bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microbial DNA enrichment promotes liver steatosis and fibrosis in the course of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Luo Zhenlong , Ji Yudong , Zhang Dinghong , Gao Hong , Jin Zhongmou , Yang Meixiang , Ying Wei 
Published: May 2022

AbstractAimLow‐grade inflammation is the hallmark of non‐alcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD) and non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The leakage of microbiota‐derived products can contribute to liver inflammation during NAFLD/NASH development. Here, we assessed the roles of gut microbial DNA‐containing extracellular vesicles (mEVs) in regulating liver cellular abnormalities in the course of NAFLD/NASH.MethodsWe performed studies with Vsig4−/−, C3−/−, cGAS−/−, and their wild‐type littermate mice. Vsig4+ macrophage population and bacterial DNA abundance were examined in both mouse and human liver by either flow cytometric or immunohistochemistry analysis. Gut mEVs were adoptively transferred into Vsig4−/−, C3−/−, cGAS−/−, or littermate WT mice, and hepatocyte inflammation and HSC fibrogenic activation were measured in these mice.ResultsNon‐alcoholic fatty liver diseases and non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis development was concomitant with a diminished liver Vsig4+ macrophage population and a marked bacterial DNA enrichment in both hepatocytes and HSCs. In the absence of Vsig4+ macrophages, gut mEVs translocation led to microbial DNA accumulation in hepatocytes and HSCs, resulting elevated hepatocyte inflammation and HSC fibrogenic activation. In contrast, in lean WT mice, Vsig4+ macrophages remove gut mEVs from bloodstream through a C3‐dependent opsonization mechanism and prevent the infiltration of gut mEVs into hepatic cells. Additionally, Vsig4−/− mice more quickly developed significant liver steatosis and fibrosis than WT mice after Western diet feeding. In vitro treatment with NASH mEVs triggered hepatocyte inflammation and HSC fibrogenic activation. Microbial DNAs are key cargo for the effects of gut mEVs by activating cGAS/STING.ConclusionAccumulation of microbial DNAs fuels the development of NAFLD/NASH‐associated liver abnormalities.
Direct healthcare costs of Rome IV or Rome III‐defined irritable bowel syndrome in the United Kingdom
Authors: Goodoory Vivek C. , Ng Cho Ee , Black Christopher J. , Ford Alexander C. 
Published: May 2022

SummaryBackgroundPrevious studies have demonstrated a substantial economic impact of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).AimsTo provide contemporaneous estimates of direct healthcare costs of IBS in the United Kingdom.MethodsWe collected demographic, gastrointestinal and psychological symptoms, quality of life and healthcare usage data from adults with Rome IV or Rome III IBS in the United Kingdom. We calculated the mean annual direct healthcare costs of IBS per person and used contemporaneous IBS prevalence data, together with census data, to estimate annual direct costs of IBS. We also examined predictors of higher costs.ResultsThe mean annual direct cost of IBS per person among 752 individuals with Rome IV IBS was £556.65 (SD £1023.92) and £474.16 (SD £897.86) for 995 individuals with Rome III IBS. We estimate the annual direct healthcare cost of IBS in the United Kingdom is £1.27 billion if the Rome IV criteria are used to define IBS, and £2.07 billion using Rome III. Among individuals with Rome IV IBS, mean annual costs were higher in those with opiate use (£907.90 vs £470.58, p < 0.001), more severe symptoms (p < 0.001 for trend), a shorter duration of IBS (1 year, £1227.14 vs >5 years £501.60, p = 0.002), lower quality of life (p < 0.001 for trend), and higher depression, somatisation and gastrointestinal symptom‐specific anxiety scores (P < 0.001 for trend for all).ConclusionWe estimate annual direct healthcare costs of IBS of between £1.3 and £2 billion in the United Kingdom.
Inter‐ and intra‐racial/ethnic disparities in walking accessibility to grocery stores
Authors: Liu Dong , Kwan Mei‐Po , Kan Zihan , Song Yimeng , Li Xuefeng 
Published: May 2022

AbstractInequalities in accessibility to grocery stores can lead to disparate health outcomes among the population. Although existing studies have examined grocery accessibility inequality across income and racial/ethnic groups, little research has been dedicated to revealing the intra‐racial disparities of grocery accessibility and comparing inter‐racial and intra‐racial inequalities in grocery accessibility. This study adopts a modified two‐step floating catchment area (2SFCA) method, which accounts for the supply/demand inflation effect, and an alternative distribution inequality metric called the Palma ratio to measure the inequalities in grocery access between the richest 10% and poorest 40% of the census tracts within the same racial/ethnic group in Chicago (USA). The results indicate that in Chicago, inter‐racial inequality in grocery accessibility is more serious than intra‐racial inequality, especially because the Hispanic‐majority census tracts generally suffer from low grocery accessibility regardless of their income levels.
Methodological considerations on estimating medication adherence from self‐report, electronic monitoring and electronic healthcare databases using the TEOS framework
Authors: Dima Alexandra L. , Allemann Samuel S. , Dunbar‐Jacob Jacqueline , Hughes Dyfrig A. , Vrijens Bernard , Wilson Ira B. 
Published: May 2022

AimsMeasuring adherence to medication is complex due to the diversity of contexts in which medications are prescribed, dispensed and used. The Timelines‐Events‐Objectives‐Sources (TEOS) framework outlined a process to operationalize adherence. We aimed to develop practical recommendations for quantification of medication adherence using self‐report (SR), electronic monitoring (EM) and electronic healthcare databases (EHD) consistent with the TEOS framework for adherence operationalization.MethodsAn adherence methodology working group of the International Society for Medication Adherence (ESPACOMP) analysed implications of the process of medication adherence for all data sources and discussed considerations specific to SR, EM and EHD regarding the information available on the prescribing, dispensing, recommended and actual use timelines, the four events relevant for distinguishing the adherence phases, the study objectives commonly addressed with each type of data, and the potential sources of measurement error and quality criteria applicable.ResultsFour key implications for medication adherence measurement are common to all data sources: adherence is a comparison between two series of events (recommended and actual use); it refers to one or more specific medication(s); it applies to regular repeated events coinciding with known recommended dosing; and it requires separate measurement of the three adherence phases for a complete picture of patients' adherence. We propose recommendations deriving from these statements, and aspects to be considered in study design when measuring adherence with SR, EM and EHD using the TEOS framework.ConclusionThe quality of medication adherence estimates is the result of several design choices that may optimize the data available.
Tapering of the thrombopoietin receptor agonist in paediatric patients with chronic immune thrombocytopenia: Is it possible?
Authors: Solsona María , Berrueco Rubén , Sebastián Elena , Cervera Áurea , Sastre Ana , Astigarraga Itziar , Argilés Bienvenida , Dasí María Ángeles , Dapena José Luís , Monteagudo Emilio 
Published: May 2022

It is not clear if platelet responses are sustained after thrombopoietin receptor agonist (ar‐TPO) withdrawal in paediatric patients. A multicentre retrospective observational study was performed in children with chronic immune thrombopenia (cITP) to describe ar‐TPO tapering and withdrawal in patients who had achieved a sustained complete response to ar‐TPOs. Ten patients (eltrombopag n = 6, romiplostim n = 4) were included. Treatment withdrawal was performed after a mean tapering time of 7.6 months. Two patients relapsed (median follow‐up time of 24 months). Slow tapering and withdrawal of ar‐TPOs can be safely performed in cITP paediatric patients after achieving a sustained complete response.
Bendamustine in combination with pomalidomide and dexamethasone in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma: A phase II trial
Authors: Kumar Sudhir , Sharma Atul , Malik Prabhat Singh , Gogia Ajay , Pathak Neha , Sahoo Ranjit Kumar , Gupta Ritu , Prasad Chandra Prakash , Kumar Lalit 
Published: May 2022

SummaryTreatment of patients with resistant/refractory multiple myeloma (MM) is an unmet need. In this phase II study, we evaluated the role of bendamustine, pomalidomide and dexamethasone combination in this setting. Between February 2020 and December 2021, 28 patients were recruited. Patients received bendamustine 120 mg/m2day 1, pomalidomide 3 mg days 1–21, and dexamethasone 40 mg days 1, 8, 11, 22, regimen given for a maximum of six cycles. The median (range) age of the patients was 54 (30–76) years and 15 (53.6%) were males. Patients had received a median (range) of three (two–six) prior lines and 85.7% were refractory to both lenalidomide and bortezomib. The primary end‐point was the overall response rate (ORR) defined as ≥partial response after at least three cycles. Secondary objectives were toxicity, progression‐free survival (PFS), time to progression and overall survival (OS). An intent‐to‐treat analysis was done. An ORR of 57.6% was achieved. Patients with extramedullary myeloma had a better response rate. At a median follow‐up of 8.6 months, the median PFS and OS were 6.2 and 9.7 months respectively. Toxicity was manageable; mainly haematological (neutropenia, 46.4%; anaemia, 42.8%; and thrombocytopenia, 7.1%). Bendamustine, pomalidomide and dexamethasone could be a novel combination for the heavily pretreated, lenalidomide‐refractory myeloma population.
A comparative evaluation of neurophysiological activity, active tactile sensibility and stereognostic ability of complete denture prosthesis, and implant‐supported prosthesis wearer—A pilot study
Authors: Bhattacharjee Bappaditya , Saneja Ritu , Bhatnagar Atul , Verma Ashish , Soni Romesh , Singh Ankita , Dubey Pavan 
Published: May 2022

AbstractAimThe study aimed to evaluate the effect of implant‐supported prosthesis in completely edentulous participants in terms of osseoperception ability, neural activity, and stereognostic ability in comparison to removable prosthetic options.Materials and MethodsA total sample of 18 patients, irrespective of gender and age were allocated into three groups according to the three‐treatment protocol (upper and lower complete denture, upper complete denture opposing lower implant‐retained overdenture, implant‐supported fixed prosthesis in both arches). Four weeks after completion of the treatment procedure active tactile sensibility (ATS) was checked by using varying thicknesses (12, 40, 80, 100, 200 μ) of articulating foils and papers. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was performed to record neurophysiological activity in cerebral cortex in all the participants. Various forms of test pieces (heat cure acrylic resin) were used to evaluate stereognostic ability. Data regarding the neurophysiological activity were analyzed by using Krushkal–Wallis test and p ≤ 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Data from stereognostic ability test procedure and ATS were compared by using chi‐squared test and p ≤ 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.ResultsStatistically significant difference was found in between the articulating foils in terms of true negative responses as the foil thickness increased in participants wearing complete denture in both the arches (p = 0.004) and implant‐supported fixed prosthesis in both the arches (p = 0.010). Participants in implant‐supported fixed prosthesis group showed significantly more activation in primary motor cortex (right side), somatosensory cortex (left side), angular gyrus (both sides), temporal lobe (left) compared to other groups. No significant difference found in thalamus and premotor cortex region in between the participants of different groups. No statistically significant difference found in between the groups in terms of true responses identifying correct shapes. Mean number of correct responses in stereognostic ability test were 4.16 (83.33%), 3.5 (70%), 3.83 (76.66%) for participants of complete denture group, upper complete denture opposing lower implant retained overdenture group, and implant‐supported fixed prosthesis group, respectively.ConclusionPrimary motor cortex, somatosensory cortex, and other regions of brain were diffusely activated in participants wearing implant‐supported fixed prosthesis in both the arches. Less number of false responses were recorded in participants of implant‐supported fixed prosthesis group and upper complete denture opposing lower implant‐retained overdenture group in ATS test compared to participants wearing complete denture in both the arches.
Impact of the heart transplant allocation policy change on inpatient cost of index hospitalization
Authors: Abramov Dmitry , Minhas Abdul Mannan Khan , Fudim Marat , Chung Josh S. , Patel Jay N. , Rabkin David G. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundWe sought to determine the financial impact of the United Network for Organ Sharing heart transplant (HT) allocation policy change of October 2018.MethodsUsing the Nationwide Inpatient Sample we retrospectively analyzed hospital discharge data between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2019. ICD‐10‐CM procedure codes were used to identify hospitalizations of patients undergoing HT as well as the use of temporary mechanical circulatory support (MCS) during the HT hospitalization. Patients < 18 years old and those with missing data on costs were excluded. The primary outcome was inflation‐adjusted costs. Total costs were inflated to 2019 US dollars.ResultsDuring the course of the study, temporary MCS increased significantly among 11 380 weighted patients transplanted while mean length of stay (LOS) did not. Mean inflation‐adjusted costs rose about $40k per HT. On univariate analysis, transplantation year, use of temporary MCS and LOS were all significantly associated with increased cost while on multivariate analysis only temporary MCS and LOS were.ConclusionsThe 2018 allocation change has resulted in more expensive inpatient costs for HT correlating with an increase in temporary MCS.
Rationale, design and baseline characteristics of the effect of canagliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes and microalbuminuria in the Japanese population: The CANPIONE study
Authors: Miyamoto Satoshi , Heerspink Hiddo J. L. , de Zeeuw Dick , Toyoda Masao , Suzuki Daisuke , Hatanaka Takashi , Nakamura Tohru , Kamei Shinji , Murao Satoshi , Hida Kazuyuki , Ando Shinichiro , Akai Hiroaki , Takahashi Yasushi , Koya Daisuke , Kitada Munehiro , Sugano Hisashi , Nunoue Tomokazu , Nakamura Akihiko , Sasaki Motofumi , Nakatou Tatsuaki , Fujimoto Kei , Kawanami Daiji , Wada Takashi , Miyatake Nobuyuki , Yoshida Michihiro , Shikata Kenichi ,   the CANPIONE study Investigators
Published: May 2022

AbstractAimTo evaluate the effect of canagliflozin, a sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, on albuminuria and the decline of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in participants with type 2 diabetes and microalbuminuria.MethodsThe CANPIONE study is a multicentre, randomized, parallel‐group and open‐labelled study consisting of a unique 24‐week preintervention period, during which the rate of eGFR decline before intervention is estimated, followed by a 52‐week intervention and a 4‐week washout period. Participants with a geometric mean urinary albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio (UACR) of 50 and higher and less than 300 mg/g in two consecutive first‐morning voids at two different time points, and an eGFR of 45 ml/min/1.73m2 or higher, are randomly assigned to receive canagliflozin 100 mg daily or to continue guideline‐recommended treatment, except for SGLT2 inhibitors. The first primary outcome is the change in UACR, and the second primary outcome is the change in eGFR slope.ResultsA total of 258 participants were screened and 98 were randomized at 21 sites in Japan from August 2018 to May 2021. The mean baseline age was 61.4 years and 25.8% were female. The mean HbA1c was 7.9%, mean eGFR was 74.1 ml/min/1.73m2 and median UACR was 104.2 mg/g.ConclusionsThe CANPIONE study will determine whether the SGLT2 inhibitor canagliflozin can reduce albuminuria and slow eGFR decline in participants with type 2 diabetes and microalbuminuria.
Metformin‐induced vitamin B12 deficiency can cause or worsen distal symmetrical, autonomic and cardiac neuropathy in the patient with diabetes
Authors: Bell David S. H. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractMetformin blocks the absorption of vitamin B12 through a mechanism that has not been established but could be because of interference with the calcium‐dependent binding of the intrinsic factor vitamin B12 complex to the cubam receptor in the terminal ileum. The subsequent deficiency of vitamin B12 may cause or accelerate distal symmetrical and autonomic neuropathy in the patient with diabetes. Several observational studies and meta‐analyses have reported a significant association between metformin utilization and vitamin B12 deficiency. Prospective studies have shown that not only do metformin utilizers have lower vitamin B12 levels but they also have higher frequencies of distal symmetrical polyneuropathy and autonomic neuropathy (including cardiac denervation, which is associated with increased incidences of cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac events and mortality). Therefore, periodic monitoring of vitamin B12 is recommended in all patients who utilize metformin, particularly if metformin has been used for over 5 years at which stage hepatic stores of vitamin B12 would probably be depleted. Factors that accelerate the loss of hepatic vitamin B12 stores are proton pump inhibitors, bariatric surgery, being elderly and having an increased turnover of red blood cells. If serum vitamin B12 levels are borderline, measurement of methylmalonic acid and homocysteine levels can detect vitamin B12 deficiency at its earliest stage. Therapies include prophylactic calcium and vitamin B12 supplements, metformin withdrawal, replenishing vitamin B12 stores with intramuscular or oral vitamin B12 therapy and regular monitoring of vitamin B12 levels and vitamin B12 supplements if metformin continues to be utilized. With adequate vitamin B12 replacement, while symptoms of neuropathy may or may not improve, objective findings of neuropathy stabilize but do not improve.
Optimum timing and size at release of chum salmon: Improving survival by modifying hatchery practices
Authors: Saito Toshihiko 
Published: May 2022

AbstractAn existing conceptual model that assessed the timing of and size at release of juvenile Japanese chum salmon in Japanese waters is modified using data obtained from young salmon collected in coastal waters off Kombumori, eastern Hokkaido, Japan. The early life histories of Tokachi River late‐migrating chum salmon are estimated based on microstructural analysis of thermally marked otoliths from recaptured fish. A revised model is presented that reveals the optimal timing of and size at release of chum salmon juveniles to be dependent upon their size at sea entry and sea surface temperature (SST) near Tokachi River mouth. Juvenile salmon are assumed to grow at a fixed rate after sea entry and to reach a target fork length upon arrival in Kombumori waters when SST conditions are within a specific optimal range. However, because of annual variation in SST, the size at and timing of juvenile chum salmon sea entry following their release from hatcheries represents a moving target, which flexible hatchery release practices are required to meet. Return rates of adult chum salmon to Tokachi River correlate positively with the number of days elapsed between the period when SST is suitable near the river mouth where they enter the sea, and SST conditions in Kombumori waters, which suggests that in years when SST increases rapidly the survival of salmon tends to decline. Windows of optimal times of and sizes at release are proposed for juvenile chum salmon to improve their survival and hatchery success.
Urban wetlands, their dynamics and management strategies from the perspective of Environmental Geography
Authors: Schön Feline , Domínguez Ana , Achkar Marcel 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe environment is a central axis of academic discussion, but even so, there are theoretical difficulties in understanding environmental problems. Environmental Geography provides arguments to articulate the relationships between society and nature and the possibility of focusing on the environmental system as an object of study. The aim of this article is to provide theoretical, methodological and operational elements for the evaluation of the interrelationship between wetland ecosystems and urban localities in Uruguay based on three case studies and analysing them from the theoretical and conceptual context of Environmental Geography. The methodological strategy is based on a multi‐scale analysis: at the national scale, studying the situation of the interrelationship between wetlands and urban areas, and at the basin scale, case studies are selected to address the specific conditions of the relationship. In Uruguay, 50% of urban localities are located in wetland territories, but no national strategy can be identified to solve the problem of flooding events in urban areas. Environmental Geography offers the possibility of making the interrelationships between urban spaces and the environments where they develop visible as it makes it possible to analyse the causes of the problem at the basin level in order to achieve sustainable management.
HISTORY'S NARRATIVE EXPLANATION UNDER THE LOGIC OF CAUSAL IMPUTATION: AN ESSAY IN HONOR OF MAX WEBER'S DEATH CENTENARY
Authors: DO VALLE ULISSES 
Published: May 2022

ABSTRACTOne hundred years have passed since Max Weber's death. This article explores an aspect of his work that, although fundamental, has received little attention in theoretical discussions about historiography: the relationship between explanation and narration. This article's analysis proceeds from two basic hypotheses: (1) some of the questions posed by narrativism to theory of history were already present in Weber's intellectual context; (2) in Weber's work, we can find a helpful, albeit nearly forgotten, answer to these questions insofar as his proposal situates the narrative explanation of history in the logical framework of causal imputation. Based on these hypotheses, this article's central objective is to examine how and to what extent a return to Weber can shed new light on the problem of historical explanation without disregarding its narrative nature. The article's first step, then, is to briefly review the fundamental questions posed by narrativism to the theory of history, with an emphasis on the structure of a historical narration; after that, it shows how and to what extent we can find a response to these questions in Weber's work. Ultimately, the article seeks to demonstrate the compatibility between the structure of a narrative, as evidenced by Arthur C. Danto, and the logical‐causal explanation model proposed by Weber, which will serve as the basis for a clearer distinction between historical narratives and fictional ones.