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Empowering oncologists: a practical approach to overcoming barriers to clinical trial enrolment

The Escherichia coli RelB antitoxin C terminus is essential for RelE toxin suppression and transcriptional repression

Cadmium-induced impairment in growth, photosynthetic apparatus and redox regulation in green amaranth (Amaranthus viridis L.) plant attenuated by salicylic acid and methyl jasmonate

The hazardous Cadmium (Cd) contamination in vegetables from anthropogenic Cd-abundant agroecosystems is a decisive threat to plants and human health. This study examined the prospective roles of salicylic acid (SA) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) in alleviating Cd-induced toxic effects in green amaranth plants. The seeds of green amaranth (cv. Ghretokanchan) plant were primed with SA (100 and 250 µM) and MeJA (2.5 and 5 µM) and 21-d-old seedlings were set in six conditions under a hydroponic system: (i) Control, (ii) Cd (10 µM CdCl2·H2O), (iii) Cd with 100 µM SA, (iv) Cd with 250 µM SA, (v) Cd with 2.5 µM MeJA, and (vi) Cd with 5.0 µM MeJA. The experiment was set in a completely randomized design having three replications. Cd exposure for three weeks markedly impaired plant growth, pigment contents, leaf gas exchange, and photosystem-II efficiency; increased malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels indicating induced oxidative stress; and enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase, guaiacol peroxidase and catalase enzymes. However, seed priming and supplementation of SA and MeJA significantly remediated these Cd-mediated adverse effects. Compared to Cd-alone treatment, 100 and 5 µM of SA and MeJA considerably improved total dry weight by 45% and 94%, respectively whereas leaf MDA and H2O2 levels were substantially reduced by 100 µM SA (37% and 14%) and 5 µM MeJA (35% and 21%). An extensive activity of antioxidants and considerable reduction in Cd uptake and translocation from medium-root-shoot was apparent due to the supplementation of SA and MeJA. The study effectively optimized the levels of SA and MeJA for the improvement of Cd tolerance based on metal uptake, morpho-physiology, and redox regulation, and concludes that either 100 µM SA or 5 µM MeJA could be used for the alleviation of Cd-toxicity in green amaranth plants in Cd-contaminated soils through further field trials.

Daratumumab and missed sequencing opportunities in transplant-ineligible multiple myeloma: lessons for future trials

Engineered bacteriophytochrome heterodimers for research and applications

Identification of the Francisella novicida FTN_0096 as a factor involved in intracellular replication and host response

Francisella tularensis is the causative agent of the zoonotic disease tularemia. We investigated a pathogenic factor of F. tularensis subsp. novicida (F. novicida). Accordingly, we established a novel infection model using HeLa cells. F. novicida usually infects macrophage lineage cells and less frequently epithelial cells. We successfully infected HeLa cells expressing the Fc receptor (HeLa–FcγRII cells) using F. novicida supplemented with mouse serum containing F. novicida antibodies. A total of 2,232 transposon mutants of F. novicida were screened to determine the relatively fewer cytotoxic strains of the HeLa–FcγRII cells, and 13 strains were thus isolated. Sequencing analysis of transposon insertion sites identified 13 genes, including FTN_0096. We focused on FTN_0096. Although the F. novicida wild-type strain proliferated in HeLa–FcγRII and THP-1 cells, the number of intracellular FTN_0096 mutant decreased. FTN_0096 mutant cannot escape from phagolysosomes in the initial phases of infection. Moreover, FTN_0096 mutant was detected in the mitochondria and Golgi complex. These findings indicate the importance of FTN_0096 of F. novicida for intracellular replication in the cells.

Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase naturally fused with a β-propeller lactonase in Deinococcus radiodurans

Adopting Soft Logic to enhance an Adizes tool: A comprehensive approach to represent the evaluation of management styles

Management skills assessment has become increasingly complex in today’s digital age, as these skills are multi-dimensional and require a nuanced approach. Beyond evaluating each dimension independently, it is crucial to consider the tension and balance between them, as they often exist in inverse proportions. To address this complexity, this study introduces a methodology based on Soft Logic, a mathematical theory designed to represent realities that are not clear-cut, such as conflicting traits. This approach is particularly suited to the assessment of managerial skills. The research focuses on the Adizes Management Style Questionnaire, a widely recognized tool that evaluates four distinct managerial styles: Producer, Administrator, Entrepreneur, and Integrator. Unlike traditional assessments that focus on isolated behaviors, the proposed method highlights the dynamic interplay between these styles. By incorporating Soft Logic, the framework provides a more flexible and comprehensive evaluation, capturing both dominant traits and the tensions between them. This methodology was tested in an empirical study with 40 participants and offers organizations deeper insights into leadership dynamics, aiding in recruitment, leadership development, and team composition. Although developed with the Adizes tool, the methodology can be adapted to other managerial assessment tools and potentially extended to other multi-dimensional domains.

Prediction of KIR3DL1 and human leukocyte antigen binding

Perceived power dynamics in nursing education on students’ learning experience in Ghana

Introduction Educator-student connectedness is where students can thrive, even amid failure, preserving their worth and self-dignity. Every relationship may have challenges, which is no different in nursing education. Students are sometimes unhappy with the educator-student relationship, as power creates a certain distance that must be appropriately exhibited. The study explored the perceived power dynamics of the educator-student relationship in nursing education. Methods The study utilised an exploratory, descriptive qualitative approach to understand student nurses’ educator-student interaction. Twenty-four final-year students were involved in the study based on information power. Thematic analysis was used to generate codes, sub-themes, and themes. Findings Two main themes emerged: 1) difficulties faced by students and 2) the perceived impact of power dynamics. The identified subthemes include issues with teaching methods, feelings of suppression, and discouraging attitudes of educators. The findings further showed that students often pretend to understand when an educator becomes angry, reflecting the power dynamics in the classroom, where students may feel powerless to challenge authority even when their academic needs are unmet. Additionally, there is a lack of student autonomy, which affects their mental well-being and development as competent professionals. Conclusion Students are expected to develop critical thinking skills and become advocates for their patients; however, when their voices are suppressed, it is unlikely that they will confidently advocate for others in clinical settings. Suppressing their concerns can lead to long-term consequences, affecting their ability to question clinical decisions and their willingness to speak up for patient safety. Educational institutions should provide professional development on creating inclusive and supportive classroom dynamics to mitigate the adverse effects of power imbalances.

A tubulin-binding protein that preferentially binds to GDP-tubulin and promotes GTP exchange

International students’ experiences on speaking and writing skills in language learning processes in higher education

Although speaking and writing skills play a crucial role in second language acquisition, studies focusing specifically on the challenges faced by international students learning Turkish as a foreign language remain limited. This study aims to explore the experiences of international students enrolled in higher education institutions in Turkey, particularly regarding the development of their speaking and writing skills in the context of Turkish language learning. Adopting a phenomenological design within a qualitative research framework, data were collected from 24 international students through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using content analysis. The findings revealed that students struggled with the pronunciation of certain sounds, maintaining fluency, organizing their thoughts coherently, expressing themselves accurately, applying grammar rules, and choosing appropriate vocabulary. Furthermore, participants reported experiencing anxiety about making mistakes, as well as various psychological barriers that hindered their ability to express themselves effectively. In terms of writing skills, the most prominent difficulties included grammatical errors, challenges in spelling vowels and specific consonants, misuse of punctuation, and slow writing speed. Students also indicated that their limited vocabulary and difficulties adapting to Turkish syntax negatively affected their writing performance. These findings underscore the need for integrated language instruction programs that simultaneously address speaking and writing skills, offering structured practice opportunities, anxiety-reducing strategies, and greater chances for meaningful interaction. The results provide valuable insights for language instructors, curriculum designers, and policymakers aiming to improve Turkish as a foreign language instruction tailored to the specific needs of international learners.

The critical roles of bioactive sphingolipids in inflammation

The role of music in ADHD: A multi-dimensional computational and theoretical analysis

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting children and adults worldwide, has seen a significant rise in diagnoses and medication prescriptions in recent decades. This trend has emphasized the need for non-pharmacological interventions such as music to aid ADHD management. This study explores the musical experiences of individuals with ADHD through a comprehensive analysis of user-generated content from the Reddit r/ADHD community between 2014–2024. Advanced computational techniques, including large language models such as Gemini 1.5 Pro and LLAMA 3.1 were employed for data extraction and categorization. Additionally, APIs from digital streaming platforms were utilized to analyze musical characteristics and lyrical content of 9,215 tracks across three distinct categories: focus music, stuck songs, and general purpose. Insights from selective attention, emotion arousal and mood congruence theories were used to interpret the findings. Statistical analysis revealed significant variations in musical characteristics, with instrumentalness showing the largest effect size across contexts, suggesting unique musical preferences among individuals with ADHD. Correlation analyses uncovered complex interrelationships between musical attributes, particularly in focus music, where energy, speechiness, and instrumental characteristics displayed distinctive patterns. The sentiment and popularity analysis of lyrics further illuminated the emotional landscape of music in ADHD experiences, revealing a strategic approach to musical selection as a potential cognitive and emotional self-regulation mechanism.

Vacuole protein sorting 18 (Vps18) suppresses epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression and lung tumorigenesis

Impact assessment for just transition of protein production systems

Understanding the impacts of protein production systems is necessary to plan the just transition of food systems. We analysed 285 studies to assess the impacts of 13 protein systems across 25 indicators under five key categories—natural capital, human capital, social capital, produced capital and governance. Nine protein systems (regenerative, organic, rangelands, free-range poultry, sustainable energy cultivated meat, conventional energy cultivated meat, mixed grains and livestock, pastoralists and plant-based) have overall positive impacts across all five categories. In comparison, four protein systems have negative impacts (small-scale beef, caged poultry, industrial pork, and confined feeding operations). We then used this in-depth assessment to develop five ‘what if’ future scenarios to track and assess the transition of protein production systems to 2050. Rapid reduction of industrial production may contribute to a just and inclusive transition of protein production systems. This assessment can help reduce risks associated with negative impacts and assist in governing and managing protein production systems towards long-term sustainability.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles disrupt peroxisome-endoplasmic reticulum contacts and increase very-long-chain fatty acid content

Meta-regression to explain shrinkage and heterogeneity in large-scale replication projects

Recent large-scale replication projects (RPs) have estimated concerningly low reproducibility rates. Further, they reported substantial degrees of shrinkage of effect size, where the replication effect size was found to be, on average, much smaller than the original effect size. Within these RPs, the included original-replication study-pairs can vary with respect to aspects of study design, outcome measures, and descriptive features of both original and replication study population and study team. This often results in between-study-pair heterogeneity, i.e., variation in effect size differences across study-pairs that goes beyond expected statistical variation. When broader claims about the reproducibility of an entire field are based on such heterogeneous data, it becomes imperative to conduct a rigorous analysis of the amount and sources of shrinkage and heterogeneity within and between included study-pairs. Methodology from the meta-analysis literature provides an approach for quantifying the heterogeneity present in RPs with an additive or multiplicative parameter. Meta-regression methodology further allows for an investigation into the sources of shrinkage and heterogeneity. We propose the use of location-scale meta-regressions as a means to directly relate the identified characteristics with shrinkage (represented by the location) and heterogeneity (represented by the scale). This provides valuable insights into drivers and factors associated with high or low reproducibility rates and therefore contextualises results of RPs. The proposed methodology is illustrated using publicly available data from the Replication Project Psychology and the Replication Project Experimental Economics. All analysis scripts and data are available online.

Molecular choreography of E1 enzymes in ubiquitin-like protein cascades: New insights into dynamics and specificity

Pharmacogenomic insights into amlodipine response: the role of CACNA1D, CACNA1C, and TRIB3 variants in hypertensive patients

Hypertension affects over 1.28 billion individuals worldwide, yet response variability to calcium channel blockers (CCBs) like amlodipine remains a challenge. While pharmacogenomic studies have implicated genetic polymorphisms in treatment outcomes, the combined effects of multiple variants remain unclear. This study investigates the influence of CACNA1D (rs3774426), CACNA1C (rs2239050, rs7311382), and TRIB3 (rs2295490) variants, individually and in combination, on the antihypertensive response to amlodipine. A total of 133 hypertensive patients from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, receiving amlodipine monotherapy were genotyped using ARMS-PCR and Sanger sequencing. Blood pressure response was defined as post-treatment systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≤140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≤90 mmHg. Statistical analyses were adjusted for age, gender, BMI, dose, family history of HTN and dietary habits. The CACNA1D rs3774426 TT genotype was significantly associated with non-response in 35 patients, showing higher SBP than the CC genotype (n = 69). Conversely, the CACNA1C rs2239050 GG genotype (n = 67) was linked to improved SBP and DBP control compared to the CC genotype (n = 25). Combined genotype models (CACNA1D–CACNA1C and CACNA1D–CACNA1C–TRIB3) showed strong unadjusted associations but lost significance after adjustment. These findings highlight the role of CACNA1D rs3774426 in predicting amlodipine non-response and demonstrate the potential of genetic screening for optimizing antihypertensive therapy. Integrating pharmacogenomics into clinical practice could enhance personalized treatment strategies, improving outcomes in hypertensive patients.