bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cutaneous Syncytial Myoepithelioma: An Uncommon and Distinct Variant of Cutaneous Epithelioid Neoplasm
Authors: Shaker Nada , Phelps Robert , Niedt George , Sangueza Omar P. , Youngs Julie , Lauer Scott , Pradhan Dinesh
Published: April 2024

Background:

Cutaneous syncytial myoepithelioma (CSM) is an uncommon and distinct variant of cutaneous myoepithelioma. We aim to present a case of CSM to enhance the recognition of this unique variant, encompassing its clinical characteristics, histopathological features, immunohistochemical staining, and therapeutic approaches.

Case presentation:

A 10-year-old girl presented with a dome-shaped nodule located on the skin of her left medial distal arm. Microscopic examination of the skin biopsy revealed a well-defined dermal nodular lesion, surrounded by an epidermal collarette. Tumor cells were composed of epithelioid to spindle-shaped cells with round-to-oval nuclei, small nucleoli, and abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm with a syncytial-like growth pattern. A moderate degree of nuclear pleomorphism was noted. Mitotic activity was not prominent. Immunohistochemical staining revealed positive staining for epithelial membrane antigen, GLUT1, collagen IV, and S100. Smooth muscle actin, CD10, and CD68 showed patchy positivity. CD31, CD34, p63, SOX10, anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), glial fibrillary acidic protein, pankeratin (AE1/AE3/PCK26), Melan-A, and CD1a were negative. Fluorescence in situ hybridization targeting TFE3 and ALK genes was negative. The differential diagnosis included ALK-negative epithelioid cell histiocytoma, epithelioid perineurioma, and CSM. Based on the above findings, a diagnosis of CSM was rendered.

Discussion:

CSM is a benign cutaneous neoplasm composed of sheets of histiocytoid or short spindle cells with pale eosinophilic cytoplasm with a syncytial-like growth pattern. Clinically, CSM often presents as a painless, slow-growing nodule or plaque in a broad anatomical distribution with a preference for the distal extremities.. CSM is characteristically positive for epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) and S100 protein and negative for keratins. In challenging cases, molecular testing for EWSR1 gene rearrangement and EWSR1-PBX3 gene fusion aid in confirming the diagnosis.

Conclusions:

The histologic features of CSM present a unique set of challenges posing a diagnostic dilemma, as they can bear resemblance to a range of benign and malignant cutaneous neoplasms including ALK-negative epithelioid cell histiocytoma, epithelioid perineurioma, malignant or nevoid melanoma, and epithelioid sarcoma. An accurate diagnosis is crucial for guiding proper clinical management considering that this entity typically demonstrates an excellent prognosis following a complete surgical excision.
The Effect of Phacoemulsification on the Intraocular Pressure of Patients With Open Angle Glaucoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Benekos Konstantinos , Katsanos Andreas , Haidich Anna-Bettina , Dastiridou Anna , Nikolaidou Anna , Konstas Anastasios G.
Published: April 2024

Précis:

There is evidence that cataract surgery can reduce intraocular pressure in patients with primary open angle, normal tension, or exfoliative glaucoma. The complete effect of phacoemulsification is masked by topical intraocular pressure-lowering medications.

Purpose:

To assess the impact of phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation on intraocular pressure (IOP) level in individuals with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), exfoliative glaucoma (XFG), exfoliation syndrome (XFS), normal tension glaucoma (NTG), ocular hypertension (OH), or healthy controls 12 months after the surgery.

Methods:

In July 2023, a comprehensive literature review was conducted across six databases. The analysis focused on the phacoemulsification arms of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The primary outcome of interest was the mean IOP change observed 12 months after phacoemulsification.

Results:

This meta-analysis included 9 arms from 9 RCTs, comprising a total of 502 participants. Overall, the average IOP was reduced by 3.77 mm Hg (95% CI: −5.55 to −1.99, I
2=67.9%) 12 months after surgery. The subgroup analysis, focused on whether a washout period was used before measuring IOP, revealed that studies with a washout period exhibited a more pronounced IOP reduction of 5.25 mm Hg (95% CI: −7.35 to −3.15, I
2=0%), while studies without a washout period exhibited a reduction of 3.13 mm Hg (95% CI: −5.46 to −0.81, I
2=75.8%). The sensitivity analysis for the latter group, excluding an outlier study, showed a reduction of 1.81 mm Hg (95% CI: −2.95 to −0.67, I
2=0%).

Conclusions:

The findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis indicate that cataract surgery meaningfully lowers IOP in POAG, XFG/XFS, or OH 12 months after surgery. However, the use of topical medications masks the precise impact of phacoemulsification upon postoperative IOP. Further research using appropriate washout periods is warranted.
Skin Involvement
Authors: Ana Pulido-Pérez , Marta Bergón-Sendín , Ricardo Suárez-Fernández , Rosell-Diaz Ángel Manuel , Lucía Barchino-Ortiz , Lula Nieto-Benito , Patricia Muñoz , Emilio Bouza
Published: April 2024

Skin involvement can occur at the beginning of a septic episode (primary skin and soft tissue infections) or during its progression (secondary or metastatic skin lesions), making skin a useful accessible tissue in the study of septic patients. The objective of this study was to determine the overall prevalence of sepsis-related skin findings and evaluate their possible prognostic value. A retrospective, single-center study of septic patients with documented bloodstream infections admitted in a tertiary hospital in 2019 was carried out. Unselected samples of 320 episodes of sepsis from 265 patients were included. Skin lesions were documented in 83 septic episodes from 69 patients (25.9%). Skin involvement was more frequently associated with bloodstream infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus (P = 0.0001), coagulase-negative staphylococci (P = 0.036), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P = 0.005). Mean hospital stay (37.58 vs 27.82 days, P = 0.023) and sepsis-related mortality (18.1% vs 11.0%, P = 0.024) were higher in patients with skin lesions than in individuals without them. Our results suggest that skin involvement (primary and/or secondary) is an unfavorable indicator in the evolution of septic patients with bloodstream infections. Thorough examination of the skin is recommended in the routine evaluation of septic patients, whether or not the origin of the infection is known.
Mitochondrial bioenergetics: coupling of transport to tubular mitochondrial metabolism
Authors: Cheng Yong-Yao W. , Cheng Chih-Jen
Published: April 2024

Purpose of review

Renal tubules have robust active transport and mitochondrial metabolism, which are functionally coupled to maintain energy homeostasis. Here, I review the current literature and our recent efforts to examine mitochondrial adaptation to different transport activities in renal tubules.

Recent findings

The advance of extracellular flux analysis (EFA) allows real-time assessments of mitochondrial respiration, glycolysis, and oxidation of energy substrates. We applied EFA assays to freshly isolated mouse proximal tubules, thick ascending limbs (TALs), and distal convoluted tubules (DCTs) and successfully differentiated their unique metabolic features. We found that TALs and DCTs adjusted their mitochondrial bioenergetics and biogenesis in response to acute and chronic alterations of transport activity. Based on the literature and our recent findings, I discuss working models and mechanisms underlying acute and chronic tubular adaptations to transport activity. The potential roles of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) are discussed.

Mitochondria in renal tubules are highly plastic to accommodate different transport activities. Understanding the mechanisms may improve the treatment of renal tubulopathies.
The Diagnostic Performance of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Categorization of Pediatric Neck Lymph Nodes: Radiologic and Pathologic Correlations
Authors: Caliskan Emine , Paytoncu Naz , G. Düzkalır Hanife , Arifoglu Meral , Fistikcioglu Neriman , Gunbey Hediye P.
Published: April 2024

Background/Aim:

To present MRI features of neck lymph nodes in benign and malignant conditions in the pediatric population.

Materials and Methods:

MRIs of the neck of 51 patients aged 1 to 18 years (40 boys, 11 girls [10.08±4.73]) with lymph node biopsy were retrospectively analyzed. Those were grouped as benign including reactive (27 [52.9%]) and lymphadenitis (11 [21.6%]), and malignant (13 [25.5%]). The groups were evaluated multiparametrically in terms of quantitative and qualitative variables.

Results:

The long axis, short axis, area, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of the largest lymph node were 21 (17 to 24) mm, 14 (12 to 18) mm, 228.60 (144.79 to 351.82) mm2, 2531 (2457 to 2714) mm2/s for reactive, 24 (19 to 27) mm, 15 (11 to 20) mm, 271.80 (231.43 to 412.20) mm2, 2534 (2425 to 2594) mm2/s for lymphadenitis, 27 (23.50 to 31.50) mm, 20 (15 to 22) mm, 377.08 (260.47 to 530.94) mm2, 2337 (2254 to 2466) mm2/s for malignant, respectively. Statistical analysis of our data suggests that the following parameters are associated with a higher likelihood of malignancy: long axis >22 mm, short axis >16 mm, area >319 cm2, ADC value <2367 mm2/s, and supraclavicular location. Perinodal and nodal heterogeneity, posterior cervical triangle location are common in lymphadenitis (P<0.001). Reactive lymph nodes are distributed symmetrically in both neck halves (P<0.001).

Conclusion:

In the MRI-based approach to lymph nodes, not only long axis, short axis, surface area, and ADC, but also location, distribution, perinodal, and nodal heterogeneity should be used.
A Single-Center Experience of Radiotherapy in Pediatric Ewing Sarcoma/Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor of the Chest Wall
Authors: Yigit Ecem , Gultekin Melis , Aydin Burca , Kutluk Tezer , Yuce Sari Sezin , Ekinci Saniye , Orhan Diclehan , Yildiz Ferah
Published: April 2024

Aim:

To evaluate the treatment results, prognostic parameters, and treatment-related toxicity in patients with Ewing sarcoma (ES)/primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) of the chest wall who underwent surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy (RT) in a tertiary referral center.

Methods:

The data of 24 patients under 18 years of age with a histologic diagnosis of ES/PNET in the chest wall that received RT in our department between February 2003 and July 2020 were retrospectively evaluated. RT was applied to the primary site±whole involved chest wall and to the whole lung in patients with lung metastasis.

Results:

The median age was 8.5 years (range: 1.5 to 17 y), 15 (63%) patients were female and 9 were male (37%). The tumor localization was extrathoracic in 18 (75%) and intrathoracic in 6 (25%) patients. Mediastinal lymph node and distant metastasis (DM) was present in 5 (21%) and 4 (16%) cases at diagnosis, respectively. The median follow-up after RT was 47 months (range: 11 to 162 mo). The 2-year and 5-year overall survival, event-free survival, local recurrence-free survival, and pleural recurrence-free survival were 83% and 48%, 48% and 42%, 74% and 48%, and 61% and 52%, respectively. The overall local control rate was 83% and the pleural control rate was 67%. RT was well tolerated, with 1 case of grade 3 acute dermatitis and 1 case of grade 3 subacute radiation pneumonitis. Late toxicity was observed in 3 (13%) cases.

Conclusion:

Long-term survival can be achieved with extended-field RT even in patients with ES/PNET of the chest wall with DM. The low toxicity rates allow us to draw the conclusion that RT with modern techniques is an effective and safe treatment modality for these patients.
Childhood Racism and Cardiometabolic Risk in Latina Mothers Across the First Postpartum Year
Authors: Harris Rebeca Alvarado , Crandell Jamie , Taylor Jacquelyn Y. , Santos Hudson P.
Published: April 2024

Objective

Immigrant Latinas, particularly of Mexican descent, initially achieve healthy perinatal outcomes. Although this advantage wears off across generations in the United States (US), the early life psychosocial mechanisms that may initiate a cascade of biological vulnerabilities remain elusive. The current investigation aimed to understand the extent to which childhood experiences of racism may contribute to elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), an early indicator of cardiometabolic risk, during the first postpartum year.

Methods

Latinas from the Community and Child Health Network (N = 457) retrospectively reported experiences of childhood racism and childhood country of residence via structured questionnaires. Interviewers collected CRP bloodspots and height and weight measurements for body mass index at 6 months and 1 year postpartum.

Results

Latinas who grew up in the US experienced a steeper increase of CRP levels across the first postpartum year (β = 0.131, p = .009) and had higher CRP levels 1 year postpartum than Latinas who grew up in Latin America. Based on Bayesian path analyses, Latinas who grew up in the US reported higher levels of childhood racism than Latinas who immigrated after childhood (β = 0.27; 95% credible interval = 0.16–0.37). In turn, childhood racism mediated the relationship between country of childhood residence and elevated CRP at 6 months and 1 year postpartum, even after adjusting for sociodemographic and behavioral covariates. After adjusting for body mass index, mediational relationships became nonsignificant.

Conclusions

This study is an important first step toward understanding how childhood racism may contribute to postmigratory health patterns among Latinas, particularly cardiometabolic risk 1 year after childbirth.
Bloodstream infections in cancer patients in central India: study of pathogens and trend of antimicrobial resistance over five years
Authors: Choudhari Sonali , Gawande Ruchita , Watchmaker Jerestin , Bamnote Pooja , Mishra Pradeep , Dwivedi Pankaj
Published: April 2024

Bloodstream infection (BSI) is a prevalent complication with a high fatality rate in cancer patients. Over time and in different countries, there are noticeable changing trends in the epidemiology of BSI. With this context, our goal was to investigate the antibiogram and distribution of bacterial pathogens causing BSI in central Indian cancer patients. This single-center retrospective observational study was conducted in an Indian cancer hospital that offers tertiary care. Patients with solid organ and haematological cancers in both adults and children who had blood cultures sent to the microbiology laboratory were all included. In accordance with the recommendations of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI), blood cultures were processed using the BacT/ALERT 3D system (BioMerieux, France) and identification of bacteria to species level and antimicrobial susceptibility (AST) was carried out using the Vitek 2 compact system (BioMerieux, France). Electronic medical records and microbiology lab records were used to retrieve the demographic and microbiological data. Microsoft Excel (Microsoft Excel, RRID: SCR_016137) was used to enter and tabulate the data, while SPSS (RRID: SCR_002865) was used to conduct the statistical analysis. Hemato-lymphoid cancer had a higher culture positive rate than solid organ cancer. In cancer patients, BSI was more frequently caused by gram-negative bacteria.
Conditional deletion of CEACAM1 causes hepatic stellate cell activation
Authors: Muturi Harrison T. , Ghadieh Hilda E. , Asalla Suman , Lester Sumona G. , Verhulst Stefaan , Stankus Hannah L. , Zaidi Sobia , Abdolahipour Raziyeh , Belew Getachew D. , van Grunsven Leo A , Friedman Scott L. , Schwabe Robert F. , Hinds Terry D. , Najjar Sonia M.
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Hepatic CEACAM1 expression declines with advanced hepatic fibrosis stage in patients with MASH. Global and hepatocyte-specific deletions ofCeacam1impair insulin clearance to cause hepatic insulin resistance and steatosis. They also cause hepatic inflammation and fibrosis, a condition characterized by excessive collagen production from activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Given the positive effect of PPARγ on CEACAM1 transcriptoin and on HSCs quiescence, the current studies investigated whether CEACAM1 loss from HSCs causes their activation.

Methods

We examined whether lentiviral shRNA-mediated CEACAM1 donwregulation (KD-LX2) activates cultured human LX2 stellate cells. We also generatedLratCre+Cc1fl/flmutants with conditionalCeacam1deletion in HSCs and characterized their MASH phenotype. Media transfer experiments were employed to examine whether media from mutant human and murine HSCs activate their wild-type counterparts.

Results

LratCre+Cc1fl/flmutants displayed hepatic inflammation and fibrosis but without insulin resistance or hepatic steatosis. Their HSCs, like KD-LX2 cells, underwent myofibroblastic transformation and their media activated wild-type HDCs. This was inhibited by nicotinic acid treatment which stemmed the release of IL-6 and fatty acids, both of which activate the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase. Gefitinib inhibition of EGFR and its downstream NF-κB/IL-6/STAT3 inflammatory and MAPK-proliferation pathways also blunted HSCs activation in the absence of CEACAM1.

Conclusions

Loss of CEACAM1 in HSCs provoked their myofibroblastic transformation in the absence of insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis. This response is mediated by autocrine HSCs activation of the EGFR pathway that amplifies inflammation and proliferation.
Assessing Male Partners’ Attitudes, Perceived Subjective Norms and Perceived Behavior Control Towards Their Involvement in Antenatal Care Clinic with Their Pregnant Women in Dodoma Urban Municipal
Authors: Mkahala Kaiza Benson , Daniel Tienyi Mnyoro
Published: April 2024

Background

According to WHO, 2018 Males partners needs to know and be aware of number of antenatal visits that her pregnant woman should have, also they must know investigations and screenings which a pregnant women must undergo such as Urinalysis, HIV/AIDS screening to both male and female. Male partners’ attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavior control toward their involvement in ANC clinics with female partners can influence male involvement.

Objective

The main goal of this study was to assess male partners’ attitudes, perceived subjective norms and perceived behavior control towards their involvement in ANC clinic with their pregnant women at Dodoma urban municipal.

Methodology

This was a quantitative hospital-based analytical cross-sectional study, with a sample size of 377 conducted at Makole Health Centre in Dodoma for a maximum period of two weeks on June 2022. Simple random sampling was employed in choosing a sample to represent the study population. Data was collected using both self and interviewer-administered questionnaires. On data analysis was by using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 to generate descriptive statistical information presented in the form of tables.

Results

In attitude, (183,89.7%) of male partners have positive attitude, while the remaining (21,10.3%) have negative attitude, on perceived subjective norms, (160,78.4%) of male partners have positive perceived subjective norms, while the remaining (44,21.6%) have negative perceived subjective norms, and on perceived behavior control, (163,79.9%) of male partners have positive perceived behavior control, while the remaining (41,20.1%) have negative perceived behavior control towards their involvement in ANC visits with their pregnant women. After adjusting the confounders, only perceived behavior control had factors influencing positive perceived behavior control towards men involvement in ANC which were: - distance from nearby health facility [Less than 1km (AOR=0.440 at 95% CI = 0.201-0.965)] and religion [Christian (AOR=0.459 at 95% CI=0.220-0.957)].

Conclusion

From this study, Male partners’ attitudes, perceived subjective norms and perceived behavior control towards their involvement in ANC visits were influenced by level of education those with tertiary level (colleges and universities) have positive perceived subjective norms compared to others.
Occasional and constant exposure to dietary ethanol shortens the lifespan of worker honey bees
Authors: Ostap-Chec Monika , Bajorek Daniel , Antoł Weronika , Stec Daniel , Miler Krzysztof
Published: April 2024

Honey bees (Apis mellifera) are one of the most crucial pollinators, providing vital ecosystem services. Their development and functioning depend on essential nutrients and substances found in the environment. While collecting nectar as a vital carbohydrate source, bees routinely encounter low doses of ethanol from yeast fermentation. Yet, the effects of repeated ethanol exposure on bees’ survival and physiology remain poorly understood. Here, we investigate the impacts of constant and occasional consumption of food spiked with 1% ethanol on honey bee mortality and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activity. This ethanol concentration might be tentatively judged close to that in natural conditions. We conducted an experiment in which bees were exposed to three types of long-term diets: constant sugar solution (control group that simulated conditions of no access to ethanol), sugar solution spiked with ethanol every third day (that simulated occasional, infrequent exposure to ethanol) and daily ethanol consumption (simulating constant, routine exposure to ethanol). The results revealed that both constant and occasional ethanol consumption increased the mortality of bees, but only after several days. These mortality rates rose with the frequency of ethanol intake. The ADH activity remained similar in bees from all groups. Our findings indicate that exposure of bees to ethanol carries harmful effects that accumulate over time. Further research is needed to pinpoint the exact ethanol doses ingested with food and exposure frequency in bees in natural conditions.
Ceclazepide as novelMycobacterium abscessusinhibitor
Authors: Therese K.L. , Therese J. , Bagyalakshmi R.
Published: April 2024

The rise of drug-resistantMycobacterium abscessusposes a significant challenge due to its resistance to current standard treatments, highlighting the urgent need for new antibacterial solutions. In this research, ceclazepide was introduced as a promising agent with strong activity againstM. abscessus. Our findings revealed that ceclazepide effectively suppressed the growth ofM. abscessuswild-type strain, multiple subspecies, and clinical isolates in vitro. Notably, ceclazepide demonstrated the ability to inhibitM. abscessusgrowth within macrophages without causing harm. These results support the potential of ceclazepide as a candidate for further development as a clinical drug to combatM. abscessusinfections effectively.
Deciphering the role of germline complex de novo structural variations in rare disorders
Authors: Jung Hyunchul , Yang Tsun-Po , Walker Susan , Danecek Petr , Salinas Isaac Garcia , Neville Matthew D C , Firth Helen , Scally Aylwyn , Hurles Matthew , Campbell Peter , Rahbari Raheleh
Published: April 2024

De novo structural variants (dnSVs) have emerged as crucial genetic factors in the context of rare disorders. However, these variations often go undiagnosed in routine genetic screening practices. To shed light on their significance in rare disease, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the largest cohort of parent-offspring whole-genome sequencing data from the UK 100,000 Genomes Project. Our study encompassed a vast cohort of 12,568 families, including 13,702 offspring affected by rare genetic diseases. We identified a total of 1,872 dnSVs, revealing that approximately 12% of the probands harboured at least one dnSV, of which 9% were identified as likely pathogenic in affected probands (151/1696). Advanced parents' age was found to be associated with an increased chance of having dnSVs in probands. We discovered 148 clustered breakpoints resulting from a single event. 60% of these complex dnSVs were classified into 9 major SV types, and could be observed in multiple individuals, while the remaining 40% were private events and had not been previously reported. We found 12% of pathogenic dnSVs are complex SVs, emphasising the critical importance of thoroughly examining and considering complex dnSVs in the context of rare disorders. Furthermore, we discovered an enrichment of maternal dnSVs at subtelometric, early-replicating regions of chromosome 16, suggesting possible sex-specific mechanisms in generation of dnSVs. This study sheds light on the extent of diversity of dnSVs in the germline and their contribution to rare genetic disorders.
Robust assessment of the cortical encoding of word-level expectations using the temporal response function
Authors: Chalehchaleh Amirhossein , Winchester Martin , Di Liberto Giovanni M.
Published: April 2024

Speech comprehension involves detecting words and interpreting their meaning according to the preceding semantic context. This process is thought to be underpinned by a predictive neural system that uses that context to anticipate upcoming words. Recent work demonstrated that such a predictive process can be probed from neural signals recorded during ecologically-valid speech listening tasks by using linear lagged models, such as the temporal response function. This is typically done by extracting stimulus features, such as the estimated word-level surprise, and relate such features to the neural signal. While modern large language models (LLM) have led to a substantial leap forward on how word-level features and predictions are modelled, there has been little progress made towards the metrics used for evaluating how well a model is relating stimulus features and neural signals. In fact, previous studies relied on evaluation metrics that were designed for studying continuous univariate sound features, such as the sound envelope, without considering the different requirements of word-level features, which are discrete and sparse in nature. As a result, studies probing lexical prediction mechanisms in ecologically-valid experiments typically exhibit small effect-sizes, severely limiting the type of observations that can be drawn and leaving considerable uncertainty on how exactly our brains build lexical predictions. First, the present study discusses and quantifies these limitations on both simulated and actual electroencephalography signals capturing responses to a speech comprehension task. Second, we tackle the issue by introducing two assessment metrics for the neural encoding of lexical surprise that substantially improve the state-of-the-art. The new metrics were tested on both the simulated and actual electroencephalography datasets, demonstrating effect-sizes over 140% larger than those for the vanilla temporal response function evaluation.
Control of Molecular Biochemistry and Cell Injury Responses through Highly Ordered Supramolecular Assembly of Flavonoids
Authors: Reilly Charles B. , Bernier Sylvie G. , Shahriar Sanjid , Horvath Viktor , Lewandowski Michael , Javorsky Emilia , Budnik Bogdan , Ingber Donald E.
Published: April 2024

Flavonoids are phytonutrients commonly found in plant-based foods and are generally known for their health benefits. However, their utility as potential therapeutics has not been explored because their presence in drug development tests can lead to false positives due to non-specific binding. Here, we employed molecular dynamic simulations (MDS) to examine flavonoid behavior and discovered that they form highly organized supramolecular assemblies that physically interact with disordered regions of enzymatic proteins and can physically interlink multiple protein molecules. These flavonoid assemblies adopt secondary structural patterns like those found in proteins and nucleic acids, and they physically influence molecular movement and tertiary protein structure, thereby modulating the biochemical activities of a diverse range of enzymes. Moreover, in the presence of flavonoids, human cells are protected against injury caused by ultraviolet radiation. These findings unveil a novel form of biochemical regulation wherein small molecules can modulate the function of larger proteins by forming supramolecular assemblies which results in enhanced molecular and cellular resilience.

Single Sentence Summary

Molecular dynamic simulations led to the discovery that flavonoid phytonutrients can self-assemble into highly ordered supramolecular structures that interact with enzymatic proteins, slow biochemical activities, and protect cells against injury.
Macrophage microRNA-146a is a central regulator of the foreign body response to biomaterial implants
Authors: Mahanty Manisha , Dutta Bidisha , Ou Wenquan , Zhu Xiaoping , Bromberg Jonathan S , He Xiaoming , Rahaman Shaik O.
Published: April 2024

Host recognition and immune-mediated foreign body response (FBR) to biomaterials can adversely affect the functionality of implanted materials. To identify key targets underlying the generation of FBR, here we perform analysis of microRNAs (miR) and mRNAs responses to implanted biomaterials. We found that (a) miR-146a levels inversely affect macrophage accumulation, foreign body giant cell (FBGC) formation, and fibrosis in a murine implant model; (b) macrophage-derived miR-146a is a crucial regulator of the FBR and FBGC formation, as confirmed by global and cell-specific knockout of miR-146a; (c) miR-146a modulates genes related to inflammation, fibrosis, and mechanosensing; (d) miR-146a modulates tissue stiffness near the implant during FBR; and (e) miR-146a is linked to F-actin production and cellular traction force induction, which are vital for FBGC formation. These novel findings suggest that targeting macrophage miR-146a could be a selective strategy to inhibit FBR, potentially improving the biocompatibility of biomaterials.
Analog
B(M1)
strengths in the
Tz=±32
mirror nuclei
Mn47
and
Ti47
Authors: Uthayakumaar S. , Bentley M. A. , Yajzey R. , Bazin D. , Belarge J. , Bender P. C. , Davies P. J. , Elman B. , Gade A. , Haylett T. , Iwasaki H. , Kahl D. , Kobayashi N. , Longfellow B. , Lonsdale S. J. , Lunderberg E. , Morris L. , Napoli D. R. , Pereira-Lopez X. , Recchia F. , Simpson E. C. , Wadsworth R. , Weisshaar D.
Published: April 2024

The lifetimes of the first excited 72− states in the Tz=±32 mirror nuclei Mn47 and Ti47 have been extracted utilizing the γ-ray line shape method, giving τ=687(36) ps and τ=331(15) ps respectively. Since these transitions are essentially pure M1 transitions, these results allow for a high-precision comparison of analog M1 strengths in mirror nuclei. The two analog B(M1)s are observed to be identical to a precision of about 10%. The expected dependence of the transition matrix element with Tz has been used to extract the separate isoscalar and isovector components of the transition strength, and the results are discussed in the context of predictions, based on the isospin formalism, regarding analog B(M1) strengths.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Four-gluon vertex from lattice QCD
Authors: Colaço Manuel , Oliveira Orlando , Silva Paulo J.
Published: April 2024

A lattice QCD calculation for the four-gluon one-particle irreducible Green function in the Landau gauge is discussed. Results for some of the associated form factors are reported for kinematical configurations with a single momentum scale. Our results show that the computation of this Green function requires large statistical ensembles with 10 K or larger number of gauge configurations. The simulations considered herein have a clear Monte Carlo signal for momenta up to ∼1  GeV. The form factors show an hierarchy, with the form factor associated with the tree level Feynman rule being dominant and essentially constant for the range of momenta accessed. The remaining form factors seem to increase as the momentum decreases, suggesting that a possible log divergence may occur. The computed form factors are, at least, in qualitative agreement with the results obtained with continuum approaches to this vertex, when available.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Enhancing quantum adversarial robustness by randomized encodings
Authors: Gong Weiyuan , Yuan Dong , Li Weikang , Deng Dong-Ling
Published: April 2024

The interplay between quantum physics and machine learning gives rise to the emergent frontier of quantum machine learning, where advanced quantum learning models may outperform their classical counterparts in solving certain challenging problems. However, quantum learning systems are vulnerable to adversarial attacks: adding tiny carefully crafted perturbations on legitimate input samples can cause misclassifications. To address this problem, we propose an effective approach to protect quantum learning systems from adversarial attacks by randomly encoding the legitimate data samples through unitary or quantum error correction encoders that are unknown to the attackers. In particular, we rigorously prove that both global and local random unitary encoders lead to exponentially vanishing gradients (i.e., barren plateaus) for any variational quantum circuits that aim to add adversarial perturbations, independent of the input data and the inner structures of adversarial circuits and quantum classifiers. In addition, we prove a rigorous bound on the vulnerability of quantum classifiers under local unitary adversarial attacks. We show that random black-box quantum error correction encoders can protect quantum classifiers against local adversarial noises and their robustness increases as we concatenate error correction codes. To quantify the robustness enhancement, we adapt quantum differential privacy as a measure of the prediction stability for quantum classifiers. Our results establish versatile defense strategies for quantum classifiers against adversarial perturbations, which provide valuable guidance to enhance the reliability and security for both near-term and future quantum learning technologies.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Did work from home “really” work during COVID-19?
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Balagopal , Sampath Aravind , Srivastava Jagriti
Published: April 2024

Purpose

In this study, we examine whether work from home (WFH) had an impact on firm productivity during the COVID-19 period.

Design/methodology/approach

We employ a panel fixed-effect model using 79,201 firm-quarter observations in a cross-country setting of 68 countries.

Findings

First, we find that firms that employed WFH contributed to real sector growth during the pandemic due to greater capital expenditure compared to otherwise. Second, we find that WFH amenable firms turned over assets better than less WFH amenable firms.

Originality/value

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the impact of WFH on firms’ investment and efficiency using a cross-country setting.
Global perspectives: library professionals' views on multimedia books in airlines
Authors: Subaveerapandiyan A.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the potential impact and passenger perceptions of integrating multimedia books within airline services, aiming to elucidate the evolving landscape of in-flight entertainment and reading experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research methodology was used, using a structured questionnaire distributed to presenters at the International Federation of Library Associations.

Findings

Analysis revealed varying passenger interest in multimedia books, with approximately 57.7% displaying engagement, while 40.4% demonstrated limited interest or none. However, a notable majority (60.6%) preferred multimedia books over traditional print books during flights. Furthermore, 90.4% perceived a positive impact of multimedia books on flight reading experiences, leading to increased satisfaction (81.7%) and a high likelihood of recommending airlines offering such content (91.3%).

Research limitations/implications

The study's limitations include a specific focus on International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) presenters, potentially limiting broader generalisations. Further research might explore the preferences of a wider demographic range and incorporate qualitative aspects to deepen understanding. Airlines could leverage multimedia books to enhance passenger satisfaction, attract diverse audiences and foster cultural inclusivity within in-flight entertainment.

Originality/value

This study contributes insights into the evolving landscape of in-flight entertainment, emphasising the significant potential and positive impact of integrating multimedia books within airline services. It underscores the importance of catering to diverse passenger preferences and enhancing overall satisfaction during air travel.
Linear stability analysis of MHD mixed convection flow of a radiating nanofluid in porous channel in presence of viscous dissipation
Authors: Njingang Ketchate Cédric Gervais , Makinde Oluwole Daniel , Tiam Kapen Pascalin , Fokwa Didier
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the hydrodynamic instability properties of a mixed convection flow of nanofluid in a porous channel.

Design/methodology/approach

The treated single-phase nanofluid is a suspension consisting of water as the working fluid and alumina as a nanoparticle. The anisotropy of the porous medium and the effects of the inclination of the magnetic field are highlighted. The effects of viscous dissipation and thermal radiation are incorporated into the energy equation. The eigenvalue equation system resulting from the stability analysis is processed numerically by the spectral collocation method.

Findings

Analysis of the results in terms of growth rate reveals that increasing the volume fraction of nanoparticles increases the critical Reynolds number. Parameters such as the mechanical anisotropy parameter and Richardson number have a destabilizing effect. The Hartmann number, permeability parameter, magnetic field inclination, Prandtl number, wave number and thermal radiation parameter showed a stabilizing effect. The Eckert number has a negligible effect on the growth rate of the disturbances.

Originality/value

Linear stability analysis of Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) mixed convection flow of a radiating nanofluid in porous channel in presence of viscous dissipation.
Workplace bullying and employee silence: the role of affect-based trust and climate for conflict management
Authors: Krishna Arathi , Soumyaja Devi , Joseph Joshy
Published: April 2024

Purpose

A workplace bullying dynamic involving multiple individuals targeting victims can lead to the victim losing emotional bonds or affect-based trust with their colleagues, resulting in employee silence. The literature has largely ignored this negative aspect of social dynamics. This study aims to examine the relationship between workplace bullying and employee silence behaviors and determine whether affect-based trust mediates this relationship and whether climate for conflict management moderates the mediated relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Hypotheses are tested using surveys and scenario-based experiments among faculty members in Indian Universities. There were 597 participants in the survey and 166 in the scenario-based experiment.

Findings

Results revealed that workplace bullying correlated positively with silence behaviors, and affect-based trust mediated the bullying-silence relationship. The hypothesized moderated mediation condition was partially supported as moderated the mediating pathway, i.e. indirect effects of workplace bullying on defensive silence and ineffectual silence via affect-based trust were weaker for employees with high climate for conflict management. However, the study failed to support the moderation of climate for conflict management in the relationship between workplace bullying and affect-based trust and workplace bullying and relational silence. The results of this moderated effect of climate for conflict management were similar in both studies.

Originality/value

This study is one of the few attempts to examine employee silence in response to workplace bullying in academia. Additionally, the study revealed a critical area of trust depletion associated with bullying and the importance of employee perceptions of fairness toward their institutions’ dispute resolution processes.
Evaluating the sales potential of new products using machine learning techniques and data collected from mobile applications
Authors: Sleiman Rita , Nguyen Quoc-Thông , Lacaze Sandra , Tran Kim-Phuc , Thomassey Sébastien
Published: April 2024

Purpose

We propose a machine learning based methodology to deal with data collected from a mobile application asking users their opinion regarding fashion products. Based on different machine learning techniques, the proposed approach relies on the data value chain principle to enrich data into knowledge, insights and learning experience.

Design/methodology/approach

Online interaction and the usage of social media have dramatically altered both consumers’ behaviors and business practices. Companies invest in social media platforms and digital marketing in order to increase their brand awareness and boost their sales. Especially for fashion retailers, understanding consumers’ behavior before launching a new collection is crucial to reduce overstock situations. In this study, we aim at providing retailers better understand consumers’ different assessments of newly introduced products.

Findings

By creating new product-related and user-related attributes, the proposed prediction model attends an average of 70.15% accuracy when evaluating the potential success of new future products during the design process of the collection. Results showed that by harnessing artificial intelligence techniques, along with social media data and mobile apps, new ways of interacting with clients and understanding their preferences are established.

Practical implications

From a practical point of view, the proposed approach helps businesses better target their marketing campaigns, localize their potential clients and adjust manufactured quantities.

Originality/value

The originality of the proposed approach lies in (1) the implementation of the data value chain principle to enhance the information of raw data collected from mobile apps and improve the prediction model performances, and (2) the combination consumer and product attributes to provide an accurate prediction of new fashion, products.
Geographic dispersion, tax administration and corporate tax burden: evidence from China
Authors: Xie Jian , Wang Jiaxin , Lei Tianyi
Published: April 2024

Purpose

From the perspective of local government tax administration, the impact of geographic dispersion on the corporate tax burden is investigated in this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

Using unbalanced panel data with a sample of listed companies from 2003 to 2020 in China, this paper focuses on the effect of geographic dispersion on corporate tax burden and the mechanisms.

Findings

It is found that corporate tax burden is positively related to geographic dispersion. It is also found that geographic dispersion affects the corporate tax burden by increasing the effort of local government tax administration. In addition, the relation between geographic dispersion and corporate tax burden is more pronounced for local SOEs prior to the implementation of Golden Tax Project III and in cases where local governments face stronger financial pressure to obtain revenue.

Originality/value

This study has important implications for the promotion of the coordinated development of the regional economy, as well as the legalization, modernization and informatization of tax administration.
Relationship between the implementation of formal board processes and structures and financial performance: the role of absolute family control in Colombian family businesses
Authors: Goel Sanjay , Lagos Diógenes , López María Piedad
Published: April 2024

Purpose

We investigate the effect of the adoption of formal board structure and board processes on firm performance in Colombian family firms, in a context where firms can choose specific aspects of board structure and processes. We deploy insights from the behavioral governance perspective to develop arguments about how family businesses may choose board elements based on their degree of control over the firm (absolute control or less), and its effect on firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

We use an unbalanced data panel of 404 firm-year observations. The data was obtained from the annual financial and corporate governance reports of 62 Colombian stock-issuing firms for the period 2008–2014 – due to change in regulation, data could not be added beyond 2014. Panel data technique with random effects was used.

Findings

The results show that board structure is positively associated with financial performance, however, this relationship is negative in businesses where family has absolute control. We also found that there is a negative association between board processes and performance, but positive association in family-controlled businesses.

Originality/value

Our research contributes to research streams on effects of family control in firm choices and on the interactive effect of governance choices and institutional context and more generally how actors interact (rather than react) with their institutional context.
A doctorate doesn’t make you a “Doc”: the educational and sociocultural embodiment of culturally relevant pedagogies
Authors: Johnson Marcus Wayne , Johnson Anthony , Clark Langston , Howe Jonathan E. , Jefferson Traveon , McClendon Dionte , Crooms Brandon , Thomas Daniel J.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to stimulate scholarly attention and practical application pertaining to individuals recognized as “Docs.” Through conducting a comprehensive analysis and acquiring a profound understanding of its many connotations, the objective is to shift attitudes and approaches concerning those who are seen to possess knowledge and value within society.

Design/methodology/approach

For this study, culturally relevant pedagogies were used as theoretical frameworks in addition to Sankofa and concept explication being used as methodologies.

Findings

The authors identified three themes: (1) honorary cultural practice-community nomination of “professahs” and “docs,” (2) (Black) robinhoods – cultural signifiers of distinction and relatability and (3) docs as catalysts – elevating community via consciousness, trust and mentorship as significant understandings of this distinction.

Originality/value

The study emphasizes the importance of “Docs” in both academic and social contexts. The role of “Docs” serves to alleviate potential conflicts of being a Black intellectual. This study further reveals the ways in which Docs align with, promote or possibly undermine established frameworks of thought. Finally, this study provides institutions with opportunities to consider strategies for the utilization, recognition and integration of individuals who are frequently overlooked or undervalued.