bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Apoptotic cells for therapeutic use in cytokine storm associated with sepsis
Authors: van Heerden Peter Vernon , Abutbul Avraham , Sviri Sigal , Zlotnik Eitan , Nama Ahmad , Zimro Sebastian , el-Amore Raja , Shabat Yehudit , Reicher Barak , Falah Batla , Mevorach Dror
Published: December 2020

Background

Sepsis has no proven specific pharmacologic treatment. Reported mortality in sepsis ranges from 30%–45%. This study was designed to determine the safety preliminary efficacy of allogenic apoptotic cells administered for immunomodulation in septic patients.

Methods

The primary aim of this phase IB study was to determine the safety profile of apoptotic cell infusion in subjects presenting to the emergency room with sepsis. Sepsis was determined by clinical infections and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores >2. The secondary aims were to measure organ dysfunction, intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stays, and mortality, that were compared to historical controls. Exploratory endpoints included measuring immune modulator agents to elucidate the mechanism of action using Luminex® analysis.

Findings

Ten patients were treated with apoptotic cells, administered as a single dose or two sequential doses. All 10 patients had mild-to-moderate sepsis with a SOFA score range of 2–6 upon entering the study. No serious adverse events (SAEs) and no related AEs were reported. All 10 study subjects survived while matched historical controls had a mortality rate of 27%. The study subjects exhibited rapid resolution of organ dysfunction and had significantly shorter ICU lengths of stay compared to matched historical controls (p<0·0001). All patients had both elevated pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and additional immune modulators that gradually decreased following treatment.

Interpretation

Administration of apoptotic cells to patients with mild-to-moderate sepsis was safe and had a significant immuno-modulating effect, leading to early resolution of the cytokine storm.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03925857

Funding

The study was sponsored by Enlivex Therapeutics Ltd.
In vivo Characterization of MRI-based T1w/T2w Ratios and Covariance Network in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Jiang Yuchao , Li Wei , Qin Yingjie , Zhang Le , Tong Xin , Xiao Fenglai , Gong Qiyong , Zhou Dong , An Dongmei , Luo Cheng , Yao Dezhong
Published: December 2020

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is the most common type of intractable epilepsy in adults. A novel method based on the ratio of T1-weighted (T1w) and T2-weighted (T2w) magnetic resonance images can investigate brain microstructural changes and how these regional changes interact with each other. This study estimated T1w/T2w ratios in 42 left TLE (LTLE) and 42 right TLE (RTLE) patients and 41 healthy controls (HC). A T1w/T2w structural covariance network (SCN) was built by calculating correlations between any two regions across subjects and analysed by graph theory. Voxel-wise comparisons of T1w/T2w laterality were performed among the three groups. Compared to HC, both patient groups showed decreased T1w/T2w in frontotemporal regions, amygdala and thalamus; however, the LTLE showed lower T1w/T2w in left medial temporal regions than RTLE. Moreover, the LTLE exhibited decreased global efficiency compared with HC and more increased connections than RTLE. The laterality in putamen was differently altered between the two patient groups: higher laterality at posterior putamen in LTLE and higher laterality at anterior putamen in RTLE. This study demonstrated T1w/T2w reductions in frontotemporal and subcortical regions and extensive disconnections of SCN, providing evidence that TLE is a system disorder with widespread disruptions at regional and network levels. The putamen may play a transfer station role in damage spreading induced by epileptic seizures from the hippocampus.
Covid-19 Will Reduce US Life Expectancy at Birth by More Than One Year in 2020
Authors: Heuveline Patrick
Published: December 2020

On December 3rd, 2020, the cumulative number of U.S. Covid-19 deaths tallied by Johns Hopkins University (JHU) online dashboard reached 275,000, surpassing the number at which life table calculations show Covid-19 mortality will lower the U.S. life expectancy at birth (LEB) for 2020 by one full year. Such an impact on the U.S. LEB is unprecedented since the end of World War II. With additional deaths by the year end, the reduction in 2020 LEB induced by Covid-19 deaths will inexorably exceed one year. Factoring the expected continuation of secular gains against other causes of mortality, the U.S. LEB should still drop by more than a full year between 2019 and 2020. By comparison, the opioid-overdose crisis led to a decline in U.S. LEB averaging .1 year annually, from 78.9 years in 2014 to 78.6 years in 2017. At its peak, the HIV epidemic reduced the U.S. LEB by .3 year in a single year, from 75.8 years in 1992 to 75.5 years in 1993. As of now, the US LEB is expected to fall back to the level it first reached in 2010. In other words, the impact of Covid-19 on U.S. mortality can be expected to cancel a decade of gains against all other causes of mortality combined.
Ca2+-dependent mechanism of membrane insertion and destabilization by the SARS-CoV-2 fusion peptide
Authors: Khelashvili George , Plante Ambrose , Doktorova Milka , Weinstein Harel
Published: December 2020

Cell penetration after recognition of the SARS-CoV-2 virus by the ACE2 receptor, and the fusion of its viral envelope membrane with cellular membranes, are the early steps of infectivity. A region of the Spike protein (S) of the virus, identified as the “fusion peptide” (FP), is liberated at its N-terminal site by a specific cleavage occurring in concert with the interaction of the receptor binding domain of the Spike. Studies have shown that penetration is enhanced by the required binding of Ca2+ions to the FPs of corona viruses, but the mechanisms of membrane insertion and destabilization remain unclear. We have predicted the preferred positions of Ca2+binding to the SARS-CoV-2-FP, the role of Ca2+ions in mediating peptide-membrane interactions, the preferred mode of insertion of the Ca2+-bound SARS-CoV-2-FP and consequent effects on the lipid bilayer from extensive atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and trajectory analyses. In a systematic sampling of the interactions of the Ca2+-bound peptide models with lipid membranes SARS-CoV-2-FP penetrated the bilayer and disrupted its organization only in two modes involving different structural domains. In one, the hydrophobic residues F833/I834 from the middle region of the peptide are inserted. In the other, more prevalent mode, the penetration involves residues L822/F823 from the LLF motif which is conserved in CoV-2-like viruses, and is achieved by the binding of Ca2+ions to the D830/D839 and E819/D820 residue pairs. FP penetration is shown to modify the molecular organization in specific areas of the bilayer, and the extent of membrane binding of the SARS-CoV-2 FP is significantly reduced in the absence of Ca2+ions. These findings provide novel mechanistic insights regarding the role of Ca2+in mediating SARS-CoV-2 fusion and provide a detailed structural platform to aid the ongoing efforts in rational design of compounds to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 cell entry.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

SARS-CoV-2, the cause of the COVID-19 pandemic, penetrates host cell membranes and uses viral-to-cellular membrane fusion to release its genetic material for replication. Experiments had identified a region termed “fusion peptide” (FP) in the Spike proteins of coronaviruses, as the spearhead in these initial processes, and suggested that Ca2+is needed to support both functions. Absent structure and dynamics-based mechanistic information these FP functions could not be targeted for therapeutic interventions. We describe the development and determination of the missing information from analysis of extensive MD simulation trajectories, and propose specific Ca2+-dependent mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2-FP membrane insertion and destabilization. These results offer a structure-specific platform to aid the ongoing efforts to use this target for the discovery and/or of inhibitors.
A Quantitative Hematopoietic Stem Cell Reconstitution Protocol: Accounting for Recipient Variability, Tissue Distribution and Cell Half-Lives
Authors: Rajendiran Smrithi , Boyer Scott W. , Forsberg E. Camilla
Published: December 2020

Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) transplantation is the paradigm for stem cell therapies. The protocol described here enables quantitative assessment of the body-wide HSPC reconstitution of different mature hematopoietic cells in mice based on their presence in circulating blood. The method determines donor-derived mature cell populations per mouse, over time, by quantitatively obtaining their absolute numbers in the peripheral blood and utilizing previously assessed tissue-distribution factors. A Markov-based birth/death computational model accounts for the drastic differences in mature cell half-lives. By quantifying the number of cells produced and eliminating host variability, the protocol can be used to directly compare the lineage output of different types of HSPCs on a per cell basis, thereby clarifying the lineage potential and expansion capacity of different cell populations. These protocols were developed for hematopoiesis, but can readily be extended to other contexts by simply replacing the cell types and distributions.

Highlights

Quantitative assessment of stem and progenitor cell reconstitution capacity

Elimination of cell-specific recipient variability for accurate donor cell potential

Directly comparable lineage output within and between stem and progenitor cells

Blood-based absolute quantification of whole-body repopulation over time

Markov modelling-based consideration of differential mature cell half-lives
Aperture: Accurate detection of structural variations and viral integrations in circulating tumor DNA using an alignment-free algorithm
Authors: Liu Hongchao , Yin Huihui , Li Guangyu , Li Junling , Wang Xiaoyue
Published: December 2020

Background

The identification of structural variations (SV) and viral integrations in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is a key step in precision oncology that may assist clinicians for treatment selection and monitoring. However, it is challenging to accurately detect low frequency SVs or SVs involving complex junctions in ctDNA sequencing data due to the short fragment size of ctDNA.

Results

Here, we describe Aperture, a new fast SV caller that applies a unique strategy ofk-mer based searching, breakpoint detection using binary labels and candidates clustering to detect SVs and viral integrations in high sensitivity, especially when junctions span repetitive regions, followed by a barcode-based filter to ensure specificity. We evaluated the performance of Aperture in stimulated, reference and real datasets. Aperture demonstrates superior sensitivity and specificity in all tests, especially for low dilution test, compared with existing methods. In addition, Aperture is able to predict sites of viral integration and identify complex SVs involving novel insertions and repetitive sequences in real patient data.

Conclusions

Using a novel alignment-free algorithm, Aperture achieves sensitive, specific and fast detection of structural variations and viral integrations, which may enhance the diagnostic value of ctDNA in clinical application. The executable file and source code are freely available athttps://github.com/liuhc8/Aperture.
Aborting meiosis overcomes hybrid sterility
Authors: Mozzachiodi Simone , Tattini Lorenzo , Llored Agnes , Irizar Agurtzane , Škofljanc Neža , D’Angiolo Melania , De Chiara Matteo , Barré Benjamin P. , Yue Jia-Xing , Lutazi Angela , Loeillet Sophie , Laureau Raphaelle , Marsit Souhir , Stenberg Simon , Albaud Benoit , Persson Karl , Legras Jean-Luc , Dequin Sylvie , Warringer Jonas , Nicolas Alain , Liti Gianni
Published: December 2020

Hybrids between species or diverged lineages contain fundamentally novel genetic combinations but an impaired meiosis often makes them evolutionary dead ends. Here, we explored to what extent and how an aborted meiosis followed by a return-to-growth (RTG) promotes recombination across a panel of 20 yeast diploid backgrounds with different genomic structures and levels of sterility. Genome analyses of 284 clones revealed that RTG promoted recombination and generated extensive regions of loss-of-heterozygosity in sterile hybrids with either a defective meiosis or a heavily rearranged karyotype, whereas RTG recombination was reduced by high sequence divergence between parental subgenomes. The RTG recombination preferentially occurred in regions with local sequence homology and in meiotic recombination hotspots. The loss-of-heterozygosity had a profound impact on sexual and asexual fitness, and enabled genetic mapping of phenotypic differences in sterile lineages where linkage or association analyses failed. We propose that RTG gives sterile hybrids access to a natural route for genome recombination and adaptation.

One sentence summary

Aborting meiosis followed by a return to mitotic growth promotes evolution by genome wide-recombination in sterile yeast hybrids.
Online biophysical predictions for SARS-CoV-2 proteins
Authors: Kagami Luciano , Roca-Martínez Joel , Gavaldá-García Jose , Ramasamy Pathmanaban , Feenstra K. Anton , Vranken Wim
Published: December 2020

The SARS-CoV-2 virus, the causative agent of COVID-19, consists of an assembly of proteins that determine its infectious and immunological behavior, as well as its response to therapeutics. Major structural biology efforts on these proteins have already provided essential insights into the mode of action of the virus, as well as avenues for structure-based drug design. However, not all of the SARS-CoV-2 proteins, or regions thereof, have a well-defined three-dimensional structure, and as such might exhibit ambiguous, dynamic behaviour that is not evident from static structure representations, nor from molecular dynamics simulations using these structures. We here present a website (http://sars2.bio2byte.be/) that provides protein sequence-based predictions of the backbone and side-chain dynamics and conformational propensities of these proteins, as well as derived early folding, disorder, β-sheet aggregation and protein-protein interaction propensities. These predictions attempt to capture the ‘emergent’ properties of the proteins, so the inherent biophysical propensities encoded in the sequence, rather than context-dependent behaviour such as the final folded state. In addition, we provide an indication of the biophysical variation that is observed in homologous proteins, which give an indication of the limits of the functionally relevant biophysical behaviour of these proteins. With this website, we therefore hope to provide researchers with further clues on the behaviour of SARS-CoV-2 proteins.
Soluble FAS Ligand directs human memory B cells towards antibody-secreting cells
Authors: van Asten Saskia D. , Unger Peter-Paul , Marsman Casper , Bliss Sophie , Jorritsma Tineke , Thielens Nicole M. , van Ham S. Marieke , Spaapen Robbert M.
Published: December 2020

Differentiation of antigen-specific B cells into class-switched, high affinity antibody-secreting cells provides protection against invading pathogens but is undesired when antibodies target self-tissues in autoimmunity, beneficial non-self blood transfusion products or therapeutic proteins. Essential T cell factors have been uncovered that regulate T cell-dependent B cell differentiation. We performed a screen using a secreted protein library to identify novel factors that promote this process and may be used to combat undesired antibody formation. We tested the differentiating capacity of 756 secreted proteins on human naive or memory B cell differentiation in a setting with suboptimal T cell helpin vitro(suboptimal CD40L and IL-21). High-throughput flow cytometry screening and validation revealed that type I IFNs and soluble FAS ligand (sFASL) induce plasmablast differentiation in memory B cells. Furthermore, sFASL induces robust secretion of IgG1 and IgG4 antibodies, indicative of functional plasma cell differentiation. Our data suggest a mechanistic connection between elevated sFASL levels and the induction of autoreactive antibodies, providing a potential therapeutic target in autoimmunity. Indeed, the modulators identified in this secretome screen are associated with systemic lupus erythematosus and may also be relevant in other autoimmune diseases and allergy.
DeORFanizingCandida albicansGenes using Co-Expression
Authors: O’Meara Teresa R. , O’Meara Matthew J.
Published: December 2020

Functional characterization of open reading frames in non-model organisms, such as the common opportunistic fungal pathogenCandida albicans, can be labor intensive. To meet this challenge, we built a comprehensive and unbiased co-expression network forC. albicans, which we call CalCEN, from data collected from 853 RNA sequencing runs from 18 large scale studies deposited in the NCBI Sequence Read Archive. Retrospectively, CalCEN is highly predictive of known gene function annotations and can be synergistically combined with sequence similarity and interaction networks inSaccharomyces cerevisiaethrough orthology for additional accuracy in gene function prediction. To prospectively demonstrate the utility of the co-expression network inC. albicans, we predicted the function of under-annotated open reading frames (ORF)s and identifiedCCJ1as a novel cell cycle regulator inC. albicans. This study provides a tool for future systems biology analyses of gene function inC. albicans.We provide a computational pipeline for building and analyzing the co-expression network and CalCEN itself at (http://github.com/momeara/CalCEN).

Importance

Candida albicansis a common and deadly fungal pathogen of humans, yet the genome of this organism contains many genes of unknown function. By determining gene function, we can help identify essential genes, new virulence factors, or new regulators of drug resistance, and thereby give new targets for antifungal development. Here, we use information from large scale RNAseq studies and generate aC. albicansco-expression network (CalCEN) that is robust and able to predict gene function. We demonstrate the utility of this network in both retrospective and prospective testing, and use CalCEN to predict a role for C4_06590W/CCJ1in cell cycle. This tool will allow for a better characterization of under-annotated genes in pathogenic yeasts.
Sinorhizobium melilotifunctions required for resistance to antimicrobial NCR peptides and bacteroid differentiation
Authors: Nicoud Quentin , Barrière Quentin , Busset Nicolas , Dendene Sara , Travin Dmitrii , Bourge Mickaël , Bars Romain Le , Boulogne Claire , Lecroël Marie , Jenei Sándor , Kereszt Atilla , Kondorosi Eva , Biondi Emanuele G. , Timchenko Tatiana , Alunni Benoît , Mergaert Peter
Published: December 2020

Legumes of theMedicagogenus form symbiosis with the bacteriumSinorhizobium melilotiand develop root nodules housing large numbers of the intracellular symbionts. Members of the Nodule-specific Cysteine Rich peptide (NCRs) family induce the endosymbionts into a terminal differentiated state. Individual cationic NCRs are antimicrobial peptides that have the capacity to kill the symbiont but the nodule cell environment prevents killing. Moreover, the bacterial broad-specificity peptide uptake transporter BacA and exopolysaccharides contribute to protect the endosymbionts against the toxic activity of NCRs. Here, we show that otherS. melilotifunctions participate in the protection of the endosymbionts, including an additional broad-specificity peptide uptake transporter encoded by theyejABEFgenes, lipopolysaccharide modifications mediated bylpsBandlpxXLas well asrpoH1, encoding a stress sigma factor. Mutants of these genes showin vitroa strain-specific increased sensitivity profile against a panel of NCRs and form nodules in which bacteroid differentiation is affected. ThelpsBmutant nodule bacteria do not differentiate, thelpxXLandrpoH1mutants form some seemingly fully differentiated bacteroids although most of the nodule bacteria are undifferentiated, while theyejABEFmutants form hypertrophied but nitrogen-fixing bacteroids. The nodule bacteria of all the mutants have a strongly enhanced membrane permeability, which is dependent on the transport of NCRs to the endosymbionts. Our results suggest thatS. melilotirelies on a suite of functions including peptide transporters, the bacterial envelope structures and stress response regulators to resist the aggressive assault of NCR peptides in the nodule cells.

Importance

The nitrogen fixing symbiosis of legumes with rhizobium bacteria has a predominant ecological role in the nitrogen cycle and has the potential to provide the nitrogen required for plant growth in agriculture. The host plants allow the rhizobia to colonize specific symbiotic organs, the nodules, in large numbers in order to produce sufficient reduced nitrogen for the plant needs. Some legumes, includingMedicagospp., produce massively antimicrobial peptides to keep this large bacterial population in check. These peptides, known as NCRs, have the potential to kill the rhizobia but in nodules, they rather inhibit the division of the bacteria, which maintain a high nitrogen fixing activity. In this study, we show that the tempering of the antimicrobial activity of the NCR peptides in theMedicagosymbiontSinorhizobium melilotiis multifactorial and requires the YejABEF peptide transporter, the lipopolysaccharide outer membrane composition and the stress response regulator RpoH1.
Inferring spikes from calcium imaging in dopamine neurons
Authors: Fleming Weston , Jewell Sean , Engelhard Ben , Witten Daniela M. , Witten Ilana B.
Published: December 2020

Calcium imaging has led to discoveries about neural correlates of behavior in subcortical neurons, including dopamine (DA) neurons. However, spike inference methods have not been tested in most populations of subcortical neurons. To address this gap, we simultaneously performed calcium imaging and electrophysiology in DA neurons in brain slices, and applied a recently developed spike inference algorithm to the GCaMP fluorescence. This revealed that individual spikes can be inferred accurately in this population. Next, we inferred spikes in vivo from calcium imaging from these neurons during Pavlovian conditioning, as well as during navigation in virtual reality. In both cases, we quantitatively recapitulated previous in vivo electrophysiological observations. Our work provides a validated approach to infer spikes from calcium imaging in DA neurons, and implies that aspects of both tonic and phasic spike patterns can be recovered.
Sustained postsynaptic kainate receptor activation downregulates AMPA receptor surface expression and induces hippocampal LTD
Authors: Nair Jithin D. , Braksator Ellen , Yucel Busra P , Seager Richard , Mellor Jack R. , Bashir Zafar I. , Wilkinson Kevin A. , Henley Jeremy M.
Published: December 2020

Here we report that sustained activation of GluK2 subunit-containing kainate receptors leads to AMPA receptor endocytosis and a novel form of long-term depression (KAR-LTDAMPAR) in hippocampal neurons. The KAR-evoked loss of surface AMPA receptors requires KAR channel activity and is occluded by the blockade of PKC or PKA. Moreover, in acute hippocampal slices, kainate invoked LTD of AMPA EPSCs. These data, together with our previously reported KAR-LTPAMPAR, demonstrate that KARs bidirectionally regulate synaptic AMPARs and synaptic plasticity.
RNF8 is not required for histone-to-protamine exchange in spermiogenesis
Authors: Abe Hironori , Meduri Rajyalakshmi , Li Ziwei , Andreassen Paul R. , Li Xin Zhiguo , Namekawa Satoshi H.
Published: December 2020

A member of the PIWI family of proteins, MIWI, binds to Piwi-interacting RNA (piRNA) and is essential in mouse spermiogenesis. A recent study demonstrated that MIWI is an essential regulator of the histone-to-protamine exchange in spermiogenesis and that this function is mediated by its binding to an ubiquitin ligase, RNF8. However, here we confirm that RNF8 is not required for histone-to-protamine exchange in spermiogenesis. We show that histone-to-protamine exchange takes place inRnf8-deficient mice, while RNF8 mediates ubiquitination of H2A on the sex chromosomes in meiosis, the prior stage of spermatogenesis. Therefore, the infertile phenotype of MIWI mutant mice cannot be explained by a RNF8-mediated mechanism in spermiogenesis.
Atypical DNA methylation, sRNA size distribution and female gametogenesis correlate with genome compaction inUtricularia gibba
Authors: Cervantes-Pérez Sergio Alan , Yong-Villalobos Lenin , Florez-Zapata Nathalia M. V. , Oropeza-Aburto Araceli , Rico-Reséndiz Félix , Amasende-Morales Itzel , Lan Tianying , Martínez Octavio , Vielle-Calzada Jean Philippe , Albert Victor A. , Herrera-Estrella Luis
Published: December 2020

The most studied DNA methylation pathway in plants is the RNA Directed DNA Methylation (RdDM), which is a conserved mechanism that involves noncoding-RNAs to control the expansion of intergenic regions. However, little is known about relationship between plant genome size reductions and DNA methylation.

Because the compact genome size of the carnivorous plantUtricularia gibba,we investigate in this plant the noncoding-RNA landscape and DNA methylation through a combination of cytological, evolutionary, and genome-wide transcriptomic and methylation approaches.

We report an unusual distribution of noncoding RNAs inU. gibbain comparison with other characterized angiosperms, which correlated with a lower level of global genome methylation, as determined by a novel strategy based on long-read DNA sequencing and corroborated by whole-genome bisulfite analysis. Moreover, found that genes involved in the RdDM pathway may not be functionally active inU. gibba, including a truncatedDICER-LIKE 3 (DCL3),involved in the production of 24-nt small-RNAs.

Our findings suggest that selective pressure to conserve a fully functional RdDM pathway might be reduced in compact genomes and a defectiveDCL3correlate with a decreased proportion of 24-nt small-RNAs and developmental alterations inU. gibba, which could represent an initial step in the evolution of apomixis.
Molecular structure of the intact bacterial flagellar basal body
Authors: Johnson Steven , Furlong Emily J. , Deme Justin C. , Nord Ashley L. , Caesar Joseph , Chevance Fabienne F.V. , Berry Richard M. , Hughes Kelly T. , Lea Susan M.
Published: December 2020

Bacterial flagella self-assemble a strong, multi-component drive shaft that couples rotation in the inner membrane to the microns-long flagellar filament that powers bacterial swimming in viscous fluids. We here present structures of the intact Salmonella flagellar basal body, solved using cryo-electron microscopy to resolutions between 2.2 and 3.7 Å. The structures reveal molecular details of how 173 protein molecules of 13 different types assemble into a complex spanning two membranes and a cell wall. The helical drive shaft at one end is intricately interwoven with the inner membrane rotor component, and at the other end passes through a molecular bearing that is anchored in the outer membrane via interactions with the lipopolysaccharide. The in situ structure of a protein complex capping the drive shaft provides molecular insight into the assembly process of this molecular machine.
Organisational processes and COVID-19 pandemic: implications for job design
Authors: Alam Manzurul
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This is a reflective essay on how lockdowns during COVID-19 pandemic have exposed internal organisational processes and work practices.

Design/methodology/approach

The essay is based on the author's reflections on organisational work practices during the coronavirus mandatory social distancing period.

Findings

This reflective essay shows how COVID-19 pandemic challenges the existing organisational systems and processes. It produces thoughtful considerations of different options for managing organisational activities in the post-COVID-19 period.

Research limitations/implications

The reflective essay underscores various issues relating to organisational job design and work practices and the impact on future management accounting research.

Originality/value

This essay provides personal insight into how the recent pandemic influences organizational work practices.
Understanding incubation during foreign market entry: lessons learnt from an illustrative Danish case study
Authors: Gretzinger Susanne , Ulrich Anna Marie Dyhr , Hollensen Svend , Leick Birgit
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss business incubation to enter foreign markets in Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC) countries through the lens of an “international business incubator” (IBI). International market expansion offers huge opportunities for companies to increase their revenue, but there are also challenging tasks such as the establishment of a business company and the occupation of a strategic position abroad. Practitioners consider this process as the act of incubation, but the theoretical discussion lags behind the practice-led debate.

Design/methodology/approach

An illustrative, and theory-led, case study is presented that describes market expansion to BRIC countries through a network-based IBI. The empirical case is an illustrative Danish company with international operations in BRIC countries both with and without an IBI.

Findings

International business incubation represents a process, which can be influenced through an IBI, and business networking during foreign market entry is shaped by IBI brokerage (bridging, bonding and protecting) in different phases. IBI activities that are embedded in business networking support a company’s endeavours in getting a foothold and acquiring a strategic position in BRIC markets and facilitates the market penetration.

Research limitations/implications

The IBI’s activities to enter foreign markets should be thoroughly managed. Further studies should be conducted with cross-case comparisons and larger samples to reflect on the propositions established.

Originality/value

By linking the business networking theory with the practice-led understanding of business incubation, the study explores an under-conceptualised topic for international business and entrepreneurship scholars. The paper offers an initial understanding of how brokerage interacts with incubation during the entry of new markets.
The booming eSports market: a field day for fans
Authors: Lehnert Kevin , Walz Anna , Christianson Ryan
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the emerging market of video game streaming and eSports to provide readers with an understanding of the nature and content of this quickly growing entertainment industry. eSports or eGaming is the playing of video games for competition and for spectators by professionals. Popular platforms, eGaming celebrities and revenue sources are introduced. Building upon this knowledge, the authors then show the opportunities marketers have to use this medium for branding, promotional and retailing purposes. Challenges to these aims are also discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

The eGaming and eSports industry is summarized by studying its evolution and current state. A thorough review of the players and their possible revenue sources is presented. Likewise, a survey of marketing-related tactics and challenges is discussed to help readers not only understand the field but also use the industry’s growth.

Findings

This paper provides valuable information to understand why this new market of video game streaming is rapidly increasing and what impact it will have on consumers, brands and marketing strategists.

Originality/value

This paper is unique in the sense that in one place it not only summarizes the advent and growth of an evolving field but also shows the opportunities that firms have to take advantage of this unique medium for connecting with customers. Firms are at the same time cautioned to consider increasing challenges with this new industry.
Escaping the niche: how one company broke the mold
Authors: Srikant Chethan D. , Donovan Patrick
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Companies may spend capital and effort to ensure the survival within their niche but have limited capacity to expand into other niches or broaden their target segment. This paper aims to provide insights into how they can overcome this niche entrapment – companies becoming trapped in the very niche they have cultivated, the weight and inertia of their investment shackling them to its continued existence.

Design/methodology/approach

Cedar Fair’s acquisitions and its organizational structure are carefully examined to illustrate the need for considering niche entrapment as a concept. To understand the complexities that firms face in their attempts to overcome the niche entrapment, this paper analyzes Cedar Fair using the concepts of categories and inherited identities.

Findings

The following important lessons are elaborated for helping business organizations overcome niche entrapment: embrace the organizational complexity; use gateway and complementary identities; consider brand disassociation; and achieve ambidexterity through a portfolio of offering.

Originality/value

This paper deviates from the traditional treatment of niches as a focus strategy that firms can select to build competitive advantages but instead provides insights into how those very niches can become constraints. It also conceptually evaluates the attempts to overcome these constraints from an organizational perspective instead of an industry perspective. Apart from using categories in a novel way, it also introduces a new concept of inherited identities, which are the organizational identities that firms inherit as they acquire and assimilate other firms.
Students with severe anxiety during COVID-19 lockdown – exploring the impact and its management
Authors: Faize Fayyaz Ahmad , Husain Waqar
Published: December 2020

Purpose

COVID-19 generated extensive fear and anxiety across the globe. This study aims to explore the psychological dynamics of students during COVID-19 lockdown, its impact and students’ management strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper collected data from 891 students in Islamabad (Pakistan) using an online survey consisting of the generalized anxiety disorder scale and items on academic variables. After measuring the anxiety levels, this paper interviewed 20 students diagnosed with severe anxiety. The objective was to seek a deeper understanding of the impact of COVID-19 and students’ management.

Findings

This paper found students with different anxiety levels. Most students had no anxiety; however, 8.2% of students had severe anxiety. These students reported psychological, social and physical problems during the interview. The students shared their activities and avoidance behavior to manage their anxiety levels.

Originality/value

The study helped in understanding the psychological dynamics during the pandemic and students’ management strategies. Some students express their inability to cope with their problems. This paper recommends the intervention of clinical practitioners, policymakers and researchers to work for the mental health of such students.
Italian supreme court ruling on the criteria to apply corporate liability: an overview of the implications for foreign financial institutions operating in Italy
Authors: Falco Francesco , Arcidiacono Chiara
Published: December 2020

Purpose

To analyze the Italian Supreme Court decision (case no. 11626/2020) and its potential implications for foreign financial institutions operating in Italy.

Design/methodology/approach

This article provides firstly a brief description of Decree 231/2001 and of its application to financial institutions, then a description of the Italian Supreme Court decision and, lastly, a set of inputs to foreign financial institutions operating in Italy.

Findings

Following the decision under review, where the further conditions set out in the Decree 231/2001 are met, entities are liable under the same Decree when a relevant offense occurs in Italy – or there is Italian jurisdiction – regardless of their nationality, the localization of their registered office, the place where they predominantly carry out their business or whether there are rules governing the same matter in the State of origin.

Practical implications

Following the decision under review, foreign financial institutions operating in Italy should adopt and implement the control measures required by the Decree 231/2001 in order to avoid incurring the relevant sanctions.

Originality/value

This is an analysis of the potential practical implications for foreign financial institutions operating in Italy of a decision issued by the Italian Supreme Court that may also provide useful advice to mitigate the potential risks linked to it.
Comparison of regulatory regimes for closed-ended private investment funds: Cayman Islands and British Virgin Islands
Authors: Hodson Kate , Wong Alan , Schilder Simon
Published: December 2020

Purpose

To introduce, compare and contrast the new regulatory regimes for closed-ended funds recently enacted in the Cayman Islands and the British Virgin Islands (BVI).

Design/methodology/approach

Explores similarities and differences between the two regimes, as well as practical implications for fund managers, with respect to (1) the regulatory frameworks governing the funds; (2) the definitions of the types of funds covered by the regulations; (3) registration requirements and associated timing; (4) operating requirements, including responsibilities for portfolio management, valuation and safekeeping of fund property; the number of directors; audits; valuation procedures; safekeeping of fund assets; cash monitoring; identification of securities; offering documents, term sheets and marketing materials; and representation in the respective jurisdictions; and (5) additional requirements, including numbers and qualifications of investors.

Findings

The new legislation has been enacted in order to respond to certain European Union and other international recommendations and has the effect of aligning the regulatory regimes applicable to such funds structured in Cayman and BVI to the regulatory regimes applicable to such funds in other jurisdictions.

Originality/Value

Expert guidance from lawyers with extensive experience in fund management, fund structuring and Cayman Islands and British Virgin Islands laws and regulations.
The importance of distance and attraction in patronizing a shopping mall
Authors: Thanasi-Boçe Marsela , Kwiatek Piotr , Labadze Lasha
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish mall attractiveness factors in Kuwait, examine the relationship between mall dimensions and mall patronage and explore the impact of mall size and distance on mall patronage.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from 190 shopping mall visitors were analyzed using Stata software. Factor analysis was used to identify the mall attraction factors, and regression models were run to analyze their relationships with people’s frequency of visits to shopping malls and the amount of time spent per visit.

Findings

The results unearth five important factors, namely, performance of buying, entertainment, social activities, physical atmosphere and location. Analysis reveals that the performance of buying and social activities factors had a significant impact on the frequency of visits, while the amount of time spent per visit was significantly affected only by the social activities factor. Furthermore, mall size is more important than distance to the mall. Finally, gender differences in shoppers’ mall preferences and behaviors were reported.

Practical implications

On the practical level, shopping mall developers and managers can use the attraction scale to develop attractive malls and effective marketing strategies. Researchers can use findings to confirm the factors extracted in the study and for further research on the topic.

Originality/value

This study extends theories on consumers’ preferences and behaviors. It provides empirical evidence about the impact of attractive mall dimensions on shoppers’ patronage in Kuwait, an understudied context.
The tipping point: mitigating the curvilinear effect of frontline service employee's perception of leadership humility on frontline service performance
Authors: Bin Devin , Sok Keo Mony , Sok Phyra , Mao Sonariddh
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Prior studies have mainly advanced the understanding of a linear relationship between leadership humility and employee work outcomes, mediated and/or moderated by various individual, team and organizational variables. This study attempts to advance prior knowledge by investigating a potential curvilinear relationship between leadership humility and frontline service employee (FSE) performance and the role of FSE's psychological capital (PsyCap) in attenuating this curvilinear relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data were drawn from a survey sample of 273 FSEs working in the hospitality industry of the United States of America. Hierarchical linear regression analysis was used to test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

The results uncover the existence of a tipping point in the relationship between leader humility and FSE performance; that is, humble behaviors expressed by leaders positively influence FSE performance up to the tipping point beyond which FSE performance starts to diminish. However, this curvilinear effect is attenuated when FSE's PsyCap is high but not when it is low.

Practical implications

The findings provide service managers with insights into the importance of balancing their humble behaviors to yield optimal FSE performance. Furthermore, the paper points to the need for FSE's PsyCap cultivation within service firms so that FSEs are less dependent on their supervisors and can deliver highly satisfactory results.

Originality/value

This research is one of the very first to investigate the curvilinear relationship between leader humility and FSE performance and the moderating role of PsyCap in attenuating the curvilinear effect.
A participatory mixed-methods evaluation of a falls awareness programme
Authors: Elliott Megan , Watson Hannah , Lewis Amy , Wallace Carolyn
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Falls are common in older adults and are associated with injuries and serious ongoing problems. This paper aims to present a participatory evaluation of a Falls Awareness Programme implemented in South Wales for older adults living in sheltered housing schemes or in the community. It identifies methodological issues and provides recommendations for evaluation design and methods for community-based interventions in the future.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-methods study combining a non-experimental pretest–posttest design with face-to-face focus groups.

Findings

Concerns about falling and self-reported general health at baseline were worse for participants living in sheltered housing schemes, compared to participants in the community. There was no statistically significant change between baseline and follow-up in general health or concerns about falling; however, the data suggesting the programme may be more effective for people in sheltered housing schemes. Participants reported making small, but sustainable behaviour changes following the programme and described unexpected outcomes from the programme, e.g. socialising and meeting new people.

Originality/value

This paper demonstrates the benefit of engaging older adults in research using a participatory approach, highlights key components of community-based interventions for older people and identifies some methodological issues when conducting evaluations in the community. Specifically, it highlights the importance of selecting appropriate measurement tools for data collection and the utility of continuous monitoring where programme participation is flexible and fluid.
History of co‐occurrence shapes predation effects on functional diversity and structure at low latitudes
Authors: López Diana P. , Freestone Amy L.
Published: December 2020

The intensity of biotic interactions is hypothesized to increase towards the equator. Predation can have a stronger effect on prey composition, biomass and taxonomic diversity in tropical regions compared to higher latitudes. Whether predation also shapes patterns of functional diversity and structure of prey communities, however, has rarely been explored across a latitudinal gradient. History of co‐occurrence between predators and prey may also shape the outcome of the interaction, and increased novelty of introduced prey may lead to stronger trait responses.

We investigated the influence of predation on trait responses of prey communities across 12 sites in four regions, from the sub‐arctic to the tropics, using a field experiment in invaded coastal habitats. Prey communities experienced ambient or reduced predation pressure during assembly, and the effect of predation on functional diversity and structure of whole communities as well as their native and introduced components was assessed.

Overall, predation increased functional diversity in the tropics, but effects were evident for introduced species only. Predation also shaped functional structure of low‐latitude communities, but effects were strongest for native species in subtropical Mexico and introduced species in tropical Panama.

Key traits driving shifts in functional structure were related to palatability and reproduction. In the tropics, the strong predation present under ambient conditions reduced the abundance of palatable traits in introduced prey relative to low‐predation treatments, while in the subtropics, ambient predation increased the abundance of palatable traits in native prey. Reproductive traits that require high parental or energetic investment were favoured in low‐predation treatments at both low‐latitude regions.

In summary, predation had a stronger influence on trait responses of prey communities at lower latitudes where biotic interactions are expected to be more intense, but changes in functional diversity and structure hinged on co‐occurrence histories of local predators with native or introduced prey. This study provides one of the first examinations of the effects of predation on functional trait responses of prey communities across a latitudinal gradient.