bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SALL4B, not targeted by IMiD, is important for SALL4-mediated tumorigenesis
Authors: L. Vu Kim Anh , Kumari Kalpana , Liu Bee Hui , Gao Chong , Li Feng , Tang Jing Ping , Maddalo Danilo , Auld Douglas S. , Casalena Dominick E. , Tian Xi , Liu Miao , Bassal Mahmoud A. , Moein Shiva , Iakovleva Viktoriia , Tan Justin L. , Stein Alicia J. , Zhou Qiling , Fischer Patrick D. , Sigua Logan H. , Qi Jun , Arthanari Haribabu , Tenen Daniel G. , Chai Li
Published: July 2023

Oncofetal transcription factor SALL4 is essential for cancer cell survival.1-5Recently, several groups reported that immunomodulatory imide drugs (IMiDs) could degrade SALL4 in a proteasome-dependent manner.6,7Intriguingly, we observed that IMiDs had no effect on SALL4-positive cancer cells. Further studies demonstrated that IMiDs could only degrade SALL4A, one of the SALL4 isoforms. This finding raises the possibility that SALL4B, the isoform not affected by IMiDs, may be essential for SALL4-mediated cancer cell survival. SALL4B knockdown led to an increase in apoptosis and inhibition of cancer cell growth. SALL4B gain-of-function alone led to liver tumor formation in mice. Our observation that protein degraders can possess isoform-specific effects exemplifies the importance of delineating drug action and oncogenesis at the isoform level to develop more effective cancer therapeutics.
Semi-supervised integration of single-cell transcriptomics data
Authors: Andreatta Massimo , Hérault Léonard , Gueguen Paul , Gfeller David , Berenstein Ariel J , Carmona Santiago J
Published: July 2023

Single-cell sequencing technologies offer unprecedented opportunities to characterize the complexity of biological samples with high resolution. At the same time, variations in sample processing and experimental protocols introduce technical variability – or “batch effects” – in the molecular readouts, hindering comparative analyses across samples and individuals. Although batch effect correction methods are routinely applied in single-cell omics analyses, data integration often leads to overcorrection, resulting in the loss of true biological variability. In this study, we present STACAS v2, a semi-supervised scRNA-seq data integration method that leverages prior knowledge in the form of cell type annotations to preserve biological variance. Through an open and reproducible benchmarking pipeline, we show that semi-supervised STACAS outperforms popular unsupervised methods such as Harmony, FastMNN, Seurat v4, scVI, and Scanorama, as well as supervised methods such as scANVI and scGen. Notably, STACAS is robust to incomplete and imprecise cell type annotations, which are commonly encountered in real-life integration tasks. Highlighting its scalability, we successfully applied semi-supervised STACAS to construct a high-resolution map of tumor-infiltrating CD8 T cells encompassing over 500,000 cells from 265 individuals. Based on our findings, we argue that the incorporation of prior cell type information should be a common practice in single-cell data integration, and we provide a flexible framework for semi-supervised batch effect correction. STACAS seamlessly integrates with Seurat pipelines and can be run with one command: Run.STACAS(seurat.list, cell.labels).
Dissociable encoding of motivated behavior by parallel thalamo-striatal projections
Authors: Beas Sofia , Khan Isbah , Gao Claire , Loewinger Gabriel , Macdonald Emma , Bashford Alison , Rodriguez-Gonzalez Shakira , Pereira Francisco , Penzo Mario A.
Published: July 2023

The successful pursuit of goals requires the coordinated execution and termination of actions that lead to positive outcomes. This process is thought to rely on motivational states that are guided by internal drivers, such as hunger or fear. However, the mechanisms by which the brain tracks motivational states to shape instrumental actions are not fully understood. The paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) is a midline thalamic nucleus that shapes motivated behaviors via its projections to the nucleus accumbens (NAc)1–8and monitors internal state via interoceptive inputs from the hypothalamus and brainstem3,9–14. Recent studies indicate that the PVT can be subdivided into two major neuronal subpopulations, namely PVTD2(+)and PVTD2(–), which differ in genetic identity, functionality, and anatomical connectivity to other brain regions, including the NAc4,15,16. In this study, we used fiber photometry to investigate thein vivodynamics of these two distinct PVT neuronal types in mice performing a reward foraging-like behavioral task. We discovered that PVTD2(+)and PVTD2(−)neurons encode the execution and termination of goal-oriented actions, respectively. Furthermore, activity in the PVTD2(+)neuronal population mirrored motivation parameters such as vigor and satiety. Similarly, PVTD2(−)neurons, also mirrored some of these parameters but to a much lesser extent. Importantly, these features were largely preserved when activity in PVT projections to the NAc was selectively assessed. Collectively, our results highlight the existence of two parallel thalamo-striatal projections that participate in the dynamic regulation of goal pursuits and provide insight into the mechanisms by which the brain tracks motivational states to shape instrumental actions.
Identification of success criteria over lifecycle of dam industry projects: a Delphi study
Authors: Amies Pouya , Jin Xiaohua , Senaratne Sepani
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Dam industry projects have significant economic, social and environmental impacts. However, very little has been carried out to improve their lifecycle performance. The purpose of this study is to identify success criteria applicable to different stages of such projects.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a quantitative research design where the potential success criteria for dam engineering projects were evaluated. The applicable success criteria were determined for the four phases of project lifecycle by three rounds of Delphi technique with the participation of experts from dams industry in Australia.

Findings

The findings of this research suggest that project success is a multidimensional notion and varies over lifecycle of projects. This study on project success criteria shows that certain criteria can be applied to measure success in different phases over lifecycle of Australian dam industry projects.

Originality/value

The results of this research present the first exclusive quantitative assessment of success criteria for dams industry. The success criteria presented in this study enable project practitioners to measure success at various stages of dam industry projects. This can serve as a tool to put more management efforts into achieving success on those criteria.
Savitar: an intelligent sign language translation approach for deafness and dysphonia in the COVID-19 era
Authors: Liang Wuyan , Xu Xiaolong
Published: July 2023

Purpose

In the COVID-19 era, sign language (SL) translation has gained attention in online learning, which evaluates the physical gestures of each student and bridges the communication gap between dysphonia and hearing people. The purpose of this paper is to devote the alignment between SL sequence and nature language sequence with high translation performance.

Design/methodology/approach

SL can be characterized as joint/bone location information in two-dimensional space over time, forming skeleton sequences. To encode joint, bone and their motion information, we propose a multistream hierarchy network (MHN) along with a vocab prediction network (VPN) and a joint network (JN) with the recurrent neural network transducer. The JN is used to concatenate the sequences encoded by the MHN and VPN and learn their sequence alignments.

Findings

We verify the effectiveness of the proposed approach and provide experimental results on three large-scale datasets, which show that translation accuracy is 94.96, 54.52, and 92.88 per cent, and the inference time is 18 and 1.7 times faster than listen-attend-spell network (LAS) and visual hierarchy to lexical sequence network (H2SNet) , respectively.

Originality/value

In this paper, we propose a novel framework that can fuse multimodal input (i.e. joint, bone and their motion stream) and align input streams with nature language. Moreover, the provided framework is improved by the different properties of MHN, VPN and JN. Experimental results on the three datasets demonstrate that our approaches outperform the state-of-the-art methods in terms of translation accuracy and speed.
Influence of social identity on service sabotage in hospitality organizations: cross-level roles of job embeddedness, organizational identification and supervisor support
Authors: Wang Chung-Jen
Published: July 2023

Purpose

On the basis of social identity theory, the purpose of this study is to simultaneously examine how social-based identity (i.e. organizational identification and supervisor support) and personal-based identity (i.e. work-related characteristics and job embeddedness) influence employees’ service sabotage.

Design/methodology/approach

By using a sample of 685 employee–customer dyads, this study investigated whether the cross-level moderating roles of organizational identification and supervisor support can activate linkage between work-related characteristics and job embeddedness.

Findings

The results of this study indicated that job embeddedness mediates the multiple cross-level effects of organizational identification, supervisor support and work-related characteristics on service sabotage. Moreover, work-related characteristics influence job embeddedness more positively in higher than lower levels of organizational identification and supervisor support.

Practical implications

This study provides a valuable approach to effective management practices, helps to clarify identification at work and expands perceived external prestige for hospitality companies.

Originality/value

These findings support that identity in organizations can be recognized as one of the fundamental concepts that influence individual psychological traits, capabilities, bodily attributes, group classifications and organizational effectiveness.
Entrepreneurship education and its gendered effects on feasibility, desirability and intentions for technology entrepreneurship among STEM students
Authors: Pergelova Albena , Angulo-Ruiz Fernando , Manolova Tatiana S. , Yordanova Desislava
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine how entrepreneurship education influences intentions for starting a technology venture among science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) students with particular attention to gender differences. This study builds on the model of entrepreneurial event and social role theory to assess the impact of entrepreneurship education on feasibility, desirability and intentions for technology entrepreneurship.

Design/methodology/approach

The hypotheses are tested with a sample of 879 Bulgarian science and engineering students from 15 universities. To test the models, this study uses ordinary least squares and logistic regressions with robust standard errors and Hayes mediation analysis with bootstrap bias-corrected confidence interval estimations for indirect effects. Two-stage Heckman regressions to control for sample selection bias and other robustness checks including propensity score matching were used.

Findings

Results show that entrepreneurship education, measured as participation in an entrepreneurship course, has a stronger impact on feasibility, desirability and intentions for technology entrepreneurship for female STEM students compared to their male counterparts. As such, this study supports the notion that entrepreneurship education could be part of a solution to counteract societal norms that position technology entrepreneurship as a less desirable and/or less feasible choice for women in STEM. However, attention should be paid to the operationalization of entrepreneurship education, as other measures of entrepreneurship education (role models, entrepreneurship education support) did not have a moderation effect with gender.

Research limitations/implications

The authors assume a positive correlation between entrepreneurial intentions and entrepreneurial behavior. Future studies should include actual entrepreneurial behavior to paint a more complete picture of the effect of entrepreneurship education.

Originality/value

Little is known about the role of entrepreneurship education in the field of technology entrepreneurship, and even less about the potential gender differences in entrepreneurship education among STEM students. The study contributes to the literature by examining factors that could help close the persistent gender gap in technology entrepreneurship.
Pilgrim's progress? A field ethnography of multimodal recording, curating and sharing of the Camino de Santiago experience
Authors: Innocenti Perla
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Religious and secular pilgrimages present rich opportunities for investigating information activities in an original and intriguing context. While the Information Science community has previously shown interest in digital expressions of religion and spirituality, discussion on pilgrimage is at a nascent stage. The purpose of this study is to conduct an in situ investigation of how pilgrims record, curate, and share their experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

A field ethnography was conducted while walking with, observing and interviewing pilgrims along the Camino de Santiago, a popular European pilgrimage and UNESCO World Heritage route. Data collected from 25 semi-structured interviews and participant observations were thematically analysed within a theoretical framework combining Stebbins' contemplation and Nature Challenge Activity in serious leisure and Hektor's model of information behaviour.

Findings

This study expands the interpretation of pilgrimage by introducing new insights into pilgrims, different types of mobilities, spaces and objects, and social interactions. By using field ethnography and close-up observations of praxis, pilgrimage is analysed as a socio-technical process and discussed literature within and beyond Information Science. The work presents new understandings of the interplay between spirituality, embodied information practices, physical and online social interactions, analogue and digital media before, during and after these journeys and legacy aspirations.

Originality/value

The study is original in its combination of theoretical models and their ethnographic in situ application. It contributes to a more in-depth, in-the-field understanding of how pilgrims document their experiences via a rich palette of old and new media, the dynamics of using digital technologies during such physical and inner journeys and pilgrims' sharing practices. Implications for serious leisure and information practices are discussed, from theoretical to practical challenges and opportunities offered by pilgrimage experiences.
Challenges, drivers and incentives to private sector participation in public-private partnership projects in developing countries: evidence from Zambia
Authors: Zulu Ephraim , Mutwale Josephine , Zulu Sambo Lyson , Musonda Innocent , Kavishe Neema , Moobela Cletus
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Governments in developing countries seeking to meet their infrastructure backlog are increasingly turning to public–private partnerships (PPP) due to a lack of public funds. However, while there are factors which drive the current uptake of projects, there are challenges with attracting private finance, and it is not clear what incentives can be used to attract more private participation, especially in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Therefore, this study aims to examine challenges, drivers and incentives that affect private participation in PPP projects in Zambia.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a qualitative approach with semi-structured interviews with participants who had first-hand experience working on the administration of PPP projects. The participants were predominantly from the public sector, and so the results are largely a public sector perspective on the matter.

Findings

The findings show that bureaucracy and a poor business environment emanating from poor policies, long procedures and a poor economic environment are the main challenges affecting PPP projects. The current demand for the projects is being driven by a stable business and economic environment while incentives include enhancing the business environment by improving procedures and policies.

Originality/value

The study contributes to extant literature by proposing an overarching theory about the challenges affecting the implementation of PPP projects in Zambia, in particular, and in SSA, in general. The results show areas where governments and government agencies responsible for PPP projects can focus attention to promote private participation.
Industry 5.0: analyzing the challenges in implementation using grey influence analysis
Authors: Rajesh R.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The author explores the challenges to implementation of Industry 5.0 in the manufacturing sector, considering the developing economy context and studying the causal relationships among factors using an advanced causal modelling technique, the Grey Influence Analysis (GINA). The challenges were further classified based on importance and their influencing power.

Design/methodology/approach

The author uses the novel causal modelling technique of GINA to study and understand the influence relations among the challenges to implementation of Industry 5.0.

Findings

Based on the results from the expert response-based study in the Indian manufacturing industry, it is seen that the Regulatory challenges (RGC) appear to be the most important challenge that needs to be tackled first, while implementing Industry 5.0. Integration with existing systems and Ethical challenges (ETC) emerge as the second and third most important in the category of challenges, as per the results from the GINA analysis.

Research limitations/implications

The RGC and the ETC need to be addressed prior to implementation and it is necessary to check whether the technologies comply with regulations and whether it creates serious job displacements. While implementation, the challenges with integration to existing systems can be appropriately tackled.

Practical implications

As a practical implication of the study, the author suggests that a proactive and reactive approach can be adopted to implement the Industry 5.0 concepts to reality. The RGC can be viewed for the adoption of technology, integration challenges can be viewed by understanding the existing systems, and ETC can be addressed by understanding the workforce in combination with technologies.

Originality/value

The shift in focus on sustainability and resilience has transformed the conventional industries to think beyond efficiency and productivity, toward being more responsible to society. The study analyzes the challenges to implementation of Industry 5.0 and the causal relations among them considering an expert response-based study.
Modelling critical success factors (CSFs) for Ghanaian public–private partnership (PPP) power projects using fuzzy synthetic evaluation (FSE)
Authors: Kukah Augustine Senanu Komla , Owusu-Manu De-Graft , Badu Edward , Edwards David John , Asamoah Eric
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to first identify and then model the impact of critical success factors (CSFs) of public–private partnership (PPP) power projects.

Design/methodology/approach

Review of empirical literature came out with 20 CSFs which were ranked by experts and industry practitioners through a two-round Delphi questionnaire survey.

Findings

These CSFs were grouped into CSF groups (CSFGs) using component analysis, and they served as the input variables for fuzzy analysis. The six components were collaboration and transparency, guarantee and permits, socio-political support, expected profitability, technical feasibility and risk allocation (RA). Overall success index of PPP power projects in Ghana was 5.966 and showed there is high impact of CSFGs on project success. Fuzzy analysis also confirmed RA as the most significant CSFG.

Originality/value

The model developed can serve as a multi-dimension CSF framework that can be used as a success attainment tool for PPP power projects. For policy developers and stakeholders, the model serves as a pointer to issues which the government/public sector must focus on to attract huge investments from the private sector in the power sector.
Information integration, procurement internal controls, material and purchasing procedure standardization and procurement performance in humanitarian organizations
Authors: Muhwezi Moses , Mutebi Henry , Mayanja Samuel Ssekajja , Tukamuhabwa Benjamin , Namagembe Sheila , Kalema Robert
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Procuring relief products and services is a challenging process for humanitarian organizations (HOs), yet it accounts for approximately 65% of relief operations’ costs (Moshtari et al., 2021). This paper aims to examine how procurement internal controls, materials and purchasing procedure standardization influence information integration and procurement performance.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, partial least square structural equation models and multigroup analysis were used to analyze data collected from 170 HOs.

Findings

Procurement internal controls and material and purchasing procedure standardization fully mediate between information integration and procurement performance.

Research limitations/implications

The study focuses only on HOs. Since humanitarian procurement projects take place over a period of several years, it is difficult to capture the long-term effects of information integration, procurement internal controls, material and purchasing procedure standardization and procurement performance. In this regard, a longitudinal study could be undertaken, provided that the required resources are available.

Practical implications

Procurement managers should implement information integration practices within acceptable procurement internal controls and standardize material and purchasing procedures to boost procurement performance.

Originality/value

By integrating information through procurement internal controls and standardizing material and purchasing procedures, procurement performance in a humanitarian setting can be systematically optimized.
The portrayal of the role and agency of students and higher education institutions in highly ranked business school discourses
Authors: Tamássy Réka , Géring Zsuzsanna , Király Gábor , Plugor Réka , Rakovics Márton
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate how highly ranked business schools portray ideal students in terms of their attributes and their agency. Understanding how these higher education institutions (HEIs) discursively construct their present and prospective students also shed light on the institutions’ self-representation, the portrayal of the student–institution relationship and eventually the discursive construction of higher education’s (HE) role.

Design/methodology/approach

To understand this dynamic interrelationship, this study uses mixed methodological textual analysis first quantitatively identifying different modes of language use and then qualitatively analysing them.

Findings

With this approach, this study identified six language use groups. While the portrayal of the business schools and that of the students are always co-constructed, these groups differ in the extent of student and organisational agency displayed as well as the role and purpose of the institution. Business schools are always active agents in these discourses, but their roles and the students’ agency vary greatly across these six groups.

Practical implications

These findings can help practitioners determine how students are currently portrayed in their organisational texts, how their peers and competitors talk and where they want to position themselves in relation to them.

Originality/value

Previous studies discussed the ideal HE students from the perspective of the students or their educators. Other analyses on HE discourse focused on HEIs’ discursive construction and social role This study, however, unveils how the highly ranked business schools in their external organisational communication discursively construct their ideals and expectations for both their students and the general public.
Electronic word of mouth for the choice of wellness tourism destination image and the moderating role of COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Goyal Charu , Taneja Udita
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Information technology as a source of information and decision-making has wider acceptance in contemporary times. Studies have identified the importance of electronic word of mouth (eWOM) and its impact on decision-making. The primary objective of this research is to investigate the relationship between eWOM (pre-travel), destination image (post-visit), tourist satisfaction and eWOM intentions post the COVID-19 crisis. This study is important as it is anticipated that in the post-pandemic world, tourists would seek well-being-enhancing experiences more often than any other form of tourism.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through an online questionnaire circulated over a period of six months from November 2020 to April 2021. Non-probability purposive sampling technique was used.

Findings

The results depicted that wellness destination’s image has a significant influence on wellness tourists’ satisfaction level and their eWOM intentions. Furthermore, it also came to light that the satisfaction level of wellness tourist satisfaction was found to be significantly influencing their eWOM intentions. The mediating role of wellness tourists’ satisfaction was found to be significant from destination image (post-visit) to eWOM intentions. COVID-19 pandemic perceived health risk was also found to be significantly moderating the relationship between eWOM (pre-travel) and eWOM intentions.

Originality/value

Pre-travel online information about a wellness destination is an important determinant of travel decisions, especially during the COVID-19 crisis. This empirical study proves that effective use of this information can advance a destination’s marketing efforts and ensure future demand.
Impacts of climate pact on global oil and gas sector stocks
Authors: Kumari Vineeta , Assaf Rima , Moussa Faten , Pandey Dharen Kumar
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the impacts of the Glasgow Climate Pact on global oil and gas sector stocks. Further, this study also examines if the nations' Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) and World Energy Trilemma Index (WETI) drive the abnormal returns around the event.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors apply the event study analysis to 691 global oil and gas firms across 52 countries. Further, they apply the cross-sectional examination of cumulative abnormal returns (CARs) across 502 firms.

Findings

The emerging markets experienced significant negative abnormal returns on the event day. The CCPI negatively affects longer pre-event CARs, while WETI significantly negatively associates with CARs during longer pre- and post-event windows. Volatility is negatively related to pre- and post-event abnormal returns, while past returns positively drive pre-event period CARs but negatively drive post-event window CARs. This study finds an interesting association between liquidity (CACL) and CARs, as CACL positively drives pre-event CARs, but post-event CARs are negatively associated with CACL. The CARs do not significantly correlate with leverage, size and book-to-market ratio.

Practical implications

This study's findings on the impact of climate risks on financial markets have significant implications for global regulatory bodies. Policymakers should reduce stock volatility and enhance environmental disclosures by publicly traded companies to accurately price and assess the potential impacts of climate risks. Governments should examine the effects of environmental restrictions on investor behavior, especially in developing countries with limited access to capital. Therefore, policymakers need to consider the far-reaching impacts of environmental regulations while introducing them.

Originality/value

Climate risks are expected to impact the global financial market significantly. Prior studies provide limited evidence on how such climate pacts impact the oil and gas sector. Hence, this study, while bridging this gap, provides important implications for policymakers and stakeholders, particularly the emerging markets that are more sensitive.
Impact of web perforation size and shapes on structural behavior: a finite element analysis
Authors: De’nan Fatimah , Wai Chong Shek , Hashim Nor Salwani
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Various designs of corrugated webs include trapezoidal, sinusoidal, triangular and rectangular profiles. The increasing use of curved plates has prompted the creation of I-sections made of steel with a corrugated web design. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of an I-beam steel section that features a perforated-triangular web profile.

Design/methodology/approach

In the current study, finite element analysis was conducted on corrugated-perforated steel I-sections using ANSYS software. The study focused on inspecting the design of the perforations, including their shape (circle, square, hexagon, diamond and octagon), size of perforations (80 mm, 100 mm and 120 mm) and layout (the position of web perforation), as well as examining the geometric properties of the section in term of bending, lateral torsional buckling, torsion and shear behavior.

Findings

The study revealed that perforations with diamond, circle and hexagon shapes exhibit good performance, whereas the square shape performs poorly. Moreover, the steel section’s performance decreases with an increase in perforation size, regardless of loading conditions. In addition, the shape of the web perforations can also influence its stress distribution. For example, diamond-shaped perforations have been found to perform better than square-shaped perforations in terms of stress distribution and overall performance. This was because of their ability to distribute stress more evenly and provide greater support to the surrounding material. The diagonal alignment of the diamond shape aligns with principal stress directions, allowing for efficient load transfer and reduced stress concentrations. Additionally, diamond-shaped perforations offer a larger effective area, better shear transfer and improved strain redistribution, resulting in enhanced structural integrity and increased load-carrying capacity.

Originality/value

Hence, the presence of lateral-torsional buckling and torsional loading conditions significantly impacts the performance of corrugated-perforated steel I-sections.
Planning a large‐scale tabletop exercise to test Qatar's healthcare system readiness to respond to a major incident during the 2022 FIFA World Cup
Authors: Alinier Guillaume , Dacey Gillian , Segni Mohamed Aymen , McCabe Sheena , Dungan David R.
Published: July 2023

This article is an illustration of ‘Lessons from the Field’. The Journal of Contingencies and Crisis Management has begun to present lessons coming from professionals engaged in crisis management. ‘Lessons for the Field’ provides insights that can be useful to other professionals. Moreover, ‘Lessons from the Field’ can stimulate ideas for researchers and provide resources for educators. Hosting a mega‐sporting event such as the International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA) World Cup presents many healthcare challenges, especially when organized over a small geographical area with many international supporters potentially increasing the country's normal population by 50%. This article presents how a system‐wide tabletop simulation exercise was planned to test Qatar's healthcare system's readiness to respond to a potential major incident during the FIFA World Cup. The healthcare system‐wide tabletop exercise lasted about 4 h with participants engaging in all the various facilities as expected. It provided opportunities for everyone to put their knowledge of major incident response and mass casualty management into practice. The exercise preparation ensured it ran smoothly for all participants who quickly understood how to engage in the activity. It enabled organizers and participants to identify potential gaps in systems and processes, but also in their own ability to manage such situation.
Medical examiner response to the drug overdose epidemic in King County Washington: “Real‐time” surveillance, data science, and applied forensic epidemiology
Authors: Harruff Richard C. , Yarid Nicole A. , Barbour William L. , Martin Yang H.
Published: July 2023

As the overdose epidemic overwhelmed medicolegal death investigation offices and toxicology laboratories, the King County Medical Examiner's Office responded with “real‐time” fatal overdose surveillance to expedite death certification and information dissemination through assembling a team including a dedicated medicolegal death investigator, an information coordinator, and student interns. In‐house testing of blood, urine, and drug evidence from scenes was performed using equipment and supplies purchased for surveillance. Collaboration with state laboratories allowed validation. Applied forensic epidemiology accelerated data dissemination. From 2010 to 2022, the epidemic claimed 5815 lives in King County; the last 4 years accounted for 47% of those deaths. After initiating the surveillance project, in‐house testing was performed on blood from 2836 decedents, urine from 2807, and 4238 drug evidence items from 1775 death scenes. Time to complete death certificates decreased from weeks to months to hours to days. Overdose‐specific information was distributed weekly to a network of law enforcement and public health agencies. As the surveillance project tracked the epidemic, fentanyl and methamphetamine became dominant and were associated with other indicators of social deterioration. In 2022, fentanyl was involved in 68% of 1021 overdose deaths. Homeless deaths increased sixfold; in 2022, 67% of 311 homeless deaths were due to overdose; fentanyl was involved in 49% and methamphetamine in 44%. Homicides increased 250%; in 2021, methamphetamine was positive in 35% of 149 homicides. The results are relevant to the value of rapid surveillance, its impact on standard operations, selection of cases requiring autopsy, and collaboration with other agencies in overdose prevention.
Lessons from outperformance in the Indian financial sector
Authors: Goyal Ashima
Published: July 2023

We examine predictions and outcomes for the Indian financial sector in the pandemic period to (i) build a case for re‐examining our understanding of the sector and (ii) improve risk perceptions and policy design. Reasons for outperformance include reforms that led to a better balance between discretion from public sector dominance and the excess volatility of market‐based systems. This diversity, as well as divergence of the Indian credit cycle from the global credit cycle, was protective given the sustained external risks. It put the sector in a position to support the domestic recovery, despite global quantitative tightening. Public sector banks contribute to diversity. Non‐bank financial companies reach the unbanked sectors and improve financial inclusion. Regulatory excesses and absence of liquidity support contributed to persistence of financial stress. Policy lessons are for countries to avoid policy over‐reaction, aim for diversity, different types of exposures, some uniformity in financial sector regulation, with the appropriate balance between discipline and support, in order to reduce risks. There are lessons from India's more broad‐based regulation for the narrow bank‐based regulation in advanced economies, which is increasing global financial fragilities and risks. The share of markets has risen so much there that diversity is falling.
Anterior tooth autotransplantation: a case series
Authors: Ong DC‐V , Goh P , Dance G
Published: July 2023

Tooth autotransplantation is the technique of transplanting embedded, impacted or erupted teeth from one site into another in the same individual. It is relatively common for the anterior segment of the mouth to be affected by traumatic tooth injuries, impacted and/or congenitally missing permanent teeth. Autotransplantation of teeth into the anterior dental arch can provide unrivalled biological solutions when such issues arise in this critical aesthetic zone, particularly for adolescent patients. The combination of meticulous pre‐surgical assessment, synergistic interdisciplinary collaboration and carefully performed anterior tooth autotransplantation has been demonstrated to achieve impressive outcomes, with respect to both transplant survival and clinical success. © 2023 Australian Dental Association.
The origins and longevity of IgE responses as indicated by serological and cellular studies in mice and humans
Authors: Ding Zhoujie , Mulder Jesse , Robinson Marcus J.
Published: July 2023

The existence of long‐lived IgE antibody‐secreting cells (ASC) is contentious, with the maintenance of sensitization by the continuous differentiation of short‐lived IgE+ ASC a possibility. Here, we review the epidemiological profile of IgE production, and give an overview of recent discoveries made on the mechanisms regulating IgE production from mouse models. Together, these data suggest that for most individuals, in most IgE‐associated diseases, IgE+ ASC are largely short‐lived cells. A subpopulation of IgE+ ASC in humans is likely to survive for tens of months, although due to autonomous IgE B cell receptor (BCR) signaling and antigen‐driven IgE+ ASC apoptosis, in general IgE+ ASC probably do not persist for the decades that other ASC are inferred to do. We also report on recently identified memory B cell transcriptional subtypes that are the likely source of IgE in ongoing responses, highlighting the probable importance of IL‐4Rα in their regulation. We suggest the field should look at dupilumab and other drugs that prohibit IgE+ ASC production as being effective treatments for IgE‐mediated aspects of disease in most individuals.
Collective cell dynamics and luminal fluid flow in the epididymis: A mechanobiological perspective
Authors: Lee Veronica , Hinton Barry T. , Hirashima Tsuyoshi
Published: July 2023

Background

The mammalian epididymis is a specialized duct system that serves a critical role in sperm maturation and storage. Its distinctive, highly coiled tissue morphology provides a unique opportunity to investigate the link between form and function in reproductive biology. Although recent genetic studies have identified key genes and signaling pathways involved in the development and physiological functions of the epididymis, there has been limited discussion about the underlying dynamic and mechanical processes that govern these phenomena.

Aims

In this review, we aim to address this gap by examining two key aspects of the epididymis across its developmental and physiological phases.

Results and Discussion

First, we discuss how the complex morphology of the Wolffian/epididymal duct emerges through collective cell dynamics, including duct elongation, cell proliferation, and arrangement during embryonic development. Second, we highlight dynamic aspects of luminal fluid flow in the epididymis, essential for regulating the microenvironment for sperm maturation and motility, and discuss how this phenomenon emerges and interplays with epididymal epithelial cells.

Conclusion

This review not only aims to summarize current knowledge but also to provide a starting point for further exploration of mechanobiological aspects related to the cellular and extracellular fluid dynamics in the epididymis.
Genetic variants causing G6PD deficiency: Clinical and biochemical data support new WHO classification
Authors: Nannelli Caterina , Bosman Andrea , Cunningham Jane , Dugué Pierre‐Antoine , Luzzatto Lucio
Published: July 2023

Glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency in erythrocytes causes acute haemolytic anaemia upon exposure to fava beans, drugs, or infection; and it predisposes to neonatal jaundice. The polymorphism of the X‐linked G6PD gene has been studied extensively: allele frequencies of up to 25% of different G6PD deficient variants are known in many populations; variants that cause chronic non‐spherocytic haemolytic anaemia (CNSHA) are instead all rare. WHO recommends G6PD testing to guide 8‐aminoquinolines administration to prevent relapse of Plasmodium vivax infection. From a literature review focused on polymorphic G6PD variants we have retrieved G6PD activity values of 2291 males, and for the mean residual red cell G6PD activity of 16 common variants we have obtained reliable estimates, that range from 1.9% to 33%. There is variation in different datasets: for most variants most G6PD deficient males have a G6PD activity below 30% of normal. There is a direct relationship between residual G6PD activity and substrate affinity (KmG6P), suggesting a mechanism whereby polymorphic G6PD deficient variants do not entail CNSHA. Extensive overlap in G6PD activity values of individuals with different variants, and no clustering of mean values above or below 10% support the merger of class II and class III variants.
Circular RNA circ‐FIRRE interacts with HNRNPC to promote esophageal squamous cell carcinoma progression by stabilizing GLI2 mRNA
Authors: Zhou Yongjia , Xue Xia , Luo Junwen , Li Peiwei , Xiao Zhaohua , Zhang Wenhao , Zhou Jie , Li Peichao , Zhao Jiangfeng , Ge Haibo , Tian Zhongxian , Zhao Xiaogang
Published: July 2023

Increasing evidence has shown that circular RNAs (circRNAs) interact with RNA‐binding proteins (RBPs) and promote cancer progression. However, the function and mechanism of the circRNA/RBP complex in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) are still largely unknown. Herein, we first characterized a novel oncogenic circRNA, circ‐FIRRE, by RNA sequencing (Ribo‐free) profiling of ESCC samples. Furthermore, we observed marked circ‐FIRRE overexpression in ESCC patients with high TNM stage and poor overall survival. Mechanistic studies indicated that circ‐FIRRE, as a platform, interacts with the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein C (HNRNPC) protein to stabilize GLI2 mRNA by directly binding to its 3’‐UTR in the cytoplasm, thereby resulting in elevated GLI2 protein expression and subsequent transcription of its target genes MYC, CCNE1, and CCNE2, ultimately contributing to ESCC progression. Moreover, HNRNPC overexpression in circ‐FIRRE knockdown cells notably abolished circ‐FIRRE knockdown‐mediated Hedgehog pathway inhibition and ESCC progression impairment in vitro and in vivo. Clinical specimen results showed that circ‐FIRRE and HNRNPC expression was positively correlated with GLI2 expression, which reveals the clear significance of the circ‐FIRRE/HNRNPC‐GLI2 axis in ESCC. In summary, our results indicate that circ‐FIRRE could serve as a valuable biomarker and potential therapeutic target for ESCC and highlight a novel mechanism of the circ‐FIRRE/HNRNPC complex in ESCC progression regulation.
Do adolescent girls' relationships with their parents influence their perceptions of the therapeutic alliance and group climate in residential care?
Authors: Rollin Mégan , Pascuzzo Katherine , Lanctôt Nadine
Published: July 2023

Adolescent girls placed in residential care are often the victims of childhood experiences of maltreatment. Their history of relational trauma may subsequently limit their ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with others, a central component for their development and adaptation. The goal of the present study was to determine the nature and strength of associations between adolescent girls' relationship quality with their parents at admission to care and their perceptions, 3 months later, of the therapeutic alliance and group climate within their unit. The sample consisted of 156 adolescent girls between the ages of 12 and 18 living in residential care. Path analysis using structural equation modelling examined significant associations between variables. Results revealed that adolescent girls' perceptions of greater relationship quality with their mothers were associated with more positive perceptions of (a) their therapeutic alliance with their mentor, (b) their relationships with other care workers, and (c) the care practices of their unit. Perceptions of greater relationship quality with their fathers were associated with more positive perceptions of their relationships with the other girls in their unit. Relationship quality with parents as a significant factor to consider in the context of out‐of‐home care for adolescents is discussed.
Cathepsin L regulates oocyte meiosis and preimplantation embryo development
Authors: Ezz Mohamed Aboul , Takahashi Masashi , Rivera Rocío Melissa , Balboula Ahmed Zaky
Published: July 2023

Early embryonic loss, caused by reduced embryo developmental competence, is the major cause of subfertility in humans and animals. This embryo developmental competence is determined during oocyte maturation and the first embryo divisions. Therefore, it is essential to identify the underlying molecules regulating these critical developmental stages. Cathepsin L (CTSL), a lysosomal cysteine protease, is involved in regulating cell cycle progression, proliferation and invasion of different cell types. However, CTSL role in mammalian embryo development is unknown. Using bovine in vitro maturation and culture systems, we show that CTSL is a key regulator for embryo developmental competence. We employed a specific CTSL detection assay in live cells to show that CTSL activity correlates with meiotic progression and early embryo development. Inhibiting CTSL activity during oocyte maturation or early embryo development significantly impaired oocyte and embryo developmental competence as evidenced by lower cleavage, blastocyst and hatched blastocyst rates. Moreover, enhancing CTSL activity, using recombinant CTSL (rCTSL), during oocyte maturation or early embryo development significantly improved oocyte and embryo developmental competence. Importantly, rCTSL supplementation during oocyte maturation and early embryo development significantly improved the developmental competence of heat‐shocked oocytes/embryos which are notoriously known for reduced quality. Altogether, these results provide novel evidence that CTSL plays a pivotal role in regulating oocyte meiosis and early embryonic development.
Creating Caring and Just Democratic Schools to Prevent Extremism
Authors: de Ruyter Doret , Sieckelinck Stijn
Published: July 2023

Secondary schools are well placed to avert radicalization processes toward extremism because such trajectories often begin in adolescence. Adolescents are in the process of forming their identities, and most adolescents are idealistic, which makes them susceptible to groups that passionately pursue utopian visions. To avert the path toward extremism, Doret de Ruyter and Stijn Sieckelinck propose to balance a prevention approach with a positive educative ethos that is sensitive to the emotions involved in students' quest for meaning in life and identity formation. This involves schools being places where all students experience that they matter and where they can express their passion for their ideals and experiment with their identities without being ridiculed; at the same time, schools must guide students in learning that not everything they value will be accepted and that they must also take into account the interests and rights of others. The schools' role is thus complex and precarious, and teachers are in a position of navigating a politically sensitive minefield daily. Therefore, any theoretical proposition regarding what schools can realistically do to prevent extremism must be informed by everyday educational practice.