bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
AI-directed gene fusing prolongs the evolutionary half-life of synthetic gene circuits
Authors: Menuhin-Gruman Itamar , Arbel Matan , Naki Doron , Bergman Shaked , Tuller Tamir 
Published: February 2025

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

AbstractObjectiveResearch on geographic disparities in pain and arthritis-related outcomes is still in its infancy, with particularly limited attention to the developing trends over time and the role of state’s welfare policies in shaping pain disparities. This study examines 1) spatiotemporal trends of moderate/severe arthritis-related joint pain prevalences across 50 U.S. states, 2) educational disparities therein, and 3) the impact of welfare policies— i.e., Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Earned Income Credit, minimum wage, unemployment insurance, and Medicaid generosity score.Data and MethodsWe compile a 6-wave biennial state-level panel data using data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). Logistic regressions are conducted to estimate trends of joint pain prevalence, prevalences for different educational groups (i.e., less than high school, high school or some college, bachelor’s degree or above), and educational disparities. Incorporating policy data from the State Policy & Politics Database (SPPD) and the Kaiser Family Foundation’s database (KFF), we use fixed effects regressions, with state- and year-fixed effects, to assess the impact of welfare policies.ResultsJoint pain prevalence has risen in most states, with educational disparities in pain widening in over half, though both trends vary substantially across states. Colorado and North Dakota exhibit considerably sharper increases in both pain prevalence and educational inequalities. A more generous Medicaid program is shown to effectively reduce joint pain prevalence and eliminate educational inequalities in pain.ConclusionThis study underscores the importance of state welfare policies in addressing pain disparities and calls for targeted interventions to support less-educated populations.
Discovery of microbial glycoside hydrolases via enrichment and metaproteomics
Authors: van Ede Jitske M. , van der Steen Suzanne , van der Kraan Geert M. , van Loosdrecht Mark C.M. , Pabst Martin 
Published: February 2025

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

AbstractObjectiveThe visual system is a significant site of pathology in psychosis spectrum disorders. However, there is limited research investigating human visual cortex (VC) subregions in this population. Using data from the Bipolar-Schizophrenia Network on Intermediate Phenotypes Consortium (BSNIP-1, BSNIP-2, PARDIP), this study examined structural measures in VC subregions in individuals with psychosis spectrum disorders.MethodsCortical surface area and thickness in five VC subregions (hOc1, hOc2, hOc3v, hOc4v, MT) were quantified using FreeSurfer v7.1.0 and compared between individuals with psychosis (n=1211) and healthy controls (n=734). Regional specificity was examined by controlling for total surface area or mean cortical thickness. ComBat was used to harmonize scanner effects. Associations between VC measures and symptom severity, cognition, and childhood trauma scores were assessed.ResultsIndividuals with psychosis demonstrated smaller surface area in hOc1, hOc2, and hOc3v, and lower cortical thickness in all five VC subregions compared to healthy controls. Thickness reductions in hOc1, hOc4v, and MT were regionally specific. hOc4v and MT were among the top three regions exhibiting the most robust cortical thickness deficits (d= −0.38 to −0.40) across all VC and Desikan-Killiany brain regions. Lower thickness in mid-level visual subregions were associated with greater positive symptoms, poorer cognition, and higher childhood trauma scores.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that the visual cortex is among the most profoundly affected brain regions in psychotic disorders. Different patterns of area and thickness changes across early and mid-level visual subregions, along with their varying associations with clinical measures, suggest distinct developmental and disease-related influences.
QRS 3D Voltage-Time Integral in Narrow QRS Complex - Establishing the Normal Reference Range
Authors: Gupta Amulya , Harvey Christopher J. , Mahmood Uzair , Baer Jacob D. , Parimi Nikhil , Bapat Ashutosh , Sheldon Seth H. , Reddy Madhu , Yao Zijun , Lee Yongkuk , Noheria Amit 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundVectorcardiographic 3D QRS voltage-time integral (VTIQRS-3D) is a novel marker of ventricular dyssynchrony pertinent for cardiac resynchronization therapy. It may have additional clinical utility but its normal reference ranges have not been established. We sought to define reference ranges for VTIQRS-3Din healthy individuals.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 12-lead ECGs of healthy adults (2010-2014) and compared them to patients with cardiomyopathy with reduced ejection fraction (EF) <50%. Using the Kors matrix, 12-lead ECGs with QRS duration ≤120 ms were converted to vectorcardiographic X, Y, and Z leads. VTIQRS-3Dwas calculated as the instantaneous root-mean-square (3D) voltage integrated over the QRS duration. Reference range limits were defined as the 2.5th to 97.5th percentiles respectively for healthy females and males in age groups 18-34, 35-54 and ≥55 years.ResultsThe study included 468 healthy adults (age 44.6 ± 17.0 years; 63.9% female) and 314 patients with cardiomyopathy (age 62.1 ± 14.0 years; 34.4% female). VTIQRS-3Dwas significantly larger in the cardiomyopathy patients compared to the healthy population (48.2±21.4 vs. 38.1±9.3 µVs, p<0.0001). Increased age and female sex were significant predictors of lower VTIQRS-3Din the healthy population (both p<0.0001). VTIQRS-3Dreference ranges for respective age groups for healthy females were 23.2-55.0, 23.9-56.4 and 19.6-50.9 µVs, and for healthy males were 29.9-57.2, 28.2-56.7 and 21.4-55.9 µVs.ConclusionVTIQRS-3Dis higher at younger age in healthy population, male sex and in patients having cardiomyopathy with reduced EF. Age and sex need to be accounted for using VTIQRS-3Das a marker for structural heart disease.
Inhibitory control in reptiles
Authors: Santacà Maria , Wilkinson Anna , Stancher Gionata , Sovrano Valeria Anna , Bisazza Angelo 
Published: February 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ABSTRACTAimTo investigate the associations between inflammatory markers and the risk of paediatric feeding disorders (PFD) at 1 year of age in infants with congenital gastrointestinal malformations (CGMs).MethodsNeonates with CGMs admitted to our NICU and prospectively followed up in our outpatient clinic were included. The presence of PFD was assessed at the 1‐year visit using the Montreal Children's Hospital Feeding Scale (MCH‐FS). Data on potential risk factors for PFD were retrospectively collected.ResultsFifty‐nine neonates were included. They had a median MCH‐FS at 1 year of 25 [IQR = 19–37]. PFD (MCH‐FS > 45) was diagnosed in 15% of cases, of which 56% were severe. The number of days with a C‐reactive protein (CRP) level > 40 mg/L was significantly higher in the PFD patients. After adjusting for confounding factors, a duration of CRP > 40 mg/L remained significantly associated with PFD at 1 year (OR = 1.23, [1.02–1.47]). Similarly, the number of neonatal surgical procedures (OR = 11.4, [2.15–60.6]) was independently associated with PFD at 1 year.ConclusionPFD at 1 year was observed in 15% of newborns with CGMs in our cohort. Our results suggest that sustained severe inflammation caused by surgery and its complications during the neonatal period may have long‐term effects on feeding behaviour.
Certification, Maintenance and Decertification of Standardised Innovation Management Systems: Motivations, Barriers and Benefits
Authors: de Saboya Liana Mendes , Cândido Carlos J. F. , Cesário Marisa Isabel Silva 
Published: February 2025

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

AimsThere is no consensus on whether oestrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status should be assessed after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. This study assessed the frequency of changes in ER, PR and HER2 status after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.Methods and resultsOf 353 patients who had neoadjuvant chemotherapy and anti‐HER2 treatment, receptors were assessed in 185 residual carcinomas. Eight per cent of carcinomas that were ER‐negative in the core biopsy were ER‐positive in the excision compared with 1.5% of controls. All were HER2‐positive in the core biopsy and 23% were HER2‐negative in the excision compared with 0% of controls. Controls were cases tested in the core biopsy and subsequent surgical resection with no neoadjuvant treatment. Of 589 patients who had neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone, receptors were assessed in 495 residual carcinomas. Six per cent of carcinomas that were ER‐negative in the core biopsy were ER‐positive in the excision (mainly ER‐low positive) compared with 1.5% of controls. All were HER2‐negative in the core biopsy and 6% were HER2‐positive in the excision (mainly immunohistochemistry score 2+ and HER2 gene amplified) compared with 2% of controls.ConclusionsNegative to positive changes in receptor status after neoadjuvant chemotherapy are infrequent and the positive result in the excision is often weakly positive. These results imply that repeat assessment after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery could influence the subsequent treatment in a small proportion of patients.
Is Posterior Transvaginal Mesh Surgery Using PTFE Mesh ORIHIME Effective and Safe for Advanced Posterior Vaginal Prolapse?
Authors: Yagi Kazunobu , Takeyama Masami , Doi Yukiko , Kuwata Tomoko , Kashihara Hiromi , Kato Chikako 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo examine the efficacy and safety of posterior tension‐free vaginal mesh (TVM‐P) surgery using polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) mesh (ORIHIME) for advanced posterior vaginal prolapse.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted involving patients who underwent TVM‐P surgery with PTFE mesh for pelvic organ prolapse quantification stage III or IV posterior vaginal prolapse between December 2018 and March 2023. All patients were followed for a minimum of 1 year postoperatively. The primary outcome was the recurrence rate in the operated compartment. Secondary outcomes comprised recurrence in other pelvic compartments, mesh‐related complications, and an analysis of risk factors for recurrence.ResultsSeventy‐one patients underwent TVM‐P surgery during the study period. The recurrence rate in the operated compartment was 4.2%, while the overall recurrence rate was 18.3%. Eleven cases of recurrence occurred within the first year; 13 cases were observed within 3 years postsurgery. Patients who experienced recurrence in other compartments had a significantly higher incidence of preoperative Ba point score ≥ −1 versus the nonrecurrence group. Preoperative Ba point score ≥ −1 was associated with a higher risk of recurrence in other compartments (crude odds ratio: 4.17, 95% confidence interval: 1.03–26.7; adjusted odds ratio: 2.58, 95% confidence interval: 0.56–11.8).ConclusionsThe recurrence rate in the operated compartment following TVM‐P surgery for advanced rectoceles or enteroceles was 4.2%. These findings suggest that TVM‐P surgery using PTFE mesh may be an effective surgical option for treating severe posterior vaginal pelvic organ prolapse.
Efficiency of Early Sequential Laser Treatment for Facial Linear Scars in Cross‐Sectional Regions
Authors: Guo Lei , Xue Ping , Fan Xing , Yin Yue , Dou Wenjie , Li Tong , Yang Qing 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundLong linear scars in cross‐sectional regions can adversely affect facial aesthetics and functionality, leading to substantial psychological distress. Early intervention with carbon dioxide ablative fractional laser (CO2‐AFL) and 595‐nm pulsed dye laser (PDL) has shown promise in mitigating post‐surgical scarring. However, the effectiveness of this treatment for extensive facial scars across different areas remains unclear.MethodsWe reviewed medical records of 39 patients with long scars from facial trauma between January 2022 and October 2023. Treatment commenced with two sessions of PDL and three sessions of CO2‐AFL 1 week post‐suture removal. Outcomes were assessed using Antera 3D imaging and the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS 3.0). Quality of life improvements were measured using the Short Form‐36 Health Survey (SF‐36).ResultsAll patients completed five sessions of laser treatment. Significant reductions were noted in Patient and Observer scores on the POSAS (p < 0.05). Antera 3D analysis revealed substantial improvements in average roughness, depression depth, and elevation depth across facial regions. The significance of improvements in color variation, texture elevation span, melanin hyperconcentration, and hemoglobin hyperconcentration varied by area. Patients also showed significant improvements in SF‐36 scores for physical role limitations, social functioning, and emotional well‐being compared to pre‐treatment levels (p < 0.05).ConclusionsEarly sequential treatment with PDL and CO2‐AFL effectively improves long scars in various facial areas.