bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patient signalment and aetiology of hypercortisolism in Australian dogs with Cushing's syndrome
Authors: Langner KFA , Foster SF , Duff BC 
Published: January 2025

ObjectivePatient characteristics of Cushing's syndrome differ between countries and have not been assessed in the Australian dog population. This study describes signalment and distribution of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)‐dependent hypercortisolism (ADH) and ACTH‐independent hypercortisolism (AIH) in Australian dogs.AnimalsTwo‐hundred client‐owned dogs that had endogenous ACTH concentrations measured by radioimmunoassay.MethodsAnimals with Cushing's syndrome were identified from laboratory accessions and signalment details recorded. Dogs were classified as having ADH or AIH based on their endogenous ACTH concentration and, if equivocal, by additional data obtained from medical records.ResultsDogs had a median age of 11 years (range 3.5–18) and median body weight of 8.6 kg (2.5–50.8) with 67% of dogs weighing <10 kg and 83% <20 kg. The majority were female (62%) and neutered (91%). Maltese dogs comprised 19% of the study population and were over‐represented relative to the general dog population. Dogs of this breed were diagnosed at an earlier age than other breeds and crosses. One hundred and eighty seven of 200 dogs (93.5%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 89.1–96.4) were diagnosed with ADH and 5 dogs (2.5%; 95% CI: 0–0.05) with AIH; an aetiology could not be established for the remaining dogs.ConclusionsAustralian dogs with Cushing's syndrome were mostly small breed dogs and almost exclusively had ADH. Maltese dogs were frequently affected and developed the disease earlier in life compared with other breeds. These data can facilitate identification of Australian dogs at risk for the disease and assist in diagnostic and therapeutic decision‐making.
Introduction to the special issue: Organizing domestic work: The limits of regulations in the wake of the ILO Domestic Workers Convention
Authors: Coe Cati , Glaser Alana Lee 
Published: January 2025

AbstractIn 2011, the International Labour Organization adopted a new Domestic Workers Convention, a change that generated struggles internationally around recognizing domestic labor as a form of work. Recognition as a worker is meant to redress the particularities that render the exploitation of domestic workers so intimate, painful, and naturalized. A decade after the Convention's passage is a reasonable period in which to assess its impact, as the papers in the special issue do in a variety of sites. The introduction discusses the limitations of the regulation of work in changing domestic workers' conditions. First, labor studies scholars have shown how contracts can cement inequalities. Second, attempts to standardize domestic labor through work contracts and the law rely on liberalism's supposedly unparalleled capacity to correct historical harms and perfect human relations. Moreover, studies in legal pluralism highlight the ways that informal work is organized according to social conventions. Forms of resistance by domestic workers indicate that they use a sense of rights based both on their status as workers and from other social domains to negotiate employment conditions. This leads us to the conclusion that all forms of energy expended, both paid and unpaid, should be considered forms of work.
Acts from the cracks: Representations and positions of the decolonial in the geopolitical (de)construction of power‐entangled knowledge
Authors: Ali Subas Amjad , Sarrica Mauro , Sammut Gordon , Bigazzi Sara 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThis paper examines the geopolitical implications of knowledge production in psychology through two studies that respond to the growing body of work on the ‘Decolonisation of Knowledge’ and the ‘Decolonisation of Psychology’ over the past two decades. By adopting a constructivist approach, particularly through the lens of Social Representation Theory (SRT), these studies explore the ways in which geopolitical contexts shape decolonial activism within psychological and scientific discourse. The first study sheds light on the lexical divergences in the construction of knowledge within the domains of psychology. We reviewed 300 article abstracts related to decolonial studies using lexicometric analysis based on the Reinhart method (IraMuTeq). Four clusters were identified: Educational Reform, Historical Temporalities, Social Actors, and Epistemological Discourse. These clusters suggest differences in knowledge production within different geopolitical localities. The second study explores these variations by immersing itself in the perspectives and representations articulated by decolonial scholars. The second study is conducted using 12 semi‐structured interviews with academics actively engaged in decolonial efforts. The aim of the two studies is to demonstrate regional variations in decolonial discourse and highlight the ongoing influence of geopolitical factors on scientific inquiry.
Are we disadvantaging smokers by excluding them from kidney transplantation? A single‐centre experience and survey of kidney transplantation units
Authors: Hazim Humam , Rowlandson Matthew , Chang Cynthia , Poon Amy , Ward Sheridan , Howley Peter , Mackinnon Bruce 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundSmoking has been shown to have detrimental effects on KT outcomes and survival. Most units and guidelines advocate for the cessation of smoking prior to a kidney transplant and consider it a general contraindication to listing. Smoking prevalence is higher in disadvantaged groups. Smoking cessation is complex and often takes many years. For those suffering from the burden of chronic kidney disease, a delay in transplantation with a longer dialysis time may result in worse outcomes and accentuate the difficulty of cessation.AimThe objective of this study was to describe the cohort of excluded smokers for kidney transplantation (KT) and further examine the current practices regarding smoking and KT waitlisting.MethodsWe undertook a retrospective observational study of dialysis patients in Hunter New England Local Health District 2013–2023 <65 years old and assessed but not listed for KT. We examined the reasons for non‐transplant listing and divided them into two categories, smoking versus others (comorbidities, patient preference and cancer). We compared the categories in terms of demography, comorbidities and dialysis modality. We also conducted a survey of KT units across Australia and New Zealand regarding their policies towards smoking.ResultsWe reviewed the records of 333 patients (142 female), 89 of whom were smokers. Patients not listed due to smoking were less comorbid than those rejected for another reason (83% vs 40% having ≤1 comorbid condition, P < 0.001). Patients rejected due to smoking were younger than those rejected for other reasons (47.8 vs 52.1, P = 0.007). There was no difference between the two groups in terms of sex or dialysis modality. All the acute KT units were surveyed (response rate 100%); 72% of units do not list current smokers for KT.ConclusionPatients not listed for KT due to smoking are generally younger and less comorbid than those not listed for other reasons. Our survey shows variation in practice between units. As smoking is more prevalent in marginalised communities, not listing these patients for KT may be an equity‐of‐access‐to‐treatment issue.
The Relationship Between the Neighbourhood Environment and Mental Health: Integrating Subjective and Objective Perspectives
Authors: Zhang Guiqin , Liu Yu Jia , Zhang Ruhong , Zhang Xiaohong , Xiong Wei , Cui Jiatong , Cheng Yu Xin , Liu Qian , Wang Xiao Qin , Yang Bing Xiang , Zou Huijing 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTAimsTo explore the relationship between neighbourhood environments and mental health by integrating subjective and objective perspectives.DesignA cross‐sectional study.MethodsFrom September 2023 to January 2024, adult residents at the physical examination centers of two public hospitals in China completed measurements of subjective neighbourhood environment, depressive and anxiety symptoms, psychological stress, and socio‐demographic characteristics. Geographic information systems (GIS) were employed to extract objective environmental data including parks, bus stops, sports facilities, leisure facilities, residential housing, restaurants, food retail facilities, and street connectivity within a buffer zone of 500‐m radius of the participants' residential areas. Data were analysed using univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses.ResultsThis study included 438 participants (mean age, 36.98 ± 11.05 years; 55.3% female). The mean scores for depression, anxiety, and psychological stress were 3.55 ± 2.99, 3.16 ± 2.91, and 13.11 ± 4.88, respectively. The total score of the subjective neighbourhood environment was 78.33 ± 10.63, with the mean scores of each dimension ranging from 5.14 to 23.76. After adjusting for potential confounders, higher scores on street environment and higher density of sports facility were statistically significantly associated with reduced risk of depressive symptoms and psychological stress. Additionally, higher scores on walking environment and social cohesion were significantly associated with reduced risk of anxiety symptoms.ConclusionsThis study found that street environments, walking environments, social cohesion, and density of sports facilities were independently associated with the mental health of adult residents in China.ImplicationsThe findings provide valuable insights for healthcare providers to consider specific health‐related environmental factors and develop tailored interventions to promote the mental health of the residents.ImpactUnderstanding the relationship between the subjective and objective environmental factors on mental health is crucial for developing effective intervention strategies, preventing psychological issues, enhancing the quality of care, and advancing public health policies and research.Reporting MethodThe study was reported following the strengthening of the reporting of observational studies in epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines.Patient or Public ContributionNo patient or public contribution.
AF‐FLOW Global Registry Confirms Validity of Electrographic Flow Mapping as a Phenotyping Tool for Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Nilsson Kent R. , Castellano Steven , Kong Melissa H. , Derejko Pawel , Szili‐Torok Tamás , Goyal Sandeep K. , Wijchers Sip , Turagam Mohit , Reddy Vivek Y. , Verma Atul ,   other members of the AF‐FLOW Global Registry Study Group
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundElectrographic flow (EGF) mapping allows for the visualization of global atrial wavefront propagations. One mechanism of initiation and maintenance of atrial fibrillation (AF) is stimulation from EGF‐identified focal sources that serve as driver sites of fibrillatory conduction. Electrographic flow consistency (EGFC) further quantifies the concordance of observed wavefront patterns, indicating that a healthier substrate shows more organized wavefront propagation and higher EGFC. Freedom from AF (FFAF) recurrence has accordingly been shown to be higher in patients with ablated vs. unablated sources and with high vs. low EGFC.Objectives(1) Measure FFAF across EGF‐derived phenotypes in patients enrolled in the AF‐FLOW Global Registry; (2) determine if a relationship exists between EGFC and percentage of healthy voltage as measured from bipolar voltage maps.MethodsThe AF‐FLOW Global Registry is a multicenter, prospective study of 25 all‐comer AF patients who underwent concomitant high‐density bipolar voltage mapping with a 16‐electrode grid mapping catheter and EGF mapping with a 64‐pole basket catheter. The EGF algorithm detects extra‐pulmonary vein sources as origins of excitation from a singularity of divergent flow vectors and was used to localize RF ablation targets. Overall, EGFC per atrium was also computed as the average of the modulus of individual EGF vectors, where the vector length represents the consistency of flow patterns. Patients were then assigned phenotypes on the basis of source presence or absence and EGFC, and rates of FFAF at 1‐year were compared across the four resulting phenotypes. Atrial EGFC was also compared to the percentage of healthy tissue determined by bipolar voltage mapping.ResultsPatients with paroxysmal AF had higher FFAF than persistent AF (PeAF) and long‐standing PeAF patients; patients receiving de novo ablation had higher FFAF than those receiving redo ablation. Patient phenotyping revealed that those with high EGFC had higher FFAF than those with low EGFC (p = 0.015). Atrial EGFC was also correlated to the percent of high voltage tissue across all patients (r = 0.651, p < 0.0001).ConclusionsEGF mapping provides insights into the mechanistic nature of AF and the atrial health of the underlying substrate. Therefore, further studies are needed to develop phenotype‐specific treatments for the disease.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05481359.
A Review on the Role of 2–8 Carbon Chain Carboxylates in Enhancing Aquaculture Performance
Authors: Gouife Moussa , Jiao Lefei , Kong Fei , Ming Tinghong , Saikaly Pascal , Galindo‐Villegas Jorge , Xu Jiajie 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTAquaculture is a key sector for global food security, but its sustainability and productivity remain constantly questioned. Using 2–8 carbon chain carboxylates (2–8 CCs) has proven to be a promising and beneficial strategy for various fields, including aquaculture. Within the 2–8 CCs, short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) have received significantly more attention from researchers than the relatively less‐explored medium‐chain fatty acids (MCFAs). Applying these compounds in aquaculture has improved growth performance, feed efficiency, immune responses, intestinal health, antioxidant capacity, and water quality, thus promoting aquaculture organisms' productivity and sustainability. Furthermore, 2–8 CCs offer significant environmental benefits by reducing the reliance on antibiotics and promoting a healthier gut microbiota, thereby mitigating some ecological impacts of aquaculture. They also contribute to improved waste management practices and developing a more circular economy within aquaculture systems. This review comprehensively examines the current understanding of 2–8 CCs' effects in aquaculture, discussing their roles, environmental impacts, benefits, challenges, and future research directions. The findings underscore the potential of 2–8 CCs to significantly enhance the sustainability and productivity of aquaculture systems, offering a hopeful outlook for the future of the field.
Applying the ADAPT guidance to implement a telemedicine and medication delivery service in a malaria‐endemic setting: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Flaherty Katelyn E. , Mahama Mohammed‐Najeeb , Klarman Molly B. , Anane‐Binfoh Nana A. , Patel Mayur D. , Smith Nathanael J. , Osei‐Ampofo Maxwell , Mathelier Michael , Nelson Eric J. , Zakariah Ahmed N. , Afaa Taiba J. , Becker Torben K. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundThe ADAPT guidance proposes a process model for adapting evidence‐informed interventions to novel contexts. Herein, we leveraged this guidance to adapt a paediatric nighttime telemedicine and medication delivery service from Haiti, a setting with low malaria prevalence, to Ghana, where malaria is a leading cause of paediatric mortality.MethodsCore components of the intervention were defined and conserved. Discretionary components were identified and considered for adaptation. The service was defined by a workflow involving a call from a guardian of a sick child, a telemedicine assessment, referral of severe cases, and medication delivery/in‐person assessments for non‐severe cases. Key adaptations related to partner organisation (private to public/government), clinician type (nurse to emergency medical technician), user fees (sliding scale to none), and point‐of‐care testing (none to malaria rapid diagnostic testing). The adapted model was implemented in Jamestown and Usshertown, Ghana, on 16 November 2022 as part of a 12‐month study to evaluate implementation outcomes and the role of the telemedicine assessment. Empiric thresholds for safety and feasibility were set a priori and served as benchmarks for this study and points of iteration for future studies.ResultsIn the first year of implementation, 517 cases were enrolled; 492 were included in the analysis, 96% of which were reached at 10‐day follow‐up. Safety and feasibility thresholds were met. 98% of febrile cases received rapid diagnostic testing for malaria; 4% tested positive. At 10 days, 97% of cases were improving/well, and no severe adverse events were reported. The median lengths of the telemedicine assessment, time to delivery, and in‐person assessments were 9, 49, and 43 min, respectively. 99% of participants expressed interest in using the service again. There was fair congruence between paired telemedicine and in‐person assessments for vital sign assessments and mild/moderate triage decisions.ConclusionsA nighttime paediatric telemedicine and medication delivery service adapted and implemented per the ADAPT Guidance met a priori‐defined safety and feasibility metrics in the malaria‐endemic country of Ghana. The role of telemedicine in assessing vital signs and informing mild versus moderate triage decisions may be limited.Trial RegistrationThis study was registered on Clinicaltrials.gov on 8/17/2022 (NCT05506683).
Reactivation of latent HIV-1 by the glucocorticoid receptor modulator AZD9567
Authors: Fayyaz Sharmeen , Lotke Rishikesh , Haußmann Isabell , Petersen Moritz , Müller Eva , Schwarzer-Sperber Hannah S. , Schwarzer Roland , Sauter Daniel 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT

One key determinant of HIV-1 latency reversal is the activation of the viral long terminal repeat (LTR) by cellular transcription factors such as NF-κB and AP-1. Interestingly, the activity of these two transcription factors can be modulated by glucocorticoid receptors (GRs). Furthermore, the HIV-1 genome contains multiple binding sites for GRs. We therefore hypothesized that glucocorticoids and other GR modulators may influence HIV-1 latency and reactivation. To investigate how GR signaling affects latent HIV-1 reservoirs, we assembled a representative panel of GR modulators including natural steroidal agonists, selective and non-selective GR modulators, and clinically approved GR-modulating drugs. The effects of these compounds on HIV-1 reactivation were assessed using latently HIV-1-infected cell lines and primary cells, as well as reporter assays that monitored GR and LTR activities. We found that AZD9567 (Mizacorat), a non-steroidal partial GR agonist, reactivates latent HIV-1 in both lymphoid and myeloid cell lines and primary CD4+ T cells. Conversely, the GR antagonist mifepristone suppresses HIV-1 LTR-driven gene expression. Mechanistic analyses revealed that AZD9567-mediated reactivation partially depends on both GR and AP-1 binding sites in the LTR. In summary, we, here, identify the GR modulator AZD9567 as novel latency-reversing agent that activates LTR-driven gene expression, which may aid in advancing current shock-and-kill approaches in the treatment of HIV-1 infection.

IMPORTANCE
Latently infected cells of people living with HIV are constantly exposed to fluctuating levels of glucocorticoid hormones such as cortisol. In addition, many HIV-infected individuals regularly take corticosteroids as anti-inflammatory drugs. Although corticosteroids are known to affect the activity of the viral long terminal repeat (LTR) promoter and influence ongoing HIV-1 replication, relatively little is known about the effect of corticosteroid hormones and other glucocorticoid receptor (GR) modulators on latent HIV-1. By systematically comparing natural and synthetic GR modulators, we, here, identify a first first-in-class, oral, partial GR agonist that reactivates latent HIV-1 from different cell types. This drug, AZD9567, was previously tested in clinical trials for rheumatoid arthritis. Mutational analyses shed light on the underlying mode of action and revealed transcription factor binding sites in the HIV-1 LTR that determine responsiveness to AZD9567.
Interregional Inequality in Russia and Post-Soviet Countries in the 21st Century
Authors: Zubarevich N. V. , Safronov S. G. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The article analyzes the level and dynamics of interregional inequality in Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus versus other European countries based on data from official statistics of CIS countries (1995–2022) and Eurostat (2011–2022). The Gini coefficient, weighted by population and normalized depending on the number of territorial units, is used as the main assessment parameter. In Belarus and European Union countries, the level of interregional inequality is lower, associated with high and more uniform development of the territory and a more stable economic structure. In Russia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, the level of interregional inequality is higher and its dynamics are multidirectional, associated with the influence of resource rent on a limited number of regions. In Russia and Uzbekistan since the late 2010s, inequality has grown, decreased in Kazakhstan, and was small and stable in Belarus due to the peculiarities of the economic structure and institutional factors of development. Assessments of the impact of macroeconomic dynamics on interregional inequality have not provided clear evidence of its impact. The impact of the state’s redistribution policy can only be assessed for Russia: a significant increase in transfers during the crises of 2009 and 2020 contributed to mitigating inequality. Within Russian federal districts, differentiation is generally lower. High inequality is characteristic of the extremely heterogeneous Ural Federal District and Central Federal District, where it has been declining in recent years. In the Far Eastern Federal District, regional differentiation grew, and its gradual increase also occurred in the regions of the Northwestern Federal District.
Combining the optimal grafting methods, seasons, and scion donors enhances the conifer grafting success and early supply of the next-generation seedlings
Authors: Matsushita Michinari 
Published: January 2025

Improving the efficiency of grafting enables next-generation seed orchards to be established within a shorter period, resulting in improvement of productivity of high-quality seedlings for afforestation. This study investigates the effects of grafting methods (top-cleft and side-veneer), seasonal variation of collecting scions, and genetic variation of graft scions on the grafting survival rates of Chamaecyparis obtusa (Sieb. et Zucc.) Endl. When comparing the grafting methods, the scion shoot elongation of top-cleft method (13.7 cm) was greater than the side-veneer method (8.9 cm), while the survival rate did not differ between the top-cleft (87.5%) and side-veneer methods (83.3%). When comparing the grafting seasons on the survival rate of top-cleft grafts, the scions collected during the autumn and early spring showed significantly higher survival rates than those collected during the summer. In addition, there was a variation in graft survival rates among the genotypes, and a significant positive correlation ( r = 0.56) was found between the estimated clonal value of graft survival and of the estimated breeding value of trunk volume in the original test sites, indicating that the genotype that grew well had a higher rate of grafting success. These results can serve as practical guidance for conifer grafting.