bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nuclear disruption as a mechanism of the chemotherapeutic drug paclitaxel in interphase
Authors: Hale Thomas , Hale Victoria L , Kolata Piotr , Santos Ália dos , Allegretti Matteo
Published: January 2025

Paclitaxel is a microtubule stabilising drug used to treat breast, ovarian, and lung cancers. Its anticancer mechanism is thought to rely on mitotic arrest of fast-dividing cells and subsequent apoptosis following mitotic spindle disruption. However, paclitaxel reduces tumour size even in slow-dividing tumours, indicating an alternative, poorly characterised mechanism in interphase. Understanding paclitaxel’s less characterised effects is important for more effective cancer treatments, reducing tumour resistance and drug toxicity in healthy cells.

Here, we found that paclitaxel-induced microtubule reorganisation in interphase also affects the perinuclear distribution of actin and vimentin filaments. The formation of large microtubule-vimentin bundles coincided with nuclear shape deformation, nuclear envelope invaginations, loss of control of nuclear membrane spacing, and changes to nuclear lamina organisation. Concurrently, Lamin A/C protein levels were decreased, and this depended on nuclear-cytoskeletal connectivity through LINC complex component SUN2. Finally, we show that Lamin A/C expression levels, which are often aberrant in cancer cells, are important in determining cell sensitivity to paclitaxel and recovery from treatment. Overall, our data supports nuclear architecture disruption as an additional mechanism for paclitaxel during interphase and independent of mitotic arrest.
Targeted Antisense Oligonucleotide Treatment Rescues Developmental Alterations in Spinal Muscular Atrophy Organoids
Authors: Faravelli Irene , Rinchetti Paola , Tambalo Monica , Simutin Illia , Mapelli Lisa , Mancinelli Sara , Miotto Matteo , Rizzuti Mafalda , D'Angelo Andrea , Cordiglieri Chiara , Forotti Giulia , Peano Clelia , Kunderfranco Paolo , Calandriello Luca , Comi Giacomo P , Paraboschi Elvezia , Pali Eleonora , Beatrice Francesca , D'Angelo Egidio , Przedborski Serge , Nizzardo Monica , Lodato Simona , Corti Stefania
Published: January 2025

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a severe neurological disease caused by mutations in the SMN1 gene, characterized by early onset and degeneration of lower motor neurons. Understanding early neurodevelopmental defects in SMA is crucial for optimizing therapeutic interventions. Using spinal cord and cerebral organoids generated from multiple SMA type I donors, we revealed widespread disease mechanisms beyond motor neuron degeneration. Single-cell transcriptomics uncovered pervasive alterations across neural populations, from progenitors to neurons, demonstrating SMN-dependent dysregulation of neuronal differentiation programs. Multi-electrode array analysis identified consistent hyperexcitability in both spinal and brain organoids, establishing altered electrical properties as a central nervous system-wide feature of pathogenesis. Early administration of an optimized antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) that restored SMN levels rescued morphological and functional deficits in spinal cord organoids across different genetic backgrounds. Importantly, this early intervention precisely corrected aberrant splicing in newly identified SMN1 targets enriched at critical nodes of neuronal differentiation. Our findings demonstrate that early developmental defects are core features of SMA pathogenesis that can be prevented by timely therapeutic intervention, providing new insights for optimizing treatment strategies.
Chameau (HBO1) regulates starvation in a temperature-dependent manner inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Venkatasubramani Anuroop Venkateswaran , Ichinose Toshiharu , Forne Ignasi , Tanimoto Hiromu , Peleg Shahaf , Imhof Axel
Published: January 2025

The body temperature ofDrosophila melanogasterdepends on the extrinsic temperature. Numerous studies in fruit flies have shown that environmental temperature has an effect on metabolism, lifespan and starvation resilience. We have previously shown that Chameau (Chm), a MYST-domain acetyltransferase, promotes aging but also increases starvation resilience. As starvation resilience is highly temperature dependent, we explored the effect of temperature on starvation resilience in fruit flies with reducedchmexpression. Strikingly, we found that an increase of 2°C was sufficient to restore starvation resilience inchmmutants. The increase in temperature rescued the dampened expression of genes involved in insulin, hormone and starvation response as well as a reduced rate of weight loss and misregulation of trehalose, which we observed inchmmutants at 23°C. Our data show that whereas Chm has an important role in regulating starvation at 23°C and below, it becomes obsolete at higher temperatures. Our finding that a gene plays an important role only under specific environmental conditions has important implications in light of the recent global change of climate conditions.
Engineering a highly selective, hemoprotein-based scavenger as a carbon monoxide poisoning antidote with no hypertensive effect
Authors: Dent Matthew R. , DeMartino Anthony W. , Xu Qinzi , Chen Xiukai , Ghandi Alay , Hwang John , Bocian Kaitlin A. , Alipour Elmira , Burak Ucer K. , Baker Stephen R. , Srimath Kandada Ajay Ram , Bulbul Angka , Kim-Shapiro Daniel B. , Rose Jason J. , Tejero Jesus , Gladwin Mark T.
Published: January 2025

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning causes 50,000-100,000 emergency department visits and ∼1,500 deaths in the United States annually. Current treatments are limited to supplemental and/or hyperbaric oxygen to accelerate CO elimination. Even with oxygen therapy, nearly half of CO poisoning survivors suffer long-term cardiac and neurocognitive deficits related to slow CO clearance, highlighting a need for point of care antidotal therapies. Given the natural interaction between CO and ferrous heme, we hypothesized that the hemoprotein RcoM, a transcriptional regulator of microbial CO metabolism, would make an ideal platform for CO-selective scavenging from endogenous hemoproteins. We engineered an RcoM truncate (RcoM-HBD-CCC) that exhibits high CO affinity (Ka,CO= 2.8×1010M-1), remarkable selectivity for CO over oxygen (Ka,O2= 1.4×105M-1;Ka,CO/Ka,O2= 1.9×105), thermal stability (Tm= 72°C), slow autoxidation rate (kox= 1.1 h-1). In a murine model of acute CO poisoning, infused RcoM-HBD-CCC accelerated CO clearance from hemoglobin in red blood cells and was rapidly excreted in urine. Moreover, infused RcoM-HBD-CCC elicited minimal hypertension in mice compared to infused hemoglobin, attributed to a comparatively limited reactivity toward nitric oxide (NO) via dioxygenation (kNOD(RcoM) = 6-8×106M-1s-1vskNOD(Hb) = 6-8×107M-1s-1). These data suggest that RcoM-HBD-CCC is a safe, selective, and efficacious CO scavenger. Additionally, by limiting hypertension RcoM-HBD-CCC improves end-organ adverse effects compared with hemoglobin-based therapeutics.
Target-basedde novodesign of cyclic peptide binders
Authors: Wang Fanhao , Zhang Tiantian , Zhu Jintao , Zhang Xiaoling , Zhang Changsheng , Lai Luhua
Published: January 2025

Cyclic peptides have become a new focus in drug discovery due to their ability to bind challenging targets, including “undruggable” protein-protein interactions, with low toxicity. Despite their potential, general methods forde novodesign of cyclic peptide ligands based on target protein structures remain limited. Here, we developed CYC_BUILDER, a reinforcement learning based fragment growing method for efficient assembly of peptide fragments and cyclization to generate diverse cyclic peptide binders for target proteins. CYC_BUILDER employs a Monte Carlo Tree Search (MCTS) framework to integrate seed fragment exploration, fragment fusion based peptide growth, structure optimization, evaluation and peptide cyclization. It supports peptide cyclization through both head-to-tail amide bond and disulfide bond formation. We first validated CYC_BUILDER on known protein-cyclic peptide complexes, demonstrating its ability to accurately re-generate cyclic peptide binders in terms of both sequences and binding poses. We then applied it to design cyclic peptide inhibitors for TNFα, a key mediator in inflammation-related diseases. Among the nine experimentally tested designed peptides, four showed potent binding to TNFαand inhibited its cellular activity. CYC_BUILDER provides an efficient tool for cyclic peptide drug design, offering significant potential for addressing challenging therapeutical targets.
Gene syntax defines supercoiling-mediated transcriptional feedback
Authors: Johnstone Christopher P , Love Kasey S , Kabaria Sneha R , Jones Ross D , Blanch-Asensio Albert , Ploessl Deon S , Peterman Emma L , Lee Rachel , Yun Jiyoung , Oakes Conrad G , Mummery Christine L , Davis Richard P , DeKosky Brandon J , Zandstra Peter W , Galloway Kate E
Published: January 2025

Gene syntax—the order and arrangement of genes and their regulatory elements—shapes the dynamic coordination of both natural and synthetic gene circuits. Transcription at one locus profoundly impacts the transcription of nearby adjacent genes, but the molecular basis of this effect remains poorly understood. Here, using integrated reporter circuits in human cells, we show that supercoiling-mediated feedback regulates expression of adjacent genes in a syntax-specific manner. Using Region Capture Micro-C, we measure induction-dependent formation of supercoiled plectonemes and syntax-specific chromatin structures in human induced pluripotent stem cells. Using syntax as a design parameter, we built compact gene circuits, tuning the mean, variance, and stoichiometries of expression across diverse delivery methods and cell types. Integrating supercoiling-mediated feedback into models of gene regulation will expand our understanding of native systems and enhance the design of synthetic gene circuits.
5’UTR-mediated retention of eIF3 on 80S ribosomes promotes co-translational folding of ER membrane proteins
Authors: Han Baochun , Zhang Siqiong , Duan Haoran , Zhang Yurui , Yu Binbin , Lin Weimin , Cheng Yabin , Wolf Dieter A.
Published: January 2025

Co-translational folding of nascent polypeptides is essential for protein function and cellular homeostasis. Ribosome-associated chaperones assist in this process, but coordination between their recruitment and translation initiation remains poorly understood. We report here that specific binding sites for eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF3 within the 5’ untranslated regions (5’UTRs) of mRNAs promote its retention on 80S ribosomes during the synthesis of select endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane proteins. Disruption of these eIF3 binding sites leads to misfolding and sequestration of newly synthesized membrane proteins into ER whorls. Sequestration into ER whorls is exacerbated by HSP70 inhibition but can be rescued by overexpressing HSPA8 and HSPA1. Cross-linking assays reveal that 5’UTR binding sites stabilize eIF3–80S interactions during early elongation, facilitating recruitment of HSPA8 to ribosomes. These findings indicate that genetic instructions within 5’UTRs direct eIF3-mediated chaperone recruitment, ensuring proper co-translational folding of ER membrane proteins.
Mechanistic Elucidation of CLIC1 Membrane Insertion via Structural and Dynamic Modulation
Authors: Cassar Joseph , Serrano-Sanchez Angela , Bragg Jack , Medina-Carmona Encarnacion , Ossa Felipe , Thompson Gary , Abdul-Salam Vahitha , Varela Alvarez Lorena , Ortega-Roldan Jose L.
Published: January 2025

Chloride Intracellular Channel 1 (CLIC1) is a metamorphic protein capable of transitioning from a soluble cytoplasmic state to a membrane-bound chloride channel. This conformational shift, crucial for physiological processes such as cell volume regulation, electrical excitability, and angiogenesis, is linked to pathological conditions including malignancies and cardiovascular diseases. Despite its significance, the molecular mechanism driving CLIC1’s membrane insertion has remained elusive.

Using an integrated structural biology approach combining NMR spectroscopy, SAXS, biophysical methods, and mutagenesis, we uncover the dynamic landscape underpinning CLIC1 function. Solution NMR and SAXS reveal that CLIC1 adopts a conformational ensemble in equilibrium, characterized by a compact ground state and a partially extended state exposing key membrane-interacting regions. Zn2+binding acts as a critical trigger, inducing structural rearrangements, increasing protein flexibility, and promoting oligomerization essential for membrane insertion.

Our findings demonstrate that structural flexibility, particularly within dynamic loop regions and interdomain linkers, is intrinsic to CLIC1’s ability to adapt to membrane interactions. Zn2+-induced dimerization and tetramerization were identified as key steps preceding insertion, with mutations in the transmembrane (TM) region revealing pivotal roles for residues R29 and W35 in modulating protein dynamics, oligomerization and insertion eXiciency.

This study provides a mechanistic framework for CLIC1’s transition to its membrane-bound state, oXering insights into the interplay between conformational dynamics, oligomerization, and metal ion modulation. These findings pave the way for targeted strategies to regulate CLIC1 activity in pathological conditions, underscoring its potential as a therapeutic target.
The current status and future prospects of the Synchrotron Radiation Protein Crystallography Core Facility at NSRRC: a focus on the TPS 05A, TPS 07A and TLS 15A1 beamlines
Authors: Chou Chung-Kuang , Tseng Chien-Chang , Chiang Cheng-Hung , Chen Yi-Hui , Liu Yi-Chun , Huang Chen-Ying , Chao Chun-Hsiung , Huang Chun-Hsiang
Published: January 2025

The Synchrotron Radiation Protein Crystallography Core Facility (SPXF) at the National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center has been pivotal in advancing structural biology research in Taiwan. Since the 1990s, Taiwan has invested in the development of synchrotron light sources, including the Taiwan Light Source and the Taiwan Photon Source, which have profoundly enhanced protein structure analysis capability. Through the high-performance beamlines, SPXF has enabled significant scientific achievements, contributing to disease research and drug development. The facility's move towards automation and its integration of advanced techniques, such as in situ serial synchrotron crystallography, underscore its commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the research community. The SPXF continues to foster innovation and collaboration, providing world-class resources for both domestic and international users.
Massive compression for high data rate macromolecular crystallography (HDRMX): impact on diffraction data and subsequent structural analysis
Authors: Bernstein Herbert J. , Soares Alexei S. , Horvat Kimberly , Jakoncic Jean
Published: January 2025

New higher-count-rate, integrating, large-area X-ray detectors with framing rates as high as 17400 images per second are beginning to be available. These will soon be used for specialized macromolecular crystallography experiments but will require optimal lossy compression algorithms to enable systems to keep up with data throughput. Some information may be lost. Can we minimize this loss with acceptable impact on structural information? To explore this question, we have considered several approaches: summing short sequences of images, binning to create the effect of larger pixels, use of JPEG-2000 lossy wavelet-based compression, and use of Hcompress, which is a Haar-wavelet-based lossy compression borrowed from astronomy. We also explore the effect of the combination of summing, binning, and Hcompress or JPEG-2000. In each of these last two methods one can specify approximately how much one wants the result to be compressed from the starting file size. These provide particularly effective lossy compressions that retain essential information for structure solution from Bragg reflections.
Disruptive and incremental innovation as mediators in the CSR-financial performance link: evidence from Vietnam
Authors: Phan Thi Thuc Anh , Nguyen Ngoc Lan , Casanova Lourdes , Nguyen Dai Van , Dao Hoang Minh
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to examine how disruptive and incremental innovations mediate the link between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and financial performance from a dynamic capability perspective. Moreover, this study uncovers the moderating effect of business type on the CSR–innovation relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conduct a quantitative research design through surveying 536 managers of enterprises in Vietnam.

Findings

The findings show the crucial mediating effect of disruptive innovation on the CSR–financial performance link. The authors observe that the influence of CSR on incremental innovation is stronger for state-owned businesses.

Originality/value

These findings offer valuable insights for firms aiming to align their CSR strategies with financial objectives and enhance their dynamic capabilities to drive innovation in rapidly changing business environment.
Always good for innovation? Investigating when and why high-performance work systems promote versus inhibit employees’ innovative behavior
Authors: Farooqi Asaad Salam , Song Dian , Yin Yishuai , Yuan Yongzhi
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study employs job demands-resources (JD-R) model and self-determination theory (SDT) to examine the double-edged effect of perceived high-performance work systems (HPWS) on employees’ innovative behavior via harmonious passion and obsessive passion. Additionally, the study investigates the cross-level moderating effect of innovative climate on the relationship between perceived HPWS and innovative behavior through the two types of passion.

Design/methodology/approach

Time-lagged data were collected at three points (Time 1, 2 and 3) to mitigate common method variance. Data were collected from Pakistan with 451 respondents from 90 firms.

Findings

Findings reveal that perceived HPWS positively affect employees’ innovative behavior via harmonious passion and negatively influence employees’ innovative behavior via obsessive passion. Moreover, cross-level innovative climate strengthens both the positive and negative impact of perceived HPWS on employees’ innovative behavior.

Originality/value

This study proposes and tests the double-edged effects of perceived HPWS on employees’ innovative behavior, challenging the previous consensus that perceived HPWS is always beneficial for innovative behavior. Besides, we identify organizational innovative climate as a critical condition that amplifies the dual effects of perceived HPWS on employees’ innovative behavior via passion.
Implementing a customer-centric strategy through service design in financial organisations
Authors: Kaartti Virpi , Ojasalo Jukka , Wait Marius
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to explore how the application of service design can support financial organisations to implement their customer-centric business strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

This explorative research leaned on a subjective philosophy of interpretivism and followed an explorative qualitative approach by applying in-depth interviews. An abductive mindset was used for theory development.

Findings

The paper introduces a model that explains how service design can be used to implement customer-centric business strategy in financial organisations. The model explains the link between the business strategy and service design and highlights five principles of service design – namely customer-centred, co-creative, holistic, contextual and systemic – which guide designers and business developers when applying service design. In addition, customer journey represents an essential method of service design when aiming for a superior customer experience.

Research limitations/implications

The research implications of this study relate to novel knowledge of applying service design to implement a customer-centric strategy. The paper encourages managers of established financial organisations to use service design to implement their strategy for a superior customer experience. Our results recommend the customer journey as a main method of service design for this purpose and highlight the prospect of making customer journeys at various levels across organisations.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to literature by integrating knowledge about business strategy, customer centricity and service design in a novel way.
Rising access and falling outcomes: educational change and the GEQIP reforms in Ethiopia
Authors: Rolleston Caine , Oketch Moses , Tiruneh Dawit Tibebu , Rossiter Jack
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This paper explores the extent to which the period 2012–2021, when the General Education Quality Improvement Programme (GEQIP) reforms to primary education were implemented in Ethiopia, is one of educational improvement, despite the absence of gains in learning outcomes. It examines trends in access, learning progress in Grade 4 school quality and in equity of access and outcomes across regions and between urban and rural contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from several sources are employed including Ethiopian national education data (Education Management Information Systems (EMIS)) and longitudinal school survey data from the Young Lives (YL) and Research on Improving Systems of Education (RISE) projects. Analysis employs descriptive analysis and regression modelling in a value-added framework. Trends in learning outcomes in mathematics and pupil backgrounds are examined alongside school quality, its measures and predictors.

Findings

Access to primary education in Ethiopia has expanded significantly, with some equity improvements. Learning outcomes have declined in most regions, in Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples (SNNP) from a mean score of 515 in 2012 to 436 in 2020. Several school and teacher quality indicators targeted by GEQIP improved modestly, including teacher maths scores which improved from a mean of 462 to 507. Improvements have not been sufficient however to outweigh effects of rapid expansion and rising disadvantage, perhaps worsened by shocks including COVID and conflict.

Originality/value

This research contributes to understanding the role of the GEQIP reforms in improving primary education in Ethiopia. It may inform policy on targeted education quality improvement. It informs wider debate on the “learning crisis” especially in sub-Saharan Africa.
The impact of customer value co-creation in online medical consultation on customer service well-being
Authors: Peng Jiamin , Fu Chi , Guo Yujuan , Huang Lingwen
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study focuses on the context of interactions in online medical-consultation services. It integrates theories of value co-creation and social support, and it introduces customer-perceived doctor’s contribution behaviors (DCBs) as mediators to investigate the impact of customer value co-creation behavior (CVCB) on customer service well-being (CSW). This study also explores the moderating roles of communication and task characteristics of interactive medical interfaces.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of 353 patients with online consultation experience were conducted. Structural equation modeling and PROCESS macro technology were used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

CVCB positively affects CSW through the mediating role of DCBs, including cure-based knowledge contribution behavior (KCB) and care-based emotional supportive behavior (ESB). The difference in task-oriented communication styles between customers and doctors weakens the positive effect of CVCB on perceived doctor’s cure-based KCB and care-based ESB. However, task complexity diminishes the positive effect of CVCB on perceived doctor’s cure-based KCB.

Practical implications

Managers of online medical-consultation platforms can optimize service design and enhance positive doctor–patient interactions to improve CSW and promote sustainable platform growth. This can effectively address social equity issues associated with the uneven distribution of medical resources and enhance societal well-being.

Originality/value

There is insufficient attention to the perceived well-being caused by the service context and customer–employee interactions, especially in online environments. This study contributes to value co-creation theory and customer well-being research by exploring factors influencing CSW in online medical care.
Static and dynamic systems in problem-solving
Authors: Korn Janos
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Paradigm change in systems thinking is justified, and a new direction is suggested. The change of state of equilibrium from unsatisfactory to acceptable driven by a dynamic system is described as problem-solving which is innate and universal in the living sphere. An empirical theory of problem-solving is proposed which integrates by design or chance the mental effort of creating the envisaged change with the symbolic structure of “product – dynamic system” which drives the former.

Design/methodology/approach

The elementary constituent of structures and systems is identified as 1 – and 2 – place sentences or ordered pairs, the smallest parts of natural language which make sense and of which complex, linguistic structures can be constructed by following the stages of “linguistic modelling”. This leads to sequences of predicate logic conditionals representing the propagation of state or the reasoning structure which may be related to AI. A “story” of a problematic scenario in natural language is transformed into its analytical equivalent.

Findings

Problem-solving approaches have a long historical background ending with the current, extensive “systems thinking” but none has come up with a comprehensive, empirical approach the reasons for which is discussed. The proposed theory clarifies the role of conventional science, the arts and engineering in problem-solving. It is rooted in current branches of knowledge, involves the use of mathematics and other disciplines and is highly teachable, needs debate, software and further developments.

Originality/value

Mathematical modelling is restricted to the use of quantitative properties. The symbolic structure of the proposed theory is processed, natural language which admits the use of emotive properties as part of logical conditionals derived from semantic diagrams. Systems thinking is now part of problem-solving. The analytical content allows the inclusion into teaching curriculum at school and higher education level, at the same time the method can be adopted to informal applications. An integrated theory of creative and methodical problem-solving driven by matching systems/product by design as well as static systems as part of dynamic systems is presented. Problem-solving is innate and universal in living things; it is the primary phenomenon to be identified driving its own means of resolution: the system.
Unravelling seafarers’ fatigue post-pandemic: the role of job demand–resource theory from the perspective of Malaysian seafarers
Authors: Zakariah Wan Nurnadiera Aiza , Ngah Nor Syamaliah , Rahi Samar , Kamalrulzaman Nurul Izni , Albtoosh Qais Abdel Aziz , Ngah Abdul Hafaz
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Based on the job demand and resource (JD–R) model, this study identifies the factors influencing fatigue among seafarers in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 250 responses were gathered via an online survey applying a purposive sampling method. The derived data were analysed using partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) via SmartPLS 4.

Findings

Job demand positively influences sleep problems and occupational stress, while job resources positively impact job autonomy. The research analysis also confirms the positive effect of sleep problems and occupational stress on fatigue. Furthermore, the study reveals the negative effect of job autonomy on fatigue. In-depth analysis confirms the mediation and sequential mediation effects as the determinants of fatigue among seafarers in Malaysia.

Practical implications

Besides enriching the literature on fatigue, the findings provide practical insights to maritime agencies to develop an effective policy to reduce fatigue among seafarers.

Originality/value

The study develops a new model for seafarers’ fatigue via the JD–R model by introducing work pressure, sleep problems, occupational stress and autonomy as sequential mediators.
A systematic literature review on digital transformation in real estate: challenges and opportunities
Authors: Ali Wajhat , Samarasinghe Don Amila Sajeevan , Feng Zhenan , Wilkinson Suzanne , Rotimi James Olabode Bamidele
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study identifies key challenges to adopting smart real estate (SRE) technologies and offers insights and recommendations to enhance decision-making for stakeholders, including buyers and property investors.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the aim of the study, a rigorous research approach was employed, conducting an in-depth analysis of 41 academic papers utilising PRISMA guidelines and checklists. The chosen methodology also applies a PEST (Political, Economic, Social and Technological) framework to identify factors influencing technology adoption in the real estate sector.

Findings

The study uncovers critical challenges to adopting smart real estate technologies, such as regulatory ambiguity, high implementation costs, and societal resistance. PEST analysis reveals that unclear standards and guidelines, coupled with the high financial burden of technology implementation, are significant obstacles. Socially, resistance to change and difficulties in integrating new technologies are prevalent. The study also underscores the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) for predictive analytics and blockchain for secure transactions and records, though their adoption is currently hindered by inadequate infrastructure and regulatory challenges. These findings underscore the need for strategic interventions to address these challenges and facilitate the effective integration of advanced technologies in the real estate sector, thereby enhancing industry innovation and competitiveness.

Practical implications

The study offers insights for real estate stakeholders to embrace technology effectively, with a conceptual framework contributing to industry advancements.

Originality/value

The study’s key contribution is offering real estate stakeholders execution tactics and recommendations to navigate challenges and utilise technology, thereby driving industry innovation and enhancing competitiveness.
Examining character traits in historical fiction representing Chinese history
Authors: Gou Lin , Son Eun Hye , Guo Daibao
Published: January 2025

Purpose

We conducted a content analysis on nine historical fiction books representing Chinese history to examine character traits in relation to the historical events and genders.

Design/methodology/approach

We employed content analysis as the research approach to analyze the verbal texts and visual displays of the selected historical fiction.

Findings

Our findings revealed that (1) characters from the similar historical context shared certain common traits and (2) character traits were portrayed in gender-specific ways but were also influenced by familial, social and historical contexts. These findings illustrate the interconnectedness of historical contexts and gender in the development of character traits in historical fiction.

Originality/value

Our study extends the scope of content analysis of historical fiction by examining characters situated in social, cultural and historical contexts and providing a comprehensive understanding of gender portrayal in historical narratives.
Structure–functionality relationship and modification strategies of oat protein: Challenges and opportunities
Authors: Li Runnan , True Alma D. , Sha Lei , Xiong Youling L.
Published: January 2025

The increasing preference for plant‐based proteins over animal‐derived equivalents has intensified research into alternative protein sources, with oats emerging as a noteworthy specialty crop due to their rich array of functional and bioactive components. Despite the growing interest, research into oat proteins remains in its early stages, particularly in understanding the structure–function relationship and modification strategies within food systems. Designing novel food products using oat protein presents both opportunities and challenges; the compact quaternary structure and high thermal stability of oat globulin limit its functionality in diverse applications. This review aims to detail the composition and structural characteristics of oat protein, highlighting the complex relationship between these structural traits and their functional properties. A significant focus is placed on innovative structural modification techniques that enable the cost‐effective transformation of oat protein into a functional ingredient or base for new food product development.
Efficacy of apheresis in antibody‐negative progressive encephalomyelitis with rigidity and myoclonus
Authors: Aoki Yohei , Sakata Mayumi , Suzuki Hidekazu , Hori Kohei , Taruya Junko , Miyamoto Katsuichi
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Progressive encephalomyelitis with rigidity and myoclonus (PERM) is characterized by brainstem symptoms, muscle rigidity, and myoclonus. While autoantibodies to inhibitory neurons have been associated with the pathology, about 30% of cases are negative for autoantibodies. There are few reported cases of antibody‐negative PERM and its clinical course and prognosis are unknown.

Methods

We report three cases of antibody‐negative PERM in which plasma exchange was effective.

Results

Case 1 was a 68‐year‐old man, case 2 was a 27‐year‐old woman, and case 3 was a 47‐year‐old woman. In all three cases, steroid pulse therapy and intravenous immunoglobulin had limited effect and plasma exchange was markedly effective. All patients experienced disease relapse, which was effectively treated with plasma exchange.

Conclusion

In the present cases of antibody‐negative PERM, plasma exchange was most effective and was maintained long‐term despite repeated relapses. Plasma exchange should be actively chosen in antibody‐negative PERM.
Pectin/gelatin‐based bionanocomposite containing modified graphene quantum dots and carnauba wax as functional fillers for food packaging applications
Authors: Hejabi Negin , Fakhari Ashraf , Haeili Mehri , Ghasempour Zahra
Published: January 2025

Alternatives to nonbiodegradable synthetic plastics for food packaging include films made from biopolymers that are nontoxic and environment‐friendly. In this study, carnauba wax (CW) and nitrogen‐doped graphene quantum dots (NG) as functional additives were utilized in the production of pectin/gelatin (PG) film. NG was synthesized through the microwave method, using acetic acid as the carbon source, giving size, and zeta potential of 1.635 nm and +0.647 mV, respectively. NG (0%–10%) and CW (0%–10%) were investigated for nanocomposite film preparation using central composite design. The lowest water vapor permeability of film samples was 1.74 × 10−10 g mm/h m2 kPa, which was obtained at 8.5% CW and 6% NG. The highest solubility rate (57%) was observed in the PG film with 10% NG. The incorporation of NG significantly amplified light absorbance at 280 nm. The antioxidant properties improved as NG content increased from 1.5% to 10%. Optimum condition for the fabrication of film sample was obtained at 8.5% NG and 8.5% CW. Adding NG led to a substantial enhancement in the tensile strength (up to 68.97%) and elongation at break (up to 40.20%). PG film with CW and NG reduced the viable cell count of Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae by 4‐ and 1.75‐fold, respectively. The produced composite film combined with NG and CW can serve as suitable novel active packaging components for items prone to oxidation and bacterial spoilage to enhance their quality and longevity.
Causal inference of whole‐grain foods’ risk based on a generative adversarial network and Bayesian network
Authors: Zhao Zhiyao , Wang Qian , Wang Zhaoyang
Published: January 2025

Whole‐grain foods (WGFs) constitute a large part of humans’ daily diet, making risk identification of WGFs important for health and safety. However, existing research on WGFs has paid more attention to revealing the effects of a single hazardous substance or various hazardous substances on food safety, neglecting the mutual influence between individual hazardous substances and between hazardous substances and basic information. Therefore, this paper proposes a causal inference of WGFs’ risk based on a generative adversarial network (GAN) and Bayesian network (BN) to explore the mutual influence between hazardous substances and basic information. The experiment results show that the proposed GAN outperformed several traditional data‐imputation methods, producing at least a 13.65% reduction of the root mean square error (RMSE). The classification accuracy of the BN model reached 91%. In conclusion, we distinguish the provinces, periods, food categories, and hazardous substances cause the absolute risk of WGFs and the high risk of mycotoxins and compounds (MaCs) and cadmium.

Practical Application

This research can be applied to impute missing values for whole‐grain foods (WGFs) sampling data, and explore the causality among hazardous substances themselves, that between hazardous substances and basic information in WGFs. Additionally, it can be applied to infer root cause of existing or potential WGFs risk (e.g., provinces, periods, food categories, and hazardous substances).
Different processing methods affect the chemical composition and in vitro anti‐tumor activity of ginseng
Authors: Wang Chang , Tang Xiaolei , Yan Fuyuan , Wang Yaping , Wang Xianya , Zhao Daqing , Liu Li , Qi Bin
Published: January 2025

Ginseng and its processed products are valued as health foods for their nutritional benefits. The traditional forms of processed ginseng include white ginseng, dali ginseng (DLG), red ginseng (RG), and black ginseng (BG). However, the impact of processing on the chemical composition and anti‐tumor efficacy of these products is not well understood. This study quantified total saponins, polysaccharides, and protein levels in both raw and processed ginseng. It also involved measuring 12 monomeric ginsenosides (GS) utilizing high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), identifying ginsenoside compounds, and searching for differential compounds using UPLC‐Q‐Orbitrap‐MS (where MS is mass spectrometry), as well as assessing their anti‐tumor effects through CCK‐8 assays. The findings revealed notable differences in the contents of total saponins, proteins, and polysaccharides between raw ginseng and its processed counterparts. HPLC results showed changes in the types and concentrations of GS after processing; MS analysis identified a total of 39 monomeric ginsenoside compounds, with Rk3 uniquely present in BG. Anti‐tumor tests demonstrated that both raw and processed ginseng effectively inhibited the growth of various tumor cell lines. Specifically, BG exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect on A549 cells, while RG was most effective against HeLa, HepG2, and HT‐29 cells. These findings highlight significant differences in chemical profiles and anti‐cancer activities due to processing methods applied to ginseng. They also provide a foundational reference for establishing quality standards for ginseng products and support advancements in the food industry related to ginseng.

Practical Application

The chemical composition of ginseng and its processed products varies significantly. Both black ginseng (BG) and red ginseng (RG) exhibit unique profiles of ginsenosides (GS). These research findings can assist enterprises in selecting appropriate raw materials for white ginseng, dali ginseng, RG, and BG, and enable targeted extraction of desired GS through the choice of specific processed products.
Deep eutectic system enhanced oat protein extraction
Authors: Ge Wuxia , Xiao Zhixin , Ding Xinru , Bi Wentao , Chen David Da Yong
Published: January 2025

Oats are a rich source of plant‐based proteins owing to their nutritional value, diverse functions, and high abundance. However, traditional methods for extracting oat proteins (OPs), such as alkali solution acid precipitation (ASAP), can cause environmental pollution and potentially protein denaturation. In this work, we studied the use of deep eutectic solvents (DESs) and deep eutectic system (DESys)‐based methods for OP extraction. The DES are composed of ionic liquids (ILs) and choline chloride (ChCl) as hydrogen bond acceptors (HBAs), and polyols as hydrogen bond donors (HBDs) for OP extraction. By systematically investigating the extraction conditions, it was found that using ChCl as an HBA in the DESys‐based method allowed for a significant increase in protein recovery yield compared to the ASAP and DES‐based methods. Furthermore, the physicochemical properties of OPs extracted using the ASAP, DES, and DESys‐based methods exhibited some differences, particularly in their molecular structure, amino acid composition, and thermal properties, suggesting that the properties of OP could be potentially adjusted by DESys‐ and DES‐based methods. When considering both toxicity and protein recovery yield, the DESys‐based extraction method using ChCl as the HBA is more suitable for OP extraction. This study demonstrated a green and efficient method for OP extraction that minimizes environmental impact, potentially bridging the gap between ILs and DES, and offering insights for designing new DES‐ or DESys‐based extraction strategies for biological molecules.
Development of an intelligent control system of high efficiency and online monitoring for hot air drying of peony flowers
Authors: Wang Dong , Wang Yong , Niu Yao , Zhang Weipeng , Li Cunliang , Li Pei , Zhang Xuyang , Zhao Yifan , Yuan Yuejin
Published: January 2025

To enhance the drying quality of peony flowers, this study developed an integrated intelligent control and monitoring system. The system incorporates computer vision technology to enable real‐time continuous monitoring and analysis of the total color change (ΔE) and shrinkage rate (SR) of the material. Additionally, by integrating drying time and temperature data, a hybrid neural network model combining convolutional neural networks, long short‐term memory, and attention mechanisms (CNN‐LSTM‐Attention) was employed to accurately predict the moisture ratio (MR) of peony flowers. The predictive model achieved a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.9962, a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.6870, and a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.7634, demonstrating high accuracy in predicting moisture content during the drying process. Furthermore, the system utilized a fuzzy controller to dynamically regulate the drying parameters. The fuzzy control strategy was used to shorten the drying time by approximately 1 h, improve the drying efficiency by roughly 12%, and significantly maintain the quality of peony flowers. These findings underscore the potential of the system to enhance drying efficiency and product quality.
Older adults and prepared meals: The influence of comfort, nostalgia, and texture preferences on acceptance
Authors: Pepito Bryan Michael L. , Low Julia Y. Q. , Ross Carolyn F.
Published: January 2025

This study's objective was to develop desirable, safe, and nutritious dairy‐rich breakfasts and desserts for older adults while identifying the influence of comfort, nostalgia, and texture preferences. Participants (n = 81, mean age = 71 ± 7.3 years) evaluated two breakfast meals (meat‐containing, vegetarian) and two desserts (chocolate, vanilla puddings) for acceptance; they also answered inquiries concerning texture preferences and reported their feelings of comfort and nostalgia experienced during evaluation. Mean participant liking was 6.2 for the meat breakfast, 5.7 for the vegetarian breakfast, 5.8 for the chocolate pudding, and 4.3 for the vanilla dessert (along a 9‐point scale). Meal liking was mediated by flavor intensity, sweetness intensity, and texture preference. Texture preference results indicated that older adults both like and are comfortable with orally handling textures typically deemed concerning for this population. Liking of the meals also increased if a higher experience of comfort was elicited during meal consumption (p < 0.05); perceived comfort decreased if there was insufficient flavor. Increased nostalgia experienced during meal consumption also increased overall liking. This study provided guidance on acceptable textures for potential product development while highlighting the importance of understanding the perception of nostalgia and comfort for older adults’ meal acceptance.

Practical Applications

Focusing on older adults, this study showed that nostalgia, comfort, and texture variety are all important elements of an older adult's diet. This research is useful for product developers who can use these elements in designing and testing the acceptance and healthfulness of prepared meals by older adults.
Comparison of sprouting, airfryer‐drying, and airfryer‐baking effects on technical, physical, and chemical properties of quinoa flour and quinoa snack
Authors: Baskaya‐Sezer Duygu
Published: January 2025

In this study, quinoa, which is a good alternative for celiacs, was tried to be used instead of flour by sprouting it and drying it in the airfryer. Flour obtained from quinoa seeds prevents spreading and hardens the product. It was predicted that this problem could be overcome by germination and drying in the airfryer. Morphologically, clean‐cut structures were in the cookies using airfryer‐dried quinoa flour. The melted surface appearance was characteristic of all airfryer‐baked cookies. The thermal and pasting properties of quinoa flour were improved, resulting in better textural properties and digestibility of the cookie. Airfryer‐baked cookies spread less. However, the spread increased with the use of airfryer‐dried quinoa flour. Cookies containing airfryer‐dried quinoa flour had low baking loss, high protein digestibility, and hardness values that were relatively closer to the control cookies. Airfryer‐baked cookies were at moderate hardness level. Minimum baking loss and highest protein digestibility were found in airfryer‐baked cookies with airfryer‐dried quinoa flour. The spread problem can be alleviated by drying the grain sprouts in the airfryer. The highest color difference was seen in oven‐baked cookie with airfryer‐dried quinoa flour. Due to the airfryer's superior airflow properties, it is possible to reduce drying and baking time by 50%. However, airfryer drying has been found to further improve functional properties compared to airfryer baking.