bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metformin and growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A hidden treasure
Authors: Al‐kuraishy Hayder M. , Al‐Gareeb Ali I. , Alexiou Athanasios , Papadakis Marios , Nadwa Eman Hassan , Albogami Sarah M. , Alorabi Mohammed , Saad Hebatallah M. , Batiha Gaber El‐Saber 
Published: November 2022

AbstractType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic endocrine disorder due to the reduction of insulin sensitivity and relative deficiency of insulin secretion. Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) belongs to the transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β) superfamily and was initially identified as macrophage inhibitory cytokine‐1 (MIC‐1). GDF15 is considered a cytokine with an anti‐inflammatory effect and increases insulin sensitivity, reduces body weight, and improves clinical outcomes in diabetic patients. GDF15 acts through stimulation of glial‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) family receptor α‐like (GFRAL), which is highly expressed in the brain stem to induce taste aversion. Metformin belongs to the group of biguanides that are derived from the plant Galega officinalis. It is interesting to note that metformin is an insulin‐sensitizing agent used as a first‐line therapy for T2DM that has been shown to increase the circulating level of GDF15. Thus, the present review aims to determine the critical association of the GDF15 biomarker in T2DM and how metformin agents affect it. This review illustrates that metformin activates GDF15 expression, which reduces appetite and leads to weight loss in both diabetic and nondiabetic patients. However, the present review cannot give a conclusion in this regard. Therefore, experimental, preclinical, and clinical studies are warranted to confirm the potential role of GDF15 in T2DM patients.
Computed tomography and anatomy of the abdominal structures in the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla)
Authors: de Oliveira Fernanda Gabriela , Schimming Bruno Cesar , da Costa Isis Pinto , da Silva Jeana Pereira , de Lima Heloísa Coppini , Cardoso Eduardo Burgarelli Mayrink , da Silva Suelen Lorena , da Silva Alves Lidiane , Mamprim Maria Jaqueline 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThe giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) is the largest of the Neotropical vermilinguans. This animal is the second mammal most frequently run over on the roads of Cerrado biome, Brazil. Therefore, it is pivotal to know the anatomy of this species to contribute to the clinical care of these animals. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify the anatomical structures in the abdominal region of the giant anteater using computed tomography (CT). For this, the tomographic analysis was performed in sequential order in the craniocaudal direction in five giant anteaters. Moreover, four giant anteater corpses were used for anatomical studies, where two corpses were sectioned in cross sections of approximately 3 cm each, and two animals were dissected to identify the abdominal organs. The association between CT and anatomical study allowed the visualization of anatomical structures found in the abdominal cavity, such as the topographic anatomy facilitates the identification of organs on CT images. The findings of this study demonstrated that CT is a good technique to provide detailed information about the anatomical structures in the abdominal cavity and that this study can be used as CT and anatomical reference for veterinarians who care for wild animals.
Active screening for lung cancer increases smoking abstinence in Australia
Authors: Marshall Henry M. , Vemula Mounavi , Hay Karen , McCaul Elizabeth , Passmore Linda , Yang Ian A. , Bowman Rayleen V. , Fong Kwun M. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractBackgroundSmoking cessation is an important screening component, but the evidence base to inform implementation is lacking. We report longitudinal smoking behavior in an Australian screening cohort and examine predictor variables associated with continued smoking.MethodsHealthy current or former smokers (quit less than 15 years and ≥30‐pack year smoking history) aged 60–74 years underwent CT screening at baseline, year 1 and year 2. Participants received brief smoking cessation advice and generic Quitline materials. Smoking status was self‐reported every 6 months for 5 years. Mediators of smoking behavior, adjusted for sociodemographic, health and scan variables were explored using logistic regression modeling.ResultsTwo hundred thirty‐five participants were analyzed. One hundred eight (46%) were current smokers at enrolment. At baseline, current smokers’ mean Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence was 4.9, and they had higher levels of lung cancer‐specific distress and passive smoke exposure than former smokers. At 36 months, 33% of baseline smokers achieved sustained (≥6 months) smoking abstinence. Five (4%) former smokers relapsed at any point during the study. Continued smoking was positively associated with greater nicotine dependence and smoking pack‐years, and negatively associated with cardiovascular disease, stroke, and lung cancer family history.ConclusionsThis study provides the first data on smoking cessation rates in Australian lung cancer screenees and supports screening as a teachable moment. We identify several factors that identify smokers who may require more intensive smoking cessation interventions and could be used to develop effective smoking cessation as part of lung cancer screening, tailored to individual risk profiles.
Control of blood glucose levels by an artificial pancreas in patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonia
Authors: Tokuhira Natsuko , Uchiyama Akinori , Hoshino Taiki , Kubo Naoko , Ishigaki Suguru , Enokidani Yusuke , Sakaguchi Ryota , Koyama Yukiko , Fujino Yuji 
Published: November 2022

AbstractBackgroundMany patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pneumonia experience hyperglycemia. It is often difficult to control blood glucose (BG) levels in such patients using standard intravenous insulin infusion therapy. Therefore, we used an artificial pancreas. This study aimed to compare the BG status of the artificial pancreas with that of standard therapy.MethodsFifteen patients were included in the study. BG values and the infusion speed of insulin and glucose by the artificial pancreas were collected. Arterial BG and administration rates of insulin, parenteral sugar, and enteral sugar were recorded during the artificial pancreas and standard therapy. The target BG level was 200 mg/dl.ResultsArterial BG was highly correlated with BG data from the artificial pancreas. A higher BG slightly increased the difference between the BG data from the artificial pancreas and arterial BS. No significant difference in arterial BG was observed between the artificial pancreas and standard therapy. However, the standard deviation with the artificial pancreas was smaller than that under standard therapy (p < 0.0001). More points within the target BG range were achieved with the artificial pancreas (180–220 mg/dl) than under standard therapy. The hyperglycemic index of the artificial pancreas (8.7 ± 15.6 mg/dl) was lower than that of standard therapy (16.0 ± 21.5 mg/dl) (p = 0.0387). No incidence of hypoglycemia occurred under the artificial pancreas.ConclusionsThe rate of achieving target BG was higher using artificial pancreas than with standard therapy. An artificial pancreas helps to control BG in critically ill patients.
D3 lymph node dissection with versus without left colic artery preservation in single‐incision laparoscopic surgery for sigmoid and rectosigmoid cancer: A propensity score‐matched analysis
Authors: Hiranuma Chikashi , Ishiyama Yasuhiro , Hirano Yasumitu , Hattori Masakazu , Douden Kenji 
Published: November 2022

AbstractPurposeIn surgery for colorectal cancer, dissection of the lymph nodes and fatty tissue around the root of the inferior mesenteric artery is important from an oncologic point of view. However, it is debatable whether it is better to preserve or remove the left colic artery (LCA). This study aimed to compare D3 lymphadenectomy with versus without LCA preservation in single‐incision laparoscopic surgery for sigmoid and rectosigmoid cancer.MethodsA total of 1138 patients underwent surgery for colorectal cancer between April 2011 and December 2018 at Fukui Prefectural Hospital. This propensity score‐matched retrospective study analyzed the data of 163 patients: 42 patients with LCA preservation (group A) and 129 without LCA preservation (group B). Clinical and oncological outcomes were compared between the two groups.ResultsThere were no significant differences between groups A and B in patient characteristics, surgical outcomes, including the 5‐year overall survival rate (75% vs. 64.2%, hazard ratio [HR] 1.34, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.37–4.30), 5‐year disease‐free survival rate (85.7% vs. 85.7%, HR 0.99, 95% CI 0.24–4.22), and 5‐year cancer‐specific survival rate (92.8% vs. 89.3%, HR 1.50, 95% CI 0.25–11.4).ConclusionThere were no significant differences in the short‐ and long‐term outcomes of patients who underwent single‐incision laparoscopic surgery with D3 lymphadenectomy with versus without LCA preservation. This suggests that LCA preservation is safe and feasible in single‐incision laparoscopic surgery for sigmoid and rectosigmoid colon cancer.
Application of sarunashi (Actinidia arguta) juices extracted at different ripening stages for Japanese Shorthorn steer meat tenderization
Authors: Muramoto Takayuki , Nishimura Miu 
Published: November 2022

AbstractWe investigated the effects of juices of sarunashi (Actinidia arguta) at varying ripening stages (unripe, force‐ripe, ripe, and over‐ripe) on textural properties and water holding capacity after application to the supraspinatus muscle meat from Japanese Shorthorn steers (n = 6). Following drip and cooking loss measurements, we analyzed the maximum load, gumminess load, cohesiveness, and adhesiveness of the muscle samples. Drip loss did not differ significantly among the groups; however, cooking loss in the over‐ripe group was higher than that in the other groups. The maximum load and gumminess load in the over‐ripe group were significantly lower than those in the unripe group, but no significant difference was observed for the others. There were no differences in cohesiveness and adhesiveness among the groups. Over‐ripened sarunashi juices were found to be more effective for beef tenderization than unripened fruit juice.
Exploring the appropriateness of antibiotic prescribing for dental presentations in Australian general practice—A pilot study
Authors: Teoh Leanne , Hopcraft Matthew , McCullough Michael , Manski‐Nankervis Jo‐Anne , Biezen Ruby 
Published: November 2022

AimsDental pain is a common presentation in general medical practice for which patients are often prescribed antibiotics. The aim of this pilot study was to assess prescriptions by general medical practitioners (GPs) for dental presentations in Australia.MethodsAnonymised electronic medical data relating to antibiotic prescribing across 2 periods (3 August–30 November 2019 and 3 August–30 November 2020) were extracted from 8 general practices in Victoria that contributed data to the University of Melbourne's Data for Decisions programme. Extracted de‐identified data included antibiotics prescribed for dental presentations, practice site number, visit date, patient age, sex, reason for prescription, reason for visit and the regimen of the antibiotic. Appropriateness of the prescribed antibiotic was assessed against the Australian national dental guidelines Therapeutic Guidelines Oral and Dental.ResultsFrom 13 641 recorded prescriptions, 178 were recorded for dental presentations, representing 1.3% of all antibiotic prescriptions. When assessed against the guidelines, 23.6% (n = 42) were considered appropriate. The top 3 most commonly prescribed antibiotics were amoxicillin (n = 84, 47.2%), amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (n = 52, 29.2%) and metronidazole (n = 15, 8.4%). The reasons for inappropriate prescribing were as follows: third‐line treatment being chosen, inappropriate spectrum, incorrect regimen or prescribing an antibiotic not recommended in the guidelines.ConclusionThese results indicate a need to better understand the potential patient drivers for antibiotic prescription for GPs and patients, and resources GPs need to manage dental presentations. These results will inform the codesign of targeted interventions to address any educational gaps and barriers to accessing dental treatment and thus improving antibiotic prescribing.
Leader expectations facilitate employee pro‐environmental behavior
Authors: Nie Qi , Peng Jian , Yu Guangyu 
Published: November 2022

AbstractFaced with increasing global environmental problems, organizational scholars and practitioners have increasingly considered how to promote employee pro‐environmental behavior. This research seeks to expand our understanding of the facilitators of employee pro‐environmental behavior from the perspective of leader expectations. Drawing on behavioral confirmation theory, we propose that leader pro‐environmental expectations are expressed in active support for the environment, which subsequently facilitates employee pro‐environmental behavior, thus rising to meet the leader's initial expectations. Furthermore, we argue that the above relationship becomes stronger with the increase in employees' pro‐environmental self‐expectations. Based on data from 197 leader‐employee dyads, the results of regression analysis showed that leader pro‐environmental expectations are positively related to employee pro‐environmental behavior via demonstrated leader support for the environment, and this indirect relationship is positively moderated by employee pro‐environmental self‐expectations. When an employee holds high pro‐environmental expectations for himself or herself, a leader with high pro‐environmental expectations will render support for the environment, which ultimately increases employee pro‐environmental behavior. Our findings highlight the relevance of incorporating behavioral confirmation theory into the pro‐environmental behavior literature and provide valuable insights for managers on how to effectively promote employee pro‐environmental behavior.
Future minds are not a challenge to anti‐natalism: A reply to Gould
Authors: Lougheed Kirk 
Published: November 2022

AbstractDeke Caiñas Gould (2021) argues that the possibility of future non‐human‐like minds who are not harmed by coming into existence poses a challenge to David Benatar's well‐known Asymmetry Argument for anti‐natalism. Since the good of these future minds has the potential to outweigh the current harms of human existence, they can be appealed to in order to justify procreation. I argue that Gould's argument rests on a fundamental misunderstanding of Benatar's argument. According to the Asymmetry Argument, if a person experiences any harm at all, then bringing them into existence is unjustified. It does not depend upon on‐balance judgments about the relative harms and benefits of existence. It therefore remains impermissible to procreate right now in our world, regardless of the prospect of future humans contributing to the successful development of beings who are not harmed by existence. I conclude by addressing two alternate readings of Gould, which, for the sake of argument, permit such on‐balance judgments, and show why they fail to rescue his case. Benatar's Asymmetry Argument might be unsound, but not for any reason identified by Gould.
Soft tissue features of peri‐implant diseases and related treatment
Authors: Galarraga‐Vinueza Maria Elisa , Tavelli Lorenzo 
Published: November 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe need for soft tissue grafting at implant sites for preventing and treating peri‐implant diseases is a currently investigated and debated topic.PurposeThe aim of this manuscript is to explore the inflammatory mechanisms at the peri‐implant soft tissue compartment, to distinguish the structural components of the peri‐implant soft tissue phenotype and their role on peri‐implant health, and to appraise the clinical indications and expected outcomes of soft tissue augmentation procedures at peri‐implant diseased sites.Materials and MethodsThis narrative review depicts the inflammatory biomarkers and mediators in the peri‐implant crevicular fluid utilized to diagnose peri‐implant disease and that have been shown to be associated with peri‐implant soft tissue phenotype modification and disease resolution. The impact of the peri‐implant soft tissue phenotype, involving keratinized mucosa (KM) width, attached mucosa (AM), mucosal thickness (MT), and supracrestal tissue height (STH), on peri‐implant health, esthetic, patient's comfort and disease prevention are discussed. The manuscript also illustrates the use of ultrasonography for the detection of peri‐implant health/disease and the evaluation of the treatment outcomes following surgical therapies.ResultsCurrent evidence indicates that soft tissue phenotype modification at implant sites with inadequate KM width, AM and MT can be beneficial for promoting peri‐implant health and improving patient's comfort and hygiene procedures. Treatment approaches and outcomes from the available literature on soft tissue phenotype modification in combination with conventional techniques at sites with peri‐implant mucositis or peri‐implantitis are presented and discussed in detail.ConclusionsSoft tissue grafting can be beneficial in preventing and treating peri‐implant diseases. Clinical recommendations based on the disease, soft tissue phenotype characteristics and bone defect morphology are provided for a comprehensive hard‐ and soft‐tissue‐oriented treatment of peri‐implant disease.
Trends in cannabis use intention around the period of cannabis legalisation in Australia: An age‐period‐cohort model
Authors: Chiu Vivian , Chan Gary , Hall Wayne , Hides Leanne , Leung Janni 
Published: November 2022

AbstractIntroductionThis study examines age, time period and birth cohort trends in cannabis use intention and weekly use in Australia over a period in which medicinal cannabis was legalised.MethodsHierarchical age‐period‐cohort models were used to analyse the National Drug Strategy Household Survey between 2001 and 2019, including 158,395 participants aged 18–79 years.ResultsThe hierarchical age‐period‐cohort model demonstrated a decrease in likelihood of intending to try cannabis as age increases. Similar age effects were found in intending to use cannabis as often or less often. There was broad‐based shift in attitudes for people wanting to try cannabis (2007: b = −0.51 [−0.82, −0.21]; 2019: b = 0.68 [0.38, 0.98]) or use cannabis more often (2007: b = −0.15 [−0.50, 0.20]; 2019: b = 0.83 [0.49, 1.18]). The population trend of weekly cannabis use decreased in the earlier periods but increased since 2013 (b = −0.13 [−0.25, −0.02] vs 2019: b = 0.06 [−0.09, 0.20]). This suggests that legalisation would increase uptake of cannabis and consumption among current consumers. There were distinctive inter‐generation variations: people born between 1950s and 1960s had more liberal views towards cannabis use than people born before or after (p < 0.05). There were indications that young people born in the 1990 s are catching up with the baby boomers in using cannabis more often if it was legal.Discussion and ConclusionsThere has been a population‐based shift in Australia in favourable attitudes towards cannabis use, more so among those born in the 1950s to 1960s than other generations. Liberal attitudes and more frequent cannabis use may put certain cohorts at higher risks of cannabis dependence and related harms.
maea affects head formation through ß‐catenin degradation during early Xenopus laevis development
Authors: Goto Toshiyasu , Shibuya Hiroshi 
Published: November 2022

AbstractCanonical Wnt signalling plays important roles in early embryogenesis, such as axis formation due to its activation and head formation due to its inhibition. ß‐catenin protein stability is a key factor in canonical Wnt signalling. Several E3 ubiquitin ligases contribute to ß‐catenin degradation through the ubiquitin/proteasome system. We characterised an E3 ubiquitin ligase gene, Xenopus laevis macrophage erythroblast attacher (maea), during early development. maea transcripts were ubiquitously detected in early embryos. The expression levels of the Wnt target genes nodal homolog 3, gene 1 (nodal3.1), and siamois homeodomain 1 (sia1), which were induced by injection with ß‐catenin mRNA, were reduced by maea.S mRNA co‐injection. maea.S overexpression at the anterior dorsal region enlarged head structures, whereas Maea knockdown interfered with head formation in Xenopus embryos. Maea.S decreased and ubiquitinated ß‐catenin protein. ß‐catenin‐4KRs protein, which mutated the four lysine (K) residues known as ubiquitinated sites to arginine (R) residues, was also ubiquitinated and degraded by Maea.S. These findings suggest that Maea contributes to β‐catenin degradation by ubiquitination of unknown lysine residues in early Xenopus development.
Resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors and the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Kawashima Shusuke , Togashi Yosuke 
Published: November 2022

AbstractImmune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have contributed significantly to the treatment of various types of cancer, including skin cancer. However, not all patients respond; some patients do not respond at all (primary resistance), while others experience recurrence after the initial response (acquired resistance). Therefore, overcoming ICI resistance is an urgent priority. Numerous ICI resistance mechanisms have been reported. They are seemingly quite complex, varying from patient to patient. However, most involve T‐cell activation processes, especially in the tumor microenvironment (TME). ICIs exert their effects in the TME by reactivating suppressed T cells through inhibition of immune checkpoint molecules, such as cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte antigen‐4 (CTLA‐4) and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD‐1). Thus, this review focuses on the resistance mechanisms based on the T‐cell activation process. Here, we classify the main mechanisms of ICI resistance into three categories based on (1) antigen recognition, (2) T‐cell migration and infiltration, and (3) effector functions of T cells. By identifying and understanding these resistance mechanisms individually, including unknown mechanisms, we seek to contribute to the development of novel treatments to overcome ICI resistance.