bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epsilon poly‐lysine in buffalo semen extender: A step towards reducing the development of antibiotic resistance
Authors: Yadav Usha , Dutt Ravi , Bansal Krishna , Gupta Akansha , Bala Renu , Bhardwaj Shivani , Verma Nisha , Bishnoi Manju , Kumar Dharmendra , Datta Tirtha Kumar , Kumar Pradeep 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe use of antibiotics in semen extenders can contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance. The objective of the study was to evaluate epsilon‐polylysine (Ɛ‐PL) as a substitute for antibiotics in the buffalo semen extender. For this, 20 semen ejaculates were collected from four Murrah buffalo bulls. Each ejaculate was divided into three equal aliquots and extended into an egg yolk‐based semen extender containing either antibiotics (strepto‐penicillin) or different concentrations of Ɛ‐PL (0.64 and 1.28 g/L) to make the final concentration 80 million sperm/mL and cryopreserved as per the standard procedure. The antibiogram sensitivity test confirmed that Ɛ‐PL is an effective antimicrobial against microbes present in buffalo semen ejaculates. Furthermore, the addition of Ɛ‐PL in the semen extender significantly reduces the colony forming unit (CFU)/mL in cryopreserved semen equivalent to strepto‐penicillin. The sperm motility and kinematic parameters assessed by a computer‐assisted sperm analyser showed that Ɛ‐PL did not inhibit either sperm motility not kinematic parameters of cryopreserved sperm. The flow‐cytometric evaluation of frozen–thawed sperm revealed interesting results. The extender supplemented with Ɛ‐PL protected sperm acrosome and mitochondrial membrane potential greater than the extender supplemented with strepto‐penicillin. Further, Ɛ‐PL reduced significantly the production of superoxide anions from mitochondria during the cryopreservation process. In this way, Ɛ‐PL may be a suitable alternative to antibiotics in semen extenders. In conclusion, Ɛ‐PL at a concentration of 0.64 g/L acts as an effective antimicrobial as well as antioxidant in semen extender for cryopreservation of buffalo sperm.
Autophagy gene Atg7 regulates the development of radiation‐induced skin injury and fibrosis of skin
Authors: Chen Xinyi , Qin Wan , Wang Lu , Jin Yu , Tu Jingyao , Yuan Xianglin 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundRadiation‐induced skin injury, which may progress to fibrosis, is a severe side effect of radiotherapy in patients with cancer. However, currently, there is a lack of preventive or curative treatments for this injury. Meanwhile, the mechanisms underlying this injury remain poorly understood. Here, we elucidated whether autophagy is essential for the development of radiation‐induced skin injury and the potential molecular pathways and mechanisms involved.Methods and resultsWe used the myofibroblast‐specific Atg7 knockout (namely, conditional Atg7 knockout) mice irradiated with a single electron beam irradiation dose of 30 Gy. Vaseline‐based 0.2% rapamycin ointment was topically applied once daily from the day of irradiation for 30 days. On day 30 post irradiation, skin tissues were harvested for further analysis. In vitro, human foreskin fibroblast cells were treated with rapamycin (100 nM) for 24 h and pretreated with 3‐MA (5 mM) for 12 h. Macroscopic skin manifestations, histological changes, and fibrosis markers at the mRNA and protein expression levels were measured. Post irradiation, the myofibroblast‐specific autophagy‐deficient (Atg7Flox/Flox Cre+) mice had increased fibrosis marker (COL1A1, CTGF, TGF‐β1, and α‐SMA) levels in the irradiated area and had more severe macroscopic skin manifestations than the control group (Atg7Flox/Flox Cre−) mice. Treatment with an autophagy agonist rapamycin attenuated macroscopic skin injury scores and skin fibrosis marker levels with decreased epidermal thickness and dermal collagen deposition in Atg7Flox/Flox Cre+ mice compared with the vehicle control. Moreover, in vitro experiment results were consistent with the in vivo results. Together with studies at the molecular level, we found that these changes involved the Akt/mTOR pathway. In addition, this phenomenon might also relate to Nrf2‐autophagy signaling pathway under oxidative stress conditions.ConclusionIn conclusion, Atg7 and autophagy‐related mechanisms confer radioprotection, and reactivation of the autophagy process can be a novel therapeutic strategy to reduce and prevent the occurrence of radiodermatitis, particularly skin fibrosis, in patients with cancer.
The taut polynomial and the Alexander polynomial
Authors: Parlak Anna 
Published: May 2023

AbstractLandry, Minsky and Taylor defined the taut polynomial of a veering triangulation. Its specialisations generalise the Teichmüller polynomial of a fibred face of the Thurston norm ball. We prove that the taut polynomial of a veering triangulation is equal to a certain twisted Alexander polynomial of the underlying manifold. Thus, the Teichmüller polynomials are just specialisations of twisted Alexander polynomials. We also give formulae relating the taut polynomial and the untwisted Alexander polynomial. There are two formulae, depending on whether the maximal free abelian cover of a veering triangulation is edge‐orientable or not. Furthermore, we consider 3‐manifolds obtained by Dehn filling a veering triangulation. In this case, we give formulae that relate the specialisation of the taut polynomial under a Dehn filling and the Alexander polynomial of the Dehn‐filled manifold. This extends a theorem of McMullen connecting the Teichmüller polynomial and the Alexander polynomial to the non‐fibred setting, and improves it in the fibred case. We also prove a sufficient and necessary condition for the existence of an orientable fibred class in the cone over a fibred face of the Thurston norm ball.
A randomised controlled trial of gemcitabine hydrochloride plus S-1 combination therapy versus gemcitabine hydrochloride therapy alone in pancreatic cancer patients aged ≥75 years: a study protocol for an open-label randomised feasibility study
Authors: Ishii Hiroshi , Yamashita Natsumi , Ueno Makoto , Ohkawa Shinichi , Saito Akiko M , Sekimoto Mitsugu 
Published: May 2023

IntroductionIn Japan, the age of patients with pancreatic cancer has increased. Combination chemotherapies such as 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin, oxaliplatin and irinotecan therapy and gemcitabine hydrochloride (GEM) +nab paclitaxel therapy have been developed as the standard treatments for young patients with advanced recurrent pancreatic cancer. However, both therapies produce toxicity and their administration is limited by the patients’ age or performance status. The efficacy and safety data obtained in the GEST study—a large-scale randomised controlled study conducted in patients with pancreatic cancer in Japan—suggested that GEM +S-1 (GS) combination therapy is a promising candidate for those aged between 75 and 80 years. However, for patients aged ≥80 years, no efficacy or safety data on GS therapy are currently available.Methods and analysisThis open-label, randomised phase II study will involve patients with advanced recurrent pancreatic cancer, aged ≥75 years, with favourable general conditions. Using the electronic data capture system, participants will be randomly allocated to groups with standard treatment (GEM therapy alone) and study treatment (GS therapy). The treatments will be administered until the conditions meet the discontinuation criteria. The primary endpoint is overall survival.Ethics and disseminationThis trial has been approved by the National Hospital Organisation’s Central Review Board (H28-NHOD-01).DiscussionThis study will reveal if GS therapy could be a standard treatment option for elderly patients with pancreatic cancer, by clarifying its efficacy and safety.Trial registration numberUMIN000025747; Pre-results.
Effect of exercise therapy on sarcopenia in pancreatic cancer: a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Yoh Kazunori , Nishikawa Hiroki , Enomoto Hirayuki , Ishii Noriko , Iwata Yoshinori , Ishii Akio , Yuri Yukihisa , Miyamoto Yuho , Hasegawa Kunihiro , Nakano Chikage , Takata Ryo , Nishimura Takashi , Aizawa Nobuhiro , Sakai Yoshiyuki , Ikeda Naoto , Takashima Tomoyuki , Iijima Hiroko , Nishiguchi Shuhei 
Published: May 2023

Introduction and purposeSarcopenia is defined as a decrease in muscle mass and muscle strength, and it has been demonstrated to be an adverse predictor in numerous types of cancers. Exercise therapy (ET) carries multiple health benefits in several diseases. Despite these clinical benefits, there are limited data available regarding patients with pancreatic cancer (PC) undergoing ET. We aim to prospectively examine the effect of ET on sarcopenia in patients with PC.Methods and analysisAll clinical stages of PC can be included. When registering study subjects, a precise evaluation of the nutritional status and the daily physical activities performed will be undertaken individually, for each participant. Study participants will be randomly allocated into two groups: (1) the ET and standard therapy group and (2) the standard therapy group. Amelioration of sarcopenia at 3 months postrandomisation will be the primary endpoint. Muscle mass will be calculated using bioimpedance analysis. Sarcopenia will be defined based on the current Asian guidelines. Participants will be instructed to perform exercises with>3 metabolic equivalents (mets; energy consumption in physical activities/resting metabolic rate) for 60 min/day and to perform exercises with>23 mets/week. In the ET group, physical activities equal to or greater than walking for 60 min/day will be strongly recommended.Ethics and disseminationThe Institutional Review Board at Hyogo College of Medicine has approved this study protocol (approval no. 2772). The final data will be publicly announced. A report releasing the study results will be submitted for publication.Trial registration numberUMIN000029271; Pre-results.
Dutch individuals’ views of screening for oesophageal cancer: a focus group study
Authors: Sijben Jasmijn , Peters Yonne , Bas Sharell , Siersema Peter , Rainey Linda , Broeders Mireille 
Published: May 2023

ObjectiveScreening for early oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC), including its precursor Barrett’s oesophagus (BO), can potentially reduce OAC-related morbidity and mortality. This study explores Dutch at-risk individuals’ views of screening an at-risk population for BO/OAC.DesignWe invited 372 individuals with risk factors for OAC from primary care practices, 73 individuals with surveillance experience, and 221 participants of previous studies (BO/OAC screening trial or survey) to participate in focus groups. Transcripts were inductively and thematically analysed by two independent researchers.ResultsA total of 50 individuals (42% with gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms) of 50–75 years participated. Themes that were raised included: theme 1 ‘screening intentions’ describing participants’ motivation to be screened (eg, early diagnosis, potential reassurance, physician recommendation, and knowing someone with cancer) or decline screening (eg, anticipated discomfort or suboptimal accuracy of the test); theme 2 ‘risk-based eligibility’ describing the tension between effectiveness (eg, targeting high-risk individuals) and inclusivity (eg, making screening available for everyone); theme 3 ‘distributive justice’, in which the pressure of a potential new screening programme on healthcare resources was discussed; and theme 4 ‘information needs’ describing the perceived lack of information access and individuals’ preference to discuss screening with their general practitioner.ConclusionIndividuals not only expressed high willingness to be screened but also voiced the concern that a new screening programme may pressure limited healthcare resources. If implemented, it is crucial to develop educational materials that meet the public’s information needs and explain the test procedures and eligibility criteria while avoiding stigmatising language.
An exploration of stakeholder views and perceptions on taxing tobacco, alcohol and sugar-sweetened beverages in Ghana
Authors: Singh Arti , Smith Katherine , Hellowell Mark , Logo Divine Darlington , Marten Robert , Suu Lwin Kaung , Owusu-Dabo Ellis 
Published: May 2023

BackgroundNon-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for nearly 43% of Ghana’s all-cause mortality. Unhealthy commodities (such as alcohol, sugar and tobacco) are an important factor in the growing NCD burden in the region of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Despite health taxes on tobacco, alcohol and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) gaining renewed attention, adoption and implementation in SSA remain limited. This study aims to unpack the contextual politics and to examine current perceptions of opportunities and barriers for health taxes in Ghana.MethodsSemistructured qualitative interviews (n=19) conducted with purposively sampled stakeholders representing four sectors: government, civil society, media and international organisations, and two group interviews with nine industry stakeholders, informed by a review of relevant literature and policy/advocacy documents.ResultsStakeholders had a general belief that such taxes are primarily useful for revenue generation (for health spending) rather than for reducing consumption and improving health. There do appear to be opportunities for health taxes with stakeholders broadly supportive of taxing SSBs. This support could be strengthened via ‘health’ framing of any new tax proposals, the generation of Ghana-specific evidence about the potential impacts of such taxes and greater public awareness. Industry actors and some government representatives opposed health taxes, citing concerns about the potential to increase illicit trade and economic harm. Some stakeholders also believed that links between politicians and affected industries represent an important barrier.ConclusionThese findings identify opportunities to introduce health taxes but also underline the potential resistance from affected industry stakeholders. Nevertheless, a strategic approach that focuses on achieving policy coherence (between central government, health and economic ministries), combined with efforts to strengthen stakeholder and public support, may weaken the lobbying position of industry. Such efforts could be supported by research to help demonstrate the value of different designs of health taxes for achieving Ghana’s health goals and to better understand industry–political links.
Assessing and managing medication overuse headache in Australian clinical practice
Authors: Wijeratne Tissa , Jenkins Bronwyn , Stark Richard J , Sun-Edelstein Christina 
Published: May 2023

More than 3 million Australians are estimated to have migraine disorders, and over a quarter of a million Australians are estimated to have medication overuse headache (MOH). The personal, societal and economic burden of MOH is high. MOH impacts an individual’s ability to work or study, care for family or themselves, culminating in poor quality of life. Accurate and timely diagnosis and treatment of MOH are imperative. Withdrawal failures and relapse rates are high in MOH.Treatment of MOH is aimed at ceasing medication overuse and reducing monthly migraine days with the aim of achieving a pattern of well-controlled episodic migraine. Current treatment approaches in routine practice include withdrawal with preventive treatment, withdrawal with optional preventive treatment in the subsequent weeks and preventive treatment without withdrawal. This viewpoint article provides an overview of managing MOH in Australian clinical practice, with a focus on the importance of patient education and the role of preventive treatment in supporting patients as they withdraw from acute migraine medication(s).
Perceptions of healthcare providers and mothers on management and care of severely wasted children: a qualitative study in Karnataka, India
Authors: Manivannan Madhu Mitha , Vaz Manjulika , Swaminathan Sumathi 
Published: May 2023

ObjectivesTo explore perceptions of healthcare providers and mothers of children with severe wasting on the perceived reasons for severe wasting, constraints on the management and barriers to caregiving and care-seeking practices.DesignIn-depth qualitative interviews conducted with healthcare providers and mothers of children with severe wasting.SettingUrban and rural locations in Karnataka state, India.ParticipantsHealthcare providers (anganwadi workers, accredited social health activists, auxiliary nurse midwives, junior health assistant, medical officers, nutrition counsellors) from public healthcare centres and mothers of children with severe wasting.ResultsForty-seven participants (27 healthcare providers, 20 mothers) were interviewed. Poverty of households emerged as the underlying systemic factor across all themes that interfered with sustained uptake of any intervention to address severe wasting. Confusion of ‘thinness’ and shortness of stature as hereditary factors appeared to normalise the condition of wasting. Management of this severe condition emerged as an interdependent phenomenon starting at the home level coupled with sociocultural factors to community intervention services with its supplemental nutrition programme and clinical monitoring with therapeutic interventions through an institutional stay at specialist referral centres. A single-pronged malnutrition alleviation strategy fails due to the complexity of the ground-level problems, as made apparent through respondents’ lived experiences. Social stigma, trust issues between caregivers and care-seekers and varying needs and priorities as well as overburdened frontline workers create challenges in communication and effectiveness of services resulting in perpetuation of severe wasting.ConclusionsTo ensure a continuum of care in children with severe wasting, economic and household constraints, coordinated policies across the multidimensional determinants of severe wasting need to be addressed. Context-specific interventions are necessary to bridge communication gaps between healthcare providers and caregivers.
Exploring the factors behind the shift in unwanted childbearing rate in Bangladesh between 2007 and 2017/2018: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Rahman Md. Mahfuzur , Tasnim Jannatul 
Published: May 2023

ObjectivesThis study aimed at exploring the factors associated with the reduction in the proportion of women reporting unwanted births in Bangladesh between 2007 and 2017/2018.Design and settingA cross-sectional analysis of the data collected by the 2007 and 2017/2018 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Surveys by using a two-stage stratified sampling covering the entire population in Bangladesh.ParticipantsOur analysis included 4810 (2007) and 7403 (2017/2018) weighted ever-married women aged 15–49 years reporting at least one birth in the 5 years preceding each of the surveys.ResultsThe proportion of women reporting unwanted births declined by 26.2% between 2007 and 2017/2018. Overall changes in women’s behaviour and their proportions with distinct characteristics explained 66.2% (0.051 points decrease, 95% CI −0.071 to –0.031, p<0.001) and 45.5% (0.035 points decrease, 95% CI −0.051 to –0.019, p<0.001) of the overall reduction in the proportion reporting unwanted births, respectively. Behavioural changes among those being visited by family planning (FP) workers (0.004 points decrease, 95% CI −0.008 to –0.000, p=0.047), having complete secondary education or higher (0.009 points decrease, 95% CI −0.016 to –0.003, p=0.002), and earning in kind (0.002 points decrease, 95% CI −0.005 to –0.000, p=0.035) were associated with a reduction in unwanted childbearing. Increases in the proportions of women married at age 18 or older (0.008 points decrease, 95% CI −0.010 to –0.005, p<0.001), and having some secondary education (0.013 points decrease, 95% CI −0.019 to –0.008, p<0.001) were negatively associated with unwanted childbearing. Conversely, an increase in the proportion expressing preference for a balanced sex composition of the family was positively associated with unwanted childbearing (0.013 points increase, 95% CI 0.008 to 0.017, p<0.001).ConclusionsWomen’s behavioural changes driven by the FP programmes and other external factors, and changes in their characteristics, could reduce the incidence of unwanted childbearing in Bangladesh, and thereby contribute to improvements in maternal health.
Association between matched chronotype and poor mental health among shift workers: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Beixi , Liao Gengze , Lee Priscilla Ming Yi , Huss Anke , Ma Yuen Ting Julie , Chan Joey Wing-Yan , Wing Yun Kwok , Tse Lap Ah 
Published: May 2023

BackgroundNearly 0.7 billion workers are involved in the shift work system, leading to concerns about its potential impacts on the large-scale population mental health. This study aimed to synthesise evidence of the associations between matched chronotype and the risk of poor mental health among shift workers.MethodsSix computerised databases were searched from inception to September 2022. Observational studies were selected if they reported any association between common mental health parameters and chronotype scores/types of shift workers. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses checklist was followed. We extracted adjusted risk estimates to calculate pooled effect sizes and explore sources of heterogeneity. The study was registered in PROSPERO: CRD42022357437.ResultsFourteen studies including 49 909 workers were identified. Ever shift workers had a higher risk of poor mental health than the day workers (pooled OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.28; I2=14%, p=0.29), with the evening chronotype ever shift workers having a 1.47 times higher risk than those who worked during the day (pooled OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.91; I2=42%, p=0.16). Sensitivity analysis excluding studies with the highest risk of bias of each group demonstrated consistent findings.ConclusionsEvening chronotype ever shift workers have poorer mental health than shift workers with other chronotypes. Chronotype remains unrecognised in the contemporary rostering system, making it a hidden contributor to occupational mental health. Work-related physical and mental stresses may be prevented/mitigated with further investigation on optimising shift work schedule combined with individual chronotype preference.
Excess mortality among essential workers in England and Wales during the COVID-19 pandemic: an updated analysis
Authors: Matz Melissa , Rhodes Sarah , Tongeren Martie Van , Coleman Michel P , Allemani Claudia , Nafilyan Vahe , Pearce Neil 
Published: May 2023

BackgroundExcess mortality from all causes combined during the COVID-19 pandemic in England and Wales in 2020 was predominantly higher for essential workers. In 2021, the vaccination programme had begun, new SARS-CoV-2 variants were identified and different policy approaches were used. We have updated our previous analyses of excess mortality in England and Wales to include trends in excess mortality by occupation for 2021.MethodsWe estimated excess mortality for working age adults living in England and Wales by occupational group for each month in 2021 and for the year as a whole.ResultsDuring 2021, excess mortality remained higher for most groups of essential workers than for non-essential workers. It peaked in January 2021 when all-cause mortality was 44.6% higher than expected for all occupational groups combined. Excess mortality was highest for adults working in social care (86.9% higher than expected).ConclusionPreviously, we reported excess mortality in 2020, with this paper providing an update to include 2021 data. Excess mortality was predominantly higher for essential workers during 2021. However, unlike the first year of the pandemic, when healthcare workers experienced the highest mortality, the highest excess mortality during 2021 was experienced by social care workers.