bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Igf signalling uncouples retina growth from body size by modulating progenitor cell division
Authors: Becker Clara , Lust Katharina , Wittbrodt Joachim
Published: June 2020

Balancing the relative growth of body and organs is of key importance for coordinating size and function. This is of particular relevance in post-embryonically growing organisms, facing this challenge life-long. We addressed this question in the neuroretina of medaka fish(Oryzias latipes),where growth and size regulation are crucial for functional homeostasis of the visual system. We find that a central growth regulator, Igf1 receptor, is necessary and sufficient for proliferation control in the postembryonic retinal stem cell niche, the ciliary marginal zone (CMZ). Targeted activation of Igf1r signalling in the CMZ uncouples neuroretina growth from body size control, increasing layer thickness while preserving the structural integrity of the retina. The retinal expansion is driven exclusively by enhanced proliferation of progenitor cells while stem cells do not respond to Igf1r modulation. Our findings position Igf signalling as key module controlling retinal size and structure with far reaching evolutionary implications.
Multi-Dimensional Immuno-Profiling ofDrosophilaHemocytes by Single Cell Mass Cytometry
Authors: Balog József Á. , Honti Viktor , Kurucz Éva , Kari Beáta , Puskás László G. , Andó István , Szebeni Gábor J.
Published: June 2020

Single cell mass cytometry (SCMC) combines features of traditional flow cytometry (FACS) with mass spectrometry and allows the measurement of several parameters at the single cell level, thus permitting a complex analysis of biological regulatory mechanisms. We optimized this platform to analyze the cellular elements, the hemocytes, of theDrosophilainnate immune system. We have metal-conjugated six antibodies against cell surface antigens (H2, H3, H18, L1, L4, P1), against two intracellular antigens (3A5, L2) and one anti-IgM for the detection of L6 surface antigen, as well as one anti-GFP for the detection of crystal cells in the immune induced samples. We investigated the antigen expression profile of single cells and hemocyte populations in naive, in immune induced states, in tumorous mutants (hopTumbearing a driver mutation andl(3)mbn1carrying deficiency of a tumor suppressor) as well as in stem cell maintenance defectivehdcΔ84mutant larvae. Multidimensional analysis enabled the discrimination of the functionally different major hemocyte subsets, lamellocytes, plasmatocytes, crystal cell, and delineated the unique immunophenotype of the mutants. We have identified sub-populations of L2+/P1+ (l(3)mbn1), L2+/L4+/P1+ (hopTum)transitional phenotype cells in the tumorous strains and a sub-population of L4+/P1+ cells upon immune induction. Our results demonstrated for the first time, that mass cytometry, a recent single cell technology combined with multidimensional bioinformatic analysis represents a versatile and powerful tool to deeply analyze at protein level the regulation of cell mediated immunity ofDrosophila.
Ultrastructural analysis of SARS-CoV-2 interactions with the host cell via high resolution scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Caldas Lucio Ayres , Carneiro Fabiana Avila , Higa Luiza Mendonca , Monteiro Fabio Luiz , da Silva Gustavo Peixoto , Costa Luciana Jesus da , Durigon Edison Luiz , Tanuri Amilcar , de Souza Wanderley
Published: June 2020

SARS-CoV-2 is the cause of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Here, we investigated the interaction of this new coronavirus with Vero cells using high resolution scanning electron microscopy. Surface morphology, the interior of infected cells and the distribution of viral particles in both environments were observed 2 and 48 hours after infection. We showed areas of viral processing, details of vacuole contents, and viral interactions with the cell surface. Intercellular connections were also approached, and viral particles were adhered to these extensions suggesting direct cell-to-cell transmission of SARS-CoV-2.
Feedback control of Wnt signaling based on histidine cluster co-aggregation between Naked/NKD and Axin
Authors: Gammons Melissa , Renko Miha , Flack Joshua E. , Mieszczanek Juliusz , Bienz Mariann
Published: June 2020

Feedback control is a universal feature of cell signaling pathways. Naked/NKD is a widely conserved feedback regulator of Wnt signaling which controls animal development and tissue homeostasis. Naked/NKD destabilizes Dishevelled, which assembles Wnt signalosomes to inhibit the β-catenin destruction complex via recruitment of Axin. Here, we discover that the molecular mechanism underlying Naked/NKD function relies on its assembly into ultrastable decameric core aggregates via its conserved C-terminal histidine cluster (HisC). HisC aggregation is facilitated by Dishevelled and depends on accumulation of Naked/NKD during prolonged Wnt stimulation. Naked/NKD HisC cores co-aggregate with a conserved histidine cluster within Axin, to destabilize it along with Dishevelled, possibly via the autophagy receptor p62 which binds to HisC aggregates. Consistent with this, attenuated Wnt responses are observed in CRISPR-engineered flies and human epithelial cells whose HisC has been deleted. Thus, HisC aggregation by Naked/NKD provides context-dependent feedback control of prolonged Wnt responses.
INNATE IMMUNE INTERFERENCE ATTENUATES INFLAMMATION INBACILLUSENDOPHTHALMITIS
Authors: Mursalin Md Huzzatul , Coburn Phillip S. , Miller Frederick C. , Livingston Erin , Astley Roger , Callegan Michelle C.
Published: June 2020

PURPOSE

Bacillusendophthalmitis is a sight-threatening bacterial infection that sometimes requires enucleation. Inflammation in this disease is driven by activation of innate Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways. Here, we explored the consequences of innate immune interference on intraocular inflammatory responses duringBacillusendophthalmitis.

METHODS

Endophthalmitis was induced in mice by injecting 100 CFUBacillus thuringiensisin to the mid-vitreous. We interfered with activation of the TLR2 and TLR4 pathways by 1) injecting a group of mice with S layer protein-deficient (ΔslpA)B. thuringiensisor 2) injecting a group of wild type (WT)-infected mice with a TLR2/4 inhibitor, oxidized phospholipid (OxPAPC). At 10 hours postinfection, infected eyes were removed and total RNA was purified. mRNA expression was then analyzed by NanoString using a murine inflammation panel. We compared findings with expression data from eyes infected with eyes injected with WTB. thuringiensis, eyes injected with OxPAPC alone, and uninfected eyes.

RESULTS

Interference of TLR2 and TLR4 pathways resulted in differential expression of mouse inflammatory genes compared to expression in WT-infected eyes. In WT-infected eyes, 56% of genes were significantly upregulated compared to that of uninfected controls. However, compared to WT-infected eyes, the expression of 27% and 50% of genes were significantly reduced in WT+OxPAPC and ΔslpA-infected eyes, respectively. The expression of 61 genes which were significantly upregulated in WT-infected eyes was decreased in WT+OxPAPC or ΔslpA-infected eyes. Interference with activation of the TLR2 and TLR4 pathways resulted in blunted expression of complement factors (C3, Cfb, and C6) and several innate genes such as TLR2, TLR4, TLR6, TLR8, MyD88, Nod2, Nlrp3, NF-κB, STAT3, RelA, RelB, and Ptgs2. Interference with activation of the TLR2 and TLR4 pathways also reduced the expression of several inflammatory cytokines such as CSF3, IL-6, IL-1β, CSF2, IL-1α, TNFα, IL-23α, TGFβ1, and IL-12β and chemokines CCL2, CCl3, CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL3, CXCL5, CXCL9, and CXCL10. All of the aforementioned genes were significantly upregulated in WT-infected eyes.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that interfering with the activation of innate immune pathways duringBacillusendophthalmitis significantly reduced the intraocular inflammatory response. This positive clinical outcome could be a strategy for anti-inflammatory therapy of an infection typically refractory to corticosteroid treatment.
Corticocortical Connections of the Rostral Forelimb Area in Rats: A Quantitative Tract-Tracing Study
Authors: Urban Edward T , Nishibe Mariko , Barbay Scott , Guggenmos David J , Nudo Randolph J
Published: June 2020

The rostral forelimb area (RFA) in the rat is considered to be a premotor cortical region based primarily on its efferent projections to the primary motor cortex. The purpose of the present study was to identify corticocortical connections of RFA, and to describe the relative strength of connections with other cortical areas. This will allow us to better understand the broader cortical network in which RFA participates, and thus, determine its function in motor behavior. In the present study, the RFA of adult male Long-Evans rats (n=6) was identified using intracortical microstimulation techniques and injected with the tract tracer, biotinylated dextran amine (BDA). In post-mortem tissue, location of BDA-labeled terminal boutons and neuronal somata were plotted and superimposed on cortical field boundaries. The results demonstrated that the RFA has dense to moderate reciprocal connections with primary motor cortex, the frontal cortex medial and lateral to RFA, primary somatosensory cortex (S1), and lateral somatosensory areas. Importantly, S1 connections were dense to moderate in dysgranular zones, but sparse to negligible in granular zones. Cortical connections of RFA in rat are strikingly similar to cortical connections of the ventral premotor cortex in non-human primates, suggesting that these areas share similar functions.
Tubulin acetylation increases cytoskeletal stiffness to regulate mechanotransduction in striated muscle
Authors: Coleman Andrew K. , Joca Humberto C. , Shi Guoli , Lederer W. Jonathan , Ward Christopher W.
Published: June 2020

Microtubules tune cytoskeletal stiffness to regulate the mechanics and mechanotransduction of striated muscle. While recent evidence suggests that microtubules enriched in detyrosinated α-tubulin are responsible for these effects in healthy muscle, and for their excess in disease, the possible contribution from several other α-tubulin modifications has not been investigated. Here we used genetic or pharmacologic strategies in isolated cardiomyocytes or skeletal myofibers to increase the level of acetylated α-tubulin without altering the level of detyrosinated α-tubulin. We show that microtubules enriched in acetylated α-tubulin contribute to the cytoskeletal stiffness and viscoelastic resistance, showing slowed rates of contraction and relaxation during unloaded contraction, and increased activation of NADPH Oxidase 2 (Nox2) by mechanotransduction. Together these findings add to growing evidence that microtubules contribute to the mechanobiology of striated muscle in health and disease.
CD11c+CD88+CD317+myeloid cells are critical mediators of persistent CNS autoimmunity
Authors: Manouchehri Navid , Hussain Rehana Z. , Cravens Petra D. , Edelson Brian T. , Wu Gregory F. , Cross Anne H. , Doelger Richard , Loof Nicolas , Eagar Todd N. , Forsthuber Thomas G. , Calvier Laurent , Herz Joachim , Stüve Olaf
Published: June 2020

Background

Natalizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody (mAb) against α4-integrin, reduces the number of dendritic cells (DC) in cerebral perivascular spaces in multiple sclerosis (MS). Selective deletion of α4-integrin in CD11c+cells should curtail their migration to the CNS and ameliorate experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE).

Methods

We generated CD11c.Cre+/-ITGA4fl/flC57/Bl6 mice to selectively delete α4-integrin in CD11c+cells. Active immunization and adoptive transfer EAE models were employed. Multi-parameter flow cytometry was utilized to immunophenotype leukocytes. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was used to profile individual cells.

Results

α4-integrin expression by CD11c+cells was significantly reduced in primary and secondary lymphoid organs in CD11c.Cre+/-ITGA4fl/flmice. In active EAE, a delayed disease onset was observed in CD11c.Cre+/-ITGA4fl/flmice, during which CD11c+CD88+cells were sequestered in the blood. Upon EAE onset, CD11c+CD88+cells accumulated in the CNS and expressed CD317+. In adoptive transfer experiments, CD11c.Cre+/-ITGA4fl/flmice had ameliorated clinical disease associated with diminished numbers of CNS CD11c+CD88+CD317+cells. The transcription profile of CD11c+CD88+CD317+cells placed them within previously defined microglia-like cells in human CSF. We show that activated, but not naïve microglia expressed CD11c, CD88, and CD317. Finally, anti-CD317 treatment prior to clinical EAE substantially enhanced recovery.

Conclusion

CD11c+CD88+CD317+cells in the CNS promote inflammatory damage. Transcriptional analysis identifies CD11c+CD88+CD317+cells as a unique myeloid subset in human CSF. The disease-propagating effects of these cells can be antagonized using anti-CD317 mAb.
Adaptive time-dependent priors and Bayesian inference to evaluate SARS-CoV-2 public health measures validated on 31 countries
Authors: Turbé Hugues , Bjelogrlic Mina , Robert Arnaud , Gaudet-Blavignac Christophe , Goldman Jean-Philippe , Lovis Christian
Published: June 2020

With the rapid spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus since Fall 2019, public health confinement measures to contain the propagation of the pandemic are taken. Our method to estimate the reproductive number using Bayesian inference with time-dependent priors enhances previous approaches by considering a dynamic prior continuously updated as restrictive measures and comportments within the society evolve. In addition, to allow direct comparison between reproductive number and introduction of public health measures in a specific country, the infection dates are inferred from daily confirmed cases and death with the mean time between a case being declared as positive and its death estimated on 1430 cases at 10.7 days. The evolution of the reproductive rate in combination with the stringency index is analyzed on 31 European countries. We show that most countries required tough state interventions with a stringency index equal to 83.6 out of 100 to reduce the reproductive number below one and control the progression of the epidemic. In addition, we show a direct correlation between the time taken to introduce restrictive measures and the time required to contain the spread of the epidemic with a median time of 8 days. Our analysis reinforces the importance of having a fast response with a coherent and comprehensive set of confinement measures to control the epidemic. Only combinations of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) have shown to be effective.
Excess deaths in people with cardiovascular diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Banerjee Amitava , Chen Suliang , Pasea Laura , Lai Alvina G. , Katsoulis Michail , Denaxas Spiros , Nafilyan Vahe , Williams Bryan , Wong Wai Keong , Bakhai Ameet , Khunti Kamlesh , Pillay Deenan , Noursadeghi Mahdad , Wu Honghan , Pareek Nilesh , Bromage Daniel , McDonagh Theresa A. , Byrne Jonathan , Teo James T.H. , Shah Ajay M , Humberstone Ben , Tang Liang V. , Shah Anoop S. V. , Rubboli Andrea , Guo Yutao , Hu Yu , Sudlow Cathie L. M. , Lip Gregory Y. H. , Hemingway Harry
Published: June 2020

Background

Cardiovascular diseases(CVD) increase mortality risk from coronavirus infection(COVID-19), but there are concerns that the pandemic has affected supply and demand of acute cardiovascular care. We estimated excess mortality in specific CVDs, both “direct”, through infection, and “indirect”, through changes in healthcare.

Methods

We used population-based electronic health records from 3,862,012 individuals in England to estimate pre- and post-COVID-19 mortality risk(“direct” effect) for people with incident and prevalent CVD. We incorporated: (i)pre-COVID-19 risk by age, sex and comorbidities, (ii)estimated population COVID-19 prevalence, and (iii)estimated relative impact of COVID-19 on mortality(relative risk, RR: 1.5, 2.0 and 3.0). For “indirect” effects, we analysed weekly mortality and emergency department data for England/Wales and monthly hospital data from England(n=2), China(n=5) and Italy(n=1) for CVD referral, diagnosis and treatment until 1 May 2020.

Findings

CVD service activity decreased by 60-100% compared with pre-pandemic levels in eight hospitals across China, Italy and England during the pandemic. In China, activity remained below pre-COVID-19 levels for 2-3 months even after easing lockdown, and is still reduced in Italy and England. Mortality data suggest indirect effects on CVD will be delayed rather than contemporaneous(peak RR 1.4). For total CVD(incident and prevalent), at 10% population COVID-19 rate, we estimated direct impact of 31,205 and 62,410 excess deaths in England at RR 1.5 and 2.0 respectively, and indirect effect of 49932 to 99865 excess deaths.

Interpretation

Supply and demand for CVD services have dramatically reduced across countries with potential for substantial, but avoidable, excess mortality during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Funding

NIHR, HDR UK, Astra Zeneca
Gender differences in mental health prevalence in autism
Authors: Sedgewick Felicity , Leppanen Jenni , Tchanturia Kate
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Mental health conditions are known to be more common amongst autistic than non-autistic people. To date, there is little work exploring gender differences in mental health amongst autistic people and no work including non-binary/trans people. This paper aims to address this gap.

Design/methodology/approach

This was a large-scale online study, with 948 participants between 18 and 81 years old. Participants self-reported autism, anxiety, depression and eating disorder status. Analyses were run examining gender differences in the rates of these conditions in each group.

Findings

Autistic people are more likely to have anxiety and depression than non-autistic people of all genders. Autistic women and non-binary people experienced mental health issues at higher rates than men and at similar rates to each other. Autistic people were twice as likely as non-autistic people to have all eating disorders. Further, gendered patterns of eating disorders seen in the non-autistic population are also present in the autistic population.

Research limitations/implications

There are inherent issues with self-report of diagnoses online, but this study showed that using screening questionnaires is effective.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to look at gender differences in common mental health issues amongst autistic and non-autistic adults. It highlights that there are significant gendered patterns in the prevalence of mental health issues in both the autistic and non-autistic population and that these have an impact for how treatment should be approached to be effective.
Capturing differences in conservatism following earnings restatements: further evidence from Tehran Stock Exchange
Authors: Farhangdoust Shayan , Sayadi Lida
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The present study seeks to shed further light on the effectiveness of Basu (1997) and Khan and Watts' (2009) differential timeliness metrics in detecting predictable differences in conservatism following corrections of restated earnings.

Design/methodology/approach

Using cross-sectional and time-series analyses for companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange during 2009–2013, the results indicate lower conservatism for restating firms as compared to their counterparts during prerestatement period.

Findings

Using cross-sectional and time-series analyses for companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange during 2009–2013, the results indicate lower conservatism for restating firms as compared to their counterparts during prerestatement period. In contrast, our findings are indicative of higher conservatism among these restating firms during the years of restatements. Moreover, the time-series approach captures a higher conservatism for the restating firms during restatement years than prerestatement periods. Overall, these results provide insight into the usefulness of the metrics used in the restatement setting.

Originality/value

Similar to recent papers, the present study seeks to shed further light on the ability of Basu-based coupled with Khan–Watts-based measures of conservatism to detect situations in which companies' earnings are known to be significantly restated.
Does entrepreneurial leadership encourage innovation work behavior? The mediating role of creative self-efficacy and support for innovation
Authors: Akbari Morteza , Bagheri Afsaneh , Imani Saheb , Asadnezhad Mohammad
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The crucial importance of innovation leadership for high technology small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) has been suggested in the literature. However, few studies empirically examined the impact of leadership style on innovation work behavior (IWB) of employees in the context of SMEs. Furthermore, our knowledge is limited about how leaders of high technology SMEs influence the IWB of their employees. The present study explores the effect of entrepreneurial leadership on IWB of employees and introduces creative self-efficacy and support for innovation as the mechanisms through which the leaders encourage their employees' IWB in information and communications technology (ICT) SMEs in Iran.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample was selected from high technology ICT SMEs using the simple random sampling method and included 175 CEOs and owner-managers of the businesses. We used validated questionnaires to test the hypothesized relationships between entrepreneurial leadership, IWB, creative self-efficacy and support for innovation.

Findings

The findings show that entrepreneurial leadership has a significant and positive impact on IWB of employees in ICT SMEs. Furthermore, employees’ creative self-efficacy and leaders’ support for innovation mediate the relationship between entrepreneurial leadership and IWB. Implications of the results and suggestions for developing IWB among the employees of high technology SMEs are suggested.

Originality/value

The study makes important contributions to both entrepreneurial leadership and the innovation behavior literature and theory development specifically in high technology SMEs in the transitioning economy of Iran. The findings also contribute to the existing empirical studies on how entrepreneurial leadership affects IWB of employees by examining the mediating role of creative self-efficacy and support for innovation and in the settings of ICT high technology SMEs.
Mandatory integrated reporting disclosure and corporate misreporting
Authors: Hoang Thinh Gia , Vu Trang Kieu , Nguyen Ha Tuyet , Luu Hiep Ngoc
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to enrich our understanding of whether mandatory IR adoption lures firm into misreporting or forces them to reduce it.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical analysis is carried out based on the sample containing all publicly listed firms in South Africa. Many different rigorous econometric techniques are adopted to thoroughly evaluate whether corporate misreporting practices increase or decrease following the mandatory adoption of IR.

Findings

The empirical results reveal that mandatory IR disclosure results in a decline in the misreporting practices of firms. The authors further find that as firms increasingly comply with the IR guidelines, especially with the “Content Elements” and “Guiding Principles,” their misreporting levels decrease.

Research limitations/implications

This study has implications for a wide range of stakeholders, especially for regulatory authorities, international policymakers and regulators, as well as users of integrated reports of listed firms on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE).

Practical implications

Regulatory authorities should be aware of misreporting determinants to set adequate and fitting corporate reporting standards that restrict the opportunistic behaviour of managers and amend IR guidelines to make them more comprehensible for integrated report preparers, therefore improves the implementation of IR.

Social implications

This study sheds light on the current state and consequences of IR adoption in South Africa before and after the mandatory IR disclosure requirement, thus, international policymakers and regulators can refer to the critical aspects in our findings when considering whether to support IR mandatory adoption in their markets.

Originality/value

This paper sheds light on the emerging debate over the usefulness of IR and the necessity of mandatorily adopting this new reporting framework. In addition, by showing that the mandatory adoption of IR significantly reduces corporate misreporting practices, we also contribute to the literature on corporate misreporting behaviour.
The relationship between the audit committee, internal audit and firm performance
Authors: Alzeban Abdulaziz
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This study explores the role played by audit committees (ACs) in illuminating the effectiveness of internal audit (IA) as a facilitator of the achievement of organisational goals, specifically examining whether the AC mediates the relationship between IA and firm performance (FP).

Design/methodology/approach

Data are gathered from survey questionnaires directed to chief internal auditors (CIAs) and from the annual reports of 119 listed companies in Saudi Arabia (SA) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression and mediation tests are used to assess the study’s hypotheses.

Findings

The findings indicate that the independence of the AC and having members with accounting and auditing expertise mediate the effects of IA independence and size on FP. However, no such mediation is found with respect to IA competence and FP. Further, AC meetings do not mediate the effects of IA characteristics on FP. Additional measures of the tested variables determine the robustness of the obtained findings.

Originality/value

While much research examines the relationship between FP and corporate governance (CG) mechanisms, this study considers IA, as a key element of CG, and its impact on FP, which has received more limited attention. Hence, the findings contribute to the literature by providing new understandings regarding IA as a component of CG and its relationship with FP. Furthermore, they bring additional evidence of the influence of IA upon FP, which is mediated by AC independence and expertise.
Adherence to expense report approval control: an application of the theory of planned behavior
Authors: Héroux Sylvie , Fortin Anne , Goupil Céline
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This study aims to identify sociocognitive determinants of managers' adherence to the expense report approval control. A behavioral view of control was adopted, drawing on the theory of planned behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

Managers authorized to approve subordinates' expense reports in three large organizations were surveyed.

Findings

Results indicate that managers' perception of overall consequences (for the organization or for themselves) resulting from their adherence to the expense report approval control (attitude) and their perception of control over the approval (perceived behavioral control) are positively related to their intention to adhere to the expense report approval control, while their perceived pressures from important referents in that matter (subjective norm) are not.

Research limitations/implications

By adopting a behavioral view of control to examine individual-level adherence, this study contributes to the accounting literature. By focusing on a positive response to control (adherence), it contributes specifically to the literature on control effectiveness and acts as a counterpoint to the abundant literature on negative control responses such as fraud.

Practical implications

Results could help organizations identify motivations and barriers to managers' adherence to expense report approval control. This could help reduce losses, improve asset safeguarding and provide insights into the understanding of behavioral/individual factors that can influence the application of other control policies and procedures.

Originality/value

The study defines and measures the “adherence” construct in a control context.
Development of a tool to measure social entrepreneurial orientation
Authors: Sulphey M.M. , Salim Ansa
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Social entrepreneurial orientation (SEO) is an evolving concept. Though adequate literature has been accumulated about the concept, there is a lack of appropriate tool to measure individual SEO. The tools presently available mostly measure organizational SEO. The purpose of this study is to develop and validate a tool to measure the concept of individual SEO.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for the study was collected using a questionnaire, from 342 randomly collected samples. Various time-tested methods and statistical techniques, including exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, were used to scientifically construct and validate the scale.

Findings

In tune with the purpose of this study, a 4-factor, 13-item SEO scale has been developed and scientifically validated through various acceptable and proven techniques. The developed tool is ideal to measure the orientation toward social entrepreneurship.

Originality/value

A review of literature revealed that there is paucity of a scientific tool to measure individual SEO. The study has succeeded in bridging this gap by constructing and validating a scale to measure SEO. This tool, it is expected, will help social scientists, academicians and researchers in conducting empirical examinations about SEO.
The differential effects of government support, inter-firm collaboration and firm resources on SME performance in a developing economy
Authors: Zulu-Chisanga Stella , Chabala Mwansa , Mandawa-Bray Bernadette
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Notwithstanding that there has been increasing attention on factors that enhance SME performance in developing economies, there is a dearth of studies explicitly investigating the roles of government support systems and inter-firm collaboration. Drawing on the resource-based view (RBV) of the firm and institutional theories, this study aims to model and examine how government support, inter-firm collaboration and managerial ties affect SME performance and further explores how firm specific resources mediate the relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research design was used. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire from 438 SMEs operating in Zambia, a developing Sub-Saharan African country. Hierarchical linear regression and SPSS PROCESS macro were used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Findings indicate that managerial ties have both a direct and indirect effect, through firm resources, on financial performance. Also, the relationship between inter-firm collaboration and financial performance is fully mediated by firm resources. Surprisingly, results reveal that government support does not have a significant effect on SME financial performance.

Practical implications

The study has important implications for SME managers and policy makers. It demonstrates that inter-firm collaborations and managerial ties enhance a firm’s financial performance. It also highlights the view that SMEs need to have firm specific resources to transform external resources, accessed from inter-firm relationships, into superior performance. SME policy makers are advised to focus more on policies and support mechanisms that promote inter-firm relationships at firm and managerial levels.

Originality/value

This study is one of the few studies to empirically show that the differential effects of inter-firm collaboration and managerial ties on SME performance are channeled through firm resources, in an under-researched developing Sub-Saharan African economy context. The study is also one of the few studies to reveal that government support is not significantly related to SME performance. Therefore, it provides valuable insights which could be applied to other developing countries with characteristics similar to Zambia.
Teacher disappointment: subjective definitions, factors and consequences
Authors: Grossman Shira , Oplatka Izhar
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of the current study was to explore the feeling of disappointment among teachers, their subjective definition of this feeling, the sources of their disappointment and its consequences.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 Israeli teachers.

Findings

From an analysis of the teachers' accounts it was clear that teachers attribute great importance to the feeling of disappointment and consider it to be an inherent part of their work in school. Furthermore, their accounts provide insight into the importance of two main factors – the teachers' role partners and the educational system. These factors are perceived by the interviewees to have much influence on teachers' sense of disappointment, which ultimately leads to implications for daily life in school and for the teachers themselves.

Originality/value

The uniqueness of this study is reflected in both its theoretical and practical aspects. First, the aim of this study is to deepen the concept of disappointment within the educational context. Second, the importance of this study is in presenting the feeling of disappointment from an unexplored venue – the teachers' subjective perspective. Addressing these aspects may increase our understanding of emotions in education, in general, and help focus the discussion on teacher disappointment, in particular.
Whiteleg shrimp shell powder ameliorates adiponectin and triglyceride-to-HDL ratio in type 2 diabetic rats
Authors: Ayuningtyas Annisa , Agustini Tri Winarni , Djamiatun Kis
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Adiponectin, a bioactive molecule produced by adipose tissue, has potential effect in increasing insulin sensitivity. Adiponectin levels reduction is associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its complications, including cardiovascular disease (CVD). Triglyceride-to-high-density lipoprotein (TG:HDL) ratio can be used as a predictor of CVD risk in T2DM patients. Whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) shell contains astaxanthin, macro- and micro-nutrients that may exert synergistic beneficial effects. This study aims to determine the effect of L. vannamei shell powder (LVSP) in improving adiponectin, TG, HDL and TG:HDL of T2DM Wistar rat, and to investigate the presence of any correlations between adiponectin and lipid markers.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 25 male Wistar rats were divided into five equal groups: control negative [C(−)], control positive [C(+)], treatments 1, 2 and 3 (T1, T2 and T3, respectively). C(+), T1, T2 and T3 were maintained on a high-fat diet for 14 days before streptozotocin (STZ) injection. T1 and T2 groups were administered two different doses of LVSP, while T3 group was provided astaxanthin supplement (AST).

Findings

LVSP treatments significantly increase adiponectin (p = 0.04) and HDL (p < 0.001) but reduced TG (p < 0.001) and TG:HDL (p < 0.001). A higher LVSP dose was more effective in improving all markers than the lower dose; moreover, there was a comparable effect as that of AST in increasing the adiponectin levels. Strong correlations were observed between adiponectin and lipid markers.

Originality/value

This study shows that LVSP as a functional food, can ameliorate adiponectin levels and normalizes blood glucose levels. The LVSP reduces the risk of CVD because of the reduction of TG:HDL.
miR‐205‐5p inhibits psoriasis‐associated proliferation and angiogenesis: Wnt/β‐catenin and mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling pathway are involved
Authors: Xue Yadong , Liu Yingying , Bian Xiaohui , Zhang Yu , Li Yuzhen , Zhang Qitao , Yin Mingzhu
Published: June 2020

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease, and the mechanism remains unknown. The present study found that the level of miR‐205‐5p was downregulated in psoriatic skin tissues. miR‐205‐5p inhibited proliferation in HaCaT cells. miR‐205‐5p impaired proliferation, migration and tube formation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Angiopoietin (Ang)‐2, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFA) and bone morphogenetic protein and activin membrane‐bound inhibitor (BAMBI) were confirmed as the targets of miR‐205‐5p. Moreover, miR‐205‐5p suppressed the phosphorylation of p38 and extracellular regulated protein kinase, and inhibited expression level of β‐catenin. In vivo, miR‐205‐5p significantly alleviated imiquimod (IMQ)‐induced psoriasis in mice, and deactivated mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and Wnt/β‐catenin pathways. In summary, we demonstrated that miR‐205‐5p alleviated IMQ‐induced psoriasis in mice by restraining epidermal hyperproliferation and excessive neovascularization. miR‐205‐5p may play its roles by targeting Ang‐2, VEGFA and BAMBI, and deactivating the Wnt/β‐catenin and MAPK signaling pathways. These findings may provide a potential therapeutic target for clinical treatment of psoriasis.
Immunotherapy employing dendritic cell vaccination for patients with advanced or relapsed esophageal cancer
Authors: Ogasawara Masahiro , Miyashita Mamiko , Yamagishi Yuka , Ota Shuichi
Published: June 2020

The prognosis of patients with advanced esophageal cancer is poor despite the recent introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors. In the present pilot study, we have evaluated the safety and the feasibility of Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1) peptide‐pulsed dendritic cell (DC) vaccination in combination with OK‐432 in patients with advanced or relapsed esophageal cancer. Fifteen eligible patients were enrolled. No severe adverse events related to the vaccinations were observed. Objective response rate and disease control rate were 20% and 40%, respectively. Median progression free survival and overall survival was 4.1 months and 7.0 months, respectively. WT1 peptide‐pulsed DC vaccinations augmented WT1specific immunity, which might be related to clinical outcome. These results indicate that DC‐based immunotherapy combined with a conventional chemotherapy is safe and feasible for patients in advanced stage of esophageal cancer.
Lower blood return temperature than core temperature as a causal factor of decreased cardiac output assessed by transpulmonary thermodilution during blood purification
Authors: Nakamura Tomoyuki , Kawaji Takahiro , Harada Tatsuhiko , Kato Yu , Moriyama Kazuhiro , Hasegawa Daisuke , Komura Hidefumi , Shibata Junpei , Yamashita Chizuru , Kuriyama Naohide , Hara Yoshitaka , Nishida Osamu
Published: June 2020

We aimed to evaluate whether cardiac output assessed by transpulmonary thermodilution during blood purification is affected by the difference between the blood return temperature and core temperature. We applied different blood return temperatures using a thermostat bath during blood purification in four pigs. After the blood return temperature stabilized and blood purification process stopped, the cardiac output assessed by transpulmonary thermodilution was measured. The thermostat bath was set at 35°C, 40°C, 45°C, and 50°C, with the order changed at random; four measurements were made at each temperature. Cardiac function was evaluated by echocardiography when ice‐cold saline was administered in a pig. A decrease in the blood return temperature resulted in decreased cardiac output assessed by transpulmonary thermodilution, whereas an increase resulted in increased cardiac output assessed by transpulmonary thermodilution. Echocardiography revealed that the change in the blood return temperature did not affect the left ventricular ejection fraction.
Nafamostat mesilate inhibits linezolid metabolism via its antioxidant effects
Authors: Kuriyama Naohide , Matsumoto Kana , Morita Kunihiko , Shimomura Yasuyo , Hara Yoshitaka , Hasegawa Daisuke , Nakamura Tomoyuki , Yamashita Chizuru , Kato Yu , Komura Hidefumi , Nishida Osamu
Published: June 2020

Patients who undergo renal replacement therapy often exhibit a high plasma linezolid concentration. Linezolid is metabolized via oxidation. Nafamostat mesilate has antioxidant effects and is frequently used as an anticoagulant during renal replacement therapy. We aimed to investigate the effect of nafamostat mesilate on plasma linezolid concentration. We examined whether the co‐administration of linezolid and nafamostat had any effect on plasma linezolid concentration. Mice were randomly allocated to two groups (n = 18/group): linezolid (100 mg kg−1, subcutaneous injection) + nafamostat (30 mg kg−1, intraperitoneal injection) and linezolid + saline. At 5 hours, the linezolid concentration was significantly higher in the linezolid + nafamostat co‐administration group than that in the linezolid + saline group (20.6 ± 9.8 vs 3.6 ± 1.2 μg/mL, respectively P < .001). The antioxidant effects of nafamostat may inhibit linezolid metabolism, resulting in the adverse event of high linezolid concentration if both are administered concurrently during renal replacement therapy.
Revisiting the host adhesion determinants of Streptococcus thermophilus siphophages
Authors: Lavelle Katherine , Goulet Adeline , McDonnell Brian , Spinelli Silvia , van Sinderen Douwe , Mahony Jennifer , Cambillau Christian
Published: June 2020

Available 3D structures of bacteriophage modules combined with predictive bioinformatic algorithms enabled the identification of adhesion modules in 57 siphophages infecting Streptococcus thermophilus (St). We identified several carbohydrate‐binding modules (CBMs) in so‐called evolved distal tail (Dit) and tail‐associated lysozyme (Tal) proteins of St phage baseplates. We examined the open reading frame (ORF) downstream of the Tal‐encoding ORF and uncovered the presence of a putative p2‐like receptor‐binding protein (RBP). A 21 Å resolution electron microscopy structure of the baseplate of cos‐phage STP1 revealed the presence of six elongated electron densities, surrounding the core of the baseplate, that harbour the p2‐like RBPs at their tip. To verify the functionality of these modules, we expressed GFP‐ or mCherry‐coupled Tal and putative RBP CBMs and observed by fluorescence microscopy that both modules bind to their corresponding St host, the putative RBP CBM with higher affinity than the Tal‐associated one. The large number of CBM functional domains in St phages suggests that they play a contributory role in the infection process, a feature that we previously described in lactococcal phages and beyond, possibly representing a universal feature of the siphophage host‐recognition apparatus.
One leaf for all: Chemical traits of single leaves measured at the leaf surface using near‐infrared reflectance spectroscopy
Authors: Petit Bon Matteo , Böhner Hanna , Kaino Sissel , Moe Torunn , Bråthen Kari Anne
Published: June 2020

The leaf is an essential unit for measures of plant ecological traits. Yet, measures of plant chemical traits are often achieved by merging several leaves, masking potential foliar variation within and among plant individuals. This is also the case with cost‐effective measures derived using near‐infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS). The calibration models developed for converting NIRS spectral information to chemical traits are typically based on spectra from merged and milled leaves. In this study, we ask whether such calibration models can be applied to spectra derived from whole leaves, providing measures of chemical traits of single leaves.

We sampled cohorts of single leaves from different biogeographic regions, growth forms, species and phenological stages to include variation in leaf and chemical traits. For each cohort, we first sampled NIRS spectra from each whole, single leaf, including leaf sizes down to Ø 4 mm (the minimum area of our NIRS application). Next, we merged, milled and tableted the leaves and sampled spectra from the cohort as a tablet. We applied arctic–alpine calibration models to all spectra and derived chemical traits. Finally, we evaluated the performance of the models in predicting chemical traits of whole, single leaves by comparing the traits derived at the level of leaves to that of the tablets.

We found that the arctic–alpine calibration models can successfully be applied to single, whole leaves for measures of nitrogen (R2 = 0.88, RMSE = 0.824), phosphorus (R2 = 0.65, RMSE = 0.081) and carbon (R2 = 0.78, RMSE = 2.199) content. For silicon content, we found the method acceptable when applied to silicon‐rich growth forms (R2 = 0.67, RMSE = 0.677). We found a considerable variation in chemical trait values among leaves within the cohorts.

This time‐ and cost‐efficient NIRS application provides non‐destructive measures of a set of chemical traits in single, whole leaves, including leaves of small sizes. The application can facilitate research into the scales of variability of chemical traits and include intra‐individual variation. Potential trade‐offs among chemical traits and other traits within the leaf unit can be identified and be related to ecological processes. In sum, this NIRS application can facilitate further ecological understanding of the role of leaf chemical traits.
Morphometrical study of the cat cerebellum using unbiased design‐based stereology
Authors: Sadeghinezhad Javad , Aghabalazadeh Asl Mahdi , Saeidi Ava , De Silva Margherita
Published: June 2020

The objective of the present study was to investigate the morphometrical features of the cat cerebellum using design‐based stereology. Cerebellar hemispheres from four male cats were examined. Isotropic, uniform random sections were obtained and processed for light microscopy. Cerebellar total volume (V), white (WM) and grey matter (GM) volume fractions, and the volumes of the molecular and granular layers were measured using the Cavalieri's estimator and the point counting system. Cerebellar surface area was estimated using test lines, and Purkinje cellular and nuclear volumes were analysed using the nucleator technique. The volume of the cat cerebellar hemispheres was 2.06 ± 0.29 cm3. The relative volume fractions of the GM and WM were 70.6 ± 2.6% and 29.3 ± 2.6%, respectively. The surface area of the cerebellar hemisphere was 68.2 ± 17.8 cm2. The volumes of the molecular and granular layers were estimated at 0.89 ± 0.16 cm3and 0.56 ± 0.1 cm3, respectively. The Purkinje cell volumes were found to be ranging from 1,717 to 28,489 µm3, of which cells with a perikaryon volume of 6,994 µm3had a higher incidence. The Purkinje nuclear volume was estimated at 440–3,561 µm3, and nuclei with a volume of 1,252 µm3were the most frequently occurring ones. Our data might contribute to the veterinary comparative neuroanatomy knowledge, help develop experimental studies in this field, and possibly lead to advancement in the diagnosis and treatment of nervous diseases in the cat.
Insights into the illegal ivory trade and status of elephants in Togo, West Africa
Authors: Segniagbeto Gabriel Hoinsoudé , Agbodji Kossi Thomas , Leuteritz Thomas E.J. , Dendi Daniele , Fa Julia E. , Luiselli Luca
Published: June 2020

In Togo, the illegal trade of African elephant (Loxodonta africana) ivory is widespread despite efforts made by the government to curtail these activities. By using data gathered from CITES institutions and natural resource management authorities in the country, we investigated the extent of ivory trafficking in Togo. We also conducted surveys in villages around protected areas, which still contain elephant populations to assess the species’ current status in the country. Our surveys indirectly corroborated that there are probably no more than 150 elephants collectively within the country's protected areas, most of them in the Fazao‐Malfakassa National Park. We also estimated that a minimum of 41.65 tons of ivory (elephant tusks and carved objects) was intercepted in Togo between 2008 and 2018. Despite the fact that presently illegal elephant hunting is unlikely in Togo, we show that this country is the entry point for ivory from Central Africa (Cameroon and Gabon). We maintain that Togo's position as an intermediary country in the illegal ivory trade is a tangible threat to elephants throughout their range countries and is also likely to affect the dwindling population of these animals in the country if adequate enforcement is not implemented.