bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hidden Knowledge Recovery from GAN-generated Single-cell RNA-seq Data
Authors: Shah Najeebullah , Li Fanhong , Zhang Xuegong
Published: November 2023

Background

Machine learning methods have recently been shown powerful in discovering knowledge from scientific data, offering promising prospects for discovery learning. In the meanwhile, Deep Generative Models like Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) have excelled in generating synthetic data close to real data. GANs have been extensively employed, primarily motivated by generating synthetic data for privacy preservation, data augmentation, etc. However, certain dimensions of GANs have received limited exploration in current literature. Existing studies predominantly utilize huge datasets, presenting a challenge when dealing with limited, complex datasets. Researchers have high-lighted the ineffectiveness of conventional scores for selecting optimal GANs on limited datasets that exhibit complex high order relationships. Furthermore, current methods evaluate GAN’s performance by comparing synthetic data to real data without assessing the preservation of high-order relationships. Researchers have advocated for more objective GAN evaluation techniques and emphasized the importance of establishing interpretable connections between GAN latent space variables and meaningful data semantics.

Results

In this study, we used a custom GAN model to generate quality synthetic data for a very limited, complex biological dataset. We successfully recovered cell-lineage developmental story from synthetic data using the ab-initio knowledge discovery method, we previously developed. Our custom GAN model performed better than state-of-the-art cscGAN model, when evaluated for recovering hidden knowledge from limited, complex dataset. Then we devise a temporal dataset specific quantitative scoring mechanism to successfully reproduce GAN results for human and mouse embryonic datasets. Our Latent Space Interpretation (LSI) scheme was able to identify anomalies. We also found that the latent space in GAN effectively captured the semantic information and may be used to interpolate data when the sampling of real data is sparse.

Conclusion

In summary we used a customized GAN model to generate synthetic data for limited, complex dataset and compared the results with state-of-the-art cscGAN model. Cell-lineage developmental story is recovered as hidden knowledge to evaluate GAN for preserving complex high-order relationships. We formulated a quantitative score to successfully reproduce results on human and mouse embryonic datasets. We designed a LSI scheme to identify anomalies and understand the mechanism by which GAN captures important data semantics in its latent space.
Blue spectral quality contributes to yield and ascorbic acid content in ‘Micro Tom’ tomato under sole-source lighting
Authors: Goldman Matthew S. , Kolmos Elsebeth
Published: November 2023

There is an intricate relationship between the spectral composition of light, plant photosynthetic performance and biomass accumulation. The interaction between plants and the ambient light environment is not only crop-specific but also crucial for maximized yield and nutritional quality. The emergence of LED technology introduced a unique avenue for manipulating the light spectrum, offering new and continued possibilities for optimizing growth conditions. With a focus on tomato cultivation under sole-source lighting, we have investigated the impact of blue spectral quality (waveband composition) on growth and nutritional value of dwarf tomato. Notably, our study revealed that distinct wavebands of blue light (400 nm, 420 nm and 450 nm) can influence the net photosynthetic rate despite unaltered photochemical efficiency. Our research uncovered a correlation whereby shorter wavelengths of blue light increased leaf area, while longer blue wavelengths contributed to greater harvest indices. In addition, we identified a specific blue peak wavelength, 450 nm, that significantly affected chlorophyll composition in leaves and ascorbate levels in fruits. Through these findings, we call attention to the notion that blue spectral quality has a role in shaping both yield and nutritional attributes of dwarf tomato, such as ‘Micro Tom’, under sole-source lighting. Overall, our research provides valuable insight into the nuanced interplay between light spectrum, plant physiology, and horticultural outcome.
Radiation-Induced Changes in Energy Metabolism Result in Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Salivary Glands
Authors: Buss Lauren G. , Rheinheimer Brenna A. , Limesand Kirsten H.
Published: November 2023

Salivary glands are indirectly damaged during radiotherapy for head and neck cancer, resulting in acute and chronic hyposalivation. Current treatments for radiation-induced hyposalivation do not permanently restore function to the gland; therefore, more mechanistic understanding of the damage response is needed to identify therapeutic targets for lasting restoration. Energy metabolism reprogramming has been observed in cancer and wound healing models to provide necessary fuel for cell proliferation; however, there is limited understanding of alterations in energy metabolism reprogramming in tissues that fail to heal. We measured extracellular acidification and oxygen consumption rates, assessed mitochondrial DNA copy number, and tested fuel dependency of irradiated primary salivary acinar cells. Radiation treatment leads to increases in glycolytic flux, oxidative phosphorylation, and ATP production rate at acute and intermediate time points. In contrast, at chronic radiation time points there is a significant decrease in glycolytic flux, oxidative phosphorylation, and ATP production rate. Irradiated salivary glands exhibit significant decreases in spare respiratory capacity and increases in mitochondrial DNA copy number at days 5 and 30 post-treatment, suggesting a mitochondrial dysfunction phenotype. These results elucidate kinetic changes in energy metabolism reprogramming of irradiated salivary glands that may underscore the chronic loss of function phenotype.
The protein map of the protozoan parasiteLeishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis,Leishmania(Viannia) braziliensisandLeishmania (Leishmania) infantumduring growth phase transition and temperature stress
Authors: Mule Simon Ngao , Saad Joyce Silva , Sauter Ismael Pretto , Fernandes Livia Rosa , de Oliveira Gilberto Santos , Quina Daniel , Tano Fabia Tomie , Brandt-Almeida Deborah , Padrón Gabriel , Stolf Beatriz Simonsen , Larsen Martin R. , Cortez Mauro , Palmisano Giuseppe
Published: November 2023

Leishmaniaparasites cause a spectrum of diseases termed leishmaniasis, which manifests in two main clinical forms, cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis.Leishmaniapromastigotes transit from proliferative exponential to quiescent stationary phases inside the insect vector, a relevant step that recapitulates early molecular events of metacyclogenesis. During the insect blood meal of the mammalian hosts, the released parasites interact initially with the skin, an event marked by temperature changes. Deep knowledge on the molecular events activated duringLeishmania-host interactions in each step is crucial to develop better therapies and to understand the pathogenesis. In this study, the proteomes ofLeishmania(Leishmania) amazonensis(La),Leishmania(Viannia) braziliensis(Lb), andLeishmania(Leishmania) infantum(synL. L. chagasi)(Lc) were analyzed using quantitative proteomics to uncover the proteome modulation in three different conditions related to growth phases and temperature shifts: 1) exponential phase (Exp); 2) stationary phase (Sta25) and; 3) stationary phase subjected to heat stress (Sta34). Functional validations were performed using orthogonal techniques, focusing on α-tubulin, gp63 and heat shock proteins (HSPs). Species-specific and condition-specific modulation highlights the plasticity of theLeishmaniaproteome, showing that pathways related to metabolism and cytoskeleton are significantly modulated from exponential to stationary growth phases, while protein folding, unfolded protein binding, signaling and microtubule-based movement were differentially altered during temperature shifts. This study provides an in-depth proteome analysis of threeLeishmaniaspp., and contributes compelling evidence of the molecular alterations of these parasites in conditions mimicking the interaction of the parasites with the insect vector and vertebrate hosts.
#BaghjanBurns: Crisis at Oil India Ltd
Authors: Kaul Asha , Chaudhri Vidhi
Published: November 2023

On May 27, 2020, a blowout occurred in Well No. 5 at Baghjan (Assam); the well, owned by Oil India Ltd., caught fire on June 9, 2020. For almost five and a half months, the company tried to douse the 200-foot high flame but failed to do so. Finally, on Day 173, Oil India Ltd succeeded in capping the well. Biswajit Roy, Director (Human Resources and Business Development), was tasked with investigating the nature and cause of the crisis. Roy pondered on the nature of the crisis: Had it been purely technical or stakeholder-induced? What had led to the chaotic condition? Could things have been done differently?
Divine jewelry Co.: from expansion to survival
Authors: Rodríguez-Aldana Marcia Lorena
Published: November 2023

Learning outcomes

The student will examine from a systemic perspective qualitative information from a company to propose improvements to its business model.

Case overview/synopsis

After working for more than 10 years with a global company, in January 2006 the Guadalajara-based jewelry SME, Divine Jewelry Co. (DJC), was facing liquidity problems, overstock and a debt from a bank loan, among others. The planned expansion of DJC, a family business founded in 1980, had resulted in just the opposite. Daniel, the owner and CEO of DJC, was determined to reverse the company's precarious situation as soon as possible. Some of the questions he asked himself centered on what actions he should take to pay off liabilities and try to survive in the industry his business had held a place in for 25 years. Daniel wondered whether, to pay off debts and have sufficient liquidity to have working capital and move forward, it would be enough to make efforts to recover those clients they had stopped serving, along with getting new ones. In addition, he thought it was necessary to formulate a plan to use the remaining proceeds from the sale of the property if they had to dispose of it. The case is about analyzing the strategic management of a company, specifically its business model, considering the context of its industry. The case also illustrates the problems that arise from focusing on serving a single client.

Complexity academic level

The case “Divine Jewelry Co: From Expansion to Survival” has been designed to be used by university students in initial management or strategic management courses on the following topics: Business modelsPorter's Five Forces ModelFormulation of strategies
The Chinese belt and road initiative: development project with strings attached?
Authors: Oberhauser Marc
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate how the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Chinese outward foreign direct investments (FDI) impact the Belt and Road countries (BRCs). It draws on postcolonial theory to investigate the (geo)political objectives behind the financial and economic means.

Design/methodology/approach

In line with the nature of postcolonial studies, the study applies a discourse analysis integrating it with empirical data on indebtedness and trade.

Findings

This study finds that FDI and the BRI, as a development project, need to be considered a double-edged sword for the receiving countries. The authors provide evidence that China has instrumentalized financial and economic means to gain political influence and pursue geopolitical ambitions. Moreover, investments into sensitive sectors (e.g. energy, infrastructure), combined with the BRCs’ inability to pay back loans, could eventually lead to China gaining control of these assets.

Research limitations/implications

The study investigates the financial and economic means that are instrumentalized to gain political influence while not considering flows of technology and know-how. It also limits itself to the study of FDI coming from one specific country, i.e. China. Therefore, no comparison and evaluation are made of FDI from other countries, such as the USA or European countries.

Practical implications

By revealing noncommercial objectives and geopolitical ambitions that China pursues through the BRI, the authors derive policy implications for the BRCs, third countries and China.

Originality/value

The study contributes to postcolonial theory and neocolonialism by investigating how China uses financial and economic means to achieve noncommercial objectives and pursue geopolitical ambitions. Additionally, the authors enhance the understanding of FDI by highlighting more subtle aspects of the complex and contextual nature of FDI as a social phenomenon, which have been overlooked thus far. The authors challenge the predominant positive framing of FDI and provide a counterpoint to the way FDI is often coined.
Research on sales and sharing decisions of the equipment supplier under shared manufacturing environment
Authors: Li Wenbo , Dan Bin , Zhang Xumei , Liu Yi , Sui Ronghua
Published: November 2023

Purpose

With the rapid development of the sharing economy in manufacturing industries, manufacturers and the equipment suppliers frequently share capacity through the third-party platform. This paper aims to study influences of manufacturers sharing capacity on the supplier and to analyze whether the supplier shares capacity as well as its influences.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper deals with conditions that the supplier and manufacturers share capacity through the third-party platform, and the third-party platform competes with the supplier in equipment sales. Considering the heterogeneity of the manufacturer's earning of unit capacity usage and the production efficiency of manufacturer's usage strategies, this paper constructs capacity sharing game models. Then, model equilibrium results under different sharing scenarios are compared.

Findings

The results show that when the production or maintenance cost is high, manufacturers sharing capacity simultaneously benefits the supplier, the third-party platform and manufacturers with high earnings of unit capacity usage. When both the rental efficiency and the production cost are low, or both the rental efficiency and the production cost are high, the supplier simultaneously sells equipment and shares capacity. The supplier only sells equipment in other cases. When both the rental efficiency and the production cost are low, the supplier’s sharing capacity realizes the win-win-win situation for the supplier, the third-party platform and manufacturers with moderate earnings of unit capacity usage.

Originality/value

This paper innovatively examines supplier's selling and sharing decisions considering manufacturers sharing capacity. It extends the research on capacity sharing and is important to supplier's operational decisions.
Ascertaining adequacy of fire suppression systems: the perspective of Accra central of Ghana
Authors: Pim-Wusu Mark , Simpeh Eric Kwame , Simberi Jeremiah N-Nanajeri
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Fire is the fundamental element of most people’s lives, and when not controlled, the same fire can lead to several catastrophes in homes, offices, schools, lives and other public places with severe repercussions. Hence, this study aims to examine the adequacy and extent of the application of fire suppression systems in residential and commercial property in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a sequential mixed-mode design comprising quantitative and qualitative research strategies to analyse factors to produce findings. The target population for this study includes shop occupiers, end users of office buildings, and residents in the Accra Central of Ghana. Systematic random sampling was used for the quantitative research, and a sample size of 385 was obtained using a multi-stage and cluster sampling method. A structured survey and semi-structured interviews were used to collect the primary data. The quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, whereas the qualitative data were analysed using content analysis.

Findings

From an empirical literature review and the analysis, the three main factors contributing to fire breakouts are equipment malfunction, improper use of heat sources and human mistakes. According to the respondents, fire suppression systems were also inadequate, as most of the suppression systems prescribed in the building code were unavailable. Regarding the ability to manually operate fire suppression systems, most property occupiers stated that they are generally unaware of these suppression systems.

Practical implications

This study will aid policymakers in developing interventions for fire safety enforcement by ensuring that fire safety regulations are consistently followed by design team members and property developers, resulting in a positive effect on public building structures performing their required functions. It is also critical to provide end users with education and training on how to operate the fire suppression system as well as effective handling of firefighting installations in the event of a fire.

Originality/value

The findings of this investigation contribute to knowledge and comprehension of the effect of fire suppression systems on building users and may serve as a precursor to the development of a “As Built” certification system for ascertaining the adequacy of fire suppression systems for new and existing residential and commercial property.
The nonlinear relationship between financial constraints and R&D investment: the mediating role of executive stock options
Authors: Zaiane Sedki , Dabbou Halim
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The current study aims to investigate the mediating role of executive stock options in the nonlinear relationship between financial constraints and research and development (R&D) investment through two measures of financial constraints.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on a sample of 90 French firms for the period extending from 2008 to 2020. The authors employ a panel threshold method to analyze whether the impact of financial constraints on R&D investment depends on the level of financial constraints or not.

Findings

Using SA index (Hadlock and Pierce, 2010) and FCP index (Schauer et al., 2019) as measures of financial constraints, the authors demonstrate that the relationship between financial constraints and R&D investment is nonlinear. Moreover, the authors find that executive stock options mediate partially the relationship between financial constraints and R&D investment. More specifically, the authors show that stock options could play two roles depending on the level of the financial constraints; inconsistent mediation for firms with low/medium level of financial constraints and partial mediation for highly constrained firms.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to the best of the authors' knowledge to investigate the nonlinear relationship between financial constraints and R&D investment as well as the mediating role of executive stock option using dynamic panel threshold models.
Cognition and gender differences in cyberbullying in China: an investigation of textual cues and sentimental clues
Authors: Li Wanqi , Peng Huaxin
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Cyberbullying is a globally pervasive problem and not novel in academia. Previous studies mainly focussed on the features, consequences and technological management of cyberbullying. However, most of the studies took cyberbullying examples in the West, and some issues still need to be addressed in the Chinese context. Thus, this study investigates how participants use cyberbullying words and why they use them in that particular way in China.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses content analysis to summarise the typical features of cyberbullying words, revealing a positive relationship between cyberbullying words and sentimental expressions. This paper also uses the questionnaire (N = 705) to explore the prevalence of cyberbullying among Chinese Internet users and to compare the gender differences in the cognition of cyberbullying words and involvement in cyberbullying, in line with the social cognitive theory.

Findings

This study stated that people prefer repetitively using offensive words to achieve cyberbullying goals. Interestingly, this study does not find obvious gender differences in cyberbullying roles and cyberbullying language use. However, it explained the relationship between cognition and the use of cyberbullying words from a gender perspective.

Practical implications

Theoretically, this study expands cyberbullying studies into a new cultural environment, pointing to a novel term, “imbalanced relation,” for exploring cyberbullying behaviours. This study highlights the significance of technology and education in detecting and preventing cyberbullying, suggesting that educators and social media platforms can directly predict and prevent cyberbullying through textual perspectives and individuals' cognition of cyberbullying.

Originality/value

This study aims to examine cyberbullying linguistic and emotional features and individual differences in cyberbullying behaviour in a high-context culture like China. Its values include comparing the differences between cyberbullying in China and cyberbullying in the West from the linguistic and cultural directions and reconsidering the “power imbalance” feature of cyberbullying.
‘Readiness as opposed to eligibility’- preliminary consensus amongst professionals regarding gender identity assessments employing the DELPHI methodology
Authors: Henrich Sören
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Gender identity assessments (GIAs) have been criticized by practitioners and trans and gender non-conforming (TGNC) individuals alike. With the practice of exploring individuals’ gender identity for treatment pathway purposes being potentially invasive and inappropriate, the current study aims to explore explicit standards.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study used the Delphi methodology to survey practitioners familiar with GIA. Over three rounds, 14 international participants rated their agreement about six areas relating to the assessment: purpose; content; approach; forensic application; psychometric instruments; and wider issues. Statements that reached an 80% cut-off among participants were viewed as a sufficient level of agreement, while the remaining items were fed back for repeated ratings. Furthermore, participants had the opportunity to suggest additional items that the group could rate.

Findings

Overall, a consensus across 23 items was achieved. The findings indicate a practice emphasizing collaboration between clinician and client to facilitate an informed decision. Furthermore, participants advocated for a non-pathologizing version of the GIA. This is a departure from diagnoses like gender dysphoria toward an approach which encapsulates also positive aspects of the trans experience, for example, resilience and future plans.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations include sampling biases due to participants’ high specialization and challenges in recruiting TGNC individuals. Furthermore, findings appear restricted to adult services.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this pilot is a first step to making current practice transparent and comparable, with the hopes to improve trans care. Furthermore, it is contextualized with the previously suggested application of the power threat meaning framework to GIA.
Alteration of the tree–soil microbial system triggers a feedback loop that boosts holm oak decline
Authors: Encinas‐Valero Manuel , Esteban Raquel , Hereş Ana‐Maria , Vivas María , Solla Alejandro , Moreno Gerardo , Corcobado Tamara , Odriozola Iñaki , Garbisu Carlos , Epelde Lur , Curiel Yuste Jorge
Published: November 2023

In anthropic savanna ecosystems from the Iberian Peninsula (i.e. dehesa), complex interactions between climate change, pathogen outbreaks and human land use are presumed to be behind the observed increase in holm oak decline. These environmental disturbances alter the plant–soil microbial continuum, which can destabilize the ecological balance that sustains tree health. Yet, little is known about the underlying mechanisms, particularly the directions and nature of the causal–effect relationships between plants and soil microbial communities.

In this study, we aimed to determine the role of plant–soil feedbacks in climate‐induced holm oak decline in the Iberian dehesa. Using a gradient of holm oak health, we reconstructed key soil biogeochemical cycles mediated by soil microbial communities. We used quantitative microbial element cycling (QMEC), a functional gene‐array‐based high‐throughput technique to assess microbial functional potential in carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and sulphur cycling.

The onset of holm oak decline was positively related to the increase in relative abundance of soil microbial functional genes associated with denitrification and phosphorus mineralization (i.e. nirS3, ppx and pqqC; parameter value: 0.21, 0.23 and 0.4; p < 0.05). Structural equation model (χ2 = 32.26, p‐value = 0.73), moreover, showed a negative association between these functional genes and soil nutrient availability (i.e. mainly mineral nitrogen and phosphate). Particularly, the holm oak crown health was mainly determined by the abundance of phosphate (parameter value = 0.27; p‐value < 0.05) and organic phosphorus (parameter value = −0.37; p‐value < 0.5).

Hence, we propose a potential tree–soil feedback loop, in which the decline of holm oak promotes changes in the soil environment that triggers changes in key microbial‐mediated metabolic pathways related to the net loss of soil nitrogen and phosphorus mineral forms. The shortage of essential nutrients, in turn, affects the ability of the trees to withstand the environmental stressors to which they are exposed.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Is China's new live hog futures market efficient? Evidence from an analysis of market quality, price discovery and hedging effectiveness
Authors: Li Miao , Xiong Tao
Published: November 2023

On 8 January 2021, China's first live‐animal and live‐delivery futures product—in live hogs—was listed on the Dalian Commodity Exchange to serve as a risk management tool. We examine whether this newly established market exhibits good market quality and has realised its primary functions of price discovery and hedging. Our results suggest that the live hog futures market performs its price discovery function well and can hedge between 4% and 27% of the risk in the spot market, even though it is less actively traded, less liquid and more volatile than egg futures markets. To strengthen the hedging function of the live hog futures market, more effort—such as recruiting market makers and introducing night trading sessions—should be exerted to increase and smooth trading and stabilise volatility.
Neonatal mortality risk of large‐for‐gestational‐age and macrosomic live births in 15 countries, including 115.6 million nationwide linked records, 2000–2020
Authors: Suárez‐Idueta Lorena , Ohuma Eric O. , Chang Chia‐Jung , Hazel Elizabeth A. , Yargawa Judith , Okwaraji Yemisrach B. , Bradley Ellen , Gordon Adrienne , Sexton Jessica , Lawford Harriet L. S. , Paixao Enny S. , Falcão Ila R. , Lisonkova Sarka , Wen Qi , Velebil Petr , Jírová Jitka , Horváth‐Puhó Erzsebet , Sørensen Henrik T. , Sakkeus Luule , Abuladze Lili , Yunis Khalid A. , Al Bizri Ayah , Alvarez Sonia Lopez , Broeders Lisa , van Dijk Aimée E. , Alyafei Fawziya , AlQubaisi Mai , Razaz Neda , Söderling Jonas , Smith Lucy K. , Matthews Ruth J. , Lowry Estelle , Rowland Neil , Wood Rachael , Monteath Kirsten , Pereyra Isabel , Pravia Gabriella , Lawn Joy E. , Blencowe Hannah ,   the National Vulnerable Newborn Mortality Collaborative Group and the Vulnerable Newborn Measurement Core Group
Published: November 2023

Objective

We aimed to compare the prevalence and neonatal mortality associated with large for gestational age (LGA) and macrosomia among 115.6 million live births in 15 countries, between 2000 and 2020.

Design

Population‐based, multi‐country study.

Setting

National healthcare systems.

Population

Liveborn infants.

Methods

We used individual‐level data identified for the Vulnerable Newborn Measurement Collaboration. We calculated the prevalence and relative risk (RR) of neonatal mortality among live births born at term + LGA (>90th centile, and also >95th and >97th centiles when the data were available) versus term + appropriate for gestational age (AGA, 10th–90th centiles) and macrosomic (≥4000, ≥4500 and ≥5000 g, regardless of gestational age) versus 2500–3999 g. INTERGROWTH 21st served as the reference population.

Main outcome measures

Prevalence and neonatal mortality risks.

Results

Large for gestational age was common (median prevalence 18.2%; interquartile range, IQR, 13.5%–22.0%), and overall was associated with a lower neonatal mortality risk compared with AGA (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.77–0.89). Around one in ten babies were ≥4000 g (median prevalence 9.6% (IQR 6.4%–13.3%), with 1.2% (IQR 0.7%–2.0%) ≥4500 g and with 0.2% (IQR 0.1%–0.2%) ≥5000 g). Overall, macrosomia of ≥4000 g was not associated with increased neonatal mortality risk (RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.69–0.94); however, a higher risk was observed for birthweights of ≥4500 g (RR 1.52, 95% CI 1.10–2.11) and ≥5000 g (RR 4.54, 95% CI 2.58–7.99), compared with birthweights of 2500–3999 g, with the highest risk observed in the first 7 days of life.

Conclusions

In this population, birthweight of ≥4500 g was the most useful marker for early mortality risk in big babies and could be used to guide clinical management decisions.
The role of payment and financing in achieving health equity
Authors: Eschliman Brede H. , Pham Hongmai H. , Navathe Amol S. , Dale Karen M. , Harris Julian
Published: November 2023

Objective

The aim was to identify healthcare payment and financing reforms to promote health equity and ways that the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) may promote those reforms.

Data Sources and Study Setting

AHRQ convened a payment and financing workgroup–the authors of this paper–as part of its Health Equity Summit held in July 2022. This workgroup drew from its collective experience with healthcare payment and financing reform, as well as feedback from participants in a session at the Health Equity Summit, to identify the evidence base and promising paths for reforms to promote health equity.

Study Design

The payment and financing workgroup developed an outline of reforms to promote health equity, presented the outline to participants in the payment and financing session of the July 2022 AHRQ Health Equity Summit, and integrated feedback from the participants.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

This paper did not require novel data collection; the authors collected the data from the existing evidence base.

Principal Findings

The paper outlines root causes of health inequity and corresponding potential reforms in five domains: (1) the differential distribution of resources between healthcare providers serving different communities, (2) scarcity of financing for populations most in need, (3) lack of integration/accountability, (4) patient cost barriers to care, and (5) bias in provider behavior and diagnostic tools.

Conclusions

Additional research is necessary to determine whether the proposed reforms are effective in promoting health equity.
Advancing health equity through social care interventions
Authors: Peek Monica E. , Gottlieb Laura M. , Doubeni Chyke A. , Viswanathan Meera , Cartier Yuri , Aceves Benjamin , Fichtenberg Caroline , Cené Crystal W.
Published: November 2023

Objective

To use evidence on addressing racism in social care intervention research to create a framework for advancing health equity for all populations with marginalized social identities (e.g., race, gender, and sexual orientation). Such groups have disproportionate social needs (e.g., food insecurity) and negative social determinants of health (SDOH; e.g., poverty). We recommend how the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) could advance health equity for marginalized populations through social care research and care delivery.

Data Sources and Study Setting

This commentary is informed by a literature review of social care interventions that were affiliated with healthcare systems; input from health equity researchers, policymakers, and community leaders attending the AHRQ Health Equity Summit; and consensus of the authors.

Principal Findings

We recommend that AHRQ: (1) create an ecosystem that values research on SDOH and the effectiveness and implementation of social care interventions in the healthcare sector; (2) work with other federal agencies to (a) develop position statements with actionable recommendations about racism and other systems that perpetuate marginalization based on social identity and (b) develop aligned, complementary approaches to research and care delivery that address social marginalization; (3) advance both inclusive care delivery and inclusive research teams; (4) advance understanding of racism as a social determinant of health and effective strategies to mitigate its adverse impact on health; (5) advance the creation and scaling of effective strategies for addressing SDOH in healthcare systems, particularly in co‐creation with community partners; and (6) require social care intervention researchers to use methods that advance our understanding of social health equity.

Conclusions

AHRQ, as a federal agency, could help advance health equity using a range of strategies, including using the agency's levers to ensure AHRQ stakeholders examine and address the unique experiences of socially marginalized populations in SDOH and social care intervention research.
Highly efficient expression of human extracellular superoxide dismutase (rhEcSOD) with ultraviolet‐B‐induced damage‐resistance activity in transgenic silkworm cocoons
Authors: Wang Feng , Wang Ri‐Yuan , Zhong De‐Bin , Zhao Ping , Xia Qing‐You
Published: November 2023

Extracellular superoxide dismutase (EcSOD) protects tissues from oxidative stress, and thus is considered as a therapeutic agent for many diseases such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, and cancer. However, cost‐effective production of bioactive recombinant human EcSOD (rhEcSOD) remains a challenge. Herein, we developed an efficient strategy for producing active rhEcSOD by transgenic silkworms. rhEcSOD was successfully synthesized as homodimers and homotetramers in the middle silk gland and spun into the cocoons with a concentration of 9.48 ± 0.21 mg/g. Purification of rhEcSOD from the cocoons could be conveniently achieved with a purity of 99.50% and a yield of 3.5 ± 0.5 mg/g. Additionally, N‐glycosylation at the only site of N89 in rhEcSOD with 10 types were identified. The purified rhEcSOD gained the potent enzymatic activity of 4 162 ± 293 U/mg after Cu/Zn ions incorporation. More importantly, rhEcSOD was capable of penetrating and accumulating in the nuclei of cells to maintain cell morphology and attenuate ultraviolet B‐induced cell apoptosis by eliminating reactive oxygen species and inhibiting the C‐Jun N‐terminal kinase signaling pathway. These results demonstrated that the transgenic silkworm could successfully produce rhEcSOD with enzymatic and biological activities for biomedical applications.
Egg‐associated secretions from the brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens) activate rice immune responses
Authors: Li Jing , Li Shuai , Li Jing , Tan Xinyang , Zhao Zhichang , Jiang Lei , Hoffmann Ary A. , Fang Jichao , Ji Rui
Published: November 2023

The brown planthopper (BPH, Nilaparvata lugens) is a notorious sap‐sucking insect pest that damages rice (Oryza sativa) plants throughout Asia. During BPH feeding, saliva enters rice plant tissues, whereas during oviposition egg‐associated secretions (EAS) are deposited in damaged plant tissue. Dynamic changes in rice to planthopper salivary effectors have been widely reported. However, the effects of EAS from planthopper on rice immunity remains largely unexplored. In this study, we found that both infestation of rice by gravid BPH female adults and treatment with the EAS elicited a strong and rapid accumulation of jasmonic acid (JA), JA‐isoleucine, and hydrogen peroxide in rice. EAS enhanced plant defenses not only in rice but also in tobacco, and these impaired the performance of BPH on rice, as well as the performance of aphids and whiteflies on tobacco. High‐throughput proteome sequencing of EAS led to 110 proteins being identified and 53 proteins with 2 or more unique peptides being detected. Some proteins from BPH EAS were also found in the salivary proteome from herbivores, suggesting potential evolutionary conservation of effector functions across feeding and oviposition; however, others were only identified in EAS, and these are likely specifically related to oviposition. These findings point to novel proteins affecting interactions between planthoppers and rice during oviposition, providing an additional source of information for effector studies.
Weak in ability but still follow what the headquarters asks: a legitimacy‐based view of MNC employees' adoption of English
Authors: Hsu Anna JC , Au Kevin , Dowejko Marta K
Published: November 2023

This paper advances a legitimacy‐based view on what factors determine multinational corporation (MNC) employees' adoption of English at work. We posit that legitimacy judgment represents an alternative mechanism, other than language ability, for explaining MNC employees' response to headquarters' corporate language policy. The hypotheses were confirmed in two studies with mixed‐methods (experiments; semi‐structured interviews), involving MNC employees in China. Our findings verified that corporate language policy increases positive legitimacy judgment, which in turn enhances employees' adoption of English at work. Further analysis showed that language ability moderates the mediating effect of legitimacy judgment, such that this effect is stronger for employees with lower language ability. Semi‐structured interviews confirmed the experimental findings and brought more insight into why and how Chinese employees adopt English in daily work. This paper contributes to the research on corporate language policy, legitimacy judgment, and cross‐border management in Asia Pacific.
Shelf life enhancement technique of Musa acuminata in a controlled environment and optimization of process parameters affecting shelf life using genetic algorithm
Authors: Ghosh Niloy , De Jhumpa , Chowdhury Amit Roy
Published: November 2023

An economical and effective storage solution has been designed in this work for the storage of postharvest fruits and vegetables. Musa acuminata or banana has a shelf life of 5–6 days in open uncontrolled environment. This article reports a storage solution of M. acuminata in a controlled enclosure containing titanium oxide (TiO2)‐coated inner walls and irradiated with ultraviolet ray of band “C,” an air filtration unit, 5% by volume potassium permanganate (KMnO4) solution in a clay pot, grow lights, and activated charcoal granules. The same fruit was kept in an uncontrolled environment too. The percentages of dark spots on banana (M. acuminata) upon storage in controlled and uncontrolled environments have been estimated using an image‐processing algorithm. The prediction of dark spots was conducted using multi‐linear and multivariate polynomial regression. Experimentation with optimum process parameters obtained with genetic algorithm resulted in a shelf life extension of 6 days as compared to its storage in an uncontrolled environment. The setup can be used in vegetable and fruit markets for the extension of shelf life of postharvest perishable items in a compact and cost‐effective manner. The setup does not use any refrigeration process thereby decreasing energy requirement.
Preparation of food active packaging materials based on calcium hydroxide and modified porous medium for reducing carbon dioxide and kimchi odor
Authors: Jeong Suyeon , Lee Hyun‐Gyu , Lee Seong Youl , Yoo SeungRan
Published: November 2023

Carbon dioxide and kimchi odor compounds, formed during fermentation, negatively affect the long‐distance distribution of commercial kimchi. To address these issues, in this study, we modified different porous media (activated carbon, bleaching earth, diatomite, and zeolite) using sodium bicarbonate and silver (Ag) ions. Functional sheets were prepared using linear low‐density polyethylene, calcium hydroxide, a porous medium, and a blowing agent. Various prepared porous media and sheets were effective in removing acetic acid, sulfur compounds (allyl methyl sulfide, dimethyl disulfide, allyl methyl disulfide, and diallyl disulfide), and carbon dioxide. Porous media with micropores exhibited a sulfur compound removal efficiency of 43.5%–99.4%, while no effect was observed on acetic acid removal. However, porous media with mesopores showed an acetic acid removal efficiency of 42.3%–90.7%, with no reduction in sulfur compounds removal. The impregnation of porous materials with sodium bicarbonate significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced the acetic acid removal activity. Ag modification improved the sulfur compound removal of the mesoporous bleaching earth and diatomite statistically (p < 0.05). Additionally, the incorporation of sodium bicarbonate‐impregnated mesoporous media significantly improved carbon dioxide removal, reducing concentrations from 25.97% to 14.27% with respect to the control group. Our functional food packaging materials can solve the current issues in kimchi distribution by removing carbon dioxide and kimchi odor without affecting its quality.

Practical Application

Food active packaging materials containing calcium hydroxide and modified porous medium are effective in removing carbon dioxide and kimchi odor (acetic acid and sulfur compounds). The removal of carbon dioxide and kimchi odor, which adversely affect the distribution and sale of commercial kimchi, can help solve the current issues with kimchi distribution without affecting its quality.
Segmentectomy quality remains important in ground‐glass‐dominant stage I lung cancer
Authors: Woo Wongi , Lee Jimin , Jin Dae Hyun , Kim Jihoon , Moon Duk Hwan , Lee Sungsoo
Published: November 2023

Background

Segmentectomy for early‐stage lung cancer has benefits for survival and parenchymal preservation. However, segmentectomies are technically challenging, thereby resulting in considerable variability in the quality of resection. In this study, we aimed to review the quality of segmentectomies and analyze their clinical impact.

Methods

This retrospective study reviewed patients diagnosed with stage I lung cancer after segmentectomies between 2013 and 2021. Segmentectomies were classified as anatomical or nonanatomical; anatomical resection included segmental bronchus and vessel (artery and/or vein) divisions; others were classified as nonanatomical. The primary outcome was recurrence‐free and overall survival, and the secondary outcome was postoperative spirometry and lung plication, which is seen as a fibrotic line along the stapling site.

Results

Of the 132 segmental resections included in this study, 101 (76.5%) were anatomical segmentectomies. The median consolidation‐tumor ratio was 0.40, and 83.3% (110/132) had ground‐glass opacities (GGOs). Compared to nonanatomical resections, more N1 and total lymph node stations were retrieved after anatomical segmentectomies. Regarding clinical outcomes, recurrence‐free survival was better after anatomical segmentectomy (p = 0.049); however, overall survival was not significantly different (p = 0.064). Furthermore, at 3–6 months postoperatively, thicker lung plication at the stapling site was observed in nonanatomical resections (p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis for complex segmentectomies revealed a larger decrease in forced‐expiration volume in 1 s after nonanatomical resection.

Conclusion

Anatomical segmentectomy resulted in better survival and a lower incidence of thick lung plication, even in GGO‐dominant tumors. Therefore, further standardization and quality management of segmentectomy procedures will improve the clinical outcomes.
Extended ICI treatment after first‐line chemoimmunotherapy could predict the clinical benefit of ramucirumab plus docetaxel in advanced non‐small lung cancer: Post hoc analysis from NEJ051 (REACTIVE study)
Authors: Yamaguchi Ou , Mori Keita , Takata Saori , Shibata Kazuhiko , Chikamori Kenichi , Kimura Nozomu , Nagai Yoshiaki , Nakagawa Taku , Igawa Satoshi , Harada Taishi , Yoshioka Hiroshige , Tanaka Hisashi , Nogawa Hitomi , Satoh Hiroaki , Shiozawa Toshihiro , Tsuji Kosuke , Kobayashi Kunihiko , Kaira Kyoichi
Published: November 2023

Background

The factors that predict the clinical response to ramucirumab plus docetaxel (RD) after first‐line chemoimmunotherapy are unresolved. We explored whether the therapeutic efficacy of prior chemoimmunotherapy could predict the outcome of RD as sequential therapy in patients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

Our study comprised 288 patients with advanced NSCLC who received RD as the second‐line treatment after first‐line chemoimmunotherapy at 62 Japanese institutions. Chemoimmunotherapy consisted of a platinum‐based regimen and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). The association between several variables and the therapeutic outcome of RD was determined via logistic regression analysis.

Results

Of the 288 patients, 225 (78.1%) received maintenance therapy and 108 (37.5%) received both ICI treatment for >180 days and maintenance therapy. All of 108 patients having ICIs for >180 days received maintenance therapy. Univariate analysis identified performance status, histology (adenocarcinoma), maintenance therapy, and ICI treatment >180 days as significant predictors of better progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) after RD administration. Multivariate analysis confirmed that these factors independently predicted favorable PFS and OS. The therapeutic response and PD‐L1 expression were not closely associated with outcome after RD treatment. In particular, maintenance therapy >4 cycles was more predictive of the better prognosis for RD treatment.

Conclusion

Extended ICI treatment after chemoimmunotherapy and maintenance therapy enhanced the efficacy of second‐line RD treatment in patients with advanced NSCLC.