bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Elastin microfibril interface‐located protein 1 in fibroblasts is regulated by amphiregulin and interleukin‐1α produced by keratinocytes
Authors: Kondo Shinya , Shiga Soichiro , Sakurai Tetsuhito 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe structure of elastic fibres changes with ageing. Elastin microfibril interface–located protein 1 (EMILIN‐1) is known to contribute to structural changes in elastic fibres. EMILIN‐1 is one of the components of elastic fibres and also colocalizes with oxytalan fibres near the epidermis. Therefore, EMILIN‐1 may be affected by epidermal–dermal interactions. The purpose of this study is to identify the key factors involved in epidermal–dermal interactions during the structural degeneration of elastic fibres.MethodsKeratinocytes and fibroblasts were co‐cultured, and changes in elastic fibre‐related proteins were evaluated. Additionally, cytokine arrays were used to identify the factors involved in epidermal–dermal interactions.ResultsEMILIN‐1 expression in fibroblasts was increased in the presence of keratinocytes, and its expression decreased when keratinocytes were stressed. Amphiregulin (AREG) and interleukin‐1α (IL‐1α) were identified as the keratinocyte‐derived cytokines that influence the production of EMILIN‐1, which is secreted by the fibroblasts. EMILIN‐1 expression was promoted by AREG and decreased by IL‐1α via an increase in cathepsin K (a catabolic enzyme). AREG and IL‐1α were associated with changes in EMILIN‐1 levels in fibroblasts.ConclusionThe findings suggest that the suppression of IL‐1α expression and promotion of AREG expression in the epidermis could be a new approach that prevents the wrinkles and sagging caused by the structural changes in elastic fibres.
FINANCIAL DOLLARIZATION IN EMERGING MARKETS: AN INSURANCE ARRANGEMENT
Authors: Dalgic Husnu C. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractHouseholds in emerging markets hold significant amounts of dollar deposits whereas firms have significant amount of dollar debt. Motivated by perceived dangers, policymakers consider regulations to limit dollarization. I draw attention to an important benefit of dollarization: it serves as an insurance arrangement in which firms provide income insurance. Emerging market exchange rates tend to depreciate in recessions so that households prefer holding deposits denominated in dollars. They effectively starve local financial markets of local currency; raising local interest rates over USD rates and causing entrepreneurs to borrow in dollars. This premium is the price paid by households for insurance.
Effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Saccharomyces cerevisiae on the flavour profile of sweet fermented glutinous rice (Jiu Niang)
Authors: Wang Jun , Zhao Yue Tong , Wei Bo Cheng 
Published: February 2024

SummaryRecently, there has been growing interest in intentionally incorporating fermentation starters into the traditional brewing process. Our study examined the impact of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Lactobacillus rhamnosus on the flavour profiles of sweet fermented glutinous rice (SFGR). Saccharomyces cerevisiae obviously increased the ethanol content, whereas Lactobacillus rhamnosus notably raised the total acidity. Lactic acid became the dominant organic acid after the addition of Lactobacillus rhamnosus. The volatiles were analysed using electronic nose (E‐nose) and gas chromatography‐ion mobility spectrometry (GC‐IMS). S4 sensor of E‐nose exhibited the most extensive response to all samples. Saccharomyces cerevisiae increased ethanol and 3‐methylbutan‐1‐ol levels, while Lactobacillus rhamnosus led to a significant increase in acetone. Principal component analysis effectively discriminated the aroma of SFGR with different starters. Additionally, a strong correlation was observed between the E‐nose and GC‐IMS results. Our study shows that Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Lactobacillus rhamnosus can enhance the flavour of fermented rice products.
Does radical cystectomy have a better prognosis than bladder conservative treatment in the real world?
Authors: Nakagawa Ryunosuke , Izumi Kouji , Toriumi Ren , Aoyama Shuhei , Kamijima Taiki , Makino Tomoyuki , Naito Renato , Iwamoto Hiroaki , Yaegashi Hiroshi , Kawaguchi Shohei , Shigehara Kazuyoshi , Nohara Takahiro , Mizokami Atsushi 
Published: February 2024

PurposeTo compare the prognosis and quality of life between radical cystectomy and bladder conservative treatment for muscle invasive bladder cancer in the real world.Materials and MethodsPatients treated for muscle invasive bladder cancer without metastases were retrospectively evaluated for overall survival, progression‐free survival, and rehospitalization.ResultsOf the 141 patients, 62 underwent bladder conservative treatment and 79 underwent radical cystectomy. Patients who underwent radical cystectomy had significantly better progression‐free survival (HR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.12–3.00; p < 0.01) and overall survival (HR: 1.82, 95% CI: 0.99–3.34; p = 0.03) than those who underwent conservative treatment. However, there was no significant difference in prognosis between patients who refused to undergo radical cystectomy and those who underwent. In addition, rehospitalization rates for complications and additional treatment were significantly higher in patients who received conservative treatment (69.3% vs. 34.2%; p < 0.01), and the length of hospital stay was also prolonged compared to patients who received radical cystectomy (26 vs. 9 days; p = 0.03).ConclusionsOverall, conservative treatment had a significantly poorer prognosis than radical cystectomy, but there was no significant difference in prognosis when comparing patients who refused radical cystectomy and received conservative treatment with those who received radical cystectomy. However, hospitalization rates and length of stay were significantly worse for patients who chose conservative treatment, which may lead to a decline in quality of life.
Association between venous leg ulcers and chronic heart failure: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Ke Changlan , Zhou Qiong , Lu Mei , Xie Ruiye , Kong Wanwen 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAn association between venous leg ulcers (VLU) and chronic heart failure (CHF) has been suggested by observational research. This study used Mendelian randomization (MR) methods to look into any possible bidirectional causal links between VLU and CHF. The ‘TwoSampleMR’ R package was employed for MR analyses. The association of VLU and CHF was assessed via methods of inverse variance weighted (IVW), weighted mode, MR Egger and weighted median. Results of IVW suggested no association between VLU and CHF (β 0.008356; SE 0.01889; p = 0.6582). The weighted median estimator (β −0.005777; SE 0.02059, p = 0.7791), MR‐Egger (β −0.08955; SE 0.04557; p = 0.07296) and weighted mode (β −0.01202; SE 0.02467; p = 0.6341) showed consistent results. Conversely, evidence indicating that the presence of CHF increased the risk of VLU was lacking. In conclusion, there is no bidirectional causal relationship between VLU and CHF. Further studies are required to validate the findings of this study.
Multiple processes jointly determine ecological uniqueness across forest plant life‐forms in Northeast China
Authors: Chen Yue , Myers Jonathan A. , Ordonez Alejandro , Yu Jinghua , Ye Ji , Lin Fei , Fang Shuai , Mao Zikun , Wang Xugao 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAimEcological uniqueness is an essential component of biodiversity. However, the mechanisms underlying patterns of ecological uniqueness remain unresolved. This study aims to assess the relative importance as well as interactive roles of four hypothesized processes (regional climate filtering, local environmental filtering, biotic heterogeneity and disturbance intensity [DI]) in shaping ecological uniqueness across three forest plant life‐forms (trees, shrubs and herbs) in a large temperate forest region.LocationNortheast China.MethodsWe quantified ecological uniqueness as abundance and incidence‐based local relative contributions to beta diversity (i.e. LCBD indices) in the study region. Multiple beta regression analyses and piecewise structural equation models were used to determine the relative direct and interactive effects of four processes in shaping ecological uniqueness across forest plant life‐forms.ResultsThe southern area of the region exhibited consistently greater LCBD values across plant life‐forms, highlighting its importance for conservation. All four processes jointly affected ecological uniqueness but their relative importance varied across plant life‐forms. Generally, regional climate had the dominant effect on tree LCBD while biotic heterogeneity was the most important process driving shrub and herb LCBDs. Local environmental filtering was less important in driving LCBD of all life‐forms. The significant direct effect of DI was only found in the herb group. Despite its weak direct effect, DI could indirectly shape tree and shrub LCBDs via biotic heterogeneity.Main ConclusionsOur study suggests that current patterns of ecological uniqueness (i.e. LCBD) across forest plant life‐forms result from multiple processes, with regional climate filtering and biotic heterogeneity having the strongest effects on uniqueness patterns across all life‐forms. Meanwhile, DI is more critical for shaping ecological uniqueness of herbs than trees or shrubs. We highlight the interactive roles of biotic and abiotic filtering in shaping biologically distinct communities important for biodiversity conservation.
Dutasteride in the treatment of frontal fibrosing alopecia: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Seo Hyun‐Min , Oh Se Uk , Kim Sungyu , Park Ji Hun , Kim Joung Soo 
Published: February 2024

AbstractFrontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a scarring alopecia with fronto‐temporo‐parietal hairline recession. Although no proven treatment for FFA exists, dutasteride has been suggested as a potential treatment option. We aimed to evaluate the therapeutic response of oral dutasteride in FFA patients. The identification and selection of studies were conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analysis 2020 criteria. To assess the risk of bias for each study, we used the Cochrane's risk of bias in non‐randomized studies of interventions (ROBINS‐I) assessment tool. A random effects model meta‐analysis was performed. Estimated proportion of stabilization for eligible studies was calculated to evaluate the effectiveness of dutasteride for treating FFA. Among patients who achieved stabilization, subgroup analysis was conducted on those showing improvement. Seven studies including 366 patients who received oral dutasteride were identified. The estimated proportion of patients who experienced stabilization of FFA with oral dutasteride was 0.628 (95% CI: 0.398–0.859). In subgroup analyses of patients who experienced improvement, the estimated proportion of improvement was 0.356 (95% CI: 0.163–0.549). In this systematic review and meta‐analysis, oral dutasteride revealed to be a good treatment option for disease stabilization or improvement in patients with FFA.
Identifying the Depreciation Rate of Durables from Marginal Spending Responses
Authors: CAO JIN , CUI CHAO , DINGER VALERIYA , HOLM MARTIN B. , KANG SHULONG 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis paper presents a new method to estimate the depreciation rate of durable goods using a combination of identified marginal and average spending shares. We apply our method to Chinese spending responses to disposable income changes induced by monetary policy in 2008–09. The marginal total spending response is 0.40. About 46% of this marginal spending response is due to durable goods. By combining this marginal spending share on durables with an average spending share of 14%, we estimate the annual depreciation rate of durables in China to be 0.17.
The role, safety, and efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in aesthetic practice—An evidence‐based review
Authors: Parnis Juanita , Magrin Anna Maria Fenech , Hassan Haidar 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundHyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) involves patients breathing 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber, above 1 atmosphere. Many centers are now promoting the use of HBOT for skin rejuvenation. However, the current indications for HBOT do not encompass aesthetic applications.AimThe aim of this evidence‐based review was to assess the existing literature regarding the utilization of HBOT in medical aesthetics and rejuvenation, evaluate its effectiveness and safety, and conduct a cost analysis.Materials and MethodsPubMed Interface, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and Embase searches were carried out. The Best Bets methodology was used, and the risk of bias was appraised using the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies.Results and Main FindingsThis review included a total of 17 human studies with a total of 766 participants. Three studies were classified as level II evidence, three studies were of level III evidence, and 11 were of level IV evidence. All the included studies were judged at high risk of bias. The most relevant findings supported by level II evidence were that HBOT decreased the shedding rate post‐FUE hair transplant (27.6 ± 2.6% vs. 69.1 ± 2.4%) but this did not affect the final outcome between HBOT (96.9 ± 0.5%) and the control (93.8 ± 0.6%). Moreover, level III evidence demonstrated that following HBOT, there was a significant increase in elastic fiber length (p ≤ 0.0001, effect size = 2.71) and a significant decrease in fiber fragmentation (p = 0.012). There was also a significant increase in collagen fiber density following HBOT (p = 0.0001, effect size = 1.10). However, there was no significant effect of antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E with HBOT. The inflammatory response significantly decreased after 7 days of HBOT with a decreased expression of IL‐12p40, MIP‐1β, and PDGF‐BB and a higher expression of IL‐1Ra. Moreover, HBOT was used prophylactically prior to abdominoplasty to decrease the risk of complications. In this study, complications were decreased from 32.6% (89 patients) to 8.4% (7 patients) with a p < 0.001, and in a multivariate analysis, preoperative HBOT was an independent protective factor against postoperative complications (p < 0.001).Conclusion and RecommendationsThere is conflicting evidence on how the method of action of HBOT can have a beneficiary effect in aesthetic and whether the treatment is justifiable. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive review discussing the available evidence regarding the use of HBOT in many aesthetic clinical scenarios, including preventive, medical, and surgical settings. However, randomized clinical trials with longer follow‐up and better patient selection are needed to be able to generate a reliable conclusion.
Machine learning decision support model for discharge planning in stroke patients
Authors: Cui Yanli , Xiang Lijun , Zhao Peng , Chen Jian , Cheng Lei , Liao Lin , Yan Mingyu , Zhang Xiaomei 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackground/aimEfficient discharge for stroke patients is crucial but challenging. The study aimed to develop early predictive models to explore which patient characteristics and variables significantly influence the discharge planning of patients, based on the data available within 24 h of admission.DesignProspective observational study.MethodsA prospective cohort was conducted at a university hospital with 523 patients hospitalised for stroke. We built and trained six different machine learning (ML) models, followed by testing and tuning those models to find the best‐suited predictor for discharge disposition, dichotomized into home and non‐home. To evaluate the accuracy, reliability and interpretability of the best‐performing models, we identified and analysed the features that had the greatest impact on the predictions.ResultsIn total, 523 patients met the inclusion criteria, with a mean age of 61 years. Of the patients with stroke, 30.01% had non‐home discharge. Our model predicting non‐home discharge achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.95 and a precision of 0.776. After threshold was moved, the model had a recall of 0.809. Top 10 variables by importance were National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, family income, Barthel index (BI) score, FRAIL score, fall risk, pressure injury risk, feeding method, depression, age and dysphagia.ConclusionThe ML model identified higher NIHSS, BI, and FRAIL, family income, higher fall risk, pressure injury risk, older age, tube feeding, depression and dysphagia as the top 10 strongest risk predictors in identifying patients who required non‐home discharge to higher levels of care. Modern ML techniques can support timely and appropriate clinical decision‐making.Relevance to Clinical PracticeThis study illustrates the characteristics and risk factors of non‐home discharge in patients with stroke, potentially contributing to the improvement of the discharge process.Reporting MethodSTROBE guidelines.
The effect of interleukin‐20 on periodontal tissue destruction in individuals with periodontitis
Authors: Yemenoglu H. , Senkal R. , Kose O. , Yılmaz A. , Mataracı Karakaş S. , Akyıldız K. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackground and ObjectivePeriodontitis is an inflammatory disease that destroys periodontal tissues. Interleukin‐20 (IL‐20), on the other hand, is known as a potent angiogenic, chemotactic, and pro‐inflammatory cytokine associated with various chronic inflammatory disorders. IL‐20 has a significant role in the regulation of osteoclastogenesis and osteoblastogenesis. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of IL‐20 on periodontal destruction.MethodsIn this study, a total of 60 participants were included, 30 of whom were systemically and periodontally healthy (control group), and 30 were systemically healthy but had periodontitis (periodontitis group). Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and serum samples were collected from the participants for biochemical analysis. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine the levels of IL‐20, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, IL1β/IL‐10, RANKL/osteoprotegerin (OPG), and matrix metalloproteinase‐8 (MMP8). For statistical analysis, the independent t‐test, Pearson correlation coefficients, and the Chi‐square test were used.ResultsGCF IL‐20, RANKL, RANKL/OPG, serum IL‐20, RANKL, RANKL/OPG, MMP‐8, TNF‐α, IL‐1B, and IL‐1β/IL‐10 values were found to be statistically significantly higher in the periodontitis group than in the control group. GCF OPG and serum IL‐10 values were found to be statistically significantly higher in the control group than in the periodontitis group. No statistically significant difference was observed between the groups in serum OPG values. A statistically significantly positive correlation was observed between serum IL‐20 value and serum RANKL, RANKL/OPG, MMP‐8, TNF‐α, IL‐1β values, and periodontal clinical parameters. The ROC curves showed: AUC = 0.788 for GCF IL‐20, and AUC = 1.000 for serum IL‐20.ConclusionAccording to the results of the study, IL‐20 was found to be associated with periodontitis. The role of IL‐20 in periodontal pathogenesis is related to osteoclastogenesis and collagen degradation. It is conceivable that IL‐20 may increase bone destruction by both affecting the RANKL/OPG ratio and proinflammatory cytokines.
The clinical effect of digital cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia in subgroups with depressive and anxiety symptoms: A secondary analysis of a randomized–controlled trial
Authors: Rötger Alexander , Schuffelen Jennifer , Maurer Leonie F. , Lorenz Noah , Pollok Bettina , Gieselmann Annika 
Published: February 2024

SummaryInsomnia is a highly prevalent mental disorder, and is often co‐occurring with depression and anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia as treatment of choice for insomnia can also be applied digitally (digital cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia), making it more accessible. This is a secondary data analysis of a two‐armed parallel randomized–controlled trial. In the primary publication, N = 238 participants meeting criteria for the 5th edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders chronic insomnia disorder were randomly assigned to either 8 weeks of digital cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia + treatment‐as‐usual, or waitlist + treatment‐as‐usual. To determine the clinical effects of digital cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia in populations with comorbid anxiety and depression symptoms, this secondary analysis focused on two subgroups: (1) participants with high initial depressive symptoms; and (2) participants with high initial anxiety symptoms. Symptoms of insomnia, depression and anxiety as primary outcome measures were obtained at baseline, 8 weeks post‐randomization and, in the intervention group only, at 6‐ and 12‐months follow‐up. At 8 weeks post‐randomization, the use of digital cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia in both subgroups was associated with large reductions in insomnia severity in comparison to control (depression subgroup: d = 2.37; anxiety subgroup: d = 2.13). Between‐group treatment effects were also observed for symptoms of depression in the depression subgroup (d = 1.59), and for symptoms of anxiety in the anxiety subgroup (d = 1.28). Within‐group effects were stable over time (d = 0.64–1.63). This secondary analysis shows that digital cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia reduces insomnia and comorbid symptoms in participants with high initial symptoms of either depression or anxiety with sustained long‐term effects.
Diversity Dynamics: How Local Religious Groups Appear, Persist, or Disappear over Time
Authors: Senn Jeremy , Stolz Jörg , Monnot Christophe 
Published: February 2024

AbstractReligious diversity is often described and measured statically. This article goes a step further by describing how congregational religious diversity changes over time, and by exposing the mechanisms underlying these changes. We combine data from two censuses (from 2008 and 2020) of congregations in Switzerland with a sample‐based national congregation study conducted in 2008. Our main findings are the following: (1) overall, the number of congregations is in decline. (2) Religious diversity remains stable, but underlying features of religious diversity change radically. For example, established Christian congregations almost only disappear while Orthodox Christians see almost only new congregations. (3) Rural areas lose congregations mainly because established Christian groups merge their parishes, while urban areas have a high turnover. (4) Some congregational characteristics such as religious tradition, number of participants or presence of a meeting space significantly predict a congregation's likelihood of disappearing, in contrast to other variables, including income.