bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abnormal Cerebral FDG Accumulation in Acute Intracerebral and Subarachnoid Hemorrhages Due to Different Mechanisms
Authors: Chow Tsz-Kit , Chiu Ka-Lun , Chan Chun-Ho , Ma Wai-Han
Published: October 2023

Changes in cerebral glucose metabolism after acute intracranial hemorrhage have been rarely described. We present a patient with abnormal cerebral FDG accumulation in acute intracerebral and subarachnoid hemorrhages due to different mechanisms on FDG PET/CT. The patient received conservative management and died 2 months later. This case demonstrated the different mechanisms of cerebral FDG accumulation in different types of intracranial hemorrhage, which may be helpful for future research to optimize patient care.
The Implant-borne Articulation Splint in Fibula Free Flap Mandibular Reconstruction: A Technical Note
Authors: Sukato Daniel C. , Kerr Rhorie , Aghaloo Tara , Yu Jason W. , Blackwell Keith E. , Jayanetti Jay
Published: October 2023

Computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing and digitally simulated surgeries have revolutionized maxillomandibular reconstruction. In particular, this technology has increased the accuracy and facilitated the process of dental implantation in fibula free flaps. Despite the efficacy of virtual planning, there is a minor degree of translational difference between digital and intraoperative measurements, which may affect the precision of implant and fibula orientations. This is especially concerning during the last stage of fibula insetting, where the graft segments have the potential to roll, yaw, or pitch. The objective of this study is to describe an advanced prosthodontic technique that ensures the fibula grafts and implants remain in a restorable position during final insetting. We describe the technique and workflow of the implant-borne articulation splint through a case presentation and demonstrate results at 4 months postoperative and postradiotherapy. Given the degree of investment placed in virtual planning, free flap reconstruction, and endosteal implants, a technique that ensures optimal restorability of each implant is pivotal. Larger studies are still required to fully elucidate the cost-effectiveness and long-term results of the implant-borne articulation splint.
Transverse–Sigmoid Sinus Dural Arteriovenous Fistula Concurrent With Bilateral Venous Sinus Occlusion
Authors: Kang Ningyu , Wang Fei , Xue Yan , Wei Haijian
Published: October 2023

Background and significance:

Dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) is a relatively rare type of cerebrovascular malformation with unknown pathogenesis. Here, the authors report a patient with DAVF in the left transverse–sigmoid sinus (Cognard type III) combined with occlusions of the left sigmoid sinus and right transverse sinus. The authors describe and discuss their successful treatment approach, with the aim to improve the management of this rare disorder.

Case presentation:

A 59-year-old man presented with dizziness, headache, vomiting, and unsteady gait. His digital subtraction angiography evaluation indicated DAVF in the left transverse–sigmoid sinus (Cognard type III) combined with occlusions of the distal 1/3 of the left sigmoid sinus and the proximal one-third of the right transverse sinus. After balloon angioplasty and stenting, blood flow was restored in the occluded sinuses. The DAVF was treated by embolization. The patient had a satisfactory recovery with significantly improved clinical symptoms.

Conclusion:

In patients with transverse–sigmoid sinus DAVF, satisfactory venous reflux should be ensured. In patients with concurrent DAVF and sinus stenosis or occlusion, it is important to reestablish antegrade venous blood flow first. It is feasible and safe to simultaneously embolize DAVF after the venous reflux can be reestablished.
Mesorhizobium liriopis sp. nov., isolated from the fermented fruit of Liriope platyphylla a medicinal plant
Authors: Kim Inhyup , Chhetri Geeta , So Yoonseop , Park Sunho , Jung Yonghee , Woo Haejin , Seo Taegun
Published: October 2023

A facultative anaerobic and Gram-negative strain, designated RP14T, was isolated from the fruit of Liriope platyphylla fermented for 60 days at 25°C. Strain RP14T showed 98.0 % 16S rRNA similarity to

Mesorhizobium huakuii

IFO 15243T, but in the phylogenetic tree,

Mesorhizobium terrae

NIBRBAC000500504T was its closest neighbour. The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values between strain RP14T and 15 genomes of type strains of

Mesorhizobium

, were 73.8–74.4% and 16.4–20.2 %, respectively, which were lower than the recommended thresholds for species delineation. The strain grew at 25–32°C (optimum, 28°C), at pH 7.0–12.0 (optimum, pH 9.0) and with 0–2% NaCl (optimum, 0 %; w/v). Cells of strain RP14T were catalase-positive, oxidase-negative, rod-shaped and formed yellow-coloured colonies. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylglycerol. The major fatty acid were C16 : 0, C19 : 0 cyclo ω8c and summed feature 8 (C18 : 1
 ω7c and/or C18 : 1
 ω6c). The DNA G+C content was 62.8 mol%. Based on polyphasic evidence, we propose Mesorhizobium liriopis sp. nov as a novel species within the genus Mesorhizobium. The type strain is RP14T (=KACC 22720T=TBRC 16341T).
Immunologic changes are detectable in the peripheral blood transcriptome of clinically asymptomatic Chagas cardiomyopathy patients
Authors: Duque Carolina , So Jaime , Castro-Sesquen Yagahira E. , DeToy Kelly , Guarnizo Sneider A. Gutierrez , Jahanbakhsh Fatemeh , Machaca Edith Malaga , Miranda-Schaeubinger Monica , Chakravarti Indira , Cooper Virginia , Schmidt Mary E. , Adamo Luigi , Marcus Rachel , Talaat Kawsar R. , Gilman Robert H. , Mugnier Monica R. ,   the Chagas Working Group
Published: October 2023

Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan parasiteTrypanosoma cruzi, is a neglected parasitic disease that affects approximately 6 million individuals worldwide. Of those infected, 20-30% will go on to develop chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy (CCC), and ultimately many of these individuals will progress to advanced heart failure. The mechanism by which this progression occurs is poorly understood, as few studies have focused on early CCC. In this study, we sought to understand the physiologic changes associated withT. cruziinfection and the development of CCC. We analyzed gene expression in the peripheral blood of asymptomatic Chagas patients with early structural heart disease, Chagas patients without any signs or symptoms of disease, and Chagas-negative patients with and without early structural heart disease. Our analysis shows that early CCC was associated with a downregulation of various peripheral immune response genes, with gene expression changes suggestive of reduced antigen presentation and T cell activation. Notably, these genes and processes were distinct from those of early cardiomyopathy in Chagas-negative patients, suggesting that the processes mediating CCC may be unique from those mediating progression to other cardiomyopathies. This work highlights the importance of the immune response in early CCC, providing insight into the early pathogenesis of this disease. The changes we have identified may serve as biomarkers of progression and could inform strategies for the treatment of CCC in its early stages, before significant cardiac damage has occurred.
MOIRE: A software package for the estimation of allele frequencies and effective multiplicity of infection from polyallelic data
Authors: Murphy Maxwell , Greenhouse Bryan
Published: October 2023

Motivation

Malaria parasite genetic data can provide insight into parasite phenotypes, evolution, and transmission. However, estimating key parameters such as allele frequencies, multiplicity of infection (MOI), and within-host relatedness from genetic data is challenging, particularly in the presence of multiple related coinfecting strains. Existing methods often rely on single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data and do not account for within-host relatedness.

Results

We present MOIRE (Multiplicity Of Infection and allele frequency REcovery), a Bayesian approach to estimate allele frequencies, MOI, and within-host relatedness from genetic data subject to experimental error. MOIRE accommodates both polyallelic and SNP data, making it applicable to diverse genotyping panels. We also introduce a novel metric, the effective MOI (eMOI), which integrates MOI and within-host relatedness, providing a robust and interpretable measure of genetic diversity. Extensive simulations and real-world data from a malaria study in Namibia demonstrate the superior performance of MOIRE over naive estimation methods, accurately estimating MOI up to 7 with moderate sized panels of diverse loci (e.g. microhaplotypes). MOIRE also revealed substantial heterogeneity in population mean MOI and mean relatedness across health districts in Namibia, suggesting detectable differences in transmission dynamics. Notably, eMOI emerges as a portable metric of within-host diversity, facilitating meaningful comparisons across settings when allele frequencies or genotyping panels differ. Compared to existing software, MOIRE enables more comprehensive insights into within-host diversity and population structure.

Availability

MOIRE is available as an R package athttps://eppicenter.github.io/moire/.

Contact

mm@maxmurphy.dev

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available atBioinformaticsonline.
From smartphone data to clinically relevant predictions: A systematic review of digital phenotyping methods in depression
Authors: Leaning Imogen E. , Ikani Nessa , Savage Hannah S. , Leow Alex , Beckmann Christian , Ruhé Henricus G. , Marquand Andre F.
Published: October 2023

Background

Smartphone-based digital phenotyping enables potentially clinically relevant information to be collected as individuals go about their day. This could improve monitoring and interventions for people with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). The aim of this systematic review was to investigate current digital phenotyping features and methods used in MDD.

Methods

We searched PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science (10/11/2023) for articles including: (1) MDD population, (2) smartphone-based features, (3) validated ratings. Risk of bias was assessed using several sources. Studies were compared within analysis goals (correlating features with depression, predicting symptom severity, diagnosis, mood state/episode, other). Twenty-four studies (9801 participants) were included.

Results

Studies achieved moderate performance. Common themes included challenges from complex and missing data (leading to a risk of bias), and a lack of external validation.

Discussion

Studies made progress towards relating digital phenotypes to clinical variables, often focusing on time-averaged features. Methods investigating temporal dynamics more directly may be beneficial for patient monitoring.

European Research Council consolidator grant: 101001118, Prospero: CRD42022346264, Open Science Framework:https://osf.io/s7ay4
18F-FDG PET/CT characteristics of IASLC grade 3 invasive adenocarcinoma and the value of18F-FDG PET/CT for preoperative prediction
Authors: Yang Hanyun , Liu Xinran , Wang Lijuan , Zhou Wenlan , Tian Ying , Dong Ye , Zhou Kemin , Chen Li , Wang Meng , Wu Hubing
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study is performed to investigate the imaging characteristics of the International Association for the study of lung cancer (IASLC) grade 3 invasive adenocarcinoma (IAC) on PET/CT and the value of PET/CT for preoperative predicting this tumor.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively enrolled patients with IAC from August 2015 to September 2022. The clinical characteristics, serum tumor markers, and PET/CT features were analyzed. T test, Mann-Whitney U test, χ2test, Logistic regression analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis were used to predict grade 3 tumor and evaluate the prediction effectiveness.

Results

Grade 3 tumors had a significantly higher maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) (P< 0.001), while Grade 1 - 2 tumors were prone to present with air bronchogram sign or vacuole sign (P< 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that only SUVmax(OR = 1.137; 95% CI: 1.037, 1.247;P< 0.05) and air bronchogram sign or vacuole sign (OR = 0.225; 95% CI: 0.088, 0.572;P< 0.05) were independent predictors for Grade 3 tumors. The established prediction formula for Grade 3 tumors was P = one / [one + EXP (1.112 - 0.187 × SUVmax+ 1.395 × air bronchogram sign or vacuole sign)], which generated a high AUC (0.825) and negative predictive value (0.924), respectively.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that grade 3 IAC has a unique PET/CT imaging feature. The prediction model established with SUVmaxand air bronchogram sign or vacuole sign can effectively predict grade 3 tumors before the operation.
Auditory evoked-potential abnormalities in a mouse model of 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome and their interactions with hearing impairment
Authors: Lu Chen , Linden Jennifer F.
Published: October 2023

The 22q11.2 deletion is a risk factor for multiple psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia and also increases vulnerability to middle-ear problems that can cause hearing impairment. Up to 60% of deletion carriers experience hearing impairment and ∼30% develop schizophrenia in adulthood. It is not known if these risks interact. Here we used theDf1/+mouse model of the 22q11.2 deletion to investigate how hearing impairment might interact with increased genetic vulnerability to psychiatric disease to affect brain function. We measured brain function using cortical auditory evoked potentials (AEPs), which are commonly measured non-invasively in humans. After identifying one of the simplest and best-validated methods for AEP measurement in mice from the diversity of previous approaches, we measured peripheral hearing sensitivity and cortical AEPs inDf1/+mice and their WT littermates. We exploited large inter-individual variation in hearing ability amongDf1/+mice to distinguish effects of genetic background from effects of hearing impairment. Central auditory gain and adaptation were quantified by comparing brainstem activity and cortical AEPs and by analyzing the growth of cortical AEPs with increasing sound level or inter-tone interval duration. We found distinctive measures of central auditory gain or adaptation that were abnormal inDf1/+mice regardless of hearing impairment, and other measures that were abnormal only inDf1/+mice with or without hearing impairment. Our data identify potential biomarkers for auditory brain dysfunction in psychiatric disease and illustrate that central auditory abnormalities in 22q11.2DS are a function of both genotype and hearing phenotype.
Direct mailing of HPV self-sampling kits to older women non-participating in cervical screening in the Czech Republic
Authors: Ngo Ondřej , Chloupková Renata , Cibula David , Sláma Jiří , Mandelová Lucie , Hejduk Karel , Hajdúch Marián , Minka Petr , Koudeláková Vladimíra , Jaworek Hana , Trnková Markéta , Vaněk Peter , Dvořák Vladimír , Dušek Ladislav , Májek Ondřej
Published: October 2023

Background

A population-based cervical cancer screening programme is implemented in the Czech Republic. However, participation is insufficient among women over 50 years. This study aimed to estimate the potential improvement in participation through directly mailed HPV self-sampling kits (HPVssk) compared to standard invitation letters in women aged 50-65 non-participating in screening.

Methods

The study recruited 1,564 eligible women (no cervical cancer screening in the last 3 years or more, no previous treatment associated with cervical lesions or cervical cancer). Eight hundred women were mailed with an HPVssk (HPVssk group), and 764 women were sent a standard invitation letter (control group) inviting them to a routine screening (Pap test). The primary outcome was a comparison of the overall participation rate between study groups using a binominal regression model.

Results

The participation rate in the HPVssk group was 13.4% (95% CI 11.2–15.9%; 7.4% of women returned the HPVssk and 6.0% attended gynaecological examination) and 5.0% (95% CI 3.6–6.8%) in the control group. Using the binominal regression model, the difference between the groups was estimated as 7.6% (95% CI 5.0-10.2%; p < 0.001). In the HPVssk group, 22% of women who returned HPVssk had a positive result and 70% of them underwent a follow-up examination.

Conclusions

Compared to traditional invitation letters, the direct mailing of the HPVssk achieved a significantly higher participation rate, along with a notable HPV positivity rate among HPVssk responders. This approach offers a potentially viable method for engaging women who have not yet attended a cervical screening programme.
Enhanced Ca2+Binding to EF-Hands through Phosphorylation of Conserved Serine Residues Activates MpRBOHB and Chitin-Triggered ROS Production
Authors: Hashimoto Takafumi , Hashimoto Kenji , Shindo Hiroki , Tsuboyama Shoko , Miyakawa Takuya , Tanokura Masaru , Kuchitsu Kazuyuki
Published: October 2023

NADPH oxidases/RBOHs catalyze apoplastic ROS production and act as key signaling nodes, integrating multiple signal transduction pathways regulating plant development and stress responses. Although RBOHs have been suggested to be activated by Ca2+binding and phosphorylation by various protein kinases, a mechanism linking Ca2+binding and phosphorylation in the activity regulation remained elusive. Chitin-triggered ROS production required cytosolic Ca2+elevation and Ca2+binding to MpRBOHB in a liverwortMarchantia polymorpha. Heterologous expression analysis of truncated variants revealed that a segment of the N-terminal cytosolic region highly conserved among land plant RBOHs encompassing the two EF-hand motifs is essential for the activation of MpRBOHB. Within the conserved regulatory domain, we have identified two Ser residues whose phosphorylation is critical for the activationin planta. Isothermal titration calorimetry analyses revealed that phosphorylation of the two Ser residues increased the Ca2+binding affinity of MpRBOHB, while Ca2+binding is indispensable for the activation, even if the two Ser residues are phosphorylated. Our findings shed light on a mechanism through which phosphorylation potentiates the Ca2+-dependent activation of MpRBOHB, emphasizing the pivotal role of Ca2+binding in mediating the Ca2+and phosphorylation-driven activation of MpRBOHB, which is likely to represent a fundamental mechanism conserved among land plant RBOHs.
Rapamycin and caspofungin show synergistic antifungal effects in caspofungin-susceptible and caspofungin-resistantCandidastrainsin vitro
Authors: Lefranc Maxime , Accoceberry Isabelle , Biteau Nicolas , Noël Thierry
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Caspofungin is an echinocandin antifungal agent that inhibits synthesis of glucan required for the fungal cell wall. Resistance is mediated by mutation of Fks1 glucan synthase, among which S645P is the most common resistance-associated polymorphism. Rapamycin is a macrolide that inhibits the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) protein kinase activity. This study investigated the interaction between rapamycin and caspofungin in inhibiting the growth of wild typeCandida albicansand Fks1 S645P mutant clinical isolate and wild typeCandida lusitaniaeand genetically engineered isogenic strain with Fks1 S645P mutation at equivalent position.

Methods

Interactions between caspofungin and rapamycin were evaluated using the microdilution checkerboard method in liquid medium. The results were analysed using the fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) index and the response surface (RS) analysis according to the Bliss model.

Results

Synergy between rapamycin and caspofungin was shown forC. albicansandC. lusitaniaestrains by RS analysis of the checkerboard tests. Synergy was observed in strains sensitive and resistant to caspofungin. Weak subinhibitory concentrations of rapamycin were sufficient to restore caspofungin susceptibility.

Conclusions

We report here for the first time synergy between caspofungin and rapamycin inCandidaspecies. Synergy was shown for strains susceptible and resistant to caspofungin. This study highlights the role of the TOR pathway in sensing antifungal-mediated cell wall stress and in modulating the cellular response to echinocandins inCandidayeasts.
Broad variation in response of individual introns to splicing inhibitors in a humanized yeast strain
Authors: Hunter Oarteze , Talkish Jason , Quick-Cleveland Jen , Igel Haller , Tan Asako , Kuersten Scott , Katzman Sol , Donohue John Paul , Jurica Melissa , Ares Manuel
Published: October 2023

Intron branch point (BP) recognition by the U2 snRNP is a critical step of splicing, vulnerable to recurrent cancer mutations and bacterial natural product inhibitors. The BP binds a conserved pocket in the SF3B1 (human) or Hsh155 (yeast) U2 snRNP protein. Amino acids that line this pocket affect binding of splicing inhibitors like Pladienolide-B (Plad-B), such that organisms differ in their sensitivity.

To study the mechanism of splicing inhibitor action in a simplified system, we modified the naturally Plad-B resistant yeastSaccharomyces cerevisiaeby changing 14 amino acids in the Hsh155 BP pocket to those from human. This humanized yeast grows normally, and splicing is largely unaffected by the mutation. Splicing is inhibited within minutes after addition of Plad-B, and different introns appear inhibited to different extents. Intron-specific inhibition differences are also observed during co-transcriptional splicing in Plad-B using single-molecule intron tracking (SMIT) to minimize gene-specific transcription and decay rates that cloud estimates of inhibition by standard RNA-seq. Comparison of Plad-B intron sensitivities to those of the structurally distinct inhibitor Thailanstatin-A reveals intron-specific differences in sensitivity to different compounds. This work exposes a complex relationship between binding of different members of this class of inhibitors to the spliceosome and intron-specific rates of BP recognition and catalysis. Introns with variant BP sequences seem particularly sensitive, echoing observations from mammalian cells, where monitoring individual introns is complicated by multi-intron gene architecture and alternative splicing. The compact yeast system may hasten characterization of splicing inhibitors, accelerating improvements in selectivity and therapeutic efficacy.
Membrane potential dynamics unveil the promise of Bioelectrical Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (BeAST) for anti-fungal screening
Authors: de Souza-Guerreiro Tailise Carolina , Huan Bacellar Letícia , Santana da Costa Thyerre , Tasic Ljubica , Asally Munehiro
Published: October 2023

Membrane potential is a useful marker for antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) due to the fundamental characteristic of vital cells. However, the difficulties associated with measuring the membrane potential in microbes restrict its broad application. In this study, we present Bioelectrical AST (BeAST) using the model fungusSaccharomyces cerevisiae. Using fluorescent indicators (DiBAC4(3), ThT and TMRM), we measured plasma and mitochondrial membrane-potential dynamics upon electric stimulation. We find that a 2.5-second electric stimulation induces hyperpolarisation of plasma membrane lasting 20 minutes in vitalS. cerevisiae, but depolarisation in inhibited cells. The numerical simulation of FitzHugh-Nagumo model successfully recapitulates vitality-dependent dynamics. The model also suggests that the magnitude of plasma-membrane potential dynamics (PMD) correlates with the degree of inhibition. To test this prediction and to examine if BeAST can be used for assessing novel anti-fungal compounds, we treat cells with biogenic silver nanoparticles (bioAgNPs) synthesised using orange fruit flavonoids and Fusarium oxysporum. Comparing BeAST with optical density assay with various stressors, we show that PMD correlates with the severityof growth inhibitions. These results suggest that BeAST holds promise for screening anti-fungal compounds, offering a valuable approach to tackling antimicrobial resistance.
The overlapping genetic architecture of psychiatric disorders and cortical brain structure
Authors: Sha Zhiqiang , Warrier Varun , Bethlehem Richard A.I. , Schultz Laura M. , Merikangas Alison , Sun Kevin Y. , Gur Ruben C. , Gur Raquel E. , Shinohara Russell T. , Seidlitz Jakob , Almasy Laura , Andreassen Ole A. , Alexander-Bloch Aaron F.
Published: October 2023

Both psychiatric vulnerability and cortical structure are shaped by the cumulative effect of common genetic variants across the genome. However, the shared genetic underpinnings between psychiatric disorders and brain structural phenotypes, such as thickness and surface area of the cerebral cortex, remains elusive. In this study, we employed pleiotropy-informed conjunctional false discovery rate analysis to investigate shared loci across genome-wide association scans of regional cortical thickness, surface area, and seven psychiatric disorders in approximately 700,000 individuals of European ancestry. Aggregating regional measures, we identified 50 genetic loci shared between psychiatric disorders and surface area, as well as 26 genetic loci shared with cortical thickness. Risk alleles exhibited bidirectional effects on both cortical thickness and surface area, such that some risk alleles for each disorder increased regional brain size while other risk alleles decreased regional brain size. Due to bidirectional effects, in many cases we observed extensive pleiotropy between an imaging phenotype and a psychiatric disorder even in the absence of a significant genetic correlation between them. The impact of genetic risk for psychiatric disorders on regional brain structure did exhibit a consistent pattern across highly comorbid psychiatric disorders, with 80% of the genetic loci shared across multiple disorders displaying consistent directions of effect. Cortical patterning of genetic overlap revealed a hierarchical genetic architecture, with the association cortex and sensorimotor cortex representing two extremes of shared genetic influence on psychiatric disorders and brain structural variation. Integrating multi-scale functional annotations and transcriptomic profiles, we observed that shared genetic loci were enriched in active genomic regions, converged on neurobiological and metabolic pathways, and showed differential expression in postmortem brain tissue from individuals with psychiatric disorders. Cumulatively, these findings provide a significant advance in our understanding of the overlapping polygenic architecture between psychopathology and cortical brain structure.
DMC1 and RAD51 bind FxxA and FxPP motifs of BRCA2 via two separate interfaces
Authors: Miron Simona , Legrand Pierre , van Rossum-Fikkert Sari E. , Ristic Dejan , Badar Atifa , Kanaar Roland , Zinn-Justin Sophie , Zelensky Alex N.
Published: October 2023

In vertebrates, the BRCA2 protein is essential for meiotic and somatic homologous recombination (HR) due to its interaction with RAD51 and DMC1 strand exchange proteins (recombinases). The interaction is mediated by FxxA and FxPP motifs, whose defining feature is the invariant phenylalanine. The FxxA motifs, present in the eight BRC repeats in the central region of BRCA2, compete with the FxxA motif of the linker region of RAD51 that is responsible for recombinase self-oligomerization. In vitro, BRCs disrupt RAD51 nucleoprotein filaments, but they are essential for RAD51 function in the context of the full-length BRCA2 protein. The role of the FxPP motifs is poorly studied but they also contribute to BRCA2 function in cells. In particular, the C-terminal TR2/CTRB domain of BRCA2, which contains an FxPP motif, is required for stabilization of RAD51 filament and replication fork protection. We recently found that deletion of the BRCA2 PhePP domain, which contains another FxPP motif, disrupts DMC1 but not RAD51 function in meiosis. Here we provide a mechanistic explanation for this phenotype by solving the crystal structure of the complex between DMC1 and the PhePP domain of BRCA2. Our structure reveals that, despite sequence similarity, the A-motifs (FxxA) and P-motifs (FxPP) bind to distinct and contiguous sites on the recombinases. The PhePP P-motif binding site is mostly located at the ATPase domain surface of a DMC1 monomer, but also extends to the linker region of the adjacent monomer, thus engaging two adjacent protomers in the DMC1 oligomer. Our structural analysis provides a mechanism explaining how PhePP favors the formation of the DMC1 nucleoprotein filament and stabilizes it. It corroborates and explains the stabilizing effect of the P-motif from BRCA2 TR2/CTRB on RAD51.
Synergistic corrosion protection of stir-cast hybrid aluminum composites reinforcing CeO2 and GNPs nano-particulates
Authors: Kumar Dinesh , Singh Satnam , Angra Surjit
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the corrosion behavior of stir-cast hybrid aluminum composite reinforced with CeO2 and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) nanoparticulates used as cylinder liner material in the engines (automotive, aerospace and aircraft industries).

Design/methodology/approach

The composites were prepared using the stir-casting technique, and their microstructure and corrosion behavior was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and potentiodynamic polarization test, respectively.

Findings

The results showed that the addition of CeO2 and GNPs improved the corrosion resistance of the composites, and the optimal combination of these two nanoparticles was found to be 3 wt.% CeO2 and 3 wt.% GNPs. The enhanced corrosion resistance was attributed to the formation of a protective layer on the surface of the composite, as well as the effective dispersion and uniform distribution of nanoparticles in the matrix. The 0.031362 was noted as the lowest corrosion rate (mmpy) and was noticed in 94% Al-6061 alloy + (3 Wt.% CeO2 + 3 Wt.% GNPs) sample at room temperature and at elevated temperatures; the corrosion rate (mmpy) was observed as 0.0601 and 0.0636 at 45 °C and 75 °C, respectively.

Originality/value

In the vast majority of the published research publications, either cerium oxide or graphene nanoplatelets were utilized as a single reinforcement or in conjunction with other types of reinforcement such as alumina, silicon carbide, carbon nano-tubes, tungsten carbide, etc., but on the combination of the CeO2 and GNPs as reinforcements have very less literatures with 2 wt.% each only. The prepared hybrid aluminum composite (reinforcing 1 wt.% to 3 wt.% in Al-6061 alloy) was considered for replacing the cylinder liner material in the piston-cylinder arrangement of engines.
Contextual marketing and information privacy concerns in m-commerce and their impact on consumer loyalty
Authors: Irgui Aya , Qmichchou Mohammed
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study examines the effect of contextual perceived value activated by contextual marketing offers and information privacy concerns on consumer loyalty in mobile commerce.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey was conducted through 340 mobile users in Morocco and the collected data were analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

This study's results show that contextual marketing and information privacy concerns are key determinants in improving customer loyalty in the m-commerce context. Perceived ubiquity has a positive impact on perceived trust, which also impacts consumer loyalty. Information privacy concerns also have a positive impact on customer satisfaction, yet it does not impact perceived trust, which is contrary to the results of other researchers. It can also be concluded that customer satisfaction and trust are important antecedents of consumer loyalty.

Practical implications

This research gives rise to some important managerial and strategic implications in order to integrate contextual marketing strategies, as well as theoretical implications that concern this field of study.

Originality/value

This research makes a significant contribution to knowledge by examining the role of contextual marketing and information privacy concerns in the m-commerce context. These results will be considered useful for marketers and for businesses in general who wish to integrate a marketing strategy that is based on a customer-centric approach. It also contributes to the related literature, as there are few studies focused on m-commerce and contextual marketing within the context of Morocco.
The determinants of work - life balance practices in Spanish listed companies
Authors: Calzón-Menéndez Faustino , Sacristán-Navarro María , Cabeza-García Laura
Published: October 2023

Purpose

To empirically study the determinant factors of adopting work–life balance measures at the firm level.

Design/methodology/approach

After reviewing the main theories that explain work–life balance practices, IBEX-35 Spanish companies during 2015–2019 are studied to see whether the firm sector, the presence of female employees, qualified personnel, a company agreement and an equality plan determine these types of practices.

Findings

The results indicate a negative relationship between the firm activity sector and adopting work–life balance practices. Industrial companies offer fewer work–life balance measures than service companies. A company agreement implies more extensive adoption of work-life practices. Older companies are characterized by greater adoption of work-life practices, in contrast to their level of profitability that is associated negatively with these practices.

Practical implications

Since it is difficult for industrial companies to change their idiosyncrasies, it is necessary to incorporate other measures that promote work–life balance, such as timetable flexibility. Companies and policymakers should promote the advantages of a company agreement to contribute to the implementation of work–life balance practices.

Originality/value

The empirical evidence is scarce, especially in Spain and at the company level, given that most previous studies have focused on workers and the Anglo-Saxon sphere. Given the growing interest in this topic in the business world, the authors intend to contribute to this scarce literature by incorporating variables considered in previous studies, as well as other more innovative ones (agreement, equality plan) in a single model through a longitudinal study.
Deglobalization: a systematic enquiry using 5 Ws and 1 H framework
Authors: Garg Shamita , Sushil Sushil
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The world is on the verge of entering the deglobalization age, and industrialized economies have ushered it in. However, there is still a scarcity of comprehensive and rigorous studies in this field. This research has tried to analyze the evolution and characteristics of deglobalization research.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have employed bibliometric analysis for examining the existing evidence on accelerating deglobalization thinking based on a thorough analysis of articles published during a roughly 25-year span between 1996 and 2022. This study has used the TISM-P technique to study the relationship among the factors accelerating deglobalization thinking. This research reviews the articles on several dimensions of deglobalization using the “what”, “why”, “how”, “who”, “when” and “where” approaches.

Findings

The authors specify the critical factors, policy reforms, approaches and observed characteristics explored in this developing research area.

Practical implications

The authors have analyzed the factors accountable for rising deglobalization thinking and also suggested strategic recommendations based on the findings to minimize the adverse impact of globalization.

Originality/value

Although there is a wealth of literature on globalization, very little study has been done in the field of deglobalization. This is the first substantive review being done in the deglobalization domain. The contemporary research has used the bibliometric approach and the “5W and 1 H” framework to gain a comprehensive understanding of the changing paradigm.
What do you think of transparent pay? The reflexive thematic analysis of opinions about pay transparency in Poland
Authors: Kulikowski Konrad
Published: October 2023

Purpose

With pay transparency (PT) as an emerging trend in organizations around the world and the European Union promoting open pay regulations, PT is of increasing interest to scientists, managers and policymakers. However, it is still unclear what people think about PT and what theoretical perspectives might explain people's views on transparent pay. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to explore and systematize opinions about PT and to propose theoretical frameworks to understand different reactions to it.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative reflexive thematic analysis of the Internet debate that emerged in Poland in 2019 in response to the proposition of new law regulations aimed to improve PT by introducing obligatory pay ranges in job offers.

Findings

The author's analysis revealed a set of 41 specific and often opposite opinions about PT, which allow for the systematization of hopes and concerns related to PT around the 7 favorable and 6 unfavorable higher-order themes.

Social implications

The author's results might inform policymakers and managers about the possible risks and benefits of PT implementation. Revealed opposite opinions about PT raise awareness that PT policies, while solving some social problems, might simultaneously create others.

Originality/value

The author provides new insights into opinions that people hold about transparent pay based on real-world data. The author suggests theoretical perspectives for understanding and predicting reactions to PT, such as Hobfoll's Conservation of Resources Theory and Adam`s Equity Theory. Based on this, the authors propose that opposite opinions about PT might be explained by (a) perceived pay dispersion fairness and (b) perceived PT costs-benefits ratio.
To what extent can smart contracts replace traditional contracts in construction project?
Authors: Yu Haizhe , Deng Xiaopeng , Zhang Na
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The smart contract provides an opportunity to improve existing contract management practices in the construction projects by replacing traditional contracts. However, translating the contracts into computer languages is considered a major challenge which has not been investigated. Thus, it is necessary to: (1) identify the obstructing clauses in real-world contracts; and (2) analyze the replacement's technical and economic feasibility. This paper aims to discuss the aforementioned objectives.

Design/methodology/approach

This study identified the flexibility clauses of traditional contracts and their corresponding functions through inductive content analysis with representative standard contracts as materials. Through a speculative analysis in accordance to design science paradigm and new institutional economics, the economic and technical feasibility of existing approaches, including enumeration method, fuzzy algorithm, rough sets theory, machine learning and artificial intelligence, to transform respective clauses (functions) into executable codes are analyzed.

Findings

The clauses of semantic flexibility and structural flexibility are identified from the contracts. The transformation of semantic flexibility is economically and/or technically infeasible with existing methods and materials. But with more data as materials and methods of rough sets or machine learning, the transformation can be feasible. The transformation of structural flexibility is technically possible however economically unacceptable.

Practical implications

Given smart contracts' inability to provide the required flexibility for construction projects, smart contracts will be more effective in less relational contracts. For construction contracts, the combination of smart contracts and traditional contracts is recommended. In the long run, with the sharing or trading of data in the industry level and the integration of machine learning or artificial intelligence reducing relevant costs, the automation of contract management can be achieved.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the understanding of the smart contract's limitations in industry scenarios and its role in construction project management.
Chef Junction: serving food from home to home
Authors: Shroff Arvind , Shah Bhavin J.
Published: October 2023

Learning outcomes

The learning outcomes of this case study are as follows: It presents an opportunity for the instructors to introduce the concept of decision-making on matters involving risk (like scaling the business) using in-depth market research techniques. The case’s central idea is to make the students understand the growth of the online service delivery model, with a specific example of home-cooked food that also improves social welfare. It is expected to provide the participants with an opportunity to understand the decision-making by the leaders in newly established companies. It enables future managers to analyze a venture’s pros and cons before deciding to expand.

Case overview/synopsis

Chef Junction is an online food delivery platform that allows customers to order hygienic home-cooked food prepared by handpicked home chefs in Bhubaneswar. This city in eastern India is one of the fastest-growing metros, is regarded as a study hub, and provides ample employment opportunities making it one of the sought-after destinations for the migrant youth population. The idea behind Chef Junction is to cater to the healthy food needs of the young by utilizing the culinary productivity of the home cooks, empowering the latter by opening up an extra source of income. These chefs prepare delicious healthy food, usually not listed for sale with online food delivery apps. Chef Junction earned revenues by adding an order-dependent commission on the price quoted by chefs and accepting a flat delivery charge from the customers. This offer was very lucrative for home chefs who could join the platform with zero investment and flexible working hours. The customer’s pockets were also handled when several offers and discounts were rolled out through an attractive pricing strategy. Chef Junction expected to improve its patrons’ health quotient by ensuring the nutrition of the home-cooked food, thus contributing to social welfare. With food being delivered from home to home amalgamated with social welfare and empowerment of home chefs, especially women, this case study is an apt example of a sustainable work-from-home model that has proved effective in crisis times. The pertinent question is: “How feasibly can CJ’s business model grow towards an expansion as the demand increases?”

Complexity academic level

This case study has been prepared keeping in mind the teaching pedagogy for graduate and postgraduate management programs in strategic management, operations research, entrepreneurship and marketing management. It is also expected to be useful for training courses such as management development programs, faculty development programs and executive programs, in discussing service operations in general and online delivery logistics, in particular for working executives and industry practitioners.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 3: Entrepreneurship.
Conceptualizing destination-community hospitality: an illustrated framework leveraging Persianate culture
Authors: Davari Dori , Alaedini Pooya , Cai Liping A.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

By adopting a cultural lens, this study aims to conceptualize destination-community hospitality to capture societal hospitality at the destination as an intangible asset. Destination-community hospitality comprises a set of attitudes and traits that are organically conveyed by community members and directly experienced by tourists. The paper contributes to efforts aimed at freeing hospitality from the confines of commercial lodging and food and beverage establishments.

Design/methodology/approach

This study proposes an affection–attention–awareness (AAA) framework by drawing on the pertinent literature and leveraging the affective–behavioral–cognitive model of attitudinal change. It focuses on the effects of cognition in conceptualizing destination-community hospitality as the core of the framework. Methodologically, the framework is illustrated with qualitative data including observational fieldwork and interviews conducted in Iran.

Findings

Illustration of the AAA framework in the context of Iran highlights how welcoming attitudes are leveraged at a destination as an ingrained community mindset even in the absence of formal initiatives or professional training. It underscores the hospitality advocacy role of local-community members irrespective of public-sector policy and capacity deficiencies.

Practical implications

Destinations that strive to attract tourists should tap into the significant wealth of intuitive hospitality within communities as an intangible resource. The ingenuity should be preserved to sustainably enhance the overall tourist experiences. The framework can serve as a guide to strategically facilitate destination-community hospitality.

Originality/value

Research on community-wide hospitality at destinations, as a major cultural asset in the context of strategic hospitality management, remains underdeveloped. With illustrative evidence, the findings elevate the critical role of community members as innate advocates of hospitality in developing destinations. The proposed framework of destination-community hospitality provides a new perspective and impetus for investigating hospitality beyond commercial domains.
ICT-based training and education in volunteer sports communities: an action design research project with soccer referees during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Laumer Sven , Maier Christian
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the beliefs and attitudes toward the use of information and communication technology (ICT). The study examines the challenges of implementing ICT-based training and provides insights for promoting the acceptance of online training in volunteer sports communities.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses an action design research methodology that combines the implementation of ICT-based training, interviews, and a survey of 523 participants to examine the influence of online training on beliefs and attitudes.

Findings

The study shows that before the COVID-19 pandemic, soccer referees had negative beliefs about the use of ICT for learning. However, the experience of being forced to use ICT for training during the pandemic led to a positive shift in their beliefs about ICT.

Research limitations/implications

The study offers four lessons learned for promoting the use of ICT-based training in voluntary sports. Future research should investigate the influence of blended learning approaches on affective, cognitive, and skill-based learning outcomes.

Practical implications

The study has practical implications for those responsible for implementing ICT-based training in voluntary sport. The findings suggest that design features such as usefulness, ease of use and enjoyment should be emphasized to increase the acceptance of online training.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the literature by providing insights into the challenges of implementing ICT-based training in voluntary sport contexts. The findings suggest that the experience of being forced to use ICT can promote the acceptance of online training in volunteer sports communities.