bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
KaScape: A sequencing-based method for global characterization of protein-DNA binding affinity
Authors: Chen Hong , Xu Yongping , Jin Jianshi , Su Xiao-dong
Published: June 2023

It is difficult to exhaustively screen all possible DNA binding sequences for a given transcription factor (TF). Here, we develop a method named “KaScape”, by which, TFs bind to all possible DNA sequences in the same DNA pool where the DNA sequences are prepared by randomized oligo synthesis and the random length can be adjusted to, e.g., 4, 5, 6, or 7, etc. After separating the bound from unbound double-strand DNA, their sequences are determined by next-generation sequencing. To demonstrate the relative binding affinities of all possible DNA sequences determined by KaScape, we develop a three-dimensional KaScape viewing software based on a K-mer graph. We apply KaScape to 12 plant TF familyAtWRKY proteins and find that allAtWRKY proteins bind to the core sequence GAC with similar profiles. KaScape not only can detect binding sequences that are consistent with the consensus W-box “TTGAC(C/T)”, but also other sequences with weak affinity. KaScape provides a high-throughput, easy-to-operate, sensitive, and exhaustive method to quantitatively characterize the relative binding strength of a TF to all possible binding sequences, allowing us to comprehensively characterize the specificity and affinity landscape of transcription factors, particularly for moderate and low affinity binding sites.

Highlights

A general method, KaScape, using NGS (next-generation sequencing) with a series of random dsDNA for exhaustive characterization of protein-DNA binding.

A K-mer-based analysis and display software tool KGViewer developed to analyze the relative affinity landscape of KaScape results.
NeuronalNdst1depletion accelerates prion protein clearance and slows neurodegeneration in prion infection
Authors: Aguilar-Calvo Patricia , Malik Adela , Sandoval Daniel R. , Barback Christopher , Orrù Christina D. , Standke Heidi G. , Thomas Olivia , Dwyer Chrissa A. , Pizzo Donald P. , Bapat Jaidev , Soldau Katrin , Ogawa Ryotaro , Riley Mckenzie B. , Nilsson K. Peter R. , Kraus Allison , Caughey Byron , Iliff Jeffrey J. , Vera David , Esko Jeffrey D. , Sigurdson Christina J.
Published: June 2023

Select prion diseases are characterized by widespread cerebral plaque-like deposits of amyloid fibrils enriched in heparan sulfate (HS), a major extracellular matrix component. HS facilitates fibril formationin vitro, yet how HS impacts fibrillar plaque growth within the brain is unclear. Here we found that prion-bound HS chains are highly sulfated, and that the sulfation is essential for HS accelerating prion conversionin vitro. Using conditional knockout mice to deplete the HS sulfation enzyme, Ndst1 (N-deacetylase, N-sulfotransferase), from neurons or astrocytes, we investigated how reducing HS sulfation impacts survival and prion aggregate distribution during a prion infection. Neuronal Ndst1-depleted mice survived longer and showed fewer and smaller parenchymal plaques, shorter fibrils, and increased vascular amyloid, consistent with enhanced aggregate transit toward perivascular drainage channels. The prolonged survival was strain-dependent, affecting mice infected with extracellular, plaque-forming, but not membrane bound, prion strains. Live PET imaging revealed rapid clearance of prion protein monomers into the CSF in mice expressing unsulfated HS, further suggesting that HS sulfate groups hinder transit of extracellular prion monomers. Our results directly show how a host cofactor slows the spread of prion protein through the extracellular space and identify an enzyme target to facilitate aggregate clearance.

Author summary

Prions cause a rapidly progressive neurologic disease and death with no curative treatment available. Prion aggregates accumulate exponentially in the brain in affected individuals triggering neuronal loss and neuroinflammation. Yet the additional molecules that facilitate aggregation are largely unknown, and their identification may lead to new therapeutic targets. We have found that prions in the brain preferentially bind to a highly sulfated endogenous polysaccharide, known as heparan sulfate (HS). Here we use genetically modified mice that express poorly sulfated neuron-derived HS, and infect mice with different prions strains. We find that the mice infected with a plaque-forming prion strain show a prolonged survival and fewer plaques compared to the controls. We also found that the prion protein was efficiently transported in the interstitial fluid in mice having poorly sulfated HS, suggesting that the prion protein is more readily cleared from the brain. Our study provides insight into how HS retains prion aggregates in the brain to accelerate disease and indicates the specific HS biosynthetic enzymes to target for enhancing protein clearance.
WITHDRAWN: Knockout of HD domain 5’-nucleotidase inT. bruceitriggers cell death linked to DNA damage and downregulation of glutamine uptake
Authors: Deng Yue Wen , Pontikos Michael A. , Baniasadi Hamid , Williams Noelle S. , Phillips Margaret A.
Published: June 2023

Withdrawal Statement

The authors have withdrawn their manuscript because we have uncovered problems with the reliability of some data in the manuscript. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as reference for the project. If you have any questions, please contact the corresponding author.
Meta-metabolomic Responses of River Biofilms to Cobalt Exposure and Use of Dose-response Model Trends as an Indicator of Effects
Authors: Colas Simon , Marie Benjamin , Milhe-Poutingon Mathieu , Lot Marie-Claire , Boullemant Amiel , Fortin Claude , Le Faucheur Séverine
Published: June 2023

Metabolites are low molecular-weight molecules produced during cellular metabolism. The global expression of the meta-metabolome (metabolomics at the community level) could thus potentially be used to characterize the exposure of an organism or a community to a specific stressor. Here, the meta-metabolomic fingerprints of mature biofilms were examined after 1, 3 and 7 days of exposure to five concentrations of cobalt (0, 1 x 10-7, 1 x 10-6, 5 x 10-6and 1 x 10-5M) in aquatic microcosms. The global changes in meta-metabolomic fingerprints were in good agreement with those of the other biological parameters studied (cobalt bioaccumulation, biomass, chlorophyll content). To better understand the dose-responses of the biofilm meta-metabolome, the untargeted LC-HRMS metabolomic data were further processed using the DRomics tool to build dose-response model curves and to calculate benchmark doses (BMD). These BMDs were aggregated into an empirical cumulative density function. A trend analysis of the metabolite dose-response curves suggests the presence of a concentration range inducing defense mechanisms (CRIDeM) between 4.7 x 10-7and 2.7 x 10-6M, and of a concentration range inducing damage mechanisms (CRIDaM) from 2.7 x 10-6M to the highest Co concentration. The present study demonstrates that the molecular defense and damage mechanisms can be related to contaminant concentrations and represent a promising approach for environmental risk assessment of metals.

SYNOPSIS

This study focuses on the interpretation of the metabolite dose-response trends in river biofilms exposed to cobalt to identify concentration range inducing cellular mechanisms and improve the environmental risk assessment of metals.
SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern exhibit differential gastro-intestinal tropism and pathogenesis in the Syrian golden hamster model
Authors: Nagaraj Santhosh K. , Joy Christy M. , Narayan Rohan , Shiraz Rishad , Kaur Sumandeep , Khatun Oyahida , Dubey Sagar , Tripathi Shashank
Published: June 2023

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has taken its toll on worldwide public health infrastructure. SARS-CoV-2 is reported to exhibit wide tissue tropism, contributing to its severe pathogenicity that often culminates in multiple-organ failure. The onslaught of this disease has intensified due to the emergence of variants of concern (VOC), such as Delta and Omicron. These variants have been linked to gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, suggesting a potential fecal-oral route of viral transmission. Here we compared the broad tissue tropism of ancestral Hong-Kong SARS-CoV-2 (SARS-CoV-2 HK) against Delta and Omicron VOCs in aa hamster model by analyzing tissue samples collected from the upper and lower respiratory system and the GI tract. We observed an overall increase in vRNA load and pro- inflammatory cytokines, especially in GI tracts of animals infected with Delta virus, indicating selective virus tropism and pathology in these tissues. However, no apparent spike in Delta viral load was observed in the large intestine and fecal matter. Overall, our research investigates the wide range of tissues that various SARS-CoV-2 strains can infect in hamsters and presents evidence supporting the increased preference of Delta VOCs for infecting the GI tract.
CRISPR-dependent base editing screens identify separation of function mutants of RADX with altered RAD51 regulatory activity
Authors: Adolph Madison B. , Garje Atharv S. , Balakrishnan Swati , Morati Florian , Modesti Mauro , Chazin Walter J. , Cortez David
Published: June 2023

RAD51 forms nucleoprotein filaments to promote homologous recombination, replication fork reversal, and fork protection. Numerous factors regulate the stability of these filaments and improper regulation leads to genomic instability and ultimately disease including cancer. RADX is a single stranded DNA binding protein that modulates RAD51 filament stability. Here, we utilize a CRISPR-dependent base editing screen to tile mutations acrossRADXto delineate motifs required for RADX function. We identified separation of function mutants of RADX that bind DNA and RAD51 but have a reduced ability to stimulate its ATP hydrolysis activity. Cells expressing these RADX mutants accumulate RAD51 on chromatin, exhibit replication defects, have reduced growth, accumulate DNA damage, and are hypersensitive to DNA damage and replication stress. These results indicate that RADX must bind RAD51 and promote RAD51 ATP turnover to regulate RAD51 and genome stability during DNA replication.
Pyranthiones/Pyrones: “Click and Release” Donors for Subcellular Hydrogen Sulfide Delivery and Labeling
Authors: Huang Wei , Escorihuela Jorge , Laughlin Scott T.
Published: June 2023

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), one of the most important gasotransmitters, plays a critical role in endogenous signaling pathways of many diseases. However, developing H2S donors with both tunable release kinetics and high release efficiency for subcellular delivery has been challenging. Here, we describe a click and release reaction between pyrone/pyranthiones and bicyclononyne (BCN). This reaction features a release of CO2/COS with second-order rate constants comparable to Strain-Promoted Azide-Alkyne Cycloaddition reactions (SPAACs). Interestingly, pyranthiones showed enhanced reaction rates compared to their pyrone counterparts. We investigated pyrone biorthogonality and demonstrated their utility in protein labeling applications. Moreover, we synthesized substituted pyranthiones with H2S release kinetics that can address the range of physiologically relevant H2S dynamics in cells and achieved quantitative H2S release efficiencyin vitro. Finally, we explored the potential of pyranthiones as H2S/COS donors for mitochondrial-targeted H2S delivery in living cells.
Stimulus-specific enhancement of responses in mouse primary visual cortex mediated by GABA release from VIP cells
Authors: Kaneko Megumi , Hoseini Mahmood S. , Waschek James A , Stryker Michael P.
Published: June 2023

When adult mice are repeatedly exposed to a particular visual stimulus for as little as one hour per day for several days while their visual cortex (V1) is in the high-gain state produced by locomotion, that specific stimulus elicits much stronger responses in V1 neurons for the following several weeks, even when measured in anesthetized animals. Such stimulus-specific enhancement (SSE) is not seen if locomotion is prevented. The effect of locomotion on cortical responses is mediated by vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) positive interneurons, which can release both the peptide and the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. Here we used genetic ablation to determine which of those molecules secreted by VIP-ergic neurons is responsible for SSE. SSE was not impaired by VIP deletion but was prevented by compromising release of GABA from VIP cells. This finding suggests that SSE may result from Hebbian mechanisms that remain present in adult V1.

SIGNIFICANCE

Many neurons package and release a peptide along with a conventional neurotransmitter. The conventional view is that such peptides exert late, slow effects on plasticity. We studied a form of cortical plasticity that depends on the activity of neurons that express both vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. GABA release accounted for their action on plasticity, with no effect of deleting the peptide on this phenomenon.
A low dimensional manifold of human exploratory behavior reveals opposing roles for apathy and anxiety
Authors: Yan Xinyuan , Ebitz R. Becket , Grissom Nicola , Darrow David P. , Herman Alexander B.
Published: June 2023

Exploration-exploitation decision-making is a feature of daily life that is altered in a number of neuropsychiatric conditions. Humans display a range of exploration and exploitation behaviors, which can be affected by apathy and anxiety. It remains unknown how factors underlying decision-making generate the spectrum of observed exploration-exploitation behavior and how they relate to states of anxiety and apathy. Here, we report a latent structure underlying sequential exploration and exploitation decisions that explains variation in anxiety and apathy. 1001 participants in a gender-balanced sample completed a three-armed restless bandit task along with psychiatric symptom surveys. Using dimensionality reduction methods, we found that decision sequences reduced to a low-dimensional manifold. The axes of this manifold explained individual differences in thebalancebetween states of exploration and exploitation and thestabilityof those states, as determined by a statistical mechanics model of decision-making. Position along the balance axis was correlated with opposing symptoms of behavioral apathy and anxiety, while position along the stability axis correlated with the level of emotional apathy. This result resolves a paradox over how these symptoms can be correlated in samples but have opposite effects on behavior. Furthermore, this work provides a basis for using behavioral manifolds to reveal relationships between behavioral dynamics and affective states, with important implications for behavioral measurement approaches to neuropsychiatric conditions.
Correlation between plant cell wall stiffening and root extension arrest phenotype in the combined abiotic stress of Fe and Al
Authors: Kaur Harinderbir , Teulon Jean-Marie , Godon Christian , Desnos Thierry , Chen Shu-wen W. , Pellequer Jean-Luc
Published: June 2023

The plasticity and growth of plant cell walls (CWs) remain poorly understood at the molecular level. In this work, we used atomic force microscopy (AFM) to observe elastic responses of the root transition zone of 4-day-oldArabidopsis thalianawild type andalmt1mutant seedlings grown under Fe or Al stresses. The elastic parameters were deduced from force-distance measurements by AFM using the trimechanic-3PCS framework. In all metal stresses tested, the presence of single metal species Fe2+or Al3+at 10 µM exerts no noticeable effect on the root growth compared with the control conditions. On the contrary, a mix of both the metal ions produced a strong root extension arrest concomitant with significant increase of CW stiffness. This was not found for thealmt1mutant which substantially abolishes the ability to exude malate. By raising the concentration of either Fe2+or Al3+to 20 µM, no root extension arrest was observed; nevertheless, a rise of root stiffness occurred. Our results indicate that the combination of Fe2+and Al3+with exuded malate is crucial for both CW stiffening and root extension arrest. However, stiffness increase induced by single Fe or Al metal is not sufficient for arresting root growth.

Summary statement

We record the change in stiffness of the external primary cell wall of livingArabidopsis thalianaseedlings in presence of metallic stress using atomic force microscopy. Results reveals for the first time the uncoupling between mechanical response (CW stiffening) and root extension arrest.
Patterning ganglionic eminences in developing human brain organoids using morphogen gradient inducing device
Authors: Pavon Narciso , Diep Karmen , Yang Feiyu , Sebastian Rebecca , Martinez-Martin Beatriz , Ranjan Ravi , Sun Yubing , Pak ChangHui
Published: June 2023

In early neurodevelopment, the central nervous system is established through the coordination of various neural organizers directing tissue patterning and cell differentiation. Better recapitulation of morphogen gradient production and signaling will be crucial for establishing improved developmental models of the brainin vitro. Here, we developed a method by assembling polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) devices capable of generating a sustained chemical gradient to produce patterned brain organoids, which we termedMorphogen-gradientInducedBrainOrganoids (MIBOs). At 3.5 weeks, MIBOs replicated Dorsal-Ventral patterning observed in the Ganglionic Eminence (GE). Analysis of matured MIBOs through single-cell RNA sequencing revealed distinct Dorsal GE derived CALB2+ interneurons (INs), Medium Spiny Neurons (MSNs), and MGE derived cell types. Finally, we demonstrate long term culturing capabilities with MIBOs maintaining stable neural activity in cultures grown up to 5.5 months. MIBOs demonstrate a versatile approach for generating spatially patterned brain organoids for embryonic development and disease modeling.

Motivation

The use of small molecules for the guided differentiation of brain organoids has proven to be a useful tool for modeling various aspects of early neurodevelopment. Still, the embryonic brain is patterned through a combination of morphogen gradients stemming from organizer regions. To address this inconsistency, we designed a device capable of mimicking neural organizers by maintaining a steady morphogen gradient. We used this device to expose forebrain organoids to multiple gradient conditions and cataloged the diversity of cell types produced.
Whether corporate social responsibility is used to suppress earnings management practices and could corporate governance mechanisms prevent them? An empirical study
Authors: Dissanayake Sulochana , Ajward Roshan , Dissanayake Dilini
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study examines whether managers adopt corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosures to suppress earnings management practices and whether corporate governance mechanisms could limit such practices.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative approach was followed, in which secondary data from listed firms from 2014 to 2019 were gathered. Descriptive statistics and inferential techniques were performed, which included correlation, ordered logistic regression and 2SLS panel regression analyses.

Findings

The findings indicate that firms use CSR disclosure to conceal managers' opportunistic behaviour via earnings management as an entrenchment strategy and that corporate governance mechanisms could significantly constrain such behaviour.

Research limitations/implications

This study goes beyond the conventional agency theory by incorporating additional theoretical perspectives from stakeholder and legitimacy theories, resulting in a multi-theoretical perspective in conceptualizing the study.

Practical implications

The findings are expected to have significant policy implications, especially in limiting the opportunistic use of CSR disclosures and reducing earnings management practices to safeguard stakeholders' interests and ensure the sustainability of business entities.

Originality/value

The levels of CSR and board governance practices are captured using comprehensive indices. Moreover, earnings management was operationalized using both accrual-based and real earnings management proxies. Furthermore, while addressing an empirical dearth noted, the findings provide significant policy implications for limiting managers' opportunistic and unethical use of CSR disclosures with corporate governance mechanisms.
Magneto-bioconvection flow in a porous annulus between circular cylinders containing oxytactic microorganisms and NEPCM
Authors: Alsedais Noura , Al-Hanaya Amal , Aly Abdelraheem M.
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate magnetic impacts on bioconvection flow within a porous annulus between an outer cylinder and five inner cylinders. The annulus is filled by oxytactic microorganisms and nano-encapsulated phase change materials.

Design/methodology/approach

The modified ISPH method based on the time-fractional derivative is applied to solve the regulating equations in Lagrangian dimensionless forms. The pertinent factors are bioconvection Rayleigh number Rab (1–100), circular cylinder’s radius Rc (0.1–0.3), fractional time derivative α (0.95–1), Darcy parameter Da (10−5–10−2), nanoparticle parameter ϕ (0–0.1), Hartmann number Ha (0–50), Lewis number Le (1–20), Peclet number Pe (0.1–0.75), s (0.1–0.9), number of cylinders NCylinders (1–4), Rayleigh number Ra (103–106) and fusion temperature θf (0.005–0.9).

Findings

The simulations revealed that there is a strong enhancement in the velocity field according to an increase in Rab. The intensity and location of the phase zone change in response to changes in θf. The time-fractional derivative a acting on a nanofluid velocity and flow characteristics in an annulus. The number of embedded cylinders NCylinders is playing a significant role in the cooling processes and as NCylinders increases from 1 to 4, the velocity field’s maximum reduces by almost 33.3%.

Originality/value

The novelty of this study is examining the impacts of the magnetic field and the presence of several numbers of embedded cylinders on bioconvection flow within a porous annulus between an outer cylinder and five inner cylinders.
Vulnerable customers' perception of corporate social responsibility in the banking sector in a post-crisis context
Authors: Monferrer Tirado Diego , Vidal-Meliá Lidia , Cardiff John , Quille Keith
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This research aims to determine to what extent corporate social responsibility (CSR) actions developed by bank entities in Spain improve the vulnerable customers' emotions and quality perception of the banking service. Consequently, this increases the quality of their relationship regarding satisfaction, trust and engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from 734 vulnerable banking customers were analyzed through structural equations modeling (EQS 6.2) to test the relationships of the proposed variables.

Findings

Vulnerable customers' emotional disposition exerts a strong influence on their perceived service quality. The antecedent effect is concentrated primarily on the CSR towards the client, with a residual secondary weight on the CSR towards society. These positive service emotions are determinants of the outcome quality perceived by vulnerable customers, directly in terms of higher satisfaction and trust and indirectly through engagement.

Practical implications

This research contributes to understanding how financial service providers should adapt to the specific characteristics and needs of vulnerable clients by adopting a strategy of approach, personalization and humanization of the service that seems to move away from the actions implemented by the banking industry in recent years.

Originality/value

This study has adopted a theoretical and empirical perspective on the impact of CSR on service emotions and outcome quality of vulnerable banking customers. Moreover, banks can adopt a dual conception of CSR: a macro and external scope toward society and a micro and internal scope toward customers.
Seize the favorable impression: how hosts should manage positive online reviews
Authors: Wang Bo , Jia Ting
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Positive reviews can enrich the favorable impression of peer-to-peer accommodation products, and seizing this impression is vital for hosts. This study aims to focus on hosts’ response strategies to positive reviews and their effects.

Design/methodology/approach

This study categorizes hosts’ response strategies to positive reviews into cordial and tailoring responses. This study empirically analyzes the influence of these response strategies on subsequent review volumes using 1,283 valid listings and zero-inflation negative binomial regression models.

Findings

While hosts use cordial responses more, tailoring responses are more likely to drive subsequent reviews. In addition, when the host chooses entirely shared accommodation or sets a high price, the facilitating effect of the two response strategies on subsequent reviews weakens.

Research limitations/implications

This study enriches the knowledge system on managerial responses by proposing two specific response strategies to positive reviews that can be adopted by peer-to-peer accommodation hosts and by finding the promoting impact of these strategies on subsequent review volumes.

Practical implications

This study recommends that peer-to-peer accommodation hosts adopt cordial and tailoring responses to encourage subsequent consumer reviewing behavior.

Originality/value

As an early attempt to explore hosts’ responses to positive reviews and their impacts on subsequent review volumes, this study provides valuable insights into further research on positive review response strategies in the digital space.
The bright and dark sides of ESG during the COVID-19 pandemic: evidence from China hospitality industry
Authors: Lin Yongjia , Lu Zhenye , Fan Di , Zheng Zhen
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the bright and dark sides of environmental, social and governance (ESG) during the COVID-19 pandemic, including both the outbreak and recovery periods, for the Chinese hospitality industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Using panel data of 564 firm-quarter observations from 2018 to 2020, the authors adopt fixed-effects regression estimation with standard errors clustered at the firm level. To address potential endogeneity concerns, the authors also use the two-stage least squares estimator with instrumental variables.

Findings

The results suggest that ESG plays different roles in market- and accounting-based performance during the COVID-19 outbreak and recovery periods. Specifically, ESG practices show a bright side as a reputation builder to mitigate the negative pandemic impact on market-based performance, whereas the dark side of ESG practices consumes firm resources to aggravate the negative pandemic impact on accounting-based performance during the coronavirus outbreak. These results also suggest hospitality companies benefit bountifully from ESG practices during the COVID-19 recovery.

Practical implications

ESG plays a vital role for hospitality firms by providing insurance-like protection during and after the COVID-19 outbreak. Additionally, hospitality firms should evaluate their capability to adapt resource-consuming ESG practices.

Originality/value

Existing hospitality COVID-19 studies have investigated the effect of ESG on firm performance within a short period with mixed results. This study extends the literature by showing the different effects of ESG practices on market- and accounting-based performance during the COVID-19 outbreak and recovery periods.
Deciphering factors that make a narcissistically loved salon brand
Authors: Sarkar Abhigyan , Gahlot Sarkar Juhi , Jain Kokil , Sharma Isha
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This research is conducted in the context of beauty salons in India, to investigate how enhanced perceived acceptance in interpersonal relationships through consuming beauty salon services can generate narcissistic brand love among consumers via the mediation of brand happiness. It also investigates the moderating impact of consumer's anxious interpersonal attachment style and cynicism on the relationship between perceived salon brand-interpersonal acceptance goal congruence and salon brand happiness.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the hypothesized relationships, a survey was conducted among 225 regular consumers of beauty salon brands. The data were analyzed using Hayes' (2017) process macro in SPSS.

Findings

The results suggest that perceived goal congruence between beauty salon brand-interpersonal acceptance positively influences brand happiness, which in turn predicts consumer's narcissistic brand love. Consumer's anxious interpersonal attachment style positively moderates the effect of brand-interpersonal acceptance goal congruence on brand happiness, while cynicism negatively moderates the path.

Originality/value

Value of the study lies in extending interpersonal acceptance and rejection (IPAR) theory to the domain of consumer–salon brand relationship, to posit that if salon brands satisfy consumers' interpersonal acceptance goals, there is a potential for such happy consumers to love the salon brand, albeit narcissistically.
Prison to desistance: (re)integration and aftercare for those released from prison
Authors: Youssef Carollyne
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Most prisoners are eventually returned to their communities, making their transition into the community and aftercare a fundamental aspect of successful re-entry. This paper aims to explore the stages of someone’s reintegration from pre-release, through to reintegration and desistance and consider the factors relevant to the re-entry process for those who have offended and how to enhance this process. The aim of this paper was twofold; first to highlight the various factors and issues involved in the re-entry and reintegration process, particularly for those who are released after imprisonment and, second, to consider the significance of aftercare services in facilitating this process.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper opted for a brief review of the literature regarding incarceration and reintegration and some of the gaps in the literature. This paper will commence with a discussion of the effects of imprisonment on those who are incarcerated, then a consideration of the re-entry process, followed by a discussion of the reintegration process and desistance. Following will be reflections regarding the implications for practice. A case study is used to illustrate these points.

Findings

The current paper proposes a framework by which organisations and service providers working with those who are released from prison can use or incorporate into their practice to enhance aftercare support. The case study is used as an example to further illustrate this.

Practical implications

Implications for practice are also considered as well as recommendations to aid the re-entry and aftercare process. Suggestions are also offered to those agencies that are responsible for the provision of aftercare services for those released from prison.

Originality/value

This paper offers some considerations regarding the importance of the preparing and planning for release with a specific focus on aftercare services and their role in the re-entry and reintegration process.
The effective measurement of shared leadership: a multi-scale comparison
Authors: Spedding Jason , Brough Paula , Hawkes Amy Jane , Chan Xi Wen
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Due to the proliferation of measures (and conceptualisations) employed to assess shared leadership behaviours, it is unclear to researchers and practitioners which specific team behaviours should be encouraged and which measures should be included in research to enhance team effectiveness outcomes. To address this issue, this research tests 11 shared leadership scales to identify which measures and behaviours exhibit the strongest relationship with team effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

This research utilises survey methods (n = 328) to test the measurement of shared leadership using 11 previously validated scales. This novel approach uses structural equation modelling techniques (SEM) to compare and contrast multiple measures targeting a single underlying construct.

Findings

Across the 11 measures tested (drawn from three theoretical perspectives), no single scale demonstrated a superior ability to assess shared leadership (based on model-fit and effect size exhibited). Nevertheless, the results indicated that measures assessing shared transformational leadership were most highly related to team effectiveness; whilst the shared leadership density measure (using social network techniques) exhibited the weakest relationship.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations of this research include the use of a student sample (although participants were screened based on their current employment in a team environment), and the individual assessment of shared leadership rather than team assessment. These findings indicate that shared transformational leadership behaviours are highly related to perceptions of team effectiveness. It is recommended future research define and delineate between constructs of interest, including general forms shared leadership (i.e. shared leadership broadly defined) and more specific forms of shared leadership (e.g. shared transformational leadership [narrowly defined]).

Practical implications

It is recommended that interventions and/or training designed to enhance team shared leadership outcomes should specifically target shared transformational leadership behaviours; especially when aiming to increase beneficial team outcomes such as effectiveness or potency.

Originality/value

This research is novel in both advancing our understanding of the shared leadership behaviours needed to enhance team effectiveness; and in methodological approaches comparing and contrasting multiple measures of a single latent construct.
Tour leaders and guides’ multiple mentoring functions: scale development and validation
Authors: Huang Wen-Shiung , Lin Yung-Sen , Tsao Chiung-Lin
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Based on the mentoring literature, this study aims to explore the mentoring functions developed by the travel industry and develop a multiple mentoring function scale (MMFS) for tour leaders.

Design/methodology/approach

Study One of this research involved in-depth interviews with 23 tour leaders for establishing the initial question bank and pilot test scale. In Study Two, the initial scale was pilot tested by 225 tour leaders for identifying the factor structure through exploratory factor analysis. In Study Three, the model was verified through confirmatory factor analyses of 251 calibration samples. In Study Four, cross-validation was verified by 227 validation samples.

Findings

In Study One, through the content analyses, an initial question bank of 51 questions was established. The question bank was reviewed by 15 experts, resulting in the development of a pilot test scale of 36 questions. In Study Two, 16 questions were retained after the initial scale was pilot tested, and four dimensions were identified, including career competency, reverse mentoring, career development and psychosocial functions. In Study Three, the model was verified through confirmatory factor analyses and confirmed to have good reliability and construct validity. Finally, a first-order, four-factor scale that consisted of 16 questions was established. In Study Four, cross-validation was verified.

Research limitations/implications

MMFS establishment underwent a rigorous development process, and the scale’s reliability and validity are supported. It is suggested that future research should develop and construct a multifunctional model for tour-leading professionals based on the MMFS to evaluate the long-term impact of the MMFS.

Originality/value

Previous studies have mainly focused on typical mentoring functions. Multiple mentoring functions derived from the characteristics of tour leaders and guides have rarely been discussed. This research can fill the gap in the application of mentoring system to human resource management research in the tourism industry. As a result, this four-dimensional multiple mentoring functions scale provides a progressive perspective and be regarded as the first version of the scale development in the tourism industry.
Voice Markers in Septuagint Greek in the Light of Hebrew Interference: A Corpus‐Based Study on the Aorist System of the Book of Genesis*
Authors: Dahl Eystein , Tronci Liana
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we examine the behaviour of so‐called passive and middle aorist forms in the Greek reflected in the Genesis of the Septuagint. The Septuagint, and Biblical Greek more generally, displays a considerable aberration with respect to other varieties of Ancient Greek regarding the relative frequency of passive vis‐à‐vis middle aorist forms. Here, we explore this feature of Septuagint Greek in some detail, showing that there is a more or less consistent, binary system at this stage, where the passive aorist is the preferred expression of monoargumental detransitive clauses, while the middle primarily appears in biargumental detransitive clauses. A comparison with the original text in Biblical Hebrew suggests that its binyanim system, with systematic distinction between transitive and detransitivising stems, may have played a key role in accelerating this process, which was already present in earlier stages of Greek. This process resulted in a general ousting of the aorist middle, which essentially became a lexically restricted variant of the active voice.
The contribution of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy to late preterm and term admissions to neonatal units in the UK 2012–2020 and opportunities to avoid admission: A population‐based study using the National Neonatal Research Database
Authors: Conti‐Ramsden Frances , Fleminger Jessica , Lanoue Julia , Chappell Lucy C. , Battersby Cheryl ,   the UK Neonatal Collaborative
Published: June 2023

Objective

To quantify maternal hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (HDP) prevalence in late preterm and term infants admitted to neonatal units (NNU) and assess opportunities to avoid admissions.

Design

A retrospective population‐based study using the National Neonatal Research Database.

Setting

England and Wales.

Population

Infants born ≥34 weeks’ gestation admitted to NNU between 2012 and 2020.

Methods

Outcomes in HDP infants are compared with non‐HDP infants using regression models.

Main outcome measures

Hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, primary reason for admission, clinical diagnoses and resource use.

Results

16 059/136 220 (11.8%) of late preterm (34+0 to 36+6 weeks’ gestation) and 14 885/284 646 (5.2%) of term (≥37 weeks’ gestation) admitted infants were exposed to maternal HDP. The most common primary reasons for HDP infant admission were respiratory disease (28.3%), prematurity (22.7%) and hypoglycaemia (16.4%). HDP infants were more likely to be admitted with primary hypoglycaemia than were non‐HDP infants (odds ratio [OR] 2.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.0–2.2, P < 0.0001). 64.5% of HDP infants received i.v. dextrose. 35.7% received mechanical or non‐invasive ventilation. 8260/30 944 (26.7%) of HDP infants received intervention for hypoglycaemia alone (i.v. dextrose) with no other major intervention (respiratory support, parenteral nutrition, central line, arterial line or blood transfusion).

Conclusions

The burden of maternal HDP on late preterm and term admissions to NNU is high, with hypoglycaemia and respiratory disease being the main drivers for admission. Over one in four were admitted solely for management of hypoglycaemia. Further research should determine whether maternal antihypertensive agent choice or postnatal pathways may reduce NNU admission.
Investigation of the effects of pelvic floor training on pain, sexual dysfunction, and quality of life in female patients with primary Sjögren syndrome
Authors: Kurt Kadriye Tugce , Cetin Sebahat Yaprak , Ayan Ayse
Published: June 2023

Aim

To investigate the effects of pelvic floor training on pain, sexual dysfunction and quality of life in female patients with primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS) and determine whether pelvic floor training was superior to an education program.

Methods

Forty‐six pSS patients (all women) with an average age of 47.78 ± 9.18 years were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups as a pelvic floor training group and control group for 8 weeks. Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Pelvic Pain Impact Questionnaire (PPIQ), Female Sexual Function Scale (FSFI), Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), Pelvic Floor Disability Index‐20 (PFDI‐20), and Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ‐7) were used to evaluate the outcomes. All evaluations were performed at baseline and at the end of the 8th week.

Results

When the groups were compared before training, there was no significant difference (p > .05). In post‐training comparisons, there were significant differences in VAS, PPIQ, FSFI, PFIQ‐7, and PFDI‐20 in the pelvic floor training group (pvalues between .02 and .00), and in FSFI‐lubrication, PFIQ‐7, and PFDI‐20 (pvalues between .00 and .03) in the control group. According to Δ values, the pelvic floor training group was found to be superior in terms of FSFI orgasm, pain, and lubrication scores (p = .00) and all sub‐parameters of PFDI‐20 (p = .00).

Conclusion

Pelvic floor training has a positive effect on the sexual dysfunction and discomfort caused by pelvic symptoms in patients with pSS. Pelvic floor training should be included in rehabilitation programs to improve sexual function and pelvic floor dysfunctions for patients with pSS.
Cetuximab enhances radiosensitivity of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells by G2/M cycle arrest and DNA repair delay through inhibiting p‐EGFR and p‐ERK
Authors: Zhao Guifang , Feng Liwen , Ye Ting , Liu Yanshen , Fan Li , Ye Chengzhi , Chen Jing
Published: June 2023

Background

Although radiotherapy has improved local control in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), a considerable number of patients still experience relapse due to resistance. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of cetuximab on radiosensitivity in two ESCC cell lines (ECA109 and TE‐13) and to investigate their underlying mechanisms.

Methods

Cells were pretreated with or without cetuximab before irradiation. The MTT assay and clonogenic survival assay were performed to evaluate cell viability and radiosensitivity. Flow cytometry was performed to analyze cell cycle distribution and apoptosis. The γH2AX foci were counted to determine cellular DNA‐repairing capacity via immunofluorescence assay. The phosphorylation of key molecules involved in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway and DNA double‐strand break (DSB) repair were measured by western blot.

Results

Cetuximab alone was not sufficient to suppress cell viability, but significantly enhanced radiation‐induced inhibition of clonogenic survival in ECA109 and TE‐13. The radiation sensitivity enhancement ratio (SER) was 1.341 and 1.237 for ECA109 and TE‐13, respectively. ESCC cells treated with cetuximab were arrested at the G2/M phase in response to radiation. No significant increase in apoptotic rate was observed in irradiated cells that were treated with cetuximab. The average number of γH2AX foci increased in the combination group (cetuximab and radiation). Cetuximab suppressed phosphorylation of EGFR and downstream ERK, but had no significant effect on AKT.

Conclusions

These results indicate the potential for use of cetuximab as an effective radiosensitizer in ESCC. Cetuximab promotes G2/M cycle arrest and reduces DSB repair, as well as inhibiting EGFR and downstream ERK pathways in ESCC.
Pulmonary artery occlusion post immunotherapy for hilar node‐positive lung cancer
Authors: Tada Makoto , Uehara Hirofumi , Ohyu Takeshi , Watanabe Atsushi
Published: June 2023

We present the case of a patient who developed pulmonary artery occlusion following immune‐checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy for non‐small cell lung cancer. A 69‐year‐old man with squamous cell carcinoma (yc‐T1cN0M0), initially diagnosed at c‐stage IVA (T3N1M1b), in the upper lobe of the left lung, was scheduled to undergo salvage lung resection after ICI therapy. However, he exhibited an occlusion of the lingular pulmonary artery near the clinically metastatic hilar lymph node. To avoid severe adhesions, the patient underwent successful wedge resection without dividing pulmonary vessels and was discharged without complications. Surgeons should be prepared for pulmonary artery changes following ICI therapy.
Circ_0008285 silencing suppresses angiotensin II‐induced vascular smooth muscle cell apoptosis in thoracic aortic aneurysm via miR‐150‐5p/BASP1 axis
Authors: Zhang Leilei , Zhao Ziniu , Quan Xiaoqiang , Xie Zhouliang , Zhao Jian
Published: June 2023

Background

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are the predominant cell type of the aortic middle layer, the abnormal number or function of which has been demonstrated to have a role in thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA). Here, this study aimed to identify the function of circ_0008285 in VSMC apoptosis.

Methods

Human VSMCs were treated with angiotensin II (Ang II) for functional experiments. Cell counting kit‐8, 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine (EdU), and flow cytometry were applied for function analysis. The interaction between miR‐150‐5p and circ_0008285 or brain acid‐soluble protein 1 (BASP1) was also evaluated by dual‐luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation assay. Exosomes were isolated by the commercial kit.

Results

A highly expressed circ_0008285 was observed in the aortic tissues of TAA patients and Ang‐II‐induced VSMCs. Circ_0008285 deficiency dramatically reversed Ang‐II‐induced proliferation arrest and apoptosis promotion in VSMCs. Circ_0008285 functionally targeted miR‐150‐5p. MiR‐150‐5p inhibition attenuated the inhibitory effects of circ_0008285 silencing on Ang‐II‐evoked apoptosis in VSMCs. BASP1 was verified to be a target of miR‐150‐5p, and was proved to attenuate miR‐150‐5p‐triggered apoptosis arrest in Ang‐II‐stimulated VSMCs. Additionally, extracellular circ_0008285 was packaged into exosomes, which could be transferred into the recipient cells.

Conclusion

Circ_0008285 silencing could suppress Ang‐II‐induced VSMCs apoptosis via miR‐150‐5p/BASP1 axis, adding further understanding of the pathogenesis of TAA.
Insight toward inflammasome complex contribution to male infertility
Authors: Minas Aram , Costa Lucas Vasconcelos Soares , Miyazaki Mika Alexia , Antoniassi Mariana Pereira
Published: June 2023

During the last decades, a wide range of factors involved in the physiopathology of male infertility disease have been discussed. The inflammation role in some of the main infertility‐related diseases has been studied, such as varicocele, spinal cord injury and obesity. Inflammation is the main response of the immune system to infection or cell damage, leading to intense inflammatory cytokine release during the loss of homeostasis. One of the first steps toward pro‐inflammatory cytokines release is the recognition of dangerous signals by the immune cells, including pathogen‐associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and damage‐associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). These molecules can activate an important multiprotein complex, called inflammasome. Although these complexes have been studied during the last decades, their participation in male infertility has gained attention recently. Considering the inflammasome complex's high potential to be targeted for drug therapy, this review tries to shed light on current literature. Therefore, in the current review paper, we aimed to discuss the inflammasome complex activation, involvement in different male infertility conditions, and localization in the male reproductive tract.
Butcher shop
Authors: Morris Rosalind C.
Published: June 2023

In this “hundreds” written in honor of Kathleen Stewart, I offer a dialectical image of subjects transfixed in the window of a New York City butcher shop, set against the backdrop of pandemic.