bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robotic vs. laparoscopic gastrectomy for patients with locally advanced gastric cancer: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and propensity-score-matched studies
Authors: Huang Wang , Tang Gang , Sun Hao
Published: December 2024

Background:

The role of robotic surgery for the treatment of locally advanced gastric cancer remains controversial. This meta-analysis aimed to compare the short-term outcomes between robotic gastrectomy (RG) and laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) for patients with locally advanced gastric cancer using data collected from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and propensity score-matched (PSM) studies.

Materials and methods:

We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases for RCTs and PSM studies comparing RG and LG. Risk ratios (RRs) and mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

Results:

Fifteen studies encompassing one RCT and 14 PSM studies were included, with a total of 5079 patients (RG group: 2279 patients; LG group: 2800 patients). Although RG was associated with a longer operative time (MD, 19.82 min), patients may benefit from reduced blood loss (MD, −28.91 mL), shorter length of stay (MD, −0.69 days), lower morbidity (RR, 0.82), major complications (RR, 0.71), blood transfusion rate (RR, 0.60), conversion rate (RR, 0.38), and higher number of harvested lymph nodes (MD, 3.25). There were no significant differences observed in readmission (RR, 0.89), mortality (RR, 0.75), reoperation (RR, 0.71), and R0 resection (RR, 0.99) between the groups. In addition, RG shortened the time to first flatus (MD, −0.38 days), the time to first liquid intake (MD, −0.31 days), and the time to first soft diet intake (MD, −0.20 days).

Conclusions:

RG seems associated with improved short-term outcomes and enhanced postoperative recovery in locally advanced gastric cancer compared to LG. In the future, RG may become a safe and effective alternative to LG. Further research is needed to investigate long-term outcomes and confirm the promising advantages of RG in locally advanced gastric cancer.
Development and validation of a predictive model for overall survival in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma post-esophagectomy: the role of lymph node metastatic stations
Authors: Li Kexun , Lu Simiao , Du Kunyi , Wang Chenghao , He Wenwu , Wang Qifeng , Han Yongtao , Leng Xuefeng , Peng Lin
Published: December 2024

Background:

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) poses a substantial healthcare challenge, particularly in areas such as East Asia. The pathologic nodal (pN) stage of ESCC remains a controversial factor. Accurately predicting overall survival (OS) after esophagectomy is crucial for treatment planning and improving treatment outcomes.

Method:

An analysis was conducted using data from Esophageal Cancer Case Management Database of Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, spanning from January 2010 to December 2017. Our study aimed to examine the clinicopathological characteristics, lymph node resection at individual stations, and treatment details of patients with ESCC who underwent esophagectomy. In addition, a novel nodal stage (N stage) was based on the number of lymph node metastasis (LNM) stations, and a prediction model for OS was devised using the pN stage and the newly proposed N stage.

Results:

After analyzing 49 indicators through univariate and multifactorial analyses, 25 of the most significant factors affecting OS after esophagectomy were identified. Further analysis using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression revealed six key factors. Models were developed based on the pN stage and the newly introduced N stage. Evaluation of the area under the curve indicated that Model 2 exhibited slightly superior clinical utility compared to Model 1.

Conclusions:

Our study demonstrates that the newly introduced N stage, based on the number of LNM stations, exhibits comparable performance to the current American Joint Committee on Cancer/Union for International Cancer Control pN system, with a slight advantageous edge.
Effect of different artificial tears on tear film parameters in dry eye disease
Authors: Maity Moumi , Allay Manindra Bikram , Ali Md Hasnat , Basu Sayan , Singh Swati
Published: December 2024

SIGNIFICANCE

Artificial tears remain the cornerstone for managing dry eye disease. The current study's real-world efficacy test of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), polyethylene glycol (PEG) 400, or sodium hyaluronate (SH)–based lubricants highlights their similar effects on noninvasive tear film parameters over the short term. However, patients reported better relief with SH-based lubricants.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to compare the short-term impact of different artificial tear formulations on tear film in moderate dry eye disease patients.

METHODS

A prospective, double-masked, controlled study randomly allocated moderate dry eye disease patients into five groups of artificial tears: 0.5% CMC, 1% CMC, 0.1% SH-trehalose, 0.4% PEG 400–0.3% propylene glycol (PG), and 0.1% SH–0.4% PEG 400–0.3% PG. Noninvasive tear breakup time (NIBUT), tear meniscus height, and bulbar redness (Keratograph 5M; OCULUS Optikgeräte, Wetzlar, Germany) were assessed (in a controlled environment chamber 68 to 70°F; 35% relative humidity) at baseline and every 15 minutes for 1 hour after a drop instillation in the left eye. The right eye was an internal control. At 1 hour, subjects were asked for a change in subjective symptomatology (scales 0 to 4). A linear mixed-effect model was used for analysis.

RESULTS

Each artificial tear group had 20 patients (100 patients). All groups had similar dry eye disease types and durations, baseline ocular surface disease index scores, and tear film parameters. All artificial tears showed significant improvement in NIBUT values at all time points from baseline compared with contralateral eyes. The change in NIBUT values was similar between different artificial tears at all time points. Bulbar redness scores and tear meniscus height showed no significant change in either eye with time or artificial tears. All patients reported improvement in dry eye disease symptomatology, with significant differences observed between 1% CMC and SH-PEG-PG (p=0.01), 0.5% CMC and SH-PEG-PG (p<0.0001), and 0.5% CMC and 0.1% SH-trehalose (p=0.01), where SH-based tear drops performed better.

CONCLUSIONS

Tear film stability improves following a single drop of CMC, SH, and PEG-based artificial tears, although these artificial tears do not differ in their short-term effect.
Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Puncture Combined With Continuous Pressure Dressing for Treating Subcutaneous Fluid Accumulation in the Bone Window Area After Decompressive Craniectomy
Authors: Lv Enzhen , Xue Xiaoli , Xu Zitao , Liu Hong
Published: December 2024

Subcutaneous fluid accumulation in the bone window area is a common complication after decompressive craniectomy. If not promptly addressed, it may progress to serious complications such as intracranial infection and hydrocephalus, significantly affecting treatment outcomes and prognosis. However, there is currently no standardized approach for managing subcutaneous fluid accumulation. Ultrasound-guided percutaneous puncture in the bone window area can directly decrease the accumulated fluid; moreover, when combined with continuous pressure dressing, this approach can effectively eliminate subcutaneous fluid in a short period, prevent severe complications, and enhance patient recovery outcomes.
Reduce Flap Necrosis After Autologous Breast Reconstruction: A Systematic Review
Authors: Gao Yiwen , Yin Lu , Xiang Tinghong , Ni Tianyi , Shi Jingping
Published: December 2024

Background:

Autologous breast reconstruction provides substantial benefits in terms of aesthetics and longevity. However, the risk of flap necrosis poses potential challenges to patients’ appearance and psychological well-being, while also escalating health care costs. Consequently, examining the risk factors, assessment techniques, and therapeutic approaches for flap necrosis is critically important.

Method:

The authors conducted a comprehensive search for relevant studies from January 2010 to August 2024 using PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. The search terms included “autologous breast reconstruction”, “flap necrosis”, “risk factor”, “assessment”, and “treatment”. The authors initially screened titles and abstracts, followed by a detailed review by 3 investigators to determine the studies that met the inclusion criteria.

Result:

A total of 68 studies were ultimately selected for analysis. Identified risk factors for flap necrosis include smoking, advanced age, obesity, diabetes, large breast volume, previous radiotherapy, and abdominal surgery. Various assessment methods (e.g., preoperative imaging, intraoperative blood flow monitoring, and postoperative evaluations) can enhance flap survival. The review also covered surgical treatment strategies and non-surgical interventions, including local wound care, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and pharmacological treatments.

Conclusion:

This review highlights the critical role of thorough planning and management in minimizing the risk of flap necrosis after autologous breast reconstruction. Effective preoperative assessments, perioperative monitoring, and specific postoperative interventions can significantly lower the incidence of flap necrosis.
S-Press leg strengthening device in community inpatient wards: patient suitability, sit-to-stand ability, and patient-rated comfort outcomes
Authors: Griffiths Chris , Walker Kate , Lakkappa Bharath
Published: December 2024

Background

Leg muscle deconditioning due to hospitalisation results in loss of muscle strength, physical immobility, and decreased ability to carry out activities of daily living. This causes delayed discharges, more nursing, carer, or social service support following discharge, possible discharge to care home rather than the patient’s own home, and increased risk of readmissions. Leg muscle deconditioning is associated with increased mortality, infections, and depression. Enhancing leg muscle strength should form part of in-patients’ rehabilitation plans. Progressive resistance training (PRE) offers a cost-effective way of preserving and improving muscle strength and function; however, it is not typically carried out in hospital.

Objective

To examine patient suitability, sit-to-stand ability, and patient-rated comfort outcomes of a leg strength training device (S-Press) in five community inpatient wards in England’s National Health Service (NHS).

Methods

Design: an open-label patient cohort design with no control group. Collection of the following data: reason for admission, number of times S-Press was used, number of repetitions, set up position used in, resistance levels used, increase in resistance level over use, time for five-times sit-to-stand, and patient reported comfort rating. Measures of sit-to-stand were conducted before use of S-Press and before discharge.

Results

An extensive range of admission reasons were recorded for 45 patients who used S-Press, indicating widespread suitability. Forty patients had information on set up position used in: 25 (62.5%) in chair, 13 (32.5%) on bed, and 2 (5%) in wheelchair. Out of 28 people who used S-Press more than once, the average number of S-Press sessions was 5.2, with 57% increasing resistance level and number of repetitions. Five-times sit-to-stand data collected for 16 participants showed all had a reduced length of time taken to sit-to-stand. There was an average reduction in five-times sit-to-stand of 17.4 seconds. Thirty-seven patients rated comfort out of 10, the most frequent rating was 10 out of 10 (15 out of the 37); average rating was 8.73.

Conclusion

The S-Press is beneficial for patients’ rehabilitation by offering PRE that is simple and easy to use and can be integrated as part of their rehabilitation plans. Patients with a wide variety of reasons for admission can use S-Press to strengthen their legs, either in a chair, wheelchair or bed as required. The majority of patients increased resistance and repetitions that they could do, indicating increased leg strength. Most patients find S-Press to be very comfortable to use. Five-times sit-to-stand improvements were seen for all those measured; speeding up this essential functional process is linked to increased mobility and ability to carry out activities of daily living. S-Press could be introduced to the most hospital wards.
Judged by your neighbors: Brain structural normativity profiles for large and heterogeneous samples
Authors: Leenings Ramona , Winter Nils R , Ernsting Jan , Konowski Maximilian , Holstein Vincent , Meinert Susanne , Spanagel Jennifer , Barkhau Carlotta , Fisch Lukas , Goltermann Janik , Gerdes Malte Frank , Grotegerd Dominik , Leehr Elisabeth Johanna , Peters Annette , Krist Lilian , Willich Stefan N. , Pischon Tobias , Völzke Henry , Haubold Johannes , Kauczor Hans-Ulrich , Niendorf Thoralf , Richter Maike Frederike , Dannlowski Udo , Berger Klaus , Jiang Xiaoyi , Cole James , Opel Nils , Hahn Tim
Published: December 2024

The detection of norm deviations is fundamental to clinical decision making and impacts our ability to diagnose and treat diseases effectively. Current normative modeling approaches rely on generic comparisons and quantify deviations in relation to the population average. However, generic models interpolate subtle nuances and risk the loss of critical information, thereby compromising effective personalization of health care strategies. To acknowledge the substantial heterogeneity among patients and support the paradigm shift of precision medicine, we introduce Nearest Neighbor Normativity (N3), which is a strategy to refine normativity evaluations in diverse and heterogeneous clinical study populations. We address current methodological shortcomings by accommodating several equally normative population prototypes, comparing individuals from multiple perspectives and designing specifically tailored control groups. Applied to brain structure in 36,896 individuals, the N3framework provides empirical evidence for its utility and significantly outperforms traditional methods in the detection of pathological alterations. Our results underscore N3's potential for individual assessments in medical practice, where norm deviations are not merely a benchmark, but an important metric supporting the realization of personalized patient care.
Impact of climate change on diarrhoea risk in low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Fatima Syeda H. , Judge Melinda A. , Le Souëf Peter N. , Bradshaw Corey J. A.
Published: December 2024

Diarrhoea remains a leading cause of mortality among children under five years of age, with over 99% of deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. Poor water quality, inadequate sanitation, poverty, undernutrition, and limited healthcare access contribute to this lingering problem, along with emerging environmental stressors driven by climate change. We analysed long-term spatial relationships between environmental, socioeconomic, and maternal/child factors usingDemographic and Health SurveysandWorldClimdata across eight South and Southeast Asian countries (n= 66,545 clusters; 3,143,811 child-level observations).

We employed boosted regression trees to assess variable importance across five thematic phases: socio-economic, maternal, child, climate, and combined. We selected variables based on biological plausibility, collinearity checks, and completeness. We addressed uncertainty through multiple imputation and stochastic resampling, and we evaluated model performance using cross-validation.

The main predictors of diarrhoea incidence included annual temperature variability, precipitation in the wettest month, maternal education, and household size. Higher annual temperature range (30–40 °C) was associated with a ∼ 39% increase in diarrhoea probability, while lower precipitation in the wettest month (< 600 mm) increased risk by ∼ 29%, highlighting the role of drier conditions. We found that maternal education < 8 years increased diarrhoea probability by ∼ 18%, and household sizes exceeding six members increased it by ∼ 9%.

Our findings emphasise the need for climate-resilient public-health policies that integrate social and environmental determinants of diarrhoea. Targeted interventions — including improved maternal education, water and sanitation infrastructure, and resource management in densely populated households — are necessary to mitigate diarrhoea risk in vulnerable regions under changing climate conditions.
TSvelo: Comprehensive RNA velocity by modeling cascade of gene regulation, transcription and splicing
Authors: Li Jiachen , Wang Zhe , Shen Hong-Bin , Yuan Ye
Published: December 2024

RNA velocity approaches fit gene dynamics and infer cell fate by modeling the splicing process using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data. However, due to short time scale of splicing, high noise and large complexity of data, existing RNA velocity methods often fail to precisely capture the complex velocity dynamics for individual gene and single cell, which makes its downstream analysis less reliable and less robust. We proposeTSvelo, a comprehensive RNAvelocity mathematics framework that can model cascade of gene regulation,Transcription andSplicing using highly interpretable neural Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs) with an Expectation-Maximization (EM) solution. TSvelo can precisely capture the transcription-unspliced-spliced 3D dynamics of all genes simultaneously, infer unified latent time shared by genes within single cell, detect key gene regulatory relations and be applied to multi-lineage datasets. Experiments on six scRNA-seq datasets, including two multi-lineage datasets, demonstrate TSvelo’s superiority.
Slow-growingSalmonella entericaTyphi mis-identified asSalmonellaGallinarum in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Sunmonu Gabriel Temitope , Ogunleye Veronica O , Ikhimiukor Odion O. , Popoola Oluwafemi , Osadebamwen Precious E. , Kehinde Aderemi , Okeke Iruka N
Published: December 2024

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi is endemic in Nigeria whereS. Gallinarum is rarely reported. ProbableS. Gallinarum was blood-cultured from three Ibadan patients within 10-days leading to suspicion of an outbreak. All three isolates were re-identified using VITEK-2, whole genome sequenced on Illumina and Oxford Nanopore platforms and confirmed asS. Typhi genotype 3.1.1. Two isolates from the same household had no single nucleotide polymorphisms, suggesting a point-source, but the third was an independent infection event. The isolates formed small colonies, were negative for motility by hanging drop method, and in Sulphide-Indole-Motility medium at 24h, but positive after 48h incubation. Hybrid genome assemblies revealed chromosomal fragment arrangements with imbalances on either side oforiandter, which has been shown to slowS. Typhi growth. SuspectedS. Gallinarum isolates in typhoid endemic areas should be evaluated biochemically and for motility after extended incubation, and verified by serological or molecular methods.

Main contributions of the research

This study demonstrates that slow-growingSalmonellaTyphi can be mis-identified asS. Gallinarum in resource-limited endemic countries.

Extended motility testing and confirmatory testing can avoid S. Gallinarum miss-calls.

The genetic basis for slow-growth may be chromosomal rearrangements at rrn operons, which are known to occur in S.Typhi
Mechanistic origins of temperature scaling in the early embryonic cell cycle
Authors: Rombouts Jan , Tavella Franco , Vandervelde Alexandra , Phong Connie , Ferrell James E. , Yang Qiong , Gelens Lendert
Published: December 2024

Temperature profoundly impacts organismal physiology and ecological dynamics, particularly affecting ectothermic species and making them especially vulnerable to climate changes. Although complex physiological processes usually involve dozens of enzymes, empirically it is found that the rates of these processes often obey the Arrhenius equation, which was originally proposed for individual chemical reactions. Here we have examined the temperature scaling of the early embryonic cell cycle, with the goal of understanding why the Arrhenius equation approximately holds and why it breaks down at temperature extremes. Using experimental data fromXenopus laevis, Xenopus tropicalis, andDanio rerio, plus published data fromCaenorhabditis elegans, Caenorhabditis briggsae, andDrosophila melanogaster, we find that the apparent activation energies (Eavalues) for the early embryonic cell cycle for diverse ectotherms are all similar, 75 ± 7 kJ/mol (mean ± std.dev., n = 6), which corresponds to aQ10value at 20°C of 2.8 ± 0.2 (mean ± std.dev., n = 6). Using computational models, we find that the approximate Arrhenius scaling and the deviations from it at high and low temperatures can be accounted for by biphasic temperature scaling in critical individual components of the cell cycle oscillator circuit, by imbalances in theEavalues for different partially rate-determining enzymes, or by a combination of both. Experimental studies of cyclingXenopusextracts indicate that both of these mechanisms contribute to the general scaling of temperature, andin vitrostudies of individual cell cycle regulators confirm that there is in fact a substantial imbalance in theirEavalues. These findings provide mechanistic insights into the dynamic interplay between temperature and complex biochemical processes, and into why biological systems fail at extreme temperatures.
Perceiving direction of deformation-based motion
Authors: Kawabe Takahiro
Published: December 2024

Transparent liquid flow deforms its background through light refraction, creating complex spatiotemporal patterns that challenge the visual system in discerning flow direction. This study investigates how the visual system perceptually resolves the direction of transparent liquid flow. Using two-dimensional 1/f noise as background, we sequentially deformed the noise with pre-defined displacement maps displaced across frames, systematically manipulating spatial frequency and displacement magnitude. Participants reported the perceived direction of deformation-based motion. The results emphasize the critical role of the relationship between the minimum wavelength and displacement magnitude. Performance declined when the displacement magnitude exceeded a certain proportion relative to the wavelength. Conversely, performance also dropped significantly under conditions of small displacements combined with low cut-off frequencies. Further analysis revealed the local deformation possibly hinders the detection of deformation-based motion. These findings enhance understanding of how global and local motion cues interact, providing insight into the visual system’s processing of deformation-induced motion and transparency.
Longer Interstimulus Intervals Enhance Efficacy of Automated Phase-Targeted Auditory Stimulation on Procedural Memory Consolidation
Authors: Kasties Vanessa , Meier Nicole , Moser Nora-Hjördis , Sassenburg Renske , Karlen Walter , Ferster Maria Laura , Fattinger Sara , Maric Angelina , Huber Reto
Published: December 2024

Up-phase-targeted auditory stimulation (up-PTAS) during slow-wave sleep has become a valuable tool for modulating slow oscillations and slow-oscillation-spindle-coupling in favor of overnight memory retention. Developing effective, automated protocols for translation into more naturalistic or clinical settings is an ongoing challenge, especially given that current PTAS protocols and their behavioral effects vary greatly between different studies. Here, we assessed the electrophysiological and behavioral effects of systematically varying interstimulus intervals (ISIs) in automated up-PTAS in the home setting, using a mobile PTAS device and app-based behavioral tasks. Building on studies suggesting a non-linear relationship between stimulus number and PTAS effects, we show that applying fewer stimuli with longer ISIs enhanced overnight memory consolidation of a finger-tapping sequence more effectively than applying more stimuli with shorter ISIs. The behavioral response was predicted by the number of stimuli with auditory evoked K-complexes relative to the number of stimuli without K-complexes. PTAS stimuli applied at longer ISIs (> 1.25) were associated with a higher likelihood of K-complex responses and fast spindles nesting in the K-complex up-phase. Our results suggest that up-PTAS can be optimized for overnight memory consolidation by introducing ISIs of at least 1.25s. Our study highlights the feasibility of longitudinal at-home PTAS combined with app-based behavioral tasks in healthy participants while leveraging the mechanistic insights such data can offer.

Statement of Significance

Phase-targeted auditory stimulation (PTAS) holds great promise for non-invasively enhancing essential functions of slow-wave sleep. However, current protocols have produced variable results and are often confined to laboratory settings. Our study demonstrates the feasibility of a mobile application of automated PTAS and provides experimental evidence that prolonging interstimulus intervals positively affects overnight procedural memory consolidation via K-complexes and coupled sleep spindles. As K-complexes may also be involved in cardiovascular function and brain waste clearance, the proposed protocol optimization may have effects beyond memory enhancement. Together, our findings lay a foundation for a broader application of PTAS in clinical longitudinal studies to improve patient care and recovery outcomes.
Modulating Peripheral Neural Activity: Prolonged Low-Intensity Ultrasound for Controlled Excitation and Suppression in Rat Sciatic Nerve
Authors: Badawe Heba M. , Mourad Pierre D. , Khraiche Massoud L.
Published: December 2024

Objective

Low-intensity, low-frequency ultrasound has shown promise for neuromodulation, particularly for influencing peripheral neural activity. However, the precise parameters required to modulate neuronal activity consistently remain poorly understood, limiting its broader application. Here, we investigate the effects of varying sonication duration (SD) and duty cycle (DC) on motor neuronal responses in the rat sciatic nerve, focusing on understanding how cumulative energy exposure influences the activation, enhancement, or suppression of peripheral neural activity during ultrasound neuromodulation.

Approach

We apply low-intensity, low-frequency ultrasound to the rat sciatic nerve in vivo at different sonication durations (30s, 60s, 90s, and 120s) and duty cycles (30%, 50%, and 80%). The cumulative energy exposure is calculated as the product of spatial-peak pulse-average intensity, SD, and DC. Electromyographic (EMG) activity in the gastrocnemius muscle is measured, and the thermal effects are monitored to ensure a non-cavitational, non-thermal application.

Main Results

Our findings demonstrate that higher cumulative energy exposures suppress EMG activity in the gastrocnemius muscle (enervated by the sciatic nerve). However, lower cumulative energy exposures enhance EMG activity and motor stimulation. Notably, the ultrasound-induced EMG changes persisted for 5 minutes post-sonication – three to five times longer than the application duration -- underscoring the therapeutic potential of ultrasound for precise neural control. In vivo evaluations suggest the mechanical nature of the observed effects without any significant temperature increase or induction of cavitation. In vivo evaluations suggest the mechanical nature of the observed effects without any significant temperature increase or induction of cavitation.

Significance

Interestingly, our results show a switch from excitation to suppression of electrically evoked EMG activity following ultrasound sonication depending on the acquired cumulative energy. This study establishes a safe parameter space for prolonged neuromodulation, demonstrating its potential for therapeutic applications that can precisely modulate peripheral nervous system activity. These findings contribute to the development of ultrasound-based treatments for neurological conditions, offering a novel and controllable method for peripheral nerve stimulation.
DIS3L2 is essential for neural crest survival by modulating Akt signaling
Authors: D’Silva Sian , Prasad Tuhina , Kumar Megha
Published: December 2024

DIS3 like 3’-5’ exoribonuclease 2 (DIS3L2), an exoribonuclease is known to preferentially degrade uridylated RNA substrates, miRNAs, and ncRNAs. Recent reports show that DIS3L2 also plays a key role in cell proliferation and tumor growth. Mutations inDIS3L2are associated with congenital disorders such as Perlman syndrome, yet the developmental functions of DIS3L2 remain unknown. We report the developmental role ofdis3l2in neural crest specification, patterning, and survival in the zebrafish embryo.Dis3l2morphants exhibited reduced expression of neural crest specifier genes coupled with extensive apoptosis in the neural tissue. Our study demonstrates that DIS3L2 regulates neuronal apoptosis and progenitor functions through the Akt –GSK3β signaling pathway. Additionally, we show that DIS3L2 is essential for early mitoses in the zebrafish blastula and plays a key role in maintaining spindle length at metaphase, chromosome congression, spindle pole integrity, and cytokinesis. In summary, we identify new functions of exoribonuclease DIS3L2 in cell fate specification, neural progenitor survival, and mitosis during embryogenesis which form the underlying basis ofDIS3L2-associatedovergrowth Perlman syndrome.

Plain English summary

DIS3 like 3’-5’ exoribonuclease 2 (DIS3L2) degrades mRNAs and various RNA substrates in the eukaryotic cells. DIS3L2 mutations are associated with congenital overgrowth syndromes like Perlman syndrome and Wilm’s tumor. The role of DIS3L2 in regulating the embryonic processes remains poorly understood. Our study delineates the developmental functions of DIS3L2 in cell fate determination, survival, and proliferation during vertebrate embryogenesis using zebrafish embryos as a model. We show that DIS3L2 plays a key role in neural crest survival and patterning by modulating Akt-GSKβ signaling. We also report unique molecular functions of DIS3L2 in mitotic fidelity and cytokinesis during embryonic mitoses. Our study provides novel insights into the molecular functions of DIS3L2 in regulating neuronal apoptosis during embryonic brain morphogenesis and associated CNS disorders.
Probing the eukaryotic microbes of ruminants with a deep-learning classifier and comprehensive protein databases
Authors: Yan Ming , Andersen Thea O. , Pope Phillip B. , Yu Zhongtang
Published: December 2024

Metagenomics, particularly genome-resolved metagenomics, have significantly deepened our understanding of microbes, illuminating their taxonomic and functional diversity and roles in ecology, physiology, and evolution. However, eukaryotic populations within various microbiomes, including those in the mammalian gastrointestinal (GI) tract, remain relatively underexplored in metagenomic studies owing to the lack of comprehensive reference genome databases and robust bioinformatic tools. The GI tract of ruminants, particularly the rumen, contains a high eukaryotic biomass but a relatively low diversity of ciliates and fungi, which significantly impacts feed digestion, methane emissions, and rumen microbial ecology. In the present study, we developed GutEuk, a bioinformatics tool that improves upon the currently available Tiara and EukRep in accurately identifying eukaryotic sequences from metagenomes. GutEuk is optimized for high precision across different sequence lengths. It can also distinguish fungal and protozoal sequences, further elucidating their unique ecological, physiological, and nutritional impacts. GutEuk was shown to facilitate comprehensive analyses of protozoa and fungi within more than 1000 rumen metagenomes, revealing a greater genomic diversity among protozoa than previously documented. We further curated several ruminant eukaryotic protein databases, significantly enhancing our ability to distinguish the functional roles of ruminant fungi and protozoa from those of prokaryotes. Overall, the newly developed package GutEuk and its associated databases create new opportunities for the in-depth study of GI tract eukaryotes.
Hot QCD matter around the chiral crossover: A lattice study with
O(a)
-improved Wilson fermions
Authors: Krasniqi Ardit , Cè Marco , Hudspith Renwick J. , Meyer Harvey B.
Published: December 2024

Using lattice QCD simulations with O(a)-improved Wilson quarks and physical up, down, and strange quark masses, we investigate the properties of thermal QCD matter at the temperatures T={128,154,192}  MeV with a fixed lattice spacing a=0.064  fm and volume V=(6.1  fm)3. We find that the pion quasiparticle, defined as the low-energy pole in the two-point function of the axial charge, becomes lighter as the temperature increases, and we give an argument based on hydrodynamics as to why the pole becomes purely diffusive above the chiral crossover. We study the thermal modification of the isovector vector spectral function using the Backus-Gilbert method, finding an enhancement at low energies and a depletion at energies around 1 GeV. The analogous study of the axial-vector channel reveals a larger enhancement at energies below 1 GeV, and we show that these findings are consistent with rigorous spectral sum rules. The difference between vector and axial-vector correlators, an order parameter for chiral symmetry, turns out to be overall suppressed by more than an order of magnitude at the crossover.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Tunneling and the Casimir effect on a
D
-dimensional sphere
Authors: Alexandre Jean , Backhouse Drew
Published: December 2024

Two fundamental signatures of quantum field theory are tunneling and the Casimir effect. We examine the ground state energetic properties of a scalar field confined on a D-dimensional sphere and subjected to these two effects. We focus on D=2 and D=3, with a negative coupling of a massless scalar field to curvature, providing a radius-dependent effective mass that triggers symmetry breaking. This scenario allows tunneling to be more important than the Casimir effect, in a certain regime of parameters, and potential implications in early cosmology are discussed for the case D=3, which could avoid a cosmological singularity.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Substrate, temperature, and magnetic field dependence of electric polarization in mixed-stacking tetralayer graphenes
Authors: Sarsfield Patrick Johansen , Garcia-Ruiz Aitor , Fal'ko Vladimir I.
Published: December 2024

Polytypes of tetralayer graphene (TLG: Bernal, rhombohedral, and mixed stacking) are crystalline structures with different symmetries. Among those, mixed-stacking tetralayers lack inversion symmetry, which allows for intrinsic spontaneous out-of-plane electrical polarization, inverted in the mirror-image pair, ABCB and ABAC stackings. Here, we compare the intrinsic polarization of such TLGs with the symmetry-breaking effect of a substrate, which can also generate out-of-plane electric dipole moments with different sizes in all four polytypes, including ABCB and ABAC twins. We analyze their temperature and magnetic field dependence, in view of understanding the origin of the recently measured Kelvin probe force microscopy maps of tetralayer flakes [S. S. Atri ], and notice that the intrinsic contribution could be singled out based on magnetic field dependence of polarization measured at low temperatures.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Engineering Hierarchical Symmetries
Authors: Fu Zhanpeng , Moessner Roderich , Zhao Hongzheng , Bukov Marin
Published: December 2024

The capacity to custom tailor the properties of quantum matter and materials is a central requirement for enlarging their range of possible functionalities. A particularly promising route is the use of driving protocols to engineer specific desired properties with a high degree of control and flexibility. Here, we present such a program for the tunable generation of sequences of symmetries on controllable timescales. Concretely, our general driving protocol for many-body systems generates a sequence of prethermal regimes, each exhibiting a lower symmetry than the preceding one. We provide an explicit construction of effective Hamiltonians exhibiting these symmetries, which imprints emergent quasiconservation laws hierarchically, enabling us to engineer the respective symmetries and concomitant orders in nonequilibrium matter. We provide explicit examples, including spatiotemporal and topological phenomena, as well as a spin chain realizing the symmetry ladder SU(2)→U(1)→Z2→E. Our results have direct applications in experiments with quantum simulators.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Exploring factors influencing consumer behavior towards food waste reduction in buffet style restaurants
Authors: Zhu Qianni (Jacqueline) , Liu Pei
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This research examines the elements that influence consumer behavior regarding food waste reduction in buffet style restaurants. It specifically analyzes the factors that affect consumers' efforts to reduce food waste in these establishments by incorporating the theory of planned behavior (TPB), the norm activation model (NAM), and the social exchange theory (SET). Additionally, this study provides practical coping strategies for the restaurant industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing upon an integrated framework, the study collected 547 valid responses through an online survey on Amazon’s Mechanical Turk (MTurk) for structural equation analysis. Participants who are 18 years or older and have prior experience dining in buffet style restaurants were eligible to participate in the study.

Findings

The findings underscore the profound impact of consumer awareness on their attitudes (ATT) toward minimizing food waste. Moreover, subjective norms (SN), perceived behavioral control (PBC), personal norms (PN) and establishment policies emerge as critical drivers of consumer behavior in buffet style dining settings. In light of these results, recommended strategies include enhancing consumer awareness initiatives and introducing house policies within restaurant operations.

Originality/value

This study employs an integrated framework that combines the NAM and TPB, taking into account the impact of house policies grounded in the SET. It provides a beneficial insight on reducing food waste in the buffet style foodservice operations from an interactive dynamic perspective between restaurants and consumers. Furthermore, this research offers valuable implications to the industry’s efforts to address food waste concerns and foster environmentally responsible behavior among consumers.
The dilemma of accuracy in bankruptcy prediction: a new approach using explainable AI techniques to predict corporate crises
Authors: Fasano Francesco , Adornetto Carlo , Zahid Iliess , La Rocca Maurizio , Montaleone Luigi , Greco Gianluigi , Cariola Alfio
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Our aim is to develop a highly precise corporate crisis prediction model that surpasses previous versions, rooted in the forefront of technological advancements.

Design/methodology/approach

Artificial Intelligence (AI) for corporate default prediction with a novel approach based on a mix of techniques, enabling it to achieve a higher accuracy. We investigated models with sequence lengths that were both fixed and variable, and we chose the best variable sequence length model.

Findings

Our findings demonstrate that the artificial techniques implemented lead to very high accuracy in predicting business crises compared to previous research efforts, even those utilising long-time sequences or a high volume of observations.

Research limitations/implications

We highlight the key variables with a higher predictive power that need monitoring to prevent business crises. We also aim to open a new avenue of research that, starting from the use of these techniques and our results, can implement models incorporating non-accounting variables to prevent business crises.

Practical implications

We provide a model/tool that assesses a possible business crisis in advance through a monitoring and alert system. Policymakers can use our research’s output as a tool to combine with current credit-scoring systems and to assess the effectiveness of the new corporate crisis reforms that are upcoming in many European countries. The results of our research can be useful also to banks, public entities, and consulting firms that interact with companies and are interested in the evaluation of a firm’s financial health and stability.

Originality/value

Our innovative work leverages cutting-edge methodologies such as deep Recurrent Neural Networks and explainable AI. This choice is driven by the rapid evolution of AI techniques in practical application.
A sustainable approach for road pothole repair using waste plastic bottles and aggregates
Authors: Kombe Godlisten Gladstone
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study explores a sustainable method for repairing road potholes using a composite material made from waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic bottles and local aggregates. This study aims to address plastic waste management challenges and provide a cost-effective and durable road maintenance solution.

Design/methodology/approach

PET bottles were collected, sliced, cleaned and melted at 280°C. Coarse and fine aggregates were characterized per Central Materials Laboratory (CML) standards. Mixtures with varying PET and aggregate ratios were prepared, molded into specimens and tested for mechanical properties following ASTM D1559-89 and ASTM D3967 standards.

Findings

The optimal mixture (30% PET, 30% sand and 40% gravel) outperformed conventional asphalt mixtures, achieving a Marshall stability of 59.78 kN, indirect tensile strength of 5,909 kPa and a resilient modulus of 36,145 MPa, exceeding Tanzanian road construction standards.

Research limitations/implications

Although laboratory results are promising, further field trials are needed to evaluate the long-term performance and durability of the plastic-aggregate composite in real-world conditions.

Practical implications

This solution offers a cost-effective, sustainable option for road pothole repair, especially in developing countries with budget constraints and significant plastic waste.

Social implications

By repurposing plastic waste and providing durable road maintenance, this research supports the United Nations' SDGs, promotes environmental conservation and fosters economic development through improved transportation infrastructure.

Originality/value

This innovative method uses waste plastic bottles as a standalone repair material, eliminating petroleum or cementitious binders and promoting a circular economy. This approach utilizes waste streams, thereby reducing maintenance costs and addressing plastic waste issues.
A bibliometric review of artificial intelligence technologies in human resource management: an overview of research trends
Authors: Arora Meenal , Gupta Jaya , Mittal Amit , Prakash Anshika
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to present systematic analysis of research concerning the intersection of human resource management (HRM) and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies within a digitalized economy further analyzing the trends in research with specific emphasis on utilization of diverse AI technologies within HRM.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is based on bibliometric analyses and content analyses. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses review methodology is implemented, using the Scopus database as the primary source which gathered 1,414 articles between 1978 and 2024. This study investigates publishing trends, the most prolific countries, universities, journals, publications and authors in the field. Further, the research trends based on the use of AI in HRM were accomplished through scientific mapping using VOSviewer.

Findings

The outcomes demonstrate a rising inclination toward using various AI techniques in HRM which shows increasing influence and growing appeal of the subject. The research uncovers the deployment of diverse technologies, including emerging ones, within the HRM field. It accomplishes this by scrutinizing the connections among various keywords and unearths both contradictions and focal areas of interest within the domain.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the existing body of literature by ascertaining suggestions for further research in the field of HRM integrated with various AI technologies. The integration of these technologies in HR holds a promising and optimistic outlook for the managers, thereby enhancing employee productivity.
Digital entrepreneurial marketing bricolage: shaping technology-in-practice
Authors: Alford Philip , Jones Rosalind
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The use of digital marketing technologies remains low in Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs), with digital transformation being a concern for governments globally. This study reports on the human-technology interaction process, using digital entrepreneurial marketing (DEM) bricolage and a sociomateriality lens to examine more deeply organisational interaction between marketers and digital marketing technologies in these firms.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative case study and purposive sampling approach are deployed, using seven SMEs in the same UK region. A bricolage and sociomateriality framework and template analysis are used to identify digital marketing strategies and challenges, levels of digital marketing bricolage and assess the value for each firm.

Findings

Firms practice different levels of DEM bricolage depending on the interactions of the marketers with digital marketing tools. Those marketers in firms who had higher levels of interaction between the human and the technological provided greater long-term strategic value for the SME.

Originality/value

This is the first study to apply a sociomateriality lens to bricolage in an SME digital marketing context and allows us to view the way in which employees interact with digital marketing technology and create value. There is scarce empirical data in this area despite numerous calls in the developing field of entrepreneurship and digitalisation in small and growing firms.
FlyingDog: design and implementation of a quadruped robot with flight capability
Authors: Hu Bo , Zhou Heng , Gui Yubao , Zhai Peng , Zhang Lihua , Dong Zhiyan
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to design a novel hybrid terrestrial-aerial robot, FlyingDog, including its modeling and implementation. By combining the complementary advantages of a quadrotor drone and a quadruped robot, FlyingDog demonstrates excellent maneuverability and high energy efficiency, showcasing great potential for applications in industrial inspection, field exploration, and search and rescue operations.

Design/methodology/approach

By integrating propellers and leg mechanisms, FlyingDog achieves hybrid motion, encompassing both aerial flight and ground movement. This paper first provides an overview of the robot’s structural design, emphasizing the minimization of interactions between the aerial and ground mechanisms while balancing the thrust-to-weight ratio and payload capacity. A distributed control framework is then proposed to achieve the hybrid motion, alongside the development of corresponding control strategies to ensure stability during various movements.

Findings

Experiments conducted in real-world conditions validated FlyingDog’s performance in terms of motion stability, energy efficiency, and obstacle-crossing ability. The results demonstrate that FlyingDog exhibits outstanding mobility by combining ground locomotion with aerial flight capabilities, allowing it to overcome challenging obstacles in purely ground-based mode. In ground mode, the robot achieved an energy efficiency of up to 93.5%.

Originality/value

The hybrid terrestrial-aerial robot presented in this paper features stable land and aerial mobility, a lightweight structure, high energy efficiency, and low manufacturing costs, making it a valuable innovation in the field of robotics.