bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Site-specific immunogenicity and anti-PD1 response in mismatch repair deficient lung adenocarcinoma models
Authors: Abad Etna , Zadra Ivan , Krasko Anastasia , Subirana-Granés Marc , Reyes Diana , Borredat Pablo , Pasquali Lorenzo , Aramburu Jose , López-Rodríguez Cristina , Janic Ana
Published: January 2025

Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment, yet responses vary significantly based on tumour characteristics and microenvironment. Here, we developed and analysed subcutaneous and orthotopic immunocompetent mice models of mismatch repair-deficient (dMMR) lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) by selectively ablating Mlh1. Subcutaneous tumours demonstrated partial sensitivity to anti-PD1 therapy, characterized by tumour volume reduction without significant changes in immune infiltration. In contrast, orthotopic tumours exhibited robust responses, with substantial reductions in tumour burden, enhanced immune infiltration, and increased CD4+memory T cells, highlighting the critical role of anatomical site and tumour microenvironment in shaping immunotherapy outcomes. Our findings emphasise the relevance of orthotopic models for preclinical evaluation and suggest that they more accurately reflect clinical responses to immune checkpoint blockade in dMMR LUAD.
Endothelial tPA-dependent recruitment of microglia to vessels protects the blood-brain barrier after stroke in mice
Authors: Etuzé Tamara , Fosset Louis , Vivien Denis , Roussel Benoit D , Lemarchand Eloise
Published: January 2025

Thrombolysis with tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) remains the only pharmacological treatment for the acute phase of ischemic stroke. In this study, we hypothesize that endothelial tPA plays a key role in modulating the microglial response and maintaining blood brain barrier (BBB) integrity after stroke. Using a mouse model with conditional deletion for endothelial tPA (VeCadCre– tPAFlox) combined with a thrombotic stroke model and high-resolution imaging, we investigated the effects of endothelial tPA on vascular inflammation and microglia activation during the acute phase of stroke. Our results demonstrate that microglia-vessel contacts increase post-stroke. Notably, endothelial tPA deletion reduces vascular VCAM1 expression associated with decreased microglial activation and fewer microglia-vessel contacts. Following stroke, endothelial tPA deletion is associated with increased BBB permeability and heightened risk of haemorrhagic transformation. Collectively, these findings indicate that endothelial tPA mediates microglial recruitment to blood vessels, thereby exerting a protective effect on BBB integrity following ischemic stroke.
Mechanism of RPA phosphocode priming and tuning by Cdk1/Wee1 signaling circuit
Authors: Roshan Poonam , Kaushik Vikas , Mistry Ayush , Vayyeti Abhinav , Antony Aidan , Luebbers Riley , Deveryshetty Jaigeeth , Antony Edwin , Origanti Sofia
Published: January 2025

Replication protein A (RPA) is a heterotrimeric single-strand DNA binding protein that is integral to DNA metabolism. Segregation of RPA functions in response to DNA damage is fine-tuned by hyperphosphorylation of the RPA32 subunit that is dependent on Cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk)-mediated priming phosphorylation at the Ser-23 and Ser-29 sites. However, the mechanism of priming-driven hyperphosphorylation of RPA remains unresolved. Furthermore, the modulation of cell cycle progression by the RPA-Cdk axis is not clearly understood. Here, we uncover that the RPA70 subunit is also phosphorylated by Cdk1 at Thr-191. This modification is crucial for the G2 to M phase transition. This function is enacted through reciprocal regulation of Cdk1 activity through a feedback circuit espoused by stabilization of Wee1 kinase. The Thr-191 phosphosite on RPA70 is also crucial for priming hyperphosphorylation of RPA32 in response to DNA damage. Structurally, phosphorylation by Cdk1 primes RPA by reconfiguring the domains to release the N-terminus of RPA32 and the two protein-interaction domains that markedly enhances the efficiency of multisite phosphorylation by other kinases. Our findings establish a unique phosphocode-dependent feedback mechanism between RPA and RPA-regulating kinases that is fine-tuned to enact bipartite functions in cell cycle progression and DNA damage response.
Strengthening conservation law enforcement: incorporating harm, remediation and plural nature value criteria into an individual-based assessment of biodiversity offence gravity
Authors: Ghijselinck Dominique , Honnay Olivier , Matthysen Erik
Published: January 2025

Biodiversity loss is a pressing global issue, necessitating effective conservation laws and compelling enforcement mechanisms. Yet, implementation issues persist. This study contributes to the development of an individual-based decision tool designed to help judicial authorities accurately assess the gravity of biodiversity offences and the harm inflicted on individual organisms or a specific habitat. Through an extensive survey of expert opinions from 105 conservation biologists, we investigate what harm, remediation, and plural nature value criteria are most critical for the individual-based assessment of the gravity of biodiversity offences. We also identify potential pitfalls involved in the design of a decision tool. Experts identified species-specific traits such as specialization, generation length, and dispersal ability, as well as habitat characteristics like connectivity and natural integrity, as crucial harm criteria. A majority of experts also stressed the importance of remediation criteria that reflect the potential of harm reversal. Nevertheless, key challenges emerged, including the limitations of using single criteria, data insufficiency or uncertainty, and the complexity of combining and weighting these criteria into an overarching gravity score. Experts emphasized the need for a well-defined, distinct, and transparent set of criteria, suggesting that a blend of general and specific criteria might offer a pragmatic solution. Finally, our analysis also addressed value-laden implications, revealing that a plurality of underlying reasons for valuing biodiversity profoundly shapes how biodiversity offences are perceived.
Risk factors for fluoroquinolone- and macrolide-resistance among swineCampylobacter coliusing multi-layered chain graphs
Authors: Wang C. Annie , Love William J. , Jara Manuel , van Vliet Arnoud H.M. , Thakur Siddhartha , Lanzas Cristina
Published: January 2025

Campylobacter spp. resistant to fluoroquinolones and macrolides are serious public health threats. Studies aiming to identify risk factors for drug-resistantCampylobacterhave narrowly focused on antimicrobial use at the farm level. Using chain graphs, we quantified risk factors for fluoroquinolones- and macrolide-resistance inCampylobacter coliisolated from two distinctive swine production systems, conventional and antibiotic-free (ABF). The chain graphs were learned using genotypic and phenotypic resistance data from 1082 isolates and host exposures obtained through surveys for 18 cohorts of pigs. The gyrA T86I point mutation alone explained at least 58 % of the variance in ciprofloxacin minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for ABF and 79 % in conventional farms. For macrolides, genotype and host exposures explained similar variance in azithromycin and erythromycin MIC. Among host exposures, heavy metal exposures were identified as risk factors in both conventional and ABF. Chain graph models can generate insights into the complex epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance by characterizing context-specific risk factors and facilitating causal discovery.

Author summary

Antimicrobial resistance is influenced by multiple factors, including exposures to selecting agents, such as antibiotics, antiseptics, or heavy metals, and factors affecting the transmission of resistant pathogens, such as biosecurity and hygiene measures. Understanding what specific factors are associated with resistance in a given context is challenging. We developed an approach based on probabilistic graphical models to investigate context-specific antimicrobial resistance risk factors. We applied the approach to Campylobacter coli isolated from pigs in antibiotic-free and conventional farms. We demonstrated how for fluoroquinolones, risk factors were similar across both types of farms, but risk factors for macrolides were different across settings.
When will hybridization bring long-term benefits?
Authors: Schneemann Hilde , Welch John J.
Published: January 2025

Hybridization between distinct populations injects genetic variation, which can bring fitness benefits. However, these benefits often appear as F1 heterosis, and might not persist into later generations; especially since, as emphasized by classical theories, heterosis can be caused in several different ways. Here, we study the long-term outcomes of hybridization, using a model that allows us to tune several properties of the genetic variation, including the strength and architecture of heterosis, thereby unifying the classical theories. Results suggest that long-term outcomes depend mainly on the variance in epistasis, which determines the ruggedness of the fitness landscape, but without affecting the heterosis. Together, results suggest that the study of heterosis may tell us relatively little about the long-term outcomes of hybridization, and that hybridization might bring benefits more often than has been assumed.
Linking Expression and Function ofDrosophilaType-I TGF-β Receptor Baboon Isoforms: Multiple Roles of BaboA Isoform in Shaping of the Adult Central Nervous System
Authors: Lee Gyunghee G. , Peterson Aidan J. , Kim Myung-Jun , Shimell MaryJane , O’Connor Michael B. , Park Jae H.
Published: January 2025

Evolutionarily conserved transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling is used in both vertebrates and invertebrates to regulate a variety of developmental and cellular processes. Thebaboon(babo) gene encoding aDrosophilatype-I TGF-β receptor produces three isoforms via alternative splicing: BaboA, BaboB, and BaboC. In this study, we generated three fly lines, each carrying an isoform-specific GFP tag, and another line with a GFP conjugated at the C-terminus common to all isoforms. Using these lines, we assessed (1) whether the tagged proteins function properly in rescue assays and (2) how the isoform expression is regulated in various tissues including the central nervous system (CNS). AGal4knock-in line in thebabolocus was also characterized for reporter expression, mutant phenotypes, and isoform-specific knockdown phenotypes. We found that the C-terminal tag does not interrupt the subcellular targeting and functions of the tagged isoforms, but the internal isoform tags do so in a cell- and isoform-specific fashion. Nevertheless, our results demonstrated that these tags faithfully reflect endogenous expression of individual isoforms. Certain cell types express single or multiple isoforms at different levels, suggesting that alternative splicing could determine the isoform types and their levels depending on cell (or tissue) type. The larval CNS displays distinct patterns of two isoforms, BaboA and BaboC. BaboC is mostly expressed in neural cells originating during embryogenesis, while BaboA is broadly expressed in neural cells produced from both embryonic and postembryonic stages. Assays of both isoform-specific mutants and cell-specific knockdown of individual isoforms revealed broad roles played by BaboA in postembryonic neurogenesis and differentiation of precursor neurons, remodeling processes of persisting larval neurons, and metamorphic CNS reorganization, which are essential for establishing of the adult CNS. Taken together, this study demonstrates that the GFP-tagged lines permit visualization of endogenous expression of individual isoforms, which further provides clues about cell- and stage-specific functions played by each isoform.
LDB1 regulates gene expression and chromatin structure in pluripotency and lineage differentiation
Authors: Kwon HeungSun , Kim Juhyun , Zhou Lecong , Dean Ann
Published: January 2025

Chromatin organization is a pivotal factor in stem cell pluripotency and differentiation. However, the role of enhancer looping protein LDB1 in stem cells has not been explored. We generatedLdb1(−/−)embryonic stem cells (ESC) using CRISPR/Cas9 editing and observed a reduction in key stem cell factors SOX2 and KLF4 upon LDB1 loss. Embryoid bodies (EB) derived fromLdb1(−/−)ESC displayed reduced expression of lineage-specific markers and impaired ability to undergo terminal differentiation to erythroblasts. Differential gene expression, including of theLin28-mediated self-renewal pathway genes, was observed between WT andLdb1(−/−)ESC and EB but was most pronounced after differentiation to erythroblasts. LDB1 occupied super enhancers, including those of pluripotency genes, in ESC together with pluripotency factors. LDB1 loss resulted in globally decreased chromatin accessibility in ESC and EB. Conditional LDB1-deficient mice displayed reduced hematopoietic stem cell markers on bone marrow cells, and dysregulation of theLin28pathway. Thus, LDB1 function is critical for ESC and EB development and becomes progressively more important during differentiation to erythroblasts.
Exerting creativity: unveiling the mechanisms of mobile short-video advertising in promoting consumer decision-making
Authors: Fan Xiaojun , Xu Pengbo , Li Huiyao , Sun Tiantian
Published: January 2025

Purpose

In the digital era, creativity is pivotal in marketing, particularly in advertising, where mobile short-video advertising (MSA) has surged in popularity. However, the mechanism of how advertising creativity influences consumer decision-making remains understudied. We scrutinize how MSAs’ creativity influences consumers' purchase and sharing intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses 40 selected creative MSAs to collect a total of 666 valid questionnaires.

Findings

The results show that the exertion of creativity in MSAs positively impacts consumer intentions through perceived surprises and mental simulation, with the optimal stimulus level moderating these effects.

Practical implications

Our findings provide practical recommendations for brands and advertisers, mainly in terms of the impact of advertising creativity on advertising content strategy, helping them to create effective advertising to capture market and traffic by focusing on the content (relevance) and format (novelty) of advertising.

Originality/value

This study conducted in-depth research using the cognitive-affective-behavior (CAB) paradigm, integrated with mental simulation theory and the optimum stimulation level theory. Innovatively, we developed a model of the consumer decision-making process based on creativity, which enhances the research on the mechanisms underlying the consumer decision-making process.
Three-phase CPLEX with quota auction mechanism for dedicated resource-constrained multi-project scheduling problem with calendar constraints
Authors: Kong Feng , Chen Kaixin
Published: January 2025

Purpose

In the realistic multi-project scheduling, resources are not always shared among multiple projects, nor are they available to perform activities throughout the planning horizon. Besides, according to construction technology, some architectural jobs cannot be interrupted for any reason. However, these characteristics of resources and activities have not been fully studied, which may lead to the reduction of engineering quality and the failure of scheduling work. Therefore, this paper aims to model a multi-project scheduling problem with the above characteristics and provide an effective method to meet the actual needs of the construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A three-phase CPLEX with quota auction mechanism (TPCP–QAM) is developed to solve this problem, which significantly improves the solving performance of CPLEX by adjusting the search strategy and implementing a distributed procedure. In this approach, resources are dedicated to individual projects through a global coordination mechanism, while each project is independently scheduled by a local scheduling algorithm.

Findings

(1) For the proposed problem, CPLEX 2019's default search strategy. (Auto) is far inferior to another search strategy (Multi-point) in optimizing the project total cost and average resource capacity. (2) Compared with other two algorithms, TPCP–QAM has obvious advantages in the multi-project total cost (MPTC) and CPU time, especially for large-size instances. (3) Even though the number of non-working days may not be changed for the protection of labor resources, managers can reduce MPTC or shorten the multi-project total makespan (TMS) by appropriately adjusting the distribution of non-working days.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils an identified need to investigate how to complete a multi-project portfolio with the minimum cost while ensuring engineering quality under a practical multi-project scheduling environment.
Blockchain enabled e-voting system adoption: examining the mediating role of perceived transparency
Authors: Abbasi Amir Zaib , Bashir Shahid , Albashrawi Mousa , Ting Ding Hooi
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Transparency is one of the finest characteristics of blockchain technology. As blockchain’s technical enablers are traceable and irreversible, transparency allows for more confidence in the system. This study aims to apply and extend the theoretical model of the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT2) by empirically investigating the factors (performance expectancy, price value, facilitating conditions, hedonic motivation, habit, social influence and effort expectancy) that influence users’ perceived transparency of blockchain-as-a-service for e-voting and its effect on adoption intention; to investigate the mediating effect of perceived blockchain transparency on the relationship between UTAUT2 antecedents and intention to use blockchain-based e-voting technology; and to investigate Generations Z and Y’s perceptions of how blockchain technology can be implemented to the current e-voting system.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors primarily used the MTurk crowdsourcing platform to host their online survey and collected 251 valid responses from their targeted participants, which the authors analyzed using Smart PLS 4.0.

Findings

The findings revealed that users’ perceived expectancy, hedonic motivation, facilitating conditions, habit and price value positively influence the perceived transparency of blockchain-as-a-service for e-voting. This, in turn, positively influences adoption intention. In addition, users’ perceived transparency positively mediates the relationship between UTAUT2 factors (perceived expectancy, hedonic motivation, facilitating conditions, habit and price value) and the adoption intention of blockchain-based e-voting.

Originality/value

By empirically investigating the factors that enhance users’ perceived transparency of blockchain-as-a-service for e-voting, this study contributes to the UTAUT2 model literature. It also investigates the impact of this perceived transparency on the adoption intention and illustrates its mediating role in the UTAUT2 model through a segmentation approach. Finally, the authors address the significant implications of the findings, including how their research contributes to the transparency literature by emphasizing the significance of transparency in blockchain technology.
Mapping the metaverse-sustainability nexus in hospitality and tourism: a bibliometric approach
Authors: Asif Muhammad , Ersoy Aslı , Lodhi Rab Nawaz , Cobanoglu Cihan
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The metaverse is a transformative platform with the potential to reshape hospitality and tourism by promoting sustainable practices. Despite growing interest, the connection between the metaverse and sustainability remains unclear. This study aims to uncover the structure of this domain, offering insights into emerging research within the hospitality and tourism context.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applied bibliometric analysis to examine 246 articles in the Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus databases, spanning the period from 2011 to 2024. Network analysis was then performed using VOSviewer as part of the evaluation process.

Findings

The major findings comprise the leading authors, countries, journals, research developments, and future research directions in the relevant field. Finally, we categorized the study into three main streams: (1) “Technological Advancements in Sustainable Tourism,” (2) “Geospatial Technology and Sustainable Development in Hospitality and Tourism,” and (3) “Immersive and Sustainable Tourism Experiences in the Metaverse.”

Originality/value

This study is one of the first to offer a thorough and holistic bibliometric review of the nexus between the metaverse and sustainability in hospitality and tourism, which will guide the exploration of uncharted aspects of the field.
Does corporate financial reporting on the sustainable development goals (SDGs) enhance earnings quality? The moderating role of foreign ownership
Authors: Al-Hiyari Ahmad , Kolsi Mohamed Chakib , Dungore Parizard Phiroze
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the nexus between corporate financial reporting on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations (UN) and earnings quality (EQ) and to further investigate whether foreign ownership moderates this nexus.

Design/methodology/approach

This study tests the proposed hypotheses by applying multivariate regression analyses to a sample of non-financial firms listed on the United Arab Emirates (UAE) stock exchanges over the 2016–2023 period. The authors construct a composite index for SDGs reporting based on the 17 SDGs’ indicators developed by the UN and use discretionary accruals as a proxy for financial reporting quality. Data on SDG disclosures and foreign ownership are manually collected from annual reports, while financial data are derived from the Thomson Reuters Eikon database.

Findings

The results of this paper show that SDG disclosures have a positive impact on earnings’ quality. This finding is consistent with the argument that firms with higher levels of SDG disclosures are associated with better financial reporting quality. The results also show that foreign ownership positively moderates the link between SDG disclosures and EQ. This means that SDG disclosures are more effective at improving the quality of financial reporting in firms where a substantial number of shares are held by foreign investors.

Practical implications

This study has significant implications for shareholders and policymakers functioning in the UAE. First, it encourages UAE firms to provide more SDG information in their annual reports because doing so improves financial reporting quality, which ultimately increases shareholders’ confidence in capital markets. Second, given that foreign ownership plays a pivotal role in strengthening the relationship between SDG disclosure and EQ, parties interested in assessing the quality of financial statements are urged to consider not only the volume of SDG-related information but also the extent to which a firm has foreign equity ownership.

Social implications

This study shows how compliance with the UN SDGs promotes financial reporting quality, thereby contributing to firms’ long-term sustainability goals. This study also highlights the need for sustainable investment in the UAE and abroad in promoting socially responsible organizations.

Originality/value

This research contributes to prior work in two ways. First, to best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is the first to analyze the connection between SDG disclosures and EQ in the Middle East region. Second, this study provides new evidence that the positive connection between SDG disclosure and EQ is more pronounced in firms with high foreign ownership.
Toward a sustainable entrepreneurship future: exploring sustainable entrepreneurial attitudes and intention among young women in an emerging economy
Authors: Alakaleek Wejdan , Harb Ayman , Alzyoud Sultan
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the sustainable entrepreneurial attitudes (SEA) and intentions of young women. The study aims to first explore the impact of the external environment on the SEA and then the intention of female tourism and hotel management students at Jordanian universities; and second, to examine the moderating role of prior entrepreneurial training (PET) in the relationship between the external perceived environment and SEA.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative approach, using a questionnaire with a total sample of 302 participants of female tourism and hotel management students at Jordanian universities, was used to collect data. SmartPLS was used to test the research model and hypotheses.

Findings

The findings revealed that the entrepreneurial attitude of young female students in tourism and hospitality toward sustainable entrepreneurship significantly influences their sustainable entrepreneurial intention (SEI). The perceived external environment, including access to finance, government policies and university educational support, has a nonsignificant effect on young women’s SEA; however, their SEA is significantly influenced by society’s perception. Their PET partially moderates the relationships between the perceived external environment and young women’s SEA (PET).

Originality/value

This study creates new insights and contributes toward understanding the SEA and SEI of young women in an emerging economy context, Jordan. It proposes integration and extension, through adding external environment and PET, of the theory of planned behavior to explore young female students’ attitudes and intentions toward sustainable entrepreneurship in tourism and hospitality.
Structural controls and dysconnectivity in a semi‐arid watershed: A case study from northeastern Brazil
Authors: de Azevedo Cavalcanti Tavares Bruno , da Silva Wemerson Flávio , de Melo Jonas Herisson Santos , de Oliveira George Pereira , de Lira Daniel Rodrigues , de Barros Corrêa Antonio Carlos , da Silva Mützenberg Demétrio , de Araújo Rafael Oliveira , Girão Osvaldo
Published: January 2025

River systems have been the subject of studies that address their ability to transfer water and sediments continuously and efficiently. However, works aimed at understanding the geological controls that promote disconnection and sediment storage in temporary semi‐arid rivers are scarce. In the semi‐arid Northeast of Brazil, the morphostructural context, in line with crustal mechanics, acts on the transmission of materials along the channels, conditioning the spatial juxtaposition between stretches of rocky and alluvial bottom resulting from the creation of accommodation spaces and sediment storage that promote primary river disconnection. By applying morphometric indices to the Carnaúba River watershed, state of Rio Grande do Norte, this work identified how the action of crustal deformations, conditioned by the reactivation of shear‐zones, and drainage superimposition to lithological units discordantly disposed to the main channel, contributed to creating morphological compartments dominated by aggradation. The data indicate that the Cenozoic tectonics operating in the watershed created accommodation spaces controlled by knickpoints, grabens and rocky sills. These structures functioned as storage basins throughout the Quaternary and engender current scenarios of river disconnection that add to the intermittency characteristics inherent to the fluvial environment of the Brazilian semi‐arid region.
Preventing fraudulent financial reporting with reputational signals of strategic auditors
Authors: Sealy Chezham (Chez) L. , Simon Chad A.
Published: January 2025

Financial reporting fraud continues to cost companies millions of dollars annually and is a major source of concern for regulators, stakeholders, and auditors. While academic research has largely focused on external auditors' fraud detection efforts, we analyze whether auditors can help prevent occurrences of fraud through low‐cost reputational signals of higher “strategic reasoning”; strategic reasoning refers to strategies that individuals take in light of the anticipated actions of others (see van der Hoek et al., 2005, A logic for strategic reasoning, AAMAS '05, 157−164). Specifically, we consider the potential impact on manager behavior of signaling whether audit professionals use zero‐, first‐, and second‐order audit approaches. Zero‐order audit approaches involve making decisions based mostly on the auditor's incentives, first‐order approaches involve decisions based mostly on the client's incentives, and second‐ or higher‐order audit approaches involve decisions based on the client's incentives while recognizing that the client will respond to the auditor's decisions (see Wilks & Zimbelman, 2004, Accounting Horizons, 18(3), 173–184). Using a context‐rich experiment in which manager participants have no history of interacting with the auditor, we find that the likelihood of fraud occurring is lower when it is signaled that audit partners and their teams use a first‐ or second‐order strategic audit approach compared to a zero‐order approach, due to an increase in the perceived likelihood of the auditor detecting fraud. We also consider whether signaling an auditor's level of strategic reasoning influences the level of effort used to conceal fraud and find an increase in the expected level of fraud effort for managers in the first‐ and second‐order audit conditions.
Highlights From the 2nd Turin International Workshop on Liver Machine Perfusion
Authors: Patrono Damiano , De Stefano Nicola , Panconesi Rebecca , Martins Paulo N. , Romagnoli Renato ,   Meeting Collaborators
Published: January 2025

The 2nd Turin International Workshop on Liver Machine Perfusion took place in Turin, Italy, on November 22, 2024. Leading experts came together to discuss the current applications, limitations, and future directions of this technology, with a primary focus on but not limited to liver transplantation. This report provides a summary of the evidence, insights, and debates shared during the meeting.
Connecting Language Abilities and Social Competence in Children: A Meta‐Analytic Review
Authors: Wieczorek Karolina , DeGroot Megan , Ganshorn Heather , Graham Susan A.
Published: January 2025

Research examining relations between language skills and social competence has yielded mixed findings. Three meta‐analyses investigated links between language skills (overall, receptive, and expressive) and social competence in 2‐ to 12‐year‐old children. Data from 130 studies representing 62,120 children (M age at language assessment = 4.70 years; 52% male), predominantly from North America and Europe, and identifying as White (33%), Black (17%), Hispanic (14%), Asian (2%), Mixed (4%), Indigenous (1%), and Other/Unspecified (29%) were analyzed. Analyses indicated significant medium‐sized associations between social competence and: overall language (r = 0.27), receptive language (r = 0.23), and expressive language (r = 0.20). Exploratory analyses indicated significant moderating effects of study design, publication status, social type, and geographic region. Results and implications are discussed.
Nonconvulsive status epilepticus in patients under intensive care: Should we view epilepsy as a sleep disorder?
Authors: Gélisse Philippe , Crespel Arielle
Published: January 2025

Nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) was initially described in patients with typical and atypical absence status epilepticus (ASE) characterized by states of confusion varying in severity and in focal epilepsies with or without alteration of consciousness. Continuous EEG monitoring of critically ill patients has further refined the classification of NCSE into two main categories: with coma and without coma. Hypnotic, soporific or somniferous epileptic seizures do not exist. On the contrary, patients usually awaken when seizures occur during sleep, and their eyes remain open during ASE. Excessive sleepiness and coma alone are not ictal signs but are observed in the postictal phase of convulsive seizures. On the other hand, excessive sleepiness evolving into coma is a cardinal sign of metabolic/toxic encephalopathies with triphasic waves evolving to burst suppression patterns and ultimately to cerebral inactivity and death. NCSE alone does not directly cause coma. Comas are related to the underlying etiology, patient age and comorbidities, as well as the administration of intravenous sedative drugs to control epileptic seizures. In cases of severe brain injury, NCSE can explain the failure to awaken after the withdrawal of anesthetics and is only an aggravating factor of the neurological condition. In typical ASE, which is characterized by sustained, rhythmic, bilateral, synchronous and unreactive discharges with evolving spatiotemporal patterns (the best example of NCSE), there is no vigilance impairment. This contrasts with metabolic/toxic encephalopathies, which exhibit monomorphic generalized periodic discharges in which patients may become comatose and die. The extended concept of NCSE in comatose patients may lead to an inflated assessment of NCSE, implying a potentially worse prognosis compared to convulsive status epilepticus.
Chinese parents' education anxiety, parenting, and problem behaviors in preschool children: Child competence as moderator
Authors: Wang Mingzhu , Lin Yaming , Xu Qianqian , Liu Hui , Li Yiwei , Duan Qimeng
Published: January 2025

Objective

This study investigated how parental education anxiety was associated with preschoolers' internalizing and externalizing problems, and whether these associations were mediated by parenting styles. Additionally, the moderating role of children's competence in learning was examined.

Background

Chinese parents are generally anxious about their children's education. However, the implications of parental education anxiety for children's adjustment and the underlying mechanisms are still unclear.

Method

A total of 317 Chinese parents of preschool children aged 5 to 6 years from urban areas of China participated in this study and completed a set of questionnaires online.

Results

Parental education anxiety was positively associated with internalizing and externalizing problems in preschool children. Such associations were mediated by authoritarian parenting, whereas the mediating role of authoritative parenting was not significant. Children's competence in learning moderated the link between parental education anxiety and child internalizing problems across child gender, whereas its moderating role in the link between parental education anxiety and child externalizing problems was only evident in boys. In addition, the positive relation of parental education anxiety to authoritarian parenting was stronger in families with children who had low competence than in families with children who had high competence.

Conclusion

Parental education anxiety was a risk factor for children's psychological adjustment, and authoritarian parenting represented one of the underlying mechanisms. Moreover, children's competence in learning buffered the adverse effects of parental education anxiety.

Implications

Intervention programs need to develop strategies that can alleviate parents' education anxiety. The cultivation of children's overall competence is also needed.
ETFs and the price volatility of underlying bonds
Authors: Agapova Anna , Kaprielyan Margarita , Volkov Nikanor
Published: January 2025

We investigate whether exchange traded funds (ETFs) distort bond prices or increase price volatility. Contrary to concerns, we find that ETF ownership of corporate bonds is linked to reduced price volatility, likely due to ETFs absorbing bond illiquidity. Monthly net ETF inflows (outflows) increase (decrease) volatility for investment‐grade bonds but have no effect on high‐yield bonds. Additionally, daily ETF flows negatively correlate with same‐day bond returns. Overall, our results suggest that bond ETFs enhance market efficiency, acting as a liquidity buffer rather than contributing to demand pressure as seen with stock ETFs.
Breaking down global barriers: A multinational and multi‐community approach to combat stigma and enhance mental wellbeing in people with HIV
Authors: Mkhize Ntombenhle , Garrido Jorge , Cole‐Haley Susan , Diallo Dázon Dixon , Maldonado Gabriel , Vernhes Stéphan , Wu YoYo , Cascio Mario
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) Global 2025 targets prioritize action to overcome the collective barriers affecting the people and communities sitting on the outer margins of HIV care. Addressing the social and structural disparities that drive greater HIV prevalence and burden requires well‐resourced, community‐led responses that are fully integrated into national and global HIV initiatives.

Methods

The HIV Community Council (HCC), composed of 10 leaders from diverse global communities, convened to share their insights, amplify the community's voice, and identify barriers and solutions to empower all to live well with HIV through a dynamic, stepwise process of preparative work, deep discussion, prioritization, and consensus.

Results

The HCC created six recommendations to address two important barriers to living well with HIV: stigma and poor mental wellbeing. These recommendations are informed by best practice and community experience. They include suggestions for developing and delivering actionable solutions at the community level to prompt opportunities for support from existing global and regional organizations.

Conclusion

The HCC calls for action to implement community‐endorsed, culturally appropriate, and practical solutions to tackle stigma and poor mental wellbeing and improve the long‐term health of people with HIV.
Hypoxia Combined With Interleukin‐17 Regulates Hypoxia‐Inducible Factor‐1α/Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Expression in Pulmonary Artery Endothelial Cells
Authors: Sun Shuai , Mao Jianjun , Ding Yuan , Liu Lin , Gong Juanni , Yang Suqiao , Li Jifeng , Kuang Tuguang , Miao Ran , Yang Yuanhua
Published: January 2025

The pathogenesis of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension may be multifactorial and requires further studies. We explored alterations in pulmonary artery endothelial cells under the hypoxic and elevated interleukin‐17 conditions that are commonly present in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. We measured the serum interleukin‐17 levels in 10 chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension patients and 10 healthy control persons. The expressions and localisations of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α and endothelial nitric oxide synthase were detected in tissues. The levels of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α, endothelial nitric oxide synthase, nitric oxide, and reactive oxygen species in cultured pulmonary artery endothelial cells were examined under hypoxia and/or interleukin‐17 treatment. The serum interleukin‐17 level was increased in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension patients. Hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α was increased, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase was decreased in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension pulmonary vascular tissue. After receiving the hypoxia combined with interleukin‐17 treatment, pulmonary artery endothelial cells showed increased levels of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α and phospho‐endothelial nitric oxide synthase (Thr495) (p = 0.001 and 0.063, respectively) and a decreased level of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (p < 0.001). In addition, the nitric oxide level was significantly decreased (p = 0.001), whereas the reactive oxygen species level was insignificantly increased in pulmonary artery endothelial cells. Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension patients might experience increased inflammation and hypoxia due to dysregulation of the hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α/endothelial nitric synthase pathway in pulmonary artery endothelial cells under inflammation and hypoxia, contributing to the pathogenesis of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.
Illuminating the dark mess of fibers: Application of circular cross polarized light in unravelling the bone tissue structure of the dermal pectoral girdle of Metoposaurus krasiejowensis
Authors: Kalita Sudipta , Teschner Elżbieta M. , Konietzko‐Meier Dorota
Published: January 2025

Current understanding of the histology of the dermoskeleton of tetrapods comes from fossilized and recent remains of skulls, osteoderms, carapace, plastron and other postcranial material which were always investigated using linear cross polarized light (LCPL) microscopy. The pectoral girdle of vast majority of non‐amniote tetrapods, including temnospondyls evolved large ventrally located dermal bones‐ the interclavicle and a pair of clavicles. Despite that, there is a lack of information about the bone tissue structure from these postcranial dermal bones. This study used circular cross polarized light (CCPL) to investigate the bone tissue composition and structure from the pectoral dermoskeleton of Metoposaurus krasiejowensis, a Late Triassic temnospondyl known to have evolved massive pectoral dermal bones which could have played a role in buoyancy control in these aquatic amphibians. This novel technique shines light into the fine structure of interwoven structural fibers (ISF), a common matrix found in ossified dermal tissues, is a mesh of loops and strands of collagen instead of a lattice patterned matrix as described previously by using LCPL in previous studies that dealt with ossified elements of dermal origin. Our result of ISF is achieved by eliminating bone fiber extinction under CCPL visualization. This feature of CCPL also sheds light into the transitional forms between interwoven and parallel‐fibered matrices which was never previously observed. This study shows that the historical understanding of histology of bone tissue from skeletal dermal elements is limited not only due to lack of sampling but also due to the limitations of mineralized tissue visualization with LCPL.
Diagnostic Importance of Cutaneous Manifestations of Neurofibromatosis—A Systematic Review
Authors: Aslam Hina , Jawed Inshal , Farhan Ali , Karmani Vikash , Mirza Agha Muhammad Wali , Alam Farah , Khan Hina , Haseeb Abdul , Alam Mohammad Omer , Iqbal Javed , Sathian Brijesh , Gulzar Abu Huraira Bin
Published: January 2025

A class of hereditary diseases known as neurofibromatoses results in tumor growth on tissue from nerves. The spinal cord, nerves, and brain are among the parts of the nervous framework where these tumors can form. Similar to other genetic disorders, neurofibromatosis discloses complicated phenotypes, exhibiting varying benign and malignant tumors and skin lesions. Apart from the symptoms of this disease, its origin has also been observed to be a challenging task for the physician. Tracking signs and indicated symptoms often leads the investigator to a provisional diagnosis. This review aims to present an enhanced, descriptive, and elaborated guide for practitioners to get along with the new and comprehensive cases of neurofibromatosis with diverse presentations. The purpose of this study is to assess the presenting and diagnostic symptoms of individuals with neurofibromatosis types 1 and 2. Research articles were retrieved through electronic databases (Google Scholar, Pub‐Med, EMBASE, ELSEVIER, SAGE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) from its inception till December 2023. Six hundred fifty‐eight studies have been found, of which 14 were selected based on inclusion criteria. The presence of Café au Lait spots, neurofibromas, and schwannomas are definite and distinguished indications of NF1. Identification of the different types of skin lesions completes the diagnosis, and initial therapy can be started.
Uncertainty experienced by the critical patient upon discharge to the general ward: Care proposals from the perspective of Mishel's theory
Authors: Romero‐Pastor Mónica , Ricart‐Basagaña María Teresa , Mariné‐Méndez Albert , Lomero‐Martínez María del Mar , Romaní‐Alfonso Oriol , Rubio‐Rico María Lourdes
Published: January 2025

Background

The process of discharging the critical patient to the ward (discharge from critical care to the general ward—DCCW) is often described as an experience involving uncertainty which may affect the patient's quality of life and ability to cope. Coping with uncertainty is an individual response not related to the course of the illness that is dependent on external and internal resources and the ability to utilize them. Mishel's theory of uncertainty identifies aspects of care that can shape the experience of uncertainty associated with the illness.

Aim

To understand the experiences of uncertainty of critical patients associated with discharge from the intensive care unit (ICU) to glean person‐centred care strategies under such circumstances.

Study Design

Qualitative study with a phenomenological approach. Between March 2017 and May 2018, 20 in‐depth interviews were conducted on patients recently discharged from an ICU.

Results

The patients have been organized according to the following pre‐established categories of Mishel's theory: stimulus framework, structure providers and uncertainty assessment. Based on these results, suggestions for the care of the critical patient upon discharge from the ICU are made in each of these categories.

Conclusions

Applying Mishel's theoretical perspective to care for the critical patient during the process of discharge to the ward can help identify areas for intervention and improvement. To succeed, there is a need to promote a cultural change in ICUs, empower nurses and provide the necessary resources.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

These findings are relevant and timely given the impact of the experience of critical patients discharge to the ward. Uncertainty management has been identified as an important element in the discharge experience of critically ill patients to the ward because, according to the informants' stories, it can make this transition a healthier process with less emotional impact.
Identification of the Novel HLA‐B*40:01:82 Allele by Sanger Dideoxy Nucleotide Sequencing in a Chinese Individual
Authors: Gao Cheng‐yan , Wang Yu‐qing , Ma Li , Hu Xiaozhuang , Cai Xiao‐hong
Published: January 2025

The HLA‐B*40:01:82 allele differs from HLA‐B:40:01:01 by a single synonymous nucleotide in exon 4.
Identification of the Novel HLA‐A*02:1098 Allele by Sanger Dideoxy Nucleotide Sequencing in a Chinese Individual
Authors: Jiang Xiao‐xing , Xie Zhi‐cong , Ma Li , Hu Xiao‐zhuang , Cai Xiao‐hong
Published: January 2025

The HLA‐A*02:1098 allele differs from HLA‐A*02:07:01:01 by a single non‐synonymous nucleotide change in exon 3.
Identification of the Novel HLA‐B*38:122 Allele Using Next‐Generation Sequencing in a Turkish Individual
Authors: Gönen Sevim , Demir Cemre
Published: January 2025

HLA‐B*38:122 differs from HLA‐B*38:01:01:01 by eight nucleotides substutions in Exon 3.
The Novel HLA‐B*40:02:39 Allele Characterised by Two Different Sequencing‐Based Typing Techniques
Authors: Dhuyser Adèle , Pérès Michaël , Morel Thomas , Clément Sandra , Aarnink Alice
Published: January 2025

The novel allele HLA‐HLA‐B*40:02:39 differs from HLA‐B*40:02:01:01 by one synonymous nucleotide substitution in exon 2.
The Novel HLA‐DPB1*1617:01 Allele Characterised by Two Different Sequencing‐Based Typing Techniques
Authors: Dhuyser Adèle , Pérès Michaël , Morel Thomas , Clément Sandra , Aarnink Alice
Published: January 2025

The novel allele HLA‐DPB1*1617:01 differs from HLA‐DPB1*05:01:01:01 by one non‐synonymous nucleotide substitution in exon 2.