bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Islands of genomic stability in the face of genetically unstable metastatic cancer
Authors: Bowland Kirsten , Lai Jiaying , Skaist Alyza , Zhang Yan , Teh Selina Shiqing K , Roberts Nicholas J. , Thompson Elizabeth , Wheelan Sarah J. , Hruban Ralph H. , Karchin Rachel , Iacobuzio-Donahue Christine A. , Eshleman James R.
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Introduction

Metastatic cancer affects millions of people worldwide annually and is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Most patients with metastatic disease are not eligible for surgical resection, and current therapeutic regimens have varying success rates, some with 5-year survival rates below 5%. Here we test the hypothesis that metastatic cancer can be genetically targeted by exploiting single base substitution mutations unique to individual cells that occur as part of normal aging prior to transformation. These mutations are targetable because ∼10% of them form novel tumor-specific “NGG” protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) sites targetable by CRISPR-Cas9.

Methods

Whole genome sequencing was performed on five rapid autopsy cases of patient-matched primary tumor, normal and metastatic tissue from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma decedents. CRISPR-Cas9 PAM targets were determined by bioinformatic tumor-normal subtraction for each patient and verified in metastatic samples by high-depth capture-based sequencing.

Results

We found that 90% of PAM targets were maintained between primary carcinomas and metastases overall. We identified rules that predict PAM loss or retention, where PAMs located in heterozygous regions in the primary tumor can be lost in metastases (private LOH), but PAMs occurring in regions of loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in the primary tumor were universally conserved in metastases.

Conclusions

Regions of truncal LOH are strongly retained in the presence of genetic instability, and therefore represent genetic vulnerabilities in pancreatic adenocarcinomas. A CRISPR-based gene therapy approach targeting these regions may be a novel way to genetically target metastatic cancer.
Identifying Potential Drug Targets for Varicose Veins through Integration of GWAS and eQTL Summary Data
Authors: Cui Yu , Hu Mengting , Zhou He , Guo Jiarui , Wang Qijia , Xu Zaihua , Chen Liyun , Zhang Wancong , Tang Shijie
Published: January 2024

Background

Varicose veins (VV) is a common chronic venous disease that is influenced by multiple factors. It affects the quality of life of patients and imposes a huge economic burden on the healthcare system. This study aimed to use integrated analysis methods, including Mendelian randomization analysis, to identify potential pathogenic genes and drug targets for VV treatment.

Methods

This study conducted summary-data-based Mendelian randomization (SMR) analysis and colocalization analysis on data collected from genome-wide association studies (GWASs) and cis-expression quantitative trait loci (cis-eQTL) databases. Only genes with PP. H4 > 0.7 were chosen from the significant SMR results. After the above analysis, we screened 12 genes and performed Mendelian Randomization analysis on them. After sensitivity analysis, we identified four genes with potential causal relationships with VV. Finally, we used transcriptome-wide association studies (TWAS) analysis and The Drug-Gene Interaction Database (DGIdb,https://dgidb.org)data to identify and screen the remaining genes and identified four drug targets for the treatment of VV.

Results

We identified four genes significantly associated with VV, namelyKRTAP5-AS1(OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.05−1.11, p = 1.42e−10) andPLEKHA5(OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.06-1.20, p = 6.90e−5),CBWD1(OR = 1.05, 95% CI: 1.01-1.11, p = 1.42e−2) andCRIM1(OR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.81-0.95, p = 3.67e−3). Increased expression of three genes, namelyKRTAP5-AS1,PLEKHA5, andCBWD1, was associated with increased risk of the disease, and increased expression ofCRIM1was associated with decreased risk of the disease. These four genes could be targeted for VV therapy.

Conclusion

This study identified four drug targets for potential treatment of VV, and the results may contribute to improving the quality of life of VV patients.
Overexpression of the schizophrenia risk gene C4 in PV cells drives sex-dependent behavioral deficits and circuit dysfunction
Authors: Fournier Luke A. , Phadke Rhushikesh A. , Salgado Maria , Brack Alison , Nocon Jian Carlo , Bolshakova Sonia , Grant Jaylyn R. , Luna Nicole M. Padró , Sen Kamal , Cruz-Martín Alberto
Published: January 2024

Fast-spiking parvalbumin (PV)-positive cells are key players in orchestrating pyramidal neuron activity, and their dysfunction is consistently observed in myriad brain diseases. To understand how immune complement dysregulation – a prevalent locus of brain disease etiology – in PV cells may drive disease pathogenesis, we have developed a transgenic mouse line that permits cell-type specific overexpression of the schizophrenia-associated complement component 4 (C4) gene. We found that overexpression of mouseC4(mC4) in PV cells causes sex-specific behavioral alterations and concomitant deficits in synaptic connectivity and excitability of PV cells of the prefrontal cortex. Using a computational network, we demonstrated that these microcircuit deficits led to hyperactivity and disrupted neural communication. Finally, pan-neuronal overexpression ofmC4failed to evoke the same deficits in behavior as PV-specificmC4overexpression, suggesting thatC4perturbations in fast-spiking neurons are more harmful to brain function than pan-neuronal alterations. Together, these results provide a causative link betweenC4and the vulnerability of PV cells in brain disease.
A Conserved Mechanism of Cardiac Hypertrophy Regression through FoxO1
Authors: Martin Thomas G. , Hunt Dakota R. , Langer Stephen J. , Tan Yuxiao , Ebmeier Christopher C. , Crocini Claudia , Chung Eunhee , Leinwand Leslie A.
Published: January 2024

The heart is a highly plastic organ that responds to diverse stimuli to modify form and function. The molecular mechanisms of adaptive physiological cardiac hypertrophy are well-established; however, the regulation of hypertrophy regression is poorly understood. To identify molecular features of regression, we studied Burmese pythons which experience reversible cardiac hypertrophy following large, infrequent meals. Using multi-omics screens followed by targeted analyses, we found forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1) transcription factor signaling, and downstream autophagy activity, were downregulated during hypertrophy, but re-activated with regression. To determine whether these events were mechanistically related to regression, we established anin vitroplatform of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and regression from treatment with fed python plasma. FoxO1 inhibition prevented regression in this system, while FoxO1 activation reversed fed python plasma-induced hypertrophy in an autophagy-dependent manner. We next examined whether FoxO1 was implicated in mammalian models of reversible hypertrophy from exercise and pregnancy and found that in both cases FoxO1 was activated during regression. In these models, as in pythons, activation of FoxO1 was associated with increased expression FoxO1 target genes involved in autophagy. Taken together, our findings suggest FoxO1-dependent autophagy is a conserved mechanism for regression of physiological cardiac hypertrophy across species.

HIGHLIGHTS

Post-prandial cardiac remodeling in Burmese pythons is associated with dynamic regulation of FoxO1 and autophagy.

Regression of fed python plasma-induced hypertrophy in mammalian cardiomyocytes is FoxO1-dependent.

Activation of FoxO1-dependent autophagy is a conserved feature of physiological hypertrophy regression in mammalian models.
RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL OF INTERMITTENT CALORIE RESTRICTION IN PEOPLE WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
Authors: Ghezzi Laura , Tosti Valeria , Shi Lisa , Cantoni Claudia , Mikesell Robert , Lancia Samantha , Zhou Yanjiao , Obert Kathleen , Sen Monokesh K. , Ge Anjie , Tolentino Miguel , Bollman Bryan , Don Anthony S. , Matarese Giuseppe , Colamatteo Alessandra , Rocca Claudia La , Lepore Maria Teresa , Wu Gregory F. , Cross Anne H. , Naismith Robert T. , Fontana Luigi , Salter Amber , Piccio Laura
Published: January 2024

Background

Calorie restriction (CR) ameliorates preclinical models of multiple sclerosis (MS) through reduction of inflammation. The aim of this trial was to study the effects of 12-week iCR on metabolic, immunological and clinical outcomes in people with MS (pwMS).

Methods

Participants with relapsing-remitting MS were randomly assigned to intermittent CR (iCR) or a control group for 12 weeks. Primary outcome was change in leptin levels; secondary outcomes included changes in anthropometric and body composition measures, peripheral blood metabolic and immunologic profiling, and clinical measures. Mixed effects linear regression models were used to evaluate differences.

Results

Forty-two pwMS were randomized, 34 completed the study (17 iCR and 17 control). Leptin levels decreased in the iCR group and were significantly lower in the iCR than the control group at 6 (mean difference 11.49 mg/dL, 95% CI 32.54, 9.54;P=0.01) and 12 weeks (6.97 mg/dL, 95% CI 28.02, 14.06;P=0.03). We observed a significant reduction of weight, body mass index and body adiposity measures over the 6 and 12-weeks in the iCR group. Immune profiling showed a significant increase in CD45RO+regulatory T cell numbers after 6 weeks of iCR. Lysophosphatidylcholine, lysophophatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylinositol lipid species were significantly increased after 12 weeks in the iCR group compared to baseline, and all three were higher at 12 weeks compared to controls. Exploratory cognitive testing demonstrated improvement in the symbol digit modality test score in the iCR group.

Conclusions

Short term iCR is safe, feasible and can benefit metabolic and immunologic profiles in pwMS.

ClinicalTrial.gov number:NCT03539094(first patient screened on 11/14/17; first patient recruited on 1/29/2018; last patient recruited on 11/24/2021).
Complex interactions in the life cycle of a simple parasite shape the evolution of virulence
Authors: Silva Luís M. , Koella Jacob C.
Published: January 2024

Evolutionary expectations about the virulence of parasites (i.e., the parasite-induced mortality rate of the host) often focus solely on the within-host transmission stage, overlooking the time spent between hosts and variations in transmission cycles. Moreover, parasite growth rate within the host is closely linked to virulence. We here suggest that a simplified view of transmission and parasite evolution makes it difficult to predict how virulence will evolve. We illustrate our ideas with a parasite with a simple life cycle, the microsporidianVavraia culicis, which infects the mosquitoAnopheles gambiae. We selected the parasite over six host generations for early or late host transmission, corresponding to shorter or longer time within the host. Selecting for late transmission increased their exploitation of the host, resulting in higher virulence and a shorter life cycle with rapid infective spore production, comparatively to selection for early transmission. In response, hosts infected with late-selected spores shortened their life cycle and shifted to earlier reproduction. Notably, higher virulence was negatively correlated with the endurance of infective spores outside the host, demonstrated in a parallel study using these parasite lines. These findings emphasize the importance of considering the entire transmission cycle in studies of parasite evolution and raise concerns about how host density and social settings might influence virulence evolution.

Significance statement

Classical expectations on parasite evolution assume a trade-off between transmission rate and harm to the host (virulence), favoring parasites with intermediate virulence. However, recent studies challenge this idea, suggesting it is too simplistic. Here, by selecting the parasiteVavraia culicisfor early or late transmission (or shorter and longer time within the host) in the hostAnopheles gambiaewe demonstrate that understanding virulence evolution requires considering the entirety and the type of transmission cycle and not merely the within-host stage. These findings highlight the importance of including all transmission stages in parasite evolution studies and demonstrate how certain social conditions might unintentionally select more virulent parasites.
Long-term mouse spinal cord organotypic slice culture as a platform for validating cell transplantation in spinal cord injury
Authors: Merighi Francesca , De Vincentiis Sara , Onorati Marco , Raffa Vittoria
Published: January 2024

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is an extremely invalidating condition with a severe physical and psychological impact. Resolutive cures are still lacking, due to its complex pathophysiology. One of the most promising regenerative approaches is based on stem cell transplantation to replace lost tissue and promote functional recovery. This approach should be explored betterin vitroandex vivofor safety and efficacy before proceeding with more expensive and time-consuming animal testing. In this work, we show the establishment of a long-term platform based on mouse spinal cord (SC) organotypic slices transplanted with human neural stem cells to test cellular replacement therapies for SCI. Standard SC organotypic cultures are maintained for up to 2 or 3 weeksin vitro. Here, we describe an optimized protocol for long-term maintenance for up to three months (90 days). The medium used for long-term culturing of SC slices was also optimized for transplanting neural stem cells into the organotypic model. Human SC-derived neuroepithelial stem (h-SC-NES) cells carrying a GFP reporter were transplanted into mouse SC-slices. 30 days after the transplant, cells still show GFP expression, and a low apoptotic rate, suggesting that the optimized environment sustained their survival and integration inside the tissue. This protocol represents a robust reference for efficiently testing cell replacement therapies in the SC tissue. This platform will allow researchers to perform an ex vivopre-screening of different cell transplantation therapies, helping them to choose the most appropriate strategy before proceeding within vivoexperiments.

In this paper, we provide a reproducible method to generate and maintain long–term spinal cord organotypic slices transplanted with neural stem cells as anex vivomodel for testing cellular replacement therapies.
Local glycolysis supports injury-induced axonal regeneration
Authors: Masin Luca , Bergmans Steven , Van Dyck Annelies , De Groef Lies , Farrow Karl , Moons Lieve
Published: January 2024

Successful axonal regeneration following injury requires the effective allocation of energy. Mitochondria play a pivotal role, accumulating at the tips of growing axons to fuel regeneration. However, how axons withstand the initial disruption in mitochondrial energy production caused by the injury, and subsequently initiate regrowth is poorly understood. Using retinal cultures in a multicompartment microfluidic device, we observed increased regrowth and enhanced mitochondrial trafficking in the axons of retinal ganglion cells with the deletion of bothPtenandSocs3. While wild-type axons relied on mitochondrial metabolism, after injury, in the absence ofPtenandSocs3, energy production was demonstrated to be supported by local glycolysis. Slowing down glycolysis in these axons impaired both regrowth and energy production. Together, these observations reveal that glycolytic ATP, combined with sustained mitochondrial transport, is essential for injury-induced axonal regrowth, providing new insights into the metabolic underpinnings of axonal regeneration.
Prestimulus alpha phase modulates visual temporal integration
Authors: Johannknecht Michelle , Schnitzler Alfons , Lange Joachim
Published: January 2024

When presented shortly after another, discrete pictures are naturally perceived as continuous. The neuronal mechanism underlying such continuous or discrete perception are not well understood. While continuous alpha oscillations are a candidate for orchestrating such neuronal mechanisms, recent evidence is mixed. In this study, we investigated the influence of prestimulus alpha oscillation on visual temporal perception. Specifically, we were interested whether prestimulus alpha phase modulates neuronal and perceptual processes underlying discrete or continuous perception. Participant had to report the location of a missing object in a visual temporal integration task, while simultaneously MEG data was recorded. Using source reconstruction, we evaluated local phase effects by contrasting phase angle values between correctly and incorrectly integrated trials. Our results show a phase opposition cluster between - 0.8 to - 0.5 s (relative to stimulus presentation) and between 6 - 20 Hz. These momentary phase angle values were correlated with behavioural performance and event related potential amplitude. There was no evidence that frequency defined a window of temporal integration.

Significance Statement

In light with the current debate if our visual perception is a rhythmic or discrete process, we give new insight to this debate. We investigated potential underling mechanism defining potential rhythmic perception and highlight the complexity of this process. This will help us further understand how our brain operates and processes incoming unimodal visual stimuli. In a visual temporal integration task, we were able to show that the incoming information were processed in rhythmic fashion. Our data supports the idea that the phase of prestimulus alpha oscillation modulates poststimulus visual processing by defining good and less good phases for early visual processes. We were not able to show that prestimulus alpha oscillation defines windows were two visual stimuli are integrated into one single event.
Strategies for Maintaining Mouse Mutations
Authors: Papaioannou Virginia E. , Behringer Richard R.
Published: January 2024

Rules for naming a new mutation are provided. The majority of new mutations are recessive and thus easily maintained in a mouse strain. Considerations on the choice of genetic background are given, depending on how the mutant was produced and how you intend to analyze it. General information on maintaining a mutant colony to perpetuate the mutation and to efficiently produce homozygous mutant mice for analysis is provided. Also discussed are special breeding techniques to delete a selection cassette in vivo, if you produced the mutation in embryonic stem (ES) cells, and to maintain a mutant with a balancer chromosome. In the event of either male or female infertility in the heterozygotes, assisted reproductive techniques may be necessary.
Special Breeding Techniques for Use in Mouse Mutation Analysis
Authors: Papaioannou Virginia E. , Behringer Richard R.
Published: January 2024

Certain specialized breeding techniques may come in handy during the analysis of a mutation in order to further understanding of the mutation and its interactions with other genes. Different mutant alleles of the gene in question might be available from other sources or mutations with similar phenotypes could potentially be alleles. This could be determined by complementation testing. In the production of a conditional allele, retention of exogenous DNA in the allele could fortuitously disrupt a regulatory element and thus result in a hypomorphic allele, which can be simply tested by breeding. Mutations in different genes frequently affect the same organ, tissue, or cell type through genetic interactions. Common approaches to investigate and interpret genetic interactions are detailed here for gene families, in which there may be redundancy or genetic compensation of different genes, for genes that constitute different components of a biochemical pathway, for genes with overlapping expression patterns, and for unrelated genes that produce similar mutant phenotypes.
Phenotypic Analysis: Assessing Timing of Recessive Prenatal Lethality in Mice
Authors: Papaioannou Virginia E. , Behringer Richard R.
Published: January 2024

Once a recessive mutation has been established in a mouse strain in the heterozygous state, the task of phenotypic analysis of the homozygous mutants can begin. This overview leads you through a sequence of steps to determine whether the homozygous mutants are present at birth or whether the mutation causes prenatal lethality. In the case of a prenatal lethality, the time of death of the mutants, which could occur at any time during pre- or postimplanation development, must be firmly established before further phenotypic analysis. Here, we present a detailed plan to efficiently determine the time of prenatal death of the mutants and provide a guide for developmental landmarks to establish how far they progress during gestation. To determine whether or not homozygous mutants are present or normal at any given time point, it is important to recover a sufficient number of embryos. Examples of a simple Chi square test for Mendelian segregation is provided to establish statistical significance for the genotype/phenotype distribution.
Establishing Control Frequency of Embryonic and Fetal Loss in a Mutant Mouse Colony
Authors: Papaioannou Virginia E. , Behringer Richard R.
Published: January 2024

In the analysis of prenatal lethal recessive mutations, one must account for embryonic losses that are not related to the mutant phenotype. This protocol details the way to determine what the background level of unrelated embryonic loss is by a simple backcrossing strategy in the particular mouse strain that carries the lethal recessive mutation.
Massive gravity is not positive
Authors: Bellazzini Brando , Isabella Giulia , Ricossa Sergio , Riva Francesco
Published: January 2024

We derive new positivity bounds at finite momentum transfer, assuming a large separation between the mass m of the lightest particle in the effective theory and the mass gap M to new heavy states. Massive gravity parametrically violates these bounds unless the cutoff is within 1 order of magnitude of the graviton mass M≲O(10)m. Nongravitational effective theories of massive spin-2 particles are similarly bounded.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Quantum gravity effects on dark matter and gravitational waves
Authors: King Stephen F. , Roshan Rishav , Wang Xin , White Graham , Yamazaki Masahito
Published: January 2024

We explore how quantum gravity effects, manifested through the breaking of discrete symmetry responsible for both dark matter and domain walls, can have observational effects through cosmic microwave background observations and gravitational waves. To illustrate the idea we consider a simple model with two scalar fields and two Z2 symmetries, one being responsible for dark matter stability, and the other spontaneously broken and responsible for domain walls, where both symmetries are assumed to be explicitly broken by quantum gravity effects. We show the recent gravitational wave spectrum observed by several pulsar timing array projects can help constrain such effects.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
One-dimensional reflection in the quantum mechanical bootstrap
Authors: Berenstein David , Hulsey George
Published: January 2024

We describe the application of the quantum mechanical bootstrap to the solution of one-dimensional scattering problems. By fixing a boundary and modulating the Robin parameter of the boundary conditions we are able to extract the reflection coefficient for various potentials and compare to physical expectations. This includes an application of semidefinite programming to solving a half line Schrodinger problem with arbitrary Robin boundary conditions. Finally, the WKB approximation is used to numerically determine the scattering behavior of the exponential potential of Liouville theory.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Support farmers: sustainability claims that influence moral satisfaction and purchase intention
Authors: Arboleda Ana M. , Pilar Acosta
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This paper evaluates consumers' responses to claims regarding fruit sustainability. The authors compared the effects of this factor on consumers' moral satisfaction and purchase intention with respect to 12 sustainability claims.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-model experiment was conducted with seven fruits (i.e. guava, pineapple, red apple, green apple, red grape, green grape and avocado) to evaluate the effects of the 12 sustainability claims on purchase intention through moral satisfaction, relative to a control condition.

Findings

The results show that claims of supporting local farmers are those that move consumers the most. Claims regarding local farmers' production positively affect moral satisfaction and purchase intention.

Practical implications

This paper takes a consumer behavior approach to sustainability, enabling organizations to consider consumer behavior outcomes that could affect their strategic investments and commitment to social responsibility.

Originality/value

Food-related studies have not produced consistent results with respect to the relevance that sustainability claims have for consumers. This study differs from previous studies, as it focuses on fruit, a product that is important for social and environmental sustainability issues. This study demonstrates that, in the case of fruit, sustainability arguments are meaningful to young consumers through the mediating effect of moral satisfaction. Thus, the effect of claims is predicted by the meaning these arguments have for the consumer.
Industrial relations, the New Right and the praxis of mismanagement
Authors: Dobbins Tony , Dundon Tony
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The purpose of the article is to outline the insights provided by Alan Fox in Man Mismanagement in relation to the rise of the New Right political economy and the spread of unitarist managerialism. The article assesses the contemporary work and employment relations implications of mismanagement arising from a “second wave” of the New Right ideology from 2010 in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

Responding to the Special Issue on Alan Fox, the article focuses on Alan Fox's book Man Mismanagement, considering industrial relations developments arising between the 1st (1974b) and 2nd (1985) editions relating to the political rise of the New Right. It reviews various literature that illustrates the contemporary IR relevance of the book and Fox's insights.

Findings

The New Right’s ideology has further fragmented work, disjointed labour rights and undermined collective industrial relations institutions, and macho mismanagement praxis is even more commonplace, compared to when Fox wrote Man Mismanagement. The stripping away of the institutional architecture of IR renders the renewal of pluralist praxis, like collective bargaining and other forms of joint regulation of work, a formidable task.

Originality/value

The value of the article relates to the identification of dramatic historical industrial relations events and change in the UK in Alan Fox's book Man Mismanagement, most notably relating to the rise to power of the Thatcherite New Right in 1979. Originality is evidenced by the authors’ drawing on Fox's ideas and assessing the implications of the “second wave” of the New Right in the contemporary industrial relations (IR) context of the 2020s under the conceptual themes of fragmented work, disjointed labour rights and undermined collectivism.
Gender-modulated relationships among depression, light household tasks and physical activity: population-based moderation analysis
Authors: de-Pedro-Jiménez Domingo , Foncubierta-Sierra Esther , Domínguez-Romero Esther , Vega-Escaño Juan , Hernández Martín Marta , Gavira Fernández Cristina
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to study the influence of leisure-time physical activity on depression crises and the difficulty in performing light household tasks.

Design/methodology/approach

A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the 2020 European Health Survey in Spain. A total of 1,076 individuals diagnosed with depression were selected. ANOVA, chi-square, Fisher’s exact test and Mann–Whitney U test were applied, and a simple moderation analysis was conducted using the SPSS PROCESS 4.0 macro.

Findings

Women had higher percentages of some or much difficulty in performing domestic activities (p = 0.007). Differences were found between experiencing a crisis in the past 12 months versus not having one (p < 0.001): less physical activity was performed, perceived health was worse and difficulty in performing domestic activities increased. The moderation analysis confirmed the moderating effect of physical activity on the relationship between experiencing a crisis and having difficulty with domestic activities (p = 0.017).

Research limitations/implications

The usual limitation of descriptive cross-sectional studies, which cannot establish causal relationships, must be added to low sample sizes in some categories.

Practical implications

The analysis with gender differentiation, promoting gender-specific adapted practices, considering age and personal circumstances of the patient, appropriate exercise prescription, as well as its evaluation and follow-up, are areas where specialist nurses need to delve deeper to enhance the quality of care.

Originality/value

Leisure-time physical activity moderates the relationship between experiencing a crisis and having difficulty with light household tasks: those who engage in occasional physical activity have less difficulty compared to those who do not engage in it.
Study motivations of Bhutanese students in hospitality and tourism courses
Authors: Strickland Paul Christopher , Ratten Vanessa
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The main purpose of this article is to understand the motivations for Bhutanese students to study hospitality and tourism courses. The second objective is to analyse what countries are the preferred destinations for study abroad and visitation for students. This includes focussing on new course topic areas such as sustainability for business in hospitality and tourism courses.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative methodology approach was undertaken with two surveys administered to the first and second student intakes into the Bhutan Middle Management Hotel Program. Motivational and reasoned action theory form the basis of the theoretical framework to understand behavioural intentions regarding educational choices in hospitality and tourism courses.

Findings

The results of the surveys indicate that the main motivations to study hospitality and tourism are for attraction, career opportunities, status, broader benefits and aptitude. In addition, it was found that students studying hospitality and tourism in Bhutan are likely to stay in the sector for a long period of time thereby contributing to the economic and social development of Bhutan. Moreover, it was found that the United Nations Sustainable Development goals are increasingly being integrated into the tourism and hospitality sector, which is influencing students to study these topic areas.

Research limitations/implications

The results of this study will help government and hospitality providers support educational training programs by focussing on new education topic areas. This study is limited to Bhutan.

Practical implications

The results of this study will help government and hospitality providers support educational training programs by focussing on new education topic areas such as sustainability for business management. This will enable hospitality and tourism providers in Bhutan to update their curriculum and to focus on emerging industry needs.

Originality/value

This is amongst the first studies on Bhutanese students motivations for studying hospitality and tourism. It will provide practical and policy advise about how to train workers in order to become less reliant on foreign training providers and the importance of integrating sustainability topics in course design.
Adjusting and re-adjusting: learnings from the experience of coworkers for the future of coworking and shared working spaces
Authors: Suckley Louise , Orel Marko
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the learning gained from the evolving adjustment experiences of co-workers in moving to home-based working during the COVID-19 pandemic and the influence of these experiences on re-adjusting to return to co-working.

Design/methodology/approach

Results of a longitudinal qualitative study are reported where a group of co-workers were interviewed on three occasions between 2019 and 2022. Experiences are analysed alongside the adjustment to the remote work model using a boundary management lens.

Findings

The main adjustment experiences were in work location, temporal structures, professional and social interactions, and a new adjustment area was identified around family role commitment that emerged in the home-based setting. Boundary management practices were temporal, behavioural, spatial and object-related and evolved with the unfolding of adjustment experiences. A return to using co-working spaces was driven by the need for social interaction and spatial boundaries but affected by the requirement for increased privacy.

Practical implications

This paper will help workplace managers to understand adjustment experiences and develop facilities that will support a positive shared working environment not fulfilled through home-based working.

Originality/value

Although many workers abruptly transitioned to home-based working during the pandemic, this research considers those who would normally choose to work in a community-centred working environment rather than being home-based. As such, their experience of adjustment is of greater interest, particularly in terms of their expectations for shared working spaces.
Psychological contract breach and mental health: the role of equity sensitivity and self-control
Authors: Mensah Justice , Amponsah-Tawiah Kwesi , Baafi Nana Kojo Ayimadu
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study aims to extend the literature on psychological contracts, employee mental health, self-control and equity sensitivity among employees in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for this study came from a sample of 484 employees from an organisation in the telecommunication sector of Ghana. The details of the study were discussed with employees after which they were given the choice to participate in the study.

Findings

The present study found that psychological contract breach is directly associated with mental health and indirectly related to mental health through equity sensitivity and self-control.

Originality/value

The findings suggest that psychological contracts are important aspects of the employment relationship that could be used to enhance employee mental health. Furthermore, enhancing employees’ self-control and resolving issues of individuals high on equity sensitivity are effective ways that organisations can deploy to sustain mental health in the face of psychological contract breaches.
Tell me about your trauma: an empathetic approach-based protocol for interviewing school leaders who have experienced a crisis
Authors: Virella Patricia , Woulfin Sarah
Published: January 2024

Purpose

In this study, we illuminate how techniques can be incorporated into interview protocols when conducting research with educational leaders who are being asked to discuss their experiences in crises.

Design/methodology/approach

We interviewed seven researchers about their role as a researcher in collecting data on a crisis event from participants. Our analysis concentrated on several key components of the interview.

Findings

In presenting our findings on how scholars can adopt a caring and just approach to interview studies with leaders regarding crises, we portray how this approach can be melded into research design, interview protocol and interview techniques.

Originality/value

We illuminate that specific interview techniques are required when interviewing participants who have undergone and survived crises in their work, and we recommend the use of this protocol especially when an interview requires researchers to “handle with care.”
A self‐locking mechanism of the frog‐legged beetle Sagra femorata
Authors: Zong Le , Sun Zonghui , Zhao Jieliang , Huang Zhengzhong , Liu Xiaokun , Jiang Lei , Li Congqiao , Muinde Jacob Mulwa , Wu Jianing , Wang Xiaolong , Liang Hongbin , Liu Haoyu , Yang Yuxia , Ge Siqin
Published: January 2024

Insect legs play a crucial role in various modes of locomotion, including walking, jumping, swimming, and other forms of movement. The flexibility of their leg joints is critical in enabling various modes of locomotion. The frog‐legged leaf beetle Sagra femorata possesses remarkably enlarged hind legs, which are considered to be a critical adaptation that enables the species to withstand external pressures. When confronted with external threats, S. femorata initiates a stress response by rapidly rotating its hind legs backward and upward to a specific angle, thereby potentially intimidating potential assailants. Based on video analysis, we identified 4 distinct phases of the hind leg rotation process in S. femorata, which were determined by the range of rotation angles (0°−168.77°). Utilizing micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT) technology, we performed a 3‐dimensional (3D) reconstruction and conducted relative positioning and volumetric analysis of the metacoxa and metatrochanter of S. femorata. Our analysis revealed that the metacoxa–trochanter joint is a “screw‐nut” structure connected by 4 muscles, which regulate the rotation of the legs. Further testing using a 3D‐printed model of the metacoxa–trochanter joint demonstrated its possession of a self‐locking mechanism capable of securing the legs in specific positions to prevent excessive rotation and dislocation. It can be envisioned that this self‐locking mechanism holds potential for application in bio‐inspired robotics.
Safety of flexible bronchoscopy and clinical course for elderly patients with suspected primary lung cancer
Authors: Saito Zentaro , Oi Issei , Ito Takanori , Imakita Takuma , Kanai Osamu , Fujita Kohei , Mio Tadashi
Published: January 2024

Background

There have been several reports demonstrating the safety of flexible bronchoscopy (FB) in the elderly, but none have focused specifically on lung cancer, which is a frequent biopsy procedure.

Methods

In this study, we retrospectively evaluated the safety of FB and subsequent treatment in elderly patients with suspected primary lung cancer. Elderly patients were defined as 75 years of age or older.

Results

A total of 141 patients, 77 in the elderly group and 64 in the nonelderly group, were reviewed. The median age of the elderly group was 80 years. Transbronchial lung biopsy was performed in more than 80% of all patients. Primary lung cancer was diagnosed in 42 (54.4%) of the elderly group and 35 (54.7%) of the nonelderly group (p = 0.38). Approximately 70% of the elderly patients with a confirmed diagnosis were treated, while more than half of the undiagnosed elderly patients had best supportive care. Complications such as bleeding, pneumothorax, fever, and pneumonia were similar in the elderly and nonelderly groups.

Conclusions

This study suggests that flexible bronchoscopy can be performed as safely in the elderly as in the nonelderly. Furthermore, even elderly patients may have a greater chance of receiving treatment when a definitive diagnosis is achieved.
Whole genome resequencing reveals candidate genes for postaxial polydactyly in Large White pigs
Authors: Hao Yongle , Song Yunlei , Chen Fei , Tang Jianhong
Published: January 2024

Polydactyly is a genetic abnormality that affects both pig welfare and industry profits. Despite efforts to explore the genetic basis of pig polydactyly, progress remains limited. In this study, we analyzed a group of Large White pigs with postaxial polydactyly, including 29 cases and 79 controls from 24 families. High‐depth sequencing was performed on 20 pigs, while low‐depth sequencing was improved through imputation for the remaining pigs. A genome‐wide association study (GWAS) and genetic differentiation were conducted using the resequencing dataset, resulting in the identification of 48 significantly associated SNPs and 27 candidate regions. The genetic differentiation regions on chromosomes 5 and 18, which harbored GWAS‐identified SNPs, were delineated as confidence regions. The confidence region at Chr18: 1.850–1.925 Mb covers the fifth intron of LMBR1, a gene that contains an important regulatory element for SHH, known as ZRS. Mutations in this ZRS have been found to cause polydactyly in animals and humans. Therefore, we propose LMBR1 as a prospective candidate gene for postaxial polydactyly. These findings emphasize the importance of exploring the role of ZRS within LMBR1 in the pathogenesis of polydactyly in pigs.
Evolution of China's Role in the Structure of Global Carbon Emission Transfers: An Empirical Analysis Based on Network Governance
Authors: Zhang Bingbing , Kong Lelan , Xu Zhehong , Sun Chuanwang
Published: January 2024

This paper reconsiders the roles of China and some developed countries in the network of carbon emission transfers via international trade in value added from a new perspective of network governance. Network search intensity (NSI) and the extended gravity model are used with cross‐country panel data to analyze the mechanism of China's engagement in network governance of carbon emission transfers. The results show that from 2000 to 2009, China was a net exporter of carbon emissions, even though it shifted from the semi‐periphery to the core in the network of carbon emissions embodied in imports. Meanwhile, NSI had a significant positive impact on carbon emissions embodied in exports. Given China's important role in the global production network and division of labor, NSI may also affect industrial structure and the quality of the ecological environment to a large extent. This study analyses the network governance mechanism of China's participation in global carbon transfers. The results suggest that the technical complexity of export products and product heterogeneity do not change the positive impact of NSI on carbon emissions.
Industrial Policy, Product Switching, and Export Performance
Authors: Dong Jiemiao , Yu Zhuangxiong , Shi Xunpeng , Yang Yang
Published: January 2024

Industrial policy can promote economic growth and industrial upgrading by encouraging enterprises to adopt product switching. By utilizing comprehensive industrial policies and customs trade databases from 2000 to 2015, this paper found that firms with product ranges within policy‐supported areas were more active in product switching. Among all the enterprises that adopted the product switching, those with nonmain products in policy‐supported areas were more inclined to adjust their main product. They tended to transform nonmain product to main product as opposed to introducing new main product in order to effectively leverage their export experience and established technology. Whereas, for enterprises whose main product was within the policy‐supported areas, their tendency to switch products significantly decreased. Mechanism analysis suggested that policy support, by alleviating industry distress and mitigating excessive market competition, encouraged firms to switch products to areas with policy backing. Moreover, we estimated trade performance after product switching from the perspective of product unit price and export product quality. We found that for firms whose main product was in policy‐supported areas, such switching was more likely to result in “low price, high quality” exports, whereas for firms with nonmain products in supported areas, such switching was more likely to lead to “high price, low quality” exports, which indicates that firms switching to policy‐supported areas need to continuously develop their core competencies and operate effectively to improve their production performance.
Expansion of voles and retraction of lemmings over 60 years along a latitudinal gradient on Yamal Peninsula
Authors: Sokolova Natalia A. , Fufachev Ivan A. , Ehrich Dorothee , Shtro Victor G. , Sokolov Vasiliy A. , Sokolov Aleksandr A.
Published: January 2024

Range shifts and changes in dominance of species in communities are among the major predicted impacts of climate change on ecosystems, supported by numerous modeling studies. While climate is changing particularly rapidly in the Arctic, little observational data is available to document predicted changes in the composition of communities, in particular from the large Russian tundra areas. Small rodents are a key component of tundra ecosystems implementing important ecological functions both as herbivores and as main prey for a whole guild of predators. Here we document changes over 60 years in occurrence of nine species of small rodents along a latitudinal gradient spanning from the forest‐tundra ecotone to the high Arctic tundra on Yamal Peninsula. All data were obtained using a single method: snap‐trapping. In general, the occurrence of lemmings, specialized arctic endemics, decreased in the southern parts of the peninsula, whereas the occurrence of voles, representing boreal or wide‐spread species, increased and expanded northwards. The occurrence of Siberian lemmings (Lemmus sibiricus) in particular declined over the whole latitudinal gradient and possibly disappeared from the southernmost zones, whereas collared lemmings (Dicrostonyx torquatus) declined significantly only in the forest tundra. The strongest increase was observed in the tundra zones for narrow‐headed voles (Lasiopodomys gregalis), a wide‐spread species inhabiting meadows and riparian habitats, and Middendorff's voles (Alexandromys middendorffii), a primarily low Arctic species inhabiting waterlogged tundra. Both species also expanded their distribution range northwards during the last two decades. The observed changes might be due to the effect of several drivers of environmental change occurring in concert: climate warming both in winter and in summer, and increased human activity notably related to intensive reindeer herding and industrial development.
Global cropland nitrous oxide emissions in fallow period are comparable to growing‐season emissions
Authors: Shang Ziyin , Cui Xiaoqing , van Groenigen Kees Jan , Kuhnert Matthias , Abdalla Mohamed , Luo Jiafa , Zhang Weijian , Song Zhenwei , Jiang Yu , Smith Pete , Zhou Feng
Published: January 2024

Croplands account for ~ one‐third of global anthropogenic nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. A number of recent field experiments found substantial fallow‐period N2O emissions, which have been neglected for decades. However, the global contribution of the fallow‐period emissions and the associated drivers remain unclear. Based on 360 observations across global agroecosystems, we simulated the ratio of the fallow to the whole‐year N2O emissions (Rfallow) by developing a mixed‐effect model and compiling cropping‐system‐specific input data. Our results revealed that the mean global gridded Rfallow was 44% (15%–75%, 95% confidence interval), with hotspots mainly in the northern high latitudes. For most cropping systems, soil pH was the dominant driver of global variation in Rfallow. Global cropland emission factors (i.e., the percentage of fertilizer N emitted as N2O, EFs) in EF‐based models doubled to 1.9% when the fallow‐period N2O emissions were included in our simulation, similar to EFs estimated by process‐based and atmospheric inversion models (1.8%–2.3%). Overall, our study highlights the importance of fallow‐period N2O emissions in annual totals, especially for single cropping systems and croplands in acidic areas. To accurately estimate N2O emissions for national greenhouse gas inventories, it is crucial to update current EFs with full consideration of the fallow‐period N2O emissions in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Tier 1 method.