bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Int&in: a machine learning-based web server for split site identification in inteins
Authors: Schmitz Mirko , Ballestin Jara Ballestin , Liang Junsheng , Tomas Franziska , Freist Leon , Voigt Karsten , Ventura Barbara Di , Öztürk Mehmet Ali
Published: September 2023

Inteins are proteins that excise themselves out of host proteins and ligate the flanking polypeptides in an auto-catalytic process called protein splicing. They are gaining momentum in synthetic biology for their ability to post-translationally modify proteins of interest. In nature, inteins are either contiguous or split, in which case the two intein fragments must first form a complex for the splicing to occur. So far, heuristic methods have been employed whenever a new split site in an intein had to be identified. To make the process of split site identification in inteins faster, easier and less costly, we developed Int&in, a web server that uses a gaussian Naïve Bayes machine learning model to predict active and inactive split sites with high accuracy. The model was trained on a data set generated by us and validated using a large diverse data set from the literature, resulting in an accuracy of 0.76. Int&in will facilitate the engineering of novel split inteins for applications in biotechnology and synthetic biology.
The interaction between NLRP1 and oxidized TRX1 involves a transient disulfide bond
Authors: Geeson Michael B. , Hsiao Jeffrey C. , Tsamouri Lydia P. , Ball Daniel P. , Bachovchin Daniel A.
Published: September 2023

NLRP1 is an innate immune receptor that detects pathogen-associated signals, assembles into a multiprotein structure called an inflammasome, and triggers a proinflammatory form of cell death called pyroptosis. We previously discovered that the oxidized, but not the reduced, form of thioredoxin-1 directly binds to NLRP1 and represses inflammasome formation. However, the molecular basis for NLRP1’s selective association with only the oxidized form of TRX1 has not yet been established. Here, we leveraged Alphafold-Multimer, site-directed mutagenesis, thiol-trapping experiments, and mass spectrometry to reveal that a specific cysteine residue (C427 in humans) on NLRP1 forms a transient disulfide bond with oxidized TRX1. Overall, this work demonstrates how NLRP1 monitors the cellular redox state, further illuminating an unexpected connection between the intracellular redox potential and the innate immune system.
The genetic architecture of the pepper metabolome provides insights into the regulation of capsianoside biosynthesis
Authors: Nauen Julia , Tripodi Pasquale , Wendenburg Regina , Tringovska Ivanka , Nakar Amol N. , Stoeva Veneta , Pasev Gancho , Klemmer Annabella , Todorova Velichka , Bulut Mustafa , Tikunov Yury , Bovy Arnaud , Gechev Tsanko , Kostova Dimitrina , Fernie Alisdair R. , Alseekh Saleh
Published: September 2023

Capsicum(pepper) is among the most economically important species worldwide, the fruit accumulates specialized metabolites with essential roles in plant environmental interaction and potential health benefits. However, the underlying genetic basis of their biosynthesis remains largely unknown. In this study, we developed and assessed both wild genetic variance and a bespoke mapping population to determine the genetic architecture of the pepper metabolome. The genetic analysis provided over 30 metabolic quantitative trait loci (mQTL) for over 1100 metabolites. We identified 92 candidate genes involved in various mQTL. Among the identified loci, we described and validated by transient overexpression a domestication gene cluster of eleven UDP-glycosyltransferases involved in monomeric capsianoside biosynthesis. We additionally constructed the biosynthetic reactions and annotated the genes involved in capsianoside biosynthesis in pepper. Given that differential glycosylation of acyclic diterpenoid glycosides contributes to plant resistance and acts as anticancer agents in humans, our data provide new insight, and resources for better understanding the biosynthesis of beneficial natural compounds to improve human health.
Heat ‘n Beat: A universal high-throughput end-to-end proteomics sample processing platform in under an hour
Authors: Xavier Dylan , Lucas Natasha , Williams Steven G , Koh Jennifer M. S. , Ashman Keith , Loudon Clare , Reddel Roger , Hains Peter G. , Robinson Phillip J.
Published: September 2023

Proteomic analysis by mass spectrometry (MS) of small (≤2 mg) solid tissue samples from diverse formats requires high throughput and comprehensive proteome coverage. We developed a near universal, rapid and robust protocol for sample preparation, suitable for high-throughput projects that encompass most cell or tissue types. This end-to-end workflow extends from original sample to loading the mass spectrometer and is centred on a one tube homogenisation and digestion method called Heat ‘n Beat (HnB). It is applicable to most tissues, regardless of how they were fixed or embedded. Sample preparation was divided to separate challenges. The initial sample washing, and final peptide clean-up steps were adapted to three tissue sources: fresh frozen (FF), optimal cutting temperature (OCT) compound embedded (FF-OCT), and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE). Thirdly, for core processing, tissue disruption and lysis were decreased to a 7 min heat and homogenisation treatment, and reduction, alkylation and proteolysis were optimised into a single step. The refinements produced near doubled peptide yield, delivered consistently high digestion efficiency of 85-90%, and required only 38 minutes for core processing in a single tube, with total processing time being 53-63 minutes. The robustness of HnB was demonstrated on six organ types, a cell line and a cancer biopsy. Its suitability for high throughput applications was demonstrated on a set of 1,171 FF-OCT human cancer biopsies, which were processed for end-to-end completion in 92 hours, producing highly consistent peptide yield and quality for over 3,513 MS runs.

Graphical Abstract
Decision support system to evaluate VENTilation in the Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Patel Brijesh , Mumby Sharon , Johnson Nicholas , Falaschetti Emanuela , Handslip Rhodri , Patel Sunil , Lee Teresa , Andersen Martin S , Adcock Ian M , McAuley Danny , Takata Masao , Staudinger Thomas , Karbing Dan S. , Jabaudon Matthieu , Schellongowski Peter , Rees Stephen E.
Published: September 2023

Rationale

The acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) shows significant heterogeneity in responsiveness to changes in mechanical ventilation and lacks personalisation.

Objectives

Investigate the clinical efficacy of a physiologic-based ventilatory decision support system (DSS) on ARDS patients.

Methods

An international, multi-centre, randomized, open-label study enrolling patients with ARDS during the COVID-19 pandemic. The primary outcome was to detect a reduction in average driving pressure between groups. Secondary outcomes included several clinically relevant measures of respiratory physiology, ventilator free days; time from control mode to support mode; number of changes in ventilator settings per day; percentage of time in control and support mode ventilation; ventilation related and device related adverse events; and number of times the advice is followed.

Measurements and Main Results. 95 patients were randomized to this study. The DSS showed was no effect in the average driving pressure between arms. Patients in the intervention arm had statistically improved oxygenation index when in support mode ventilation (−1.41, 95% CI: −2.76, −0.08; p=0.0370). Ventilatory ratio was also significantly improved in the intervention arm for patients in control mode ventilation (−0.63, 95% CI: −1.08, −0.17, p= 0.0068). The application of the DSS resulted in a significantly increased number of ventilator changes for pressure settings and respiratory frequency.

Conclusions

The application of a physiological model-based decision support system for advice on mechanical ventilation in patients with COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 ARDS showed that application of about 60% of advice improved physiological state, despite no significant difference in driving pressure as a primary outcome measure.
Genome sequencing as a generic diagnostic strategy for rare disease
Authors: Schobers Gaby , Derks Ronny , den Ouden Amber , Swinkels Hilde , van Reeuwijk Jeroen , Bosgoed Ermanno , Lugtenberg Dorien , Sun Su Ming , Corominas Galbany Jordi , Weiss Marjan , Blok Marinus J. , Olde Keizer Richelle A.C.M. , Hofste Tom , Hellebrekers Debby , de Leeuw Nicole , Stegmann Alexander , Kamsteeg Erik-Jan , Paulussen Aimee D.C. , Ligtenberg Marjolijn J.L. , Bradley Xiangqun Zheng , Peden John , Gutierrez Alejandra , Pullen Adam , Payne Tom , Gilissen Christian , van den Wijngaard Arthur , Brunner Han G. , Nelen Marcel , Yntema Helger G. , Vissers Lisenka E.L.M.
Published: September 2023

Background

To diagnose the full spectrum of hereditary and congenital diseases, genetic laboratories use many different workflows, ranging from karyotyping to exome sequencing. A single generic high-throughput workflow would greatly increase efficiency. We assessed whether genome sequencing (GS) can replace these existing workflows aimed at germline genetic diagnosis for rare disease.

Methods

We performed GS (NovaSeq™6000; 37x mean coverage) on 1,000 cases with 1,271 known clinically relevant variants, identified across different workflows, representative of our tertiary diagnostic centers. Variants were categorized into small variants (single nucleotide variants and indels <50 bp), large variants (copy number variants and short tandem repeats) and other variants (structural variants and aneuploidies). Variant calling format files were queried per variant, from which workflow-specific true positive rates (TPRs) for detection were determined. A TPR of ≥98% was considered the lower threshold for transition to GS. A GS-first scenario was generated for our laboratory, using diagnostic efficacy and predicted false negative as primary outcome measures. As input, we modeled the diagnostic path for all 24,570 individuals referred in 2022, combining the clinical referral, the transition of the underlying workflow(s) to GS, and the variant type(s) to be detected.

Results

Overall, 95% (1,206/1,271) of variants were detected. Detection rates differed per variant category: small variants in 96% (826/860), large variants in 93% (341/366), and other variants in 87% (39/45). TPRs varied between workflows (79-100%), with 7/10 being replaceable by GS. Models for our laboratory indicate that a GS-first strategy would be feasible for 84.9% of clinical referrals (750/883), translating to 71% of all individuals (17,444/24,570) receiving GS as their primary test. An estimated false negative rate of 0.3% could be expected.

Conclusion

GS can capture clinically relevant germline variants in a ‘GS-first strategy’ for the majority of clinical indications in a genetics diagnostic lab.
Multiscale chromatin dynamics and high entropy in plant iPSC ancestors
Authors: Rutowicz Kinga , Lüthi Joel , de Groot Reinoud , Holtackers René , Yakimovich Yauhen , Pazmiño Diana M. , Gandrillon Olivier , Pelkmans Lucas , Baroux Célia
Published: September 2023

Plant protoplasts constitute the starting material to induce pluripotent cell massesin vitrocompetent for tissue regeneration. Dedifferentiation is associated with large-scale chromatin reorganisation and massive transcriptome reprogramming, characterized by stochastic gene expression. How this cellular variability reflects on chromatin organisation in individual cells and what are the factors influencing chromatin transitions during culturing is largely unknown. High-throughput imaging and a custom, supervised image analysis protocol extracting over 100 chromatin features unravelled a rapid, multiscale dynamics of chromatin patterns which trajectory strongly depends on nutrients availability. Decreased abundance in H1 (linker histones) is hallmark of chromatin transitions. We measured a high heterogeneity of chromatin patterns indicating an intrinsic entropy as hallmark of the initial cultures. We further measured an entropy decline over time, and an antagonistic influence by external and intrinsic factors, such as phytohormones and epigenetic modifiers, respectively. Collectively, our study benchmarks an approach to understand the variability and evolution of chromatin patterns underlying plant cell reprogrammingin vitro.
Control of iron homeostasis by a regulatory protein-protein interaction inBacillus subtilis: The FurA (YlaN) acts as an antirepressor to the ferric uptake regulator Fur
Authors: Demann Lorenz , Bremenkamp Rica , Stahl Kolja , Hormes Björn , Warneke Robert , Rappsilber Juri , Stülke Jörg
Published: September 2023

Iron is essential for most organisms. However, two problems are associated with the use of iron for aerobically growing organisms: (i) its accumulation leads to the formation of toxic reactive oxygen species and (ii) it is present mainly as the highly insoluble ferric iron which makes the access to iron difficult. As a consequence, a tight regulation of iron homeostasis is required. This regulation is achieved in many bacteria by the ferric uptake repressor Fur. The way how the activity of Fur is controlled, has so far remained elusive. Here, we have identified the Fur antirepressor FurA (previously YlaN) in the model bacteriumBacillus subtilisand describe its function to release Fur from the DNA under conditions of iron limitation. The FurA protein physically interacts with Fur, and this interaction prevents Fur from binding to its target sites due to a complete re-orientation of the protein. Bothin vivoandin vitroexperiments using a reporter fusion and Fur-DNA binding assays, respectively, demonstrate that the Fur-FurA interaction prevents Fur from binding DNA and thus from repressing the genes required for iron uptake. Accordingly, the lack of FurA results in the inability of the cell to express the genes for iron uptake under iron-limiting conditions. This explains why thefurAgene was identified as being essential under standard growth conditions inB. subtilis. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that the control of Fur activity by the antirepressor FurA is confined to, but very widespread in bacteria of the class Bacilli.

IMPORTANCE

Iron is essential for most bacteria since it is required for many redox reactions. Under aerobic conditions, iron is both essential and toxic due to radical formation. Thus, iron homeostasis must be faithfully controlled. The transcription factor Fur is responsible for this regulation in many bacteria; however, the control of Fur activity has remained open. Here we describe the FurA protein, a so far unknown protein which acts as an antirepressor to Fur inBacillus subtilis. This mechanism seems to be widespread inB. subtilisand several important pathogens and might be a promising target for drug development.
Male pathology regardless of behaviour drives transmission in an avian host-pathogen system
Authors: Sauer Erin L. , Connelly Chloe , Perrine Weston , Love Ashely C. , DuRant Sarah E.
Published: September 2023

Host sex is an important source of heterogeneity in the severity of epidemics. Pinpointing the mechanisms causing this heterogeneity can be difficult because differences in behaviour among sexes (e.g. greater territorial aggression in males) can bias exposure risk, obfuscating the role of immune function, which can lead to differences in pathology, in driving differential susceptibility between sexes. Thus, sex-biased transmission driven by differences in immune function independent of behaviour is poorly understood, especially in non-mammalian systems. Here we examine the previously unexplored potential for male-biased pathology to affect transmission using an avian host-pathogen system. We employ a sex-dependent multistate transmission model parameterized with isolated, individual-based experimental exposures of domestic canaries and experimental transmission data of house finches. The experiment revealed that male birds have shorter incubation periods, longer recovery periods, higher pathogen burdens, and greater disease pathology, than females. Our model revealed that male-biased pathology led to epidemic size rapidly increasing with the proportion of male birds, with a nearly 16-fold increase in total epidemic size from an all-female to an all-male simulation. Our results demonstrate that female-biased resistance, independent of male behaviour, can drive sex-dependent transmission in wildlife, indicating that sex-based differences in immune function, not just differences in exposure risk, can shape epidemic dynamics.
Bacterial efflux pumps excrete SYTO™dyes from bacteria and lead to false-negative staining results
Authors: Minero G. A. , Larsen P. B. , Hoppe M. E. , Meyer R. L.
Published: September 2023

Multidrug efflux pumps excrete a range of small molecules from bacterial cells. In this study, we show that bacterial efflux pumps have affinity for a range of SYTO™ dyes that are commonly used to label bacteria. Efflux pump activity will there lead to false negative results from bacterial staining and SYTO™ dyes should be used with caution on live samples.

Abstract Figure
Structural basis of lipid head group entry to the Kennedy pathway by FLVCR1
Authors: Son Yeeun , Kenny Timothy C. , Khan Artem , Birsoy Kıvanç , Hite Richard K.
Published: September 2023

Phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine, the two most abundant phospholipids in mammalian cells, are synthesizedde novoby the Kennedy pathway from choline and ethanolamine, respectively1–6. Despite the importance of these lipids, the mechanisms that enable the cellular uptake of choline and ethanolamine remain unknown. Here, we show that FLVCR1, whose mutation leads to the neurodegenerative syndrome PCARP7–9, transports extracellular choline and ethanolamine into cells for phosphorylation by downstream kinases to initiate the Kennedy pathway. Structures of FLVCR1 in the presence of choline and ethanolamine reveal that both metabolites bind to a common binding site comprised of aromatic and polar residues. Despite binding to a common site, the larger quaternary amine of choline interacts differently with FLVCR1 than does the primary amine of ethanolamine. Structure-guided mutagenesis identified residues that are critical for the transport of ethanolamine, while being dispensable for choline transport, enabling functional separation of the entry points into the two branches of the Kennedy pathway. Altogether, these studies reveal how FLCVR1 is a high-affinity metabolite transporter that serves as the common origin for phospholipid biosynthesis by two branches of the Kennedy pathway.
Disruption of Epithelium Integrity by Inflammation-Associated Fibroblasts through Prostaglandin Signaling
Authors: Dong Yi , Johnson Blake A. , Ruan Linhao , Zeineldin Maged , Liu Albert Z. , Raychaudhuri Sumana , Chiu Ian , Zhu Jin , Smith Barbara , Zhao Nan , Searson Peter , Watanabe Shigeki , Donowitz Mark , Larman Tatianna C. , Li Rong
Published: September 2023

Inflammation-associated fibroblasts (IAFs) are associated with the progression and drug resistance of chronic inflammatory diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but their direct impact on epithelial function and architecture is unknown. In this study, we developed anin vitromodel whereby human colon fibroblasts are induced to become IAFs by specific cytokines and recapitulate key features of IAFsin vivo. When co-cultured with patient-derived colon organoids (colonoids), IAFs induced rapid colonoid swelling and barrier disruption due to swelling and rupture of individual epithelial cells. Epithelial cells co-cultured with IAFs also exhibit increased DNA damage, mitotic errors, and proliferation arrest. These IAF-induced epithelial defects are mediated through a paracrine pathway involving prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and the PGE2 receptor EP4, leading to PKA-dependent activation of the CFTR chloride channel. Importantly, EP4-specific chemical inhibitors effectively prevented colonoid swelling and restored normal proliferation and genome stability of IAF-exposed epithelial cells. These findings reveal a mechanism by which IAFs could promote and perpetuate IBD and suggest a potential treatment to mitigate inflammation-associated epithelial injury.

Teaser

Inflammation-associated fibroblasts compromise colon epithelial barrier integrity and genome stability via PGE2-EP4 signaling.
Age-related white matter differences in children with neurofibromatosis type 1 compared to controls
Authors: Bruckert L. , Travis K. E. , Tam L. T. , Yeom K. W. , Campen C. J.
Published: September 2023

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a common genetic condition in which 30-70% of children experience learning challenges including deficits in attention, executive function, and working memory. White matter pathways have been implicated in these cognitive functions; yet, they have not been well characterized in NF1. In this retrospective cohort study, we used diffusion MRI tractography to examine the microstructural properties of major white matter pathways in 20 children with NF1 aged 1 year to 18 years relative to 20 age-and sex-matched controls. An automated approach was used to identify and extract mean diffusivity (MD) and fractional anisotropy (FA) of eight cerebral white matter pathways bilaterally and the anterior and posterior part of the corpus callosum. Compared to controls, children with NF1 had significantly increased MD and significantly decreased FA in multiple white matter pathways including the anterior thalamic radiation, cingulate, uncinate fasciculus, inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus, arcuate fasciculus, and corticospinal tract. Differences in MD and FA remained significant after controlling for intracranial volume. In addition, MD and FA differences between children with NF1 and controls were greater at younger than older ages. These findings have implications for understanding the etiology of the neurocognitive deficits seen in many children with NF1.
Synthesis, crystal structure, stereochemical and Hirshfeld surface analysis of trans-diaquabis(1-phenylpropane-1,2-diamine-κ2
N,N′)nickel(II) dichloride dihydrate
Authors: Akila Shanmugasundaram , Vidhyasagar Thankakan , Thiruvalluvar Aravazhi Amalan , Rajeswari Krishnan
Published: September 2023

In the hydrated complex salt, [Ni(C9H14N2)2(H2O)2]Cl2·2H2O, the asymmetric unit comprises of half of the complex cation along with one chloride anion and one non-coordinating water molecule. The central nickel(II) atom is located on an inversion center and is coordinated in a trans octahedral fashion by four N atoms from two bidentate 1,2-diamino-1-phenylpropane ligands in the equatorial plane, and by two oxygen atoms from two water molecules occupying the axial sites. The five-membered chelate ring is in a slightly twisted envelope conformation. The crystal packing features O—H...Cl, N—H...O and N—H...Cl hydrogen bonds. Hirshfeld surface analysis revealed that the most important contributions to the crystal packing are from H...H (56.4%), O...H/H...O (16.4%) and H...Cl (13.3%) interactions. The crystal void volume was calculated to be 15.17%.
Knowledge on female hygiene and its associated diseases: a mini review
Authors: Girigoswami Koyeli , Girigoswami Agnishwar , Harini A. , Thanujashree J.
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Menstruation is a part of the female reproductive cycle that begins with adolescence. Menstruation is a natural change; it relates to several malpractices and misconceptions that may contribute to adverse health outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have searched relevant papers using Google Scholar and PubMed to write this mini review.

Findings

During menstruation, poor hygiene maintenance can cause serious illness, which includes the urinary tract and reproductive tract infection. Menstruation management is a hygienic system, and it is essential for females because poor hygiene maintenance during menstruation can cause some infections and numerous sexually transmitted diseases. There are a few nanotechnology-based products that have come into the market to offer some relief to females during their periods.

Originality/value

This mini review will help researchers to design innovative female hygiene products that can relieve the discomfort caused to women during their reproductive age.
Losing faith in paid employment: an extension of the psychological contract breach model as a predictor of self-employment
Authors: Abord de Chatillon Emmanuel , Bornard Fabienne , Ottmann Jean-Yves , Felio Cindy
Published: September 2023

Purpose

It seems that some aspects of employees' experience can lead to their “losing faith in the system of paid employment”. This disillusion can be studied and measured through the theoretical construct of a psychological contract breach experienced by the employee. This exploratory article thus examines whether the conditions of paid employment could lead to a new dimension of psychological contract breaches: a breach with paid employment itself that could drive to self-employment.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use a structural equation modeling on a sample of 403 people who have declared their intention to leave paid employment for self-employment.

Findings

The study's results show that working conditions affect psychological contract breaches in various dimensions. The authors propose a dimension of psychological contract breaches linked to paid employment, which can lead to the choice to leave paid employment and become self-employed. The authors also confirm the importance of working conditions as antecedents of psychological contract breaches.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitations of this exploratory research are the use of unvalidated scales and a small sample size, with a population that could be better defined. As Murgia et al. (2020) point out, it is not yet clear at the moment whether this category is a special group, equivalent to traditionally distinguished groups of working people. The study's assumptions and these limitations lead us to propose the following avenues for future research.

Practical implications

For managers and the development of management, the possible relationship between working conditions and psychological contract breaches seems to be very important. In fact, a whole range of best management practices could be developed if this relationship is confirmed. Improving working conditions could thus be a way to repair psychological contracts.

Social implications

This research field is still quite underdeveloped in comparison to its importance to organizations because the increase in self-employment challenges traditional models and assumptions in human resources management.

Originality/value

This study aims to expand the theoretical frameworks of psychological contracts and breaches. It thus responds to recent calls for research on psychological contracts (Bankins et al., 2020); Moreover, this research suggests, in line with the work of Aubert and de Gaulejac (2018), that there are relationships between poor working conditions and psychological contract breaches. To the authors' knowledge, this approach is missing from international research into psychological contracts, which focuses only on job characteristics and individual determinants (personality traits, etc.).
Impact of augmented reality on operational performance: the mediating role of process innovativeness
Authors: Turkcan Hulya , Imamoglu Salih Zeki , Ince Huseyin
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationships between augmented reality, process innovativeness and operational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is based on a quantitative approach using a questionnaire survey from a total of 117 firms in the automotive sector. The hypothesized relationships are tested using partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

This study demonstrates that augmented reality is positively associated with process innovativeness, and process innovativeness is positively related to operational performance. Furthermore, it is found that process innovativeness fully mediates the relationship between augmented reality and operational performance.

Originality/value

Although augmented reality attracts great attention from academics and practitioners, the current literature lacks an empirical investigation on how augmented reality creates value for the business. Addressing this crucial gap, this research is the first attempt to empirically reveal the role of augmented reality in facilitating process innovativeness and also unearthing how augmented reality improves operational performance. Therefore, this study offers novel insights into the role of augmented reality in business and provides theoretical and managerial contributions.
Brand equity determinants and ecologically conscious consumer behavior in ridesharing: serial mediation and moderation analysis
Authors: Singh Anurag , Patel Ashok Kumar , Jaiswal Shefali , Duhan Punita , Singh Vinod Kumar
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study focuses on Aaker's Brand Equity Model, to check the effect of brand equity determinants on booking intention (BI) for ridesharing in India. The study also explores the moderation of ecologically conscious consumer behavior (ECCB) on the multiplicative effect of brand awareness (BAw), brand association (BA) and perceived quality (PQ) in influencing the BI.

Design/methodology/approach

Responses from 393 Indian ridesharing users were collected using judgmental sampling and were analyzed using Hayes Process macro.

Findings

The study found a direct relationship between BAw and BI, BAw and BA, BAw and PQ, BA and PQ, PQ and BI, and BA and BI. Findings revealed mediation of BA in BAw and BI relationship and PQ in BAw and BI relationship. Results revealed that BA and PQ serially mediate BAw and BI relationship. ECCB moderates PQ and BI relationship but not BAw and BI relationship.

Research limitations/implications

Serial mediation and moderated-mediation results draw various theoretical implications for determinants of Aaker's Brand Equity model and ECCB.

Practical implications

The research has several implications for managers in view of brand equity determinants and ECCB. The study also contributes to policy implications.

Originality/value

Study's novel contributions are mediation, serial mediation between brand equity determinants, and moderation of ECCB between BAw and BI for ridesharing.
Reel critical: using film to teach Indigenous studies in the elementary classroom
Authors: Van Haren Kate , Stebbins Abigail
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Film has long been an instructional tool in social studies education; however, most research and methods for using film to teach social studies are situated at the secondary level. As such, the purpose of this study was to extend and expand what is known about using film in elementary social studies classrooms. More specifically, this qualitative content analysis study explored how and why elementary pre-service teachers (PSTs) used film clips from Molly of Denali to design critical Indigenous studies lessons. The data offer insight into the possibilities of using film as a strategy to teach anti-oppressive elementary social studies education.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used qualitative content analysis in this study. Data for this study included 17 lesson planning assignments and corresponding written rationales completed by PSTs in an elementary social studies methods course. Data collected as a result of convenience sampling, given both the authors were the instructors of the methods course. To analyze the data, the authors used a multi-step coding process and a combination of inductive and deductive coding.

Findings

Grounded in a framework of anti-oppressive and anti-colonial education, PSTs designed elementary social studies lessons that used film clips from Molly of Denali to increase representation, center a counter-narrative and serve as a motivator. PSTs also infused other sources into their lesson plans, thus extending their lessons beyond the film.

Originality/value

Given the lack of research on how film can be used in elementary social studies classrooms, this study fills a void in the literature. Results of this study suggest that similar to the benefits of using film in secondary classrooms, film can be an engaging and motivating source of information for elementary students. Moreover, when used within a critical pedagogical framework like Sabzalian's (2019) critical orientations of Indigenous studies, film can increase representation and teach anti-oppressive counter-narratives in the elementary classroom.
‘Having the dog as part of our family gives us hope’: Experiences of the impact of assistance dogs on the occupational engagement of children with autism and their families
Authors: Agnew Zoe , Callaway Libby , Lalor Aislinn , Peart Annette , Bould Em
Published: September 2023

Background

Autism is a developmental disorder characterised by changes in social, communication, and behavioural performance. Assistance dogs can support children with autism to engage in everyday occupations. Despite more children being partnered with assistance dogs, there is limited research regarding the impact of assistance dogs on the occupational engagement of children with autism and their families, and further research is needed to fully understand the impact of this type of support within the Australian context.

Objectives

To explore caregiver‐reported experiences of an assistance dog on the occupational engagement of children with autism and their families.

Method

Using a qualitative approach, semi‐structured interviews were undertaken with six caregivers of seven children with autism, who each had an assistance dog. Interviews ranged from 45 to 60 minutes in duration. Data were transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. Trustworthiness was maximised through independent recruitment, research team discussions, member checking, and a researcher reflective journal.

Findings

Three themes were identified: participation in everyday occupations prior to and after partnering with an assistance dog, increased engagement in everyday occupations, and impact of the assistance dog on the family unit. Assistance dogs were reported to progress children from community ‘isolation’ to ‘freedom’. Participants reported the dog increased children's capacities through positively influencing completion of routines, increasing independence, and improving therapy engagement. Assistance dogs were viewed as supporting the whole family's occupational engagement. Some challenges were identified with the introduction of the assistance dog to the family unit, and with animal maintenance costs and time demands, public access rights, and limited government funding.

Conclusion

This research identifies benefits and challenges for children who partner with autism assistance dogs. It provides insights to inform assistance animal referral, assessment, and support of assistance dogs in Australia for children with autism and occupational therapists working with them.
Stabilization and valorization of tomato byproduct: A case study for the bakery industry
Authors: Fernandez‐Pan Idoya , Ibañez Francisco C. , Virseda Paloma , Arozarena Iñigo , Beriain María José
Published: September 2023

Worldwide, tomato production is estimated at 180 million tons per year, which generates a byproduct with highly variable characteristics and volumes. According to the principles of the circular economy, a semi‐industrial method for the integral use of the tomato byproduct as an ingredient in the bakery industry is proposed. Using two different dehydration processes (convection or freeze‐drying), a tomato byproduct formed by peels and seeds was stabilized and ground into flours that were used as ingredients in focaccia‐type flatbread elaboration through a wheat flour partial substitution trial (from 0% to 20% w/w). Based on the kinetics of convection drying and remaining lycopene content results, conditioning of the byproduct at 60°C was proposed. The higher the percentage of substitution, the greater the firmness of the flatbread. However, the cutting force was maximum with 15% replacement. The flatbreads with 5%–15% replacement were rated positively according to consumer acceptance studies. Substitution of up to 15% tomato byproduct is suggested for the formulation, as the higher the byproduct flour content, the lower the volume, the higher the firmness, and reddish‐brown tones. Realistically, for the industrial setting, this processing proposal reached the whole food chain, from field to fork.

Practical Application

Based on the circular economy and considering the whole food chain, a case study is proposed to prove the usefulness of tomato byproduct flour implementation in bakery with consumers’ acceptance. Once the tomato byproduct was dehydrated by convection drying and ground, the flour was used to make focaccia‐type flatbread. Up to 15% of tomato byproduct flour addition was accepted by consumers. Considering the tons of tomato byproducts generated worldwide and the overall bakery possibilities, this case shows industrial steps toward sustainable food production practices.
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia with intestinal Behçet's disease: A case report
Authors: Liu Chang , Fu Caihong , Guo Xuemei , Rong Liucheng , Li Jian , Fang Yongjun
Published: September 2023

Behçet's disease (BD) is a rare condition that is seldom associated with hematological malignancies. In this case report, we present the unique case of a 7‐year‐old girl diagnosed with juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) and intestinal BD. The patient received allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT), which resulted in complete remission of both JMML and BD. Our findings suggest that allo‐HSCT may be a feasible treatment option for JMML patients with coexisting BD, and holds promise for achieving remission of both illnesses. However, further clinical investigations are needed to validate these findings.
Paclitaxel promotes mTOR signaling‐mediated apoptosis in esophageal cancer cells by targeting MUC20
Authors: Li Meng , Feng Zhen , Han Rui , Hu Benchuang , Zhang Renfeng , Wang Hui
Published: September 2023

Background

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of paclitaxel on the apoptosis of esophageal cancer cells in relation to MUC20.

Methods

RT‐qPCR analysis, a CCK‐8 assay, western blotting, and flow cytometry were used to analyze the anticancer effects of paclitaxel treatment or OE‐MUC20 in vitro and in vivo.

Results

The in vitro results showed that paclitaxel significantly induced MUC20 upregulation and that paclitaxel treatment or OE‐MUC20 significantly decreased esophageal cancer cell viability and increased mTOR signaling activation and apoptosis. In addition, PKM2, a key downstream molecule of mTOR signaling, similarly showed significant upregulation after paclitaxel treatment in cells with OE‐MUC20, and its expression was attenuated after treatment with mTOR inhibitors. In a nude mouse model, tumor growth was slow in the OE‐MUC20 group and accelerated after inhibition of mTOR signaling.

Conclusion

These data suggest that MUC20 is an important target of paclitaxel in esophageal cancer and promotes apoptosis through activation of mTOR signaling.
Antibiotic use as a risk factor for irritable bowel syndrome: Results from a nationwide, case–control study
Authors: Staller Kyle , Olén Ola , Söderling Jonas , Roelstraete Bjorn , Törnblom Hans , Kuo Braden , Nguyen Long H. , Ludvigsson Jonas F.
Published: September 2023

Background

The microbiome plays an important role in the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Antibiotic use can fundamentally alter gut microbial ecology. We examined the association of antibiotic use with IBS in a large population‐based investigation.

Methods

A case–control study with prospectively collected data on 29,111 adult patients diagnosed with IBS in Sweden between 2007 and 2016 matched with 135,172 controls. Using a comprehensive histopathology cohort, the Swedish Patient Register, and the Prescribed Drug Register, we identified all consecutive cases of IBS in addition to cumulative antibiotic dispensations accrued until 1 year prior to IBS (exclusionary period) for cases and time of matching for up to five general population controls matched on the basis of age, sex, country and calendar year. Conditional logistic regression estimated multivariable‐adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the risk of IBS.

Results

Patients with IBS (n = 29,111) were more likely than controls (n = 135,172) to have used antibiotics up to 1 year prior to diagnosis (74.9% vs. 57.8%). After multivariable adjustment, this translated to a more than twofold increased odds of IBS (OR 2.21, 95% CI 2.14–2.28) that did not differ according to age, sex, year of IBS diagnosis or IBS subtype. Compared to none, 1–2 (OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.61–1.73) and ≥3 antibiotics dispensations (OR 3.36, 95% CI 3.24–3.49) were associated with increased odds of IBS (p for trend <0.001) regardless of the antibiotic class.

Conclusions

Prior antibiotics use was associated with an increased odds of IBS with the highest risk among people with multiple antibiotics dispensations.
Policymaking and the Design Workshop: A New Business Direction
Authors: Kim Chorong , Nam Ki‐Young
Published: September 2023

By all means, design firms should take advantage of the newfound interest in design within government policymaking circles. However, to ensure success—and avoid giving design a bad name in the wake of failed initiatives—be sure to prepare all the participants beforehand with hands‐on design workshops.

Across the globe, design firms are seeing interest from government policymakers who want to incorporate design—and especially codesign—into their work. Yes, it may be a great new line of business, but it will require some stakeholder education.
Optimizing CAR‐T cell therapy in adults with B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Agrawal Vaibhav , Murphy Lindsey , Pourhassan Hoda , Pullarkat Vinod , Aldoss Ibrahim
Published: September 2023

Chimeric antigen receptor T‐cell (CAR‐T) therapy has demonstrated unprecedented success in the treatment of various hematologic malignancies including relapsed or refractory (R/R) B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B‐ALL). Currently, there are two FDA‐approved CD19‐directed CAR‐T cell products for the treatment of adults with R/R B‐ALL. Despite high remission rates following CD19 CAR‐T cell therapy in R/R B‐ALL, remission durability remains limited in most adult patients, with relapse observed frequently in the absence of additional consolidation therapy. Furthermore, the burden of CAR‐T cell toxicity remains significant in adults with R/R B‐ALL and further limits the wide utilization of this effective therapy. In this review, we discuss patient and disease factors that are linked to CAR‐T cell therapy outcomes in R/R B‐ALL and strategies to optimize durability of response to reduce relapse and mitigate toxicity in the adult population. We additionally discuss future approaches being explored to maximize the benefit of CAR‐T in adults with B‐ALL.
The evolution of parasite virulence under targeted culling and harvesting in wildlife and livestock
Authors: O'Neill Xander , White Andy , Boots Mike
Published: September 2023

There is a clear need to understand the effect of human intervention on the evolution of infectious disease. In particular, culling and harvesting of both wildlife and managed livestock populations are carried out in a wide range of management practices, and they have the potential to impact the evolution of a broad range of disease characteristics. Applying eco‐evolutionary theory we show that once culling/harvesting becomes targeted on specific disease classes, the established result that culling selects for higher virulence is only found when sufficient infected individuals are culled. If susceptible or recovered individuals are targeted, selection for lower virulence can occur. An important implication of this result is that when culling to eradicate an infectious disease from a population, while it is optimal to target infected individuals, the consequent evolution can increase the basic reproductive ratio of the infection, , and make parasite eradication more difficult. We show that increases in evolved virulence due to the culling of infected individuals can lead to excess population decline when sustainably harvesting a population. In contrast, culling susceptible or recovered individuals can select for decreased virulence and a reduction in population decline through culling. The implications to the evolution of virulence are typically the same in wildlife populations, that are regulated by the parasite, and livestock populations, that have a constant population size where restocking balances the losses due to mortality. However, the well‐known result that vertical transmission selects for lower virulence and transmission in wildlife populations is less marked in livestock populations for parasites that convey long‐term immunity since restocking can enhance the density of the immune class. Our work emphasizes the importance of understanding the evolutionary consequences of intervention strategies and the different ecological feedbacks that can occur in wildlife and livestock populations.
BRANDS, TRUST AND QUALITY IN AGRO‐FOOD PRODUCTION NETWORKS: THE CASE OF LAYER HENS
Authors: Franz Martin , Rolfsmeier Sebastian
Published: September 2023

The expansion of primary breeding companies for layer hens has reached a global scale. Two groups of companies, the Dutch Hendrix Genetics BV and the German EW Group GmbH, dominate the trade with layer hens for industrial egg production in most countries of the world. This article aims to identify the main actors of industrial egg production and to analyse the structure of the global layer hen production network. Furthermore, this paper examines the importance of brands and quality within the production network. While the primary breeding level is discussed on a global scale, the secondary breeding level and the egg production is analysed at a national level for Germany. Since the importance of brands is strongly related to the quality of the products and the trust therein, the structure of the layer hen production network in regard to the role of brands and trust is evaluated. For this evaluation, the authors combined the global production network approach with elements of the convention theory.
WHOSE CITY? KYIV AND ITS RIVER AFTER SOCIALISM
Authors: Cybriwsky Roman Adrian
Published: September 2023

This article looks at changing land use along the banks of the Dnipro River (formerly Dnieper River) in Kyiv, Ukraine (formerly Kiev) as an example of rising social inequality since the collapse of Soviet socialism. A working assumption is that tangible symbols of power and privilege such as lavish private housing and land development for profit are more evident in post‐socialist society than they were during Communism, and that the amenity‐rich river zone in the center of Kyiv is ripe for gentrification of beaches, parks, and high hills with river views. The research is based on detailed field work along the Dnipro and study of maps and air photographs. Our data indicate that prime space along the river is being appropriated by private interests for profit or personal use, often without respect to environmental considerations, treasured historic landscapes, and the rule of land use law. In this way, the historic character of Kyiv is being eroded, and public access to the river and its resources is reduced.