bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oral microbiome and nitric oxide biomarkers in older people with mild cognitive impairment and APOE4 genotype
Authors: L’Heureux Joanna E , Corbett Anne , Ballard Clive , Vauzour David , Creese Byron , Winyard Paul G , Jones Andrew M , Vanhatalo Anni
Published: January 2025

Apolipoprotein E4 (APOE4) genotype and nitric oxide (NO) deficiency are risk factors for age-associated cognitive decline. The oral microbiome plays a critical role in maintaining NO bioavailability during aging. The aim of this study was to assess interactions between the oral microbiome, NO biomarkers, and cognitive function in 60 participants with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and 60 healthy controls using weighted gene co-occurrence network analysis and to compare the oral microbiomes between APOE4 carriers and noncarriers in a subgroup of 35 MCI participants. Within the MCI group, a high relative abundance of Neisseria was associated with better indices of cognition relating to executive function (Switching Stroop, rs = 0.33, P = 0.03) and visual attention (Trail Making, rs = −0.30, P = 0.05), and in the healthy group, Neisseria correlated with working memory (Digit Span, rs = 0.26, P = 0.04). High abundances of Haemophilus (rs = 0.38, P = 0.01) and Haemophilus parainfluenzae (rs = 0.32, P = 0.03), that co-occurred with Neisseria correlated with better scores on executive function (Switching Stroop) in the MCI group. There were no differences in oral nitrate (P = 0.48) or nitrite concentrations (P = 0.84) between the MCI and healthy groups. Linear discriminant analysis Effect Size identified Porphyromonas as a predictor for MCI and Prevotella intermedia as a predictor of APOE4-carrier status. The principal findings of this study were that a greater prevalence of oral P. intermedia is linked to elevated genetic risk for dementia (APOE4 genotype) in individuals with MCI prior to dementia diagnosis and that interventions that promote the oral Neisseria–Haemophilus and suppress Prevotella-dominated modules have potential for delaying cognitive decline.
Implementing targeted vaccination activities to address inequalities in vaccination: a qualitative study
Authors: Bradley Fay , Nelson Pauline A , Dumville Jo
Published: January 2025

Background

As the UK COVID-19 vaccination programme progressed, greater emphasis was placed on the implementation of localized targeted vaccination activities to address inequalities in vaccination coverage. This study examines one UK region’s approach to the delivery of targeted vaccination activities and identifies key factors influencing implementation.

Methods

Qualitative interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of key individuals involved in vaccination delivery across Greater Manchester (GM). A rapid analysis approach was adopted. A template based on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research helped to guide analysis.

Results

Twenty-seven participants were interviewed, from nine of the 10 GM localities. All areas planned to implement targeted vaccination activity, but size and scope varied. Five factors influencing the implementation of targeted vaccination approaches were identified: (i) integrated working; (ii) data availability and monitoring, (iii) engagement with populations and communities, (iv) resources and infrastructure, and (v) external policies and procedures.

Conclusion

The study provides wider lessons for future public health interventions around the need for collaborative working, adequately resourced community engagement, appropriate data, long-term workforce/system planning and coherence in policy and messaging. These findings have led to the generation of six key insights for the implementation of future targeted vaccination programmes.
Elite corporate networks and CEO compensation: the causes and consequences of CEO pay premiums
Authors: Henriksen Lasse Folke , Poulsen Thomas , Avent-Holt Dustin
Published: January 2025

CEO compensation has expanded dramatically over the past half-century, with network processes playing a pivotal role. We advance research on these processes by focusing on which CEOs are more likely to get pay premiums and how this shapes income going to other actors within the firm. Using Danish registry data and a weighted k-core measure of elite connections, our analyses highlight that CEOs embedded in the corporate elite can extract a substantial wage premium. These premiums are then followed by reductions in wages going back to workers over the next three years. However, the more of a firm’s board of directors who are similarly connected to the corporate elite, the less effective are those connections in generating a premium. These findings extend the role of social networks beyond just the diffusion of increasing compensation for CEOs to the creation of inequalities among CEOs and between CEOs and workers.
Temozolomide monotherapy versus combination therapies in melanoma: a meta-analysis of efficacy and safety
Authors: Chen Lu , Cai Beichen , Ni Xuejun , Lin Qian , Ke Ruonan , Wan Xiaofen , Huang Tao , Shan Xiuying , Wang Biao
Published: January 2025

Temozolomide is used in melanoma therapy, but the comparative efficacy and safety of monotherapy vs combination therapies are unclear. This meta-analysis evaluates temozolomide monotherapy vs combination therapies in melanoma patients. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched up to August 2024 for studies comparing temozolomide monotherapy with combination therapies in melanoma. Primary outcomes were 1-year survival and objective response rates (RR); secondary outcomes included hematologic and non-hematologic toxicities. Data were pooled using risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Seven studies were included. Combination therapies improved objective RR over temozolomide monotherapy (risk ratio 0.68, 95% CI: 0.53–0.88). One-year survival did not differ significantly between groups (risk ratio 0.81, 95% CI: 0.59–1.12). Temozolomide monotherapy was associated with reduced incidence of leukopenia (risk ratio 0.54, 95% CI: 0.30–0.95). Adding interferon-alpha (IFN-α) to temozolomide significantly improved 1-year survival (risk ratio 0.54, 95% CI: 0.35–0.84) and objective RR (risk ratio 0.57, 95% CI: 0.42–0.78) compared to temozolomide alone, without significantly increasing toxicity. Combination therapies enhance objective RR over temozolomide monotherapy, with similar 1-year survival. Temozolomide monotherapy offers a better hematologic safety profile. Combining temozolomide with IFN-α significantly improves survival and RR without increasing toxicity. Clinicians should balance efficacy and safety when choosing melanoma treatments.
Pre-pandemic leukocyte count is associated with severity of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection among older women in the Women's Health Initiative
Authors: Ng Ted K.S. , Beydoun Hind A. , Von Ah Diane , Shadyab Aladdin H. , Wong Shu Cheng , Freiberg Matthew , Ikramuddin Farha , Nguyen Patricia K. , Gradidge Philippe Jean-Luc , Qi Lihong , Chen Zhao , Pituch Keenan A. , Hong Suzi , Manson JoAnn E.
Published: January 2025

Objective

Although dysregulated inflammation has been postulated as a biological mechanism associated with post-acute sequelae of severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection (PASC) and shown to be a correlate and an outcome of PASC, it is unclear whether inflammatory markers can prospectively predict PASC risk. We examined the association of leukocyte count and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) concentrations, measured ~25 years prior to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, with PASC, PASC severity, and PASC-associated cognitive outcomes at follow-up among postmenopausal women.

Methods

Using biomarker data from blood specimens collected during pre-pandemic enrollment (1993‐1998) and data on 1,237 Women's Health Initiative participants who completed a COVID-19 survey between June 2021 and February 2022, we constructed multivariable regression models that controlled for pertinent characteristics. PASC status was defined according to established World Health Organization criteria.

Results

Controlling for baseline characteristics, loge-transformed leukocyte count (β = 0.27; 95% confidence interval, 0.07‐0.47, P = 0.009) and leukocyte count ≥5.5 × 1,000 cells/µL (β = 0.13; 95% confidence interval, 0.02‐0.23; P = 0.02) were positively associated with PASC severity, defined as the sum of PASC symptoms, but not associated with overall PASC occurrence or PASC-related cognitive outcomes. Concentration of hsCRP, available on only ~27% of participants, was not associated with any of the PASC outcomes, controlling for the same covariates.

Conclusions

Leukocyte count, a widely available clinical marker of systemic inflammation, is an independent predictor of PASC severity in postmenopausal women. Heightened inflammation preceding SARS-CoV-2 infection may contribute to PASC development. Limited statistical power to assess hsCRP role warrants further study.
Ultra-low to Moderate Radiation Level Neutron Dosimetry Measurements with H*10-TMFD vs. ROSPEC, Eberline, and Ludlum Detector Systems
Authors: Ozerov Stepan , Boyle Nathan , Harabagiu Catalin , DiPrete David , Whiteside Tad , Boone Alan , Noll William , Taleyarkhan Rusi P.
Published: January 2025

H*10 neutron dosimetry (unlike gamma dosimetry), requires consideration of neutron energy spectra due to the 20× variation of the weight factor over the thermal-to-fast energy range, as well as the neutron radiation field dose rates ranging from cosmic, ~.01 μSv h−1 levels to commonly encountered ~10–200 μSv h−1 in nuclear laboratories/processing plants, and upwards of 104 Sv h−1 in nuclear reactor environments. This paper discusses the outcome of the comparison of spectrum-weighted neutron dosimetry covering thermal-to-fast energy using the novel H*-TMFD spectroscopy-enabled sensor system in comparison with measurements using state-of-the-art neutron dosimetry systems at SRNS—Rotating Spectrometer (ROSPEC), and non-spectroscopic Eberline ASP2E (“Eberline”) and Ludlum 42–49B (“Ludlum”) survey instrumentation. The H*-TMFD was validated for gamma blindness using a 2.48×1010 Bq 137Cs source. The background dose rate in Savannah River Nuclear Solutions’ (SRNS) low-scatter facility with all neutron sources withdrawn was estimated at 0.005 μSv h−1. From moderately high radiation field tests conducted with the high intensity (1.4 × 109 n s−1) 252Cf source and a total data collection time of ~0.15 h, the predicted dose rates from Eberline (non-spectroscopic), Ludlum (non-spectroscopic), and spectroscopic H*-TMFD instruments were found to be: ~170 μSv h−1, ~200 μSv h−, and ~ 120 μSv h−1, respectively. The equivalent spectroscopic (SRNS measured) H*10 dose rate from ROSPEC value is 130 μSv h−1, within 10% of H*10-TMFD measurement. Tests conducted for ultra-low intensity radiation field used a ~ 1.6 × 103 n s−1 252Cf bare neutron source for which over a collection time of ~18 h, the Eberline meter measured an instantaneous dose/count rate of 0 μSv h−1 and a pulse-integrated dose rate of 0.034 μSv h−1 at ~1 m. In contrast, the H*-TMFD panel located 0.22 m in direct line of sight of the 252Cf source spectroscopically measured ~0.4 μSv h−1 (within +/− 5%) over 1.8 h collection live time—with which spectrum matched perfectly to that of a bare 252Cf source. The H*TMFD predicted value of ~0.4 μSv h−1 was cross-checked and found to be within 10% of LLNL’s published value of ~0.37 μSv h−1 (intensity/distance corrected via 1/r2 law of 25.5 μSv h−1at 1 m for a 1 μg 252Cf source); as well as from use of ICRP 74 conversion coefficients and MCNP code simulations. As expected, for a bare 252Cf source, H*TMFD measured epithermal neutron energy-related dose rates are well below 1% of the total dose rates. For ~0.01 μSv h−1 neutron radiation fields, ROSPEC measurements for H*10 dose rates are estimated to take 7+ d, vs. under 2 h with the H*TMFD. The feasibility of using a single CTMFD in survey mode for H*10 dose rate (nSv h− to μSv h−1) measurements within 2–3 min is demonstrated.
Sex Differences in Early/Unplanned Separation Among US Service Members With a History of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Wal Isabelle , Hoover Peter , Adams Rachel Sayko. , Forster Jeri E. , Caban Jesus J. , Engler Mary B.
Published: January 2025

Objective:

To investigate the incidence of early/unplanned (E/U) separations following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and assess whether sex impacts the hazard of separation.

Setting:

Military Health System (MHS).

Participants:

Active duty service members (N = 75,730) with an initial mTBI diagnosis in military records between January 2011 and January 2018.

Design:

Retrospective cohort study of electronic health records in the MHS. Cause-specific Cox proportional hazards models were used with sex at birth as the primary predictor.

Main Measures:

Early/unplanned (E/U) separation, defined as military separation attributed to disability, misconduct, poor performance, death, or other medical circumstances, within 2 years following the initial mTBI.

Results:

Incidence of E/U separation within 2 years following mTBI was 13.7% (11.0% in women and 14.2% in men). Disability and misconduct separations were most common. Female service members had lower adjusted hazards for any E/U separation (Hazard Ratio [HR] = 0.65; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.61,0.69), disability separation (HR = 0.71; 95% CI: 0.65, 0.78), misconduct separation (HR = 0.40; 95% CI: 0.36, 0.45), and poor performance separation (HR = 0.84; 95% CI: 0.72, 0.99), compared to males, but had higher adjusted hazards for separations due to other medical circumstances (HR = 1.24; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.48).

Conclusion:

Male and female service members had different hazards of E/U separation following mTBI. Separating early may increase the risk of adverse health and socioeconomic outcomes, so additional research is needed on why these separations occur and why they may be impacting men and women differently.
Diagnostic Capacity and Correlation of Optic Nerve Colorimetry with Structural Parameters in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma
Authors: Salazar-Quiñones Liseth , Pérez-Quiñones Yadhira , Etxabe-Ávila Haizea , Fernández-Vigo José Ignacio , Méndez-Hernández Carmen , García-Feijóo Julián
Published: January 2025

Précis:

The discriminant function of glaucoma, obtained by the Laguna ONhE colorimetric program, significantly correlates with the BMO-MRW. Furthermore, the diagnostic capacity was inferior to other structural tests in POAG patients.

Purpose:

To evaluate the diagnostic capability for glaucoma and the correlation between peripapillary and macular parameters using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and optic nerve head hemoglobin (OHN Hb) levels assessed by the Laguna ONhE® software using colorimetric analysis.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study included 112 eyes from 112 primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients and 112 eyes from 112 healthy controls. The peripapillary analysis included standard peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL), Bruch’s membrane opening-minimum ring width (BMO-MRW), and peripapillary RNFL thickness measured with the Glaucoma Module Premium Edition program (RNFLT). The macular analysis assessed the ganglion cell layer (GCL), inner plexiform layer (IPL), macular RNFL (mRNFL), total retina, ganglion cell complex (GCC), and the GCL-IPL complex. The Laguna ONhE program evaluated ONH Hb levels and the glaucoma discriminant function (GDF). Pearson correlation was used to analyze the relationships between variables, and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated.

Results:

Significant differences in AUC were found between GDF (0.80) and RNFLT global (G) (0.91), BMO-MRW G (0.89), and outer-temporal GCL (0.88). BMO-MRW showed the strongest correlation with the Laguna ONhE parameters (r from 0.271 to 0.682). Additionally, a significant correlation was observed between the temporal-inferior sector of ONH Hb and the inferior macular sector (r=0.40–0.56 for GCL-IPL) (P<0.05 for all).

Conclusions:

GDF demonstrated lower diagnostic capacity compared to other structural tests. BMO-MRW showed the strongest correlation with the Laguna ONhE parameters, and a significant relationship was identified between the temporal-inferior sector ONH Hb and the inferior macular region.
Triple-Valve Endocarditis
Authors: Peterson Christopher J. , Vattikonda Kiriti S. , Heletz Ido
Published: January 2025

Multivalve endocarditis with triple valve involvement is a rare phenomenon and presents a unique management challenge to physicians given the paucity of summative analyses. Google Scholar and PubMed databases were searched for terms related to triple-valve endocarditis (TVE). Articles published up until December 31, 2023, were included. We identified 41 published cases of triple-valve endocarditis. The most common source of infection was dental/oral (n = 10). Streptococcus spp was the most common organism isolated (n = 15), followed by Staphylococcus organisms (n = 9). Surgical intervention occurred in 65.9% (n = 27) of cases, and the most common surgery was valve replacement (n = 24) followed by valve repair (n = 10). Endocarditis complications included valvular insufficiency (n = 33) and heart failure (n = 15). Most patients were discharged from the hospital (n = 26), but there were 10 in-hospital deaths and 4 discharged to hospice care.
Evaluating the Role of COVID-19 Vaccines in Patient Outcomes
Authors: Raisi Sarbijan Fateme , Farsiu Niloofar , Shafieipour Sara , Abousaidi Hamid , Sinaei Reza , Amirbeigi Alireza , Charostad Javad , Nakhaie Mohsen
Published: January 2025

Background

The recent SARS-CoV-2 pandemic posed a significant threat to human life. Vaccines played an unprecedented role in managing adverse outcomes, but the virus's ability to mutate and produce new variants posed ongoing challenges. This research aimed to examine the association between different types and numbers of doses of COVID-19 vaccinations and the clinical and demographic characteristics of patients.

Methods

This retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out on 161 COVID-19 patients hospitalized at Afzalipour Hospital in Kerman, Iran, during the eighth wave of the pandemic. Data on demographic features, symptoms, patient status, disease outcome, and vaccination history of patients were collected.

Results

Most patients (over 75%) had received 2 or 3 doses of the vaccine. Vaccination type and the number of doses showed significant differences based on patient gender (P = 0.048) and age group (P = 0.034), respectively. Shortness of breath showed significant differences based on the type of vaccine received (P = 0.0178). Fatigue substantially differed based on the number of vaccine doses (P = 0.03975). There were no significant differences in gastrointestinal symptoms, patient or disease status based on the number or type of vaccines, but lower death rates were observed in vaccinated patients. Additionally, while trends indicated better outcomes with a higher number of vaccine doses, there were no significant variations in blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) or respiratory rate based on the type or number of vaccine doses.

Conclusions

The findings highlight the role of vaccination in managing COVID-19 outcomes despite the reduction of vaccine efficacy against emerging variants.
Drilling and Groove-cutting Technique for Safe and Complete Removal of Forehead Osteomas on the Anterior Table of the Frontal Sinus
Authors: Han Hye Ju , Jeong Gyeongwon , Lee Jun Yong
Published: January 2025

Forehead osteomas are benign tumors commonly excised for cosmetic and functional reasons. However, removing osteomas from the anterior table of the frontal sinus presents specific challenges, particularly in determining the appropriate removal thickness. Inaccurate resection depth may result in fracture or perforation of the anterior table of the frontal sinus, or incomplete resection. The authors propose a novel drilling and groove-cutting technique to ensure safe and complete excision while minimizing risks of fracture or perforation of the anterior table. In this study, the authors present a 51-year-old female patient with a recurrent osteoma. Preoperative computed tomography (CT) imaging-guided depth-limiting drilling at the osteoma’s center, followed by groove-cutting to establish excision boundaries. Then divided osteoma blocks were excised completely. Postoperatively, the patient showed no sensory deficits or forehead asymmetry and achieved pleasing frontal contour with minimal scarring. This technique effectively safeguards the anterior table and ensures complete removal, demonstrating its utility in craniofacial surgery.
Colorectal Cancer Screening Participation and Health Belief Levels of Public Hospital Patients in Türkiye
Authors: Ulubay Seval , Alptekin Hatice Merve , Ayoğlu Tulüha , Uzun Emel
Published: January 2025

Colorectal cancer can be diagnosed early with screening tests; therefore, patients’ beliefs regarding colorectal cancer screening are closely related to clinical and pathological disease stages at the time of diagnosis. This study aimed to determine participation in colorectal cancer screening programs and health beliefs related to protection from colorectal cancer among patients aged 40–70 years and evaluate factors affecting their participation in such screening programs. This descriptive study was conducted in a state hospital in Türkiye between May 2021 and December 2021 with the participation of 1,016 patients. Study data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a questionnaire consisting of an “Introductory Information Form” and the “Health Belief Model Scale for Prevention of Colorectal Cancer.” Signed voluntary consent was obtained from all participants, as well as ethics committee approval and institutional permission from the hospital. The mean age of the participants was 50.12 ± 9.29 years, 54% were 40–50 years old, 55.5% were female, 87.3% were married, 6.8% had a primary education or below, and 39.3% were employed. The internal consistency was low for the health motivation subscale and relatively high for other subscales of the Health Belief Model Scale for Prevention of Colorectal Cancer.
The Effect of Watching Animation-Assisted Information Video on Fear and Anxiety in Children Before an Endoscopy Procedure
Authors: Koyun Merve , Uzsen Hatice , Tural Buyuk Esra , Kiroglu Nevin
Published: January 2025

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of children watching a video about their upcoming procedure on reducing anxiety and fear before endoscopy. This randomized controlled trial included 46 children aged between 6 and 12 years who underwent endoscopy in the pediatric gastroenterology unit of a hospital in the Black Sea Region of Turkey. Children were randomly assigned to the experimental group or the control group. Children in the experimental group (n = 22) watched video about their procedure, whereas children in the control group (n = 24) received a verbal explanation about the procedure in line with standard clinical practice. The children’s pre-procedure fear levels were evaluated using the Children’s Fear Scale, and anxiety levels were evaluated using the Children’s Anxiety Meter-State measure. Parents and observers also completed the fear and anxiety level measures. Data were analyzed via SPSS version 25.0. A statistically significant difference was found between the fear and anxiety scores of the children in the experimental and control groups before and after watching the video, according to the evaluations of children, mothers, and nurses. We conclude that providing children with information about the endoscopy procedure beforehand can alleviate their associated fears and anxieties. This concern is equally important for older clients as well and suggested to be adapted to be age-appropriate for any population.
Surgeon Fear in the Operating Room and Its Link to Identity; A Constructivist Grounded Theory Study
Authors: Riesel Johanna N. , Hammond Melanie , Moulton Carol-Anne
Published: January 2025

Objective:

We aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the underpinnings of surgeon fear in the operating room (OR).

Summary Background Data:

Fear can affect judgement, risk-tolerance, and decision-making, all of which may impact surgeon performance, yet there is little research on surgeon fear in the OR.

Methods:

Using constructivist grounded theory, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 18 attending surgeons from 14 surgical subspecialties affiliated with the same large, urban, academic institution. Snowball and purposive sampling were used to achieve diversity in sampling. Data collection and analysis were iterative and guided by theoretical sampling. A conceptual framework was generated from the data. Surgeons ranged from 1-40+ years in practice.

Results:

Most surgeons in this study experienced fear in the OR. Themes related to identity, identity enmeshment, and identity resilience were identified during coding; data were reanalyzed deductively using these categories, and findings suggested that surgeons who more intensely experienced fear in the OR potentially had lower identity resilience and were experiencing the fearful stimuli as identity threat. While this impacted the surgeon’s experience inside the OR, surgeons with identity enmeshment were impacted beyond the OR: events, good or bad, that occurred in the OR seeped into the surgeon’s personal life, thereby extending the experience of the event.

Conclusion:

Most surgeons in this study experience fear in the OR. This study offers a glimpse into the rarely explored experience of surgeon fear in the OR, highlighting the importance of identity management and emotion regulation in surgical education and practice.
Enhancing spatial omics resolution by pseudo-interstitial pixels inference
Authors: Mendoza-Parra Marco Antonio , Duvina Maximilien , Galindo-Albarrán Ariel
Published: January 2025

Motivation

Spatially resolved omics technologies are enhancing our understanding of tissues architecture. Despite major technological improvements, gaining in spatial resolution becomes experimentally expensive, while generating spatial landscapes at moderate resolution combined with computational methods for depixelating data represent a cost-effective strategy allowing to enlarge the number of experiments to be performed.

Results

We have developed a computational strategy able to gain several-folds of resolution by inferring pseudo-interstitial pixels from their closest neighbors. This strategy has been validated in the context of public spatial transcriptomics data issued from melanoma, and human brain cortex tissue sections, by improving the identification of distinct tissue substructures. Furthermore, this methodology has been used for enhancing the resolution of consecutive sections collected from human brain organoids, as a way to demonstrate that a moderate resolution technology, combined with spatial depixelation processing allows to properly discern molecular tissue structures even in small tissues.

Contact

mmendoza@genoscope.cns.fr
Epigenetic Control of TERRA by FTSJ3 is Critical for Telomerase-Driven Cancers
Authors: Price Jared D.W. , Vizeacoumar Frederick S. , Abuhussein Omar , Maranda Vincent , Zhang Yue , Adachi Hironori , Kyrylenko Liliia , Rangel-Pozzo Aline , Dong He , Gong Li Hui , Walke Prachi , Ganapathysamy Ashtalakshmi , Denomy Connor , Freywald Tanya , Dahiya Renuka , Elhasasna Hussain , Saxena Anjali , Vizeacoumar Jeff P. , Patel Hardikkumar , Rajamanickam Karthic , Nguyen Kathryn , de Oliveira Diego M. , Lazell-Wright Mary , Morales Alain Morejon , Aggarwal Aanchal , Xu Jia Lin , Alli Nezeka , Munhoz Erika P. , Gao Peng , Salsman Jayme , Dahiya Dinesh , Gonzalez-Lopez Cristina , Thibault Patricia , Levin Michael , Dellaire Graham , Jette Nicholas , Groot Gary , Krishnan Anand , Ahmed Shahid , Eskiw Christopher , Barakat Khaled H. , Wu Yuliang , DePinho Ronald A. , Mai Sabine , Yu Yi-Tao , Wong Judy M.Y. , Freywald Andrew , Vizeacoumar Franco J.
Published: January 2025

Telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) overexpression, a hallmark of most cancers, drives tumorigenesis by enabling limitless replicative potential. Direct targeting of hTERT is challenging, necessitating alternative strategies. Through genome-wide synthetic dosage lethality (SDL) screening in cancer models, including patient-derived organoids, we identify FTSJ3, an RNA 2’-O-methyltransferase, as a critical vulnerability in hTERT-overexpressing cells. FTSJ3 methylates telomeric repeat-containing RNA (TERRA), a modification essential for recruiting SUV39H1 to telomeric ends to mediate H3K9 trimethylation and establish stable heterochromatin. Loss of FTSJ3 disrupts this cascade, impairing H3K9 trimethylation, HP1-alpha recruitment, and telomeric heterochromatin maintenance. Notably, this reveals an unexpected dependency on TERRA methylation for telomeric heterochromatin stability in hTERT-driven cancers. Non-malignant cells, lacking telomerase activity andde novotelomere repeat synthesis, are unaffected by FTSJ3 suppression. Our findings establish the FTSJ3/TERRA/SUV39H1 axis as a critical mechanism supporting telomeric heterochromatin stability in hTERT-driven cancers. This telomere-directed epigenetic strategy provides a robust framework for translational therapeutic innovation.
Behavior Outpaces Form when Linking Traits to Ecological Responses within Populations: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Rota Thibaut , Raffard Allan , Lang Iris , Petitjean Quentin , Jacquin Lisa , Dézerald Olivier , Blanchet Simon , Hendry Andrew P. , Céréghino Régis
Published: January 2025

Intraspecific trait variability (ITV) is an important aspect of community ecology, but we still have a poor understanding of what drives the magnitude of relationships between ITV and ecological dynamics. In order to guide ecologists interested in unravelling the ecological implications of ITV, we asked whether relationships’ magnitudes differ (i) between intraspecific levels (among-vs. within- populations), (ii) among ecological responses spanning levels of biological organization (from individual performances to ecosystem functioning), and (iii) among trait categories (morphology, physiology and behavior). We performed a meta-analysis synthesizing a thousand effect sizes from nearly two-hundred studies, encompassing relationships between traits measured among individuals or populations of animals and a broad range of ecological responses. The average effect size was |r| = 0.24 [0.20 – 0.27] (95% confidence intervals). Within populations, relationships’ magnitudes were higher for ecological performance (foraging, diet), community and ecosystem responses than for fitness (reproduction). Relationships were 28% stronger for physiological and behavioral traits than for morphological traits. Our meta-analysis confirms the central aspect of ITV within populations of animals to drive ecological dynamics, and emphasizes physiological and behavioral traits to enhance the integration between the individual component of diversity and processes at community and ecosystem-levels.
Impaired thalamic burst firing in Fragile X syndrome
Authors: O’Shea Ronan T. , Priebe Nicholas J. , Brager Darrin H.
Published: January 2025

The thalamus performs a critical role in sensory processing by gating the flow of sensory information to the neocortex and directing sensory-driven behaviors; functions which are disrupted in people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). We have identified cellular changes in thalamic neurons in a mouse model of Fragile X syndrome (FX), the leading monogenic cause of ASD, that alter how the thalamus transmits sensory information to neocortical circuits. In awake animals, thalamic relay cells gate input by shifting between two firing modes: burst and tonic. Relay cells in FX mice, however, do not shift between these modes and instead operate primarily in the tonic mode. We demonstrate that the lack of burst mode firing is caused by a shift in the voltage sensitivity for the Ca2+-dependent low threshold spike, which underlies normal burst firing.
Emotional intelligence and academic engagement of graduate students: the moderating role of digital learning support
Authors: Falola Hezekiah , Joel Opeyemi Olunike , Akinbode James , Ojebola Oluwatunmise
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study examined the effect of emotional intelligence on graduate students' academic engagement in Ogun State, Nigeria. This study also explored the moderating role of digital learning support in the relationship between emotional intelligence and academic engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

A descriptive design was used, with purposive and convenient sampling methods were adopted to select the respondents. A total of 341 graduate students were drawn from different schools of postgraduate studies at selected universities in Nigeria. SmartPLS (3.0) was used to explore the relationships between the variables.

Findings

The results revealed that emotional intelligence dimensions significantly influence graduate students' academic engagement. In addition, digital learning support positively moderated the relationship between emotional intelligence and students' academic engagement. Further, to the empirical evidence from the findings, the study concludes that digital learning support moderates the relationship between emotional intelligence and students' academic engagement.

Research limitations/implications

It is impossible to extrapolate the findings from the research to other industries in Nigeria. Practical Implication: It is recommended that the leadership of graduate schools pay attention to a digital learning support system that enhances emotional intelligence and will stimulate productive research activities, practical engagement and academic excellence.

Originality/value

This study contributes significantly by filling a research lacuna in strategic human resource management (HRM), personnel psychology and organisational behaviour literature within the context of private universities in Nigeria. This study advances the literature by demonstrating how digital learning support moderates the relationship between emotional intelligence and graduate students' academic engagement.
Modelling the environmental performance of logistics distribution processes: a business case in the agri-food supply chain
Authors: Barbieri Federico , Cannava Luca , Colicchia Claudia , Perotti Sara
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Logistics practitioners face a significant challenge in meeting local and international regulations and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) due to the complexities of measuring and assessing the CO2e emissions of logistics processes. This challenge is pronounced in distribution processes, where the literature currently lacks a structured approach based on existing guidelines and regulations or real-case implementation examples.

Design/methodology/approach

To analyse the environmental performance of distribution processes, a model with Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) algorithms compliant with the Global Logistics Emissions Council (GLEC) framework was developed. An integrative review identified key elements for evaluating the environmental impact of distribution processes, leading to model development. The model was validated through a business case in the agri-food supply chain, demonstrating its applicability and enabling the analysis of optimisation scenarios.

Findings

The findings suggest potential savings in CO2e emissions of up to 50% by improving vehicle efficiency and maximising vehicle capacity utilisation. Further savings of up to 30% are highlighted for the business case company by increasing intermodal transport modes use.

Originality/value

This study offers several academic and managerial contributions. On the one hand, it offers a structured approach to assess the environmental performance of the logistics distribution processes based on a comprehensive European standard and enriches the literature by providing an industrial application of GLEC framework guidelines. On the other hand, it empowers logistics practitioners with a model to assess the environmental impact of distribution processes, and it enables an enhanced decision-making process in selecting transport modes to achieve the company’s sustainability goals.
Creative tourism: reviewing the past and charting the future
Authors: Sharma Ishani , Lim Weng Marc , Aggarwal Arun
Published: January 2025

Purpose

With a growing preference for active, authentic, and cultural experiences over traditional ones, creative tourism has garnered significant academic interest. This study offers a comprehensive review of creative tourism research, delineating its evolution, prominent contributors, pivotal areas, and prospective trajectories through a bibliometric analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing a bibliometric analysis using the biblioshiny and VOSviewer software, this study systematically reviews 198 articles on creative tourism identified and retrieved from the Scopus database.

Findings

A notable increase in creative tourism research is witnessed in recent times, with Portugal and the Netherlands leading in publications and citations, respectively. This review also pinpoints key authors, countries, institutions, and journals shaping the field, and presents emerging themes such as authenticity and creative experience, culture and heritage, urban and rural contexts, and co-creation in creative tourism.

Practical implications

Identifying core research contributors (authors, countries, institutions, journals) and contributions (themes, topics) assists academics in seeking collaborations and shaping future research. Practitioners are advised to adapt these trends (authenticity, co-creation, sustainability) into their strategic planning to meet market demands.

Originality/value

This study offers a seminal review of creative tourism through a bibliometric analysis, a technique that leverages the power of technology (data, software) to engage in retrospection and projection—the hallmark of benchmarking studies across fields, including tourism. Noteworthily, this study provides a detailed summary of the field’s trajectory and significant trends, positioning itself as an essential reference for academic scholars, industry professionals, and policymakers with a keen interest in creative tourism.
Research on the resilience path of digitally driven project-based organizations: configuration analysis based on multivalue-set qualitative comparative analysis
Authors: Ma Teng , Zhao Kexin
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The use of digital technology is crucial for building resilience and shaping competitive advantages in project-based organizations (PBOs). The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of digital elements on organizational resilience and resilience enhancement paths in PBOs represented by the construction industry in the context of digitization.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses multivalue-set qualitative comparative analysis (mvQCA). First, we collect digitization keywords from the annual reports of PBOs in the construction industry and classify them as process digitization, digital technology application and production intelligence while also considering word frequency statistics as antecedent conditions. Second, through a literature review and the use of the data collected, we define organizational resilience as the ability of organizations to defend, resist, recover and develop. Then, we use the mvQCA approach to examine how digital antecedent variables collectively advance PBO resilience.

Findings

By collecting data on 79 listed Chinese construction companies and utilizing mvQCA, we identify five combinations of conditions that produce high levels of organizational resilience, and the solution coverage is 1. These methods are (1) digital technology application-oriented, (2) process digitalization-oriented, (3) digitized multifactor coupling, (4) process digitization and digital technology application-driven and (5) process digitalization and production intelligence-driven.

Originality/value

These findings have important theoretical and practical implications for revealing the digital-driven path to high levels of PBO resilience. In theory, this study enriches the research on organizational resilience and expands the application scope of organizational resilience theory and the QCA method. Furthermore, this study provides new ways and ideas for PBOs to effectively integrate and utilize internal and external digital resources to increase their levels of organizational resilience.
Shielding effectiveness of high-polymer short-staple-based fabric implanted with the metamaterial structure of “split ring resonator”
Authors: Tian Hong , Li Yayun , Xie Xingli , Ye Jindong , Liu Zhe , Wang Xiuchen
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Electromagnetic shielding (EMS) fabrics composed of cotton, polyester and other high-polymer short-staple fibers are widely utilized in various fields. However, the inevitable pores in these fabrics lead to the leakage of electromagnetic waves, which severely diminishes the fabric’s shielding effectiveness (SE). To address this issue, this paper proposes the implantation of a metamaterial structure known as the “split ring resonator (SRR)” into the fabric.

Design/methodology/approach

Firstly, the types and principles of SRRs are analyzed. Through electromagnetic simulation and emulation, the effectiveness of SRRs in dissipating electromagnetic waves is confirmed. By selecting different embroidery methods, various shapes of SRRs are implanted into the fabric. Subsequently, through testing and analysis of sample fabrics embroidered with SRRs, it is concluded that implanting appropriate SRRs into pure cotton fabrics and cotton/polyester/stainless steel-blended EMS fabrics can effectively impart or enhance the SE of these fabrics.

Findings

For pure cotton fabric without inherent SE, the peak SE value can reach over 30 dB within the 6.57 GHz–7 GHz frequency band, and the minimum SE is greater than 10 dB in the 7 GHz–9.99 GHz frequency band. For the cotton/polyester/stainless steel-blended EMS fabric, the improvement in SE across all frequency bands exceeds 10 dB, averaging around 15.6 dB. The circular type SRR demonstrates the most significant improvement in fabric SE. When the substrate is composed of pure cotton or a cotton/polyester/stainless steel blend, the circular SRRs provide an average enhancement of more than 4 dB and 6 dB, respectively, than other shapes. The fewer the holes created by the implantation method, the higher the SE of the fabric after SRR implantation, with the invisible embroidery technique being the most effective. It improves the fabric’s SE by an average of about 2 dB more than flat embroidery and can be up to an average of around 6 dB higher than the backstitch embroidery technique. For every 0.2 cm increase in the size of the SRRs, the average SE increases by about 4 dB, and for every 0.5 cm increase in the spacing between them, the fabric’s SE decreases by an average of more than 2.7 dB.

Originality/value

This paper offers a novel approach to counteract the issue of pores reducing the SE of EMS fabrics and provides a new method for developing lightweight, thin, low-cost and high-performance EMS fabric composite materials.
What drives trust building in live streaming E-commerce? From an elaboration likelihood model perspective
Authors: Ding Ruolin , Chen Xiayu , Wei Shaobo , Wang Jiawen
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Live streaming e-commerce, which integrates real-time video interaction with online shopping, has quickly become a popular sales channel. It not only allows for immediate feedback but also builds a sense of trust and connection between streamers and consumers. Drawing on the elaboration likelihood model (ELM), we investigate how central and peripheral route factors affect consumers’ trust building and purchase intentions. Additionally, we identify consumer involvement as a key moderator affecting the relationship between central route factors and trust in product as well as the relationship between peripheral route factors and trust in streamer.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the research model, we collected data from 423 consumers on TaoBao Live.

Findings

The findings show that information completeness, accuracy and currency positively affect trust in the product, while perceived physical characteristic similarity, streamer humor attractiveness and passion attractiveness positively affect trust in the streamer. Trust in the streamer positively influences trust in the product, which subsequently impacts purchase intention. Moreover, involvement moderates the effects of information accuracy, currency, perceived physical characteristic similarity and passion attractiveness on trust.

Originality/value

First, we examine the direct influence of product- and streamer-related cues on consumer trust and purchase intention through distinct pathways. Second, we adopt ELM to explain the process of consumer trust building by investigating how central and peripheral route factors influence purchase intention through consumer trust in live streaming settings. Third, we incorporate involvement as a crucial moderator, shedding light on the boundary conditions of trust building in live streaming e-commerce.
Situating sustainable food systems within the international trading regime: what is at stake for developing countries?
Authors: Srivastava Vishakha , Kashyap Ashutosh
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse the concept of the sustainable food system, and discussion on this topic at the international fora. This paper further explores increasing confluence of sustainable food system with international trade. Finally, this paper briefly traces the potential implications of sustainable food systems related obligations for developing countries and least developed countries (LDCs). This paper aims to bring forth the growing confluence of sustainable food system on international trade and potential implications.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper studies the concept of the sustainable food system, growing interlinkage between sustainable food system and international trade through tracing the evolution of discussions related to sustainable food systems at various forums and the potential implications for developing countries.

Findings

This paper shows that there is growing confluence of sustainable food systems with international trade. This paper also highlights the potential implications of the same for developing countries and LDCs. It is difficult, however, to conclusively trace all potential implications.

Originality/value

This paper presents one of the first systematic accounts of the increasing confluence of sustainable food systems and international trade. It shows, at the same time, that developing countries and LDCs need to tread carefully in view of potential implications of the growing confluence of sustainable food systems and international trade.