bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The association of intraocular efavirenz concentrations and HIV-1 viral load among persons with HIV
Authors: Qian Yiwen , Zhang Pei , Wang Luoziyi , Suo Jinshan , Yin Lin , Wang Yuceng , zhang Lijun , Wang Zhiliang
Published: March 2024

Objective:

Efavirenz (EFV) is commonly used in combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). However, in our previous study, many persons living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) exhibited ocular complications despite undergoing effective cART. Here, we aimed to determine the intraocular EFV concentrations in the vitreous and analyze the factors affecting viral load in the vitreous in patients with HIV-associated retinopathies.

Design:

Observational, retrospective study.

Methods:

Fourteen patients receiving EFV in combination with an antiretroviral therapy who underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) were enrolled between January 2019 and August 2022. The patients were divided into two groups based on presence or absence of retinal detachment (RD). Patient characteristics and HIV-1 RNA levels in plasma and vitreous were recorded during PPV. Paired blood plasma and vitreous samples were obtained for EFV concentration analysis using using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS/MS) .

Results:

The median age of the enrolled patients was 48 years (interquartile range [IQR], 32.25–53.25), including 12 men and 2 females. Median vitreous and plasma EFV concentrations were 141.5 (IQR, 69.63–323.75) and 2,620 ng/mL (1,680–4,207.5), respectively. Median ratio of vitreous/plasma EFV concentrations in the paired samples among all participants was 0.053 (0.018–0.118). Median vitreous/plasma EFV concentrations significantly differed between the non-RD and RD groups (0,04 vs 0.12, p = 0.042) .

Conclusions

The vitreous EFV concentrations were insufficient to inhibit viral replication in intraocular tissues, which may be due to poor penetration of the blood–retinal barrier. High vitreous EFV concentrations were associated with retinal detachment, indicating a correlation between the EFV concentration and the severity of blood–retinal barrier disruption. It implied that EFV was not a suitable antiviral drug to inhibit the HIV-1 replication in ocular tissues.
18F-FDG PET/CT in Lupus Enteritis Presenting With Fever and Abdominal Pain
Authors: Preet Komal , Mittal Bhagwant Rai , Singh Harmandeep , Kumar Rajender , Sekar Aravind , Kurdia Kailash
Published: March 2024

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a systemic autoimmune disease associated with various manifestations. Here, we report a compelling case of a 42-year-old woman who presented with lupus enteritis as a sole manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus and underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT. The resected bowel segment revealed vasculitis, and subsequent workup revealed positive antinuclear and anti–double-stranded antibody levels, confirming lupus enteritis, thus highlighting the diagnostic role of 18F-FDG PET/CT in reaching the final diagnosis.
An Unexpected Seminal Vesicle Pitfall in PSMA PET
Authors: Bronte Angela , Rosales Juan J. , Torres Roca Marcos , Miñana Bernardino , Rodríguez-Fraile Macarena
Published: March 2024

A 76-year-old man undergoing hormone therapy for prostate cancer was referred for 68Ga-PSMA-11-PET (PSMA PET) due to persistently detectable PSA level. No PSMA-positive tumor lesions were detected, so a delayed phase imaging was performed, which revealed focal PSMA uptake in the right seminal vesicle together with contrast accumulation on excretory phase contrast-enhanced CT. These findings were finally determined to be secondary to urinary reflux as a consequence of a prostatic enucleation he had undergone 5 months earlier following an episode of acute urinary retention.
Unusual Renal Uptake of 131I-MIBG in a Young Hypertensive With Renal Artery Stenosis
Authors: Roopal Agrawal , Gaurav Malhotra
Published: March 2024

A 10-year-old hypertensive girl underwent 131I-MIBG scan to rule out neural crest derived tumor. The whole-body images revealed diffuse intense tracer uptake in the right kidney, which persisted in 96-hour images as well. CT renal angiography revealed 90% to 95% right renal artery stenosis. Thereafter, she underwent baseline and angiotensin receptor blockade renal dynamic imaging, which revealed hemodynamically significant renal artery stenosis. Pattern of diffuse and intense 131I-MIBG uptake, albeit rare, still warrants further evaluation to rule out renal artery stenosis and investigate its hemodynamic significance for appropriate management.
Occult SMARCA4-Deficient Undifferentiated Carcinoma Unmasked by 68Ga-FAPI-46 PET/CT
Authors: Xu Weizhi , Zhao Long , Cai Jiayu , Chen Haojun
Published: March 2024

SMARCA4-deficient undifferentiated tumors (SMARCA4-dUT) are rare and aggressive neoplasms commonly found in male smokers and portend a poor prognosis. In this case, we reported 18F-FDG and 68Ga-FAPI-46 PET/CT findings in an occult SMARCA4-dUT located in the left pulmonary hilum along with mediastinal lymph node metastases. 68Ga-FAPI-46 PET/CT showed superiority over 18F-FDG for detecting SMARCA4-dUT lesions. This case highlighted that 68Ga-FAPI-46 PET/CT may be a promising imaging modality in the evaluation of SMARCA4-dUT, particularly for detecting the occult SMARCA4-dUT arising in uncommon sites.
18F-FET PET/CT in Calcifying Pseudoneoplasm of the Neuraxis
Authors: Aricò Demetrio , Giacoppo Giulia , Bambaci Michelangelo , Marino Lorenza , Girlando Andrea , Sortino Giuseppe , Leone Giorgia , Fernandes Bethania , Alì Marco , Evangelista Laura , Romano Alberto
Published: March 2024

A 66-year-old man has been treated in a psychiatric department for 4–5 years for a depressive syndrome, which is associated with poor motor initiative, confusional state, and dysosmia. Dynamic 18F-FET PET/CT showed only faint uptake of radiotracer just above the background on the left frontal calcific lesion. The time-activity curve of the neoplasms showed a descending pattern. After a left fronto-orbitary minicraniotomy surgery, histology examination concluded for a rare calcifying pseudoneoplasm of the neuraxis (CAPNON). To our knowledge, no data are available on the metabolic behavior of CAPNON in 18F-FET PET/CT. This case highlighted that a faint uptake and descending pattern on dynamic 18F-FET PET/CT may be helpful in suspected CAPNON before surgery.
The Use of E-Learning in Peyton’s 4-Step Approach: Evaluation of Facial Computed Tomography Scans
Authors: Yoong Celine Shuen Yin , Goh Doreen Shu Lin , Wong Yu Cong , Ho Cowan , Cai Elijah Zhengyang , Hing Angela , Liang Shen , Yap Yan Lin , Lim Jane , Lim Thiam Chye
Published: March 2024

Imparting procedural skills is challenging. Peyton’s approach is an effective face-to-face teaching technique increasingly used in complex skills training. Institutions are beginning to incorporate online training as part of their procedural curriculum. We developed E-Peyton’s to employ Peyton’s approach through an electronic learning platform. The efficacy of E-Peyton’s approach in teaching the interpretation of facial computed tomography (CT) scans is evaluated in this study. Naïve learners (n=41) were randomized into 2 groups based on teaching techniques employed: E-Peyton’s (n=20) and Peyton’s (n=21) approaches. The distance between the infraorbital margin and the posterior ledge was measured using a 3-part standardized measuring protocol on OsiriX. Twenty measurements were assessed for accuracy against the benchmark (±2 mm) at week 0 and week 1. Training durations were compared. Questionnaires were administered before and after the study to identify learners’ acceptance of teaching techniques and their confidence in interpreting facial CT scans. Learners in both teaching techniques had comparable skills retention. Gap scores indicate significant improvement in learner’s confidence levels regardless of teaching technique (P<0.05). Both teaching techniques were well-accepted by learners. E-Peyton’s and Peyton’s approaches required a similar training duration. The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the importance of effective remote learning platforms. E-Peyton’s approach is comparable to that of Peyton’s in all areas of assessment. E-Peyton’s approach effectively automates Peyton’s approach, allowing for standardized, high-quality procedural skills training while reducing manpower burden.
Association of Circulating 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and Recurrence of Glomerulonephritis in Kidney Transplant Recipients: The Wisconsin Allograft Recipient Database (WisARD)
Authors: Yuan Zhongyu , Melamed Michal L. , Singh Tripti , Parajuli Sandesh , Panzer Sarah , Mandelbrot Didier , Astor Brad C.
Published: March 2024

Background.

Recurrence of glomerulonephritis (GN) is a significant contributor to long-term allograft failure among kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) with kidney failure because of GN. Accumulating evidence has revealed the role of vitamin D in both innate and adaptive immunity. Although vitamin D deficiency is common among KTRs, the association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) and GN recurrence in KTRs remains unclear.

Methods.

We analyzed data from KTRs with kidney failure caused by GN who received a transplant at our center from 2000 to 2019 and had at least 1 valid posttransplant serum 25(OH)D measurement. Survival analyses were performed using a competing risk regression model considering other causes of allograft failure, including death, as competing risk events.

Results.

A total of 67 cases of GN recurrence were identified in 947 recipients with GN followed for a median of 7.0 y after transplant. Each 1 ng/mL lower serum 25(OH)D was associated with a 4% higher hazard of recurrence (subdistribution hazard ratio [HR]: 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-1.06). Vitamin D deficiency (≤20 ng/mL) was associated with a 2.99-fold (subdistribution HR: 2.99; 95% CI, 1.56-5.73) higher hazard of recurrence compared with vitamin D sufficiency (≥30 ng/mL). Results were similar after further adjusting for concurrent urine protein–creatinine ratio, serum albumin, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).

Conclusions.

Posttransplant vitamin D deficiency is associated with a higher hazard of GN recurrence in KTRs. Further prospective observational studies and clinical trials are needed to determine any causal role of vitamin D in the recurrence of GN after kidney transplantation. More in vitro and in vivo experiments would be helpful to understand its effects on autoimmune and inflammation processes.
The demise of large tropical brachiopods and the Mesozoic marine revolution
Authors: Harper Elizabeth M. , Peck Lloyd S.
Published: March 2024

Changes in predator–prey interactions are often implicated as drivers of major evolutionary change. A prominent example is the dramatic changes in shallow marine assemblages during the Mesozoic Marine Revolution (MMR) when major clades, including rhynchonelliform brachiopods, became restricted and less diverse. Currently, shallow-water temperate and polar brachiopods can be large, but in the tropics, they are small. By contrast, we demonstrate that throughout the Jurassic large brachiopods occurred in shallow sites, from polar to tropical latitudes, but are absent in later periods from tropical areas. These changes occurred in parallel in both major orders (Rhynchonellida and Terebratulida) and also independently within the two sub-ordinal lineages within the Terebratulida (terebratulinids and terebratellinids). Increases in both grazing and predation pressures associated with the MMR might account for this pattern. However, we note that many current environments support both large brachiopods and high densities of grazing species and suggest that the pattern fits more closely to the intensification of durophagous predation in shallow tropical waters.
Peptostreptococcus equinus sp. nov., isolated from horse faeces
Authors: Jung Hye Su , Yun Jeong Ui , Jung Mi-Ja , Song Hye Seon , Kim Yeon Bee , Kim Yujin , Lee Min Ji , Lee Jisu , Jeon Che Ok , Roh Seong Woon , Whon Tae Woong , Kim Joon-Gyu , Lee Se Hee
Published: March 2024

A Gram-stain-positive, non-spore-forming, and obligate anaerobic bacteria designated strain CBA3647T was isolated from a horse faecal sample in Jeju, Republic of Korea. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain CBA3647T formed a distinct phyletic lineage from closely related species within the genus Peptostreptococcus. Based on comparative analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences, Peptostreptococcus anaerobius ATCC 27337T is most closely related to strain CBA3647T with a 16S rRNA gene similarity of 98.31 %, while similarity to other type strains is below 98.0 %. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain CBA3647T was 30.0 mol%. The digital DNA–DNA hybridization values between strain CBA3647T and the six Peptostreptococcus species were equal to or less than 24 %. Cells were non-motile and oval-shaped cocci with catalase-positive and oxidase-negative activities. Growth occurred at 20–40 °C (optimum, 35 °C), pH 6–8 (optimum, pH 7), and in the presence of 0–2 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 1 %). Strain CBA3647T contained C14 : 0 iso and C16 : 0 as major fatty acids. Phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, and molecular properties of strain CBA3647T suggest that it represents a novel species in the genus Peptostreptococcus, which has been named Peptostreptococcus equinus sp. nov. The type strain is CBA3647T (=KACC 22891T= JCM 35846T).
Thermodynamic dissipation constrains metabolic versatility of unicellular growth
Authors: Cossetto Tommaso , Rodenfels Jonathan , Sartori Pablo
Published: March 2024

From deep hydrothermal vents to artificial laboratory conditions, unicellular organisms grow in almost any environment. This is due to metabolic versatility, the capacity of metabolism to extract energy and matter from vastly different chemical substrates. Since growth occurs far from thermodynamic equilibrium, the second law of thermodynamics, which establishes the unavoidability of energy dissipation, has long been believed to pose key constraints to life. Yet, such constraints remain largely unknown. Here, we integrate published data spanning eight decades of experiments on unicellular chemotrophic growth and compute the corresponding thermodynamic dissipation. Due to its wide span in chemical substrates and microbial species, this dataset samples the versatility of metabolism. We find two empirical thermodynamic rules that constrain metabolic versatility and thus unicellular growth. First, the amount of energy dissipation per unit of biomass grown is largely conserved across metabolic types and domains of life. Second, aerobic respiration exhibits a trade-off between dissipation and growth, which reflects in its high thermodynamic efficiency. Using tools from non-equilibrium thermodynamics, we identify the origin of these rules in the forces that drive and oppose growth. Our results show that dissipation imposes tight constrains to metabolic versatility far from equilibrium. They further suggest that evolutionary pressure on the thermodynamic features of metabolism may have driven the origin and persistence of aerobic respiration. Overall, this work establishes the central role of non-equilibrium thermodynamics in unicellular life.
An outbreak of canine coronavirus type 2 in captive snow leopards(Panthera uncia)demonstrates a possible role for felids as mixing vessels for alphacoronaviruses
Authors: Olarte-Castillo Ximena A. , Schlecht Abigail B. , Calle Paul P. , Whittaker Gary R.
Published: March 2024

Coronaviruses are endemic and can cause disease in a wide range of domestic animal and wildlife species. The virus speciesAlphacoronavirus-1comprises a set of diverse viruses that are highly recombinogenic, including feline coronavirus type 2 (FCoV-2), which is a recombinant genotype of feline coronavirus type 1 (FCoV-1) and canine coronavirus type 2 (CCoV-2). Co-infection within a host promotes viral recombination; thus, to understand the origin of novel variants, it is crucial to identify hosts that can be infected with multiple alphacoronaviruses. The receptor for FCoV-2 and CCoV-2 is aminopeptidase N (APN), with the APN of the domestic cat(Felis catus)allowing entry of FCoV-2, CCoV-2, and other alphacoronaviruses. As wild felids are genetically closely related to the domestic cat, they may also be susceptible to these alphacoronaviruses. However, to date, natural infection with CCoV-2 has been reported exclusively in canids, not in felids. In this study, we retrospectively investigated a localized outbreak of enteritis in three captive snow leopards (Panthera uncia)at the Bronx Zoo (New York City, U.S.). Whole genome sequencing revealed shedding of CCoV-2 in the feces of the sick leopards. Phylogenetic analyses revealed it is related to highly pathogenic variants of CCoV-2 circulating in the U.S. and Europe. Comparative genetic analyses of the APN gene from five Asian wild felids, including the snow leopard, revealed a high percentage of identity to the APN of the domestic cat (>95.7%). These results emphasize the central role of domestic and wild felids in the emergence of recombinant alphacoronavirus.
Sequencing Strategy to Ensure Accurate Plasmid Assembly
Authors: Hernandez Sarah I , Berezin Casey-Tyler , Miller Katie M , Peccoud Samuel J , Peccoud Jean
Published: March 2024

Despite the wide use of plasmids in research and clinical production, verifying plasmid sequences is a bottleneck often underestimated in the manufacturing process. While sequencing platforms continue to improve, the chosen method and assembly pipeline still significantly influence the final plasmid assembly sequence. Furthermore, few dedicated tools exist for plasmid assembly, particularly for de novo assembly. Here, we evaluated short-read, long-read, and hybrid (both short and long reads) de novo assembly pipelines across three replicates of a 24-plasmid library. Consistent with previous characterizations of each sequencing technology, short-read assemblies faced challenges in resolving GC-rich regions, and long-read assemblies commonly exhibited small insertions and deletions, especially in repetitive regions. The hybrid approach facilitated the most accurate and consistent assembly generation, identifying mutations relative to the reference sequence. While Sanger sequencing can verify specific regions, some GC-rich and repetitive regions were challenging to resolve using any method, indicating that easily sequenced genetic parts should be prioritized in designing new genetic constructs.
Differential manifestation of type 2 diabetes in Black Africans and White Europeans with recently diagnosed type 2 diabetes: A systematic review
Authors: Kibirige Davis , Olum Ronald , Kyazze Andrew Peter , Morgan Bethan , Bongomin Felix , Lumu William , Nyirenda Moffat J.
Published: March 2024

Aims

The clinical manifestation of type 2 diabetes (T2D) varies across populations. We compared the phenotypic characteristics of Black Africans and White Europeans with recently diagnosed T2D to understand the ethnic differences in the manifestation of T2D.

Methods

We searched Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, Google Scholar, African Index Medicus, and Global Health for studies reporting information on phenotypic characteristics in Black Africans and White Europeans with recently diagnosed T2D.

Results

A total of 26 studies were included in this systematic review. Of these, 12 studies and 14 studies were conducted on 2,586 Black Africans in eight countries and 279,621 White Europeans in nine countries, respectively. Compared with White Europeans, Black Africans had a lower pooled mean age (49.4±4.4 years vs. 61.3±2.7 years), body mass index (26.1±2.6 kg/m2vs. 31.4±1.1 kg/m2), and a higher pooled median glycated haemoglobin (9.0 [8.0-10.3]% vs. 7.1 [6.7-7.7]%). Ugandan and Tanzanian participants had lower markers of beta-cell function and insulin resistance when compared with four White European populations.

Conclusion

These findings provide evidence of the ethnic differences in the manifestation of T2D, underscoring the importance of understanding the underlying genetic and environmental factors influencing these phenotypic differences and formulating ethnic-specific approaches for managing and preventing T2D.

HIGHLIGHTS

Emerging evidence suggests differences in the presentation of type 2 diabetes in Black Africans and White Europeans.

In this systematic review, we reported that compared with White Europeans, Black Africans presented with a lower mean age and body mass index, less co-existing hypertension, and more hyperglycaemia at the time of diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.

Compared with some White European populations, Ugandan and Tanzanian participants presented with features of pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction and less insulin resistance.
Integrals for relativistic nonadiabatic energies of
H2
in an exponential basis
Authors: Pachucki Krzysztof , Komasa Jacek
Published: March 2024

Accurate predictions for hydrogen molecular levels require the treatment of electrons and nuclei on equal footing. While nonrelativistic theory has been effectively formulated this way, calculation of relativistic and quantum electrodynamic effects using an exponential basis with explicit correlations that ensure well-controlled numerical precision is much more challenging. In this work, we derive a complete set of integrals for the relativistic correction and demonstrate their application to several of the lowest rovibrational levels. Together with similar advancements for quantum electrodynamic corrections, this will improve the accuracy beyond 10−9 and hopefully explain discrepancies with recent experimental values.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Probabilistic Interpolation of Quantum Rotation Angles
Authors: Koczor Bálint , Morton John J. L. , Benjamin Simon C.
Published: March 2024

Quantum computing requires a universal set of gate operations; regarding gates as rotations, any rotation angle must be possible. However a real device may only be capable of B bits of resolution, i.e., it might support only 2B possible variants of a given physical gate. Naive discretization of an algorithm’s gates to the nearest available options causes coherent errors, while decomposing an impermissible gate into several allowed operations increases circuit depth. Conversely, demanding higher B can greatly complexify hardware. Here, we explore an alternative: probabilistic angle interpolation (PAI). This effectively implements any desired, continuously parametrized rotation by randomly choosing one of three discretized gate settings and postprocessing individual circuit outputs. The approach is particularly relevant for near-term applications where one would in any case average over many runs of circuit executions to estimate expected values. While PAI increases that sampling cost, we prove that (a) the approach is optimal in the sense that PAI achieves the least possible overhead and (b) the overhead is remarkably modest even with thousands of parametrized gates and only seven bits of resolution available. This is a profound relaxation of engineering requirements for first generation quantum computers where even 5–6 bits of resolution may suffice and, as we demonstrate, the approach is many orders of magnitude more efficient than prior techniques. Moreover we conclude that, even for more mature late noisy intermediate-scale quantum era hardware, no more than nine bits will be necessary.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Terminable Transitions in a Topological Fermionic Ladder
Authors: He Yuchi , Kennes Dante M. , Karrasch Christoph , Rausch Roman
Published: March 2024

Interacting fermionic ladders are versatile platforms to study quantum phases of matter, such as different types of Mott insulators. In particular, there are D-Mott and S-Mott states that hold preformed fermion pairs and become paired-fermion liquids upon doping (d wave and s wave, respectively). We show that the D-Mott and S-Mott phases are in fact two facets of the same topological phase and that the transition between them is terminable. These results provide a quantum analog of the well-known terminable liquid-to-gas transition. However, the phenomenology we uncover is even richer, as the order of the transition may alternate between continuous and first order, depending on the interaction details. Most importantly, the terminable transition is robust in the sense that it is guaranteed to appear for weak, but arbitrary couplings. We discuss a minimal model where some analytical insights can be obtained, a generic model where the effect persists; and a model-independent field-theoretical study demonstrating the general phenomenon. The role of symmetry and the edge states is briefly discussed. The numerical results are obtained using the variational uniform matrix-product state (VUMPS) formalism for infinite systems, as well as the density-matrix renormalization group (DMRG) algorithm for finite systems.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Autonomous flight performance optimization of fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle with morphing wingtip
Authors: Oktay Tugrul , Eraslan Yüksel
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to improve autonomous flight performance of a fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) via simultaneous morphing wingtip and control system design conducted with optimization, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and machine learning approaches.

Design/methodology/approach

The main wing of the UAV is redesigned with morphing wingtips capable of dihedral angle alteration by means of folding. Aircraft dynamic model is derived as equations depending only on wingtip dihedral angle via Nonlinear Least Squares regression machine learning algorithm. Data for the regression analyses are obtained by numerical (i.e. CFD) and analytical approaches. Simultaneous perturbation stochastic approximation (SPSA) is incorporated into the design process to determine the optimal wingtip dihedral angle and proportional-integral-derivative (PID) coefficients of the control system that maximizes autonomous flight performance. The performance is defined in terms of trajectory tracking quality parameters of rise time, settling time and overshoot. Obtained optimal design parameters are applied in flight simulations to test both longitudinal and lateral reference trajectory tracking.

Findings

Longitudinal and lateral autonomous flight performances of the UAV are improved by redesigning the main wing with morphing wingtips and simultaneous estimation of PID coefficients and wingtip dihedral angle with SPSA optimization.

Originality/value

This paper originally discusses the simultaneous design of innovative morphing wingtip and UAV flight control system for autonomous flight performance improvement. The proposed simultaneous design idea is conducted with the SPSA optimization and a machine learning algorithm as a novel approach.
Unravelling the entrepreneurial ecosystem conditions spurring the global value chains: a configurational approach
Authors: Kansheba Jonathan Mukiza , Fubah Clavis Nwehfor , Marobhe Mutaju Isaack
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Despite the popularity of the entrepreneurial ecosystem (EE) concept, research on its value-adding activities receives less attention. Thus, in this article, the authors investigate the role of EEs in supporting global value chain (GVC) activities.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employ the fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) technique to identify practical configurations of EE’s framework and systemic conditions spurring GVC activities in 80 countries.

Findings

The findings suggest different configurations of EE`s framework and systemic conditions necessary for various GVC activities regarding input-output structure, geographical scope, upgrading, and forward and backward participation.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the extant literature by pioneering the EE approach to explaining GVC development. Moreover, the findings provide novel insights for understanding the EE – GVC interplay. As a result, the study offers a more nuanced understanding of how the EE supports GVC activities.
Experience, satisfaction and loyalty in the context of online music festivals in China
Authors: Wang Rachel , Codina Rosa , Sun Yan , Ding Xiaoyu
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted the fast growth of online music festivals. This paper explores how festivalgoers' experience affects their satisfaction and drives their loyalty to re-attend online music festivals in China.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on an understanding of the music festival experience and the characteristics of live-streamed performances, this paper investigates five factors that affect festivalgoers' satisfaction and loyalty, namely the music experience, ambience experience, separation experience, social experience and novelty experience. The relationships between festivalgoers' experience, satisfaction and loyalty are also explored using structural equation modelling techniques.

Findings

The empirical results suggest that four of the above-mentioned five factors of the online music festival experience directly affect festivalgoers' satisfaction and loyalty. The online mode is a rapid adaptation of and preferred alternative to offline music festivals, whilst the creation of the experience, along with satisfaction with and loyalty to the online music festival, are determined by different factors compared to offline modes. Overall festival satisfaction positively enhances the relationship between festivalgoers' experience and loyalty to online music festivals.

Practical implications

This study offers a range of practical and managerial implications for organisers of online music festival, similar activities such as live-streaming concerts and stage performances and hybrid events.

Originality/value

This study explores a phenomenon that has evolved quickly since COVID-19 and will, potentially, have an ongoing and enduring impact on the music festival sector. It differentiates the understanding of festivalgoers' experience in online and offline modes, which is a new addition to the literature. It also enriches the theoretical understanding of the experience of, satisfaction with and loyalty to online music festivals.
How do strategic attributes of electronic commerce impel the perceived value and electronic loyalty of online food delivery applications (OFDAs)
Authors: Zaheer Muhammad Asif , Anwar Tanveer Muhammad , Khan Zoia , Raza Muhammad Ali , Hafeez Hira
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the different attributes of electronic commerce (e-commerce) that determine perceived value and electronic loyalty (e-loyalty) among consumers of online food delivery applications (OFDAs). In this globalized world and competitive environment, e-commerce demands have increased and organizations are giving special attention to web development, website design and functions to hold the current consumers with sustainable performance in the globalized and competitive environment. Almost every industry has been affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and changed the way of operational work in many industries. Similarly, the food industry is facing serious challenges and now restaurants started heavily depending on OFDAs.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was quantitative and data were collected from 509 consumers of the district of Rawalpindi, Punjab Pakistan by using a convenience sampling technique who was the users of OFDAs to evaluate the proposed research model. Confirmatory factor analysis was applied to evaluate the validity of the constructs, and structural equation modeling was employed to test the model through Smart-PLS.

Findings

Our findings revealed that perceived value has a substantial positive impact on electronic loyalty (e-loyalty). Moreover, results confirmed that perceived value mediates the relationship of electronic privacy (e-privacy), electronic security (e-security), electronic payment (e-payment), usability and electronic innovativeness (e-innovativeness) with e-loyalty.

Research limitations/implications

This study added to the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) and technology acceptance model (TAM) by exploring consumers’ intentions for using OFDAs in the framework of e-commerce attributes, perceived value and e-loyalty. Similarly, the study enabled the author to learn more about how people would use the information system after successfully applying the UTAUT.

Practical implications

This study has significant implications for web developers, application designers, food delivery companies, restaurants and other businesses. Subsequently, it indicates the importance of the incredible attractiveness of OFDAs in boosting users’ intentions to keep using the application.

Originality/value

This research contributes substantially to OFDAs efforts to continuously increase its meal service platform and improve client satisfaction which resulted in repurchase intent. In addition, the research facilitates OFDA firms to enhance the features of their applications according to clients.
Modern developments in burn wound dressing
Authors: Sikka Monica Puri , Bargir Jameer Aslam , Garg Samridhi
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Intense interest has been shown in creating new and effective biocide agents as a result of changes in bacterial isolates, bacterial susceptibility to antibiotics, an increase in patients with burns and wounds and the difficulty of treating infections and antimicrobial resistance. Woven, nonwoven and knitted materials are used to make dressings; however, nonwoven dressings are becoming more popular because of their softness and high absorption capacity. Additionally, textiles have excellent geometrical, physical and mechanical features including three-dimensional structure availability, air, vapor and liquid permeability, strength, extensibility, flexibility and diversity of fiber length, fineness and cross-sectional shapes. It is necessary to treat every burn according to international protocol and along with it has to focus on particular problems of patients and the best possible results.

Design/methodology/approach

The objective of this paper is to conduct a thorough examination of research pertaining to the utilization of textiles, as well as alternative materials and innovative techniques, in the context of burn wound dressings. Through a critical analysis of the findings, this study intends to provide valuable insights that can inform and guide future research endeavors in this field.

Findings

In the past years, there have been several dressings such as xeroform petrolatum gauze, silver-impregnated dressings, biological dressings, hydrocolloid dressings, polyurethane film dressings, silicon-coated nylon dressings, dressings for biosynthetic skin substitutes, hydrogel dressings, newly developed dressings, scaffold bandages, Sorbalgon wound dressing, negative pressure therapy, enzymatic debridement and high-pressure water irrigation developed for the fast healing of burn wounds.

Originality/value

This research conducts a thorough analysis of the role of textiles in modern burn wound dressings.
Smart mobility in smart cities: transforming the experiences of citizens into the future of smart cities
Authors: Dash Ajitabh
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to identify the determinants that influence citizen’s behavioural intention and continuous usage intention of smart mobility services in Indian smart cities with the help of an extended technology acceptance model.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a quantitative methodology to analyse the data collected from 509 residents of smart cities in India. The study used the partial least squares structural equation modelling approach to test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

The study highlights the importance of perceived usefulness and ease of use in influencing citizens’ attitudes and intentions towards smart mobility services. Positive attitudes significantly impact behavioural intentions, which, in turn, link to continuous usage intentions.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge on smart cities and technology adoption, specifically in the area of smart mobility. The study’s findings will help service providers and policymakers to develop more robust strategies for the future.
Unveiling the nexus of globalization, economic growth, and environmental sustainability
Authors: Bi Kejia , Akhtar Rulia , Masud Muhammad Mehedi , Sultana Sayema , Zhao Yan , Al‐Mamun Abdullah
Published: March 2024

Malaysia's rapid economic development, although remarkable, has resulted in a significant contribution to carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in Southeast Asia. Despite this environmental challenge, Malaysia is actively working to reduce its carbon footprint. However, a limited understanding persists regarding how economic globalization (EGB), gross domestic products (GDP), financial development (FD), population density (PD), and energy consumption (ENC) intricately influence the country's ecological footprint (EP). To address this gap, this study examines both symmetrical and asymmetrical short‐ and long‐term impacts of EGB, GDP, FD, PD, ENC, and EP in Malaysia using Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) and nonlinear ARDL cointegration methods, analyzing data from 1984 to 2021. The findings reveal both symmetrical and asymmetrical long‐term relationships between these variables and the ecological footprint, particularly concerning financial development. The results indicate that, as financial development increases, there is a reduction in Malaysia's ecological footprint. This implies that a more developed financial sector may contribute to environmentally sustainable practices or investments. The study's revelation that economic globalization is associated with an increase in Malaysia's ecological footprint raises important considerations. This finding may prompt a closer examination of the environmental consequences of global economic integration, emphasizing the need for sustainable development practices. The acknowledgment that both positive and negative changes in economic globalization led to decreased ecological footprints adds complexity to the relationship. This suggests that not all aspects of economic globalization have uniformly negative ecological consequences. Understanding these nuances is crucial for formulating balanced and informed environmental policies. These findings carry significant policy implications. Policymakers may need to consider the dual impact of economic globalization and the beneficial role of financial development in crafting effective environmental policies. Incorporating environmental considerations into economic planning can help strike a balance between economic development and ecological conservation.
From vacancy to verdancy? The impact of land options on the timing of vacant lot investment
Authors: Lin Desen
Published: March 2024

Land vacancy is a persistent phenomenon leading to various socioeconomic issues in postindustrial cities. We examine the relationship between the timing of vacant lot investment and land options and compare two investment options using a quasi‐experimental design: housing investment that develops vacant lots into housing, and greening investment that converts vacant lots into gardens and reserves redevelopment options. By compiling a unique lot‐level time‐to‐event dataset based on a large‐scale vacant lot greening program in Philadelphia, we address the questions of whether and how introducing the option of greening investment to vacant lots can expedite initial investment and reduce vacancy. With the greening option, initial investment on vacant lots becomes less irreversible, thus reducing time in vacancy by 50% and elevating the hazard rate of investment by 80%. We test for the presence of the real options channel, identifying a decelerating (accelerating) effect of price uncertainty (price growth rate) on the timing of housing investment and insignificant effects of the factors on the timing of greening investment. Our findings suggest that vacant lot greening as an anti‐blight strategy is more effective to expedite investment in neighborhoods with elevated uncertainty, subdued growth rate, moderately lower income, and heightened vacancy.
Immune interface interference vaccines: An evolution‐informed approach to anti‐bacterial vaccine design
Authors: Croucher Nicholas J.
Published: March 2024

Developing protein‐based vaccines against bacteria has proved much more challenging than producing similar immunisations against viruses. Currently, anti‐bacterial vaccines are designed using methods based on reverse vaccinology. These identify broadly conserved, immunogenic proteins using a combination of genomic and high‐throughput laboratory data. While this approach has successfully generated multiple rationally designed formulations that show promising immunogenicity in animal models, few have been licensed. The difficulty of inducing protective immunity in humans with such vaccines mirrors the ability of many bacteria to recolonise individuals despite recognition by natural polyvalent antibody repertoires. As bacteria express too many antigens to evade all adaptive immune responses through mutation, they must instead inhibit the efficacy of such host defences through expressing surface structures that interface with the immune system. Therefore, ‘immune interface interference’ (I3) vaccines that target these features should synergistically directly target bacteria and prevent them from inhibiting responses to other surface antigens. This approach may help us understand the efficacy of the two recently introduced immunisations against serotype B meningococci, which both target the Factor H‐binding protein (fHbp) that inhibits complement deposition on the bacterial surface. Therefore, I3 vaccine designs may help overcome the current challenges of developing protein‐based vaccines to prevent bacterial infections.
Clinical significance of postoperative folate receptor‐positive circulating tumor cells (FR + CTCs) for long‐term prognosis in patients with invasive adenocarcinoma (IAC) of the lung
Authors: Ma Zeming , Zhou Zhiwei , Wang Shijie , Ji Hong , Zhao Dachuan , Wang Liang , Chen Jinfeng
Published: March 2024

Background

The aim of the study was to evaluate the prognostic value of postoperative folate receptor‐positive circulating tumor cell (FR + CTC) detection in patients with stage I–III invasive adenocarcinoma (IAC) treated with surgery.

Methods

Patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) who underwent surgical resection in Peking University Cancer Hospital and received postoperative FR + CTC analysis from July 2016 to January 2021 were retrospectively collected. Comparisons between or among groups were made using the Kruskal‐Wallis or Mann–Whitney U tests. Survival curves were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method and compared using the log‐rank test. Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were performed to explore the factors predicting recurrence and survival.

Results

There were significant differences between the high and low groups in terms of age (p = 0.002), postoperative CA199 (p = 0.038), and postoperative SCC (p = 0.024). There were no significant differences in the other indicators (all p>0.05). N stage 1, N stage 2, and neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) were independent risk factors for disease recurrence and death; pleural invasion (PI), and nerve invasion were independent risk factors for death. The Kaplan–Meier curve showed a notable trend for a worse disease‐free survival (DFS) or overall survival (OS) for patients with high levels of FR + CTCs in our study, but none of these were statistically significant.

Conclusion

The detection of FR + CTCs postoperatively was an independent predictor of recurrence in patients treated for stage I–III IAC. Standardized detection methods and optimal time points for assessment should be established in future studies.
Substance use treatment completion and criminal justice system contact in Chile: A retrospective, linked data cohort study
Authors: Mateo Pinones Mariel , González‐Santa Cruz Andrés , Castillo‐Carniglia Alvaro , Bond Christine , Payne Jason , McGee Tara Renae
Published: March 2024

Background and aims

Substance use treatment (SUT) has shown to be effective in reducing self‐reported offending; however, the association between SUT completion and criminal justice system (CJS) contact has been underexplored, especially in Latin America. This study aimed to estimate the association between SUT completion status and (1) any subsequent CJS contact and (2) CJS contact leading to imprisonment, at 1, 3 and 5 years post‐discharge, in Chile.

Design

Retrospective cohort study using multivariable survival analysis based on linked administrative data from 2010 to 2019.

Setting

This study took place in Chile, where SUT is available at no cost through Chile's publicly funded health‐care, and is provided in outpatient and inpatient modalities in public and private centres.

Participants

A total of 70 854 individuals received their first SUT from 2010 to 2019. They were mainly males (76.3%), and their main substance used at admission was cocaine paste (39.2%).

Measurements

SUT completion status included completion, late dropout (≥ 3 months) and early dropout (< 3 months). Outcomes were (1) any CJS contact and (2) CJS contact leading to imprisonment after baseline treatment. We estimated the association between treatment completion and CJS contact through flexible parametric Royston−Parmar models while adjusting for several covariates.

Findings

Those who completed SUT (27.2%) were less likely to have any CJS contact at 5 years post‐SUT compared with those who dropped out late [with a gap of −9.5%, 95% confidence interval (CI) = −8.7, −10.3] and early (−11.2%, 95% CI = −10.1, −12.3). Also, those who completed SUT were less likely to have CJS contact leading to imprisonment at 5 years post‐SUT compared with those who dropped out late (−2.6%, 95% CI = −2.2, −3.1) and early (−4.0%, 95% CI = −3.3, −4.6). These differences were also observed at 1 and 3 years post‐SUT for each outcome.

Conclusions

In Chile, completion of substance use treatment appears to be associated with lower probabilities of both any criminal justice system contact and contact leading to imprisonment.
Management of vaccinations in patients with non‐Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Merli Michele , Costantini Andrea , Tafuri Silvio , Bavaro Davide Fiore , Minoia Carla , Meli Erika , Luminari Stefano , Gini Guido
Published: March 2024

Vaccinations are fundamental tools in preventing infectious diseases, especially in immunocompromised patients like those affected by non‐Hodgkin lymphomas (NHLs). The COVID‐19 pandemic made clinicians increasingly aware of the importance of vaccinations in preventing potential life‐threatening SARS‐CoV‐2‐related complications in NHL patients. However, several studies have confirmed a significant reduction in vaccine‐induced immune responses after anti‐CD20 monoclonal antibody treatment, thus underscoring the need for refined immunization strategies in NHL patients. In this review, we summarize the existing data about COVID‐19 and other vaccine's efficacy in patients with NHL and propose multidisciplinary team‐based recommendations for the management of vaccines in this specific group of patients.