bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new structural paradigm for outer membrane protein biogenesis in the Bacteroidota
Authors: Liu Xiaolong , Tapia Luis Orenday , Deme Justin C. , Lea Susan M. , Berks Ben C.
Published: February 2025

In Gram-negative bacteria the outer membrane (OM) is the first line of defence against antimicrobial agents and immunological attacks. A key part of OM biogenesis is insertion of OM proteins (OMPs) by the β-barrel–assembly machinery (BAM). Here we report the cryo-electron microscopy (cryoEM) structure of a BAM complex isolated fromFlavobacterium johnsoniae, a member of the phylum Bacteroidota that includes key human commensals and major anaerobic pathogens. This BAM complex is radically different from the canonicalEscherichia colisystem and includes an extensive extracellular canopy that overhangs the substrate folding site and a subunit that inserts into the BAM pore. We find that two of the novel subunits involved in forming the extracellular canopy are essential for BAM function. For one of these subunits isolation of a suppressor mutation allows the separation of their essential and non-essential functions. The need for a highly remodelled and enhanced BAM complex reflects the unusually complex membrane proteins found in the OM of the Bacteroidota.
The nuclear pore complex connects energy sensing to transcriptional plasticity in longevity
Authors: Zhou Yifei , Ahsan Fasih M , Soukas Alexander A
Published: February 2025

As the only gateway governing nucleocytoplasmic transport, the nuclear pore complex (NPC) maintains fundamental cellular processes and deteriorates with age. However, the study of age-related roles of single NPC components remains challenging owing to the complexity of NPC composition. Here we demonstrate that the master energy sensor, AMPK, post-translationally regulates the abundance of the nucleoporin NPP-16/NUP50 in response to nutrient availability and energetic stress. In turn, NPP-16/NUP50 promotes transcriptomic activation of lipid catabolism to extend the lifespan ofCaenorhabditis elegansindependently of its role in nuclear transport. Rather, the intrinsically disordered region (IDR) of NPP-16/NUP50, through direct interaction with the transcriptional machinery, transactivates the promoters of catabolic genes. Remarkably, elevated NPP-16/NUP50 levels are sufficient to promote longevity and metabolic stress defenses. AMPK-NUP50 signaling is conserved to human, indicating that bridging energy sensing to metabolic adaptation is an ancient role of this signaling axis.
A unified analysis of atlas single cell data
Authors: Chen Hao , Nguyen Nam D , Ruffalo Matt , Bar-Joseph Ziv Y
Published: February 2025

Recent efforts to generate atlas-scale single-cell data provide opportunities for joint analysis across tissues and modalities. Existing methods use cells as the reference unit, hindering downstream gene-based analysis and removing genuine biological variations. Here we present GIANT, an integration method designed for atlas-scale gene analysis across cell types and tissues. GIANT converts datasets into gene graphs and recursively embeds genes without additional alignment. Applying GIANT to two recent atlas datasets yields unified gene embedding spaces across human tissues and data modalities. Further evaluations demonstrate GIANT's usefulness in discovering diverse gene functions and underlying gene regulations in cells from different tissues.
Loyalty to amateur sellers in the online second-hand market
Authors: Tari Kasnakoglu Berna , Kalender Yunus
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study develops a scale to measure loyalty to second-hand sellers in online markets. The potential marketing outcomes are discussed based on the tested model.

Design/methodology/approach

A scale measuring loyalty to unprofessional second-hand sellers was developed in five stages. An experimental model was also developed using data from four different countries, where the level of product information was manipulated to observe its effects on loyalty dimensions.

Findings

The developed scale has two sub-dimensions: purchase loyalty and person loyalty. The results validate the use of a loyalty scale and conclude that a second-hand seller should provide sufficient information about the product, which would increase loyalty and generate repurchase intention.

Practical implications

It is recommended that second-hand sellers follow potentially profitable customers and provide sufficient product information to enhance loyalty sales. Consumers may be able to establish regular streams of income through online second-hand sales.

Social implications

The system potentially enables the creation of a consistent and systematic used-product and revenue cycle, maintaining an environment-friendly circulation of second-hand items.

Originality/value

Most studies have focused on buyer behavior, largely ignoring the amateur seller’s perspective. The absence of deliberate branding by second-hand sellers creates an interesting research opportunity to investigate the factors contributing to buyer loyalty.
A framework for sustainable tropical design: converging circular economy into passive design strategies
Authors: Kalu Arachchi K.A.C.S. , Perera B.A.K.S. , Raigama Acharige Dinithi Piyumra , Jayasuriya Sajani
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The escalation in demand for buildings in tropical zones has risen resulting from global population growth. Moreover, the construction industry is under growing pressure to adapt sustainable practices. Hence, this research aims to investigate how Circular Economy (CE) principles can be converged with Tropical Design Strategies (TDS) to enhance sustainability within the construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative approach was employed with three rounds of Delphi technique, following semi-structured expert interviews. Collected data were analysed through content analysis.

Findings

Four passive design strategies were explored as the most suitable strategies for building designs in the tropical regions. To amalgamate passive design strategies of Tropical Designs (TD) with the most practicable CE R principles, 23 number of methods were proposed to each passive design strategy. Furthermore, 11 enablers were revealed in converging TD with CE. Among them, green building design, advanced design software and bioclimatic designs are the enablers which are applicable for all the design strategies.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is the first kind of research which was done converging three concepts of CE, TD and sustainability. Moreover, this research defined various approaches on how to integrate CE R principles with each identified passive design strategy as an influential approach for ameliorating sustainability. This research contributes to the practice by proposing methods to building designers and architects on how to design buildings in tropical regions following CE principles while ensuring sustainability.
A continuous adjoint cut‐cell formulation for topology optimization of bi‐fluid heat exchangers
Authors: Galanos Nikolaos , Papoutsis-Kiachagias Evangelos , Giannakoglou Kyriakos
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This paper aims to present a topology optimization (TopO) method for designing heat exchangers (HEx) with two working fluids to be kept apart. The introduction of cut–cells gives rise to the cut-cell TopO method, which computes the optimal distribution of an artificial impermeability field and successfully overcomes the weaknesses of the standard density-based TopO (denTopO) by computing the fluid–solid interface (FSI) at each cycle. This allows to accurately solve the flow and conjugate heat transfer (CHT) problem by imposing exact boundary conditions on the computed FSI and results to correct performances computed without the need to re-evaluate the optimized solutions on a body-fitted grid.

Design/methodology/approach

The elements of an artificial impermeability distribution field defined on a background grid act as the design variables and allow topological changes to take place. Post-processing them yields two fields indicating the location of the two flow streams inside the HEx. At each TopO cycle, the FSIs computed based on these two fields are used as the cutting surfaces of the cut-cell grid. On the so-computed grid, the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations, coupled with the Spalart–Allmaras turbulence model, and the temperature equation are solved. The derivatives of the objective and constraint functions with respect to the design variables of TopO are computed by the continuous adjoint method, using consistent discretization schemes devised thanks to the “Think Discrete – Do Continuous” (TDDC) adjoint methodology.

Findings

The effectiveness of the cut-cell–based TopO method for designing HEx is demonstrated in 2D parallel/counter flow and 3D counter flow HEx operating under both laminar and turbulent flow conditions. Compared to the standard denTopO, its ability to compute FSIs along which accurate boundary conditions are imposed, increases the accuracy of the flow solver, which usually leads to optimal, rather than sub-optimal, solutions that truly satisfy the imposed constraints.

Originality/value

This work proposes a new/complete methodology for the TopO of two-fluid systems including CHT that relies on the cut-cell method. This successfully combines aspects from both TopO and Shape Optimization (ShpO) in a single framework thus overcoming the well-known downsides of standard denTopO regarding its accuracy or the need for a follow-up ShpO after TopO. Instead of adding the well-known Brinkman penalization terms into the flow equations, it computes the FSIs at each optimization cycle allowing the solution of the CHT problem on a cut-cell grid.
Fostering STEM career intentions in university students: the influential roles of parents, teachers, peers and career decision self-efficacy
Authors: Yean Tan Fee , Chin Tay Lee
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The present research aims to examine the effect of parents, teachers, and peers on university students’ career intentions for STEM jobs and how these relationships are mediated by their career decision self-efficacy (CDSE).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using standardised questionnaires administered to 523 final-year university students within STEM disciplines. Partial least squares path modelling (PLS-PM) via SmartPLS 3.0 was used to analyse the data.

Findings

The results of this study validate the assertions of social cognitive career theory (SCCT) by demonstrating that consistent information sharing and support from parents, teachers and peers significantly influence university students’ career intentions in STEM fields. Furthermore, the effect of parents, teachers and peers on university students’ STEM career intentions is mediated by their CDSE.

Practical implications

The findings of this study offer practical insights for education policymakers and human resource development practitioners while also providing valuable direction for future research in STEM education and career development.

Originality/value

This research has contributed to the literature on SCCT and career development, providing valuable insights into the impact of parents, peers, teachers and CDSE on fostering university students’ career intentions for STEM jobs, which have received scant attention from educational researchers.
Technology acceptance and SAMR in metaverse education: professors’ willingness to engage in immersive classes in higher education
Authors: Mehta Kush , Nayak Keyurkumar M. , Qureshi Riyaz Ahmed , N Abhishek , Parveen Shareena
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The primary objective of this study is to combine the technology acceptance model with the substitution, augmentation, modification and redefinition (SAMR) model to investigate and assess professors’ willingness to engage in teaching in metaverse classrooms.

Design/methodology/approach

The study collected survey data from 240 qualified respondents who were actively involved in teaching and knowledgeable about immersive teaching environments using the snowball sampling method. To validate our hypotheses concerning the conceptual model, this study employed the bootstrapping method in Smart PLS 4.0.

Findings

Our findings reveal that several key factors significantly influence the attitudes and intentions of professors to teach in metaverse classrooms (MVCs). These factors include the perceived level of knowledge integration related to metaverse, perceived ease of using metaverse technologies and perceived usefulness of these technologies for both professors and learners. Studying professors’ intention to teach in metaverse offers practical benefits.

Practical implications

The research findings provide essential information for educational institutions by identifying factors that impact professors’ readiness to teach in metaverse classrooms. By comprehending these factors, educational institutions can make informed decisions about resource distribution, faculty training and the development of strategies for adopting metaverse technology. Moreover, this study offers valuable insights to policymakers and professors, enabling them to improve preparedness and facilitate efficient incorporation of immersive technologies into the educational system.

Originality/value

The findings of this study help higher education institutions understand faculty readiness, allocate resources and monitor the adoption of metaverse tools in their teaching-learning process. This awareness can be further examined in metaverse education research and can inform the public about its potential.
Firm performance and dividend risk: testing the moderating role of corporate governance
Authors: Nadar Diwahar Sunder , Deb Soumya Guha
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Grounded in agency and signalling theory, the research posits that smoothened dividends are a function of fiscal and governance quality. The study tests this premise by exploring the role of firm performance and strong governance on dividend risk, which is the chance of a cut or omission of dividend payment. The motivation for this research is driven by the growth in dividend-centric investment strategy, for which the stability of dividend is paramount.

Design/methodology/approach

By developing a nuanced model, the research aims to quantify the joint influence of governance quality and firm performance in mitigating dividend risk. Leveraging a comprehensive dataset of 2,900 global firms from 2009 to 2023, the study offers empirical analysis, incorporating robustness checks and sub-sample analysis to ensure the validity of the findings.

Findings

The results confirm that stronger governance ensures stable dividends to the investors, indicating a strong presence of agency theory. A similar positive effect was observed for firm performance in the reduction of dividend risk. The moderation model further uncovered the presence of adverse effects of catering, indicated by an increase in dividend risk due to the joint presence of strong governance and firm performance. In highly profitable companies, governance may shift focus towards satisfying shareholders through increased payouts to reduce agency concerns associated with excess free cash flow.

Originality/value

The study is the first of its kind to research dividend risk and the moderating role of corporate governance in it.
Competence in information technology and the relationship with innovation capacity: a study in Brazilian technology-based companies
Authors: Alves Vorster Queiroga , Perez Gilberto
Published: February 2025

Purpose

To evaluate the relationship between IT competence and innovation capacity in technology-based companies in Brazilian technology poles and/or parks in Brazil, this study aims to highlight the importance of the necessary differential associated with technologies to promote the innovation capacity of companies, as organisations can respond quickly and with innovative actions to changes in the business environment.

Design/methodology/approach

With a quantitative approach, an electronic questionnaire was applied from July to November 2021, with a ten-point Likert scale containing 45 questions distributed among the dimensions and constructs analysed. The survey sample was conducted in 88 companies (with 107 valid responses returned). Structural equation modelling was performed using SmartPLS 3.3.3 software for data analysis.

Findings

The results showed a strong, positive and committed relationship between IT competence and innovation capacity dimensions. As for the dimensions of IT competence, the six dimensions were evaluated and validated, with an advance in the literature.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of this research are related to a specific group of companies, located in an environment and with their own characteristics. Due to the limitations, there is a need to expand the investigation to other business areas, and not only to technology-based companies. There is a need to examine in detail the resources, dimensions of IT competence that are applied in companies, as well as evaluate how they relate to the capacity for innovation.

Practical implications

It is believed that the results of this research can contribute to the improvement of actions and strategies of technology-based companies, in addition to improving market responses with greater dynamism, creating innovative products and/or services directly for customers. One cannot forget, however, the discussions and theoretical advances between the relations of constructs and their application in organisations of various sectors.

Social implications

The study of the existing relationships between IT competence and innovation capacity in Brazilian technology-based organisations provided an advance in knowledge, by understanding the form and characteristics existing between the dimensions analysed, enabling organisations to identify those that can best be used and obtain results of the company’s performance for the market.

Originality/value

The contributions include understanding the relationships between IT competence and innovation capacity and the knowledge that the organisation needs to know the dimensions of IT competencies to invest in innovation capacity and support activities for performance associated with a competitive advantage.
Eco-conscious consumers’ green real estate decisions in India: the role of social commerce
Authors: Anand Yashwin , Davidson Benny Godwin J. , George Jossy P. , Muttungal Peter V.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The primary purpose of this paper is to examine the role of perceived trust, information quality, positive word of mouth and societal norms toward real estate purchase intention. The study also examines how pro-environmental self-identity mediates the relationship between positive word of mouth and real estate purchase intent, as well as between societal norms and real estate purchase intention. This research aims to delve into these intricate dynamics through a multidimensional lens.

Design/methodology/approach

The research employs existing scholarly works and measurable variables evaluated through a five-point Likert scale, hypothesis testing and mediation analysis to examine the proposed framework. A structured survey comprising six sections was administered, yielding 385 valid responses. The data analysis process included the use of confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling techniques.

Findings

The analysis indicates that pro-environmental self-identity has the most significant influence on real estate purchase intention, closely followed by positive word of mouth. Incorporating eco-friendly themes in marketing campaigns significantly boosts purchase intentions. However, perceived trust does not significantly impact purchase intentions. Other factors, such as information quality and societal norms, also play significant roles, underscoring the importance of understanding the complex dynamics shaping consumer decisions in the real estate market.

Research limitations/implications

This research exclusively targets responses from young consumers in specific regions of India. Future studies should aim for a more extensive geographic scope, encompassing a diverse global population for a broader understanding of the subject.

Originality/value

Based on previous literature, this study is the first to identify the elements influencing the inclination to buy environmentally friendly real estate through social commerce.
Investor sentiment and its implication on global financial markets: a systematic review of literature
Authors: Maurya Prince Kumar , Bansal Rohit , Mishra Anand Kumar
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to systematically review the literature on how various factors influence investor sentiment and affect financial markets. This study also sought to present an overview of explored contexts and research foci, identifying gaps in the literature and setting an agenda for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

The systematic literature investigation yielded 555 journal articles, with few other exceptional inclusions. The data have been extracted from the two databases, i.e. Scopus and Web of Science. For bibliometric analysis, VOSviewer and Biblioshiny by R have been used. The period of investigation is from 1985 to July 2023.

Findings

This systematic literature review helped us identify factors influencing investor sentiment and financial markets. This study has broadly classified these factors into two categories: rational and irrational. Rational factors include – economics and monetary policy, exchange rate, interest rates, inflation, government mandatory regulations, earning announcements, stock-split, dividend decisions, audit quality, environmental, social and governance aspects and ratings. Irrational factors include – behavioural and psychological factors, social media and online talk, news and entertainment, geopolitical and war events, calendar anomalies, environmental, natural disasters, religious events and festivals, irrationality caused due to government/supervisory body regulations, and corporate events. Using these factors, this study has developed an investor sentiment model. In addition, this review identified research trends, methodology, data and techniques used by researchers.

Originality/value

This review comprehensively explains how various factors affect investor sentiment and the stock market using the investor sentiment model. It further proposes an extensive future research agenda. This study has implications for stock market participants.
Retaining and engaging baby boomers in the workplace
Authors: Nichols Amy , Smith Simon M.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This paper aims to offer insights into how we should retain and engage baby boomers in the workplace through a deeper understanding of their expectations and needs.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors discuss a unique survey of 1,234 adults who work full- or part time across different age groups. Baby boomers data were compared to three other generational cohorts, namely, Millennials, Gen X and Gen Z.

Findings

Broad findings reveal that baby boomers value clear goals and expectations, regular feedback and a variety within their job roles. Furthermore, the authors highlight that baby boomers prioritise the following a lot less than younger generations: remote working and flexibility, diversity initiatives, career progression and pay rises and mental health benefits.

Originality/value

This research offers a unique empirical view of baby boomers against other generations leading to practical strategic HR recommendations.
Post‐TIPS Overt Hepatic Encephalopathy Increases Long‐Term but Not Short‐Term Mortality in Cirrhotic Patients With Variceal Bleeding: A Large‐Scale, Multicenter Real‐World Study
Authors: Xiang Yi , Tie Jun , Wang Guangchuan , Zhuge Yuzheng , Wu Hao , Zhu Xiaoli , Xue Hui , Liu Shanghao , Yang Ling , Xu Jiao , Zhang Feng , Zhang Mingyan , Wei Bo , Li Peijie , Wang Ze , Wu Wei , Chen Chao , Yang Shifeng , Han Yicheng , Tang Chengwei , Qi Xiaolong , Zhang Chunqing
Published: February 2025

Background

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is an established procedure for managing portal hypertension in cirrhotic patients, but the impact of post‐TIPS overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE) on survival remains controversial. While its effect on short‐term survival is well‐documented, its long‐term implications remain unclear.

Aims

This study aims to investigate the long‐term impact of post‐TIPS OHE on mortality in cirrhotic patients for variceal bleeding, focusing on the timing and predictive value of OHE beyond the first year post‐TIPS.

Methods

A multicenter, retrospective cohort study was conducted involving 3262 cirrhotic patients who underwent TIPS for variceal bleeding at seven Chinese tertiary centers between January 2010 and June 2020. Clinical data, including demographics, procedure details, post‐TIPS complications and survival outcomes, were collected. The primary endpoints were all‐cause mortality and OHE, with follow‐up until death, liver transplantation or 60 months. Propensity score matching minimised confounding effects, and multivariate Fine‐Grey competing risk models identified independent mortality predictors.

Results

During a median follow‐up of 1077 days, 33.2% developed post‐TIPS OHE, associated with higher MELD and Child‐Pugh scores. Among these, 19.3% died, with a median time from OHE onset to death of 947 days. Post‐TIPS OHE was not linked to early survival (within 12 months) but emerged as an independent predictor of long‐term mortality beyond 24 months, consistent across various clinical scenarios.

Conclusion

Post‐TIPS OHE does not affect short‐term survival but significantly increases long‐term mortality risk. These findings highlight the need for continuous monitoring and tailored interventions to improve long‐term outcomes in post‐TIPS patients.
A review of the putative antiseizure and antiepileptogenic mechanisms of action for soticlestat
Authors: Kondo Shinichi , Murthy Venkatesha , Asgharnejad Mahnaz , Benitez Arturo , Nakashima Kosuke , Hawkins Nicole , White H. Steve
Published: February 2025

Soticlestat (TAK‐935) is a potent and selective inhibitor of cholesterol 24‐hydroxylase (CYP46A1), an enzyme primarily expressed in the brain that catabolizes cholesterol to 24S‐hydroxycholesterol (24HC). In the ELEKTRA phase II clinical trial, soticlestat reduced seizure frequency in patients with developmental and epileptic encephalopathies, and two phase III studies evaluating the safety and efficacy of soticlestat in Dravet syndrome (SKYLINE) and Lennox–Gastaut syndrome (SKYWAY) have recently been completed. The exact mechanism of action by which soticlestat exerts pharmacological benefits remains undetermined. In this review, we assess the available preclinical evidence and present a working hypothesis for the antiseizure effects of soticlestat. The data support three potential mechanisms of action: (1) normalization of the seizure threshold via reduction of 24HC levels in the brain; as 24HC acts as a potent and selective positive allosteric modulator of glutamate N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptors, reduction of 24HC levels by soticlestat may lead to decreased hyperexcitability and elevated seizure thresholds; (2) restoration of glutamate sequestration from the synaptic cleft; accumulation of glutamate in the synaptic cleft enhances neural excitation and can contribute to neurotoxicity; soticlestat may inhibit conversion of cholesterol to 24HC in the membrane lipid raft microdomain and help to preserve it, consequently reducing excessive glutamate excitation; and (3) suppression of neuroinflammation via reduction of inflammatory cytokine release. These potential mechanisms of action warrant further investigation.
Can financial education programs alleviate household vulnerability to poverty? Evidence from the JinHui financial education project in China
Authors: Yang Ziying , Guo Man , Xiong Tian , Tang Manping
Published: February 2025

This paper investigates whether the JinHui financial education project (i.e., a large‐scale financial education program in China) reduces household vulnerability to poverty. Using data from the China Family Panel Studies and the JinHui Financial Education project data from the China Foundation for Development of Financial Education, we find that the JinHui project significantly reduces household vulnerability to poverty. Our economic channel analyses find that the JinHui project alleviates household vulnerability to poverty through improving household risk management ability. Interestingly, our mechanism analyses find no evidence that increasing household income is a mechanism through which the JinHui project reduces household vulnerability to poverty.
High‐Field Diffusion Tensor Imaging of Median, Tibial, and Sural Nerves in Type 2 Diabetes With Morphometric Analysis
Authors: Pušnik Luka , Gabor Aljoša , Radochová Barbora , Janáček Jiří , Saudek František , Alibegović Armin , Serša Igor , Cvetko Erika , Umek Nejc , Snoj Žiga
Published: February 2025

Background and Purpose

The primary objective was to compare diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) scalar parameters of peripheral nerves between subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and those without diabetes. Secondarily, we aimed to correlate DTI scalar parameters with nerve morphometric properties.

Methods

Median, tibial, and sural nerves were harvested from 34 male cadavers (17 T2DM, 17 nondiabetic). Each nerve was divided into three segments. The initial segment was scanned using 9.4 Tesla MRI system (three‐dimensional pulsed‐gradient spin‐echo sequence). DTI scalars were calculated from region‐average diffusion‐weighted signals. Second segment was optically cleared, acquired with optical projection tomography (OPT), and analyzed for morphometrical properties. Toluidine‐stained sections were prepared from last segment, and axon‐ and myelin‐related properties were evaluated.

Results

DTI scalar parameters of median and tibial nerves were comparable between the groups, while sural nerves of T2DM exhibited on average 41% higher mean diffusivity (MD) (p = 0.03), 38% higher radial diffusivity (RD) (p = 0.03), and 27% lower fractional anisotropy (FA) (p = 0.005). Significant differences in toluidine‐evaluated parameters of sural nerves were observed between the groups, with a positive correlation between FA with fiber density (p = 0.0001) and with myelin proportion (p < 0.0001) and an inverse correlation between RD and myelin proportion (p = 0.003). OPT‐measured morphometric properties did not correlate with DTI scalar parameters.

Conclusions

High‐field DTI shows promise as an imaging technique for detecting axonal and myelin‐related changes in small sural nerves ex vivo. The reduced fiber density and decreased myelin content, which can be observed in T2DM, likely contribute to observed FA reduction and increased MD/RD.
Small Arteries From Old Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats Exhibit Enhanced Endothelium‐Independent Vasodilatory Capacity and Reduced Stiffness
Authors: Ramirez‐Perez Francisco I. , Jurrissen Thomas J. , Augenreich Marc A. , Castorena‐Gonzalez Jorge A. , Morales‐Quinones Mariana , Foote Christopher A. , Nourian Zahra , Lateef Olubodun M. , Imkaew Natnicha , Sun Zhe , Hill Michael A. , Meininger Gerald A. , Padilla Jaume , Martinez‐Lemus Luis A.
Published: February 2025

Objective

In conduit arteries, aging and hypertension are associated with stiffening characterized by increased cytoskeletal F‐actin and endothelial dysfunction. Herein, we determined if this also happens at the level of the resistance vasculature.

Methods

We retrospectively compared the mechanical and structural characteristics of small arteries isolated from older hypertensive and younger normotensive (64.7 ± 2.8 vs. 32.1 ± 1.9 years old) human subjects. The intersection of aging and hypertension was studied in small mesenteric arteries from old (88 weeks of age) spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and Wistar Kyoto (WKY) normotensive rats.

Results

Arteries from older hypertensive subjects were stiffer and had more F‐actin, relative to those from younger normotensives. Comparatively, arteries from old SHRs showed reduced stiffness and increased vasodilation to sodium nitroprusside without changes in F‐actin. Matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) and ‐9 (MMP‐9) were increased in the SHR arteries and exposure of naive arteries to exogenous MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 augmented responsiveness to sodium nitroprusside and adenosine.

Conclusions

In conclusion, resistance arteries from old SHRs are softer and vasodilate more to exogenous nitric oxide than those of WKY rats. This improved endothelial‐independent vasodilation is associated with an increased vascular expression of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9. We further conclude that aging and hypertension effects on the microcirculation may vary between species and vascular beds.
Is Health Status in Patients With Chronic Disorders of the Gastrointestinal System Disease‐Specific? Results From an Integral Approach
Authors: Lemlijn‐Slenter Anja H. W. M. , van Iperen Luuk P. , Wijnands Karolina A. P. , Wolter Nico , de Rijk Angelique E. , Masclee Ad A. M.
Published: February 2025

Background

In patients with chronic disorders of the gastrointestinal (GI) system, integral health is disturbed in all dimensions: physical, mental, quality of life, participation, meaningfulness, and daily functioning. In this group, three large subgroups are distinguished: Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD), Hepato‐Pancreatico‐Biliary diseases (HPB), and NeuroGastroenterology and Motility (NGM) disorders.

Our aim was to compare integral health status between these three subgroups. For the NGM group, we focused on patients with documented motility disorders, not on patients with functional GI‐disorders. We hypothesized that the NGM group will have lower scores for integral health status compared to the IBD and HPB groups.

Methods

A prospective, observational, questionnaire study was performed in patients with chronic GI‐system disorders (IBD, HPB, and NGM) attending the Maastricht University Medical Center outpatient department. Validated questionnaires and patient file data were used to quantify six health dimensions.

Key Results

Data from 416 patients were collected. In all domains, apart from meaningfulness, the NGM group (n = 93) had significantly (0.001 ≤ p ≤ 0.033) lower scores compared to the IBD (n = 174) and HPB (n = 149) groups. From the NGM group, 66% were malnourished, had symptoms of depression (36%) and anxiety (19%), and work participation was lowest (32%). Correlations between intra‐ and interdimensional parameters were moderate to strong apart from meaningfulness.

Conclusions & Inferences

Compared to patients with chronic IBD and HPB disorders, patients with NGM disorders have significantly lower scores in five of six dimensions of health: physical and mental well‐being, quality of life, daily functioning, and participation.
Uncomplicated Diverticulosis Is Not Associated With Abdominal Pain or Abnormal Bowel Habit—A Population‐Based Swedish Cohort Study
Authors: Alexandersson Bjarki T. , Jones Michael P. , Forsberg Anna , Hedin Charlotte R. H. , Järbrink‐Sehgal Ellionore , Walter Susanna , Talley Nicholas J. , Agreus Lars , Andreasson Anna , Schmidt Peter T.
Published: February 2025

Background

Whether uncomplicated diverticulosis gives rise to symptoms is controversial. Diary‐based studies of abdominal pain and stool habits in general populations are scarce, and we therefore investigated symptom patterns in diverticulosis from prospectively collected symptom diaries in a random sample of the general population who completed a research colonoscopy.

Methods

In the Swedish population‐based colonoscopy (PopCol) study, 745 individuals from the general population underwent a colonoscopy of which 130 had diverticulosis, and none had diverticulitis. Seven‐day symptom diaries were completed by 258 participants (age 54, women 64%) of which 50 had diverticulosis. The frequency and location of abdominal pain, bowel habit and other gastrointestinal symptoms were compared between individuals with and without diverticulosis using logistic regression.

Key Results

Diverticulosis was not associated with abdominal pain (OR 1.24, CI 0.61–2.55) or left lower quadrant (LLQ) abdominal pain (OR 1.59, CI 0.73–3.49). Pain duration and severity were not associated with diverticulosis. When individuals with diverticulosis had pain, it was more often in the LLQ (OR 2.45, CI 1.02–5.86) compared with those without diverticulosis. Diverticulosis was not linked to altered bowel habits. Irritable bowel syndrome prevalence was 16% in the diverticulosis group and 19% in the non‐diverticulosis group.

Conclusions and Inferences

Participants with diverticulosis did not report more abdominal pain or more LLQ abdominal pain than participants without diverticulosis. Bowel habit was not abnormal in diverticulosis. Our results do not support that uncomplicated diverticulosis cause symptoms in individuals without a history of acute diverticulitis.
Influence of Estrus and Double Ovulations on Reproductive Efficiency in Summer, of Holstein Heifers on a 5‐Day Hormonal Synchronisation Protocol With and Without Intravaginal Progesterone Device
Authors: Revilla‐Ruiz Ángel , Carulla Patricia , Pérez‐Navarro Alejandro , Patrón‐Collantes Raquel , De Mercado Eduardo , de la Luz Pérez‐Solana María , González‐Martín Juan Vicente , Sebastián Francisco , Pérez‐Garnelo Sonia , Astiz Susana
Published: February 2025

The influence of estrus and double ovulations of Holstein heifers on a 5d‐Co‐synch 72 h protocol during summer was explored. Cycling heifers on the 5d‐Co‐72 h synchronisation protocol were randomised to carry a progesterone device (116) from day 0 to day 5 of the synchronisation protocol or not (97), from them 100 and 84 underwent fixed‐time artificial insemination (FTAI). Another 70 heifers showed estrus before the first GnRH and were inseminated. Heifers were pregnant 34% (33/97) without device, 44.0% (51/116) with device and 44.3% (31/70) inseminated after estrus. Pregnancy per insemination (P/AI) tended to be higher (p = 0.059) inseminating after estrus than after FTAI without device. Three heifers without device and two with it showed double ovulation, four of which became pregnant. Pregnancy loss was similar among groups (0%–10%). P/AI was higher in heifers with estrus before FTAI (OR 13.96, p = 0.027), and with each additional day of age (OR 1.015; p = 0.015). The device was associated with higher progesterone on day 5, with more synchronised heifers, more ovulation frequency after first GnRH (96.6% vs. 84%, p = 0.007), and more heifers showing estrus before FTAI (96.0% vs. 85.7%, p = 0.018). Days to conception after first AI of the study, and after maximum three AIs were similar between synchronised groups, but significantly shorter in heifers inseminated after observed estrus. Fertility was higher in heifers that showed signs of estrus before accompanying the FTAI, while double ovulation seems not to be a major factor for fertility. An intravaginal device slightly improves efficiency under heat stress by increasing ovulation, progesterone, proportion of synchronised heifers and heifers showing estrus at AI.
NATURE OF TRANSONIC COMPRESSOR FLOW AND ITS 3D DESIGN IMPLICATIONS
Authors: Lefas Demetrios
Published: February 2025

A key problem in transonic compressor and fan design is that although a 3D description of the flow is necessary to correctly capture the shock; accounting for it during the sectional design is difficult because the key driving design parameters are unknown. In this paper, it is shown that for transonic inlet relative Mach numbers, the pressure rise across the shock is a function of the 3D streamtube area ratio At/A1. This key finding is based on three key transonic flow features, discussed within this paper, being present together across a wide range of 10,000 representative transonic compressor and fan designs published online. This unique wide-ranging dataset reveals that the changes in the shock's behaviour can be explained simply by keeping track of the changes in At/A1. Surprisingly, the pre-shock Mach number at a given At/A1 is shown to be insensitive to the detailed blade surface geometry. Only geometric design choices made in the preliminary design phase are shown to have a second-order effect. These findings suggest, that the purpose of the design should be to make the desired changes in the real spanwise 3D At/A1. The second half of the paper concerns itself with the level of fidelity necessary when calculating the spanwise 3D At/A1 for it to positively influence design. A key conclusion is that not resolving the subtle changes in the 3D radial flow at the appropriate level of fidelity could potentially mislead the transonic design process.
Methods for automatically obtaining the sputtering-induced roughness upon depth profiling of polycrystalline films
Authors: Liu Gong-Wen , Ye Jin-Peng , Tan Zhi-Rou , Lian Song-You , Yan Xin-Liang , Wang Jiang-Yong
Published: February 2025

Sputter depth profiling has been widely used for analyzing the in-depth compositional distribution in thin films. However, due to the unavoidable distortions in sputter depth profiling, the quantitative analysis of measured depth profiling data requires a modeling approach. By estimating parameters such as the original film structure, roughness, elemental sputtering rate, and mixing length, we can fit a model to the experimental data and correct for these distortions. This allows us to obtain a more accurate representation of the original film structure. In this paper, two methods—the simulated annealing algorithm and the golden section search algorithm—are proposed for obtaining automatically and accurately the sputtering-induced roughness that often occurs upon depth profiling of polycrystalline films. When comparing these two methods, the golden section search algorithm demonstrates superior efficiency and precision under low-noise conditions, thereby reducing computational time and error. While, under high-noise conditions, the simulated annealing algorithm achieves greater accuracy at the cost of significantly higher computational time. As an example, the measured Auger electron spectroscopy depth profiling data of 4 × Si(15 nm)/Al(15 nm)/Si(100) multilayers are used for obtaining automatically the sputtering-induced roughness by these two methods. It is suggested that the golden section method offers an effective balance between computational time and accuracy.
SNR analysis of multi-aperture ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging systems
Authors: Gholampour Amir , Cano Camilo , de Hoop Hein , van Sambeek Marc R. H. M. , Lopata Richard G. P. , Wu Min , Schwab Hans-Martin
Published: February 2025

Multi-aperture ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging systems improve the imaging quality in terms of contrast, field of view, and potentially resolution in comparison to single aperture setups. However, the behavior of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in these systems has not been well understood. In this study, we propose a low-parameter predictive model for signal analysis based on the Fourier diffraction theorem. Furthermore, an analytical approach for SNR estimation is devised for both coherent and incoherent compounding methods. The theory is evaluated in simulations and experiments. The results show a great agreement with the theoretical expectation of k-space model for both mono-static and bi-static signals. In addition, the evaluated noise power and peak SNR results follow the analytical expectations. As the number of compounded reconstructed datasets increases, the noise power increases linearly and non-linearly for coherent and incoherent methods, respectively. Still, as demonstrated in both theory and results, for correlated sources, the SNR increases linearly with the number of coherently compounded reconstructions, while it can remain unchanged or even reduced if incoherent compounding is employed. Moreover, for uncorrelated sources, it is shown that compounding different views from several spatially diverse apertures may lead to a decrease in SNR.
Microbiome insights from a South African cultural and natural landmark cave using metagenomics next-generation sequencing
Authors: Babalola Olubukola Oluranti , Adedayo Afeez Adesina , Akinola Saheed Adekunle
Published: February 2025

The microbiome study of Sterkfontein Cave (a natural and cultural cave) revealed fascinating insights into its metagenome study and functional annotation. The largely unexplored cave soil microbiota showcases intricate survival adaptations with promising potential for various human applications. Here, we report the microbial diversity and functions associated with Sterkfontein Cave soil.
Primary acquired melanosis with spill over periocular lentigo maligna: 19-year outcomes at a specialist eyelid and ocular oncology centre
Authors: Kanda Mumta , Nghiem Allan Zhifa , Shafi Fariha , Hamed Azzam Shirin , Gupta Tarang , Daniel Claire
Published: February 2025

Background/aims

There is a paucity in the literature on the presentation, management and outcomes of cases where primary acquired melanosis (PAM) is associated with spill over/contiguous periocular lentigo maligna (LM). We describe experience of such cases at our eyelid and ocular oncology specialist centre.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective consecutive case review of adult patients with PAM and periocular LM between 2005 and 2024 at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London. Demographic data, diagnosis, histology, imaging, treatment, surgical notes, outcomes and follow-up were collected from the electronic patient record.

Results

Of 21 patients identified, 100% were Caucasian, 13 (62%) were women and the average age of diagnosis was 67 years. Grade of PAM atypia was mild in 5 (24%), moderate in 2 (9%) and severe in 14 (67%) patients. 16 (76%) patients developed melanoma (all types) and 12 (57%) patients developed conjunctival melanoma. Of those with PAM with severe atypia, 93% developed melanoma. The average time interval from diagnosis of PAM and LM to melanoma was 72 months. Melanoma recurrence occurred in 7 (44%) and metastases developed in 4 (25%) patients. Four patients died, including two from metastatic melanoma. Average follow-up length was 129 months.

Conclusions

PAM with atypia, particularly severe atypia, when associated with spill over periocular LM, may have significant risk of progression to melanoma. Patients with PAM require careful eyelid examination to identify LM. Management requires multidisciplinary input, urgent biopsy and confocal microscopy if available, lower threshold for treatment and lifelong monitoring.