bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimizing the Laparoscopic Vecchietti Procedure: Tips and Tricks
Authors: Sinha Annika , Woll Abbigail , Kisby Cassandra K. 
Published: February 2025

Background
The Vecchietti procedure is a staged procedure that, through use of an acrylic olive, allows for expedited traction and dilation to create a neovagina in patients with congenital vaginal agenesis. Although the steps are fairly standardized for the laparoscopic Vecchietti procedure, we have appreciated specific nuances in technique that have optimized our surgical approach and efficiency.

Case
We present a case of congenital vaginal agenesis in a genetically female patient who completed neovaginal creation using the laparoscopic Vecchietti technique. During this case, we review each step of the procedure and offer technical strategies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in the operating room. We also describe these specific preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative considerations in a video.

Conclusions
This optimized Vecchietti procedure, or traction vaginoplasty, is an excellent option for neovagina creation in those patients with vaginal agenesis. With the use of our techniques, we have had successful cosmetic and functional outcomes.
Micro-invasive probes for monitoring electrical and chemical neural activity in nonhuman primates
Authors: Amjad Usamma , Mahajan Shreya , Choi Jiwon , Shrivastav Ritesh , Murray Raymond , Somich Abby , Coyne Olivia , Schwerdt Helen N. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractWe leveraged carbon fiber materials for creating sensors that provide dual neurochemical and electrical neural activity recording at micro-invasive (10 µm) spatial footprints proximal to recording sites, and enabling these measurements from deep brain targets of primates with conventional cranial chambers. These shaft-assisted micro-invasive probes (s-µIPs) are approximately 10 µm in diameter along the distal length (1 – 15 mm) immediately surrounding the targeted recording site. This micro-invasive portion ensures that the recording site is isolated from tissue damage induced by the wider shaft portion of the device. The shaft (150 – 165 µm in diameter) within the device stiffens the remaining length of the probe (> 100 mm), and provides compatibility with standard intracranial insertion protocols (e.g., guide tubes and chamber setups) that require a sufficiently rigid and long shaft for deep brain insertion in monkeys. The s-µIP was further expanded to provide dual-channel chemical and electrical neural activity recording with micrometer spatial resolution. Measurements of reward- and movement-related dopamine, spikes, and local field potentials were made from single and dual-channel s-µIPs implanted in task-performing monkeys. Recordings from chronically implanted s-µIPs display the capability of functional multi-modal (chemical and electrical) neural activity measurements over 1-year post-implantation from micro-invasive devices.
The role of asymmetric migration on local adaptation: an analysis of the classic two-habitat migration model
Authors: Priklopil Tadeas 
Published: February 2025

AbstractWe explore how migration and selection interact to shape local adaptation, revisiting the notion that increased gene flow typically suppresses genetic differentiation and local adaptation. Instead, we demonstrate that migration can both suppress and facilitate local adaptation, depending on the symmetry or asymmetry of migration rates between populations. This duality is examined in two scenarios within a single-locus theory: one in which local adaptation of a pair of alleles is maintained under arbitrary patterns of antagonistic selection, and another in which local adaptation develops through the recurrent invasion and fixation of alleles with weak selective effects on a continuous phenotype. For both scenarios, we analyze the classic two-habitat migration model, providing a novel examination of its dynamics. When migration is symmetric, an equal increase in migration rates impedes local adaptation by forcing both variant alleles to spend more time in non-local habitats where they are disfavored. In contrast, when migration rates increase asymmetrically, leading to skewed gene flow, both alleles spend more time in the same habitat, disadvantaging the non-local allele but favoring the locally adapted one. Thus, both increasing and decreasing migration rates can favor or hinder local adaptation, depending on the interplay between migration patterns and selection, underscoring the importance of migration heterogeneity in shaping local adaptation dynamics.
A bivalent self-amplifying RNA vaccine against yellow fever and Zika viruses
Authors: Battisti Peter , Ykema Matthew R. , Kasal Darshan N. , Jennewein Madeleine F. , Beaver Samuel , Weight Abbie E. , Hanson Derek , Singh Jasneet , Bakken Julie , Cross Noah , Fusco Pauline , Archer Jacob , Reed Sierra , Gerhardt Alana , Julander Justin G. , Casper Corey , Voigt Emily A. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTIntroductionYellow fever (YFV) and Zika (ZIKV) viruses cause significant morbidity and mortality, despite the existence of an approved YFV vaccine and the development of multiple ZIKV vaccine candidates to date. New technologies may improve access to vaccines against these pathogens. We previously described a nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC)-delivered self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) vaccine platform with excellent thermostability and immunogenicity, appropriate for prevention of tropical infectious diseases.MethodsYFV and ZIKV prM-E antigen-expressing saRNA constructs were created using a TC-83 strain Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus-based replicon and complexed with NLC by simple mixing. Monovalent and bivalent vaccine formulations were injected intramuscularly into C57BL/6 mice and Syrian golden hamsters, and the magnitude, durability, and protective efficacy of the resulting immune responses were then characterized.Results and discussionMonovalent vaccines established durable neutralizing antibody responses to their respective flaviviral targets, with little evidence of cross-neutralization. Both vaccines additionally elicited robust antigen-reactive CD4+and CD8+T cell populations. Notably, humoral responses to YFV saRNA-NLC vaccination were comparable to those in YF-17D-vaccinated animals. Bivalent formulations established humoral and cellular responses against both viral targets, commensurate to those established by monovalent vaccines, without evidence of saRNA interference or immune competition. Finally, both monovalent and bivalent vaccines completely protected mice and hamsters against lethal ZIKV and YFV challenge. We present a bivalent saRNA-NLC vaccine against YFV and ZIKV capable of inducing robust and efficacious neutralizing antibody and cellular immune responses against both viruses. These data support the development of other multivalent saRNA-based vaccines against infectious diseases.
Risk Factors and Long-term Prognosis for Coinfection of Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Pulmonary Disease and Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis: A Multicenter Observational Study in Japan
Authors: Tanaka Yasuhiro , Ide Shotaro , Takazono Takahiro , Takeda Kazuaki , Iwanaga Naoki , Yoshida Masataka , Hosogaya Naoki , Tsukamoto Yusei , Irifune Satoshi , Suyama Takayuki , Mihara Tomo , Kondo Akira , Kobayashi Tsutomu , Fukuda Yuichi , Sasaki Eisuke , Sawai Toyomitsu , Higashiyama Yasuhito , Hashiguchi Kohji , Hanaka Minako , Ii Toshihiko , Fukushima Kiyoyasu , Komiya Kosaku , Miyazaki Taiga , Yatera Kazuhiro , Izumikawa Koichi , Furumoto Akitsugu , Yanagihara Katsunori , Mukae Hiroshi 
Published: February 2025

AbstractBackground and objectiveNontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) is a chronic respiratory infection with increasing prevalence and mortality worldwide. Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) is a significant complication of NTM-PD and is associated with a poor prognosis. In this multicenter, retrospective, cohort study, we examined the epidemiology, comorbidities, risk factors for CPA coinfection, and long-term prognoses of patients with NTM-PD infected with CPA in Japan.MethodsPatients aged ≥ 8 years with newly diagnosed NTM-PD who visited 18 acute-care hospitals in Kyushu, Japan, between 2010 and 2017 were included. Medical records were reviewed for patient characteristics, underlying diseases, mycobacterial species, laboratory data, radiological features,Aspergilluscoinfection, and all-cause mortality. Risk factors for CPA coinfection were analyzed using multiple logistic regression, and survival analysis was performed before and after propensity score matching with risk factors.ResultsAmong 1,304 patients with NTM-PD, 45 (3.5%) were diagnosed with CPA during the observation period. Risk factors for CPA coinfection included male sex, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, oral corticosteroid use, and cavity formation. All-cause mortality was significantly higher in patients with NTM-PD with CPA than in those without CPA (log-rank test,P< .001; crude HR, 3.98). Survival analysis after propensity score matching confirmed that CPA was an independent poor prognostic factor (log-rank test,P= .036; adjusted HR, 1.59).ConclusionCPA is an independent poor prognostic factor in patients with NTM-PD. Clinicians must consider CPA when treating patients with NTM-PD, particularly those with high-risk factors, to ensure their timely diagnosis and management.Summary at a GlanceA study of 1,304 NTM-PD patients in Japan found that 3.5% had chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA), significantly increasing their mortality risk. Key risk factors for CPA included male sex, COPD, corticosteroid use, and cavity formation. CPA is an independent poor prognostic factor, highlighting the need for timely diagnosis and management.
DNA repair functions are essential for bacterial stress defense but render antibiotic tolerant sub-populations susceptible to ciprofloxacin and gentamicin upon prolonged treatment
Authors: Wan Yingkun , Zheng Jiaqi , Heng Heng , Tang Yang , Ye Lianwei , Wai-Chi Chan Edward , Chen Sheng 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThe unresponsiveness of bacterial tolerant subpopulations to antibiotics has been attributed to physiological dormancy triggered by environmental stresses. In this work, we showed that protein and DNA synthesis activities in tolerant subpopulations that formed during nutrient starvation remained at a high level and only dropped gradually during the course of six days-starvation. Interestingly, upon decline of these activities, the tolerant subpopulations became susceptible to antibiotics that target protein and DNA synthesis, which was found to be required to support DNA repair functions essential for prolonged survival of the tolerant subpopulation. The increasing susceptibility of the bacterial tolerant subpopulation to antibiotics was also due to diminishing energy production, antioxidant defense and efflux functions, which resulted in weakening defense and further inhibition of synthesis and functions of DNA repair and other defense proteins. These findings confirm that bacterial tolerant subpopulations remain physiological active, and open new opportunities for combating bacterial tolerance with existing antibiotics.
Revealing the Nature of yrast States in Neutron-Rich Polonium Isotopes
Authors: Lică R. , Andreyev A. N. , Naïdja H. , Blazhev A. , Van Duppen P. , Andel B. , Algora A. , Antalic S. , Benito J. , Benzoni G. , Berry T. , Borge M. J. G. , Costache C. , Cubiss J. G. , De Witte H. , Fraile L. M. , Fynbo H. O. U. , Greenlees P. T. , Harkness-Brennan L. J. , Huyse M. , Illana A. , Jolie J. , Judson D. S. , Konki J. , Lazarus I. , Madurga M. , Marginean N. , Marginean R. , Mihai C. , Mihai R. E. , Mosat P. , Murias J. R. , Nacher E. , Negret A. , Page R. D. , Perea A. , Pucknell V. , Rahkila P. , Rezynkina K. , Sánchez-Tembleque V. , Schomacker K. , Stryjczyk M. , Sürder C. , Tengblad O. , Vedia V. , Warr N. ,   IDS Collaboration
Published: February 2025

Polonium isotopes having two protons above the shell closure at Z=82 show a wide variety of low-lying, high-spin isomeric states across the whole chain. The structure of neutron-deficient isotopes up to Po210  (N=126) is well established as they are easily produced through various methods. However, there is not much information available for the neutron-rich counterparts for which only selective techniques can be used for their production. We report on the first fast-timing measurements of yrast states up to the 8+ level in Po214,216,218 isotopes produced in the β− decay of Bi214,216,218 at ISOLDE, CERN. In particular, our new half-life value of 607(14) ps for the 81+ state in Po214 is nearly 20 times shorter than the value available in the literature and comparable with the newly measured half-lives of 409(16) and 628(25) ps for the corresponding 81+ states in Po216,218, respectively. The measured B(E2;81+→61+) transition probability values follow an increasing trend relative to isotope mass, reaching a maximum for Po216. The increase contradicts the previous claims of isomerism for the 8+ yrast states in neutron-rich Po214 and beyond. Together with the other measured yrast transitions, the B(E2) values provide a crucial test of the different theoretical approaches describing the underlying configurations of the yrast band. The new experimental results are compared to shell-model calculations using the KHPE and H208 effective interactions and their pairing-modified versions, showing an increase in configuration mixing when moving toward the heavier isotopes.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Evaluating the feasibility and challenges of using passive solar systems for achieving thermal comfort in African countries: a review
Authors: Lazaro Samuel Aires Master , Li Xiangyu 
Published: February 2025

PurposeThis review investigates the significance of passive solar systems and bioclimatic building designs in improving thermal comfort across various African regions. The study evaluates current papers and publications, focusing on best practice standards, scientific developments and the possibility of achieving maximum thermal comfort across varied temperature zones.Design/methodology/approachThis research utilised a systematic approach to analyse passive solar systems and African bioclimatic design. It involved a review of 175 documents sourced from the Web of Science (WOS) and Scopus databases, focusing on peer-reviewed publications from 1992 to 2023 as well as the Regulations and Standards for Thermal Comfort established in African countries.FindingsThe study shows how integrating passive solar systems into bioclimatic architecture greatly increases thermal comfort and lowers energy consumption in African buildings. Nevertheless, significant research gaps exist in using these systems in different African climates. Maintaining and modifying passive solar systems is essential to tackling the distinct environmental issues faced by the continent.Research limitations/implicationsWhile this review provides a thorough analysis, it acknowledges the complexity of local settings and construction practices, recognising potential limitations in the available literature. The implications include a call for further research and technological advancements to address these limitations and refine passive solar systems for optimal performance.Originality/valueThis study bridges knowledge gaps about how passive solar systems and bioclimatic design principles can be efficiently used across various African climates and areas. Furthermore, it incorporates recent advances and a thorough review procedure to ensure that findings are current and relevant.
“Do you feel you’re being seen?”: Black women undergraduates’ experiences with mentorship
Authors: Ekpo Edidiong U. , Ekpo Ekaete C. , Silverstein Madison W. , Toney Akilah , Fix Rebecca L. 
Published: February 2025

PurposeRace and gender – and their intersection – play an important role in mentorship. In the current study, informed by critical race theory (CRT) and intersectionality, we identified and explored helpful and harmful mentoring experiences among Black women undergraduates.Design/methodology/approachSemi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with Black female undergraduate students (n = 18) from five undergraduate institutions in the United States. Interviews were recorded and transcribed, a codebook was developed through a series of team meetings, and inductive qualitative coding was performed.FindingsEight major themes were revealed, with three indicating positive mentorship experiences and five indicating negative mentorship experiences. Participants expressed appreciation for effective mentor support concerning professional development, personal concerns, and race-specific support. Experiencing ineffective mentorship compounded other systemic barriers that the participants faced and led them to censor their self-expression while communicating with their mentors.Originality/valueThis examination of mentoring perspectives from Black women undergraduate students provides a foundation for future directions in mentorship improvement for Black women.
Credit confidence: the impact of disclosure quality and audit quality on bank ratings in emerging economies
Authors: Salem Rami , Ezeani Ernest , Gerged Ali Meftah , Bilal Bilal 
Published: February 2025

PurposeThis study aims to examine how banks’ credit ratings can be driven by the quality of the disclosed financial and nonfinancial information in emerging economies.Design/methodology/approachUsing a sample of 1,590 bank-year observations of 29 Islamic and 77 conventional banks across 17 MENA countries from 2006 to 2020, we conducted a random-effects regression model that is supported by various methods, including 2SLS and GMM models, to overcome the potential incidence of endogeneity concerns.FindingsWe found that the quality of voluntary disclosure positively influences the credit rating of Islamic and conventional banks. Although the spread and usefulness of disclosed information are positively associated with banks’ ratings, the quantity dimension is not. Audit quality also significantly influences Islamic banks’ credit ratings compared to their traditional counterparts.Practical implicationsOur evidence offers practical implications for regulators and standards setters in emerging economies to develop more effective disclosure regimes to enhance the impact of the quality of banks’ voluntary disclosures on their credit ratings.Originality/valueOur paper contributes to the existing literature by investigating the effect of the quality of voluntary disclosures on credit ratings along three dimensions: quantity, spread and usefulness of the information. Further, our research contributes to the international accounting literature by investigating the effect of audit quality on the credit ratings of both conventional and Islamic banks in a cross-country setting.
ESG investing and the performance of JSE-listed real estate firms: a system GMM approach
Authors: Kitulazzi David , Ametefe Frank Kwakutse , Karimu Amin , Akinsomi Omokolade 
Published: February 2025

PurposeThis study aims to examine environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing and its impact on the performance of Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE)-listed real estate firms.Design/methodology/approachThe study applies the two-step generalised method of moments framework to estimate the parameters of our regression model. Data on ESG scores and financial performance were collected from Bloomberg and Refinitiv Eikon, respectively, while data on macroeconomic factors were collected from the World Bank DataBank. The data collected were for the period of 2013–2022.FindingsThe study reveals that composite ESG has a negative and significant impact on firm value as measured by Tobin’s Q. Social sustainability, on the other hand, had a significant and positive impact on both the return on equity and Tobin’s Q. Governance had a positive impact on return on assets, whereas environmental sustainability did not have a significant impact on either firm profitability or firm value.Practical implicationsThe results reveal that the sustainable scores of real estate firms have a positive association with the performance of listed real estate firms in South Africa and therefore, these firms should continue to pay greater attention to ESG investment during their investment decision-making.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first of its kind to examine ESG investment and the performance of JSE-listed real estate firms using ESG data from Bloomberg. The study is expected to increase ESG investment understanding and interest in the property sector of South Africa.
Critical success factors of global virtual teams (GVTs): a study based on UK information technology experts’ opinion
Authors: Mehrabi Hanan , Salamzadeh Yashar , Ramkissoon Haywantee 
Published: February 2025

Purpose
This study aims to examine the critical success factors of global virtual teams (GVTs) working in the information technology industry in the UK. It also focuses on the ranking of the success factors and shedding light on the perceived cause-and-effect relationship between the factors.

Design/methodology/approach
Data was collected from executives working in the IT industry in the UK. Fuzzy DEMATEL analysis was incorporated to generate results.

Findings
The findings suggest that overcoming perceived and temporal distance, empowerment, integrative approach, members’ competencies and cultural intelligence are considered to be causal variables. In contrast, effective team leadership, trust, commitment to task and communication are regarded as an effect. In terms of the degree of importance, communication was ranked in first place. Effective team leadership and overcoming perceived and temporal distance were found to be in second and third place. Empowerment was found to be in the last position in terms of the degree of importance.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is among the first research on GVTs in the UK IT industry context. Also, using the Fuzzy DEMATEL approach differentiates it from the previous studies. The perceived cause-and-effect analysis of the current study using the experts’ opinions has a direct policy-making application as well, which makes the finding easy to use by practitioners and policymakers at the same time.
Reviewing the digital skills and readiness of hospitality and tourism graduates: a way of success
Authors: Stylianou Christiana , Pericleous Katerina 
Published: February 2025

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to assess the digital skills and readiness of recent graduates from hospitality and tourism management programmes in Cyprus for job roles in the hotel industry. It seeks to identify gaps in their competencies and provide recommendations for enhancing educational curricula to better align with the evolving demands of the industry.Design/methodology/approachThe study includes 19 semi-structured interviews with graduates of hospitality and tourism management programmes.FindingsRecent graduates of hospitality and tourism management programs possess basic digital skills, including knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word and PowerPoint), email platforms and video conferencing tools (Zoom and Skype). However, there is a significant gap in their practical experience with industry-specific software, such as Opera, Fidelio, Booking.com and Expedia, which are critical for hotel operations. Graduates mentioned that those tools were only briefly covered in their academic programmes, leaving them underprepared for their application in real-world settings. Additionally, graduates expressed a need for more comprehensive training in digital marketing tools, social media management platforms and customer relationship management systems.Originality/valueThis preliminary research aims to give industry stakeholders, including educators, an initial understanding of the importance of digital skills and the readiness of hospitality and tourism graduates in this area. In countries that rely heavily on tourism but face a shortage of skilled employees, it is vital to understand the gap between what students are learning and what the industry actually needs.