bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RNA as a component of scrapie fibrils
Authors: Bridges Leslie R.
Published: February 2024

Recently, electron cryo-microscopy (cryo-EM) maps of fibrils from the brains of mice and hamsters with five infectious scrapie strains have been published and deposited in the electron microscopy data bank (EMDB). As noted by the primary authors, the fibrils contain a second component other than protein. The aim of the present study was to identify the nature of this second component in the published maps using an in silico approach. Extra densities (EDs) containing this component were continuous, straight, axial, at right angles to protein rungs and within hydrogen-bonding distance of protein, consistent with a structural role. EDs co-located with strips of basic residues, notably lysines, and formed a conspicuous cladding over parts of the N-terminal lobe of the protein. A Y-shaped polymer consistent with RNA was found, in places forming a single chain and at one location forming a duplex, comprising two antiparallel chains, and raising the intriguing possibility of replicative behaviour. To reflect the monotonous nature of the protein interface, it is suggested that the RNA may be a short tandem repeat. Fibrils from brains of patients with Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and other neurodegenerations also contain EDs and may be of a similar aetiology.
Knocking out the LRRK2 gene increases sensitivity to wavelength information in rats
Authors: Østergaard Freja Gam
Published: February 2024

Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) is a gene related to familial Parkinson’s disease (PD). It has been associated with nonmotor symptoms such as disturbances in the visual system affecting colour discrimination and contrast sensitivity. This study examined how deficiency of LRRK2 impacts visual processing in adult rats. Additionally, we investigated whether these changes can be modelled in wild-type rats by administering the LRRK2 inhibitor PFE360. Visual evoked potentials (VEPs) and steady-state visual evoked potentials (SSVEPs) were recorded in the visual cortex and superior colliculus of female LRRK2-knockout and wild-type rats to study how the innate absence of LRRK2 changes visual processing. Exposing the animals to stimulation at five different wavelengths revealed an interaction between genotype and the response to stimulation at different wavelengths. Differences in VEP amplitudes and latencies were robust and barely impacted by the presence of the LRRK2 inhibitor PFE360, suggesting a developmental effect. Taken together, these results indicate that alterations in visual processing were related to developmental deficiency of LRRK2 and not acute deficiency of LRRK2, indicating a role of LRRK2 in the functional development of the visual system and synaptic transmission.
Generation of Fel d 1 chain 2 genome-edited cats by CRISPR-Cas9 system
Authors: Lee Sang Ryeul , Lee Kyung-Lim , Song Seok-Hwan , Joo Myeong-Don , Lee Seo-Hyun , Kang Ji-Su , Kang Seon-Min , Idrees Muhammad , Kim Jae-Wook , Kong Il-Keun
Published: February 2024

Allergens from domestic cats (Felis catus) cause allergy-related health problems worldwide. Fel d 1 is a major allergen that causes severe allergic reactions in humans, including rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and life-threatening asthma. Therefore, patients with cat allergies anticipate hypoallergenic cats. We successfully generated Fel d 1 chain 2 (CH2) genome-edited cats using the CRISPR-Cas9 system in this study. T7 endonuclease 1 assay and Sanger sequencing were used to confirm the mutation in CH2 genome-edited cats. Fel d 1 level in CH2 genome-edited cats were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Remarkably, ELISA showed that the level of Fel d 1 in the CH2 homozygous genome-edited cat (Name: Alsik) was extremely low compared with that in wild type domestic cats and could be hypoallergenic cats. Additionally, we successfully cloned the CH2 homozygous genome-edited cat using cytoplasm injection clone technology. The cloned CH2 homozygous genome-edited cat was verified using microsatellite analysis. Creating hypoallergenic cats using the CRISPR-Cas9 system is a significant step forward because these cats can safely approach allergic patients.
Usefulness of video laryngoscopy in tracheal intubation at thyroid surgical position for intraoperative neuromonitoring
Authors: Won Dongwook , Lee Jung-Man , Lee Jiwon , Chai Young Jun , Hwang Jin-Young , Kim Tae Kyong , Chang Jee-Eun , Kim Hyerim , Kim Min Jong , Min Seong-Won
Published: February 2024

This observational study aimed to compare the glottic view between video and direct laryngoscopy for tracheal intubation in the surgical position for thyroid surgery with intraoperative neuromonitoring. Patients scheduled for elective thyroid surgery with intraoperative neuromonitoring were enrolled. After the induction of anesthesia, patients were positioned in the thyroid surgical posture with a standard inclined pillow under their head and back. An investigator assessed the glottic view using the percentage of glottic opening (POGO) scale and the modified Cormack–Lehane grade in direct laryngoscopy and then video laryngoscopy sequentially while using the same McGRATH™ MAC video laryngoscope at once, with or without external laryngeal manipulation, at the surgical position. A total of thirty-nine patients were participated in this study. Without external laryngeal manipulation, the POGO scale significantly improved during video laryngoscopy compared to direct laryngoscopy in the thyroid surgical position (60.0 ± 38.2% vs. 22.4 ± 23.8%; mean difference (MD) 37.6%, 95% confidence interval (CI) = [29.1, 46.0], P < 0.001). Additionally, with external laryngeal manipulation, the POGO scale showed a significant improvement during video laryngoscopy compared to direct laryngoscopy (84.6 ± 22.9% vs. 58.0 ± 36.3%; MD 26.7%, 95% CI = [18.4, 35.0] (P < 0.001). The superiority of video laryngoscopy was also observed for the modified Cormack–Lehane grade. In conclusion, video laryngoscopy with the McGRATH™ MAC video laryngoscope, when compared to direct laryngoscopy with it, improved the glottic view during tracheal intubation in the thyroid surgical position. This enhancement may potentially facilitate the proper placement of the electromyography tracheal tube and prevent tube displacement due to positional change for thyroid surgery.
Bifidobacterium adolescentis CCFM1285 combined with yeast β-glucan alleviates the gut microbiota and metabolic disturbances in mice with antibiotic-associated diarrhea
Authors: Guo Hang , He Xingfei , Yu Leilei , Tian Fengwei , Chen Wei , Zhai Qixiao
Published: February 2024

The combination of yeast β-glucan and Bifidobacterium adolescentis CCFM1285 can effectively alleviate the disease state of mice with antibiotic-associated diarrhea by regulating disordered gut microbiota and intestinal metabolism.
Flexible and stretchable implantable devices for peripheral neuromuscular electrophysiology
Authors: Li Hanfei , Zhao Hang , Song Kaikai , Han Fei , Liu Zhiyuan , Tian Qiong
Published: February 2024

The peripheral nervous and muscular system, a cornerstone of human physiology, plays a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless functioning of the human body.
Revealing large room-temperature Nernst coefficients in 2D materials by first-principles modeling
Authors: Rezaei S. Emad , Schindler Peter
Published: February 2024

This study reveals exceptionally large Nernst coefficients in two-dimensional materials at room temperature by employing first principles calculations. Notably, ABA-stacked trilayer graphene exhibits a Nernst coefficient as high as 112 μV (KT)−1.
Resolving the dynamic properties of entangled linear polymers in non-equilibrium coarse grain simulation with a priori scaling factors
Authors: Nie Yihan , Zheng Zhuoqun , Li Chengkai , Zhan Haifei , Kou Liangzhi , Gu Yuantong , Lü Chaofeng
Published: February 2024

The proposed HIBI method can reproduce the dynamic response of entangled PCL chains across different coarse grain levels.
Ruptured liquid metal microcapsules enabling hybridized silver nanowire networks towards high-performance deformable transparent conductors
Authors: Wang Shipeng , Tian Huaisen , Wang Yawen , Zuo Haojie , Tao Chengliang , Liu Jiawei , Li Pengyuan , Yang Yan , Kou Xu , Wang Jiangxin , Kang Wenbin
Published: February 2024

Exposed to acid vapor, liquid metal microcapsules rupture and initiate reactive wetting with Ag nanowires, forming a robust electrode with enhanced properties. The electrode, versatile in function, is demonstrated in touch panels and strain sensors.
Study of a charge transition-driven resistive switching mechanism in TiO2-based random access memory via density functional theory
Authors: Jeong Taeyoung , Yeu In Won , Ye Kun Hee , Yoon Seungjae , Kim Dohyun , Hwang Cheol Seong , Choi Jung-Hae
Published: February 2024

This study investigated changes in the oxidation state of oxygen vacancies and their kinetics within the conducting filament, establishing a crucial relationship to resistive random access memory (RRAM) switching behavior.
Pathophysiology of Trauma-Induced Coagulopathy
Authors: Schöchl Herbert , Schmitt Felix C.F. , Maegele Marc
Published: February 2024

Trauma-induced coagulopathy (TIC) is a complex hemostatic disturbance that can develop early after a major injury. There is no universally accepted definition of TIC. However, TIC primarily refers to the inability to achieve sufficient hemostasis in severely injured trauma patients, resulting in diffuse microvascular and life-threatening bleeding. Endogenous TIC is driven by the combination of hypovolemic shock and substantial tissue injury, resulting in endothelial damage, glycocalyx shedding, upregulated fibrinolysis, fibrinogen depletion, altered thrombin generation, and platelet dysfunction. Exogenous factors such as hypothermia, acidosis, hypokalemia, and dilution due to crystalloid and colloid fluid administration can further exacerbate TIC. Established TIC upon emergency room admission is a prognostic indicator and is strongly associated with poor outcomes. It has been shown that patients with TIC are prone to higher bleeding tendencies, increased requirements for allogeneic blood transfusion, higher complication rates such as multi-organ failure, and an almost fourfold increase in mortality. Thus, early recognition and individualized treatment of TIC is a cornerstone of initial trauma care. However, patients who survive the initial insult switch from hypocoagulability to hypercoagulability, also termed “late TIC,” with a high risk of developing thromboembolic complications.
Shrinking the size and cost of air pollution detectors
Authors: Lim Alane
Published: February 2024

Examining the principles and methods of detecting micro- and nanoplastics using handheld devices.
Pathogenic GATA2 genetic variants utilize an obligate enhancer mechanism to distort a multilineage differentiation program
Authors: Katsumura Koichi R. , Liu Peng , Kim Jeong-ah , Mehta Charu , Bresnick Emery H.
Published: February 2024

Mutations in genes encoding transcription factors inactivate or generate ectopic activities to instigate pathogenesis. By disrupting hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells, GATA2 germline variants create a bone marrow failure and leukemia predisposition, GATA2 deficiency syndrome, yet mechanisms underlying the complex phenotypic constellation are unresolved. We used a GATA2-deficient progenitor rescue system to analyze how genetic variation influences GATA2 functions. Pathogenic variants impaired, without abrogating, GATA2-dependent transcriptional regulation. Variants promoted eosinophil and repressed monocytic differentiation without regulating mast cell and erythroid differentiation. While GATA2 and T354M required the DNA-binding C-terminal zinc finger, T354M disproportionately required the N-terminal finger and N terminus. GATA2 and T354M activated a CCAAT/Enhancer Binding Protein-ε (C/EBPε) enhancer, creating a feedforward loop operating with the T-cell Acute Lymphocyte Leukemia-1 (TAL1) transcription factor. Elevating C/EBPε partially normalized hematopoietic defects of GATA2-deficient progenitors. Thus, pathogenic germline variation discriminatively spares or compromises transcription factor attributes, and retaining an obligate enhancer mechanism distorts a multilineage differentiation program.
Characteristics of Emission Non-nulling Pulsars Through Simulation
Authors: Yuen Rai
Published: February 2024

We investigate the population and several properties of radio pulsars whose emission does not null (non-nulling) through simulation of a large pulsar sample. Emission from a pulsar is identified as non-nulling if (i) the emission does not cease across the whole pulse profile, and (ii) the emission is detectable. For (i), we adopt a model for switching in the plasma charge density, and emission persists if the charge density is non-zero. For (ii), we assume that detectable emission originates from source points where it is emitted tangentially to the magnetic field-line and parallel to the line-of-sight. We find that pulsars exhibiting non-nulling emission possess obliquity angles with an average of 42.°5, and almost half the samples maintain a duty cycle between 0.05 and 0.2. Furthermore, the pulsar population is not fixed but dependent on the obliquity angle, with the population peaking at 20°. In addition, three evolutionary phases are identified in the pulsar population as the obliquity angle evolves, with the majority of samples having an obliquity angle between 20° and 65°. Our results also suggest that emission from a pulsar may evolve between nulling and non-nulling during its lifetime.
Proteomic analysis of ferroptosis pathways reveals a role of CEPT1 in suppressing ferroptosis
Authors: Liu Xiaoguang , Chen Zhen , Yan Yuelong , Zandkarimi Fereshteh , Nie Litong , Li Qidong , Horbath Amber , Olszewski Kellen , Kondiparthi Lavanya , Mao Chao , Lee Hyemin , Zhuang Li , Poyurovsky Masha , Stockwell Brent R , Chen Junjie , Gan Boyi
Published: February 2024

Ferroptosis has been recognized as a unique cell death modality driven by excessive lipid peroxidation and unbalanced cellular metabolism. In this study, we established a protein interaction landscape for ferroptosis pathways through proteomic analyses, and identified choline/ethanolamine phosphotransferase 1 (CEPT1) as a lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 3 (LPCAT3)-interacting protein that regulates LPCAT3 protein stability. In contrast to its known role in promoting phospholipid synthesis, we showed that CEPT1 suppresses ferroptosis potentially by interacting with phospholipases and breaking down certain pro-ferroptotic polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)-containing phospholipids. Together, our study reveals a previously unrecognized role of CEPT1 in suppressing ferroptosis.
Effects of Adjunctive Brexpiprazole on Individual Depressive Symptoms and Functioning in Patients With Major Depressive Disorder and Anxious Distress
Authors: McIntyre Roger S. , Bubolic Suzy , Zhang Zhen , MacKenzie Erin M. , Therrien François , Miguelez Maia , Boucher Matthieu
Published: February 2024

Purpose/Background

Anxiety symptoms in major depressive disorder (MDD) are frequent, and they decrease response to antidepressant treatment (ADT), and affect patient functioning. This post hoc analysis examined the efficacy of adjunctive brexpiprazole on individual depressive symptoms and functioning in patients with MDD with anxious distress.

Methods/Procedures

Data were included from three 6-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies of adjunctive brexpiprazole in patients with MDD and inadequate response to ADTs (ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers: NCT01360645, NCT01360632, NCT02196506). Patients were stratified using proxy criteria for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, anxious distress. Changes in Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale item scores and Sheehan Disability Scale mean score from baseline to week 6 were determined for ADT + brexpiprazole (2 and 2–3 mg) versus ADT + placebo.

Findings/Results

At baseline, 450 of 746 patients (60.3%, 2 mg analysis) and 670 of 1162 patients (57.7%, 2–3 mg analysis) had anxious distress. In patients with anxious distress, ADT + brexpiprazole 2 mg or 2 to 3 mg showed greater improvements than ADT + placebo (P < 0.05) on the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale items of apparent sadness, reported sadness, inner tension, reduced sleep, reduced appetite, lassitude, inability to feel, and pessimistic thoughts (Cohen d effect sizes, 0.18–0.44), and on Sheehan Disability Scale mean score (effect sizes, 0.21–0.23).

Implications/Conclusions

Adjunctive brexpiprazole is efficacious in reducing core depressive symptoms, sleep, and appetite, as well as improving functioning, in patients with MDD and anxious distress who have inadequate response to ADTs.
Mutation of wbtJ, a N-formyltransferase involved in O-antigen synthesis, results in biofilm formation, phase variation and attenuation in Francisella tularensis
Authors: Mlynek Kevin D. , Toothman Ronald G. , Martinez Elsie E. , Qiu Ju , Richardson Joshua B. , Bozue Joel A.
Published: February 2024

Two clinically important subspecies, Francisella tularensis subsp. tularensis (type A) and F. tularensis subsp. holarctica (type B) are responsible for most tularaemia cases, but these isolates typically form a weak biofilm under in vitro conditions. Phase variation of the F. tularensis lipopolysaccharide (LPS) has been reported in these subspecies, but the role of variation is unclear as LPS is crucial for virulence. We previously demonstrated that a subpopulation of LPS variants can constitutively form a robust biofilm in vitro, but it is unclear whether virulence was affected. In this study, we show that biofilm-forming variants of both fully virulent F. tularensis subspecies were highly attenuated in the murine tularaemia model by multiple challenge routes. Genomic sequencing was performed on these strains, which revealed that all biofilm-forming variants contained a lesion within the wbtJ gene, a formyltransferase involved in O-antigen synthesis. A ΔwbtJ deletion mutant recapitulated the biofilm, O-antigen and virulence phenotypes observed in natural variants and could be rescued through complementation with a functional wbtJ gene. Since the spontaneously derived biofilm-forming isolates in this study were a subpopulation of natural variants, reversion events to the wbtJ gene were detected that eliminated the phenotypes associated with biofilm variants and restored virulence. These results demonstrate a role for WbtJ in biofilm formation, LPS variation and virulence of F. tularensis.
Exploring the determinants of maternal and infant health knowledge adoption, sharing and purchase in short videos from an empathy theory perspective
Authors: Huo Fanfan , Huo Chaoguang
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the determinants of maternal and infant health knowledge (M&IHK) adoption and sharing in the short video from an empathy theory perspective. We explore how to transfer users from free health knowledge to health-related product purchase intention, which is vital for platform knowledge management and service.

Design/methodology/approach

Focusing on the M&IHK, this study proposes four processes of health knowledge adoption and sharing – knowledge quality persuasion process; source credibility persuasion process; affective empathy emotion process; and cognitive empathy emotion process – to build a framework of M&IHK adoption and sharing. Furthermore, based on adoption and sharing, we explore whether they can promote health-related product purchase intentions. A theoretical model is constructed and tested via Smart PLS in 388 samples.

Findings

In a short video context, perceived knowledge quality and perceived source credibility are still two determinants of health knowledge adoption and sharing. On the contrary, perceived affective empathy and perceived cognitive empathy are two new determinants of health knowledge adoption, but not of health knowledge sharing. Adoption of M&IHK is more driven by both rational thinking and emotional thinking than sharing-only driven by emotional thinking. Adoption and sharing both contribute to health-related product purchase intention, but the female’s intention is more related to rational adoption than the male, which is only related to emotional sharing.

Originality/value

This paper is arguably the first study to examine how short videos impact the mechanisms of M&IHK adoption, sharing and health-related products' purchase intention. It’s perhaps the first study to integrate empathy theory into health knowledge management.
“We Pledge Ourselves to the Masses of Working Girls”: The Distinctive Mission of the Women's Young Christian Workers Movement in its Founding Decades in England (1940s–1960s)
Authors: JONES PATRICIA
Published: February 2024

“The first important point is to win the young women with whom we work,” explains an early campaign newsletter from the women's English Young Christian Workers (YCW) Movement. In a context where the Catholic community was still a defensive minority, the outward looking mission of the YCW was remarkable and unique. The Movement's praxis was particularly distinctive, focused on a demographic group, working‐class girls and young women, who held little significance in either Church or society. The YCW engaged them as apostles and activists, challenging ecclesial and social assumptions and expectations. This paper draws material from YCW archives and oral interviews to argue that what YCW offered young women in the 1940s–1960s expressed an ecclesiological vision that was ahead of its time. The YCW empowered them to be leaders in a Church where women still rarely spoke or held leadership roles. It also nudged them into a confident construction of their citizenship and agency within secular contexts. This is significant in relation to how the English Catholic Church negotiated its restored presence in a protestant state but is barely recognised in existing historical analysis. The YCW's “leaven in the dough” model of activism within workplaces and other political domains deserves greater notice.
Representing, Re‐presenting, or Producing the Past? Memory Work amongst Museum Employees
Authors: Aroles Jeremy , Morrell Kevin , Granter Edward , Liang Yin
Published: February 2024

Though it is widely understood that the past can be an important resource for organizations, less is known about the micro‐level skills and choices that help to materialize different representations of the past. We understand these micro‐level skills and choices as a practice: ‘memory work’ – a banner term gathering various activities that provide the scaffolding for a shared past. Seeking to learn from a context where memory work is central, we share insights from a quasi‐longitudinal study of UK museum employees. We theorize three ideal‐typic regimes of memory work, namely representing, re‐presenting and producing the past, and detail the micro‐practices through which these regimes are enacted. Through explaining the key features of memory work in this context, our paper offers novel, broader insights into the relationship between occupations and memory work, showing how occupations differ in their understanding of memory and how this shapes their memory work.
Rubroscirus karnatakaensis sp. nov. and redescription of R. sinensis Fan (Acari: Cunaxidae) from plants in India
Authors: Hiremath Renuka , Khaustov Alexander A. , Srinivasa N. , Gowda Channegowda Chinnamade , Jose Anna
Published: February 2024

Two species of Rubroscirus (Acari: Cunaxidae) were collected from the Eastern dry zone of Karnataka, India. Females and males of Rubroscirus sinensis Fan, 1992, collected from five different species of plants, are recorded for the first time from India and redescribed. The female of Rubroscirus karnatakaensis sp. nov. collected on three species of plants is described. This bring the total number of Rubroscirus species from India to three.
Aplastic anaemia following antibiotic use for urinary tract infection
Authors: Sharma Aditya , Suresh Arvind , Pirruccello Jonathan , Sullivan Matthew
Published: February 2024

Aplastic anaemia is often associated with recent viral illnesses to include EBV and parvovirus along with certain medications such as anticonvulsants and sulfa containing antibiotics. We describe a case report of a female patient in her 70s who presented with pancytopenia after being treated with nitrofurantoin and ciprofloxacin for suspected urinary tract infection. She underwent an extensive workup to rule out alternative aetiologies of her pancytopenia to include a broad viral, autoimmune and malignancy evaluation which were unrevealing. Given her recent exposure to ciprofloxacin and nitrofurantoin and marrow recovery following removal of these agents, it was presumed that antibiotic exposure was the underlying cause of her aplastic anaemia.
Management conundrum in a case of renal cell cancer (RCC) on dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) for recently placed coronary drug-eluting stent (DES)
Authors: Ghorai Rudra Prasad , Panaiyadiyan Sridhar , Singh Prabhjot , Nayak Brusabhanu
Published: February 2024

A man in his 50s presented in an emergency with breathlessness and chest discomfort. On evaluation, he was diagnosed with coronary artery disease, with more than 80% narrowing of the right coronary and left circumflex arteries. The patient underwent percutaneous coronary intervention and was started on dual antiplatelet (DAPT) therapy. After starting DAPT, the patient developed gross haematuria with a drop in haematocrit. Further evaluation revealed a left renal mass with urinary bladder clots. Because of the risk of stent thrombosis on stopping DAPT, radical nephrectomy was deferred, and the patient underwent left renal artery angioembolisation and bladder clot evacuation. On the follow-up, the patient was stable with a gradual decrease in renal mass size, and after a year, the patient underwent definitive surgery. The patient is doing well in 4 years of follow-up with no metastasis.
Non-indicated vitamin B12- and D-testing among Dutch hospital clinicians: a cross-sectional analysis in data registries
Authors: Müskens Joris LJM , Kool Rudolf Bertijn , Westert Gert P , Zaal Maarten , Muller Hein , Atsma Femke , van Dulmen S A
Published: February 2024

Objectives

To assess the extent of non-indicated vitamin B12- and D-testing among Dutch clinicians and its variation among hospitals.

Design

Cross-sectional study using registration data from 2015 to 2019.

Participants

Patients aged between 18 and 70 years who received a vitamin B12- or D-test.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The proportion of non-indicated vitamin B12- and D-testing among Dutch clinicians and its variation between hospitals (n=68) over 2015–2019.

Results

Between 2015 and 2019, at least 79.0% of all vitamin B12-tests and 82.0% of vitamin D-tests lacked a clear indication. The number of vitamin B12-tests increased by 2.0% over the examined period, while the number of D-tests increased by 12.2%. The proportion of the unexplained variation in non-indicated vitamin B12- and D-tests that can be ascribed to differences between hospitals remained low. Intraclass correlation coefficients ranged between 0.072 and 0.085 and 0.081 and 0.096 for non-indicated vitamin B12- and D-tests, respectively. The included casemix variables patient age, gender, socioeconomic status and hospital size only accounted for a small part of the unexplained variation in non-indicated testing. Additionally, a significant correlation was observed in non-indicated vitamin B12- and D-testing among the included hospitals.

Conclusion

Hospital clinicians order vitamin B12- and D-tests without a clear indication on a large scale. Only a small proportion of the unexplained variation could be attributed to differences between hospitals.
Effects of vitamin D levels during pregnancy on prematurity: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Barbosa Olívia , Sim-Sim Margarida , Silvestre Marta Pereira , Pedro Cristina , Cruz Dulce
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Prematurity is an urgent public health problem worldwide. Recent studies associate maternal hypovitaminosis D during pregnancy with an increased risk of prematurity. However, the evidence on this association remains inconclusive, and there is lack of consensus in the literature. The exact mechanism by which low vitamin D levels may increase the risk of preterm birth is not yet fully understood. Nevertheless, it is known that vitamin D may play a role in maintaining a healthy pregnancy by regulating inflammation and immunomodulation by acting on the maternal and fetal immune systems. Inflammation and immune dysregulation are both associated with preterm birth, and low vitamin D levels may exacerbate these processes. The results of this review may have important implications for clinical practice and public health policy, particularly regarding vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy.

Methods and analysis

A systematic review of the literature will be conducted. The search will be performed in electronic databases: CINAHL; MEDLINE; Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials; Cochrane Library; Academic Search Complete; Information Science and Technology Abstracts; MedicLatina; SCOPUS; PubMed; and Google Scholar, with the chronological range of January 2018 to November 2022. The search strategy will include the following Medical Subject Headings or similar terms: ‘Vitamin D’; ‘25-hydroxyvitamin D’; ‘Hypovitaminosis D’; ‘Pregnancy’; ‘Pregnant women’; ‘Expectant mother’; ‘Prematurity’; ‘Premature birth’; ‘Premature delivery’; ‘Preterm birth’; and ‘Preterm labour’. This review will include quantitative primary studies, both experimental (clinical trials) and observational (cohort, cross-sectional, and case–control). The quality of each selected study and the results obtained will be assessed by two reviewers separately, using the Cochrane risk of bias tool for evaluating randomised clinical trials or the Newcastle Ottawa Scale for non-randomised studies, following the respective checklist. In case of disagreement, a third reviewer will be consulted.

Ethics and dissemination

This study does not involve human subjects and therefore does not require ethics approval. The results will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal and through conference presentations. All changes made to the protocol will be registered in PROSPERO, with information on the nature and justification for the changes made.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022303901.
Experience-based Investigation and Co-design of Psychosis Centred Integrated Care Services for Ethnically Diverse People with Multimorbidity (CoPICS): study protocol
Authors: Bhui Kamaldeep , Joseph Doreen , Khan Nimra , Morrey Tara , Mooney Roisin , Zahid Uzma , Mackay Tanya , Larkin Michael , Keating Frank , McCrone Paul , Upthegrove Rachel , Griffiths Sian Lowri , Edge Dawn , Coventry Peter A , Arday Jason , Hosang Georgina M
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Ethnic minorities (also called racialised groups) are more likely to experience severe mental illness (SMI). People with SMI are more likely to experience multimorbidity (MM), making psychosis among racialised groups more likely to lead to MM, poor outcomes, disability and premature mortality.

Methods and analysis

This National Institute for Health and Care Research-funded study (151887) seeks to use innovative participatory methods including photovoice and biographical narrative interviews in urban and rural areas of England to assemble experience data. These data will be subjected to polytextual thematic analysis, and alongside pictures and captions, will inform an experienced-based co-design of interventions, the implementation of which will be evaluated. There will be an economic analysis and a process evaluation of the implementation.

Ethics and dissemination

This programme of work has received ethical (IRAS 322421; Newcastle North Tyneside Research Ethics Committee 23/NE/0143) and sponsor approval. The findings will be disseminated in galleries showing the creative work, as lay and academic summaries and infographics; as practice briefings for practitioners, commissioners and policy makers; peer-reviewed publications.

Trial registration number

https://www.researchregistry.com/browse-the-registry%23home/registrationdetails/649c08111c037d0027b17d17/
Supplementary Table 1 from Cumulative Incidence, Risk Factors, and Overall Survival of Disease Recurrence after Curative Resection of Stage II–III Colorectal Cancer: A Population-based Study
Authors: Boute Tara C. , Swartjes Hidde , Greuter Marjolein J.E. , Elferink Marloes A.G. , van Eekelen Rik , Vink Geraldine R. , de Wilt Johannes H.W. , Coupé Veerle M.H.
Published: February 2024

Treatment characteristics
TABLE 4 from Characterizing Neutrophil Subtypes in Cancer Using scRNA Sequencing Demonstrates the Importance of IL1β/CXCR2 Axis in Generation of Metastasis-specific Neutrophils
Authors: Fetit Rana , McLaren Alistair S. , White Mark , Mills Megan L. , Falconer John , Cortes-Lavaud Xabier , Gilroy Kathryn , Lannagan Tamsin R.M. , Ridgway Rachel A. , Nixon Colin , Naiker Varushka , Njunge Renee , Clarke Cassie J. , Whyte Declan , Kirschner Kristina , Jackstadt Rene , Norman Jim , Carlin Leo M. , Campbell Andrew D. , Sansom Owen J. , Steele Colin W.
Published: February 2024

Healthy- and Tumor-enriched neutrophil signatures in human and mouse
TABLE 2 from Characterizing Neutrophil Subtypes in Cancer Using scRNA Sequencing Demonstrates the Importance of IL1β/CXCR2 Axis in Generation of Metastasis-specific Neutrophils
Authors: Fetit Rana , McLaren Alistair S. , White Mark , Mills Megan L. , Falconer John , Cortes-Lavaud Xabier , Gilroy Kathryn , Lannagan Tamsin R.M. , Ridgway Rachel A. , Nixon Colin , Naiker Varushka , Njunge Renee , Clarke Cassie J. , Whyte Declan , Kirschner Kristina , Jackstadt Rene , Norman Jim , Carlin Leo M. , Campbell Andrew D. , Sansom Owen J. , Steele Colin W.
Published: February 2024

Links to software processing pipelines on Github
Supplementary Tables from Characterizing Neutrophil Subtypes in Cancer Using scRNA Sequencing Demonstrates the Importance of IL1β/CXCR2 Axis in Generation of Metastasis-specific Neutrophils
Authors: Fetit Rana , McLaren Alistair S. , White Mark , Mills Megan L. , Falconer John , Cortes-Lavaud Xabier , Gilroy Kathryn , Lannagan Tamsin R.M. , Ridgway Rachel A. , Nixon Colin , Naiker Varushka , Njunge Renee , Clarke Cassie J. , Whyte Declan , Kirschner Kristina , Jackstadt Rene , Norman Jim , Carlin Leo M. , Campbell Andrew D. , Sansom Owen J. , Steele Colin W.
Published: February 2024

Table S1: Mouse data for ScRNAsequencing

Table S2: Primer sequences for qPCR

Table S3. Top 5 markers in the integrated mouse dataset neutrophil clusters

Table S4: Pseudotime Lineages of the Neutrophil datasets

Table S5: Lineage-specific differentialy expressed genes (Start Vs End) in PYMT dataset.

Table S6: Lineage-specific differentialy expressed genes (Start Vs End) in CRC dataset.

Table S7: Lineage-specific differentialy expressed genes (Start Vs End) in human NSCLC dataset.

Table S8. Top 10 markers in the human CRCLM dataset neutrophil clusters

Table S9: Top 10 Differentially expressed genes in neutrophils derived from primary tumors and metastatic tissue.

Table S10: Differentially expressed genes in CRCLM neutrophils

Table S11: Differentially expressed genes in CD4 T cells in LM vs PT

Table S12: Differentially expressed genes in CD8 T cells in LM vs PT

Table S13: Differentially expressed genes in CD4 T cells in LM vs PT used in KEGG analysis(Threshold >3)

Table S14: Description of the different neutrophil subtypes identified in CRCLM
Supplementary Figure S7 from Characterizing Neutrophil Subtypes in Cancer Using scRNA Sequencing Demonstrates the Importance of IL1β/CXCR2 Axis in Generation of Metastasis-specific Neutrophils
Authors: Fetit Rana , McLaren Alistair S. , White Mark , Mills Megan L. , Falconer John , Cortes-Lavaud Xabier , Gilroy Kathryn , Lannagan Tamsin R.M. , Ridgway Rachel A. , Nixon Colin , Naiker Varushka , Njunge Renee , Clarke Cassie J. , Whyte Declan , Kirschner Kristina , Jackstadt Rene , Norman Jim , Carlin Leo M. , Campbell Andrew D. , Sansom Owen J. , Steele Colin W.
Published: February 2024

Figure S7. Exogenous application of IL-1β and GM-CSF alter transcription of Cxcr2 and Txnip in wild type neutrophils ex vivo.
Supplementary Figure S6 from Characterizing Neutrophil Subtypes in Cancer Using scRNA Sequencing Demonstrates the Importance of IL1β/CXCR2 Axis in Generation of Metastasis-specific Neutrophils
Authors: Fetit Rana , McLaren Alistair S. , White Mark , Mills Megan L. , Falconer John , Cortes-Lavaud Xabier , Gilroy Kathryn , Lannagan Tamsin R.M. , Ridgway Rachel A. , Nixon Colin , Naiker Varushka , Njunge Renee , Clarke Cassie J. , Whyte Declan , Kirschner Kristina , Jackstadt Rene , Norman Jim , Carlin Leo M. , Campbell Andrew D. , Sansom Owen J. , Steele Colin W.
Published: February 2024

Figure S6. L-R interactions from the significant signalling pathways that mediate communication between macrophages and other immune-cell subtypes in CRCLM.
Supplementary Figure S5 from Characterizing Neutrophil Subtypes in Cancer Using scRNA Sequencing Demonstrates the Importance of IL1β/CXCR2 Axis in Generation of Metastasis-specific Neutrophils
Authors: Fetit Rana , McLaren Alistair S. , White Mark , Mills Megan L. , Falconer John , Cortes-Lavaud Xabier , Gilroy Kathryn , Lannagan Tamsin R.M. , Ridgway Rachel A. , Nixon Colin , Naiker Varushka , Njunge Renee , Clarke Cassie J. , Whyte Declan , Kirschner Kristina , Jackstadt Rene , Norman Jim , Carlin Leo M. , Campbell Andrew D. , Sansom Owen J. , Steele Colin W.
Published: February 2024

Figure S5. L-R interactions from the significant signalling pathways that mediate neutrophil and T-cell communication in CRCLM.
Supplementary Figure S4 from Characterizing Neutrophil Subtypes in Cancer Using scRNA Sequencing Demonstrates the Importance of IL1β/CXCR2 Axis in Generation of Metastasis-specific Neutrophils
Authors: Fetit Rana , McLaren Alistair S. , White Mark , Mills Megan L. , Falconer John , Cortes-Lavaud Xabier , Gilroy Kathryn , Lannagan Tamsin R.M. , Ridgway Rachel A. , Nixon Colin , Naiker Varushka , Njunge Renee , Clarke Cassie J. , Whyte Declan , Kirschner Kristina , Jackstadt Rene , Norman Jim , Carlin Leo M. , Campbell Andrew D. , Sansom Owen J. , Steele Colin W.
Published: February 2024

Figure S4. cell-cell communication networks at a signalling pathway level.
FIGURE 1 from Characterizing Neutrophil Subtypes in Cancer Using scRNA Sequencing Demonstrates the Importance of IL1β/CXCR2 Axis in Generation of Metastasis-specific Neutrophils
Authors: Fetit Rana , McLaren Alistair S. , White Mark , Mills Megan L. , Falconer John , Cortes-Lavaud Xabier , Gilroy Kathryn , Lannagan Tamsin R.M. , Ridgway Rachel A. , Nixon Colin , Naiker Varushka , Njunge Renee , Clarke Cassie J. , Whyte Declan , Kirschner Kristina , Jackstadt Rene , Norman Jim , Carlin Leo M. , Campbell Andrew D. , Sansom Owen J. , Steele Colin W.
Published: February 2024

Characterization of neutrophil signatures and lineages in health and PTs. A, Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection for Dimension (UMAP) plot of healthy neutrophils grouped by tissue type. BM: healthy bone marrow, SP: healthy spleen, L: healthy lung, BL: healthy blood. B, UMAP plots of healthy and tumor-derived neutrophils grouped by tissue type and Seurat clusters (0–15). BM: healthy bone marrow, SP: healthy spleen, L: healthy lung, BL: healthy blood, L_AC: lung adenocarcinoma, KPN: colorectal cancer with Kras, Trp53 and Notch mutations. C, UMAP plot of neutrophils in mouse breast cancer model. WT: healthy breast tissue, PyMT: polyomavirus middle-T oncoprotein tumor. D and E, Scoring of H_enriched and T_enriched neutrophil signatures. F, UMAP plot of neutrophils in mouse colorectal cancer model. All neutrophils are tumor-derived. G and H, H_enriched and T_enriched signatures in colorectal cancer (CRC). I, UMAP plot of human NSCLC neutrophils. Blood: blood-derived, tumor: tumor-derived. J and K, H_enriched and T_enriched signatures NSCLC. L, UMAP plot of human breast carcinoma (BC) neutrophils. Most neutrophils are tumor-derived. M and N, H_enriched and T_enriched signatures in breast carcinoma. O–R, Unsupervised pseudotime analysis of neutrophils in mouse and human datasets. Lineages in the individual datasets are numbered. S–V,Il1β/IL1β is differentially expressed at the end of tumor-specific lineages. W–Z, Estimated smoothers for Il1β/IL1β expression over pseudotime across the different lineages.
Status of Implementation of Face-to-Face Classes: Basis for Schools’ Contextualized Policy Formulation in the New Normal
Authors: Lumabit Raisen A. , Fernandez Sanny F.
Published: February 2024

This descriptive-survey research aimed to determine the status of public schools in the implementation of face-to-face classes in the new normal. The independent variables were school classification and school size, while school operations, teaching and learning, well-being, and protection, and home-school coordination were the dependent variables. The study was conducted among 63 school heads in the Schools Division of Iloilo City. A researcher-made questionnaire was used to collect the needed data. Means, frequency counts, standard deviations, Mann Whitney-U, and Kruskal Wallis were utilized to interpret the results. The findings revealed that the status of public schools in the implementation of face-to-face classes in the new normal in terms of school operations and well-being and protection was “almost implemented”, and “fully implemented” in terms of teaching and learning and home-school coordination. Moreover, there is no significant difference in the status of public schools in the implementation of face-to-face classes in the new normal in terms of school operations, teaching and learning, well-being, and protection, and home-school coordination when grouped according to school classification and school size. It is recommended that the agency concerned should ensure proper implementation and sustainability of face-to-face classes. As an offshoot of the study, a policy formulation was developed by the researcher. It contains contextualized policy on school operations, teaching and learning, well-being, and protection, and home-school coordination.
Teacher-Mediated Pronunciation Instruction: Its Effects on Enhancing the Oral Language Fluency of Seventh-Grade English Students
Authors: Barrun Jason S. , Sia Jonald B.
Published: February 2024

This study investigated the effects of teacher-mediated pronunciation instruction on enhancing the oral language fluency of seventh-grade English students. Using a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest non-equivalent groups design, 32 learners served as respondents of the thirteen-session- study in a secondary school in Southern Luzon, Philippines. The student-respondents were tested to find out whether there would be a significant difference in their knowledge and application of the segmentals and suprasegmentals before and after the implementation of the said intervention.

 In all the instruments, namely the dictation test, pronunciation achievement test, and aural-oral achievement test, the findings revealed that the experimental group performed significantly higher than the control group. Through the independent sample t-test and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA), the results revealed that the experimental group had higher mean scores than the control group with t-computed values exceeding the tabular values affirming that an explicit pronunciation instruction is better in enhancing the oral language fluency of students than only incidental acquisition. The more the learners are exposed to an intervention, the more that they will become intelligible. Other effects also include the more frequently that the teacher conducts various games, the more that the students enjoy and learn pronunciation; and the more refined a learner’s pronunciation skill is, the more improved he/she is when it comes to listening comprehension and spelling. Finally, it is recommended that more and newer interventions regarding second language phonology or any content that focuses on speaking as a macro-strand in English should be delved into.
Quality Management Practices of Select Real Estate Companies: An Experienced-based Approach
Authors: Rallang Florendo M. , Gutierrez Ernell Bautista
Published: February 2024

roviding quality services is a must for all type of industry and the requirement is not different from the industry of real estate. As mentioned by Chege, S & Bett S (2019), the real estate industry is one of the most important industries for the development and economy of a nation and therefore important that adequate measures are put in place to ensure quality in the sector. This study investigated the quality management systems of select real estate firms focusing on the following areas: Customer Focus, Leadership, Involvement of People, Process Approach, Continual Improvement, Factual Approach to Decision Making and Mutually Beneficial Supplier Relationship. Indicated in the study of Quiambao, J & Alvaro, K (2023), that the QMS practices dimensions top management leadership, customer orientation, process control and improvement, and employee engagement each had significant positive impact on each business performance perspectives financial, customer, internal business processes, and innovation and learning of the subject government corporation Likewise, the study identified following themes focusing on areas of real estate quality management practices were culled out” Client Determination, Keeping Clients Satisfied, Handling Complaints, Direction Setting, Planning, Alignment and Empowerment, Communication, Opportunities and Growth, Competence, Communication Enhancement, General Rule, Client Need, Efficiency and Effectiveness, Firm Reputation, Accessibility of Data, Word of Honor, Act of Appreciation and Fairness and Quality.
A Systematic Literature Review of the Significance of the School of Living Tradition in the Preservation of Cultural Heritage of the Indigenous Peoples
Authors: Hipolito Mark Floricar G.
Published: February 2024

This systematic literature review investigates the critical role of the School of Living Traditions (SLT) and its educational approaches in preserving the cultural heritage of Indigenous Peoples (IP) in the Philippines. A set of pre-defined inclusion-exclusion criteria led to the selection of six pertinent papers, which were comprehensively analyzed and synthesized. The examination of these articles revealed recurring themes, allowing for the development of thematic constructs to address the study's objectives. The findings underscore the pivotal role of SLTs in safeguarding the profound traditions of Indigenous Peoples, thereby ensuring the transmission of cultural legacies to younger generations and empowering IP communities. Notably, the significance of SLTs lies in their ability to preserve the authentic essence of cultural practices, contributing to the empowerment of Indigenous communities. In the transmission of this indigenous knowledge, systems, and practices, pedagogical approaches within SLTs are centered on culture-based education and experiential learning. These approaches aim to facilitate meaningful learning experiences that enable individuals to derive personal significance from their acquired knowledge and apply it in real-world contexts. Consequently, this research sheds light on the instrumental role of SLTs in fostering cultural preservation and empowerment within Indigenous communities through tailored educational methodologies.