bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Novel Fusion Protein Melittin‐MIL‐2 Exhibits Strong Antitumor Immune Effect in Lung Adenocarcinoma Cell A549
Authors: Gao Weize , Li Wenshuai , Wang Zhan , Li Yongxin , Liu Mingjun 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTIn previous studies, we developed a novel fusion protein named “melittin‐MIL‐2” which exhibited more anti‐tumor activity. However, it remains unclear whether melittin‐MIL‐2 possesses antitumor immune effect on lung adenocarcinoma. In this study, the immune effect and mechanism of melittin‐MIL‐2 inhibiting the growth and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma will be investigated, in order to provide novel perspectives for the immunotherapy of lung cancer. The results indicated that melittin‐MIL‐2 promoted T cell proliferation, enhanced NK cell cytotoxicity, and boosted IFN‐γ secretion in PBMCs. After melittin‐MIL‐2 stimulation, perforin expression and LAK/NK‐like killing activities of human PBMCs and NK cells were significantly enhanced. Melittin‐MIL‐2 is capable of hampering the development and proliferation of lung adenocarcinoma cell A549. ICAM‐1 and Fas expression in A549 cells exposed to melittin‐MIL‐2 rose significantly. The expression levels of TLR8 and VEGF in A549 cells decreased significantly after melittin‐MIL‐2 stimulation. In vivo, melittin‐MIL‐2 substantially impeded the growth of lung adenocarcinoma and formed an immune‐stimulating microenvironment locally in tumor tissues. In conclusion, the novel fusion protein melittin‐MIL‐2 exhibits strong anti‐tumor immune effect in lung adenocarcinoma cell A549 via activating the LFA‐1/ICAM‐1 and Fas/FasL pathways to enhance cytolytic activity, upregulating the secretion of IFN‐γ and perforin, and boosting LAK/NK‐like killing activities. Immuno‐effector cells and their secreted cytokines can form immune stimulation microenvironment locally in lung adenocarcinoma Lewis mice tissue.
Strategic boundary management in university‐based living labs
Authors: Tercanli Hacer , Jongbloed Ben , van der Meulen Barend 
Published: July 2024

AbstractUniversity‐based boundary organisations provide academics with an environment where they can interact with a wide variety of societal partners to produce knowledge and work on research projects, often of a transdisciplinary nature. This environment, however, implies that their researchers may be confronted with multiple and sometimes conflicting demands coming from various stakeholders. In this study, we focus on one such case, a Real‐world Laboratory (RwL), set up by the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. This RwL focuses on urban sustainable development challenges. Drawing on boundary work literature, we analyse the boundary work strategies employed by the lab's leading researchers to manage such demands as part of a RwL research project. We observe that the managing researchers buffer several types of boundaries in order not to compromise the transdisciplinary nature of the RwL. They appear to utilise four types of boundary devices when managing boundaries: language, people, objects, and spaces. We conclude that, to reduce tensions, the managing researchers should acknowledge the presence of boundaries early on in their RwL research project, that is, during its conception phase.
Online space for learning: Perceived educational environment typology, interpersonal interaction typology, and their relationship to international students' ability development in Chinese universities
Authors: Tian Mei , Lu Genshu 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe ways in which learning environments are spatially conceived have undergone a significant transformation from space as “a realm without meaning” into place as “a meaningful location.” In this context, the relevance of online interactions and the significance of online space and place in facilitating positive learning are worth exploration. Drawing on a nationwide survey involving 1010 international students at 41 Chinese HEIs in the COVID‐19 pandemic, this research applied k‐means cluster analyses which produced a typology of international students' perceived online educational environments and another typology of their online interpersonal interactions. The logistic regression results indicated the predictive power of both typologies on ability development. The discussion highlights the importance of considering spatial dimensions of international students' online learning. Promoting international students' online interactions and supporting inclusive, engaging learning experiences require both space for hosting and place enabling intercultural learning. The research holds implications for the sustainable development of online international education in the post‐COVID‐19 era.
Influence of reducing sugars and protein‐to‐sugar ratios on volatile profile, pH, and browning intensity of Maillard‐reacted nutritional yeast hydrolysate
Authors: Theng Alicia Hui Ping , Osen Raffael , Chiang Jie Hong 
Published: July 2024

SummaryThis study investigated the effects of reducing sugars and protein‐to‐sugar ratios on generating volatile compounds from nutritional yeast hydrolysates after Maillard reaction. Nutritional yeast extract (NYE) was cleaved using Flavourzyme® at an enzyme‐to‐substrate ratio of 0.5% w/w, followed by heat treatment with varying concentrations of reducing sugars (i.e., hexoses: glucose and fructose and pentoses: xylose and ribose). The results showed that pentoses generate higher numbers and concentrations of volatiles than hexoses, especially furans, Strecker aldehydes, and sulphur‐containing compounds such as dimethyl disulphide. However, hexoses produced higher concentrations of pyrazines. Strecker aldehydes and pyrazines served as key aroma‐active compounds in meat aroma. Likewise, sulphur‐containing compounds played an important role in meat aroma due to their low detection threshold. The results showed that reducing sugars significantly impacts the volatile profile of NYE, potentially influencing the formation of meaty aroma compounds. These findings demonstrate the potential of MRPs to enhance meaty flavours due to the presence of volatile compounds with characteristics of cooked meat.
Australian and New Zealand Society of Respiratory Science position statement for arterial blood gas sampling
Authors: Seccombe Leigh M. , Keatley Donna R. , Robles Robert A. , Reesor Shawna R. , Brazzale Danny J. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe assessment of gas exchange under varying ambient and metabolic conditions is an important and fundamental investigation of respiratory function. The gold standard is an arterial blood gas (ABG) sample; however, the procedure is not universally performed by medical scientists, is not standardised, and is typically taught by a subjective Halsted ‘see one, do one’ approach. The Australian and New Zealand Society of Respiratory Science recognised the need to create an ABG position statement that includes the required pre‐requisite education, an evidence‐based procedure and the minimum reporting and competency assessment requirements. This position statement aims to minimise patient discomfort, to improve puncture success rate and reduce the potential for sample handling and analysis error. Importantly, this position statement translates to all relevant health professionals, including medical officers, scientists, nursing staff and allied health.
NME4 suppresses NFκB2‐CCL5 axis, restricting CD8+ T cell tumour infiltration in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zheng Shutao , He Shuo , Liang Yan , Liu Qing , Liu Tao , Tan Yiyi , Peng Tianyuan , Huang Conggai , Gao Haidong , Lu Xiaomei 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThought of as a metastasis‐associated gene, however, NME/NM23 nucleoside diphosphate kinase 4 (NME4) has rarely been described in the context of the tumour microenvironment. To understand the immunological implications of NME4 in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), we used multiplex immunohistochemistry to analyse the clinicopathological and prognostic importance of NME4 expression. Then, after establishing a syngeneic tumour model with a C57BL/6 mouse strain that can recapitulate the tumour microenvironment of humans, we examined the immunological involvement of NME4 expression. To explore the underlying molecular mechanism, via quantitative proteomics and protein microarray screening, we investigated the potential signalling pathways involved. The clinicopathological and prognostic importance of NME4 expression is limited in ESCC patients. In vivo, single‐cell RNA sequencing showed that NME4 strikingly prevented CD8+ T cells from infiltrating the tumour microenvironment in murine ESCC. Mechanistically, we mapped out the NFκB2‐CCL5 axis that was negatively controlled by NME4 in the murine ESCC cell line AKR. Collectively, these data demonstrated that regulation of NFκB2‐CCL5 axis by NME4 prevents CD8+ T cells infiltration in ESCC.
Achieving consensus on the key elements of a nurse‐led multidisciplinary chronic heart failure service in Thailand: An e‐Delphi study
Authors: Koontalay Apinya , Botti Mari , Hutchinson Anastasia 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAimsTo describe the outcomes of an e(electronic)‐Delphi survey used to achieve consensus on the essential elements that should be included in a multidisciplinary, nurse‐led service for patients with chronic heart failure (CHF).DesignThe study design was based on a three‐round e‐Delphi survey.MethodsA series of three survey rounds were used to gather expert opinions and achieve consensus on the key elements that should be included in a CHF disease management program from a sample of healthcare professionals and organizational leaders with expertise in existing CHF services. Consensus for each item was defined as at least 90% agreement.ResultsThere were 20 participants (18 healthcare professionals and 2 organizational leaders) in round‐1, 22 (20 healthcare professionals and 2 organizational leaders) in round‐2, and 17 (15 healthcare professionals and 2 organizational leaders) in round‐3. Fifteen participants attended a final online meeting (13 healthcare professionals and 2 organizational leaders). Consensus was obtained on five essential components: (i) consumer education, (ii) treatment optimization using a multidisciplinary approach, (iii) discharge planning, (iv) provision of supportive community care and (v) mechanisms to respond to early symptoms of decompensated CHF.ConclusionParticipants focused on mechanisms to improve treatment effectiveness, patient and family knowledge, communication between healthcare providers and supportive care in the community. The proposed model of care may be useful to other health service providers who are designing or adapting CHF models of care for the South‐East Asian environment.ImpactThis research provides a solid basis for using a Delphi method to resolve the challenges and issues of transferring global model‐based recommendations in CHF knowledge. The Delphi method proved successful as an important step in developing a culturally acceptable model of chronic care that meets the goals of local healthcare providers.
Evaluation of education initiatives to increase delivery of age‐friendly care in retail clinics
Authors: Schiltz Nicholas K. , Armstrong Grace Q. , Foradori Megan A. , Ball Sarah , Duffy Evelyn G. , McCormack Mary E. , Pino Lilia , Pohnert Anne M. , Dolansky Mary A. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe Age‐Friendly Health Systems model, encompassing four key elements (4Ms)—What Matters, Medication, Mentation, Mobility—is integral to delivering high‐quality care to older adult patients. In May 2020, the MinuteClinic at CVS implemented the 4Ms model in all 1100+ store locations nationwide. To prepare healthcare providers to deliver 4Ms care, educational modules were developed to provide an understanding of the gerontology principles that support the 4Ms model of care. Our goal was to evaluate the effectiveness of these education modules on improving reliable 4Ms delivery during retail clinic visits.MethodsEducational modules were provided to nurse practitioners and physician associates to complete in a self‐directed manner. These included an orientation module with scenarios comparing usual care and 4Ms care, 12 monthly grand rounds focusing on 4Ms case studies, and 10 video vignettes on 4Ms integration. We examined the association between number of education modules completed with the average number of Ms delivered per visit (M‐Score) using descriptive statistics and a generalized linear mixed‐effects model.ResultsOver 70% of 2783 providers completed at least one education module. Rates of 4Ms care delivery were 1.37 (1.36–1.39, p < 0.001) times higher among those that completed an orientation course compared to those that did not. Higher uptake of education exhibited a dose–response relationship with rate ratios between 1.77 (1.74–1.80, p < 0.001) for 1–2 modules beyond orientation, up to 2.94 (2.90–2.99, p < 0.001) for eight or more modules.ConclusionsThe self‐directed learning environment (e.g., providers self‐select the number and type of courses) reflects real‐world variation in engagement. Despite this variation, significant improvements in 4Ms delivery were observed at any level of educational exposure, underscoring the value of prioritizing education time with quality improvement initiatives.
Asymmetric Effects of Monetary Policy on Firms
Authors: KURT EZGI 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis paper documents firm‐level evidence on the asymmetric effects of monetary policy in the United States. Focusing on the 1980q3–2019q4 period, I find that monetary tightenings show larger effects on firms' employment and sales than monetary easings. In comparison, investment rate does not generate significant asymmetry in response to sign‐dependent monetary policy shocks. I interpret these findings in the context of downward nominal wage rigidity and investment irreversibility channels. Furthermore, I exploit cross‐sectional variation and show that employment of small, nondividend payer, low credit rating, and young firms displays larger contractions in response to a monetary tightening.
Using dermal filler to camouflage forehead osteoma: A case report
Authors: Lee Kar Wai Alvin , Chan Lisa Kwin Wah , Hung Lee Cheuk , Wu Raymond , Wong Sky , Siew Tuck Wah , Wan Jovian , Yi Kyu‐Ho 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo review the technique and outcomes of using dermal filler to camouflage forehead osteoma, providing a minimally invasive alternative to surgical excision.BackgroundForehead osteoma, commonly known as a forehead bump or bone spur, can be a cosmetic concern. Surgical excision, while effective, carries risks of scarring and postoperative complications. An innovative approach using dermal filler offers a potential solution.MethodsA hyaluronic acid‐based filler is injected into the deep subcutaneous plane over the bony prominence using a cannula. The fanning technique ensures even distribution of the filler. The procedure's safety, patient selection, and communication between the injector and patient are emphasized to achieve optimal results.ResultsThe technique provides immediate aesthetic improvement with results that can last up to 12 months, depending on the filler used. While generally safe, potential complications include infections, swelling, asymmetry, and lumpiness. Proper technique, patient selection, and good communication between the injector and patient are critical to achieving optimal outcomes.ConclusionUsing dermal filler to camouflage forehead osteoma is a minimally invasive alternative to surgical excision, offering immediate and long‐lasting results with minimal downtime and fewer risks. Further studies are needed to refine the technique and optimize outcomes.
Competitive federalism, individual autonomy, and citizen sovereignty
Authors: Vanberg Viktor J. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe paper examines the theory of competitive federalism, focusing specifically on Hayek's and Buchanan's significant contributions to this theory. Looking at the rivalry between sub‐units in federal systems and drawing an analogy between market competition and intergovernmental competition, the theory of competitive federalism stresses the critical role viable exit options play as operating force in both arenas. The principal claim argued for in this paper is that by exclusively focusing on exit in its territorial dimension, the theory of competitive federalism obfuscates the fact that “exit” can mean two critically different things in federal systems. It can mean exiting from the territory over which a government exercises its assigned authority, and it can mean exiting from a polity in the sense of giving up one's membership status in the respective community. The paper discusses the nature, the significance, and the implications of the difference between these two kinds of exit.
Environmental and anthropogenic factors mediating the functional connectivity of the mesquite lizard along the eastern Trans‐Mexican Volcanic Belt
Authors: Romero‐Báez Óscar , Murphy Melanie A. , Díaz de la Vega‐Pérez Aníbal H. , Vázquez‐Domínguez Ella 
Published: July 2024

AbstractFunctional connectivity, the extent to which a landscape facilitates or impedes the dispersal of individuals across the landscape, is a key factor for the survival of species. Anthropogenic activities, such as urbanization, agriculture and roads, negatively impact functional connectivity of most species, particularly low‐vagility species like lizards. Here, we examine how a landscape modified by anthropogenic activities affects the functional connectivity, at both broad and fine scales, of a widely distributed generalist lizard Sceloporus grammicus in the eastern Trans‐Mexican Volcanic Belt, Mexico. We estimated for the first time the species' genetic structure, gene flow and functional connectivity in agricultural and forest zones using genomic data, a comprehensive landscape characterization and novel methods including gravity models. Our results showed not only marked genetic differentiation across the study region but also that functional connectivity is maintained for tens of kilometres despite S. grammicus low vagility. Specifically, we found that substrate and air temperature facilitated connectivity over broad and fine scales, respectively, while agricultural cover, relative humidity and slope were important for connectivity and gene flow. Contrastingly, forest cover and roads favoured (broad‐scale) and limited (fine‐scale) connectivity, likely associated with movement facilitated by small forest patches and with thermoregulation. Altogether, these results support that S. grammicus alternates its thermoregulatory behaviour depending on the distance travelled and the habitat environmental conditions, and that it can disperse through relatively modified landscapes, mainly using agricultural zones. The information obtained is crucial to understanding the response of lizards to current anthropogenic pressures and their potential to adapt.
Enhancement of in situ detection and imaging of phytohormones in plant tissues by MALDI‐MSI using 2,4‐dihydroxy‐5‐nitrobenzoic acid as a novel matrix
Authors: Chen Lulu , Zhang Yue , Hao Qichen , Fu Jinxiang , Bao Zhibin , Bu Yufen , Sun Na , Wu Xinyuan , Lu Liang , Kong Zhaosheng , Qin Liang , Zhou Yijun , Jing Yanping , Wang Xiaodong 
Published: July 2024

Summary

Phytohormones possess unique chemical structures, and their physiological effects are regulated through intricate interactions or crosstalk among multiple phytohormones. MALDI‐MSI enables the simultaneous detection and imaging of multiple hormones. However, its application for tracing phytohormones is currently restricted by low abundance of hormone in plant and suboptimal matrix selection.

2,4‐Dihydroxy‐5‐nitrobenzoic acid (DHNBA) was reported as a new MALDI matrix for the enhanced detection and imaging of multiple phytohormones in plant tissues. DHNBA demonstrates remarkable sensitivity improvement when compared to the commonly used matrix, 2,5‐dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB), in the detection of isoprenoid cytokinins (trans‐zeatin (tZ), dihy‐drozeatin (DHZ), meta‐topolin (mT), and N6‐(Δ2‐isopentenyl) adenine (iP)), jasmonic acid (JA), abscisic acid (ABA), and 1‐aminocyclo‐propane‐1‐carboxylic acid (ACC) standards.

The distinctive properties of DHNBA (i.e. robust UV absorption, uniform matrix deposition, negligible background interference, and high ionization efficiency of phytohormones) make it as an ideal matrix for enhanced detection and imaging of phytohormones, including tZ, DHZ, ABA, indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA), and ACC, by MALDI‐MSI in various plant tissues, for example germinating seeds, primary/lateral roots, and nodules.

Employing DHNBA significantly enhances our capability to concurrently track complex phytohormone biosynthesis pathways while providing precise differentiation of the specific roles played by individual phytohormones within the same category. This will propel forward the comprehensive exploration of phytohormonal functions in plant science.
Modelling and projecting regional electricity demand for Saudi Arabia
Authors: Mikayilov Jeyhun I. , Darandary Abdulelah 
Published: July 2024

AbstractWe address the shortcomings associated with modelling national aggregate electricity consumption in a large and diverse country with unique regional characteristics. Focusing on Saudi Arabia, we employ an econometric approach to analyse the distinct responses of its regions to electricity prices and income levels. The study employs a general to specific modelling approach, utilizing data from 1990 to 2019 within the conventional energy demand theoretical framework. Our region‐specific estimations reveal income and price as the primary drivers, with the southern region exhibiting a higher sensitivity to income, while the eastern region shows a comparatively smaller response to prices attributed to its significant industrial presence. Elasticities for the central and western regions align with previous research, while eastern and southern regions exhibit larger elasticities. Weather impacts are observed only in the warmest western region, characterised by a substantial share of residential electricity consumption. Furthermore, we utilise our estimated model to project a regional baseline demand for electricity in Saudi Arabia and demonstrate how prices affect regions differently. This information is important for an oil‐exporting country like Saudi Arabia, considering the diverse fuel mix used for electricity generation across regions. Assuming moderate economic growth and no price change, our baseline projections indicate a total electricity demand of 366 terawatt hours (TWh) by 2030.