bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Asymmetric control of food intake by left and right vagal sensory neurons
Authors: de Araujo Alan Moreira , Braga Isadora , Leme Gabriel , Singh Arashdeep , McDougle Molly , Smith Justin , Vergara Macarena , Yang Mingxing , Lin M , Khoshbouei H , Krause Eric , de Oliveira Andre G , de Lartigue Guillaume
Published: May 2023

We investigated the lateralization of gut-innervating vagal sensory neurons and their roles in feeding behavior. Using genetic, anatomical, and behavioral analyses, we discovered a subset of highly lateralized vagal sensory neurons with distinct sensory responses to intestinal stimuli. Our results demonstrated that left vagal sensory neurons (LNG) are crucial for distension-induced satiety, while right vagal sensory neurons (RNG) mediate preference for nutritive foods. Furthermore, these lateralized neurons engage different central circuits, with LNG neurons recruiting brain regions associated with energy balance and RNG neurons activating areas related to salience, memory, and reward. Altogether, our findings unveil the diverse roles of asymmetrical gut-vagal-brain circuits in feeding behavior, offering new insights for potential therapeutic interventions targeting vagal nerve stimulation in metabolic and neuropsychiatric diseases.

One Sentence Summary

Lateralized gut-brain circuits respond to different sensory modalities and control distinct feeding behaviors.
Analysis of ageing-dependent thiol oxidation reveals early oxidation of proteins involved in core proteostasis functions
Authors: Jonak Katarzyna , Suppanz Ida , Bender Julian , Chacinska Agnieszka , Warscheid Bettina , Topf Ulrike
Published: May 2023

Oxidants have a profound impact on biological systems in physiology and under pathological conditions. Oxidative post-translational modifications of protein thiols are well-recognized as a readily occurring alteration of proteins. Changes in protein thiol redox state can modify the function of proteins and thus can control cellular processes. However, chronic oxidative stress causes oxidative damage to proteins with detrimental consequences for cellular function and organismal health. The development of techniques enabling the site-specific and quantitative assessment of protein thiol oxidation on a proteome-wide scale significantly expanded the number of known oxidation-sensitive protein thiols. However, lacking behind are large-scale data on the redox state of proteins during ageing, a physiological process accompanied by increased levels of endogenous oxidants. Here, we present the landscape of protein thiol oxidation in chronologically aged wild-typeSaccharomyces cerevisiaein a time-dependent manner. Our data determine early oxidation targets in key biological processes governing thede novoproduction of proteins, folding, and protein degradation. Comparison to existing datasets reveals evolutionary conservation of early oxidation targets. To facilitate accessibility and cross-species comparison of the experimental data obtained, we created the OxiAge Database, a free online tool for the research community that integrates current datasets on thiol redoxomes in aged yeast, nematodeCaenorhabditis elegans,fruit flyDrosophila melanogaster, and mouseMus musculus. The database can be accessed through an interactive web application athttp://oxiage.ibb.waw.pl.
Exploring natural odour landscapes: A case study with implications for human-biting insects
Authors: Zung Jessica L. , Kotb Sumer M. , McBride Carolyn S.
Published: May 2023

The natural world is full of odours—blends of volatile chemicals emitted by potential sources of food, social partners, predators, and pathogens. Animals rely heavily on these signals for survival and reproduction. Yet we remain remarkably ignorant of the composition of the chemical world. How many compounds do natural odours typically contain? How often are those compounds shared across stimuli? What are the best statistical strategies for discrimination? Answering these questions will deliver crucial insight into how brains can most efficiently encode olfactory information. Here, we undertake the first large-scale survey of vertebrate body odours, a set of stimuli relevant to blood- feeding arthropods. We quantitatively characterize the odour of 64 vertebrate species (mostly mammals), representing 29 families and 13 orders. We confirm that these stimuli are complex blends of relatively common, shared compounds and show that they are much less likely to contain unique components than are floral odours—a finding with implications for olfactory coding in blood feeders and floral visitors. We also find that vertebrate body odours carry little phylogenetic information, yet show consistency within a species. Human odour is especially unique, even compared to the odour of other great apes. Finally, we use our newfound understanding of odour-space statistics to make specific predictions about olfactory coding, which align with known features of mosquito olfactory systems. Our work provides one of the first quantitative descriptions of a natural odour space and demonstrates how understanding the statistics of sensory environments can provide novel insight into sensory coding and evolution.
Mutualism reduces the severity of gene disruptions in predictable ways across microbial communities
Authors: Martinson Jonathan N. V. , Chacón Jeremy M. , Smith Brian A. , Villarreal Alex R. , Hunter Ryan C. , Harcombe William R.
Published: May 2023

Predicting evolution in microbial communities is critical for problems from human health to global nutrient cycling. Understanding how species interactions impact the distribution of fitness effects for a focal population would enhance our ability to predict evolution. Specifically, it would be useful to know if the type of ecological interaction, such as mutualism or competition, changes the average effect of a mutation (i.e., the mean of the distribution of fitness effects). Furthermore, how often does increasing community complexity alter the impact of species interactions on mutant fitness? To address these questions, we created a transposon mutant library inSalmonella entericaand measured the fitness of loss of function mutations in 3,550 genes when grown alone versus competitive co-culture or mutualistic co-culture withEscherichia coliandMethylorubrum extorquens.We found that mutualism reduces the average impact of mutations, while competition had no effect. Additionally, mutant fitness in the 3-species communities can be predicted by averaging the fitness in each 2-species community. Finally, the fitness effects of several knockouts in the mutualistic communities were surprising. We discovered thatS. entericais obtaining a different source of carbon and more vitamins and amino acids than we had expected. Our results suggest that species interactions can predictably impact fitness effect distributions, in turn suggesting that evolution may ultimately be predictable in multi-species communities.
Electrophysiological hallmarks for event relations and event roles in working memory
Authors: Yu Xinchi , Li Jialu , Zhu Hao , Tian Xing , Lau Ellen
Published: May 2023

The ability to maintain events (i.e. interactions between/among objects) in working memory is crucial for our everyday cognition, yet the format of this representation is poorly understood. The current ERP study was designed to answer two questions: How is maintaining events (e.g., the tiger hit the lion) neurally different from maintaining item coordinations (e.g., the tiger and the lion)? That is, how is the event relation (present in events but not coordinations) represented? And how is the agent, or initiator of the event encoded differently from the patient, or receiver of the event during maintenance? We used a novel picture-sentence match-across-delay approach in which the working memory representation was ‘pinged’ during the delay, in two ERP experiments with Chinese and English materials. First, we found that maintenance of events elicited a long-lasting late sustained difference in posterior-occipital electrodes relative to non-events. This effect resembled the negative slow wave reported in previous studies of working memory, suggesting that the maintenance of events in working memory may impose a higher cost compared to coordinations. Second, in order to elicit a hallmark for agent vs. patient representation in working memory, we pinged agent or patient characters during the delay. Although planned comparisons did not reveal significant differences in the ERPs elicited by the agent pings vs. patient pings, we found that the ping appeared to dampen the ongoing sustained difference, suggesting a shift from sustained activity to activity silent mechanisms. These results represent one of the uses of ERPs to elucidates the format of neural representation for events in working memory.
A Mechanism Underpinning the Bioenergetic Metabolism-Regulating Function of Gold Nanocatalysts
Authors: Wang Zixin , Henriques Alexandre , Rouvière Laura , Callizot Noëlle , Tan Lin , Hotchkin Michael T. , Rossignol Rodrigue , Mortenson Mark G. , Ho Karen S. , Wang Hui
Published: May 2023

Bioenergetic deficits, such as mitochondrial impairments and dysfunction in glucose metabolism, have been identified as significant contributors to neurodegenerative diseases. Nevertheless, identifying safe and effective means to address intracellular bioenergetic deficits remains a significant challenge. This work provides mechanistic insights into the bioenergetic metabolism-regulating function of a suspension of gold (Au) nanocrystals, referred to as CNM-Au8®, that are synthesized electrochemically in the absence of any surface-capping organic ligands. When neurons are subjected to excitotoxic stressors or toxic peptides, treatment of neurons with CNM-Au8 results in dose-dependent neuronal survival and preservation of neurite networks across multiple neuronal subtypes. CNM-Au8 efficiently catalyzes the conversion of an energetic co-factor, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide hydride (NADH), into its oxidized, dehydrogenated counterpart (NAD+), which triggers an increase in energy production in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Detailed kinetic measurements reveal that CNM-Au8-catalyzed NADH oxidation obeys Michaelis-Menten kinetics and exhibits pH-dependent kinetic profiles. CNM-Au8 functions as an NADH-dehydrogenase-mimicking nanozyme that effectively regulates intracellular bioenergetic metabolism. We further utilize photoexcited charge carriers and photothermal transduction, which can be generated through optical excitations of the plasmonic electron oscillations or the interband electronic transitions in CNM-Au8, as unique leverages to modulate reaction kinetics. Benefiting from their bio-compatibility, blood-brain barrier penetrance, tunable optical properties, and enzyme-mimicking functions, CNM-Au8 nanocrystals with deliberately tailored structures and surfactant-free clean surfaces hold great promise for developing next-generation therapeutic agents for neurodegenerative diseases.
Structural and functional damage to neuronal nuclei caused by extracellular tau oligomers
Authors: Sun Xuehan , Eastman Guillermo , Shi Yu , Saibaba Subhi , Oliveira Ana K. , Lukens John R. , Norambuena Andrés , Mandell James W. , Bloom George S.
Published: May 2023

INTRODUCTION

Neuronal nuclei are normally smoothly surfaced. In Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other tauopathies, though, they often develop invaginations. We investigated mechanisms and functional consequences of neuronal nuclear invagination in tauopathies.

METHODS

Nuclear invagination was assayed by immunofluorescence in brain, and in cultured neurons before and after extracellular tau oligomers (xcTauO) exposure. Nucleocytoplasmic transport was assayed in cultured neurons. Gene expression was investigated using nanoString nCounter technology and qRT-PCR.

RESULTS

Invaginated nuclei were twice as abundant in human AD as in cognitively normal adults, and were increased in mouse neurodegeneration models. In cultured neurons, nuclear invagination was induced by xcTauOs by an intracellular tau-dependent mechanism. xcTauOs impaired nucleocytoplasmic transport, increased histone H3 trimethylation at lysine 9 and altered gene expression, especially by increasing tau mRNA.

DISCUSSION

xcTauOs may be a primary cause of nuclear invaginationin vivo, and by extension, impair nucleocytoplasmic transport and induce pathogenic gene expression changes.
Dehydration stress and Mayaro virus vector competence inAedes aegypti
Authors: Manzano-Alvarez Jaime , Terradas Gerard , Holmes Christopher J. , Benoit Joshua B. , Rasgon Jason L.
Published: May 2023

The mosquitoAedes aegyptiis a competent vector of multiple pathogens including dengue, Zika, yellow fever, chikungunya, and Mayaro viruses.Ae. aegyptiis highly invasive and is currently present in the Americas, Oceania, Asia, and Europe, but its distribution and the pathogens it transmits are expected to change due to climate change. Relative humidity is an environmental variable that affects mosquito biology and distribution and can differ between location, habitat, and season, with mosquitoes facing significant variation in relative humidity during their lifespan. Low relative humidity can induce dehydration in mosquitoes, leading to alterations in physiological and behavioral responses relevant for pathogen transmission such as bloodfeeding and host-seeking behavior. In this study, we evaluated the short and long-term effects of dehydration stress on mortality and Mayaro virus vector competence in Ae. aegypti. Our results show that exposure to dehydration does not impact viral titers, nor infection, dissemination and transmission rates, in mosquitoes infected with Mayaro virus. However, we detected a significant effect of dehydration on mosquito mortality and blood feeding frequency regardless of infection status. The previously observed effects of higher feeding during dehydration and the current observation of altered survival along with no impact on vector competence suggest that the impact of dehydration on viral transmission in mosquitoes will likely be complex.
Lipid transfer proteins and a PI 4-kinase initiate nuclear phosphoinositide signaling
Authors: Carrillo Noah D. , Chen Mo , Wen Tianmu , Awasthi Poorwa , Wolfe Trevor J. , Sterling Colin , Cryns Vincent L. , Anderson Richard A.
Published: May 2023

Phosphoinositide (PIPn) messengers are present in non-membranous regions of nuclei, where they are assembled into a phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway that is distinct from the cytosolic membrane-localized pathway. In the nuclear pathway, PI kinases/phosphatases bind the p53 tumor suppressor protein (wild-type and mutant) to generate p53-PIPncomplexes that regulate Akt activation. However, this pathway is dependent on poorly characterized nuclear PIPnpools. Here we report that PI transfer proteins (PITPs), which transport PI between membranes to enable membrane-localized PIPnsynthesis, accumulate in the nucleoplasm in response to stress and supply nuclear PIPnpools. PITPα/β and the PI 4-kinase PI4KIIα bind p53 and are required to generate p53-PI4P, which is further phosphorylated to synthesize p53-PIPncomplexes that regulate nuclear Akt activation and stress-resistance. Remarkably, PITPα/β and PI4KIIα initiate PIPn-linkage to multiple proteins that are detectable by immunoblotting and [3H]myo-inositol metabolic labeling and are resistant to denaturation, suggesting a posttranslational modification.

In brief

Phosphatidylinositol transfer proteins initiate the nuclear PIPn-linked protein network in membrane-free regions.
Skin in The Game: The Cost Consequences of Skin Cancer Diagnosis, Treatment and Care in Northern Ireland
Authors: McFerran Ethna , Donaldson Sarah , Lawler Mark
Published: May 2023

Background

Skin cancer is a prevalent type of cancer in the UK. Its rising incidence and mortality rates are expected to result in substantial financial implications, particularly on diagnostic and treatment services for skin cancer management in Northern Ireland. Such anticipated disease increases underscore the need for prevention and control measures that should guide policymaking and planning efforts.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cost study to measure the burden of skin cancer in Northern Ireland from a healthcare system perspective. Our data-driven model utilized bottom-up methodology1,2and reported 2018 costs using NHS reference unit costs (UK£) for skin cancer diagnosis and treatment patient pathways. Sensitivity analyses were performed, including varying diagnostic volumes by applying multipliers for benign cases and assuming a diagnostic conversion rate of 6.8%. An alternative chemotherapy regimen compliance rate was also examined at 75% as compared to base case. Proportional increases were projected based on future estimated increases of 9% and 28% in melanoma cases for diagnostic, treatment, and follow-up volumes specifically related to malignant melanoma.

Results

As of 2018, NICR recorded 4142 non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) and 423 malignant melanoma (MM) cases, averaging 17.5 new patients per trust weekly. The total costs for managing NMSC was £1,815,936, whereas that for MM skin cancer costs was £12,364,220, out of which £8,792,208 accounted for procurement, administration, and chemotherapy drug use. Healthcare providers spent a total of £17,024,115 on skin cancer care. Sensitivity analysis suggest diagnostic cost would either reduce by £781k to £3,061,524 or increase significantly to £11,212,183 based on referral volume assumptions. If base case rates rise by 9 or 28% estimated total costs of treating skin cancer will increase to £18.1 million and £20.4 million respectively.

Conclusions

Skin cancer management costs in Northern Ireland vary from ∼£14.3m to £26.2m depending on diagnostic referral assumptions. Malignant melanoma costs have risen ∼10 fold over the past decade mainly due to chemotherapy costs. Predicted 28% increase in melanoma cases by 2040 would lead to £3.3m of additional referral, diagnostic and treatment expenditures, which with inflation adjustment to a further budget requirement of approximately £6.4 million by 2022 rates.
Transcription-Coupled Repair of DNA Interstrand Crosslinks by UVSSA
Authors: Liebau Rowyn C , Waters Crystal , Ahmed Arooba , Soni Rajesh K , Gautier Jean
Published: May 2023

DNA interstrand crosslinks (ICLs) are covalent bonds between bases on opposing strands of the DNA helix which prevent DNA melting and subsequent DNA replication or RNA transcription. Here, we show that Ultraviolet Stimulated Scaffold Protein A (UVSSA) participates in transcription-coupled repair of ICLs in human cells. Inactivation of UVSSA sensitizes human cells to ICL-inducing drugs, and delays ICL repair. UVSSA is required for transcription-coupled repair of a single ICL in a fluorescence- based reporter assay. UVSSA localizes to chromatin following ICL damage, and interacts with transcribing Pol II, CSA, CSB, and TFIIH. Specifically, UVSSA interaction with TFIIH is required for ICL repair. Finally, UVSSA expression positively correlates with ICL chemotherapy resistance in human cancer cell lines. Our data strongly suggest that transcription-coupled ICL repair (TC-ICR) is abona fideICL repair mechanism that contributes to crosslinker drug resistance independently of replication-coupled ICL repair.
A wound-induced differentiation trajectory for neurons
Authors: Hulett Ryan E. , Gehrke Andrew R. , Gompers Annika , Rivera-López Carlos , Srivastava Mansi
Published: May 2023

Animals capable of whole-body regeneration can replace any missing cell type and regenerate fully-functional new organs,de novo. The regeneration of a new brain requires the formation of diverse neuronal cell types and their assembly into an organized structure and correctly-wired circuits. Recent work in various regenerative animals has revealed transcriptional programs required for the differentiation of distinct neuronal subpopulations, however how these transcriptional programs are initiated upon amputation remains unknown. Here, we focused on the highly regenerative acoel worm,Hofstenia miamia, to study wound-induced transcriptional regulatory events that lead to the production of neurons. Footprinting analysis using chromatin accessibility data on an improved genome assembly revealed that binding sites for the NFY transcription factor complex were significantly bound during regeneration, showing a dynamic increase in binding within one hour upon amputation specifically in tail fragments, which will regenerate a new brain. Strikingly, NFY targets were highly enriched for genes with neuronal functional. Single-cell transcriptome analysis combined with functional studies identifiedsox4+stem cells as the likely progenitor population for multiple neuronal subtypes. Further, we found that wound-inducedsox4expression is likely under direct transcriptional control by NFY, uncovering a mechanism for how early wound-induced binding of a transcriptional regulator results in the initiation of a neuronal differentiation pathway.

Highlights

A new chromosome-scale assembly forHofsteniaenables comprehensive analysis of transcription factor binding during regeneration

NFY motifs become dynamically bound by 1hpa in regenerating tail fragments, particularly in the loci of neural genes

Asox4+neural-specialized stem cell is identified using scRNA-seq

sox4is wound-induced and required for differentiation of multiple neural cell types

NFY regulates wound-induced expression ofsox4during regeneration
Trends in congenital clubfoot prevalence and co-occurring anomalies during 1994-2021 in Denmark: A nationwide register-based study of 1,315,282 live born infants
Authors: Hedley Paula L. , Lausten-Thomsen Ulrik , Conway Kristin M. , Hindsø Klaus , Romitti Paul A. , Christiansen Michael
Published: May 2023

Background

Congenital talipes equinovarus (clubfoot) is a common musculoskeletal anomaly, with a suspected multifactorial etiopathogenesis. Herein, we used publicly available data to ascertain liveborn infants with clubfoot delivered in Denmark during 1994–2021, and to classify co-occurring congenital anomalies, estimate annual prevalence, and compare clubfoot occurrence with maternal smoking rates, a commonly reported risk factor. Characterizing this nationwide, liveborn cohort provides a population-based resource for etiopathogenic investigations and life course surveillance.

Methods

This case-cohort study used data from the Danish National Patient Register and Danish Civil Registration System, accessed through the publicly available Danish Biobank Register, to identify 1,315,282 liveborn infants delivered during 1994–2021 in Denmark to Danish parents. Among these, 2,358 infants (65.1% male) were ascertained with clubfoot and classified as syndromic (co-occurring chromosomal, genetic, or teratogenic syndromes) and nonsyndromic (isolated or co-occurring multiple congenital anomalies [MCA]). Annual prevalence estimates and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for children with nonsyndromic clubfoot were estimated using Poisson regression and compared with population-based, maternal annual smoking rates obtained from publicly available resources.

Results

Infants most often presented with nonsyndromic clubfoot (isolated=84.6%; MCA=10.9%); limb and heart anomalies were the most frequently identified MCAs. Prevalence (per 1,000 liveborn infants) was 1.52 (CI 1.45 – 1.58) for isolated and 0.19 (CI 0.17 – 0.22) for MCA clubfoot. Prevalence estimates for both isolated and MCA clubfoot remained relatively stable during the study period, despite marked decreases in population-based maternal smoking rates.

Conclusions

From 1994-2021, prevalence of nonsyndromic clubfoot in Denmark was relatively stable. Reduction in population-level maternal smoking rates did not seem to impact prevalence estimates, providing some support for the suspected multifactorial etiopathogenesis of this anomaly. This nationwide, liveborn cohort, ascertained and clinically characterized using publicly available data from the Danish Biobank Register, provides a population-based clinical and biological resource for future etiopathogenic investigations and life course surveillance.
Enhanced mitochondrial fusion during a critical period of synaptic plasticity in adult-born neurons
Authors: Kochan Sandra M.V. , Malo Meret Cepero , Jevtic Milica , Jahn Hannah M. , Wani Gulzar A. , Gaedke Felix , Schäffner Iris , Chichung-Lie Dieter , Schauss Astrid , Bergami Matteo
Published: May 2023

Integration of new neurons into adult hippocampal circuits is a process coordinated by local and long-range synaptic inputs. To achieve stable integration and uniquely contribute to hippocampal function, immature neurons are endowed with a critical period of heightened synaptic plasticity, yet it remains unclear which mechanisms sustain this form of plasticity during neuronal maturation. We found that, as new neurons enter their critical period, a transient surge in fusion dynamics stabilizes elongated mitochondrial morphologies in dendrites to fuel synaptic plasticity. Conditional ablation of fusion dynamics to prevent mitochondrial elongation selectively impaired spine plasticity and synaptic potentiation, disrupting neuronal competition for stable circuit integration, ultimately leading to decreased survival. Despite profuse mitochondrial fragmentation, manipulation of competition dynamics was sufficient to restore neuronal survival, but left neurons poorly responsive to experiences at the circuit level. Thus, by enabling synaptic plasticity during the critical period, mitochondrial fusion facilitates circuit remodeling by adult-born neurons.
Russian global export flow and potential: evidence from augmented gravity model
Authors: Abbas Shujaat , Shtun Valentin , Sapogova Veronika , Gleb Vakhrushev
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The Russian export flow is highly concentrated on few trading partners that results in its high vulnerability to external shock. Furthermore, the Russian–Ukraine conflict and corresponding western sanctions has enhanced the need of export markets diversification for Russia. Therefore, this study is a baseline attempt to explore determinants of export flow along with identifying potential export markets. This objective is realized by employing an augmented version of gravity model on export flow of Russian Federation to 108 trading partners from 2000 to 2020.

Design/methodology/approach

The augmented gravity model of export flow is estimated by using employing contemporary panel econometrics such as panel generalized ordinary least square estimation technique with cross-sectional weight along with heteroskedasticity consistent white coefficients is employed to explore impact of selected macroeconomic and policy variables. Furthermore, the sensitivity analysis is performed by using panel random effect along with the Driscoll–Kraay standard errors with pooled ordinary least squares (OLS) regression and random effect generalized least square (GLS) estimator techniques. The estimated result of panel GLS technique is subjected to in-sampled forecasting technique to explore potential export markets.

Findings

The findings show that an increase in the income of trading partners and enhancement of domestic production capacity has significant positive impact on Russian export flow, whereas geographic distance has a significant negative impact. Income of trading partners emerged as major determinant of export flow with high explanatory power. Among augmented variables, the real exchange rate reveals a significant positive impact of lower intensity, whereas binary variables for the common border, common history and preferential/free trade agreement show a significant positive impact. The finding of export potential reveals a high concentration of export with existence of large potential for exports across the globe. For instance, many developing countries in Asia, Africa and America reveal high potential for Russian exports.

Practical implications

The findings urge Russian Federation to diversify its export markets by targeting potential export markets. Many emerging developing countries are witnessing a high potential for Russian exports, therefore attempts should be taken to diversify toward them. The expansion of existing transportation facilities along with development of cargo trade can be important policy instrument to realize objective of export diversification.

Originality/value

This study is the first comprehensive analysis that employs augmented gravity model to explore potential export markets for Russian Federation by using panel data of 108 global trading partners from 2000 to 2020. This finding of this study provides a framework of export diversification toward potential markets across the globe.
Rethinking paid domestic services in modern societies – Experimental evidence on the effect of quality and professionalisation on service demand
Authors: Nisic Natascha , Molitor Friederike , Trübner Miriam
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Although essential to social welfare, unpaid domestic and care work is an increasingly scarce resource in modern societies. Despite the growing need, many households refrain from outsourcing their domestic chores to the market. Simultaneously, the household service sector is mostly characterised by low-qualification, informal jobs lacking quality and professional standards. Drawing on transaction cost theory, the present study aims to examine how trust problems deriving from the quality and professionalisation of domestic services can be overcome by also exploring the role of state subsidies in this context.

Design/methodology/approach

A factorial survey experiment in Germany (N = 4024) causally explores the effect of state-subsidised service vouchers, quality signals and professionalisation on preferences and willingness-to-pay for domestic services. The data were analysed using multilevel modelling techniques.

Findings

Hypotheses are mostly confirmed: strong quality signals help overcome trust problems, thus facilitating the demand for household services. Further, service vouchers can generate better pay for domestic workers while simultaneously reducing the costs for households.

Research limitations/implications

The relevance of professionalisation and quality of service as important determinants of domestic service demand is revealed. However, the experimental survey design involves hypothetical scenarios.

Originality/value

The analysis offers insights into how to stimulate demand for household services and increase formal employment in a sector currently largely characterised by informal arrangements. It further shows how social policies can help secure quality and foster professionalisation by shifting paid domestic work from the informal to the formal economy.
Understanding the key factors of operating environment for small and medium contractors in the developing economies: the case of Ethiopia
Authors: Aboneh Abraham , Mahesh Gangadhar
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Small and medium contractors (SMCs) play a significant role in socioeconomic development. Their strong links with other sectors of the economy have a multiplier effect on any country’s growth. However, the construction business, especially for SMCs, is not an easy business as several roadblocks affect their sustenance. This study aims to examine the factors affecting the sustainable competency of SMCs emerging from the business environment in which the Ethiopian construction industry (CI) operates.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review was conducted to identify 39 factors arising from five core sources (i.e. government policies, regulatory frameworks, industry networks, competitive bidding culture and construction technology and innovation). A questionnaire survey was conducted to gather industry stakeholders’ perceptions of the identified factors, and the results were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Findings

Findings indicate 37 significant factors affecting sustainable competency arising from five sources, and the top factors from their respective sources were unfavorable financial policy; unfavorable economic regulatory framework; lack of trust between parties in the industry; inability of SMCs to compete with bigger construction companies; and poor linkages between CI and research and development institutions. Furthermore, factor analysis identified 12 components, and the top ones were competition and uncertainties in the supply chain; unsuitable bidding environment; and ineffective industry networks.

Originality/value

The findings will contribute to the body of knowledge on the factors affecting the sustainable competency of SMCs in the Ethiopian CI. They also indicate priority areas of competitiveness improvement and have implications for decision-makers.
Does religion impact corporate innovation in developing countries?
Authors: Usman Muhammad , Li Chuntao , Chaudhry Naukhaiz , Akhter Waheed
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine how religion affects corporate innovation in developing countries.

Design/methodology/approach

Firm- and country-level indicators are used to evaluate the relationship. The study's final sample consists of manufacturing firms from 41 developing countries across different world regions from 2014 to 2018.

Findings

This paper finds that firms operating in more religiously diverse countries with lower religious restrictions are likely to be more innovative. Furthermore, secularization stimulates corporate innovation in contrast to traditional religious societies. Interestingly, results also indicate that religion hinders corporate innovation by restraining its followers’ involvement in innovative activities under risk, which downgrades corporate innovation culture.

Research limitations/implications

This study used data from nonfinancial firms from developing countries; therefore, the study's findings could be generalized to other developing economies with caution, as economies operating at different stages of development can have different outcomes from the proposed relationship. The study findings are important for innovative firms, as they can take advantage by segmenting the population based on religious and atheist groups. Results also have some implications for developing countries to foster firm-level innovation through constructing effective policies and ensuring the development of diverse and free religious societies because such societal traits increase corporate innovation and are fruitful for national competitiveness and growth.

Originality/value

This study contributes to institutional economics and corporate innovation by exploring the link between religion and economic development through the innovation channel and analyzing the latest cross-country evidence. It is a pioneering work in empirical comparison of influence on innovations of different religions.
Measuring agricultural loss and the impact of differing dwelling types: a case study in Melbourne
Authors: El Wazan Jean-Pierre , Edirisinghe Ruwini
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Agricultural land loss is a severe issue that Australia faces, along with many other countries. Myriad research studies have discussed the reasons for such land loss, including urban sprawl as the main factor and factor's repercussions. However, there is a knowledge gap in understanding the impact of dwelling type on farming land reduction. Also, there is an application gap, particularly in the local context. The purpose of this study is to discover the effect of differing dwelling types (compact and non-compact) in metropolitan areas with a growing population (such as Craigieburn) toward potentially noticeable agricultural land loss.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper aims to fill these research and practice gaps through a case study using a mixed methods approach. A quantitative analysis was conducted of housing types, the types' growth and agricultural land area taken up by those different housing types over 18 years. Thematic analysis of policies, strategies, schemes and codes relevant to the case study enabled a better understanding of practice gaps.

Findings

The study revealed a significant loss of agricultural land. Separate housing was found to be the main culprit due to the number of houses and the area the houses require, thus exhibiting the lack of practical guidelines to prevent the houses' overdevelopment. The findings enabled the identification of opportunities for better practice through government intervention and potential industry alterations.

Originality/value

Previous literature has primarily explored the issues associated with urban sprawl and the sprawl's unsustainability. This research paper offers a more targeted insight into one of the key factors leading to urban sprawl: the types of dwellings being constructed.
Modelling and optimization of laser welding of Al2024 aluminium alloy
Authors: Dey Upama , Duggirala Aparna , Mitra Souren
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Aluminium alloys can be used as lightweight and high-strength materials in combination with the technology of laser beam welding, an efficient joining method, in the manufacturing of automotive parts. The purposes of this paper are to conduct laser welding experiments with Al2024 in the lap joint configuration, model the laser welding process parameters of Al2024 alloys and use propounded models to optimize the process parameters.

Design/methodology/approach

Laser welding of Al2024 alloy has been conducted in the lap joint configuration. Then, the influences of explanatory variables (laser peak power, scanning speed and frequency) on outcome variables (weld width [WW], throat length [TL] and breaking load [BL]) have been investigated with Poisson regression analysis of the data set derived from experimentation. Thereafter, a multi-objective genetic algorithm (MOGA) has been used using MATLAB to find the optimum solutions. The effects of various input process parameters on the responses have also been analysed using response surface plots.

Findings

The promulgated statistical models, derived with Poisson regression analysis, are evinced to be well-fit ones using the analysis of deviance approach. Pareto fronts have been used to demonstrate the optimization results, and the maximized load-bearing capacity is computed to be 1,263 N, whereas the compromised WW and TL are 714 µm and 760 µm, respectively.

Originality/value

This work of conducting laser welding of lap joint of Al2024 alloy incorporating the Taguchi method and optimizing the input process parameters with the promulgated statistical models proffers a neoteric perspective that can be useful to the manufacturing industry.
Reshoring: A Road to Industry 4.0 Transformation
Authors: Gupta Suraksha , Wang Yichuan , Czinkota Michael
Published: May 2023

The phenomenon of reshoring and its impact on global trade has recently garnered the attention of not only practitioners but also policymakers and scholars. Numerous scholars have highlighted the challenges of reshoring, such as supply chain disruption, labour shortages and sustainability issues, from various perspectives. Some have pinpointed technological advancements as enablers for addressing these challenges through the deployment of cloud‐based artificial intelligence technologies and efficient remote management as part of the Industry 4.0 transformation. As Industry 4.0 shifts from being technology‐driven to value‐driven, this introductory essay for the special issue on reshoring delves into the current boundaries of our understanding and proposes recommendations for future research on this topic.
Risk factors for a serious adverse outcome in neonates: a retrospective cohort study of vaginal births
Authors: Jindal Sita , Steer Philip J. , Savvidou Makrina , Draycott Tim , Dixon‐Woods Mary , Wood Angela , Kim Lois G.
Published: May 2023

Objective

To investigate the hypothesis that risk factors in addition to an abnormal fetal heart rate pattern (aFHRp) are independently associated with adverse neonatal outcomes of labour.

Design

Observational prospective cohort study.

Setting

17 UK maternity units.

Sample

585 291 pregnancies between 1988 and 2000 inclusive.

Methods

Adjusted odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated from multivariable logistic regression.

Main outcome measures

Adverse neonatal outcome at term (5‐minute Apgar score <7, and a composite measure comprising 5‐minute Apgar score <7, resuscitation by intubation and/or perinatal death).

Results

Analysis was based on 302 137 vaginal births at 37–42 weeks inclusive. We found a higher odds of Apgar score at 5 minutes <7 with suspected fetal growth restriction (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.16–1.53), induction of labour (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.25–1.58), nulliparity (OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.34–1.63), booking body mass index ≥30 (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.02–1.37), maternal age <25 (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.10–1.39), black ethnicity (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.03–1.43), early‐term birth at 37–38 weeks (OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.02–1.25), late‐term birth at 41–42 weeks (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.01–1.28), use of oxytocin (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.14–1.41), maternal pyrexia (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.46–2.40), aFHRp and presence of meconium (aFHRp without meconium: OR 2.40, 95% CI 2.15–2.69; meconium without aFHRp: OR 2.20, 195% CI.94–2.49; both aFHRp and meconium: OR 4.26, 95% CI 3.74–4.87). The results were similar when the composite adverse outcome was considered.

Conclusions

A range of risk factors, including suspicion of fetal growth restriction, maternal pyrexia and presence of meconium, are implicated in poor birth outcomes in addition to aFHRp. Interpretation of the fetal heart rate pattern alone is insufficient as a basis for decisions about escalation and intervention.
RNA interference in insects: the link between antiviral defense and pest control
Authors: Niu Jinzhi , Chen Ruoyu , Wang Jin‐Jun
Published: May 2023

RNA interference (RNAi) is a form of gene silencing triggered by double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) that operates in all eukaryotic cells. RNAi has been widely investigated in insects to determine the underlying molecular mechanism, to investigate its role in systemic antiviral defense, and to develop strategies for pest control. When insect cells are infected by viruses, viral dsRNA signatures trigger a local RNAi response to block viral replication and generate virus‐derived DNA that confers systemic immunity. RNAi‐based insect pest control involves the application of exogenous dsRNA targeting genes essential for insect development or survival, but the efficacy of this approach has limited potency in many pests through a combination of rapid dsRNA degradation, inefficient dsRNA uptake/processing, and ineffective RNAi machinery. This could be addressed by dsRNA screening and evaluation, focusing on dsRNA design and off‐target management, as well as dsRNA production and delivery. This review summarizes recent progress to determine the role of RNAi in antiviral defense and as a pest control strategy in insects, addressing gaps between our fundamental understanding of the RNAi mechanism and the exploitation of RNAi‐based pest control strategies.
Physical and sensory properties of soy‐based ice cream formulated with cold‐pressed high oleic low linolenic soybean oil
Authors: Wang Yun , Evangelista Roque , Scaboo Andrew , Gruen Ingolf , Bancroft Memphis , Vardhanabhuti Bongkosh
Published: May 2023

The effect of cold‐pressed SOYLEIC™ soybean oil (SOYLEIC) on the physical and sensory properties of soy‐based ice cream was compared to commercial vegetable oil (COM‐VO), commercial high oleic soybean oil (COM‐HO), and heavy cream (CREAM). Fat sources had no significant effect on viscosity and fat globule size distribution of ice cream mixes. Ice cream made with COM‐VO had the lowest overrun (p < 0.05) and higher degree of fat destabilization; however, no difference in hardness was found. Despite similar melting rate, the shape retention behavior during melting was different for SOYLEIC, COM‐VO, and COM‐HO compared to CREAM. No significant differences were found in texture attributes except mouth coating, which was higher for CREAM than COM‐HO and SOYLEIC (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in flavor attributes between SOYLEIC and CREAM, while COM‐VO and COM‐HO had higher off‐flavor intensities (p < 0.05). Consumer acceptability results revealed that SOYLEIC and CREAM had significantly higher flavor liking and overall liking scores than COM‐VO and COM‐HO (p < 0.05). SOYLEIC and CREAM also had higher texture liking than COM‐VO (p < 0.05). Overall, liking had the highest positive significant correlation with flavor liking (r = 0.996).

Practical Application

Cold‐pressed HOLL soybean oil has the potential to be used in formulating plant‐based frozen desserts with equivalent texture but more acceptable flavor.
Paraneoplastic pemphigus misdiagnosed as juvenile dermatomyositis: A case report
Authors: Gao Feng‐Qiao , Zhang Jun‐Mei , Li Cai‐Feng
Published: May 2023

Paraneoplastic pemphigus (PNP) is a rare autoimmune skin disease closely related to tumors, characterized by a maculopapular rash with mucosal pain, bronchiole occlusion, and respiratory failure may occur over time, even resulting in death. We report a rare case of a child with autoimmune PNP misdiagnosed as juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM), and summarize the key points of differentiation of clinical manifestations and auxiliary examinations of PNP and JDM. When the diagnosis is not clear because the patient has features not typical of JDM, then skin biopsy and other diagnostic studies should be considered prior to any immunosuppressive therapy, as this could potentially obscure and delay the diagnosis of malignancy.
Age‐mediated gut microbiota dysbiosis promotes the loss of dendritic cells tolerance
Authors: Bashir Hilal , Singh Sanpreet , Singh Raghwendra Pratap , Agrewala Javed N. , Kumar Rashmi
Published: May 2023

The old age‐related loss of immune tolerance inflicts a person with a wide range of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Dendritic cells (DCs) are the sentinels of the immune system that maintain immune tolerance through cytokines and regulatory T‐cells generation. Aging disturbs the microbial composition of the gut, causing immune system dysregulation. However, the vis‐à‐vis role of gut dysbiosis on DCs tolerance remains highly elusive. Consequently, we studied the influence of aging on gut dysbiosis and its impact on the loss of DC tolerance. We show that DCs generated from either the aged (DCOld) or gut‐dysbiotic young (DCDysbiotic) but not young (DCYoung) mice exhibited loss of tolerance, as evidenced by their failure to optimally induce the generation of Tregs and control the overactivation of CD4+ T cells. The mechanism deciphered for the loss of DCOld and DCDysbiotic tolerance was chiefly through the overactivation of NF‐κB, impaired frequency of Tregs, upregulation in the level of pro‐inflammatory molecules (IL‐6, IL‐1β, TNF‐α, IL‐12, IFN‐γ), and decline in the anti‐inflammatory moieties (IL‐10, TGF‐β, IL‐4, IDO, arginase, NO, IRF‐4, IRF‐8, PDL1, BTLA4, ALDH2). Importantly, a significant decline in the frequency of the Lactobacillus genus was noticed in the gut. Replenishing the gut of old mice with the Lactobacillus plantarum reinvigorated the tolerogenic function of DCs through the rewiring of inflammatory and metabolic pathways. Thus, for the first time, we demonstrate the impact of age‐related gut dysbiosis on the loss of DC tolerance. This finding may open avenues for therapeutic intervention for treating age‐associated disorders with the Lactobacillus plantarum.