bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Cell Culture Scratch Assay Platform Generates Reproducible Gaps for Quantitative Cell Movement-Based Studies
Authors: Wolpert Nicholas , Gollahon Lauren
Published: March 2024

Scratch assays are routinely performed for multiple research applications in cell biology (i.e., migration, metastasis, repair mechanisms, etc.). Conventional scratches are usually generated with pipette tips. User inconsistencies and varying pipette tips are major obstacles to reproducibility and quantitative power. Here, we present a novel, scratch/gap generating, cell culture plate-based, platform that addresses these issues, providing consistency and reproducibility across multiple users, significantly reducing variability, and increasing quantitative outcomes.
Bacterial strain nomenclature in the genomic era: Life Identification Numbers using a gene-by-gene approach
Authors: Palma Federica , Hennart Melanie , Jolley Keith A. , Crestani Chiara , Wyres Kelly L. , Bridel Sebastien , Yeats Corin A. , Brancotte Bryan , Raffestin Brice , David Sophia , Lam Margaret M. C. , Izdebski Radosław , Passet Virginie , Rodrigues Carla , Rethoret-Pasty Martin , Maiden Martin C. J. , Aanensen David M. , Holt Kathryn E. , Criscuolo Alexis , Brisse Sylvain
Published: March 2024

Unified strain taxonomies are crucial for fostering international communication in microbiological research and for the epidemiological surveillance of bacterial pathogens. While multilocus sequence typing (MLST) has served as a foundation of strain taxonomy for two decades, whole genome sequencing enables more precise classifications and significantly improves discriminatory resolution. The core genome-wide extension of MLST (known as cgMLST) thus holds great promise for strain genotyping and classification, but its implementation faces challenges that include missing data, potential instability of cluster-based nomenclatures, and the necessity to ensure backwards compatibility with MLST identifiers. Life Identification Number (LIN) codes offer a solution by providing multi-level classification groups that are inherently stable. Here, we present, consolidate, and extend the cgMLST-based LIN code approach. We first develop a nicknaming system for LIN code prefixes, which enables flexible human-readable strain nomenclatures. UsingKlebsiella pneumoniae(Kp) as an example, LIN code nicknames were attributed by inheritance from MLST identifiers, thus perpetuating the legacy of MLST nomenclatures in the genomic era. We show that while 7-gene MLST sometimes conflates unrelated sublineages into the same ST, cgMLST-based LIN codes are highly concordant with phylogenetic relationships. We implement this novel LIN code-based nomenclature in the BIGSdb platform, and illustrate, with Pathogenwatch, how it can also be used in other genomic epidemiology platforms. Finally, we demonstrate the value of LIN codes for tracking the strain diversity within high-risk internationally disseminated clonal groups of Kp and protracted outbreaks. Given its stability, precision, and flexibility, we recommend the adoption of the cgMLST-based LIN code taxonomic approach for Kp and suggest that this approach is widely applicable to other bacterial pathogens.
Fresh look at the LHC limits on scalar leptoquarks
Authors: Bhaskar Arvind , Das Arijit , Mandal Tanumoy , Mitra Subhadip , Sharma Rachit
Published: March 2024

The scalar-leptoquark (sLQ) parameter space is well explored experimentally. The direct pair production searches at the LHC have excluded light sLQs almost model agnostically, and the high-pT dilepton tail data have put strong bounds on the leptoquark-quark-lepton Yukawa couplings for a wide range of sLQ masses. However, these do not show the complete picture. Previously, Mandal [Single productions of colored particles at the LHC: An example with scalar leptoquarks, ] showed how the dilepton-dijet data from the pair production searches could give strong limits on these couplings. This was possible by including the single-production contribution to the dilepton-dijet signal. In this paper, we take a fresh look at the LHC limits on all sLQs by following the same principle and combine all significant contributions—from pair and single productions, t-channel sLQ exchange and its interference with the Standard Model background—to the μμjj final state and recast the limits. We notice that the sLQ exchange and its interference with the background processes play significant roles in the limits. The μμjj-recast limits are comparable to or, in some cases, significantly better than the currently known limits (from high-pT dilepton data and direct searches), i.e., the LHC data rules out more parameter space than what is considered in the current literature. For the first time, we also show how including the QED processes can noticeably improve the sLQ mass exclusion limits from the QCD-only limits.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Investigating introductory and advanced students’ difficulties with change in internal energy, work, and heat transfer using a validated instrument
Authors: Brundage Mary Jane , Meltzer David E. , Singh Chandralekha
Published: March 2024

We use the Survey of Thermodynamic Processes and First and Second Laws-Long, a research-based survey instrument with 78 items at the level of introductory physics, to investigate introductory and advanced students’ difficulties with internal energy, work, and heat transfer. We present analysis of data from 12 different introductory and advanced physics classes at four different higher education public institutions in the U.S. in which the survey was administered in person to more than 1000 students. We find that not only introductory but also advanced physics students have many common difficulties with these introductory thermodynamic concepts after traditional lecture-based instruction in relevant concepts. We utilize a wide variety of problem types and contexts and our sample includes large numbers of introductory algebra-based, calculus-based, and advanced students. Some of our findings are consistent with prior research in this area, but others expand upon them and reveal previously unreported aspects of students’ thinking. Findings related to common difficulties of students before and after traditional lecture-based instruction in college physics courses can help instructors of these courses plan instruction and curricula to improve student understanding. These findings can also be valuable for developing effective research-based curricula and pedagogies to address student difficulties and help students develop a functional understanding of these fundamental thermodynamic concepts.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Quantum dots on the InAs(110) cleavage surface created by atom manipulation
Authors: Pham Van Dong , Pan Yi , Erwin Steven C. , Fölsch Stefan
Published: March 2024

Cryogenic scanning tunneling microscopy was employed in combination with density-functional theory calculations to explore quantum dots made of In adatoms on the InAs(110) surface. Each adatom adsorbs at a surface site coordinated by one cation and two anions, and transfers one electron to the substrate, creating an attractive quantum well for electrons at the surface. We used the scanning-probe tip to assemble the positively charged adatoms into precisely defined quantum dots exhibiting a bound state roughly 0.1 eV below the Fermi level at an intrinsic linewidth of only ∼4 meV, as revealed by scanning tunneling spectroscopy. For quantum-dot dimers, we observed the emergence of a bonding and an antibonding state with even and odd wave-function character, respectively, demonstrating the capability to engineer quasimolecular electronic states. InAs(110) constitutes a promising platform in this respect because highly perfect surfaces can be readily prepared by cleavage and charged adatoms can be generated by the scanning-probe tip.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Spatiotemporal control of high-intensity laser pulses with a plasma lens
Authors: Li D. , Miller K. G. , Pierce J. R. , Mori W. B. , Thomas A. G. R. , Palastro J. P.
Published: March 2024

Spatiotemporal control encompasses a variety of techniques for producing laser pulses with dynamic intensity peaks that move independently of the group velocity. This controlled motion of the intensity peak offers a new approach to optimizing laser-based applications and enhancing signatures of fundamental phenomena. Here, we demonstrate spatiotemporal control with a plasma optic. A chirped laser pulse focused by a plasma lens exhibits a moving focal point, or “flying focus,” that can travel at an arbitrary, predetermined velocity. Unlike currently used conventional or adaptive optics, a plasma lens can be located close to the interaction region and can operate at an orders of magnitude higher, near-relativistic intensity.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Evidence for unfolded Fermi surfaces in the charge-density-wave state of kagome metal FeGe revealed by de Haas–van Alphen effect
Authors: Tang Kaixin , Zhou Hanjing , Li Houpu , Pan Senyang , Wu Xueliang , Li Hongyu , Zhang Nan , Xi Chuanying , Zhang Jinglei , Wang Aifeng , Wan Xiangang , Xiang Ziji , Chen Xianhui
Published: March 2024

The antiferromagnetic kagome lattice compound FeGe has been revealed to host an emergent charge-density-wave (CDW) state which manifests complex interplay between the spin, charge, and lattice degrees of freedom. Here, we present a comprehensive study of the de Haas–van Alphen effect by measuring torque magnetometry under magnetic fields up to 45.2 T to map Fermi surfaces in this unusual CDW state. For a field along the c direction, we resolve four cyclotron orbits, with the largest one roughly corresponding to the area of the 2×2 folded Brillouin zone. Three smaller orbits are characterized by light effective cyclotron masses in the range of (0.18–0.30)me. Angle-resolved measurements identify one Fermi surface segment with weak anisotropy. Combined with band structure calculations, our results suggest that features of unfolded Fermi surfaces are robust against CDW reconstruction, corroborating the unconventional effect of a short-ranged CDW on the electronic structure.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Pursuing a Grand Theory: Douglass C. North and the early making of a New Institutional Social Science (1950-1981)
Authors: Telles Keanu
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The paper provides a detailed historical account of Douglass C. North's early intellectual contributions and analytical developments in pursuing a Grand Theory for why some countries are rich and others poor.

Design/methodology/approach

The author approaches the discussion using a theoretical and historical reconstruction based on published and unpublished materials.

Findings

The systematic, continuous and profound attempt to answer the Smithian social coordination problem shaped North's journey from being a young serious Marxist to becoming one of the founders of New Institutional Economics. In the process, he was converted in the early 1950s into a rigid neoclassical economist, being one of the leaders in promoting New Economic History. The success of the cliometric revolution exposed the frailties of the movement itself, namely, the limitations of neoclassical economic theory to explain economic growth and social change. Incorporating transaction costs, the institutional framework in which property rights and contracts are measured, defined and enforced assumes a prominent role in explaining economic performance.

Originality/value

In the early 1970s, North adopted a naive theory of institutions and property rights still grounded in neoclassical assumptions. Institutional and organizational analysis is modeled as a social maximizing efficient equilibrium outcome. However, the increasing tension between the neoclassical theoretical apparatus and its failure to account for contrasting political and institutional structures, diverging economic paths and social change propelled the modification of its assumptions and progressive conceptual innovation. In the later 1970s and early 1980s, North abandoned the efficiency view and gradually became more critical of the objective rationality postulate. In this intellectual movement, North's avant-garde research program contributed significantly to the creation of New Institutional Economics.
Global perspectives on operational excellence: unveiling critical failure factors and sustainable pathways
Authors: Antony Jiju , Sony Michael , Jayaraman Raja , Swarnakar Vikas , Tortorella Guilherme da Luz , Garza-Reyes Jose Arturo , Rathi Rajeev , Gutierrez Leopoldo , McDermott Olivia , Lameijer Bart Alex
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this global study is to investigate the critical failure factors (CFFs) in the deployment of operational excellence (OPEX) programs as well as the key performance indicators (KPIs) that can be used to measure OPEX failures. The study also empirically analyzes various OPEX methodologies adopted by various organizations at a global level.

Design/methodology/approach

This global study utilized an online survey to collect data. The questionnaire was sent to 800 senior managers, resulting in 249 useful responses.

Findings

The study results suggest that Six Sigma is the most widely utilized across the OPEX methodologies, followed by Lean Six Sigma and Lean. Agile manufacturing is the least utilized OPEX methodology. The top four CFFs were poor project selection and prioritization, poor leadership, a lack of proper communication and resistance to change issues.

Research limitations/implications

This study extends the current body of knowledge on OPEX by first delineating the CFFs for OPEX and identifying the differing effects of these CFFs across various organizational settings. Senior managers and OPEX professionals can use the findings to take remedial actions and improve the sustainability of OPEX initiatives in their respective organizations.

Originality/value

This study uniquely identifies critical factors leading to OPEX initiative failures, providing practical insights for industry professionals and academia and fostering a deeper understanding of potential pitfalls. The research highlights a distinctive focus on social and environmental performance metrics, urging a paradigm shift for sustained OPEX success and differentiating itself in addressing broader sustainability concerns. By recognizing the interconnectedness of 12 CFFs, the study offers a pioneering foundation for future research and the development of a comprehensive management theory on OPEX failures.
Metaverse cannot be an extra marketing immersive tool to increase sales in tourism cities
Authors: Florido-Benítez Lázaro
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the metaverse platform in a social context to better understand the future of this tool in tourism cities and how this can help to improve the well-being of residents in both digital and physical scenarios.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the current and probable developments in the metaverse, and its use in tourism cities and companies have been investigated. Moreover, this study develops, collects and examines the main metaverse definitions by expert authors and organizations as a methodology to ensure the transparency and credibility of the metaverse analysis.

Findings

Findings suggest that the fusion of the metaverse and tourism cities must create residents’ services and experiences in the new MetaTourPolis to help interact and connect citizens with the city’s institutions and companies, as well as make tourism cities more attractive, innovative, environmentally friendly and healthier places to live. Metaverse will bring new changes for residents and tourists, in fact, this virtual platform is already changing and improving the residents’ quality of life and people with disabilities in tourism cities. For instance, the metaverse platform has been implemented in Seoul, Santa Monica and Dubai MetaTourPolis to interact with their residents, including people with disabilities, to resolve bureaucratic and administrative problems, avoiding this group and the rest of the residents travelling by bus or car to the city’s institutions. In addition, several metaverse applications based on softbot tutors or metaverse virtual social centres have been developed to improve blind and impaired people, and elderly people’ quality of life, respectively.

Originality/value

A new concept called “MetaTourPolis” has been included to stage the relationship between tourism cities and the metaverse platform, where the fusion of metaverse and the new tourism polis of the 21st century will be at the service of citizens, tourists and companies, to create more sustainable, efficient, quantitative and environmental tourism cities.
Leading with compassion and passion: A case study on servant leadership at the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay
Authors: Brownlee Amy L. , Dixon Deirdre Painter , Garcia Valeria , Harris Amy V.
Published: March 2024

Research methodology

This case was written using primary data through various channels, including in-depth structured interviews with the CEO and other individuals at the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay (CCTB), as well as exchanging email messages and phone conversations with employees at CCTB. All interviews were recorded and transcribed. In addition, one of the authors took a tour of the main offices of CCTB and took notes on the physical facilities as well as the information provided by the tour guide. Public information from CCTB was used to enhance the information and provide background. All accounts presented in this case are real, and no information was altered or fabricated.

Case overview/synopsis

Clara Reynolds had been CEO of CCTB for over eight years. The agency had almost tripled its budget in the time she had been there. Her leadership style had positively impacted the culture of the organization. Employees valued her open and transparent leadership style. Employees saw her commitment to training employees, creating work–life balance and helping employees be exceptional at their jobs. There was an issue, however, with Transcare, the organization’s ambulatory service. The performance of the business was declining, and Clara wanted to update the board within 60 days at the next quarterly board meeting. She was not sure what she could do to increase engagement with Transcare’s staff, which would show the board that the staff was fully willing to do what was necessary.

Complexity academic level

This case is appropriate for teaching undergraduate or graduate-level courses in leadership, organizational behavior or principles of management. It is designed to be discussed during one class period. It will save time and improve the flow if the students read the case before class and are prepared when they arrive. Any information needed for the case discussion has been presented in the case; no further research by the students is necessary. Students should think about the role of leadership in a nonprofit. They should put themselves in the protagonist’s shoes throughout the reading of the case.
Mother–offspring conflict and body temperature regulation during gestation and lactation in a wild primate
Authors: McFarland Richard , Henzi S. Peter , Fuller Andrea , Hetem Robyn S. , Young Christopher , Barrett Louise
Published: March 2024

The physiological performance of a mother during reproduction represents a trade‐off between continued investment in her current offspring, and the mother's own survival and ability to invest in future offspring. Here, we used core body temperature (Tb) patterns to examine the degree to which maternal body temperatures support the infant during periods of gestation and lactation.

We implanted 30 wild vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) with miniature data loggers to obtain continuous measurements of core Tb during periods of typical (i.e. non‐drought periods) and limited (i.e. drought period) resource availability.

We tracked maternal Tb profiles across the gestation and lactation periods, associated with 23 births, and compared those with Tb profiles of non‐reproductive females. This allowed us to examine the flexibility in maternal body temperatures and test whether limited resource availability shifts priority away from offspring investment and towards self‐maintenance.

Vervet monkeys demonstrated the predicted pattern of gestational hypothermia and improved homeothermy in the gestation period during typical conditions, consistent with the maintenance of a thermal gradient to facilitate heat loss from the foetus. During periods of limited resource availability (i.e. drought), mothers were less homeothermic and more hyperthermic during the gestation period.

Vervet monkeys showed no evidence of lactational hyperthermia during typical conditions. During the drought, lactating mothers demonstrated hyperthermia and increased variability in body temperature, consistent with the increased metabolic demands and water requirements for milk production required to support growing infants.

Although a mother's degree of homeothermy during gestation and lactation was unrelated to her infant's chance of survival to weaning, mothers did show flexibility in the degree to which they prioritized the maintenance of a thermal environment that supports their infant's development. Together, our findings demonstrate that flexibility in a mother's investment in thermoregulation during gestation and lactation may reflect a bet‐hedging trade‐off between self‐maintenance and offspring investment.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
The impact of financial development and energy consumption on ecological footprint in economic complexity‐based EKC framework: New evidence from BRICS‐T region
Authors: Fan Lihong , Usman Muhammad , Haseeb Mohammad , Kamal Mustafa
Published: March 2024

This study investigates the impact of financial development, nonrenewable energy, renewable energy, and trade openness on the ecological footprint from 1990 to 2020 under the new hypothetical imitations of the economic complexity‐induced environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) framework in BRICS‐T economies. After verifying the potential cross‐sectional dependency, this study employed second‐generation panel data tests to estimate the consistent, unbiased, and robust results. The key results of this research discover that the influence of economic complexity increases pollution at the initial stage; however, at the second stage such as the square of economic complexity significantly reduces it, which indicates the confirmation of the EKC hypothesis in these economies. Moreover, financial development and nonrenewable energy consumption significantly increase the level of ecological footprint. In contrast, renewable energy consumption curtails the pollution level in all quantiles. The results provide insight for government and policymakers to diminish the ecological footprint in BRICS‐T economies through clean energy technologies and diversification, such as carbon storage and capture.
Emerging challenges and efficacy of polyphenols–proteins interaction in maintaining the meat safety during thermal processing
Authors: Nawaz Asad , Walayat Noman , Khalifa Ibrahim , Harlina Putri Widyanti , Irshad Sana , Qin Zuodong , Luo Xiaofang
Published: March 2024

Polyphenols are well documented against the inhibition of foodborne toxicants in meat, such as heterocyclic amines, Maillard's reaction products, and protein oxidation, by means of their radical scavenging ability, metal chelation, antioxidant properties, and ability to form protein–polyphenol complexes (PPCs). However, their thermal stability, low polarity, degree of dispersion and polymerization, reactivity, solubility, gel forming properties, low bioaccessibility index during digestion, and negative impact on sensory properties are all questionable at oil‐in‐water interface. This paper aims to review the possibility and efficacy of polyphenols against the inhibition of mutagenic and carcinogenic oxidative products in thermally processed meat. The major findings revealed that structure of polyphenols, for example, molecular size, no of substituted carbons, hydroxyl groups and their position, sufficient size to occupy reacting sites, and ability to form quinones, are the main technical points that affect their reactivity in order to form PPCs. Following a discussion of the future of polyphenols in meat‐based products, this paper offers intervention strategies, such as the combined use of food additives and hydrocolloids, processing techniques, precursors, and structure‐binding relationships, which can react synergistically with polyphenols to improve their effectiveness during intensive thermal processing. This comprehensive review serves as a valuable source for food scientists, providing insights and recommendations for the appropriate use of polyphenols in meat‐based products.
The effect of government informatization construction on corporate digital technology innovation: New evidence from China
Authors: Feng Yuan , Nie Changfei
Published: March 2024

This study explores the impact of government informatization construction on corporate digital technology innovation. It uses the integration of informatization and industrialization pilot zones in China as a quasi‐natural experiment of government informatization construction, and construct a difference‐in‐differences model. Based on a sample of Chinese A‐share corporations from 2007 to 2021, the empirical findings reveal that government informatization construction significantly promotes corporate digital technology innovation by enhancing corporate attention to digital technologies and reducing transaction costs. Furthermore, the positive impact is more pronounced in the southern regions and regions with stronger intellectual property protection and high‐tech and digital economy industries, as well as mature‐stage corporations and corporations with higher levels of digital technology innovation. These findings provide valuable insights for implementing informatization policies and facilitating corporate digital technology innovation.
Causal effect of parental reading on later development of children: Demonstrating a Bayesian approach
Authors: Shigemasu Kazuo , Kono Masanori , Ikemoto Shun , Akabayashi Hideo
Published: March 2024

This study examined the relationship between early parental treatment, specifically reading to young children and later cognitive development with a Bayesian perspective. Previous research established a positive link between parental reading to infants and their cognitive development, such as receptive vocabulary, reading comprehension and motivation to read. Using data from the Millennium Cohort Study, this study analysed individuals aged 9 months to 14 years to investigate the effects of early reading to young children on nine cognitive variables. Bayesian statistical analysis controlled for pre‐existing differences and covariates to establish a causal association between reading and cognitive development. The results indicated that reading to infants and toddlers positively impacted their cognitive development beyond reading skills. These findings demonstrate the usefulness of the Bayesian approach in determining scientific significance and underscore the importance of early literacy interventions in promoting cognitive development.
The SUB‐urothelial DUrvalumab InjEction‐1 (SUBDUE‐1) trial: first‐in‐human trial in patients with bladder cancer
Authors: Hayne Dickon , Ong Katherine , Swarbrick Nicole , McCombie Steve P. , Moe Andrew , Hawks Cynthia , Viswambaram Pravin , Conduit Ciara , Liow Elizabeth , Spalding Lisa , Lim Jayne , Ferguson Thomas , Meehan Katie , Davis Ian D. , Redfern Andrew D.
Published: March 2024

Objectives

To assess the safety of sub‐urothelial injection of durvalumab and examine the impact on tissue and circulating immune cell populations.

Patients and Methods

The patients were chemotherapy and immunotherapy naïve (bacille Calmette‐Guérin allowed) with non‐metastatic muscle‐invasive bladder cancer or non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer planned for radical cystectomy (RC). The study was a Phase Ib 3 + 3 dose‐escalation design with sub‐urothelial injection of durvalumab at three pre‐determined doses (25, 75, 150 mg) diluted in 25 mL normal saline, injected at 25 locations (25 × 1 mL injections), at least 2 weeks before RC.

Results

A total of 11 patients were recruited (10 male, one female). No significant changes were reported on American Urological Association Symptom Score or O’Leary Interstitial Cystitis Scale. In all, 14 adverse events (AEs) were reported (10 Grade 1, three Grade 2, one Grade 3), none considered immune‐related. No Grade 4 or 5 AEs were recorded. All the patients underwent RC. Tissue immune populations changed following durvalumab injection (P = 0.012), with a statistically significant increase in M2‐macrophage (CD163) when comparing the 25–150 mg dose (P = 0.021). Basal/mixed cancers showed a larger CD163 increase than luminal cancers (P = 0.033).

Conclusion

Sub‐urothelial injection of durvalumab is feasible and safe without immune‐related AEs and shows local immunological effects.
Social life results in social stress protection: a novel concept to explain individual life‐history patterns in social insects
Authors: Walton Alexander , Herman Jacob J. , Rueppell Olav
Published: March 2024

Resistance to and avoidance of stress slow aging and confer increased longevity in numerous organisms. Honey bees and other superorganismal social insects have two main advantages over solitary species to avoid or resist stress: individuals can directly help each other by resource or information transfer, and they can cooperatively control their environment. These benefits have been recognised in the context of pathogen and parasite stress as the concept of social immunity, which has been extensively studied. However, we argue that social immunity is only a special case of a general concept that we define here as social stress protection to include group‐level defences against all biotic and abiotic stressors. We reason that social stress protection may have allowed the evolution of reduced individual‐level defences and individual life‐history optimization, including the exceptional aging plasticity of many social insects. We describe major categories of stress and how a colonial lifestyle may protect social insects, particularly against temporary peaks of extreme stress. We use the honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) to illustrate how patterns of life expectancy may be explained by social stress protection and how modern beekeeping practices can disrupt social stress protection. We conclude that the broad concept of social stress protection requires rigorous empirical testing because it may have implications for our general understanding of social evolution and specifically for improving honey bee health.
Investigating the effect of polymerase inhibitors on cellular proliferation: Computational studies, cytotoxicity, CDK1 inhibitory potential, and LC‐MS/MS cancer cell entrapment assays
Authors: Farouk Faten , Ibrahim Ibrahim M. , Sherif Salma , Abdelhamed Heba Gamal , Sharaky Marwa , Al‐Karmalawy Ahmed A.
Published: March 2024

Directly acting antivirals (DAAs) are a breakthrough in the treatment of HCV. There are controversial reports on their tendency to induce hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in HCV patients. Numerous reports have concluded that the HCC is attributed to patient‐related factors while others are inclined to attribute this as a DAA side‐effect. This study aims to investigate the effect of polymerase inhibitor DAAs, especially daclatasivir (DLT) on cellular proliferation as compared to ribavirin (RBV). The interaction of DAAs with variable cell‐cycle proteins was studied in silico. The binding affinities to multiple cellular targets were investigated and the molecular dynamics were assessed. The in vitro effect of the selected candidate DLT on cancer cell proliferation was determined and the CDK1 inhibitory potential in was evaluated. Finally, the cellular entrapment of the selected candidates was assessed by an in‐house developed and validated LC‐MS/MS method. The results indicated that polymerase inhibitor antiviral agents, especially DLT, may exert an anti‐proliferative potential against variable cancer cell lines. The results showed that the effect may be achieved via potential interaction with the multiple cellular targets, including the CDK1, resulting in halting of the cellular proliferation. DLT exhibited a remarkable cell permeability in the liver cancer cell line which permits adequate interaction with the cellular targets. In conclusion, the results reveal that the polymerase inhibitor (DLT) may have an anti‐proliferative potential against liver cancer cells. These results may pose DLT as a therapeutic choice for patients suffering from HCV and are liable to HCC development.
One‐stage implant in sacral neuromodulation for faecal incontinence – short‐term outcome from a prospective study
Authors: Duelund‐Jakobsen Jakob , Buntzen Steen , Lundby Lilli , Laurberg Søren , Sørensen Michael , Rydningen Mona
Published: March 2024

Aim

Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is approved for the treatment of faecal incontinence (FI) in a two‐stage technique. With standardized implantation, approximately 90% of patients undergo successful Stage I operation and proceed to a permanent implant (Stage II). The aim of this work was to explore the feasibility of SNM as a one‐stage procedure and report the 24‐week efficacy.

Method

This study included patients diagnosed with idiopathic FI or FI due to an external anal sphincter defect ≤160° and one or more episodes of FI per week despite maximal conservative therapy. Patients were offered a one‐stage procedure if a motor response of the external anal sphincter was achieved in three or more poles with at least one at ≤1.5 mA at lead placement. Patients were followed for 24 weeks. Their evaluation included the Wexner/St Mark's Incontinence Score, Faecal Incontinence Quality of Life score (FIQoL), a visual analogue scale (VAS) for assessing patient satisfaction and a bowel habit diary.

Results

Seventy‐three patients with a median age of 60 years (interquartile range 50–69 years) completed this prospective study. Episodes of FI were significantly reduced at the 24‐week follow‐up, from 13 (8–23) at baseline to 2 (0–5) (p‐value = 0002). A ≥50% reduction in the number of FI episodes was achieved in 92% of participants. The Wexner score improved significantly from 16 (14–17) at baseline to 9 (5–13) (p‐value < 0.001), and the St Mark's score improved significantly from 18 (16–20) to 11 (7–16) (p‐value < 0.001). All domains in the FIQoL score and VAS for patient satisfaction improved significantly following the one‐stage procedure.

Conclusion

A one‐stage implantation procedure is feasible in selected patients with FI, significantly improving continence, quality of life and patient satisfaction after 24 weeks of follow‐up.
Board gender diversity, firm risk, and the intermediate mechanisms: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Maxfield Sylvia , Wang Liu
Published: March 2024

Research question

The primary focus of this meta‐analysis is to synthesize previously discordant findings on the relationship between board gender diversity (BGD) and different types of firm risk and to explore potential moderating and mediating mechanisms underlying these relationships.

Research findings

We statistically combine the results from 193 studies and find a negative association between BGD and firm risk. Further investigation indicates that different measures of risk lead to systematically different effect sizes. Our meta‐analysis structural equation modeling (MASEM) analysis reveals that BGD's impact on risk operates primarily through the monitoring rather than advising function of the board. Regarding the moderating role of national institutions, we find that several aspects of the national institutional context (e.g., investor protection, gender equality, and national culture) influence the relationship between BGD and different types of risk.

Theoretical implications

Overall, our results suggest that agency theory has more explanatory power than resource dependence theory for understanding the association between BGD and risk, and women's board representation is more likely to reduce downside risk than upside risk. Our moderating effect analysis also highlights interesting avenues for further research on the interplay of BGD and different risks in national environments with varying institutional attributes.

Practitioner/policy implications

Our meta‐analysis offers important practical implications for corporate risk management, suggesting that BGD significantly mitigates downside risks associated with poor corporate transparency without stifling board support for corporate decisions shaping future growth potential. In an era of rising board vulnerability to litigation for insufficient transparency, this study contributes evidence supporting trends toward greater gender diversity.
Direct clipping using a half‐opened reopenable clip and long hood for colonic diverticular bleeding
Authors: Miyaguchi Kazuya , Tsuzuki Yoshikazu , Imaeda Hiroyuki
Published: March 2024

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David versus Goliath: Early career researchers in an unethical publishing system
Authors: Receveur Aurore , Bonfanti Jonathan , D'Agata Stephanie , Helmstetter Andrew J. , Moore Nikki A. , Oliveira Brunno F. , Petit‐Cailleux Cathleen , Rievrs Borges Erica , Schultz Marieke , Sexton Aaron N. , Veytia Devi
Published: March 2024

The publish‐or‐perish culture in academia has catalysed the development of an unethical publishing system. This system is characterised by the proliferation of journals and publishers—unaffiliated with learned societies or universities—that maintain extremely large revenues and profit margins diverting funds away from the academic community. Early career researchers (ECRs) are particularly vulnerable to the consequences of this publishing system because of intersecting factors, including pressure to pursue high impact publications, rising publication costs and job insecurity. Moving towards a more ethical system requires that scientists advocate for structural change by making career choices that come with risks, many of which disproportionately impact ECRs. We illuminate major issues facing ECRs in Ecology and Evolution under the current publishing system, and propose a portfolio of actions to promote systemic change that can be implemented by ECRs and established researchers.
AI unveiled personalities: Profiling optimistic and pessimistic attitudes in Hindi dataset using transformer‐based models
Authors: Jain Dipika , Kumar Akshi
Published: March 2024

Both optimism and pessimism are intricately intertwined with an individual's inherent personality traits and people of all personality types can exhibit a wide range of attitudes and behaviours, including levels of optimism and pessimism. This paper undertakes a comprehensive analysis of optimistic and pessimistic tendencies present within Hindi textual data, employing transformer‐based models. The research represents a pioneering effort to define and establish an interaction between the personality and attitude chakras within the realm of human psychology. Introducing an innovative “Chakra” system to illustrate complex interrelationships within human psychology, this work aligns the Myers‐Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality traits with optimistic and pessimistic attitudes, enriching our understanding of emotional projection in text. The study employs meticulously fine‐tuned transformer models—specifically mBERT, XLM‐RoBERTa, IndicBERT, mDeBERTa and a novel stacked mDeBERTa—trained on the novel Hindi dataset ‘मनोभाव’ (pronounced as Manobhav). Remarkably, the proposed Stacked mDeBERTa model outperforms others, recording an accuracy of 0.7785 along with elevated precision, recall, and F1 score values. Notably, its ROC AUC score of 0.7226 underlines its robustness in distinguishing between positive and negative emotional attitudes. The comparative analysis highlights the superiority of the Stacked mDeBERTa model in effectively capturing emotional attitudes in Hindi text.
Challenges and opportunities of medicines for treating tendon inflammation and fibrosis: A comprehensive and mechanistic review
Authors: Najafi Zohreh , Rahmanian‐Devin Pouria , Baradaran Rahimi Vafa , Nokhodchi Ali , Askari Vahid Reza
Published: March 2024

Background

Tendinopathy refers to conditions characterized by collagen degeneration within tendon tissue, accompanied by the proliferation of capillaries and arteries, resulting in reduced mechanical function, pain, and swelling. While inflammation in tendinopathy can play a role in preventing infection, uncontrolled inflammation can hinder tissue regeneration and lead to fibrosis and impaired movement.

Objectives

The inability to regulate inflammation poses a significant limitation in tendinopathy treatment. Therefore, an ideal treatment strategy should involve modulation of the inflammatory process while promoting tissue regeneration.

Methods

The current review article was prepared by searching PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases. Several treatment approaches based on biomaterials have been developed.

Results

This review examines various treatment methods utilizing small molecules, biological compounds, herbal medicine‐inspired approaches, immunotherapy, gene therapy, cell‐based therapy, tissue engineering, nanotechnology, and phototherapy.

Conclusion

These treatments work through mechanisms of action involving signaling pathways such as transforming growth factor‐beta (TGF‐β), mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and nuclear factor kappa‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cells (NF‐κB), all of which contribute to the repair of injured tendons.
Long‐term sorbitol consumption affects the hippocampus and alters cognitive function in aged mice
Authors: Yokoi Haruna , Wang Jingshu , Ikuyo Yoriko , Yamada Mitsuyoshi , Shikama Yosuke , Furukawa Masae , Matsushita Kenji
Published: March 2024

The systemic effects of the artificial sweetener sorbitol on older adult individuals have not been elucidated. We assessed the effects of sorbitol consumption on cognitive and gingival health in a mouse model. Aged mice were fed 5% sorbitol for 3 months before their behavior was assessed, and brain and gingival tissues were collected. Long‐term sorbitol consumption inhibited gingival tissue aging in aged mice. However, it caused cognitive decline and decreased brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus. Sorbitol consumption did not affect homeostatic function; however, it may exert effects within the brain, particularly in the hippocampus.
Benefits of physical activity self‐monitoring in patients with haemophilia: a prospective study with one‐year follow‐up
Authors: Pérez‐Alenda Sofía , Carrasco Juan J. , Querol‐Fuentes Felipe , Megías‐Vericat Juan Eduardo , Querol‐Giner Felipe , Luz Sánchez‐Sánchez María , Bonanad Santiago , Núñez‐Cortés Rodrigo
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Activity wristbands have been shown to be effective in relation to self‐monitoring activity levels and increasing exercise adherence. However, previous reports have been based on short‐term follow‐ups in people with haemophilia (PWH).

Aim

(1) To evaluate compliance with physical activity (PA) recommendations in PWH during a 1‐year follow‐up period using activity wristbands to record daily steps and intensity; (2) To determine the effect of PA self‐monitoring on clinical outcomes.

Methods

A prospective observational study was conducted in 27 adults with severe haemophilia undergoing prophylactic treatment. The Fitbit Charge HR was used to track daily PA for an entire year. The participants were encouraged to try to reach a goal of 10,000 steps/day and to track their progress. The pre‐ and post‐evaluation included quality of life (A36 Hemophilia‐QoL Questionnaire), joint health (Haemophilia Joint Health Score), functionality (Timed Up and Go test), and muscle strength.

Results

A total of 323.63 (95%CI: 194–364) valid days (i.e., > 2000 steps) were recorded. The annual average number of steps per day taken by participants was 10,379. Sixteen (59%) PWH reached 10,000 steps/day at baseline and 17 (63%) at 1 year follow‐up, with no significant differences (x2 = .33; p = .56). A statistically significant improvement was observed in daily moderate activity time (p = .012) and in the ‘physical health’ quality of life subscale (mean difference: 2.15 points; 95%CI: .64‐3.65; p = .007).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that patients with severe haemophilia who self‐managed their PA can improve their long‐term quality of life in the domain of physical health and also the daily time spent in moderate‐intensity PA.
Facilitating knowledge transfer to policy makers and front‐line workers during a pandemic: Implementation, impact and lessons learned
Authors: Pearce‐Smith Nicola , Farrow Emma , Robinson James , Mahon Blathnaid , McGillycuddy Cat , Savage Kester
Published: March 2024

Background

Stakeholders working on the COVID‐19 pandemic response needed access to evidence, requiring a systematic approach to identify and disseminate relevant research.

Objectives

Outline the stages of development of a COVID‐19 Literature Digest; demonstrate the impact the Digest had on decision‐making and knowledge gain; identify the lessons learned.

Methods

A standardised process was developed to identify and select papers. The main sources for content were PubMed, bioRxiv and medRxiv. A shared EndNote library was used to deduplicate and organise papers. Three user surveys obtained feedback from subscribers to determine if the Digest remained valuable, and explore the benefits to individuals.

Results

40–60 papers were summarised each week. 211 Digests were produced from March 2020 to March 2022, with around 10,000 papers included altogether. Survey results suggest benefits of the Digest were gaining new knowledge, saving time and contributing to evidence‐based decision making.

Discussion

Digest procedures constantly evolved and were adapted in response to survey feedback. Lessons identified: learn from failure, communication is key, measure your impact, work collaboratively, reflect and be flexible.

Conclusion

The Digest was successfully produced within the limits of available resource. The learning from this Digest will inform evidence monitoring, selection and dissemination for future health crises.