bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mycobacterium abscessus group pulmonary disease
Authors: Griffith David E. 
Published: February 2025

Purpose of review

Mycobacterium abscessus is the second most isolated nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) respiratory pathogen in United States. It is also among the most difficult to treat NTM respiratory pathogens. The purpose of this review is to highlight current opportunities and limitations in the management of M. abscessus pulmonary disease and ways to optimize therapy to avoid treatment choices that make management of these patients even more difficult.

Recent findings
The main themes of the manuscript emphasize recognition of M. abscessus drug resistance mechanisms and their implication for limiting M. abscessus treatment response. The dichotomy between favorable outcomes for macrolide-susceptible vs. macrolide-resistant M. abscessus isolates is discussed in detail as well as the limitations in our current in-vitro susceptibility testing of M. abscessus isolates.

Summary
Predictably favorable treatment outcomes for patients with M. abscessus pulmonary disease remain elusive. New antibiotic combinations offer promise but await clinical testing in prohibitively expensive trials. Some new approaches such as phage therapy have been introduced, but so far, none are universally available or reliably effective. Clinicians and patients are left to struggle with imperfect treatment strategies in the hopes that some will emerge to justify larger treatment trials.
Coffee consumption is associated with later age-at-onset of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Kuzovenkova Dariia , Liu Lang , Gan-Or Ziv , Senkevich Konstantin 
Published: February 2025

AbstractObservation studies suggest that coffee consumption may lower the risk of Parkinson’s disease (PD). The aim of this study was to explore the causal relationship and genetic association between coffee consumption and the age-at-onset (AAO), risk, and progression of PD. Using Mendelian randomization, we identified a significant association between coffee consumption and delayed PD AAO (IVW: OR, 1.91; 95% CI 1.53–2.38; P=8.072e-09), but no causal association or genetic correlation with PD risk or progression. Our findings suggest a potential protective causal effect of higher coffee consumption on PD AAO, with no evidence of an association with PD risk or progression.
Spaces and sequences in the hippocampus: a homological perspective
Authors: Babichev A. , Vashin V. , Dabaghian Y. 
Published: February 2025

Topological techniques have become a popular tool for studying information flows in neural networks. In particular, simplicial homology theory is used to analyze how cognitive representations of space emerge from large conglomerates of independent neuronal contributions. Meanwhile, a growing number of studies suggest that many cognitive functions are sustained by serial patterns of activity. Here, we investigate stashes of such patterns usingpath homology theory—an impartial, universal approach that does not requirea prioriassumptions about the sequences’ nature, functionality, underlying mechanisms, or other contexts.We focus on the hippocampus—a key enabler of learning and memory in mammalian brains—and quantify the ordinal arrangement of its activity similarly to how its topology has previously been studied in terms of simplicial homologies. The results reveal that the vast majority of sequences produced during spatial navigation are structurally equivalent to one another. Only a few classes of distinct sequences form an ordinal schema of serial activity that remains stable as the pool of sequences consolidates. Importantly, the structure of both maps is upheld by combinations of short sequences, suggesting that brief activity motifs dominate physiological computations.This ordinal organization emerges and stabilizes on timescales characteristic of spatial learning, displaying similar dynamics. Yet, the ordinal maps generally do not reflect topological affinities—spatial and sequential analyses address qualitatively different aspects of spike flows, representing two complementary formats of information processing.Significance statementThis study employs path homology theory to examine serial patterns of neuronal activity in the hippocampus, a critical region for learning and memory. While the traditional, simplicial homology approaches used to model cognitive maps, path homology provides a universal framework for analyzing the ordinal arrangement of neuronal sequences without presupposing their nature or function. The findings reveal that a limited number of distinct sequence classes, supported by combinations of short activity motifs, form a stable ordinal schema over timescales corresponding to periods of spatial learning. Notably, the ordinal maps derived from these sequences do not capture topological affinities, highlighting that spatial and sequential analyses address distinct but complementary dimensions of neural information processing.
Cholesterol-mediated Lysosomal Dysfunction inAPOE4Astrocytes Promotes α-Synuclein Pathology in Human Brain Tissue
Authors: Mesentier-Louro Louise A. , Goldman Camille , Ndayisaba Alain , Buonfiglioli Alice , Rooklin Rikki B. , Schuldt Braxton R. , Uchitelev Abigail , Khurana Vikram , Blanchard Joel W. 
Published: February 2025

SummaryThe pathological hallmark of neurodegenerative disease is the aberrant post-translational modification and aggregation of proteins leading to the formation of insoluble protein inclusions. Genetic factors likeAPOE4are known to increase the prevalence and severity of tau, amyloid, and α-Synuclein inclusions. However, the human brain is largely inaccessible during this process, limiting our mechanistic understanding. Here, we developed an iPSC-based 3D model that integrates neurons, glia, myelin, and cerebrovascular cells into a functional human brain tissue (miBrain). Like the human brain, we found pathogenic phosphorylation and aggregation of α-Synuclein is increased in theAPOE4miBrain. Combinatorial experiments revealed that lipid-droplet formation in APOE4 astrocytes impairs the degradation of α-synuclein and leads to a pathogenic transformation that seeds neuronal inclusions of α-Synuclein. Collectively, this study establishes a robust model for investigating protein inclusions in human brain tissue and highlights the role of astrocytes and cholesterol inAPOE4-mediated pathologies, opening therapeutic opportunities.
A ternary switch determines ERα LBD conformation
Authors: McDougal Daniel P. , Pederick Jordan L. , Novick Scott , Jovcevski Blagojce , Warrender Annmaree K. , Pascal Bruce D. , Griffin Patrick R. , Bruning John B. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThe transcription factor estrogen receptor α (ERα) is the primary driver of ER+ breast cancer progression and a target of multiple FDA-approved anticancer drugs. Ligand-dependent activity of ERα is determined by the conformation of helix-12 (H12) within the ligand binding domain (LBD), but how H12 transitions from an unliganded (apo) state to active (estrogen-bound) or inactive (SERM/SERD-bound) states remains unresolved. Here, we present the first crystal structure of an apo ERα LBD, revealing a third distinct H12 conformation that regulates receptor activity. Structural mass-spectrometry, small-angle X-ray scattering, functional analysis and molecular dynamics simulations reveal that the apo conformation of H12 is stable in the absence of ligand, but is destabilised by Y537S and D538G breast cancer mutations driving constitutive activation. We propose a model in which H12 functions as a ternary molecular switch to determine receptor activity. These findings provide critical insights into the ligand-dependent and -independent regulation of ERα and have significant implications for therapeutic intervention.
Dynamics and emergence of metachronal waves in the ciliary band of a metazoan larva
Authors: Poon Rebecca N. , Jékely Gáspár , Wan Kirsty Y. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractBoth natural and synthetic ciliary arrays exhibit diverse coordination patterns. Proper coordination of cilia is essential for the normal physiology of many organisms, from single cells to humans. Yet despite decades of research the mechanisms of cilia coordination remains disputed, particularly the question of how coordinated waves of activity known as metachronal waves arise in different ciliated systems. In many aquatic larvae that rely on ciliary motility to swim, the cilia are often arranged ornately in arrays or bands, within which robust metachronal waves propagate. Here, to resolve the origins of ciliary metachronism, we target the equatorial ciliary band of the marine annelid,Platynereis dumerelii, using whole-body high-speed imaging, and physical and biological manipulations. The results reveal an unprecedented wave structure featuring strong coupling within individual multiciliated cells that breaks down across cell boundaries, and absence of global coupling across the organism. Using laser ablation to create gaps in the ciliary band, we quantify the resulting disruption to wave propagation, revealing the extent of interciliary phase-locking and implicating steric interactions as an important contributor to coordination. The larvae also exhibit spontaneous whole-body ciliary arrests which allow us to study wave emergence and re-establishment for the first time, revealing a novel role of the animal’s nervous system in the dynamic coupling of cilia.
Exploring the impact of network brokerage behavior in mutual fund retail markets
Authors: Cheah Chee Wei , Ewe Soo Yeong , Ho Helen Hui Ping 
Published: February 2025

PurposeThis study advances network brokerage theory by examining both benefits-driven and altruistic brokerage behaviors within the mutual fund retail markets of emerging economies.Design/methodology/approachUsing a methodological combination of netnographic observations and in-depth interviews with fund investors, social influencers, sales agents and staffs from do-it-yourself (DIY) investment platforms, it uncovers the digital evolution of the mutual fund industry.FindingsOur findings illuminate a significant pivot from traditional retail channels to third-party DIY investment platforms, a change accelerated by the recent pandemic. This shift underscores a critical theoretical extension by spotlighting the altruistic actions of social influencers, or key opinion leaders (KOLs), challenging the prevalent focus on solely benefits-driven motives in network brokerage literature. Furthermore, the study reveals a diminishing significance of arbitrage network brokering amidst the industry’s digital overhaul.Originality/valueConcluding with an insightful discussion on its implications to policymakers and practitioners and acknowledging potential limitations, this research offers valuable perspectives for understanding the dynamics of network brokerage in the context of digital transformation within consumer financial markets.
Effectiveness of board of directors and risk-taking: the mediating role of Shari’ah supervisory board of Bangladesh Islamic financial institutions
Authors: Islam Md. Mohidul , Islam Md. Aminul , Hassan Md. Sharif , AlHalaseh Rula 
Published: February 2025

Purpose
This study aims to assess the effectiveness of the Shari’ah supervisory board (SSB) and its impact on risk-taking in the presence of a strong and effective board of directors (BoD) among Islamic financial institutions (IFIs) in Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach
This study is conducted as a sample and extracted data from bank annual reports of 16 IFIs in Bangladesh from 2011 to 2020. To overcome the endogeneity, the research has applied the two-step systems generalized method of moments model with Arellano−Bover and Blundell−Bond estimators.

Findings
The results indicated that the indices of BoD and SSB negatively influence each other’s credit risk, particularly in the Southeast Asian context, focusing on IFIs in Bangladesh. In addition, the SSB mediated risk-taking positively when coupled with a strong BoD.

Practical implications
This paper emphasizes how the multiple board systems and their impact on risk-taking make the unique governance structure. Risk-sharing, avoiding fixed-up interest rates and ethical investing are controlled by the dual board’s contributions to financial stability. SSB contributes significantly to improve the regulatory coordination and product innovation in the global financial system to combat unethical profits from society.

Originality/value
This study contributes to the literature gap of the dual board’s role of governance. It is believed to be one of the first studies that provide empirical evidence and theories on SSB’s mediating role in the context of socio-economic, cultural and policy with other similar contexts of subcontinent particularly in Bangladeshi’s IFIs.
Does sustainability performance reflect the quality of internal controls?
Authors: Jizi Mohammad , Thomas Edward 
Published: February 2025

Purpose
This paper aims to examine whether firms’ environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance indicates higher quality internal controls. The authors argue that commitment to high ESG performance is indicative of a commitment to quality corporate governance and impactful ESG practices are presumed to be achieved when pursued within a system of strong internal controls.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors obtain financial and ESG-related information for firms on the Financial Times Stock Exchange (FTSE)-350 for the years 2010–2018. Following prior literature, the authors use audit report lag as a measure of auditor effort. Controlling for various factors that proxy for audit clients’ inherent risk, the authors hypothesize that the remaining variance in audit report lag is related to audit clients’ control risk, and test whether ESG performance explains some of that remaining variance. To measure ESG performance, the authors use two variables to proxy firm’s ESG performance, an ESG disclosure score and being listed on the FTSE4GOOD index. Thomson Reuters provides a weighted average and industry adjusted ESG disclosure score. The FTSE4Good listing status was manually collected. Random-effect GLS panel regression model is used to estimate relationships. The authors reran their regressions using the generalized linear model and the two-stage least square model and the authors used an industry adjusted audit report lag and the lagged value of ESG and FTSE4GOOD to ensure the robustness of the results.

Findings
Regressing audit report lag on different measures of ESG performance, the authors find that better ESG performance is associated with lower audit report lag. The results remain consistent when replacing ESG with FTSE4Good and applying alternative econometrical techniques. The authors also find that female board representation facilitates lower audit report lag.

Originality/value
This study provides an alternative methodological approach to indicate firms’ internal control quality. In addition, auditors can benefit from firms’ ESG performance/disclosure to assess their client’s governance, internal control quality and project that on the audit risk and the level of effort required.
Experiences of asylum interviews by asylum officials, interpreters and asylum seekers in Finland
Authors: Skrifvars Jenny , Ilmoni Anna , Siegfrids Linnea , Galán Maria , Selim Hedayat , Stevens Laura , Korkman Julia , Antfolk Jan 
Published: February 2025

Purpose
Recent legal psychological research has highlighted shortcomings in asylum interviews; however, few studies have examined how the interview participants (interviewer, interpreter and asylum seeker) experience and perceive the interviews. The purpose of this study was to explore how these interview participants experience rapport and communication within asylum interviews, as well as to investigate how well interviewers’ and interpreters’ views align with empirical evidence regarding best-practice interviewing.

Design/methodology/approach
Interviewers (n = 62), interpreters (n = 63) and asylum seekers (n = 49) answered an online survey with mainly closed questions about preparation, rapport, interview content, interpretation and overall experiences of the interviews. Interviewers and interpreters reported experiences from interviews conducted in 2021, whereas asylum seekers referred to their interview experiences from 2016 to 2022. Data were explored descriptively.

Findings
The views of interviewers and interpreters were mostly aligned with evidence-based interviewing recommendations. However, contrary to recommendations, interpreters reported favouring closed questions over open prompts. Most asylum seekers reported feeling nervous or afraid during the interviews, and three-fourths reported difficulties in sharing their experiences and disclosing personal information. This indicates that more work on how to build rapport in cross-cultural, interpreter-assisted interviews is needed. The interpreters’ preference for using closed questions presents a risk to interview quality that should be mitigated through training for interpreters as well as improved collaboration between interviewers and interpreters.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to explore experiences of asylum interviews from the perspectives of interviewers, interpreters and asylum seekers.
Developing a clinical assessment of skills and competencies exam preparatory course for international medical graduates in psychiatry: reflections and learnings
Authors: Awhangansi Sewanu , Asiodu Amaka , Akinfala Akinloye , Ojo Jumoke , Orimoloye Olamide , Sodiya Olusegun , Obienu Ifeyinwa , Inogbo Chinwe , Seun-Fadipe Champion , Adegbohun Abosede , Adeyemo Suraju , Ugalahi Theresa , Oluwaranti Oluwaseun , Okome Ifeoluwa , Itodo Odah , Akani Ruth , Medubi Adeyinka , Akhator-Eneka Nwife , Ogunwale Adegboyega , Archard Philip John 
Published: February 2025

Purpose
This paper aims to focus on concerns unique to international medical graduates (IMGs) and doctors from global majority groups pursuing a career in psychiatry in the UK. It specifically addresses challenges affecting the differential attainment of IMGs in passing the Clinical Assessment of Skills and Competencies (CASC) examination – the final assessment for attaining Membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, affording entry to specialty training programmes.

Design/methodology/approach
Reflections are provided on learning from a CASC examination preparatory course specifically developed for IMGs in psychiatry, particularly those from global majority groups. The rationale for the course is set out as well as some of the challenges in designing and developing the course.

Findings
By reflecting on the experience of developing the course, the intersection of medical education, differential attainment and cultural disparities in training is addressed, alongside the role of group practice in exam preparation and support tailored to the needs of IMGs from global majority groups.

Originality/value
The reflections provided illuminate possible means of innovation to support the progression of IMGs and doctors from global majority backgrounds in the CASC, as a high stakes examination in medical training, and to support action to improve overall outcomes for this community in the field of psychiatry.
Patient-centered care in practice: hospital and online primary care settings
Authors: McColl-Kennedy Janet R. , Witell Lars , Frow Pennie , Cheung Lilliemay , Payne Adrian , Govind Rahul 
Published: February 2025

Purpose
Drawing on value cocreation, this study examines health-care customers’ perceptions of patient-centered care (PCC) in hospital and online primary care settings. This study aims to address how are the key principles of PCC related, how the relationships between key PCC principles and outcomes (subjective well-being and service satisfaction) vary depending on the channel providing the care (hospital/online primary care) and what differences are placed on the involvement of family and friends in these different settings by health-care customers.

Design/methodology/approach
This study comprises four samples of health-care customers (Sample 1 n = 272, Sample 2 n = 278, Sample 3 n = 275 and Sample 4 n = 297) totaling 1,122 respondents. This study models four key principles of PCC: service providers respecting health-care customers’ values, needs and preferences; collaborative resources of the multi-disciplinary care team; health-care customers actively collaborating with their own resources; and health-care customers involving family and friends, explicating which principles of PCC have positive effects on outcomes: subjective well-being and service satisfaction.

Findings
Findings confirm that health-care customers want to feel respected by service providers, use their own resources to actively collaborate in their care and have multi-disciplinary teams coordinating and integrating their care. However, contrary to prior findings, for online primary care, service providers respecting customers’ values needs and preferences do not translate into health-care customers actively collaborating with their own resources. Further, involving family and friends has mixed results for online primary care. In that setting, this study finds that involving family and friends only positively impacts service satisfaction, when care is provided using video and not voice only.

Social implications
By identifying which PCC principles influence the health-care customer experience most, this research shows policymakers where they should invest resources to achieve beneficial outcomes for health-care customers, service providers and society, thus advancing current thinking and practice.

Originality/value
This research provides a health-care customer perspective on PCC and shows how the resources of the health-care system can activate the health-care customer’s own resources. It further shows the role of technology in online care, where it alters how care is experienced by the health-care customer.
Understanding acceptability of non-cash incentives to encourage voluntary blood donation: a psychographic approach
Authors: Chell Kathleen , Van Dyke Nina , Masser Barbara M. , Kruse Sarah P. , Davison Tanya E. 
Published: February 2025

Purpose
This research aimed to better understand what influences the acceptability of non-cash incentives to encourage voluntary blood donation among those who have and have not donated blood.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper used data from two cross-sectional surveys with Australian blood donors (n = 768) and non-donors (n = 1,087).

Findings
Cost-benefit evaluation, embarrassment and deal proneness were found to be important predictors, explaining 4.4%–27.2% of the acceptability of six different types of non-cash incentives, in addition to demographic (age, gender, education, income), geographic (region) and behavioural (blood donor status) characteristics. Cost-benefit evaluation remained the strongest predictor, irrespective of blood donor status. People who were more embarrassed to receive an incentive generally for donating blood were slightly more accepting of health checks and charity donations, and less accepting of deal promotions. People who were more likely to respond to promotional deals generally were also more accepting of all types of incentives for blood donation; interaction effects demonstrated this was particularly true for non-donors.

Practical implications
Findings direct attention to factors that will improve the design and implementation of incentive programs to maximise their acceptability and impact without undermining organisational reputation, as well as point to psychographic characteristics that should be considered when evaluating the adoption and effectiveness of incentives for encouraging blood donation.

Originality/value
This paper extends our understanding of what explains the acceptability of different incentive types to encourage voluntary blood donation, beyond geographic, demographic and behavioural characteristics of people who do and do not donate blood.