bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genderized Gut and Oral Microbiome Shifts: Uncovering Sex-Specific Dysbiosis in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Khan Zara Ahmed , Ghorbani Mahin , Heffinger Leon , Damdimopoulos Anastasios , Moro Carlos Fernández , Björnstedt Mikael , Löhr J.-Matthias , Heuchel Rainer , Chen Margaret Sällberg , Sarhan Dhifaf 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundPancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the deadliest cancers, responsible for approximately 466,000 deaths globally in 2020. Its incidence increases by about 1% annually, with a higher occurrence in males than females. While differences in immune responses and tumor biology between sexes have been explored, the role of the microbiome in gender-specific PDAC progression is still unclear. Investigating these differences could offer crucial insights for personalized treatment strategies for males and females.MethodsThis study reanalyzed oral and gut microbiome data from BioProject: PRJNA832909, comprising 191 samples from PDAC patients and healthy controls. Using shotgun metagenomic sequencing, we examined gender-specific bacterial signatures. Alpha diversity (richness) and beta diversity (community composition) were analyzed. Differentially abundant bacterial taxa were identified via LEfSe, and gender-specific bacterial panels were validated using CombiROC.ResultsAlpha diversity analysis revealed significant differences in microbial richness, particularly between male and female PDAC patients and their healthy controls. Beta diversity demonstrated distinct microbial shifts between the PDAC and control groups across genders. LEfSe identified several pathogenic bacteria contributing to gender-specific dysbiosis, includingStreptococcus, Fusobacterium, andPrevotella. Shared and sex-specific bacterial species in PDAC were highlighted through Venn diagram analysis. CombiROC validated the predictive ability of these bacterial markers, with AUC values exceeding 0.90 for both sexes.ConclusionThis study uncovered gender-specific microbial patterns in PDAC patients, potentially influenced by sex-specific immune responses. These findings provide important insights into the progression of PDAC and support sex-targeted diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.Graphical abstract
Characterization of the cellular and subcellular distribution of fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) and other neuronal proteins using an alkaline phosphatase (AP) immunolabeling method
Authors: Yin Yuqin , He Kathleen , Kirby Jane , Harque Ishraq , Tang Xin 
Published: October 2024

AbstractPrecisely localizing the spatial distribution of proteins within various cell types in the brain, and in sub-cellular compartments such as the synapses, is critical for generating and testing hypothesis to elucidating the function of target proteins in the brain. The fms-like tyrosine kinase-3 (FLT3) has been studied extensively in the context of blood cell development and leukemia pathogenesis, but little is known about its role in the brain. Previous work characterizing FLT3 protein expression in the brain have not yielded convincing results, mainly limited by the low expression level of FLT3 and poor sensitivity of standard immunolabeling method using fluorescent secondary antibody. In this study, we report the systematic characterization of FLT3 protein localization during brain development using a highly sensitive immunolabeling methodology based on alkaline phosphatase (AP) polymer biochemistry. Our results reveal a previously unknown neuron-selective FLT3 expression pattern in both mouse and human cerebellum tissue samples, and demonstrate a gradual increase in the total FLT3 protein level and a cytosolic-to-dendritic change in subcellular FLT3 distribution during mouse cerebellum development. Through combining the AP immunolabeling of FLT3 with standard immunostaining of various cell type markers to achieve hybrid co-labeling of multiple antigens in tissue sections, we demonstrate that the main cell type that express FLT3 in the cerebellum is PV+, Calbindin+ Purkinje cells. To expand the use case of AP immunolabeling method in labeling neuronal proteins, we show robust labeling of Kir2.1, a potassium channel protein that is expressed at low level in neurons, in brain tissue sections collected from mouse, pig, and human brains. We further established that the AP immunolabeling method can be used in human stem cell-derived neurons to detect postsynaptic density scaffold protein PSD95 within fine subcellular structures such as dendritic spines and synapses, in cultured primary mouse cortical neurons and human stem cell-derived neurons. To our knowledge, our work represents the first report of applying AP immunolabeling to detect neuronal protein expression in brain tissue and cell samples. Moreover, our work reveals a previously unknown neuron-specific pattern of FLT3 expression in the brain, providing the foundation for further mechanistic studies to uncover its role in brain development and functioning.
Gut Microbial Impact on Colitis and Colitis-Associated Carcinogenesis in a Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis-IBD Model
Authors: Awoniyi Muyiwa , Ngo Billy , Meadows Vik , Coskuner Deniz , Montgomery Stephanie A. , Farmer Morgan , Liu Bo , Zhou Huiping , Roach Jeffery , Stappenbeck Thaddeus , Sartor R. Balfour 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTBackground and AimsPrimary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) associated inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) increase colorectal dysplasia and malignancy risk. Current mouse models do not adequately replicate human PSC-IBD, limiting mechanistic understanding and therapeutic development. This study usesMdr2/Il10double knockout (DKO) mice to examine microbiota roles in mediating colitis, colitis-associated colorectal dysplasia and hepatobiliary inflammation/fibrosis.GoalDevelop and phenotype a chronic spontaneous PSC-IBD mouse model, emphasizing colitis, colonic dysplasia, hepatobiliary inflammation/ fibrosis and the functional roles of resident microbiota.MethodsWe utilized germ-free (GF) and specific-pathogen-freeMdr2/Il10DKO,Il10-/-andMdr2-/-mice to model PSC-IBD. We monitored colonic dysplasia progression, colitis kinetics and severity by lipocalin-2, cytokine measurement, and tissue evaluations of colon and liver. We manipulated the microbiome to assess its functional effects.ResultsDKO mice exhibited age- and region-specific accelerated colitis and spontaneous colonic dysplasia progressing to high-grade invasive adenocarcinomas. Despite aggressive colonic inflammation, DKO mice showed reduced hepatic fibrosis, increased hepatic reparative macrophages, and matrix metalloproteinase activity compared toMdr2-/-mice. GF DKO had heightened liver inflammation and mortality with absent colitis and colonic dysplasia, reversed with microbial reconstitution from DKO mice. Changes in DKO primary/secondary bile acid profiles mirrored those in PSC-IBD.ConclusionTheMdr2/Il10DKO model mirrors key factors in PSC-IBD patients in terms of inflammation and carcinogenesis. We found an important role for the dysbiotic microbiota in DKO mice for disease onset and progression. Targeting microbiota and bile acid metabolism may provide promising strategies for developing effective PSC-IBD therapies.
Look busy do nothing: does professional isolation and psychological strain of overqualified employee leads to goldbricking behaviour?
Authors: Khan Jawad , Zhang Qingyu , Salameh Anas A. 
Published: October 2024

PurposeDrawing on person-job fit theory, this study examined the link between perceived overqualification (POQ), professional isolation, psychological strain and goldbricking behaviour. We also investigated the moderating influence of employee career self-management on the association between the POQ and professional isolation.Design/methodology/approachA time-lagged data approach were used to collect data from service sector organisations. The study model was analysed using PLS-SEM.FindingsThe results show that POQ is positively related to goldbricking behaviour. Professional isolation and psychological strain mediate the link between POQ and employee goldbricking behaviour. The mediated relationship between POQ and goldbricking behaviour through professional isolation was moderated by employee career self-management.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the existing literature by examining the novel concept of goldbricking behaviour in the context of person-job fit theory. The originality of this study lies in its nuanced investigation of the mediating role of professional isolation and psychological strain in the relationship between POQ and goldbricking behaviour. Additionally, this study adds value by examining the moderating influence of employee career self-management, offering practical insights for organisations.
A high-fidelity personalised 3d printed simulator for the left atrial appendage occlusion procedure
Authors: Fanni Benigno Marco , Gasparotti Emanuele , Esposito Augusto , Danielli Francesca , Berti Francesca , Berti Sergio , Pennati Giancarlo , Petrini Lorenza , Celi Simona 
Published: October 2024

Purpose
This study aims to develop a realistic 3D printing-based simulator for the training and planning of the left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) to be used in the cath lab.

Design/methodology/approach
Starting from a pre-operative computed tomography dataset of a patient already treated with LAAO, the model was obtained, consisting in the right and left heart, opportunely assembled to replicate the position and orientation of the patient's anatomy while lying on the cath lab table. Different 3D printing techniques and materials were used to mimic the interaction between the cardiac tissue and the clinical instrumentation. The simulator was tested in the cath lab under proper image guidance by three LAAO expert operators. The clinicians were required to assign a score in terms of realism to each material used to fabricate the fossa ovalis and the LAA.

Findings
The simulated interventions were successfully performed by the operators, who were able to navigate in the system and release the occluder device as during a real procedure. The intraoperative images acquired during the simulations were highly comparable with data from a real intervention, with a mean percentage difference below 10%.

Originality/value
This study demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed simulator to faithfully replicate the LAAO procedure and its potentiality to be used for multiple purposes, including the training of the young clinicians, the evaluation of the most complicated cases and the design of novel occluder devices, in a fully realistic setting.
Clinical and genetic insights into ABCA12 variants in three Chinese families with ichthyosis: Genotype–phenotype correlation
Authors: Wang Bing , Yang Jinxiang , Wang Yumeng , Liang Fuh‐Miin , Yao Zhirong , Chen Jiawen , Liang Jianying 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAutosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis (ARCI) comprises a series of non‐syndromic ichthyoses. Pathogenic variants in several genes associated with ARCI have so far been identified. Notably, the variants in ABCA12 play a pivotal role in the pathology of ARCI. In this study, we report three Chinese families with compound heterozygous variants in the ABCA12 gene, including two novel variants and four reported variants. Clinical and genetic analyses were conducted to explore the genotype–phenotype correlation among the patients. Immunohistochemistry and transcriptome sequencing were utilized to assess the impact of pathogenic ABCA12 variants on skin homeostasis, revealing decreased levels of ABCA12 and claudin‐1, alongside increased levels of involucrin and S100A8. In conclusion, our findings contribute to updating the genotype–phenotypic correlation and provide additional evidence for the long‐term use of retinoic acid drugs in patients with causative ABCA12 variants.
Macroeconomic adjustments to Russia–Ukraine war‐induced energy prices shocks in sub‐Saharan Africa: Effects based on countries' resource status
Authors: Taiwo Shakirudeen , Uwilingiye Josine , Osei‐Assibey Kwame 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe Russia–Ukraine crisis has significantly disrupted global supply chains, leading to sharp oil and natural gas price increases. These energy price surges have impacted productivity in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA), with potential long‐term effects on purchasing power and economic growth. Additionally, the crisis has highlighted varying impacts of commodity price shocks across the region due to country‐specific conditions, which prompted this study to examine how energy price shocks influence macroeconomic performance in SSA based on countries' resource status. This study utilised a quarterly dataset of macroeconomic variables—real gross domestic product (GDP) (rGDP), inflation and exchange rates—across 21 SSA countries, along with crude oil and natural gas prices. The Bootstrap Granger Causality test confirmed a long‐run relationship between energy prices and these macroeconomic variables. Furthermore, the Panel Structural Vector Autoregressive model demonstrated varying spillover effects based on countries' resource status. The results indicate that resource status significantly affects the magnitude and nature of energy price shocks on macroeconomic variables. Specifically, oil‐rich nations experience the most intense effects, followed by other resource‐endowed countries. These findings offer a nuanced understanding of the complex dynamics triggered by the Russia–Ukraine crisis in the SSA region, highlighting the critical role of resource endowment in shaping economic resilience.
Persistent low inequality despite compositional shifts in Austria
Authors: Halla Martin , Weber Andrea 
Published: October 2024

AbstractOverall, income inequality in Austria is moderate and has been stable in recent years. However, a look at employment statistics reveals important inequality trends in the labour market. This paper highlights five important shifts in the composition of the labour force: (i) a massive increase in female labour force participation; (ii) large shifts in the distribution of education; (iii) trends towards part‐time work among women as well as men; (iv) persistent gender gaps in market and non‐market work of parents; and (v) an increase in labour migration with a substantial share of cross‐border commuters.
Equally poorer: inequality and the Greek debt crisis
Authors: Danchev Svetoslav , Gatopoulos Georgios , Kalavrezou Niki , Mavropoulos Antonis , Pavlou Grigoris , Vettas Nikolaos 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIn this paper, we discuss the evolution of inequality in Greece from 2004 to 2021 in light of the Greek debt crisis that led to a sharp drop in gross domestic product per capita between 2008 and 2013. While aggregate measures of income inequality, such as the Gini coefficient, suggest a marginal improvement, domestic perceptions of social fairness remain bleak. To delve deeper into this paradox, we explore additional aggregate and distributional aspects of Greece's social landscape during this period. Our analysis reveals several contributing factors: a compression of earnings, benefits and pensions; a sharp increase in social exclusion; and high inequality in access to basic public services and housing. These factors go beyond what headline inequality indices indicate, illustrating how the sovereign debt crisis and subsequent austerity measures have affected individuals differently based on their socio‐economic background, while also reducing overall welfare across the Greek population. Moreover, chronic institutional inefficiencies and widening disparities in access to services and housing significantly influence perceptions of inequality and contribute negatively to the country's social cohesion.
Inequality trends in a slow‐growing economy: Italy, 1990–2020
Authors: Checchi Daniele , Jappelli Tullio , Marino Immacolata , Scognamiglio Annalisa 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis paper presents stylised facts on the labour supply and income inequality of individuals aged 25–55, drawn from the 1989–2020 Bank of Italy Survey of Household Income and Wealth. Over the sample period, earnings inequality has increased considerably although the gap is smaller when considered in terms of household disposable income. We investigate the possible drivers of this increase using administrative data on employees. The evidence suggests that labour market reforms implemented since the start of the 1990s are the most plausible explanation for this growth in earnings inequality. Comparison between earnings and disposable income suggests that both government and households are important for reducing inequalities.
Storytelling and good relations: Indigenous youth capabilities in climate futures
Authors: McMeeking S. , Tetini‐Timoteo M. , Hayward B. , Prendergast K. , Ratuva S. , Crichton‐Hill Y. , Mayall‐Nahi M. , Wood B. , Tolbert S. , Harré N. , Macfarlane A. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractHow can we support young citizens facing chaotic climate futures? This question is urgent, particularly for Indigenous communities who face disproportionate risks and impacts of climate change. For the past three decades, climate‐related education has focused largely on the acquisition of scientific knowledge in instrumental ways, while encouraging individual behaviour change. This approach centres the problem rather than human capabilities to generate solutions, which is especially misaligned with the increasing practice and significance of Indigenous communities’ regenerating self‐determining capabilities. This article reports on a pilot study that uses intergenerational storytelling methods or pūrākau to support leadership capabilities among Indigenous Māori and Pacific young people aged 10 to 14 years in communities at high risk of flooding in Ōtautahi/Christchurch, Aotearoa/New Zealand. The study showed how storytelling locates and scaffolds Indigenous young people into positions of individual and collective responsibility for grappling with “wicked problems” such as climate and injustice and climate‐related challenges as part of the future they will inherit and shape within a broader intergenerational journey of resilience and reclamation.
Pro‐inflammatory cytokine 11 plays a pivotal role in inflammaging‐associated pathologies
Authors: Izquierdo José M. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractChronic sterile inflammation contributes to aging‐associated pathologies/malignancies like cancer and autoimmune disorders. In their recent Nature article, Widjaja et al. established the pro‐inflammatory, pro‐fibrotic cytokine 11 (IL11) as a regulatory driver/hub of aging‐associated inflammation (inflammaging) in mice. Genetic and pharmacological IL11 blockade reduces inflammaging, improving healthspan, lifespan, and longevity in male and female mice, highlighting IL11 as a new inflammatory aging clock and a potential molecular target in inflammaging‐associated human degenerative diseases.
Does digital transformation drive more comment letters?
Authors: Li Hongquan , Yang Yang 
Published: October 2024

AbstractCorporate digital transformation has a systematic impact on companies, thereby becoming a significant focus for both investors and regulatory authorities. This study focuses on Chinese A‐share listed companies and demonstrates that corporate digital transformation can lead to an increase in comment letters. The research also proves that investor attention toward digital transformation and opportunistic insider sales both play a mediating role in this relationship. Additionally, the study reveals that this impact is weaker in companies with higher levels of internal control and corporate social responsibility. The findings have significant implications for corporate governance and regulatory oversight.
Effect of Intensive Blood Pressure Lowering on the Risk of Incident Silent Myocardial Infarction: A Post Hoc Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kazibwe Richard , Ahmad Muhammad Imtiaz , Singh Sanjay , Chen Lin Y. , Soliman Elsayed Z. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundSilent myocardial infarction (SMI) frequently goes undetected, yet it is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The impact of intensive systolic blood pressure (SBP) lowering on the risk of SMI in those with hypertension remains uncertain.MethodsIn this post hoc analysis of the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT), participants with serial electrocardiograms (ECGs) during the trial were included. SPRINT investigated the benefit of intensive SBP lowering, aiming for < 120 mmHg compared to the standard SBP goal of < 140 mmHg. Incident SMI was defined as evidence of new MI on an ECG without adjudicated recognized myocardial infarction (RMI).ResultsDuring a median follow‐up of 3.9 years, a total of 234 MI events (55 SMI and 179 RMI) occurred. Intensive, compared to standard, SBP lowering resulted in a lower rate of SMI (incidence rate 1.1 vs. 2.3 cases per 1000 person‐years, respectively; HR [95% CI]: 0.48 [0.27–0.84]). Similarly, intensive, compared to standard, BP lowering reduced the risk of RMI (incidence rate 4.6 vs. 6.5 cases per 1000 person‐years, respectively; HR [95% CI]: 0.71 [0.52–0.95]). No significant differences were noted between the strength of the association of intensive BP control on lowering the risk of SMI and RMI (p‐value for HR differences = 0.23).ConclusionsThis study shows that in adults with hypertension, the benefits of intensive SBP lowering, compared with standard BP lowering, go beyond the prevention of RMI to include the prevention of SMI.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01206062.
An early parenting intervention focused on enriched parent–child interactions improves effortful control in the early years of school
Authors: Bennett C. , Westrupp E. M. , Bennetts S. K. , Love J. , Hackworth N. J. , Berthelsen D. , Nicholson J. M. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis study examined long‐term mediating effects of the smalltalk parenting intervention on children's effortful control at school age (7.5 years; 2016–2018). In 2010–2012, parents (96% female) of toddlers (N = 1201; aged 12–36 months; 52% female) were randomly assigned to either: standard playgroup, smalltalk playgroup (group‐only), or smalltalk playgroup with additional home coaching (smalltalk plus). Multi‐informant data indicated that smalltalk plus had unique indirect effects on children's effortful control, through parents' capacity to ‘maintain and extend’ children's focus during joint interactions. Possible mediating pathways via parent verbal responsivity, home learning activities, and descriptive language use were not supported. When parents received a structured playgroup program with additional home coaching, sustainable benefits were evident in children's self‐regulation, assessed in the early school years.
Cultural keystone species and their role in biocultural conservation
Authors: Lukawiecki Jessica , Moola Faisal , Roth Robin 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBiocultural diversity is declining globally. Cultural keystone species (CKS) are one promising pathway by which biocultural approaches to conservation, which seek to protect both biological and cultural diversity, might be implemented in practice. We traced the evolution of the CKS concept in relation to Indigenous Peoples in the Canadian context through a scoping review of the literature from 2000 to 2021 and nine in‐depth interviews with Indigenous Guardians and knowledge holders. Emergent themes in this scoping review indicate that CKS, rather than being viewed as objects for conservation, can be understood as ongoing relationship(s) between the cultural and ecological, which are intimately tied to language, knowledge, practices, and places in ways that are deeply interconnected. One cannot protect CKS, therefore, without also protecting the relationships that people (or groups of people) have to that species. We conclude by recommending further investment in policies and programs that support enabling mechanisms for Indigenous Peoples to maintain, manage, and restore relationships with CKS.