bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INTERACTION OF THE PERIPLASMIC CHAPERONE SURA WITH THE INNER MEMBRANE PROTEIN SECRETION (SEC) MACHINERY
Authors: Troman Lucy , Alvira Sara , Daum Bertram , Gold Vicki A. M. , Collinson Ian
Published: September 2022

Gram-negative bacteria are surrounded by two protein-rich membranes with a peptidoglycan layer sandwiched between them. Together they form the envelope (or cell wall), crucial for energy production, lipid biosynthesis, structural integrity, and for protection against the physical and chemical environmental challenges. To achieve envelope biogenesis, periplasmic and outer-membrane proteins (OMPs) must be transported from the cytosol and through the inner-membrane, via the ubiquitous SecYEG protein-channel. Emergent proteins either fold in the periplasm or cross the peptidoglycan (PG) layer towards the outer-membrane for insertion through the β-barrel assembly machinery (BAM). Trafficking of hydrophobic proteins through the periplasm is particularly treacherous given the high protein density and the absence of energy (ATP or chemiosmotic potential). Numerous molecular chaperones assist in the prevention and recovery from aggregation, and of these SurA is known to interact with BAM, facilitating delivery to the outer-membrane. However, it is unclear how proteins emerging from the Sec-machinery are received and protected from aggregation and proteolysis prior to an interaction with SurA. Through biochemical analysis and electron microscopy we demonstrate the binding capabilities of the unoccupied and substrate-engaged SurA to the inner-membrane translocation machinery complex of SecYEG-SecDF-YidC – aka the holo-translocon (HTL). Supported by AlphaFold predictions, we suggest a role for periplasmic domains of SecDF in chaperone recruitment to the protein translocation exit site in SecYEG. We propose that this immediate interaction with a recruited chaperone helps to prevent aggregation and degradation of nascent envelope proteins, facilitating their safe passage to the periplasm and outer-membrane.
Identification and characterization of thousands of bacteriophage satellites across bacteria
Authors: de Sousa Jorge A. Moura , Fillol-Salom Alfred , Penadés José R. , Rocha Eduardo P.C.
Published: September 2022

Bacteriophage-bacteria interactions are affected by phage satellites, elements that exploit phages for transfer between bacterial cells. Satellites can encode defense systems, antibiotic resistance genes, and virulence factors, but their number and diversity are unknown for lack of a tool to identify them. We developed a flexible and updateable program to identify satellites in bacterial genomes – SatelliteFinder – and use it to identify the best described families: P4-like, phage inducible chromosomal islands (PICI), capsid-forming PICI, and phage-inducible chromosomal island-like elements (PLE). We vastly expanded the number of described elements to ∼5000, finding hundreds of bacterial genomes with two different families of satellites, and dozens of Escherichia coli genomes with three. Most satellites were found in Proteobacteria and Firmicutes, but some are in novel taxa such as Actinobacteria. We characterized the gene repertoires of satellites, which are variable in size and composition, and their genomic organization, which is very conserved. With the partial exception of PICI and cfPICI, there are few homologous core genes between families of satellites, and even fewer homologous to phages. Hence, phage satellites are ancient, diverse, and probably evolved multiple times independently. Occasionally, core genes of a given family of satellites are found in another, suggesting gene flow between different satellites. Given the many elements found in spite of our conservative approach, the many bacteria infected by phages that still lack known satellites, and the recent proposals for novel families, we speculate that we are at the beginning of the discovery of massive numbers and types of satellites. SatelliteFinder is accessible for the community as a Galaxy service at https://galaxy.pasteur.fr/root?tool_id=toolshed.pasteur.fr/repos/fmareuil/satellitefinder/SatelliteFinder/0.9
Mapping the cellular and molecular organization of mouse cerebral aging by single-cell transcriptome imaging
Authors: Allen William E. , Blosser Timothy R. , Sullivan Zuri A. , Dulac Catherine , Zhuang Xiaowei
Published: September 2022

The cellular diversity and complex organization of the brain have hindered systematic characterization of age-related changes in its cellular and molecular architecture, limiting our ability to understand the mechanisms underlying its functional decline during aging. Here we generated a high-resolution cell atlas of brain aging within the frontal cortex and striatum using spatially resolved single-cell transcriptomics and quantified the changes in gene expression and spatial organization of major cell types in these brain regions over the lifespan of mice. We observed substantially more pronounced changes in the composition, gene expression and spatial organization of non-neuronal cells over neurons. Our data revealed molecular and spatial signatures of glial and immune cell activation during aging, particularly enriched in subcortical white matter, and identified both similarities and notable differences in cell activation patterns induced by aging and systemic inflammatory challenge. These results provide critical insights into age-related decline and inflammation in the brain.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis DprE1 inhibitor OPC-167832 is active against Mycobacterium abscessus in vitro
Authors: Sarathy Jickky Palmae , Zimmerman Matthew D. , Gengenbacher Martin , Dartois Véronique , Dick Thomas
Published: September 2022

The anti-tuberculosis candidate OPC-167832, an inhibitor of DprE1, was active against Mycobacterium abscessus. Resistance mapped to M. abscessus dprE1, suggesting target retention. OPC-167832 was bactericidal and did not antagonize activity of clinical anti-M. abscessus antibiotics. Due to its moderate potency compared to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the compound lacked efficacy in a mouse model and is thus not a repurposing candidate. These results identify OPC-167832 – DprE1 as a lead-target couple for a M. abscessus-specific optimization program.
Comparison of gamma-aminobutyric acid, glutamate, and N-acetylaspartate concentrations in the insular cortex between patients with fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, and healthy controls - a magnetic resonance spectroscopy study
Authors: Aster Hans-Christoph , Hahn Viola , Schmalzing Marc , Homola György A. , Kampf Thomas , Pham Mirko , Üçeyler Nurcan , Sommer Claudia
Published: September 2022

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic pain disorder with hypersensitivity to painful stimuli. A subgroup of patients shows damage to small peripheral nerve fibers. Previous studies support the hypothesis that increased activation of the pain-processing insular cortex is mediated by an imbalance of insular glutamate and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) concentrations. Here, we aimed to test this hypothesis in a large cohort of FMS patients comparing data of patients and healthy controls. In addition, we tested the hypothesis whether a reduction in small peripheral nerve fibers relates to glutamate concentrations in the insular cortex. We recruited 102 subjects (all female, 44 FMS patients, 40 healthy age-matched controls, and 19 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as disease controls. Study participants underwent single-voxel magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the right and left insular cortex. All patients completed questionnaires on symptom severity (pain intensity, impairment due to symptoms, depression). FMS patients were further stratified into subgroups with and without reduced intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) assessed on skin punch biopsies. We found no intergroup difference of the glutamate/GABA metabolite concentrations between FMS and RA patients and healthy controls. Glutamate/GABA levels did not correlate with symptom severity. Cerebral glutamate concentrations were independent of skin innervation. We found similar insular glutamate/GABA concentrations in FMS patients and disease and healthy controls. Therefore, our data cannot support the hypothesis that a glutamate/GABA mismatch leads to a sensitization of the insular cortex of fibromyalgia patients and thereby induces the symptoms.
Novel Multi-Epitope Vaccine candidate derived from critically important proteins of Monkeypox isolates
Authors: Srivastava Sukrit , Kolbe Michael
Published: September 2022

Background

On May 7, 2022, a case of monkeypox virus (MPXV) has been reported to the WHO. It causes a viral zoonotic disease with characteristics comparable to that of smallpox cases. Monkeypox could be a serious health concern as it is already spreading to multiple countries worldwide. To prevent the monkeypox infection and for its early detection, a potential vaccine and diagnostic candidate is urgently required.

Method

In present study we have used different in silico methods to screen the entire genome with its approximately 191 genes for potential epitopes present in proliferation and virulent proteins of monkeypox virus. All protein sequences were retrieved from different genomic and proteome databases listed in Uniprot or NCBI.

Results

In the present study we have screened potential epitopes from 11 different proteins of Monkeypox. All the included protein play an important role in pathogenesis and/or proliferation of Monkeypox virus. We have identified in total 984 CTL and 168 HTL epitopes with highest score in our epitope screening. The reported epitopes could be potential candidates for the design of an early detection diagnostic kit specific for the monkeypox virus. Out of these target peptides we have included a total of 39 CTL epitopes and 39 HTL epitopes in design of multi-epitope vaccine candidates. These shortlisted epitopes are highly conserved amongst different strains and origin of monkeypox viruses. The population coverage by joint administration of CTL and HTL MEVs is predicted to be high with the epitopes showing potential to bind upto 24 different CTL and HTL HLA allele molecules. The epitopes used in MEVs are examined to be highly immunogenic, non allergic but antigenic, and non toxic. All the CTL and HTL MEVs designed utilizing the epitopes have physiochemical properties favor its over expression in human cells. The optimized cDNA constructs of CTL and HTL MEVs also favor over expression of MEVs in human cells. Overall, the MEV construct proposed by us are fissile for expression in the lab and for further in vivo studies.

Conclusion

Control and fight against emerging diseases such as MPXV requires pathogen diagnostic and novel vaccine approaches. We screened for several epitopes and designed a MEV providing a potential solution for both purposes. Our method allows rapid screening and provides a rational strategy for the development of vaccine candidate effective in fighting MPXV and other unexpected upcoming diseases.
A hybrid structure determination approach to investigate the druggability of the nucleocapsid protein of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Padroni Giacomo , Bikaki Maria , Novakovic Mihajlo , Wolter Antje C. , Rüdisser Simon H. , Gossert Alvar D. , Leitner Alexander , Allain Frederic H.-T
Published: September 2022

Abstract Figure

The ongoing pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has called for concerted efforts to generate new insights into the biology of betacoronaviruses to inform drug screening and development. Here, we establish a workflow to determine the RNA recognition and druggability of the nucleocapsid N-protein of SARS-CoV-2, a highly abundant protein crucial for the viral life cycle. We use a synergistic method that combines NMR spectroscopy and protein-RNA cross-linking coupled to mass spectrometry to quickly determine the RNA binding of two RNA recognition domains of the N-protein. Finally, we explore the druggability of these domains by performing an NMR fragment screening. This workflow identified small molecule chemotypes that bind to RNA binding interfaces and that have promising properties for further drug development.
Probing mechanical interaction of immune receptors and cytoskeleton by membrane nanotube extraction
Authors: Manca Fabio , Eich Gautier , N’Dao Omar , Normand Lucie , Sengupta Kheya , Limozin Laurent , Puech Pierre-Henri
Published: September 2022

The role of force application in immune cell recognition is now well established, the force being transmitted between the actin cytoskeleton to the anchoring ligands through receptors such as integrins. In this chain, the mechanics of the cytoskeleton to receptor link, though clearly crucial, remains poorly understood. To probe this link, we combine mechanical extraction of membrane tubes from T cells using optical tweezers, and fitting of the resulting force curves with a viscoelastic model taking into account the cell and relevant molecules. We solicit this link using four different antibodies against various membrane bound receptors: antiCD3 to target the T Cell Receptor (TCR) complex, antiCD45 for the long sugar CD45, and two clones of antiCD11 targeting open or closed conformation of LFA1 integrins. Upon disruption of the cytoskeleton, the stiffness of the link changes for two of the receptors, exposing the existence of a receptor to cytoskeleton link - namely TCR-complex and open LFA1, and does not change for the other two where no such a link was expected. Our integrated approach allows us to probe, for the first time, the mechanics of the intracellular receptor-cytoskeleton link in immune cells.
Altered plasma membrane abundance of the sulfatide-binding protein NF155 links glycosphingolipid imbalances to demyelination
Authors: McKie Shannon J. , Nicholson Alex S. , Smith Emily , Fawke Stuart , Caroe Eve , Williamson James C. , Butt Benjamin G. , Kolářová Denisa , Peterka Ondřej , Holčapek Michal , Lehner Paul J. , Graham Stephen C. , Deane Janet E.
Published: September 2022

Myelin is a multi-layered membrane that tightly wraps neuronal axons enabling efficient, high-speed signal propagation. The axon and myelin sheath form tight contacts, mediated by specific plasma membrane proteins and lipids, and disruption of these contacts causes devastating demyelinating diseases. Using two cell-based models of demyelinating sphingolipidoses, we demonstrate that altered lipid metabolism changes the abundance of specific plasma membrane proteins. These altered membrane proteins have known roles in cell adhesion and signalling, with several implicated in neurological diseases. The cell surface abundance of the adhesion molecule Neurofascin, a protein critical for the maintenance of myelin-axon contacts, changes following disruption to sphingolipid metabolism. This provides a direct molecular link between altered lipid abundance and myelin stability. We show that the Neurofascin isoform NF155, but not NF186, interacts directly and specifically with the sphingolipid sulfatide via multiple binding sites and that this interaction requires the full-length extracellular domain of NF155. We demonstrate that NF155 adopts an S-shaped conformation and preferrentially binds sulfatide-containing membranes incis, with important implications for protein arrangement in the tight axon-myelin space. Our work links glycosphingolipid imbalances to disturbance of membrane protein abundance and demonstrates how this may be driven by direct protein-lipid interactions, providing a mechanistic framework to understand the pathogenesis of galactosphingolipidoses.
Cysteine post-translational modifications regulate protein interactions of caveolin-3
Authors: Ashford Fiona , Brown Elaine , Calagan Sarah , Jayasinghe Izzy , Henderson Colin , Fuller William , Wypijewski Krzysztof
Published: September 2022

Caveolae are small flask-shaped invaginations of the surface membrane which are proposed to recruit and co-localise signalling molecules. The distinctive caveolar shape is achieved by the oligomeric structural protein caveolin, of which three isoforms exist. Aside from the finding that caveolin-3 is specifically expressed in muscle, functional differences between the caveolin isoforms have not been rigorously investigated. Caveolin-3 is relatively cysteine-rich compared to caveolins 1 and 2, so we investigated its cysteine post-translational modifications. We find that caveolin-3 is palmitoylated at 6 cysteines and becomes glutathiolated following redox stress. We map the caveolin-3 palmitoylation sites to a cluster of cysteines in its C terminal membrane domain, and the glutathiolation site to an N terminal cysteine close to the region of caveolin-3 proposed to engage in protein interactions. Glutathiolation abolishes caveolin-3 interaction with heterotrimeric G protein alpha subunits. Our results indicate that a caveolin-3 oligomer contains up to 66 palmitates, compared to up to 33 for caveolin-1. The additional palmitoylation sites in caveolin-3 therefore provide a mechanistic basis by which caveolae in smooth and striated muscle can possess unique phospholipid and protein cargoes. These unique adaptations of the muscle-specific caveolin isoform have important implications for caveolar assembly and signalling.
Interdigitated immunoglobulin arrays form the hyperstable surface layer of the extremophilic bacterium Deinococcus radiodurans
Authors: von Kügelgen Andriko , van Dorst Sofie , Yamashita Keitaro , Sexton Danielle L. , Tocheva Elitza I. , Murshudov Garib , Alva Vikram , Bharat Tanmay A. M.
Published: September 2022

Deinococcus radiodurans is an atypical diderm bacterium with a remarkable ability to tolerate various environmental stresses, partly because of its complex cell envelope encapsulated within a hyperstable surface layer (S-layer). Despite decades of research into this cell envelope, atomic structural details of the S-layer have remained obscure. In this study, we report the electron cryomicroscopy structure of the D. radiodurans S-layer, showing how it is formed by the Hexagonally Packed Intermediate-layer (HPI) protein arranged in a planar hexagonal lattice. The HPI protein forms an array of immunoglobulin-like folds within the S-layer, with each monomer extending into the adjoining hexamer, leading to a highly interconnected, stable, sheet-like arrangement. Using electron cryotomography and subtomogram averaging from focused ion beam-milled D. radiodurans cells, we obtained a structure of the cellular S-layer, showing how this HPI S-layer coats native membranes on the surface of cells. Our S-layer structure from the diderm bacterium D. radiodurans shows similarities to immunoglobulin-like domain-containing S-layers from monoderm bacteria and archaea, highlighting shared traits in cell surface organization across different domains of life, with connotations on the evolution of immunoglobulin-based molecular recognition systems in eukaryotes.
Drug resistance-associated mutations in Plasmodium UBP-1 disrupt ubiquitin hydrolysis
Authors: Smith Cameron , Henrici Ryan , Karpiyevich Maryia , Ansbro Megan R. , Hoshizaki Johanna , van der Heden van Noort Gerbrand J. , Ascher David B. , Sutherland Colin J. , Lee Marcus C.S. , Artavanis-Tsakonas Katerina
Published: September 2022

Deubiquitinating enzymes function to cleave ubiquitin moieties from modified proteins, serving to maintain the pool of free ubiquitin in the cell while simultaneously impacting the fate and function of a target protein. Like all eukaryotes, Plasmodium parasites rely on the dynamic addition and removal of ubiquitin for their own growth and survival. While humans possess around 100 DUBs, Plasmodium contains ∼20 putative ubiquitin hydrolases, many of which bear little to no resemblance to those of other organisms. In this study, we characterize PfUBP-1, a large ubiquitin hydrolase unique to Plasmodium spp that has been linked to endocytosis and drug resistance. We demonstrate its ubiquitin activity, linkage specificity and assess the repercussions of point mutations associated with drug resistance on catalytic activity and parasite fitness.
A butterfly pan-genome reveals that a large amount of structural variation underlies the evolution of chromatin accessibility
Authors: Ruggieri Angelo A. , Livraghi Luca , Lewis James J. , Evans Elizabeth , Cicconardi Francesco , Hebberecht Laura , Ortiz-Ruiz Yadira , Montgomery Stephen H. , Ghezzi Alfredo , Rodriguez-Martinez José Arcadio , Jiggins Chris D. , McMillan W. Owen , Counterman Brian A. , Papa Riccardo , Van Belleghem Steven M.
Published: September 2022

Despite insertions and deletions being the most common structural variants (SVs) found across genomes, not much is known about how much these SVs vary within populations and between closely related species, nor their significance in evolution. To address these questions, we characterized the evolution of indel SVs using genome assemblies of three closely relatedHeliconiusbutterfly species. Over the relatively short evolutionary timescales investigated, up to 18.0% of the genome was composed of indels between two haplotypes of an individualHeliconius charithoniabutterfly and up to 62.7% included lineage-specific SVs between the genomes of the most distant species (11 Mya). Lineage-specific sequences were mostly characterized as transposable elements (TEs) inserted at random throughout the genome and their overall distribution was similarly affected by linked selection as single nucleotide substitutions. Using chromatin accessibility profiles (i.e., ATAC-seq) of head tissue in caterpillars to identify sequences with potentialcis-regulatory function, we found that out of the 31,066 identified differences in chromatin accessibility between species, 30.4% were within lineage-specific SVs and 9.4% were characterized as TE insertions. These TE insertions were localized closer to gene transcription start sites than expected at random and were enriched for sites with significant resemblance to several transcription factor binding sites with known function in neuron development inDrosophila. We also identified 24 TE insertions with head-specific chromatin accessibility. Our results show high rates of structural genome evolution that were previously overlooked in comparative genomic studies and suggest a high potential for structural variation to serve as raw material for adaptive evolution.
Proposal of BPMN extension with a view to effective modeling of clinical pathways
Authors: Szelągowski Marek , Biernacki Piotr , Berniak-Woźny Justyna , Lipinski Cezary Radosław
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The aim of the article is to propose BPMN extensions that facilitate the modeling of Clinical Pathways in a way that enables for various groups of users, the transfer of a much wider range of information in the form of process models without compromising their readability and usefulness.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses the design science research methodology (DSRM) and covers phases of a design-oriented research project extending BPMN notation for clinical pathway modeling.

Findings

The article proposes extensions of BPMN in 5 areas, enabling standardization of the description of business processes of different natures and complexity and in turn meeting the needs and requirements of modeling clinical pathways and, more broadly speaking, knowledge-intensive business processes (kiBPs) in general. As shown by the evaluation carried out among medical personnel, the proposed extensions allow for the readable transfer of a considerably larger body of information relevant to the planned, conducted and assessed therapy (kiBPs) than the current BPMN 2.0 standard.

Originality/value

The BPMN extensions proposed in the article fill the gaps in this notation and do not require users to know many notations, which in practice is unrealistic. Defined extensions to the BPMN specification makes it possible to standardise the description of processes of different natures and levels of complexity. In this way, both simplified models (and views of models) dedicated to users unfamiliar with BPMN and models (or views) using advanced possibilities provided by BPMN can be based on one standard, even if they use only a small part of its possibilities.
Supply chain resilience: the role of supplier development in the form of contract farming in fast-food outlets in Zimbabwe
Authors: Mukucha Paul , Chari Felix
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The study sought to determine the possibility of supplier development in the form of contract farming as a determinant of supply chain resilience in fast-food outlets. This is against the background of the restaurant having been designated as one of the industries that remained operational when the other industries were affected by the two-decade-long economic meltdown and more recently COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using questionnaires from the consenting restaurants with the most senior procurement personnel in target restaurants as the informants and analysed using analysis of moment structures (AMOS) software.

Findings

The results revealed that indeed supplier development in the form of contract farming leads to supply chain resilience as indicated by improved supply chain visibility, supply chain flexibility, and supply chain redundancy. Fast-food restaurant businesses that have not yet adopted supplier development in the form of contract farming are therefore encouraged to adopt it as a way of enhancing their resilience to traditional supply chain disruptions such as transport shortages, droughts, and more recently COVID-19 pandemic.

Originality/value

It is to the best knowledge of these researchers, that no studies have attempted to analyse the three drivers of supply chain resilience, namely supply chain redundancy, supply chain flexibility, and supply chain visibility in a single study and link them to a single antecedent.
The effects of visual technology on price discovery for residential listings and transactions
Authors: Ong Seow Eng , Wong Woei Chyuan , Wang Davin , Lai Choon Peng
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of visual technology on the price discovery process in listings of residential properties in Singapore from 2015 to 2018.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors empirically model the effects of 360 virtual tours and drone video on four dimensions in price discovery – buyers’ arrival rate, sale probability, transaction prices and time-on-market – using a comprehensive data set for the residential properties in Singapore.

Findings

The analysis shows that the availability of virtual tours or drone video in a listing increases the arrival rate from potential buyers, the probability of a successful sale and the selling price. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that technologically enhanced tools improve the quality of information and the marketability of property. However, listings with virtual tours tend to be associated with longer marketing time, which is consistent with the prediction of the information overload hypothesis.

Research limitations/implications

This paper extends the housing and price discovery literature by examining how technologically enabled new information affects property transactions.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper to consider the impact of drone video on property market outcome.
Micro-takāful scheme for the protection of houses belonging to low-income groups in Malaysia
Authors: Mohd Fauzi Puteri Nur Farah Naadia , Laldin Mohamad Akram
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This study aims to assess the availability of micro-takāful (micro-Islamic insurance) schemes for the protection of houses belonging to low-income groups in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is conducted via desk research and interview discussions with representatives from takāful operators and key stakeholders.

Findings

Findings of the study confirm the importance of micro-takāful as a scheme for the protection of low-income groups. Micro-takāful schemes in Malaysia are, however, skewed towards the protection of health, life and family. The study finds little industry interest in the provision of micro-takāful schemes for the protection of houses for low-income groups. This represents another important area that takāful operators should take into consideration in their planning.

Research limitations/implications

The paper will help the Majlis Agama Islam Negeri-Negeri (MAINs), the regulator, takāful operators and government agencies such as Jabatan Wakaf, Zakat dan Haji (JAWHAR) to generate awareness and promote the offering of micro-takāful schemes for the protection of houses belonging to low-income groups in Malaysia.

Practical implications

In light of the limited availability of micro-takāful schemes for the protection of houses for low-income groups, this study argues that takāful operators should offer and promote them.

Social implications

The study is significant for fulfilling the need of low-income groups in Malaysia to protect their houses in the event of catastrophes so that they will not suffer significant losses. Rather, micro-takāful will assist them in improving their standard of living.

Originality/value

This study promotes the idea that it is essential to facilitate the low-income groups with appropriate coverage made available to them; micro-takāful schemes in protecting their houses and home contents, should any defined calamities occur. The outcomes are necessary for further development of micro-takāful models, specifically for the protection of properties. The developed model shall be proposed for application in the Malaysian takāful and housing industry to facilitate low-income groups to obtain protection for their household and home contents.
HRM practices and employee engagement: role of personal resources- a study among nurses
Authors: Jose Geetha , P.M. Nimmi , Kuriakose Vijay
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The study aims to look into the mechanism by which perceived human resource management (HRM) practices impact nurses' engagement, by specifically looking into the role of psychological availability and psychological safety.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among nurses (n = 465). Data were collected from nurses of National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH) accredited hospitals by employing two stage sampling.

Findings

Results indicate significant positive association between HRM practices and employee engagement. Role of psychological safety and psychological availability as mediators was also confirmed. The study supported the proposition that HRM practices affected employee engagement through psychological safety and then psychological availability thus approving serial mediation.

Originality/value

This research also contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the ways to achieve employees' psychological safety, availability, and thus nurse engagement.
Factors influencing the adoption of improved rice varieties: a case of smallholder farmers in Quang Dien district of Vietnam
Authors: Hoang Hung Gia , Nguyen Dung Trong
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine factors that affect smallholders' adoption of improved rice varieties in Vietnam.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a cross-sectional survey design. A random sample size of 257 was drawn from a total of 725 smallholders. Descriptive statistics and a binary logistic regression were used to analyse the data.

Findings

This study concludes that younger smallholders who participate in credit and training programs have a high level of education, receive government support, have both owned and rented land for growing rice and those who have a larger farm size have a greater tendency to adopt improved rice varieties. In addition, if improved rice varieties have higher productivity potential, palatability and marketability compared with the traditional ones as perceived by smallholders and seed of these rice varieties are available in local markets, then they are likely to be adopted by smallholders.

Research limitations/implications

A combination of socio-technological characteristics of smallholders should be considered when promoting smallholders' adoption of improved rice varieties and when choosing agricultural extension strategies to improve small-scale farmers' uptake of improved crop varieties in developing countries.

Originality/value

This research provides important understanding of the determinants of smallholders' adoption of improved rice varieties and highlights factors that need to be considered when designing policies to enhance the uptake of improved rice varieties in developing countries.
Exploring learning opportunities for students in open data portal use across data literacy levels
Authors: Li Ak Wai , Sinnamon Luanne S. , Kopak Rick
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore open data portals as data literacy learning environments. The authors examined the obstacles faced and strategies used by university students as non-expert open data portal users with different levels of data literacy, to inform the design of portals intended to scaffold informal and situated learning.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted an observational user study, in which 14 student participants grouped by self-reported data literacy measures carried out assigned tasks in an open data portal. Data were collected through screen capture, think-aloud protocols and post-session interviews.

Findings

Participants experienced numerous challenges in finding and using data, with some variation shown between the different literacy groups. The higher data literacy group primarily faced challenges using unfamiliar tools, which may be addressed by improving system usability, while the lower data literacy group struggled due to gaps in basic understanding, which may be addressed by increasing point of need instruction and guidance. Participants used several learning strategies but primarily relied upon trial and error, which was less effective for low data literacy users.

Originality/value

This study is unique in comparing open data portal use among adult students across data literacy levels through an empirical user study. It contributes methodologically by proposing an instrument for data literacy assessment. It offers a novel perspective on information systems as sites for informal learning and skills development, beyond the immediate goals of system use, and offers concrete suggestions for the future design of open data portals for students and non-expert, citizen users.
Does financial development affect human capital? Evidence from Vietnam
Authors: Ha Nguyen Minh , Hoang Ngoc Bui , Vo Duc Hong
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship among financial development (FD), economic growth, urbanization and human capital (HC) in Vietnam.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses various wavelet tools, including wavelet coherence, wavelet correlation and scale-by-scale Granger causality test, to re-visit the lead–lag structure among economic growth, FD, urbanization and HC in Vietnam from 1980 to 2017.

Findings

The main findings indicate that economic growth and urbanization improve HC at the medium and low frequencies, whereas FD negatively affects HC from 1989 to 2017. Furthermore, the scale-by-scale Granger causality results confirm a uni-directional causality relationship between economic growth to HC at low and high frequencies. In contrast, a bi-directional causality relationship between urbanization and HC is found in the long run.

Research limitations/implications

Policy implications have emerged based on the empirical results from this study. The Vietnamese Government should continue supporting economic integration, implementing investment promotion policies and focussing on foreign direct investment using green technologies.

Originality/value

The impact of FD on HC at different time scales has largely been ignored in Vietnam. This study substantially contributes to the existing literature regarding HC and FD. This analysis is one of the earliest attempts to examine the effects of economic indicators on HC in the time-frequency analysis.
Family influence and succession strategies in private businesses at the cusp of leadership change: comparison between family firms and lone founder enterprises
Authors: Motylska-Kuzma Anna , Szymanska Izabela , Safin Krzysztof
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This paper investigates the impact of family influence measured by the F-PEC scale on private enterprise (both family firms and lone founders) leadership succession strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

The research dataset is comprised of 390 private enterprises whose head offices were situated in the voivodeships of Lower Silesia and Wielkopolska in Poland. The authors collected data through CAPI (computer-assisted personal interviewing) method, as well as through comprehensive, structured interviews with company owners. Data were analysed using hierarchical logistic regression for each type of succession strategy.

Findings

The results suggest that increased family influence does not necessarily lead to intra-family leadership succession in private enterprises. Importantly, a range of findings contradicted authors' predictions. The relationship between the overall F-PEC scale values signifying the multi-faceted family influence over the business and the choice of internal successor was weakly negative for the total sample; also, the higher the overlap between family and business values and the higher the commitment to family business, as evidenced by the Culture subscale, the lower was the occurrence of intra-family successor choice in the population of lone founders. The Culture subscale also increased the prevalence of lack of succession planning in the sample of lone founders.

Originality/value

While several studies suggests that family firms may be more prone to choose an intra-family succession scenario, it remains unclear how lower levels of business and succession experience, may influence the successor choice. Indeed, some studies suggest that a strong family influence over a business, may stimulate family firms to choose a family outsider as a business leader. Therefore, the key contribution of this study is contextualizing the response to an ongoing succession debate. This study investigates the strategic choices of companies in the first generation of ownership operating in Poland, which serves as an example of a post-transition economy. While the characteristics of this economic environment may be unique, the authors discuss how the surprising findings may add to the understanding of the general succession processes present in private enterprises.
GSK3β inhibitor TDZD8 ameliorates brain damage through both ROS scavenging and inhibition of apoptosis in hyperglycaemic subarachnoid haemorrhage rats
Authors: Hao Shuangying , Chen Xingying , Zhang Dingding , Song Wenting , Zhou Yan , Yuan Zhiqing , Liu Zhiqiang , Yue Xiaojing , Yuan Shuai
Published: September 2022

Hyperglycaemia is known to be associated with unfavourable outcomes in subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH), but the pathogenic mechanism is unclear, and there is also a lack of effective therapeutic drugs in clinical practice. Phosphorylation of GSK3β at serine 9 can inhibit its activity to further worsen SAH. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the protective effect and the potential mechanism of the GSK3β inhibitor TDZD8 on brain injury in a hyperglycaemic SAH rat model. Hyperglycaemia was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozocin for 3 days. The SAH model was established by injecting fresh autologous femoral artery blood into the prechiasmatic cistern. p‐GSK3β (Ser9) expression was induced by intraperitoneal injection of TDZD8 (30 min post‐SAH). The expression levels of GSK3β, p‐GSK3β, SOD1/2, caspase 3, Bax and Bcl‐2 were detected by western blot analysis. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end‐labelling (TUNEL) staining was used to detect neuronal apoptosis of basal temporal lobe. Neurological scores were calculated to determine behavioural recovery. Neuronal survival was detected by Nissl staining. Hyperglycaemia significantly decreased p‐GSK3β expression, further exacerbated neurobehavioural deficits and increased oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis in the brain after SAH compared to normal glycaemic SAH rats and hyperglycaemic rats. In addition, hyperglycaemic SAH rats had obvious oxidative stress and apoptosis. However, TDZD8 effectively decreased cleaved caspase 3 expression and TUNEL‐positive cells and increased the Bcl2/Bax ratio, expression of SOD1/2 and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme compared with hyperglycaemic SAH rats. The GSK3β inhibitor TDZD8 has therapeutic potential for hyperglycaemic SAH. The neuroprotective effect of TDZD8 appears to be mediated through its antioxidative and antiapoptotic activity.
Family functioning in the Mozambican context: Results of a psychometric study of the SCORE‐15 scale
Authors: Bié Domingos , Narciso Isabel , Crespo Carla , Roberto Magda
Published: September 2022

The Systemic Clinical Outcome and Routine Evaluation (SCORE)‐15 scale is a widely used tool for measuring family functioning across three dimensions: strengths and adaptability, overwhelmed by difficulties, and disrupted communication. This study assessed the factorial validity and reliability of the SCORE‐15 in the Mozambican context. Four‐hundred university students completed the SCORE‐15 scale and the depression, anxiety and hostility subscales of the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI). The confirmatory factor analysis supported a three‐factor structure that presented adequate model fit and reliability indexes. Poorer family functioning was correlated with psychopathological symptoms, except for the association between depression and disrupted communication. Women revealed higher levels of disrupted communication, while being single was associated with lower levels of being overwhelmed by difficulties and disrupted communication. Age was positively associated with being overwhelmed by difficulties and disrupted communication. The Mozambican version of the SCORE‐15 showed good factorial validity and reliability and can be used in this national diverse socio‐cultural context.

Practitioner points

SCORE‐15 is a systemic self‐report measure for routine clinical use and research on family relationships.

In this study, SCORE‐15 showed evidence of reliability and validity in Mozambique.
Intrinsic and extrinsic tensions in the SENCo role: navigating the maze of ‘becoming’
Authors: Kay Virginia , Chrostowska Marlena , Henshall Amanda , Mcloughlin Anne , Hallett Fiona
Published: September 2022

The purpose of this narrative literature review is to provoke new ways of understanding the plethora of research around the role of the SENCo. Specifically, the aim is to use four themes as lenses to explore how SENCo identities are formed, and reformed, by intrinsic and extrinsic motivators. The four themes have been distilled from a list of standards that underpin the learning outcomes of the National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination in England and are: change; culture; influence; and challenge. Although these themes stem from a given place and time, they mirror policy directives, and subsequent practice, across national boundaries and are visible in much of the research around the SENCo role and its equivalent. Whilst each of the themes is considered individually, areas of overlap are identified enabling both a focused, and wholesale, view of the literature in order to highlight areas of opportunity, conflict and tension that serve to shape SENCo identity.
Lin28A alleviates ovariectomy‐induced osteoporosis through activation of the AMP‐activated protein kinase pathway in rats
Authors: Cai Liang , Gao Zhanwang , Gu Zhiping
Published: September 2022

Aim

To investigate the role of Lin28A in ovariectomy‐induced osteoporosis and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanism.

Methods

Bilateral ovariectomy was conducted to generate an ovariectomy (OVX) rat model. Western blotting was performed to assess the relative expression levels of Lin28A, osteocalcin (OCN), runt‐related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) and phosphorylated AMPK (p‐AMPK) proteins. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays were performed to detect the serum levels of calcium, E2, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and interleukin (IL)‐1β. Three‐point bending test was used to assess biomechanical parameters of left femoral diaphysis. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was conducted to detect the trabecular structure of bone tissue. Dihydroethidium assay kit was used to measure the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in osteoclasts. Alizarin red staining revealed the calcium deposit in bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC).

Results

The expression levels of Lin28A, OCN, RUNX2, AMPK and p‐AMPK proteins were significantly decreased in OVX rats. The serum levels of calcium, E2, ALP and IL‐1β were significantly declined in OVX rats. Biomechanical parameters of left femoral diaphysis were significantly decreased in OVX rats. OVX‐induced trabecular abnormalities. ROS level was dramatically increased in the bone tissue of OVX rats, and calcium deposit was dramatically decreased in BMSC cells of OVX rats. These effects induced by OVX could be prevented by overexpression of Lin28A.

Conclusion

Lin28A alleviates ovariectomy‐induced osteoporosis through activation of AMPK pathway in rats.
Implementing nitrous oxide cracking technology in the labour ward to reduce occupational exposure and environmental emissions: a quality improvement study*
Authors: Pinder A. , Fang L. , Fieldhouse A. , Goddard A. , Lovett R. , Khan‐Perez J. , Maclennan K. , Mason E. , MacCarrick T. , Shelton C.
Published: September 2022

Nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas, is a common labour analgesic. One method which may reduce its carbon footprint is to ‘crack’ the exhaled gas into nitrogen and oxygen using catalytic destruction. In this quality improvement project, based on environmental monitoring and staff feedback, we assessed the impact of nitrous oxide cracking technology in the maternity setting. Mean ambient nitrous oxide levels were recorded during the final 30 minutes of uncomplicated labour in 36 cases and plotted on a run chart. Interventions were implemented in four stages, comprising: stage 1, baseline (12 cases); stage 2, cracking with nitrous oxide delivered and scavenged via a mouthpiece (eight cases); stage 3, cracking with nitrous oxide via a facemask with an air‐filled cushion (eight cases); stage 4, cracking with nitrous oxide via a low‐profile facemask, and enhanced coaching on the use of the technology (eight cases). The median ambient nitrous oxide levels were 71% lower than baseline in stage 2 and 81% lower in stage 4. Staff feedback was generally positive, though some found the technology to be cumbersome; successful implementation relies on effective staff engagement. Our results indicate that cracking technology can reduce ambient nitrous oxide levels in the obstetric setting, with potential for reductions in environmental impacts and occupational exposure.