bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can we sort states of environmental DNA (eDNA) from a single sample?
Authors: Kirtane Anish , Kleyer Hannah , Deiner Kristy
Published: January 2023

Environmental DNA (eDNA) once shed can exist in numerous states with varying behaviors including degradation rates and transport potential. In this study we consider three states of eDNA: 1) a membrane-bound state referring to DNA enveloped in a cellular or organellar membrane, 2) a dissolved state defined as the extracellular DNA molecule in the environment without any interaction with other particles, and 3) an adsorbed state defined as extracellular DNA adsorbed to a particle surface in the environment. Capturing, isolating, and analyzing a target state of eDNA provides utility for better interpretation of eDNA degradation rates and transport potential. While methods for separating different states of DNA have been developed, they remain poorly evaluated due to the lack of state-controlled experimentation. We evaluated the methods for separating states of eDNA from a single sample by spiking DNA from three different species to represent the three states of eDNA as state-specific controls. We used chicken DNA to represent the dissolved state, cultured mouse cells for the membrane-bound state, and salmon DNA adsorbed to clay particles as the adsorbed state. We performed the separation in three water matrices, two environmental and one synthetic, spiked with the three eDNA states. The membrane-bound state was the only state that was isolated with minimal contamination from non-target states. The membrane-bound state also had the highest recovery (54.11 ± 19.24 %), followed by the adsorbed state (5.08 ± 2.28 %), and the dissolved state had the lowest total recovery (2.21 ± 2.36 %). This study highlights the potential to sort the states of eDNA from a single sample and independently analyze them for more informed biodiversity assessments. However, further method development is needed to improve recovery and reduce cross-contamination.
The apicoplast is important for the viability and persistence ofToxoplasma gondiibradyzoites
Authors: Sanchez Syrian G. , Bassot Emilie , Cerutti Aude , Nguyen Hoa Mai , Aïda Amel , Blanchard Nicolas , Besteiro Sébastien
Published: January 2023

Toxoplasma gondiiis responsible for toxoplasmosis, a disease that can be serious when contracted during pregnancy, but can also be a threat for immunocompromised individuals. Acute infection is associated with the tachyzoite form that spreads rapidly within the host. However, under stress conditions, some parasites can differentiate into cyst-forming bradyzoites, residing mainly in the central nervous system, retina and muscle. Because this latent form of the parasite is resistant to all currently available treatments, and is central to persistence and transmission of the parasite, new specific therapeutic strategies targeting this developmental stage need to be discovered.

T. gondiicontains a plastid of endosymbiotic origin called the apicoplast, which is an appealing drug target because it is essential for tachyzoite viability and contains several key metabolic pathways that are largely absent from the mammalian host. Its function in bradyzoites, however, is unknown. Our objective was thus to study the contribution of the apicoplast to the viability and persistence of bradyzoites during chronic toxoplasmosis.

We have used complementary strategies based on stage-specific promoters to generate conditional bradyzoite mutants of essential apicoplast genes. Our results show that specifically targeting the apicoplast in bothin vitroorin vivo-differentiated bradyzoites leads to a loss of long-term bradyzoite viability, highlighting the importance of this organelle for this developmental stage. This validates the apicoplast as a potential area to look for new therapeutic targets in bradyzoites, with the aim to interfere with this currently incurable parasite stage.

Significance Statement

In its intermediate hosts, the parasiteToxoplasma gondiican persist as a cyst-contained developmental form that might reactivate and cause severe pathologies. Importantly, this form is resistant to current anti-parasitic drugs.T. gondiiharbors a plastid of endosymbiotic origin called the apicoplast, containing important and potentially druggable metabolic pathways, but whose contribution to the fitness and viability of persistent parasites has never been assessed. We have generated conditional mutants specifically affected for the homeostasis of the apicoplast in cyst-contained parasites and showed that this organelle is important for persistence of these particular developmental forms. Our work thus validates the apicoplast as a relevant drug target in the context of chronicT. gondiiinfection.
Single-dose YF17D-vectored Ebola vaccine candidate protects mice against both lethal surrogate Ebola and yellow fever virus challenge
Authors: Lemmens Viktor , Kelchtermans Lara , Debaveye Sarah , Chiu Winston , Vercruysse Thomas , Ma Ji , Thibaut Hendrik Jan , Neyts Johan , Sanchez-Felipe Lorena , Dallmeier Kai
Published: January 2023

Ebola virus (EBOV) and related filoviruses such as Sudan virus (SUDV) threaten global public health. Effective filovirus vaccines are available only for EBOV, yet restricted to emergency use considering a high reactogenicity and demanding logistics. Here we present YF-EBO, a live YF17D-vectored dual-target vaccine candidate expressing EBOV-glycoprotein (GP) as protective antigen. Safety of YF-EBO in mice was further improved over that of parental YF17D vaccine. A single dose of YF-EBO was sufficient to induce high levels of EBOV-GP specific antibodies and cellular immune responses, that protected against lethal infection using EBOV-GP-pseudotyped recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (rVSV-EBOV) in interferon-deficient (Ifnar-/-) mice as surrogate challenge model. Concomitantly induced yellow fever virus (YFV)-specific immunity protectedIfnar-/-mice against intracranial YFV challenge. YF-EBO could thus help to simultaneously combat both EBOV and YFV epidemics. Finally, we demonstrate how to target other highly pathogenic filoviruses such as SUDV at the root of a current outbreak in Uganda.
The role of the 5’ sensing function of ribonuclease E in cyanobacteria
Authors: Hoffmann Ute A. , Lichtenberg Elisabeth , Rogh Said N. , Bilger Raphael , Reimann Viktoria , Heyl Florian , Backofen Rolf , Steglich Claudia , Hess Wolfgang R. , Wilde Annegret
Published: January 2023

RNA degradation is crucial for many processes in pro- and eukaryotic organisms. In bacteria, the preference of the central ribonucleases RNase E, RNase J and RNase Y towards 5’-monophosphorylated RNAs is considered important for RNA degradation. For RNase E, the underlying mechanism is termed 5’ sensing. Cyanobacteria, such asSynechocystissp. PCC 6803 (Synechocystis), encode RNase E and RNase J homologs. Here, we constructed aSynechocystisstrain lacking the 5’ sensing function of RNase E and mapped on a transcriptome-wide level 292 5’-sensing-dependent cleavage sites. These included so far unknown targets such as the 5’ untranslated region of the response regulator genelsiR;trxA, apcEandatpImRNAs, encoding proteins related to energy metabolism; as well assbtBandrbcLXSencoding proteins relevant for carbon fixation. Cyanobacterial 5’ sensing is important for the maturation of rRNA and several tRNAs, including tRNAGluUUC. This tRNA activates glutamate for tetrapyrrole biosynthesis in plant chloroplasts and most prokaryotes. We found that increased RNase activities leads to a higher copy number of the majorSynechocystisplasmids pSYSA and pSYSM. The results provide a first step towards understanding the relative importance of different target mechanisms of RNase E outsideEscherichia coli.
A tachykinin precursor 1 medullary circuit promoting rhythmic breathing
Authors: Rousseau Jean-Philippe , Furdui Andreea , da Silveira Scarpellini Carolina , Horner Richard L. , Montandon Gaspard
Published: January 2023

Rhythmic breathing is generated by neural circuits located in the brainstem. At its core is the preBötzinger Complex (preBötC), a region of the medulla, necessary for the generation of rhythmic breathing in mammals. The preBötC is comprised of various neuronal populations expressing neurokinin-1 receptors, the cognate G-protein-coupled receptor of the neuropeptide substance P (encoded by the tachykinin precursor 1 orTac1). Neurokinin-1 receptors are highly expressed in the preBötC and destruction or deletion of neurokinin-1 receptor-expressing preBötC neurons severely impairs rhythmic breathing. Application of substance P to the preBötC stimulates breathing in rodents, however substance P is often associated with nociception and locomotion in various brain regions, suggesting thatTac1neurons found in the preBötC may have diverse functional roles. Here, we aim to characterize the role ofTac1-expressing preBötC neurons in the generation of rhythmic breathingin vivo, as well as motor behaviors. Using a cre-lox recombination approach, we injected adeno-associated virus containing the excitatory channelrhodopsin-2 ChETA in the preBötC region ofTac1-cre mice. Using a combination of histological, optogenetics, respiratory, and behavioral assays, we defined the identity and the role ofTac1preBötC neurons. These neurons are glutamatergic and their stimulation promotes rhythmic breathing in both anesthetized and freely moving/awake animals, but also triggers locomotion and overcomes respiratory depression by opioid drugs. Overall, our study identifies a new population of excitatory preBötC with major role in rhythmic breathing and behaviors.
A Role for Astrocytic Insulin-Like Growth Factor I Receptors in the Response to Ischemic Insult
Authors: Suda K. , Pignatelli J. , Genis L. , Fernandez A.M. , Fernandez de Sevilla E. , Fernandez de la Cruz I. , Pozo-Rodrigalvarez A. , de Ceballos M. L. , Díaz-Pacheco S. , Herrero-Labrador R. , Torres Aleman I.
Published: January 2023

Increased neurotrophic support, including insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), is an important aspect of the adaptive response to ischemic insult. However, recent findings indicate that the IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR) in neurons plays a detrimental role in the response to stroke. Thus, we investigated the role of astrocytic IGF-IR on ischemic insults by deleting it using tamoxifen-regulated Cre deletion in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) astrocytes, a major cellular component in the response to injury. Ablation of IGF-IR in astrocytes (GFAP-IGF-IR KO mice) resulted in larger ischemic lesions, greater blood-brain-barrier disruption and more deteriorated sensorimotor coordination. RNAseq detetected increases in inflammatory, cell adhesion and angiogenic pathways, while the expression of various classical biomarkers of response to ischemic lesion, including aquaporin 4, complement 1q subunit a, early growth response protein 1, and C-C motif chemokine ligand 2, were significantly increased at the lesion site compared to control littermates. While serum IGF-I levels after injury were decreased in both control and GFAP-IR KO mice, brain IGF-I mRNA expression show larger increases in the latter. Further, greater damage was also accompanied by altered glial reactivity as reflected by changes in the morphology of GFAP astrocytes, and relative abundance of ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 microglia. These results suggest a protective role for astrocytic IGF-IR in the response to ischemic injury.
Biophysical modeling of the electric field magnitude and distribution induced by electrical stimulation with intracerebral electrodes
Authors: Alonso Fabiola , Mercadal Borja , Salvador Ricardo , Ruffini Giulio , Bartolomei Fabrice , Wendling Fabrice , Modolo Julien
Published: January 2023

Intracranial electrodes are used clinically for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, notably in drug-refractory epilepsy (DRE) among others. Visualization and quantification of the energy delivered through such electrodes is key to understanding how the resulting electric fields modulate neuronal excitability, i.e. the ratio between excitation and inhibition. Quantifying the electric field induced by electrical stimulation in a patient-specific manner is challenging, because these electric fields depend on a number of factors: electrode trajectory with respect to folded brain anatomy, biophysical (electrical conductivity / permittivity) properties of brain tissue and stimulation parameters such as electrode contacts position and intensity.

Here, we aimed to evaluate various biophysical models for characterizing the electric fields induced by electrical stimulation in DRE patients undergoing stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) recordings in the context of pre-surgical evaluation. This stimulation was performed with multiple-contact intracranial electrodes used in routine clinical practice. We introduced realistic 3D models of electrode geometry and trajectory in the neocortex. For the electrodes, we compared point (0D) and line (1D) sources approximations. For brain tissue, we considered three configurations of increasing complexity: a 6-layer spherical model, a toy model with a sulcus representation, replicating results from previous approaches; and went beyond the state-of-the-art by using a realistic head model geometry.

Electrode geometry influenced the electric field distribution at close distances (~3 mm) from the electrode axis. For larger distances, the volume conductor geometry and electrical conductivity dominated electric field distribution. These results are the first step towards accurate and computationally tractable patient-specific models of electric fields induced by neuromodulation and neurostimulation procedures.
Age-dependent loss of cohesion protection in human oocytes
Authors: Mihalas Bettina P , Pieper Gerard H , Currie Cerys E , Kelly David A , Hartshorne Geraldine M , McAinsh Andrew D , Anderson Richard A , Marston Adele L
Published: January 2023

Aneuploid human eggs (oocytes) are a major cause of infertility, miscarriage and chromosomal disorders. Such aneuploidies increase greatly as women age, originating from defective linkages between sister-chromatids (cohesion) in meiosis. We found evidence that loss of a specific pool of the cohesin protector protein, shugoshin 2 (Sgo2) contributes to this phenomenon. Our data indicate that Sgo2 preserves sister chromatid cohesion in meiosis by protecting a ‘cohesin bridge’ between sister chromatids. In human oocytes, Sgo2 localizes to both sub-centromere cups and the pericentromeric bridge which spans the sister chromatid junction. Sgo2 normally colocalizes with cohesin, however, in oocytes from older women, Sgo2 is frequently lost specifically from the pericentromeric bridge and sister chromatid cohesion is weakened. Mps1 and Bub1 kinase activities maintain Sgo2 at sub-centromeres and the pericentromeric bridge. Removal of Sgo2 throughout meiosis I by Mps1 inhibition reduces cohesion protection, increasing the incidence of single chromatids at meiosis II. Therefore, Sgo2 deficiency in human oocytes can exacerbate the effects of maternal age by rendering residual cohesin at pericentromeres vulnerable to loss in anaphase I. Our data show that maternal age-dependent loss of Sgo2 at the pericentromere bridge in human oocytes impairs cohesion integrity and contributes to the increased incidence of aneuploidy observed in human oocytes with advanced maternal age.
The effect ofDnaaf5gene dosage on primary ciliary dyskinesia phenotypes
Authors: Horani Amjad , Gupta Deepesh Kumar , Xu Jian , Xu Huihui , Carmen Puga-Molina Lis del , Santi Celia M. , Ramagiri Sruthi , Brennen Steven K. , Pan Jiehong , Huang Tao , Hyland Rachael M. , Gunsten Sean P. , Tzeng Shin-Cheng , Strahle Jennifer M. , Mill Pleasantine , Mahjoub Moe R. , Dutcher Susan K. , Brody Steven L.
Published: January 2023

DNAAF5 is a dynein motor assembly factor associated with the autosomal heterogenic recessive condition of motile cilia, primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD). The effects of allele heterozygosity on motile cilia function are unknown. We used CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing in mice to recreate a human missense variant identified in patients with mild PCD and a second, frameshift null deletion inDnaaf5. Litters withDnaaf5heteroallelic variants showed distinct missense and null gene dosage effects. Homozygosity for the nullDnaaf5alleles was embryonic lethal. Compound heterozygous animals with the missense and null alleles showed severe disease manifesting as hydrocephalus and early lethality. However, animals homozygous for the missense mutation had improved survival, with partial preserved cilia function and motor assembly observed by ultrastructure analysis. Notably, the same variant alleles exhibited divergent cilia function across different multiciliated tissues. Proteomic analysis of isolated airway cilia from mutant mice revealed reduction in some axonemal regulatory and structural proteins not previously reported inDNAAF5variants. While transcriptional analysis of mouse and human mutant cells showed increased expression of genes coding for axonemal proteins. Together, these findings suggest allele-specific and tissue-specific molecular requirements for cilia motor assembly that may affect disease phenotypes and clinical trajectory in motile ciliopathies.

Brief Summary

A mouse model of human DNAAF5 primary ciliary dyskinesia variants reveals gene dosage effects of mutant alleles and tissue-specific molecular requirements for cilia motor assembly.
Genotypic and phenotypic differences among phase-variable colony variants conserved acrossGardnerellaspp
Authors: Garcia Erin M. , Klimowicz Amy K. , Edupuganti Laahirie , Topf Madeline A. , Bhide Shraddha R. , Slusser Dawson J. , Leib Samantha M. , Buck Gregory A. , Jefferson Kimberly K. , Pepperell Caitlin S. , Dillard Joseph P.
Published: January 2023

TheGardnerellagenus, now made up of more than 13 species, is associated with the polymicrobial disorder bacterial vaginosis (BV). However, the details of BV pathogenesis are poorly defined, and the contributions made by individual species are largely unknown. We report here that colony phenotypes characterized by size (large and small) and opacity (opaque and translucent) are phase variable and are conserved among all testedGardnerellastrains, representing at least ten different species. With the hypothesis that these different variants could be an important missing piece to the enigma of how BV develops in vivo, we characterized their differences. Beyond increased colony size, large colony variants (Lg) showed reduced vaginolysin secretion and faster growth rate relative to small colony variants (Sm). The ability to inhibit growth ofNeisseria gonorrhoeaeand commensal lactobacillus species varied by strain and in some instances differed between variants. Proteomics analyses indicate that 127-173 proteins are differentially expressed between variants. Further, whole genome sequencing analyses revealed an abundance of genes associated with variable poly-guanine tracts, implicating slipped strand mispairing inGardnerellaphase variation, and illuminating the potential for previously unrecognized variability within clonal populations. Collectively, these results suggest that colony variants may be primed to serve different roles in BV pathogenesis.
Histopathology: Deep machine learning based semantic segmentation features predict patient survival
Authors: Ramachandra Vikas
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we use deep learning techniques to segment different regions from breast cancer histopathology images, such as tumor nucleus, epithelium and stromal areas. Then, in the second stage, the deep segmentation features learned by the neural network are used to predict individual patient survival, using random forest based classification. We show that the deep segmentation network features can predict survival very well, and outperform classical computer vision based shape, texture and other feature descriptors used in earlier research for the same survival prediction task.
Effect of abnormal increase in credit supply on economic growth in Nigeria
Authors: Ozili Peterson K. , Oladipo Olajide , Iorember Paul Terhemba
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This paper investigates the effect of abnormal increase in credit supply on economic growth in Nigeria after controlling for the quality of the legal system, size of central bank asset, banking sector cost efficiency and bank insolvency risk.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employ the generalised method of moments (GMM) regression methodology to estimate the effect of abnormal increase in credit supply on two measures of economic growth in Nigeria.

Findings

The abnormal increase in credit supply has a significant effect on economic growth. Abnormal increase in credit supply increases real gross domestic product (GDP) growth. The abnormal increase in credit supply decreases real GDP per capita during the global financial crisis. The abnormal increase in domestic credit to the private sector has a significant positive effect on GDP per capita when there is strong legal system quality in Nigeria. In contrast, the abnormal increase in domestic credit to the private sector has a significant negative effect on real GDP growth when there is strong legal system quality in Nigeria.

Practical implications

The abnormal increase in credit supply is ineffective in increasing GDP per capita during crisis years. Policymakers should be cautious in pressuring financial institutions to release an abnormally large amount of credit into the economy particularly during financial crises. Rather, policymakers should encourage financial institutions to supply credit in a sustained manner – not in an abnormal manner –and in a way that supports growth.

Originality/value

The present study contributes to the literature by analysing the effect of abnormal increase in credit supply on economic growth in a developing country context.
Understanding local consumers' reactions to perceived unfair product recalls of foreign brands: a relative deprivation perspective
Authors: Liao Junyun , He Siying , Hu Yanghong , Chen Jiawen , Dong Xuebing
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Global product-harm crises increased in recent years. After such crises, firms' product-recall policies varied across countries, which might cause consumers in some countries to feel unfairly treated. Drawing on the relative deprivation theory, this study aims to examine how perceived unfairness of local consumers alters their attitudes toward unfairness-enacting foreign brands and competing domestic brands.

Design/methodology/approach

This framework was tested by a netnography study on two product recalls from Samsung along with a consumer survey. While this netnography study provided preliminary support to the framework, survey data collected from 501 Samsung consumers after the Galaxy Note 7 crisis validated the theoretical model again.

Findings

Perceived unfairness increases local consumers' avoidance of involved foreign brands and their intention to purchase domestic brands through evoking anger toward the foreign brands. Moreover, the detrimental impact of perceived unfairness is found to be stronger when consumers' prior relationship quality is high.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper that investigates unfair product recalls across countries and aims to provide important insights into how consumers react to the unfair treatment of foreign brands in a global product-harm context. This study contributes to the product-harm crisis literature and provides important implications for global product-harm crisis management strategies.
Leagile manufacturing system adoption in an emerging economy: an examination of technological, organizational and environmental drivers
Authors: Hashem Gharib , Aboelmaged Mohamed
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Rapid changes in the global environment and the effects of existing economic issues triggered by COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine have posed several challenges for manufacturing firms. A hybrid strategy integrating lean and agile (leagile) systems is viable for firms to enhance their capabilities in such dynamic contexts. This paper examines the critical drivers of leagile manufacturing system adoption in an emerging economy from the technological, organizational and environmental (TOE) perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional survey is carried out to obtain data from 438 managers working in 219 manufacturing firms. Multiple regression analysis is applied to test the effect of technological, organizational and environmental drivers on the adoption of leagile systems.

Findings

The results show that organization capacity, environmental uncertainty and relative advantage demonstrate the most significant positive relationships with the leagile systems adoption wherein complexity and resistance to change appear to exhibit significant negative associations. Unexpectedly, firm size unveils no significant effect on the adoption of leagile systems.

Practical implications

To deal effectively with critical challenges triggered by ever-changing environment, firms have sought to adopt innovative systems for achieving products' availability in the markets at the right quality and price. A hybrid strategy integrating lean and agile (leagile) systems is viable to enhance a firm's capabilities in such dynamic contexts. The findings of our study help top management and policymakers identify and assess the critical drivers that may facilitate or hinder the successful adoption of leagile systems.

Originality/value

A major trend of studies in the field of manufacturing systems has focused on the critical success factors of adopting either lean or agile systems. Furthermore, research work concerning leagile as a hybrid system focuses primarily on the conceptual development rather than empirical grounds of leagile systems. Given the lack of empirical research in this field, this study offers an early attempt to predict leagile system adoption in an emerging economy. It also contributes to the manufacturing systems research by extending the extant knowledge about the role of firm-level drivers in leagile system adoption from the TOE perspective.
The paradox of keeping education afloat during troubled times: a case of Kilkaari-Bachpan Ki
Authors: Chugh Akriti , Aqeel Ubada , Gera Shikha
Published: January 2023

Learning outcomes

After completing the case, the students shall be able to do the following:▪ explain the key features and roles associated with non-governmental organizations (NGOs; comprehension);▪ describe major activities/programs run by Kilkaari-Bachpan Ki (knowledge);▪ describe the challenges faced by not-for-profit, non-governmental and voluntary organizations operating at a local level (knowledge);▪ developing TOWS matrix for Kilkaari’s strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities to provide strategies for making the necessary change (analysis);▪ explain the change management strategies used by Kilkaari during COVID-19 using Kurt Lewin’s model (analysis); and▪ develop recommendations for the problems faced by Kilkaari (evaluation).

Case overview/synopsis

As a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the entire world was left in shambles. The epidemic has had a profound impact on the way organizations used to function. It compelled all sectors and companies to change their working methods and move closer to virtual conceptions. Organizations that were able to adapt to the new environment have thrived, while the rest have struggled and continue to struggle. In today’s world, embracing virtual scenarios is more about perseverance and consistency than it is about making a conscious decision. Organizations such as NGOs have limited financial and non-financial means to adapt to such changes, and some of them were unable to suffice during the tough times.Despite this, the current case study focuses on the NGOs’ path during the pandemic: Kilkaari-Bachpan Ki. The NGO’s primary objective is to provide underprivileged children with free access to education. The current scenario illustrates how the Kilkaarians (team members of Kilkaari) modified their behavior in response to the crisis. To be used in an organizational behavior course, the case is intended for management students. Kurt Lewin’s model of change, which includes unfreezing, mobility and refreezing, can be understood by students. For this research, the authors use a case-study approach to explore how the organization responded when faced with a crisis.

Complexity academic level

This case is suitable for undergraduate students learning organizational behavior course, strategic management and also relevant to social work courses (social entrepreneurship/NGOs).

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 6: Human resource management.
Education as economic stimulus in the human capital century
Authors: Forsyth Hannah
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This paper explores the economic and social effects of human capital investment in the 20th century. As well as drawing on census data and statistical yearbooks in Australia and Aoteoroa/New Zealand, the paper develops its argument by an intersection of scholarly work in sociology, economics and the history of education to consider the effects of increased human capital investment on economic growth but also on the experiences of childhood, work discipline and the present climate crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper considers the implications of what economic historian Claudia Goldin has described as the “human capital century” for the history of school and university education. By reconsidering education in the settler colonies, especially Australia and Aoteoroa/New Zealand, as “stimulus”, this helps explain key aspects of contemporary human capital investment, which the paper argues should be understood as constituted by children's and young people's free labour at school, university and across the economy.

Findings

This research argues that children's and young people's free labour, performed in educational institutions, constitutes a large portion of Australia and Aoteoroa/New Zealand's national investment in human capital. At key points, this investment has acted as an economic stimulus, promoting surges of profitability. The effects were not confined to young people. Systematised, educational expansion also became the foundation of environmental degradation, labour market exploitation and a relentless increase in service-sector productivity that is worn on professional bodies. Productivity increases have been associated with reduced professional autonomy as a managerial class coerced professionals into working harder, though often under the guise of working “smarter” – a fiction that encouraged or coerced even greater personal investment in collective human capital. This investment of personal time, effort and selfhood by children and the professionals they grew into can thus be seen, in Marxian terms, as a crucial vector of capitalist exploitation in the 20th century.

Practical implications

The paper concludes by suggesting that a reduction of managerial influence in educational settings would improve learner and professional autonomy with improved labour and environmental conditions.

Originality/value

The paper makes a unique contribution to the history of education by exploring education as stimulus as a key component of education’s role in 20th and 21st century capitalism. It interrogates exploitative aspects of human capital investment, especially in the midst of environmental catastrophe and the recent COVID crisis.
Learning-to-learn sand cone model integrated lean learning framework for construction industry
Authors: Parameswaran Agana , Ranadewa K.A.T.O.
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The lack of knowledge has hindered the successful implementation of lean in the construction industry. This has alarmed the need for lean learning practices. Out of numerous models, the learning-to-learn sand cone model received a wider acknowledgment for learning practices. Thus, this study aims to propose a learning-to-learn sand cone model integrated lean learning framework for the construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The research adopted an interpretivism stance. A qualitative research approach was adopted for the study. Consequently, fifteen (15) semi-structured interviews and document reviews were carried out to collect data in three (3) cases selected through purposive sampling. Code-based content analysis was used to analyse the data.

Findings

Fifty-two (52) sub-activities pertaining to nine lean learners at each stage of the lean learning procedure were identified. The most significant practices in the lean learning procedure to continuously improve lean learning in the organisation were maintaining records, providing a performance update to senior management and preparing and distributing several hierarchical manuals for all levels of staff to aid in the implementation of lean approaches.

Originality/value

The findings of the research can be aided to successfully implement lean by following the identified sub-activities via various parties within the organisation. The proposed lean learning framework opens several research areas on lean learning in the construction industry. This is the first research to uncover a lean learning framework in the construction industry rather than at the educational institute level.
Widespread and ongoing invasion by the ant Technomyrmex brunneus Forel in eastern Asia as elucidated by molecular data
Authors: Putri Diyona , Cronin Adam L.
Published: January 2023

Ants are among the most pervasive and impactful invasive species. While some characteristics of invasive ants have been linked to establishment success and competitive dominance, these traits are not universal to all successful invaders and much crucial information on the biology of both well‐known and lesser‐known invasive ants remains lacking. In this study, we address this knowledge gap using a molecular approach to define the ongoing invasion by the white‐footed ant, Technomyrmex brunneus, in eastern Asia. This species is native to eastern and south‐eastern Asia but has become a problematic invader in Japan where significant expansions in range have been documented in recent decades. Its status in eastern Asia is complicated by taxonomic confusion and misidentifications, creating significant hurdles to threat assessment, management, and the establishment of fundamental information such as the delineation of the native and invasive range. We combine mitochondrial DNA sequences with genome‐wide single‐nucleotide polymorphisms to elucidate relationships between populations from Vietnam to Japan. Our data reveal very limited genetic differentiation among populations despite their broad geographic spread. This can most parsimoniously be explained as a recent and ongoing invasion, likely facilitated by human dispersal. The one exception to this pattern was strong genetic distinction between two regions in China indicated by mitochondrial DNA. We speculate that this may indicate a boundary between a native population and more recent wave of invasion. Finally, we present the results of climate niche modeling indicating that extensive additional areas remain suitable for this species, suggesting this invasion is far from complete.
The mysterious non‐arbuscular mycorrhizal status of Brassicaceae species
Authors: Sharma Aprajita , Sinharoy Senjuti , Bisht Naveen C.
Published: January 2023

The Brassicaceae family is unique in not fostering functional symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM). The family is also special in possessing glucosinolates, a class of secondary metabolites predominantly functioning for plant defence. We have reviewed what effect the glucosinolates of this non‐symbiotic host have on AM or vice versa. Isothiocyanates, the toxic degradation product of the glucosinolates, particularly the indolic and benzenic glucosinolates, are known to be involved in the inhibition of AM. Interestingly, AM colonization enhances glucosinolate production in two AM‐host in the Brassicales family‐ Moringa oleifera and Tropaeolum spp. PHOSPHATE STARVATION RESPONSE 1 (PHR1), a central transcription factor that controls phosphate starvation response also activates the glucosinolate biosynthesis in AM non‐host Arabidopsis thaliana. Recently, the advances in whole‐genome sequencing, enabling extensive ecological microbiome studies have helped unravel the Brassicaceae microbiome, identifying new mutualists that compensate for the loss of AM symbiosis, and reporting cues for some influence of glucosinolates on the microbiome structure. We advocate that glucosinolate is an important candidate in determining the mycorrhizal status of Brassicaceae and has played a major role in its symbiosis‐defence trade‐off. We also identify key open questions in this area that remain to be addressed in the future.
Effect of different odors on the fighting behavior of weaning piglets after merging into a large pen
Authors: Zhao Weijie , Yang Na , Zhu Lei , Lin Yisheng , Zhang Qiman , Shu Gang , Wang Songbo , Gao Ping , Zhu Xiaotong , Wang Lina , Jiang Qingyan
Published: January 2023

In intensive pig production, the fighting behavior of weaning piglets after merging pens is relatively common. Fighting behavior not only easily causes injury in pigs but also affects the production performance of pigs. To reduce fighting behavior in farms, this study aimed to explore the possible effect of odorous substances on piglet fighting behavior after merging into a large pen. Six different sprays were tested: original creamy, cheese flavor, orange flavor, truffle, vanilla and pigpen flavor. In each experiment, two groups were set (one odor‐sprayed and no sprayed control), and 12 pigs were used per group. After mixing, the frequency of occurrence of various piglet behaviors in different pens was recorded. During this period, salivary cortisol levels and skin lesion scores were evaluated. As a result, the piglets sprayed with the original creamy, cheese flavor and vanilla substances obtained significantly higher average daily gain and feed intake and showed a significantly lower incidence of fighting behavior, and the skin lesion score and salivary cortisol of piglets were also reduced significantly. All the other odorous substances had no significant effects on the fighting behavior and production performance of piglets.
Impact of glycaemic control and CYP3A5 polymorphisms on tacrolimus trough concentrations after adult kidney transplantation
Authors: Hirai Toshinori , Morikawa Yoshihiko , Onishi Ritsuki , Nakatani Yusuke , Nishikawa Kouhei , Inoue Takahiro , Iwamoto Takuya
Published: January 2023

Aims

Diabetes mellitus affects the pharmacokinetics of cytochrome P450 3A4/5 (CYP3A4/5) substrates. We evaluated the relationship between haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels and the pharmacokinetics of controlled‐release tacrolimus.

Methods

This retrospective observational cohort study included kidney transplant recipients (>18 years) receiving controlled‐release tacrolimus orally. CYP3A5 genotypes were categorized as expressers (*1/*1 or *1/*3) and non‐expressers (*3/*3). Multiple linear regression analysis determined the predictors for trough concentration/dose‐normalized by body weight (C/D) ratio of tacrolimus at 7 days, 6 months and 12 months after administration. Correlations between the C/D ratio and HbA1c levels at baseline, 6 and 12 months after tacrolimus initiation were evaluated with Bonferroni correction.

Results

Out of 42 patients (CYP3A5 expressers, n = 17, and non‐expressers, n = 25), the multiple linear regression analysis showed that the C/D ratio on Day 7 was marginally higher in CYP3A5 non‐expressers than in CYP3A5 expressers (r = .43, P = .028). Factors affecting the elevation of tacrolimus C/D ratio after 6 and 12 months of treatment were male sex and CYP3A5 non‐expressers (r = .59, P < .001) and increased HbA1c levels and CYP3A5 non‐expressers (r = .62, P < .001), respectively. The C/D ratio and HbA1c levels after 12 months was positively correlated in CYP3A5 non‐expressers (y = 54.6x − 194.6, r = .63, P = .004, Bonferroni correction). Furthermore, intra‐individual changes in the C/D ratio and HbA1c levels from 6 to 12 months were nearly correlated (y = 54.5x + 20.2, r = .41, P = .036, Bonferroni correction).

Conclusion

HbA1c and CYP3A5 genotypes might be considered to understand the inter‐ and intra‐individual variability in blood tacrolimus concentrations after 6 months post‐kidney transplantation.
Which types of firm use collaborative innovative spaces?
Authors: Doloreux David , Shearmur Richard , Suire Raphaël , Berthinier‐Poncet Anne
Published: January 2023

Collaborative innovation spaces (CIS) can bring together multiple actors to enhance creativity, collaboration and knowledge exchange, sometimes leading to innovation. In this paper, we suggest that CIS can be categorized into three broad types (internal to the firm, external and virtual) and that each type is related to innovation processes, knowledge‐sourcing and geographic context in specific ways. Our results, based on an original firm‐level survey, reveal that there is heterogeneity with respect to firm attributes and innovation activities associated with different types of CIS. In particular, whilst innovation is associated with the use of CIS in general, radical and technological innovations are more strongly associated with internal CIS, whereas smaller firms tend to use virtual CIS. External CIS, whilst not associated with technological innovation, are associated with high‐tech firms. CIS use does not vary across geographic context. These results emphasize the importance of in‐person, internal, CIS for radical and technological innovation and the need to distinguish between different types of CIS in order to understand how each is associated with different types of innovation, knowledge‐sourcing and firm.
Outcome of canalith repositioning manoeuvre in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo in children and adolescents: A systematic review
Authors: Saniasiaya Jeyasakthy , Kulasegarah Jeyanthi , Narayanan Prepageran
Published: January 2023

Background

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a debilitating condition that has been significantly described in adults. Recent data points out that BPPV occurs in children as well. Canalith repositioning manoeuvre (CRM) has shown promising results amongst adult patients with BPPV.

Objective

We reviewed the literature to determine the outcome of CRM in children and adolescents with BPPV.

Methods

A literature search was conducted over 1 month (March 2022). The primary outcome was defined as the resolution of positional nystagmus and symptoms, and secondary outcomes were determined by the presence of recurrence and the number of attempts of CRM.

Results

Ten articles were selected based on our objective and selection criteria. A total of 242 patients were included, with a mean of 10.9 years. BPPV was diagnosed based on history and positional nystagmus in all patients (100%). CRM was performed in 97.9% of patients, whereby 80.5% recovered following a single attempt of CRM. Recurrence of symptoms was identified in 10% of patients with no reported major complications.

Conclusion

CRM has demonstrated promising results in children and adolescents. The quality of evidence is limited until a better‐quality study involving randomised controlled studies with a larger sample size is completed.
Dupilumab in the treatment of genodermatosis: A systematic review
Authors: Wu Po‐Chien , Dai Ying‐Xiu , Li Chia‐Lun , Chen Chih‐Chiang , Chang Yun‐Ting , Ma Sheng‐Hsiang
Published: January 2023

Dupilumab interferes with the signaling pathways of IL‐4 and IL‐13 and is effective in treating atopic dermatitis. Specific genodermatoses, including Netherton syndrome, epidermolysis bullosa pruriginosa, and hyper‐IgE syndrome, are Th2 skewed diseases with activation of type 2 inflammation. We performed this systematic review to investigate the therapeutic role of dupilumab in the treatment of genodermatosis. A systematic search was conducted of the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases from inception to December 13, 2021. The review included studies with relevant terms including “dupilumab,” “genodermatosis”, “Netherton syndrome”, “ichthyosis”, “epidermolysis bullosa” and “hyper‐IgE syndrome”. The initial search yielded 2,888 results, of which 28 studies and 37 patients with genodermatosis were enrolled. The assessed genodermatoses included Netherton syndrome, epidermolysis bullosa pruriginosa, hyper‐IgE syndrome, Hailey‐Hailey disease, and severe eczema associated with genetic disorders. Most of the reported cases showed significant clinical improvement after the initiation of dupilumab treatment without major adverse events. Decreased immunoglobulin E levels and cytokine normalization have also been documented. In conclusion, Dupilumab may have a potential therapeutic role in certain genodermatoses skewed towards T helper 2 (Th2) immunity, including Netherton syndrome, epidermolysis bullosa pruriginosa, hyper‐IgE syndrome, Hailey‐Hailey disease, and severe eczema associated with some genetic disorders.
Hydatid cyst of papillary muscle concomitant with brain involvement
Authors: Taherkhani Maryam , Yeganegi Houra , Bagheri Amin
Published: January 2023

Background

Cardiac hydatidosis is a rare disease and the subepicardial region of the left ventricular is commonly affected. However, papillary muscle concomitant with brain involvement has not been previously reported.

Case

We report a 44 years old man who complained of headache along with no cardiac symptoms. The patient was diagnosed with cerebral hydatid cyst. Through preoperative cardiac consultant, transthoracic echocardiography revealed cardiac hydatid cyst confined to the anterolateral papillary muscle. Medical treatment was started promptly and successful surgical excision of all cysts was performed. The patient had an uneventful recovery and follow up at 3 months.

Conclusion

Early diagnosis of cardiac HC by echocardiography is recommended in all patients with hydatid disease, regardless of HC location.
Detection of clinical high risk for psychosis in child and adolescent mental health services: Validation of the first step with the French versions of the Prodromal Questionnaire (fPQ‐16) and scale of Perceptual and Cognitive Aberrations (fPCA)
Authors: Spillebout Chloé , Pelluet Albane , Bioulac Stéphanie , Fourneret Pierre , Polosan Mircea , Dondé Clément
Published: January 2023

Aim

To validate the French versions of the 16‐items Prodromal Questionnaire (PQ‐16) and the 9‐items scale of Perceptual and Cognitive Aberrations (PCA) to facilitate screening of psychosis risk in native French‐speaking young individuals referred to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services.

Method

Participants (N = 87, age range 10—18 years) were diagnosed with a non‐psychotic disorder according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The French versions of the PQ‐16 and PCA were developed using a forward–backward translation procedure. Psychometric properties were tested including (i) internal validity with Pearson correlations and Cronbach's coefficients, and (ii) external validity by correlations with each other's.

Results

(i) Correlations between fPQ‐16 and fPCA total scores and individual items were mostly >.4. Cronbach's coefficients were .80 for the fPQ‐16 and .61 for the fPCA. (ii) The fPQ‐16 and fPCA total scores were significantly correlated with a large effect size (rs = 0.66).

Conclusion

The fPQ‐16 and the fPCA are psychometrically acceptable instruments for the screening of potential psychotic symptoms in French‐speaking children and young adolescents under 18 years old referred to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services.