bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immune-profiling of T helper 1 (Th1), Th2 and Th17 signatures in murine splenocytes by targeting intracellular cytokines
Authors: Barman Soumik , Kelly Aisling , Dong Danica , Patel Arsh , Buonopane Michael J. , Gonzales Jake , Janoschek Ben , Draghi Andrew , Dowling David J.
Published: April 2024

Functional cytokines shape both innate and adaptive immune responses in the host after infection or immunization. Deep immunophenotyping of the key functional cytokine signatures associated with T cells in murine lymphoid tissue, especially in the spleen, is challenging. Using spectral flow cytometry, we developed a 17-parameter panel to profile major immune cell subsets along with T cells, memory phenotypes and functional cytokines in murine splenocytes in steady state as well as in stimulated conditions. This panel dissects the memory T cell compartment via CD62L and CD44 expression after mitogen stimulation. To profile T helper (Th) cells distribution after mitogen stimulation, established Th1 markers IFNγ, TNF and IL-2; Th2 markers IL-4/5 and the Th17 marker, IL-17, are included. This optimized multicolor spectral flow panel allows a detailed immune profiling of functional cytokines in the murine T cell compartment and might be useful for exploratory analysis of how these functional cytokines shape host immunity after infection or vaccination. Our panel could be easily modified, if researchers wish to tailor the panel to their specific needs.
In-situserial crystallography facilitates 96-well plate structural analysis at low symmetry
Authors: Foos Nicolas , Florial Jean-Baptiste , Eymery Mathias , Sinoir Jeremy , Felisaz Franck , Oscarsson Marcus , Beteva Antonia , Bowler Matthew W. , Nurizzo Didier , Papp Gergely , Soler-Lopez Montserrat , Nanao Max , Basu Shibom , McCarthy Andrew A.
Published: April 2024

The advent of serial crystallography has rejuvenated and popularised room temperature X-ray crystal structure determination. Structures determined at physiological temperature reveal protein flexibility and dynamics. In addition, challenging samples (e.g., large complexes, membrane proteins, and viruses) forming fragile crystals, are often difficult to harvest for cryo-crystallography. Moreover, a typical serial crystallography experiment requires a large number of microcrystals, mainly achievable through batch crystallisation. Many medically relevant samples are expressed in mammalian cell-lines, producing a meagre quantity of protein that is incompatible for batch crystallisation. This can limit the scope of serial crystallography approaches. Directin-situdata collection from a 96-well crystallisation plate enables not only the identification of the best diffracting crystallisation condition, but also the possibility for structure determination at ambient conditions. Here, we describe anin situserial crystallography (iSX) approach, facilitating direct measurement from crystallisation plates, mounted on a rapidly exchangeable universal plate holder deployed at a microfocus beamline, ID23-2, at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF). We applied our iSX approach on a challenging project, Autotaxin, a therapeutic target expressed in a stable human cell-line, to determine a structure in the lowest symmetryP1 space group at 3.0 Å resolution. Ourin situdata collection strategy provided a complete dataset for structure determination, while screening various crystallisation conditions. Our data analysis reveals that the iSX approach is highly efficient at a microfocus beamline, improving throughput and demonstrating how crystallisation plates can be routinely used as an alternative method of presenting samples for serial crystallography experiments at synchrotrons.

Synopsis

The determination of a challenging structure in theP1 space group, the lowest symmetry possible, shows how ourin-situserial crystallography approach expands the application of crystallisation plates as a robust sample delivery method.
Skin-associated Corynebacterium amycolatum shares cobamides
Authors: Swaney Mary Hannah , Henriquez Nicola , Campbell Tracey , Handelsman Jo , Kalan Lindsay
Published: April 2024

The underlying interactions that occur to maintain skin microbiome composition, function, and overall skin health are largely unknown. Often, these types of interactions are mediated by microbial metabolites. Cobamides, the vitamin B12 family of cofactors, are essential for metabolism in many bacteria, but are only synthesized by a small fraction of prokaryotes, including certain skin-associated species. Therefore, we hypothesize that cobamide sharing mediates skin community dynamics. Preliminary work predicts that several skin-associated Corynebacterium species encode de novo cobamide biosynthesis and that their abundance is associated with skin microbiome diversity. Here, we show that commensal Corynebacterium amycolatum produces cobamides and that this synthesis can be tuned by cobalt limitation. To demonstrate cobamide sharing by C. amycolatum, we employed a co-culture assay using an E. coli cobamide auxotroph and show that C. amycolatum produces sufficient cobamides to support E. coli growth, both in liquid co-culture and when separated spatially on solid medium. We also generated a C. amycolatum non-cobamide-producing strain (cob-) using UV mutagenesis that contains mutated cobamide biosynthesis genes cobK and cobO and confirm that disruption of cobamide biosynthesis abolishes support of E. coli growth through cobamide sharing. Our study provides a unique model to study metabolite sharing by microorganisms, which will be critical for understanding the fundamental interactions that occur within complex microbiomes and for developing approaches to target the human microbiota for health advances.
Network embeddedness and manufacturing SMEs’ green innovation performance: the moderating role of resource orchestration capability
Authors: Xie Xiongbiao , Sun Jingke , Zhou Min , Yan Liang , Chi Maomao
Published: April 2024

Purpose

With technological innovation elements and the competitive market environment becoming increasingly complex, numerous firms utilize network embeddedness to achieve and sustain innovation. However, empirical research has not conclusively established which form of network embeddedness more effectively facilitates corporate innovation. Drawing on the heterogeneous network resources perspective, this study explores the impact of market network embeddedness, technology network embeddedness and their synergy on the green innovation performance of manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Furthermore, it investigates the moderating role of resource orchestration capability in these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

Through an online questionnaire survey of Chinese manufacturing SMEs, 293 sample data were collected, and the hierarchical regression analysis was conducted to test the hypothesis.

Findings

The results indicate that market and technology network embeddedness significantly enhance green innovation performance, with the former exerting a more significant impact. Furthermore, the synergy between market and technology network embeddedness positively influences green innovation performance. Additionally, resource orchestration capability strengthens the positive effects of both market and technology network embeddedness on green innovation performance, while the moderating effect of resource orchestration capability on the relationship between the synergy of the two and green innovation performance was insignificant.

Research limitations/implications

The study faced many limitations, such as collecting primary data, which relied on a questionnaire only, using cross-sectional data and examining only manufacturing SMEs.

Originality/value

Based on the heterogeneous network resources perspective and integrating social network theory and resource orchestration theory, this study explores the impact of network embeddedness on the green innovation performance of manufacturing SMEs, which sheds new light on the network embeddedness research framework and also enriches the antecedents of green innovation. In addition, this study provides implications on how manufacturing SMEs effectively utilize network embeddedness and resource orchestration capability to enhance green innovation performance.
A tensioning control method for stay cables with super large tonnage cable force
Authors: Wang Lifeng , Zhang Yi , Xiao Ziwang , Liu Long
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Effectively solving the large tonnage cable in the construction process due to the tensioning method of the inclined cable often appears in the overall cable force and the design value of the deviation is large, cable internal strand force is not uniform, the main girder stress exceeds the limit of the problem affecting the safety of the structure.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the finite element method and theoretical analysis method are utilized to propose a construction control method of tensioning the whole bunch of diagonal cables in two parts according to the deformation coordination relationship between the main girder and the diagonal cables. This methodology was implemented during the actual construction of the PAIRA Bridge in Bangladesh.

Findings

Tests conducted on cable-stayed bridges using this controlled tensioning method demonstrate that the measured cable strength of a single strand exhibits an error of less than 0.15% compared to the design target cable strength. The deviation between the measured and designed cable forces ranges from 0.16% to 0.27%. Furthermore, no tensile stress is observed in both the top plate and bottom plate of the root section of the main girder, indicating a state of full-section compression throughout the entire construction process.

Originality/value

Through the comparison with the test value, it can be proved that the whole bunch of diagonal cable tensioned in two parts of the construction control method proposed in this paper can make the internal strand force more uniform, to meet the precision requirements of the site construction, to protect the safety of the bridge construction process. The method proposed in this paper is highly accurate, easy to calculate, and has a high value of popularization and application.
From gamification to personalization: sports media, Web 3.0 and the desire for the ultimate fan experience
Authors: Billings Andrew C.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this essay is to explore the ramifications of Web 3.0 on sports media and the desire for the ultimate fan experience.

Design/methodology/approach

The essay explains how Web 3.0 will influence (1) the social TV experience, (2) the drive for zero latency in sports streaming, (3) the desire for exclusive sports memorabilia and experiences, (4) artificial intelligence-driven content and (5) the potential decentralization of certain elements within the sports media ecosphere.

Findings

The core fan experience will still be recognizable, but AI, VR, blockchain and other elements will be infused within it.

Originality/value

Ramifications on sports media scholarships are offered.
Teaching data storytelling as data literacy
Authors: McDowell Kate , Turk Matthew J.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Data storytelling courses position students as agents in creating stories interpreted from data about a social problem or social justice issue. The purpose of this study is to explore two research questions: What themes characterized students’ iterative development of data story topics? Looking back at six years of iterative feedback, what categories of data literacy pedagogy did instructors engage for these themes?.

Design/methodology/approach

This project examines six years of data storytelling final projects using thematic analysis and three years of instructor feedback. Ten themes in final projects align with patterns in feedback. Reflections on pedagogical approaches to students’ topic development suggest extending data literacy pedagogy categories – formal, personal and folk (Pangrazio and Sefton-Green, 2020).

Findings

Data storytelling can develop students’ abilities to move from being consumers to creators of data and interpretations. The specific topic of personal data exposure or risk has presented some challenges for data literacy instruction (Bowler et al., 2017). What “personal” means in terms of data should be defined more broadly. Extending the data literacy pedagogy categories of formal, personal and folk (Pangrazio and Sefton-Green, 2020) could more effectively center social justice in data literacy instruction.

Practical implications

Implications for practice include positioning students as producers of data interpretation, such as role-playing data analysis or decision-making scenarios.

Social implications

Data storytelling has the potential to address current challenges in data literacy pedagogy and in teaching critical data literacy.

Originality/value

Course descriptions provide a template for future data literacy pedagogy involving data storytelling, and findings suggest implications for expanding definitions and applications of personal and folk data literacies.
Digital transformation as the fuel for sailing toward sustainable success: the roles of coordination mechanisms and social norms
Authors: Pang Qiwei , Cai Lanhui , Wang Xueqin , Fang Mingjie
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Sailing toward sustainability is becoming the strategic focus of shipping firms. Drawing on organizational information processing theory (OIPT) and the theory of planned behavior (TPB), we investigated the impact of digital transformation (DT) on shipping firms’ sustainable management performance and the boundary conditions guiding this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors examined the hypotheses by employing hierarchical linear modeling on two-wave time-lagged data from 189 shipping firm employees in China.

Findings

The results suggest that a shipping firm’s DT is positively associated with its sustainable management performance and that the relationship is strengthened by having better cross-functional and customer coordination mechanisms. Furthermore, our three-way interaction analyses show that while injunctive norms in a shipping firm’s networks can strengthen the contingency roles of both cross-functional and customer coordination mechanisms, descriptive norms alone significantly influence customer coordination.

Originality/value

Drawing on organizational information processing and planned behavior theories, the present research provides new insights into leveraging DT for sailing toward sustainable success. Moreover, this study extends the current understandings of the boundary conditions of the relationship between DT and sustainable management performance by showing the two-way and three-way interaction effects of coordination mechanisms and subjective norms. The findings of the present research can be utilized as effective strategies for promoting sustainable management performance.
Framework for Islamic social entrepreneurship
Authors: Yasmeen Kausar
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to develop a comprehensive framework for Islamic social entrepreneurship (ISE) by synthesizing Islamic principles and social entrepreneurship concepts, bridging the gap between theory and practice.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a systematic literature review, this study focuses on scholarly works published from 1992 to 2023, uses thematic analysis and engages with subject experts to craft a framework for ISE.

Findings

The study identified 39 sub-dimensions grouped into 13 core dimensions. These findings highlight the multifaceted impact on ISE, emphasizing its commitment to ethical, socially responsible practices and achieving lasting social impact through collaborative, innovative approaches guided by Islamic principles.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations include regional focus, lack of longitudinal data and absence of quantitative testing for the framework. Future research should expand scope, use quantitative analysis and explore gender dynamics, policy implications and standardized impact metrics to enhance the framework’s robustness.

Practical implications

The study’s comprehensive framework aids ISE practitioners in aligning their ventures with Islamic ethics and social impact. As interest in ISE grows, particularly in Muslim-majority contexts, this research facilitates the integration of Islamic values into social entrepreneurship, addressing pressing societal challenges.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the field of ISE by proposing a meticulously crafted framework that synthesizes Islamic principles and social entrepreneurship concepts. It stands out as a unique endeavor that bridges the gap between theory and practice in ISE, offering practical guidance while enriching the scholarly discourse on the subject.
Tracing knowledge diffusion flows in Islamic finance research: a main path analysis
Authors: Rejeb Abderahman , Rejeb Karim , Zailani Suhaiza
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to address the noted gap in comprehensive overviews detailing the developmental trajectory of Islamic finance (IF) as an interdisciplinary academic field.

Design/methodology/approach

The study introduces a unique approach using the combined methodologies of co-word analysis and main path analysis (MPA) by examining a broad collection of IF research articles.

Findings

The investigation identifies dominant themes and foundational works that have influenced the IF discipline. The data reveals prominent areas such as Shariah governance, financial resilience, ethical dimensions and customer-centric frameworks. The MPA offers detailed insights, narrating a journey from the foundational principles of IF to its current challenges and opportunities. This journey covers harmonizing religious beliefs with contemporary financial models, changes in regulatory landscapes and the continuous effort to align with broader socioeconomic aspirations. Emerging areas of interest include using new technologies in IF, standardizing global Islamic banking and assessing its socioeconomic effects on broader populations.

Originality/value

This study represents a pioneering effort to map out and deepen the understanding of the IF field, highlighting its dynamic evolution and suggesting potential avenues for future academic exploration.
Brand transgressions in advertising related to diversity, equity and inclusion: implications for consumer–brand relationships
Authors: Mazzoli Valentina , Donvito Raffaele , Zarantonello Lia
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Considering the ongoing discourse on diversity, equity and inclusion, brands aim to develop marketing campaigns that demonstrate respect for all individuals. Despite these intentions, many advertisements still provoke strong negative reactions from consumers due to brand transgressions in social media marketing campaigns that violate these values. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the repercussions that such social media marketing campaigns have on brands, categorizing these campaigns as brand transgressions in social media advertising.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses a mixed-method design that includes semi-structured interviews (Study 1), a content analysis (Study 2) and an online experiment (Study 3).

Findings

This paper clarifies the elements that qualify as brand transgressions in advertising within the diversity, equity and inclusion discourse. The negative electronic word-of-mouth (e-WOM) associated with brand transgressions in advertising comprises negative emotions (e.g. anger, contempt, disgust and hate) and behavioural intentions to penalize the brand (e.g. negative word-of-mouth, brand avoidance and protest behaviours). The negative e-WOM stemming from these transgressions amplifies the adverse consequences for consumer–brand relationships by negatively influencing other consumers through sympathy towards the offended parties.

Research limitations/implications

This paper offers brand managers guidelines for preventing and managing negative consumer reactions towards brands based on their responses to marketing campaigns that contradict the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature on brand transgressions related to diversity, equity and inclusion values by exploring their impact on consumer–brand relationships and highlighting the pivotal role of sympathy in perpetuating negative consequences.
Laws and policy initiatives in regulating blockchain and digital currencies
Authors: Selvanesan Hirusheekesan , Rodrigo Navodana
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Despite the unique features and potential applications in various industries, widespread blockchain adoption is hindered for several reasons. One of them is the lack of government regulations regarding blockchain and cryptocurrencies. However, a deliberate preliminary analysis of the policy initiatives by various jurisdictions proved otherwise, and a lack of sound academic literature on the policy initiatives on blockchain worldwide was evident. Addressing this gap, this study aims to summarize the policy initiatives of jurisdictions around the world, assessing if governments do not enact many regulations.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review was adopted in this study, in which the authors shortlisted a set of research papers and policy reports using several selection criteria and a screening process.

Findings

It was found that numerous policy initiatives have been enacted by governments worldwide, and blockchain applications are also being piloted or practiced successfully in several nations. It was also evident that governments are reluctant to accept cryptocurrencies as legal tender while embracing their underlying technology, blockchain.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper appears to be one of the first attempts to summarize the blockchain policy initiatives contributing to the body of knowledge on blockchain adoption.
The more microplastic types pollute the soil, the stronger the growth suppression of invasive alien and native plants
Authors: Fu Yanmei , van Kleunen Mark , Ma Kai , Liu Yanjie
Published: April 2024

The ecological consequences of microplastic pollution for plants remain largely unknown, and the few studies that tested the effects usually focused on a single type of microplastic and a single plant species. However, most plants will be exposed to multiple microplastic types simultaneously, and the effects may vary among species.

To test the effects of microplastic diversity on plants, we grew single plants of eight invasive and eight native species in pots with substrate polluted with 0, 1, 3 and 6 types of microplastics.

We found that the growth suppression by microplastic pollution became stronger with the number of microplastic types the plants were exposed to. This tended to be particularly the case for invasive species, as their biomass advantage over natives diminished with the number of microplastic types. The biomass responses coincided with a positive effect of the number of microplastic types on root allocation and thickness, which was also stronger for invasive than for native species. In addition, the results of hierarchical diversity–interaction models suggest that the negative impact of microplastic diversity on the total biomass of invasive plant species was influenced by both the identities of the microplastic and certain types of microplastic with strong pairwise interactions. In contrast, the effect on native species was determined solely by the microplastic identities.

Synthesis. Our multispecies study thus shows for the first time that the negative effects of microplastic pollution on plant growth increase with the number of microplastic types. We also found tentative evidence that the negative impacts of microplastic diversity were more pronounced for invasive plants compared to native plants, and that this might be due to differences in the responses of root allocation and thickness.
Release from aboveground enemies increases seedling survival in grasslands
Authors: Brian Joshua I. , Shepherd Harry E. R. , Pérez‐Navarro María Á. , Catford Jane A.
Published: April 2024

Plant enemies can influence plant community assembly and structure. However, it is unclear how insect herbivores and fungal pathogens affect seedling recruitment. Complex interactions with competition and resource availability make it difficult to isolate the effect of enemies. This uncertainty can impede understanding of community assembly drivers, species coexistence and trophic interactions; and limits hypothesis testing such as of the enemy release hypothesis, a key hypothesis in invasion biology. Using a novel species‐specific approach, we examine how enemies affect seedling survival and recruitment of 16 grassland species.

We planted seedlings of 16 native species from two functional groups (C4 grasses and non‐legume forbs) into two grassland sites (early and mid‐succession). We hand‐painted 1512 individual seedlings with pesticides (insecticide and fungicide) over the course of one growing season to enforce aboveground species‐specific release from enemies and tested whether it enhanced survival relative to untreated controls. Applying treatments to individuals allowed us to test for the effect of enemies on plant performance while controlling for contexts such as competition from the resident community and resource levels.

Release from insects increased seedling survival by 56% on average, with no additional benefit of release from fungal pathogens. This effect was observed for both forbs and C4 grasses across both sites and was strongest in resource‐acquisitive species. There was no effect of the mean phylogenetic distance between our target species and the resident plant community, or of light availability or soil moisture.

Synthesis. The significant positive effect of release from insect herbivores on survival early in colonisation—a trend that held across functional groups and types of resident community—suggests insects play an important regulatory role in community assembly, especially for resource‐acquisitive species. As variation between species could be explained by traits but not by phylogeny, we emphasise the importance of trait‐based approaches to plant community ecology. Our results also support the key mechanism (increased performance following release from enemies) underlying the enemy release hypothesis. Enemy release may therefore aid initial recruitment of plants during the invasion process.
Governing hybrid organisations: Lessons from the provision of local sports facility services in 2020s Finland
Authors: Huhtanen Kerkko , Salmikangas Anna‐Katriina , Itkonen Hannu
Published: April 2024

The Finnish welfare society is based on strong public and civic sectors with an emerging private sector. In the context of sports, the public sector's statutory task has been to provide opportunities and facilities for citizens, whereas the civic sector has been responsible for organising activities. However, since the 1990s, economic recessions, new public management doctrines, and other societal changes have mixed this institutionalised setting and increased hybridity in the provision of public services. This study examines how hybridity is manifested and governed in the provision of local sports facility services in contemporary Finland through a literature review and a multiple case study focusing on three sports facility construction projects. The projects had partners from all societal sectors and, organisationally, assumed different forms: privately owned, sports clubs co‐owned, and municipally owned enterprises. The case data consist of thematic interviews and project documentation and are analysed with theory‐driven content analysis. The study deepens understanding of the mixed ownership structures, various funding arrangements, control mechanisms, and management of goal incongruency found in hybrid facility‐provider organisations. Additionally, it describes changing roles and challenges that municipalities face in hybrid settings and develops recommendations for future research on hybridity and sports policy.

Points for practitioners

Note that the capacity to steer the operations of hybrids in municipal services provision can be obtained in various ways which do not entail formal ownership.

Deepen your understanding of the goals and commitment incentives of the different stakeholders planned to be involved in the hybrid project.

Consider jointly written formal contracts as tools for managing goal ambiguity and incongruence and for creating trust in the hybrid arrangement.

Examine comprehensively the resourcing of the facility‐provider organisation in the operational phase of the facility when evaluating the funding arrangements and public value creation of hybrid facility projects.

Prepare to become a practitioner and the object subjected to more diverse forms of control when committing to hybrid arrangements with various stakeholders.
COVID‐19, Mobility Restriction Policies and Stock Market Volatility: A Cross‐Country Empirical Study
Authors: Ahadzie Richard Mawulawoe , Daugaard Dan , Kangogo Moses , Khan Faisal , Vespignani Joaquin
Published: April 2024

This study investigates the impact of COVID‐19 infections and mobility restriction policies on stock market volatility. We estimate panel data models for seven countries using daily data from February 12, 2020 to April 14, 2021. Our results show that the number of new cases of COVID‐19 infections and the introduction of mobility restriction policies plays a crucial role in shaping stock market volatility during the pandemic. We found that new cases of COVID‐19 infections and mobility restrictions policies increase stock market jumps rather than increase continuous volatility. We also find that mobility restriction policies lessen the impact of new COVID‐19 cases on stock market volatility.
Real‐world data on efficacy/safety and economic impact of nivolumab administered every 2 and 4 weeks among Japanese patients
Authors: Tasaki Yoshihiko , Ito Nanami , Mimura Yoshihisa , Sugiyama Yosuke , Ogawa Ryo , Shimura Takaya , Nakamura Motoki , Kawakita Daisuke , Hamamoto Shuzo , Uemura Takehiro , Yokota Keisuke , Iida Moeko , Odagiri Kunihiro , Kimura Yuka , Hotta Yuji , Komatsu Hirokazu , Okuda Katsuhiro , Niimi Akio , Yasui Takahiro , Iwasaki Shinichi , Morita Akimichi , Kataoka Hiromi , Takiguchi Shuji , Furukawa‐Hibi Yoko
Published: April 2024

Aim

A new treatment interval for nivolumab administration at 480 mg every 4 weeks, in addition to 240 mg every 2 weeks, was approved in Japan in 2020. Using model‐based evaluation, it was speculated that the effects or safety of nivolumab do not differ between the two treatment intervals; however, real‐world data on nivolumab efficacy, safety, and economic impact are lacking. Accordingly, we aimed to examine the effects of nivolumab treatment intervals (2 weeks vs. 4 weeks) in terms of efficacy, safety, and economic impact in Japanese patients with cancer.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 126 patients treated with nivolumab. The patients were divided into two groups depending on whether they received nivolumab at 240 mg every 2 weeks (2‐week group) or 480 mg every 4 weeks (4‐week group).

Results

Efficacy results found no significant difference between the 4‐ and 2‐week groups considering median overall survival (p = 0.70) and median progression‐free survival (p = 0.57). The incidence of any grade and ≥  grade 3 immune‐related adverse events did not differ between the 4‐week and 2‐week groups (any grade, p = 0.13; ≥  grade 3, p = 0.36). Excluding drug costs, the 4‐week group had significantly lower medical costs than the 2‐week group (2‐week vs. 4‐week: mean, 94,659 JPY [679.0 USD] vs. 58,737 JPY [421.3 USD]; p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Collectively, our findings suggest that nivolumab 480 mg every 4 weeks may be more effective than nivolumab 240 mg every 2 weeks in terms of economic impact.
Racial disparities in stage at bladder cancer diagnosis in the US Veterans Affairs healthcare system
Authors: Bree Kelly K. , Janes Jessica L. , Hensley Patrick J. , Srinivasan Aditya , De Hoedt Amanda M. , Das Sanjay , Freedland Stephen J. , Williams Stephen B.
Published: April 2024

Objective

To describe patient characteristics and pathological stage at bladder cancer (BCa) diagnosis in a diverse population within a national, equal‐access healthcare system.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study identified 15 966 men diagnosed with BCa in the Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system from 2000 to 2020. The primary outcome was pathological stage at diagnosis, determined by index transurethral resection of bladder tumour. Logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between race and stage. Competing risk models tested the association between race and BCa‐specific mortality with cumulative incidence estimates.

Results

Of 15 966 BCa patients, 12 868 (81%), 1726 (11%), 493 (3%) and 879 (6%) were White, Black, Hispanic and Other race, respectively. Black patients had significantly higher muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) rates than White patients (35% vs 32%; P = 0.009). In multivariable analysis, the odds of presenting with MIBC did not differ significantly between Black and White patients (odds ratio [OR] 1.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.98–1.22) or between Hispanic patients (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.67–1.01) and White patients. Compared to White patients, Black patients had a similar risk of BCa‐specific mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 0.89, 95% CI 0.75–1.06), whereas Hispanic patients had a lower risk (HR 0.56, 95% CI 0.38–0.82).

Conclusions

Black patients presented with the highest rates of de novo MIBC. However, in a large, equal‐access healthcare system, this did not result in a difference in BCa‐specific mortality. In contrast, Hispanic patients had lower risks of MIBC and BCa‐specific mortality.
The impact of diversity experiences and innovative learning environments on the personal development of international students studying in China
Authors: Azram Muhammad , Hong Mei , Ahmad Waqar , Sohail Ali
Published: April 2024

In recent decades, the number of international students in China has significantly increased. This swift growth of international students has raised concerns about the capacity of Chinese universities to meet international students' academic expectations. Since the quality of higher education is frequently measured by student learning experiences, this article explores the experiences of international students in China. It examines the relationship among diversity experiences, innovative learning environments and personal development, specifically focusing on the mediating role of cultural adoption among international students. The data collected from 304 international students from various countries studying in Shaanxi, China, through an adapted survey and structural equation modelling (SEM) were applied for analyses. This study highlights the importance of cultural adoption in the context of international education and its influence on personal development. It establishes a strong relationship among diversity experiences, innovative learning environments, cultural adoption and personal development of students. The study findings provide valuable understanding for individuals and organizations in higher education on effectively promoting cultural acceptance and enriching the development of global students.
Experimental study on high‐cycle fatigue performance of cold‐rolled steel sheet connections using self‐tapping screws and blind rivets
Authors: Wang Yaqian , Li Yuanqi
Published: April 2024

To provide more suggestions for the anti‐fatigue design of cold‐formed steel, a series of high‐cycle fatigue tests are carried out on cold‐rolled steel sheets connected by self‐tapping screws and blind rivets in this paper. Subsequently, fatigue failure mode, fatigue strength, and fatigue damage are analyzed in detail. The test results show that all effective data points are below the S‐N curve of screws in the code. Meanwhile, the fatigue limit values of the fitted curves with 95% survival probability fall within the range of 0.3 to 0.67 times the specified value. Besides, the fatigue damage expansion rate of cold‐rolled steel sheets is less than the standard value. Through further discussion, it is noticed that metal grade has little influence on the fatigue performance, while thickness has a significantly positive influence on the shear resistance and fatigue performance. Moreover, the fatigue performance of the two connection types appears to be similar.
A Multiple Lines of Evidence Approach to Demonstrate Effectiveness of PFAS Remediation Technologies
Authors: Wanzek Tom , Hawley Elisabeth , Merrill John , Deeb Rula , Sedlak David , Field Jennifer , Higgins Chris
Published: April 2024

Significant investments have been made to develop treatment technologies, particularly destructive approaches, for a variety of per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that are present in groundwater, surface water, and other environmental media. A multiple lines of evidence approach were developed to assist regulators, funding agencies, and practitioners in evaluating PFAS treatment technology performance. This article describes each of three lines of evidence that a technology is effective: (1) decrease in target PFAS concentrations is observed; (2) PFAS treatment transformation products are identified and quantified; and (3) a treatment mechanism is proposed that is consistent with previous studies and supported by data. Other considerations are also described to inform conclusions about knowledge gaps and priorities for future testing. Collectively, these lines of evidence and other considerations help communicate the complexities of PFAS treatment, strengthen research plans, standardize technology evaluator reviews, and inform realistic expectations of PFAS treatment technologies.
Improving platelet function following prophylactic platelet transfusion in patients with hematological malignancies
Authors: Wu Yi‐Feng , Shen Chih‐Lung , Huang Wei‐Han , Chu Sung‐Chao , Li Chi‐Cheng , Liu Chao‐Zong , Wang Tso‐Fu
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Platelet transfusion is a standard treatment to prevent bleeding in patients with hematological malignancies. Although transfusions can improve platelet count, their impact on platelet function remains controversial.

Methods

We conducted flow cytometry to assess platelet function before and after transfusion and performed subgroup analyses to examine differences based on blood type, corrected count increment (CCI), and platelet microparticles.

Results

Overall, 50 patients who received prophylactic platelet transfusion were enrolled. CD42b expression increased, whereas CD41 expression decreased after transfusion. Apheresis platelets exhibited the lowest expression of PAC‐1 and P‐selectin when exposed to agonist stimulations. PAC‐1 expression increased under high adenosine diphosphate (ADP) stimulation, while P‐selectin expression increased under both high ADP and thrombin receptor‐activating peptide stimulation. In the subgroup analysis, patients with a CCI >4500 and those with the same blood types exhibited a more significant increase in PAC‐1 and P‐selectin expression under agonist stimulation. When comparing apheresis platelets collected on different days, only the percentage of platelet‐derived microparticles showed a significant increase.

Conclusion

Prophylactic transfusion improved platelet function. Platelet function significantly improved in patients with a CCI >4500, those with the same blood types as that of apheresis platelets, or those with platelet‐derived microparticle levels <4.7%. No significant improvement in platelet function was noted after the transfusion of different blood types with acceptable compatibility or the transfusion of incompatible blood types. Our results suggest that transfusing platelets with the same blood type remains the optimal choice.
CRKL but not CRKII contributes to hemin‐induced erythroid differentiation of CML
Authors: Guo Chunmei , Lv Xinxin , Zhang Qiuling , Yi Lina , Ren Yingying , Li Zhaopeng , Yan Jinsong , Zheng Shanliang , Sun Ming‐Zhong , Liu Shuqing
Published: April 2024

Destruction of erythropoiesis process leads to various diseases, including thrombocytopenia, anaemia, and leukaemia. miR‐429‐CT10 regulation of kinase‐like (CRKL) axis involved in development, progression and metastasis of cancers. However, the exact role of miR‐429‐CRKL axis in leukaemic cell differentiation are still unknown. The current work aimed to uncover the effect of miR‐429‐CRKL axis on erythropoiesis. In the present study, CRKL upregulation was negatively correlated with miR‐429 downregulation in both chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) patient and CR patient samples. Moreover, CRKL expression level was significantly decreased while miR‐429 expression level was increased during the erythroid differentiation of K562 cells following hemin treatment. Functional investigations revealed that overexpression and knockdown of CRKL was remarkably effective in suppressing and promoting hemin‐induced erythroid differentiation of K562 cells, whereas, miR‐429 exhibited opposite effects to CRKL. Mechanistically, miR‐429 regulates erythroid differentiation of K562 cells by downregulating CRKL via selectively targeting CRKL‐3′‐untranslated region (UTR) through Raf/MEK/ERK pathway. Conversely, CRKII had no effect on erythroid differentiation of K562 cells. Taken together, our data demonstrated that CRKL (but not CRKII) and miR‐429 contribute to development, progression and erythropoiesis of CML, miR‐429‐CRKL axis regulates erythropoiesis of K562 cells via Raf/MEK/ERK pathway, providing novel insights into effective diagnosis and therapy for CML patients.
QiDongNing induces lung cancer cell apoptosis via triggering P53/DRP1‐mediated mitochondrial fission
Authors: Ding Rongzhen , Wang Yichao , Xu Ling , Sang Shuliu , Wu Guanjin , Yang Wenxiao , Zhang Yilu , Wang Chengyan , Qi Ao , Xie Haiping , Liu Yi , Dai Aiguo , Jiao Lijing
Published: April 2024

Non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a major cause of worldwide cancer death, posing a challenge for effective treatment. Our previous findings showed that Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) QiDongNing (QDN) could upregulate the expression of p53 and trigger cell apoptosis in NSCLC. Here, our objective was to investigate the mechanisms of QDN‐induced apoptosis enhancement. We chose A549 and NCI‐H460 cells for validation in vitro, and LLC cells were applied to form a subcutaneous transplantation tumour model for validation in more depth. Our findings indicated that QDN inhibited multiple biological behaviours, including cell proliferation, cloning, migration, invasion and induction of apoptosis. We further discovered that QDN increased the pro‐apoptotic BAX while inhibiting the anti‐apoptotic Bcl2. QDN therapy led to a decline in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and a rise in reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, QDN elevated the levels of the tumour suppressor p53 and the mitochondrial division factor DRP1 and FIS1, and decreased the mitochondrial fusion molecules MFN1, MFN2, and OPA1. The results were further verified by rescue experiments, the p53 inhibitor Pifithrin‐α and the mitochondrial division inhibitor Mdivi1 partially inhibited QDN‐induced apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction, whereas overexpression of p53 rather increased the efficacy of the therapy. Additionally, QDN inhibited tumour growth with acceptable safety in vivo. In conclusion, QDN induced apoptosis via triggering p53/DRP1‐mediated mitochondrial fission in NSCLC cells.
Historical analysis of tropical and non‐tropical induced flooding within the James River Basin, Virginia
Authors: Chilton William Paul , Weiss Robert , Irish Jennifer L.
Published: April 2024

The development of a basin‐specific comprehensive flood record using publicly available data for the James River Basin, Virginia. Using mixed surface analysis maps (NOAA, NWS), historical hurricane records (IBTrACS, HURDAT2), and flood and river gauge records (NWS, USGS), a database is created for analysis. Related to creating this database, a novel classification of six unique weather systems (non‐tropical and tropical) responsible for flooding is presented. The analysis includes Two‐Way tables with observed marginal and joint probabilities in various potential flood, storm, and regional combinations. Results show 233 tropical systems passed within the 500‐km study area, with 12.4%, or 29 systems of those systems causing flooding within the basin. An additional 713 events were non‐tropical, composing the majority of flood sources in the basin. Non‐tropical systems are responsible for 84% of the worst floods recorded, leading to an increased frequency of 6% yearly since 1941 and nearly 770% between 2014 and 2018. The findings of this study will be the basis for assessing land use and population patterns in the area, along with a future compound flooding model for the lower James River Basin.
Patient safety climate research in primary care dentistry: A systematic scoping review
Authors: Ensaldo‐Carrasco Eduardo , Álvarez‐Hernandez Luis Alvaro , Peralta‐Pedrero María Luisa , Aceves‐González Carlos
Published: April 2024

Background

Patient safety climate constitutes an important element for quality improvement. Its current evidence base has been generated in hospital settings in developed countries. Studies in dentistry are limited.

Objective

To systematically explore the evidence regarding assessing patient safety climate in dentistry.

Methods

We developed a search strategy to explore MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and Web of Science databases from January 1st, 2002, to December 31st, 2022, to include observational studies on patient safety culture or patient safety climate assessment. Methodological features and item data concerning the dimensions employed for assessment were extracted and thematically analyzed. Reported scores were also collected.

Results

Nine articles out of 5584 were included in this study. Most studies were generated from high‐income economies. Our analysis revealed methodological variations. Non‐randomized samples were employed (ranging from 139 to 656 participants), and response rates varied from 28% to 93.7%. Three types of measurement instruments have been adapted to assess patient safety climate. These mainly consisted of replacing words or rewording sentences. Only one study employed an instrument previously validated through psychometric methods. In general, patient safety climate levels were either low or neutral. Only one study reported scores equal to or greater than 75.

Discussion

Despite diverse assessment tools, our two‐decade analysis reveals a lag compared with medicine, resulting in methodological variations for assessing patient safety climate. Collaboration is vital to elevate standards, prioritize patient safety across oral healthcare services, and advocate for integrating safety climate into local and national quality and patient safety strategies.
Vacuolar H+‐ATPase in Diabetes, Hypertension, and Atherosclerosis
Authors: Wang Na , Ren Liwei , Danser A. H. Jan
Published: April 2024

Vacuolar H+‐ATPase (V‐ATPase) is a multisubunit protein complex which, along with its accessory proteins, resides in almost every eukaryotic cell. It acts as a proton pump and as such is responsible for regulating pH in lysosomes, endosomes, and the extracellular space. Moreover, V‐ATPase has been implicated in receptor‐mediated signaling. Although numerous studies have explored the role of V‐ATPase in cancer, osteoporosis, and neurodegenerative diseases, research on its involvement in vascular disease remains limited. Vascular diseases pose significant challenges to human health. This review aimed to shed light on the role of V‐ATPase in hypertension and atherosclerosis. Furthermore, given that vascular complications are major complications of diabetes, this review also discusses the pathways through which V‐ATPase may contribute to such complications. Beginning with an overview of the structure and function of V‐ATPase in hypertension, atherosclerosis, and diabetes, this review ends by exploring the pharmacological potential of targeting V‐ATPase.