bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ionizing radiation responses appear incidental to desiccation responses in the bdelloid rotiferAdineta vaga
Authors: Moris Victoria C. , Bruneau Lucie , Berthe Jérémy , Heuskin Anne-Catherine , Penninckx Sébastien , Ritter Sylvia , Weber Uli , Durante Marco , Danchin Etienne G. J. , Hespeels Boris , Van Doninck Karine
Published: June 2023

Background

The remarkable resistance to ionizing radiation found in anhydrobiotic organisms, such as some bacteria, tardigrades, and bdelloid rotifers has been hypothesized to be incidental to the desiccation resistance. Both stresses produce reactive oxygen species and cause damage to DNA and other macromolecules. However, this hypothesis has only been investigated in a few species.

Results

In this study, we analyzed the transcriptomic response of the bdelloid rotiferAdineta vagato desiccation and to low- (X-rays) and high- (Fe) LET radiation to highlight the molecular and genetic mechanisms triggered by both stresses. We identified numerous genes encoding antioxidants, but also chaperones, that are constitutively highly expressed, which may contribute to the protection of proteins against oxidative stress during desiccation and ionizing radiation. We also detected a transcriptomic response common to desiccation and ionizing radiation with the over-expression of genes mainly involved in DNA repair and protein modifications but also genes with unknown functions being bdelloid-specific. A distinct transcriptomic response specific to rehydration was also found, with the over-expression of genes mainly encoding Late Embryogenesis Abundant proteins, specific Heat Shock Proteins, and glucose repressive proteins.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the extreme resistance of bdelloid rotifers to radiation might indeed be a consequence of their capacity to resist complete desiccation. This study paves the way to functional genetic experiments onA. vagatargeting promising candidate proteins playing central roles in radiation and desiccation resistance.
Polymer biodegradation byHalanaerobiumpromotes reservoir souring during hydraulic fracturing
Authors: Scheffer Gabrielle , Chakraborty Anirban , Amundson Kaela K. , Khan Rohan , Wilkins Michael J. , Wrighton Kelly , Evans Paul , Hubert Casey R. J.
Published: June 2023

Hydraulically fractured shale reservoirs have facilitated studies of unexplored niches in the continental deep biosphere. Members of the genusHalanaerobiumare ubiquitous in these environments. Polymers like guar gum used as gelling agents in hydraulic fracturing fluids are known to be fermentable substrates, but metabolic pathways encoding these processes have not been characterized. To explore this, produced water samples from the Permian Basin were incubated at 30°C to simulate above-ground storage conditions, and at 60°C to simulate subsurface reservoir conditions. Guar metabolism coincided withHalanaerobiumenrichment only at 30°C, revealing genes for polymer biodegradation through the mixed-acid fermentation pathway in different metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs). Whereas thiosulfate reduction to sulfide is often invoked to explain the dominance ofHalanaerobiumin these settings,Halanaerobiumgenomes did not uncover genes for this metabolism. Sulfide production was observed in 60°C incubations, with corresponding enrichment ofDesulfohalobiumandDesulfovibrionaceaethat possess complete pathways for coupling mannose and acetate oxidation to sulfate reduction. These findings outline how production of fermentation intermediates (mannose, acetate) byHalanaerobiumin topside settings can result in reservoir souring when these metabolites are introduced into the subsurface through produced water re-use.

Importance

Hydraulically fractured shale oil reservoirs are ideal for studying extremophiles such as thermohalophiles. During hydraulic fracturing, reservoir production water is stored in surface ponds prior to re-use. Microorganisms in these systems therefore need to withstand various environmental changes such as the swing between warm downhole oil reservoir temperatures and cooler surface conditions. This study follows this water cycle during fracking and the associated microbial metabolic potential. Of particular interest are members of the genusHalanaerobium, that have been reported to reduce thiosulfate contributing to souring of oil reservoirs. Here, we show that someHalanaerobiumstrains were unable to grow under oil reservoir temperatures and do not possess genes for thiosulfate reduction. Rather, it is likely that these organisms metabolize complex organics in fracking fluids at lower temperatures, thereby generating substrates that support reservoir souring by thermophilic sulfate-reducing bacteria at higher temperatures.
The Effects of Nitric Oxide on Choroidal Gene Expression
Authors: Merkley Makenzie B. , Soriano Diana , Jones Kenneth L. , Summers Jody A.
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Nitric oxide (NO) is recognized as an important biological mediator that controls several physiological functions, and evidence is now emerging that this molecule may play a significant role in the postnatal control of ocular growth and myopia development. We therefore sought to understand the role that nitric oxide plays in visually-guided ocular growth in order to gain insight into the underlying mechanisms of this process.

Methods

Choroids were incubated in organ culture in the presence of the NO donor, PAPA-NONOate (1.5 mM). Following RNA extraction, bulk RNA-seq was used to quantify and compare choroidal gene expression in the presence and absence of PAPA-NONOate. We used bioinformatics to identify enriched canonical pathways, predicted diseases and functions, and regulatory effects of NO in the choroid.

Results

Upon treatment of normal chick choroids with the NO donor, PAPA-NONOate, we identified a total of 837 differentially expressed genes (259 upregulated genes, 578 down-regulated genes) compared with untreated controls. Among these, the top five upregulated genes were LSMEM1, STEAP4, HSPB9, and CCL19, and the top five down-regulated genes were CDCA3, SMC2, a novel gene (ENSALGALG00000050836), an uncharacterized gene (LOC107054158), and SPAG5. Bioinformatics predicted that NO treatment will activate pathways involved in cell and organismal death, necrosis, and cardiovascular system development, and inhibit pathways involved in cell proliferation, cell movement, and gene expression.

Conclusions

The findings reported herein may provide insight into possible effects of NO in the choroid during visually regulated eye growth, and help to identify targeted therapies for the treatment of myopia and other ocular diseases.
TFAP2 paralogs regulate midfacial development in part through a conservedALXgenetic pathway
Authors: Nguyen Timothy T , Mitchell Jennyfer M , Kiel Michaela D , Jones Kenneth L , Williams Trevor J , Nichols James T , Otterloo Eric Van
Published: June 2023

Cranial neural crest development is governed by positional gene regulatory networks (GRNs). Fine-tuning of the GRN components underly facial shape variation, yet how those in the midface are connected and activated remain poorly understood. Here, we show that concerted inactivation ofTfap2aandTfap2bin the murine neural crest even during the late migratory phase results in a midfacial cleft and skeletal abnormalities. Bulk and single-cell RNA-seq profiling reveal that loss of bothTfap2members dysregulated numerous midface GRN components involved in midface fusion, patterning, and differentiation. Notably,Alx1/3/4(Alx) transcript levels are reduced, while ChIP-seq analyses suggest TFAP2 directly and positively regulatesAlxgene expression.TFAP2andALXco-expression in midfacial neural crest cells of both mouse and zebrafish further implies conservation of this regulatory axis across vertebrates. Consistent with this notion,tfap2amutant zebrafish present abnormalalx3expression patterns, and the two genes display a genetic interaction in this species. Together, these data demonstrate a critical role for TFAP2 in regulating vertebrate midfacial development in part through ALX transcription factor gene expression.
A transcriptional cell atlas identifies the decline in the AT2 niche in aged human lungs
Authors: Liu Xue , Zhang Xuexi , Yao ChangFu , Liang Jiurong , Noble Paul W. , Jiang Dianhua
Published: June 2023

Aging poses a global public health challenge, associated with molecular and physiological changes in the lungs. It increases susceptibility to acute and chronic lung diseases, yet the underlying molecular and cellular drivers in aged populations are not fully appreciated. To systematically profile the genetic changes associated with age, we present a single-cell transcriptional atlas comprising nearly half a million cells from the healthy lungs of human subjects spanning various ages, sexes, and smoking statuses. Most annotated cell lineages in aged lungs exhibit dysregulated genetic programs. Specifically, the aged alveolar epithelial cells, including both alveolar type II (AT2) and type I (AT1) cells, demonstrate loss of epithelial identities, heightened inflammaging characterized by increased expression of AP-1 transcription factor and chemokine genes, and significantly increased cellular senescence. Furthermore, the aged mesenchymal cells display a remarkable decrease in Collagen and Elastin transcription. The decline of the AT2 niche is further exacerbated by a weakened endothelial cell phenotype and a dysregulated genetic program in macrophages. These findings highlight the dysregulation observed in both AT2 stem cells and their supportive niche cells, potentially contributing to the increased susceptibility of aged populations to lung diseases.
Fusobacterium sphaericum sp. nov., isolated from a human colon tumor, adheres to colonic epithelial cells and induces IL-8 secretion
Authors: Zepeda-Rivera Martha A. , Eisele Yannick , Baryiames Alexander , Wu Hanrui , Mengoni Claudia , Piccinno Gianmarco , McMahon Elsa F. , LaCourse Kaitlyn D. , Jones Dakota S. , Hauner Hans , Minot Samuel S. , Segata Nicola , Dewhirst Floyd E. , Johnston Christopher D. , Bullman Susan
Published: June 2023

Cancerous tissue is a largely unexplored microbial niche that provides a unique environment for the colonization and growth of specific bacterial communities, and with it, the opportunity to identify novel bacterial species. Here, we report distinct features of a novelFusobacteriumspecies,F. sphaericum sp. nov.(Fs), isolated from primary colon adenocarcinoma tissue. We acquire the complete closed genome and associated methylome of this organism and phylogenetically confirm its classification into theFusobacteriumgenus, withF. perfoetensas its closest neighbor.Fsis phenotypically and genetically distinct, with morphological analysis revealing its coccoid shape, that while similar toF. perfoetensis rare for mostFusobacteriummembers.Fsdisplays a metabolic profile and antibiotic resistance repertoire consistent with otherFusobacteriumspecies.In vitro, Fshas adherent and immunomodulatory capabilities, as it intimately associates with human colon cancer epithelial cells and promotes IL-8 secretion. Analysis of the prevalence and abundance ofFsin >20,000 human metagenomic samples shows that it is a low-prevalence member within human stool with variable relative abundance, found in both healthy controls and patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Our study sheds light on a novel bacterial species isolated directly from the human CRC tumor niche, and given its interaction with cancer epithelial cells suggests that its role in human health and disease warrants further investigation.
The adoption of mobile payment services by millennials: the roles of smartphone addiction and situational variables
Authors: Shaw Bijeta , Roy Sanjit K. , Kesharwani Ankit , van Doorn Sebastiaan , Japutra Arnold
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The increased usage of smartphones has made mobile payment services (MPS) popular among millennials, but it is uncertain if this shift in behavior is temporary due to situational factors like the pandemic or a long-term trend due to technological advances. This study uses the diffusion of innovation (DOI) literature to assess an integrated model including smartphone addiction, technology-related and consumer-related factors that influence consumers' intention to use MPS. It also explores the interplay of situational variables and smartphone addiction in shaping this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors base the conceptual model on the theory of rational addiction and the theory of optimal flow. This model is then empirically validated through data collected from seven hundred users of MPS in India. Research hypotheses are tested using structural equation modeling and multi-group analysis.

Findings

The study finds that smartphone addiction has a positive impact on millennials' perceived advantages, compatibility, trialability and observability of MPS but does not significantly affect their perceived complexity or risk. The results also suggest that the relationship between smartphone addiction and MPS is moderated by situational factors. In low-priority situations, smartphone addiction strengthens millennials' perceptions and intentions to use MPS, while in high-priority situations, situational factors overshadow the impact of smartphone addiction.

Originality/value

The findings of the study enable organizations to capitalize on smartphone addiction-driven MPS adoption behavior to sustain long-term usage behavior by appropriately understanding the context/situation which drives MPS adoption.
Stress and resilience to migrant entrepreneur-managers of small and medium enterprises during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Gautam Dhruba Kumar , Gautam Prakash Kumar
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to investigate the stressors faced by migrant entrepreneur-managers of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as their resilience strategies for reviving their businesses.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs a qualitative research design based on grounded theory. Semi-structured interview questionnaire was used for one-to-one interviews with 20 migrant entrepreneur-managers, representing ten different business sectors during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 and 2021. Interviews were transcribed, coded into open code, axial code and selective code to identify the major themes, and analysis was done into three levels to explore the stressors and initial strategies implemented to cope with the crisis. Trustworthiness of the findings was ensured by credibility, transferability, dependability and conformability, and reflexivity.

Findings

This study explored three types of stressors: finance-related stressors, supplies-related stressors and human resources-related stressors in migrant SME entrepreneur-managers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study revealed the use of comprehensive supply chain strategies followed by migrant SME entrepreneur-managers to be resilient enough to cope with a crisis situation like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Originality/value

This study covers an under-researched area of research related to stressors and resilience strategies in migrant SME entrepreneur-managers during the pandemic situation. A large body of prior research contributes to employees' stress and coping behaviors, while this paper focuses on stressors in migrant entrepreneur-managers in the special context of pandemics and their strategies to be resilient during a crisis situation. Thus, the findings of this study contribute to SME entrepreneur-managers, policy makers and academicians so that a large number of migrant entrepreneurs can develop resilient strategies for crisis situations. Furthermore, this study contributes to the supply chain resilience literature and resource dependency theory.
Parameterized shape adaptive materials for sportswear
Authors: Beem Jennifer , Hannah Iain , Hosoi A.E.
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Conventional sportswear design does not take into account body size changes that many individuals experience (e.g. through pregnancy, puberty, menstruation, etc.). This paper aims to detail both the construction of a novel wearable shape-adaptive composite and a new meso-scale material design method, which enables the optimal creation of these structures.

Design/methodology/approach

This work reports the development of a predictive computational model and a corresponding design tool, including results of a tensile testing protocol to validate their outputs. A mathematical model was developed to explore the geometric parameter space of a bi-stable composite system, which then feeds into an optimization design tool.

Findings

The authors found that it is possible to fabricate shape-adaptive composites via 3D printing bi-stable structures, and adhering them to a base textile. Experimental mechanical tensile testing showed good agreement with the predictive model in mid-range unit cell amplitude designs. To illustrate how the optimization design tool works this paper details two design examples, one for expected shape change during pregnancy and one for targeted compression for high performance swimwear. The optimized design parameters are shown to replicate the target parameters, however there is potential for further improvement with a lower stiffness base textile.

Originality/value

Although there is a wealth of research on multi-stable mechanisms, there is a dearth of studies that apply these structures in the wearable composite space. Additionally, there is a need for design methods which leverage the structurally-programmable capabilities of multi-stable structures to create optimized, high-performance functional composites.
Business model transformation: what is known and what is to be further developed?
Authors: Selezneva Aleksandra , Veselova Anna , Anand Amitabh
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The paper presents a systematic literature review on business model transformation (BMT). The aim of the study is to determine the main research streams in BMT literature, develop a conceptual model on BMT research, and identify potential directions for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use systematic literature review approach and provide a detailed protocol to meet reliability requirements. The study is based on the multilayer in-depth analysis of 92 articles published in leading international journal in general management, international business, strategy, innovation, and organization studies.

Findings

The paper identifies a crucial importance of further research on BMT with regards to the context specificity of a company's country of origin, transformation of value delivery and value capture blocks of BMs, entrepreneurial techniques of BMT management, and international aspects of BMT.

Originality/value

By a means of systematic literature review, the paper envisages the current state of knowledge about BMT, traces the development of BMT research, classifies it, and identifies potential directions for future inquiries.
Balancing structural IT capabilities for organizational agility in digital transformation: a resource orchestration view
Authors: Mao Hongyi , Liu Shan , Gong Yeming
Published: June 2023

Purpose

To achieve digital transformation, organizations have continued to rely on integrating the capabilities of information technology (IT) to facilitate decision-making and developing their reconfiguration capability to enhance agile operations. The pressure imposed by digital transformation necessitates investigations on leveraging different IT capabilities to attain substantial organizational agility in an optimal configuration. This study aims to provide a new perspective on balancing IT structural capabilities and proposes a framework for evaluating their coalignment and complementary returns based on resource orchestration theory.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi-method approach is used to evaluate the research model. This study tests hypotheses and explores the potential coalignment and complementary returns of balance in structural models and response surface analysis. Then, it analyzes the qualitative data and provides complementary findings to corroborate and confirm complex relationships.

Findings

Balanced structural IT capabilities facilitate organizational agility but cooperate differently with internal (e.g. IT proactive stance) and external (e.g. environmental volatility) environmental factors. Balance between IT integration and reconfiguration must be maintained from several approaches during search/selection and configuration/deployment.

Originality/value

This study theorizes and empirically investigates the interactive mechanisms of two IT capabilities in influencing organizational agility under different boundary conditions. It enriches the understanding of balancing capabilities for organizational agility in digital transformation.
I'd better say something! How empathy shapes bystander psychological reactance and intervention to online trolling of service organizations
Authors: Mulcahy Rory Francis , Riedel Aimee , Keating Byron W. , Beatson Amanda , Campbell Marilyn
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Online trolling is a detrimental behavior for consumers and service businesses. Although online trolling research is steadily increasing, service research has yet to thoroughly explore how this behavior impacts businesses. Further, the role of bystanders, consumers who witness a victim (business) being trolled, remains largely unexplored. The purpose of this paper is thus to introduce online trolling to the service literature and begin to identify when (types of online troll content) and why (empathy and psychological reactance) bystanders are likely to intervene and support a service business being trolled by posting positive eWOM.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses a two-study (Study 1 n = 313; Study 2 n = 472) experimental design with scenarios of a service business experiencing online trolling (moral versus sadistic). Participants' responses as bystanders were collected via an online survey.

Findings

Results reveal bystanders are more likely to post positive eWOM to support a service organization experiencing sadistic trolling. Psychological reactance is shown to mediate the relationship between trolling type and positive eWOM. Further, spotlight analysis demonstrates that bystanders with higher levels of empathy are more likely to post positive eWOM, whereas bystanders with low levels of empathy are likely to have a significantly higher level of psychological reactance.

Originality/value

This research is among the first in the service literature to specifically explore the consumer misbehavior of online trolling. Further, it provides new perspectives to online trolling by probing the role of bystanders and when and why they are likely to support service organizations being trolled.
Do non-local CEOs affect environmental, social and governance performance?
Authors: Huang Min , Li Mengyao , Li Xiaobo
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Building on the intergroup relations perspective on the social identity theory, the authors examine whether firms' environmental, social and governance (ESG) varies when local firms have non-local CEOs. Additionally, the authors examine which contextual factors may strengthen or weaken the effectiveness of ESG in helping non-local CEOs garner trust, legitimacy and resources support from local stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

Pooled OLS regressions, based on unbalanced panel data and controlling for year and industry fixed effects, were estimated using a sample composed of 836 Chinese A-share listed firms that have Bloomberg ESG disclosure scores data from 2006 to 2019.

Findings

Results suggest that companies with non-local CEOs, who are perceived as outgroup members by the local stakeholders, would lead to a higher level of ESG performance to overcome the intergroup bias they face. In addition, results also show that companies with a lower level of previous ESG decoupling and having more slack will mitigate the relationship between non-local CEOs and ESG performance. Conversely, firm visibility at a high level will promote the positive relationship between non-local CEOs and ESG performance.

Originality/value

This study offers theoretical insights that extend the focus of intragroup relation to outgroup identity, by introducing an intergroup relations lens to explore how outgroup (or nonprototypical) leaders utilize ESG to counter intergroup bias they suffer. Moreover, this study also extends current literature focusing on non-local CEOs and ESG performance.
Stalling or oiling the engines of diagnosis? Shifting perspectives on the DSM and categorical diagnosis in psychiatry
Authors: Pickersgill Martyn
Published: June 2023

Diagnosis in psychiatry and its precursors has long attracted debate and dissent. Attempts to discipline professional praxis are associated especially with the American Psychiatric Association’s (APA) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). In this article, I explore how social actors with the institutional power to contribute in important ways to shaping psychiatric contexts construct the problems with and purposes of the DSM and of diagnosis in psychiatry. I suggest that despite common assumptions that influential psychiatrists and related stakeholders uncritically adopt the DSM and other tools of categorical diagnosis, their relationship with these is rather more nuanced, ambivalent, and even fraught. However, I will also show that critiques can themselves be folded into particular styles of psychiatric thought in ways that do little to impact wider concerns about biomedicalisation and pharmaceuticalisation—and might even further accelerate these processes. Moreover, since professional critiques of the DSM often underscore its ubiquity and entrenchment, when positioned against implicit or explicit justifications of the ongoing use of this text they might inadvertently contribute to a ‘discourse of inevitability’—acting to ‘oil’ rather than ‘stall’ what Annemarie Jutel terms the ‘engines of diagnosis’.
The copper resistance mechanism in a newly isolated Pseudoxanthomonas spadixZSY‐33
Authors: Wang Hongjie , Zhang Siyao , Zhang Jing
Published: June 2023

Resolving the heavy metal resistance mechanisms of microbes is crucial for understanding the bioremediation of the ecological environment. In this study, a multiple heavy metal resistance bacterium, Pseudoxanthomonas spadix ZSY‐33 was isolated and characterized. The copper resistance mechanism was revealed by analysis of the physiological traits, copper distribution, and genomic and transcriptomic data of strain ZSY‐33 cultured with different concentrations of copper. The growth inhibition assay in basic medium showed that the growth of strain ZSY‐33 was inhibited in the presence of 0.5 mM copper. The production of extracellular polymeric substances increased at a lower concentration of copper and decreased at a higher concentration of copper. Integrative analysis of genomic and transcriptomic, the copper resistance mechanism in strain ZSY‐33 was elucidated. At a lower concentration of copper, the Cus and Cop systems were responsible for the homeostasis of intracellular copper. As the concentration of copper increased, multiple metabolism pathways, including the metabolism of sulfur, amino acids, and pro‐energy were cooperated with the Cus and Cop systems to deal with copper stress. These results indicated a flexible copper resistance mechanism in strain ZSY‐33, which may acquire from the long‐term interaction with the living environment.
Transplantation of initially rejected donor lungs using ex vivo lung perfusion: A 5‐year experience
Authors: Graeser Karin , Blanche Paul F. , Zemtsovski Mikhail
Published: June 2023

Background

Ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) is a method for the evaluation and reconditioning of high‐risk donor lungs to increase the pool of potential donor lungs.

Methods

We reviewed all consecutive patients who received lung transplants from May 2012 to May 2017 with follow‐up until July 2021. EVLP was used in lungs initially rejected due to inadequate oxygenation but without other contraindications. Lungs with improved oxygenation levels above the threshold were transplanted. The primary endpoint was the time to graft failure, which was defined as the time from surgery to death or re‐transplantation, whichever occurred first. The secondary outcome was freedom from chronic lung allograft dysfunction.

Results

A total of 157 patients underwent transplantation during the study period. Thirty‐nine patients received EVLP‐treated donor lungs. Restricted mean graft survival time up to 7 years is 5.14 years for non‐EVLP and 4.19 for EVLP, the difference being −0.95 (confidence interval [CI]—1.93 to 0.04, p = .059). The hazard ratio is 1.66 (CI 1.00–2.75, p = .046). Chronic lung allograft dysfunction was the highest contributor to mortality in both groups. There were significant differences in freedom from chronic lung allograft dysfunction at 12 and 24 months of follow‐up (p = .005 and p = .030, respectively). Subgroup analyses revealed that the first patients who received EVLP in 2012–2013 had a substantially worse 5‐year graft survival than those who received EVLP more recently in 2016–2017 (14.3% vs. 60.0%). For the latter, the 5‐year graft survival was observed to be remarkably close to the non‐EVLP group (60.8%).

Conclusion

Long‐term survival was significantly lower, and lung function was poorer among recipients in the EVLP group than in the non‐EVLP group. However, the outcome of patients who received EVLP‐treated lungs was observed to improve steadily after the first 2 years after EVLP was introduced in Denmark.
Intermediate filament proteins are reliable immunohistological biomarkers to help diagnose multiple tissue‐specific diseases
Authors: Doganyigit Zuleyha , Eroglu Ece , Okan Aslı
Published: June 2023

Cytoskeletal networks are proteins that effectively maintain cell integrity and provide mechanical support to cells by actively transmitting mechanical signals. Intermediate filaments, which are from the cytoskeleton family and are 10 nanometres in diameter, are unlike actin and microtubules, which are highly dynamic cytoskeletal elements. Intermediate filaments are flexible at low strain, harden at high strain and resist breaking. For this reason, these filaments fulfil structural functions by providing mechanical support to the cells through their different strain‐hardening properties. Intermediate filaments are suitable in that cells both cope with mechanical forces and modulate signal transmission. These filaments are composed of fibrous proteins that exhibit a central α‐helical rod domain with a conserved substructure. Intermediate filament proteins are divided into six groups. Type I and type II include acidic and basic keratins, type III, vimentin, desmin, peripheralin and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), respectively. Type IV intermediate filament group includes neurofilament proteins and a fourth neurofilament subunit, α‐internexin proteins. Type V consists of lamins located in the nucleus, and the type VI group consists of lens‐specific intermediate filaments, CP49/phakinin and filen. Intermediate filament proteins show specific immunoreactivity in differentiating cells and mature cells of various types. Various carcinomas such as colorectal, urothelial and ovarian, diseases such as chronic pancreatitis, cirrhosis, hepatitis and cataract have been associated with intermediate filaments. Accordingly, this section reviews available immunohistochemical antibodies to intermediate filament proteins. Identification of intermediate filament proteins by methodological methods may contribute to the understanding of complex diseases.
Morphology of the syrinx of three species of birds from Brazilian cerrado (Psittacara leucophthalmus, Rhynchotus rufescens and Cariama cristata): Gross anatomy and light microscopy study
Authors: Oliveira Elton Luis Ritir , Zuliani Fernanda , de Camargo Gabriel Corrêa , Desantis Salvatore , Schimming Bruno Cesar
Published: June 2023

The aim of this study was to describe the morphology of the trachea and syrinx at macroscopic and light microscopy levels of three species of birds from different orders that inhabit the Brazilian cerrado. For that, five adult specimens (three males and two females of each species) of white‐eyed parakeet (Psittacara leucophthalmus), red‐winged tinamou (Rhynchotus rufescens) and red‐legged seriema (Cariama cristata) were used. The trachea and syrinx of the birds were collected and destined for anatomical and histological studies. The trachea of the studied birds presented an elongated path and originated in the larynx and extended caudally to the syrinx. No sexual dimorphism was observed in the syrinx of the studied species, probably because it is associated with their song, which is very similar between males and females of these species. The findings of this study allowed us to classify the syrinx as tracheal in the white‐eyed parakeet and tracheobronchial in the red‐winged tinamou and red‐legged seriema. In general, the morphological features of the trachea and syrinx were similar to those described for other species of birds, such as the presence of intrinsic and extrinsic syringeal muscles, and the lateral and medial tympaniform membranes, which would represent important anatomical structures in sound production through vibration during expiration and eventual inspiration. The morphological structure of the syrinx in the three avian species of the Brazilian cerrado is consistent with the ability of these avian species to perform a potential vocalization, especially the red‐legged seriema that emits characteristic sounds very loud and can carry several kilometres.
A toxic mix: Explicit and implicit narcissism and counterproductive work behavior
Authors: Fatfouta Ramzi , Schwarzinger Dominik
Published: June 2023

A large body of research has documented a positive link between narcissism and counterproductive work behavior (CWB). However, previous studies focused exclusively on explicit (self‐reported) narcissism, thereby neglecting the role of implicit (indirectly measured) narcissism. Using a sample of 504 employees, the present investigation aimed for an integrative perspective. Applying a job‐related narcissism questionnaire along with an implicit association measure of narcissism, for the first time, we address the question whether and to what extent explicit and implicit narcissism jointly influence CWB. Specifically, we show that the most toxic combination of narcissism (i.e., high explicit and high implicit narcissism) predicts the highest CWB levels. Explicit narcissism was positively related to CWB, and this relationship was stronger among individuals who were also high (vs. low) on implicit narcissism. Results suggest that implicit narcissism is an important, albeit hitherto neglected, determinant of CWB. The present work provides novel and valuable evidence on the role of implicit personality, which is crucial for understanding deviant behavior in the workplace.
Improved health‐related quality of life with semaglutide in people with non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis: A randomised trial
Authors: Romero‐Gómez Manuel , Armstrong Matthew J. , Funuyet‐Salas Jesús , Mangla Kamal Kant , Ladelund Steen , Sejling Anne‐Sophie , Shrestha Ichhya , Sanyal Arun J.
Published: June 2023

Background

Non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) can adversely affect health‐related quality of life (HRQoL).

Aims

This double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, phase 2 trial aimed to report the effects of the glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist, semaglutide, on HRQoL in patients with NASH as a secondary endpoint.

Methods

Adults with biopsy‐proven NASH and stage 1–3 fibrosis were randomised (3:3:3:1:1:1) to once‐daily subcutaneous semaglutide 0.1, 0.2 or 0.4 mg, or placebo, for 72 weeks. Patients were invited to complete the Short Form‐36 version 2.0 questionnaire at weeks 0, 28, 52 and 72.

Results

Between January 2017 and September 2018, 320 patients were enrolled. At 72 weeks, semaglutide was associated with significant improvements in physical component summary (PCS) score (estimated treatment difference [ETD] 4.26; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.96–6.55; p = 0.0003); bodily pain (ETD 5.07; 95% CI: 2.15–7.99; p = 0.0007); physical functioning (ETD 3.51; 95% CI: 1.16–5.86; p = 0.0034); role limitations due to physical health problems (ETD 2.80; 95% CI: 0.28–5.33; p = 0.0294); social functioning (ETD 3.16; 95% CI: 0.53–5.78; p = 0.0183) and vitality (ETD 4.47; 95% CI: 1.63–7.32; p = 0.0021). There was no significant difference in the mental component summary score (ETD 1.02; 95% CI: −1.59 to 3.62; p = 0.4441). After 72 weeks, improvements in PCS scores were significantly greater in patients (pooled semaglutide and placebo) with NASH resolution than without (p = 0.014).

Conclusions

Treatment with semaglutide is associated with improvements in the physical components of HRQoL in patients with biopsy‐proven NASH and fibrosis compared with placebo. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02970942.
Micro‐CT‐assisted determination of the shattering and non‐shattering phenotypes of charred rice spikelet bases from archaeological sites: a new methodological approach
Authors: Ge Yong , Wang Can , Huan Xiujia , Kuo Su‐chiu , Hung Hsiao‐chun , Deng Zhenhua
Published: June 2023

The selection of a non‐shattering phenotype is a pivotal change in the process of rice domestication. However, current research is heavily restricted by the preservation conditions of macro‐plant remains in early and middle Neolithic sites, as very limited well‐preserved rice spikelet bases could be retrieved. We present a non‐destructive method based on micro‐computed tomographic (CT) scanning, which could provide detailed visualization of the internal structures of charred spikelet bases and efficiently discriminate the shattering and non‐shattering phenotypes of rice spikelet bases according to the abundance of fusiform echinate phytoliths. It could be widely applied in different contexts, especially those poorly preserved specimens and tempers in pottery sherds, greatly improving our knowledge of rice domestication.
Comparative microstructural and elemental analysis of iron artefacts from Kaveri valley archaeological sites
Authors: Srivastava Nishkarsh , Singh Amit Kumar , Kanungo Alok Kumar , Arora Amit , Rajan Karaigowder , Selvakumar Veerasamy
Published: June 2023

Iron has been one of the most critical technotraditions that had lasting impact on social formation throughout the Iron Age and historical period. Iron was used in warfare and subsistence economy. Our knowledge on ancient iron smelting and working have generally been derived from ethnography and ethnohistory, which is by all means, time, region, and raw material specific. Scientific analyses of ancient iron have contributed in understanding this heritage to a respectable extent, yet a comprehensive knowledge about the evolution of iron making through time and space in India eludes us. In this work, a comparative study of iron artefacts from two Iron Age/Megalithic‐Early Historic sites of Tamil Nadu, south India, that is, Mangadu (burial site) and Ambal (habitation‐cum‐burial site) is carried out to understand the iron thermal‐processing capabilities. The retrieved artefacts were examined using X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) for elemental composition. The imaging of the artefacts was done using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD), and Optical Microscopy (OM). In addition, phase identification was performed using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Energy Dispersive X‐ray Spectroscopy (EDS). Combination of these analyses illustrates that inhabitants of Mangadu and Ambal were aware of the iron alloy manufacturing/processing techniques such as forging and hammering.
The mother of violations: Motherhood as the primary expectation of women
Authors: Szekeres Hanna , Halperin Eran , Saguy Tamar
Published: June 2023

Recent conservative political rhetoric support women having careers but emphasize that this should not be an obstacle to having children. We propose that this sentiment reflects the hierarchy of gender norms in today's society whereby motherhood is the ultimate role that women are expected to fulfil and denying such role evokes social penalties, above and beyond other prescribed gender norms. Across five experiments (N = 738), we predicted and found that voluntarily childless women elicit more negative reactions than mothers, and importantly, also more than women violating other gender norms in the realm of occupation (Study 1), power (Study 2) or sexual orientation (Study 3). We demonstrate that these patterns cannot be explained merely by a perceived lack of communal qualities of the non‐mothers (Study 4) and also show that involuntary childless women do not receive the same negativity (Study 5). We discuss this, often neglected, gender bias and its resistance to social change.
Synthesis and preliminary evaluation of benzylaminoimidazoline derivatives as novel norepinephrine transporter ligands
Authors: Zhou Hang , Yao Jingjing , Zhao Zuoquan , Lu Jie
Published: June 2023

A series of benzylaminoimidazoline derivatives was synthesized and evaluated for norepinephrine transporter (NET) targeting. Among them, N‐(3‐iodobenzyl)‐4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐imidazol‐2‐amine (Compound 9) displayed the highest affinity for NET (IC50 = 5.65 ± 0.97 μM). The corresponding radiotracer [125I]9 was further prepared by copper‐mediated radioiodination and evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. The cellular uptake results suggested that [125I]9 was specifically taken up by the NET‐expressing SK‐N‐SH cell line. Biodistribution studies showed that [125I]9 accumulated in the heart (5.54 ± 1.24 %ID/g at 5 min p.i. and 0.79 ± 0.08 %ID/g at 2 h p.i.) and adrenal gland (14.83 ± 3.47 %ID/g at 5 min p.i. and 3.87 ± 0.24 %ID/g at 2 h p.i.). The uptake in the heart and adrenal gland could be significantly inhibited by preinjection of desipramine (DMI). These results indicated that the benzylaminoimidazoline derivatives retained affinity for NET, which could provide structure–activity relationship data for further studies.
Spanish mental health residents' perspectives about residency education on the genetics of psychiatric disorders: A cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Saura Paola , García‐Virumbrales Juan , Carrasco Juan Pablo , Pérez‐Carasol Miguel , Colomer Lluc , Camacho‐Rubio Javier , Zorilla Iñaki , Vilella Elisabet ,   FORMAGEN Group
Published: June 2023

Despite compelling evidence that some patients with a psychiatric diagnosis could benefit from genetic assessment, genetic testing for psychiatric patients is underutilized. Few studies have reported psychiatric genetics training for mental health specialists, and such research is especially lacking in Spain. We aimed to gather the opinions of Spanish mental health residents, including resident intern nurses (RINs), doctors (RIDs) and psychologists (RIPs). A short survey was prepared by an expert team and distributed to all mental health residency centers in Spain during the first semester of 2021. Of the 2028 residents, 18% responded. Participants were mainly females (71%), in their first year of residency (37%) and within the 27–31‐year age range. While participants received little theoretical (13.4%) and practical (4.6%) training on average, RIDs had the most affirmative responses. Notably, RINs and RIDs were interested in genetics during residency (>40%) and strongly believed (85.0%) that genetics training using both theoretical and practical methodologies should be incorporated into residency training. However, RIPs were less interested (20%), and only 60% believed that genetics training should be incorporated. Spanish mental health residents, although interested in genetics in psychiatry, receive little training on this topic. They strongly believe that genetics training using theoretical and practical methodologies should be incorporated.
Effect of PRDX6 gene polymorphism on susceptibility to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the Chinese Han population
Authors: Xiong Mingmei , Guo Meihua , Huang Dongjian , Li Jing , Zhou Yan
Published: June 2023

Background

To explore the relationship of peroxiredoxin6 (PRDX6) tag‐single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with susceptibility to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the Chinese Han population.

Methods

A total of 502 patients with COPD and 481 healthy controls from nine hospitals in China were enrolled in this study. The PRDX6 tag‐SNPs were identified by linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis in 30 healthy controls. The associations between identified tag‐SNPs and COPD risk were further evaluated.

Results

Four PRDX6 tag‐SNPs, including rs7314, rs34619706, rs33951697, and rs4382766, were identified in 30 healthy controls. Moreover, in the allele model, there was no statistical difference in locus in PRDX6 between patients with COPD and healthy controls (P > 0.05). However, in the recessive model, rs33951697 locus in PRDX6 gene carrier with T/T had an increased risk of COPD (odds ratio [OR] = 2.59, 95% CI = 1.06–6.33, P = 0.028). Furthermore, in the relevance analysis between genetic polymorphisms and smoking behavior and lung function indexes, we found that the number of smoked cigarettes per day and FEV1/FVC differed among different genotypes of PRDX6, rs4382766, and rs7314 (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

PRDX6 gene polymorphism with smoking status may contribute to the etiology of COPD in the Chinese Han population.
Real‐world implementation of normothermic machine perfusion: A detailed analysis of intraoperative and early postoperative impact
Authors: Dixon Wesley , Sheetz Kyle , Adelmann Dieter , Bokoch Michael , Reddy Meghana , Kothari Rishi , Roberts John P. , Syed Shareef , Feng Sandy , Roll Garrett
Published: June 2023

Background

Outcome data for the great majority of liver normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) cases derive from the strict confines of clinical trials. Detailed specifics regarding the intraoperative and early postoperative impact of NMP on reperfusion injury and its sequelae during real‐world use of this emerging technology remain largely unavailable.

Methods

We analyzed transplants performed in a 3‐month pilot period during which surgeons invoked commercial NMP at their discretion. Living donor, multi‐organ, and hypothermic machine perfusion transplants were excluded.

Results

Intraoperatively, NMP (n = 24) compared to static cold storage (n = 25) recipients required less peri‐reperfusion bolus epinephrine (0 vs. 60 μg; p < .001) and post‐reperfusion fresh frozen plasma (2.5 vs. 7.0 units; p = .0069), platelets (.0 vs. 2.0 units; p = .042), and hemostatic agents (0% vs. 24%; p = .010). Time from incision to venous reperfusion did not differ (3.6 vs. 3.1; p = .095) but time from venous reperfusion to surgery end was shorter for NMP recipients (2.3 vs. 2.8 h; p = .0045). Postoperatively, NMP recipients required fewer red blood cell (1.0 vs. 4.0 units; p = .0083) and fresh frozen plasma (4.0 vs. 7.0 units; p = .046) transfusions, had shorter intensive care unit stays (33.5 vs. 58.4 h; p = .012), and experienced less early allograft dysfunction according to both the Model for Early Allograft Function Score (3.4 vs. 5.0; p = .0047) and peak AST within 10 days of transplant (619 vs. 1,181 U/L; p = .036). Liver acceptance for the corresponding recipient was conditional on NMP use for 63% (15/24) of cases.

Conclusion

Real‐world NMP use was associated with significantly lower intensity of reperfusion injury and intraoperative and postoperative care that may translate into patient benefit.