bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Misophonia Symptoms Severity is Attributed to Impaired Flexibility and Heightened Rumination
Authors: Black Vivien , Allen J.D. , Aazh Hashir , Johnson Sheri L. , Erfanian Mercede
Published: January 2025

Misophonia is a disorder involving sensitivity to certain sounds and related stimuli. Here, we explore the relationship between misophonia and affective flexibility, which describes cognitive shifting abilities in the face of emotion-evoking stimuli. Previous evidence suggests impaired subjective cognitive flexibility in misophonia, but this relationship has not been confirmed behaviourally or in emotionally-salient contexts. The secondary aim of this study is to test the potential association between misophonia and cognitive flexibility, building upon findings from previous research. The third objective is to examine the relationship between misophonia and rumination, a maladaptive cognitive process characterized by repetitive negative thinking and linked to both cognitive and affective inflexibility. One hundred and forty participants completed the recently developed Memory and Affective Flexibility Task (MAFT), designed to assess affective flexibility, as well as a battery of self-report measures to evaluate misophonia severity, cognitive flexibility and rumination. Results suggested an inverse relationship between affective flexibility as measured by switch accuracy, but not reaction time, and misophonia severity. Cognitive flexibility was also inversely associated with misophonia severity, but notably didnotattribute to task-based affective flexibility, suggesting two independent constructs both involved in misophonia manifestation. Rumination associated positively with misophonia severity and inversely with cognitive flexibility, but not affective flexibility. Taken together, these findings highlight a unique cognitive profile of misophonia, characterized by rigidity at the psychological level through cognitive inflexibility and rumination, as well as at the executive-function level in terms of affective switching difficulties.
Conditional Universal Differential Equations Simultaneously Capture Population Level Dynamics and Inter-individual Variation in Human C-peptide Production
Authors: de Rooij Max , van Riel Natal A.W. , O’Donovan Shauna D.
Published: January 2025

Universal differential equations (UDEs) are an emerging approach in biomedical systems biology, integrating physiology-driven mathematical models with machine learning for data-driven model discovery in areas where knowledge of the underlying physiology is limited. However, current approaches to training UDEs do not directly accommodate heterogeneity in the underlying data. As a data-driven approach, UDEs are also vulnerable to overfitting and consequently cannot sufficiently generalise to heterogeneous populations. We propose a conditional UDE (cUDE) where we assume that the structure and weights of the embedded neural network are common across individuals, and introduce a conditioning parameter that is allowed to vary between individuals. In this way, the cUDE architecture can accommodate inter-individual variation in data while learning a generalisable network representation. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the cUDE as an extension of the UDE framework by training a cUDE model of c-peptide production. We show that our cUDE model can accurately describe postprandial c-peptide levels in individuals with normal glucose tolerance, impaired glucose tolerance, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Furthermore, we show that the conditional parameter captures relevant inter-individual variation. Subsequently, we use symbolic regression to derive a generalisable analytical expression for c-peptide production.
Action mechanism of a novel agrichemical quinofumelin againstFusarium graminearum
Authors: Xiu Qian , Yin Xiaoru , Chen Yuanyuan , Zhang Ziyang , Mao Yushuai , Wang Tianshi , Zhang Jie , Zhou Mingguo , Duan Yabing
Published: January 2025

Modern fungicides have made significant contributions to crop disease management, but the development of resistant fungal strains has caused their failure in disease control. Therefore, developing fungicides with novel action mechanisms is the most effective measure to manage resistance. Quinofumelin, a novel quinoline fungicide, exhibits exceptional antifungal activity against phytopathogens. However, there is currently no available information on its mechanism of action. Here, we used transcriptome and metabolome analysis to observe a co-enrichment pattern of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) within pyrimidine biosynthesis pathway (PBP), identifying down-regulation of dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH). Exogenous UMP, uridine or uracil (metabolites in PBP) successfully restored quinofumelin-induced inhibition of mycelial growth inFusarium graminearumandFusarium asiaticum. Additionally, the deletion ofFgDHODHIIwas determined to be lethal; however, mycelial growth of ΔFgDHODHII mutants could be restored by adding UMP, uridine or uracil. These findings indicate that the deficiencies inFgDHODHIIare functionally equivalent to complete inhibition of its activity by quinofumelin. Finally, molecular docking, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and microscale thermophoresis (MST) results strongly support the precise interaction between quinofumelin and FgDHODHII. Collectively, these findings provide compelling evidence for the involvement ofde novouracil biosynthesis as mechanism of action for quinofumelin while identifying FgDHODHII as its specific target.
One-shot normative modelling of whole-brain functional connectivity
Authors: Kobbersmed Janus R. L. , Gohil Chetan , Marquand Andre , Vidaurre Diego
Published: January 2025

Many brain diseases and disorders lack objective measures of brain function as indicators of pathology, which has recently spurred the use of normative modelling in neuroimaging. Normative models characterize the normal variation of brain measurements given sex and age, thereby allowing identification of abnormalities as deviations from normal. Normative modelling of brain function is typically based on predicting functional connectivity (FC) between each pair of brain regions. But the human brain is an extremely integrated organ, and brain disease often has widespread effects that are not well captured by piecemeal analyses, i.e. connection by connection. We propose Functional Connectivity Integrative Normative Modelling (FUNCOIN), developing a whole-brain normative model of FC from a large resting-state fMRI data set that captures whole-network-level changes associated with sex and age. This model can significantly, and substantially, uncover abnormal FC patterns in Parkinson’s disease patients even on scans up to 5.5 years before diagnosis.
Engineered antimicrobial scaffolds protect bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-Based Implants from bacterial infections
Authors: Khalid Ahmed Alani Mohanad , Ali Mujahid Khalaf , Alani Basma Kh.
Published: January 2025

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BM-MSC)-based implants is a promising method for bone regeneration. Implant failures are often caused by their susceptibility to bacterial infections. The aim of this study is to develop and evaluate antimicrobial scaffolds designed to protect BM-MSC-based implants from bacterial colonization while promoting bone repair. Biocompatible polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds were fabricated with incorporated antimicrobial agents, including silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and vancomycin, using electrospinning and surface coating techniques. The scaffolds were characterized for morphology, mechanical properties, and antimicrobial release profiles. The findings of in vitro studies revealed that the scaffolds effectively inhibited bacterial growth (>90% reduction in CFUs) and biofilm formation forStaphylococcus aureusandEscherichia coli, without affecting BM-MSC viability or osteogenic potential. In vivo implantation on a rat femoral defect model showed that antimicrobial scaffolds significantly reduced bacterial load and enhanced bone regeneration, with micro-CT showing 65% bone volume compared to 35% in controls. Histological analysis confirmed active osteogenesis and infection control. These findings showed the potential of antimicrobial scaffolds as a dual-functional platform for bone tissue engineering. Future research can explore scaffold optimization for different applications and examine their efficacy against multi-drug-resistant bacteria to broaden clinical relevance.
Genetic background sets the trajectory of cancer evolution
Authors: Aitken Sarah J. , Connor Frances , Feig Christine , Rayner Tim F. , Lukk Margus , Luft Juliet , Aitken Stuart , Arnedo-Pac Claudia , Hayes James F. , Nicholson Michael D. , Sundaram Vasavi , Verburg Jan C. , Connelly John , Anderson Craig J. , Behm Mikaela , Campbell Susan , Daunesse Maëlle , Ewing Ailith , Kaiser Vera B. , Kentepozidou Elissavet , Pich Oriol , Redmond Aisling M. , Santoyo-Lopez Javier , Sentís Inés , Talmane Lana ,   Liver Cancer Evolution Consortium, Flicek Paul , López-Bigas Núria , Semple Colin A. , Taylor Martin S. , Odom Duncan T.
Published: January 2025

Human cancers are heterogeneous. Their genomes evolve from genetically diverse germlines in complex and dynamic environments, including exposure to potential carcinogens. This heterogeneity of humans, our environmental exposures, and subsequent tumours makes it challenging to understand the extent to which cancer evolution is predictable. Addressing this limitation, we re-ran early tumour evolution hundreds of times in diverse, inbred mouse strains, capturing genetic variation comparable to and beyond that found in human populations. The sex, environment, and carcinogenic exposures were all controlled and tumours comprehensively profiled with whole genome and transcriptome sequencing. Within a strain, there was a high degree of consistency in the mutational landscape, a limited range of driver mutations, and all strains converged on the acquisition of a MAPK activating mutation with similar transcriptional disruption of that pathway. Despite these similarities in the phenotypic state of tumours, different strains took markedly divergent paths to reach that state. This included pronounced biases in the precise driver mutations, the strain specific occurrence of whole genome duplication, and differences in subclonal selection that reflected both cancer susceptibility and tumour growth rate. These results show that interactions between the germline genome and the environment are highly deterministic for the trajectory of tumour genome evolution, and even modest genetic divergence can substantially alter selection pressures during cancer development, influencing both cancer risk and the biology of the tumour that develops.
Self-organized and self-sustained ensemble activity patterns in simulation of mouse primary motor cortex
Authors: Doherty D.W. , Jung J. , Dura-Bernal  , Lytton W.W.
Published: January 2025

The idea of self-organized signal processing in the cerebral cortex has become a focus of research since Beggs and Plentz1reported avalanches in local field potential recordings from organotypic cultures and acute slices of rat somatosensory cortex. How the cortex intrinsically organizes signals remains unknown. A current hypothesis was proposed by the condensed matter physicists Bak, Tang, and Wiesenfeld2when they conjectured that if neuronal avalanche activity followed inverse power law distributions, then brain activity may be set around phase transitions within self-organized signals. We asked if we would observe self-organized signals in an isolated slice of our data driven detailed simulation of the mouse primary motor cortex? If we did, would we observe avalanches with power-law distributions in size and duration and what would they look like? Our results demonstrate that a brief unstructured stimulus (100ms, 57μA current) to a small subset of neurons (about 181 of more than 10,000) in a simulated mouse primary motor cortex slice results in self-organized and self-sustained avalanches with power-law size and duration distributions and values similar to those reported from in vivo and in vitro experiments. We observed 4 cross-layer and cross-neuron population patterns, 3 of which displayed a dominant rhythmic component. Avalanches were each composed of one or more of the 4 population patterns.
High density EEG and deep learning improves outcome prediction on the first day of coma after cardiac arrest
Authors: Pelentritou Andria , Gruaz Lucas , Iten Manuela , Haenggi Matthias , Zubler Frederic , Rossetti Andrea O , De Lucia Marzia
Published: January 2025

Abstract

We assessed outcome prediction of comatose patients using a deep learning analysis applied to resting EEG on the first and second day after cardiac arrest (CA), and its added value to clinical prognosis. We recorded 62-channel resting-state EEG in comatose patients after CA across three Swiss hospitals during the first (N=165) and second (N=100) coma day. Patient outcome was classified as favorable if the best Cerebral Performance Category was 1-2. A convolutional neural network provided a predicted probability for favorable outcome for each patient’s and recording day’s 62-channel and 19-channel EEG. Predictive performance was additionally evaluated on an external 19-channel dataset collected outside Switzerland (N=60). The deep learning prediction was compared to EEG-based clinical markers - according to the American Clinical Neurophysiology Society -, brainstem reflexes and motor responses. On the first day, patient outcome was predicted with an accuracy of 0.94±0.03 for 62 channels and 0.90±0.03 and 0.87 for 19 channels using the Swiss and external dataset, respectively. High outcome prediction (0.98 accuracy) was observed when considering only patients with uncertain prognosis based on clinical assessment. The second day was less predictive, with an accuracy of 0.72±0.05. The estimated outcome prediction correlated with spectral power on the first day for favorable (r =0.38, p=0.01) and unfavorable (r=-0.28, p=0.02) outcome patients, and was consistent with clinical markers (p<0.0001), except brainstem reflexes. On the first day of coma in CA patients, a deep learning analysis of resting-state high-density EEG provides accurate outcome prediction, superior to lower-density EEG, and complements clinical markers.

Graphical abstract
How to Develop Patient Centred Consulting during Workplace Learning in Postgraduate Medical Education? Opening the Black Box Using the Framework of Four Narrative Profiles for Consultation Performance
Authors: Timmerman Angelique , Pawlikowska Teresa , van der Vleuten Cees , Muris Jean
Published: January 2025

Context

Four narrative profiles were previously developed as an evidence-informed framework for reflection and feedback on consultation performance in medical education. The profiles are grounded in four typologies mapped onto a conceptual framework, using the dimensions of doctor patient interaction (DPI) and medical expertise (ME) to classify overall performance.

Objective

Content validation of the narrative profiles derived from routine clinical consultations to inform a developmental roadmap for patient-centred consulting.

Methods

A qualitative study was performed in Family Medicine (FM) residency training, in which 11 first year and 7 third year FM trainees participated. The same FM assessor (n=11) observed a series of encounters of the trainee every three months during their training year, after which recurrent behaviours were described in a feedback report and overall consultation performance classified in one of the four typologies. Feedback reports (n=56) were categorised for each typology, coded on recurrent behaviours and then compared with the concordant narrative profile content.

Results

We identified overlapping recurrent behaviours and communication themes between the narrative profiles and feedback reports. For typology 1 (DPI+, ME-), the communication approach shows natural alignment with the patient, more exploration of patient concerns is needed, and the treatment plan needs connection to the reasons for consulting. In typology 2, active listening provides room for patient experience, yet patient centredness risks losing focus, while exploring of reasons for consulting is present. Inadequate responses to patient cues and losing structure in the consultation for typology 3, result in not grounding reassurance in clinical findings. For typology 4, curiosity towards patient’s concerns, may support understanding of symptoms and expectations.

Conclusion

A developmental road map for patient centred consulting was outlined, covering balancing medical tasks with exploring patient cues, enacting leadership in agenda management and integrating medical expertise in applied communication, providing focus and language for individual learning trajectories.
Is the human face a biomarker of health? – a scoping review
Authors: Obrochta Weronika M. , Bartecka Paula , Klaś Katarzyna , Klimek Magdalena , Marcinkowska Urszula M.
Published: January 2025

There is a widespread opinion that facial features could provide an important cue to individual’s health and are a biomarker of a human developmental stability. Taking evolutionary lens, they are interpreted to be a signal physical and cognitive health. However, research to date does not clearly support this assumption. This is the first review that explores the association between various aspects of health and facial features, namely symmetry, averageness or sexual dimorphism in adults. We searched electronic databases including Web of Science, MEDLINE PubMed, Scopus and Embase. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines for reporting of our results. Of the 702 screened articles, 17 were eligible for inclusion. Studies presented a varied outcomes between facial features and cardiovascular health; immunocompetence; oxidative stress level; cortisol level; reproductive health, cognitive health and general physical health. This review presents mixed and inconclusive answer for the question whether facial features can serve as indicators of health. The results deepen our knowledge of the relationship between facial features and health outcomes and warrant caution when interpreting face as a biomarker of health. Protocol: Open Science Framework,https://osf.io/dv9pu/.
Warning system for Extreme weather events, Awareness Technology for Healthcare, Equitable delivery, and Resilience (WEATHER) Project: A mixed methods research study protocol
Authors: Lynch Mary , Harris Fiona , Ierna Michelle , Mahomed Ozayr , Henriquez-Mui Fiona , Gebreslasie Michael , Ndzi David , Viriri Serestina , Shakir Muhammad Zeeshan , Dickinson Natalie , Miller Caroline , Nadesan-Reddy Nisha , Nkwanyana Fikile , Spencer Llinos Haf , Naidoo Saloshni
Published: January 2025

Background

Extreme weather events (EWEs) in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa are increasingly common causing disease outbreaks, loss of homes, damage to infrastructure, increased mortality and life as well as increasing the pressure on the health system. An Early Warning System (EWS) intervention is needed to alert communities and government increasing preparedness for floods, improving resilience of health services to predict, detect and respond to emergencies and disease outbreaks. The aim of this mixed methods study is to develop, implement and evaluate an EWS as an alert system for communities and government agencies to detect, identify and prevent disease outbreaks strengthening the health system response.

Methods

The study sites are eThekwini and Ugu, municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa and will comprise the selected community and health facilities in selected sites in these two health districts. This transdisciplinary project will build on prior engagement with communities/health providers (e.g., communities, professionals, policy makers) integrating a participatory, co-creation approach. To build the foundation for this study and understand the impact of climate change on disease outbreaks, a systematic review will be conducted. We will also design, develop and evaluate the performance of an EWS and will link data on the two (rural and urban) healthcare and environmental contexts and integrate EWS for change, clarify how these will be delivered for vulnerable communities, and test and adapt the EWS. Following, an assessment of the disease burden at primary health care clinics in Ugu and eThekwini will be undertaken.

Subsequently, an examination of the health needs along with community experiences, during, an EWE, as well as assessment of the health systems resilience in responding to an EWE. Finally, an evaluation will be conducted on the design, development and evaluation of the performance of an EWS intervention and an evaluation and costing of the implementation of the EWS. Ethics for the project will be sought from the relevant ethical committees and informed consent taken by voluntary participants in the study.

Discussion

Based on the study findings, recommendations will be made to the Department of Health with respect to an early warning system and health systems resilience.

Trial registration

Not applicable

Funding

This study is funded by funded by a Research and Innovation for Global Health Transformation National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) award (NIHR204825).
Affiliative behaviours regulate allostasis development and shape biobehavioural trajectories in horse
Authors: Valenchon Mathilde , Reigner Fabrice , Lefort Gaëlle , Adriaensen Hans , Gesbert Amandine , Barrière Philippe , Gaude Yvan , Elleboudt Frederic , Lévy Isabelle , Ducluzeau Camille , Dupont Joëlle , Lainé Anne-Lyse , Uszynski Ivy , Dardente Hugues , Poupon Cyril , Lansade Léa , Calandreau Ludovic , Keller Matthieu , Barrière David André
Published: January 2025

Social interactions shape both physiological and behavioural development of offspring and poor care/early caregiver loss are known to promote negative outcomes in adulthood in both animals and humans. How affiliative behaviours impact future development of offspring remains unknown. Here, we usedEquus caballus(domestic horse) as a model to investigate this question. By coupling magnetic resonance imaging, longitudinal biobehavioural assessment and advanced multivariate statistical modelling we found that maternal presence during childhood promotes maturation of brain territories involved in both social behaviour (anterior cingulate, retrosplenial cortex) and physiological regulation (hypothalamus, amygdala). Additionally, we found that offsprings benefiting from prolonged maternal presence showed higher default mode network (DMN) connectivity, improved social competences, more efficient feeding behaviours, and metabolic profiles. The present study underscores the salient role of social interactions for the development of allostatic regulation in offspring.
GCN5a is a telomeric lysine acetyltransferase whose loss primesToxoplasma gondiifor latency
Authors: Dey Vishakha , Holmes Michael J. , Srivastava Sandeep , Wilson Emma H. , Sullivan William J.
Published: January 2025

Toxoplasma gondiiis a protozoan parasite that causes persistent infection in warm-blooded vertebrates by undergoing differentiation from a replicative stage (tachyzoites) to a latent encysted stage (bradyzoites). Stage differentiation is critical for transmission and pathogenesis and relies on gene regulation driven by a network of transcription and epigenetic factors. We previously found in non-cystogenic type I RH strain parasites that the lysine acetyltransferase (KAT), GCN5a, is dispensable in tachyzoites but required to upregulate stress-response genes, suggesting a link with bradyzoite conversion. To address this possibility, we generated endogenously tagged GCN5a parasites and a genetic knockout in cystogenic type II Pru strain. We show that GCN5a protein, but not mRNA, increases during differentiation and complexes with unique protein partners, most of which contain AP2 domains. Pru strain tachyzoites lacking GCN5a augment bradyzoite-specific gene expression in the absence of stress. Loss ofGCN5aslowed tachyzoite replication and heightened sensitivity to bradyzoite conversion but resulted in smaller cyst sizes compared to wildtype. Using CUT&Tag, we delineated the chromosomal occupancy of GCN5a relative to the essential KAT, GCN5b. While GCN5b localizes to coding regions, GCN5a surprisingly localizes exclusively to telomeres. These findings suggest that the loss of GCN5a leads to telomere dysfunction, which slows replication and promotes the transition to latency.

IMPORTANCE

Toxoplasma gondiiis a single-celled parasite that persists in warm-blooded hosts, including humans, because it converts into latent tissue cysts. Switching from its replicating form into dormant cysts is a tightly regulated process that involves epigenetic factors such as lysine acetyltransferases GCN5a and GCN5b. This study is the first to examine the role of GCN5a in a cyst-formingToxoplasmastrain. We found that GCN5a protein, but not mRNA, increases during cyst development. Additionally, parasites lacking GCN5a replicate more slowly and are quicker to form cysts when stressed. We show that GCN5a and GCN5b work in different multi-protein complexes and localize to different areas of the genome; while GCN5b targets promoters of gene coding regions, GCN5a is exclusively found at telomeric regions. Our findings suggest a novel role for GCN5a in telomere biology that, when depleted, produces a fitness defect that favors development of latent stages.
Microbiota assembly of specific pathogen-free neonatal mice
Authors: Kennedy Elizabeth A. , Weagley James S. , Kim Andrew H. , Antia Avan , DeVeaux Anna L. , Baldridge Megan T.
Published: January 2025

Background

Neonatal mice are frequently used to model diseases that affect human infants. Microbial community composition has been shown to impact disease progression in these models. Despite this, the maturation of the early-life murine microbiome has not been well-characterized. We address this gap by characterizing the assembly of the bacterial microbiota of C57BL/6 and BALB/c litters from birth to adulthood across multiple independent litters.

Results

The fecal microbiome of young pups is simple, dominated by only a few pioneering bacterial taxa. These taxa are present at low levels in the microbiota of multiple maternal body sites, precluding a clear identification of maternal source. The pup microbiota begins diversifying after fourteen days, coinciding with the beginning of coprophagy and the consumption of solid foods. Pup stool bacterial community composition and diversity are not significantly different from dams from day 21 onwards. Short-read shotgun sequencing-based metagenomic profiling of young pups enabled the assembly of metagenome-assembled genomes for strain-level analysis of these pioneerLigilactobacillus, Streptococcus,andProteusspecies.

Conclusions

Assembly of the murine microbiome occurs over the first weeks of postnatal life and is largely complete by day 21. This detailed view of bacterial community development across multiple commonly employed mouse strains informs experimental design, allowing researchers to better target interventions before, during, or after the maturation of the bacterial microbiota. The source of pioneer bacterial strains appears heterogeneous, as the most abundant taxa identified in young pup stool were found at low levels across multiple maternal body sites, suggesting diverse routes for seeding of the murine microbiome.
A tunable affinity fusion tag for protein self-assembly
Authors: Kimbrough Hannah , Jensen Jacob , Miller Tayla , Lange Jeffrey J , Halfmann Randal
Published: January 2025

The concentrations of individual proteins vary between cells, both developmentally and stochastically. The functional consequences of this variation remain largely unexplored due to limited experimental tools to manipulate the relationship of protein concentration to activity. Here, we introduce a genetically encoded tool based on a tunable amyloid that enables precise control of protein concentration thresholds in cells. By systematically screening dipeptide repeats, we identified poly-threonine alanine (poly-TA) as an ideal candidate due to its unique ability to form amyloid-like assemblies with a negligible nucleation barrier at arbitrarily chosen concentration thresholds. We demonstrate that the saturating concentration (Csat) of poly-TA can be finely tuned by adjusting the length of uninterrupted TA repeats, even while maintaining length and composition, providing a modular system for manipulating protein solubility. This tool offers a powerful approach to investigate the relationship between protein concentration, phase separation, and cellular function, with potential applications in cell-, developmental-, and synthetic biology.
An MRI-informed histo-molecular analysis implicates ependymal cells in the pathogenesis of periventricular pathology in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Groh Adam M.R. , Afanasiev Elia , Thevakumaran Risavarshni , Callahan-Martin Liam , Creeggan Finn , Yaqubi Moein , Zandee Stephanie , Prat Alexandre , Rudko David A. , Stratton Jo Anne
Published: January 2025

It is now widely recognized that the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-adjacent brain surfaces – namely the subpial cortical region and the ependyma-adjacent periventricular region – are uniquely susceptible to a distinct, diffuse form of pathology in multiple sclerosis. So-calledsurface-ingradients of pathology predict future disease relapses independent of classical white matter lesions and are thought to occur as a result of cytotoxic factors in the CSF. Given the underlying mechanisms drivingsurface-ingradients appear to be distinct, they represent a novel treatment target. However, exactly how cytotoxic factor entry into the brain is regulated at these CSF-facing borders is not understood, particularly at the ventricular interface. Indeed, although studies have indicated that ependymal cells may be damaged in MS, there has yet to be a comprehensive assessment of cell health in the disease. We employed ultra-high-field MRI-guided immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy, and multiomic single nucleus RNA/ATAC sequencing to deeply phenotype human ependymal cells in MS. Our data revealed that ependymal cell pathology is a direct correlate of periventricularsurface-ingradients of pathology in MS, and that the immune-responsive, reactive state assumed by ependymal cells is associated with widespread transporter and junctional protein gene dysregulation. We then further defined the gene regulatory networks underpinning the MS ependymal state, predicted ligands known to be enriched in MS CSF that could drive the emergence of this state, and tested one candidatein vivo. We found that IFNγ increased murine ependymal permeability and that conditional knockout of ependymal interferon gamma receptor 1 (Ifngr1) was sufficient to reverse this effect. Our data directly implicate ependymal cell dysregulation in the emergence of periventricular pathology in MS. More widely, we denote the modulatory capacity of CSF ligands on ependymal cell function and how this may influence the inflammatory status of the periventricular region.
The Arabidopsis dehydrin ERD14 chaperones the brassinosteroid receptor kinase BRL3 to the plasma membrane to confer drought resistance
Authors: Marquès-Bueno M.M. , Herrero-García I. , Pistillo S. , Gupta A. , Lozano-Elena F. , Blasco-Escámez D , Karampelias M. , Fàbregas N. , Strotmann V.I. , Stahl Y. , Caño-Delgado A.I
Published: January 2025

Brassinosteroid plant hormones are involved in growth, biotic and abiotic-stress signaling, but functional analysis of its multiple receptors has largely focused on the ubiquitously expressed BRASSINOSTEROID INSENSITIVE 1 (BR1). The vascular-expressed brassinosteroid receptor kinase BRI1-LIKE 3 (BRL3) has a specific and essential role in Arabidopsis adaptation to drought and elevated temperature. However, the mechanistic understanding of BRL3 function and regulation is scant. Here, we show the dehydrin ERD14 colocalizes with BRI1 and BRL3 at the plasma membrane and physically interacts with these receptors through the ERD14Lysdomain for proper receptor recruitment.erd14mutants internalize BRL3–GFP and revert drought-resistantBRL3over-expression phenotypes. BRL3 activation and downstream signaling events, including dephosphorylation of BES1 transcription factor, depend on the chaperone function of ERD14. Our study shows how proper chaperoning by ERD14 regulates BRL3 subcellular localization and activity of the vascular receptor, prompting re-examination of models of brassinosteroid-receptor functional diversification in plant adaptation to abiotic stress from specific cells of the vascular systems.
The mediating effect of employer branding on the relationship between transformational leadership and organisational commitment in the South African telecoms sector
Authors: Makumbe William
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study sought to investigate the mediation effect of employer branding on the relationship between transformational leadership and organisational commitment.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on an extensive literature review, a structured questionnaire was designed, and data were collected from 400 managers in the South African telecoms sector. Statistical analyses were done using SMART PLS 4.

Findings

The study established that while transformational leadership positively impacted organisational commitment, employer branding partially mediated the relationship between the two variables.

Originality/value

Little is empirically known about the mediation mechanism of employer branding on the relationship between transformational leadership and organisational commitment in the South African telecoms sector. This study, therefore, brings new insights that are important for decision-making.
Feedback from the younger generation on health information shared by their parents on WeChat: types, antecedents and consequences
Authors: Li Xinyue , Liu Mandie , Song Xiaokang , Zhu Qinghua
Published: January 2025

Purpose

In China, it is prevalent for parents to share health information on WeChat and receive feedback from their children. This study aims to investigate the feedback from younger generations regarding their parents’ health information sharing. It will examine the different types of feedback, explore the factors influencing it and analyze the outcomes that result from this feedback exchange.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical findings draw on the qualitative analysis using grounded theory. This study collects data from 34 participants (17 pairs of one young person and one parent) through in-depth interviews and WeChat chat records. Then, a theoretical model was developed through open, axial and selective coding.

Findings

Feedback can be classified into five types: support, correction, perfunctoriness, ostracism and rejection as well as into “Affective-Behavioral-Cognitive” dimensions. Younger generations’ feedback types are influenced by a variety of factors, including information, emotion and individual and family-related factors. Each feedback type has distinct effects, such as altering older generations’ emotional and communication responses.

Originality/value

This pioneering study explores how younger generations in China perceive their parents’ health information sharing on social media. It highlights the importance of feedback in this context, providing actionable insights to enhance digital literacy among older adults, strengthen family bonds and enhance the spread of valuable and scientific health information online.
Moral intelligence among Muslim employees in hospitality settings: scale development and validation
Authors: Salem Mennaalla Hassan , Selem Kareem M. , Ahmed Huda Shaaban Hassan , Mohamed Hanan Ahmed
Published: January 2025

Purpose

As upscale hotels have guests from diverse backgrounds and cultures, their Muslim employees should respect each. Consequently, this paper seeks to develop a multi-dimensional scale that measures Muslim employees’ moral intelligence within the hospitality domain.

Design/methodology/approach

The following dimensions: fear of Allah, humility, generosity and tolerance were included in this new scale. To develop this scale, this paper incorporates a multistage approach.

Findings

Employing ADANCO-PLS v.2.4, the nomological validity of this new scale was examined. These dimensions will help Muslim employees in hospitality contexts enhance their moral intelligence, which can result in their skill development, increased job delight and retention since they will feel appreciated and encouraged toward their ethical growth.

Practical implications

Upscale hotels can benefit by creating workplace cultures of giving for guest experiences. When Muslim employees are ready to take it up a notch, they contribute exceptional guest experiences and deeper relationships. This leads to higher levels of customer loyalty rates with revisit intentions.

Originality/value

Given moral judgments are essential in hospitality businesses; this paper highlighted using moral intelligence attitudes among Muslim employees.
Design thinking in action: a quantitative study of design thinking practices in innovation projects
Authors: Dell’Era Claudio , Magistretti Stefano , Candi Marina , Bianchi Mattia , Calabretta Giulia , Stigliani Ileana , Verganti Roberto
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Design thinking is widely recognized as an effective problem-solving approach in the professional and academic world, albeit with varying interpretations. It has been studied in multiple forms – as a tool, a practice, a skill and a mindset – leading to ongoing debates about its fundamental nature. This study aims to explore the use of design thinking in practice and determine how its application varies depending on the characteristics of the innovation projects, namely, the types of goals pursued and the level of uncertainty involved.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a survey methodology and a knowledge-intensive empirical setting, this study analyzes a data set of 221 innovation consulting projects based on design thinking conducted by European consulting firms and design agencies.

Findings

By analyzing the survey data, the authors identify six distinct sets of design thinking practices: discovering user needs, understanding the problem addressed, challenging existing assumptions, navigating the problem-solution pair, ideating through visualizations and learning through prototypes. The authors also identify configurations of these design thinking practices that are used to address different innovation project goals and levels of uncertainty.

Practical implications

The study draws attention to the need for design thinking practitioners to be aware of how different innovation project goals and levels of uncertainty can be pursued/addressed through the use of alternative configurations of design thinking practices.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors knowledge, this study is one of the first large-scale quantitative analyses of the nature of design thinking in action, providing a solid foundation for future research on design thinking.
Economic policy uncertainty and US sector REITs: what can we learn from spillovers?
Authors: Bahlous-Boldi Mejda , Izadin Ahmad Al Izham , Mohd Yusof Rosylin
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study examines the impact of Economic Policy Uncertainty (EPU) on US Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) sectors from 1994 to 2024, focusing on dynamic spillover effects across varying economic environments.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing a time-varying parameter vector autoregression (TVP-VAR) model, the research analyzes sectoral interconnectedness and spillover dynamics, capturing the evolving relationships between REIT subsectors and EPU over time.

Findings

The analysis reveals that US REIT subsectors are highly interconnected, indicating substantial internal spillovers. Retail, regional malls and shopping centres are primary shock transmitters, while self-storage, manufactured homes and industrial REITs act as net receivers, demonstrating resilience. Over the study period, Economic Policy Uncertainty (EPU) generally functions as a net receiver of spillovers from REITs. However, pairwise time-varying analysis shows that EPU transmitted shocks during the economic uncertainties of the 1990s but became a net receiver during the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting that disruptions in REIT markets contributed to policy uncertainties during crises. Additionally, the sectors driving volatility shifted over time: residential and apartment REITs were predominant during the 2008 crisis, while disruptions in the office sector were significant during the pandemic.

Practical implications

Policymakers ought to design targeted interventions to stabilize the sectors that are primary transmitters of shocks during economic downturns and monitor closely economic indicators and adopt policies to mitigate adverse spillover effects.

Originality/value

This study offers novel insights into the time-varying interconnections between REIT sectors and economic uncertainty, illustrating how these relationships evolve with economic conditions and enhancing understanding of REIT resilience under uncertainty.
Not that simple: unraveling contingent factors linking firm R&D investment and patenting performance
Authors: Zhao Xiaoyang , Liu Runwen , Zhong Shuxin
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Existing research suggests a positive relationship between firms’ research and development investments (RDIs) and their patenting performance (PP) according to assumptions of linear productivity and homogeneous behavior. This study unravels the RDI–PP relationship by taking a strategic view to reveal its underlying mechanisms.

Design/methodology/approach

We study the effects of firms’ RDI on PP in the context of China’s listed firms in 16 patent-intensive industries, including the pharmaceutical, computer communication, electronic equipment and electrical machinery and equipment manufacturing industries. To test our hypotheses, we use panel data from 2010 to 2017. We apply generalized estimating equations to estimate our models.

Findings

The study finds an inverted U-shaped relationship between RDI and PP that arises from the transition of innovation portfolios and the strategic balancing of patenting costs and benefits. The study further examines two contingencies: (1) top management team (TMT) education level and (2) TMT compensation. It shows the turning point of the inverted U-shape shifts to the right when TMT education level is high; the curve flattens when TMT education level and TMT compensation are high.

Originality/value

We contribute to literature on innovation and appropriability strategy in three ways: First, we reveal the underlying mechanisms of the inverted U-shaped relationship between RDI and PP. Second, because previous research on appropriability strategies pays little attention to how innovation portfolios influence patenting decisions at the firm level, we provide evidence and insights on how the tension between exploitative and explorative innovations affects appropriability strategies. Third, we connect appropriability strategy literature with two streams of literature: corporate governance and upper-echelon theory.
Consumer response to green advertising appeals: the role of susceptibility to normative influence and need for uniqueness
Authors: Soomro Suhaib Ahmed , Habeeb Yusuf Olatunji , Khoso Ubedullah
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Sustainable production and consumption may reduce global warming. Disseminating environmental awareness through green advertising appeals can increase consumers’ intention to purchase green skincare products.

Design/methodology/approach

The study explores the boundary condition of susceptibility to normative influence (SNI) (Study 1; N = 156) and the need for uniqueness (NFU) (Study 2; N = 198) in the relationship between green appeals and customers’ intention to buy skincare products. This study employs an experimental method to test the relationships.

Findings

The findings indicate that (1) green (vs non-green) advertising appeals significantly affect the customers’ purchase intention; (2) the boundary condition of lower (vs higher) SNI strengthens the impact of green appeals on purchase intentions and (3) the moderating role of higher (vs lower) NFU strengthens the relationship between green appeals and purchase intention.

Originality/value

This paper sheds light on the sustainable production and consumption of skincare products through green advertising appeals to promote sustainability.
Inclusive and supportive aging: mental health and social care strategies for India’s elderly
Authors: Narula Neha
Published: January 2025

Purpose

As population aging accelerates globally, understanding the multifaceted needs of elderly individuals has become increasingly crucial. This paper aims to bridge significant research gaps in elderly well-being, particularly in the Indian context, by conducting a comprehensive bibliometric analysis and systematic literature review. While existing studies on aging primarily emphasize financial aspects like pensions and health insurance, this review identifies other essential yet underexplored dimensions impacting elderly well-being, such as emotional support, social connections, financial security beyond traditional income sources and spiritual well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

The data methodology for this paper involves a comprehensive bibliometric analysis and systematic literature review conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The authors identified recurring themes, research gaps and emerging areas within the literature through thematic analysis. The combined insights from the bibliometric analysis and systematic literature review inform the development of a research agenda.

Findings

The findings of this study suggest that family and social support play an integral role in reducing loneliness, anxiety and depression among the elderly. However, urbanization and migration trends are diminishing traditional support structures. Financial security remains a concern, as many elderly individuals lack access to financial literacy resources and emergency funds, impacting their confidence and autonomy. Additionally, spiritual practices, which have shown positive correlations with mental health and cognitive function, are rarely incorporated into existing health-care programs for the elderly.

Originality/value

This paper provides several policy recommendations, advocating for integrating community-based social programs, financial literacy initiatives and culturally sensitive spiritual support in elderly care frameworks. These measures foster the aging population’s emotional resilience, financial independence and holistic health. Moreover, this study highlights the importance of future research focusing on specific subgroups within the elderly population, including differences by geographic location, educational background and socio-economic status. Ultimately, this research supports the development of inclusive and sustainable policies that promote health, independence and quality of life for the aging population.