bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Associated With Participation in Clinical Trials Among Patients With Lupus
Authors: Harry Onengiya , Langefeld Carl D. , Crosby Lori E. , Modi Avani C.
Published: January 2022

Background/Objective

Participation rates for clinical trials, including lupus trials, in the United States are low, but are even lower for underrepresented minorities. The impact of underrepresentation in trials can be far-reaching and is problematic because female subjects of color with lupus experience greater morbidity and mortality. As such, the overarching goal of this study was to characterize the factors that influence participation in lupus clinical trials.

Methods

The Lupus and Allied Diseases Association, the Lupus Foundation of America, and the Lupus Research Alliance collected data for their externally led Patient-Focused Drug Development Initiative—for the purpose of understanding and improving the rates of participation in lupus-related clinical trials. Participants completed a 46-question survey (in English or Spanish) electronically or on paper, which was distributed online or at lupus events. Logistic regression was used to test whether demographic and disease characteristics were associated with participation in past lupus trials.

Results

Data were available for 2220 respondents. Black respondents with lupus were more likely, than their White and Hispanic counterparts, to have participated in past clinical trials (p < 0.05). Although not statistically significant, Hispanic respondents were also more likely to have participated than their White counterparts (odds ratio, 1.40; 95% confidence interval, 0.96–2.11). Both demographic (ie, race/ethnicity) and medical (ie, disease severity defined as more organ involvement) factors seem to be important determinants of participation in clinical trials (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Combining the results from this study and prior research provides insight into recruitment strategies to increase participation rates of historically underrepresented minorities.
New Biomarkers With Prognostic Impact Based on Multitracer PET/CT Imaging in Neuroendocrine Neoplasms
Authors: Delgado Bolton Roberto C. , Calapaquí Terán Adriana K. , Fanti Stefano , Giammarile Francesco
Published: January 2022

The search for new biomarkers in cancer is currently one of the most widely sought end points in medical imaging, with the aim of improving the management decisions based on reliable indicators of prognosis, being neuroendocrine neoplasms a challenging group of tumors under investigation. Multitracer PET/CT imaging, in which different radiotracers supply information of different metabolic aspects of the tumor, can help classify and select the most appropriate therapy, providing basic aspects that will probably allow the generation of new imaging biomarkers useful in patient management.
Hybrid PET/MRI in Staging Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Ironi Gabriele , Mapelli Paola , Bergamini Alice , Fallanca Federico , Candotti Giorgio , Gnasso Chiara , Taccagni Gian Luca , Sant'Angelo Miriam , Scifo Paola , Bezzi Carolina , Bettinardi Valentino , Rancoita Paola Maria Vittoria , Mangili Giorgia , Bocciolone Luca , Candiani Massimo , Gianolli Luigi , De Cobelli Francesco , Picchio Maria
Published: January 2022

Aim

The assessment of deep myometrial invasion (MI) and lymph node involvement is of utmost importance in the preoperative staging of endometrial cancer (EC). Imaging parameters derived respectively from MRI and PET have shown good predictive value. The main aim of the present study is to assess the diagnostic performance of hybrid 18F-FDG PET/MRI in EC staging, with particular focus on MI and lymphnodal involvement detection.

Patients and Methods

Prospective monocentric study including 35 patients with biopsy-proven EC undergoing preoperative 18F-FDG PET/MRI (December 2018–March 2021) for staging purpose. Histological examination was the reference standard. PET (SUVmax, SUVmean with a threshold of 40% of SUVmax–SUVmean40, metabolic tumor volume, total lesion glycolysis) and MRI (volume index [VI], total tumor volume, tumor volume ratio [TVR], mean apparent diffusion coefficient, minimum apparent diffusion coefficient) parameters were calculated on the primary tumor, and their role in predicting EC risk group, the presence of lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI), and MI was assessed. Receiver operating characteristics analysis was used to assess the predictive value of PET and MRI parameters on EC characteristics.

Results

Patients' median age was 66.57 years (SD, 10.21 years). 18F-FDG PET/MRI identified the primary tumor in all patients. Twenty-two of 35 patients had high-risk EC and 13/35 low-risk disease; 13/35 presented LVSI, 22/35 had deep MI at histological examination, and 13/35 had p53 hyperexpression.

PET/MRI was able to detect lymphnodal involvement with high accuracy and high specificity (sensitivity of 0.8571, specificity of 0.9286, accuracy of 0.9143), also showing a high negative predictive value (NPV) for lymphnodal involvement (NPV of 0.9630, positive predictive value [PPV] of 0.7500).

The assessment of deep MI using PET/MRI correctly staged 27 patients (77.1%; sensitivity of 0.7273, specificity of 0.8462, accuracy of 0.7714), with also a good PPV (PPV of 0.8889, NPV of 0.647).

MRI-derived total tumor volume, VI, and TVR were significant in predicting EC groups (high-risk vs low-risk patients) (P = 0.0059, 0.0235, 0.0181, respectively). MRI-derived volume, VI, TVR, and PET-derived metabolic tumor volume and total lesion glycolysis were able to predict LVSI (P = 0.0023, 0.0068, 0.0068, 0.0027, 0.01394, respectively). Imaging was not able to predict grading, presence of deep MI, nor hyperexpression of p53.

Conclusions

18F-FDG PET/MRI has good accuracy in preoperative staging of EC; PET and MRI parameters have synergic role in preoperatively predicting LVSI, with MRI parameters being also predictive for EC risk group.
Duodenal Ulcer-Induced Gastric Outlet Obstruction Showing Pyloric Wall Thickening and Abnormal FDG Uptake Mimicking Malignancy
Authors: Ji Xia , Dong Aisheng
Published: January 2022

Peptic ulcer disease is the most common benign cause of gastric outlet obstruction, in which mechanical obstruction occurs in the distal stomach, pylorus, or duodenum. We describe a case of gastric outlet obstruction induced by duodenal ulcer showing irregular pyloric wall thickening with marked enhancement on contras-enhanced CT and increased FDG uptake of the pyloric wall on FDG PET/CT mimicking malignancy.
Salvage Procedures for Facial Reanimation With Neurovascular Flaps When Previous Surgeries Failed
Authors: Ibarra Gorka , Lasso Jose M.
Published: January 2022

Background

Facial paralysis reconstruction can be difficult in extensive defects after complex facial or cranial base tumor resection and radiotherapy or when primary smile reanimation attempt has failed. The surgical challenge is more complicated when defects are associated with recipient vessels or nerves depletion. This scenario has not been well described in the literature, and the present article will address the alternatives that plastic surgeons may use in these circumstances.

Methods

Seventy-five patients operated in the Hospital Gregorio Marañon between 2008 and 2020, for dynamic reconstruction of facial paralysis, were retrospectively evaluated, collecting data about previous facial nerve surgeries, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, recipient nerve for motor restoration and vessels used for free flaps, type of neurovascular free flap (NVFF), and functional score before and after the facial reanimation surgery. Patients presenting recipient vessel and/or nerve depletion after several facial surgeries requiring a variation from the common NVFF surgical protocol were included in this study.

Results

Six cases (8%) with facial paralysis and absent recipient homolateral vessels or nerves after severe cranial base surgery, parotid malignancies, or schwannoma surgery were included. Two patients had an immediate functional reconstruction during the oncologic resection surgery, and 4 patients had a delayed reconstruction. Three patients had previous reconstruction with free flaps, and the vascular pedicles of previous flaps were used for the new NVFF. In the other 3 cases, interposition vein grafts to the contralateral recipient vessels were required to perform NVFF. Masseteric nerve in 4 cases, hypoglossal nerve and posterior branch of the deep temporal nerve in 1 case each, were used as recipient nerves. House-Brackmann score improved in all patients after surgery.

Conclusions

Neurovascular free flap can be successfully performed to restore facial motion after depletion of homolateral recipient vessels or nerves after previous facial or cranial base surgeries. In these cases, interposition vascular grafts or the pedicle of previous flaps are essential to provide vascularization as well as an optimal orientation of flaps, to reach recipient nerves in a 1-step procedure.
The Effects of Website and Social Media Presence of Integrated Plastic Surgery Residency Programs on Prospective Applicants
Authors: Pflibsen Lacey R. , Deckey David G. , Brinkman Joseph C. , Tummala Sailesh V. , Casey William J. , Teven Chad M.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Integrated plastic surgery residency programs have increased their social media presence to educate and recruit prospective residents. This study aims to understand the impact of integrated plastic surgery residency program social media on the 2020 to 2021 applicants' evaluation of prospective programs, particularly during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

Materials and Methods

An optional 20-item online survey was sent to integrated plastic surgery residency applicants applying to the authors' program.

Results

Surveys were sent to 300 integrated plastic surgery residency applicants with an average of 168 responses (56% response rate). Social media resources included official residency program website (87.1%), Instagram (70.2%), and Doximity (46.8%). The most frequently used resource by applicants was the official residency program website (43.9%); Instagram was the second most frequently used (40.2%) followed by Doximity (8.3%). Most respondents agreed that social media was an effective means to inform applicants (66.1%), and it positively impacted their perception of the program (64.8%). The cited benefits were helping the program exhibit its culture and comradery among residents, faculty, and staff (78.4%). Among applicants, 73.6% noted that it had a significant impact on their perceptions of programs. Most respondents truncated their planned plastic surgery subinternships, completing 1 instead of 3 planned subinternships because of coronavirus disease 2019 limitations.

Conclusions

During the 2020 to 2021 plastic surgery application cycle, applicants used social media accounts of plastic surgery residency programs to inform and educate themselves about prospective programs. This study suggests that investing resources into a social media residency accounts is a meaningful pursuit for integrated plastic surgery programs and is an important aspect in today's recruitment.
A Potential Complication After Drainage in Odontogenic Descending Necrotizing Mediastinitis: Chyle Leakage
Authors: Lou Yiting , Weng Xiaoyan , Zhuo Qunhao , Ying Binbin , Feng Jiaxin , Wang Huiming
Published: January 2022

Descending necrotizing mediastinitis is a serious complication of odontogenic infections. Incision and drainage of the maxillofacial infection with mediastinal drainage represent the principal management. However, chyle leakage after drainage in descending necrotizing mediastinitis is rare and has not been reported. Here the authors present a case of a 74-year-old man with chyle leakage after mediastinal drainage, which is successfully treated.
Intraoperative Fluid Management a Modifiable Risk Factor for Surgical Quality – Improving Standardized Practice
Authors: Abd El Aziz Mohamed A. , Grass Fabian , Calini Giacomo , Lovely Jenna K. , Jacob Adam K. , Behm Kevin T. , D’Angelo Anne-Lise D. , Shawki Sherief F. , Mathis Kellie L. , Larson David W.
Published: January 2022

Objective:

We aimed to determine a safe zone of intraoperative fluid management associated with the lowest postoperative complication rates without increased acute kidney injury (AKi) risk for elective colorectal surgery patients.

Background:

To date, standard practice within institutions, let alone national expectations related to fluid administration, are limited. This fact has perpetuated a quality gap.

Methods:

Elective colorectal surgeries between 2018 and 2020 were included. Unadjusted odds ratios (ORs) for postoperative ileus, prolonged LOS, and AKi were plotted against the rate of intraoperative RL infusion (mL/ kg/h) and total intraoperative volume. Binary logistic regression analysis, including fluid volumes as a confounder, was used to identify risk factors for postoperative complications.

Results:

A total of 2900 patients were identified. Of them, 503 (17.3%) patients had ileus, 772 (26.6%) patients had prolonged LOS, and 240 (8.3%) patients had AKI. The intraoperative fluid resuscitation rate (mg/kg/h) was less impactful on postoperative ileus, LOS, and AKI than the total amount of intraoperative fluid. A total fluid administration range between 300 mL and 2.7 L was associated with the lowest complication rate. Total intraoperative RL ≥2.7 L was independently associated with a higher risk of ileus (adjusted OR 1.465; 95% confidence interval 1.154–1.858) and prolonged LOS (adjusted OR 1.300; 95% confidence interval 1.047–1.613), but not AKI. Intraoperative RL ≤300 mL was not associated with an increased risk of AKI.

Conclusion:

Total intraoperative RL ≥2.7 L was independently associated with postoperative ileus and prolonged LOS in elective colorectal surgery patients. A new potential standard for intraoperative fluids will require anesthesia case planning (complexity and duration) to ensure total fluid volume meets this new opportunity to improve care.
The effect of tranexamic acid dosing regimen on trauma/hemorrhagic shock-related glycocalyx degradation and endothelial barrier permeability: An in vitro model
Authors: Carge Michael , Diebel Lawrence N. , Liberati David M.
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

Improved outcomes with early tranexamic acid (TXA) following trauma hemorrhagic shock (T/HS) may be related to its antifibrinolytic, as well as anti-inflammatory properties. Previous in vitro studies have shown that early TXA administration protects against T/HS endothelial barrier dysfunction and associated glycocalyx degradation. An intact endothelial glycocalyx may protect against subsequent neutrophil mediated tissue injury. We postulated that early TXA administration would mitigate against glycocalyx damage and resultant neutrophil adherence and transmigration through the endothelial barrier. This was studied in vitro using a microfluidic flow platform.

METHODS

Human umbilical vein endothelial cell monolayers were subjected to control or shock conditions (hypoxia + epinephrine) followed by administration of TXA 90 minutes or 180 minutes later.

RESULTS

“Early” TXA administration protected against glycocalyx degradation, biomarkers of increased permeability and the development of a fibrinolytic phenotype. This was associated with decreased neutrophil endothelial adherence and transmigration. There were no differences in low versus high TXA concentrations. The protective effects were only significant with “early” TXA administration.

CONCLUSION

There was a concentration and temporal effect of TXA administration on endothelial glycocalyx degradation. This was associated with “vascular leakiness” as indexed by the relative ratio of Ang-2/1 and polymorphonuclear neutrophil transmigration. Tranexamic acid if administered in patients with T/HS should be administered “early”; this includes in the prehospital setting.
The Sensitivity of Quantitative Sonographic Assessment of Muscle Thickness for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Diagnosis
Authors: Avidan Reuven , Fainmesser Yaara , Drory Vivian E. , Bril Vera , Abraham Alon
Published: January 2022

Purpose:

In the current proof-of-concept study, we aimed to examine the sensitivities and specificities of previously reported normal values for muscle ultrasound thickness in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Methods:

Muscle ultrasound was performed in 65 healthy control subjects and 91 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients using a standardized assessment of eight relaxed muscles and four contracted muscles. Normal values for muscle thickness were determined as values above the 5th percentile stratified by age and gender using the weighted average method. Sensitivity for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis diagnosis was determined for muscles with and without the addition of muscle contraction.

Results:

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients showed reduced muscle sum thickness both in relaxed and in contracted states compared with control subjects. Muscle ultrasound of muscles with and without contraction showed excellent diagnostic accuracy for differentiating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients from control subjects (area under curve = 0.96, sensitivity: 93%–95%, specificity: 84–87). Muscle ultrasound sensitivity was lower within 6 months of symptom onset (83%) compared with longer disease duration (>92%).

Conclusions:

Quantitative sonographic assessment of muscle thickness can be complementary in the diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with excellent accuracy for differentiating patients from healthy subjects, and might be useful in other neuromuscular disorders, although additional studies are required.
Serological study of CoronaVac vaccine and booster doses in Chile: immunogenicity and persistence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 S antibodies
Authors: Vargas Leonardo , Valdivieso Nicolás , Tempio Fabián , Simon Valeska , Sauma Daniela , Valenzuela Lucía , Beltrán Caroll , Castillo-Delgado Loriana , Contreras-Benavides Ximena , Acevedo Mónica L. , Valiente-Echeverría Fernando , Soto-Rifo Ricardo , Gonzalez Rafael I. , Lopez Mercedes , Osorio Fabiola , Bono María Rosa
Published: January 2022

Background

Chile was severely affected by COVID19 outbreaks but was also one of the first countries to start a nationwide program to vaccinate against the disease. Furthermore, Chile became one of the fastest countries to inoculate a high percentage of the target population and implemented homologous and heterologous booster schemes in late 2021 to prevent potential immunological waning. The aim of this study is to compare the immunogenicity and time course of the humoral response elicited by the CoronaVac vaccine in combination with homologous versus heterologous boosters.

Methods and Findings

We compared the immunogenicity of two doses of CoronaVac and BNT162b2 vaccines and studied the effect of different booster regimes in the Chilean population. Our results demonstrate that a two-dose vaccination scheme with CoronaVac induces lower levels of anti-SARS-CoV-2 S antibodies than BNT162b2 in a broad age range. Furthermore, antibody production declines with time in individuals vaccinated with CoronaVac and less noticeably, with BNT162b2. Remarkably, analysis of booster schemes revealed that individuals vaccinated with two doses of CoronaVac generate immunological memory against the SARS-CoV-2 ancestral strain, which can be re-activated with homologous or heterologous (BNT162b2 and ChAdOx1) boosters. Nevertheless, the magnitude of the antibody response with the heterologous booster regime was considerably higher and persistent (over 100 days) than the responses induced by the homologous scheme.

Conclusions

Two doses of CoronaVac induces antibody titers against the SARS-CoV-2 ancestral strain which are lower in magnitude than those induced by the BNT162b2 vaccine. However, the response induced by CoronaVac can be greatly potentiated with a heterologous booster scheme with BNT162b2 or ChAdOx1 vaccines. Furthermore, the heterologous booster regimes induce a durable antibody response which does not show signs of decay 3 months after the booster dose.
Integrated analysis reveals FOXA1 and Ku70/Ku80 as direct targets of ivermectin in prostate cancer
Authors: Lv Shidong , Wu Zeyu , Luo Mayao , Zhang Yifan , Zhang Jianqiang , Pascal Laura E. , Wang Zhou , Wei Qiang
Published: January 2022

Ivermectin is a widely used antiparasitic drug and shows promising anticancer activity in various cancer types. Although multiple signaling pathways modulated by ivermectin have been identified, few studies have focused on the exact target of ivermectin. Herein, we report the pharmacological effects and direct targets of ivermectin in prostate cancer (PCa). Ivermectin caused G0/G1 arrest, induced cell apoptosis, DNA damage, and decreased androgen receptor (AR) signaling in PCa cells. Using integrated omics profiling, including RNA-seq and thermal proteome profiling, we found that the forkhead box protein A1 (FOXA1) and non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) repair executer Ku70/Ku80 were the direct targets of ivermectin. The binding of ivermectin and FOXA1 reduced the chromatin accessibility of AR and the G0/G1 cell cycle regulator E2F1, leading to cell proliferation inhibition. The binding of ivermectin and Ku70/Ku80 impaired the NHEJ repair ability. Cooperating with the downregulation of homologous recombination repair after AR inhibition, ivermectin triggered synthetic lethality. Our findings demonstrate the anticancer effect of ivermectin in prostate cancer, indicating that its use may be a new therapeutic approach for PCa.
Human glioblastoma cell motility depends on the activity of the cysteine metabolism enzyme 3-Mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase
Authors: Saurty-Seerunghen Mirca S. , Daubon Thomas , Bellenger Léa , Delaunay Virgile , Castro Gloria , Guyon Joris , Rezk Ahmed , Fabrega Sylvie , Idbaih Ahmed , Almairac Fabien , Burel-Vandenbos Fanny , Turchi Laurent , Virolle Thierry , Peyrin Jean-Michel , Antoniewski Christophe , Chneiweiss Hervé , El-Habr Elias A. , Junier Marie-Pierre
Published: January 2022

Cancer cells in similar functional states are found in all glioblastoma, despite the genomic heterogeneity observed between and within these brain tumors. Metabolism being downstream of all signaling pathways regulating cell behaviors, we looked for metabolic weaknesses in link with motility, a key functional state for glioblastoma aggressiveness. A signature-driven data reduction approach highlighted motile cells present in thirty tumors from four independent single-cell transcriptomic datasets. Analyses integrating trajectory modeling disclosed, as characteristic of motile cells, enhanced oxidative stress coupled with mobilization of the cysteine metabolism enzyme 3-Mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (MPST). The soundness of this prediction was verified using migration and invasion assays with patient-derived cells and tissue organoids. Pharmacological and genetic manipulations showed that enhanced ROS production and MPST activity are required for the cells’ motility. Biochemical assays indicated that MPST acts by protecting protein cysteine residues from dismal hyperoxidation. In vivo, MPST knockdown translated in reduced tumor burden, and a robust increase in mice survival. These results show that enhanced oxidative stress coupled with MPST mobilization plays a key role in glioblastoma cell motility.
D2BGAN: Dual Discriminator Bayesian Generative Adversarial Network for Deformable MR-Ultrasound Registration Applied to Brain Shift compensation
Authors: Rahmani M. , Moghadassi H. , Farnia P. , Ahmadian A.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

In neurosurgery, image guidance is provided based on the patient to pre-operative data registration with a neuronavigation system. However, the brain shift phenomena invalidate the accuracy of the navigation system during neurosurgery. One of the most common approaches for brain shift compensation is using intra-operative ultrasound (iUS) imaging followed by registration of iUS with pre-operative magnetic resonance (MR) images. While, due to the unpredictable nature of brain deformation and the low quality of ultrasound images, finding a satisfactory multimodal image registration approach remains a challenging task.

Methods

We proposed a new automatic unsupervised end-to-end MR-iUS registration approach based on the Dual Discriminator Bayesian Generative Adversarial Network (D2BGAN). The proposed network consists of two discriminators and is optimized by introducing a Bayesian loss function to improve the generator functionality and adding a mutual information loss function to the discriminator for similarity measurement. An evaluation was performed using the RESECT training dataset based on the organizer’s manual landmarks.

Results

The mean Target Registration Error (mTRE) after MR-iUS registration using D2BGAN reached 0.75±0.3 mm. The D2BGAN illustrated a clear advantage by 85% improvement in the mTRE of MR-iUS registration over the initial error. Also, the results confirmed that the proposed Bayesian loss function rather than the typical loss function outperforms the accuracy of MR-iUS registration by 23%.

Conclusion

The D2BGAN improved the registration accuracy while allowing us to maintain the intensity and anatomical information of the input images in the registration process. It promotes the advancement of deep learning-based multi-modality registration techniques.
In vitro analysis of catalase and superoxide dismutase mimetic properties of blue tattoo ink
Authors: Homolak Jan
Published: January 2022

Tattoo inks are comprised of different combinations of bioactive chemicals with combined biological effects that are insufficiently explored. Tattoos have been associated with oxidative stress; however, a recent N-of-1 study suggested that blue tattoos may be associated with suppressed local skin oxidative stress. The present study aimed to explore the attributes of the blue tattoo ink (BTI) that may explain its possible effects on redox homeostasis, namely the catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)-mimetic properties that have been reported for copper(II) phthalocyanine (CuPC) – the main BTI constituent. Intenze™ Persian blue (PB) BTI has been used in the experiment. CAT and SOD-mimetic properties of PB and its pigment-enriched fractions were analyzed using the carbonato-cobaltate (III) formation-derived H2O2 dissociation and 1,2,3-trihydroxybenzene autoxidation rate assays utilizing simple buffers and biochemical matrix of normal skin tissue as chemical reaction environments. CuPC-based tattoo ink PB and both its blue and white pigment-enriched fractions demonstrate CAT and SOD-mimetic properties in vitro with effect sizes demonstrating a substantial dependence on the biochemical environment. PB constituents act as inhibitors of CAT but potentiate its activity in the biochemical matrix of the skin. CuPC-based BTI can mimic antioxidant enzymes, however chemical constituents other than CuPC (e.g. the photoreactive TiO2) seem to be at least partially responsible for the BTI redox-modulating properties.
A surface morphometrics toolkit to quantify organellar membrane ultrastructure using cryo-electron tomography
Authors: Barad Benjamin A. , Medina Michaela , Fuentes Daniel , Wiseman R. Luke , Grotjahn Danielle A
Published: January 2022

Cellular cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) enables 3-dimensional reconstructions of organelles in their native cellular environment at subnanometer resolution. However, quantifying ultrastructural features of pleomorphic organelles in three dimensions is challenging, as is defining the significance of observed changes induced by specific cellular perturbations. To address this challenge, we established a semi-automated workflow to segment organellar membranes and reconstruct their underlying surface geometry in cryo-ET. To complement this workflow, we developed an open source suite of ultrastructural quantifications, integrated into a single pipeline called the surface morphometrics toolkit. This toolkit allows detailed mapping of spacing, curvature, and orientation onto reconstructed membrane meshes, highlighting subtle organellar features that are challenging to detect in three dimensions and allowing for statistical comparison across many organelles. To demonstrate the advantages of this approach, we combine cryo-ET with cryo-fluorescence microscopy to correlate bulk mitochondrial network morphology (i.e., elongated versus fragmented) with membrane ultrastructure of individual mitochondria in the presence and absence of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Using our toolkit, we demonstrate ER stress promotes adaptive remodeling of ultrastructural features of mitochondria including spacing between the inner and outer membranes, local curvature of the inner membrane, and spacing between mitochondrial cristae. We show that differences in membrane ultrastructure correlate to mitochondrial network morphologies, suggesting that these two remodeling events are coupled. Our toolkit offers opportunities for quantifying changes in organellar architecture on a single-cell level using cryo-ET, opening new opportunities to define changes in ultrastructural features induced by diverse types of cellular perturbations.
A new library of 3D models and problems for teaching crystallographic symmetry generated through Blender for use with 3D printers or Sketchfab
Authors: Aristov Michael M. , Geng Han , Pavelic Alex , Berry John F.
Published: January 2022

A new and growing library of 3D models that can be utilized to illustrate many important concepts in the field of crystallography is presented. These models are accessible in the classroom via computers and smartphones and offer significant advantages over 2D depictions found in crystallography textbooks. Through the use of Blender, a free 3D modeling and animation program, over 100 new models focusing on different aspects of crystallographic education have been created. To simplify distribution/access, all of these models have been uploaded to Sketchfab, a model hosting and viewing web site that works similarly to YouTube. The current set of models is also given as a list in the supporting information. All of these models are free to view in a web browser or through a smartphone application. Additionally, all of these models are freely downloadable through the supporting information and Sketchfab, and users are encouraged to download and modify these models to best suit their needs. This library of models is part of the authors' ongoing outreach program to provide 3D models for free for educational purposes, and the authors offer their services to create additional models and moderate this library as additional requests or critiques are provided.
Determining the oxidation state of elements by X-ray crystallography
Authors: Lennartz Frank , Jeoung Jae-Hun , Ruenger Stefan , Dobbek Holger , Weiss Manfred S.
Published: January 2022

Protein-mediated redox reactions play a critical role in many biological processes and often occur at centres that contain metal ions as cofactors. In order to understand the exact mechanisms behind these reactions it is important to not only characterize the three-dimensional structures of these proteins and their cofactors, but also to identify the oxidation states of the cofactors involved and to correlate this knowledge with structural information. The only suitable approach for this based on crystallographic measurements is spatially resolved anomalous dispersion (SpReAD) refinement, a method that has been used previously to determine the redox states of metals in iron–sulfur cluster-containing proteins. In this article, the feasibility of this approach for small, non-iron–sulfur redox centres is demonstrated by employing SpReAD analysis to characterize Sulfolobus tokodaii sulerythrin, a ruberythrin-like protein that contains a binuclear metal centre. Differences in oxidation states between the individual iron ions of the binuclear metal centre are revealed in sulerythrin crystals treated with H2O2. Furthermore, data collection at high X-ray doses leads to photoreduction of this metal centre, showing that careful control of the total absorbed dose is a prerequisite for successfully determining the oxidation state through SpReAD analysis.
Transient modeling and analysis of fractional-order resonant very high frequency boost converter
Authors: Jiang Xinyi , Chen Yanfeng , Zhang Bo , Qiu Dongyuan
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to present a simplified method to analyze the transient characteristics of a fractional-order very high frequency (VHF) resonant boost converter. The transient analytical solutions of state variables obtained by this method could be used as a guide for parameter design and circuit optimization.

Design/methodology/approach

The VHF converter is decoupled into a simplified equivalent circuit model and described by the differential equation. The solution of the simplified equivalent circuit model is taken as the main oscillation component of the transient state variable. And the equivalent small parameter method (ESPM) and Kalman filter technology are used to solve the differential equation of the converter to obtain the steady-state ripple component. Then, by superimposing the abovementioned two parts, the approximate transient analytical solution can be acquired. Finally, the influence of the fractional order of the energy storage elements on the transient process of the converter is discussed.

Findings

The results from the proposed method agree well with those from simulations, which indicates that the proposed method can effectively analyze the transient characteristic of the fractional-order VHF converter, and the analytical solution derived from the proposed mathematical model shows sufficient accuracy.

Originality/value

This paper proposes for the first time a method to analyze the transient characteristics of a fractional-order VHF resonant boost converter. By combining the main oscillated solution derived from the simplified equivalent circuit model with the steady-state solution based on ESPM, this method can greatly reduce the computation amount to estimate the transient solution. In addition, the discussion on the order of fractional calculus of energy storage components can provide an auxiliary guidance for the selection of circuit parameters and the study of stability.
Managing disasters integrating traditional knowledge and scientific knowledge systems: a study from Narayani basin, Nepal
Authors: Pandey Chandra Lal , Basnet Anoj
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Managing disasters using modern science and traditional knowledge systems in silos has several prospects and limitations. Despite the catalyst role of the traditional knowledge in reducing the risks of disasters and adapting to climate change, this knowledge has not featured prominently in any of the existing disaster policies and disaster science. The authors demonstrate how traditional knowledge and modern science can be integrated for holistic approach of disaster risk reduction and management.

Design/methodology/approach

Using qualitative research method complemented by thorough literature review, this article captures traditional knowledge and practices of communities in the Narayani Basin for flood disaster risks reduction and management and shows ways to integrate traditional knowledge and modern science for holistic approach of disaster risk reduction and management.

Findings

The authors found that traditional knowledge system and practices have worked as an alternative to modern technoengineering approaches of disaster risk reduction and management and hold immense potential to contribute against disasters; therefore, this knowledge system of the communities not only needs to be recognized, conserved and documented but also is to be incorporated into efforts to formulate effective disaster management strategies and be amalgamated with the technoengineering practices for a holistic approach so that it can ensure disaster safety and security of the communities.

Research limitations/implications

The authors conducted this study collecting primary data from Narayani basin only; however, the authors believe that these practices and findings of the research may still be representative.

Practical implications

The practical implication of this research is that traditional knowledge system needs to be integrated with technobureaucratic knowledge of disaster management, enabling to develop a more robust and holistic approach of disaster risk reduction and management.

Social implications

This research documents being extinct traditional knowledge system and empowers communities by supporting them to integrate and use both traditional knowledge and modern technobureaucratic knowledge for building communities flood resilient.

Originality/value

This research is based on both primary and secondary data and original in case of its findings and conclusion, and no similar research contextualizing the role of traditional knowledge system in flood disaster management has been conducted in Narayani Basin of Nepal in the past.
Female underrepresentation in the cybersecurity workforce – a study on cybersecurity professionals in Sri Lanka
Authors: Withanaarachchi Amila , Vithana Nisansala
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study aims to identify factors impacting female underrepresentation among cybersecurity professionals in Sri Lanka.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on survey data from 75 female professionals working in the cybersecurity sector of Sri Lanka. Partial least squares structural equation modelling was used to analyse the data.

Findings

Results showed that female self-efficacy on their capabilities, family, organisational culture, mentors and role model act as antecedents for women’s perceived motivation to select cybersecurity as a career option.

Originality/value

The study advances the literature on workforce gaps in the cybersecurity sector and claims that there is no single factor causing significant female underrepresentation in the cybersecurity industry. While clarifying the complexity of such factors, the study presents how such factors can systematise to attract females into the cybersecurity field.
Fracture properties of fibrous self compacting concrete using three-point bend test and wedge splitting test methods
Authors: Raja Rajeshwari B. , Sivakumar M.V.N.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Fracture properties of concrete are mainly influenced by specimen shape, size and type of testing method. The study aims to identify the characteristic divergence in fracture – evaluating testing methods, i.e. three-point bend test and wedge splitting test for fibrous self-compacting concrete.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of nine mixes with three different coarse aggregate sizes (20, 16 and 12.5mm) and three coarse to fine aggregate quantities (40–60, 45–55 and 50–50) were considered to examine the influence of materials on fracture parameters of fibrous self-compacting concrete. For three-point bend test, size effect method was considered to analyze the fracture properties.

Findings

The experimental investigation revealed that fracture energy calculated from wedge splitting test was reasonably on higher side for maximum coarse aggregate-based specimens for all coarse to fine aggregate quantities, while for the size effect method, fracture energy value was maximum for least coarse aggregate sized specimens.

Originality/value

The fracture properties of fibrous self-compacting concrete obtained from wedge splitting test method was higher than the size effect method. This is due to the consideration of only peak load for determining the fracture properties in size effect method analysis.
The effect of internal branding on organisational financial performance and brand loyalty: mediating role of psychological empowerment
Authors: Soleimani Maryam , Dana Leo Paul , Salamzadeh Aidin , Bouzari Parisa , Ebrahimi Pejman
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study explores the effect of internal branding on organisational financial performance and brand loyalty with the mediating role of psychological empowerment.

Design/methodology/approach

The data gathered from 200 Pasargad insurance employees in Iran were analysed. Structural equation modelling and R were used to evaluate the model. Financial performance was measured by four concepts (ROI, ROE, Sales growth, ROA) based on available data from March 2010 to March 2020.

Findings

The results revealed that internal branding and psychological empowerment have no significant effect on financial performance, but both have a significant positive effect on brand loyalty. Likewise, the mediating role of psychological empowerment on the subject of the impact of internal branding on brand loyalty was confirmed. Furthermore, psychological empowerment did not play a mediating role in the impact of internal branding on financial performance.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study could be important for managers of organisations active in the insurance industry to highlight internal branding and enhance psychological empowerment and employee brand loyalty. Moreover, managers' perception of the effective role of psychological empowerment to enhance employee brand loyalty is another practical aspect of this research.

Originality/value

Considering the mediating role of psychological empowerment to the effect of internal branding on financial performance and brand loyalty is an innovative aspect of the present study. Meanwhile, the use of R software for VB-SEM was another point to surge the value of this paper.
Financial development: Is it an advantage or obstacle for monetary policy?
Authors: Ho Thi Lam
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The objective of this study is to assess the impact of financial development (FD) on monetary policy efficiency (MPE) in developed G7 countries in the period 1980–2017, based on data availability.

Design/methodology/approach

This study followed a two-step process as follows: (1) using the Monte Carlo simulation based on Taylor curve theory to build the MPE measure and (2) evaluating the effect of FD on MPE by feasible generalized least squares (FGLS) estimation.

Findings

The results of this study show that (1) MPE varies over time. Monetary policy appears ineffective during the crisis period and is subject to many impacts of domestic and external shocks. On the contrary, the ability to influence the economy to achieve the central bank's goal tends to increase in the recovery stages, and this is in line with the actual. (2) FD has a negative impact on MPE. Interestingly, when considering the role of component FD indicators, the development of financial markets (FMs) has a negative impact on MPE while the development of financial institutions (FIs) has a positive impact. In particular, the impact of FI on MPE is mainly attributed to the impact of the depth of FI. Meanwhile, the impact of FM on MPE is mainly due to the impact of the efficiency in the FM.

Originality/value

To the author’s knowledge, this is the first study that evaluates the impact of FD on MPE in the context of measuring MPE by using the Taylor curve theory. Results from this study suggest a scientific and practical MPE measure and provide significant policy implications. This paper also offers suggestions for future research.
String theory and knots: a 50 year journey through organizational studies
Authors: Seashore Louis Karen
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This paper explores the emergence and shift in critical theories and problems-of-practice over the last 50 years.

Design/methodology/approach

Quipu is an Incan record-keeping system used across the Andes. Using multiple strings of different colors, hundreds of different knots were used to count, record historical events. The underlying idea of Quipu was that the intersection of knots and strings is a way of making memory tangible. I use the image of Quipu as a framework to organize my analytic memories and interpretation of research on school organization across spaces, people and generations.

Findings

I explore my own research and that of others who have influenced me, linking the strings of organizational theory to the knots representing changes in the educational environment that motivate research.

Originality/value

The paper is, in part, not only a reflective review of the literature but also a summation of the problems-of-practice that have engaged me and other scholars over a relatively long period of time.
Modeling user preferences in online stores based on user mouse behavior on page elements
Authors: SadighZadeh Saeid , Kaedi Marjan
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Online businesses require a deep understanding of their customers’ interests to innovate and develop new products and services. Users, on the other hand, rarely express their interests explicitly. The purpose of this study is to predict users’ implicit interest in products of an online store based on their mouse behavior through various product page elements.

Design/methodology/approach

First, user mouse behavior data is collected throughout an online store website. Next, several mouse behavioral features on the product pages elements are extracted and finally, several models are extracted using machine learning techniques to predict a user’s interest in a product.

Findings

The results indicate that focusing on mouse behavior on various page elements improves user preference prediction accuracy compared to other available methods.

Research limitations/implications

User mouse behavior was used to predict consumer preferences in this study, therefore gathering additional data on user demography, personality dimensions and emotions may significantly aid in accurate prediction.

Originality/value

Mouse behavior is the most repeated behavior during Web page browsing through personal computers and laptops. It has been referred to as implicit feedback in some studies and an effective way to ascertain user preference. In these studies, mouse behavior is only assessed throughout the entire Web page, lacking a focus on different page elements. It is assumed that in online stores, user interaction with key elements of a product page, such as an image gallery, user reviews, a description and features and specifications, can be highly informative and aid in determining the user’s interest in that product.
Remote working in Italian SMEs during COVID-19. Learning challenges of a new work organization
Authors: Barabaschi Barbara , Barbieri Laura , Cantoni Franca , Platoni Silvia , Virtuani Roberta
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze how remote working has been carried out during the first wave of the pandemic in Italian SMEs, representing at the same time an organizational challenge and an excellent opportunity for individual and organizational learning.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper involved 60 Italian SMEs of various sectors and 330 employees: 217 clerks (average age 42) and 113 managers (average age 48) belonging to different functional units and with a different education backgrounds. Two different questionnaires, one addressed to clerks and one to managers/executives who coordinate the remote working activity, were prepared and sent. This paper investigates the issues of perceived productivity, technological preparation, coordination, programming and control with specific attention to how the participants faced the remote working experience from the learning point of view.

Findings

Before the pandemic, Italian SMEs did not feel the necessity to adopt a structured policy on remote working. The COVID-19 emergency has forced them to consider that working remotely is possible and can produce benefits and positive results for what they learned in terms of autonomy, motivation and trust, to the detriment of physical presence, which is not as fundamental to ensure productivity.

Originality/value

While large, formalized and structured companies encountered modest difficulties being already technologically and culturally prepared for remote working, the big challenge was that of SMEs, who found themselves obliged to adopt it. This paper examines how Italian SMEs lived and evaluated the switch to a new work organization and turned it into an occasion for workplace learning.