bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metatranscriptomic shifts suggest shared biodegradation pathways for Corexit 9500 components and crude oil in Arctic seawater
Authors: Gofstein Taylor R. , Leigh Mary Beth 
Published: September 2022

AbstractWhile the genes and pathways responsible for petroleum biodegradation in marine environments have received substantial attention, considerably less is known about those active in the biodegradation of the commonly applied chemical dispersant Corexit 9500. Yet, their fate in the Arctic marine environment is an increasingly important unknown. To elucidate the genes and pathways active in the biodegradation of oil and dispersants, we performed metatranscriptomic sequencing on microbial communities in Arctic seawater exposed to oil, Corexit, or both for 0, 5, and 30 days in a mesocosm incubation experiment. While oil and Corexit stimulated significantly different metatranscriptomic profiles overall, both enriched a suite of fatty acid degradation gene transcripts. Based on the gene transcripts observed and the chemical structures of Corexit 9500 surfactant components, we propose a hypothetical pathway for Corexit surfactant biodegradation in which surfactant ester groups are transformed into fatty acids that are then funnelled into the β‐oxidation fatty acid degradation pathway. Several microbial taxa within Oceanospirillales, Pseudomonadales, and Alteromonadales were associated with either oil‐only or Corexit‐only exposure, potentially implicating them in the degradation of these mixtures. Metabolic gene transcripts were associated with diverse gammaproteobacterial lineages, with many genera exhibiting functional redundancy. These findings offer new insight into the potential genes, pathways, and microbial consortia involved in the biodegradation of Corexit 9500 in the Arctic marine environment.
Afghanistan and the way forward: Incorporating indigenous knowledge into policymaking
Authors: Abawe Zulfia , Daud Bilquees , Daudzai Haqmal , Jabarkhail Moheb , Yousaf Farooq 
Published: September 2022

AbstractIn recent history, wars guided by external policies and interests, both regional and global, have been fought in Afghanistan. In the process, human security was ignored and indigenous knowledge and bottom–up approaches to resolving conflicts for sustainable peace were neither required nor mobilised for the benefit of the Afghan people. Because of these factors and since the US invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, not only did the Taliban consolidate their position in many rural parts of the country but also propagated their extreme (and often incorrect) religious narratives to gain wider public support. With the Taliban back in power after the US withdrawal in August 2021, Afghanistan has reverted to the pre‐2001 situation, with policy makers and humanitarian agencies concerned about the socioeconomic gains—especially education and gender rights—made during the two decades of coalition presence in the country. Against this backdrop, swisspeace organised a roundtable discussion on 5 May 2022, in Basel, where Afghan policy experts and scholars spoke on various issues faced by Afghanistan today and presented, in the form of policy recommendations, a way forward for the war‐torn country. The panel highlighted the need to focus on and incorporate indigenous voices and prioritise the interests of the Afghan people and women in policy‐making and establishing sustainable (positive) peace in the country.
Real‐world experience of consolidation durvalumab after concurrent chemoradiotherapy in stage III non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Huang Yiqing , Zhao Joseph J. , Soon Yu Yang , Wong Alvin , Aminkeng Folefac , Ang Yvonne , Asokumaran Yugarajah , Low Jia Li , Lee Matilda , Choo Joan R. E. , Chan Gloria , Kee Adrian , Tay Sen Hee , Goh Boon Cher , Soo Ross A. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBackgroundDurvalumab consolidation is associated with improved survival following concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) in patients with stage III non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Given the heterogeneity of stage III NSCLC patients, in this study we evaluated the efficacy and safety of durvalumab in the real‐world setting.MethodUnresectable stage III NSCLC patients were retrospectively studied: one cohort received CCRT, another had CCRT‐durvalumab. Primary endpoints were progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), secondary endpoints were relapse rate and safety. In CCRT‐durvalumab cohort, association between blood markers with survival and pneumonitis risk were analyzed.ResultsA total of 84 patients were enrolled: 45 received CCRT, and 39 received CCRT‐durvalumab.Median PFS was 17.5 months for CCRT‐durvalumab and 8.9 months for CCRT‐alone (HR 0.47, p = 0.038). Median OS was not‐reached for CCRT‐durvalumab and 22.3 months for CCRT‐alone (HR 0.35, p = 0.024). Both EGFR‐positive and wild‐type (WT) patients had numerically improved PFS with durvalumab consolidation compared to CCRT‐alone, 17.5 versus 10.9 months and 11.8 versus 6.63 months, respectively (interaction p‐value = 0.608). Grade 2+ pneumonitis was detected in 25% of patients in the durvalumab cohort. Most pneumonitis occurred at 3.5 weeks after durvalumab initiation. Baseline neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) ≥ 3 and ≥5 were associated with shorter PFS with durvalumab. Week 6 platelet‐lymphocyte‐ratio ≥ 180 was associated with a lower risk of pneumonitis.ConclusionIn this real‐world study, durvalumab consolidation post CCRT was associated with a statistically significant improvement in PFS and OS. Effect of durvalumab on PFS was not modified by EGFR status. Active surveillance for pneumonitis is crucial. Baseline NLR may help to predict the benefit of treatment with durvalumab.
The relationships between use of alcohol, tobacco and coffee in adolescence and mood disorders in adulthood
Authors: Bolstad Ingeborg , Alakokkare Anni‐Emilia , Bramness Jørgen G. , Rognli Eline B. , Levola Jonna , Mustonen Antti , Miettunen Jouko , Niemelä Solja 
Published: September 2022

AbstractIntroductionAlcohol, tobacco and coffee are commonly used substances and use in adolescence has previously been linked to mood disorders. However, few large prospective studies have investigated adolescent use in relation to mental health outcomes in adulthood. The main aim of this study was to examine the prospective associations between alcohol use, cigarette smoking and coffee consumption at age 16 and subsequent mood disorders up to 33 years of age.MethodsData from The Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986 Study were used and a total of 7660 participants (49.9% male) were included. Associations between alcohol use, cigarette smoking and coffee consumption at age 16 and later diagnoses of major depression and bipolar disorder were examined using multinomial logistic regression analyses.ResultsMean number of cigarettes/day (OR, 1.23 [95% CI 1.01–1.50]) and mean volume of alcohol consumption (OR, 1.22 [95% CI 1.01–1.47]), but not frequency of excessive drinking, in adolescence were associated with increased risk for subsequent bipolar disorder after adjustment for sex, parental psychiatric disorders, family structure, illicit substance use, and emotional and behavioral problems at age 16. An association between cigarette smoking and major depression attenuated to statistically non‐significant when adjusted for emotional and behavioral problems. No associations were observed between adolescent coffee consumption and subsequent mood disorders.ConclusionsThis is the first study to report an association of adolescent cigarette smoking and subsequent bipolar disorder diagnosis providing grounds for further research and pointing to a place for preventive measures among adolescents.
Resuscitators' opinions on using a respiratory function monitor during neonatal resuscitation
Authors: Kuypers Kristel L. A. M. , van Zanten Henriëtte A. , Heesters Veerle , Kamlin Omar , Springer Laila , Lista Gianluca , Cavigioli Francesco , Vento Maximo , Núñez‐Ramiro Antonio , Kuester Helmut , Horn Sebastian , Weinberg Danielle D. , Foglia Elizabeth E. , Morley Colin J. , Davis Peter G. , te Pas Arjan B. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to assess the resuscitators' opinions of the usefulness and clinical value of using a respiratory function monitor (RFM) when resuscitating extremely preterm infants with positive pressure ventilation.MethodsThe link to an online survey was sent to 106 resuscitators from six countries who were involved in a multicentre trial that compared the percentage of inflations within a predefined target range with and without the RFM. The resuscitators were asked to assess the usefulness and clinical value of the RFM. The survey was online for 4 months after the trial ended in May 2019.ResultsThe survey was completed by 74 (70%) resuscitators of which 99% considered the RFM to be helpful during neonatal resuscitation and 92% indicated that it influenced their decision‐making. The majority (76%) indicated that using the RFM improved their practice and made resuscitation more effective, even when the RFM was not available. Inadequate training was the key issue that limited the effectiveness of the RFM: 45% felt insufficiently trained, and 78% felt more training in using and interpreting the RFM would have been beneficial.ConclusionResuscitators considered the RFM to be helpful to guide neonatal resuscitation, but sufficient training was required to achieve the maximum benefit.
Effectiveness of an educational program for reducing mental illness stigma targeting family medicine trainees in Tunisia: A quasi‐experimental study
Authors: Saguem Bochra Nourhène , Ouanes Sami , Rhouma Amal , Nakhli Jaâfar 
Published: September 2022

AbstractReducing stigma among mental health and health professionals has been an ultimate priority in many countries worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a four‐session educational intervention for reducing stigma of mental illness targeting family medicine trainees in Tunisia. A quasi‐experimental design was adopted with an intervention group (N = 51) and a control group (N = 56). Pre‐intervention data were collected using an online survey. A four‐session seminar series was implemented and organized. Post‐intervention data were collected immediately after the end of the intervention then 2 months thereafter. Instruments included Attribution Questionnaire (AQ‐27), Self‐Determination Scale (SDS), Empowerment Scale (ES), and Recovery Scale (RS). Repeated measures analysis of covariance and multiple analysis of covariance tests were carried out. Results revealed that the intervention had moderate effects on the AQ‐27 score and on six of its stigma factors including factors of the dangerousness model. The intervention improved SDS score, but not ES or RS scores. Positive effects were observed immediately after the intervention and 2 months thereafter. Regular implementation of educational programs in clinical practice would be beneficial. Developing other anti‐stigma methods is needed to address the concepts of recovery and responsibility of patients with mental illness.
Apparent diffusion coefficient by magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography is useful for grading cholecystitis and surgery planning
Authors: Kurata Yoshihiro , Hayano Koichi , Imai Yasuo , Ichinose Masanori , Hirata Atsushi , Mizumachi Ryoya , Hirasawa Soichiro , Yonemoto Shohei , Sasaki Takuma , Kainuma Shunsuke , Takahashi Yumiko , Ohira Gaku , Matsubara Hisahiro 
Published: September 2022

AbstractIntroductionLaparoscopic cholecystectomy is a standard procedure for treating cholescytitis, but severe inflammation may cause complications. Our previous study showed that the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values could predict difficult surgery. In the present study, relevance of ADC values in grading the severity of cholecystitis was pathologically investigated.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed a total of 50 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy or laparotomic cholecystectomy/choledocholithotomy. The degree of inflammation in the neck of the gall bladder was pathologically graded into three tiers (grade 1, mild; grade 2, moderate; grade 3, severe), and ulceration, lymphoid follicle formation, and wall thickness of the gallbladder neck were recorded. All factors were statistically compared with the measured ADC values.ResultsThe ADC value was significantly lower in the severe inflammation group ( grade 3) than in the weak inflammation group (grades 1 and 2) (1.93 ± 0.22 vs 2.38 ± 0.67, respectively; P = .02). Ulceration and wall thickness in the gallbladder neck were significantly correlated with ADC values (P = .04 and .006, respectively), and lymphoid follicle formation was marginally correlated with ADC values (P = .06). The diagnostic utility of the ADC values decreased as the interval between imaging and cholecystectomy increased. [Correction added on 19 October 2022, after first online publication: [On the first sentence of the Results section, (grades 2 and 3) for weak inflammation group has been changed to (grades 1 and 2).]ConclusionADC values were inversely associated with the pathologic intensity of cholecystitis. We recommend that the ADC value be measured before surgery, so that the procedure can be accordingly planned.
Descriptive analysis of horses and ponies attending horse auctions in Victoria from July 2019 to March 2020
Authors: Chapman GR , Wells B , Gilkerson JR , Flash ML 
Published: September 2022

IntroductionIn recent years there has been public speculation about the breed, destination and number of horses being sold by public auction at livestock saleyards in Australia. Currently, there is little objective information available about the breed and condition of horses sold through this medium. With little publicly available objective data on these horses, the horse industry has been left vulnerable to misinformation. Accurate information regarding the composition and condition of horses attending saleyards is important to identify and address any welfare issues and to inform public debate.MethodData were collected on 312 horses and ponies presented for sale through the Pakenham Horse Sales between July 2019 and March 2020. All horses and ponies were inspected at the saleyards and information on breed, age, body condition score (BCS), purchaser and sale price were recorded as the animals were auctioned.ResultsCrossbred horses and ponies were the largest groups presented for sale. Ponies were more likely to be sold to private buyers. Quarter horses and riding ponies were as likely to be sent to slaughter as thoroughbreds and standardbreds. Entire males and females sold for lower prices than geldings. Most horses and ponies (64%) were sold to private buyers. More than three‐quarters (77%) of horses and ponies presented for sale had a BCS greater than or equal to three out of five.ConclusionThis pilot study challenges perceptions that thoroughbreds are the primary breed to attend public sales or that animals attending the sales are in poor condition.
Evaluation of physiological stress in free‐ranging bears: current knowledge and future directions
Authors: Babic Natarsha L. , Johnstone Christopher P. , Reljić Slaven , Sergiel Agnieszka , Huber Đuro , Reina Richard D. 
Published: September 2022

ABSTRACTStress responses, which are mediated by the neurogenic system (NS) and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis help vertebrates maintain physiological homeostasis. Fight‐or‐flight responses are activated by the NS, which releases norepinephrine/noradrenaline and epinephrine/adrenaline in response to immediate stressors, whilst the HPA axis releases glucocorticoid hormones (e.g. cortisol and corticosterone) to help mitigate allostatic load. There have been many studies on stress responses of captive animals, but they are not truly reflective of typical ranges or the types of stressors encountered by free‐ranging wildlife, such as responses and adaptation to environmental change, which are particularly important from a conservation perspective. As stress can influence the composition of age and sex classes of free‐ranging populations both directly and indirectly, ecological research must be prioritised towards more vulnerable taxa. Generally, large predators tend to be particularly at risk of anthropogenically driven population declines because they exhibit reduced behavioural plasticity required to adapt to changing landscapes and exist in reduced geographic ranges, have small population sizes, low fecundity rates, large spatial requirements and occupy high trophic positions. As a keystone species with a long history of coexistence with humans in highly anthropogenic landscapes, there has been growing concern about how humans influence bear behaviour and physiology,vianumerous short‐ and long‐term stressors. In this review, we synthesise research on the stress response in free‐ranging bear populations and evaluate the effectiveness and limitations of current methodology in measuring stress in bears to identify the most effective metrics for future research. Particularly, we integrate research that utilised haematological variables, cardiac monitors and Global Positioning System (GPS) collars, serum/plasma and faecal glucocorticoid concentrations, hair cortisol levels, and morphological metrics (primarily skulls) to investigate the stress response in ursids in both short‐ and long‐term contexts. We found that in free‐ranging bears, food availability and consumption have the greatest influence on individual stress, with mixed responses to anthropogenic influences. Effects of sex and age on stress are also mixed, likely attributable to inconsistent methods. We recommend that methodology across all stress indicators used in free‐ranging bears should be standardised to improve interpretation of results and that a wider range of species should be incorporated in future studies.
BACH1 promotes clear cell renal cell carcinoma progression by upregulating oxidative stress‐related tumorigenicity
Authors: Takemoto Kenshiro , Kobatake Kohei , Miura Kento , Fukushima Takafumi , Babasaki Takashi , Miyamoto Shunsuke , Sekino Yohei , Kitano Hiroyuki , Goto Keisuke , Ikeda Kenichiro , Hieda Keisuke , Hayashi Tetsutaro , Hinata Nobuyuki , Kaminuma Osamu 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe carcinogenesis and progression of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), a heterogeneous cancer derived from renal tubular epithelial cells, is closely related to oxidative stress responses (OSRs). Oxidative stress responses participate in various biological processes related to the metabolism and metastatic potential of cancer such as inflammation, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), and angiogenesis. In this study, we investigated the role of broad complex‐tramtrack‐bric‐a‐brac and cap ‘n’ collar homology 1 (BACH1), a key transcription factor for OSRs, in clear cell RCC (ccRCC) development and prognosis. The poor prognosis and elevation of serum inflammation markers in nephrectomized ccRCC patients were correlated with the intratumor expression of BACH1 accompanied by a downregulation of heme oxygenase‐1. BACH1 contributes to the invasion and migration abilities of RCC cell lines without affecting their proliferation in vitro. In contrast, BACH1 contributes to tumor progression in vivo, in relation to OSRs with the activation of EMT‐related pathways. BACH1 involvement in other OSR‐linked pathways, including inflammatory responses, angiogenesis, and mTOR signaling, was further revealed by RNA sequencing analysis of BACH1‐knockdown cells. In conclusion, the crucial role of BACH1 in the pathogenesis and poor prognosis of ccRCC through the promotion of OSRs is suggested.
Pathology of drug hypersensitivity reactions and mechanisms of immune tolerance
Authors: Thomson Paul , Hammond Sean , Naisbitt Dean J. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractImmune‐mediated type IV adverse drug reactions are idiosyncratic in nature, generally not related to the primary or secondary pharmacology of the drug. Due to their complex nature and rarity, these iatrogenic reactions are seldom predicted or encountered during preclinical/early clinical development stages, and often precipitate upon exposure to wider populations (i.e. phase III onwards). They confer a burden on the healthcare sector in both a clinical and financial sense presenting a severe impediment to the drug discovery and development process. Research over the past 50 years has improved our understanding of these reactions markedly as both in vitro and in vivo studies have placed the role of the immune system, in particular; drug‐responsive T cells, firmly in the spotlight as the mediators of these reactions. Indeed, the role of different populations of T cells in adverse events and the interaction of drug molecules with HLA proteins expressed on the surface of antigen‐presenting cells is of considerable interest. Herein, this review examines the pathways of immune‐mediated adverse events including the various T cell subtypes implicated and the mechanisms of T cell activation. Additionally, we address the enigma of immunological tolerance and explore the role tolerance plays in determination of susceptibility to such adverse events even in individuals carrying immunogenic liabilities.
Recombinant T‐cell epitope conjugation: A new approach for Dermatophagoides hypoallergen design
Authors: Fernandes Antônio Márcio Santana , da Silva Eduardo Santos , Silveira Elisânia Fontes , Belitardo Emília Maria Medeiros de Andrade , Santiago Leonardo Freire , Silva Raphael Chagas , dos Santos Alves Vitor , Carneiro Deise Malta , Ferreira Fatima , Jacquet Alain , Pacheco Luis Gustavo Carvalho , Alcantara‐Neves Neuza Maria , Pinheiro Carina Silva 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBackgroundAllergen‐specific immunotherapy (AIT) is the only clinical approach that can potentially cure some allergic diseases by inducing immunological tolerance. Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus is considered as the most important source of mite allergens worldwide, with high sensitization rates for the major allergens Der p 1, Der p 2 and Der p 23. The aim of this work is to generate a hypoallergenic hybrid molecule containing T‐cell epitopes from these three major allergens.MethodsThe hybrid protein termed Der p 2231 containing T‐cell epitopes was purified by affinity chromatography. The human IgE reactivity was verified by comparing those with the parental allergens. The hybrid was also characterized immunologically through an in vivo mice model.ResultsThe hybrid rDer p 2231 stimulated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from allergic patients with higher levels of IL‐ 2, IL‐10, IL‐15 and IFN‐γ, as well as lower levels of IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐13, TNF‐α and GM‐CSF. The use of hybrid molecules as a therapeutic model in D. pteronyssinus allergic mice led to the reduction of IgE production and lower eosinophilic peroxidase activity in the airways. We found increased levels of IgG antibodies that blocked the IgE binding to the parental allergens in the serum of allergic patients. Furthermore, the stimulation of splenocytes from mice treated with rDer p 2231 induced higher levels of IL‐10 and IFN‐γ and decreased the secretion of IL‐4 and IL‐5, when compared with parental allergens and D. pteronyssinus extract.ConclusionsrDer p 2231 has the potential to be used in AIT in patients co‐sensitized with D. pteronyssinus major allergens, once it was able to reduce IgE production, inducing allergen‐specific blocking antibodies, restoring and balancing Th1/Th2 immune responses, and inducing regulatory T‐cells.