bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of high‐molecular‐weight chitosan coating prepared in different solvents on quality of catfish fillets during 6‐month frozen storage
Authors: Karsli Baris , Caglak Emre , Prinyawiwatkul Witoon 
Published: February 2021

AbstractEffects of high‐molecular‐weight (800 kDa) chitosan coating on quality of catfish fillets were examined during 6‐month frozen (−20 °C) storage. Coating solutions, included distilled water (Control), 800AC1% (1% w/v chitosan in 1% v/v acetic acid), AS3% (3% w/v aspartic acid), and 800AS3% (3% w/v chitosan in 3% w/v aspartic acid). Changes in physicochemical, microbial, and consumer perception of chitosan‐coated catfish fillets during frozen storage were examined. The 800AS3% coating was found to be effective in inhibiting microbial growth, controlling lipid oxidation, reducing drip loss and cooking loss, and retaining color and texture of catfish fillet during frozen storage. After 6‐month frozen storage, the aroma of thawed fillets coated with 800AS3% was accepted by 77.92% of consumers with 66% positive purchase intent. This study demonstrated that a nonpungent aspartic acid, instead of commonly used pungent acetic acid, can be used in preparation of preservative high‐molecular‐weight chitosan coating.Practical ApplicationThe findings of this study indicated that high‐molecular‐weight chitosan coating showed preservative effects on quality of frozen raw catfish fillets. In our previous study, chitosan (800 kDa) at 1% and 3% concentrations showed antibacterial activity in vitro. The nonpungent aspartic acid can be used as a solvent to dissolve high‐molecular‐weight chitosan instead of the commonly used pungent acetic acid. The most effective coating treatment was 3% w/v chitosan in 3% w/v aspartic acid. This finding would be applicable to other seafood and fish products.
Characteristics of gut microbiota in pigs with different breeds, growth periods and genders
Authors: Wang Cheng , Wei Siyu , Chen Nana , Xiang Yun , Wang Yizhen , Jin Mingliang 
Published: February 2021

AbstractGut microbiota plays important roles in host nutrition, metabolism and immunity, and is affected by multiple factors. However, the understandings of the gut microbiota in pigs within different breeds, growth periods and genders from a large cohort remain largely undefined. In the present study, the characteristics of the gut microbiota in 120 pigs of different breeds, growth periods and genders were investigated using the Illumina MiSeq PE300 combined with QIIME2 platform. A total of 7 388 636 raw reads and 16 411 features were obtained. Additionally, the microbial diversity, compositions and phenotypes were described. 66.53% microbiota belonged to the top 10 most abundant genera (pan gut bacteria), and 28 species were commonly identified (core gut bacteria, commonality ≥ 75%) among the pigs. Besides, the correlations within pan and core gut microbiota were firstly investigated. The metagenomic function was predicted by using PICRUSt2. Furthermore, the explanatory effects of the influencing factors suggested that growth period was the greatest contributor to the gut microbiota in pigs. These results expanded our knowledge of mammalian gut microbiota within different influencing factors and microbial‐related biological features in swine, which contributes to improving animal production and assisting animal model research.
Carbon disclosure: a systematic literature review
Authors: Borghei Zahra 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis systematic review identifies key research fields and emerging research trends in an attempt to address recent growth and fragmentation in the carbon disclosure literature. Firstly, it examines and assesses the fragmented conceptualisations of carbon disclosure. Secondly, this review identifies a pervasive lack of consistency among studies. Thirdly, the findings indicate that carbon disclosure should be more closely linked to climate‐related risk disclosure, as how the company impacts climate change and how climate change is impacting the company remains unclear. This paper highlights opportunities to integrate and expand on existing carbon disclosure knowledge and outlines a research agenda for future studies.
Evidence for anti‐inflammatory effects of firocoxib administered to mares with experimentally induced placentitis
Authors: Macpherson Margo L. , Giguère Steeve , Pozor Malgorzata A. , Burden Chelsie A. , Berghaus Londa J. , Berghaus Roy D. , Varner Jennifer C. , Hayna Justin T. , Benson Susanne M. , Randell Sarah A. , Lyle Sara K. , Kelleman Audrey A. , Hart Kelsey A. , Mallicote Martha F. , Horohov David W. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractProblemMinimal evidence exists supporting therapeutic selections for equine placentitis. The goal of this study was to characterize the anti‐inflammatory effects of firocoxib when administered to mares with placentitis.MethodsMares (gestation D270‐300) were assigned to: INFECT (n = 6; placentitis, no treatment), FIRO (n = 6; placentitis, firocoxib, 0.1 mg/kg, PO, daily), and NORM (n = 6; no infection/treatment). Allantoic fluid (8 hours, 24 hours, birth) and amniotic fluid (birth) were collected from mares after infection. Concentrations of IL‐1β, IL‐6, TNF‐α, IL‐10, PGF2α, and PGE2in fluids were measured by ELISA. mRNA expression of IL‐1β, IL‐6, TNF‐α, IL‐8, IL‐10, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) −1, 3, and 9 in fetal membranes/fetuses was quantified using real‐time PCR.ResultsAllantoic TNF‐α concentrations were lowest in FIRO at 8 hours and 24 hours post‐infection; IL‐6 concentrations were lower in FIRO than NORM at 8 hours, lower in FIRO than INFECT at 24 hours post‐inoculation, and lower in NORM than FIRO or INFECT at birth. Marginal mean allantoic IL‐β and IL‐10 concentrations were lower in FIRO and NORM than INFECT. Amniotic fluid cytokines were lowest in NORM with all measurements in that group being below the limit of detection. Allantoic PGF2αconcentrations were lower in FIRO and INFECT than NORM at 8 hours post‐inoculation, and lower in FIRO than INFECT or NORM at 24 hours post‐inoculation. Allantoic PGE2concentrations were lower in FIRO than INFECT. Amniotic PGF2αand PGE2concentrations were lower in NORM than INFECT. In fetal membranes, group differences with respect to IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, and MMP1 were dependent on tissue type.ConclusionsData suggest a suppressive effect of firocoxib administration on cytokine and prostaglandin production in mares with placentitis.
Transcriptomics‐determined chemokine‐cytokine pathway presents a common pathogenic mechanism in pregnancy loss and spontaneous preterm birth
Authors: Wang Peirong , Pan Jing , Tian Xiujuan , Dong Xiaoyan , Ju Weina , Wang Yong , Zhong Nanbert 
Published: February 2021

AbstractProblemVarious etiological factors, such as infection and inflammation, may induce the adverse outcomes of pregnancy of miscarriage, stillbirth, or preterm birth. The pathogenic mechanisms associated with these adverse pregnancies are yet unclear. We hypothesized that a common pathogenic mechanism may underlie variant adverse outcomes of pregnancy, which are induced by genetic‐environmental factors. The specific objective of the current study is to uncover the common molecular mechanism(s) by identifying the specific transcripts that are present in variant subtypes of pregnancy loss and preterm birth.Method of StudyTranscriptomic profiling was performed with RNA expression microarray or RNA sequencing of placentas derived from pregnancy loss (which includes spontaneous miscarriage, recurrent miscarriage, and stillbirth) and spontaneous preterm birth, followed by bioinformatic analysis of multi‐omic integration to identify pathogenic molecules and pathways involved in pathological pregnancies.ResultsThe enrichment of common differentially expressed genes between full‐term birth and preterm birth and pregnancy loss of miscarriage and stillbirth revealed different pathophysiological pathway(s), including cytokine signaling dysregulated in spontaneous preterm birth, defense response, graft‐versus‐host disease, antigen processing and presentation, and T help cell differentiation in spontaneous miscarriage. Thirty‐three genes shared between spontaneous preterm birth and spontaneous miscarriage were engaged in pathways of interferon gamma–mediated signaling and of antigen processing and presentation. For spontaneous miscarriage, immune response was enriched in the fetal tissue of chorionic villi and in the maternal facet of the placental sac. The transcript of nerve growth factor receptor was identified as the common molecule that is differentially expressed in all adverse pregnancies: spontaneous preterm birth, stillbirth, spontaneous miscarriage, and recurrent miscarriage. Superoxide dismutase 2 was up‐regulated in all adverse outcomes of pregnancy except for recurrent miscarriage. Cytokine‐cytokine receptor interaction was the common pathway in spontaneous preterm birth and spontaneous miscarriage. Defense response was enriched in the fetal tissue of miscarriage and in the maternal tissue in spontaneous miscarriage.ConclusionsOur results indicated that the chemokine‐cytokine pathway may play important roles in and function as a common pathogenic mechanism associated with, the different adverse outcomes of pregnancy, which demonstrated that differentially expressed transcripts could result from a common pathogenic mechanism associated with pregnancy loss and spontaneous preterm birth, although individual pregnancy outcomes may differ from each other phenotypically.
Profile and rural exposure for nursing and allied health students at two Australian Universities: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Smith Tony , Sutton Keith , Beauchamp Alison , Depczynski Julie , Brown Leanne , Fisher Karin , Waller Susan , Wakely Luke , Maybery Darryl , Versace Vincent L. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectiveLinking enrolment and professional placement data for students' from 2 universities, this study compares characteristics across universities and health disciplines. The study explores associations between students' location of origin and frequency, duration and type of placements.DesignRetrospective cohort data linkage.SettingTwo Australian universities, Monash University and the University of Newcastle.ParticipantsStudents who completed medical radiation science, nursing, occupational therapy, pharmacy or physiotherapy at either university between 2 February 2017 and 28 February 2018.InterventionsLocation of origin, university and discipline of enrolment.Main outcome measure(s)Main measures were whether graduates had multiple rural placements, number of rural placements and cumulative rural placement days. Location of origin, discipline and university of enrolment were the main explanatory variables. Secondary dependent variables were age, sex, socio‐economic indices for location of origin, and available placements.ResultsA total of 1,315 students were included, of which 22.1% were of rural origin. The odds of rural origin students undertaking a rural placement was more than 4.5 times greater than for urban origin students. A higher proportion of rural origin students had multiple rural placement (56.0% vs 14.9%), with a higher mean number of rural placement days. Public hospitals were the most common placement type, with fewer in primary care, mental health or aged care.ConclusionsThere is a positive association between rural origin and rural placements in nursing and allied health. To help strengthen recruitment and retention of graduates this association could be further exploited, while being inclusive of non‐rural students
Long‐acting muscarinic antagonists and small airways in asthma: Which link?
Authors: Cazzola Mario , Calzetta Luigino , Matera Maria Gabriella 
Published: February 2021

AbstractInvolvement of small airways, those of <2 mm in internal diameter, is present in all stages of asthma and contributes substantially to its pathophysiologic expression. Therefore, small airways are a potential target to achieve optimal asthma control. Airway tone, which is increased in asthma, is mainly controlled by the vagus nerve that releases acetylcholine (ACh) and activates muscarinic ACh receptors (mAChRs) post‐synaptically on airway smooth muscle (ASM). In small airways, M3 mAChRs are expressed, but there is no vagal innervation. Non‐neuronal ACh released from the epithelial cells that may express choline acetyltransferase in response to inflammatory stimuli, as well as from other structural cells in the airways, including fibroblasts and mast cells, can activate mAChRs. By antagonizing M3 mAChR, the contraction of the ASM is prevented and, potentially, local inflammation can be reduced and the progression of remodeling may be averted. In fact, ACh also contributes to inflammation and remodeling of the airways and regulates the growth of ASM. Several experimental studies have demonstrated the potential benefit derived from the use of mAChR antagonists, mainly long‐acting mAChR antagonists (LAMAs), on small airways in asthma. However, there are several confounding factors that may cause a wrong estimation of the relationship between LAMAs and small airways in asthma. Further studies are needed to differentiate broncholytic and anti‐inflammatory effects of LAMAs and to better understand the interaction between LAMAs and corticosteroids, also in the context of a triple therapy that includes a β2‐AR agonist, at different levels of the bronchial tree.
Open‐globe wounds in operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom: risk factors for poor visual outcomes and enucleation
Authors: Harris Justin P. , Justin Grant A. , Brooks Daniel I. , Woreta Fasika A. , Agrawal Rupesh V. , Ryan Denise S. , Weichel Eric D. , Colyer Marcus H. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPurposeTo determine the rates and types of open‐globe wounds in soldiers admitted to Walter Reed Army Medical Center from 2001 to 2011 after sustaining combat injuries.MethodsData were collected in the Walter Reed Ocular Trauma Database. Inclusion criteria were patients who suffered open‐globe injuries. Open‐globe injuries were classified by type of wound: corneal, corneo‐scleral or scleral, or type of open‐globe injury: perforating, rupture, penetrating or intraocular foreign body. The primary analysis assessed the effect on final visual acuity (VA) and the risk of enucleation.ResultsIn this study, 285 (32.02%) open‐globe injuries were recorded in 890 eyes in the data set. Corneal wounds were noted in 127 (44.56%) eyes, corneo‐scleral wounds in 78 (27.37%) and scleral wounds in 129 (45.26%) eyes. The involvement of both the corneal and sclera was associated with poorer visual outcome (BCVA < 20/200) compared to injuries with an injury confined to either the cornea or scleral alone (p = 0.038). At a wound length of greater than approximately 14 mm, patients had 75% chance of having a poor final VA. Enucleation was performed in 64 (22.46%) eyes of patients with wounds. The type of wound was not found to be predictive of enucleation in multivariate analysis, but rather the type of open‐globe injury was predictive. Perforating (OR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.43–1.72) and globe rupture injuries (OR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.33–1.66) were more likely to undergo enucleation.ConclusionsOpen‐globe injuries occur frequently in combat ocular trauma. Poor final VA was noted most with corneo‐scleral wounds with approximately 50% of patients having a final VA less than 20/200.
Ankle contractures are frequent among children with cerebral palsy and associated with lower gross motor function and degree of spasticity
Authors: Krarup Lærke Hartvig , Kristensen Pia Kjær , Strand Louise , Bredtoft Sofie Langbo , Mechlenburg Inger , Nordbye‐Nielsen Kirsten 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAimTo estimate yearly prevalence of ankle contractures among children with cerebral palsy (CP). Moreover, to investigate whether age, gross motor function or spasticity are associated with ankle contracture.MethodsWe examined yearly prevalence of ankle contractures among 933 children based on data from a national clinical quality database from 2012 to 2019. We used the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) to assess gross motor function and spasticity in the plantar flexors. Ankle contracture was defined as dorsiflexion with an extended knee equal to or below 0 degrees. Associations between age, GMFCS, spasticity and ankle contractures were analysed using multivariable regression and presented as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI).ResultsThe prevalence of ankle contracture was 32% and did not change with calendar year. GMFCS IV–V compared to I–III (40.6% vs. 28.9%, OR = 1.5 (95%CI: 1.07–2.11) and MAS 2–4 compared to 0 (44.6% vs. 24.4%, OR = 2.5 (95%CI: 1.59–3.91) were associated with a higher prevalence of ankle contracture. Age was not associated with ankle contracture.ConclusionAnkle contractures are frequent among children with CP. Lower gross motor function and severe spasticity were associated with ankle contracture.
Suppurative thyroiditis: Systematic review and clinical guidance
Authors: Lafontaine Nicole , Learoyd Diana , Farrell Stephen , Wong Rosemary 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectiveAcute suppurative thyroiditis (AST) is a rare but potentially fatal condition which can initially be difficult to distinguish from the more common subacute thyroiditis (SAT). We aim to update understanding of this medical emergency.DesignA systematic review over the past 20 years was performed on the epidemiology, clinical features, investigations, management and outcomes of AST. All full‐text cases of microscopy or culture‐ proven AST in the English literature were included.Results200 cases of AST have been described in 148 articles from January 2000 – January 2020. Bacterial AST is most common, often presenting with neck pain (89%) and fever (82%). Immunosuppression and pyriform sinus fistula are the most common causes, most often due to gram‐positive aerobes. Transient hyperthyroidism is common (42%). Aspiration and antibiotics are becoming a more common treatment. Overall mortality was 7.8%. Tuberculous and fungal AST are less likely to present with fever and neck pain. Fungal AST is more common in immunosuppressed individuals (31%) and has a high overall mortality (33%). Tuberculous AST is more common in TB endemic areas.ConclusionThe symptoms and signs of AST commonly overlap with SAT and initially can be hard to diagnose. AST can be rapidly morbid or even fatal. Clinicians need to consider AST when they assess patients with thyroiditis who are systemically unwell, have high fever, high white cell count and c‐reactive protein, tender neck and abnormal neck imaging. An investigative and treatment strategy is described based on a systematic review of the literature.
Solution of intuitionistic fuzzy linear programming problem by dual simplex algorithm and sensitivity analysis
Authors: Mohan Suresh , Kannusamy Arun Prakash , Sidhu Sukhpreet Kaur 
Published: February 2021

AbstractSensitivity analysis is designed to study the effect on the optimal solution of changes in model parameters. This analysis is known to be an integral part of any real‐life problem solving. This gives a system a dynamic function that enables a researcher to analyze the behavior of the optimal solution as a result of changing the parameters of the model. In this article, postoptimality analysis for changes in objective functions and constraints is presented with suitable numerical illustrations by dual simplex method using magnitude based ranking of triangular intuitionistic fuzzy numbers. The sensitivity range is determined within which the parameters that exist in intuitionistic fuzzy linear programming problem can vary without affecting the optimality of the solution.
Leukocyte transcriptome indicators of development of infection in kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Schaenman Joanna M. , Rossetti Maura , Liang Emily C. , Lum Erik , Abdalla Basmah , Bunnapradist Suphamai , Pham Phuong Thu , Danovitch Gabriel , Reed Elaine F. , Cole Steve W. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAfter kidney transplantation, infection and death are important clinical complications, especially for the growing numbers of older patients with limited resilience to withstand adverse events. Evaluation of changes in gene expression in immune cells can reveal the underlying mechanisms behind vulnerability to infection. A cohort of 60 kidney transplant recipients was evaluated. Gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells 3 months after kidney transplantation was analyzed to compare differences between patients with infection and those who were infection‐free in the first‐year post‐transplant. Pro‐inflammatory genes such as IL1B, CCL4, and TNF were found to be downregulated in post‐transplant PBMC from patients who developed infection. In contrast, genes involved in metabolism, HLA genes, and transcripts involved in type I interferon innate antiviral responses were found to be upregulated. Promoter‐based bioinformatic analyses implicated increased activity of interferon regulatory factors, erythroid nuclear factor (E2), and CCAAT‐enhancer‐binding protein (C/EBP) in patients who developed infections. Differential patterns of gene expression were observed in patients who developed infection after kidney transplantation, with patterns distinct from changes associated with patient age, suggesting possible mechanisms behind vulnerability to infection. Assessment of gene expression in blood may offer an approach for patient risk stratification and monitoring after transplantation.
Quantitative protein expression of blood‐brain barrier transporters in the vasculature of brain metastases of patients with lung and breast cancer
Authors: Bao Xun , Wu Jianmei , Jiang Jun , Tien An‐Chi , Sanai Nader , Li Jing 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis study determined absolute transporter protein abundances in isolated microvessels of human noncancerous cerebral cortex as well as brain metastases of patients with lung and breast cancer, using a validated targeted proteomics approach. As compared with those in microvessels of noncancerous cerebral cortex, the median protein abundances of glucose transporter 1 (a brain endothelial marker) and sodium‐potassium pump (Na/K ATPase, a plasma membrane marker) were decreased by ~ 80% in brain metastasis microvessels. The major efflux transporters (ABCB1 and ABCG2) fell to undetectable in microvessels of more than 80% of brain metastasis specimens. Monocarboxylate transporter 1 was undetectable in microvessels of more than 80% of brain metastases, whereas large neutral amino acid transporter 1 levels remained unchanged. In conclusion, the integrity of the physical and biochemical barrier with respect to transporter protein expression is largely disrupted in brain metastasis tumor vasculatures. Differential transporter protein abundances at the blood‐brain barrier and blood‐brain tumor barrier provided mechanistic and quantitative basis for prediction of heterogeneous drug penetration into human brain and brain tumors, which is critical not only to the understanding of the success or failure of systemic chemotherapy in the treatment of brain tumors but also to the development of more effective therapeutic strategies.