bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanism of Antiviral Activity of Nitazoxanide against the Influenza Virus: Effect of Tizoxanide on AdenosineTriphosphate in Influenza-virus Infected Madin Darby Canine Kidney Cells
Authors: Rossignol J.F. , Tijsma A.S.L. , van Baalen C.A.
Published: July 2021

Background

Nitazoxanide (NTZ) is a broad-spectrum antiviral undergoing clinical development for treating influenza and other viral respiratory infections such as those caused by rhinovirus/enterovirus and coronavirus including the emerging SARS-CoV-2.

Methods

Nitazoxanide is a mild uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation, which is modulating the ATP production in cells. ATP is an essential component of viral replication, and we have evaluated the effect of tizoxanide (TIZ), the active circulating metabolite of NTZ, on ATP in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells and in MDCK cells infected with influenza A and B viruses.

Results

TIZ decreased cellular ATP in a dose-dependent manner in MDCK cells and in MDCK cells infected with influenza A and B viruses. Maximum inhibition of ATP in influenza infected or uninfected MDCK cells reached up to 45% after 6 and 24 hours of exposure to 100µM TIZ. The decrease in cellular ATP did not affect cell viability and was reversible after eliminating TIZ from the culture.

Conclusion

The concentrations of TIZ required to decrease cellular ATP levels were similar to those reported to inhibit replication of influenza A and B viruses in our laboratory. A decrease in ATP triggers activation of AMP-activated protein kinase, which is known to suppress the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Additional studies are warranted to evaluate the effect of TIZ on mitochondrial function.
CD49a Identifies Polyfunctional Memory CD8 T cell Subsets that Persist in the Lungs after Influenza Infection
Authors: Reilly Emma C. , Sportiello Mike , Emo Kris Lambert , Amitrano Andrea M. , Jha Rakshanda , Kumar Ashwin B.R. , Laniewski Nathan G. , Yang Hongmei , Kim Minsoo , Topham David J.
Published: July 2021

CD8 T cell memory offers critical antiviral protection, even in the absence of neutralizing antibodies. The paradigm is that CD8 T cell memory within the lung tissue consists of a mix of circulating TEMcells and non-circulating TRMcells. However, based on our analysis, the heterogeneity within the tissue is much higher, identifying TCM, TEM, TRM, and a multitude of populations which do not perfectly fit these classifications. Further interrogation of the populations shows that TRMcells that express CD49a, both with and without CD103, have increased and diverse effector potential compared with CD49a negative populations. These populations function as a one-man band, displaying antiviral activity, chemokine production, release of GM-CSF, and the ability to kill specific targetsinvitro with delayed kinetics compared with effector CD8 T cells. Together, this study establishes that CD49a defines multiple polyfunctional CD8 memory subsets after clearance of influenza infection, which act to eliminate virus in the absence of direct killing, recruit and mature innate immune cells, and destroy infected cells if the virus persists.

Contribution to the field

Protection from previously seen infections requires specialized immune memory cells properly positioned throughout the body to combat the newly invading pathogen. In the case of re-exposure to influenza virus, CD8 T cells resident within the respiratory tract (TRM) are critical for eliminating the virus. Previously, TRMwere viewed as mostly homogenous, with a limited range of immune functions. In this study, lung TRMwere compared with circulating memory CD8 T cells transiently present within the lung, to define the breadth of their effector capabilities. Using TRMdefining surface proteins CD49a and CD103 to identify different memory CD8 T cell subsets, gene and protein expression were evaluated. In addition to demonstrating higher levels of diversity than previously reported, multiple polyfunctional subsets were identified. This polyfunctionality was primarily associated with cell populations expressing CD49a, and these cells produced multiple antiviral factors, chemokines to recruit other immune cells, a growth factor associated with improved antigen presenting cell function, and cytolytic granules. Functional assays further demonstrated killing of target cells by TRM. This study paints a more holistic, complete picture of the phenotype and functions of lung CD8 T cells after viral infection, revealing CD49a as a marker of cells with high effector capacity.
Evolution of protection after maternal immunization for respiratory syncytial virus in cotton rats
Authors: Blanco Jorge C.G. , McGinnes-Cullen Lori , Kamali Arash , Sylla Fatoumata Y. D. , Boukhavalova Marina S. , Morrison Trudy G.
Published: July 2021

Maternal anti-respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) antibodies acquired by the fetus through the placenta protect neonates from RSV disease through the first weeks of life. In the cotton rat model of RSV infections, we previously reported that immunization of dams during pregnancy with virus-like particles assembled with mutation stabilized pre-fusion F protein as well as the wild type G protein resulted in robust protection of their offspring from RSV challenge (Blanco, et al Journal of Virology 93: e00914-19, https://doi.org/10.1128/JVI.00914-19). Here we describe the durability of those protective responses in dams, the durability of protection in offspring, and the transfer of that protection to offspring of two consecutive pregnancies without a second boost immunization. We report that four weeks after birth, offspring of the first pregnancy were significantly protected from RSV replication in both lungs and nasal tissues after RSV challenge, but protection was reduced in pups at 6 weeks after birth. However, the overall protection of offspring of the second pregnancy was considerably reduced, even at four weeks of age. This drop in protection occurred even though the levels of total anti-pre-F IgG and neutralizing antibody titers in dams remained at similar, high levels before and after the second pregnancy. The results are consistent with an evolution of antibody properties in dams to populations less efficiently transferred to offspring or the less efficient transfer of antibodies in elderly dams.

Author Summary

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of acute lower respiratory tract infection of infants. Because there is no licensed vaccine for RSV as well as potential safety issues with any new vaccine, protection of infants from RSV is problematic. A possible safe approach for infant protection is the transfer of maternal anti-RSV antibodies, induced by immunization, across the placenta to the fetus serving to protect the newborn for months after birth. In a cotton rat model, we have previously shown that maternal immunization with virus-like particles assembled with the RSV F and G proteins protects offspring from RSV infection. Here we describe protection of offspring, following a single immunization, through two pregnancies showing that offspring of the first were well protected from RSV challenge. However, offspring of the second pregnancy were very weakly protected although the levels of total anti-pre-F antibodies and neutralizing antibody titers in the dams remained at constant and high levels before and after the second pregnancy. This result is consistent with an evolution of antibody properties in the dams to those less efficiently transferred to offspring and highlights the importance of appropriate strategies for maternal immunization, such as immunization during each pregnancy.
A new paradigm for leprosy diagnosis based on host gene expression Insights from leprosy lesions transcriptomics
Authors: Leal-Calvo Thyago , Avanzi Charlotte , Mendes Mayara Abud , Benjak Andrej , Busso Philippe , Pinheiro Roberta Olmo , Sarno Euzenir Nunes , Cole Stewart T. , Moraes Milton O.
Published: July 2021

Transcriptional profiling is a powerful tool to investigate and detect human diseases. In this study, we used bulk RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) to compare the transcriptomes in skin lesions of leprosy patients or controls affected by other dermal conditions such as granuloma annulare, a confounder for paucibacillary leprosy. We identified five genes capable of accurately distinguishing multibacillary and paucibacillary leprosy from other skin conditions. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) expression alone was highly discriminatory, followed byTLR10,BLK,CD38, andSLAMF7, whereas theHS3ST2andCD40LGmRNA separated multi- and paucibacillary leprosy. Finally, from the main differentially expressed genes (DEG) and enriched pathways, we conclude that paucibacillary disease is characterized by epithelioid transformation and granuloma formation, with an exacerbated cellular immune response, while multibacillary leprosy features epithelial-mesenchymal transition with phagocytic and lipid biogenesis patterns in the skin. These findings will help catalyze the development of better diagnostic tools and potential host-based therapeutic interventions. Finally, our data may help elucidate host-pathogen interplay driving disease clinical manifestations.

Author Summary

Despite effective treatment, leprosy is still a significant public health issue in more than 120 countries, with more than 200 000 new cases yearly. The disease is caused mainly byMycobacterium leprae, a slow-growing bacillus still uncultivable in axenic media. This limitation has hampered basic research into host-pathogen interaction and the development of new diagnostic assays. Currently, leprosy is diagnosed clinically, with no standalone diagnostic assay accurate enough for all clinical forms. Here, we use RNA-seq transcriptome profiling in leprosy lesions and granuloma annulare to identify mRNA biomarkers with potential diagnostic applications. Also, we explored new pathways that can be useful in further understanding the host-pathogen interaction and how the bacteria bypass host immune defenses. We found thatIDO1, a gene involved with tryptophan catabolism, is an excellent candidate for distinguishing leprosy lesions from other dermatoses. Additionally, we observed that a previous signature of keratinocyte development and cornification negatively correlates with epithelial-mesenchymal transition genes in the skin, suggesting new ways in which the pathogen may subvert its host to survive and spread throughout the body. Our study identifies new mRNA biomarkers that can improve leprosy diagnostics and describe new insights about host-pathogen interactions in human skin.
Regeneration of humoral immunity from pluripotent stem cells by defined transcription factors
Authors: Zhang Qi , Wu Bingyan , Weng Qitong , Hu Fangxiao , Lin Yunqing , Xia Chengxiang , Peng Huan , Wang Yao , Liu Xiaofei , Liu Lijuan , Xiong Jiapin , Geng Yang , Zhao Yalan , Zhang Mengyun , Du Juan , Wang Jinyong
Published: July 2021

Regeneration of humoral immunity from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) is a crucial aim in translational medicine. However, reconstitution of complete, sustained, and functional B lymphopoiesis from PSCs has not yet been developed. Here, we successfully achieved regenerative B lymphopoiesis in B-cell deficient animals transplanted with PSC-derived hematopoietic progenitors (iHPCs) guided by synergistic expression ofRunx1, Hoxa9, andLhx2. Upon transplantation, the iHPCs immediately gave rise to pro/pre-B cells in recipients’ bone marrow, which were able to further differentiate into the entire B cell lineages, including innate B-1a, B-1b, MZ B cells, as well as adaptive FO B cells. In responding to antigen stimuli, the regenerative B cells produced adaptive humoral immune responses, sustained a prolonged antigen-specific antibody production, and formed immune-memory. Particularly, the regenerative B cells in spleen showed developing patterns of immunoglobulin chain-switch and hyper-mutation via a cross-talk with the host T follicular helper cells, which eventually formed T cell-dependent humoral responses. This study providesde novoevidence that B lymphopoiesis can be regenerated from PSCs via a HSC-independent approach, which provides insights into treating B-cell related humoral deficiencies using PSCs as unlimited cell resource.
Anaplerotic flux into the Calvin-Benson cycle. Hydrogen isotope evidence forin vivooccurrence in C3metabolism
Authors: Wieloch Thomas , Augusti Angela , Schleucher Jürgen
Published: July 2021

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As the central carbon uptake pathway in photosynthetic cells, the Calvin-Benson cycle is among the most important biochemical cycles for life on Earth. A carbon flux of anaplerotic origin (i.e., through the chloroplast-localised oxidative branch of the pentose phosphate pathway) into the Calvin-Benson cycle was proposed recently.

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Here, we measured intramolecular deuterium abundances in leaf starch ofHelianthus annuusgrown at varying ambient CO2concentrations,Ca. Additionally, we modelled deuterium fractionations expected for the anaplerotic pathway and compared modelled with measured fractionations.

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We report deuterium fractionation signals at H1and H2of starch glucose. Below aCachange point, these signals increase with decreasingCaconsistent with modelled fractionations by anaplerotic flux. Under standard conditions (Ca=450 ppm corresponding to intercellular CO2concentrations,Ci, of 328 ppm), we estimate negligible anaplerotic flux. AtCa=180 ppm (Ci=140 ppm), more than 10% of the glucose 6-phosphate entering the starch biosynthesis pathway is diverted into the anaplerotic pathway.

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In conclusion, we report evidence consistent with anaplerotic carbon flux into the Calvin-Benson cyclein vivo. We propose the flux may help to (i) maintain high levels of ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate under source-limited growth conditions to facilitate photorespiratory nitrogen assimilation required to build-up source strength and (ii) counteract oxidative stress.
Roscovitine exacerbates Mycobacterium abscessus infection by reducing NADPH oxidase-dependent neutrophil trafficking
Authors: Le Moigne Vincent , Rincon Daniela Rodriguez , Glatigny Simon , Dupont Christian M. , Langevin Christelle , Ali Said Amel Ait , Renshaw Stephen A. , Floto R. Andres , Herrmann Jean-Louis , Bernut Audrey
Published: July 2021

Persistent neutrophilic inflammation associated with chronic pulmonary infection causes progressive lung injury and eventually death in individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF), a genetic disease caused by bi-allelic mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene.

We therefore examined whether Roscovitine, a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor that (in other conditions) reduces inflammation while promoting host defence, might provide a beneficial effect in the context of CF.

Herein, using CFTR-depleted zebrafish larvae as an innovative vertebrate model of CF immuno-pathophysiology, combined with murine and human approaches, we sought to determine the effects of Roscovitine on innate immune responses to tissue injury and pathogens in CF condition.

We show that Roscovitine exerts anti-inflammatory and pro-resolution effects in neutrophilic inflammation induced by infection or tail amputation in zebrafish. Roscovitine reduces overactive epithelial ROS-mediated neutrophil trafficking, by reducing DUOX2/NADPH-oxidase activity, and accelerates inflammation resolution by inducing neutrophil apoptosis and reverse migration. Importantly, while Roscovitine efficiently enhances intracellular bacterial killing of Mycobacterium abscessus in human CF macrophages ex vivo, we found that treatment with Roscovitine results in worse infection in mouse and zebrafish models. By interfering with DUOX2/NADPH oxidase-dependent ROS production, Roscovitine reduces the number of neutrophils at infection sites, and consequently compromises granuloma formation and maintenance, favouring extracellular multiplication of M. abscessus and more severe infection.

Our findings bring important new understanding of the immune-targeted action of Roscovitine and have significant therapeutic implications for safety targeting inflammation in CF.
The genetic origin of Daunians and the Pan-Mediterranean southern Italian Iron Age context
Authors: Aneli Serena , Saupe Tina , Montinaro Francesco , Solnik Anu , Molinaro Ludovica , Scaggion Cinzia , Carrara Nicola , Raveane Alessandro , Kivisild Toomas , Metspalu Mait , Scheib Christiana L , Pagani Luca
Published: July 2021

The geographical location and shape of Apulia, a narrow land stretching out in the sea at the South of Italy, made this region a Mediterranean crossroads connecting Western Europe and the Balkans. Such movements culminated at the beginning of the Iron Age with the Iapygian civilization which consisted of three cultures: Peucetians, Messapians and Daunians. Among them, the Daunians left a peculiar cultural heritage, with one-of-a-kind stelae and pottery, but, despite the extensive archaeological literature, their origin has been lost to time. In order to shed light on this and to provide a genetic picture of Iron Age Southern Italy, we collected and sequenced human remains from three archaeological sites geographically located in Northern Apulia (the area historically inhabited by Daunians) and radiocarbon dated between 1157 and 275 calBCE. We find that Iron Age Apulian samples are still distant from the genetic variability of modern-day Apulians, they show a remarkable genetic heterogeneity, even though a few kilometers and centuries separate them, and they are well inserted into the Iron Age Pan-Mediterranean genetic landscape. Our study provides for the first time a window on the genetic make-up of pre-imperial Southern Italy, whose increasing connectivity within the Mediterranean landscape, would have contributed to laying the foundation for modern genetic variability. In this light, the genetic profile of Daunians may be compatible with an autochthonous origin, with plausible contributions from the Balkan peninsula.
The mechanism of MinD stability modulation by MinE in Min protein dynamics
Authors: Carlquist William C , Cytrynbaum Eric N
Published: July 2021

The patterns formed both in vivo and in vitro by the Min protein system have attracted much interest because of the complexity of their dynamic interactions given the apparent simplicity of the component parts. Despite both the experimental and theoretical attention paid to this system, the details of the biochemical interactions of MinD and MinE, the proteins responsible for the patterning, are still unclear. For example, no model consistent with the known biochemistry has yet accounted for the observed dual role of MinE in the membrane stability of MinD. Until now, a statistical comparison of models to the time course of Min protein concentrations on the membrane has not been carried out. Such an approach is a powerful way to test existing and novel models that are difficult to test using a purely experimental approach. Here, we extract time series from previously published fluorescence microscopy time lapse images of in vitro experiments and fit two previously described and one novel mathematical model to the data. We find that the novel model, which we call the Asymmetric Activation with Bridged Stability Model, fits the time-course data best. It is also consistent with known biochemistry and explains the dual MinE role via MinE-dependent membrane stability that transitions under the influence of rising MinE to membrane instability with positive feedback. Our results reveal a more complex network of interactions between MinD and MinE underlying Min-system dynamics than previously considered.
Early loss of endogenous NAD+ following rotenone treatment leads to Sarm1 activation that is ameliorated by PARP inhibition
Authors: Sarkar Ankita , Sur Malinki , Dutta Sourav , Dey Puja , Mukherjee Piyali
Published: July 2021

Sarm1 is an evolutionary conserved innate immune adaptor protein that has emerged as a primary regulator of programmed axonal degeneration over the past decade. In vitro structural insights have revealed that although Sarm1 induces energy depletion by breaking down NAD+, it is also allosterically inhibited by NAD+. However, how NAD+ levels modulate the activation of intracellular Sarm1 has not been elucidated so far. This study focuses on understanding the events leading to Sarm1 activation in both neuronal and non-neuronal cells using the mitochondrial complex I inhibitor rotenone. Here we report the regulation of rotenone-induced cell death by loss of NAD+ that may act as a “biological trigger” of Sarm1 activation. Our study revealed that early loss of endogenous NAD+ levels arising due to PARP1 hyperactivation preceded Sarm1 induction following rotenone treatment. Interestingly, replenishing NAD+ levels by the PARP1 inhibitor, PJ34 restored mitochondrial homeostasis and prevented subsequent Sarm1 activation in rotenone treated cells. These cellular data were further validated in Drosophila melanogaster where a significant reduction in rotenone mediated loss of locomotor abilities and reduced dSarm expression was observed in the flies following PARP inhibition. Taken together, these observations not only uncovers a novel regulation of Sarm1 induction by endogenous NAD+ levels but also point towards an important understanding on how PARP inhibitors could be repurposed in the treatment of mitochondrial complex I deficiency disorders mediated by Sarm1.
TRAK adaptors coordinate the recruitment and activation of dynein and kinesin to control mitochondrial transport
Authors: Canty John T. , Hensley Andrew , Yildiz Ahmet
Published: July 2021

In neurons, mitochondria are transported to distal regions for supplying energy and buffer Ca2+. Mitochondrial transport is mediated by Miro and TRAK adaptors that recruit kinesin and dynein-dynactin. To understand how mitochondria are transported by these opposing motors and stalled at regions with elevated Ca2+, we reconstituted the mitochondrial transport machinery in vitro. We show that the coiled-coil domain of TRAK activates dynein-dynactin motility, but kinesin requires an additional factor to efficiently transport Miro/TRAK. Unexpectedly, TRAK adaptors that recruit both motors move towards kinesin’s direction, whereas kinesin is excluded from binding TRAK transported by dynein-dynactin. The assembly and motility of the transport machinery are not affected by Ca2+. Instead, the mitochondrial docking protein syntaphilin is sufficient to oppose the forces generated by kinesin and stall the motility. Our results provide mechanistic insight into how mitochondria are transported by the coordinated action of motors and statically anchored to regions with high neuronal activity.
Sociological and spatial dynamics of an evolving Parisian open drug scene: the case of the “Colline du Crack”
Authors: Jangal Candy , Lovera Mathieu , Dambélé Sayon , Jauffret-Roustide Marie
Published: July 2021

Purpose

In November 2019, an open drug scene, commonly called “Colline du crack” and located in Paris was forcibly closed after 10 years of existence. This paper aims to understand how that space has evolved over the years to become a major hub for drug use.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a qualitative approach that included interviews with 52 people who use drugs (PWUD) and 54 field professionals and ethnographic observations. The authors asked questions about the evolution of the major sites of crack visibility in Paris and about social representations related to these spaces. They compared their datas with datas drawn from gray literature.

Findings

La Colline emerged on an isolated slope, away from police repression and local anti-crack organizations. In the beginning, it was a discrete, communal space regulated by PWUD. Starting in 2015, social transformations in the neighborhood turned la Colline into a central hub for dealing and using crack. La Colline became an open scene which led to its evacuation in 2019.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to literature on community building of drug consumers. The authors are also using a wide variety of methodological tools.
Supporting health literacy in adolescent populations: distinguishing pedagogies for sun safety education in schools
Authors: Barwood Donna
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to distinguish pedagogies supporting critical health literacy development in adolescent populations. Specifically, for sun safety education in schools.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on an exploratory intrinsic case study design to qualitatively examine the learning conditions that Pre-Service Teachers' (PsTs) mobilise to advance Health Literary (HL) in learning activities.

Findings

This paper presents data that shows the different ways thirty Pre-Service Teachers (PsTs) in Western Australia conceptualise HL in sun safety education for Year 7 students (12–13 years old). Examination of three consecutive lesson plans categorised learning activities (n = 444) according to HL competencies. Data shows that the PsTs pedagogically advance HL but are constrained when conceptualising learning to support critical HL. Further examination of the lesson plans of the 11 PsTs who pedagogically advanced learning to support a critical level of health literacy, distinguished the learning conditions and pedagogies supporting critically health literate adolescents.

Originality/value

By distinguishing pedagogies to situate individual and social health within broader societal goals, the paper identifies teacher education institutions as key players enabling young people to socially advocate healthier living, particularly, regarding melanoma and non-melanoma incidence.
Revisiting critical factors of logistics outsourcing relationship: a multiple-case study approach
Authors: Thai Vinh Van , Rahman Shams , Tran Dong Mai
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to examine critical factors of successful logistics outsourcing relationship from the perspectives of both LSPs and shippers employing case studies in Singapore and Vietnam as examples of well-established and growing logistics outsourcing markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The case study design is adopted to empirically examine logistics outsourcing practices. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with senior managers from four cases in Singapore and seven cases in Vietnam. These case organisations are engaged comprehensively in logistics outsourcing activities and encompass both international firms that have their local operations and those local firms whose operations expand internationally.

Findings

Results suggest that the success of logistics outsourcing may depend on five strategic factors and five operational factors, with some of them being the same between LSPs and shippers in both countries and in line with the literature. There also seemed to be a difference between logistics outsourcing practitioners in a developed country (Singapore), and those in a developing country (Vietnam), in which factors, i.e. having the right people and management support, business processes integration and cultural intelligence, tend to be emphasised and practised more in the former. A strategy matrix of logistics outsourcing was mapped accordingly.

Research limitations/implications

The generalisation of this study would require further empirical examination from more quantitative research, for example, the use of surveys with shippers who engage with LSPs.

Practical implications

Findings from this research can assist managers in charge of outsourcing to reflect on their practices and devise and implement appropriate strategies for successful logistics outsourcing. Especially for growing logistics outsourcing markets and not-yet-standardised practices like Vietnam, the findings of this research are significant as they provide policy and managerial insights into how logistics outsourcing can be performed successfully. Specifically, adequate guidelines and resources including training relating to strategic factors of logistics outsourcing must be provided.

Originality/value

This research is one of the first studies that categorise success factors of logistics outsourcing into strategic and operational factors and postulates their conceptualisation in a strategy matrix that can be applied in future research.
Association of individual and device usage factors with musculoskeletal disorders amongst handheld devices users during homestay due to pandemic
Authors: Jain Rahul , Rana Kunj Bihari , Meena Makkhan Lal
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic is spreading in India and different parts of the world. The outbreak delivered not only the condition of dying from infection but also forced people (especially office workers and students) to perform all working (office work, classes, assignments, etc.) and non-working activities (leisure activities such as social media, gaming, etc.) at home using handheld devices (HHDs). In this situation, HHD usage for longer durations is mainly responsible for work-related health issues. Therefore, the paper aims to explore HHD usage patterns and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) amongst HHD users during homestay and the impact of individual and HHD usage–related factors on MSDs.

Design/methodology/approach

From different states of India, 651 people (especially HHD users from universities and industries) were sampled by using systematic cluster random sampling. In addition, an online questionnaire was used to collect data on the prevalence and risk factors of MSDs. Finally, mean comparisons and chi-square analysis was used to analyse the collected data.

Findings

The prevalence rate of MSDs was higher in upper body parts as compared to the lower body parts. The association of gender with MSDs in various body parts was substantial. The time spent on various working and non-working activities using HHDs was significantly associated with MSDs in upper body parts.

Practical implications

Homestay work may be used as an alternative working arrangement, and the risk factors that have the most significant impact on the health of HHD users may be identified by organizations. The findings suggest the proper use of HHDs as per their essential need with intermediate recreational activities.

Originality/value

It is observed that the musculoskeletal health of office workers and university students is a cause for concern during homestay. The current study provides the prevalence of MSDs experienced by HHD users and the association of individual and HHD usage factors with MSDs.
Corporate performance volatility: a micro-level perspective
Authors: Abaidoo Rexford , Agyapong Elvis Kwame
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This study examines how specific micro-level macroeconomic indicators influence corporate performance volatility among US corporate bodies in the short run.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs error correction autoregressive distributed lagged (ARDL) model (ECM) to examine how micro-level variables influence volatility associated with corporate performance in the short run.

Findings

This paper finds that disaggregated or micro-level variables examined, tend to exhibit features that are not readily apparent from the aggregate variable from which such variables are derived. For instance, reported empirical estimate suggests that, growth in expenditures on services and nondurable goods tend to lower volatility associated with corporate performance, whereas government expenditures and expenditures on durable goods rather worsens volatility associated with corporate performance, all things being equal. Additionally, presented empirical estimates further provide evidence suggesting that macroeconomic uncertainty and inflation uncertainty significantly moderate or influence the extent to which disaggregated variables impact corporate performance volatility.

Originality/value

Compared to related studies in the reviewed literature, this study rather examines volatility associated with corporate performance instead of the corporate performance indicator itself. Additionally, this paper also examines how disaggregated variable instead of aggregate variables impact such volatility. Finally, the moderating role of key macroeconomic conditions in such a relationship is also examined.
Users' attitude and intention to use mobile financial services in Bangladesh: an empirical study
Authors: Himel Md. Tanvir Alam , Ashraf Shahrin , Bappy Tauhid Ahmed , Abir Md Tanaz , Morshed Md Khaled , Hossain Md. Nazmul
Published: July 2021

Purpose

While the usage of mobile financial services (MFSs) is increasing rapidly in developing countries, research on users' attitudes and behavioral intention to adopt MFS is limited. Thus, this study aims to investigate customers' attitudes and intentions to adopt MFS from a Bangladeshi perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed research design was employed to conduct this study. Data of 196 respondents were analyzed using partial least squares (PLS) path modeling. For the quantitative part, data collection was conducted using non-probability sampling through a structured survey questionnaire. A focus group discussion with ten MFS users from divergent backgrounds was conducted to validate the quantitative findings.

Findings

This paper integrated both the technology acceptance model (TAM) and innovation resistance theory (IRT) to validate the results. The authors found that perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PEOU) and perceived trust (PT) positively contribute to customers' attitudes toward MFS adoption. Besides, barriers to acceptance had unfavorable effects on users' attitudes and usage intentions. Furthermore, a focus group discussion revealed valuable insights on the constructs used in this study.

Practical implications

The study results have implications for both MFS providers and researchers. The outputs and recommendations presented in this paper will encourage the MFS practitioners to stimulate users' attitudes and behavioral intentions by ensuring useful, easy to use, credible and risk-free mobile payment platforms.

Originality/value

This is one of the very few studies in Bangladesh that have taken a contemporary and emerging research topic, providing theoretical, methodological and practical contributions regarding the determinants and consequences of attitude toward using MFSs.
Interactive effects of tree species mixture and climate on foliar and woody trait variation in a widely distributed deciduous tree
Authors: Didion‐Gency Margaux , Bachofen Christoph , Buchmann Nina , Gessler Arthur , Morin Xavier , Vicente Eduardo , Vollenweider Pierre , Grossiord Charlotte
Published: July 2021

Despite increasing reports of severe drought and heat impacts on forest ecosystems, community‐level processes, which could potentially modulate tree responses to climatic stress, are rarely accounted for. While numerous studies indicate a positive effect of species diversity on a wide range of ecosystem functions and services, little is known about how species interactions influence tree responses to climatic variability.

We quantified the intraspecific variation in 16 leaf and wood physiological, morphological and anatomical traits in mature beech trees (Fagus sylvatica L.) at six sites located along a climatic gradient in the French Alps. At each site, we studied pure beech and mixed stands with silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) or downy oak (Quercus pubescens Willd.). We tested how functional traits differed between the two species mixtures (pure vs. mixed stands) within each site and along the climatic gradient.

We found significant changes in many traits along the climatic gradient as conditions progressively got drier and warmer. Independent of the mixture, reduced leaf‐level CO2 assimilation, stomatal size and thicker leaf cuticles, consistent with a more conservative resource use strategy, were found. At the drier sites, higher foliar stable carbon isotopic composition (δ13C), thicker mesophyll tissues and lower specific leaf area (SLA) in pure stands suggest that beech had more acquisitive traits there compared to mixed stands. At the wetter sites, trees in beech‐silver fir mixtures had higher chlorophyll concentration, lower δ13C, larger xylem vessels and higher SLA, suggesting a more acquisitive resource use strategy in mixed stands than in pure stands.

Our work revealed that species interactions are significant modulators of functional traits, and that they can be just as important drivers of intraspecific trait variation as climatic conditions. We show that downy oak mixtures lead to an adaptive drought response by common beech in dry environments. In contrast, in milder climates, interactions with silver fir seem to increase beech resource acquisition and productivity. These findings highlight a strong context dependency and imply that incorporating local interspecific interactions in research on climate impacts could improve our understanding and predictions of forest dynamics.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Oral diadochokinetic rates across languages: Multilingual speakers comparison
Authors: Chu Shin Ying , Foong Jia Hao , Lee Jaehoon , Ben‐David Boaz M. , Barlow Steven M. , Hsu Cristiane
Published: July 2021

Background

It is unclear whether oral diadochokinetic rate (oral‐DDK) performance is affected by different languages within a multilingual country.

Aims

This study investigated the effects of age, sex, and stimulus type (real word in L1, L2 vs. non‐word) on oral‐DDK rates among healthy Malaysian‐Malay speakers in order to establish language‐ and age‐sensitive norms. The second aim was to compared the nonword ‘pataka’ oral‐DDK rates produced by Malaysian‐Malay speakers on currently available normative data for Hebrew speakers and Malaysian‐Mandarin speakers.

Methods & Procedures

Oral‐DDK performance of 90 participants (aged 20–77 years) using nonword (‘pataka’), Malay real word (‘patahkan’), and English real word (‘buttercake’) was audio recorded. The number of syllables produced in 8 seconds was calculated. Mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to examine the effects of stimulus type (nonword, Malay, and English real word), sex (male, female), age (younger, 20–40 years; middle, 41–60 years; older, ≥61 years), and their interactions on the oral‐DDK rate. Data obtained were also compared with the raw data of Malaysian‐Mandarin and Hebrew speakers from the previous studies.

Outcomes & Results

A normative oral‐DDK rate has been established for healthy Malaysian‐Malay speakers. The oral‐DDK rate was significantly affected by stimuli (p < 0.001). Malay real word showed the slowest rate, whereas there was no significant difference between English real word and nonword. The oral‐DDK rate for Malay speakers was significantly higher than Mandarin and Hebrew speakers across stimuli (all p < 0.01). Interestingly, oral‐DDK rates were not affected by age group for Malay speakers.

Conclusions & Implications

Stimuli type and language affect the oral‐DDK rate, indicating that speech‐language therapists should consider using language‐specific norms when assessing multilingual speakers.

What this paper adds

What is already known on the subject

Age, sex, and language are factors that need to be considered when developing oral‐DDK normative protocol. It is unclear whether oral‐DDK performance is affected by different languages within a multilingual country.

What this paper adds to existing knowledge

No ageing effect across real word versus nonword on oral‐DDK performance was observed among Malaysian‐Malay speakers, contrasting with current available literature that speech movements slow down as we age. Additionally, Malaysian‐Malay speakers have faster oral‐DDK rates than Malaysian‐Mandarin and Hebrew speakers across all stimuli.

What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?

Establishing normative data of different languages will enable speech‐language therapists to select the appropriate reference dataset based on the language mastery of these multilingual speakers.
Effects of direct payments on rice income variability in Japan*
Authors: Nitta Atomu , Yamamoto Yasutaka , Severini Simone , Kondo Katsunobu , Sawauchi Daisuke
Published: July 2021

The effects of direct payments on rice income variability in Japan are analysed based on a balanced panel dataset of Japanese rice farms for 2012–2016. Firstly, the contribution of income components to rice income variability and the effects of a direct payment reduction are discussed by applying variance decomposition. Secondly, robust regression techniques are used to measure the correlation between direct payments and rice income variability. The originality of this paper is that it disaggregates the effects of payments using a regression analysis of the effects of direct payments on income variability for Japan. This contrasts with the existing literature on this topic, which has largely focused on European Union countries. This paper discusses to what degree the reduction in direct payments increases income variability. The results reveal that direct payments decrease Japanese rice income variability. Indeed, after controlling for various farm characteristics, we find a negative relationship between the amount of direct payments linked to rice production and rice income variability. Finally, the results suggest that reducing direct payments when the rice price is falling would increase rice income variability.
The Forward March of Devolution Halted—and the Limits of Progressive Unionism
Authors: Andrews Leighton
Published: July 2021

The philosophy underlying the creation of the devolved institutions in Wales and Scotland was expansive, leading to a growth in powers over twenty years. That approach is now under challenge following recent Brexit legislation, which marks a sharp contrast with the unionist approaches of the past. The Covid‐19 pandemic provided a visibility boost for devolution, while exposing existing tensions in intergovernmental relations. This article identifies four forms of unionism in operation over the last twenty years—passive, activist, progressive and muscular—and questions whether muscular unionism can now be considered a form of statecraft. Those ‘progressive unionists’ who advocate further devolution should avoid ‘constitutional determinism’—the assumption that muscular unionism will inevitably lead to a breakup of the UK unless further constitutional reform takes place.
From occupational to existential class: How to analyze class structure in hybrid societies (The case of Serbia)
Authors: Cvetičanin Predrag , Tomić‐Koludrović Inga , Petrić Mirko , Zdravković Željka , Leguina Adrian
Published: July 2021

In this article, we propose a model to analyze the class structure of hybrid post‐socialist societies in South‐East Europe (SEE), using the case of Serbia. We argue that, in such hybrid societies, social inequalities are generated by several mechanisms of similar strength: exploitative market mechanisms (based on economic capital) and different types of social closure mechanisms (based on political and social capital). Their influences are intertwined and cannot be analytically isolated or reduced to a common foundation. Therefore, occupational class analysis in these societies can have only limited explanatory power. In an attempt to overcome these challenges, we were forced to modify the instruments of several established approaches to class analysis. These modifications included (1) a reconceptualization of Bourdieusian notions of political, social, and cultural capital, (2) a different operationalization of social space, (3) identification of specific mechanisms of generating social inequalities, (4) paying attention to both practical and discursive classifications of lifestyles in the establishment of symbolic boundaries, and (5) relying on differential association analysis for identifying class boundaries. Our analysis's final result is a model that enables studying general social inequality, that is, generalized social advantage/disadvantage, in SEE post‐socialist societies.
Patient‐reported outcomes after minimally invasive retroperitoneal pancreatic necrosectomy to treat acute pancreatitis: An exploratory study
Authors: Zelga Piotr , Rees Jonathan , Iaculli Edoardo , Johnson Colin , Jah Asif
Published: July 2021

Objective

The aim of this study (abbreviated as QUANTUM) was to assess the quality of life (QoL) of patients who underwent minimally invasive retroperitoneal pancreatic necrosectomy (MIRPN) for acute pancreatic necrosis with or without infection of necrotic tissue collections after discharge and to compare the patient‐reported outcomes (PRO) in these patients with published data in normative population.

Methods

Patients with acute pancreatitis who underwent MIRPN between January 2010 and December 2016 were identified and invited to complete the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ‐C30 and EORTC PAN28(CP) questionnaires. PRO were compared using Pearson correlation coefficient and ANOVA (significance P < 0.01) with an age‐ and sex‐matched normative population of western Europe, stratified by age, and also the time duration after MIRPN (<3 y and >3 y). A change >15 points in the PRO score was taken as clinically important.

Results

Among 52 eligible patients identified, 46 (88%) agreed to participate, 74% returned questionnaires. After the MIRPN all patients had worse physical and social functioning scores with a clinically important (>15 points) reduction in those ≤50 years; while fatigue, pain and insomnia symptom scales had the highest scores (42, 26 and 30 points, respectively). Patients <3 years after MIRPN had similar scores for all functional scales and global health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) compared to the normative population. However, over time their global HRQoL deteriorated and after 3 years their scores for functioning and symptoms were statistically (P < 0.0001) and clinically (>15 points) worse than those in age‐matched controls.

Conclusions

During the first 3 years after the MIRPN patients have a relatively high QoL but report worse fatigue than the normative population. However, patients should be informed that their HRQoL deteriorates with time, often due to chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic insufficiency. This study supports the use of MIRPN and prospective studies of HRQoL in this setting are indicated.
Measuring reflectance of tiny organisms: The promise of species level biocrust remote sensing
Authors: Baxter Caitlan , Mallen‐Cooper Max , Lyons Mitchell B. , Cornwell William K.
Published: July 2021

To understand how ecological communities will respond to global change we need new tools and datasets on species across large spatial and temporal scales. Hyperspectral reflectance ‘spectra’ capture a promising set of traits that show potential to be scaled up in time and space via remote sensing. Thus far, spectra have been shown to distinguish the taxa and trait responses of a substantial number of species within a plethora of vascular plant communities, but not yet for biological soil crust communities (biocrusts).

Here, we assess if spectra can be applied to identify biocrust species and their trait variation. We collected biocrust specimens across an aridity gradient spanning 650 km within drylands of Eastern Australia and acquired their spectra, over 12,700 spectral readings, with a high‐resolution radiospectrometer. A machine learning method (random forests) was used to assess how well the spectra of biocrust specimens could distinguish their species and broader structural and chemical traits.

Spectra were able to differentiate a substantial number of biocrust species (35) with considerable accuracy (~78.5%). Furthermore, spectral features related to chemical traits were found to primarily drive species spectral differences.

Synthesis. Our findings establish that biocrust species hold unique and detectable spectral responses, providing an important basis for remote sensing applications on biocrust species and their trait responses across dryland systems.