bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between immune cell attributes, serum metabolites, inflammatory protein factors, and colorectal cancer: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhang Jingting , Chen Hongyao , Yang Renyi , Tang Jincheng , Yu Xiaopeng , Zeng Puhua , Peng Wei
Published: November 2024

Understanding the role of the tumor microenvironment in colorectal cancer (CRC) progression remains a challenge due to its complexity. Investigating the interplay between immune cell characteristics, serum metabolites, inflammatory protein factors, and CRC could unveil novel therapeutic avenues. We used 2-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) on Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) data to explore causal links between 731 immune cell characteristics, 1400 serum metabolites, 91 inflammatory proteins, and CRC. Various MR methods, including inverse variance weighted (IVW) and MR-Egger, were applied to ensure robust analysis. Sensitivity analyses, such as the MR-Egger intercept test, Cochran’s Q test, and leave-one-out analysis, were performed to check for pleiotropy, heterogeneity, and influential outliers. Following rigorous genetic variation screening, we identified 43 immune cell characteristics associated with CRC. Notably, 7 immunophenotypes, including CD39+ CD4+ T cell Absolute Count, exhibited significant associations as protective factors. Additionally, 36 other immunophenotypes showed significant causal relationships with CRC. Among serum metabolites, 37 were correlated with CRC, with 1-arachidonoyl-gpc (20: 4n6) being the most closely linked as a risk factor. Similarly, 36 serum metabolites displayed significant causal relationships with CRC. Seven inflammatory protein factors exhibited causal relationships with CRC, with 4 posing as risk factors and 3 as protective factors. Our study scrutinized 731 immune cell characteristics, 1400 serum metabolites, and 91 inflammatory protein factors within the tumor microenvironment. We confirmed causal relationships between 43 immune cell characteristics, 37 serum metabolites, and 7 inflammatory protein factors with CRC. These findings offer novel insights into the potential etiology, prevention, and treatment strategies for CRC.
Ruptured middle cerebral artery bifurcation aneurysms with concomitant intracerebral hematoma: Clinical and morphological risk factors
Authors: Akdağ Rifat , Soylu Uğur
Published: November 2024

The prognosis for intracerebral hematoma (ICH) following the rupture of a middle cerebral artery bifurcation (Mbif) aneurysm is poor. We compared patients with isolated diffuse subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) (without ICH) following Mbif aneurysm rupture to those with both SAH and ICH to evaluate clinical and morphological risk factors for ICH. A retrospective study was conducted on 112 patients with ruptured Mbif aneurysms treated between July 2016 and December 2021. We investigated age, sex, medical history (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and smoking), rebleeding, aneurysm neck and dome size, bottleneck factor, aspect ratio, dome projection, trunk diameters and ratios, parent artery (M1) dimensions, angles between both trunks (γ1, γ2, γ3), as well as M1 length and diameter, and internal carotid artery/M1 (α) and internal carotid artery/anterior cerebral artery (β) angles. These measurements were obtained using computerized tomography angiography to assess risk factors. A total of 88 patients (78.6%) with ruptured Mbif aneurysms who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. A total of 39 (44.3%) patients had SAH with ICH, while 49 (53.7%) patients had pure diffuse SAH. Rebleeding was significantly higher in patients with ICH (P = .02). Morphological analysis revealed that the decrease in M1 diameter and α angle, along with an increase in aneurysm size and neck, were significantly different in the ICH group (P = .025, P = .012, P = .009, and P = .005, respectively). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that a cutoff value of α = 125° had the highest diagnostic accuracy (area under the curve = 0.71), with a sensitivity of 86.26% and specificity of 68.7%. The formation of ICH following the rupture of Mbif aneurysms is associated with specific morphological parameters.
Chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy in a patient with multiple primary gastric and rectal cancers with good prognosis: A case report
Authors: Peng Jibang , Zhu Zhu , Shi Min , Shao Weikang , Ji Xiang , Liu Chang , Zhou Dayang , Wang Xueqin , Huang Jian
Published: November 2024

Rationale:

Multiple primary cancer is common in clinical practice, but its diagnosis process is complicated, and relevant genetic testing is required to assist in diagnosis when necessary. The formulation of treatment strategies for multiple primary cancer is a highly personalized process. In this article, we introduce a case of a patient with rectal cancer and gastric cancer who was diagnosed with multiple primary cancers, to investigate and explore the clinical application value of next-generation sequencing (NGS) testing in patients with multiple primary gastric and colorectal cancers.

Patient concerns:

A 74-year-old male patient had a mass at the anal verge.

Diagnoses:

Endoscopy, imaging studies, and pathological examinations showed adenocarcinoma in both the rectal and gastric antral regions. Genetic testing confirmed the diagnosis of multiple primary cancer.

Interventions:

The patient received 8 cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy and underwent laparoscopic radical resection for rectal cancer. Postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy (XELOX) supplemented with PD-1 immunotherapy, and Camrelizumab was continued.

Outcomes:

Gastric lesions continued to regress and eventually disappeared completely at the end of adjuvant therapy.

Lessons:

According to the results of NGS testing, the multiple primary cancers’ patient received personalized treatment and ultimately achieved clinical complete remission. This case highlights the critical role of genetic testing in accurately identifying multiple primary cancer and the value of personalized guidance for patient treatment using NGS in clinical practice.
Short-term effects of denervation in the treatment of hypertension: A meta-analysis excluding drug interferences
Authors: Wang Yimu , Liu Jingyu , Wang Lingyu , Wang Xiang , Zhang Huiling , Fang Haiyan
Published: November 2024

Background:

To evaluate the short-term efficacy of denervation in treating hypertension with the exclusion of drug-interfering factors.

Methods:

An electronic search was conducted across 8 databases, including MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE, for articles on denervation in the treatment of medication-naïve hypertension published from inception to May 2024. All data were meta-analyzed using RevMan 5.3 software.

Results:

Four studies, comprising a total of 752 subjects, were screened according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Meta-analysis indicated that, compared to the sham-operated group, the denervation group showed a significant reduction in short-term 24-hour ambulatory systolic blood pressure and office systolic blood pressure (OSBP) as well as office diastolic blood pressure (ODBP). No significant safety events were identified.

Conclusion:

Denervation has the potential to reduce blood pressure in the short-term for patients with medication-naïve hypertension, demonstrating an acceptable safety profile. This offers hope for patients who are intolerant to drug therapy or unwilling to take lifelong medication. However, its long-term effects require further study. Future research should focus on expanding the sample size and prolonging the follow-up period to further solidify its role in the treatment of hypertension.
Molecular characteristics and prognostic role of EPHA2 in human tumors via pan-cancer analysis
Authors: Wang Guoqiang , Xiao Hui , Liang Zhipan , Feng Yuxin , Wang Liyu , Feng Ying , Guo Fen , Zhang Luyao
Published: November 2024

The tyrosine kinase ephrin type-A receptor 2 (EPHA2) was remarkably elevated expressed in various tumors and plays a crucial role in cancer tumorigenesis and progression, while pan-cancer analyses are currently lacking. This study was designed to analyze the expression status and prognostic significance of EPHA2 in pan-cancer. By mining The Cancer Genome Atlas data, we performed a comprehensive and systematic characterization of EPHA2 across >10,000 samples of 33 types of cancer. EPHA2 expressions were substantially different in most of the normal control and tumor tissues, and it was considerably associated with the prognosis of tumor patients. EPHA2 gene modifications in malignant tumors were mainly missense mutations. There was a significant correlation between EPHA2 expression and cancer-associated fibroblasts in most The Cancer Genome Atlas cancers. Furthermore, functional enrichment analysis showed that the biological role of EPHA2 in tumors was mainly involved in some noticeably pro-oncogenic pathways, such as the Ras signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, ErbB signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, etc. This study provided the first pan-cancer analyses of EPHA2 in various tumors, and EPHA2 was potentially involved in many cancer types and can be developed as candidates for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic biomarkers. In addition, EPHA2 seemed to be a key modulator of the tumor immune microenvironment and might be a potential biomarker in predicting the immunotherapeutic efficacy for cancer patients.
Progress in targeted therapy for ankylosing spondylitis: A review
Authors: Wang Jiapeng , Lou Wang , Li Yingnan , Jiang Yang , Jiang Xue , Yang Lin
Published: November 2024

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by axial osteoarticular inflammation and tendon enthesitis with unclear pathogenesis. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antirheumatic drugs used in the traditional treatment of AS have some problems such as drug intolerance and inadequate treatment response. Since the introduction of biological agents in the treatment of AS, they have completely changed the treatment concept of AS, and because of their safety and good tolerance, they have become the main choice for clinical AS patients. This article systematically summarizes the current status of targeted therapy for AS worldwide, analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of different types of biological agents in the treatment of AS, and provides an objective evaluation of clinical targeted therapy for AS, in order to provide a new perspective for clinical standardized treatment.
Assessment of frontal QRS–T angle in distinguishing mild and severe acute pancreatitis in emergency department: A retrospective study
Authors: Aydoğdu Umaç Gülbin , Yilmaz Sarper
Published: November 2024

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a disease that poses significant health risks with potential severe outcomes. Identifying markers for severity can aid in early intervention and improve prognoses. This study, conducted in the emergency department, investigates the QRS–T angle as a potential indicator of severity in patients with acute pancreatitis. This retrospective study included 367 patients diagnosed with AP, classified as either mild acute pancreatitis or severe acute pancreatitis based on Ranson criteria. The QRS–T angle was measured using standard 12-lead electrocardiogram, and the data were analyzed to compare the QRS–T angles between the mild acute pancreatitis and severe acute pancreatitis groups. This research adhered to the guidelines outlined in the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology statement. The study included 367 patients, 94% (n = 345) had mild pancreatitis while 6% (n = 22) had severe pancreatitis. Severe cases had a significantly higher median age (P < .001) and higher rates of hypertension and diabetes mellitus (P = .027, P = .011). Severe cases also had higher Ranson scores (3 [IQR 3–3.25] vs 1 [IQR 1–2], P < .001) and longer hospital stays (6 [IQR 2.75–11.5] days vs 3 [2–5] days, P = .029). Additionally, severe pancreatitis group showed higher QRS–T angle (P < .001), higher rates of abnormal QRS angles (31.8% vs 10.1%, P = .002), and QRS–T angles (31.8% vs 8.1%, P < .001). The QRS–T angle may serve as a valuable clinical tool for differentiating between mild and severe forms of acute pancreatitis. This could potentially help clinicians in stratifying patients according to their risk and tailoring their management accordingly.
Chinese medicine as comprehensive therapy for psoriasis: A case report
Authors: Liu Lingjuan , Li Miao , Hu Minhua , Ge Zhilin , Dong Xiulan
Published: November 2024

Rationale:

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated, chronic, relapsing, inflammatory disease induced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It can be comorbid with other systemic diseases and severely affects patient’s quality of life. This case report describes the therapeutic role of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in patient with psoriasis.

Patient concerns:

The 32-year-old male patient exhibited symptoms of increased dandruff and recurrent erythematous scales on various body regions for nearly a year. At the same time, he had multisystemic metabolic abnormalities and psychiatric disorders.

Diagnosis:

Severe plaque psoriasis.

Interventions:

The patient was treated with oral Chinese herbal medicine only.

Outcomes:

Following TCM treatment, the patient demonstrated significant improvement in his skin condition and various metabolic-related indexes.

Lessons:

TCM is involved in the harmonization of yin and yang, regulation of qi and blood, dispersion of pathogenic wind, cooling of blood, and alleviation of blood stasis. From a modern medical perspective, TCM prescriptions may address skin inflammation by restoring physiological functions and enhancing immune response. This case study illustrates the efficacy of TCM in treating skin disorders and enhancing the body’s internal environment.
Gender difference in the relationship between epicardial adipose tissue and central obesity
Authors: Seo Kyoung-Woo , Lim Hong-Seok , Shin Joon-Han , Park Jin-Sun
Published: November 2024

Body fat distribution is closely related to cardiovascular disease than the amount of total body fat itself. The epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) measured by transthoracic echocardiography represents central obesity. We hypothesized that the gender affected the link between EAT thickness and body fat distribution. We measured EAT thickness using transthoracic echocardiography and total body fat and regional body fat distribution using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in 390 patients (250 males, 59 ± 11 year-old). The EAT thickness was measured on the free wall of the right ventricle at the end of the diastole on parasternal long-axis view of echocardiography. The median and mean EAT thickness of 390 patients were 4.0 mm and 4.2 ± 1.2 mm, respectively. The mean EAT thickness revealed positive correlation with truncal fat mass to total body fat mass ratio (FMtrunk/FMtotal, R = 0.291, P = .024). Subgroup analysis categorized by gender demonstrated the female group has stronger correlation of EAT thickness with fat distribution than the male group (male: R = 0.174, P = .006, female: R = 0.378, P < .001). EAT thickness is closely related to body fat distribution. Females showed a more significant correlation between EAT thickness and central fat accumulation than males. EAT thickness might be considered as a relevant parameter of central obesity, especially in females.
Influence of pain neuroscience education and exercises for the management of neck pain: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Zhang Yue , Yang Chao
Published: November 2024

Background:

It is elusive to combine pain neuroscience education with exercises to treat neck pain, and this meta-analysis aims to study the efficacy of pain neuroscience education plus exercises for the treatment of neck pain.

Methods:

Several databases including PubMed, EMbase, Web of science, EBSCO, and Cochrane library databases were systemically searched from inception to August 2023, and we included the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of pain neuroscience education plus exercises on the relief of neck pain.

Results:

We total included 4 eligible RCTs and 246 patients with neck pain in this meta-analysis. Compared with exercise intervention for neck pain, pain neuroscience education plus exercise was associated with remarkably decreased VAS after treatment (MD = −1.12; 95% CI = −1.51 to −0.73; P < .00001), VAS after 3 months (MD = −1.24; 95% CI = −2.26 to −0.22; P = .02), functional disability index (MD = −1.22; 95% CI = −1.46 to −0.97; P < .00001) and pain catastrophizing scale (MD = −4.25; 95% CI = −5.50 to −3.00; P < .00001).

Conclusions:

Pain neuroscience education plus exercises is effective for the relief of neck pain.
Unravelling the myth: A cross-sectional study on coffee consumption among anesthesiologists in France
Authors: Barnawi Mohammad , Alawadi Duaa , Alzahrani Khalid , Samargandi Ramy , Boutros Mariam
Published: November 2024

It is a common preconception in France that anesthesiologists consume the largest amounts of coffee. This study is aimed to evaluate the relation between working in anesthesiology and increased coffee consumption. Cross-sectional, multicentric study carried out on anesthesiology professionals in France including anesthesiologists (residents and seniors) and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (nurses and students). We performed a paper-based and a web-based survey among participants in the period from January 31, 2020, until March 31, 2020. Data were recorded for each participant including, demographics, function, place of work, and details of coffee consumption. Coffee consumption. We considered the hypothesis to be statistically significant if P < .01. F test was performed to evaluate the variance between different populations. A total of 690 anesthesiology professionals participated in this survey. Average caffeine consumption within anesthesiology team is 308 ± 168 mg/d in the daily operating room and 359 ± 200 in on-call duties. The is a statistically significant increase in caffeine consumption during work in anesthesiology (P < .001). Evolution of coffee consumption were more important in daily operating room than in on-call duties with F test of 118.54 and 205.14, respectively. The majority of respondents (74%) enjoyed coffee for pleasure, while 12% drank it to boost alertness. However, 71% noticed no improvement in attention after consumption. Caffeine dependence symptoms were seen in only 5% of all respondents and 11% of those who consumed 600 mg or more of caffeine daily. Working in the field of anesthesiology seems to be associated with increased coffee consumption, however average coffee consumption among anesthesiologist in France is considered safe. These findings underscore the importance of carefully managing working conditions, shift schedules, and working hours for anesthesiologists to lessen potential risks associated with excessive caffeine intake.
Association between acute pancreatitis severity and ABO/Rh blood group
Authors: Shieh Christine , Dean Richard J. , Silva Spring A. , Rodriguez Lizette , Perez Jose Martinez , Mendoza Ladd Antonio
Published: November 2024

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory disorder associated with a significant mortality rate in its severe form. This study aimed to evaluate the association between severity of AP and ABO/Rh blood type. Retrospective chart review was conducted on hospitalized patients who met the diagnostic criteria for AP. Data collected included patient demographics, ABO/Rh blood type, etiology of pancreatitis, severity based on the Atlanta classification, and hospital length of stay. The proportion of patients who experienced severe AP was compared amongst combinations of ABO/Rh blood group. Of the 358 patients included in the study, 20.9% had non-mild AP. The proportion of patients in each blood group with non-mild AP was as follows: A: 21.1%, B: 21.4%, AB: 5.9%, O: 30.9%, Rh+: 22.0%, Rh‐: 14.8%. When comparing across A, B, AB, O and Rh groups separately and in combination, there was no statistically significant correlation found between AP severity and ABO/Rh blood type. In this retrospective cohort study, no significant association between ABO/Rh blood group and severity of AP was found, suggesting that the inflammatory cascade in AP is not directly influenced by blood groups.
Evaluating the Utility of ChatGPT in Diagnosing and Managing Maxillofacial Trauma
Authors: Rothchild Evan , Baker Caroline , Smith Isabelle T. , Tanna Neil , Ricci Joseph A.
Published: November 2024

Maxillofacial trauma is a significant concern in emergency departments (EDs) due to its high prevalence and the complexity of its management. However, many ED physicians lack specialized training and confidence in handling these cases, leading to a high rate of facial trauma referrals and increased stress on consult services. Recent advancements in artificial intelligence, particularly in large language models such as ChatGPT, have shown potential in aiding clinical decision-making. This study specifically examines the efficacy of ChatGPT in diagnosing and managing maxillofacial trauma. Ten clinical vignettes describing common facial trauma scenarios were presented to a group of plastic surgery residents from a tertiary care center and to ChatGPT. The chatbot and residents were asked to provide their diagnosis, ED management, and definitive management for each scenario. Responses were scored by attending plastic surgeons who were blinded to the response source. The study included 13 resident and ChatGPT responses. The mean total scores were similar between residents and ChatGPT (23.23 versus 22.77, P > 0.05). ChatGPT outperformed residents in diagnostic accuracy (9.85 versus 8.54, P < 0.001) but underperformed in definitive management (8.35 versus 6.35, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in ED management scores between ChatGPT and the residents. ChatGPT demonstrated high accuracy in diagnosing maxillofacial trauma. However, its ability to suggest appropriate ED management and definitive treatment plans was limited. These findings suggest that while ChatGPT may serve as a valuable diagnostic tool in ED settings, further advancements are necessary before it can reliably contribute to treatment planning in emergent maxillofacial clinical scenarios.
Avoiding Unwanted Exposure of Subperiosteal Implants in the Atrophic Maxilla: Technical Note
Authors: Olate Sergio , Unibazo Alejandro , Ravelo Victor , Rivas Carlos , López Paula , Valdivia José
Published: November 2024

The use of subperiosteal implants for the rehabilitation of atrophic maxillae has taken attention recently as a validated option in the treatment of severe atrophy. The systems have been improved by technological advancements and the analysis of variables affecting their prognosis. However, one of the most frequent issues to resolve is the unwanted exposure of a portion of the metal mesh close to the abutment and prosthetic connections, which can result in infections, hygiene problems, and, in some instances, complete failure. It seems that the surgical approach is a hot topic for the success of these implants. This article describes a surgical technique that lowers the risk of unintended implant exposure by enabling the subperiosteal implant to be installed from the lateral approach and enabling the right access to the prosthetic abutments in a transfixing way from palatal approach, away from the primary surgical access.
Taxonomic note on Kocuria and Rothia: taxogenomic insights for addressing misidentifications and proposing new combinations and new subspecies
Authors: Ghodhbane-Gtari Faten , Haj Nasr Mohamed Aziz , Gatri Rafik , Gtari Maher
Published: November 2024

Misidentifications of Kocuria and Rothia species often occur due to their overlapping traits, including similar cell shapes, biochemical characteristics and environmental preferences. These revisions aim to address significant overlaps and correct previous misidentifications. Phylogenetic analysis using 16S rRNA gene and core protein sequences has positioned Kocuria uropygioeca 257T and Kocuria uropygialis 36T within the genus Rothia. This reclassification is further substantiated by high 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities and average amino acid identity values, which align these species more closely with Rothia than with Kocuria. As a result, we propose the reclassification of 257T and 36T as Rothia uropygioeca comb. nov. and Rothia uropygialis comb. nov., respectively, to accurately reflect their taxonomic status. Additionally, average nucleotide identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values indicate that Kocuria marina KCTC 9943T and Kocuria indica DSM 25126T, as well as Kocuria rosea DSM 20447T and Kocuria polaris CMS 76orT, surpass the thresholds for subspecies classification. Therefore, we propose the recognition of four new subspecies: Kocuria marina subsp. marina comb. nov., Kocuria marina subsp. indica comb. nov., Kocuria rosea subsp. rosea comb. nov. and Kocuria rosea subsp. polaris comb. nov.
Dairy-based multi-strain probiotic community successfully mitigated obesity-related gut microbiota dysbiosis in vitro (CoMiniGut)
Authors: Khan Muhammad Nadeem , Xie Zhuqing , Bukhari Syeda Momna Batool , Nielsen Dennis Sandris , Imran Muhammad
Published: November 2024

Introduction. Obesity is a global health concern, affecting individuals of all ages and genders. One promising strategy to combat obesity is by addressing gut microbiota dysbiosis, with probiotics being a reliable intervention. However, single-strain probiotics may not effectively modulate the complex microbial communities in the gut, suggesting the need for multi-strain approaches.

Gap Statement. Probiotics are known to benefit gut health; however, the efficacy of single-strain probiotics in modulating gut microbiota is limited. Multi-strain probiotic community (MSPC) may offer a more effective approach for addressing obesity-related gut dysbiosis, but its specific effects on individuals and microbial diversity require further investigation.

Aim. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of a dairy-origin MSPC in modulating obesity-related gut microbiota from lean and obese Pakistani volunteers using a simulated CoMiniGut model.

Methodology. Gut microbiota from lean and obese volunteers were treated with MSPC in a simulated CoMiniGut system. Bacterial counts, microbial diversity (α- and β-diversity) and microbial community composition were analysed pre- and post-treatment. The impact of MSPC on specific bacterial genera and microbial metabolites was assessed, with statistical significance determined (P≤0.05).

Results. The effect of MSPC was individualized, reducing bacterial counts in lean 1 and lean 2 samples, while significantly increasing bacterial counts in obese 2 and obese 3 samples (P≤0.05). MSPC significantly improved α-diversity in lean 2, lean 3, obese 2 and obese 3 samples (P≤0.05). Proteobacteria decreased in the lean group and increased in the obese group post-MSPC treatment. In the lean group, pathogenic bacteria such as Klebsiella, Escherichia and Enterobacter were significantly reduced (P≤0.05), whereas beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus increased significantly in the obese group (P≤0.05). Among the selected metabolites, only butanoic acid was detected in all tested samples, with MSPC affecting metabolite concentrations and types.

Conclusion. MSPC demonstrated a potential for modulating gut microbiota dysbiosis in both lean and obese individuals, with effects on bacterial counts, microbial diversity and metabolite concentrations. MSPC could serve as a promising option for personalized the modulation of gut microbiota in obesity management.
Design principles of transcription factors with intrinsically disordered regions
Authors: Ji Wencheng , Hachmo Ori , Barkai Naama , Amir Ariel
Published: November 2024

Transcription Factors (TFs) are proteins crucial for regulating gene expression. Effective regulation requires the TFs to rapidly bind to their correct target, enabling the cell to respond efficiently to stimuli such as nutrient availability or the presence of toxins. However, the search process is hindered by slow diffusive movement and the presence of 'false' targets --DNA segments that are similar to the true target. In eukaryotic cells, most TFs contain an Intrinsically Disordered Region (IDR), which is a long, flexible polymeric tail composed of hundreds of amino acids. Recent experimental findings indicate that the IDR of certain TFs plays a pivotal role in the search process. However, the principles underlying the IDR's role remain unclear. Here, we reveal key design principles of the IDR related to TF binding affinity and search time. Our results demonstrate that the IDR significantly enhances both of these aspects. Furthermore, our model shows good agreement with experimental results, and we propose further experiments to validate the model's predictions.
The impact of adopting green procurement practices on the competitiveness of small and medium enterprises: a dual-mediation model
Authors: Safdar Nimra , Moazzam Muhammad , Ahmed Waqas , Khan Abdul Salam , Manzoor Wajiha , Raziq Muhammad Mustafa
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are engines of economic growth. Research indicates that the adoption of green procurement practices (GPPs) significantly influences the sustainable growth of SMEs. However, there is a lack of understanding of factors that link the adoption of GPPs with enhanced competitiveness. The purpose of this study is two-fold: first, to identify factors that affect the competitiveness of SMEs caused by adopting GPPs, and second, to test those factors whether they serve as necessary conditions in achieving that competitiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative approach was used to survey 188 manufacturing SMEs in Pakistan. Cross-sectional data was collected through online questionnaires and analyzed using structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) and necessary condition analysis (NCA).

Findings

Results indicate a less pronounced direct association between the adoption of GPPs and firm competitiveness. However, this association becomes strongly positive with the mediating roles of SSB and GI. On the other hand, NCA results reveal that the adoption of GPPs, SSB and GI acts as necessary conditions for achieving firm competitiveness.

Practical implications

This research highlights the fact that simply adopting GPPs is not sufficient to guarantee true competitiveness; a multifaceted approach is required. Moreover, it offers practical insights into effective planning of green investments leading to sustainable development.

Social implications

Various practical measures can be adopted to manage the social outcomes of investment in the adoption of GPPs by SMEs.

Originality/value

This study relates and contributes to the natural resource-based view (NRBV) theory, the stakeholder theory and the necessity theory by developing a novel analytical framework.
Strengthening the satisfaction–loyalty link: a study of mediating factors in the retail banking industry of South Africa
Authors: Roberts-Lombard Mornay , Pieterse Vernon Albert , Gabriel Lennet
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The study aims to explore how selected factors influence customer’s satisfaction in a business-to-consumer context. Furthermore, it also investigates the mediating role of affective and calculative commitment on the satisfaction–loyalty link.

Design/methodology/approach

Using quota sampling methods, data was collected from 300 retail banking customers in an emergent market setting through self-administered questionnaires. In addition, the measurement and structural models were assessed.

Findings

The study established that satisfaction (through selective precursors) has a positive and significant influence on the future loyalty intentions of retail banking customers in an emerging market. Also, both affective and calculative commitment was found to partially mediate the satisfaction–loyalty relationship in a retail banking setting.

Research limitations/implications

The tested model validates the hypothesized relationships between employee attitude and service performance, employee personality traits, perceived value and satisfaction of retail banking customers in South Africa as an emergent market. It also confirms the positive influence of satisfaction on loyalty and the partial mediation of affective and calculative commitment on the satisfaction–loyalty link.

Practical implications

The findings of the study can guide retail banks in developing enhanced knowledge of how employee attitude and service performance, employee personality traits and perceived value can nurture satisfaction, ultimately strengthening the future loyalty intention of customers. It furthermore informs the management of retail banks of the directional importance of affective commitment and calculative commitment in strengthening the satisfaction–loyalty link.

Originality/value

Limited studies have investigated the relationship between satisfaction, its precursors and outcomes in a developing African market context, such as South Africa. Also, few studies have examined how commitment (affective and calculative) impacts the satisfaction–loyalty link from an emerging market perspective in Africa.
A balancing act: exploring the effect of work–family conflict on women’s well-being in the workplace
Authors: Shaaban Safaa
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study seeks to address the existing knowledge gap by investigating the dual impact of work−life balance (WLB) on women’s well-being in the workplace within Egyptian society. In addition, this study aims to elucidate the mechanisms through which WLB influences employee well-being by examining its effects across the three dimensions of well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a mixed method, combining qualitative and quantitative methods, to examine the relationship between WLB and women’s well-being. The sample consisted of 100 university-educated married women employed in various industries in Egypt including engineering, medicine, academia, civil aviation, manufacturing and banking.

Findings

Human resource experts and leaders recognized the significant impact of family obligations on women’s well-being in the workplace. This study aligns with the theoretical perspective that women in the specific sectors studied face numerous challenges in their work environments due to the interplay between WLB and familial responsibilities.

Research limitations/implications

This study had several limitations that should be acknowledged. First, the trigger events considered were limited to those documented in existing literature and participant responses, potentially overlooking other significant triggers. Second, the participants were predominantly from a specific geographic region, namely, Cairo, Egypt which may limit the generalizability of the study’s findings. In addition, relying on the participants’ memory to report trigger events introduces the possibility of inaccurate recall or memory bias. Furthermore, the instrument used to assess trigger events did not capture participant demographics or psychographics, which could have influenced reported trigger events.

Originality/value

This study addresses the need to examine the impact of work−family conflict on women’s well-being in the workplace. Drawing on theories and perspectives from successful women, this study aimed to construct and validate a framework that captures the balance between family conflict and well-being within the professional environment. The results are presented to participants in their respective firms and organizations.
Importance-performance analysis in the tertiary healthcare centres: evidence from India
Authors: Padamata Karthik , Vangapandu Rama Devi
Published: November 2024

Purpose

In the process of providing quality healthcare services, identifying the important healthcare attributes and their operational performance is crucial in the healthcare industry. Highlighting this, the authors have aimed to find the importance of certain healthcare attributes and their respective performance from the customers’ perspective in the Indian private tertiary healthcare facilities by conducting an importance-performance analysis (IPA).

Design/methodology/approach

For this study, the authors have derived 10 healthcare attributes from the literature and responses regarding their importance and performance were taken from 350 inpatients from 6 hospitals.

Findings

The analysis resulted in identification of the most and least important, high and low performing healthcare attributes as perceived by the patients. In terms of attribute importance, the doctors’ competencies and provision of safe and effective patient care have been ranked most important, whereas the doctors’ competencies and accessibility have been rated high in terms of performance. In addition, the importance ranks and performance scores helped in the development of a two-dimensional IPA grid.

Practical implications

The IPA grid helped in identifying the areas for improvement, hence determining the need for implementation of significant strategies in the process of cost-effective high-quality healthcare service provision.

Originality/value

There is a paucity of IPA studies with a focus on the Indian healthcare system in identifying and demonstrating the healthcare components that need to be addressed for improvement. Emphasizing the gap, this is one of the pioneering studies that captured various healthcare attributes’ importance and their respective performance from the lens of hospital inpatients, which helped in the development of an IPA grid by clearly outlining the areas that need attention, especially in the post-pandemic scenario.
Intellectual property rights protection, trade, and GVC participation – an empirical analysis based on South Korean data
Authors: Yoo Jeong-ho , El Ayboud Rajae
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This paper explores the impact of South Korea’s partner countries’ intellectual property rights protection (IPRP) level on South Korea’s trade dynamics and its GVC participation.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a literature review and an empirical analysis based on two models, the paper studies first the impact of Korea’s partner countries’ IPRP on South Korea’s trade, then investigates the impact of South Korea’s imports from countries having high, medium and low IPRP levels on its exports to third countries.

Findings

Imports from countries with high IPRP appeared to facilitate Korea’s technology transfer and enhance its GVC participation, thereby boosting South Korea’s export growth to third countries with varying IPRP levels. Conversely, imports from countries with medium IPRP drive exports only to third countries with low IPRP, but still contributing to South Korea’s GVC participation.

Originality/value

This research sheds light on South Korea’s strategic adaptation to global trade dynamics, especially with partner countries having varying levels of IPRP. Also, this paper has a particular focus on the effect that IPRP can have on countries’ GVC participation.
How to improve financial performance through sustainable manufacturing practices? The roles of green product innovation and digital transformation
Authors: Turkcan Hulya
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This research aims to explore the relationship between sustainable manufacturing practices (SMP) and financial performance (FP) by considering the mediating role of green product innovation (GPI) and the moderating effect of digital transformation (DT).

Design/methodology/approach

This study proposes a research model grounded in a practice-based view and a resource-based view and conducts empirical tests by using a sample of 244 manufacturing firms.

Findings

This study revealed that SMP influences GPI, and GPI mediates the SMP–FP link. In addition, findings demonstrated that DT strengthens the impact of SMP on GPI, and moderates the mediation impact of GPI on the relations between SMP and FP.

Originality/value

Although overwhelming environmental concerns cause SMP to be considered increasingly crucial, there is a dilemma regarding its impact on FP. Moreover, due to the strategic importance of DT, there is a lot of interest in its relationship with sustainability-related issues. Nevertheless, this association is still not clarified. This study addresses the research gaps, provides an extended understanding of how SMP affects FP and offers a novel insight that reveals the role of DT.
Unpacking the gendered nature of police work in India
Authors: Varghese Ashwin , Rajeev Aishwarya
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The paper aims to examine the gendered underpinnings of policework in India. In doing so, it contributes to discourses on gender, work and policing, by focusing on a particular facet of gender and policing in India, i.e. the various forms of work that women in policework undertake.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper brings together data drawn from an ethnographic study of two police stations in India and feminist literature on women’s work. The two police stations were located in states of Delhi and Kerala (one in each state), and the ethnography covered a span of 11 months (February to July 2019 in Kerala and July 2019 to January 2020 in Delhi).

Findings

We find that women’s work in the police stations is conditioned by gendered norms and gendered social relations that also significantly condition the unpaid work that they do, and these different forms of work overdetermine each other. In this context, increasing representation of women within the police force has to be accompanied by a re-imagination of the police as a civic service which is gender-neutral (but not gender-blind) as well as a recognition of women’s unpaid work.

Originality/value

This paper offers a unique lens through which everyday policing activities can be holistically understood. By foregrounding the interplay of gender relations and work relations in policework, the paper sheds light on facets of policing which have hitherto been unexplored by literature on policing and gender, especially in the Indian context.
Green knowledge sharing as the backbone of sustainable performance: evidence from the Spanish wine industry
Authors: Martínez-Falcó Javier , Sánchez-García Eduardo , Marco-Lajara Bartolomé , Zaragoza-Sáez Patrocinio
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This research aims to analyze the impact of the green knowledge sharing (GKS) on the sustainable performance (SP) of Spanish wineries, as well as the antecedent role of the top management environmental awareness (TMEA) and environmental proactivity (EP) on the said variables. In addition, the variables age, size and membership in a protected designation of origin are included to increase the accuracy of the cause–effect relationships examined.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the research objective pursued, this study proposes a conceptual model based on previous studies, which is tested using structural equations with data collected from 196 Spanish wineries between September 2022 and January 2023.

Findings

The research results reveal the existence of a positive and significant relationship between the development of GKS and SP in Spanish wineries, as well as the partial mediation of GKS in the TMEA–SP and EP–SP linkages.

Originality/value

The originality of this study derives from its pioneering nature, as the research enters unexplored terrain by investigating the role of TMAE and EP as antecedent variables of GKS and SP, there being no previous research, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, that has ventured in this direction.
The Value of Being Greener: Untangling the Relationship between Environmental Investment and Firms’ Access to Trade Credit
Authors: Li Wanning , Hua Xiuping , Boateng Agyenim , Wang Yong , Du Min
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the relationship between corporate environmental performance, as captured by environmental investment, and firms’ access to trade credit. Using data from Chinese listed firms in heavy pollution industries, we find that corporate environmental performance significantly increases firms’ access to trade credit. The positive effect of environmental investment appears more pronounced for firms with stronger internal incentives to conduct eco‐friendly practices, lower external regulatory pressure and located in regions with higher economic growth rates. Two factors – namely, increased information transparency and reduced exposure to environmental risk – are found to be channels through which environmental investment affects trade credit. This paper provides a nuanced understanding of how a supplier as a stakeholder plays a significant role in financing environmental sustainability. The results are robust to alternative proxies, model specifications, sample compositions and endogeneity concerns.
Eco‐social divides in public policy preferences in Great Britain
Authors: Gugushvili Dimitri , Meuleman Bart
Published: November 2024

Environmental and social policy measures can both complement and contradict each other. Recent environmental sociology literature suggests that this dual relationship can give rise to eco‐social divides in European societies, as some people either endorse or reject both types of measures, while some support one set of policies but not the other. In the current paper, we use data from the British Social Attitudes survey to investigate eco‐social divides in Great Britain. The results confirm the presence of four sizeable attitudinal groups with distinct combinations of welfare and environmental preferences. The sizes of the groups have nevertheless changed considerably over time, with people who are simultaneously in favour of welfare and environmental measures becoming more numerous, and the opponents of both measures becoming fewer. Cultural conservatism/progressiveness, age and political party allegiance are key predictors of eco‐social attitudinal group membership.