bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An optimization and refinement of the whole‐gut transit assay in mice
Authors: Schonkeren Simone L. , Seeldrayers Saskia , Thijssen Meike S. , Boesmans Werend , Langen Ramon C. J. , Melotte Veerle
Published: April 2023

Background

Gastrointestinal motility measurements in mice are currently performed under suboptimal conditions, as these nocturnal animals are measured during light conditions. In addition, other stressors, like individual housing, placement in a new cage during observation, and lack of bedding and cage enrichment cause animal discomfort and might contribute to higher variability. Here we aimed to develop a refined method of the widely‐used whole‐gut transit assay.

Methods

Wildtype mice (N = 24) were subjected to the standard or refined whole‐gut transit assay, either with or without a standardized slowing in gastrointestinal motility induced by loperamide. The standard assay consisted of a gavage with carmine red, observation during the light period and individual housing in a new cage without cage enrichment. For the refined whole‐gut transit assay, mice were gavaged with UV‐fluorescent DETEX®, observed during the dark period, while pairwise housed in their home cage with cage enrichment. Time until excretion of the first colored fecal pellet was assessed, and pellets were collected to assess number, weight, and water content.

Key Results

The DETEX®‐containing pellets were UV‐detectable, allowing to measure the mice in their active period in the dark. The refined method caused less variation (20.8% and 16.0%) compared to the standard method (29.0% and 21.7%). Fecal pellet number, weight, and water content was significantly different between the standard and refined method.

Conclusions & Inferences

This refined whole‐gut transit assay provides a reliable approach to measure whole‐gut transit time in mice in a more physiological context, with reduced variability compared to the standard method.
Further insight into the involvement of PII1 in starch granule initiation in Arabidopsis leaf chloroplasts
Authors: Vandromme Camille , Spriet Corentin , Putaux Jean‐Luc , Dauvillée David , Courseaux Adeline , D'Hulst Christophe , Wattebled Fabrice
Published: April 2023

The control of starch granule initiation in plant leaves is a complex process that requires active enzymes like Starch Synthase 4 and 3 (SS4 or SS3) and several noncatalytic proteins such as Protein Involved in starch Initiation 1 (PII1). In Arabidopsis leaves, SS4 is the main enzyme that control starch granule initiation, but in its absence, SS3 partly fulfills this function. How these proteins collectively act to control the initiation of starch granules remains elusive. PII1 and SS4 physically interact, and PII1 is required for SS4 to be fully active. However, Arabidopsis mutants lacking SS4 or PII1 still accumulate starch granules.

Combining pii1 KO mutation with either ss3 or ss4 KO mutations provide new insights of how the remaining starch granules are synthesized.

The ss3 pii1 line still accumulates starch, while the phenotype of ss4 pii1 is stronger than that of ss4.

Our results indicate first that SS4 initiates starch granule synthesis in the absence of PII1 albeit being limited to one large lenticular granule per plastid. Second, that if in the absence of SS4, SS3 is able to initiate starch granules with low efficiency, this ability is further reduced with the additional absence of PII1.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus changes alfalfa (Medicago sativa) metabolites in response to leaf spot (Phoma medicaginis) infection, with subsequent effects on pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum) behavior
Authors: Li Yingde , Nan Zhibiao , Matthew Cory , Wang Yajie , Duan Tingyu
Published: April 2023

Plant disease occurs simultaneously with insect attack. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) modify plant biotic stress response. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and pathogens may modify plant volatile organic compound (VOC) production and insect behavior. Nevertheless, such effects are rarely studied, particularly for mesocosms where component organisms interact with each other.

Plant‐mediated effects of leaf pathogen (Phoma medicaginis) infection on aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum) infestation, and role of AMF (Rhizophagus intraradices) in modifying these interactions were elucidated in a glasshouse experiment. We evaluated alfalfa disease occurrence, photosynthesis, phytohormones, trypsin inhibitor (TI) and total phenol response to pathogen and aphid attack, with or without AMF, and aphid behavior towards VOCs from AMF inoculated and non‐mycorrhizal alfalfa, with or without pathogen infection.

AM fungus enhanced alfalfa resistance to pathogen and aphid infestation. Plant biomass, root : shoot ratio, net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, salicylic acid, and TI were significantly increased in AM‐inoculated alfalfa. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and pathogen significantly changed alfalfa VOCs. Aphids preferred VOCs of AM‐inoculated and nonpathogen‐infected to nonmycorrhizal and pathogen‐infected alfalfa.

We propose that AMF alter plant response to multiple biotic stresses in ways both beneficial and harmful to the plant host, providing a basis for strategies to manage pathogens and herbivore pests.
Race in representative bureaucracy theory: A problematizing review
Authors: Strader Eiko , Griffie Vernicia , Irelan Patrick C. , Kwan Leslie Y. , Northcott Emma , Pandey Sanjay K.
Published: April 2023

This study is an epistemic reflexive examination of race in representative bureaucracy theory, responding to the criticism that its conceptualization has been narrow. To counter socially reinforced ways of thinking, we use a problematizing review method to read broadly and selectively. Reviewing a sample of articles published in public administration (immediate research domain); political science (neighboring domain); sociology and Asian/cultural/ethnic studies (indirectly relevant domains) between 2017 and 2021 and paying attention to social constructionism, we examined how race and ethnicity are conceptualized. While the articles in public administration focused on a binary conception of race, treating differential outcomes as natural, articles sampled from other domains explained how ethnoracial categories were constructed, highlighted the contextual nature of differential outcomes, and engaged with the issue of racialization. To expand the conception of race in public administration, we must explore the process in which racial constructs became associated with unequal outcomes.
The impact of vascular access location on pulmonary arterial pressure in chronic kidney disease patients undergoing hemodialysis
Authors: Sathiavageesan Subrahmanian , Shanmugam Vimalraj Bogana , Sundaram Vivek
Published: April 2023

Background and aim

It is feared that among chronic kidney disease patients undergoing hemodialysis, arteriovenous fistula (AVF) itself could contribute to pulmonary hypertension (PH). The impact of AVF location on PH is yet to be assessed. We hypothesize that patients with proximal AVF have higher access blood flow and hence higher pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (PASP) than those with distal AVF. We aimed to compare the PASP between patients with proximal and distal AVF.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, PASP was estimated using Doppler echocardiography and blood flow in the AVF was assessed by Doppler ultrasound. PASP was modeled by multivariate linear regression. AVF location was the primary exposure of interest.

Results

Out of 89 patients undergoing hemodialysis, 72 (81%) had PH defined as PASP >35 mmHg. The mean blood flow in proximal and distal AVF was, respectively, 1240 and 783 mL/min (mean difference 457 mL/min, p < 0.001). Mean PASP in patients with proximal AVF was 16.6 mmHg higher than those with distal AVF (p < 0.001, 95% CI 8.3–24.9). There was a positive correlation between access blood flow and PASP (r = 0.28, p = 0.007). If access blood flow was included as a covariate in the multivariate model, the association between AVF location and PASP ceased to exist.

Conclusion

Patients with proximal AVF have a significantly higher PASP than those with distal AVF, and this could be attributed to the higher blood flow in proximal AVF compared to distal AVF.
PD‐L1 expression downregulation by RNF43 in gastric carcinoma enhances antitumour activity of T cells
Authors: Yang Jing , Wei Meng , Liu Xin , Shao Xiao , Yan Jingshuang , Liu Jialong , Wen Jing , Zhang Xueting , Dong Ruihua , Min Min
Published: April 2023

Ring finger protein 43 (RNF43), a transmembrane E3 ubiquitin ligase, has been indicated to be a potential biomarker for gastric cancer treatment, as this protein increases tumour cell apoptosis and suppresses cellular proliferation. The role of RNF43 in cellular immunotherapy remains unclear. Herein, we aimed to explore the expression level of RNF43 in gastric cancer cell lines and its role in cellular immunotherapy. The expression level of RNF43 and PD‐L1 and their correlation in gastric cancer cell lines were analysed. The expression of PD‐L1 was negatively correlated with that of RNF43 in gastric cancer cell lines. RNF43 interacted with PD‐L1 to augment both K48‐ and K63‐linked ubiquitination of PD‐L1 in gastric cancer cell lines. In addition, RNF43 expression in gastric cancer cell lines could enhance the antitumour activity of T cells. In conclusion, this study reveals that RNF43 can inhibit PD‐L1 expression to enhance the antitumour activity of cellular immunotherapy.
Amplicon capture phylogenomics provides new insights into the phylogeny and evolution of alpine Parnassius butterflies (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae)
Authors: Tian Xiao , Mo ShiFang , Liang Dan , Wang HouShuai , Zhang Peng
Published: April 2023

The alpine butterfly genus Parnassius is a popular model group for studying biogeography, evolution, conservation biology, and ecology. Despite its scientific importance, a comprehensive and robust phylogeny of this group is still lacking. In this study, we used an amplicon capture strategy to sequence 144 nuclear protein‐coding genes and complete mitochondrial genomes for 60 Parnassius specimens covering 42 species and all eight subgenera of Parnassius. Our results strongly support the monophyly of the genus and eight subgenera. The relationships among subgenera are robustly resolved as (Sachaia, (Kreizbergia, (Driopa, (Parnassius, (Tadumia, Lingamius), (Kailasius, Koramius))))), which is different from all previous results. Biogeographic and divergence time analyses indicate that the ancestor of Parnassius originated in an area including the Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau (HTP) and Mongolian steppes in the middle Miocene approximately 13.19 Mya. The middle Miocene global cooling event (starting from ~13.9 Mya) probably provided climatic opportunities for the diversification of cold‐adapted Parnassius. The ancestral state reconstruction analyses suggest that the ancestor of Parnassius butterflies most likely lived in a medium elevational area (2000–4000 m) and fed on Papaveraceae plants. The host shift from Papaveraceae to Crassulaceae in the subgenus Parnassius increases the species diversity of this subgenus, concurring with the “escape and radiate” hypothesis. Overall, our work provides valuable nuclear gene and mitochondrial genome data and a robust phylogenetic framework of Parnassius for future studies of the taxonomy, evolution, and ecology of this group.
Triassic in the northernmost Atlantic—Linking North Greenland and the southwestern Barents Sea
Authors: Bjerager Morten , Alsen Peter , Bojesen‐Koefoed Jørgen A. , Fyhn Michael B. W. , Hovikoski Jussi , Keulen Nynke , Lindström Sofie , Therkelsen Jens , Thomsen Tonny B.
Published: April 2023

The Wandel Sea Basin in North Greenland was part of the epicontinental Boreal Sea in Triassic time. The basin formed the western margin of the northernmost Atlantic elongated sea connecting southwards with basins along the conjugate Greenland—Norwegian margins. A multidisciplinary dataset including sedimentology, biostratigraphy, organic geochemistry and sedimentary provenance, allow to document its basin evolution. The Wandel Sea Basin was transgressed in the Dienerian with marine deposition prevailing until the Norian. Sediments were mainly sourced from the Greenlandic Caledonian basement and deposited on a 100 km wide shallow marine shelf during the Early Triassic. In Middle Triassic, oil‐prone mudstones formed in oxygen‐depleted deep shelf settings, including eastern Wandel Sea Basin. Detrital zircon U–Pb ages show that by Carnian times, the >1000 km wide, Uralian‐sourced, deltaic shelf had prograded westward across the Barents Sea reaching the eastern north Greenland and de facto nearly closed the northernmost Atlantic Sea.
Providing comparison normal examples alongside pathologic thoracic radiographic cases can improve veterinary students’ ability to identify abnormal findings or diagnose disease
Authors: Sukut Sally L. , D'Eon Marcel , Lawson Joshua , Mayer Monique N.
Published: April 2023

Learning by comparison is a frequently employed education strategy used across many disciplines and levels. Interpreting radiographs requires both skills of perception and pattern recognition, which makes comparison techniques particularly useful in this field. In this randomized, prospective, parallel‐group study, students enrolled in second and third‐year radiology veterinary courses were given a case‐based thoracic radiographic interpretation assignment. A cohort of the participants was given cases with side‐by‐side comparison normal images while the other cohort only had access to the cases. Twelve cases in total were presented to the students, with 10 cases depicting examples of common thoracic pathologies, while 2 cases were examples of normal. Radiographs of both feline and canine species were represented. Correctness of response to multiple choice questions was tracked, as was year and group (group 1: non compare, Control; group 2: compare, Intervention). Students assigned to group 1 had a lower percentage of correct answers than students assigned to group 2 (45% Control vs. 52% Intervention; P = 0.01). This indicates that side‐by‐side comparison to a normal example is helpful in identifying disease. No statistical significance was noted for the correctness of responses according to the year of training (P = 0.90). The overall poor performance on the assignment, regardless of group or year, shows that students in the early years of undergraduate veterinary radiology training struggle with the interpretation of common pathologies, likely a result of a lack of exposure to a multitude of cases and normal variants.
Comparative kinetic and kinematic evaluation of TPLO and TPLO combined with extra‐articular lateral augmentation: A biomechanical study
Authors: Husi Benjamin , Park Brian , Lampart Marina , Evans Richard , Pozzi Antonio
Published: April 2023

Objectives

To investigate stifle kinematics and kinetics following TPLO and TPLO combined with an extra‐articular lateral augmentation (TPLO‐IB) during the tibial compression test (TCT) and the tibial pivot compression test (TPT), applied with an external (eTPT) and an internal moment (iTPT).

Study design

Experimental ex vivo study.

Sample population

Ten cadaveric hindlimbs of dogs weighing 23–40 kg.

Methods

3D‐kinematic and kinetic data were collected while performing TCT, eTPT, and iTPT and compared under the conditions (1) normal, (2) CCL deficient, (3) TPLO, and (4) TPLO‐IB. Two‐way repeated‐measures ANOVA was used to examine the effect of test and treatment on kinetic and kinematic data.

Results

Mean ± SD preoperative TPA was 24.7° ± 1.7°, postoperative TPA was 5.9° ± 0.7°. During TCT, there was no difference in cranial tibial translation between the intact stifle and after TPLO (p = .17). In contrast, cranial tibial translation was six times larger in TPLO compared to intact when performing eTPT and iTPT (p < .001). Cranial tibial translation with TCT, eTPT and iTPT was not different between intact stifle and TPLO‐IB. Intraclass correlation coefficient for eTPT and iTPT after TPLO and TPLO‐IB was excellent being 0.93 (0.70–0.99) and 0.91 (0.73–0.99), respectively.

Conclusion

Whereas TCT is negative after TPLO, instability persists when a rotational moment is combined using eTPT and iTPT. TPLO‐IB neutralizes craniocaudal and rotational instability when performing TCT, eTPT, and iTPT.
Clinical tools to assess functional capacity before elective non-cardiac surgery: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Daza Julian F. , Chesney Tyler R. , Alibhai Shabbir M.H. , Kennedy Erin D. , Lebovic Gerald , Lightfoot David , Mbadjeu Hondjeu Arnaud R. , Morales Juan F. , Pivetta Bianca , Jolley Rachel , Racz Elizabeth , Wilmshurst Luke , Wijeysundera Duminda N.
Published: April 2023

Objective:

The objective of this scoping review is to map the evidence on clinical tools to assess functional capacity prior to elective non-cardiac surgery.

Introduction:

Functional capacity is a strong prognostic indicator before surgery, which can be used to identify patients at elevated risk of postoperative complications, yet, there is no consensus on which clinical tools should be used to assess functional capacity in patients prior to non-cardiac surgery.

Inclusion criteria:

This review will consider any randomized or non-randomized studies that evaluate the performance of a functional capacity assessment tool in adults (≥18 years) prior to non-cardiac surgery. For studies to be included, the tool must be used clinically for risk stratification. We will exclude studies on lung and liver transplant surgery, as well as ambulatory procedures performed under local anesthesia.

Methods:

The review will be conducted in line with the JBI methodology for scoping reviews. A peer-reviewed search strategy will be used to query relevant databases (ie, MEDLINE, Embase, EBM Reviews). Additional sources of evidence will include databases of non-peer-reviewed literature and the reference lists of included studies. Two independent reviewers will identify eligible studies in 2 stages: stage 1, based on titles and abstracts; and stage 2, based on full texts. Information on study details, measurement properties, pragmatic qualities, and/or clinical utility metrics will be charted in duplicate onto standardized data collection forms. The results will be presented using descriptive summaries, frequency tables, and visual plots that highlight the extent of evidence and remaining gaps in the validation process of each tool.

Review registration:

Open Science Framework https://osf.io/6nfht
An MltA-Like Lytic Transglycosylase Secreted by Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus Cleaves the Prey Septum during Predatory Invasion
Authors: Banks Emma J. , Lambert Carey , Mason Samuel S. , Tyson Jess , Radford Paul M. , McLaughlin Cameron , Lovering Andrew L. , Sockett R. Elizabeth
Published: April 2023

Antimicrobial resistance is a serious and rapidly growing threat to global health.
Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus
can prey upon an extensive range of Gram-negative bacterial pathogens and thus has promising potential as a novel antibacterial therapeutic and is a source of antibacterial enzymes. Here, we elucidate the role of a unique secreted lytic transglycosylase from
B. bacteriovorus
which acts on the septal peptidoglycan of its prey.
High Growth Rate of Diatoms Explained by Reduced Carbon Requirement and Low Energy Cost of Silica Deposition
Authors: Inomura Keisuke , Pierella Karlusich Juan José , Dutkiewicz Stephanie , Deutsch Curtis , Harrison Paul J. , Bowler Chris
Published: April 2023

This study addresses a longstanding issue regarding diatoms, namely, their fast growth. Diatoms, which broadly are phytoplankton with silica frustules, are the world’s most productive microorganisms and dominate in polar and upwelling regions.
Immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced diabetes mellitus with nivolumab
Authors: Zand Irani Anis , Gibbons Holly , Teh Wen Xing
Published: April 2023

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been increasingly used in the treatment of various advanced cancers; however, therapy can be complicated by immune-related adverse events (irAEs). We present the case of a man in his 40s, with metastatic melanoma treated with nivolumab immunotherapy who developed ICI-induced diabetes mellitus (ICI-DM). Hyperglycaemia in the absence of ketoacidosis was incidentally noted when he presented to the emergency department for review of an urticarial rash. Further testing, including haemoglobin A1c and C-peptide level, confirmed his presentation was most consistent with ICI-DM and he was commenced on appropriate diabetes treatment. This report aims to detail an atypical presentation of ICI-DM and to highlight the importance of clinician awareness in identifying this irAE in patients receiving ICIs.
GaPP2, a multicentre randomised controlled trial of the efficacy of gabapentin for the management of chronic pelvic pain in women: study protocol
Authors: Vincent Katy , Baranowski Andrew , Bhattacharya Siladitya , Birch Judy , Cheong Ying , Cregg Roman , Daniels Jane , Hewitt Catherine A , Macfarlane Gary J , Middleton Lee , Szubert Wojciech , Tracey Irene , Williams Amanda C de C , Horne Andrew W
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) affects more than 1 million UK women with associated healthcare costs of £158 million annually. Current evidence supporting interventions when no underlying pathology is identified is very limited and treatment is frequently inadequate. Gabapentin (a GABA analogue) is efficacious and often well tolerated in other chronic pain conditions. We have completed a successful pilot randomised controlled trial Gabapentin for Pelvic Pain 1 (GaPP1) and here describe the protocol for our definitive multicentre trial to assess the efficacy of gabapentin in the management of CPP in women Gabapentin for Pelvic Pain 2 (GaPP2).

Methods and analysis

We plan to perform a double-blind placebo-controlled randomised multicentre clinical trial, recruiting 300 women with CPP from up to 40 National Health Service hospitals within the UK. After randomisation, women will titrate their medication (gabapentin or placebo) over a 4-week period to a maximum of 2700 mg or placebo equivalent and will then maintain a stable dose for a 12-week period. Response to treatment will be monitored with validated questionnaires and coprimary outcome measures of average and worst pain scores will be employed. The primary objective is to test the hypothesis that treatment with gabapentin has the potential to provide an effective oral treatment to alleviate pain in women with CPP in the absence of any obvious pelvic pathology.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been obtained from the Coventry and Warwick Research Ethics Committee (REC 15/WM/0036). Data will be presented at international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals. We will make the information obtained from the study available to the public through national bodies and charities.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN77451762; Pre-results.
Study protocol of a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-arm parallel-group, multi-centre phase 3 pivotal trial to investigate the efficacy and safety of recombinant human alkaline phosphatase for treatment of patients with sepsis-associated acute kidney injury
Authors: Pickkers Peter , Angus Derek C , Arend Jacques , Bellomo Rinaldo , van den Berg Erik , Bernholz Juliane , Bestle Morten , Broglio Kristine , Carlsen Jan , Doig Christopher J , Ferrer Ricard , Joannidis Michael , Francois Bruno , Doi Kent , Kellum John A , Laterre Pierre-François , Liu Kathleen , Mehta Ravindra L , Murray Patrick T , Ostermann Marlies , Pettilä Ville , Richards Sharon , Young Paul , Zarbock Alexander , Kjølbye Anne Louise
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Sepsis, the leading cause of acute kidney injury (AKI), is associated with a high morbidity and mortality. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an endogenous detoxifying enzyme. A recombinant human ALP compound, ilofotase alfa, showed no safety or tolerability concerns in a phase 2 trial. Renal function improvement over 28 days was significantly greater in the ilofotase alfa group. Moreover, a significant relative reduction in 28-day all-cause mortality of >40% was observed. A follow-up trial has been designed to confirm these findings.

Methods and analysis

This is a phase 3, global, multi-centre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, sequential design trial in which patients are randomly assigned to either placebo or 1.6 mg/kg ilofotase alfa. Randomisation is stratified by baseline modified Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (mSOFA) score and trial site. The primary objective is to confirm the survival benefit with ilofotase alfa by demonstrating a reduction in 28-day all-cause mortality in patients with sepsis-associated AKI requiring vasopressors. A maximum of 1400 patients will be enrolled at ∼120 sites in Europe, North America, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. Up to four interim analyses will take place. Based on predefined decision rules, the trial may be stopped early for futility or for effectiveness. In addition, patients with COVID-19 disease and patients with ‘moderate to severe’ chronic kidney disease are analysed as 2 separate cohorts of 100 patients each. An independent Data Monitoring Committee evaluates safety data at prespecified intervals throughout the trial.

Ethics and dissemination

The trial is approved by relevant institutional review boards/independent ethics committees and is conducted in accordance with the ethical principles of the Declaration of Helsinki, guidelines of Good Clinical Practice, Code of Federal Regulations and all other applicable regulations. Results of this study will determine the potential of ilofotase alfa to reduce mortality in critically ill patients with sepsis-associated AKI and will be published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

Trial registration number

EudraCT CT Number 2019-0046265-24. US IND Number 117 605 Pre-results. ClinicalTrials.gov number:NCT04411472.
Pneumoconiosis combined with connective tissue disease in China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Xu Wenjing , Ma Ruimin , Wang Jingwei , Sun Di , Yu Shiwen , Ye Qiao
Published: April 2023

Objective

To describe the prevalence, clinical features and potential risk factors of pneumoconiosis in combination with connective tissue disease (CTD) or positive autoantibodies.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

A retrospective study of adults recruited in China between December 2016 and November 2021.

Participants

A total of 931 patients with pneumoconiosis at Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital were enrolled in this study; of these, 580 patients were included in the final analysis.

Main outcome measures

Pneumoconiosis combined with CTD or positive autoantibodies was a major adverse outcome.

Results

In total, 13.8% (80/580) of the patients had combined pneumoconiosis with CTD, among whom the prevalence of CTD was 18.3% (46/251) in asbestosis and 11.4% (34/298) in silicosis/coal mine workers’ pneumoconiosis. In comparison to the general Chinese adult population, the relative risk of various CTD in pneumoconiosis, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, primary Sjögren’s syndrome, idiopathic inflammatory myopathy and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies-associated vasculitis, were 11.85, 12.12, 127.40, 4.23, 9.94 and 644.66, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that female sex (OR 2.55, 95% CI 1.56 to 4.17) and a later stage of pneumoconiosis (OR 2.04, 95% CI 1.24 to 3.34) were the independent risk factors for CTD in patients with pneumoconiosis (all p<0.050).

Conclusion

CTD is highly prevalent in patients with pneumoconiosis, especially in patients of asbestosis, and silicosis/coal mine workers’ pneumoconiosis. Female sex and later stages of pneumoconiosis are associated with an increased risk of combined with CTD.
Barriers and facilitators to improving patient safety learning systems: a systematic review of qualitative studies and meta-synthesis
Authors: Mahmoud Hassan Assem , Thavorn Kednapa , Mulpuru Sunita , McIsaac Daniel , Abdelrazek Mohamed A , Mahmoud Amr Assem , Forster Alan J
Published: April 2023

Background

The implementation and continuous improvement of patient safety learning systems (PSLS) is a principal strategy for mitigating preventable harm to patients. Although substantial efforts have sought to improve these systems, there is a need to more comprehensively understand critical success factors. This study aims to summarise the barriers and facilitators perceived by hospital staff and physicians to influence the reporting, analysis, learning and feedback within PSLS in hospitals.

Methods

We performed a systematic review and meta-synthesis by searching MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE (Ovid), CINAHL, Scopus and Web of Science. We included English-language manuscripts of qualitative studies evaluating effectiveness of the PSLS and excluded studies evaluating specific individual adverse events, such as systems for tracking only medication side effects, for example. We followed the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for qualitative systematic reviews.

Results

We extracted data from 22 studies, after screening 2475 for inclusion/exclusion criteria. The included studies focused on reporting aspects of the PSLS, however, there were important barriers and facilitators across the analysis, learning and feedback phases. We identified the following barriers for effective use of PSLS: inadequate organisational support with shortage of resources, lack of training, weak safety culture, lack of accountability, defective policies, blame and a punitive environment, complex system, lack of experience and lack of feedback. We identified the following enabling factors: continuous training, a balance between accountability and responsibility, leaders as role models, anonymous reporting, user-friendly systems, well-structured analysis teams, tangible improvement.

Conclusion

Multiple barriers and facilitators to uptake of PSLS exist. These factors should be considered by decision makers seeking to enhance the impact of PSLS.

Ethics and dissemination

No formal ethical approval or consent were required as no primary data were collected.
Prevalence of pulmonary hypertension in aortic stenosis and its influence on outcomes
Authors: Ratwatte Seshika , Stewart Simon , Strange Geoff , Playford David , Celermajer David S
Published: April 2023

Objective

The significance of pulmonary hypertension (PHT) complicating aortic stenosis (AS) is poorly characterised. In a large cohort of adults with at least moderate AS, we aimed to describe the prevalence and prognostic importance of PHT in such patients.

Methods

In this retrospective study, we analysed the National Echocardiography Database of Australia (data from 2000 to 2019). Adults with an estimated right ventricular systolic pressure (eRVSP), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) >50% and with moderate or greater AS were included (n=14 980). These subjects were then categorised according to their eRVSP. The relationship between PHT severity and mortality outcomes were evaluated (median follow-up of 2.6 years, IQR 1.0–4.6 years).

Results

Subjects were aged 77±13 years and 57.4% were female. Overall, 2049 (13.7%), 5085 (33.9%), 4380 (29.3%), 1956 (13.1%) and 1510 (10.1%) patients had no (eRVSP<30.00 mm Hg), borderline (30.00–39.99 mm Hg), mild (40.00–49.99 mm Hg), moderate (50.00–59.99 mm Hg) and severe PHT (>60.00 mm Hg), respectively. An echocardiographic phenotype was evident with worsening PHT, showing rising E:e’ ratio and right and left atrial sizes(p<0.0001, for all). Adjusted analyses showed that the risk of long-term mortality progressively rose as eRVSP level increased (HR 1.14–2.94, borderline to severe PHT, p<0.0001 for all). A mortality threshold was identified in the 4th decile of eRVSP categories (35.01–38.00 mm Hg; HR 1.19, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.35), with risk progressively increasing through to the 10th decile (HR 2.86, 95% CI 2.54 to 3.21).

Conclusions

In this large cohort study, we find that PHT is common in ≥moderate AS and mortality increases as PHT becomes more severe. A threshold for higher mortality lies within the range of ‘borderline-mild’ PHT.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12617001387314.
Axions, WIMPs, proton decay and observable r in SO(10)
Authors: Okada Nobuchika , Raut Digesh , Shafi Qaisar
Published: April 2023

We explore some experimentally testable predictions of an SO(10) axion model which includes two 10-plets of fermions in order to resolve the axion domain wall problem. The axion symmetry can be safely broken after inflation, so that the isocurvature perturbations associated with the axion field are negligibly small. An unbroken gauge $$Z_2$$

Z
2

symmetry in SO(10) ensures the presence of a stable WIMP-like dark matter, a linear combination of the electroweak doublets in the fermion 10-plets and an SO(10) singlet fermion with mass $$\sim 62.5 \; \textrm{GeV}\; (1 \; \textrm{TeV}) $$

∼
62.5

GeV

(
1

TeV
)

when it is mostly the singlet (doublet) fermion, that co-exists with axion dark matter. We also discuss gauge coupling unification, proton decay, inflation with non-minimal coupling to gravity and leptogenesis. With the identification of the SM singlet Higgs field in the 126 representation of SO(10) as inflaton, the magnetic monopoles are inflated away, and we find $$0.963 \lesssim n_s \lesssim 0.965$$

0.963
≲

n
s

≲
0.965

and $$0.003 \lesssim r \lesssim 0.036$$

0.003
≲
r
≲
0.036

, where $$n_s$$

n
s

and r denote the scalar spectral index and tensor-to-scalar ratio, respectively. These predictions can be tested in future experiments such as CMB-S4.
Review—CNT-Based Water Purification and Treatment Strategies
Authors: Islam Mohammed Saydul , Rockshat Md. , Jahan Israt , Islam Jahidul , Zabed Hossain M. , Khandaker Mayeen Uddin , Rahman Ismail M.M. , Islam Chowdhury Faisal
Published: April 2023

Over the recent century, the scarcity of pure drinking water has been increasing worldwide, and due to the overwhelming rise in demand the situation could be exacerbated to a greater extent in the upcoming days. To remit this global issue, several technologies for purifying water have been developed which are limited by certain factors. Therefore, research interests in nanomaterials-based water purification technologies are growing to tackle water scarcity. Among the various proposed methods and nanomaterials, CNTs and functionalized CNTs are superior to water purification and treatment processes due to configurable properties such as high surface area, high reactivity, lower cost, and less adverse effects on the environment. This review will introduce most of the CNTs and functionalized CNTs-based water purification and treatment technologies and the challenges associated with these applications. The comparative studies among these methods will also be discussed which will help the researchers to bring novel CNTs-based efficient technologies in the near future for a sustainable world.
Synthetic 2-Nitrocinnamates: Investigation of the Antifungal Action against Candida Species
Authors: Gomes do Nascimento Lázaro , Castro de Morais Mayara , Klidenberg de Oliveira Júnior José , de Oliveira Lima Edeltrudes , de Sousa Damião Pergentino
Published: April 2023

Derivatives of cinnamic acid have several pharmacological actions, such as antimicrobial activity. Therefore, in the present study, a series of fourteen alkyl and aryl derivatives from (E)-2-nitrocinnamic acid were obtained using Fischer esterification, nucleophilic substitution with halides, and Mitsunobu reaction. Esters were evaluated for antifungal activity against several strains of Candida spp. using nystatin as a positive control. Among the synthetic derivatives obtained, nine are compounds unprecedented in the literature. The characterization of chemical structures was carried out using the techniques of IR, 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR spectroscopy, and high-resolution mass spectrometry. Isopropyl 2-nitrocinnamate (4) was the compound that showed the best antifungal activity (MIC = 513.52 μM) against all fungal strains, followed by compound perillyl 2-nitrocinnamate (14) with MIC = 390.99–781.98 μM.
Supplementary Method 1, Tables S1-S8, and Figures S1-S2 from Periodontal and Other Oral Bacteria and Risk of Lung Cancer in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study
Authors: Zhou Baijun , Lu Jiayun , Beck James D. , Moss Kevin L. , Prizment Anna E. , Demmer Ryan T. , Porosnicu Rodriguez Kori A. , Joshu Corinne E. , Michaud Dominique S. , Platz Elizabeth A.
Published: April 2023

Supplementary Method 1, Tables S1-S8, and Figures S1-S2 from Periodontal and Other Oral Bacteria and Risk of Lung Cancer in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study
Supplementary Figure S4 from Comparative Microbiomics Analysis of Antimicrobial Antibody Response between Patients with Lung Cancer and Control Subjects with Benign Pulmonary Nodules
Authors: Shome Mahasish , Gao Weimin , Engelbrektson Anna , Song Lusheng , Williams Stacy , Murugan Vel , Park Jin G. , Chung Yunro , LaBaer Joshua , Qiu Ji
Published: April 2023

Supplementary Figure S4 from Comparative Microbiomics Analysis of Antimicrobial Antibody Response between Patients with Lung Cancer and Control Subjects with Benign Pulmonary Nodules
Supplemental Table 3 from Comprehensive ctDNA Measurements Improve Prediction of Clinical Outcomes and Enable Dynamic Tracking of Disease Progression in Advanced Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Lapin Morten , Edland Karin H. , Tjensvoll Kjersti , Oltedal Satu , Austdal Marie , Garresori Herish , Rozenholc Yves , Gilje Bjørnar , Nordgård Oddmund
Published: April 2023

Univariable Cox regression
Supplemental Figure 1 from Comprehensive ctDNA Measurements Improve Prediction of Clinical Outcomes and Enable Dynamic Tracking of Disease Progression in Advanced Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Lapin Morten , Edland Karin H. , Tjensvoll Kjersti , Oltedal Satu , Austdal Marie , Garresori Herish , Rozenholc Yves , Gilje Bjørnar , Nordgård Oddmund
Published: April 2023

Comparison of VAF and z -score (CNA) in patient samples.
Supplementary Table S4 from Dysregulation and Epigenetic Reprogramming of NRF2 Signaling Axis Promote Acquisition of Cisplatin Resistance and Metastasis in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Osman Abdullah A. , Arslan Emre , Bartels Mason , Michikawa Chieko , Lindemann Antje , Tomczak Katarzyna , Yu Wangjie , Sandulache Vlad , Ma Wencai , Shen Li , Wang Jing , Singh Anand K. , Frederick Mitchell J. , Spencer Nakia D. , Kovacs Jeffery , Heffernan Timothy , Symmans William F. , Rai Kunal , Myers Jeffrey N.
Published: April 2023

Supplementary Table S4A. The KNC genes enriched in cluster 1 in HNSCC cells; Supplementary Table S4B. Gene activity score of cell surface markers in cluster 1 in HNSCC cells.
Supplementary Figure S5 from IL6 Mediates Suppression of T- and NK-cell Function in EMT-associated TKI-resistant EGFR-mutant NSCLC
Authors: Patel Sonia A. , Nilsson Monique B. , Yang Yan , Le Xiuning , Tran Hai T. , Elamin Yasir Y. , Yu Xiaoxing , Zhang Fahao , Poteete Alissa , Ren Xiaoyang , Shen Li , Wang Jing , Moghaddam Seyed Javad , Cascone Tina , Curran Michael , Gibbons Don L. , Heymach John V.
Published: April 2023

IL-6 modulates activation state of infiltrating T cells in EGFR mutant tumors.
Supplementary Figure S3 from Dysregulation and Epigenetic Reprogramming of NRF2 Signaling Axis Promote Acquisition of Cisplatin Resistance and Metastasis in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Osman Abdullah A. , Arslan Emre , Bartels Mason , Michikawa Chieko , Lindemann Antje , Tomczak Katarzyna , Yu Wangjie , Sandulache Vlad , Ma Wencai , Shen Li , Wang Jing , Singh Anand K. , Frederick Mitchell J. , Spencer Nakia D. , Kovacs Jeffery , Heffernan Timothy , Symmans William F. , Rai Kunal , Myers Jeffrey N.
Published: April 2023

Relationship between TP53 status and the NRF2/KEAP1/CUL3 pathway in OCSCC TCGA samples.
Supplementary Figure S2 from Dysregulation and Epigenetic Reprogramming of NRF2 Signaling Axis Promote Acquisition of Cisplatin Resistance and Metastasis in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Osman Abdullah A. , Arslan Emre , Bartels Mason , Michikawa Chieko , Lindemann Antje , Tomczak Katarzyna , Yu Wangjie , Sandulache Vlad , Ma Wencai , Shen Li , Wang Jing , Singh Anand K. , Frederick Mitchell J. , Spencer Nakia D. , Kovacs Jeffery , Heffernan Timothy , Symmans William F. , Rai Kunal , Myers Jeffrey N.
Published: April 2023

GO and KEGG pathway analysis of top KEAP1/NRF2/CUL3 (axis regulated genes and their association with clinical outcome in HNSCC.
Supplementary Table S1 from Associating Immunotherapy and Targeted Therapies: Facts and Hopes
Authors: Ladoire Sylvain , Rébé Cédric , Ghiringhelli François
Published: April 2023

Recent phase II/III clinical trial testing association of VEGF-targeted therapies + immunotherapy
Supplementary Data DS1 from Combination Therapies Targeting ALK-aberrant Neuroblastoma in Preclinical Models
Authors: Tucker Elizabeth R. , Jiménez Irene , Chen Lindi , Bellini Angela , Gorrini Chiara , Calton Elizabeth , Gao Qiong , Che Harvey , Poon Evon , Jamin Yann , Martins Da Costa Barbara , Barker Karen , Shrestha Sumana , Hutchinson J. Ciaran , Dhariwal Simran , Goodman Angharad , Del Nery Elaine , Gestraud Pierre , Bhalshankar Jaydutt , Iddir Yasmine , Saberi-Ansari Elnaz , Saint-Charles Alexandra , Geoerger Birgit , Marques Da Costa Maria Eugénia , Pierre-Eugène Cécile , Janoueix-Lerosey Isabelle , Decaudin Didier , Nemati Fariba , Carcaboso Angel M. , Surdez Didier , Delattre Olivier , George Sally L. , Chesler Louis , Tweddle Deborah A. , Schleiermacher Gudrun
Published: April 2023

Supplementary methods, supplementary tables, supplementary figure legends
Figure S1 from An Enhancer Demethylator Phenotype Converged to Immune Dysfunction and Resistance to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Clear-Cell Renal Cell Carcinomas
Authors: Lu Xiaofan , Vano Yann , Helleux Alexandra , Su Xiaoping , Lindner Véronique , Davidson Guillaume , Mouawad Roger , Spano Jean-Philippe , Rouprêt Morgan , Elaidi Reza , Compérat Eva , Verkarre Virginie , Sun Chengming , Chevreau Christine , Bennamoun Mostefa , Lang Hervé , Tricard Thibault , Cheng Wenxuan , Xu Li , Davidson Irwin , Yan Fangrong , Fridman Wolf Herman , Sautes-Fridman Catherine , Oudard Stéphane , Malouf Gabriel G.
Published: April 2023

Figure S1. Flow chart of the study. A total of six ccRCC cohorts and one cell line dataset were used in this study.
Figure S4 from Combination Therapies Targeting ALK-aberrant Neuroblastoma in Preclinical Models
Authors: Tucker Elizabeth R. , Jiménez Irene , Chen Lindi , Bellini Angela , Gorrini Chiara , Calton Elizabeth , Gao Qiong , Che Harvey , Poon Evon , Jamin Yann , Martins Da Costa Barbara , Barker Karen , Shrestha Sumana , Hutchinson J. Ciaran , Dhariwal Simran , Goodman Angharad , Del Nery Elaine , Gestraud Pierre , Bhalshankar Jaydutt , Iddir Yasmine , Saberi-Ansari Elnaz , Saint-Charles Alexandra , Geoerger Birgit , Marques Da Costa Maria Eugénia , Pierre-Eugène Cécile , Janoueix-Lerosey Isabelle , Decaudin Didier , Nemati Fariba , Carcaboso Angel M. , Surdez Didier , Delattre Olivier , George Sally L. , Chesler Louis , Tweddle Deborah A. , Schleiermacher Gudrun
Published: April 2023

GEMM sequencing data
Supplementary Table S2 from Application of Genomic Sequencing to Refine Patient Stratification for Adjuvant Therapy in Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Vasudev Naveen S. , Scelo Ghislaine , Glennon Kate I. , Wilson Michelle , Letourneau Louis , Eveleigh Robert , Nourbehesht Nazanin , Arseneault Madeleine , Paccard Antoine , Egevad Lars , Viksna Juris , Celms Edgars , Jackson Sharon M. , Abedi-Ardekani Behnoush , Warren Anne Y. , Selby Peter J. , Trainor Sebastian , Kimuli Michael , Cartledge Jon , Soomro Naeem , Adeyoju Adebanji , Patel Poulam M. , Wozniak Magdalena B. , Holcatova Ivana , Brisuda Antonin , Janout Vladimir , Chanudet Estelle , Zaridze David , Moukeria Anush , Shangina Oxana , Foretova Lenka , Navratilova Marie , Mates Dana , Jinga Viorel , Bogdanovic Ljiljana , Kovacevic Bozidar , Cambon-Thomsen Anne , Bourque Guillaume , Brazma Alvis , Tost Jörg , Brennan Paul , Lathrop Mark , Riazalhosseini Yasser , Banks Rosamonde E.
Published: April 2023

Somatic mutations detected in 12 interrogated genes for cohorts C1-C3
Supplementary Methods S1 from Application of Genomic Sequencing to Refine Patient Stratification for Adjuvant Therapy in Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Vasudev Naveen S. , Scelo Ghislaine , Glennon Kate I. , Wilson Michelle , Letourneau Louis , Eveleigh Robert , Nourbehesht Nazanin , Arseneault Madeleine , Paccard Antoine , Egevad Lars , Viksna Juris , Celms Edgars , Jackson Sharon M. , Abedi-Ardekani Behnoush , Warren Anne Y. , Selby Peter J. , Trainor Sebastian , Kimuli Michael , Cartledge Jon , Soomro Naeem , Adeyoju Adebanji , Patel Poulam M. , Wozniak Magdalena B. , Holcatova Ivana , Brisuda Antonin , Janout Vladimir , Chanudet Estelle , Zaridze David , Moukeria Anush , Shangina Oxana , Foretova Lenka , Navratilova Marie , Mates Dana , Jinga Viorel , Bogdanovic Ljiljana , Kovacevic Bozidar , Cambon-Thomsen Anne , Bourque Guillaume , Brazma Alvis , Tost Jörg , Brennan Paul , Lathrop Mark , Riazalhosseini Yasser , Banks Rosamonde E.
Published: April 2023

Supplementary Methods
Figure S3 from Application of Genomic Sequencing to Refine Patient Stratification for Adjuvant Therapy in Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Vasudev Naveen S. , Scelo Ghislaine , Glennon Kate I. , Wilson Michelle , Letourneau Louis , Eveleigh Robert , Nourbehesht Nazanin , Arseneault Madeleine , Paccard Antoine , Egevad Lars , Viksna Juris , Celms Edgars , Jackson Sharon M. , Abedi-Ardekani Behnoush , Warren Anne Y. , Selby Peter J. , Trainor Sebastian , Kimuli Michael , Cartledge Jon , Soomro Naeem , Adeyoju Adebanji , Patel Poulam M. , Wozniak Magdalena B. , Holcatova Ivana , Brisuda Antonin , Janout Vladimir , Chanudet Estelle , Zaridze David , Moukeria Anush , Shangina Oxana , Foretova Lenka , Navratilova Marie , Mates Dana , Jinga Viorel , Bogdanovic Ljiljana , Kovacevic Bozidar , Cambon-Thomsen Anne , Bourque Guillaume , Brazma Alvis , Tost Jörg , Brennan Paul , Lathrop Mark , Riazalhosseini Yasser , Banks Rosamonde E.
Published: April 2023

DFS by tumor stage stratified by genomic classifier
Table S1 from Theranostic Targeting of CUB Domain–Containing Protein 1 (CDCP1) in Multiple Subtypes of Bladder Cancer
Authors: Chopra Shalini , Trepka Kai , Sakhamuri Sasank , Carretero-González Alberto , Zhu Jun , Egusa Emily , Zhou Jie , Leung Kevin , Zhao Ning , Hooshdaran Nima , Feng Felix Y. , Wells James A. , Chou Jonathan , Evans Michael J.
Published: April 2023

CDCP1 mRNA is overexpressed in basal/squamous subtypes of bladder cancer, related to Figure 1A-D. Pairwise comparisons of CDCP1 expression between bladder cancer consensus subtypes using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test across four different datasets are shown.
Figure S1 from Theranostic Targeting of CUB Domain–Containing Protein 1 (CDCP1) in Multiple Subtypes of Bladder Cancer
Authors: Chopra Shalini , Trepka Kai , Sakhamuri Sasank , Carretero-González Alberto , Zhu Jun , Egusa Emily , Zhou Jie , Leung Kevin , Zhao Ning , Hooshdaran Nima , Feng Felix Y. , Wells James A. , Chou Jonathan , Evans Michael J.
Published: April 2023

CDCP1 mRNA expression by pathologic stage in the TCGA dataset. p=0.72 by Kruskal-Wallis test.