bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multimodal single cell sequencing of human diabetic kidney disease implicates chromatin accessibility and genetic background in disease progression
Authors: Wilson Parker C. , Muto Yoshiharu , Wu Haojia , Karihaloo Anil , Waikar Sushrut S. , Humphreys Benjamin D.
Published: January 2022

Multimodal single cell sequencing is a powerful tool for interrogating cell-specific changes in transcription and chromatin accessibility. We performed single nucleus RNA (snRNA-seq) and assay for transposase accessible chromatin sequencing (snATAC-seq) on human kidney cortex from donors with and without diabetic kidney disease (DKD) to identify altered signaling pathways and transcription factors associated with DKD. Both snRNA-seq and snATAC-seq had an increased proportion ofVCAM1+injured proximal tubule cells (PT_VCAM1) in DKD samples. PT_VCAM1 has a pro-inflammatory expression signature and transcription factor motif enrichment implicated NFkB signaling. We used stratified linkage disequilibrium score regression to partition heritability of kidney-function-related traits using publicly-available GWAS summary statistics. Cell-specific PT_VCAM1 peaks were enriched for heritability of chronic kidney disease (CKD), suggesting that genetic background may regulate chromatin accessibility and DKD progression. snATAC-seq found cell-specific differentially accessible regions (DAR) throughout the nephron that change accessibility in DKD and these regions were enriched for glucocorticoid receptor (GR) motifs. Changes in chromatin accessibility were associated with decreased expression of insulin receptor, increased gluconeogenesis, and decreased expression of the GR cytosolic chaperone,FKBP5, in the diabetic proximal tubule. Cleavage under targets and release using nuclease (CUT&RUN) profiling of GR binding in bulk kidney cortex and anin vitromodel of the proximal tubule (RPTEC) showed that DAR co-localize with GR binding sites. CRISPRi silencing of GR response elements (GRE) in theFKBP5gene body reducedFKBP5expression in RPTEC, suggesting that reducedFKBP5chromatin accessibility in DKD may alter cellular response to GR. We developed an open-source tool for single cell allele specific analysis (SALSA) to model the effect of genetic background on gene expression. Heterozygous germline single nucleotide variants (SNV) in proximal tubule ATAC peaks were associated with allele-specific chromatin accessibility and differential expression of target genes within cis-coaccessibility networks. Partitioned heritability of proximal tubule ATAC peaks with a predicted allele-specific effect was enriched for eGFR, suggesting that genetic background may modify DKD progression in a cell-specific manner.
Lymphatics constitute a novel component of the intestinal stem cell niche
Authors: Goto Norihiro , Imada Shinya , Deshpande Vikram , Yilmaz Ömer H.
Published: January 2022

Intestinal stem cells (ISCs) depend on niche factors for their proper function. However, the source of these ISC niche factors and how they support ISCs remain controversial due to their redundant expression patterns. Here, we report that the maintenance of ISCs depends on both lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) and Rspo3+Grem1+ fibroblasts (RGFs). We found that LECs are surrounded by RGFs and located in close proximity to Lgr5+ ISCs. RSPO3 production is restricted to LECs and RGFs and they can partially compensate for each other; however, RSPO3 loss in both of LECs and RGFs drastically compromises ISC numbers, villi length, and repair after irradiation-induced injury. Mechanistically, irradiation-induced damage expands LEC and RGF numbers and enhances the latter’s generation of RSPO3 through IL-1 receptor activation. We propose that LECs represent a novel component of the ISC niche, which together with RGFs, provide essential RSPO3 to sustain ISCs in homeostasis and regeneration.
A role for heritable transcriptomic variation in maize adaptation to temperate environments
Authors: Sun Guangchao , Yu Huihui , Wang Peng , Guerrero Martha Lopez , Mural Ravi V. , Mizero Olivier N. , Grzybowski Marcin , Song Baoxing , van Dijk Karin , Schachtman Daniel P. , Zhang Chi , Schnable James C.
Published: January 2022

Transcription bridges genetic information and phenotypes. Here, we evaluated how changes in transcriptional regulation enable maize (Zea mays), a crop originally domesticated in the tropics, to adapt to temperate environments. We generated 572 unique RNA-seq datasets from the roots of 340 maize genotypes. Genes involved in core processes such as cell division, chromosome organization and cytoskeleton organization showed lower heritability of gene expression. While genes involved in anti-oxidation activity exhibited higher expression heritability. An expression genome-wide association study (eGWAS) identified 19,602 expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) associated with the expression of 11,444 genes. A GWAS for alternative splicing identified 49,897 splicing QTLs (sQTLs) for 7,614 genes. Rare allele burden within genomic intervals withtrans-eQTLs correlated with extremes of expression in target genes as previously reported forcis-eQTLs. Genes harboring bothcis-eQTLs andcis-sQTLs in linkage disequilibrium were disproportionately likely to encode transcription factors or were annotated as responding to one or more stresses. Independent component analysis of gene expression data identified loci regulating co-expression modules involved in phytohormone pathways, cell wall biosynthesis, lipid metabolism and stress response. Several genes involved in cell proliferation, flower development, DNA replication and gene silencing showed lower gene expression variation explained by genetic factors between temperate and tropical maize lines. A GWAS of 27 previously published phenotypes identified several candidate genes overlapping with genomic intervals showing signatures of selection during adaptation to temperate environments. Our results illustrate how maize transcriptional regulatory networks enable changes in transcriptional regulation to adapt to temperate regions.
Single-cell Transcriptome and Accessible Chromatin Dynamics During Endocrine Pancreas Development
Authors: Duvall Eliza , Benitez Cecil M. , Tellez Krissie , Enge Martin , Pauerstein Philip T. , Li Lingyu , Baek Songjoon , Quake Stephen R. , Smith Jason P. , Sheffield Nathan C. , Kim Seung K. , Arda H. Efsun
Published: January 2022

Delineating gene regulatory networks that orchestrate cell-type specification is an ongoing challenge for developmental biology studies. Single-cell analyses offer opportunities to address these challenges and accelerate discovery of rare cell lineage relationships and mechanisms underlying hierarchical lineage decisions. Here, we describe the molecular analysis of pancreatic endocrine cell differentiation using single-cell gene expression, chromatin accessibility assays coupled to genetic labeling and cell sorting. We uncover transcription factor networks that delineate β-, α- and δ-cell lineages. Through genomic footprint analysis we identify transcription factor-regulatory DNA interactions governing pancreatic cell development at unprecedented resolution. Our analysis suggests that the transcription factor Neurog3 may act as a pioneer transcription factor to specify the pancreatic endocrine lineage. These findings could improve protocols to generate replacement endocrine cells from renewable sources, like stem cells, for diabetes therapy.
On the clinical benefit of on-scalp MEG: A modeling study of on-scalp MEG epileptic activity source estimation ability
Authors: Westin Karin , Beniczky Sándor , Hämäläinen Matti , Lundqvist Daniel
Published: January 2022

Objective

Whole-head on scalp magnetoencephalography (osMEG) is a novel, cutting-edge functional neuroimaging technique that positions MEG sensors closer to the cortical sources. OsMEG allows both for free head movements and improved spatial resolution compared to conventional MEG. OsMEG thus might improve clinical epilepsy evaluations. However, it remains largely unknown how osMEG characterizes epileptic activity. Here, we aimed to compare epileptic activity source estimation accuracy of osMEG, high-density EEG (hd-EEG), conventional MEG (convMEG) and subdural EEG (sbdEEG).

Method

IED and seizure onset zone source estimations of osMEG, hdEEG, convMEG and sbdEEG were evaluated using equivalent current dipoles. Cancellation index of all non-invasive modalities were calculated and compared statistically. To further investigate any similarity between osMEG and sbdEEG, representational similarity analysis was used to compare IED source estimations of these two modalities.

Results

We found that osMEG IED source estimations were significantly (p<0.05) better than both convMEG and hdEEG. Furthermore, osMEG mesial temporal lobe SOZ source estimations were superior to those of convMEG and hdEEG. OsMEG cancellation index did not differ significantly from convMEG. Interestingly, comparing osMEG and sbdEEG IED source estimation demonstrated that osMEG might be less sensitive to source directions than convMEG.

Conclusion

We demonstrated that whole-head osMEG exhibited very accurate non-invasive IED and SOZ source estimations, better than both hd-EEG and convMEG.

Significance

OsMEG has a promising potential to become a safe, highly sensitive neuroimaging modality for whole head epilepsy evaluations.

Highlights

Analysis of novel on-scalp MEG (osMEG) sensors in epilepsy evaluations

Compares osMEG, EEG, conventional MEG & intracranial EEG epilepsy source estimations

Our study demonstrates potential great clinical value of osMEG whole-head sensors
Inserting Cre Recombinase into the Prolactin 8a2 gene for Decidua-Specific recombination in Mice
Authors: Dickson Mackenzie J. , Oh Yeong Seok , Gruzdev Artiom , Li Rong , Balaguer Nuria , Kelleher Andrew M. , Spencer Thomas E. , Wu San-Pin , DeMayo Francesco J.
Published: January 2022

An estimated 75% of unsuccessful pregnancies are due to implantation failure. Investigating the causes of implantation failure is difficult as decidualization and embryo implantation is a dynamic process. Here we describe a new decidua specific iCre recombinase mouse strain. Utilizing CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing, a mouse strain was developed that expresses iCre recombinase under the control of the endogenous prolactin family 8, subfamily a, member 2 (Prl8a2) promoter. iCre recombinase activity was examined by crossing with mTmG or Sun1-GFP reporter alleles. iCre activity initiated reporter expression at gestational day 5.5 in the primary decidual zone and continued into mid-gestation (gestational day 9.5), with expression highly concentrated in the anti-mesometrial region. No reporter expression was observed in the ovary, oviduct, pituitary, or skeletal muscle, supporting the tissue specificity of the Prl8a2iCre in the primary decidual zone. This novel iCre line will be a valuable tool for in vivo genetic manipulation and lineage tracing to investigate functions of genetic networks and cellular dynamics associated with decidualization and infertility.
CRY-BARs: Versatile light-gated molecular tools for the remodeling of membrane architectures
Authors: Wurz Anna I. , Bunner Wyatt Paul , Szatmari Erzsebet M. , Hughes Robert M.
Published: January 2022

BAR (Bin, Amphiphysin and Rvs) protein domains are responsible for the generation of membrane curvature and represent a critical mechanical component of cellular functions. Thus, BAR domains have great potential as components of membrane-remodeling tools for cell biologists. In this work, we describe the design and implementation of a family of versatile light-gated I-BAR domain containing tools (‘CRY-BARs’) with applications in the remodeling of membrane architectures and the control of cellular dynamics. By taking advantage of the intrinsic membrane binding propensity of the I-BAR domain, CRY-BARs can be used for spatial and temporal control of cellular processes that require induction of membrane protrusions. Using cell lines and primary neuron cultures, we demonstrate that the CRY-BAR optogenetic tool reports membrane dynamic changes associated with cellular activity. Moreover, we provide evidence that Ezrin acts as a relay between the plasma membrane and the actin cytoskeleton and therefore is an important mediator of switch function. Overall, CRY-BARs hold promise as a useful addition to the optogenetic toolkit to study membrane remodeling in live cells.
Evaluation of P. aeruginosa attachment on mineralized collagen scaffolds and addition of manuka honey to increase mesenchymal stem cell osteogenesis
Authors: Dewey Marley J. , Collins Alan J. , Tiffany Aleczandria , Barnhouse Victoria R. , Lu Crislyn , Kolliopoulos Vasiliki , Hickok Noreen J. , Harley Brendan A.C.
Published: January 2022

The design of biomaterials to regenerate bone is likely to increasingly require modifications that reduce bacterial attachment and biofilm formation as infection during wound regeneration can significantly impede tissue repair and typically requires surgical intervention to restart the healing process. Here, we investigate the ability of a mineralized collagen biomaterial to natively resist infection as well as how the addition of manuka honey affects bacterial colonization and mesenchymal stem cell osteogenesis. We incorporate manuka honey into these scaffolds via either direct fabrication into the scaffold microarchitecture or via soaking the scaffold in a solution of Manuka honey after fabrication. Direct incorporation results in a change in the surface characteristics and porosity of mineralized collagen scaffolds. Soaking scaffolds in honey concentrations greater than 10% had significant negative effects on mesenchymal stem cell metabolic activity but soaking or incorporating 5% honey had no impact on endothelial cell tube formation. Soaking and incorporating 5% honey into scaffolds reduced metabolic activity of mesenchymal stem cells, however, soaking 5% honey into scaffolds increased calcium and phosphorous mineral formation, osteoprotegerin release, and alkaline phosphatase activity. The addition of manuka honey did not prevent P. aeruginosa attachment but may be able to limit attachment of other common wound-colonizing bacteria. Overall, our results demonstrate the potential for soaking mineralized collagen scaffolds in 5% manuka honey to increase osteogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells.
Molecular markers of mechanosensation in glycinergic neurons in the avian lumbosacral spinal cord
Authors: Stanchak Kathryn E. , Miller Kimberly E. , Lumsden Eric W. , Shikiar Devany , Davis Calvin , Brunton Bingni W. , Perkel David J.
Published: January 2022

Birds are exceptionally adept at controlling their body position. For example, they can coordinate rapid movements of their body while stabilizing their head. Intriguingly, this ability may rely in part on a mechanosensory organ in the avian lower spinal cord called the lumbosacral organ (LSO). However, molecular mechanotransduction mechanisms have not been identified in the avian spinal cord. Here, we report the presence of glycinergic neurons in the LSO that exhibit immunoreactivity for myosin7a and epsin, molecules essential for function and maintenance of hair cells in the inner ear. Specifically, we find glycinergic cell bodies near the central canal and processes that extend laterally to the accessory lobes and spinal ligaments. These LSO neurons are reminiscent of glycinergic neurons in a recently-described lateral spinal proprioceptive organ in zebrafish that detects spinal bending. The avian LSO, however, is located inside a series of fused vertebrae called the synsacrum, which constrains spinal bending. We suggest the LSO may be a modification and elaboration of a pre-existing mechanosensory spinal network in vertebrates. A mechanistic understanding of its function may be an important clue to understanding the evolution and development of avian locomotion.
Cryo-EM structure of RNA-induced tau fibrils reveals a small C-terminal core that may nucleate fibril formation
Authors: Abskharon Romany , Sawaya Michael R. , Boyer David R. , Cao Qin , Nguyen Binh A. , Cascio Duilio , Eisenberg David S.
Published: January 2022

In neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s and ALS, proteins that bind RNA are found in aggregated forms in autopsied brains. Evidence suggests that RNA aids nucleation of these pathological aggregates; however, the mechanism has not been investigated at the level of atomic structure. Here we present the 3.4 Å resolution structure of fibrils of full-length recombinant tau protein in the presence of RNA, determined by electron cryo-microscopy (cryoEM). The structure reveals the familiar in-register cross-β amyloid scaffold, but with a small fibril core spanning residues Glu391 to Ala426, a region disordered in the fuzzy coat in all previously studied tau polymorphs. RNA is bound on the fibril surface to the positively charged residues Arg406 and His407 and runs parallel to the fibril axis. The fibrils dissolve when RNAse is added, showing that RNA is necessary for fibril integrity. While this structure cannot exist simultaneously with the tau fibril structures extracted from patients’ brains, it could conceivably account for the nucleating effects of RNA cofactors followed by remodeling as fibrils mature.

Significance statement

Application of cryoEM has greatly expanded our understanding of atomic structures of mature pathological amyloid fibrils, but little is known at the molecular level of the initiation of fibril formation. RNA has been shown to be one cofactor for formation of fibrils of tau protein, and is known also to bind to other proteins, including TDP-43, FUS, and HNRNPA2, which form pathological inclusions. Our cryoEM structure of recombinant tau protein with RNA reveals a 36 residue, C-terminal fibril core bound to RNA which runs parallel to the fibril axis. We speculate that this structure could represent an early step in the formation of tau fibrils.
The genome sequence ofHirschfeldia incana, a species with high photosynthetic light-use efficiency
Authors: Garassino Francesco , Wijfjes Raúl Y. , Boesten René , Becker Frank F. M. , Clapero Vittoria , van den Hatert Iris , Holmer Rens , Schranz M. Eric , Harbinson Jeremy , de Ridder Dick , Smit Sandra , Aarts Mark G. M.
Published: January 2022

Photosynthesis is a biophysical and biochemical process that plays a key role in sustaining plant and human life, being the first step in the production of energy-rich molecules and oxygen in the biosphere. Improving the photosynthetic capacity of agricultural crops is highly desirable to increase their yields. While the core mechanisms of photosynthesis are highly conserved, certainly in higher plants, plants that can maintain a high photosynthetic light-use efficiency at high irradiance are exceptional and may be useful to understand and improve high irradiance photosynthesis of crops. One such exceptional species isHirschfeldia incana, a member of the well-studied Brassicaceae family that is easy to grow under standard laboratory conditions, providing an excellent resource for studying the genetic and physiological basis of this trait. Here, we present a reference assembly ofH. incanaand affirm its high photosynthetic efficiency relative to the Brassicaceae speciesBrassica rapa, Brassica nigra, andArabidopsis thaliana. We estimate that it diverged fromB. rapaandB. nigra10-11 million years ago and that its genome has diversified from that of the latter two species through large chromosomal rearrangements, species-specific transposon activity, and differential retention of duplicated genes. Genes present at copy numbers different fromB. rapaandB. nigrainclude those involved in photosynthesis and/or abiotic stress, which may mediate the high photosynthetic efficiency ofH. incana. We expect the reference assembly ofH. incanato be a valuable genomic resource for identifying ways to enhance photosynthetic rates in crop species.
Antibodies to native gluten arise from cross-reactive B cells with implications for epitope spreading in celiac disease
Authors: Zhou Chunyan , Østerbye Thomas , Dahal-Koirala Shiva , Steinsbø Øyvind , Jahnsen Jørgen , Lundin Knut E. A. , Buus Søren , Sollid Ludvig M. , Iversen Rasmus
Published: January 2022

Antibodies to deamidated gluten peptides are accurate diagnostic markers of celiac disease (CeD). However, antibody binding to all possible gluten epitopes has not previously been investigated. To map antibody reactivity in detail and to understand the connection between disease-relevant B-cell and T-cell epitopes, we took advantage of a high-density peptide array for assessment of serum antibody specificity in CeD across the wheat gluten proteome. We confirm the importance of peptide deamidation for antibody binding, and we show that the response is remarkably focused on the known epitope QPEQPFP (where E results from deamidation of Q). In addition, we describe a new epitope in native (non-deamidated) gluten, QQPEQII (where E is gene encoded), which was associated with both B-cell and T-cell reactivity. By generating monoclonal antibodies from peptide-binding gut plasma cells of CeD patients, we show that antibodies to this native gluten epitope are cross-reactive with the major deamidated epitope due to recognition of the shared PEQ motif. Hence, antibodies to native gluten appear to arise from cross-reactive B cells that are generated as a side effect of the immune response to deamidated gluten. Since cross-reactive B cells could present peptides to different gluten-specific T cells, we suspect that such B cells can play a role in epitope spreading by engaging T cells with multiple specificities.
Architecture of home in later life: towards a fivefold theoretical model
Authors: Schaff Gwendoline , Petermans Ann , Vanrie Jan , Courtejoie Fabienne , Elsen Catherine
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Most older people wish to age “in place”. However, as current housing is mainly unsuitable for later life, architects have a key role to play. Yet, there is little architectural consideration for the notion of “ageing in place” and its various facets, beyond a functional focus. Architects seem to lack support to grasp inhabitants' sensible needs, and thus synergies with other human-centred disciplines could be enlightening. To ensure homes are designed in line with people's wellbeing, the authors aim to provide a state-of-the-art view, as to build a model supporting architects through their understanding of older people-environment relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors investigate the key concepts that could enrich architects' design approaches on “ageing in place”. A narrative literature review scrutinising English- and French-written publications from the last twenty years in various disciplines was conducted, with a focus on older people and non-institutionalised housing.

Findings

The results highlight five essential perspectives to be taken into account when questioning housing for older people: health, affective, social, built and contextual perspectives. Their meaning and ties are developed and then synthesised into considerations, calling for architectural creativity.

Originality/value

This fivefold theoretical model adds to the existing architectural body of knowledge by adopting a multidisciplinary and multidimensional angle, going beyond the predominantly pragmatic vision associated with ageing. It provides stakeholders in architecture with a fresh and clear insight of meaningful relationships between older people and their residential environment.
Shape and topology optimal design problems in electromagnetic casting
Authors: Canelas Alfredo , Roche Jean Rodolphe
Published: January 2022

Purpose

In this paper the authors review the recent numerical techniques proposed to solve the forward and inverse problems concerning the electromagnetic casting and electromagnetic levitation techniques of the metallurgical industry. In addition, the authors present a new topology optimization method to solve the inverse axisymmetric electromagnetic levitation problem.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed method is based on an exact second-order topological expansion of a Kohn–Vogelius-like functional specially devised for this problem.

Findings

Through some examples the authors show that it can find suitable solutions efficiently.

Originality/value

The new method completes the set of efficient methods available to solve the inverse electromagnetic casting and the inverse axisymmetric electromagnetic levitation problems.
Rohingyas and Sri Lankan Tamil refugees in Tamil Nadu: a replicable model of semi-permanent resettlement in low-resource settings
Authors: Radhakrishnan R.K. , de Wit Emma Emily , Gopikumar Vandana , Bunders Joske G.F.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

After being forced to flee their respective home countries, Sri Lankan Tamils and Rohingya refugees resettled in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. This study attempts to explore the extent to which the state has provided means for integration in the absence of refugee protection laws and citizenship.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research approach was used, including in-depth interviews (IDIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) with participants from both refugee groups between 2019 and early 2020. A representative sample of male and female Sri Lankan Tamils, living in or outside government camps, in urban and rural areas, was included (total number = 75). Similarly, a representative sample of the Rohingya refugee community was included for this study (n = 44).

Findings

Despite constraints imposed by inadequate infrastructure, the study finds that Sri Lankan Tamils and Rohingyas both show to be progressively integrated in local society and have been capable of fulfilling some important basic livelihood needs, especially with regards to education. Some areas for improvement are identified as well, most urgently in terms of health and accommodation.

Practical implications

Other states in India, as well as in similar low-income countries (LICs), could learn from the current case study with regards to administering workable policies for small groups of refugees.

Originality/value

With minimal state facilitation and within the context of limited legal backing, refugee groups have somewhat managed to re-built their lives. This study identifies the threshold of requirements that make this achievement possible and suggests what more could be done to further advance the current state.
Does renaming improve public attitudes toward vocational education and training in higher education? Evidence from a survey experiment
Authors: Lee Siu-Yau , Lee John Chi-Kin , Lam Bess Yin-Hung
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer direct tests of the effectiveness of renaming vocational education and training (VET) in enhancing the image and popularity of the subject. Although many proponents of renaming argue that the word “vocational” is associated with lower levels of skills and knowledge and should therefore be supplemented by better recognised words, empirical evidence regarding the effectiveness of this strategy is scant.

Design/methodology/approach

This study exploits a rare policy change in Hong Kong, where VET was renamed as vocational and professional education and training (VPET) and conducted an original survey experiment of 1,004 parents in the city to test if the new name would improve respondents' perceptions of the subject.

Findings

The findings reveal a complex picture regarding the effects of renaming. Although renaming does not seem to improve the overall popularity of vocational education, it may widen the support base for vocational education by diluting its class character. Specifically, while attitudes toward VET are significantly and negatively correlated with family income, no such association is found in regard to VPET.

Originality/value

This paper offers the first direct and comprehensive test of the effectiveness of renaming vocational education – a popular policy suggestion in many countries. Its findings complicate conventional expectations and contribute to the study of educational preferences in advanced economies.
Employment effect of large-scale agricultural investment on women empowerment in Gambella Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Guyalo Amanuel Kussia , Alemu Esubalew Abate , Degaga Degefa Tolossa
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Despite intense debates about the outcomes of large-scale agricultural investment in developing countries, gender issues and employment effects of such investment on women empowerment are very thin in the literature. The main purpose of this article is, therefore, to examine the effect of women's access to income-earning jobs on their empowerment.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a quasi-experimental research design and a mixed research approach. The authors collected primary data from 65 employed and 85 unemployed women and ten key informants. Principal component analysis (PCA) and propensity score matching (PSM) techniques were used to construct indexes and assess employment effect.

Findings

The article finds that consistent with the argument of the resource in culture theory, women's employment in large-scale commercial farms does not have an effect on their empowerment level.

Practical implications

The result implies that the government should strengthen gender sensitization programs and facilitate the formation of well-organized and profitable alternative income generating activities for women in such ways that improve their empowerment.

Originality/value

This article assesses the effect of women employment on their empowerment and contributes to filling gaps in the empirical and theoretical literature. It could also contribute to academic and policy debates in the area of large-scale commercial farming based on the actual evidence.
Vulnerable employment and economic growth
Authors: Yerrabati Sridevi
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The reality with many developing countries is that the countries have failed to create enough jobs for the poor and vulnerable. Under such circumstances, vulnerable employment plays a critical role in providing earning opportunities to people who are unemployed and determining the economic and social progress of such economies. The study aims to examine the possible non-linear relationship between vulnerable employment and growth in light of this background.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed five-yearly averaged data of 73 developing countries for the period 2000–2019. The empirical analysis is performed using the dynamic panel data analysis and the two-step system generalised method of moments (GMM) approach. The estimations are run separately for male, female and total vulnerable employment. The threshold levels are obtained using Sasabuchi (1980) and Lind and Mehlum (2010) (SLM) test. Several sensitivity checks are performed to validate the results.

Finding

The findings of the study suggest a non-linear U-shaped relationship between vulnerable employment and growth. Thus, a positive association between vulnerable employment and growth is witnessed at higher levels of vulnerable employment. At lower levels, the relationship is negative. Threshold levels for male, female and total vulnerable employment are 46.80%, 49.29 and 50.94%, respectively. Therefore, vulnerable employment beyond the threshold levels is found to be positively associated with growth.

Practical implications

Countries below the threshold level of vulnerable employment should understand why these workers are not able to contribute to the growth despite working so hard. If any socio-economic barriers hinder their contribution towards growth, such barriers require greater policy attention. Countries with vulnerable employment levels above the threshold level should recognise the contributions of these workers towards the growth and actively support them in increasing their economic contribution. In either case, given the precarious circumstances under which these workers work and the pittance earnings, policy interventions aimed at ensuring decent working conditions and better earnings for these workers are encouraged.

Originality/value

The current study is the first one to examine the relationship between vulnerable employment and growth to the best of the author's knowledge. As such, it makes novel contributions to the literature on development policy.
Give me your rested, your wealthy, your educated few? A critical discussion of the current literature on immigrant self-employment
Authors: Bedi Joshua K. , Jia Shaomeng
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The finding that immigrants are more likely to self-employ than natives has been consistently shown by different researchers. At the same time, many call for the prioritization of high-skilled immigration as they believe low-skilled entrepreneurs are not particularly innovative or high-growth-oriented. The purpose of this study is to critically review and synthesize the current literature on immigrant self-employment, paying particular attention to low-skilled immigrant entrepreneurship and the popular policy recommendation that high-skilled immigrants should be prioritized.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors survey the existing literature on immigrant self-employment and discuss recurring data issues, how those issues have or have not been addressed, as well as how these data issues impact the validity of policy recommendations that favor high-skilled immigrants and disfavor low-skilled immigrants. In particular, the authors examine how length of stay in the host country and host country institutions impact immigrant self-employment, especially low-skilled immigrant self-employment. The authors also point out unintended consequences of low-skilled immigration.

Findings

The authors find data issues significantly impact the potential justifications behind calls to favor high-skilled immigrants. In particular, many researchers underestimate the positive impacts of low-skilled immigrant self-employment by not accounting for institutions and length of stay in the host country. The authors conclude with policy recommendations that prioritize high-skilled immigration should be re-examined in light of recurring omitted variable biases within previous studies and evidence of a number of positive unintended consequences associated with low-skilled migration.

Originality/value

The authors review current literature and discuss how important confounding variables, like the number of years an immigrant entrepreneur has lived in a host country and the institutions of a host country, make common policy recommendations suggesting prioritization of high-skilled immigration problematic. The authors also discuss potential solutions to these data issues, ways these issues have been solved already, and possible ways forward. Finally, after considering the literature, the authors offer our own set of policy recommendations.
Non-family employee strategic renewal in family firms: the transformational leadership role of family board members and psychological ownership
Authors: Luu Tien Dung
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The study aims to reveal the strategic renewal (SR) of non-family employees in family small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with the effects of transformational board member leadership and psychological ownership (PO) dimensions.

Design/methodology/approach

Non-family employees at 82 export and import family firms (FFs) in Vietnam were selected for the study, which used a partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) approach.

Findings

Family board members with transformational leadership (TL) qualities and PO play an essential role in developing non-family employee SR.

Originality/value

The authors grant advanced family roles and relationships knowledge to the renewal and transformation of FFs' strategies and organisational structures.
Predicting African trade considering uncertainty by scenario planning
Authors: Shibasaki Ryuichi , Abe Masahiro , Sato Wataru , Otani Naoki , Nakagawa Atsushi , Onodera Hitoshi
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study predicts the growth of Africa's international trade from 2011 to 2040 by accounting for the uncertainties in the continent.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applies a scenario planning method (SPM) to develop multiple future scenarios considering uncertainties inherent in African socio-economies related to the success or failure of economic and industrial policies (EIPs) and economic corridor development policies (ECDPs). Subsequently, based on these future scenarios, the growth of African international trade from 2011 to 2040 is predicted using the Global Trade Analysis Project (GTAP) model.

Findings

The predictions reveal that if the EIPs and the ECDPs are successfully implemented, Africa, as a whole, will experience a significant increase in trade, estimated at US$ 1,905 billion and US$ 1,599 billion for exports and imports, respectively, compared to the scenario in which they fail. However, the effects vary greatly by country or region and industrial sector. The results also show that African intra-regional trade is rapidly expanding and is the second-largest after trade with Europe followed by other continents.

Originality/value

SPM, which allows us to reflect the uncertainties affecting African international trade prediction, is applied to build the future scenarios. The study comprehensively predicts African future international trade by setting a wide range of exogenous variables and parameters (input conditions for the GTAP model) related to EIPs and ECDPs.
Exploring the use of machine learning for the assessment of skeletal fracture morphology and differentiation between impact mechanisms: A pilot study
Authors: Dempsey Nicholas , Bassed Richard , Amarasiri Rasika , Blau Soren
Published: January 2022

Analyzing and interpreting traumatic injuries is a fundamental aspect of routine forensic case work. As the human skeleton can be impacted through a combination of loading mechanisms and varying impact energies, the analysis and interpretation of skeletal trauma can be complex. Therefore, it is imperative that the reliability of techniques used for analysis are well‐established. There is growing interest in machine learning (ML) in medicine (especially radiology) regarding the use of image classification (a subset of ML) to categorize and predict classes of medical images. Therefore, the feasibility of using image classification for skeletal trauma analysis should be explored for its benefits to forensic pathology and anthropology. The method explored in this paper examined the potential for machine learning, using three dimensional (3D) convolutional neural networks (CNNs), to assess whether morphological features of skeletal trauma to the femur can be used to differentiate between impact mechanisms within a forensic population. The objective of this study was to assess if morphological differences in femoral fractures seen in post‐mortem‐computed tomographic images (PMCT) could be categorized according to mechanism, specifically horizontal impacts resulting from pedestrian motor vehicle impacts (PMVIs) and vertical impact s resulting from high impact falls. Final model results indicated an accuracy between 69.95%–72.86% and 63.08%–66.24% validation. Although these results mean the method could not be practically used in its current form, as a proof of concept, there is potential for it to be developed as a tool to assist in classifying complex fracture states.
When pain is not the whole story: Presenting symptoms of women with endometriosis
Authors: Gordon Hannah G. , Mooney Samantha S. , Conroy Isabelle C. , Grover Sonia R.
Published: January 2022

Background

Endometriosis affects one in nine Australian women of reproductive age, and is often associated with pain and infertility. However, many women may be asymptomatic, or present with alternative symptoms.

Aim

To identify reasons for initial specialist referral among patients with endometriosis.

Material and Methods

Patients were identified as having endometriosis intraoperatively based on International Classification of Diseases coding. Operation reports were reviewed and graded for severity of disease. This cohort was then retrospectively audited to identify reasons for initial referral to the general gynaecology, endosurgery, gynae‐oncology, reproductive medicine outpatient departments (OPD) at the Mercy Hospital for Women in Melbourne between 1 February 2015 and 31 December 2016.

Results

Three hundred patients were identified as having endometriosis at laparoscopy, including 90 women with Stage IV disease. Patients were a mean (SD) age of 33.1 (7.6) years. While pain remained a common reason for referral (61.7% of referrals), 36.7% of women with Grade IV disease did not have pain included in their referral letter. Severe disease was associated with increased age (regression coefficient 0.05; 95% CI: 0.03–0.07, P < 0.01), but not with pain symptoms. Women referred with ovarian cysts or masses were more likely to be diagnosed with severe disease (regression coefficient 0.69; 95% CI: 0.37–1.01, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Although pelvic pain is not a good predictor for a diagnosis of endometriosis, it remains a common symptom among women with the disease. However, more than one in three patients with Grade IV endometriosis presented without mention of pain symptoms, encouraging clinicians to adopt a broader approach to the presenting symptoms of endometriosis.
Hand grip strength in patients with LVADs: A scoping review
Authors: Polastri Massimiliano , Boschi Silvia , Tchantchaleishvili Vakhtang , Loforte Antonio
Published: January 2022

Background and purpose

Hand grip strength (HGS) is a simple test to evaluate the upper limb strength function in patients with different diseases. The purpose of this review was to investigate HGS in patients who have been implanted with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) or waiting for implantation. The objectives were: (1) defining if HGS can predict rehabilitative outcomes such as the walked distance at the 6‐minute walking test, and (2) identifying specific HGS cut‐off values.

Methods

We searched eight primary databases for English‐language studies published from their inception until April 2021. We excluded editorials, letters to the editor, and studies that did not describe HGS assessment procedures.

Results

A total of 30 articles were identified. We ultimately included 5 publications, and 217 patients constituted the cohort of the present study. In three studies, HGS was evaluated before implantation. Two studies were conducted during the postoperative course, and HGS measurements were taken before and after rehabilitation. In two studies, HGS has correlated with a significant increase of the 6‐MWT passing from 300.1 to 404.8 m and 56.6 to 83.8 m, respectively. HGS in patients with LVADs ranges between (1) ca.18 and ca.33 Kg at the preoperative stage, (2) ca.24 and >40 Kg postoperatively, and (3) ca.33 and >36 Kg after having attended a postoperative rehabilitation program.

Conclusion

HGS appears to be a simple and reliable measure to correlate rehabilitative outcomes, such as the 6‐MWT, in patients receiving or awaiting LVADs.
Letter: combination of common and novel rare NUDT15 variants should also be considered
Authors: Wu Ruiqi , Fan Xiaoli , Yang Li , Luo Xuefeng
Published: January 2022

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Chao et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16600 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16756
Editorial: targeting aberrant hepatic inflammation for treatment of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Muthiah Mark D. , Siddiqui Mohammad S.
Published: January 2022

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Safadi et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16664 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16762
Editorial: time to eat? Skipping breakfast in metabolic‐associated fatty liver disease
Authors: Wilechansky Robert M. , Simon Tracey G.
Published: January 2022

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Xie et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16727 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16773
Editorial: targeting aberrant hepatic inflammation for treatment of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis—authors' reply
Authors: Safadi Rifaat , Braun Marius , Francis Adi , Milgrom Yael , Massarwa Muhammad , Hakimian David , Hazou Wadi , Issachar Assaf , Harpaz Zivit , Farbstein Motti , Itzhak Inbal , Lev‐Cohain Naama , Bareket‐Samish Avital , Silverman Michael H. , Fishman Pnina
Published: January 2022

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Safadi et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16664 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16748
Editorial: safety of ustekinumab in pregnancy—are we there yet?
Authors: Skejø Cæcilie , Vestergaard Thea , Julsgaard Mette
Published: January 2022

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Flanagan et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16739
Letter: treatment with subcutaneous CT‐P13 in Crohn’s disease patients with intravenous infliximab failure
Authors: Caron Bénédicte , Fumery Mathurin , Netter Patrick , Peyrin‐Biroulet Laurent
Published: January 2022

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Hanzel et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16609
Editorial: time to eat? Skipping breakfast in metabolic‐associated fatty liver disease—Authors’ reply
Authors: Xie Jiarong , Xu Lei , Xu Chengfu
Published: January 2022

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Xie et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16727 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16755
The effects of optimal cross holding in an asymmetric oligopoly
Authors: Ma Hongkun , Zeng Chenhang
Published: January 2022

This paper studies the endogenous formation of cross holding and its welfare implications in an asymmetric Cournot oligopoly with one acquiring firm holding passive ownership in one of its rivals. With the presence of cost asymmetry, we show that the acquiring firm will always choose to hold ownership in the most efficient rival. The optimal level of ownership is determined by market demand, the number, and cost distribution of firms. We further analyze the welfare implications of cross holding and characterize both socially excessive and insufficient cross holdings.
N‐glycosylation regulates MET processing and signaling
Authors: Saitou Atsushi , Hasegawa Yoshihiro , Fujitani Naoki , Ariki Shigeru , Uehara Yasuaki , Hashimoto Ukichiro , Saito Atsushi , Kuronuma Koji , Matsumoto Kunio , Chiba Hirofumi , Takahashi Motoko
Published: January 2022

MET, the receptor for the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), is strongly associated with resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors, key drugs that are used in the therapy of non–small cell lung cancer. MET contains 11 potential N‐glycosylation sites, but the site‐specific roles of these N‐glycans have not been elucidated. We report herein that these N‐glycans regulate the proteolytic processing of MET and HGF‐induced MET signaling, and that this regulation is site specific. Inhibitors of N‐glycosylation were found to suppress the processing and trafficking of endogenous MET in H1975 and EBC‐1 lung cancer cells and exogenous MET in CHO‐K1 cells. We purified the recombinant extracellular domain of human MET and determined the site‐specific N‐glycan structures and occupancy using mass spectrometry. The results indicated that most sites were fully glycosylated and that the dominant population was the complex type. To examine the effects of the deletion of N‐glycans of MET, we prepared endogenous MET knockout Flp‐In CHO cells and transfected them with a series of N‐glycan–deletion mutants of MET. The results showed that several N‐glycans are implicated in the processing of MET. The findings also suggested that the N‐glycans of the SEMA domain of MET positively regulate HGF signaling, and the N‐glycans of the region other than the SEMA domain negatively regulate HGF signaling. Processing, cell surface expression, and signaling were significantly suppressed in the case of the all‐N‐glycan–deletion mutant. The overall findings suggest that N‐glycans of MET affect the status and the function of the receptor in a site‐specific manner.