bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A prospective cohort study of presenteeism and increased risk of unemployment among Japanese workers
Authors: Fujino Yoshihisa , Okawara Makoto , Hino Ayako , Muramatsu Keiji , Nagata Tomohisa , Tateishi Seiichiro , Tsuji Mayumi , Ogami Akira , Ishimaru Tomohiro ,   the CORoNaWork project
Published: April 2022

Objective

We examined the association between presenteeism and risk of job resignations and unemployment among Japanese workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A prospective study of 27,036 Internet monitors was conducted, starting in December 2020, with 18,560 (68.7%) participating in the follow-up by December 2021. The Work Functioning Impairment Scale (WFun) was used to measure the degree of work function impairment.

Results

The group with the highest WFun scores had higher odds ratios (ORs) for both retirement and unemployment for health reasons than the group with the lowest WFun scores. ORs were 2.97 (95%CI: 2.46-3.59, p<0. 001) and 1.80 (95%CI: 1.64-1.98, p<0.001), respectively.

Conclusions

Workers with work functioning impairment were at increased risk of resignation or unemployment. Management strategies for workers with work functioning impairment are needed to reduce their disadvantages in employment.
Combination of Baricitinib plus Remdesivir and Dexamethasone improves time to recovery and mortality among hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19 infection
Authors: Perez-Gutierrez Victor , Shah Virali , Afzal Afsheen , Khalid Amnah , Yangco Ariane , Ocrospoma Sebastian , Cemalovic Nail , Pillai Anjana , kasubhai Moiz , Dimitrov Vihren , Menon Vidya
Published: April 2022

Background

There seems to be a gap in the therapeutic options for severe Covid-19 pneumonia. Though the beneficial effect of combination treatment with baricitnib and remdesivir in accelerating clinical status improvement is described, the impact of the triple therapy with baricitinib + remdesivir/dexamethasone is not known.

Methods

A retrospective observational study comparing the effect of baricitinib plus standard treatment (remdesivir and dexamethasone) with standard therapy in patients requiring ≥ 5 L/min O2 was conducted. The primary outcome was to compared time to recovery in both groups, and the secondary outcomes was to determine mortality rate at discharge.

Results

Of 457 patients hospitalized during the study period, 51 patients received standard treatment while 88 patients received baricitinib plus standard treatment. In baricitinib group, the rate ratio of recovery was 1.28 (95%CI 0.84-1.94, p=0.24) with a reduction in median time to recovery of 3 days compared to standard treatment group. Subgroup analysis based on Ordinal Scale showed reduction in median time to recovery by 4 and 2 days with rate ratio of recovery of 2.95 (1.03-8.42, p =0.04) and 1.80 (1.09-2.98, p=0.02) in Ordinal Scale 5 and 6 respectively. No benefit was found in the Ordinal Scale 7 subgroup. An overall decrease in rate (15.9% vs 31.4% p=0.03) a likelihood (OR 0.41, 95%CI 0.18-0.94, p=0.03) of mortality was observed in the baricitinib group. Bacteremia and thrombosis were noted in the Baricitinib group, but comparable with the Standard of care group.

Conclusion

Baricitinib with standard therapy reduced time to recovery and offer mortality benefit in patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia.”
Immunopharmacological evaluation of adjuvant efficacy of Monophosphoryl lipid-A and CpG ODN with SARS-CoV-2 RBD antigen
Authors: Sambyal Shainy , Sravanthi Vemireddy , Khatri Ritika , Siddqui Gazala , Ahmed Shubbir , Samal Sweety , Sampath Kumar Halmuthur M
Published: April 2022

SARS-CoV-2 infection has made the mankind to witness most sever and serious pandemic situation in the history. Millions of people have suffered and are still suffering with this infection which has caused a mass mortality in the past three years. Development of an effective vaccine to control the spread of infection and to prevent this viral infection is need of the hour. Adjuvanted vaccines have proven their efficacy in controlling many other viral infections like flu, keeping this context in view we have evaluated the immunopharmacological efficacy of two adjuvants MPL-A and CpG ODN in combination with MF59 emulsion against SARS-CoV-2 antigen. From the data obtained we can infer that both the adjuvants were capable of eliciting a potent antibody response against antigen alone and MF59 groups. Comparatively MPL-A was eliciting a Th1 polarized response in terms of IgG2a and cytokine production. Both the adjuvants were capable of enhancing the CD 4, 8 and 19 cell populations. Overall the pre clinical evaluation has given a clue of the effectiveness of MPL-A and CpG adjuvants against SARS-CoV-2 antigen.
The strength of feedback processing is associated with resistance to visual backward masking during illusory contour processing in adult humans
Authors: Foxe John J. , Knight Emily J. , Myers Evan J. , Cao Cody Zhewei , Molholm Sophie , Freedman Edward G.
Published: April 2022

Re-entrant feedback processing is a key mechanism of visual object-recognition, especially under compromised viewing conditions where only sparse information is available and object features must be interpolated. Illusory contour stimuli are commonly used in conjunction with visual evoked potentials (VEP) to study these filling-in processes, with characteristic modulation of the VEP in the ~100-150ms timeframe associated with this re-entrant processing. Substantial inter-individual variability in timing and amplitude of feedback-related VEP modulation is observed, raising the question whether this variability might underlie inter-individual differences in the ability to form strong perceptual gestalts. Backward masking paradigms have been used to study inter-individual variance in the ability to form robust object perceptions before processing of the mask interferes with object-recognition. Some individuals recognize objects when the time between target object and mask is extremely short, whereas others struggle to do so even at longer target-to-mask intervals. We asked whether timing and amplitude of feedback-related VEP modulations were associated with individual differences in resistance to backward masking. Participants (N=40) showed substantial performance variability in detecting illusory contours at intermediate target-to-mask intervals (67ms and 117ms), allowing us to use kmeans clustering to divide the population into four performance groups (poor, low-average, high-average, superior). There was a clear relationship between the amplitude (but not the timing) of feedback-related VEP modulation and illusory contour detection during backward masking. We conclude that individual differences in the strength of feedback processing in neurotypical humans lead to differences in the ability to quickly establish perceptual awareness of incomplete visual objects.
CryoEM structures of the multimeric secreted NS1, a major factor for dengue hemorrhagic fever
Authors: Shu Bo , Ooi Justin S.G. , Tan Aaron W.K , Ng Thiam-Seng , Dejnirattisai Wanwisa , Mongkolsapaya Juthathip , Fibriansah Guntur , Shi Jian , Kostyuchenko Victor A. , Screaton Gavin , Lok Shee-Mei
Published: April 2022

Dengue virus infection can cause dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). Dengue NS1 is multifunctional: the intracellular dimeric NS1 (iNS1) forms part of the viral replication complex, the extracellular multi-oligomeric secreted NS1 (sNS1) is a major factor contributing to DHF. The structure of the iNS1 is well studied but not sNS1. Here we show the tetrameric (stable and loose conformation) and hexameric structures of sNS1. Stability of the stable and loose tetramers is determined by the conformation of their N-terminal domain – elongated β-sheet or β-roll. Binding of an anti-NS1 Fab breaks the loose tetrameric and hexameric sNS1 into dimers, whereas the stable tetramer remains largely unbound. Our results show detailed quaternary organization of different oligomeric states of sNS1 and will contribute towards the design of dengue therapeutics.
Functional changes in neural mechanisms underlying post-traumatic stress disorder in World Trade Center responders
Authors: Invernizzi Azzurra , Rechtman Elza , Curtin Paul , Papazaharias Demetrios M. , Jalees Maryam , Pellecchia Alison C. , Bromet Evelyn J. , Lucchini Roberto G. , Luft Benjamin J. , Clouston Sean A. , Tang Cheuk Y. , Horton Megan K.
Published: April 2022

World Trade Center (WTC) responders exposed to traumatic and environmental stressors during rescue and recovery efforts have higher prevalence (23%) of persistent, clinically significant WTC-related post-traumatic stress disorder (WTC-PTSD). Here, we applied eigenvector centrality (EC) metrics and data driven methods on resting state functional magnetic resonance (fMRI) outcomes to investigate neural mechanisms underlying WTC-PTSD and to identify how EC shifts in brain areas relate to WTC-exposure and behavioral symptoms. Nine brain areas differed significantly and contributed the most to differentiate functional neuro-profiles between WTC-PTSD and non-PTSD responders. The association between WTC-exposure and EC values differed significantly between WTC-PTSD and non-PTSD in the right anterior parahippocampal gyrus and left amygdala (p= 0.010; p= 0.005, respectively, adjusted for multiple comparisons). Within WTC-PTSD, the index of PTSD symptoms was positively associated with EC values in the right anterior parahippocampal gyrus and brainstem. Our understanding of functional changes in neural mechanisms underlying WTC-related PTSD is key to advance intervention and treatment.
Zebrafish Galectin 3 binding protein (Lgals3bp) is the target antigen of the microglial 4C4 monoclonal antibody
Authors: Rovira Mireia , Montanari Alice , Hammou Latifa , Chomette Laura , Miserocchi Magali , Pozo Jennifer , Imbault Virginie , Bisteau Xavier , Wittamer Valérie
Published: April 2022

Background

Two decades ago, the fish-specific monoclonal antibody 4C4 was found to be highly reactive to zebrafish microglia, the macrophages of the central nervous system. This has resulted in 4C4 being widely used, in combination with available fluorescent transgenic reporters to identify and isolate microglia. However, the target protein of 4C4 remains unidentified, which represents a major caveat. In addition, whether the 4C4 expression pattern is strictly restricted to microglial cells in zebrafish has never been investigated.

Results

Having demonstrated that 4C4 is able to capture its native antigen from adult brain lysates, we used immunoprecipitation/mass-spectrometry, coupled to recombinant expression analyses, to identify its target. The cognate antigen was found to be a paralog of Galectin 3 binding protein (Lgals3bpb), known as MAC2-binding protein in mammals. Notably, 4C4 did not recognize other paralogs, demonstrating specificity. Moreover, our data show that Lgals3bpb expression, while ubiquitous in microglia, also identifies leukocytes in the periphery, including populations of gut and liver macrophages.

Conclusions

The 4C4 monoclonal antibody recognizes Lgals3bpb, a predicted highly glycosylated protein whose function in the microglial lineage is currently unknown. Identification of Lgals3bpb as a new pan-microglia marker will be fundamental in forthcoming studies using the zebrafish model.
Developmental switch in prediction and adaptation to pain in human neonates
Authors: Rupawala Mohammed , Bucsea Oana , Laudiano-Dray Maria Pureza , Whitehead Kimberley , Meek Judith , Fitzgerald Maria , Olhede Sofia , Jones Laura , Fabrizi Lorenzo
Published: April 2022

Habituation to recurrent non-threatening or unavoidable noxious stimuli is an important aspect of adaptation to pain and indicates the ability of the brain to encode expectation of imminent nociception. However, it is not known whether the newborn brain can predict and habituate to recurrent noxious inputs. We used electroencephalography to investigate changes in cortical microstates, which represent the complex sequential processing of noxious inputs, following repeated clinically-required heel lances in term and preterm infants. Noxious stimulus repetition decreased the engagement of early sensory-related microstates and associated behavioural and physiological responses in term infants, while preterm infants did not show signs of adaptation. Nevertheless, both groups displayed a switch between different microstates at longer latencies. These data suggests that the preterm brain is capable of encoding high-level contextual differences in pain, but cannot update its prediction, which allows for adaptation, emphasising the vulnerability of this population to recurrent pain.
Targeted protein S-nitrosylation of ACE2 as potential treatment to prevent spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Oh Chang-ki , Nakamura Tomohiro , Beutler Nathan , Zhang Xu , Piña-Crespo Juan , Talantova Maria , Ghatak Swagata , Trudler Dorit , Carnevale Lauren N. , McKercher Scott R. , Bakowski Malina A. , Diedrich Jolene K. , Roberts Amanda J. , Woods Ashley K. , Chi Victor , Gupta Anil K. , Rosenfeld Mia A. , Kearns Fiona L. , Casalino Lorenzo , Shaabani Namir , Liu Hejun , Wilson Ian A. , Amaro Rommie E. , Burton Dennis R. , Yates John R. , Becker Cyrus , Rogers Thomas F. , Chatterjee Arnab K. , Lipton Stuart A.
Published: April 2022

Prevention of infection and propagation of SARS-CoV-2 is of high priority in the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, we describe S-nitrosylation of multiple proteins involved in SARS-CoV-2 infection, including angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), the receptor for viral entry. This reaction prevents binding of ACE2 to the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein, thereby inhibiting viral entry, infectivity, and cytotoxicity. Aminoadamantane compounds also inhibit coronavirus ion channels formed by envelope (E) protein. Accordingly, we developed dual-mechanism aminoadamantane nitrate compounds that inhibit viral entry and thus spread of infection by S-nitrosylating ACE2 via targeted delivery of the drug after E-protein channel blockade. These non-toxic compounds are active in vitro and in vivo in the Syrian hamster COVID-19 model, and thus provide a novel avenue for therapy.
HOTARU: Automatic sorting system for large-scale calcium imaging data
Authors: Takekawa Takashi , Nomoto Masanori , Asai Hirotaka , Ohkawa Noriaki , Okubo-Suzuki Reiko , Ghandour Khaled , Sato Masaaki , Ohkura Masamichi , Nakai Junichi , Muramatsu Shin-ichi , Hayashi Yasunori , Inokuchi Kaoru , Fukai Tomoki
Published: April 2022

Currently, calcium imaging allows long-term recording of large-scale neuronal activity in diverse states. However, it remains difficult to extract neuronal dynamics from recorded imaging data. In this study, we propose an improved constrained nonnegative matrix factorization (CNMF)-based algorithm and an effective method to extract cell shapes with fewer false positives and false negatives through image processing. We also show that the evaluation metrics obtained during image and signal processing can be combined and used for false-positive cell determination. For the CNMF algorithm, we combined cell-by-cell regularization and baseline shrinkage estimation, which greatly improved its stability and robustness. We applied these methods to real data and confirmed their effectiveness. Our method is simpler and faster, detects more cells with lower firing rates and signal-to-noise ratios, and enhances the quality of the extracted cell signals. These advances can improve the standard of downstream analysis and contribute to progress in neuroscience.
Mind the gap: Nodes of Ranvier are remodeled by chronic psychosocial stress and neuronal activity
Authors: Koskinen M-K , Laine MA , Abdollahzadeh A , Gigliotta A , Mazzini G , Journée SH , Alenius V , Trontti K , Tohka J , Hyytiä P , Sierra A , Hovatta I
Published: April 2022

Differential expression of myelin-related genes and changes in myelin thickness have been demonstrated in mice after chronic psychosocial stress, a risk factor for anxiety disorders. To determine whether and how stress affects structural remodeling of nodes of Ranvier, another form of myelin plasticity, we developed a 3D reconstruction analysis of node morphology in C57BL/6NCrl and DBA/2NCrl mice. We identified strain-dependent effects of chronic stress on node morphology, including elongation of paranodes in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) in DBA/2NCrl mice. Furthermore, chronic chemogenetic activation of the ventral hippocampus-to-mPFC pathway resulted in increased risk assessment behavior and shortened paranodes specifically in stimulated axons, providing a direct link between anxiety-like behavior and remodeling of the nodes. Altogether, our data demonstrate genetic regulation of nodal remodeling in stress and suggest an activity-dependent regulation of paranodes in anxiety-related circuits. Nodal remodeling may thus contribute to the aberrant circuit function associated with anxiety disorders.
Comparative study between radiofrequency-induced and muscimol-induced inhibition of cultured networks of cortical neuron
Authors: Lemercier Clément E. , Garenne André , de Gannes Florence Poulletier , El Khoueiry Corinne , Arnaud-Cormos Delia , Levêque Philippe , Lagroye Isabelle , Percher-ancier Yann , Lewis Noёlle
Published: April 2022

Previous studies have shown that spontaneously active cultured networks of cortical neuron grown planar microelectrode arrays are sensitive to radiofrequency (RF) fields and exhibit an inhibitory response more pronounced as the exposure time and power increase. To better understand the mechanism behind the observed effects, we aimed at identifying similarities and differences between the inhibitory effect of RF fields (continuous wave, 1800 MHz) to the γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor agonist muscimol (MU). Inhibition of the network bursting activity in response to RF exposure became apparent at an SAR level of 28.6 W/kg and co-occurred with an elevation of the culture medium temperature of ~1 °C. Exposure to RF fields preferentially inhibits bursting over spiking activity and exerts fewer constraints on neural network bursting synchrony, differentiating it from a pharmacological inhibition with MU. Network rebound excitation, a phenomenon relying on the intrinsic properties of cortical neurons, was observed following the removal of tonic hyperpolarization after washout of MU but not in response to cessation of RF exposure. This implies that hyperpolarization is not the main driving force mediating the inhibitory effects of RF fields. At the level of single neurons, network inhibition induced by MU and RF fields occurred with reduced action potential (AP) half-width. As changes in AP waveform strongly influence efficacy of synaptic transmission, the narrowing effect on AP seen under RF exposure might contribute to reducing network bursting activity. By pointing only to a partial overlap between the inhibitory hallmarks of these two forms of inhibition, our data suggest that the inhibitory mechanisms of the action of RF fields differ from the ones mediated by the activation of GABAA receptors.
Asynchrony rescues statistically-optimal group decisions from information cascades through emergent leaders
Authors: Reina Andreagiovanni , Bose Thomas , Srivastava Vaibhav , Marshall James A. R.
Published: April 2022

It is usually assumed that information cascades are most likely to occur when an early but incorrect opinion spreads through the group. Here we analyse models of confidence-sharing in groups and reveal the opposite result: simple but plausible models of naïve Bayesian decision-making exhibit information cascades when group decisions are synchronous; however, when group decisions are asynchronous, the early decisions reached by Bayesian decision makers tend to be correct, and dominate the group consensus dynamics. Thus early decisions actually rescue the group from making errors, rather than contribute to it. We explore the likely realism of our assumed decision-making rule with reference to the evolution of mechanisms for aggregating social information, and known psychological and neuroscientific mechanisms.
Hyperglycemia and Cancer. Human lung carcinoma by means of Raman spectroscopy and imaging
Authors: Abramczyk H. , Kopeć M. , Beton K.
Published: April 2022

Raman spectroscopy and Raman imaging allow to identify the biochemical and structural features of human cancer lung cell line (CCL-185) and the cell line supplemented with glucose and deuterated glucose in normal and hyperglycemia conditions. We found that isotope substitution of glucose by deuterated glucose allows to separate de novo lipid synthesis from exogenous uptake of lipids obtained from the diet. We demonstrated that glucose is largely utilized for de novo lipid synthesis. Our results provide a direct evidence that high level of glucose decreases the metabolism via oxidative phosporylation in mitochondria in cancer cells and shifts the metabolism to glycolysis via Wartburg effect.

Graphical Abstract
Concentration dependent dual effect of the endozepine ODN on neuronal spiking activity
Authors: Hazime M , Gasselin M , Alasoadura M , Lanfray D , Leclerc J , Lefranc B , Basile M , Duparc C , Vaudry D , Leprince J , Chuquet J
Published: April 2022

Endozepines, known as the endogenous ligands of benzodiazepine-binding sites, include the diazepam binding inhibitor (DBI) and its processing products, the triakontatetraneuropeptide (TTN) and the octadecaneuropeptide (ODN). Despite indisputable evidences of the binding of ODN on GABAAR-BZ-binding sites, their action on this receptor lacks compelling electrophysiological observations, some studies reporting that ODN acts as a negative allosteric modulator (NAM) of GABAAR while others suggest the opposite (positive allosteric modulation, PAM effect). All these studies were carried out in vitro with various neuronal cell types. To further elucidate the role of ODN on neuronal excitability, we tested its effect in vivo in the cortex of the anesthetized mouse. Spontaneous neuronal spikes were recorded by the mean of an extracellular pipette in the vicinity of which ODN was micro-infused, either at high dose (10-5M) or low dose (10-11M). ODN at high dose induced a significant increase of neuronal spiking. This effect could be antagonized by the GABAAR-BZ-binding sites blocker flumazenil. In sharp contrast, at low concentration, ODN reduced neuronal spiking in a magnitude similar to GABA itself. Interestingly, this decrease of neuronal activity by low dose of ODN was not flumazenil dependent suggesting that this effect is mediated by another receptor. Finally, we show that astrocytes in culture, known to be stimulated by picomolar dose of ODN via a GPCR, increased their export of GABA when stimulated by low dose of ODN. Our results confirm the versatility of ODN in the control of GABA transmission, but suggest that its PAM-like effect is, at least in part, mediated via an astrocytic non-GABAAR ODN receptor.
CK2 signaling from TOLLIP-dependent perinuclear endosomes is an essential feature ofKRASandNRASmutant cancers
Authors: Basu Srikanta , Luke Brian T. , Karim Baktiar , Martin Nancy , Lockett Stephen , Das Sudipto , Andresson Thorkell , Saylor Karen , Kozlov Serguei , Bassel Laura , Esposito Dominic , Galloux Mélissa , Johnson Peter F.
Published: April 2022

Oncogenic RAS induces perinuclear translocation of the effector kinases ERK and CK2 and their scaffold, KSR1, forming endosomal signaling hubs termed perinuclear signaling centers (PSCs). PSCs are present in all cancer cell lines and tissues examined, suggesting that subcellular compartmentalization of oncogenic kinases drives tumorigenesis. However, the mechanism of perinuclear targeting, whether this location affects kinase substrate specificity, and the importance of PSCs in cancer are unclear. Here we show that the endosomal adaptor, TOLLIP, specifically tethers RAB11A+signaling endosomes containing CK2 and KSR1 to the perinuclear ER. A predicted β-hairpin fold in TOLLIP mediates binding to the KSR1 CA5 pseudo-kinase domain, recruiting CK2/KSR1 complexes to perinuclear endosomes. TOLLIP is essential for proliferation/survival of tumor cells carryingKRASandNRASmutations but notHRAS,BRAF,ERBBorPTENlesions, or non-transformed cells.KRasG12D-induced lung lesions inTollip-/-mice displayed reduced numbers of carcinomatous lesions, implicating TOLLIP in malignant progression. TOLLIP-dependent perinuclear CK2 was shown to phosphorylate discrete substrates, including proteins involved in translation and ribosome biogenesis such as RIOK1. Thus, TOLLIP is a key RAS pathway signaling adaptor inK/NRAStumors whose inhibition is a specific vulnerability of these cancers.
Bumblebees retrieve only the ordinal ranking of foraging options when comparing memories obtained in distinct settings
Authors: Solvi Cwyn , Zhou Yonghe , Roper Mark , Feng Yunxiao , Sun Li , Reid Rebecca , Chittka Lars , Barron Andrew , Peng Fei
Published: April 2022

Are animals’ preferences determined by absolute memories for options (e.g., reward sizes) or by their remembered ranking (better/worse)? The only studies examining this question suggest humans and starlings utilize memories for both absolute and relative information. We show that bumblebees make decisions using only memories of ordinal comparisons. After learning to discriminate pairs of different flowers by sucrose concentration, bumblebees preferred flowers (in novel pairings) with 1) higher ranking over equal absolute reward, 2) higher ranking over higher absolute reward, and 3) identical qualitative ranking but different quantitative ranking equally. Despite these suboptimal choices, bumblebees found the optimal option in an ecologically relevant foraging task. Our results illuminate a divergent mechanism of learned preferences that may have arisen from adaptations to bumblebees’ natural environment.
m6A modification of U6 snRNA modulates usage of two major classes of pre-mRNA 5’ splice site
Authors: Parker Matthew T , Soanes Beth K , Kusakina Jelena , Larrieu Antoine , Knop Katarzyna , Joy Nisha , Breidenbach Friedrich , Sherwood Anna V , Barton Geoffrey J , Fica Sebastian M , Davies Brendan , Simpson Gordon G
Published: April 2022

Alternative splicing of messenger RNAs is associated with the evolution of developmentally complex eukaryotes. Splicing is mediated by the spliceosome, and docking of the pre-mRNA 5’ splice site into the spliceosome active site depends upon pairing with the conserved ACAGA sequence of U6 snRNA. In some species, including humans, the central adenosine of the ACAGA box is modified by N6 methylation, but the role of this m6A modification is poorly understood. Here we show that m6A modified U6 snRNA determines the accuracy and efficiency of splicing. We reveal that the conserved methyltransferase, FIO1, is required for Arabidopsis U6 snRNA m6A modification. Arabidopsis fio1 mutants show disrupted patterns of splicing that can be explained by the sequence composition of 5’ splice sites and cooperative roles for U5 and U6 snRNA in splice site selection. U6 snRNA m6A influences 3’ splice site usage and reinforces splicing fidelity at elevated temperature. We generalise these findings to reveal two major classes of 5’ splice site in diverse eukaryotes, which display anti-correlated interaction potential with U5 snRNA loop 1 and the U6 snRNA ACAGA box. We conclude that U6 snRNA m6A modification contributes to the selection of degenerate 5’ splice sites crucial to alternative splicing.
Comparative analysis of the structure of complete chloroplast genomes in genus Mangifera and accuracy verification about phylogenetic analysis based on gene ycf2 in genus level
Authors: Tang Yujuan , Luo Shixing , Zhang Yu , Zhao Ying , Li Riwang , Guo Limei , Huang Guodi , Gao Aiping , Huang Jianfeng
Published: April 2022

Mango is an evergreen plant belonging to the genus Mangifera of the Anacardiaceae family. Genus Mangifera has 69 species of Mangifera around the world that are mainly distributed in tropical and subtropical countries, including India, Indonesia, the Malay Peninsula, Thailand, and South China. It is a popular tropical fruit known as the “King of Tropical Fruits”. However, the study of the structure information of the complete chloroplast genome of Mangifera was microscopic, there was no report about the comparison of SSR, Ka/Ks, codons analysis and RNA editing, so in this study, we sequenced the 6 Mangifera samples and used three different ways to analyze the relationship of 6 species of Mangifera. Then we got some results, through the RNA editing and Ka/Ks calculating, we found the species could be divided into two groups, and the difference between the two groups was protein-coding gene ccsA. Moreover, all RNA editing occurred conversion of C to T and the gene ndhB had the most RNA editing sites in all species. In Ka/Ks analysis, the gene atpB, cemA, clpP, ndhD, petD, petB and ycf15 would be suffered from the positive selection after divergence. We also find the IR regions in these seven samples were very conservation through IR contraction and expansion and Sequence Divergence Analysis. Finally, we tried to confirm the relationship between 7 samples of Mangifera in Angiosperms in 3 different ways. Then we got that ML210 and MP090 had a closer relationship than others, MS796 had a closer relationship with ML210 and MP090 than others. At the same time, the method of phylogenetic analysis based on the gene ycf2 was not more accurate at the genus level than the method based on complete cp genome and proteincoding genes.
A DEA-based comprehensive benchmarking approach for implementing continuous improvement
Authors: Yu Peng , Yoo Bok Young , Lee Jang Hee
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to propose a comprehensive benchmarking approach to help subsidiaries of a company to implement continuous improvement (CI).

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed approach classifies subsidiaries of a company into the three stages of CI. After that, the proposed approach employs data envelopment analysis (DEA)-super slacks-based measure (SBM) model and Malmquist Productivity Index (MPI) to evaluate the operational efficiency of the subsidiaries and selects benchmarking targets and sets benchmarking goals based on the operational efficiency for benchmarking of input and output criteria. Then, the proposed approach suggests a four-step benchmarking process for benchmarking of detailed efficiency. Finally, the proposed approach makes the subsidiaries achieve CI by implementing the input and output benchmarking and the efficiency benchmarking.

Findings

The results show that the proposed approach can help subsidiaries of a company to implement a staged benchmarking which considers input and output criteria and Malmquist productivity and efficiency comprehensively.

Originality/value

Generally, benchmarking is implemented in many aspects. However, due to the restriction of a company’s resource level, a practical and staged benchmarking is preferred. This study proposes a comprehensive approach to benchmark systematically and gradually, and provides a more reasonable benchmarking process for implementing CI.
A systematic review of the knowledge domain of institutional theory in construction project management
Authors: Qiu Yumin , Chen Hongquan
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The large scale of construction projects and the coexistence of multiple logics in the construction field are sparking interest in applying an institutional perspective to investigate managerial issues in construction projects. However, only a few conceptual papers have been published thus far, and a literature review is needed to identify how that knowledge domain has developed. Based on the results of bibliometric analysis and content analysis, this study proposes potential future avenues for institutional theory in construction project management (ITCPM) studies.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reports a bibliographic coupling analysis and a co-citation analysis conducted to identify existing research trajectories and determine the primary features of the current ITCPM literature. In addition, this paper employed a content analysis, identified the evolutionary stages of ITCPM knowledge over time and built a framework of existing research.

Findings

This paper first identified that the existing ITCPM studies evolve through three stages, and that the intellectual core of ITCPM studies can be categorized into five clusters. In addition, this paper proposes that future research can be extended from two existing streams: the institutional responses of project actors and the institutional outcomes of construction projects. This paper proposes several major questions that should be addressed by project management scholars working in both streams in order to develop an understanding of construction projects from an institutional perspective.

Originality/value

This is the first literature review of the existing body of knowledge based on a joining of institutional theory and construction project management literature. It uncovers knowledge gaps in contemporary research, notably a lack of broader consideration of how project actors respond to institutional environments and of the institutional outcomes of project management.
Employee-oriented human resource policy as a factor shaping the influence of servant leadership on job performance
Authors: Ludwikowska Kamila
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Although there is growing research on the relationship between servant leadership and job performance, limited research examined conditions under which servant leadership is more effective. The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether employee-oriented human resource policy is shaping the relation between servant leadership and job performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical research was carried out among 263 organizations operating in Poland. To verify formulated hypotheses, statistical reasoning with moderator was made using model 1 of SPSS Macro Process.

Findings

The present study has proved that employee-oriented human resource policy may act as a moderator between servant leadership and job performance strengthening this relation. Integrating human resource policy with leadership is important to reach a better understanding of how human resource and leadership can influence employee performance.

Originality/value

The current study provides a practical implication for organizations to train managers with leadership skills to improve the job performance of their employees.
The impact of luxury brand status signaling, extension authenticity and fit on luxury line extension evaluation: a cross-national study
Authors: Boisvert Jean , Ashill Nicholas J.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Grounded in categorization theory, this study examines the impact of luxury parent brand status signaling on brand extension authenticity and consumer attitudes in two international luxury markets.

Design/methodology/approach

Using samples of luxury consumers from France and the United States, the study's hypotheses are tested using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), structural equation modelling (SEM) and multi-groups comparisons.

Findings

Findings demonstrate that luxury parent brand (PB) status signaling, familiarity and perceived quality impact luxury extension authenticity, and authenticity has a significant effect on consumer attitudes toward the extension. The relationship between PB status signaling and extension authenticity is stronger for French consumers compared to their American counterparts. The effect of luxury PB perceived quality and familiarity on PB status signaling is similar for both American and French consumers. However, the effect of PB familiarity on luxury brand extension authenticity is stronger in France than the United States.

Research limitations/implications

Results provide researchers and managers with insights on how to design marketing programs for luxury line extensions in a cross-national context.

Originality/value

The authors contribute to existing literature examining factors related to the parent brand and the relationship between the parent brand and the extension by examining the effect of PB status signaling and extension authenticity on extension attitudes in two international luxury markets.
Artificial intelligence in customer relationship management: literature review and future research directions
Authors: Ledro Cristina , Nosella Anna , Vinelli Andrea
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Due to the recent development of Big Data and artificial intelligence (AI) technology solutions in customer relationship management (CRM), this paper provides a systematic overview of the field, thus unveiling gaps and providing promising paths for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 212 peer-reviewed articles published between 1989 and 2020 were extracted from the Scopus database, and 2 bibliometric techniques were used: bibliographic coupling and keywords’ co-occurrence.

Findings

Outcomes of the bibliometric analysis enabled the authors to identify three main subfields of the AI literature within the CRM domain (Big Data and CRM as a database, AI and machine learning techniques applied to CRM activities and strategic management of AI–CRM integrations) and capture promising paths for future development for each of these subfields. This study also develops a three-step conceptual model for AI implementation in CRM, which can support, on one hand, scholars in further deepening the knowledge in this field and, on the other hand, managers in planning an appropriate and coherent strategy.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to systematise and discuss the literature regarding the relationship between AI and CRM based on bibliometric analysis. Thus, both academics and practitioners can benefit from the study, as it unveils recent important directions in CRM management research and practices.
Whistleblowing: procedural and dogmatic problems in the implementation of directive (EU) 2019/1937
Authors: Teichmann Fabian Maximilian , Wittmann Chiara
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to enlighten the shortcomings of the EU Whistleblowing Directive 2019/1973, which could interfere negatively with its successful national implementation. In focus is the tension between companies potentially attempting to hide misconduct and disgruntled employees taking advantage of generous protection under the directive.

Design/methodology/approach

With an extensive literary basis, this paper explores articles of the EU Whistleblowing Directive 2019/1973 under five areas of the so-called “weakness.” With view to Germany and Austria, the difficulty of implementing the directive is highlighted and likewise with view to Switzerland, a potential solution is presented.

Findings

The Whistleblowing Directive 2019/1973 overshoots its target by protecting whistleblowers without considering the wider public interest. There are specific points of arbitrary definition which demand resolution to ensure a successful national implementation.

Originality/value

This is a multifaceted discussion of a highly contentious ethical debate. Through an exploration of specific points of the Directive, it is possible to present why there are points of contention in the first place, and also the difficulty of implementing the principle of proportionality. The issue at the heart of the matter is balancing the protection of trade secrets with the fundamental necessity of whistleblowing as a means of last resort.
Probiotic supplement as an adjunctive therapy with Ritalin for treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms in children: a double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial
Authors: Ghanaatgar Milad , Taherzadeh Sina , Ariyanfar Shadi , Razeghi Jahromi Soodeh , Martami Fahime , Mahmoudi Gharaei Javad , Teimourpour Amir , Shahrivar Zahra
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Accumulating evidence highlights the importance of microbiota-directed intervention in neuropsychiatric disorders. This study aims to investigate the effects of probiotic supplements as an adjunct therapy in combination with Ritalin in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Design/methodology/approach

Children with ADHD, aged 6–12 years, who had an intelligent quotient of ≥70 were enrolled in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to either the group that received probiotics or the group that received the placebo in addition to the weight-adjusted dose of Ritalin. Parents were asked to complete the revised Conners Parent Rating Scale–short version (CPRS–RS), and the psychiatrist completed the seven-point Clinical Global Impression–Severity (CGI–S) scale. Two study groups were compared in three time points, including T1 (before intervention), T2 (at the end of fourth week) and T3 (at the end of the eighth week).

Findings

A total of 38 participants completed the study. After eight weeks of intervention, the probiotic group had a significant improvement regarding CPRS–RS scores in T2 (9.4 unit, p = 0.014) and T3 (18.6 unit, p < 0.001), compared to placebo. In addition, children in the probiotic group had 0.7 unit lower CGI in T3 (p = 0.018) than the placebo group. A significant reduction of CGI scores was observed in each interval (T2 vs T1, T3 vs T2 and T3 vs T1; p < 0.05). This significant change in CGI score between intervals was also detected in the placebo group in T2 vs T1 (p = 0.002) and T3 vs T1 (p < 0.001). Mean CPRS scores of the groups were different in T2 and T3 (p = 0.011 and p < 0.001, respectively) and mean CGI scores of the two study groups were different in T3 (p = 0.018).

Originality/value

Eight weeks of supplementation with probiotics had a favorable effect on symptoms and severity of ADHD. Therefore, probiotics as an adjuvant treatment might have a promising efficacy regarding the management of ADHD.
Applying bounded rationality to information disposition: development of a risk/reward heuristic
Authors: Barragan Salvador P.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the implications of applying Herbert Simon’s bounded rationality to records and information management (RIM) and the possibility that a risk/reward heuristic may be part of the disposition decision-making cognitive process. This in turn may improve the understanding of disposition and its suboptimal results and offer alternatives in understanding why certain behaviors exist around keeping information beyond its retention; and to possibly alter this behavior. This in turn may improve the application of information life-cycle policies through the development of new decision-making heuristics for information retention.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examines disposition of information and how the addition of bounded rationality may improve the understanding of why disposition has not been as successful as it might be.

Findings

This paper concludes that bounded rationality could elevate the RIM function and alter how RIM practitioners within the private sector understand how appraisal and therefore disposition of information occurs. Further, the inclusion of bounded rationality into disposition decision-making may create new roles for practitioners and extend the influence and reach of RIM. Future developments must be watched and analyzed to see if this approach becomes the norm.

Practical implications

This paper will be of interest to stakeholders responsible for valuing information, appraisal/disposition of information, life-cycle management, records management, information management and big data analytics. The work is original, but parts of this subject were previously addressed in another study.

Originality/value

Parts of this work were part of a PhD study by this author.
Broadcasting, through TV, social services information to older persons
Authors: Silva Telmo
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to depict the field trial to evaluate the usability and usefulness of an Interactive TV platform that aims to promote the info-inclusion and quality of life of Portuguese older adults by delivering informative content about public and social services.

Design/methodology/approach

The present paper reports the process of a field trial conducted to test an iTV platform’s usability and user experience along with 21 senior users. A high-fidelity prototype was tested with potential users for two weeks to collect data in a “real life” background to gather valuable information to refine the solution according to the target public needs.

Findings

The results revealed positive usability levels and overall satisfaction of the users in interacting with the system, yet not stopping them from giving their inputs and feedback. The informative videos sent to the platform were considered adequate, the remote control was simple and caused no problems, the video library and the splash screen were both positively reviewed.

Originality/value

This original research offers insights on how valuable is making field trial in the development of an innovative technology regarding this target population. Also, it was possible to understand that older adults want to be informed. Despite this, most of the time, they are unable to find the information efficiently. These results also supported the usefulness of the +TV4E platform.
To spend or to save? The role of time perspective in the saving behavior of children
Authors: Trzcińska Agata , Sekścińska Katarzyna , Maison Dominika
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study aims to focus on the possibility of promoting saving behaviors in children by activating a future time perspective (TP) in their thinking.

Design/methodology/approach

An experimental study of 8- to 11-year-old children (N = 212) was conducted in which future and present hedonistic TPs were induced.

Findings

The results suggest that inducing a future TP can modify children’s financial behavior, making them more inclined to save their money. However, the induction of a present hedonistic TP had no significant effect on children’s financial decisions.

Originality/value

This study improves current theoretical knowledge concerning the effectiveness of psychological interventions in fostering saving behaviors in children and answers the question posed of how the economically desirable behavior of saving may be enhanced in children. Thus, inducing a future TP in children by showing them the benefits of focusing on the future might constitute a useful means of strengthening children’s saving abilities.
Alveolates (dinoflagellates, ciliates and apicomplexans) and Rhizarians are the most common microbial eukaryotes in temperate Appalachian karst caves
Authors: Cahoon A. Bruce , VanGundy Robert D.
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this study was to survey the eukaryotic microbiome of two karst caves in the Valley and Ridge physiographic region of the Appalachian Mountains. Caves are known to harbour eukaryotic microbes but their very low densities and small cell size make them difficult to collect and identify. Microeukaryotes were surveyed using two methodologies, filtering water and submerging glass microscope slides mounted in periphytometers in cave pools. The periphyton sampling yielded 13.5 times more unique amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) than filtered water. The most abundant protist supergroup was Alveolata with large proportions of the ASVs belonging to dinoflagellate, ciliate and apicomplexan clades. The next most abundant were Rhizarians followed by Stramenopiles (diatoms and chrysophytes) and Ameobozoans. Very few of the ASVs, 1.5%, matched curated protist sequences with greater than 99% identity and only 2.5% could be identified from surface plankton samples collected in the same region. The overall composition of the eukaryotic microbiome appears to be a combination of bacterial grazers and parasitic species that could possibly survive underground as well as cells, cysts and spores probably transported from the surface.