bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Divergent kinase WNG1 is regulated by phosphorylation of an atypical activation sub-domain
Authors: Dewangan Pravin S. , Beraki Tsebaot , Paiz Elisia A. , Mensah Delia A. , Chen Zhe , Reese Michael L.
Published: March 2022

Apicomplexan parasites like Toxoplasma gondii grow and replicate within a specialized organelle called the parasitophorous vacuole. The vacuole is decorated with parasite proteins that integrate into the membrane after trafficking through the parasite secretory system as soluble, chaperoned complexes. A regulator of this process is an atypical protein kinase called WNG1. Phosphorylation by WNG1 appears to serve as a switch for membrane integration. However, like its substrates, WNG1 is secreted from the parasite dense granules, and its activity must therefore be tightly regulated until the correct membrane is encountered. Here we demonstrate that, while another member of the WNG family can adopt multiple multimeric states, WNG1 is monomeric and therefore not regulated by multimerization. Instead, we identify two phosphosites on WNG1 that are required for its kinase activity. Using a combination of in vitro biochemistry and structural modeling, we identify basic residues that are also required for WNG1 activity and therefore appear to recognize the activating phosphosites. Among these coordinating residues are the “HRD” Arg, which recognizes activation loop phosphorylation in canonical kinases. WNG1, however, is not phosphorylated on its activation loop, and its activating phosphosites instead appear to lock the kinase C-lobe into an activated conformation. These data suggest a simple model for WNG1 activation by increasing ATP concentration above a critical threshold once WNG1 traffics to the parasitophorous vacuole.
Intranasal Immunization with a Proteosome-Adjuvanted SARS-CoV2 Spike Protein-Based Vaccine is Immunogenic and Efficacious in Mice & Hamsters
Authors: Stark Felicity C. , Akache Bassel , Deschatelets Lise , Tran Anh , Stuible Matthew , Durocher Yves , McCluskie Michael J. , Agbayani Gerard , Dudani Renu , Harrison Blair A. , Renner Tyler M. , Makinen Shawn R. , Bavananthasivam Jegarubee , Duque Diana , Gagne Martin , Zimmermann Joseph , Zarley C. David , Cochrane Terrence R. , Handfield Martin
Published: March 2022

With the persistence of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and the emergence of novel variants, the development of novel vaccine formulations with enhanced immunogenicity profiles could help reduce disease burden in the future. Intranasally delivered vaccines offer a new modality to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infections through the induction of protective immune responses at the mucosal surface where viral entry occurs. Herein, we evaluated a novel protein subunit vaccine formulation containing a resistin-trimerized prefusion Spike antigen (SmT1v3) and a proteosome-based mucosal adjuvant (BDX301) formulated to enable intranasal immunization. In mice, the formulation induced robust antigen-specific IgG and IgA titers, in the blood and lungs, respectively. In addition, the formulations were highly efficacious in a hamster challenge model, reducing viral load and body weight loss. In both models, the serum antibodies had strong neutralizing activity, preventing the cellular binding of the viral Spike protein based on the ancestral reference strain, the Beta (B.1.351) and Delta (B.1.617.2) variants of concern. As such, this intranasal vaccine formulation warrants further development as a novel SARS-CoV-2 vaccine.
Comparative infection and pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron and Delta variants in aged and young Syrian hamsters
Authors: Storm Nadia , Crossland Nicholas A. , McKay Lindsay G. A. , Griffiths Anthony
Published: March 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 continues to batter the world with the unceasing introduction of new variants of the causative virus, SARS-CoV-2. In order to understand differences in disease caused by variants of concern and to develop variant-specific vaccines, suitable small animal models are required that mimic disease progression in humans at various stages of life. In this study, we compared the dynamics of infection with two SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (Delta and Omicron) in aged (>1 year 3 months old) and young (<5 weeks old) Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus). We show that no weight loss occurred in Omicron infected groups regardless of age, while infection with the Delta variant caused weight loss of up to 10% by day 7 post-infection with slower and incomplete recovery in the aged group. Omicron replicated to similar levels as Delta in the lungs, trachea and nasal turbinates, with no significant differences in the tissue viral loads of aged versus young animals for either variant. In contrast to rare necrosis observed in Omicron-infected animals regardless of age, severe necrosis was observed in the olfactory epithelium in Delta-infected animals. Omicron infection also resulted in mild pulmonary disease in both young and aged animals compared to the moderate acute necrotizing bronchointerstitial pneumonia seen in Delta-infected animals. These results suggest that Omicron infection results in an attenuated clinical disease outlook in Syrian hamsters compared to infection with the Delta variant irrespective of age.
The Fox gene repertoire in the annelid Owenia fusiformis reveals multiple expansions of the foxQ2 class in Spiralia
Authors: Seudre Océane , Martín-Zamora Francisco Manuel , Rapisarda Valentina , Carrillo-Baltodano Allan M. , Martín-Durán José M.
Published: March 2022

Fox genes are a large and conserved family of transcription factors involved in many key biological processes, including embryogenesis and body patterning. Although the role of Fox genes has been studied in an array of model systems, comprehensive comparative studies in Spiralia—a large clade of invertebrate animals including molluscs and annelids—are scarce but much needed to better understand the evolutionary history of this gene family. Here, we reconstruct and functionally characterise the Fox gene complement in the annelid Owenia fusiformis, a slow evolving species and member of the sister group to all remaining annelids. The genome of O. fusiformis contains at least a single ortholog of each of the 23 Fox gene classes that are ancestral to Bilateria, except for foxE and foxI. Temporal and spatial expression dynamics reveal a conserved role of Fox genes in gut formation (foxA), mesoderm patterning (foxF, foxL1, foxC, foxH) and cilia formation (foxJ1) in Annelida and Spiralia. Moreover, we uncover an ancestral expansion of foxQ2 genes in Spiralia, represented by 11 paralogs in O. fusiformis. Notably, although all foxQ2 copies have apical expression in O. fusiformis, they show variable spatial domains and staggered temporal activation, which suggest cooperation and sub-functionalisation among foxQ2 genes for the development of apical fates in this annelid. Altogether, our study informs the evolution and developmental roles of Fox genes in Annelida and Spiralia generally, providing the basis to explore how regulatory changes in Fox gene expression might have contributed to developmental and morphological diversification in Spiralia.

Significance statement

The role of Fox genes, a group of DNA-binding proteins required for the formation of many animal organs, is poorly understood in invertebrate groups such as molluscs and annelids. Here, by studying the genome and embryogenesis of the annelid Owenia fusiformis, we demonstrate that Fox genes are involved in the development of the gut, muscles, cilia, and nervous system. Importantly, we find that a group of Fox genes (referred to as foxQ2) expressed in the anterior end of most animals has more copies in annelids and molluscs than in other invertebrate groups like insects and sea stars. Together, our findings clarify the evolution of Fox genes and their contribution to the diversity of forms and organs found in marine invertebrates.
Islet-on-a-chip device reveals first phase glucose-stimulated respiration is substrate limited by glycolysis independent of Ca2+activity
Authors: Regeenes Romario , Wang Yufeng , Piro Anthony , Au Aaron , Yip Christopher M. , Wheeler Michael B. , Rocheleau Jonathan V.
Published: March 2022

Pancreatic islets respond metabolically to glucose by closing KATPchannels resulting in Ca2+-influx and insulin secretion. Previous work has revealed the importance of glycolytic flux in triggering insulin secretion. However, it is unclear whether the triggered (‘first phase’) secretion is further amplified by Ca2+-stimulation of mitochondrial NADH production and/or oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos). Although commercially available tools have been developed to explore islet metabolism, these methods often overlook islet variability and have poor spatiotemporal resolution. To tease apart first phase glucose-stimulated respiration, we designed an islet-on-a-chip microfluidic device to simultaneously measure O2-consumption rate (OCR) and Ca2+-activity of individual islets with high temporal resolution. We used finite element analysis to optimize placement of sensor in optically clear microwells on a thin glass coverslip. The microfluidic channels were subsequently fabricated using O2-impermeable plastic to limit outside-in diffusion and push islets against the microsensor. We validated our device using living mouse islets and well-established modulators of respiration. By inhibiting glycolysis and mitochondrial pyruvate transport, we show that islet OxPhos is limited by NADH-substrate rather than ADP in low and high glucose. We subsequently imaged glucose-stimulated OCR and Ca2+-influx simultaneously to reveal a biphasic respiratory response that is determined by glycolytic flux through pyruvate kinase (PKM2) and independent of Ca2+. These data demonstrate the unique utility of our modular and optically clear O2-sensor to simultaneously measure glucose-stimulated OCR and Ca2+activity of multiple individual islets.
Development of a dedicated Golden Gate Assembly platform (RtGGA) for Rhodotorula toruloides
Authors: Bonturi Nemailla , Pinheiro Marina Julio , de Oliveira Paola Monteiro , Rusadze Eka , Eichinger Tobias , Liudžiūtė Gintare , De Biaggi Juliano Sabedotti , Brauer Age , Remm Maido , Miranda Everson Alves , Ledesma-Amaro Rodrigo , Lahtvee Petri-Jaan
Published: March 2022

Rhodotorula toruloides is a potential chassis to microbial cell factories as this yeast can metabolise different substrates into a diverse range of natural products, but the lack of efficient synthetic biology tools hinders its applicability. In this study, the modular, versatile and efficient Golden Gate DNA assembly system was adapted to the first basidiomycete, an oleaginous yeast R. toruloides (RtGGA). R. toruloides CCT 0783 was sequenced, and used for the RtGGA design. The DNA fragments were assembled with predesigned 4-nt overhangs and a library of standardized parts was created containing promoters, genes, terminators, insertional regions, and resistance genes. The library was combined to create cassettes for the characterization of promoters strength and to overexpress the carotenoid production pathway. A variety of reagents, plasmids, and strategies were used and the RtGGA proved to be robust. The RtGGA was used to build three versions of the carotenoid overexpression cassette were built by using different promoter combinations. The cassettes were transformed into R. toruloides and the three new strains were characterized. Total carotenoid concentration increased by 41%. The dedicated GGA platform fills a gap in the advanced genome engineering toolkit for R. toruloides, enabling the efficient design of complex metabolic pathways.
Alcam-a and Pdgfr-α are essential for the development of sclerotome derived stromal cells that support hematopoiesis in vivo
Authors: Murayama Emi , Vivier Catherine , Schmidt Anne , Touret Anne-Lou , Herbomel Philippe
Published: March 2022

Mesenchymal stromal cells are essential components of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) niches, regulating HSPC proliferation and fate decisions. Their developmental origins are largely unknown. In zebrafish, we previously found that the stromal cells of the caudal hematopoietic tissue (CHT), a niche functionally homologous to the fetal liver in mammals, arise from the ventral part of caudal somites. We have now discovered that this ventral domain is actually the sclerotome, and that two typical markers of mammalian mesenchymal stem/stromal cells, Alcam and Pdgfr-α, are distinctively expressed there and instrumental for the emergence and migration of stromal cell progenitors, which in turn conditions the proper assembly of the vascular component of the CHT niche. Furthermore, we find that the trunk somites are similarly dependent on Alcam and Pdgfr-α to produce mesenchymal stromal cells that foster the initial emergence of HSPCs from the dorsal aorta. Thus the sclerotome contributes essential stromal cells for each of the key steps of developmental hematopoiesis, and likely is the embryological origin of most if not all mesenchymal stem/stromal cells found in non-cephalic tissues.
Longitudinal analysis of the gut microbiome in the 5xfAD mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Dunham Sage J. B. , McNair Katelyn A. , Adams Eric D. , Avelar-Barragan Julio , Forner Stefania , Mapstone Mark , Whiteson Katrine L.
Published: March 2022

INTRODUCTION

Microbial exposures impact Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and a baseline understanding of AD model microbiomes is vital for improving model efficacy. We describe the evaluation of the microbiome and metabolome in longitudinal samples from the 5xfAD transgenic mouse model.

METHODS

Cecal and fecal samples from 5xfAD and wild-type B6J (WT) animals from 4– 18 months of age were subjected to DNA extraction and shotgun Illumina sequencing. Metabolomics was performed on plasma and feces from a subset of animals.

RESULTS

Significant sex, age, and cage-specific differences were observed in the microbiome. Eight bacteria species were elevated in older 5xfAD mice and nine were depleted, including Turicibacter spp. Contradicting published findings covering persons with AD, plasma measurements revealed elevated serotonin in 18 month 5xfAD animals.

DISCUSSION

Taken together, these findings strengthen the link between Turicibacter abundance and AD and provide a basis for further microbiome studies of murine models for AD.
Lack of antiviral activity of probenecid in Vero E6 cells and Syrian golden hamsters: a need for better understanding of inter-lab differences in preclinical assays
Authors: Box Helen , Pennington Shaun H , Kijak Edyta , Tatham Lee , Caygill Claire H , Lopeman Rose C , Jeffreys Laura N , Herriott Joanne , Sharp Joanne , Neary Megan , Valentijn Anthony , Pertinez Henry , Curley Paul , Arshad Usman , Rajoli Rajith KR , Rannard Steve , Stewart James P. , Biagini Giancarlo A , Owen Andrew
Published: March 2022

Antiviral interventions are urgently required to support vaccination programmes and reduce the global burden of COVID-19. Prior to initiation of large-scale clinical trials, robust preclinical data in support of candidate plausibility are required. The speed at which preclinical models have been developed during the pandemic are unprecedented but there is a vital need for standardisation and assessment of the Critical Quality Attributes. This work provides cross-validation for the recent report demonstrating potent antiviral activity of probenecid against SARS-CoV-2 in preclinical models (1). Vero E6 cells were pre-incubated with probenecid, across a 7-point concentration range, or control media for 2 hours before infection with SARS-CoV-2 (SARS-CoV-2/Human/Liverpool/REMRQ0001/2020, Pango B; MOI 0.05). Probenecid or control media was then reapplied and plates incubated for 48 hours. Cells were fixed with 4% v/v paraformaldehyde, stained with crystal violet and cytopathic activity quantified by spectrophotometry at 590 nm. Syrian golden hamsters (n=5 per group) were intranasally inoculated with virus (SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant B.1.617.2; 103 PFU/hamster) for 24 hours prior to treatment. Hamsters were treated with probenecid or vehicle for 4 doses. Hamsters were ethically euthanised before quantification of total and sub-genomic pulmonary viral RNAs. No inhibition of cytopathic activity was observed for probenecid at any concentration in Vero E6 cells. Furthermore, no reduction in either total or sub-genomic RNA was observed in terminal lung samples from hamsters on day 3 (P > 0.05). Body weight of uninfected hamsters remained stable throughout the course of the experiment whereas both probenecid- (6 - 9% over 3 days) and vehicle-treated (5 - 10% over 3 days) infected hamsters lost body weight which was comparable in magnitude (P > 0.5). The presented data do not support probenecid as a SARS-CoV-2 antiviral. These data do not support use of probenecid in COVID-19 and further analysis is required prior to initiation of clinical trials to investigate the potential utility of this drug.
We or I? Survival and success challenges jokeasses
Authors: Polozhentseva Yuliya , Kazybekova Ulzhan , Subalova Madina , Ghosh Anjan
Published: March 2022

Learning Outcomes

The learning outcomes are as follows: to understand the internal processes that take place in social media influencers operations; to evaluate the role communication and planning in the social media marketing process; to discover the importance of social media as a pinnacle of new communication mix tool; to make strategic decisions in managing a social media account; and to highlight how the team internal interactions could determine the success and profitability of the social media influencer.

Case overview/Synopsis

Case deals with the growth and managing issues faced by the social media influencers in Kazakhstan. The case shows the other side of social media marketing, where the main focus is shifted from the corporate clients, who use social media influencer, toward the influencers themselves and challenges faced by them. Hence, the case reveals the story of Jokeasses team, who are based in Kazakhstan with significant following both on Instagram and YouTube platforms. The decision-making dilemmas in the case focused upon not only the issues of brand formation but also how online brand could be transferred into profitable enterprise.

Complexity academic level

Bachelor

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code

CSS 3: Entrepreneurship.
Business students' perspectives on case method coaching for problem-based learning: impacts on student engagement and learning performance in higher education
Authors: Song Bee Lian , Lee Kim Lian , Liew Chee Yoong , Ho Ree Chan , Lin Woon Leong
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study is to examine the experiences of business students on case method coaching for problem-based learning and its influence on student engagement and learning performance in the context of Malaysian private higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applied quantitative method with a self-administered questionnaire survey was used to collect data from 410 undergraduate business students from five top private universities in Malaysia using convenience sampling. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to analyse the data, and five hypotheses were tested.

Findings

The findings reported that learning assessments, analytical skills, interpersonal skills and interdisciplinary learning have significantly influenced student engagement. Student engagement is positively correlated to the learning performance. Overall, the business students have positive perception on the case method coaching approach for problem-based learning as an effective learning tool in classroom. The case method coaching is able to garner students' interest in learning, improve engagement with peers and educators and enhance their learning performance.

Practical implications

Higher education institutions can leverage on effective planning and implementation strategies for case method coaching for problem-based learning through more effective coaching strategies, enhance education curricula, allocation of adequate resources, and qualified and trained business educators as coaches.

Originality/value

The present study provides new insights on coaching in business education. This study developed a new framework integrating features of case method coaching and problem-based learning to the outcomes of student engagement and learning performance within the context of business education.
Group movement of UAVs in environment with dynamic obstacles: a survey
Authors: Izhboldina Valeriia , Lebedev Igor
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The successful application of the group of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the tasks of monitoring large areas is becoming a promising direction in modern robotics. This paper aims to study the tasks related to the control of the UAV group while performing a common mission.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper discusses the main tasks solved in the process of developing an autonomous UAV group. During the survey, five key tasks of group robotics were investigated, namely, UAV group control, path planning, reconfiguration, task assignment and conflict resolution. Effective methods for solving each problem are presented, and an analysis and comparison of these methods are carried out. Several specifics of various types of UAVs are also described.

Findings

The analysis of a number of modern and effective methods showed that decentralized methods have clear advantages over centralized ones, since decentralized methods effectively perform the assigned mission regardless of on the amount of resources used. As for the method of planning the group movement of UAVs, it is worth choosing methods that combine the algorithms of global and local planning. This combination eliminates the possibility of collisions not only with static and dynamic obstacles, but also with other agents of the group.

Originality/value

The results of scientific research progress in the tasks of UAV group control have been summed up.
Systematic review of eWOM literature in emerging economy using ACI framework
Authors: Roy Gobinda , Datta Biplab , Mukherjee Srabanti , Shrivastava Avinash K.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to conduct a systematic study of important research trends and published electronic word of mouth (eWOM) studies over the past 20 years in the emerging economy. This research is designed to identify the key areas of eWOM based on the Antecedents-Consequence-Intervention (ACI) framework. This paper is also aimed to analyze the current research status of each WOM area and critically review each area for developing future research directions.

Design/methodology/approach

616 articles were selected from 112 journals for in-depth review analysis. For the systematic review of articles, an ACI framework was adopted. This paper used systematic review analysis methodology to critically analyze important research studies in each area of the ACI framework with a set of research questions.

Findings

Results identify six significant areas of eWOM, i.e. WOM antecedents, outcomes, senders, receivers, eWOM platform and eWOM management representing the whole environment. The result highlights increasing research interest on mixed eWOM and rich eWOM content and market-level source credibility factors. Research also identifies research gaps based on the ACI framework.

Originality/value

Analyzing the recent trends in the eWOM environment with the SLR approach and linking these trends to the ACI framework with a future research agenda in the emerging market indicated a pioneering attempt in eWOM research.
Perceptions of charismatic leadership and safety behaviors during the Covid-19 pandemic – a follower-centric perspective in India and Germany
Authors: Giebe Chris , Goswami Ashita , Rigotti Thomas
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of the article is to examine the interplay between charismatic leadership and two follower characteristics in predicting safety behaviors during the Covid-19 pandemic in two distinct countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The quantitative investigation was conducted during the first wave of the Covid-19 crisis in India and Germany. Given the importance of safety behaviors during the pandemic, the authors proposed high charismatic public leadership, the perception of crisis and belief in science of the constituent influence safety behaviors.

Findings

Consistent with the hypothesis, the authors found that there was a positive relationship between charismatic leadership and safety behaviors. Contrary to the expectations, belief in science did not moderate the relationship between charisma and safety behaviors. Opposite to the hypotheses, the relationship between charisma and crisis was stronger under followers' low in perception of crisis.

Originality/value

The findings contribute to the understanding of charisma during a crisis and the role of followers' perceptions. Implications include raising awareness about the importance of charismatic leadership in encouraging critical safety behaviors during a crisis, but these effects depend in part on the followers' attributions of the public leader.
Risks and supply chain performance: globalization and COVID-19 perspectives
Authors: Duong An Thi Binh , Vo Vinh Xuan , do Sameiro Carvalho Maria , Sampaio Paulo , Truong Huy Quang
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This article aims to examine the simultaneous effect of risks on physical and intangible dimensions of supply chain performance under the globalization and Covid-19 perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach

The manipulation of literature reviews together with the combination of Q-sort and empirical data in the construction industry to identify and assess risks and supply chain performance, is a novel approach in the supply chain risk management area. The analysis of Structural Equation Modeling that is able to calculate the simultaneous impact of various risks on supply chain performance, is used to validate this relationship.

Findings

Global supply chains are currently facing interruptions caused by several sources of inherent uncertainties, e.g. natural disasters, war and terrorism, external legal issues, economic and political instability, social and cultural grievances, and diseases. The weaknesses of the current global supply chain have been revealed, resulting in delays, supply unfulfillment, labor shortages and demand fluctuation. These supply chain risks have a great on supply chain performance indicators, and the magnitude of their impact tends to increasingly impact in the context of globalization and the Covid-19 pandemic. Findings showed that the proposed risk models can be explained with Variance of supplier performance (25.5%), Innovation and learning (21.2%), Internal business (61.9%), Customer service (39.4%) and Finance (39.7%).

Research limitations/implications

Supply chain managers should keep in mind acceptable cost/benefit trade-offs in corporate risk mitigation efforts associated with major contingency risks. In doing so, the proposed hypothesized model can be “a road map” to achieve this purpose. Our research favors the adoption of supply chain management strategies, e.g. postponement, speculation and avoidance.

Originality/value

The trend toward globalization and the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic increasing supply chain complexity are regarded as key drivers of supply chain risk and therefore enhance vulnerability to supply chain.
COVID-19 and GCC stock market performance: an analysis of the boon (financial stimulus package) and curse (oil price plunge) effects
Authors: Shamsudheen Shinaj Valangattil , Khattak Mudeer Ahmed , Muneeza Aishath , Huda Makeen
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the reaction (in terms of returns and volatility) of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country-wise stock markets (both conventional and Islamic) in response to the surge of COVID-19 cases, with special reference to the announcement of financial stimulus packages in each country and the recent global oil price plunge. Further, the study also examines the impact of COVID-19 cases on the stock market returns of each GCC country and the continuous dynamics of correlation between COVID-19 cases and GCC stock markets.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses an exponential generalized auto regressive conditional heteroskedasticity model and continuous wavelet coherence to estimate the stock market volatility and co-movement between COVID-19 cases and stock returns.

Findings

Empirical findings indicate an adverse reaction (negative returns and high volatility) during the period examined, with the stimulus package resulting in a positive transformation of returns in each country-level stock market as well as the regional stock index. Further, no evidence of an adverse effect of the oil price plunge is identified. All findings are identical between both conventional and Islamic stock indices.

Originality/value

While ample research has been conducted on the impact and dynamics of the pandemic on stock markets, little has addressed the areas of financial stimulus packages and the oil price plunge. The findings of this study show that further research needs to be conducted to elucidate the ways in which effective financial stimulus packages can be formulated in the GCC region to mitigate the adverse effects of COVID-19 for economies without causing major financial deficits, as well as to find strategies to diversify economies away from the oil curse.
Chatbot: an intelligent tool for libraries
Authors: Sanji Majideh , Behzadi Hassan , Gomroki Gisu
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce chatbot as a new tool of artificial intelligence (AI) and represent the feasibility of using it in different sections of libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

The present paper is a theoretical paper that was conducted by the library research method. In this paper, while reviewing various articles in the field of a chatbot, has been tried to identify practical usage of chatbot in library and information centers and also illustrate it.

Findings

Findings show that although chatbot is used in some libraries, but this use is limited. Libraries must use the capabilities of this powerful tool for their own purposes and provide the satisfaction of their users. In addition to the benefits of a chatbot, there are some challenges that should be considered by librarians.

Originality/value

Few articles have addressed the usage of AI tools such as chatbot in libraries. So, this paper is one of the few articles that express the usage of chatbot in different sections of the library and gives practical examples of their usage in some libraries, mentions the challenges ahead of librarians in the face of this technology.
The weight of waiting: the impact of delayed early intervention on parental self‐efficacy
Authors: Murphy Kerry , Harrison Emily
Published: March 2022

Early intervention is a systematic approach for identifying and co‐ordinating support for children up to five years of age with developmental delay. The increasing number of children needing early intervention is leading to longer waiting lists for assessment, treatment and diagnosis. Through a mixed‐methods approach, this study examined the impact of waiting lists on parental self‐efficacy (PSE). An online survey was completed by 197 mothers of children with special educational needs aged one to seven years. Six mothers later took part semi‐structured interviews. The research aimed to establish (a) whether there was a relationship between length of time on waiting lists and PSE, and (b) whether there were specific themes or patterns associated with delayed early intervention and PSE. Results showed no significant relationship between time spent on a waiting list and perceived PSE. The qualitative results, however, found that limited contact and poor quality of interactions alongside a lack of information did reduce perceived PSE.
Cocreating evidence‐informed health equity policy with community
Authors: Walker Sarah Cusworth , White Johnna , Rodriguez Victor , Turk Emily , Gubner Noah , Ngo Sally , Bekemeier Betty
Published: March 2022

Objective

To explore the feasibility of a rapid, community‐engaged strategy to prioritize health equity policy options as informed by research evidence, community‐voiced needs, and public health priorities.

Data Sources

Data came from residents in a midsized, demographically, and geographically diverse county over a period of 8 months in 2020 and an evidence review of the health equity policy literature during the same time period.

Study Design

A descriptive case study is used to explore the feasibility and potential value of a community codesigned approach to establish community priorities for health equity policy.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

Evidence synthesis of health equity policy was conducted parallel to 15 community listening sessions across the county to elicit information on health needs. We used scoping review methods to obtain literature from academic databases and scholarly public health and policy organizations. This information was cross walked with themes from the listening sessions to identify 10 priority policy areas, which were taken back to the community for 15 participatory discussion and ranking sessions.

Principal Findings

The process appeared to authentically engage the input of 200 community members representative of minoritized groups while identifying 99 evidence‐informed policy levers to promote health equity. Discussion and ranking activities were successful in facilitating community discussion and policy decision making. Remote platforms may have limited the engagement of some residents while promoting the participation of others. Conducting information integration within the research team prior to community policy ranking sessions limited the community ownership over how policies were interpreted and communicated.

Conclusions

A combination of information integration and community ranking activities can be used to achieve community‐engaged policy prioritization of options in a fairly rapid period of time. While this process provides an example of authentic community ownership of policy prioritization, the compressed timeline limited the community's engagement in the information integration phase.
The effect of high involvement work systems on organisational performance and employee well‐being in a Spanish industrial context
Authors: Elorza Unai , Garmendia Alaine , Kilroy Steven , Van de Voorde Karina , Van Beurden Jeske
Published: March 2022

This study investigates whether employee perceptions of High Involvement Work Systems (HIWS) mediate the positive relationship between implemented‐HIWS and the parallel outcomes of employee well‐being and organisational performance. To test these relationships, data was collected from 20,646 employees and 2066 managers in 198 organisations from Spanish industrial companies (mainly small and medium enterprises, SMEs). Results from a 2‐1‐2 multilevel structural equation modelling analysis showed that implemented‐HIWS are positively related to perceived‐HIWS, which in turn, are positively associated with both financial performance and the well‐being outcomes of job satisfaction and positive affect while being negatively associated with the well‐being outcome of negative affect. Finally, the study also showed a direct negative effect of implemented‐HIWS on job satisfaction suggesting that the source from which HIWS are rated matters for their consequences on some well‐being outcomes. We discuss the implications of these results for theory and practice.
A review and synthesis of contemporary sustainability accounting research and the development of a research agenda
Authors: Hsiao Pei‐Chi Kelly , de Villiers Charl , Horner Claire , Oosthuizen Hein
Published: March 2022

The study provides a comprehensive overview of contemporary sustainability accounting research, comprising 1,283 academic articles published in 54 journals (2014–2020). Sustainability disclosure is the most frequently researched topic and a substantial proportion of publications analyse a national setting, examine a European context, investigate listed firms, adopt an empirical archival research method, apply social and political theories, or focus broadly on sustainability. Based on this analysis, we develop a conceptual framework of sustainability accounting influences. We discuss prevalent themes, empirical findings and apparent inconsistencies, reflecting on recent trends and the state of sustainability accounting knowledge, developing an agenda for future research.
The de novo assembly of a European wild boar genome revealed unique patterns of chromosomal structural variations and segmental duplications
Authors: Chen Jianhai , Zhong Jie , He Xuefei , Li Xiaoyu , Ni Pan , Safner Toni , Šprem Nikica , Han Jianlin
Published: March 2022

The rapid progress of sequencing technology has greatly facilitated the de novo genome assembly of pig breeds. However, the assembly of the wild boar genome is still lacking, hampering our understanding of chromosomal and genomic evolution during domestication from wild boars into domestic pigs. Here, we sequenced and de novo assembled a European wild boar genome (ASM2165605v1) using the long‐range information provided by 10× Linked‐Reads sequencing. We achieved a high‐quality assembly with contig N50 of 26.09 Mb. Additionally, 1.64% of the contigs (222) with lengths from 107.65 kb to 75.36 Mb covered 90.3% of the total genome size of ASM2165605v1 (~2.5 Gb). Mapping analysis revealed that the contigs can fill 24.73% (93/376) of the gaps present in the orthologous regions of the updated pig reference genome (Sscrofa11.1). We further improved the contigs into chromosome level with a reference‐assistant scaffolding method. Using the ‘assembly‐to‐assembly’ approach, we identified intra‐chromosomal large structural variations (SVs, length >1 kb) between ASM2165605v1 and Sscrofa11.1 assemblies. Interestingly, we found that the number of SV events on the X chromosome deviated significantly from the linear models fitting autosomes (R2 > 0.64, p < 0.001). Specifically, deletions and insertions were deficient on the X chromosome by 66.14 and 58.41% respectively, whereas duplications and inversions were excessive on the X chromosome by 71.96 and 107.61% respectively. We further used the large segmental duplications (SDs, >1 kb) events as a proxy to understand the large‐scale inter‐chromosomal evolution, by resolving parental‐derived relationships for SD pairs. We revealed a significant excess of SD movements from the X chromosome to autosomes (p < 0.001), consistent with the expectation of meiotic sex chromosome inactivation. Enrichment analyses indicated that the genes within derived SD copies on autosomes were significantly related to biological processes involving nervous system, lipid biosynthesis and sperm motility (p < 0.01). Together, our analyses of the de novo assembly of ASM2165605v1 provides insight into the SVs between European wild boar and domestic pig, in addition to the ongoing process of meiotic sex chromosome inactivation in driving inter‐chromosomal interaction between the sex chromosome and autosomes.
Image‐guided percutaneous needle biopsy for the diagnosis of cancer of unknown primary
Authors: Kubo Takatoshi , Arai Yasuaki , Sone Miyuki , Yonemori Kan , Abe Osamu
Published: March 2022

Aim

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of image‐guided percutaneous needle biopsy in patients with suspected cancer of unknown primary.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective observational study. Among 291 patients with suspected cancer of unknown primary who were referred to our institution between April 2011 and March 2014, 89 who underwent image‐guided percutaneous needle biopsy and 27 who underwent surgical biopsy were defined as the image‐guided percutaneous needle biopsy group and the surgical group, respectively. Patient backgrounds, diagnostic yields, promptness of biopsy, general anesthesia rates, and severe complication rates were compared between the two groups.

Results

There was no significant difference in the patient backgrounds of the two groups. The diagnostic yields were 98.9% (95% confidence interval, 93.9%–99.8%) in the image‐guided percutaneous needle biopsy group and 100% (95% confidence interval, 87.5%–100%) in the surgical biopsy group (no significant difference; p = 1.0). The mean time to biopsy was significantly shorter (6.5 days vs. 21.3 days; p < .0001) and general anesthesia was used in significantly fewer patients (0% vs. 40.7%; p < .0001) in the image‐guided percutaneous needle biopsy group. There was no significant difference in the rate of serious complications between the two groups (p = 1.0).

Conclusion

As a biopsy procedure for patients with suspected cancer of unknown primary, image‐guided percutaneous needle biopsy is equally diagnostic and safe for surgical biopsy and might be preferable to surgical biopsy in terms of promptness and not requiring general anesthesia.
Quality performance indicators for the surgical treatment of gastric adenocarcinoma: a systematic review
Authors: Kulasegaran Suheelan , Woodhouse Braden , MacCormick Andrew D. , Srinivasa Sanket , Koea Jonathan
Published: March 2022

Background

A systematic review was undertaken to identify existing quality performance indicators (QPI) for the surgical treatment of gastric adenocarcinoma (GA) with the aim of defining a set of QPIs that can be used to assist in the accreditation of institutions for training, allow cross jurisdiction comparison of treatment and outcomes, as well as provide a basis to develop quality improvement programs. These QPI's capture key components of patient care that are fundamental to overall outcome.

Methods

A systematic literature review was conducted searching MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, and SCOPUS with all literature available until the date of 1 August 2021 included. Search terms utilized were ‘Quality of health care OR Quality improvement or Quality control OR Quality indicators’, AND ‘Gastrectomy’ OR ‘Stomach neoplasm’ OR ‘Adenocarcinoma’ OR ‘Gastric resection’ OR ‘Gastric cancer’.

Results

Twelve articles were included in the final analysis. The selected studies included editorials (n = 2), retrospective review of institutional experience (n = 5), cohort studies (n = 2), survey methodology (n = 1), expert guidelines (n = 1) and consensus statement (n = 1). For GC QPIs, process measures included patient discussion at multi‐disciplinary meetings, access to perioperative multimodal diagnostic pathways, and specific surgical metrics (margin negative resections and adequate lymphadenectomy). Outcome measures included the RO resection rate, reoperation, readmission rate, and length of hospital stay.

Conclusions

There is a relative paucity of internationally agreed QPI for the surgical management of gastric adenocarcinoma. The data from this review will form the basis of a project to develop internationally agreed and feasible QPI for gastric cancer resections.
Can you hear me? Analysis of a Queensland patient‐initiated escalation process and the importance of communication in surgical care
Authors: Flynn David E. , Flynn Hannah , Gifford Shaune , Smith Kate
Published: March 2022

Background

Ryan's Rule is a three‐step escalation process established by Queensland Health whereby patients, their families and carers can escalate concerns if a patient's health is worsening or not improving as expected. This study analysed the incidence, causes and outcomes of Ryan's Rule cases involving patients admitted under various surgical specialties across Queensland.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was undertaken of cases wherein Ryan's Rule was invoked by surgical patients between 2016 and 2021. The analysis focused on rationale for invoking Ryan's Rule, clinical actions undertaken, outcomes and patient feedback.

Results

The study analysed 364 activations of Ryan's Rule among surgical patients admitted across ten Queensland Health hospitals. The common causes for invoking Ryan's Rule were concern or disagreement regarding the management plan (39%), poor understanding of the care plan (32%) and feeling that concerns were not being heard (35%). Less than 1 % of cases (0.8%) met early warning criteria for deterioration, and only 0.5% required admission to ICU. The majority of Ryan's Rule cases (92%) were resolved through discussion between the treating surgical team, the patient and their representatives. In 74% of cases, the management plan did not change following the Ryan's Rule review.

Conclusion

Communication is the overwhelming theme throughout the Ryan's Rule cases invoked by surgical patients. The majority of Ryan's Rules cases were initiated by issues in communication and understanding between clinicians and patients. The vast majority of cases were resolved by surgical teams establishing and maintaining clear communication with patients, their families and carers.
Dahuang Fuzi Baijiang decoction restricts progenitor to terminally exhausted T cell differentiation in colorectal cancer
Authors: Xu Yihua , Wang Hao , Wang Tao , Chen Chunhui , Sun Ruibo , Yao Wanyu , Ma Ye , Zhang Qingyuan , Wu Liyi , Zeng Shanmei , Sun Xuegang
Published: March 2022

Obesity increases the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) by 30%. The obese tumor microenvironment compromises antitumor immunity by eliciting exhausted T cells (Tex). Hypothesizing that Dahuang Fuzi Baijiang decoction (DFB) is a combined classical prescription from the “Synopsis of Prescriptions of the Golden Chamber”. We first determined that DFB regresses tumor growth in high‐fat diet–induced obese mice by expanding the TIM3− subset with intermediate expression of programmed cell death‐1 (PD‐1intTIM3−) and restricting the PD‐1hiTIM3+ subset. Transcription factor 1 (TCF1) is highly expressed in the PD‐1intTIM3− subset but is absent in PD‐1hiTIM3+ cells. We next confirmed that progenitor PD‐1intTCF+ cells robustly produce tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNFα) and interferon‐γ, whereas terminally differentiated PD‐1intTCF+ cells have defects in generating TNFα. With transgenic ob/ob mice, we found that DFB produces cooperative efficacy with anti‐PD‐1 (αPD‐1) by limiting the PD‐1hiTim3+ subset and amplifying the PD‐1intTCF+ population. Finally, we defined the recombinant chemokine C‐C‐motif receptor 2 (CCR2)+CD8+ subset as terminal Tex and identified that the differentiation from progenitor to terminal Tex is driven, at least in part, by the chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2)/CCR2 axis. The CCR2 inhibitor enhances the response to αPD‐1 by promoting the counts of progenitor Tex. Altogether, DFB dampens CCL2 and preserves progenitor Tex in the obese microenvironment to restrain CRC progression. These findings provide unambiguous evidence that the traditional Chinese formula DFB can prevent tumor progression by modulating adaptive immunity and establish a strong rationale for further clinical verification.