bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scoping Review: Outpatient Psychotherapeutic Care for Children and Adolescents in Germany – Status Quo and Challenges in Assessment
Authors: Rodney-Wolf Kristin , Schmitz Julian
Published: September 2024

In the context of multiple global crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and global conflicts, children and adolescents worldwide are experiencing heightened psychological stress. As the foundation for lifelong mental health is established during childhood and adolescence, early prevention and treatment of mental health problems, such as through psychotherapy, are crucial. In Germany, current outpatient psychotherapeutic care capacities appear inadequate, while systematic evaluations of the care situation are lacking. This study investigates the state of statutory health insurance-funded outpatient psychotherapeutic care for children and adolescents in Germany and evaluates various methodological approaches for its assessment. We conducted a scoping review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. Publications from January 2018 to December 2023 were sourced from PubPsych, PubMed, APA PsycInfo, Google Scholar, and ProQuest. Included studies reported quantitative primary data on the mental health of community samples of children and adolescents in Germany or their outpatient psychotherapeutic care. We included 41 publications comprising epidemiological studies, administrative data, and psychotherapist and patient reports. A lack of systematic and standardized research approaches resulted in significant variance in data. Nonetheless, qualitative analysis revealed that approximately one four children and adolescents in Germany is affected by mental health problems, while one in six to seven children and adolescents requires psychotherapeutic treatment. Yet, only up to one in fifty receives guideline-based psychotherapy. Most requests for initial psychotherapeutic consultations are unmet, with waiting times for guideline-based psychotherapy exceeding six months for at least half of the patients. Overall, our findings suggest that outpatient psychotherapeutic care for children and adolescents in Germany is still insufficient. They advocate for a systematic, multimodal, and longitudinal assessment of statutory health insurance-funded outpatient psychotherapeutic care, along with an expansion of treatment capacities to enhance access for children and adolescents in Germany.
Methodological issues in visible LED therapy dermatological research and reporting
Authors: Grimes David Robert
Published: September 2024

The advent of mass-market Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) has seen considerable interest in potential dermatological applications of LED light photobiomodulation (PBM) for a range of conditions, with a thriving market for direct-to-consumer LED treatments, including red light, blue light, and yellow light wavelengths. Evidence of efficacy for many conditions is however decidedly mixed, with starkly different outcomes reported by different authors. Due to the wide range of irradiances and wavelengths used, interpretation, comparison, and even efficacy evaluation is often impossible or prohibitive, impeding evidence synthesis. This work establishes a framework for objectively cross-comparing patient dose in terms of fluence, and a model for contrasting received dose to typical solar dose at ground level to facilitate interpretation of results and evidence synthesis. This allowes direct cross-comparison of patient skin fluence from LED PMB treatments under different regimes, and a means for evidence synthesis. This was applied to LED PMB data from 27 clinical trials to examine fluences and patient-equivalent solar exposure from LED light-sources for dermatological conditions, including acne vulgaris, wrinkle-reduction, wound-healing, psoriasis severity, and erythemal index. The results of this analysis suggest that fluences, wavelengths, and solar exposure equivalent differed by orders of magnitude in he studies analysed, with effective doses often comparable to typical daily solar exposure. Better dose quantification and plausible biological justification for various wavelengths and fluences are imperative if LED therapy studies for dermatology are to be informative and research replicability improved.
Forecasting local surges in COVID-19 hospitalizations through adaptive decision tree classifiers
Authors: Murray-Watson Rachel E. , Bilinski Alyssa , Yaesoubi Reza
Published: September 2024

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many communities across the US experienced surges in hospitalizations, which strained the local hospital capacity and affected the overall quality of care. Even when effective vaccines became available, many communities remained at high risk of surges in COVID-19-related hospitalizations due to waning immunity, low uptake of booster vaccinations, and the continual emergence of new variations of SARS-CoV-2. Some risk metrics, such as the CDC’s Community Levels, were developed to predict the impact of COVID-19 on the community-level healthcare system based on routine surveillance data. However, they had limited utility as they were not routinely updated based on accumulating data and were not directly linked to specific outcomes, such as surges in COVID-19 hospitalizations beyond local capacities. Regression models could resolve these limitations, but they have limited interpretability and do not convey the reasoning behind their predictions. In this paper, we evaluated decision tree classifiers that were developed in “real-time” to predict surges in local hospitalizations due to COVID-19 between July 2020 and November 2022. These classifiers would have provided visually intuitive and interpretable decision rules for local decision-makers to understand and act upon, and by being updated weekly, would have responded to changes in the epidemic. We showed that these classifiers exhibit reasonable predictive ability with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (auROC) > 80%. These classifiers maintained their performance temporally (i.e, over the duration of the pandemic) and spatially (i.e., across US counties). We also showed that these classifiers outperformed the CDC’s Community Levels for predicting high hospital occupancy.

Significance Statement

A major concern during the COVID-19 pandemic was the risk of exceeding local healthcare capacity due to COVID-19-related hospitalizations. To assess this risk and inform mitigating strategies, several risk assessment tools were developed during the pandemic. Many of these tools, however, did not predict local outcomes, were not updated as the pandemic progressed, and/or were not interpretable by decision-makers. We propose an adaptive framework of decision tree classifiers to predict whether COVID-19-related hospital occupancy would exceed a given capacity threshold. This framework would provide interpretable classification rules to predict surges in local hospitalizations,and maintained its performance over time and across US counties, and outperformed the CDC’s Community Level tool.
Mitochondrial metabolism is a key determinant of chemotherapy sensitivity in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Moss Deborah Y. , Brown Connor , Shaw Andrew , McCann Christopher , Lewis Nikita , Phillips Aaron , Gallagher Sarah , McDaid William J. , Roe Andrew , Coughlan Aisling Y. , Cavanagh Brenton , Ormsby Callum , Falcone Fiammetta , McCole Rachel , Monteith Scott , Rogan Emily , Downs Matilda , Malla Sudhir B. , Emerson Alexandra J , Mohammed-Smith Letitia , Sharkey Shaun , Gallagher Peter F. , Banerjee Arindam , Pandor Sufyan , Greer Brett , Elliott Christopher , Ryan Aideen , Dunne Philip D. , Coyle Vicky , Mills Ian G. , McDade Simon S. , Sansom Owen , Chonghaile Triona Ni , Longley Daniel B. , LaBonte Melissa J. , Kerr Emma M.
Published: September 2024

Therapy resistance is attributed to over 80% of cancer deaths per year emphasizing the urgent need to overcome this challenge for improved patient outcomes. Despite its widespread use in colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment, resistance to 5-fluorouracil (5FU) remains poorly understood. Here, we investigate the transcriptional responses of CRC cells to 5FU treatment, revealing significant metabolic reprogramming towards heightened mitochondrial activity. Utilizing CRC models, we demonstrate sustained enhancement of mitochondrial biogenesis and function following 5FU treatment, leading to resistance in both in vitro and in vivo settings. Furthermore, we show that targeting mitochondrial metabolism, specifically by inhibiting Complex I (CI), sensitizes CRC cells to 5FU, resulting in delayed tumour growth and prolonged survival in preclinical models. Additionally, our analysis of patient data suggests that oxidative metabolism signatures may predict responses to 5FU-based chemotherapy. These findings shed light on mechanisms underlying 5FU resistance and propose a rational strategy for combination therapy in CRC, emphasizing the potential clinical benefit of targeting mitochondrial metabolism to overcome resistance and enhance patient outcomes.
Biantennary N-glycans As Receptors for MARTX Toxins inVibrioPathogenesis
Authors: Chen Jiexi , Goerdeler Felix , Jaroentomeechai Thapakorn , Hernandez Francisco X. S. , Wang Xiaozhong , Clausen Henrik , Narimatsu Yoshiki , Satchell Karla J. F.
Published: September 2024

Multifunctional Autoprocessing Repeats-in-Toxin (MARTX) toxins are a diverse effector delivery platform of many Gram-negative bacteria that infect mammals, insects, and aquatic animal hosts. The mechanisms by which these toxins recognize host cell receptors for translocation of toxic effectors into the cell have remained elusive. Here, we map the first surface receptor-binding domain of a MARTX toxin from the highly lethal foodborne pathogenVibrio vulnificus. This domain corresponds to a 273-amino acid sequence with predicted symmetrical immunoglobulin-like folds. We demonstrate that this domain binds internalN-acetylglucosamine on complex biantennary N-glycans with select preference for L1CAM and other N-glycoproteins with multiple N-glycans on host cell surfaces. This receptor binding domain is essential forV. vulnificuspathogenesis during intestinal infection. The identification of a highly conserved motif universally present as part of all N-glycans correlates with theV. vulnificusMARTX toxin boasting broad specificity and targeting nearly all cell types.
pr-independent biogenesis of infectious mature Zika virus particles
Authors: Dowd Kimberly A. , Schroeder Michelle , Sanchez Egan , Brumbaugh Beniah , Foreman Bryant M. , Burgomaster Katherine E. , Shi Wei , Wang Lingshu , Caputo Natalie , Gordon David N. , Schwartz Cindi L. , Hansen Bryan T. , Aleshnick Maya , Kong Wing-Pui , Morabito Kaitlyn M. , Hickman Heather D. , Graham Barney S. , Fischer Elizabeth R. , Pierson Theodore C.
Published: September 2024

Flavivirus assembly at the endoplasmic reticulum is driven by the structural proteins envelope (E) and premembrane (prM). Here, contrary to the established paradigm for flavivirus assembly, we demonstrate that the biogenesis of flavivirus particles does not require an intact prM nor proteolytic activation. The expression of E preceded by a truncated version of prM (M-E) was sufficient for the formation of non-infectious Zika virus subviral particles and pseudo-infectious reporter virions. Subviral particles encoded by a ZIKV M-E DNA vaccine elicited a neutralizing antibody response that was insensitive to the virion maturation state, a feature of flavivirus humoral immunity shown to correlate with protection. M-E vaccines that uniformly present structural features shared with mature virions offer a higher quality and broadly applicable approach to flavivirus vaccination.
Computational studies reveal structural characterization and novel families ofPuccinia striiformisf. sp.triticieffectors
Authors: Asghar Raheel , Wu Nan , Ali Noman , Wang Yulei , Akkaya Mahinur
Published: September 2024

Understanding the biological functions ofPuccinia striiformisf. sp.tritici(Pst) effectors is fundamental for uncovering the mechanisms of pathogenicity and variability, thereby paving the way for developing durable and effective control strategies for stripe rust. However, due to the lack of an efficient genetic transformation system inPst, progress in effector function studies has been slow. Here, we modeled the structures of 15,201 effectors from twelvePstraces or isolates, aPuccinia striiformisisolate, and onePuccinia striiformisf. sp.hordeiisolate using AlphaFold2. Of these, 8,102 folds were successfully predicted, and we performed sequence- and structure-based annotations of these effectors. These effectors were classified into 410 structure clusters and 1,005 sequence clusters. Sequence lengths varied widely, with a concentration between 101-250 amino acids, and motif analysis revealed the presence of known effector motifs such as [Y/F/W]xC and RxLR. Subcellular localization predictions indicated a predominant cytoplasmic localization, with notable chloroplast and nuclear presence. Clear annotations based on sequence and structure included superoxide dismutase and trehalose-6-phosphate phosphatase. A common feature observed was the formation of similar structures from different sequences. In our study, one of the comparative structural analyses revealed a new structure family with a core structure of four helices, including Pst27791, PstGSRE4, and PstSIE1, which target key wheat immune pathway proteins, impacting the host immune function. Further comparative structural analysis showed similarities betweenPsteffectors and effectors from other pathogens such as AvrSr35, AvrSr50, Zt-KP4-1, and MoHrip2, highlighting convergent evolutionary strategies. This comprehensive analysis provides novel insights intoPsteffectors’ structural and functional characterization, advancing our understanding ofPstpathogenicity and evolution.

Author Summary

Stripe rust, caused by the fungusPuccinia striiformisf. sp.tritici(Pst), is a major threat to wheat crops worldwide. The fungus uses special proteins, called effectors, to bypass the plant’s immune defenses and establish infection. To better understand how these effectors work, we used a computational tool, AlphaFold2, to predict the structures of over 15,000Psteffector proteins. Interestingly, some of the effectors resemble proteins found in other plant pathogens, suggesting that different fungi may evolve similar ways to infect plants. Our research offers new insights into the infection strategies ofPstand could lead to new methods for protecting wheat from stripe rust.
Anin vitromodelling of resolving macrophage with Raw 264.7 macrophage cell line
Authors: Yee Karen Kar Lye , Morooka Nobukatsu , Sato Takashi
Published: September 2024

In acute inflammation, macrophages polarises its phenotype in order to participate effectively in the inflammatory, anti-inflammatory and resolving phases. Particularly, the resolving phase is vital for homeostatic recovery. Thein vivomurine peritonitis model had identified various subtypes of resolving macrophages. However, thein vivomodel has limitations in deciphering the molecular mechanisms required for resolving macrophage polarisation. Therefore the aim of this study is to establish anin vitromodel that could simplify the reproduction of resolving macrophage polarisation. This model will be a useful tool to screen for molecular mechanisms essential for triggering resolution. Ourin vitromodel showed Raw 264.7 cells exhibited classical inflammatory-like (M1-like) phenotype between 2-24 h with increased interleukin-1β expression and tumour necrosis factor-α secretion. Concurrently, at 22-24 h there was an increase in Raw 264.7 cells polarising to anti-inflammatory like (M2-like) phenotype. These M2-like macrophages were increased in arginase activity and interleukin-10 expression. By 48 h, Raw 264.7 cells were polarised to resolving-like (Mres-like/CD11blow) phenotype. These macrophages were characterised by high efferocytic index and a decrease in inflammatory cytokine expression, low arginase activity and low CD11b expression. In summary, thisin vitroresolution model showed resolving-like polarisation in a macrophage cell line.
Reservoir Computing with Bacteria
Authors: Faulon Jean-Loup , Ahavi Paul , Hoang Thi-Ngoc-An
Published: September 2024

This study explores the use of bacterial strains in reservoir computing (RC) to solve regression and classification tasks. We employ anEscherichia coliK-12 MG1655 strain as the physical reservoir, training it on M9 minimal media supplemented with 28 metabolites, and measuring growth rates across various media compositions. Our physical RC system, using anEscherichia colistrain, demonstrates superior performance compared to multi-linear regression or support-vector machine and comparable performance to multi-layer perceptron in various regression and classification tasks. Additionally, the performances of RC based on genome-scale metabolic models for several bacterial species correlate with the diversity and complexity of phenotypes they produce. These findings highlight the potential of bacterial RC systems for complex computational tasks typically reserved for digital systems and suggest future research directions, including optimizing feature-to-nutrient mappings and integrating with emerging technologies for enhanced computing capabilities.
An archaeal CBASS system eliminates viruses without killing the host cells
Authors: Choudhary Deepak Kumar , Singla Himani , Vassover Dana , Golan Noam , Reshef Leah , Shukrun Hadar , Gophna Uri
Published: September 2024

Many cyclic-oligonucleotide-based antiphage signalling systems (CBASS) defend against viral infections using a TIR-SAVED domain protein that depletes cellular NAD+levels, eventually leading to cell dormancy or death. This abortive infection strategy is beneficial in stopping fast lytic infections, as cells die before spreading the virus to neighboring cells. However, many archaea are infected by chronic “temperate” viruses that coexist with their hosts for extended periods. In such situations, abortive infection could be detrimental, as the cost of immunity may outweigh that of infection. In this study, we examine an archaeal Type II-C CBASS system fromHaloferaxstrain Atlit 48N that was heterologously expressed in the model organismHaloferax volcaniiDS2. We demonstrate that this system protects against a chronically infecting virus, HFPV-1, and enables clearing of the virus after several passages without killing the host. Moreover, cells that have cleared the virus become substantially more resistant to future HFPV-1 infections, without acquiring CRISPR spacers from that virus. Cell death during viral infection only occurs after extensive incubation with HFPV-1. These findings suggest that CBASS could be beneficial even for archaea exposed to chronic infecting viruses, potentially explaining why such systems are relatively common in archaea.
Myosin cluster dynamics determines epithelial wound ring constriction
Authors: Bhat Alka , Berthoz Remi , Lo Vecchio Simon , Spiegelhalter Coralie , Yonemura Shigenobu , Pertz Olivier , Riveline Daniel
Published: September 2024

Collection of myosin motors and actin filaments can self-assemble into submicrometric clusters under the regulation of RhoA. Emergent dynamics of these clusters have been reported in a variety of morphogenetic systems, ranging from Drosophila to acto-myosin assays in vitro. In single cell cytokinetic rings, acto-myosin clusters are associated with stress generation when radial and transport when tangential with respect to the ring closure. Here, we show that these phenomena hold true for acto-myosin multi-cellular rings during wound closure in epithelial monolayers. We assessed the activity of RhoA using FRET sensors, and we report that cluster dynamics does not correlate with RhoA activity. Nevertheless, we show that bursts of RhoA activation precede recruitment of myosin. Altogether myosin clusters dynamics is conserved between single and multi-cellular systems and this suggests that they could be used as generic read-outs for mapping and predicting stress generation and shape changes in morphogenesis.
Cave pools in Carlsbad Caverns National Park contain diverse bacteriophage communities and novel viral sequences
Authors: Ulbrich Joseph , Jobe Nathaniel E. , Jones Daniel S. , Kieft Thomas L.
Published: September 2024

Viruses are the most abundant biological entities on Earth, and they play a critical role in the environment and biosphere where they regulate microbial populations and contribute to nutrient cycling. Environmental viruses have been the most studied in the ocean, but viral investigations have now spread to other environments. Here, viral communities were characterized in four cave pools in Carlsbad Caverns National Park to test the hypotheses that (i) viral abundance is ten-fold higher than prokaryotic cell abundance in cavern pools, (ii) cavern pools contain novel viral sequences, and (iii) viral communities in pools from developed portions of the cave are distinct from those of pools in undeveloped parts of the same cave. The relationship between viral and microbial abundance was determined through direct epifluorescence microscopy counts. Viral metagenomes were constructed to examine viral diversity among pools, identify novel viruses, and characterize auxiliary metabolic genes (AMGs). Bacterial communities were characterized by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Epifluorescence microscopy showed that the ratio of viral-like particles (VLPs) to microorganisms was approximately 22:1 across all sites. Viral communities from pools with higher tourist traffic were more similar to each other than to those from less visited pools, although surprisingly, viruses did not follow the same pattern as bacterial communities, which reflected pool geochemistry. Bacterial hosts predicted from viral sequences using iPHoP showed overlap with both rare and abundant genera and families in the 16S rRNA gene dataset. Gene-sharing network analysis revealed high viral diversity compared to a reference viral database as well as to other aquatic environments. AMG presence showed variation in metabolic potential among the four pools. Overall, Carlsbad Cavern harbors novel viruses with substantial diversity among pools within the same system, indicating that caves are likely an important repository for unexplored viromes.
Metagenomic analyses of single phages and phage cocktails show instances of contamination with temperate phages and bacterial DNA
Authors: Peng Xue , Smith Sophie Elizabeth , Huang Wanqi , Ru Jinlong , Mirzaei Mohammadali Khan , Deng Li
Published: September 2024

Increasing antibiotic resistance has led to renewed attention being paid to bacteriophage therapy. Commercial phage cocktails are available but often their contents of the phages are not well defined. Some metagenomic studies have been done to retrospectively characterise these cocktails, but little is known about the replication cycle of the included phages, or about the possible bacterial DNA contamination. In this study, published metagenomic sequences were reanalysed using recent advances in viromics tools. Signs of temperate phage contigs were found in all cocktail metagenomes, as well as host DNA, which could poses a risk as it may lead to horizontal gene transfer of virulence factors to commensals and pathogens. This suggests the need to implement further quality measures before using phage cocktails therapeutically.
Challenges in the Accurate Modelling of Lipid Dynamics in Monolayers and Bilayers
Authors: Tempra Carmelo , Chamorro Victor Cruces , Mandal Titas , Chiantia Salvatore , Vogele Martin , Fabian Balazs , Javanainen Matti
Published: September 2024

Recent advances in hydrodynamic theory have revealed the severe effect of periodic boundary conditions (PBCs) on the diffusive dynamics of lipid membranes in molecular dynamics simulations. Even when accounting for PBC effects, the corrected lipid diffusion coefficients often severely overshoot the experimental estimates. Here, we investigate the underlying reasons for the exaggerated dynamics, and suggest potential ways for improvement. To this end, we examine the diffusion of four lipid types in both bilayers and monolayers using the CHARMM36 force field. We account for PBC effects using the full hydrodynamic treatment: for bilayers we use non-equilibrium simulations to extract the interleaflet friction parameter used in the correction; whereas monolayer hydrodynamics are treated by setting this parameter to zero. Our results suggest that the dynamics of bilayers are too fast, even if interleaflet friction is accounted for. However, the change of the water model to OPC leads to an excellent agreement with experiments. For monolayers, the dynamics with the TIP3P water model agree well with experiments, whereas they are undershot with OPC. As OPC and TIP3P differ in both shear viscosity and surface tension, we develop two new mass-scaled water models to clarify the roles of the thermodynamic and kinetic properties of the water model on lipid dynamics. Our results indicate that both of these quantities play a major role in lipid dynamics. Moreover, it seems that the accurate description of diffusion in both lipid bilayers and monolayers cannot be accounted for by changes in the water model alone, but likely also requires modifications in the lipid model.
Inflammation perturbs hematopoiesis by remodeling specific compartments of the bone marrow niche
Authors: Swann James W. , Zhang Ruiyuan , Verovskaya Evgenia V. , Calero-Nieto Fernando J. , Wang Xiaonan , Proven Melissa A. , Shyu Peter T. , Guo X. Edward , Göttgens Berthold , Passegué Emmanuelle
Published: September 2024

Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC) are regulated by interactions with stromal cells in the bone marrow (BM) cavity, which can be segregated into two spatially defined central marrow (CM) and endosteal (Endo) compartments. However, the importance of this spatial compartmentalization for BM responses to inflammation and neoplasia remains largely unknown. Here, we extensively validate a combination of scRNA-seq profiling and matching flow cytometry isolation that reproducibly identifies 7 key CM and Endo populations across mouse strains and accurately surveys both niche locations. We demonstrate that different perturbations exert specific effects on different compartments, with type I interferon responses causing CM mesenchymal stromal cells to adopt an inflammatory phenotype associated with overproduction of chemokines modulating local monocyte dynamics in the surrounding microenvironment. Our results provide a comprehensive method for molecular and functional stromal characterization and highlight the importance of altered stomal cell activity in regulating hematopoietic responses to inflammatory challenges.
Improvement of Antibody Affinity and Using PURE Ribosome Display and Microbial Secretion System
Authors: Kihara Monami , Okuda Rio , Okada Anri , Ojima-Kato Teruyo , Nakano Hideo
Published: September 2024

A method has been developed for efficiently enriching and analyzing high-affinity antibody variants by combining the PURE ribosome display (ribosome display using purified cell-free protein synthesis components) with next-generation sequencing (NGS) and the Brevibacillus choshinensis secretion system, using the NZ-1 antibody, which targets the PA tag peptide (GVAMPGAEDDVV), as a model antibody. An artificial DNA encoding the single-chain fragment of binding (scFab) of the NZ-1 antibody was synthesized and actively expressed by cell-free protein synthesis system (CFPS). Region-specific saturation mutations were introduced into the scFab gene based on its structural information. The resulting scFab library was selected against the PA tag through two rounds of PURE ribosome display, followed by Illumina sequencing to identify potential scFab variants with higher affinity. The candidates were expressed as Fab fragments using the B. choshinensis secretion system. These Fab fragments were then purified from the culture supernatant using two-step column chromatography. The binding affinity of the purified Fab was evaluated using a biolayer interferometry assay, revealing a variant Fab with higher affinity than the wild-type Fab. These results demonstrate that integrating PURE ribosome display with NGS analysis and the B. choshinensis secretion expression system enables the rapid identification and analysis of high-affinity antibody variants.
Early lineage segregation of primary myotubes from secondary myotubes and adult muscle stem cells.
Authors: Toulouse Gauthier , Jarassier William , Morin Valerie , Le Grand Fabien , Marcelle Christophe
Published: September 2024

Myogenesis in amniotes unfolds through two consecutive waves. The primary myotube lineage is characterized by the expression of slow myosin, sometimes in combination with fast myosin, and may serve as a scaffold for the secondary lineage, which expresses exclusively fast myosin. The embryonic origin of these two lineages, their relationship, and their connection to adult muscle stem cells are unknown. Here, we employed innovative strategies, combining novel TCF-LEF/β-catenin signaling reporters with the precise spatiotemporal control of in vivo electroporation in avian embryos, to track limb muscle progenitors from early migration to late fetal stages. Strikingly, we uncovered two distinct progenitor populations co-existing from the earliest stages of limb myogenesis, with specific developmental fates: reporter-positive progenitors exclusively form primary myotubes, while reporter-negative progenitors generate secondary myotubes and adult muscle stem cells. Furthermore, we uncovered a novel function of TCF-LEF/β-catenin signaling in regulating the spatial organization of the primary myotube lineage via CXCR4-mediated control of myoblast migration, likely contributing to its proposed organizing function. By redefining the embryonic origins of these myogenic populations, our findings not only resolve a longstanding question in muscle biology but also provide a crucial molecular entry point for understanding the cellular and molecular underpinnings of muscle fiber type diversity and function.
Cytoplasmic ribosomes hitchhike on mitochondria to dendrites
Authors: Renken Corbin J , Kim Susie , Wu Youjun , Hammarlund Marc , Yogev Shaul
Published: September 2024

Neurons rely on local protein synthesis to rapidly modify the proteome of neurites distant from the cell body. A prerequisite for local protein synthesis is the presence of ribosomes in the neurite, but the mechanisms of ribosome transport in neurons remain poorly defined. Here, we find that ribosomes hitchhike on mitochondria for their delivery to the dendrite of a sensory neuron in C. elegans. Ribosomes co-transport with dendritic mitochondria, and their association requires the atypical Rho GTPase MIRO-1. Disrupting mitochondrial transport prevents ribosomes from reaching the dendrite, whereas ectopic re-localization of mitochondria results in a concomitant re-localization of ribosomes, demonstrating that mitochondria are required and sufficient for instructing ribosome distribution in dendrites. Endolysosomal organelles that are involved in mRNA transport and translation can associate with mitochondria and ribosomes but do not play a significant role in ribosome transport. These results reveal a mechanism for dendritic ribosome delivery, which is a critical upstream requirement for local protein synthesis.
Tax incentives for jobs: bang for the buck or wasted resources?
Authors: Emiru Tilahun , Wajebo Temesgen Woldamanuel
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of tax incentives provided by the Ethiopian government in spurring private investment and job creation, using unique administrative and survey data.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs a dataset covering large- and medium-scale manufacturing in Ethiopia from 2012 to 2018, combined with administrative data on actual tax payments and statutory obligations to gauge the impact of tax incentives. Regression analysis using the generalized method of moments (GMM) is used to examine the relationship between tax incentives and employment, taking into account variations in production, distribution and financial costs.

Findings

The study finds that tax incentives do not significantly affect employment at conventional significance levels. The incentive elasticity of employment appears to diminish as production, distribution and financial costs increase. Consequently, the incentives provided by the government have not had a substantial impact on employment generation within the manufacturing sector.

Originality/value

This study is unique for its comprehensive analysis of tax incentives in the Ethiopian manufacturing sector using both administrative and survey data. It highlights that increasing production and financial costs can offset the employment benefits of these incentives, emphasizing the need for a more favorable business environment for private investors.
An evaluation of the adaptive performance of architects in project teams in Ghana using fuzzy approach
Authors: Kwofie Titus Ebenezer , Addy Michael Nii , Marful Alexander Boakye , Aigbavboa Clinton Ohis , Amos-Abanyie Samuel , Baffoe-Ashun Ayisha Ida
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The adaptive performance of architects as a key professional in project delivery teams has become important for developing strategies, skills and cognitive behaviours for sustainability of working systems. However, the understanding and knowledge of adaptive performance of architects is lacking in the current literature. Thus, this study fills this gap by primarily assessing the adaptive performance of architects in project teams in project delivery.

Design/methodology/approach

By adopting the widely used eight-dimension attributes of adaptive performance, a questionnaire survey was conducted among team participants and stakeholders who directly or indirectly work on projects with architects in the public and private sectors project delivery supply chain in Ghana. A total of 42 responses were subsequently used in a fuzzy set theory analysis being facilitated by a set of linguistic terms.

Findings

From the assessment, the overall adaptive performance of architects from the eight-dimension attributes emerged to be fairly high. Additionally, the architects’ performance in the individual eight-dimensions showed varied results. High performance was registered in architects’ ability to handling work stress and cultural adaptability. Also, architects demonstrated a fairly high performance in dealing with uncertain or unpredictable work situations. However, in the cases of learning work tasks, technologies and procedures, interpersonal adaptability and handling crisis and emergency situations, architects were deemed to have low and fairly low adaptive performance among project teams.

Originality/value

Given the vagueness and complexities in understanding adaptability among teams and its assessment, through the use of fuzzy set theory based on a suitable set of linguistics terms, the study presents a novel understanding of the level of architects’ adaptive performance in project teams in project delivery. The findings are extremely useful in helping architects adapt and cope with changing competitive work environment by developing the right cognitive behaviours for task functions and organizational roles, disruptions and aiding their ability to self-regulate.
The impact of external debt stock on economic growth: ethical dilemmas and evidence from East African community bloc
Authors: Musse Osman Sayid Hassan , Sharofiddin Ashurov , Mohamed Mohamud Ahmed
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effect of total external debt stock on economic growth of the East African Community (EAC) bloc.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applies balanced panel data for seven of the eight EAC member states, spanning the period from 2013 to 2022, and uses panel data models, i.e. pooled ordinary least squares, random and fixed effects models.

Findings

The findings reveal a significant positive correlation between total external debt stock and economic growth, supporting the economic theory that reasonable levels of borrowing can stimulate economic growth, particularly when funds are channeled into productive activities. However, the relationship between foreign direct investment and economic growth lacks statistical significance, indicating challenges in attracting sufficient investment for substantial growth within the EAC bloc. Trade openness shows a negative and statistically insignificant correlation with economic growth. Additionally, the study finds a positive and significant correlation between the unemployment rate and economic growth, while the inflation rate demonstrates a positive but statistically insignificant relationship with economic growth.

Practical implications

The study recommends improvements in debt management practices, enhancements in the business environment, infrastructure investments, a reassessment of trade policies and initiatives to stimulate job creation and SME development. More importantly, governments should focus on expanding the tax base in ways that stimulate growth, thereby reducing reliance on external debt.

Originality/value

This study is unique as it revisits the effect of external debt stock on economic growth following Somalia’s recent membership in EAC bloc.
Is it good to have a choice? The value of participatory order assignments in warehousing
Authors: De Lombaert Thomas , Braekers Kris , De Koster René , Ramaekers Katrien
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Warehouses are under pressure to operate as efficiently as possible. In pursuit of attaining high efficiency in the order picking process, the warehouse manager must take several planning decisions, typically supported by a central planning system. However, highly centralised work erodes the autonomy of warehouse workers, interfering with worker well-being and productivity. This study holistically explores the impact of a work system with more decision autonomy for order pickers.

Design/methodology/approach

We conduct a unique field experiment in a real-world warehouse and use a within-subjects design to compare two work systems, one with worker autonomy and one without. 18 permanent employees participate in our study, in which we measure both psychosocial and physical well-being as well as productivity. Post-experimental interviews are conducted to delve deeper into the observed effects.

Findings

Our study illustrates that involving order pickers in operational decisions can benefit their job satisfaction and motivation without compromising productivity. Although we fail to find significance at the conventional level (α = 0.05), we do find marginally significant effects of our treatment on physical well-being aspects. Furthermore, our intervention invoked a highly positive user experience.

Practical implications

We show that slightly loosening tight process control results in organisational and individual benefits without endangering smooth operational flows. The warehouse in this paper acknowledged this and decided to permanently work according to this philosophy.

Originality/value

This study is the first to holistically explore the effects of a participatory work setting in a real-world warehouse.
Policing rape and serious sexual offences: officers’ insights on police specialism
Authors: Barbin Arianna , Gekoski Anna , Davies Kari , Horvath Miranda A.H.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Several studies have been conducted to understand why the conviction rate for rape and serious sexual offences (RASSO) remains so low. Increasing pressure and criticism have led to questioning why improvements in RASSO investigations are proving ineffective. The purpose of this study was to capture police officers’ perspective of police specialism while investigating RASSO.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 82 semi-structured interviews were conducted. Data collection spanned across two years, from October 2021 until May 2023, and included police officers from four police forces in England and Wales. Template analysis was used to identify recurrent patterns around police specialism for RASSO.

Findings

Most officers viewed specialism as a tool to improve how police forces prevent and tackle RASSO. In spite of this, the lack of prioritisation of specialist training, roles and units specifically for this crime type has hindered the development of evidence-based practice in policing. The impact on well-being, resources, organisational support and role identity has been explored.

Originality/value

This is the first qualitative study, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, to look at officers’ insights on police specialism for RASSO in England and Wales. Officers discussed day-to-day challenges associated with conducting RASSO investigations while reflecting on potential advantages related to dedicated specialist units and/or specialist roles.
Integrating and extending the SOR model, TAM and the UTAUT to assess M-commerce adoption during COVID times
Authors: Yaqub Muhammad Zafar , Badghish Saeed , Yaqub Rana Muhammad Shahid , Ali Imran , Ali Noor Sahar
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aims to integrate and extend leading contemporary underpinning frameworks such as the Stimulus Organism Response (S-O-R) model, Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) to assess the determinants of M-commerce usage during COVID-19 times. Besides direct effects, the study examines the mediating role of behavioral intention in affecting the relationship between a few external stimuli, internal states (of the organism) and M-commerce usage (the response). The study has also examined the moderating role of habitual behavior in the relationship between behavioral intention and M-commerce usage.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were gathered from 312 customers through an online survey using a structured questionnaire. PLS-based SEM, using Smart PLS 4.0, was employed to calibrate the measurement and structural models.

Findings

The study found that stimuli like social influence, perceived ease of use and perceived value substantially affected M-commerce usage. Behavioral intention has been found to mediate these cause-and-effect relationships partially or fully among the subject constructs. Additionally, a significant negative but weak moderating impact of habit (or habitual behavior) on the relationship between behavioral intentions and M-commerce usage has been corroborated.

Originality/value

Several studies have investigated the factors influencing the adoption and continued usage of M-commerce services while appealing to diverse theoretical frameworks. However, more research has yet to be expended to arrive at an integrated explanation grounded in these theoretical frameworks to examine the dynamics of M-commerce usage in tempestuous times like the COVID-19 outbreak. The most significant (counterintuitive) findings have been suppressing the effects of otherwise crucial elements like perceived security and habit in prompting M-commerce usage in the face of the socio-psychological pressures stemming from COVID-19 restrictions and consumers' lack of digital readiness. The study's outcomes offer several theoretical and practical implications for researchers, managers, practitioners, businesses and policymakers to develop effective strategies to mature M-commerce usage among the masses, especially during unusual times like COVID-19.
Social media, misinformation and fake news in the pandemic: the dominant gaps and future research avenues
Authors: Nutsugah Noel , Mensah Kobby , Odoom Raphael , Ayarnah Amin
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Social networking sites have become breeding grounds for the spread of fake news and misinformation. At the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, the spread of fake news intensified, causing complications for health communicators by drowning authentic information from verifiable official sources. Looking at the impact of this growing phenomenon on people’s attitudes and behaviour during the pandemic, research in the area must be populated to help governments, supranational organisations, non-governmental organisations as well as civil society organisations to formulate policies to curb the menace. This study was therefore undertaken to unravel current gaps and future research avenues to empower academia in achieving the desired scholarly impact.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted the systematic review approach, relying on 56 peer-reviewed articles on social media, fake news and misinformation in the Covid-19 pandemic.

Findings

The study found that the use of social media during the height of the pandemic led to unhelpful information creation and sharing behaviours such that people’s self-awareness reduced drastically, thereby impeding the fight against the pandemic. The study also established that Entertainment motives, Ignorance and Altruism motives were the dominant factors that influenced the spread of fake news. There was evidence of the marginalization of research on the subject matter from contexts such as Africa, South America and Oceania.

Originality/value

This study has established existing gaps in issues and evidence, methodology, theory and context and consequently discussed future research avenues for social media use and the spread of fake news. The study has also provided practical implications for both governmental and non-governmental organisations in curbing the phenomenon of fake news and misinformation.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-07-2022-0366.
Multi-sensor integration on one microfluidics chip for single-stranded DNA detection
Authors: Yue Weiwei , Cao Yuwei , Xie Shuqi , Cheng Kang Ning , Ding Yue , Liu Cong , Ding Yan Jing , Zhu Xiaofeng , Liu Huanqing , Shafi Muhammad
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aims to improve detection efficiency of fluorescence biosensor or a graphene field-effect transistor biosensor. Graphene field-effect transistor biosensing and fluorescent biosensing were integrated and combined with magnetic nanoparticles to construct a multi-sensor integrated microfluidic biochip for detecting single-stranded DNA. Multi-sensor integrated biochip demonstrated higher detection reliability for a single target and could simultaneously detect different targets.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the authors integrated graphene field-effect transistor biosensing and fluorescent biosensing, combined with magnetic nanoparticles, to fabricate a multi-sensor integrated microfluidic biochip for the detection of single-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Graphene films synthesized through chemical vapor deposition were transferred onto a glass substrate featuring two indium tin oxide electrodes, thus establishing conductive channels for the graphene field-effect transistor. Using π-π stacking, 1-pyrenebutanoic acid succinimidyl ester was immobilized onto the graphene film to serve as a medium for anchoring the probe aptamer. The fluorophore-labeled target DNA subsequently underwent hybridization with the probe aptamer, thereby forming a fluorescence detection channel.

Findings

This paper presents a novel approach using three channels of light, electricity and magnetism for the detection of single-stranded DNA, accompanied by the design of a microfluidic detection platform integrating biosensor chips. Remarkably, the detection limit achieved is 10 pm, with an impressively low relative standard deviation of 1.007%.

Originality/value

By detecting target DNA, the photo-electro-magnetic multi-sensor graphene field-effect transistor biosensor not only enhances the reliability and efficiency of detection but also exhibits additional advantages such as compact size, affordability, portability and straightforward automation. Real-time display of detection outcomes on the host facilitates a deeper comprehension of biochemical reaction dynamics. Moreover, besides detecting the same target, the sensor can also identify diverse targets, primarily leveraging the penetrative and noninvasive nature of light.