bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of microcurrent therapy in promoting function and pain management of knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Zhou Zhuoluo , Xue Yuxin , Zhao Yi , Mu Xiaohong , Xu Lin 
Published: April 2023

IntroductionMicrocurrent therapy (MCT) is a rising conservative treatment for patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Considering its potential benefits and convenience, MCT’s application in those individuals with knee OA is capacious. However, no plausible clinical evidence has proved its unequivocal advantages in treating knee OA conservatively. The purpose of this study is to determine whether MCT is helpful in pain management and promoting function of knee OA and is safe in the treatment of knee OA in adult patients.Methods and analysisWe will search through MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Google Scholar from inception to 15 March 2023. Original studies will include randomised controlled trials of patients treated with MCT. Two authors will independently screen, select studies, extract data and perform risk of bias assessment. Data consistently reported across studies will be pooled using random-effects meta-analysis. Heterogeneity will be evaluated using Cochrane’s Q statistic and quantified using I2statistics. Graphical and formal statistical tests will be used to assess for publication bias.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval will not be needed for this study as the data will be extracted from already published studies. The results of this review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at conferences.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42022319828
EXAcerbations of COPD and their OutcomeS on CardioVascular diseases (EXACOS-CV) Programme: protocol of multicountry observational cohort studies
Authors: Nordon Clementine , Rhodes Kirsty , Quint Jennifer K , Vogelmeier Claus F , Simons Sami O , Hawkins Nathaniel M , Marshall Jonathan , Ouwens Mario , Garbe Edeltraut , Müllerová Hana 
Published: April 2023

IntroductionIn patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the risk of certain cardiovascular (CV) events is increased by threefold to fivefold in the year following acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD), compared with a non-exacerbation period. While the effect of severe AECOPD is well established, the relationship of moderate exacerbation or prior exacerbation to elevated risk of CV events is less clear. We will conduct cohort studies in multiple countries to further characterise the association between AECOPD and CV events.Methods and analysisRetrospective longitudinal cohort studies will be conducted within routinely collected electronic healthcare records or claims databases. The study cohorts will include patients meeting inclusion criteria for COPD between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2018. Moderate exacerbation is defined as an outpatient visit and/or medication dispensation/prescription for exacerbation; severe exacerbation is defined as hospitalisation for COPD. The primary outcomes of interest are the time to (1) first hospitalisation for a CV event (including acute coronary syndrome, heart failure, arrhythmias or cerebral ischaemia) since cohort entry or (2) death. Time-dependent Cox proportional hazards models will compare the hazard of a CV event between exposed periods following exacerbation (split into these periods: 1–7, 8–14, 15–30, 31–180 and 181–365 days) and the unexposed reference time period, adjusted on time-fixed and time-varying confounders.Ethics and disseminationStudies have been approved in Canada, Japan, the Netherlands, Spain and the UK, where an institutional review board is mandated. For each study, the results will be published in peer-reviewed journals.
Phase II Trial of Nelipepimut-S Peptide Vaccine in Women with Ductal Carcinoma In Situ
Authors: O'Shea Anne E. , Clifton Guy T. , Qiao Na , Heckman-Stoddard Brandy M. , Wojtowicz Malgorzata , Dimond Eileen , Bedrosian Isabelle , Weber Diane , Garber Judy E. , Husband Alexander , Pastorello Ricardo , Lee J. Jack , Hernandez Mike , Liu Diane D. , Vornik Lana A. , Brown Powel H. , Alatrash Gheath , Peoples George E. , Mittendorf Elizabeth A. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

NeuVax is a vaccine comprised of the HER2-derived MHC class I peptide E75 (nelipepimut-S, NPS) combined with GM-CSF. We completed a randomized trial of preoperative vaccination with NeuVax versus GM-CSF alone in patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). The primary objective was to evaluate for NPS-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses. Patients with human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A2-positive DCIS were enrolled and randomized 2:1 to NeuVax versus GM-CSF alone and received two inoculations prior to surgery. The number of NPS-specific CTL was measured pre-vaccination, at surgery, and 1 and 3 to 6 months post-operation by dextramer assay. Differences in CTL responses between groups and between pre-vaccination and 1-month post-operation were analyzed using a two-sample t test or Wilcoxon rank sum test. The incidence and severity of adverse events were compared between groups. Overall, 45 patients were registered; 20 patients were HLA-A2 negative, 7 declined participation, 1 withdrew, and 4 failed screening for other reasons. The remaining 13 were randomized to NeuVax (n = 9) or GM-CSF alone (n = 4). Vaccination was well-tolerated with similar treatment-related toxicity between groups with the majority (&gt;89%) of adverse events being grade 1. The percentage of NPS-specific CTLs increased in both arms between baseline (pre-vaccination) and 1-month post-operation. The increase was numerically greater in the NPS+GM-CSF arm, but the difference was not statistically significant. NPS+GM-CSF is safe and well-tolerated when given preoperatively to patients with DCIS. In patients with HLA-A2-positive DCIS, two inoculations with NPS+GM-CSF can induce in vivo immunity and a continued antigen-specific T-cell response 1-month postsurgery.

Prevention Relevance:
This trial showed that vaccination of patients with HLA-A2-positive DCIS with NeuVax in the preoperative setting can induce a sustained antigen-specific T-cell response. This provides proof of principle that vaccination in the preoperative or adjuvant setting may stimulate an adaptive immune response that could potentially prevent disease recurrence.
Splicing Factor SRSF1 Promotes Pancreatitis and KRASG12D-Mediated Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Wan Ledong , Lin Kuan-Ting , Rahman Mohammad Alinoor , Ishigami Yuma , Wang Zhikai , Jensen Mads A. , Wilkinson John E. , Park Youngkyu , Tuveson David A. , Krainer Adrian R. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Inflammation is strongly associated with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a highly lethal malignancy. Dysregulated RNA splicing factors have been widely reported in tumorigenesis, but their involvement in pancreatitis and PDAC is not well understood. Here, we report that the splicing factor SRSF1 is highly expressed in pancreatitis, PDAC precursor lesions, and tumors. Increased SRSF1 is sufficient to induce pancreatitis and accelerate KRASG12D-mediated PDAC. Mechanistically, SRSF1 activates MAPK signaling—partly by upregulating interleukin 1 receptor type 1 (IL1R1) through alternative-splicing-regulated mRNA stability. Additionally, SRSF1 protein is destabilized through a negative feedback mechanism in phenotypically normal epithelial cells expressing KRASG12D in mouse pancreas and in pancreas organoids acutely expressing KRASG12D, buffering MAPK signaling and maintaining pancreas cell homeostasis. This negative feedback regulation of SRSF1 is overcome by hyperactive MYC, facilitating PDAC tumorigenesis. Our findings implicate SRSF1 in the etiology of pancreatitis and PDAC, and point to SRSF1-misregulated alternative splicing as a potential therapeutic target.

Significance:
We describe the regulation of splicing factor SRSF1 expression in the context of pancreas cell identity, plasticity, and inflammation. SRSF1 protein downregulation is involved in a negative feedback cellular response to KRASG12D expression, contributing to pancreas cell homeostasis. Conversely, upregulated SRSF1 promotes pancreatitis and accelerates KRASG12D-mediated tumorigenesis through enhanced IL1 and MAPK signaling.
This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1501
Dissecting the Origin of Heterogeneity in Uterine and Ovarian Carcinosarcomas
Authors: Sertier Anne-Sophie , Ferrari Anthony , Pommier Roxane M. , Treilleux Isabelle , Boyault Sandrine , Devouassoux-Shisheboran Mojgan , Kielbassa Janice , Thomas Emilie , Tonon Laurie , Le Texier Vincent , Charreton Amandine , Morel Anne-Pierre , Floquet Anne , Joly Florence , Berton-Rigaud Dominique , Ferron Gwenaël , Arnould Laurent , Croce Sabrina , Bataillon Guillaume , Saintigny Pierre , Mery-Lamarche Eliane , Sagan Christine , Senaratne Aruni P. , Gut Ivo G. , Calvo Fabien , Viari Alain , Ouzounova Maria , Ray-Coquard Isabelle , Puisieux Alain 
Published: April 2023

Gynecologic carcinosarcomas (CS) are biphasic neoplasms composed of carcinomatous (C) and sarcomatous (S) malignant components. Because of their rarity and histologic complexity, genetic and functional studies on CS are scarce and the mechanisms of initiation and development remain largely unknown.
Whole-genome analysis of the C and S components reveals shared genomic alterations, thus emphasizing the clonal evolution of CS. Reconstructions of the evolutionary history of each tumor further reveal that C and S samples are composed of both ancestral cell populations and component-specific subclones, supporting a common origin followed by distinct evolutionary trajectories. However, while we do not find any recurrent genomic features associated with phenotypic divergence, transcriptomic and methylome analyses identify a common mechanism across the cohort, the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), suggesting a role for nongenetic factors in inflicting changes to cellular fate. Altogether, these data accredit the hypothesis that CS tumors are driven by both clonal evolution and transcriptomic reprogramming, essential for susceptibility to transdifferentiation upon encountering environmental cues, thus linking CS heterogeneity to genetic, transcriptomic, and epigenetic influences.

Significance:
We have provided a detailed characterization of the genomic landscape of CS and identified EMT as a common mechanism associated with phenotypic divergence, linking CS heterogeneity to genetic, transcriptomic, and epigenetic influences.
Diversity of bracket fungi (Basidiomycota: Agaricomycetes: Polyporaceae) in Jammu Division, Jammu & Kashmir, India
Authors: Bala Brij 
Published: April 2023

The 24 taxa comprising of 13 genera belonging to Polyporaceae (Basidiomycota, Agaricomycetes) are described and illustrated on the basis of basidiome collected during the rainy season in the years from 2014–2019 in Doda, Jammu, Kathua, Kishtwar, Ramban, and Udhampur districts of Jammu division of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. Of these, five (Dichomitus campestris, Perenniporia adnata, Pilatoporus bondartsevae, Polyporus efibulatus, and Tyromyces amazonicus) are new records for India, 14 (Abortiporus biennis, Cerrena zonata, Favolus glaber, Fuscopostia leucomallella, Hexagonia nitida, Lenzites elegans, Lenzites warnieri, Perreniporia fraxniea, P. ochroleuca, Poriella subacida, Polyporus alveolaris, Pycnoporus sanguineus, Tyromyces chioneus, and Trichaptum biforme), are new records for the Union territory of Jammu & Kashmir, two (Pycnoporus cinnabarinus and Polyporus squamosus), and the remaining three (Fomes fomentarius, Lenzites betulina, and Trichaptum abietinum) are re-recorded from the study area.
A study on the breeding habits of Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus Boddaert, 1783 (Aves: Charadriformes: Charadridae) in the agricultural landscape of Muzaffarnagar District, Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Arya Ashish Kumar , Joshi Kamal Kant , Kumar Deepak , Bachheti Archana 
Published: April 2023

This study investigated the breeding biology of Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus in the agricultural landscape of district Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India, during three consecutive breeding sessions (2019–2021). A maximum of 25 nests and average clutch sizes of 3.64 ± 0.49 were recorded in 2021. Hatching success estimated using the Mayfield method was 55% in 2019, 64% in 2020, and 65% in 2021; values obtained using the traditional method were 42%, 58%, and 53%, respectively. During 2019 and 2021, 3.8% and 3.3% (respectively) of eggs did not successfully develop, while no hatching failures were recorded in 2020. In total, 32% of eggs were destroyed during the study period by predators (cats, dogs, and foxes), and an average of 15% of eggs were destroyed due to anthropogenic activities such as agricultural practices. Red-wattled Lapwings displayed cryptic behavior and active defense against predators making them a successful open nesting species.
Earthworm (Annelida: Clitellata) fauna of Chhattisgarh, India
Authors: M. Nurul Hasan  , Ahmed Shakoor , Deuti Kaushik , Marimuthu Nithyanandam 
Published: April 2023

Present communication is the first study on earthworm fauna of Chhattisgarh in central India. A total of nine species belonging to seven genera and five families—Moniligastridae, Eudrilidae, Lumbricidae, Megascolecidae, and Octochaetidae—were collected from different parts of the state. Among the families, Megascolecidae is most dominant with maximum number of species; other families are represented by a single species in each. The earthworm fauna of the state is comprised of both native (5 species) and exotic peregrine (4 species). A brief description, distribution and identification key for the recorded species is provided. Further surveys are required, which could lead to finding of more species.
Review Essay on Jacques Berlinerblau, Secularism: The Basics
Authors: Verma Vidhu 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Jacques Berlinerblau’s “Secularism: The Basics” asks how much and what kind of state separation from religion is required to secure the multiple notions of secularism that have come to dominate debates on faith in the global context. By organizing the book around a distinct set of issues, including questions about the meanings of secularism and its appearance in different contexts that benefit liberal democracy, Berlinerblau implicitly gives voice to the continuity of the tradition of secularism for a large segment of the academic field that has been evolving for the last three decades. While opposing secularism as a monocultural phenomenon, he grapples with the normative pre-definition of political secularism that refers to legally binding actions of the secular state that seek to regulate the relationship between itself and religious citizens and between religious citizens.
Institutional geography: effects of physical distance on agency autonomy
Authors: Jacobsen Dag Ingvar , Trondal Jarle 
Published: April 2023

Establishing government agencies outside ministerial departments is frequently justified by a need to safeguard agency autonomy. In addition to ‘formal agencification’, that is, erecting formal barriers between agencies and ministries, agencies are also frequently (re)located physically distant from ministries to both signal and strengthen agency autonomy. However, we know little of the effects of physical location and distance on agency autonomy. Using two large surveys from 2006 and 2016, this study examines how geographical location and distance affect agency autonomy. Our study establishes that agency autonomy is only weakly associated with physical location and distance, and is much less important than political salience. Whereas a conventional claim is that agency autonomy may be strengthened by physically (re)locating agencies at arm's length distance from the core executive, our study suggests that physical (re)location represents an ineffective administrative policy design-tool when applied to agency autonomy. Points for practitioners Physical distance between agencies and parent ministries is only remotely associated with agency autonomy. Physical location thus represents an ineffective design-tool if the purpose is to increase agency autonomy
A Public Health Laboratory Information System in Support of Health Emergencies: The Nebraska Public Health Laboratory COVID-19 Experience
Authors: Campbell Walter S. , Donahue Matthew , Williams Robin M. , McCutchen Emily , Broadhurst Jana , Schnaubelt Andy , Staffend Nicholas J. , Hinrichs Steven H. , Iwen Peter C. 
Published: April 2023

Objectives: Public health laboratories (PHLs) are essential components of US Public Health Service operations. The health information technology that supports PHLs is central to effective and efficient laboratory operations and overall public health response to infectious disease management. This analysis presents key information on how the Nebraska Public Health Laboratory (NPHL) information technology system evolved to meet the demands of the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: COVID-19 presented numerous, unforeseen information technology system challenges. The most notable challenges requiring changes to NPHL software systems and capability were improving efficiency of the laboratory operation due to high-volume testing, responding daily to demands for timely data for analysis by partner systems, interfacing with multiple testing (equipment) platforms, and supporting community-based specimen collection programs. Results: Improvements to the NPHL information technology system enabled NPHL to perform >121 000 SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction tests from March 2020 through January 2022 at a sustainable rate of 2000 SARS-CoV-2 tests per day, with no increase in laboratory staffing. Electronic reporting of 62 000 rapid antigen tests eliminated paper reporting and extended testing services throughout the state. Collection of COVID-19 symptom data before specimen collection enabled NPHL to make data-driven decisions to perform pool testing and conserve testing kits when supplies were low. Practice Implications: NPHL information technology applications proved essential for managing health care provider workload, prioritizing the use of scarce testing supplies, and managing Nebraska’s overall pandemic response. The NPHL experience provides useful examples of a highly capable information technology system and suggests areas for additional attention in the PHL environment, including a focus on end users, collaboration with various partners, and investment in information technology.
Association of Elective Neck Dissection With Survival in cT1N0M0 Floor of Mouth Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Population-Based Propensity Score Matching Analysis
Authors: Li Tao , Xiang Xianwang , Wang Yi , Chen Chuanjun 
Published: April 2023

Background Studies on neck management of early-stage floor of mouth (FOM) squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are very few and controversial. We aimed to study whether elective neck dissection (END) for patients with clinically stage T1N0M0 (cT1N0M0) FOM SCC is beneficial for survival. Methods Information on patients diagnosed with cT1N0M0 FOM SCC between 2004 and 2015 was collected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. Cox proportional risk models and Kaplan–Meier curves were used for survival analysis and log-rank tests were performed to compare whether overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) differed. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to eliminate the effect of confounding variables. Results There were 1014 patients with cT1N0M0 FOM SCC. Among them, END group: 455 cases; observation group: 559 cases. COX regression analysis before PSM demonstrated hazard ratio (HR) in the observation group compared to END (OS: 1.108 (.926–1.326), P = .262; CSS: 1.033 (.772–1.382), P = .827). There was no survival difference between END and observation survival before PSM (5-year OS: 71.8% vs. 67.8%, P = .180; 5-year CSS: 84.5% vs. 84.8%, P = .930); the matched results were the same as before PSM. Conclusion Observation may be a more appropriate option compared with END in cT1N0M0 FOM SCC.
Clinical practice recommendations for management of lateropulsion after stroke determined by a Delphi expert panel
Authors: Nolan Jessica , Jacques Angela , Godecke Erin , Abe Hiroaki , Babyar Suzanne , Bergmann Jeannine , Birnbaum Melissa , Dai Shenhao , Danells Cynthia , Edwards Taiza GS , Gandolfi Marialuisa , Jahn Klaus , Koter Ryan , Mansfield Avril , Nakamura Junji , Pardo Vicky , Perennou Dominic , Piscicelli Celine , Punt David , Romick-Sheldon Devra , Saeys Wim , Smania Nicola , Vaes Nathalie , Whitt Abigail L , Singer Barbara 
Published: April 2023

Objective People exhibiting post-stroke lateropulsion actively push their body across the midline to the more affected side and/or resist weight shift toward the less affected side. Despite its prevalence and associated negative rehabilitation outcomes, no clinical practice guidelines exist for the rehabilitation of post-stroke lateropulsion. We aimed to develop consensus-based clinical practice recommendations for managing post-stroke lateropulsion using an international expert panel. Design This Delphi panel process conformed with Guidance on Conducting and Reporting Delphi Studies recommendations. Participants Panel members had demonstrated clinical and/or scientific background in the rehabilitation of people with post-stroke lateropulsion. Main Measures The process consisted of four electronic survey rounds. Round One consisted of 13 open questions. Subsequent rounds ascertained levels of agreement with statements derived from Round One. Consensus was defined a priori as ≥75% agreement (agree or strongly agree), or ≥70% agreement after excluding ‘unsure’ responses. Results Twenty participants completed all four rounds. Consensus was achieved regarding a total of 119 recommendations for rehabilitation approaches and considerations for rehabilitation delivery, positioning, managing fear of falling and fatigue, optimal therapy dose, and discharge planning. Statements for which ‘some agreement’ (50%–74% agreement) was achieved and those for which recommendations remain to be clarified were recorded. Conclusions These recommendations build on existing evidence to guide the selection of interventions for post-stroke lateropulsion. Future research is required to elaborate specific rehabilitation strategies, consider the impact of additional cognitive and perceptual impairments, describe positioning options, and detail optimal therapy dose for people with lateropulsion.