bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti-chemokine antibodies after SARS-CoV-2 infection correlate with favorable disease course
Authors: Muri Jonathan , Cecchinato Valentina , Cavalli Andrea , Shanbhag Akanksha A. , Matkovic Milos , Biggiogero Maira , Maida Pier Andrea , Moritz Jacques , Toscano Chiara , Ghovehoud Elaheh , Furlan Raffaello , Barbic Franca , Voza Antonio , Nadai Guendalina De , Cervia Carlo , Zurbuchen Yves , Taeschler Patrick , Murray Lilly A. , Danelon-Sargenti Gabriela , Moro Simone , Gong Tao , Piffaretti Pietro , Bianchini Filippo , Crivelli Virginia , Podešvová Lucie , Pedotti Mattia , Jarrossay David , Sgrignani Jacopo , Thelen Sylvia , Uhr Mario , Bernasconi Enos , Rauch Andri , Manzo Antonio , Ciurea Adrian , Rocchi Marco B.L. , Varani Luca , Moser Bernhard , Bottazzi Barbara , Thelen Marcus , Fallon Brian A. , Boyman Onur , Mantovani Alberto , Garzoni Christian , Franzetti-Pellanda Alessandra , Uguccioni Mariagrazia , Robbiani Davide F.
Published: May 2022

Infection by SARS-CoV-2 leads to diverse symptoms, which can persist for months. While antiviral antibodies are protective, those targeting interferons and other immune factors are associated with adverse COVID-19 outcomes. Instead, we discovered that antibodies against specific chemokines are omnipresent after COVID-19, associated with favorable disease, and predictive of lack of long COVID symptoms at one year post infection. Anti-chemokine antibodies are present also in HIV-1 infection and autoimmune disorders, but they target different chemokines than those in COVID-19. Monoclonal antibodies derived from COVID- 19 convalescents that bind to the chemokine N-loop impair cell migration. Given the role of chemokines in orchestrating immune cell trafficking, naturally arising anti-chemokine antibodies associated with favorable COVID-19 may be beneficial by modulating the inflammatory response and thus bear therapeutic potential.

One-Sentence Summary:

Naturally arising anti-chemokine antibodies associate with favorable COVID-19 and predict lack of long COVID.
Secreted filarial nematode galectins modulate host immune cells
Authors: Loghry Hannah J. , Sondjaja Noelle A , Minkler Sarah J , Kimber Michael J
Published: May 2022

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a mosquito-borne disease caused by filarial nematodes includingBrugia malayi. Over 860 million people worldwide are infected or at risk of infection in 72 endemic countries. The absence of a protective vaccine means that current control strategies rely on mass drug administration programs that utilize inadequate drugs that cannot effectively kill adult parasites, thus established infections are incurable. Progress to address deficiencies in the approach to LF control is hindered by a poor mechanistic understanding of host-parasite interactions, including mechanisms of host immunomodulation by the parasite, a critical adaptation for establishing and maintaining infections. The canonical type 2 host response to helminth infection characterized by anti-inflammatory and regulatory immune phenotypes is modified by filarial nematodes during chronic LF. Current efforts at identifying parasite-derived factors driving this modification focus on parasite excretory-secretory products (ESP), including extracellular vesicles (EVs). We have previously profiled the cargo ofB. malayiEVs and identifiedB. malayigalectin-1 and galectin-2 as among the most abundant EV proteins. In this study we further investigated the function of these proteins. Sequence analysis of the parasite galectins revealed highest homology to mammalian galectin-9 and functional characterization identified similar substrate affinities consistent with this designation. Immunological assays showed that Bma-LEC-2 is a bioactive protein that can polarize macrophages to an alternatively activated phenotype and selectively induce apoptosis in Th1 cells. Our data shows that an abundantly secreted parasite galectin is immunomodulatory and induces phenotypes consistent with the modified type 2 response characteristic of chronic LF infection.
Selection on the joint actions of pairs leads to divergent adaptation and coadaptation of care-giving parents during pre-hatching care
Authors: Jarrett Benjamin J. M. , Mashoodh Rahia , Issar Swastika , Pascoal Sonia , Rebar Darren , Sun Syuan-Jyun , Schrader Matthew , Kilner Rebecca M.
Published: May 2022

The joint actions of animals in partnerships or social groups evolve under both natural selection, from the wider environment, and social selection, imposed by other members of the pair or group. We used experimental evolution to investigate how jointly expressed actions evolve upon exposure to a new environmental challenge. Our work focused on the evolution of carrion nest preparation by pairs of burying beetlesNicrophorus vespilloides, a joint activity undertaken by the pair but typically led by the male. In previous work, we found that carrion nest preparation evolved to be faster in experimental populations without post-hatching care (No Care lines) than with post-hatching care (Full Care lines). Here we investigate how this joint activity evolved. After 15 generations of experimental evolution, we created heterotypic pairs (No Care females with Full Care males, and No Care males with Full Care females) and compared their carrion nest making with homotypic No Care and Full Care pairs. We found that pairs with No Care males prepared the nest more rapidly than pairs with Full Care males, regardless of the female’s line of origin. This suggests that males led the way by adapting their nest preparation behaviour to the No Care environment first, with females secondarily co-adapting their behaviour to the male’s behaviour by reducing their nest preparation behaviour. We discuss how social coadaptations within pairs or groups could act as a post-mating barrier to gene flow.
Intrinsically disordered interaction network in an RNA chaperone revealed by native mass spectrometry
Authors: Sarni Samantha H. , Roca Jorjethe , Du Chen , Jia Mengxuan , Li Hantian , Damjanovic Ana , Małecka Ewelina M. , Wysocki Vicki H. , Woodson Sarah A.
Published: May 2022

RNA-binding proteins contain intrinsically disordered regions whose functions in RNA recognition are poorly understood. The RNA chaperone Hfq is a homohexamer that contains six flexible C-terminal domains (CTDs). The effect of the CTDs on Hfq’s integrity and RNA binding has been challenging to study because of their sequence identity and inherent disorder. We used native mass spectrometry (nMS) coupled with surface-induced dissociation (SID) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to disentangle the arrangement of the CTDs and their impact on the stability ofE. coliHfq with and without RNA. The results show that the CTDs stabilize the Hfq hexamer through multiple interactions with the core and between CTDs. RNA binding perturbs this network of CTD interactions, destabilizing the Hfq ring. This destabilization is partially compensated by binding of RNAs that contact multiple surfaces of Hfq. By contrast, binding of short RNAs that only contact one or two subunits results in net destabilization of the complex. Together, the results show that a network of intrinsically disordered interactions integrate RNA contacts with the six subunits of Hfq. We propose that this CTD network raises the selectivity of RNA binding.

Significance Statement

Hfq is a protein hexamer necessary for gene regulation by non-coding RNA in bacteria, during infection or under stress. In the cell, Hfq must distinguish its RNA partners from many similar nucleic acids. Mass spectrometry dissociation patterns, together with molecular dynamics simulations, showed that flexible extensions of each Hfq subunit form a dense network that interconnects the entire hexamer. This network is disrupted by RNA binding, but the lost interactions are compensated by RNAs that contact multiple Hfq subunits. By measuring interactions that are too irregular to be counted by other methods, mass spectrometry shows how flexible protein extensions help chaperones like Hfq recognize their RNA partners in the messy interior of the cell.
Temperature-dependent small RNA expression depends on wild genetic backgrounds of Caenorhabditis briggsae
Authors: Fusca Daniel D. , Sharma Eesha , Weiss Jörg G. , Claycomb Julie M. , Cutter Asher D.
Published: May 2022

Geographically distinct populations can adapt to the temperature conditions of their local environment, leading to temperature-dependent fitness differences between populations. Consistent with local adaptation, phylogeographically distinct Caenorhabditis briggsae nematodes show distinct fitness responses to temperature. The genetic mechanisms underlying local adaptation, however, remain unresolved. To investigate the potential role of small noncoding RNAs in genotype-specific responses to temperature, we quantified small RNA expression using high-throughput sequencing of C. briggsae nematodes from tropical and temperate strain genotypes reared under three temperature conditions (14°C, 20°C, 30°C). Strains representing both tropical and temperate regions showed significantly lower expression of PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) at high temperatures, primarily mapping to a large ∼7 Mb long piRNA cluster on chromosome IV. We also documented decreased expression of 22G-RNAs antisense to protein-coding genes and other genomic features at high rearing temperatures for the thermally-intolerant temperate strain genotype, but not for the tropical strain genotype. Reduced 22G-RNA expression was widespread along chromosomes and among feature types, indicative of a genome-wide response. Targets of the EGO-1/CSR-1 22G-RNA pathway were most strongly impacted compared to other 22G-RNA pathways, implicating the CSR-1 Argonaute and its RNA-dependent RNA polymerase EGO-1 in the genotype-dependent modulation of C. briggsae 22G-RNAs under chronic thermal stress. Our work suggests that gene regulation via small RNAs may be an important contributor to the evolution of local adaptations.
Profiling the quantitative occupancy of myriad transcription factors across conditions by modeling chromatin accessibility data
Authors: Luo Kaixuan , Zhong Jianling , Safi Alexias , Hong Linda K. , Tewari Alok K. , Song Lingyun , Reddy Timothy E. , Ma Li , Crawford Gregory E. , Hartemink Alexander J.
Published: May 2022

Over a thousand different transcription factors (TFs) bind with varying occupancy across the human genome. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) can assay occupancy genome-wide, but only one TF at a time, limiting our ability to comprehensively observe the TF occupancy landscape, let alone quantify how it changes across conditions. We developed TF occupancy profiler (TOP), a Bayesian hierarchical regression framework, to profile genome-wide quantitative occupancy of numerous TFs using data from a single chromatin accessibility experiment (DNase- or ATAC-seq). TOP is supervised, and its hierarchical structure allows it to predict the occupancy of any sequence-specific TF, even those never assayed with ChIP. We used TOP to profile the quantitative occupancy of hundreds of sequence-specific TFs at sites throughout the genome and examined how their occupancies changed in multiple contexts: in approximately 200 human cell types, through 12 h of exposure to different hormones, and across the genetic backgrounds of 70 individuals. TOP enables cost-effective exploration of quantitative changes in the landscape of TF binding.
TP53-inducible putative long noncoding RNAs encode functional polypeptides that suppress cell proliferation
Authors: Xu Wenli , Liu Chang , Deng Bing , Lin Penghui , Sun Zhenghua , Liu Anrui , Xuan Jiajia , Li Yuying , Zhou Keren , Zhang Xiaoqin , Huang Qiaojuan , Zhou Hui , He Qingyu , Li Bin , Qu Lianghu , Yang Jianhua
Published: May 2022

Polypeptides encoded by long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a novel class of functional molecules. However, whether these hidden polypeptides participate in the TP53 pathway and play a significant biological role is still unclear. Here, we discover that TP53-regulated lncRNAs can encode peptides, two of which are functional in various human cell lines. Using ribosome profiling and RNA-seq approaches in HepG2 cells, we systematically identified more than 300 novel TP53-regulated lncRNAs and further confirmed that 15 of these TP53-regulated lncRNAs encode peptides. Furthermore, several peptides were validated by mass spectrometry. Ten of the novel translational lncRNAs are directly inducible by TP53 in response to DNA damage. We show that the TP53-inducible peptides TP53LC02 and TP53LC04, but not their lncRNAs, can suppress cell proliferation. TP53LC04 peptide also has a function associated with cell proliferation by regulating the cell cycle in response to DNA damage. This study shows that TP53-regulated lncRNAs can encode new functional peptides, leading to the expansion of the TP53 tumor-suppressor network and providing novel potential targets for cancer therapy.
Toward a goal-based paradigm of contagion
Authors: Kim TaeWoo , Duhachek Adam , Herd Kelly , Kim SunAh
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aims to extend the previous research on contagion and proposes an integrative paradigm in which consumer goals and contagion recipient factors are identified as the key variables leading to the emergence of the contagion phenomenon. When a consumer has an active goal, a product touched by goal-congruent sources leads to positive product evaluation and enhances consumer performance when the product is used.

Design/methodology/approach

This research conducted five experimental studies in online and offline retail settings to examine the effect of contagion on evaluations of contagion objects and performance in goal-related tasks.

Findings

Across five studies, the authors demonstrated that the activation of a goal leads to contagion-based product evaluation and performance enhancement effects. The authors theorized and showed that the contagion-based process triggered during goal pursuit led to a more favorable evaluation of contagion products (Studies 1, 2 and 3). The authors also showed that enhanced consumers’ commitment toward a goal, which in turn led to enhanced performance in a real task that contributed to achieving one’s goal (Study 4). These effects emerged only when the object was physically touched by a goal-congruent contagion source and were more pronounced for the consumers who experience a high (vs low) degree of goal discrepancy (Study 5).

Research limitations/implications

The current research examined the contagion phenomenon in a few predetermined goal domains (e.g. health improvement goals, career success goals, marriage success goals). Although the authors found consistent effects across different types of goals, future research can examine a more comprehensive set of consumer goals and improve the limitation of the current research to generalize the goal-based contagion phenomenon to various consumer goals.

Practical implications

This study suggests that it is important for retailers, in particular sellers and buyers in the secondhand markets, to understand consumer goals and prepare an appropriate contagion environment for favorable evaluation of their offerings. One possible implication is that sellers may be best served as priming certain goals. The findings also indicate that secondhand sellers may be well served to emphasize seller characteristics in certain instances and de-emphasize them in others to maximize sales.

Originality/value

This research proposes a new variable, namely, goal activation, and presents an integrative contagion paradigm that not only helps explain previous research findings but also offers a new perspective on the contagion phenomenon.
Online food delivery research: a systematic literature review
Authors: Shroff Arvind , Shah Bhavin J. , Gajjar Hasmukh
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Online food delivery (OFD) has witnessed momentous consumer adoption in the past few years, and COVID-19, if anything, is only accelerating its growth. This paper captures numerous intricate issues arising from the complex relationship among the stakeholders because of the enhanced scale of the OFD business. The purpose of this paper is to highlight publication trends in OFD and identify potential future research themes.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a tri-method study – systematic literature review, bibliometric and thematic content analysis – of 43 articles on OFD published in 24 journals from 2015 to 2021 (March). The authors used VOSviewer to perform citation analysis.

Findings

Systematic literature review of the existing OFD research resulted in six potential research themes. Further, thematic content analysis synthesized and categorized the literature into four knowledge clusters, namely, (i) digital mediation in OFD, (ii) dynamic OFD operations, (iii) OFD adoption by consumers and (iv) risk and trust issues in OFD. The authors also present the emerging trends in terms of the most influential articles, authors and journals.

Practical implications

This paper captures the different facets of interactions among various OFD stakeholders and highlights the intricate issues and challenges that require immediate attention from researchers and practitioners.

Originality/value

This is one of the few studies to synthesize OFD literature that sheds light on unexplored aspects of complex relationships among OFD stakeholders through four clusters and six research themes through a conceptual framework.
Evaluating sustainability of mobile learning framework for higher education: a machine learning approach
Authors: Dolawattha Dhammika Manjula , Premadasa H.K. Salinda , Jayaweera Prasad M.
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the sustainability of the proposed mobile learning framework for higher education. Most sustainability evaluation studies use quantitative and qualitative methods with statistical approaches. Sometimes, in previous studies, machine learning models were utilized conventionally.

Design/methodology/approach

In the proposed method, the authors use a novel machine learning-based ensemble approach with severity indexes to evaluate the sustainability of the proposed mobile learning system. In this severity indexes, consider the cause-and-effect relationship to identify the hidden correlation among sustainability factors. Also, the proposed novel sustainability evaluation algorithm helps to evaluate and improve sustainability iteratively to have an optimal sustainable mobile learning system. In total, 150 learners and 150 teachers in the university community engaged in the study by taking the sustainability questionnaire. The questionnaire consists of 20 questions that represent 20 sustainable factors in five sustainability dimensions, i.e. economic, social, political, technological and pedagogical.

Findings

The results reveal that the proposed system has achieved its economic and pedagogical sustainability. However, the results further reveal that the proposed system needs to be improved on technological, social and political sustainability.

Originality/value

The study focused novel machine learning approach and technique for evaluating sustainability of the proposed mobile learning framework.
Effects of industry evolution on corporate executive: evidence from Chinese listed companies
Authors: Li Renyu , Feng Yi
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The real estate industry has experienced frequent changes in corporate executives in recent years. A total of 147 A-share listed firms witnessed a total of 191 corporate executives' departure. This wave of corporate executive departures is significantly different from previous waves. This study aims to examine whether industry evolution influence the characteristics of corporate executives? If so, then how?

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on upper echelons theory, this study analyzed the effects of industry life cycle on the characteristics of corporate executives. The data of A-share listed companies in the textile, real estate and computer industries in China from 1992 to 2014 were collected.

Findings

There are significant differences in the characteristics of corporate executives that match the life cycles of different industries. Companies at the growth stage in the life cycle of an industry were more likely to select and appoint younger corporate executives with political capital, peripheral functions and output functions, whereas companies at the maturity stage were more likely to select and appoint older corporate executives with throughput functions.

Originality/value

By using the upper echelons theory as a starting point, this study analyzed the effects of industry life cycle on corporate executive's characteristics. The research findings offer theoretical implications for the upper echelons theory and provide managerial implications.
The moderating role of organizational culture on the relationship between workers' attitudes towards telework and happiness
Authors: Junça Silva Ana , Coelho Neuza
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic forced organizations to adopt telework, many of the organizations without any prior preparation, influencing not only daily organizational routines but also workers' happiness. Happiness is important for organizations because happy and fulfilled workers are a key to achieving organizational success. Organizational culture is a critical factor to implement telework, because that may influence the workers' attitudes toward this model of work and workers' happiness. This study aimed to test the moderating role of organizational culture (clan, adhocracy, market and hierarchical) in the relationship between attitudes toward teleworking and happiness.

Design/methodology/approach

To meet the objectives, the authors collected data from 265 teleworkers.

Findings

The results revealed that only market culture moderated the relationship between attitudes toward teleworking and happiness, such that this relationship became stronger in the presence of a goal-oriented culture. No other dimension of organizational culture significantly moderated the relationship between telework and happiness.

Practical implications

These results prove to be fundamental for a better understanding of organizational and individual factors when organizations want to implement telework as a work arrangement.

Originality/value

Considering the mainstream literature in telework, to the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to date to integrate the moderating role of organizational culture in the relationship between telework and happiness.
Development of third generation protein rich snacks from lentil and egg powder through microwave assisted extrusion cooking
Authors: Yousouf Monisa , Hussain Syed Zameer , Kanojia Varsha , Qadri Tahiya , Naseer Bazila , Shafi Fouzia , Jabeen Abida
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to formulate a complete protein food from lentil flour (LF) and egg powder (EP) through microwave-assisted extrusion technology.

Design/methodology/approach

In the first part of the hybrid technology, the feed proportion and extrusion conditions were optimized through design expert using central composite rotatable design. In the second part of hybrid technology, the optimized protein pellets (PP) obtained were subjected to microwave heating (MH) for 50,100, 150, 200 and 250 s.

Findings

The optimum predicted conditions for development of pellets using extrusion cooking were feed proportion (85% LF and 15% EP), barrel temperature (140°C), screw speed (340 rpm) and feed moisture content (12%). When these pellets were subjected to MH, 150 s of heating time was considered as prudential to induce desirable quality changes in PP. The increase in sectional expansion index, crispness and overall acceptability from 0.637 to 0.659, 4.51 to 6.1 and 3.27 to 3.59 with corresponding decrease in bulk density and breaking strength from 73.33 to 69.75 kg/cm3 and 6.24 to 5.13 N during 150 s of MH indicated that quality characteristics of extruded PPs were improved after MH.

Practical implications

Nowadays, consumers have become more health conscious than ever, and the demand for nutritious snacks has increased many folds. However, the high protein content restricts expansion of snacks, which was overcome by subjecting extruded pellets to MH to produce third generation pellets. Furthermore, the PP has a protein content of 31.62%, which indicates that if an average person consumes 100 g of these snacks, it will suffice 60% of total recommended dietary intake (0.75 g/kg body weight/day). Lentil-based pellets expanded by use of such hybrid technology (microwave-assisted extrusion cooking) can help to provide a feasible, low cost and protein-rich diet for malnourished population besides being a value addition to lentils.

Originality/value

LF in combination with EP was tested for the first time for development of nutrient dense pellets. Moreover, use of microwave-assisted extrusion cooking offers a workable and innovative technique of developing protein-rich pellets with improved physico-chemical and sensory attributes.
Readiness for discharge from hospital: a concept analysis
Authors: Monfared Arezoo , Dehghan Nayeri Nahid , Javadi-Pashaki Nazila , Jafaraghaee Fateme
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to analyze and define the concept of readiness for hospital discharge (RHD) in patients with myocardial infarction (MI).

Design/methodology/approach

Walker and Avant's approach was used for concept analysis. Electronic text searches were performed using valid databases with “readiness for hospital discharge” and “MI” keywords. The research included quantitative and qualitative studies related to RHD published between 1997 and 2021 in English and Persian. Out of 103 obtained articles, 29 met the inclusion criteria.

Findings

In the analysis, the authors identified stable physical state, desirable individual and social conditions, psychological stability, adequate support, adequate information and knowledge, and multidisciplinary care as the attributes of the determinants of RHD. Antecedents were divided into two categories, including preadmission conditions (economic and social, etc.) and postadmission conditions (disease severity and patient health needs, etc). The consequences were also identified as both positive (e.g. self-care) and side effects (e.g. reduced readmission).

Originality/value

The results showed that the concept of RHD in MI patients is a complex and multidimensional condition that applies to all patients on discharge. It is critical for the care team to pay attention to its attributes and scopes in the process of preparing the patient for discharge. It is also suggested that the concept be used as a nursing diagnosis on the North American Nursing Diagnosis Association (NANDA) list. The Association provides nurses with an up-to-date list of nursing diagnoses.
Wearable medical apparatus to monitor temperature and pulsatile-blood-flow signal on forefoot to predict diabetic foot ulcers
Authors: Bulathsinghala Rameesh Lakshan , Wijeyaratne Serosha Mandika , Fernando Sandun , Jayawardana Thantirige Sanath Siroshana , Senadhipathi Mudiyanselage Vishvanath Uthpala Indrajith , Kankanamalage Samith Lakshan Sunilsantha
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a prototype of a wearable medical device in the form of a bandage with a real-time data monitoring platform, which can be used domestically for diabetic patients to identify the possibility of foot ulceration at the early stage.

Design/methodology/approach

The prototype can measure blood volumetric change and temperature variation in the forefoot area simultaneously. The waveform extracted using a pulsatile-blood-flow signal was used to assess blood perfusion-related information, and hence, predict ischemic ulcers. The temperature difference between ulcerated and the reference was used to predict neuropathic ulcers. The medical device can be used as a bandage during the application wherein the sensory module is placed inside the hollow pocket of the bandage. A platform was developed through a mobile application where doctors can extract real-time information, and hence, determine the possibility of ulceration.

Findings

The height of the peaks in the pulsatile-blood-flow signal measured from the subject with foot ischemic ulcers is significantly less than that of the subject without ischemic ulcers. In the presence of ischemic ulcers, the captured waveform flattens. Therefore, the blood perfusion from arteries to the tissue of the forefoot is considerably low for the subject with ischemic ulcers. According to the temperature difference data measured over 25 consecutive days, the temperature difference of the subject with neuropathic ulcers occasionally exceeded the 4 °F range but mostly had higher values closer to the 4 °F range. However, the temperature difference of the subject who had no complications of neuropathic ulcers did not exceed the 4 °F range, and the majority of the measurements occupy a narrow range from −2°F to 2 °F.

Originality/value

The proposed prototype of wearable medical apparatus can monitor both temperature variation and pulsatile-blood-flow signal on the forefoot simultaneously and thereby predict both ischemic and neuropathic diabetes using a single device. Most importantly, the wearable medical device can be used domestically without clinical assistance with a real-time data monitoring platform to predict the possibility of ulceration and the course of action thereof.
Inbound tourism – a bibliometric review of SSCI articles (1993–2021)
Authors: Li Zhiyong , Huo Tingting , Shao Yuhong , Zhao Qingxue , Huo Mingmin
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aims to present a holistic synopsis of the current scientific structure of inbound tourism research and suggest further research directions.

Design/methodology/approach

A 30-year bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Web of Science Core Collection database through CiteSpace, covering 568 Social Sciences Citation Index articles.

Findings

This study systematically identifies the evolution of scientific structures and emerging research trends in the inbound tourism field. The findings show that: co-authorship patterns reveal a trend of international cooperation; the evolution of research themes is consistent with the development of the macro-environment and inbound tourism industry, the most recent focus being on sustainable development of destinations; varied multivariate data analysis methods dominate current empirical analysis; there exist three major research dimensions in the inbound tourism field; and unilateral political factors in destinations and bilateral linkage factors affecting inbound tourism demand have aroused research interest increasingly.

Practical implications

This study helps scholars and practitioners understand the current issues and needs of the inbound tourism industry and develops a future research agenda to promote the industry’s continuous development.

Originality/value

This study is the first attempt to provide insights into the theoretical development of inbound tourism over the past three decades from the perspective of a knowledge-based platform and further facilitate sustainable development of the industry.
Prevalence of saliva immunoglobulin A antibodies reactive with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 among Japanese people unexposed to the virus
Authors: Tsukinoki Keiichi , Yamamoto Tetsuro , Saito Jiro , Sakaguchi Wakako , Iguchi Keiichiro , Inoue Yoshinori , Ishii Shigeru , Sato Chikatoshi , Yokoyama Mina , Shiraishi Yuki , Kato Noriaki , Shimada Hiroyasu , Makabe Akio , Saito Akihiro , Tanji Masanori , Nagaoka Isao , Saruta Juri , Yamaguchi Tetsutaro , Kimoto Shigenari , Yamaguchi Hideyo
Published: May 2022

While the COVID‐19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) poses a threat to public health as the number of cases and COVID‐19‐related deaths are increasing worldwide, the incidence of the virus infection is extremely low in Japan compared with many other countries. To explain this uncommon phenomenon, we investigated the prevalence of naturally occurring (“natural”) antibodies, focusing on those of the secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) form, reactive with SARS‐CoV‐2 among Japanese people. One hundred and eighty healthy Japanese volunteers of a wide range of age who had been considered to be unexposed to SARS‐CoV‐2 participated in this study. Saliva samples and blood samples were collected from all of the 180 participants and 139 adults (aged ≥ 20 years) included therein, respectively. The determination of saliva IgA antibodies, mostly comprising sIgA antibodies, as well as serum IgA and immunoglobulin G antibodies, reactive with the receptor binding domain of the SARS‐CoV‐2 spike‐1 subunit proteins was conducted using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The major findings were that 52.78% (95% confidence interval, 45.21%–60.25%) of the individuals who had not been exposed to SARS‐CoV‐2 were positive for saliva IgA antibodies with a wide range of levels between 0.002 and 3.272 ng/mL, and that there may be a negative trend in positivity for the antibodies according to age. As we had expected, a frequent occurrence of assumable “natural” sIgA antibodies reactive with SARS‐CoV‐2 among the studied Japanese participant population was observed.
Differential nutrient limitation and tree height control leaf physiology, supporting niche partitioning in tropical dipterocarp forests
Authors: Bartholomew David C. , Banin Lindsay F. , Bittencourt Paulo R. L. , Suis Mohd Aminur Faiz , Mercado Lina M. , Nilus Reuben , Burslem David F. R. P. , Rowland Lucy
Published: May 2022

Revealing the mechanisms of environmental niche partitioning within lowland tropical forests is important for understanding the drivers of current species distributions and potential vulnerability to environmental change. Tropical forest structure and species composition change across edaphic gradients in Borneo over short distances. However, our understanding of how edaphic conditions affect tree physiology and whether these relationships drive niche partitioning within Bornean forests remains incomplete.

This study evaluated how leaf physiological function changes with nutrient availability across a fine‐scale edaphic gradient and whether these relationships vary according to tree height. Furthermore, we tested whether intraspecific leaf trait variation allows generalist species to populate a wider range of environments.

We measured leaf traits of 218 trees ranging in height from 4 to 66 m from 13 dipterocarp species within four tropical forest types (alluvial, mudstone, sandstone and kerangas) occurring along an <5 km edaphic gradient in North Borneo. The traits measured included saturating photosynthesis (Asat), maximum photosynthetic capacity (Vcmax), leaf dark respiration (Rleaf), leaf mass per area (LMA), leaf thickness, minimum stomatal conductance (gdark) and leaf nutrient concentrations (N, P, Ca, K and Mg).

Across all species, leaf traits varied consistently in response to soil nutrient availability across forest types except Rleaf_mass, [Mg]leaf and [Ca]leaf. Changes in photosynthesis and respiration rates were related to different leaf nutrients across forest types, with greater nutrient‐use efficiency in more nutrient‐poor environments. Generalist species partially or fully compensated reductions in mass‐based photosynthesis through increasing LMA in more nutrient‐poor environments.

Leaf traits also varied with tree height, except Vcmax_mass, but only in response to height‐related modifications of leaf morphology (LMA and leaf thickness). These height–trait relationships did not vary across the edaphic gradient, except for Asat, [N]leaf, [P]leaf and [K]leaf.

Our results highlight that modification of leaf physiological function and morphology act as important adaptations for Bornean dipterocarps in response to edaphic and vertical environmental gradients. Meanwhile, multiple nutrients appear to contribute to niche partitioning and could drive species distributions and high biodiversity within Bornean forest landscapes.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Polymorphism of protein tyrosine phosphatase non‐receptor type 22 and protein arginine deiminase 4 gene among Ghanaian rheumatoid arthritis patients: A case–control study
Authors: Sakyi Samuel Asamoah , Boateng Andy Opoku , Fondjo Linda Ahenkorah , Mensah Kwame Yeboah , Opoku Stephen , Senu Ebenezer , Buckman Tonnies Abeku , Sampson Joseph Entwi
Published: May 2022

Aim

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease which affects millions of lives globally characterized by chronic inflammation in the joints of the body. There is no known cause for RA; however, genetic predisposition has been associated with its occurrence. The association between genetic predisposition and RA has been reported largely among Caucasians and Asians. However, few studies with limited data have reported genome‐wide association studies of RA in Africa, especially in Ghana. In addition, there is genetic heterogeneity that exists geographically among different populations. This study therefore investigated the association of protein arginine deiminase type 4 (PAD4) and protein tyrosine phosphatase non‐receptor type 22 (PTPN22) single nucleotide polymorphisms with susceptibility of RA among Ghanaians.

Methods

This case–control study included 75 RA patients and 75 healthy controls from the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Ghana. Validated questionnaires were used to obtain demographic data, and blood samples were collected and processed for DNA and polymerase chain reaction analysis. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 25.0.

Results

PTPN22 demonstrated a 100% minor allele frequency (GG) in both cases and healthy controls; however, an association could not be made for PTPN22 polymorphism with susceptibility of RA when comparing cases to controls. The homozygous minor allele (GG) of PAD4 was absent in the population.

Conclusion

PAD4 polymorphism was absent, while PTPN22 was present in the Ghanaian population. The association between PTPN22 (rs2476601) and PAD4 (rs2240340) with RA susceptibility could not be established, thus may not contribute as risk factors for RA in the Ghanaian population.
Investigating metacarpi of Hamdani sheep via different measurement and modelling methods: A methodological study
Authors: Güzel Barış Can , Koçyiğit Ali , Demircioğlu İsmail , Demiraslan Yasin
Published: May 2022

The aim of the study was to perform the morphometric analyses on metacarpi of Hamdani sheep via different measurement methods and to compare the methods. Thus, metacarpal bones of 15 females and 15 males were used in the study. Measurements were taken from the measurement points determined on metacarpus via four methods, and their statistical analyses were performed. When both male and female metacarpal bones were examined in the De parameter in the comparison with the methods, it was observed that the four measurement methods were different from one another (p < 0.01). When DEM and DEL measurement parameters were examined in male metacarpus, the highest value was measured in ImageJ and the smallest value was measured in 3D Slicer software; however, it was found that the statistical difference was not significant when compared numerically (p > 0.05). As a result, while it was observed that the measurements made by using digital calliper measurements, photometric analysis, and 3D software were similar in some of the parameters but there was no statistically significant difference; whereas, Statistical difference was detected in some parameters.
Housing booms and H‐2A agricultural guest worker employment
Authors: Castillo Marcelo , Charlton Diane
Published: May 2022

This paper examines the effects of changes in housing demand on H‐2A employment within commuting zones from 2001 to 2017. Agricultural employers who demonstrate that no workers in the domestic labor market are willing or able to perform a seasonal or temporary farm job can apply for certification to hire guest workers through the H‐2A visa program. H‐2A employment grew more than 450% between 2001 and 2019 from 45,000 to 258,000. This is one of the first papers to econometrically examine causal factors that contributed to the growth of H‐2A employment. We find that a 1% increase in housing demand leads to a 0.40%–0.97% increase in H‐2A employment. We also show suggestive evidence that changes in housing demand affect H‐2A employment through shifts in the demand for workers in nonfarm industries that pull workers from the agricultural sector. Consistent with previous literature, we show that positive housing demand shocks lead to increased employment in construction and other nontradable sectors that traditionally hire immigrant workers. We also find positive effects of housing demand on local farm wages, consistent with an inward shift in the local farm labor supply during housing booms.
A scoping review of cognition in spina bifida and its consequences for activity and participation throughout life
Authors: Lindquist Barbro , Jacobsson Helén , Strinnholm Margareta , Peny‐Dahlstrand Marie
Published: May 2022

Aim

The aim of this scoping review was to summarise findings concerning cognitive characteristics in people with spina bifida and explain how cognitive factors influence activities and participation in different areas and stages of life.

Methods

PubMed, Psych INFO, ERIC, Scopus, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library were searched for English language papers published in 2000–2018. A total of 92 papers were selected and quality was assessed according to the McMaster criteria. The results were presented related to body functions, activity and participation from the International Classification of Function and Health, ICF.

Results

People with spina bifida tended to have a lower IQ than those without. The majority also had cognitive difficulties manifested in problems with language, perception, memory, executive and attentional functions. Those difficulties affected activity and participation in all life domains in ICF. This may affect medical adherence and responsibility and by extension the prevention of secondary complications.

Conclusion

It is important for caregivers, professionals and especially individuals with spina bifida themselves to understand and handle both physical and cognitive consequences in all life circumstances. Having insight into one’s own assets and difficulties paves the way to managing life challenges, which could enhance health, self‐management and participation in society.
Effects of immersive virtual reality cardiopulmonary resuscitation training on prospective kindergarten teachers' learning achievements, attitudes and self‐efficacy
Authors: Liu Ze‐Min , Fan Xianli , Liu Yujiao , Ye Xin‐dong
Published: May 2022

Children's unexpected cardiac arrest warrants cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by kindergarten teachers. Yet, recent research revealed trained personnel reporting poor transfer of acquired skills during real‐world emergencies with conventional CPR training. Immersive virtual reality (IVR) training induces a greater sense of presence and agency than conventional CPR training and may be more effective in terms of increasing trainees' intention and initiative to perform CPR in real‐world emergencies. A quasi‐experiment was conducted to assess the effectiveness of the IVR‐based CPR training method in terms of enhancing the intention to perform CPR. The trial enrolled 50 participants, 25 of whom examined a child patient in an IVR virtual scenario, using an AED, and performed two rounds of two‐minute chest compressions. The remaining 25 participants were trained using a video with consistent content on a monitor. A generalised estimating equation analysis demonstrated that the IVR training method significantly increased prospective kindergarten teachers' self‐efficacy for performing CPR, positive attitudes towards CPR, and CPR knowledge. This advantage was also maintained after the five‐week follow‐up. Thus, CPR teaching via IVR looks to be an excellent way to enhance the intention to perform CPR and may be of great value in improving existing CPR training systems.

Practitioner notes

What is already known about this topic

Many trainees who have received traditional cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training hesitate to perform the skills learned in a real‐world emergency.

The critical determinant of whether an individual performs a behaviour is the individual's ‘intention’ to perform that behaviour.

Individual's self‐efficacy to perform CPR, attitudes towards CPR, and perceived social norms are three determinants that influence intention to perform CPR.

Immersive media such as virtual reality may elicit more attitudinal changes and a greater sense of learner self‐efficacy than current mainstream media.

What this paper adds

The study's results indicated that compared to conventional technology‐supported video training, immersive virtual reality (IVR) training significantly increased participants' self‐efficacy about performing CPR, positive attitudes towards CPR and CPR knowledge.

CPR training through IVR may enhance trainees' intention to perform CPR in real‐world emergencies.

Implications for practice and/or policy

The effectiveness of combining IVR technology into existing CPR training methods such as mixed reality training, which blends virtual environments with realistic mannequins, should be further examined in the future.

IVR may be a more effective medium for enhancing the intention to perform behaviour than conventional technology. Future research could further experiment with the use of IVR as a behavioural intervention technique in education
Biallelic variants in PAX3 cause Klein syndrome
Authors: Salah Somaya , Meiner Vardiella , Abumayaleh Abdelrazzaq , Asafra Ali , Al‐Sharif Taher , Al‐Fallah Orwa , Hasasneh Belal , Zlotogora Joël
Published: May 2022

Waardenburg syndrome is a group of genetic conditions that can cause hearing loss and pigmentation deficiency of the hair, skin, and eyes. Klein‐Waardenburg syndrome (Waardenburg syndrome type 3) represents a distinct presentation of Waardenburg syndrome type 1 and includes musculoskeletal abnormalities in addition to dystopia canthorum hearing loss and pigmentary changes. Heterozygous or homozygous variants in the PAX3 gene cause Klein‐Waardenburg syndrome. Here we report on a new severely affected child, with a homozygous PAX3 variant (c.251C>T; p.Ser84Phe), review the features of the syndrome, and propose a new classification. The designation of Waardenburg syndrome should be given only to patients with monoallelic pathogenic variants in PAX3 whether or not musculoskeletal abnormalities are present. Patients with biallelic PAX3 variants should be outlined as a distinct group and designated Klein syndrome.