bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generating electron density archives using mainland EISCAT data between 2001-2021 at 10 minute and 1 hour integration
Authors: Reidy Jade A , Kavanagh A J , Häggström I , Themens D R , Wild M
Published: February 2025

The mesosphere/lower-thermosphere/ionosphere (MLTI) region is a critical boundary in the coupling of the atmosphere, climate and space weather, however it is one of the least understood regions, making it hard to include in whole atmosphere models. The EISCAT radars at Tromsø, Norway (UHF and VHF) have been measuring ionospheric parameters, such as electron density, since 1985 making it an excellent resource to study changes in the ionosphere over a long time period. This paper details how we have combined high elevation data from both radars between 2001-2021, re-integrated at 10 minutes and 1 hour, to look at the different sources of variability in the MLTI region between 50-200 km. Day of year climatology’s of the electron density highlight that the VHF data are more prone to contamination from Polar Mesospheric summer Echos. The magnetic local time variation of the electron density shows seasonal and altitude dependence related to solar UV illumination and electron precipitation, as expected. We compare our archives to the Empirical Canadian High Arctic Ionospheric Model (E-CHAIM) and find the biggest differences during the winter months and below 100 km, where the model does not yet include the impact of high energy electron precipitation.
Enrichment of spermatogonial stem cells and staging of the testis cycle in a dasyurid marsupial, the fat-tailed dunnart
Authors: Tarulli Gerard A , Tatt Patrick R S , Howlett Rhys , Ord Sara , Frankenberg Stephen R , Pask Andrew J
Published: February 2025

There is increasing interest in use of marsupial models in research, for use in next-generation conservation by improving fitness through genetic modification, and in de-extinction efforts. Specifically this includes dasyurid marsupials such as the Thylacine, Tasmanian devil, quolls and the small rodent-like dunnarts. Technologies for generating genetically modified Australian marsupials remains to be established. Given the need to advance research in this space, the fat-tailed dunnart (Sminthopsis crassicaudata) is being established as a model for marsupial spermatogonial stem cell isolation, modification and testicular transplantation. This species is small (60-90mm body size), polyovulatory (8-12 pups per birth), and can breed in standard rodent facilities when housed in a 12:12 light cycle. To develop the fat tailed dunnart as a model for next-generation marsupial conservation, this study aimed to enrich dunnart spermatogonial stem cells from whole testis digestions using a fluorescent dye technology and fluorescence-activated cell sorting. This approach is not dependent on antibodies or genetic reporter animals that are limiting factors when performing cell sorting on species separated from human and mouse by large evolutionary timescales. This study also assessed development of spermatogonia and spermatogenesis in the fat-tailed dunnart, by making the first definition of the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium in any dasyurid. Overall, this is the first detailed study to assess the cycle of dasyurid spermatogenesis and provides a valuable method to enrich marsupial spermatogonial stem cells for cellular, functional and molecular analysis.
A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review on the Impacts and Implementation of Collaborative Electronic Documentation on Nurse-Patient Relationship
Authors: Iwuchukwu Gift , Anttila Minna , Lantta Tella , Varpula Jaakko , Ameel Maria
Published: February 2025

The use of electronic health records challenges the nurse-patient relationship. Collaborative documentation could help to change this. The aim of this review was to provide a synthesis of current knowledge on the impacts, as well as barriers and facilitators of collaborative electronic documentation in nursing settings. A mixed-methods systematic review was conducted. The search was conducted in November 2022. The study used thematic analysis for qualitative data and descriptive analysis for quantitative data. Data integration was performed using a convergent integrated approach according to the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. The methodological quality of the included studies was critically appraised using the Mixed-Methods Appraisal Tool. A total of 17 studies were included. Study types were qualitative (n = 10), quantitative (n = 2), and mixed methods (n = 5). Multiple implementation practices were identified in different types of nursing settings. The facilitators and barriers were related to characteristics of nurses, patients, technology, and organization. Education and organizational support were identified to be essential in successful implementation. Collaborative documentation could be a way to overcome the challenges in nursing process associated with electronic documentation, as it can save nurses' time and improve patient experience. Implementation needs to be carried out with end-user patients and nurses.
The Correlation Analysis of Factors Affecting the Effective Optical Zone After SMILE
Authors: Wang Li , Xu Yue , Lou Jing , Wang Yun , Zhang Xiaofeng
Published: February 2025

Objectives:

The purpose of this study was to analyze the size of the effective optical zone (EOZ) and its related influencing factors in small incision lenticule extraction.

Methods:

Calculation of the horizontal EOZ (Y1: H-EOZ), vertical EOZ (Y2: V-EOZ), and average EOZ (Y3: A-EOZ) using corneal topographic difference maps. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to establish a multivariate linear equation for the dependent variable EOZ. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed based on the experimental cohort and were validated in the validation cohort.

Results:

The EOZ was smaller than the programmed optical zone (POZ) (p<0.001), and the spherical (Sp) and astigmatism (As) were positively correlated with H-EOZ (pSp<0.001, pAs<0.001), whereas average K-value (Km) and horizontal corneal diameter (WTW) were negatively correlated with H-EOZ (pKm<0.001, pWTW<0.002). The corresponding multivariate linear regression equation was Y1=5.246+0.168X1−0.278X2+0.027X3−0.131X4. Spherical, As, the asphericity of cornea (Q-value), and POZ were positively correlated with V-EOZ (pAs<0.000, pQ<0.001, and pPOZ<0.05, respectively) and Y2=3.032+0.102X1+0.175X2+0.642X5+0.415X6. Spherical, astigmatism, and POZ were positively correlated with A-EOZ (pSp<0.000, pAs<0.05, pPOZ<0.05, respectively), whereas WTW was negatively correlated with A-EOZ (pWTW<0.004) as follows: Y3=4.384+0.132X1+0.023X3−0.117X4+0.294X6. The H-EOZ model had the largest area under the ROC curve, 0.853 (95% confidence interval: 0.807–0.767).

Conclusions:

The preoperative intended correction of spherical lesions may be the main factor affecting the size of the postoperative EOZ, and this study has strong predictability for the horizontal EOZ.
Correlation Between Different Shapes of Major Papilla With Outcomes of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in a Prospective Study
Authors: Fahimi Amirhossein , Langari Alale , Roshandel Gholamreza , Hasani Fatemeh , Kherad Mohammad Ebrahim , Aghaei Fatemeh , Norouzi Alireza
Published: February 2025

Introduction:

Several factors affect the difficulty, clinical success, and side effects related to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), of which the endoscopic appearance of the major papilla is one of the most important. This study aimed to investigate the outcomes related to ERCP in relation to major papilla morphology.

Methods:

This study was performed prospectively on 581 patients undergoing ERCP. During ERCP, the endoscopist determined the morphology of the major papilla before the cannulation. Primary outcomes included overall operative success rate and post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) at 30 days. Secondary outcomes included clinically significant bleeding, perforation, cholangitis or sepsis, difficult cannulation, number of cannulation attempts, and duration of cannulation.

Results:

Papilla type 2 (OR=2.36, 95% CI: 1.07-5.20) and type 3b (OR=3.19, 95% CI: 1.16-8.73) were associated with decreased odds of procedure success. PEP was directly associated with type 4 papilla (OR=3.30, 95% CI: 1.21-8.98). There were direct correlation between difficult cannulation and types 3a (OR=1.89, 95% CI: 1.20-2.98) and 3b (OR=5.05, 95% CI: 1.98-12.86), cannulation duration more than 10 minutes and types 2 (OR=2.66, 95% CI: 1.31-5.39), 3a (OR=2.18, 95% CI:1.30-3.64), and 3b (OR=4.97, 95% CI: 1.94-12.71), and attempted cannulation more than 5 times and types 3a (OR=1.64, 95% CI: 1.01-2.69), and 3b (OR=4.40, 95% CI: 1.75-11.09).

Conclusion:

The findings of this study showed that ERCP failure is associated with types 2 and 3b papilla, and papilla type 4 is an independent risk factor for PEP.
How do we increase deceased donor kidney utilization and reduce discard?
Authors: Ariyamuthu Venkatesh K. , Qannus Abd A. , Tanriover Bekir
Published: February 2025

Purpose of review

This review aims to address the critical issue of expanding deceased donor kidney pool and reducing the discard rates of viable kidneys in the United States. It highlights advances in organ preservation techniques and explores strategies for expanding the donor pool by leveraging suboptimal and high-risk nonuse kidneys, including those affected by acute kidney injury (AKI), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and hepatitis B virus (HBV).

Recent findings

Innovations in organ preservation, including hypothermic and normothermic machine perfusion, have demonstrated efficacy in improving outcomes for marginal and extended-criteria kidneys. The integration of normothermic regional perfusion (NRP) for donation after cardiac death (DCD) donors has enhanced organ utilization and graft viability. Additionally, research confirms that kidneys from AKI and HCV-positive donors, when managed with appropriate protocols, yield comparable long-term outcomes to standard transplants. Emerging data on HBV-positive donor kidneys further underscore their potential to safely expand transplant access with targeted antiviral prophylaxis.

Optimizing deceased donor kidney utilization requires a multi-faceted approach, including advancements in preservation technologies, evidence-based decision-making for high-risk organs, and policy innovations. Leveraging these strategies can help address the growing organ shortage, enhance transplant outcomes, and ensure broader access to life-saving kidney transplants.
Assessing the Readability, Quality, and Characteristics of Online Patient Educational Materials Pertaining to Gender-Affirming Surgery
Authors: Bajaj Anitesh , Sylla Fatoumata , Sriram Nikhil , Soltani Hannah , Marzouk Sammer , Sparks Payton J. , Uryga Abigail , Sebree Becca , Li Rena A. , Galiano Robert D.
Published: February 2025

Background

Patients access online resources for information about various treatment modalities, including gender-affirming surgery (GAS) patient populations. The present study provides a readability, content quality, technical quality, and qualitative characteristic assessment of online patient educational materials (OPEM) related to GAS.

Methods

An online search using search phrases related to GAS was performed. The first 20 unique search results for each search term were further assessed if identified as an OPEM. The readability, content quality, and technical quality were assessed. Characteristics including mention of World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) guidelines and discussion of insurance coverage were recorded. Statistical analyses included analysis of variance, chi-squared tests, and 2-sample t tests.

Results

Overall, 231 OPEM were identified (academic/hospital: 124, private practice: 47, online health reference: 43, other: 17). The average consensus grade level was 12.7, which was significantly higher than the National Institutes of Health/American Medical Association–recommended sixth-grade level (P < 0.001). With regard to content quality, academic/hospital websites had a significantly higher DISCERN score than private practice websites (P = 0.01). Notably, only 35% of OPEM mentioned WPATH guidelines. Academic/hospital websites mentioned WPATH guidelines at a significantly higher frequency than nonacademic/hospital websites (P < 0.001). Private practice websites had a significantly higher technical quality score than academic/hospital websites (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

A significant discrepancy in readability was identified between analyzed websites and the National Institutes of Health/American Medical Association recommendation of a sixth-grade level. Further efforts are necessary to ensure accessible and accurate information is available for patients seeking OPEM related to GAS.
Manifesto: challenging the standard cosmological model
Authors: Binney James , Mohayaee Roya , Peacock John , Sarkar Subir
Published: February 2025

We outline the rationale for holding a Discussion Meeting thus titled at the Royal Society, London during 15 and 16 April 2024, and summarize what we learnt there.

This article is part of the discussion meeting issue ‘Challenging the standard cosmological model’.
Development of a BiAD sensor for locus-specific detection of cellular histone acetylation dynamics by fluorescence microscopy
Authors: Köhler Anja R. , Gutekunst Nicole , Harsch Annika , Bashtrykov Pavel , Jeltsch Albert
Published: February 2025

Dynamic changes in histone acetylation play crucial roles during cellular differentiation and disease development. Here, we developed a Bimolecular Anchor Detector (BiAD) sensor for the detection of locus-specific changes in histone acetylation in living cells by fluorescence microscopy. For this, we used the BRD9 bromodomain cloned as tandem double-domain (2xBRD9-BD) as reader of histone acetylation. It was integrated it into a dual-color BiAD chassis that was previously described [Köhler et al., 2024, Cell Rep Methods 4(4):100739]. We identified the gene body of TTC34 as potential target for our sensor, because it contains dense histone acetylation and 392 local sequence repeats. Using a binding deficient mutant of 2xBRD9-BD as negative control, we established successful readout of histone acetylation at the TTC34 locus. A single domain reader did not function indicating the requirement for the double reader to enhance affinity and specificity of the chromatin interaction via avidity effects. With this sensor, we could detect dynamic changes of histone acetylation at the TTC34 locus after treatment of cells with the histone deacetylase inhibitor Trichostatin A for 6 hours indicating the applicability of this sensor for single-cell epigenome studies.
AI-directed gene fusing prolongs the evolutionary half-life of synthetic gene circuits
Authors: Menuhin-Gruman Itamar , Arbel Matan , Naki Doron , Bergman Shaked , Tuller Tamir
Published: February 2025

Evolutionary instability is a persistent challenge in synthetic biology, often leading to the loss of heterologous gene expression over time. Here, we present STABLES, a novel gene fusion strategy that links a gene of interest (GOI) to an essential endogenous gene (EG), with a “leaky” stop codon in between. This ensures both selective pressure against deleterious mutations and high expression of the GOI. By leveraging a machine learning (ML) framework, we predict optimal GOI-EG pairs based on bioinformatic and biophysical features, identify linkers likely to minimize protein misfolding, and optimize DNA sequences for stability and expression. Experimental validation inSaccharomyces cerevisiaedemonstrated significant improvements in stability and productivity for fluorescent proteins and human proinsulin. The results highlight a scalable, adaptable and organism-agnostic method to enhance the evolutionary stability of engineered strains, with broad implications for industrial biotechnology and synthetic biology.
Welfare Policies, Arthritis-related Joint Pain Prevalence and Educational Gaps in 50 U.S. States from 2011 to 2021: A Fixed Effects Analysis
Authors: Huang Rui , Li Yuhang , Sun Feinuo
Published: February 2025

Objective

Research on geographic disparities in pain and arthritis-related outcomes is still in its infancy, with particularly limited attention to the developing trends over time and the role of state’s welfare policies in shaping pain disparities. This study examines 1) spatiotemporal trends of moderate/severe arthritis-related joint pain prevalences across 50 U.S. states, 2) educational disparities therein, and 3) the impact of welfare policies— i.e., Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Earned Income Credit, minimum wage, unemployment insurance, and Medicaid generosity score.

Data and Methods

We compile a 6-wave biennial state-level panel data using data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). Logistic regressions are conducted to estimate trends of joint pain prevalence, prevalences for different educational groups (i.e., less than high school, high school or some college, bachelor’s degree or above), and educational disparities. Incorporating policy data from the State Policy & Politics Database (SPPD) and the Kaiser Family Foundation’s database (KFF), we use fixed effects regressions, with state- and year-fixed effects, to assess the impact of welfare policies.

Results

Joint pain prevalence has risen in most states, with educational disparities in pain widening in over half, though both trends vary substantially across states. Colorado and North Dakota exhibit considerably sharper increases in both pain prevalence and educational inequalities. A more generous Medicaid program is shown to effectively reduce joint pain prevalence and eliminate educational inequalities in pain.

Conclusion

This study underscores the importance of state welfare policies in addressing pain disparities and calls for targeted interventions to support less-educated populations.
Discovery of microbial glycoside hydrolases via enrichment and metaproteomics
Authors: van Ede Jitske M. , van der Steen Suzanne , van der Kraan Geert M. , van Loosdrecht Mark C.M. , Pabst Martin
Published: February 2025

The immense microbial diversity on Earth represents a vast genomic resource, yet discovering novel enzymes from complex environments remains challenging. Here, we combine microbial enrichment with metagenomics and metaproteomics to facilitate the identification of microbial glycoside hydrolases that operate under defined conditions. We enriched microbial communities using the carbohydrate polymer pullulan at elevated temperatures and acidic conditions. Pullulan is a natural polysaccharide composed of maltotriose units linked by α-1,6 glycosidic bonds. Along with its hydrolyzing enzymes, it has broad applications across various industries. The enrichment inocula were sampled from thermophilic compost and soil from the bank of a pond. In both cases, Alicyclobacillus emerged as the dominant microorganism. Metaproteomic analysis of the enrichment biomass and secretome identified several pullulan-degrading enzymes from this organism. Notably, these enzymes were absent in the metagenomic analysis of the initial inoculum, underscoring the effectiveness of combining microbial enrichment with multi-omics for uncovering novel enzymes from complex microbial environments.
Neuroanatomical Deficits in Visual Cortex Subregions of Individuals with Psychosis Spectrum Disorders linked to Symptoms, Cognition, and Childhood Trauma
Authors: Türközer Halide Bilge , Zeng Victor , Hoang Dung , Sritharan Jothini , Iska Neha , Ivleva Elena I. , Clementz Brett A. , Pearlson Godfrey D. , Keedy Sarah , Gershon Elliot S. , Tamminga Carol A. , Keshavan Matcheri S. , Lizano Paulo
Published: February 2025

Objective

The visual system is a significant site of pathology in psychosis spectrum disorders. However, there is limited research investigating human visual cortex (VC) subregions in this population. Using data from the Bipolar-Schizophrenia Network on Intermediate Phenotypes Consortium (BSNIP-1, BSNIP-2, PARDIP), this study examined structural measures in VC subregions in individuals with psychosis spectrum disorders.

Methods

Cortical surface area and thickness in five VC subregions (hOc1, hOc2, hOc3v, hOc4v, MT) were quantified using FreeSurfer v7.1.0 and compared between individuals with psychosis (n=1211) and healthy controls (n=734). Regional specificity was examined by controlling for total surface area or mean cortical thickness. ComBat was used to harmonize scanner effects. Associations between VC measures and symptom severity, cognition, and childhood trauma scores were assessed.

Results

Individuals with psychosis demonstrated smaller surface area in hOc1, hOc2, and hOc3v, and lower cortical thickness in all five VC subregions compared to healthy controls. Thickness reductions in hOc1, hOc4v, and MT were regionally specific. hOc4v and MT were among the top three regions exhibiting the most robust cortical thickness deficits (d= −0.38 to −0.40) across all VC and Desikan-Killiany brain regions. Lower thickness in mid-level visual subregions were associated with greater positive symptoms, poorer cognition, and higher childhood trauma scores.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that the visual cortex is among the most profoundly affected brain regions in psychotic disorders. Different patterns of area and thickness changes across early and mid-level visual subregions, along with their varying associations with clinical measures, suggest distinct developmental and disease-related influences.
QRS 3D Voltage-Time Integral in Narrow QRS Complex - Establishing the Normal Reference Range
Authors: Gupta Amulya , Harvey Christopher J. , Mahmood Uzair , Baer Jacob D. , Parimi Nikhil , Bapat Ashutosh , Sheldon Seth H. , Reddy Madhu , Yao Zijun , Lee Yongkuk , Noheria Amit
Published: February 2025

Background

Vectorcardiographic 3D QRS voltage-time integral (VTIQRS-3D) is a novel marker of ventricular dyssynchrony pertinent for cardiac resynchronization therapy. It may have additional clinical utility but its normal reference ranges have not been established. We sought to define reference ranges for VTIQRS-3Din healthy individuals.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 12-lead ECGs of healthy adults (2010-2014) and compared them to patients with cardiomyopathy with reduced ejection fraction (EF) <50%. Using the Kors matrix, 12-lead ECGs with QRS duration ≤120 ms were converted to vectorcardiographic X, Y, and Z leads. VTIQRS-3Dwas calculated as the instantaneous root-mean-square (3D) voltage integrated over the QRS duration. Reference range limits were defined as the 2.5th to 97.5th percentiles respectively for healthy females and males in age groups 18-34, 35-54 and ≥55 years.

Results

The study included 468 healthy adults (age 44.6 ± 17.0 years; 63.9% female) and 314 patients with cardiomyopathy (age 62.1 ± 14.0 years; 34.4% female). VTIQRS-3Dwas significantly larger in the cardiomyopathy patients compared to the healthy population (48.2±21.4 vs. 38.1±9.3 µVs, p<0.0001). Increased age and female sex were significant predictors of lower VTIQRS-3Din the healthy population (both p<0.0001). VTIQRS-3Dreference ranges for respective age groups for healthy females were 23.2-55.0, 23.9-56.4 and 19.6-50.9 µVs, and for healthy males were 29.9-57.2, 28.2-56.7 and 21.4-55.9 µVs.

Conclusion

VTIQRS-3Dis higher at younger age in healthy population, male sex and in patients having cardiomyopathy with reduced EF. Age and sex need to be accounted for using VTIQRS-3Das a marker for structural heart disease.
Cystinosin is involved in Na+/H+ Exchanger 3 trafficking in the proximal tubular cells: new insights in the renal Fanconi syndrome in cystinosis
Authors: Khare Veenita , Farre Jean Claude , Rocca Celine , Kbaich Mouad Ait , Tang Cynthia , Ma Xuan , Biederman Kavya , Mathur Ioli , Grau Rafael A. Badell- , Sivakumar Anusha , Chen Rola , Catz Sergio Daniel , Cherqui Stephanie
Published: February 2025

Cystinosis is a systemic lysosomal storage disease resulting from a defective CTNS gene, leading to the accumulation of cystine in all organs. Despite the ubiquitous expression of cystinosin, the renal Fanconi syndrome (FS) is the first manifestation of cystinosis that presents early in life of the patients while other complications appear years later. Additionally, the cystine reduction therapy, cysteamine, does not prevent the FS. While the matter is still unresolved, it is apparent that specific function(s) of cystinosin in the proximal tubular cells (PTCs) beyond cystine transport explain the early tubular defects in cystinosis. Here, we report a novel interaction of cystinosin with the sodium/hydrogen (Na+/H+) exchanger proteins in the endosomes in both yeast and mammalian cells. One isoform of Na+/H+ exchanger, NHE3, is a major absorptive sodium transporter at the apical membrane of the proximal tubules. Cystinosin was found to play a significant role in NHE3 subcellular localization, trafficking, and resulting sodium uptake in PTCs. Interestingly, introduction of CTNS successfully rescued these defects in CTNS-deficient PTCs, whereas CTNS-LKG, the lysosomal and plasma membrane isoform of cystinosin, did not. NHE3 mislocalization was confirmed in Ctns-/- mice and cystinosis patient kidney. Interestingly, transplantation of wild-type hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells in Ctns-/- mice restored NHE3 expression at the brush border membrane. This study uncovers a new role of cystinosin in the trafficking of NHE3 in the PTCs that is evolutionary conserved, offering new insights in the pathogenesis of the renal FS in cystinosis and potential new therapeutic avenue for this pathology.
Inhibitory control in reptiles
Authors: Santacà Maria , Wilkinson Anna , Stancher Gionata , Sovrano Valeria Anna , Bisazza Angelo
Published: February 2025

Inhibitory control, the ability to suppress an automatic response in favour of a contextually appropriate alternative, is crucial for adaptive behaviour across animal species. While extensively studied in mammals and birds, research on reptiles remains limited, with comparisons hindered by methodological inconsistencies. Here, we assessed inhibitory control in two reptile species, Hermann’s tortoise (Testudo hermanni) and the bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps), using the transparent cylinder test—a method widely employed with mammals, birds, and fish. This test evaluates the ability to inhibit reaching directly for visible food through a transparent barrier. Both species exhibited lower inhibitory control than most amniotes, supporting the prevalent hypothesis linking inhibitory capacity to brain size. However, exceptions observed in various species suggest ecological and non-cognitive factors also shape these abilities. Notably, bearded dragons outperformed tortoises, despite their smaller size. In tortoises, females surpassed males, highlighting sex-based inhibitory differences in non-avian reptiles. Additionally, a positive correlation between lateralization and inhibitory control was observed in both species, providing the first evidence of such a link in reptiles. These findings emphasize the role of lateralization in reptilian cognition and suggest that inhibitory control across vertebrates is influenced by diverse factors, including brain size, ecology, and sex.
De-densifying the black hole – what if professional discretion strongly influences corporate social responsibility?
Authors: Gumede Nosipho Philisiwe , Hattingh Teresa
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to explore the role of discretion anatomy and multiplicity to show how discretion components, range, levels and goals can direct corporate social responsibility (CSR) and prevent corporate social irresponsibility (CSiR). This paper shifts the discretion perspective towards composition to enable a full assessment of the impact of discretion on CSR and CSiR.

Design/methodology/approach

This study overlays discretion and CSR theory onto the South African engineering context using professional competency standards set by the national accrediting body to develop a set of principles.

Findings

A model with 16 principles is proposed to establish relationships between the decision dynamics of technical professionals, social principles, social responsiveness and social outcomes.

Practical implications

The principles can be used by professionals to determine how their technical decisions can drive socially responsible acts and prevent socially irresponsible acts.

Originality/value

This paper integrates Wood’s (1991) and Frederick’s (2018) CSR perspectives with recent discretion theory developments. This paper centres high-discretion managers who typically occupy key positions in organisational structures where daily technical decisions can have generational social impact.
Understanding consumer attitude and purchase intention of organic food products
Authors: Ahmad Naseem , Fahad  , Zaki Mehfooz , Alam Zafar , Khalid Mohd
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The organic food market is gaining momentum in advanced and developing economies. This study aims to unfold the determinants explicitly associated with consumers and organic food products (OFPs) that influence consumers’ attitudes and purchase intentions in a developing economy.

Design/methodology/approach

The stimulus–organism–response (SOR) is modified to examine the reasons behind the consumers’ purchase intentions of OFPs. Consumer-specific and product-specific stimuli are considered to find their influence on the orgasmic state of the consumers in the form of attitude and, finally, their purchase intentions in the form of response. A simple random sampling procedure was used during January and February 2024 to obtain the study-related responses from the participants from six major cities in India. Three hundred eighty-two questionnaires were deemed suitable for the study after excluding any outliers and incomplete responses from the completed survey. After screening and validating the collected data in IBM SPSS statistics 23, Amos version 23.0 was used to analyze the study’s hypotheses.

Findings

The findings showed that consumers’ specific stimuli, such as environmental concern, health consciousness and food safety concerns, positively motivate consumers’ attitudes. Also, product-specific stimuli such as nutritional content and awareness of OFPs positively affect the attitude of the consumers. Surprisingly, price fairness is revealed to have no substantial impact on the consumers’ attitudes. Finally, it is revealed that the consumers’ attitude positively impacts their purchase intentions of OFPs.

Practical implications

The study’s findings will assist OFP marketing professionals in comprehending the significant impact of consumer-specific and product-specific aspects of the products in shaping consumers’ attitude towards OFPs. The research discoveries are expected to offer valuable insights to aid decision makers in marketing OFPs to consumers in developing economies like India.

Originality/value

The present work has uniquely modified the SOR model by considering the consumer-specific and product-specific aspects of OFPs and empirically validated that both aspects are significant in shaping consumer attitudes, especially in developing economies like India.
Neonatal Inflammation and Feeding Disorders at 1 Year in Infants With Congenital Gastrointestinal Malformations
Authors: Mastropietro Cristina , Dimino Gaia , Vinit Nicolas , Quetin Fredérique , Rousseau Véronique , Sartorius Victor , Kermorvant‐Duchemin Elsa , Lapillonne Alexandre
Published: February 2025

Aim

To investigate the associations between inflammatory markers and the risk of paediatric feeding disorders (PFD) at 1 year of age in infants with congenital gastrointestinal malformations (CGMs).

Methods

Neonates with CGMs admitted to our NICU and prospectively followed up in our outpatient clinic were included. The presence of PFD was assessed at the 1‐year visit using the Montreal Children's Hospital Feeding Scale (MCH‐FS). Data on potential risk factors for PFD were retrospectively collected.

Results

Fifty‐nine neonates were included. They had a median MCH‐FS at 1 year of 25 [IQR = 19–37]. PFD (MCH‐FS > 45) was diagnosed in 15% of cases, of which 56% were severe. The number of days with a C‐reactive protein (CRP) level > 40 mg/L was significantly higher in the PFD patients. After adjusting for confounding factors, a duration of CRP > 40 mg/L remained significantly associated with PFD at 1 year (OR = 1.23, [1.02–1.47]). Similarly, the number of neonatal surgical procedures (OR = 11.4, [2.15–60.6]) was independently associated with PFD at 1 year.

Conclusion

PFD at 1 year was observed in 15% of newborns with CGMs in our cohort. Our results suggest that sustained severe inflammation caused by surgery and its complications during the neonatal period may have long‐term effects on feeding behaviour.
Certification, Maintenance and Decertification of Standardised Innovation Management Systems: Motivations, Barriers and Benefits
Authors: de Saboya Liana Mendes , Cândido Carlos J. F. , Cesário Marisa Isabel Silva
Published: February 2025

The role of standardised innovation management systems (SIMS) in fostering organisational innovation has been largely overlooked in the literature. This study addresses this gap by investigating the certification, maintenance and decertification of SIMS. Using a descriptive and inductive methodology, the research analyses primary data from 94 Portuguese organisations with certified SIMS. The findings reveal a strong prevalence of internal motivations for certification, low implementation obstacles and significant benefits, suggesting that these firms have successfully internalised the SIMS standard into their innovation management processes. Maintenance motivations are also strong, particularly internal ones, which align well with the critical success factors for sustaining certification. The benefits of maintaining SIMS are substantial, particularly internal benefits, as initial external motivations for certification often evolve into internal maintenance motivations. Decertification motivations and propensity are weak among the sample firms. Expectations of negative performance impacts following potential decertification are also low, likely because these organisations have effectively internalised the SIMS standard. This study is the first to explore the maintenance and decertification of SIMS, providing evidence that SIMS can deliver substantial benefits, be efficiently maintained and continuously enhance innovation and competitiveness. As a result, most organisations exhibit little interest in decertification. The findings offer significant contributions to research and provide actionable insights for practitioners, suggesting that innovation management systems can indeed be standardised with considerable benefits.
Retesting of oestrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and HER2 status of invasive carcinoma of the breast after neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Lee Andrew H S , Rakha Emad A , Hodi Zsolt , Abbas Areeg , Ellis Ian O , Chan Stephen
Published: February 2025

Aims

There is no consensus on whether oestrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status should be assessed after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. This study assessed the frequency of changes in ER, PR and HER2 status after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Methods and results

Of 353 patients who had neoadjuvant chemotherapy and anti‐HER2 treatment, receptors were assessed in 185 residual carcinomas. Eight per cent of carcinomas that were ER‐negative in the core biopsy were ER‐positive in the excision compared with 1.5% of controls. All were HER2‐positive in the core biopsy and 23% were HER2‐negative in the excision compared with 0% of controls. Controls were cases tested in the core biopsy and subsequent surgical resection with no neoadjuvant treatment. Of 589 patients who had neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone, receptors were assessed in 495 residual carcinomas. Six per cent of carcinomas that were ER‐negative in the core biopsy were ER‐positive in the excision (mainly ER‐low positive) compared with 1.5% of controls. All were HER2‐negative in the core biopsy and 6% were HER2‐positive in the excision (mainly immunohistochemistry score 2+ and HER2 gene amplified) compared with 2% of controls.

Conclusions

Negative to positive changes in receptor status after neoadjuvant chemotherapy are infrequent and the positive result in the excision is often weakly positive. These results imply that repeat assessment after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery could influence the subsequent treatment in a small proportion of patients.
Is Posterior Transvaginal Mesh Surgery Using PTFE Mesh ORIHIME Effective and Safe for Advanced Posterior Vaginal Prolapse?
Authors: Yagi Kazunobu , Takeyama Masami , Doi Yukiko , Kuwata Tomoko , Kashihara Hiromi , Kato Chikako
Published: February 2025

Objectives

To examine the efficacy and safety of posterior tension‐free vaginal mesh (TVM‐P) surgery using polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) mesh (ORIHIME) for advanced posterior vaginal prolapse.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted involving patients who underwent TVM‐P surgery with PTFE mesh for pelvic organ prolapse quantification stage III or IV posterior vaginal prolapse between December 2018 and March 2023. All patients were followed for a minimum of 1 year postoperatively. The primary outcome was the recurrence rate in the operated compartment. Secondary outcomes comprised recurrence in other pelvic compartments, mesh‐related complications, and an analysis of risk factors for recurrence.

Results

Seventy‐one patients underwent TVM‐P surgery during the study period. The recurrence rate in the operated compartment was 4.2%, while the overall recurrence rate was 18.3%. Eleven cases of recurrence occurred within the first year; 13 cases were observed within 3 years postsurgery. Patients who experienced recurrence in other compartments had a significantly higher incidence of preoperative Ba point score ≥ −1 versus the nonrecurrence group. Preoperative Ba point score ≥ −1 was associated with a higher risk of recurrence in other compartments (crude odds ratio: 4.17, 95% confidence interval: 1.03–26.7; adjusted odds ratio: 2.58, 95% confidence interval: 0.56–11.8).

Conclusions

The recurrence rate in the operated compartment following TVM‐P surgery for advanced rectoceles or enteroceles was 4.2%. These findings suggest that TVM‐P surgery using PTFE mesh may be an effective surgical option for treating severe posterior vaginal pelvic organ prolapse.
Efficiency of Early Sequential Laser Treatment for Facial Linear Scars in Cross‐Sectional Regions
Authors: Guo Lei , Xue Ping , Fan Xing , Yin Yue , Dou Wenjie , Li Tong , Yang Qing
Published: February 2025

Background

Long linear scars in cross‐sectional regions can adversely affect facial aesthetics and functionality, leading to substantial psychological distress. Early intervention with carbon dioxide ablative fractional laser (CO2‐AFL) and 595‐nm pulsed dye laser (PDL) has shown promise in mitigating post‐surgical scarring. However, the effectiveness of this treatment for extensive facial scars across different areas remains unclear.

Methods

We reviewed medical records of 39 patients with long scars from facial trauma between January 2022 and October 2023. Treatment commenced with two sessions of PDL and three sessions of CO2‐AFL 1 week post‐suture removal. Outcomes were assessed using Antera 3D imaging and the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS 3.0). Quality of life improvements were measured using the Short Form‐36 Health Survey (SF‐36).

Results

All patients completed five sessions of laser treatment. Significant reductions were noted in Patient and Observer scores on the POSAS (p < 0.05). Antera 3D analysis revealed substantial improvements in average roughness, depression depth, and elevation depth across facial regions. The significance of improvements in color variation, texture elevation span, melanin hyperconcentration, and hemoglobin hyperconcentration varied by area. Patients also showed significant improvements in SF‐36 scores for physical role limitations, social functioning, and emotional well‐being compared to pre‐treatment levels (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Early sequential treatment with PDL and CO2‐AFL effectively improves long scars in various facial areas.
Phylogenetic regionalization of the Pan‐Himalayan vascular flora
Authors: Liu Yun , Saqib Saddam , Lu Limin , Lai Yangjun , Hu Haihua , Peng Danxiao , Zaman Wajid , Zhao Lina , Liu Bing , Wang Qiang , Lu Anming , Hong Deyuan , Ye Jianfei , Chen Zhiduan
Published: February 2025

Pan‐Himalaya, including Himalaya and its neighboring areas, hosts a rich and unique flora that is crucial for understanding the evolutionary history of mountainous biodiversity. Phylogenetic regionalization can provide novel insights into biodiversity distribution patterns and their formation mechanisms. In this study, based on comprehensive species distribution data and a species‐level phylogenetic tree, we propose a phylogenetic regionalization scheme of the Pan‐Himalayan vascular flora comprising 15 zones, which can be grouped into five floristic subregions and three floristic regions (i.e., the West Himalayan [WH], the Southeast Himalayan [SEH], and the Northeast Himalayan [NEH] regions). Our results reveal that the SEH and NEH regions are closely clustered, which are then grouped with the WH region. The floras of these three regions exhibit distinct evolutionary histories and phylogenetic structures. The WH region presents a phylogenetically clustered flora with Euro‐Mediterranean affinities and the highest evolutionary uniqueness. The NEH region has the highest species richness and phylogenetic diversity, with most of its areas, especially at higher elevations, displaying phylogenetic clustering. In contrast, the SEH region exhibits a phylogenetically overdispersed flora, characterized by harboring species‐rich families with tropical, temperate, and alpine distributions, as well as relict plant lineages. This study provides valuable insights into the evolutionary history of the Pan‐Himalayan flora and informs the development of effective conservation strategies.
Exploring the experiences of hemochromatosis (HHC) patients who undergo therapeutic venesection at a blood collection agency
Authors: Thorpe Rachel , Masser Barbara , Gemelli Carley N. , Knight Elizabeth , Jos Carol , Bentley Peter J. , Maddern Jan , O'Donovan Justine , Kakkos Athina , Welvaert Marijke
Published: February 2025

Background

People with hereditary hemochromatosis (HHC) require therapeutic phlebotomy on an ongoing basis. Little is known about the facilitators and barriers they experience in donating at a blood collection agency (BCA), nor how these impact their willingness to engage in an ongoing relationship with a BCA. This study explored the experiences of HHC donors undergoing therapeutic phlebotomy at the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood (Lifeblood) in Australia.

Study Design and Methods

All HHC donors who had made at least one donation at Lifeblood in the last 2 years were invited to complete a survey. In this paper, we report the findings on enablers and barriers to donating at Lifeblood, donor and patient identity, communication, knowledge of blood use and of plasma, interest in donating plasma, and engagement in positive word of mouth about donating.

Results

Data were obtained from 4350 therapeutic donors. Responders identified more enablers than barriers to donating at Lifeblood and 61.8% reported that Lifeblood used their blood. Responders were more likely to identify as donors than patients, and those with a stronger donor than patient identity were significantly more likely to report that their blood was used, had greater interest in donating plasma, and reported engaging in more positive word of mouth about donating.

Discussion

Findings indicate that BCAs can do more to educate donors with HHC about how their blood is used to help others. Doing so may help to retain them as donors and can be beneficial for the blood supply, as well as for the donors themselves.
The Impact of Team Composition on Student’s Sport Skill Development in Sport Education
Authors: Xie Lei , Xing Fuyan , Gao Rong , Gu Peidi
Published: February 2025

Purpose: This study explores how diverse team compositions influence table tennis skill development in college students during a Sport Education (SE) season, considering gender and initial skill-level differences. Method: A quasiexperimental design included 64 college students, evenly split into control and experimental groups based on gender. Control group had heterogeneous teams, while experimental group had both heterogeneous and homogeneous teams. The 16-week SE season assessed backhand and forehand blocking skill improvement through two weekly sessions (45 min each). Results: Both groups exhibited skill development, with no significant gender differences. However, the experimental group demonstrated more comparable skill development across different skill levels compared with control group. Conclusion: The study underscores the positive impact of a design combining homogeneous and heterogeneous teams in SE on college students’ table tennis skill development. Educators are advised to consider context-specific factors, including sociocultural influences and sport skill complexity, when structuring team compositions within SE.
Enhancer-driven cell type comparison reveals similarities between the mammalian and bird pallium
Authors: Hecker Nikolai , Kempynck Niklas , Mauduit David , Abaffyová Darina , Vandepoel Roel , Dieltiens Sam , Borm Lars , Sarropoulos Ioannis , González-Blas Carmen Bravo , De Man Julie , Davie Kristofer , Leysen Elke , Vandensteen Jeroen , Moors Rani , Hulselmans Gert , Lim Lynette , De Wit Joris , Christiaens Valerie , Poovathingal Suresh , Aerts Stein
Published: February 2025

Combinations of transcription factors govern the identity of cell types, which is reflected by genomic enhancer codes. We used deep learning to characterize these enhancer codes and devised three metrics to compare cell types in the telencephalon across amniotes. To this end, we generated single-cell multiome and spatially resolved transcriptomics data of the chicken telencephalon. Enhancer codes of orthologous nonneuronal and γ-aminobutyric acid–mediated (GABAergic) cell types show a high degree of similarity across amniotes, whereas excitatory neurons of the mammalian neocortex and avian pallium exhibit varying degrees of similarity. Enhancer codes of avian mesopallial neurons are most similar to those of mammalian deep-layer neurons. With this study, we present generally applicable deep learning approaches to characterize and compare cell types on the basis of genomic regulatory sequences.
Good plasmons in a bad metal
Authors: Ruta Francesco L. , Shao Yinming , Acharya Swagata , Mu Anqi , Jo Na Hyun , Ryu Sae Hee , Balatsky Daria , Su Yifan , Pashov Dimitar , Kim Brian S. Y. , Katsnelson Mikhail I. , Analytis James G. , Rotenberg Eli , Millis Andrew J. , van Schilfgaarde Mark , Basov D. N.
Published: February 2025

Correlated metals may exhibit unusually high resistivity that increases linearly in temperature, breaking through the Mott-Ioffe-Regel bound, above which coherent quasiparticles are destroyed. The fate of collective charge excitations, or plasmons, in these systems is a subject of debate. Several studies have suggested that plasmons are overdamped, whereas other studies have detected propagating plasmons. In this work, we present direct nano-optical images of low-loss hyperbolic plasmon polaritons (HPPs) in the correlated van der Waals metal MoOCl
2
. HPPs are plasmon-photon modes that waveguide through extremely anisotropic media and are remarkably long-lived in MoOCl
2
. Photoemission data presented here reveal a highly anisotropic Fermi surface, reconstructed and made partly incoherent, likely through electronic interactions as explained by many-body theory. HPPs remain long-lived despite this, revealing previously unseen imprints of many-body effects on plasmonic collective modes.