bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Presence and size of synovial masses within the navicular bursa correlate well between magnetic resonance imaging and bursoscopy and have a guarded prognosis
Authors: Giorio Maria Elisabetta , Graham Robyn J. , Berner Dagmar , O'Neill Henry D. , Bladon Bruce M. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundFocal hyperintense lesions within the navicular bursa emanating from the dorsal border of the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) can be recognised on T1‐weighted magnetic resonance images (MRI) and have been attributed to lameness in horses. Removal of these lesions, also referred to as synovial masses, by navicular bursoscopy is currently recommended.ObjectivesTo investigate the correlation between MRI and navicular bursoscopic findings. It is hypothesised that the prognosis following surgery is proportional to the size of the DDFT lesion.Study designRetrospective analysis of clinical records.MethodsHorses undergoing standing low‐field MRI and navicular bursoscopy with >1 year follow‐up were included. A grading system was developed to classify the size of synovial mass(es) and lesion(s) of the DDFT on MRI and at surgery. Generalised estimating equations were used to evaluate the association between MRI findings and surgery and between outcome and severity of the tendon injury.ResultsFifty‐nine horses presenting over a 15‐year period (2006–2021) fulfilled inclusion criteria. Ninety navicular bursae were examined both on MRI and endoscopically. There was strong correlation between the size of synovial masses and tendon lesions on MRI and bursoscopy (p < 0.001, OR: 25.61, 95% CI 8.71–75.29 and p < 0.001, OR: 7.34, 95% CI 2.70–19.92, respectively). Size of tendon lesion and synovial mass had no impact on prognosis (p = 0.3, OR: 1, 95% CI 1–1 and p = 0.1, OR: 1, 95% CI 1–1, respectively), which was guarded (30.5% return to previous level of exercise).Main limitationsPerformance data for conservatively treated horses with MRI‐detected synovial masses was not considered, nor was the effect of navicular bursal effusion. Horses were not randomly assigned to treatment protocols.ConclusionThere is good correlation between MRI and bursoscopic findings of DDFT lesions and synovial masses within the navicular bursa, with no false positives. Size of the synovial masses and DDFT lesions does not influence prognosis following navicular bursoscopy.
Fluoxetine exerts anti‐inflammatory effects on human epidermal keratinocytes and suppresses their endothelin release
Authors: Tóth Kinga Fanni , Ádám Dorottya , Arany József , Ramirez Yesid A. , Bíró Tamás , Drake Jennifer I. , O'Mahony Alison , Szöllősi Attila Gábor , Póliska Szilárd , Kilić Ana , Soeberdt Michael , Abels Christoph , Oláh Attila 
Published: December 2023

AbstractFluoxetine is a safe antidepressant with remarkable anti‐inflammatory actions; therefore, we aimed to investigate its effects on immortalized (HaCaT) as well as primary human epidermal keratinocytes in a polyinosinic‐polycytidylic acid (p(I:C))‐induced inflammatory model. We found that a non‐cytotoxic concentration (MTT‐assay, CyQUANT‐assay) of fluoxetine significantly suppressed p(I:C)‐induced expression and release of several pro‐inflammatory cytokines (Q‐PCR, cytokine array, ELISA), and it decreased the release of the itch mediator endothelins (ELISA). These effects were not mediated by the inhibition of the NF‐κB or p38 MAPK pathways (western blot), or by the suppression of the p(I:C)‐induced elevation of mitochondrial ROS production (MitoSOX Red labeling). Instead, unbiased activity profiling revealed that they were most likely mediated via the inhibition of the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K) pathway. Importantly, the PI3K‐inhibitor GDC0941 fully mimicked the effects of fluoxetine (Q‐PCR, ELISA). Although fluoxetine was able to occupy the binding site of GDC0941 (in silico molecular docking), and exerted direct inhibitory effect on PI3K (cell‐free PI3K activity assay), it exhibited much lower potency and efficacy as compared to GDC0941. Finally, RNA‐Seq analysis revealed that fluoxetine deeply influenced the transcriptional alterations induced by p(I:C)‐treatment, and exerted an overall anti‐inflammatory activity. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that fluoxetine exerts potent anti‐inflammatory effects, and suppresses the release of the endogenous itch mediator endothelins in human keratinocytes, most likely via interfering with the PI3K pathway. Thus, clinical studies are encouraged to explore whether the currently reported beneficial effects translate in vivo following its topical administration in inflammatory and pruritic dermatoses.
Characterization and structural study of a novel β‐N‐acetylgalactosaminidase from Niabella aurantiaca
Authors: Moreno Prieto Eduardo Sebastian , Fjermedal Sune , Siebenhaar Suzana , Vuillemin Marlène , Holck Jesper , Vincentelli Renaud , Gippert Garry P. , Wilkens Casper , Morth Jens Preben , Henrissat Bernard 
Published: December 2023

We report here the identification, characterization and three‐dimensional (3D) structure determination of NaNga, a newly identified β‐N‐acetylgalactosaminidase from the Gram‐negative soil bacterium Niabella aurantiaca DSM 17617. When recombinantly expressed in Escherichia coli, the enzyme selectively cleaved 4‐nitrophenyl‐N‐acetyl‐β‐d‐galactosamine (pNP‐β‐d‐GalpNAc). The X‐ray crystal structure of the protein was refined to 2.5 Å and consists of an N‐terminal β‐sandwich domain and a (β/α)8 barrel catalytic domain. Despite a mere 22% sequence identity, the 3D structure of NaNga is similar to those previously determined for family GH123 members, suggesting it also employs the same substrate‐assisted catalytic mechanism. Inhibition by N‐acetyl‐galactosamine thiazoline (GalNAc‐thiazoline) supports the suggested mechanism. A phylogenetic analysis of its proximal sequence space shows significant clustering of unknown sequences around NaNga with sufficient divergence with previously identified GH123 members to subdivide this family into distinct subfamilies. Although the actual biological substrate of our enzyme remains unknown, examination of the active site pocket suggests that it may be a β‐N‐acetylgalactosaminide substituted by a monosaccharide at O‐3. Analysis of the genomic context suggests, in turn, that this substituted β‐N‐acetylgalactosaminide may be appended to a d‐arabinan from an environmental Actinomycete.
Long‐term changes in the daytime growing season carbon dioxide exchange following increased temperature and snow cover in arctic tundra
Authors: Hermesdorf Lena , Liu Yijing , Michelsen Anders , Westergaard‐Nielsen Andreas , Mortensen Louise Hindborg , Jepsen Malte Skov , Sigsgaard Charlotte , Elberling Bo 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIncreasing temperatures and winter precipitation can influence the carbon (C) exchange rates in arctic ecosystems. Feedbacks can be both positive and negative, but the net effects are unclear and expected to vary strongly across the Arctic. There is a lack of understanding of the combined effects of increased summer warming and winter precipitation on the C balance in these ecosystems. Here we assess the short‐term (1–3 years) and long‐term (5–8 years) effects of increased snow depth (snow fences) (on average + 70 cm) and warming (open top chambers; 1–3°C increase) and the combination in a factorial design on all key components of the daytime carbon dioxide (CO2) fluxes in a wide‐spread heath tundra ecosystem in West Greenland. The warming treatment increased ecosystem respiration (ER) on a short‐ and long‐term basis, while gross ecosystem photosynthesis (GEP) was only increased in the long term. Despite the difference in the timing of responses of ER and GEP to the warming treatment, the net ecosystem exchange (NEE) of CO2 was unaffected in the short term and in the long term. Although the structural equation model (SEM) indicates a direct relationship between seasonal accumulated snow depth and ER and GEP, there were no significant effects of the snow addition treatment on ER or GEP measured over the summer period. The combination of warming and snow addition turned the plots into net daytime CO2 sources during the growing season. Interestingly, despite no significant changes in air temperature during the snow‐free time during the experiment, control plots as well as warming plots revealed significantly higher ER and GEP in the long term compared to the short term. This was in line with the satellite‐derived time‐integrated normalized difference vegetation index of the study area, suggesting that more factors than air temperature are drivers for changes in arctic tundra ecosystems.
Leveraging blockchain technology to combat food fraud in the agri‐food supply chain
Authors: Saha Aditi , Raut Rakesh D. , Kumar Mukesh 
Published: December 2023

SummaryIn an era of increasingly complex and globalised agri‐food supply chains (AFSC), the battle against food fraud has become a pressing concern for both consumers and industry stakeholders. Blockchain technology (BLCT) has emerged as a promising solution to address the challenges of traceability, transparency, and accountability within these supply chains. This paper investigates the enablers that drive the successful implementation of BLCT in combating food fraud. The study uses Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM) for analysing the enablers. The enablers were identified using literature review and by consulting industry and academic experts. The study finds that the enablers – immutable ledger, data security, and safety – are important for combating food fraud. The research provides a comprehensive understanding of the identified factors and their interrelationships, offering solutions to policymakers and managers. As various industries and stakeholders collaborate to tackle these pressing issues, BLCT has the potential to reshape the AFSC industry by guaranteeing trustworthiness, transparency, and security for all parties involved.
Lifestyle changes and quality of life a year after attending Rapid Access Cardiology Clinics: an observational study
Authors: O'Hagan Edel T. , Thiagalingam Aravinda , Lowe Harry , Min Haeri , Marschner Simone , Jackson Jocelyn , Klimis Harry , Kozor Rebecca , Figtree Gemma , Kritharides Leonard , Chow Clara K. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractWe examined behavioural risk factors and quality of life (QoL) in women and men, younger and older adults 12 months after a Rapid Access Cardiology Clinic (RACC) visit. Routine clinical care data were collected in person from three Sydney hospitals between 2017 and 2018 and followed up by questionnaire at 365 days. 1491 completed the baseline survey, at 1 year, 1092 provided follow‐up data on lifestyle changes, and 811 completed the EQ‐5D‐5L (QoL) survey. 666 (44.7%) were women, and 416 (27.9%) were older than 60 years of age. Almost 50% of participants reported improving physical activity and diet a year after their RACC visit. These changes were less likely in women and older participants.
Polypharmacy in older patients presenting to a tertiary regional health service: identifying correlations between demographics, presentations and length of stay
Authors: Robinson Michael , Vangaveti Venkat , Mokrzecki Sophie , Mallett Andrew J. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis study aimed to describe hospital admissions in patients experiencing polypharmacy and evaluate the effects of demographic factors on length of stay (LOS) and polypharmacy. We found that increasing age is associated with increasing polypharmacy rates but decreasing LOS. Females were more likely to experience higher rates of polypharmacy, but males were more likely to have longer LOS. First Nations peoples had higher rates of polypharmacy and longer LOS. Future projects investigating deprescribing methods are critical.
The mental health and substance use treatment experiences of racially and ethnically minoritised women who have experienced sexual violence
Authors: Spaducci Gilda , Oram Sian , Thiara Ravi , Robson Debbie , Peeren Siofra , Gibbs Annie , Trevillion Kylee 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe mental health and substance use treatment experiences of racially and ethnically minoritised women who have experienced sexual violence is not well understood. To address this we conducted a systematic review and meta‐synthesis of qualitative studies. Our search strategy included electronic searches of 18 databases and grey literature, citation tracking and reference list screening. Studies were eligible if they presented qualitative data from racially and/or ethnically minoritised women or girls, who had experienced sexual violence at any age and described their experiences of receiving treatment from statutory mental health and/or substance use services. Studies were analysed using meta‐ethnography. Fourteen papers based on 12 individual studies were included. Analysis developed three main themes: (1) understanding minoritised women holistically, (2) processing the trauma and beginning the healing and (3) the need for social connectedness and empowering relationships. For minoritised women to benefit from treatment, mental health and substance use services need to challenge the dynamics of the multiple traumas minoritised women experience. Knowledge and understanding of the racial trauma minoritised women experience is limited and many are subjected to further harm from racist practices occurring in some treatment services. Offering culturally safe, trauma‐informed care which promotes anti‐racist practices may help improve mental health and substance use service responses to minoritised women who have experienced sexual violence.
Mortality benefit with AF ablation: Impact of normal sinus rhythm seen in CABANA and EAST AFnet
Authors: Crawford Michael , Steinberg Benjamin A. , Ranjan Ravi , Konstantinidis Klitos , Navaravong Leenhapong , Bunch Thomas J. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAtrial fibrillation (AF) is significantly associated with morbidity and mortality and erodes the quality and quantity of life. It is standard of care to treat patients with AF and an increased risk of stroke with oral anticoagulation therapy, but the more daunting question many clinicians face is whether to pursue a “rate‐only” or “rhythm” control strategy. Historical studies over the years have sought to answer this question but have found no significant difference in major clinical outcomes between the two strategies. There are opportunities based on new data to improve the natural history of the disease. The EAST AFnet trial for the first time revealed a significant morbidity and mortality advantage to rhythm control therapy when performed early in the disease process of AF and in the setting of comprehensive medical management that was maintained. The CABANA trial clearly demonstrated that catheter ablation was a more effective long‐term treatment of AF in general and significantly lowers risk of AF progression compared to medical therapy. Like multiple prior trials of rhythm management strategies, when rhythm control was effective in these trials, independent of therapy assignment, there was a significantly lower risk of adverse outcomes and death. These contemporary data provide optimism that the pervasive mortality risk in patients with AF observed over the past 50 years may be improved by the timing, use, and efficacy of use of therapeutic interventions.
Pan‐cancer analysis identifies the IRF family as a biomarker for survival prognosis and immunotherapy
Authors: Xu Hua‐Guo , Chen Can , Chen Lin‐Yuan , Pan Shiyang 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIRF family genes have been shown to be crucial in tumorigenesis and tumour immunity. However, information about the role of IRF in the systematic assessment of pan‐cancer and in predicting the efficacy of tumour therapy is still unknown. In this work, we performed a systematic analysis of IRF family genes in 33 tumour samples, including expression profiles, genomics and clinical characteristics. We then applied Single‐Sample Gene‐Set Enrichment Analysis (ssGSEA) to calculate IRF‐scores and analysed the impact of IRF‐scores on tumour progression, immune infiltration and treatment efficacy. Our results showed that genomic alterations, including SNPs, CNVs and DNA methylation, can lead to dysregulation of IRFs expression in tumours and participate in regulating multiple tumorigenesis. IRF‐score expression differed significantly between 12 normal and tumour samples and the impact on tumour prognosis and immune infiltration depended on tumour type. IRF expression was correlated to drug sensitivity and to the expression of immune checkpoints and immune cell infiltration, suggesting that dysregulation of IRF family expression may be a critical factor affecting tumour drug response. Our study comprehensively characterizes the genomic and clinical profile of IRFs in pan‐cancer and highlights their reliability and potential value as predictive markers of oncology drug efficacy. This may provide new ideas for future personalized oncology treatment.
Evaluation of the effect of unilateral mastication on the morphology of temporomandibular joint from the perspective of dynamic joint space
Authors: Ma Hedi , Zheng Tinghui , Shao Bingmei , Liu Zhan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundUnbalanced alterations of temporomandibular joint morphology were associated with unilaterally masticatory habits.ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the effect of unilateral mastication on the remodelling of the temporomandibular joint using dynamic joint space.MethodsTwelve volunteers with non‐maxillofacial deformity and healthy temporomandibular joints were recruited. The 3D models of the mandible and the maxilla were reconstructed according to computed tomography. The subjects were asked to masticate French fries and peanuts unilaterally, which was recorded by a 3D motion capture system. The dynamic joint space during unilateral mastication was analysed.ResultsDuring early closure, the joint space reduction on the non‐masticatory side was significantly greater than on the masticatory side (p < .05). During later closure, the joint space reduction on the non‐masticatory side was significantly lower than that on the masticatory side (p < .05). The difference in joint space reduction between both sides was greater than the French fries while masticating the peanuts.ConclusionsUnilateral mastication resulted in a different major pressure area on the bilateral TMJs. Therefore, unilateral mastication might be an essential factor in the bilateral asymmetrical remodelling of the TMJ.
English studies in India: Its past and its future
Authors: Sen Sambudha 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis essay argues that English departments in India have had two advantages that their counterparts in the west lack. First, the ability to speak and write correctly in English is understood as a social and professional resource and this prompts large numbers of college students to opt for an English major. Second, English literature has unfolded, historically among several highly developed literatures in our regional languages and this, in conjuction with post‐colonial theory, has opened up vast new fields of research for English professors in India. Improved salaries and research facilities after the mid‐eighties began attracting excellent faculty to our best English departments and, by the end of the twentieth century, some of these were poised to compete with the best departments of the world. Despite this, Indian universities are perenially plagued by political interference and corruption and this has made it impossible for several excellent departments and indeed entire universities to sustain excellence.
Nitric oxide‐mediated vasodilation in human bone
Authors: Draghici Adina E. , Ely Matthew R. , Hamner Jason W. , Taylor J. Andrew 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjectiveRegulation of blood flow to bone is critical but poorly understood, particularly in humans. This study aims to determine whether nitric oxide (NO), a major regulator of vascular tone to other tissues, contributes also to the regulation of blood flow to bone.MethodsIn young healthy adults (n = 16, 8F, 8M), we characterized NO‐mediated vasodilation in the tibia in response to sublingual nitroglycerin and contrasted it to lower leg. Blood flow responses were assessed in supine individuals by continuously measuring tibial total hemoglobin (tHb) via near‐infrared spectroscopy and lower leg blood flow (LBF) as popliteal flow velocity via Doppler ultrasound in the same leg.ResultsLBF increased by Δ9.73 ± 0.66 cm/s and peaked 4.4 min after NO administration and declined slowly but remained elevated (Δ3.63 ± 0.60 cm/s) at 10 min. In contrast, time to peak response was longer and smaller in magnitude in the tibia as tHb increased Δ2.08 ± 0.22 μM and peaked 5.3 min after NO administration and declined quickly but remained elevated (Δ0.87±0.22 μM) at 10 min (p = .01).ConclusionsIn young adults, the tibial vasculature demonstrates robust NO‐mediated vasodilation, but tHb is delayed and diminishes faster compared to LBF, predominately reflective of skeletal muscle responses. Thus, NO‐mediated vasodilation in bone may be characteristically different from other vascular beds.
Prognostic accuracy of SOFA, MEWS, and SIRS criteria in predicting the mortality rate of patients with sepsis: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Lan Lin , Zhou Meichi , Chen Xiaoli , Dai Min , Wang Ling , Li Hong 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundIn recent years, some studies classified patients with sepsis and predicted their mortality by using some evaluation scales. Several studies reported significant differences in the predictive values of several tools, and the non‐uniformity of the cut‐off value.AimTo determine and compare the prognostic accuracy of Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS), and Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) criteria in predicting the mortality of patients with sepsis.MethodsThis study comprised of systematic literature review and meta‐analysis according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses. We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases from their establishment to July 31, 2022. The research articles published in the index journals provide sufficient data (true positive, false positive, true negative, and false negative results) for patients with sepsis. The combined sensitivity and specificity of the 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using the bivariate random effect model (BRM). The hierarchical overall subject working characteristics (HSROC) curve was drawn to evaluate the accuracy of the overall prognosis.ResultsData of 55 088 patients from 32 studies were included in this meta‐analysis. SOFA had an intermediate sensitivity of 0.73 (95% CI: 0.67–0.78) and a specificity of 0.70 (0.63–0.76). SIRS criteria had the highest sensitivity of 0.75 (0.66–0.82) and the lowest specificity of 0.40 (0.29–0.52). MEWS had the lowest sensitivity of 0.49 (0.40–0.59) and the highest specificity of 0.82 (0.78–0.86).ConclusionsAmong SOFA, MEWS, and SIRS criteria, SOFA showed moderate sensitivity and specificity for predicting mortality in patients with sepsis, the highest sensitivity of SIRS and the strongest specificity of MEWS for predicting mortality in patients with sepsis. The future research direction is to combine the relevant indicators of MEWS and SIRS to develop a measurement tool with high reliability and validity.Relevance to clinical practiceThe review provides useful insights into the prognostic accuracy of different assessment tools in predicting mortality in sepsis patients, which will help clinicians choose the most appropriate tool for early identification and treatment of sepsis. The findings may also contribute to the development of more accurate and reliable prognostic models for sepsis.