bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Substrate stress relaxation regulates monolayer fluidity and leader cell formation for collectively migrating epithelia
Authors: Charbonier Frank , Zhu Junqin , Slyman Raleigh , Allan Cole , Chaudhuri Ovijit
Published: August 2024

Collective migration of epithelial tissues is a critical feature of developmental morphogenesis and tissue homeostasis. Coherent motion of cell collectives requires large scale coordination of motion and force generation and is influenced by mechanical properties of the underlying substrate. While tissue viscoelasticity is a ubiquitous feature of biological tissues, its role in mediating collective cell migration is unclear. Here, we have investigated the impact of substrate stress relaxation on the migration of micropatterned epithelial monolayers. Epithelial monolayers exhibit faster collective migration on viscoelastic alginate substrates with slower relaxation timescales, which are more elastic, relative to substrates with faster stress relaxation, which exhibit more viscous loss. Faster migration on slow-relaxing substrates is associated with reduced substrate deformation, greater monolayer fluidity, and enhanced leader cell formation. In contrast, monolayers on fast-relaxing substrates generate substantial substrate deformations and are more jammed within the bulk, with reduced formation of transient lamellipodial protrusions past the monolayer edge leading to slower overall expansion. This work reveals features of collective epithelial dynamics on soft, viscoelastic materials and adds to our understanding of cell-substrate interactions at the tissue scale.

Significance Statement

Groups of cells must coordinate their movements in order to sculpt organs during development and maintain tissues. The mechanical properties of the underlying substrate on which cells reside are known to influence key aspects of single and collective cell migration. Despite being a nearly universal feature of biological tissues, the role of viscoelasticity (i.e., fluid-like and solid-like behavior) in collective cell migration is unclear. Using tunable engineered biomaterials, we demonstrate that sheets of epithelial cells display enhanced migration on slower-relaxing (more elastic) substrates relative to faster-relaxing (more viscous) substrates. Building our understanding of tissue-substrate interactions and collective cell dynamics provides insights into approaches for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, and therapeutic interventions to promote health and treat disease.
Epidrug Screening Identifies Type I PRMT Inhibitors as Modulators of Lysosomal Exocytosis and Drug Sensitivity in Cancers
Authors: Sergi Baris , Yuksel-Catal Neslihan , Ozcan Selahattin Can , Syed Hamzah , Duvvuri Umamaheswar , Kiselyov Kirill , Acilan Ceyda
Published: August 2024

Epigenetic changes drive differential gene expression, contributing to oncogenic transformation and drug resistance. Lysosomes are crucial in cell signaling and the sequestration of toxins and chemotherapeutic agents. This sequestration followed by expulsion through lysosomal exocytosis is a factor in drug resistance. The epigenetic regulation of lysosomal exocytosis remains poorly understood. Our research focuses on this regulation, hypothesizing that epigenetic modifier drugs (epidrugs) capable of inhibiting lysosomal exocytosis and could serve as potential therapeutics. Additionally, we investigate their potential synergy with drugs known to be sequestered in lysosomes.

To examine this concept, we screened approximately 150 epigenetic drugs targeting various reader, writer, or eraser proteins. These drugs were assessed for their combined cytotoxic effects with cisplatin, their impact on lysosomal exocytosis, and on lysosomal biogenesis. Our findings reveal that among the epidrugs showing synergy with cisplatin and further reducing cell viability in combination, two type I PRMT inhibitors, MS023 and GSK3368715, inhibited lysosomal exocytosis. Notably, neither of these drugs altered the expression of the CLEAR lysosomal biogenesis network of genes, suggesting the involvement of novel regulators in lysosomal functions. To explore the specific components of the trafficking machinery affected by PRMT inhibitors, we conducted an RNA-seq analysis, uncovering several differentially expressed genes (DEGs). In addition to previously described functions such as methylation activity, or DNA repair; these DEGs included those involved in vesicular trafficking, lysosomal enzyme activity and lysosome dynamics, offering potential insights into the mechanism of reduced exocytosis and identifying a novel mode for its regulation. Additionally, both inhibitors exhibited synergy with other drugs known to be sequestered in lysosomes, such as carboplatin, oxaliplatin, sunitinib, and doxorubicin, indicating that inhibition of lysosomal exocytosis may be a common phenomenon for such drugs. These findings underscore the potential of Type I PRMT inhibitors as therapeutic agents in cancer treatment. Consistently, analysis on the publicly available patient data revealed that lower levels of type I PRMTs (PRMT1 and 6) were associated with better patient response to these drugs, further suggesting their potential as drug candidates for combination therapy to enhance chemotherapy efficacy and improve cancer patient survival rates.
SIRT5-mediated GLS and GDH desuccinylation attenuates autophagy in MAC-T cells induced by ammonia
Authors: Yang Hanlin , Gao Shikai , Lu Guangyang , He Junhui , Dong Jinru , Zhang Xinyi , Liu Luya , Zhong Kai , Zha Guangming , Han Liqiang , Guo Shuang , Li Heping , Wang Yueying
Published: August 2024

Our previous research revealed that NH3regulated autophagy dependent on SIRT5 in MAC-T cells. Interestingly, SIRT5 reduced the content of NH3and glutamate by inhibiting GLS activity, ADP/ATP value also declined. In this study, SIRT5 interacted with endogenous GLS and GDH, and had no effect on endogenous GLS and GDH expression. SIRT5 declined significantly the succinylation levels of GLS and GDH, and further reduced the enzymatic activity of GLS and GDH. SIRT5 declined the glutamine metabolism, which attenuated ammonia release in MAC-T cells, accompanying with cellular autophagy decline, reducing the formation of autophagosome. Deletion of SIRT5 increased the content of NH3and glutamate, as well as promotes autophagy, which could be alleviated by SIRT5 overexpression. SIRT5 KO was associated with increased succinylation and activity of GLS and GDH, as well as autophagy response in MAC-T cells. Furthermore, SIRT5 promoted the maintenance of mitochondria homeostasis. Mechanistically, SIRT5 modulated the succinylation levels and enzymatic activities of GLS and GDH in mitochondria and promoted the maintenance of mitochondria homeostasis, further attenuating ammonia-stimulated autophagy in MAC-T cells.

Highlights

SIRT5 catalyzed lysine desuccinylation of GLS and GDH.

GLS and GDH enzymatic activity were enhanced by lysine succinylation.

GLS and GDH were required for SIRT5 to regulate ammonia-induced cellular autophagy.

SIRT5 promoted the maintenance of mitochondrial homeostasis
Foraging niche partitioning of threeMyotisbat species and marine fish consumption byMyotis pilosusin a subtropical East Asian region
Authors: Wei Xiaodong , Poon Emily Shui Kei , Chung John Chun Ting , Chan David Tsz Chung , Shek Chung Tong , Tsui Wing Chi , Zhao Huabin , Sin Simon Yung Wa
Published: August 2024

Most bats are insectivorous, but some species have evolved the ability to prey on fish. Although piscivory has been confirmed in the Rickett’s big-footed myotis (Myotis pilosus), the extent of piscivory of other cohabitingMyotisspecies is uncertain. This study aims to explore the dietary niches and fish consumption of threeMyotisspecies in a subtropical East Asian region, and specifically the fish diet ofM. pilosus. Our findings reveal, for the first time, thatM. pilosusconsumes marine fishes, in contrast to previous research conducted in inland regions that suggested year-round consumption of cyprinids in freshwater habitats. We also observed seasonal variation in the diets ofM. pilosus. It predominately hunted wide-banded hardyhead silverside, sailfin flying fish, and shorthead anchovy during the wet season, while mainly preying upon mullets during the dry months. In more inland areas,M. pilosuswas found to primarily feed on invasive freshwater poeciliids. Furthermore,M. pilosusconsumed more fish during the dry season, while there was a greater consumption of insects during the wet months. Most notably among our findings is the consumption of fish by two individuals of Horsfield’s myotis (M. horsfieldii), indicating that the species is potentially piscivorous. We revealed that bothM. horsfieldiiandM. pilosusconsumed water striders, suggesting that foraging of aquatic insects could be driving the evolution of fishing behavior. Our findings have also shed light on the flexibility of foraging behavior in piscivorous bats.
Advanced Echocardiographic Assessment in Transthyretin Amyloidosis: Early Phenotype Markers in Mutation Carriers
Authors: Capeline Lorena Squassante , Mancuso Frederico José Neves , Oishi Gardênia Silva Lobo , Uellendahl Marly , Naylor Fernando , Oliveira Acary Souza Bulle , Moises Valdir Ambrósio
Published: August 2024

Background

Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CA) is a life-threatening heart condition due to mutations in the transthyretin (TTR) gene. This study aimed to investigate ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS) and global circumferential strain (GCS) alongside traditional echocardiographic measures in TTR carries with preserved ejection fraction (EF).

Methods

Individuals with a family history of ATTR-CA, positive genetic testing for TTR, no clinical cardiac involvement and preserved EF were matched with healthy controls.

Results

Sixty-five patients were included: 31 TTR+ and 34 controls. No significant differences in chamber dimensions or EF were observed between groups. However, septal velocities were markedly lower in TTR+ than controls (9 [7;12] cm/s vs. 12 [10;13] cm/s, p=0.003). Additionally, both GCS and GLS were significantly reduced in the TTR+ group compared to controls (-21 ±4% vs. -28 ±4%, p<0.001 and -19 ±3% vs. -25 ±2%, p<0.001, respectively). Furthermore, right ventricular strain showed a similar trend, being lower in the TTR+ group compared to controls (-18 ±4% vs. -25 ±5%, p<0.005). Logistic regression analysis identified GLS (OR = 2.46; 95% CI 1.30-4.62) and E/e’ mean ratio (OR = 2.04; 95% CI 1.09-3.91) as independent predictors of positive genetic testing for TTR.

Conclusion

Asymptomatic individuals with a family history of ATTR-CA and positive genetic testing for TTR, despite preserved EF, exhibit lower GLS and GCS compared to controls. GLS and the E/e’ ratio were identified as independent predictors of positive genetic testing for TTR.
Role of Artificial Intelligence-Powered Conversational Agents (Chatbots) in Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Scoping Review Protocol
Authors: González Aroca Joaquín , Vergara-Merino Laura , Escobar Liquitay Camila Micaela , Farías A Humberto , Olivares Arancibia Jorge , Puelles Álvaro
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) represent a significant global health burden, leading to substantial disability and socioeconomic impact. With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly large language models-driven conversational agents (chatbots), there is potential to enhance the management of MSDs. However, the application of AI-powered chatbots in this population has not been comprehensively synthesized.

Objective

To explore the current and potential use of AI-powered chatbots in the management of MSDs. The review will map out the targeted diseases, the purposes of chatbot interventions, the clinical tools or frameworks utilized in training these systems, and the evaluated outcomes in clinical settings.

Methods

This scoping review will follow the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, with a comprehensive search across multiple databases including Medline (Ovid MEDLINE), Embase (Ovid), ISI Web of Science (wos; clarivate) and ClinicalTrials.gov. Studies involving adults with MSDs, regardless of publication status, language, or year, will be included. The scoping review will exclude studies using non-AI chatbots or human health coaches. Data extraction and synthesis will focus on demographic characteristics, chatbot methods, outcomes, and thematic analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

Formal ethical approval is not required as this study involves neither human participants nor unpublished secondary data. Findings of the scoping review will be disseminated through professional networks, conference presentations and publication in a scientific journal.

Strengths and limitations of this study

We developed a search strategy with high sensitivity to retrieve studies

This scoping review will not exclude studies by publication status, language, or year of publication.
An equity-focused comparison of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout plans across six Canadian provinces
Authors: Sobers Mercedes , Atukorale Vajini , Mauer-Vakil Dane , Bashir Kainat , Ouedraogo Mariame , Dharma Christoffer , Ataullahjan Anushka , Fadel Shaza A. , Allin Sara
Published: August 2024

Objectives

This study examined how six Canadian provinces (Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec) adapted guidelines from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization to prioritize COVID-19 vaccines equitably for five key populations at high risk: Black communities; First Nations, Inuit, and Métis populations; non-medical essential workers; individuals experiencing homelessness; and individuals with disabilities. The objective was to compare timelines, justifications, and contextual factors that influenced provincial prioritization for early vaccine access.

Methods

A mixed-methods approach was used to investigate how provinces operationalized equity in their vaccine rollout plans. Environmental scans (December 2020 – May 2021) gathered data on prioritization and distribution from provincial reports and media articles. Key informant interviews (December 2021 – April 2022) with provincial experts provided context on decision-making and justifications for prioritizing key populations. Data analysis employed the “Reach” component of the RE-AIM framework, with qualitative analysis of interviews following an interpretive descriptive approach.

Results

Provinces used age-, risk-, and health status-based approaches to select priority populations. While all provinces consulted the National Advisory Committee on Immunization guidelines and various ethical frameworks to guide their decisions, deviations occurred due to local contexts. First Nations, Inuit, and Métis populations were prioritized earliest in all provinces, while Black communities received the least prioritization. Key subgroups, such as urban First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, unsheltered homeless individuals, and homebound disabled persons, were often overlooked. Factors that emerged as key drivers of priority population selection were data availability, population size, and geography.

Conclusions

This study fills gaps in the literature by highlighting key contextual factors unique to each province that drove provincial justifications for their prioritization decisions. We provide several examples of the importance of data availability and early community-led partnerships when designing a successful mass vaccination rollout.
A theoretical framework to quantify the tradeoff between individual and population benefits of expanded antibiotic use
Authors: LaPrete Cormac R. , Ahmed Sharia M. , Toth Damon J.A. , Reimer Jody R. , Vaughn Valerie M. , Adler Frederick R. , Keegan Lindsay T.
Published: August 2024

The use of antibiotics during a disease outbreak presents a critical tradeoff between immediate treatment benefits to the individual and the long-term risk to the population. Typically, the extensive use of antibiotics has been thought to increase selective pressures, leading to resistance. This study explores scenarios where expanded antibiotic treatment can be advantageous for both individual and population health. We develop a mathematical framework to assess the impacts on outbreak dynamics of choosing to treat moderate infections not treated under current guidelines, focusing on cholera as a case study. We derive conditions under which treating moderate infections can sufficiently decrease transmission and reduce the total number of antibiotic doses administered. We identify two critical thresholds: the Outbreak Prevention Threshold (OPT), where expanded treatment reduces the reproductive number below 1 and halts transmission, and the Dose Utilization Threshold (DUT), where expanded treatment results in fewer total antibiotic doses used than under current guidelines. For cholera, we find that treating moderate infections can feasibly stop an outbreak when the untreated reproductive number is less than 1.424 and will result in fewer does used compared to current guidelines when the untreated reproductive number is less than 1.533. These findings demonstrate that conditions exist under which expanding treatment to include moderate infections can reduce disease spread and the selective pressure for antibiotic resistance. These findings extend to other pathogens and outbreak scenarios, suggesting potential targets for optimized treatment strategies that balance public health benefits and antibiotic stewardship.
Patients’ Experience and Satisfaction towards Virtual Health Care during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Southern Region of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Shati Ayed A. , Alamri Hasan S. , Al-Garni Abdulaziz M. , Mahmood Syed E. , Alsamghan Awad S.
Published: August 2024

Background

Healthcare providers can use these virtual platforms for delivering medical advice and prescriptions of medications to patients. This study was aimed to explore the patient’s experiences and level of satisfaction regarding virtual health care received during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study also assessed the before and during lockdown sleep quality in these participants.

Design and Methods

The current study included 522 participants from Saudi Arabia. Virtual healthcare satisfaction questionnaire was implemented to record the data on patient experience toward the virtual health care during COVID-19 pandemic.

Results

Patients’ opinions regarding virtual health care received during the COVID-19 pandemic era are summarized using the “five-point Likert scale”. The mean score of all the five statements is 4.15, reflecting 83% level of satisfaction of participants towards virtual health care. Among participants, mostly agreed that they were able to communicate adequately with doctors, the picture and sound quality of the virtual appointment were good, their privacy was respected during the consultation, they were comfortable during history taking and exams that were done, and the doctor explained solutions including prescribing medicine and/or providing advice. However, there was no significant association found between the type of specialty attended or patient demographic factors and level of satisfaction. Results of subjective sleep parameters assessed before and during lock down are depicted. Results of t-test showed that the mean scores of all the components namely sleep duration (P<0.001); sleep disturbances (P<0.001), sleep latency (P<0.001), daytime dysfunction (P<0.001), habitual sleep efficiency (P<0.001), and subjective sleep quality (P<0.001) significantly differed between two assessment levels. Mean scores of all the components shifted towards higher values, representing worsening of sleep quality during the COVID-19 pandemic lock down.

Conclusions

Findings support and conclude that virtual health care system can be adopted in clinical settings.
Prevalence of Problematic Papers in Non-Coding RNA Research
Authors: Lou Ying , Zhou Zhengyi , Shen Zhesi , Li Menghui
Published: August 2024

This study examines the prevalence of problematic papers in the rapidly growing field of non-coding RNA (ncRNA) research. Analysis of 153,826 ncRNA papers during 2000-2023 reveals that around 1.79% have been retracted and an additional 5.68% have raised concerns on PubPeer. The number of problematic papers has steadily increased, peaking in 2019 when the concerning and retraction rates reached nearly 10.8% and 3.7%, respectively. These unreliable papers have been widely disseminated, accumulating hundreds of thousands of citations in academic literature, patents, clinical trials, and policy documents, posing a significant threat to research integrity and public health. The main issues identified include image manipulation, data falsification, fake peer reviews, and ethical lapses. The findings call for urgent, comprehensive scrutiny of ncRNA publications and broader reforms to address systemic problems driving the proliferation of problematic research.
Thermodynamic versus kinetic basis for the high conformational stability of nanobodies for therapeutic applications
Authors: Gómez-Mulas Atanasio , Salido Eduardo , Pey Angel L.
Published: August 2024

Single domain nanobodies (NB) are powerful tools for biotechnological and therapeutic applications. They strongly bind to their targets and are very stable. Early studies showed that NB unfolding is reversible and can be analyzed by equilibrium thermodynamics whereas more recent studies focused on their kinetic stability in very harsh conditions, far from storage or physiological temperatures (4-37°C). Here we reinforce the thermodynamic view in which a simple two-state denaturation model is applicable. We found that thermal stability of NB actually reflect thermodynamic stabilities in wide range of temperatures (18-100°C). We also modeled their structure observing subtle differences. We expect that our approach will be helpful to improve our capacity to enhance structure-function-stability relationships of NB.
Characterizing microbubble-mediated permeabilization in a vessel-on-a-chip model
Authors: Meijlink Bram , Collado Lara Gonzalo , Bishard Kristina , Conboy James P. , Langeveld Simone A.G. , Koenderink Gijsje H. , van der Steen Antonius F.W. , de Jong Nico , Beekers Inés , Trietsch Sebastiaan J. , Kooiman Klazina
Published: August 2024

Drug transport from blood to extravascular tissue can locally be achieved by increasing the vascular permeability through ultrasound-activated microbubbles. However, the mechanism remains unknown, including whether short and long cycles of ultrasound induce the same onset rate, spatial distribution, and amount of vascular permeability increase. Accurate models are necessary for insights into the mechanism so a microvessel-on-a-chip is developed with a membrane-free extravascular space. Using these microvessels-on-a-chip, we show distinct differences between 2 MHz ultrasound treatments with 10 or 1000 cycles. The onset rate is slower for 10 than 1000 cycles, while both cycle lengths increase the permeability in spot-wise patterns without affecting cell viability. Significantly less vascular permeability increase and sonoporation are induced for 10 versus 1000 cycles at 750 kPa (i.e., highest studied peak negative acoustic pressure (PNP)). The PNP threshold for vascular permeability increases is 750 versus 550 kPa for 10 versus 1000 cycles, while this is 750 versus 220 kPa for sonoporation. Vascular permeability increases do not correlate with αvβ3-targeted microbubble behavior, while sonoporation correlates with αvβ3-targeted microbubble clustering. In conclusion, the further mechanistic unraveling of vascular permeability increase by ultrasound-activated microbubbles in a developed microvessel-on-a-chip model aids safe and efficient development of microbubble-mediated drug transport.
EdgeHOG: fine-grained ancestral gene order inference at tree-of-life scale
Authors: Bernard Charles , Nevers Yannis , Karampudi Naga Bhushana Rao , Gilbert Kimberly J. , Train Clément , Vesztrocy Alex Warwick , Glover Natasha , Altenhoff Adrian , Dessimoz Christophe
Published: August 2024

Ancestral genomes are essential for studying the diversification of life from the last universal common ancestor to modern organisms. Methods have been proposed to infer ancestral gene order, but they lack scalability, limiting the depth to which gene neighborhood evolution can be traced back. We introduce edgeHOG, a tool designed for accurate ancestral gene order inference with linear time complexity. Validated on various benchmarks, edgeHOG was applied to the entire OMA orthology database, encompassing 2,845 extant genomes across all domains of life. This represents the first tree-of-life scale inference, resulting in 1,133 ancestral genomes. In particular, we reconstructed ancestral contigs for the last common ancestor of eukaryotes, dating back around 1.8 billion years, and observed significant functional association among neighboring genes. The method also dates gene adjacencies, revealing conserved histone clusters and rapid sex chromosome rearrangements, enabling computational inference of these features.
Characterization of a High-Affinity Copper Transporter in the White-Nose Syndrome Causing Fungal PathogenPseudogymnoascus destructans
Authors: Friudenberg Alyssa D. , Anne Saika , Peterson Ryan L.
Published: August 2024

Copper is an essential micronutrient and the ability to scavenge tightly bound or trace levels of copper ions at the host-pathogen interface is vital for fungal proliferation in animal hosts. Recent studies suggest that trace metal ion acquisition is critical for the establishment and propagation ofPseudogymnoascus destructans, the fungal pathogen responsible for white-nose syndrome (WNS), on their bat host. However, little is known about these metal acquisition pathways inP. destructans. In this study, we report the characterization of theP. destructanshigh-affinity copper transporter VC83_00191 (PdCTR1a), which is implicated as a virulence factor associated with the WNS disease state. UsingSaccharomyces cerevisiaeas a recombinant expression host, we find thatPdCTR1a localizes to the cell surface plasma membrane and can efficiently traffic Cu-ions into the yeast cytoplasm. Complementary studies in the nativeP. destructansfungus provide evidence thatPdCTR1a transcripts and protein levels are dictated by Cu-bioavailability in the growth media. Our study demonstrates thatPdCTR1a is a functional high-affinity copper transporter and is relevant to Cu-homeostasis pathways inP. destructans.
Micro-C reveals MORC/ApiAP2-mediated links between distant, functionally related genes in the human malaria parasite
Authors: Singh Parul , Serizay Jacques , Couble Justine , Cabahug Maureen D. , Rosa Catarina , Chen Patty , Scherf Artur , Koszul Romain , Baumgarten Sebastian , Bryant Jessica M.
Published: August 2024

Genome organization plays a significant role in silencing heterochromatinized genes in the most virulent human malaria parasite,Plasmodium falciparum. However, it remains unclear how heterochromatinized genes spatially cluster or if active genes are also organized in a specific manner. We used Micro-C to achieve a near-nucleosome resolution DNA-DNA contact map, which revealed new inter- and intrachromosomal heterochromatic and euchromatic structures in the blood stage parasite. We observed subtelomeric fold structures that facilitate interactions amongst heterochromatinized genes involved in antigenic variation. In addition, we identified long-range intra- and interchromosomal interactions amongst active, stage-specific genes. Both structures are mediated by AP2-P, an ApiAP2 transcription factor, and a putative MORC chromatin remodeler, and functional specificity is achieved via combinatorial binding with other sequence-specific DNA-binding factors. This study provides unprecedented insight into the organizational machinery used by this medically important eukaryotic parasite to spatially coordinate genes underlying antigenic variation and to co-activate stage-specific genes.
Chromosome-level genome assembly and methylome profile enables insights for the conservation of endangered loggerhead sea turtles
Authors: Yen Eugenie C. , Gilbert James D. , Balard Alice , Taxonera Albert , Fairweather Kirsten , Ford Heather L. , Thorburn Doko-Miles J. , Rossiter Stephen J. , Martín-Durán José M. , Eizaguirre Christophe
Published: August 2024

Background

Characterising genetic and epigenetic diversity is crucial for assessing the adaptive potential of populations and species. Slow-reproducing and already threatened species, including endangered sea turtles, are particularly at risk. Those species with temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD) have heightened climate vulnerability, with sea turtle populations facing feminisation and extinction under future climate change. High- quality genomic and epigenomic resources will therefore support conservation efforts for these flagship species with such plastic traits.

Findings

We generated a chromosome-level genome assembly for the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) from the globally important Cabo Verde rookery. Using Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT) and Illumina reads followed by homology-guided scaffolding, we achieved a contiguous (N50: 129.7 Mbp) and complete (BUSCO: 97.1%) assembly, with 98.9% of the genome scaffolded into 28 chromosomes and 29,883 annotated genes. We then extracted the ONT-derived methylome and validated it via whole genome bisulfite sequencing of ten loggerheads from the same population. Applying our novel resources, we reconstructed population size fluctuations and matched them with major climatic events and niche availability. We identified microchromosomes as key regions for monitoring genetic diversity and epigenetic flexibility. Isolating 191 TSD-linked genes, we further built the largest network of functional associations and methylation patterns for sea turtles to date.

Conclusions

We present a high-quality loggerhead sea turtle genome and methylome from the globally significant East Atlantic population. By leveraging ONT sequencing to create genomic and epigenomic resources simultaneously, we showcase this dual strategy for driving conservation insights into endangered sea turtles.
Dopamine and temporal discounting: revisiting pharmacology and individual differences
Authors: Smith Elke , Theis Hendrik , van Eimeren Thilo , Knauth Kilian , Tuzsus Deniz , Zhang Lei , Mathar David , Peters Jan
Published: August 2024

Disorders characterised by changes in dopamine (DA) neurotransmission are often linked to changes in the temporal discounting of future rewards. Likewise, pharmacological manipulations of DA neuro-transmission in healthy individuals modulate temporal discounting, but there is considerable variability in the directionality of reported pharmacological effects, as enhancements and reductions of DA signalling have been linked to both increases and reductions of temporal discounting. This may be due to meaningful individual differences in drug effects and/or false positive findings in small samples. To resolve these inconsistencies, we 1) revisited pharmacological effects of the DA precursor L-DOPA on temporal discounting in a large sample of N = 76 healthy participants (n = 44 male) and 2) examined several putative proxy measures for DA to revisit the role of individual differences in a randomised, double-blind placebo-controlled pre-registered study (https://osf.io/a4k9j/). Replicating previous findings, higher rewards were discounted less (magnitude effect). Computational modelling using hierarchical Bayesian parameter estimation confirmed that the data in both drug conditions were best accounted for by a non-linear temporal discounting drift diffusion model. In line with recent animal and human work, L-DOPA reliably reduced the discount rate with a small effect size, challenging earlier findings in substantially smaller samples. We found no credible evidence for linear or quadratic effects of putative DA proxy measures on model parameters, calling into question the role of these measures in accounting for individual differences in DA drug effects.
Cellular processing of beneficialde novoemerging proteins
Authors: Houghton Carly J. , Coelho Nelson Castilho , Chiang Annette , Hedayati Stefanie , Parikh Saurin B. , Ozbaki-Yagan Nejla , Wacholder Aaron , Iannotta John , Berger Alexis , Carvunis Anne-Ruxandra , O’Donnell Allyson F.
Published: August 2024

Novel proteins can originatede novofrom non-coding DNA and contribute to species-specific adaptations. It is challenging to conceive howde novoemerging proteins may integrate pre-existing cellular systems to bring about beneficial traits, given that their sequences are previously unseen by the cell. To address this apparent paradox, we investigated 26de novoemerging proteins previously associated with growth benefits in yeast. Microscopy revealed that these beneficial emerging proteins preferentially localize to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Sequence and structure analyses uncovered a common protein organization among all ER-localizing beneficial emerging proteins, characterized by a short hydrophobic C-terminus immediately preceded by a transmembrane domain. Using genetic and biochemical approaches, we showed that ER localization of beneficial emerging proteins requires the GET and SND pathways, both of which are evolutionarily conserved and known to recognize transmembrane domains to promote post-translational ER insertion. The abundance of ER-localizing beneficial emerging proteins was regulated by conserved proteasome- and vacuole-dependent processes, through mechanisms that appear to be facilitated by the emerging proteins’ C-termini. Consequently, we propose that evolutionarily conserved pathways can convergently govern the cellular processing ofde novoemerging proteins with unique sequences, likely owing to common underlying protein organization patterns.
Measurement model of readiness for online testing of undergraduate students in Thailand’s distance education programs
Authors: Laosum Thanyasinee
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to develop a model for readiness measurement and to study readiness levels for online testing of undergraduate students in Thailand’s distance education programs.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 870 undergraduate students enrolled in the 2022 academic year of a Thai university were sampled for the study. The samples were divided into two groups: Group 1 comprised 432 students who underwent exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and Group 2 comprised 438 students who underwent second-order confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Both were multi-stage random samples. Descriptive statistics, item-total correlations (ITCs), coefficient correlations, EFA and second-order CFA were used.

Findings

The readiness for the online testing model comprised 5 factors and 33 indicators. These included self-efficacy (SE) in utilizing technology (nine indicators), self-directed learning (SL) for readiness testing (six indicators), adequacy of technology (AT) for testing (five indicators), acceptance of online testing (AC) (seven indicators) and readiness training for testing (six indicators). The model was congruent with empirical data, and the survey results indicated that students were highly prepared at the “high” level.

Practical implications

This study disclosed several factors and indicators involved in the readiness for online testing. The university may use these findings in preparing its students for online testing for better achievement.

Originality/value

These findings may serve as a framework for the analysis of the readiness issues for online testing of undergraduate students and also offer guidance to the universities preparing to offer online testing.
Cloud-based Building Information Modelling (CBIM): software engineers' insights into improving asset information quality
Authors: Chang Janet , Xie Xiang , Parlikad Ajith Kumar
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This research investigates the capabilities of Cloud-based Building Information Modelling (CBIM) in managing quality asset information, drawing upon software engineers' perspectives. Compelling statistics highlight the relationship between building information and environmental sustainability. However, despite the growing utilisation of CBIM in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry, a significant knowledge gap remains concerning its effectiveness in maintaining quality asset information.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed an exploratory qualitative approach, utilising semi-structured interviews with thirteen software engineers actively developing technological solutions for the AEC industry. Following thematic analysis, the findings are categorised into four dimensions: strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and technological limitations. Subsequently, these findings are analysed in relation to previously identified information quality problems.

Findings

This research reveals that while CBIM improves project coordination and information accessibility, its effectiveness is challenged by the need for manual updates, vulnerability to human errors and dependency on network services. Technological limitations, notably the absence of automated updates for as-built drawings and the risk of data loss during file conversions in the design phase, coupled with its reduced capability to validate context-specific information from the user's viewpoint, emphasise the urgent need for managerial strategies to maximise CBIM's capabilities in addressing information quality problems.

Originality/value

This study augments the understanding of CBIM, highlighting the managerial implications of a robust information management process to safeguard information integrity. This approach fosters sustainable practices anchored in reliable information essential for achieving desired outcomes. The findings also have broader managerial implications, especially for sectors that employ CBIM as an instrumental tool.
Are construction enterprises with higher niches more willing to implement compliance behavior?
Authors: Wang Zhixiu , Ye Kunhui
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Construction enterprises increase their competitive advantage by joining the project ecosystem, but the dual nature of the enterprise’s niche has attracted attention, and existing research has gaps in understanding niche and ecosystem governance issues. This study aims to promote ecosystem compliance governance by exploring the impact of the niche of the key role of construction enterprises on compliance behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the study proposes a model on the impact of the enterprise's niche on its compliance behavior and the mediating role of the enterprise's perception of sanctions and the moderating role of a shared vision for compliance of ecological partners within these relationships. Second, we used 205 samples, who were Chinese contractors with international construction project experience through a questionnaire survey. Third, the study conducted a hierarchical regression to test the hypothesis.

Findings

The results show that construction enterprises with a wider niche or with a higher degree of niche overlap are more inclined to performance compliance. Enterprises' perception of sanctions plays a part in mediating the enterprise's niche and compliance behavior. The relationship between enterprises' perception of sanctions and compliance behavior can be moderated by the shared vision for compliance of ecological partners. Given a low compliance shared vision of ecological partners, the impact of enterprise perception of sanctions on compliance behavior is positively stronger.

Practical implications

The findings provide valuable evidence upon which ecosystem governance needs to focus and leverage the role of key members, using the advantageous resources of key members as a fulcrum to leverage a larger governance scope. Construction enterprises should keep improving their niche and the shared vision for partners' compliance to promote the evolution and upgrading of cooperation to an ecosystem model that creates greater value.

Originality/value

This study provides new insights for future compliance governance in the project ecosystem by introducing the concept of niche and answering whether construction enterprises with a higher niche in the project ecosystem are more willing to implement compliance behavior.
Brewing success: Woolah’s bagless tea dip for sustainable sipping
Authors: Nigam Namita , Mohanty Devi Archana , Agarwal Puja Shree
Published: August 2024

Learning outcomes

After completion of the case study, students will be able to identify the strategic key components of the Woolah tea brand through the business model canvas framework, to evaluate the major challenges faced by different stakeholders, to analyse the potential effects of bagless tea dip innovation and understand the principles of design thinking and its application in developing innovative solutions, to assess the strategic framework of Woolah tea brand to scale up its business and operations and to align the Woolah tea brand’s sustainability practices with a triple bottom line approach and contribution to UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Case overview/synopsis

Upamanyu Borkakoty and Anshuman Bharali, the founder duo of Woolah tea, began their entrepreneurial journey on a noble note. They recognised that plastic tea bags, which customers worldwide consume, create harmful health effects in the form of microplastic. They aimed to provide an authentic and sustainable tea experience while making it microplastic-free. When the world is heading towards securing a sustainable future, they envisioned adding a feather to it by proposing their Truedips. The USP of their product is Truedips – a tea ball they prepare by compressing one bud and two premier leaves. The founders were convinced that their innovative idea of tea consumption would provide customers with an authentic and exhilarating experience. However, there were dilemmas and roadblocks. They faced roadblocks related to the farmer’s traditional approach to growing tea, untrained tea growers, lack of financial assistance and customer readiness for a bagless tea experience. The dilemmas they faced related to their customer acceptance of their idea and the price affordability of the product. The big question hovering around was the customer’s feedback and acceptance of the product.

Complexity academic level

This case study suits graduate and postgraduate business administration students and other management programmes. The case study can also be used for business, marketing, design thinking, innovation and and social entrepreneurship courses.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 3: Entrepreneurship.
Bridging power and fairness: unravelling the impact of informal networks on organisational justice in the ARAB region
Authors: Al-Twal Arwa , Alsarhan Fadi , Nabulsi Leen , Horani Christina
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Wasta, the prevailing form of informal networks in the Arab region, exerts a significant controversial influence on organisations in this region. Despite the pervasive negative perceptions and alleged detrimental effects of Wasta, it remains a frequently employed practice. This research aims to comprehensively explore the influence of Wasta on organisational justice across organisations in the Arab world, with Jordanian organisations taken as an illustrative case.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 employees from various industries in Jordan.

Findings

The study reveals that Wasta significantly affects distributive, procedural and interactional justice within organisations, eliciting feelings of unfairness and hopelessness among employees.

Practical implications

This study recommends that HR departments focus on implementing ethical policies and standards to enhance transparency in organisational decision-making processes. By understanding and addressing the implications of Wasta, organisations can foster a more just and equitable workplace environment.

Originality/value

This study advances our understanding of informal network theories in the Arab world by highlighting the interconnectedness between Wasta and organisational justice, and its profound impact on the work environment and employees. This study also explains how Wasta directly influences decision-making processes, at high managerial levels.
Service satisfaction among a language minority: a randomized survey experiment on the satisfaction of Swedish-speaking Finns with early childhood education
Authors: Vento Isak , Eklund Jesper , Schauman Jonas
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study explores the effect of language on service satisfaction among Finland-Swedes, a national minority language group in Finland, in the context of early childhood education. Models of public service satisfaction hold standard process and outcome related factors, such as availability and quality, as drivers of the satisfaction. However, although research has shown significant variation in satisfaction between different groups of citizens (race, ethnicity, age etc.), research has largely overlooked group specific factors as explanations for the satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

A randomized survey experiment with a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design analyzed the impacts of language, service accessibility, and quality on service satisfaction. The data was analyzed with ANOVA.

Findings

The results revealed that language significantly impacts Swedish speakers’ satisfaction, suggesting that for minority groups, language may override typical satisfaction determinants like quality and accessibility. Interestingly, special linguistic needs are relatively more pertinent in low-quality services than in higher-quality ones.

Originality/value

The study shows how group related factors of public service, in our case language, in an important factor explaining satisfaction with the service. The findings have implications for the literature on citizens’ satisfaction with public services with demographic and identity facets, especially in a typical Nordic welfare state.
A low-emission pathway for tourism passenger transport in small and medium-sized urban destinations – case of Yilan, Taiwan
Authors: Lin Yung-Hsin , Nitivattananon Vilas
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The nexus of transport and tourism is critical to the 2021 Glasgow Declaration which sets out the net zero by 2050 goal for global tourism in the context of the Paris Agreement. Numerous small and medium-sized urban destinations (SMUDs) populated under one million are constrained by a limited capacity to manage visitor flows and increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This paper aims to develop an analytical approach for urban practitioners, based on a case study in Taiwan, to identify the low-emission pathway and strategies for tourism passenger transport.

Design/methodology/approach

A GHG emissions assessment and scenario analysis were enabled by historical activity data from official sources and projected scenario data from the International Energy Agency. The scenarios were established based on the avoid-shift-improve framework for low-carbon transport.

Findings

To drive tourism passenger transport to a low-emission pathway compatible with the Paris Agreement goal, three low-carbon transport strategies, i.e. “Avoid,” “Shift” and “Improve,” shall be applied all together, with a focus on “improving” the efficiency of heavy-duty vehicles and rail transport. Meanwhile, alternative tourism and integrated transport policy packages could enhance demand-side management of visitors’ mobility, enabling the “avoid” and “shift” strategies.

Originality/value

Unlike most studies that have focused on large cities or small tourist areas, this paper addressed our knowledge gap regarding the low-emission pathway for tourism transport in numerous SMUDs compatible with a 1.5°C world. The proposed analytical approach can help policymakers assess effective strategies toward the targeted pathway.