bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A logical framework for data-driven reasoning
Authors: Baldi Paolo , Corsi Esther Anna , Hosni Hykel
Published: December 2024

We introduce and investigate a family of consequence relations with the goal of capturing certain important patterns of data-driven inference. The inspiring idea for our framework is the fact that data may reject, possibly to some degree, and possibly by mistake, any given scientific hypothesis. There is no general agreement in science about how to do this, which motivates putting forward a logical formulation of the problem. We do so by investigating distinct definitions of ‘rejection degrees’ each yielding a consequence relation. Our investigation leads to novel variations on the theme of rational consequence relations, prominent among non-monotonic logics.
Synchronous bilateral breast cancer with heterogeneous hormone receptor status: a case report
Authors: Luitel Prajjwol , Karki Badal , Paudel Sujan , Shrestha Asim , Pariyar Suraj , Hirachan Suzita
Published: December 2024

The expression of estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors in breast cancer cells helps guide treatment and predict outcomes. When the status of these receptors is heterogeneous, it makes treatment planning more complex. We present the case of a 72-year-old woman with bilateral breast cancer with heterogenous receptor status and subsequent challenges in management.
Machine learning-based prognostic subgrouping of glioblastoma: A multicenter study
Authors: Akbari Hamed , Bakas Spyridon , Sako Chiharu , Fathi Kazerooni Anahita , Villanueva-Meyer Javier , Garcia Jose A , Mamourian Elizabeth , Liu Fang , Cao Quy , Shinohara Russell T , Baid Ujjwal , Getka Alexander , Pati Sarthak , Singh Ashish , Calabrese Evan , Chang Susan , Rudie Jeffrey , Sotiras Aristeidis , LaMontagne Pamela , Marcus Daniel S , Milchenko Mikhail , Nazeri Arash , Balana Carmen , Capellades Jaume , Puig Josep , Badve Chaitra , Barnholtz-Sloan Jill S , Sloan Andrew E , Vadmal Vachan , Waite Kristin , Ak Murat , Colen Rivka R , Park Yae Won , Ahn Sung Soo , Chang Jong Hee , Choi Yoon Seong , Lee Seung-Koo , Alexander Gregory S , Ali Ayesha S , Dicker Adam P , Flanders Adam E , Liem Spencer , Lombardo Joseph , Shi Wenyin , Shukla Gaurav , Griffith Brent , Poisson Laila M , Rogers Lisa R , Kotrotsou Aikaterini , Booth Thomas C , Jain Rajan , Lee Matthew , Mahajan Abhishek , Chakravarti Arnab , Palmer Joshua D , DiCostanzo Dominic , Fathallah-Shaykh Hassan , Cepeda Santiago , Santonocito Orazio Santo , Di Stefano Anna Luisa , Wiestler Benedikt , Melhem Elias R , Woodworth Graeme F , Tiwari Pallavi , Valdes Pablo , Matsumoto Yuji , Otani Yoshihiro , Imoto Ryoji , Aboian Mariam , Koizumi Shinichiro , Kurozumi Kazuhiko , Kawakatsu Toru , Alexander Kimberley , Satgunaseelan Laveniya , Rulseh Aaron M , Bagley Stephen J , Bilello Michel , Binder Zev A , Brem Steven , Desai Arati S , Lustig Robert A , Maloney Eileen , Prior Timothy , Amankulor Nduka , Nasrallah MacLean P , O’Rourke Donald M , Mohan Suyash , Davatzikos Christos ,   ReSPOND consortium, Davatzikos Christos
Published: December 2024

Background

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive adult primary brain cancer, characterized by significant heterogeneity, posing challenges for patient management, treatment planning, and clinical trial stratification.

Methods

We developed a highly reproducible, personalized prognostication, and clinical subgrouping system using machine learning (ML) on routine clinical data, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and molecular measures from 2838 demographically diverse patients across 22 institutions and 3 continents. Patients were stratified into favorable, intermediate, and poor prognostic subgroups (I, II, and III) using Kaplan–Meier analysis (Cox proportional model and hazard ratios [HR]).

Results

The ML model stratified patients into distinct prognostic subgroups with HRs between subgroups I–II and I–III of 1.62 (95% CI: 1.43–1.84, P < .001) and 3.48 (95% CI: 2.94–4.11, P < .001), respectively. Analysis of imaging features revealed several tumor properties contributing unique prognostic value, supporting the feasibility of a generalizable prognostic classification system in a diverse cohort.

Conclusions

Our ML model demonstrates extensive reproducibility and online accessibility, utilizing routine imaging data rather than complex imaging protocols. This platform offers a unique approach to personalized patient management and clinical trial stratification in GBM.
The circadian clock orchestrates spermatogonial differentiation and fertilization by regulating retinoic acid (RA) signaling in vertebrates
Authors: Liu Taole , He Wei , Zhong Zhaomin , Lu Chenchen , Wu Lianxin , Wang Ziming , Smith William Kojo , Shi Quan , Long Qiaoming , Wang Han
Published: December 2024

The circadian clock generates and maintains ∼24-hour oscillations in almost all organs. The testis, however, remains mysterious without a clear understanding of its circadian functions. Our time-series transcriptome analysis reveals more than 1,000 rhythmically expressed genes in the zebrafish and mouse testes, respectively. Canonical circadian clock genes are rhythmically expressed in Sertoli cells and regulate retinoic acid (RA) production, which is also evidenced by their co-expression with RA synthesis genes in single Sertoli cells. Genetic and pharmacological manipulations and temporal desynchronization revealed that the circadian clock-regulated RA signaling synchronizes spermatogonial differentiation via zbtb16a and promotes fertilization via izumo1 in zebrafish. Our findings indicate that the testicular circadian clock contributes to reproduction in a cell-specific manner through RA signaling, highlighting circadian roles in male fertility.
Sustainable management of riverine N2O emission baselines
Authors: Wang Shuo , Zhi Wei , Li Shengjie , Lyu Tao , Ji Guodong
Published: December 2024

The riverine N2O fluxes are assumed to linearly increase with nitrate loading. However, this linear relationship with a uniform EF5r is poorly constrained, which impedes the N2O estimation and mitigation. Our meta-analysis discovered a universal N2O emission baseline (EF5r = k/[NO3−], k = 0.02) for natural rivers. Anthropogenic impacts caused an overall increase in baselines and the emergence of hotspots, which constitute two typical patterns of anthropogenic sources. The k values of agricultural and urban rivers increased to 0.09 and 0.05, respectively, with 11% and 14% of points becoming N2O hotspots. Priority control of organic and NH4+ pollution could eliminate hotspots and reduce emissions by 51.6% and 63.7%, respectively. Further restoration of baseline emissions on nitrate removal is a long-term challenge considering population growth and declining unit benefits (ΔN-N2O/N-NO3−). The discovery of EF lines emphasized the importance of targeting hotspots and managing baseline emissions sustainably to balance social and environmental benefits.
Impact of Vitamin A Deficiency on Iron Metabolism and Anemia: A Historical Perspective and Research Advances
Authors: Mejia Luis A , Erdman Jr John W
Published: December 2024

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) and iron deficiency anemia coexist around the world, particularly in children and women of reproductive age in low- and middle-income countries. Within this scenario, there is a known interaction between vitamin A and iron, and it has been postulated that lack of vitamin A impairs iron metabolism, leading to vitamin A deficiency anemia (VADA). Current animal, epidemiological, and clinical studies support this notion. The objective of this study was to review the current literature on proposed metabolic mechanisms regarding how VAD modulates iron metabolism leading to anemia. To attain this objective, a literature search was conducted of research publications in the related field, without date restriction, using PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and the University of Illinois’s reference system. The data support the essentiality of vitamin A for normal erythropoiesis. It indicates that, in VAD, iron mobilization is impaired, and that this mineral accumulates in the liver and spleen, making it less available for erythropoiesis. A triggering factor for the development of VADA seems to be inflammation and systemic infection, which release cytokines that upregulate the production of hepcidin by the liver. VAD may also increase hepcidin directly without the involvement of inflammation or infection. The elevated hepcidin, in turn, lowers circulating iron and sequesters iron in storage depots, downregulating erythropoietin, leading to inefficient erythropoiesis, decreased hemoglobin (Hb) production, and (subsequently) anemia. VAD may also impact the expression of iron regulatory protein 2 (IRP2), and thus affect intracellular iron metabolism gene expression. VADA is not due to iron deficiency, but to a redistribution of iron in the body. Understanding the mechanism of VADA will assist in designing more effective strategies for combating anemia worldwide.
The Poetic Edda
Authors: Larrington Carolyne
Published: December 2024

After the terrible conflagration of Ragnarok, the earth rises serenely again from the ocean, and life is renewed. The Poetic Edda begins with The Seeress's Prophecy which recounts the creation of the world, and looks forward to its destruction and rebirth. In this great collection of Norse-Icelandic mythological and heroic poetry, the exploits of gods and humans are related. The one-eyed Odin, red-bearded Thor, Loki the trickster, the lovely goddesses and the giants who are their enemies walk beside the heroic Helgi, Sigurd the Dragon-Slayer, Brynhild the shield-maiden, and the implacable Gudrun. New in this revised translation are the quest-poem The Lay of Svipdag and The Waking of Angantyr, in which a girl faces down her dead father to retrieve his sword.

Comic, tragic, instructive, grandiose, witty and profound, the poems of the Edda have influenced artists from Wagner to Tolkien and a new generation of video-game and film makers.
Arabidopsis WALL-ASSOCIATED KINASES are not required for oligogalacturonide-induced signaling and immunity
Authors: Herold Laura , Ordon Jana , Hua Chenlei , Kohorn Bruce D , Nürnberger Thorsten , DeFalco Thomas A , Zipfel Cyril
Published: December 2024

Carbohydrate-based cell wall signaling impacts plant growth, development, and stress responses; however, how cell wall signals are perceived and transduced remains poorly understood. Several cell wall breakdown products have been described as typical damage-associated molecular patterns that activate plant immunity, including pectin-derived oligogalacturonides (OGs). Receptor kinases of the WALL-ASSOCIATED KINASE (WAK) family bind pectin and OGs and were previously proposed as OG receptors. However, unambiguous genetic evidence for the role of WAKs in OG responses is lacking. Here, we investigated the role of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) WAKs in OG perception using a clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats mutant in which all 5 WAK genes were deleted. Using a combination of immune assays for early and late pattern-triggered immunity, we show that WAKs are dispensable for OG-induced signaling and immunity, indicating that they are not bona fide OG receptors.
Phosphorylation of the transcription factor OsNAC29 by OsMAPK3 activates diterpenoid genes to promote rice immunity
Authors: Lu Ling , Fang Jianbo , Xia Na , Zhang Jing , Diao Zhijuan , Wang Xun , Liu Yan , Tang Dingzhong , Li Shengping
Published: December 2024

Well-conserved mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades are essential for orchestrating of a wide range of cellular processes in plants, including defense responses against pathogen attack. NAC transcription factors (TFs) play important roles in plant immunity, but their targets and how they are regulated remain largely unknown. Here, we identified the TF OsNAC29 as a key component of a MAPK signaling pathway involved in rice (Oryza sativa) disease resistance. OsNAC29 binds directly to CACGTG motifs in the promoters of OsTPS28 and OsCYP71Z2, which are crucial for the biosynthesis of the phytoalexin 5,10-diketo-casbene and consequently rice blast resistance. OsNAC29 positively regulates rice blast resistance by promoting the expression of of OsTPS28 and OsCYP71Z2, and the function of OsNAC29 is genetically dependent on OsCYP71Z2 and OsTPS28. Furthermore, OsNAC29 interacts with OsRACK1A and OsMAPK3/6 to form an immune complex; OsMAPK3 phosphorylates OsNAC29 at Thr304 to prevent its proteasome-mediated degradation and promote its function against rice blast fungus. Phosphorylation of OsNAC29 at Thr304 is induced upon Magnaporthe oryzae infection and chitin treatment. Our data demonstrate the positive role of the OsMAPK3–OsNAC29–OsTPS28/OsCYP71Z2 module in rice blast resistance, providing insights into the molecular regulatory network and fine-tuning of NAC TFs in rice immunity.
Development of a collaborative learning health system data mart in pediatric liver transplantation
Authors: Squires James E. , Perito Emily R. , Garza Alexander , Urban Read , Soltys Kyle A. , Pahl Eric , Krise-Confair Cassandra , Mazariegos George V.
Published: December 2024

Pediatric liver transplant is a lifesaving intervention for children with disparate pathology ranging from single-gene defects to global liver dysfunction and complications from progressive cirrhosis and portal hypertension. The Starzl Network for Excellence in Pediatric Transplantation (SNEPT), a novel learning health system dedicated to pediatric liver transplant, has previously identified practice variability, waitlist mortality, perioperative complications, and inadequate quality initiative implementation as critical barriers that deserve prioritization in the field. This project was a novel partnership between SNEPT and the United Network for Organ Sharing to co-design a pediatric transplant-specific data mart and web portal to systematically map an approach to understanding these barriers and deliver strategies to combat them. We combined transplant-specific data from center Standard Transplant Analysis and Research files with project specific metrics identified by SNEPT to develop a web-based application to display progress and disseminate results. Customized, dynamic visualizations were built to display project data for center-level review and network-wide benchmarking, quality assurance, and performance improvement. Our DataMart platform represents a successful, scalable, systems-level approach to data management that can be adopted by other transplant communities to ensure transplant-specific learning health system development, growth, and expansion.
How does augmented reality enhance brand equity? The mediating role of the vividness experience
Authors: Xu Jiahong , Liu Hefu , Zhou Jingmei
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Advancements in augmented reality (AR) technology have increased the interest in improving brand equity by creating AR-enhanced branding experiences. However, despite the potential of AR branding, knowledge regarding the underlying mechanisms required for AR features to build brand equity remains limited. Thus, we considered embodied cognition theory to investigate how designing AR features enhances brand equity, particularly through the vivid experience of AR-enhanced body–environment interaction. Specifically, this study focused on both environmental and physical AR features: environmental embedding (EE) and simulated physical control (SPC).

Design/methodology/approach

The results of an online experiment with 297 participants in a 2 (high/low EE) × 2 (high/low SPC) between-subjects design underwent analysis of covariance and structural equation modeling to examine the relationship between AR features, vividness and brand equity. We also examined the moderating effects of prior AR experiences.

Findings

The results support most hypotheses that the experience of vividness is a crucial mediator linking AR features (EE and SPC) and consumer-based brand equity. The findings confirm the influential role of prior AR experience in the moderated mediation model, implying that AR-enhanced brand equity occurs primarily among technically adept AR consumers.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by identifying AR-enhanced body–environment interactions as a novel approach for enhancing brand equity. We also revealed the antecedents of vividness in the context of AR-enhanced branding. Moreover, the findings reveal that AR effects are contingent on consumers’ prior AR experience.
Accounting for downstream value chain: examining the accountability for social impact of digitalisation
Authors: Anarbaeva Akylai , Garst Jilde
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Two major issues exist in measuring social impact within the value chain: trade-offs between data accessibility and data qualitative characteristics and shared accountability for digital data. This study aims to investigate their interconnectedness to identify tensions between impact measurement and accountability conditions and examine how these tensions align with the qualitative characteristics of data. The main objective is to develop a framework for identifying these tensions downstream, which can offer valuable insights into the challenges hindering accurate social impact measurements.

Design/methodology/approach

Participatory action research was conducted in an IT company to ensure grounding in practitioners’ experiences with social accounting. Since the use of primary data was prohibited, this paper gathered impact indicators from a variety of secondary sources, including document and literature reviews, interviews, focus groups and a survey. Through inductive analysis of this data, this paper uncovered tensions in the measurement of social impact, which were then further examined using the international financial reporting standards (IFRS) conceptual framework and the five conditions of accountability.

Findings

Five categories of tensions were identified that hinder accurate measurement of the technologies’ social impacts. Using the IFRS conceptual framework and the five conditions of accountability, this paper show that these tensions relate to trade-offs between data qualitative characteristics and can lead to incomplete accountability of the company for its impact on the downstream value chain.

Originality/value

The originality of this study lies in demonstrating how the challenges of measuring technologies’ social impact are linked to the conditions under which IT companies can be held accountable for their activities and those of their customers.
Where do nomads bury their dead? Necro‐ostracism, statelessness, and the pastoral/ peripatetic divide in Afghanistan
Authors: Schmeding Annika
Published: December 2024

This article proposes that stigmas connected to social categories of exclusion prevalent during life extend into dealings with the dead, here referred to as ‘necro‐ostracism’, in the context of death and burial of Muslim nomadic populations in urban Afghanistan. Based on qualitative fieldwork carried out in Kabul, Herat, and Mazar‐e Sharif, it explores how the unequal status of pastoral and peripatetic nomads, mediated through a combination of legal status and social stereotypes, renders one group integrated and protected and another stateless. This status in life crosses over into people's differential and often unclear status in death, creating conflicts and problems associated with burial decisions for families based on their general social position in society. This positioning was exacerbated after the US‐led armed intervention in 2001, when access to land, particularly state‐owned as well as agricultural and pasture‐land, became a potent political currency in Afghanistan. Land grabbing – even of cemeteries – became a lucrative source of income and way to establish political loyalties. Taking an approach that focuses on inter‐community negotiation, the article considers how the different statuses of these structurally similar communities is navigated in the interaction between nomadic communities and burial gatekeepers.
Primary retroperitoneal lymph node dissection in clinical stage 2a/b non‐seminomatous germ cell tumour
Authors: Antonelli Luca , Heidenreich Axel , Bagrodia Aditya , Amini Armon , Baky Fady , Branger Nicolas , Cazzaniga Walter , Clinton Timothy N. , Daneshmand Siamak , Djaladat Hooman , Eggener Scott , Ghoreifi Alireza , Hamilton Robert J. , Ho Matthew , Sexton Wade J. , Nazzani Sebastiano , Nicol David , Nicolai Nicola , Olson Kathleen , Paffenholz Pia , Porter James , Qian Zhiyu , Rocco Nicholas R. , Yerrapragada Anirudh , Stroup Sean P. , Tachibana Isamu , Terbuch Angelika , Singla Nirmish , Cary Clint , Fankhauser Christian D. ,   In collaboration with the EAU‐YAU Penile and Testis Cancer Working Group
Published: December 2024

Objectives

To reassess the role of primary retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) in patients with marker‐negative non‐seminomatous germ cell tumour (NSGCT) clinical stage (CS) 2a, to explore results in patients with CS 2b and to evaluate surgical methods, recurrence, and adjuvant chemotherapy indications.

Materials and Methods

Data from 17 institutions were collected, comprising 305 men who underwent primary RPLND for CS 2 NSGCT. Regression analyses were conducted to predict histology in the RPLND specimen and disease‐free survival (DFS).

Results

A larger retroperitoneal lymph node diameter was associated with pure teratoma in the RPLND specimen (odds ratio [OR] 1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01–1.07; P = 0.03), but no association was observed with DFS. The 5‐year DFS rates in marker negative CS 2a and 2b were 79% and 76%. In men with non‐teratomatous viable cancer in the RPLND specimen, the 5‐year DFS rates for CS 2a and 2b were 95% and 87% with adjuvant chemotherapy, and 67% and 74% without adjuvant chemotherapy. We did not identify an association between the number of adjuvant chemotherapy cycles and DFS.

Conclusions

Our study suggests considering primary RPLND not only in marker‐negative CS 2a but also in CS 2b. Further research should determine the efficacy of primary RPLND in men with CS 2c and marker‐positive CS 2, as well as which patients may benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy and the optimal cycle number.
Survival after trimodal therapy in octogenarians with organ‐confined urothelial bladder cancer
Authors: Longoni Mattia , Di Bello Francesco , Rodriguez Peñaranda Natali , Falkenbach Fabian , Marmiroli Andrea , Le Quynh Chi , Tian Zhe , Goyal Jordan A. , Longo Nicola , Micali Salvatore , Graefen Markus , Musi Gennaro , Chun Felix K. H. , Saad Fred , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Moschini Marco , Gandaglia Giorgio , Montorsi Francesco , Briganti Alberto , Karakiewicz Pierre I.
Published: December 2024

Objectives

It is not known whether cancer‐specific mortality (CSM) differences distinguish radical cystectomy (RC) from trimodal therapy (TMT) in octogenarians harbouring organ‐confined (T2N0M0) urothelial cancer of the urinary bladder (UCUB).

Methods

Within the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (2004–2021), CSM and other‐cause mortality (OCM) rates were computed in octogenarian patients with organ‐confined UCUB undergoing either TMT or RC. Smoothed cumulative incidence plots depicted 5‐year CSM and OCM rates according to RC vs TMT. Competing risks regression (CRR) models were fitted, adjusting for age, gender, and race/ethnicity. Nearest‐neighbour 1:1 propensity‐score matching (PSM) for age and gender was also applied. Sensitivity analyses were additionally performed, focusing on White patients.

Results

Of 2335 octogenarian patients with T2N0M0 UCUB, 1562 (66.3%) received TMT and 793 (33.7%) received RC. Of those, 2082 (88.4%) were White. TMT rates increased from 53.5% in 2004 to 82.2% in 2021 (P < 0.001). The 5‐year CSM rate was 50.1% for TMT vs 31.1% for RC. After multivariable CRR, TMT independently predicted 1.7‐fold higher CSM (P < 0.001). After additional PSM, TMT also independently predicted 1.7‐fold higher CSM (P < 0.001). In sensitivity analyses exclusively focusing on White patients, almost identical results were recorded.

Conclusion

Rates of TMT have nearly doubled in octogenarian patients with organ‐confined UCUB in recent years; however, CSM rates after TMT are also nearly twice as high as those observed after RC. It is crucial to communicate these observations.
Two observations of rescue behavior in wild Asian elephants
Authors: Kamdar Arjun , Ali Samshul , Baishya Hiten Kumar , Barua Kaushik , Basumatary Rangjalu , Kakati Parikshit , Kalita Nripen , Mazumder Bibhuti , Saikia Raju , Sarmah Anupam , Sharma Kushal Konwar , Smith David , Sekar Nitin
Published: December 2024

We report two instances of rescue behavior in wild Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in Northeast India. Adult males assisted adult females sedated during GPS‐collaring efforts, pushing them away from perceived threats. These behaviors meet the criteria for rescue behavior, providing evidence of prosocial and cognitively complex actions in elephants.

Abstract in Assamese is available with online material.
Expanding the Clinical and Mutational Spectrum of Biallelic POC1A Variants: Characterization of Four Patients and a Comprehensive Review of POC1A‐Related Phenotypes
Authors: Altunoglu Umut , Turgut Gozde Tutku , Özturan Esin Karakılıç , Kalaycı Tuğba , Kaya Mert , Toksoy Güven , Baş Firdevs , Kayserili Hülya , Darendeliler Feyza
Published: December 2024

SOFT syndrome (SOFTS) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by biallelic POC1A variants, characterized by short stature, distinctive facial features, onychodysplasia, and hypotrichosis. To date, 21 pathogenic POC1A variants have been reported in 26 families. This study aims to broaden the phenotypic and genotypic spectrum of SOFTS with emphasis on the long‐term effects of growth hormone (GH) therapy. We report four unrelated patients with three homozygous POC1A variants and demonstrate the transcriptional effects of two canonical splicing variants. All four patients had severe growth retardation, sparse hair/eyebrows, high/prominent forehead, long/triangular face, prominent nose, short middle/distal phalanges, puffy/tapering fingers, and prominent heels. Endocrine abnormalities included insulin resistance and impaired glucose tolerance, dyslipidemia, GH deficiency, central hypothyroidism, and precocious puberty. Two patients treated long‐term with recombinant human GH showed insufficient responses. We also provide an extensive review of 43 cases including those we report, contributing to a better understanding of the full clinical and endocrinological spectrum of SOFTS.
Line‐field confocal optical coherence tomography in lichen planopilaris and frontal fibrosing alopecia: A pilot study
Authors: Nutz Marie‐Christine , Deußing Maximilian , Hartmann Daniela , Lange Silvan , Senner Sonja , Eyssele Tamara , Schuh Sandra , French Lars E. , Welzel Julia , Sattler Elke C.
Published: December 2024

Background and Objectives

Lichen planopilaris (LPP) and frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) are common causes of cicatricial alopecia. While several studies have demonstrated the usefulness of non‐invasive imaging methods such as reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) for the diagnosis of scarring alopecia, this study aimed to identify characteristic features of cicatricial alopecia in LPP/FFA using line‐field confocal OCT (LC‐OCT).

Patients and Methods

Fifty‐one patients (26 LPP, 24 FFA, 1 LPP and FFA) were prospectively analyzed with LC‐OCT at three defined locations on the scalp: (1) scarring area = lesion, (2) scar‐hair boundary = transition zone and (3) healthy area for the presence of the following pre‐defined criteria: no hair follicles left, destructed hair follicles, dermal sclerosis, no rimming of the dermal papillae, epidermal and dermal inflammatory infiltrate, infundibular hyperkeratosis, dilated blood vessels, hypervascularization, melanophages, epidermal pigment incontinence.

Results

Comparison of the transition zone with healthy control sites revealed the four main LC‐OCT features in LPP/FFA: dermal sclerosis (100%), dermal inflammatory infiltrate (90.2%), infundibular hyperkeratosis (60.8%) and hypervascularization (76.5%).

Conclusions

LC‐OCT detects specific criteria of pathological changes in LPP/FFA around hair follicles in the epidermis and dermis and therefore can be used for further studies investigating scarring alopecia.
Bouncing back for promotability through recognition: Does having diversive curiosity matter?
Authors: Sofyan Yunita , Richards Malika , Shang Yufan
Published: December 2024

Are employees with career resilience more likely to get promoted? Building on the conservation of resources theory, we extend career resilience research to propose that resilient employees are more likely to receive recognition from others. This recognition then improves their promotion prospects. We further explore how this relationship is particularly salient in the presence of diversive curiosity—an individual difference in dispositional tendencies to participate in exploration, accompanied by a desire for a novel, interesting, or entertaining stimuli. Using a three‐wave survey of 294 employees from private and government organizations in Indonesia, combined with PROCESS macro‐based bootstrapping, we find that employee resilience positively impacts their promotability, directly and indirectly, through perceived recognition. This relationship is especially prominent when diversive curiosity is high. We conclude that those who can enhance their resilience will also boost their promotability in the workplace. This study offers implications for resilience, prosocial motivation, recognition, and promotability by explaining how and when resilience will help employees achieve professional success, what employees can do to enhance their careers, and what management can do to enhance their succession planning.
Physical characterization of composites based on yttria‐stabilized zirconia and doped lanthanum gallate
Authors: Fujimoto Talita G. , Seriacopi V. , Machado Izabel F. , Muccillo Reginaldo , Muccillo Eliana N. S.
Published: December 2024

This work reports a systematic study on the microstructure, electrical conductivity, and nanoindentation of 8 mol% yttria‐stabilized zirconia (8YSZ), La0.9Sr0.1Ga0.8Mg0.2O3‐δ (LSGM) in both pure form and as composites. The main purpose was to evaluate the effects of the minor phase on the properties of the composite materials. Commercial 8YSZ was the major phase. Pure LSGM and composites consisting of 1, 10, and 20 wt.% LSGM were prepared by the solid‐state reaction method. Sintering experiments were carried out from 1200°C to 1450°C. The temperature of maximum shrinkage decreased with increasing LSGM content. The average grain size of the composites was dependent on the relative proportion of the minor phase. Interface reactions occurr during sintering. Electrical conductivity of the composites was found to be lower compared to that of 8YSZ. The hardness showed no significant variation with the minor phase content, although a beneficial effect on the elastic modulus was noted for composites containing 10 wt.% LSGM.
Conceptualising SME brand co‐creation
Authors: Juntunen Mari
Published: December 2024

Research on the branding of small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs), known as SME branding, has garnered substantial interest over the past two decades. Although researchers acknowledge the importance of stakeholders and networks as co‐creators of SME brands, a comprehensive conceptualisation of SME brand co‐creation remains lacking. The current study addresses this gap by combining systematic literature searches with a cumulative narrative review. By analysing 136 journal articles using brand co‐creation and process theory lenses, the study identifies two SME brand co‐creation eras—the initiation era and the advanced era—and categorises the research across these eras into three principal streams and eight sub‐streams. Synthesising insights from across these eras and streams concludes in conceptualising SME brand co‐creation in terms of concepts, developmental processes and causal processes, as well as introducing a framework called the SME brand co‐creation research diamond. The framework visually illustrates the intertwined nature of authentic brand co‐creation culture, co‐creation types and outcomes from the viewpoints of concepts, developmental processes and causal processes, emphasising interactions with stakeholders and wider society. As the first to conceptualise SME brand co‐creation, this study lays the groundwork for advancing the field into the expansion era. The study advises researchers to comprehend their work in a wider context, position their own research and further examine SME brand co‐creation. It also assists SME owners, managers and entrepreneurs in recognising and developing aspects of brand co‐creation culture and stakeholder and societal activities, along with their broader implications.
Identification of Cuproptosis‐Related Patterns Predict Prognosis and Immunotherapy Response in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Guo Kai , Wang Tianbing , Yin Jimin , Yang Shoushan , Cui Haodong , Cao Zichuan , Zhao Qiang , Xie Gongbo , Lu Jian , Gu Guosheng , Wu Wenyong
Published: December 2024

A novel copper‐dependent mode of death, cuproptosis, has been newly identified. This study developed a cuproptosis score (CS) based on the cuproptosis model to analyse the association of CS with prognosis, immune cell infiltration, drug sensitivity and immunotherapy response in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. A typing model of cuproptosis was constructed based on the expression of 19 cuproptosis‐related genes (CRGs). A total of 485 samples were divided into high scoring group (HSG) and low scoring group (LSG) according to CS, and the drug sensitivity and responsiveness to immunotherapy were evaluated by combining the immunophenotype score (IPS), oncoPredict, the tumour immune dysfunction and rejection (TIDE). The use of weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) identified key prognostic genes for cuproptosis. Western blotting was used to detect the expression level of the key gene. The CRG key gene glutaminase (GLS) is highly expressed in HCC, and patients with high expression of GLS have a poorer prognosis. Furthermore, cell function experiments, such as proliferation, migration and invasion assays, confirmed that GLS knockdown significantly changed the incidence and progression of HCC. This study suggests that new biological markers associated with cuproptosis can be used in the clinical diagnosis of HCC patients to predict prognosis and therapeutic targets.
Reducing sedentary behavior improves depressive symptoms among patients with heart failure enrolled in a home‐based mobile health app cardiac rehabilitation
Authors: Saleh Zyad T. , Aslanoğlu Aziz , Almagharbeh Wesam T. , Fadila Doaa El Sayed , Nagoor Thangam Mathar Mohideen , Al‐Dgheim Riyad , Oleimat Bayan , Eltayeb Mudathir Mohamedahmed , Sobeh Dena Eltabey , Saifan Ahmad Rajeh , Elshatarat Rami A. , Ebeid Inas A.
Published: December 2024

Background

Depressive symptoms are common, worsening heart failure (HF) progression and reducing quality of life. While supervised structured exercise training is effective for managing depressive symptoms, it often demands a substantial time commitment or intensive activity that may discourage participation.

Objective

Evaluate the impacts of reducing sedentary time with short bouts of light physical activities or greater intensity levels on depressive symptoms after HF patients' enrollment in a home‐based intervention.

Methods

A total of 127 HF patients participated in an experimental two‐group design, randomly allocated to either delayed or immediate decreasing sedentary time intervention. The immediate group started the intervention immediately, while the delayed group began after the first group finished their intervention. The 8‐week intervention, guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior, focused on interrupting 30 min of sedentary behavior with short bouts of light‐ or greater intensity physical activities. Demographic and clinical variables were collected at baseline. Depressive symptoms were assessed at baseline, pre‐intervention, and post‐intervention. Physical activity (daily steps) was monitored daily during the study period using the Samsung mobile health app.

Results

Both groups demonstrated reduced sedentary time during the intervention, with improvements in HF symptom burden. Repeated measures analysis of variance revealed a significant reduction in depressive symptoms in both groups post‐intervention, with a greater reduction seen in the immediate group before the delayed group began the intervention.

Conclusion

The study highlights the effectiveness of interrupting sedentary behavior with light‐ or greater intensity activities in managing depressive symptoms among HF patients. The home‐based intervention, facilitated by mobile technology, provides a feasible and accessible approach to improving mental well‐being.

Clinical Relevance

The findings support the broader implementation of home‐based interventions addressing sedentary time reduction as a valuable strategy for enhancing the mental health of HF patients, particularly those facing challenges with traditional rehabilitation programs or intense exercise.
Evaluation of endocrine changes and insulin release in patients with hereditary spherocytosis
Authors: Ağırman Zeynep , Temiz Fatih , Acıpayam Can , Akkececi Nurten
Published: December 2024

Aim

To evaluate endocrinological changes and insulin secretion in patients with hereditary spherocytosis (HS).

Methods

The study included 30 patients with HS and 30 healthy control groups who were of similar age and gender. Routine tests, including hemogram, biochemical and hormonal tests were conducted on both patients with HS and the control group. HOMA‐IR (Homeostasis Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance) and HOMA‐ß% (Homeostasis Model Assessment for ß‐cell function) values of all cases were also calculated using fasting insulin and fasting glucose values.

Results

Among the patient group, 7 patients (23.3%) had short stature, 16 patients (53.3%) had vitamin D deficiency, 1 patient (3.3%) had impaired glucose tolerance, 1 patient (3.3%) had subclinical hypothyroidism, 23 patients (76.6%) had dyslipidemia and 2 patients (6.6%) had growth hormone deficiency. The insulin value in the patient group was 4.0 ± 2.7 mlU/mL and significantly lower than the control group with an insulin value of 9.1 ± 3.9 mlU/mL (P < 0.001). Moreover, glucose (P = 0.036), HOMA‐IR (P < 0.001), HOMA‐beta (P < 0.001) and C‐peptide (P = 0.001) values of the patient group were significantly lower than the control group. The cholesterol (P < 0.001), HDL (P < 0.001) and LDL (P < 0.001) values of the patient group were found to be significantly lower than the control group.

Conclusion

We found that insulin secretion decreased in patients with HS and hypocholesterolemia occurred due to chronic hemolysis. More research is needed to elucidate the pathophysiology of decreased insulin secretion seen in HS patients.
Green Total Factor Productivity and Its Nonlinear Relationship With Coordinated FDI Development: Evidence From Panel Models
Authors: Fan Lihong , Chang Bisharat Hussain , Kim Eunchan
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the underexplored nonlinear impact of coordinated foreign direct investment on green total factor productivity in the context of China. While existing literature acknowledges the role of FDI in fostering economic growth and environmental development, it has yet to thoroughly address the synchronizing effects of inward and outward FDI on factor productivity, particularly in alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ESG principles. Using provincial‐level data from 1995 to 2022 and employing a panel model, we analyze the U‐shaped relationship between FDI coordination on factor productively in the context of China. Our findings reveal that synchronized FDI significantly boosts GP in the economically advanced eastern provinces, whereas the effect is complex and region‐dependent in central and western areas, where structural and economic disparities play a more pronounced role. These results contribute to existing knowledge by clarifying the pathway through which coordinated FDI can enhance sustainable development. Our study concludes with policy recommendations emphasizing region‐specific strategies that balance economic growth and environmental goals, fostering a comprehensive approach to sustainable development.
Contagious risk: Nexus of risk in climate, epidemic, geopolitics, and economic
Authors: Li Hailing , Pei Xiaoyun , Zhang Hua
Published: December 2024

In recent years, “black swan” events have increasingly occurred across climate, epidemics, geopolitics, and economics, leading to a gradual coupling of different types of risk. Different from isolated shocks as a single type of risk affecting a specific industry, a nexus of risks allows one risk area to quickly relate to others, resulting in more catastrophic impacts. Utilizing an integrated framework, we investigate the contagion effects among climate policy uncertainty, the infectious disease equity market volatility tracker, geopolitical risk, and economic policy uncertainty using volatility, skewness, and kurtosis as risk measures. The results indicate that: (1) The contagion effect of different types of risk increases with higher order risk measures, suggesting that more extreme events are more likely to be contagious across domains. (2) Approximately two‐thirds of risk contagion occurs contemporaneously, while about one‐third occurs with a lag, indicating that risk contagion combines both immediacy and continuity. (3) Risk contagion exhibits significant time‐varying and heterogeneous characteristics. Our study elucidates the inherent contagion characteristics between different types of risk, transforming the understanding of risk from a one‐dimensional to a multidimensional perspective. This underscores that risk management should not be confined to a single domain; it is crucial to consider the potential impacts of risks from other industries on one's own.
Identification of the Novel HLA‐DPB1*01:01:15 Allele by Next‐Generation Sequencing
Authors: Oh Eun‐Sang , Chang Yunhee , DebRoy Meelie , Islam Humayun Kamal , Putheti Prabhakar
Published: December 2024

We describe the novel HLA‐DPB1*01:01:15 allele found in a female African American.
Description of the Novel HLA‐B*48:01:14 Allele Identified in a Northern Chinese Han Individual
Authors: Han Yu , Jiao Li‐Xin , Yang Fan
Published: December 2024

Identification of the novel HLA‐B*48:01:14 allele, which differs from HLA‐B*48:01:01 at one position.
The Novel HLA‐C*03:656 Allele Identified by Next‐Generation Sequencing
Authors: Shen Manli , Jennemann Jo‐Ellen , Willey Patricia , Liu Chang
Published: December 2024

HLA‐C*03:656 differs from HLA‐C*03:04:01:02 by a single missense nucleotide substitution in codon 342 in exon 7.
Characterisation of the Novel HLA‐G*01:06:01:02 Allele in a Tribal Individual From Western Maharashtra, India
Authors: Mujumdar Yogini , Thakur Shramika Vasant , Bhor Vikrant M. , Kulkarni Ragini Nitin , Chaaithanya Itta Krishna
Published: December 2024

HLA‐G*01:06:02:01 differs from HLA‐G*01:06:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution in intron 4 at position 1921 (C to T).
Three Fields Allelic Haplotype Frequencies of HLA‐DPA1 and ‐DPB1 Typed by Next Generation Sequencing of 563 Families in Chinese Han Population
Authors: Wang Jian‐Ling , He Jun‐Bo , Li Zhi‐Min , Zhu Ya‐Nan , Cao DaJiang , Fu Hong‐Lei , Zhang Xian , Fernández‐Viña Marcelo A. , Rozemuller Erik , Liu XiangJun
Published: December 2024

The present study investigated the HLA‐DPA1 and ‐DPB1 allele and haplotype frequencies in the Chinese Han population. A total of 563 families, which have been typed for the purpose of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, were included, and three‐field allelic resolution typing of HLA‐DPA1 and ‐DPB1 of all individuals were defined by the next‐generation sequencing method. HLA‐DPA1~DPB1 haplotypes were determined by allele segregation within a nuclear family. A total of 9 HLA‐DPA1 and 39 HLA‐DPB1 alleles, and 62 HLA‐DPA1~DPB1 haplotypes were identified. The three most frequent alleles at HLA‐DPA1 locus are HLA‐DPA1*02:02:02 (46.581%), HLA‐DPA1*01:03:01 (36.456%) and HLA‐DPA1*02:01:01 (12.167%); and the three most frequent HLA‐DPB1 alleles are HLA‐DPB1*05:01:01 (34.014%), HLA‐DPB1*02:01:02 (18.428%) and HLA‐DPB1*04:01:01 (10.124%). The three most frequent haplotypes are HLA‐DPA1*02:02:02~DPB1*05:01:01 (32.327%), HLA‐DPA1*01:03:01 ~ DPB1*02:01:02 (14.654%) and HLA‐DPA1*01:03:01~DPB1*04:01:01 (9.458%). The HLA‐DPA1*02:01~DPB1*02:02 and HLA‐DPA1*04:01~DPB1*05:01 haplotypes appear to be unique in Han Chinese. Strong global linkage disequilibrium (LD) between HLA‐DPA1 and ‐DPB1 was confirmed (D′ = 0.848, Wn = 0.684). Moreover, the haplotype frequencies based on the family study were compared with the frequencies estimated by the expectation–maximisation algorithm, and the equivalent results were obtained except for haplotypes with very low frequencies. Our data provide a solid base for HLA‐DP dimer association studies and useful information for transplantation and disease association studies.
Continuous Hydrolysis of Nile Tilapia Skin Collagen using an Enzymatic Membrane Reactor
Authors: Thuanthong M. , Sirinupong N. , Sirinupong T. , Yoyravong W.
Published: December 2024

The continuous enzymatic membrane reactor (EMR) was developed for producing Angiotensin-I Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides from Nile tilapia skin collagen. The productive condition of EMR and peptide property were studied. The results showed that protein conversion and EMR capacity were remarkably affected by collagen concentration and enzyme to substrate ratio while ACE-inhibitory activity was influenced by only enzyme to substrate ratio. In addition, the proper operating condition of ACE-Inhibitory peptides produced by EMR were Alcalase to substrate concentration ratio of 0.08 at 50 °C, pH 8.0 and permeate flow rate of 0.4 ml min-1. It was evident that the EMR was an effective means for producing small peptides (< 1000 Da) with ACE-inhibitory activity. The permeate fractions containing peptides with molecular weight <1000 Da were homogeneous and also showed relatively high ACE-inhibitory activity.
Reuse of End-of-life Seawater Reverse Osmosis (RO) Membranes for Water Treatment
Authors: Al-Hamimi Noor , Kyaw Htet Htet , Al-Ghafri Buthayna , Al-Obaidani Sulaiman , El Kharraz Jauad , Al-Anezi Khaled , Al-Abri Mohammed
Published: December 2024

Due to the continuing growth in RO desalination plants and the finite lifespan of the RO membranes, large stocks of the end-of-life (EoL) RO membranes are discarded to landfills. This has become a critical challenge in the RO desalination industry. The overall objective of this study was to validate the possibility of direct reuse of the end-of-life seawater reverse osmosis membranes (EoL SWRO) for brackish water desalination in order to limit the environmental impact of their disposal. This study investigates the membrane performance and characterization of four SWRO modules (EoL-M1, EoL-M2, EoL-M3, and EoL-M4). The hydraulic performance of the old membranes was assessed using 5,000 ppm synthetic (NaCl) brackish water and real brackish water, and was compared with the performance of two commercial membranes, namely brackish water RO membrane (BW30) and nanofiltration membrane (NF90). 84-92% NaCl rejection was achieved by direct reuse of EoL membranes, which was higher than the rejection characteristics obtained using commercial BW30 and NF90 membranes. Removal of common salts represent in natural water sources (Na2SO4, Mg2SO4 and MgCl2) and humic substances was also investigated using EoL membranes. The rejection of Na2SO4, MgSO4 and MgCl2 salt solutions was in the range of (50.0-85.8%) with a highest rejection value was obtained for Na2SO4 and the lowest rejection was observed for MgCl2 solution, while a complete rejection was achieved for humic acid. Salt rejection of real brackish water filtration by the EoL membranes (75-77%) presented NF-like properties (Salt rejection was obtained for NF90 membrane was 77%). Therefore, the potential of reusing EoL SWRO is promising and thus benefit the desalination industry and the environment in Oman.