bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The more microplastic types pollute the soil, the stronger the growth suppression of invasive alien and native plants
Authors: Fu Yanmei , van Kleunen Mark , Ma Kai , Liu Yanjie 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

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

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

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

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

Abstract

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

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

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

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

AbstractThe Finnish welfare society is based on strong public and civic sectors with an emerging private sector. In the context of sports, the public sector's statutory task has been to provide opportunities and facilities for citizens, whereas the civic sector has been responsible for organising activities. However, since the 1990s, economic recessions, new public management doctrines, and other societal changes have mixed this institutionalised setting and increased hybridity in the provision of public services. This study examines how hybridity is manifested and governed in the provision of local sports facility services in contemporary Finland through a literature review and a multiple case study focusing on three sports facility construction projects. The projects had partners from all societal sectors and, organisationally, assumed different forms: privately owned, sports clubs co‐owned, and municipally owned enterprises. The case data consist of thematic interviews and project documentation and are analysed with theory‐driven content analysis. The study deepens understanding of the mixed ownership structures, various funding arrangements, control mechanisms, and management of goal incongruency found in hybrid facility‐provider organisations. Additionally, it describes changing roles and challenges that municipalities face in hybrid settings and develops recommendations for future research on hybridity and sports policy.Points for practitioners
Note that the capacity to steer the operations of hybrids in municipal services provision can be obtained in various ways which do not entail formal ownership.
Deepen your understanding of the goals and commitment incentives of the different stakeholders planned to be involved in the hybrid project.
Consider jointly written formal contracts as tools for managing goal ambiguity and incongruence and for creating trust in the hybrid arrangement.
Examine comprehensively the resourcing of the facility‐provider organisation in the operational phase of the facility when evaluating the funding arrangements and public value creation of hybrid facility projects.
Prepare to become a practitioner and the object subjected to more diverse forms of control when committing to hybrid arrangements with various stakeholders.
Real‐world data on efficacy/safety and economic impact of nivolumab administered every 2 and 4 weeks among Japanese patients
Authors: Tasaki Yoshihiko , Ito Nanami , Mimura Yoshihisa , Sugiyama Yosuke , Ogawa Ryo , Shimura Takaya , Nakamura Motoki , Kawakita Daisuke , Hamamoto Shuzo , Uemura Takehiro , Yokota Keisuke , Iida Moeko , Odagiri Kunihiro , Kimura Yuka , Hotta Yuji , Komatsu Hirokazu , Okuda Katsuhiro , Niimi Akio , Yasui Takahiro , Iwasaki Shinichi , Morita Akimichi , Kataoka Hiromi , Takiguchi Shuji , Furukawa‐Hibi Yoko 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAimA new treatment interval for nivolumab administration at 480 mg every 4 weeks, in addition to 240 mg every 2 weeks, was approved in Japan in 2020. Using model‐based evaluation, it was speculated that the effects or safety of nivolumab do not differ between the two treatment intervals; however, real‐world data on nivolumab efficacy, safety, and economic impact are lacking. Accordingly, we aimed to examine the effects of nivolumab treatment intervals (2 weeks vs. 4 weeks) in terms of efficacy, safety, and economic impact in Japanese patients with cancer.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 126 patients treated with nivolumab. The patients were divided into two groups depending on whether they received nivolumab at 240 mg every 2 weeks (2‐week group) or 480 mg every 4 weeks (4‐week group).ResultsEfficacy results found no significant difference between the 4‐ and 2‐week groups considering median overall survival (p = 0.70) and median progression‐free survival (p = 0.57). The incidence of any grade and ≥ grade 3 immune‐related adverse events did not differ between the 4‐week and 2‐week groups (any grade, p = 0.13; ≥ grade 3, p = 0.36). Excluding drug costs, the 4‐week group had significantly lower medical costs than the 2‐week group (2‐week vs. 4‐week: mean, 94,659 JPY [679.0 USD] vs. 58,737 JPY [421.3 USD]; p < 0.05).ConclusionCollectively, our findings suggest that nivolumab 480 mg every 4 weeks may be more effective than nivolumab 240 mg every 2 weeks in terms of economic impact.
Racial disparities in stage at bladder cancer diagnosis in the US Veterans Affairs healthcare system
Authors: Bree Kelly K. , Janes Jessica L. , Hensley Patrick J. , Srinivasan Aditya , De Hoedt Amanda M. , Das Sanjay , Freedland Stephen J. , Williams Stephen B. 
Published: April 2024

ObjectiveTo describe patient characteristics and pathological stage at bladder cancer (BCa) diagnosis in a diverse population within a national, equal‐access healthcare system.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study identified 15 966 men diagnosed with BCa in the Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system from 2000 to 2020. The primary outcome was pathological stage at diagnosis, determined by index transurethral resection of bladder tumour. Logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between race and stage. Competing risk models tested the association between race and BCa‐specific mortality with cumulative incidence estimates.ResultsOf 15 966 BCa patients, 12 868 (81%), 1726 (11%), 493 (3%) and 879 (6%) were White, Black, Hispanic and Other race, respectively. Black patients had significantly higher muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) rates than White patients (35% vs 32%; P = 0.009). In multivariable analysis, the odds of presenting with MIBC did not differ significantly between Black and White patients (odds ratio [OR] 1.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.98–1.22) or between Hispanic patients (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.67–1.01) and White patients. Compared to White patients, Black patients had a similar risk of BCa‐specific mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 0.89, 95% CI 0.75–1.06), whereas Hispanic patients had a lower risk (HR 0.56, 95% CI 0.38–0.82).ConclusionsBlack patients presented with the highest rates of de novo MIBC. However, in a large, equal‐access healthcare system, this did not result in a difference in BCa‐specific mortality. In contrast, Hispanic patients had lower risks of MIBC and BCa‐specific mortality.
The impact of diversity experiences and innovative learning environments on the personal development of international students studying in China
Authors: Azram Muhammad , Hong Mei , Ahmad Waqar , Sohail Ali 
Published: April 2024

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

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

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

AbstractIntroductionPlatelet transfusion is a standard treatment to prevent bleeding in patients with hematological malignancies. Although transfusions can improve platelet count, their impact on platelet function remains controversial.MethodsWe conducted flow cytometry to assess platelet function before and after transfusion and performed subgroup analyses to examine differences based on blood type, corrected count increment (CCI), and platelet microparticles.ResultsOverall, 50 patients who received prophylactic platelet transfusion were enrolled. CD42b expression increased, whereas CD41 expression decreased after transfusion. Apheresis platelets exhibited the lowest expression of PAC‐1 and P‐selectin when exposed to agonist stimulations. PAC‐1 expression increased under high adenosine diphosphate (ADP) stimulation, while P‐selectin expression increased under both high ADP and thrombin receptor‐activating peptide stimulation. In the subgroup analysis, patients with a CCI >4500 and those with the same blood types exhibited a more significant increase in PAC‐1 and P‐selectin expression under agonist stimulation. When comparing apheresis platelets collected on different days, only the percentage of platelet‐derived microparticles showed a significant increase.ConclusionProphylactic transfusion improved platelet function. Platelet function significantly improved in patients with a CCI >4500, those with the same blood types as that of apheresis platelets, or those with platelet‐derived microparticle levels <4.7%. No significant improvement in platelet function was noted after the transfusion of different blood types with acceptable compatibility or the transfusion of incompatible blood types. Our results suggest that transfusing platelets with the same blood type remains the optimal choice.
CRKL but not CRKII contributes to hemin‐induced erythroid differentiation of CML
Authors: Guo Chunmei , Lv Xinxin , Zhang Qiuling , Yi Lina , Ren Yingying , Li Zhaopeng , Yan Jinsong , Zheng Shanliang , Sun Ming‐Zhong , Liu Shuqing 
Published: April 2024

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

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

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

AbstractBackgroundPatient safety climate constitutes an important element for quality improvement. Its current evidence base has been generated in hospital settings in developed countries. Studies in dentistry are limited.ObjectiveTo systematically explore the evidence regarding assessing patient safety climate in dentistry.MethodsWe developed a search strategy to explore MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and Web of Science databases from January 1st, 2002, to December 31st, 2022, to include observational studies on patient safety culture or patient safety climate assessment. Methodological features and item data concerning the dimensions employed for assessment were extracted and thematically analyzed. Reported scores were also collected.ResultsNine articles out of 5584 were included in this study. Most studies were generated from high‐income economies. Our analysis revealed methodological variations. Non‐randomized samples were employed (ranging from 139 to 656 participants), and response rates varied from 28% to 93.7%. Three types of measurement instruments have been adapted to assess patient safety climate. These mainly consisted of replacing words or rewording sentences. Only one study employed an instrument previously validated through psychometric methods. In general, patient safety climate levels were either low or neutral. Only one study reported scores equal to or greater than 75.DiscussionDespite diverse assessment tools, our two‐decade analysis reveals a lag compared with medicine, resulting in methodological variations for assessing patient safety climate. Collaboration is vital to elevate standards, prioritize patient safety across oral healthcare services, and advocate for integrating safety climate into local and national quality and patient safety strategies.