bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teaching the Skills and Concepts of Gene Expression Analysis during COVID-19
Authors: Roberts Louis A. , Shell Scarlet S.
Published: June 2022

Teaching students how to conduct impactful gene expression studies within an authentic research paradigm typically relies on hands-on experience to develop skills at the bench, coupled with conceptual understanding of the experiments and their analyses within or outside of the lab setting. The unexpected shift of our gene expression laboratory course to a remote model provided the opportunity to assess how student learning of these skills and concepts would be affected in an entirely online environment. Our data suggest the reduced learning gains for skill-based techniques came with increased student learning of concepts and analysis, which may have aided stimulating student interest in gene expression studies.
Lupus disease flares are concordant with immune responses to blooms of lipoglycan-expressing Ruminococcus blautia gnavus strains arising from unstable gut microbiota communities
Authors: Azzouz Doua F. , Chen Ze , Izmirly Peter , Chen Lea Ann , Li Zhi , Pironti Alejandro , Putzel Gregory G. , Zhang Chongda , Heguy Adriana , Masson Mala , Schwudke Dominik , Fenyo David , Gisch Nicolas , Buyon Jill , Alekseyenko Alexander V. , Silverman Gregg J.
Published: June 2022

Whereas genetic susceptibility for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus has been well explored, the precipitants for clinical disease flares remain a mystery. To investigate for dynamic-relationships between gut-microbial communities and Lupus disease activity, we performed taxonomic surveys of fecal 16S rRNA gene amplicon-libraries from Lupus patients and healthy volunteers, obtained at serial timepoints over many months to several years. Individual Lupus patients commonly displayed imbalances in alpha and beta microbiota-diversity, which were uniquely different from healthy individuals as well as from other Lupus patients. Moreover, multivariate analysis of sequential Lupus libraries documented community-wide ecological microbiota instability overtime, most pronounced in patients with Lupus Nephritis LN), a severe form associated with worse prognosis. Lupus gut communities displayed transient spikes of pathogenic bacterial species, with by far the most prevalent being blooms of Ruminococcus blautia gnavus (RG), occurring in nearly half of LN patients often concordant with disease activity flares. RG strains isolated during disease flares, but not those isolated from healthy individuals or patients with inflammatory bowel disease, commonly expressed a novel, highly immunogenic cell wall-associated lipoglycan with conserved structural features that include a diacyl glycerol anchor. Cross-reactive antigenic determinants on these lipoglycans were recognized by murine monoclonal antibodies, and by spontaneously arising Lupus serum IgG antibodies with peak serum antibody responses also concordant with RG blooms. As SLE is frequently characterized by remitting-relapsing disease, despite appropriate treatment, we speculate that gut blooms of pathogenic bacteria, that impair gut barrier function and stoke systemic inflammation, directly contribute to immunopathogenesis.
Diversity and characteristics of pTet family plasmids revealed by genomic epidemiology of Campylobacter jejuni from human patients in Toyama, Japan from 2015 to 2019
Authors: Morita Daichi , Arai Hiroki , Isobe Junko , Maenishi Emi , Kumagai Takanori , Maruyama Fumito , Kuroda Teruo
Published: June 2022

This study investigated 116 clinical isolates of Campylobacter jejuni from Toyama, Japan, which were isolated from 2015 to 2019. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and whole-genome sequencing were used for phenotypic and genotypic characterization to compare antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles and phylogenic linkage. The multilocus sequence typing approach identified 37 sequence types (STs) and 15 clonal complexes (CCs), including 7 novel STs, and the high frequency CCs were CC21 (27.7%), CC48 (10.9%), and CC354 (9.9%). Overall, 58.6% of the isolates were resistant to at least one of the antibiotics and 3.4% were resistant to three or more antibiotic classes. The AMR profiles and related resistant factors were as follows; fluoroquinolones (51.7%), mutation in QRDRs (GyrA T86I), tetracyclines (27.6%), acquisition of tet(O), ampicillin (5.2%), promoter mutation in blaOXA193, aminoglycosides (1.7%), acquisition of ant(6)-Ia and aph(3’)-III, chloramphenicol (0.9%), acquisition of cat. The resistance factors of fosfomycin (1 strain), sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (2 strain), and linezolid (1 strain) resistant isolates were unknown. The acquired resistance genes, tet(O), ant(6>)-Ia, aph(3’)-III, and cat, were located on pTet family plasmids. Furthermore, three pTet family plasmids formed larger plasmids that incorporated additional genes such as the Type IV secretion system.

A comparison of pTet family plasmids in Japan has not been reported, and these results imply that the diversity of pTet family plasmids has increased. The prevalence of ST4526, belonging to CC21, in Japan has been reported, and it was also the major ST type (10.9%) in this study, suggesting that the ST4526 prevalence continues in Japan.
Exploring the Role of Superspreading Events in SARS-CoV-2 Outbreaks
Authors: Bramble Jordan , Fulk Alexander , Saenz Raul , Agusto Folashade B.
Published: June 2022

The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 emerged in 2019 and subsequently spread throughout the world, causing over 529 million cases and 6 million deaths thus far. In this study, we formulate a continuous-time Markov chain model to investigate the influence of superspreading events (SSEs), defined here as public or social events that result in multiple infections over a short time span, on SARS-CoV-2 outbreak dynamics. Using Gillespie’s direct algorithm, we simulate a continuous-time Markov chain model for SARS-CoV-2 spread under multiple scenarios: first, with neither hospitalisation nor quarantine; second, with hospitalisation, quarantine, premature hospital discharge, and quarantine violation; and third, with hospitalisation and quarantine but neither premature hospital discharge nor quarantine violation. We also vary quarantine violation rates. Results indicate that, in most cases, SSE-dominated outbreaks are more variable but less severe than non-SSE-dominated outbreaks, though the most severe SSE-dominated outbreaks are more severe than the most severe non-SSE-dominated outbreaks. SSE-dominated outbreaks are outbreaks with relatively higher SSE rates. In all cases, SSE-dominated outbreaks are more sensitive to control measures, with premature hospital discharge and quarantine violation substantially reducing control measure effectiveness.
Well-being focused interventions for caregivers of children with developmental disabilities-a scoping review protocol
Authors: Mafutha Nokuthula Nkosi , Abeasi Doreen Asantewa , Suglo Joseph
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Children with developmental disabilities (DD) have complex health needs which imply that they will need assistance in many areas of their lives, a role usually assumed by family members. Family caregivers need to constantly balance the demands of providing care with their own needs, this may be overwhelming and may lead to elevated levels of stress, subsequently affecting their well-being. For optimum functioning of the child with DD, the caregiver would have to be in a state of good health, making it necessary to have interventions that will support caregivers’ well-being. This scoping review aims to identify and map the range of interventions available for caregivers of children with DD.

Methods and analysis

This scoping review looks at well-being interventions of caregivers of children with DD. Two reviewers who are independent and blinded will search of articles from five databases, namely; CINAHL, Psych INFO, PubMed, ERIC and COCHRANE Library. Grey literature will be looked for from google scholar. Predetermined inclusion criteria will be used in the literature search. The findings will be summarized in a tabular form, followed by narrative text.

Ethics and dissemination

As a scoping review of published literature, ethics approval is not required. Results will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

Discussion

The proposed scoping review will give an extensive review of interventions aimed at improving the well-being of caregivers of children with DD. We hope that this scoping review will provide recommendations on well-being improving interventions for caregivers of children with DD. Additionally, the review will guide future work on intervention development and primary research in this field.

Registration

This scoping review protocol has been registered with the Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/tkbrh)

Strengths and limitations of this study

This scoping review when completed will be the first study to identify and review systematically well-being focused interventions for caregivers of children with developmental disabilities.

The scoping review will employ standard guidelines of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis extension for scoping review (PRSMA-ScR).

The search will cover a broad scope by using five databases as well as grey literature sources.

Inter-rater reliability will be increased by at least two raters/reviewers doing abstract screening, full text screening and data extraction. A third reviewer will be included to resolve the disagreements which will arise from the other two reviewers.

Quality assessment of studies included in the scoping review will be done.

The scoping review will be limited to articles published in English and those from 2010 to 2021.
Association of Right Ventricular Dilation and Dysfunction on Echocardiogram with In-Hospital Mortality Among Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19 Compared with Other Acute Respiratory Illness
Authors: Sun Kaiwen , Cedarbaum Emily , Hill Christopher , Win Sithu , Parikh Nisha I. , Hsue Priscilla Y. , Durstenfeld Matthew S.
Published: June 2022

Background

Although right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is associated with mortality in acute COVID-19, the role of RV dilation is uncertain. The prognostic significance of RV dilation and dysfunction among hospitalized patients with acute COVID-19 compared to other respiratory illnesses.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study to examine 225 consecutive adults admitted for acute COVID-19 and 6,150 control adults admitted for influenza, pneumonia or ARDS who had a clinical echocardiogram performed. We used logistic regression models to assess associations between RV parameters and in-hospital mortality adjusted for confounders.

Results

Among those with COVID-19, 48/225 (21.3%) died during the index hospitalization compared to 727/6150 (11.8%) with other respiratory illness (p=0.001). Independent of COVID-19, mild and moderate to severe RV dilation were associated with 1.4 and 2.0 times higher risk of inpatient mortality, respectively (95%CI 1.17 to 1.69; p=0.0003; 95%CI 1.62 to 2.47; p<0.0001, respectively). Similarly, mild and moderate RV dysfunction were associated with 1.4 and 1.7 times higher risk of inpatient mortality (95%CI 1.10 to 1.77; p=0.007; 95%CI 1.17 to 2.42; p=0.005, respectively). Relative to normal RV size and non-COVID-19 acute respiratory illness, mild and moderate RV dilation were associated with 1.4 times and 2.0 times higher risk among those without COVID-19 and 1.9 times higher and 3.0 times higher risk among those with COVID-19, with similar findings for RV dysfunction. Having both RV dilation and dysfunction or RV dilation alone were associated with 1.7 times higher risk while RV dysfunction alone was associated with 1.4 times higher risk compared to normal RV size and function.

Conclusions

RV dilation and dysfunction are associated with increased risk of inpatient mortality among those with COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses. Abnormal RV findings may identify those at higher risk of short-term mortality from acute respiratory illness including COVID-19 beyond other risk markers.
Trapping virus-loaded aerosols using granular protein nanofibrils and iron oxyhydroxides nanoparticles
Authors: Armanious Antonius , Wang Heyun , Alpert Peter A. , Medaglia Chiara , Peydayesh Mohammad , Zwygart Arnaud Charles-Antoine , Gübeli Christian , Handschin Stephan , Bolisetty Sreenath , Ammann Markus , Tapparel Caroline , Stellacci Francesco , Mezzenga Raffaele
Published: June 2022

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has revealed that developing effective therapeutics against viruses might be outpaced by emerging variants,1–5 waning immunity,6–9 vaccine skepticism/hesitancy,10–12 lack of resources,13–16 and the time needed to develop virus-specific therapeutics,17,18 emphasizing the importance of non-pharmaceutical interventions as the first line of defense against virus outbreaks and pandemics.19–23 However, fighting the spread of airborne viruses has proven extremely challenging,23–28 much more if this needs to be achieved on a global scale and in an environmentally-friendly manner.29,30 Here, we introduce an aerosol filter made of granular material based on whey protein nanofibrils and iron oxyhydroxides nanoparticles. The material is environmentally-friendly, biodegradable, and composed mainly of a dairy industry byproduct.31 It features remarkable filtration efficiencies between 95.91% and 99.99% for both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, the influenza A virus strain H1N1, enterovirus 71, bacteriophage Φ6, and bacteriophage MS2. The developed material is safe to handle and recycle, with a simple baking step sufficient to inactivate trapped viruses. The high filtration efficiency, virtually-zero environmental impact, and low cost of the material illuminate a viable role in fighting current and future pandemics on a global scale.
Genetic transformation and cell division delay in competent Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Morgene Fedy , Zeghlache Célia Rizoug , Feng Shi Yuan , Hauck Yolande , Mirouze Nicolas
Published: June 2022

Natural competence for genetic transformation, considered as one of the three main mechanisms leading to horizontal gene transfer in bacteria, is able to promote evolution, through genomic plasticity, and foster antibiotic resistance and virulence factors spreading. Conserved machineries and actors required to perform genetic transformation have been shown to accumulate at different cellular localizations depending on the model organism considered.

Here, we show in the human pathogen Staphylococcus aureus that DNA binding, uptake and recombination are spatially and temporally coordinated to ensure S. aureus genetic transformation. We also reveal that localization of genetic transformation proteins is dynamic and preferentially occurs in the vicinity of the division septum. We finally propose that S. aureus competent cells would initiate and then block cell division to ensure the success of genetic transformation before the final constriction of the cytokinetic ring.
Trim-Away degrades lysine-less substrates without requiring ligase autoubiquitination
Authors: Kiss Leo , Rhinesmith Tyler , Dickson Claire F , Weidenhausen Jonas , Smyly Shannon , Luptak Jakub , Yang Ji-Chun , Maslen Sarah L , Sinning Irmgard , Neuhaus David , Clift Dean , James Leo C
Published: June 2022

TRIM proteins are the largest family of E3 ligases in mammals. They include the intracellular antibody receptor TRIM21, which is responsible for mediating targeted protein degradation during Trim-Away. Despite their importance, the ubiquitination mechanism of TRIM ligases has remained elusive. Here we show that while TRIM21 activation results in ubiquitination of both ligase and substrate, autoubiquitination is regulatory and not required for substrate degradation. Substrate binding stimulates N-terminal RING autoubiquitination by the E2 Ube2W, but when inhibited by N-terminal acetylation this prevents neither substrate ubiquitination nor degradation and has no impact on TRIM21 antiviral activity. Instead, uncoupling ligase and substrate degradation prevents ligase recycling and extends functional persistence in cells. Substrate ubiquitination mediates degradation but Trim-Away efficiently degrades lysine-less substrates, suggesting a non-canonical ubiquitination mechanism explains its broad substrate specificity.
Multi-stage resistance toZymoseptoria triticirevealed by GWAS in an Australian bread wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) diversity panel
Authors: Yang Nannan , Ovenden Ben , Baxter Brad , McDonald Megan C. , Solomon Peter S. , Milgate Andrew
Published: June 2022

Septoria tritici blotch (STB) has been ranked the third most important wheat disease in the world, threatening a large area of wheat production. Although major genes play an important role in the protection againstZymoseptoria triticiinfection, the lifespan of their resistance unfortunately is very short in modern agriculture systems. Combinations of quantitative resistance with minor effects, therefore, are believed to have prolonged and more durable resistance toZ. tritici. In this study new quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were identified that are responsible for seedling-stage resistance and adult-plant stage resistance (APR). More importantly was the characterisation of a previously unidentified QTL that can provide resistance during different stages of plant growth or multi-stage resistance (MSR). At the seedling stage, we discovered a new isolate-specific QTL, QSt.wai.1A.1. At the adult-plant stage, the new QTL QStb.wai.6A.2 provided stable and consistent APR in multiple sites and years, while the QTL QStb.wai.7A.2 was highlighted to have MSR. The stacking of multiple favourable MSR alleles was found to improve resistance toZ. triticiby up to 40%.

Key message

An Australian GWAS panel discovered three new QTLs associated with seedling-stage resistance, adult-plant stage resistance, and multi-stage resistance, respectively.
APOE deficiency impacts neural differentiation and cholesterol biosynthesis in human iPSC-derived cerebral organoids
Authors: Zhao Jing , Ikezu Tadafumi C. , Lu Wenyan , Macyczko Jesse R. , Li Yonghe , Lewis-Tuffin Laura J. , Martens Yuka A. , Ren Yingxue , Zhu Yiyang , Asmann Yan W. , Ertekin-Taner Nilüfer , Kanekiyo Takahisa , Bu Guojun
Published: June 2022

The apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene is the strongest genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD); however, how it modulates brain homeostasis is not clear. The apoE protein is a major lipid carrier in the brain transporting lipids such as cholesterol among different brain cell types. Here, we show that APOE deficiency in human iPSC-derived cerebral organoids impacts brain lipid homeostasis by modulating multiple cellular and molecular pathways. Molecular profiling through single cell RNA-sequencing revealed that APOE deficiency leads to changes in cellular composition of isogenic cerebral organoids likely by modulating the EIF2 signaling pathway as these events were alleviated by the treatment of a pathway inhibitor ISRIB. APOE deletion also leads to activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway with concomitant decrease of SFRP1 expression in glia cells. Importantly, the critical role of apoE in cell type-specific lipid homeostasis was observed upon APOE deletion in cerebral organoids with a specific upregulation of cholesterol biosynthesis in excitatory neurons and excessive lipid accumulation in astrocytes. Relevant to human AD, APOE4 cerebral organoids show altered neurogenesis and cholesterol metabolism compared to those with APOE3. Our work demonstrates critical roles of apoE in brain homeostasis and offers critical insights into the APOE4-related pathogenic mechanisms.
Epitaxial intergrowths and local oxide relaxations in natural bixbyite Fe2−x
Mn
x
O3
Authors: Støckler Kristoffer Andreas Holm , Roth Nikolaj , Grønbech Thomas Bjørn Egede , Iversen Bo Brummerstedt
Published: June 2022

The scattering pattern of a crystal obeys the symmetry of the crystal structure through the corresponding Laue group. This is usually also true for the diffuse scattering, containing information about disorder, but here a case is reported where the diffuse scattering is of lower symmetry than the parent crystal structure. The mineral bixbyite has been studied by X-ray and neutron scattering techniques since 1928 with some of the most recent studies characterizing the low-temperature transition to a magnetically disordered spin-glass state. However, bixbyite also exhibits structural disorder, and here single-crystal X-ray and neutron scattering is used to characterize the different modes of disorder present. One-dimensional rods of diffuse scattering are observed in the cubic mineral bixbyite, which break the expected symmetry of the scattering pattern. It is shown that this scattering arises from epitaxial intergrowths of the related mineral, braunite. The presence of this disorder mode is found to be directly observable as well-defined residuals in the average structure refined against the Bragg diffraction. An additional three-dimensional diffuse scattering component is observed in neutron scattering data, which is shown to originate from the substitutional disorder on the Fe/Mn sites. This occupational disorder gives rise to local relaxations of the oxide sublattice, and the pattern of oxide displacements can be rationalized based on crystal-field theory. The combined use of neutron and X-ray single-crystal scattering techniques highlights their great complementarity. In particular, the large sample requirements for neutron scattering experiments prove to be an obstacle in solving the intergrowth disorder due to several growth orientations, whereas for X-ray scattering the one-dimensional nature of the intergrowth disorder renders solving this a more tractable task. On the other hand, the oxide relaxations cannot be resolved using X-rays due to the low Mn/Fe contrast. By combining the two approaches both types of disorder have been characterized.
Stock market reaction to affiliated sports teams’ performance: evidence from China
Authors: Gao Yongqiang , Wang Yingli , Hafsi Taïeb
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Drawing on the affect transfer and stakeholder theories, this study aims to examine how the performance of a sports team that a firm owns or sponsors may affect the firm’s market value. It explicates that a sports team wins (loses) in the field raises the public’s positive (negative) affect, which can spill over to the associated firm.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a sample of publicly listed firms in Chinese stock exchanges that are owners or sponsors of soccer teams that competed in the National soccer league of China during 2004–2017, the authors find good support for the hypotheses.

Findings

The findings reveal that a firm’s cumulative abnormal return is positively related to its soccer team’s winning and negatively related to the team’s losing, and these relationships are moderated by both firm and match characteristics. By showing a relationship between sports team’s performance and associated firm’s market value, executives need cautions when their firms want to own or sponsor sports team. However, owned sports team’s winning could be a good strategy to improve a firm’s market value.

Originality/value

This study enriches the spillover literature and deepens the understanding of spillover effect. It provides evidence for the concept of affect transfer and broadens its application scope.
What do they make us see: a comparative study of cultural bias in online databases of two large museums
Authors: Zhitomirsky-Geffet Maayan , Kizhner Inna , Minster Sara
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Large cultural heritage datasets from museum collections tend to be biased and demonstrate omissions that result from a series of decisions at various stages of the collection construction. The purpose of this study is to apply a set of ethical criteria to compare the level of bias of six online databases produced by two major art museums, identifying the most biased and the least biased databases.

Design/methodology/approach

At the first stage, the relevant data have been automatically extracted from all six databases and mapped to a unified ontological scheme based on Wikidata. Then, the authors applied ethical criteria to the results of the geographical distribution of records provided by two major art museums as online databases accessed via museums' websites, API datasets and datasets submitted to Wikidata.

Findings

The authors show that the museums use different artworks in each of its online databases and each data-base has different types of bias reflected by the study variables, such as artworks' country of origin or the creator's nationality. For most variables, the database behind the online search system on the museum's website is more balanced and ethical than the API dataset and Wikidata databases of the two museums.

Originality/value

By applying ethical criteria to the analysis of cultural bias in various museum databases aimed at different audiences including end users, researchers and commercial institutions, this paper shows the importance of explicating bias and maintaining integrity in cultural heritage representation through different channels that potentially have high impact on how culture is perceived, disseminated, contextualized and transformed.
Barriers to entry: an empirical account of business creation difficulties in the United States 2011
Authors: Teague Megan V.
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This study acts as a proof of concept to address how general, broadly applicable barriers to starting a business impact entry across various firm sizes.

Design/methodology/approach

The following investigation uses barriers to entry data in Teague (2016) to explore the costs of government intervention within the United States for 2011.

Findings

Results from cross sectional regression analysis of business entry rates across nine different business size classifications on a composite barrier to entry variable yield two main findings: (1) increase in barriers to entry decrease business growth for most establishment sizes and (2) increase in barriers to entry for larger firms result in positive entry rates.

Originality/value

This study is the first exploration of general, broadly applicable barriers to entry measures and entry rates. Its preliminary findings suggest that barriers to entry encourage development of larger business sizes at the possible expense of smaller businesses. This result encourages further work into the interconnectedness of government and business.
Digital transformation maturity model development framework based on design science: case studies in manufacturing industry
Authors: Kırmızı Mehmet , Kocaoglu Batuhan
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This study aims to propose a novel maturity model development framework based on design science theory utilizing qualitative and quantitative methods for empirical evidence and develops a descriptive digital transformation maturity model by using the proposed framework.

Design/methodology/approach

Design science theory is deeply explored and extended to propose a novel maturity model development approach, including robust and rigorous validation processes. Thus, three consecutive discussion sessions and evaluations with experts are carried out iteratively to evolve and saturate the efficiency and utility of the maturity model, and consensus among experts at each session is validated by the intra-class correlation (ICC) coefficient. Furthermore, the Wilcoxon signed rank test is utilized to test whether there is a difference between consecutive sessions. Finally, prototype testing as a pilot study and two case studies in the manufacturing industry are carried out to validate the applicability of the developed maturity model.

Findings

A 3-phase maturity model development framework that includes the activities and outcomes in each phase emerge based on the design science theory. The comparative literature analysis and discussion sessions resulted in six dimensions, ten sub-dimensions, 39-capability items that circumscribe the digital transformation concept and five maturity levels that demonstrate conceptual consistency and a measurement tool for self-assessment. In addition, prototype testing and case studies show that the developed maturity model can measure the company's maturity level. Finally, it is proven that the digital transformation maturity model is developed by following the proposed maturity model development framework.

Practical implications

The maturity model draws a framework for practitioners that facilitate an initial roadmap and enhance the adoption rate, and it motivates the practitioners for frequent and efficient assessments, thus helping the continuous improvement of the digital transformation journey.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper lies in proposing a novel maturity model development framework based on design science and presents the activities and validation methods for this purpose. Furthermore, a comprehensive and rigorously validated digital transformation maturity model is developed based on the proposed framework.
Enhancing quality of teaching in the built environment higher education, UK
Authors: Gomis Kasun , Saini Mandeep , Pathirage Chaminda , Arif Mohammed
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The issues in the current Built Environment Higher Education (BEHE) curricula recognise a critical need for enhancing the quality of teaching. This paper aims to identify the need for a best practice in teaching within BEHE curricula and recommend a set of drivers to enhance the current teaching practices in the Built Environment (BE) education. The study focused on Section 1 of the National Student Survey (NSS) – Teaching on my course, with a core focus on improving student satisfaction, making the subject interesting, creating an intellectually stimulating environment and challenging learners.

Design/methodology/approach

The research method used in this study is the mixed method, a document analysis consisting of feedback from undergraduate students and a closed-ended questionnaire to the academics in the BEHE context. More than 375 student feedback were analysed to understand the teaching practices in BE and fed forward to developing the closed-ended questionnaire for 23 academics, including a Head of School, a Principal Lecturer, Subject Leads and Lecturers. The data was collected from Architecture, Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying and Building surveying disciplines representing BE context. The data obtained from both instruments were analysed with content analysis to develop 24 drivers to enhance the quality of teaching. These drivers were then modelled using the interpretive structural modelling (ISM) method to identify their correlation and criticality to NSS Section 1 themes.

Findings

The study revealed 10 independent, 11 dependent and three autonomous drivers, facilitating the best teaching practices in BEHE. The study further recommends that the drivers be implemented as illustrated in the level partitioning diagrams under each NSS Section 1 to enhance the quality of teaching in BEHE.

Practical implications

The recommended set of drivers and the level partitioning can be set as a guideline for academics and other academic institutions to enhance the quality of teaching. This could be further used to improve student satisfaction and overall NSS results to increase the rankings of academic institutions.

Originality/value

New knowledge can be recognised with the ISM analysis and level partitioning diagrams of the recommended drivers to assist academics and academic institutions in developing the quality of teaching.
Looking within: a longitudinal qualitative analysis of shared leadership behaviours in organisational teams
Authors: Sweeney Anne
Published: June 2022

Purpose

To date, empirical research on shared leadership (SL) has been dominated by quantitative studies of antecedents and outcomes, frequently in simulated environments. Consequently, there have been few authentic accounts of how SL is practiced within organisational teams. Underpinned by shared leadership theory and leadership behaviour theory, this paper aims to provide a fine-grained view of the SL behaviours exhibited by team members over time, in five organisational teams in Ireland.

Design/methodology/approach

This longitudinal qualitative study uses critical incident technique, semi-structured interviews and participant diaries to explore SL behaviours emerging in five teams over time.

Findings

SL became widespread over time in each team, with almost all (96%) team members exhibiting SL behaviours. Ten different leadership behaviours were exhibited, indicating that SL permits a wide variety of leadership behaviours to be expressed. Some leadership functions were rarely or never fulfilled by team members (team composition, performance monitoring and resource allocation), suggesting that these leadership behaviours are not amenable to sharing.

Practical implications

This paper provides an insight into how SL could be used to increase the leadership capacity in team-based organisations.

Originality/value

This paper adds depth to the understanding of SL, revealing the specific behaviours underlying this approach, expanding our understanding of the micro-dynamics at play in SL processes.
Climate dictates microbial community composition and diversity in Australian biological soil crusts (biocrusts)
Authors: Chilton Angela M. , Nguyen Suong T. T. , Nelson Tiffanie M. , Pearson Leanne A. , Neilan Brett A.
Published: June 2022

The soil surface of drylands can typically be colonized by cyanobacteria and other microbes, forming biological soil crusts or ‘biocrusts’. Biocrusts provide critical benefits to ecosystems and are a common component of the largely arid and semi‐arid Australian continent. Yet, their distribution and the parameters that shape their microbial composition have not been investigated. We present here the first detailed description of Australia's biocrust microbiome assessed from 15 sites across the continent using 16S rRNA sequencing. The most abundant bacterial phyla from all sites were Cyanobacteria, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi and Bacteroidetes. Cyanobacterial communities from northern regions were more diverse and unclassified cyanobacteria were a noticeable feature of northern biocrusts. Segregation between northern and southern regions was largely due to the differential abundance of Microcoleus spp., with M. paludosus dominating in the north and M. vaginatus dominating in the south. The geographical shifts in bacterial composition and diversity were correlated to seasonal temperatures and summer rainfall. Our findings provide an initial reference for sampling strategies to maximize access to bacterial genetic diversity. As hubs for essential ecosystem services, further investigation into biocrusts in arid and semi‐arid regions may yield discoveries of genetic mechanisms that combat increases in warming due to climate change.
Late Pleistocene‐dated divergence between South Hemisphere populations of the non‐conventional yeast L. cidri
Authors: Villarreal Pablo , Villarroel Carlos A. , O'Donnell Sam , Agier Nicolas , Quintero‐Galvis Julian F. , Peña Tomas A. , Nespolo Roberto F. , Fischer Gilles , Varela Cristian , Cubillos Francisco A.
Published: June 2022

Most organisms belonging to the Saccharomycotina subphylum have high genetic diversity and a vast repertoire of metabolisms and lifestyles. Lachancea cidri is an ideal yeast model for exploring the interplay between genetics, ecological function and evolution. Lachancea cidri diverged from the Saccharomyces lineage before the whole‐genome duplication and is distributed across the South Hemisphere, displaying an important ecological success. We applied phylogenomics to investigate the genetic variation of L. cidri isolates obtained from Australia and South America. Our approach revealed the presence of two main lineages according to their geographic distribution (Aus and SoAm). Estimation of the divergence time suggests that SoAm and Aus lineages diverged near the last glacial maximum event during the Pleistocene (64‐8 KYA). Interestingly, we found that the French reference strain is closely related to the Australian strains, with a recent divergence (405‐51 YA), likely associated to human movements. Additionally, we identified different lineages within the South American population, revealing that Patagonia contains a similar genetic diversity comparable to that of other lineages in S. cerevisiae. These findings support the idea of a Pleistocene‐dated divergence between South Hemisphere lineages, where the Nothofagus and Araucaria ecological niches likely favoured the extensive distribution of L. cidri in Patagonia.
Structural and optical characterization of banknotes using spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography
Authors: Wang Lei , Wu Di , Yv Siyi , Wang Chengming , Guang Xiaoli , Shi Gaojun , Yan Yuwen , Xie Lanchi , Huang Wei , Li Zhigang , Gao Shuhui , Zhang Ning
Published: June 2022

Counterfeiting of banknotes remains a severe threat to economic security and social stability. The characterization of banknote has mainly relied on the assessment of various security features applied to the surface of the note. However, the surface features are easy to forge and contain insufficient information to discover the source. In this paper, a novel approach for banknote characterization has been proposed by employing spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT) that can provide structural and optical features. Three groups of counterfeit Chinese 100 Yuan banknotes produced by different printing manners and one group of authentic banknotes were examined by SD‐OCT without any sample preparation and four distinct areas were selected for imaging. High‐resolution tomographic and three‐dimensional (3D) volumetric OCT images were obtained and a set of features were first revealed to characterize the banknotes qualitatively and quantitatively. The results demonstrated that SD‐OCT was effective to detect and classify different types of counterfeit banknotes and could potentially be used to link counterfeit banknotes to their sources in a fast, simple and nondestructive manner.
Evaluation of psychopathological symptoms, death anxiety, coronavirus anxiety, suicide risk, and associated risk factors among hemodialysis patients in the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Korkut Süleyman
Published: June 2022

Background

Hemodialysis (HD) patients have significant mental health problems related to the COVID‐19 pandemic. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the psychopathological symptoms, death anxiety, coronavirus anxiety, suicide risk, and associated risk factors in HD patients during COVID‐19.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted from July 15 to October 15, 2021, with 114 HD patients who were undergoing treatment in two central dialysis units.

Results

It was determined that HD patients had high levels of psychopathological symptoms. Approximately, one‐third of HD patients (31.6%) had high to very high‐level death anxiety. Additionally, of the participants 30.7% had coronavirus anxiety, and also the rate of severe suicide risk was 10.5%.

Conclusions

HD patients have experienced various mental health problems during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Psychosocial support and interventions need to be planned by the healthcare system and healthcare providers to help HD patients in managing their disease and related mental health problems.
New traction method (traction ring) for colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection
Authors: Huang Xin Yuan , Ji Ming , Li Peng , Niu Ying Lin , Meng Fan Dong , Yu Li , Wang Yong Jun , Zhao Hai Ying , Lv Fu Jing , Zhai Hui Hong , Zhang Shu Tian
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is challenging because of the difficulty in adequately visualizing the submucosal layer. Many traction methods have been developed to facilitate submucosal dissection; however, they are not widely applied. Therefore, we designed a new traction device, a traction ring, and conducted this pilot study to evaluate its feasibility and safety for colorectal ESD.

Methods

Twenty patients with colorectal lesions who underwent traction ring‐assisted ESD were retrospectively included. The main outcomes included en bloc resection rate, R0 resection rate, procedure time, resection time, and intraoperative and postoperative complications.

Results

The median procedure time was 74.5 min (range 35–269 min). The median resection time was 55 min (range 25–209 min). Application of the traction system accounted for only 2.7% of the entire procedure time. The en bloc resection rate was 95.0% (19/20), whereas the R0 resection rate was 90.0% (18/20). All traction rings were successfully set and retrieved. Significant intraoperative bleeding was not observed. One patient experienced perforation after treatment, but no further intervention was required. No delayed complications were observed within 1 month post‐ESD.

Conclusion

Traction ring is an effective and safe method for colorectal ESD and can be used at any location in the colorectum.
Practice patterns in endoscopic treatment for gastric varices: A Chinese survey
Authors: Xia Rui Qi , Huang Xiao Quan , Chen Jie , Luo Tian Cheng , Wang Jian , Jiang Si Yu , Ni Li Yuan , Zeng Xiao Qing , Chen Shi Yao
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Gastric varices (GV), a common complication of liver cirrhosis, often cause serious consequences. However, the management of GV remains debated. In this study we aimed to explore the practice patterns of Chinese practitioners in GV treatment and discuss whether these patterns conform to the guidelines in China and around the world.

Methods

Between October 2020 and January 2021, an online questionnaire was sent to doctors from different regions in China via WeChat. Data on the practice patterns for endoscopic treatment with and without a multidisciplinary discussion team (MDT) clinic for GV were analyzed.

Results

Questionnaires were collected from 241 practitioners from 29 provinces in China. Before endoscopic treatment, 100 (41.5%) of the practitioners arranged computed tomography angiography (CTA) examination. In endoscopic tissue adhesive (ETA) treatment, 183 (75.9%) of the practitioners chose ETA combined with lauromacrogol. Approximately one‐fourth of all practitioners did not prescribe drugs to reduce portal pressure. Only 75 (31.1%) of physicians preferred using early transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) for patients at a high risk of treatment failure for GV. Compared to those without MDT clinics, practitioners with MDT clinics more often chose early TIPS for high‐risk patients (39.0% vs 18.9%, P = 0.001).

Conclusions

Treatment for GV differ across China. Practitioners with MDT clinics can better use assistant strategies such as CTA to evaluate the risk and efficacy. Further clinical studies are needed, and more guidelines and consensuses are warranted to standardize clinical practice for GV.
Parent‐offspring inference in inbred populations
Authors: Runge Jan‐Niklas , König Barbara , Lindholm Anna K. , Bendesky Andres
Published: June 2022

Genealogical relationships are fundamental components of genetic studies. However, it is often challenging to infer correct and complete pedigrees even when genome‐wide information is available. For example, inbreeding can obscure genetic differences between individuals, making it difficult to even distinguish first‐degree relatives such as parent‐offspring from full siblings. Similarly, genotyping errors can interfere with the detection of genetic similarity between parents and their offspring. Inbreeding is common in natural, domesticated, and experimental populations and genotyping of these populations often has more errors than in human data sets, so efficient methods for building pedigrees under these conditions are necessary. Here, we present a new method for parent‐offspring inference in inbred pedigrees called specific parent‐offspring relationship estimation (spore). spore is vastly superior to existing pedigree‐inference methods at detecting parent‐offspring relationships, in particular when inbreeding is high or in the presence of genotyping errors, or both. spore therefore fills an important void in the arsenal of pedigree inference tools.
Pericancerous lymph node imaging with indocyanine green‐guided near‐infrared fluorescence in radical esophagectomy: Protocol for a single‐center, prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Du Jianting , Xu Guobing , Yang Zhang , Zheng Bin , Chen Chun
Published: June 2022

Introduction

The incidence and mortality rates of esophageal carcinoma are higher than those of most malignancies in humans. Radical esophagectomy is the preferred treatment for early‐stage esophageal cancer. However, the extent of lymphadenectomy during radical esophagectomy remains controversial. Indocyanine green (ICG) is the most commonly used imaging agent for the diagnosis of tumors and metastatic lymph nodes in clinical settings. Thus, the main aim of this study was to evaluate pericancerous lymph nodes imaging in video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery radical esophagectomy using a near‐infrared (NIR) ICG imaging system and to improve the detection rate of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) and overall survival of patients with esophageal cancer.

Methods

This was a single‐center, prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial (allocation rate = 1:1). Forty treatment‐naive esophageal cancer patients were recruited and divided into two groups: the ICG and control groups. The inclusion criteria were age, absence of preoperative neoadjuvant therapy, elective surgery, and signed informed consent. Data of participants at four different time points (preoperation, intraoperation, postoperative 1 week and 3 months) were collected and recorded. The main endpoint of this study was to explore the accuracy and false‐negative rate of lymphadenectomy using NIR‐ICG fluorescence imaging and to identify the location of esophageal cancer SLN combined with postoperative pathological reports.

Discussion

This trial will provide more evidence on the extent of lymph node dissection for esophageal cancer and contribute to the development of treatment guidelines for esophageal cancer.

Trial registration number

NCT04615806.