bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
UniqueSLC26A4Mutation Spectrum in Mongolian Patients with Enlarged Vestibular Aqueduct: A Whole-Exome Sequencing Study
Authors: Erdenechuluun Jargalkhuu , Gombojav Bayasgalan , Batsaikan Tserendulam , Lu Yue-Sheng , Danshiitsoodol Narandalai , Makhbal Zaya , Jargalmaa Maralgoo , Jargalkhuu Tuvshinbayar , Hsu Ho-Peng , Lin Pei-Hsuan , Su Hung-Ju , Lin Chien-Hsing , Hsu Chuan-Jen , Chen Pei-Lung , Tsai Cheng-Yu , Wu Chen-Chi
Published: February 2025

Background: Enlarged vestibular aqueduct (EVA) is a common inner ear malformation that can cause sensorineural hearing loss. It is frequently associated with mutations in theSLC26A4gene. This study aimed to investigate the genetic basis of hearing loss in Mongolian patients with EVA. Methods: Whole exome sequencing was performed in 19 Mongolian patients from 15 unrelated families diagnosed with EVA with/without cochlear incomplete partition type II. All patients underwent high-resolution computed tomography of the temporal bone to confirm the diagnosis. Results: BiallelicSLC26A4pathogenic variants were identified in all 15 families (100%). The most frequent variant was c.919-2A>G (40%), followed by c.2027T>A (23.3%) and c.1318A>T (16.7%). Population-specific variants in East Asians (c.919-2A>G), North Asians (c.2027T>A), and Southwest Asians (c.716T>A) were all present in Mongolian patients, demonstrating a pan-ethnic mutation spectrum. Digenic inheritance was not observed. There was no clear genotype-phenotype correlation between specificSLC26A4genotypes and hearing levels or inner ear malformations. Conclusions: This study provides a comprehensive overview of the genetic landscape of EVA in the Mongolian population. The identification of biallelicSLC26A4pathogenic variants in all families highlights the importance of this gene in the pathogenesis of EVA. The unique mutation spectrum observed in this study may reflect the genetic diversity resulting from historical migrations of Mongolians. Keywords: Sensorineural hearing loss, enlarged vestibular aqueducts, cochlear incomplete partition, whole exome sequencing, DFNB4,SLC26A4
Mortality prediction by Carotid Intimal Medial Thickness with a novel Life Table Statistical Model
Authors: Rembold Christopher M
Published: February 2025

Carotid Intimal Medial Thickness (CIMT) is an ultrasound estimate of preclinical atherosclerosis. The Charlottesville CIMT trial entered 1470 subjects from 1995 to 2011 and assessed total mortality in 2024 with a mean 15-year follow-up. In those subjects who reported no smoking or coronary disease, Cox statistics revealed that the presence of plaque and 4thquartile common, bulb and internal CIMT measurements predicted total mortality (compared to the 1stquartile). Age-normalized CIMT quartiles were less predictive. The age of subjects in the 4thquartile was 15 years higher than the 1stquartile. To correct for different ages, a novel life table model was created to analyze clinical data from a cohort who entered a trial at varying ages. This life table model allowed inclusion of subjects lost to follow-up. With this life table model, age-normalized 4thand 3rdquartile common, bulb and internal CIMT predicted total mortality. These data show the utility of measuring CIMT to predict mortality and the benefit of the life table model. The output statistic of the life table model, Age Difference, is an easily understandable and relevant measure of effect size.
Validating sporicidal efficacy of ultrasound probe high-level disinfection devices in clinical settings
Authors: Bellamy David K , Vickery Karen
Published: February 2025

In accordance with AS5369:2023 and ISO 15883-1:2024 Standards, in-field validation testing of automated high-level disinfection (HLD) devices in clinical settings is necessary to qualify their performance. Responding to reports that some ultraviolet-C (UV-C) devices were failing to achieve sporicidal efficacy during routine in-field validation, we evaluated the sporicidal efficacy of these devices via a performance qualification test.
Assessing the Pandemic Potential of Emerging Avian Influenza A(H5N1) in the United States Using the Viral Trait Assessment for Pandemics (ViTAP) Model
Authors: Jones Charles , Beitelshees Marie
Published: February 2025

In an increasingly interconnected world, the threat of a devastating influenza pandemic looms large. Highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1), with its high case fatality rate and potential for adaptation in avian reservoirs, is a prime candidate for triggering such a pandemic. We applied the Viral Trait Assessment for Pandemics (ViTAP) model, a quantitative framework, to assess the pandemic potential of H5N1 strains currently circulating in the United States. Through a systematic literature review and structured expert elicitation involving virologists and epidemiologists, we refined and validated ViTAP scores across 11 key viral traits. The resulting assessment yielded a final ViTAP score of 3.28 out of 5, placing the U.S. H5N1 strains in the moderate-to-high risk category. This elevated risk is driven by the virus high human fatality rate, its segmented RNA genome enabling reassortment, and its propensity for mutation. Sensitivity analyses highlight the transmission mode of the virus as a critical factor, with even minor increases in human-to-human spread dramatically escalating the pandemic threat. Comparisons with historical pandemics underscore the potential for H5N1 to rival the devastating impact of the 1918 H1N1 pandemic. Our findings emphasize the urgent need for enhanced surveillance in avian and mammalian hosts, targeted vaccine development, and comprehensive pandemic preparedness efforts. By demonstrating the utility of the ViTAP model for pandemic risk assessment, we provide a valuable tool to guide policy and interventions in the face of emerging zoonotic threats.
Utilization of Genomic Services Among Physicians in Kenya
Authors: Sigilai Hillary , Ogola Elijah , Ilovi Syokau
Published: February 2025

Background

With advancement of genetic technology and mainstreaming of genetics into all specialties of medicine, physicians will be required to play a pivotal role in the coordination and provision of primary genetic services.

Objective

To describe the delivery of basic genetic services among physicians in Kenya and factors affecting integration of genomic medicine into their practice.

Materials and Methods

An online descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among registered physicians practicing within Kenya and physicians in training at University of Nairobi. A self-administered online close-ended questionnaire that assessed the following domains: delivery of genetic services, attitude and perceptions towards genetics, barriers to delivery of genomic services, knowledge of genetics and physician demographics. Simple random sampling method was used to recruit participants into the study. Interview of participants was conducted using an online close-ended questionnaire. Descriptive analysis methods were used for data analysis. The data was summarized using frequencies and proportions.

Results

The response rate was 41% with 190 of the eligible 464 physicians completing the survey. Eighty-seven percent of respondents had not received formal training in genetics, with 80% reporting involvement in evaluation of genetic patients. Physician involvement in genetic testing and pharmacogenomics was low at 31% and 29% respectively. Sixty-four percent of the respondents graded their graded their knowledge of genetics as moderate. Participants identified limited access to medical geneticist (80%), lack of referral guidelines (86%), high cost of genetic services (93%), inadequate knowledge of genetics as barriers to genetic service delivery.

Conclusion

Uptake of genetic service provision to patients by physician remains low due to inadequate genetics training, limited genetic specialists and prohibitive costs of genetic testing. Mitigation of these factors is required to improve genetic access to care.
Impact of prolonged video viewing on physical and mental stress: An analysis of autonomic nervous system activity and salivary stress markers
Authors: Matsui Hiroki , Tanabe Rina , Mogi Rikako , Sugiura Yuka , Yokomachi Hana , Yokoyama Tomoyuki
Published: February 2025

In recent years, online lectures and conferences have become widespread, but problems such as stress and adjustment disorders caused by watching long videos have become a problem. Few studies have objectively evaluated the minute changes in stress associated with such prolonged viewing. This study aimed to determine the effects of prolonged video viewing on physical and mental stress.

Twenty-six students (10 males and 16 females, aged 21–24) from University A participated in this study. The subjects watched both a high-interest and a low-interest video for 90 minutes each and then subjectively evaluated the video content. Heart rate variability analysis was used to assess heart rate and autonomic nervous system changes during video viewing and saliva samples were collected before, during, and after viewing the videos to measure the concentration of stress markers in the saliva. This study was approved by the Gunma University Medical Ethics Review Committee for Human Subjects.

The results of the subjective evaluation showed that scores for concentration, comprehension, and interest were significantly higher, while the fatigue score was lower for the high-interest video than for the low-interest video. Both videos caused a decrease in heart rate and low sympathetic nerve activity, and an increase in parasympathetic nerve activity; however, the changes were more pronounced with the high-interest video. In addition, the differences in subjective scores between the high- and low-interest videos were more pronounced in women, with salivary chromogranin A also showing opposite trends for the two videos.

This study demonstrates that watching two different types of videos for extended periods affects autonomic nervous system activity, heart rate, and stress hormones in saliva. Since trends differ depending on the type of video and the participant’s sex, attention should be paid to the video content and the individual subject when examining stress during video viewing.
Post-Viral Frailty in Long COVID: A Distinct Phenotype within Veterans
Authors: Bradley Jerry , Bast Elizabeth , Resendes Natasha M. , Tang Fei , Cevallos Victor D. , Tosi Dominique M. , Tamariz Leonardo , Palacio Ana , Hammel Iriana
Published: February 2025

Background Long COVID is characterized by persistent symptoms affecting one or more organ systems for at least 3 months following a SARS-CoV-2 infection. The pathophysiologic mechanisms of this complex disease are poorly understood. Beyond the described symptoms of fatigue, dyspnea, myalgias, among others, Long COVID can affect the patient’s ability to work and function in society compared to their baseline. Frailty is defined as the decline of physiologic reserve that leads to increased vulnerability to stressors and poor health outcomes. Our study aimed to examine the characteristics of frailty seen in patients with Long COVID compared to the frailty seen in aging patients with multimorbidity. Methods This is a retrospective cohort study conducted in the Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC). The data used to calculate the Fried phenotype through the Johns Hopkins frailty calculator was collected from two separate clinics, a Long COVID clinic and a Geriatric Frailty clinic. We obtained the VA Frailty Index from VA CDW (Corporate Data Warehouse). Results We included 106 patients from the Long COVID clinic and 97 from the frailty clinic. Patients from the Long COVID clinic were significantly younger than those from the frailty clinic (60±12.6 vs.. 79.8±5.8, p<0.01). In the standard frailty group, weakness and slowness were the predominant features present in both the frail and pre-frail groups, with increasing exhaustion and lower activity in the frail group. Patients with frailty in the Long COVID group experienced exhaustion and low activity at a higher rate than those in the Geriatric frailty clinic. Conclusions Long COVID may predispose patients to develop a subtype of frailty (“post-viral frailty”) that presents with a higher frequency of exhaustion and low activity. This frailty appears phenotypically different from the frailty encountered in geriatric patients with multimorbidity, which presents more often with slowness and weakness as the initial drivers.
Polyphenol metabolites in human milk: Potential role in support of healthy infant development, a narrative review
Authors: Fiecke Chelsey , Knox Nicole , Andres Aline , Ferruzzi Mario G , Kay Colin
Published: February 2025

Polyphenols are a broad class of phytochemicals derived from healthy diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Due to emerging evidence linking healthy dietary patterns to maternal and child health benefits, there is increasing interest in dietary bioactives such as polyphenols in human milk. This narrative review critically evaluates evidence supporting the transfer of polyphenols to breastfed infants in human milk, potential role of maternal diet and other non-dietary characteristics (e.g., lactation duration, genetics) in modifying polyphenol composition and concentrations in human milk, and the relationship between human milk polyphenols and infant development. Over the last decade, 20 studies have reported polyphenols or phenolic metabolite concentrations in human milk. Although polyphenols can be transferred to infant circulation via human milk, evidence supporting a role for human milk polyphenols in infant development is still limited. Maternal dietary intake influences polyphenol composition and concentrations of human milk, with other reports suggesting that maternal metabotype, lactation stage, demographics, and genetics may play a role. Future studies need to include a broader assessment of polyphenols in human milk, and systematic integration of additional maternal factors that may influence polyphenol metabolism or human milk composition.
Diffusion-based size determination of solute particles: a method adapted for PSD proteins
Authors: Szabó András László , Nagy-Kanta Eszter , Jáger Edit Andrea , Pongor Csaba István , Laki Mária , Laki András József , Gáspári Zoltán
Published: February 2025

The postsynaptic density (PSD) is a complex, multi-layered protein network largely situated on the internal surface of the postsynaptic membrane, with receptor proteins extending it across the membrane. It is the first processing unit for incoming synaptic transmissions, and changes in its internal structure exhibit a strong correlation with synaptic strength and plasticity. These structural changes are largely governed by multivalent interactions between its components, which leads to complex forming and, under certain circumstances, protein phase separation. Here we present an experimental method for detecting specific PSD proteins as well as their complexes via their diffusion. The method requires a fluorescent labelling technique that does not disrupt the function of labelled proteins, a microfluidic device that can maintain laminar flow for labelled protein solutions, a microscope that can record the fluorescent signal emitted by these solutions, and an analytic software package that can process the collected experimental data and convert them into approximate particle sizes.
BabyPy: a brain-age model for infancy, childhood, and adolescence
Authors: Biondo Francesca , O’Muircheartaigh Jonathan , Bethlehem Richard A.I. , Seidlitz Jakob , Alexander-Bloch Aaron , Elison Jed T. , D’Sa Viren , Deoni Sean C.L. , Bruchhage Muriel M.K. , Cole James H.
Published: February 2025

Intro

Brain-age models quantify biological ageing by predicting a person’s age from neuroimaging data. In early life, brain-age can reflect underlying biological maturity (or immaturity), providing a candidate predictor of typical neurodevelopment versus deviation. Although widely used in adult research, the use of brain-age in early development has been limited due to data availability, heterogeneity and restricted model accessibility. Here, we introduce BabyPy, a shareable brain-age model for individuals aged 0–17 years that achieves accurate predictions despite substantial variability in site, scanner, and preprocessing pipelines.

Methods

We trained BabyPy on 4,021 structural T1-weighted MRI scans from multi-site datasets (ages 0–17 years). An external test set of 1,143 scans (ages 0–16 years) was used for validation. Coarse neuroimaging features - grey matter volume (GMV), white matter volume (WMV), and subcortical grey matter volume (sGMV) - along with sex, were the model inputs. An ensemble machine learning approach combined Extra Trees Regression, Support Vector Machine, and Multilayer Perceptron base models. Performance was evaluated via 5-fold cross-validation and external testing.

Results

The ensemble meta-model explained 80% of the variance in age (training set, MAE = 1.55 years) and 46% of the variance in the external test set (MAE = 1.72 years).

Conclusion

BabyPy is a shareable framework that estimates brain-age across a broad developmental range, removing the need for separate age-specific models. Despite limitations due to data heterogeneity, it demonstrates robust predictive performance and supports cross-study comparisons. Future improvements in data harmonisation will further enhance the utility of generic brain-age models like BabyPy.

Keypoints

Broad developmental coverage:BabyPy provides a shareable brain-age model for individuals aged 0–17 years, removing the need for separate age-specific models in the primary developmental period.

Minimal features, robust performance:Using just three coarse volumetric measures (GMV, WMV, sGMV) plus sex, BabyPy achieves good predictive accuracy (R2= 0.80, MAE = 1.55 years in training; R2= 0.46, MAE = 1.72 years in external validation) across diverse sites, scanners, and preprocessing protocols.

Open Science contribution:BabyPy is freely available as a Python-based toolbox, facilitating easy adoption, reproducibility, and cross-study comparisons in developmental neuroimaging.
Mechanisms of transcription attenuation and condensation of RNA polymerase II by RECQ5
Authors: Sebesta M. , Skubnik K. , Morton W.S. , Kravec M. , Linhartova K. , Klapstova V. , Novacek J. , Kubicek K. , Bryja V. , Vacha R. , Stefl R.
Published: February 2025

The elongation rates of RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) require precise control to prevent transcriptional stress, which can impede co-transcriptional pre-mRNA processing and contribute to many age- or disease-associated molecular changes (e.g., loss of proteostasis)1–5. Additionally mesoscale organization of transcription is thought to control the transcriptional rates6and multiple factors have been reported to form biomolecular condensates and integrate RNAPII through the interaction with the C-terminal domain (CTD) of the largest subunit, RPB17–10. However, the structural organization of these condensates remains uncharacterized due to their small size and inherently dynamic nature. Here, we investigated the molecular mechanisms by which a general transcription factor – RECQ5 – associates with hyperphosphorylated RNAPII elongation complex (P-RNAPII EC) and controls translocation of RNAPII along genes. We combined biochemical reconstitution, electron cryomicroscopy, cryotomography, and coarse-grained simulations. We report two mechanisms by which RECQ5 modulates RNAPII transcription. At the atomic level, we demonstrate that RECQ5 uses the brake helix as a doorstop to control RNAPII translocation along DNA, attenuating transcription. At the mesoscale level, RECQ5 forms a condensate scaffold matrix, integrating P-RNAPII EC through a network of site-specific interactions, reinforcing the condensate’s structural integrity. Our integrative, multi-scale study provides insights into the structural basis of transcription attenuation and into the molecular architecture and biogenesis of a model RNAPII condensate.
Responses to oddball communication sequences in the bat frontal and auditory cortices
Authors: González-Palomares Eugenia , Wetekam Johannes , Malmierca Manuel S. , Hechavarria Julio C.
Published: February 2025

Stimulus-specific adaptation (SSA) is a ubiquitous phenomenon in the animal kingdom across sensory modalities, but this type of neural response has rarely been studied using natural sounds in the auditory brain. Here, we leveraged the well-documented acoustic repertoire of the bat speciesCarollia perspicillatato study adaptation in the bat brain using natural communication sounds. We searched for SSA in single neuron spiking activity measured in two brain areas simultaneously: the auditory cortex and the frontal auditory field. The stimuli consisted of natural distress syllables, a form of vocalization produced by bats under duress. Bat distress vocalizations signal different degrees of urgency based on their amplitude modulation pattern, without large differences in their spectral structure. These distress vocalizations make an ideal test case for exploring the limits of neural deviance detection when considering naturalistic soundscapes with low stimulus contrast. The results show limited evidence for stimulus-specific adaptation in response to natural sound sequences in the majority of neurons studied. Many neurons did show a prominent effect related to context-dependent changes, caused by the type of sounds that occurred most frequently within each oddball sequence. Context-dependent responses were strongest in frontal neurons. Decoding analysis showed the existence of neural populations in both frontal and auditory cortices, which could distinguish between deviants and standards occurring within the same sequence, without large changes in evoked spike counts. Taken together, our results highlight the diversity of neural mechanisms complementing classical stimulus-specific adaptation when encoding natural vocalizations that do not differ markedly in their spectral composition.
Complete classification and additional saddle-point solutions for high-order above-threshold ionization induced by a strong laser field
Authors: Habibović D. , Milošević D. B.
Published: February 2025

Ionization of atoms by a strong laser field can be described using the improved strong-field approximation. The corresponding transition amplitude of high-order above-threshold ionization is presented in the form of a two-dimensional integral over the electron ionization time t0 and the rescattering time t. This integral can be solved using the saddle-point (SP) method and the resulting T-matrix element is expressed as a sum (over the SP times t0 and t) of the partial transition amplitudes. We address the problem of finding the solutions of the system of SP equations for the times t0 and t. For a bichromatic linearly polarized laser field with the frequencies rω and sω (r and s are integers, s>r, and ω is the fundamental frequency) we found that there are 8s2 SP solutions per optical cycle. For one half of them the velocity of the electron emitted in the laser field polarization direction changes the sign at the rescattering time (we call such solutions backward-scattering solutions), while for the other half this velocity remains unchanged (these solutions we call forward-scattering SP solutions). For very short (or even negative) electron travel time we call these solutions backward-like and forward-like scattering SP solutions. For these solutions the imaginary parts of the times t0 and

t

become large so that the concept of real electron trajectories becomes questionable. Having such a classification, we found additional SP solutions even for the simplest case of a monochromatic linearly polarized laser field. For a bichromatic linearly polarized laser field with s=2 and equal component intensities we presented a detailed analysis of all 32 solutions per optical cycle, showing how the SP times t0 and t and the corresponding differential ionization rates depend on the photoelectron energy. We have also analyzed the case where the intensity of the second component decreases while the sum of the component intensities remains fixed.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Influence of the chiral magnetic effect on particle-pair elliptic anisotropy
Authors: Li Han-Sheng , Feng Yicheng , Wang Fuqiang
Published: February 2025

The chiral magnetic effect (CME) is a phenomenon in which electric charge is separated by a strong magnetic field from local domains of chirality imbalance in quantum chromodynamics. The CME-sensitive, azimuthal correlator difference Δγ between opposite-sign (OS) and same-sign (SS) charged hadron pairs is contaminated by a major physics background proportional to the particle elliptic anisotropy (v2). The CME signal, on the other hand, contributes to the difference in the pair elliptic anisotropies between OS and SS pairs (Δv2,pair). We investigate Δv2,pair and find its sensitivity to CME to be similar to that of the Δγ observable.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Quantum Spin Ice in Three-Dimensional Rydberg Atom Arrays
Authors: Shah Jeet , Nambiar Gautam , Gorshkov Alexey V. , Galitski Victor
Published: February 2025

Quantum spin liquids are exotic phases of matter whose low-energy physics is described as the deconfined phase of an emergent gauge theory. With recent theory proposals and an experiment showing preliminary signs of Z2 topological order [G. Semeghini , ], Rydberg atom arrays have emerged as a promising platform to realize a quantum spin liquid. In this work, we propose a way to realize a U(1) quantum spin liquid in three spatial dimensions, described by the deconfined phase of U(1) gauge theory in a pyrochlore lattice Rydberg atom array. We study the ground state phase diagram of the proposed Rydberg system as a function of experimentally relevant parameters. Within our calculation, we find that by tuning the Rabi frequency, one can access both the confinement-deconfinement transition driven by a proliferation of “magnetic” monopoles and the Higgs transition driven by a proliferation of “electric” charges of the emergent gauge theory. We suggest experimental probes for distinguishing the deconfined phase from ordered phases. This work serves as a proposal to access a confinement-deconfinement transition in three spatial dimensions on a Rydberg-based quantum simulator.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Put autistic women and girls at the heart: exploring the experiences of autistic women during diagnostic assessments in the UK
Authors: Trundle Grace , Alexander Zoe , Chester Verity
Published: February 2025

Purpose

It is suggested that autism assessments are not sensitive to the female autism presentation. Autistic women are often misdiagnosed or delayed in receiving their diagnosis. More guidance for assessing clinicians is required to improve the validity and effectiveness of autism diagnostic assessments of women. This study aims to explore the experiences of autistic women during their diagnostic assessments and understand what they considered important for diagnostic assessments of females.

Design/methodology/approach

A focus group with four adult autistic women was conducted, exploring their experiences and recommendations. Thematic analysis was used to identify overarching themes.

Findings

The main themes were 1) experience of the assessment; 2) gender-sensitive assessment content; and 3) clinician characteristics and skills. Participants made specific recommendations within these themes for how diagnostic assessments of females should be conducted.

Originality/value

This study differs from previous research by focusing on the experiences of autistic women specifically during diagnostic assessments and what they recommend for future assessments.
Leveraging social capital to build the cumulative triple-A supply chain sand cone model
Authors: Yang Lu , Huo Baofeng , Machuca Jose A.D. , Alfalla-Luque Rafaela , Gu Minhao
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Drawing on the cumulative capability perspective, this study tests the sand cone model of the triple-A supply chain (SC) (i.e. AAA: SC-alignment, SC-adaptability, SC-agility), including its financial performance implications. Besides, this study investigates social capital as AAA enabler.

Design/methodology/approach

Structural equation modeling and bootstrapping analysis are used to examine hypotheses using data from 216 companies in China that capture firms’ supply chain management practices in relation to their major suppliers.

Findings

We identified a cumulative sand cone sequence of three As: alignment-adaptability-agility to effectively develop a triple-A SC. Furthermore, based on this sequence, SC adaptability can enhance financial performance indirectly through SC agility, and SC alignment can improve financial performance indirectly through SC adaptability and SC agility, which directly and positively affects financial performance. Furthermore, cognitive, structural, and relational capital play different roles in improving AAA.

Originality/value

This study contributes to triple-A SC literature by identifying the cumulative sand cone sequence of alignment-adaptability-agility and thus further extends the cumulative capability perspective in operations and supply chain management. Besides, this study: (1) deepens our understanding of performance implications of triple-A SC capabilities based on the sand cone model; (2) contributes to revealing social capital as an important enabler of triple-A SC capabilities from the complex adaptive system perspective; (3) specifies difference in the pattern of triple-A SC sand cone model across different levels of market turbulence.
Disparity in sustainability competencies of business professionals and students: implications for lecturing as a teaching pedagogy
Authors: Shariq Samrah , Hameed Salman , Butt Adnan
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to assess the level of sustainability competencies among full-time students and professional students, foresee any noteworthy change in students’ competencies after applying teaching pedagogy and determine whether lecturing is an effective teaching pedagogy for developing all five sustainability competencies in both cohorts.

Design/methodology/approach

The presence and development of competencies after varying pedagogical practices are assessed using a pre-/post-test based on two case studies. This research approach of comparative case study is more advanced and is particularly useful when seeking to understand differences and similarities between distinct entities, which in our case were students of two different capacities. The study targets two cohorts: the first includes 15 professional students with considerable industry experience, while the second consists of 24 full-time students without industry exposure.

Findings

The study revealed that professional students have more sustainability competencies than full-time students. Also, lecturing is an effective pedagogical practice when all five sustainable competencies have to be enhanced in full-time students. In contrast, lecturing does not work for interpersonal competence in professional students.

Research limitations/implications

There are certain limitations of the study that future researchers undermine. Firstly, the study was conducted only on business students at Bahria University. Secondly, the sample size for the study is small as the data were qualitative, and the researchers had time constraints. Thirdly, the effectiveness of only one teaching pedagogy has been gauged in the current research.

Practical implications

It is recommended that higher educational institutions (HEIs) of Pakistan introduce sustainability courses or programs to its students to spread awareness among learners and develop sustainable competencies. All service and production industries in Pakistan should train their employees in sustainable practices so that hazardous impacts in the future can be reduced. It is a need of time for the country to move a step ahead towards sustainable development goals.

Originality/value

This research contributes to education for sustainable development (ESD) in Pakistan. Pakistan is a developing country that is far behind ESD. Therefore, this study identifies how sustainability education can become a part of the academic system. It also identifies the need for sustainable education not only for students but also for professionals. It also identifies teaching pedagogy required for developing sustainability competencies and is relevant to learners’ exposure.
Flight PK8303 crash: a disastrous failure of human factors
Authors: Rafique Nayar , Hassan Irshad , Adil Muhammad
Published: February 2025

Research methodology

The case study was developed based on secondary data from the publicly available initial accident report of PIA flight PK8303. The facts presented in the report were then analyzed in the light of the Human Factor Analysis and Classification System (HFACS).

Case overview/synopsis

The case revolves around the terrible aviation mishap that occurred on May 22, 2020, when Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Flight 8303 crashed in a Karachi residential area. A total of 97 people lost their lives in this tragedy, and it was Pakistan’s 18th major aviation disaster. The case study explores the human errors and failures of ground handling agencies, air traffic controllers, regulatory agencies, airline employees and cockpit crew by using the HFACS. The focus remains on mistakes made by people, which revolve around inefficient and ineffective communication, and contempt of safety regulations at various stages of flight PK8303.

Complexity academic level

The case study is designed for the students of aviation management at undergraduate and graduate levels.
Acetaminophen as a possible treatment option for pachydermoperiostosis carrying mutated SLCO2A1: Case series
Authors: Takegami Tomoya , I. Mamiya Mami , Yonekura Satoru , Yoshida Kazue , Tanaka Ryo , Nakabayashi Kazuhiko , Niizeki Hironori , Nomura Takashi , Kabashima Kenji
Published: February 2025

Pachydermoperiostosis (PDP) is a genetic disease characterized by digital clubbing, periostosis, and pachydermia. PDP with these three features, along with cutis verticis gyrata (CVG), is categorized as the “complete form,” whereas cases without CVG are categorized as the “incomplete form.” The condition is linked to elevated levels of systemic prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). About half of PDP patients experience arthralgia. The standard treatment for PDP is selective cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 inhibitors, but long‐term usage can cause gastrointestinal side effects. Additionally, mutations in the SLCO2A1 can lead to chronic enteropathy associated with the SLCO2A1 gene (CEAS), making the use of selective COX‐2 inhibitors particularly risky for PDP patients with CEAS. This has prompted the search for alternative treatments. In this study, five PDP patients—three with the complete form and two with the incomplete form—were treated with acetaminophen. The PGE‐major urinary metabolite (PGE‐MUM) was monitored as a biomarker of disease activity, reflecting systemic PGE2 levels. Before treatment, PGE‐MUM levels were significantly elevated in patients with complete form and mildly elevated in those with incomplete form. Following acetaminophen, PGE‐MUM levels decreased in patients with complete form, and all patients reported improvement in arthralgia without developing gastrointestinal symptoms. In conclusion, acetaminophen shows promise as an alternative treatment for PDP, effectively reducing PGE‐MUM levels in certain patients and alleviating arthralgia while avoiding the gastrointestinal side effects associated with long‐term COX‐2 inhibitor usage.
Volatile Organic Compounds of Diverse Origins and Their Changes Associated With Cultivar Decay in a Fungus‐Farming Termite
Authors: Vidkjær Nanna Hjort , Schmidt Suzanne , Davie‐Martin Cleo Lisa , Silué Kolotchèlèma Simon , Koné N'golo Abdoulaye , Rinnan Riikka , Poulsen Michael
Published: February 2025

Fungus‐farming termites cultivate a Termitomyces fungus monoculture in enclosed gardens (combs) free of other fungi, except during colony declines, where Pseudoxylaria spp. stowaway fungi appear and take over combs. Here, we determined Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) of healthy Macrotermes bellicosus nests in nature and VOC changes associated with comb decay during Pseudoxylaria takeover. We identified 443 VOCs and unique volatilomes across samples and nest volatilomes that were mainly composed of fungus comb VOCs with termite contributions. Few comb VOCs were linked to chemical changes during decay, but longipinocarvone and longiverbenone were only emitted during comb decay. These terpenes may be involved in Termitomyces defence against antagonistic fungi or in fungus‐termite signalling of comb state. Both comb and Pseudoxylaria biomass volatilomes contained many VOCs with antimicrobial activity that may serve in maintaining healthy Termitomyces monocultures or aid in the antagonistic takeover by Pseudoxylaria during colony decline. We further observed a series of oxylipins with known functions in the regulation of fungus germination, growth, and secondary metabolite production. Our volatilome map of the fungus‐farming termite symbiosis provides new insights into the chemistry regulating complex interactions and serves as a valuable guide for future work on the roles of VOCs in symbioses.
Why Do Retail Prices Fall During Seasonal Demand Peaks?
Authors: Butters R. Andrew , Sacks Daniel W. , Seo Boyoung
Published: February 2025

Examining widely‐sold products across dozens of categories in a national scanner database, we find seasonality in demand is large—20 log points for the median category, and pervasive. At seasonal frequencies, price fluctuations are typically countercyclical but small—1.5 log points on average. For most categories, we find seasonality in demand is driven by extensive margin changes in households purchasing any product in the category, and coincides with demand becoming more elastic as it peaks. These patterns suggest countercyclical pricing can be accounted for by demand‐side factors instead of requiring supply‐side explanations, or cross‐category pricing motives (e.g., “loss leader”).
The Effects of Advertising Disclosure Regulations on Social Media: Evidence From Instagram
Authors: Ershov Daniel , Mitchell Matthew
Published: February 2025

We study the effects of advertising disclosure regulations in social media markets. Using data from a large sample of Instagram influencers in Germany and Spain and a difference‐in‐differences approach, we empirically evaluate the effects of German strengthening of disclosure regulations on post content and follower engagement. We measure whether posts include suggested disclosure terms and use text‐based approaches (keywords, machine learning) to assess whether a post is sponsored. We show substantial adoption of disclosure but also a 12% increase in sponsored content and an increase in the share of undisclosed‐sponsored content consumers are exposed to. We also find reductions in engagement, suggesting that followers were likely negatively affected.
Phenotyping the Sheep Tail: Histological Depiction of Caudal Spine Structures in Sheep
Authors: Hümmelchen Hannah , Wagner Henrik , Wenisch Sabine , König Sven , Wehrend Axel
Published: February 2025

The morphology of sheep tails remains relatively understudied. Given the escalating discourse on routine removal of the caudal spine in sheep, a thorough exploration of the anatomical structures within this region is imperative. To examine the tails in detail, this study undertook histological characterisation of three segments (the cranial, middle, and caudal segments) of the tails of 12 undocked Merino sheep lambs. Six lambs were selected for having short tails (37.1 ± 3.0 cm) while the remaining six were chosen for their long tails (49.4 ± 1.7 cm). Immunohistochemical labelling using neuron‐specific enolase antibodies was performed to examine the nerve structures in the tail tip. The general structure of the skin resembles that of other domestic mammals. Interestingly, many sweat and sebaceous glands were found in all three tail segments. These findings support the hypothesis that the tails of sheep play a significant role in thermogenesis and perhaps olfactory communication. The study also revealed nerve fibres extending to the tip of the tail. This observation supports the requirement for pain elimination during tail tip amputation.
VEGFR3 pathway in corneal transplantation
Authors: Laborante Mariateresa , Micera Alessandra , Gaudenzi Daniele , De Luca Andrea , De Gregorio Chiara , Cutrupi Francesco , Esposito Graziana , Balzamino Bijorn Omar , Laborante Antonio , Coassin Marco , Di Zazzo Antonio
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Corneal transplantation, a common procedure in ophthalmology, faces challenges in high‐risk (HR) cases due to inflammation and vascularization of the host bed, leading to graft rejection. Despite advancements in surgical techniques and therapeutics, preventing rejection in HR cases remains elusive. This study investigates the role of the vascular endothelial‐derived growth factor (VEGF)‐C/D‐VEGFR3 pathway in corneal transplantation, focusing on its impact on inflammation and immune response.

Methods

In this study, 42 eyes of 42 patients were evaluated, 24 of whom underwent corneal transplantation, with follow‐up visits at 90, 180 and 360 days post‐transplantation. Clinical assessments included visual acuity, corneal oedema, endothelial cell count and vascularization. Molecular analyses were performed to measure VEGFR3, VEGF‐C, VEGF‐D, VEGF‐A and inflammatory markers.

Results

Results revealed a distinct pattern of VEGF‐C/D and VEGFR3 expression in HR versus low‐risk (LR) transplants, correlating with inflammatory markers and clinical outcomes. In HR cases, elevated VEGFR3 expression was associated with increased inflammatory markers (Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1 (ICAM‐1) and Human Leukocyte Antigen – DR isotype (HLA‐DR)) and graft rejection risk.

Conclusion

These findings underscore the importance of understanding the VEGF‐C/D‐VEGFR3 pathway in modulating immune responses and inflammation in corneal transplantation, particularly in HR cases. Targeting this pathway could offer novel therapeutic avenues to mitigate inflammation and improve graft survival. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and validate these findings, potentially enhancing transplant outcomes, especially in HR patients.
The Cycle of Violence: Childhood Abuse, Illicit Drug Use and Adult Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration
Authors: Jiang Chaoxin , Wan Guowei , Shi Jiaming , Mei Yutong
Published: February 2025

The evidence consistently suggested a link between childhood abuse and violence perpetration in adulthood. However, the mechanism underlying the relationship between childhood abuse and adult intimate partner violence perpetration was still inadequately explored. In addition, the findings from existing research on gender disparities in the cycle of violence remain highly contentious. This study sought to investigate the correlation between childhood abuse and adult intimate partner violence perpetration from a life‐course perspective, while also exploring the mediating role of illicit drug use and examining gender disparities. A sample comprising 4822 participants (mean age = 28.99 years, SD = 1.77) was derived from Wave IV of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health). Data analysis employed structural equation modelling (SEM), which encompassed four primary components: measurement model, structural model, bias‐corrected bootstrapping analysis and multigroup analysis. Childhood abuse demonstrated a positive correlation with adult intimate partner violence perpetration. Moreover, the mediating effect of illicit drug use was observed in the relationship between childhood abuse and adult intimate partner violence perpetration. Furthermore, females exhibited a greater propensity to engage in illicit drug use following childhood abuse. This study has not only enhanced our understanding of the underlying mechanisms connecting childhood abuse to violence perpetration in adulthood but also carries implications for both policy and practice.
Reasons for veterinary performed equine euthanasia in one veterinary practice in the UK
Authors: Mair T. S. , Hopkins J. A. , Bellis I. T.
Published: February 2025

Background

Most horses in the UK die by euthanasia. Euthanasia decisions are stressful for all involved, including veterinarians. There is limited research and a lack of data about the reasons for euthanasia.

Objectives

To document the numbers and reasons for euthanasia performed by veterinary surgeons in one UK equine practice over a five‐year period.

Study design

Retrospective descriptive.

Methods

Details of all euthanasias performed at a first opinion equine practice and referral hospital from 2019 to 2023 were retrieved from the electronic health records. Recorded information included demographic data, reasons for euthanasia and whether the procedure was performed in ambulatory practice or at the hospital.

Results

Seven hundred and twenty‐five euthanasias were performed over 5 years. The median age was 17 years (IQR 15, range <12 months–40 years). In contrast, the median age of all equine consultations performed in 2023 was 12 years (IQR 11, range 0–40 years, n = 9115). Breed distribution reflected the breed distribution of the practice. Two hundred and seventy‐five euthanasias were performed in the hospital, and 450 in the ambulatory practice. The commonest reasons for euthanasia included: colic (28.0%), lameness/orthopaedic disease/foot disease (16.4%), neurological disease (7.0%), kick wounds/fractures (6.6%), collapse/recumbency (6.3%) and old age/poor quality of life (5.9%).

Main limitations

Data from one practice only and likely bias due to the patient population. Variations in quality of records. Exclusion of euthanasias not undertaken by the practice.

Conclusions

Colic is the commonest reason for veterinary surgeons performing euthanasia. Owners' decisions to perform euthanasia in colic cases require further research but are likely to be multifactorial and include age and cost. Other common reasons include orthopaedic conditions, kick injuries, recumbency, neurological disease and old age. This data can be used in training and preparing veterinary surgeons entering equine practice.
Improving Paragraph Similarity by Sentence Interaction With BERT
Authors: Jin Xi
Published: February 2025

Research on semantic similarity between relatively short texts, for example, at word‐ and sentence‐level, has progressed significantly in recent years. However, paragraph‐level similarity has not been researched in as much detail owing to the challenges associated with embedding representations, despite its utility in numerous applications. A rudimentary approach to paragraph‐level similarity involves treating each paragraph as an elongated sentence, thereby encoding the entire paragraph into a single vector. However, this results in the loss of long‐distance dependency information, ignoring interactions between sentences belonging to different paragraphs. In this paper, we propose a simple yet efficient method for estimating paragraph similarity. Given two paragraphs, it first obtains a vector for each sentence by leveraging advanced sentence‐embedding techniques. Next, the similarity between each sentence in the first paragraph and the second paragraph is estimated as the maximum cosine similarity value between the sentence and each sentence in the second paragraph. This process is repeated for all sentences in the first paragraph to determine the maximum similarity of each sentence with the second paragraph. Finally, overall paragraph similarity is computed by averaging the maximum cosine similarity values. This method alleviates long‐range dependency by embedding sentences individually. In addition, it accounts for sentence‐level interactions between the two paragraphs. Experiments conducted on two benchmark data sets demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms the baseline approach that encodes entire paragraphs into single vectors.