bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-read whole-genome sequencing offers novel insights into the biology, stress adaptation, and virulence of neurotropic dematiaceous fungi associated with primary cerebral phaeohyphomycosis
Authors: Samaddar Arghadip , Mendonsa Jenevi Margaret , Nagarathna S , Rudramurthy Shivaprakash M. , Pamidimukkala Umabala , Kindo Anupma Jyoti
Published: January 2025

Primary cerebral phaeohyphomycosis (PCP) is a severe neurological infection caused by neurotropic dematiaceous fungi, affecting both immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals. Understanding the virulence and adaptation mechanisms of these fungal pathogens is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies. This study employed Oxford Nanopore long-read sequencing to explore the genomes ofCladophialophora bantiana,Fonsecaea monophora, andCladosporium cladosporioides, three key species associated with PCP. KEGG pathway analysis revealed significant enrichments in carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism, highlighting the metabolic versatility of these fungi. The analysis of transposable elements showed varying proportions of repeats, withC. bantianaexhibiting the highest repeat content. Additionally, the presence of diverse families of carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) emphasized their capacity for metabolizing complex carbohydrates. The analysis also identified enrichments in secondary metabolite (SM) biosynthetic gene clusters and stress adaptation pathways. All three species possess essential genes for thermal stress adaptation, such as HSP60 and HSF1, along with enzymes for detoxifying reactive oxygen species. The examination of pathogenicity-related genes uncovered a range of virulence factors, including lethal and hypervirulence genes, which raise critical concerns for human health. Functional annotations linked many of these genes to CAZymes, SMs, and stress response proteins. Furthermore, multiple efflux transporters and genes associated with antifungal resistance were identified, indicating potential adaptive mechanisms for drug resistance. This study not only advances our understanding of the genomic features of these fungi but also highlights their ecological and clinical significance, providing a foundation for future research into their pathogenicity and resistance mechanisms.
Dissection of the Global Responses of Mandarin Fish Pyloric Caecum to An Acute Ranavirus (MRV) Infection Reveals the Formation of Serositis and Then Ascites
Authors: Zhang Wenfeng , Li Yong , Wu Xiaosi , Sun Qianqian , Fu Yuting , Weng Shaoping , He Jianguo , Dong Chuanfu
Published: January 2025

Mandarin fish ranavirus (MRV), a variant of largemouth bass virus (LMBV), is a distinct member of the genusRanaviruswithin the familyIridoviridae. Acute MRV infection predominantly affects the pyloric caecum, a critical visceral organ in mandarin fish, and is hypothesized to drive the characteristic external clinical sign of severe ascites. In this study, we reveal that acute MRV infection initially targets the serosal layer of the pyloric caecum of mandarin fish, leading to rapid progression into fibrinous serositis characterized by serosal hypertrophy, fibrosis, hyperemia, edema, and tissue adhesions. Using single-cell RNA sequencing, we dissect the cellular composition of epithelial, immune, and stromal populations, identifying significant enrichment of macrophages and granulocytes, alongside T and natural killer cells, as key mediators of acute cytokine and inflammatory responses. Then, robust experimental evidence demonstrates that MRV attacks specific immune cell subsets of T and B cells and stromal cells of fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, endothelial cells, and pericytes, resulting in upregulation of genes and pathways associated with extracellular matrix (ECM) formation, collagen biosynthesis, and vascular remodeling in the hyperplastic serosal zone. Additionally, both host-derived type V collagens and MRV-encoded collagens are implicated in ECM formation in the hypertrophic serosa. Collectively, this study provides a comprehensive single-cell resolution analysis of the pyloric caecum’s response to acute MRV infection and highlights virus- driven serositis as the underlying cause of severe ascites in mandarin fish.

Importance

The pyloric caecum is a vital digestive and immune organ in many bony fish species, including the mandarin fish, a carnivorous species with an exceptionally developed pyloric caecum comprising 207–326 caeca per individual. While MRV/LMBV infects various fish species, severe ascites is uniquely observed in infected mandarin fish. This study demonstrates that acute MRV infection induces fibrinous serositis in the pyloric caecum, characterized by hyperemia, edema, and hyperplasia, ultimately resulting in ascites and mortality. Leveraging single-cell RNA sequencing, we provide a detailed landscape of the cell types affected or involved in the inflammatory response, revealing their roles in the pathogenesis of serositis. These findings advance our understanding of MRV-induced pathology and its species-specific manifestations.
Trans-generational maintenance of mitochondrial DNA integrity in oocytes during early folliculogenesis
Authors: Xie Qin , Wu Haibo , Qiu Jiaxin , Liu Junbo , Lyu Qifeng , Long Hui , Li Wenzhi , Zhang Shuo , Jiang Xueyi , Zhou Yuxiao , Gao Yining , Hsueh Aaron J. W. , Kuang Yanping , Suo Lun
Published: January 2025

Mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) can lead to mitochondrial and cellular dysfunction. However, recent studies suggest that there is purifying selection against mutant mtDNAs during transgenerational transmission. We investigated the mtDNA dynamics during ovarian follicle development. Using base-editing, we generated mice harboring a 3177 G>A mutation corresponding to the human Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON)-related mtDNA mutation and confirmed the transgenerational reduction of mutant mtDNA. Using a mouse follicle culture system in which pathogenic mtDNA mutations were introducedin vitrofollowed by mtDNA sequencing and digital PCR, we found this germline heteroplasmy shift during early folliculogenesis was induced by the decrease of mutant mtDNA together with compensatory replication of wild-type mtDNA. In contrast, synonymous mtDNA mutations did not impact the mtDNA dynamics. These findings show that mice can eliminate certain pathogenic mtDNA mutations in the germline during early folliculogenesis, maintaining mitochondrial integrity across generations.
A Geometric Optical Analysis of Human Retinal Cells and the Hypothesis of Monocular Stereoscopic Vision
Authors: Ding Yong , Ding Dalu , Ding Dawei , Jiang Rongzhi
Published: January 2025

We propose a geometric optical model that describes real-image formation via monocular vision in three dimensions. We only assume that the ganglion cell nuclei, bipolar cell nuclei, and photoreceptor cell nuclei in the human retina can be treated as microlenses and actively participate in imaging. In particular, we suggest that monocular vision operates via an array of high-magnification micro-real-image telescopes oriented in various azimuthal directions. The main elements of each telescope are the following. The first is the cornea and crystalline lens, which serve as objective lenses with tunable focal lengths. The second is a paired array of ganglion cell nuclei and bipolar cell nuclei, which act as a conjugate mirror. The third is an individual photoreceptor cell nuclei (cone or rod nuclei), which function as a micro-eyepiece. The fourth is the outer segment of each photoreceptor cell, which serves as a micro-object-distance sensor.

We also hypothesize that six combinations of conjugate mirrors and micro-eyepiece arrays work within the human eye. Each combination is responsible for perceiving different ranges of object distances. We further hypothesize that the process by which one human eye perceives object distances involves two stages: from near to finite distances, and from finite distances to infinite distances. In different stages, the distance between different optical elements is tuned so that the object distance can be computed a specific formula when the photocurrent at the retina photoreceptor’s outer segment layer vanishes.

Lastly, we conduct computational simulations. We find that there are two possible processes. By tuning the distances between the elements of our optical model, the eye can perceive object distances as close as 25 cm to dozens of meters in one process and dozens of meters to kilometers in the other process, depending on the sensitivity of the eye to small changes in focal plane spacing.
Plant nutritional and metabolic responses to drought and elevated CO2revealed by machine learning-enabled non-targeted metabolomics
Authors: Chang Hsin-Fang , Caso-McHugh Theresa , Des Marais David L.
Published: January 2025

Projected atmospheric CO2rise, coupled with intensification of drought in many regions, impacts the physiology of C3plants beyond photosynthesis and carbon metabolism. The interaction between CO2and drought affects the concentrations of many nutrients in crops, often resulting in excessive agrochemical use and less nutritious food production. To address these challenges, we investigated nutrient dynamics inBrachypodium distachyon, a model crop plant, under ambient and elevated CO2, factorially combined with well-watered or drought treatments. Integrative analyses of plant physiology, transcriptomics, and machine learning-enabled non-targeted metabolomics revealed that plant elemental composition and metabolomic responses to elevated CO2strongly depend on water availability and differ between shoots and roots. Elevated CO2and drought significantly impaired nitrogen status, with root nitrate uptake being more negatively affected than ammonium uptake. However, elevated CO2increased iron partitioning in shoots under drought, potentially driven by enhanced carbon availability facilitating chelator synthesis for iron translocation. The high accumulation of sphingolipids in roots under combined stresses suggests a protective role against ionome imbalances. These findings highlight how climate stressors interact to shape plant nutrient dynamics, providing insights that can guide agricultural practices and breeding strategies to optimize nutrient management and foster sustainable agriculture under changing climate.
Molecular Landscape of the Mouse Adrenal Gland and Adjacent Adipose by Spatial Transcriptomics
Authors: Blatkiewicz Małgorzata , Hryhorowicz Szymon , Szyszka Marta , Suszyńska-Zajczyk Joanna , Pławski Andrzej , Plewiński Adam , Porzionato Andrea , Malendowicz Ludwik K. , Rucinski Marcin
Published: January 2025

The adrenal glands play a vital role in maintaining homeostasis and managing stress through the production and secretion of steroid hormones. Despite extensive research, the molecular mechanisms underlying adrenal zonation and cellular differentiation remain poorly understood. By employing spatial transcriptomics, this study has mapped the adult CD1 IGS mouse adrenal gland, thereby identifying unique genetic markers of zonal differentiation and dynamic cellular interactions. Five cellular clusters, corresponding to the cortex and medulla compartments, were identified, along with two adipose tissue clusters (brown and white). These findings confirm the centripetal differentiation model, highlighting the gradual transition of cell populations from the capsule through cortical zones. Through ligand-receptor interaction analysis, a complex regulatory network governing inter- and intra-zone communication was identified, thereby emphasising the adrenal gland’s central role in integrating endocrine and neuroendocrine signals, particularly in response to stress. This comprehensive spatial transcriptomic map of the adult mouse adrenal gland provides original insights into adrenal biology and constitutes a valuable resource for future research.
Mass hierarchies in gauge theory with two-index symmetric representation matter
Authors: Alfano Anja , Evans Nick
Published: January 2025

In gauge theories, the running of the anomalous dimension of a fermion bilinear operator is believed to lead to chiral symmetry breaking when γ=1. Naïvely using perturbative results to judge when γ=1 leads to the possibility of large dynamically generated mass hierarchies in models with both two-index symmetric representation and fundamental representation fermions. In this paper we study a holographic model of this physics to predict the separation in scales in the meson spectrum. We study SU(Nc) theories at different Nc with one flavor of two-index symmetric representation as a function of the number of fundamental fermion flavors NfF. The largest hierarchy we find is for Nc=7 and NfF=22 where the rho mesons made of the two different representations are separated in scale by a factor of 13. For general Nc the hierarchy can be made greater than 7 by tuning NfF. We display the hierarchy as a function of NfF and investigate the quark mass dependence. These predictions do depend on the extrapolation of γ from the perturbative regime—even in a pessimistic scenario, a distinct gap can be achieved.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Magnetic X-Ray Imaging Using a Single Polarization and Multimodal Ptychography
Authors: Di Pietro Martínez Marisel , Wartelle Alexis , Mille Nicolas , Stanescu Stefan , Belkhou Rachid , Fettar Farid , Favre-Nicolin Vincent , Beutier Guillaume
Published: January 2025

Polarized x-rays allow for imaging birefringent or dichroic properties of materials with nanometric resolution. To disentangle these properties from the electronic density, either a polarization analyzer or several measurements with different polarizations (typically two or more) are needed. Here we demonstrate that ptychography can disentangle these from a single polarization measurement by using a multimodal analysis. This new method provides an alternative to obtain polarization-resolved images of a sample when manipulating the incident polarization is not possible or sufficient.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Experimental realization of tunable Fano resonances in two coupled silicon micromechanical resonators
Authors: Xie Yu-Jue , Zhang Man-Na , Wang Rui , Wang Li-Feng , Huang Qing-An
Published: January 2025

Fano resonances originate from the interaction of a discrete state with a continuum of propagation modes. They have been observed in various quantum and classical systems. Here, we provide experimental observation of the Fano resonance in two coupled micromechanical oscillator systems. The system consists of a pair of electrostatically coupled silicon micromechanical resonators. The coupling strength between the two resonators and their stiffness can be electrically tuned. The damping of one resonator can be regulated by an external proportional feedback control system. We have achieved the switching from the Lorentzian line shape to the Fano line shape, indicating that the quality factor of the Fano resonance is more than three times that of the Lorentzian resonance. This work supplies a flexible platform for exploring the physics of Fano resonances in a mechanical system and paves the way for developing a new generation of silicon resonant sensors with superior resolution.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Quantum memory assisted entangled state verification with local measurements
Authors: Chen Siyuan , Xie Wei , Xu Ping , Wang Kun
Published: January 2025

We consider the quantum memory assisted quantum state verification task, where an adversary prepares independent multipartite entangled states and sends them to the local verifiers, who then store several copies in the quantum memory and measure them collectively to make a decision. We establish an exact analytic formula for optimizing two-copy state verification, where the verifiers store two copies, and give a globally optimal two-copy strategy for multiqubit graph states involving only Bell measurements. When the verifiers can store arbitrarily many copies, we present a dimension expansion technique that designs efficient verification strategies for this case, showcasing its application to efficiently verifying Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger (GHZ)-like states. These strategies become increasingly advantageous with growing memory resources, ultimately approaching the theoretical limit of efficiency. Our findings demonstrate that quantum memories enhance state verification efficiency, shedding light on error-resistant strategies and practical applications of large-scale quantum memory assisted verification.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Inter-community participatory social network analysis: re-envisioning humanitarian accountability with climate-related displaced communities in Bangladesh
Authors: Ji Hyeonggeun
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Humanitarian accountability is practiced with the normative aim of challenging systematic inequalities and power imbalance in humanitarian governance. This study interrogates the actual practices of humanitarian accountability from the perspectives of climate-related displaced communities in Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

Inter-community participatory social network analysis (PSNA) was adopted during the fieldwork to centralise the perspectives of climate-related displaced people in knowledge construction. The on-site revision of the research design manifested methodological reflexivity, fostering epistemological plurality.

Findings

The universal practice of downward accountability shows limited sensitivity to local power asymmetries in rural Bangladeshi society. This apolitical approach is often co-opted by humanitarian agencies, further marginalising displaced people in governing process. In contrast, the nuanced concept of an accountable humanitarian network represents a socially embedded practice driven by local actors and institutions, emphasising respect for the rights and agency of displaced people.

Originality/value

The findings were co-constructed by the author, research assistant and participants, contributing to methodological reflexivity in disaster studies and advancing humanitarian accountability practice.
Building the next generation of researchers: an “EPIC” student mentoring process
Authors: Yzaguirre Melissa , Miller Debra , Padilla Flores Daisy , Holtrop Kendal
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe an intervention-based research mentoring opportunity for higher education students in health- and mental health-related disciplines.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper includes a retrospective case study to demonstrate the application of a unique research mentoring method with a voluntary interdisciplinary team of undergraduate and graduate students on a project funded by the National Institutes of Health in the United States of America. The research mentoring experience is described through a pedagogical approach based directly on the focal intervention under study (e.g. GenerationPMTO).

Findings

We present the process of an intervention-based model of research mentoring as a unique opportunity to build student research skills and provide exposure to evidence-based interventions applicable to general health populations. Findings demonstrate the research team’s success in forming a collaborative research mentoring environment, performing key research tasks effectively and making reliable fidelity ratings.

Practical implications

This paper provides novel insight into an isomorphic process using intervention-based research mentoring as a pedagogy to enhance students’ research skills and application.

Originality/value

Understanding effective research mentoring approaches can influence the trajectory for future generations of mental health researchers and scholars who may not otherwise be exposed to research in their clinical training programs or courses of study. This paper provides insight and recommendations for how mentors can engage higher education students intentionally in research opportunities using intervention-based research mentoring.
The interplay of green capabilities, organizational culture and green marketing strategy to explain green competitive advantage
Authors: Alhemimah Arej , Ali Murad , Badghish Saeed , Latan Hengky , Lopes de Sousa Jabbour Ana Beatriz
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study examines the dynamic capability and resource-based view theories in the context of the tourism and hospitality industry, examining how the green dynamic capabilities of firms interact with green marketing strategies to influence their level of green competitive advantage under the boundary condition of the green organizational culture of Saudi Arabia’s tourism and hospitality sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Using multi-sourced and three-wave time-lagged data from 136 managers and their subordinates within the Saudi Arabian tourism industry to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results reveal that all hypotheses were accepted, affirming the direct, mediating, moderating and moderated mediating associations among green dynamic capabilities, green marketing strategies, green organizational culture and green competitive advantage.

Originality/value

This study offers valuable insights for practitioners and policymakers seeking to enhance the sustainability performance and competitive advantage of firms in the ever-evolving tourism sector.
The trends of patient engagement in a co-production healthcare services: a insights from a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Nuari Harmawan Bagus , Al Farizi Sofia
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Co-production improves the quality of healthcare services by prioritizing patient-centred care and ensuring optimal implementation. Current patient participation research have primarily concentrated on the co-production stages, despite patient participation being the central emphasis of its implementation. A study conducted analysed four specific attributes of patient participation, with patient engagement specifically emphasizing the interactions between patients and healthcare workers. Several studies have concluded that the interaction between the two actors is inefficient. This article examines current study trends concerning patient participation and identifies knowledge gaps from these studies.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used bibliometric analysis. This study used VOSviewer software for bibliometric analysis. The Scopus database contained 398 publications about patient participation in co-production in healthcare, which served as the basis for the analysis.

Findings

The study on patient engagement in a co-production context for healthcare had grown fast in recent years. Patient-centred approach and patient-centred care were two important things in patient engagement. Several factors influenced the implementation of patient engagement: attitude, ability, awareness, responsibility and knowledge. It is still uncommon to do research on the measurement of output and results from patient engagement implementation. Studies on instruments for measuring these two factors, particularly in a quantitative manner, are still few.

Research limitations/implications

Various recommendations have been put forward for additional investigation. Firstly, further examination of outcome measurement in patient engagement is necessary, given the lack of decisive instruments available. Secondly, examining the most influential factors on patient engagement in co-production in healthcare. Thirdly, a more thorough analysis is needed regarding the dimensions of co-production, considering that some dimensions overlap, such as the activation and empowerment dimensions, which are really carried out during engagement. The researcher acknowledges the inherent limitations of bibliometric studies, including the dependence on the Scopus databases for extracting data and the choice of search phrases. Furthermore, conducting a systematic literature review may be necessary to thoroughly examine and delineate the research topics, methodologies and outcomes of this study.

Originality/value

This study updates us on patient engagement study trends and establishes a framework for implementing patient engagement in healthcare services.
Recommender systems impact on Platform’s content and outcomes: the role of providers and algorithm designs
Authors: Mohammadi Darani Milad , Aghaie Sina
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The study aims to investigate how recommender systems shape providers’ dynamics and content offerings on platforms, and to provide insights into algorithm designs for achieving better outcomes in platform design.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs a multi-agent simulation framework coupled with reinforcement learning models to examine the influence of different recommender system designs on providers’ perception of demand and platform content.

Findings

The study reveals that recommender systems have the potential to introduce biases in providers’ understanding of user preferences, thereby impacting the variety of offerings on platforms. Moreover, it identifies algorithm design as a critical factor, with item-based collaborative filters showcasing superior performance in contexts where customers exhibit selectivity. Conversely, user-based models prove more effective in scenarios where recommendations significantly sway user decisions, ultimately boosting sales.

Practical implications

In practical terms, these insights can guide platform developers in making informed decisions regarding the selection and implementation of recommender system algorithms. By tailoring algorithm choices to specific contexts, platforms can enhance user welfare, ultimately leading to improved platform performance and profitability.

Originality/value

The findings underscore the importance of integrating provider dynamics and algorithmic biases into the design of recommender systems and platforms. This highlights avenues for future research to explore and refine our understanding of these dynamics.
Embarking on cross-cultural team endeavors: unveiling challenges and coordination mechanisms
Authors: Wang Yumei , Wu Ruijun , Gao Lifang
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to reveal the challenges and coordination mechanisms in cross-cultural teams.

Design/methodology/approach

By conducting in-depth interviews and a theme analysis approach with 15 cross-cultural teams, this qualitative study aims to answer three main questions: What kind of challenges do you face when working in a cross-cultural team? How do you coordinate cross-cultural issues within your team? What are significant things do you consider important when working with a cross-cultural team to improve performance?

Findings

The main challenges faced by cross-cultural teams, including cultural differences, task-related issues and management-related obstacles, are identified. Furthermore, adaptive coordination mechanisms, encompassing various levels of explicit and implicit strategies, are found to effectively manage these challenges.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing literature by proposing an adaptive coordination framework tailored for cross-cultural teams, addressing the main team challenges while considering contextual factors such as team tenure, team size, cultural intelligence and the nature of team tasks. The findings offer valuable insights for academic research and practical implications for multinational enterprises.
Bank market power drivers: comparative insights from India and Bangladesh
Authors: Das Suman , Pati Ambika Prasad
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The study aims to make a comparative assessment of the degree of market power for listed commercial banks operating in India and Bangladesh and identify various bank-specific market structures and macroeconomic determinants of market power.

Design/methodology/approach

The study relied on secondary data from 2011 to 2022 to assess the market power of 48 listed commercial banks in India and Bangladesh, employing the adjusted Lerner index (ALI) and the generalized method of moments (GMM) regression technique to explore the factors influencing market power.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that Indian banks possess more market power than their counterparts in Bangladesh and bank capitalization, diversification, operational inefficiency (OI) and gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate are crucial determinants of market power for both economies.

Research limitations/implications

The result provides significant takeaways for the respective country regulators and banks. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) should implement measures to reduce market power. In contrast, the Bangladesh Bank (BB) should carefully monitor the increasing trend of competition and look into possibilities of bank consolidation without hampering the competitive agenda. Further, banks in both economies need to focus on operational cost-cutting.

Originality/value

This study is among the first to compare market power and its determinants for listed commercial banks of India and Bangladesh. It has also incorporated a new variable, technology, alongside other established determinants.
Cost‐benefit trade‐offs in acquirers' goodwill valuations
Authors: Koonce Lisa , Toynbee Sara , White Brian J.
Published: January 2025

Academic and anecdotal evidence suggests that acquirers prefer to record higher goodwill values in business combinations so they can benefit from higher post‐acquisition earnings when goodwill is only tested for impairment. We conduct multiple experiments to test the hypothesis that this perspective ignores two costs that acquirers may also consider. Specifically, goodwill generally carries negative market perceptions and is associated with a risk of costly future impairment losses. Our results indicate that consideration of these two costs offsets acquirers' preferences for the earnings benefit of upwardly biasing goodwill. We also document that when there is no earnings benefit from higher goodwill valuations—namely, in a setting where goodwill is amortized to expense—we observe acquirers downwardly biasing goodwill values. Overall, our findings add nuance to our understanding of managerial discretion in the context of business combinations.
Laparoscopic Anatomical Liver Resection for the Patients With Constitutional Indocyanine Green Excretory Defect: A Case Report
Authors: Morikawa Takanori , Wakui Yuta , Hasegawa Yasuhiro , Sugisawa Norihiko , Kimura Shunichi , Hirashima Tomoaki , Kinouchi Makoto , Iwasashi Hajime
Published: January 2025

Constitutional indocyanine green (ICG) excretion defect (CIED) is a rare clinical condition characterized by markedly delayed ICG disappearance with other normal liver function tests. Here, we report a case of CIED in which laparoscopic anatomical liver resection was successfully performed using ICG fluorescence staining. A 64‐year‐old man with a 4‐cm tumor located in the liver segment 5 was referred to our hospital. His ICG retention rate at 15 min was 70%, but other liver function tests including 99mTc‐galactosyl human serum albumin scintigraphy were normal. We then planned laparoscopic segmentectomy under the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma and suspected CIED. Laparoscopic hepatectomy was started after confirming a histologically normal liver. After clamping the Glissonean pedicle of segment 5, ICG was injected and the demarcation line was identified. Liver dissection was performed along the demarcation line and the operation was completed. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 10 without any complications.
Plasma inflammatory and angiogenic protein profiling of patients with sickle cell disease
Authors: de Ligt L. A. , Gaartman A. E. , Konté K. , Thakoerdin S. , Fijnvandraat K. , Kuijpers T. W. , van Bruggen R. , Biemond B. J. , Nur E.
Published: January 2025

In this study, we aimed to explore the inflammatory and angiogenic pathways in sickle cell disease (SCD). We used proximity extension assay technology (Olink) to measure 92 plasma proteins involved in inflammation and angiogenesis. Plasma samples were collected from 57 SCD patients (sickle cell anaemia/HbS‐β0 thalassaemia‐thalassaemia) in steady‐state and 13 healthy ethnicity‐matched healthy controls (HCs). From 15 patients, paired samples were collected during both steady‐state and vaso‐occlusive episodes (VOEs) and from 23 SCD patients longitudinal samples were collected before and after treatment with either voxelotor (n = 10), hydroxyurea (n = 8) or allogeneic haematopoietic stem‐cell transplantation (n = 5). Fifty plasma proteins were differentially expressed in steady‐state SCD patients as compared to HC. These included proteins involved in angiogenesis (i.e. ANGPT1, ANGPT2 and VEGFA), the IL‐18 signalling pathway (i.e. IL‐6, IL‐10, IL‐18), T‐cell activation (i.e. LAG3, PDCD1) and natural killer (NK)‐cell activation (CD244, NCR1, GZMB). While proteins involved in angiogenesis and the IL‐18 signalling pathway were further upregulated during VOE, levels of several proteins involved in the IL‐18 pathway, T‐cell and NK‐cell activation and angiogenesis, restored towards levels detected in HCs after curative or disease‐modifying treatment. These findings might contribute to a better understanding of SCD pathophysiology and identifying potential new targets for therapeutic interventions.
Doing more than expected: The role of the recipient's neediness in children's perception of their relative prosociality
Authors: Levy‐Friedman Bar , Kogut Tehila
Published: January 2025

This study examined children's self‐assessment of their prosociality, relative to average peers, in situations where the recipient is described as “needy” versus “not needy” (at a school of average socioeconomic level in south Israel; N = 158; aged 6–12 years; 51% males, December–May 2021). The results show that older children exhibited the better‐than‐average (BTA) effect by seeing themselves as more generous than peers. In contrast, younger children displayed the worse‐than‐average effect by expecting peers to be more generous than themselves. However, both effects were attenuated ( = .16) when the recipient was described as “needy,” leading to higher expectations of sharing from oneself and others. This implies that besides children's motivational tendency to self‐evaluate as BTA, they also base their evaluations on actual environmental cues.
Two cases illustrating different neurological aspects of HIV‐escape syndrome
Authors: Suzgun Merve Aktan , Unkun Rümeysa , Kizilkilic Osman , Mete Birgul , Tabak Fehmi , Uygunoglu Ugur
Published: January 2025

Background

HIV escape syndrome is characterized by high viral load in the central nervous system despite having a low serum viral load and typically detected after the initiation of antiretroviral therapy during the course of HIV infection. The aim of this report was to reveal different aspects of the neurological involvement of HIV‐escape syndrome and to define the discrete phenotypes of HIV‐escape syndrome characterized by predominant inflammation or HIV‐associated neurocognitive disorder.

Case Presentation

Two cases are presented, both were followed collaboratively by neurology and infectious diseases clinics, where the ones in which neurologic complaints associated with HIV‐positivity aggravated by development of HIV‐escape syndrome. The first case, investigated for progressive vision loss, represented the inflammatory course of HIV‐escape with vasculitic involvement on imaging, positive serum anti‐NMDA‐R antibody, and good response to immunotherapy. On the other hand, the second case, who presented with progressive confusion and difficulty in walking, exemplifies the HIV‐associated neurocognitive disorder with parenchymal atrophy, no evidence of inflammation, and benefit only from antiretroviral treatment modifications.

Conclusion

With regard to the discussions detailed herein, identifying HIV‐escape syndrome as a balance of viral colonization and antiviral defense dynamics rather than a homogeneous clinical entity will broaden the clinical approaches needed. It should be particularly borne in mind that the initial neurological status may be exacerbated if HIV‐escape syndrome develops.
Shall we blame health IT for Medicare overpayments? New evidence from Medicare recovery audit program
Authors: Joiner Keith A. , Lin Jianjing
Published: January 2025

The observation of increasing healthcare bills with health IT adoption could arise in two fashions: the bill‐inflation and complete‐coding mechanisms. Prior studies using claims data may not distinguish between them, as both lead to similar patterns in claims data. Using data from the Medicare Recovery Audit Program, which reviews Medicare Parts A and B fee‐for‐service claims, we examine how the overpayments/underpayment rate for hospitalization changes as hospitals adopt electronic medical records (EMRs). Our finding of little correlation between EMRs and overpayments but lower underpayments in EMR hospitals suggests EMRs improve coding and documentation. The results have potentially important policy implications.
Predictive models of post‐prandial glucose response in persons with prediabetes and early onset type 2 diabetes: A pilot study
Authors: Santos‐Báez Leinys S. , Diaz‐Rizzolo Diana A. , Borhan Rabiah , Popp Collin J. , Sordi‐Guth Ana , DeBonis Danny , Manoogian Emily N. C. , Panda Satchidananda , Cheng Bin , Laferrère Blandine
Published: January 2025

Objective

Post‐prandial glucose response (PPGR) is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Meal carbohydrate content is an important predictor of PPGR, but dietary interventions to mitigate PPGR are not always successful. A personalized approach, considering behaviour and habitual pattern of glucose excursions assessed by continuous glucose monitor (CGM), may be more effective.

Research Design and Methods

Data were collected under free‐living conditions, over 2 weeks, in older adults (age 60 ± 7, BMI 33.0 ± 6.6 kg/m2), with prediabetes (n = 35) or early onset type 2 diabetes (n = 3), together with sleep and physical activity by actigraphy. We assessed the predictive value of habitual CGM glucose excursions and fasting glucose on PPGR after a research meal (hereafter MEAL‐PPGR) and during an oral glucose tolerance test (hereafter OGTT‐PPGR).

Results

Mean amplitude of glucose excursions (MAGE) and fasting glucose were highly predictive of all measures of OGTT‐PPGR (AUC, peak, delta, mean glucose and glucose at 120 min; R2 between 0.616 and 0.786). Measures of insulin sensitivity and β‐cell function (Matsuda index, HOMA‐B and HOMA‐IR) strengthened the prediction of fasting glucose and MAGE (R2 range 0.651 to 0.832). Similarly, MAGE and premeal glucose were also strong predictors of MEAL‐PPGR (R2 range 0.546 to 0.722). Meal carbohydrates strengthened the prediction of 3 h AUC (R2 increase from 0.723 to 0.761). Neither anthropometrics, age nor habitual sleep and physical activity added to the prediction models significantly.

Conclusion

These data support a CGM‐guided personalized nutrition and medicine approach to control PPGR in older individuals with prediabetes and diet and/or metformin‐treated type 2 diabetes.
Psoralidin acts as a dual protease inhibitor against PLpro and Mpro of SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Trivedi Aditya , Kushwaha Tushar , Ishani  , Vrati Sudhanshu , Gupta Dharmender , Kayampeta Sarala Rani , Parvez Mohammad Khalid , Inampudi Krishna Kishore , Appaiahgari Mohan Babu , Sehgal Deepak
Published: January 2025

The emergence of new coronavirus variants and concerns about vaccine effectiveness against these novel variants emphasize the need for broad‐spectrum therapeutics targeting conserved coronaviral non‐structural proteins. Accordingly, a virtual library of 178 putative inhibitors targeting SARS‐CoV‐2 Papain‐like protease (PLpro) was compiled through a systematic review of published literature and subsequently screened using molecular docking. Selected hits were analyzed for protease inhibitory activities, binding strength, and antiviral activities against HCoV229E‐based surrogate system and subsequently against SARS‐CoV‐2 for validation. Differences in potential modes of action were investigated using an HCoV229E‐based system, combined with in silico and biophysical methods against SARS‐CoV‐2 system. Of the 178 hits, 13 molecules showed superior docking scores against PLpro and met the inclusion criteria for further investigations. Of these, seven showed notable inhibitory activities against PLpro. Particularly, both Psoralidin and Corylifol‐A exhibited superior and, importantly, dual activities against SARS‐CoV‐2 Mpro. Both molecules were found to be biologically active against HCoV229E and SARS‐CoV‐2; however, Psoralidin exhibited more consistent effects and was relatively well‐tolerated. Detailed in silico analyses of their interactions with the two proteases identified differences in their modes of action, primarily due to differences in their binding of PLpro. Based on these findings, we propose Psoralidin as a potential candidate for further development as a broad‐spectrum antiviral and Corylifol‐A as an ideal candidate for lead optimization.
Barriers to Rural Midwifery: An Integrative Review
Authors: Friesen Madison , Josewski Viviane , Sanders Caroline
Published: January 2025

Aim

To explore the types of barriers that midwives face when practicing or attempting to practice in rural and remote locations.

Design

An integrative review using the Ecological Systems Theory.

Methods

The review was guided by Whitmore and Knafl. Included studies were appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal tool.

Data Sources

In January 2024, searches were undertaken in CINHAL, MEDLINE, Science Direct, and Google Scholar.

Results

A total of 470 articles were screened after searches. Fourteen articles published between 1990 and 2023 met all inclusion criteria. They were thematically analysed to explore barriers present at the micro‐, macro‐, and meso‐levels. The mico‐level barriers included isolation, financial insecurity due to low volume, and challenges in separating personal and professional life. Barriers at the meso level included discord in interprofessional relationships and challenges in attending continuing education. Lack of midwifery representation, overt medical dominance, and policy acted as barriers at the macro level.

Conclusion

Rural midwives face complex challenges that demand multi‐faceted and multi‐level solutions. The findings highlight the need for an increase in midwifery representation in healthcare planning, improved policies related to midwifery, and the adoption of a rural model of healthcare planning that accounts for the unique social realities of living and practicing in rural communities.

Implications for the Profession and Patient Care

By illuminating the challenges faced by rural midwives, efforts can be directed toward sustainable solutions to support rural midwifery practices and decrease rural health disparities.

Impact

Increasing midwifery access in rural communities can help reduce maternity care disparities for rural families. By identifying and addressing the barriers experienced by rural midwives, it can strengthen advocacy for targeted policies and support systems that empower midwives.

Reporting Method

This review is reported according to the PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews.

Patient or Public contribution

No Patient or Public Contribution.
Putting the S in Sustainable Supply Chain Management: A People‐Centric Research Agenda
Authors: Pagell Mark , Wilhelm Miriam
Published: January 2025

The aim of this disciplined provocation is to challenge some of the fundamental assumptions in supply chain management research and practice—most notably the discipline’s current conceptualization of supply chain excellence that has proven to be destructive for social‐ecological systems. It is argued that to drive the transition to sustainable supply chains, it requires emphasizing the social component of sustainable supply chain management and considering how to conduct supply chain management research that includes people and communities from the beginning. Based on this vision of foregrounding people in supply chain management research, a people‐centric research agenda that outlines the changes that are needed in how research is conducted and the topics that should be studied is introduced. The authors outline the active role that supply chain management scholars can play in developing new models of supply chain excellence that are, at a minimum, sustainable and hopefully regenerative.
Leopard occupancy correlates with tiger and prey occurrences in the Parsa‐Koshi Complex, Nepal
Authors: Katuwal H. B. , Bhattarai B. P. , Regmi S. , Bhandari S. , Ram A. K. , Aryal B. , Tamang K. , Kc S. , Nepali A. , Adhikari D. , Koirala S. , Baral B. D. , Devkota S. , Gautam R. , Mandal D. N. , Belant J. L. , Sharma H. P. , Quan R.‐C.
Published: January 2025

Large carnivores such as leopards (Panthera pardus) experience continuing threats from habitat loss and fragmentation, depletion of prey populations, and retaliatory killing following conflicts with humans. We aimed to identify factors affecting leopard occupancy and temporal overlap between leopards and tigers (P. tigris), their major prey, and human activities in the Parsa‐Koshi Complex (PKC), Nepal. We deployed 154 cameras for 21 days each along wildlife trails throughout PKC during December 2022–March 2023. We found low leopard occupancy (0.17 ± 0.04) in PKC, with greater occupancy rates within protected areas, particularly in Parsa National Park and its buffer zone. Human (63.10 ± 23) and livestock (36.46 ± 102) detections were higher across the PKC. Leopard occupancy was positively associated with the presence of tigers and prey. Temporal overlap was moderately high between leopards and tigers, as well as between leopards and their prey. Our research suggests that coexistence between leopards and tigers is likely largely facilitated by higher prey availability, which may reduce competition. Further, we demonstrate that maintaining forest cohesion can improve habitat for leopards. Intensifying use of agricultural areas could reduce forest fragmentation and increase leopard habitat overall, in turn reducing leopard depredation of livestock and improving leopard‐human co‐existence and conservation.
Study of Oilfield Development Cost Market Index Modeling Based on Big Data
Authors: Shi Mingyu , Zhang Fengyuan , Lu Ruihan , Cao Wenxing , Liu Xia , Liu Weidian , Liu Dianyu
Published: January 2025

Due to recent oil price fluctuations, oil companies have optimized assets and promoted joint ventures, leading to a need for fast, accurate oilfield asset evaluation, including development and growth costs. Oilfield development costs are dynamically influenced by internal and macroeconomic factors. Using big data analysis with a eviews economic analysis software owned by IHS (E-VIEW), a model was developed to analyze cost influencers. Research on nine main factors showed strong scientific correlations, linking expansion costs with market indexes. This provides technical support for more efficient and accurate cost estimations and predictions of oilfield assets.