bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fuzzy system dynamic model for simulation of new rail track construction machine productivity in India
Authors: Rajesh M. R. , Patel D.A. , Lad V.H.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The utilization of the new track construction (NTC) machine in the dedicated freight corridor (DFC) project in India proved to be counterproductive due to various uncertain and dynamic factors. This study aims to develop the model and simulate the productivity of the NTC machine considering system dynamic factors encountered during the construction phase of the project.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs a fuzzy system dynamics (FSD) model to analyse the productivity of the NTC machine. Initially, 21 variables related to the construction productivity of equipment-intensive activities are identified using exploratory factor analysis (EFA). A stock-and-flow diagram is then developed to examine the interdependencies among these variables. The FSD model integrates hard relationships via mathematical formulas and soft relationships using fuzzy measures and integrals. The model’s structure and behaviour are validated through dimension consistency, structure verification and pattern verification tests.

Findings

The results indicate that key system variables, such as site restrictions, weather and site conditions, unscheduled breaks and functional range, significantly influence the productivity of the NTC machine. The study also indicates the importance of human expertise, operator’s experience and crew coordination skill as influencing system variables in equipment productivity.

Originality/value

This study provides insights in managing complex and dynamic factors affecting the productivity of the NTC machine used large-scale rail construction projects. This study offers a novel application of FSD to address productivity challenges of this special equipment in the new rail track construction projects.
Linking leader expectations to employee green creativity: the critical roles of green intellectual stimulation and capital
Authors: Peng Jian , Nie Qi , Hou Nan
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This research proposes that leader expectations for green creativity promote employee green creativity, as they guide leaders to provide green intellectual stimulation to employees. This relationship exists only when organizations provide sufficient green intellectual capital.

Design/methodology/approach

We obtained survey data from 241 employees and their leaders over three waves and conducted regression analyses.

Findings

Leader expectations for green creativity evoke leader green intellectual stimulation, which increases employee green creativity. Green intellectual capital strengthens the link between leader green intellectual stimulation and employee green creativity as well as the indirect linkage between leader expectations for green creativity and employee green creativity through leader green intellectual stimulation.

Practical implications

This research provides valuable insights into key strategies that organizations and leaders can use to promote employee green creativity, such as expressing expectations, facilitating intellectual stimulation, and providing intellectual capital.

Originality/value

This research advances the literature on leadership and employee green creativity by integrating Pygmalion theory and green intellectual capital theory.
Cross-modal congruency effects in online service settings: a telepresence – stereotype content perspective
Authors: Orth Ulrich R. , Meyer Caroline , Timm Jule , Reimers Felix , Bouzdine-Chameeva Tatiana
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to integrate research on multimodal congruency with the stereotype-content model to offer a novel explanation of why and when consumers respond favorably to vision-sound congruency in online service settings.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed methods approach included a field study (360° panoramic desktop-virtual tour of a winery) and a laboratory study (fully immersive virtual realtiy (VR) tour of a pub). The explanatory mechanism was tested through conditional process analyses, specifically, a custom-made serial mediation model where effects of cross-modal congruency were channeled through telepresence and warmth/competence with familiarity with the service provider included as a moderator. Category knowledge and involvement were included as controls. Study 2 additionally accounted for sensory olfactory and haptic information present in the consumer’s physical location.

Findings

Congruency between vision and sound positively influences consumer intention to visit the environment in person, to purchase online and to engage in positive word-of-mouth. These effects are channeled through enhanced feelings of telepresence as well as more favorable perceptions of service provider warmth. Congruency effects are robust in the presence of additional sensory input in the offline environment and across levels of involvement and knowledge but may depend on a consumer’s familiarity with the setting.

Research limitations/implications

The study offers a novel process explanation for how cross-modal congruency in online service settings influences consumer intention. Examining two specific sensory modalities and two service settings presents limitations.

Practical implications

The findings help service providers to better understand how perceptions of warmth and competence transmit cross-modal congruency effects, resulting in more favorable responses.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this work is among the first to adopt a stereotype-content and multimodal congruency perspective on consumer response to online service settings.
Evaluating staff training on the trauma model of psychosis and trauma-informed care in a CMHT
Authors: Gregory Polly , Colbert Susannah
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Links between trauma and psychosis have been well evidenced. Trauma has been proposed to underlie psychotic experiences, with the trauma model of psychosis suggesting psychotic experiences represent forms of trauma-related distress. As such, traumatic experiences can be seen symbolised in the content of psychosis experiences. Despite this, Community Mental Health Teams (CMHTs) predominantly operate within a medicalised model, where trauma and trauma-informed care are often neglected. Therefore, staff training was delivered on the trauma model of psychosis and trauma-informed care. This study aims to assess whether the training would improve knowledge and attitude in working with trauma and whether the training would improve staff recognition of the connections between the content of psychosis and previous trauma.

Design/methodology/approach

The training consisted of an online 1-h session, with measures of trauma-informed care (knowledge and attitude) and trauma-psychosis links (symbolism questionnaire) collected pre- and post-training. The training was open to all 115 staff in the CMHTs, 53 attended, however, only 23 completed both pre- and post-measures.

Findings

Wilcoxon signed-rank tests revealed significant differences in pre- and post-performance on both the trauma-informed care and symbolism questionnaire. Findings showed in this sample that the training improved knowledge and attitude in trauma-informed care and staff ability to recognise connections between trauma and psychotic experiences.

Originality/value

A novel symbolism questionnaire was designed for this evaluation. The findings extend the literature, as they show that staff were more accurate in recognising the specific underlying trauma to the psychosis content following training.
Buoyancy characteristic analysis and optimization of precast concrete slab track during casting process of self-compacting concrete
Authors: Wang Pengsong , Xin Tao , Chen Peng , Wang Sen , Cheng Di
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The precast concrete slab track (PST) has advantages of fewer maintenance frequencies, better smooth rides and structural stability, which has been widely applied in urban rail transit. Precise positioning of precast concrete slab (PCS) is vital for keeping the initial track regularity. However, the cast-in-place process of the self-compacting concrete (SCC) filling layer generally causes a large deformation of PCS due to the water-hammer effect of flowing SCC, even cracking of PCS. Currently, the buoyancy characteristic and influencing factors of PCS during the SCC casting process have not been thoroughly studied in urban rail transit.

Design/methodology/approach

In this work, a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model is established to calculate the buoyancy of PCS caused by the flowing SCC. The main influencing factors, including the inlet speed and flowability of SCC, have been analyzed and discussed. A new structural optimization scheme has been proposed for PST to reduce the buoyancy caused by the flowing SCC.

Findings

The simulation and field test results showed that the buoyancy and deformation of PCS decreased obviously after adopting the new scheme.

Originality/value

The findings of this study can provide guidance for the control of the deformation of PCS during the SCC construction process.
The artificial intelligence automation dilemma: lessons from recent labour disputes in Australia
Authors: Tenakwah Emmanuel Senior , Amankwaa Albert
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This paper aims to highlight the crucial role of strategic human resource management in addressing labour tensions that arise from the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation in contemporary workplaces. Effective approaches to managing technological transformation while maintaining positive labour relations are also discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws upon two labour dispute cases at supermarket giants, Woolworths and the aviation sector in Australia. The cases are analysed through the lens of strategic human resource management and discussed using previous studies, expert and industry insights.

Findings

This paper reveals that successful AI integration requires more than technological expertise – it also demands sophisticated people management strategies that can balance innovation with human concerns. To do so, there is a need for strategic workforce planning and AI integration, cultural transformation and change management, ethical considerations and worker well-being, balancing efficiency and human agency and leadership in AI transformation. Comprehensive strategy development, stakeholder engagement, governance structures and skills development are recommended for smooth AI integration in modern workplaces.

Originality/value

This paper uses two recent labour disputes in Australia to illuminate the critical role of strategic HR management in balancing AI integration with employee well-being and engagement. As AI and automation continue to reshape workplaces, technological transformation must serve both organisational objectives and worker interests. Lessons from this paper can guide future strategic HR approaches to AI integration in ways that promote sustainable and equitable workplace transformation.
Effect of corporate social responsibility-moderated digital marketing on small and medium enterprises performance in the emerging market
Authors: Thy Ngo Giang , Binh Tu Van , Duong Linh
Published: February 2025

Purpose

With the wide adoption of information and communication technologies globally, digital marketing (DM) has emerged as an important and influential role in the growth and development of firms. However, it remains unclear how small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in emerging markets that normally have limited digital technology resources can gain benefits from DM. Thus, this research aims to investigate how DM benefits SMEs in emerging markets.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the resource-based views (RBV) theory and a sample of 156,625 SMEs in Vietnam, this research uses statistical models and examines the performance of SMEs in terms of sales and productivity.

Findings

There is strong evidences that the sales and productivity performance of SMEs are positively affected by DM. Furthermore, there is evidence that corporate social responsibility plays an important role in moderating the influence of DM on SME performance.

Originality/value

This finding suggests that entrepreneurs should carefully consider using digital technologies to create DM strategies. This result also encourages local policymakers to invest more in digital technology and boost the growth of SMEs.
Frontline Staff and Trainer Perspectives on Implementing and Adhering to Positive Behaviour Support in Intellectual Disabilities Care: A Mixed‐Methods Study
Authors: Bruinsma Eke , de Bildt Annelies A. , Hoekstra Pieter J. , de Kuijper Gerda M. , van den Hoofdakker Barbara J.
Published: February 2025

Background

We aimed to identify key factors in implementing and adhering to positive behaviour support (PBS), provided by frontline staff, targeting challenging behaviours of people with intellectual disabilities living in residential group homes.

Method

Using semi‐structured interviews with 12 frontline staff members, we collected perspectives on a PBS training that they received. In two separate focus groups with nine frontline staff members and nine PBS trainers, we discussed factors perceived to influence PBS implementation and adherence. Hybrid coding and thematic analysis were employed.

Results

Frontline staff were positive about the content of the training and noticed improvements in challenging behaviours of the people they cared for. Key factors for implementation and adherence included organisation‐wide embedding of PBS, management support, motivating staff, clear documentation, regular evaluations, and additional training sessions.

Conclusions

This study provides valuable insights for the implementation of and adherence to frontline staff‐provided PBS.
The Effect of Early‐Initiated Half‐Swaddling and Kangaroo Care Practices on Maternal Sleep Quality and Postpartum Depression in Term Infants: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Küçükkaya Burcu , Cihangir Öztürk Tülay , Erginler Gonca , Temiz Mehtap , Erçel Özge
Published: February 2025

This study aimed to investigate the effects of half‐swaddling and kangaroo care practices early initiated in mothers of term babies on maternal sleep quality and postpartum depression. This study was prospective, four‐arm randomized controlled trial. This study was conducted in 136 mothers and term baby hospitalized in Trakya University Hospital between April 2023 and August 2024. Participants were randomly divided into four groups using computer program with 34 mothers in each group: control (A), half‐swaddling (B), kangaroo care (C), half‐swaddling, and kangaroo care (D). Starting, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 6th months, the data of all four groups were collected with the Questionnaire Form, Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Bonferroni and multiple linear regression (MLR) were used for advanced statistics. C and D groups had more positive effects on depression, while B and D groups had more positive effects on maternal sleep quality (p < 0.001). The combination of half‐swaddling and kangaroo care practices early initiated in term babies has a significant effect on reducing the risk of postpartum depression, and half‐swaddling practice has an important effect on improving maternal sleep quality.

Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT06348316
Patrimonio cultural para todos: una experiencia turística de inclusión e inmersión total
Authors: Rodríguez González David
Published: February 2025

Este trabajo tiene como objetivo ampliar las conclusiones obtenidas de una experiencia previa con un conjunto más amplio de recursos culturales. La acción inicial se centró en la dotación de sistemas innovadores y de experiencias de visualización 3D a un bien patrimonial de Castilla-La Mancha, el yacimiento visitable Motilla del Azuer (Daimiel, Ciudad Real). Creemos que dichas labores y sus resultados pueden ser trasladados a la totalidad de la red de parques arqueológicos de esta comunidad autónoma. Estos enclaves tienen algunos sectores no restringidos para ciertos usuarios; por esto, implementar estos sistemas en ellos puede tener grandes beneficios. Otra dimensión de esta incipiente propuesta se centra en paliar los problemas derivados de la situación de estos enclaves en zonas de baja densidad poblacional, dotando de contenido cultural a zonas de turismo rural.
Finalmente, en este trabajo aportamos a la valoración inicial del impacto de estas acciones para que, de cara a la investigación, se puedan estimar algunas conclusiones iniciales sobre su beneficio.
An intrusive Gibbs sampling method for implementing the nonsynchronous measurements of microphone array
Authors: Xu Lingji , Zeng Fanchang , Antoni Jerome , Yu Liang , Wang Ran , Li Zhenglin , Jiang Weikang
Published: February 2025

The nonsynchronous measurements of microphone array are a powerful method for achieving large array or high microphone density by scanning the object from a sequential movement of a prototype array. It has attracted great interest recently because it is beyond the fundamental limitation of working frequency that is determined by the aperture and microphone density of an array. A crucial problem of nonsynchronous measurements is to recover the missing phase relation information between consecutive positions. The problem in traditional solution is generally attributed to the matrix completion problem of a block diagonal spectral matrix. In this paper, the issue has been investigated as a problem of solving a system of equations in the Bayesian formalism. The intrusive Gibbs sampling method is proposed to reconstruct the source in the equations. In the numerical simulations, convergence diagnosis of the Markov chain is illustrated through three approaches. Acoustical source reconstruction error is also discussed with respect to the frequency range, signal-to-noise ratio, measurement distances, and shift distance of sequential movement. The proposed method is exhibited to return similar results with the expectation maximization algorithm of nonsynchronous measurements. The effectiveness of the proposed method is also validated by experiments in a semi-anechoic chamber.
Deletion of the
chloroquine resistance transporter
gene confers reduced piperaquine susceptibility to the rodent malaria parasite
Plasmodium berghei
Authors: Hirai Makoto , Arai Meiji , Hayamichi Soki , Uchida Ayako , Sudo Megumi , Kubota Rie , Shinzawa Naoaki , Mita Toshihiro
Published: February 2025

Malaria parasites acquire drug resistance through genetic changes, the mechanisms of which remain incompletely understood. Understanding the mechanisms of drug resistance is crucial for the development of effective treatments against malaria, and for this purpose, new genetic tools are needed. In a previous study, as a forward genetic tool, we developed the rodent malaria parasite
Plasmodium berghei
mutator (PbMut) line, which has a greatly increased rate of mutation accumulation and from which we isolated a mutant with reduced susceptibility to piperaquine (PPQ). We identified a mutation in the
chloroquine resistance transporter
(PbCRT N331I) as responsible for this phenotype. In the current study, we generated a marker-free PbMut to enable further genetic manipulation of the isolated mutants. Here, we screened again for PPQ-resistant mutants in marker-free PbMut and obtained a parasite population with reduced susceptibility to PPQ. Of five isolated clones, none had the mutation PbCRT N331I; rather, they possessed a nonsense mutation at amino acid 119 (PbCRT Y119*), which would truncate the protein before eight of its ten predicted transmembrane domains. The PbCRT orthologue in the human malaria parasite
Plasmodium falciparum
, PfCRT, is an essential membrane transporter. To address the essentiality of PbCRT, we successfully deleted the full
PbCRT
gene [
PbCRT
(−)] from wild-type parasites.
PbCRT
(−) parasites exhibited reduced susceptibility to PPQ, along with compromised fitness in mice and following transmission to mosquitoes. Taken together, our findings provide the first evidence that
P. berghei
can acquire reduced PPQ susceptibility through complete loss of PbCRT function.
A phase I, single-center, randomized, open-label, three-period crossover study to evaluate the drug–drug interaction between ZSP1273 and oseltamivir in healthy Chinese subjects
Authors: Pang Yanqing , Li Haijun , Chen Xuemei , Cao Yingying , Jiang Hui , Huang Jufang , Liu Yiming
Published: February 2025

ZSP1273 is a novel small-molecule anti-influenza drug that targets the RNA polymerase PB2 subunit, while oseltamivir is the first-line medication that inhibits neuraminidase. ZSP1273 showed high efficacy against human influenza viruses both
in vitro
and
in vivo
, including oseltamivir-resistant strains
in vitro
. In future clinical applications, the combination of these two antiviral drugs with different mechanisms can reduce the potential for antiviral resistance that may arise from monotherapy. To evaluate the drug–drug interaction between ZSP1273 and oseltamivir by the pharmacokinetics and safety of co-administration in healthy subjects, a phase I, single-center, randomized, open-label, three-period crossover study was conducted. Thirty-six subjects enrolled were randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio into three crossover treatment sequences with oral administration detailed as follows: treatment A: ZSP1273 tablets 600 mg once daily (QD) for 5 days; treatment B: oseltamivir capsules 75 mg twice daily (BID) for 5 days; treatment C: ZSP1273 tablets 600 mg once daily (QD) + oseltamivir capsules 75 mg twice daily (BID) for 5 days. Plasma samples were collected from all subjects at scheduled time points after drug administration to measure the plasma concentrations of ZSP1273, oseltamivir, and its active metabolite oseltamivir carboxylate, for pharmacokinetic analysis. Compared with monotherapy, the geometric mean ratios (90% confidence intervals) of C
max,ss
, AUC
0-t,ss
, AUC
0-τ,ss
, and AUC
0-∞,ss
for ZSP1273 after co-administration were all within the ineffective boundary range of 80% to 125%, supporting that no drug–drug interaction occurs with ZSP1273. After co-administration, the AUC
0-t,ss
, AUC
0-τ,ss
, and AUC
0-∞,ss
of oseltamivir were all within 80% to 125%, while C
max,ss
decreased by 39.9%. The pharmacokinetic parameters above of oseltamivir carboxylate remained within 80%–125%, except only the lower bound of the 90% CI for C
max,ss
slightly below 80% (77.0%). Considering the rapid metabolism of oseltamivir into the active metabolite oseltamivir carboxylate and the minor impact of co-administration on the pharmacokinetic parameters of oseltamivir carboxylate, it is believed that no clinically significant drug–drug interaction was observed with the combination of these two drugs. During the trial, the safety and tolerability of both combination therapy and monotherapy were good, with no increased safety risks observed from the combination therapy.

CLINICAL TRIALS

This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov as
NCT05108051
.
In situ
structures of the contractile nanomachine myophage Mu in both its extended and contracted states
Authors: Zhou Junquan , Wang Liwen , Xiao Hao , Chen Wenyuan , Liu Zhonghua , Song Jingdong , Zheng Jing , Liu Hongrong
Published: February 2025

Myophage Mu is a representative of contractile nanomachines with a simple tail baseplate. It has the capacity to infect a range of intestinal bacteria and has extensive applications in genetic engineering research. Nevertheless, a comprehensive understanding of the entire structure and contractile mechanisms of Mu remains elusive. Using cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), we resolved the asymmetric structures of Mu in both its extended and contracted states, the latter of which lacked the tail baseplate, at near-atomic resolutions. We built the atomic models for the extended Mu, encompassing the head, the connector complex, the tail, and the simple baseplate. It is noteworthy that we identified the position and structure of the tail tube initiator protein gp43 (referred to as the DNA circularization protein). The protein gp43 plays a crucial role not only in the baseplate assembly and DNA circularization but also in stabilizing the wedge-hub connection and mediating tail contraction. Except for the baseplate structure, the structural comparison of Mu in its extended and contracted states revealed that only the tail sheath protein gp39 and the C-terminus of the tail terminator protein gp37 undergo notable conformational changes to accommodate the tail contraction, whereas the remaining protein components remained unchanged. Our structures exhibited conserved properties among the majority of myophages, thereby providing valuable insights into the contraction mechanisms across myophages and contractile injection systems (CISs).

IMPORTANCE

Despite extensive study, the asymmetric structures of phage Mu, a highly effective transposable myophage, remain unknown. In this study, we present the high-resolution structures of Mu in both its extended and contracted states. The comparison of the two structures allows for the illustration of detailed conformational changes of the head-to-tail complex during the process of tail contraction. The contraction mechanism of Mu is highly conserved and widely adapted to all contractile nanomachines that share common structural features with Mu.
Rationally minimizing natural product libraries using mass spectrometry
Authors: Ness Monica , Peramuna Thilini , Wendt Karen L. , Collins Jennifer E. , King Jarrod B. , Paes Raphaella , Santos Natalia Mojica , Okeke Crystal , Miller Cameron R. , Chakrabarti Debopam , Cichewicz Robert H. , McCall Laura-Isobel
Published: February 2025

Natural products are a critical source of novel chemotypes for drug discovery. However, the implementation of natural product extract libraries in high throughput screening is hampered by natural product structural redundancy and potential for bioactive re-discovery. This challenge and large library sizes drastically increase the time and cost during initial high throughput screens. To address these limitations, we developed a method that leverages liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry spectral similarity to dramatically reduce natural product library size, with minimal bioactive loss, and applied this to a collection of fungal extracts. Importantly, this method also afforded increased bioassay hit rates against microbial targets, with broad applicability across assays and natural product sources. Thus, this method offers a broadly applicable strategy for accelerated and cost-effective natural product drug discovery.

IMPORTANCE

Natural product libraries are large collections of extracts derived from fungi, plants, bacteria, or any other natural sources. These libraries play an important role in the initial phases of drug discovery, providing the basis for bioassays against a target of interest. However, these collections often comprise thousands of extracts with sometimes overlapping chemical structures, which can result in a bottleneck in both time and costs for the initial phases of drug discovery. Here, we have developed a method that uses mass spectrometry to dramatically reduce the size of these libraries, with minimal tradeoffs and improved success rates in bioassays. Ultimately, this will speed up the process of bioactive candidate identification and isolation, and drug development overall.
Context matters: assessing the impacts of genomic background and ecology on microbial biosynthetic gene cluster evolution
Authors: Salamzade Rauf , Kalan Lindsay R.
Published: February 2025

Encoded within many microbial genomes, biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) underlie the synthesis of various secondary metabolites that often mediate ecologically important functions. Several studies and bioinformatics methods developed over the past decade have advanced our understanding of both microbial pangenomes and BGC evolution. In this minireview, we first highlight challenges in broad evolutionary analysis of BGCs, including delineation of BGC boundaries and clustering of BGCs across genomes. We further summarize key findings from microbial comparative genomics studies on BGC conservation across taxa and habitats and discuss the potential fitness effects of BGCs in different settings. Afterward, recent research showing the importance of genomic context on the production of secondary metabolites and the evolution of BGCs is highlighted. These studies draw parallels to recent, broader, investigations on gene-to-gene associations within microbial pangenomes. Finally, we describe mechanisms by which microbial pangenomes and BGCs evolve, ranging from the acquisition or origination of entire BGCs to micro-evolutionary trends of individual biosynthetic genes. An outlook on how expansions in the biosynthetic capabilities of some taxa might support theories that open pangenomes are the result of adaptive evolution is also discussed. We conclude with remarks about how future work leveraging longitudinal metagenomics across diverse ecosystems is likely to significantly improve our understanding on the evolution of microbial genomes and BGCs.
Role of anti-diabetic medications in the management of MASLD
Authors: Isaacs Scott D , Farrelly Fiona V , Brennan Paul N
Published: February 2025

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) poses a significant global health challenge due to its rising prevalence and strong association with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). Effective management requires a comprehensive approach, emphasising aggressive treatment of obesity and T2D. While lifestyle modifications remain central, anti-diabetic medications such as pioglitazone, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, the dual glucagon-like peptide-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor agonist tirzepatide, and sodium-glucose transporter 2 inhibitors have demonstrated benefits in improving liver parameters and slowing disease progression. These medications not only improve glycaemic control but also reduce hepatic steatosis, liver enzyme levels, and inflammation, with some potential to address fibrosis. Additionally, they offer cardiovascular benefits, which are important for patients with MASLD at heightened cardiovascular risk. However, the histological benefits of metformin and the effects of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors and sulfonylureas remain unclear. Insulin therapy has been shown to reduce hepatic steatosis and improve liver enzyme levels, though its impact on fibrosis is not well documented. A multifaceted treatment strategy targeting metabolic, hepatic and cardiovascular health is essential for effectively managing MASLD and preventing its progression to advanced liver disease.
Challenge of missing data in observational studies: investigating cross-sectional imputation methods for assessing disease activity in axial spondyloarthritis
Authors: Georgiadis Stylianos , Pons Marion , Rasmussen Simon , Hetland Merete Lund , Linde Louise , di Giuseppe Daniela , Michelsen Brigitte , Wallman Johan K , Olofsson Tor , Zavada Jakub , Glintborg Bente , Loft Anne G , Codreanu Catalin , Melim Daniel , Almeida Diogo , Provan Sella Aarrestad , Kvien Tore K , Rantalaiho Vappu , Peltomaa Ritva , Gudbjornsson Bjorn , Palsson Olafur , Rotariu Ovidiu , MacDonald Ross , Rotar Ziga , Pirkmajer Katja Perdan , Lass Karin , Iannone Florenzo , Ciurea Adrian , Østergaard Mikkel , Ørnbjerg L M
Published: February 2025

Objectives

We aimed to compare various methods for imputing disease activity in longitudinally collected observational data of patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).

Methods

We conducted a simulation study on data from 8583 axSpA patients from ten European registries. Disease activity was assessed by the Axial Spondyloarthritis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) and the corresponding low disease activity (LDA; ASDAS<2.1) state at baseline, 6 and 12 months. We focused on cross-sectional methods which impute missing values of an individual at a particular time point based on the available information from other individuals at that time point. We applied nine single and five multiple imputation methods, covering mean, regression and hot deck methods. The performance of each imputation method was evaluated via relative bias and coverage of 95% confidence intervals for the mean ASDAS and the derived proportion of patients in LDA.

Results

Hot deck imputation methods outperformed mean and regression methods, particularly when assessing LDA. Multiple imputation procedures provided better coverage than the corresponding single imputation ones. However, none of the evaluated methods produced unbiased estimates with adequate coverage across all time points, with performance for missing baseline data being worse than for missing follow-up data. Predictive mean and weighted predictive mean hot deck imputation procedures consistently provided results with low bias.

Conclusions

This study contributes to the available methods for imputing disease activity in observational research. Hot deck imputation using predictive mean matching exhibited the highest robustness and is thus our suggested approach.
Intelligent Classroom Environment: Application of Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence in English Teaching
Authors: Tong Qin , Liu Shacheng
Published: February 2025

Due to the continuous development of Internet of Things (IoT) technology and the increasingly stringent teaching standards in universities, educational institutions are increasingly using multimedia in their lesson plans. In today’s classrooms, however, there have been no major changes in curriculum content and teachers’ teaching practices have not eliminated traditional models of skill development. In this environment, intelligent multimedia English classroom teaching using the Internet of Things came into being. Therefore, the Multimedia and IoT-Assisted Intelligent English Teaching Framework (MIoT-IETF) is proposed in this study to improve the stability of the system and enhance the personalized experience of students. Optimizing college English classrooms using intelligent multimedia and IoT is the main focus of this study, and the results of student test scores demonstrate the success of this strategy. The online system based on browser and server (B/S) architecture is the foundation of the system’s English teaching management platform. English teachers can easily access the platform’s monitoring data using the system’s diverse interface. One of the main roles of the English teaching management platform is to receive the data sent by the monitoring terminal based on the Internet of Things, process it, and then display the processing result page to the teacher. The experimental results show that the proposed model can find a reliable research idea for the current intelligent teaching in colleges and universities, and can greatly improve students’ learning performance and narrow the gap in classroom learning performance.
Identification of a senescence-associated transcriptional program in skeletal muscle of cachectic pancreatic-tumor bearing mice
Authors: Ducharme Jeremy B. , Carelock Madison E. , Schonk Martin M. , Al-Zaeed Nour M. , Zhang Weizhou , Judge Sarah M. , Judge Andrew R.
Published: February 2025

Cancer cachexia is the involuntary loss of body and skeletal muscle mass, which negatively impacts physical function, quality of life, treatment tolerance, and survival. Skeletal muscles of cachectic people and mice with pancreatic tumors also exhibit skeletal muscle damage, non-resolute immune cell infiltration, and impaired regeneration. These phenotypes may be influenced by the accumulation of senescent cells, which secrete factors detrimental to skeletal muscle health. However, there is currently no comprehensive research on senescent cell accumulation in skeletal muscle of tumor-bearing hosts, with or without chemotherapy. To address this gap, we cross-referenced the SenMayo panel of 125 senescence-related genes with our RNA-seq dataset in mouse skeletal muscle during the initiation and progression of cancer cachexia, which revealed a differential expression of 39 genes at pre-cachexia, 64 genes at cachexia onset, and 72 genes when cachexia is severe. Since p16 is a canonical marker of senescence, we subsequently orthotopically injected p16-tdTomato reporter mice with murine KPC pancreatic cancer cells and treated a subset of mice with chemotherapy. At experimental endpoint, when KPC treatment-naïve mice were cachectic, we observed an increased accumulation of p16+ cells, along with increased mRNA levels of hallmark senescence markers ( Cdkn1a/p21, Cdkn2a/p16, Glb1/senescent-associated-β-galactosidase), which were exacerbated by chemotherapy. Lastly, we demonstrate an increase in CDKN1A/p21 in the muscle of cachectic patients with pancreatic cancer, which associated with cachexia severity. These findings suggest that senescent cells accumulate in skeletal muscle of cachectic pancreatic tumor-bearing hosts and that chemotherapy can exacerbate this accumulation.
Predicted Risk of Ventricular Arrhythmias in a Genome-First Population With Genetic Risk for Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Carruth Eric D. , Murray Brittney , Tichnell Crystal , Young Katelyn , Calkins Hugh , James Cynthia A. , Haggerty Christopher M.
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND:

Population genomic screening for desmosome variants associated with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) may facilitate early disease detection and protective intervention. The validated ARVC risk calculator offers a novel means to risk stratify individuals with diagnosed ARVC, but predicted risk in the context of genomic screening identification has not been explored.

METHODS:

Individuals harboring a pathogenic/likely pathogenic variant in a desmosome gene (
PKP2
,
DSP
,
DSG2
, or
DSC2
) were identified through the Geisinger MyCode Genomic Screening and Counseling program. The ARVC risk calculator was applied to patients with a subsequent evaluation of right ventricular function. This predicted risk was compared with outcomes in the first 5 years (range, 0.3–5.0 years) after genetic result return.

RESULTS:

Of 254 individuals with a clinically confirmed pathogenic/likely pathogenic desmosome variant, 113 (median age, 56 [interquartile range, 42–66]; 71% female) had cardiac imaging in follow-up and no prior sustained ventricular arrhythmia (VA). Eighty-two (73%) had no ARVC task force criteria (TFC) besides the variant (possible diagnosis), 22 (19%) had a single additional minor criterion (borderline diagnosis), and 9 (8%) met criteria for definite diagnosis. The median 5-year predicted VA risk was 3.9% (2.3%–6.6%), notably lower than that of the calculator derivation cohort (20.6%). The risk of fast VA was 1.6% (1.0%–2.9%). The predicted VA risk was higher in individuals with any nongenetic ARVC task force criteria (6.3% [2.5–13.2%]) versus those without (3.7% [2.2–5.6%];
P
=0.01), and in individuals with
DSP
variants (6.1% [3.9–7.8%] versus
PKP2
3.4% [2.2–5.3%];
P
=0.01). Over a median 3.0 years of follow-up (≤5 years only), no sustained VA events were observed in this cohort.

CONCLUSIONS:

The predicted 5-year risk of VA in individuals ascertained via population genomic screening for desmosome variants is low (3.9%; 1.6% for fast VA) but may vary by affected gene and ARVC task force criteria burden.
Left Ventricular Entry to Reduce Brain Lesions During Catheter Ablation: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Marcus Gregory M. , Tung Roderick , Gerstenfeld Edward P. , Hue Trisha F. , Lin Feng , Cheng Jing , Weiss J. Peter , Tzou Wendy S. , Hsia Henry , Ehdaie Ashkan , Cooper Daniel H. , Bunch T. Jared , Arkles Jeffrey , Nazer Babak , Lee Adam , Hadjis Alexios , Nguyen Duy T. , Chelu Mihail G. , Moss Joshua , Hsu Jonathan C. , Valderrábano Miguel , Bhave Prashant D. , Beaser Andrew D. , Kanagasundram Arvindh , Wazni Oussama , Bradfield Jason , Wall Grace , Chang Kathleen , Yang Michelle , Montenegro Gabrielle , Jarrott Sabrina , Kramer Joel H. , Kim Anthony S. , Morris Yvonne M. , Dillon William P.
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND:

Catheter ablation of ventricular arrhythmias, one of the most rapidly growing procedures in cardiac electrophysiology, is associated with magnetic resonance imaging–detected brain lesions in more than half of cases. Although a retrograde aortic approach is conventional, modern tools enable entry through a transseptal approach that may avoid embolization of debris from the arterial system. We sought to test the hypothesis that a transseptal puncture would mitigate brain injury compared with a retrograde aortic approach.

METHODS:

The TRAVERSE trial (Transseptal Versus Retrograde Aortic Ventricular Entry to Reduce Systemic Emboli) was a multicenter randomized controlled comparative effectiveness trial. Patients with left ventricular arrhythmias undergoing catheter ablation procedures were randomly assigned to a transseptal puncture approach compared (1:1) with a retrograde aortic approach. The primary outcome was the presence of an acute brain lesion detected by magnetic resonance imaging. Secondary outcomes included clinically manifest complications, procedural efficacy, and 6-month neurocognitive assessments.

RESULTS:

Among the 62 patients randomly assigned to a retrograde aortic approach with postoperative brain magnetic resonance imaging, 28 (45%) exhibited an acute brain lesion compared with 19 of the 69 (28%) of those randomized to a transseptal puncture (
P
=0.036). No differences in clinically manifest complications or procedural efficacy were observed. More patients in the retrograde aortic arm were categorized as having a high likelihood of cognitive impairment at 6 months (33% compared with 19% of those in the transseptal arm), but substantial loss to follow-up was present.

CONCLUSIONS:

Among patients undergoing left ventricular catheter ablation procedures, a transseptal approach reduced the risk of acute brain lesions by nearly half compared with a retrograde aortic approach without sacrificing safety or efficacy. Given a likely embolic pathogenesis, the brain magnetic resonance imaging findings may reflect a propensity to other organ damage; these findings may extend to other procedures requiring left ventricular entry.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT03946072
Artificial Intelligence to Enhance Precision Medicine in Cardio-Oncology: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association
Authors: Khera Rohan , Asnani Aarti H. , Krive Jacob , Addison Daniel , Zhu Han , Vasbinder Alexi , Fleming Matthew R. , Arnaout Rima , Razavi Pedram , Okwuosa Tochukwu M. ,   on behalf of the American Heart Association Cardio-Oncology and Data Science and Precision Medicine Committees of the Council on Clinical Cardiology and Council on Genomic and Precision Medicine; Council on Cardiovascular Radiology and Intervention; and Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing
Published: February 2025

Artificial intelligence is poised to transform cardio-oncology by enabling personalized care for patients with cancer, who are at a heightened risk of cardiovascular disease due to both the disease and its treatments. The rising prevalence of cancer and the availability of multiple new therapeutic options has resulted in improved survival among patients with cancer and has expanded the scope of cardio-oncology to not only short-term but also long-term cardiovascular risks resulting from both cancer and its treatments. However, there is considerable heterogeneity in cardiovascular risk, driven by the nature of the malignancy as well as each individual’s unique characteristics. The use of novel therapies, such as targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors, across multiple cancer groups has also broadened the populations among which cardiotoxicity has become an important consideration of therapy. Therefore, the ability to understand and personalize cardiovascular risk management in patients with cancer is a key target for artificial intelligence, which can deduce and respond to complex patterns within the data. These advances necessitate an overview of established biomarkers of risk, spanning advanced imaging, diagnostic testing, and multi-omics, the evidence supporting their use, and the proven and proposed role of artificial intelligence in refining this risk to attain greater precision in risk prediction and management in cardio-oncologic care.
Nonbacterial Respiratory Pathogens Following the Easing of COVID-19 Restrictive Measures
Authors: Yang Ying , Li Huamei , Liu Yujie , Hua Chunzhen
Published: February 2025

Nonbacterial respiratory pathogens are major acute respiratory infection (ARI) agents in children. We aimed to characterize the epidemiological changes in 11 common nonbacterial pathogens after easing COVID-19 restrictions in Zhejiang, China, to guide prevention and treatment. A retrospective study was conducted on children with ARIs at Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine in 2023, and epidemiological characteristics were analyzed for gender, age, month, sampling method, and immune status. In total, 59.48% of the children identified pathogens, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae ranked first. Various pathogens showed new features regarding detection rates, seasonal patterns, and susceptible populations. The host age, onset time, sampling method, and immunity status affected the mixed infection rate and unusual coinfection pairs emerged. The epidemiology of respiratory pathogens among children in Zhejiang has changed with local characteristics, and possible preventive actions are needed.
Are Forced Migrant Trajectories Path-Dependent? A Markov Analysis
Authors: Haller Liam
Published: February 2025

This study evaluates whether the trajectories of forced migrants, specifically Syrian refugees moving towards Germany, exhibit path dependency—meaning that their migration decisions are influenced by past events and their previous migration experiences. Using data from the IAB-BAMF-SOEP survey of refugees, this article investigates whether these migration trajectories adhere to a Markov process, where the likelihood of future migrations depends solely on the current state. By employing global and local Markov score tests, the article systematically tests the Markov assumption across different migration routes, focusing on Turkey, Lebanon, and Egypt as transit countries. The findings indicate that shorter, reactive migrations from Syria to Lebanon and Turkey exhibit path dependency, meaning their likelihood is influenced by recent events. Conversely, longer, logistically complex migrations, such as from Syria to Egypt and from transit countries to Germany, adhere to the Markov property, suggesting path independence. This distinction highlights the impact of route difficulty and destination accessibility on migration behaviors. The implications of the findings are also significant for the use of the Markov property in computational models of migration. Researchers should exercise caution when applying the Markov assumption indiscriminately across different migration contexts, as its validity can vary based on external factors such as policy changes and route accessibility.