bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First-Line Systemic Treatment Strategies for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma : a cost-effectiveness analysis
Authors: wang Liting , Peng Ye , Qin Shuxia , Wan Xiaomin , Zeng Xiaohui , Li Sini , Liu Qiao , Tan Chongqing
Published: December 2022

Background

Oral multikinase inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are effective in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (aHCC) but may increase cost. This study compared the cost-effectiveness of oral multikinase inhibitors and ICIs in first-line patients with aHCC.

Methods

A three-state Markov model is established to study the cost-effectiveness of drug treatment from the perspective of Chinese payers. The key outcomes were total cost, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) in this study.

Results

The total costs and QALYs of sorafenib, sunitinib, donafenib, lenvatinib, sorafenib plus erlotinib, linifanib, brivanib, sintilimab plus IBI305, and atezolizumab plus bevacizumab were $9070 and 0.25, $9362 and 0.78, $33814 and 0.45, $49120 and 0.83, $63064 and 0.81, $74814 and 0.82, $81995 and 0.82, $74083 and 0.85, $104188 and 0.84, the drug regimen with the lowest ICER was sunitinib ($551 per QALY), followed by lenvatinib($68869 per QALY). For oral multikinase inhibitors, ICER of levatinib, sorafenib plus erlotinib, linifanib and brivanib compared with sunitinib was $779576, $1534347, $1768971, $1963064, respectively. For ICIs, sintilimab plus IBI305 is more cost effective than atezolizumab plus bevacizumab. The model was most sensitive to the price of sorafenib, the utility of PD, and the price of second-line drugs.

Conclusion

For oral multikinase inhibitors, the order of possible treatment options is: sunitinib > lenvatinib > sorafenib plus erlotinib > linifanib > brivanib > donafinb. For ICIs, the order of possible treatment options is: sintilimab plus IBI305 > atezolizumab plus bevacizumab.
Simultaneous inhibition of DNA-PK and Polϴ improves integration efficiency and precision of genome editing
Authors: Wimberger Sandra , Akrap Nina , Firth Mike , Brengdahl Johan , Engberg Susanna , Schwinn Marie K. , Slater Michael R. , Lundin Anders , Hsieh Pei-Pei , Li Songyuan , Cerboni Silvia , Sumner Jonathan , Bestas Burcu , Schiffthaler Bastian , Magnusson Björn , Castro Silvio Di , Iyer Preeti , Mohammad Bohlooly-Y , Machleidt Thomas , Rees Steve , Engkvist Ola , Norris Tyrell , Cadogan Elaine , Forment Josep V. , Šviković Saša , Akcakaya Pinar , Taheri-Ghahfarokhi Amir , Maresca Marcello
Published: December 2022

Genome editing tools, especially CRISPR/Cas9-based strategies, have transformed biomedical research and opened opportunities for developing curative treatments for genetic diseases. Despite rapid progress, low efficiency of targeted DNA integration and generation of undesired mutations represent major limitations for genome editing applications. Both issues arise from the interplay between the main DNA Double-Strand Break (DSB) repair pathways, Homology-Directed Repair (HDR), Non-Homologous End Joining (NHEJ), and Microhomology-Mediated End Joining (MMEJ). To improve efficiencies of targeted CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, we screened a large compound library. This led to the discovery of AZD7648, a DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) inhibitor and potent enhancer of CRISPR-Cas9-mediated integration. We demonstrated that AZD7648 increased HDR and decreased mutagenic NHEJ repair, thus resulting in improved performance of precise gene editing. Furthermore, we observed additional improvement of integration efficiency by impairing MMEJ repair through DNA polymerase ⊖ (Pol⊖) inhibition. Combined treatment with AZD7648 and Pol⊖ inhibitors (which we named 2iHDR) substantially increased precision of templated insertions, with efficiencies of up to 80%, and nearly no formation of undesired Insertion-Deletions (InDels). Importantly, 2iHDR also decreased Cas9-associated off-target activity, dramatically improving the performance and fidelity of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing.
Gba1 deletion causes immune hyperactivation and microbial dysbiosis through autophagic defects
Authors: Atilano Magda Luciana , Hull Alexander , Romila Catalina-Andreea , Adams Mirjam L , Wildfire Jacob , Ureña Enric , Dyson Miranda , Ivan-Castillo-Quan Jorge , Partridge Linda , Kinghorn Kerri J.
Published: December 2022

Mutations in theGBA1gene cause the lysosomal storage disorder Gaucher disease (GD) and are the greatest genetic risk factor for Parkinson’s disease (PD). Communication between gut and brain and immune dysregulation are increasingly being implicated in neurodegenerative disorders such as PD. Here, we show that flies lacking theGba1bgene, the main fly orthologue ofGBA1, display widespread innate immune up-regulation, including gut inflammation and brain glial activation. We also demonstrate gut dysfunction in flies lackingGba1b, with increased intestinal transit time, gut barrier permeability and microbiome dysbiosis. Remarkably, modulating the microbiome ofGba1bknockout flies, by raising them under germ-free conditions, can partially ameliorate lifespan, locomotor and some neuropathological phenotypes. Lastly, direct stimulation of autophagy by rapamycin treatment achieves similar beneficial effects. Overall, our data reveal that the gut microbiome drives systemic immune activation inGba1bknockout flies and that reducing innate immune response activation either by eliminating the microbiota or clearance of immunogens by autophagy may represent potential therapeutic avenues forGBA1-associated neurodegenerative disease.
Lunaemycins, new cyclic hexapeptide antibiotics from the cave moonmilk-dwellerStreptomyces lunaelactisMM109T
Authors: Martinet Loïc , Naômé Aymeric , Rezende Lucas C. D. , Tellatin Déborah , Pignon Bernard , Docquier Jean-Denis , Sannio Filomena , Baiwir Dominique , Mazzucchelli Gabriel , Frédérich Michel , Rigali Sébastien
Published: December 2022

Streptomyces lunaelactisstrains have been isolated from moonmilk deposits which are calcium carbonate speleothems used for centuries in traditional medicine for their antimicrobial properties. Genome mining revealed that these strains are a remarkable example of aStreptomycesspecies with huge heterogeneity regarding their content in biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) for specialized metabolite production. BGC 28a is one of the cryptic BGCs that is only carried by a subgroup ofS. lunaelactisstrains for whichin silicoanalysis predicted the production of nonribo-somal peptide antibiotics containing the non-proteogenic amino acid piperazic acid (Piz). Comparative metabolomics of culture extracts ofS. lunaelactisstrains either or not holding BGC 28a combined with MS/MS-guided peptidogenomics and1H/13C NMR allowed to identify the cyclic hexapeptide with the amino acid sequence (D-Phe)-(L-HO-Ile)-(D-Piz)-(L-Piz)-(D-Piz)-(L-Piz), called lunaemycin A, as the main compound synthesized by BGC 28a. Molecular networking further identified 18 additional lunaemycins, 14 of them having their structure elucidated by HRMS/MS. Antimicrobial assays demonstrated a huge bactericidal activity of lunaemycins against Gram-positive bacteria including multi-drug resistant clinical isolates. Our work demonstrates how accuratein silicoanalysis of a cryptic BGC can highly facilitate the identification, the structural elucidation, and the bioactivity of its associated specialized metabolites.
Enhancer-driven gene regulatory networks inference from single-cell RNA-seq and ATAC-seq data
Authors: Li Yang , Ma Anjun , Wang Yizhong , Guo Qi , Wang Cankun , Chen Shuo , Fu Hongjun , Liu Bingqiang , Ma Qin
Published: December 2022

Deciphering the intricate relationships between transcription factors (TFs), enhancers, and genes through the inference of enhancer-driven gene regulatory networks is crucial in understanding gene regulatory programs in a complex biological system. This study introduces STREAM, a novel method that leverages a Steiner Forest Problem model, a hybrid biclustering pipeline, and submodular optimization to infer enhancer-driven gene regulatory networks from jointly profiled single-cell transcriptome and chromatin accessibility data. Compared to existing methods, STREAM demonstrates enhanced performance in terms of TF recovery, TF-enhancer relation prediction, and enhancer-gene discovery. Application of STREAM to an Alzheimer’s disease dataset and a diffuse small lymphocytic lymphoma dataset reveals its ability to identify TF-enhancer-gene relationships associated with pseudotime, as well as key TF-enhancer-gene relationships and TF cooperation underlying tumor cells.
PSYLLIUM FIBER PROTECTS MICE AGAINST WESTERN DIET-INDUCED METABOLIC SYNDROME VIA MICROBIOTA-DEPENDENT MECHANISM
Authors: Bretin Alexis , Gewirtz Andrew T.
Published: December 2022

We sought to identify semi-purified fibers that broadly promote gut and metabolic health and, moreover, identify the mechanisms by which they do so. Screening an array of purified fibers led us o appreciate that, of all fibers tested, psyllium was unique in that it strongly protected mice against both colitis and metabolic syndrome. Further investigation led us to appreciate that psyllium’s mechanism of action is quite distinct. Specifically, data we report in a manuscript under review indicates that low doses of psyllium protect mice against colitis via increasing serum bile acids that activate FXR. Here, we report that higher doses of psyllium protect mice against diet-induced obesity/metabolic syndrome by a FXR-independent mechanism that requires presence of at least a minimal microbiota.
Vector production via mental navigation in the entorhinal cortex
Authors: Neupane Sujaya , Fiete Ila , Jazayeri Mehrdad
Published: December 2022

A cognitive map is a suitably structured representation that enables an agent to perform novel computations using prior experience, for instance planning a new route in a familiar space1,2. Recent work in mammals has found direct evidence for such structured representations in the presence of exogenous sensory inputs in both spatial3,4and non-spatial domains5–15. Here, we test a foundational postulate of the original cognitive map theory1,16that cognitive maps are recruited endogenously during mental navigation without external input. We recorded from the entorhinal cortex of monkeys in a mental navigation task that required animals to use a joystick to produce one-dimensional vectors between pairs of visual landmarks without sensory feedback about the intermediate landmarks. Animals’ ability to perform the task and generalize to new pairs indicated that they relied on a structured representation of the landmarks. Task-modulated neurons exhibited periodicity and ramping that matched the temporal structure of the landmarks. Neuron pairs with high periodicity scores had invariant cross-correlation structure, a signature of grid cell continuous attractor states17– 19. A basic continuous attractor network model of path integration20augmented with a Hebbian learning mechanism provided an explanation of how the system endogenously recalls landmarks. The model also made an unexpected prediction that endogenous landmarks transiently slow down path integration, reset the dynamics, and thereby, reduce variability. Remarkably, this prediction was borne out of a reanalysis of behavior. Together, our findings connect the structured activity patterns in the entorhinal cortex to the endogenous recruitment of a cognitive map during mental navigation.
Structural basis for the assembly of the DNA polymerase holoenzyme from a monkeypox virus variant
Authors: Li Yaning , Shen Yaping , Hu Ziwei , Yan Renhong
Published: December 2022

The ongoing pandemic caused by a monkeypox virus (MPXV) variant has spread all over the world and raised great public health concerns. The DNA polymerase F8 of MPXV, associated with its processivity factors A22 and E4, is responsible for viral genome replication in the perinuclear sites of the infected cells as well as a critical target for developing antiviral drugs. However, the assembly and working mechanism for the DNA polymerase holoenzyme of MPXV remains elusive. Here, we present the cryo-EM structure of the DNA polymerase holoenzyme F8/A22/E4 from the 2022 West African strain at an overall resolution of 3.5 Å and revealed the precise spatial arrangement. Surprisingly, unlike any other previously reported B-family DNA polymerase, the holoenzyme complex is assembled as a dimer of heterotrimers, of which the extra interface between the thumb domain of F8 and A22 shows a clash between A22 and substrate DNA, suggesting an auto-inhibition state. Supplying an exogenous double-stranded DNA could notably shift the hexameric form into a trimeric form, which exposes the DNA binding site of thumb domain and might represent a more active state. The structures provide a molecular basis for the design of new antiviral therapeutics that target the MPXV DNA polymerase holoenzyme.
Cross-species cell-type assignment from single-cell RNA-seq data by a heterogeneous graph neural network
Authors: Liu Xingyan , Shen Qunlun , Zhang Shihua
Published: December 2022

Cross-species comparative analyses of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data allow us to explore, at single-cell resolution, the origins of the cellular diversity and evolutionary mechanisms that shape cellular form and function. Cell-type assignment is a crucial step to achieve that. However, the poorly annotated genome and limited known biomarkers hinder us from assigning cell identities for nonmodel species. Here, we design a heterogeneous graph neural network model, CAME, to learn aligned and interpretable cell and gene embeddings for cross-species cell-type assignment and gene module extraction from scRNA-seq data. CAME achieves significant improvements in cell-type characterization across distant species owing to the utilization of non-one-to-one homologous gene mapping ignored by early methods. Our large-scale benchmarking study shows that CAME significantly outperforms five classical methods in terms of cell-type assignment and model robustness to insufficiency and inconsistency of sequencing depths. CAME can transfer the major cell types and interneuron subtypes of human brains to mouse and discover shared cell-type-specific functions in homologous gene modules. CAME can align the trajectories of human and macaque spermatogenesis and reveal their conservative expression dynamics. In short, CAME can make accurate cross-species cell-type assignments even for nonmodel species and uncover shared and divergent characteristics between two species from scRNA-seq data.
Small-angle X-ray scattering intensity of multiscale models of spheroids
Authors: Duchêne Pascal , Humbert Séverine , Sorbier Loïc , Moreaud Maxime
Published: December 2022

The microstructure of heterogeneous catalysts often consists of multiscale aggregates of nanoparticles, some of which are highly anisotropic. Therefore, small-angle X-ray scattering, in classical or anomalous mode, is a valuable tool to characterize this kind of material. Yet, the classical exploitation of the scattered intensities through form and structure factors or by means of Boolean models of spheres is questionable. Here, it is proposed to interpret the scattered intensities through the use of multiscale Boolean models of spheroids. The numerical procedure to compute scattered intensities of such models is given and then validated on asymptotic diluted Boolean models, and its applicability is demonstrated for the characterization of alumina catalyst supports.
Impact of logistics performance on the store image, consumer satisfaction and loyalty: a quantitative case study
Authors: El Moussaoui Alaa Eddine , Benbba Brahim , El Andaloussi Zineb
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to identify the impact of logistics performance on consumer satisfaction and store image in the retail context.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a quantitative study with a sample of 201 consumers. The questionnaire is the instrument that was chosen to collect the data. Data processing was carried out using the statistical package for the social science (SPSS). The data analysis was conducted in two phases. The first phase consisted of testing the reliability and validity of the measurement scales. While the second phase of data processing consisted of testing the research hypotheses on the basis of data collected in the field.

Findings

The results of this research are as follows: consumer satisfaction positively affects their loyalty to the store. The results also indicate that store image affects the satisfaction of consumers. Indeed, “service quality” is often evaluated as a source of differentiation affecting consumer satisfaction. Concerning the effect of logistics performance on consumer satisfaction, the factor “product availability” was found to be the major factor affecting consumer satisfaction. A lack of logistics performance, in the context of retailing, negatively affects consumer satisfaction. On the other hand, when the consumer gets the right quantities at the right time, this can positively affect his satisfaction.

Originality/value

All studies carried out on this subject have presented an evaluation of the performance measures used in supply chain models. However, the results of these works were different in terms of performance measurement. It is difficult to specify the impact of logistics performance with only two variants (checkout level, and shelf level) in the retail context. Moreover, research related to this field in Morocco remains unexplored. In this context, it is necessary to explore the links between logistics performance, store image and consumer behavioral intentions in the Moroccan retailing context while taking into account three variants of logistics performance, which are: checkout level, shelf level and product disponibility.
Establishing underpinning concepts for integrating circular economy and offsite construction: a bibliometric review
Authors: Obi Lovelin , Arif Mohammed , Daniel Emmanuel I. , Oladinrin Olugbenga Timo , Goulding Jack Steven
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Circular economy (CE) and offsite construction (OSC) are two innovations for improving the construction industry's overall performance against a myriad of sustainability-driven agenda/initiatives. There is a real opportunity to conjoin OSC and CE to provide new insight and opportunities to deliver more evidence-based sustainable systems. This study analyses extant literature in CE and OSC (between 2000 and 2021) through a bibliometric review to tease out critical measures for their integration and transformation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a science mapping quantitative literature review approach employing bibliometric and visualisation techniques to systematically investigate data. The Web of Science (WoS) database was used to collect data, and the VOSviewer software to analyse the data collected to determine strengths, weights, clusters and research trends in OSC and CE.

Findings

Important findings emerging from the study include extensive focus on sustainability, waste, life cycle assessment and building information modelling (BIM), which currently serve as strong interlinks to integrate OSC and CE. Circular business models, deconstruction and supply chain management are emerging areas, with strong links for integrating CE and OSC. These emerging areas influence organisational and operational decisions towards sustainable value creation, hence requiring more future empirical investigations.

Originality/value

This study is a novel research using bibliometric analysis to unpick underpinning conduits for integrating CE and OSC, providing a blueprint for circular OSC future research and practice. It provides the needed awareness to develop viable strategies for integrating CE in OSC, creating opportunities to transition to more sustainable systems in the construction sector.
Technological innovation in agri-food supply chains
Authors: Cricelli Livio , Mauriello Roberto , Strazzullo Serena
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This study aims to analyse how the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies can help different types of agri-food supply chains introduce and manage innovations in response to the challenges and opportunities that emerged following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review methodology was used to bring together the most relevant contributions from different disciplines and provide comprehensive results on the use of I4.0 technologies in the agri-food industry.

Findings

Four technological clusters are identified, which group together the I4.0 technologies based on the applications in the agri-food industry, the objectives and the advantages provided. In addition, three types of agri-food supply chains have been identified and their configuration and dynamics have been studied. Finally, the I4.0 technologies most suited for each type of supply chain have been identified, and suggestions on how to effectively introduce and manage innovations at different levels of the supply chain are provided.

Originality/value

The study highlights how the effective adoption of I4.0 technologies in the agri-food industry depends on the characteristics of the supply chains. Technologies can be used for different purposes and managers should carefully consider the objectives to be achieved and the synergies between technologies and supply chain dynamics.
A proposed circular-SCOR model for supply chain performance measurement in manufacturing industry during COVID-19
Authors: Ozbiltekin-Pala Melisa , Koçak Aydın , Kazancoglu Yigit
Published: December 2022

Purpose

COVID-19 is a global event affecting supply chain operations and human health. With COVID-19, many issues in business models, business processes and supply chains, especially in the manufacturing industry, have had to change. The ability to analyze supply chain performances and ensure circularity in supply chains has become one of the factors whose importance has increased rapidly with COVID-19. Therefore, it aims to determine which supply chain performance criteria come to the fore for the company under consideration to accelerate the transformation into high performance and circularity in supply chains.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, a new circular-SCOR model is proposed, and 17 supply chain performance measurement criteria are prioritized for a manufacturing company in the context of circular economy principles during COVID-19 by using stepwise weight assessment ratio analysis and analytical hierarchy process method, separately.

Findings

As a result, for both methods, in the case study discussed, the demand fulfillment rate is determined as the most prominent criterion in line with the circular economy principles in the COVID-19 period in manufacturing supply chains.

Originality/value

It is expected that this study will contribute to managers and policy makers as it addresses the “new normal” that started after COVID-19 and the criteria to be considered in supply chain performance measurement and emphasizes the need to adopt circular supply chains, especially in manufacturing industries.
Farmer Business School participation and its impact on cocoa productivity and food security in Ghana
Authors: Owiredu Patrick , Wongnaa Camillus Abawiera , Acheampong Patricia Pinamang , Addison Monica , Agyei Adu Kwaku , Awunyo-Vitor Dadson
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Various models and approaches are implemented to provide technical assistance and support to improve cocoa farmers' welfare in Ghana. The Farmer Business School (FBS), which is analogous to Farmer Field School (FFS), is one of the few initiatives of GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit) and Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD). The main aim of the initiative is to train smallholder cocoa farmers to perceive cocoa production as a business. However, there is limited or conflicting evidence as to the effect of FBS on productivity and food security, especially in Ghana. This study assessed FBS participation and the participation's impact on productivity and food security of cocoa farmers.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used primary data collected from 542 cocoa farmers in Central and Western North regions of Ghana and employed descriptive statistics, perception index and Endogenous Switching Regression (ESR) as analytical tools.

Findings

The results, which reported an overall perception index of 0.7, indicated that the farmers had a strong positive perception on the FBS program. The results also showed that sex of a farmer, number of years of formal education, farm size, extension contact, perception, distance to extension outlet and membership of farmer-based organizations (FBOs) significantly influenced the decision to participate in FBS program. Also off-farm income, years of education and household size significantly influenced farm productivity and household food security. The results further showed that participation in FBS improved productivity and food security of cocoa farmers.

Research limitations/implications

The study used data from two regions of Ghana, namely the Central region and the Western North region. Findings from studies using data covering all cocoa growing areas of Ghana could be more informative in formulating policies aimed at encouraging participation in FBS and consequently help improve cocoa productivity and food security.

Originality/value

This article offers insights into the welfare effects of FBS on cocoa farmers as previous similar studies are without this information.
Leadership styles and employees commitment: the mediating role of job satisfaction
Authors: Oyewobi Luqman Oyekunle
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This study aims to explore the relationship between three primary constructs: leadership styles, job satisfaction and organizational commitment among private-practice quantity surveyors in the Nigerian construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey of 127 quantity surveying consultancy firms in Abuja was conducted using a quantitative research approach. A total of 76 acceptable questionnaires were returned from a total of 127 that were distributed, giving a response rate of approximately 60%. The data were analyzed using partial least square structural equation modelling.

Findings

Results showed a positive indirect link between leadership styles and organizational commitments, with job satisfaction acting as a partial mediator. It was also found through importance–performance map analysis, which is crucial for prioritizing managerial actions, that an employee’s commitment to a task is strongly influenced by that person’s level of job satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

The study is quantitative and cross-sectional in nature, collecting information from a single source within an organization. A longitudinal strategy and a mixed methods approach should be used in future research.

Practical implications

Superiors/principal partners should make an effort to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of leadership styles that is capable of enhancing job satisfaction and creating pleasant interaction in the work environment to increase the commitment of employees working in quantity surveying consultancy businesses.

Originality/value

As far as the author is aware, this study is one of the few to examine the impact of job satisfaction as a mediator between organizational commitments and leadership styles in the Nigerian construction industry. Furthermore, the study provides the basis for further discussion of the concepts offered in the paper.
Government support to Pakistani women entrepreneurs during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Hussain Nida , Li Baoming , Sahibzada Habib Elahi
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Under the unique context of COVID-19, this paper aims to analyze how the Government of Pakistan (GoP) provides financial and non-financial support to women entrepreneurs in Pakistan. Drawing on the resource-based theory of entrepreneurship (RBTE), the study advances the understanding of resources and grants offered by GoP to women entrepreneurs to help them in business survival.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts qualitative research method to address the questions: how does the Pakistani government respond to issues faced by women entrepreneurs during the COVID-19 pandemic, and what assistance and initiatives were implemented by GoP? Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twenty on-job government officials related to the entrepreneurial sector in Pakistan.

Findings

The paper reveals that during the pandemic, GoP keenly communicated with women entrepreneurial representatives to comprehend their business challenges. In addition, waivers and incentives were provided to support their business activities. GoP further invited women entrepreneurs to contribute their knowledge and give suggestions in policy making.

Originality/value

Lots of research have been conducted to identify the issues faced by women entrepreneurs during the pandemic. However, the specific strategies, policies, and support provided by the governments to address these issues have often been overlooked. This paper fills such gap with focus on the governing bodies and policymakers in Pakistan towards women entrepreneurship during the COVID-19 crisis.
Family incivility, work alienation beliefs and submissive behaviors among Pakistani employees: the mitigating role of ego resilience
Authors: De Clercq Dirk , Fatima Tasneem , Khan Bushra
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This research seeks to unpack a relevant, hitherto overlooked connection between employees' perception that family incivility is undermining their work and their displays of submissive behavior. The authors predict and test a mediating role of employees' work alienation beliefs and a moderating role of their ego resilience in this connection.

Design/methodology/approach

The research hypotheses were tested with survey data collected in three rounds, separated by three weeks each, among employees who work in the education sector in Pakistan. The statistical analyses relied on the PROCESS macro, which supports the simultaneous estimation of the direct, mediation and moderated mediation effects that underpin the proposed theoretical framework.

Findings

An important reason that victims of disrespectful treatment at home fail to fight for their rights at work is that they develop parallel beliefs of being disconnected from work. This intermediary role of work alienation beliefs is less prominent though when employees can rely on their personal resource of ego resilience.

Practical implications

For human resource (HR) managers, this research offers a critical explanation, related to a sense of being estranged from work, for why family-induced work hardships might cause employees to exhibit subservient behaviors at work. It further reveals how this process can be contained if employees have the capability to adapt flexibly to different situations.

Originality/value

This study contributes to extant research by explicating how and when family-induced work hardships might escalate into work responses that mirror employees' experiences at home.
Phenotypic plasticity in desiccation physiology of closely related, range restricted and broadly distributed fruit fly species
Authors: Bosua Henrika J. , Weldon Christopher W. , Terblanche John S.
Published: December 2022

Variation in geographical range size among closely related species may result from differences in physiological traits, such as desiccation tolerance, that enable these species to interact with their environment or adapt to new surroundings.

We tested the hypothesis that insect species with a broader geographical range have either a higher basal desiccation tolerance or mount a more plastic response than more narrowly distributed species by exposing four fruit fly species (Ceratitis capitata, Ceratitis rosa, Ceratitis cosyra and Ceratitis podocarpi) to one of three acclimation treatments (control: standard relative humidity (RH) and temperature; desiccation: standard temperature and low humidity; and temperature: low RH and high temperature) and measuring metabolic rate, activity, water loss rates and survival.

The targeted physiological responses differed between species and acclimation treatments. Survival of the widely distributed C. capitata improved by up to 43% after short‐term exposure to high temperature and desiccation (35°C; 0% RH) treatment, while survival in the more narrowly distributed species only improved by 4%–30% after a desiccation treatment (25°C; 0% RH).

Less water was lost by broadly distributed C. capitata through excretion after both high temperature and desiccation treatments, but only activity and respiratory water loss (RWL) were reduced after the temperature treatment, and total water loss and cuticular water loss declined after the desiccation treatment. The narrowly distributed C. rosa also lost less water through excretion after both acclimation treatments but showed reduced cuticular and RWL only after desiccation. While basal tolerance in C. cosyra was high, acclimation responses in this species and C. podocarpi were insignificant in that they did not produce a measurable survival benefit.

Broadly distributed species successfully employed unique combinations of physiological strategies, with some having highly flexible responses to stressful environmental conditions, which ultimately results in beneficial acclimation to enhance survival during dry conditions. By contrast, range restricted species showed limited responses to desiccation stress. Flexible desiccation responses likely contribute to species geographical ranges in changing climate conditions.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
The effects of classroom physical activity breaks on the behavioural and emotional self‐regulation of students with behavioural difficulties
Authors: Chesnais Nolwenn , Cabagno Geneviève , Verret Claudia
Published: December 2022

This study investigated students' perceptions of their behavioural and emotional self‐regulation after a six‐to‐eight week implementation of classroom physical activity breaks (CPAB). It also explored students' perceptions of their affective states before and after CPAB, as well as their interest and engagement during CPAB. Eighty‐two elementary students aged from 6 to 10 years filled in booklets each week during the study. Among them, 14 students with behavioural difficulties as experimental group and 14 students as control group completed the Self‐Regulation Questionnaire at the beginning and the end of the experimental design. Repeated measure ANOVA revealed an interaction effect (condition X group) on emotional self‐regulation among students with behavioural difficulties compared to their peers after CPAB. A descriptive analysis of the booklets revealed the positive reactions of students to CPAB, especially those with behavioural difficulties. These findings thus support the value of CPAB for students with behavioural difficulties, and open new perspectives of research.
Optimized pressurized hot water extraction, HPLC/LC‐MS characterization, and bioactivity of Tetrapleura tetraptera L. dry fruit polyphenols
Authors: Dzah Courage Sedem
Published: December 2022

Despite the global preference for green extraction methods in the recovery of plant bioactives, Tetrapleura tetraptera fruit polyphenols (TTP) are yet to receive considerable attention. For the first time, pressurized hot water extraction (PHWE) of TTP was optimized for total phenol content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (AA) using the Box Behnken design of response surface methodology. Predictor variables were time, temperature, and liquid‐to‐solid ratio. An optimum solution with a desirability of 0.805 was selected and parameters were 43 min, 220°C, and 60 ml g−1 liquid‐to‐solid ratio, yielding TPC of 8.92 mg gallic acid equivalent per gram of sample on dry weight basis (GAE g−1 dw−1) and AA of 70.35%. Purified, optimized TTP were characterized and quantified using HPLC/LC‐MS. PHWE mainly extracted rutin (379.04 µg g−1), cyanidin‐3‐O‐glucoside (chloride) (299.55 µg g−1), naringenin 7‐O‐glucoside (240.11 µg g−1), p‐coumaric acid (177.28 µg g−1), isorientin (150.43 µg g−1), and gallic acid (118.06 µg g−1) whereas cyanidin‐3‐O‐glucoside (chloride) (83.27 µg g−1), protocatechuic acid (61.37 µg g−1), rutin (28.03 µg g−1), and gallic acid (22.62 µg g−1) were mainly extracted by hot water extraction, which was a control. PHWE‐obtained TTP showed higher cellular antioxidant activity, cytotoxicity in human liver cancer cell lines (HepG2), and antimicrobial property against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis than control. The potential mechanisms underlying the biological activities of some of the major polyphenols extracted were briefly discussed. Considering the wide use of the T. tetraptera (TT) fruit in Africa in foods and medicine, the use of more efficient green extraction methods such as PHWE is recommended.

Practical Application

This study serves as a baseline for optimizing pressurized hot water extraction, purification, identification, and quantification of Tetrapleura tetraptera polyphenols (TTP) and their biological activities, being the first of its kind. The varied biological effects shown can be exploited further for applications of TTP as nutraceutical agents and preservatives in foods in different forms. Also, the high amounts of gallic acid and other phenolic acids and flavonoids confirmed in this study make TTP good candidates for the development of metal–phenol network nanoparticles to enhance adequate solubility and distribution in food systems in light of the above proposed applications.
Effect of Flammulina velutipes polysaccharides on endoplasmic reticulum stress‐mediated apoptosis by activating PLC–IP3 pathway in HepG2 cells
Authors: Ding Miao , Lv Kai , Zhang Dongliang , Fan Wentao , Tsopmejio Ivan Stève Nguepi , Jin Zhouyu , Song Hui
Published: December 2022

Flammulina velutipes polysaccharides (FVP) have been proven to induce apoptosis in HepG2 cells. It is well known that endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) is involved in apoptosis. However, ERS mediates FVP‐induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells remains unclear. In our study, the results indicated that FVP caused ERS in HepG2 cells. They showed that FVP were water‐soluble polysaccharides with the weight average molecular weight of 1972 kDa, which were mainly composed of mannose, gluconic acid, glucose, galactose, xylose and fructose in a molar ratio of 6.6 : 1.3 : 79.9 : 7.4 : 3.4 : 1.5. After FVP treatment, the expression levels of genes and proteins related to ERS were upregulated. The inhibition of ERS by 4‐phenylbutyric acid (4‐PBA) pretreatment could significantly reduce the role of FVP in inducing apoptosis. We further found the results of immunofluorescence and flow cytometry showing that Ca2+ in the ERS leaked out, and the intracellular Ca2+ concentration increased after FVP treatment. The pretreatment with the phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor U73122 proved that FVP caused excessive intracellular Ca2+ concentration by activating the phospholipase C–inositol‐1,4,5‐triphosphate (PLC‐IP3) pathway, resulting in ERS, and ultimately leading to apoptosis. In summary, our results indicated that FVP induced ERS‐mediated apoptosis by activating PLC–IP3 pathway in HepG2 cells.

Practical Application

This work may suggest that FVP could be used as an adjuvant therapy to anticancer drugs, providing new application prospects and possibilities.
Driving on Sunbeams: Interactions Between Price Incentives for Electric Vehicles, Residential Solar Photovoltaics and Household Battery Systems*
Authors: Martin Leslie A.
Published: December 2022

I discuss how electric vehicles (EVs) link transportation externalities to the regulations that govern our electricity markets. Specifically, I contrast the consequences of the incentives faced by joint EV and residential PV adopters under a system of monthly net metering to those under a system of instantaneous metering with feed‐in tariffs and behind‐the‐meter own consumption. I also discuss how, even within Australia, households under new solar PV contracts and early adopters under legacy contracts face very different private costs of operating EVs, which have environmental and congestion implications. I briefly discuss how these incentives interact with the profitability and environmental benefit of household battery systems. Finally, I comment on how these short‐term incentives are likely to evolve in the longer run transition to a much cleaner grid and warn about the potential negative distributional impacts of using purchase subsidies to accelerate the adoption of these technologies.
Meta‐analysis: Efficacy and safety of albumin in the prevention and treatment of complications in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Leache Leire , Gutiérrez‐Valencia Marta , Saiz Luis Carlos , Uriz Juan , Bolado Federico , García‐Erce José Antonio , Cantarelli Lorenzo , Erviti Juan
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Albumin is used in multiple situations in patients with cirrhosis, but the evidence of its benefit is not always clear. The aim was to synthesise the evidence on the efficacy and safety of albumin compared to other treatments or no active intervention in cirrhotic patients.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a systematic review including randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published in MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL up to May 2022. We assessed all‐cause mortality, liver transplant, cirrhosis complications of any type and serious adverse events (SAEs). Second, AEs, hospital readmission, length of hospital stay, need for paracentesis and quality of life (QoL) were evaluated. Meta‐analyses with Mantel–Haenszel method and random‐effects model were performed.

Results

Fifty studies (5118 participants) were included. Albumin was associated with a reduction in mortality in cirrhotic patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) (RR 0.49, 95% CI 0.32–0.75; low certainty) and hepatic encephalopathy (HE) (RR 0.53, 95% CI 0.34–0.83; low certainty) when compared to no administration of albumin, but not in other scenarios. In general, no additional benefit of albumin was found in liver transplants, SAEs or cirrhosis complications (low/very low certainty). Long‐term administration (>3 months) of albumin led to a reduction in cirrhosis complications (RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.57–0.97; low certainty), hospital readmissions, length of hospital stay, need for paracentesis and improvement of QoL.

Conclusion

Albumin may reduce mortality risk in cirrhotic patients with SBP or HE. No benefit was identified in reducing liver transplants or SAEs. Long‐term administration may be associated with a lower risk of cirrhosis complications and need for paracentesis.
To Live or Not To Live: That is the Question
Authors: Gerrard Jackie
Published: December 2022

This paper attempts to explore the stranglehold on the life of a patient who is be‐devilled by his inner world. It suggests that the opposite of Evil is the word itself backwards, that is, ‘Live’. In other words, reverse Evil and we have Live. Living is about loving (whole object relating) and working (being creative). Freud said that a normal person should be able to love and to work—‘Lieben und Arbeiten’ (Erikson, Childhood and Society, 1965, p. 256), which meant that the individual would not be so preoccupied with work productiveness ‘to the extent that he loses his right or capacity to be a genital and loving being’ (Erikson, p. 256). In this paper, the author considers the word ‘Live’—living in its fullest form of loving and working to be the counterpart to a non‐life dominated by the grip of destructiveness and evil thoughts. This theme is fleshed out through the clinical material on Mr A.
Debate: Should academics collaborate with digital companies to improve young people's mental health?
Authors: Livingstone Sonia , Orben Amy , Odgers Candice
Published: December 2022

Should academics collaborate with social media and gaming companies to identify and reduce mental health impacts on children and young people? While opinions on this question sharply diverge within the academic community, in practice collaboration is already widespread. As digital platforms increasingly dominate the time and attention of many young people and are the source of both considerable concern as well as offering innovative opportunities for beneficial interventions, researchers are recognising the potential for collaboration to accelerate positive impact. However, concerns over the independence and transparency of collaborative research have received little institutional or collective response. Recognising both the promise and the pitfalls, this debate article calls for multidisciplinary deliberation within the academy to support the co‐development of clear guidelines on the principles and processes by which collaboration is best undertaken, as well as the basis for ensuring that some research remains independent.
Identifying the key genes of Epstein–Barr virus‐regulated tumour immune microenvironment of gastric carcinomas
Authors: Zhou Heng , Jing Shuili , Liu Yu , Wang Xuming , Duan Xingxiang , Xiong Wei , Li Ruohan , Peng Youjian , Ai Yilong , Fu Dehao , Wang Hui , Zhu Yaoqi , Zeng Zhi , He Yan , Ye Qingsong
Published: December 2022

The Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is involved in the carcinogenesis of gastric cancer (GC) upon infection of normal cell and induces a highly variable composition of the tumour microenvironment (TME). However, systematic bioinformatics analysis of key genes associated with EBV regulation of immune infiltration is still lacking. In the present study, the TCGA and GEO databases were recruited to analyse the association between EBV infection and the profile of immune infiltration in GC. The weighted gene co‐expression analysis (WGCNA) was applied to shed light on the key gene modules associated with EBV‐associated immune infiltration in GC. 204 GC tissues were used to analysed the expression of key hub genes by using the immunohistochemical method. Real‐time PCR was used to evaluate the association between the expression of EBV latent/lytic genes and key immune infiltration genes. Our results suggested that EBV infection changed the TME of GC mainly regulates the TIICs. The top three hub genes of blue (GBP1, IRF1, and LAP3) and brown (BIN2, ITGAL, and LILRB1) modules as representative genes were associated with EBV infection and GC immune infiltration. Furthermore, EBV‐encoded LMP1 expression is account for the overexpression of GBP1 and IRF1. EBV infection significantly changes the TME of GC, and the activation of key immune genes was more dependent on the invasiveness of the whole EBV virion instead of single EBV latent/lytic gene expression.