
Authors: Fu Yu , Chen Bin , Gao Tao , Wang Zhenglong 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundNon‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a common malignancy with high morbidity and mortality. Circular RNAs are widely involved in NSCLC progression. However, the mechanism of circSLC25A16 in NSCLC has not been reported.MethodsThe expressions of circSLC25A16, microRNA‐335‐5p (miR‐335‐5p), and CDGSH iron–sulfur domain‐containing protein 2 (CISD2) were monitored by quantitative real‐time fluorescence polymerase chain reaction. Western blot was also carried out to measure the protein levels of CISD2, hexokinase 2 (HK2), and lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA). For functional analysis, cell counting kit‐8 assay, 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine, flow cytometry, transwell, and wound healing assays were utilized to examine cell proliferation, apoptosis, and migration. Glucose uptake and lactate production were detected using commercial kits. The relationship between miR‐335‐5p and circSLC25A16 or CISD2 was verified by dual‐luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation assays. Furthermore, tumor xenograft was established to explore the function of circSLC25A16 in vivo.ResultsCircSLC25A16 and CISD2 were overexpressed in NSCLC, but miR‐335‐5p was downregulated. CircSLC25A16 acted as a miR‐335‐5p sponge, and silencing of circSLC25A16 arrested cell proliferation, migration, and glycolysis, and promoted apoptosis, but these impacts were resumed by miR‐335‐5p inhibition. CISD2 was a miR‐335‐5p target, and overexpression of CISD2 abolished the suppressive function of miR‐335‐5p mimic on the malignant behavior of NSCLC cells. CircSLC25A16 could adsorb miR‐335‐5p to mediate CISD2 expression. Additionally, silencing circSLC25A16 restrained the growth of NSCLC tumor xenograft in vivo.ConclusionCircSLC25A16 facilitated NSCLC progression via the miR‐335‐5p/CISD2 axis, implying that circSLC25A16 may serve as a novel biomarker for NSCLC treatment.
Echoes of loss: Moral injury and complex bereavement among pet owners in the wake of humidifier disinfectant disasters
Authors: Shim Woochan S. , Kim Seongho , Jang Gyeongwoo , Pang Jinhee 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn this qualitative study, we examine the experiences of nine South Korean individuals impacted by the humidifier disinfectant scandal, a significant social disaster that resulted in the loss or health deterioration of their pets. Although humidifier disinfectants were marketed since 1994, it was not until 2011 that the South Korean government acknowledged their detrimental effects and proposed a ban. This study fills a research gap by focusing on pet owners, a substantial yet understudied demographic affected by this disaster. Our analysis reveals that the prevailing legal culture, demanding victims to substantiate their eligibility for compensation, not only intensified their trauma but also prolonged their grieving process, contributing to complex bereavement. The initial ambiguity regarding their pets' deaths fostered feelings of regret, which, upon realizing the true cause, transformed into profound guilt akin to moral injury. Based on these findings, the study offers policy recommendations to address such complex emotional repercussions in social disaster contexts.
Aflatoxin B1 induces ROS‐dependent mitophagy by modulating the PINK1/Parkin pathway in HepG2 cells
Authors: Wang Yuxi , Long Lan , Luo Qian , Huang Xinyi , Zhang Ying , Meng Xiao , Chen Dayi 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is extremely harmful to both humans and animals. Mitophagy is a selective process of self‐elimination and has an important role in controlling mitochondrial quality. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation on AFB1‐induced mitophagy in HepG2 cells to provide a new perspective from which to design novel therapeutic strategies to treat AFB1 poisoning. ROS release was induced in HepG2 cells with AFB1 (10 μmol/L). Cell autophagy activity, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels, Parkin translocation and both the transcription and expression of mitophagy‐related proteins were measured when N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine (NAC) partially decreased the ROS level, while the knockdown of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) resulted in a large accumulation of ROS. The results reveal that NAC pretreatment ameliorated the decline in both the MMP and the ATP levels while also activating phosphoglycerate mutase 5 (PGAM5)‐PTEN‐induced kinase 1 (PINK1)/Parkin, while the Nrf2 knockdown group exhibited the opposite trend. These results suggest that AFB1‐induced mitophagy in HepG2 cells depends on ROS, and proper ROS activates mitophagy to play a protective role.
Digital health's influence on the association between birth preference and vaginal birth
Authors: Brinson Alison K. , Jahnke Hannah R. , Rubin‐Miller Lily , Henrich Natalie , Peahl Alex , Shah Neel , Moss Christa 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundWomen's preferred mode of birth during pregnancy is predictive of their actual mode of birth. Digital prenatal care services are a promising method for educating women on mode of birth to reduce elective cesareans. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of digital health on the association between birth preference and mode of birth.MethodsData come from 5409 pregnant women enrolled in a digital platform for women's and family health. Multi‐trajectory modeling identified trajectories of digital health usage throughout pregnancy. Adjusted logistic regression models tested associations between birth preferences and mode of birth. The modifying effect of digital health usage on the association between birth preference and mode of birth was assessed on the multiplicative scale.ResultsFour distinct trajectories of digital service usage were identified and labeled as: (1) baseline users (52%): the reference group; (2) just‐in timers (16%): high usage during the third trimester; (3) learners (26%): high educational resource usage (e.g., articles and classes) throughout pregnancy; and (4) super users (6%): high usage of both education and care resources throughout pregnancy. Overall, preferred mode of birth at enrollment was predictive of actual mode of birth; however, digital health usage moderated this association, whereby super users and learners who preferred a cesarean at enrollment were more likely to deliver vaginally, compared to baseline users who preferred a cesarean.ConclusionFor the increasing proportion of women considering an elective cesarean, education through a prenatal digital health platform may help to encourage vaginal birth and reduce cesarean births.
Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation after reduced intensity conditioning in children and adolescents with chronic myeloid leukaemia: A prospective multicentre trial of the I‐BFM Study Group
Authors: Pichler Herbert , Sedlacek Petr , Meisel Roland , Beier Rita , Faraci Maura , Kalwak Krzysztof , Ifversen Marianne , Müller Ingo , Stein Jerry , Vettenranta Kim , Kropshofer Gabriele , Kolenova Alexandra , Karlhuber Susanne , Glogova Evgenia , Poetschger Ulrike , Peters Christina , Suttorp Meinolf , Matthes‐Leodolter Susanne , Balduzzi Adriana 
Published: May 2024

SummaryThis prospective multicentre trial evaluated the safety and the efficacy of a thiotepa/melphalan‐based reduced intensity conditioning (RIC) haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in children and adolescents with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) in chronic phase (CP). Thirty‐two patients were transplanted from matched siblings or matched unrelated donors. In 22 patients, HSCT was performed due to insufficient molecular response or loss of response to first‐ or second‐generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), with pretransplant BCR::ABL1 transcripts ranging between 0.001% and 33%. The protocol included a BCR::ABL1‐guided intervention with TKI retreatment in the first year and donor lymphocyte infusions (DLI) in the second‐year post‐transplant. All patients engrafted. The 1‐year transplant‐related mortality was 3% (confidence interval [CI]: 0%–6%). After a median follow‐up of 6.3 years, 5‐year overall survival and event‐free survival are 97% (CI: 93%–100%) and 91% (CI: 79%–100%) respectively. The current 5‐year leukaemia‐free survival with BCR::ABL1 <0.01% is 97% (CI: 88%–100%) and the current TKI‐ and DLI‐free survival is 95% (CI: 85%–100%). The incidence of chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (GvHD) was 32%, being severe in four patients (13%). At last follow‐up, 31 patients are GvHD‐free and have stopped immunosuppression. RIC HSCT following pretreatment with TKI is feasible and effective in children and adolescents with CP‐CML with an excellent disease‐free and TKI‐free survival.
Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the cannabinoid CB2 receptor: Molecular pharmacology and disease associations
Authors: Foyzun Tahira , Whiting Maddie , Velasco Kate K. , Jacobsen Jessie C. , Connor Mark , Grimsey Natasha L. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPreclinical evidence implicating cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) in various diseases has led researchers to question whether CB2 genetics influence aetiology or progression. Associations between conditions and genetic loci are often studied via single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) prevalence in case versus control populations. In the CNR2 coding exon, ~36 SNPs have high overall population prevalence (minor allele frequencies [MAF] ~37%), including non‐synonymous SNP (ns‐SNP) rs2501432 encoding CB2 63Q/R. Interspersed are ~27 lower frequency SNPs, four being ns‐SNPs. CNR2 introns also harbour numerous SNPs. This review summarises CB2 ns‐SNP molecular pharmacology and evaluates evidence from ~70 studies investigating CB2 genetic variants with proposed linkage to disease. Although CNR2 genetic variation has been associated with a wide variety of conditions, including osteoporosis, immune‐related disorders, and mental illnesses, further work is required to robustly validate CNR2 disease links and clarify specific mechanisms linking CNR2 genetic variation to disease pathophysiology and potential drug responses.