bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
iPSC-Derived Cerebral Organoids Reveal Mitochondrial, Inflammatory and Neuronal Vulnerabilities in Bipolar Disorder
Authors: El Soufi El Sabbagh Dana , Machado Alencar Kolinski , Pappis Lauren , Beroncal Erika Leigh , Ji Delphine , Nader George , Chander Prathyusha Ravi , Choi Jaehyoung , Duong Angela , Jeong Hyunjin , Panizzutti Bruna , Bortolasci Chiara Cristina , Szatmari Andrea , Carlen Peter , Hahn Margaret , Attisano Liliana , Berk Michael , Walder Ken , Andreazza Ana Cristina
Published: February 2025

Bipolar disorder (BD) is increasingly recognized as a disorder with both mitochondrial dysfunction and heightened inflammatory reactivity, yet their contribution to neuronal activity remains unclear. To address these gaps, this study utilizes iPSC-derived cerebral organoids (COs) from BD patients and healthy controls to model disease-specific metabolic and inflammatory dysfunction in a physiologically relevant system. BD COs exhibited mitochondrial impairment, dysregulated metabolic function, and increased nod-leucine rich repeat and pyrin domain containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation sensitivity. Treatment with MCC950, a selective NLRP3 inhibitor, effectively rescued mitochondrial function and reduced inflammatory activation in both BD and control COs. Additionally, a Bioactive Flavonoid Extract (BFE) was explored as a potential therapeutic, demonstrating partial rescue of inflammasome activation. These findings highlight a mitochondria-inflammasome axis in BD pathophysiology and establish a novel platform for studying BD-associated cellular mechanisms, ultimately bridging the gap between molecular dysfunction and therapeutic development.
A cell-type specific surveillance complex represses cryptic promoters during differentiation in an adult stem cell lineage
Authors: Matias Neuza R. , Gallicchio Lorenzo , Lu Dan , Kim Jongmin J. , Perez Julian , Detweiler Angela M. , Lu Chenggang , Bolival Benjamin , Fuller Margaret T.
Published: February 2025

Regulators of chromatin accessibility play key roles in cell fate transitions, triggering onset of novel transcription programs as cells differentiate. In theDrosophilamale germ line stem cell lineage, tMAC, a master regulator of spermatocyte differentiation that binds thousands of loci, is required for local opening of chromatin, allowing activation of spermatocyte-specific promoters. Here we show that a cell-type specific surveillance system involving the multiple zinc finger protein Kmg and the pipsqueak domain protein Dany dampens transcriptional output from weak tMAC dependent promoters and blocks tMAC binding at thousands of additional cryptic promoters, thus preventing massive expression of aberrant protein-coding transcripts. ChIP-seq showed Kmg enriched at the tMAC-bound promoters it repressed, consistent with direct action. In contrast, Kmg and Dany did not repress highly expressed tMAC dependent genes, where they colocalized with their binding partner, the chromatin modeler Mi-2 (NuRD), along the transcribed regions rather than at the promoter. Mi-2 has been shown to preferentially bind RNA over chromatin (Ullahet al. 2022). We propose that at highly expressed genes binding of Mi-2 to the abundant nascent RNA pulls the Kmg/Dany complex away from promoters, providing a mechanism to effectively repress ectopic promoters while protecting robust transcription.
Layer V Neocortical Neurons From Individuals With Drug-Resistant Epilepsy Show Multiple Synaptic Alterations but Lack Somatic Hyperexcitability
Authors: Márquez Luis A. , Martínez-Aguirre Christopher , Gutierrez-Castañeda Estefanía , Griego Ernesto , Sollozo-Dupont Isabel , López-Preza Félix , Alonso-Vanegas Mario , Rocha Luisa , Galván Emilio J.
Published: February 2025

Although neuronal hyperexcitability is the primary mechanism underlying seizure activity in epilepsy, little is known about how different neuronal mechanisms at different organizational levels contribute to network hyperexcitability in the human epileptic brain. In this study, we determined a series of cellular and synaptic properties of layer V pyramidal neurons from neocortical tissue of patients with drug-resistant epilepsy that may contribute the hyperexcitable state associated with epilepsy. Using the whole cell, patch-clamp technique, and extracellular recordings, we determined the passive and active electrophysiological properties of layer V pyramidal neurons with regular spiking phenotypes from temporal, parietal, and frontal neocortices surgically resected from individuals with drug-resistant epilepsy. Also, the glutamatergic strength, the synchronicity between presynaptic volleys and field excitatory postsynaptic potentials, and short-term, frequency-dependent plasticity were determined at the synaptic level. Lastly, biocytin-filled pyramidal neurons were used to perform post hoc digital reconstructions and morphometric analyses. The collected data revealed that pyramidal neurons exhibit minimal spontaneous activity, similar resting membrane potentials, and input resistance values among the temporal, parietal, and frontal neocortices. Although frontal neurons were more hyperexcitable than temporal and parietal neurons, the firing output was comparable to that previously observed in non-pathological human tissue. The digital reconstructions confirmed the identity of pyramidal neurons and revealed alterations in dendritic complexity. In contrast, the analyses of the extracellular recordings uncovered significant desynchronization between presynaptic excitability and postsynaptic activity and loss of short-term depression in response to repetitive stimulation within the gamma range (30 Hz). Our data suggest that neocortical layer V pyramidal neurons from individuals with drug-resistant epilepsy are not necessarily hyperexcitable at the somatic level. Instead, synaptic alterations, such as synaptic desynchronization and a loss of frequency-dependent short-term depression may significantly contribute to the hyperexcitable state observed during seizure activity.
Light-Induced Reorientation Transition in an Antiferromagnetic Semiconductor
Authors: Fichera Bryan T. , Lv Baiqing , Morey Karna , Shen Zongqi , Lee Changmin , Donoway Elizabeth , Liebman-Peláez Alex , Kogar Anshul , Kurumaji Takashi , Rodriguez-Vega Martin , del Toro Rodrigo Humberto Aguilera , Arruabarrena Mikel , Ilyas Batyr , Luo Tianchuang , Müller Peter , Leonardo Aritz , Ayuela Andres , Fiete Gregory A. , Checkelsky Joseph G. , Orenstein Joseph , Gedik Nuh
Published: February 2025

Because of the lack of a net magnetic moment, antiferromagnets possess a unique robustness to external magnetic fields and are thus predicted to play an important role in future magnetic technologies. However, this robustness also makes them quite difficult to control, and the development of novel methods to manipulate these systems with external stimuli is a fundamental goal of antiferromagnetic spintronics. In this work, we report evidence for a metastable reorientation of the order parameter in an antiferromagnetic semiconductor triggered by an ultrafast quench of the equilibrium order via photoexcitation above the band gap. The metastable state forms less than 10 ps after the excitation pulse, and persists for longer than 150 ps before decaying to the ground state via thermal fluctuations. Importantly, this transition cannot be induced thermodynamically, and requires the system to be driven out of equilibrium. Broadly speaking, this phenomenology is ultimately the result of large magnetoelastic coupling in combination with a relatively low symmetry of the magnetic ground state. Since neither of these properties are particularly uncommon in magnetic materials, the observations presented here imply a generic path toward novel device technology enabled by ultrafast dynamics in antiferromagnets.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
A study on the influence of production and environmental information transparency on online consumers’ purchase intention of green agricultural products
Authors: Fu Shaoling , Hu Xianxian , Zhang Chen , Li Zipeng
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study examines how production and environmental information transparency affect online consumer trust and their purchase intention for green agricultural products.

Design/methodology/approach

Using signaling theory, the study combines structural equation modeling (SEM) and necessary conditions analysis (NCA) to examine sufficiency and necessity. SEM analyzes the links between information transparency, online consumer trust and purchase intention, while NCA identifies the necessary conditions for building trust and purchase intentions among online consumers.

Findings

First, production information transparency improves general trust (GT), while environmental information transparency boosts both GT and swift trust (ST). Second, both GT and ST promote online consumers’ purchase intentions (OCPI). Third, production information transparency is necessary for GT, while environmental information transparency supports both GT and ST. Additionally, GT and ST are necessary conditions for OCPI. These findings indicate that production and environmental information transparency help enhance consumer trust, thereby increasing their purchase intentions.

Practical implications

The findings offer guidance for businesses in designing trust-building strategies and provide recommendations for policymakers on incentivizing transparency practices among green agricultural product producers.

Originality/value

This study extends signaling theory to the online consumption of green agricultural products. By combining SEM and NCA, it is the first to reveal the necessity and sufficiency conditions among production and environmental information transparency, trust and purchase intention.
Big data applications and management for digital library services in selected academic libraries in Kwara state, Nigeria
Authors: Adeyemi Ismail Olatunji , Muhammed-Jamiu Ridwan , Muhammed Isiwat Opeyemi , Mustapha Roqeebat Temiloluwa , Mustapha Mahbuba Oyindamola , Musa Zainab , Salman Abdusalam
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Large volumes of complex and diverse data sources present a tremendous barrier for big data applications (BDAs) in digital library in terms of processing and extracting relevant insights. The purpose of this study is to examine librarians’ perceptions of BDAs and management for digital library services in selected academic libraries in Kwara State.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design that was adopted in this study is the cross-sectional research design. The total population for this study is 58 (58) library professionals. Owing to the small population of this study, total enumeration sampling technique was adopted for this study. Hence, the sample size for this study is 58 (58). Questionnaire was used for data collection. Collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Findings

The study demonstrated that digital library services provided include virtual reference services, institutional repositories and personalized content recommendation. Also, the librarians were aware of BDAs like Apache Hadoop and Python. It was showed that BDAs are used for resource transfer, borrowing management, user needs, usage tracking and personalizing content recommendations. Results showed that open-source software and hardware, and training on handling diverse data sets are essential for the management of big data. Challenges associated with the use of BDAs include scalability limitations, complex data structures, lack of big data processing, power supply issues and data privacy.

Originality/value

This study provides unaddressed questions and gaps in the area of using BDAs for the provision of digital library services, especially in developing countries like Nigeria.
Are we there yet? Diversity management officers’ journey to strategic partnership
Authors: Nadiv Ronit , Kuna Shani
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The organizational role of diversity management officers (DMO) is intertwined with the human resource (HR) profession and practices. Nonetheless, DMO ideologies, perspectives and challenges from the perspective of strategic human resource partnership have not been adequately addressed. This study aimed to explore the strategic role of DMOs using the comprehensive scholarly research on strategic HR partnerships. We suggest that DMOs’ limited success in promoting diversity may be due to a lack of strategic positioning of their role.

Design/methodology/approach

In-depth, semi-structured interviews with 22 DMOs and HR practitioners were used to examine their day-to-day activities and interactions between their diversity-management and HR roles.

Findings

The findings indicate that DMOs direct their attention to diversity initiatives that address the personal needs and challenges of socially diverse employees and their managers. Thus, most DMOs operate on an administrative rather than a more strategic and transformational level, which also reflects their organization’s perspective on diversity.

Research limitations/implications

The study was conducted using a medium-sized sample of practitioners in the Israeli business sector. This study focused on practitioners’ descriptions of their daily roles and did not include other organizational stakeholders, such as managers and employees.

Practical implications

According to the findings, the DMO role lacks strategic positioning. To better implement and promote diversity initiatives, DMOs should increase their strategic influence. Based on the strategic HR framework, we suggest four distinct roles that will enhance DMOs’ strategic positioning. We recommend practical improvements in DMOs’ practices and academic education, as well as training for practitioners.

Originality/value

This study adds to the scholarly understanding of DMOs and suggests a strategic framework for implementing organizational diversity.
Self-help groups and women empowerment: developing a framework for sustainability of SHGs
Authors: Vasishta Prihana , Singla Anju
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study examines the research landscape on women empowerment and self-help groups (SHGs) using bibliometric analysis and network cluster analysis. It also intends to create a model that prioritizes the sustainability of women-led SHGs in order to promote women’s empowerment.

Design/methodology/approach

A list of keywords relating to women empowerment and SHGs was employed as a search strategy to highlight current research characteristics and trajectories. The analysis included 397 Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus papers over a period of 20 years from 2003 to 2022.

Findings

The analysis indicated an upward trend in the number of publications over the last decade, with India emerging as the most prolific contributor. Furthermore, the network clustering technique facilitated the identification of five central clusters that guide future research.

Practical implications

This study informs policymakers and microfinance institutions about the sustainability of women-led SHGs by empowering women in multiple capacities, including implementing inclusive microfinance for poverty alleviation; promoting nutritional empowerment for women in SHGs; capacity building and entrepreneurial training; evaluating the socioeconomic impact of SHGs in developing contexts; and fostering social capital and inclusive networking for community development.

Originality/value

This research employed Scopus and WoS databases to encompass a wider range of indexed journals. The contribution lies in proposing new research directions and providing practical solutions for sustainability of women-led SHGs to achieve women empowerment.
Effect of re-melted textured patterns on the mechanical and tribological behavior of 70Mn steel
Authors: Chen Yazhe , Shang Qingyu , Zhang Youwei , Yao Ying , Tomar Adesh Kumar , Long Risheng , Marian Max
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the mechanical and tribological behavior of 70Mn steel with different laser re-melted textured patterns.

Design/methodology/approach

Laser surface re-melting (LSR) was used to manufacture various textured patterns (i.e. line, grid and mixed) on both the original and heat-treated 70Mn steel plates. The micro-hardness, microstructure, tensile strength, yield strength, elongation, coefficients of friction (COF) and worn morphologies were characterized to evaluate the impact of different textured patterns on the overall performance.

Findings

The results show that re-melted unit exhibited the highest surface hardness on the subsurface. The increase in surface hardness of the re-melted unit for the heat-treated 70Mn steel samples was much lower than that of the original ones. The re-melted textured patterns did not improve the tensile strength, yield strength and elongation of either original or heat-treated 70Mn steel samples. The re-melted textured patterns effectively reduced the average COFs of heat-treated 70Mn steel samples, but increased friction of the non-heat-treated samples.

Originality/value

This study provides valuable insights into enhancing the mechanical properties and tribological characteristics of 70Mn steel, particularly in the automotive, heavy machinery and high-load application sectors. These industries have stringent requirements for durability and friction control, and the findings of this research are expected to effectively extend the lifespan of mechanical components.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-11-2024-0443/
Will rural collective construction land marketization affect pension industry? A mixed-methods investigation
Authors: Han Lu , Wu Hao , Fang Buqing , Zhou Wangyue
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This paper aims to study whether rural collective construction land marketization (RCCLM) affects pension industry and analyze its impact mechanism.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and social cognition theory (SCT), this paper constructs a theoretical framework for the purchase behavior of rural retirement housing with the influence of RCCLM. A mixed-methods investigation combining qualitative and quantitative study is adopted in this paper.

Findings

The research results indicate that the purchase intention of rural retirement housing has a significant positive impact on the purchase behavior. However, RCCLM has a significant negative impact on the purchase intention of rural retirement housing. A logical framework of “land system participant behavior” has been constructed from three main bodies: government, developers and elderly urban and rural residents.

Practical implications

This paper provides suggestions for the three entities from the perspectives of macro, medium and micro-level to improve transaction system for rural collective construction land use right (TSRCCLUR), providing references for the collective construction land marketization policy and the development of the pension industry.

Originality/value

This paper deepens the study of behavior intention in planned behavior, enriches TPB model in the study of rural retirement housing security and clarifies the influence mechanism of the rural retirement housing purchase intention with the theoretical and empirical test of the model.
The sustainable career scale (SCS): development, validity, reliability and invariance
Authors: Russo Angela , Zammitti Andrea , Zarbo Rita , Magnano Paola , Santisi Giuseppe
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The concept of a “sustainable career” has gained significant attention in recent academic literature, extending beyond mere professional success, encompassing elements of happiness, health, productivity and social empowerment. This study aims to develop and validate the sustainable career scale (SCS) to measure this multidimensional construct, including the innovative dimension of “social empowerment,” which emphasizes the importance of responsibly addressing global needs and challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

The research comprises five studies with distinct objectives: Study 1 focuses on item development and latent structure verification; Study 2 confirms the factorial structure; Study 3 assesses concurrent and discriminant validity; Study 4 examines predictive validity and reliability; and Study 5 measures gender invariance.

Findings

Results demonstrate the validity and reliability of the SCS items and structure. Concurrent and discriminant validity are supported by analyzing relationships with work engagement, meaning, employability, burnout, decent work and job satisfaction. Additionally, the scale shows reliability and predictive validity in forecasting eudaimonic, hedonic and social well-being. Gender invariance is confirmed.

Research limitations/implications

Future research could explore its applicability across diverse contexts. The SCS has significant implications for researchers and practitioners, serving as an assessment tool to advance research in sustainable career development and guide interventions to improve careers that address global needs and foster responsible management practices.

Originality/value

The SCS stands out as the first measure to integrate a truly sustainable perspective, encompassing societal and global contexts within the framework of career sustainability. The findings enhance the understanding of sustainable careers and demonstrate the empirical robustness of the SCS.
Exploring the impact of team identification on employee work behavior: the mediating role of knowledge sharing
Authors: Jeong Jeeyoon , Lee Ji Hoon , Karau Steven J.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine how team identification influences employee work behaviors within organizational contexts. Specifically, we investigate the impact of team identification on two distinct behaviors: organizational citizenship behavior toward individuals (OCB-I) and counterproductive work behavior toward Individuals (CWB-I), with knowledge sharing as a mediating mechanism. By examining these relationships, this study provides insights into how team identification shapes both positive and negative employee behaviors and how knowledge sharing functions as a crucial mechanism in this process.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-wave, time-lagged survey design was employed. Data were collected from 269 full-time employees across various industries in South Korea, with participants providing follow-up responses one week after the initial survey.

Findings

The study’s findings revealed that team identification significantly influences employee work behaviors. A strong sense of team identification was positively associated with organizational citizenship behavior toward individuals (OCB-I). Although not statistically significant, team identification also showed a tendency to negatively impact Counterproductive Work Behavior toward Individuals (CWB-I). Importantly, knowledge sharing mediated both relationships. Specifically, knowledge sharing partially mediated the positive relationship between team identification and OCB-I while mediating the negative relationship between team identification and CWB-I. These results highlight the crucial role of knowledge sharing in translating team identification into observable workplace behaviors.

Originality/value

This study contributes original insights to the organizational behavior field by elucidating the mediating role of knowledge sharing in the relationship between team identification and employee work behaviors. While previous research has examined these elements separately, our study uniquely integrates them, demonstrating how knowledge sharing serves as a pivotal mechanism translating team identification into both positive (OCB-I) and negative (CWB-I) work behaviors. The findings provide a nuanced understanding of team dynamics within organizations and underscore the importance of fostering strong team identities and knowledge-sharing cultures. This research offers valuable implications for both theory and practice in organizational development and management.
Potential for bird–insect phenological mismatch in a tri‐trophic system
Authors: Belitz Michael W. , Larsen Elise A. , Hurlbert Allen H. , Di Cecco Grace J. , Neupane Naresh , Ries Leslie , Tingley Morgan W. , Guralnick Robert P. , Youngflesh Casey
Published: February 2025

Climate change is altering the seasonal timing of biological events across the tree of life. Phenological asynchrony has the potential to hasten population declines and disrupt ecosystem function. However, we lack broad comparisons of the degree of sensitivity to common phenological cues across multiple trophic levels. Overcoming the complexity of integrating data across trophic levels is essential for identifying spatial locations and species for which mismatches are most likely to occur.

Here, we synthesized over 15 years of data across three trophic levels to estimate the timing of four interacting phenological events in eastern North America: the green‐up of forest canopy trees, emergence of adult Lepidoptera and arrival and subsequent breeding of migratory birds.

We next quantified the magnitude of phenological shift per one unit change of springtime temperature accumulation as measured by accumulated growing degree days (GDD). We expected trophic responses to spring temperature accumulation to be related to physiology, thus predicting a weaker response of birds to GDD than that of insects and plants.

We found that insect and plant phenology indeed had similarly strong sensitivity to GDD, while bird phenology had lower sensitivity. We also found that vegetation green‐up and bird arrival were more sensitive to GDD in higher latitudes, but the timing of bird breeding was less sensitive to GDD in higher latitudes. Migratory bird species with slow migration pace, early arrivals and more northerly wintering grounds shifted their arrival the most.

Across Eastern Temperate Forests, the similar responses of vegetation green‐up and Lepidoptera emergence to temperature shifts support the use of remotely sensed green‐up to track how the timing of bird food resources is shifting in response to climate change. Our results indicate that, across our plant–insect–bird system, the bird–insect phenological link has a greater potential for phenological mismatch than the insect–plant link, with a higher risk of decoupling at higher latitudes.
Reactive Hypoglycaemia at Glucose Tolerance Test—Another Presentation of Gestational Diabetes: A Multicentre Retrospective Study
Authors: Rehman Sana , Kazi Salsabeel , Shah Haashim , Wallis Nicola , Mahindra Pradhiki , Al Wattar Bassel H. , Whitten Melissa , Lattey Katherine , Parrington Molly , Turner Rose , Burden Christy , Siassakos Dimitrios
Published: February 2025

Objective

To assess obstetric outcomes in pregnant women with ‘reactive hypoglycaemia’ (RH) during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), defined as a 2‐h blood glucose level lower than the fasting value.

Design

Retrospective observational study.

Setting

Two tertiary maternity units in the United Kingdom.

Population

A total of 1498 women with singleton pregnancies attending for an OGTT between April 2019 and July 2020.

Methods

Maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared between three groups: gestational diabetes, reactive hypoglycaemia and normal OGTT. Both logistic and linear regression models were used, which adjusted for maternal age at booking, ethnicity, parity and BMI.

Main Outcome Measures

Abdominal circumference > 95th centile, polyhydramnios, gestational age at delivery, preterm birth, birthweight, neonatal hypoglycaemia, admission to neonatal unit, perinatal mortality.

Results

Of the 1498 women, 26.7% (n = 400) had reactive hypoglycaemia, 27.8% (n = 417) GDM and 45.4% (n = 681) normal GTT. The reactive hypoglycaemia group were twice as likely to develop polyhydramnios compared with both the GDM (OR 2.77, 95% CI 1.40–5.50) and control groups (OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.31–4.65). Relative to those with GDM, women with reactive hypoglycaemia had a similar mean birthweight (mean difference 59.4 g, p = 0.06) but were less likely to experience neonatal hypoglycaemia (OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.001–0.15) or preterm birth (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.18–0.60). No differences were found in maternal hypertensive disorders, abdominal circumference > 95th centile, shoulder dystocia, Apgar < 7, cord pH, admission to neonatal unit or perinatal mortality.

Conclusion

Women with reactive hypoglycaemia in this sample were at risk of adverse outcomes frequently associated with diabetes, including polyhydramnios.
First‐Trimester Prediction of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Based on Maternal Risk Factors
Authors: Syngelaki Argyro , Wright Alan , Gomez Fernandez Cristina , Mitsigiorgi Rea , Nicolaides Kypros H.
Published: February 2025

Objective

To develop and validate a new first‐trimester model for the prediction of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) based on maternal demographic characteristics and elements of medical history.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Inner‐city hospital.

Population

41 587 women with singleton pregnancies at 11+0–13+6 weeks' gestation, including 4231 (10.2%) who subsequently developed GDM.

Methods

Logistic regression model for GDM was developed and fivefold cross‐validation was performed to assess the calibration and predictive performance of the model, assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) and detection rates (DRs) at different screen positive rates (SPRs).

Main Outcome Measure

GDM.

Results

In both parous women with a previous history of GDM and nulliparous women or parous women with no history of GDM, significant contributors to the prediction of GDM were maternal age, weight, height, ethnicity and family history of diabetes mellitus. In parous women with no previous history of GDM, there was a contribution from the birthweight z‐score of the previous pregnancy. There was good agreement between the predicted risk and observed incidence of GDM (intercept 0.000, 95% CI: −0.034, 0.034; slope 1.000, 95% CI: 0.967, 1.033). The AUROC curve was 0.757 (95% CI: 0.749, 0.765). The performance was higher for GDM treated with insulin versus metformin or diet alone. At SPR of 40%, the DR of the insulin, metformin and diet alone group was 87.2% (95% CI: 84.9, 89.3), 80.0% (77.8, 82.0) and 61.5% (59.2, 63.7), respectively.

Conclusion

Assessment of risk for GDM can be achieved in the first trimester based on maternal risk factors.
Balancing Effective Treatments With Potential Threats: The Impact of Biologic Agent Use on Tuberculosis Development in Children With Chronic Inflammatory Disorders
Authors: Telefon Ayse Hitay , Cil Merve Kilic , Sonmez Gulsum , Turgut Elif Afat , Gulmez Tugba Kandemir , Taskin Didem Gulcu , Garip Sevinc , Ekinci Rabia Miray Kisla , Celik Umit
Published: February 2025

Aim

We aimed to investigate the frequency and clinical characteristics of tuberculosis in pediatric patients receiving both anti‐TNF‐alpha and other biological agents.

Materials and Methods

The data of 270 patients who used biological agents due to rheumatologic diseases and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and were followed between January 2021 and October 2023 were retrospectively collected from their files.

Results

Of the patients, 138(51.1%) were female, 132(48.9%) were male. The mean age at diagnosis was 107 months (min 8–max 215 months). Patients were most commonly followed for juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) (191 patients, 70.7%), followed by other autoinflammatory diseases (49 patients) and IBD (26 patients, 9.6%). Treatments included adalimumab (97 patients, 35.9%), etanercept (85 patients, 31.5%), canakinumab (33 patients, 12.2%), tocilizumab (31 patients, 11.5%), infliximab (16 patients, 5.9%), anakinra (5 patients, 1.9%), tofacitinib (2 patients, 0.7%), and rituximab (1 patient, 0.4%). During follow‐up, latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) developed in 5 (1.9%) patients. Three of these patients had JIA (using adalimumab, etanercept and tocilizumab), one had Familial Mediterranean Fever (using canakinumab), and one had IBD (using adalimumab). The mean duration of biological agent treatment until LTBI development was 14.6 months (min 6–max 29 months). Tuberculosis disease was diagnosed in two patients. Both were patients followed up due to IBD. One of the patients was diagnosed with miliary tuberculosis after infliximab treatment, while the other was followed for tuberculosis lymphadenitis after adalimumab treatment. Quadruple anti‐tuberculosis therapy was initiated for the patients.

Conclusion

The use of biological agents has revolutionized the course of chronic inflammatory diseases in childhood. However, in these patients, monitoring for tuberculosis risk is crucial.
A Risk Prediction Model for the Development of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sjögren's Syndrome, Systemic Sclerosis in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Multicenter Approaches
Authors: Li Rui‐Cen , Xu Wang‐Dong , Liu Xiao‐Yan , Fu Lu , Lan You‐Yu , Feng Si‐Yu , Huang An‐Fang
Published: February 2025

Aim

The aim of this study was to construct a predictive model to evaluate the risk of overlapping syndrome (OS), including the combination of systemic sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjögren's syndrome in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) from multicenters.

Methods

This study included SLE patients in the development cohort (n = 4714) and the external validation cohort (n = 2271). SLE patients in the development cohort were randomly divided into the training cohort and the internal validation cohort at a 7:3 ratio. Laboratory variables were collected and compared by univariate logistic regression modeling. Multivariate logistic regression was further used to develop predictive models and plot a risk nomogram for OS. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and calibration curve analysis were used to assess model validity and accuracy. Decision curve analysis was used to assess net clinical benefit.

Results

Indexes including anti‐SSA antibody, anti‐SSB antibody, proteinuria, occult blood in urine, age, eosinophil ratio, hematocrit, platelet, direct bilirubin, indirect bilirubin, rheumatoid factor, immunoglobulin A, prothrombin time, and ferritin were included in the predictive model. The nomogram showed a wide range of predictive ability. The area under the curve (AUC) of the ROC curve for the training cohort was 0.874 (0.851–0.896), the AUC for the internal validation cohort was 0.877 (0.843–0.911), and the AUC for the external validation cohort was 0.760 (0.730–0.790).

Conclusion

The model has a good predictive performance and will be clinically valuable for the assessment of the risk of OS in SLE.
A Novel DNA Repair‐Gene Model to Predict Responses to Immunotherapy and Prognosis in Patients With EGFR‐Mutant Non‐Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Wang Fen , Wei Xue‐Wu , Yang Ming‐Yi , Lu Chang , Yang Xiao‐Rong , Deng Jia‐Yi , Chen Zhi‐Hong , Zhou Qing
Published: February 2025

Background

The epidermal growth factor receptor mutant (EGFRm) non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has a unique “cold” immune profile. DNA damage repair (DDR) genes are closely related to tumorigenesis and the effectiveness of immunotherapy in many tumors. However, the role and mechanism of DDR in the genesis and progression of EGFRm NSCLC remain unclear.

Methods

This study included 101 EGFRm NSCLC samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset and a GSE31210 dataset (external set) from the GEO database. Cluster analysis was used to identify different subtypes of EGFRm NSCLC based on the expression of DDR genes. Univariate and LASSO regression analysis was used to develop a DDR‐based predictive model. The prognostic significance of this model was assessed using Cox regression, Kaplan–Meier, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to investigate the clinicopathological characteristics and immune profiles associated with this model. In vitro experiment was performed to testify the role of DDR genes in EGFRm NSCLC.

Results

We identified two subtypes of EGFRm NSCLC: DDR‐activated and DDR‐suppressed. The DDR‐activated subtype showed more aggressive clinical behavior and poorer prognosis and was more responsive to immunotherapy. A prognostic model for EGFRm NSCLC was constructed using four DDR genes: CAPS, FAM83A, IGLV8‐61, and SLC7A5. The derived risk score could serve as an independent prognostic indicator. High‐ and low‐risk patients exhibited distinct clinicopathological characteristics, immune profiles, and responses to immunotherapy. The T‐cell inflammation and Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) scores differed between the high‐ and low‐risk subgroups, with both showing enhanced effectiveness of immunotherapy in the low‐risk subgroup. Targeted therapy such as BI.2536, an inhibitor of polo‐like kinase 1, could be effective for patients with high‐risk EGFRm NSCLC. Meanwhile, in vitro detection approved the role of DDR genes in EGFRm NSCLC response.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated a diversity of DDR genes in EGFRm NSCLC and developed a predictive model using these genes. This model could assist in identifying potential candidates for immunotherapy and in assessing personalized treatment and prognosis of patients with EGFRm NSCLC.
Island Kelp Limited: An Instructional Case*
Authors: Bauman Kai , Brooks Tasha , Burnley Chris , Hudson Leah
Published: February 2025

This case can be used in a graduate assurance or financial reporting class or an undergraduate capstone course. It incorporates more traditional financial reporting and auditing issues with current topics, including Indigenous perspectives, sustainability considerations, and data visualization. The student, in the role of an auditor of a small but growing organization with progressive goals, is asked by the partner to analyze the audit and financial reporting issues. The client is also considering entering a new agreement with a local First Nation and has asked for the firm's advice on the strategic fit.
Evidence on the decision usefulness of fair values in business combinations
Authors: Blann James J. , Campbell John L. , Shipman Jonathan E. , Wiebe Zac
Published: February 2025

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) 141 (Accounting Standards Codification [ASC] 805) requires that firms record identifiable assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations at fair value. While the FASB argued that these fair values should provide users with incremental decision‐useful information, opponents have continuously argued that they are too difficult to reliably estimate and could be subject to managerial discretion. Using hand‐collected data from US mergers and acquisitions, we find that, on average, fair value adjustments predict future cash flows incrementally beyond pre‐deal book values and cash flows, goodwill, and other firm and deal characteristics. We also find that the relation between fair value adjustments and future cash flows varies predictably based on several factors that affect managers' ability and incentives to provide accurate estimates. Furthermore, despite prevailing concerns about their usefulness, we find that fair values for intangible assets predict future cash flows, on average. However, we find that this relation is driven primarily by the fair values of customer‐ and contract‐related intangible assets and that the fair values of other types of identifiable intangibles do not necessarily convey incremental decision‐useful information. Finally, we find that users appear to rely on the information conveyed by these disclosures, as evidenced by revisions to analysts' forecasts and changes in stock prices. Overall, our findings provide insight regarding the usefulness of current standards and users' reliance on fair values in business combinations.
Wildfire Impact on Coastal Groundwater‐Dependent Heathland: Structural and Floristic Responses and Management
Authors: Stanton David , Dyring Madeleine , Proud Roland , Williams Paul
Published: February 2025

Fire is a critical driver of many Australian ecosystems, including the groundwater‐dependent heathlands on Australia's east coast. However, the effects of intense wildfires under drought conditions, associated with depletion of groundwater and soil moisture, are poorly documented, and mechanisms of vegetation recovery, particularly for obligate seeders and resprouters, are unclear. We aimed to assess the impacts of an intense wildfire on vegetation structure and species composition in a long‐unburnt groundwater‐dependent heathland, focusing on the responses of obligate seeder and resprouter species and the role of environmental factors in post‐fire recovery. A before–after control–impact study was conducted at Bribie Island, Queensland, following a 2019 wildfire. Vegetation responses were analysed using a generalised linear model, with environmental factors such as rainfall, soil moisture and groundwater levels evaluated for their influence on recovery. Our results demonstrated that shrub counts recovered and exceeded pre‐fire levels within 3 years. Species richness returned to pre‐fire levels after 2 years but did not reach the peak observed during high‐moisture conditions 3 years before the fire. The post‐fire response included a slow species richness rebound and incomplete recovery. Obligate seeders showed a variable response, with some dominant populations failing to recover, while resprouters exhibited significant declines. These outcomes are linked to the varying capacity of heathland flora to cope with intense fire during low soil moisture and groundwater deficits. The results of this study suggest that intense wildfires during dry conditions may adversely affect some obligate seeder and resprouter populations, even after long fire intervals. Full consideration of fire intensity, timing and environmental conditions such as soil moisture and groundwater levels are essential for effective vegetation management. Furthermore, prescriptive fire management should focus on burning during periods of high soil moisture to reduce fire severity and enhance post‐fire regeneration.
Association between home care and health phenotype of centenarians: Is it a necessary new criterion in home health care?
Authors: Lozada‐Martinez Ivan David , Correa‐Diaz Paula Andrea , Correa‐Rosales Jorge Luis , Anaya Juan‐Manuel
Published: February 2025

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between home care and the health phenotype of Colombian centenarians.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study derived from the Colombian Centenarian Cohort Study (COOLCEN Cohort). Through random sampling, centenarians and their families were identified and interviewed in person to assess specific health characteristics and home care.

Results

Fifty centenarians were included in the study, with an average age of 100.9 years. Of these, 74% were women and 96% were beneficiaries of a subsidised health‐care system. Eighty‐six percent had at least one chronic disease, with arterial hypertension being the most prevalent (86%), 60% were classified as frail older adult, 60% exhibited signs of sarcopenia, 42% experienced at least one fall in the past year, 26% had good nutritional status, and 28% had polypharmacy. Centenarians who did not receive home care were more likely to be free of co‐morbidities (29% vs. 8%), had a lower frequency of frailty (50% vs. 75%), sarcopenia (50% vs. 64%), malnutrition (14% vs. 39%), exhibited greater independence (43% vs. 11%) and better functional performance (29% vs. 11%). Receiving home care, whether monthly or comprehensive, was not associated with any health outcomes.

Conclusions

Under the current home care model, there was no association between home care for centenarians and health outcomes. No centenarian without co‐morbidities received preventive home care. However, this population faces socio‐economic challenges and health needs that could benefit from health education and the implementation of primary care interventions, regardless of the presence of comorbidities.
Mapping the Paths of Giants: A GIS‐Based Habitat Connectivity Model for Forest Elephant Conservation in a West African Forest Block
Authors: Owusu‐Sekyere Adriana , Ashiagbor George
Published: February 2025

The long‐term survival of African forest elephants (Loxodonta cyclotis) in the Bia Goaso Forest Block (BGFB) is threatened due to a lack of spatially explicit data on their movement patterns and corridors to guide conservation actions. The aim of this study is to model potential connectivity between core habitats in the BGFB. First, seven key variables influencing elephants’ choice of corridors were mapped as rasters and ranked using the analytical hierarchy process. Suitability indices were then assigned to the variables based on their relative influence on corridor choice. A total resistance raster was calculated using the weighted sum method. Finally, the Linkage Mapper was used to map potential corridors between pairs of protected areas. Nine potential corridors were identified, with Euclidean distances ranging from 3.89 to 13.50 km, cost‐weighted distances from 13.20 to 34.75 km and least‐cost path from 4.10 to 16.23 km. The Bia Game Production–Krokosua Hills and Bia NP–Bia North corridors, with centrality scores of 19.16 Amps and 13.14 Amps, respectively, were identified as the most critical corridors in maintaining connectivity. Krokosua, Bia Tano, Ayum, Bonkoni and Bosam Bepo forest reserves, with centrality scores ranging from 36 to 69 Amps, were identified as the critical core areas for maintaining connectivity. This result provides the first comprehensive geospatial dataset on habitat connectivity in the BGFB, which will inform conservation efforts and guide the effective management of habitat corridors to restore population connectivity and support elephant conservation.
Management of Type I Diabetes Mellitus at a Rural Paediatric Diabetes Clinic
Authors: Li Kuangjun , Maguire Ann M. , Askwith Jacqueline
Published: February 2025

Objective

Australia currently lacks a standardised paediatric diabetes care model. This study explores the model of care and outcomes of paediatric Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) at a rural multidisciplinary paediatric diabetes clinic.

Methods

A retrospective cross‐sectional study.

Design

A single centre quantitative study.

Setting

A rural multidisciplinary paediatric diabetes clinic.

Participants

Patients under 19 years old with a T1D diagnosis who attended the paediatric diabetes clinic for at least 12 months.

Main Outcome Measures

Baseline demographics, glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, time in range, clinic appointment adherence, and diabetes‐related hospitalisations over a 12‐month period from October 2021 to September 2022.

Results

Fifty‐two patients, with a median age of 13.5 (IQR 7) years and 58% females, were included. Of the patients, 40% lived more than 50 km away from the diabetes clinic, 73% were on continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion, and 92% used continuous glucose monitoring. The median HbA1c was 8.3% (67 mmol/mol), with four patients (8%) achieving the international target HbA1c level of less than 7.0% (53 mmol/mol). The CGM users' average time in range was 54%. A total of 29 patients (56%) attended all annual clinic reviews. Six patients (12%) were hospitalised for diabetes‐related complications.

Conclusion

Paediatric T1D managed in a rural multidisciplinary paediatric diabetes clinic, with experienced local clinicians and support from a tertiary centre, can attain outcomes in glycaemic control, clinic attendance, and diabetes‐related hospitalisation comparable to those of large Australian metropolitan clinics. However, glycaemic outcomes remain suboptimal when compared to international standards.