bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasma microbial cell-free DNA sequencing for the diagnosis and surveillance of fever following hematopoietic stem cell transplant
Authors: Fung Monica , Degner Nicholas , Sam Srey , Cleveland Hayley , Teraoka Justin , Pandey Shraddha , Shariff Dayana , Blauwkamp Timothy , Chin-Hong Peter
Published: June 2023

Backgroun

Fever is a common complication in hematopoietic stem-cell transplant recipients, yet an etiology is often not found. Plasma microbial cell-free DNA sequencing may improve diagnosis and management of fever in this population.

Methods

This prospective study (ClinicalTrials.gov;NCT02804464) enrolled 70 patients undergoing allogeneic HCT and followed them for one year. Plasma microbial cell-free DNA sequencing was collected within 24 hours of fever and for infection surveillance weekly after HCT through day 63 post-HCT followed by monthly until study end. Plasma mcfDNA sequencing results were compared with all standard microbiological testing results collected within 48 hours of fever onset.

Results

Among 53 fevers eligible for analysis, clinical adjudication determined that a probable cause of fever was detected by blood culture in in 7 (13%), by all microbiology in 9 (17%), and by plasma microbial cell-free DNA sequencing in 12 (23%), including 5 in which microbiology was negative, increasing the diagnostic yield by 56%. The positive percent agreement with microbiology was 78% (7/9) and the negative percent agreement was 89% (39/44). Adjudication determined that plasma microbial cell-free DNA sequencing results would have led to a change in antimicrobial management in 55% (7/12) of fevers with detections. Weekly surveillance with plasma microbial cell-free DNA sequencing detected 8 of 15 causative pathogens prior to fever by a mean of 4.8 days (range 1-8 days).

Conclusions

Plasma microbial cell-free DNA sequencing shows promise in the surveillance, diagnosis and management of fever in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.

Article Summary

Plasma microbial cell-free DNA sequencing increased the diagnostic yield for the infectious etiologies of fever in allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell recipients by 56% when compared to standard microbiologic testing. Weekly surveillance detected pathogens prior to fever onset.
Reference-free multiplexed single-cell sequencing identifies genetic modifiers of the human immune response
Authors: Hartoularos George C. , Si Yichen , Zhang Fan , Kathail Pooja , Lee David S. , Ogorodnikov Anton , Sun Yang , Song Yun S. , Kang Hyun Min , Ye Chun Jimmie
Published: June 2023

Multiplexed single-cell sequencing (mux-seq) using single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) has emerged as an efficient approach to perform expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) studies that map interactions between genetic variants and cell types, cell states, or experimental perturbations. Here we introduce theclueframework, a novel approach to encode mux-seq experiments that eliminates the need for reference genotypes and experimental barcoding. Theclueframework is made possible by the development offreemuxlet, an algorithm that clusters cells based on SNPs called from single-cell RNA-seq or ATAC-seq data. To demonstrate the feasibility ofclue, we profiled the surface protein and RNA abundances of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 64 individuals, stimulated with 5 distinct extracellular stimuli — all within a single day. Our analysis of the demultiplexed data identified rare immune cell types and cell type-specific responses to interferon and toll-like receptor stimulation. Furthermore, by integrating genotyping data, we mapped response eQTLs specific to certain cell types. These findings showcase the potential and scalability of theclueframework for reference-free multiplexed single-cell sequencing studies.
Boosting Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Analysis with Simple Neural Attention
Authors: Davalos Oscar A. , Heydari A. Ali , Fertig Elana J. , Sindi Suzanne S. , Hoyer Katrina K.
Published: June 2023

A limitation of current deep learning (DL) approaches for single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) analysis is the lack of interpretability. Moreover, existing pipelines are designed and trained for specific tasks used disjointly for different stages of analysis. We present scANNA, a novel interpretable DL model for scR-NAseq studies that leverages neural attention to learn gene associations. After training, the learned gene importance (interpretability) is used to perform downstream analyses (e.g., global marker selection and cell-type classification) without retraining. ScANNA’s performance is comparable to or better than state-of-the-art methods designed and trained for specific standard scRNAseq analyses even though scANNA was not trained for these tasks explicitly. ScANNA enables researchers to discover meaningful results without extensive prior knowledge or training separate task-specific models, saving time and enhancing scRNAseq analyses.
Neurogenetic and multi-omic sources of overlap among sensation seeking, alcohol consumption, and alcohol use disorder
Authors: Miller Alex P. , Gizer Ian R.
Published: June 2023

Sensation seeking is bidirectionally associated with levels of alcohol consumption in both adult and adolescent samples and shared neurobiological and genetic influences may in part explain this association. Links between sensation seeking and alcohol use disorder (AUD) may primarily manifest via increased alcohol consumption rather than through direct effects on increasing problems and consequences. Here the overlap between sensation seeking, alcohol consumption, and AUD was examined using multivariate modeling approaches for genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics in conjunction with neurobiologically-informed analyses at multiple levels of investigation. Meta-analytic and genomic structural equation modeling (GenomicSEM) approaches were used to conduct GWAS of sensation seeking, alcohol consumption, and AUD. Resulting summary statistics were used in downstream analyses to examine shared brain tissue enrichment of heritability and genome-wide evidence of overlap (e.g., stratified GenomicSEM, RRHO, genetic correlations with neuroimaging phenotypes) and to identify genomic regions likely contributing to observed genetic overlap across traits (e.g., H-MAGMA, LAVA). Across approaches, results supported shared neurogenetic architecture between sensation seeking and alcohol consumption characterized by overlapping enrichment of genes expressed in midbrain and striatal tissues and variants associated with increased cortical surface area. Alcohol consumption and AUD evidenced overlap in relation to variants associated with decreased frontocortical thickness. Finally, genetic mediation models provided evidence of alcohol consumption mediating associations between sensation seeking and AUD. This study extends previous research by examining critical sources of neurogenetic and multi-omic overlap among sensation seeking, alcohol consumption, and AUD which may underlie observed phenotypic associations.
3D T2w fetal body MRI: automated organ volumetry, growth charts and population-averaged atlas
Authors: Uus Alena U. , Hall Megan , Grigorescu Irina , Zampieri Carla Avena , Collado Alexia Egloff , Payette Kelly , Matthew Jacqueline , Kyriakopoulou Vanessa , Hajnal Joseph V. , Hutter Jana , Rutherford Mary A. , Deprez Maria , Story Lisa
Published: June 2023

Structural fetal body MRI provides true 3D information required for volumetry of fetal organs. However, current clinical and research practice primarily relies on manual slice-wise segmentation of raw T2-weighted stacks, which is time consuming, subject to inter- and intra-observer bias and affected by motion-corruption. Furthermore, there are no existing standard guidelines defining a universal approach to parcellation of fetal organs. This work produces the first parcellation protocol of the fetal body organs for motion-corrected 3D fetal body MRI. It includes 10 organ ROIs relevant to fetal quantitative volumetry studies. We also introduce the first population-averaged T2w MRI atlas of the fetal body. The protocol was used as a basis for training of a neural network for automated organ segmentation. It showed robust performance for different gestational ages. This solution minimises the need for manual editing and significantly reduces time. The general feasibility of the proposed pipeline was also assessed by analysis of organ growth charts created from automated parcellations of 91 normal control 3T MRI datasets that showed expected increase in volumetry during 22-38 weeks gestational age range. In addition, the results of comparison between 60 normal and 12 fetal growth restriction datasets revealed significant differences in organ volumes.
Long-term clinical outcomes of bariatric surgery in adults with severe obesity: A population-based retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wiebe Natasha , Tonelli Marcello
Published: June 2023

Background

Bariatric surgery leads to sustained weight loss in a majority of recipients, and also reduces fasting insulin levels and markers of inflammation. We described the long-term associations between bariatric surgery and clinical outcomes including 30 morbidities.

Methods

We did a retrospective population-based cohort study of 304,157 adults with severe obesity, living in Alberta, Canada; 6,212 of whom had bariatric surgery. We modelled adjusted time to mortality, hospitalization, surgery and the adjusted incidence/prevalence of 30 morbidities after 5 years of follow-up.

Results

Over a median follow-up of 4.4 years (range 1 day-22.0 years), bariatric surgery was associated with increased risk of hospitalization (HR 1.46, 95% CI 1.41,1.51) and additional surgery (HR 1.42, 95% CI 1.32,1.52) but with a decreased risk of mortality (HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.64,0.91). After 5 years, bariatric surgery was associated with a lower risk of severe chronic kidney disease (HR 0.45, 95% CI 0.27,0.75), coronary disease (HR 0.49, 95% CI 0.33,0.72), diabetes (HR 0.51, 95% CI 0.47,0.56), inflammatory bowel disease (HR 0.55, 95% CI 0.37,0.83), hypertension (HR 0.70, 95% CI 0.66,0.75), chronic pulmonary disease (HR 0.75, 95% CI 0.66,0.86), asthma (HR 0.79, 95% 0.65,0.96), cancer (HR 0.79, 95% CI 0.65,0.96), and chronic heart failure (HR 0.79, 95% CI 0.64,0.96). In contrast, after 5 years, bariatric surgery was associated with an increased risk of peptic ulcer (HR 1.99, 95% CI 1.32,3.01), alcohol misuse (HR 1.55, 95% CI 1.25,1.94), frailty (HR 1.28, 95% 1.11,1.46), severe constipation (HR 1.26, 95% CI 1.07,1.49), sleep disturbance (HR 1.21, 95% CI 1.08,1.35), depression (HR 1.18, 95% CI 1.10,1.27), and chronic pain (HR 1.12, 95% CI 1.04,1.20).

Interpretation

Bariatric surgery was associated with lower risks of death and certain morbidities. However, bariatric surgery was also associated with increased risk of hospitalization and additional surgery, as well as certain other morbidities. Since values and preferences for these various benefits and harms may differ between individuals, this suggests that comprehensive counselling should be offered to patients considering bariatric surgery.
CXCR4 signaling strength regulates hematopoietic multipotent progenitor fate through extrinsic and intrinsic mechanisms
Authors: Rondeau Vincent , Kalogeraki Maria , Roland Lilian , Nader Zeina Abou , Gourhand Vanessa , Bonaud Amélie , Lemos Julia , Khamyath Mélanie , Moulin Clémentine , Schell Bérénice , Delord Marc , Bidaut Ghislain , Lecourt Séverine , Freitas Christelle , Anginot Adrienne , Mazure Nathalie , McDermott David H. , Parietti Véronique , Setterblad Niclas , Dulphy Nicolas , Bachelerie Françoise , Aurrand-Lions Michel , Stockholm Daniel , Lobry Camille , Murphy Philip M. , Espéli Marion , Mancini Stéphane J.C. , Balabanian Karl
Published: June 2023

How cell-extrinsic niche-related and cell-intrinsic cues drive lineage specification of hematopoietic multipotent progenitors (MPPs) in the bone marrow (BM) is partly understood. We show that CXCR4 signaling strength regulates localization and fate of MPPs. In mice phenocopying the BM myeloid skewing of patients with WHIM Syndrome (WS), a rare immunodeficiency caused by gain-of-functionCXCR4mutations, enhanced mTOR signaling and overactive Oxphos metabolism were associated with myeloid rewiring of lymphoid-primed MPPs (or MPP4). Fate decision of MPP4 was also affected by molecular changes established at the MPP1 level. Mutant MPP4 displayed altered BM localization relative to peri-arteriolar structures, suggesting that extrinsic cues contribute to their myeloid skewing. Chronic treatment with CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100 or mTOR inhibitor Rapamycin rescued lymphoid capacities of mutant MPP4, demonstrating a pivotal role for the CXCR4-mTOR axis in regulating MPP4 fate. Our study thus provides mechanistic insights into how CXCR4 signaling regulates the lymphoid potential of MPPs.
Phase-locking of neural activity to the envelope of speech in the delta frequency band reflects differences between word lists and sentences
Authors: Mohammadi Yousef , Graversen Carina , Østergaard Jan , Kaeseler Andersen Ole , Reichenbach Tobias
Published: June 2023

The envelope of a speech signal is tracked by neural activity in the cerebral cortex. The cortical tracking occurs mainly in two frequency bands, theta (4 - 8 Hz) and delta band (1 - 4 Hz). Tracking in the faster theta band has been mostly associated with lower-level acoustic processing, such as the parsing of syllables, whereas the slower tracking in the delta band relates to higher-level linguistic information of words and word sequences. However, much regarding the more specific association between cortical tracking and acoustic as well as linguistic processing remains to be uncovered. Here we recorded electroencephalographic (EEG) responses to both meaningful sentences as well as random word lists in different levels of signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) that lead to different levels of speech comprehension as well as listening effort. We then related the neural signals to the acoustic stimuli by computing the phase-locking value (PLV) between the EEG recordings and the speech envelope. We found that the PLV in the delta band increases with increasing SNR for sentences but not for the random word lists, showing that the PLV in this frequency band reflects linguistic information. When attempting to disentangle the effects of SNR, speech comprehension, and listening effort, we observed a trend that the PLV in the delta band might reflect listening effort rather than the other two variables, although the effect was not statistically significant. In summary, our study shows that the PLV in the delta band reflects linguistic information and might be related to listening effort.
Leveraging information between multiple population groups and traits improves fine-mapping resolution
Authors: Zhou Feng , Soremekun Opeyemi , Chikowore Tinashe , Fatumo Segun , Barroso Inês , Morris Andrew P , Asimit Jennifer L
Published: June 2023

Statistical fine-mapping helps to pinpoint likely causal variants underlying genetic association signals. Its resolution can be improved by (i) leveraging information between traits; and (ii) exploiting differences in linkage disequilibrium structure between diverse population groups. Using association summary statistics, MGflashfm jointly fine-maps signals from multiple traits and population groups; MGfm uses an analogous framework to analyse each trait separately. We also provide a practical approach to fine-mapping with out-of-sample reference panels. In simulation studies we show that MGflashfm and MGfm are well-calibrated and that the mean proportion of causal variants with PP>0.80 is above 0.75 (MGflashfm) and 0.70 (MGfm). In our analysis of four lipids traits across five population groups, MGflashfm gives a median 99% credible set reduction of 10.5% over MGfm. MGflashfm and MGfm only require summary level data, making them very useful fine-mapping tools in consortia efforts where individual-level data cannot be shared.
A TOPBP1 Allele Causing Male Infertility Uncouples XY Silencing Dynamics From Sex Body Formation
Authors: Ascencao Carolline F. R. , Sims Jennie R. , Dziubek Alexis , Comstock William , Fogarty Elizabeth A. , Badar Jumana , Freire Raimundo , Grimson Andrew , Weiss Robert S. , Cohen Paula E. , Smolka Marcus
Published: June 2023

Meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI) is a critical feature of meiotic prophase I progression in males. While the ATR kinase and its activator TOPBP1 are key drivers of MSCI within the specialized sex body (SB) domain of the nucleus, how they promote silencing remains unclear given their multifaceted meiotic functions that also include DNA repair, chromosome synapsis and SB formation. Here we report a novel mutant mouse harboring mutations in the TOPBP1-BRCT5 domain.Topbp1B5/B5males are infertile, with impaired MSCI despite displaying grossly normal events of early prophase I, including synapsis and SB formation. Specific ATR-dependent events are disrupted including phosphorylation and localization of the RNA:DNA helicase Senataxin.Topbp1B5/B5spermatocytes initiate, but cannot maintain ongoing, MSCI. These findings reveal a non-canonical role for the ATR-TOPBP1 signaling axis in MSCI dynamics at advanced stages in pachynema and establish the first mouse mutant that separates ATR signaling and MSCI from SB formation.
The macroevolutionary dynamics of mammalian sexual size dimorphism
Authors: Jones Megan E. , Sheard Catherine
Published: June 2023

Sexual size dimorphism (SSD) is a common phenomenon across the animal kingdom. Mammals are unusual in primarily displaying male-biased SSD, where males of a species are typically larger than females. The driving factors behind the evolution of this SSD have been much debated, with popular hypotheses including the influence of mating system and social organisation via sexual selection, dietary niche divergence, and the role of body size (Rensch’s rule). Here, we investigate the macroevolutionary origins and maintenance of SSD among mammals, using phylogenetic general mixed linear models and a comprehensive global dataset to evaluate correlations of diet, body mass, seasonality, social organisation, and mating system with SSD type. We find that SSD as a whole is lost at a greater rate than it is gained, with female-biased SSD being particularly unstable. Non-monogamy, vertebrate prey consumption, and temperature seasonality correlate with male-biased SSD, while polyandry correlates with female-biased SSD, and both types of SSD are positively correlated with body mass. This is in partial contrast to the predictions of Rensch’s rule, which predicts that female-biased SSD would correlate negatively with body size. Taken together, our results highlight the importance of considering multiple ecological and social drivers when evaluating the macroevolutionary trajectory of sex differences in body size.
Integrated modeling of the Nexin-dynein regulatory complex reveals its regulatory mechanism
Authors: Ghanaeian Avrin , Majhi Sumita , McCaffrey Caitie L. , Nami Babak , Black Corbin S. , Yang Shun Kai , Legal Thibault , Papoulas Ophelia , Janowska Martyna , Valente-Paterno Melissa , Marcotte Edward M. , Wloga Dorota , Bui Khanh Huy
Published: June 2023

Cilia are hairlike protrusions that project from the surface of eukaryotic cells and play key roles in cell signaling and motility. Ciliary motility is regulated by the conserved nexin-dynein regulatory complex (N-DRC), which links adjacent doublet microtubules and regulates and coordinates the activity of outer doublet complexes. Despite its critical role in cilia motility, the assembly and molecular basis of the regulatory mechanism are poorly understood. Here, utilizing cryo-electron microscopy in conjunction with biochemical cross-linking and integrative modeling, we localized 12 DRC subunits in the N-DRC structure ofTetrahymena thermophila. We also found that the CCDC96/113 complex is in close contact with the N-DRC. In addition, we revealed that the N-DRC is associated with a network of coiled-coil proteins that most likely mediates N-DRC regulatory activity.
Frictiotaxis underlies adhesion-independent durotaxis
Authors: Shellard Adam , Weißenbruch Kai , Hampshire Peter A. E. , Stillman Namid R. , Dix Christina L. , Thorogate Richard , Imbert Albane , Charras Guillaume , Alert Ricard , Mayor Roberto
Published: June 2023

Cells move directionally along gradients of substrate stiffness, a process called durotaxis. The current consensus is that durotaxis relies on cell-substrate focal adhesions to sense stiffness and transmit forces that drive directed motion. Therefore, focal adhesion-independent durotaxis is thought to be impossible. Here, we show that confined cells can perform durotaxis despite lacking strong or specific adhesions. This durotactic migration depends on asymmetric myosin distribution and actomyosin retrograde flow. We show that the mechanism of this adhesion-independent durotaxis is that stiffer substrates offer higher friction. We propose a physical model that predicts that non-adherent cells polarise and migrate towards regions of higher friction – a process that we call frictiotaxis. We demonstrate frictiotaxis in experiments by showing that cells migrate up a friction gradient even when stiffness is uniform. Our results broaden the potential of durotaxis to guide any cell that contacts a substrate and reveal a new mode of directed migration based on friction, with implications for immune and cancer cells, which commonly move with non-specific interactions.
Innate and Conditioned Taste Processing inDrosophila
Authors: Brown Elizabeth , Worden Kurtresha , Li Yuanyuan , Masek Pavel , Keene Alex C.
Published: June 2023

Peripheral detection of tastants allows animals to detect the dietary value of food and its potential toxicity. Many tastants such as sugars and fats elicit reflexive appetitive responses, whereas other foods such as quinine induce aversion. The relative value of food can change in accordance with an animal's internal state and prior experience. Understanding the neural and genetic bases for the detection and response to tastants, as well as how these behaviors change with experience, is central to sensory neuroscience. The presentation of attractive tastants to the proboscis or legs of the fruit flyDrosophila melanogasterinduces a robust and reflexive proboscis-extension response (PER). This quantifiable response can be used to study the receptors underlying taste detection, the neural circuits involved in sensory processing, and the musculature required for a simple feeding behavior. Furthermore, we have developed a memory assay pairing appetitive and bitter tastants, resulting in aversive taste conditioning, in which the PER response to attractive tastants is diminished. Unlike many memory assays, this assay does not require specialized equipment and can be readily implemented in teaching and research laboratories. Here, we introduce protocols for studying the PER feeding response and aversive taste memory inDrosophila.
Role of authentic leadership in enhancing employees' voice behavior through psychological capital during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Rafique Noman , Afshan Gul , Ahmed Farooque
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Considering the importance of employees' voice behavior (VB) and psychological capital (PC) amidst the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), this study highlights the role of authentic leadership (AL) in building a psychologically strong workforce that can provide meaningful suggestions for the improvement of organization.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed a questionnaire survey to collect the data and recruited 261 participants from the telecom sector Sindh, Pakistan. The data analysis was done using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

The findings of the study supported the hypotheses suggesting that AL can directly influence employees' VB and indirectly via PC.

Originality/value

The study was conducted during the COVID-19 in the telecom sector of Sindh, Pakistan. This study contributes by providing useful insights into that AL is an important form of leadership that encourages employees' voluntary behavior and psychological strength during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The dark side of mobile apps: when and how technical security matters for in-app purchases?
Authors: Liu Yulong (David) , Chung Henry F. L. , Zhang Zuopeng (Justin) , Wu Mian
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This research aims to explore the dark side of mobile applications by investigating the role of apps' technicality and app security in the mechanism of user satisfaction, app intention and customers' continuance tendency to make in-app purchases.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on attitude-behavior-context (ABC) theory, the study proposed a conceptual framework and examined the framework using a structural equation modeling (SEM) approach based on data collected from app users from New Zealand.

Findings

The results reveal the correlation between user satisfaction and in-app purchase with a mediator of app continuance intention (ACI). In particular, the results show that app technicality (AT) has a positive correlation with user satisfaction as an antecedent. App security and hedonic value are positively correlated with user satisfaction.

Originality/value

The research has three critical research implications. First, this research advances the understanding of the dark side of mobile apps by showing how app security influences customers' in-app purchases. Secondly, this study reveals and offers empirical evidence for the mechanism between app security and user satisfaction. Finally, the study provides empirical evidence of AT as a distal antecedent for in-app purchases.
Determinants of job insecurity during COVID-19: quantitative insights from the Romanian labor market
Authors: Rusu Mihai Stelian , Popa Adela Elena , Pogan Livia Dana , Gutoiu Giorgian Ionut
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the issues related to job insecurity became even more prominent than before. This paper sets out to identify the determinants of job insecurity in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic among Romanian workers, a topic than was scarcely addressed in previous studies.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a representative sample at the national level (N = 744), the authors performed a multilinear regression analysis that pinpoints the factors predicting job insecurity.

Findings

This study findings indicate that high-skilled workers employed on permanent arrangements, having higher workloads, who had received organizational support, and managed to harmonize work demands with family responsibilities experience the lowest levels of job insecurity. In this study, teleworking does not influence the level of job insecurity. Gender (being male), working in the public sector and approving the political management of the COVID-19 pandemic also count in securing the feelings employees have about their job.

Originality/value

Besides filling a geographical gap in the literature, another innovative contribution of the paper is the emphasis on the importance for the employees of how public authorities manage the public health crisis. Also, this study explores the workload as a factor of job insecurity which was unaddressed previously. Implications for research and practice are emphasized.
The autobiography of environmental, social and governance (ESG)
Authors: Singh Kuldeep
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The current essay aims to generate critical reflections on environment, social and governance (ESG) based on observations, experiences, literature reviews and logical reasoning.

Design/methodology/approach

The essay adopts the methodology of first-person omniscient, where the narrator (ESG in this essay) is a character in the story. In this methodology, the ESG is also aware of the thoughts and feelings of all the other characters, such as the ESG practitioners, academics, researchers, lawmakers and relevant stakeholders.

Findings

The essay concludes that the relevance of ESG is broader than what is currently perceived. The piece endorses a view to look at ESG from other perspectives and benefits, not only from its financial relevance. It should be understood and implemented at the grassroots level.

Originality/value

The essay is one of its kind to reflect on the current ESG landscape. It attempts to redirect the debate on ESG toward the origin of its very existence.
Leader's role in the development of collective competencies of fashion work teams
Authors: da Silva Luiz Henrique , Ghedine Tatiana , da Silva Francielle Molon
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This article aims to analyze the way the leader acts in the development of collective competencies (CC) of fashion work teams, seeking to demonstrate ways in which the leader can collaborate for the development of the collective work.

Design/methodology/approach

With a qualitative approach, this paper carried out a case study strategy having the Creation Center of a fashion group from Santa Catarina, Brazil as a research object. Data collection took place through semi-structured interviews and participant observation with 36 employees from 6 work teams from 5 clothing brands.

Findings

Our findings make it clear that the leader influences the CC development of fashion work teams. The leader's role becomes essential for directing and developing his team, seeking to encourage participation and cooperation between team members to achieve the objectives and expected results. It was considered that the CC development could be associated with how much the leader represents his team and contributes with guidelines that emphasize the collective and the people and teams' development. The leader who makes the cooperative relationship feasible, encourages effort and promotes cohesion and teamwork tends to collaborate with actions that foster CC development.

Originality/value

From a theoretical perspective, it is the first study to analyze empirically the relationship between leadership and CC. A model with 18 guidelines was developed, divided into six determining factors (activity dynamics, team composition, individual characteristics and dispositions, team integration, communication and physical structure) that demonstrated the way the leader collaborates for the CC development. For the fashion industry, this study demonstrates elements capable of assisting collective creativity and the development of fashion collections.
Factors Influencing Community Participation of Youth Affairs Committee Members in Mon State
Authors: Htet Atar Thaung
Published: June 2023

There are many ways for young people to get involved with their communities, but Community participation is one of the most important ways. As a way of expressing their commitment, young people form political and social action groups, devise educational initiatives tailored to their interests, and serve as community activists. This study was carried out in Myanmar prior to the military takeover in 2021. A military coup protest was organized by CEC (Chief Executive Committees). In addition, the majority of the committee members advocate for democratic values in this era. For the purpose of this study, researchers looked into which factors had the greatest impact on the participation of youth affairs committee members in their communities. Mon State was chosen as the study site because the median age of the population there is 26.7 years old. The 2014 Census revealed a range of median ages that is lower than this one. It shows that the median age of Mon state's youth affairs committee members is lower than the state's overall median age. In addition, the state of Mon was home to three major ethnicities: the Mon, the Kayan, and the Burmese. This situation demonstrates that young people have settled in Mon state with a wide range of viewpoints and ideas. The 131 members of Mon state's youth affairs committee were selected from each of the state's three levels of youth affairs committee. The data collected was analyzed using linear regression and descriptive methods. It was discovered that the community involvement of young leaders is positively influenced by social, political & legal factors.
Development of Modern Transport System in the Bengal Delta and British Borneo: A Comparative Environmental Perspective, 1850-1963
Authors: Rashid Md Mamunur
Published: June 2023

This paper presents comparative studies of modern transportation systems in the Bengal Delta and British Borneo. To meet the demands of the new modes of resource extraction, the British colonial rulers introduced a new transportation system in both regions and built roads, railways, and navigational routes connecting major commercial and political centers. There has been little research into the historical connections between modern transportation and environmental changes in colonial South Asia and Malaysia. When modern transportation was introduced, environmental consequences were rarely considered. As a result, significant ecological changes and declines were unintentionally caused. The environmental changes brought about by these transportation systems in these two regions were not the same one from the other. For example, railroad construction harmed the plains and waterways in the Bengal Delta, whereas, in British Borneo, rubber plantations for the global market harmed the rainforests.
Visualising Change: Linguistic and Semiotic Landscape of Tutong Town
Authors: Haji-Othman Noor Azam
Published: June 2023

This article explores the concept of ‘linguistic landscape’ (Landry & Bourhis, 1997) and applies it to the Tutong Town Centre, which was depicted briefly in the film Gema Dari Menara (1968). Due to the cursory and grainy depiction on screen, a study of the present linguistic landscape of the town featured in the film is far more practical than a detailed comparison of the linguistic landscape of Tutong town then and now. In essence the film has provided a geographical scope for linguistic/ semiotic analysis presented in this paper. The study of signs ‘in a given geographical location’ (Ben Rafael et al, 2006: 14), using the distributive count approach, lends itself to a greater understanding of the ethnolinguistic vitality and sociolinguistic interactions of the language groups living in what can be described as a multilingual and multiracial small town. Such evidence of language use in the public sphere results from an interplay of various factors within the town’s societal context, that could be related to Scollon & Scollons’ (2003:2) idea of ‘the social meaning of material placement of sign and discourses'. This study challenges the notion of ethnic languages’ 'disappearance' from public sphere, and instead raises questions about their ‘initiation’ into public use. The study also concludes that the supposed multilinguality of the Tutong Town population is not represented in the linguistic landscape.
Malayness in Gema Dari Menara (1968)
Authors: Masri Zuliana
Published: June 2023

This paper argues that the film Gema Dari Menara produced in 1968 reflects Brunei’s attempt towards constructing a Brunei Malayness as a national identity. During the early twentieth century, the colonial powers particularly in the Peninsula, tried to help establish a sense of unity among the Malays. Although it was not clear whether this was entirely successful, it is possible that the presence of colonial powers had some influence towards fuelling Malays to be more proactive in their own identity construction. After the British began to leave Brunei, the nation-state can be perceived to have intensified its efforts in creating a national identity as a way to unify its people, including the preservation and reconstruction of its Malayness. A close analysis of the characters in the film will reveal portrayals of ideals of Malayness and how Islamic values penetrate Malayness in the Bruneian context. The main character Azman is arguably the epitome of ideal Malayness, as his behaviour, his way of thinking as well as the way he dresses complement what Brunei aspires to for its people, whereas his younger siblings’ partying and wild behaviour are a cautionary tale. These findings will hopefully provide insights for further studies on the impact of the British administration on the Brunei Malay culture or identity formation in Brunei as a postcolonial state.
Cell surface composition, released polysaccharides, and ionic strength mediate fast sedimentation in the cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatusPCC 7942
Authors: Zedler Julie A. Z. , Michel Marlene , Pohnert Georg , Russo David A.
Published: June 2023

Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic prokaryotes of high ecological and biotechnological relevance that have been cultivated in laboratories around the world for more than 70 years. Prolonged laboratory culturing has led to multiple microevolutionary events and the appearance of a large number of ‘domesticated’ substrains among model cyanobacteria. Despite its widespread occurrence, strain domestication is still largely ignored. In this work we describe Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942‐KU, a novel domesticated substrain of the model cyanobacterium S. elongatus PCC 7942, which presents a fast‐sedimenting phenotype. Under higher ionic strengths the sedimentation rate increased leading to complete sedimentation in just 12 h. Through whole genome sequencing and gene deletion, we demonstrated that the Group 3 alternative sigma factor F plays a key role in cell sedimentation. Further analysis showed that significant changes in cell surface structures and a three‐fold increase in released polysaccharides lead to the appearance of a fast‐sedimenting phenotype. This work sheds light on the determinants of the planktonic to benthic transitions and provides genetic targets to generate fast‐sedimenting strains that could unlock cost‐effective cyanobacterial harvesting at scale.
The making of a mushroom people: Toward a moral anthropology of psychedelics beyond hype and anti‐hype
Authors: Langlitz Nicolas
Published: June 2023

As regulatory agencies have put psychedelics on an expedited path to market approval, North Americans and Europeans might turn away from their repression and join the subset of cultures that have institutionalized the use of hallucinogenic drugs. What is the place of anthropology in this psychedelic renaissance? More specifically, how should anthropology relate to the cycles of hype and anti‐hype, which have been identified as a recurrent pattern in the careers of new drugs as psychedelics have entered a second round of cultural enthusiasm and critique? This article suggests extending ethnographic studies of the psychedelic renaissance from medical to moral anthropology. The case of psychedelics is especially interesting for moral anthropology because these drugs frequently induce mystical‐type experiences, which can play an ethically irritating role as mysticism challenges a strict moral order enforced through disciplinary practices. What cultural consequences would the spread of mystical experiences have for contemporary European and North American societies?
Between hospitality and hostility: Russian citizens in Georgia
Authors: Mühlfried Florian
Published: June 2023

Since the Russian attack on Ukraine, as many as 100,000 citizens of the Russian Federation may have migrated to Georgia to avoid military service or to escape the impact of Western sanctions on their employment prospects. While Russian political activists abroad have received some attention, the reception in Georgia of other Russian émigré groups remains understudied. This article distinguishes four groups of Russian newcomers to Georgia based on their class and regional affiliations. It analyses their relationships and how Georgian government officials and citizens receive each group. Regardless of such categorizations, the massive, temporary and uncertain presence of Russian citizens affiliated with a large country currently attacking a smaller country whose sovereignty it does not recognize erodes the foundations of hospitality, which is held in high esteem in Georgia.
Citizenship status and cost‐related nonadherence in the United States, 2017–2021
Authors: Guadamuz Jenny S. , Qato Dima M.
Published: June 2023

Objective

To assess inequities in prescription medication use and subsequent cost‐related nonadherence (CRN) and cost‐saving strategies by citizenship status in the United States.

Data Sources/Study Setting

National Health Interview Survey (2017–2021).

Study Design

This cross‐sectional study examined noncitizen (n = 8596), naturalized citizen (n = 12,800), and US‐born citizen (n = 120,195) adults. We also examined older adults (≥65 years) separately, including noncitizens without Medicare (a group of importance given their immigration‐related barriers to health care access). Multiple mediation analysis was used to examine differences in CRN and determine whether economic, health care, and immigration factors explain observed inequities.

Principal Findings

Noncitizens (41.9%) were less likely to use prescription medications than naturalized (60.5%) and US‐born citizens (68.2%). Among prescription medication users, noncitizens (13.8%) were more likely to report CRN than naturalized (9.5%) and US‐born citizens (11.0%). CRN differences between noncitizens and naturalized citizens (OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.21–1.44) and between noncitizens and US‐born citizens (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.07–1.35) were explained by insurance status and food insecurity. Only 4.9% of medication users turned to alternative therapies to lower their drug costs, but there were no substantial differences across citizenship status. More medication users requested lower‐cost prescriptions (19.0%); however, noncitizens were less likely to make these requests. Older noncitizens without Medicare, of whom 23.9% requested lower‐cost drugs, were an exception. Noncitizens (5.8%), particularly older noncitizens without Medicare (21.8%), were more likely to import their drugs than naturalized (3.5%) and US‐born citizens (1.2%).

Conclusions

Noncitizens experience a high burden of cost‐related barriers to prescription medications. Efforts to reduce these inequities should focus on dismantling health care and food access barriers, regardless of citizenship status.
Genetic variation and domestication of horses revealed by 10 chromosome‐level genomes and whole‐genome resequencing
Authors: Gu Jingjing , Li Sheng , Zhu Bo , Liang Qiqi , Chen Bin , Tang Xiangwei , Chen Chujie , Wu Dong‐Dong , Li Yan
Published: June 2023

Understanding the genetic variations of the horse (Equus caballus) genome will improve breeding conservation and welfare. However, genetic variations in long segments, such as structural variants (SVs), remain understudied. We de novo assembled 10 chromosome‐level three‐dimensional horse genomes, each representing a distinct breed, and analysed horse SVs using a multi‐assembly approach. Our findings suggest that SVs with the accumulation of mammalian‐wide interspersed repeats related to long interspersed nuclear elements might be a horse‐specific mechanism to modulate genome‐wide gene regulatory networks. We found that olfactory receptors were commonly loss and accumulated deleterious mutations, but no purge of deleterious mutations occurred during horse domestication. We examined the potential effects of SVs on the spatial structure of chromatin via topologically associating domains (TADs). Breed‐specific TADs were significantly enriched by breed‐specific SVs. We identified 4199 unique breakpoint‐resolved novel insertions across all chromosomes that account for 2.84 Mb sequences missing from the reference genome. Several novel insertions might have potential functional consequences, as 519 appeared to reside within 449 gene bodies. These genes are primarily involved in pathogen recognition, innate immune responses and drug metabolism. Moreover, 37 diverse horses were resequenced. Combining this with public data, we analysed 97 horses through a comparative population genomics approach to identify the genetic basis underlying breed characteristics using Thoroughbreds as a case study. We provide new scientific evidence for horse domestication, an understanding of the genetic mechanism underlying the phenotypic evolution of horses, and a comprehensive genetic variation resource for further genetic studies of horses.
Mifepristone as a pharmacological intervention for stress‐induced alcohol craving: A human laboratory study
Authors: Haass‐Koffler Carolina L. , Magill Molly , Cannella Nazzareno , Brown Joshua C. , Aoun Elie G. , Cioe Patricia A. , Sinha Rajita , Swift Robert M. , Ciccocioppo Roberto , Leggio Lorenzo
Published: June 2023

Preclinical and clinical work suggests that mifepristone may be a viable treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD). This was a Phase 1/2, outpatient, cross‐over, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial with non‐treatment‐seeking individuals with AUD (N = 32). We assessed safety, alcohol craving and consumption, after 1‐week mifepristone 600 mg/day administration, in a human laboratory study comprised of a single oral yohimbine administration (32.4 mg), a cue‐reactivity procedure and alcohol self‐administration. Safety was monitored by adverse events and hemodynamic parameters, alcohol craving by alcohol craving questionnaire and cue‐induced saliva output. During the alcohol self‐administration, we assessed alcohol pharmacokinetics, subjective effects and consumption. Outcomes were assessed using Generalized Estimating Equations and mediation analysis. Mild‐moderate adverse events were reported in both conditions. There was no statistically significant difference between mifepristone and placebo in alcohol pharmacokinetics and subjective effects. Furthermore, blood pressure increased only in the placebo condition after the stress‐induced laboratory procedures. Mifepristone, compared to placebo, significantly reduced alcohol craving and increased cortisol levels. Mifepristone‐induced cortisol increase was not a mediator of alcohol craving. Mifepristone, compared to placebo, did not reduce alcohol consumption in the laboratory or in a naturalistic setting. This study successfully translated a developed preclinical procedure to a human laboratory study, confirming the safety of mifepristone in people with AUD and providing evidence to its role in reducing alcohol craving under stress procedures. The lack of effects on alcohol drinking may be related to the selection of non‐treatment seekers and suggests future treatment‐oriented trials should investigate mifepristone in people with AUD.
Aging out of WIC and child nutrition: Evidence from a regression discontinuity design
Authors: Smith Travis A. , Valizadeh Pourya
Published: June 2023

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is the third largest food assistance program in the United States. Child participants lose WIC in the month following their fifth birthday. We use this exogenous program rule for identification and find diet quality declines nearly 20%, on average, for those who have yet to transition into kindergarten. Decreases are mainly driven by reduced consumption of healthier WIC‐targeted foods. A quantile regression discontinuity approach reveals children prone to lower quality diets experience the largest decreases in diet quality, reaching nearly 30%, whereas those prone to higher quality diets experience no aging‐out‐of‐WIC effects. There are no effects on calorie consumption, regardless of school attendance, indicating caregivers maintain diet quantity for children at the expense of diet quality. Policy implications include allowing children to stay on WIC until they enter kindergarten. We calculate back‐of‐the‐envelope program costs over the next 5 years for such a “kindergarten‐roll‐off” WIC policy under current rules and newly proposed rules to realign WIC packages with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Under current rules, costs would average $112 million over the next 5 years (2024–2028), or about 2% of total program costs. Under proposed rule changes, kindergarten‐roll‐off costs would average $144 million per year, or 2.25% of total program costs.