bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automated behavioral analysis reveals that mice employ a bait-and-switch escape mechanism to de-escalate social conflict
Authors: Clein Rachel S. , Warren Megan R. , Neunuebel Joshua P.
Published: January 2024

Intraspecies aggression has profound ecological and evolutionary consequences, as recipients can suffer injuries, decreases in fitness, and become outcasts from social groups. Although animals implement diverse strategies to avoid hostile confrontations, the extent to which social influences affect escape tactics is unclear. Here, we used computational and machine-learning approaches to analyze complex behavioral interactions as mixed-sex groups of mice,Mus musculus, freely interacted. Mice displayed a rich repertoire of behaviors marked by changes in behavioral state, aggressive encounters, and mixed-sex interactions. A prominent behavioral sequence consistently occurred after aggressive encounters, where males in submissive states quickly approached and transiently interacted with females immediately before the aggressor engaged with the same female. The behavioral sequences were also associated with substantially fewer physical altercations. Furthermore, the male’s behavioral state and the interacting partners could be predicted by distinct features of the behavioral sequence, such as kinematics and the latency to and duration of male-female interactions. More broadly, our work revealed an ethologically relevant escape strategy influenced by the presence of females that may serve as a mechanism for de-escalating social conflict and preventing consequential reductions in fitness.
A cGAS-mediated IFN-I response in human CD4+ T cells depends on productive infection and is conserved over HIV types and strains
Authors: Janevska Marija , Cammaert Timothy , Naessens Evelien , Verhasselt Bruno
Published: January 2024

HIV type 2 is known to be better controlled by our immune system than HIV-1. The mechanism of innate sensing of HIV-2 by T cells is at present unclear. In this study we show that several primary isolates of HIV-2 (CBL20 and CI85) and HIV-1 (A8 and D2), similarly to the molecular clone HIV-1 NL4.3-GFP-I, induce a significant IFN-I response by infection of its main target, activated CD4+ T cells. However, they are unable to do so after shRNA-mediated knock-down of cGAS. In addition, HIV-1 induced IFN-I response in CD4+ T cells is dependent on productive infection and cannot be attributed to contaminating plasmid DNA present in some virus stocks. Our findings collectively showed that the cGAS-dependent innate response of CD4+ T cells to HIV infection is conserved over HIV types and critically depends on productive infection.

Author Summary

Our study unveils the essential role of cGAS in sensing HIV-1 and HIV-2 infections in CD4+ T cells. By demonstrating the necessity of productive infection, we highlight the robust and specific nature of the observed cGAS-mediated innate response, dispelling concerns about contaminating plasmids triggering immune response. Our findings suggest that the lower pathogenicity of HIV-2 does not correlate to superior innate immune control mediated by cGAS. By emphasizing the importance of productive infection and cGAS activity, our research advances understanding of host-pathogen relation and informs targeted strategies for combating HIV.
Molecular biological methods to assess differentBotrytis cinereastrains on grapes
Authors: Backmann Louis , Schmidtmann Katharina , Wegmann-Herr Pascal , Jürgens Andreas , Scharfenberger-Schmeer Maren
Published: January 2024

Botrytis cinereais a well-known pathogen that can be challenging to control in crops, such as wine grapes. To adapt to the increasing problems of climate change and strain resistance it is important to find new methods to detectBotrytis cinereaand differentiate strains. These methods include strain differentiation and classification by simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and early detection of the fungus by qPCR. Various strains were analysed using SSR markers and either agarose gel electrophoresis or capillary sequencing via PCR. A sensitive qPCR method was refined to achieve an early detection method for the pathogen. The results demonstrate promising ways to distinguish between strains using both agarose gel electrophoresis and capillary sequencing as well as to detect infection before it becomes visible on grapes. This can be used to further understand and analyse differentBotrytis cinereastrain characteristics such as laccase activity, regional or annual effects. The early detection method can be used to better prepare growers for an impending infection so that targeted efforts can be made.
Connectomic and behavioral alterations in creatine transporter deficiency are partially normalized by gene therapy
Authors: Montani Caterina , Galbusera Alberto , D’Epifanio Bianca , Ghirardini Elsa , Cornuti Sara , Pasquin Mariani Jean-Charles Rene’ , Guzman A. Elizabeth De , Bertozzi Sine Mandrup , Armirotti Andrea , Baroncelli Laura , Gozzi Alessandro
Published: January 2024

Creatine Transporter Deficiency (CTD) is an X-linked disease due to the loss ofSLC6A8gene and presenting with low brain creatine, intellectual disability, autistic-like behavior and seizures. No treatments are available yet for CTD, and little is known about the brain circuit alterations underlying its pathological endophenotypes. Here, we tracked brain network and behavioral dysfunction in a murine model of CTD at two stages of disease progression. fMRI mapping revealed widespread disruption of brain connectivity in Slc6a8-KO mutants, with prominent somato-motor dysconnectivity in juvenile mice, and weaker and more focal cortical and subcortical hypoconnectivity in adults. Notably, perinatal AAV-mediated expression of humanSLC6A8in Slc6a8-KO mutants significantly rescued juvenile fMRI hypoconnectivity. This effect was paralleled by a regression of translationally relevant phenotypes, including a reduction in stereotyped movements and increased body weight which persisted into adulthood. Cognitive deficits and residual fMRI hypoconnectivity in adult mice were instead not reverted by gene therapy. Finally, multivariate modeling in adult mice revealed a basal forebrain network whose activity was associated with behavioral performance, and modulated by brain creatine levels. This brain-behavior relationship was disrupted in Slc6a8-KO mutants. Our results document robust network disruption in CTD and demonstrate that CTD pathology can be partially reversed by perinatal genetic expression ofSLC6A8, thus laying the basis for the development of experimental therapies for this genetic disorder.
Exploring the role of workforce agility on digital transformation: a systematic literature review
Authors: Muduli Ashutosh , Choudhury Anuva
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Successful digital transformation requires a change in organisational structures, processes, capabilities and competencies. Digital transformation research is more influenced by the technology adaptation model and hence focuses on people's attitudes, behaviour and abilities. Recently, employee agility has attracted attention in the context of technology adoption and Industry 4.0. The current research explores the relationship between employee agility and digital technology adoption in the context of digital transformation by adopting the systematic literature review method.

Design/methodology/approach

Following the attitude–ability-behaviour–outcome framework, the research explored the specific agile ability, attitude and behaviour characteristics useful for digital transformation. Following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) framework consisting of (1) initiation, (2) screening, (3) evaluation and (4) confirming inclusion (Ambika et al., 2023), the study identified 19 papers from SCOPUS indexed journals.

Findings

The study result found that agile attitude characteristics such as collaborative mindset, computer self-efficacy, ambiguity aversiveness, etc. are influencing the digital transformation process. Agile abilities like basic computer knowledge, previous technical experience, cognitive abilities, innovation capability, digital competence training and supporting proper knowledge management practices also influence digital transformation. Finally, agile behaviour such as relationship building, knowledge-sharing behaviour, promoting values of learning, risk-taking and experimenting, rewarding innovativeness and customer-centric innovation and displaying adaptability, resilience and commitment to change, etc. are found to drive digital transformation.

Originality/value

Research on workforce agility and digital transformation is scarce. The current study contributes to benchmarking research by exploring specific agile attitudes, abilities and behaviour characteristics relevant to digital transformation, especially in the era of Industry 4.0.
Is your employer branding strategy effective? The role of employee predisposition in achieving employer attractiveness
Authors: Hein Antonia Z. , Elving Wim J.L. , Koster Sierdjan , Edzes Arjen
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Employer branding (EB) has become a powerful tool for organizations to attract employees. Recruitment communication ideally reveals the image that companies want to portray to potential employees to attract talents with the right skills and competences for the organization. This study explores the impact of EB on employer attractiveness by testing how pre-existing employee preferences interact with EB and how this interaction affects employer attractiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

A quasi-experiment among 289 final-year students was used to test the relationships between EB, perceived employer image, person-organization (P-O) fit and employer attractiveness, and the potential moderating variables of pre-existing preferences, in this case operationalized as locational preferences. Students are randomly assigned to four vacancies: one with and one without EB cues in two different locations: Groningen and Amsterdam. The authors used standard scales for attractiveness, perceptions of an employer and person-organization fit. The authors test the relationships using a regression analysis.

Findings

Results suggest that if respondents have previous predispositions, then their preference can be enhanced using an EB-targeted strategy. Based on these results, the authors can conclude that EB and related practices can be successful avenues for organizations in the war for talent, particularly if they reaffirm previous preferences of potential employees.

Originality/value

The research is original in the way it provides empirical evidence on the relationship between EB and attractiveness, particularly when previous employee preferences exist. This is of value to employers using EB as a tool to influence employer attractiveness.
Actor-agency and institutional complexity: multinational corporations’ strategies to combat the framework convention on tobacco control in Brazil
Authors: Baldi Mariana , de Bakker Frank G.A. , Melz Rodrigo Luís
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study aims to analyse the strategic moves used by major tobacco corporations to thwart the ratification of the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in Brazil.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a detailed historical case study spanning 1988–2005 and encompassing the period leading up to Brazil’s FCTC ratification. The authors collected qualitative data from various sources to triangulate and develop a comprehensive historical account.

Findings

The historical analysis identified three distinct phases. First, the acquisition of a Brazilian cigarette factory, Souza Cruz, by British American Tobacco dramatically altered power dynamics, strengthening the position of the tobacco industry. The second phase regards the era of dictatorship and the efforts of various actors advocating against smoking and the tobacco industry. The third phase involved Brazil’s re-democratisation and the challenges of securing FCTC ratification, during which fierce industry opposition had to be overcome. Throughout these phases, the authors identified four key strategies used by multinational corporations (MNCs) in Brazil to uphold unsustainable practices and products that contradicted public interests instead of reforming them: shaping collective memory, dissimulation, re-presentation and redirecting attention.

Originality/value

This study contributes to critical international business research on emerging economies by examining how Brazil’s position in the global capitalist system has influenced its dependency and how MNCs produce and maintain cycles of poverty and unsustainable practices through the exploitation of power dynamics within the country.
Targeted placement for people with disabilities in Italy: a perspective from Lombardian companies
Authors: Moscatelli Matteo , Pavesi Nicoletta , Ferrari Chiara
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006) recognizes the right of disabled people to access work. Against this legislative backdrop, this study explores the strengths and weaknesses of the Italian system of targeted placement for disabled people, based on Law 68/1999, which delegates to regional authorities the management of the labor market. The examination centers on the perspective of companies, the primary stakeholders in the inclusion of persons with disabilities within organizational structures.

Design/methodology/approach

The article discusses the results of focus groups conducted with 28 managers of large, medium and small enterprises in Lombardy (Italy). Qualitative analysis was employed, and the results were structured using a simplified strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis, incorporating practical recommendations.

Findings

The analysis leads to practical suggestions to improve the entire targeted placement process at the regional level, from selection and accompaniment to evaluation, such as improving the networking of local stakeholders who deal with the inclusion of disabled people, homogeneity of the procedures in different regions, making all employees aware of diversity management, etc. The territorial network and the welfare environment are particularly important in achieving a successful targeted placement and to promote an inclusive corporate culture.

Research limitations/implications

This study is not representative of Italy as a whole, as it remains a qualitative investigation focused on a single region.

Originality/value

This contribution accomplishes an in-depth study of the law of labor inclusion of people with disabilities observed from the point of view of companies, which are still usually reluctant to integrate people with disabilities into their organizations or encounter difficulties in doing so.
Does national intellectual capital matter for economic growth in the Asia–Pacific economies?
Authors: Vo Duc Hong , Tran Ngoc Phu
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Countries worldwide aim to improve their comparative advantages by efficiently using scarce resources for economic growth and development. While many studies have been conducted to measure intellectual capital at the firm's level, measuring it at the national level has been under-examined. In addition, while the important role of national intellectual capital in economic growth has been theoretically recognized in literature, this important link has largely been ignored in empirical analyses.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses the newly developed index of national intellectual capital from Vo and Tran's (2022) study to examine its effects on national economic growth in the long run. The dynamic common correlated effects technique and the pooled mean group estimation are used on the sample of 23 economies in the Asia–Pacific region from 2000 to 2020.

Findings

Findings from this study confirm the positive and significant contribution of the national intellectual capital to economic growth in the region. The authors also find that, as a feedback effect, economic growth will also enhance and improve the accumulation of national intellectual capital.

Practical implications

The findings of this paper provide valuable evidence and implications for policymakers in managing and improving national intellectual capital in the Asia–Pacific region.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first empirical study to examine the impact of national intellectual capital on economic growth in the long run in the Asia–Pacific economies.
More vocal when satisfied: the effect of need satisfaction on employees' voice to coworkers
Authors: Hu Hong , Chen Liying , Zheng Yuxiang
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to explore the effects of the satisfaction of employees' need for autonomy, relatedness and competence on their voice behavior through the mediation of self-efficacy for voice and perceived risk for voice.

Design/methodology/approach

The theoretical model is tested using survey data collected from 209 employees of information technology (IT) firms located in five major cities in China.

Findings

The study found that satisfaction of employees' need for autonomy, relatedness and competence facilitated their self-efficacy for voice and inhibited perceived risk for voice. Self-efficacy for voice was positively related to voice, whereas perceived risk for voice was negatively related to it. Perceived risk for voice hampered self-efficacy for voice.

Practical implications

The findings indicate that organizations can boost employees' voice behavior by making them feel that they have autonomy in their work, by helping them maintain good relationships with others in the workplace and by enabling their competence in accomplishing their job.

Originality/value

This study highlights that satisfying employees' psychological needs plays a pivotal role in facilitating their voice behavior. The authors provide new insights into the relationship between need satisfaction and voice behavior and into the mediating roles of self-efficacy for voice and perceived risk for voice.
Providers or users of Industry 4.0-based solutions: how does the innovation ecosystem affect a company’s decision to engage in Industry 4.0?
Authors: Boyer James , Kokosy Annemarie
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Company goals, behaviors and decision-making processes may differ depending on whether a given company decides to engage in the Industry 4.0 (I4.0) paradigm as a user or as a provider of I4.0-based solutions. This paper will consider this question in-depth by focusing on the extent to which the innovation ecosystem (IES) affects these two main strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors' study aims to analyze the impact of a regional information and communication technology (ICT) ecosystem on the implementation of I4.0 at the company level by using an original survey of 123 companies that are already engaged in the implementation of I4.0 in the French region of Hauts-de-France and by employing two sets of logit models.

Findings

The authors' empirical study demonstrates the importance of an innovation ecosystem-based strategy for I4.0 technology provision. It reveals that engaging in R&D collaborative projects and developing links and complex relationships with heterogeneous actors within the IES positively affects the likelihood of a given firm deciding to implement I4.0 as a provider of I4.0-based solutions. This does not, however, affect the probability of a firm engaging in the I4.0 paradigm as a user of technologies and solutions.

Practical implications

From a policy standpoint, this study could encourage decision-makers to engage with I4.0 development by developing policies targeting the reinforcement of IES at a regional level. This could also help to accelerate the adoption of I4.0 technologies by manufacturing companies and foster the development of I4.0-based solutions through specific company-targeted policies. The authors' study supports the need for manufacturing company managers to evaluate and identify the best technological strategies related to the I4.0 paradigm that meet their specific needs.

Originality/value

The authors' study shows that the decision to engage in the I4.0 paradigm as providers of I4.0-based solutions is more likely to rely on an innovation ecosystem-based strategy, while the decision to engage in the I4.0 paradigm as users of I4.0-based solutions is more likely to rely on the company’s internal strategies, resources and demand-side benefits.
Crowdfunding adoption in emerging economies: insights for entrepreneurs and policymakers
Authors: Kumar Jitender , Rani Manju , Rani Garima , Rani Vinki
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Crowdfunding has emerged as an alternative financing tool and recently gained attention to foster entrepreneurial dynamism and innovation. The current research has identified the determinants impacting the behavioral intentions of entrepreneurs to use crowdfunding for financing their small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

The current article is based on a cross-sectional research design. This research collected the data of 422 owners and managers of SMEs through self-administered questionnaires in the Indian National Capital Region (NCR). The responses were collected from July 17 to October 27, 2022. This article used “partial least squares structural equation modeling” (PLS-SEM) for data analysis.

Findings

This article offered a robust model with a high explanatory value of 66% of behavioral intention and 62.1% variance in crowdfunding use behavior. The finding also highlighted that performance expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, trialability and perceived value significantly impact behavioral intention. However, effort expectancy and perceived risk insignificantly influence behavioral intention. Notably, facilitating conditions, trialability and behavioral intention positively impact use behavior.

Practical implications

The results of this study will bridge the gap in empirical research on crowdfunding adoption, shedding light on why entrepreneurs hesitate to adopt crowdfunding for financing. Moreover, these results will offer strategic insights for crowdfunding managers and policymakers, aiding them in making informed decisions.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this pioneering study built the theoretical framework using three credible technology determinant models. The authors examined crowdfunding-specific contextual factors to improve understanding of the positive effect of technological orientation. This addition assists in strategically arranging entrepreneurs' fundraising conversations more efficiently.
The emergence of preprints: comparing publishing behaviour in the Global South and the Global North
Authors: Biesenbender Kristin , Smirnova Nina , Mayr Philipp , Peters Isabella
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The recent proliferation of preprints could be a way for researchers worldwide to increase the availability and visibility of their research findings. Against the background of rising publication costs caused by the increasing prevalence of article processing fees, the search for other ways to publish research results besides traditional journal publication may increase. This could be especially true for lower-income countries.

Design/methodology/approach

Therefore, the authors are interested in the experiences and attitudes towards posting and using preprints in the Global South as opposed to the Global North. To explore whether motivations and concerns about posting preprints differ, the authors adopted a mixed-methods approach, combining a quantitative survey of researchers with focus group interviews.

Findings

The authors found that respondents from the Global South were more likely to agree to adhere to policies and to emphasise that mandates could change publishing behaviour towards open access. They were also more likely to agree posting preprints has a positive impact. Respondents from the Global South and the Global North emphasised the importance of peer-reviewed research for career advancement.

Originality/value

The study has identified a wide range of experiences with and attitudes towards posting preprints among researchers in the Global South and the Global North. To the authors' knowledge, this has hardly been studied before, which is also because preprints only have emerged lately in many disciplines and countries.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-04-2023-0181
Epidermal turnover and iron metabolism in senile lentigo
Authors: Odawara Mikiko , Mezaki Minori , Yoshimura Tomohisa , Takaoka Akiko , Oda Fumino , Saeki Hidehisa , Funasaka Yoko
Published: January 2024

Senile lentigo (SL) is a pigmentary disorder associated with disrupted epidermal turnover. Trace minerals in the skin are known to regulate keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation. To clarify the role of iron in SL, we compared the expression of molecules related to iron metabolism between SL lesion (lesion) and the surrounding normal skin (nonlesion). Our results revealed that proteins involved in iron uptake and utilization such as transferrin receptor 1, iron regulatory protein 1, mitoferrin 1, and divalent metal transporter 1 were expressed in the lower epidermis in the nonlesion, while expression of them was also observed in the upper epidermis in the lesion. Ferroportin (FPN), involved in iron export, was expressed in the upper epidermis in the nonlesion, but was only scarcely expressed in the upper epidermis in the lesion. Hepcidin, which promotes FPN degradation, was expressed in the lower epidermis in the nonlesion; however, its expression was also observed in the upper epidermis in the lesion. These changes in the expression of molecules involved in iron uptake/export/utilization might reflect the altered iron utilization state in SL, resulting in disruption of keratinocyte differentiation and disturbing epidermal turnover. Our results suggest that the metabolism of iron in keratinocytes in SL differs from that in the normal epidermis, and these changes could be associated with the abnormal epidermal turnover and decreased melanin excretion in SL.
Weekly hair washing: The recommended solution for women with afro‐textured hair to alleviate dandruff and scalp discomfort
Authors: Fajuyigbe Damilola , Sewraj Poonam , Connétable Sophie , Molamodi Kwezikazi , Clavaud Cecile , Dufour Olivia , Matthews Nasreen , Dlova Ncoza Cordelia
Published: January 2024

Dandruff and scalp discomfort are common concerns for women and men in Africa. Moreover, women with afro‐textured hair are prone to scalp discomfort owing to irregular hair washing, frequent use of oil‐based products on their scalp, and harsh chemical treatments. Current literature does not, however, provide data on the pathophysiological mechanisms of these conditions in this population. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms behind scalp discomfort and dandruff in women of African descent before and after hair washing. We conducted the in Durban, South Africa, over a 3‐week period with 60 women of African descent aged 20–40 years. The respondents were equally divided into a “dandruff” and a “no dandruff” group, based on clinical grading of adherent dandruff by a dermatologist. Malassezia spp. and bacterial loads were quantified by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Evaluations of scalp condition and sample collection were performed at five time points during the 3 weeks. Data on discomfort symptoms were collected via a self‐assessment questionnaire. We observed that the dandruff severity peaked at the end of the first week after hair washing and plateaued from thereon in both groups. Dandruff was associated with higher Malassezia and bacterial load counts and there was a direct correlation between the Malassezia spp. load and dandruff score. Via self‐assessment questionnaire responses submitted by participants, we observed that itching was the most pronounced scalp discomfort, compared with the sensation of tingling and burning at baseline, while an improvement of the scalp symptoms of dandruff and itch was observed in both groups after one hair wash. The study also showed that higher colonization with Malassezia spp. and bacteria is associated with dandruff independently of the time point, confirming a scalp microbiome contribution to the dandruff pathophysiology in the study population. The benefits of washing were, however, not sustained after 1 week and we thus recommend weekly hair washing for long‐term management of dandruff and scalp itchiness in this population.
Functional genomics and co‐occurrence in a diverse tropical tree genus: The roles of drought‐ and defence‐related genes
Authors: Yang Jie , Fan Huan , He Yunyun , Wang Gang , Cao Min , Swenson Nathan G.
Published: January 2024

Tropical tree communities are among the most diverse in the world. A small number of genera often disproportionately contribute to this diversity. How so many species from a single genus can co‐occur represents a major outstanding question in biology. Niche differences are likely to play a major role in promoting congeneric diversity, but the mechanisms of interest are often not well‐characterized by the set of functional traits generally measured by ecologists.

To address this knowledge gap, we used a functional genomic approach to investigate the mechanisms of co‐occurrence in the hyper‐diverse genus Ficus. Our study focused on over 800 genes related to drought and defence, providing detailed information on how these genes may contribute to the diversity of Ficus species.

We find widespread and consistent evidence of the importance of defence gene dissimilarity in co‐occurring species, providing genetic support for what would be expected under the Janzen‐Connell mechanism. We also find that drought‐related gene sequence similarity is related to Ficus co‐occurrence, indicating that similar responses to drought promote co‐occurrence.

Synthesis. We provide the first detailed functional genomic evidence of how drought‐ and defence‐related genes simultaneously contribute to the local co‐occurrence in a hyper‐diverse genus. Our results demonstrate the potential of community transcriptomics to identify the drivers of species co‐occurrence in hyper‐diverse tropical tree genera.
Searching for microbial contribution to micritization of shallow marine sediments
Authors: Garuglieri Elisa , Marasco Ramona , Odobel Charlene , Chandra Viswasanthi , Teillet Thomas , Areias Camila , Sánchez‐Román Mónica , Vahrenkamp Volker , Daffonchio Daniele
Published: January 2024

Micritization is an early diagenetic process that gradually alters primary carbonate sediment grains through cycles of dissolution and reprecipitation of microcrystalline calcite (micrite). Typically observed in modern shallow marine environments, micritic textures have been recognized as a vital component of storage and flow in hydrocarbon reservoirs, attracting scientific and economic interests. Due to their endolithic activity and the ability to promote nucleation and reprecipitation of carbonate crystals, microorganisms have progressively been shown to be key players in micritization, placing this process at the boundary between the geological and biological realms. However, published research is mainly based on geological and geochemical perspectives, overlooking the biological and ecological complexity of microbial communities of micritized sediments. In this paper, we summarize the state‐of‐the‐art and research gaps in micritization from a microbial ecology perspective. Since a growing body of literature successfully applies in vitro and in situ ‘fishing’ strategies to unveil elusive microorganisms and expand our knowledge of microbial diversity, we encourage their application to the study of micritization. By employing these strategies in micritization research, we advocate promoting an interdisciplinary approach/perspective to identify and understand the overlooked/neglected microbial players and key pathways governing this phenomenon and their ecology/dynamics, reshaping our comprehension of this process.
The fiscal effects of natural resource dependency in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Taylor Rosemary S.
Published: January 2024

This study investigates the fiscal implications of natural resource dependence in resource‐rich sub‐Saharan African economies, particularly focusing on the impact of resource revenues on tax revenues, government spending and national savings to assess the sustainability of natural resource reinvestments. Employing a two‐step system Generalized Method of Moments on a dataset with 672 observations, the study identifies significant reductions in non‐resource tax revenues, government current consumption and overall savings associated with an increase in resource revenues. Conversely, a positive coefficient is noted for public investment. The study underscores the importance of high‐quality institutions in mitigating adverse effects and controlling increased public investments. Recommendations include directing resource revenues towards well‐structured taxation frameworks and investing in efficient institutions to manage current consumption, monitor public investment growth and enhance savings. These measures are crucial for curbing procyclical spending and promoting sustainable development in resource‐rich sub‐Saharan African economies.
Impact of rutin on growth, development and oviposition of Bt‐susceptible and Bt‐resistant pink bollworm
Authors: Wang Ling , Xu Dong , Yang Yi , Liu Weiguo , Cong Shengbo , Li Wenjing , Yang Nina , Yin Haichen , Jin Lirong , Wu Huaiheng , Wan Peng
Published: January 2024

The evolution of pest resistance to insecticidal proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) restricts the sustainable application of transgenic Bt crops, and exploring other ecofriendly insecticides to efficiently suppress Bt‐resistant populations is thus urgently needed. The plant secondary metabolite rutin possesses pest resistance effects and plays an important role in plant resistance to pests, but the effect of rutin on pink bollworms is unclear. We investigated the effects of rutin on two types (Bt‐susceptible and Bt‐resistant) of pink bollworms (Pectinophora gossypiella). Rutin had significant inhibitory effects on the growth, development, and oviposition of both Bt‐susceptible and Bt‐resistant strains. For both strains, rutin ingestion by larvae did not significantly affect larval survival at 7 days after treatment or egg hatching rate but significantly decreased pupation rate, eclosion rate, neonate‐to‐adult survival, pupal weight and eggs per female and significantly prolonged larval developmental periods, and the effect increased with increasing rutin content. The response to rutin ingestion was basically consistent between Bt‐resistant and Bt‐susceptible strains, indicating that the Bt‐resistant strain did not exhibit cross‐resistance to rutin. These results provide a reference basis for green control and resistance management of pink bollworms and may be used as a component of comprehensive management for this pest.
Marine diseases and the Anthropocene: Understanding microbial pathogenesis in a rapidly changing world
Authors: Hudson Jennifer , Egan Suhelen
Published: January 2024

Healthy marine ecosystems are paramount for Earth's biodiversity and are key to sustaining the global economy and human health. The effects of anthropogenic activity represent a pervasive threat to the productivity of marine ecosystems, with intensifying environmental stressors such as climate change and pollution driving the occurrence and severity of microbial diseases that can devastate marine ecosystems and jeopardise food security. Despite the potentially catastrophic outcomes of marine diseases, our understanding of host‐pathogen interactions remains an understudied aspect of both microbiology and environmental research, especially when compared to the depth of information available for human and agricultural systems. Here, we identify three avenues of research in which we can advance our understanding of marine disease in the context of global change, and make positive steps towards safeguarding marine communities for future generations.
A very rare case of spontaneous regression of basaloid squamous cell carcinoma of the lung
Authors: Koike Sachie , Shiina Takayuki , Takasuna Keiichiro , Kato Akane , Atagi Takuma , Nakamura Toshitsugu
Published: January 2024

Spontaneous regression of non‐small cell lung cancer is relatively rare. Here, we present a very rare case of spontaneous regression of lung cancer which occurred in a patient with basaloid squamous cell lung cancer. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of such a case. A 76‐year old man was referred to our hospital with nodules in the right upper lobe determined by chest computed tomography. The nodules spontaneously regressed during follow‐up. Two years later, the tumor had regrown and the patient subsequently underwent surgery. The pathological findings showed basaloid squamous cell carcinoma. Stimulation of the immune system was considered to be the cause of the spontaneous regression and CD‐8 positive and CD‐4 positive lymphocytes might play an important role.
Following the crowd? Peer influence on voluntary bank audits
Authors: Beck Matthew J. , Lundstrom Nathan G. , Stuber Sarah B.
Published: January 2024

We examine whether peer audit choices influence a bank's decision to obtain an audit voluntarily. We find that the likelihood of a bank voluntarily obtaining an audit is significantly associated with the audit decisions of peers. The relation is stronger when the peers are more salient due to closer geographic proximity, similarity in loan portfolio, and similarity in size. In addition, we find that peer influence on a bank's audit decision is moderated by the bank's existing level of assurance. Specifically, banks already obtaining a lower level of assurance are less likely to begin an audit in response to peer influence. We also find no evidence that peer influence extends to banks' decisions to cease obtaining an audit. Overall, our findings are consistent with peer influence significantly influencing banks' decisions to begin obtaining an audit.
Stroke in the very old: A study from the Philippine Neurological Association One Database
Authors: Cañete Maria Teresa , Im Sofia , Pascual Jose Leonard , Gan Robert ,   PNA1DB‐Stroke Collaborators
Published: January 2024

Objective

The very old, although a minority in many populations, experience stroke with distinct risk factors and more complications. We sought to understand the profile, stroke subtypes, risk factors and outcomes among the very old compared to younger stroke patients in our population in the Philippine Neurological Association One Database—Stroke (PNA1DB‐Stroke).

Methods

The PNA1DB‐Stroke registry (clinicaltrial.gov NCT04972058) is a multi‐centre, prospective database of all patients hospitalised for transient ischaemic attack or acute stroke in 11 neurology residency training institutions.

Results

Of the 6314 patients with stroke, 463 (7%) were 80 years or older, and among them, 320 (69%) were women. Traditional risk factors were more frequent in the very old compared to the younger group (hypertension 76% vs. 66%, diabetes mellitus 26% vs. 19%, previous stroke 14% vs. 10%, atrial fibrillation 13% vs. 3%; p ≤ .005), while current smoking (5%) and excess alcohol consumption (4%) were less common than in younger stroke patients (p < .001). Overall, in‐hospital fatality was not remarkably increased in our very old compared to younger stroke patients, with comparable rates between cases of ischaemic stroke (18%) and intracerebral haemorrhage (20%). However, they had longer hospital stay (mean 13.4 ± 17.2 days vs. 10.9 ± 15.4 days, p = .001), had more medical complications (p < .001) and were more functionally dependent at discharge (p < .0001).

Conclusions

Very old stroke patients have relatively more risk factors for stroke. In‐hospital fatality rates are comparable between ischaemic and haemorrhagic strokes. Risk factor modification, prevention of medical complications and optimisation of functional recovery are potential strategies in managing stroke in the very old.
Monitoring falls in residential aged care facilities: Agreement between falls incident reports and progress notes
Authors: Dawson Rik , Feng Annie , Oliveira Juliana S. , Hassett Leanne , Sherrington Catherine , Pinheiro Marina B.
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Accurate fall reporting is essential for assessing the effectiveness of fall prevention strategies. This study aimed to investigate the level of agreement between incident reports and resident progress notes as data sources for falls monitoring in residential aged care facilities.

Methods

A retrospective observational study was conducted involving 46 older people from six residential aged care facilities who had consented to join the broader TOP UP trial. Fall events documented in the incident report system and resident progress notes over 12 months before randomisation were extracted by two independent reviewers using a standardised Excel form. Agreement between the two data collection methods was calculated using Cohen's kappa coefficient.

Results

A total of 75 falls were recorded from 27 (59%) of the 46 participants who were 65% female, with an average age of 83 [SD 9] years. The incident reports captured 68 (90.7%) falls, while the progress notes captured 73 (97.3%) falls. Overall, there was a 75% agreement between falls recorded in progress notes and incident reports. Perfect agreement was identified for five facilities (n = 35), while one facility had a lower agreement rate of 29% (n = 11), which appeared to be attributable to staff shortages linked to the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Conclusions

There was substantial agreement between incident reports and progress records. These findings support the use of incident reports for identifying falls in research or to investigate the effectiveness of fall prevention strategies in residential aged care facilities.
High relational mobility is associated with perceiving more economic inequality in everyday life
Authors: Willis Guillermo B. , Uchida Yukiko , García‐Castro Juan Diego , Takemura Kosuke
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we argue that one of the variables that may influence perceived inequality in everyday life is cultural differences in relational mobility. We examined this research question across two cross‐cultural studies in Japan (Study 1, N = 196; Study 2, N = 214) and Spain (Study 1, N = 199; Study 2, 199), two countries that differ in their relational mobility levels. In Study 1, we contrasted two competing hypotheses: On the one hand, it could be predicted that individuals in countries with high relational mobility perceive greater inequality due to increased exposure to diverse social networks. On the other hand, it is also plausible that in contexts of high relational mobility, people perceive less inequality as they selectively choose to interact with individuals who share similar social backgrounds. Results supported the former hypotheses and showed that people in a country high in relational mobility (i.e. Spain) tend to perceive more economic inequality (vs. Japan, a country low in relational mobility). Moreover, we found an indirect effect of this cross‐cultural difference through the cultural affordances for meeting new people (i.e. one of the dimensions of relational mobility). In Study 2, we preregistered and replicated these results.
Knockdown of programmed cell death factor 4 restores erectile function by attenuating apoptosis in rats with bilateral cavernous nerve crush injury
Authors: Ge Yunlong , Xia Tian , Feng Zejia , Xi Yuhang , Hu Daoyuan , Hong Yude , Tang Bowen , Wu Jianjie , Chen Jialiang , Xiao Hengjun
Published: January 2024

Background

Apoptosis is an important pathologic mechanism of erectile dysfunction after radical prostatectomy. Studies have shown that programmed cell death factor 4 is connected to the modulation of apoptosis in many cells. However, the programmed cell death factor 4 function in the cavernous nerve injury erectile dysfunction is unclear.

Objective

This investigation aimed to explore the programmed cell death factor 4 function in erectile dysfunction in rats with bilateral cavernous nerve crush.

Materials and methods

The experiment used 30 male Sprague Dawley rats (18 months old) that were screened for normal erectile function by the apomorphine test. Ten rats were randomized into Sham and bilateral cavernous nerve crush groups to detect changes in programmed cell death factor 4 expression. The remaining 20 rats were distributed at random to four groups: the Sham group treated by sham surgery, the phosphate‐buffered saline group, the lentivirus containing negative control short hairpin RNA group, and the lentivirus containing short hairpin RNA targeting programmed cell death factor 4 group underwent bilateral cavernous nerve crush and were afterward administered intracavernous injections of phosphate‐buffered saline, lentivirus containing negative control short hairpin RNA, or lentivirus containing short hairpin RNA targeting programmed cell death factor 4. Electrical stimulation of the cavernous nerve was conducted 2 weeks later for penile erectile function assessment. The cavernous tissue was collected for histological analysis and western blotting.

Results

The apoptosis level in rat corpus cavernosum was elevated, and programmed cell death factor 4 expression was increased after bilateral cavernous nerve crush. Knockdown of programmed cell death factor 4 significantly improved erectile function in bilateral cavernous nerve crush rats. Furthermore, lentivirus containing short hairpin RNA targeting programmed cell death factor 4 treatment raised smooth muscle content and attenuated cavernous fibrosis and apoptotic levels. Additionally, programmed cell death factor 4 was found to mediate the PI3K/AKT pathway.

Discussion and conclusion

Elevated programmed cell death factor 4 expression may be an important pathogenetic mechanism for erectile dysfunction after bilateral cavernous nerve crush, and the knockdown of programmed cell death factor 4 enhanced erectile function in 18‐month‐old rats after cavernous nerve damage. The potential mechanism may be the stimulation of the PI3K/AKT pathway to attenuate the cavernous apoptosis level.
The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine had a sustained effect on Swedish children 8 years after its introduction
Authors: Alfvén Tobias , Bennet Rutger , Granath Anna , Dennison Sofia Hultman , Eriksson Margareta
Published: January 2024

Aim

The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, which covered seven serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae (PCV7), was introduced in Stockholm, Sweden, in 2007. It was replaced by a 13‐valent vaccine (PCV13) in 2011. We previously reported a decreased incidence of pneumonia and sinusitis among young children 4 years after the introduction of the PCV7. This study followed the incidence of pneumonia, sinusitis, mastoiditis and meningitis for four more years.

Methods

We studied validated hospital registry data covering children up to 17 years of age, who were hospitalised in the Stockholm region from 2003 to 2016, when the child population peaked at 485 687. All 11 115 cases diagnosed with pneumonia, coded as bacterial pneumonia, sinusitis, mastoiditis, bacterial meningitis or empyema, were identified. The controls had viral pneumonia or pyelonephritis.

Results

The incidence rates for children under 2 years of age hospitalised for sinusitis, mastoiditis and meningitis decreased significantly by 61%–79% during the eight‐year post‐vaccination period. Hospitalisations for bacterial pneumonia decreased by 19%–25% in the same age group. These changes were probably due to both the vaccines and changes in diagnosis routines.

Conclusion

The effect of vaccination on children under 2 years of age was sustained 8 years after the introduction of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccines.