bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advancements in NSCLC
Authors: Xu Jianan , Tian Lin , Qi Wenlong , Lv Qingguo , Wang Tan
Published: February 2024

With the global incidence of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) on the rise, the development of innovative treatment strategies is increasingly vital. This review underscores the pivotal role of precision medicine in transforming NSCLC management, particularly through the integration of genomic and epigenomic insights to enhance treatment outcomes for patients. We focus on the identification of key gene mutations and examine the evolution and impact of targeted therapies. These therapies have shown encouraging results in improving survival rates and quality of life. Despite numerous gene mutations being identified in association with NSCLC, targeted treatments are available for only a select few. This paper offers an exhaustive analysis of the pathogenesis of NSCLC and reviews the latest advancements in targeted therapeutic approaches. It emphasizes the ongoing necessity for research and development in this domain. In addition, we discuss the current challenges faced in the clinical application of these therapies and the potential directions for future research, including the identification of novel targets and the development of new treatment modalities.
Risk Factors and Clinical Prognosis Associated With RSV-ALRI Intensive Care Unit Admission in Children <2 Years of Age: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Lim Su Ann , Chan Mei , Hu Nan , McMullan Brendan , Britton Philip N. , Bartlett Adam , Kandasamy Rama , Saravanos Gemma L. , Prentice Bernadette , Jaffe Adam , Owens Louisa , Homaira Nusrat
Published: February 2024

Background:

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of acute lower respiratory infections (ALRIs) in children <2 years of age. Currently, there are limited data on risk factors for very severe RSV-ALRI requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission.

Methods:

We conducted a case-control study of children <2 years old admitted with RSV-ALRI to the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network, comprising 2 large tertiary pediatric hospitals. Cases were children with laboratory-confirmed RSV-ALRI admitted to ICU, and controls were (1:2, matched on date of admission) children hospitalized with RSV-ALRI but not requiring ICU transfer. Data on risk factors were retrieved from the electronic medical record system. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) associated with risk factors for ICU admission and the association with clinical and treatment factors were determined from logistic regression models.

Results:

A total of 44 (44%) of 100 cases and 90 (48.1%) of 187 controls were male. Age <6 months and preterm births were associated with a 2.10-fold (95% CI: 1.14–3.79) and 2.35-fold (95% CI: 1.26–4.41) increased risk in ICU admissions, respectively. The presence of any chronic health condition was a significant risk factor for ICU admission. The clinical presentations on admission more commonly seen in cases were apnea (aOR: 5.01, 95% CI: 1.50–17.13) and respiratory distress (aOR: 15.91, 95% CI: 4.52–55.97). Cases were more likely to be hospitalized for longer duration and require respiratory support.

Conclusions:

Our results can be translated into a clinical risk algorithm to identify children at risk of very severe RSV disease.
A novel stratification scheme combined with internal arteries in CT imaging for guiding postoperative adjuvant transarterial chemoembolization in hepatocellular carcinoma: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Li Xinming , Liang Xiangjing , Li Zhipeng , Liang Jianye , Qi Zhendong , Zhong Liming , Geng Zhijun , Liang Wen , Quan Xianyue , Liang Changhong , Liu Zaiyi
Published: February 2024

Background:

Although postoperative adjuvant transarterial chemoembolization (PA-TACE) improves survival outcomes in a subset of patients with resected hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the lack of reliable biomarkers for patient selection remains a significant challenge. The present study aimed to evaluate whether computed tomography (CT) imaging can provide more value for predicting benefits from PA-TACE and to establish a new scheme for guiding PA-TACE benefits.

Methods:

In this retrospective study, patients with HCC who had undergone preoperative contrast-enhanced CT and curative hepatectomy were evaluated. Inverse probability of treatment weight was performed to balance the difference of baseline characteristics. Cox models were used to test the interaction among PA-TACE, imaging features and pathological indicators. An HCC imaging and pathological classification (HIPC) scheme incorporating these imaging and pathological indicators was established.

Results:

This study included 1,488 patients (median age, 52 y [IQR, 45–61 y]; 1,309 male). Microvascular invasion (MVI) positive, and diameter>5 cm tumors achieved a higher recurrence-free survival (RFS), and overall survival (OS) benefit, respectively, from PA-TACE than MVI negative, and diameter ≤5 cm tumors. Patients with internal arteries (IA) positive benefited more than those with IA negative in terms of RFS (P=0.016) and OS (P=0.018). PA-TACE achieved significant RFS and OS improvements in HIPC3 (IA present and diameter, or two or three tumors) patients but not in HIPC1 (diameter ≤5 cm, MVI negative) and HIPC2 (other single tumor) patients. Our scheme may decrease the number of patients receiving PA-TACE by approximately 36.5% compared to the previous suggestion.

Conclusions:

IA can provide more value for predicting the benefit of PA-TACE treatment. The proposed HIPC scheme can be used to stratify patients with and without survival benefits from PA-TACE.
Impact of virtual reality education on disease-specific knowledge and anxiety for hepatocellular carcinoma patient scheduled for liver resection: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Yang Jaehun , Rhu Jinsoo , Lim Soyoung , Kang Danbee , Lee Heesuk , Choi Gyu-Seoung , Kim Jong Man , Joh Jae-Won
Published: February 2024

Purpose:

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a significant health concern, and the complexity of liver anatomy poses challenges in conveying radiologic findings and surgical plans to patients. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a virtual reality (VR) education program on anxiety and knowledge in HCC patients undergoing hepatic resection.

Method:

From January 1, 2022, to February 28, 2023, 88 patients were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial, divided into the VR group (n=44) and the control group (n=44). The VR group received patient-specific 3D liver model education through a VR platform, while the control group underwent conventional explanation processes. Both groups completed pre- and post-intervention questionnaires assessing anxiety (using STAI-X-1, STAI-X-2, and VAS) and knowledge about liver resection. Comparison of the questionnaires were performed between the two groups. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to analyze factor related to decrease in anxiety.

Result:

While there was no significant difference in pre-intervention anxiety and knowledge scores between the two groups, the VR group exhibited significant reduction in STAI-X-1 scores (-4.14±7.5) compared to the control group (-0.84±5.7, P=0.023), as well as knowledge scores (17.20±2.6) compared to the control group (13.42±3.3, P < 0.001). In the multivariable logistic regression model, VR education showed significant impact on decrease in STAI-X-1 score, post-intervention. (OR=2.902, CI=1.097-7.674, P=0.032)

Conclusion:

The VR education program significantly improved knowledge and reduced anxiety among HCC patients compared to conventional methods. This study suggests that VR can be a valuable tool in patient education, enhancing comprehension and alleviating pre-surgical anxiety.
Comparison of safety, efficacy, and patient satisfaction with thermal ablation versus endoscopic thyroidectomy for benign thyroid nodules in a propensity-matched cohort
Authors: Kuo Ting-Chun , Chen Kuen-Yuan , Lai Chieh-Wen , Wang Yi-Chia , Lin Ming-Tsan , Chang Chin-Hao , Wu Ming-Hsun
Published: February 2024

Background:

Thyroid nodules (TNs) often require intervention due to symptomatic or cosmetic concerns. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has shown promise as a treatment option, offering potential advantages without neck scars. Recently, the scarless treatment alternative of transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA) has emerged. When surgery can be performed in a scarless manner, it remains unclear whether ablation is still the preferred treatment choice. This study aims to compare the safety, efficacy, and patient satisfaction of RFA and TOETVA.

Study Design:

A retrospective data analysis was conducted on patients treated with RFA or TOETVA for unilateral benign TNs between December 2016 and September 2021. Propensity score matching was employed to create comparable groups. Various clinicopathologic parameters, treatment outcomes, and costs were assessed.

Results:

Of the 2,814 nonfunctional thyroid nodules treated during this period, 642 were benign and unilateral. A total of 121 and 100 patients underwent thermal ablation and transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy, respectively. After matching, 84 patients were selected for each group. Both RFA and TOETVA demonstrated low complication rates, with unique complications associated with each procedure. Treatment time (30.8±13.6 minutes vs. 120.7±36.5 minutes, P<0.0001) was shorter in the RFA group. Patient satisfaction (significant improvement: 89.3% vs. 61.9%, P<0.0001) and cosmetic results (cosmetic score 1-2: 100.0% vs. 54.76%, P<0.0001) favored TOETVA. RFA was found to be less costly for a single treatment, but the cost of retreatment should be considered. The histological diagnoses post-TOETVA revealed malignancies in 9 out of 84 cases, underscoring the significance of follow-up assessments.

Conclusion:

Scarless procedures, RFA and TOETVA, are effective for treating unilateral benign TNs, each with unique advantages and drawbacks. While RFA is cheaper for a single treatment, TOETVA offers superior cosmetic results and patient satisfaction. Further research is needed to evaluate long-term safety and cost-effectiveness. It is crucial to remain vigilant about the possibility of malignancy despite benign cytology pre-treatment.
Glioblastoma patients’ survival and its relevant risk factors during the pre- and post-COVID-19 pandemic: Real-world cohort study in the USA and China
Authors: Qin Ling , Li Haoyi , Zheng Dao , Lin Song , Ren Xiaohui
Published: February 2024

Background:

Although the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has exerted potential impact on patients with glioblastomas (GBMs), it remains unclear whether the survival and its related risk factors of GBM patients would be altered or not during the period spanning from pre- to post- COVID-19 pandemic era. This study aimed to clarify the important issues above.

Methods:

Two observational cohorts were utilized, including the nationwide American cohort from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End-Results (SEER) and the Chinese glioblastoma cohort (CGC) at our institution during 2018-2020. Demographics, tumor features, treatment regimens and clinical outcomes were collected. Cox regression model, competing risk model, and subgroup and sensitivity analysis were used to dynamically estimate the survival and its relevant risk factors over different diagnosis years from the pre- (2018 and 2019) to post-COVID-19 (2020) pandemic. Causal mediation analysis was further adopted to explore the potential relationship between risk factors and mortality.

Results:

This study included 11321 GBM cases in SEER and 226 GBM patients in CGC, respectively. Instead of the diagnostic years of 2018-2020, the prognostic risk factors, such as advanced age, bilateral tumor and absence of comprehensive therapy (surgery combined with chemoradiotherapy), were identified to persistently affect GBM survival independently during the period from 2018 to 2020 in the SEER cohort (all P < 0.05). In CGC, lack of comprehensive therapy for GBM patients were restated as survival risk factors during the same timeframe. Causal mediation analysis showed that the effect of comprehensive therapy on all-cause mortality played a determinant role (direct effect value -0.227, 95% confidence interval -0.248 to -0.207), which was partially mediated by age (9.11%) rather than tumor laterality.

Conclusions:

As the timeframe shifted from pre- to post-COVID-19 pandemic, survival of GBM patients remained stable, yet advanced age, bilateral tumors, and passive treatment continuingly impacted GBM survival. It is necessary to optimize the comprehensive treatment for GBM patients even in the post-pandemic era.
Detection of metastatic lymph node and sentinel lymph node mapping ​using mannose receptor targeting in in vivo mouse and rabbit uterine cancer models
Authors: Jeong Sohyeon , Jeon Ok Hwa , Hong Jin Hwa , Kim Kyungsu , Kim Beop-Min , Park Ji Yong , Kim Kweon , Cho Hyun-Woong , Kim Hyun Koo
Published: February 2024

Background:

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of neo-mannosyl human serum albumin-indocyanine green (MSA-ICG) for detecting metastatic lymph node and mapping sentinel lymph node (SLN) using mouse footpad uterine tumor models. Additionally, we assessed the feasibility of MSA-ICG in SLN mapping in rabbit uterine cancer models.

Materials and Methods:

We compared the LN targeting ability of MSA-ICG with ICG. Six mouse footpad tumor models and two normal mice were each assigned to MSA-ICG and ICG, respectively. After the assigned tracers were injected, fluorescence images were taken, and we compared the signal-to-background ratio (SBR) of the tracers. A SLN biopsy was performed to confirm LN metastasis status and CD206 expression level. Finally, an intraoperative SLN biopsy was performed in rabbit uterine cancer models using MSA-ICG.

Results:

We detected 14 groin LNs out of 16 in the MSA-ICG and ICG groups. The SBR of the MSA-ICG group was significantly higher than that of the ICG group. The metastatic LN subgroup of MSA-ICG showed a significantly higher SBR than that of ICG. CD206 was expressed at a high level in metastatic LN, and the signal intensity difference increased as the CD206 expression level increased. SLN mapping was successfully performed in two of the three rabbit uterine cancer models.

Conclusion:

MSA-ICG was able to distinguish metastatic LN for an extended period due to its specific tumor-associated macrophage-targeting property. Therefore, it may be a more distinguishable tracer for identifying metastatic LNs and SLNs during uterine cancer surgery. Further research is needed to confirm these results.
Nurse-to-Nurse Collaboration
Authors: Marcomini Ilaria , Pendoni Roberta , Pauciulo Vanessa , Sansone Vincenza , Milani Laura , Terzoni Stefano , Zibaldo Andrea , Rosa Debora
Published: February 2024

OBJECTIVE

To map predictors and outcome of collaboration between nurses, outcomes of a good collaboration, and the tools developed to evaluate nurse-nurse collaboration.

BACKGROUND

Collaboration between nurses is an intraprofessional relationship between coworkers that is expressed through shared objectives, authority, and a decisional process. Studies on collaboration between nurses are very limited.

METHODS

A scoping review was conducted through 4 databases.

RESULTS

Eighteen studies were included. Nurses with higher levels of collaboration are more satisfied with their work and report less of an intention to leave their job. Greater collaboration among nurses resulted in a decrease of patient falling, hospital-acquired pressure ulcers, and a better care. Three tools have been developed to evaluate nurse-nurse collaboration: the Nurse-Nurse Collaboration Scale, the Nurse-Nurse Collaboration Behavior Scale, and the Nurse-Nurse Collaboration Between Sector.

CONCLUSIONS

Further studies should be conducted to fully understand the issue of collaboration between nurses and the factors connected to it.
Four weeks of inpatient comprehensive prosthetic rehabilitation achieves contrasting results in different groups of prosthetic users
Authors: Hjermundrud Vegar , Hilding Gitte Flindt , Gjøvaag Terje
Published: February 2024

Background:

This study explored how inpatient exercise rehabilitation affected prosthetic mobility, function, and ambulation in persons with lower limb loss.

Methods:

In this explorative prospective nonrandomized intervention study, experienced (EXP-INT, n = 20) and new prosthetic users (NEW-INT, n = 18) completed a 4-week rehabilitation intervention. A control group of experienced prosthetic users (n = 19) received no intervention. Tests were performed at baseline (pretest) and after 4 weeks (posttest). A step-monitoring device recorded ambulatory activity.

Results:

For the primary outcome measure, Prosthetic Limb Users Survey of Mobility, the between-group analysis revealed significant differences (χ2 = 10.91, df = 2, p < 0.01). Within-group Prosthetic Limb Users Survey of Mobility T-scores improved by 8.1% for the EXP-INT (p < 0.01) and 15.1% for NEW-INT (p < 0.01). Significant between-group differences were observed for the Amputee Mobility Predictor, L-test, 2-minute walk test, and 10-meter walk test. Within-group analysis demonstrated nonsignificant changes for the EXP-INT except for Prosthetic Limb Users Survey of Mobility, while the NEW-INT improved by 24.1% (p < 0.001), 34.0% (p < 0.01), 46.5% (p < 0.05), and 31.0% (p < 0.01), respectively. The number of steps during the last 7 d of rehabilitation showed significant differences between the groups (χ2 = 13.99, df = 2, p < 0.001). The NEW-INT improved by 138% (p < 0.05) compared with the first 7 d of rehabilitation, while the EXP-INT had nonsignificant changes.

Conclusions:

A 4-week rehabilitation intervention substantially increased prosthetic mobility, function, and ambulation activity for new prosthetic users but less so for experienced users. The results of the NEW-INT at discharge signify a considerable functional improvement.
Incidental Detection of Myocardial Ischemia on Whole-Body PET/CT in a Patient With Carcinoma Lung
Authors: Singh Parneet , Parida Girish Kumar , Singhal Tejasvini , Gupta Jaydeep , Agrawal Kanhaiyalal
Published: February 2024

18F-FDG PET/CT being a whole-body technique can detect multiple other critical nononcological findings. Various cardiac disorders identified incidentally on 18F-FDG have been reported to help in timely management and improve overall patient care. We hereby present one such case where 18F-FDG PET/CT performed for a workup of carcinoma lung revealed abnormal myocardial FDG uptake in the anteroseptal and apical region, which raised suspicion of myocardial ischemia such as hot spot imaging. On coronary angiography, coronary artery disease was detected and subsequently managed.
Combination of 68Ga-FAPI-04 and Dedicated Breast PET (MAMMI PET) Outperformed Breast MRI and 18F-FDG PET/CT by Revealing Nipple and Skin Involvement of Breast Cancer
Authors: Has Simsek Duygu , Oflas Melis , Yilmaz Ravza , Tukenmez Mustafa , Kuyumcu Serkan
Published: February 2024

A 41-year-old woman with newly diagnosed breast cancer had suspicious clinical findings of skin involvement on physical examination. The primary tumor had no FDG uptake in 18F-FDG PET/CT. Nipple and skin had no pathologic enhancement for invasion in breast MRI. Because the T stage was unclear, the patient underwent 68Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CT for further evaluation. Combination of 68Ga-FAPI-04 with dedicated breast PET (MAMMI PET) showed nipple and skin involvement of breast cancer with intense FAPI uptake. Consequently, a skin-sparing mastectomy was performed. Histopathological examination confirmed invasive lobular carcinoma infiltration of the deep dermis in the nipple and skin tissue.
Epithelial Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Mimics Lymphoma on 18F-FDG PET/MRI
Authors: Tian Tian , Xie Hangyu , Huang Meijuan
Published: February 2024

Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a rare tumor with a poor prognosis. We describe a case of 55-year-old man without asbestos exposure history presenting with extensive lymph nodes with high 18F-FDG uptake in PET/MRI but atypical pleural manifestations thereby being misdiagnosed for lymphoma. Pathological examination concludes for an epithelioid mesothelioma–associated lymph node metastasis. This case emphasizes that with the extensive lymph node abnormalities shown in PET imaging, in addition to the general consideration of lymphoma, it is still necessary to be vigilant about the possibility of mesothelioma and emphasizes the necessity of pathological examination.
177Lu-Microspheres Selective Intra-arterial Radionuclide Therapy
Authors: Shukla Jaya , Chopra Sejal , Kaur Komalpreet , Chakraborty Sudipta , Singh Harmandeep , Duseja Ajay , Kalra Naveen , Mittal Bhagwant Rai
Published: February 2024

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive malignancy with a poor prognosis. Surgical resection is limited. Selective intra-arterial radionuclide therapy (SIRT) emerged as a potential cure for intermediate HCC with portal vein thrombosis. We report a pilot study of a 48-year-old man with recurrent HCC who underwent 177Lu-microsphere SIRT (2.2 GBq) in segment III. Posttherapy SPECT/CT images (24 hours to 3 months) demonstrated excellent localization and prolonged retention within the tumor. Pre- and 3-month post-SIRT CECT showed a notable decrease in arterial enhancement and tumor size. Time-activity curve of the standard and the lesion demonstrated similar decay pattern indicating that 177Lu-microspheres act as permanent implant.
Intense 18F–Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen Uptake and Mild 18F-FDG Uptake in a Biopsy-Proven Pulmonary Hemangioma
Authors: Xu Feng , Liu Frank
Published: February 2024

We present intense radiotracer activity in a soft tissue density abutting the aortic arch of the left lung on 18F–prostate-specific membrane antigen PET/CT scan in a patient with prostate cancer, mimicking metastatic disease from prostate cancer versus primary lung malignancy. 18F-FDG PET/CT scan, however, shows no elevated FDG activity. The results of pathology examination from resected specimen are consistent with pulmonary hemangioma.
Bimaxillary Immediate Prosthetic Rehabilitation Using a Custom Maxillary Subperiosteal Implant and Fibula-Free Flap Mandibular Reconstruction After Tumor Ablation
Authors: Lee Kevin C. , Frias Vladimir , Ozturk Can , Best David L. , Markiewicz Michael R.
Published: February 2024

Subperiosteal implants (SPIs) using rigid fixation have recently emerged as an acceptable alternative to conventional endosteal implants when there is limited or absent alveolar bone. Modern advances in digital technology and manufacturing have improved the usability and stability of this latest generation of SPIs. Herein, we present the first reported case of a modern patient-specific SPI placed in the United States and, to the authors’ knowledge, the first reported case performed in conjunction with a simultaneous free flap reconstruction of the opposing arch, and immediate dental rehabilitation of both arches in the world.
Incidence of Frontal Sinus Fractures: A Single-Institution 12-year Experience
Authors: Kammien Alexander , Xu Yiting , Noel Olivier F.
Published: February 2024

Frontal sinus fractures’ reported incidence has varied widely in the United States. Although the past couple of decades have demonstrated an overall decrease among patients with facial fractures, the overall incidence of frontal sinus fractures remains unclear. We report our experience at a level 1 trauma center in the northeast region of the United States and analyze patients who have presented to our Emergency Department with facial fractures in a 12-year period, from 2011 to 2022. Our data show that 1.5% of all facial fracture patients had a frontal sinus fracture. Of those patients, 50% were victims of assault, 25% were involved in a motor vehicle accident, 12.5% were involved in a bicycle accident, and 12.5% were involved in a pedestrian struck by a vehicle. Overall, our data corroborate the decreasing national trend in frontal sinus fracture incidence and set the stage for further studies looking at the contributing factors for the observed decline.
PlasmidEC and gplas2: an optimized short-read approach to predict and reconstruct antibiotic resistance plasmids in Escherichia coli
Authors: Paganini Julian A. , Kerkvliet Jesse J. , Vader Lisa , Plantinga Nienke L. , Meneses Rodrigo , Corander Jukka , Willems Rob J. L. , Arredondo-Alonso Sergio , Schürch Anita C.
Published: February 2024

Accurate reconstruction of Escherichia coli antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) plasmids from Illumina sequencing data has proven to be a challenge with current bioinformatic tools. In this work, we present an improved method to reconstruct E. coli plasmids using short reads. We developed plasmidEC, an ensemble classifier that identifies plasmid-derived contigs by combining the output of three different binary classification tools. We showed that plasmidEC is especially suited to classify contigs derived from ARG plasmids with a high recall of 0.941. Additionally, we optimized gplas, a graph-based tool that bins plasmid-predicted contigs into distinct plasmid predictions. Gplas2 is more effective at recovering plasmids with large sequencing coverage variations and can be combined with the output of any binary classifier. The combination of plasmidEC with gplas2 showed a high completeness (median=0.818) and F1-Score (median=0.812) when reconstructing ARG plasmids and exceeded the binning capacity of the reference-based method MOB-suite. In the absence of long-read data, our method offers an excellent alternative to reconstruct ARG plasmids in E. coli.
Anastasis induced by bee venom in normal cells compared to persistent cell death in breast cancer cells
Authors: Tetikoglu Sinan , Uzuner Ugur , Celik Uzuner Selcen
Published: February 2024

Anastasis is a phenomenon that has been recently defined as a return from induced apoptosis. Its mechanism has not been clearly elucidated. Anastasis is thought to be involved in the development of drug resistance in cancer cells, however the distinct regulation of anastasis in normal and cancerous cells during anti-cancer therapy has not been discovered. One of the most privileged therapy strategies focuses on the drugs that are selectively cytotoxic in cancer cells but not negatively affect normal cell proliferation. This study for the first time comparatively evaluated the anastatic effect of a common synthetic cytotoxic agent, cisplatin and a natural cytotoxic agent, bee venom. The study showed that bee venom induced anastasis in normal cells (MCF10A, NIH3T3 and ARPE19) but cancer cells (MDA-MB-231 and MCF7) were irreversibly in cell death process. Liver cancer cells (HEPG2) were more resistant to bee venom-induced persistent cell death and tended to recover at higher concentrations compared to breast cancer cells. However, cisplatin induced persistent cell death in both normal and cancerous cells. Besides, selectivity indexes of bee venom in terms of IC50 values were higher than cisplatin. This study indicates that bee venom produces such an effect by selectively inducing anastasis only in normal cells suggesting that bee venom has prominent potential for cancer therapy, in particular for breast cancer, with recovery and maintenance of viability of normal cells.
Haldane model with chiral edge states using a synthetic dimension
Authors: Priestley Joel , Valentí-Rojas Gerard , Öhberg Patrik
Published: February 2024

We explicitly show that the differences, with respect to the appearance of topological phases, between the traditional Haldane model, which utilizes a honeycomb lattice structure, and the Haldane model imbued onto a brick-wall lattice geometry are inconsequential. A proposal is then put forward to realize the Haldane model by exploiting the internal degrees of freedom of atoms as a synthetic dimension. This leads to a convenient platform for the investigation of chiral edge states due to the hard boundaries provided by the hyperfine manifold. We make some cursory comments on the effects of interactions in the system.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Topological edge states in a Rydberg composite
Authors: Eiles Matthew T. , Wächtler Christopher W. , Eisfeld Alexander , Rost Jan M.
Published: February 2024

We examine topological phases and symmetry-protected electronic edge states in the context of a Rydberg composite: a Rydberg atom interfaced with a structured arrangement of ground-state atoms. We show that the spectrum of the electronic Hamiltonian of such a composite possesses a mapping to that of a tight-binding Hamiltonian, which can exhibit nontrivial topology depending on the arrangement of the ground-state atoms and the principal quantum number of the Rydberg state. The Rydberg electron moves in a combined potential including the long-ranged Coulomb interaction with the Rydberg core and short-ranged interactions with each neutral atom; the effective hopping amplitudes between sites are determined by this combination. We first confirm the existence of topologically-protected edge states in a Rydberg composite by mapping it to the paradigmatic Su-Schrieffer-Heeger dimer model. Following that, we show that more complicated systems with trimer unit cells can be studied in a Rydberg composite.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Complete next-to-leading order calculation of single inclusive
π0
production in forward proton-nucleus collisions
Authors: Mäntysaari Heikki , Tawabutr Yossathorn
Published: February 2024

We present the first fully consistent calculation of inclusive π0 production at forward rapidities at next-to-leading order (NLO) accuracy in proton-lead collisions at s=8.16  TeV within the color glass condensate approach. The center-of-mass energy dependence is determined by the Balitsky-Kovchegov equation with the initial condition constrained at NLO accuracy by the proton structure function measurements. We find that the LHCb data further constrain this nonperturbative input, and that both the NLO corrections to the evolution equation and to the impact factor have significant effects on the nuclear modification factor RpPb. The complete NLO calculation is shown to be in qualitative agreement with the LHCb data, and the predictions are found to be sensitive to the details of the applied deep inelastic scattering (DIS) fit. These results demonstrate the need to perform global analyses of DIS and LHC data in order to probe gluon saturation phenomena at precision level at very small momentum fraction x.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Supersymmetric QCD on the lattice: Fine-tuning of the Yukawa couplings
Authors: Costa M. , Herodotou H. , Panagopoulos H.
Published: February 2024

We determine the fine-tuning of the Yukawa couplings of supersymmetric QCD, discretized on a lattice. We use perturbation theory at one-loop level. The modified minimal subtraction scheme (MS¯) is employed; by its definition, this scheme requires perturbative calculations, in the continuum and/or on the lattice. On the lattice, we utilize the Wilson formulation for gluon, quark, and gluino fields; for squark fields we use naive discretization. The sheer difficulties of this study lie in the fact that different components of squark fields mix among themselves at the quantum level and the action’s symmetries, such as parity and charge conjugation, allow an additional Yukawa coupling. Consequently, for an appropriate fine-tuning of the Yukawa terms, these mixings must be taken into account in the renormalization conditions. All Green’s functions and renormalization factors are analytic expressions depending on the number of colors, Nc, the number of flavors, Nf, and the gauge parameter, α, which are left unspecified. Knowledge of these renormalization factors is necessary in order to relate numerical results, coming from nonperturbative studies, to the renormalized, “physical” Green’s functions of the theory.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Non-Gaussianity from Schwinger-Keldysh effective field theory
Authors: Lin Shu , Bu Yanyan , Lei Chang
Published: February 2024

We present a systematic treatment of non-Gaussianity in stochastic systems using the Schwinger-Keldysh effective field theory framework, in which the non-Gaussianity is realized as nonlinear terms in the fluctuation field. We establish two stochastic formulations of the Schwinger-Keldysh effective field theory, with those nonlinear terms manifested as multiple non-Gaussian noises in the Langevin equation and as higher order diffusive terms in the Fokker-Planck equation. The equivalence of the stochastic formulations with the original Schwinger-Keldysh effective field theory is demonstrated with nontrivial examples for arbitrary non-Gaussian parameters. The stochastic formulations will be more flexible and effective in studying nonequilibrium dynamics. We also reveal an ambiguity when coarse-graining timescale and non-Gaussian parameters vanish simultaneously, which may be responsible for the unphysical divergence found in perturbative analysis.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Dark-Matter-Induced Nucleon Decay Signals in Mesogenesis
Authors: Berger Joshua , Elor Gilly
Published: February 2024

We introduce and study the first class of signals that can probe the dark matter in mesogenesis, which will be observable at current and upcoming large volume neutrino experiments. The well-motivated mesogenesis scenario for generating the observed matter-antimatter asymmetry necessarily has dark matter charged under the baryon number. Interactions of these particles with nuclei can induce nucleon decay with kinematics differing from spontaneous nucleon decay. We calculate the rate for this process and develop a simulation of the signal that includes important distortions due to nuclear effects. We estimate the sensitivity of DUNE, Super-Kamiokande, Hyper-Kamiokande, and JUNO to this striking signal.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Back-to-Back Inclusive Dijets in Deep Inelastic Scattering at Small
x
: Complete NLO Results and Predictions
Authors: Caucal Paul , Salazar Farid , Schenke Björn , Stebel Tomasz , Venugopalan Raju
Published: February 2024

We compute the back-to-back dijet cross section in deep inelastic scattering at small x to next-to-leading order (NLO) in the color glass condensate effective field theory. Our result can be factorized into a convolution of the Weizsäcker-Williams gluon transverse-momentum-dependent distribution function (WW gluon TMD) with a universal soft factor and an NLO coefficient function. The soft factor includes both double and single logarithms in the ratio of the relative transverse momentum P⊥ of the dijet pair to the dijet momentum imbalance q⊥; its renormalization group (RG) evolution is resummed into the Sudakov factor. Likewise, the WW TMD obeys a nonlinear RG equation in x that is kinematically constrained to satisfy both the lifetime and rapidity ordering of the projectile. Exact analytical expressions are obtained for the NLO coefficient function of transversely and longitudinally polarized photons. Our results allow for the first quantitative separation of the dynamics of Sudakov suppression from that of gluon saturation. They can be extended to other final states and provide a framework for precision tests of novel QCD many-body dynamics at the Electron-Ion Collider.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Adopting human resource information system and work-related outcomes in emerging market SMEs: unified theory of acceptance and use of technology
Authors: Shahreki Javad , Lee Jeoung Yul
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the psychological adoption of technology in relation to employees' mental beliefs about using technology in their workplace, because it is necessary to investigate the direct and indirect effects of information systems (IS) on employees' work-related results that underpin creativity and engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a cross-sectional design, data were collected from 153 human resource (HR) employees who used human resource information systems (HRIS) in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia.

Findings

The results show that effective acceptance and adoption of an HRIS enables HR employees and management in SMEs to be creative, balanced and engaged. Facilitating conditions and task-technology fit positively affect the behavioral intention to accept and adopt an HRIS. Additionally, organizational citizenship behavior moderates the relationship between the behavioral intention to accept and adopt an HRIS and employee creativity.

Originality/value

This study significantly advances the fields of human resource management and IS by elucidating the factors influencing employees' adoption of technology. In an effort to address a research gap in existing research, it introduces a unified theory of acceptance and use of technology, which precedes the psychological adoption process by individuals. Furthermore, it offers both empirical and theoretical insights into the interplay between technology adoption factors and their subsequent impact on work-related outcomes.
Investigating the role of human resource management practices on employee performance through PLS-SEM approach: a case study of academic libraries in India
Authors: Wani Javaid Ahmad , Ganaie Shabir Ahmad
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the association between select human resource management practices and employee performance in academic libraries in India.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study uses the quantitative method of research. Partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyse the results. The current study uses a cross-sectional approach by using a convenient sampling method. The sample size of the study was 163, which was adequate for conducting PLS-SEM analysis.

Findings

The study found a significant positive correlation between human resource management practices and employee performance in academic libraries. This suggests that the implementation of effective human resource management practices has a beneficial impact on various aspects of employee performance.

Research limitations/implications

The study’s cross-sectional design may limit the ability to establish causality or determine the direction of the relationship between human resource management practices and employee performance. The study may have limitations regarding the sample size and its representativeness. If the sample is small or limited to specific academic libraries in India, it may not be possible to generalise the findings to a broader population of academic libraries in the country or to libraries in other regions or countries.

Practical implications

The study has practical implications for academic libraries in India. By recognising the significant correlation between human resource management practices and employee performance, libraries can prioritise the implementation of effective human resource management strategies. This includes aligning human resources practices with organisational goals, focusing on employee development and engagement and adopting best practices in recruitment, training and performance management.

Social implications

This study can have broader social implications by promoting a supportive and productive work culture that positively impacts the academic library community.

Originality/value

The paper focuses on a quite important and largely unexplored area of human resource management within the academic libraries sector.
Does religiosity matter for entrepreneurs’ psychological well-being in conflict areas? Insights from Palestine and Libya
Authors: Koburtay Tamer , Alqhaiwi Zaid
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Informed by the concept of well-being in Islam and the eudaimonic view of psychological well-being (PWB), and drawing on resilience theory, this study aims to understand (1) the implications of residing in conflict areas for entrepreneurs’ PWB, (2) the barriers facing entrepreneurs in these areas and (3) the implications of their religiosity for their PWB.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilizing an interpretative qualitative method, this study employed 22 entrepreneurs residing in conflict areas (Palestine and Libya). Thematic analysis was used to explore the participants’ experiences and insights.

Findings

The findings show that living in conflict areas enhances certain components of entrepreneurs’ PWB, such as self-acceptance and having a purpose in life and diminishes other components of their PWB, including environmental mastery, personal growth, the presence of autonomy and positive relations with others. Additionally, the findings suggest that religiosity, viewed through an Islamic lens, positively contributes to entrepreneurs’ PWB and identify societal (macro level) barriers faced by entrepreneurs in these areas.

Originality/value

The study is theoretically and contextually relevant and offers novel insights into the interplay between religion and well-being in conflict areas. It presents a reinvigorated awareness, opens specific research directions and permits the contextual applicability and possible extension of resilience theory.
The development and evaluation of a scale to assess job satisfaction in public universities with item response theory: a Brazilian study
Authors: Ledic Neto Jerko , Andrade Dalton Francisco , Lu Hai-Yan Helen , Petrassi Anna Cecilia Mendonca Amaral , Moro Antonio Renato Pereira
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to develop a psychometrically reliable job satisfaction (JS) measure for university employees, guiding administrative decisions and monitoring satisfaction over time in public universities.

Design/methodology/approach

A JS survey developed by a Brazilian federal university’s sustainability committee containing 58 items across physical, cognitive and organizational domains was longitudinally tested with 1,214 responses collected. The data were analyzed using Item Response Theory (IRT) analysis, employing the Graded Response Model, with tools such as frequency analysis, item characteristic curve, and full-information factor analysis in RStudio. The scale’s criterion validity was also established via expert qualitative interpretation.

Findings

The instrument’s internal consistency was confirmed as the results demonstrated its high reliability with a marginal reliability coefficient of 0.95. Significant findings revealed that recognition and supervisor relationships were key discriminators of JS and that workers began to perceive satisfaction when basic environmental conditions were met.

Research limitations/implications

It is important to mention that the application of this scale is specifically limited to higher education institutions and may not be directly applicable to other educational settings or industry sectors without modifications.

Originality/value

Although numerous measures and scales have been developed to assess JS, one elaborated by using IRT in a public university environment was lacking. Due to shifting dynamics in the workplace, traditional measurement of JS has proven inadequate, necessitating a more precise, accessible and updated tool. The developed scale allows precisely targeted interventions to improve JS and can be reapplied to evaluate their effectiveness. This research thus contributes a valuable tool for academic organizational psychology, enhancing the understanding of the measurement of JS.
Triple A supply chain management and sustainability
Authors: Jia Fu , Li Kexin , Zhang Tianyu , Chen Lujie
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Sustainability is of growing significance in the contemporary business landscape as organizations strive to minimize their environmental impact and optimize supply chain (SC) operations. Gaining insights into the influence of Triple A SC practices on sustainable performance can offer valuable perspectives for practitioners and policymakers. This study aims to comprehensively review existing academic literature on Triple A supply chain management (SCM) and sustainability, examining its impact on sustainable performance while identifying key influencing factors.

Design/methodology/approach

This review follows the six steps and 14 decisions of conducting a systematic literature review to comprehensively review 57 papers published between 2004 and 2023.

Findings

Based on the content analysis of the selected papers, this study summarizes the antecedents, practices and outcomes of Triple A SCM, with a particular focus on its implications for sustainability. This paper builds a conceptual framework from the descriptive and thematic findings to enrich the relevant aspects of Triple A SCM.

Originality/value

This study establishes a connection between Triple A SCM and sustainable performance by examining its impact on economic, social and environmental aspects. This review identifies research gaps and acknowledges the lack of specificity in implementing Triple A SCM across diverse industries, regions and competitive markets with varying external environments. It emphasizes the necessity to customize approaches based on contextual factors and provides valuable recommendations for future research to advance the concept of Triple A SCM.
Finnish experts' perceptions of digital healthcare forms in 2035 and the anticipated healthcare workforce impacts: a Delphi study
Authors: Lee Liisa , Hammarén Mira , Kanste Outi
Published: February 2024

Purpose

To explore Finnish experts' perceptions of the forms of digital healthcare that are anticipated to be the most utilised in healthcare in the medium-term future (year 2035) and anticipated healthcare workforce impacts those forms will have.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 17 experts representing relevant interest groups participated in a biphasic online Delphi study. The results for each round were analysed using descriptive statistical methods and inductive content analysis.

Findings

The forms of digital healthcare that the experts perceived as most likely to be utilised were those enabling patient participation, efficient organisation of services and automated data collection and analysis. The main impacts on the healthcare workforce were seen as being the redirection of workforce needs within the healthcare sector and need for new skills and new professions. The decrease in the need for a healthcare workforce was seen as less likely. The impacts were perceived as being constructed through three means: impacts within healthcare organisations, impacts on healthcare professions and impacts via patients.

Research limitations/implications

The results are not necessarily transferable to other contexts because the experts anticipated local futures. Patients' views were also excluded from the study.

Originality/value

Healthcare organisations function in complex systems where drivers, such as regional demographics, legislation and financial constraints, dictate how digital healthcare is utilised. Anticipating the workforce effects of digital healthcare utilisation has received limited attention; the study adds to this discussion.