bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anti‐Centromere Protein A Antibody Disrupts the Competence of Mouse Oocytes Matured In Vitro
Authors: Shioya Masashi , Takahashi Keiichi , Nakano Shun , Kobayashi Tatsuya , Koga Kaori , Shozu Makio 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTIntroductionAnticentromere autoantibodies are associated with refractory IVF/ET failure, but causality is unclear. Experimental models are needed.MethodsImmature oocytes collected from 23‐day‐old mice were matured in vitro for 18 h in a culture medium containing an anti‐human centromere protein A (CENP‐A) polyclonal antibody, and those oocytes’ maturity and chromosome/spindle structure were assessed.ResultsAntibody exposure did not affect the germinal vesicle breakdown ratio but reduced the first polar body formation ratio by 13% at the highest concentration (70.0 µg/mL). Metaphase II (MII) oocytes were stained for chromosomes/spindles and grouped into aligned/barrel‐like (AB), scattered/weakly‐stained (SW), and condensed/absent (CA). Antibody exposure decreased AB and increased SW and CA in a dose‐dependent manner. The AB/SW/CA percentages were 86/14/0, 86/14/0, 35/65/0, and 0/0/100 in the 0, 17.5, 35.0, and 70.0 µg/mL antibody groups, respectively (underlined values represent p < 0.05 compared with 0 µg/mL). Next, metaphase II oocytes were subjected to intracytoplasmic sperm injection, and the number of pronucleus/pronuclei (PN) was counted 6 h later. Antibody exposure decreased two pronuclei oocytes and increased non‐two pronuclei oocytes dose‐dependently. The percentages of 0/1/2/3 pronuclei oocytes were 43/0/57/0, 37/0/21/42, 16/28/48/8, and 91/4/4/0 in the 0, 17.5, 35.0, and 70.0 µg/mL groups, respectively.ConclusionsAnti‐CENP‐A antibody impaired a linear alignment of chromosomes at metaphase II and enhanced one or three PN formation after ICSI, which are similar to findings reported for infertile women with anticentromere autoantibodies.
Reducing in‐hospital complications in older patients undergoing plastic surgery through a collaborative model of care
Authors: Jung Sonya , Bishop Madeleine , Norris Christina , Close Jacqui 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundThere is increasing evidence to support collaborative care and proactive comprehensive geriatric assessment and management in a number of surgical specialties. Data are lacking in older people under the care of plastic surgeons. This before/after study evaluates the impact of the introduction of a shared care model between geriatric medicine and plastic surgery in an Australian metropolitan teaching hospital.MethodsA shared care model was implemented for all patients aged 75 years and older admitted electively and emergently under the plastic surgery team with patients admitted jointly under a plastic surgeon and geriatrician. Comprehensive geriatric assessment and management was undertaken on admission with tailored intervention along with regular inpatient review. The primary outcome of interest was rate of in‐hospital complications. Secondary outcome measures included individual complications, length of stay, readmission, and discharge disposition.ResultsA total of 123 consecutive patients were eligible for inclusion (63 pre‐intervention, 60 intervention). The rate of complications was significantly lower in the intervention group (47.6% vs. 28.3%, P = 0.03). There was a non‐significant reduction in rate of delirium and new discharge to residential aged care facility. Subgroup analysis of frailer patients (Clinical Frailty Scale ≥4) demonstrated a significant reduction in rates of delirium (44.4% vs. 15.6%, P = 0.02) and new institutionalization (18.5% vs. 0.0%, P = 0.02).ConclusionA shared care model between geriatricians and plastic surgeons has the potential to improve patient outcomes with the greatest benefit likely to be seen in older patients with frailty.
‘People With Intellectual Disabilities Can Really Go to Uni, They Can Study, They Just Need That Extra Assistance’–Stories of People With Intellectual Disability Experiencing University in Australia
Authors: Turnbull Matthew , Ho Angela , Rillotta Fiona , O'Donovan Mary‐Ann , Willis Nadia , Westermann Greta , Wedgwood Nikki 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundThis paper was written by researchers with and without intellectual disability working in two Australian universities. Each university has an inclusive programme. The co‐researchers were former students of these programmes. The reason for this study was to find out what people in these two programmes did while they were at university, what they liked and disliked about their experience and what they have been doing since they finished university.MethodsResearchers recorded conversations about university experiences with 10 current and former students of the two programmes and five participants' family members. From this, the students' ‘journey’ to, through and after university was co‐written by a pair of researchers with and without lived experience. These stories were reviewed by a team of people with lived experience. In this paper, five journeys are presented as well as a summary of what was reported across all 10 stories.FindingsThe study found that participants had a positive experience at university and developed self‐confidence. They enjoyed learning and having choices in their learning. Some students reported feeling included, meeting new people, having good relationships with mentors and having positive involvement with university clubs. Others reported difficulties making friends, feeling unaccepted or not fully included in all parts of university life. Some programme graduates went on to paid employment or other learning. Not all students felt supported with the move to other opportunities after university.ConclusionsThis study highlights the importance of including people with intellectual disability as researchers and advisors in studies about people with intellectual disability. The study also shows more needs to be done within these programmes to help students develop genuine relationships at university beyond the programmes. More needs to be done to ensure new friendships continue after leaving the programme. Students also need to be better supported on their post‐university journeys.
Early‐Branching Cyanobacteria Grow Faster and Upregulate Superoxide Dismutase Activity Under a Simulated Early Earth Anoxic Atmosphere
Authors: Tamanna Sadia S. , Boden Joanne S. , Kaiser Kimberly M. , Wannicke Nicola , Höring Jonas , Sánchez‐Baracaldo Patricia , Deponte Marcel , Frankenberg‐Dinkel Nicole , Gehringer Michelle M. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe evolution of oxygenic photosynthesis during the Archean (4–2.5 Ga) required the presence of complementary reducing pathways to maintain the cellular redox balance. While the timing of the evolution of superoxide dismutases (SODs), enzymes that convert superoxide to hydrogen peroxide and O2, within bacteria and archaea is not resolved, the first SODs appearing in cyanobacteria contained copper and zinc in the reaction center (CuZnSOD). Here, we analyse growth characteristics, SOD gene expression (qRT‐PCR) and cellular enzyme activity in the deep branching strain, Pseudanabaena sp. PCC7367, previously demonstrated to release significantly more O2 under anoxic conditions. The observed significantly higher growth rates (p < 0.001) and protein and glycogen contents (p < 0.05) in anoxically cultured Pseudanabaena PCC7367 compared to control cultures grown under present‐day oxygen‐rich conditions prompted the following question: Is the growth of Pseudanabaena sp. PCC7367 correlated to atmospheric pO2 and cellular SOD activity? Expression of sodB (encoding FeSOD) and sodC (encoding CuZnSOD) strongly correlated with medium O2 levels (p < 0.001). Expression of sodA (encoding MnSOD) correlated significantly to SOD activity during the day (p = 0.019) when medium O2 concentrations were the highest. The cellular SOD enzyme activity of anoxically grown cultures was significantly higher (p < 0.001) 2 h before the onset of the dark phase compared to O2‐rich growth conditions. The expression of SOD encoding genes was significantly reduced (p < 0.05) under anoxic conditions in stirred cultures, as were medium O2 levels (p ≤ 0.001), compared to oxic‐grown cultures, whereas total cellular SOD activity remained comparable. Our data suggest that increasing pO2 negatively impacts the viability of early cyanobacteria, possibly by increasing photorespiration. Additionally, the increased expression of superoxide‐inactivating genes during the dark phase suggests the increased replacement rates of SODs under modern‐day conditions compared to those on early Earth.
Feasibility Testing of a Health Literacy Intervention With Adolescents and Young Adults in South Africa: The LifeLab Soweto Programme
Authors: Ware Lisa J. , Kubheka Delisile , Mdladlamba Thato , Mabetha Khuthala , Hanson Mark , Godfrey Keith M. , Woods‐Townsend Kathryn , Norris Shane 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTIntroductionLow health literacy levels during adolescence and young adulthood (AYA) may impact acute healthcare access and longer‐term health outcomes. Previous research in South African AYA suggests that health literacy levels are typically suboptimal but few interventions exist. This study aimed to test the acceptability and feasibility of a co‐created, interactive health literacy intervention (LifeLab‐Soweto) with AYA in Soweto, South Africa.MethodsParticipants (18–24 years, n = 107) were recruited (September–October 2022) from a youth development centre database by telephone and through snowball sampling. AYA involved in the co‐creation process were excluded. Pre‐intervention data on participant age, gender identity and ability to correctly identify a normal blood pressure (BP) reading were captured via survey. Post‐intervention, participants repeated the BP question and completed a satisfaction survey. Additionally, n = 31 AYA agreed to an in‐depth interview about their LifeLab‐Soweto experience. Interview transcripts were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.ResultsParticipants (mean age 21 ± 2.4 years; 59% female, 39% male, 2% nonbinary) generally viewed LifeLab‐Soweto as well‐designed, relevant, simple to follow, fun, useful, and interesting, with most reporting an increased understanding of health and that they would use this new knowledge. Comparing pre‐ and post‐intervention BP question accuracy, males showed the greatest improvement in scores. Interviews showed that, while LifeLab‐Soweto was not what AYA were expecting, gains in health knowledge led AYA to consider changes in health behaviours including accessing health services.ConclusionLife‐Soweto presents an acceptable, feasible and relevant health literacy intervention for South African youth with potential to improve health literacy and health behaviours.Patient and Public InvolvementTo ensure the health literacy intervention was contextually relevant, age appropriate, and gender inclusive, a group of 40 adolescents (aged 18–24 years, male, female and non‐binary) were recruited from Soweto to firstly identify the health topics that were most pressing in their daily lives. This youth advisory group identified stress as a major challenge impacting physical and mental health, health behaviour and daily functioning. Together with the youth group, researchers from South Africa and the UK worked to co‐develop the health literacy intervention that delivers self‐directed exploration and learning of how stress impacts health, behaviour and well‐being. This manuscript describes how this cocreated intervention was received by a broader range of South African youth who were not involved in the cocreation process.
Fc Effector Function of Immune Checkpoint Blocking Antibodies in Oncology
Authors: Martineau Romane , Susini Sandrine , Marabelle Aurelien 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTAntagonistic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting inhibitory immune checkpoints have revolutionized the field of oncology. CTLA‐4, PD‐1, and LAG3 are three co‐inhibitory receptors, which can be expressed by subsets of T cells and which play a role in the regulation of adaptive immune responses. Blocking these immune checkpoints receptors (or their ligands) with antagonistic antibodies can lead to tumor regressions and lasting remissions in some patients with cancer. Two anti‐CTLA4, six anti‐PD1, three anti‐PD‐L1, and one anti‐LAG3 antibodies are currently approved by the FDA and EMA. Their mechanism of action, safety, and efficacy are linked to their affinity with Fc gamma receptors (FcγR) (so called “effector functions”). The anti‐CTLA‐4 antibodies ipilimumab (IgG1) and tremilimumab (IgG2a), and the anti‐PD‐L1 avelumab (IgG1) have isotypes with high affinity for activating FcγR and thereby can induce ADCC/ADCP. The effector function is required for the in vivo efficacy of anti‐CTLA4 antibodies. For anti‐PD(L)1 antibodies, where a pure antagonistic function (“checkpoint blockade”) is sufficient, some mAbs are IgG1 but have been mutated in their Fc sequence (e.g., durvalumab and atezolizumab) or are IgG4 (e.g., nivolumab and pembrolizumab) to have low affinity for FcγR. Here, we review the impact of FcγR effector function on immune checkpoint blockers safety and efficacy in oncology.
Efficacy and Safety of High‐Power Short‐Duration Ablation for Cavo‐Tricuspid Isthmus With a Flexible‐Tip Temperature‐Controlled Power Regulation Catheter Performed by Electrophysiology Trainees
Authors: Iwakawa Hidehiro , Takigawa Masateru , Nakada Kosuke , Yamamoto Tasuku , Ikenouchi Takashi , Masumura Mayumi , Negishi Miho , Kawamura Iwanari , Goto Kentaro , Shigeta Takatoshi , Nishimura Takuro , Takamiya Tomomasa , Tao Susumu , Miyazaki Shinsuke , Goya Masahiko , Watanabe Hiroyuki , Sasano Tetsuo 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTIntroductionThe suitability of high‐power short‐duration (HPSD) cavo‐tricuspid isthmus ablation (CTI‐Abl) for electrophysiology (EP) trainees, as well as the underlying mechanisms of its efficacy, remain unknown. The aim of this study was to clarify the efficacy and safety of HPSD CTI‐Abl performed by EP trainees and assess lesion characteristics between HPSD and moderate‐power long duration (MPLD) ablations.MethodsStudy 1: CTI‐Abl was performed by first‐ to fourth‐year EP trainees in consecutive 113 patients (67 ± 11 years, 27.2% female). Study cohort was historically divided into three groups: MPLD (30–35 W for up to 30 s) using TactiCath (TC‐MPLD, N = 38) and MPLD and HPSD (50 W for 12 s) using TactiFlex (TF‐MPLD, N = 23; TF‐HPSD, N = 52). Primary endpoint was first‐pass bidirectional isthmus block (BIB). Study 2: lesion geometries created by each ablation strategy were compared using an ex‐vivo model.ResultsStudy 1: TF‐HPSD ablation strategy demonstrated a higher success rate of first‐pass BIB than MPLD protocol (TC‐MPLD, 58%; TF‐MPLD, 48%; TF‐HPSD, 94%, p < 0.001), without any complications. TF‐HPSD group was associated with shorter total procedure and RF application times, as well as fewer ablation points and gaps, compared to the MPLD groups. Study 2: TF‐HPSD created greater lesion surface length, width, and area than MPLD strategies.ConclusionHPSD CTI‐Abl performed by EP trainees using TactiFlex SE catheter demonstrated a higher first‐pass BIB rate, shorter total procedure and RF application times, and fewer ablation points and gaps compared to the conventional method, without increasing complication rates.
Use of automated insulin delivery during major surgery in patients with type 1 diabetes: Two case reports
Authors: Stadnik Julia , Seget Sebastian , Tarasiewicz Mateusz , Jarosz‐Chobot Przemysława , Piątek Karolina , Dróżdż Maria , Czarniecka Agnieszka , Koszutski Tomasz , Walęza‐Widuch Anna , Olejnik Krzysztof , Nowiński Bogdan 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTWith the rapid advancement of diabetes technology, the number of patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) using automated insulin delivery (AID) systems is increasing, making the presence of such patients in the perioperative period more common. This study presents two cases of T1D patients who underwent thyroidectomy while using AID, following a protocol designed in collaboration with the diabetology, anesthesiology, and surgical teams. Two female patients, aged 12 and 33 years, both using AID systems, were admitted for elective thyroidectomy. Glycemic metrics prior to surgery indicated good glycemic control, leading to the decision to continue AID during the procedures. The use of AID enabled safe surgical performance with satisfactory glycemic control. In one case, a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensor disruption likely resulted from acetaminophen distribution and/or sensor's proximity to the surgical field. This report highlights the need for standardized guidelines regarding the use of AID in the perioperative period.
Epidemiology and treatment of Adamantiades–Behçet's disease in Germany: A healthcare claims database study
Authors: Zouboulis C. C. , Borchert J. , Diesing J. , Heinrich R. , Galetzka W. , Medelnik J.‐P. , Altenburg A. , Feldhus A. , Schönfelder T. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundAdamantiades–Behçet's disease (ABD) is a rare, chronic, relapsing, multisystem vasculitis, with a reported prevalence of 0.9 out of 100,000 population in Germany in 2012. However, more recent epidemiological data are lacking.ObjectivesTo estimate the prevalence and incidence of ABD in Germany and assess associated comorbidities and current treatment patterns.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study used claims data from the anonymized Institute for Applied Health Research Berlin (InGef) research database. Cohorts were formed for the observation years 2016, 2017 and 2018, using data from 2013 to 2018 (allowing for a 3‐year baseline period for incidence data). The study population included patients ≥18 years old with a diagnosis of ABD (ICD‐10 diagnostic code M35.2), covered under the statutory health insurance system and in the InGef research database, with continuous insurance in the observation year and baseline period. We descriptively evaluated prevalence (≥2 outpatient ABD diagnoses in different quarters/≥1 main inpatient diagnosis in the observation year), incidence (no confirmed outpatient/inpatient diagnosis in the baseline period), comorbidities reported during the study and ABD‐related medications.ResultsWe identified 300, 303 and 329 patients diagnosed with ABD in 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively, with fewer than half (122/300 [40.7%], 127/303 [41.9%] and 150/329 [45.6%]) prescribed ≥1 disease‐related medication. In the treated population, ABD prevalence was 3.9 (2016), 4.1 (2017) and 4.7 (2018) per 100,000 population; annual ABD incidence was 0.5 per 100,000 population in 2016 and 2017 and 0.6 per 100,000 population in 2018. The most commonly reported comorbidities in patients diagnosed with ABD were dorsalgia (an indicator of possible misdiagnosis), disorders of refraction and accommodation, and essential (primary) hypertension. Prednisolone, colchicine and azathioprine were the most commonly prescribed treatments for ABD, with approximately 15% of patients taking >1 medication for ABD.ConclusionsThe reported data provide evidence that ABD remains a rare disease in Germany.
Porphyromonas gingivalis‐Lipopolysaccharide Induced Gingival Fibroblasts Trained Immunity Sustains Inflammation in Periodontitis
Authors: Liu Jiayi , Tian Haoyang , Ju Jinhong , Nie Fujiao , Yin Qiuyue , Zhao Jingjing , Wang Suli , Guo Hongmei , Yang Pishan 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTAimTo investigate whether trained immunity occurs in gingival fibroblasts (GFs) and its relationship to the persistence of inflammation in periodontitis.MethodsPeriodontally healthy and inflammatory gingival fibroblasts (HGFs and IGFs) were cultured through continuous adherence subculture of tissue blocks. Trained immunity in HGFs was evaluated via a classic in vitro model, with relevant markers assessed via enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, lactate content assay, glycolytic rate assay, and chromatin immunoprecipitation. A histone methyltransferase blocker and a PI3K inhibitor were added to investigate the mechanisms underlying trained immunity. The relationship between trained immunity and periodontitis was further examined via immunofluorescence staining and chromatin immunoprecipitation on IGFs.ResultsCompared with untrained cells, GFs trained with Porphyromonas gingivalis‐lipopolysaccharide (P. gingivalis‐LPS) exhibited a significant increase in IL‐6 and TNF‐α secretion, enhanced glycolytic metabolism, and enriched mono‐methylation of lysine 4 on histone H3 (H3K4me1) at the enhancer regions of TNF‐α and IL‐6. The addition of a histone methyltransferase blocker and a PI3K inhibitor greatly reduced trained immunity. Additionally, the response of IGFs to P. gingivalis‐LPS stimulation and their epigenetic modifications were similar to those observed in trained HGFs.ConclusionThis study novelly discovered that both P. gingivalis‐LPS‐stimulated HGFs and IGFs in periodontitis acquired trained immunity. Following P. gingivalis‐LPS stimulation, HGFs underwent metabolic and epigenetic changes via the PI3K/AKT pathway, with these epigenetic changes also observed in IGFs. This finding suggests that trained immunity in GFs may be a key mechanism underlying the recurrence and persistence of periodontitis.
An analysis of green trademarks vis‐à‐vis Indian trademark law
Authors: Mishra Nikhil , Singh Digvijay 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBusinesses have a huge impact on the environment in the present economic era. The market is full of noneco‐friendly products. In the epic struggle between the profit‐oriented mode of production and environmental protection, green branding acts as a ray of hope for change, satisfying the needs and objectives of both, the capitalists as well as the environment. Green branding is a method to demonstrate the products as eco‐friendly through a green trademark which implies that the mode of production, constituents, packaging, final output and/or the disposing of the products is eco‐friendly. However, there is no evidence suggesting recognition of green trademarks across the jurisdictions. Authors argue that the global challenge of environmental protection cannot be neglected by the reason of varying laws or their absence at all. Further, there has been continuous efforts by businesses to harness the profit by marketing numerous noneco‐friendly products as eco‐friendly by misutilising the concept of green branding in absence of any stringent laws constituting the greenwashing. Such practices must be curtailed to protect consumers from misleading information while promoting genuine environmental responsibility and encouraging sustainable business practices. This article analyses the statutory standing of green trademarks in India and the existing and potential measures, including legislative changes, which are and can be potentially taken for recognition, registration and promotion of green trademarks and to curb any existing or potential misutilisation of the same.
On Estimates of Insider Trading in Sports Betting
Authors: Whelan Karl 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTSeveral researchers have reported estimates of the fraction of money placed on sports betting by “insiders” with superior information to bookmakers. We show the method for estimating the fraction of insiders used in this research is only accurate under highly unrealistic conditions and that these estimates will tend to be positive in realistic cases where there are no insiders. We also argue that variations in these estimates are unlikely to be related to variations in the amount of inside information but rather are more likely due to other factors such as variations in bookmakers' costs or the extent of competition in betting markets.