bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3D markerless tracking of speech movements with submillimeter accuracy
Authors: Lovell Austin , Liu James , Borovsky Arielle , Yeh Raymond A. , Kim Kwang S.
Published: February 2025

Speech movements are highly complex and require precise tuning of both spatial and timing of oral articulators to support intelligible communication. These properties also make measurement of speech movements challenging, often requiring extensive physical sensors placed around the mouth and face that are not easily tolerated by certain populations such as young children. Recent progress in machine learning-based markerless facial landmark tracking technology demonstrated its potential to provide lip tracking without the need for physical sensors, but whether such technology can provide submillimeter precision and accuracy in 3D remains unknown. Moreover, it is also unclear whether such technology can be applied to track speech movements in young children. Here, we developed a novel approach that integrates Shape Preserving Facial Landmarks with Graph Attention Networks (SPIGA), a facial landmark detector, and CoTracker, a transformer-based neural network model that jointly tracks dense points across a video sequence. We further examined and validated this novel approach by assessing its tracking precision and accuracy. The findings revealed that our approach that integrates SPIGA and CoTracker was more precise (≈ 0.15 mm in standard deviation) than SPIGA alone (≈ 0.35 mm). In addition, its 3D tracking performance was comparable to electromagnetic articulography (≈ 0.29 mm RMSE against simultaneously recorded articulograph data). Importantly, the approach performed similarly well across adults and young children (i.e., 3- and 4-year-olds). Because our framework is built upon open-source pretrained models that are fully trained, it promotes accessibility and open science while saving computing resources. Furthermore, given that this framework combines a landmark detection model (SPIGA) with a tracker model (CoTracker) to improve precision/accuracy, our novel approach serves as a proof-of-concept for enhancing the performance of a wide variety of commonly used markerless tracking applications in biology and neuroscience.

Author summary

In this work, we examined whether machine learning based markerless tracking is feasible for tracking 3D lip movements in adults and young children. We developed a novel approach that integrates a landmark detection model (SPIGA) with a tracker model (CoTracker). Our combined CoTracker-based approach demonstrated submillimeter precision and accuracy desired for speech kinematic recording. In addition, our approach does not involve training and validation for each population (e.g., young children vs. adults), saving time and computing resources. We foresee that the proposed general framework of fusing a landmark detection model with a tracker model can be generalized for a wide variety of tracking applications in biology and neuroscience that require high precision and accuracy, including studying cell behaviors, animal motions, and other types of human movements.
p70S6 kinase-dependent phosphorylation of the μ2 subunit of the AP2 adaptor complex is needed for clathrin-mediated endocytosis
Authors: Tempes Aleksandra , Brzozowska Agnieszka , Węgierski Tomasz , Olek Katarzyna , Jastrzębski Kamil , Liszewska Ewa , Misztal Katarzyna , Machnicka Katarzyna , Macias Matylda , Szybińska Aleksandra , Sitkiewicz Ewa , Gozdz Agata , Wróbel Antoni G. , Miaczynska Marta , Pokrzywa Wojciech , Jaworski Jacek , Malik Anna R
Published: February 2025

Clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) is a process in which ligands and their corresponding receptors at the cell surface are internalized via clathrin-coated invaginations of the plasma membrane. Both clathrin and endocytic cargo are recruited to the clathrin-coated pit by the adaptor protein complex AP2. AP2 resides in the cytoplasm in the closed conformation and opens upon interacting with the plasma membrane. Effective CME requires both pools of AP2, open and closed, and effective transition between these states but the mechanisms regulating this transition are only partially understood. Here, we report that serine 45 (S45) of the µ2 subunit of the AP2 complex is phosphorylated in a p70S6 kinase-dependent manner in HeLa cells both with hyperactivated mTOR signaling and under basal conditions. We demonstrate that the loss of S45-µ2 phosphorylation results in decreased internalization of canonical CME cargo such as transferrin and PDGF receptors. InCaenorhabditis elegans, the absence of S45-µ2 phosphorylation produces the dumpy phenotype characteristic of the loss of function of AP2. Our live imaging experiments further suggest that these phenotypes might arise because S45-μ2 phosphorylation is needed for conformational changes of the AP2 complex. These findings uncover a mechanism central to CME control and extend our knowledge on the role of post-translational modifications of AP2 components in regulating the function of this complex.
Live cell GLUT4 translocation assay revealsPer3as a novel regulator of circadian insulin sensitivity in skeletal muscle cells
Authors: Sivasengh Rashmi , Scott Andrew , Gabriel Brendan M.
Published: February 2025

Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is a growing global health concern, with skeletal muscle playing a central role in its pathology due to its role in postprandial glucose disposal. Insulin resistance in skeletal muscle often precedes T2D diagnosis and is linked to impaired GLUT4 trafficking. Additionally, circadian disruptions are increasingly recognized as contributors to metabolic dysfunction. We have shown that skeletal muscle cells from T2D donors exhibit disrupted CLOCK/BMAL1 rhythms, impairing mitochondrial oxidative function. To investigate circadian insulin sensitivity, we developed a high-throughput, live-cell assay for GLUT4 translocation, allowing us to explore novel regulators of metabolic rhythmicity in skeletal muscle.

In this study, we analysed circadian insulin sensitivity in skeletal muscle using transcriptomics, PheWAS, and GLUT4-HiBiT assays. L6 and human myocytes were cultured, transfected, and assessed via our novel live-cell, circadian GLUT4 translocation assay. Circadian rhythms were analysed (JTK_CYCLE), and siRNA knockdowns targeted key genes, with glucose uptake measured using the Uptake-Glo assay in human myocytes.

Skeletal muscle cells from individuals with T2D exhibited disrupted circadian rhythms, with altered rhythmicity inARNTL, HOXB5, PER3, andTSSK6(p<0.05). Public database analysis revealed significant associations between these genes and T2D (p=0.0001–0.03). Our high-sensitivity, live-cell assay demonstrated a 120% increase in GLUT4 translocation at 40 nM insulin (p<0.001). Circadian rhythmicity in GLUT4 translocation was evident at physiological insulin levels (5 & 30 nM).PER3/Per3knockdown significantly reduced GLUT4 translocation (p<0.001) and glucose uptake in human muscle cells (p<0.01), whileArntlknockdown caused a moderate reduction (p<0.01) in GLUT4 translocation.Per3silencing also abolished circadian rhythmicity in GLUT4 translocation (p<0.01).

These findings establishPER3/Per3as a key regulator of circadian GLUT4 translocation and insulin sensitivity, linking its dysregulation to metabolic impairments in T2D. Additionally, this study presents a novel live-cell GLUT4 translocation assay that is highly sensitive and capable of performing time-course or circadian experiments in the same group of cells. The sensitivity of this assay, coupled with reduced variation that is possible from using live-cells in time-course assays make it a powerful new tool for the discovery of GLUT4 translocation regulators. In this study, we have identifiedPer3as a novel regulator of GLUT4 translocation in skeletal muscle cells.
Inducible degradation of endogenous proteins by AlissAID system and development of a photoactivatable inducer
Authors: Ogawa Yoshitaka , Nishimura Kohei , Nambo Masakazu , Tsuchiya Yuichiro , Oka Sanae , Fujimori Toshihiko , Ichihara Kazuya , Matsumoto Akinobu , Obara Keisuke , Kamura Takumi
Published: February 2025

Protein analysis strategies involving targeted protein degradation are powerful approaches to determine gene functions. Auxin-inducible degron (AID) is among the most widely used methods for target protein knockdown. This system enables the rapid depletion of AID-tagged target proteins in an auxin-dependent manner. Various improved AID methods have been developed to date; however, the requirement to tag the target protein remains a common challenge. Here, we demonstrated the efficiency of the affinity-linker-based super-sensitive AID system for condition-knockdown of target proteins in cultured animal cells and mouse embryos. This system combines the improved AID method with small-molecule antibodies, enabling the control of GFP and mCherry fusion proteins. Additionally, this system can be used to degrade endogenous targets, such as Ras proteins. We also developed a novel inducer, caged 5-adamantyl-IAA, that precisely controlled targeted protein degradation under light irradiation. This advanced technique aids in the degradation of endogenous proteins of interest and can be used to develop new technologies for localized protein degradation.
Crosstalk between Rac and Rap GTPases in migrating cells
Authors: Lüttig Ricarda , Nanda Suchet , Chandran Haritha T. , Dehmelt Leif
Published: February 2025

To enable effective cell migration, local cell protrusion has to be coordinated with local cell attachment. Here, we investigate spatio-temporal activity patterns of key regulators of cell protrusion and adhesion, the small GTPases Rac and Rap, in migrating cells. These analyses show that Rac activity correlates very tightly with instantaneous cell protrusion events, while the Rap activity stays elevated for prolonged time periods after protrusion and is also detectable before cell protrusion. Direct analysis of activity crosstalk in living cells via light-based perturbation methods revealed that Rap can efficiently activate Rac, however, reciprocal crosstalk from Rac to Rap was not detectable. These findings suggest that Rap plays an instructive role in the generation of cell protrusions by its ability to activate Rac. Furthermore, prolonged Rap activity suggests that this molecule also plays a role in maintenance or stabilization of cell protrusions. Indeed, morphological analysis of Rap1-depleted A431 cells revealed a significant reduction of the cell attachment area, suggesting that Rap stimulated cell adhesion might indeed stabilize newly formed protrusions. Taken together, our study suggests a mechanism, by which cell protrusion is coupled to cell adhesion via unidirectional crosstalk that connects the activity of the small GTPases Rap and Rac.
LDL receptor-mediated endocytosis ofEscherichia coliα-hemolysin mediates renal epithelial toxicity
Authors: Kuhn Hunter W. , Smither Madeleine R. , Jin Rachel J. , Collins Christina A. , Ma Hongming , Sina Jason , Gaut Joseph P. , Diamond Michael S. , Hunstad David A.
Published: February 2025

Pore-forming toxins (PFTs) are secreted bacterial effector molecules that disrupt host cell membranes. The α-hemolysin (HlyA) of uropathogenicEscherichia coli(UPEC) can exert damage to various mammalian cell types. While a candidate toxin receptor (CD11a/CD18 [LFA-1] integrin) exists on myeloid cells, the mechanism of HlyA cytotoxicity to epithelial cells remains undefined. We show that HlyA secretion by UPEC exacerbates renal tubular epithelial injury during ascending pyelonephritis in mice. A CRISPR-Cas9 loss-of-function screen in renal collecting duct cells identified clathrin-mediated endocytosis as required for HlyA cytotoxicity. HlyA internalization induces lysosomal permeabilization, facilitating protease release, cytoplasmic acidification, and mitochondrial dysfunction leading to rapid cell death. This mechanism contrasts with the described actions of other PFTs (plasma membrane poration and osmotic cytolysis). We also identify the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) as an epithelial receptor for HlyA; genetic or competitive inhibition of the HlyA-LDLR interaction prevented cytotoxicity. Our studies define a new mechanism of action for HlyA, in which its toxicity to epithelial cells requires LDLR-mediated, clathrin-dependent internalization. These results suggest therapeutic avenues for mitigating HlyA-induced damage duringE. coliinfections.
Structure of endogenous Pfs230:Pfs48/45 in complex with potent malaria transmission-blocking antibodies
Authors: Bekkering Ezra T. , Yoo Randy , Hailemariam Sophia , Heide Fabian , Ivanochko Danton , Jackman Matthew , Proellochs Nicholas I. , Stoter Rianne , Wanders Oscar T. , van Daalen Renate C. , Inklaar Maartje R. , Andrade Carolina M. , Jansen Pascal W.T.C. , Vermeulen Michiel , Bousema Teun , Rubinstein John L. , Kooij Taco W.A. , Jore Matthijs M. , Julien Jean-Philippe
Published: February 2025

The Pfs230:Pfs48/45 complex is essential for malaria parasites to infect mosquitoes and forms the basis for current leading transmission-blocking vaccine candidates, yet little is known about its molecular assembly. Here, we used cryogenic electron microscopy to elucidate the structure of the endogenous Pfs230:Pfs48/45 complex bound to six potent transmission-blocking antibodies. Pfs230 consists of multiple domain clusters rigidified by interactions mediated through insertion domains. Membrane-anchored Pfs48/45 forms a disc-like structure and interacts with a short C-terminal peptide on Pfs230 that is critical for Pfs230 membrane-retentionin vivo. Analyses of Pfs48/45- and Pfs230-targeted antibodies identify conserved epitopes on the Pfs230:Pfs48/45 complex and provides a structural paradigm for complement-dependent activity of Pfs230-targeting antibodies. Altogether, the Pfs230:Pfs48/45 antibody-complex structure presented improves our understanding of malaria transmission biology and the mechanisms of action of transmission-blocking antibodies, informing the development of next-generation transmission-blocking interventions.
DNA damage checkpoints balance a tradeoff between diploid- and polyploid-derived arrest failures
Authors: Fujimaki Kotaro , Jambhekar Ashwini , Lahav Galit
Published: February 2025

The DNA damage checkpoint system ensures genomic integrity by preventing the division of damaged cells. This system operates primarily through the G1/S and G2/M checkpoints, which are susceptible to failure; how these checkpoints coordinate quantitatively to ensure optimal cellular outcomes remains unclear. In this study, we exposed non-cancerous human cells to exogenous DNA damage and used single-cell imaging to monitor spontaneous arrest failure. We discovered that cells fail to arrest in two major paths, resulting in two types with distinct characteristics, including ploidy, nuclear morphology, and micronuclei composition. Computational simulations and experiments revealed strengthening one checkpoint reduced one mode of arrest failure but increased the other, leading to a critical tradeoff for optimizing total arrest failure rates. Our findings suggest optimal checkpoint strengths for minimizing total error are inherently suboptimal for any single failure type, elucidating the systemic cause of genomic instability and tetraploid-like cells in response to DNA damage

Highlights

Arrest-failed cells result from two routes, each leading to a distinct type

These types differ in nuclear morphology, size, ploidy and micronuclei composition

Strengthening one checkpoint reduces one arrest-failure type but increases the other

Total error is minimized when checkpoint strengths are suboptimal for each type

eTOC

Single-cell quantitative analyses and computational simulations reveal that the DNA damage checkpoint system balances a tradeoff between reducing arrest failure from diploid cells and from damage-induced polyploid cells. The study suggests that to minimize total arrest failure, the checkpoint strengths need to be sub-optimal for each individual arrest-failure type.
Therapeutic Inhibition of Metalloproteases by Tetracyclines during Infection by Multi-Drug ResistantPseudomonas
Authors: Carr Mary , Chou Sophia R. , Sun Joshua , LaRock Doris L. , LaRock Christopher N.
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Both host and microbial proteases contribute to the destruction of tissue duringPseudomonas aeruginosapulmonary infections. We previously reported that beneficial therapeutic effects of metalloprotease inhibitors inPseudomonas aeruginosapulmonary infections are not only from targeting the host matrix metalloproteases, the intended target, but also from cross-inhibition of the secreted bacterial metalloprotease LasB.

Methods

We used computation modeling and biochemical assays to investigate whether doxycycline and other structurally-related antibiotics of the tetracycline family inhibit thePseudomonasprotease, LasB. Modeling infectionin vitrowith human neutrophils andin vivowith a murine model of pulmonary infection, we investigate the effect of on tetracyclines inhibit LasB activity, bacterial survival, and inflammation.

Results

Tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline, and sanocycline all inhibit proteolysis byPseudomonasLasB. At sub-antimicrobial concentrations, this sensitizes the bacterium killing by neutrophils. During pulmonary infection, tetracyclines significantly reduce pathological inflammation in the lung.

Conclusions

Our study shows that tetracycline-family antibiotics, known inhibitors of mammalian matrix metalloproteinases, also inhibit LasB and have beneficial anti-inflammatory activity during infections by extensively drug-resistantP. aeruginosa. By controlling pathological host inflammation, inhibiting bacterial virulence factors, and directly killing bacteria, tetracyclines can have tripartite therapeutic benefits.
ACandidozyma(Candida)auris-optimized Episomal Plasmid Induced Cas9-editing system reveals the direct impact of the S639F encodingFKS1mutation
Authors: Doorley Laura A. , Meza-Perez Vanessa , Jones Sarah J. , Rybak Jeffrey M.
Published: February 2025

Objectives

Mutations in theCandidozyma(Candida)aurisβ-glucan synthase gene (FKS1) altering S639 are frequently associated with clinical echinocandin resistance. However, the direct impact of these mutations remains uncharacterized. We have developed a novelC. auris-optimizedEpisomalPlasmid-InducedCas9 (EPIC) gene-editing system capable of recyclable precision genome editing and demonstrate the contribution ofFKS1S639Fmutation to echinocandin resistance.

Methods

The EPIC gene-editing system was generated for optimized use inC. auris, andADE2modification was evaluated in 5C. aurisclades. Mutations leading to Fks1S639Fand Fks1WTwere placed into echinocandin-susceptible and echinocandin-resistant isolates from Clade-III and -I, respectively, using the EPIC system. Echinocandin susceptibility was determined by CLSI broth microdilution, and cell wall abundance of chitin and β-glucan was assessed by staining with Calcofluor White (CFW) and Aniline Blue (AB).

Results

The EPIC system was capable of targetedADE2editing inC. aurisisolates from 5 genetic clades and shown to be precise by confirmatory sequencing of 50 transformants. A single nucleotide change inFKS1resulting in either the S639F substitution or a silent synonymous mutation was introduced in an echinocandin-susceptible Clade-III isolate.

PrecisionFKS1editing by the EPIC system was confirmed by whole genome sequencing. Subsequent susceptibility testing demonstrated introduction of theFKS1S639F mutation to increase resistance to echinocandins. Moreover, introduction of a wildtype Fks1 sequence to an echinocandin-resistant Clade-I clinical isolate, correcting theFKS1S639Fmutation, resulted in a restoration of echinocandin sensitivity. Evaluation of cell wall composition showed isolates or strains harboringFKS1S639Fto contain significantly elevated β-glucan and chitin content relative to isogenic comparators.

Conclusions

These data demonstrate the potential of our EPIC system in its ability to introduce single nucleotide substitutions in multipleC. aurisclade backgrounds while revealing the direct impact of the S639F encodingFKS1mutation on echinocandin resistance.
Mice dynamically adapt to opponents in competitive multi-player games
Authors: Erlich Jeffrey C , Rastogi Mehul , Yin Qianbo , Orsolic Ivana , Cruz Bruno F. , Almeida André , Duan Chunyu A.
Published: February 2025

Competing for resources in dynamic social environments is fundamental for survival, and requires continuous monitoring of both 'self' and 'others' to guide effective choices. Yet our understanding of value-based decision-making comes primarily from studying individuals in isolation, leaving open fundamental questions about how animals adapt their strategies during social competition. Here, we developed an ethologically relevant multi-player game, in which freely-moving mice make value-based decisions in a competitive spatial foraging task. We found that mice integrate real-time spatial information about 'self' and the opponent to flexibly shift their preference towards safer, low-payout options when appropriate. Analyses of mice and reinforcement learning agents reveal that these behavioural adaptations cannot be explained by simple reward learning, but are instead consistent with optimal decision strategies guided by opponent features. Using a dynamical model of neural activity, we found that in addition to opponent effects, decisions under competition were also noisier and more sensitive to initial conditions, generating testable predictions for neural recordings and perturbations. Together, this work reveals a fundamental mechanism for competitive foraging, and proposes novel quantitative frameworks towards understanding value-based decision-making in a fast-changing social environment.
Dietary cysteine enhances intestinal stemness via CD8+T cell-derived IL-22
Authors: Chi Fangtao , Zhang Qiming , Shay Jessica E.S. , Hoeve Johanna Ten , Yuan Yin , Yang Zhenning , Shin Heaji , Solanki Sumeet , Shah Yatrik M. , Agudo Judith , Yilmaz Ömer H.
Published: February 2025

A critical question in physiology is understanding how tissues adapt and alter their cellular composition in response to dietary cues. The mammalian small intestine, a vital digestive organ that absorbs nutrients, is maintained by rapidly renewing Lgr5+intestinal stem cells (ISCs) at the intestinal crypt base. While Lgr5+ISCs drive intestinal adaptation by altering self-renewal and differentiation divisions in response to diverse diets such as high-fat diets and fasting regimens, little is known about how micronutrients, particularly amino acids, instruct Lgr5+ISC fate decisions to control intestinal homeostasis and repair after injury. Here, we demonstrate that cysteine, an essential amino acid, enhances the ability of Lgr5+ISCs to repair intestinal injury. Mechanistically, the effects of cysteine on ISC-driven repair are mediated by elevated IL-22 from intraepithelial CD8αβ+T cells. These findings highlight how coupled cysteine metabolism between ISCs and CD8+T cells augments intestinal stemness, providing a dietary approach that exploits ISC and immune cell crosstalk for ameliorating intestinal damage.
Voltage-gated ion channel diversity underlies neuronal excitability and nervous system evolution
Authors: Davila-Velderrain Jose , van Giesen Lena
Published: February 2025

All nervous systems function via electrical excitability mediated by ion channels. However, channels and excitability are both ancient, preneuronal features that many cells use to rapidly adjust behavior. We systematically studied the evolutionary paths to neuronal excitability by characterizing the voltage-gated ion channel complements (VGL-chanomes) of 623 organisms, dissecting their expression patterns in 11 whole-body cell atlases and 3 entire nervous systems, and recording electrical properties of “primitive” neurons in the sea anemone. We find a disconnect between ion channel availability and organismal or nervous system complexity and find instead an association with lifestyle and behavior. Cell type restricted chanome expression predated the emergence of nervous systems in multicellular organisms. Multiple gene-family expansions and contractions independently specialized or diversified VGL-chanomes leading to a surprising convergent pattern: not the number of channels but their diversity and restrictive recruitment is a hallmark of neuronal complexity. These findings suggest that the evolution of highly complex nervous systems was not a stepwise progression of expanding complexity.
LOPAC library screening identifies suramin as a TRIM21 binder with a unique binding mode revealed by crystal structure
Authors: Kim Yeojin , Knapp Stefan , Krämer Andreas
Published: February 2025

Differential scanning fluorimetry screening of the Library of Pharmacologically Active Compounds (LOPAC) identified four hits for the PRYSPRY domain of the human E3 ligase tripartite motif-containing protein 21 (TRIM21). Isothermal titration calorimetry subsequently confirmed suramin as a binder with micromolar affinity. To further investigate the binding mechanism, mouse TRIM21 was used as a structural surrogate due to its improved protein stability and high sequence similarity to the human counterpart. A crystal structure of the complex refined at 1.3 Å resolution revealed a unique binding mode, providing new avenues for targeting TRIM21 and for the development of proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs).
The role of mega events’ sustainability practices in fostering environmentally sustainable behaviors: evidence from Expo 2020 Dubai
Authors: El-Said Osman Ahmed , Aziz Heba , Salem Islam Elbayoumi , Youssif Marwa
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Aligned with the global commitment to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, this study investigated the role of mega events in promoting environmentally sustainable behaviors, with a specific focus on Expo 2020 Dubai.

Design/methodology/approach

The context of the current study is Expo 2020 Dubai. Data was gathered from a convenience sample of 250 Expo 2020 Dubai visitors, and following data screening, the data was analyzed using AMOS 24 software following a two-step approach.

Findings

The study found that the implementation of environmentally sustainable practices significantly explained visitors’ environmental sustainability awareness. Moreover, the implementation of environmentally sustainable practices and environmental sustainability awareness positively influenced visitors’ awareness of consequences. Personal norms were found to be influenced by environmental sustainability awareness and awareness of consequences, while the relationship between the implementation of environmentally sustainable practices and personal norms was found to be insignificant. Finally, all predictors of intention to adopt environmentally sustainable behaviors were significant, with environmental sustainability awareness having the strongest impact, followed by the implementation of environmentally sustainable practices, personal norms and awareness of consequences.

Practical implications

These findings contribute valuable insights into the potential influence of mega events on promoting environmentally sustainable behaviors, with implications for event organizers and policymakers working toward sustainable development objectives.

Originality/value

Despite the significant impact of mega-events, few studies have explored how their sustainability practices affect environmental awareness and behavior. With rising global concern for climate change, examining the role of events like Expo 2020 Dubai in promoting sustainability is crucial. This research addresses this gap by investigating how mega-events can enhance environmental awareness and sustainable behaviors.
Retail consumer selfie theory and implications
Authors: Prasad Shantanu , Prabhudesai Rohit
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The selfie phenomenon has significantly affected retail environments. This study aims to conceptualise this phenomenon and analyse its findings and implications for managers, researchers and policymakers in retail environments.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review, an exploratory qualitative study and three experiments were conducted to examine the conceptualisation, findings and managerial implications of retail consumer selfie culture as a marketing tool across different age cohorts.

Findings

The concepts of the extended self in a digital world, sense of vision (sight), self-imagery and distance explain retail customer selfie culture and the findings that its impact varies significantly across different age cohorts in the retail environment from both vision (sight) and self-imagery perspectives.

Originality/value

This study proposes the retail consumer selfie theory (RCST). RCST can revolutionise retail advertising and branding and design more effective retail selfie campaigns specific to the target audience (different age cohorts) according to different products in various industries, offering new ways of performing product trials, evaluations, implementing retail strategies and public policy.
The retail collaborative recommendations for personalized product recommendations
Authors: Liao Shu-hsien , Widowati Retno , Chan Shang-Chen
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The delivery service business model is the final link in logistics for both online-and-offline (O2O) businesses. O2O business models combine e-commerce and physical commerce, using online marketing techniques to drive consumption in physical channels. Regarding collaborative recommendation, a recommendation mechanism involves two or more parties, such as logistics, retail firms and e-commerce operators, working together to obtain necessary consumer information and knowledge, such as profiles and preferences, as the basis for personalized product recommendations. Thus, delivery service and O2O purchasing integration for retail collaborative recommendations development are valuable research issues on retail and distribution management.

Design/methodology/approach

This study implements two-stage data mining analytics for clustering and association rules analysis, to investigate Taiwan consumers' (n = 2,169) preferences for delivery service. This process clarifies delivery service and O2O purchasing behaviours and preferences to find knowledge profiles/patterns/rules for retail collaborative recommendations.

Findings

This study first found several knowledge profiles/patterns/rules on our subjects. Discussion and implications for Taiwan retail and delivery service operators are also presented. The research findings show that delivery service is a valuable resource for O2O business models for retail collaborative recommendations.

Originality/value

Regarding originality and value, collaborative recommendation is a mechanism that seeks to understand consumers' lives and context. From the retail perspective, delivery and retail operators can join to discover valuable data on the platform through interactive data on consumer preferences for delivery service and O2O purchasing. These operators can then summarize the information to make collaborative recommendations more accurately, thus increasing O2O purchasing.
Effects of Fiscal Policy on Financial Bank Intermediation Quality in WAEMU Countries
Authors: Nabié Ouabou , Diarra Mahamadou
Published: February 2025

The study assesses the effects of fiscal policy on the financial bank quality intermediation in the WAEMU. To do so, the effects of the government securities ratio and the tax pressure rate on the NPL ratio are examined separately. The study uses panel data from WAEMU countries over the period 1990–2021 and ARDL modelling by the PMG estimator for basics estimates and the GM‐FMOLS estimator for robustness. The public securities ratio improves the financial bank quality intermediation up to the maximum threshold of 47.5% of GDP. The tax pressure rate contributes to increasing the NPL ratio up to the maximum threshold of 17.06%. These results imply that a reform of banking regulation should encourage banks to hold a significant proportion of public securities, without crowding out the private sector. They also call on governments to implement measures to stimulate economic activity to absorb fiscal pressure. The study contributes to the literature and empirical effects of fiscal policy on the financial bank quality intermediation in the WAEMU while serving as a decision‐making tool for governments and banking authorities in the management of NPLs in their lending activities and development.
Pathways from spousal bereavement to cognitive functioning in Pakistani older adults: Mediational role of social rhythms and moderating role of social support
Authors: Izhar Ruba , Hassan Sumara Masood Ul
Published: February 2025

Objective

This study investigated the association between spousal bereavement and cognitive functioning among Pakistani community dwelling older adults.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was completed in Pakistan in 2022–2023. A total sample of 135 bereaved older adults (Mage = 67.7, SD = 7.37) was obtained from the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan, via purposive sampling. Data were collected through the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA), the Core Bereavement Item (CBI), the Inventory of Complicated Grief (ICG), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support(MSPSS) and the Brief Social Rhythm Scale (BSRS). All scales were administered in Urdu language.

Results

Correlation analysis revealed a significant negative relationship between normative grief, complicated grief and cognitive functioning. Results generated, using PROCESS Macro Model 4 after controlling for age and duration of bereavement, revealed that normative grief and cognitive functioning were partially mediated by social rhythms. No mediation was formed after controlling for education. Complicated grief and cognitive functioning were not mediated by social rhythms. Perceived social support did not moderate the relationship between normative grief and complicated grief. However, only the perceived support from family moderated the relationship between complicated grief and cognitive functioning.

Conclusions

Social rhythm regularity did not mediate cognitive decline among grieving older adults. However, results highlight the importance of support from family in preventing cognitive decline. Findings suggested that understanding the underlying pathways associated with cognitive decline among older adults are vital for the development of specific intervention and prevention strategies.
Proactive aggression or passive resistance: A face perspective on why and how illegitimate tasks elicit various counterproductive work behaviours in employees
Authors: Jiang Fubin , Wang Zhen , Zhang Mufan
Published: February 2025

Illegitimate tasks are identified as common stressors in the workplace. Yet, research has predominantly linked illegitimate tasks to counterproductive work behaviours (CWBs) while overlooking why and how illegitimate tasks are related to employees' different CWBs. Drawing on the face research and the approach–avoidance framework, this article develops a model that delineates both approach‐ and avoidance‐oriented responses to illegitimate tasks. Specifically, we posit that the two dimensions of face consciousness—desire to gain face (approach‐oriented face) and fear of losing face (avoidance‐oriented face)—differently relate to employees' emotional and CWBs reactions to daily illegitimate tasks. We tested our hypotheses using 855 observations collected from 91 full‐time employees across 10 consecutive working days. Results showed that employees higher on desire to gain face are more likely to feel angry and engage in interpersonal deviance (approach‐oriented CWBs) because of daily illegitimate tasks than those lower on it. Employees higher on fear of losing face, however, are likely to feel anxious and engage in interaction avoidance (avoidance‐oriented CWBs) when confronted with daily illegitimate tasks. Overall, these findings provide a social image and face perspective for understanding employees' various CWBs caused by illegitimate tasks and inspire management practices.
Clinical Course and Prognosis of Long‐Term Survivors of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Kim Soon Sun , Lee Jonghyun , Ahn Sang Bong , Chon Young Eun , Yoon Eileen , Jeong Soung Won , Jun Dae Won
Published: February 2025

Background and Aims

This study investigated the long‐term prognosis and clinical course of patients who survived for more than 5 years after hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) diagnosis.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study used data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database. A total of 35,348 subjects newly diagnosed with HCC between January 2008 and December 2010 were followed up until December 2018.

Results

A total of 11,514 (32.6%) survived for 5 years after diagnosis of HCC among 35,348 patients diagnosed with HCC. Long‐term survivors (≥ 5 years) had a higher proportion of females, younger age, more frequent aetiology of hepatitis B virus, less frequent liver cirrhosis, diabetes mellitus and hypertension, and received curative treatment more frequently than nonsurvivors (< 5 years). The additional 1‐, 3‐ and 5‐year cumulative survival probabilities were 90.7%, 77.6% and 68.4% respectively. Patients who underwent curative treatment as the first treatment for HCC showed a higher additional 5‐year cumulative survival probabilities than those treated with noncurative therapy (74.5% vs. 64.2%). Among the long‐term survivors, 44.4% underwent HCC retreatment 5 years after HCC diagnosis. The additional 5‐year cumulative survival probability was 54.9% in the HCC retreatment group. The overall 5‐ and 10‐year cumulative probabilities of second primary malignancies in long‐term survivors were 15.36% and 27.54% respectively. The most frequent second primary malignancy was prostate cancer, followed by colorectal and pancreatic cancers.

Conclusion

Our study highlights that a significant proportion of patients with HCC achieve long‐term survival beyond 5 years, with favourable outcomes associated with curative treatments.
Review Article: Novel Enzyme Therapy Design for Gluten Peptide Digestion Through Exopeptidase Supplementation
Authors: Bonner Erin R. , Tschollar Werner , Anderson Robert , Mourabit Sulayman
Published: February 2025

Background

Dietary peptides are increasingly linked to inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases, exemplified by coeliac disease. Coeliac disease is caused by an acquired immune response to proline‐ and glutamine‐rich gluten peptides, which bottleneck proteolysis and provide substrates for immune recognition. Enzyme therapies aim to eliminate gluten immunogenic peptides as an adjunct to gluten‐free diet.

Aims

To investigate overlooked aspects of enzyme development given difficulties in translating preclinical efficacy into clinical benefit.

Methods

We assessed mode‐of‐action, target organ and drug delivery in the context of digestive physiology and motility for gluten‐digesting enzymes on the market or in development until 1 December 2024.

Results

Most enzymes were gastric endopeptidases specific for proline or glutamine residues. Gastric enzymes may achieve poor enzyme–substrate exposure due to limited mixing and rapid emptying of water‐soluble particles. Moreover, endopeptidases cleave proteins/peptides into shorter peptides but do not systematically cleave protein into absorbable fractions. Natural digestive physiology provides thorough mixing at the intestinal brush border, which produces exopeptidases necessary to fully digest proline‐rich peptides. Despite reduced activity in patients with coeliac disease, exopeptidases remain underexplored as therapeutic agents. Given limited substrate scope and end‐to‐end digestion, exopeptidases are ineffective as single agents, requiring functional combinations. Furthermore, vulnerability to gastric acid requires stabilisation or formulation for rapid enteric release.

Conclusions

Enzymes should be stabilised throughout the gastrointestinal tract including the small intestine. Exopeptidases perform a critical function by systematically generating absorbable fractions, warranting future investigation as therapeutic agents. Sensitive and translational biomarkers are needed to better assess enzyme efficacy in real‐meal conditions.
History, clinical presentation, therapy, and patient reported outcomes of mucosal lichen planus: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Cramer Neda , Kromer Daniel , Bootsveld Julia M. , Sennhenn‐Kirchner Sabine , Gerdes Sascha , Sondermann Wiebke , Assaf Katharina , Goebeler Matthias , Wilsmann‐Theis Dagmar , Günther Claudia , Kromer Christian , Mössner Rotraut
Published: February 2025

Background and Objectives

Mucosal lichen planus (LP) is a chronic inflammatory disease. The patient's journey can be arduous as diagnosis and therapy are challenging.

Patients and Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, a wide range of characteristics of the patient's journey were assessed and evaluated from a total of 72 patients with mucosal LP who were treated in the dermatology departments of six German university medical centers between 02/2022 and 07/2023.

Results

On average, 18.1 months elapsed between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis. Until the correct diagnosis was made, an average of 3.1 different physicians of the same or different specialties were consulted. 28.1% of patients also had cutaneous involvement. Therapeutically, 68% of patients received at least one systemic drug. Both topical (90%, 65/72) and systemic (oral, 50% of patients, 36/72; intravenous, 33%, 24/72) glucocorticoids were most frequently used. Systemic agents were most often discontinued due to ineffectiveness (46%, 50/110). Satisfaction with treatment was highest for intravenous and topical glucocorticoids (moderate to high satisfaction: 59% and 36%, respectively), and lowest for retinoids with 8%.

Conclusions

This study indicates that there might be a lack of diagnostic awareness among physicians and the unmet need for effective systemic treatment options.
Interpretable Machine Learning for Age‐at‐Death Estimation From the Pubic Symphysis
Authors: Bermejo Enrique , Villegas Antonio David , Irurita Javier , Damas Sergio , Cordón Oscar
Published: February 2025

Age‐at‐death estimation is an arduous task in human identification based on characteristics such as appearance, morphology or ossification patterns in skeletal remains. This process is performed manually, although in recent years there have been several studies that attempt to automate it. One of the most recent approaches involves considering interpretable machine learning methods, obtaining simple and easily understandable models. The ultimate goal is not to fully automate the task but to obtain an accurate model supporting the forensic anthropologists in the age‐at‐death estimation process. We propose a semi‐automatic method for age‐at‐death estimation based on nine pubic symphysis traits identified from Todd's pioneering method. Genetic programming is used to learn simple mathematical expressions following a symbolic regression process, also developing feature selection. Our method follows a component‐scoring approach where the values of the different traits are evaluated by the expert and aggregated by the corresponding mathematical expression to directly estimate the numeric age‐at‐death value. Oversampling methods are considered to deal with the strongly imbalanced nature of the problem. State‐of‐the‐art performance is achieved thanks to an interpretable model structure that allows us to both validate existing knowledge and extract some new insights in the discipline.
Salmonid Biomass in Streams Around the World: A Quantitative Synthesis
Authors: Foote Kyleisha J. , Grant James W. A. , Biron Pascale M.
Published: February 2025

Salmonid fishes are one of the best studied fish taxa, but little is known about their biomass distribution. We created a dataset using published material for over 1000 rivers with estimated salmonid biomass, covering 27 countries, and 11 species. The distribution of salmonid biomass and production across streams was skewed to the right with a mean biomass and production of 5.2 g/m2 (range = 0–70.3 g/m2) and 6.3 g/m2/year (range = 0.03–50.2 g/m2/year), respectively. The top 10% and 1% of salmonid streams in the world had a biomass > 11.9 and 36.5 g/m2, respectively, and a production > 13.9 and 25.6 g/m2/year, respectively. Salmonid production was positively correlated with biomass (r = 0.82, n = 194), with a mean production to biomass (P/B) ratio of 1.08, which differed among species. Mean biomass declined 38% over time, from 8.6 g/m2 before 1980 to 5.4 g/m2 in 2000–2020. Biomass was also higher in small streams (< 10 m wide) and in streams where smaller areas were sampled. Brown trout (Salmo trutta) streams represented a higher proportion of those with biomass > 10 g/m2 than many other species. In addition to the variables mentioned above, salmonid biomass in streams was affected by species, season, method of sampling, elevation, latitude, and migratory strategy. Expanding the list of variables would be useful for developing models to predict salmonid biomass and the conditions for an outstanding salmonid stream, defined as a stream which has a biomass estimate in the top 1% worldwide.
Exploring Perception Disparities in Agricultural Risk Management Process Training: An Analysis of Skill Transfer Perspectives Between Supervisors and Trainees
Authors: Mukasa Pontious Mubiru , Miiro Richard , Obaa Bernard , Mutebi Henry , Kizza James , Kiwanuka Joseph
Published: February 2025

This study explores the comprehensive examination of Agricultural Risk Management (ARM) process skill transfer dynamics between supervisors and trainees. The main points encompass understanding the details of the ARM process and identifying perceptual discrepancies in rating the level of transfer between trainees and supervisors. The investigation aims to contribute valuable insights into refining ARM process dissemination strategies for improved agricultural resilience. Employing a cross‐sectional mixed‐method approach, this research utilized independent t‐tests for quantitative data analysis, facilitated by SPSS software. Furthermore, qualitative data underwent meticulous thematic content analysis conducted through Atlas.ti. The participant demographic characteristics, showcasing a balanced gender distribution among trainees and supervisors, highlighted the cohort's diverse educational backgrounds and qualifications. Trainees exhibited varying educational levels, while supervisors mainly possess advanced degrees, signalling their potential sway in mentoring dynamics. The study uncovered notable gaps within the ARM process framework, notably the absence of comprehensive risk assessment, diversified strategies, formal monitoring mechanisms, and the incorporation of behavioural and financial elements. Emphasizing collaboration and proactive approaches toward addressing long‐term risks, particularly climate change adaptation, emerged as pivotal components. Significantly, the study revealed marked differences in perceptions between supervisors and trainees regarding ARM skill transfer, accentuating the necessity for tailor‐made training initiatives. The implications drawn from this study underline the critical necessity for customized training modules that consider the distinct needs and perceptions of supervisors and trainees. Furthermore, fostering enhanced collaboration and advocating for a comprehensive approach to mitigating long‐term agricultural risks, notably the impacts of climate change, emerge as imperative strategies. These implications carry profound significance in refining risk management practices, bolstering agricultural resilience and ensuring sustainable agricultural practices.