bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence of artefacts made of giant sloth bones in central Brazil around the last glacial maximum
Authors: Pansani Thais R. , Pobiner Briana , Gueriau Pierre , Thoury Mathieu , Tafforeau Paul , Baranger Emmanuel , Vialou Águeda V. , Vialou Denis , McSparron Cormac , de Castro Mariela C. , Dantas Mário A. T. , Bertrand Loïc , Pacheco Mírian L. A. F.
Published: July 2023

The peopling of the Americas and human interaction with the Pleistocene megafauna in South America remain hotly debated. The Santa Elina rock shelter in Central Brazil shows evidence of successive human settlements from around the last glacial maximum (LGM) to the Early Holocene. Two Pleistocene archaeological layers include rich lithic industry associated with remains of the extinct giant ground sloth
Glossotherium phoenesis
. The remains include thousands of osteoderms (i.e. dermal bones), three of which were human-modified. In this study, we perform a traceological analysis of these artefacts by optical microscopy, non-destructive scanning electron microscopy, UV/visible photoluminescence and synchrotron-based microtomography. We also describe the spatial association between the giant sloth bone remains and stone tools and provide a Bayesian age model that confirms the timing of this association in two time horizons of the Pleistocene in Santa Elina. The conclusion from our traceological study is that the three giant sloth osteoderms were intentionally modified into artefacts before fossilization of the bones. This provides additional evidence for the contemporaneity of humans and megafauna, and for the human manufacturing of personal artefacts on bone remains of ground sloths, around the LGM in Central Brazil.
Epidemiological impacts of post-infection mortality
Authors: Saad-Roy Chadi M. , Levin Simon A. , Grenfell Bryan T. , Boots Mike
Published: July 2023

Infectious diseases may cause some long-term damage to their host, leading to elevated mortality even after recovery. Mortality due to complications from so-called ‘long COVID’ is a stark illustration of this potential, but the impacts of such post-infection mortality (PIM) on epidemic dynamics are not known. Using an epidemiological model that incorporates PIM, we examine the importance of this effect. We find that in contrast to mortality during infection, PIM can induce epidemic cycling. The effect is due to interference between elevated mortality and reinfection through the previously infected susceptible pool. In particular, robust immunity (via decreased susceptibility to reinfection) reduces the likelihood of cycling; on the other hand, disease-induced mortality can interact with weak PIM to generate periodicity. In the absence of PIM, we prove that the unique endemic equilibrium is stable and therefore our key result is that PIM is an overlooked phenomenon that is likely to be destabilizing. Overall, given potentially widespread effects, our findings highlight the importance of characterizing heterogeneity in susceptibility (via both PIM and robustness of host immunity) for accurate epidemiological predictions. In particular, for diseases without robust immunity, such as SARS-CoV-2, PIM may underlie complex epidemiological dynamics especially in the context of seasonal forcing.
Blind fish have cells that see light
Authors: Frøland Steindal Inga A. , Yamamoto Yoshiyuki , Whitmore David
Published: July 2023

Most animals on earth have evolved under daily light–dark cycles and consequently possess a circadian clock which regulates much of their biology, from cellular processes to behaviour. There are however some animals that have invaded dark ecosystems and have adapted to an apparently arrhythmic environment. One such example is the Mexican blind cavefish
Astyanax mexicanus
, a species complex with over 30 different isolated cave types, including the founding surface river fish. These cavefish have evolved numerous fascinating adaptations to the dark, such as loss of eyes, reduced sleep phenotype and alterations in their clock and light biology. While cavefish are an excellent model for studying circadian adaptations to the dark, their rarity and long generational time makes many studies challenging. To overcome these limitations, we established embryonic cell cultures from cavefish strains and assessed their potential as tools for circadian and light experiments. Here, we show that despite originating from animals with no eyes, cavefish cells in culture are directly light responsive and show an endogenous circadian rhythm, albeit that light sensitivity is relatively reduced in cave strain cells. Expression patterns are similar to adult fish, making these cavefish cell lines a useful tool for further circadian and molecular studies.
A matter of time: Bateman's principles and mating success as count and duration across social strata in contemporary Finland
Authors: Andersson Linus , Jalovaara Marika , Saarela Jan , Uggla Caroline
Published: July 2023

Bateman's principles heavily influence the understanding of human reproductive behaviour. Yet, few rigorous studies on Bateman's principles in contemporary industrialized populations exist. Most studies use small samples, exclude non-marital unions, and disregard recent insights on within-population heterogeneity in mating strategies. We assess mating success and reproductive success using population-wide Finnish register data on marital and non-marital cohabitations and fertility. We examine variability across social strata in the Bateman principles and analyse the mate count, the cumulated duration with a mate, and the association with reproductive success. Results support Bateman's first and second principles. Regarding Bateman's third principle, the number of mates is more positively associated with reproductive success for men than women, but this association is driven by ever having a mate. Having more than one mate is on average associated with lower reproductive success. However, for men in the lowest income quartile, having more than one mate positively predicts reproductive success. Longer union duration is associated with higher reproductive success, and more so for men. We note that sex differences in the relationship between mating success and reproductive success differ by social strata, and argue that mate duration may be an important component of mating success alongside mate count.
When knowledge hurts: humans are willing to receive pain for obtaining non-instrumental information
Authors: Bode Stefan , Sun Xiaoyu , Jiwa Matthew , Cooper Patrick S. , Chong Trevor T.-J. , Egorova-Brumley Natalia
Published: July 2023

Humans and other animals value information that reduces uncertainty or leads to pleasurable anticipation, even if it cannot be used to gain tangible rewards or change outcomes. In exchange, they are willing to incur significant costs, sacrifice rewards or invest effort. We investigated whether human participants were also willing to endure pain—a highly salient and aversive cost—to obtain such information. Forty participants performed a computer-based task. On each trial, they observed a coin flip, with each side associated with different monetary rewards of varying magnitude. Participants could choose to endure a painful stimulus (low, moderate or high pain) to learn the outcome of the coin flip immediately. Importantly, regardless of their choice, winnings were always earned, rendering this information non-instrumental. Results showed that agents were willing to endure pain in exchange for information, with a lower likelihood of doing so as pain levels increased. Both higher average rewards and a larger variance between the two possible rewards independently increased the willingness to accept pain. Our results show that the intrinsic value of escaping uncertainty through non-instrumental information is sufficient to offset pain experiences, suggesting a shared mechanism through which these can be directly compared.
There are three major Neisseria gonorrhoeae β-lactamase plasmid variants which are associated with specific lineages and carry distinct TEM alleles
Authors: Elsener Tabea A. , Jolley Keith A. , Sanders Eduard , Maiden Martin C. J. , Cehovin Ana , Tang Christoph M.
Published: July 2023

Neisseria gonorrhoeae

is a significant threat to global health with an estimated incidence of over 80 million cases each year and high levels of antimicrobial resistance. The gonococcal β-lactamase plasmid, pbla, carries the TEM β-lactamase, which requires only one or two amino acid changes to become an extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL); this would render last resort treatments for gonorrhoea ineffective. Although pbla is not mobile, it can be transferred by the conjugative plasmid, pConj, found in

N. gonorrhoeae

. Seven variants of pbla have been described previously, but little is known about their frequency or distribution in the gonococcal population. We characterised sequences of pbla variants and devised a typing scheme, Ng_pblaST that allows their identification from whole genome short-read sequences. We implemented Ng_pblaST to assess the distribution of pbla variants in 15 532 gonococcal isolates. This demonstrated that only three pbla variants commonly circulate in gonococci, which together account for >99 % of sequences. The pbla variants carry different TEM alleles and are prevalent in distinct gonococcal lineages. Analysis of 2758 pbla-containing isolates revealed the co-occurrence of pbla with certain pConj types, indicating co-operativity between pbla and pConj variants in the spread of plasmid-mediated AMR in

N. gonorrhoeae

. Understanding the variation and distribution of pbla is essential for monitoring and predicting the spread of plasmid-mediated β-lactam resistance in

N. gonorrhoeae

.
Affinity hierarchies and amphiphilic proteins underlie the co-assembly of nucleolar and heterochromatin condensates
Authors: Rajshekar Srivarsha , Adame-Arana Omar , Bajpai Gaurav , Colmenares Serafin , Lin Kyle , Safran Samuel , Karpen Gary H
Published: July 2023

Nucleoli are surrounded by Pericentromeric Heterochromatin (PCH), reflecting a close spatial association between the two largest biomolecular condensates in eukaryotic nuclei. Nucleoli are the sites of ribosome synthesis, while the repeat-rich PCH is essential for chromosome segregation, genome stability, and transcriptional silencing. How and why these two distinct condensates co-assemble is unclear. Here, using high-resolution live imaging ofDrosophilaembryogenesis, we find thatde novoestablishment of PCH around the nucleolus is highly dynamic, transitioning from the nuclear edge to surrounding the nucleolus. Eliminating the nucleolus by removing the ribosomal RNA genes (rDNA) resulted in increased PCH compaction and subsequent reorganization into a toroidal structure. In addition, in embryos lacking rDNA, some nucleolar proteins were redistributed into new bodies or ‘neocondensates’, including enrichment in the PCH toroidal hole. Combining these observations with physical modeling revealed that nucleolar-PCH associations can be mediated by a hierarchy of interaction strengths between PCH, nucleoli, and ‘amphiphilic’ protein(s) that have affinities for both nucleolar and PCH components. We validated this model by identifying a candidate amphiphile, a DEAD-Box RNA Helicase called Pitchoune, whose depletion or mutation of its PCH interaction motif disrupted PCH-nucleolar associations. Together, this study unveils a dynamic program for establishing nucleolar-PCH associations during animal development, demonstrates that nucleoli are required for normal PCH organization, and identifies Pitchoune as an amphiphilic molecular link required for PCH-nucleolar associations.
A Highly-Efficient, Scalable Pipeline for Fixed Feature Extraction from Large-Scale High-Content Imaging Screens
Authors: Comolet Gabriel , Bose Neeloy , Winchell Jeff , Duren-Lubanski Alyssa , Rusielewicz Tom , Goldberg Jordan , Horn Grayson , Paull Daniel , Migliori Bianca
Published: July 2023

Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) in image-based morphological profiling of cell populations is proving increasingly valuable for identifying diseased states and drug responses in high-content imaging (HCI) screens. When the differences between populations (such as a healthy and diseased) are completely unknown and undistinguishable by the human eye, it is crucial that HCI screens are large in scale, allowing numerous replicates for developing reliable models, as well as accounting for confounding factors such as individual (donor) and intra-experimental variation. However, as screen sizes increase, challenges arise including the lack of scalable solutions for analyzing high-dimensional datasets and processing the results in a timely manner. For this purpose, many tools have been developed to reduce images into a set of features using unbiased methods, such as embedding vectors extracted from pre-trained neural networks or autoencoders. While these methods preserve most of the predictive power contained in each image despite reducing the dimensionality significantly, they do not provide easily interpretable information. Alternatively, techniques to extract specific cellular features from data are typically slow, difficult to scale, and often produce redundant outputs, which can lead to the model learning from irrelevant data, which might distort future predictions. Here we present ScaleFEx℠, a memory efficient and scalable open-source Python pipeline that extracts biologically meaningful features from large high-content imaging datasets. It requires only modest computational resources but can also be deployed on high-powered cloud computing infrastructure. ScaleFEx℠ can be used in conjunction with AI models to cluster data and subsequently explore, identify, and rank features to provide insights into the morphological hallmarks of the phenotypic categories. We demonstrate the performance of this tool on a dataset consisting of control and drug-treated cells from a cohort of 20 donors, benchmarking it against the state-of-the-art tool, CellProfiler, and analyze the features underlying the phenotypic shift induced by chemical compounds. In addition, the tools generalizability and utility is shown in the analysis of publicly available datasets. Overall, ScaleFEx℠ constitutes a robust and compact pipeline for identifying the effects of drugs on morphological phenotypes and defining interpretable features that can be leveraged in disease profiling and drug discovery.
Prolonged T cell – DC macro-clustering within lymph node microenvironments initiates Th2 cell differentiation in a site-specific manner
Authors: Lyons-Cohen Miranda R. , Shamskhou Elya A. , Gerner Michael Y.
Published: July 2023

Formation of T helper 2 (Th2) responses has been attributed to low-grade T cell stimulation, yet how large-scale polyclonal Th2 responses are generatedin vivoremains unclear. Here, we used quantitative imaging to investigate early Th2 differentiation within lymph nodes (LNs) following cutaneous allergen administration. Contrary to current models, Th2 differentiation was associated with enhanced T cell activation and extensive integrin-dependent ‘macro-clustering’ at the T-B border, which also contrasted clustering behavior seen during Th1 differentiation. Unexpectedly, formation of Th2 macro-clusters within LNs was highly dependent on the site of skin sensitization. Differences between sites were driven by divergent activation states of migratory cDC2 from different dermal tissues, with enhanced costimulatory molecule expression by cDC2 in Th2-generating LNs promoting T cell macro-clustering and cytokine sensing. Thus, generation of dedicated priming micro-environments through enhanced costimulatory molecule signaling initiates the generation of Th2 responsesin vivoand occurs in a skin site-specific manner.
Peripheral positioning of lysosomes supports melanoma aggressiveness
Authors: Jerabkova-Roda Katerina , Mousson Antoine , Peralta Marina , Karali Rabia , Justiniano Helene , Lisii Lucian-Mihai , Carl Philippe , Asokan Nandini , Busnelli Ignacio , Larnicol Annabel , Lefebvre Olivier , Lachuer Hugo , Pichot Angelique , Stemmelen Tristan , Molitor Anne , Hirschler Aurelie , Delalande Francois , Sick Emilie , Carapito Raphael , Carapito Christine , Hyenne Vincent , Schauer Kristine , Ronde Philippe , GOETZ Jacky G. , Scheid Lea , Lipsker Dan , Gros Frederic , Frenger Quentin , Mittelheisser Vincent , Bochler Louis , Bourgeat-Maudru Clara , Huang Kuang-Jing
Published: July 2023

Emerging evidences suggest that function and position of organelles are pivotal for tumor cell dissemination. Among them, lysosomes stand out as they integrate metabolic sensing with gene regulation and secretion of proteases. Yet, how their function is linked to their position and how this controls metastasis remains elusive. Here, we analyzed lysosome subcellular distribution in patient-derived melanoma cells and patient biopsies and found that lysosome spreading scales with their aggressiveness. Peripheral lysosomes promote matrix degradation and invasion of melanoma cells which is directly linked to their lysosomal and cell transcriptional programs. When controlling lysosomal positioning using chemo-genetical heterodimerization in patient-derived melanoma cells, we demonstrated that perinuclear clustering impairs lysosomal secretion, matrix degradation and invasion. Impairing lysosomal spreading in two distinct in vivo models (mouse and zebrafish) significantly reduces invasive outgrowth. Our study provides a direct demonstration that lysosomal positioning controls cell invasion, illustrating the importance of organelle adaptation in carcinogenesis and suggesting that lysosome positioning could potentially be used for the diagnosis of metastatic melanoma.
Efficient High-Quality Metagenome Assembly from Long Accurate Reads using Minimizer-space de Bruijn Graphs
Authors: Benoit Gaëtan , Raguideau Sébastien , James Robert , Phillippy Adam M. , Chikhi Rayan , Quince Christopher
Published: July 2023

We introduce a novel metagenomics assembler for high-accuracy long reads. Our approach, implemented as metaMDBG, combines highly efficient de Bruijn graph assembly in minimizer space, with both a multi-k′ approach for dealing with variations in genome coverage depth and an abundance-based filtering strategy for simplifying strain complexity. The resulting algorithm is more efficient than the state-of-the-art but with better assembly results. metaMDBG was 1.5 to 12 times faster than competing assemblers and requires between one-tenth and one-thirtieth of the memory across a range of data sets. We obtained up to twice as many high-quality circularised prokaryotic metagenome assembled genomes (MAGs) on the most complex communities, and a better recovery of viruses and plasmids. metaMDBG performs particularly well for abundant organisms whilst being robust to the presence of strain diversity. The result is that for the first time it is possible to efficiently reconstruct the majority of complex communities by abundance as nearcomplete MAGs.
α-carboxysome size is controlled by the disordered scaffold protein CsoS2
Authors: Oltrogge Luke M. , Chen Allen W. , Chaijarasphong Thawatchai , Turnšek Julia B. , Savage David F.
Published: July 2023

Carboxysomes are protein microcompartments that function in the bacterial CO2concentrating mechanism (CCM) to facilitate CO2assimilation. To do so, carboxysomes assemble from thousands of constituent proteins into an icosahedral shell which encapsulates the enzymes rubisco and carbonic anhydrase to form structures typically >100 nm and >300 megadaltons. Although many of the protein interactions driving the assembly process have been determined, it remains unknown how size and composition are precisely controlled. Here we show that the size of α-carboxysomes is controlled by the disordered scaffolding protein CsoS2. CsoS2 contains two classes of related peptide repeats which bind to the shell in a distinct fashion, and our data indicate that size is controlled by the relative number of these interactions. We propose an energetic and structural model wherein the two repeat classes bind at the junction of shell hexamers but differ in their preferences for the shell contact angles, and thus the local curvature. In total, this model suggests that a set of specific and repeated interactions between CsoS2 and shell proteins collectively achieve the large size and monodispersity of α-carboxysomes.
Diversity loss in microbial ecosystems undergoing gradual environmental changes
Authors: Berger Aviad , Harari Maya Gatt , Gross Avner , Erez Amir
Published: July 2023

Microbial ecosystems in soils, oceans, and other environments are essential for global ecological stability. Environmental shifts are anticipated to trigger destabilizing events across the planet. In this study, we model how gradual environmental changes impact ecosystems, specifically when leading to a loss of diversity. We investigate how an ecosystem, within a serial-dilution setup, relaxes to a stable steady state. Our results reveal that as an ecosystem approaches its loss of diversity transition, its dynamics slow down. Consequently, diverse ecosystems, such as tropical rainforest soils, gradually driven past their transition point may exhibit a significant response lag. This suggests that some ecosystems may be closer to a collapse in diversity than current observations indicate. Although our model does not capture the full complexity of real-world ecosystems, it highlights critical aspects underlying the loss of biodiversity in changing environments. This has potential implications for empirical studies and when planning interventions.
Structural basis for lipid transfer by the ATG2A-ATG9A complex
Authors: Wang Yang , Dahmane Selma , Ti Rujuan , Mai Xinyi , Zhu Lizhe , Carlson Lars-Anders , Stjepanovic Goran
Published: July 2023

Autophagy is characterized by the formation of double-membrane vesicles called autophagosomes. ATG2A and ATG9A play an essential role in autophagy by mediating lipid transfer and re-equilibration between membranes for autophagosome formation. Here we report the cryo-EM structures of human ATG2A-WIPI4 complex at 3.2 Å, and ATG2A-WIPI4-ATG9A complex at 7 Å resolution. The ATG2A structure is characterized by a central hydrophobic cavity formed by a network of β-strands that facilitates lipid transfer, and highly flexible N- and C-terminal domains. Molecular dynamics simulations of the ATG2A N-terminal domain revealed the mechanism of lipid-extraction from the donor membranes while the ATG2A-ATG9A complex structure provides insights into the later stages of the lipid transfer reaction. ATG9A-ATG2A structural analysis revealed a 1:1 stoichiometry, directly aligning the ATG9A lateral pore with ATG2A lipid transfer cavity, hence allowing for a direct transfer of lipids from ATG2A. The ATG9A trimer can interact with both N- and C-terminal tip of rod-shaped ATG2A. Cryo-electron tomography of ATG2A-liposome binding states shows that ATG2A tethers lipid vesicles at different orientations. In summary, this study provides a molecular basis for the growth of the phagophore membrane, and lends structural insights into spatially coupled lipid transport and re-equilibration during autophagosome formation.
Disruption of outdoor activities caused by wildfire smoke shapes circulation of respiratory pathogens
Authors: Arregui García Beatriz , Ascione Claudio , Pera Arianna , Stocco Davide , Wang Boxuan , Valdano Eugenio , Pullano Giulia
Published: July 2023

The consequences of wildfires on public health extend beyond injury. Smoke can traverse vast distances, compromising air quality in unaffected areas and exacerbating chronic respiratory conditions. But smoke may affect the circulation and burden of communicable diseases, too. The disruption in air quality and adherence to safety guidelines can impact the time people spend indoors, and this in turns may increase exposure to airborne pathogens like influenza, SARS-CoV-2, RSV. However, the quantification of such disruptions and their implications for the transmission of respiratory diseases remain unclear. Here we study the effects of smoke generated by severe wildfires in the U.S. states of California, Oregon, Washington in September 2020. We assess the impact on human behavior and the potential consequences for the emergence of respiratory diseases. Our findings reveal a significant shift towards indoor activities in counties within Oregon and Washington during wildfires. However, a discernible change in mobility patterns is not evident in California. This discrepancy may arise from the familiarity of Californian residents with wildfires and air quality index alerts, which have become integrated into their daily routines. Consequently, their mobility patterns may be less affected during such incidents compared to individuals in other regions. We then use a deterministic compartmental model of epidemic spread to quantify the impact of the describe behavioral changes on epidemic circulation. We found that counties with disrupted air exhibited higher cumulated and peak incidence of cases compared to unaffected counties, with the exception of California. Additionally, we found that flu-like epidemics – low reproduction ratio and short generation time – are most affected by the behavioral changes under study. Our findings may help improve public health response in a context of larger, more frequent wildfires triggered by climate change.
Real-time targeted illumination in widefield microscopy achieves confocal quality neuronal images
Authors: Wang Yao L. , Fan Jia , Chung Samuel H.
Published: July 2023

Widefield fluorescence imaging has significant challenges in visualizing neuronal fibers near cell bodies. Specifically, out-of-focus and scattered light from the bright cellbody often obscures nearby dim fibers and degrades their signal-to-background ratio. Scanning techniques can solve this problem but are limited by reduced imaging speed and increased cost. We greatly reduce stray light by modulating the illumination intensity to different structures. We use a digital micromirror device in the illumination channel of a common widefield microscope and use real-time image processing to pattern the illumination. With the setup, we illuminate bright cell bodies with minimal light intensity, and illuminate in focus fiber-like structures with high light intensity to reveal weak signals. Thus, we minimize the background and enhance the visibility of fibers in the final image. This targeted illumination significantly improves fiber contrast while maintaining a fast-imaging speed and low cost. Using a targeted illumination setup in a widefield microscope, we demonstrate confocal quality imaging of complex neurons in liveC. elegansand zebrafish larva, as well as inin vitromice brain slice.
Structure of the human Duffy antigen receptor
Authors: Saha Shirsha , Khanppnavar Basavraj , Maharana Jagannath , Kim Heeryung , Carino Carlo Marion C. , Daly Carole , Houston Shane , Kumari Poonam , Yadav Prem N. , Plouffe Bianca , Inoue Asuka , Chung Ka Young , Banerjee Ramanuj , Korkhov Volodymyr M. , Shukla Arun K.
Published: July 2023

The Duffy antigen receptor, also known as FY glycoprotein or CD234, is a seven transmembrane protein expressed primarily at the surface of red blood cells, which displays promiscuous binding to multiple chemokines. Not only does it serve as the basis of the Duffy blood group system but it also acts as the primary attachment site for malarial parasitePlasmodium vivaxon erythrocytes and as one of the nucleating receptors for the pore forming toxins secreted byStaphylococcus aureus. Despite a predicted 7TM architecture and efficient binding to a spectrum of chemokines, it fails to exhibit canonical second messenger response such as calcium release, likely due to a lack of G protein coupling. Unlike prototypical GPCRs and β-arrestin-biased atypical chemokine receptors, the Duffy antigen receptor also appears to lack β-arrestin binding, making it an enigmatic 7TM chemokine receptor. In order to decipher the molecular mechanism of this intriguing functional divergence exhibited by the Duffy antigen receptor, we have determined its cryo-EM structure in complex with a C-C type chemokine, CCL7. The structure reveals a relatively superficial binding mode of CCL7, with the N-terminus of the receptor serving as the key interaction interface, and a partially formed orthosteric binding pocket lacking the second site for chemokine recognition compared to prototypical chemokine receptors. The structural framework allows us to employ HDX-MS approach to uncover ligand-induced structural changes in the receptor and draw important insights into the promiscuous nature of chemokine binding. Interestingly, we also observe a dramatic shortening of TM5 and 6 on the intracellular side, compared to prototypical GPCRs, which precludes the coupling of canonical signal-transducers namely G proteins, GRKs and β-arrestins, as demonstrated through extensive cellular assays. Taken together, our study uncovers a previously unknown structural mechanism that imparts unique functional divergence on the 7TM fold encoded in the Duffy antigen receptor while maintaining its scavenging function and should facilitate the designing of novel therapeutics targeting this receptor.
Education and Later-life Mortality: Evidence from a School Reform in Japan
Authors: Masuda Kazuya , Shigeoka Hitoshi
Published: July 2023

We examine the mortality effects of a 1947 school reform in Japan, which extended compulsory schooling from primary to secondary school by as much as 3 years. The abolition of secondary school fees also indicates that those affected by the reform likely came from disadvantaged families who could have benefited the most from schooling. Even in this relatively favorable setting, we fail to find that the reform improved later-life mortality up to the age of 87 years, although it significantly increased years of schooling. This finding suggests limited health returns to schooling at the lower level of educational attainment.
“Putting the power back into community”: A mixed methods evaluation of a chronic hepatitis B training course for the Aboriginal health workforce of Australia’s Northern Territory
Authors: Hosking Kelly , De Santis Teresa , Vintour-Cesar Emily , Merrdi Wilson Phillip , Bunn Linda , Garambaka Gurruwiwi George , Wurrawilya Shiraline , Mariyalawuy Bukulatjpi Sarah , Nelson Sandra , Stuart-Carter Kelly-Anne , Ngurruwuthun Terese , Dhagapan Amanda , Binks Paula , Sullivan Richard , Ward Linda , Schroder Phoebe , Tate-Baker Jaclyn , Davis Joshua S , Connors Christine , Davies Jane
Published: July 2023

Background

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is endemic in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population of Australia’s Northern Territory. Progression to liver disease can be prevented if holistic care is provided. Low health literacy amongst health professionals is a known barrier to caring for people living with CHB. We co-designed and delivered a culturally safe “Managing hepatitis B” training course for the Aboriginal health workforce. Here we present an evaluation of the course.

Objectives

To improve course participants CHB-related knowledge, attitudes, and clinical practice.

To evaluate the “Managing hepatitis B” training course.

To enable participants to have the skills and confidence to be part of the care team.

Methods

We used participatory action research and culturally safe principles. We used purpose-built quantitative and qualitative evaluation tools to evaluate our “Managing hepatitis B” training course. We integrated the two forms of data, deductively analysing codes, grouped into categories, and assessed pedagogical outcomes against Kirkpatrick’s training evaluation framework.

Results

Eight courses were delivered between 2019 and 2023, with 130 participants from 32 communities. Pre- and post-course questionnaires demonstrated statistically significant improvements in all domains, p<0.001 on 93 matched pairs. Thematic network analysis demonstrated high levels of course acceptability and significant knowledge acquisition. Other themes identified include cultural safety, shame, previous misinformation, and misconceptions about transmission. Observations demonstrate improvements in post-course engagement, a deep understanding of CHB as well as increased participation in clinical care teams.

Conclusions

The “Managing hepatitis B” training course led to a sustained improvement in the knowledge and attitudes of the Aboriginal health workforce, resulting in improved care and treatment uptake for people living with CHB. Important non-clinical outcomes included strengthening teaching, and leadership skills, and empowerment.
Incorrect Versus Correct Mask Utilization in Public Places
Authors: Heston Thomas F
Published: July 2023

Mask usage was mandated by public health authorities globally to decrease the spread of COVID-19. These recommendations were based on data showing that N95 masks and possibly surgical masks, when worn tight against the face, help slow the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, cloth and loose-fitting surgical masks are greatly inferior.

Methods

Mask use by a random observation of 100 people in public indoor facilities was recorded and statistically analyzed.

Results

Out of 100 people wearing a mask, 37 wore a cloth mask. Another 36 people wore a loosely applied surgical mask. Only 27 people wore a surgical mask that covered the nose and mouth and was applied firmly against the face at its margins. There were no people seen wearing an N95 mask. Overall, people were about 70% more likely to wear a surgical mask than a cloth mask (63 vs 37, p < 0.05). Of those wearing a surgical mask, more people wore it loosely than properly (36 to 27, p=0.17). Overall, people were more likely to wear a cloth mask or improperly applied surgical mask than a properly fitted one (73 vs 27, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

In public settings, using cloth or loose-fitting surgical masks was almost 3 times more common than adequately using a tight-fitting surgical mask. Out of the 100 people observed, none wore an N95 respirator mask.
A Versatile and Open Source One- and Two-Photon Light-Sheet Microscope Design
Authors: Panier Thomas , Migault Geoffrey , Hubert Antoine , Trentesaux Hugo , Beaudou Benoît , Debrégeas Georges , Bormuth Volker
Published: July 2023

Two-photon light sheet microscopy offers great potential for a range of biological applications, but its practical implementation is impeded by the high cost of laser sources, the complexity of construction, and the challenges associated with adapting to existing microscope setups. Here, we release an open-source design that addresses these limitations by providing detailed building instructions for the transformation of a brightfield microscope into a versatile one- and two-photon light sheet system. Our design incorporates a specially designed broadband hollow core fiber, enabling the simultaneous utilization of an expansive pulsed laser source from another setup alongside a visible laser. This integration allows for uncompromised image resolution and speed. Furthermore, the design reduces the complexity of construction, alignment, and overall cost, thereby significantly enhancing the accessibility of this technology (https://github.com/LJPZebra/OLU).
Genome-Wide Association Study for Yield and Yield related traits reveals Marker–Trait Associations in Germplasm lines of Rice
Authors: Shivani Darmagaru , Rahaman Abdul Fiyaz , Jabeen Farzana , Kumar Jukanti Aravind , Kasarla Chaithanya , Dhananjaya Dileep Kumar Gowdru , Subba Rao Lella Venkata , Supriya  , Venkatanagappa Shoba , Sundaram Raman Meenakshi
Published: July 2023

Rice germplasm has abundant genetic diversity, which provides a feasible solution for mapping loci of multiple traits simultaneously. In this study, a set of 72 rice germplasm lines were evaluated for yield and yield-related traits, and significant phenotypic variation was observed among the lines. Three accessions with high yield performance were identified. The germplasm set comprised five sub-populations and genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified a total of 6 marker-trait associations (MTAs) for the studied traits. These MTAs were located on rice chromosomes 1, 3, 7, 9, and 12 and explained the trait phenotypic variances ranging from 17.8 to 26.3%. Six novel MTAs were identified for yield and yield-related traits. A total of 28 putative annotated candidate genes were identified in a genomic region spanning ∼200 kb around the MTAs respectively. Among the important genes underlying the novel MTAs wereOsFBK12, bHLH, WRKY, HVA22,andZmEBE-1, which are known to be associated with the identified novel QTLs. These MTAs provide a pathway for improving high yield in rice genotypes through molecular breeding.
3-hydroxykynurenine is a ROS-inducing cytotoxic tryptophan metabolite that disrupts the TCA cycle
Authors: Buchanan Jane L. , Rauckhorst Adam J. , Taylor Eric B.
Published: July 2023

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that is extensively characterized as a regulator of cellular function through its metabolism by indoleamine 2,3-deoxygenase (IDO) into the kynurenine pathway. However, despite decades of research on tryptophan metabolism, the metabolic regulatory roles of it and its metabolites are not well understood. To address this, we performed an activity metabolomics screen of tryptophan and most of its known metabolites in cell culture. We discovered that treatment of human colon cancer cells (HCT116) with 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK), a metabolite of kynurenine, potently disrupted TCA cycle function. Citrate and aconitate levels were increased, while isocitrate and all downstream TCA metabolites were decreased, suggesting decreased aconitase function. We hypothesized that 3HK or one of its metabolites increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibited aconitase activity. Accordingly, we observed almost complete depletion of reduced glutathione and a decrease in total glutathione levels. We observed a dose-dependent decrease in cell viability after 48 hours of 3HK treatment. These data suggest that raising the intracellular levels of 3HK could be sufficient to induce ROS-mediated apoptosis. We modulated the intracellular levels of 3HK by combined induction of IDO and knockdown of kynureninase (KYNU) in HCT116 cells. Cell viability decreased significantly after 48 hours of KYNU knockdown compared to controls, which was accompanied by increased ROS production and Annexin V staining revealing apoptosis. Finally, we identify xanthommatin production from 3-HK as a candidate radical-producing, cytotoxic mechanism. Our work indicates that KYNU may be a target for disrupting tryptophan metabolism. Interestingly, many cancers exhibit overexpression of IDO, providing a cancer-specific metabolic vulnerability that could be exploited by KYNU inhibition.
The “who” and “why” of dumpster diving for food in wealthy industrialised countries – an international scoping review
Authors: Watson Michelle , Booth Sue , Velardo Stefania , Coveney John
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Globally, around one-third of food produced is wasted and thrown into supermarket bins or dumpsters. As a result, these dumpsters have become opportunistic sources of food through dumpster diving. The authors' scoping review aimed to document the people that are dumpster diving and why these people engage in this potentially illegal practice.

Design/methodology/approach

A database search spanning 12 years yielded 29 articles for review.

Findings

The authors' analysis uncovered two main themes for why people were dumpster diving: (1) motivations which included political activism against consumerism, materialism and capitalism, a fun and thrilling social activity and to alleviate food insecurity and (2) the benefits derived, such as gaining free food, saving money, sharing food with others and gaining attention from the public and media.

Originality/value

In conclusion, the review was unable to provide definitive information on “who” was dumpster diving; however, this limitation provides a unique opportunity for further research that focusses on the specific demographics of dumpster divers rather than the “why” people are diving.
The relationship between leader spiritual behaviours and subordinate work attitudes: an exploratory empirical examination
Authors: Pawar Badrinarayan Shankar
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to examine empirical support for 18 hypotheses specifying relationship between leader spiritual behaviours towards subordinates and subordinate work attitudes of job satisfaction, job involvement and affective commitment. It also does concept specification, scale development and a preliminary scale validation for leader spiritual behaviours towards subordinates.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a survey design, this study assesses support for 18 hypothesized relationships between leader spiritual behaviours towards subordinates and three forms of subordinate work attitudes and also provides preliminary evidence on the construct validity of the new leader spiritual behaviours towards subordinates scale.

Findings

The results are mostly supportive of the hypotheses and also demonstrate the validity of leader spiritual behaviours towards subordinates scale in terms of an interpretable factor structure, high reliability level and convergent and discriminant validity.

Research limitations/implications

The study provides a scale for leader spiritual behaviours towards subordinates. It also outlines meaningful directions for future research.

Practical implications

The positive relationship of leader spiritual behaviours towards subordinates with three work attitudes in this study and already established relationship between these work attitudes and employee performance suggest that managers’ practice of leader spiritual behaviours towards subordinates can potentially enhance employee performance.

Social implications

The study results suggest that leader spiritual behaviours can enhance positive employee work attitudes and potentially employee performance, and thus can make organizations both spiritual and productive.

Originality/value

This is, to the best of the author’s knowledge, the first study to formally specify the concept and components of leader spiritual behaviours towards subordinates and to demonstrate its positive relationship with three forms of subordinate work attitudes.
Sport consumers: perceiving and enjoying danger in American football
Authors: Cornwell T. Bettina , Pappu Ravi , Setten Eric
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to better understand how consumers perceive and process danger in American football and why they continue to enjoy watching the sport given society’s increased understanding of the danger to the athletes.

Design/methodology/approach

Two studies, one lab study with eye-tracking (N = 152) and one survey study (N = 444), were conducted. Study 1 examines how the perception of danger associated with football mediates the relationship between exposure to violent or nonviolent video clips and enjoyment of watching video clips. Study 2 examines how device type and screen resolution influence perceptions of danger associated with football.

Findings

Findings support the role that perceived danger plays in sport viewing enjoyment. The results are in keeping with reversal theory where individuals have a protective frame that allows them to experience negative emotions (e.g. anxiety) as positive (e.g. excitement). The research also shows that for larger devices, the perception of danger associated with football is significantly influenced by high resolution.

Social implications

The work, through considering the way consumers experience sport, questions societal tolerance for entertainment that is dangerous to sport participants.

Originality/value

The findings of this work corroborate past research that has found that consumers of sport do enjoy danger for athletes in their viewing experience. Reversal theory is utilized to explain how negative emotions are experienced as positive. The work extends past findings by showing that the characteristics of the device used (large size and high resolution) during sport viewing influence perceptions of danger.
Linking authentic leadership and employee turnover intention: the influences of sense of calling and job satisfaction
Authors: Liu Ziyu , Wong Hung
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This research aims at examining how authentic leadership impacts social workers' withdrawal behaviors through two intermediate mechanisms: sense of calling and job satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional survey was distributed among social workers from 26 social work organizations in the cities of Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Shenzhen in China (N = 667). SPSS was used to conduct preliminary analyses and structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the hypotheses developed.

Findings

This study found that authentic leadership has a negative direct effect on social workers' turnover intention. In addition, social workers' sense of calling and job satisfaction mediate the relationship between their perceptions of authentic leader behaviors and turnover intention.

Practical implications

Based on this study's findings, the authors suggest social work organizations to invest in authentic leadership development to promote employees' psychological capacities and prevent employee turnover. Social work organizations need to foster employees' sense of calling to the field which improves the workplace outcomes.

Originality/value

This study is among those few empirical studies which help to validate the role of authentic leadership within social service organizations in China and shed light on understanding the underlying mechanisms through which authentic leaders affect organizational outcomes.
Quantifying AEC professionals' cross-work culture productivity: comparison between Malaysian and UK projects during industrialized building project
Authors: Abdul Ghafar Maszura , Ibrahim Rahinah
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This paper discussed quantifying architect, engineer and contractor (AEC) professionals' cross-work culture productivity by comparing between Malaysian and United Kingdom (UK) projects during industrialized building project delivery. This study addressed the second part of a mixed method research design study.

Design/methodology/approach

This study hypothesized that with understanding of cultural work knowledge between professionals during design phase coupled with competent technological support, productivity can be improved. It utilized Cognitive Organizational Theory (COT) protocols to test conceptual models in SimVision®. Organizational structure, project intensity, and statistical validations parameters were performed to obtain the reliability and generalization of the result.

Findings

This study found that with Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology intervention, the handling of exception, coordination and decision-making time could be improved, resulting in better project performances. The result also indicated that in choosing organizational fit, national culture factor needed to be considered; otherwise, organizational change would be unacceptable. By changing the operational process from intensive to reciprocal task intensity with BIM technology intervention, the effect on productivity would be similar to changing hierarchical organizational structure to flatter organizational structure.

Research limitations/implications

Project discrepancies issues are limitedly discussed due to companies' confidentiality. The paper only focuses on understanding the effects of human factors during the integrated project delivery phase.

Practical implications

The findings could support developing countries' professionals to collaborate effectively with developed countries' professionals.

Originality/value

The development of the project's cultural knowledge experimentations will provide guidance to teams involved in international projects from developed and developing countries in pursuing joint ventures in project deliveries in either country successfully.