bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role OfFzd8For Bone Development And Homeostasis In A Mouse Model Generated By CRISPR/Cas9 Genome Editing
Authors: Lin Zhengkun , He Jianquan , Huang Hui , Lin Xiaomei , Chen Heqing , Zhang Wen , Chen Jian
Published: January 2025

Background

FZD8could be a promising therapeutic target in osteoporosis (OP), although the signal transduction mechanism in OP regardingFZD8has not been completely elucidated.

Aims

We used the CRISPR/Cas9 technique to develop anFzd8-knockout mouse model to study whetherFzd8inactivation results in genetic changes with potential correlations to OP.

Materials and Methods

Genotypes of distinguished classified knockout mice, i.e., heterozygous, homozygous, and wild-type were identified through PCR. Applying the murine model, third generation mice were used for the downstream experiments. We investigated the potential relevance of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in OP.

Results

We found that osteoclasts significantly increased inFzd8-knockout homozygous mice, compared to wild-type mice, while osteoblasts reduced significantly. Before transcription, heterozygous and homozygous mice possessed DEGs related to exons SNP, which are associated with exons CNV. After transcription, DEGs related to exons SNP in heterozygous and homozygous mice were observed, some of which are potentially associated with OP based on pathway and gene set enrichment analyses.

Conclusions

OurFzd8-knockout murine model showed that there were significant alternations inFzd10andLtagene expressions andItgb3 and RANKprotein expressions among the wild-type and homozygous mice, which are significantly associated with bone remodeling. Our results revealed thatFZD8could be a therapeutic target in OP. This study elucidates the molecular mechanisms in OP, providing evidence-based data for OP drug development and treatment.
Considerations on broadband policy in Brazil: a case study of overlapping programs
Authors: Paula Roger Souza de , Fraidenraich Gustavo
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This paper aims to present an overview of the current Brazilian broadband policy and identify the key factors that could contribute to its successful implementation and avoid duplication of support and infrastructure and save public money.

Design/methodology/approach

First, an exhaustive survey was carried out on all broadband programs active in Brazil, listing the main objectives, beneficiaries and budget. As a qualitative and quantitative method, FODG (fragmentation, overlap, duplication and gaps) analysis was applied to the 17 programs identified, and then a case study of overlapping was presented. Finally, the Monte Carlo simulation was used to estimate the potential financial benefits resulting from correcting the overlapping broadband programs.

Findings

Results show that the current broadband policy implemented in Brazil has signs of fragmentation, overlap and duplication between programs and a great focus on the dimensions of deployment and universalization of broadband service, to the detriment of those related to meaningful communication.

Research limitations/implications

The scarcity and incongruity of panel data are the main research limitations for a more extensive comparative study.

Practical implications

The findings indicate the need to implement a national broadband strategy with a long-term vision, instrumentalized in a plan, and multisectoral and interfederative coordination based on efficient planning.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper to compare broadband programs in Brazil from various perspectives of public policy and estimate financial benefits using a mathematical model.
How can economic development and carbon reduction in commercial buildings be reconciled? Evidence from Chinese cities
Authors: Liu Qiqi , Peng Ming , Cai Weiguang , Yang Liu , Liu Shiying
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Clarifying the relationship between building carbon emissions and economic development can help sustainable construction in the field of construction, and this paper provides a constructive suggestion for ensuring economic development while realizing energy efficiency and emission reduction in buildings.

Design/methodology/approach

The study focuses on the building sector and firstly analyzes the complex relationship between economic agglomeration (EA) and carbon emission intensity (CEI) of commercial buildings at the city level through the spatial Durbin model and the threshold effect model, and then discusses the regional heterogeneity of this complex relationship from the dimensions of economic density and climate zones, respectively, and finally analyzes in depth the intrinsic influencing mechanism of EA on the CEI of commercial buildings.

Findings

The authors found that (1) there is an inverted U-shaped nonlinear relationship between EA and CEI of commercial buildings, and the inflection point of the EA level is 2.42, i.e. 1.125 bn RMB/km2. (2) Significant regional differences exist in the inverted U-shaped relationship for cities with different economic densities and cities in different climate zones. (3) EA mainly affects the CEI of commercial buildings through externalities such as commercial building size and tertiary industry share, of which commercial building size is the most important factor hindering the decoupling of urban economic development from the CEI of commercial buildings.

Originality/value

This paper discusses for the first time the relationship between economic development and carbon emissions at the city level and clarifies the spatial differences and influencing mechanism of this relationship, providing a fuller reference for policymakers to develop differentiated building energy efficiency and emission reduction strategies.
Quantitative insights into collaboration in BIM-enabled projects: a PLS-SEM approach
Authors: Oraee Mehran , Hosseini M. Reza , Edwards David J.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a quantified model for influential factors in the collaboration process in Building Information Modelling (BIM). BIM-based Construction Networks (BbCNs), which comprise teams of specialist organisations engaged to execute BIM-related activities, have become the centrepiece of collaboration in construction projects. In BbCNs, however, a lack of effective collaboration among teams remains a major barrier to receiving the full benefits of BIM. Despite this importance, the role of influential factors in collaboration in BbCNs has remained somewhat esoteric in nature in various previous studies, in which the present study attempts to address this gap.

Design/methodology/approach

To develop the quantified model for collaboration in BbCNs, primary empirical data was collected from a questionnaire survey of BIM experts in the construction industry. This data was subsequently analysed through the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) technique using SmartPLS software as a viable and robust package for PLS-SEM analysis.

Findings

Quantification of associations to collaboration in BbCNs reveals that unlike the common beliefs espoused in previous studies on collaboration in BbCNs, the lack of BIM-related tools and technologies is no longer the key concern of effective collaboration in BbCNs. Instead, ethical and managerial factors including “ethical approaches”, “liabilities” and “BIM manager role” were found to be in need of more attention for effective collaboration in BbCNs.

Practical implications

Through presenting the first quantified model for collaboration in BbCNs, findings provide a point of reference for practitioners for coaching and managing teams. So too, the findings can be translated into a set of guiding principles for the world of practice for enhancing collaboration in BbCNs.

Originality/value

This paper makes a significant contribution to the field by quantifying the factors that impact collaboration within BbCNs settings. It meticulously assesses the degree of influence wielded by these factors and provides empirical numerical evidence to demonstrate that the lack of BIM tools and software is comparatively less concerning in fostering collaboration within BbCNs when contrasted with human-related factors. This original contribution surpasses prior qualitative evaluations by introducing a systematic framework for ranking and comparing other influential factors, thereby advancing relevant theoretical constructs into the realm of quantitative analysis.
Double standards in roadshows: the impact of investors’ dynamic gender-based bias on the financing performance of women entrepreneurs
Authors: Zhang Qian , Chen Sirui
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Accelerators and roadshows provide valuable scenarios for studying the embeddedness and dynamic effect of gender. Drawing on status theory and signaling theory, the study explores how investors’ implicit bias and the cohort effects in roadshows affect financing performance regarding investor drivers.

Design/methodology/approach

Experiment 1 recruited 220 financial practitioners in China and asked them to make investment judgments on two actual pitching materials of women- and men-led startups in the Internet health industry after manipulating past funding scenarios. Experiment 2 considers project-specific features to invite 211 Chinese financial practitioners to read the roadshow materials of women- or men-led startups in the Internet health or children’s education industry. Experiment 3 adopts the health monitoring and clothing manufacturing industries’ roadshow materials to recruit 238 financial practitioners in the United States (US) for the study.

Findings

Findings show that (1) women are at a financing disadvantage in the roadshows, (2) investors’ double standards reduce women entrepreneurs’ financing performance and (3) the mediating effect of double standards is moderated by the financing performance of women or men entrepreneurs that investors have approached in past investment activities.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the gender gap and accelerator literature by combining status theory and signaling theory to study the dynamic and embeddedness of entrepreneur gender effects in roadshows from investor drivers. The findings inform the participation of women entrepreneurs in accelerators, the selection of potential investors, and shifting investors’ perceptions toward women entrepreneurs at the early financing stage.
Research on the influence of technological innovation on regional economic growth based on neural network in Shaanxi, China
Authors: Li Xiaotong , Su Wei
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The study aims to measure the contribution rate of scientific and technological progress of Shaanxi province and find out the main driving force of its economic development, which has important reference significance for formulating and implementing the economic and social development strategy of Shaanxi Province and other regions.

Design/methodology/approach

By comparing and referring to the advantages and disadvantages of existing research methods, this paper combined C-D production function and Solow residual method to calculate the elastic coefficient through neural network algorithm, and then calculated the contribution rate of technological innovation to economic growth in Shaanxi province as a whole and in various regions, analyzed and put forward reasonable suggestions.

Findings

The results show that the economic growth is mainly depends on capital investment, and the contribution rate of technological innovation to economic growth is low and fluctuates greatly. In the future, each region of Shaanxi should improve the ability of technological innovation to speed up the economic transformation to the intensive type.

Originality/value

To make the technological innovation in Shaanxi province and other regions play a more significant role in promoting economic growth and accelerate the productivity and economic transformation of Shaanxi Province, the following suggestions are put forward, strengthen the coordinated development of innovation and economy in all regions of Shaanxi. Second, this paper need to give full play to the role of policy support and incentives. Third, this paper need to improve the market system and vigorously support enterprise innovation. Fourth, use new and high technology to transform and upgrade industrial technology. Fifth, this paper need to speed up the development of high-quality personnel.
Pet-friendly hotels: distinctive attributes and their influence on customer behavior
Authors: Kim Jinkyung Jenny , Baah Nancy Grace , Kim Seongseop (Sam) , Han Heesup , Meng Bo , Chi Xiaoting
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to determine the distinctive attributes of pet-friendly hotels, examine the importance versus the performance of each attribute, and test the effect of the performance of attributes on customer behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

This research applied qualitative and quantitative methods to explore the unique attributes of pet-friendly hotels. The importance-performance analysis was used to investigate how customers perceive the importance and the performance of each attribute, and regression analysis was used to examine how the performance of attributes influences customer behavior.

Findings

This study identified six distinctive attributes of pet-friendly hotels. Furthermore, the findings underlined the significance of pet-related activity support for pet-friendly hotel selections, and addressed an urgent need for the improvement of pet-friendly safety measures. Last, results showed the salient effect of pet-related activity support on visit and word-of-mouth intentions, and the strong influence of pet-centric facilities and services on willingness to pay premiums for pet-friendly hotels.

Practical implications

The findings provided useful insights into how hotel companies could effectively position themselves as pet-friendly from customers’ perspectives.

Originality/value

This research is among the first to determine distinctive attributes and adopt importance-performance analysis in pet-friendly hotel context.
Tracing the impact of COVID-19 on hospitality and tourism: a comprehensive bibliometric analysis across pandemic phases
Authors: Lee Jongwon , Park Jihye , Park Jeong-Yeol , Back Robin M.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study presents a bibliometric analysis of hospitality and tourism literature related to the COVID-19 pandemic, categorizing the pandemic into five phases: inception, growth, maturity, endemic and new normal.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the Web of Science database, 2,485 publications from Q1 and Q2 journals of the SCImago Journal and Country Rank, published from January 2020 to July 2024, were analyzed. Advanced bibliometric techniques, including co-word analysis and structural topic modeling, were employed to trace research trends and theoretical frameworks.

Findings

The study identifies key publications, authors and affiliations. It also highlights evolving research themes across different pandemic phases. The analysis reveals a dynamic shift from immediate impacts to recovery, resilience and sustainability. The study also discusses the diverse theoretical approaches used to understand pandemic-related behaviors, emphasizing the importance of health and risk theories.

Practical implications

Findings point to ways in which businesses may adapt and diversify their business models to be more resilient to future health-related crises. The findings further emphasize the importance of promoting sustainable and responsible tourism practices, as well as supporting employee well-being.

Originality/value

The findings offer valuable insights for future research and practical implications for the hospitality and tourism sectors in preparing for potential future pandemics by reviewing the entire progress of the pandemic.
Examining the mental health consequences of childhood sexual abuse and intimate partner sexual violence in China: a brief review
Authors: Li Eleanor Manhong , Willmott Dominic , Trivedi-Bateman Neema
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Sexual violence has a profound impact on victim-survivors across the world, and these consequences extend beyond cultural boundaries. While the mental health consequences are well established across the Western world, less is known about the impact on victims in China. This is somewhat surprising given the size of the population. The purpose of this study is, therefore, to provide a rapid review of existing studies that have investigated mental health outcomes for victim-survivors of sexual violence in China.

Design/methodology/approach

In this brief review paper, the authors conduct and provide a thematic synthesis and scrutiny of evidence surrounding two rarely reported yet common types of sexual violence experienced by victim-survivors in China, intimate partner sexual violence and childhood sexual abuse, examining the impact on survivor mental health.

Findings

Taken together, studies show wide-ranging and severe psychological consequences, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, personality and identity difficulties and suicidal attempts and ideations.

Originality/value

The unique cultural traditions that appear to exacerbate victim-survivor abuse experiences, non-disclosure practices and mental health outcomes are also identified and considered with future interventions in mind.
Visual assessment for frontal sinus radiographic identifications: Documenting accuracy and exploring the effects of experience
Authors: Butaric Lauren N. , Campbell Jessica L. , Garvin Heather M.
Published: January 2025

Decedent positive identification via visual comparisons of frontal sinus radiographs is commonly used in the medicolegal field; however, only a handful of studies have empirically tested this method. This study aimed to test the accuracy of visual assessment in frontal sinus identifications across a large and experientially diverse participant sample. A Qualtrics survey presented participants with 25 pairs of cropped frontal sinus radiographs, asking them to determine if they matched and their confidence level. Radiographs were from the American Association of Orthodontics Legacy Collection. Eighteen radiographic pairs were of the same individual taken a year or more apart. Seven pairs were from different individuals (nonmatches). Euclidean distances were used to select challenging nonmatches with similar outlines. Participants were also asked questions about their profession, training, and experience. The overall accuracy of the 145 respondents (3625 comparisons) was 89.9%, with a median accuracy of 92.0%. The majority of respondents (64.58%) report zero radiographic identification experience. Incorrect responses were biased, with only 3.6% of nonmatches wrongly reported as matches (false positives). Statistical analyses revealed significant effects of profession, radiographic experience, and training on match accuracies and confidence levels (p < 0.05), with a significant correlation between accuracy and confidence level (rs = 0.302, p < 0.001). These results support the use of frontal sinus visual comparisons in forensic identifications but highlight the importance of training and experience. In practice, accuracy rates are expected to exceed those reported here, given that identifications are made by medicolegal personnel using higher quality radiographs of the entire cranium.
Children exposed to family and domestic violence perpetrated against their mother are at an increased risk of emergency department attendance in childhood
Authors: Orr Carol , Sims Scott , Fisher Colleen M , O'Donnell Melissa , Glauert Rebecca A , Preen David B
Published: January 2025

Objective

To determine the association between family and domestic violence (FDV) exposure and ED attendance in Australian children.

Methods

The present study comprised a population‐based retrospective cohort study using deidentified linked administrative data of children born 1987–2010, in Western Australia (n = 58 352). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards modelling was used to estimate the association of FDV exposure with ED attendance. Estimates are presented as adjusted and unadjusted hazard ratios (HR) with Wald 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

Children exposed to FDV had a 35% (HR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.32–1.38) increased risk of ED attendance than non‐exposed children. Following model adjustment for sociodemographic and clinical characteristics a statistically significant increased risk of 21% (HR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.18–1.23) was observed in FDV‐exposed children compared to their non‐exposed counterparts. When stratified by Aboriginal status, an increased risk for ED attendance was observed in both Aboriginal and non‐Aboriginal children exposed to FDV, when compared to non‐exposed counterparts (aHR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.11–1.16; aHR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.37–1.47, respectively).

Conclusions

Exposure to FDV is associated with an increased risk of ED attendance in childhood. The findings add to the limited literature providing further support that FDV exposure impacts children's health service utilisation and further supports that children's exposure to FDV as an area of public health concern. Attendance at the ED presents an opportunity for intervention.
Dry ice sublimation: A computational study with experimental validation for the effects of geometry
Authors: Erdogdu Ferruh , Hafner Kimberly , Altin Ozan , Karatas Ozan , Boz Ziynet , Welt Bruce A.
Published: January 2025

Dry ice is one of the world's most in‐demand commodities for cold‐chain distribution of temperature‐sensitive products. It offers an effective cooling solution without requiring mechanical refrigeration or specialized equipment. Dry ice is commonly produced as pellets and blocks. A widely used “rule of thumb” suggests that dry ice sublimates about 3%–8% per day. Mass of dry ice is typically the only packaging specification and/or regulatory limitation, even though sublimation rate is highly dependent on geometry. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to develop and validate a computational model for the sublimation process and to elucidate effects of geometry and orientation on dry ice sublimation. Experiments on sublimation of dry ice blocks were carried out and used to validate a multi‐physics model involving radiation and convection heat transfer, computational fluid dynamics, and changes in the geometrical features. Following model validation, effects of dry ice geometry on sublimation rates were evaluated. Volume‐to–surface area ratio was found to be a significant sublimation cooling performance parameter. Results showed that for the same mass, the rate of sublimation in the form of a sphere (high volume‐to–surface area ratio) was almost half that of dry ice in the form of a block (lower volume‐to–surface area ratio). This finding enhances our understanding of dry ice sublimation and cooling, which promises to help to improve practical cold‐chain maintenance.
Program temperature‐controlled drying: An effective way to improve the quality of hot‐air dried shiitake mushrooms
Authors: Liu Zhenbin , Luo Jia , Chitrakar Bimal , Liu Wenchao , Wang Dong , E Hengchao , Sun Zhenying , Li Hongbo , Wei Xinyu , Hu Liangbin , Zhang Jiayi , Mo Haizhen , Weng Rui
Published: January 2025

This study applied program temperature‐controlled drying (PTCD) to optimize the hot‐air drying process for shiitake mushrooms, adjusting the drying temperature based on activity changes of γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase (γ‐GTase) and cysteine sulfoxide lyase (C‐S lyase). Compared with constant temperature drying, PTCD (ST_75 and ST_150) significantly enhanced the umami and aroma profiles and sulfur compounds, increasing the levels of key flavor compounds such as glutamic acid and 5′‐GMP. Moreover, PTCD improved rehydration capacity (515.17%) and reduced shrinkage (12.43%) for ST_150 samples, achieving superior texture and color retention. Nutritional analysis indicated that PTCD better preserved nutrients such as ergothioneine, ergosterol, and purines, with ergosterol content reaching 9953.22 µg/g in the ST_150 group. This study provides theoretical support for improving the quality of hot‐air‐dried shiitake mushrooms in industrial applications.

Practical Application

Although hot air drying is widely used for mushrooms, it is typically conducted using constant temperature methods. The application of PTCD and its effects on mushroom product quality have been scarcely studied. This study proved that compared with constant drying temperature, PTCD could significantly improve the flavor, texture, and nutrition retention of dried products. This may provide scientific foundation for the industrial application of hot air drying of shiitake mushrooms with improved quality.
An innovative approach for lipid‐rich food preservation: peanut skin microcapsules
Authors: Bergesse Antonella Estefanía , Camiletti Ornella Francina , Prieto María Cecilia , Ryan Liliana Cecilia , Grosso Nelson Rubén , Nepote Valeria
Published: January 2025

This study evaluates the microencapsulation of peanut skin phenolic compounds by spray drying, assessing their physicochemical properties and storage stability and the protective effect against oxidative deterioration in walnut kernels. Extraction yield, total phenolic content, and HPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS analysis were performed on peanut skin crude extract (PCE). Microencapsulation of PCE with 10%, 20%, and 30% maltodextrin via spray drying was conducted. The drying yield, phenolic encapsulation efficiency, moisture content, morphology, particle size, and stability during dry storage (23°C) and in water (23 and 100°C) were assessed for the microcapsules. PCE contained 950.29 mg GAE/g of total polyphenolic compounds, primarily hydroxycinnamic acid‐derived phenolic acids and procyanidins. Microcapsules with 20% maltodextrin exhibited the best properties (drying yield, encapsulation efficiency, and stability). These microcapsules were incorporated into an edible chickpea‐based coating, which was applied to walnuts and stored at 40°C for 15 days. Peroxide value, conjugated dienes, volatile compounds, and fatty acid profile were analyzed on samples from storage. The chickpea‐based coating combined with PCE microcapsules effectively preserves walnut quality during storage, offering a viable and natural alternative to synthetic antioxidants such as BHT, addressing current concerns in food preservation.

Practical Application

Peanut skins are a byproduct of the peanut industry with low commercial value. These skins are rich in polyphenols, which exhibit potent antioxidant activity. This study investigates the microencapsulation of polyphenolic peanut extract and its incorporation into a chickpea‐based edible coating. The prepared coating demonstrated a remarkable protective effect against lipid oxidation in walnuts, extending their shelf life. These findings present a sustainable strategy that adds value to agro‐industrial residues and aligns with circular economy principles. This innovation offers a natural and effective solution to enhance the stability and quality of lipid‐rich foods.
Effects of probiotic coating and vacuum packaging on the microbial safety and quality of fresh‐cut cantaloupe stored at different temperatures
Authors: Hua Qian , Li Dan
Published: January 2025

Fresh‐cut cantaloupes are highly susceptible to contamination by foodborne pathogens and spoilage‐causing microorganisms. This study evaluated the efficacy of a probiotic coating produced by fermenting Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 299 V in pomelo peel extract in combination with vacuum packaging in controlling the microbial loads of fresh‐cut cantaloupe during storage. As temperature abuse is common in transportation and at retail sale of such products in many countries, we evaluated their efficacy at different temperatures. Both the probiotic edible coating and vacuum packaging, when used alone, effectively inhibited microbial growth in fresh‐cut cantaloupe at all the tested temperatures. The combination had a statistically significant synergistic effect (p < 0.05) on reducing psychrotrophic total counts (4.5 ± 0.3 log lower than control on day 9) and yeast and mold (>3.1 log lower than control on day 9) at 4°C, Listeria monocytogenes (2.9 ± 0.2 log lower than control on day 6) at 12°C, and yeast and mold (3.1 ± 0.7 log lower than control on day 2) and L. monocytogenes (4.6 ± 0.4 log lower than control on day 2) at room temperature (23 ± 2°C). The solution proposed in this study has the potential to increase the resilience of products to temperature abuse, which can impact the safety of the food supply.
Enhancing beer authentication, quality, and control assessment using non‐invasive spectroscopy through bottle and machine learning modeling
Authors: Harris Natalie , Gonzalez Viejo Claudia , Zhang Jiaying , Pang Alexis , Hernandez‐Brenes Carmen , Fuentes Sigfredo
Published: January 2025

Fraud in alcoholic beverages through counterfeiting and adulteration is rising, significantly impacting companies economically. This study aimed to develop a method using near‐infrared (NIR) spectroscopy (1596–2396 nm) through the bottle, along with machine learning (ML) modeling for beer authentication, quality traits, and control assessment. For this study, 25 commercial beers from different brands, styles, and three types of fermentation were used. To obtain the ground‐truth data, a quantitative descriptive analysis was conducted with 11 trained panelists to evaluate the intensity of 16 sensory descriptors, and volatile aromatic compounds were analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy (GC–MS). The ML models were developed using artificial neural networks with NIR absorbance values as inputs to predict (i) type of fermentation (Model 1), (ii) intensity of 16 sensory descriptors (Model 2), and (iii) peak area of volatile aromatic compounds (Model 3). All models resulted in high overall accuracy (Model 1: 99%; Model 2: R = 0.92; Model 3: R = 0.94), and model deployment for new beer samples showed high performance (Model 1: 95%; Model 2: R = 0.83). This method enables brewers and retailers to analyze beers without opening bottles, preventing quality assurance issues, fraud, and provenance concerns. Further model training with new targets could assess additional quality traits like physicochemical parameters and origin.

Practical Application

Near‐infrared spectroscopy coupled with ML modeling is a novel method for assessing beer quality and authentication through the bottle. It serves as a rapid, accurate tool for predicting sensory and aroma profiles without opening the bottle. Additionally, it monitors quality traits during transport and storage.
Comparative analysis of the structure and content of N‐glycans from different commercial whey protein materials
Authors: Zhang Wanyi , Peng Qiuqi , Yuan Linhan , Wu Caiwen , Wang Mengqi , Li Hongbo , Li Hongjuan , Yu Jinghua
Published: January 2025

Infant formulas are constantly being updated and upgraded, and N‐glycans are functional glycans that have not been fully exploited to date. Commercial whey protein materials are often used as basic ingredients in infant formulas. Therefore, it is important to study N‐glycans in commercial whey protein materials. We used matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF‐MS) and ion chromatography to analyze N‐glycans in bovine lactoferrin (Lf), whey protein isolate (WPI), whey protein concentrate 70 (WPC 70), goat whey protein powder 50, demineralized whey powder 90 (D90), and desalted goat whey powder. The results showed that 30, 6, 28, 16, 8, and 9 N‐glycans were found in Lf, D90, desalted goat whey powder, WPI, WPC 70, and goat whey protein powder 50, respectively. A total of four structures of N‐glycans were detected in this study. Only bovine Lf and WPC 70 contained fucosylated and sialylated binding (SFN‐type) glycan structures. Regarding content, WPC 70 showed the highest yield of 14.5 mg/g, and the degree of sialylation was higher than fucosylation. This study provides a potential basis for the future use of commercial whey protein materials in dairy products such as infant formula.
Exploring Environmental Microfungal Diversity Through Serial Single Cell Screening
Authors: Mariz Joana , Nawaz Ali , Bösch Yvonne , Wurzbacher Christian
Published: January 2025

Known for its remarkable diversity and ecological importance, the fungal kingdom remains largely unexplored. In fact, the number of unknown and undescribed fungi is predicted to exceed the number of known fungal species by far. Despite efforts to uncover these dark fungal taxa, we still face inherent sampling biases and methodological limitations. Here, we present a framework that combines taxonomic knowledge, molecular biology and data processing to explore the fungal biodiversity of enigmatic aquatic fungal lineages. Our work is based on serial screening of environmental fungal cells to approach unknown fungal taxa. Microscopic documentation is followed by DNA analysis of laser micro‐dissected cells, coupled with a ribosomal operon barcoding step realised by long‐read sequencing, followed by an optional whole genome sequencing step. We tested this approach on a range of aquatic fungal cells mostly belonging to the ecological group of aquatic hyphomycetes derived from environmental samples. From this initial screening, we were able to identify 60 potentially new fungal taxa in the target dataset. By extending this methodology to other fungal lineages associated with different habitats, we expect to increasingly characterise the molecular barcodes of dark fungal taxa in diverse environmental samples. This work offers a promising solution to the challenges posed by unknown and unculturable fungi and holds the potential to be applied to the diverse lineages of undescribed microeukaryotes.
Assessing Metabolic Ageing via DNA Methylation Surrogate Markers: A Multicohort Study in Britain, Ireland and the USA
Authors: Xu Kexin , Hernández Belinda , Arpawong Thalida Em , Camuzeaux Stephane , Chekmeneva Elena , Crimmins Eileen M. , Elliott Paul , Fiorito Giovani , Jiménez Beatriz , Kenny Rose Anne , McCrory Cathal , McLoughlin Sinead , Pinto Rui , Sands Caroline , Vineis Paolo , Lau Chung‐Ho E. , Robinson Oliver
Published: January 2025

Metabolomics and epigenomics have been used to develop ‘ageing clocks’ that assess biological age and identify ‘accelerated ageing’. While metabolites are subject to short‐term variation, DNA methylation (DNAm) may capture longer‐term metabolic changes. We aimed to develop a hybrid DNAm‐metabolic clock using DNAm as metabolite surrogates (‘DNAm‐metabolites’) for age prediction. Within the UK Airwave cohort (n = 820), we developed DNAm metabolites by regressing 594 metabolites on DNAm and selected 177 DNAm metabolites and 193 metabolites to construct ‘DNAm‐metabolic’ and ‘metabolic’ clocks. We evaluated clocks in their age prediction and association with noncommunicable disease risk factors. We additionally validated the DNAm‐metabolic clock for the prediction of age and health outcomes in The Irish Longitudinal Study of Ageing (TILDA, n = 488) and the Health and Retirement Study (HRS, n = 4018). Around 70% of DNAm metabolites showed significant metabolite correlations (Pearson's r: > 0.30, p < 10−4) in the Airwave test set and overall stronger age associations than metabolites. The DNAm‐metabolic clock was enriched for metabolic traits and was associated (p < 0.05) with male sex, heavy drinking, anxiety, depression and trauma. In TILDA and HRS, the DNAm‐metabolic clock predicted age (r = 0.73 and 0.69), disability and gait speed (p < 0.05). In HRS, it additionally predicted time to death, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, frailty and grip strength. DNAm metabolite surrogates may facilitate metabolic studies using only DNAm data. Clocks built from DNAm metabolites provided a novel approach to assess metabolic ageing, potentially enabling early detection of metabolic‐related diseases for personalised medicine.
Long‐term effect of Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass versus sleeve gastrectomy on reflux and Barrett's oesophagus: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lee Young Min , Barazanchi Ahmed , Robertson Jason , Murphy Rinki , Booth Michael W. C.
Published: January 2025

Background

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a potentially refluxogenic operation while Laparoscopic Roux‐en‐Y Gastric Bypass (LRYGB) is regarded as an anti‐reflux procedure. The aim of this study is to compare long‐term incidence of Barrett's Oesophagus (BO) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD) following LSG and LRYGB.

Methods

Participants of a double‐blinded randomized controlled trial comparing banded LRYGB and LSG for remission of type 2 diabetes were contacted to take part. A gastroscopy was performed. Primary outcome was endoscopic and histologic evidence of BO. Secondary outcomes included reflux and regurgitation scores, presence of oesophagitis, proton‐pump inhibitor (PPI) usage, Body Mass Index (BMI), and percentage excess weight loss (%EWL).

Results

Forty‐eight of 109 patients were enrolled into the study (LSG 26 vs. LRYGB 22). Mean follow‐up was 7.5 years for the LSG group, and 7.4 years for the RYGB group (P = 0.22). 8 LSG patients had BO while 3 LRYGB patients had BO (30.8%vs13.6%, P = 0.19). There was no significant difference in the mean reflux (8.1 ± 9.4(0–36) vs. 9.3 ± 8.8(0–34), P = 0.47) and regurgitation scores (7.7 ± 6.9(0–22) vs. 11.5 ± 10.5(0–44), P = 0.23) for LSG versus LRYGB patients or between those with and without BO. PPI usage before and after surgery was 6/26 (23.1%) versus 13/26 (50.0%) and 8/22 (36.4%) versus 12/22 (54.5%) for LSG and LRYGB patients respectively. PPI usage in patients with and without BO was 7/11 versus 18/37. EWL was significantly greater (P = 0.0013) in the LRYGB group (74.8 ± 28.1%) compared to LSG group (49.7 ± 18.7%).

Conclusions

Long‐term incidence of BO trended towards but was not significantly higher for LSG compared to LRYGB group. We support routine endoscopic surveillance for bariatric patients.
Methods for early detection of selective loss of visual function in diseases of the retina
Authors: Barbur John L.
Published: January 2025

Retinal mechanisms evolved to extract and code efficiently the most important information present in retinal images. Luminance contrast, ‘red/green’, ‘yellow/blue’, ‘white‐black’, and ‘light‐flux’ channels extract the signals needed to account for most attributes of our visual perception, including the ability to judge the level of ambient lighting. By employing two types of photoreceptors, rods and cones, the visual system achieves an extraordinarily large, dynamic range of useful vision, but this involves extensive compromises. The spatial, temporal and chromatic properties of the signals extracted from the retinal image very greatly with the level of ambient illumination. Visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, red/green and yellow/blue colour vision and motion and rapid flicker sensitivity, all worsen with decreasing light level. The extent to which visual performance is compromised in the mesopic range is also affected by normal aging and retinal disease.

In this lecture I shall describe a number of advanced vision and optometric tests designed to reduce within subject variability, to account for normal age‐related changes, to isolate selectively red/green and yellow/blue colour mechanisms and most importantly, to test specifically for the rate of loss of visual sensitivity in the mesopic range. Results from extensive investigations in patients with diabetes, age‐related macular degeneration and glaucoma will be used to illustrate the usefulness of these tests in the early detection of retinal disease. Unique results from single patient studies will also be presented to illustrate some visual consequences of abnormal interaction of rod and cone signals in the mesopic range.
The association of mitochondria with inflammasome signaling in rpe cells
Authors: Kauppinen Anu
Published: January 2025

Mitochondria are vital organelles especially in metabolically active retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells but in age‐related macular degeneration, they are also a source of factors that increase the cell stress. It is well known that excessive amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) activate NLRP3, a pattern‐recognition receptor capable of forming inflammasomes. Inflammasomes are intracellular protein complexes that can result in the activation of two pro‐inflammatory cytokines, IL‐1beta and/or IL‐18, and promote pyroptotic cell death. We have recently shown that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), released to the cytosol upon mitochondrial damage, serves also as an activator for inflammasome pathway in human RPE cells. Its receptor is AIM2 that is specialized to respond to double‐stranded DNA. Danger signals from dysfunctional mitochondria can activate both inflammasome types in same cells and thereby further enhance the inflammatory response. Collectively, recent data suggest that aged and dysfunctional mitochondria are a major risk factor that contribute to retinal inflammation by promoting the activation of different types of inflammasomes in human RPE cells.
Optical coherence tomography – additional contrast mechanisms, future trends, and cutting‐edge technological developments
Authors: Irsch Kristina
Published: January 2025

In ophthalmology, structural OCT measurements are now used routinely in the clinic to help with the diagnosis and management of anterior‐segment and retinal disorders. More recently, the development of additional or complementary contrast mechanisms, as well as novel approaches targeted at enhancing resolution, have opened up new opportunities for ophthalmic OCT applications. For example, different algorithms have been proposed to contrast the retinal and choroidal vasculature and analyze blood flow, which extend clinical spectral‐domain OCT (SD‐OCT) from structural to functional imaging capabilities. Such OCT‐based angiography (OCT‐A) relies on sequential capture of SD‐OCT images at the same tissue region and the subsequent analysis of temporal variations in the OCT signal. OCT‐A algorithms differ in this analysis, specifically in how they create contrast between flow and static tissue (i.e., how they distinguish vascular from other structures). Common is the assumption that the change in the OCT signal over time is mainly due to the motion of backscattering particles, such as erythrocytes. With so‐called polarization‐sensitive OCT (PS‐OCT), polarized light has also been employed to create tissue‐specific contrast. PS‐OCT has shown great potential for functional and quantitative imaging and exploits the fact that various tissues, particularly birefringent structures in the cornea and retina (e.g., corneal collagen fibrils and the retinal nerve fiber layer), can change the state of polarization of incident light. Other technological developments have focused on enhancing OCT's resolution. Note that while OCT enables high‐resolution cross‐sectional views (where the axial resolution is determined by the spectral bandwidth of the light source), it has a limited lateral or en face resolution. Integrating adaptive optics (AO) is one method to improve the lateral resolution of retinal OCT. This lecture will discuss recent technological advances and cutting‐edge developments, leading to additional contrast mechanisms and functional extensions (e.g., OCT‐A, PS‐OCT) or improved lateral resolution (e.g., AO‐OCT).
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for branch retinal artery occlusion: A case series
Authors: Zarzecki Mateusz , Zawadzka Izabela , Mitera Blanka , Wojewodzka‐Zelezniakowicz Marzena , Konopińska Joanna
Published: January 2025

Aims/Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) in improving visual acuity in patients with BRAO.

Methods: The Case Series analysis of 3 patients affected by BRAO.

Results: In the case series we described, patients underwent HBOT at 5, 36 and 48 hours after the onset of ocular symptoms. In all presented cases visual acuity improved quantitatively and qualitatively.

Conclusions: Our case series confirms beneficial effect of HBOT on final VA in patients after an episode of BRAO. HBOT might be a rescue treatment at an early stage of BRAO, particularly to the time of a conceivable reperfusion. The further research on broader groups of patients and randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm this assumption.

References: Retinal artery occlusion (RAO) is one of the ophthalmic emergencies and may be the first harbinger of systemic cardiovascular disease. Central RAO (CRAO) may leads to serious visual loss, while branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO) has more benign symptoms and often resolves with less severe visual disfunction. The pathomechanism of RAO resembles an ischemic stroke and involves sudden closure of the retinal artery, leading to ischemia of the inner layers of the eye then to retinal infarction and permanent damage to sensory cells, resulting in irreversible loss of vision.
More Complex Investigations Improved Diagnoses of Community‐Acquired Pneumonia in Children With Different Vaccination Histories
Authors: Tukbekova Bibigul , Zhanpeissova Aliya , Kysabekova Akbota , Sarmankulova Gulmira , Turlybekova Saule
Published: January 2025

Aim

Community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) significantly contributes to high infant mortality in Kazakhstan and developing effective treatment methods is critical. The aim of this study was to explore the microbiological and immunological characteristics of CAP in vaccinated and unvaccinated paediatric patients.

Methods

The study was carried out in the Regional Children's Clinical Hospital and the research centre of Karaganda Medical University, Republic of Kazakhstan. It comprised 85 children aged 2 months to 3 years who had been diagnosed with CAP and had received inpatient treatment from 2017 to 2019. Of these, 45 had complete pneumococcal vaccinations and 40 had not. Their CAP diagnoses were confirmed by microscopic, bacteriological and radiological methods and vaccination status. General clinical examinations were conducted.

Results

The study showed the diagnostic and prognostic value of the level of cytokines, depending on the severity of the children's CAP. The level of monocytic chemoattractant protein‐1 was 2.1 pg/mL in the vaccinated children with mild CAP and 3.4 pg/mL in those with impaired immunisation. Pneumococcal vaccination affected the aetiological structure of CAP in early childhood.

Conclusion

More complex clinical and immunological diagnostic methods increased the efficiency of diagnosing CAP in children with different vaccination histories.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccination Is Associated With Increased Odds of Preterm Birth
Authors: Kuitunen Ilari , Haapanen Marjut
Published: January 2025

Aim

To analyse whether respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination during pregnancy increases the odds of preterm birth.

Methods

A rapid review and meta‐analysis was performed. The main outcome was the risk of preterm (gestational week less than 37) birth. A fixed‐effects model was used to analyse pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Evidence certainty was assessed according to GRADE.

Results

We included six randomised controlled trials with 17 656 births and two observational studies with 3446 births. The odds for preterm birth were increased in the randomised studies (OR 1.17, CI 1.02–1.34). No evidence of a difference was seen in the observational studies (OR 0.93, CI 0.69–1.25). Combined, these showed increased odds for preterm birth (OR 1.13, CI 1.00–1.27). Evidence certainty was rated to be moderate. When restricted to market‐approved vaccine, the odds seemed to be increased in RCTs (OR 1.21, CI 0.98–1.49).

Conclusion

Based on the available evidence, RSV vaccination seems to be associated with increased odds for preterm birth. RSV vaccination needs continuous population‐level observational safety data monitoring on the perinatal outcomes during the early phases of vaccine rollouts to detect possible safety signals and further confirm the magnitude of the effect on preterm birth.