bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computational modelling reveals slower safety learning and threat extinction are associated with higher anxiety severity in remote fear conditioning
Authors: Kerr Tim , Purves Kirstin , McGregor Thomas , Craske Michelle G. , Barry Tom , Lester Kathryn J. , Constantinou Elena , Sun Michael , Robinson Oliver J. , Eley Thalia C.
Published: February 2025

Anxiety disorders are are chronic, pervasive, and debilitating; characterised by a persistent or exaggerated response to distal or abstract threats. Impaired threat discrimination (distinguishing safe from threatening stimuli) and impaired threat extinction (learning a once threatening stimulus is now safe), are known risk factors in the development and persistence of anxiety disorders. These effects can be experimentally elicited through fear conditioning. First, repeated trials of paired aversive and neutral stimuli are delivered during a fear acquisition phase, followed by repeated trials with no aversive stimuli in a fear extinction phase. The effects are typically measured through comparison of end-phase data points, or simple descriptive or statistical models. Computational modelling, by contrast, can offer a hypothesis-driven, trial-by-trial mechanistic account of fear conditioning. This unmasks within subject task variance by estimating the rate of threat learning, safety learning, and threat extinction, examining individual differences in the cognitive mechanisms behind anxiety. A normative sample (n = 145) underwent a differential fear conditioning task on a bespoke smartphone app, in addition to completing an anxiety severity measure (GAD-7). Computational models fitted to task data estimated learning rates. Whilst the threat learning rate showed no association, the threat extinction and safety learning rates showed small negative associations with anxiety severity (r = −0.218, p = 0.008 & r = −0.214, p = 0.01 respectively). These findings are in keeping with prior studies using traditional analytical approaches, and indicate that anxious individuals are not quicker to develop fear of a stimulus, but take more time than their non-anxious counterparts to learn that a stimulus is safe. This study strengthens the evidence for impairments in fear extinction in those with anxiety, and the importance of learning rates as an index of anxiety severity, a previously hidden cognitive mechanism underlying anxiety persistence.
‘Caroten-omics’ of pigments synthesised byGordonia rubropertinctathrough High Resolution Mass Spectrometry andin-silicoprogramming approach
Authors: Vemparala Gayathri , Anupoju Gangagni Rao , Kumaraguru Thenkrishnan
Published: February 2025

Carotenoids are tetraterpenoid pigments synthesised by microorganisms, plants and present in some animals. They are metabolites of importance in research and industry. The present study aimed to analyse the High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS) experimental data through R programming and identify all the carotenoids thatGordonia rubropertinctaproduces. The growth rate of the bacterium was 0.24 ± 0.132 h-1, produced about 140 ± 20 mg carotenoids/g wet cell weight (WCW) on extraction with methanol and the extract was subjected to HRMS. The number of carotenoids the bacterium synthesizes was identified to be 93 and the concentration of few carotenoids at particular time was pinpointed using R. The distinctive features of the bacterium like high number of carotenoids synthesis through various pathways, their fluctuation with respect to time, storage of carotenoids in cell cytoplasm, and its auto-fluorescent property were also discovered.
MBCO PathNet: Integration and visualization of networks connecting functionally related pathways predicted from transcriptomic and proteomic datasets
Authors: Hansen Jens , Iyengar Ravi
Published: February 2025

Our desktop application MBCO PathNet allows for quick and easy integration and visualization of networks of functionally related pathways predicted from numerous gene and protein lists using the Molecular Biology of the Cell Ontology (MBCO) and other ontologies. Within networks of hierarchical parent-child relationships or functional relationships, pathways are visualized as pie charts where each slice represents a dataset that predicted that pathway. Sizes of pies and slices can be selected to represent statistical significance or other quantitative measures. In addition, MBCO PathNet can generate bar diagrams, heatmaps and timelines.

Availability and implementation

mbc-ontology.org;github.com/SBCNY/Molecular-Biology-of-the-Cell

Contact

jens.hansen@mssm.edu
Gender imbalance in citations most pronounced in high-impact neuroscience journals
Authors: Hefter Kat , Teich Erin G. , Bassett Dani S.
Published: February 2025

In the past several years, neuroscience, like many other fields, has worked to address pervasive gender imbalances. Although tangible improvements have been made in academic publishing and conference participation, gender imbalances in citations among leading neuroscience journals persist and are increasing with time. Here, we expand upon prior work by providing a more comprehensive analysis of citation practices across fifty journals to improve our understanding of the dynamics of the field as a whole, particularly across different kinds of journals. We first confirm that reference lists tend to include more papers with men as first and last author than expected if gender were unrelated to citation practices. Further, we demonstrate that this effect is strongest in the most influential journals. We also find that the apparent closure of the gender gap is due to the interaction of three unique, nuanced patterns of citation: one that is characterized by relative overcitation of papers with men as both first and last author; one that is characterized by relative overcitation of women as the last author, and one that is characterized by relative undercitation of women as the first author. In addition, we find that these patterns of citation are not distributed evenly across the field: more prestigious journals tend to have articles with citation gaps favoring men, while less prestigious journals tend to overcite papers with women as last authors. We discuss potential drivers for these patterns and suggest some implications for the field moving forward.
CellFIE: Integrating Pathway Discovery With Pooled Profiling of Perturbations Uncovers Pathways of Huntington’s Disease, Including Genetic Modifiers of Neuronal Development and Morphology
Authors: Kang Byunguk , Murphy Michael , Ng Christopher W. , Leventhal Matthew Joseph , Huynh Nhan , Im Egun , Danquah Serwah , Housman David E. , Nehme Ralda , Farhi Samouil L. , Fraenkel Ernest
Published: February 2025

Genomic screens and GWAS are powerful tools for identifying disease-modifying genes, but it is often challenging to understand the pathways by which these genes function. Here, we take an integrated approach that combines network analysis and an imaging-based pooled genetic perturbation study to examine modifiers of Huntington’s disease (HD). The computational analysis highlighted several genes in a subnetwork enriched for modifiers of neuronal development and morphology. To test the functional roles of these genes, we developed an experimental pipeline that allows pooled CRISPRi KD of 21 genes in human iPSC-derived neurons followed by optical analysis of genotypes, neuronal arborization, multiplexed pathway activity and morphological fingerprint readout. This approach recovered known genes involved in morphology and confirmed unexpected links from the network between several genetic modifiers of HD and morphology. Our approach overcomes challenges in pooled measurement of neuronal function and health and could be adapted for other phenotypes in HD and other neurological diseases.
Impact of flushing procedures on drinking water biostability and invasion susceptibility in distribution systems
Authors: Waegenaar Fien , Pluym Thomas , Vermeulen Elise , Gusseme Bart De , Boon Nico
Published: February 2025

Maintaining microbial stability in drinking water distribution systems (DWDS) is a priority for water providers, yet operational events like flushing and the potential invasion of unwanted microorganisms pose significant challenges. This study utilized a pilot-scale DWDS to evaluate the susceptibility of drinking water networks after standard operational flushing procedures (with and without chlorination) as these procedures can alter biostability. Results showed that flushing with chlorination reduced bulk cell counts initially but led to subsequent microbial regrowth, highlighting the limitations of chlorination in long-term biostability. Biofilm cell densities and community composition were similar before and after flushing with and without chlorination. Additionally, the susceptibility of a flushed network against introduced bacterial indicators (Aeromonas media,Pseudomonas putida, andSerratia fonticola) was investigated. The invasion experiments revealed that the species decayed more rapidly in loops flushed with chlorination. This study emphasizes the trade-off between potential regrowth and microbial control, underscoring the need for strategies that enhance microbial resilience without fostering regrowth. These findings are critical for optimizing DWDS management practices to ensure drinking water safety and quality.

Importance

Flushing, with or without chlorination, is a standard procedure used by drinking water providers to address water quality issues such as brown water, as well as following waterworks, or contaminant detection. This process involves discharging large volumes of drinking water, often through fire hydrants. Depending on the contamination, additional disinfectants, such as free chlorine, are dosed during flushing. However, the longer-term effects of these processes on microbial dynamics are unknown. For example, while brown water issues can be solved, the overall biostability of drinking water may be compromised, potentially making the drinking water distribution systems more susceptible to the invasion of unwanted microorganisms. Studying these practices in full-scale distribution networks is challenging. Therefore, in this study, a unique drinking water distribution pilot system that mimics a real network with mature biofilm was used to investigate the changes in both bulk water and biofilm microbiomes following flushing procedures.
Prevalence and mechanisms of high-level carbapenem antibiotic tolerance in clinical isolates ofKlebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Cross Trevor , Torres Facundo , McGee Abigail P. , Aliyu Tolani , Westblade Lars F. , Singh Abhyudai , Dörr Tobias
Published: February 2025

Antibiotic tolerance is the ability of bacteria to survive normally lethal doses of antibiotics for extended time periods. Clinically significant Enterobacterales, for example, often exhibit high tolerance to the last-resort antibiotic meropenem. Meropenem tolerance is associated with formation of cell wall-deficient spheroplasts that readily recover to rod shape and normal growth upon removal of the antibiotic. Both the true prevalence of tolerance, and genetic mechanisms underlying it, remain poorly understood. Here, we find that meropenem tolerance is widespread among clinical Enterobacterales. Using forward genetics, we uncover novel tolerance factors in a hypertolerant isolate of the ESKAPE pathogenKlebsiella pneumoniae. We find that multiple mechanisms contribute to tolerance, and that cell envelope stress responses (PhoPQ, Cpx, Rcs and OmpR/EnvZ) collectively promote spheroplast stability and recovery, while the lytic transglycosylase MltB counteracts it. Our data indicate that tolerance is widespread among clinical isolates, and that outer membrane maintenance is a key factor promoting survival of tolerantK. pneumoniae.
AI mirrors experimental science to uncover a novel mechanism of gene transfer crucial to bacterial evolution
Authors: Penadés José R , Gottweis Juraj , He Lingchen , Patkowski Jonasz B , Shurick Alexander , Weng Wei-Hung , Tu Tao , Palepu Anil , Myaskovsky Artiom , Pawlosky Annalisa , Natarajan Vivek , Karthikesalingam Alan , Costa Tiago R D
Published: February 2025

AI models have been proposed for hypothesis generation, but testing their ability to drive high-impact research is challenging, since an AI-generated hypothesis can take decades to validate. Here, we challenge the ability of a recently developed LLM-based platform, AI co-scientist, to generate high-level hypotheses by posing a question that took years to resolve experimentally but remained unpublished: How could capsid-forming phage-inducible chromosomal islands (cf-PICIs) spread across bacterial species? Remarkably, AI co-scientist’s top-ranked hypothesis matched our experimentally confirmed mechanism: cf-PICIs hijack diverse phage tails to expand their host range. We critically assess its five highest-ranked hypotheses, showing that some opened new research avenues in our laboratories. We benchmark its performance against other LLMs and outline best practices for integrating AI into scientific discovery. Our findings suggest that AI can act not just as a tool but as a creative engine, accelerating discovery and reshaping how we generate and test scientific hypotheses.
Syngap+/-CA1 pyramidal neurons exhibit upregulated translation of long mRNAs associated with LTP
Authors: Singh Aditi , Rizzi Manuela , Seo Sang S. , Osterweil Emily K.
Published: February 2025

In theSyngap+/-model of SYNGAP1-related intellectual disability (SRID), excessive neuronal protein synthesis is linked to deficits in synaptic plasticity. Here, we use Translating Ribosome Affinity Purification and RNA-seq (TRAP-seq) to identify mistranslating mRNAs inSyngap+/-CA1 pyramidal neurons that exhibit enhanced synaptic stability and impaired long-term potentiation (LTP). We find the translation environment is significantly altered in a manner that is distinct from theFmr1-/ymodel of Fragile X Syndrome (FXS), another monogenic model of autism and intellectual disability (ID). TheSyngap+/-translatome is enriched for regulators of DNA repair, and mimics changes induced with chemical LTP (cLTP) in WT. This includes a striking upregulation in the translation of mRNAs with a longer length (>2kb) coding sequence (CDS). In contrast, long CDS transcripts are downregulated with induction of Gp1 metabotropic glutamate receptor induced long-term depression (mGluR-LTD) in WT, and this profile is mimicked in theFmr1-/ymodel. Together, our results show theSyngap+/-andFmr1-/ymodels mimic the translation environments of LTP and LTD, respectively, consistent with the dysregulation of these plasticity states in each model. Moreover, we show that translation of >2kb mRNAs is a defining feature of LTP that is oppositely regulated during LTD, revealing a novel mRNA signature of plasticity.
Perforation of thin-membrane-covered soft matter induced by cavitation-initiated extreme mechanics
Authors: Fan Yuzhe , Ohl Claus-Dieter
Published: February 2025

Traumatic events can initiate cavitation within the cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the human brain. While the brain is soft [Young’s modulus E∼O(1) kPa], a thin membrane named cranial pia mater [E∼O(1) MPa] separates the cerebral cortex from the liquid. Here, we reveal the effect of this composite boundary on the damage potential of cavitation through well-controlled experiments. Therefore, a soft hydrogel is covered by a thin biomembrane and is exposed to cavitation bubbles created at various distances with a pulsed laser. High-speed imaging reveals a perforation of the membrane and penetration of a liquid jet deep into the composite structure from a single event, and its strong dependence on the stand-off distance of the bubble to the boundary. When the stand-off distance is around 0.65, needlelike liquid jets in excess of 1000 m/s can be formed that pass through the bubble without atomization. The later visible shock-wave emission is related to the phenomenon of shock-wave self-focusing.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Light cone distribution amplitude for the
Λ
baryon from lattice QCD
Authors: Chu Min-Huan , Bai Haoyang , Hua Jun , Liang Jian , Ji Xiangdong , Schäfer Andreas , Su Yushan , Wang Wei , Xiong Xiaonu , Yang Yi-Bo , Zeng Jun , Zhang Jian-Hui , Zhang Qi-An ,   Lattice Parton Collaboration
Published: February 2025

We calculate the leading-twist light cone distribution amplitudes of the Λ(uds) baryon using lattice QCD methods within the framework of large-momentum effective theory. Our numerical computations are carried out with Nf=2+1 stout smeared clover fermions and a Symanzik gauge action on a lattice with spacing a=0.077  fm and a pion mass of 303 MeV. To approach the large-momentum region, we simulate the equal-time correlations with the hadron momentum Pz={2.52,3.02,3.52}  GeV. We investigate the analytic properties of the baryon quasidistribution amplitude in coordinate space and validate them through our lattice calculations. After renormalization and extrapolation, we present results for the three-dimensional distribution in momentum fractions of the two light quarks. Based on these findings, we briefly discuss the phenomenological impact on weak decays of Λb and outline potential systematic uncertainties that can be improved in the future. This work lays the theoretical foundation for accessing baryon light cone distribution amplitudes from lattice QCD.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Expert perspectives on factors shaping metaverse adoption for cultural heritage experiences in hospitality industry within an emerging economy
Authors: Nagirikandalage Padmi , Lakhoua Cherifa , BInsardi Arnaz , Tzempelikos Nektarios , Kerry Christopher
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Although the metaverse has been widely adopted in developed countries, there has not been any research investigating the implantation of this highly transformative technology in emerging economies and disadvantaged regions, such as Tunisia. This paper aims to critically explore the factors influencing the adoption of metaverse for cultural heritage experience and discusses how will it disrupt the future of the hospitality industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 44 semi-structured interviews were conducted in the Tunisian hospitality industry who provided their expert opinions during in-depth interviews. The interviews were then analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings

The findings indicate that the metaverse presents benefits, success factors and challenges for offering cultural heritage experiences in the hospitality industry and that its adoption in poor and less developed countries is nuanced.

Practical implications

The findings of the study help hospitality managers identify opportunities and challenges in metaverse, fostering an understanding of the cultural environment and its socio-economic development as key requirements to enhance visitor experience via metaverse.

Social implications

Leveraging the metaverse for cultural enrichment can be a powerful tool for the socio-economic development of underprivileged regions, provided that it is implemented inclusively to include underprivileged labour, whose work in the industry lies on the bottom of the economic pyramid.

Originality/value

This paper further explains the impacts of metaverse on cultural heritage experience provided in the hospitality industry rooted in the previous literature relating to technology-enhanced experience.
Exploring the impact of payment method perceived value on transaction experience and willingness to pay: evidence from Innsbruck Christmas Market
Authors: Wang Ruoyuan , Chan Chung-Shing
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study investigates how the perceived value of payment methods affects the transaction experience at the Christmas market and how this experience influences consumer willingness to pay. Additionally, this study examines the mediating role of transaction experience.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample was taken from tourists who visited the Innsbruck Christmas market in 2023. A total of 347 valid questionnaires were collected through a combination of paper questionnaires randomly distributed offline to Christmas market patrons (random sample) and questionnaires posted online (self-selected sample). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the data in this study.

Findings

The results demonstrate that consumers’ transaction experience at the Christmas market is significantly influenced by their perceptions of cash inefficiency, health risks associated with cash, convenience of cashless payments and security and privacy of cashless payments. Furthermore, the transaction experience has a significant impact on consumer willingness to pay. Additionally, the perceived value of payment methods and willingness to pay are mediated by the transaction experience.

Originality/value

This study examines the influence of the perceived value of payment methods on behavioral intentions in Christmas market research. It also demonstrates the mediating role of transactional experience on perceived value and willingness to pay, filling the gap in research on payment methods in Christmas markets. Additionally, the findings offer managerial contributions to destination organizations and retailers/vendors, suggesting that they should prioritize convenient payment methods to enhance revenues.
G10 cross-country connectedness over US growth
Authors: Matos Paulo Rogério Faustino , Albuquerque Vieira Davi , da Silva Cristiano , Lucena Igor
Published: February 2025

Purpose

We extend a classic macroeconomic framework guided by extensive empirical and theoretical literature on growth transmission channels and shock decomposition, with the purpose of measuring the growth spillovers from G-10 countries to the US.

Design/methodology/approach

We use a time-varying parameter vector autoregressive (TVP-VAR) model with dynamic structures to measure time-varying external spillover effects under different economic conditions, i.e. controlled by a representative set of American macroeconomic variables.

Findings

Based on our empirical exercise from 1996q3 to 2023q1, we emphasize the roles of France and Russia in the late 1990s as well as the G7 (excluding the US) and Eurozone countries following the pandemic. We also provide insights into the internal transmission channels.

Research limitations/implications

We find that Germany, Japan and Italy only managed to have a net spillover effect on the US in one or two quarters in 1996 and 1997, while the influence of Canada, China, the UK and India appears to affect American growth between 1996 and 1999. The influences of France and Russia are stronger, as they can impact the American economy for more than 30 quarters. Regarding economic blocs, the G7 (excluding the US) and the Eurozone can impact the US during and after the pandemic.

Practical implications

Our results on internal pass-through show a relevant role played by the high levels of American debt and interest rates. This finding is relevant and worrying, and it is aligned with literature on the effects of high levels of public indebtedness and inflation after the pandemic, even in developing economies. In this context, according to empirical findings reported by Matos et al. (2024) based on conditional wavelet tools, most relationships between debt and GDP are given by anti-phasic leadership of the debt (0–4-year frequency period), while inflation can lead to growth in the opposite direction (0–8-year frequency period).

Social implications

This evidence is significant as recent years have reshaped the understanding of power, with several states emerging as new powers. The role of economic blocs after the pandemic supports this viewpoint. To summarize, both the domestic macroeconomic scenario and the geopolitical forces pose challenges to the American economy.

Originality/value

Our work differs from previous related studies in two aspects. First, unlike most, we use the conditional connectedness approach outlined by Stenfors et al. (2022). Second, we extend a macroeconomic-based growth cycle model instead of a neoclassical approach.
Application of generative AI to automate numerical analysis and synthetic data generation in geotechnical engineering
Authors: Parsa-Pajouh Ali
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study explores the integration of generative artificial intelligence (AI) into numerical analysis workflows in geotechnical engineering to address the challenges of generating synthetic datasets. This study aims to create a framework that allows practitioners with limited programming skills to automate complex simulations, enabling the development of extensive data sets for AI and machine learning applications.

Design/methodology/approach

The study proposes a seven-step methodology using the finite element method and Python programming to auotmate numerical modelling. Generative AI, specifically ChatGPT, is used as a virtual assistant to guide practitioners through automation. The methodology is validated through a pilot study predicting excavation-induced ground displacement in Sydney’s Hawkesbury Sandstone.

Findings

Integrating generative AI into numerical analysis workflows accelerates data generation and improves the quality of synthetic datasets. The pilot study indicates that the generated datasets closely align with real-world measurements, confirming the robustness and reliability of the proposed framework.

Research limitations/implications

The study’s accuracy may be affected by assumptions in numerical analysis and input parameter quality. Future research should explore more complex geotechnical conditions, such as 3D effects, to further validate and enhance the methodology.

Practical implications

This framework provides an efficient solution for geotechnical practitioners to generate extensive datassets for AI training, reducing reliance on experienced programmers. It streamlines workflows and enhances data-driven decision-making in geotechnical engineering.

Originality/value

The paper introduces a novel integration of generative AI into numerical analysis workflows, offering an innovative approach to automate synthetic data generation. It serves as a valuable tool for advancing AI applications in geotechnical engineering, particularly for those with limited programming experience.
Associations of Antenatal Corticosteroids With Neurodevelopment in Children Aged 27–30 Months: A Population‐Based Cohort Study
Authors: Frier Emily M. , Lahti‐Pulkkinen Marius , Lin Chun , Decrue Fabienne , Zoega Helga , Allegaert Karel , Been Jasper V. , Burgner David , Duhig Kate , Einarsdóttir Kristjana , Florian Lani , Fraser Abigail , Gissler Mika , Gyamfi‐Bannerman Cynthia , Pedersen Lars Henning , Miller Jessica E. , Mol Ben W. , Murray Sarah R. , Norman Jane , Roberts Devender , Schuit Ewoud , Shi Ting , Sheikh Aziz , Vogel Joshua P. , Wood Rachael , McGoldrick Emma , Jacobsson Bo , Krispin Eyal , Reynolds Rebecca M. , Stock Sarah J. ,   the Co‐OPT Collaboration
Published: February 2025

Objective

To examine the associations of antenatal corticosteroid (ACS) exposure with neurodevelopment in early childhood, and how these vary with gestational age at birth.

Design

Population‐based cohort study.

Setting

Scotland, UK.

Population

285 637 singleton children born at 28–41 weeks' gestation, between 1st January 2011 and 31st December 2017, who underwent health reviews at 27–30 months of age.

Methods

Logistic and linear regression analyses, stratified by gestation at birth (28–33, 34–36, 37–38 and 39–41 weeks' gestation), were used to evaluate the associations between ACS exposure and neurodevelopmental outcomes, and adjusted for maternal age, body mass index, diabetes, antenatal smoking, parity, neighbourhood deprivation, birth year, child sex and age at review.

Main Outcome Measures

Practitioner‐identified concerns about any neurodevelopmental domain, and the average of five domain scores on neurodevelopmental milestones from the parent‐rated Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ‐3).

Results

After adjustment for covariates, ACS exposure was associated with reduced neurodevelopmental concerns in children born at 28–33 weeks' gestation (OR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.62–0.999) and with increased neurodevelopmental concerns in children born at 34–36 weeks' gestation (OR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.01–1.21). No independent associations emerged in children born at later gestations. ACS exposure was not associated with ASQ‐3 scores in any gestational age group.

Conclusions

In early childhood, ACS exposure was associated with statistically significantly reduced neurodevelopmental concerns in children born at 28–33 weeks' gestation, and with statistically significantly increased neurodevelopment concerns in children born at 34–36 weeks' gestation. However, the effect sizes of these associations were small. No independent associations were found between ACS exposure and neurodevelopment in term‐born children.
Free Foetal Haemoglobin in Severe Early‐Onset Foetal Growth Restriction: A Prospective Multi‐Centre Study
Authors: Brook Adam , Baynes Georgia , Scargill Jonathan , Evangelinos Angelos , Brennan‐Richardson Charlotte , Dow Freya , Ginsberg Yuval , Weissbach Tal , Brodszki Jana , Hansson Eva , Diemert Anke , Hecher Kurt , Maksym Katarzyna , Marlow Neil , Spencer Rebecca N. , David Anna L. , Hansson Stefan R. , Brownbill Paul
Published: February 2025

Objective

To assess foetal circulating free foetal haemoglobin (fHbF) levels and heme defences, correlated to foetal circulatory biometry and foetal sex in severe early‐onset foetal growth restriction (FGR).

Design, Setting and Population

A prospective study severe early‐onset foetal growth restriction pregnancies with close clinical management (estimated foetal weight (EFW) < 3rd centile and < 600 g at 20–26 + 6 weeks; N = 20).

Method & Main Outcome Measures

Temporal foetal vascular obstetric biometry was recorded. Cord blood fHbF and key heme‐scavenger defences were measured and compared with normal term births (N = 26) and births with late‐onset FGR (N = 12).

Results

fHbF was elevated in early‐onset FGR compared with normal pregnancy: 0.437(0.337/0.753) mg/mL; and 0.098 (0.045/0.264) mg/mL, respectively (p < 0.0001); whilst hemopexin was downregulated in early‐ (p < 0.001) and late‐onset FGR (p < 0.0001), compared to normal pregnancy: 36(14/81) μg/mL, 25(19/40) μg/mL, and 155(132/219) μg/mL, respectively; median (interquartile ranges). Early‐onset FGR male foetuses had higher HbF compared with the normal males: 0.710(0.433/0.857) mg/mL; (p < 0.001); 0.099(0.043/0.246) mg/mL, respectively; median (interquartile ranges). In early‐onset FGR, ratios of mid‐cerebral artery and umbilical artery pulsatility indices correlated positively with heme‐scavenger levels (hemopexin and a heme‐handling composite measure: p < 0.05, r = 0.672; and p < 0.01, r = 0.620; respectively), indicating lower levels are associated with cerebral vascular redistribution. These heme handling measures also positively correlated with gestational age at delivery (r = 0.713 and r = 0.642, respectively, p < 0.01, both) and birthweight (r = 0.742, p < 0.001; and r = 0.523, p < 0.05; respectively).

Conclusion

Overproduction of fHbF and an inadequate heme defence may contribute to foetal distress and poor umbilical arterial Dopplers in early onset FGR due to elevated placental vascular resistance and vascular inflammation.
The COVID‐19 Pandemic and the Gender Mental Health Gap
Authors: Jamal Ayesha
Published: February 2025

Objective

To examine the relationship between the COVID‐19 pandemic and the preexisting gender mental health gap in symptoms as well as service utilization.

Study Setting and Design

Using repeated cross‐sectional data, the study compares the gender mental health gap between American female and male college students before and after the start of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Adjustments are made for preexisting trends. The study constructs an overall index of poor mental health, based on self‐reported symptoms and service utilization related to anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. The gender mental health gap is also broken into the gender symptoms gap and the gender service utilization gap; each is analyzed separately by race, ethnicity, and sexuality.

Data Sources and Analytic Sample

The study draws on secondary data from the National College Health Assessment Surveys from fall 2015 to fall 2022 and focuses on young American college students, ages 18–25 years old.

Principal Findings

The gender mental health gap, measured using the overall index of poor mental health, increased by 15.6% [95% CI: 5.67–25.6]. The gender symptom gap in eating disorders increased by 38.8% [95% CI: 24.4–53.1] and is consistently observed across race, ethnicity, and sexuality, except among non‐Hispanic Asian students. Minimal to no long‐term significant differences are observed for the gender symptom gap in anxiety and depression. The gender service utilization gap, on the other hand, increased for all illnesses, with slight increases for anxiety and depression.

Conclusions

The COVID‐19 pandemic was accompanied by an exacerbation of the already existing rise in eating disorders among female college students. In symptoms of anxiety and depression, the gap between women and men stayed constant during the pandemic. Action is required to understand and address the factors that led to a rise in the symptoms of eating disorders among women.
Identifying Barriers to Being Offered and Accepting a Telehealth Visit for Cancer Care: Unpacking the Multi‐Levels of Documented Racial Disparities in Telehealth Use
Authors: Dunn Matthew R. , Fridman Ilona , Kinlaw Alan C. , Neslund‐Dudas Christine , Tam Samantha , Elston Lafata Jennifer
Published: February 2025

Objective

To evaluate patient‐ and area‐level factors in relation to telehealth visit use in cancer care.

Study Setting and Design

We surveyed a cohort of adults with an upcoming healthcare visit related to their cancer treatment at two academic medical centers (one in central North Carolina and one in southeast Michigan) and their community affiliates. Black adults and those with a scheduled telehealth visit were purposively oversampled during recruitment. We linked respondent residential addresses to area‐level measures, including broadband access. The two patient‐reported outcomes of interest were (1) whether a choice in visit type (virtual or in‐person) was offered and (2) scheduled visit type.

Data Sources and Analytic Sample

We assembled a cohort of 773 adults (response rate = 15%). After excluding nonrecall for being offered a choice, the analytic sample was 725 adults.

Principal Findings

The sample was 46% aged < 65 years, 42% Black, and 67% women. Black respondents were less likely than non‐Black respondents to be offered a choice, 15% versus 23%, prevalence difference (PD) and 95% CI = (−8.7%, CI: −14.4, −3.0) and if offered a choice, less likely to accept a telehealth visit (20% vs. 67%; PD = −47.0%, CI: −62.0, −32.0). Compared to men, women had a lower frequency of visit choice (16% vs. 27%; PD = −10.9%. CI: −17.4, −4.4) and accepted telehealth visits (42% vs. 63%; PD = −20.8%, CI: −36.8, −4.7). Respondents who expressed technology‐related worries were less likely to accept a telehealth visit. Lower area‐level technology access (e.g., broadband ownership) and higher poverty were nonsignificantly associated with less offering and less scheduling of telehealth visits.

Conclusions

Interventions to improve access to telehealth in cancer care and mitigate structural inequities (namely racism and sexism) should consider patient‐ and area‐level barriers to being offered a choice in visit type and the ability to accept a telehealth visit.
Analysis of Mobile Money Innovations and Energy Poverty in Africa
Authors: Ajide Folorunsho M. , Oladipupo Sodiq Abiodun , Dauda Babatunde Wasiu , Soyode Esther Omolade
Published: February 2025

Mobile money is a novel system for providing seamless financial services in developing countries. The use of this technology has allowed poor households to make payments, receive money, and get credits via mobile phone algorithms, and it has gained popularity among nations in Africa. This technology has leapfrogged the traditional services of formal financial institutions. Many studies have been conducted on energy poverty alleviation in Africa, but little is known empirically about whether mobile money can serve as a policy instrument for energy poverty alleviation in developing economies. Furthermore, the role of mobile money in energy justice has not been explored. The objective of this paper is to fill this gap by examining the effect of mobile money innovations on energy poverty. Applying the system generalized method of moments and panel quantile regression via moments on the dataset of 36 countries in Africa between 2012 and 2021, this study shows that mobile money innovations reduce energy poverty in Africa. Further analysis reveals that the effect is heterogeneous across the sample used in the study. Our findings also reveal that mobile money innovations reduce the disparities in accessing electricity between urban and rural households. Overall, this study suggests that mobile money is a veritable tool that can be used for energy poverty alleviation in developing countries.
Japan's Aging Workforce: Determinants and Outlook
Authors: Kitao Sagiri , Takeda Nozomi
Published: February 2025

This paper examines recent trends in the Japanese labor market, with a particular focus on the elderly workforce. Japan's elderly employment rates are notably high compared to other OECD countries and have increased significantly over the past two decades. To investigate the factors that affect the employment of old individuals, we develop a structural life‐cycle model with consumption‐saving decisions and endogenous labor supply in both intensive and extensive margins. The model is calibrated to the cohort of men born in 1936–1940. We find that social security reforms to raise the retirement age by 5 years and reduce the replacement rate by 20% would have increased labor force participation among men in their 60s from 58% to 69% and 67%, respectively, while also encouraging greater retirement savings. Furthermore, we find that overall labor productivity growth reduces elderly participation due to an income effect, whereas productivity growth among the elderly, driven by lower skill depreciation, motivates longer labor force participation.
Pancreatic resection for metachronous colorectal cancer metastases: a case series multicenter study
Authors: Palmieri Francesco , Lancellotti Francesco , Ferrara Francesco , Satyadas Thomas , Gobatti Davide , Abreu de Carvalho Luis Felipe , Gryspeerdt Filip , Conte Grazia , Mocchegiani Federico , Sampietro Roberto , Sileri Pierpaolo
Published: February 2025

Background

Pancreas resection for metachronous colorectal cancer metastasis is episodic and the role of surgery in the management of these patients is still debated.

Methods

We recruited seven patients from three different centres and analyzed 30‐day morbidity and mortality, oncological outcomes at 6 and 12 months.

Results

There was no postoperative mortality. Complications occurred in two patients (28,6%). All patients completed at least a 12‐months follow‐up. At 6‐month follow‐up, only one patient had a recurrence. At 12‐month follow‐up, no patients died for disease recurrence and one more patient had a new recurrence.

Conclusion

Our series supports the feasibility and safety of pancreas resection in metastatic colorectal cancer suggesting that radical resection may improve the patient's prognosis.
The potential role of the αVβ3 integrin receptor in placental biology and normal and complicated pregnancies
Authors: Rottenstreich Amihai , Coller Barry S.
Published: February 2025

The αVβ3 receptor is a member of the integrin family of receptors, which includes 24 members involved in a variety of key biological processes. It is widely expressed in multiple cell types and is involved in cell adhesion and migration, angiogenesis and immune cell regulation. These processes play important roles in both normal placentation and placental progression through pregnancy. This review describes the potential roles of αVβ3 integrin receptor throughout gestation in normal and abnormal conditions, and the need for additional studies to better define its precise contributions.
A Retrospective Cohort Study on Scan Quality of Implant Scanbodies Matched With CAD Libraries
Authors: Boz Fatmanur Demir , Akça Kıvanç
Published: February 2025

Purpose

To assess the effect of scanbody (SB)‐type, edentulous site, and restoration‐type on the scan quality of SBs used in the treatment of short‐span edentulism.

Materials and Methods

The cohort consisted of SBs with different specifications connected to bone‐level implants for intraoral digitalization in the fabrication of fixed restorations. SBs matched with library CAD files for digital implant position transfer into dental CAD software were enrolled in the study group. Intraoral implant digital records were categorically evaluated to assess the quality of SB scans. In statistical analyses, the chi‐squared test was used to describe the clinical variables, and logistic regression models were constructed to reveal the association between the clinical variables and SB scan quality.

Results

A total of 243 SBs were eligible for scan quality evaluation. Scan quality did not differ statistically (p > 0.05) in the SB reference area, while texture in the representation of SB was significantly affected (p < 0.05) by the variables SB‐type and edentulous‐site. Cylindrically designed SBs without specific geometrical features presented remarkably higher risks for reduced scan quality in SB representation.

Conclusion

SBs successfully aligned with library CAD files based on a software algorithm may not consistently present similar scan quality. Intraoral scanning of a SB is highly vulnerable with regard to scan deterioration in texture and geometry.
Testis‐Specific PDHA2 Is Required for Proper Meiotic Recombination and Chromosome Organisation During Spermatogenesis
Authors: Wang Guoqiang , Fang Kailun , Shang Yongliang , Zhou Xu , Shao Qiqi , Li Si , Wang Ping , Chen Charlie Degui , Zhang Liangran , Wang Shunxin
Published: February 2025

Proper segregation of homologous chromosomes during meiosis requires crossovers that are tightly regulated by the chromosome structure. PDHA2 is the testis‐specific paralog of PDHA1, a core subunit of pyruvate dehydrogenase. However, its role during spermatogenesis is unclear. We show that PDHA2 knockout results in male infertility in mice, but meiotic DSBs in spermatocytes occur normally and are efficiently repaired. Detailed analysis reveals that mid/late recombination intermediates are moderately reduced, resulting in fewer crossovers and many chromosomes without a crossover. Furthermore, defective chromosome structure is observed, including aberrant histone modifications, defective chromosome ends, precocious release of REC8 from chromosomes and fragmented chromosome axes after pachytene. These defects contribute to the failure of pyruvate conversion to acetyl‐CoA, resulting in decreased acetyl‐CoA and precursors for metabolites and energy in the absence of PDHA2. These findings reveal the important functions of PDHA2 in ensuring proper crossover formation and in modulating chromosome structure during spermatogenesis.
Long‐Term Outcome and Prognosis of Idiopathic Optic Neuritis: A Cohort Study
Authors: Leger Benjamin , Gueguen Antoine , Lecler Augustin , Boudot de la Motte Marine , Lamirel Cédric , Bensa Caroline , Vignal Catherine , Marignier Romain , Papeix Caroline , Deschamps Romain
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Patients diagnosed with optic neuritis (ON) who did not fulfil the diagnostic criteria for multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMO‐SD), tested negative myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein immunoglobulin G and for which a systemic disease has been excluded are classified as having idiopathic ON (IDON).

Methods

This was a monocentric retrospective observational study. Inclusion criteria were as follows: patients with IDON, absence of an alternative diagnosis during the first 2 years, follow‐up of at least 5 years.

Results

Thirty‐six patients were included. After a median follow‐up of 9 years, a diagnosis of IDON was retained for 77.8% (n = 28) of patients, whereas 22.2% (n = 8) converted to an alternative diagnosis after a median of 6 years. Four patients converted to MS, two to clinically isolated syndrome and two to seronegative NMO‐SD. Among the 28 patients who remained diagnosed with IDON, 42.9% (n = 12) experienced recurrent ON, occurring mostly (90%) within the first 5 years of the disease. Maintenance therapy was initiated in 10 of the 12 patients, among whom 6 patients had no recurrence under treatment. For the 28 patients who remained with IDON, the final best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was variable. Respectively, 35.7% and 25.9% of patients had a BCVA inferior to 0.5 and 0.2, whereas 50% recovered a final BCVA of 10/10.

Conclusion

A significant proportion of the cohort converted to an alternative diagnosis after 2 years, encouraging an extended follow‐up of IDON patients. Maintenance therapies were often effective in case of recurrent ON.
Pressure on Global Forests: Implications of Rising Vegetable Oils Consumption Under the EAT‐Lancet Diet
Authors: Chiriacò Maria Vincenza , Galli Nikolas , Latella Melissa , Rulli Maria Cristina
Published: February 2025

Global food production faces significant challenges, acting as a primary driver of land use change, biodiversity loss, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, while a significant part of the world's population still struggles with food security and nutrition. In response, the EAT–Lancet Commission has proposed a healthy and sustainable planetary diet aimed at reducing resource‐intensive foods like meat, starchy vegetables, and eggs, while suggesting a 67% increase in global per capita unsaturated oil consumption (e.g., soybean, sunflower, rapeseed) and the maintenance of the current palm oil intake. Using a spatially explicit land allocation algorithm, we assess how future global food oil demand for the expected 9.2 billion people by 2050 might impact forests and other carbon‐rich ecosystems, along with associated land use change GHG emissions. We also evaluate the potential consequences of substituting palm oil with other vegetable oils, noting their different health and environmental implications. Results show that the projected 74% rise in global vegetable oil production for food by 2050 would require 317 million hectares of land—a 68% increase compared to maintaining current consumption. This could escalate pressure on forests and threaten global food security, potentially causing 115–120 million hectares of deforestation and 1163–1210 Mt. CO2 per year of GHG emissions from land use change, an 87% rise compared to maintaining current consumption rates. However, the EAT‐Lancet diet foresees a reduction in other high‐impact foods, potentially freeing other lands and reducing overall projected global food GHG emissions. Another relevant finding reveals that replacing palm oil with other oils would result in increasing land needs, up to 385 million hectares with a potential 148 million hectares of deforestation, and GHG emissions, up to 1525 Mt. CO2 per year, thus not representing a conclusive and viable solution towards sustainability. Instead, along with the growing importance of certification schemes for sustainable and deforestation‐free food supply chains, ensuring sustainable production of all vegetable oils emerges as a critical strategy to prevent the conversion of biodiverse and carbon‐rich lands.