Life Sciences Commons^™

Determination Of P Availability In Feedstuffs And The Effect Of Feedstuffs And Anti-Nutritional Factors On Secretory Iga Production And Host Nutrient Losses In Poultry, Benjamin Parsons

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The availability of P in feedstuffs and the effect of feedstuffs, feed additives, and anti-nutritional factors on secretory IgA (sIgA) production in chickens were evaluated. A rapid method was developed using the precision-fed rooster assay to evaluate phytic acid disappearance, P digestibility, and phytase efficacy. Further, exogenous phytase was found to be effective at degrading myo-inositol 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexakis, however, the enzyme was less efficient at P release from lower inositol phosphates. The availability of P in feedstuffs was found to be affected by dietary Ca content, where increasing Ca linearly reduced (P < 0.05) both phytic acid hydrolysis and P digestibility. For example, the standardized ileal digestibility of P was reduced from 73 to 47% in soybean meal when the dietary Ca content was increased from 0.30 to 0.75%. The digestibility of P in distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and corn fermented protein (CFP), however, was high across all Ca levels (71 to 80%). Relative P bioavailability based on tibia bone ash was also found to be high for DDGS and CFP, being 81 and 78%, respectively. Upon further evaluation, it was observed that utilizing low dietary Ca levels (0.30%) when P digestibility in individual plant-based feedstuffs was determined overestimated the P digestibility in practical grower diets by up to 16 percentage units. Utilization of higher Ca levels (0.75%) when P digestibility in individual plant-based feedstuffs was determined, however, resulted in calcualted P digestibility values that were within 1 to 3 percentage units of the measured digestibility in practical grower diets. Aside from P, feedstuffs were also evaluated to determine their effect on sIgA production in the intestine. Roosters excreted approximately 6 to 30 mg of sIgA / 24 h. Further, the proportional contribution of sIgA to total endogenous amino acid (AA) losses ranged from 1 to 13%, with the greatest contribution being observed for Trp. The addition of casein to a protein-free diet increased (P < 0.05) sIgA production in both roosters and broiler chickens. There was no change (P > 0.05) in sIgA production compared with the protein-free diet …

Enhanced Wound Care Identification And Intervention, Melissa Faura Rd, Ldn, Rachel Geosits Ms, Rdn, Cnsc, Ldn, Ann Flickinger Ms, Rd, Ldn

Clinical Nutrition Service

No abstract provided.

A 2-Tiered Educational Program To Enhance Nutrition Knowledge, Confidence And Application Among Medical Residents, Kimberly Cephas Ms, Rd, Cnsc, Ldn, Jacqueline Labatch Rd, Cnsc, Ldn, Renee Selby Rd, Cnsc, Ldn

Clinical Nutrition Service

No abstract provided.

Assessing The Barriers To Utilizing Length Boards In A Level Iv Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Heather Kistler Rd, Csp, Ldn, Kristi L. Ruth Rd, Cnsc, Ldn, Laura Kurtz Ms, Rd, Ldn

Clinical Nutrition Service

No abstract provided.

The Application Of Simultaneous Mainstem Bronchus Dilation With Pulmonary Artery Stenting In The Context Of Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, Sylwia Hasterok, Thomas G Scott, Devin G Roller, Adam Spencer, Arun B Dutta, Kizhakke M Sathyan, Daniel E Frigo, Michael J Guertin, Daniel Gioeli

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The clinical success of combined androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and radiotherapy (RT) in prostate cancer created interest in understanding the mechanistic links between androgen receptor (AR) signaling and the DNA damage response (DDR). Convergent data have led to a model where AR both regulates, and is regulated by, the DDR. Integral to this model is that the AR regulates the transcription of DDR genes both at a steady state and in response to ionizing radiation (IR). In this study, we sought to determine which immediate transcriptional changes are induced by IR in an AR-dependent manner. Using PRO-seq to quantify changes …

Mesenchymal Stem Cells In The Treatment Of Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Erica Lang, Julie A. Semon

Biological Sciences Faculty Research & Creative Works

Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) is a Disease Caused by Mutations in Different Genes Resulting in Mild, Severe, or Lethal Forms. with No Cure, Researchers Have Investigated the Use of Cell Therapy to Correct the Underlying Molecular Defects of OI. Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) Are of Particular Interest Because of their Differentiation Capacity, Immunomodulatory Effects, and their Ability to Migrate to Sites of Damage. MSCs Can Be Isolated from Different Sources, Expanded in Culture, and Have Been Shown to Be Safe in Numerous Clinical Applications. This Review Summarizes the Preclinical and Clinical Studies of MSCs in the Treatment of OI. Altogether, the …

Transferability Of Tsetse Habitat Models Between Different Regions In Kenya And Rwanda, Stella Gachoki, Anton Vrieling, Thomas A. Groen, Andrew Skidmore, Daniel Masiga

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Accurate and reliable information on the distribution of tsetse habitats is crucial for the effective management of African Trypanosomiasis in sub-Saharan Africa. However, conducting large-scale surveillance of tsetse flies to develop distribution maps is impractical due to vast areas infested and limited resources available. To address this challenge, we evaluated the applicability of tsetse habitat models developed in the intensively sampled Shimba Hills National Reserve in Kenya for both the wet and the dry season, to two other regions in Kenya (Ruma National Park and Nguruman Conservancy) and one region in Rwanda (Akagera National Park). The models utilized satellite-based estimates …

Effects Of Landcover On Mesocarnivore Density And Detection Rate Along An Urban To Rural Gradient, Leah E. Mctigue, Brett Degregorio

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

Human development has major implications for wildlife populations. Urban-exploiter species can benefit from human subsidized resources, whereas urban-avoider species can vanish from wildlife communities in highly developed areas. Therefore, understanding how the density of different species varies in response to landcover changes associated with human development can provide important insight into how wildlife communities are likely to change and provide a starting point for predicting the consequences of those changes. Here, we estimated the population density of five common mesocarnivore species (coyote (Canis latrans), bobcat (Lynx rufus), red fox (Vulpes vulpes), raccoon (Procyon …

Detection Of Dsrab Operon Expression In Desulfotalea Psychrophila Cells Subjected To Simulated Martian Conditions Of Temperature And Regolith's Sulphate Minerals Composition, Sergio Mosquera, Mack Ivey, Vincent F. Chevrier

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

Discoveries of transient liquid water in the Martian polar caps and the presence of liquid lakes and subsurface oceans in icy satellites have increased the interest of scientists in the capabilities of terrestrial extremophiles to grow and remain metabolically active in these extreme environments. The principal goal of this research is to understand the metabolic capacity of the anaerobic psychrophile, Desulfotalea psychrophila, cultured at subfreezing temperatures in media containing various concentrations of sulphate minerals. In this regard, our experiments focused on the detection of D. psychrophila survival and active metabolism, employing a biochamber that can recreate Martian temperatures. Using …

Substantial Blue Carbon Sequestration In The World’S Largest Seagrass Meadow, Chuancheng Fu, Sofia Frappi, Michelle N. Havlik, Wells Howe, S. David Harris, Elisa Laiolo, Austin J. Gallagher, Pere Masqué, Carlos M. Duarte

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Seagrass meadows are important sinks for organic carbon and provide co-benefits. However, data on the organic carbon stock in seagrass sediments are scarce for many regions, particularly The Bahamas, which accounts for up to 40.7% of the documented global seagrass area, limiting formulation of blue carbon strategies. Here, we sampled 10 seagrass meadows across an extensive island chain in The Bahamas. We estimate that Bahamas seagrass meadows store 0.42–0.59 Pg organic carbon in the top-meter sediments with an accumulation rate of 2.1–2.9 Tg annually, representing a substantial global blue carbon hotspot. Autochthonous organic carbon in sediments decreased from ~1980 onwards, …

The Role Of Governance In Rewilding The United States To Stem The Biodiversity Crisis, Shelby C. Carlson, John A. Vucetich, L Mark Elbroch, Shelby Perry, Lydia A. Roe, Tom Butler, Jeremy T. Bruskotter

Michigan Tech Publications

A critical but underattended feature of the biodiversity crisis is the contraction of geographic range experienced by most studied terrestrial vertebrates. In the United States, the primary policy tool for mitigating the biodiversity crisis is a federal law, the Endangered Species Act (ESA). For the past two decades, the federal agencies that administer the ESA have interpreted the act in a manner that precludes treating this geographic element of the crisis. Therefore, the burden of mitigating the biodiversity crisis largely falls on wildlife agencies within state government, which are obligated to operate on behalf of the interests of their constituents. …

Global Dataset Of Soil Organic Carbon In Tidal Marshes, Tania L. Maxwell, André S. Rovai, Maria F. Adame, Janine B. Adams, José Álvarez-Rogel, William E. N. Austin, Kim Beasy, Francesco Boscutti, Michael E. Böttcher, Tjeerd J. Bouma, Richard H. Bulmer, Annette Burden, Shannon A. Burke, Saritta Camacho, Doongar R. Chaudhary, Gail L. Chmura, Margareth Copertino, Grace M. Cott, Christopher Craft, John Day, Carmen B. De Los Santos, Lionel Denis, Weixin Ding, Joanna C. Ellison, Carolyn J. E. Lewis, Luise Giani, Maria Gispert, Swanne Gontharet, José A. González-Pérez, M. Nazaret González-Alcaraz, Connor Gorham, Anna E. L. Graversen, Anthony Grey, Roberta Guerra, Qiang He, James R. Holmquist, Alice R. Jones, José A. Juanes, Brian P. Kelleher, Karen E. Kohfeld, Dorte Krause-Jensen, Anna Lafratta, Paul S. Lavery, Edward A. Laws, Carmen Leiva-Dueñas, Pei S. Loh, Catherine E. Lovelock, Carolyn J. Lundquist, Peter I. Macreadie, Inés Mazarrasa, J. Patrick Megonigal, Joao M. Neto, Juliana Nogueira, Michael J. Osland, Jordi F. Pagès, Nipuni Perera, Eva-Maria Pfeiffer, Thomas Pollmann, Jacqueline L. Raw, María Recio, Ana C. Ruiz-Fernández, Sophie K. Russell, John M. Rybczyk, Marek Sammul, Christian Sanders, Rui Santos, Oscar Serrano, Matthias Siewert, Craig Smeaton, Zhaoliang Song, Carmen Trasar-Cepeda, Robert R. Twilley, Marijn Van De Broek, Stefano Vitti, Livia V. Antisari, Baptiste Voltz, Christy N. Wails, Raymond D. Ward, Melissa Ward, Jaxine Wolfe, Renmin Yang, Sebastian Zubrzycki, Emily Landis, Lindsey Smart, Mark Spalding, Thomas A. Worthington

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Tidal marshes store large amounts of organic carbon in their soils. Field data quantifying soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks provide an important resource for researchers, natural resource managers, and policy-makers working towards the protection, restoration, and valuation of these ecosystems. We collated a global dataset of tidal marsh soil organic carbon (MarSOC) from 99 studies that includes location, soil depth, site name, dry bulk density, SOC, and/or soil organic matter (SOM). The MarSOC dataset includes 17,454 data points from 2,329 unique locations, and 29 countries. We generated a general transfer function for the conversion of SOM to SOC. Using this …

A Comprehensive Assessment Of Anthropogenic And Natural Sources And Sinks Of Australasia's Carbon Budget, Yohanna Villalobos, Josep G. Canadell, Elizabeth D. Keller, Peter R. Briggs, Beata Bukosa, Donna L. Giltrap, Ian Harman, Timothy W. Hilton, Miko U. F. Kirschbaum, Ronny Lauerwald, Liyin L. Liang, Taylor Maavara, Sara E. Mikaloff-Fletcher, Peter J. Rayner, Laure Resplandy, Judith Rosentreter, Eva M. Metz, Oscar Serrano, Benjamin Smith

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Regional carbon budget assessments attribute and track changes in carbon sources and sinks and support the development and monitoring the efficacy of climate policies. We present a comprehensive assessment of the natural and anthropogenic carbon (C-CO2) fluxes for Australasia as a whole, as well as for Australia and New Zealand individually, for the period from 2010 to 2019, using two approaches: bottom-up methods that integrate flux estimates from land-surface models, data-driven models, and inventory estimates; and top-down atmospheric inversions based on satellite and in situ measurements. Our bottom-up decadal assessment suggests that Australasia's net carbon balance was close to carbon …

Assessing Risks For Bovine And Zoonotic Tuberculosis Through Spatial Analysis And A Questionnaire Survey In Fiji – A Pilot Study, Jenny-Ann L. M. L. Toribio, Keresi Lomata, Sam Fullman, Aaron Jenkins, Elva Borja, Shumaila Arif, Jarrad Mckercher, David Blake, Anabel Garcia, Richard J. Whittington, Frank Underwood, Ben J. Marais

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Mycobacterium bovis causes tuberculosis in cattle and when transmitted to humans typically causes extra-pulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB). Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) has a global distribution and is controlled in most countries to protect animal and public health. Recent studies revealed that bTB is established on dairy farms in Fiji where EPTB cases have been reported in people. The aims of this pilot investigation were to look for putative zoonotic TB (EPTB) cases in people and to evaluate practices that might contribute to the persistence and transmission of M. bovis between cattle and to humans. Existing data sets were shared between the Fiji …

Blastocyst Quality And Reproductive And Perinatal Outcomes: A Multinational Multicentre Observational Study, Haowen Zou, James M. Kemper, Elizabeth R. Hammond, Fengqin Xu, Gensheng Liu, Lintao Xue, Xiaohong Bai, Hongqing Liao, Songguo Xue, Shuqin Zhao, Lan Xia, Jean Scott, Vincent Chapple, Masoud Afnan, Dean E. Morbeck, Ben W. J. Mol, Yanhe Liu, Rui Wang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

STUDY QUESTION: Does the transfer of single low-grade blastocysts result in acceptable reproductive and perinatal outcomes compared to the transfer of single good-grade blastocysts? SUMMARY ANSWER: The transfer of single low-grade blastocysts resulted in a reduced live birth rate of around 30% (14% for very low-grade blastocysts) compared to 44% for single good-grade blastocysts, but does not lead to more adverse perinatal outcomes. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: It is known that low-grade blastocysts can result in live births. However, the current studies are limited by relatively small sample sizes and single-centre designs. Furthermore, evidence on perinatal outcomes after transferring low-grade …

Gut Microbial Communities Of Hybridising Pygmy Angelfishes Reflect Species Boundaries, Megan J. Huggett, Jean-Paul A. Hobbs, Federico Vitelli, Michael Stat, Tane H. Sinclair-Taylor, Michael Bunce, Joseph D. Dibattista

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Hybridisation and introgression of eukaryotic genomes can generate new species or subsume existing ones, with direct and indirect consequences for biodiversity. An understudied component of these evolutionary forces is their potentially rapid effect on host gut microbiomes, and whether these pliable microcosms may serve as early biological indicators of speciation. We address this hypothesis in a field study of angelfishes (genus Centropyge), which have one of the highest prevalence of hybridisation within coral reef fish. In our study region of the Eastern Indian Ocean, the parent fish species and their hybrids cohabit and display no differences in their diet, behaviour, …

Heart Brain Clinic: An Integrated Approach To Stroke Care, Muhammad Bilal Tariq, Syed Kalimullah S Qadri, Anjail Sharrief, Kathleen Tulod, Abhijeet Dhoble, Sidhanta Gurung, Maria Jamilla Lacap, Munachi Okpala, Bharti Manwani, Richard W Smalling, Nicole Gonzales

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background and objectives: Multidisciplinary clinics have been shown to improve care. Patients with patent foramen ovale (PFO)-associated stroke need evaluation by cardiology and neurology specialists. We report our experience creating a multidisciplinary Structural Heart Brain Clinic (HBC) with a focus on patients with PFO-associated stroke.

Methods: Demographic and clinical data were retrospectively collected for patients with PFO-associated ischemic stroke. Patients with PFO-associated stroke were divided into a standard care group and Heart Brain Clinic group for analysis. Outcome measures included time from stroke to PFO closure and number of clinic visits before decision regarding closure. Nonparametric analysis evaluated differences in …

A Comprehensive Review On Metal Oxide-Nanocellulose Composites In Sustainable Active And Intelligent Food Packaging, Kalpani Y. Perera, Amit Jaiswal, Swarma Jaiswal, Dileswar Pradhan

Articles

The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the potential advantages and drawbacks of nanocellulose and metal oxide-based composites in food packaging. These materials offer improved mechanical and barrier properties, as well as antioxidant and antimicrobial benefits that extend the shelf life of food products. Nanocomposite structures protect food from various physiological factors and immobilize enzymes, while metal oxide nanoparticles provide antibacterial effects against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. However, there are concerns regarding the safety of nanoparticles and their potential migration into packaged food during processing and storage. This article explores these issues and highlights the need …

Globally-Distributed Microbial Eukaryotes Exhibit Endemism At Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Vents, Sarah K. Hu, Amy R. Smith, Rika E. Anderson, Sean P. Sylva, Michael Setzer, Maria Steadmon, Kiana L. Frank, Eric W. Chan, Darlene S. S. Lim, John A. Breier

School of Earth, Environmental, & Marine Sciences Faculty Publications

Single-celled microbial eukaryotes inhabit deep-sea hydrothermal vent environments and play critical ecological roles in the vent-associated microbial food web. 18S rRNA amplicon sequencing of diffuse venting fluids from four geographically- and geochemically-distinct hydrothermal vent fields was applied to investigate community diversity patterns among protistan assemblages. The four vent fields include Axial Seamount at the Juan de Fuca Ridge, Sea Cliff and Apollo at the Gorda Ridge, all in the NE Pacific Ocean, and Piccard and Von Damm at the Mid-Cayman Rise in the Caribbean Sea. We describe species diversity patterns with respect to hydrothermal vent field and sample type, identify …

A Review Of Threat Vectors To Dna Sequencing Pipelines, Tyler Rector

Cybersecurity Undergraduate Research Showcase

Bioinformatics is a steadily growing field that focuses on the intersection of biology with computer science. Tools and techniques developed within this field are quickly becoming fixtures in genomics, forensics, epidemiology, and bioengineering. The development and analysis of DNA sequencing and synthesis have enabled this significant rise in demand for bioinformatic tools. Notwithstanding, these bioinformatic tools have developed in a research context free of significant cybersecurity threats. With the significant growth of the field and the commercialization of genetic information, this is no longer the case. This paper examines the bioinformatic landscape through reviewing the biological and cybersecurity threats within …

Outcome Of Philadelphia Chromosome-Positive Chronic Myeloid Leukemia In The United States Since The Introduction Of Imatinib Therapy–The Surveillance, Epidemiology, And End Results Database, 2000–2019, Koji Sasaki, Fadi G Haddad, Nicholas J Short, Nitin Jain, Ghayas Issa, Elias Jabbour, Hagop Kantarjian

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Since the introduction of BCR::ABL1 tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in 2000, the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome (Ph)-positive chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) has improved significantly.

Methods: This study aimed to evaluate Ph-positive CML outcomes in the TKI therapy era, considering factors like age, ethnicity, and income. Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, 2857 patients with Ph-positive CML diagnosed from 2000 to 2019 were analyzed.

Results: The overall 5-year survival rates in Ph-positive CML increased to above 80%, compared with pre-TKIs historical data reporting 5-year overall survival (OS) rates of less than 50%. The 5-year OS rate was …

An Update On The Management Of Advanced Phase Chronic Myeloid Leukemia, Nicholas J Short, Jayastu Senapati, Elias Jabbour

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Purpose of review: While most patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) present in a chronic phase and are expected to have a normal life expectancy, some patients present with or progress to a more aggressive accelerated phase (AP) or blast phase (BP) of CML. Herein, we discuss the diagnostic considerations of advanced phase CML and review its contemporary management.

Recent findings: Later-generation, more potent BCR::ABL1 tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) such as ponatinib may result in superior outcomes in patients with advanced phase CML. For CML-BP, combination approaches directed against the blast immunophenotype appear superior to TKI monotherapy. The role of …

Skin Cancers In Medicare Beneficiaries With Actinic Keratoses, Cassandra Mohr, Yao Li, Lucy J Navsaria, Candice L Hinkston, Sanjay S Shete, David J Margolis, Mackenzie R Wehner

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Importance: Actinic keratoses (AK) are common premalignant skin lesions with a small risk of progressing to cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). There is some evidence that patients with AKs also have increased risks of other skin cancers beyond SCC. However, the absolute risks of skin cancer in patients with AKs are unknown.

Objective: To calculate the absolute and relative risks of future skin cancer in Medicare beneficiaries with AKs.

Design, setting, and participants: This retrospective cohort study was performed using a deidentified, random sample of 4 999 999 fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries from 2009 through 2018. Patients with treated AKs were …

An Evaluation Of Lead Concentration In Commercially Available Tiles, Daidre N. Gamboa

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Workers in the manufacturing and construction industries are at risk of lead exposure in projects that involve removal or installation of tiles, and other individuals exposed to lead, including children may also be at risk. The concern with lead in tiles is thought to be related to the glazing process or the country where the tile was produced. Multiple regulations are in place in the U.S. to protect people from lead exposure, including through surface coatings or painted surfaces. But these regulations do not cover glazed tiles. This study examined whether there are differences in lead concentration in (1) tiles …

The Risk Index As A Basis For Risk/Benefit Analyses And Protocol Optimization In Diagnostic Nuclear Imaging, Juan C Ocampo Ramos, Lukas M Carter, Justin L Brown, Harry Marquis, Carlos F Uribe, Pat B Zanzonico, Wesley E Bolch, Adam L Kesner

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Potential risk associated with low-dose radiation exposures is often expressed using the effective dose (E) quantity. Other risk-related quantities have been proposed as alternatives. The recently introduced risk index (RI) shares similarities with E but expands the metric to incorporate medical imaging-appropriate risks factors including patient-specific size, age, and sex.

Purpose: The aim of this work is to examine the RI metric for quantifying stochastic radiation risk and demonstrate its applications in nuclear imaging. The advantages in this improved metric may help the field progress toward stratified risk consideration in the course of patient management, improve efforts for procedure …

Exploring Illness Perceptions Of Multimorbidity Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Mixed Methods Study, Ayomide Okanlawon Bankole, Rozmin B Jiwani, Forgive Avorgbedor, Jing Wang, Onome H Osokpo, Sara L Gill, Carrie Jo Braden

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Illness perceptions are individual beliefs or experiences about the nature and treatment of their illness. Although extensive research exists about illness perceptions, little is known about illness perceptions of multimorbidity.

Methods: The purpose of this parallel-convergent mixed-methods study was to comprehensively explore illness perception of multimorbidity among community dwelling older adults. Data was collected using one-on-one semi-structured interviews (n=17) and the Multimorbidity Illness Perception Scale (MULTIPleS) (n=116). Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis while quantitative data were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Both qualitative and quantitative findings were integrated to identify differences in illness perceptions of multimorbidity …

Management Strategies And Survival In Cutaneous B-Cell Lymphoma: A Population Based Study, Kyle Lauck, Areebah S Ahmad, Quoc-Bao D Nguyen, Zixi Yang, Suprateek Kundu, Auris O Huen

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

No abstract provided.

Clinical And Molecular Characterization Of Long-Term Survivors With Extensive-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer Treated With First-Line Atezolizumab Plus Carboplatin And Etoposide, Stephen V Liu, Tony S K Mok, Barzin Y Nabet, Aaron S Mansfield, Richard De Boer, György Losonczy, Shunichi Sugawara, Rafal Dziadziuszko, Maciej Krzakowski, Alexey Smolin, Maximilian J Hochmair, Marina C Garassino, Carl M Gay, John V Heymach, Lauren A Byers, Sivuonthanh Lam, Andrés Cardona, Stefanie Morris, Leah Adler, David S Shames, Martin Reck

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Objectives: In the Phase I/III IMpower133 study, first-line atezolizumab plus carboplatin and etoposide (CP/ET) treatment for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) significantly improved overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival versus placebo plus CP/ET. We explored patient and disease characteristics associated with long-term survival in IMpower133, and associations of differential gene expression and SCLC-A (ASCL1-driven), SCLC-N (NEUROD1-driven), SCLC-P (POU2F3-driven), and SCLC-inflamed (SCLC-I) transcriptional subtypes with long-term survival.

Materials and methods: Patients with previously untreated ES-SCLC were randomized 1:1 to four 21-day cycles of CP/ET with atezolizumab or placebo. Long-term survivors (LTS) were defined as patients who lived ≥ 18 months …

In Severe Alcohol-Related Hepatitis, Acute Kidney Injury Is Prevalent, Associated With Mortality Independent Of Liver Disease Severity, And Can Be Predicted Using Il-8 And Micro-Rnas, Luke D Tyson, Stephen Atkinson, Robert W Hunter, Michael Allison, Andrew Austin, James W Dear, Ewan Forrest, Tong Liu, Emma Lord, Steven Masson, Joao Nunes, Paul Richardson, Stephen D Ryder, Mark Wright, Mark Thursz, Nikhil Vergis

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

BACKGROUND: The prevalence, prediction and impact of acute kidney injury (AKI) in alcohol-related hepatitis (AH) is uncertain.

AIMS: We aimed to determine AKI incidence; association with mortality; evaluate serum biomarkers and the modifying effects of prednisolone and pentoxifylline in the largest AH cohort to date.

METHODS: Participants in the Steroids or Pentoxifylline for Alcoholic Hepatitis trial with day zero (D0) creatinine available were included. AKI was defined by modified International Club of Ascites criteria; incident AKI as day 7 (D7) AKI without D0-AKI. Survival was compared by Kaplan-Meier; mortality associations by Cox regression; associations with AKI by binary logistic regression; …

Improving Radiotherapy In Immunosuppressive Microenvironments By Targeting Complement Receptor C5ar1, Callum Beach, David Maclean, Dominika Majorova, Stavros Melemenidis, Dhanya K Nambiar, Ryan K Kim, Gabriel N Valbuena, Silvia Guglietta, Carsten Krieg, Mahnaz Darvish-Damavandi, Tatsuya Suwa, Alistair Easton, Lily Vs Hillson, Ashley K Mcculloch, Ross K Mcmahon, Kathryn Pennel, Joanne Edwards, Sean M O'Cathail, Campbell S Roxburgh, Enric Domingo, Eui Jung Moon, Dadi Jiang, Yanyan Jiang, Qingyang Zhang, Albert C Koong, Trent M Woodruff, Edward E Graves, Tim Maughan, Simon Ja Buczacki, Manuel Stucki, Quynh-Thu Le, Simon J Leedham, Amato J Giaccia, Monica M Olcina

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

An immunosuppressive microenvironment causes poor tumor T cell infiltration and is associated with reduced patient overall survival in colorectal cancer. How to improve treatment responses in these tumors is still a challenge. Using an integrated screening approach to identify cancer-specific vulnerabilities, we identified complement receptor C5aR1 as a druggable target, which when inhibited improved radiotherapy, even in tumors displaying immunosuppressive features and poor CD8+ T cell infiltration. While C5aR1 is well-known for its role in the immune compartment, we found that C5aR1 is also robustly expressed on malignant epithelial cells, highlighting potential tumor cell-specific functions. C5aR1 targeting resulted in increased …