bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bidirectional multiciliated cell extrusion is controlled by Notch driven basal extrusion and Piezo 1 driven apical extrusion
Authors: Ventrella Rosa , Kim Sun K. , Sheridan Jennifer , Grata Aline , Bresteau Enzo , Hassan Osama , Suva Eve E. , Walentek Peter , Mitchell Brian
Published: January 2023

Xenopusembryos are covered with a complex epithelium containing numerous multiciliated cells (MCCs). During late stage development there is a dramatic remodeling of the epithelium that involves the complete loss of MCCs. Cell extrusion is a well-characterized process for driving cell loss while maintaining epithelial barrier function. Normal cell extrusion is typically unidirectional whereas bidirectional extrusion is often associated with disease (e.g. cancer). We describe two distinct mechanisms for MCC extrusion, a basal extrusion driven by Notch signaling and an apical extrusion driven by Piezo1. Early in the process there is a strong bias towards basal extrusion, but as development continues there is a shift towards apical extrusion. Importantly, receptivity to the Notch signal is age-dependent and governed by the maintenance of the MCC transcriptional program such that extension of this program is protective against cell loss. In contrast, later apical extrusion is regulated by Piezo 1 such that premature activation of Piezo 1 leads to early extrusion while blocking Piezo 1 leads to MCC maintenance. Distinct mechansms for MCC loss underlie the importance of their removal during epithelial remodeling.

Summay Statement

Cell extrusion typically occurs unidirectionally. We have identified a single population of multiciliated cells that extrudes bidirectionally: Notch-driven basal extrusion and Piezo 1-mediated apical extrusion.
Periosteal skeletal stem cells can migrate into the bone marrow and support hematopoiesis after injury
Authors: Marchand Tony , Akinnola Kemi E. , Takeishi Shoichiro , Maryanovich Maria , Pinho Sandra , Saint-Vanne Julien , Birbrair Alexander , Lamy Thierry , Tarte Karin , Frenette Paul S. , Gritsman Kira
Published: January 2023

Skeletal stem cells have been isolated from various tissues, including periosteum and bone marrow, where they exhibit key functions in bone biology and hematopoiesis, respectively. The role of periosteal skeletal stem cells in bone regeneration and healing has been extensively studied, but their ability to contribute to the bone marrow stroma is still under debate. In the present study, we characterized a whole bone transplantation model that mimics the initial bone marrow necrosis and fatty infiltration seen after injury. Using this model and a lineage tracing approach, we observed the migration of periosteal skeletal stem cells into the bone marrow after transplantation. Once in the bone marrow, periosteal skeletal stem cells are phenotypically and functionally reprogrammed into bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells that express high levels of hematopoietic stem cell niche factors such as Cxcl12 and Kitl. In addition, usingex vivoandin vivoapproaches, we found that periosteal skeletal stem cells are more resistant to acute stress than bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. These results highlight the plasticity of periosteal skeletal stem cells and their potential role in bone marrow regeneration after bone marrow injury.
Piconewton forces mediate GAIN domain dissociation of the latrophilin-3 adhesion GPCR
Authors: Zhong Brian L. , Lee Christina E. , Vachharajani Vipul T. , Südhof Thomas C. , Dunn Alexander R.
Published: January 2023

Latrophilins are adhesion G-protein coupled receptors (aGPCRs) that control excitatory synapse formation. aGPCRs, including latrophilins, are autoproteolytically cleaved at their GPCR-Autoproteolysis Inducing (GAIN) domain, but the two resulting fragments remain associated on the cell surface. It is thought that force-mediated dissociation of the fragments exposes a peptide that activates G-protein signaling of aGPCRs, but whether GAIN domain dissociation can occur on biologically relevant timescales and at physiological forces is unknown. Here, we show using magnetic tweezers that physiological forces dramatically accelerate the dissociation of the latrophilin-3 GAIN domain. Forces in the 1-10 pN range were sufficient to dissociate the GAIN domain on a seconds-to-minutes timescale, and the GAIN domain fragments reversibly reassociated after dissociation. Thus, mechanical force may be a key driver of latrophilin signaling during synapse formation, suggesting a physiological mechanism by which aGPCRs may mediate mechanically-induced signal transduction.
Nurse-Led Telerehabilitation Intervention to Improve Stroke Efficacy: Protocol for a pilot randomized feasibility trial
Authors: Osei Stephanopoulos Kofi Junior , – Bempah Emanuella Adomako , Yeboah Adelaide Appiah , Owiredu Lawrence Akuamoah , Ohene Lillian Akorfa
Published: January 2023

Background

The prevalence of stroke continues to rise in low-middle income countries. The continual rise in stroke cases and increasing prevalence on post-acute needs represent a crucial call for increased accessibility and utilization of rehabilitation services.

Aim

The primary objective of the study is to test the feasibility (recruitment, retention rates, cost and participant satisfaction) of a nurse-led telerehabilitation intervention in improving self-efficacy among stroke survivors. The findings of the trial are intended for use in a future larger study.

Methods

Participants would be recruited at the University of Ghana Hospital and randomized into an intervention group and a control group after being stratified based on age and type of stroke. Participants aged ≥ 18 years, diagnosed stroke at most 12months prior the recruitment and requiring moderate level of assistance would be considered for eligibility. Participants in the intervention group would undergo initial and continuous assessments for identification of problems and needs. Based on individual needs, participants would receive various nursing rehabilitation therapies in appropriate domains (cognitive, physical, emotional, and nursing education) combined with treatment as usual for 6 months. Participants in the controlled group would only receive treatment as usual (physiotherapy and follow-up with a medical officer). A follow-up evaluation would be conducted immediately, 30 days and 90 days after the intervention.

Discussion

Providing stroke rehabilitation services in low-resource settings presents a significant challenge due to limited infrastructure and a lack of trained healthcare professionals. The current study has the potential of contributing to the growing body of evidence on the impact of telerehabilitation services in mitigating these challenges in low-resource settings.
Diagnostic performance of lateral flow immunoassays for COVID-19 antibodies in Peruvian population
Authors: Calderon-Flores Rodrigo , Caceres-Cardenas Guillermo , Alí Karla , De Vos Margaretha , Emperador Devy , Cáceres Tatiana , Eca Anika , Villa Luz , Albertini Audrey , Sacks Jilian A. , Ugarte-Gil Cesar
Published: January 2023

Background

Serological assays have been used in seroprevalence studies to inform the dynamics of COVID-19. Lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) tests are a very practical technology to use for this objective; however, one of their challenges may be variable diagnostic performance. Given the numerous available LFIA tests, evaluation of their accuracy is critical before real-world implementation.

Methods

We performed a retrospective diagnostic evaluation study to independently determine the diagnostic accuracy of 4 different antibody-detection LFIA tests. The sample panel was comprised of specimens collected and stored in biobanks; specifically, specimens that were RT-PCR positive for SARS-CoV-2 collected at various times throughout the COVID-19 disease course and those that were collected before the pandemic, during 2018 or earlier, from individuals with upper respiratory symptoms but were negative for tuberculosis. Clinical performance (sensitivity and specificity) was analyzed overall, and subset across individual antibody isotypes, and days from symptoms onset.

Results

A very high specificity (98% - 100%) was found for all four tests. Overall sensitivity was variable, ranging from 29% [95% CI: 21%-39%] to 64% [95% CI: 54%-73%]. When considering detection of IgM only, the highest sensitivity was 42% [95% CI: 32%-52%], compared to 57% [95% CI: 47%-66%] for IgG only. When the analysis was restricted to at least 15 days since symptom onset, across any isotype, the sensitivity reached 90% for all four brands.

Conclusion

All four LFIA tests proved effective for identifying COVID-19 antibodies when two conditions were met: 1) at least 15 days have elapsed since symptom onset and 2) a sample is considered positive when either IgM or IgG is present. With these considerations, the use of this assays could help in seroprevalence studies or further exploration of its potential uses.
Accounting for early death recording in acute myocardial infarction mortality indicators based on administrative data – Observational study comparing Germany and the United States
Authors: Nimptsch Ulrike , Mansky Thomas , Busse Reinhard
Published: January 2023

Objective

To investigate whether differences in early death recording in administrative hospital data affect the comparison of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in-hospital mortality between Germany and the United States (U.S.), and to explore approaches to account for this issue.

Design

Observational cross-sectional study based on administrative hospital data. The German Diagnosis-Related Group Statistics, the U.S. National Inpatient Sample and the U.S. Nationwide Emergency Department Sample were analysed.

Setting

Acute inpatient and emergency department (ED) care in German and U.S. acute care hospitals from 2014 to 2019.

Participants

Cases with treatment for AMI were identified according to the OECD indicator “AMI 30 day in-hospital (same hospital) mortality using unlinked data (admission based)”. 1.30 million acute care hospitalizations for AMI were identified in German inpatient data and 3.88 million were estimated from U.S. inpatient data. From U.S. ED data additional 25,500 patients with a first listed diagnosis of AMI, who died before inpatient admission, were estimated.

Primary outcome measures

National in-hospital mortality for AMI.

Results

While short-duration treatments due to early death are generally recorded in German inpatient data, in U.S. inpatient data those cases are partially missing. German age- and- sex standardized in-hospital mortality was substantially higher compared to the U.S. (in 2019 7.3% vs. 4.6%). The ratio of German vs. U.S. mortality was 1.6. After consideration of ED deaths in U.S. data this ratio declined to 1.4. Exclusion of same-day stay cases in German and U.S. data led to a similar ratio.

Conclusions

Excluding cases with short-duration treatment from the calculation of mortality indicators might be a feasible approach to account for differences in the recording of early deaths, that might be existent in other countries as well.

Strengths and limitations

The strength of this study is the use of large national administrative data sources.

Administrative hospital data is collected for billing purposes and differences in coding, reimbursement rules, and data collection practice may impair international comparisons.

The deliberate assignment of ED deaths in U.S. data to a length of stay of less than one day was done for practical reasons but might not be correct in all cases.

Possible differences in coding due to different modifications of the ICD-10 should be considered, as well as the transition from ICD-9 to ICD-10 coding that took place in the U.S. in 2015.

The present study focused only admission-based AMI mortality, i.e., only deaths occurring in the same hospital were captured.
The COVID-19 antibody responses, isotypes and glycosylation: Why SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein complex binding of IgG3 is potentiated in some and immuno-pathologies manifest
Authors: Iles Raymond Kruse
Published: January 2023

COVID-19 syndrome does not occur in all who are infected with SARS-CoV-2, and symptoms vary. The anti-SARS CoV-2 Spike immune responses is confounded by the Spike proteins ability to bind Igγ3 heavy chains. This appears to be via sialic acid glycans found on the O-Linked glycosylation moieties of this heavy chain extended neck domain. Furthermore glycosylation of light chains, particularly Kappa (κ), is an associated feature of antibodies binding to SARS-CoV-2 antigens nucleocapsid and Spike protein. COVID-19 recovered patients had increased IgG1 and IgM levels and un-glycosylated κ light chains; possibly In order to counter this immune system subjugation of IgG3. These molecular finding, together with our previous finding that Spike protein binds glycated human serum albumin (HSA), may explain the micro-vascular inflammatory clots that are a causative feature of COVID-19 acute respiratory syndrome (ARDS).

The postulated molecular sequelae are that SARS-CoV-2 virion, entering the blood circulation, being coated with IgG3 and glycated HSA forms a colloid and deposits into micro-focal clots which are also inflammatory. It is not that all IgG3 and albumin is being bound by the virus; this depends on the affinity the SARS-CoV2 virion has for binding an individual’s IgG3 and albumin due to glycosylation and glycation status. The degree of glycosylation and terminal sialyation of an individual’s antibodies is both a genetic and age-maturity dependant feature of the immune system. The degree of HSA glycation is also age related feature particularly related to type 2 diabetes. Thereby establishing the molecular basis of the association of severe COVID-19 disease syndrome and deaths with diabetes, metabolic disorders, and old age. Furthermore, already having cardiovascular disease, with hardened arteries, SARS-CoV2-glycated HSA-IgG3 deposition is going to exacerbate an already compromised circulatory physiology. The binding of IgG3 might also drives a shift in the immune repertoire response to SAR-CoV-2 anti-spike antibodies of increased IgG1 and prolonged IgM levels. This may be associated with Long Covid.

In summary, SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein binding of IgG3, via sialic acid glycan residues, along with increased glycosylated κ-light chains and glycated-HSA may form a focal amyloid-like precipitate within blood vessels which in turn leads to the inflammatory micro-thrombosis characteristic of COVID-19 immuno-pathology.
Public Attitudes to Implementing Financial Incentives in Stop Smoking Services in Ireland
Authors: Cosgrave Ellen , Sheridan Aishling , Murphy Edward , Blake Martina , Siersbaek Rikke , Parker Sarah , Burke Sara , Doyle Frank , Kavanagh Paul
Published: January 2023

INTRODUCTION

Financial incentives improve stop smoking service outcomes. Views on acceptability can influence implementation success. To inform implementation planning in Ireland, public attitudes to financial incentives in stop smoking services were measured.

METHODS

A cross-sectional telephone survey was administered to a random digit dialled sample of 1000 people in Ireland aged 15 years and older in 2022. The questionnaire included items on support for financial incentives under different conditions. Prevalence of support was calculated with 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) and multiple logistic regression identified associated factors using Adjusted Odds Ratios (aORs, with 95% CIs).

RESULTS

Almost half (47.0%, 95% CI 43.9%-50.1%) supported at least one type of financial incentive to stop smoking, with support more prevalent for shopping vouchers (43.3%, 95% CI 40.3%-46.5%) than cash payments (32.1%, 95% CI 29.2%-35.0%).

Support was similar for universal and income-restricted schemes. Of those who supported financial incentives, the majority (60.6%) believed the maximum amount given on proof of stopping smoking should be under €250 (median=€100, range=€1-€7000). Versus comparative counterparts, those of lower educational attainment (aOR 1.49 95% CI 1.10-2.03, p=0.010) and tobacco/e-cigarette users (aOR 1.43 95% CI 1.02-2.03, p=0.041) were significantly more likely to support either financial incentive type, as were younger people.

CONCLUSIONS

While views on financial incentives to stop smoking in Ireland were mixed, the intervention is more acceptable in groups experiencing the heaviest burden of smoking-related harm and most capacity to benefit. Engagement and communication must be integral to planning for successful implementation to improve stop smoking service outcomes.
PRDM16 functions as a co-repressor in the BMP pathway to suppress neural stem cell proliferation
Authors: He Li , Wen Jiayu , Dai Qi
Published: January 2023

BMP signalling acts as an instructive cue in various developmental processes such as tissue patterning, stem cell proliferation, and differentiation. However, it is not fully understood how this signalling pathway generates different cell-specific outputs. Here we have identified PRDM16 as a key co-factor for BMP signalling. PRDM16 contributes to a repressive role of BMP signalling on neural stem cell (NSC) proliferation. We demonstrate that PRDM16 regulates the genomic distribution of BMP pathway transcription factors, the SMAD4/pSMAD complex, preventing the activation of cell proliferation genes. WhenPrdm16is lost, the SMAD complex relocates to nearby genomic regions, leading to abnormal upregulation of BMP target genes. This function of PRDM16 is also required for the specification of choroid plexus (ChP) epithelial cells. Through a single-cell resolution fluorescentin situapproach, we have observed that genes co-repressed by SMAD and PRDM16, such asWnt7band several cell cycle regulators, become overexpressed inPrdm16mutant ChP. Our findings elucidate a mechanism through which SMAD4 and pSMAD1/5/8 repress gene expression. Moreover, our study suggests a regulatory circuit composed of BMP and Wnt signaling, along with PRDM16, in controlling stem cell behaviors.
A chromosome-scale epigenetic map of theHydragenome reveals conserved regulators of cell state
Authors: Cazet Jack F. , Siebert Stefan , Little Hannah Morris , Bertemes Philip , Primack Abby S. , Ladurner Peter , Achrainer Matthias , Fredriksen Mark T. , Moreland R. Travis , Singh Sumeeta , Zhang Suiyuan , Wolfsberg Tyra G. , Schnitzler Christine E. , Baxevanis Andreas D. , Simakov Oleg , Hobmayer Bert , Juliano Celina E.
Published: January 2023

The epithelial and interstitial stem cells of the freshwater polypHydraare the best-characterized stem cell systems in any cnidarian, providing valuable insight into cell type evolution and the origin of stemness in animals. However, little is known about the transcriptional regulatory mechanisms that determine how these stem cells are maintained and how they give rise to their diverse differentiated progeny. To address such questions, a thorough understanding of transcriptional regulation inHydrais needed. To this end, we generated extensive new resources for characterizing transcriptional regulation inHydra, including new genome assemblies forHydra oligactisand the AEP strain ofHydra vulgaris, an updated whole-animal single-cell RNA-seq atlas, and genome-wide maps of chromatin interactions, chromatin accessibility, sequence conservation, and histone modifications. These data revealed the existence of large kilobase-scale chromatin interaction domains in theHydragenome that contain transcriptionally coregulated genes. We also uncovered the transcriptomic profiles of two previously molecularly uncharacterized cell types: isorhiza-type nematocytes and somatic gonad ectoderm. Finally, we identified novel candidate regulators of cell type–specific transcription, several of which have likely been conserved at least since the divergence ofHydraand the jellyfishClytia hemisphaericamore than 400 million years ago.
MAXPEEM: a spectromicroscopy beamline at MAX IV laboratory
Authors: Niu Yuran , Vinogradov Nikolay , Preobrajenski Alexei , Struzzi Claudia , Sarpi Brice , Zhu Lin , Golias Evangelos , Zakharov Alexei
Published: January 2023

MAXPEEM, a dedicated photoemission electron microscopy beamline at MAX IV Laboratory, houses a state-of-the-art aberration-corrected spectroscopic photoemission and low-energy electron microscope (AC-SPELEEM). This powerful instrument offers a wide range of complementary techniques providing structural, chemical and magnetic sensitivities with a single-digit nanometre spatial resolution. The beamline can deliver a high photon flux of ≥1015 photons s−1 (0.1% bandwidth)−1 in the range 30–1200 eV with full control of the polarization from an elliptically polarized undulator. The microscope has several features which make it unique from similar instruments. The X-rays from the synchrotron pass through the first beam separator and impinge the surface at normal incidence. The microscope is equipped with an energy analyzer and an aberration corrector which improves both the resolution and the transmission compared with standard microscopes. A new fiber-coupled CMOS camera features an improved modulation transfer function, dynamic range and signal-to-noise ratio compared with the traditional MCP-CCD detection system.
Predicting customers’ intentions to adopt the solar net metering system in India
Authors: Kaur Amanpreet , Kaur Prabhjot
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The study aims to investigate the factors influencing customers’ behavioral intentions to adopt solar net metering systems (NMS) through environmental consciousness, perceived consumer effectiveness and government initiatives constructs along with “the theory of planned behavior” (TPB) constructs, namely, attitude, perceived behavioral control, behavioral intentions and subjective norms.

Design/methodology/approach

The data of 472 respondents were collected from 22 states of India using purposive sampling from January to May 2022. The study used international business machines corporation Statistical Package for Social Sciences software for descriptive analysis, and SmartPLS 3.5.5 software was used for structural equation modeling. The data were also checked for multicollinearity, common method bias, skewness and kurtosis using different tests.

Findings

The analysis revealed that environmental consciousness, perceived consumer effectiveness and government initiatives significantly influenced the attitude toward solar NMS. Furthermore, behavioral intentions were significantly impacted by three constructs of TPB, which signifies that environmentally conscious customers have a favorable attitude toward solar NMS adoption. Additionally, the role of government initiatives is essential in promoting solar NMS.

Practical implications

This study offers valuable insights for the government, solar product manufacturing companies and other stakeholders to increase the adoption of solar NMS.

Originality/value

This research explores the factors influencing the consumers’ adoption behavior regarding solar NMS; no dedicated study has tried to do so in the Indian context in the past. This study adds novel underpinnings to TPB, enabling better comprehension of solar NMS adoption.
The effects of physicians on operational and financial performance in United States hospitals: staffing, human capital and knowledge spillovers
Authors: Stock Gregory , McDermott Christopher
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The authors examine how physician staffing, human capital and knowledge spillovers are related to multiple dimensions of hospital operational and financial performance at the organizational level.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use a data set assembled from multiple sources for more than 1,300 US hospitals and employ hierarchical linear regression to test this study’s hypotheses. The authors use multiple quality, efficiency and financial measures of performance for these hospitals.

Findings

The authors find that higher levels of staffing, skills and knowledge spillovers associated with physicians were positively associated with multiple dimensions of hospital performance. The authors find linear and nonlinear relationships between experience and performance, with the relationships primarily negative, and nonlinear relationships between spillovers and quality performance.

Practical implications

Hospital managers should consider increasing physician staffing levels if possible. In addition, the overall Final MIPS Score from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services might be included as a factor in determining which physicians practice in a hospital. Finally, if possible, encouraging physicians to practice at multiple hospitals will likely be beneficial to hospital performance.

Originality/value

This study’s findings are original in that they explore how physician-specific staffing and human capital, which have received comparatively little attention in the literature, are related to several different dimensions of hospital-level operational and financial performance. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is also the first to examine the relationship between the construct of physician knowledge spillovers and hospital-level operational and financial performance.
A systematic study on the challenges, characteristics and security issues in vehicular networks
Authors: Lone Faisal , Verma Harsh Kumar , Sharma Krishna Pal
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to extensively explore the vehicular network paradigm, challenges faced by them and provide a reasonable solution for securing these vulnerable networks. Vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication has brought the long-anticipated goal of safe, convenient and sustainable transportation closer to reality. The connected vehicle (CV) paradigm is critical to the intelligent transportation systems vision. It imagines a society free of a troublesome transportation system burdened by gridlock, fatal accidents and a polluted environment. The authors cannot overstate the importance of CVs in solving long-standing mobility issues and making travel safer and more convenient. It is high time to explore vehicular networks in detail to suggest solutions to the challenges encountered by these highly dynamic networks.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper compiles research on various V2X topics, from a comprehensive overview of V2X networks to their unique characteristics and challenges. In doing so, the authors identify multiple issues encountered by V2X communication networks due to their open communication nature and high mobility, especially from a security perspective. Thus, this paper proposes a trust-based model to secure vehicular networks. The proposed approach uses the communicating nodes’ behavior to establish trustworthy relationships. The proposed model only allows trusted nodes to communicate among themselves while isolating malicious nodes to achieve secure communication.

Findings

Despite the benefits offered by V2X networks, they have associated challenges. As the number of CVs on the roads increase, so does the attack surface. Connected cars provide numerous safety-critical applications that, if compromised, can result in fatal consequences. While cryptographic mechanisms effectively prevent external attacks, various studies propose trust-based models to complement cryptographic solutions for dealing with internal attacks. While numerous trust-based models have been proposed, there is room for improvement in malicious node detection and complexity. Optimizing the number of nodes considered in trust calculation can reduce the complexity of state-of-the-art solutions. The theoretical analysis of the proposed model exhibits an improvement in trust calculation, better malicious node detection and fewer computations.

Originality/value

The proposed model is the first to add another dimension to trust calculation by incorporating opinions about recommender nodes. The added dimension improves the trust calculation resulting in better performance in thwarting attacks and enhancing security while also reducing the trust calculation complexity.
National culture and entrepreneurial orientation in an emerging economy: the moderating role of informal enterprises’ survival intent
Authors: Kabir Ibrahim , Naqshbandi M. Muzamil , Abubakar Yazid Abdullahi , Said Thuraya Farhana
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between culture and entrepreneurial orientation (EO) in informal enterprises and the moderating role of their survival intent.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper used Hofstede's national culture framework and theory of EO to develop a novel conceptual framework. The data were collected using a survey from a sample of 385 informal enterprises and analyzed using partial least square structural equation modelling.

Findings

The findings of this paper confirmed that power distance, uncertainty avoidance and normative orientation negatively affect EO in contrast with the positive effect of individualism and masculinity. Although power distance and uncertainty avoidance negatively affect an EO, the findings showed that survival intent weakens the negative nexus between these variables and strengthens the positive effect of individualism and masculinity on EO.

Research limitations/implications

Although this study examined how survival intent moderates the nexus between national culture and EO across informal enterprises in emerging economies, the data were collected in Nigeria only. This study also examined EO in aggregate and considered only one sector.

Practical implications

This study recommends that policymakers and practitioners understand the important links between firms' characteristics, culture and EO while designing training programs, policies and procedures. Doing so will support the successful implementation of entrepreneurship programs, address the prevailing entrepreneurial needs and cultural deficits across enterprises and promote the efficient allocation of resources.

Originality/value

This paper extends Hofstede's framework of national culture and EO in the context of informal enterprises in emerging economies by examining the nexus between national culture and EO, moderated by survival intent.
Sustainability reporting – a systematic review of various dimensions, theoretical and methodological underpinnings
Authors: Nasreen Taslima , Baker Ron , Rezania Davar
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This review aims to summarize the extent to which sustainability dimensions are covered in the selected qualitative literature, the theoretical and ontological underpinnings that have informed sustainability research and the qualitative methodologies used in that literature.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a systematic review to examine prior empirical studies in sustainability reporting between 2000 and 2021.

Findings

This review contributes to sustainability research by identifying unexplored and underexplored areas for future studies, such as Indigenous people’s rights, employee health and safety practice, product responsibility, gender and leadership diversity. Institutional and stakeholder theories are widely used in the selected literature, whereas moral legitimacy remains underexplored. The authors suggest that ethnographic and historical research will increase the richness of academic research findings on sustainability reporting.

Research limitations/implications

This review is limited to qualitative studies only because its richness allows researchers to apply various methodological and theoretical approaches to understand engagement in sustainability reporting practice.

Originality/value

This review follows a novel approach of bringing the selected studies’ scopes, theories and methodologies together. This approach permits researchers to formulate a research question coherently using a logical framework for a research problem.
Factors determining the investment behaviour of farmers – the moderating role of socioeconomic demographics
Authors: Manocha Shilpa , Bhullar Pritpal Singh , Sachdeva Timcy
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the determinants that determine the investment behaviour of rural farmers. This study further examines the moderation effect of socio traits in the association between investment behaviour and its determined factors.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a cross-sectional research design to gather information. The information for this research survey was gathered using a structured questionnaire from 400 individual investors in the rural area of Punjab, who participated in the study. It has been decided to use the Cronbach’s alpha test to determine the validity and reliability of the questionnaire. To evaluate the hypothesis, structural equation modelling has been used in the research process.

Findings

The results of this study reveal that attitude, financial risk inclination, financial planning and investment intention determine the investment behaviour of the rural people of Punjab. The results for the interaction effect of socio traits with investment intention, financial risk propensity and investment attitude were found statistically significant amongst rural people. The results of the moderation effect stated that interaction between the attitude and investment intention and financial risk propensity and investment intention is significantly influenced by age of respondents. The results further reveal that marital status of rural people affect the interaction between attitude and investment intention and financial risk propensity and investment intention. Nothing about education seems to be a moderating influence on any of the relationships studied.

Originality/value

The authors contribute to the literature in two aspects. Firstly, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the only study of its kind that focuses on the investment behaviour of farmers. Secondly, by looking at the farmer’s investing behaviour, the moderation effect of demographic variables is also studied which set this study apart from another existing scholarly research. This study contributes to the growing literature on investment behaviour of farmers in developing and developed markets.
Just one screen is not enough: Social TV role to Brazilian fans of Major League Soccer
Authors: Moura Bruno Melo , de Souza-Leão André Luiz Maranhão , Silva Ewerton Pacheco da , Santos Guilherme Monteiro Alves dos
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Sports leagues, such as Major League Soccer (MLS), aim at expanding their audience at global level through alternative media other than television (TV). Brazil stands out among football media consumer audiences as one of the main markets worldwide. Brazilian MLS consumers play the role of fans to converge between TV media and digital platforms, in a phenomenon that has been called Social TV.

Design/methodology/approach

The aim of the current research is to investigate how Brazilian MLS fans' consumption process is established through Social TV; it was done based on netnography performed between 2018 and 2020.

Findings

Results have indicated that Social TV is a catalyst of practices associated with fan culture: cultural convergence, technologies appropriations, poaching experiences and production of a collective intelligence.

Research limitations/implications

Current research reinforces how ethnography methodology has been gaining room as likely consumer market research, working as alternative method based on the prevalence of focus group and survey techniques.

Practical implications

Social TV phenomenon presents itself as a possibility to expand and direct marketing strategies focused on sports management, just as the media often consumed by fans.

Originality/value

From the results, it is possible assuming that connections between fans are punctually guided by their relationship with the cultural object consumed by them in a network relationship whose actors deindividualize sociocultural practices such as consumption. Thus, the main contribution of the study lies on identifying how fan culture can be autonomously established in the market arena in comparison to other cultures.
A novel toxin–antitoxin system swpAB alters gene expression patterns and reduces virulence expression in enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli
Authors: Ebihara Shinya , Yen Hilo , Tobe Toru
Published: January 2023

Toxin–antitoxin (TA) systems are found widely among many bacteria, including enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC), but their functions are still poorly understood. In this study, we identified and characterized a novel TA system belonging to the relBE family, classified as a type II TA system, found in EHEC. The protein encoded by the toxin gene is homologous to RelE ribonuclease. Using various conditions for increasing the toxin activity, high‐level induction of a toxin gene, and repression of an antitoxin gene in wild‐type EHEC, we showed that the TA system, named swpAB (switching of gene expression profile), is involved in selective repression of a set of genes, including some virulence genes, and in the reduction of adherence capacity, rather than in suppression of bacterial growth. A detailed analysis of the profiles of RNA levels along sequences at 15 min after high expression of swpA revealed that two virulence genes, espA and tir, were direct targets of the SwpA toxin. These results suggested that the swpAB system can alter gene expression patterns and change bacterial physiological activity without affecting bacterial growth.
Complementary effects of high‐performance work systems and temporal leadership on employee creativity: a social embeddedness perspective of thriving
Authors: Zhou Yu , Zheng Guoyang , Liu Guangjian , Zhang Zhipeng
Published: January 2023

Studies on how high‐performance work systems (HPWS) enhance employee creativity are primarily based on relationship‐ and motivation‐related theories, while some scholars have argued that HPWS may promote performance at the expense of employee well‐being. Based primarily on a social embeddedness framework of thriving, this study introduces the human dimension of the sustainability perspective and investigates the indirect effect of HPWS on creativity through evidence of employees' thriving at work. We further explore the moderating role of temporal leadership in the relationship between HPWS and thriving. Hypotheses are tested using multi‐wave, multi‐source data from 235 employees and their direct supervisors. The contribution of this study lies in explaining how employee creativity is triggered by HPWS and how temporal leadership complements HPWS.
Actual pressure generated by various suction technique and suctioning liquid weight through endoscopic ultrasound‐guided aspiration needles
Authors: Sheng Li Ping , Lin Rong , Tao Xu , Guo Xian Wen , Han Chao Qun , Nie Chi , Zhang Kun , Ding Zhen
Published: January 2023

Objectives

Suction pressure is one of the most important factors influencing the amount of tissue obtained during endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration/biopsy (EUS‐FNA/FNB). In this study we aimed to elucidate actual suction pressure generated by various suction methods and the weight of suctioning liquid.

Methods

Different types of fine needles and suction techniques were used, including the slow pull technique (SPT), dry suction technique (DST), wet suction technique (WST), neutralizing negative pressure technique (NNPT), and residual negative pressure technique (RNPT). Actual suction pressure was measured and the amount of suctioning liquid was weighed.

Results

Actual suction pressure and weight of the suctioning liquid were lower using SPT than using DST, while they were higher when using WST compared with those using DST. In general, the actual suction pressure increased and the weight of suctioning liquid decreased as the diameter of the FNA needles decreased. While weight of the suctioning liquid using FNB needles was significantly larger than that using FNA needles. In general, the actual suction pressure generated using RNPT was larger than that using NNPT.

Conclusions

WST is superior to SPT and DST in terms of actual suction pressure and weight of suctioning liquid. Diameter of the FNA needle was an important factor that may affect the actual suction pressure and weight of suctioning liquid. FNB needles are superior to FNA needles when it comes to the weight of suctioning liquid. Actual suction pressure obtained by novel suction methods (NNPT and RNPT) may provide a basis for future research.
Derivation of the multiply‐branched ergot alkaloid pathway of fungi
Authors: Panaccione Daniel G.
Published: January 2023

Ergot alkaloids are a large family of fungal specialized metabolites that are important as toxins in agriculture and as the foundation of powerful pharmaceuticals. Fungi from several lineages and diverse ecological niches produce ergot alkaloids from at least one of several branches of the ergot alkaloid pathway. The biochemical and genetic bases for the different branches have been established and are summarized briefly herein. Several pathway branches overlap among fungal lineages and ecological niches, indicating activities of ergot alkaloids benefit fungi in different environments and conditions. Understanding the functions of the multiple genes in each branch of the pathway allows researchers to parse the abundant genomic sequence data available in public databases in order to assess the ergot alkaloid biosynthesis capacity of previously unexplored fungi. Moreover, the characterization of the genes involved in the various branches provides opportunities and resources for the biotechnological manipulation of ergot alkaloids for experimentation and pharmaceutical development.
First‐in‐human application of double‐stranded RNA bacteriophage in the treatment of pulmonary Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection
Authors: Li Linlin , Zhong Qiu , Zhao Yunze , Bao Juan , Liu Bing , Zhong Zhuojun , Wang Jing , Yang Lan , Zhang Tingting , Cheng Mengjun , Wu Nannan , Zhu Tongyu , Le Shuai
Published: January 2023

A double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) phage phiYY is able to kill a pyomelanin‐producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain, which was isolated from a 40‐year‐old man with interstitial lung disease (ILD) and chronic lung infection. Phage therapy was used as a last resort for this patient. The three‐course nebulized phiYY treatment was used to reduce the bacterial burden and clinical symptoms of the patient. Recurrences of P. aeruginosa infections were observed 1–3 days post phage therapy. The recurrent isolates exhibited distinct antibiotic‐susceptibility profiles compared with the original strain yet were still susceptible to phiYY. This assay represents the application of dsRNA phage in the treatment of chronic lung infection, albeit the safety and efficacy of the dsRNA phage require further assessment.
C‐PLAN index as a prognostic factor for patients with previously untreated advanced non‐small cell lung cancer who received combination immunotherapy: A multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Sonehara Kei , Ozawa Ryota , Hama Mineyuki , Nozawa Shuhei , Agatsuma Toshihiko , Nishie Kenichi , Kato Akane , Matsuo Akemi , Araki Taisuke , Komatsu Masamichi , Tateishi Kazunari , Hanaoka Masayuki
Published: January 2023

Background

Combination immunotherapy (immune checkpoint inhibitors and cytotoxic anticancer agents) is widely used as first‐line treatment for advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the therapeutic effect of combination immunotherapy has not been fully investigated. C‐reactive protein, performance status, lactate dehydrogenase, albumin, and derived neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (C‐PLAN) are useful biomarkers for predicting the prognosis of NSCLC; however, there are no reports examining the C‐PLAN index, which combines these five factors in a single prognostic factor.

Methods

We retrospectively collected data from 178 patients with previously untreated advanced NSCLC who received combination immunotherapy at multicenter institutions in Nagano Prefecture between December 2018 and April 2022. We investigated the utility of the C‐PLAN index as a prognostic factor using Cox regression analysis and correlated it with survival.

Results

The good and poor C‐PLAN index groups included 85 and 93 patients, respectively. The good C‐PLAN index group had a longer median progression‐free survival (PFS) (10.7 vs. 6.0 months; p = 0.022) and overall survival (OS) (25.3 vs. 16.5 months; p = 0.003) than the poor C‐PLAN index group. The C‐PLAN index was an independent favorable prognostic factor that correlated with PFS and OS in multivariate analysis. The good C‐PLAN index group had a higher proportion of never‐smokers (16.5 vs. 4.3%; p = 0.007) and stage III disease/postoperative recurrence (32.9 vs. 15.1%; p = 0.005) than the poor C‐PLAN index group.

Conclusion

The C‐PLAN index is a useful prognostic factor for patients with previously untreated advanced NSCLC undergoing combination immunotherapy.
Fishers who don't fish
Authors: Thomas Eric H.
Published: January 2023

In 2018, an unprecedented red tide prompted Chile's Ministry of Health to close fisheries throughout the country's southern Aysén Region. The disaster heightened the precarity of “paper fishers,” or those who seldom fish but deftly navigate Chile's neoliberal fisheries management system. Amid the crisis, these fishers performed valuable distributive labor. They connected benefits from transferable fishing quotas to community‐based networks, persuaded officials to recognize additional claimants, and redistributed cash in their communities. This enabled fishers to access public funds when fishing was impossible and strengthened community solidarity in the face of precarity. Yet it also required that claims for financial compensation be legible to state officials, and it prevented political actions that would have disrupted the state‐backed aquaculture industry, despite the latter's contribution to the red tide. Thus, neoliberal distributive programs that depend on the commodification of nature simultaneously benefit rural communities in crisis and facilitate the displacement of beneficiaries.
Refusing aid
Authors: O'Sullivan Sarah
Published: January 2023

“Aid dependency” has long been a concern among development organizations, because it supposedly discourages the entrepreneurial spirit and thus hinders economic development. But what happens when beneficiaries refuse aid? In this article, I offer an ethnographic account of aid refusal in postconflict northern Uganda. There, members of savings and loan associations negotiate debts and investments through Acholi ethics ofripe, or “making life experiences together.” In doing so, they demonstrate that their refusals are not disavowals of development. Rather, they are refusals of development hierarchies and of the financialization of development, both of which risk obstructing Acholi ethics of interdependence. By analyzingripeand the ways that association members negotiate the ethics of receiving aid, this article offers a counterpoint to dominant, pathologizing discourses of African dependency, corruption, and development—discourses predicated on Western, neoliberal valuations of work and community. In short, this article calls into question the assumption that economic growth is always the sine qua non of development.