bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
New Sources of Resistance to Terbinafine Revealed and Squalene Epoxidase Modelled in the Dermatophyte Fungus Trichophyton interdigitale From Australia
Authors: Mechidi Phemelo , Holien Jessica , Grando Danilla , Huynh Tien , Lawrie Ann C. 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundTerbinafine is widely used to treat onychomycosis caused by dermatophyte fungi. Terbinafine resistance in recent years is causing concern. Resistance has so far been associated with single‐nucleotide substitutions in the DNA sequence of the enzyme squalene epoxidase (SQLE) but how this affects SQLE functionality is not understood.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to understand newly discovered resistance in two Australian strains of Trichophyton interdigitale.Patients/MethodsResistance to terbinafine was tested in four newly isolated strains. Three‐dimensional SQLE models were prepared to investigate how the structure of their SQLE affected the binding of terbinafine.ResultsThis study found the first Australian occurrences of terbinafine resistance in two T. interdigitale strains. Both strains had novel deletion mutations in erg1 and frameshifts during translation. Three‐dimensional models had smaller SQLE proteins and open reading frames as well as fewer C‐terminal α‐helices than susceptible strains. In susceptible strains, the lipophilic tail of terbinafine was predicted to dock stably into a hydrophobic pocket in SQLE lined by over 20 hydrophobic amino acids. In resistant strains, molecular dynamics simulations showed that terbinafine docking was unstable and so terbinafine did not block squalene metabolism and ultimately ergosterol production. The resistant reference strain ATCC MYA‐4438 T. rubrum showed a single erg1 mutation that resulted in frameshift during translation, leading to C‐terminal helix deletion.ConclusionsModelling their effects on their SQLE proteins will aid in the design of potential new treatments for these novel resistant strains, which pose clinical problems in treating dermatophyte infections with terbinafine.
Navigating Public–Private Partnership success: A cross‐country study of key factors in Nigeria and South Africa
Authors: Deinde‐Adedeji Oluwatimilehin , Nchuchuwe Francis , Abasilim Ugochukwu , Gberevbie Daniel , Oni Samuel 
Published: September 2024

AbstractPublic–private partnership (PPP) has delivered expected results on a number of significant projects. Yet, despite the growing appeal, problems have been encountered which have either resulted in slow progress or the total failure of such arrangements. This study offers a comparison between Nigeria and South Africa focusing on several identified critical success factors (CSFs) for PPPs. We rely on secondary data to compare Nigeria and South Africa based on the top ten ranking CSFs identified in the literature. Findings reveal that both countries account for the highest number of PPP projects in Africa but have not recorded huge successes as a result of their shortcomings in important CSFs responsible for the success of PPPs. Nigeria, for instance, is still being challenged with poor energy supply, bad road networks, and ineffective waste management practices, among others. South Africa appears to have had better success in PPP delivery due to a suitable financial market, stable economic policy, favorable legal framework, and a transparent procurement process. We conclude by highlighting the key CSFs for PPPs in Nigeria and South Africa and emphasize the need to address the identified shortcomings. The relevance of this study is in its contribution to the understanding of CSF in PPP projects thereby offering useful insights for policy makers and administrators in improving the success rate of PPPs and enhancing the delivery of public services in these countries.Related ArticlesIkeanyibe, Okechukwu Marcellus. 2018. “Bureaucratic Politics and the Implementation of Liberalization Reforms in Nigeria: A Study of the Unbundling and Reorganization of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.” Politics & Policy 46(2): 263–94. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12249.Iwuoha, Victor Chidubem, Nneka Ifeoma Okafor, and Emmanuel Ifeadike. 2022. “State Regulation of Nigeria's Maritime Ports: Exploring the Impact of Port Concession on both the Regulator and the Operators.” Politics & Policy 50(5): 1032–52. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12495.McNamara, Madeleine W., John C. Morris, and Martin Mayer. 2014. “Expanding the Universe of Multi‐Organizational Arrangements: Contingent Coordination and the Deepwater Horizon Transportation Challenges.” Politics & Policy 42(3): 346–68. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12073.
From local networks to national reform? Programmatic groups in the regionalization of German health policy
Authors: Bandelow Nils C. , Iskandar Lina Y. , Klingner Sofie , Schröder Ilana 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBefore policy reform initiatives reach the agenda of national decision makers, such initiatives often start at a small‐scale, local level. The Programmatic Action Framework (PAF) emphasizes the importance of biographical connections to understand how a group of policy actors forms, and how it develops programs that may lead to decade‐long policy change. This article applies the PAF to study the emergence of a programmatic group behind initiatives on regionalization in German health policy through discourse analysis and expert interviews. The study contributes to understanding social networks behind policy programs and social‐psychological, partly informal drivers of policy change. The results show that many PAF conditions have already been met in the German health policy subsystem. We describe a network of policy actors with local and organizational drivers that has led to nationwide cooperation on regionalization.Related ArticlesCaliskan, Cantay. 2020. “The Influence of Elite Networks on Green Policy Making.” Politics & Policy 48(6): 1104–37. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12382.Petridou, Evangelia, Per Becker, and Jörgen Sparf. “Policy Entrepreneurs in Public Administration: A Social Network Analysis.” Politics & Policy 49(2): 414–45. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12400.Svallfors, Stefan, Erica Falkenström, Corrie Hammar, and Anna T. Höglund. 2022. “Networked Reports: Commissioning and Production of Expert Reports on Swedish Health Care Governance.” Politics & Policy 50(3): 580–97. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12462.
Shrimp Processing Waste in Aquaculture Feed: Nutritional Value, Applications, Challenges, and Prospects
Authors: Eggink Kylian Manon , Gonçalves Renata , Skov Peter Vilhelm 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTThe global shrimp processing industry generates substantial amounts of solid waste (head, abdominal exoskeleton, and tail), with a considerable part currently being disposed of in landfills. It holds significant potential as an alternative ingredient in aquaculture feed due to its relatively high crude protein content, balanced amino acid profile, and presence of bioactive compounds. However, one of the main challenges with shrimp processing waste is its rapid spoilage. Consequently, shrimp solid processing waste must undergo further refinement to produce shrimp‐derived products suitable as aquaculture feed ingredients, such as meal, hydrolysate, or silage. This literature review describes the nutritional value, applications, challenges, and prospects of these shrimp‐derived products in aquaculture feed. Among the investigated shrimp‐derived products, shrimp hydrolysate has the highest nutritional value considering the high crude protein content, balanced amino acid profile, low chitin content, and low ash content. However, producing shrimp hydrolysate requires extensive processing, which can be costly, limiting its applications to high‐value aquaculture species. On the other hand, shrimp meal and shrimp silage, which require less energy‐intensive processing, may be more suitable for lower‐value aquaculture species that naturally consume feeds high in ash and chitin. The prospects for using shrimp‐derived products in aquafeed are promising, with advances in processing technologies showing potential to reduce costs, improve nutritional value, and enhance product quality and safety. Ultimately, shrimp‐derived products could replace current aquafeed ingredients while simultaneously utilizing current shrimp solid waste streams, provided that quality and safety measures are carefully considered.
The dark side of clarity
Authors: Nie Chenwei 
Published: September 2024

AbstractWe all have experiences in which it “seems clear” to us that something is true. This kind of clear experience can play significant roles in determining whether we believe something to be true. But what are the significant roles? So far, the literature has focused on optimal cases where a person's clear experience might provide prima facie justification for their belief. This article will develop the hypothesis that, in less optimal cases, these clear experiences can be epistemically damaging. Specifically, it will argue that, in certain cases, such experiences may causally compel belief even in the face of counterevidence.
Epidermal renewal during the treatment of atopic dermatitis lesions: A study coupling line‐field confocal optical coherence tomography with artificial intelligence quantifications
Authors: Le Blay Heiva , Raynaud Edouard , Bouayadi Sonia , Rieux Elodie , Rolland Géraldine , Saussine Anne , Jachiet Marie , Bouaziz Jean‐David , Lynch Barbara 
Published: September 2024

AbstractObjectiveThis study explores the application of Line‐field Confocal Optical Coherence Tomography (LC‐OCT) imaging coupled with artificial intelligence (AI)‐based algorithms to investigate atopic dermatitis (AD), a common inflammatory dermatosis.Materials and methodsAD acute and chronic lesions (ADL) were compared to clinically healthy‐looking skin (ADNL). LC‐OCT was used noninvasively and in real‐time to image the skin of AD patients during flare‐ups and monitor remissions under topical steroid treatment for 2 weeks. Quantitative parameters were extracted from the images, including morphological and cellular‐level markers of epidermal architecture. A novel cellular‐level parameter, nuclei “atypia,” which quantifies the orderliness of epidermal renewal, was used to highlight abnormal maturation processes.ResultsCompared to healthy skin, AD lesions exhibited significant increases in both epidermal and stratum corneum (SC) thickness, along with a more undulated dermo‐epidermal junction (DEJ). Additionally, keratinocyte nuclei (KN) were larger, less compact, and less organized in lesional areas, as indicated by the atypia parameter. A higher degree of atypia was observed in chronic lesions compared to acute ones. Following treatment, all the parameters normalized to levels observed in healthy skin within 2 weeks, mirroring clinical improvements.ConclusionThis study provides insights into the quantification of epidermal renewal using a noninvasive imaging technique, highlighting differences between ADL/ADNL and acute/chronic lesions. It also presents the AD treatment mechanism, paving the way for future investigations on AD and other skin barrier function‐related conditions.
Vincristine Induced Adverse Effects in Lymphoma Bearing Dogs With Asymptomatic Neutropenia at the Time of Drug Administration
Authors: Thomas Albert , Finlay Jessica , McKinnon Elizabeth , Wyatt Ken 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTVincristine sulphate, a microtubule inhibitor, is used extensively in veterinary oncology for treating lymphoma. Neutropenia during multiagent protocols is a common reason for treatment delay and reduced dose intensity. This study evaluated toxicities associated with treating systemically well neutropenic lymphoma patients with vincristine. Lymphoma patients undergoing CHOP were evaluated retrospectively for instances of vincristine administration when absolute neutrophil counts (ANC) were 1.5 × 109/L or below. Instances of vincristine administration when ANC was equal to or less than 1.5 × 109/L were compared to vincristine administration where ANC was greater than 1.5 × 109/L in the same patient. Univariate and multivariate modelling compared VCOG‐CTCAE v1.1 grading of vomiting, diarrhoea, anorexia and 7‐day neutrophil nadir between groups. The median dose of vincristine administered was 0.7 mg/m2 for both study groups. A total of 112 doses of vincristine were administered to neutropenic patients (grade 2 n: 76, grade 3 n: 26, and grade 4 n: 10). These were compared to 223 doses of vincristine administered to the same patients when ANC was above 1.5 × 109/L. Neutropenic administration was most prevalent 7 days following cyclophosphamide administration. Day 7 post‐administration neutropenia was more prevalent in patients with ANC greater than 1.5 × 109/L at the time of vincristine administration (neutropenic 9%; non‐neutropenic 18%). Relative risk of 7‐day neutropenia, vomiting, diarrhoea, and anorexia was similar between groups on multivariate analysis. Patients with lymphoma who receive vincristine when ANC is 1.5 × 109/L or below are at no greater risk of adverse effects than the same patient who receives vincristine when neutrophil counts are greater than 1.5 × 109/L.
Modified closed sacculectomy in 50 dogs with non‐neoplastic anal sac disease
Authors: Davis Allyson T. , Hosgood Giselle L. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo describe a modified closed sacculectomy technique for non‐neoplastic anal sac disease in dogs, and to describe the management and short‐term outcomes in dogs undergoing sacculectomy by the described technique.Study designRetrospective case series.Sample populationA total of 50 dogs.MethodsElectronic medical records were reviewed to identify dogs undergoing bilateral anal sacculectomy for non‐neoplastic anal sac disease using the described closed technique between January 1, 2013 and February 1, 2024.ResultsA total of 50 dogs underwent bilateral anal sacculectomy for non‐neoplastic anal sac disease. Intraoperative anal sac perforation was reported in five dogs (10%). A total of 43 dogs were available for two‐week follow‐up. Grade 1 complications were reported in 14/43 dogs (32%), grade 2 complications in 2/43 dogs (5%), and grade 3B in 2/43 dogs (5%). At two‐weeks postoperatively, 13/14 dogs (93%) had resolution of grade 1 complications. Both dogs with grade 2 complications had resolution reported at two weeks postoperatively, and both dogs with grade 3B complications had resolution reported at two weeks following revision surgery.ConclusionIntraoperative complications consisted of anal sac perforation without further complication. Minor postoperative complications were mostly self‐limiting, supporting previous literature. Major complications were infrequent and resolved following single revision surgery.Clinical significanceThe technique reported provides an alternative to excise intact and non‐neoplastic anal sacs in dogs. The key features of this technique are immediate anal sac identification by following the anatomic path of the duct, minimal peri‐saccular dissection, no requirement for packing of the anal sac, and complete removal of the duct and anal sac.
Effective generic freeness and applications to local cohomology
Authors: Cid‐Ruiz Yairon , Smirnov Ilya 
Published: September 2024

AbstractLet be a Noetherian domain and be a finitely generated ‐algebra. We study several features regarding the generic freeness over of an ‐module. For an ideal , we show that the local cohomology modules are generically free over under certain settings where is a smooth ‐algebra. By utilizing the theory of Gröbner bases over arbitrary Noetherian rings, we provide an effective method to b make explicit the generic freeness over of a finitely generated ‐module.
Support vector machines for predicting the level of integration in agri-food chains
Authors: Verduga-Alcívar Douglas Andrés , Muñoz-Grillo Emanuel Guillermo , Orozco-Crespo Erik , López-Joy Teresita , Acevedo-Urquiaga Ana Julia , Sablón-Cossío Neyfe 
Published: September 2024

The objective of this paper is derived from the theoretical analysis of the application of support vector machines to the design and management of agri-food chains. This analysis is conducted with an empirical approach, for the prediction of the level of integration in agri-food chains through support vector machines. The methodology designed and used for the processing of research results, which consists in the training of support vector machines is used to predict the level of integration in an agri-food chain. This type of predictive application appears in the literature consulted on the integration of agri-food chains. The analysis is performed comparing the method proposed with the neural network technique. The results of this research are mainly focused on predicting the level of integration in agri-food chains through vector machines. The study provides a support vector machine model that is applied to other case studies and therefore, allows predicting the outcome. The paper also shows the comparison of two techniques that share the goal of predicting, as applied in different contexts.
Do tobacco regulatory and economic factors influence smoking cessation outcomes? A post-hoc analysis of the multinational EAGLES randomised controlled trial
Authors: Daniel Belinda , Lawrence David E , McKenna Benjamin S , Saccone Phillip , McRae Thomas , Evins A Eden , Anthenelli Robert M 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionWe previously reported global regional differences in smoking cessation outcomes, with smokers of US origin having lower quit rates than smokers from some other countries. This post-hoc analysis examined global regional differences in individual-level and country-level epidemiological, economic and tobacco regulatory factors that may affect cessation outcomes.MethodsEAGLES (Evaluating Adverse Events in a Global Smoking Cessation Study) was a randomised controlled trial that evaluated first-line cessation medications and placebo in 8144 smokers with and without psychiatric disorders from 16 countries across seven regions. Generalised linear and stepwise logistic regression models that considered pharmacotherapy treatment, psychiatric diagnoses, traditional individual-level predictors (eg, demographic and smoking characteristics) and country-specific smoking prevalence rates, gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, relative cigarette cost and WHO-derived MPOWER scores were used to predict 7-day point prevalence abstinence at the end of treatment.ResultsIn addition to several traditional predictors, three of four country-level variables predicted short-term abstinence: GDP (0.54 (95% CI 0.47, 0.63)), cigarette relative income price (0.62 (95% CI 0.53, 0.72)) and MPOWER score (1.03 (95% CI 1.01, 1.06)). Quit rates varied across regions (22.0% in Australasia to 55.9% in Mexico). With northern North America (USA and Canada) as the referent, the likelihood of achieving short-term abstinence was significantly higher in Western Europe (OR 1.4 (95% CI 1.14, 1.61)), but significantly lower in Eastern Europe (0.39 (95% CI 0.22, 0.69)) and South America (0.17 (95% CI 0.08, 0.35)).ConclusionsIncreased tobacco regulation was associated with enhanced quitting among participants in the EAGLES trial. Paradoxically, lower GDP, and more affordable cigarette pricing relative to a country’s GDP, were also associated with higher odds of quitting. Geographical region was also a significant independent predictor.Trial registration numberClinicalTrials.gov,NCT01456936.
Radiograph accelerated detection and identification of cancer in the lung (RADICAL): a mixed methods study to assess the clinical effectiveness and acceptability of Qure.ai artificial intelligence software to prioritise chest X-ray (CXR) interpretation
Authors: Duncan Sean F , McConnachie Alex , Blackwood James , Stobo David B , Maclay John D , Wu O , Germeni Evi , Robert Dennis , Bilgili Banu , Kumar Shamie , Hall Mark , Lowe David J 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionDiagnosing and treating lung cancer in early stages is essential for survival outcomes. The chest X-ray (CXR) remains the primary screening tool to identify lung cancers in the UK; however, there is a shortfall of radiologists, while demand continues to increase. Image analysis by machine-learning software has the potential to support radiology workflows with a focus on immediate triage of suspicious X-rays. The RADICAL study will evaluate Qure.ai’s ‘qXR’ software in reducing reporting time for suspicious X-rays in NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde.Methods and analysisThis is a stepped-wedge cluster-randomised study consisting of a retrospective technical evaluation and prospective clinical effectiveness study alongside the assessment of acceptability via qualitative work and evaluation of cost-effectiveness via a cost utility analysis. The primary objective is to assess the clinical effectiveness of qXR to prioritise patients suspected with lung cancer on CXR for follow-up CT. Secondary objectives will look at the utility, safety, technical performance, health economics and acceptability of the intervention. The study period is 24 months, consisting of an initial 12 month data collection period and a 12 month follow-up period. All the standard care CXRs from outpatient and primary care requests will be securely transmitted to Qure.ai software ‘qXR’ for interpretation. Images with features of cancer will be flagged as ‘Urgent Suspicion of Cancer’ and be prioritised for radiologist review within the existing reporting workflow.Ethics and disseminationThe study will follow the principles of Good Clinical Practice. The protocol was granted REC approval in August 2023 from North West—Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee (REC 23/NW/0211). This study was registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT06044454). An interim report will be produced for use by the Scottish Government. The results from this study will be presented at artificial intelligence, radiology and respiratory meetings and published in peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberNCT06044454.