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Subclinical myocardial dysfunction in treatment naive papillary thyroid carcinoma patients
Abstract Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) may contribute to cardiovascular (CV) morbidity through pro-inflammatory signaling and endothelial dysfunction, yet subclinical myocardial effects remain poorly characterized. While cardiovascular morbidity in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) patients has largely been attributed to treatment-related factors such as TSH suppression, the potential contribution of the disease itself to early, subclinical cardiovascular vulnerability has not been well defined. To address this knowledge gap, we examined treatment-naïve PTC patients for evidence of subclinical cardiovascular dysfunction. This case-control study included 36 untreated PTC patients and 20 benign nodular goiter controls. Comprehensive cardiac assessment utilized transthoracic echocardiography, tissue Doppler imaging, and two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography. Serum integrin αvβ3 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels were quantified via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Central thyroid hormone sensitivity was assessed using the Thyroid Feedback Quantile-based Index (TFQI). Compared with controls, patients with PTC exhibited evidence of subclinical myocardial functional alterations. Circulating integrin αvβ3 and TNF-α levels were significantly higher in patients with PTC. Integrin αvβ3 levels were associated with impaired GLS and diastolic dysfunction, whereas TNF-α showed no direct association with echocardiographic parameters. In addition, TFQI FT4 levels were increased in PTC group and demonstrated a positive correlation with circulating integrin αvβ3 levels, as well as an association with impaired GLS. Treatment-naive, euthyroid patients with PTC exhibit early subclinical myocardial dysfunction despite preserved ejection fraction. Impairment in GLS, derived from echocardiographic assessment, is associated with circulating integrin αvβ3 and altered central thyroid hormone sensitivity, reflecting early CV alterations that warrant confirmation in longitudinal studies.
Unlocking the road to entrepreneurial success: quality drivers and digital competence in cloud computing adoption
Abstract Cloud computing has transformed small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by providing flexible, scalable, and affordable IT solutions. However, adoption decisions are influenced by issues with digital competency, trust, and service quality; therefore, it’s critical to investigate the main factors that support and hinder cloud adoption in SMEs. Based on data from 367 managers in Pakistan, this study employs a hybrid structural equation modelling (SEM) and artificial neural network (ANN) approach to examine the effects of information quality, service quality, and system quality on cloud computing adoption in SMEs. Regulatory support as a mediator, and entrepreneurial digital competency as a moderator. The findings reveal that information quality and service quality significantly impact cloud computing adoption in SMEs, while system quality has an insignificant effect, and that regulatory support mediates these connections to some extent. Furthermore, entrepreneurial digital competency has a negligible effect on system quality but moderates the effects of information quality and service quality on cloud computing adoption. Regulatory support is the most significant predictor, according to ANN data. This study enhances the literature by using a hybrid SEM-ANN approach to investigate nonlinear interactions in SMEs’ adoption of cloud computing, offering fresh perspectives on the moderating role of entrepreneurial digital competency.
Structure and diversity of abdominal exocrine glands in larvae of Leiodidae (Insecta: Coleoptera: Staphylinoidea)
Molecular fence Cu-based catalyst for CO2 hydrogenation to CO with high activity and durability
A radio-genomics biomarker for precision epidermal growth factor receptor mutation targeting therapy in non-small cell lung cancer
Abstract Newer-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have shown increasing efficacy in cancers driven by specific mutations, with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) alterations remaining the most common actionable targets in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Treatment decisions are currently guided by tissue sampling and genetic testing, which are limited by procedural risks, patient tolerance, tumour heterogeneity and mutation evolution. Because co-mutations involving EGFR and other targetable genes can diminish treatment response, identifying exclusive EGFR mutation, defined by the absence of other actionable alterations, represents a clinically favourable scenario for first-line EGFR-TKI therapy. We developed a CT-based radiomics signature, EGFR-RPV, to predict exclusive EGFR mutational status using NSCLC patients ( n = 304) from a multi-centre cohort with paired imaging and genomics data, and validated performance in an independent testing set ( n = 51), alongside transcriptomics enrichment analysis. EGFR-RPV predicted exclusive EGFR mutation with accuracies of 0.77 (95% CI 0.66–0.88) and 0.71 (95% CI 0.54–0.89) in internal and external testing, respectively, and stratified patient prognosis (hazard ratio 2.15, 95% CI 1.50–3.08). FAM190A and CBMO1 were enriched in exclusive EGFR-positive cases, consistent with their roles in cell division regulation and vitamin A biosynthesis, respectively. EGFR-RPV thus offers a non-invasive approach to identify exclusive EGFR mutations, with a potential role in guiding first-line EGFR-TKI use.
Magnon damping as a probe of Kondo coupling in magnetically ordered systems
Quantitative assessment of alkali and carbon nanotube reinforcement effects on the tensile reliability of sustainable sisal fiber bio-based epoxy composites
Abstract The present study investigates a two-stage reinforcement strategy to enhance the tensile performance and reliability of sisal fiber–reinforced bio-based epoxy composites, aligning material development with sustainability-driven design principles. In the first stage, sisal fiber mats were treated with 4 wt% and 5 wt% NaOH to improve fiber–matrix interfacial efficiency, while in the second stage, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were incorporated into the epoxy matrix at low weight fractions of 0.15, 0.25, and 0.35 wt% using a combined mechanical stirring and ultrasonication approach. Tensile testing conducted in accordance with ASTM D3039 revealed a systematic increase in ultimate tensile strength (UTS) from 71.24 MPa for untreated composites to 103.32 MPa for 5 wt% NaOH-treated composites, corresponding to an improvement of approximately 45% due to enhanced interfacial bonding. Subsequent CNT modification further improved tensile performance, with an optimum response observed at 0.25 wt% MWCNT, achieving a maximum UTS of 129.36 MPa and an elastic modulus of 8.1 GPa. Regression-based mathematical modelling captured the near-linear strengthening behavior induced by alkali treatment and the non-linear saturation-dominated response associated with CNT addition, with model predictions remaining within experimental scatter. Statistical reliability assessment using Weibull analysis demonstrated reduced strength variability for alkali-treated and optimally CNT-modified composites. Fracture surface analysis using scanning electron microscopy revealed a clear transition from interfacial debonding and fiber pull-out to cohesive fracture, crack bridging, and crack deflection mechanisms at optimized reinforcement levels. This study quantifies the combined effect of alkali treatment and low-loading CNTs on sisal bio-epoxy tensile behavior, achieving ~ 82% strength improvement with an optimum at 0.25 wt% CNT, while enhancing stiffness and maintaining controlled variability within the tested range. By integrating renewable natural fibers, low nanofiller content, and data-driven modelling, this study contributes to sustainable materials innovation (SDG 9), responsible material utilization (SDG 12), and reduced environmental impact through lightweight composite design (SDG 13).
Native chromatome profiling reveals hundreds of metabolic enzymes in the nucleus across tissues
Vitamin E fails to prevent bisphenol S induced testicular damage in diabetic rats
Electric-field-reinforced affinitive electrolytes for highly reversible aqueous zinc metal batteries
Sustainable development of copper matrix hybrid composites using waste stainless steel chips: a physical and tribological investigation
Abstract Stainless steel is widely used in manufacturing industries, and its machining generates large quantities of metallic chips that are typically discarded as waste. In view of this, the present study aims to fabricate copper-based hybrid composites using waste stainless steel chips (WSSCs) via the stir-casting process. Four hybrid composites were produced by reinforcing the copper matrix with WSSCs, tungsten carbide (WC), and chromium (Cr). These composites were labelled HC-WSSC1, HC-WSSC2, HC-WSSC3, and HC-WSSC4, corresponding to 1, 2, 3, and 4 wt% WSSCs, respectively, while maintaining constant proportions of WC and Cr. Microstructural analysis confirmed a fair distribution of the reinforcement phases within the copper matrix. The measured density of the fabricated hybrid composites was lower than that of pure copper and decreased with increasing WSSC content. In contrast, Brinell hardness values increased progressively with higher WSSC reinforcement. Tribological performance, including friction and wear behaviour, was systematically evaluated under dry sliding conditions using a pin-on-disk tribometer. The results demonstrated that the hybrid composites possess superior wear resistance compared to the copper matrix, with further improvement observed at higher WSSC contents. Additionally, the worn surfaces were investigated using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to reveal the dominant mechanisms of wear.
The oncogenic CCDC6-RET fusion protein is a dual ATP- and ADP-dependent kinase
RASGRP4 is a key factor in the KRAS activation mediated by SOS in tumor Y1 adrenocortical cell lines
Mechanisms of PfDNMT2 inhibition and PfATP6-mediated resistance to the antimalarial candidate SC83288 in Plasmodium falciparum
Abstract The emergence of multi-drug resistant Plasmodium falciparum underscores the urgent need for new antimalarial therapies. SC83288, a chemically distinct antimalarial compound, is highly effective against P. falciparum both in vivo and in vitro, including strains resistant to artemisinin and partner drugs. Here, we show that SC83288 disrupts blood-stage development by blocking DNA replication and arresting karyokinesis. We identify the parasite’s DNA and tRNA Asp methyltransferase PfDNMT2 as a primary molecular target, linking drug action to impaired epigenetic regulation, altered S-adenosylmethionine fluxes, and compensatory transcriptional responses. Resistance to SC83288 arises through mutations in the parasite’s SERCA-type Ca²⁺ ATPase PfATP6, which enable transport of the compound into the endoplasmic reticulum, away from its nuclear targets. This resistance mechanism carries a substantial fitness cost, limiting its potential for spread. Together, target validation, a unique resistance profile, and high fitness cost strengthen SC83288’s potential as a promising clinical development candidate for malaria treatment.
Mitigating obstructions to attain successful application and implementation of building information modeling (BIM) in residential construction projects’ lifecycle
Long-range magnetic order with disordered spin orientations in a high-entropy antiferromagnet
Morphological, structural and physical characterization of commercially available low voltage ZnO-based varistors
Bipartite entanglement in a nuclear spin register mediated by a quasi-free electron spin
Abstract Quantum networks will rely on photons entangled to robust, local quantum registers for computation and error correction. We demonstrate control of and entanglement in a fully connected three-qubit 13 C nuclear spin register in diamond. The register is coupled to a quasi-free electron spin-1/2 of a silicon-vacancy center (SiV). High strain decouples the SiVs electron spin from spin-orbit interaction reducing the susceptibility to phonons at liquid helium temperature. As a result, the electron spin lifetime of hundreds of milli seconds enables sensing of nuclear-nuclear couplings down to few hertz. To detect and control the register we leverage continuous decoupling using shaped, low-power microwave and direct radio frequency driving. Furthermore, we implement a nuclear spin conditional phase-gate on the electron spin to mediate bipartite entanglement. This approach presents an alternative to dynamically decoupled nuclear spin entanglement, not limited by the electron spin-1/2’s nature, opening up new avenues to an optically-accessible, solid-state quantum register.