bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Creation of photocyclic vertebrate rhodopsin by single amino acid substitution
Authors: Sakai Kazumi , Shichida Yoshinori , Imamoto Yasushi , Yamashita Takahiro
Published: December 2021

Opsins are universal photoreceptive proteins in animals and can be classified into three types based on their photoreaction properties. Upon light irradiation, vertebrate rhodopsin forms a metastable active state, which cannot revert back to the original dark state via either photoreaction or thermal reaction. By contrast, after photoreception, most opsins form a stable active state which can photo-convert back to the dark state. Moreover, we recently found a novel type of opsins whose activity is regulated by photocycling. However, the molecular mechanism underlying this diversification of opsins remains unknown. In this study, the molecular property of vertebrate rhodopsin successfully converted to the photocyclic and photoreversible properties by a single mutation at position 188. This revealed that the residue at position 188 contributes to the diversification of photoreaction properties of opsins by the regulation of the recovery from the active state to the original dark state.
Neuronal population activity dynamics reveal a low-dimensional signature of operant learning
Authors: Costa Renan M. , Baxter Douglas A. , Byrne John H.
Published: December 2021

Learning engages a high-dimensional neuronal population space spanning multiple brain regions. We identified a low-dimensional signature associated with operant conditioning, a ubiquitous form of learning in which animals learn from the consequences of behavior. Using single-neuron resolution voltage imaging, we identified two low-dimensional motor modules in the neuronal population underlying Aplysia feeding. Our findings point to a temporal shift in module recruitment as the primary signature of operant learning.
Control of Leaf Vein Patterning by Regulated Plasmodesma Aperture
Authors: Linh Nguyen Manh , Scarpella Enrico
Published: December 2021

To form tissue networks, animal cells migrate and interact through proteins protruding from their plasma membranes. Plant cells can do neither, yet plants form vein networks. How plants do so is unclear, but veins are thought to form by the coordinated action of the polar transport and signal transduction of the plant hormone auxin. However, plants inhibited in both pathways still form veins. Patterning of vascular cells into veins is instead prevented in mutants lacking the function of theGNOM(GN) regulator of auxin transport and signaling, suggesting the existence of at least one moreGN-dependent vein-patterning pathway. Here we show that pathway depends on the movement of an auxin signal through plasmodesmata (PDs) intercellular channels. PD permeability is high where veins are forming, lowers between veins and nonvascular tissues, but remains high between vein cells. Impaired ability to regulate PD aperture leads to defects in auxin transport and signaling, ultimately leading to vein patterning defects that are enhanced by inhibition of auxin transport or signaling.GNcontrols PD aperture regulation, and simultaneous inhibition of auxin signaling, auxin transport, and regulated PD aperture phenocopies nullgnmutants. Therefore, veins are patterned by the coordinated action of threeGN-dependent pathways: auxin signaling, polar auxin transport, and movement of an auxin signal through PDs. We have identified all the key vein-patterning pathways in plants and an unprecedented mechanism of tissue network formation in multicellular organisms.
Structure-based design of a chemical probe set for the 5-HT5A serotonin receptor
Authors: Kaplan Anat Levit , Strachan Ryan T. , Braz Joao M. , Craik Veronica , Slocum Samuel , Mangano Thomas , Amabo Vanessa , O’Donnell Henry , Lak Parnian , Basbaum Allan I. , Roth Bryan L. , Shoichet Brian
Published: December 2021

The 5-HT5A receptor (5-HT5AR), for which no selective agonists and only a few antagonists exist, remains the least understood serotonin (5-HT) receptor. A single commercial antagonist (SB-699551) has been widely used to investigate central nervous system (CNS) 5-HT5AR function in neurological disorders, including pain. However, because SB-699551 has affinity for many 5-HTRs, lacks inactive property-matched controls, and has assay interference concerns, it has liabilities as a chemical probe. To better illuminate 5-HT5AR function, we developed a probe set through iterative rounds of molecular docking, pharmacological testing, and optimization. Docking over six million lead-like molecules against a 5-HT5AR homology model identified five mid-μM ligand starting points with unique scaffolds. Over multiple rounds of structure-based design and testing, a new quinoline scaffold with high affinity and enhanced selectivity for the 5-HT5AR was developed, leading to UCSF678, a 42 nM arrestin-biased partial agonist at the 5-HT5AR with a much more restricted off-target profile and decreased assay liabilities vs. SB-699551. Site-directed mutagenesis supported the docked pose of UCSF678, which was also consistent with recent published 5-HTR structures. Surprisingly, property-matched analogs of UCSF678 that were either inactive across 5-HTRs or retained affinity for UCSF678’s off-targets revealed that 5-HT5AR engagement is nonessential for alleviating pain in a mouse model, contrary to previous studies using less-selective ligands. Relative to SB-699551, these molecules constitute a well-characterized and more selective probe set with which to study the function of the 5-HT5A receptor.

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Deltamethrin contact exposure mediated toxicity and histopathological aberrations in tissue systems of cockroach speciesPeriplaneta americanaandBlatella germanica
Authors: Dhiman Sunil , Yadav Kavita , Acharya BN , Nagar DP , Ghorpade Rama Rao
Published: December 2021

Cockroach speciesPeriplaneta americanaandBlatella germanicapotentially survive in locations close to human activity. Besides spoiling food material, cockroaches also transfer pathogens of different diseases among human. Since the insecticides have been used extensively to control cockroaches, information on their insecticide susceptibility and toxicity at cellular level may be crucial. In the study, deltamethrin toxicity as well as the deltamethrin-mediated cytomorphological changes in brain, ovary and midgut of the two important cockroach species has been assessed. Different concentrations [0.00025% (0.0025mg/ml), 0.0025% (0.025mg/ml), 0.025 (0.25mg/ml), 0.25% (2.5mg/ml), 0.5% (5mg/ml), 1% (10mg/ml)] of deltamethrin in acetone were used to expose test species in WHO bottle assay. Knockdown was recorded after 5 min interval while delayed mortality was observed after 24 hr. Brain, ovary and gut were dissected post 1 hr exposure and 24 hr holding (for 0.25%, 0.5% and 1% concentration), and tissues were processed for microscopic analysis. Deltamethrin exposed cockroaches and dissected tissues were used to estimate deltamethrin using HPLC. At 0.00025% (lowest concentration), the percentage knock-down observed was 66.7% forP. americanaand 80%B. germanicarespectively (R2= 0.78; p=0.0001) in 1 hr. KDT50value was found to be 8.7 min (95% CI: 7.3-10.2), while KDT99was 20.7 min (95% CI: 16.0-35.7) inP. americanaat 1% concentration. Whereas, the KDT50and KDT99values forB. germanicawere 7.4 min (95% CI: 5.4-9.1) and 27.4 min (95% CI: 18.2-80.0) at similar concentration. LD50and LD95values (for 60 min standard exposure) were 0.0006 % (95% CI: 0.00-0.001) and 0.034% (95% CI: 0.013-0.49) respectively forP. americana, while these values were 0.0005 (95% CI: 0.00-0.001) and 0.04 (95% CI: 0.01-0.23) forB. germanica. Exposure to 1% deltamethrin induced considerable toxic effect in the epithelial cells in the midgut. HPLC estimated 0.21±0.05 mg (95% CI - 0.18-0.25; CoV 23.9%) deltamethrin inP. americanapost 1% exposure. Even short term exposure of low concentration of synthetic pyrethroid deltamethrin displayed immediate knockdown and delayed mortality in both the test species. Considerable histological damage was observed in both the insects at 1% exposure. In India, resistance to deltamethrin may have been reported among different insects due its extensive use, however the formulations such as insecticide paints, attractant baits etc. developed using deltamethrin as active ingredient could be useful in cockroach control operations.
The war of corals: patterns, drivers, and implications of changing coral competitive performances across reef environments
Authors: Kayal Mohsen , Adjeroud Mehdi
Published: December 2021

Amidst global environmental changes, predicting species responses to future environments is a critical challenge for preserving biodiversity and associated human benefits. We explored the original idea that coral competitive performances, the ability of corals to preempt ecological space on the reef through territorial warfare, serve as indicators of species’ ecological niches and environmental windows, and therefore, responses to future environments. Our surveys indicated that coral performances varied with taxonomic-identity, size, and position along environmental gradients, highlighting complex interplays between life-history, warfare-strategy, and niche segregation. Our results forewarn that growing alterations of coastal environments may trigger shifts in coral dominance, with decline of major reef-building taxa like acroporids, and underscore the importance of restraining human impacts for coastal resilience. Our empirical approach untangles the complexity of species’ battle-like interactions and can help identify winners and losers in various communities caught in the interplay between ecological niches, environmental windows, and global changes.
Tubulinopathy mutations in TUBA1A that disrupt neuronal morphogenesis and migration override XMAP215/Stu2 regulation of microtubule dynamics
Authors: Hoff Katelyn J. , Aiken Jayne E. , Gutierrez Mark A. , Franco Santos J. , Moore Jeffrey K.
Published: December 2021

Heterozygous, missense mutations in α- or β-tubulin genes are associated with a wide range of human brain malformations, known as tubulinopathies. We seek to understand whether a mutation’s impact at the molecular and cellular levels scale with the severity of brain malformation. Here we focus on two mutations at the valine 409 residue of TUBA1A, V409I and V409A, identified in patients with pachygyria or lissencephaly, respectively. We find that ectopic expression of TUBA1A-V409I/A mutants disrupt neuronal migration in mice and promote excessive neurite branching and delayed retraction in primary neuronal cultures, accompanied by increased microtubule acetylation. To determine the molecular mechanisms, we modeled the V409I/A mutants in budding yeast and found that they promote intrinsically faster microtubule polymerization rates in cells and in reconstitution experiments with purified tubulin. In addition, V409I/A mutants decrease the recruitment of XMAP215/Stu2 to plus ends and ablate tubulin binding to TOG domains. In each assay tested, the TUBA1A-V409I mutant exhibits an intermediate phenotype between wild type and the more severe TUBA1A-V409A, reflecting the severity observed in brain malformations. Together, our data support a model in which the V409I/A mutations may limit tubulin conformational states and thereby disrupt microtubule regulation during neuronal morphogenesis and migration.
De novo variants in thePSMC3proteasome AAA-ATPase subunit gene cause neurodevelopmental disorders associated with type I interferonopathies
Authors: Ebstein Frédéric , Küry Sébastien , Most Victoria , Rosenfelt Cory , Boyer Marie-Pier Scott- , van Woerden Geeske M. , Besnard Thomas , Papendorf Jonas Johannes , Studencka-Turski Maja , Wang Tianyun , Hsieh Tzung-Chien , Golnik Richard , Baldridge Dustin , Forster Cara , de Konink Charlotte , Teurlings Selina M.W. , Vignard Virginie , van Jaarsveld Richard H. , Ades Lesley , Cogné Benjamin , Mignot Cyril , Deb Wallid , Jongmans Marjolijn C.J. , Sessions Cole F. , van den Boogaard Marie-José H. , Wambach Jennifer A. , Wegner Daniel J. , Yang Sandra , Hannig Vickie , Brault Jennifer Ann , Zadeh Neda , Bennetts Bruce , Keren Boris , Gélineau Anne-Claire , Powis Zöe , Towne Meghan , Bachman Kristine , Seeley Andrea , Beck Anita E. , Morrison Jennifer , Westman Rachel , Averill Kelly , Brunet Theresa , Haasters Judith , Carter Melissa T. , Osmond Matthew , Wheeler Patricia G. , Forzano Francesca , Mohammed Shehla , Trakadis Yannis , Accogli Andrea , Harrison Rachel ,   Deciphering Developmental Disorders Study,   Care4Rare Canada Consortium, Rondeau Sophie , Baujat Geneviève , Barcia Giulia , Feichtinger René Günther , Mayr Johannes Adalbert , Preisel Martin , Laumonnier Frédéric , Knaus Alexej , Isidor Bertrand , Krawitz Peter , Völker Uwe , Hammer Elke , Droit Arnaud , Eichler Evan E. , Elgersma Ype , Hildebrand Peter W. , Bolduc François , Krüger Elke , Bézieau Stéphane
Published: December 2021

A critical step in preserving protein homeostasis by the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is the recognition, binding, unfolding, and translocation of protein substrates by AAA-ATPase proteasome subunits for degradation by 26S proteasomes. Here, we identified fourteen differentde novomissense variants in thePSMC3gene encoding the AAA-ATPase proteasome subunit Rpt5 in twenty-two unrelated heterozygous subjects with an autosomal dominant form of neurodevelopmental delay and intellectual disability. Indeed, depletion ofPSMC3impaired reversal learning capabilities in aDrosophilamodel. ThePSMC3variants cause proteasome dysfunction in patient-derived cells by disruption of substrate translocation, proteotoxic stress and proteostatic imbalances, as well as alterations in proteins controlling developmental and innate immune programs. Molecular analysis confirmed the induction of cellular stress responses and dysregulated mitophagy along with an elevated type I interferon (IFN) signature. Our data definePSMC3variants as the genetic cause of proteotoxic stress alerting the innate immune system to mount a type I IFN response and link neurodevelopmental syndromes to interferonopathies.
Phosphorylation dynamics in a flg22-induced, heterotrimeric G-protein dependent signaling network in Arabidopsis thaliana reveals a candidate PP2A phosphatase involved in AtRGS1 trafficking
Authors: Watkins Justin M. , Clark Natalie M. , Song Gaoyuan , Oliveira Celio Cabral , Mishra Bharat , Brachova Libuse , Seifert Clara M. , Mitchell Malek S. , dos Reis Pedro Augusto Braga , Urano Daisuke , Shahid Muktar M. , Walley Justin W. , Jones Alan M.
Published: December 2021

This manuscript has been withdrawn following erroneous duplicate posting. The appropriate version is available at 10.1101/2021.12.06.471472.
De novo individualized disease modules reveal the synthetic penetrance of genes and inform personalized treatment regimens
Authors: Weiskittel Taylor M. , Ung Choong Y. , Correia Cristina , Zhang Cheng , Li Hu
Published: December 2021

Current understandings of individual disease etiology and therapeutics are limited despite great need. To fill the gap, we propose a novel computational pipeline that collects potent disease gene cooperative pathways to envision individualized disease etiology and therapies. Our algorithm constructs individualized disease modules de novo, which enables us to elucidate the importance of mutated genes in specific patients and to understand the synthetic penetrance of these genes across patients. We reveal that importance of the notorious cancer drivers TP53 and PIK3CA fluctuate widely across breast cancers and peak in tumors with distinct numbers of mutations and that rarely mutated genes such as XPO1 and PLEKHA1 have high disease module importance in specific individuals. Furthermore, individualized module disruption enables us to devise customized singular and combinatorial target therapies that were highly varied across patients, showing the need for precision therapeutics pipelines. As the first analysis of de novo individualized disease modules, we illustrate the power of individualized disease modules for precision medicine by providing deep novel insights on the activity of diseased genes in individuals.
(R)-Baclofen [(R)-4-amino-3-(4-chlorophenyl)butanoic acid]
Authors: Belov Feodor , Villinger Alexander , von Langermann Jan
Published: December 2021

This article provides the first single-crystal XRD-based structure of enantiopure (R)-baclofen (form C), C10H12ClNO2, without any co-crystallized substances. In the enantiopure title compound, the molecules arrange themselves in an orthorhombic crystal structure (space group P212121). In the crystal, strong hydrogen bonds and C—H...Cl bonds interconnect the zwitterionic molecules.
Moving towards agile: managing Loxon solutions’ hiring strategy, organizational development and agile transformation
Authors: Tóth Adrienn
Published: December 2021

Subject area

This case focuses on organizational development, leadership and HR management questions.

Study level/applicability

This case is mainly aimed at students specialized in leadership, organizational development and HR, or in MBA and executive education. However, undergraduate students can benefit from it as well and learn about key terms related to organizational development and HR.

Case overview

Loxon Solutions is a Hungarian technology startup founded in 2000 that develops various software solutions for the banking industry to improve processes such as retail and corporate landing, collateral management and monitoring, among others. The company grew significantly since being founded, and from a small IT company it became a significant player in the banking software industry all around the world. However, with rapid extension comes a drastic internal transformation as well: Loxon now employs 252 people, has 5 physical offices in 2 different countries and is trying to balance an effective organizational structure and a friendly startup environment. It is clear that the company needs to adapt its previously informal structure to fit the now middle-sized organization while maintaining the current benefits of their culture. Also, they require stability and maturity which the current team consisting of mostly junior employees and the significant fluctuation cannot provide. Tamas Erni, the CEO and Kristof Farkas, the founder of Loxon are now working on these pressing issues with the company’s HR department to rethink the companyâ€™s organizational structure and policies as well as their hiring and employer branding strategies.

Expected learning outcomes

Students should get familiar with typical organizational structure models, the meaning of Employee Value Proposition and main KPIs related to hiring and employee retention.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 6: HR Management.
Green HRM promotes higher education sustainability: a mediated-moderated analysis
Authors: Abbas Zuhair , Sarwar Shagufta , Rehman Mohsin Abdur , Zámečník Roman , Shoaib Muhammad
Published: December 2021

Purpose

In the contemporary world, where sustainability at higher education is at the forefront, the ever-changing business ecosystem nurtures a new drift towards economic, environmental and social performance. This study aims to measure the impact of green human resource management (GHRM) practices on sustainability in the higher education of a developing country context through a theoretical aspect of Resource-Based View (RBV).

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a quantitative approach to propose and test a model based on predictors of sustainability. The survey approach received 190 responses from employees (faculty and non-faculty members) working as a full-time in the 40 higher education institutions (HEIs) of Pakistan. The structural and measurement model was calculated using SmartPLS.

Findings

The results show that “green training and development” (GTD) and “top management commitment towards greening workforce (TMCGW)” have a positive relationship with sustainability while green recruitment and selection (GRS) was not supported by sustainability. The mediating effect of TMCGW plays a crucial role between GTD and sustainability. Also, this study contributes through the moderating interaction effect of Gender between GTD and sustainability. Overall the GHRM practices promote employee green behavior and sustainability.

Originality/value

The proposed research model in the current study is a substantial gap in the literature and exploring this connection requires new theoretical frameworks. To bridge this literature gap, this study examined the role of GHRM on sustainability at micro-level (employee perspective) through a theoretical aspect of RBV in the developing country higher education context of Pakistan. Importantly, this study enhances the understanding of the emerging global wave of green mobility and highlights the impact of GHRM practices on sustainability through perception of academic professionals.
The master narrative of older employees in changing workplaces
Authors: Niemi Tuukka , Komp-Leukkunen Kathrin
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Interest in older employees increases in times of population ageing. Previous research exploring the situation has underlined older employees' struggle with workplace changes. However, it has not explored their master narrative – the socially shared narrative about older employees that steers behaviour. This study explores this narrative and its differences across changing workplaces. It draws on Lyotard's suggestion that master narratives disintegrate in post-modern societies.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducts focus groups among older Finnish employees of an airline, postal service and social care. These groups experienced different kinds of workplace changes, namely mass layoffs, digitalisation and restructuring. The focus groups highlight the individuals' shared narratives, thereby pinpointing the master narrative.

Findings

The master narrative describes how simultaneous changes at the workplace and in their health lead older employees to look for ways to exit their jobs. This narrative is largely stable across workplaces, showing no disintegration but some variation.

Originality/value

This is the first study on the master narrative of older employees and its disintegration. To the authors’ knowledge, it is also the first study to use focus groups to explore a master narrative.
Environmental efficiency of Xiangjiang River in China: a data envelopment analysis cross-efficiency approach
Authors: An Qingxian , Cheng Zhaokun , Shi Shasha , Li Fenfen
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Environmental performance becomes a key issue for the sustainable development. Recently, incremental information technology is adopted to collect environmental data and improve environmental performance. Previous environmental efficiency measures mainly focus on individual decision-making units (DMUs). Benefited from the information technology, this paper develops a new environmental efficiency measure to explore the implicit alliances among DMUs and applies it to Xiangjiang River.

Design/methodology/approach

This study formulates a new data envelopment analysis (DEA) environmental cross-efficiency measure that considers DMUs' alliances. Each DMUs' alliance is formulated by the DMUs who are supervised by the same manager. In cross-efficiency evaluation context, this paper adopts DMUs' alliances rather than individual DMUs to derive the environmental cross-efficiency measure considering undesirable outputs. Furthermore, the Tobit regression is conducted to analyze the influence of exogenous factors about the environmental cross-efficiency.

Findings

The findings show that (1) Chenzhou performs the best while Xiangtan performed the worst along Xiangjiang River. (2) The environmental efficiency of cities in Xiangjiang River is generally low. Increasing public budgetary expenditure can improve environmental efficiency of cities. (3) The larger the alliance size, the higher environmental efficiency. (4) The income level is negatively correlated with environmental efficiency, indicating that the economy is at the expense of the environment in Xiangjiang River.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to developing a new environmental DEA cross-efficiency measure considering DMUs' alliance, and combining DEA cross-efficiency and Tobit regression in environmental performance measurement of Xiangjiang River. This paper examines the exogenous factors that have influences on environmental efficiency of Xiangjiang River and derive policy implications to improve the sustainable operation.
Investor sentiment and liquidity in emerging stock markets
Authors: Messaoud Dorra , Ben Amar Anis , Boujelbene Younes
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Behavioral finance and market microstructure studies suggest that the investor sentiment and liquidity are related. This paper aims to examine the aggregate sentiment–liquidity relationship in emerging markets (EMs) for both the sample period and crisis period. Then, it verifies this relationship, using the asymmetric sentiment.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a sample consisting of stocks listed on the SSE Shanghai composite index (348 stocks), the JKSE (118 stocks), the IPC (14 stocks), the RTS (12 stocks), the WSE (106 stocks) and FTSE/JSE Africa (76 stocks). This is for the period ranging from February, 2002 until March, 2021 (230 monthly observations). We use the panel data and apply generalized method-of-moments (GMM) of dynamic panel estimators.

Findings

The empirical analysis shows the following results: first, it demonstrates a significant relationship between the aggregate investor sentiment and the stock market liquidity for the sample period and crisis one. Second, referring to the asymmetric sentiment, we have empirically given proof that the market is significantly more liquid in times of the optimistic sentiment than it is in times of the pessimistic sentiment. Third, using panel causality tests, we document a unidirectional causality between the investor sentiment and liquidity in a direct manner through the noise traders and the irrational market makers and also a bidirectional causality in an indirect channel.

Practical implications

The results reported in this paper have implications for regulators and investors in EMs. Firstly, the study informs the regulators that the increases and decreases in the stock market liquidity are related to the investor sentiment, not financial shocks. We empirically evince that the traded value is higher in the crisis. Secondly, we inform insider traders and rational market makers that the persistence of increases in the trading activity in both quiet and turbulent times is associated with investor participants such as noise traders and irrational market makers.

Originality/value

The originality of this work lies in employing the asymmetric sentiment (optimistic/pessimistic) in order to denote the sentiment–liquidity relationship in EMs for the sample period and the 2007–2008 subprime crisis.
The mechanisms linking the finance-growth relationship in view of the financial crisis: an empirical investigation of the EU countries
Authors: Asteriou Dimitrios , Spanos Konstantinos
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The paper aims to explore the mechanisms linking the impact of financial development on economic growth and focuses on the long-term post-global financial crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs panel data for twenty-five European Union countries over the period 1995–2017. Principal Component Analysis is employed to produce two aggregate indices, namely financial banking sector development and stock market sector development. The empirical analysis is based on estimates through the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) method.

Findings

The results suggest that the outbreak of the crisis has led to a disruption of the positive finance-growth relationship, and the banking sector dominates in this adverse effect. The foreknowledge of the current study is that the linking mechanisms of the negative impact of financial development on economic growth, ten years after the global financial crisis, are household debt, private debt, and non-performing loans for the banking sector, while for the equity market this is the case through savings. Interestingly, the results reveal that unemployment increase excessively the borrowers' debt level and then the non-performing loans.

Research limitations/implications

An implication is that the increase of credit supply and any monetary expansion along with lack of regulatory control and monitoring can lead banks to a higher risk exposure through household and private debt as well as non-performing loans. Besides, the higher levels of unemployment rates call attention for the trade-off between prudential regulation on the supply of loans and economic activity, since higher unemployment affect the non-performing loans and, as a consequence discourage the demand, increase precautionary savings, and cancel or postpone investment decisions, thus, affecting the equity market.

Originality/value

The paper provides useful insights to economists and policymakers who are interested in understanding the weakness of banking and stock market sectors to promote economic growth for a long time after the global financial crisis.
COVID-19 and self-initiated expatriate health workers: Spanish nurses in Germany
Authors: Rosa González Juan Miguel , Barker Michelle , Shah Dhara
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Given that the incidence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) varies greatly between countries, it becomes relevant to explore self-initiated expatriate (SIE) health workers' perceptions of home vs host country safety during a global pandemic. Thus, the paper aims to study the effects of COVID-19 on the expatriation experience of Spanish SIE nurses in Germany, focussing on perceptions of home and host country safety as push/pull forces on their intentions to repatriate or stay.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews (n = 10) were conducted with Spanish SIE nurses in Germany between April/June 2020 followed by instant messaging interactions with the same participants in October/November 2020. Data analysis was assisted by NVivo software.

Findings

Overloaded by information from social networks about the impact of COVID-19 in Spain compared with the situation in Germany, Spanish SIE nurses had exacerbated feelings of stress, and some reported having experienced guilt for not being in their home country. Nevertheless, the contrasting impact and management of the crisis and its relative effect on health workers and the larger society in Spain and Germany reinforced the nurses' intention to stay in Germany.

Research limitations/implications

The research offers insights to organisations and public authorities involved with providing support to SIEs during crises, highlighting the implications of SIEs' social networks and dual allegiance to home and host countries during a global health emergency.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the growing literature on SIEs, whilst adding to the research on expatriates' well-being and safety during crises.
Appropriating integrated performance management tools in healthcare: a sociomaterial work story
Authors: Côté-Boileau Élizabeth , Breton Mylaine , Rouleau Linda , Denis Jean-Louis
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the appropriation of control rooms based on value-based integrated performance management tools implemented in all publicly funded health organizations in Quebec (Canada) as a form of legitimate sociomaterial work.

Design/methodology/approach

Multi-site organizational ethnographic case studies in two Integrated health and social services centers, with narrative process analysis of triangulated qualitative data collected through non-participant observation (163 h), individual semi-structured interviews (N = 34), and document review (N = 143).

Findings

Three types of legitimate sociomaterial work are accomplished when actors appropriate control rooms: 1) reformulating performance management work; 2) disrupting accountability work and; 3) effecting value-based integrated performance management. Each actor (tools, institutions and people) follows recurrent institutional work-paths: tools consistently engage in disruptive work; institutions consistently engage in maintaining work, and people consistently engage in creation work. The study reveals the potential of performance management tools as “effective integrators” of the technological, managerial, policy and delivery levels of data-driven health system performance and improvement.

Practical implications

This paper draws on theoretically informed empirical insights to develop actionable knowledge around how to better design, implement and adapt tool-driven health system change: 1) Packaging the three agents of data-driven system change in health care: tools, institutions, people; 2) Redefining the search for performance in health care in the context of value creation, and; 3) Strengthening clinical and managerial relevance in health performance management practice.

Originality/value

The authors aim to stimulate new and original scholarship around the under-theorized concept of sociomaterial work, challenging theoretical, ontological and practical conceptions of work in healthcare organizations and beyond.
Transdisciplinarity and epistemic communities: Knowledge decolonisation through university extension programmes
Authors: Rodríguez Denisse
Published: December 2021

In Latin America, a legacy of colonisation is the pervasiveness of a Eurocentric approach to knowledge. This geopolitics of knowledge entails the prioritisation of “rational” scientific knowledge over the mosaic epistemology that characterises a population born from high mestizaje (cultural and ethnic heterogeneity). Alternatively, universities could advance global cognitive justice by means of knowledge decolonisation. This article explores one way to advance that project. Based on contributions from Luso‐Hispanic scholars, I propose university extension programmes be reformulated to include epistemic communities as ecologies of knowledges. Theoretical insights are contrasted with an Ecuadorian experience, where a centre originally created to disseminate georeferenced socioeconomic and ecological indicators has evolved into a knowledge community with potential to promote plural dialogue of knowledges and influence decision making.
Protective role of ergothioneine isolated from Pleurotus ostreatus against dextran sulfate sodium‐induced ulcerative colitis in rat model
Authors: Pang Lan , Wang Ting , Liao Qian , Cheng Yanfen , Wang Di , Li Jingjing , Fu Chaomei , Zhang Chen , Zhang Jinming
Published: December 2021

The well‐acknowledged sulfur‐containing amino acid ergothioneine (EGT), which is usually perceived to be produced from fungi, cyanobacteria, and mushrooms, has been increasingly demonstrated as a diet‐derived antioxidant with therapeutic potential. However, little is known regarding the therapeutic benefit against ulcerative colitis of EGT. Meanwhile, few studies have reported whether EGT could be produced by Pleurotus ostreatus, which is the second most cultivated edible mushroom worldwide, with ideal economic and ecological values and medicinal properties. In the current study, EGT was primarily extracted and isolated from P. ostreatus by water extraction and alcohol precipitation. Then, the Sephadex G‐10 gel permeation chromatography and preparative high‐performance liquid chromatography were employed in order to purify and collect EGT. Based on nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum characterization, the content of EGT extracted from P. ostreatus is 1.916 mg/g (the weight of EGT is the same as that of dry P. ostreatus). Finally, both the antioxidant activity in vitro and potential effects of EGT on dextran sulfate sodium‐induced ulcerative colitis in rats were investigated. The results showed that the collected EGT exhibited strong antioxidant activity with a concentration‐dependent manner in 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl and 2,2′‐azinobis (3‐ethylbenzoline‐6‐sulphonic acid) assays. The oral administration of EGT can significantly alleviate colon length shortening and colonic pathological damage, mediated by downregulating the expression of pro‐inflammatory factors and inhibiting TLR4/MyD88/NF‐κB signaling pathway. Therefore, this study demonstrated that EGT from P. ostreatus would be an excellent dietary compound to ameliorate ulcerative colitis.

Practical Application

In order to develop Pleurotus ostreatus as a functional food and related products for the prevention and treatment of ulcerative colitis, the separation and purification technology of ergothioneine (EGT) from P. ostreatus was studied, which not only provided a new and broader source for the acquisition and development of EGT, but also provided a basis for the development of EGT as a drug against UC.
An observational study of intermediate‐ or high‐dose thromboprophylaxis for critically ill COVID‐19 patients
Authors: Jonmarker Sandra , Litorell Jacob , Dahlberg Martin , Stackelberg Otto , Everhov Åsa H. , Söderberg Mårten , Rubenson‐Wahlin Rebecka , Günther Mattias , Mårtensson Johan , Hollenberg Jacob , Joelsson‐Alm Eva , Cronhjort Maria
Published: December 2021

Background

Critically ill COVID‐19 patients have a high reported incidence of thromboembolic complications and the optimal dose of thromboprophylaxis is not yet determined. The aim of this study was to investigate if 90‐day mortality differed between patients treated with intermediate‐ or high‐dose thromboprophylaxis.

Method

In this retrospective study, all critically ill COVID‐19 patients admitted to intensive care from March 6th until July 15th, 2020, were eligible. Patients were categorized into groups according to daily dose of thromboprophylaxis. Dosing was based on local standardized recommendations, not on degree of critical illness or risk of thrombosis. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate hazard ratios of death within 90 days from ICU admission. Multivariable models were adjusted for sex, age, body‐mass index, Simplified Acute Physiology Score III, invasive respiratory support, glucocorticoids, and dosing strategy of thromboprophylaxis.

Results

A total of 165 patients were included; 92 intermediate‐ and 73 high‐dose thromboprophylaxis. Baseline characteristics did not differ between groups. The 90‐day mortality was 19.6% in patients with intermediate‐dose and 19.2% in patients with high‐dose thromboprophylaxis. Multivariable hazard ratio of death within 90 days was 0.74 (95% CI, 0.36–1.53) for the high‐dose group compared to intermediate‐dose group. Multivariable hazard ratio for thromboembolic events and bleedings within 28 days was 0.93 (95% CI 0.37–2.29) and 0.84 (95% CI 0.28–2.54) for high versus intermediate dose, respectively.

Conclusions

A difference in 90‐day mortality between intermediate‐ and high‐dose thromboprophylaxis could neither be confirmed nor rejected due to a small sample size.
Integrated analysis of whole genome and transcriptome sequencing reveals a frameshift mutation associated with recessive embryonic lethality in Holstein cattle
Authors: Yang Y. , Si J. , Lv X. , Dai D. , Liu L. , Tang S. , Wang Y. , Zhang S. , Xiao W. , Zhang Y.
Published: December 2021

Embryo loss is an important factor affecting fertility in dairy production. HH2 was identified as a haplotype on chromosome 1 associated with embryonic lethality in Holstein cattle. In the current study, both short‐ and long‐read WGS was performed on four carriers and four non‐carriers of HH2 to screen for variants in concordance with HH2 haplotype status. Sequence variation analysis revealed five putative functional variants of protein‐coding genes, including a frameshift mutation (g.107172616delT) in intraflagellar transport protein 80 (IFT80) gene. Transcriptome analysis of whole blood indicated that no gene exhibited significantly differential expression or allele‐specific expression between carriers and non‐carriers in the candidate region. This evidence points to g.107172616delT as the highest priority causative mutation for HH2. Protein prediction reveals that the frameshift mutation results in a premature stop codon to reduce the peptide chain from 760 to 383 amino acids and greatly alters the structure and function of IFT80 protein. Our results demonstrate that the use of a combination of multiple high‐throughput sequencing technologies is an efficient strategy to screen for the candidate causative mutations responsible for Mendelian traits, including genetic disorders.
Predictors of health‐related quality of life in older New Zealanders with cardiovascular health problems
Authors: Montayre Jed , Ho Mu‐Hsing , Chang Hui‐Chen (Rita) , Liu Megan F. , Chang Chia‐Chi , Fernandez Ritin
Published: December 2021

Objective

With longer life expectancies, cardiovascular diseases are increasingly common among older adults, which also leads to functional changes that severely impact their quality of life. This study aimed to identify the predictors of health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) among older New Zealanders with cardiovascular health problems.

Methods

A cross‐sectional data analysis of the 2015/16 New Zealand Health Survey was performed. In total, 2203 older New Zealanders with cardiovascular health problems were identified and included in the final analyses. The association between demographics, physical activity, health measurements, and HRQOL was examined using a multiple linear regression model.

Results

Significant differences in HRQOL were identified between the demographics and cardiovascular risk factors. Predictors of higher HRQOL among older New Zealanders with cardiovascular conditions were increased physical activity (β = 0.218), age (β = −0.067), employed (β = 0.137), lower waist circumference (β = −0.261), male (β = 0.127), and being without a history of diabetes (β = −0.071).

Conclusions

Physical activity is the strongest predictor of HRQOL in older adults with cardiovascular problems. Older female New Zealanders with cardiovascular health problems have lower perceptions of their health status. These predictors should be considered while designing and developing intervention and health education that aims to improve the HRQOL of older adults.
Training of psychiatry and mental health in a low‐ and middle‐income country: Experience from Thailand before and after COVID‐19 outbreak
Authors: Kalayasiri Rasmon , Wainipitapong Sorawit
Published: December 2021

Since the start of COVID‐19 pandemic in March 2020, training of psychiatry and mental health has been impacted considerably. We illustrated the change of academic and clinical psychiatric residency training procedure at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand, a developing country situated in South East Asia which is categorized in the low and middle income category of countries. The training setting has set up a task force responsible to set various strategies in response to the COVID‐19 measure of social and physical distancing to maintain standard of care for psychiatric patients and educational experience for psychiatric residents. The strategies include online education, service team separation, and avoidance of contact between teams, reduction of non‐urgent clinical activities, and the use of telemedicine for psychiatric patients. Despite exposure to the difficulties of training during the pandemic, all senior residents were qualified and licensed at the national examination. Residents reported that pandemic did affect the academic activities and services and also the quality of living and satisfaction. Academic issues, including the inconvenience of studying online, were the most concerned problems among psychiatric residents at the time of pandemic.
How to overcome barriers to publication in low‐ and middle‐income countries: Recommendations from early career psychiatrists and researchers from around the world
Authors: El Halabi Sarah , Abbas Zargham , Adesokun Fisayo , Adiukwu Frances , Ashrafi Agaah , de Filippis Renato , Handuleh Jibril , Jaguga Florence , Karaliuniene Ruta , Kilic Ozge , Nagendrappa Sachin , Ojeahere Margaret , Ogunnubi Oluseun Peter , Őri Dorottya , Orsolini Laura , Pereira‐Sanchez Victor , Pinto da Costa Mariana , Ransing Ramdas , Shoib Sheikh , Ullah Irfan , Vadivel Ramya , Vahdani Bita , Ramalho Rodrigo
Published: December 2021

There is an increasing movement toward international collaboration and global discussion in mental health. If provided with the right opportunities, early career psychiatrists (ECPs) and researchers in mental health can contribute meaningfully to this discussion. However, they often experience multiple barriers when attempting to add their voices via academic publications. We represent a diverse group of ECPs and researchers from all six World Health Organization regions. In this piece, we discuss these barriers, grounded in our first‐hand experiences, and put forth a series of recommendations. The most potentially beneficial and immediate way forward is ensuring a much‐needed mentorship and support, particularly for low‐ and middle‐income countries. In this regard, international organizations, especially those with a particular focus on education, such as the Section on Education in Psychiatry of the World Psychiatric Association, can play a pivotal role.
Labor in Livelihood Constellations along Coastal Plains
Authors: Griffith David
Published: December 2021

Coastal plain economies are dependent on seasonal, low‐wage labor for tourism, fisheries, construction, and other sectors. Historically, labor in these sectors has come from multiple social and cultural backgrounds: natives, legal and undocumented immigrants, visiting mariners, students, guestworkers, etc. Anti‐immigration sentiments around the world have forced undocumented immigrants further underground while increasing demand for legal guestworkers, encouraging the growth of subcontracting and nonmarket labor relations, making work more precarious and laying the groundwork for human participation in livelihood constellations—or several activities that individuals and households combine for income, health, and well‐being. Focusing on Eastern North Carolina, this paper examines how these processes influence local economies and the lives of working people, using this analysis as an occasion to critique market‐emphasis economic analysis.
Testing for Heterogeneity in the Utility of a Surrogate Marker
Authors: Parast Layla , Cai Tianxi , Tian Lu
Published: December 2021

In studies that require long-term and/or costly follow-up of participants to evaluate a treatment, there is often interest in identifying and using a surrogate marker to evaluate the treatment effect. While several statistical methods have been proposed to evaluate potential surrogate markers, available methods generally do not account for or address the potential for a surrogate to vary in utility or strength by patient characteristics. Previous work examining surrogate markers has indicated that there may be such heterogeneity, that is, that a surrogate marker may be useful (with respect to capturing the treatment effect on the primary outcome) for some subgroups, but not for others. This heterogeneity is important to understand, particularly if the surrogate is to be used in a future trial to replace the primary outcome. In this paper, we propose an approach and estimation procedures to measure the surrogate strength as a function of a baseline covariate W and thus examine potential heterogeneity in the utility of the surrogate marker with respect to W. Within a potential outcome framework, we quantify the surrogate strength/utility using the proportion of treatment effect on the primary outcome that is explained by the treatment effect on the surrogate. We propose testing procedures to test for evidence of heterogeneity, examine finite sample performance of these methods via simulation, and illustrate the methods using AIDS clinical trial data.