bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A retrospective analysis to compare the dosimetric parameters of two rectum-sparing techniques during intracavitary brachytherapy with tandem-ring applicators for cervical cancer
Authors: Vats Siddharth , Thakur Shabnum , Gupta Manish , Kumar Vineet , Chandrakant Lalit , Negi Muninder , Sharma Parul , Fotedar Vikas , Thakur Purnima , Tuli Deepak , Vias Poorva , Sharma Jyoti , Negi Anup , Kaushal Shilpa , Upadhyay Mrinalini , Negi Naina , Sharma Ajay , Azad Anjali , Parihar Neeraj , Verma Divyajyoti 
Published: December 2024

AbstractPurposeTo compare the standard International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements-38 (ICRU-38) rectum and bladder point doses with a modified technique of combining radio-opaque vaginal packing (VP) and rectal retractor (RR) versus the conventional technique of using RR alone for rectum separation during high-dose-rate (HDR)-intracavitary brachytherapy (ICB) with tandem-ring (TR) applicators.MethodsBetween January 2021 and August 2022, 41 cancer patients received at least one ICB session with the conventional and at least one with the modified technique using the same applicator set and loading pattern. The remaining ICB sessions, were done using that technique, which gave the best dosimetric parameters during previous sessions in that particular patient.ResultsOut of total 111 ICB sessions with TR applicators, 44 constitute conventional group and 67 modified group. For the same dose (100%) prescribed to point A in both groups, the mean dose to the ICRU rectal point was 44.1% of the prescription dose (range:23.8-77.8%, median 42.5%) in modified group and 55.5% (range: 36.4-73.1%, median 56.5%) in the conventional group. There was 11.4% reduction in mean dose to the ICRU rectal point (p<0.001). The mean dose to the ICRU bladder point was 55.5% of the prescription dose (range, 14.8-127.2%; median 55.5%) in the modified group and 49.8% (range 11.6-95.6%; median 51.5%) in the conventional group. There was 5.7% increase in the mean dose to the ICRU bladder point (p=0.21). The other point doses and volume parameters were similar between groups.ConclusionModified technique of combining rectal retractor with customised radio-opaque vaginal packing, significantly reduced the ICRU rectal point dose, compared to using a rectal retractor alone during brachytherapy with tandem-ring applicators.
Structure of a zoonotic H5N1 hemagglutinin reveals a receptor-binding site occupied by an auto-glycan
Authors: Morano Nicholas C. , Guo Yicheng , Becker Jordan E. , Li Zhiteng , Yu Jian , Ho David D. , Shapiro Lawrence , Kwong Peter D. 
Published: December 2024

SummaryHighly pathogenic avian influenza has spilled into many mammals, most notably U.S. dairy cows with several dozen human breakthrough infections. Zoonotic crossovers, with hemagglutinins mutated to enhance viral ability to use human α2-6-linked sialic acid receptors versus avian α2-3-linked ones, highlight the pandemic risk. To gain insight into these crossovers, we determined the cryo-EM structure of hemagglutinin from the zoonotic H5N1 A/Texas/37/2024 strain (clade 2.3.4.4b) in complex with a previously reported neutralizing antibody. Surprisingly, we found that the receptor-binding site of this H5N1 hemagglutinin was already occupied by an α2-3-linked sialic acid and that this glycan emanated from asparagine N169 of a neighboring protomer on hemagglutinin itself. This structure thus highlights recognition by influenza hemagglutinin of an “auto”-α2-3-linked sialic acid from N169, anN-linked glycan conserved in 95% of H5 strains, and adds “auto-glycan recognition” to the complexities surrounding H5N1 zoonosis.HighlightsWe report the structure of hemagglutinin from the zoonotic H5N1 strain A/Texas/37/2024 from clade 2.3.4.4b responsible for the current H5N1 outbreakStructural analysis revealed that each receptor-binding site of H5N1 A/Texas/37/2024 HA is bound to an “auto” sialic acid originating from glycan N169 on an adjacent protomerThis structure provides new aspects of receptor binding for a highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza, and raises questions about the impact of auto-binding sialic acid, especially with respect to zoonosis
Age-related remodeling of the glycocalyx drives T cell exhaustion
Authors: Zhang Hanlin , Tsui C Kimberly , Castillo Jesse Garcia , Evangelista Audrey , Kim Esther Jeong Yoon , Joe Larry K , Twells Nicholas , Robey Ellen A , Mahal Lara K , DuPage Michel , Dillin Andrew 
Published: December 2024

AbstractCell surface glycans, termed the glycocalyx, are essential regulators of cellular signaling and thus cellular development and functions, but how aging impacts the glycocalyx remains poorly understood. Here, using immune cells as a model system for studying the relationship between aging and glycocalyx remodeling, we show that α2,6-linked sialic acid – a terminal glycan epitope typically associated with inhibitory signaling – becomes downregulated in T cells from older animals. This downregulation is tightly correlated with age-associated accumulation of effector T cells, which are decorated with little to no α2,6-linked sialic acids. T cell aging renders older individuals more vulnerable to infections and cancers. To understand the role of α2,6-linked sialic acids in T cell physiology, we generated a mouse model with T cell-specific deletion of the sialyltransferase geneSt6gal1. The chronic depletion of α2,6-linked sialic acids led to naïve T (TN) cells expansion in the periphery and premature T cell exhaustion. As a result, these mice were less able to control acuteListeriainfection and chronic tumor growth. Blockade of the PD-1 pathway can partially restore the ability ofSt6gal1-deficient T cells to control tumor growth. Together, these data suggest that α2,6-linked sialic acids are critical for maintaining long-term T cell responsiveness, and the loss of α2,6-linked sialic acids may directly contribute to age-related T cell exhaustion.
HIV-1 Rev Protein Forms a Zinc-Linked Dimer
Authors: Khan Raza S. , Fox Robert O. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTHIV-1 Rev protein is a small, basic protein of 116 amino acids that assembles reversibly in the presence and absence of its cognate RRE containing RNAs bothin vivoandin vitro. The biologically active form of Rev is unclear since studies have shown monomer, dimer, tetramer and higher-order oligomer interactions with various RRE-RNAs. Whilst assembly is essential for its regulatory role in the viral life cycle, it has been a barrier to high resolution structural studies of the whole protein and its complexes. The N-terminal half of Rev has been shown to contain a helix loop helix motif with residues involved both in assembly and RNA binding. The C-terminal half is predicted to contain little secondary structure based on UV-CD spectral analyses, and to contain the leucine rich activation domain (residues 73-83). Early studies had shown the essential part of the C-terminal extends to residue 93 and is required for increased structural stability of the protein and its complexes with RRE-RNAs, and to facilitate the formation of Rev dimers (4, 19). The strong conservation of cysteines at positions 85 and 89, and the less well-conserved histidine residues at 53 or 82 led us to examine Rev-metal interactions. Here we show that Rev binds Zn2+with a stoichiometry of one equivalent per Rev dimer. Optical spectroscopy of Rev Co2+complexes revealed that the metal site is composed of four cysteine residues with a tetrahedral coordination geometry. We propose that HIV-1 Rev protein is biologically active as a Zn2+Cys4-linked dimer.
Effect of background therapy with Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and other anti-inflammatory agents on COVID-19 outcomes
Authors: Miele Lucio , Chu San , Hillegass William , Jurkovitz Claudine , Beasley William , Chen David , Anzalone A Jerrod , Fort Daniel , Kirwan John , Melancon Brian , Hodder Sally , Horswell Ronald 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundInflammation plays a complex, incompletely understood role in the pathogenesis of acute COVID-19 and Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC or “Long COVID”). Systemic acute inflammation resulting in cytokine storm, hypercoagulability and endothelial damage is thought to be a central mechanism for severe morbidity and mortality in acute COVID-19. Anti-inflammatory medications taken routinely for chronic conditions prior to contracting COVID-19 (“background medications”) may modulate acute COVID-19 outcomes.MethodsUsing data from the National COVID Cohort Collaborative (N3C) enclave, we estimated effects of six classes of background medications on acute COVID outcomes. Medication classes included aspirin, celecoxib, other NSAIDS, steroids, immune suppressants, and antidepressants. Acute COVID outcomes included probability of hospital admission, inpatient mortality, and mortality among diagnosed COVID patients. Each medication class was compared to benzodiazepines (excluding midazolam) which served as a comparator/control. Only adult COVID patients with pre-existing osteoarthritis and without any diagnosed autoimmune disease were included in the analyses. Random effects logistic regression models were used to adjust for covariates and data contributing organization. Medication effects also were estimated for COVID-negative cases.ResultsNon-aspirin NSAIDS were associated with lower mortality among diagnosed COVID-19 patients: adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR)=0.32 (p=.032) for celecoxib; aOR=0.51 (p<.001) for NSAIDS other than aspirin and celecoxib. For inpatient mortality: aOR=0.34 (p=.060) for celecoxib and aOR=0.74 (p=.200) for other non-aspirin NSAIDS. Similar effects were observed for COVID-negative cases, including for inpatient mortality: aOR=0.21 (p<.001) for celecoxib and aOR=0.34 (p<.001) for other non-aspirin NSAIDS. Secondary analyses examined alternative explanations for results.DiscussionProtective effects were observed for non-aspirin NSAIDS, especially celecoxib. However, those estimated effects implicitly assume the medication classes did not differ on the probability a true COVID-19 case was diagnosed. The similarity of COVID-positive and COVID-negative results suggest possible missing covariates. However, such similarity plausibly could stem from a medication having both “direct” and “indirect” effects on COVID outcomes. Adjudicating among the alternative interpretations would require data beyond those available. However, the effects observed for non-aspirin NSAIDS, while possibly biased, rationalize further investigation using study designs constructed to overcome the limitations of existing datasets.
Mentoring Matters: Evaluating The Black Physicians of Canada Mentorship Program
Authors: Obetta Chikaodili , Menezes Anjali , Chandran Nivetha , Egbedeyi Onaope , Taghavi Maryam , Tunde-Byass Modupe , Yu Catherine , Kalocsai Csilla , Najeeb Umberin , Swaleh Rukia , Norris Mireille 
Published: December 2024

AbstractPurposeBlack individuals face significant barriers in medicine, contributing to their underrepresentation as physicians and emphasizing the need for systemic change. From admissions processes to program design, medical schools often uphold outdated racial practices that disadvantage Black learners. Increased representation in medical schools benefits learners and improves care for diverse patient populations. Mentorship has proven essential in fostering success in higher education and can mitigate barriers to career progression. However, many Black learners face barriers to accessing quality mentorship despite its proven benefits in fostering equitable opportunities and career progression. The Scarborough Charter outlined 58 Canadian institutions committed to advancing Black inclusion in higher education through mentorship and accountability measures. In alignment with this goal, the Black Physicians of Canada (BPC) launched a racially concordant mentorship program. This study aimed to explore participants’ experiences and provide recommendations for future program iterations.MethodsThis study employed a convergent triangulation mixed methods design. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected. The Yukawa Mentorship Evaluation Tool was used to measure program effectiveness. Descriptive analyses were conducted by a member of the research team. Data was coded by two members of the research team and findings were audited for consistency.ResultsA total of 51 participants (27 mentors, 24 mentees) completed the survey, and 13 (7 mentors, 6 mentees) participated in semi-structured interviews. Five themes emerged: Mentorship Characteristics, Program Administration, Perceived Program Benefits, Barriers to Mentorship, and Recommendations for Improvement.ConclusionThe BPC mentorship program represents a historic step toward addressing unmet needs of Black medical residents in Canada. Participants expressed high satisfaction and highlighted areas for improvement. Racially concordant mentorship was seen as particularly valuable in addressing unique challenges faced by Black learners. The findings from this study provide critical insights into best practices for future mentorship programs, advancing diversity and equity in medicine while supporting Black learners’ success.
Study protocol for integrated service delivery to improve adolescent health and HPV vaccination in Lao PDR: A quasi-experimental mixed-methods study
Authors: Lynn Thet , Sychareun Vanphanom , Chaleunvong Kongmany , Vongxay Viengnakhone , Thongmyxay Suksamone , Phommavong Chandavieng , Taikeophithoun Chansathith , Keokenchanh Sengtavanh , Kooij Josien Van Der , Wang Bangyuan 
Published: December 2024

1.AbstractBackgroundThe Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) faces the challenge of high cervical cancer incidence and low HPV vaccine coverage, alongside broader adolescent health concerns like high adolescent pregnancy rates and inadequate Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) literacy. The integration of HPV vaccination with adolescent health services aims to address these issues comprehensively, increasing vaccine uptake and improving overall adolescent health outcomes.MethodsThis study will employ a quasi-experimental design with mixed methods to assess the impact of integrating HPV vaccination with adolescent health services in two districts of Louangnamtha province in Laos. The study population includes girls aged 10-13 years for HPV vaccination and boys and girls aged 10-13 years for other adolescent health services. The intervention district will receive an integrated service package comprising HPV vaccination and adolescent health services delivered through school-based, facility-based, and outreach approaches. The comparison district will continue with its standard HPV vaccination and routine adolescent health service delivery. The intervention will be for 7 months from 2024 November to 2025 May. Quantitative data on HPV vaccine uptake, SRH knowledge and attitudes, and utilization of adolescent health services will be collected at baseline, midline, and endline. Qualitative data on barriers and facilitators to implementation, provider workload and capacity, and stakeholder perceptions will be collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions at endline.ResultsThe study outcome is the evidence on the impact of integration on change in HPV vaccine uptake, change in SRHR knowledge and attitude, utilization of adolescent health services, healthcare providers’ workload and capacity, and stakeholders’ opinions regarding the integrated intervention.RecommendationsThe study’s findings will inform policies and practices in Lao PDR.Study Registrations1)ClinicalTrials.govIDNCT06650956,2)OSF Pre-registration:https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/MGEQ7
Repetition of rhythmic patterns fosters neural representation of musical meter
Authors: Coulon Emmanuel , Baum Sacha , Lenc Tomas , Polak Rainer , Nozaradan Sylvie 
Published: December 2024

AbstractMusic often entails perception of periodic pulses (hereafter meter) which serve as an internal temporal reference to coordinate movements to music. Crucially, meter perception arises even when the musical rhythm only weakly cues meter periodicities (i.e., syncopated rhythms). However, syncopated rhythms are often looped in music, suggesting that repetition of rhythmic patterns may facilitate meter perception by providing periodic cues at a slower, supra-second timescale. Here, we tested this hypothesis by recording separately electroencephalographic (EEG) and behavioral responses (finger tapping) while participants listened to different syncopated rhythmic sequences. These sequences either consisted of a repeated pattern (repetition of 4.8 and 9.6-s patterns) or were generated without repetition. EEG responses showed overall periodization of the rhythmic input, at periodicities corresponding to those expressed as the meter in behavioral responses, and in contrast with the weak cues to these periodicities in the rhythmic inputs. Most importantly, pattern repetition strengthened this neural representation of the meter, demonstrating that supra-second periodicities in the rhythmic input further enhance sub-second periodicities in neural activity. These findings thus highlight the multiscale nature of temporal processes at stake in processing musical rhythm, and, more generally, complex rhythmic inputs involved in interpersonal interaction and communication.
Partitioning the genomic journey to becomingHomo sapiens
Authors: Pagani Luca , Bertazzon Riccardo , Pankratov Vasili , Vallini Leonardo , Marnetto Davide , Esposito Maurizio , Granata Ilaria , Teo En En , Loganathan Aswini Leela , Hallast Pille , Lee Charles , Ayub Qasim , Mezzavilla Massimo 
Published: December 2024

AbstractWhat makes us human?Homo sapiensdiverged from its ancestors in fundamental ways, reflected in recent genomic acquisitions like the PAR2-Y chromosome translocation. Here we show that despite morphological and cultural differences between modern and archaic humans, these human groups share these recent acquisitions. Our modern lineage shows recent functional variants in only 56 genes, of which 24 are linked to brain functions and skull morphology. Nevertheless, these acquisitions failed to introgress into Neanderthals when archaic and modern populations admixed after 350 kya, suggesting their exclusive link to the modern human niche or that Neanderthal’s small population size hindered their spread. Taken together, our results point to a scenario where Modern and Archaic should be regarded as populations of an otherwise common human species, which independently accumulated mutations and cultural innovations.
Lattice QCD calculation of
x
-dependent meson distribution amplitudes at physical pion mass with threshold logarithm resummation
Authors: Cloët Ian , Gao Xiang , Mukherjee Swagato , Syritsyn Sergey , Karthik Nikhil , Petreczky Peter , Zhang Rui , Zhao Yong 
Published: December 2024

We present a lattice quantum chromodynamics (QCD) calculation of the x-dependent pion and kaon distribution amplitudes (DA) in the framework of large momentum effective theory. This calculation is performed on a fine lattice of a=0.076  fm at physical pion mass, with the pion boosted to 1.8 GeV and kaon boosted to 2.3 GeV. We renormalize the matrix elements in the hybrid scheme and match to MS¯ with a subtraction of the leading renormalon in the Wilson-line mass. The perturbative matching is improved by resumming the large logarithms related to the small quark and gluon momenta in the soft-gluon limit. After resummation, we demonstrate that we are able to calculate a range of x∈[x0,1−x0] with x0=0.25 for pion and x0=0.2 for kaon with theoretical systematic errors under control. The kaon DA is shown to be slighted skewed, and narrower than pion DA. Although the x-dependence cannot be direct calculated beyond these ranges, we estimate higher moments of the pion and kaon DAs by complementing our calculation with short-distance factorization.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Effects of market pressure on organisational innovation performance: mediating roles of commitment to innovate, resource to innovate and manager innovation capability
Authors: Ouedraogo Noufou , Wei William X. , Muhammad Ali , Ouakouak Mohammed Laid 
Published: December 2024

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to investigate the effects of market pressure on organisational innovation performance through commitment and resource to innovate and manager innovation capability.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative study was conducted with 273 participants working in different organisations. These participants were drawn from the LinkedIn network of one of the researchers. The data were collected using a survey questionnaire uploaded onto www.surveymonkey.com. The data were analysed using SPSS and AMOS, and structural equation modelling techniques were used to test the hypotheses.FindingsWe found that market pressure has a positive effect on both commitment to innovate and resource to innovate. In turn, both commitment to innovate and resource to innovate influence manager innovation capability. We also found that manager innovation capability positively affects organisational innovation performance. Furthermore, manager innovation capability is a mediator in the relationship between commitment to innovate and organisational innovation performance as well as in the relationship between resource to innovate and organisational innovation performance. Finally, the relationship between manager innovation capability and organisational innovation performance is moderated by both extrinsic and intrinsic motivations to innovate.Practical implicationsOur study provides empirical evidence of the roles of commitment to innovate, resource to innovate and manager innovation capability in enhancing the innovation performance of organisations. Therefore, organisations should show their commitment to innovate, provide resources to innovate, develop managers’ capabilities to innovate and use a mix of intrinsic and extrinsic motivators to boost their innovation performance.Originality/valueThis study offers new insights into the dynamics of how market pressure leads to innovation within organisations.