bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contextualizing supply chain risk governance in critical infrastructure sectors: insights from the Swedish food system
Authors: Norrman Andreas , Eriksson Ahre Ebba
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Critical infrastructure (CI) sectors and their resilience are vital for societies to function. In many countries, vital societal functions (VSFs) and CIs depend on inter-organizational and international supply chains (SCs) which combine public and private actors with often competing interests and unclear responsibilities that create discontents. While collaborative supply chain risk management (SCRM) can increase the robustness and resilience of VSF&CIs, their inherent characteristics complicate SCRM. To understand this, supply chain risk governance (SCRG) has conceptually been introduced, suggesting collaborative mechanisms that facilitate inter-organizational SCRM. The purpose of this study is to elaborate on and substantiate the theoretical and practical relevance of an existing SCRG framework, by empirically exploring governance of collaborative SCRM and suggesting future research.

Design/methodology/approach

An abductive case study was performed in a VSF&CI, the Swedish food system, to contextualize top-level governance of collaborative SCRM and elaborate on the conceptual SCRG framework. Archival data supplemented expert interviews with public and private actors representing direct and indirect SC actors.

Findings

Current discourse and interventions in the Swedish food system’s SCRM confirmed discontent in governance and the importance of SCRG mechanisms and supported further conceptualization, e.g. of legal mechanisms vs economic incentives, the importance of government inquiries and the understanding of the influence of indirect public SC actors.

Research limitations/implications

Considering the geographical scope of the study, transferability is limited but invites comparisons with both other countries and the SCRG of other VSF&CIs. Proposed research avenues guide future conceptualization and contextualization of SCRG.

Practical implications

The framework can support CI actors to jointly find and reduce discontents related to inter-organizational SCRM and support policymakers to increase public–private collaboration.

Originality/value

The novelty lies in empirically studying SCRG in critical infrastructures by combining SCRM and risk governance lenses.
Availability and utilisation of family-friendly work conditions for women in Malaysia: a review
Authors: Mat Pozian Nadirah , Miller Yvette D. , Mays Jenni
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Evidence for the availability and utilisation of family-friendly work conditions (FFWCs) in Malaysia has not been comprehensively reviewed. Whether persistent inequities are due to poor employer provision of work conditions or low employee uptake remains unknown. This scoping review to assess the scope of available evidence for availability and utilisation of specific FFWCs among women in Malaysia, and synthesise reported findings.

Design/methodology/approach

This scoping review used Arksey and O’Malley’s framework and twenty-two articles were reviewed.

Findings

Flexible work hours, telecommuting/work from home, staggered work hours, childcare centres proximal to workplaces, and childcare subsidies were reported as most commonly available work conditions. Available leave varied across organisations and sectors in provision of payment and duration. Flexible work hours, leave, and childcare centres proximal to workplaces were the conditions most used by employees. However, the validity of observed availability and utilisation of work conditions in Malaysia is questionable, due to inconsistencies in the specificity and range of work conditions assessed and heterogeneity of samples.

Practical implications

National monitoring of the accessibility and uptake of FFWCs is required to guide investment decisions about family-friendly policy initiatives to effectively advance gender equity in the Malaysian labour force.

Originality/value

This scoping review provides the first comprehensive synthesis and summary of the availability and utilisation of FFWCs in Malaysia.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-02-2024-0103
The impact of pandemic-driven changes and personal characteristics on auditors’ deviant behavior
Authors: Khalil Sandra
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of changes in audit processes during the pandemic on auditors’ deviant behavior, considering auditors’ personal characteristics, including demographic variables, spirituality levels and personality traits.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey consisting of five parts was used to gather data from auditors employed at Big Four audit firms in the Middle East. The questionnaire collected data on auditors’ perceptions of changes in audit processes and deviant audit behavior during the pandemic, as well as information about their personal characteristics.

Findings

The findings revealed a significant positive association between changes in audit processes and a heightened perception of deviant audit conduct during the pandemic. Males and extravert auditors expressed less favorable attitudes toward such behavior.

Research limitations/implications

The sample size was limited to 107 auditors due to the challenges of soliciting responses from auditors during the pandemic. The sole focus on the Big Four audit firms limited the generalizability of the results. Upcoming research should integrate qualitative methods alongside surveys and collect data from larger, more diverse samples to enhance the understanding of the pandemic’s impact on audit behavior.

Practical implications

The findings provide guidance and recommendations for audit firms to mitigate deviant behavior during crises while considering auditors’ personal factors. Recommended strategies include the organization of trainings to raise awareness of these risks and the integration of artificial intelligence to modernize audit processes and enhance audit firms’ readiness to confront future crises.

Originality/value

This study offers a novel empirical investigation into how pandemic-driven changes in audit procedures relate to auditors' deviant behavior, while exploring the influence of auditors' individual traits, an unexplored area in the literature. It addresses this gap specifically in the context of the understudied Middle East region.
Factors influencing SME project returns on Islamic Fintech lending platform
Authors: Firmansyah Egi Arvian , Masri Masairol , Anshari Muhammad , Besar Mohd Hairul Azrin
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Islamic financial technology (fintech), primarily peer-to-peer (P2P) lending, plays a substantial role in funding the unbanked population and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by offering streamlined financial services through online digital technology. In addition, Islamic fintech lending offers a promising return rate for individual and institutional investors, and therefore, it is considered a worthy investment alternative for diversification. This study aims to examine the determinants of project returns of SMEs on Islamic fintech lending platforms, taking the case study of one Islamic fintech lending platform registered at the Financial Service Authority in Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

Project return information and other information, such as the name of the SME raising fund, project duration, location, contract (aqad) and value (amount of money) to be raised, were extracted from the Islamic fintech lending platform. Furthermore, a regression analysis was performed using the completed projects as sample data (n = 122) on the platform.

Findings

The results show that the rate of return is significantly affected by project duration and type of Sharia-compliant contract. Location and project value are, however, found to be statistically insignificant. This study’s overall results align with the Signaling theory, indicating the importance of information for decision-making.

Research limitations/implications

Due to limited access to the data, our study uses data from one of seven Islamic fintech lending platforms; thus, the study results may not be generalized to the general population.

Practical implications

The results suggest that investors aspiring to invest their funds in SME projects on Islamic fintech lending platforms should consider the project duration and contractual agreement since these factors significantly influence the return. Additionally, society may consider the Islamic fintech lending platform a viable investment instrument since its return rate follows the risk-return principle in classical and established finance theories. That is why Islamic fintech lending platforms are competitive compared to the more established ones, such as the Islamic stock market.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first study using an empirical approach to reveal the project return determinants of SMEs on Islamic fintech lending platform.
Competitions among sub-financial sectors and growth of green bond markets in ASEAN plus three countries
Authors: Kim Sung Suk , Nugroho Vina , Handoko Liza
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to explore the determining factors for green bond markets in ASEAN plus three countries. In contrast to previous publications that primarily examined the incentives for green bonds and institutional differences among economies, the analysis focused on the role of competition among sub-financial sectors in fostering the growth of green bond markets.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted Driscoll and Kraay fixed effect panel methods to account for country-level heterogeneity and enhance efficiency, using quarterly data from 2016 to 2022.

Findings

The findings showed that healthy competition among sub-financial sectors was crucial for the growth of green bond markets. Growth in specific sub-financial sectors such as brown corporate bond and stock markets as well as banks contributed positively to these markets. Variables related to market microstructure also had no significant impact on green bonds but macroeconomic factors did.

Practical implications

The findings suggested that governments should promote healthy competition among sub-financial sectors and implement diverse policies to ensure the sustainable growth of green bond markets.

Originality/value

This study further pioneered the importance of competition among sub-financial sectors for the development of green bond markets.
Insights into the use of theories in knowledge hiding studies: a systematic review
Authors: Tokyzhanova Talshyn , Durst Susanne
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this systematic literature review (SLR) is to examine the theoretical landscape of knowledge hiding (KH) research, identifies prevailing theories, the different ways KH is understood within these theories and the underlying assumptions that shape these views. Based on this, ideas for further research are derived to advance the theoretical basis of KH studies.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a theory-based SLR, the authors analysed 170 scientific papers from Scopus and Web of Science. This involved thematic analysis to categorise theories frequently applied in KH research and a detailed examination to link core assumptions to these theoretical perspectives.

Findings

The analysis revealed a reliance on 86 distinct theories, with a notable emphasis on social exchange theory and conservation of resources theory. KH is predominantly conceptualised as a negative, objective, reactive and relational behaviour rooted in social reciprocity and resource conservation. The review uncovers the multifaceted nature of KH, challenging the field to incorporate broader theoretical views that encompass positive aspects, subjective experiences, strategic intentions and non-relational determinants of KH.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to systematically map and analyse the theoretical underpinnings of KH research. It offers a unique contribution by categorising the diverse theories applied in KH studies and explicitly linking these theories to their inherent assumptions about KH. This approach provides a comprehensive overview that not only identifies gaps in the current research landscape but also proposes alternative theoretical perspectives for exploring KH, thereby setting a new direction for future studies in this field.
Nickel accumulation in plants from the Shebenik Mountain massif, Albania
Authors: Bani Aida , Gjeta Ermelinda , Pavlova Dolja , Ibro Vjollca , Shahu Edmira , Shallari Seit , Selvi Federico , Hipfinger Christina , Puschenreiter Markus , Echevarria Guillaume
Published: August 2024

Hyperaccumulators are unusual plants that accumulate specific metals or metalloids in their living tissues to concentrations that may be hundreds or thousands of times greater than those normal for most plants. Hyperaccumulator plants are of practical importance as they can be used in soil remediation technologies. The Shebenik Mountain massif, located on the eastern border of Albania, hosts a wide diversity of rare and endemic plant species, including nickel hyperaccumulators. The aim of this study was to evaluate the taxa present on the Shebenik Mt. in relation to soil conditions and to test their potential for phytomining in a replicated field trial. Previous morphological and karyological analyses of material from field collections across ultramafic outcrops of the Shebenik resulted in the identification of the following nickel hyperaccumulator taxa: Odontarrhena chalcidica (Janka) Španiel & al., Odontarrhena smolikana subsp. glabra (Nyár.) Španiel & al., Odontarrhena rigida (Nyár.) L. Cecchi & Selvi, and Bornmuellera baldaccii (Degen) Heywood. In addition, a species of the genus Noccaea, formerly referred to Noccaea ochroleuca (Boiss. & Heldr.) F.K. Mey, but likely belonging to a still undescribed taxon, was also collected. An in situ replicated trial was undertaken to evaluate the potential for phytomining of three nickel (Ni) hyperaccumulators collected in the Shebenik Mt. Measurement of aboveground biomass, analysis of nickel in the biomass, and analyses of plant‐available nickel in the soil allowed calculation of bioaccumulation and phytoextraction yield. This provides a realistic evaluation of the efficacy of the plant taxa in hyperaccumulating nickel and their potential use for phytoextraction/phytomining technologies.
Accuracy of surgical death information: comparison of data held by Victorian Audit of Surgical Mortality and Victorian Agency for Health Information
Authors: McCahy Philip , Kattini Ribal , Tan Kennice , Chen Andrew , Vinluan Jessele , Vithanage Ushan , Procter Nathan
Published: August 2024

Background

The Victorian Audit of Surgical Mortality (VASM) investigates all surgically related deaths in Victoria. The Victorian Admitted Episodes Database (VAED) is an administrative dataset maintained by the Health Department's Victorian Agency of Health Information (VAHI). We have reviewed clinical records to assess the correlation between deaths reported to the databases.

Methods

Data July 2019 to June 2020 were compared. All hospitals that had surgical deaths not reported to VASM were asked to provide clinical summaries which were analysed to assess the deaths should have been reported. Case note review of 280 deaths only reported to VAHI through VAED was undertaken to establish whether these should have been reported to VASM.

Results

VASM received 1763 reported surgical deaths with VAHI recording 1907. Using individual patient identifiers, 517 (29.3%) of the VASM deaths were not reported to VAHI but subsequent data analysis revealed they were correctly identified as reportable deaths in 385 (74.5%). There were 914 (47.9%) VAED recorded deaths that were not reported to VASM. 280/914 (30.6%) were reviewed from 21 hospitals. Only 24 (8.6%) of these had a surgical procedure in the patient's final admission and should have been reported. This suggests that the current method of VASM capture of surgical mortality only missed 4% cases for the 2019/20 year.

Conclusion

There were major differences between surgical deaths reported to VASM and those reported by health services and recorded in VAED. Less than 5% of cases are not reported to VASM and thus not subjected to peer review.
Expectancy violations after moral transgressions: Exploring the role of moral disengagement on online vindictive word of mouth
Authors: Yakut Enis , Gökbunar Ramazan
Published: August 2024

This study investigates the complex relationship between Transgression type (for‐profit vs. non‐profit) and individual‐level variables in shaping moral perceptions and online victimization of wrongdoer organizations (OVWOM) following transgressions by conducting two experimental studies (N1 = 111, N2 = 164). Study 1 utilizes real‐world organizations to investigate the impact of transgression type (for‐profit vs. non‐profit), whereas Study 2 employs fictitious entities to alleviate potential response bias and focuses on moral disengagement as a moderating factor. Findings reveal a decrease in perceived morality post‐transgression across both transgression types, with non‐profits not eliciting significantly higher OVWOM. However, the influence of transgression type on perceived morality is found to be contingent upon individual moral disengagement, affecting OVWOM in Study 2. Moreover, factors such as desire for revenge, social desirability bias, gender, and educational background emerge as significant predictors of perceived morality and OVWOM. These results highlight the nuanced nature of public responses to organizational transgressions, emphasizing the complex interplay between organizational characteristics and individual psychological mechanisms. The study underscores the necessity of integrating moral disengagement and individual‐level factors into crisis management strategies for organizations.
Flea beetle (Phyllotreta spp.) management in spring‐planted canola (Brassica napus L.) on the northern Great Plains of North America
Authors: Mittapelly Priyanka , Guelly Kristen N. , Hussain Altaf , Cárcamo Héctor A. , Soroka Juliana J. , Vankosky Meghan A. , Hegedus Dwayne D. , Tansey James A. , Costamagna Alejandro C. , Gavloski John , Knodel Janet J. , Mori Boyd A.
Published: August 2024

Canola (Brassica napus L. and B. rapa L. [Brassicales: Brassicaceae]) is a major oilseed crop grown globally as a source of vegetable oil, animal feed and biofuel feedstock. The global demand for canola oil as a biofuel feedstock has increased due to recent regulations in the European Union, United States, and Canada. In North America, canola production is centered on the northern Great Plains where it is challenged by two highly destructive flea beetle species, the crucifer (Phyllotreta cruciferae Goeze, 1777) and the striped (Phyllotreta striolata Fabricius, 1803) flea beetles. In the spring, adult P. cruciferae and P. striolata begin feeding on canola seedlings, creating a ‘shot hole’ appearance, which can reduce the plant's photosynthetic capacity leading to uneven plant emergence and growth, reduced plant stand density, and reduced seed yield. Losses resulting from flea beetles are estimated in the tens of millions of dollars annually. At present, the principle means for flea beetle control are insecticides applied as systemic seed treatments and/or subsequent foliar sprays. The continued use of these products is being questioned due to environmental concerns and acquisition of resistance. As such, significant research effort is being directed toward the development of an integrated pest management system for these abundant and hard to manage pests of canola. Here, we review the ecology, pest status, and management of flea beetles in North America and discuss future research needed to promote flea beetle management and sustainable canola production.
‘LIKE SHEEP TO THE SLAUGHTER’: ANIMAL AGENCY AND ECHOES OF THE HOLOCAUST IN WOLFDIETRICH SCHNURRE'S WRITING
Authors: Duffy Helena
Published: August 2024

This article examines the writings of Wolfdietrich Schnurre (1920–89) through a combined lens of zoocriticism and Holocaust studies. Drawing on Anna Barcz's concept of ‘vulnerable realism’, it posits an analogy between Jews targeted by the Nazis’ exterminatory programme, who struggled to articulate their suffering in the language of empirical historiography, and animals who, excluded from the human system of moral rights and laws, have no means of voicing the oppression they endure. The article argues, however, that, rather than portraying animals as mute and helpless victims, Schnurre's short stories – ‘Die Tat’, ‘Der Verrat’ and ‘Das Manöver’ (1958) – endow their nonhuman protagonists with moral agency and with an ensuing capacity to resist their tormentors. Read in dialogue with Schnurre's Holocaust novel, Ein Unglücksfall (1981), and in the light of the human–animal entanglement advocated by his writings, these stories can be interpreted as a subtle contestation of the idea of Jewish passivity during the Nazi era.
Treatment trends in patients with de novo metastatic prostate cancer in the era of upfront combination therapy
Authors: Miura Hikari , Hatakeyama Shingo , Tabata Ryuji , Fujimori Daiji , Kawashima Yohei , Moriyama Shingo , Oishi Takuya , Horiguchi Hirotaka , Soma Osamu , Noro Daisuke , Tanaka Toshikazu , Okamoto Teppei , Yamamoto Hayato , Sato Satoshi , Ohyama Chikara
Published: August 2024

Objectives

The objective of this study is to assess the trends in treatment selection for patients with de novo metastatic castration‐sensitive prostate cancer in the era of upfront combination therapy.

Methods

This multicenter retrospective study included 595 patients treated with either upfront combination therapy (upfront novel hormonal therapies and taxane‐based chemotherapy) or vintage therapy (androgen deprivation therapy with or without bicalutamide) between 2016 and 2021. High tumor burden metastatic disease was defined when a patient met the CHAARTED or LATITUDE criteria. We evaluated trends in treatment selection and reasons for selecting vintage therapy.

Results

Of the 595, 123 and 472 patients were classified as having low and high tumor‐burden disease, respectively. The Use of upfront combination therapy was found to be rapidly increasing with utilization rates of 72% and 54% in 2021 for high and low tumor‐burden disease, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis found older age, poor performance status, and nonacademic center were significantly associated with the selection of vintage therapy. Of the 163 patients who received vintage hormone therapy after approval of upfront therapy, 74.2% had a specific reason for avoiding upfront therapy. The reasons for selecting vintage therapy included refusal (39.8%), older age (67.6%), frailty (56.3%), and comorbidity (40.8%). Furthermore, 16.9% of patients declined upfront combination therapy due to cost concerns.

Conclusion

Upfront combination therapy use has 72% and 54% prevalence among patients with high and low tumor burden diseases, respectively, in this current practice. Older age, poor performance status, and facility bias were negatively associated with the use of upfront combination therapy.
Comparison of masticatory performance and oral hygiene status using cream‐type denture adhesives and home liners: A cross‐sectional study using propensity‐score matching
Authors: Yamaguchi Kohei , Hama Yohei , Sasaki Yoshiyuki , Soeda Hitomi , Okada Mitsuzumi , Futatsuya Ryota , Matsuzaki Mayuko , Minakuchi Shunsuke
Published: August 2024

Background

Differences in the effects of cream‐type denture adhesives and home liners remain unclear.

Objective

This cross‐sectional study aimed to clarify the differences in the oral‐hygiene status and masticatory performance between participants using cream‐type denture adhesives and those using home liners.

Methods

Masticatory performance with and without cream‐type denture adhesives and home liners was evaluated using colour‐changeable chewing gum. Oral hygiene was assessed using the tongue coating index (TCI). Propensity‐score matching was performed using oral moisture, presence of palatal or mandibular protuberances, type of residual ridge, denture type (complete or partial denture), and denture retention as background factors. Wilcoxon signed‐rank test was used to examine the differences in masticatory performance with and without cream‐type denture adhesives and home liners and differences in masticatory performance and TCI between the cream‐type denture adhesive and home‐liner groups.

Results

This study included 38 and 40 cream‐type adhesive and home‐liner users, respectively, and 17 pairs were obtained after propensity‐score matching. The Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests showed that masticatory performance was significantly different with and without the use of home liners, and higher values were obtained with the use of home‐liners. However, the cream‐type denture adhesive and home‐liner groups showed no significant differences in terms of the change in masticatory performance with the use of them. Furthermore, Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests showed that TCI values were significantly high in the cream‐type adhesive group.

Conclusion

The findings in this study suggest that home liners improve masticatory performance and that participants regularly using cream‐type denture adhesives have poorer oral hygiene.
Multidimensional Latent Religiosity Profiles and Sexual Behaviors in Late Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood
Authors: Sevic Sandra , Landripet Ivan , Štulhofer Aleksandar
Published: August 2024

Studies assessing the relationship between religiosity and sexual behaviors in youth are limited by their use of single‐aspect measures of religiosity, assumption of linearity, and focus on coital behaviors. This study assessed how multidimensional latent profiles of religiosity were associated both with sexual risk behaviors and noncoital sex. Data were gathered using a national sample of emerging adults in Croatia (N = 1,210; Mage = 21.74, 48.0 percent female). Latent profile analysis provided a three‐profile model as the most robust solution, differentiating among the low, moderate, and high religiosity groups. The gradient pattern (differences among all profiles) was observed only in the association between religiosity and the frequency of masturbation and experiencing oral sex. The relationship between religiosity and other sexual behaviors either was nonlinear or not found. Overall, religiosity was associated with a more limited sexual repertoire. Its protective effect in sexual risk taking was small but relevant for the most religious youth.
Co‐regulatory mechanisms and potential markers of oxidative stress‐related genes in vitiligo and alopecia areata
Authors: Sun Chao , Ding Honghua , Zhang Li , Wang Junling , Su Mengyun
Published: August 2024

Background

The specific role of oxidative stress (OS) in vitiligo and alopecia areata (AA) remains unclear. The aim of this study was to analyze and identify the key markers of OS in vitiligo and AA by bioinformatics.

Methods

We obtained vitiligo and AA datasets from gene expression omnibus (GEO) database. The difference‐expressed genes of vitiligo and AA were identified by differential analysis, and the functions of difference‐expressed genes were identified by gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) enrichment analysis. Subsequently, Veen package was used to obtain the intersection genes of OS‐related genes with vitiligo and AA. Finally, we used CIBERSORT to assess the infiltration of immune cells in vitiligo and AA.

Results

Through enrichment analysis, we found that vitiligo and AA were mainly enriched in cell cycle and cell adhesion molecular channels. We identified KLB and EIF3C as key genes in OS regulation of vitiligo and AA, and found that KLB and EIF3C participate in disease progression by regulating T cells and neutrophils.

Conclusions

According to our findings, KLB and EIF3C play a crucial role in the progression and development of vitiligo and AA, which have been identified as biomarkers and target for early diagnosis of patients.
Coordinated metabolic adaptation of Arabidopsis thaliana to high light
Authors: Balcke Gerd Ulrich , Vahabi Khabat , Giese Jonas , Finkemeier Iris , Tissier Alain
Published: August 2024

In plants, exposure to high light irradiation induces various stress responses, which entail complex metabolic rearrangements. To explore these dynamics, we conducted time‐course experiments spanning 2 min to 72 h with Arabidopsis thaliana under high and control light. Comparative metabolomics, transcriptomics, redox proteomics, and stable isotope labeling on leaf rosettes identified a series of synchronous and successive responses that provide a deeper insight into well‐orchestrated mechanisms contributing to high‐light acclimation. We observed transient transcriptome downregulation related to light harvesting and electron flow before the profound remodeling of the photosynthetic apparatus. Throughout the entire time course, redox homeostasis is tightly balanced between downregulation of production and enhanced transformation of NADPH accompanied by redistribution of reducing equivalents across several subcellular compartments. In both light conditions, C4 acids such as malate and fumarate are produced via anaplerosis. In carbon units, their accumulation in vacuoles surpasses plastidic levels of starch and intensifies notably under high light. In parallel, citrate synthesis from pyruvate is significantly hindered diurnally. Isotopic labeling in 2‐oxoglutarate and glutamate suggests a moderate de novo synthesis of C5 acids from a vacuolar citrate reservoir during the light phase while they are largely renewed during the night. In the absence of a diurnal clockwise flow through the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, increased oxidation of photorespiratory glycine takes over as a source of reductants to fuel mitochondrial ATP production. These findings, along with previous research, contribute to a model integrating redox balance and linking increased carbon assimilation and nitrogen metabolism, especially in the context of an incomplete TCA cycle.
Gaelic Games Players’ and Practitioners’ Perceptions of Recovery Strategies
Authors: Daly Lorcan S. , Catháin Ciarán Ó. , Kelly David T.
Published: August 2024

Purpose: This study both investigated and compared Gaelic games players’ and practitioners’ perceptions of the importance of postexercise recovery strategies. Methods: Gaelic players (n = 1178 [n = 574 female], age 24.6 [6.6] y) and practitioners (n = 148 [n = 29 female], age 35.9 [8.7] y) completed a questionnaire assessing their perceptions of various postexercise recovery strategies (importance ranked out of 5 [1 “not important at all” to 5 “extremely important”]). Players were further categorized by playing standard into developmental (club/collegiate; n = 869) and national (intercounty; n = 309) levels and by sport: Gaelic football (n = 813), camogie/hurling (n = 342), and Gaelic handball (n = 23). Practitioners were categorized as sport coaches (n = 67), strength and conditioning staff (n = 34), nutrition staff (n = 15), and athletic rehabilitation staff (n = 32). Results: Gaelic players prevalently perceived sleep (76.4%), rehydration (72.5%), postexercise meal (48.4%), stretching (47.6%), active cool-down (25.1%), foam rolling (23.1%), and massage by therapist (22.6%) as “extremely important.” Practitioners prevalently perceived sleep (90.1%), rehydration (83.6%), postexercise meal (76.6%), daytime naps (36.2%), stretching (25.4%), discussion with teammates (24.6%), and getting into nature (19.4%) as “extremely important.” Conclusions: While strategies with well-documented efficacy such as sleep, nutrition, and rehydration were rated as most important, a distinct and possibly problematic disconnect exists between the perceived importance of many strategies and their empirically demonstrated effectiveness. For instance, active cool-downs and stretching were perceived as highly important despite prevailing evidence suggesting that their effects are often small in magnitude. Collectively, work promoting optimal recovery practices and aligning player-practitioner perspectives would be beneficial to maximize time and resource allocation and enhance player buy-in.
Lung cell transplantation for pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Milman Krentsis Irit , Zheng Yangxi , Rosen Chava , Shin Sarah Y. , Blagdon Christa , Shoshan Einav , Qi Yuan , Wang Jing , Yadav Sandeep K. , Bachar Lustig Esther , Shetzen Elias , Dickey Burton F. , Karmouty-Quintana Harry , Reisner Yair
Published: August 2024

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a major cause of death with few treatment options. Here, we demonstrate the therapeutic efficacy for lung fibrosis of adult lung cell transplantation using a single-cell suspension of the entire lung in two distinct mouse systems: bleomycin treatment and mice lacking telomeric repeat-binding factor 1 expression in alveolar type 2 (AT2) cells (

SPC-Cre TRF1
fl/fl

), spontaneously developing fibrosis. In both models, the progression of fibrosis was associated with reduced levels of host lung progenitors, enabling engraftment of donor progenitors without any additional conditioning, in contrast to our previous studies. Two months after transplantation, engrafted progenitors expanded to form numerous donor-derived patches comprising AT1 and AT2 alveolar cells, as well as donor-derived mesenchymal and endothelial cells. This lung chimerism was associated with attenuation of fibrosis, as demonstrated histologically, biochemically, by computed tomography imaging, and by lung function measurements. Our study provides a strong rationale for the treatment of lung fibrosis using lung cell transplantation.
The atypical Dof transcriptional factor OsDes1 contributes to stay-green, grain yield, and disease resistance in rice
Authors: Qiu Tiancheng , Wei Shuang , Fang Kexing , Zhang Man , Li Yixin , Feng Yayan , Cheng Yapu , Zhang Sanwei , Tian Jiagen , Gao Aiai , Yang Qingya , Yang Mengni , Bhadauria Vijai , Li Jinjie , Peng You-Liang , Zhao Wensheng
Published: August 2024

The regulation of leaf senescence and disease resistance plays a crucial role in determining rice grain yield and quality, which are important to meet the ever-increasing food demands of the world. Here, we identified an atypical Dof transcriptional factor OsDes1 that contributes to the stay-green phenotype, grain yield, and disease resistance in rice. The expression level of
OsDes1
is positively associated with stay-green in natural variations of
japonica
rice, suggesting that
OsDes1
would be alternatively used in breeding programs. Mechanistically, OsDes1 targets the promoter of the Rieske FeS protein gene
OsPetC
to activate its expression and interacts with OsPetC to protect against its degradation, thus promoting stay-green and ultimately improving the grain yield. OsDes1 also binds to the promoter region of defense-related genes, such as
OsPR1b
, and activates their expression, leading to enhanced disease resistance. These findings offer a potential strategy for breeding rice to enhance grain yield and disease resistance.
CD4
+
and CD8
+
T cells are required to prevent SARS-CoV-2 persistence in the nasal compartment
Authors: Kar Meenakshi , Johnson Katherine E. E. , Vanderheiden Abigail , Elrod Elizabeth J. , Floyd Katharine , Geerling Elizabeth , Stone E. Taylor , Salinas Eduardo , Banakis Stephanie , Wang Wei , Sathish Shruti , Shrihari Swathi , Davis-Gardner Meredith E. , Kohlmeier Jacob , Pinto Amelia , Klein Robyn , Grakoui Arash , Ghedin Elodie , Suthar Mehul S.
Published: August 2024

SARS-CoV-2 infection induces the generation of virus-specific CD4
+
and CD8
+
effector and memory T cells. However, the contribution of T cells in controlling SARS-CoV-2 during infection is not well understood. Following infection of C57BL/6 mice, SARS-CoV-2–specific CD4
+
and CD8
+
T cells are recruited to the respiratory tract, and a vast proportion secrete the cytotoxic molecule granzyme B. Using depleting antibodies, we found that T cells within the lungs play a minimal role in viral control, and viral clearance occurs in the absence of both CD4
+
and CD8
+
T cells through 28 days postinfection. In the nasal compartment, depletion of both CD4
+
and CD8
+
T cells, but not individually, results in persistent, culturable virus replicating in the nasal epithelial layer through 28 days postinfection. Viral sequencing analysis revealed adapted mutations across the SARS-CoV-2 genome, including a large deletion in ORF6. Overall, our findings highlight the importance of T cells in controlling virus replication within the respiratory tract during SARS-CoV-2 infection.
The ICF syndrome protein CDCA7 harbors a unique DNA binding domain that recognizes a CpG dyad in the context of a non-B DNA
Authors: Hardikar Swanand , Ren Ren , Ying Zhengzhou , Zhou Jujun , Horton John R. , Bramble Matthew D. , Liu Bin , Lu Yue , Liu Bigang , Coletta Luis Della , Shen Jianjun , Dan Jiameng , Zhang Xing , Cheng Xiaodong , Chen Taiping
Published: August 2024

CDCA7
, encoding a protein with a carboxyl-terminal cysteine-rich domain (CRD), is mutated in immunodeficiency, centromeric instability, and facial anomalies (ICF) syndrome, a disease related to hypomethylation of juxtacentromeric satellite DNA. How CDCA7 directs DNA methylation to juxtacentromeric regions is unknown. Here, we show that the CDCA7 CRD adopts a unique zinc-binding structure that recognizes a CpG dyad in a non-B DNA formed by two sequence motifs. CDCA7, but not ICF mutants, preferentially binds the non-B DNA with strand-specific CpG hemi-methylation. The unmethylated sequence motif is highly enriched at centromeres of human chromosomes, whereas the methylated motif is distributed throughout the genome. At S phase, CDCA7, but not ICF mutants, is concentrated in constitutive heterochromatin foci, and the formation of such foci can be inhibited by exogenous hemi-methylated non-B DNA bound by the CRD. Binding of the non-B DNA formed in juxtacentromeric regions during DNA replication provides a mechanism by which CDCA7 controls the specificity of DNA methylation.
Dual feedback inhibition of ATP-dependent caffeate activation economizes ATP in caffeate-dependent electron bifurcation
Authors: Xu Fengjun , Thoma Calvin J. , Zhao Weiyang , Zhu Yiwen , Men Yujie , Wackett Lawrence P.
Published: August 2024

The acetogen
Acetobacterium woodii
couples caffeate reduction with ferredoxin reduction and NADH oxidation via electron bifurcation, providing additional reduced ferredoxin for energy conservation and cell synthesis. Caffeate is first activated by an acyl-CoA synthetase (CarB), which ligates CoA to caffeate at the expense of ATP. After caffeoyl-CoA is reduced to hydrocaffeoyl-CoA, the CoA moiety in hydrocaffeoyl-CoA could be recycled for caffeoyl-CoA synthesis by an ATP-independent CoA transferase (CarA) to save energy. However, given that CarA and CarB are co-expressed, it was not well understood how ATP could be saved when both two competitive pathways of caffeate activation are present. Here, we reported a dual feedback inhibition of the CarB-mediated caffeate activation by the intermediate hydrocaffeoyl-CoA and the end-product hydrocaffeate. As the product of CarA, hydrocaffeate inhibited CarB-mediated caffeate activation by serving as another substrate of CarB with hydrocaffeoyl-CoA produced. It effectively competed with caffeate even at a concentration much lower than caffeate. Hydrocaffeoyl-CoA formed in this process can also inhibit CarB-mediated caffeate activation. Thus, the dual feedback inhibition of CarB, together with the faster kinetics of CarA, makes the ATP-independent CarA-mediated CoA loop the major route for caffeoyl-CoA synthesis, further saving ATP in the caffeate-dependent electron-bifurcating pathway. A genetic architecture similar to
carABC
has been found in other anaerobic bacteria, suggesting that the feedback inhibition of acyl-CoA ligases could be a widely employed strategy for ATP conservation in those pathways requiring substrate activation by CoA.

IMPORTANCE

This study reports a dual feedback inhibition of caffeoyl-CoA synthetase by two downstream products, hydrocaffeate and hydrocaffeoyl-CoA. It elucidates how such dual feedback inhibition suppresses ATP-dependent caffeoyl-CoA synthesis, hence making the ATP-independent route the main pathway of caffeate activation. This newly discovered mechanism contributes to our current understanding of ATP conservation during the caffeate-dependent electron-bifurcating pathway in the ecologically important acetogen
Acetobacterium woodii
. Bioinformatic mining of microbial genomes revealed contiguous genes homologous to
carABC
within the genomes of other anaerobes from various environments, suggesting this mechanism may be widely used in other CoA-dependent electron-bifurcating pathways.
Tectonic Basis for Oil and Gas Potential in the North Kara Prospective Oil and Gas Region (Western Arctic, Russia)
Authors: Tarasenko A. K. , Alekseeva A. K. , Khohlova Yu. N. , Inshakova N. Yu.
Published: August 2024

Abstract—

Russia’s Arctic shelf and, in particular, the Kara Sea shelf, is one of the unique regions in the world with enormous hydrocarbon potential; however, due to the harsh climate conditions, it has been studied unevenly. The lack of deep and parametric drilling data in the northern Kara Sea leads to numerous uncertainties in regional geological structure models and, as a consequence, in assessing the resource potential of this Arctic region. A vast number of 2D CDP seismic explorations were carried out in the northern Kara Sea. The results of these studies made it possible to refine the geological structure of the Kara Plate, substantiate the boundaries of the North Kara independent prospective oil and gas region and promising areas within it, and assess hydrocarbon resources.
Pseudomyxoma peritonei peritonitis
Authors: Yannamani Pranathi , Chungu Lillian , Shetty Rajesh , Oyewole Bankole
Published: August 2024

Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare neoplastic condition characterised by gelatinous ascites, which generally arise from mucin-producing appendiceal tumours. Presentation is variable but requires prompt recognition to ensure appropriate specialist management due to risk of malignancy.

A male in his 40s presented with a 1-day history of sudden onset, non-migratory abdominal pain, worse in the right iliac fossa. He had no significant medical history nor known drug allergies. Examination revealed right iliac fossa peritonism and blood tests revealed raised inflammatory markers. CT scan showed a right-sided abdominal collection. Intraoperatively, a diagnostic laparoscopy was performed, which revealed extensive mucin in the abdominal cavity. This was washed out and a laparoscopic appendectomy was performed; histopathology confirmed PMP from the ruptured appendix.
Cutaneous leiomyosarcoma in a case of hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell carcinoma syndrome
Authors: O'Connor Miriam , Paul Maxine , Wylie Grant
Published: August 2024

Hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell carcinoma (HLRCC) syndrome is an autosomal-dominant disorder that results from a germline pathogenic variant in the fumarate hydratase (FH) gene on chromosome 1, characterised by renal cell carcinoma (RCC), cutaneous leiomyoma and uterine leiomyoma. Leiomyosarcomas are reported in less than 1% of those with HLRCC. We report a case of a man in his 30s who had a long-standing plaque excised from the left upper arm after undergoing a radical nephrectomy for a fumarate-deficient RCC, with histological exam revealing a grade 1 leiomyosarcoma. Genetic testing confirmed a heterozygous pathogenic variant in the FH gene. This is a rare case of leiomyosarcoma associated with HLRCC, and our patient remains under surveillance with interval abdominal imaging and skin examination. Leiomyosarcomas are difficult to distinguish clinically from their benign counterpart; therefore, histopathological examination is paramount with a low threshold for excision.
Congestive colopathy in a patient with arteriovenous malformations and multiple mesenteric thromboses
Authors: Gawey Brent J , Andrews James C , Bledsoe Adam C
Published: August 2024

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in mesenteric vessels are exceptionally rare. These congenital vascular anomalies lead to direct vascular flow between the highly pressured arterial system and the low-pressure venous system. We describe the case of a patient with prior left colectomy for splenic flexure colonic adenocarcinoma presenting with persistent abdominal pain after developing multiple mesenteric thromboses. CT and colonoscopy showed left hemicolon congestion, anastomotic stenosis and mucosal oedema. Mesenteric angiogram revealed AVMs in the right colic and left colic arteries. Embolisation of the left colic AVM led to symptom resolution without recurrence at interval follow-up.
A framework for identifying opportunities for multisectoral action for drowning prevention in health and sustainable development agendas: a multimethod approach
Authors: Scarr Justin-Paul , Meddings David R , Lukaszyk Caroline , Vincenten Joanne Adrienne , Rahman Aminur , Wills Steve , Jagnoor Jagnoor
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The 2023 World Health Assembly resolution 76.18 committed the World Health Organization to the coordination of drowning prevention efforts, including those of United Nations (UN) agencies. Here, we aim to map drowning prevention linkages across UN Agency agendas, make recommendations to guide global strategies and inform the development of the Global Alliance and a Global Strategy for drowning prevention.

Methods

We applied a qualitative multimethod approach, including document review, key informant interviews, an interagency workshop and international conference panel discussion, to refine data and create our recommendations. We developed a framework to identify intersections between health and sustainable development agendas and applied it to map intersections and opportunities for the integration of drowning prevention across relevant UN Agency agendas.

Results

Our framework categorised intersections for drowning prevention in UN Agendas according to potential for (a) shared understandings of problems and solutions, (b) shared capacities, guidelines and resources and (c) shared governance and strategic pathways, noting that some factors overlap. We present our Position, Add, Reach and Reframe approach to outlining opportunities for the integration of drowning prevention in health and sustainable development agendas. Our results emphasise the importance of establishing approaches to the Global Alliance and Global Strategy that ensure high-level political advocacy is converted into solutions for affected communities. We recommend using research to inform effective action, building capacity and best practices, and promoting evaluation frameworks to incentivise and verify progress.

Conclusion

Our study identifies opportunities to expand drowning prevention efforts and to build Member State capacity to reduce drowning risk through evidence-informed measures that address vulnerabilities, exposures, hazards and build population-level resilience to drowning. Our framework for identifying opportunities for integration of drowning prevention across a multisectoral set of agendas offers a research and policy toolkit that may prove useful for other policy areas.