bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of the Regulatory Elements and Protein Substrates of Lysine Acetoacetylation
Authors: Fu Qianyun , Nguyen Terry , Kumar Bhoj , Azadi Parastoo , Zheng Y. George
Published: November 2024

Short chain fatty acylations establish connections between cell metabolism and regulatory pathways. Lysine acetoacetylation (Kacac) was recently identified as a new histone mark. However, regulatory elements, substrate proteins, and epigenetic functions of Kacac remain unknown, hindering further in-depth understanding of acetoacetate modulated (patho)physiological processes. Here, we created a chemo-immunological approach for reliable detection of Kacac, and demonstrated that acetoacetate serves as the primary precursor for histone Kacac. We report the enzymatic addition of the Kacac mark by the acyltransferases GCN5, p300, and PCAF, and its removal by deacetylase HDAC3. Furthermore, we establish acetoacetyl-CoA synthetase (AACS) as a key regulator of cellular Kacac levels. A comprehensive proteomic analysis has identified 139 Kacac sites on 85 human proteins. Bioinformatics analysis of Kacac substrates and RNA-seq data reveal the broad impacts of Kacac on multifaceted cellular processes. These findings unveil pivotal regulatory mechanisms for the acetoacetate-mediated Kacac pathway, opening a new avenue for further investigation into ketone body functions in various pathophysiological states.
Structural context modulates the conformational ensemble of the intrinsically disordered amino terminus of α-synuclein
Authors: Dumarieh Rania , Lagasca Dominique , Krishna Sakshi , Kragelj Jaka , Xiao Yiling , Frederick Kendra K.
Published: November 2024

Regions of intrinsic disorder play crucial roles in biological systems, yet they often elude characterization by conventional biophysical techniques. To capture conformational distributions across different timescales, we employed a freezing approach coupled with solid-state NMR analysis. Using segmentally isotopically labeled α-synuclein (α-syn), we investigated the conformational preferences of the six alanines, three glycines, and a single site (L8) in the disordered amino terminus under three distinct conditions: in 8 M urea, as a frozen monomer in buffer, and within the disordered regions flanking the amyloid core. The experimental spectra varied significantly among these conditions and deviated from those of a statistical coil. In 8 M urea, monomeric α-syn exhibited the most restricted conformational sampling, rarely accessing chemical shifts characteristic of α-helices or β-strands. In buffer, monomeric α-syn showed broader conformational sampling, favoring α-helical conformations and, to a lesser extent, random coil states. Notably, amino acids in the disordered regions flanking the amyloid core demonstrated the most extensive conformational sampling, with broad peaks encompassing the entire range of possible chemical shifts and a marked preference for highly extended β-strand conformations. Collectively, this work demonstrates that intrinsically disordered regions exhibit distinct conformational preferences, which are influenced not only by the chemical environment but also by the conformations of adjacent protein sequences. The differences in the conformational ensembles of the disordered amino terminus may explain why the monomer and the amyloid form of α-syn interact with different biomolecules inside cells.
Biofunctional coating of synthetic magnetic nanoparticles enables magnetogenetic control of protein functions inside cells
Authors: Kappen Marie , Gemperle Jakub , Secret Emilie , Flesch Julia , Caswell Patrick , Coppey Mathieu , Dahan Maxime , Menager Christine , Liße Domenik , Piehler Jacob
Published: November 2024

Remote control of cellular functions via magnetic forces offers unique opportunities in fundamental research and biomedical application. Intracellular delivery of functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) provides versatile opportunities to assemble signalling platforms for spatiotemporal control by magnetic forces. Such magnetogenetic application, however, has remained highly challenging due to a lack of MNP providing suitable biological, physicochemical and magnetic properties. Here, we achieved single-step surface coating of synthetic maghemite core nanoparticles with green fluo-rescent protein fused to the iron binding site of Mms6 from magnetotactic bacteria. We yielded MNP with intracellular stealth properties (syMagIcS), which could be readily biofunctionalizedin situand translocated within cells via magnetic field gradients. We successfully exploited syMagIcS for spati-otemporal control of Rac1 signalling at the plasma membrane via its guanine nucleotide exchange factor protein TIAM1 and for spatial control of liquid-liquid phase separation using the intrinsically disordered domain of the protein DDX4.
The adolescent frontal cortex shows stronger population-level encoding of information than the adult during a putative sensitive period
Authors: Klinger Madeline E. , Wang Hongli , Tai Lung-Hao , Qü Albert J. , Murphy Mei , Wilbrecht Linda
Published: November 2024

Adolescence is considered to be a sensitive period for brain development, but it is not clear how the neocortex functions differently at this stage. We hypothesized that if there is a sensitive period in the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC) during adolescence, then we might find this area shows stronger encoding of task-related information at adolescent ages than at adult ages. To enable optical access to task-related layer 2/3 neural activity in the developing mouse, we imaged mice under a 2-photon microscope while they learned an auditory go/no-go task. We found adolescent mice (postnatal day P30-45) learned the task to criterion faster than adult mice (P60-75). When we compared neural activity in expert mice with comparable performance between the two age groups, we found that a similar fraction of single cells encoded task variables in the two groups. However, task information could be better decoded from the adolescent dmPFC population activity than the adult, even when we controlled for differences in head-fixed running. Adolescents also showed greater noise correlation than adults, and shuffling to remove this noise correlation suggested noise correlation contributed to gain of function in adolescent compared to adult brain. We suggest a working model for an adolescent sensitive period in the frontal association cortex in which greater capacity for distributed encoding of information in the adolescent dmPFC underlies increased sensitivity to experiences that occur at this stage of life.
Thalamic integration of basal ganglia and cerebellar circuits during motor learning
Authors: Roth Richard H. , Muniak Michael A. , Huang Charles J. , Hwang Fuu-Jiun , Sun Yue , Min Cierra , Mao Tianyi , Ding Jun B.
Published: November 2024

The ability to control movement and learn new motor skills is one of the fundamental functions of the brain. The basal ganglia (BG) and the cerebellum (CB) are two key brain regions involved in controlling movement, and neuronal plasticity within these two regions is crucial for acquiring new motor skills. However, how these regions interact to produce a cohesive unified motor output remains elusive. Here, we discovered that a subset of neurons in the motor thalamus receive converging synaptic inputs from both BG and CB. By performing multi-site fiber photometry in mice learning motor tasks, we found that motor thalamus neurons integrate BG and CB signals and show distinct movement-related activity. Lastly, we found a critical role of these thalamic neurons and their BG and CB inputs in motor learning and control. These results identify the thalamic convergence of BG and CB and its crucial role in integrating movement signals.
Dentate Gyrus Norepinephrine Ramping Facilitates Aversive Contextual Processing
Authors: Zhang Eric T. , Saglimbeni Grace S. , Feng Jiesi , Li Yulong , Bruchas Michael R.
Published: November 2024

Dysregulation in aversive contextual processing is believed to affect several forms of psychopathology, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The dentate gyrus (DG) is an important brain region in contextual discrimination and disambiguation of new experiences from prior memories. The DG also receives dense projections from the locus coeruleus (LC), the primary source of norepinephrine (NE) in the mammalian brain, which is active during stressful events. However, how noradrenergic dynamics impact DG-dependent function during contextual discrimination and pattern separation remains unclear. Here, we report that aversive contextual processing in mice is linked to linear elevations in tonic norepinephrine release dynamics within the DG and report that this engagement of prolonged norepinephrine release is sufficient to produce contextual disambiguation, even in the absence of a salient aversive stimulus. These findings suggest that spatiotemporal ramping characteristics of LC-NE release in the DG during stress likely serve an important role in driving contextual processing.
Phyllanthus urinaria extract as a potential anti-corrosion agent for steel reinforcement in simulated marine environments
Authors: Vo Tung Hoang , Nguyen Phuong Thi Hoai , Nguyen Truong Tai , Nguyen Nhu Thi , Nguyen Duc Dinh , La Duc D.
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Corrosion of steel in marine environments poses a significant economic and environmental challenge because of its detrimental effects on marine structures and equipment. Traditional chemical inhibitors that mitigate corrosion often introduce harmful substances into the environment. As a result, there is a growing interest in exploring eco-friendly alternatives, such as plant-derived inhibitors, to reduce the environmental impact of corrosion protection strategies. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of Phyllanthus urinaria extract as a green anti-corrosion additive for rebar steel in marine conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

Phyllanthus urinaria extract was prepared in the ethanol solution with the assistance of a sonicator. The steel’s surface upon addition of the extract was characterized using SEM, EDX and FTIR analysis. The electrochemical corrosion characteristics, including potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, were used to evaluate the inhibitory performance of the extract on steel under simulated marine conditions (3.5% NaCl solutions).

Findings

The results of this study showed that with Phyllanthus urinaria extract’s content of 0.02% in NaCl solution of 3.5%, the corrosion rate decreased to about 30% compared to the controlled sample. Measurements of the inhibitory mechanism analysis study for all solutions from 0 mg/L to 1.114 mg/L of polyphenol from Phyllanthus urinaria extract showed a significant reduction in rebar corrosion rate, especially with 0.2228 mg/L polyphenol. Reinforcement can increase corrosion inhibition by up to 30% compared to the control sample.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study of using Phyllanthus urinaria extract as green inhibitor for protection of steel from the corrosion in the simulated marine solution. The protective mechanism for steel using Phyllanthus urinaria extract was investigated using the FTIR, SEM, EDX and electrochemical analysis. The results indicated that the polyphenols in the extract showed inhibition that could minimize the corrosion of reinforcement in marine environments.
How far can I trust you? Understanding the social identity perspective of trust development in global virtual teams
Authors: Mumtaz Sana , Nadeem Sadia
Published: November 2024

Purpose

New technologies, digitalization tools, and the changing world of work have created a virtual, multicultural, and crossborder environment within organizations. Consequently, a growing body of international business literature is focusing on global virtual teams. However, the research so far has focused more on work-based challenges and outcomes of global virtual teams, with limited attention to long-term trust development between members in these teams. This gap is the key focus of the present research.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, data were collected from 19 interviewees of various nationalities who were part of global virtual teams to understand trust development and identity changes. Afterwards, the NVivo software was used, and findings were generated using the “thematic analysis approach.”

Findings

The findings suggested that individuals working in global virtual teams perceived that such a work arrangement had a positive effect on their work performance; however, it had several negative consequences for their social and nonwork lives. Further, while many team members were able to develop swift and cognitive trust with their global virtual team members, the development of affective trust was less common. Also, exposure to multicultural team members, albeit remotely, resulted in most of the individuals embracing (perceived positive) changes in their behaviors and attitudes, thus reflecting a gradual move toward globalization of the workforce values, yet simultaneously creating greater uncertainty and complexity in their identity and work values.

Originality/value

Using the findings, a novel process model, i.e. “the social identity perspective of trust development in global virtual teams” has been proposed, which offers a step-wise guidance regarding how affect-based trust may be developed in global virtual teams in various stages.
Evaluation for digital transformation capability of construction enterprises: a case study in China
Authors: Ma Ruiyang , Mao Chao , Yuan Jiayin , Jiang Chengtao , Lou Peiliang
Published: November 2024

Purpose

With the development of a new generation of digital technologies, digital transformation (DT) has become an inevitable trend for enterprises to achieve development in various industries. Nevertheless, the contradiction between the “fragmented” use of digital technologies and the “systematic” transformation of the industry leads to the underperformance of DT in the construction industry. Whilst previous studies have examined why DT is needed and how separate digital technologies can be used in construction projects, they failed to specify effective tools that can help enterprises identify key resources that facilitate DT from the organisational perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

This study established an objective assessment framework for evaluating the digital transformation capability (DTC) of construction enterprises in identifying limitations in their transformation efforts. This study also established a management entropy quantitative model and a comprehensive capability evaluation model of DT to analyse the DT performance of construction enterprises from the internal and external perspectives. Data were collected from 95 listed enterprises in China’s construction industry in 2020 as a case study.

Findings

This study concluded that enterprise profitability provides a strong endogenous driving force for DT. Research and development capabilities and DT proficiency of enterprises are the most critical factors in facilitating DT. In addition, China’s construction enterprises' DT was characterised by uneven development and low orderliness. The lack of a unified digital integration platform is key to cracking the dilemma.

Originality/value

This paper systematically identified key DTC in construction enterprises and proposed an objective framework for measuring DTC to enhance the DT performance of these enterprises.
Lifelong learning paradigm and socioeconomic sustainability: towards employment growth of vocational trainers in Pakistan
Authors: Asad Muhammad Mujtaba , Basit Abdul , Churi Prathamesh , Almusharraf Norah
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Inspired by the neoclassical economic theory and endogenous growth theories, where former studies suggest that the economic growth of a country can be observed through the combination of three factors. Those three factors include capital, the number of labour forces (human capital) and technology. This research was initiated to study the impact of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) sector on the socioeconomic and employment growth of TVET trainers in Pakistan, which is also supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, quantitative research methods and survey research design have been used. Data were collected using an adapted survey questionnaire from 520 participants. The participants of this study were TVET trainers from different skill-based organizations. Whereas, the collected data was analysed using SPSS 27.0, and the Spearman correlation was used to analyse the relationship and strength of association between the constructs.

Findings

Findings of this study indicate that the skill-based education through the TVET sector has a highly positive impact on TVET trainers’ employment, socioeconomic growth of vocational trainers and quality standards of living of the TVET trainers. Whereas, the findings also revealed that this skill-based education has a relatively weak relationship with the traditional content-based education as compared to other targeted variables in the skill development sector which influence the socioeconomic growth of the TVET trainers in Pakistan and similar contexts.

Practical implications

This study highlights that the TVET has a significant impact on the socioeconomic growth and development of TVET trainers in the context of Pakistan. From the results, international agencies, economists, politicians and policymakers in Pakistan will get some valuable insights to develop policies accordingly which will promote TVET in the country and make a significant contribution to the socioeconomic growth of TVET trainers in particular and the country in general.

Social implications

This study also promotes the economical sustainability and value creation among vocational education trainers in TVET and skill-based organizations to further strengthen their professional development and growth in Pakistan.

Originality/value

This is one of the few studies which specifies the impact of the skilled-based education and training sector on the socioeconomic growth and development of TVET trainers in Pakistan, particularly in rural contexts or less privileged areas.
Exploring the impact of fintech innovation on dividend payout decisions: the roles of intellectual capital and board characteristics
Authors: Baig Mushahid Hussain , Xu Jin , Shahzad Faisal , Rehman Ijaz Ur , Ali Rizwan
Published: November 2024

Purpose

We empirically investigate the impact of fintech innovation on dividend payout (DP) decisions. In addition, we also examine the mediated and moderated role of intellectual capital (IC) and board characteristics (BC) respectively in the fintech innovation-DP relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 9,441 firm-year observations over the period 2014–2022, we develop a structural model that encompasses fintech innovation, IC, BC and DP decisions. We utilize fixed effects regression to empirically test the model. A battery of tests such as the two-step Generalized Method of Moment, Heckman’s two-stage selection correction and Difference-in-Difference regression are used to check the robustness and sensitivity of the estimates.

Findings

Our results suggest that fintech innovation significantly and positively impacts DP decisions and IC partially mediates the fintech innovation–DP relationship. In addition, BC such as independence, age and gender diversity are found to moderate this relationship.

Originality/value

This study’s originality lies in its micro-level analysis of the impact of fintech innovation on DP decisions, considering a novel firm-level innovation metric derived from patent applications. To our knowledge, no previous work has empirically examined the mediating role of IC and the moderating influence of BC in the fintech innovation–DP relationship, offering a unique perspective on the complex interactions shaping dividend policies in the digital era.
Exploring the Internet of Things adoption in the Fourth Industrial Revolution: a comprehensive scientometric analysis
Authors: Parra-Sánchez Diana Teresa
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study examines the adoption of the Internet of Things (IoT) within the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) context, using a comprehensive scientometric analysis to map the evolution of IoT adoption.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilising data sourced from Scopus and analysed through CiteSpace, this research encompasses documents from 2018 to early 2024. It employs a two-phase analysis methodology, starting with a descriptive exploration of publication trends that provides an overview of the IoT adoption field by presenting yearly publication statistics. The second phase of the study encompasses a detailed scientometric analysis, including co-citation and burst analysis.

Findings

The research underscores significant growth in IoT adoption studies and their broadening impact across various sectors. Key advancements include addressing security challenges, integrating IoT with emerging technologies like blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI) and applying these in critical areas such as agriculture and healthcare.

Practical implications

This article is a valuable resource for stakeholders in the digital ecosystem – including policymakers, educational institutions and industry leaders – engaged with IoT adoption in the context of the 4IR .

Originality/value

This article contributes to the literature by providing a scientometric analysis that charts the development of IoT adoption research within the framework of the fourth industrial revolution, presenting a unique perspective on its integration with other cutting-edge technologies.
The compensatory protective effects of organizational and supervisor support for nurses’ morale in sickness presenteeism: a three-way moderated mediation model
Authors: Wu Hsin-Pei , Lu Luo
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The present study explored sickness presenteeism as a linchpin connecting prolonged working hours to elevated turnover intention among hospital nurses (mediation). In addition, we examined the joint moderating effects of organizational health care support and supervisor support on the second stage of the “long working hours-presenteeism-turnover” process (three-way moderated mediation).

Design/methodology/approach

We conducted a two-wave survey to collect data over a four-month period from hospital nurses in Taiwan. The final sample for analysis had 294 nurses.

Findings

We found that presenteeism partially mediated the elevated turnover intention after working long hours four months later. We also found a significant three-way moderation effect of organizational health care support and supervisor support on the positive relationship between presenteeism and turnover intention. Specifically, nurses reported the lowest turnover intention with high levels of both organizational healthcare and supervisor support, the highest turnover intention with both support being low, and the intermediate level of turnover intention when any one of the support was high.

Practical implications

Organizations should build a positive work environment through organizational health care support and supervisor support to retain talents.

Originality/value

Our findings suggested that support resources of different origins (organization-level vs line supervisor) can compensate for one another to protect the employees in demanding work conditions. Our moderated mediation model exploring the psychosocial context of presenteeism has theoretical contributions pivoting on the interplay of resources at different levels in the organization as well as practical implications for presenteeism management.
Can you develop self-awareness? Only if you are willing
Authors: Rhee Kenneth , Sigler Tracey
Published: November 2024

Purpose

We examine how leaders can become more self-aware in one graduate program that helped students develop their leadership competencies and become more accurate in their self-assessment of those competencies.

Design/methodology/approach

The Master of Science in Executive Leadership and Organizational Change program was created in response to the challenge of developing and accessing leaders in emotional and social intelligence competencies.

Findings

The analysis of student self-assessments and assessments by others at the beginning and end of the program provided the data for our research, showing empirical evidence of leadership development and improvement.

Research limitations/implications

The study examined students in one program at one university so the generalizability of results is not clear. We have no way to rule out other experiences students had during the two-year period. We chose a single approach to measuring accuracy of self-assessment, future research may compare the results from a variety of approaches to this measurement issue.

Practical implications

We describe the program that helped students develop leadership competencies, develop the self-awareness necessary to take action as a leader and calibrate a more accurate self-assessment of leadership competencies over a two-year period.

Originality/value

We demonstrate how one leadership development program can help all students become more accurate in their self-assessments. We do not need different development programs to help one group of leaders gain confidence and another for leaders who are overly confident. An educational curriculum can foster transformational learning that enables ongoing leader development (Petriglieri, Wood, & Petriglieri, 2011). Academic programs can create experiences that help students develop and increase their self-awareness so that they are confident enough to put their learning into action. Like effective leadership development programs (Van Velsor, McCauley, Ruderman, & Ruderman, 2010), management education programs can incorporate assessment, feedback and support so that students become the effective and outstanding leaders the world needs.
On the estimation of the switching moment of utility functions in cooperative differential games
Authors: Ye Peichen , Tur Anna , Wu Yilun
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to emphasize that it is necessary to consider possible “switches” when constructing dynamic models. We consider a class of differential games with switching utility functions.

Design/methodology/approach

We assume that the players do not have exact information about the switching moments. The problem is to compute the optimal estimate of the unknown such moment that minimizes the players’ losses in the worst case. Two scenarios are considered: (1) the players have the same estimate and (2) the players have different estimates of the switching moment. An example of an investment problem is given, and optimal controls and trajectories are calculated analytically using Pontryagin’s maximum principle.

Findings

The analysis provides a simple rule for choosing the optimal estimate. It is shown that the players’ optimal estimates are identical in both scenarios.

Originality/value

To date, no research has addressed the optimal estimation of uncertainty switching moments in a two-player differential game involving utility function switching. Our study offers detailed estimates of switching moments in the cooperative case. This allows players to thoroughly evaluate the performance of various estimated switching times and make well-informed conclusions.
Stable isotope analysis indicates partial mycoheterotrophy in arbuscular mycorrhizal woody seedlings in tropical forests
Authors: Zahn Franziska E. , Contreras Blexein , Engelbrecht Bettina M. J. , Gebauer Gerhard
Published: November 2024

Chlorophyllous plants exhibiting partial mycoheterotrophy obtain carbon through mycorrhizal interactions in addition to photosynthesis. In arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) plants, the Paris‐morphotype (i.e. hyphal coils) is considered essential for mycoheterotrophic carbon gains. Numerous tree species in tropical lowland forests form this morphotype, and under light‐ and nutrient‐limitation, additional carbon gain would be beneficial. However, if seedlings of woody species in the understory of tropical lowland forests exhibit partial mycoheterotrophy remains unexplored.

Here we (a) examined the AM morphotype (Paris‐ or Arum‐type) in seedlings of 41 tropical woody species, and (b) to determine if any of the target Paris‐type species are partially mycoheterotrophic, we compared their multi‐element stable isotope natural abundance (13C, 2H, 18O, 15N) with neighbouring autotrophic non‐Paris‐type reference seedlings.

About 50% of the investigated species (and 80% of the genera) exhibited the Paris‐type, expanding the number of tropical plant genera with Paris‐type AM. Enrichment in 13C, but not in 18O in target compared with neighbouring reference plants indicated partial mycoheterotrophy in seedlings of 6 of the 21 investigated Paris‐type AM species.

Our results indicate for the first time that carbon gain through mycoheterotrophy occurs in seedlings of AM tropical tree species. In tropical forests, partial mycoheterotrophy during seedling establishment may confer so far unrecognised ecological advantages influencing seedling recruitment and ecosystem dynamics.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Citizen science observations shed light on how anthropogenic food sources influence wildlife disease
Authors: Sauer Erin L.
Published: November 2024

Research Highlight: Knutie, S., Bahouth, R., Bertone, M., Webb, C., Mehta, M., Nahom, M., Barta, R., Ghai, S., Love, A., Horan, S., Soldo, A., Cochrane, E., Bartholomew, J., Cowan, E., Bjerke, H., Balenger, S., Butler, M., Cornell, A., Kennedy, A., Rolland, V., Schultz, E., Stanback, M., Taff, C., Albery, G. (2024). Understanding spatiotemporal effects of food supplementation on host–parasite interactions using community‐based science. Journal of Animal Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365‐2656.14155. Wildlife have become increasingly dependent on anthropogenic food supplementation, resulting in altered nutritional intake and inter‐ and intraspecific interactions. Subsequently, supplemental feeding can affect both the immunological function of individuals and transmission dynamics among individuals and species. The magnitude of the effect supplemental feeding has on disease is likely to vary across time and space with the nutritional demands of hosts. However, the broad temporal or spatial scale effects of supplementation are poorly understood. Recently, Knutie et al. (2024) introduced their citizen science program, the Nest Parasite Community Project, a broadscale coordinated effort by scientists and the public to monitor box nesting wild birds and their ectoparasites across the eastern United States. The authors amassed an impressive 4‐year data set with hundreds of nests spanning the entire US breeding range of Eastern bluebirds (Sialia sialis). In the first study to come from the project, the authors demonstrate that the effects of food supplementation on host–parasite interactions vary across time and space and do not consistently influence host–parasite outcomes, highlighting that host–parasite interactions are often context dependent and influenced by many environmental factors (e.g. weather and habitat quality). The authors also found that supplemental feeding increases host fitness, regardless of parasitism. The study provides strong evidence that citizen science projects can help broaden our understanding of how human food sources influence wildlife disease in various environmental contexts.
Morphological phenotyping of the aging cochlea in inbred C57BL/6N and outbred CD1 mouse strains
Authors: Attanasio Chiara , Palladino Antonio , Giaquinto Daniela , Scavizzi Ferdinando , Raspa Marcello , Peres Chiara , Anastasio Camilla , Scocco Paola , Lucini Carla , de Girolamo Paolo , D'Angelo Livia , De Felice Elena
Published: November 2024

Morphological mouse phenotyping plays a pivotal role in the translational setting and even more in the area of auditory research, where mouse is a central model organism due to the evolutionary genetic relationship and morpho‐functional analogies with the human auditory system. However, some results obtained in murine models cannot be translated to humans due to the inadequate description of experimental conditions underlying poor reproducibility. We approach the characterization of the aging process of the mouse cochlea in animals up to 18 months of age belonging to two of the most used outbred (CD1) and inbred (C57BL/6N) strains. Striving to reduce any environmental variable we performed our study compliantly to the ARRIVE guidelines. We integrated instrumental data (auditory brainstem response test), with morphological analyses to correlate functional discrepancies to morphological changes and track the differences in the evolution of sensorineural hearing loss in the two strains. We featured the localization of Gipc3, Myosin VIIa, and TMC1 in hair cells of the Corti organ as well as NF 200 and the density of type I neuron in the spiral ganglion. We outlined age‐related hearing loss (ARHL) in both strains, and a clear drop in the selected marker localization. However, in CD1 we detected a different trend allowing the identification of potential strain‐specific mechanisms, namely an increase in myosin VIIa in 6 months aging mice in comparison to 2 months old animals. Our findings represent an asset to investigate the strain‐dependent physiological trigger of ARHL providing new insights in the translational area.
Impact of phosphatidylethanol in the surveillance for alcohol use in post‐liver transplant population: A retrospective study
Authors: De La Torre Sergio A. , Ibrahim Brittney , Meneses Katherine , Saab Sammy , Shetty Akshay
Published: November 2024

Background

Alcohol‐related liver disease (ALD) is the leading indication for liver transplantation in the United States. The aim of this study was to describe the impact of phosphatidylethanol (PEth) in the surveillance for alcohol use after liver transplantation.

Methods

We conducted a single‐center retrospective study to assess the impact of phosphatidylethanol (PEth) for the surveillance of alcohol use and its correlation to health outcomes. We compared orthotopic liver transplant (OLT) recipients for ALD transplanted between 2016 and 2018, before the introduction of PEth, to those transplanted between 2019 and 2022, after the introduction of PEth. Alcohol relapse versus nonrelapse cohorts were also compared. Follow‐up time for all cohorts was limited to 3 years post‐OLT. Continuous variables were analyzed with an independent t‐test and categorical variables with Fischer's exact test and chi‐square test. The Kaplan–Meier method and log‐rank test were used to assess alcohol‐free survival.

Results

We reviewed 263 patients who were transplanted for ALD; 46 (17.5%) patients were noted to have at least one episode of alcohol relapse after their transplant. Patients with alcohol relapse had more frequent episodes of elevated liver enzymes compared with nonrelapsed patients (4.35 episodes vs. 2.46 episodes respectively, p < 0.001). The number of hospitalizations was also noted to be elevated among relapsed versus nonrelapsed patients; however, this was not statistically significant (2.85 vs. 2.50 respectively, p = 0.307). When comparing relapse rates before and after the introduction of PEth, relapses were notably detected more frequently after the introduction of PEth (17% vs. 7%, p = 0.012). No difference was noted in rates of mortality between patients who did or did not relapse.

Conclusions

Overall, PEth is an effective surveillance tool in the postliver transplant population to monitor for alcohol relapse. Early detection of relapse can lead to opportunities for early intervention to avoid alcohol‐related complications.
Cost–utility analysis of provision of e‐cigarette starter kits for smoking cessation in emergency departments: An economic evaluation of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Li Jinshuo , Wu Qi , Parrott Steve , Pope Ian , Clark Lucy V. , Clark Allan , Ward Emma , Belderson Pippa , Stirling Susan , Coats Timothy J. , Bauld Linda , Holland Richard , Gentry Sarah , Agrawal Sanjay , Bloom Benjamin M. , Boyle Adrian , Gray Alasdair , Morris M. Geraint , Livingstone‐Banks Jonathan , Notley Caitlin
Published: November 2024

Aims

To assess the cost‐effectiveness of the Cessation of Smoking Trial in Emergency Department (COSTED) intervention compared with signposting to local stop smoking service (SSS) from the National Health Service (NHS) and personal social services (PSS) perspective.

Design, setting and participants

This was a two‐group, multi‐centre, pragmatic, individually randomized controlled trial set in six Emergency Departments (EDs) in urban and rural areas in the United Kingdom. Adult (≥ 18 years) daily smokers (at least one cigarette or equivalent per day) but not daily e‐cigarette users, with carbon monoxide reading ≥ 8 parts per million, attending the ED (n = 972) were included. The intervention consisted of provision of an e‐cigarette starter kit plus brief smoking cessation advice and referral to a local SSS. Control was an information card on how to access local SSS.

Measurements

Intervention costs included costs of training and delivery. Control costs included costs of printing information cards. Costs of smoking cessation and health‐care services were estimated based on quantities reported by participants and unit costs extracted from secondary sources. The effects were measured by quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) derived from EQ‐5D‐5L. Other outcomes were smoking cessation measures. The primary outcome was incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER), which was calculated by dividing the difference in costs by the difference in QALYs between groups.

Findings

The mean intervention costs were £48 [standard error (SE) = £0] per participant and the mean control costs were £0.2 (SE = £0) per participant. Using regression estimates, total costs were £31 [95% confidence interval (CI) = –£341 to £283] higher and 6‐month QALYs were 0.004 (95% CI = –0.004 to 0.014) higher in the intervention group than in the control group. The ICER was calculated at £7750 (probability of cost‐effective at range £20 000–30 000: 72.2–76.5%).

Conclusions

The UK Cessation of Smoking Trial in Emergency Department (COSTED) intervention (provision of an e‐cigarette starter kit plus brief smoking cessation advice) was cost‐effective compared with signposting to local stop smoking services under the current recommendations of the maximum acceptable thresholds.
Time after time: The influence of perceived coworker overtime, affect and workaholism on daily withdrawal responses
Authors: Wang Bin , Wang Ziqi , Zhang Wei , Sheng Zitong , Zhang Liangting , Qian Jing
Published: November 2024

Long working hours continue to pose a challenge for a considerable number of employees today. Departing from the predominant focus on the detrimental consequences associated with personal overtime work, this study aims to investigate the influences of perceived coworkers working overtime (PCWO) on employees. We theorised that PCWO may constitute a type of stressful event for employees and proposed that it will lead to employees' daily withdrawal responses (i.e. time banditry behaviour and turnover intention) through an increase in negative affect (NA). In addition, employees' workaholism may have a cross‐level impact on the within‐individual level relationships between their NA and withdrawal responses. We tested our theoretical hypotheses using the experience sampling methodology (ESM), with 111 full‐time employees reporting their working experiences over 10 workdays. Results from the multilevel analysis revealed that even after controlling for one's own working hours, PCWO was positively related to employees' NA, which, in turn, led to an increase in time banditry behaviour and turnover intention. In addition, we also found that the within‐individual level relationship between NA and turnover intention was stronger for employees higher (vs. lower) in workaholism, supporting the moderating role of workaholism. Theoretical and practical implications of our study are discussed.
The (un)targeted gendered vulnerabilities in Norwegian development aid—a corpus‐assisted discourse analysis
Authors: Vandeskog Hilde Ousland , Buts Jan , Heggen Kristin Margrethe , Engebretsen Eivind
Published: November 2024

Motivation

Gender is a central concept and a buzzword in the development aid discourse. Like many buzzwords, its meaning is malleable. If aid efforts really are to “leave no one behind,” as the Sustainable Development Goals proclaim, we must critically interrogate how the discursive articulation of buzzwords such as gender can both make visible and hide from view vulnerabilities that should be salient for aid programming. In this article, we focus on the extent to which the mobilization of “gender” by Norwegian development aid non‐governmental organizations' is able to bring vulnerabilities related to sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression (SOGIE) to the fore.

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine a corpus of Norwegian NGO development aid policy and planning documents to analyse whether and how gender is articulated differently across different types of documents, and what this means in terms of which gendered vulnerabilities become visible.

Approach and methods

We draw on methods from corpus‐assisted discourse studies (CADS) to examine a purpose‐built corpus of 88 files pulled from framework funding applications submitted by four Norwegian aid NGOs to the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD). We analyse the results drawing on Laclau and Mouffe's discourse theory to examine how conceptual translation between policy and programme‐level documents opens up space for the concept to be assigned changing meanings.

Findings

While the NGOs at policy level articulate a broad notion of gendered vulnerabilities that include recognition of SOGIE vulnerabilities, this is not translated into practical programme plans. At the programme plan level, gender is articulated as a subject field overwhelmingly concerned with women and firmly attached to a traditional binary sex‐gender construct.

Policy implications

Although SOGIE gendered vulnerabilities are increasingly acknowledged in NGO articulations of their priorities and values, this is not reflected in actual programme plans. We argue that this can lead to a misplaced expectation that these concerns are being addressed in the NGOs' activities, obscuring the neglect of SOGIE vulnerabilities in many development aid gender programmes.
Firms' margins of adjustment to wage growth: the case of Italian collective bargaining
Authors: Devicienti Francesco , Fanfani Bernardo
Published: November 2024

This study analyses firms' adjustment behaviour when facing higher labour costs. The empirical research design considers several outcomes, and exploits, as a source of variation in labour costs, discontinuities in the growth of contractual wages set by Italian collective bargaining institutions. The results indicate that adjustment channels are highly heterogeneous across the firms' productivity distribution. Employment, revenue, productivity and the profit margin are negatively related to contractual wage growth among relatively less efficient companies. Instead, most efficient firms do not downsize, they substitute high‐ with low‐wage workers while preserving their productivity, and they may even increase (or at least keep constant) their profitability. We conclude that more efficient companies, which adjust through cost‐saving and labour‐hoarding strategies, may benefit from cleansing effects, as their product market shares increase when costs of more constrained rivals are raised.
Mesopelagic Fish Traits: Functions and Trade‐Offs
Authors: Andresen Henrike , Eduardo Leandro Nolé , Olivar M. Pilar , van Denderen P. Daniël , Spitz Jérôme , Maureaud Aurore A. , Brind'Amour Anik , Bowlin Noelle M. , García‐Seoane Eva , Langbehn Tom J. , Sutton Tracey T. , Fock Heino O. , Salvanes Anne Gro V. , Lindegren Martin
Published: November 2024

Fishes inhabiting the mesopelagic zone of the world's oceans are estimated to account for the majority of the world's fish biomass. They have recently attracted new attention because they are part of the biological carbon pump and have been reconsidered as a contribution to food security. Hence, there is an urgent need to understand how environmental conditions and species interactions shape their assemblages, and how they contribute to the functioning of marine ecosystems. Trait‐based approaches are valuable for addressing these types of questions. However, the biology and ecology of mesopelagic fishes are understudied compared to fishes in shallow and epipelagic waters. Here, we synthesise existing knowledge of traits of mesopelagic fishes and relate them to their role in survival, feeding and growth and reproduction, the key functions that contribute to fitness. Vertical migrations, specialised vision and the use of bioluminescence are among the most striking adaptations to the conditions in the mesopelagic realm. Many traits are interrelated as a result of trade‐offs, which may help to understand selection pressures. While morphological traits are straightforward to observe, major knowledge gaps exist for traits that require frequent sampling, assessment under experimental conditions or age determination. The unique adaptations of mesopelagic fishes need to be included in management strategies as well as fundamental research of the habitat.
Culturally responsive modifications to Gottman's Seven Principles Program for Arab American Adults: A feasibility study
Authors: Almalki Sarah A. , Ganong Lawrence H.
Published: November 2024

Objective

To assess the feasibility of implementing a culturally responsive version of Gottman's Seven Principles relationship education program in a community‐based setting for married Arab American adults.

Background

To provide high‐quality couple and relationship education, it is necessary to acknowledge the population's needs and cultural backgrounds. One ethnic minority group that needs special attention is the Arab American community, which shares protective factors in terms of family support, religious beliefs, resiliency, and collectivist culture.

Method

We adapted Gottman's Seven Principles Program and conducted a qualitative feasibility study to examine recruitment capability, program acceptability, demand, and participant response among 16 Arab American married adults.

Results

The results emphasize the vital role that thoughtful cultural and linguistic program adaptation played in increasing the acceptability and engagement of Arab American participants. However, results identified the ongoing stigma in Arab American communities against overtly seeking help for marital issues.

Conclusion

This feasibility study provides helpful methodological and practical guidance to inform the design of larger scale randomized trials examining the efficacy of culturally responsive marriage education programs.

Implications

This study outlined actionable strategies, adaptations, venues, and communication channels to reduce barriers and optimize the delivery of marriage education to Arab American couples and families.