bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) and early-phase DISH across the lifespan of an American population
Authors: Fournier Dale E , Leung Andrew E , Battié Michele C , Séguin Cheryle A
Published: July 2023

Objectives

DISH is a common musculoskeletal disorder; however, the imaging features and disease continuum from early to advanced stages is poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of DISH and early-phase DISH in an American population and to assess the extent and pattern of ectopic mineralization across the thoracic spine.

Methods

Data were retrieved in collaboration with the Rochester Epidemiology Project. We conducted a retrospective image evaluation of a sample of individuals over 19 years of age with CT of the thoracic spine from a Northern US catchment area. Stratified random sampling by age and sex was used to populate the study. We examined the prevalence and extent of ectopic mineralization along the thoracic spine using previously established criteria.

Results

A total of 1536 unique images (766 female and 770 male individuals) including 16 710 motion segments were evaluated for imaging features of the continuum of DISH. Collectively, 40.5% of all motion segments evaluated displayed evidence of ectopic mineralization in the thoracic spine. The prevalence of early-phase DISH was 13.2% (10.4% of female and 15.8% of male individuals). The prevalence of established DISH was 14.2% (7.4% of female and 20.9% of male individuals). Remarkable heterogeneity was detected in individuals within each disease classification, based on the extent of the thoracic spine affected and degree of mineralization.

Conclusions

The continuum of imaging features associated with DISH is detected in more than one in four adults and both sexes in an American population.
The Qatari Flap for Fingertip Reconstruction: Versatility, Reliability, Clinical Applications, and Review of Literature
Authors: Al Lahham Salim , Aljassem Ghanem , Alyazji Zaki , Sada Ruba , Albasti Habib , Al-Khayarin Alreem , Mogahed Heba , Al Harami Sara , Al Sherawi Abeer
Published: July 2023

Background:

Fingertip injuries are common; when the bone is exposed, it requires more than skin to cover the defect. After the introduction of the concept of perforator flaps, trials have been made to reconstruct finger defects with perforator flaps. Here, we describe a series of fingertip injuries that were treated with reverse flow island finger perforator flap.

Methods:

We had 36 patients from January 2019 to June 2021, most of them male workers. We reported on the sizes of the defects and donor sites, the need to cover the pedicle with a skin graft, and complications. Patients were followed up for a period of 6 months, and the detailed elevation technique was mentioned.

Results:

Thirty-four flaps survived completely. In 50% of the cases, patients had congestion and epidermolysis with preserved underlying flap, which had normal healing course. Two patients with diabetes had infections; one of them had 40% necrosis of the flap, and one additional case had superficial eschar with preserved underlying flap tissues.

Conclusions:

Fingertip reconstruction rather than bone shortening is preferred to maintain the finger length. Multiple choices were suggested, but this flap had the disadvantage of limited coverage. After introducing the concept of perforator flaps into finger reconstruction, still more choices were added. The retrograde island digital artery perforator flap is a reliable choice, which is done in one stage and does not require loss of the digital artery.
A New Ultrasound-assisted Protocol to Avoid Seroma-related Complications in Prepectoral Breast Reconstruction with Acellular Dermal Matrix
Authors: Cazzato Vito , Bottosso Stefano , Marchi Grace , Renzi Nadia , Papa Giovanni
Published: July 2023

Seroma, with its secondary complications, represents one of the major unsolved problems in direct to implant breast reconstruction with acellular dermal matrix. The seroma formation not only represents a complication, but causes other secondary complications such as major infections, surgical dehiscence, and implant loss. These lead to the failure of the reconstruction. The authors have developed a new ultrasound protocol for early diagnosis and management of seroma, with the aim of detecting and treating early seroma through a series of ultrasound-guided suctions. In this way, we want to avoid the onset of seroma-related complications. After 12.5 months of mean follow-up time, we performed 22 fluid aspirations, and no seroma recurrence was reported, as well as no secondary complications. The authors believe that the introduction of this novel ultrasound protocol allows the plastic surgeon to actively and promptly manage seroma.
The mitral valve in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Malcolmson James , Shipolini Alex , Mohiddin Saidi , Savvatis Konstantinos
Published: July 2023

Purpose of review

Whilst abnormally increased left ventricular wall thickness is the hallmark feature of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), anomalies of the mitral valve and supporting apparatus are well documented. This review addresses the clinical importance of mitral valve abnormalities in HCM, their mechanistic associations with symptoms, and therapeutic strategies targeting mitral valve and apparatus abnormalities.

Recent findings

The normal mitral valve possesses anatomical features facilitating unrestricted blood flow during LV filling, preventing regurgitation during LV systole, and avoiding obstruction of LV ejection. In HCM, a variety of structural and functional abnormalities can conspire to cause deranged mitral valve function, with implications for management strategy. Identification and characterization of these abnormalities is facilitated by multimodality imaging. Alcohol septal ablation (ASA) cannot address primary mitral valve abnormalities, and so is not preferred to surgical intervention if mitral valve abnormalities are present and are judged to make dominant contributions to LV outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO). Two broadly opposing surgical intervention strategies exist, one advocating isolated septal myectomy and the other including adjuvant mitral apparatus modification. Newer, less invasive surgical and transcatheter techniques will expand interventional options.

Mitral valve abnormalities are a central pathological feature of HCM. Multimodality imaging is crucial for their identification and characterization prior to therapeutic intervention.
Intrinsic/extrinsic apoptosis and pyroptosis contribute to the selective depletion of B cell subsets in septic shock patients
Authors: Dong Xijie , Tu Hao , Bai Xiangjun , Qin Shuang , Li Zhanfei
Published: July 2023

The depletion of peripheral blood B cells is associated with immunosuppression and poor prognosis during sepsis, and selective depletion occurs when B cell subsets are specifically targeted. In this study, we examined the mechanisms underlying the selective depletion of B cell subsets in the immunosuppressive phase of septic shock patients. Thirty-two septic shock patients were recruited as a septic shock group and 10 healthy volunteers as a control group. The expression of Bcl-2, CD95, cleaved caspase-9/8, and activated caspase-3/1 in the B cell subsets were measured by flow cytometry. Another 23 septic shock patients were recruited to test the remission of caspase-3 (Z-DEVD-FMK) and -1 (VX-765) inhibitors on B cell subset depletion in vitro. In septic shock patients, the Bcl-2 levels in immature/transitional (IM) B cells decreased and the levels of cleaved caspase-9 in IM B cells increased; The levels of CD95 in IM, naive, resting memory (RM), and activated memory (AM) B cells and the levels of cleaved caspase-8 in IM, RM, and AM B cells increased; The levels of activated caspase-3 and caspase-1 in IM, RM, and AM B cells increased. Activated caspase-1 levels in IM B cells were higher compared with activated caspase-3 in septic shock patients, whereas the levels of activated caspase-1 in AM B cells were lower compared with activated caspase-3. Moreover, in vitro experiments showed that Z-DEVD-FMK and VX-765 could alleviate the depletion of IM, AM, and RM B cells. The selective reduction of circulating B cell subsets in septic shock patients could be attributed to intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis as well as pyroptosis.
Surgery for Primary Aldosteronism in France from 2010 to 2020, Results from the French-Speaking Association of Endocrine Surgery (AFCE) - Eurocrine® Study Group
Authors: Vignaud Timothee , Baud Gregory , Nominé-Criqui Claire , Donatini Gianluca , Santucci Nicolas , Hamy Antoine , Lifante Jean-Christophe , Maillard Laure , Mathonnet Muriel , Chereau Nathalie , Pattou François , Caiazzo Robert , Tresallet Christophe , Kuczma Paulina , Ménégaux Fabrice , Drui Delphine , Gaujoux Sébastien , Brunaud Laurent , Mirallié Eric ,   Eurocrine Study Group
Published: July 2023

Objective:

Describe the diagnostic work-up and postoperative results for patients treated by adrenalectomy for primary aldosteronism in France from 2010 to 2020

Summary Background Data:

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is the underlying cause of hypertension in 6-18% patients. French and international guidelines recommend CT-scan and adrenal vein sampling as part of diagnostic work-up to distinguish unilateral PA amenable to surgical treatment, from bilateral PA that will require lifelong antialdosterone treatment.

Adrenalectomy for unilateral primary aldosteronism has been associated with complete resolution of hypertension (no antihypertensive drugs and normal ambulatory pressure) in about 1/3 of patients, and complete biological success in 94% of patients.

These results are mainly based on retrospective studies with short follow-up and aggregated patients from various international high volume centres.

Methods:

Here we report results from French-Speaking Association of Endocrine Surgery (AFCE) using the Eurocrine® Database.

Results:

Over 11 years, 385 patients from 10 medical centres were eligible for analysis, accounting for >40% of adrenalectomies performed in France for primary aldosteronism over the period.

Preoperative work-up was consistent with guidelines for 40% patients. Complete clinical success (CCS) at last follow-up was achieved in 32% patients and complete biological success was not sufficiently assessed.

For patients with two follow-up visits, clinical results were not persistent at one year for 1/5 patients.

Factors associated with CCS on multivariate analysis were body mass index, duration of hypertension and number of antihypertensive drugs.

Conclusions:

These results call for an improvement in thorough preoperative work-up and long-term follow-up of patients (clinical and biological) to early manage hypertension and/or PA relapse.
Vascular access complications associated with resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta in adult trauma patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Shum-Tim Lukas , Bichara-Allard Simon , Hopkins Brent , AlShahwan Nawaf , Hanley Stephen , Manzano-Nunez Ramiro , Garcia Alberto F. , Deckelbaum Dan , Grushka Jeremy , Razek Tarek , Fata Paola , Khwaja Kosar , McKendy Katherine , Jastaniah Atif , Wong Evan G.
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is gaining popularity worldwide for managing hypotensive trauma patients. Vascular access complications related to REBOA placement have been reported, with some cases resulting in permanent morbidity. We aim to capitalize on the increase in literature to further describe and estimate the incidence of REBOA-associated vascular access complications in adult trauma patients.

METHODS

We searched Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, and CINAHL for studies reporting vascular access complications of REBOA in adult trauma patients from inception to October 14, 2021. Studies reporting data from adult trauma patients who underwent REBOA insertion were eligible. Exclusion criteria included patients 15 years and younger, nontrauma patients, non-REBOA use, non-vascular access complications and patient duplication. Study data was abstracted using the PRISMA checklist and verified independently by three reviewers. Meta-analysis of proportions was performed using a random effects model with Freeman-Turkey double-arcsine transformation. Post hoc meta-regression by year of publication, sheath-size, and geographic region was also performed. The incidence of vascular access complications from REBOA insertion was the primary outcome of interest. Subgroup analysis was performed by degree of bias, sheath size, technique of vascular access, provider specialty, geographical region, and publication year.

RESULTS

Twenty-four articles were included in the systematic review and the meta-analysis, for a total of 675 trauma patients who underwent REBOA insertion. The incidence of vascular access complications was 8% (95% confidence interval, 5%–13%). In post hoc meta-regression adjusting for year of publication and geographic region, the use of a smaller (7-Fr) sheath was associated with a decreased incidence of vascular access complications (odds ratio, 0.87; 95% confidence interval, 0.75–0.99; p = 0.046; R2 = 35%; I2 = 48%).

CONCLUSION

This study provides a benchmark for quality of care in terms of vascular access complications related to REBOA insertion in adult trauma patients. Smaller sheath size may be associated with a decrease in vascular access complications.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis; Level III.
A new universal system of tree shape indices
Authors: Noble Robert , Verity Kimberley
Published: July 2023

The comparison and categorization of tree diagrams is fundamental to large parts of biology, linguistics, computer science, and other fields, yet the indices currently applied to describing tree shape have important flaws that complicate their interpretation and limit their scope. Here we introduce a new system of indices with no such shortcomings. Our indices account for node sizes and branch lengths and are robust to small changes in either attribute. Unlike currently popular phylogenetic diversity, phylogenetic entropy, and tree balance indices, our definitions assign interpretable values to all rooted trees and enable meaningful comparison of any pair of trees. Our self-consistent definitions further unite measures of diversity, richness, balance, symmetry, effective height, effective outdegree, and effective branch count in a coherent system, and we derive numerous simple relationships between these indices. The main practical advantages of our indices are in 1) quantifying diversity in non-ultrametric trees; 2) assessing the balance of trees that have non-uniform branch lengths or node sizes; 3) comparing the balance of trees with different leaf counts or outdegrees; 4) obtaining a coherent, generic, multidimensional quantification of tree shape that is robust to sampling error and inferential error. We illustrate these features by comparing the shapes of trees representing the evolution of HIV and of Uralic languages, and trees generated by computational models of tumour evolution. Given the ubiquity of tree structures, we identify a wide range of applications across diverse domains. tree indices, tree shape, tree balance, phylogenetic diversity, phylogenetic entropy, rooted trees
A novel method for quantitation of AAV genome integrity and residual DNAs using duplex digital PCR
Authors: Tereshko Lauren , Zhao Xiaohui , Gagnon Jake , Lin Tinchi , Ewald Trevor , Feschenko Marina , Mason Cullen
Published: July 2023

Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors have become a reliable strategy for delivering gene therapies. As rAAV capsid content is known to be heterogeneous, assays for rAAV characterization are critical for assessing the efficacy and safety of drug products. Multiplex droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) has emerged as a popular molecular approach for characterizing capsid content due to its high level of throughput, accuracy, and replicability. Despite growing popularity, tools to accurately analyze multiplexed data are scarce. Here, we introduce a novel model to estimate genome integrity from duplex ddPCR assays. This work demonstrates that use of a Poisson-multinomial mixture distribution significantly improves the accuracy and quantifiable range of duplex ddPCR assays over currently available models.
Mathematical Model Predicts Tumor Control Patterns Induced by Fast and Slow CTL Killing Mechanisms
Authors: Wang Yixuan , Bergman Daniel , Trujillo Erica , Pearson Alexander T. , Sweis Randy F. , Jackson Trachette L.
Published: July 2023

Immunotherapy has dramatically transformed the cancer treatment landscape largely due to the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Although ICIs have shown promising results for many patients, the low response rates in many cancers highlight the ongoing challenges in cancer treatment. Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) execute their cell-killing function via two distinct mechanisms: a fast-acting, perforin-mediated process and a slower, Fas ligand (FasL)-driven path-way. Evidence also suggests that the preferred killing mechanism of CTLs depends on the anti-genicity of tumor cells. To determine the critical factors affecting responses to ICIs, we construct an ordinary differential equation model describingin vivotumor-immune dynamics in the presence of active or blocked PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint. Specifically, we identify important aspects of the tumor-immune landscape that affect tumor size and composition in the short and long term. By generating a virtual cohort with differential tumor and immune attributes, we also simulate the therapeutic outcomes of immune checkpoint blockade in a heterogenous population. In this way, we identify key tumor and immune characteristics that are associated with tumor elimination, dor-mancy, and escape. Our analysis sheds light on which fraction of a population potentially responds well to ICIs and ways to enhance therapeutic outcomes with combination therapy.
Design of SARS-CoV-2 protease inhibitors with improved affinity and reduced sensitivity to mutations
Authors: Westberg Michael , Su Yichi , Zou Xinzhi , Huang Pinghan , Rustagi Arjun , Garhyan Jaishree , Patel Puja Bhavesh , Fernandez Daniel , Wu Yan , Ning Lin , Beck Aimee , Karim Marwah , Hao Chenzhou , Saenkham-Huntsinger Panatda , Tat Vivian , Drelich Aleksandra , Peng Bi-Hung , Einav Shirit , Tseng Chien-Te K. , Blish Catherine , Lin Michael Z.
Published: July 2023

Inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) such as nirmatrelvir (NTV) and ensitrelvir (ETV) have proven effective in reducing the severity of COVID-19, but the presence of resistance-conferring mutations in sequenced viral genomes raises concerns about future drug resistance. Second-generation oral drugs that retain function on these mutants are thus urgently needed. We hypothesized that the covalent HCV protease inhibitor boceprevir (BPV) could serve as the basis for orally bioavailable drugs that inhibit SARS-CoV-2 Mpromore tightly than existing drugs. Performing structure-guided modifications of BPV, we developed a picomolar-affinity inhibitor, ML2006a4, with antiviral activity, oral pharmacokinetics, and therapeutic efficacy similar or superior to NTV. A crucial feature of ML2006a4 is a novel derivatization of the ketoamide reactive group that improves cell permeability and oral bioavailability. Finally, ML2006a4 is less sensitive to several mutations that cause resistance to NTV or ETV and occur in the natural SARS-CoV-2 population. Thus, anticipatory drug design can preemptively address potential resistance mechanisms.
BL-Hi-C reveals the 3D genome structure ofBrassicacrops with high efficiency and sensitivity
Authors: Zhang Lupeng , Zhao Ranze , Liang Jianli , Cai Xu , Zhang Lei , Guo Huiling , Zhang Zhicheng , Wu Jian , Wang Xiaowu
Published: July 2023

High-throughput chromatin conformation capture (Hi-C) technologies can be used to investigate the three-dimensional genomic structure of plants. However, complex protocol and high background noise in Hi-C hinder its practical application in plant 3D genomics. Here, we took the approach of modified Bridge Linker Hi-C technology (BL-Hi-C) to explore plant 3D landscape. We modified the BL-Hi-C method by simplifing nuclei extraction step. By usingBrassica rapaandBrassica oleracea, BL-Hi-C showed higher signal value and lower background noise than Hi-C. The high sensitivity of BL-Hi-C was further demonstrated by its capacity to identify gene loops involvingBrFLC1,BrFLC2andBrFLC3which were undetectable in Hi-C. BL-Hi-C also showed promising performance with input as low as 100 mg leaf tissue. By analyzing of the generated data from BL-Hi-C, we found that the simulated 3D genome structure ofB. rapaleaf cells was Bouquet configuration. Our results showed that the modified BL-Hi-C is a powerful tool for the investigation of plants’ genomic organization, gene regulation, and genome assembly.

IN A NUTSHELL

Background

3D genome structure play a critical role in regulating spatiotemporal gene expression. However, there is a lack of simple, efficient and sensitive Hi-C technique in plants.

Question

How to study plant 3D genomics more simple and efficientHow to detect plant chromatin loops more sensitive?

Findings

We showed that BL-Hi-C is more simple, efficient and sensitive than coventional Hi-C by usingBrassica rapaandBrassica oleracea. Furthermore, BL-Hi-C demonstrated its high sensitivity by detecting gene loops involvingBrFLC1,BrFLC2, andBrFLC3which could not be detected by Hi-C. In addition, BL-Hi-C demonstrated promising performance with inputs as low as 100 mg leaf tissue. By analyzing BL-Hi-C data, we found that the simulated 3D genome structure ofB. rapaleaf cells was Bouquet configuration.

Next steps

How chromatin loops are formed and regulated gene expression are key questions to be answered in plants. Our dataset of BL-Hi-C will enable future investigations to improve our understanding of chromatin loops.
Logical gates in ensembles of proteinoid microspheres
Authors: Mougkogiannis Panagiotis , Adamatzky Andrew
Published: July 2023

Proteinoid are thermal proteins which swell into microspheres in aqueous solution. Ensembles of proteinoids produce electrical spiking activity similar to that of neurons. We introduce a novel method for implementing logical gates in the ensembles of proteinoid microspheres using chronoamperometry. Chronoamperometry is a technique that involves applying a voltage pulse to proteinoid microspheres and measuring their current response. We have observed that proteinoids exhibit distinct current patterns that align with various logical outputs. We identify four types of logical gates: AND, OR, XOR, and NAND. These gates are determined by the current response of proteinoid microspheres. Additionally, we demonstrate that proteinoid microspheres have the ability to modify their current response over time, which is influenced by their previous exposure to voltage. This indicates that they possess a capacity for learning and are capable of adapting to their environment. Our research showcases the ability of proteinoid microspheres to perform logical operations and computations through their inherent electrical properties.
Chronic striatal cholinergic interneuron excitation induces clinically-relevant dystonic behavior in mice
Authors: Gemperli Kat , Lu Xinguo , Chintalapati Keerthana , Rust Alyssa , Bajpai Rishabh , Suh Nathan , Blackburn Joanna , Gelineau-Morel Rose , Kruer Michael C. , Mingbundersuk Dararat , O’Malley Jennifer , Tochen Laura , Waugh Jeff , Wu Steve , Feyma Timothy , Perlmutter Joel , Mennerick Steven , McCall Jordan , Aravamuthan Bhooma R.
Published: July 2023

Dystonia is common, debilitating, often medically refractory, and difficult to diagnose. The gold standard for both clinical and mouse model dystonia evaluation is subjective assessment, ideally by expert consensus. However, this subjectivity makes translational quantification of clinically-relevant dystonia metrics across species nearly impossible. Many mouse models of genetic dystonias display abnormal striatal cholinergic interneuron excitation, but few display subjectively dystonic features. Therefore, whether striatal cholinergic interneuron pathology causes dystonia remains unknown. To address these critical limitations, we first demonstrate that objectively quantifiable leg adduction variability correlates with leg dystonia severity in people. We then show that chemogenetic excitation of striatal cholinergic interneurons in mice causes comparable leg adduction variability in mice. This clinically-relevant dystonic behavior in mice does not occur with acute excitation, but rather develops after 14 days of ongoing striatal cholinergic interneuron excitation. This requirement for prolonged excitation recapitulates the clinically observed phenomena of a delay between an inciting brain injury and subsequent dystonia manifestation and demonstrates a causative link between chronic striatal cholinergic interneuron excitation and clinically-relevant dystonic behavior in mice. Therefore, these results support targeting striatal ChIs for dystonia drug development and suggests early treatment in the window following injury but prior to dystonia onset.

One Sentence Summary

Chronic excitation of dorsal striatal cholinergic interneuron causes clinically-relevant dystonic phenotypes in mice
Slow-wave brain connectivity predicts executive functioning and group belonging in socially vulnerable individuals
Authors: Lanfranco Renzo C. , Santos Sousa Fabienne dos , Wessel Pierre Musa , Rivera-Rei Álvaro , Bekinschtein Tristán A. , Lucero Boris , Canales-Johnson Andrés , Huepe David
Published: July 2023

Important efforts have been made to describe the neural and cognitive features of healthy and clinical populations. However, the neural and cognitive features of socially vulnerable individuals remain largely unexplored, despite their proneness to developing neurocognitive disorders. Socially vulnerable individuals can be characterised as socially deprived, having a low socioeconomic status, suffering from chronic social stress, and exhibiting poor social adaptation. While it is known that such individuals are likely to perform worse than their peers on executive function tasks, studies on healthy but socially vulnerable groups are lacking. In the current study, we explore whether neural power and connectivity signatures can characterise executive function performance in healthy but socially vulnerable individuals, shedding light on the impairing effects that chronic stress and social disadvantages have on cognition. We measured resting-state electroencephalography and executive functioning in 38 socially vulnerable participants and 38 matched control participants. Our findings indicate that while neural power was uninformative, lower delta and theta phase synchrony are associated with worse executive function performance in all participants, whereas delta phase synchrony is higher in the socially vulnerable group compared to the control group. Finally, we found that delta phase synchrony and years of schooling are the best predictors for belonging to the socially vulnerable group. Overall, these findings suggest that exposure to chronic stress due to socioeconomic factors and a lack of education are associated with changes in slow-wave neural connectivity and executive functioning.
Evidence for gene transfer between mycoviruses and their host:Curvulaviridaeas a case study
Authors: Maachi Ayoub , Alfonso Pau , Legarda Esmeralda G. , Wu Beilei , Elena Santiago F.
Published: July 2023

Gene transfer between distinct evolutionary lineages has been recognized as a frequent event occurring between viruses and their hosts. This phenomenon has been studied to some extent in animal and plant viruses, not so much in the case of mycoviruses, for which the evolutionary origins of their proteins remain poorly understood. In this study, we have tested the hypothesis of a mosaic origin for mycoviruses’ genomes, with the RNA-dependent RNA-polymerase (RdRp) being of viral origin and the coat protein (CP) resulting from one or more transfer events from the host genome. Firstly, phylogenetic trees were constructed for the RdRps and the CPs from a selection of viruses to address for possible incongruent evolutionary histories. Moreover, a PSI-BLAST search using the CP sequences from the different mycovirus groups retrieved hypothetical proteins (HP) with many orthologues in fungal genomes showing significant sequence homology with the CP from the members within theCurvulaviridaefamily. The structures of these HPs, predictedin silicousing AlphaFold, tend to show high similarity with viral CPs suggesting the occurrence of gene transfer between viruses and fungi, although no clear function has been yet attributed to these genes in the host. Phylogenetic analyses suggest that this gene transfer could have occurred in multiple independent events. Additional selection analysis supports the notion that the most parsimonious explanation is the transfer of the HP from the host to an ancestral viral genome followed by fast evolution to accommodate the newly acquired protein to function as a CP.
Mechanism of outer kinetochore assembly on microtubules and its regulation by mitotic error correction
Authors: Muir Kyle W. , Batters Christopher , Dendooven Tom , Yang Jing , Zhang Ziguo , Burt Alister , Barford David
Published: July 2023

Kinetochores couple chromosomes to the mitotic spindle and transduce the energy of microtubule depolymerization to segregate the genome during cell division. Kinetochore – microtubule attachments are often initially erroneous and subject to a mitotic error correction (EC) mechanism that drives their turnover until biorientation is achieved. How this is accomplished and regulated, and how kinetochore-mediated chromosome segregation occurs at a molecular level remain major outstanding questions. Here we describe the cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure of the budding yeast outer kinetochore Ndc80 and Dam1 ring complexes assembled onto microtubules. We observe coordinated interactions of the outer kinetochore complexes through multiple interfaces, in addition to a short staple within the Dam1 subunit that facilitates Dam1c ring assembly. Perturbation of these interfaces results in loss of yeast viability. Force-rupture assays indicated this is a consequence of substantial reductions in kinetochore – microtubule binding strength. EC-mediated phosphorylation of Ndc80c-Dam1c interfaces would drive complex disassembly, whereas Dam1 staple phosphorylation would promote Dam1c ring disassembly, explaining how kinetochore – microtubule attachments are destabilized and reset by the EC mechanism.

One-Sentence Summary

Phosphorylation disrupts the outer kinetochore to regulate kinetochore-microtubule attachments in mitotic error correction.
Characterization of RBM15 protein binding with long noncoding RNAs
Authors: Bose Emma , Mayes Caleb , Ellis Lance , Baker Corrine , Tambalotti Sofia , Xiong Shengwei , Osei Sarpong Yaa Pokua , Shalaby Marwan , Barry Lucas , Lewis Frank , Joseph Johnson , Isaacs Talaidh , McCarthy Derik , Katz Dana , Wang Jingyang , Zirimu Victoria , Vargas Luis , Von Hofe Julian , Aguilar Glen , Buchan Katherine , Zheng Lei , Wolfe Gregory , Jones Alisha N
Published: July 2023

The RNA binding motif 15 protein (RBM15) plays a critical role in post-transcriptional regulation. Its role in facilitating m6A modification, specifically through guiding the writer complex (WTAP METTL13 METTL14) to DRACH sequence motifs, has been demonstrated for several RNAs, including long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). The structural mechanism that underlies how RBM15 interacts with RNA has yet to be elucidated. In this study, we mined and bioinformatically assessed publicly available genome wide RNA 2D structural probing and RBP cross linking and immunoprecipitation data to investigate the propensity of lncRNAs to interact with RBM15. We then experimentally characterized how this interaction occurs with two lncRNAs, FIRRE and XIST. RBM15, which possesses three RNA recognition motifs (RRMs), primarily interacts with stem loop structures adopted by lncRNAs through its two terminal RRMs, RRMs 2 and 3. Using solution NMR, we find RRMs 2 and 3 are rigidly confined in solution, in the absence of RNA. Altogether, this work provides clarity on the molecular mechanism by which RBM15 interacts with RNAs to govern biological function.
Transformational leadership, job engagement, and championing behavior: assessing the mediating role of role clarity
Authors: Majid Fatima , Raziq Muhammad Mustafa , Memon Mumtaz Ali , Tariq Adeel , Rice John Lewis
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to examine how role clarity mediates the effect of transformational leadership on job engagement and championing behavior in support of the conservation of resources theory.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a cross-sectional approach to collect data from managerial/nonmanagerial employees within the Pakistani hospitality industry via online and offline questionnaires. A total of 170 responses were used in the data analysis using partial least squares structural equation modeling to test the hypothesized relationships.

Findings

Findings show that transformational leadership directly predicts improved role clarity and job engagement. Moreover, role clarity leads to job engagement and championing behavior. Role clarity exhibits a partial mediation effect on job engagement and full mediation on championing behavior.

Originality/value

To bridge the gap in leadership literature, this research assesses the underlying effect of role clarity on the relationship between transformational leadership and its positive outcomes. It provides theoretical and managerial implications regarding the role of transformational leadership characteristics and outcomes.
Augmented reality-based facility maintenance management system
Authors: Fan Su-Ling , Ong Wei-San , Wu Chun-Tin , Forcada Matheu Nuria , Alavi Hamidreza
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address the problems of the current facilities maintenance management (FMM) system in finding necessary information, identifying defective facilities and prioritizing maintenance work orders.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, in conjunction with building information modeling, a system is proposed to perform a preliminary inspection of each maintenance request, provide FMM staff with the location of the faulty facility and its associated details and provide recommendations for prioritizing repair work orders. Unity and Revit are used to implement the proposed system and a case study is conducted to demonstrate its effectiveness.

Findings

An augmented reality (AR)-FMM system was developed using the AR technique in this paper. This system provides the related information even if the FMM receives a problem report without facility information from the occupant and performs a preliminary inspection so that the faulty facility and the route to it are identified. In addition, a work order sequence of pending requests was provided. The visualization of the facility using AR technology has brought great convenience and ease to FMM staff.

Originality/value

This paper addresses the problems encountered in the current facility maintenance management system concerning AR technology.
Pro-LGBTQIAP+ counterintuitive communication toward the consumer
Authors: Andreoli Taís Pasquotto , Assis Vieira Bárbara
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The study aims to analyze consumer reaction to counterintuitive communication linked to the LGBTQIAP+ cause.

Design/methodology/approach

The theoretical framework focused on marketing communication, counterintuitive communication and the insertion of the LGBTQIAP+ issue in them. A hypothetical-deductive approach was adopted, carried out through an online experiment with a factorial design 2 (high involvement product − wedding ring × low involvement − perfume) × 2 (homosexual couple − counterintuitive × heterosexual − intuitive), with two subsequent steps: eye tracker collection (n = 21) and questionnaire application (n = 136).

Findings

It was possible to attest to the differences between traditional (intuitive) and counterintuitive marketing communications, identified both in terms of visualizations and fixations (eye tracking), and objective responses (online questionnaire), finding more positive consumer behavior in the case of counterintuitive communication with insertion of the LGBTQIAP+ cause.

Research limitations/implications

Marketing communication has great potential to create “new/other” values and worldviews, thus having an important role in social responsibility that goes beyond the marketing sphere. Precisely in this context, the study contributes to endorse the literature concerning counterintuitive communication, reinforcing the increasing importance and favorable scenario for its practice, as well as highlighting its importance as an efficient marketing strategy.

Originality/value

The study extends the understanding of counterintuitive communication with the scope of an investigation linked to the LGBTQIAP+ cause, especially from the perspective of the receiving public, the consumers. Furthermore, it advances in the sense of aggregating empirical evidence by means of both exploratory (with neuroscientific technique as eye tracking) and explanatory factors.
Training as a facilitator for Industry 4.0
Authors: Di Sabato Vito , Savov Radovan
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This paper studies the impact of certain characteristics of companies to training programs in the Industry 4.0 (I4.0) context. Partial objective is to rank the main human barriers companies have to overcome so that they can digitalize.

Design/methodology/approach

To accomplish the objectives, a closed-ended questionnaire was sent to Slovak and Italian companies and analyzed using statistical nonparametric tests. The partial objective was achieved using the so-called Henry-Garrett’s ranking method.

Findings

Results show the significance impact of companies’ characteristics such as foreign participation and company dimension on training practices whereas economic situation (financial health) seems not to influence it.

Research limitations/implications

The study may lack generalizability as only 102 answers were collected. Perhaps, the outcome would be different with another sample from other countries. Moreover, using closed-ended questions, certain features may not have been covered.

Practical implications

Companies should always guarantee training for the resulted benefits. It is fundamental for organizations to find a time gap, resources and professionals who can teach these programs. Even when companies are incurring financial problems they should do so since human capital development can increase their competitiveness. The most critical barriers should be carefully addressed by companies. Training can help to overcome I4.0 barriers related to Human Resources (HR) and contribute to its growth.

Originality/value

This paper gives insights of the impact of certain characteristics of companies to the training programs. Because past research has limited their analysis on the identification of barrier, its novelty lies in the attempt to rank the most significant barriers among those detected by other authors in previous research.
The impact of a new women's professional sport league on pre-existing sport organisations: a modified, integrative approach to examining change
Authors: Taylor Chelsey Sara , Naraine Michael L. , Rowe Katie , Robertson Jonathan , Karg Adam
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to explore the process of change in existing professional sport organisations as they initiate a women's team.

Design/methodology/approach

Three Australian Football League clubs with licenses for professional women's teams were examined, with semi-structured interviews held with three key department managers from each club.

Findings

The findings suggest organisations adopt either a community-focused or commercially focused approach, the selection of which is a response to the interplay of institutional pressures (e.g. league demands), resource demands (e.g. human and financial) and the strategic choices of a few, key “idea champions”.

Originality/value

This study provides insight into the approach change taken by clubs as they introduce a women's team into their existing organisational structure.
Motivational catalysts: the dominant role between prosocial personality and social entrepreneurial intentions among university students
Authors: Cheah Jeffrey S.S. , Loh ShihYee , Gunasekaran Angappa
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Social entrepreneurship has the potential to address societal challenges, and high-education students are expected to be future social leaders. However, engagement in social entrepreneurship remains low in many countries. This study aims to investigate the mediating role of motivational mechanisms (i.e. self-efficacy, social support and social worth) in the relationship between prosocial personality and social entrepreneurial intentions (SEIs).

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the theory of planned behaviour, the authors conducted a survey of 292 valid respondents from 35 major public and private universities. The collected data were analysed using the structural equation modelling technique. The reliability of the measurements and the model’s predictive capabilities are substantial and assured.

Findings

The findings suggest that prosocial personality alone does not directly predict social entrepreneurial behaviour. However, motivational forces are dominant mediators in the relationship between prosocial personality and SEIs. Specifically, self-efficacy, social support and social worth significantly mediate this relationship.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study provide insights into why prior studies on this topic has produced contradictory results.

Practical implications

The authors recommend that universities and policymakers provide adequate cognitive learning experiences, capacity-building programmes, funding support and recognition to enhance graduates’ inner strength and foster SEIs.

Originality/value

The empirical results resolve the contradictions found in many prior studies and highlight the importance of supportive mechanisms when promoting SEI in emerging regions.
Attracting Gen Z workforce: the effects of organizational social media policy
Authors: Zhong YunYing , Zhang Lu , Wei Wei , Chang Jerry Cha-Jan
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Considering Gen Z’s unique formative experience with social media, this study aims to apply the cue utilization theory to investigate the effects of social media policy as an organizational cue in attracting this cohort to hospitality and tourism (H&T) companies.

Design/methodology/approach

A 2 (policy frame: promotion/prevention) × 2 (policy boundary: distinct/permeable) experiment was conducted with 243 Gen Z H&T job seekers. ANCOVA analyses were performed to analyze the effects of policy frame and boundary on perceived organization attractiveness and pursuit intention, respectively.

Findings

This study found that when a company policy promoted social media usage, Gen Z job seekers reported higher attractiveness and pursuit intention in the distinct boundary condition. However, when a company’s social media policy emphasized a prevention frame, Gen Z job seekers reported a similar level of perceived attractiveness and pursuit intention, regardless of the policy boundary conditions.

Originality/value

This study addressed the literature gaps of limited research on the Gen Z workforce and the effects of social media policy on talent attraction. Based on the cue utilization theory, this study identified the policy clause combinations that generated positive recruitment impacts among Gen Z members. The study provided unique theoretical and practical implications for H&T managers to use social media policy as a novel and cost-effective tool to attract Gen Z talents.
Sodium alginate coating of Ginkgo biloba leaves extract containing phenylpropanoids as an ecofriendly preserving agent to maintain the quality of peach fruit
Authors: Mou Linyun , Lu Ya , Zhang Jin , Bilal Muhammad , Li Jianlong , Li Ganpeng
Published: July 2023

Plant constituents are of great interest in the food processing industry as potential natural preservative agents for controlling foodborne pathogens. In this study, the 95% EtOH/H2O extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves was separated using polarity extraction solvents with petroleum ether (PE), ethyl acetate (EA), n‐butanol (nB), and water (W) by the principle of similarity and compatibility. Through TLC and NMR analysis of these extracts, it can be concluded that the main component of PE extract were organic acids, for EA extract were flavonoids, for nB extract were phenylpropanoids, and water extract were oligosaccharides. Twelve monomer compounds were separated from the extracts to verify the composition of each extraction stage. Results of morphological and molecular identification revealed that Monilinia fructicola and Rhizopus stolonifer were the main fungi causing peach rot. After evaluating the antifungal activity and peach quality of the four extract/sodium alginate coatings, it was found that the n‐butanol extract/sodium alginate coating containing phenylpropanoids had the lowest decay index and the best preservation effect, providing a sustainable alternative to reduce the harm to the environment of synthetic preservatives.

Practical Application

The abuse of synthetic preservatives poses a threat to the ecological environment and physical health. Therefore, this study developed sodium alginate coating of Ginkgo biloba leaves extract containing phenylpropanoids, which has good effects on the preservation of peaches. The agent is a promising environmentally friendly alternative for synthetic preservatives.