Concerted Action Research Articles

Biochemical characterization of a SusD-like protein involved in β-1,3-glucan utilization by an uncultured cow rumen Bacteroides.

In ruminants, the rumen is a specialized stomach that is adapted to the breakdown of plant-derived complex polysaccharides through the coordinated activities of a diverse microbial community. Bacteroidota is a major phylum in this bovine rumen microbiota. They contain several clusters of genes called polysaccharide utilization loci (PULs) that encode proteins working in concert to capture, degrade, and transport polysaccharides. Despite the critical role of SusD-like proteins for efficient substrate transport, they remain largely unexplored. Here, we present the biochemical characterization of a SusD-like protein encoded by a β-glucan utilization locus from an Escherichia coli metagenomic clone previously isolated by functional screening of the bovine rumen microbiome. In this study, we show that clone 41O1 can grow on laminaritriose, cellotriose, and a mixture of cellobiosyl-cellobiose and glucosyl-cellotriose as sole carbon sources. Based on this, we used various in vitro analyses to investigate the binding ability of 41O1_SusD-like towards these oligosaccharides and the corresponding polysaccharides. We observed a clear binding affinity for β-1,6 branched β-1,3-glucans (laminarins, yeast β-glucan) and laminaritriose. Comparison of the AlphaFold2 model of 41O1_SusD-like with its closest structural homologs highlights a similar pattern of substrate recognition. In particular, three tryptophan residues are shown to be crucial for laminarin recognition. In the context of the cow rumen, we discuss the possible substrates targeted by the 41O1_PUL, such as the (1,3;1,4)-β-d-glucans present in cereal grains or the β-1,3- and (1,3;1,6)-β-d-glucans that are components of the cell wall of ruminal yeasts.IMPORTANCEThe rumen microbiota can majorly impact overall animal health, feed efficiency, and release of harmful substances into the environment. This microbiota is involved in the fermentation of organic matter to provide the host with valuable and assimilable nutrients. Bacteroidota efficiently captures, breaks down, and imports complex polysaccharides through the concerted action of proteins encoded by polysaccharide utilization loci (PULs). Within this system, SusD-like protein has proven necessary for the active internalization of the substrate. Nevertheless, the vast majority of SusD-like proteins characterized to date originate from cultured bacteria. With regard to the diversity and importance of uncultured bacteria in the rumen, further studies are required to better understand the role of polysaccharide utilization loci in ruminal polysaccharide degradation. Our detailed characterization of the 41O1_SusD-like therefore contributes to a better understanding of the carbohydrate metabolism of an uncultured Bacteroides from the cow rumen.

The Prevalence of and Trend in Drug Use among Adolescents in Mississippi and the United States: Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) 2001-2021.

Mississippi youth are demographically unique compared to those of the nation. The aim of the study was to examine the drug use among adolescents in Mississippi compared to that in the US, which included determining prevalence and trends in drug use as well as drugs on school property and estimating the differences in drug use prevalence by gender and by race. National and Mississippi Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) data from 2001 to 2021 were obtained for analysis. Summary statistics, prevalence ratio, and survey Chi-squared tests of independence statistics were generated for the comparison for all students, and by gender and race separately. Trend analysis was conducted using logistic regression combined with joinpoint regression. The six survey questions being studied were the following: have you ever used marijuana, an inhalant, heroin, methamphetamines, or injected drugs, and were you offered, sold, or given an illegal drug on school property during the last 12 months. Survey packages in R were used to account for the complex sampling design of YRBSS data. On the national level, all six drug-related risk behaviors being studied showed a significant decrease from 2001 to 2021. In Mississippi, however, only "ever used marijuana" showed a decrease trend, while three remain unchanged, and two increased. The 2021 YRBSS data show that Mississippi adolescents exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of drug use, and are more likely to be offered, sold or given an illegal drug on school property. This research showed detailed findings on drug use-related issues in Mississippi, which is alarming. This poses an important challenge for public health in Mississippi and sounds an urgent call for drug use intervention among Mississippi adolescents. More concerted actions at the community, school and government level are needed for reducing youth drug use and controlling the drug traffic on school property.

Salmonella in Chicken and Pork Meat as a Likely Major Contributor to Foodborne Illness in Peru.

Nontyphoidal Salmonella is one of the major causes of self-limiting diarrheal disease and the most common foodborne pathogen worldwide. It is an important contributor to the burden of foodborne illness in South America, including Peru, where chicken and pork are important vehicles for Salmonella infection. Salmonella infections are underreported, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where concerted action tackling Salmonella along the chicken and pork chains, from primary production to retail, is urgently needed. To support and inform the implementation of new strategies to reduce Salmonella contamination of chicken and pork, this study describes the frequency and distribution of foodborne outbreaks attributed to Salmonella in Peru and evaluates the level of Salmonella in chicken and pork meat sold in markets of three regions of Peru. To that end, we analyzed historical reports of foodborne outbreaks, levels of Salmonella in chicken and pork sold in markets, and the number of mesophiles in the collected meat samples. As a result, the microbiological analysis reveals a widespread contamination of chicken (77.1%) and pork (26.8%) with Salmonella. It also pinpoints Salmonella as the causative agent in nearly half of the outbreaks (47.0%) where the potential origin is identified over a 11-year period with chicken, mayonnaise, and pork being the most likely food vehicles. These results suggest that Salmonella is a major contributor to foodborne illness in Peru and that the monitoring of mesophiles could be a good strategy for surveillance, generating data to support source attribution studies and ultimately evidence-informed policies.

O-068 Educating young people about reproductive health

Abstract Comprehensive sex and reproductive health education is crucial for promoting overall health and wellbeing, as it plays a vital role in dispelling misinformation, fostering positive attitudes toward reproductive health, and empowering informed decision-making among young people. Despite its recognised importance by global entities such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), comprehensive sex and reproductive health education remains insufficient worldwide. This inadequacy is a multifaceted issue, stemming from various factors, including governmental policies, social norms, cultural beliefs, inadequate curriculum, and insufficient teacher training. Schools, as primary providers of reproductive health education, often prioritise pregnancy prevention over other important reproductive health topics, leading to significant gaps in students' knowledge, further prompting young individuals to seek supplementary knowledge from external sources, like the internet or social media. To address this disparity and to promote reproductive health awareness, the International Reproductive Health Education Collaboration (IRHEC) was established in 2019 and aims to provide educational resources for the public, teachers and health professionals. The IRHEC have created a teaching guide specifically for teachers to cover all aspects of reproductive health, to be used in schools globally. To develop this resource, it has been essential to determine what is taught in schools and the attitudes of teenagers to reproductive health education and family building. In the UK, we examined the curriculum in the four nations and huge gaps were identified in reproductive health education. Subsequently, a survey was conducted with 931, 16–18-year-olds in England and pupils were asked their views on their education, if they had been taught about a list of reproductive health topics in school and their attitudes to these topics. They reported that topics around pregnancy prevention were taught, such as contraception (90%), and sexually transmitted infections (90%) but key subjects such as fertility (30%) endometriosis (3%) and PCOS (2%) were not taught. This survey has been repeated in Belgium, Greece and Japan and similar patterns observed. Teenagers in the UK (21%) and Belgium (18%) rated their school sex and reproductive health education to be either poor or very poor compared to teenagers in Japan (3%). In the UK, Belgium, and Japan, young people have similar future parenthood intentions. Most young people in the UK (64%), Japan (60%), and Belgium (60%) want to have children in the future. A higher percentage of young people in Japan (70%) expressed a desire for two children compared to those in Belgium (60%), Greece (53%) and the UK (49%). To ensure comprehensive sex and reproductive health education, efforts must be tailored to the needs of each community and demographic. Collaboration among policymakers, educators, healthcare professionals, and communities is essential to enhance school curricula to include a broader spectrum of reproductive health topics and promote culturally sensitive educational approaches. By doing this, we can empower young people with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate their reproductive health journey with confidence. There is an urgent need for a concerted action to bridge knowledge gaps and ensure that young people receive comprehensive sex and reproductive health education.

P-769 Congenital heart defects in children born after assisted reproductive technology: A large cohort study from the Committee of Nordic Assisted Reproductive Technology and Safety (CoNARTaS)

Abstract Study question Are children conceived after assisted reproductive technology (ART) more likely to be born with congenital heart defects (CHDs) than those born after spontaneous conception (SC)? Summary answer Major CHDs and severe CHDs are associated with ART, with a higher risk in both ART-conceived singletons and multiples compared to singletons from SC. What is known already Children born after ART have higher risk of birth defects compared to children born after SC. Among these defects, CHDs hold the highest prevalence, accounting for about 50% of all major birth defects and affecting approximately 1-2% of children in the general population. Several cohort studies and systematic reviews, among these a recent review including 41 studies and in total 25,856 ART children, shows increased risk of CHDs in children born after ART. However, conflicting findings have been reported for specific CHDs. Study design, size, duration This Nordic registry-based cohort study included 7,747,637 liveborn children, with 171,735 conceived after ART. All liveborn children (singletons and multiples) in Denmark (1994–2014), Finland (1990–2014), Norway (1984–2015), and Sweden (1987–2015) were included. National data from ART registries, medical birth registries, patient registries, cause of death registries, and population registries were cross-linked. Participants/materials, setting, methods The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) versions 8, 9, 10 were used for selection of CHDs. Major and severe CHDs were defined according to European Concerted Action on Congenital Anomalies and Twins (EUROCAT). Outcomes were major CHDs, severe CHDs, six hierarchical CHD lesion groups, and ten selected major CHDs. CHD diagnoses were considered prenatally or within the first year of life in Denmark, Finland, Sweden, and prenatally or at birth in Norway. Main results and the role of chance Major CHDs occurred among 1.84% (n = 3159) children born after ART and among 1.15% (n = 86,824) children born after SC, with adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.36; 95% CI 1.31–1.41. Risk was highest in multiples, regardless of conception method. Severe CHDs were detected in 0.35% (n = 594) children born after ART and in 0.26% (n = 19,375) children born after SC; AOR 1.30; 95% CI 1.20–1.42. When analysing the risk of CHD for the specific groups of CHDs by the hierarchical classification, children born after ART had higher risk of CHDs than children born after SC for five of the six lesion groups: conotruncal defects, non-conotruncal defects, ventricular septal defect, atrial septal defects, and other CHDs. ART was further associated with an elevated risk in four of ten selected major CHDs. Major CHDs occurred among 1.62% (n = 2059) singletons born after ART and among 1.11% (n = 18,539) singletons born after SC; AOR 1.19; 1.14–1.24. The prevalence of severe CHDs was 0.31% (n = 399) among singletons born after ART and 0.25% (n = 18,539) among singletons born after SC; AOR 1.20; 95% CI 1.09–1.33. In singletons born after ART, no difference was seen between ICSI and IVF or between frozen and fresh embryo transfer for major CHDs or severe CHDs. Limitations, reasons for caution A main limitation in this study is the lack of information on CHDs in miscarriages, pregnancy terminations, and stillbirths. Another limitation is that information on specific techniques used in assisted reproduction was not available from Finland. Lastly, we did not have information on causes of infertility. Wider implications of the findings CHDs, although rare, imply severe risks. Our study reveals an association between ART and major CHDs. While most CHD-affected children survive to adulthood, high morbidity and mortality rates persist in childhood and adulthood. The potential benefit of fetal echocardiography screening in ART pregnancies, beyond routine obstetric ultrasound, remains uncertain. Trial registration number ISRCTN 11780826

Frequency-modulated timer regulates torpor–arousal cycles during hibernation in distinct small mammalian hibernators

Hibernation allows mammals to endure harsh seasons by reducing their basal metabolism and body temperature (Tb) to minimize energy expenditure. During hibernation in small animals such as Syrian hamsters and 13-lined ground squirrels, Tb decreases to an ambient level ( < 5 °C) and remains constant for days to weeks in a physiological condition termed deep torpor. Torpor is interrupted by periods of arousal, during which Tb recovers to a euthermic level (approximately 37 °C), and these torpor–arousal cycles are repeated multiple times during hibernation. However, little is known about the mechanisms governing Tb fluctuations during hibernation. In this study, we employed an unbiased model selection approach to Tb data and revealed that a model incorporating frequency modulation quantitatively reproduced Tb fluctuation during hibernation in Syrian hamsters. We found that an unexpectedly long period of 120–430 days modulates a shorter period of several days. In addition, the aforementioned model reproduced Tb fluctuation in 13-lined ground squirrels, which can undergo repeated hibernation according to intrinsic circannual rhythms in constant laboratory conditions. This is the first quantitative study to demonstrate the concerted action of two endogenous periods, one lasting a few days and the other lasting a year, in the torpor–arousal cycles of distinct mammalian hibernators. We anticipate that our theoretical analysis of Tb fluctuation will be a starting point for quantitative comparisons of hibernation patterns across various hibernating species. Furthermore, quantification of Tb data using models will foster our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of hibernation by revealing the biological processes operating within these periods.

Environmental Law and Sustainability: Legal Approaches to Addressing Climate Change and Protecting Natural Resources

"Environmental Law and Sustainability: Legal Approaches to Addressing Climate Change and Protecting Natural Resources" delves into the critical intersection of environmental law and sustainability, exploring the legal frameworks and strategies employed to mitigate climate change and safeguard natural resources. In the face of escalating environmental challenges, this study examines the role of law in promoting sustainable development, fostering environmental stewardship, and ensuring the resilience of ecosystems and communities. the pressing environmental issues confronting the world today, with a particular focus on climate change and its far-reaching impacts on ecosystems, biodiversity, and human well-being. It explores the complex interplay between human activities, such as fossil fuel combustion, deforestation, and industrial agriculture, and the degradation of environmental systems, highlighting the urgent need for concerted action to address these challenges.

Potential for and impacts of mainstreaming diversification crops through institutional catering

IntroductionIn France, land use is dominated by a narrow range of crops. As crop diversification is increasingly promoted to transform the food system, outlets for diversification crops need to be identified. We assess the scope for introducing diversification crops from farmers’ fields to canteen plates, and the agroecological, environmental, work-related and nutritional impacts of their introduction.MethodsWe focus on three diversification crops: chickpea, squash, and millet, to partly replace soft wheat, potato, and durum wheat, respectively. For each crop, we define three scenarios of low (1), medium (2) and high (3) integration into institutional catering on a national scale. We assess the scenarios against the amount of diversification cropland area needed and their expected impacts.ResultsDiversification crops can be developed through institutional catering. Taking the case of chickpea, in Scenario 1, chickpea flour is introduced in a cake served once every 20 days, replacing 30% of the soft wheat flour used. This amounts to 874 ha cropped. In Scenario 2, chickpea flour partly replaces wheat flour in all preparations, and 4,048 ha are required. In Scenario 3, raw chickpeas are also introduced into new recipes and 20,958 ha are needed. All three diversification crops support the establishment of agroecological cropping systems, with enhanced nutrient cycling in particular, and reduce their environmental footprint, notably by avoiding pesticide use. Diversification crops do not generate work constraints for farmers and cooks. However, they have a lower productivity per unit area than the reference crops, although they do improve several nutrition parameters such as fiber intake.DiscussionWe show for the first time that institutional catering provides a tangible outlet for developing diversification crops and improving the sustainability of agriculture. Our scenarios can support concerted actions between farmers, supply-chain actors, cooks and policy makers, as well as communication to eaters surrounding their impacts on agriculture.

Unleashing Equality and Women Empowerment: Analyzing Pakistan's Path to SDG-5

The paper provides an overview of Pakistan's achievements with regard to SDG-5, taking into account the marginal advances made in women joining the workforce and engaging politically, as well as facing remaining structural blocks. We used a mixed-method approach to embed the examined context in round data of 2019–2023 concerning three main indicators: workforce participation, political representation, and educational enrollment. Quantitative data were married with qualitative interviews and focus groups to provide a fuller view of the intricate landscape of gender in Pakistan. By contrast to the data for girls' education enrollment, and despite an incremental improvement in women's political representation within parliament, results pointed towards a marginal growth of workforce participation by women. While some important gaps remain (including in the most rigorous statistical measure available for regional comparability, creating a persistent differential in gender parity across regions), stakeholders identified sociocultural, political, and economic factors as the key barriers to empowerment, but rated current gender equality policies as only moderately effective. Pakistan is still a long way toward achieving SDG-5 and needs more focused, hard interventions. The following must be done to accelerate progress: increase the effectiveness of gender equality policies and tackle multiple barriers to women's empowerment. This study highlights the importance of concerted action from government, civil society, and international organizations in promoting both gender equality and women's empowerment across all levels of Pakistani societies.

SNM1A is crucial for efficient repair of complex DNA breaks in human cells

DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), such as those produced by radiation and radiomimetics, are amongst the most toxic forms of cellular damage, in part because they involve extensive oxidative modifications at the break termini. Prior to completion of DSB repair, the chemically modified termini must be removed. Various DNA processing enzymes have been implicated in the processing of these dirty ends, but molecular knowledge of this process is limited. Here, we demonstrate a role for the metallo-β-lactamase fold 5′−3′ exonuclease SNM1A in this vital process. Cells disrupted for SNM1A manifest increased sensitivity to radiation and radiomimetic agents and show defects in DSB damage repair. SNM1A is recruited and is retained at the sites of DSB damage via the concerted action of its three highly conserved PBZ, PIP box and UBZ interaction domains, which mediate interactions with poly-ADP-ribose chains, PCNA and the ubiquitinated form of PCNA, respectively. SNM1A can resect DNA containing oxidative lesions induced by radiation damage at break termini. The combined results reveal a crucial role for SNM1A to digest chemically modified DNA during the repair of DSBs and imply that the catalytic domain of SNM1A is an attractive target for potentiation of radiotherapy.

Assessing the Impact of Climate Change on Global Crop Yields and Farming Practices

Climate change is recognized as one of the most pressing challenges of our time, with profound implications for global food security. This review article delves into the multifaceted impacts of climate change on crop yields and farming practices on a global scale. By synthesizing recent research findings, identifying key challenges and opportunities, and exploring adaptation strategies, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of the complex interplay between climate change and agriculture. The effects of climate change on agriculture are diverse and far reaching. Alterations in weather patterns, including shifts in temperature, precipitation, and frequency of extreme events, pose significant challenges to agricultural productivity and food security. These changes disrupt traditional farming practices, exacerbate water stress, soil erosion, and crop loss, and threaten the livelihoods of millions of farmers worldwide. Additionally, changes in pest and disease dynamics have further compounded the challenges faced by agricultural systems under pressure from climate variability. These challenges, there are opportunities for innovation and adaptation in the agricultural systems. This review highlights the potential of climate-smart agricultural practices such as crop diversification, conservation agriculture, and precision farming to enhance resilience and mitigate the impacts of climate change on crop yields. investments in climate-resilient crop varieties, improved water management techniques, and sustainable land management practices offer pathways for building adaptive capacities and ensuring food security in a changing climate. addressing the complex challenges of climate change adaptation in agriculture requires concerted action at multiple levels. This review emphasizes the importance of coordinated efforts among policymakers, researchers, farmers, and other stakeholders in developing and implementing effective adaptation strategies. Such strategies should be context-specific, socially equitable, and environmentally sustainable, considering the diverse needs and priorities of different regions and communities. This review underscores the urgent need for coordinated action to build resilient and sustainable food systems in the face of a changing climate. By synthesizing the latest research findings, identifying key challenges and opportunities, and exploring adaptation strategies, this review aims to inform policymakers, researchers, and practitioners about the imperative of addressing climate change’s impacts on agriculture. Only through collaborative and transformative action can we ensure food security for the present and future generations in a rapidly changing world.

Youth Suicide in Nepal: A Growing Concern.

In Nepal, suicidal behaviour among adolescents is a growing concern, and the country has been in the grip of a major mental health disaster for many years. The issue must be addressed immediately, and there must be urgent and concerted action by state institutions, healthcare practitioners, and society. Official statistics show the increased rates of completed suicide, whereas those cases that attempted suicide and survived the event remain unaccounted for. The fortunate suicide victims, who were timely rescued, resuscitated, and survived; in the recent years as witnessed at a tertiary hospital in the western region of Nepal, depict a grim picture of suicidality among youths, particularly among teenagers and young adults. The authors recognize the urgent need to tackle and address the problem of youth suicide in the country. Keywords: Cultural factors; mental health crisis; Nepal; risk-taking behaviour; suicide prevention.

Problems of digital inclusion in vocational (vocation-technical) education institutions

The content of the article presents an analysis of the problems and trends in the development of modern digital technologies of inclusive education in the field of professional education, taking into account the development of relevant guidelines for customers of educational services. Current problems of digital inclusion in vocational education institutions are considered, namely: high-quality digital Ukrainian-language content that is accessible to various nosologies of education seekers with special educational needs, and the problem of training pedagogical workers in educational institutions to implement the concept of digital inclusion. It was determined that the use of digital technologies means a paradigm shift in approaches to teaching and learning, which is a potential for the transformation of professional education and an opportunity for customers of educational services to succeed in the global economy, ensuring the personalization of the educational process and overcoming the distance between the academic environment and production. At the same time, realizing this potential requires concerted action to address issues such as the digital divide, technology obsolescence, and quality and trust issues. In the context of inclusive educational innovation, digital accessibility is an important aspect of ensuring that all people, including persons with disabilities, have equal access to digital technologies and services. During the study of trends in the development of modern learning technologies in the field of professional and technical education, the staff of the department conducted an analysis of the interaction of inclusive learning technologies and modern digital technologies, focused on understanding how these two elements can interact to create an inclusive educational environment. The ways and possibilities of using digital technologies in the process of inclusive education are determined. The implementation and integration of digital technologies requires significant investment in infrastructure and ongoing support to ensure their sustainability and effectiveness. A successful example of such an infrastructural solution is the single educational-digital ecosystem of the Bilotserk Institute of Continuing Professional Education, which combines the intellectual, scientific, professional, educational, and technological potential of the subjects of the network educational-digital environment, provides for the use of digital, andragogic and interactive technologies in virtual space. The findings of the study indicate that although digital technologies have the potential to significantly improve the quality of vocational education, their successful implementation depends on addressing the associated challenges. It is important to constantly evaluate, study and introduce new initiatives in the field of digital learning and digital inclusion into the educational process, constantly update the educational process through the integration of digital technologies, ensure the appropriate quality of educational programs and resources.

Unorthodox Alliances at the Margins of the State: Haredi Jews, the Israeli State, and the Collaborative Battle Against Sexual Violence

Over the last decade, ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) Jewish society in Israel has witnessed an unprecedented attempt to place sexual violence high on the agenda, calling for concerted communal action and assistance to individuals in need. Based on a long-term anthropological fieldwork, I explore in this article how this revolution from within the Haredi sector catalyzes and is further solidified by unorthodox alliances with various agencies of the Israeli state. By this, I mean a range of pedagogic, discursive, and institutional processes of collaboration and trust-building, established between Haredi community leaders and representatives of the secular Israeli state. These unorthodox alliances constitute a two-way street of communication and adjustment, advancing, on the one hand, the socialization of Haredi populations to state laws, logics, and discourses, and requiring, on the other hand, that the state tailor its services and procedures to exercise culturally sensitive considerations. I analyze the labor invested in these alliances through the framework of “the margins of the state.” I contend that these alliances establish, or at least experiment with, arrangements that may ultimately reconfigure and recalibrate the relationship between the two sides.

Bioplastics: No solution to healthcare's plastic pollution problem.

As Canadian policy-makers recognize the urgency for concerted actions to reduce plastics (e.g., Canada's involvement in the international plastics treaty negotiations, zero plastic waste strategy, and single-use plastics regulations), the healthcare sector must also consider a more sustainable plastics system. In this context, the potential for novel bioplastics to mitigate healthcare's substantial plastic waste problem must be carefully interrogated. Our analysis examines the complexities of bioplastics, highlighting the technical challenges of identifying legitimate sustainable alternatives, and the practical barriers for implementing bioplastics as substitutes for consumable plastics in healthcare. We focus on the Canadian healthcare sector and regulatory landscape with the insights gained being applicable to other sectors and countries. Given the limitations identified, the focus on reducing consumption should remain the priority.

Concerted action of ataxin-2 and PABPC1-bound mRNA poly(A) tail in the formation of stress granules.

Stress induces global stabilization of the mRNA poly(A) tail (PAT) and the assembly of untranslated poly(A)-tailed mRNA into mRNPs that accumulate in stress granules (SGs). While the mechanism behind stress-induced global PAT stabilization has recently emerged, the biological significance of PAT stabilization under stress remains elusive. Here, we demonstrate that stress-induced PAT stabilization is a prerequisite for SG formation. Perturbations in PAT length impact SG formation; PAT shortening, achieved by overexpressing mRNA deadenylases, inhibits SG formation, whereas PAT lengthening, achieved by overexpressing their dominant negative mutants or downregulating deadenylases, promotes it. PABPC1, which specifically binds to the PAT, is crucial for SG formation. Complementation analyses reveal that the PABC/MLLE domain of PABPC1, responsible for binding PAM2 motif-containing proteins, plays a key role. Among them, ataxin-2 is a known SG component. A dominant-negative approach reveals that the PAM2 motif of ataxin-2 is essential for SG formation. Notably, ataxin-2 increases stress sensitivity, lowering the threshold for SG formation, probably by promoting the aggregation of PABPC1-bound mRNA. The C-terminal region is responsible for the self-aggregation of ataxin-2. These findings underscore the critical roles of mRNA PAT, PABPC1 and ataxin-2 in SG formation and provide mechanistic insights into this process.

Collective Capabilities for Organizational Democracy: The Case of Mutual Social Enterprises

AbstractDemocratic forms of enterprise and economic governance are needed to help address urgent societal challenges where hierarchical decision‐making and governance approaches are clearly failing. There is insufficient understanding, however, of the capabilities needed by enterprises to implement and sustain organizational democracy in pressurized operational contexts. We focus on the role of collective capabilities, which arise from interactions between individuals to create collaboration and collective benefits. Interview evidence from 12 mutual social enterprises – organizations that trade with a social purpose – is used to explore the learning processes that underpin the generation of collective capabilities for organizational democracy. The analysis leads us to a theoretical model of collective capabilities development that responds to three fundamental areas of challenge: (i) Adaptive design of governance structures and processes, to balance ‘bottom‐up’ democracy with ‘top‐down’ stewardship control; (ii) Embedding, extending and revitalizing democracy, by supporting the voice, capabilities and confidence of workers and users to participate in collaborative governance; and (iii) Fostering deliberative learning, to navigate tensions and conflict between plural perspectives and achieve collective aims. In concluding, we reflect on some institutional and cultural barriers to organizational democracy and the case for more concerted policy action to realize its potential as a crucial component of economic democracy.

Envisioning how to advance the MASH field.

Since 1980, the cumulative effort of scientists and health-care stakeholders has advanced the prerequisites to address metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), a prevalent chronic non-communicable liver disease. This effort has ledto, among others, the approval of the first drug specific for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH; formerly known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis). Despite substantial progress, MASLD is still a leading cause of advanced chronic liver disease, including primary liver cancer. This Perspective contextualizes the nomenclature change from nonalcoholic fatty liver disease to MASLD and proposes important considerations to accelerate further progress in the field, optimize patient-centric multidisciplinary care pathways, advance pharmacological, behavioural and diagnostic research, and address health disparities. Key regulatory and other steps necessary to optimize the approval and access to upcoming additional pharmacological therapeutic agents for MASH are also outlined. We conclude by calling for increased education and awareness, enhanced health system preparedness, and concerted action by policy-makers to further the public health and policy agenda to achieve at least parity with other non-communicable diseases and to aid in growing the community of practice to reduce the human and economic burden and end the public health threat of MASLD and MASH by 2030.

Facilitating the Smooth Migration of Inhabitants of Atoll Countries to Artificial Islands: Case of the Maldives

The vulnerability of atoll countries to sea level rise underscores the pivotal connection between climate change and migration. This study examines the multifaceted challenges faced by such countries, including land loss, economic disruption, water contamination, and increased vulnerability to extreme weather events, and potential adaptation strategies, such as migration to developed countries and other islands, land reclamation, and floating platform development. The situation of the Maldives, particularly the creation of the artificial island of Hulhumalé, is explored as a case study. Hulhumalé is designed to alleviate congestion while addressing concerns about rising sea levels. This study employed a questionnaire survey and analyzed the data using importance analysis of permutation features and structural equation modeling following the Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney tests. The results revealed that the key factors influencing resident satisfaction after migration were clean housing, resilience to natural disasters, sports facilities, and environmental quality. Adaptation strategies must be tailored to each country’s unique circumstances, considering the interconnectedness of environmental and socioeconomic factors in addressing climate-induced migration. Considering Hulhumalé as a model for climate change adaptation, concerted global action is necessary to mitigate the impacts of climate change and ensure the security and well-being of vulnerable populations.

Роль природоохранного паспорта в оценке уровня экологизации хозяйственной деятельности

The article presents the theoretical foundations, methodological peculiarities and practical experience of organizing ecological certification in Russia. It examines the key documents regulating its implementation and draws on legislative and normative-legal documents, scientific publications, and information and statistical data from various official regional sources. Despite being voluntary in the Russian legal framework, ecological certification is mandatory for certain organizations. For instance, the Rules for the Organization of Tourism and Recreation in the Central Ecological Zone of the Baikal Natural Territory prescribe that accommodation facilities within it must provide environmental passports to relevant authorities. A provisional structure of such a document is provided. It is revealed that it can be utilized to assess the level of greening of economic activities of tourist enterprises, including those located in territories with special regimes of nature management. Moving forward, efforts to enhance the implementation of environmental passportization should focus on strengthening regulatory mechanisms, enhancing institutional capacity, and fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration. Through concerted action, Russia can advance its environmental agenda and contribute to global efforts to achieve sustainability and biodiversity conservation.