bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MLKL and other necroptosis-related genes promote the tumor immune cell infiltration, guiding for the administration of immunotherapy in bladder urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Zhong Boqiang , Wang Youzhi , Liao Yihao , Liang Jiaming , Wang Keke , Zhou Diansheng , Zhao Yang , Jiang Ning 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe involvement of necroptosis in the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment has been established and has been shown to contribute to the growth of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, indicating its role in promoting tumor development. However, the relationship between necroptosis and bladder urothelial carcinoma (BUC) has yet to be fully understood. To shed light on this issue, our study aimed to uncover the impact of necroptosis on immune cell infiltration and immunotherapy response in BUC patients. We conducted an analysis of 67 necroptosis genes to assess their expression and genomic changes across pan-cancer and identified 12 necroptosis genes that are prognostically relevant and associated with immune subtypes and tumor stemness in BUC. Using a public database of 1841 BUC samples, we then performed Unsupervised Cluster Analysis and discovered two distinct necroptotic phenotypes in BUC. These phenotypes showed significant differences in molecular subtypes, immune infiltration patterns, and gene mutation profiles. We confirmed this discovery in BUC through qPCR and WB experiments. To evaluate the impact of necroptosis on prognosis, chemotherapy sensitivity, and immunotherapy response (such as anti-PD-L1), we developed a principal component analysis model called NecroScore. Finally, we validated the effects of RIPK3 and MLKL through a nude mouse transplantation model for BUC. Our study has uncovered that necroptosis plays a role in shaping the tumor immune microenvironment in BUC. The high necroptosis phenotype (Cluster B) was characterized by a higher abundance of tumor immunosuppressive cells and more key biological processes driving tumor progression, while the low necroptosis group (Cluster A) had higher FGFR3 mutations. We found that the infiltration levels of immune cells, including CD8+ T cells, were significantly different between FGFR3 mutated and wild-type (WT) samples. Our results confirmed the reliability of NecroScore as a comprehensive assessment tool for evaluating the immunotherapeutic effect and prognosis of BUC patients, with high NecroScore values favoring basal-like differentiation and lower FGFR3 alterations. We also observed that high expression of MLKL had a significant inhibitory effect on tumor growth and increased neutrophil infiltration in vivo. In our study, we uncovered the regulation pattern of necroptosis in the tumor immune microenvironment of BUC. Additionally, we developed a scoring tool called NecroScore that can be utilized to predict the most suitable chemotherapy and immunotherapy strategy for bladder urothelial carcinoma patients. This tool can effectively guide the chemotherapy and immunotherapy regimens for patients with advanced BUC.
Electrospun HPMC/PEO-blend orodispersible films: how slight batch differences affect the crucial mechanical properties
Authors: Asatiani Nikifor , Filipová Barbora , Pechočiaková Miroslava , Kluk Anna , Kunc Štepán , Mikeš Petr 
Published: April 2023

AbstractOrodispersible films comprise a promising dosage form with a wide range of advantages compared to conventional formulations. The electrospinning process can significantly enhance the relevant characteristics of orodispersible films, e.g., the dissolution rate and the ease of administration. This study involved the use of two types of hydroxypropyl methylcelluloses of low molecular weight obtained from three different manufacturers as the matrix. The SEM, FTIR, RAMAN, and DSC analyses revealed comparable values for all the fabricated materials. However, the mechanical properties of the fibers differed significantly, with electrospun Methocel E5/PEO proving to be particularly brittle. This is probably caused by the different arrangements of substituted methoxy- and hydroxypropyl groups of studied HPMCs. It is hoped that this paper will serve as an example of the extent to which slight differences between HPMC powder batches can dramatically alter the key properties of electrospun orodispersible films.
Learner autonomy, learner engagement and learner satisfaction in text-based and multimodal computer mediated writing environments
Authors: Mohammadi Zenouzagh Zohre , Admiraal Wilfried , Saab Nadira 
Published: April 2023

AbstractTechnology creates variant learning experiences which are context specific. This study examined the comparative potential of multimodal and text-based Computer Mediated Communication (CMC) in fostering learner autonomy, learner engagement and learner e-satisfaction as well as learner writing quality. To this end, 40 Iranian male and female EFL (English as foreign language) students were selected on the basis of their writing proficiency and were randomly assigned into text-based and multimodal CMC research groups. Learner autonomy was investigated using Van Nguyen and Habók ‘s learner autonomy questionnaire, which had 40 items rated on 5 point likert scale, both before and after the treatment. Student engagement was tracked by analyzing transcription of stored conversations of Moodle and Discussion logs of an online writing forum, using a coding scheme to identify cognitive, emotional, and behavioral student engagement. The potential of text-based CMC and Multimodal CMC in fostering writing quality was examined by comparing students’ writing before and after treatment. Finally, students were asked to write reflective essays on their evaluation of efficacy of the learning environments. Content analysis was conducted on the open and axial coding of indicators of student satisfaction. The results of between group comparison indicated that students were more autonomous in text-based modality than in multimodal CMC. Chi-square analysis indicated that text-based CMC group outperformed multimodal CMC group in terms of behavioral and cognitive engagement. Yet, multimodal CMC group reported higher emotional and social engagement. One-way ANCOVA results also indicated that the students in text-based CMC group outperformed Multimodal CMC group in terms of writing quality. Learner e-satisfaction was examined by network mapping of open codes of student reflective essays. The study identified four categories that reflected students’ e-satisfaction: learner dimension (including learners’ attitude, learner internet self-efficacy), teacher dimension (including teacher presence, teacher digital competences), curriculum dimension (including curriculum flexibility, course quality, flexibility in interaction support system) and internet dimension (including internet quality and support system). However, internet dimension received negative judgments from both groups. The implications of the study and suggestions for further research are discussed.
Blue Food Sovereignty Benefits Social-Ecological Resilience: A Case Study of Small-Scale Fisheries Co-Management and Mariculture in Samoa
Authors: Quimby Barbara , Roque Anaís Delilah , Nébié Elisabeth Kago Ilboudo , Levine Arielle , Amaama Safua Akeli , Wutich Amber , Brewis Alexandra , Samuelu Lemasaniai Erenei 
Published: April 2023

Abstract“Blue” (aquatic) food systems have a vital role in providing nutrition, livelihoods, and food security for coastal communities, but addressing and evaluating issues of equity and social resilience continue to challenge small-scale fisheries management. We examine how marine aquaculture and co-management approaches that integrate traditional institutions can support food sovereignty for more equitable blue food systems. Interviews with stakeholders in 11 fishing communities in Samoa indicate that several benefits associated with food sovereignty are derived from co-managed village fish reserves. Reserves support biodiversity health and are a source of culturally valued seafoods that build food security, social capital, and sustainable livelihood opportunities for women. Local values, food systems, providers, and consumers are centered, though traditional hierarchies present challenges for equitable decision-making. Our findings demonstrate how incorporating food sovereignty into the operation and evaluation of fisheries co-management can aid in addressing equity and resilience.
Perceived Nexus Between Non-Invigilated Summative Assessment and Mental Health Difficulties: A Cross Sectional Studies
Authors: Graf Amanda , Adama Esther , Afrifa-Yamoah Ebenezer , Adusei-Asante Kwadwo 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic rapidly led to changes in the mode of teaching, learning and assessments in most tertiary institutions worldwide. Notably, non-invigilated summative assessments became predominant. These changes heightened anxiety and depression, especially among individuals with less resilient coping mechanism. We explored the perceptions and experiences of mental health difficulties of students in tertiary education regarding non-invigilated alternative assessments in comparison to invigilated assessments. A pragmatic, mixed method cross sectional design was conducted online via Qualtrics. Thematic analysis of text was carried out using NVivo 12. In the quantitative analysis, univariable and multivariable ordinal logistic models were used to examine the potential factors for preference among students in higher education. A total of 380 Nursing and Social Science students responded to the survey. Approximately 77% of students perceived non-invigilated assessments to be less stressful compared to invigilated exams. Age, course of study, stage of studies, and number of units enrolled per semester were identified as significant drivers for students’ perceived preference for non-invigilated assessments. There was an inverse relationship between the perception of stress associated with invigilated exams and the age of students. For instance, students aged between 18-24 were 5 times more likely to prefer non-invigilated exams compared to those aged 55 or more. Comparatively, students in early stages of studies had higher preference for non-invigilated assessments. However, there was a preference reversal for students enrolled in 2 or less units per semester. Social sciences students were two times more likely to prefer non-invigilated examinations to invigilated examinations compared to nursing students. The findings reinforce the use of alternative assessments in higher education as a mitigating agency to lessen the mental health burden of tertiary students in post COVID-19 era.
Collective renovation decisions in multi-owned housing management: the case of public–private homeowners associations in Poland
Authors: Muczyński Andrzej 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe increasing popularity of multi-owned housing in various parts of the world and the need to constantly maintain these stocks in good condition raises issues of collective renovation decisions made by groups of unit owners in this housing sector. The main aim of the study was to identify the exogenous factors influencing collective decision-making actions of public–private homeowners associations regarding common property renovations in the management of housing condominiums in Poland. To achieve this aim, an original multi-stage top-down research methodology was applied. As the dependent variable representing the success of collective decision-making actions on common property renovations, the renovation fund rate passed by homeowners associations was adopted. Empirical research was conducted on representative samples of public–private homeowners associations with the participation of the municipality of Olsztyn in Poland. The results showed that building age, the number of unit owners and the share of the municipality in the common property significantly influenced renovation fund rates,ceteris paribus, with the influence of the former factor being positive and the others negative. This confirmed the hypothesis that the municipalities tend to negatively influence the collective renovation decisions of public–private homeowners associations by their shares in common properties. This study contributes to collective action theory when public and private actors co-participate in group decision-making and has far-reaching policy and practical implications. Hence, further research on this topic in different markets and institutional arrangements is recommended.
Cost-effectiveness of federal CDBG-DR Road Home Program mitigation assistance in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana
Authors: Al Assi Ayat , Mostafiz Rubayet Bin , Friedland Carol J. , Rohli Robert V. , Taghinezhad Arash , Rahim Md Adilur 
Published: April 2023

AbstractAfter Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, the State of Louisiana received federal Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) assistance, administered by the Louisiana Office of Community Development (OCD) as the Road Home Program, to provide homeowners with the required matching funds for elevating damaged homes under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). This research evaluates the cost-effectiveness of the Road Home Program elevation mitigation assistance for a case study of homes in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, using benefit–cost analysis (BCA) based on average annual loss (AAL) prediction. We use multiple return period flood depths from FEMA RiskMAP non-regulatory flood depth and calculate flood risk reduction as the difference between pre- and post-elevation AAL. We compute benefit–cost ratio (BCR) and net benefit–cost ratio (NBCR) of the elevation mitigation investment across multiple time horizons, considering several funding scenarios. Then, we determine optimal first-floor height (FFH) by foundation type and 100-year flood depth. The analysis reveals that elevating existing homes by either 3 feet above the ground or to the base flood elevation (BFE; 100-year flood elevation), whichever is higher, reduces the median AAL by 98%. This elevation generates a BCR of 1.5 and 1.7 over a 30-year mortgage and a 70-year building lifetime, respectively, if the benefit is allocated proportionately. These results enhance understanding of cost-effectiveness of federal elevation mitigation investments, benefits of elevating homes above the minimum requirements, and most effective elevated heights for homes.
Physical and mental health of breast cancer patients and survivors before and during successive SARS-CoV-2-infection waves
Authors: Bargon Claudia A. , Mink van der Molen Dieuwke R. , Batenburg Marilot C. T. , van Stam Lilianne E. , van Dam Iris E. , Baas Inge O. , Veenendaal Liesbeth M. , Maarse Wiesje , Sier Maartje , Schoenmaeckers Ernst J. P. , Burgmans Josephina P. J. , Bijlsma Rhodé M. , van der Leij Femke , Doeksen Annemiek , Young-Afat Danny A. , Verkooijen Helena M. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Purpose
During the first SARS-CoV-2-infection wave, a deterioration in emotional well-being and increased need for mental health care were observed among patients treated or being treated for breast cancer. In this follow-up study, we assessed patient-reported quality of life (QoL), physical functioning, and psychosocial well-being during the second SARS-CoV-2-infection wave in a large, representative cohort.

Methods
This longitudinal cohort study was conducted within the prospective, multicenter UMBRELLA breast cancer cohort. To assess patient-reported QoL, physical functioning and psychosocial well-being, COVID-19-specific surveys were completed by patients during the first and second SARS-CoV-2-infection waves (April and November 2020, respectively). An identical survey was completed by a comparable reference population during the second SARS-CoV-2-infection waves. All surveys included the validated EORTC-QLQ-C30/BR23, HADS and “De Jong-Gierveld Loneliness” questionnaires. Pre-COVID-19 EORTC-QLQ-C30/BR23 and HADS outcomes were available from UMBRELLA. Response rates were 69.3% (n = 1106/1595) during the first SARS-CoV-2-infection wave and 50.9% (n = 822/1614) during the second wave. A total of 696 patients responded during both SARS-CoV-2-infection waves and were included in the analysis comparing patient-reported outcomes (PROs) during the second SARS-CoV-2-infection wave to PROs during the first wave. Moreover, PROs reported by all patients during the second SARS-CoV-2-infection wave (n = 822) were compared to PROs of a similar non-cancer reference population (n = 241) and to their pre-COVID-19 PROs.

Results
Patient-reported QoL, physical functioning, and psychosocial well-being of patients treated or being treated for breast cancer remained stable or improved from the first to the second SARS-CoV-2-infection wave. The proportion of emotional loneliness reduced from 37.6 to 29.9% of patients. Compared to a similar non-cancer reference population, physical, emotional, and cognitive functioning, future perspectives and symptoms of dyspnea and insomnia were worse in patients treated or being treated for breast cancer during the second SARS-CoV-2-infection wave. PROs in the second wave were similar to pre-COVID-19 PROs.

Conclusion
Although patients scored overall worse than individuals without breast cancer, QoL, physical functioning, and psychosocial well-being did not deteriorate between the first and second wave. During the second wave, PROs were similar to pre-COVID-19 values. Overall, current findings are cautiously reassuring for future mental health of patients treated or being treated for breast cancer.
Psychometric properties of the Reintegration to Normal Living Index for sepsis survivors
Authors: Streich Kathleen , Hartog Christiane S. , Fleischmann-Struzek Carolin , Rose Norman , Bichmann Anna , Kesselmeier Miriam , Schiefenhövel Fridtjof , Schmieding Malte , Born Sebastian 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Return to a normal state of living is a key patient-relevant outcome for sepsis survivors. The Reintegration to Normal Living Index (RNLI) assesses self-perceived participation in patients with chronic disease, but its psychometric properties have been analyzed neither for patients after sepsis nor in a German patient cohort. This study aims to analyze the psychometric properties of the German version of the RNLI in sepsis survivors.

Methods
In a prospective multicenter survey study, 287 sepsis survivors were interviewed 6 and 12 months after hospital discharge. Multiple-group categorical confirmatory factor analyses with three competing models were used to explore the factor structure of the RNLI. Concurrent validity was evaluated in relation to the EQ-5D-3L and the Barthel Index of Activities of Daily Living (ADL).

Results
Regarding structural validity, all models showed an acceptable model fit. Because of high correlation between the latent variables in the two-factor models (up to r = 0.969) and for reason of parsimony, we opted for the common factor model to analyze the concurrent validity. Our analyses showed moderate positive correlations between RNLI score and ADL score (r ≥ 0.630), EQ-5D-3L visual analogue scale (r ≥ 0.656) and EQ-5D-3L utility score (r ≥ 0.548). The reliability assessed by McDonald’s Omega was 0.94.

Conclusion
We found convincing evidence for good reliability, structural and concurrent validity of the RNLI in German sepsis survivors. We propose to use the RNLI in addition to generic health-related quality of life measures to assess the reintegration to normal living after sepsis.
Does the bank-firm human relationship still matter for SMEs? The game-changing role of digitalization
Authors: Fasano Francesco , La Rocca Tiziana 
Published: April 2023

AbstractNoteworthy contributions have highlighted that human contact is a considerable factor in bank-firm relationships. It allows the acquisition of soft information, which alleviates information asymmetries and increases the use of bank debt. The advent of digital technologies in the information collection process open new horizons and change the role of personal contacts in bank-firm interactions, as entrepreneurs visit bank branches less frequently. This study uses a large sample of Italian SMEs from 2011 to 2020 and finds that the rapid increase and use of digital instruments have reduced the positive influence of physical closeness between banks and SMEs on the indebtedness levels. Interestingly, our study has also found that the COVID-19 crisis did not amplify this moderating effect. Results support theories that human contact is an important factor in bank-firm relationships because it allows the acquisition of soft information, which alleviates information asymmetries and increases the use of bank debt. Our study suggests that close human ties are still extremely relevant and digitalization should be exploited to support the collection of the kind of qualitative soft information that is crucial in debt negotiations.
Kinkeeping Across Families: The Central Role of Mothers and Stepmothers in the Facilitation of Adult Intergenerational Ties
Authors: Hornstra Maaike , Ivanova Katya 
Published: April 2023

AbstractA kinkeeper is the person within the household that is involved in the management of family relationships, a position traditionally fulfilled by women. Due to the increased complexity of family life, which resulted from the rise in divorce and remarriage, the kinkeeper role might nowadays be particularly important but also more ambiguous. First, we examined differences in parental involvement in kinkeeping (buying presents, organizing outings, relaying family news, and discussing problems) along the lines of gender, family structure, and biological relatedness. Second, we explored whether the kinkeeping of parents and their partners is effective in the facilitation of intergenerational closeness with adult children. We used the OKiN survey, which includes information on kinkeeping in N = 746 intact, N = 982 mother-stepfather, and N = 1,010 father-stepmother families. Findings indicated a central facilitative role for mothers and stepmothers. Substantial gaps were found between mothers and fathers, married and divorced parents, and biological and stepparents with respect to the (variety of) kinkeeping in which these parents were involved. Yet, the contrasts of biological relatedness and family structure were also found to be gendered, as these gaps were smaller for mothers than fathers. Finally, an association was found between adult closeness with biological parents and the kinkeeping of the spouse, regardless of the nature of the relationship between the spouse and adult child. This implies that a stepmother can be just as effective as a married biological mother in facilitating the ties between a father and his biological children.