bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cold-induced nucleosome dynamics linked to silencing of ArabidopsisFLC
Authors: Montez Miguel , Zhu Danling , Huertas Martin Jan , Maristany Maria Julia , Rutjens Bas , Nielsen Mathias , Collepardo-Guevara Rosana , Dean Caroline
Published: February 2025

Temperature influences nucleosome dynamics, and thus chromatin, to regulate gene expression. Such mechanisms underlie the epigenetic silencing of ArabidopsisFLOWERING LOCUS C(FLC) by prolonged cold. Here, we show a temperature-dependent transition in local chromatin structure at the H3K27me3 nucleation region, from a modality active for transcription to a state that can be Polycomb silenced.In vivochromatin measurements and coarse-grained simulations at near-atomistic resolution show the active transcription state is characterized by a highly dynamic nucleosome arrangement that exposes theFLCTSS. Cold exposure then changes the chromatin structure by reducing nucleosome dynamics and re-positioning the +1 nucleosome, leading to transcriptional repression. This local chromatin transition partially depends on VRN1, a non-sequence-specific DNA-binding protein. Loss of VRN1 results in hyperaccumulation of H2A.Z, more dynamic nucleosomes and an inability to accumulate H2Aub and H3K27me3. Our work highlights how local nucleosome dynamics link to chromatin structure transitions to integrate temperature inputs into epigenetic switching mechanisms in plants.
Varigraph: an accurate and widely applicable pangenome graph-based variant genotyper for diploid and polyploid genomes
Authors: Du Ze-Zhen , He Jia-Bao , Xiao Pei-Xuan , Hu Jianbing , Yang Ning , Jiao Wen-Biao
Published: February 2025

Graph pangenome references can address single-reference bias, thereby enhancing the accuracy of variant genotyping and empowering downstream applications in population genetics and quan-titative genetics. However, existing pangenome-based genotyping methods struggle with large or complex pangenome graphs, particularly in polyploid genomes. Here, we introduce Varigraph, an algorithm that leverages the comparison of unique and repetitive k-mers between variant sites and short reads for genotyping both small and large variants. Varigraph outperforms current state-of-the-art linear and graph-based genotypers across non-human genomes while maintaining comparable accuracy in human genomes. By employing an efficient data structure, Varigraph achieves higher accuracy in repetitive regions while managing computational costs for large da-tasets. Notably, Varigraph is the first tool capable of effectively utilizing pangenome graphs for genotyping autopolyploids, enabling precise determination of allele dosage. This work provides a robust and accurate solution for genotyping non-human genomes and will facilitate genomic studies of polyploid crops.
Strong Association between Infectious Mononucleosis and Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy Studying Risk Factors and Viral Infections
Authors: Movahed Mohammad Reza , Namazi Mohammad Javad , Rezasoltani Mahsa , Hashemzadeh Mehrtash
Published: February 2025

Background

Cardiac Allograft vasculopathy (CAV) is a significant cause of late transplant failure. Using a large database, the study’s objective was to assess traditional and infectious risk factors linked to the occurrence and severity of CAV.

Method

Using the large inpatient sample database (NIS), we evaluated any association between CAV and risk factors and infectious viral agents. Additionally, we assessed the severity of CAV based on the occurrence of revascularizations.

Results

A total of 78,330 heart transplant recipients were identified. CAV was diagnosed in 1,015 patients overall. Patients with CAV had a higher mortality rate (4.4% vs 2.1%, OR: 2.09 CI 1.08-4.03 p=0.03). All known traditional risk factors and baseline characteristics, including gender, race, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and smoking, were not linked to the existence of CAV, except for being younger (mean age 56 vs 59 years). Furthermore, a history of infectious mononucleosis strongly correlated with CAV (OR:8.9 CI 2.68–29.6 p<0.001). Being younger not only increases the possibility of the development of CAV but also increases the probability of undergoing coronary bypass surgery after a heart transplant. Influenza and other forms of viral infections, such as Cytomegalovirus, did not correlate with the presence of CAV.

Conclusion

Younger age was associated with CAV but no other traditional risk factors. Infectious mononucleosis, the only infectious agent correlating with CAV, had a very high association with CAV, warranting further investigation.
Ligand Screening and Discovery using Cocktail Soaking and Automated MicroED
Authors: Lin Jieye , Gallenito Marc J. , Hattne Johan , Gonen Tamir
Published: February 2025

Cocktail soaking using single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD) has previously allowed high-throughput crystallographic screening of ligands against protein targets. However, protein microcrystals are not amenable to this approach if they are too small to yield strong diffraction patterns. In this study, we developed a workflow integrating cocktail soaking with automated microcrystal electron diffraction (MicroED) to allow rapid ligand screening, structure determination, and binding analysis directly from microcrystals. This can improve the successful hit rate, because binding is often more efficient when smaller crystals are soaked in the ligand. The approach was validated with known ligands of thermolysin and identified novel binding interactions for ligands of proteinase K. The structures of multiple protein-ligand complexes, including ligands with weak binding affinities, could be solved quickly. Their estimated relative binding affinities are in good agreement with previous work and independent microscale thermophoresis (MST) measurements.
The association of gut microbiome composition with musculoskeletal features in middle-aged and older adults: a two-cohort joint study
Authors: Li Ruolin , Okoro Paul C. , Zillikens M. Carola , Vasan Ramachandran S. , Sahni Shivani , Rivadeneira Fernando , Kiel Douglas P. , Medina-Gomez Carolina
Published: February 2025

Background

Bones and muscles are connected anatomically, and functionally. Preliminary evidence has shown the gut microbiome influences the aging process of bone and muscle in animal studies. However, such evidence in humans is still scarce. This study aimed to assess the microbiome-bone and microbiome-muscle associations in two cohorts of community-dwelling older adults.

Methods

We leveraged information from two large population-based cohorts, i.e., the Rotterdam Study (mean age 62.7 ± 5.6 years; n=1,249) and the Framingham Heart Study (mean age 55.2 ± 9.1 years; n=1,227). For individuals included in this study, gut microbiome 16S rRNA sequencing, musculoskeletal phenotyping derived from DXA images, lifestyle and socioeconomic data, and medication records were available. Per cohort, the 16S rRNA sequencing data, derived from stool, were processed with the DADA2 pipeline and taxonomies were assigned using the SILVA reference database. In addition, the microbiome functional potential was obtained with PICRUSt2. Further, we investigated the association between the human gut microbiome (alpha diversity, genera and predicted functional pathways) and appendicular lean mass (ALM), femoral neck bone mineral density (FN-BMD) and trabecular bone score (TBS) using multilinear regression models controlling for multiple confounders, and performed a joint analysis from both cohorts. Sex-stratified analyses were also conducted.

Results

The gut microbiome alpha diversity was not associated with either tested phenotype after accounting for multiple-testing (P>1.67e-02). In the joint analysis, lower abundance ofOscillibacter(beta= −.51, 95%CI [−0.74, −.29]),Anaerotruncus(beta=-0.41, 95%CI [−0.61, - 0.21]),Eisenbergiella(beta=-0.39, 95%CI [−0.59, −.19]) and higher abundance ofAgathobacter(beta=0.40, 95%CI [0.20, 0.60]) were associated with higher ALM (P<2.0e-04). Lower abundance ofAnaerotruncus(beta=-0.32, 95%CI [−0.45, −.19]),Hungatella(beta=-0.26, 95%CI [−0.38, −.15]) andClostridiales bacterium DTU089(beta=-0.37, 95%CI [−0.55, −.19]) was associated with higher ALM only in females (P< 2.0e-04). Moreover, thebiotin biosynthesis IIpathway was positively associated with ALM (beta=0.44, 95% CI [0.24, 0.64]) (P<1.90e-04) in females while no associations were observed in males. We did not observe any robust association of bone traits with gut microbiome features.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that specific genera are associated with ALM in middle-aged and older adults and these associations can present in a sex-specific manner. Overall, our study suggests that the gut microbiome is linked to muscle aging in middle-aged and older adults. However, larger sample sizes are still needed to underpin the specific microbiome features involved.
An evolutionarily conserved role for separase in the regulation of nuclear lamins
Authors: Cipressa Francesca , Pennarun Gaëlle , Bosso Giuseppe , Rosignoli Serena , Tullo Liliana , Nadia Schiralli , Borghi Chiara , Paiardini Alessandro , Goldberg Michael Lewis , Bertrand Pascale , Cenci Giovanni
Published: February 2025

Separase is a well conserved endopeptidase that facilitates sister chromatid separation at the metaphase-anaphase transition by cleaving cohesins. Beyond its role in chromosome segregation, Separase also participates in various biological processes, including chromatin organization and replication, centrosome disengagement and duplication, cytokinesis, and telomere capping. Here, we report that the loss ofDrosophilaseparase (Sse) function induces significant changes in global protein expression and affects the protein levels of both A/C-type lamin C (LamC) and B-type lamin Dm0 (Dm0). We further demonstrate that SSE physically interacts with lamins and colocalizes with them at the nuclear envelope during interphase. Additionally, loss of SSE activity disrupts nuclear organization in larval muscles and impairs locomotion in adult flies. Notably, similar to SSE in flies, depletion of human separase (ESPL1) in SV40 fibroblasts leads to misshapen nuclei and increased levels of lamin A. Moreover, we show that ESPL1 interacts with lamin A in human fibroblasts, suggesting that the functional interaction between Separase and lamins is evolutionarily conserved across different organisms.
Cloche/Npas4l is a pro-regenerative platelet factor during zebrafish heart regeneration
Authors: Hou Junjie , Song Yabing , Xiao Chenglu , Sun Yuanyuan , Shen Jie , Ma Xiaokai , Zhou Qinchao , Chiu Shih-Ching , Xu Yang , Huang Yanyi , Chen Ye-Guang , Zhu Xiaojun , Wang Jianbin , Xiong Jing-Wei
Published: February 2025

Zebrafish has full capacity of heart regeneration, but little is known about how blood cells, especially platelets, are involved in this regenerative process. Here we report thatcloche/npas4lis a pro-regenerative platelet factor for heart regeneration. We found that haploinsufficiency ofnpas4ldisrupted cardiomyocyte (CM) and endothelial cell (EC) proliferation and heart regeneration after injury. A single-cell transcriptomic atlas revealed thatnpas4lwas dynamically expressed in platelets after heart injury and regulated robust interactions between platelets-CMs or -ECs. Decreasing platelets by either nitroreductase-mediated platelet depletion or platelet-deficient mutantmplimpaired CM and EC proliferation, and over-expression ofnpas4lin platelets sufficiently induced CM and EC proliferation in uninjured hearts, as well as rescued CM and EC proliferation defects inclochemutants. Mechanistically, Npas4l positively regulated a panel of ligands expression includingbmp6in platelets to fine-tune CM proliferation and heart regeneration. Therefore, this work unveils a novel platelet Npas4l signaling and presents mechanisms on how platelets modulate CM/EC proliferationvialigand-receptor network during zebrafish heart regeneration.
Inferring context-specific site variation with evotuned protein language models
Authors: Lytras Spyros , Strange Adam , Ito Jumpei , Sato Kei
Published: February 2025

Multiple sequence alignments (MSAs) have been traditionally used for making inferences about site-specific diversity in proteins. Recent advancements in the field of artificial intelligence have highlighted the potential of protein language models (pLMs) to capture similar protein properties. Unlike MSAs, pLMs can make inferences from single sequences, without the need for a set of aligned sequences. In this study, we introduce a novel, pLM-based metric, termed "pLM entropy", to assess protein site conservation and variability. We test this metric using versions of two popular pLMs (ESM-2 and protT5) fine-tuned on the diversity of different Influenza A virus serotype hemagglutinin proteins. Our study demonstrates how our pLM entropy metric can capture which sites are more likely to change in a specific sequence context and how fine-tuning pLMs on a set of evolutionarily related proteins (evotuning) can improve the models' understanding of the group's diversity.
Functional Specialization of S-Adenosylmethionine Synthases Links Phosphatidylcholine to Mitochondrial Function and Stress Survival
Authors: Munden Athena L. , Lui Dominique S. , Higgins Daniel P. , Fanelli Matthew J. , Ngyuen Thien-Kim , Edwards Katherine M. , Ericsson Maria , Godbole Adwait A. , Haley John A. , Lewis Caroline , Spinelli Jessica B. , Harrison Benjamin , Raftery Daniel , Djukovic Danijel , Promislow Daniel E.L. , Miller Dana L. , Walker Amy K.
Published: February 2025

S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), produced by SAM synthases, is critical for various cellular regulatory pathways and the synthesis of diverse metabolites. Studies have often equated the effects of knocking down one synthase with broader SAM-dependent outcomes such as histone methylation or phosphatidylcholine (PC) production. Humans and many other organisms express multiple SAM synthases. Evidence inCaenorhabditis elegans, which possesses four SAM synthase genes, suggest that the enzymatic source of SAM impacts its function. For instance, loss ofsams-1leads to enhanced heat shock survival and increased lifespan, whereas reducingsams-4adversely affects heat stress survival. Here, we show that SAMS-1 contributes to a variety of intermediary metabolic pathways, whereas SAMS-4 is more important to generate SAM for methylation reactions. We demonstrate that loss ofsams-1exerts age-dependent effects on nuclear-encoded mitochondrial gene expression, mitochondrial metabolites, and may induce mitophagy. We propose a mechanistic model where reduced SAM from SAMS-1 acts through PC to impact mitochondria, thereby enhancing survival during heat stress.
System characterization of dispersive readout in superconducting qubits
Authors: Sank Daniel , Opremcak Alex , Bengtsson Andreas , Khezri Mostafa , Chen Jimmy , Naaman Ofer , Korotkov Alexander
Published: February 2025

Designing quantum systems with the measurement speed and accuracy needed for quantum error correction using superconducting qubits requires iterative design and testing informed by accurate models and characterization tools. We introduce a single protocol, with few prerequisite calibrations, to measure the dispersive shift, resonator linewidth, and drive power used in the dispersive readout of superconducting qubits. We find that the resonator linewidth is poorly controlled, with a factor of 2 variation between the maximum and minimum measured values, and this variation is likely to require focused attention in future quantum error correction experiments. We also introduce a protocol for measuring the efficiency of the readout system using the same power levels as are used in typical qubit readout, and without the need to measure the qubit dephasing. We routinely run these protocols on chips with tens of qubits to a hundred qubits, driven by automation software with little human interaction. Using the extracted system parameters, we find that a model based on these parameters predicts the readout signal-to-noise ratio to within 10% over a device with 54 qubits.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Local analysis of a single impurity on a graphene Josephson junction
Authors: Vacante Ignazio , Pellegrino Francesco M. D. , Angilella G. G. N. , Falci Giuseppe A. , Paladino Elisabetta
Published: February 2025

In this paper, we investigate the local effects of a single impurity on the electron system of a short ballistic graphene Josephson junction. Within the Dirac–Bogoliubov–de Gennes approach, we systematically analyze the local electron density of states. Its behavior at subgap energies allows one to distinguish elastic and inelastic scattering processes and to identify the magnetic nature of the impurity. Moreover, the spatial dependence of the local density of states is a sensitive probe of microscopic processes yielding subgap impurity-induced bound states. The Fourier analysis allows one to recognize the wave vectors related to the momenta of the high-transmissive channels in ballistic graphene.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Resource-Efficient Context-Aware Dynamical Decoupling Embedding for Arbitrary Large-Scale Quantum Algorithms
Authors: Coote Paul , Dimov Roman , Maity Smarak , Hartnett Gavin S. , Biercuk Michael J. , Baum Yuval
Published: February 2025

We introduce and implement GraphDD: an efficient method for real-time, circuit-specific, optimal embedding of dynamical decoupling (DD) into executable quantum algorithms. We demonstrate that for an arbitrary quantum circuit, GraphDD exactly refocuses both quasistatic single-qubit dephasing and crosstalk idling errors over the entire circuit, while using a minimal number of additional single-qubit gates embedded into idle periods. The method relies on a graph representation of the embedding problem, where the optimal decoupling sequence can be efficiently calculated using an algebraic computation that scales linearly with the number of idles. This allows optimal DD to be embedded during circuit compilation, without any calibration overhead, additional circuit execution, or numerical optimization. The method is generic and applicable to any arbitrary circuit; in compiler runtime the specific pulse-sequence solutions are tailored to the individual circuit, and consider a range of contextual information on circuit structure and device connectivity. We verify the ability of GraphDD to deliver enhanced circuit-level error suppression on 127-qubit IBM devices, showing that the optimal DD embedding resulting from GraphDD provides orders of magnitude improvements to measured circuit fidelities compared with standard embedding approaches available in Qiskit.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Urban rail transit in heritage – rich cities: exploring the unique project risks
Authors: Ma Ying , Bhatt Nava Raj , Wu Qianlong , Pokharel Mandeep
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study introduces the heritage city risk dimension of the urban rail transit (URT) projects. It aims to identify the risk factors affecting URT projects within the unique context of heritage-rich cities, exploring their interrelation and evaluating critical factors.

Design/methodology/approach

The research adopts a multi-case exploratory study to identify the unique challenges faced by URT projects in heritage-rich environments, followed by a comprehensive risk assessment framework integrating Fuzzy Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL), Analytic Network Process (ANP) and Risk Interaction Network (RIN) analysis to assess identified risks in the context of Kathmandu Valley. Additionally, a risk response action is simulated using RIN analysis.

Findings

About 16 risk factors were identified from the case studies and evaluated using the proposed risk assessment methodology. The study reveals a highly interconnected risk environment, with heritage impact-related factors exerting the strongest causative influence on cost and social engagement factors. Community opposition (R8) shows the highest betweenness centrality, indicating its central position in risk propagation across the network. Cost-related risk, social demand contingency (R2) ranked as the most critical. Simulations of a targeted risk avoidance strategy showed that addressing only three key high-betweenness centrality factors (R5, R8 and R15) reduced overall risk interactions by 46%, simplifying the risk network, reducing project complexity and improving manageability.

Practical implications

The findings emphasize that project managers, urban planners and policymakers should integrate heritage preservation concerns when planning and executing URT projects in heritage-rich cities. Moreover, the research highlights that effective community engagement serves as a key strategy for reducing risk propagation and plays a crucial role in overall project risk management.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the underexplored context of URT projects in heritage-rich cities, providing a comprehensive risk management framework for identifying and assessing project risks intersecting with urban development imperatives and heritage conservation objectives.
Relation between ethical sales behaviour and switching costs: a mediation of trust in medical schemes
Authors: Mofokeng Thabang Excellent
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to assess how ethical sales behaviour affects switching costs typology, mediated by trust and moderated by brand affiliation, monthly contributions and the number of dependent beneficiaries in medical schemes in South Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative study targeted a non-probability judgement sample of 250 main members of medical schemes, elicited near health-care facilities in South Africa’s Gauteng province. Data was collected in a face-to-face survey and analysed using structural equation modelling on AMOS version 29 and PROCESS procedure for Statistical Package of Social Science release 2.041.

Findings

The results show that ethical sales behaviour negatively affects trust and positively affects evaluation, monetary and personal relational loss costs. Trust positively affects personal relational loss costs, economic risk, evaluation, monetary and benefit loss costs. Moreover, trust mediates the effect of ethical sales behaviour on evaluation, monetary and personal relational loss costs. Finally, the number of dependent beneficiaries, monthly contributions and brand affiliation significantly moderate these interactions.

Originality/value

The paper validates the application of commitment-to-trust theory in mediating how the effects of the general theory of marketing ethics on switching costs typology differ according to the number of dependent beneficiaries, monthly contributions and brand affiliation with medical schemes.
Hotel employees’ attitudes towards multitasking: scale development and validity testing
Authors: Ayyildiz Tuğrul , Koc Erdogan , Baykal Muhammed , Yazıcı Ayyıldız Ahu
Published: February 2025

Purpose

There is an increasing multitasking expectation from tourism and hospitality managers, including hotel managers. There has been a significant amount of research investigating various aspects of multitasking. Yet, there is no scale to measure the willingness and tendency of hotel employees to engage in multitasking.

Design/methodology/approach

A rigorous scale development process was followed. After a pre-test with 218 hotel employees, data were collected from 646 employees in tourist destinations in Türkiye, including Kusadasi, Antalya, Ankara, Bodrum, Didim, Istanbul, Fethiye and Marmaris. The nomological validity of the scale was tested by examining multitasking’s effect on role clarity.

Findings

A multitasking scale with five dimensions (accomplishment, customer satisfaction, difficulty, fear and workload) and 16 items has been developed to determine the multitasking orientations of hotel employees. It was also discovered that multitasking was a good predictor of employee role clarity.

Practical implications

The scale enables hotel managers to evaluate multitasking ability and willingness during recruitment and address challenges like performance, motivation and stress. It supports HR adjustments to enhance employee and customer satisfaction.

Originality/value

Existing multitasking scales, primarily focused on media multitasking, are not comprehensive for employees, and no specific scale exists for hotel employees who frequently multitask. This scale offers valuable insights for HRM and service quality improvement. Forced multitasking, driven by fear of career jeopardy, can lead to negative outcomes such as role ambiguity, reduced performance, motivation and job satisfaction.
Beyond reality: examining consumer intention to embrace metaverse within hospitality
Authors: Azhar Mohd , Khan Safdar , Kirmani Mohd Danish , Mustafa Farhan , Khan Fateh Mohd
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study intends to unmask the antecedents of metaverse adoption intention (MAI) within the Indian hospitality industry. To achieve this objective, we extended the “unified theory of acceptance and use of technology” (UTAUT) by integrating additional constructs: “perceived cyber risk” (PCR), “trust” (TR), “personal innovativeness in IT” (PIT) and “hedonic motivation” (HM).

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research methodology was employed, utilizing data gathered through an online survey disseminated via Google Forms to evaluate the constructs of the study. Convenience and snowball sampling were used, and the proposed relationships were analyzed using “partial least squares structural equation modeling” (PLS-SEM).

Findings

The study presents a robust model explaining MAI among Indian hospitality consumers, with a high R² of 81%, indicating strong predictive relevance. Core UTAUT constructs (PE, EE, SI and FC) and additional constructs (TR, HM and PIT) positively influence MAI, while PCR negatively impacts it.

Research limitations/implications

This research enhances the existing body of knowledge by providing a deeper insight into metaverse adoption among hospitality consumers in India. The proposed framework provides a more nuanced perspective on metaverse adoption, extending beyond conventional technological factors.

Originality/value

This study is distinctive in its integration of four additional constructs- PCR, TR, PIT and HM- into the original UTAUT model, thereby addressing a gap in the existing literature. Furthermore, it advances the understanding of the metaverse by identifying key antecedents influencing MAI among Indian hospitality consumers.
Rapid developments in the emerging hybrid sukuk market: a case of Ijara-Murabaha sukuk, perceived promising reforms in oil sectors of Pakistan
Authors: Kashif Uzma , Arif Unbreen , Saad Hafiz Muhammad , Siddiqui Ahmed Ali
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This research aims to explore the role played by Ijara-Murabaha Sukuk in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) that adheres to Shariah principles into Pakistan’s oil sector. It focuses on the difficulties faced by the country in terms of payment for oil procurement. It highlights the recent collaboration with ARAMCO, Saudi Arabia’s national oil company, to establish the Gwadar Refinery Project. This project aims to enhance oil production, reduce costs and increase storage capacity.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected from 379 investors who participate in Ijara-Murabaha Sukuk through a questionnaire designed to evaluate how trade finance solutions, sustainability practices, transparency measures and governance structures impact FDI that comply with Shariah principles. The study also considers the moderating role of market conditions on these factors. Smart PLS 4 software was used to analyze their influence on creating an environment conducive to Shariah-compliant FDI.

Findings

The findings reveal that if the company prioritizes shariah-compliant foreign direct investment over conventional due to underlying productive activities ensuring economic growth as well as strong compliance mechanisms ensuring transparency, the multifaceted challenges associated with oil procurement, circular deficit, foreign exchange reserves and transparency problems can be solved. The groundbreaking analysis from this study will guide the major stakeholders while developing policies to convert the most expensive and massive budget deficit sector into a contributing sector of the economy.

Originality/value

This is a pioneering study on the application of Ijara-Murabaha Sukuk to resolve the problem of circular deficit of oil sectors of Pakistan by issuing 51% Ijara Sukuk for enhancing the capacity for the storage of oil and producing the oil from imported crude oil. 49% murabaha sukuk for importing crude oil. Successful implementation of the Shariah-compliant ARAMCO project can open the door to foreign direct investment for Pakistan and the other third economies, meeting the “Reducing Poverty of SDGs.”
The Evolution of Emergency Planning at Kent State University, 1970–2020
Authors: Eckert Erica
Published: February 2025

The shootings at Kent State on May 4, 1970, shocked people all over the world and were a disaster for the university. To resume operations and rebuild its reputation, Kent State University turned to emergency planning decades before it was standard practice in higher education. Scholars of emergency management assert that innovation in the field often arises in response to disasters (Rubin, 2020) and that examining its history offers valuable insights (Butler, 2020; Phillips et al. 2012). The Kent State shootings served as a focusing event (Rubin, 2020) that opened a policy window (Kingdon, 1995) within the institution. Drawing on archival documents and oral histories, this historical case study examines how Kent State created their emergency plan through the lens of Kingdon's multiple streams framework. It presents a rare glimpse of an early example of emergency planning in higher education. This paper situates Kent State's actions within the broader context of emergency planning in higher education, explains how its first plan was developed and what it contained, and concludes with a brief description of recent emergency planning at Kent State.
Opioid‐induced androgen deficiency in men: Prevalence, pathophysiology, and efficacy of testosterone therapy
Authors: Kafel Hussein , Braga‐Basaria Milena , Basaria Shehzad
Published: February 2025

Background

Opioid analgesics are frequently prescribed for the treatment of chronic pain and are a common cause of male androgen deficiency. Despite its high prevalence, this adverse effect of chronic opioid use remains underappreciated by clinicians. As a result, androgen deficiency remains underdiagnosed and likely undertreated. This focused review discusses the expanding literature on opioid‐induced androgen deficiency and the efficacy of testosterone therapy, with a particular focus on its anti‐nociceptive effects.

Methods

Original and review articles on opioid‐induced male androgen deficiency published from 1950 through June 2024 were retrieved from PubMed using the key terms “opioids,” “hypogonadism,” “low testosterone,” and “testosterone therapy.” References within the retrieved publications were also researched.

Results

Opioids suppress the gonadal axis mainly by inhibiting GnRH synthesis and secretion. The prevalence of opioid‐induced androgen deficiency in men varies between 20% and 80% and is influenced by the type of opioid used, duration of exposure, age of the cohort, and how low testosterone was defined. Limited data from clinical trials suggest that testosterone therapy improves libido, body composition, and certain domains of quality of life. Early evidence also suggests that testosterone has anti‐nociceptive properties, confirming findings from preclinical and population studies.

Conclusion

Chronic opioid use is a common but underappreciated cause of androgen deficiency in men. There is a need to raise awareness among clinicians regarding this adverse effect of opioid use. Testosterone therapy could be considered in men with unequivocal androgen deficiency after a thorough clinical evaluation. Ongoing clinical trials will shed further light on the efficacy of testosterone therapy, particularly regarding its anti‐nociceptive effects.
Association of oral contraceptives and risk of endometrial cancer: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Harajka András , Hercsik Tímea , das Virgens Isabel Pinto Amorim , Máthé Izabella , Tornyossy Zsófia , AlFarwi Ali , Meznerics Fanni Adél , Kiss‐Dala Szilvia , Fehérvári Péter , Nagy Rita , Bánhidy Ferenc , Majoros Attila , Valent Sándor , Hegyi Péter , Ács Nándor
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Although the relationship between the use of oral contraceptives and reduced endometrial cancer risk has now long been established, the need for female patients to be informed on this matter based on the latest results of scientific research remains. To help the evidence‐based decision‐making of women when choosing contraception methods, we aimed to provide them with an up‐to‐date overview and summary of past and recent findings on the association between the use of oral contraceptives and endometrial cancer risk.

Material and Methods

This study was registered in PROSPERO: CRD42022379871. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched on the December 5, 2022, to identify eligible articles. We included all experimental and observational studies that reported the number of users and non‐users of oral contraceptives among patients diagnosed or not with endometrial cancer. Data were extracted, and random‐effects meta‐analysis was performed to obtain summary odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Heterogeneity across studies was assessed using Higgins & Thompson's I2 statistic.

Results

Fifty‐six studies were eligible for qualitative synthesis, of which twenty‐five were eligible for quantitative analysis. The use of oral contraceptives was inversely associated with the odds of having endometrial cancer (OR = 0.61, CI: 0.46–0.80). The long‐term use of oral contraceptives led to the greatest odds reduction in having endometrial cancer (≥10 years: OR = 0.31, CI: 0.13–0.70), while shorter periods were also associated with a significant decrease in these odds, although to a lesser extent (≥5 years: OR = 0.39, CI: 0.23–0.64; <5 years: OR = 0.66, CI: 0.48–0.91).

Conclusions

The administration of oral contraceptives is time dependently associated with lower odds of having endometrial cancer, suggesting a protective association between the use of oral contraceptives and endometrial cancer.
Where and why do women lead? The importance of leadership for private profit versus purpose beyond profit
Authors: Kinahan Mary M. , Bosak Janine , Eagly Alice H.
Published: February 2025

To examine how personal preferences and social norms can influence women's occupancy of organizational leadership roles, this research compared leadership roles that differ in their stakeholder focus on private profit (PP), producing gains for shareholders, or on purpose beyond profit (PBP), producing gains for the community and society. Consistent with the greater representation of women leaders in non‐profit than for‐profit sectors, the research showed that men preferred and were expected to prefer leader roles focussed on PP and women preferred and were expected to prefer leader roles focussed on PBP. These differing preferences and normative expectations reflected divergent life goals, whereby men favoured agentic goals and women favoured communal goals, with social norms reflecting this gender difference. This research thus showed how the communal and agentic life goals of women and men are linked to their personal role preferences and to normative expectations about leader role occupancy, thus fostering gender segregated leader roles.
Xiao‐Chai‐Hu‐Tang Ameliorates Depressive Symptoms via Modulating Neuro‐Endocrine Network in Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress‐Induced Mice
Authors: Feng Ying , Wang Wenkai , Zhang Yingru , Feng Yuanyuan , Zhao Yiyang , Zhang Zhaozhou , Wang Yan
Published: February 2025

Objective

Xiao‐Chai‐Hu‐Tang (XCHT) has been demonstrated to exert an antidepressant effect during long‐term clinical practices. However, the potential mechanisms of XCHT remain unknown. This study aims to investigate the effect of XCHT on chronic unpredictable mild stress‐induced mice with depressive‐like behaviors and to explore the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

The active compositions and potential related targets of XCHT in the brain were obtained through UPLC‐Q‐TOF‐MS, network pharmacology, and bioinformatics analyses, verified by experimental validation. Then, the protein–protein interaction (PPI), Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses, and molecular docking were used to predict the core targets and mechanisms of XCHT on depression. After being treated with XCHT standard decoction, based on enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), non‐targeted metabolism, targeted LC–MS analyses, RNA‐seq, quantitative RT‐PCR, immunofluorescence, and western blotting were determined to clarify the mechanism of XCHT in the treatment of anxiety and depression disorder.

Results

In total, 166 active ingredients and 525 related targets of XCHT were detected and selected from the network databases. The inflammatory response and metabolism of neurotransmitters were the main related signaling pathways predicted by KEGG enrichment analyses. Behavioral testing shows that XCHT has antidepressant effects, and untargeted metabolomic studies showed it significantly reduced levels of the neurotoxic substance quinoline acid. Combining the results of molecular docking, RNA‐seq, and western blot revealed that XCHT regulated nerve regeneration via BDNF/TrkB/CREB and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed that XCHT downregulated the chronic stress‐induced activation of microglia and astrocytes in the hippocampus.

Conclusion

XCHT exerts antidepressant functions by modulating neuroinflammation and neuroregeneration.
Adaptive Evolution of Freezing Tolerance in Oaks Is Key to Their Dominance in North America
Authors: Fontes Clarissa G. , Meireles Jose Eduardo , Hipp Andrew L. , Cavender‐Bares Jeannine
Published: February 2025

Freezing tolerance plays a pivotal role in shaping the distribution and diversification of organisms. We investigated the dynamics of adaptation to climate and potential trade‐offs between stem freezing tolerance and growth rate in 48 Quercus species. Species from colder regions exhibited higher freezing tolerance, lower growth rates and higher winter‐acclimation potential than species from warmer climates. Despite an evolutionary lag, freezing tolerance in oaks is closely aligned with its optimal state. Deciduous species showed marked variability in freezing tolerance across their broad climatic range, while evergreen species, confined to warm climates, displayed low freezing tolerance. Annual growth rates were constrained in all deciduous species, but those that evolved in warm latitudes lost freezing tolerance, precluding a trade‐off between freezing tolerance and growth. We provide evidence that the capacity to adapt to a wide range of thermal environments was critical to adaptive radiation and the current dominance of the North American oaks.
Warming During Different Life Stages has Distinct Impacts on Host Resistance Ecology and Evolution
Authors: Li Jingdi , Smith Cameron A. , Chen Jinlin , Bates Kieran A. , King Kayla C.
Published: February 2025

Climate change is increasing extreme heating events and the potential for disease outbreaks. Whether hosts can adapt to infection with rising temperatures is important for forecasting species persistence. We tested whether warming—at different host life stages—affects the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of resistance in Caenorhabditis elegans infected by a wild bacterial pathogen. We competed resistant and susceptible genotypes across 10 passages and tracked the spread of resistance in the population. Infection and prolonged warming strongly selected for the resistant genotype. Warming during host development induced plastic defences against infection, reducing the selective pressure for costly genetic‐based resistance. Resistance was lost under ambient temperatures and periodic warming. Selection for resistance was likely weakened at ambient temperatures by the dilution effect, whereby the resistant genotype reduced pathogen transmission. Evolutionary dynamics of resistance depend on the balance among pathogen virulence, costs of genetic‐based resistance, the dilution effect and plastic defences induced by temperature stress.
Haemophilia's Heartland: Pain, Poverty and Patient Care in Faisalabad
Authors: Yaqoob Eesha , Aftab Shiza , Shah Noor‐ul‐Ain , Sahitia Nimirta , Javed Saad
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Haemophilia is an inherited bleeding disorder that causes significant pain and disability. Haemophilia A and B are the most common, with HemA affecting more men and being four times more prevalent.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted in Faisalabad, Pakistan, to assess pain severity in haemophilia patients based on sociodemographic factors and management approaches. Data were collected through structured interviews and analysed using SPSS version 27.0, examining associations between variables and pain severity.

Results

A sample of 200 patients was selected from the 800 registered patients at a haemophilia treatment centre (HTC) in Faisalabad. All participants had severe haemophilia, with 65.5% residing in rural areas. Severe pain was reported by 58% of patients, with higher prevalence among rural residents (35% vs. 22.5% urban, p = 0.004) and those with monthly income below Rs. 15,000 (21%, p < 0.001). Plasma transfusion significantly reduced severe pain risk (OR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.42–0.83, p = 0.003), while self‐management methods increased it (OR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.06–3.02, p = 0.03). Distance from treatment centres significantly impacted pain severity, with 21.5% of patients living within 10–50 miles reporting severe pain. Management practices significantly influenced patient outcomes (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Patients face significant pain management challenges owing to sociodemographic factors, low income and limited access to specialized care. Addressing these gaps requires early diagnosis, better access to treatment centres and multidisciplinary pain management strategies. While geographic and economic barriers are considered, future research should include detailed data on rural healthcare quality, assimilate longitudinal data and delve into the links between mental health, pain severity and treatment ease of access.
Investigation of the Relationship Between Self‐Management and Kinesiophobia in Haemophiliac Individuals Experiencing Intra‐Articular Bleeding
Authors: Çiftci Akan Dilan , Uğur Mehmet Can , Oksel Esra
Published: February 2025

Introduction

This study aims to examine the relationship between self‐management skills and kinesiophobia in haemophilia patients. The findings of the study may contribute to the development of strategies that can help haemophilia patients overcome their fear of movement and improve their quality of life (QoL).

Aim

This study is planned to examine the relationship between disease self‐management in haemophiliac individuals and kinesiophobia that may arise from intra‐articular bleeding associated with haemophilia.

Methods

In this study, both descriptive and analytical research was conducted on individuals who are members of patient associations. Patient Identification Form, Chronic Disease Self‐Management Scale and Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia were used as data collection tools. Data were collected face to face. Descriptive statistics methods (mean, standard deviation) were used in the evaluation of study data. Quantitative data comparisons were made with the Student's t‐test for normally distributed parameters and the Mann–Whitney U test for non‐normally distributed parameters. When there were more than two groups, One‐Way ANOVA was used, and in advanced analyses, linear regression analysis was used.

Results

A positive correlation was found between the ‘self‐stigmatization’ subdimension of the Chronic Disease Self‐Management Scale and kinesiophobia. Additionally, a negative correlation was observed between healing compliance and kinesiophobia levels. Flexibility in healing cracks was found in the reduction of kinesiophobia.

Conclusion

Self‐management of the disease in hemophilic individuals affects compliance with treatment, kinesiophobia, activity level and QoL.
Temperature‐controlled synthesis of bismuth tungstate with enhanced photochromic properties
Authors: Kayhan Emine
Published: February 2025

This study explores the photochromic properties of bismuth tungstate (Bi2WO6) synthesized via a solid‐state method at various temperatures (300°C–1000°C) to optimize light‐responsive behavior for potential applications. The Bi2WO6 samples, prepared from tungsten oxide (WO3) and bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) through heat treatment, were analyzed using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), UV‐Vis Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (UV‐DRS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. XRD results revealed the formation of the Bi2WO6 phase at higher temperatures, while the Bi14W2O27 phase, formed at 400°C–500°C, exhibited an oxygen‐deficient structure enabling significant color shifts. Band gap analysis showed that samples synthesized at 400°C and 500°C had a lower band gap (2.63 eV) compared to those prepared at higher temperatures, suggesting enhanced electronic properties due to oxygen vacancies. SEM images showed nanoscale crystal facets in the 400°C and 500°C samples, which facilitated effective sunlight excitation and stable color changes. Under sunlight exposure, these samples transitioned from yellow to greenish brown within 5 min, quickly reaching color saturation, while samples synthesized at higher temperatures showed minimal photochromic response. This work is the first to report on the photochromic properties of Bi2WO6 synthesized through solid‐state methods, highlighting the role of oxygen vacancies, reduced band gap, and nanoscale morphology on enhancing photochromic performance.
Better off alone? Artificial intelligence can demonstrate superior performance without clinician input
Authors: Kovoor Joshua , Tyagi Daksh , Hopkins Ashley , Gorcilov James , Stretton Brandon , Gupta Aashray , Bacchi Stephen
Published: February 2025

Recent studies challenge the assumption that human–artificial intelligence (AI) collaboration is universally optimal, highlighting tasks where AI alone outperforms combined efforts. This viewpoint discusses the reasons behind these findings, explores influences on synergy and emphasises the importance of identifying when clinicians add net benefit to AI performance. Maximising patient outcomes may require accepting AI autonomy in certain scenarios within healthcare practice.