bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microscopic interactions control a structural transition in active mixtures of microtubules and molecular motors
Authors: Najma Bibi , Baskaran Aparna , Foster Peter J. , Duclos Guillaume
Published: January 2023

Microtubules and molecular motors are essential components of the cellular cytoskeleton, driving fundamental processesin vivo,including chromosome segregation and cargo transport. When reconstitutedin vitro, these cytoskeletal proteins serve as energy-consuming building blocks to study the self-organization of active matter. Cytoskeletal active gels display rich emergent dynamics, including extensile flows, locally contractile asters, and bulk contraction. However, how the protein-protein interaction kinetics set their contractile or extensile nature is unclear. Here, we explore the origin of the transition from extensile bundles to contractile asters in a minimal reconstituted system composed of stabilized microtubules, depletant, ATP, and clusters of kinesin-1 motors. We show that the microtubule binding and unbinding kinetics of highly processive motor clusters set their ability to end-accumulate, which can drive polarity sorting of the microtubules and aster formation. We further demonstrate that the microscopic time scale of end-accumulation sets the emergent time scale of aster formation. Finally, we show that biochemical regulation is insufficient to explain fully the transition as generic aligning interactions through depletion, crosslinking, or excluded volume interactions can drive bundle formation, despite the presence of end-accumulating motors. The extensile-to-contractile transition is well captured by a simple self-assembly model where nematic and polar aligning interactions compete to form either bundles or asters. Starting from a five-dimensional organization phase space, we identify a single control parameter given by the ratio of the different component concentrations that dictates the material-scale organization. Overall, this work shows that the interplay of biochemical and mechanical tuning at the microscopic level controls the robust self-organization of active cytoskeletal materials.

Significance statement

Self-organization in living cells is often driven by energy-consuming motor proteins that push and pull on a network of cytoskeletal filaments. However, it is unclear how to connect the emergent structure and dynamics of reconstituted cytoskeletal materials to the kinetics and mechanics of their microscopic building blocks. Here, we systematically correlate bulk structure with asymmetry of the motor distribution along single filaments to explain the transition from extensile bundles to contractile asters in active networks of stabilized microtubules crosslinked by motor proteins. We combine experiments and scaling arguments to identify a single number that predicts how the system will self-organize. This work shows that biochemical and mechanical interactions compete to set the emergent structure of active biomimetic gels.
Transient loss of Polycomb components induces an epigenetic cancer fate
Authors: Parreno V. , Loubière V. , Schuettengruber B. , Erokhin M. , Győrffy B. , Di Stefano M. , Fritsch L. , Moreaux J. , Chetverina D. , Martinez A-M. , Cavalli G.
Published: January 2023

Cell fate depends on genetic, epigenetic and environmental inputs that are interconnected, making it difficult to disentangle their respective contributions to cell fate decisions1-3, and epigenetic reprogramming is a major contributor to tumor plasticity and adaptation4-6. Although cancer initiation and progression are generally associated with the accumulation of somatic mutations7,8, substantial epigenomic alterations underlie many aspects of tumorigenesis and cancer susceptibility9-18, suggesting that genetic mechanisms alone may not be sufficient to drive malignant transformations19-23. However, whether purely non-genetic reprogramming mechanisms are sufficient to initiate tumorigenesis irrespective of mutations is unknown. Here, we show that a transient perturbation of transcriptional silencing mediated by Polycomb-Group proteins is sufficient to induce an irreversible switch to a cancer cell fate inDrosophila. This is linked to the irreversible derepression of genes that can drive tumorigenesis, including JNK and JAK-STAT signalling pathways andzfh1, the fly homolog of the ZEB1 oncogene, which we show to be a necessary driver of the cancer fate. These data show that a reversible perturbation of Polycomb-Group protein levels can induce cancer in the absence of driver mutations and suggest that this is achieved through epigenetic inheritance of altered cell fates.
High-energy X-ray micro-laminography to visualize microstructures in dense planar objects
Authors: Hoshino Masato , Uesugi Kentaro , Imai Takuya
Published: January 2023

High-energy X-ray micro-laminography has been developed to observe inner- and near-surface structures in dense planar objects that are not suitable for observation by X-ray micro-tomography. A multilayer-monochromator-based high-intensity X-ray beam with energy of 110 keV was used for high-energy and high-resolution laminographic observations. As a demonstration of high-energy X-ray micro-laminography for observing dense planar objects, a compressed fossil cockroach on a planar matrix surface was analyzed with effective pixel sizes of 12.4 µm and 4.22 µm for wide field of view and high-resolution observations, respectively. In this analysis, the near-surface structure was clearly observed without undesired X-ray refraction-based artifacts from outside of the region of interest, a problem typical in tomographic observations. Another demonstration visualized fossil inclusions in a planar matrix. Micro-scale features of a gastropod shell and micro-fossil inclusions in the surrounding matrix were clearly visualized. When observing local structures in the dense planar object with X-ray micro-laminography, the penetrating path length in the surrounding matrix can be shortened. This is a significant advantage of X-ray micro-laminography where desired signals generated at the region of interest including optimal X-ray refraction effectively contribute to image formation without being disturbed by undesired interactions in the thick and dense surrounding matrix. Therefore, X-ray micro-laminography allows recognition of the local fine structures and slight difference in the image contrast of planar objects undetectable in a tomographic observation.
Structuration of lean-agile integrated factors for construction projects
Authors: Malla Vijayeta
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This study aims to analyze and understand mutual relationships between lean and agile enabling factors in the context of the construction domain and put forth the most driving and dependent enablers for a hybrid lean–agile system (HLAS).

Design/methodology/approach

A threefold research flow is adopted. First, the content analysis of literature stemmed from the identification of preliminary enablers (n = 26). Second, a questionnaire survey (n = 101) is administered to downsize enablers to ten using the relative importance index. Further, in the third phase, interpretive structural modeling (ISM) and the cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to classification analysis were performed amid the ten key enablers through pairwise interactions from subject matter experts (n = 19). Hierarchical representation of enablers has been presented, which facilitates a conceptual model for application in the construction industry.

Findings

The ISM model demonstrates a three leveled classification structure that showcases direct and transitive relationships among various enablers. “Use of project management tools” is the driving enabler, followed by “collaborative and common data platform working” and “institution of team training” are critical enablers to HLAS adoption.

Originality/value

A structured way of identification of interdependent among lean–agile is a vital unique contribution to this study. The results serve as a knowledge base for practical adoption of HLAS and may prove to be influential in developing a framework for easier adoption in developing countries.
Do students look for information differently? Information-seeking behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Tonmoy Tazbir Khan , Islam Md. Anwarul
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the COVID-19 information-seeking behavior of the students in a developing country. This study also explores how the use of information sources changes over time by the students of a public university in Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

An e-mail was sent along with an online questionnaire to 350 students in a public university in Bangladesh. After sending a couple of follow-up e-mails in May and June 2022, we got limited responses. Later in July, we distributed the same questionnaire in the printed form to the students in the seminar library, computer laboratory and in the classroom. Finally, we got back 270 responses, and the response rate was 77.14%. Pearson’s correlation coefficient (effect size) and nonparametric test (Mann–Whitney U test) were used to see the differences in using information sources over times and overall understanding of choosing the COVID-19 information sources by the demographic variables.

Findings

This study found that the COVID-19 pandemic has made an increased demand for a variety of information, and the sources of information changes over time before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The majority of the students faced challenges while seeking COVID-19 information which mostly falls under the availability of mis–disinformation. Students used more social media tools during the COVID-19 than the pre-COVID-19 time, and there are some significant relationships found between the students’ demographic variables and students’ understanding of choosing the COVID-19 information sources.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the first to analyze changes in information behavior patterns of students in a developing country and understand the challenges faced by the students during the pandemic.
Kindness-informed allyship praxis
Authors: Williams Kristin S. , Weigand Heidi , Okoroafor Sophia , Liuzzo Giuseppe , Ganuelas Weigand Erica
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This paper explores intergenerational perceptions of kindness in the context of Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement and the COVID-19 global pandemic. The purpose of this exploratory study is to investigate perceptions of kindness in the context of traumatic events and its potential value in authentic allyship in organizational environments.

Design/methodology/approach

Authors interviewed 65 individuals (31 self-identifying as non-racialized and 34 self-identifying as Black, Indigenous and People of Colour aka BIPOC). Participants included Generation Z (Gen Z; born between 1997–2012/5) and Generation Y (Gen Y; also referred to as Millennials, born between 1981 and 1994/6) across North American, Europe and Africa. Millennials currently represent the largest generation in the workplace and are taking on leadership roles, whereas Gen Z are emerging entrants into the workplace and new organizational actors.

Findings

The paper offers insights into how to talk about BLM in organizations, how to engage in authentic vs performative allyship and how to support BIPOC in the workplace. The study also reveals the durability of systemic racism in generations that may be otherwise considered more enlightened and progressive.

Research limitations/implications

The authors expand on kindness literature and contribute theoretically and methodologically to critical race theory and intertextual analysis in race scholarship.

Practical implications

The study contributes to the understanding of how pro-social behaviours like kindness (with intention) can contribute to a more inclusive discourse on racism and authentic allyship.

Originality/value

Authors reveal the potential for kindness as a pro-social behaviour in organizational environments to inform authentic allyship praxis.
Attesting to hotel employees' professionalism: views and perceptions of managers
Authors: Liasidou Sotiroula , Afxentiou Georgios , Malkawi Elena , Antoniades George
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to investigate and define employees' professionalism in the hotel industry. A professional employee has specific core competencies and personal attributes that improve the quality of service by resolving guest complaints, ensuring guest satisfaction and gaining a competitive advantage. In the hospitality industry, interaction with customers necessitates providing services of high standards that are characterised by professionalism.

Design/methodology/approach

This research deployed a quantitative methodology with self-administering questionnaires to hotel managers of 4-star and 5-star hotels.

Findings

The results of the study suggest that employees' professionalism in hotels includes skills combined with personality characteristics along with a passion for the profession. Thus, to attest to professionalism, managers must ensure that skills are adjusted to subject-specific knowledge and expertise while incorporating “social consciousness” as a constituent dimension of professionalism.

Originality/value

This study investigates the concept of professionalism as the main prerequisite for the delivery of exceptional hotel services and introduces the notion of “social consciousness” as an additional dimension of professionalism.
TVET teacher mentoring in Kenya: valued but poorly implemented
Authors: Njenga Moses
Published: January 2023

Purpose

In line with the expansion of Kenya's vocational education sector, the Government of Kenya has recruited additional technical, vocational education and training (TVET) teachers. It is expected that existing TVET teachers will mentor the new teachers. However, teacher mentorship practices in Kenya's TVET sector are under researched, and it remains unclear what mentorship practices exist and how effective the practices are. This study therefore sought to investigate TVET teacher mentoring practices in Kenya and identify opportunities for ensuring effective and sustainable TVET teacher mentoring.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a concurrent mixed-methods approach, involving a questionnaire survey (170 participants) and semi-structured interviews (16 participants). Participants were drawn from six TVET institutes in Kenya's Nairobi Metropolitan Area. Thematic analysis of interview data was combined with descriptive and inferential analysis of the survey data to arrive at a combined set of findings.

Findings

The analysis of the data revealed that while TVET teachers value mentoring, mentoring practices are limited to basic introductions and incidental supportive dialogue between teachers. Moreover, guidelines to structure and guide mentoring are yet to be developed. New teachers are therefore not adequately mentored. It is recommended that administrators and teachers receive training on the use of effective mentoring practices and a policy framework to guide teacher mentorship be developed.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the understanding of TVET teacher mentoring in Kenya and identifies much needed interventions for ensuring effective mentoring of new TVET teachers.
Mediating role of profitability relating financial leverage and stock returns
Authors: Chauhan Gaurav Singh
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to highlight firms' profitability as an alternative channel by which changes in leverage could affect stock returns in an imperfect market setting. The author also analytically argues that the benefits of debt, if any, may accrue beyond the usual tax benefit channel.

Design/methodology/approach

The author used multivariate regression models based on firms' characteristics and the models' changes along with a two-stage least-square (2SLS) type procedure to estimate the impact of leverage changes on stock returns. The author controls for the varying arbitrage risk that is measured by forecasted idiosyncratic volatility of stock prices and overcome simultaneous or endogenous determination by using inter-temporal non-synchronous variation in leverage and control variables.

Findings

The author finds that increase in leverage increase (decrease) stock returns for firms with the gross operating profitability higher (lower) than the cost of debt. The author also finds that the variation in arbitrage risk does not substitute for the primary effect of leverage changes on stock returns.

Research limitations/implications

The author's findings provide tacit support to the recent literature attempting to resolve the empirically puzzling pattern of the negative relationship between profitability and leverage. The findings suggest inclusion of profitability as a crucial asset-pricing factor in the contemporary empirical models.

Practical implications

The non-trivial role of profitability in determining the effect of leverage on firms' stock returns that may be useful to managers, credit analysts and policy makers to assess the impact of net profitability on any change in leverage and its ensuing consequences on firms' value.

Originality/value

The paper develops analytical insights into the marginal role of profitability in influencing the relationship between firms' financing decisions and firms' stock returns beyond the conventional mechanisms of tax benefits, bankruptcy costs and information asymmetry.
The determinants of environmental knowledge sharing behaviour among accounting educators: a modified theory of planned behaviour
Authors: Abd-Mutalib Hafizah , Muhammad Jamil Che Zuriana , Mohamed Rapiah , Ismail Siti Norfatin Afiqah
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore the determinants of environmental knowledge sharing behaviour among accounting educators through the lens of an extended theory of planned behaviour (TPB).

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 95 accounting educators responded to a questionnaire survey. The data comprising information on attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control, possession of environmental knowledge and locus of control, as exogenous latent variables and intention to share and environmental knowledge sharing behaviour as endogenous latent variables, were analysed using the SmartPLS modelling technique. Besides the survey, interviews were conducted for triangulation purpose.

Findings

Except for subjective norm, all hypotheses are supported. The findings from the interviews reveal that environmental knowledge sharing activities have put educators in a peculiar position in terms of sharing environmental knowledge, as carrying out environmental activities has not been taken seriously and also seen as not the norm among the faculty members.

Research limitations/implications

This study focuses on accounting educators from five Malaysian public universities and deepens the understanding of their behaviour in sharing their environmental knowledge.

Practical implications

This study provides findings that can be useful for higher education institutions to strategize themselves in delivering environmental sustainability awareness in campus, which may enhance their efforts towards achieving sustainable development.

Social implications

This study provides findings that there is a need to inculcate environmental knowledge sharing among educators. Such knowledge sharing may generate good environmental norms, which may result in better environmental awareness.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature by exploring the main determinants of accounting educators’ environmental knowledge sharing behaviour and extending the TPB by considering two additional variables.
Measurement and difference analysis of multidimensional poverty of floating population
Authors: Bhuiyan Miraj Ahmed , Liu Zhihui , Meng Fanqiang
Published: January 2023

Purpose

At present, the scale of China's floating population has reached 376 million people. Compared with the local inhabitants, the poverty problem of the floating population is more complex, and this problem should also attract the attention of all sectors of society. This paper aims to measure and analyze the multidimensional poverty of the floating population in China.

Design/methodology/approach

The data used in this paper are the data of the China Migrants Dynamic Survey (CMDS) in China. This survey is a large-scale national migratory population sampling survey organized by the China National Health Commission, covering 31 provinces (autonomous regions and cities) and other autonomous regions. This paper uses the dynamic monitoring and Alkire and Foster (A-F) method to study the multidimensional poverty problem of the floating population.

Findings

This study finds that income poverty is no longer the main type of poverty faced by the floating population. The multidimensional poverty of the floating population mainly occurs in the social security and education dimensions, of which social security has become the most severe poverty dimension of the floating population. From the perspective of group differences, compared with the floating population in urban areas, the multidimensional poverty of migrant workers is more serious. However, the poverty of migrant workers is mainly concentrated in one-dimensional poverty and two-dimensional poverty.

Social implications

In the future, the authors should focus on the social security of the floating population in the place of influx and the education of the floating population.

Originality/value

Through the review of the existing literature, the authors find that the current research on the multidimensional poverty of the floating population is mainly concentrated on the migrant worker groups that move from rural areas to urban areas. However, insufficient attention is paid to the urban floating population groups moving between cities.
A qualitative approach to investigate governance challenges facing South African airlines in the fourth industrial revolution technologies era
Authors: Aigbavboa Clinton , Ebekozien Andrew , Mkhize Nompumelelo
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Dynamic governance practices are key in the administration of 21st-century airlines. Knowledge transfer via the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) is germane in governance practices. Studies have proven that the 4IR technologies could enhance airline governance and improve safety measures and productivity. The 4IR role in improving airline governance is yet to receive in-depth studies in South Africa. Thus, this study aims to investigate the governance challenges facing South African airlines in the era of 4IR.

Design/methodology/approach

This research used a qualitative research method. The main data were collected via 56 face-to-face semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders. The research achieved saturation. A thematic technique was used to analyse the collected data.

Findings

Findings reveal 12 challenges and are grouped into six governance barriers facing South African airlines in the era of 4IR. Also, findings suggest measures to mitigate governance barriers and promote 4IR technologies usage in the airline sector.

Originality/value

The study assesses critical governance challenges facing South African airlines in the era of 4IR. Understanding the importance of vital governance challenges can assist critical stakeholders in promoting innovative policies and regulations tailored towards digitalised aerospace. Thus, the study contributes strategies to improve digital innovation and reduce airline risks in South Africa. Also, it contributes to the paucity of academic literature on developing countries’ airline governance in the 4IR era and the South African aviation sector.
Animal functional traits: Towards a trait‐based ecology for whole ecosystems
Authors: Schleuning Matthias , García Daniel , Tobias Joseph A.
Published: January 2023

Functional traits and associated trait‐based concepts have driven rapid innovation in ecology over recent years, with most progress based on insights from plants. However, plants are almost entirely restricted to a single trophic level, and an over‐reliance on plant traits therefore neglects the complexity and importance of biotic interactions across trophic levels.

The need to expand the focus of trait‐based ecology to account for trophic complexity has led to an upsurge in attention on animal functional traits and the emergence of new concepts relevant to community ecology, macroecology and ecosystem science. Recent progress in the compilation of global trait datasets for some animal taxa has opened up new possibilities for testing ecological theory.

In this Special Focus, we explore how trait‐based ecology can expand the scope of investigation from single to multiple trophic levels, how insights from these investigations can be used to upscale understanding from local communities to biogeographical patterns and how this can ultimately help to predict the impacts of global change on ecosystem functions. To address these key questions, we showcase studies on diverse animal taxa ranging in size from springtails to crocodiles and spanning multiple trophic levels from primary consumers to apex predators.

This collection of studies shows how precise measurements of morphological or physiological traits can increase mechanistic understanding of community assembly across trophic levels, particularly of the mechanisms underpinning large‐scale biodiversity patterns. Furthermore, a clearer picture is emerging of systematic animal responses to environmental change that shape the trait composition of ecological communities and affect ecosystem functioning.

The articles in this volume highlight the need to move trait‐based ecology beyond the limits of taxonomic boundaries. The integration of trait data and concepts across trophic levels opens up new possibilities for identifying general ecological mechanisms that shape patterns and processes operating at different scales. The identification of key functional traits and their interplay across trophic levels can underpin the development of a trait‐based ecology for whole ecosystems, which could eventually enable predictions of the ecosystem‐level consequences of biodiversity loss.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Should I breed or should I go? Manipulating individual state during migration influences breeding decisions in a long‐lived bird species
Authors: Grandmont Thierry , Fast Peter , Grentzmann Ilona , Gauthier Gilles , Bêty Joel , Legagneux Pierre
Published: January 2023

Documentation of carry‐over effects (COEs), defined as effects resulting from events that occurred in a previous time period, has largely been observational and understanding of specific mechanisms underlying COEs is still lacking. To investigate this, we simulated an environmental perturbation during the spring migration of a long‐lived bird species and looked at the subsequent effects on various breeding parameters.

We captured female greater snow geeseAnser caerulescens atlanticuson their spring staging sites and maintained individuals in captivity for up to 4 days before releasing them. We re‐observed females 3000 km North, on their Arctic breeding grounds, to estimate their breeding propensity (i.e. probability of initiating a reproductive event for a given year), and measured their arrival date, laying date, clutch size and nesting success.

Only proxies of breeding propensity were affected by our manipulation, which decreased as the time spent in captivity increased. However, females were able to overcome the effects of captivity in two out of the 3 years of experimentation with normal or good environmental conditions at the breeding site.

When facing the additional challenge of poor environmental conditions, many individuals manipulated during migration apparently curtailed their reproductive effort by skipping breeding. This experiment is the first to show that breeding propensity is an important parameter affected by COEs resulting from stressful events prior to reproduction in long‐lived species.

Read the freePlain Language Summaryfor this article on the Journal blog.
Fencing amplifies individual differences in movement with implications on survival for two migratory ungulates
Authors: Xu Wenjing , Gigliotti Laura C. , Royauté Raphaël , Sawyer Hall , Middleton Arthur D.
Published: January 2023

Fences have recently been recognized as one of the most prominent linear infrastructures on earth. As animals traverse fenced landscapes, they adjust movement behaviours to optimize resource access while minimizing energetic costs of coping with fences. Examining individual responses is key for connecting localized fence effects with population dynamics.

We investigated the multi‐scale effects of fencing on animal movements, space use and survival of 61 pronghorn and 96 mule deer on a gradient of fence density in Wyoming, USA.

Taking advantage of the recently developed Barrier Behaviour Analysis, we classified individual movement responses upon encountering fences (i.e. barrier behaviours). We adopted the reaction norm framework to jointly quantify individual plasticity and behavioural types of barrier behaviours, as well as behaviour syndromes between barrier behaviours and animal space use. We also assessed whether barrier behaviours affect individual survival.

Our results highlighted a high‐level individual plasticity encompassing differences in the degree and direction of barrier behaviours for both pronghorn and mule deer. Additionally, these individual differences were greater at higher fence densities. For mule deer, fence density determined the correlation between barrier behaviours and space use and was negatively associated with individual survival. However, these relationships were not statistically significant for pronghorn.

By integrating approaches from movement ecology and behavioural ecology with the emerging field of fence ecology, this study provides new evidence that an extraordinarily widespread linear infrastructure uniquely impacts animals at the individual level. Managing landscape for lower fence densities may help prevent irreversible behavioural shifts for wide‐ranging animals in fenced landscapes.
Does the reduction of seed dormancy during ex situ cultivation affect the germination and establishment of plants reintroduced into the wild?
Authors: Ensslin Andreas , Sandner Tobias M. , Godefroid Sandrine
Published: January 2023

Plants or seeds produced in botanic gardens or nurseries have become an important source of plant material for reintroductions or population reinforcements. However, recent research has shown that these living collections bear the risk of being genetically impoverished and adapted to the artificial habitat. In particular, many studies have reported a decline of seed dormancy during ex situ cultivation, which may compromise their suitability for reintroduction programmes. However, the impact of those ex situ derived changes on the germination and establishment of reintroduced plant populations is still unclear.

We studied the germination behaviour, population establishment and plant fitness over 3 years of reintroduced plants of the short‐lived perennial Digitalis lutea, comparing plants grown from (1) a 30‐year botanic garden population, (2) seeds from a seed bank representing the initial starting point of the botanic garden culture and (3) a re‐sampled corresponding wild population.

Under laboratory conditions, wild‐collected seeds required cold stratification to germinate, whereas seeds from the garden population germinated without stratification. This pattern was strongly reduced in an outdoor pot experiment, where only few garden seeds germinated before winter, and all seeds remained dormant when seeded in the natural area of origin. In a transplant experiment, reintroduced plants from the wild population outperformed both, the garden and the seed bank plants, in their fitness in the first 3 years after reintroduction suggesting adaptation to current climatic conditions.

Synthesis and applications. Our study demonstrates that trait changes that occurred during ex situ cultivation can negatively impact the establishment of reintroduced plants. We conclude that wild plant material collected from contemporary populations is best suited for reintroduction and should be preferred over ex situ cultivated and seed bank stored material, especially when the cultivation spanned multiple generations. However, our study also shows that germination requirements change in complex ways, and the loss of dormancy observed under laboratory conditions may not always be directly transferable to natural conditions. When established standards are respected, ex situ propagated material may thus still be a valuable resource, especially when wild material is not available in sufficient quantities.
Testis‐specific proteins, TSNAXIP1 and 1700010I14RIK, are important for sperm motility and male fertility in mice
Authors: Kaneda Yuki , Miyata Haruhiko , Shimada Keisuke , Oura Seiya , Ikawa Masahito
Published: January 2023

Background

TSN (translin), also called testis brain RNA‐binding protein, binds to TSNAX (translin‐associated factor X) and is suggested to play diverse roles, such as RNA metabolism and DNA damage response. TSNAXIP1 (Translin‐associated factor X‐interacting protein 1) was identified as a TSNAX‐interacting protein using a yeast two‐hybrid system, but its function in vivo was unknown.

Objective

To reveal the function of TSNAXIP1 in vivo in mice.

Materials and methods

We generated Tsnaxip1 knockout mice using the CRISPR/Cas9 system and analyzed their fertility and sperm motility. Further, we generated 1700010I14Rik knockout mice, because 1700010I14RIK is also predominantly expressed in testes and contains the same Pfam (protein families) domain as TSNAXIP1.

Results

Reduced male fertility and impaired sperm motility with asymmetric flagellar waveforms were observed in not only Tsnaxip1 but also 1700010I14Rik knockout mice. Unlike Tsn knockout mice, no abnormalities were found in testicular sections of either Tsnaxip1 or 1700010I14Rik knockout mice. Furthermore, TSNAXIP1 was detected in the sperm tail and fractionated with axonemal proteins.

Discussion and conclusion

Unlike the TSN–TSNAX complex, whose disruption causes abnormal vacuoles in mouse testes, TSNAXIP1 and 1700010I14RIK may play roles in regulating sperm flagellar beating patterns.
Laparoscopic and robotic multivisceral resection in colorectal cancer: A case series and systematic review
Authors: Osseis Michael , Dahboul Houssam , Mouawad Christian , Aoun Rany , Kassar Serge , Chakhtoura Ghassan , Noun Roger
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Multivisceral resection (MVR) with open approach is the standard surgical treatment for locally advanced colorectal cancer. However, the medical literature concerning the practice of minimally invasive MVR in order to reduce postoperative complications and hospital stay has been growing exponentially over the last years. The present study aimed to examine our experience and to provide a systematic review about the results and complications of minimally invasive MVR.

Methods

Data of patients that underwent minimally invasive MVR for locally advanced colorectal cancer from 2015 to 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. The literature was searched for studies concerning minimally invasive MVR for colorectal cancer.

Results

A total of 39 laparoscopic MVR were performed in our department. Complications occurred in 14 patients (35.9%) with major complications in five patients (18.82%) according to Clavien‐Dindo classification. Conversion was required in one case (2.56%) with subsequent mortality (2.56%). Pathologic adjacent organs or structures invasion was observed in 30 patients (76.9%) and positive resection margin occurred in two cases (5.2%). Twenty‐two studies including 1055 patients were identified after literature search. In these studies, laparoscopic surgery and robotic surgery were performed in 90.15% and 9.85% of the patients, respectively. R0 resection was established in 95% of cases, conversion rate varied between 0% and 41.7%, and postoperative mortality ranged between 0% and 7.7% in the included articles.

Conclusion

Minimally invasive approach may be a safe option for patients requiring MVR for locally advanced colorectal cancer, with equivalent oncological results and could result in better early postoperative outcomes to open approach. However, further studies on this topic are needed to confirm the results of the current study.
Genome‐wide association study of early ischaemic stroke risk in Brazilian individuals with sickle cell disease implicatesADAMTS2andCDK18and uncovers novel loci
Authors: Earley Eric Jay , Kelly Shannon , Fang Fang , Alencar Cecília Salete , Rodrigues Daniela de Oliveira Werneck , Soares Cruz Dahra Teles , Flanagan Jonathan M. , Ware Russell E. , Zhang Xu , Gordeuk Victor , Gladwin Mark , Zhang Yingze , Nouraie Mehdi , Nekhai Sergei , Sabino Ester , Custer Brian , Dinardo Carla , Page Grier P. ,   the International Component of the NHLBI Recipient Epidemiology and Donor Evaluation Study (REDS‐III) and the NHLBI Trans‐Omics for Precision Medicine (TOPMed) Consortium
Published: January 2023

Ischaemic stroke is a common complication of sickle cell disease (SCD) and without intervention can affect 11% of children with SCD before the age of 20. Within the Trans‐Omics for Precision Medicine (TOPMed), a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) of ischaemic stroke was performed on 1333 individuals with SCD from Brazil (178 cases, 1155 controls). Via a novel Cox proportional‐hazards analysis, we searched for variants associated with ischaemic stroke occurring at younger ages. Variants at genome‐wide significance (p < 5 × 10−8) include two near genes previously linked to non‐SCD early‐onset stroke (<65 years):ADAMTS2(rs147625068,p = 3.70 × 10−9) andCDK18(rs12144136,p = 2.38 × 10−9). Meta‐analysis, which included the independent SCD cohorts Walk‐PHaSST and PUSH, exhibited consistent association for variants rs1209987 near geneTBC1D32(p = 3.36 × 10−10), rs188599171 nearCUX1(p = 5.89 × 10−11), rs77900855 nearBTG1(p = 4.66 × 10−8), and rs141674494 nearVPS13C(1.68 × 10−9). Findings from this study support a multivariant model of early ischaemic stroke risk and possibly a shared genetic architecture between SCD individuals and non‐SCD individuals younger than 65 years.
The reaction of disagreements in inflation expectations to fiscal sentiment obtained from information in official communiqués
Authors: Montes Gabriel Caldas , Maia Victor
Published: January 2023

Using official communiqués about fiscal policy, we develop a fiscal sentiment indicator, and we verify the reaction of disagreements in inflation expectations to fiscal sentiment. This analysis is relevant to inflation targeting (IT) countries because transparency and communication can influence expectations. The results suggest that a more optimistic fiscal sentiment reduces disagreements in inflation expectations. Estimates show that, for higher disagreements in inflation expectations at 12‐month maturity, an optimistic fiscal sentiment can reduce the disagreement more sharply. In turn, the fiscal sentiment effect on the disagreement for the 48‐month maturity is stronger the smaller the disagreement is. The results allow us to outline the following policy recommendations. First, an optimistic fiscal environment is important in the task of guiding inflation expectations and reducing inflation uncertainty. Second, fiscal communication is an important tool for the expectations formation process, and therefore it must be carefully managed to help in the task of forward guidance of inflation expectations, being important for the IT regime. Third, both fiscal credibility and monetary policy credibility are important for the expectations formation process, particularly for the reduction of inflation uncertainty, representing aspects that must be preserved in countries that adopt the IT regime.
‘Thinking about myself?’ Experiences of parents of adolescents with cerebral palsy: A qualitative study to guide the implementation of a service for families
Authors: Silvério Ana Paula M. , Mancini Marisa C. , Antunes Fernanda I. T. , Figueiredo Priscilla R. P. , Bueno Kátia M. P. , Brandão Marina B.
Published: January 2023

Background

Recently, there has been an increase in the development of transition services for adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP). Studies have emphasized the importance of addressing parents' needs during their children's adolescence.

Aims

This study aimed to understand how parents experience the adolescence and transition to adulthood of their adolescents with CP and to identify relevant components for the development of a service for families.

Methods and procedures

A qualitative study was conducted with 18 families of adolescents with CP. Caregivers were purposely recruited from a transition programme called Adolescence in Focus Program. Individual interviews were conducted using a semistructured script. Then, the caregivers were invited to participate in focus groups. The interviews and focus groups were recorded and transcribed for content analysis.

Results

Three categories emerged: ‘The onset of adolescence’, ‘What will our future be?’ and ‘Support and services: paths to follow’. The adolescents' behavioural changes seemed to be intensified by their restricted social participation. Parents reported the desire for their adolescents to become independent in daily activities. Regarding their own future, they aimed to re‐establish the occupational roles that were interrupted.

Conclusion

Information from this study guided the design of a programme for families regarding content, format and outcomes.
Central serous chorioretinopathy: A review
Authors: Fung Adrian T. , Yang Yi , Kam Andrew W.
Published: January 2023

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is the fourth most common non‐surgical retinopathy associated with fluid leakage. The pathogenesis is not yet completely understood, but changes in the choroid, sclera and RPE have been described associated with venous congestion of choroidal outflow. CSC can be categorised into acute, chronic, and recurrent subtypes with recent classifications of simple and complex based on the area of RPE change seen on fundus autofluorescence. A multimodal imaging approach is helpful in the diagnosis and management of CSC and secondary complications such as type 1 neovascularisation. Although spontaneous resolution with relatively good visual outcomes is common, treatment should be considered in patients with persistent or recurrent SRF. Treatment options include laser, systemic medications, intravitreal therapy, and surgery. Of these, argon laser for focal extramacular fluid leaks and photodynamic therapy of leakage identified by indocyanine‐green angiography currently have the greatest supportive evidence.
Activated SOX9+ renal epithelial cells promote kidney repair through secreting factors
Authors: Nie Hao , Zhao Zixian , Zhou Dewei , Li Dandan , Wang Yujia , Ma Yu , Liu Xutao , Zuo Wei
Published: January 2023

A broad spectrum of lethal kidney diseases involves the irreversible destruction of the tubular structures, leading to renal function loss. Following injury, a spectrum of tissue‐resident epithelial stem/progenitor cells are known to be activated and then differentiate into mature renal cells to replace the damaged renal epithelium. Here, however, we reported an alternative way that tissue‐resident cells could be activated to secrete multiple factors to promote organ repair. At single‐cell resolution, we showed that the resident SOX9+ renal epithelial cells (RECs) could expand in the acutely injured kidney of both mouse and human. Compared to other cells, the SOX9+ RECs overexpressed much more secretion related genes, whose functions were linked to kidney repair pathways. We also obtained long‐term, feeder‐free cultured SOX9+ RECs from human urine and analysed their secretory profile at both transcriptional and proteomic levels. Engraftment of cultured human SOX9+ RECs or injection of its conditional medium facilitated the regeneration of renal tubular and glomerular epithelium, probably through stimulating endogenous REC self‐activation and mediating crosstalk with other renal cells. We also identified S100A9 as one of the key factors in the SOX9+ REC secretome. Altogether, the abilities to extensively propagate SOX9+ RECs in culture whilst concomitantly maintaining their intrinsic secretory capacity suggest their future application in cell‐free therapies and regeneration medicine.
CARE program: NCI and FDA interagency collaborations to support oncology small business entrepreneurs
Authors: Pond Monique A. , Narayanan Deepa , Zhang Kehui , Fau Danielle , Summers Jeffrey , Carranza Dorn , Weingarten Michael
Published: January 2023

The National Cancer Institute's Small Business Innovation Research Development Center (NCI SBIR) supports the commercialization of novel cancer‐related technologies by providing resources to 300–400 small businesses each year. Whereas Federal funding is crucial for the translation of technologies to the clinic, the majority of these technologies will need to undergo regulatory review to reach clinical testing. Many small businesses find navigating their regulatory pathway challenging, largely due to lack of regulatory expertise on small startup teams with limited revenue. In collaboration with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), NCI SBIR launched a new regulatory assistance program called Connecting Awardees with Regulatory Experts (CARE). The goal of the CARE program is to connect NCI‐funded small businesses with the FDA to receive feedback on their regulatory questions during early‐stage product development. The program has a multipronged support approach and also educates companies about the FDA process and existing resources. To date, 141 companies have participated in the interagency program. Follow‐up surveys indicate that the program guided the companies in planning the next regulatory steps for their technology development (89%) and provided critical information that changed their future NCI small business grant project aims (81%). Overall, companies reported they would recommend the program to other companies (90%). This paper will discuss the CARE program outcomes as well as other NCI and FDA collaborations that support early‐stage small businesses, including the joint development of funding opportunities and online resources that focus on the oncology startup community.