bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Figure 2 from Preclinical Development of T Cells Engineered to Express a T-Cell Antigen Coupler Targeting Claudin 18.2–Positive Solid Tumors
Authors: Xu Stacey X. , Wang Ling , Ip Philbert , Randhawa Ritu R. , Benatar Tania , Prosser Suzanna L. , Lal Prabha , Khan Alima Naim , Nitya-Nootan Thanyashanthi , Thakor Gargi , MacGregor Heather , Hayes Danielle L , Vucicevic Andrea , Mathew Princy , Sengupta Sadhak , Helsen Christopher W. , Bader Andreas G.
Published: January 2025

CLDN18.2-specific activation of TAC01-CLDN18.2. A, CLDN18.2 ddPCR mRNA analysis of cancer cells naturally and ectopically expressing CLDN18.2. Expression is shown as CLDN18.2 mRNA copy number relative to the reference gene RPP30 and normalized to OE19 cells. B and C, Flow cytometry analysis of surface CD69 and intracellular cytokine expression in CLDN18.2-TAC and NTD T cells after a 4-hour coculture (B) and T-cell proliferation after 4-day coculture (C) with target cells described in (A). All data are shown as averages with SDs derived from experiments done with three cell products, each from a separate donor, as indicated by the different symbols. Whereas the level of TAC01-CLDN18.2 activation against CLDN18.2-expressing target cells varied across the various assays and target cells, overall activation was significantly higher in TAC01-CLDN18.2 compared with NTD controls (see statistical analysis in Supplementary Table S4).
Figure 1 from Preclinical Development of T Cells Engineered to Express a T-Cell Antigen Coupler Targeting Claudin 18.2–Positive Solid Tumors
Authors: Xu Stacey X. , Wang Ling , Ip Philbert , Randhawa Ritu R. , Benatar Tania , Prosser Suzanna L. , Lal Prabha , Khan Alima Naim , Nitya-Nootan Thanyashanthi , Thakor Gargi , MacGregor Heather , Hayes Danielle L , Vucicevic Andrea , Mathew Princy , Sengupta Sadhak , Helsen Christopher W. , Bader Andreas G.
Published: January 2025

TAC01-CLDN18.2 phenotype and specificity. A, Schematic of the CLDN18.2-TAC receptor (blue). B, Left, Flow cytometry analysis of surface CD69 (y-axis) vs. TAC receptor (x-axis) of NTD control (top) and CLDN18.2-TAC T cells (bottom). Right, Histograms of flow cytometry data from three TAC01-CLDN18.2 products and three corresponding NTD products showing the minimum, maximum, and mean of CD4+ (top) and CD8+ (bottom) T-cell memory phenotypes gated as follows: TSCM (CD45RA+, CCR7+, CD62L+), TCM (CD45RA−, CCR7+, CD62L+), TEM (CD45RA−, CCR7−, CD62L−), and TEMRA (CD45RA+, CCR7−, CD62L−). C, Lack of cross-reactivity against human CLDN18.1. Left, Flow cytometry analysis of CLDN18.1 and CLDN18.2 surface expression in N87 cells ectopically expressing human CLDN18.1 and CLDN18.2 using a pan-specific anti-CLDN18 antibody recognizing both isoforms. Right, Flow analysis of CD69 surface expression in CLDN18.2-TAC T and NTD control T cells after a 4-hour coculture with target cells, as indicated. D, Cross-reactivity with murine CLDN18.2. Left: ddPCR mRNA analysis of human and mouse CLDN18.2 in N87 cells ectopically expressing the human (hCLDN18.2) and murine (mCLDN18.2) homologs as well as stomach and lung tissues from naïve NSG mice. Right, Flow analysis of CD69 surface expression in CLDN18.2-TAC T and NTD cells after a 4-hour coculture with target cells. Averages and SDs derived from three cell products manufactured from three separate donors are shown (C and D). MFI, median fluorescence intensity; mus, Mus musculus v. alba; ND, not detected; n.s., not statistically significant (two-way ANOVA, alpha = 0.05); TEM; effector memory T cells; TEMRA; T cells that re-express CD45RA; TCM; central memory T cells; TSCM, stem cell-like memory T cells.
Figure S1 from Level of Expression of MHCI-Presented Neoepitopes Influences Tumor Rejection by Neoantigen-Specific CD8+ T Cells
Authors: Deng Li , Walsh Scott R. , Nguyen Andrew , Inkol Jordon M. , Westerveld Michael J. , Chen Lan , El-Sayes Nader , Mossman Karen L. , Workenhe Samuel T. , Wan Yonghong
Published: January 2025

IFNγ pre-treatment driven enhanced MHCI expression fails to make MC38 cells susceptible to prophylactic Adpgk vaccination.
Data from Transient EZH2 Suppression by Tazemetostat during In Vitro Expansion Maintains T-Cell Stemness and Improves Adoptive T-Cell Therapy
Authors: Hou Yingqin , Zak Jaroslav , Shi Yujie , Pratumchai Isaraphorn , Dinner Brandon , Wang Wenjian , Qin Ke , Weber Evan W. , Teijaro John R. , Wu Peng
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The histone methyltransferase enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) plays important roles in T-cell differentiation, proliferation, and function. Previous studies have demonstrated that genetic deletion of EZH2 in CD8+ or total T cells impairs their antiviral and antitumor activities, cytokine production, and ability to expand upon rechallenge. Contrary to the detrimental role of deleting T cell–intrinsic EZH2, in this study, we demonstrated that transient inhibition of EZH2 in T cells prior to the phenotypic onset of exhaustion with a clinically approved inhibitor, tazemetostat (Taz), delayed their dysfunctional progression and preserved T-cell stemness and polyfunctionality but had no negative impact on cell proliferation. Taz-induced T-cell epigenetic reprogramming increased the expression of the self-renewal T-cell transcription factor TCF1 by reducing H3K27 methylation at its promoter preferentially in rapidly dividing T cells. In a murine melanoma model, T cells depleted of EZH2 induced poor tumor control, whereas adoptively transferred T cells pretreated with Taz exhibited superior antitumor immunity, especially when used in combination with anti–PD-1 blockade. Collectively, these data highlight the potential of transient epigenetic reprogramming by EZH2 inhibition to enhance adoptive T-cell immunotherapy.
Data from CD27-Armored BCMA CAR T-cell Therapy (CBG-002) for Relapsed and Refractory Multiple Myeloma: A Phase I Clinical Trial
Authors: Xu Yang , Zhang Xuzhao , Xin Dijia , Zhang Jiawei , Wang Luyao , Fan Yili , Chen Boxiao , Lei Wen , Qiu Xi , Jiang Huawei , Xiao Xibin , Huang Liansheng , Yu Jiandong , Yang Xin , Yang Wenjun , Zhu Jiangao , Qian Wenbin
Published: January 2025

Abstract
B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has been approved for the treatment of relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM); however, whether patients have long-term responses has yet to be established. We investigated the feasibility of CBG-002, a CD27-armored BCMA CAR T-cell therapy, to improve clinical efficacy in patients with RRMM. We present preclinical data showing the activity of CBG-002 against myeloma and results from a phase I clinical trial (NCT04706936) evaluating its safety and efficacy in patients with RRMM. The primary endpoint was safety, as assessed by grade 3 or 4 adverse events (AE). Key secondary endpoints were overall response rate (ORR), duration of response (DOR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). A total of 11 patients were enrolled and received CBG-002 therapy. Nine patients developed grade 1 or 2 cytokine release syndrome (CRS), whereas no patients experienced grade 3 or higher CRS or immune effector cell–associated neurotoxicity syndrome. Other grade 3 or higher AEs included neutropenia (72.7%), thrombocytopenia (45.5%), and anemia (36.4%). At a median follow-up of 16.7 months, the ORR was 81.8%, including a stringent complete response/complete response rate of 45.5%, very good partial response rate of 18.2%, and partial response rate of 18.2%, with a median DOR of 8.9 (range 1.8–21.9) months. The median OS was not reached, and the median PFS was 8.5 (2.7–22.9) months. In this phase I study, CBG-002, a CD27-armored BCMA CAR T-cell therapy, demonstrated safety and clinical efficacy in patients with RRMM.
The Bidirectional Interplay between T Cell–Based Immunotherapies and the Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Pherez-Farah Alfredo , Boncompagni Gioia , Chudnovskiy Aleksey , Pasqual Giulia
Published: January 2025

T cell–based therapies, including tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte therapy, T-cell receptor–engineered T cells, and chimeric antigen receptor T cells, are powerful therapeutic approaches for cancer treatment. Whereas these therapies are primarily known for their direct cytotoxic effects on cancer cells, accumulating evidence indicates that they also influence the tumor microenvironment (TME) by altering the cytokine milieu and recruiting additional effector populations to help orchestrate the antitumor immune response. Conversely, the TME itself can modulate the behavior of these therapies within the host by either supporting or inhibiting their activity. In this review, we provide an overview of clinical and preclinical data on the bidirectional influences between T-cell therapies and the TME. Unraveling the interactions between T cell–based therapies and the TME is critical for a better understanding of their mechanisms of action, resistance, and toxicity, with the goal of optimizing efficacy and safety.
Figure 1 from Clonal Hematopoiesis of Indeterminate Potential and its Association with Treatment Outcomes and Adverse Events in Patients with Solid Tumors
Authors: Krishnan Tharani , Solar Vasconcelos Joao Paulo , Titmuss Emma , Vanner Robert J. , Schaeffer David F. , Karsan Aly , Lim Howard , Ho Cheryl , Gill Sharlene , Yip Stephen , Chia Stephen K. , Kennecke Hagen F. , Jonker Derek J. , Chen Eric X. , Renouf Daniel J. , O’Callaghan Chris J. , Loree Jonathan M.
Published: January 2025

Consort diagram and reasons for exclusion.
Racism and Postpartum Blood Pressure in a Multiethnic Prospective Cohort
Authors: Janevic Teresa , Howell Frances M. , Burdick Micki , Nowlin Sarah , Maru Sheela , Boychuk Natalie , Oshewa Oluwadamilola , Monterroso Maria , McCarthy Katharine , Gundersen Daniel A. , Rodriguez Alva , Katzenstein Cecilia , Longley Regina , Whilby Kellee White , Lee Alison , Cabrera Camila , Lewey Jennifer , Howell Elizabeth A. , Levine Lisa D.
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND:

Postpartum hypertension is a key factor in racial-ethnic inequities in maternal mortality. Emerging evidence suggests that experiences of racism, both structural and interpersonal, may contribute to disparities. We examined associations between gendered racial microaggressions (GRMs) during obstetric care with postpartum blood pressure (BP).

METHODS:

We conducted a prospective postpartum cohort of 373 Asian, Black, and Hispanic people in New York City and Philadelphia. At delivery, we administered the GRM in obstetrics scale. We measured BP for 3 months using text-based monitoring. We estimated place-based structural racism with the Structural Racism Effect Index. We used mixed models to estimate associations between GRM and mean postpartum systolic BP and diastolic BP. We adjusted for race-ethnicity, education, body mass index, chronic hypertension (diagnosed at <20 weeks of gestation), age, and the Structural Racism Effect Index. We examined effect modification by hypertensive disorder of pregnancy and place-based structural racism.

RESULTS:

A total of 4.6% of participants had chronic hypertension, 20.9% had pregnancy hypertension, and 13.4% had preeclampsia, comprising a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy subgroup (n=117). A total of 37.5% of participants experienced ≥1 GRM. Participants who experienced ≥1 GRM versus none had 1.88 mm Hg higher systolic BP from days 1 to 10 (95% CI, −0.19 to 3.95) and 2.19 mm Hg higher systolic BP from days 11 to 85 (95% CI, 0.17–4.22). Associations followed a similar pattern for diastolic BP and were stronger among the hypertensive disorder of pregnancy subgroup. Participants experiencing GRM and a high Structural Racism Effect Index had systolic BP 7.55 mm Hg (95% CI, 3.41–11.69) and diastolic BP 6.03 mm Hg (95% CI, 2.66–9.41) higher than those with neither.

CONCLUSIONS:

Structural racism and interpersonal racism are associated with increased postpartum BP, potentially contributing to inequities in postpartum morbidity and mortality and lifecourse cardiovascular disease.
Optimal Word Reading Rate as Evidenced by Frequency-tagging Electrophysiology
Authors: Marchive Marion , Rossion Bruno , Lochy Aliette
Published: January 2025

Fast periodic visual stimulation (FPVS) coupled with EEG has been used for a decade to measure word-selective neural responses in (a)typical adults and developmental readers. Here, we used this FPVS-EEG approach to evaluate suitable and optimal stimulation frequency rates for prelexical and lexical word-selective responses and relate these rates to typical reading speed and interindividual variability in reading performance. EEG was recorded in 41 healthy adults who viewed words inserted periodically (1 Hz) at four different stimulation frequency rates (4 Hz, 6 Hz, 10 Hz, and 20 Hz). At all these stimulation rates but the highest (20 Hz), we found typical left-lateralized, word-selective, occipito-temporal responses, larger for the prelexical (words in nonwords) than lexical (words in pseudowords) contrast. Although significant responses were found at all frequency rates, these responses were negligible at 20 Hz, without any evidence of left lateralization at this frequency. The largest occipito-temporal response was found at a 4 Hz base rate in both hemispheres for the prelexical contrast, with increased left lateralization for the lexical discrimination. Moreover, word-selective responses for this discrimination (lexical), only at 4 Hz, were related to reading speed. The optimal 4 Hz rate finding is in line with the mean reading speed for expert readers as assessed during text reading. Overall, these findings further validate and optimize the FPVS-EEG approach for rapid implicit measurement of word-selective neural responses.
Enacting and Experiencing Martyrdom in 4 Maccabees
Authors: Castelli Silvia
Published: January 2025

Building on second-generation cognitive criticism, notably enactivism, on studies of phonetic iconicity, especially on the use of prosodic and phonological effects to convey meaning, as well as on ancient reflections on enargeia, this article investigates the narrative and linguistic strategies used by 4 Maccabees to create enargeia/immersion in the scene of Eleazar’s martyrdom—one of 4 Maccabees’ most immersive scenes and one of the peaks of the story. Through a close reading focused on verbal forms (tenses and voices), prefixes, adverbial expressions, space markers, bodily movements, phonetic mimesis, prose rhythm, and metaphoric language, it argues that in this scene enargeia is achieved by a narrative carefully constructed through enactive style and linguistic strategies close to the audience’s non-mediated way of perception, highly effective in engaging the audience into an embodied experience of martyrdom.
Exploring the relationship of administrative burden with doctors’ motivation and patients’ experience of care: Evidence from primary healthcare in Catalonia
Authors: Ferraioli Francisco
Published: January 2025

Administrative burden (AB) focuses on citizens’ subjective experiences upon facing administrative tasks as potential public policy beneficiaries. This paper examines the AB experienced by professionals in public healthcare, in this case, by general practitioners (GPs). After distinguishing between red tape and AB, we test whether the onerous experience of following guidelines and procedures is associated with their intrinsic motivation (IM) and, indirectly, with patient experience (PE). We base our analysis on surveys of GPs and PE and satisfaction in Catalonia. Using structural equation modelling, the study confirms a negative association between AB and doctors’ IM and a significant but smaller direct and mediated relationship between AB and PE. Efforts to increase professionals’ performance through standardization may increase service quality. This study shows the importance of considering the negative AB relationship between medical professionals and their patients.

Points for practitioners

This study underscores that although health authorities aim to improve performance through standardization, this often increases the AB on employees with strong professional identities, demotivating them and worsening patient care experiences. Practitioners and managers should consider not only the primary objectives of rules and procedures but also how they shape individual experiences, given their impact on overall organizational performance.
Decolonising social work practice field education: A scoping review
Authors: Jones Michelle , Anka Ann , Segev Einav , Allassad Alhuzail Nuzha , Mohamed Omar , Wallengren-Lynch Michael , Cantley Luke , Mitra vom Berg Nishi , Laver Samantha , Hammond Libby , Chen Henglien Lisa
Published: January 2025

Decolonisation is redressing colonial legacies and reaffirming self-determination. Understandings of decolonisation in social work field education literature were examined using a social justice lens. This scoping review combined systematic database searching with decolonising methods including relational searches. Data synthesis included thematic and deductive analysis to critical frameworks. The 43 studies included were primarily English-speaking and post-2010. Themes emphasised integrating Indigenous knowledge, challenging White dominance, reconstructing spaces, promoting critical reflection, and understanding socio-political contexts. Analysis highlighted the need for ameliorative and transformative change. Cultural and epistemic injustices embedded in social work field education marginalise non-White social work students. If unaddressed, harmful practices will be perpetuated.
Effects of annealing temperature on the formability, mechanical and interface properties of laminated metal composite STS304L/Al1050/STS430
Authors: Pertile Fabrício , Ismail Samyr , Leidens Leonardo M , Schaeffer Lirio , Figueroa Carlos A , Michels Alexandre Fassini
Published: January 2025

Laminated metallic composites (LMCs) produced by cold roll bonding generate high plastic deformation. After the rolling process, it is essential to promote a post-heat treatment (PHT) to increase adhesion, minimize hardening, and enhance the formability of LMCs. In this research, the effects of PHT at low temperatures (250, 350, and 450°C) on LMCs (STS304/Al1050/STS430) obtained by cold rolling were investigated. The Forming Limit Curve (FLC) and mechanical properties such as ultimate tensile strength (σ_UT), yield strength (σ_Y), elongation (ε), and the anisotropy index (r-value) of the LMC were evaluated. Results indicate the best PHT temperature that combines formability, increased adhesion between layers, and better mechanical properties, such as elongation (ε), which increases from 37% to 55%. At this PHT temperature, the brittle intermetallic layer was not detected, and the FLC showed the best performance. Furthermore, in industrial applications, this PHT condition allows energy savings compared to PHT conditions of high process times (>12 h) and/or temperature (>500°C) reported by several works in the literature.
Driving environmental sustainability in the EU specialized milk farms: Strategic CO2 emission reductions for a greener future
Authors: Miran Bülent , Güngör Ertan
Published: January 2025

This study assesses the environmental efficiences of specialized milk farms across the European Union (EU) countries, with a focus on CO2 emissions reduction. Using Tone's model under the assumption of generalized returns to scale, the analysis reveals an average environmental efficiency score of 0.599. Countries like Malta, Ireland, Italy, and the Netherlands have achieved full environmental efficiency, exemplifying optimal environmental performance. In contrast, countries such as Slovakia and Estonia demonstrate lower efficiency, suggesting significant opportunities for emission reductions. Czechia, Bulgaria, and Estonia show environmental efficiency levels ranging from 0.24 to 0.30. In contrast, Finland, Portugal, Romania, Lithuania, Croatia, Hungary, Latvia, and Slovenia have achieved efficiency levels that fall between the average of 0.30 and a value of 0.599. The study highlights that higher populated and higher-income countries tend to exhibit higher environmental efficiency. The findings suggest that to improve environmental efficiency, milk production should be concentrated in larger farms, with an emphasis on sustainable agricultural practices, advanced technologies, and efficient resource management. Furthermore, the study recommends targeted policies and strategies to enhance environmental efficiency, particularly in countries with lower population densities and incomes. These strategies include transitioning to pasture-grazing systems, improving nitrogen use efficiency, enhancing animal welfare, and investing in advanced farming technologies. The study underscores the importance of integrating environmental considerations into broader agricultural policies to achieve sustainability in the specialized milk farms of the EU.
Transformational Teacher Leadership and Physical Education Students’ Intention to be Active: The Mediating Roles of Motor Self-Efficacy and Enjoyment
Authors: Sánchez García Carolina , Reigal Rafael Enrique , Hernández-Martos Jacobo , Hernandez-Mendo Antonio , Morales-Sánchez Verónica
Published: January 2025

Previous research has highlighted positive associations between physical education (PE) teachers’ transformational leadership and their adolescent students’ intentions to be active. However, no prior investigators have addressed mediating variables of students’ motor self-efficacy and enjoyment. Our aim in this study was to re-analyze the relationships between teachers’ transformational leadership style and PE students’ intentions to be active, while also examining the roles of motor self-efficacy and enjoyment as potential mediators in these relationships. The 429 adolescents in our sample were aged 14–16 years ( M = 14.97, SD = 0.85). To assess these variables, we used the Transformational Teaching Questionnaire (TTQ), the Motor Self-Efficacy Scale (MSES), the Intrinsic Satisfaction in Sport Instrument (SSI-EF), and the Intention of Being Physically Active Scale (MIFA). A structural equation model revealed significant and positive relationships between all these variables. Indirect effects were found between a transformational teacher leadership style and students’ intentions to be active, through the students’ motor self-efficacy and enjoyment as mediator variables, with enjoyment the most important mediating variable. Motor self-efficacy and enjoyment mediated the relationship between the teacher’s transformational leadership and the intention to be active, as when students enjoyed themselves and felt capable of successfully performing an activity, they were more inclined to continue practicing that physical activity. This was likely the result of the support and individualized attention the teacher provided through transformational leadership. This type of leadership fosters an environment where students feel valued and motivated, increasing their positive experiences in physical education. Therefore, in this context, it is more likely that they will develop a stronger desire to remain physically active in the future. Thus, teachers might apply transformational leadership to promote students’ increased self-efficacy and enjoyment as a means of influencing their future adherence to active leisure time behaviors.
The Role of Teacher Social-Emotional Support in the Prevention of Adolescent ATOD Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Scales Peter C. , Syvertsen Amy K.
Published: January 2025

We studied alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use (ATOD) among adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic, hypothesizing that social-emotional support from teachers during the pandemic would lessen adolescent-reported use of ATOD in the last 30 days. A sample of 3,086 high school youth (51% girls; 45% youth of color) from seven U.S. communities participated in an anonymous online survey between March 2021 and July 2021. Data were analyzed using logistic regressions and structural equation modeling. Teacher social-emotional support predicted greater perceived risk from using ATOD (OR = 1.36–1.73), less 30-day ATOD use (OR = .65–.84), and greater perceived school cultural responsiveness, adolescent social-emotional competencies, and adolescent use of positive coping strategies. Social-emotional support from teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic was significantly related to students perceiving greater risk from using ATOD and reporting more social-emotional competence, which in turn contributed to less ATOD use in the last 30 days. School policies and practices that strengthen student-teacher relationships can help mitigate adolescent ATOD use.
Affirmative Action in New India: Evaluation of Caste-Based Reservation Policy and Debate Around Economic Criteria
Authors: Kumar Gautam , Behera Minaketan
Published: January 2025

This article aims to examine the role of affirmative action policies in achieving desired outcomes among India’s Scheduled Castes in employment, education, health, and governance. It also addresses how economic criteria are not suitable for it and the problems associated with India’s affirmative action policies. The article reveals that a significant gap persists among castes, and caste is an important indicator of socio-economic backwardness. Thus, affirmative action policies should be maintained and enforced in order to realise the dream of an inclusive society.
International Teleworking in Latin America
Authors: Kabat Marina
Published: January 2025

Desde la pandemia, América Latina experimentó un drástico crecimiento del número de trabajadores que se emplean en forma remota para empresas extranjeras. No obstante, los mismos cambios que facilitaron esta expansión del teletrabajo internacional aceleran la competencia global entre trabajadores, lo que junto con la crisis que atraviesa la industria del software, genera despidos y caída salarial. En este contexto, estudiamos las diferentes trayectorias de los países latinoamericanos, los rubros ocupacionales en que cada uno se inserta, las tensiones que estos cambios generan el ámbito doméstico y los desafíos que presentan para pensar estratégicamente el desarrollo regional.

Since the pandemic, Latin America has experienced a drastic growth in the number of workers employed remotely by foreign companies. However, the same changes that facilitated this expansion of international teleworking have accelerated global competition between workers. This, along with the current crisis of the software industry, leads to layoffs and a drop in wages. This paper addresses the different paths of several Latin American countries, the occupational categories in which each one is inserted, the tensions that these changes produce in the domestic sphere, and the challenges they entail for thinking strategically about regional development.
‘Little Boxes All the Same’: Exploring and contextualizing paradoxes of power in a strategic change programme in a UK university
Authors: Ciuk Sylwia , McCabe Darren
Published: January 2025

Drawing on the paradox literature, this article considers its relevance for those working in a UK university. First, through focusing on a strategic change programme that constituted the university, staff and students as ‘little boxes’, it empirically examines the paradox of centralized empowerment. Second, we argue that centralized empowerment is a manifestation of the wider neoliberal project confronting universities and its paradox of controlled freedom. Finally, we extend a critical understanding of paradox by exploring how power operates in simultaneously repressive and productive ways.
Bombay blood and the ‘Swab-Lite’ method of blood conservation
Authors: Rao Girish , Mohammed Shady , Mohamed Marya , Alkhulaifi Yacob A , Carr Cornelia S
Published: January 2025

Bombay blood (hh blood) is a rare blood group (4 per million), with no expression of the H antigen present in blood group O. Bombay blood patients can only receive Bombay blood, with autodonation used for elective surgery. We present a Bombay patient (haemoglobin 12.1 g/dL) who needed urgent coronary artery bypass graft surgery. In order to try and avoid transfusion, we used a multidisciplinary approach as well as the use of ‘no swabs’ (swab/gauze/sponge), until cardiopulmonary bypass was established. This ‘experiment’ demonstrates that using fewer swabs may be a simple reproducible action that may reduce the need for transfusion, which is especially useful when dealing with a patient of such a rare blood group.
‘Safe Together’. A reflection of a therapeutic art programme for children impacted by parental imprisonment
Authors: Brookes Lorna
Published: January 2025

This article reflects on ‘Safe Together’, an 8-week therapeutic art programme for children impacted by parental imprisonment. Eleven children participated (7–13 years). There were multiple aims; (1) upskilling the children as artists and providing them with tools to create art at home; (2) inviting them to use art to self-sooth; (3) providing a safe-space to discuss experiences of parental imprisonment; (4) inviting them to share their work in an exhibition, (5) creating legacy resources illustrated with their artwork. Resources were created to increase awareness about parental imprisonment, and support other children with lived experience in the form of an illustrated booklet. A thematic evaluation was embedded throughout the programme to gather qualitative feedback about the children's experiences of parental imprisonment and creating art-work. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Pyramid Model was the central theoretical framework used to consider likely enablers of success in this programme. Children also completed a pre- and post-strengths and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ), and parent/caregiver comments were collected to further an understanding of the wider impact of the sessions. Notably, the art exhibition planned to celebrate the cumulation of this programme was cancelled as it coincided with the first UK National Lockdown due to COVID 19. This article reflects on the adjustments made in light of this. In sum, ‘Safe Together’ was considered a useful means for these children to express themselves; unintentionally, the programme also provided a source of support as they entered into lockdown. This article offers recommendations to those considering offering therapeutic art programmes for children with adverse childhood experiences.
Metaverse literacy among Gulf region librarians: Understanding immersive technology adoption and perceptions
Authors: Subaveerapandiyan A
Published: January 2025

This study aims to investigate the current landscape of immersive technologies and metaverse literacy among librarians in the Gulf region, exploring their familiarity, perceptions, and potential impact on library services. A cross-sectional design was adopted, utilizing a comprehensive survey questionnaire distributed to library professionals in six Gulf countries. The survey collected data on participants’ familiarity with immersive technologies, perceived importance of metaverse literacy, and barriers to adoption. The findings indicate a significant level of familiarity among librarians with immersive technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and virtual environments (VEs). There is a consensus among participants regarding the importance of metaverse literacy for providing relevant and up-to-date library services. Despite this recognition, various barriers to adoption were identified, including cost, lack of expertise, privacy concerns, and technical limitations.
Does smooth mean simple? The impact of tactile experience on judgments of difficulty
Authors: Xiong Weirui , Yu Lu , Yang Hai , Liu Keyan
Published: January 2025

People often associate roughness with difficulty, as a figure of speech. Studies have shown that there is a metaphorical connection between the concept of rough versus smooth feel and the degree of difficulty. However, it has not been determined whether rough and smooth tactile experiences influence judgments of perceived task difficulty from the perspective of physical metaphors. This study used the Stroop experimental paradigm and the metaphorical experimental paradigm to investigate the effects of rough and smooth haptic experiences on difficulty judgments of perceptual tasks in two experiments. (1) There is a psychological reality of “difficult concept-rough touch” and “easy concept-smooth touch,” linking the concept of roughness to the rough/smooth touch metaphor; (2) The physical tactile experience of roughness/smoothness had an effect on perceptual task difficulty judgments. After the experience of roughness, participants tended to judge the difficulty as high, while after the experience of smoothness, participants tended to judge the difficulty as low. Rough and smooth haptics affect perceptual task difficulty judgments, and rough and smooth haptic experiences polarize difficulty judgments in the embodied condition.
The cognitive and emotional content of music-evoked autobiographical memories in older adults
Authors: Lesiuk Teresa , Ripani Giulia
Published: January 2025

Music can play a significant role in mitigating cognitive deficits in aging adults. When music is long known and has an emotional significance (i.e., autobiographical music), it can trigger memories of past experiences (i.e., Music-Evoked Autobiographical Memories, MEAMs). In this study, we examined the cognitive and emotional content of MEAMs when older adults listened to autobiographical music. To better understand the unique features of MEAMs, we also compared them with responses to non-autobiographical music. Participants ( N = 18; Mean age = 67.7) were asked to listen to (a) a selection of self-selected autobiographical musical pieces and (b) excerpts of researcher-selected songs. Furthermore, participants completed two surveys on their cognitive and emotional responses to music and took part in follow-up interviews. Results indicated that MEAMs elicited positive emotions, which were strongly felt, and triggered memories of life periods with references to themes such as growing up, love relationships and relationships with family, leisure and working times, and stress releasing. Responses to non-autobiographical music triggered different types of cognitive responses, including assimilating new music sounds, and mainly featured references to negative emotional states. MEAMs should be further investigated as a non-pharmacological treatment for age-related cognitive decline and for clinically diagnosed memory disorders.
Biomechanical Outcomes of Glenoid Bone Graft Fixation Techniques: A Systematic Review
Authors: Brinkman Joseph C. , Lin Eugenia A. , Moore M. Lane , Verma Nikhil N. , Tokish John M.
Published: January 2025

Background:

The Latarjet and other bony augmentation procedures are commonly used to treat anterior shoulder instability in the setting of significant glenoid bone loss. Although several fixation strategies have been reported, the biomechanical strength of these techniques remains poorly understood.

Purpose:

To perform a systematic review of the biomechanical strength of glenoid bony augmentation procedures for anterior shoulder instability.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A systematic search of the Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases was performed to identify biomechanical studies evaluating various fixation strategies for coracoid and other bone transfer procedures for anterior shoulder instability. Biomechanical results included load to failure with both compression and traction forces, stiffness, and cyclic displacement. The quality of included articles was assessed based on the Quality Appraisal for Cadaveric Studies (QUACS) scale.

Results:

A total of 21 biomechanical studies comprising 486 specimens were included. The number of screws used and the addition of washers were found to significantly increase rigidity and load to failure. The comparison of fixation techniques demonstrated mixed results in load to failure between screw and alternative constructs including suture buttons and suture anchors. However, studies that tested graft displacement consistently found more graft displacement in buttons compared with screws. The median and mean of the QUACS scale were both 12, with a range of 10-13.

Conclusion:

Biomechanical studies consistently demonstrated that when glenoid bone grafts were fixed with screws, the number of screws and use of washers significantly increased construct rigidity and load to failure. Different metal screw materials and sizes did not consistently demonstrate a significant difference in biomechanical strength. There are mixed results when comparing suture buttons to screw fixation. The evaluated studies revealed that all double metal screw constructs and the majority of suture button and anchor constructs were able to withstand the glenohumeral load reflective of activities of daily living using a 150-N threshold.
Nursing Facility Characteristics Are Differentially Associated With Family Satisfaction and Regulatory Star Ratings
Authors: Millar Roberto J. , Diehl Christin , Kusmaul Nancy , Stockwell Ian
Published: January 2025

Research suggests that nursing facility structural characteristics are important contributors toward residents’ quality of care. We use 2021 data from 220 Maryland nursing facilities to examine associations between two different quality-of-care metrics: family satisfaction and Care Compare five-star quality ratings. We used descriptive statistics to explore differences in quality metrics across facility ownership (for-profit vs. non-profit), geographic location (urban vs. rural), and resident census (1–60, 61–120, and 121+). Relationships were examined across overall ratings, as well as across subdomains of the two frameworks (e.g., staffing). Family members of residents in non-profit, rural, and low-census facilities rated facilities higher. Non-profit and low-resident census facilities were more likely to be rated four or five stars, while no significant association was observed across geographic location, or interactions across structural factors. Findings emphasize the need for comprehensive quality-of-care frameworks that explore quality care across stakeholders and types of facilities.
Women’s Representation and Federal Employees’ Sexual Harassment Experience
Authors: Liu Ying , Riccucci Norma M.
Published: January 2025

There has been a good deal of research on sexual harassment in public sector workforces. One facet of this body of research that has not been fully explored is the potential impact of gender representativeness on sexual harassment in the workplace. In the context of representative bureaucracy, we examine if increased representation of women in the upper levels of the federal workforce is associated with active bureaucratic outcomes, such as decreased incidents of sexual harassment at the lower levels of bureaucracy. We also examine the effect of gender representation of the team or workgroup of the employees. We find that as the proportion of women supervisors increases, the likelihood of female employees experiencing sexual harassment significantly decreases. We also find that women’s representation in workgroups and the perceived effectiveness of sexual harassment policies are negatively associated with both the likelihood and frequency of sexual harassment.
Do not Forget to Measure the Head: Hydrocephalus Can Phenotypically Mimic Developmental Coordination Disorder
Authors: Garofalo Martinica , Helfferich Jelte , Kloet Reina W. , Sival Deborah A. , Heineman Kirsten R.
Published: January 2025

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a neurodevelopmental condition presenting with poor motor skill development and impaired coordination at a young age. To diagnose DCD, neurologic conditions explanatory for the phenotype, including structural brain abnormalities like hydrocephalus, must be first ruled out. However, these neurologic conditions may phenotypically mimic DCD, which can hamper their distinction. In this article, we report a patient in whom the initial diagnosis of DCD was withdrawn after the identification of acquired hydrocephalus. An important cue in this case was secondary macrocephaly (from +0.00 to +2.25 standard deviations over approximately 6 years’ time). This case illustrates that, in children whose phenotypes seemingly fulfill the DCD criteria, it is important to rule out an underlying, treatable etiology before making the diagnosis of DCD. Since few structural brain abnormalities mimicking DCD may present with macrocephaly, including hydrocephalus, performing longitudinal head circumference measurements can be useful to timely identify these neurologic conditions.
Impact of Apixaban Lead-In Therapy Duration After Parenteral Anticoagulation on Bleeding in Patients Treated for Venous Thromboembolism
Authors: Jackson Lauren , Gillion Amanda , Marler Jacob
Published: January 2025

Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) treatment with apixaban uses a higher 10 mg twice daily regimen for 7 days (lead-in therapy). But, in patients with initial parenteral anticoagulation treatment or those with higher bleeding risk, clinicians may not always adhere to the full 7-day lead-in duration. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included adult patients admitted to the Veterans Affairs Health care System from January 2011 to April 2022, who received at least 24 hours of parenteral anticoagulation followed by lead-in apixaban therapy for VTE. The primary outcome evaluated bleeding among patients treated with shortened lead-in apixaban (study group) compared to the standard 7-day duration (control group). Results: Seventy-eight patients were included in the control and 65 in the study group. Most patients were treated for PE (72%) and received initial treatment with enoxaparin (71%). Duration of parenteral anticoagulation was longer in the study group (3.6 days ± 3.2 vs 2.5 days ± 1.9; P < .01), and length of apixaban lead-in therapy was decreased (4.1 days ± 2.2 vs 7 days; P < .01). The primary outcome of bleeding was higher in the study group (18.5% vs 5.1%; P = .02), with no difference in VTE recurrence. P2Y12 and P-gp inhibitor use, and increased creatinine and age were predictors of bleeding. Conclusion and Relevance: Bleeding events were increased in the study group, and patients with bleeding risk factors may not benefit from apixaban 10 mg twice daily. Larger studies are needed where apixaban lead-in therapy is omitted following parenteral anticoagulation in patients with bleeding risk factors.
The role of high-resolution cartilage thickness distribution for contact mechanics predictions in the tibiofemoral joint
Authors: Cooper Robert J , Day Gavin A , Wijayathunga Vithanage N , Yao Jiacheng , Mengoni Marlène , Wilcox Ruth K , Jones Alison C
Published: January 2025

Subject-specific finite element models of knee joint contact mechanics are used in assessment of interventions and disease states. Cartilage thickness distribution is one factor influencing the distribution of pressure. Precision of cartilage geometry capture varies between imaging protocols. This work evaluated the cartilage thickness distribution precision needed for contact mechanics prediction in models of the tibiofemoral joint by comparing model outputs to experimental measurements for three cadaveric specimens. Models with location-specific cartilage thickness were compared to those with a uniform thickness, for a fixed relative orientation of the femur and tibia and with tibial freedom of movement. Under constrained conditions, the advantage of including location-specific cartilage thickness was clear. Models with location-specific thickness predicted the proportion of force through each condyle with an average error of 5% (compared to 27% with uniform thickness) and predicted the experimental contact area with an error of 21 mm2 (compared to 98 mm2 with uniform thickness). With tibial freedom, the advantage of location-specific cartilage thickness not clear. The attempt to allow three degrees of relative freedom at the tibiofemoral joint resulted in a high degree of experimental and computational uncertainty. It is therefore recommended that researchers avoid this level of freedom. This work provides some evidence that highly constrained conditions make tibiofemoral contact mechanics predictions more sensitive to cartilage thickness and should perhaps be avoided in studies where the means to generate subject-specific cartilage thickness are not available.
Research on digital literacy literature: Topic mining and evolutionary analysis
Authors: Zhang Tao , Li Zheng , Qi Ying
Published: January 2025

The paper employs text analysis techniques to conduct a systematic quantitative analysis of literature in the field of digital literacy, aiming to recognize and organize the research topics and their evolutionary process within this field. The study selected literature data on digital literacy from the Web of Science database between 2004 and 2023 as research subjects, dividing them into 10 stages. Subsequently, the LDA2vec method was used to recognize research topics in the field of digital literacy, and the evolutionary process of these topics was analyzed from two aspects: the evolution of topic content and the evolution of topic intensity. The results indicate that scholars in the field of digital literacy primarily focus on research topics such as education, digital technology, digital practice, and cybersecurity. The research process of these topics can be summarized into three stages: exploration, practice, and expansion. In terms of the evolution of topic content, the identified types of evolution include division, merging, inheritance, disappearance, and generation. In the aspect of topic intensity evolution, it was found that changes in topic intensity are influenced by factors such as policy, research content, and the primary field of study. In the future, the topic of education and digital technology will remain the focus of research in the field of digital literacy. At the same time, the field will concentrate on conducting in-depth research into social topics such as health, aging society, and the challenges and risks associated with digital transformation.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles for Regenerative Applications and Radiotherapy
Authors: Wang Ning , Ma Feifei , Song Huijuan , He Ningning , Zhang Huanteng , Li Jianguo , Liu Qiang , Xu Chang
Published: January 2025

Tissue repair is an extremely crucial part of clinical treatment. During the course of disease treatment, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy cause tissue damage. On the other hand, Normal tissue from accidental or therapeutic exposure to high-dose radiation can cause severe tissue damage. There is an urgent need for developing medical countermeasures against radiation injury for tissue repair. Tissue repair involves the regeneration, proliferation, differentiation, and migration of tissue cells; imbalance of local tissue homeostasis, progressive chronic inflammation; decreased cell activity and stem cell function; and wound healing. Although many clinical treatments are currently available for tissue repair, they are expensive. The long recovery time and some unavoidable complications such as cell damage and the inflammatory reaction caused by radiotherapy have led to unsatisfactory results. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have similar tissue repair functions as MSCs. In tissue damage, EVs can be used as an alternative to stem cell therapy, thereby avoiding related complications such as immunological rejection. EVs play a major role in regulating tissue damage, anti-inflammation, pro-proliferation, and immune response, thus providing a diversified and efficient solution for the repair of disease- and radiotherapy-induced tissue damage. This article reviews the research progress of mesenchymal stem cell-derived EVs in promoting the repair of tissue including heart, lung, liver, intestine, skin, blood system, central nervous system, and tissue damage caused by radiotherapy, thereby aiming to offer new directions and ideas for the radiotherapy and regenerative applications.