bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE DENSITY DIALECTIC: Between Hard and Gentle Densification in London
Authors: Habermehl Victoria , McFarlane Colin
Published: February 2025

Density is critical to cities, but how might we conceive and research its role in urban development? We argue that a conceptualization of the ‘density dialectic’ offers a productive response. Drawing on research on urban development in Tower Hamlets (London's densest borough), we identify the tensions and contradictions of current densification approaches. A dialectical approach illuminates those tensions, examines the range of actors, processes and social, economic and environmental concerns that become enrolled, and identifies how densification operates to accommodate its changing relations and contradictions. In a context of rapid and intense urban development, we draw on interviews with planners to show how ‘gentle’ and ‘hard’ visions of density connect, conflate and collide as the borough looks to meet challenging housing targets alongside social and environmental objectives.
Dreaming Ubuntu: Jungian Studies, Forgiveness, and Jung’s Recalcitrant Fourth
Authors: Cerminara Barbara
Published: February 2025

Jung’s recalcitrant fourth comes in from a place of opposition, demanding that what has been neglected be considered. It is in the spirit of the fourth that the author examines the use of Ubuntu in Jungian literature, cautioning against a decontextualized appropriation of the notion that overlooks its diverse interpretations and usages, particularly in terms of its role in shaping the new South Africa. The author notes a tendency among Jungian scholars to view Ubuntu as the exotic Other, inadvertently perpetuating the same colonial mindset that Jung held towards non‐European cultures. Moreover, she suggests that the Jungian viewpoint on Ubuntu has been heavily influenced by Desmond Tutu’s Christianized version of the notion, and that this assimilation holds significant implications. As chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the archbishop employed the idea of Ubuntu in the service of nation building. Ubuntu was part of a political strategy designed to reconcile the South African people, whilst also silencing critics of a process that failed to fully address structural injustices. Now assimilated into Jungian literature, this version of Ubuntu took on aspects of a punitive cultural superego, thereby undermining its original appeal as an autochthonous form of humanism invoked to liberate the oppressed.
Recent advances of protein modification strategies to enhance the freezing stability of food emulsions: Principles, applications, and prospects
Authors: Shen Zhiwen , Ding Yuxin , Xu Yanshun
Published: February 2025

Emulsion‐based foods typically employ proteins as their stabilizers, and their quality maintenance mostly relies on freezing conditions. Currently, improving the freezing stability of food emulsions through various strategies has been a topical issue in food science fields, and the modification targeting proteins is an essential research direction. This review discusses the destabilization mechanisms of food emulsions during freezing, including changes in the aqueous and oil phases, lipid oxidation, changes in pH and ionic strength, and denaturation or inactivation of proteins as emulsifiers. Then, it illustrates the role of the spatial structural properties of proteins and the formation of interfacial protein films in maintaining the freezing stability of emulsions. Moreover, this review highlights the effects of protein modification strategies on the freezing stability of emulsions and emulsion gels, including enzymatic hydrolysis treatment, glycosylation, salt and pH treatment, polyphenol addition, and physical treatment. It also discusses the further application of protein‐modified Pickering emulsions in the food industry. In summary, modification treatments performed on proteins are effective in improving the freezing stability of food emulsions, and this area still has considerable room for exploration in the future, such as treatments involving emerging technologies or emerging substances and the synergistic effect of different treatments in maintaining emulsion freezing stability. This review will provide valuable theoretical insights into the production of high‐quality and shelf‐stable emulsion‐based food products.
Building Sustainable Urban Futures: The Crucial Role of Urban Food Policy
Authors: Banterle Alessandro , Zeneli Fjona
Published: February 2025

Urban Food Policies are valuable instruments that cities use to address the multidimensional challenges of food security, food safety and sustainability in urban contexts. As urbanisation continues, these policies offer targeted solutions, involving coordinated efforts by city governments, civil society and stakeholders, and promoting local sustainability and resilience. They are implemented in four types, including substantive (e.g. schools’ canteens and food hubs), regulative (e.g. food safety and hygiene standards on street vendors), fiscal (e.g. tax on sugary beverages), and informative interventions (e.g. campaigns promoting sustainable food practices). As cities expand, they face important issues, such as food access disparities, rising malnutrition, environmental degradation and food waste accumulation. Urban Food Policies can go beyond traditional national policies, incorporating targeted interventions that address and account for the specific issues of urban life. The main key objectives are: ensuring food security and safety, preserving biodiversity and reducing pollution in urban and peri‐urban food systems, food waste management, healthy and sustainable diets, safeguarding cultural identity. However, their effectiveness depends on robust multi‐level governance, collaboration and political will, targeting the local objectives in line with Sustainable Development Goals. Urban Food Policies’ contribution can enable cities to address current and future food‐related challenges in a holistic way.
Effects of freeze‐thawing, blanching, and ultrasound pretreatments on drying efficiency and quality of quince peels
Authors: Wang Pei , Lv Wenping , Wang Hongxin
Published: February 2025

This study investigated the effects of freeze‐thawing (FT), blanching (BL), and ultrasound (US) pretreatments on the drying characteristics and quality of quince peels before hot air drying (HAD) at 60°C. All three pretreatments could decrease the moisture ratio (MR) at any drying time point and increase the effective moisture diffusivity (Deff). The maximum drying rate (DR) of the peels pretreated with BL and US was 1.4 times that of unpretreated peels. The MR–t curves of the peels were highly fitted to the Midilli model. The drying time to reach equilibrium dry basis moisture content for peels pretreated with FT, BL, and US was reduced by 33.33%, 58.33%, and 66.67%, respectively, compared to 4 h for unpretreated peels. The color of US pretreatment peels was closest to that of fresh peels. The total phenolics content and total flavonoids content in the peels were in the order of US > unpretreated > BL > FT. Notably, the rutin content of US pretreatment peels was 4.15 ± 0.10 mg/g DW, which was 15% higher than that of unpretreated peels. In summary, US is the most recommended pretreatment to improve the drying efficiency and quality of HAD quince peels.
Food matrices as delivery units of nutrients in processed foods
Authors: Aguilera Jose Miguel
Published: February 2025

Processed food products (PFPs) are amply consumed and important sources of nutrients worldwide. Evaluating PFPs by their composition fails to recognize that nutrients are embedded in food matrices and processing modifies their nutritional functionality, for example, the bioaccessibility and bioavailability. PFPs with equivalent chemical composition may experience the “food matrix effect”: a difference in the nutritional outcome and health potential. This review presents food matrices attained after processing and their nutritional significance. It also delves into the complex kinetics of digestion conducive to nutrient release from matrices and nutrient interactions before absorption in the small intestine, and the role of microbial fermentation in the colon. Matrices of PFPs can be designed or redesigned and manufactured to be tasty, nutritious, sustainable, as special foods for vulnerable groups, innovative products from novel food sources, and to feed a healthy microbiota. The potential for nutritional improvement of PFPs is driven by understanding the food materials science and changes in food matrices during processing, control of formulation and manufacturing variables, the application of novel technologies, and a multifactor toolbox that supports the rational design of healthy food matrices.
Mushroom mycelia as sustainable alternative proteins for the production of hybrid cell‐cultured meat: A review
Authors: Maseko Kayise Hypercia , Regnier Thierry , Bartels Paul , Meiring Belinda
Published: February 2025

World agriculture endures an immense challenge in feeding the world's growing population in the face of several productivity and environmental threats. Yet, the demand for alternative protein sources is rapidly increasing as a result of population growth, including health and ethical concerns associated with meat consumption. Edible mushroom species contain a high composition of protein, fiber, vitamins, and a variety of minerals, and are regarded as sufficient sources of food products. Pleurotus genus is one of the most extensively studied edible fungi due to its exceptional physical, chemical, biological, and enzymatic properties. The assessment on the effects of the in vitro culture media composition, including carbon and nitrogen sources, pH, and temperature are all necessary for enhancing mushroom mycelial biomass growth and production. Mycoprotein as a fungal‐derived protein source has been identified as a more sustainable and healthier meat substitute due to its fibrous structure, high nutritional value, and unique functional profile. Its distinctive production method results in a much lower carbon and water footprint than traditional farming methods. A systemic transition from traditional agriculture to more sustainable cellular agriculture using cell‐cultivation methods to create animal products has been proposed and initiated. This review can provide an overview on the various processes involved in the production and usage of mycelium as an alternative protein source in hybrid cell‐cultured meat production.
Integration of De Novo Chromosome‐Level Genome and Population Resequencing of Peganum (Nitrariaceae): A Case Study of Speciation and Evolutionary Trajectories in Arid Central Asia
Authors: Xu Hao , Han Yun , Chi Xiaofeng , Yu Jingya , Xia Mingze , Han Shuang , Niu Yu , Zhang Faqi , Chen Shilong
Published: February 2025

Natural hybridization is a significant driving force in plant evolution and speciation. Understanding the genetic mechanism and dynamic evolutionary trajectories of divergence between species and hybrids remains a central goal in evolutionary biology. Here, we examined the genetic divergence of Peganum and their intermittent and hybrid entities (IHEs) from large‐scale sympatric and allopatric regions. We sequenced the genomes of Peganum from the Arid Central Asia (ACA) region and its surrounding areas, discovering that the origin of Peganum could be traced to the Hexi Corridor in eastern Central Asia, where migration led to geographic and environmental isolation, giving rise to new species based on natural selection. Different Peganum species, exhibiting excellent dispersal abilities, migrated to the same regions and underwent hybridization. The descendant species of Peganum inherited and developed adaptive traits from parent species through gene flow and introgression, particularly in DNA repair and wax layer formation, leading to the speciation of the IHEs. This study clarified the transition stages in hybrid speciation and identified the Mixing‐Isolation‐Mixing cycles (MIM) model as a speciation framework suitable for Peganum, marking the initial identification of this unique evolutionary model in the ACA region.
A Qard Hassan (Benevolent Loan) Crowdfunding Model for Refugee Finance
Authors: Hasan Rashedul , Hassan M. Kabir , Miah Mohammad Dulal
Published: February 2025

Access to adequate finance can significantly impact the well‐being of refugees. Lack of access to funds can lead to poor living conditions, limited access to education and health care and a lack of economic opportunities. While the refugee finance gap is particularly acute in low‐ and middle‐income countries, refugees in both advanced and emerging countries are affected due to the lack of regulations and relevant financial products. There is a lack of awareness of the financial needs of refugees among financial institutions. Therefore, we adopt a qualitative research design and propose a conceptual Qard Hassan‐based crowdfunding model to reduce the global refugee finance gap. Our conceptual model is unique and can provide greater flexibility and adaptability for refugee finance. The model could be adapted to different contexts and regions. We also make policy contributions, as our proposed crowdfunding model can help to ensure that the funding is provided in a way that is tailored to the specific needs of the refugee community in various locations.
Clashing Moral Economies Among Norway's Muslim Entrepreneurs
Authors: Norbakk Mari
Published: February 2025

This article examines the challenges faced by Muslim entrepreneurs in Norway, due to the lack of Islamically compliant financing. By setting out a case study of a small‐scale liquidity crisis, the article identifies the operating difficulties inherent in trying to avoid interest‐based credit. The article moves the conversation from overarching discussions of large‐scale financing to the needs for functional financing options for everyday running costs of business. By using an analytical approach of concentric moral economic spheres, the article shows how Islamic and Norwegian moral economy interact through the actions of one entrepreneur. The article further sets out how different scales of decision‐making must be analytically separated as the frames and options available to the actors differ significantly, and this may impact on the religious and moral permissibility of certain actions. As such, the article seeks to document the everyday moral hazards of Muslim entrepreneurs in Norway. The article makes a case for the importance of business culture sensitivity, contractual design within the Norwegian Muslim business community, and highlights the need for alternative methods of financing beyond the main questions of mortgages and large‐scale business loans.
Financial Exclusion, Soft Segregation and Moral Constraints as Drivers of Entrepreneurial Activities in Scottish Muslim Immigrants
Authors: Avdukic Alija , Khaleel Fawad
Published: February 2025

This study examines financial structures adopted by Muslim immigrant entrepreneurs in Scotland and the challenges they face accessing state‐driven financial support. It explores the effectiveness of different financing models, emphasising how religious values and moral concerns shape financial decisions. The study suggests that formal, top‐down state support often clashes with strong religious sentiments, prompting entrepreneurs to seek morally aligned, informal financing alternatives. Focusing on Scotland, particularly cities like Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow, the research highlights the financial integration challenges faced by Muslim immigrants, underscoring their entrepreneurial innovations rooted in religious obligations. The paper analyses financial services available to these entrepreneurs, including the Scottish Growth Scheme, and identifies gaps and opportunities within Scotland's financial landscape. Through in‐depth interviews with 26 Muslim immigrant entrepreneurs, the findings reveal a dependence on informal financing sources and a reluctance to engage with conventional banks due to religious prohibitions. This study ultimately provides insight into how financial exclusion, coupled with moral and religious constraints, drives innovation and alternative financial practices amongst Scotland's Muslim immigrant entrepreneurs.
Islamic Moral Economy: Bringing Back Substantive Morality to Humanise Islamic Finance
Authors: Asutay Mehmet
Published: February 2025

The theoretical foundation of Islamic finance is constituted by the Islamic moral political economy, which aims to provide resource accessibility within the permissibility of Islam to all stakeholders. The complementarity and unitarity nature of the Islamic cognitive system essentialises the interest of all the stakeholders in economic and financial decision‐making to rescue humans, the environment and land/water. In this privilege‐based understanding paradigm, mutuality and solidarity are considered essential pillars. After its initial emergence in the 1970s in its modern form, Islamic finance has been deviating from its origin towards conventional finance's institutional logic rather than locating itself with the objectives of Islamic moral political economy. This paper argues that sustainable development challenges, along with the refugee and immigration crisis, provide Islamic finance with an opportunity to develop its practices within the substantive morality of Islam as an embedded necessity. This paper suggests that developing qard al‐hassan (beneficence loan), funds can help Islamic banks and financial institutions at least partially respond to the call of Islamic moral political economy and can also be an effective instrument to ease the challenges faced by refugees and immigrants.
mtGrasp: Streamlined reference‐grade mitochondrial genome assembly and standardization to enhance metazoan mitogenome resources
Authors: Lopez Mark Louie D. , Yang Cecilia L. , Coombe Lauren , Warren René L. , Allison Michael J. , Imbery Jacob J. , Birol Inanc , Helbing Caren C.
Published: February 2025

High‐quality, accessible mitogenome sequences are crucial for comparative genomics, phylogenetic constructions and environmental DNA (eDNA) applications. With advancements in sequencing technologies, genomic sequencing reads are available for a wide variety of species. Although these data sets contain mitochondrial sequences, this information remains largely untapped due to the limited specialized tools for assembling mitogenomes from short‐read libraries.

The present study introduces the Mitochondrial Genome Reference‐grade Assembly and Standardization Pipeline (mtGrasp), a streamlined and memory‐efficient pipeline for assembling complete and standardized mitogenomes from short‐read metazoan DNA libraries (https://github.com/bcgsc/mtGrasp).

We assembled 23 short‐read libraries and found that mtGrasp ran 2–7 times faster and used 3–4 times less memory, on average, compared to the state‐of‐the‐art mitogenome assembly pipelines GetOrganelle and MitoZ. Additionally, mtGrasp successfully assembled mitogenomes of varying completeness across different animal taxa.

We illustrate that standardizing existing mitogenome annotations with mtGrasp would improve the accuracy of downstream phylogenetic analysis and demonstrate the utility of mtGrasp in designing robust targeted quantitative polymerase chain reaction‐based eDNA assays using mitogenomes assembled from museum voucher specimens.

We expect the reference‐grade mitogenomes generated with freely available mtGrasp to advance the development of robust, high‐quality eDNA tools and aid in a variety of comparative genomic analyses.
Caloric Restriction and Telomere Preservation in TERT Knockout Adipocyte Progenitors Does Not Rescue Mice From Metabolic Dysfunction due to a TERT Function in Adipocyte Mitochondria
Authors: Gao Zhanguo , Yu Yongmei , Eckel‐Mahan Kristin , Kolonin Mikhail G.
Published: February 2025

Inactivation of telomerase (TERT) in adipocyte progenitor cells (APC) expedites telomere attrition, and the onset of diabetes in mice fed high‐fat diet (HFD), which promotes APC over‐proliferation and replicative senescence. Here, we show that time‐restricted feeding or caloric restriction in the postnatal development of mice subsequently subjected to HFD prevents telomere attrition but not glucose intolerance. This metabolic effect of dietary intervention was not observed for mice with TERT KO in endothelial or myeloid cells. To characterize the telomere‐independent effects of TERT in the APC lineage, we analyzed mice with TERT knockout in mature adipocytes (AD‐TERT‐KO), which do not proliferate and avoid telomere attrition. Analysis of adipocytes from AD‐TERT‐KO mice indicated reliance on glycolysis and decreased mitochondrial oxidative metabolism. We show that AD‐TERT‐KO mice have reduced cold tolerance and metabolism abnormality indicating a defect in adaptive thermogenesis, characteristic of aging. Conversely, ectopic TERT expression in brown adipocytes‐induced mitochondrial oxidation and thermogenic gene expression. We conclude that TERT plays an important non‐canonical function in the mitochondria of adipocytes.
Myofunctional therapy for obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Li W‐Y , Masse J‐F , Sériès F
Published: February 2025

Failure of upper airway muscles to develop efficient dilating forces plays a key role in the occurrence of obstructive sleep apnoea in given patients. Thus, myofunctional therapy has been developed to improve the activity/efficacy of the upper airway (UA) dilator muscles, reduce its fatigability and improve mechanical performance. Various programmes, differing in the types of daytime exercises to be completed, as well as in their duration and intensity, have been evaluated. Meta‐analysis confirmed the efficacy of myofunctional therapy, with mean apnoea hypopnoea index (AHI) scores decreasing from 28.0 ± 16.2/h to 18.6 ± 13.1/h, and lowest oxygen saturation (LSAT) values improving from 83.2% ± 6.1% to 85.1% ± 7.0%. In children, MT and nasal washing may result in little to no difference in AHI. Integrating oropharyngeal exercises with the use of a smartphone application to complete and record exercise performances represents an innovative turn in the development of ambulatory MT programmes. Since adherence to therapy is a weakness in conventional OSA strategies such as CPAP, this approach to MT is promising, as evidenced by a 90% mean adherence to it after 3 months of using a smart application. There is further need to determine the most effective combination of exercise algorithms and identify the target population most likely to benefit from MT in outpatient training programmes.
Biodiversity–food trade‐offs when agricultural land is spared from production
Authors: Palmer Charles , Groom Ben , Sileci Lorenzo , Langton Steve
Published: February 2025

Biodiversity conservation in agricultural landscapes, the world's predominant land use, could involve sparing, or setting aside, agricultural land from production, implying biodiversity–food trade‐offs. Employing bird species and agricultural data in two panel data sets, we evaluate the extent of set‐aside's trade‐offs in England between 1992 and 2007. Mixed biodiversity outcomes are reflected in a marginal effect, of a 100 ha increase in set‐aside, associated with a 1%–2% increase in species abundance and richness, no impact on Shannon‐Wiener diversity, and a 0.03 standard deviation fall in phylogenetic diversity. Lower phylogenetic diversity indicates that populations of less genetically distinct bird species appear when set‐aside increases. These effects are discontinuous for abundance and richness, and larger in the long run than in the short run for richness and phylogenetic diversity. Set‐aside led, on average, to a 7%–9% fall in cereal land. In turn, this led to an up to 2% decline in cereal output. A yield increase of 5%–10% is likely due to the setting aside of mostly marginal land. Biodiversity–food trade‐offs in agricultural landscapes could be minimized with a carefully targeted set‐aside policy, based on clearly defined biodiversity goals, and in settings where there is still scope for intensification.
Real‐World Efficacy and Safety of Abrocitinib in Chinese Atopic Dermatitis Patients: A Single‐Center Prospective Study
Authors: Li Zheng , Wang Yu , Wu Yuemeng , Yin Huibin , Wang Shangshang , Wu Hao , Qin Haihong , Wang Ce , Yao Xu , Li Wei , Gu Chaoying
Published: February 2025

Background

Phase 3 trials have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of abrocitinib for atopic dermatitis (AD), but real‐world evidence remains limited.

Methods

This study prospectively enrolled 117 moderate‐to‐severe AD patients at Huashan Hospital, Shanghai, China. Physician‐ and patient‐reported outcomes were evaluated at multiple time points. Blood eosinophil counts, serum IgE, and 24 cytokines/chemokines were measured.

Results

Abrocitinib treatment led to rapid and potent improvements in disease severity. At week 12, 74.3% and 50.5% of AD patients achieved at least 75% and 90% improvement in the eczema area and severity index (EASI), respectively. Compared to dupilumab, abrocitinib showed greater improvement in Itch‐NRS at week 2 and a higher proportion of EASI‐75 at week 4. Adverse events occurred in 42.7% of AD patients, with gastrointestinal symptoms being the most common (17.1%). No tuberculosis (TB) reactivation was observed in patients who screened positive for TB and received isoniazid prophylaxis during the study period. Lower body mass index (BMI < 24; adjusted OR: 4.01, 95% CI: 1.36–11.73) and no prior dupilumab use (adjusted OR: 5.81, 95% CI: 1.8–18.7) were identified as predictors of a good response. By week 4, blood eosinophil counts and serum IgE significantly decreased. Reductions in Th2‐, Th1‐, and Treg‐related cytokines/chemokines after 4 weeks of abrocitinib treatment, including IL‐5, CCL17, CCL18, TNF‐α, IL‐6, IL‐10, and CD25/IL‐2Rα, were more pronounced in good responders.

Conclusion

Abrocitinib demonstrated robust efficacy and a well‐tolerated safety profile in Chinese patients with moderate‐to‐severe AD in routine clinical practice, accompanied by normalization of elevated blood biomarkers.

Trial Registration

ChiCRT Identifier: ChiCTR2200063195
Left Bundle Branch Pacing in a Pediatric Patient With Tricuspid Valve Replacement for a Complex Ebstein Anomaly
Authors: Tian Di , Jiang Longfu , Shen Jiabo
Published: February 2025

This paper presents a unique case of successful implementation of left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) in a pediatric patient with third‐degree atrioventricular block following tricuspid valve replacement for a complex Ebstein anomaly. The procedure was performed under real‐time recording technique, and resulted in the resolution of the patient's symptoms. This case underscores the feasibility and potential benefits of LBBP in pediatric patients, particularly in those with complex congenital heart conditions and following valve replacement surgery. The successful implementation of LBBP in this case provides valuable insights and a reference for similar cases in the future.
Programmable Self‐Assembling Organizer Cells for High‐Fidelity In Vitro Organogenesis
Authors: Dorken‐Gallastegi Ander
Published: February 2025

A recent advancement in the field of organogensis involves self‐assembly of embryoids using strategically positioned organizer cells. This offers a reliable and self‐programmable model for organoid development.
Sadness is reduced by virtual hugging
Authors: Wang Xinyan , Liu Qiuhong , Li Xiang , Zheng Xixi , Hommel Bernhard , Ma Ke
Published: February 2025

This study investigated the possible effect of virtual interpersonal hugging on alleviating individual sad emotion. Using emotional self‐assessment and skin conductance responses, we recorded subjective and objective indicators before and after sad emotion induction, and after virtual interpersonal hugging, and assessed the role of (1) the characteristics of hugging, (2) participants' familiarity with the virtual hugging target, and (3) participants' face resemblance and perspective toward the virtual me‐avatar initiating the hugging. Results showed that (1) hugging a virtual target, but not the mere action of hugging, improves the regulation of sad emotion, (2) visual information dominates haptic information in the virtual hugging process, (3) facial familiarity of virtual targets of hugging and facial resemblance of the me‐avatar to participants do not affect the emotion regulation effect, and (4) first‐person perspective of the virtual me‐avatar influences both perceived ownership of hugging action and emotion regulation. Overall, virtual interpersonal hugging contributes to the regulation of sad emotion.
The Lipidomic Profile Discriminates Between MASLD and MetALD
Authors: Schneider Kai Markus , Cao Feng , Huang Helen Ye Rim , Chen Lanlan , Chen Yazhou , Gong Rongpeng , Raptis Anastasia , Creasy Kate Townsend , Clusmann Jan , van Haag Felix , Koop Paul‐Henry , Guillot Adrien , Luedde Tom , Loomba Rohit , Francque Sven , Schneider Carolin Victoria
Published: February 2025

Background

The recent consensus statement redefined steatotic liver diseases. Metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and metabolic dysfunction and alcohol‐related liver disease (MetALD) now represent distinct disease entities. However, biomarkers that differentiate MASLD and MetALD remain largely unknown.

Aims

To identify lipidomic biomarkers with discriminatory potential for distinguishing MetALD from MASLD.

Methods

Using the UK Biobank dataset, 40,534 people with available MRI liver scans were analysed. A total of, 11,217 cases with a proton density fat fraction (PDFF) ≥ 5% were identified as having steatotic liver disease. Among these, lipidomic profiles were obtained for 5539 MASLD and 462 MetALD cases. A total of, 250 plasma lipidomic and metabolomic parameters were analysed. Mendelian randomisation (MR) analysis was used to confirm the association between alcohol consumption and the lipidomic biomarkers.

Results

When comparing the top 30 differentially expressed lipidomic biomarkers predicting MetALD compared to MASLD, the majority were related to HDL and were significantly overrepresented at both analysed time points. The top five metabolites were: acetoacetate, 3‐hydroxybutyrate, phospholipids in Large HDL, concentration of large HDL particles, free cholesterol in large HDL. The sensitivity analysis comparing alcohol‐related liver disease to MASLD revealed similar associations, suggesting that the HDL signature is stable over time. Additionally, MR analysis further confirmed that alcohol consumption was associated with increased levels of HDL‐related metabolites.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that HDL‐centric lipidomic markers, particularly those within the larger and medium HDL subfraction, may differentiate MetALD from MASLD. Further longitudinal and experimental studies are warranted to validate these findings and assess their clinical implications.
The Cost of Untreated Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) in Montana: An Economic Analysis of Perinatal Mental Health in a Rural State
Authors: Liddell Jessica L. , Monroe Alison , Carlson Tess A. , Mullan Katrina
Published: February 2025

Background

Although extremely common, and with a broad range of associated negative outcomes for both parents and infants, the full impact and cost of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) is under‐researched. Rural states, such as Montana, in particular experience gaps in access to mental healthcare and high rates of PMADs, emphasizing a need for an economic analysis of untreated PMADs. To address this gap, a cost analysis of the impact of untreated PMADs in Montana was conducted using 2021 birth data.

Methods

A cost‐of‐illness analysis was conducted to estimate the incremental costs of untreated PMADs in Montana. Secondary data sources and peer‐reviewed literature were utilized to provide baseline estimates of the prevalence of maternal and birth outcomes in Montana and to estimate the impact of PMADs on these outcomes from the perinatal period through the first year postpartum.

Results

Using 15% as the PMAD prevalence rate in Montana, the total estimated incremental cost of untreated perinatal mood and anxiety disorders for births in 2021 is about $21.7 million. This is about $12,897 per impacted mother–child pair.

Discussion

This study provides needed insight into the economic impact of untreated PMADs and highlights the broad range of negative impacts PMADs have on the well‐being of parents and infants. This study highlights the importance of providing effective treatment to people experiencing PMADs to improve the health of both parents and their infants and has important policy implications for increased funding and workforce development for the detection and treatment of PMADs.
Design and validation of a conceptual model for children's continuance intention to use video apps
Authors: Zhu Yumeng , Zhai Xuesong , Li Yan
Published: February 2025

Video apps are widely used by children worldwide. However, concerns have been raised about children's personal data disclosure and privacy risks during their consumption of video apps. This study designed and validated a conceptual model for children's continuance intention to use video apps based on privacy calculus theory and Teen Online Safety Strategies (TOSS) parental mediation framework. A cross‐sectional survey of 321 Chinese middle school‐aged children (aged 12–14) was conducted to validate the model. Our findings revealed that children's perceived risk had a minimal association with their perceived value. Children's perceived benefit was positively associated with their perceived value, which was positively associated with their continuance intention to use video apps. Trust also contributed to children's continuance intention to use video apps, slightly positively moderated by restrictive parental mediation. This study provided a better understanding of children's perception of privacy, trust and value in consuming video apps and identified the potential role of related parental mediation. To mitigate children's privacy risks and to enhance children's digital literacy as well as digital autonomy, we proposed some recommendations to video app designers, parents and educators. The study appeals to a more transparent and child‐centred approach in designing video apps, a mixed parental mediation for facilitating children's video app usage, and educators' empowering children's autonomy in online privacy protection by improving children's digital skills and competencies.
Serial sensitive molecular detection of JAK2 V617F is predictive of relapse after allogeneic stem cell transplantation in patients with myelofibrosis
Authors: Nedumannil Rithin , Karmi Tal , Blombery Piers , Szer Jeff , Ritchie David S. , Chee Lynette C. Y.
Published: February 2025

Relapse after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT) represents a frequent complication in patients with myelofibrosis (MF). This retrospective study analysed 38 patients with JAK2‐mutated MF who underwent alloSCT. Serial sensitive molecular assessments at regular intervals of JAK2 V617F revealed that a ≥2‐fold increase in JAK2 variant allele frequency (VAF) at days +100 and +180 post‐alloSCT was highly predictive of eventual morphological relapse. The integration of JAK2 VAF monitoring with chimerism analysis into post‐alloSCT care represents a novel strategy for early detection of MF relapse, which may enable timely interventions and improve outcomes in such high‐risk patients.
Unlocking the impact of US free trade agreements on industries with a synthetic control approach
Authors: Cho Sang‐Wook (Stanley) , Choi Hansoo
Published: February 2025

This study explores the industry‐level effects of the FTAs that the United States signed with Chile, Australia and the Dominican Republic between 2004 and 2007. Employing a synthetic control approach, we uncover heterogeneity in post‐FTA export growth across countries and industries. The study reveals that only a limited subset of industries in the US, which contributed to roughly one seventh of pre‐FTA exports, experienced post‐FTA export gains. No single industry consistently benefited from the FTAs with all three partners. This heterogeneity is present in countries where FTA‐induced aggregate export growth is absent, as well as in those where only a few industries drive the aggregate export growth. Export increases were also concentrated in a limited range of products. Notably, only exports to Chile led to increased export intensity and diversification at both the aggregate and industry levels. These findings, robust to various specifications and estimation methods, highlight the substantial variation in FTA effects across industries and partner countries.
The Clinical and Molecular Characterization of Distinct Subtypes in Adult T Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Yu Heye , Liu Wenbing , Zhang Junping , Xie Leling , Lai Anli , Tian Zheng , Tang Kejing , Xing Haiyan , Wang Ying , Wei Hui , Rao Qing , Gu Runxia , Wang Min , Wang Huijun , Wang Jianxiang , Qiu Shaowei
Published: February 2025

T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T‐ALL) is a clonal proliferative malignant disease characterized by abnormal T‐cell development. The classification of T‐ALL primarily hinges on immunophenotype, encompassing early T‐cell precursor (ETP)‐ALL, near‐ETP‐ALL, and non‐ETP‐ALL. We summarized clinical information from 117 patients, with genetic data available for 77 patients and transcriptomic data available for 24 patients. An ETP‐like score model was established based on transcriptome, aiming to address the subjectivity in the current T‐ALL immunophenotype classification. The retrospective analysis indicated that ETP immunophenotype was not a prognostic factor for T‐ALL patients. Compared to non‐ETP‐ALL patients, ETP‐like patients including ETP‐ALL and near‐ETP‐ALL were more likely to carry MED12 gene mutations, which may predict a dismal outcome. Transcriptomic analysis suggested that T‐ALL patients with different immunophenotypes were in accordance with the T‐cell development trajectory, while ETP‐like patients exhibited characteristics of early T‐cell development. Finally, we established an ETP‐like score model and confirmed its efficiency across four independent cohorts, with sensitivity exceeding 80%. And T‐ALL patients with high ETP‐like score were associated with poor prognosis. In conclusion, our study elucidated the clinical and molecular features of distinct subtypes of T‐ALL patients, providing new valuable insights for T‐ALL classification.
GD2 is a Crucial Ganglioside in the Signal Modulation and Application as a Target of Cancer Therapeutics
Authors: Furukawa Koichi , Ohmi Yuhsuke , Hamamura Kazunori , Ohkawa Yuki , Hashimoto Noboru , Tajima Orie , Kaneko Kei , Furukawa Keiko
Published: February 2025

While various glycosphingolipids were identified as cancer‐associated carbohydrate antigens to be used as tumor markers, disialylated gangliosides such as GD3 and GD2 have particularly attracted attention from many researchers as promising cancer‐associated antigens. Simultaneously, their functions in cancer and normal tissues have also been reported. Although GD3 is expressed at the early neural developmental stage and in various cancers, it is also found in the activated status of some normal cells such as astrocytes and lymphocytes. On the other hand, GD2 is expressed in more restricted cells than GD3, enabling anti‐GD2 immune therapy to be more applicable for immunotherapy. Recently, the expression of GD2 has been reported in various epithelial cancers and neuroectoderm‐derived tumors. The involvement of GD2 in cancer stem cell propertiesand the roles of GD2 in the signal modulation to bring about cancer stemness are now some of the most fascinating research topics. Cancer immunotherapy targeting GD2 by anti‐GD2 antibody or anti‐GD2 CAR‐T is now widely being challenged with various modifications such as combination with cytokines, chemotherapy, or immune checkpoint blocking.
‘We're Not in a Place Where We Can Thrive Yet’: A Qualitative Exploration of Systems of Health Promotion in Primary Schools in the Aftermath of the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Bennett Annemarie E.
Published: February 2025

Background

Health promotion in schools can be defined as any activity undertaken to improve the health of all school users. This qualitative study aimed to explore the systems of health promotion in primary schools in the aftermath of the COVID‐19 pandemic, from the perspectives of teachers and principals in the Republic of Ireland.

Methods

Participants were recruited using snowball and convenience sampling techniques via a larger quantitative study. Participants joined 45‐min online focus groups informed by a semi‐structured interview guide. A reflexive thematic approach was taken to analysis.

Results

Thirty teachers participated, and most (n = 26) identified as female. Teaching experience across the sample ranged from 2 to 38 years. School sizes ranged from 20 to 850 students. All types of eligible publicly funded schools were represented. Three themes were generated: rebuilding the foundation, choosing within our limits and drawing the line.

Conclusion

Findings indicate that systems of health promotion in primary schools were severely challenged during the COVID‐19 pandemic and that recovery will be lengthy. School communities are well‐positioned to have a leading role in primary and secondary disease prevention, but investment is needed to establish resilient frameworks for health promotion as child health issues provoked by the pandemic are addressed over the coming years.
Personal Identity Development in Chinese Early Adolescents: Predictions From Parenting Style and Peer Relationships
Authors: Fan Weiqiao , Li Mengting
Published: February 2025

This four‐wave longitudinal study among 698 Chinese early adolescents explored (1) how personal identity coherence and confusion develop; and (2) whether parenting style and peer relationships (i.e., close friend relationships and peer preference) were related to personal identity development. Participants (Mage = 11.39 yrs., SDage = 0.53; 53.7% girls) reported perceived parenting style, close friend relationships, and personal identity in Grade 6. Peer preference was assessed using peer nominations. Personal identity was remeasured in Grades 7, 8, and 9. The multiple‐indicator latent growth curve models revealed a decreased pattern in identity coherence and a curvilinear pattern in identity confusion. Higher authoritarian parenting and friend support were associated with sharper decreases in identity coherence. Implications for improving adolescent identity development were discussed.
Progressive Cone‐Rod Synaptic Dysfunction in Dynamin‐1 (DNM1) Related Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy: A Distinct Retinal Phenotype in Human
Authors: Marmoy Oliver R. , Hay Eleanor , Bowman Richard , Thompson Dorothy A.
Published: February 2025

Dynamin‐1 is an essential enzyme involved in the recycling of synaptic vesicles, in particular in the scission of endocytic buds within the pre‐synaptic terminal. Heterozygous pathogenic variants in DNM1 result in Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy type 31A, where patients exhibit early onset refractory epilepsy, severe‐profound intellectual disability and poor visual behaviour. We present data demonstrating that this disorder progressively affects retinal synaptic function which, to our knowledge, is the first report of this phenotype in human. Clinical notes of the proband were reviewed incorporating ophthalmic phenotyping (imaging, electroretinography (ERG), pattern visual evoked potentials (PVEPs) and visual symptoms). Genetic testing was performed using trio whole genome sequencing. Genetic testing confirmed a de‐novo pathogenic variant in DNM1, a recurrent heterozygous missense variant, c.709C > T;p.(Arg237Trp). Serial ERG testing at 1, 3, 9 and 12 years old indicated a progressive inner retinal dysfunction affecting both rod and cone synaptic pathways mirroring the abnormalities in the mouse model of dnm1, with normal retinal structure. DNM1 affects retinal synaptic recycling and endocytosis and our findings show likely usefulness of ERG testing in affected individuals. Further work is needed to expand our understanding of how different DNM1 variants affect retinal function.
Immersive and Interactive Learning With eDIVE: A Solution for Creating Collaborative VR Education Experiences
Authors: Brůža Vojtěch , Šašinková Alžběta , Šašinka Čeněk , Stachoň Zdeněk , Kozlíková Barbora , Chmelík Jiří
Published: February 2025

Virtual reality (VR) technology has become increasingly popular in education as a tool for enhancing learning experiences and engagement. This paper addresses the lack of a suitable tool for creating multi‐user immersive educational content for virtual environments by introducing a novel solution called eDIVE. The solution is designed to facilitate the development of collaborative immersive educational VR experiences. Developed in close collaboration with psychologists and educators, it addresses specific functional needs identified by these professionals. eDIVE allows creators to extensively modify, expand or develop entirely new VR experiences. eDIVE ultimately makes collaborative VR education more accessible and inclusive for all stakeholders. Its utility is demonstrated through exemplary learning scenarios, developed in collaboration with experienced educators, and evaluated through real‐world user studies.
Age‐Specific Functional Connectivity Changes After Partial Sleep Deprivation Are Correlated With Neurocognitive and Molecular Signatures
Authors: Yu Liyong , Chen Xuanyi , He Yuqi , Hong Xiaojuan , Yu Siyi
Published: February 2025

Background

This study aimed to investigate age‐specific alterations in functional connectivity after sleep deprivation (SD) and decode brain functional changes from neurocognitive and transcriptomic perspectives.

Methods

Here, we examined changes in global and regional graph measures, particularly regional network strength (RNS), in 41 young participants and 36 older participants with normal sleep and after 3 h of SD. Additionally, by utilizing cognitive probabilistic maps from Neurosynth and gene expression data from the Allen Human Brain Atlas, we applied partial least‐squares regression analysis to identify the neurocognitive and transcriptional correlates of these RNS changes.

Results

After SD, older participants exhibited decreased RNS in the default mode network (DMN) and dorsal attention network, with increased RNS in the visual network. Young participants also showed decreased RNS in the DMN, notably in the left inferior parietal lobe, left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and left posterior cingulate cortex. In young participants, SD‐induced RNS changes significantly correlated with cognitive processes such as “attention,” “cognitive control,” and “working memory,” while in older participants, they correlated with “learning,” “focus,” and “decision.” Gene‐category enrichment analysis indicated that specific genes related to signal transduction, ion channels, and immune signaling might influence SD pathophysiology by affecting functional connectivity in young participants.

Conclusions

This study elucidates shared and age‐specific brain functional network alterations associated with SD, providing a neurocognitive and molecular basis for understanding the underlying pathophysiology.