bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Arsenic sulfide reverses cisplatin resistance in non‐small cell lung cancer in vitro and in vivo through targeting PD‐L1
Authors: Tian Wei , Sun Yinping , Cheng Yuping , Ma Xiao , Du Weina , Shi Wenna , Guo Qisen 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundRecent studies have found that programmed death ligand 1 (PD‐L1) might be involved in chemotherapy resistance in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Arsenic sulfide (As4S4) has been recognized to have antitumor activities and enhance the cytotoxic effect of chemotherapy drugs. In this study, we aimed to verify the relationship between PD‐L1 and cisplatin (DDP) resistance and identify whether As4S4 could reverse DDP resistance through targeting PD‐L1 in NSCLC.MethodsThe effect of As4S4 and DDP on cell proliferation and apoptosis was investigated in NSCLC cell lines. The expression of p53 and PD‐L1 proteins was measured by western blotting analysis. The levels of miR‐34a‐5p, miR‐34a‐3p and PD‐L1 in cells were measured by real‐time qPCR analysis. Mouse xenograft models were established by inoculation with A549/DDP (DDP‐resistant) cells.ResultsDepletion of PD‐L1 inhibited DDP resistance in A549/DDP and H1299/DDP cells. As4S4 was capable of sensitizing A549/DDP cells to DDP by enhancing apoptosis. As4S4 upregulated p53 expression and downregulated PD‐L1 expression in A549/DDP cells. As4S4 increased miR‐34a‐5p level in A549/DDP cells. Inhibition of p53 by PFT‐α partially restored the levels of PD‐L1 and miR‐34a‐5p. Pretreatment with PFT‐α suppressed the apoptosis rate induced by cotreatment of As4S4 and DDP in A549/DDP cells. Cotreatment of DDP and As4S4 notably reduced the tumor size when compared with DDP treatment alone in vivo.ConclusionsUpregulation of PD‐L1 was correlated with DDP resistance in NSCLC cells. Mechanistic analyses indicated that As4S4 might sensitize NSCLC cells to DDP through targeting p53/miR‐34a‐5p/PD‐L1 axis.
Do Alma Mater Ties Between the Auditor and Audit Committee Affect Audit Quality?*
Authors: Sharma Divesh S. , Singh Madhukar K. , Patel Arvind 
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACTWe examine whether audit firm alma mater ties between the auditor and the audit committee (AC) are associated with significantly greater nonaudit services (NAS) provided by the auditor. We further examine whether greater NAS in the presence of such alma mater ties are associated with audit quality. Since the AC is responsible for approving and monitoring the services provided by the auditor, the presence of AC and auditor alma mater ties underscores the controversies surrounding such ties' undermining audit quality. Predicating our hypotheses on social ties theory, we find a positive association between the presence of an audit firm alumnus on the AC and NAS acquired from the alma mater auditor. We further find that this association becomes stronger as the tenure of the alumnus increases. Next, using multiple measures of audit quality, we find that, when the alumnus on the AC is associated with significantly more NAS provided by the alma mater audit firm, the quality of the audit suffers. Collectively, our results suggest that audit firm alma mater ties between the AC and auditor engender economic ties that adversely affect audit quality. Our study provides new evidence on the channels through which the quality of the audit is affected and raises important implications for the composition of the AC, auditor‐provided NAS, and client assignment to engagement partners.
Terrestrial laser scanning to reconstruct branch architecture from harvested branches
Authors: Wilkes Phil , Shenkin Alexander , Disney Mathias , Malhi Yadvinder , Bentley Lisa Patrick , Vicari Matheus Boni 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Quantifying whole branch architecture is critical to understanding tree function, for example, branch surface area controls woody gas exchange. Yet, due to measurement difficulty, branch architecture of small diameter branches (e.g. <10 cm ) is modelled, subsampled or ignored. Methods that use terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) are now being widely applied to analyse tree and plot‐level tree architecture; however, resolving small diameter branches in‐situ remains a challenge.

Currently, it is suggested that accurate reconstruction of small diameter branches can only be achieved by harvest and measurement in controlled conditions. Here we present a new TLS workflow for rapid and accurate reconstruction of complete branch architecture from harvested branches. The workflow sets out scan configuration, post‐processing (including a novel reflectance filter) and fitting of quantitative structure models (QSM) to reconstruct topologically coherent branch models. This is demonstrated on 595 branches (scanned indoors to negate the impact of wind) and compared with 65 branches that were manually measured (i.e. with measuring tape and callipers).

Comparison of a suite of morphological and topological traits reveals a good agreement between TLS‐derived metrics and manual measurements where RMSE (%RMSE) for total branch length = 0.7 m (10%), volume = 0.09 L (43%), surface area = 0.04 m2 (26%) and N tips = 6.4 (35%). Scanning was faster and invariant to branch size compared with manual measurements which required significantly more personnel time. We recommend measuring a subsample of tip widths to constrain the QSM taper function as the TLS workflow tends to overestimate tip width.

The workflow presented here allows for a rapid characterisation of branch architecture from harvested branches. Increasing the number of branches analysed (e.g. many branches from a single tree or branches from many species globally) could allow for a comprehensive analysis of the ‘missing link’ between the leaves and larger diameter branches.
Combined smoking and alcohol cues: Effects on craving, drug‐seeking, and consumption
Authors: Motschman Courtney A. , Tiffany Stephen T. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundAlcohol and cigarettes are commonly used together, but little is known about their joint motivational impact. Cue reactivity studies have customarily examined alcohol and smoking cues in isolation, despite the potential for cues to elicit stronger motivational responses when combined. This study used a validated cue reactivity procedure (Choice Behavior Under Cued Conditions) systematically to disentangle the separate and joint effects of alcohol and cigarette cues on substance use motivation.MethodsParticipants were 110 adults (Mage = 34.0, SD = 10.8) who consumed both cigarettes and alcohol. Participants completed 40 cue reactivity trials with four in vivo cue types: water, alcohol, cigarette, and combined cigarette and alcohol. Participants rated their craving prior to receiving opportunities to spend real money to gain access to the cues. Spending larger amounts of money increased the probability that the substance(s) would be available for consumption. When granted access, participants took one cigarette puff and/or sip of the beverage. A multimethod approach assessed three key motivational indices: craving, drug‐seeking (spending, latency to access the cue), and consumption (puff duration, alcohol consumed). Effects of cue type and rates of substance use (cigarettes per day, drinks per day, relative frequency of co‐use) were assessed using hierarchical linear models.ResultsBoth alcohol and smoking cues enhanced cue‐specific craving but not craving for the alternative substance. In a novel finding, combined cues elicited higher craving and greater spending than single‐drug cues. All drug cues elicited greater spending than water cues, and spending was moderated by the relative frequency of co‐use.ConclusionsWe found that combined alcohol and cigarette cues provoke more powerful craving and drug‐seeking responses and, therefore, may be more motivationally potent among individuals who use multiple substances.
The role of nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (NRF2) in normal and pathological pregnancy: A systematic review
Authors: Tantengco Ourlad Alzeus G. , de Castro Silva Mariana , Shahin Hend , Bento Giovana Fernanda Cosi , Cursino Geovanna Cristofani , Cayenne Samir , da Silva Marcia Guimarães , Menon Ramkumar 
Published: September 2021

AbstractObjectiveA homeostatic balance between reactive oxygen species production and the antioxidant redox system is an important component of normal pregnancy. Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2–Related Factor 2 (Nrf2) preserves cellular homeostasis by enhancing the cell's innate antioxidant status to reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory damage to the cell during pregnancy. Active Nrf2, in the nucleus of the cell, transactivates various antioxidant genes. The objective of this systematic review was to synthesize evidence on the role of Nrf2 in various adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs).MethodsWe conducted a systematic review of the role of Nrf2 in pregnancy. Articles written in English, Portuguese, and Spanish were obtained from three different databases from inception until January 2021. The titles, abstracts and full text were reviewed independently by six reviewers. The quality of the included studies was assessed using a quality assessment tool developed to assess basic science and clinical studies. Nrf2 expression (gene and protein), functional contributions, and association with APOs were assessed.ResultsA total of 747 citations were identified; 80 were retained for full review. Most studies on Nrf2 have been carried out using placental tissues and placenta‐derived cells. Limited studies have been conducted using fetal membranes, uterus, and cervix. Nuclear translocation of Nrf2 results in transactivation of antioxidant enzymes, including glutathione peroxidase, hemeoxygenase‐1, and superoxide dismutase in gestational cells during pregnancy. This antioxidant response maintains cellular homeostasis during pregnancy. This promotes trophoblast cell survival and prevents cell death and abnormal angiogenesis in the placenta. Excessive and insufficient Nrf2 response may promote oxidative and reductive stress, respectively. This Nrf2 dysregulation has been associated with APOs including gestational diabetes mellitus, intrauterine growth restriction, reproductive toxicity, preeclampsia, and preterm birth.ConclusionSeveral studies have localized and reported an association between Nrf2's differential expression in reproductive tissues and the pathogenesis of APOs. However, a comprehensive functional understanding of Nrf2 in reproductive tissues is still lacking. Nrf2's activation and functions are complex, and therefore, current in vitro and in vivo studies are limited in their experimental approaches. We have identified key areas for future Nrf2 research that is needed to fill knowledge gaps.
Patients with systemic sclerosis show phenotypic and functional defects in neutrophils
Authors: Impellizzieri Daniela , Egholm Cecilie , Valaperti Alan , Distler Oliver , Boyman Onur 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundSystemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multiorgan autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation, vascular modification, and progressive fibrosis of the skin and several visceral organs. Innate and adaptive immune cells, including myeloid, B and T cells, are believed to be central to the pathogenesis of SSc. However, the role and functional state of neutrophil granulocytes (neutrophils) are ill‐defined in SSc.MethodsWe performed a prospective study of neutrophils freshly isolated from SSc patients and healthy donors (HD) by measuring in these neutrophils (i) functional cell surface markers, including CD16, CD62L, CD66b, CD66c, CXCR1, CXCR2, and CXCR4; (ii) cytokine‐activated intracellular signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathways, such as phosphorylated STAT3 (pSTAT3), pSTAT5, and pSTAT6; (iii) production of neutrophil extracellular traps (NET) and intracellular myeloperoxidase (MPO); and (iv) phagocytosis of bacteria by the neutrophils.ResultsNeutrophils of SSc patients expressed lower CD16 and CD62L and higher pSTAT3 and pSTAT6 compared to HD. Moreover, neutrophils of SSc patients lacked CXCR1 and CXCR2, the receptors responding to the potent neutrophil chemoattractant CXCL8. Neutrophils of SSc patients were also deficient in MPO levels, NET formation, and phagocytosis of bacteria.ConclusionsNeutrophils of patients with SSc display several functional defects affecting cell migration, NET formation, and phagocytosis of bacteria.
Large ventral hernias: to drain… And what to drain… That is the question!
Authors: Idrees Marwan , Mare Hans , Lester Leanne , Kariyawasam Sanjeeva 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundDrain placement is common practice in repair of ventral hernias, specifically complex hernias. There is little‐to‐no evidence for benefit of drains and best practice in‐terms of number, position, duration of use and type of drains. This study investigates drain profile in open repair of large ventral hernias.MethodsA retrospective two‐centres audit with data collected via electronic and paper‐based medical records from the 1 February 2015 to 29 June 2020. All elective and emergency cases were included. Main outcomes included surgical site infection (SSI), seroma and hematoma formation.ResultsA total of 186 patients included, out of those 128(68.5%) had drain placed. Drain placement had a higher incidence of SSI (20.3% in drain group and 15.5% in no drain group), however, drains were more likely to be placed in complex ventral hernias. Drain practice varied significantly between surgeons, however, there was a clear trend to higher SSI rates with longer duration of drain use (specifically longer than 5 days, p‐value: 0.05) and higher drain output on removal (specifically higher than 150 ml/24 h, p‐value 0.004), furthermore, prolonged use did not decrease risk of seroma formation. Drain position, number of drains and suction pressure did not affect seroma or SSI rates.ConclusionOur data suggests no clear benefits of drain usage in most ventral hernia repairs. Prolonged drain use led to higher risk of SSI and did not decrease rate of seroma formation. If used, we recommend use of short drain duration<5 days. Further RCTs to evaluate drain placement in large ventral hernias are needed.
A pilot randomised controlled trial of patient education to improve umbilical cleanliness prior to laparoscopic surgery
Authors: Watson Eleanor G. R. , Cobden Elizabeth J. , Vasey Carolyn E. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundBefore laparoscopic abdominal surgery, surgeons frequently remove debris from patients' umbilici to prevent it from passing into the abdomen and optimise skin antisepsis. This task irritates the skin, takes time and contaminates sterile equipment. This pilot randomised controlled trial aimed to inform a definitive study investigating whether patient education improves umbilical cleanliness in these patients.MethodsTo generate data on effect size and sample size, adult patients undergoing elective and emergency laparoscopic abdominal surgery were randomised to an intervention group, who received an education pack to clean their umbilicus prior to surgery, or a control group, who received no pack. Umbilical cleanliness was measured using a novel scale. To assess scale validity and reliability, all umbilici were scored by nine surgeons and surgical trainees using photographs and umbilici were swabbed to estimate bacterial load. Intervention acceptability was assessed via study consent and withdrawal rates and trial feasibility was evaluated using qualitative insights documented by investigators.ResultsSeventy‐one percent (22/31) of the intervention group had clean umbilici versus 61% (19/31) in the control group. A definitive trial would require 712 participants to show statistical significance between study groups. The umbilical cleanliness scale had excellent interrater and test–retest reliability and a moderate degree of convergent validity with respect to bacterial load. The intervention was highly acceptable to participants, and theatre nurses and surgical trainees were central to trial feasibility.ConclusionA definitive trial is warranted and would contribute to an evidence‐based, standardised approach to preoperative care. Trial registration no. ACTRN12620000278932.
Do masks matter? Consumer perceptions of social media influencers who wear face masks amid the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Klucarova Sona 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe rapid spread of COVID‐19 brought about an increased use of face masks among the general public. Focusing on disposable surgical masks in particular, this article examines consumer perceptions of and intentions toward social media influencers who wear such masks amid the pandemic. Drawing on the theory of product symbolism, this research experimentally demonstrates that masked (vs. unmasked) influencers remind consumers of highly competent healthcare professionals, leading in turn to greater competence inferences about and more favorable behavioral intentions toward these influencers. Additional analysis demonstrates that this effect might not hold for other groups of professionals who are considered relatively competent at the outset and/or whose profession is less reliant on external cues. Overall, this research suggests that apart from curtailing the spread of the pandemic, mask wearing might prove beneficial to certain groups of professionals, such as social media influencers, who have traditionally struggled to establish credibility. In a broader context, this research establishes mask wearing as a new form of nonverbal communication that warrants further examination.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: prevalence of hepatic steatosis, fibrosis and associated factors in chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Zheng Qi , Zou Biyao , Wu Yuankai , Yeo Yeehui , Wu Huizhen , Stave Christopher D , Cheung Ramsey C. , Nguyen Mindie H. 
Published: September 2021

SummaryBackgroundAs the prevalence of hepatitis steatosis (HS) increases, the prevalence of HS among those with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) may also be increasing but data on the effect of HS on CHB disease progression are lacking.AimsTo determine the prevalence of HS in CHB and associated factors, prevalence of fibrosis and its association with HS.MethodsTwo researchers independently searched the literature and extracted data. We included full‐length original articles of adults with CHB that evaluated. Prevalence estimates were pooled using a random‐effects model. Associations between HS and fibrosis were assessed by pooled odds ratios (ORs) or mean differences (MD).ResultsOf the 2821 records screened, 54 eligible studies (28 648 patients) were analysed. The pooled prevalence of HS in CHB was 32.8% (95% CI, 28.9‐37.0) with higher prevalence in men and obese patients. Older age, male sex and metabolic factors were associated with HS while an inverse association was observed between HS and HBeAg (OR 0.82, 95% CI, 0.75‐0.91) and HBV DNA levels (MD −0.38, 95% CI −1.16‐−0.42). The pooled prevalence of significant fibrosis (≥F2 or ≥F3) was similar between patients with CHB with or without HS (40.1% vs 42.22%, P = 0.68). HS was not significantly associated with fibrosis (pooled OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.54‐1.39, 20 studies, 6232 patients).ConclusionsApproximately 30% of patients with CHB had HS, which was positively associated with male sex, diabetes and metabolic factors, and was negatively associated with HBeAg and HBV DNA. HS was not significantly associated with increased fibrosis.
Flexural‐isostatic reconstruction of the Western Mediterranean during the Messinian Salinity Crisis: Implications for water level and basin connectivity
Authors: Heida Hanneke , Raad Fadl , Garcia‐Castellanos Daniel , Jiménez‐ Munt Ivone , Maillard Agnès , Lofi Johanna 
Published: September 2021

AbstractDuring the Messinian Salinity Crisis (MSC, 5.97–5.33 Ma), thick evaporites were deposited in the Mediterranean Sea associated with major margin erosion. This has been interpreted by most authors as resulting from water level drop by evaporation but its timing, amplitude and variations between subbasins are poorly constrained due to uncertainty in post‐Messinian vertical motions and lack of a clear time‐correlation between the marginal basin and offshore records. The Balearic Promontory and surrounding basins exemplify a range of responses to this event, from margin erosion to up to a kilometre thick Messinian units in the abyssal areas containing the majority of the MSC halite. The Balearic Promontory contains unique patches of halite with thickness up to 325 m at intermediate depths that provide valuable information on water level during the stage of halite deposition. We compile seismic markers potentially indicating ancient shorelines during the drawdown phase: the first is marked by the transition from the MES to UU based on seismic data. The second is the limit between the bottom erosion surface (BES) and abyssal halite deposits. We restore these shorelines to their original depth accounting for flexural isostasy and sediment compaction. The best‐fitting scenario involves a water level drop of ca. 1,100 ± 100 m for the Upper unit level and 1,500 ± 100 m for the BES level. According to our results, halite deposition began in the Central Mallorca Depression at 1,300–1,500 m depth, perched hundreds of metres above the deep basins, which were at 1,500–1,800 m (Valencia Basin) and >2,900 m (Algerian Basin). The hypothesis that erosion surfaces were formed subaerially during the drawdown phase is consistent with a model of halite deposition before/during the water level drop of at least 1,000 m, followed by the deposition of the Upper unit until the MSC is terminated by the reinstatement of normal marine conditions.
Single‐cell profiling reveals distinct immune phenotypes that contribute to ischaemia‐reperfusion injury after steatotic liver transplantation
Authors: Yang Xinyu , Lu Di , Wang Rui , Lian Zhengxing , Lin Zuyuan , Zhuo Jianyong , Chen Hao , Yang Modan , Tan Winyen , Yang Mengfan , Wei Xuyong , Wei Qiang , Zheng Shusen , Xu Xiao 
Published: September 2021

AbstractObjectivesThe discrepancy between supply and demand of organ has led to an increased utilization of steatotic liver for liver transplantation (LT). Hepatic steatosis, however, is a major risk factor for graft failure due to increased susceptibility to ischaemia‐reperfusion (I/R) injury during transplantation.Materials and methodsTo assess the plasticity and phenotype of immune cells within the microenvironment of steatotic liver graft at single‐cell level, single‐cell RNA‐sequencing (scRNA‐Seq) was carried out on 23 675 cells from transplanted rat livers. Bioinformatic analyses and multiplex immunohistochemistry were performed to assess the functional properties, transcriptional regulation, phenotypic switching and cell‐cell interactions of different cell subtypes.ResultsWe have identified 11 different cell types in transplanted livers and found that the highly complex ecosystem was shaped by myeloid‐derived cell subsets that transit between different states and interact mutually. Notably, a pro‐inflammatory phenotype of Kupffer cells (KCs) with high expression of colony‐stimulating factor 3 (CSF3) that was enriched in transplanted steatotic livers was potentially participated in fatty graft injury. We have also detected a subset of dendritic cells (DCs) with highly expressing XCR1 that was correlated with CD8+ T cells, mediating the severer steatotic liver damage by I/R injury.ConclusionsThe findings of our study provide new insight into the mechanisms by which steatosis exacerbates liver damage from I/R injury. Interventions based on these observations create opportunities in attenuating fatty liver graft injury and expanding the donor pool.