bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a Core Critical Care Data Dictionary With Common Data Elements to Characterize Critical Illness and Injuries Using a Modified Delphi Method
Authors: Murphy David J. , Anderson Wesley , Heavner Smith H. , Al-Hakim Tamara , Cruz-Cano Raul , Laudanski Krzysztof , Kamaleswaran Rishikesan , Badawi Omar , Engel Heidi , Grunwell Jocelyn , Herasevich Vitaly , Khanna Ashish K. , Lamb Keith , MacLaren Robert , Rincon Teresa , Sanchez-Pinto Lazaro , Sikora Andrea N. , Stevens Robert D. , Tanner Donna , Teeter William , Wong An-Kwok Ian , Wynn James L. , Zhang Xiaohan T. , Zimmerman Jerry J. , Kumar Vishakha , Cobb J. Perren , Reuter-Rice Karin E.
Published: February 2025

Objectives:

To develop the first core Critical Care Data Dictionary (C2D2) with common data elements (CDEs) to characterize critical illness and injuries.

Design:

Group consensus process using modified Delphi approach.

Setting:

Electronic surveys and in-person meetings.

Subjects:

A multidisciplinary workgroup of clinicians and researchers with expertise in the care of the critically ill and injured.

Interventions:

The Delphi process was divided into domain and CDE portions with each composed of two item generation rounds and one item reduction/refinement rounds. Two in-person meetings augmented this process to facilitate review and consideration of the domains and by panel members. The final set of domains and CDEs was then reviewed by the group to meet the competing criteria of utility and feasibility, resulting in the core dataset.

Measurements and Main Results:

The 23-member Delphi panel was provided 1833 candidate variables for potential dataset inclusion. The final dataset includes 226 patient-level CDCs in nine domains, which include anthropometrics and demographics (8), chronic comorbid illnesses (18), advanced directives (1), ICU diagnoses (61), diagnostic tests (42), interventions (27), medications (38), objective assessments (26), and hospital course and outcomes (5). Upon final review, 91% of the panel endorsed the CDCs as meeting criteria for a minimum viable data dictionary. Data elements cross the lifespan of neonate through adult patients.

Conclusions:

The resulting C2D2 provides a foundation to facilitate rapid collection, analyses, and dissemination of information necessary for research, quality improvement, and clinical practice to optimize critical care outcomes. Further work is needed to validate the effectiveness of the dataset in a variety of critical care settings.
34βE12 is the Most Reliable Marker for Keratin-Derived Cutaneous Amyloid: A Comparative Study
Authors: Daruish Maged , Al-Sharbatee Ghada , D'Arrigo Corrado , Taibjee Saleem
Published: February 2025

Congo red (CR) remains the most commonly used stain by pathologists to detect amyloid deposition. CR, however, has limitations including variable sensitivity with potential of false negative results. We investigated the staining intensity of CR in comparison to commercially available cytokeratin immunohistochemical markers in a series of primary cutaneous amyloidosis originating from keratin filaments.
A Case of Pancreatitis–Panniculitis–Polyarthritis Syndrome due to Primary Hepatic Neuroendocrine Tumor
Authors: Fan Wenjin , Wang Huan , Hou Lin , Li Shanshan
Published: February 2025

A 66-year-old male patient presented to our department with subcutaneous nodules in both lower extremities accompanied by pain. Skin pathology suggested pancreatic panniculitis. Subsequent imaging and histopathology identified a rare case of pancreatitis–panniculitis–polyarthritis syndrome secondary to a primary hepatic neuroendocrine tumor. This case highlights the rare association between nonpancreatic conditions and pancreatic panniculitis.
An improved framework for grey-box identification of biological processes
Authors: Jagadeesan Prem , Raman Karthik , Tangirala Arun K
Published: February 2025

Developing models from observations is at the heart of empirical science. Grey-box Modeling combines the insights gained from the results obtained from first principles with observational data. When the model turns out to be unsatisfactory, the goodness of such grey-box models in terms of predictability and parameter estimates largely depends on either modifying the model structure obtained from the first principles or conducting new experiments. Unfortunately, in the context of biological models, where the model structures are usually nonlinear ODEs with a large number of states and parameters along with sparse and noisy experimental data, traditional identification protocols have to go through several iterations to identify the source of the issue. Even after multiple iterations, they may still arrive at sub-optimal solutions. In this work, we propose an improved framework with a new set of tools to resolve this issue unambiguously with a minimum round of iterations.
Interpretable phenotype decoding from multi-condition sequencing data with ALPINE
Authors: Lee Wei-Hao , Li Lechuan , Dannenfelser Ruth , Yao Vicky
Published: February 2025

As sequencing techniques advance in precision, affordability, and diversity, an abundance of heterogeneous sequencing data has become available, encompassing a wide range of phenotypic features and biological perturbations. Unfortunately, increased resolution comes with a cost of increased complexity of the biological search space, even at the individual study level, as perturbations are now often examined across many dimensions simultaneously, including different: donor phenotypes, anatomical regions and cell types, and time points. Furthermore, broad integration across studies promise unique opportunity to explore the molecular underpinnings of distinct healthy and disease states, larger than the original scope of the individual study. To fully realize the promise of both individual higher resolution studies and large cross-study integrations we need a robust methodology that can disentangle the influence of technical and non-relevant phenotypic factors, isolating relevant condition-specific signals from shared biological information while also providing interpretable insights into the genetic effects of these conditions. Current methods typically excel in only one of these areas. To address this gap, we developed ALPINE, a supervised non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) framework that effectively separates both technical and non-technical factors while simultaneously offering direct interpretability of conditionassociated genes. Through simulations across 4 different scenarios, we demonstrate that ALPINE outperforms existing methods in both isolating the effect of different phenotypic conditions and prioritizing condition-associated genes. Furthermore, ALPINE has favorable performance in batch effect removal compared with state-of-the-art integration methods. When applied to real-world case studies, we showcase how ALPINE can be used to extract insights into the biological mechanisms that underlie differences between phenotypic conditions.
The small molecule ML233 is a direct inhibitor of tyrosinase function
Authors: Menard Romain , Baanannou Aissette , Halluin Caroline , Morse Dexter , Kuhn Sadie , Graber Joel H. , Strickland James , Madelaine Romain
Published: February 2025

Melanogenesis is the biological process regulating the synthesis of melanin pigments in melanocytes. Defective melanogenesis is associated with numerous human skin diseases, including, but not limited to, albinism, vitiligo, melasma, and hypo- and hyperpigmentation disorders. Tyrosinase is the rate-limiting enzyme controlling melanogenesis, and hence tremendous efforts have been made to identify potent and safe inhibitors of tyrosinase function. However, despite decades of research, currently there is no effective treatment that inhibits melanogenesis or tyrosinase activity with no adverse side effects. In this study, we report characterization of the ML233 chemical as a potent inhibitor of tyrosinase activityin vivoandin vitro. We demonstrate that ML233 reduces melanin production in the zebrafish model with no observable significant toxic side effects, and in murine melanoma cells. We also predict that these effects are mediated through direct tyrosinase-ML233 interaction, i.e., binding of the ML233 molecule to the active site of the protein to inhibit its function. Together, our results reveal that ML233 plays roles in both healthy and pathological skin cells via inhibition of melanin production. ML233-mediated tyrosinase inhibition is a potentially safe and effective approach to alleviate the symptoms of melanocyte-associated diseases and thereby substantially improve human health.
Chemical diversity promotes ecosystem function
Authors: Fonvielle Jeremy A. , Sandor Sarah R. , Dittmar Thorsten , Tanentzap Andrew J.
Published: February 2025

Nature benefits people in many ways that rely on how microorganisms and abiotic processes interact with organic matter to influence ecosystem function (EF). Despite many studies evaluating how biodiversity affects EF, most variation in EF remains unexplained. Here, we tested how the variety of organic compounds in the environment, termed chemodiversity, influences EF. Using a laboratory experiment and 101-lake survey spanning Europe, we discovered that chemodiversity, not biodiversity, consistently explained variation in multiple functions related to carbon cycling and ecosystem metabolism. We attributed positive chemodiversity-ecosystem multifunctionality relationships to the accumulation of compounds that could be biochemically transformed in more diverse ways at higher chemodiversity. We estimated chemodiversity will decline by 2100 due to changes in organic matter sources, causing European lakes to emit, on average, 1.6-times more carbon. These findings reframe our understanding of ecosystem functioning and suggest chemodiversity is key to sustain the benefits that nature delivers to people.
VOYAGER: an international consortium investigating the role of human papilloma virus and genetics in oral and oropharyngeal cancer risk and survival
Authors: Gormley M , Adhikari A , Dudding T , Pring M , Hurley K , Macfarlane GJ , Lagiou P , Lagiou A , Polesel J , Agudo A , Alemany L , Ahrens W , Healy CM , Conway DI , Canova C , Holcatova I , Richiardi L , Znaor A , Olshan AF , Hung RJ , Liu G , Bratman S , Zhao X , Holt J , Cortez R , Gaborieau V , McKay JD , Waterboer T , Brennan P , Hayes N , Diergaarde B , Virani S
Published: February 2025

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the sixth most common cancer globally. Incidence and survival rates vary significantly across geographic regions and tumor subsites. This is partly due to differences in risk factor exposure, which includes tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, alongside detection and treatment strategies. The VOYAGER (human papillomaVirus, Oral and oropharYngeal cAncer GEnomic Research) consortium is a collaboration between five large North American and European studies which generated data on 10,530 participants (7,233 cases and 3,297 controls). The primary goal of the collaboration was to improve understanding of the role of HPV and genetic factors in oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer risk and outcome. Demographic and clinical data collected by the five studies were harmonized, and HPV status was determined for the majority of cases. In addition, 999 tumors were sequenced to define somatic mutations. These activities generated a comprehensive biomedical resource that can be utilized to answer critical outstanding research questions to help improve HNC prevention, early detection, treatment, and surveillance.
Assessment of sexual dimorphismDesmodus rotundus(Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae), a rabies reservoir in Latin America
Authors: Cifuentes-Rincon Analorena , Sarmiento-Arias Karen D. , Soler-Tovar Diego , Rodríguez-Bolaños Abelardo , Bravo-Garcia Carlos , Reyes-Amaya Nicolas , Ávila-Vargas Laura , Escobar Luis E.
Published: February 2025

Morphometric traits of a host have been used recently in disease ecology for a deeper understanding of the connection between phenotype and transmission rates. The common vampire bat,Desmodus rotundus,is the main reservoir of rabies in Latin America, one of the most lethal zoonotic diseases in the world. Comprehension of morphological variation inD. rotundusis insufficient, contradictory, and inconclusive. Due to this inconsistency, we explored sexual dimorphism inD. rotundus by combining different measuresto provide new knowledge that can contribute to the control of rabies. As a result, our study provides evidence of sexual dimorphism in D. rotundus with females generally larger than males in body and wing measurements.The statistical, as well as the principal components, and clusters analysis, confirm morphological differences between females and males, without observing a complete separation between the sexes, possibly due to environmental factors that change the specimens’ conditions or limitations with access to measures. Understanding the sexual dimorphism of the main transmitter of wild rabies in South America is essential since morphological variations between sexes could influence both the use of the habitat and the dispersion capacity of the bats, which are relevant to the epidemiology of rabies. Because our data originated primarily from lowland areas, we are unable to rule out the effects of elevation on sex dimorphism. Given the importance of rabies for global public health, investigating the morphological and behavioral aspects of rabies reservoirs could help us better understand how ecological aspects influence disease spread.
Actin contractility and endocytosis create apico-basal tension gradient in HeLa cells
Authors: Ghosh Tanmoy , Majhi Anisha , Kundu Avijit , Banerjee Ayan , Sinha Bidisha
Published: February 2025

The functions of the plasma membrane of a cell are coupled to its mechanical state. To understand the players that contribute to the tight regulation of membrane mechanics with its local heterogeneities, the tension of the cell membrane requires to be mapped out from the basal to the apical membrane. In this work, optical-trap-based tension measurements performed at two axial (z) planes per cell reveal an apico-basal gradient, that is understood better on comparison with basal membrane mechanics and membrane compaction measurements by a combination of high resolution microscopy (IRM) and fluorescence lifetime (Flipper-TR) measurements, respectively. While the apico-basal gradient in the apparent tension (low to high) was found to depend on an intact actin cytoskeleton, analysing the colocalization of the cortical actin with the motor protein myosin and the actin-membrane linker ezrin suggested that cytoskeleton contractility is a major determinant of the patterned tension. Tension-sensitive lifetime of Flipper-TR, validated the gradient but failed to catch the dependence on actin due to the dual and opposite effects of tension on lifetime. Finally, measurements utilizing fluorescently tagged transferrin (Tf) demonstrated that the functional state of the membrane also showed similar height dependence. Thus, planes where tension maximized showed a peak in accumulation of Tf colocalizing with clathrin indicative of the presence of more pits. This enabled us to demonstrate that cells exist in tightly regulated patterned tension states that is coupled to their cytoskeleton as well membrane functions like endocytosis.

Significance Statement

The cell membrane is protective but also highly dynamic - performing a diverse set of functions usually via membrane shape changes. These functions affect membrane mechanics but are also mechano-regulated. Mapping the state of cell surface mechanics or tension of live cells is therefore of fundamental importance. Interestingly, recent works have suggested that membrane tension can be non-uniform. However, no single tension-measuring technique can truly reach every part of the cell. Our work addresses this issue where we map tension in live HeLa cells using multifarious approaches including the measurement of tether forces, membrane fluctuations, and lipid compaction. We show that at the top/apical surface, the membrane-tension is lower than that at the midplane. The observed gradient resembles that of the state of endocytosis and controlled acto-myosin contractility.
Adaptation to nighttime light via gene expression regulation inDrosophila suzukii
Authors: Takenaka Natsumi , Takahashi Yuma
Published: February 2025

Urbanization causes environmental changes like habitat loss, fragmentation, and pollution, which reduce biodiversity. Urban organisms face stressors, such as heat islands, air and water pollution, and anthropogenic noise, all of which can disrupt their development, behavior, and physiology. While some species adapt to urban environments, their responses and the role of evolution in urbanization are limited, as most studies focus on phenotypic traits. Artificial light at night (ALAN), a common urban stressor, disrupts behaviors and physiological processes, including circadian rhythms, sleep, and reproduction. The present study examined ALAN’s effects on body size, survival, activity rhythms, and gene expression inDrosophila suzukii, a species found in urban and rural habitats. ALAN reduced wing and thorax sizes regardless of sex and origin, decreased survival in rural populations, and increased it in urban populations. ALAN elevated overall activity, especially in the early night, while urban females displayed reduced sensitivity regarding activity and sleep. The circadian rhythm length was disrupted in rural populations but not in urban populations. Transcriptomic analysis revealed ALAN-induced gene expression changes, particularly in urban females, with photoreceptor- and circadian rhythm-related genes responding differently between urban and rural populations. These results indicate that urban populations have evolved adaptive mechanisms to counter ALAN’s effects, likely mediated through gene regulation. This study highlights ALAN’s impact on diverse traits and its potential for adaptive evolution in urban environments. Evolutionary adaptations in traits related to urban stress responses may enhance the ecological success ofD. suzukiiin urban habitats.
Novel reporter of the PINK1-Parkin mitophagy pathway identifies its damage sensor in the import gate
Authors: Thayer Julia A. , Petersen Jennifer D. , Huang Xiaoping , Hawrot James , Ramos Daniel M. , Sekine Shiori , Li Yan , Ward Michael E. , Narendra Derek P.
Published: February 2025

Damaged mitochondria can be cleared from the cell by mitophagy, using a pathway formed by the recessive Parkinson’s disease genes PINK1 and Parkin. How mitochondrial damage is sensed by the PINK1-Parkin pathway, however, remains uncertain. Here, using a Parkin substrate-based reporter in genome-wide screens, we identified that diverse forms of mitochondrial damage converge on loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) to activate PINK1. Consistently, the MMP but not the presequence translocase-associated motor (PAM) import motor provided the essential driving force for endogenous PINK1 import through the inner membrane translocase TIM23. In the absence of TIM23, PINK1 arrested in the translocase of the outer membrane (TOM) during import. The energy-state outside of the mitochondria further modulated the pathway by controlling the rate of new PINK1 synthesis. Our results identify separation of PINK1 from TOM by the MMP, as the key damage-sensing switch in the PINK1-Parkin mitophagy pathway.

Highlights

MFN2-Halo is a quantitative single-cell reporter of PINK1-Parkin activation.

Diverse forms of mitochondrial damage, identified in whole-genome screens, activate the PINK1-Parkin pathway by disrupting the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP).

The primary driving force for endogenous PINK1 import through the TIM23 translocase is the MMP with the PAM import motor playing a supporting role.

Loss of TIM23 is sufficient to stabilize PINK1 in the TOM complex and activate Parkin.
Cortical substrates of perceptual confusion between pitch and timbre
Authors: Ou Yongtian , Allen Emily J. , Kay Kendrick N. , Oxenham Andrew J.
Published: February 2025

Pitch and timbre, two fundamental perceptual attributes of sound, are commonly regarded as distinct features, but can be confused when varied simultaneously. Here we combine human behavior and fMRI to demonstrate a neural substrate to explain the well-known perceptual confusion effects. We identify orderly mappings of both pitch and timbral brightness within auditory cortex and reveal two independent lines of evidence for cortical confusion between them. First, voxels’ preferred pitch decreases systematically as brightness increases, and vice versa, consistent with predictions based on perceptual confusion. Second, pitch and brightness mapping share a common high-low-high gradient across auditory cortex, implying a shared trajectory of cortical activation for changes in each dimension. The results provide a cortical substrate at both local and global scales for an established auditory perceptual phenomenon that is thought to reflect efficient coding of ubiquitous features in natural sound statistics.
Supergravity without gravity and its BV formulation
Authors: Kupka Julian , Strickland-Constable Charles , Valach Fridrich
Published: February 2025

The generalized-geometric formulation of 10-dimensional supergravity suggests a particular simple “limit,” which results in a theory whose only dynamical degrees of freedom are the dilaton and the dilatino. The theory is still invariant both under generalized diffeomorphisms and a local supersymmetry and in many aspects is structurally similar to the original supergravity, which makes it a convenient playground for understanding more subtle aspects of the full physical setup. In particular, the simplicity and the geometric nature of the dilatonic theory allow us to build a full Batalin-Vilkovisky (BV) extension to all orders in the fermionic variables.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
From policies to programs: exploring the evolving landscape of science and technology in the Philippines
Authors: Custodio Raly James Perez
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The Philippines has a long history of scientific and technological development from pre-colonial times through Spanish and American rule, marked by periods of both progress and neglect. In response to the growing importance of science and technology (S&T), the country established the National Science Development Board (NSDB) in 1958, which evolved into the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in 1987. This transition facilitated significant advancements in research and technology through substantial investments. Despite these efforts and progress, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, limited funding and insufficient human resources continue to hinder the sector’s growth and global competitiveness The purpose of this study is to analyze the evolution of S&T policies in the Philippines, assess innovation and research outputs, and identify key growth areas to provide insights that can guide policymakers in enhancing the country’s global competitiveness

Design/methodology/approach

This review analyzed available literature, government reports, policy documents and data from the Global Innovation Index (GII) and SCImago Journal and Country Ranking (SJR) to trace the evolution of S&T policies in the Philippines, identify growth areas and assess innovation and research outputs, providing insights to guide policymakers in enhancing the country’s global competitiveness.

Findings

The study highlights the challenges that remain in infrastructure, funding and human resources despite significant investments in S&T to enhance global competitiveness. The scarcity of skilled professionals such as scientists, researchers and engineers was particularly concerning, emphasizing the need for increased investment in education and training programs. It also underscored the importance of sustained support, funding and collaborations between government, academia and industry innovation, technological progress and sustainable growth in the global S&T sector.

Originality/value

The review provides a roadmap for advancing the Philippines’ S&T sector, emphasizing the need to overcome ongoing challenges. To fully realize its potential, the country should boost R&D investment, improve science education and strengthen the innovation ecosystem. Collaboration among policymakers, industry leaders and academic institutions is essential to build on past successes and develop a more dynamic and resilient S&T landscape for the future.
University police and mental health response: an exploratory examination of the use of co-responder teams on campus
Authors: Morabito Melissa S. , Sixbey Meggen Tucker , Burke Cameron
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to provide foundational information about the nature and extent of calls responded to by a university co-responder team to better understand how these teams are utilized by the university community.

Design/methodology/approach

We use data collected from the University of Florida Police Department (UFPD) co-responder program from 2022 to 2024.

Findings

We find that UFPD co-responder teams respond to a diverse population. Use of force and arrests are low frequency events.

Originality/value

Little is known about how campus police agencies adopt co-responder teams and how encounters involving people with mental illnesses are resolved.
Becoming a University President: An Accidental Meritocratic Career Trajectory
Authors: Baruch Yehuda , Nguyen Huong Thi Lan , Point Sébastien , Thomas Lisa
Published: February 2025

Achieving top leadership positions is a career goal for many, including those in academia. Despite the increasing size and importance of the higher education sector, the literature on university presidents' careers remains scarce. We interviewed 48 university presidents in three academic models (UK, France, and Vietnam) to identify the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of their career trajectories. Whilst the academic career model reflects characteristics of ‘new careers’, our findings support and expand several career theories. We identified a multi‐stage career trajectory, where progression to the next stage is contingent on meeting certain requirements. It is only from having achieved prior levels that the move to an executive leadership role becomes a consideration. Progress is largely informal, partly ‘accidental’, and sponsored by existing leadership and/or other colleagues. Furthermore, we observed similarities and differences in the enablers and barriers across national systems. Finally, we reveal the almost complete lack of the involvement of human resource management in the process, providing implications for those responsible for people management in universities.
Research progress on the diversity, physiological and functional characteristics of lactic acid bacteria in the Nongxiangxing baijiu microbiome
Authors: Huang Xin , Liu Jie , Luo Huibo , Zou Wei
Published: February 2025

Nongxiangxing baijiu (NXXB) is one of the main types of Chinese Baijiu. Its unique flavor is formed during fermentation by the combined action of various microorganisms, with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) making a great contribution. Lactate fermentation produces the precursors of key flavor compounds, such as lactic acid, acetic acid, and other flavor compounds, which combine to produce the unique sensory characteristics of NXXB. This review focuses on the diversity of LAB species and their physiological and metabolic characteristics. These characteristics include key species involved at different fermentation stages, metabolite biosynthesis, acid‐tolerance mechanisms, interactions with yeasts, and factors influencing LAB community composition. It also discusses current challenges and future research directions for LAB in relation to NXXB production, aiming to advance understanding and potential future applications of these bacteria.
Lateral Ventricular Enlargement and Asymmetry and Myelin Content Imbalance in Individuals With Bipolar and Depressive Disorders: Clinical and Research Implications
Authors: Manelis Anna , Hu Hang , Miceli Rachel , Satz Skye , Lau Rachel , Iyengar Satish , Swartz Holly A.
Published: February 2025

Background

The link between ventricular enlargement and asymmetry with other indices of brain structure remains underexplored in individuals with bipolar (BD) and depressive (DD) disorders. Our study compared the lateral ventricular size, ventricular asymmetry, and cortical myelin content in individuals with BD versus those with DD versus healthy controls (HC).

Methods

We obtained T1w and T2w images from 149 individuals (age = 27.7 (SD = 6.1) years, 78% female, BD = 38, DD = 57, HC = 54) using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The BD group consisted of individuals with BD Type I (n = 11) and BD Type II (n = 27), while the DD group consisted of individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD, n = 38) and persistent depressive disorder (PDD, n = 19) Cortical myelin content was calculated using the T1w/T2w ratio. Elastic net regularized regression identified brain regions whose myelin content was associated with ventricular size and asymmetry. A post hoc linear regression examined how participants' diagnosis, illness duration, and current level of depression moderated the relationship between the size and asymmetry of the lateral ventricles and levels of cortical myelin in the selected brain regions.

Results

Individuals with BD and DD had larger lateral ventricles than HC. Larger ventricles and lower asymmetry were observed in individuals with BD who had longer lifetime illness duration and more severe current depressive symptoms. A greater left asymmetry was observed in participants with DD than in those with BD (p < 0.01). Elastic net revealed that both ventricular enlargement and asymmetry were associated with altered myelin content in cingulate, frontal, and sensorimotor cortices. In BD, but not in other groups, ventricular enlargement was related to altered myelin content in the right insular regions.

Conclusions

Lateral ventricular enlargement and asymmetry are linked to myelin content imbalance, thus potentially leading to emotional and cognitive dysfunction in mood disorders.
Targeting LncRNA‐Vof16: A Novel Therapeutic Strategy for Neuropathic Pain Relief
Authors: He Xiuying , Mauki David H. , Zhao Xiaoming , Dai Songyu , Yang Huisi , Zheng Yuexiang , Xia Qingjie , Wang Rurong , Wang Tinghua
Published: February 2025

Aims

Neuropathic pain (NP) is a debilitating condition characterized by chronic pain resulting from nerve damage or lesion. Despite the ongoing efforts of clinically defining NP, its distinctive mechanisms that lead to various NP phenotypes remain unresolved.

Methods

Using a spared nerve injury (SNI) model, we investigated the mechanisms underlying the development of NP caused by injury in the peripheral nerves. With CRISPR‐Cas9‐mediated knockout and virus‐mediated overexpression strategies, we investigated the role of LncRNA Vof16 (abbreviated as Vof16) during SNI‐induced NP.

Results

Our results revealed that SNI led to the downregulation of Vof16 expression in spinal dorsal horn (SDH) of lumbar enlargement. This was evidently confirmed when we disrupted the expression of Vof16 in SNI rats of which we observed exacerbation of hyperalgesia; while overexpressing it alleviated the pain.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that Vof16 plays a crucial role in maintaining normal sensory function in healthy states and a protective shield against NP following peripheral nerve injury. We therefore propose Vof16 as a new therapeutic target for alleviating NP.
Mitochondrial Mutation Leads to Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy by Disruption of Mitochondria‐Associated ER Membrane
Authors: Yu Miao , Song Min , Zhang Manna , Chen Shuangshuang , Ni Baoqiang , Li Xuechun , Lei Wei , Shen Zhenya , Fan Yong , Zhang Jianyi , Hu Shijun
Published: February 2025

m.3243A>G is the most common pathogenic mtDNA mutation. High energy‐demanding organs, such as heart, are usually involved in mitochondria diseases. However, whether and how m.3243A>G affects cardiomyocytes remain unknown. We have established patient‐specific iPSCs carrying m.3243A>G and induced cardiac differentiation. Cardiomyocytes with high m.3243A>G burden exhibited hypertrophic phenotype. This point mutation is localised in MT‐TL1 encoding tRNALeu (UUR). m.3243A>G altered tRNALeu (UUR) conformation and decreased its stability. mtDNA is essential for mitochondrial function. Mitochondria dysfunction occurred and tended to become round. Its interaction with ER, mitochondria‐associated ER membrane (MAM), was disrupted with decreased contact number and length. MAM is a central hub for calcium trafficking. Disrupted MAM disturbed calcium homeostasis, which may be the direct and leading cause of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, as MAM enforcement reversed this pathological state. Considering the threshold effect of mitochondrial disease, mito‐TALENs were introduced to eliminate mutant mitochondria and release mutation load. Mutation reduction partially reversed the cellular behaviour and made it approach to that of control one. These findings reveal the pathogenesis underlying m.3243A>G from perspective of organelle interaction, rather than organelle. Beyond mitochondria quality control, its proper interaction with other organelles, such as ER, matters for mitochondria disease. This study may provide inspiration for mitochondria disease intervention.
Shifting Dynamics: Who Holds the Reins in Decision‐Making With Artificial Intelligence Tools? Perspectives of Gen Z Pre‐Service Teachers
Authors: Merzifonluoglu Ayse , Gunes Habibe
Published: February 2025

Artificial intelligence (AI) is significantly shaping education and currently influencing pre‐service teachers' academic and professional journeys. To explore this influence, the present study examines 389 Generation Z pre‐service teachers' attitudes towards AI and its impact on educational decision‐making at two state universities, using an explanatory sequential mixed‐methods research design. Quantitative data were collected through the General Attitudes to Artificial Intelligence Scale (GAAIS) and an AI decision‐making survey. It was followed by qualitative data gathered via semi‐structured interviews to enrich the statistical trends with deeper thematic insights. SPSS was used for quantitative data analysis while MAXQDA was employed for a systematic analysis of the qualitative data. The analysis revealed that female pre‐service teachers held more positive attitudes towards AI, with higher levels of AI knowledge contributing to these attitudes. Negative attitudes, however, were independent of gender, academic discipline or AI familiarity. Findings also reveal that AI tools, particularly ChatGPT, are primarily used as advisors, and pre‐service teachers often adapt AI's suggestions to their preferences. AI is predominantly preferred for assignments, reports, projects and presentations. In AI acceptance, time and effort savings, innovative suggestions and unbiased recommendations are stated as key factors. However, there are ongoing trust concerns highlighting the necessity of keeping final decisions under human control. Based on these findings, comprehensive AI training for teachers and students in higher education is suggested.
Revisiting Integrated Model of Technology Acceptance Among the Generative AI‐Powered Foreign Language Speaking Practice: Through the Lens of Positive Psychology and Intrinsic Motivation
Authors: Wang Chenghao , Li Xueyun , Zou Bin
Published: February 2025

Research on the factors influencing the acceptance of GenAI in language learning has expanded widely; however, few studies have focused on the role of language learning emotions. To enhance the effectiveness of GenAI‐powered English‐speaking instruction and the learning experience, this study expands on the Integrated Model of Technology Acceptance (IMTA) by investigating the role of various emotions and willingness to communicate in different contexts as intrinsic motivators for the acceptance of GenAI‐powered conversational chatbots. Using a questionnaire (n = 368) and pre‐ and post‐tests, the study found that EFL learners with higher communicative confidence and greater foreign language learning boredom tend to perceive GenAI chatbots as less useful for developing speaking skills. While GenAI successfully aided them in improving their speaking skills through both theme‐based and free dialogues, learners who are more willing to engage in face‐to‐face interactions with peers and teachers may not find chatbots as productive or engaging as human counterparts. The results suggest that EFL teachers should be aware of the limitations of GenAI and students' individual differences, integrating GenAI into their classrooms in a way that aligns with student's proficiency and preferences to create a harmonious and efficient GenAI‐supported language learning environment. This also underscores the importance of developing teachers' AI competence in the GenAI era.
Asymmetrical knowledge: An anthropological proposal from Argentina to study how we affectedly know with others in an unequal world
Authors: García Palacios Mariana , Shabel Paülah Nurit
Published: February 2025

Knowledge is constructed and embedded in our bodies, which means that the material conditions of our own anatomy and environment intrinsically inform our understanding, as do the social practices in which we are immersed within our communities. Cognitive and affective processes are also thus inseparable since we know together with others, always insert in asymmetrical relationships that leave a trace on our cognitive‐affective tie to the world. As Argentinean anthropologists, we contend with the ongoing effects of universalizing “Global North” psychologies in the contexts of global inequalities that impact children as well as southern researchers. Given this, the aim of this article is to present an anthropology of knowledge that puts these two effects of inequalities in dialogue while addressing the affective‐cognitive debates from South America in conversation with contributions of authors from the “Global North.” Building upon fieldwork in our home country that explores the religious formative experiences of Toba/Qom children and the political experiences of children who live in squatter buildings, we use ethnography and the clinical method of psychology to examine the diverse ways in which children form and participate in communities, and in so doing, appropriate and transform their experiences into knowledge.
Attachment Insecurity and Coparenting Relationships: An Exploration of the Effects of a Couple‐Based Intervention for New Parents
Authors: Lee Jin‐kyung , Feinberg Mark E.
Published: February 2025

Despite extensive research about adult attachment insecurity in romantic relationships and parenting behaviors, there is a noticeable gap in the literature regarding the association between prenatal attachment insecurity and establishing postnatal coparenting relationships among new parents. While recent empirical studies have shown an increasing interest in this area, research investigating the moderation on the association between attachment insecurity and coparenting relationships through preventative intervention remains limited. This study aims to investigate if a preventative couple‐focused intervention can reduce the negative effects of attachment insecurity on coparenting relationship quality. Using data from 574 new parents living in the United States, this study compares the relationship between attachment insecurity and perceived coparenting quality between the intervention and control groups. Each parent completed a pretest questionnaire before childbirth and a posttest questionnaire approximately 1 year postpartum. Multilevel model results demonstrate that new parents with higher levels of attachment avoidance in the control group, but not in the intervention group, tended to report lower quality of coparenting. This study suggests that a couple‐focused preventative intervention can benefit new parents transitioning into parenthood, especially those with higher levels of attachment avoidance. Future research may consider how to best help new parents depending on the degree and type of attachment insecurity.
Study on Bi0.9Sm0.1ScO3 regulation of Bi0.5Na0.46Li0.04TiO3‐based energy storage properties
Authors: Du Zhongrui , Yin Qiyi , Chen Chen , Si Fan , Lin Fei , Zhu Xiangyu , Zhang Yulin , Zhang Mengjun , Zu Hao , Hu Kunhong , Zhang Fulin , Shi Fukang , Li Lu
Published: February 2025

In this study, (1‐x)Bi0.5Na0.46Li0.04TiO3‐xBi0.9Sm0.1ScO3(BNLT‐xBSS) relaxation ferroelectric ceramics were successfully prepared by conventional solid phase method. Multiscale analyses such as XRD and EDS confirmed that these ceramics form a solid solution with a single‐phase perovskite structure. As the doping amount of Bi0.9Sm0.1ScO3 increases, a smaller grain size is obtained at x = 0.1, and the breakdown strength increases to 350 kV/cm, resulting in a higher Wrec = 5.92 J/cm3, η = 82.2%. In addition, these ceramics demonstrate other excellent properties: (1) Thermal stability, with Wrec of 2.85 ± 0.06 J/cm3 and η of 86 ± 1.2% in the temperature range of 35°C–200°C; (2) Frequency stability, with Wrec of 2.9 ± 0.05 J/cm3 and η of 85.8 ± 1.1% in the frequency range of 5–150 Hz; (3) Fast charge/discharge rate, t0.9 is about 0.18 µs. The comprehensive experiments show that the ceramic can be used as a pulse capacitor in high‐temperature environments and has great development potential.
Treatment of obesity: will incretin agonists make bariatric surgery a thing of the past?
Authors: Lah Siehoon , Hocking Samantha L.
Published: February 2025

The prevalence of obesity continues to increase worldwide. Obesity is associated with an increased risk of cardiometabolic and other diseases, reduced quality of life and shortened life expectancy. Highly effective therapies are required to achieve meaningful and sustained weight reduction to prevent, slow or reverse disease associated with obesity. Bariatric surgery is a highly effective intervention to induce weight loss, with observational data demonstrating durability of weight loss over 10 or more years. In addition, bariatric surgery improves cardiometabolic risk factors, including hyperglycaemia and type 2 diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidaemia. Observational data have shown a reduction in all‐cause mortality, cardiovascular events and mortality and a reduction in cancer risk and mortality in patients who have undergone bariatric surgery compared to matched patients who did not have surgery. The emergence of newer incretin agonists, particularly semaglutide and tirzepatide, have demonstrated remarkable efficacy in inducing and maintaining weight loss with ongoing use. As for bariatric surgery, incretin agonist therapies also improve type 2 diabetes outcomes, cardiovascular mortality and other obesity‐related complications, with new evidence emerging and long‐term outcome data awaited. This perspective compares bariatric surgery and incretin agonist therapy, assessing their relative efficacies in weight reduction, impact on obesity‐related complications, their respective risk profiles and considerations of cost‐effectiveness and equity of access. These comparisons seek to evaluate whether these increasingly popular medications could make bariatric surgery a thing of the past.
The Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Receptor Brakes Allergic Airway Inflammation
Authors: Cook Daniel P. , Peebles R. Stokes
Published: February 2025

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a common autosomal recessive disease resulting from mutations of the gene that encodes the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). Although severe pulmonary neutrophilic inflammation is a primary pathologic feature of CF, more recent studies reveal a role for type 2 inflammation that is characterized by eosinophilia directed by both the innate and adaptive immune systems through ILC2 and CD4+ Th2 cells, respectively. We have published that a clear type endotype exists within CF subjects stratified by Th2 inflammation, defined by increased obstructive pulmonary disease and a distinct phenotypic signature of increased allergic disease, infections, and burden of CF complications. Further, we showed an increased risk of death among CF subjects with type 2 inflammatory signatures compared to CF subjects lacking significant type 2 inflammation. The mechanisms of this heightened type 2 inflammatory signature in CF are still being defined, but it is clear that airway epithelial cells from CFTR‐deficient mice have increased expression and release of IL‐33, a key activator of ILC2 and Th2 cells, compared to persons with normal CFTR function. Further, there is strong evidence that CF regulates CD4+ Th2 function in a cell‐intrinsic fashion. These concepts are explored in this review article.
Protecting child and adolescent mental health in an uncertain future: commentary on Jaffee and colleagues' Annual Research Review – ‘Cash transfer programs and young people's mental health: a review of studies in the United States’
Authors: Cluver Lucie
Published: February 2025

Jaffee and colleagues present a masterful review of the evidence for the impacts of cash transfer programmes on child and adolescent mental health in the United States. While global meta‐analyses find evidence of effectiveness, Jaffee and colleagues highlight the limited number of studies in Northern America, but find overall results indicating small but meaningful effect sizes on improving emotional and behavioural health, and greatest impacts for the poorest families.
Digital Wings: The Effect of Digital Technology Adoption on Market Power
Authors: Tang Haodan , Xu Gang
Published: February 2025

This paper evaluates the causal impact of digital technology adoption (DTA) on firms' market power using data from Chinese listed manufacturing companies. Employing staggered difference‐in‐differences strategies, we find compelling evidence that DTA has a significant and substantial positive impact on market power. We also find supportive evidence for several underlying channels through which this impact occurs: improved research and development intensity, the upgrading of human capital structure, enhanced manufacturing servitization, and increased external attention. Furthermore, we establish an inverted U‐shaped relationship between the share of DTA firms and resource misallocation within the industry‐province dimension. This study contributes to the existing literature on the digitalization paradox by extending the investigation of the market performance of digital transformation to the context of developing countries.