bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Less is More: Nek2A Unclusters Extra Centrosomes and Induces Cell Death in Cancer Cells via KIF2C Interaction
Authors: Kalkan Batuhan Mert , Özcan Selahattin Can , Çiçek Enes , Gönen Mehmet , Açılan Ceyda 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACTUnlike normal cells, cancer cells frequently exhibit extra centrosomes, leading to formation of multipolar spindles that can trigger cell death. Nevertheless, they manage to divide successfully and escape the deadly consequences of unequal segregation of genomic material by coalescing their extra centrosomes into two poles. This unique trait of cancer cells presents a promising target for cancer therapy, focusing on selectively attacking cells with supernumerary centrosomes.Nek2A is a kinase involved in mitotic regulation, including the centrosome cycle, where it phosphorylates linker proteins to separate centrosomes. In this study, we investigated if Nek2A also unclusters extra centrosomes, akin to its separation function. Reduction of Nek2A activity, achieved through knockout, silencing, or inhibition, promotes centrosome clustering, whereas its overexpression results in unclustering. Significantly, this unclustering activity induces cell death, but only in cancer cells with extra centrosomes, bothin vitro and in vivo. Notably, none of the known centrosomal (e.g., CNAP1, Rootletin, Gas2L1) or non-centrosomal (e.g., TRF1, HEC1) Nek2A targets were implicated in this unclustering activity. Additionally, Nek2A operated via a mechanism distinct from other unclustering factors like HSET and NuMA.Through TurboID proximity labeling analysis, we identified novel proteins associated with the centrosome or microtubules, expanding the known interaction partners of Nek2A. KIF2C, in particular, emerged as a novel interactor, confirmed through coimmunoprecipitation and localization analysis. The silencing of KIF2C diminished the impact of Nek2A on centrosome unclustering and rescued cell viability. Additionally, elevated Nek2A levels were indicative of better patient outcomes, specifically in those predicted to have excess centrosomes. Therefore, while Nek2A is a proposed target, its use must be specifically adapted to the broader cellular context, especially considering centrosome amplification. Discovering partners such as KIF2C offers fresh insights into cancer biology and new possibilities for targeted treatment.
Monsoonal wet season influences the migration tendency of a catadromous fish (barramundi Lates calcarifer)
Authors: Roberts Brien H. , Morrongiello John R. , Morgan David L. , King Alison J. , Saunders Thor M. , Banks Sam C. , Crook David A. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Many animals exhibit partial migration, which occurs when populations contain coexisting contingents of migratory and resident individuals. This individual‐level variation in migration behaviour may drive differences in growth, age at maturity and survival. Therefore, partial migration is widely considered to play a key role in shaping population demography.

Otolith chemistry and microstructural analysis were used to identify the environmental‐ and individual‐specific factors that influence migratory behaviour in the facultatively catadromous barramundi (Lates calcarifer) at two distinct life history stages: firstly, as juveniles migrating upstream into fresh water; and secondly, as adults or sub‐adults returning to the estuarine/marine spawning habitat.

Monsoonal climate played an important role in determining the migration propensity of juveniles: individuals born in the driest year examined (weak monsoon) were more than twice as likely to undergo migration to freshwater than those born in the wettest (strong monsoon) year. In contrast, the ontogenetic timing of return migrations to the estuary by adults and sub‐adults was highly variable and not strongly associated with the environmental parameters examined.

We propose that scarce resources within saline natal habitats during lower rainfall years may provide an ecological incentive for juveniles to migrate upstream, whereas more abundant resources in higher rainfall years may promote resident life histories within estuaries.

We conclude that inter‐annual climatic variation, here evidenced by monsoonal strength, likely plays an important role in driving the persistence of diversified life histories within wild barramundi populations.
Unfunded mandates and taxation
Authors: Shi Hao , Ye Bing 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIn mid‐2006, the Chinese central government increased the salaries and pensions of civil servants in the form of an unfunded mandate to local governments in its coastal areas but a funded mandate in others. On the basis of this policy distinction, we use the difference‐in‐difference (DiD) approach and find that this mid‐2006 unfunded mandate to coastal areas triggered their local governments to raise additional budgetary revenue to balance the increase of their budgetary expenditure. This result is robust under other approaches, such as propensity score matching and the combination of DiD with regression discontinuity, as well as with the inclusion of confounding reforms. We also find that the rule of law helped restrict unfunded counties from passing on their financial burdens to the market. Moreover, following this mid‐2006 unfunded mandate, Chinese coastal local governments increased their budgetary revenue by reducing corporate tax non‐compliance and increasing the de facto corporate income tax rate. In addition, we find some evidence that the mid‐2006 unfunded mandate in Chinese coastal areas inhibited production activities in these areas.
Disclosure of tax‐related critical audit matters and tax‐related outcomes
Authors: Drake Katharine D. , Goldman Nathan C. , Lusch Stephen J. , Schmidt Jaime J. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractGiven that tax‐related critical audit matters (tax CAMs) were prevalent among accelerated filers (18.5% of observations) during the initial year of CAM disclosures, we examine whether an auditor's disclosure of tax CAMs is associated with variation in tax‐related financial reporting quality, tax avoidance, and tax‐related earnings management. Finding an association between tax CAMs and one of these tax outcomes would indicate that the new auditor reporting standard has indirectly affected investors. Examining the first year of CAM disclosures, we do not find that tax CAMs are associated with broad proxies of tax‐related audit or financial reporting quality (e.g., restatements, internal control weaknesses, comment letters) or tax avoidance (e.g., effective tax rates or book‐to‐tax differences). We do find that tax CAMs are associated with a modest increase in tax accrual quality, an increase in the reserve for unrecognized tax benefits, and a reduction in the likelihood of tax‐related earnings management. However, we do not find these tax CAM effects persist into the second year of CAM reporting. Our evidence is consistent with tax CAM disclosures having a modest but short‐lived effect on companies' reporting of tax accounts. Our findings should inform the PCAOB as they conduct their post‐implementation review of the new audit reporting standard.
Quantifying the potential for wind and phoresy to drive off‐plant movement of crapemyrtle bark scale, Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae (Kuwana) (Hemiptera: Eriococcidae): Implications for spread in urban landscapes
Authors: Wright Erika R. , Chase Kevin D. , Ward Samuel F. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
After non‐native herbivores arrive in a novel habitat and establish, they must then disperse to new host plants to continue invading. While flight‐capable insect herbivores can expand their non‐native ranges by flying to new hosts, insects that lack wings, such as female scale insects, are often aided in their spread by wind and phoretic dispersal vectors such as birds and mammals.
After being detected in 2004 in a Texas nursery, crapemyrtle bark scale (CMBS), Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae (Kuwana) (Hemiptera: Eriococcidae), has established in 15 different states across the Southeast and Middle Atlantic regions of the USA.
We quantified the wind speeds leading to scale insect dislodgement and, in the laboratory and field, evaluated the willingness of CMBS nymphs to crawl onto vector proxies (bird feathers and mammal fur).
Our findings demonstrate that CMBS nymphs can become dislodged from ecologically relevant substrates at low wind speeds (~7 m/s) and provided evidence that CMBS nymphs willingly, though not preferentially, crawl onto vector proxies, a final step before dispersing phoretically. Our results indicate that trees with high‐density infestations of CMBS are frequent sources of propagules, given that (i) wind speeds that shake small tree branches are likely to dislodge active crawlers and (ii) active crawlers appear willing to walk onto birds and mammals.
The apparent ease of between‐tree spread by CMBS via multiple modes of dispersal presents challenges for preventing the spread of this insect, but field confirmation of these mechanisms is needed to understand their relative importance.
Biallelic hypomorphic variants in CAD cause uridine‐responsive macrocytic anaemia with elevated haemoglobin‐A2
Authors: Steinberg‐Shemer Orna , Yacobovich Joanne , Noy‐Lotan Sharon , Dgany Orly , Krasnov Tanya , Barg Assaf , Landau Yuval E. , Kneller Katya , Somech Raz , Gilad Oded , Brik Simon Dafna , Orenstein Naama , Izraeli Shai , del Caño‐Ochoa Francisco , Tamary Hannah , Ramón‐Maiques Santiago 
Published: November 2023

SummaryBiallelic pathogenic variants in CAD, that encode the multienzymatic protein required for de‐novo pyrimidine biosynthesis, cause early infantile epileptic encephalopathy‐50. This rare disease, characterized by developmental delay, intractable seizures and anaemia, is amenable to treatment with uridine. We present a patient with macrocytic anaemia, elevated haemoglobin‐A2 levels, anisocytosis, poikilocytosis and target cells in the blood smear, and mild developmental delay. A next‐generation sequencing panel revealed biallelic variants in CAD. Functional studies did not support complete abrogation of protein function; however, the patient responded to uridine supplement. We conclude that biallelic hypomorphic CAD variants may cause a primarily haematological phenotype.
What do remote outer island populations in the Pacific think about foreign aid? Insights from Mauke, Cook Islands
Authors: Kessler Kim Andreas 
Published: November 2023

AbstractMotivationPacific aid research has largely focused on national issues and social justice, rather than spatial justice and the development of remote outer islands. In particular, the perspectives of remote outer island populations on aid have not previously been assessed.PurposeThis study explores the experiences and views of the population of a remote Pacific outer island, Mauke in the Cook Islands, on the foreign aid they receive. By listening to and learning from local people living with aid on a remote outer island, this article seeks to address spatially insensitive Pacific aid research and policy. Based on these insights, the article derives policy implications for aid and development actors working on Mauke and other remote outer islands in the Pacific.Methods and approachEmploying a mixed‐methods approach, this article draws on field research conducted on Mauke, involving in‐depth semi‐structured interviews and a quantitative survey.FindingsThe people of Mauke are divided about whether the island should receive more or less aid. Those calling for more aid tend to be younger; they stress the need for infrastructure development. Those advocating for less aid tend to be older; they argue that aid has harmed Mauke by decreasing endogenous initiatives and creating social tensions, both of which reduce social cohesion among the remote island population.Policy implicationsRather than investing in “community‐based/−led development”—doing development with the community, aid to remote Pacific outer islands should focus more on “community development”—with the aim of enhancing social cohesion among peripheral islands. Donors, governments, and development partners must carefully reflect on the degree to which their interventions may harm social cohesion and the endogenous development potential of remote outer island populations. These implications matter given the persistence of uncritical (mis)representations and (mis)conceptions of remote Pacific outer island populations as harmonious and mutually supportive.
Mitral valve leaflet stiffness predicts residual mitral regurgitation after transcatheter edge‐to‐edge mitral valve repair
Authors: Hashimoto Sho , Yamano Michiyo , Yamano Tetsuhiro , Zen Kan , Matsubara Yuki , Takamatsu Kazuaki , Yashige Masaki , Nakamura Takeshi , Shiraishi Hirokazu , Matoba Satoaki 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundResidual regurgitation after transcatheter edge‐to‐edge mitral valve repair (TMVR) is a predictor of poor prognosis in patients with functional mitral regurgitation (FMR). This study sought to identify the mitral valve (MV) parameters measured by three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3D‐TEE) and MV leaflet features that predict residual mitral regurgitation (MR) after TMVR in patients with FMR.MethodsConsecutive patients with FMR who underwent TMVR were classified into two groups based on the degree of residual MR just after TMVR: < 2+ in the optimal MR reduction group and ≥ 2+ in the suboptimal MR reduction group. The two groups were compared with respect to 3D‐TEE parameters and the MV leaflet features, including the following parameters: stiffness, defined as a leaflet that remains at a fixed angle even during diastole, and thickness, measured in both clear and rough zones.ResultsThirty‐four of 46 patients (74%) were classified as the optimal MR reduction group. Multivariable analysis showed that anterior mitral leaflet + posterior mitral leaflet length/anteroposterior annulus diameter (p = .044) and MV leaflet stiffness (p = .007) were independent predictors of residual MR.ConclusionMV leaflet stiffness and the ratio of MV leaflet lengths to the annulus diameter may be good predictors of residual MR after TMVR in patients with FMR.
Repeated evolution of herbicide resistance in Lolium multiflorum revealed by haplotype‐resolved analysis of acetyl‐CoA carboxylase
Authors: Brunharo Caio A. C. G. , Tranel Patrick J. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractHerbicide resistance in weeds is one of the greatest challenges in modern food production. The grass species Lolium multiflorum is an excellent model species to investigate evolution under similar selection pressure because populations have repeatedly evolved resistance to many herbicides, utilizing a multitude of mechanisms to neutralize herbicide damage. In this work, we investigated the gene that encodes acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (ACCase), the target site of the most successful herbicide group available for grass weed control. We sampled L. multiflorum populations from agricultural fields with history of intense herbicide use, and studied their response to three ACCase‐inhibiting herbicides. To elucidate the mechanisms of herbicide resistance and the genetic relationship among populations, we resolved the haplotypes of 97 resistant and susceptible individuals by sequencing ACCase amplicons using long‐read DNA sequencing technologies. Our dose–response data indicated the existence of many, often unpredictable, resistance patterns to ACCase‐inhibiting herbicides, where populations exhibited as much as 37‐fold reduction in herbicide response. The majority of the populations exhibited resistance to all three herbicides studied. Phylogenetic and molecular genetic analyses revealed multiple evolutionary origins of resistance‐endowing ACCase haplotypes, as well as widespread admixture in the region regardless of cropping system. The amplicons generated were diverse, with haplotypes exhibiting 26–110 polymorphisms. Polymorphisms included insertions and deletions 1–31 bp in length, none of which were associated with the resistance phenotype based on an association analysis. We also found evidence that some populations have multiple mechanisms of resistance. Our results highlight the astounding genetic diversity in L. multiflorum populations, and the potential for repeated evolution of herbicide resistance across the landscape that challenges weed management approaches and jeopardizes sustainable weed control practices. We provide an in‐depth discussion of the evolutionary and practical implications of our results.
Endogenous hydrogen sulphide deficiency and exogenous hydrogen sulphide supplement regulate skin fibroblasts proliferation via necroptosis
Authors: Li Ling , Chen Xudong , Liu Chang , He Ziying , Shen Qiyan , Zhu Yue , Wang Xin , Cao Shuanglin , Yang Shengju 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAn excessive proliferation of skin fibroblasts usually results in different skin fibrotic diseases. Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is regarded as an important endogenous gasotransmitter with various functions. The study aimed to investigate the roles and mechanisms of H2S on primary mice skin fibroblasts proliferation. Cell proliferation and collagen synthesis were assessed with the expression of α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), Collagen I and Collagen III. The degree of oxidative stress was evaluated by dihydroethidium (DHE) and MitoSOX staining. Mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) was detected by JC‐1 staining. Necroptosis was evaluated with TDT‐mediated dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) and expression of receptor‐interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1), RIPK3 and mixed lineage kinase domain‐like protein (MLKL). The present study found that α‐SMA, PCNA, Collagen I and Collagen III expression were increased, oxidative stress was promoted, ΔΨm was impaired and positive rate of TUNEL staining, RIPK1 and RIPK3 expression as well as MLKL phosphorylation were all enhanced in skin fibroblasts from cystathionine γ‐lyase (CSE) knockout (KO) mice or transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1, 10 ng/mL)‐stimulated mice skin fibroblasts, which was restored by exogenous sodium hydrosulphide (NaHS, 50 μmol/L). In conclusion, endogenous H2S production impairment in CSE‐deficient mice accelerated skin fibroblasts proliferation via promoted necroptosis, which was attenuated by exogenous H2S. Exogenous H2S supplement alleviated proliferation of skin fibroblasts with TGF‐β1 stimulation via necroptosis inhibition. This study provides evidence for H2S as a candidate agent to prevent and treat skin fibrotic diseases.
Integrated effects of nutrition‐related, physical, and social factors on frailty among community‐dwelling older adults: A 7‐year follow‐up from the Kashiwa cohort study
Authors: Lyu Weida , Tanaka Tomoki , Bo‐Kyung Son , Yoshizawa Yasuyo , Akishita Masahiro , Iijima Katsuya 
Published: November 2023

AimTo investigate the impact of nutrition‐related, physical, and social factors as well as their transitions on frailty over a 7‐year follow‐up period among community‐dwelling older adults.MethodsParticipants were 868 non‐frail older adults. Frailty was assessed using the Cardiovascular Health Study index. Nutrition‐related, physical, and social factors have been defined in our previous study. Cox regression analysis was conducted to investigate the association between the three factors at baseline and new‐onset frailty during a 7‐year follow‐up period. Furthermore, transitions in the three factors over two/three consecutive years and their association with frailty were investigated using lagged generalized estimating equations.ResultsThe mean age was 73.8 ± 4.8 years (women, 47.0%), and the incidence of frailty was 12.5% during the 7‐year follow‐up period. Compared with participants who met the three factors' criteria at baseline, those who met two, one, and none showed associations with greater adjusted hazard ratios of new‐onset frailty (1.73, 95% confidence interval 0.87–3.42; 2.04 [1.01–4.12]; and 5.69 [2.82–11.47]). Generalized estimating equation analysis showed that, compared with older adults who maintained all the three criteria met, those who improved the quantity of criteria met, who maintained the less than three criteria met, and who decreased the quantity of criteria met showed (marginally) significant associations with greater adjusted odds ratios of frailty (2.86 [0.88–9.31], 3.70 [1.10–12.45], and 4.75 [1.42–15.85]).ConclusionsPracticing and maintaining all three factors in daily life are crucial for frailty prevention. Future research should explore strategies to motivate behavioral modifications in these factors at the population level. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 162–169.
Profile of Helicobacter pylori infections among children in the South Island of New Zealand (2010–2021)
Authors: Vernon‐Roberts Angharad , Premaratne Malshi , Wright Raewyn , Keenan Jacqueline I. , Day Andrew S. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundHelicobacter pylori is a gram‐negative gut bacterium most often acquired during childhood. International guidelines state that children with suspected H. pylori infection should be referred to a gastroenterologist for investigation via gastroscopy and biopsy. Eradication therapy should be prescribed for children with peptic ulcer disease or following a treatment risk/benefit discussion for those with an incidental gastroscopy finding. Guidelines state that for children a “test‐and‐treat” approach is not warranted, contrasting recommendations for adults. The aim of this study was to profile pediatric H. pylori infections in the South Island of New Zealand (NZ) to determine diagnostic and management strategies, and adherence to international guidelines.Materials and MethodsRetrospective data for positive H. pylori tests between 2010 and 2021 were retrieved from hospitals and regional testing laboratories throughout the South Island (NZ) for children ≤18 years. Outcome data were retrieved from tertiary care hospital records; sociodemographic, testing methods, eradication therapy, and symptoms.ResultsTwo‐hundred and forty children were identified: 105 (44%) male, mean age 13.2 years (SD 4.3). Participants of Pasifika, Asian, and Middle Eastern/Latin American/African heritage were overrepresented compared to the NZ census data. Overall, 138 (58%) children were diagnosed via stool antigen tests, 78 (32%) serum, and only 24 (10%) adhered to international guidelines in being confirmed via gastroscopy. Only 59 (25%) had a record of eradication therapy, and 39/59 (66%) were retested to determine eradication success, with 32 (82%) negative tests and seven (18%) remaining positive. Of the 181 (75%) that had eradication status unknown, 66 (28%) had a retest result available with 48 (73%) testing negative and 18 (27%) positive, suggesting a substantial proportion had received eradication therapy without adhering to international guidelines.ConclusionsInternational guidelines were not adhered to for most children in the study cohort. Implications of this include cost, unnecessary venipuncture, and unjustified antibiotic exposure.