bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Capturing longitudinal change in cerebellar ataxia: Context-sensitive analysis of real-life walking increases patient relevance and effect size
Authors: Seemann Jens , Beyme Theresa , John Natalie , Harmuth Florian , Giese Martin , Schöls Ludger , Timmann Dagmar , Synofzik Matthis , Ilg Winfried 
Published: October 2024

AbstractOBJECTIVESWith disease-modifying drugs for degenerative ataxias on the horizon, ecologically valid measures of motor performance that can detect patient-relevant changes in short, trial-like time frames are highly warranted.In this 2-year longitudinal study, we aimed to unravel and evaluate measures of ataxic gait which are sensitive to longitudinal changes in patients’ real life by using wearable sensors.METHODSWe assessed longitudinal gait changes of 26 participants with degenerative cerebellar disease (SARA:9.4±4.1) at baseline, 1-year and 2-year follow-up assessment using 3 body-worn inertial sensors in two conditions: (1) laboratory-based walking (LBW); (2) real-life walking (RLW) during everyday living. In the RLW condition, a context-sensitive analysis was performed by selecting comparable walking bouts according to macroscopic gait characteristics, namely bout length and number of turns within a two-minute time interval. Movement analysis focussed on measures of spatio-temporal variability, in particular stride length variability, lateral step deviation, and a compound measure of spatial variability (SPCmp).RESULTSGait variability measures showed high test-retest reliability in both walking conditions (ICC > 0.82). Cross-sectional analyses revealed high correlations of gait measures with ataxia severity (SARA, effect size ρ≥0.75); and in particular with patients’ subjective balance confidence (ABC score, ρ≥0.71), here achieving higher effect sizes for real-life than lab-based gait measures (e.g.SPCmp: RLW ρ=0.81 vs LBW ρ=0.71).While the clinician-reported outcome SARA showed longitudinal changes only after two years, the gait measureSPCmprevealed changes already after one year with high effect size (rprb=0.80). In the subgroup with spinocerebellar ataxia type 1, 2 or 3 (SCA1/2/3), the effect size was even higher (rprb=0.86). Based on these effect sizes, sample size estimation for the gait measureSPCmpshowed a required cohort size of n=42 participants (n=38 for SCA1/2/3subgroup) for detecting a 50% reduction of natural progression after one year by a hypothetical intervention, compared to n=254 for the SARA.CONCLUSIONSGait variability measures revealed high reliability and sensitivity to longitudinal change in both laboratory-based constrained walking as well as in real-life walking. Due to their ecological validity and larger effect sizes, characteristics of real-life gait recordings are promising motor performance measures as outcomes for future treatment trials.
Impact of a low-threshold exercise and protein supplementation intervention to optimise physical function and target frailty in people experiencing homelessness and addiction: The LEAP II trial
Authors: Kennedy Fiona , Ní Cheallaigh Clíona , Romero-Ortuno Roman , Murray Deirdre , Broderick Julie 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveFrailty is a state of physiological vulnerability and associated with adverse outcomes. People experiencing homelessness and addiction have a higher burden of frailty than the general population. This study’s aim was to test the feasibility and impact of an exercise intervention with protein supplementation to target low physical functioning and frailty in this population, which was flexibly delivered over 12 weeks, with exercise options three days per week.MethodsThe primary outcome of feasibility was measured by recruitment, retention, adherence, acceptability and adverse events. Secondary outcomes were physical function, pain, frailty and nutritional status, and self-reported health.ResultsForty-three participants enrolled. Overall retention was 69.8%, with higher retention observed in subgroups (women and older adults). Programme adherence and acceptability was reported in 93% and 100% of participants, respectively. No adverse events occurred. At baseline, sub-normative values were demonstrated for limb strength and balance; pain was prevalent in 34.8%; 23% had poor nutritional health between 32.5% and 72.1% lived with some degree of frailty. Significant improvements were demonstrated for lower limb strength, gait speed, pain, nutritional status and frailty, (p<0.05).ConclusionsThis novel intervention delivered to this hard-to-reach population was shown to be feasible and impactful, indicating proof of concept.
Individual Patient Data Analysis of Liver Lesion Dynamics: A Pan Cancer Analysis
Authors: Dickinson Jake , Huber Heinrich J. , Mistry Hitesh B. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThere are now several databases available that enable the exploration of individual patient data from past Oncology clinical trials. These databases provide researchers with the opportunity to investigate the dynamics of individual lesions across various tumour sites within a patient and compare them across different patients. In this report, we specifically focus on liver metastases and examine the dynamics of individual lesions across different treatment and tumour types. Our findings reveal that when a lesion progresses early on, the rate of growth is significantly higher for liver lesions compared to other types of lesions, regardless of the treatment modality (chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or combination of both). These results indicate the need for further basic research on tumours and their microenvironment specifically within liver metastases. This analysis demonstrates how analysing open trial data can uncover new research prospects at the fundamental science level, thereby bridging the gap between laboratory research and clinical applications.
Membrane oscillations driven by Arp2/3 constrict the intercellular bridge during neural stem cell divisions
Authors: LaFoya Bryce , Prehoda Kenneth E. 
Published: October 2024

SummaryAfter the first furrowing step of animal cell division, the nascent sibling cells remain connected by a thin intercellular bridge (ICB). In isolated cells nascent siblings migrate away from each other to generate tension and constrict the ICB, but less is known about how cells complete cytokinesis when constrained within tissues. We examined the ICBs formed byDrosophilalarval brain neural stem cell (NSC) asymmetric divisions and find that they rely on constriction focused at the central midbody region rather than the flanking arms of isolated cell ICBs. Super-resolution, full volume imaging revealed unexpected oscillatory waves in plasma membrane sheets surrounding the ICB pore during its formation and constriction. We find that these membrane dynamics are driven by Arp2/3-dependent branched actin networks. Inhibition of Arp2/3 complex activity blocks membrane oscillations and prevents ICB formation and constriction. Our results identify a previously unrecognized role for localized membrane oscillations in ICB function when cells cannot generate tension through migration.
Are we testing for triple elimination? A review of national guidelines on preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B in the African region
Authors: List Kellie , Monroe-Wise Aliza , Banks Margaret , Barr-DiChiara Magdalena , Chetty Agnes , Newman-Owiredu Morkor , Lesi Olufunmilayo , Johnson Cheryl Case , Drake Alison L. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTIntroductionWorld Health Organization (WHO) updated guidelines for maternal HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B virus (HBV) testing for pregnant women, and advised on using dual HIV/syphilis rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). We reviewed national testing guidelines to assess political support in alignment with WHO guidance and triple elimination of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) priorities.MethodsWe reviewed national HIV-related guidelines from 46 African countries after 2010, including guidelines on prevention MTCT, HIV testing/self-testing, HIV antiretroviral treatment, and/or HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis. Data was extracted data on recommendations for maternal testing for HIV (frequency and timing), syphilis (any test/test type); and HBV. Testing recommendations for all three infections in the most recent country guidelines were compared to WHO guidelines.ResultsTesting policies on HIV, syphilis, or HBV during pregnancy and/or postpartum from 38 (83%) countries were identified; 18 (47%) had policies updated after 2019 and 11 (29%) were high HIV burden. All 38 countries with HIV testing guidelines addressed maternal HIV retesting, while 68% had guidelines recommending syphilis testing (46% of which recommended the dual RDT), and 58% had HBV testing guidelines. Maternal HIV retesting was more frequent than recommended by WHO in 2019 in 9/11 (82%) and 7/27 (26%) of high and low HIV burden countries, respectively. Half of countries had triple elimination of MTCT focused policies, and 10 (26%) had maternal HIV retesting as well as syphilis and/or HBV testing guidance.ConclusionsHalf of countries had guidelines to test for all three infections; policy evaluations to measure implementation and impact are needed.
Induction of cell death in U2OS human cancer cells by Ta3N5
Authors: Nozaki Tomoatsu , Watanabe Kazuto , Watanabe Tomoaki , Nakamura Takahiro J. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractPhotocatalysts are widely used in modern society, with their applications extending into the field of medicine. Ultraviolet irradiation is used for photocatalysis to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). Ta3N5has attracted attention as a next-generation photocatalyst because it produces ROS upon exposure to visible light. Although ROS generation using visible light irradiation is useful in the field of life sciences, the toxicity of Ta3N5remains unknown. In the present study, we evaluated the cytotoxicity of Ta3N5using U2OS cells in terms of the intensity, irradiation time, and wavelength of light and Ta3N5dose. We also investigated the mode and mechanism of cell death induced by Ta3N5. Cytotoxicity increased with increasing light intensity, irradiation time, and Ta3N5dose. In contrast, high-intensity blue light irradiation induced cytotoxicity with or without Ta3N5, indicating that irradiation to green and red lights, which can selectively toxify Ta3N5-treated cells, is more useful than irradiation to blue light. Moreover, Ta3N5induced secondary necrotic death of U2OS cells. These results suggest that Ta3N5can be used as a photocatalyst in medical and life science fields.
Transcranial Brain-Wide Functional Ultrasound and Ultrasound Localization Microscopy in Mice using Multilinear Probes
Authors: Vert Mathis , Zhang Ge , Bertolo Adrien , Ialy-Radio Nathalie , Pezet Sophie , Osmanski Bruno , Deffieux Thomas , Nouhoum Mohamed , Tanter Mickael 
Published: October 2024

AbstractFunctional ultrasound imaging (fUS) and ultrasound localization microscopy (ULM) are advanced ultrasound imaging modalities for assessing both functional and anatomical characteristics of the brain. However, the application of these techniques at a whole-brain scale has been limited by technological challenges. While conventional linear acoustic probes provide a narrow 2D field of view and matrix probes lack sufficient sensitivity for 3D transcranial fUS, multilinear probes have been developed to combine high sensitivity to blood flow with fast 3D acquisitions. In this study, we present a novel approach the combined implementation of transcranial whole-brain fUS and ULM in mice using a motorized multilinear probe. This technique provides high-resolution, non-invasive imaging of neurovascular dynamics across the entire brain. Our findings reveal a significant correlation between absolute cerebral blood volume (ΔCBV) increases and microbubble velocity, indicating vessel-level dependency of the evoked response. However, the lack of correlation with relative CBV (rCBV) suggests that fUS cannot distinguish functional responses alterations across different arterial vascular compartments. This methodology holds promise for advancing our understanding of neurovascular coupling and could be applied in brain disease diagnostics and therapeutic monitoring.
Carbon nanodots as a red emissive fluorescent probe for the super-resolution microscopy of DNA dynamics during paclitaxel treatment
Authors: Garg Richa , Kaushik Kush , Salam Abdul , Kundu Runmi , Chandra Shilpa , Nandi Chayan Kanti 
Published: October 2024

Paclitaxel is a commonly used frontline chemotherapeutic drug for cancer treatment. It is known to be functional by arresting the microtubule disassembly during mitosis. Recently, a non-mitotic pathway has been evolving and thus contemplating the mitotic mechanism. Here, using super-resolution microscopy (SRM), we directly visualized the nuclear dynamics and unveiled the mechanism of paclitaxel treatment. A new class of non-toxic, biocompatible and highly fluorescent carbon nanodots (CNDs) were used as a fluorescent probe that were highly capable to directly stain the nuclear DNA, capture the SRM imaging of chromosome and the chromatin structures. Apart from SRM imaging of chromosomes during all stages of normal mitotic cell division, CNDs successfully visualized the formation of lagging, mis-segregated and bridging chromosomes which leads to the multi-micronucleus formation upon paclitaxel treatment. A detailed chromatin remodelling analysis suggested that heterochromatin played an important role in the formation of condensed multi-micronucleus, ultimately leading to cell death.Graphical Abstract
On the analysis of time-varying causality between VIX exchange-traded products and VIX futures contracts in high and low volatility regimes
Authors: O'Neill Michael , Rajaguru Gulasekaran 
Published: October 2024

PurposeThe authors analyse the nature of nonlinear long-run causal dynamics between VIX futures and exchange-traded products (ETPs).Design/methodology/approachNonlinear long-run causal relations between daily price movements in ETPs and futures are established through a Markov switching vector error correction model (MS-VECM).FindingsThe authors observe time variation in causality with the volatility of volatility. In particular, demand pressures for VIX ETNs and futures can change in different regimes. The authors observe two regimes where regime 1 is classified as low-mean low-volatility, while regime 2 is classified as high-mean high-volatility. The convergence to the long-run equilibrium in the low-mean low-volatility regime is faster than the high-mean high-volatility regime. The nature of the time varying lead lag relations demonstrates the opportunities for arbitrage.Originality/valueThe linear causal relations between VXX and VIX futures are well established, with leads and lags generally found to be short-lived with arbitrage relations holding. The authors go further to capture the time-varying causal relationships through a Markovian process. The authors establish the nonlinear causal relations between inverse and leveraged products where causal relations are not yet documented.
Interpartner learning capabilities and relationship performance during complex projects
Authors: Kou Tun-Chih 
Published: October 2024

Purpose
Success in projects requires understanding and managing increasing complexity. This study aims to address the gap in the literature regarding the relationship between project complexity and various forms of interpartner learning capability. In addition, the authors explore the moderating effect of supplier design responsibility on the relationship between project complexity and interpartner learning capability.

Design/methodology/approach
From an electronics supplier’s perspective, the authors propose that the effect of project complexity is a process of knowledge acquisition and sharing that is facilitated by various forms of interpartner learning capability, including absorptive learning and joint learning, with the upshot of fostering name-brand customer dependence in international exchange relationships. A questionnaire survey is used to collect data from project, product and account managers in the electronics manufacturing industry. The conceptual model is tested using 226 returned questionnaires.

Findings
The results indicate that complex projects can drive absorptive learning and joint learning capability, fostering enhanced customer dependence and relationship performance. Further, supplier design responsibility has a positive moderating effect on the relationship between project complexity and joint learning capability. However, project complexity is not significantly moderated by the effect of supplier design responsibility on absorptive learning capability.

Originality/value
Complexity fosters behaviors that influence interpartner learning, which highlights the connection between project management complexity and organizational learning in theory and practice.
Exposure to information about sexual crimes and its relationship to perceptions of social threats and belief in a just world
Authors: Grzyb Tomasz , Dolinski Dariusz , Muniak Paweł , Kulesza Wojciech 
Published: October 2024

Purpose
The purpose of the two online experimental studies was to examine how information about threats related to sexual crimes influences personal beliefs regarding social threats (in line with the finite pool of worry concept) and belief in a just world, as proposed by Melvin Lerner.

Design/methodology/approach
In the first experiment (n = 256), female participants were presented with press information about a sexual crime that occurred at a student concert. Different groups were informed whether the perpetrator was apprehended (or not) and asked to indicate the punishment they thought should be imposed. In the second experiment (n = 251), participants in the experimental group were asked to read texts about various threats that may concern them.

Findings
In both experiments, the authors measured the perceived risk of being a victim of a sexual crime (and, in Study 1, other threats) as well as belief in just world (at both personal and general levels). Analysis of results has shown that participants’ focus on one threat did not reduce their concerns about other threats. However, belief in just world appears to be negatively associated with the fear of being a victim of a sexual crime.

Originality/value
The findings concern the relationship between the sense of threat and belief in a just world. In this regard, both of the studies consistently showed that the threats the authors induced did not affect the level of belief in a just world. However, the second experiment revealed that belief in a just world is related to the fear of being raped. Belief in a just world serves as a foundation for good adaptation and functioning. It provides cognitive control, motivates hard work and long-term goal-setting and gives life meaning (e.g. Dalbert, 1999; Dalbert and Sallay, 2004; Sutton and Winnard, 2007). Therefore, a woman’s fear of being a victim of rape has implications that extend beyond this narrowly defined issue.
Are all luxury guests the same? A benefit segmentation of 5-star hotel customers
Authors: Mele Emanuele , Dubosson Magali , Schegg Roland 
Published: October 2024

PurposeThis research aims at identifying segments of luxury guests based on the benefits they seek when staying at 5-star hotels. The study also wants to investigate whether ethics and sustainability have a role in differentiating the segments.Design/methodology/approachAn online panel survey allowed the collection of 508 responses with participants from Switzerland that spent at least one night in a 5-star hotel between 2022 and 2023. The survey asked about perceived benefits, sustainable tourist behavior, preferred hotel green practices, trip-related factors and socio-demographics. Hierarchical cluster analysis was employed to group participants on the benefits identified via exploratory factor analysis. The other variables were used for segment profiling.FindingsResults show the existence of three customer segments for 5-star hotels: the ethical enthusiast, the unconcerned aesthete and the practical connoisseur. These differ in the importance they assign to ethical, social and symbolic benefits, as well as functional service benefits. The relevance of sustainability in the luxury hotel experience is stronger for the ethical enthusiast.Practical implicationsLuxury hotel managers should highlight sustainable practices on social media to attract ethical enthusiasts. In addition, marketing content customization should be used to appeal to the benefits and profile of each identified segment.Originality/valueThis is the first study that provides a benefit segmentation of luxury hotel guests, and it is also the first research that considers the role of sustainability and ethics in differentiating these customers.
The nexus between green transformational leadership and financial performance of hotels: the mediating effect of environmental management practices
Authors: Haile Ephrem Assefa 
Published: October 2024

PurposeThis study sought to examine the effect of green transformational leadership (GTL) on financial performance (FPef) of star-rated hotels in Addis Ababa and also delving into the mediating effect of environmental management practices (EMPs) on GTL–FPef nexus.Design/methodology/approachThe study used survey data, and analysis was done using SPSS 25, AMOS 24 and PROCESS Macro to determine the mediating effect of EMPs on the GTL–FPef nexus in hotel sector (n = 100).FindingsThe study found that the hotels under investigation have little access to green financing, lack environmental policy and strategy, perceived low stakeholders’ pressure to embrace eco-friendly practices and implemented EMPs to a lesser extent. Regression results demonstrated that GTL had a positive effect on EMPs and FPef. Furthermore, the result of a mediation test conducted using SPSS PROCESS macro revealed that the relationship between GTL and FPef is partially mediated by EMPs. Finally, one-way ANOVA result revealed that luxury hotels adopt EMPs better than budget hotels.Practical implicationsThis study provides valuable practical insights for hotel owners, managers and policy makers regarding the importance of adopting GTL style and investing in EMPs to remain environmentally responsible and ultimately improve FPef levels.Originality/valueUnlike previous studies that focused on individual-level intermediate variables to explain the indirect relationship between GTL and FPef, this study examined the mediating role of EMPs in the relationship between GTL and FPef at organizational level.
Russia–Ukraine war and the cost of borrowing in the West African Economic and Monetary Union sovereign debt market
Authors: Coulibaly Seydou 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis paper contributes to the emerging literature on the economic impacts of the Russia–Ukraine war by estimating the effects of that war on FCFA‐denominated sovereign bond yields and spreads for the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) countries. Using ordinary least squares regressions on monthly panel data from January 2020 to December 2022, we found three key results. First, the Russia–Ukraine war significantly increased long‐term government bonds but had no impact on short‐term sovereign bond yields. Second, the Russia–Ukraine war raised sovereign bond spreads in WAEMU countries. These results suggest that WAEMU countries may consider reducing sovereign long‐term bond issuances and exploiting alternative financing sources, such as concessional financing, until the war and its corollary of global economic and financial imbalances are resolved. Finally, we found that the Central Bank of West African States's policy rate hikes increase governments' borrowing costs. Given this impact, we recommend complementing monetary policy with nonmonetary and fiscal policy measures to ease inflationary pressure from the Russia–Ukraine war. This approach may help mitigate the upward pressure driven by monetary policy tightening on sovereign borrowing costs in the WAEMU government securities markets.