bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Millennial processes of population decline, range contraction and near extinction of the European bison
Authors: Pilowsky July A. , Brown Stuart C. , Llamas Bastien , van Loenen Ayla L. , Kowalczyk Rafał , Hofman-Kamińska Emilia , Manaseryan Ninna H. , Rusu Viorelia , Križnar Matija , Rahbek Carsten , Fordham Damien A.
Published: December 2023

European bison (
Bison bonasus
) were widespread throughout Europe during the late Pleistocene. However, the contributions of environmental change and humans to their near extinction have never been resolved. Using process-explicit models, fossils and ancient DNA, we disentangle the combinations of threatening processes that drove population declines and regional extinctions of European bison through space and across time. We show that the population size of European bison declined abruptly at the termination of the Pleistocene in response to rapid environmental change, hunting by humans and their interaction. Human activities prevented populations of European bison from rebounding in the Holocene, despite improved environmental conditions. Hunting caused range loss in the north and east of its distribution, while land use change was responsible for losses in the west and south. Advances in hunting technologies from 1500 CE were needed to simulate low abundances observed in 1870 CE. While our findings show that humans were an important driver of the extinction of the European bison in the wild, vast areas of its range vanished during the Pleistocene–Holocene transition because of post-glacial environmental change. These areas of its former range have been climatically unsuitable for millennia and should not be considered in reintroduction efforts.
Helicobacter pylori Isolate from Endoscopy Examined Patients in Bahir Dar, North West Ethiopia Helicobacter pylori Isolate from Endoscopy Examined Patients in Bahir Dar, North West Ethiopia
Authors: Erkihun Mulat , Chanie Desalegn Nigatu , Siraj Yesuf Adem
Published: December 2023

Background: The Helicobacter pylori infection is highly prevalent throughout the world and causes gastric-associated diseases. Its microbial niche is the stomach, where it causes different abnormalities while being observed. As a result, the current study sought to determine the magnitude and effects of Helicobacter pylori in patients who underwent endoscopic examination. Method: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January to May 2019 at endoscopy service-providing health institutions. Socio-demographic and clinical data were collected using a pretested, structured questionnaire. Gastric biopsies were collected according to the Sydney protocol during endoscopic procedures and immediately inoculated into brain-heart infusion broth. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 23. Result:  Among the 135 study participants, 59.3% were males and 40.7% were females, with a mean age of 45 years old. The proportion of Helicobacter pylori isolated was 17.8% (24/135). The majority of isolates (71% of 17/24) were from males, while only 29% of 7/24) were from females. Isolation of Helicobacter pylori was significantly associated with a high salt intake habit [AOR = 3.3, 95% CI = (1.5, 10.8), P = 0.04] and the presence of a duodenal ulcer [AOR = 3.8, 95% CI = (1.2, 11.9), P = 0.02. The highest proportion of Helicobacter pylori had been observed in patients with atrophic pan gastritis. Conclusion: The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori isolated from the study participants was relatively lower. High salt intake and the presence of duodenal ulcers are significantly associated with Helicobacter pylori infection. Key words: Endoscopy, Gastric associated diseases, Gastritis, Duodenal ulcer, Helicobacter pylori
comradesOO: An Object-Oriented R Package for the Analysis of RNA Structural Data Generated by RNA crosslinking experiments
Authors: Price Jonathan L. , Ziv Omer , Pinckert Malte L. , Miska Eric A.
Published: December 2023

RNA (Ribonucleic Acid) molecules have secondary and tertiary structuresin vivowhich play a crucial role in cellular processes such as the regulation of gene expression, RNA processing, and localization. The ability to investigate these structures will enhance our understanding of their function and contribute to the diagnosis and treatment of diseases caused by RNA dysregulation. However, there are no mature pipelines or packages for processing and analysing complexin vivoRNA structural data. Here, we present COMRADES Object-Oriented (comradesOO), a novel software package for the comprehensive analysis of data derived from the COMRADES (Crosslinking of Matched RNA and Deep Sequencing) method. comradesOO offers a comprehensive pipeline from raw sequencing reads to the identification of RNA structural features. It includes read processing and alignment, clustering of duplexes, data exploration, folding and comparisons of RNA structures. comradesOO also enables comparisons between conditions, the identification of inter-RNA interactions, and the incorporation of reactivity data to improve structure prediction.

Availability and Implementation

comradesOO is freely available to non-commercial users and implemented in R, with the source code and documentation accessible at [https://CRAN.R-project.org/package=comradesOO]. The software is supported on Linux, macOS, and Windows platforms.

Contact

jlp76@cam.ac.uk

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available atBioinformaticsonline.
Blocking Orai1 constitutive activity inhibits B-cell cancer migration and synergistically acts with drugs to reduce B-CLL cell survival
Authors: Scaviner Julien , Bagacean Cristina , Christian Berthou , Renaudineau Yves , Mignen Olivier , Abdoul-Azize Souleymane
Published: December 2023

Orai1 channel capacity to control store-operated Ca2+entry (SOCE) and B-cell functions is poorly understood and more specifically in B-cell cancers, including human lymphoma and leukemia. As compared to normal B-cells, Orai1 is overexpressed in B-chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) and contributes in resting B-CLL to mediate an elevated basal Ca2+level through a constitutive Ca2+entry, and in BCR-activated B-cell to regulate the Ca2+signaling response. Such observations were confirmed in human B-cell lymphoma and leukemia lines, including RAMOS, JOK-1, MEC-1 and JVM-3 cells. Next, the use of pharmacological Orai1 inhibitors (GSK-7975A and Synta66) blocks constitutive Ca2+entry and in turn affects B-cell cancer (primary and cell lines) survival and migration, controls cell cycle, and induces apoptosis through a mitochondrial and caspase-3 independent pathway. Finally, the added value of Orai1 inhibitors in combination with B-CLL drugs (ibrutinib, idelalisib, rituximab, and venetoclax) on B-CLL survival was tested, showing an additive/synergistic effect including in the B-cell cancer lines. To conclude, this study highlights the pathophysiological role of the Ca2+channel Orai1 in B-cell cancers, and pave the way for the use of ORAI1 modulators as a plausible therapeutic strategy.
Expression and DNA methylation of 20S proteasome subunits as prognostic and resistance markers in cancer
Authors: Al-Abdulla Ruba , Venz Simone , Al-Ali Ruslan , Wendlandt Martin , Radefeldt Mandy , Krüger Elke
Published: December 2023

Proteasomes are involved in the maintenance of cellular protein homeostasis and the control of numerous cellular pathways. Single proteasome genes or subunits have been identified as important players in cancer development and progression without considering the proteasome as a multi-subunit protease. We here conduct a comprehensive pan-cancer analysis encompassing transcriptional, epigenetic, mutational landscapes, pathway enrichments, and survival outcomes linked to the 20S proteasome core complex. The impact of proteasome gene expression on patient survival exhibits a cancer-type dependent pattern. Escalated proteasome expression associates with elevated activation of oncogenic pathways, such as DNA repair, MYC- controlled gene networks, MTORC1 signaling, oxidative phosphorylation, as well as metabolic pathways including glycolysis and fatty acid metabolism. Vice versa, potential loss of function variants correlates with improved survival. The TCGA-derived outcomes are further supported by gene expression analysis of THP-1 cells. Our study reframes these subunits as an integrated functional ensemble, rather than separated subunits.

Abstract Figure
Exploring consumer attitudes and behaviour towards sustainable health-related food choices
Authors: Chamhuri Norshamliza , Che Lah Nur Syahirah , Batt Peter J. , Ramlan Muhammad Nadzif Bin , Mod Asri Norain , Abdullah Al-Hadi Azrina
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Palm oil has consistently been a staple ingredient in the Malaysian diet. Despite various promotional efforts throughout the years, the health aspects of palm oil have often been undervalued, leading consumers to overlook its benefits. This study has two objectives: (1) to explore consumer behaviour in purchasing decisions for food products containing palm oil in an emerging market and (2) to examine consumer awareness of palm oil as an ingredient in various edible products related to health.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative methodology that utilises a self-administered questionnaire was adopted for data collection. The conceptual framework and hypotheses were tested using partial least squares (PLS) structural equation modelling (SEM) on a dataset of 342 respondents.

Findings

The findings revealed that three hypotheses – attitude, subjective norms (SNs) and perceived health benefits – positively impact the intention to purchase palm-oil-based food products. Additionally, results indicate that Malaysian consumers practice sustainable consumption when purchasing palm-oil-based food products.

Originality/value

There is a need for a greater understanding of the importance perceived health benefits have in influencing consumers' consumption of food products containing palm oil in an emerging market such as Malaysia. This research study addresses the gap in existing knowledge.
Selling hope versus hate: the impact of partisan social media messaging on social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Govind Rahul , Garg Nitika , Carter Lemuria
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the role of hope and hate in political leaders’ messages in influencing liberals versus conservatives’ social-distancing behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the increasing political partisanship across the world today, using the appropriate message framing has important implications for social and public policy.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use two Natural Language Processing (NLP) methods – a pretrained package (HateSonar) and a classifier built to implement our supervised neural network-based model architecture using RoBERTa – to analyze 61,466 tweets by each US state’s governor and two senators with the goal of examining the association between message factors invoking hate and hope and increased or decreased social distancing from March to May 2020. The authors examine individuals’ social-distancing behaviors (the amount of nonessential driving undertaken) using data from 3,047 US counties between March 13 and May 31, 2020, as reported by Google COVID-19 Community Mobility Reports and theNew York Timesrepository of COVID-19 data.

Findings

The results show that for conservative state leaders, the use of hate increases nonessential driving of state residents. However, when these leaders use hope in their speech, nonessential driving of state residents decreases. For liberal state leaders, the use of hate displays a directionally different result as compared to their conservative counterparts.

Research limitations/implications

Amid the emergence of new analytic techniques and novel data sources, the findings demonstrate that the use of global positioning systems data and social media analysis can provide valuable and precise insights into individual behavior. They also contribute to the literature on political ideology and emotion by demonstrating the use of specific emotion appeals in targeting specific consumer segments based on their political ideology.

Practical implications

The findings have significant implications for policymakers and public health officials regarding the importance of considering partisanship when developing and implementing public health policies. As partisanship continues to increase, applying the appropriate emotion appeal in messages will become increasingly crucial. The findings can help marketers and policymakers develop more effective social marketing campaigns by tailoring specific appeals given the political identity of the consumer.

Originality/value

Using Neural NLP methods, this study identifies the specific factors linking social media messaging from political leaders and increased compliance with health directives in a partisan population.
Unveiling the path to sustainable online learning: addressing challenges and proposing solutions in Pakistan
Authors: Fakir Mohammad Razia , Hinduja Preeta , Siddiqui Sohni
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The pandemic's health and social issues have significantly altered the character and manner of teaching and learning in higher education across the country. The use of technology to replace or integrate face-to-face learning with online learning has become a necessary requirement for promoting and continuing learning processes. Furthermore, integrating technology is a goal of Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) to make teaching and learning more innovative and sophisticated. This paper is based on a systematic review grounded in a synthesis of research papers and documents analyzing the current status of teachers' pedagogy through online learning modes in the context of Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

Through content analyses of academic studies in higher education and reflection on the online teaching experiences, this study discusses how students' learning is associated with teachers' teaching approaches in the modern era of digitalization and innovation.

Findings

The review and analysis suggest that online teaching is not viewed as an innovative phenomenon; rather, teachers simply teach their traditionally designed face-to-face courses through the use of technology. The paper suggests that transforming teachers' pedagogical insight to make online learning sustainable is an urgent need for higher education.

Originality/value

The analysis provides a basis for consideration of teacher learning and quality education (SDG #4) to fulfill the nation’s agenda for sustainable development. The analysis helps educators and administrators in higher education institutions reflect on their policies and practices that have short- and long-term effects on students' learning outcomes.
Factors influencing ICT implementation in motorcycle goods transport: the mediating role of business efficiency, infrastructure and motorcycle benefits
Authors: Armah Abdul karim , Li Jinfa
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Through the “Going Digital Initiative,” the Ghanaian government has introduced policies that aim at improving the information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure of the country. These ICT policies have benefited numerous sectors of the Ghanaian economy. In logistics management, ICT has impacted drone medical delivery in the healthcare and maritime sectors. However, the importance of ICT is not realized in the motorcycle goods transport (MGT) industry, regardless of its popularity and high economic dependency. Second, all research on motorcycles is focused on diverse social concerns, and no study has attempted to analyze ICT implementation for MGT operations. This is a significant gap in logistics management. Hence, the study aimed to investigate the impact of ICT on Ghana's MGT industry empirically.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a two-phase data collection approach to collect the data. The authors use partial least square structural equation modeling to analyze the study's measurement and structural assessment model.

Findings

ICT positively impacts MGT and the drivers considered. The drivers positively influence MGT. The study further analyzes novel results on the relationships between the drivers and their mediating roles in enhancing MGT performance.

Originality/value

The study's originality is the extension of ICT adoption and usage in MGT. The lack of literature on the importance of ICT for MGT services makes this study the primary source of literature, and the relationships investigated are unique as the research area is unexplored.
Building consumer–brand relationships in the channel-mix era. The role of self–brand connection and product involvement
Authors: Rodríguez-Torrico Paula , San José Cabezudo Rebeca , San-Martín Sonia
Published: December 2023

Purpose

In the channel-mix era, the customer journey involves combining channels during all the stages of the decision-making process, such that creating and maintaining relationships with consumers poses a challenge to retailers. This work aims to explore what role brands play in this issue by analyzing what impact the perceived benefits of brand channel-mix have on consumer self–brand connection (SBC) and what their effect is in enduring consumer–brand relationships (i.e. future channel-mix use and word of mouth [WOM]). This paper also explores the moderating role of product involvement in these relations.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors carried out a personal questionnaire with a sample of 288 consumers who were recruited after leaving one of the stores of a clothing brand that is a successful example of distribution channel management.

Findings

Insofar as consumers perceive channel-mix benefits, SBC will be higher and (or as a result) their future intentions with the brand will be more intense. In addition, the results show that product involvement moderates the relationship between SBC and channel-mix use intention and WOM.

Originality/value

This work contributes to channel-mix, relationship marketing, brand and product involvement literature by analyzing how customers may be retained in the channel-mix era through brand management and by considering product category involvement. This study merges brand and product variables to explore their impact on relationship marketing within channel-mix behaviors.
Does destination gender matter for destination brand attachment and brand love? The moderating role of destination involvement
Authors: Hamdy Ahmed , Zhang Jian , Eid Riyad
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The main purposes of this article are twofold: (1) to investigate the unexplored connections among destination gender personality, destination stereotypes, brand attachment and destination brand love and (2) to examine the moderating role of destination involvement in the association between destination stereotypes and destination brand attachment (DBA).

Design/methodology/approach

The conceptual model is evaluated using qualitative methods (i.e. three focus groups, six academic experts and a pilot study). In addition, using an empirical study with 610 international travelers who visited Egypt selected by systematic random sampling, 8 hypotheses were analyzed and tested using structural equation modeling (SEM) by AMOS 23, confirmatory factor analyses and exploratory factor analyses.

Findings

The study’s results suggest that destination gender plays a vital role in enhancing stereotypes, stereotypes positively affect attachment and DBA positively affects destination brand love. Finally, the results show that destination involvement moderates the dual influence of the warmth and competence of stereotypes on destination attachment.

Practical implications

The research supports the contention that social perception mechanisms are crucial in destination brand perception. It offers new understandings of the association between customers' destination brand perceptions and their responses to destinations.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the travel literature by analyzing a novel model of destination gender personality, stereotypes, DBA and destination brand love using both social role (SR) theory and a stereotype content model (SCM). Besides attempting this task, it explores the moderating role of destination involvement in the association between stereotypes and destination attachment using the elaboration likelihood model.
Towards a digital twin of a service: a case of communicating cost and control implications of a new after-sales service with an animation
Authors: Tkaczyk Marta , Salina Anna , Lyly-Yrjänäinen Jouni , Laine Teemu
Published: December 2023

Purpose

New service businesses carry opportunities for industrial companies. The different cost management and management control implications of those service businesses deserve attention, which is a widely under-researched area in management accounting and control literature. Digital twins could hold potential in unveiling and supporting those new service business opportunities, as a unique approach of this paper. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to examine the possibility and potential for creating a digital twin of a service, especially to unveil the management accounting and control implications of the digital twin in developing new service businesses.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper investigates the potential of a digital twin in unveiling cost and control implications of new service businesses by examining the characteristics of a digital twin in the service business development context. The paper use an in-depth interventionist case study, where the designed animations illustrate the possibilities of a digital twin of a service. The animations showing the service process characteristics were first used as a communication tool and eventually those animations were actively used in customer cases for different purposes. This motivated the idea for examining the implications of such animations representing a digital twin of a service.

Findings

The paper provides empirical insights regarding the potential for developing and using a digital twin of a service for different cost management and management control purposes. The digital twin of a service may include all main details of a new service offering, simulating the functionality of a service, hence making the performance and the implications of the new service concept clear for all the stakeholders. The digital twin of the service enables defining the processes, setting targets and helps communication about the value generation. Thus, they represent a significant toolkit for the management accounting and control function of the manufacturers.

Originality/value

This paper is among the first attempts to understand the digital twin of the service. The paper is unique in providing financial and control implications of digital twins also in the context of service business development. The in-depth interventionist approach enabled an exceptional exploration process on the subject. The article paves the way toward further research on managing the digital twins of services in the future.
Adjust train schedules to minimize passenger waiting times during disruptions
Authors: Zhou Huijuan , Wang Rui , Weng Dongyang , Wang Ruoyu , Qiao Yaoqin
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The interruption event will seriously affect the normal operation of urban rail transit lines,causing a large number of passengers to be stranded in the station and even making the train stranded in the interval between stations. This study aims to reduce the impact of interrupt events and improve service levels.

Design/methodology/approach

To address this issue, this paper considers the constraints of train operation safety, capacity and dynamic passenger flow demand. It proposes a method for adjusting small loops during interruption events and constructs a train operation adjustment model with the objective of minimizing the total passenger waiting time. This model enables the rapid development of train operation plans in interruption scenarios, coordinating train scheduling and line resources to minimize passenger travel time and mitigate the impact of interruptions. Regarding the proposed train operation adjustment model, an improved genetic algorithm (GA) is designed to solve it.

Findings

The model and algorithm are applied to a case study of interruption events on Beijing Subway Line 5. The results indicate that after solving the constructed model, the train departure intervals can be maintained between 1.5 min and 3 min. This ensures both the safety of train operations on the line and a good match with passengers’ travel demands, effectively reducing the total passenger waiting time and improving the service level of the urban rail transit system during interruptions. Compared to the GA algorithm, the algorithm proposed in this paper demonstrates faster convergence speed and better computational results.

Originality/value

This study explicitly outlines the adjustment method of using short-turn operation during operational interruptions, with train departure times and station stop times as decision variables. It takes into full consideration safety constraints on train operations, train capacity constraints and dynamic passenger demand. It has constructed a train schedule optimization model with the goal of minimizing the total waiting time for all passengers in the system.
A growing Noyce Scholarship Program: successes, triumphs and challenges along the way
Authors: Smith Sharlonne Rollin
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The article discusses the development and growth of a newly established Noyce Scholarship Program at a Hispanic Serving Institution and the collaborative efforts of the School of Education (SOE) and its partners during the recruitment and retention process.

Design/methodology/approach

The author will explore and answer questions: (1) What were the articulated agreements implemented during the recruitment and application process? (2) In what ways did the scholar’s professional growth benefit from the dedicated and shared resources of the SOE’s partners? (3) How did the process of mentoring transform into a collaborative research effort resulting in presentation experiences?

Findings

The balance of triumphs, challenges and success in the program allows room for growth and reflection. Once scholars were admitted and accepted into the program, various supports were implemented to ensure scholars would be given tools needed to become highly effective educators in high-needs schools. In an informal discussion with scholars, they indicated the program taught them the necessary tools and dispositions needed to effectively teach the curriculum in STEM-based classrooms. However, they believed the issues of the program could be solved through constant communication and consideration of scholar input. Scholars also expressed appreciation for experiences encountered for scholar success.

Originality/value

The Noyce Scholars Program has provided opportunities for STEM majors to demonstrate hope and vision regarding the teacher shortage, particularly in STEM areas. The story of a professional development school’s unpredictable journey in addressing the teacher pipeline will hopefully be a source of valuable information for other Professional Development School (PDS) partnerships. Recruitment, clinical preparation and continuous support of partners will continue to be integral factors in shaping future efforts to address the STEM teacher shortage creating a better world, locally and globally.
Talking representation: How legislators re‐establish responsiveness in cases of representational deficits
Authors: ITZKOVITCH‐MALKA REUT , MOR GUY , OSHRI ODELIA , SHENHAV SHAUL
Published: December 2023

A close connection between public opinion and policy is considered a vital element of democracy. However, legislators cannot be responsive to all voters at all times with regard to the policies the latter favour. We argue that legislators use their speaking time in parliament to offer compensatory speech to their constituents who might oppose how they voted on a policy, in order to re‐establish themselves as responsive to the public's wishes. Leveraging the case of Brexit, we show that legislators pay more attention to constituents who might be dissatisfied with how they voted. Furthermore, their use of rhetorical responsiveness is contingent on the magnitude of the representational deficit they face vis‐à‐vis their constituency. Our findings attest to the central role of parliamentary speech in maintaining responsiveness. They also demonstrate that communicative responsiveness can substitute for policy responsiveness.
Abnormal carnitine metabolism in hemodialysis patients on different anticoagulants
Authors: Sekiguchi Kie , Abe Takaya , Shiomi Ei , Ikarashi Daiki , Matsuura Tomohiko , Maekawa Shigekatsu , Kato Renpei , Kanehira Mitsugu , Takata Ryo , Sugimura Jun , Sekiguchi Takashi , Obara Wataru
Published: December 2023

Introduction

We aimed to determine whether unfractionated heparin (UH) and low molecular weight heparin (LH) contribute to aberrant carnitine metabolism in patients receiving hemodialysis.

Methods

The rate of increase in serum free fatty acids (FFAs) and the ratio of acylcarnitine to free carnitine (AC/FC) from before to after hemodialysis were determined in patients receiving UH and LH. Additionally, the effect of switching patients to UH from LH was examined.

Results

AC/FC was significantly higher in the UH group. In addition, serum FFAs in that group increased to 0.825 ± 0.270 after dialysis from 0.172 ± 0.160 before dialysis, showing a positive correlation with AC/FC. Furthermore, AC/FC was observed to be significantly higher in patients who were switched to UH from LH at 3 months after the change.

Conclusion

Compared with UH, LH has a lesser effect on lipid metabolism, suggesting that it also has a lesser effect on carnitine metabolism.
An increased relative eosinophil count as a predictive dynamic biomarker in non‐small cell lung cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Takeuchi Eiji , Ogino Hirokazu , Kondo Kensuke , Okano Yoshio , Ichihara Seiya , Kunishige Michihiro , Kadota Naoki , Machida Hisanori , Hatakeyama Nobuo , Naruse Keishi , Nokihara Hiroshi , Shinohara Tsutomu , Nishioka Yasuhiko
Published: December 2023

Background

An increased relative eosinophil count (REC) has potential as a predictive biomarker for a beneficial clinical response and outcome to cancer immunotherapies. Therefore, the present study investigated the impact of an increased posttreatment REC on the prognosis of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed all 151 patients diagnosed with NSCLC and treated with ICI monotherapy and blood test data between March 2016 and August 2021 at National Hospital Organization Kochi Hospital and Tokushima University.

Results

A total of 151 patients with a mean age of 69 years were included. REC after 4 weeks of initial ICI monotherapy was higher than pretreatment REC in 87 patients but not in 64. REC after 4 weeks of the ICI treatment with and without an increased REC were 4.4 and 1.8%, respectively (p < 0.001). Disease control rates (DCR) were significantly higher in patients with than in those without an increased REC (84% vs. 47%, p < 0.001). The median overall survival (OS) of lung cancer patients with or without an increased REC were 674 and 234 days, respectively. A Kaplan–Meier univariate analysis revealed a significant difference in OS between the two groups (p < 0.001). A Cox proportional regression analysis identified an increased REC as an independent predictor of OS (p = 0.003).

Conclusion

ICI‐treated NSCLC patients with an increased REC after 4 weeks of treatment had a better DCR and prognosis than the other patients examined.
Systematic review of robotic ventral hernia repair with meta‐analysis
Authors: Tran Elisa , Sun Jing , Gundara Justin
Published: December 2023

Background

Despite being one of the most common operations performed by general surgeons, there is a lack of consensus regarding the recommended approach for ventral hernia repair (VHR). Recent times have seen the rapid development of new techniques, such as robotic ventral hernia repair (RVHR). This systematic review and meta‐analysis aims to evaluate the currently available evidence relating to RVHR, in comparison to open VHR (OVHR) and laparoscopic VHR (LVHR).

Methods

A systematic search of the following databases was conducted: PubMed, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science. A meta‐analysis was performed for the outcomes of length of stay (LOS), recurrence, operative time, intraoperative complications, wound complications, 30‐day readmission, 30‐day reoperation, mortality and costs.

Results

A total of 39 studies met inclusion criteria. Overall, RVHR reduced LOS, intra‐operative complications, wound complications and readmission compared to OVHR. Compared to LVHR, RVHR was associated with increased operative time and costs, with comparable clinical outcomes.

Conclusion

There is currently a lack of robust evidence to support the robotic approach in VHR. It does not demonstrate major benefits in comparison to LVHR, which is more affordable and accessible. Strong quality, long‐term data is required to help with establishing a gold standard approach in VHR.
Comparative effectiveness of sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors and dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors on liver function in patients with type 2 diabetes in Japan: A real‐world data analysis
Authors: Takahashi Hirokazu , Asakawa Keiko , Kosakai Yoshinori , Lee Takumi , Rokuda Mitsuhiro
Published: December 2023

Aim

To compare the effects of sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) versus dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors (DPP4is) on liver function in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Japan.

Materials and Methods

This was a Japanese retrospective cohort study using the RWD Database (1 January 2015 to 24 September 2021). Patients newly treated with an SGLT2i or a DPP4i were matched 1:4 (SGLT2i:DPP4i) using propensity score. The primary endpoint was the change from baseline to 1 year after the index date in alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Secondary endpoints included change from baseline in various laboratory test results, including the Fibrosis‐4 (FIB‐4) index, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), albumin and HbA1c. Endpoints were compared between treatment groups using Welch's t‐test in the full population and in subgroups stratified by baseline characteristics.

Results

Baseline characteristics of 955 and 3063 matched patients newly treated with an SGLT2i and a DPP4i, respectively, were well balanced. Patients receiving an SGLT2i had significantly greater reductions in ALT, FIB‐4 index and GGT and a significantly greater increase in albumin than patients receiving a DPP4i. A significantly greater change from baseline in ALT was observed in the SGLT2i group than in the DPP4i group among subgroups with lower baseline FIB‐4 index and HbA1c.

Conclusions

In this study, improvements in various measures, including ALT, the FIB‐4 index, GGT and albumin, were observed with SGLT2is compared with DPP4is, suggesting that SGLT2is may provide hepatoprotective benefits, including the prevention of liver fibrosis, in patients with T2D in Japan.
Patterns of neurotoxicity among patients receiving chimeric antigen receptor T‐cell therapy: A single‐centre cohort study
Authors: Sales Carmela , Anderson Mary Ann , Kuznetsova Valeriya , Rosenfeld Hannah , Malpas Charles B. , Roos Izanne , Dickinson Michael , Harrison Simon , Kalincik Tomas
Published: December 2023

Background and purpose

Immune effector cell‐associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) is an important complication of chimeric antigen receptor T‐cell (CAR‐T) therapy. This study aims to identify the patterns of neurotoxicity among patients with ICANS at a tertiary referral centre in Australia.

Methodology

This single‐centre, prospective cohort study included all consecutively recruited patients who underwent CAR‐T therapy for eligible haematological malignancies. All patients underwent a comprehensive neurological assessment and cognitive screening before CAR‐T infusion, during the development of ICANS, and 1 month after treatment. Baseline demographic characteristics, incidence, and neurological patterns of neurotoxicity management were evaluated.

Results

Over a 19‐month period, 23% (12) of the 53 eligible patients developed neurotoxicity (10/12 [83%] being grade 1). All patients showed changes in handwriting and tremor as their initial presentation. Changes in cognition were manifested in most of the patients, with a more substantial drop noted in their Montreal Cognitive Assessment compared to immune effector cell‐associated encephalopathy scores. All manifestations of neurotoxicity were short‐lived and resolved within a 1‐month period, with a mean duration of 8.2 days (range = 1–33).

Conclusions

The patterns of CAR‐T‐related neurotoxicity often include change in handwriting, tremor, and mild confusional state, especially early in their evolution. These may remain undetected by routine neurological surveillance. These features represent accessible clinical markers of incipient ICANS.
Impact of income inequalities on subjective perception of older adult health: An analysis of healthy life expectancy in China from 1997 to 2006
Authors: Yu Qi , Wu Jilei
Published: December 2023

Aim

Driven by rapid socioeconomic development over recent decades, there are widening income inequalities and subjective health disparities among older adults in China. This study explored the relationship between income inequalities and self‐rated healthy life expectancy (HLE) considering potential sex‐specific differences.

Methods

From a cohort of 1760 individuals aged ≥60 years from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (1997–2006), we calculated age‐specific life expectancy (LE), HLE and the proportion of HLE to LE (HLE/LE) by sex using the IMaCh software, incorporated time‐varying income levels of older adults.

Results

Although longevity has significantly improved, the well‐being of Chinese older adults could be further enhanced by assessing HLE, as the results showed that at age 60 years, ~20% of their LE was characterized by unhealthiness. Discriminated by economic status, lower‐income individuals experienced worse self‐rated health compared with the general population and affluent counterparts. For instance, at age 60 years, the LE, HLE and HLE/LE of low‐income men were 19.8 (95% CI 18.4–21.1), 16.2 years (95% CI 15.0–17.5) and 81.8%, respectively, lower than their general (21.7, 95% CI: 20.4–23.0; 18.0, 95% CI 16.8–19.2; and 82.9%) and high‐income counterparts (25.1, 95% CI 23.1–27.2; 21.4, 95% CI 19.5–23.3; and 85.3%). Sex disparities were noticeable among low‐income individuals in HLE/LE, with low‐income women showing the most significant disadvantage.

Conclusions

Income inequalities exacerbated subjective health disparities among older adults, particularly among lower‐income individuals and women. Our findings carry significant implications for formulating public health and social welfare strategies, especially in nations grappling with an aging population and undergoing parallel socioeconomic development.Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 109–115.
Diversity of fungus‐like stramenopilous organisms (Oomycota) in Lithuanian freshwater aquaculture: Morphological and molecular analysis, risk to fish health
Authors: Markovskaja Svetlana , Iršėnaitė Reda , Kačergius Audrius , Sauliutė Gintarė , Stankevičiūtė Milda
Published: December 2023

The present work is the first comprehensive study of fungus‐like stramenopilous organisms (Oomycota) diversity in Lithuanian fish farms aimed at proper identification of saprolegniasis pathogens, which is important for water quality control, monitoring infection levels and choosing more effective treatments for this disease in aquaculture. Pathogenic to fish, Saprolegnia and other potentially pathogenic water moulds were isolated from adult fish, their eggs, fry and from water samples. All detected isolates were examined morphologically and confirmed by sequence‐based molecular methods. A total of eight species belonging to the genera Saprolegnia, Achlya, Newbya and Pythium were identified. Four species (S. parasitica, S. ferax, S. australis and S. diclina) were found to be the main causative agents of saprolegniasis in Lithuania. S. parasitica and S. ferax dominated both in hatcheries and open fishponds, accounting for 66.2% of all isolates. S. parasitica was isolated from all farmed salmonid fish species as well as from the skin of Cyprinus carpio, Carassius carassius and Perca fluviatilis. S. australis was isolated from water and once from the skin of Oncorhynchus mykiss, and S. diclina was detected only once on the skin of Salmo salar fish. In addition, Achlya ambisexualis, Saprolegnia anisospora and Newbia oligocantha isolated during this study are noted as a possible source of saprolegniasis. The results of this study are relevant for assessing the risk of potential outbreaks of saprolegniasis or other saprolegnia‐like infection in Lithuanian freshwater aquaculture.
Pulse versus non‐pulse corticosteroid therapy in patients with acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Hyung Kwonhyung , Lee Jong Hyuk , Kim Joong‐Yub , Choi Sun Mi , Park Jimyung
Published: December 2023

Background and Objective

Corticosteroids are commonly used for the treatment of acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (AE‐IPF); however, the optimal initial dose of corticosteroids remains uncertain due to a lack of sufficient evidence. We evaluated whether the administration of a pulse dose of corticosteroids resulted in improved survival outcomes compared with conventional non‐pulse dose of corticosteroids.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed 238 patients with AE‐IPF treated with corticosteroids at a tertiary referral hospital between January 2013 and December 2021. Based on whether a pulse dose of corticosteroids (methylprednisolone of ≥250 mg/day or equivalent) was administered within 7 days of hospitalization for AE‐IPF, the patients were divided into the pulse and non‐pulse regimen groups. The survival outcomes were compared between the two groups using multivariable regression and propensity score‐matched analyses.

Results

Among the 238 patients, 59 patients received pulse dose of corticosteroids, whereas 179 patients received conventional non‐pulse dose of corticosteroids. After adjusting for the confounding factors related to the baseline clinical and radiographic severity, compared with the conventional non‐pulse regimen, the pulse regimen of corticosteroids did not reduce the risk of mortality at the 3‐month (aHR 0.84, 95% CI 0.45–1.38) or 12‐month (aHR 0.96, 95% CI 0.60–1.25) follow‐ups. Propensity score‐matched analysis revealed similar results.

Conclusion

The survival outcomes of patients with AE‐IPF who received a pulse dose of corticosteroids did not differ from those of patients who received conventional non‐pulse dose of corticosteroids. Further prospective studies are required to establish the optimal initial dose of corticosteroids for the treatment of AE‐IPF.
Risk of transfusion‐transmitted infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 from blood donors in Japan
Authors: Shinohara Naoya , Ito Mai , Kai Kazuhiro , Kamo Noriyuki , Owada Takashi , Sobata Rieko , Yamagishi Naoji , Takahashi Hideyuki , Ikeda Yohei , Sawai Hiromi , Furuta Rika A. , Matsubayashi Keiji , Hino Ikuo , Goto Naoko , Satake Masahiro
Published: December 2023

Background

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) essentially affects respiratory organs and tissues. SARS‐CoV‐2 RNAemia is often associated with more severe cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) compared to cases without RNAemia. To determine the impact of the pandemic on transfusion medicine, particularly transfusion‐related infection, we examined the frequency of blood donation with RNAemia, the viral RNA (vRNA) concentration, and any possibility of transfusion‐transmitted infection (TTI) among transfusion recipients.

Study Design and Methods

vRNA was examined in plasma/serum samples from 496 of 513 blood donors who reported having been infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 within 2 weeks of donation among a total of ca. 9.9 million blood donations in Japan between January 15, 2020, and December 31, 2021. The clinical course of patients transfused with the blood component containing vRNA was also examined.

Results

vRNA was detected in 23 of 496 samples. The median period from blood donation to COVID‐19 onset was 1 day in 16 RNAemia‐positive donors. Most samples had vRNA concentrations below the limit of quantification. Three patients were transfused with either a packed red blood cell or platelet concentrate that tested positive for vRNA, showing no COVID‐19 symptoms and testing negative for vRNA in post‐transfusion blood.

Conclusion

The rate of RNAemia was 4.6% among blood donors who were found to be infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 shortly after donation, and vRNA concentrations in their donated blood were extremely low. There was no evidence of TTI in the recipients transfused with RNAemia‐positive blood components. TTI risk in SARS‐CoV‐2 is negligible.
Kinetostatic Analysis of a Spatial Cable-Actuated Variable Stiffness Joint
Authors: John Isaac , Mohan Santhakumar , Wenger Philippe
Published: December 2023

The demand for robots capable of performing collaborative tasks requiring interactions with the environment is on the rise. Safe interactions with the environment require attributes such as high dexterity and compliance around obstacles, while still maintaining the requisite stiffness levels for payload manipulation. Such attributes are inherent to biological musculoskeletal systems. Motivated by this realization, this paper proposes a cable-actuated spatial joint with variable stiffness, inspired by the tensegrity principles found in biological musculoskeletal systems. The paper provides a detailed analysis of the joint’s mobility and mechanism kinematics. Based on the limits of the actuation forces, the paper also presents the wrench-feasible workspace of the joint. The paper also outlines the conditions that the cable actuation forces must satisfy to maintain the static equilibrium of the joint. The stiffness modeling presented in this work demonstrates the modulation of stiffness bounds as a function of cable actuation forces. Furthermore, the stiffness modulation as a function of the geometrical parameters is also presented.
Plasma membrane nanodeformations promote actin polymerization through CIP4/CDC42 recruitment and regulate type II IFN signaling
Authors: Ledoux Benjamin , Zanin Natacha , Yang Jinsung , Mercier Vincent , Coster Charlotte , Dupont-Gillain Christine , Alsteens David , Morsomme Pierre , Renard Henri-François
Published: December 2023

In their environment, cells must cope with mechanical stresses constantly. Among these, nanoscale deformations of plasma membrane induced by substrate nanotopography are now largely accepted as a biophysical stimulus influencing cell behavior and function. However, the mechanotransduction cascades involved and their precise molecular effects on cellular physiology are still poorly understood. Here, using homemade fluorescent nanostructured cell culture surfaces, we explored the role of Bin/Amphiphysin/Rvs (BAR) domain proteins as mechanosensors of plasma membrane geometry. Our data reveal that distinct subsets of BAR proteins bind to plasma membrane deformations in a membrane curvature radius–dependent manner. Furthermore, we show that membrane curvature promotes the formation of dynamic actin structures mediated by the Rho GTPase CDC42, the F-BAR protein CIP4, and the presence of PI(4,5)P
2
. In addition, these actin-enriched nanodomains can serve as platforms to regulate receptor signaling as they appear to contain interferon-γ receptor (IFNγ-R) and to lead to the partial inhibition of IFNγ-induced JAK/STAT signaling.