bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dirt floors and domestic animals are associated with soilborne exposure to antimicrobial resistantE. coliin rural Bangladeshi households
Authors: Ercumen Ayse , Hossain Md. Sakib , Tabassum Tahani , Haque Ashrin , Rahman Amanta , Rahman Md. Hajbiur , Anderson Claire , Tazin Sumaiya , Hanif Suhi , Barratt Heitmann Gabriella , Miah Md. Rana , Yeamin Afsana , Jahan Farjana , Shoab Abul Kasham , Mahmud Zahid Hayat , Rahman Mahbubur , Benjamin-Chung Jade
Published: February 2025

Soil can harbor enteropathogens and antimicrobial-resistant organisms in settings with domestic animals. We enrolled 49 households with young children (28 soil floors, 21 concrete floors) in Bangladesh and recorded animal ownership/management. Staff swabbed the floor of children’s sleeping area with a sterile sponge and collected floor dust and a child hand rinse. We used IDEXX QuantiTray/2000 with and without cefotaxime supplementation to enumerate cefotaxime-resistant and genericE. coli. There was 8.0 g/m2of dust on soil floors vs. 0.2 g/m2on concrete floors (p-value=0.005). We detectedE. colion 100% of soil vs. 86% of concrete floors and cefotaxime-resistantE. colion 89% of soil vs. 43% of concrete floors (p-values<0.05). Cefotaxime-resistantE. coliprevalence on floors was 36% in compounds without animals, 79% in compounds with animals and 100% if animals stayed indoors overnight or the floor had animal feces; associations were strongest for chickens. In multivariable models, generic and cefotaxime-resistantE. colicounts were 1.5-2 log higher on soil vs. concrete floors, and counts on floors and child hands were 0.17-0.24 log higher for every 10 additional chickens owned (p-values<0.05). Efforts to mitigate infections and antimicrobial resistance in low-income countries should test flooring improvements and hygienic animal management.

Synopsis

In rural Bangladeshi households, generic and cefotaxime-resistantE. coliwere more common on soil floors than concrete floors and among households with higher cohabitation intensity with domestic animals, especially chickens.
Sensitivity based model agnostic scalable explanations of deep learning
Authors: Aggarwal Manu , Cogan Nick , Periwal Vipul
Published: February 2025

Machine learning using deep neural networks (DNNs) has become ubiquitous in data-driven predictive learning. However, their complex architecture often obscures what they have learned from the data. This information is crucial to validate these models when their predictions can affect human life, for example, biological and clinical predictions. We design SensX, a model agnostic explainable AI (XAI) framework to explain what a trained DNN has learned. We introduce the notion of justifiable perturbations to systematically conduct global sensitivity analysis. Benchmarks using synthetic data sets show that SensX outperformed current state-of-the-art XAI in accuracy (up to 50% higher) and computation time (up to 158 times faster), with higher consistency in all cases. Moreover, only SensX scaled to explain vision transformer (ViT) models defined for input images with more than 150, 000 features. SensX validated the ViT models by showing that the features they learn as important for different facial attributes are intuitively accurate. Further, SensX revealed that there may be biases inherent to the model architecture, an observation that is possible only when the model is explained at the full resolution of the input image. Finally, we use SensX to explain a DNN trained to annotate biological cell types using single-cell RNA-seq data sets with more than a million cells and more than 56, 000 genes measured per cell. SensX determines the different sets of genes that the DNNs have learned to be important to different cell types.
Long-read RNA sequencing identifies isoform switching of a novel long non-coding RNA that promotes somatic cell reprogramming
Authors: Fort Victoire , Khelifi Gabriel , Watters Valérie , Yamanaka Nobuko , Micha Victoria , Yamanaka Yojiro , Hussein Samer M.I.
Published: February 2025

The recent development of long-read RNA sequencing (lrRNAseq) technologies has paved the way to the exploration of RNA isoform diversity and its relevance in regulating cell fate and plasticity. However, drawing conclusions regarding the functionality of these newly identified isoforms is still very difficult. Here, we developed a very efficient system to reprogram mouse cells towards induced pluripotent cells and leveraged the strengths of lrRNAseq to study isoform diversity throughout reprogramming. We identified several isoforms derived from novel splice junctions occurring during this process. We demonstrate selective pressure on non-coding isoforms to be tightly regulated. We also show that isoform switching (IS) and diversification play a previously overlooked role in gene regulation to promote functional outcomes for reprogramming. Through IS analysis, we uncovered a novel long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) that undergoes IS during reprogramming to enhance the conversion of cells towards pluripotency. Knock-down of this lncRNA in mouse and human embryonic stem cells decreases the level of expression of pluripotency genes, suggesting that it is required for pluripotent stem cell maintenance. Together, our study provides a comprehensive resource to study full-length isoform usage and switching during reprogramming, but more importantly it demonstrates the power of lrRNAseq to identify functionally relevant gene isoforms in the context of pluripotency.
Chalcogen derivatives for the treatment of African trypanosomiasis: biological evaluation of thio and seleno- semicarbazones and their azole derivatives
Authors: Rubio-Hernández Mercedes , Teixeira Thaiz R. , Nguyen Tina P. , Shingyoji Mai , Barbosa da Silva Elany , O’Donoghue Anthony J. , Caffrey Conor R. , Pérez-Silanes Silvia , Martínez Nuria
Published: February 2025

Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) is caused byTrypanosoma brucei. Drug therapy remains challenging due to drug resistance and/or toxicity. New drugs are needed. Using thiosemicarbazones as a starting point, we employed aStoSeisosteric replacement strategy to design 44 analogs which were evaluated againstT. brucei in vitro. Compounds were divided into eleven groups of four derivatives corresponding to thio-, selenosemicarbazones, and their cyclic counterparts, thio- and selenazoles. We selected three groups which contained a total of six derivatives that inhibited parasite growth by >70%. Then, we investigated the mechanism of action of these compounds, performing quantitative assays to measure their inhibition of theT. bruceicathepsin L-like protease (TbrCATL) and DPPH antioxidant activities. The lead compound (SeO3) showed antioxidant capacity and the best activity againstT. brucei(EC50= 0.47 µM). Nevertheless, its toxicity should be improved. We also predicted the interactions of these compounds withTbrCATL utilizing molecular dynamics. We demonstrate that theSederivatives are more active than theirSanalogues, and that the selenazole ring decreasesSe-associated toxicity. Also, thio- and selenosemicarbazones are more potent againstTbrCATL than the cyclic derivatives. We conclude thatTbrCATL inhibition should be combined with antioxidant activity to obtain active compounds againstT. brucei.
Seasonal biogeochemical variations in a modern microbialite reef under early Earth-like conditions
Authors: Vignale Federico , Sanchez Garcia Laura , Carrizo Daniel , Castillejos Sepulveda Andrea , Taubner Heide , Oriolo Sebastian , Mitchell Alex L. , Turjanski Adrian , Klatt Judith , Finn Robert D. , Garcia-Alai Maria M. , Farias Maria E
Published: February 2025

Microbialites are organosedimentary structures dating to the Precambrian that serve as archives of Earth s environmental evolution. Today, they persist in only a few environments markedly different from those in which they first arose. Here, we report a modern microbialite reef in Laguna Pozo Bravo (Puna region, Argentina), exposed to high radiation, low oxygen pressure, and volcanic inputs reminiscent of early Earth. Through physicochemical, mineralogical, spectroscopic, electron microscopy, and metagenomic analyses, we identified diverse microbial communities with metabolic capacities that induce mineralisation. Seasonal environmental fluctuations drive cyclical changes in community composition, producing potential mineralisation patterns. Our findings suggest that carbon fixation and the metabolic drivers of alkalinity in microbialites evolved over time. Moreover, the variability in prokaryotic compositions among modern microbialites demonstrates that carbonate precipitation is governed by metabolic potential rather than taxonomy, reinforcing their role as dynamic records of environmental conditions.
Bayesian model-averaging of parametric coalescent models for phylodynamic inference
Authors: xu yuan , Chen Kylie , Xie Dong , Drummond Alexei
Published: February 2025

Bayesian phylodynamic models have become essential for reconstructing population history from genetic data, yet their accuracy depends crucially on choosing appropriate demographic models. To address uncertainty in model choice, we introduce a Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA) framework that integrates multiple parametric coalescent models--including constant, exponential, logistic, and Gompertz growth--along with their ''expansion'' variants that account for non-zero ancestral populations. Implemented in a Bayesian setting with Metropolis-coupled MCMC, this approach allows the sampler to switch among candidate growth functions, thereby capturing demographic histories without having to pre-specify a single model. Simulation studies verify that the logistic and Gompertz models may require specialised sampling strategies such as adaptive multivariate proposals to achieve robust mixing. We demonstrate the performance of these models on datasets simulated under different substitution models, and show that joint inference of genealogy and population parameters is well-calibrated when properly incorporating correlated-move operators and BMA. We then apply this method to two real-world datasets. Analysis of Egyptian Hepatitis C virus (HCV) sequences indicates that models with a founder population followed by a rapid expansion are well supported, with a slight preference for Gompertz-like expansions. Our analysis of a single metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) single-cell dataset suggests that exponential-like growth is plausible even for an advanced stage cancer patient. We believe this highlights that tumour subclones may retain substantial proliferative capacity into the later stages of the disease. Overall, our unified BMA framework reduces the need for restrictive model selection procedures and can also provide deeper biological insights into epidemic spread and tumour evolution. By systematically integrating multiple growth hypotheses within a standard Bayesian setting, this approach naturally avoids overfitting and offers a powerful tool for inferring population histories across diverse biological domains.
Repeatability of protein structural evolution following convergent gene fusions
Authors: Konno Naoki , Miyake Keita , Nishino Satoshi , Omae Kimiho , Yanagisawa Haruaki , Tsuru Saburo , Nishimura Yuki , Kikkawa Masahide , Furusawa Chikara , Iwasaki Wataru
Published: February 2025

Convergent evolution of proteins provides insights into repeatability of genetic adaptation. While local convergence of proteins at residue or domain level has been characterized, global structural convergence by inter-domain/molecular interactions remains largely unknown. Here we present structural convergent evolution on fusion enzymes of aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDHs) and alcohol dehydrogenases (ADHs). We discovered BdhE (bifunctional dehydrogenase E), an enzyme clade that emerged independently from the previously known AdhE family through distinct gene fusion events. AdhE and BdhE showed shared enzymatic activities and non-overlapping phylogenetic distribution, suggesting common functions in different species. Cryo-electron microscopy revealed BdhEs form donut-like homotetramers, contrasting AdhE’s helical homopolymers. Intriguingly, despite distinct quaternary structures and >70% unshared amino acids, both enzymes form resembled dimeric structure units by ALDH-ADH interactions via convergently elongated loop structures. These findings suggest convergent gene fusions recurrently led to substrate channeling evolution to enhance two-step reaction efficiency. Our study unveils structural convergence at inter-domain/molecular level, expanding our knowledges on patterns behind molecular evolution exploring protein structural universe.
Quantifying carbon site switching dynamics in GaN by electron holography
Authors: Ji K. , Schnedler M. , Lan Q. , Carlin J.-F. , Butté R. , Grandjean N. , Dunin-Borkowski R. E. , Ebert Ph.
Published: February 2025

Off-axis electron holography is utilized to identify point defect reactions and quantify their dynamics by probing the time and temperature dependence of the Fermi level upon annealing. The methodology is illustrated using implanted carbon (C) in GaN, where a site switching phenomenon of C, from substitutional to interstitial, is found to be responsible for lifting the Fermi-level pinning in the lower part of the band gap. The carbon site switching process has an activation barrier energy of 2.27±0.26eV.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Developing a novel copper nano-based emulsified cutting fluid with antimicrobial and anticorrosion properties – an attempt for sustainability
Authors: Al-Aifan Bader , Gouroju Naveen Kumar , Gunamgari Bharath Reddy , N. Aravindan , Balam Durga Prasad , Gangarapu Sai Ram
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to develop a copper nano-based emulsified cutting fluid (ECF) with enhanced thermal, antimicrobial and anti-corrosion properties. The study focuses on optimizing the water-to-Triton X-100 (W/TX) ratios and incorporating copper nanoparticles to improve the fluid’s overall efficacy in machining applications.

Design/methodology/approach

Various trial combinations were conducted to determine the optimal W/TX ratios. The as-prepared copper nanoparticles were dispersed in the cutting fluid to enhance its thermo-physical properties. The thermal conductivity, thermal stability and surface spreading capability were measured. Microbial studies identified prevalent microorganisms, particularly Mycobacterium immunogenum. To combat microbial contamination and corrosion, natural biocides (ß-Ionine) and sodium dihydrogen phosphate (NaH2PO4) were added. The corrosion inhibitor efficiency and overall performance were evaluated.

Findings

The inclusion of copper nanoparticles significantly improved the cutting fluid thermal properties, achieving a 51.12% enhancement in thermal conductivity and thermal stability. The surface spreading capability was enhanced with a contact angle of 52.48°. Mycobacterium immunogenum was identified as the most frequent contaminant. The addition of natural biocide ß-Ionine effectively addressed microbial contamination, while 1.4 ml of NaH2PO4 improved the corrosion inhibitor efficiency to 66.94%. The Cu-W/TX cutting fluid demonstrated eco-friendly characteristics with notable antimicrobial and anti-corrosion benefits.

Originality/value

The research work improves ECFs by incorporating copper nanoparticles and optimizing surfactant ratios. It highlights Triton X-100’s potential as a cutting fluid base and the benefits of natural biocides, contributing to more sustainable, efficient fluids with significant environmental and industrial implications.
State capital participation and corporate environmental engagement: evidence from privately-controlled listed firms in China
Authors: Lai Shaojie , Yang Laifeng , Wang Qing Sophie , Anderson Hamish
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The main purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of state capital participation (SCP) on the corporate environmental engagement (CEE) of privately controlled listed firms in China.

Design/methodology/approach

We use a sample of 20,133 firm-year observations from 2009 to 2021. We use three different measures to proxy corporate environmental engagement and two different measures to proxy for state capital participation. We employ a difference-in-difference regression model to estimate the effect of state capital participation on corporate environmental engagement.

Findings

Using a sample of 20,133 firm-year observations from 2009 to 2021, we find that SCP significantly increases corporate expenditure on environmental protection, corporate environmental performance and ESG ratings. Specifically, SCP increases environmental investment capacity and attracts more media coverage, online attention and analysts’ following, which leads to better environmental engagement. Further analyses show that after state shareholders exit privately controlled firms, CEE deteriorates, while private capital injection in state-owned firms has no significant impact on CEE. The positive effect of SCP is stronger in privately controlled firms with local government ownership, a larger number of state shareholders, longer state shareholder holding periods, those without politically connected managers and firms operating in heavy pollution industries. Lastly, we show that minority government ownership reduces firm-level toxic emissions and enhances financial performance.

Research limitations/implications

We enrich the literature on the role of minority state ownership in corporate financial and environmental performance.

Originality/value

We enrich the literature on the role of minority state ownership in corporate financial and environmental performance. In light of the escalating environmental concerns and the growing emphasis on corporate environmental responsibility, this study highlights the beneficial role of minority government ownership in driving environmental performance. By providing resources and attracting external scrutiny, the government, as a minority shareholder, can significantly enhance the environmental engagement of privately controlled firms.
Exploring the configurational effects of contractual and relational governance mechanisms on stakeholder collaboration in prefabricated building projects
Authors: Zhang Lin , Zhou Jing , Xue Hong
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Prefabricated building projects (PBPs) require multiple stakeholder collaboration due to the strong linkages between the design, production and installment of the precast components. Current contractual governance fails to foster a trusting environment for stakeholder collaboration, leading to conflicts of interest, cost overrun and delays in project schedules. Previous studies revealed that terminating shortcomings in contractual governance can be mitigated by implementing relational governance mechanisms. This study aims to explore the configurational effects of contractual and relational governance mechanisms on stakeholder collaboration in PBPs and identifies the practical configurational conditions to achieve high stakeholder collaboration.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 39 experts through semi-structured interviews and analyzed to explore the configuration effects on stakeholder collaboration in PBPs through fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA).

Findings

Our study reveals that stakeholder collaboration requires configurational conditions of multiple governance elements (i.e. historical working experience and risk-sharing, reward, selection, authorization, trust, commitment and communication mechanisms). Four equivalent configurational strategies were identified for achieving high stakeholder collaboration in PBPs. These included three configurational strategies dominated by relational governance mechanisms and one configurational strategy complementary to contractual and relational governance mechanisms. The configurations dominated by relational governance mechanisms were developed with communication mechanisms and historical working experiences as core conditions; the configurational strategy with complementary contractual and relational governance mechanisms was centered on risk-sharing, reward and trust mechanisms as core conditions.

Originality/value

Our study enriches the literature on the antecedents of stakeholder collaboration in the PBPs by testing the significance of the relational governance mechanism, which expands the implications of relational contract theory. It also expands the implications of stakeholder theory in PBPs by exploring the asymmetric causal relationship between project contractual governance and stakeholder collaboration. Meanwhile, this study recommends countermeasures for managers to improve stakeholder collaboration by providing four practical configurational conditions in PBPs.
Organizational reflections of the relationship between artificial ıntelligence and emotional ıntelligence in the context of phenomenology and Cartesian dualism
Authors: Canbul Yaroğlu Aslıhan
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to deepen understanding of how emotional intelligence (EI) and artificial intelligence (AI) affect organizational behavior from a phenomenological perspective. Through philosophical lenses – particularly Descartes, Husserl and Merleau-Ponty – it highlights the contrasts and similarities between these forms of intelligence. The study aims to explore how AI and EI shape human experience and meaning-making in organizations, providing insights into how AI integration can foster more human-centered organizational practices.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs a phenomenological approach to explore the philosophical underpinnings of EI and AI. By examining Descartes’ Cartesian dualism and Husserl’s phenomenology, the study analyzes the alignment and divergence between AI and these philosophical perspectives. The methodology integrates literature review and conceptual analysis to link philosophical insights with their organizational behavior implications, offering a framework that critically examines AI’s impact on human experience and organizational dynamics.

Findings

The findings highlight that emotional intelligence, rooted in the body-mind interaction, offers a human-centered view of experience, distinct from artificial intelligence. However, combining AI with EI can enhance organizational behavior by promoting more empathetic approaches. While AI can mimic cognitive functions, it lacks the embodied emotional experiences essential for human interaction. This insight emphasizes the need for AI systems to support, rather than disrupt, organizational meaning-making processes.

Originality/value

This article offers an original interdisciplinary perspective, merging phenomenological philosophy with organizational behavior. By examining emotional and artificial intelligence through Descartes, Husserl and Merleau-Ponty, the study presents fresh insights into AI design that prioritizes human-centered development. It contributes to AI ethics and organizational behavior literature by emphasizing the role of emotional intelligence in guiding AI integration within organizational contexts.
Aging behind bars: barriers and solutions in Norwegian correctional rehabilitation
Authors: Rocha Paulo
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the health-related challenges faced by older inmates in Norwegian prisons, focusing on how these issues influence their ability to engage in rehabilitation programs. With an increasing proportion of inmates aged 50 and above, this research highlights the need for targeted interventions to address physical, mental and social barriers to effective rehabilitation.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a mixed-methods approach, this study explores data using statistical methods as well as analyzes quantitative survey data on inmate experiences alongside qualitative feedback to provide a comprehensive understanding of their needs. Key focus areas include infrastructure accessibility, mental health support and tailored rehabilitation initiatives.

Findings

This study reveals that while existing rehabilitation efforts improve some aspects of well-being, significant gaps remain in addressing the unique challenges faced by older inmates. These include inadequate infrastructure, limited resources for mental health care and insufficient age-appropriate programs. Recommendations emphasize the importance of policy reforms and enhanced collaboration between correctional and health-care services to develop inclusive, effective rehabilitation strategies.

Originality/value

By shedding light on the fastest-growing demographic in Norwegian prisons, this study contributes to a broader understanding of how age-specific approaches can improve rehabilitation outcomes. The findings have significant implications for corrections policy, promoting inclusivity, dignity and reduced recidivism through innovative and humane practices.
Structural evolution, phase transition and high-temperature tribological properties of Cr3C2 reinforced WC-10Co4Cr coatings by laser cladding
Authors: Ge Yuan , Xi Hui , Kong Dejun
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The aim was to investigate the effect of Cr3C2 mass fraction the high-temperature tribological performance of laser cladded WC-10Co4Cr coating, in which the Cr3C2 played the role in enhancing wear resistance.

Design/methodology/approach

The WC-10Co4Cr-xCr3C2 (x = 5%, 10% and 15%) were prepared on H13 steel using laser cladding, and their coefficients of friction and wear rates at 500°C were investigated using a ball-on-disc wear tester.

Findings

The WC-10Co4Cr-xCr3C2 powders are composed of WC, Co3W3C, CoCr and Cr3C2 phases, and the defects such as pores and cracks are reduced by the addition of Cr3C2. The coefficient of friction and wear rats of WC-10Co4Cr-xCr3C2 coatings are decreased with the Cr3C2 mass fraction, showing that the addition of Cr3C2 significantly enhances the tribological properties of WC-10Co4Cr coating. The wear mechanism is adhesive wear and oxidation wear, and the Cr3C2 plays the roles of friction reduction and wear resistance, which provides valuable insights into optimizing the performance of WC-10Co4Cr coating.

Originality/value

The Cr3C2 was first added into the laser cladded WC-10Co4Cr coating, which improved its high-temperature tribological performance.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-12-2024-0471/
Future-proofing your workforce: upskilling and reskilling as HR’s top priorities
Authors: Asiedu Esther , Tenakwah Emmanuel Senior
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the need for continuous upskilling and reskilling as core components of organisational strategy, analysing how proactive workforce development programs can future-proof talent pipelines.

Design/methodology/approach

It draws on recent research and industry case studies to develop a framework for implementing successful upskilling and reskilling programs.

Findings

The paper shows that companies implementing skills transformation strategies can outperform their competitors. Success factors include data-driven workforce planning, modern learning technologies and growth-oriented organisational culture. The findings suggest that Chief Human Resources Officers must reposition skills development from tactical training initiatives to strategic investment priorities to ensure sustainable competitive advantage in an increasingly dynamic business environment.

Originality/value

The paper provides a framework for building effective upskilling and reskilling programs, emphasising the role of data-driven workforce planning, modern learning technologies and growth-oriented organisational culture. It offers practical insights for HR leaders on implementing data-driven workforce planning, leveraging modern learning technologies and cultivating growth-oriented organisational cultures.
Does fashion week enhance city brand equity? The impact of fashion destination experience on e-WOM and revisit intention
Authors: Cho Minjung , Ko Eunju
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of the fashion destination experience through fashion week on city brand equity, e-word of mouth and revisit intention.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted targeting 301 tourists who had previously visited Paris during fashion week. AMOS was used to carry out structural equation modeling analyses.

Findings

Fashion destination experience through the fashion week event positively affects city brand equity, e-WOM and intention to revisit the city. Perceived quality, one of the city brand equity’s attributes, had no significant influence on the intention to revisit in the context of fashion destination experience.

Originality/value

This study focuses on the role of fashion in the context of city brand equity and visitor behavior. The findings will help tourism managers understand the effect of fashion destination experiences during fashion week and develop city and tourism plans.
Postoperative Adjuvant Therapy Benefits Non‐pCR Patients Rather Than pCR Patients for Locally Advanced ESCC: A Multicenter Real‐World Study
Authors: Liu Defeng , Liu Ao , Guo Longxiang , Li Yi , Li Yuanlin , Chi Yuxiang , Lin Haiqun , Yu Jinming , Li Minghuan
Published: February 2025

Background

There is no unified standard in adjuvant therapy (AT) for patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) after neoadjuvant therapy and surgery. We evaluated the significance of AT for these patients and explored its influencing factors.

Methods

ESCC patients who underwent neoadjuvant therapy and surgery from 2019 to 2022 at three centers were divided into AT (n = 227) and non‐AT groups (n = 435). Baseline characteristics were balanced using propensity score matching (PSM). Primary endpoints were disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS), assessed using the Kaplan–Meier method. Subgroup analyses and univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were conducted to identify the prognostic factors.

Results

The median follow‐up period is 36 (2–72) months. After PSM, the total population had 1‐, 2‐, and 3‐year OS rates of 71.3%, 66.0%, and 64.1%, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in DFS (HR: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.55–1.14, p = 0.21) or OS (HR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.49–1.13, p = 0.17) between AT and non‐AT groups. Subgroup analysis revealed that non‐pCR patients benefited from AT in DFS (p = 0.042) and OS (p = 0.033). Moreover, in non‐pCR patients who received AT, BMI ≥ 21.5 kg/m2 and ypN0 were independent protective factors of DFS. ypN0 was an independent protective factor of OS. In terms of AT regimens, the Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that adjuvant immunochemotherapy (AICT) provided superior survival benefits than adjuvant radiotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy.

Conclusions

Postoperative AT benefited ESCC patients with non‐pCR, while AICT may be a relatively better AT regimen in real‐world data, which deserves further exploration.
Haematological and serum biochemical reference interval for free‐ranging northern bettongs (Bettongia tropica) in far north Queensland
Authors: Olsson A , Allanson A , L'Hotellier F
Published: February 2025

Background

The northern bettong, Bettongia tropica, is an endangered potoroid recognised as a specialist consumer of underground ectomycorrhizal fungi important to wet sclerophyll forest at the interface with tropical rainforest. In line with identified recovery objectives of re‐establishing populations within the species' former range, a founder population was translocated to a feral predator‐free fenced exclosure within previously occupied habitat to the south of its current range. No published reference intervals for haematology and serum biochemistry exist for this species. Establishing reference intervals provides a valuable tool for health assessment of founder animals and investigations into population health and disease during ongoing monitoring of populations.

Objective

To develop reference intervals for haematology and serum biochemistry parameters in northern bettongs, Bettongia tropica.

Methods

Haematological and serum biochemical reference intervals were determined from 39 healthy northern bettongs captured across the Lamb Range region of north Queensland. Routine haematological and biochemical parameters were analysed, including blood gases and lactate, which indicate metabolic changes associated with stress.

Results

Haematological and serum biochemical parameters were similar to those reported from other potoroids, except for haematocrit and serum protein, which were elevated. Stress parameters were within normal limits. Macropod herpesvirus and Toxoplasma gondii were not detected.

Conclusions

Translocated northern bettongs were in good general health, and data collected at the time of capture were sufficient to establish a preliminary reference interval for the species. This provides baseline information by which to monitor health and welfare of the translocated population, and will contribute to health monitoring of other extant populations.
Loss of Function SPTAN1 Variants Result in Ataxia and Intellectual Disability
Authors: Lu Po‐Nien , Melton Chandler , Dupont Barbara , Jones Julie R. , Abidi Fatima , Rose Aubrey , Patterson Wesley G. , Lyons Michael J. , Flanagan‐Steet Heather
Published: February 2025

SPTAN1 mutations have been reported in association with autosomal dominant early infantile epileptic encephalopathy 5. Individuals present with early‐onset seizures and profound intellectual disability. Recent reports suggest a wider spectrum with later‐onset seizures and milder developmental delay. Here we describe two patients with loss‐of‐function variants in SPTAN1. One patient has ataxia and mild intellectual disability stemming from a de novo homozygous p.(Gln1448Pro) variant associated with uniparental disomy 9. The second patient, carrying a heterozygous p.(Asn1839del) allele, exhibits more substantial motor issues, developmental delay, and seizures. Ectopically expressed wild‐type or variant‐containing forms of sptan1 in zebrafish indicate both variants create loss‐of‐function alleles, with the p.(Gln1448Pro) likely being hypomorphic. This conclusion is supported by reduced protein abundance and localization of Sptan1 variants in axons of developing embryos. Further, unlike wild‐type sptan1, analysis of the p.(Gln1448Pro) variant showed it failed to restore voltage‐gated sodium channel localization in sptan1‐null axons. Additional behavioral analyses show supplementation with the amino acid D‐aspartate improved motility in sptan1‐null zebrafish, supporting its use for α‐II spectrin‐associated motor dysfunction.
Variation in Salmon Migration Phenology Bolsters Population Stability but Is Threatened by Drought
Authors: Baker Henry K. , Obedzinski Mariska , Grantham Theodore E. , Carlson Stephanie M.
Published: February 2025

Intrapopulation variation in movement is common in nature but its effects on population dynamics are poorly understood. Using movement data from 3270 individually‐marked fish representing nine cohorts of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) in California, we show that bimodal intrapopulation variation in the timing of juvenile down‐migration from their natal habitat and subsequent residence in non‐natal habitat affects growth, emigration timing, and the abundance and stability of adult returns. Non‐natal fish (early down‐migrants) exhibited more variable growth and more variable but earlier emigration to the estuary than natal fish (late down‐migrants). While natal rearing was more common, non‐natal fish were overrepresented among adult returns, and total returns were 1.4 times more stable than natal returns alone. Our results demonstrate that variation in migratory behaviour bolsters population stability. However, non‐natal rearing is reduced in low water years, suggesting that drought exacerbates population instability by reducing critical intrapopulation variation.
Strengthening effect of flavonoid antioxidant on resin–enamel bond strength following tooth bleaching
Authors: Carvalho Gabriela Luiza Moreira , Carneiro Bruna Tavares , Kury Matheus , Fronza Bruna Marin , de Castro Fernanda Novais Arantes Maciel , Picolo Mayara Zaghi Dal , Cavalli Vanessa , André Carolina Bosso
Published: February 2025

This study aimed to assess the impact of flavonoid‐based antioxidant application after in‐office bleaching with 35% hydrogen peroxide on the shear bond strength of resin to bovine enamel, comparing it with 10% sodium ascorbate. Bovine enamel blocks (n = 10) were randomly assigned to one of five pretreatments: (i) no bleaching, (ii) bleaching without antioxidant application, and (iii) bleaching followed by a 1‐min application of 10% sodium ascorbate, (iv) 5% naringin, or (v) 10% naringin. Color analysis was conducted using a digital spectrophotometer. Shear bond strength was assessed on two, 2‐mm‐diameter resin cylinders per block using a universal testing machine at 0.5 mm/min until fracture. Enamel surface morphology was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. Shear bond strength values and color parameters (ΔEab, ΔE00, and ΔWID) were analyzed using one‐way ANOVA, while t‐tests were used for the individual color parameters lightness (L*), green–red (a*), blue–yellow (b*), and chroma (C*)
. None of the antioxidants resulted in bond strength values as high as those observed without bleaching. However, application of sodium ascorbate and 5% naringin after bleaching significantly increased bond strength compared with bleached enamel without antioxidant. Antioxidants had no significant impact on color. The predominant failure modes were adhesive between the adhesive and enamel, and mixed.
Promoting Customer Engagement and Brand Loyalty on Social Media: The Role of Virtual Influencers
Authors: Vo Tram‐Huong , Wei‐Han Tan Garry , Pham Nhat Tan , Truong Thuy Hong‐Dinh , Ooi Keng‐Boon
Published: February 2025

This study analyzes how virtual influencer factors influence customer engagement and brand loyalty using both parasocial theory and source credibility model. Further, it highlights the importance of incorporating the right influencer marketing orientation with a brand's positioning strategy. First, a quantitative survey was conducted with a sample size of 406 participants which was analyzed using PLS‐SEM technique. Subsequently, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with virtual influencer followers to explore the influencers' impact on the behavioral responses of customers towards a brand. The findings reveal that only trustworthiness and authenticity positively influence engagement, while parasocial interaction is a major driver of affective reactions, leading to higher engagement. Thus, parasocial interaction, authenticity, and trustworthiness collectively explain the intensity of engagement, which, in turn influences brand loyalty. Our study presents a surprising result that attractiveness of virtual influencers is not directly associated to customer engagement. Further, the study highlights virtual influencers' role in strengthening long‐term customer‐brand relationships and enhancing a loyal fan base for brands. In conclusion, by utilizing their potential influence, brands can improve their overall efficacy of marketing communications in facilitating customer engagement to foster loyalty.
The Association of Intake of Vitamin Mixtures With Periodontitis: A Machine Learning Approach on NHANES
Authors: Zhang Qinglian , Que Hanxin , Xu Shengming , Xu Leyan , Lin Jian , Deng Hui , Deng Ke , Wang Yi
Published: February 2025

Aims

Previous studies have focused on the association of single vitamin intake with periodontitis. However, the consumption of vitamins is commonly in the form of mixtures. The relationship between the consumption of multiple vitamins and the prevalence of periodontitis needs to be investigated.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, 8512 participants with full‐mouth periodontal examination records and vitamin intake (vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, D, E, and K) data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 2009–2014) datasets were included. GLM and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) were used to estimate the association of individual and mixed vitamins with periodontitis, respectively. Sensitivity analyses were performed using mean probing depth and mean clinical attachment loss as continuous indicators of periodontitis severity.

Results

Vitamins A (OR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.95–0.99) and E (OR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.93–0.97) were both negatively associated with periodontitis in GLM estimates and BKMR modeling in the context of vitamin mixtures. Moreover, the intake of vitamin mixtures within a certain range (< 75% percentile) was negatively associated with the estimated risk of periodontitis, which was predominantly driven by vitamins A and E. A potential interaction between vitamins A and E in their association with periodontitis was observed. Similar findings were found in sensitive analyses.

Conclusions

BKMR estimates suggested that higher intake of vitamin mixtures might account for decreased odds of periodontitis, with vitamins A and E identified as the most influential factors. Future studies are highly warranted to clarify the underlying mechanisms.
Molecular analyses reveal a misidentification of Gracilaria parvisporaAbbott 1985 (Gracilariales, Rhodophyta) in the southern Mexican Pacific and the proposal of Gracilaria huavensis sp. nov.
Authors: Acosta Calderón Julio A. , Rosas Alquicira Edgar F. , González Nataly Quiroz , de Jesús Trejo Méndez María , Villanueva Valentina Islas
Published: February 2025

Cylindrical red algae of the genus Gracilaria from the coastal lagoons of the Southern Mexican Pacific are described as a new species, G. huavensis sp. nov. based on rbcL and COI‐5P sequence analyses and detailed morphological, anatomical, and reproductive characteristics. This species typically grows in the intertidal and subtidal in brackish lagoons in the Southern Mexican Pacific. It is characterized by its percurrent cylindrical thalli with one to three orders of ramification with acute unilateral branchlets. Spermatangial conceptacles are of the textorii‐type. Cystocarps are spherical and possess numerous nutritive filaments at lateral and basal positions in the cystocarp cavity. Gracilaria huavensis is morphologically like G. parvispora but differs genetically. This species has been typically misidentified as G. parvispora but the clades formed by the Southern Mexican lagoons specimens for both markers were clearly separated from the G. parvispora sequences from Hawaii, Japan, South Korea, and Baja California Sur. Genetic distances between the Southern Mexican Pacific specimens and G. parvispora sequences were 1–1.6% in rbcL and 2.5–2.7% in COI‐5P. The morphological similarity between both species is the main cause of misidentifications. The occurrence of Asiatic G. parvispora in the Southern Mexican Pacific was not confirmed in this study, highlighting the need for molecular confirmation of species with problematic taxonomy.
Numerical study on conjugate heat and mass transfer characteristics around thermosolutal exchangers: Effect of flow parameters and solid block arrangement
Authors: Shivli  , Nayak Ameeya K.
Published: February 2025

The effect of air-flow characteristics within a slot-ventilated enclosure is carried out numerically to optimize the heat and contaminants removal rate where the cold fresh air is injected through an inlet port. The contaminated air is expelled by the chimney outlet port positioned along the left side of the upper wall. Based on the structure dynamics the flow governing equation is dealt by the Navier-Stokes equations coupled with the energy equation, where the maximum cooling efficiency is evaluated. A finite volume-based SIMPLE (Semi-Implicit Method for Pressure Linked Equations) method is employed to dealt with the nonlinear coupled partial differential equations to evaluate the flow variation with changing various physical parameters. To study the effective variation of heat transfer arisen in a natural chamber, different thermosolutal blocks with orientations are considered. The inclination angle of the chimney, Richardson number and Reynolds number on the average heat and mass transfer rate and average temperature inside the system is evaluated. Scaling analysis is performed to investigate the transient behavior of the boundary-layer flow that is dominated by natural convection near the inlet port on the enclosure's left wall and found that the results are in good agreement with our numerical results.
Additional Benefits of Repeated-Sprint Training With Prolonged End-Expiratory Breath Holding for Improving Repeated-Sprint Ability in Semiprofessional Soccer Players
Authors: Lörinczi František , Vavák Miroslav , Woorons Xavier
Published: February 2025

Purpose: To investigate the effects of running repeated-sprint training with voluntary hypoventilation at low lung volume (RSH-VHL) including prolonged end-expiratory breath holding (EEBH) on running repeated-sprint ability (RSA). Methods: Twenty semiprofessional male soccer players completed 12 sessions of repeated 50-m running sprints over a 6-week period either with EEBH (RSH-VHL, n = 10) or with normal breathing (RSN, n = 10). Before (Pre) and after (Post) training, a running RSA test consisting of performing maximum 30-m “all-out” sprints until task failure, with a minimum of 10 sprints, was implemented. Results: The maximum number of sprints was increased at Post compared to Pre in RSH-VHL only (13.5 [4.4] vs 7.7 [2.3], P < .01) and was greater in RSH-VHL than in RSN at Post (P < .01). The mean velocity for sprints 1 to 10 and sprints 6 to 10 was increased in both groups at Post (P < .01) but was greater in RSH-VHL than in RSN after the training period (P < .01). There was no change in the reference velocity (P = .80) or in the maximal velocity reached during the RSA test (P = .52) in either group. The mean minimal arterial oxygen saturation recorded during training at the end of the sprints was lower in RSH-VHL (78.5% [1.4%]) than in RSN (97.3% [0.1%]). Conclusions: This study shows that an RSH-VHL intervention including prolonged EEBH can provide an additional benefit for improving RSA in male semiprofessional soccer players. This result may be due in large part to the strong hypoxic effect induced by the prolonged EEBH.
Influence of Step Rate Manipulation on Foot Strike Pattern and Running Economy
Authors: Kim Youngwook , Richardson Janae L. , Bressel Eadric
Published: February 2025

Context: With the rise in distance running, there is an increasing interest in reducing running-related injuries and improving performance. Foot strike patterns (FSP) and step rate (SR) are key factors in managing the external forces generated during foot contact in running. Adjusting SR may help alter FSP and improve running economy (RE), yet its effects on recreational runners are not fully understood. Thus, this study aimed to examine if SR manipulations are sufficient to shift FSP and whether the manipulations change the RE. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Eighteen healthy recreational runners’ (age: 30.2 [7.6] y) foot strike angle was calculated using 2D video motion analysis, and submaximal VO2 was measured while running on a treadmill during preferred and adjusted (±5% and ±10%) SR conditions. Foot strike angle was used to predict strike index and quantify FSP, and submaximal VO2 was analyzed to determine RE. Results: Predicted strike index was significantly different between preferred SR and the −10% (P = .002), −5% (P = .002), and +10% (P < .001) SR conditions. Submaximal VO2 was significantly increased in the −10% (P < .001) and −5% (P = .002) SR conditions. Conclusion: SR manipulations were sufficient to alter foot strike angle and predicted strike index in recreational runners, leading to moderate to significant changes in RE. These findings suggest that SR manipulation can be a useful tool for influencing FSPs and optimizing RE to enhance performance and reduce injury risk.