bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenges in the Management of Massive Carotid Body Tumor
Authors: Olusoga-Peters Oluwapelumi , Akinola Moses Ayodele , Nwadiokwu John Ifeanyi , Oguntade Florence
Published: April 2024

The carotid body paraganglioma is a rare benign neoplasm arising from the chemoreceptor cells of the carotid bulb. The carotid body has the largest collection of paraganglia in the head and neck with 60–70% of head and neck paraganglioma. Paraganglia are clusters of cells originating from the neural crest with histological and cytochemical characteristics of neuroendocrine cells. It is mostly asymptomatic in early presentation but become symptomatic and difficult to manage when the tumor is large. We present a case of a 26-year-old male who presented with a painless, pulsatile, progressively increasing left lateral neck swelling of 5 years duration with Shamblin IIIa. The diagnosis of the tumor was confirmed based on clinical features, histology, and radiological findings. We had difficult surgical dissection of the tumor with neurovascular damage.
Senescence Defines a Distinct Subset of Myofibroblasts That Orchestrates Immunosuppression in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Belle Jad I. , Sen Devashish , Baer John M. , Liu Xiuting , Lander Varintra E. , Ye Jiayu , Sells Blake E. , Knolhoff Brett L. , Faiz Ahmad , Kang Liang-I , Qian Guhan , Fields Ryan C. , Ding Li , Kim Hyun , Provenzano Paolo P. , Stewart Sheila A. , DeNardo David G.
Published: April 2024

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) therapeutic resistance is largely attributed to a unique tumor microenvironment embedded with an abundance of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF). Distinct CAF populations were recently identified, but the phenotypic drivers and specific impact of CAF heterogeneity remain unclear. In this study, we identify a subpopulation of senescent myofibroblastic CAFs (SenCAF) in mouse and human PDAC. These SenCAFs are a phenotypically distinct subset of myofibroblastic CAFs that localize near tumor ducts and accumulate with PDAC progression. To assess the impact of endogenous SenCAFs in PDAC, we used an LSL-KRASG12D;p53flox;p48-CRE;INK-ATTAC (KPPC-IA) mouse model of spontaneous PDAC with inducible senescent cell depletion. Depletion of senescent stromal cells in genetic and pharmacologic PDAC models relieved immune suppression by macrophages, delayed tumor progression, and increased responsiveness to chemotherapy. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that SenCAFs promote PDAC progression and immune cell dysfunction.

Significance: CAF heterogeneity in PDAC remains poorly understood. In this study, we identify a novel subpopulation of senescent CAFs that promotes PDAC progression and immunosuppression. Targeting CAF senescence in combination therapies could increase tumor vulnerability to chemo or immunotherapy.

See related article by Ye et al., p. 1302.
Molecular Determinants of Sensitivity to Polatuzumab Vedotin in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Corcoran Sean R. , Phelan James D. , Choi Jaewoo , Shevchenko Galina , Fenner Rachel E. , Yu Xin , Scheich Sebastian , Hsiao Tony , Morris Vivian M. , Papachristou Evangelia K. , Kishore Kamal , D’Santos Clive S. , Ji Yanlong , Pittaluga Stefania , Wright George W. , Urlaub Henning , Pan Kuan-Ting , Oellerich Thomas , Muppidi Jagan , Hodson Daniel J. , Staudt Louis M.
Published: April 2024

Polatuzumab vedotin (Pola-V) is an antibody–drug conjugate directed to the CD79B subunit of the B-cell receptor (BCR). When combined with conventional immunochemotherapy, Pola-V improves outcomes in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). To identify determinants of Pola-V sensitivity, we used CRISPR-Cas9 screening for genes that modulated Pola-V toxicity for lymphomas or the surface expression of its target, CD79B. Our results reveal the striking impact of CD79B glycosylation on Pola-V epitope availability on the lymphoma cell surface and on Pola-V toxicity. Genetic, pharmacological, and enzymatic approaches that remove sialic acid from N-linked glycans enhanced lymphoma killing by Pola-V. Pola-V toxicity was also modulated by KLHL6, an E3 ubiquitin ligase that is recurrently inactivated in germinal center derived lymphomas. We reveal how KLHL6 targets CD79B for degradation in normal and malignant germinal center B cells, thereby determining expression of the surface BCR complex. Our findings suggest precision medicine strategies to optimize Pola-V as a lymphoma therapeutic.

Significance: These findings unravel the molecular basis of response heterogeneity to Pola-V and identify approaches that might be deployed therapeutically to enhance the efficacy of CD79B-specific tumor killing. In addition, they reveal a novel post-translational mechanism used by normal and malignant germinal center B cells to regulate expression of the BCR.

See related commentary by Leveille, p. 1577

See related article by Meriranta et al.
Clinicopathologic Features of Eyelid Sebaceous Gland Carcinoma Requiring Immunohistochemical Diagnosis
Authors: Yunoki Tatsuya , Miyakoshi Akio , Hayashi Atsushi
Published: April 2024

Introduction: The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinicopathological features of eyelid sebaceous gland carcinoma (SGC), which requires immunohistochemical examination for a definitive diagnosis. Methods: Twenty-seven patients with a final diagnosis of eyelid SGC at Toyama University Hospital between April 2016 and April 2022 were retrospectively studied. In cases with a strong clinical suspicion of SGC, if the initial pathological diagnosis by hematoxylin-eosin staining was non-SGC, additional detailed pathology was performed, including immunostaining for adipophilin (ADP) and androgen receptor (AR). Results: Five patients (18.5%) had a diagnosis other than SGC, including three with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), one with basal cell carcinoma, and one with Bowen disease. In these 5 cases, detailed pathology, including immunostaining for ADP and AR, was performed again, which ultimately led to the diagnosis of SGC. ADP was positive in all 5 cases, and AR was positive in 4 cases. The 3 patients diagnosed with SCC were characterized by a high Ki-67 index, active mitosis, and relatively low differentiation. Conclusion: SGC can be pathologically diagnosed in other cancers, such as SCC and BCC. When SCC was diagnosed, it was often hypo-differentiated and required more attention. Immunostaining for ADP and AR is invaluable for confirming SGC diagnosis.
Organization for Caries Research-European Federation of Conservative Dentistry Consensus Report on Clinical Recommendations for Caries Diagnosis Paper II: Caries Lesion Activity and Progression Assessment
Authors: Neuhaus Klaus W. , Kühnisch Jan , Banerjee Avijit , Martignon Stefania , Ricketts David , Schwendicke Falk , van der Veen Monique H. , Doméjean Sophie , Fontana Margherita , Lussi Adrian , Jablonski-Momeni Anahita , Mendes Fausto Medeiros , Douglas Gail , Schmalz Gottfried , Campus Guglielmo , Aps Johan , Horner Keith , Opdam Niek , Huysmans Marie-Charlotte , Splieth Christian H.
Published: April 2024

Introduction: This consensus paper provides recommendations for oral health professionals on why and how to assess caries activity and progression with special respect to the site of a lesion. Methods: An expert panel was nominated by the executive councils of the European Organization for Caries Research (ORCA) and the European Federation of Conservative Dentistry (EFCD). The steering committee built three working groups that were asked to provide recommendations on (1) caries detection and diagnostic methods, (2) caries activity and progression assessment, and (3) obtain individualized caries diagnoses. The experts of work group 2 phrased and agreed on provisional general and specific recommendations on caries lesion activity and progression, based on a review of the current literature. These recommendations were then discussed and refined in a consensus workshop followed by an anonymous Delphi survey to determine the agreement on each recommendation. Results: The expert panel agreed on general (n = 7) and specific recommendations (n = 6). The specific recommendations cover coronal caries on pits and fissures, smooth surfaces, proximal surfaces, as well as root caries and secondary caries/caries adjacent to restorations and sealants. 3/13 recommendations yielded perfect agreement. Conclusion: The most suitable method for lesion activity assessment is the visual-tactile method. No single clinical characteristic is indicative of lesion activity; instead, lesion activity assessment is based on assessing and weighing several clinical signs. The recall intervals for visual and radiographic examination need to be adjusted to the presence of active caries lesions and recent caries progression rates. Modifications should be based on individual patient characteristics.
Dermatology Life Quality Index in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis: Are “Not Relevant” Responses Relevant?
Authors: Langenbruch Anna , Andrees Valerie , Augustin Matthias
Published: April 2024

Introduction: According to the DLQI user manual, the patients’ answers “not relevant” (NR) and “not at all” (affected in this aspect of life by the skin problem) are treated equally and interpreted as no impairment in health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The aim of this study was to gain more insights about “NR” responders with atopic dermatitis (AD). Methods: A total of 3,353 patients with AD, recruited from dermatological offices and a patient organisation, were surveyed in three cross-sectional studies. Disease severity (SCORAD) and subjective health status (EQ VAS) were compared for each DLQI item between patients who answered “NR” and all others according to their response category. Different DLQI scoring versions were analysed. Results: Those who stated “NR” in terms of HRQoL limitations in the DLQI domains sports, work/study, and sexual relationships were comparable in AD severity and health status to those who felt that their HRQoL was “a little affected.” Some alternative DLQI scoring versions correlated slightly higher with the SCORAD and EQ VAS than the original DLQI. Conclusion: Patients with AD who rate certain life domains as “NR” in the DLQI are most similar in their disease burden to patients who feel a little affected in these areas of life. This suggests that some HRQoL limitations are underestimated by the traditional DLQI scoring. However, different scoring solutions did not lead to substantially higher correlations with other disease burden criteria compared to the original. Therefore, the gain in validity by alternative versions is small.
Peritoneal Glucose Uptake Reduction by Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter 2 Inhibitors in Clinical Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Kasai Takahiro , Iida Yoshito , Kimura Takahide , Tanemoto Masayuki
Published: April 2024

Introduction: In peritoneal dialysis (PD), managing peritoneal glucose uptake is a clinical challenge, as the uptake leads to peritoneal ultrafiltration loss. Peritoneal expression of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) suggests that SGLT2 inhibitors, a class of antidiabetic agents, may offer a solution. Methods: In 12 PD patients, we examined the influence of dapagliflozin, an SGLT2 inhibitor, on peritoneal equilibration test. Results: The volume of drainage and the total glucose content in drainage were larger in the test with dapagliflozin than in that without dapagliflozin (2.41 ± 0.16 vs. 2.23 ± 0.20 L, p = 0.011 and 16.9 ± 3.8 vs. 14.5 ± 3.7 g, p = 0.005, respectively). Conclusion: SGLT2 inhibitors could reduce peritoneal glucose uptake and improve fluid removal in clinical PD.
Association of High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol with Sarcopenia in Chinese Community-Dwelling Middle-Aged and Older Adults: Evidence from 4-Year Longitudinal Study
Authors: Wang Meng , Yang Zihan , Zhai Huimin
Published: April 2024

Introduction: There is inconsistent evidence on the associations between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and risk of sarcopenia. The aim of the study was to determine the evidence existing between HDL-C and sarcopenia in Chinese middle-aged and older adults. Methods: We used a panel study design of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), with 7,415 participants (mean age 57.5 years) from 2011, 2013, and 2015. HDL-C was measured by colorimetric test of venous serum samples. Sarcopenia was defined as low muscle mass, plus low muscle strength, or low physical performance. Muscle mass was estimated by anthropometric measures. Muscle strength was measured by handgrip strength using dynamometer. Physical performance was measured by 5-time chair stand test, gait speed test, and short physical performance battery. Results: With 961 (13.0%) sarcopenia cases, each 1-unit increase (1 SD = 15.4 mg/dL) of HDL-C levels was associated with 42% increased odds of incident sarcopenia (OR = 1.42, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.28–1.58) at 4-year follow-up. Females with high HDL-C levels (HDL-C >60 mg/dL) had a higher risk of sarcopenia (OR = 2.49, 95% CI = 1.76–3.52). The restricted cubic spline curves showed a J-shaped association between HDL-C and risk of sarcopenia in females. HDL-C was negatively associated with muscle mass (β = −0.23, 95% CI = −0.27 to −0.20) and hand grip strength (β = −0.05, 95% CI = −0.19 to 0.09). Conclusion: High HDL-C levels were associated with higher risk of sarcopenia among middle-aged and older Chinese adults, and appropriate control of its high levels informs the management of sarcopenia.
Gut Microbiota Moderates Multimodal Brain Structure-Function Integration and Behavioral Cognition in Growth Hormone Deficient Children
Authors: Wang Keren , Fu Yuchuan , Li Lan , Zhang Lingfeng , Huang Mei , Yan Weihao , Shan Xiaoou , Yan Zhihan , Lu Yi
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Previous brain studies of growth hormone deficiency (GHD) often used single-modal neuroimaging, missing the complexity captured by multimodal data. Growth hormone affects gut microbiota and metabolism in GHD. However, from a gut-brain axis (GBA) perspective, the relationship between abnormal GHD brain development and microbiota alterations remains unclear. The ultimate goal is to uncover the manifestations underlying GBA abnormalities in GHD and idiopathic short stature (ISS). Methods: Participants included 23 GHD and 25 ISS children. The fusion independent component analysis was applied to integrate multimodal brain data (high-resolution structural, diffusion tensor, and resting-state functional MRI) covering regional homogeneity (ReHo), amplitude of low frequency fluctuations (ALFF), and white matter fractional anisotropy (FA). Gut microbiome diversity and metabolites were analyzed using 16S sequencing and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR). Associations between multimodal neuroimaging and cognition were assessed using moderation analysis. Results: Six independent components (IC) of ReHo, ALFF, and FA differed significantly between GHD and ISS patients, with three functional components linked to the processing speed index. GHD individuals showed higher levels of acetate, nicotinate, and lysine in microbiota metabolism. Higher alpha diversity in GHD strengthened connections between ReHo-IC1, ReHo-IC5, ALFF-IC1, and the processing speed index, while increasing agathobacter levels in ISS weakened the link between ALFF-IC1 and the speech comprehension index. Conclusions: Our findings uncover differing brain structure and functional fusion in GHD, alongside microbiota metabolism of short-chain fatty acids. Additionally, microbiome influences connections between neuroimaging and cognition, offering insight into diverse GBA patterns in GHD and ISS, enhancing our understanding of the disease’s pathophysiology and interventions.
Unstimulated Luteinizing Hormone for Assessment of Suppression during Treatment of Central Precocious Puberty with 6-Month Subcutaneous Leuprolide Acetate: Correlations with Clinical Response
Authors: Klein Karen O. , Miller Bradley S. , Mauras Nelly
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Phase 3 trial of 6-month subcutaneous leuprolide acetate (SC-LA) in children with central precocious puberty (CPP) demonstrated efficacy and safety. The aims of this secondary analysis were to evaluate unstimulated luteinizing hormone (LH) as efficacy measure, assess clinical suppression metrics, and present biochemical and clinical data for subgroups not achieving hormone suppression. Methods: Sixty-two children with treatment-naïve CPP received 2 doses of 45 mg SC-LA at 24-week intervals. Unstimulated and GnRH-stimulated LH, E2, and T concentrations were measured. Clinical measures included bone age (BA) and predicted adult height (PAH). Results: Eighty-four percentage and 86% of children achieved unstimulated LH <1 IU/L at weeks 24 and 48, respectively. Of 8 children not achieving unstimulated LH <1 IU/L at week 24 that completed the study, all showed a lack of pubertal stage progression and stable/decreased BA to chronological age ratio (BA/CA). Received operating characteristic (ROC) analyses suggested unstimulated LH is a good diagnostic predictor of GnRH-stimulated LH <4 IU/L at weeks 24 and 48 (AUC = 0.88). Across all children, mean BA/CA improved from 1.4 (screening) to 1.3 (week 48) and mean PAH increased by 3 cm. Of 7 girls not achieving stimulated LH <4 IU/L at week 24, all achieved E2 <10 pg/mL, showed a lack of pubertal stage progression, and had stable or decreased BA/CA by week 48. Additionally, 6/7 had increased PAH by week 48 and 4 had unstimulated LH <1 IU/L. Conclusion: Unstimulated LH has value as an efficacy measure and concentrations <1 IU/L may be an adequate surrogate of treatment response in children with CPP. All children who completed the study had evidence of pubertal suppression.
Os Abismos do Prefácio-anexo
Authors: Matos Franklin de
Published: April 2024

O célebre prefácio anexado à Religiosa, de Diderot, que revela a origem burlesca da obra, não deve ser considerado um texto histórico, que denuncia a ilusão do romance, mas sim como um artifício, capaz de criar uma ilusão de segundo grau.
Ética e leitura: Paul Ricoeur e Dostoiévski
Authors: Andrade Abrahão Costa
Published: April 2024

Trata-se de fazer uma leitura do conto “Pierre Menard, autor del Quixote”, de J. L. Borges, levando a sério a voz narrativa, paradoxalmente irônica. Tudo se passa como se, em meio à ironia, só conseguíssemos revelar a verdadeira intenção do narrador tomando o texto, ironicamente, ao pé da letra.
A imitação das paixões: a origem das línguas em Rousseau
Authors: Nascimento Luís F. S.
Published: April 2024

O presente texto procura entender a “origem imitativa” da linguagem em Rousseau pela relação entre fala e escritura, música e pintura.
Adorno à escuta de Stravinsky
Authors: Akamine Paulo
Published: April 2024

A literatura secundária sobre os escritos de Adorno sobre Stravinski costuma considerar somente a Filosofia da Nova Música, embora o autor tenha escrito vários textos ao longo de mais de quarenta anos e em diferentes contextos de crítica e intervenção na praxis musical. Assim, o presente projeto de pesquisa considera o contexto da polêmica em torno da alternativa entre Stravinski e Schönberg em que aparecem as primeiras resenhas, que no entanto já contêm a crítica de Adorno ao caráter autoritário do neoclassicismo, desenvolvida no livro de 1949. No ensaio de 1960 se detecta uma mudança de ênfase no julgamento de Adorno, que aponta então para uma espécie de redenção de Stravinski pelo caráter inteiramente negativo de sua música. A reflexão de Adorno sobre Stravinski, assim reconstituída, permite pensar o compositor para além das divisões didáticas de sua obra em busca de uma fisionomia musical a ser lida como signo catalisador dos problemas filosóficosdo século XX, especialmente no que tange à percepção da esquizofrenia como princípio para a interpretação dos movimentos estéticos e políticos do período.
A hybris no Édipo Rei
Authors: Bolzani Filho Roberto
Published: April 2024

This work analyses Sophocles' play Oedipus King, searching to clear out the reasons of our persistent amazement for it.
A new species of Naematelia (Tremellales, Basidiomycota) from India
Authors: THOMAS ANJITHA , KUMAR T.K. ARUN
Published: April 2024

A new species of Naematelia, N. encephaloidea, was collected and described from Silent Valley National Park, Kerala State, India. It is characterized by two types of swollen cells in trama, thick-walled, non-germinating, and thin-walled, germinating; thick-walled, globose conidia; inflated cells in the trama; lack of hyphidia. The identity of the new species is confirmed by morphological characteristics, and ITS and LSU sequence based molecular study. A key to the known Naematelia species is also provided.
Reevaluation of taxonomic identity of the recently introduced invasive planthopper, Pochazia shantungensis (Chou & Lu, 1977) (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea: Ricaniidae) in Japan
Authors: KOBAYASHI SHIGEKI , SUZUKI MASAHIRO , KUWAHARA RYOSUKE , PARK JAEKOOK , YAMADA KAZUTAKA , JUNG SUNGHOON
Published: April 2024

The taxonomic identity of the invasive Asian Ricaniid planthopper, Pochazia shantungensis (Chou & Lu, 1977) in Japan is reevaluated. This originally Chinese planthopper is highly polyphagous and has recently become an important pest in Korea. In 2015, this species was first documented from Sakai, Osaka Prefecture and has been widespread since then. The genital structures, wings and fifth instar nymph are described and illustrated. The host plants in Japan are also documented with photographs. The male genitalia of a similar species, P. sublimata (Jacobi, 1916), are illustrated as well. As a recently introduced pest in Japan, P. shantungensis needs to be monitored for its potential spread and for the damage it may cause to agriculture.
Rediscovery of the mysterious Taiwanese micromoth Pachyrhabda citrinacma Meyrick, 1936 (Stathmopodidae) in museum and field, with notes on the fern-spore feeding larva
Authors: SHEN ZONG-YU , SU HUNG-EN , HSU YU-FENG
Published: April 2024

Pachyrhabda citrinacma Meyrick, 1936, an endemic species to Formosa (Taiwan), was named by Edward Meyrick based on two specimens collected by Syuti Issiki. Despite some newly discovered stathmopodids exhibiting characteristics matching the original description, the lack of information regarding the type specimen depository led to the species remaining elusive since its initial naming. In this study, we successfully rediscovered a P. citrinacma specimen at the Insect Museum of National Taiwan University, where Syuti Issiki used to conduct research. The present article provides comprehensive morphological details for both sexes, as well as unveiling the genitalia characters and life history of this species for the first time. Larvae feed on spores of a range of fern species belonging to a few different families.
The southernmost member of the Simulium venustum species group (Diptera: Simuliidae) in the Old World: a new species from the Rif Mountains of Morocco
Authors: BELQAT BOUTAÏNA , ADLER PETER H.
Published: April 2024

The polytene chromosomes, larva, pupa, and male are described for the black fly Simulium chaouikaidi n. sp., a member of the Simulium venustum group from Morocco. Chromosomally, this new species is one fixed inversion removed from the standard banding sequence for the subgenus Simulium and has microscopically undifferentiated sex chromosomes and minimal autosomal polymorphism. It is homosequential with two other species in the S. venustum species group: S. bergi Rubtsov and S. paramorsitans Rubtsov. Structurally, each known life stage of the new species is distinct from that of all other simuliids in North Africa. This new species is the southernmost member of the S. venustum group in the Old World and is apparently endemic to the Rif Mountains. Its restricted distribution includes Bou Hachem Natural Park where its habitat is afforded some protection.
The Hawai‘i Climate Data Portal (HCDP)
Authors: Longman Ryan J. , Lucas Mathew P. , Mclean Jared , Cleveland Sean B. , Kodama Keri , Frazier Abby G. , Kamelamela Katie , Schriber Aimee , Dodge Michael , Jacobs Gwen , Giambelluca Thomas W.
Published: April 2024

The Hawai‘i Climate Data Portal (HCDP) is designed to facilitate streamlined access to a wide variety of climate data and information for the State of Hawai‘i. Prior to the development of the HCDP, gridded climate products and point datasets were fragmented, outdated, not easily accessible, and not available in near–real time. To address these limitations, HCDP researchers developed the cyberinfrastructure necessary to 1) operationalize data acquisition and product production in a near-real-time environment and 2) make data and products easily accessible to a wide range of users. The HCDP hosts several high-resolution (250 m) gridded products including monthly rainfall and daily temperature (maximum, minimum, and mean), station data, and gridded future projections of rainfall and temperature. HCDP users can visualize both gridded and point data, create and download custom maps, and query station and gridded data for export with relative ease. The “virtual station” feature allows users to create a climate time series at any grid point. The primary objective of the HCDP is to promote sharing and access to data and information to streamline research activities, improve awareness, and promote the development of tools and resources that can help to build adaptive capacities. The HCDP products have the potential to serve a wide range of users including researchers, resource managers, city planners, engineers, teachers, students, civil society organizations, and the broader community.
Inclusive Human Capital—Employment Transition Programme for Adults with Autism at Enabling Academy, Yayasan Gamuda
Authors: Jamil Rossilah , Ru Ong Sin , Lan Yeo Swee , Cheng Grace Gan Wei , Yan Lim Hui
Published: April 2024

The case focuses on the Enabling Academy (EA) team within Yayasan Gamuda, the philanthropic arm of Malaysia-based Gamuda Berhad. Gamuda is recognized as one of the largest Malaysian infrastructure companies and has been acknowledged for its pioneering efforts in neurodiversity employment for white-collar positions in Malaysia. EA provided employment training, job matching and job coaching for adults with autism, aiming for sustainable employment. While the programme initially saw success, its outreach remained limited. Gamuda had a goal to disseminate its best practices and encourage other entities to integrate more individuals with autism into their workforce. The team needed to devise strategies for senior management. This case addresses significant issues related to responsible organizational practices, untapped human potential, neurodiversity employment frameworks, workplace diversity and inclusion, and sustainable human resource management. It illustrates the decision-making process of the EA team under the guidance of the company’s leadership. The framing of the case reflects EA’s non-profit status and its preference for a collectivist management approach.
The Role of Gamification Research in Human Resource Management: A PRISMA Analysis and Future Research Direction
Authors: Mohanty Sattwik , Christopher B Prabu
Published: April 2024

Gamification, which involves incorporating game-like elements in non-game contexts, has quickly become one of the most popular persuasive technologies. Its goal is to encourage users to change their behavior for the better. However, it still has empirical and theoretical challenges to overcome to show the benefits of its use and solidify the guiding principles for effective gamification designs. The goal of the current study is to synthesize and intellectualize, through a systematic literature review (SLR), the current state of gamification knowledge in human resource management, providing a road map for future research recommendations for both academician and practitioners The review examines the most influential writing on the application of gamification to association settings, portrays the fundamental concepts of gamification, and develops based on an effective writing survey of insightful articles available in the Scopus and Web of Science information bases. The study uses a systematic quantitative approach to review the evidence for the use of gamification in Human Resources management, focusing on the pertinent literature on gamification in organizations. The authors examined 244 papers published between 2013 and 2022 using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) technique. One of the major goals of the study’s findings is to illustrate the value of gamification in the human resources field in relation to the analysis of employee performance, employee engagement, and training and development. These results suggest that there is more opportunity for research into the elements of gamification, which may be relate to knowledge retention, learning outcomes, learning motivation, employee efficacy, and employee productivity.
Differential Prediction for Disadvantaged Students and Schools: The Role of High School Characteristics
Authors: Mbekeani Preeya P. , Koretz Daniel
Published: April 2024

Validity studies of college admissions tests have found that, on average, students who are Black or Hispanic earn lower freshman grade-point averages (FGPAs) than predicted by these test scores. This differential prediction is used as a measure of bias. These studies, however, conflate student and school characteristics. The differential prediction affecting minoritized groups may arise in part because they attended high schools in which college enrollees, regardless of race, perform worse than predicted. Using data on students who graduated from New York City public high schools in 2011 and enrolled in the City University of New York, we examined this using college admissions and high school test scores. There was no differential prediction based on race/ethnicity among students within high schools when school characteristics were accounted for. Instead, overprediction of FGPA was associated with the school proportion of enrolled Black and Hispanic students. Overprediction was larger in models with high school test scores.
Transobturator vaginal wall sling (Elgamasy technique) for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence: a pilot study
Authors: Elgamasy Abdelnaser Khalifa
Published: April 2024

Background

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a common social problem that affect about 4–35% of adult women adult. There are multiple surgical options for treatment of SUI but midurethral slings are the most effective and durable form of treatment. In this study, transobturator vaginal sling (TOT-VS, Elgamasy technique) was used to overcome the unique risks associated with synthetic mesh placement, as well as the higher rate of voiding dysfunction and harvest site complications associated with pubovaginal sling placement.

Objective

 To assess the short-term outcome of transobturator vaginal wall sling (TOT-VS) for the treatment of SUI.

Materials and Methods

This is a prospective study included 20 females who underwent TOT-VS placement for SUI from January 2021 to March 2022 at Tanta Urology Department–Tanta University Hospitals. Two-parallel longitudinal vaginal mucosal incisions were performed 2 cm below the bladder neck, and 6 × 2 cm graft was harvested from the anterior vaginal wall, with a prolene suture on each side and fixed around the urethra via the transobturator rout. Patients were followed in the outpatient clinic after one week, two weeks, 3, 6 months and one year postoperatively. Outcomes were measured subjectively by the Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (B-FLUTS) score comparing preoperative and postoperative scores and objectively by cough stress test.

Results

The median age of patients was 42 years, and the median BMI was 30.0 kg/m2. The technique was performed, and the patient was discharged the next day after surgery. Mean operative time was 50.5 ± 9 min. All patients completed B-FLUTS at the last follow-up. Compared to preoperative scores, all patients showed significant improvement in all domains. Nineteen cases (95%) showed negative cough stress test 6 months postoperatively, and none of them suffered from severe (Clavien III-V) complications or required reoperation to release the sling. The procedure was failed in one case (5%). At one-year follow-up, no recurrence of SUI was recorded in any case.

Conclusion

In the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence, transobturator vaginal wall slings can be a viable, autologous and cost-effective option with excellent short-term outcome, no recurrence, short operative periods, minor complications and short hospital stays.
Cauchy hyper-graph Laplacian nonnegative matrix factorization for single-cell RNA-sequencing data analysis
Authors: Wang Gao-Fei , Shen Longying
Published: April 2024

Many important biological facts have been found as single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology has advanced. With the use of this technology, it is now possible to investigate the connections among individual cells, genes, and illnesses. For the analysis of single-cell data, clustering is frequently used. Nevertheless, biological data usually contain a large amount of noise data, and traditional clustering methods are sensitive to noise. However, acquiring higher-order spatial information from the data alone is insufficient. As a result, getting trustworthy clustering findings is challenging. We propose the Cauchy hyper-graph Laplacian non-negative matrix factorization (CHLNMF) as a unique approach to address these issues. In CHLNMF, we replace the measurement based on Euclidean distance in the conventional non-negative matrix factorization (NMF), which can lessen the influence of noise, with the Cauchy loss function (CLF). The model also incorporates the hyper-graph constraint, which takes into account the high-order link among the samples. The CHLNMF model's best solution is then discovered using a half-quadratic optimization approach. Finally, using seven scRNA-seq datasets, we contrast the CHLNMF technique with the other nine top methods. The validity of our technique was established by analysis of the experimental outcomes.
Phylogenomic analyses and reclassification of the Mesorhizobium complex: proposal for 9 novel genera and reclassification of 15 species
Authors: Li Yan , Guo Tingyan , Sun Liqin , Wang En-Tao , Young J. Peter W. , Tian Chang-Fu
Published: April 2024

Backgroud

The genus Mesorhizobium is shown by phylogenomics to be paraphyletic and forms part of a complex that includes the genera Aminobacter, Aquamicrobium, Pseudaminobacter and Tianweitania. The relationships for type strains belong to these genera need to be carefully re-evaluated.

Results

The relationships of Mesorhizobium complex are evaluated based on phylogenomic analyses and overall genome relatedness indices (OGRIs) of 61 type strains. According to the maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree based on concatenated sequences of 539 core proteins and the tree constructed using the bac120 bacterial marker set from Genome Taxonomy Database, 65 type strains were grouped into 9 clusters. Moreover, 10 subclusters were identified based on the OGRIs including average nucleotide identity (ANI), average amino acid identity (AAI) and core-proteome average amino acid identity (cAAI), with AAI and cAAI showing a clear intra- and inter-(sub)cluster gaps of 77.40–80.91% and 83.98–86.16%, respectively. Combined with the phylogenetic trees and OGRIs, the type strains were reclassified into 15 genera. This list includes five defined genera Mesorhizobium, Aquamicrobium, Pseudaminobacter, Aminobacterand Tianweitania, among which 40/41 Mesorhizobium species and one Aminobacter species are canonical legume microsymbionts. The other nine (sub)clusters are classified as novel genera. Cluster III, comprising symbiotic M. alhagi and M. camelthorni, is classified as Allomesorhizobium gen. nov. Cluster VI harbored a single symbiotic species M. albiziae and is classified as Neomesorhizobium gen. nov. The remaining seven non-symbiotic members were proposed as: Neoaquamicrobium gen. nov., Manganibacter gen. nov., Ollibium gen. nov., Terribium gen. nov., Kumtagia gen. nov., Borborobacter gen. nov., Aerobium gen. nov.. Furthermore, the genus Corticibacterium is restored and two species in Subcluster IX-1 are reclassified as the member of this genus.

Conclusion

The Mesorhizobium complex are classified into 15 genera based on phylogenomic analyses and OGRIs of 65 type strains. This study resolved previously non-monophyletic genera in the Mesorhizobium complex.
Assessing the effect of soil cultivation methods and genotypes on crop yield components, yield and soil properties in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and Rice (Oryza sativa L.) cropping system
Authors: Saini Ankit , Manuja Sandeep , Upadhyay Ram Gopal , Manhas Shilpa , Sahoo Chinmaya , Singh Gurudev , Sharma Raj Paul , Johnson Riya , Joel Joy M. , Puthur Jos T. , Imran Muhammad , Fayezizadeh Mohammad Reza
Published: April 2024

Background

The rice-wheat cropping system is the prevailing agricultural method in the North-Western states of India, namely in the Indo-Gangetic plains. The practice of open burning of rice residue is frequently employed for expedient land preparation, but it has significant adverse impacts on both the environment and human health. These include the emission of greenhouse gases, loss of nutrients, elevated concentrations of particulate matter (PM), and disruption of the biological cycle. This research aims to investigate the implementation of effective management strategies in the rice-wheat cropping system, namely via the use of tillage-based crop cultivation techniques, stubble retention, and integration approaches. The objective is to enhance soil health features in order to augment crop yield and improve its attributes.

Results

The research was carried out using a split plot experimental design, consisting of three replications. The main plot consisted of four different cultivation methods, while the subplot included three genotypes of both rice and wheat. The research demonstrates the enhanced efficacy of residue application is significantly augmenting soil nutrient concentrations compared to standard tillage practices (P < 0.05). This was accomplished by an analysis of soil nutrient levels, namely nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and organic carbon (OC), at a depth of 0–15 cm. The implementation of natural farming, zero tillage, and reduced tillage practices resulted in decreases in rice grain yields of 34.0%, 16.1%, and 10.8%, respectively, as compared to conventional tillage methods. Similarly, the implementation of natural farming, zero tillage, and reduced tillage resulted in reductions in wheat grain yields of 59.4%, 10.9%, and 4.6% respectively, in comparison to conventional tillage practices.

Conclusion

Regarding the individual crop genotypes investigated, it was continuously observed that Him Palam Lal Dhan 1 and HPW 368 displayed considerably greater grain yields for both rice and wheat during the two-year experimental period. Furthermore, when considering different cultivation methods, conventional tillage emerged as the most effective approach for obtaining higher productivity in both rice and wheat. Additionally, Him Palam Lal Dhan 1 and HPW 368 exhibited superior performance in terms of various crucial yield components for rice (such as panicle density, grains per panicle, panicle weight, and test weight) and wheat (including effective tiller density, grains per spike, spike weight, and 1000-grain weight).
Genome-wide investigation of the LARP gene family: focus on functional identification and transcriptome profiling of ZmLARP6c1 in maize pollen
Authors: Xiang Xiaoqin , Deng Qianxia , Zheng Yi , He Yi , Ji Dongpu , Vejlupkova Zuzana , Fowler John E. , Zhou Lian
Published: April 2024

Background

The La-related proteins (LARPs) are a superfamily of RNA-binding proteins associated with regulation of gene expression. Evidence points to an important role for post-transcriptional control of gene expression in germinating pollen tubes, which could be aided by RNA-binding proteins.

Results

In this study, a genome-wide investigation of the LARP proteins in eight plant species was performed. The LARP proteins were classified into three families based on a phylogenetic analysis. The gene structure, conserved motifs, cis-acting elements in the promoter, and gene expression profiles were investigated to provide a comprehensive overview of the evolutionary history and potential functions of ZmLARP genes in maize. Moreover, ZmLARP6c1 was specifically expressed in pollen and ZmLARP6c1 was localized to the nucleus and cytoplasm in maize protoplasts. Overexpression of ZmLARP6c1 enhanced the percentage pollen germination compared with that of wild-type pollen. In addition, transcriptome profiling analysis revealed that differentially expressed genes included PABP homologous genes and genes involved in jasmonic acid and abscisic acid biosynthesis, metabolism, signaling pathways and response in a Zmlarp6c1::Ds mutant and ZmLARP6c1-overexpression line compared with the corresponding wild type.

Conclusions

The findings provide a basis for further evolutionary and functional analyses, and provide insight into the critical regulatory function of ZmLARP6c1 in maize pollen germination.
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic among patients with lung and head and neck cancer assisted in a public cancer center in Brazil
Authors: Viana Veloso Gilson Gabriel , Amaral Flávia Duarte , Nogueira-Rodrigues Angélica
Published: April 2024

Background

There is no updated national data regarding the real impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on delaying diagnosis and treatment among patients with lung, and head, and neck cancers in Brazil. This study aimed to analyze the COVID-19 pandemic impact on cancer diagnosis and clinical outcomes among lung, head, and neck cancer patients assisted in a tertiary cancer center in Southeastern Brazil, as well as to analyze these patients’ pretreatment clinical features.

Methods

Retrospective cohort of patients with lung or head and neck cancer assisted in a tertiary cancer center in southeastern Brazil between January/2019 and December/2021. To assess statistical differences among groups [i.e., cohort 2019 versus (vs.) 2020 and 2019 vs. 2021] chi-square test was used with a 5% significance level and 90% power for sample size calculation. Differences among baseline clinical features and sociodemographic characteristics were evaluated either by T-test for two samples or Fisher’s or Pearson’s chi-square test (for quantitative or qualitative variables). All utilized tests had a 5% significance level.

Results

Six hundred fifty-two patients were included, 332 with lung and 320 with head and neck cancer; it was observed a significant decrease in oncologic treatment recommendations and increase in palliative care recommendation for patients with lung cancer, despite similar stages at diagnosis. During the COVID-19 pandemic, more pain symptoms were reported at the first Oncology assessment for patients with head and neck cancer (p < 0.05). Compared to 2019, head and neck cancer patients diagnosed in 2021 presented a worse initial performance status (p = 0.008). There was a statistically significant increase in survival for patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer in 2021 when compared to 2019 (p = 0.003).

Conclusions

This research highlights low survival rates for patients with lung and head and neck cancer in Brazil, even before the pandemic started, as consequence of advanced diseases at diagnosis at the public health system and clinical degrading features. Additionally, there was an increase incidence in both lung cancer and head and neck cancer despite no differences in clinical stage. This reflects how fragile is the public healthcare system even before facing an acute public health crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, the total impact on public health may follow for many years.
Progression-free survival as a surrogate endpoint for overall survival in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma
Authors: Dimopoulos Meletios , Sonneveld Pieter , Manier Salomon , Lam Annette , Roccia Tito , Schecter Jordan M. , Cost Patricia , Pacaud Lida , Poirier Abbey , Tremblay Gabriel , Lan Tommy , Valluri Satish , Kumar Shaji
Published: April 2024

Objectives

The goal of the research was to assess the quantitative relationship between median progression-free survival (PFS) and median overall survival (OS) specifically among patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) based on published randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Methods

Two bibliographic databases (PubMed and Embase, 1970–2017) were systematically searched for RCTs in RRMM that reported OS and PFS, followed by an updated search of studies published between 2010 and 2022 in 3 databases (Embase, MEDLINE, and EBM Reviews, 2010–2022). The association between median PFS and median OS was assessed using the nonparametric Spearman rank and parametric Pearson correlation coefficients. Subsequently, the quantitative relationship between PFS and OS was assessed using weighted least-squares regression adjusted for covariates including age, sex, and publication year. Study arms were weighted by the number of patients in each arm.

Results

A total of 31 RCTs (56 treatment arms, 10,450 patients with RRMM) were included in the analysis. The average median PFS and median OS were 7.1 months (SD 5.5) and 28.1 months (SD 11.8), respectively. The Spearman and Pearson correlation coefficients between median PFS and median OS were 0.80 (P < 0.0001) and 0.79 (P < 0.0001), respectively. In individual treatment arms of RRMM trials, each 1-month increase in median PFS was associated with a 1.72-month (95% CI 1.26–2.17) increase in median OS.

Conclusion

Analysis of the relationship between PFS and OS incorporating more recent studies in RRMM further substantiates the use of PFS to predict OS in RRMM.
Perceptions of and preparedness for cross-cultural care: a survey of final-year medical students in Ireland
Authors: O’Brien Lesley , Wassall Nicola , Cadoret Danielle , Petrović Aleksandra , O’Donnell Patrick , Neville Siobhán
Published: April 2024

Background

Migration is increasing globally, and societies are becoming more diverse and multi-ethnic. Medical school curricula should prepare students to provide high-quality care to all individuals in the communities they serve. Previous research from North America and Asia has assessed the effectiveness of medical cultural competency training, and student preparedness for delivery of cross-cultural care. However, student preparedness has not been explored in the European context. The aim of this study was to investigate how prepared final-year medical students in the Republic of Ireland (ROI) feel to provide care to patients from other countries, cultures, and ethnicities. In addition, this study aims to explore students’ experiences and perceptions of cross-cultural care.

Methods

Final-year medical students attending all six medical schools within the ROI were invited to participate in this study. A modified version of the Harvard Cross-Cultural Care Survey (CCCS) was used to assess their preparedness, skill, training/education, and attitudes. The data were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics 28.0, and Fisher’s Exact Test was employed to compare differences within self-identified ethnicity groups and gender.

Results

Whilst most respondents felt prepared to care for patients in general (80.5%), many felt unprepared to care for specific ethnic patient cohorts, including patients from a minority ethnic background (50.7%) and the Irish Traveller Community (46.8%). Only 20.8% of final-year students felt they had received training in cross-cultural care during their time in medical school. Most respondents agreed that they should be assessed specifically on skills in cultural competence whilst in medical school (83.2%).

Conclusions

A large proportion of final-year medical students surveyed in Ireland feel inadequately prepared to care for ethnically diverse patients. Similarly, they report feeling unskilled in core areas of cross-cultural care, and a majority agree that they should be assessed on aspects of cultural competency. This study explores shortcomings in cultural competency training and confidence amongst Irish medical students. These findings have implications for future research and curricular change, with opportunities for the development of relevant educational initiatives in Irish medical schools.