bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A mixture of endocrine disrupting chemicals linked to lower birth weight induces adipogenesis and transcriptional changes related to birth weight alterations and diabetes
Authors: Lizunkova Polina , Caporale Nicolò , Engdahl Elin , Cheroni Cristina , Germain Pierre-Luc , Borbély Gábor , Lindh Christian , Gennings Chris , Bornehag Carl-Gustaf , Testa Giuseppe , Rüegg Joëlle
Published: February 2025

There is increasing evidence that endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are contributing to the rise in metabolic disorders and obesity. Humans are constantly exposed to numerous EDCs, thus human exposure entails complex EDC mixtures. In this study, we examined the effects of an EDC mixture, mixture G, composed of four phthalate esters, triclosan, and three poly- och perfluorinated alkyl substances. Mixture G had previously been defined based on its association with lower birth weight in a pregnancy cohort, where low birth weight is an early risk factor for metabolic morbidities later in life. Here, we studied its effects on adipogenesis and uncovered their underlying transcriptional changes. Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) were exposed to mixture G in concentrations and mixing ratios that reflect those measured in human serum. Mixture G induced adipogenesis in hMSCs, as evidenced by a dose-dependent increase in lipid droplet accumulation after 14-21 days. Notably, significant adipogenic effects were observed at concentrations comparable to those detected in humans. RNA-sequencing upon exposure for 48 h revealed dose-dependent transcriptional changes in over 1000 genes. Mixture G-induced differentially expressed genes (DEGs) showed significant overlap with genes involved in osteogenesis, with glucocorticoid-regulated genes, and with genes associated with birth weight alterations and diabetes type II. These results indicate that exposure to an environmentally relevant EDC mixture induces adipogenesis and leads to transcriptional alterations that might change the balance between adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation as well as the functionality of MSCs, possibly via interference with glucocorticoid signalling. Thus our findings underscore the role of EDCs as metabolic disruptors and shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying their potential contribution to the development of metabolic disorders.

Highlights

An endocrine disruptor mixture linked to lower birth weight increases adipogenesis

The mixture induced transcriptomic changes at low doses

Affected genes are associated with birth weight and diabetes type II

Graphical abstract
Single-Cell Sequencing Identifies the Crucial Role of Mitochondrial Fission-Fusion Balance in Cardiac Hypertrophy Progression
Authors: He Tao , Sha Jianmei , Hu Yuxin , Shao Caihong , Zhou Yi , Chen Lu , Yao Jianhua , Gao Junli
Published: February 2025

Background

The heart undergoes growth in response to both pathological and physiological stimuli. Pathological hypertrophy often leads to cardiomyocyte loss and heart failure (HF), whereas physiological hypertrophy paradoxically protects the heart and enhances cardiomyogenesis. The molecular mechanisms that distinguish these two forms of hypertrophy remain unclear.

Methods

In this study, we utilized single-cell transcriptomics from transverse aortic constriction (TAC) models at 2, 5, 8, and 11 weeks (GSE120064), along with bulk RNA sequencing from mice subjected to 12 months of exercise-induced physiological hypertrophy and cardiomyogenesis (CRA007207), to investigate the molecular differences between pathological and physiological hypertrophy.

Results

Our results reveal the following. Mitochondrial-related pathways are the primary drivers of the pathological changes that occur following TAC. The mitochondrial fission and fusion pathways exhibited increased activity at 2 weeks but decreased activity at 5, 8, and 11 weeks post TAC. The expression pattern of exercise-induced physiological hypertrophy was similar to that of 2-week TAC-induced changes, indicating that the early stage of TAC represents an adaptive physiological response or physiological hypertrophy. Notably, during HF, the fission genes Fis1 and Dnm1l increase, in contrast to the expected decrease in fusion genes. These findings were experimentally validated, indicating that the mitochondrial fission genes Fis1 and Dnm1l are key promoters of HF.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that the balance between mitochondrial fission and fusion plays a critical role in the transition from physiological to pathological hypertrophy. The fission-related genes Fis1 and Dnm1l have emerged as key drivers of pathological hypertrophy and heart failure. These findings suggest that targeting fission genes, particularly Fis1 and Dnm1l, may represent promising therapeutic strategies for managing heart failure.
Mathematical Modeling of Neural Stem Cell Migration within Brain using Multi-Fiber Tractography
Authors: Hansen Austin , Rockne Russell , Adhikarla Vikram , Gutova Margarita , Cho Heyrim
Published: February 2025

An agent-based model of therapeutic neural stem cell (NSC) migration is developed and used to predict the migration of NSCs in naïve mouse brain. The model utilizes generalized q-sampling imaging which resolves white matter fibers that cross in the brain and is shown to better account for variations in NSC migration patterns as compared to diffusion tensor imaging. In calibrating the model to experimental data, we show that the model is able to reproduce the distribution of NSCs in the mouse brain. In addition, we show that the distribution of NSCs in the mouse brain is sensitive to the location of NSC injection. Persistent distribution of NSCs to the olfactory bulb, consistent with developmental pathways including the rostral migratory stream, suggests that future models of therapeutic NSCs in the naïve brain may need to include other factors such as chemotaxis or blood flow to account for variations in NSC migration paths. The results highlight the usefulness of the model in predicting which injection locations may provide the best distribution of NSCs to a given target location.
Immunogenic Cell Death: the Key to Unlocking the Potential for Combined Radiation and Immunotherapy
Authors: Rauf Somiya , Smirnova Alexandra , Chang Andres , Liu Yuan , Jiang Yi
Published: February 2025

Immunogenic cell death (ICD) enhances anti-tumor immunity by releasing tumor-associated antigens and activating the anti-tumor immune system response. However, its potential remains understudied in combination therapies. Here, we develop a mathematical model to quantify the role of ICD in optimizing the efficacy of combined radiotherapy (RT) and macrophage-based immunotherapy. Using preclinical murine data targeting the SIRPα-CD47 checkpoint, we show that RT alone induces minimal ICD, whereas disrupting the SIRPα-CD47 axis significantly enhances both phagocytosis and systemic immune activation. Our model predicts an optimal RT dose (6–8 Gy) for maximizing ICD, a dose-dependent abscopal effect, and a hierarchy of treatment efficacy, with SIRPα-knockout macrophages exhibiting the strongest tumoricidal activity. These findings provide a quantitative framework for designing more effective combination therapies, leveraging ICD to enhance immune checkpoint inhibition and radiotherapy synergy.
No Disconnection Syndrome after Near-Complete Callosotomy
Authors: Bekir Selin , Hopf Johanna L. , Paul Theresa , Wiemer Valerie M. , Santander Tyler , Skinner Henri E. , Rada Anna , Woermann Friedrich G. , Kalbhenn Thilo , Giesbrecht Barry , Bien Christian G. , Sporns Olaf , Gazzaniga Michael S. , Volz Lukas J. , Miller Michael B.
Published: February 2025

Much of the sensory-motor processing in the human brain is lateralized to either hemisphere, with the corpus callosum integrating these distinct processes into a seemingly unified conscious experience. The corpus callosum is thought to be topographically organized, with different subregions along its anterior-to-posterior axis involved in integrating information across different sensory modalities and cognitive domains. In complete callosotomy patients, where the corpus callosum is fully severed, this integration is typically disrupted across these domains. But which types of inter-hemispheric integration can still be preserved with small posterior callosal remnants? We studied four callosotomy patients—three complete and one partial with approximately 1 cm of preserved splenium—using an array of lateralized visual, tactile, visuospatial, and language tasks. While complete callosotomy patients showed the expected behavioral disconnection effects—performing poorly on tasks requiring inter-hemispheric integration but well on intra-hemispheric ones—the partial callosotomy patient with a preserved portion of the splenium showed no disconnection effects across all tasks. The splenium is traditionally implicated in visual transfer, yet our findings show that minimal splenial preservation maintains functional integration across multiple perceptual and cognitive domains. This is at odds with the presumed topographical organization of the corpus callosum, suggesting a broader inter-hemispheric integrative capacity of the posterior callosal fibers. Structure-function relationships in brain networks are known to be complex and nonlinear— these findings provide novel insights into flexible structural mechanisms for inter-hemispheric communication enabling a variety of integrated behaviors.
In-feed bacitracin methylene disalicylate alters microbiota function and increases antibiotic resistance in a dose-dependent manner
Authors: Oladele Paul , Wickware Carmen L. , Trachsel Julian , Looft Torey , Johnson Timothy A.
Published: February 2025

Antibiotics are commonly used in turkey production to prevent and treat infection which can improve animal growth and efficiency, but the mechanism by which antibiotics improve animal performance, and the resistance risks associated with the antibiotic inclusion levels remain unclear, particularly in turkey production. Therefore, we investigated the longitudinal effect of subtherapeutic and therapeutic doses of bacitracin methylene disalicylate (BMD) on antibiotic resistance genes, mobile genetic elements, and metabolism genes by analyzing the turkey cecal metagenome. The therapeutic dose of BMD increased a vast array of antibiotic resistant genes (ARGs), conjugation-related genes of type IV secretion system and transduction-related genes for the length of the experiment (78 days), while a smaller, transient effect was observed due to the subtherapeutic dose. Estimated bacterial growth rate, estimated by metagenome assembled genome sequence coverage, decreased after 7 days of in-feed BMD, but increased in the therapeutic group over time. Tryptophan synthesis from chorismate increased in a dose-dependent manner between days 7 - 35. Overall, the effects of subtherapeutic BMD on the turkey cecal microbiota was temporary while those of a therapeutic dose were longer lasting. This study shows that antimicrobial resistance genes belonging to multiple antibiotic classes, and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) were increased after BMD administration. The enrichment these genes by BMD shows the risk associated with antimicrobial feed additives. BMD’s effect on tryptophan synthesis provides a potential metabolic target for developing non-antibiotic microbiome modulatory growth promoters for turkey production.

Importance

Antibiotic use in agricultural animals remains a hotly debated and important topic to human, animal, and environmental health. The dose-dependent responses to BMD, an antibiotic fed additive allowed at both therapeutic and subtherapeutic doses, are not well understood. This study highlights that therapeutic use of BMD is a stronger selective pressure than the subtherapeutic dose for antibiotic resistance genes and genes related to horizontal gene transfer. This indicates that use of BMD could select for antibiotic resistant bacteria that may pose a risk to animal, human and environmental health. Additionally, this study highlighted that BMD decreased the activity of beneficially bacteria, and therefore may be associated with a decreased concentration of bacterial metabolites (especially tryptophan related) in the cecum. This may indicate that growth promoting antibiotics suppress bacterial activity generally, rather than allowing beneficial bacteria to generate beneficial metabolites.
Non-invasive imaging of salicylic and jasmonic acid activitiesin planta
Authors: Balakireva Anastasia V , Karataeva Tatiana A , Karampelias Michael , Mitiouchkina Tatiana Yu , Macháček Jan , Shakhova Ekaterina S , Perfilov Maxim M , Belozerova Olga A , Palkina Kseniia A , Drazna Nikola , Vondrakova Zuzana , Fleiss Aubin , Fakhranurova Liliia I , Markina Nadezhda M , Morozov Viktor V , Bugaeva Evgenia N , Delnova Galina M , Choob Vladimir V , Yampolsky Ilia V , Petrášek Jan , Mishin Alexander S , Sarkisyan Karen S
Published: February 2025

Jasmonic and salicylic acids are the major hormones involved in plant response to pests and pathogens. Here, we engineered autoluminescent plants that report activity of these hormones with up to 53-fold contrast. Using consumer-grade cameras, we imaged reporterArabidopsis thalianaandNicotiana benthamianaplants throughout normal development, and in response to attacks of pests and pathogens.
Targeting the Protein-Protein Interaction Between the CDC37 Co-Chaperone and Client Kinases by an Allosteric RAF Dimer Breaker
Authors: Yu Alison , Banerjee Shrhea , Malasani Sravani , Towolawi Bamidele , Liu Zhiwei , Wang Zhihong
Published: February 2025

Braftide, originally designed as a potent allosteric RAF kinase dimer disruptor, was intended to inhibit RAF dimerization by targeting the conserved RAF dimer interface. Intriguingly, Braftide has also been observed to trigger proteasome-mediated protein degradation with an unclear mechanism of action. This study elucidates the mechanism underlying Braftide’s dual functionality and assesses its potential as a chemical probe to target kinase-chaperone interaction. CDC37, a selectivity co-chaperone in the HSP90 chaperone machinery, plays a crucial role in facilitating the recognition of client kinase. The RAF dimer interface overlaps with the CDC37-kinase client recognition motif, known as the αC helix-β4 loop. Using co-immunoprecipitation and NanoBiT assays, we confirmed Braftide’s ability to selectively disrupt the CDC37-client kinase interaction while sparing HSP90. Through deuterium exchange mass spectrometry, molecular dynamic simulations, andin vitrocrosslinking analyses, we mapped Braftide’s binding region within the BRAF kinase domain, as well as the CDC37 region implicated in the association of CDC37-client kinase complex. Consequently, this disruption destabilizes RAF kinase clients, resulting in proteasomal degradation, reduced cellular proliferation, and increased apoptosis in cancer cell lines. Furthermore, Braftide exhibits synergy with HSP90 inhibitors, jointly destabilizing both the CDC37-RAF complex and HSP90. Our work demonstrates the feasibility of disrupting the CDC37-client kinase interaction as an innovative therapeutic strategy and identifies the αC helix-β4 loop as a novel allosteric site with significant potential for the development of next-generation therapeutics.
Path integration impairments reveal early cognitive changes in Subjective Cognitive Decline
Authors: Segen Vladislava , Kabir Md Rysul , Streck Adam , Slavik Jakub , Glanz Wenzel , Butryn Michaela , Newman Ehren , Tiganj Zoran , Wolbers Thomas
Published: February 2025

Path integration, the ability to track one’s position using self-motion cues, is critically dependent on the grid cell network in the entorhinal cortex, a region vulnerable to early Alzheimer’s disease pathology. In this study, we examined path integration performance in individuals with subjective cognitive decline (SCD), a group at increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease, and healthy controls using an immersive virtual reality task. We developed a Bayesian computational model to decompose path integration errors into distinct components. SCD participants exhibited significantly higher path integration error, primarily driven by increased memory leak, while other modelling-derived error sources, such as velocity gain, sensory and reporting noise, remained comparable across groups. Our findings suggest that path integration deficits, specifically memory leak, may serve as an early marker of neurodegeneration in SCD and highlight the potential of self-motion-based navigation tasks for detecting pre-symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease-related cognitive changes.

Teaser

Virtual reality, computational modelling, and biomarkers uncover path integration deficits, distinguishing pre-symptomatic Alzheimer’s from normal aging.
InHyphomicrobium denitrificanstwo related sulfane-sulfur responsive transcriptional repressors regulate thiosulfate oxidation and have a deep impact on nitrate respiration and anaerobic biosyntheses
Authors: Li Jingjing , Schmitte Nora E. , Törkel Kaya , Dahl Christiane
Published: February 2025

Bacteria have evolved multiple strategies to sense and respond to the availability of inorganic reduced sulfur compounds such as thiosulfate. InHyphomicrobium denitrificans, an obligately chemoorganoheterotrophic Alphaproteobacterium, the use of thiosulfate as a supplemental electron donor is regulated by two homologous sulfane-sulfur-responsive ArsR-type transcriptional repressors, sHdrR and SoxR. Here, we provide information on the distribution and phylogeny of sHdrR, the relevance of its two conserved cysteines in vivo, and identify the genes controlled by SoxR and sHdrR not only by targeted qRT-PCR but also by global RNA-Seq-based analyses of regulator-deficient mutant strains.The absence of sHdrR and SoxR affected 165 and 170 genes, respectively, with 138 genes overlapping. SoxR affects thesoxgenes for periplasmic thiosulfate oxidation and sulfane sulfur import into the cytoplasm, as well as thelip-shdr-lbpAgenes encoding the cytoplasmic enzymes essential for sulfite formation. sHdrR affects only a subset of these genes. The transcription ofsoxgenes remains unaltered in its absence. sHdrR and SoxR act cooperatively, possibly involving heterodimer formation, and their activity also involves interaction with other transcriptional regulators. Most importantly, sHdrR/SoxR regulation extends far beyond sulfur oxidation and deeply affects anaerobic metabolism, particularly denitrification inH. denitrificans.
Dirofilaria immitisandD. repensin Europe: a systematic literature review on vectors, host range, and the spatial distribution in the 20th and 21st century
Authors: Hattendorf Carolin , Lühken Renke
Published: February 2025

Background

Dirofilaria immitisandD. repensare mosquito-borne nematodes with dogs as primary hosts, but other mammalian species including humans can be also infected. In the last century, circulation of both pathogens was predominantly restricted to Southern Europe. However, different studies indicated a potential establishment in Central, Eastern and Western parts of Europe as an increasing threat to animal and human health.

Methods

We conducted a systematic literature review of publications reportingD. immitisandD. repensscreening in mosquitoes and mammalian vertebrates in Europe. These data were used to analyse the range of vectors and hosts and for a comparison of the spatial distribution between the 20thand 21stcentury.

Results

Both nematodes appear to have a high overlap ofAedes,AnophelesandCulexvector species, which are abundant in Europe. MostD. immitisinfections were reported in dogs, whileD. repenspredominated in humans.Dirofilaria immitisinfections were detected in a wider range of wild and zoo animals. Compared to the last century, many more countries especially in Central Europe were affected byDirofilariaspp. circulation, illustrating a significant spread over the last 20 years.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest thatD. immitisandD. repensare a growing health concern for animals and humans in Europe. Continuous globalisation and climate warming will probably lead to a further spread and increased circulation in the future. All data are made available open access, which will enable further analysis in the future.
SUGP1 loss is the sole driver of SF3B1 hotspot mutant missplicing in cancer
Authors: Xing Peiqi , Bak-Gordon Pedro , Xie Jindou , Zhang Jian , Liu Zhaoqi , Manley James L.
Published: February 2025

SF3B1 is the most frequently mutated splicing factor in cancer. Mechanistically, such mutations cause missplicing by promoting aberrant 3’ splice site usage; however, how this occurs remains controversial. To address this issue, we employed a computational screen of 600 splicing-related proteins to identify those whose reduced expression recapitulated mutant SF3B1 splicing dysregulation. Strikingly, our analysis revealed only two proteins whose loss reproduced this effect. Extending our previous findings, loss of the G-patch protein SUGP1 recapitulated almost all splicing defects induced bySF3B1hotspot mutations. Unexpectedly, loss of the RNA helicase Aquarius (AQR) reproduced ∼40% of these defects. However, we found that AQR knockdown caused significantSUGP1missplicing and reduced protein levels, suggesting that AQR loss reproduced mutant SF3B1 splicing defects only indirectly. This study advances our understanding of missplicing caused by oncogenicSF3B1mutations, and highlights the fundamental role of SUGP1 in this process.
OTX2 controls chromatin accessibility to direct somatic versus germline differentiation
Authors: Barbieri Elisa , Chambers Ian
Published: February 2025

The choice between somatic and germline fates is essential for species survival. This choice occurs in embryonic epiblast cells, as these cells are competent for both somatic and germline differentiation. The transcription factor OTX2 regulates the choice between somatic and germline fates, asOtx2-null epiblast-like cells (EpiLCs) form primordial germ cell-like cells (PGCLCs) with enhanced efficiency. However, the mechanisms by which OTX2 achieves this function are not fully characterized. Here we show that OTX2 controls chromatin accessibility at specific chromatin loci to modulate gene transcription and enable somatic differentiation. By performing CUT&RUN for OTX2 and ATAC-seq in wild-type andOtx2-null embryonic stem cells and EpiLCs, we identified regions where OTX2 binding opens chromatin, either alone or in cooperation with a ZIC family protein. Enforced OTX2 expression maintains accessibility at these regions and, in addition, induces opening of ∼4,000 somatic-associated regions in cells differentiating in the presence of PGC-inducing cytokines. Once cells have acquired germline identity, these additional somatic-associated regions can no longer respond to OTX2 and remain closed. Our results indicate that OTX2 works in cells with dual competence for both somatic and germline differentiation to increase accessibility of somatic regulatory regions and induce the somatic fate at the expense of the germline.
Synthesis, crystal structure and Hirshfeld analysis of a novel supramolecular compound [Co(tsc)3]2[Co(cit)2](NO3)4·4H2O
Authors: Nuralieva Guzal , Umirzakova Oydinoy , Torambetov Batirbay , Rasulov Abdusamat , Ashurov Jamshid , Kadirova Shakhnoza
Published: February 2025

A new cobalt complex, bis[tris(aminothiourea)cobalt(III)] bis[2-(carboxymethyl)-2-hydroxybutanedioato]cobalt(II) tetranitrate tetrahydrate, [Co(CH5N3S)3][Co(C6H6O7)2]0.5(NO3)2·2H2O, designated as [Co(tsc)3]2[Co(cit)2](NO3)4·4H2O, was synthesized. Two crystallographically independent cobalt centers are present. In the first, the central metal atom is chelated by three thiosemicarbazide ligands in a bidentate fashion whereas the second, positioned on a crystallographic inversion center, is hexacoordinated by two citrate anions in a distorted octahedral geometry. Additionally, two water molecules and two nitrate anions are present in the asymmetric unit. Hirshfeld surface analysis revealed that the presence of numerous donor and acceptor groups in the complex, which facilitate hydrogen-bonding interactions that contribute significantly to the overall cohesion of the crystal structure.
Crystal structure and Hirshfeld-surface analysis of the pesticide etoxazole
Authors: Sowbhagya Chaluvarangaiah , Mohan Kumar Thaluru M. , Yathirajan Hemmige S. , Parkin Sean
Published: February 2025

Etoxazole (C21H23F2NO2), systematic name 4-(4-tert-butyl-2-ethoxyphenyl)-2-(2,6-difluorophenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1,3-oxazole, is a fluorinated insecticide and acaricide that inhibits chitin biosynthesis, disrupting insect development by preventing proper exoskeleton formation. Widely used in agriculture since 1998, it is readily absorbed by plant tissues and translocates within leaves. Metabolic studies have identified several oxidative degradation products, while toxicological assessments have examined potential effects, including oxidative stress. This study presents a detailed crystallographic and Hirshfeld surface analysis of etoxazole. The molecule consists of a central dihydro-oxazole ring flanked by 2,6-difluorophenyl and 4-tert-butyl-2-ethoxyphenyl groups, each twisted relative to the oxazole core. The dihydro-oxazole ring is nearly planar, with the substituted phenyl rings forming dihedral angles of 44.20 (4)° and 47.87 (4)° with the mean plane of the dihydro-oxazole. The ethoxy group exhibits a dihedral angle of 15.04 (11)° to the tert-butylphenyl ring, while the tert-butyl group itself shows minor torsional disorder [major:minor occupancies are 0.760 (6):0.240 (6)]. The molecular packing is dominated by van der Waals-type interactions, though weak C—H...F and C—H...O interactions lead to pleated layers parallel to the ab plane, which further stack along the c-axis direction. A Hirshfeld surface analysis confirms the prevalence of van der Waals interactions in crystal stabilization.
Crystal structure of 1-[(4-chlorophenyl)diphenylylmethyl]-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazole
Authors: Guseinov Firudin I. , Afanaseva Ksenia A. , A.Vil Vera , Ugrak Bogdan I. , Samigullina Aida I. , Zangrando Ennio , Belay Alebel N.
Published: February 2025

The title compound, C23H16ClF3N2, was synthesized from 3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazole and chloro(4-chlorophenyl)methylene)dibenzene. The structure features intramolecular (Ph)C—H...N and intermolecular (Ph)C—H...F hydrogen bonds, as well as C—H...π-ring interactions between the phenyl and pyrazole rings.
Decision-making insights on the prepositioning of relief items: a systematic review
Authors: Shariati Amir , L’Hermitte Cécile , Trent Nadia Millis
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to review the prepositioning of relief items literature through a decision-making lens to explore the decisions involved, the factors guiding them and the influence of model design on these decisions. Despite their potential to inform decision-making, quantitative prepositioning models remain underutilised in practice. Understanding the foundational principles that shape model design and their connections to decision-making is crucial for effectively developing and implementing more practical models.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review was conducted, and 97 relevant papers were analysed bibliographically and thematically. The thematic analysis is guided by the value-focused thinking approach, which provides a structured understanding of the decision-making process by focusing on the decision makers’ values.

Findings

This study identifies key prepositioning decisions related to facilities, inventory and distribution. It highlights efficiency, effectiveness and equity as the main values guiding prepositioning decisions and examines the mutual influence of model design and decisions. Moreover, a decision-making framework for prepositioning problems has been developed, outlining key steps and relevant decisions.

Originality/value

This research provides novel insights into how the decision-making process regarding prepositioning is reflected in quantitative models. It helps researchers choose model designs that better align with decision makers’ priorities and requirements, increasing the models’ practicality. Additionally, it helps decision makers comprehend quantitative models and the reasons behind their mathematical complexities, ultimately improving the effectiveness of decision-making for prepositioning.
Board gender diversity and corporate environmental, social and governance performance: evidence from New Zealand listed firms
Authors: Zharfpeykan Ramona , Bai Yuanzhen
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to examine whether board gender diversity is significantly and positively associated with corporate environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance, as well as the link between board gender diversity and each of the three ESG pillars.

Design/methodology/approach

Aligning with stakeholder and critical mass theories, this study uses ordinary least squares regression and fixed-effects models on the sample comprising New Zealand listed firms from 2016 to 2022.

Findings

The findings reveal that board gender diversity positively and significantly is associated with firms’ overall ESG performance. In addition, female board representation positively and significantly associates with the governance pillar but, not with the other two. The findings highlight that a higher proportion of female board representation enhances a firm’s overall ESG performance by improving its corporate governance initiative.

Originality/value

Besides adding to the literature on board gender diversity’s association with New Zealand listed firms’ ESG performance, the findings provide insights for companies, policymakers and stakeholders.
Affordable 3D printing methodology for the fabrication of orthotic insoles aimed at reducing plantar pressure for diabetic patients
Authors: Koprivnik Mathieu , A. Marquette Christophe , Courtial Edwin-Joffrey
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to address the pressing need for innovative, accessible and cost-effective healthcare solutions for diabetic foot complications by exploring additive manufacturing, specifically fused deposition modelling (FDM), to create patient-specific orthotic insoles.

Design/methodology/approach

The research aims to streamline design and production processes, reducing lead times and costs associated with traditional orthotic manufacturing methods. The study involves a detailed examination of FDM technology to produce custom orthotic insoles, focusing on mechanical evaluations of various candidate materials based on their viscoelastic properties. Different infill lattice patterns, such as Honeycomb and Gyroid, are assessed to determine their effectiveness in mitigating plantar pressures.

Findings

The research outlines a comprehensive workflow for the FDM printing process, highlighting the significance of tailored infill percentages to achieve the desired stiffness levels in the insoles. Filaflex 60A is identified as a suitable material for FDM printing of orthotic insoles due to its favourable viscoelastic properties, comparable to established orthotic materials. Among the tested infill lattice patterns, Gyroid structures demonstrate superior resilience under compression, making them more effective in reducing plantar pressures. Despite challenges such as soft filament handling and printing speed limitations, FDM printing is shown to be a viable alternative to traditional manual techniques, offering benefits in automation and cost-effectiveness.

Originality/value

This research presents a novel approach to orthotic insole production using FDM technology, significantly contributing to diabetic foot care. By providing a comprehensive workflow and emphasizing the importance of material selection and infill design, the study paves the way for further advancements in patient-specific healthcare solutions through innovative and affordable manufacturing techniques.
Implications of summer breeding phenology on demography of monarch butterflies
Authors: Debinski Diane M. , Warchola Norah , Altizer Sonia , Crone Elizabeth E.
Published: February 2025

Phenological changes have been widely documented in animal and plant responses to directional environmental change. However, predicting the consequences of these shifts for species interactions and population viability requires knowledge of vital rate responses to biotic and abiotic drivers.

Here, we paired long‐term phenology data documenting monarch butterfly abundance and occurrence of their milkweed hostplant with outdoor experiments in the central United States to ask how changes in spring arrival times to monarch breeding sites affect their development, survival, and within‐season population growth.

Monarch arrival times did not change across the 17 years of monitoring, but the peak abundance of monarchs, which occurred just prior to their fall migration, shifted 9 days later in 2019 as compared to 2003. Summer population growth declined from 2003 to 2019, significant in ~80% bootstrap calculations. Phenological changes in milkweed occurrence mirrored changes in monarch abundance, happening later through time. Our field experiment showed that early season larval survival was highest when the timing of hatching matched the average timing of the first natural monarch cohort; survival was lowest when egg hatching shifted 14 days earlier.

The results of our study indicate that earlier arrival of adult monarchs to summer breeding habitat would be costly for monarchs—but field survey data show that arrival times have not changed to date. Instead, the local changes we observed in the timing of peak abundance occurred towards the end of the breeding season, not the onset. At present, we conclude that changes in early season phenology are not a threat to eastern North American monarchs living in the central United States, but drivers of breeding‐season growth rates and changes in late‐season phenology merit further study, both in the central United States and in other parts of the monarch's range.
Microbial necromass carbon drives soil organic carbon accumulation during long‐term vegetation succession
Authors: Zhao Ziwen , Qin Yanli , Wu Yang , Chen Wenjing , Wang Hao , Chen Jiawen , Yang Jinqiu , Liu Guobin , Xue Sha
Published: February 2025

Plant‐ and microbial‐derived carbon (C) are the two major sources of soil organic carbon (SOC) pools that make important contributions to stable and labile SOC. Although the hypothesis of an increase in SOC during natural vegetation restoration has been broadly verified, the contributions of plant‐ and microbial‐derived C to SOC accumulation remain uncertain.

In this study, we used biomarker approaches to assess the contribution and allocation of plant‐ and microbial‐derived C in long‐term vegetation succession sequences.

We found a unimodal distribution of total lignin phenols along vegetation succession, with the maximum occurring at 100 years of succession (293 ± 22.7 mg kg−1). Vegetation succession significantly increased microbial‐derived C, including microbial necromass C (MNC) and glomalin‐related soil proteins (GRSP). The contribution of MNC to SOC was high (26%–49%) and increased significantly with vegetation succession, whereas the proportion of plant‐derived C and GRSP in SOC consistently decreased.

The results indicated that the distribution of lignin phenols is determined by the quality and abundance of plant litter input to the soil, and the increase in microbial‐derived C is closely associated with microbial metabolism mediated by environmental factors. However, the C turnover pathway from microbial necromass to persistent SOC formation, as inferred from the nonlinear response of the MNC accumulation coefficient, requires 90–100 years to achieve a stable contribution to soil C sequestration.

Synthesis and applications. Our findings further highlight the critical role of the microbial C pump in SOC formation and accumulation. We argue that prioritizing native pioneer species and their mixed communities with climax species during revegetation of extensive fragile ecosystems contributes to sustainable soil C sequestration practices.
Parent and adolescent outcomes from a family‐based treatment‐informed day programme for adolescents with restrictive eating disorders: A pilot study
Authors: Wilson Daniel , Loxton Natalie , Middeldorp Christel , Geissler Ingrid , Catania Salvatore , Withington Tania
Published: February 2025

Day programmes designed for young people with restrictive eating disorders offer intensive treatment options for individuals who have not made satisfactory progress through outpatient treatment but do not require hospitalisation. Existing literature consistently shows positive outcomes in terms of weight gain, reduced eating disorder and comorbid symptomology. However, it is crucial to note that although many day programmes consider family‐based treatment a core framework, research on treatment outcomes for parents and the relationship between parent outcomes and adolescent outcomes remains limited. The current pilot study evaluated parent (n = 20) and adolescent (n = 13) outcomes of a new day programme for adolescents with restrictive eating disorders and their families. Results showed significant improvements across body mass index, eating disorder and comorbid symptomatology for adolescents and improvements in parent self‐efficacy, parent mental health and a reduction in eating disorder accommodating behaviours. The findings suggest several potential mediators of day programme outcomes that could be tested in future research.
Jung’s Koan of the Self and a Zen Buddhist Solution
Authors: Anderson Daniel
Published: February 2025

“God is a circle, whose centre is everywhere, whose circumference is nowhere.” Jung repeats this ancient saying often when describing the Self. This article frames the saying as a type of koan and uses Zen Buddhism’s conception of the Buddha‐nature to unlock the psychological meaning of Jung’s saying and to suggest new perspectives on Jung’s notion of the Self. Parallels between Jung’s notion of the Self and Zen’s Buddha‐nature emerge with particular clarity in Mysterium Coniunctionis in connection with Jung’s discussion of the alchemical unus mundus and caelum. The essay further delves into the relationship between Zen teachings on enlightenment and Jung’s notion of individuation and explores how these insights can inform Jungian theory and practice. By addressing the implications of Zen concepts for understanding the Self, the essay ultimately seeks to illuminate the shared spiritual dimensions of Jungian psychology and Zen Buddhism and to provide new perspectives on both.
Identifying bromazolam, etizolam, and flualprazolam in blood using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry
Authors: Ballotari Marco , Truver Michael T. , Baer Devin C. , Brogan Sara C. , Hoyer Jennifer L. , Crosby Michele M. , Goldberger Bruce A. , Chronister Chris W.
Published: February 2025

Designer benzodiazepines are a commonly misused class of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) that present challenges for forensic toxicology laboratories and public health. Due to the difficulty in detection by routine toxicology methods, it is important to enhance the analytical methods for the identification and quantitation of designer benzodiazepines. The aim of this study was to identify and quantify designer benzodiazepines using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) in postmortem blood specimens. A method originally validated to identify and quantitate alprazolam was modified to quantitate flualprazolam, etizolam, and bromazolam, as well as identify adinazolam and 4′‐chloro‐deschloroalprazolam. The method was subsequently used to analyze postmortem specimens (n = 35) from Medical Examiner Districts (n = 4) in Florida that screened positive for one or more designer benzodiazepines from February 2022 to December 2023. Among the screened samples, 21 tested positive for one or more designer benzodiazepines in the postmortem blood; 1 was positive for etizolam (90 ng/mL) and flualprazolam (<5.0 ng/mL), while 20 were positive for bromazolam. Bromazolam was the most frequently detected designer benzodiazepine, with a concentration range of 5.9–352 ng/mL (mean: 59.1 ng/mL; median: 28.5 ng/mL) for 18 decedents and <5.0 ng/mL for two decedents. Polydrug use was confirmed in all decedents. The most prevalent drugs found with bromazolam in the blood were fentanyl, methamphetamine and/or amphetamine, and cocaine. The optimized GC‐MS method provides a way to identify and quantitate designer benzodiazepines in postmortem blood and to also qualitatively monitor two newer designer benzodiazepines: 4′‐chloro‐deschloroalprazolam and adinazolam.
MESR4 targets bam to mediate intestinal homeostasis and aging in adult flies
Authors: Cai Qingshuang , Wang Zixuan , Xiao Yihua , Zhang Chuchu , Yang Yulong , Kong Fanrui , Feng Yue , Guo Huimin , Saeed Muhammad Abdul Rehman , Ali Umar , Li Weini , Ji Shanming
Published: February 2025

The Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) misexpression suppressor of Ras 4 (MESR4) gene encodes a potential transcription factor and plays critical roles in various biological processes, including embryonic development, lipid metabolism, eye–antennal development, and germline stem cell differentiation. However, whether it is involved in modulating intestinal homeostasis remains elusive. In this study, we provide compelling evidence demonstrating that MESR4 is a bona fide regulator in preventing age‐onset intestinal leakage and dysbiosis in adult flies. Mechanistically, MESR4 is predominantly located at the nucleus of intestinal cells and controls the expression of bag‐of‐marbles (bam), thereby restricting the excessive activation of immune deficiency signaling during aging. The silencing of Relish (Rel), which encodes a key transcription factor of the immune deficiency signaling pathway, reverses the beneficial effects of MESR4 in mediating intestinal barrier function and fly lifespan. Collectively, our studies uncover an undescribed function of Drosophila MESR4 in the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis and overall organismal fitness.
Preventive efficacy of sprouting black soybean peptides on high‐salt diet‐induced hypertension in mice
Authors: Cheng Dawei , Huang Xinyu , Shao Ben , Zhang Caihong , Li Xueling , Li Meiqing
Published: February 2025

This study examined possible mechanisms of action as well as the preventive and interventional effects of sprouting black soybean peptides (SBSPs) and black soybean peptides (BSPs) on hypertension in C57BL/6j mice that was brought on by a high‐salt diet. BSP and SBSP were administered to mice in the black soybean peptide prevention (BSP‐P) group and sprouting black soybean peptide prevention (SBSP‐P) group starting 4 weeks prior to the high‐salt diet, respectively. Mice in the black soybean peptide intervention (BSP‐I) group and the sprouting black soybean peptide intervention (SBSP‐I) group received oral doses of BSP and SBSP, respectively, together with a high‐salt diet. The findings demonstrated that BSP‐I, BSP‐P, SBSP‐I, and SBSP‐P prevented the activation of localized angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)/angiotensin II (Ang II) pathways in the kidneys and circulation, delayed the rise in blood pressure in mice, and preserved the functional nitric oxide/endothelin‐1 (NO/ET‐1) balance of endothelium. The inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) had decreased plasma levels. Additionally, it improved fibrosis, renal edema phenomena, and cardiomegaly. Furthermore, the expression of genes related to the renin–angiotensin system and endothelial function is regulated by SBSP and BSP. On the other hand, compared to intervention effects, SBSP and BSP showed more noticeable preventive benefits on hypertension brought on by a high‐salt diet. When all else was equal, SBSP was more effective than BSP at avoiding hypertension. As a result, this study offers theoretical backing for SBSP as a dietary supplement source for the prevention of high‐salt diet‐induced hypertension.
Rhamnogalacturonan‐I domains from red dragon fruit pectin promote the proliferation of Bifidobacterium animalis
Authors: Zhang Meng‐yuan , Dong Lei , Wen Yin , Deng Jie‐qi , Cai Jun
Published: February 2025

Pectin‐derived oligosaccharides, an important source of the new generation of prebiotics, have aroused widespread research. As per our previous study report, the rhamnogalacturonan‐I (RG‐I) type pectin of dragon fruit positively affects the proliferation of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. Lactis 3296. However, the pectin region that primarily produces prebiotic effects is not clear. To further investigate the promotion of the dragon fruit pectin RG‐I domain on the proliferation of B. animalis subsp. Lactis 3296, we first obtained pectin (DP‐AC‐A2a) with a higher proportion of the RG‐I region through gel purification and enzyme digestion. Then, monosaccharide components and Fourier transform infrared were analyzed to identify the pectin structures preliminarily. The results demonstrated that DP‐AC‐A2a with a backbone consisting of repeated → 4 GalpA 1–2 Rhap 1 → and the branches are mainly composed of 1,4‐linked galactose. Furthermore, the bacterial proliferation experiment proved the contribution of galactan on the pectin's branch to the proliferation of B. animalis. The enzyme activity showed that the addition of DP‐AC‐A2a can promote the production of β‐d‐galactosidase by B. animalis. These data provide effective information for the potential application of red dragon fruit pectin.
Antioxidative effects of haloarchaeal bacterioruberin in pangasius emulsion sausage during refrigerated storage
Authors: Reddy Ramakrishna , Xavier K. A. Martin , Balange Amjad K. , Kumar H. Sanath , Kumar Panda Satyen , Nayak Binaya Bhusan
Published: February 2025

The present study used haloarchaeal bacterioruberin (BR), a carotenoid pigment, to improve color and reduce fat oxidation. The BR is incorporated as 10 mg/kg (T1), 25 mg/kg (T2), and 50 mg/kg (T3) in the emulsion sausages, and 200 mg/kg butylated hydroxytoluene was used as a positive control (T4). Sausages without any antioxidant were taken as control (C). During refrigerated storage, pH, color, fat oxidation products, protein degradation products, and microbial counts were measured along with sensory analysis at 7‐day intervals. Control sausages were rejected by sensory panelists by the 28th day, whereas antioxidant‐treated groups could be stored till the 42nd day. Instrumental color revealed the highest redness (a*) in the T3 (2.03). During the storage Lower peroxide value, free fatty acid, and thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances were found in BR‐added treatments. Present results suggest the inclusion of BR successfully improved the color and prevented the oxidation of lipids without affecting the gel strength of emulsion sausages.

Practical Application

This study demonstrated the potential use of bacterioruberin, a powerful antioxidant carotenoid, in emulsion sausages. This is the first report of using bacterioruberin for food preservation; it showed promising results by reducing fat oxidation and enhancing color in emulsion sausages. This opens up new possibilities for the food industry to use bacterioruberin as both an antioxidant to protect high‐fat foods from fat oxidation and as a food colorant.