bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The CDKL5 kinase undergoes liquid-liquid phase separation driven by a serine-rich C-terminal region and impaired by neurodevelopmental disease-related truncations
Authors: Dell’Oca Marco , Bozzo Stefania Boggio , Vaglietti Serena , Gurgone Antonia , Cardinale Vita , Ragazzini Gregorio , Alessandrini Andrea , Colnaghi Luca , Ghirardi Mirella , Giustetto Maurizio , Fiumara Ferdinando
Published: November 2024

Mutations of thecyclin-dependent kinase-like 5(CDKL5) gene, which encodes a serine/threonine protein kinase, can cause theCDKL5 deficiency disorder(CDD), a severe neurodevelopmental disease characterized by epileptic encephalopathy and neurocognitive impairment. The CDKL5 kinase consists of a catalytic N-terminal domain (NTD) and a less characterized C-terminal domain (CTD). Numerous disease-related mutations truncate CDKL5, leaving the NTD intact while variably shortening the CTD, which highlights the importance of the CTD for CDKL5 function. By systematically analyzing CDKL5 compositional features and evolutionary dynamics, we found that the CTD is a low-complexity region (LCR) highly enriched in serine residues and with a high propensity to undergo liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), a biophysical process of condensation controlling protein localization and function. Using a combination of super-resolution imaging, electron microscopy, and molecular and cellular approaches, including optogenetic LLPS induction, we discovered that CDKL5 undergoes LLPS, predominantly driven by its CTD, forming membraneless condensates in neuronal and non-neuronal cells. A CTD internal fragment (CTIF) plays a pivotal LLPS-promoting role, along with the distal portion of the protein. Indeed, two disease-related truncating mutations (S726X and R781X), eliding variable portions of the CTIF, significantly impair LLPS. This impairment is paralleled at the functional level by a reduction in the CDKL5-dependent phosphorylation of EB2, a known CDKL5 target. These findings demonstrate that CDKL5 undergoes LLPS, driven by a CTD region elided by most disease-related truncating mutations. Its loss––through the impairment of CDKL5 LLPS and functional activity––may play a key role in the molecular pathogenesis of CDD.
Eye and hand coarticulation during problem solving reveals hierarchically organized planning
Authors: Eluchans Mattia , Maselli Antonella , Lancia Gian Luca , Pezzulo Giovanni
Published: November 2024

During everyday activities, such as when preparing a cup of coffee or traveling across cities, we often plan ahead and execute sequences of actions. However, much remains to be understood about how we plan and coordinate sequences of actions (e.g., eye and hand movements) to solve novel problem-solving tasks. This study investigates how participants use gaze and cursor movements to plan and execute problem-solving tasks, for which solutions are not provided in advance but rather have to be found from scratch. We report three key findings. First, we found that participants segment the problem into sequences of gestures; within each gesture, gaze selects a target and remains fixed until the cursor reaches it, then moves to the next target. Second, we observed coarticulation in both cursor-cursor and gaze-cursor movements, occurring within individual gestures and, to a lesser degree, between successive gestures. Third, we demonstrate for the first time that the initial fixation in a sequence is biased toward the direction of the subsequent fixation. This implies that the angular position of the gaze reliably predicts the next fixation’s direction, suggesting a forward-looking coarticulation between successive gaze fixations. Together, these findings suggest that participants employ a hierarchical planning strategy: they divide the problem into gesture sequences and plan multiple eye and cursor movements in advance to efficiently reach both current and upcoming gesture targets. This hierarchical motor plan demonstrates a structure where targets (or subgoals) are defined and achieved through the coordinated actions of the eyes and hand, highlighting the importance of integrated eye-hand planning in complex task performance.
Inhibition of GEF-H1-RhoA signaling in inflammation with a stapled peptide mimicry of the RhoA67-78helix
Authors: Gathmann Clara , Liu Tiansheng , Yang Shuhuai , Wang Weitong Cynthia , Chan Edith , Matter Karl , Balda Maria S. , Selwood A. W. David L.
Published: November 2024

Guanine exchange factors (GEFs) are considered hard to drug with conventional small molecules, they lack conventional deep binding pockets and binding ligands are seldom reported. Here we report the design of a stapled peptide stP5 targeting the interaction between cytoskeletal regulator RhoA GTPase and its activator guanine exchange factor H1 (GEF-H1). StP5 is a modified RhoA mimic based on a previously identified bioactive α-helical epitope to GEF-H1. StP5 effectively inhibits GEF-H1-induced morphological and transcriptional changes in cellular models for inflammation and does not affect the related GEF p114RhoGEF (ARHGEF18). StP5 peptide is approximately 100 fold more active in cellular assays than the unstapled P5 peptide. We provide a bioinformatic analysis of the stP5 bindings site in different GEFs, providing a basis for this selectivity. The GEF-H1 inhibitor stP5 represents a step towards fully drugging GEF-H1.

Abstract Figure
Compensating for a sensorimotor delay requires a memory buffer, a state observer, and a predictor
Authors: Maris Eric
Published: November 2024

Effective motor control requires sensory feedback about our body’s state. However, adjusting motor commands based on sensory feedback is seriously complicated by the time delay between the state of the body at feedback generation and the arrival of the feedback-informed motor commands in the body’s muscles, the so-called sensorimotor delay (SMD). In this paper, I investigate the effect of a SMD on the control performance of a computational system that represents the central nervous system. I specify three SMD compensation mechanisms that operate the level of this computational system: memory-informed state estimation, prediction, and output gain adjustment. I use formal analysis and computer simulations of balance control, both free standing and while riding a bicycle. This study provides strong evidence for the claim that SMD compensation requires a memory buffer of efference copies, a state observer, and a predictor. In addition, for prediction to be an effective SMD compensation mechanism, it needs (1) the output of a state observer as its initial condition and (2) a memory buffer of efference copies that must be convolved with a set of weights that is to be learned. For output gain adjustment to make a substantial contribution to SMD compensation, memory-informed state estimation and prediction must be imperfect.
Microglia States are Susceptible to Senescence and Cholesterol Dysregulation in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Li Boyang , Wang Shaowei , Kerman Bilal , Hugo Cristelle , Shwab E Keats , Shu Chang , Chiba-Falek Ornit , Arvanitakis Zoe , Yassine Hussein
Published: November 2024

Cellular senescence is a major contributor to aging-related degenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD) but much less is known on the key cell types and pathways driving mechanisms of senescence in the brain. We hypothesized that dysregulated cholesterol metabolism is central to cellular senescence in AD. We analyzed whole transcriptomic data and utilized single-cell RNA seq integration techniques to unveil the convoluted cell-type-specific and sub-cell-type-state-specific senescence pathologies in AD using both ROSMAP and Sea-AD datasets. We identified that microglia are central components to AD associated senescence phenotypes in ROSMAP snRNA-seq data (982,384 nuclei from postmortem prefrontal cortex of 239 AD and 188 non-AD) among non-neuron cell types. We identified that homeostatic, inflammatory, phagocytic, lipid processing and neuronal surveillance microglia states were associated with AD associated senescence in ROSMAP (152,459 microglia nuclei from six regions of brain tissue of 138 early AD, 79 late AD and 226 control subject) and in Sea-AD (82,486 microglia nuclei of 42 dementia, 42 no dementia and 5 reference subjects) via integrative analysis, which preserves the meaningful biological information of microglia cell states across the datasets. We assessed top senescence associated bioprocesses including mitochondrial, apoptosis, oxidative stress, ER stress, endosomes, and lysosomes systems. Specifically, we found that senescent microglia have altered cholesterol related bioprocesses and dysregulated cholesterol. We discovered three gene co-expression modules, which represent the specific cholesterol related senescence transcriptomic signatures in postmortem brains. To validate these findings, the activation of specific cholesterol associated senescence transcriptomic signatures was assessed using integrative analysis of snRNA-seq data from iMGs (microglia induced from iPSCs) exposed to myelin, Abeta, and synaptosomes (56,454 microglia across two replicates of untreated and four treated groups). In vivo cholesterol associated senescence transcriptomic signatures were preserved and altered after treatment with AD pathological substrates in iMGs. This study provides the first evidence that dysregulation of cholesterol metabolism in microglia is a major driver of senescence pathologies in AD. Targeting cholesterol pathways in senescent microglia is an attractive strategy to slow down AD progression.
Combining live cell fluorescence imaging within situcryo electron tomography sheds light on the septation process inDeinococcus radiodurans
Authors: Gaifas L. , Kleman J.P. , Lacroix F. , Schexnaydre E. , Trouve J. , Morlot C. , Sandblad L. , Gutsche I. , Timmins J.
Published: November 2024

Cell division is a fundamental biological process that allows a single mother cell to produce two daughter cells. In bacteria, different modes of cell division have been reported that are notably associated with distinctive cell shapes, but in all cases, division involves a step of septation, corresponding to the growth of a new dividing cell wall, followed by splitting of the two daughter cells. The radiation-resistantDeinococcus radioduransis a spherical bacterium protected by a thick and unusual cell envelope. It has been reported to divide using a distinctive mode of septation in which two septa originating from opposite sides of the cell progress with a flat leading edge until meeting and fusing at mid-cell. In the present study, we have combined conventional and super-resolution fluorescence microscopy of live bacteria within situcryogenic electron tomography of bacterial lamellae to investigate the septation process inD. radiodurans. This work provides important insight into (i) the complex architecture of the cell envelope of this bacterium, (ii) the ‘sliding doors’ septation process and (iii) the molecular mechanisms underlying septal growth and closure.
Phosphatidylethanolamine is a phagocytic ligand implicated in the binding and removal of microbial extracellular vesicles
Authors: Kavianpour Ava , Meyer Kirsten J. , Le Trieu , Marques Pedro Elias , Nodwell Justin R. , Freeman Spencer A.
Published: November 2024

The efficient recognition and removal of apoptotic cells by phagocytes is critical to prevent secondary necrosis and maintain tissue homeostasis. Such detection involves receptors and bridging molecules that recognize lipids −normally restricted to the inner leaflet of healthy cells− which become exposed on the surface of dead cells and the vesicles they produce. A majority of studies focus on phosphatidylserine (PS) for which there are well-established receptors that either bind to the lipid directly or indirectly via intermediary proteins. Phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) is even more prevalent than PS in the inner leaflet of mammalian cells and also becomes exposed by the action of scramblases during cell death, though little is known about the effects of PE once scrambled. Here, we report that PE can itself serve as a phagocytic ligand for macrophages by engaging CD300 family receptors. CD300a and CD300b specifically modulated PE-mediated uptake, and this process involved integrins and spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk). For bacteria, which contain PE but largely lack PS in their membranes, we report that PE engagement enabled the binding and uptake of spheroplasts and extracellular vesicles (EVs) that were unsheathed by the cell wall. Based on these observations, we posit that the direct recognition of PE facilitates mechanisms of clearance that stand to have a broad impact on the immune response.
A Comprehensive Bibliometric Investigation on Antimicrobials from Fungal Origins with a Biotechnological Perspective
Authors: Lopes Lucas da Silva , Silva Kamila Alves , Correa Thaís da Silva , Campos-da-Paz Mariana , Guilherme Prado Martin José , Gonçalves Ana Alice Maia , Belo Vinícius Silva , Gontijo Tiago Silveira , Galdino Alexsandro Sobreira
Published: November 2024

Interest in research related to fungi exploration past few years, given its relevance to bioactive compounds production as these metabolites are a promising source of bacteriostatic or fungistatic compounds. Therefore, their use represents a significant alternative to traditional antibiotics by minimizing the risks related to microbial resistance. In this context, this work aimed to: assess the volume of annual publications on the subject and identify key players, analyze the collaboration network among researchers, and check the patents filed on this topic. For this purpose, the Bibliometrix R-package was used, as well as scientific metadata from the Web of Science and Scopus databases (n=506). In total, 256 sources, authors (n=2,526), keywords (n=1,812), and references (n=19,315) were analyzed from 1989 to 2023. The academic debate on the subject has been promoted by India (29%), United Kingdom (UK) (7%), China (6%) and the United States of America (USA) (6%). The authors identified as the most cited were Liu J (n=142), followed by Jesu Arockiaraj (n=106). There is a knowledge predominance of publications focusing on the life science disciplines. The most prolific institutions were the National Research Center (n=20) and the University of Pittsburgh (n=13). The most cited journals were the World Journal of Microbiology & Biotechnology (n=719) and Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology (n=661). Finally, the United States Patent and Trademark Office represented 85% of the patents filed on the subject (n=28,303). Together, these results can direct researchers and Biotech industries in their search for the most important sources related to antimicrobial biotechnology.
Cancer-associated SF3B1 mutation K700E causes widespread changes in U2/branchpoint recognition without altering splicing
Authors: Damianov Andrey , Lin Chia-Ho , Zhang Jian , Manley James L. , Black Douglas L.
Published: November 2024

Myelodysplastic syndromes and other cancers are often associated with mutations in the U2 snRNP protein SF3B1. Common SF3B1 mutations, including K700E, disrupt SF3B1 interaction with the protein SUGP1 and induce aberrant activation of cryptic 3’ splice sites (ss), presumably resulting from aberrant U2/branch site (BS) recognition by the mutant spliceosome. Here, we apply the new method of U2 IP-seq to profile BS binding across the transcriptome of K562 leukemia cells carrying theSF3B1K700E mutation. For cryptic 3’ ss activated by K700E, we identify their associated BSs and show that they are indeed shifted from the WT sites. Unexpectedly, we also identify thousands of additional changes in BS binding in the mutant cells that do not alter 3’ ss choice. These new BS are usually very close to the natural sites, occur upstream or downstream, and either exhibit stronger base-pairing potential with U2 snRNA or are adjacent to stronger polypyrimidine tracts than the WT sites. The widespread imprecision in BS recognition induced by K700E with limited changes in 3’ ss selection supports a positive role for SUGP1 in early BS choice and expands the physiological consequences of this oncogenic mutation.
The Pivotal Role of Immune Functional Assays in Deciphering Immune Function Alterations
Authors: Debombourg Marion , Oriol Guy , Dupre Caroline , Albert-Vega Chloé , Venet Fabienne , Rimmelé Thomas ,   REALISM study group, Conrad Anne , Ader Florence , Alcazer Vincent ,   VaccHemInf study group, Brengel-Pesce Karen , Fleurie Aurore , Trouillet-Assant Sophie , Mouton William
Published: November 2024

1

Recently, immune function assessment has gained prominence in clinical settings. Immune functional assays (IFAs), involving in vitro stimulation, offer a relevant approach to complement traditional immunomonitoring methods which, while widely used, do not fully capture functional immune capabilities. Despite growing interest in IFAs, their added value remains unclear.

To address this gap, our study aimed to determine if insights from IFAs could be replicated with unstimulated immunoprofiling. Using the same analytical pipeline, we compared transcriptomic profiles (Nanostring®) between stimulated (TruCulture®) and unstimulated (PaxGene™) samples from i) patients with an overstimulated immune system 3-4 days post-sepsis onset, and ii) patients undergoing immune reconstitution 6-months post-allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT).

In sepsis, post-stimulation transcriptomic profiles revealed immune clusters linked to disease severity and outcomes, surpassing traditional markers like mHLA-DR, while baseline analyses failed to generate clinically relevant stratification. Similarly, allo-HSCT patients’ post-stimulation data revealed immune heterogeneity and treatment-related alterations not detected using baseline transcriptomic or cellular profiles alone.

Our findings emphasize the value of IFAs in uncovering functional immune alterations that unstimulated assessments may miss, which could offer deeper insights into immune dysfunction. This study supports IFAs as complementary tools to current clinical practices, enhancing patient management with a functional view of immune system dynamics.
Life beyond childhood: insight into the lived experience of 91 adults with KBG syndrome through an online patient/caregiver reported co-produced questionnaire
Authors: Low KJ , Walker M , Treneman-Evans G , Bramswig NC , Herlin MK , Lesca G , Scarano E , Ockeloen CW , Bayat A
Published: November 2024

Purpose

KBG syndrome (KBGS) is a rare neurodevelopmental syndrome. We aimed to study the impact of KBGS in adulthood as reported by individuals with KBGS and their families/caregivers, thereby exploring aspects of everyday life under-reported by healthcare professionals.

Methods

We co-produced an online questionnaire for adults with KBGS and their families/caregivers. Participants were recruited via the KBG foundation, an American-based charity supporting individuals with KBGS and their families worldwide, and other international collaborators.

Results

There were 91 responses for analysis, across the age range of 16-86 years. Respondents described a range of living arrangements, education, employment, leisure activities and relationships. A higher proportion of 45-54year olds had achieved independent living skills such as driving and grocery shopping compared to the younger age groups. None of the participants who were experiencing seizures lived independently. We described high rates of psychiatric comorbidities, behavioural difficulties, sleep problems, seizures, visual and hearing problems, dental and skeletal issues, and a higher than expected cardiovascular and gastrointestinal burden of disease.

Conclusion

This study provides new insights into the everyday life of adults with KBGS, along with high rates of comorbidities which continue to impact on quality of life into adulthood, with implications for medical care.
Enhancing quantum field theory simulations on NISQ devices with Hamiltonian truncation
Authors: Ingoldby James , Spannowsky Michael , Sypchenko Timur , Williams Simon
Published: November 2024

Quantum computers can efficiently simulate highly entangled quantum systems, offering a solution to challenges facing classical simulation of quantum field theories (QFTs). This paper presents an alternative to traditional methods for simulating the real-time evolution in QFTs by leveraging Hamiltonian truncation (HT). As a use case, we study the Schwinger model, systematically reducing the complexity of the Hamiltonian via HT while preserving essential physical properties. For the observables studied in this paper, the HT approach converges quickly with the number of qubits, allowing for the interesting physics processes to be captured without needing many qubits. Identifying the truncated free Hamiltonian’s eigenbasis with the quantum device’s computational basis avoids the need for complicated and costly state preparation routines, reducing the algorithm’s overall circuit depth and required coherence time. As a result, the HT approach to simulating QFTs on a quantum device is well suited to noisy-intermediate scale quantum devices, which have a limited number of qubits and short coherence times. We validate our approach by running simulations on a noisy-intermediate scale quantum device, showcasing strong agreement with theoretical predictions. We highlight the potential of HT for simulating QFTs on quantum hardware.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Duality Constraints on Thermal Spectra of 3D Conformal Field Theories and 4D Quasinormal Modes
Authors: Grozdanov Sašo , Vrbica Mile
Published: November 2024

Thermal spectra of correlation functions in holographic 3D large-N conformal field theories (CFTs) correspond to quasinormal modes of classical gravity and other fields in asymptotically anti–de Sitter black hole spacetimes. Using general properties of such spectra along with constraints imposed by the S duality (or the particle-vortex duality), we derive a spectral duality relation that all such spectra must obey. Its form is universal and relates infinite products over QNMs with bulk algebraically special frequencies. In the process, we also derive a new sum rule constraining products over QNMs. The spectral duality relation, which imposes an infinite set of constraints on the QNMs, is then investigated and a number of well-known holographic examples that demonstrate its validity are examined. Our results also allow us to understand several new aspects of the pole-skipping phenomenon.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Linear spectroscopy of collective modes and the gap structure in two-dimensional superconductors
Authors: Levitan B. A. , Oreg Y. , Berg E. , Rudner M. S. , Iorsh I.
Published: November 2024

We consider optical response in multiband, multilayer two-dimensional superconductors. Within a simple model, we show that linear response to AC gating can detect collective modes of the condensate, such as Leggett and clapping modes. We show how trigonal warping of the superconducting order parameter can help facilitate detection of clapping modes. Taking rhombohedral trilayer graphene as an example, we consider several possible pairing mechanisms and show that all-electronic mechanisms may produce in-gap clapping modes. These modes, if present, should be detectable in the absorption of microwaves applied via the gate electrodes, which are necessary to enable superconductivity in this and many other settings; their detection would constitute strong evidence for unconventional pairing. Last, we show that absorption at frequencies above the superconducting gap 2|Δ| also contains a wealth of information about the gap structure. Our results suggest that linear spectroscopy can be a powerful tool for the characterization of unconventional two-dimensional superconductors.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Lattice study of SU(2) gauge theory coupled to four adjoint Higgs fields
Authors: Catumba Guilherme , Hiraguchi Atsuki , Hou Wei-Shu , Jansen Karl , Kao Ying-Jer , Lin C.-J. David , Ramos Alberto , Sarkar Mugdha
Published: November 2024

Gauge theories with matter fields in various representations play an important role in different branches of physics. Recently, it was proposed that several aspects of the pseudogap phase of cuprate superconductors near optimal doping may be explained by an emergent SU(2) gauge symmetry. Around the transition with positive hole doping, one can construct a (2+1)−dimensional SU(2) gauge theory coupled to four adjoint scalar fields which gives rise to a rich phase diagram with a myriad of phases having different broken symmetries. We study the phase diagram of this model on the Euclidean lattice using the hybrid Monte Carlo algorithm. We find the existence of multiple broken phases as predicted by previous mean-field studies. Depending on the quartic couplings, the SU(2) gauge symmetry is broken down either to U(1) or Z2 in the perturbative description of the model. We further study the confinement-deconfinement transition in this theory, and find that both the broken phases are deconfining in the range of volumes that we studied. However, there exists a marked difference in the behavior of the Polyakov loop between the two phases.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Jointly Embedding Protein Structures and Sequences through Residue Level Alignment
Authors: Birnbaum Foster , Jain Saachi , Madry Aleksander , Keating Amy E.
Published: November 2024

The relationships between protein sequences, structures, and functions are determined by complex codes that scientists aim to decipher. While structures contain key information about proteins' biochemical functions, they are often experimentally difficult to obtain. In contrast, protein sequences are abundant but are a step removed from function. In this paper, we propose residue level alignment (RLA)—a self-supervised objective for aligning sequence and structure embedding spaces. By situating sequence and structure encoders within the same latent space, RLA enriches the sequence encoder with spatial information. Moreover, our framework enables us to measure the similarity between a sequence and structure by comparing their RLA embeddings. We show how RLA similarity scores can be used for binder design by selecting true binders from sets of designed binders. RLA scores are informative even when they are calculated given only the backbone structure of the binder and no binder sequence information, which simulates the information available in many early-stage binder design libraries. RLA performs similarly to benchmark methods and is orders of magnitude faster, making it a valuable new screening tool for binder design pipelines.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Role of transformational leadership in implementation of Education 4.0: a parallel mediation model in context of higher educational institutions (HEIs)
Authors: Sharma Rajesh Kumar , Kaur Sukhpreet , Mittal Amit
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Transformational leadership has attained immense attraction in contemporary research for its positive contribution in implementation of Education 4.0. Drawing on social bond theory and employee stewardship theory, this study aims to examine the mediating roles of employee engagement and organisational citizenship behaviour between transformational leadership and Education 4.0 in higher educational institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected through survey questionnaire by using three-wave time lagged study design from regular faculty members of Indian higher educational institutions. Hayes Process Macro was used for testing the parallel mediation model.

Findings

Transformational leadership has a positive and significant impact on Education 4.0. The results of this study indicate that employee engagement and organisational citizenship behaviour partially mediate the relationship between transformational leadership and Education 4.0. Furthermore, the analysis explains that employee engagement and organisational citizenship behaviour leveraged under transformational leadership act as parallel mediators, and there is no statistical difference between them.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is first in itself to consider more than one factor influencing the relationship between transformational leadership and Education 4.0, thus making ground for parallel mediation. This study addresses the urgent call by United Nations for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by ensuring quality education (SDG 4) and reducing inequality (SDG 10), thereby giving peaceful and strong intuitions (SDG 16).
Big data analysis of Spanish wine consumers reviews
Authors: Calderon-Monge Esther , Ripollés-Matallana Vicente , Baruque-Zanón Bruno , Porras Alfonso Santiago
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Wine is a complicated and difficult product to know, which makes it extremely difficult for people with little knowledge to choose the wine they want. This study aims to analyze whether the vocabulary used in reviews on wine written by experts and amateurs on the specialized website is useful for those consumers who wish to search for information on this website to choose a wine.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis combines text mining, Natural Language Processing and the Biterm Topic model applied to 25,847 reviews, evaluating a total of 13,263 Spanish wines made by 17 selected users of a specialized wine website.

Findings

The results show that wine consumers and users of the specialized wine website who write reviews can be divided into expert users and amateur users. Both experts and amateurs use a specific vocabulary related to the wines they review. Unlike amateurs, experts have a broader and more precise vocabulary, and greater consistency in the use of words with the aspects of the wine. For the revised wines, they address fewer and more specific aspects of wine (such as vintages), but they do so with more depth and rigor.

Originality/value

The originality and value of this research work lie in addressing two aspects that have hardly been analyzed: the reviews of experienced consumers and amateur consumers, and the textual information referring to the Spanish language, which distinguishes this analysis from other similar analyses carried out on the English language.
Unpacking the relationship between formal contracts and alliance innovation performance: the role of relationship learning and guanxi
Authors: Liu Dong , Bao Yongchuan , Wang Guocai
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine how formal contracts affect alliance innovation performance. To understand the mechanism underlying the impact, this study tests whether relationship learning mediates the impact of formal contracts on alliance innovation performance and how guanxi moderates the mediating effect.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is conducted with a sample of 225 manufacturers in China. This paper used hierarchical regression analysis to test the hypotheses and used the PROCESS method to test the mediating effect of relationship learning.

Findings

Formal contracts positively affect relationship learning, which facilitates alliance innovation performance. Guanxi positively moderates the effect of formal contracts on alliance innovation performance. Relationship learning mediates the relationship between formal contracts and alliance innovation performance. Moreover, guanxi positively moderates the mediating effect.

Research limitations/implications

Future research could investigate factors moderating the effect of guanxi on alliance innovation performance and moderating the effect of relationship learning on alliance innovation performance. Future research can also use secondary data to measure alliance innovation performance. Future researchers can examine how guanxi as a relational mechanism governance affects relationship learning.

Practical implications

Managers should conduct relationship learning in the process of alliance innovation and realize that reducing opportunism does not mean improving innovation performance. Moreover, managers should know that guanxi could contribute to alliance innovation performance with the help of formal contracts.

Originality/value

Prior studies have mainly focused on the fundamental requirement of governing knowledge exchange in alliances. Little is known about the mediating effect of relationship learning on the relationship between formal contracts and outcomes of innovation alliances. This study contributes to the literature by filling the gap.
Diversity, equity, inclusion, and brand outcomes: a case of higher education
Authors: Nguyen Thuy D. , Yaghi Majed , Ganesh Gopala , Blankson Charles , Paswan Audhesh K. , Pavur Robert
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Diversity, equity and inclusion ideology is the latest appeal of individual compassion, institutional legitimacy and enlightened society. Specific to higher education, diversity, equity and inclusion is an honorable ideology, value and mission. This paper aims to (1) empirically recognize the differences in the level of importance between the university’s and faculty’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, (2) identify the diversity, equity and inclusion outcomes, such as university brand image and student intention to engage postgraduation, (3) uncover the moderating role of university brand preference attainment and (4) validate the mediating role of student identification in diversity, equity and inclusion literature.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of 1,027 usable responses was employed to perform two moderations, four mediations and two confidence interval analyses.

Findings

The university’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives are significantly more rewarding than the faculty’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives for the university brand image and students’ intention to engage postgraduation. Findings uncover the mediating role of student identification and the moderating role of brand preference attainment.

Practical implications

Focusing on diversity, equity and inclusion at the institutional level is more impactful than at the faculty level. In industries where frontline employees have significant autonomy, such as higher education, the positive brand performance outcomes are related to the faculty’s diversity, equity and inclusion awareness, not the faculty’s diversity, equity and inclusion advocacy. Diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives should align with the student’s shared values.

Originality/value

The study relies on institutional theory to underscore the asymmetric importance of the university’s and faculty’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in achieving perceived brand image and engagement.
Can 21st century women have the best of both worlds? Reality or dream?
Authors: Loh Jennifer , Johns Raechel , English Rebecca
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study explored whether women could “have it all,” both at home and in the workplace. Using neoliberal feminism, mental load theory and intergenerational perspective as theoretical frameworks, this study explored how neoliberal ideologies which emphasized individual agency, economic empowerment and self-responsibility interact with persistent gendered expectations/norms to influence women’s experiences in navigating familial commitments and career aspirations.

Design/methodology/approach

Around 140 (N = 140) women living in Australia were recruited to participate in a qualitative, open-ended questionnaire that aimed to explore their: (1) perceptions and (2) expectations about (a) how gender roles evolved for them from youth to adulthood in various contexts, (b) how their family structures and dynamics, such as attitudes toward marriage, caregiving and/or household responsibilities, have changed and (c) what has/have influenced their career aspirations and family choices.

Findings

Results revealed a trend of women who worked hard at home and professionally. Unlike women who in the past lived more traditional lives, women in our cohort focused on their career as an important part of their identity and self-fulfillment. However, many women did report heightened mental load, stress and a lack of physical exercise in their daily lives.

Originality/value

This study revealed complex interplay between societal norms, intergenerational influences and the cognitive burdens associated with managing multiple roles. By examining these dynamics and using an integrated theoretical framework, the article aimed to holistically explain the challenges women in Australia encounter as they try to balance familial obligations with career ambitions within changing socioeconomic contexts.
A backstage look at a near-fiasco of ethnographic access to musical theatre organisations
Authors: Duarte Márcia , Alcadipani Rafael
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study explores the trajectory and challenges faced by a doctoral researcher in her successive attempts to gain access for conducting an ethnography within the production or organisation of a musical theatre performance. Contemplating the four unsuccessful access attempts and the final, triumphant one, we ponder the reasons and impediments for conducting research within this particular context. We operate under the premise that research access possesses a relational characteristic, contingent upon the relationships established between the researcher, the researched, potential informants and the dynamics of the field as a whole.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an exploratory and qualitative study, and the empirical research is based on an ethnographic-inspired case study of the organisation/production of a musical theatre play in São Paulo, SP, Brazil, which we have given the pseudonym MusiCom.

Findings

The study contributes by allowing us to affirm that access is intertwined with at least two aspects: the peculiarities of the organisation itself and the characteristics or context in which it exists or is constructed, and the identity of the researcher, developed during the formal access negotiations through the relationships formed between her and the subjects during the dynamics of the field.

Originality/value

Our contribution reinforces the numerous challenges posed to researchers when conducting ethnographies and illustrates how access relies not solely on the skills, aptitudes and learning of the researchers.
The Rule of Law and Full‐Bodied Promulgation
Authors: Milton James
Published: November 2024

Promulgation is a fundamental component of most theories about the rule of law yet remains an under‐theorised aspect of the concept. This article makes two contributions concerning the functions of promulgation in the rule of law. First, promulgation can be broken down into formal promulgation, the process of formally publishing rules, and full‐bodied promulgation, where public officials will informally intervene to inform citizens about a change in the law. Full‐bodied promulgation is necessary in certain cases for the rule of law to be satisfied. The article constructs this argument, discussing the virtues of promulgation, and explaining how they are not all satisfied by formal promulgation alone. It explains the distinction between formal and full‐bodied promulgation, and how this distinction plays out in theory and in practice. Second, the article argues that full‐bodied promulgation is necessary in two specific instances: where a new rule diverges from a long‐standing legal rule, and where a new rule diverges from pre‐existing moral norms.
Clinicopathological features and outcomes of rare lung adenocarcinoma metastasis to the thyroid gland: A single‐center, 11‐year experience
Authors: Gao Xuehan , Cao Zhen , Diao Xiayao , Zhang Jiaqi , Zhao Ke , Yang Libing , Qian Zhihong , Zhou Xiaoyun , Guo Chao , Chen Yeye , Liu Ziwen , Li Shanqing
Published: November 2024

Background

Metastasis to the thyroid gland from lung adenocarcinoma is rare and challenging to diagnose due to similar histopathological features. This study aimed to analyze the clinicopathological characteristics of and treatment strategies for lung adenocarcinoma metastasis to the thyroid based on 11 years of institutional experience.

Methods

A retrospective study included patients with lung adenocarcinoma metastasis to the thyroid at our center from 2010 to 2023. Clinicopathological features and clinical outcomes were analyzed.

Results

Among 9714 lung adenocarcinoma patients, nine patients (five females, 55.6%) were diagnosed with thyroid metastasis, presenting primarily with cough symptoms. Most patients (88.9%) had synchronous tumors, whereas a minority (11.1%) had metachronous tumors. The median time from primary tumor diagnosis to metastasis was 4.8 months. Most patients developed bilateral thyroid metastases (88.9%). Diagnosis of thyroid metastasis was primarily through fine‐needle aspiration (FNA), with one case misdiagnosed as papillary thyroid carcinoma. Immunohistochemical staining revealed thyroid transcription factor‐1 (TTF‐1) and novel aspartic proteinase of pepsin family A (Napsin‐A) positivity and paired box 8 (PAX8) negativity. Genetic testing found epidermal growth factor receptor mutations in 71.4% of patients. The individualized comprehensive therapy included surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted and supportive therapy. The median overall survival was 56.0 months, with a progression‐free survival of 12.7 months. Kaplan–Meier (K–M) analysis suggested improved survival with no advanced symptoms (p = 0.03) and targeted therapies (p = 0.05).

Conclusions

Lung adenocarcinoma metastasis to the thyroid is a rare disease, with an incidence of 0.1% among lung adenocarcinoma patients. Early treatment after symptom onset and personalized targeted therapies may improve prognosis. Despite rapid disease progression, favorable outcomes can be achieved with comprehensive treatment.
Auriculotherapy nursing intervention: Development and content validation by specialists
Authors: Argenta Carla , Abido Suzanne Cristina , Adamy Edlamar Kátia , Bavaresco Taline , Dalchiavon Camilla , de Fátima Lucena Amália , Zanatta Elisangela Argenta
Published: November 2024

Purpose

To develop and validate the content of the components of the auriculotherapy nursing intervention.

Methods

This descriptive and methodological study was carried out in three steps: an integrative literature review, with a diagnosis of the state of the art and a basis for the study; development of the nursing intervention based on the Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC) and validation by the Kappa Index (k = ≥0.61) and the content validity index (CVI ≥ 0.80). The experts were recruited using the snowball method, who met the inclusion criteria: being a nurse, having completed an auriculotherapy course, having clinical experience with auriculotherapy, and having used the NICs in clinical practice for at least 1 year. The instrument for validation was sent via Google Forms in April 2022.

Results

The title, definition, and 11 activities of the new nursing intervention with Kappa and CVI indexes accepted for content validity were validated.

Conclusions

The content validation of the nursing intervention was fundamental for the suitability of its components, allowing it to be refined.

Implications for nursing practice

The contribution of the study consists of the possible inclusion of this intervention in the NIC, favoring the use of standardized language in the clinical practice of auriculotherapy.
Breastfeeding supports growth in small for gestational age infants: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Resvick Heather , Foster Amber , Hartman Brenda , DaSilva Orlando , Coughlin Kevin , Madill Janet
Published: November 2024

Aim

Small for gestational age is defined as birthweight <10th percentile on standardised age and sex‐specific growth charts. Rapid catch‐up growth seen post‐natal is associated with adiposity and cardiometabolic syndromes later in life. Breastfeeding has positive effects on growth in premature and low‐birthweight infants. Therefore, examining the impact of exclusive breastfeeding on growth parameters in small for gestational age infants is important.

Methods

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses statement and checklist guided review and meta‐analysis. Four databases were searched.

Results

Five articles (4702 infants) met inclusion criteria. The effect of 4–6 months of breastfeeding on growth was measured using weight, length, head circumference, z‐scores and change between timepoints. Study quality was considered very low using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation tool. Random effects models assessed the effect of breastfeeding on weight and length catch‐up growth. Differences in weight and length were seen (−8.36, 95%CI: −11.26 to −5.46 and −7.50, 95%CI: −1.92 to −4.18, p < 0.001), with substantial heterogeneity (I2 > 90%).

Conclusions

Breastmilk supports growth in small for gestational age infants, though limited evidence exists for catch‐up growth in the first 6 months. The magnitude and direction of the effect could not be determined.
Modeling impact of improved forage cultivation on milk productivity and feed sufficiency in semiarid tropics of central India: A doubly robust analysis
Authors: Choudhary Bishwa Bhaskar , Sharma Purushottam , Singh Priyanka , Upadhyay Deepak , Kumar Sunil , Gupta Gaurendra , Kantwa Sita Ram , Wasnik Vinod Kumar , Prasad Mahendra
Published: November 2024

The study using cross‐sectional data collected from 300 dairy farmers has analyzed the factors affecting adoption of improved forage technologies and its impact on milk yield and feed sufficiency in central region. We used inverse‐propensity‐weighting regression adjustment (IPWRA) method as main technique for impact evaluation and checked the robustness of the results using matching methods. Our findings suggest that education status, adult cattle unit, animal breed type, off‐farm income activities, farm size, and access to training and market significantly influence adoption of improved forage technologies and practices. Further, the adoption led to a significant increase in daily milk yield (1.07 to 1.34 L), total dry matter availability by over 27%, and green fodder availability by around 80%. Ration balancing has been identified as a significant concern in the study region. Consequently, the study suggests that adopting a comprehensive approach is necessary to address the issue of proper ration balancing and fully harness the production potential of dairy animals.
Long‐term taurine supplementation regulates brain mitochondrial dynamics in mice
Authors: Rezaei Heresh , Wang Hong‐Wei , Tian Weishun , Zhao Jing , Najibi Asma , Retana‐Márquez Socorro , Rafiei Elahe , Rowhanirad Ayeh , Sabouri Samira , Kiafar Mohammadreza , Fazlinezhad Rahil , Niknahad Amir Mohammad , Evazzadeh Fatemeh , Anousheh Seyedeh Tayebeh , Ommati Mohammad Mehdi , Niknahad Hossein , Heidari Reza
Published: November 2024

Background

Taurine (TAU) is the most abundant non‐protein amino acid in the central nervous system (CNS). However, the molecular mechanism of TAU in the CNS is still poorly understood. Meanwhile, disruption in mitochondrial dynamics is evident in CNS disorders. This study aimed to investigate the effect of TAU on mitochondrial dynamics.

Methods

TAU (0.25, 0.5 and 1% in drinking water) was administered to young mice for six months. Several memory/cognition parameters and indices of anxiety/depression were assessed. Meanwhile, various mitochondrial indices and the expression/activity of genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics (Akt, CREB, NRF1, TFAM, PGC‐1α, Mfn1, Mfn2, UCP2, PINK1, OPA1, Drp1 and Fis1) were examined.

Results

TAU significantly enhanced memory performance, suppressed anxiety and depression‐like behaviour, increased mitochondrial biogenesis/dynamics and improved mitochondrial indices. It should be mentioned that there was no significant difference between different concentrations of TAU in changing most brain mitochondrial dynamic biomarkers in the current study.

Conclusions

These findings offer more insights into the molecular mechanism for TAU's action in the CNS. However, there is a need for further research to confirm these effects in humans. Overall, this study suggests the potential application of TAU in various neurological disorders and the need for clinical studies on the effects of this amino acid in the brain.