bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protective effects of nicotinamide in a mouse model of glaucoma DBA/2 studied by second-harmonic generation microscopy
Authors: Boodram Vinessia , Lim Hyungsik
Published: March 2024

Glaucoma is a blinding disease where the retinal ganglion cells and their axons degenerate. Degradation of axonal microtubules is thought to play a critical role in the pathogenesis, but the mechanism is unknown. Here we investigate whether microtubule disruption in glaucoma can be alleviated by metabolic rescue. The morphology and integrity of microtubules of the retinal nerve fibers were evaluated by second-harmonic generation microscopy in a mouse model of glaucoma, DBA/2, which received a dietary supplement of nicotinamide to reduce metabolic stress. It was compared with control DBA/2, which did not receive nicotinamide, and non-glaucomatous DBA/2-Gpnmb+. We found that morphology but not microtubules are significantly protected by nicotinamide. Furthermore, from co-registered images of second-harmonic generation and immunofluorescence, it was determined that microtubule deficit was not due to a shortage of tubulins. Microtubule deficit colocalized with the sectors in which the retinal ganglion cells were disconnected from the brain, indicating that microtubule disruption is associated with axonal transport deficit in glaucoma. Together, our data suggests significant role axonal microtubules play in glaucomatous degeneration, offering a new opportunity for neuroprotection.
Laminar specificity and coverage of viral-mediated gene expression restricted to GABAergic interneurons and their parvalbumin subclass in marmoset primary visual cortex
Authors: Federer Frederick , Balsor Justin , Ingold Alexander , Babcock David P. , Dimidschstein Jordane , Angelucci Alessandra
Published: March 2024

In the mammalian neocortex, inhibition is important for dynamically balancing excitation and shaping the response properties of cells and circuits. The various computational functions of inhibition are thought to be mediated by different inhibitory neuron types of which a large diversity exists in several species. Current understanding of the function and connectivity of distinct inhibitory neuron types has mainly derived from studies in transgenic mice. However, it is unknown whether knowledge gained from mouse studies applies to the non-human primate, the model system closest to humans. The lack of viral tools to selectively access inhibitory neuron types has been a major impediment to studying their function in the primate. Here, we have thoroughly validated and characterized several recently-developed viral vectors designed to restrict transgene expression to GABAergic cells or their parvalbumin (PV) subtype, and identified two types that show high specificity and efficiency in marmoset V1. We show that in marmoset V1 AAV-h56D induces transgene expression in GABAergic cells with up to 91-94% specificity and 79% efficiency, but this depends on viral serotype and cortical layer. AAV-PHP.eB-S5E2 induces transgene expression in PV cells across all cortical layers with up to 98% specificity and 86-90% efficiency, depending on layer. Thus, these viral vectors are promising tools for studying GABA and PV cell function and connectivity in the primate cortex.
How low can you go? Short-read polishing of Oxford Nanopore bacterial genome assemblies
Authors: Bouras George , Judd Louise M. , Edwards Robert A. , Vreugde Sarah , Stinear Timothy P. , Wick Ryan R.
Published: March 2024

It is now possible to assemble near-perfect bacterial genomes using Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) long reads, but short-read polishing is still required for perfection. However, the effect of short-read depth on polishing performance is not well understood. Here, we introduce Pypolca (with default and careful parameters) and Polypolish v0.6.0 (with a new careful parameter). We then show that: (1) all polishers other than Pypolca-careful, Polypolish-default and Polypolish-careful commonly introduce false-positive errors at low depth; (2) most of the benefit of short-read polishing occurs by 25× depth; (3) Polypolish-careful never introduces false-positive errors at any depth; and (4) Pypolca-careful is the single most effective polisher. Overall, we recommend the following polishing strategies: Polypolish-careful alone when depth is very low (<5×), Polypolish-careful and Pypolca-careful when depth is low (5–25×), and Polypolish-default and Pypolca-careful when depth is sufficient (>25×).

Data Summary

Pypolca is open-source and freely available on Bioconda, PyPI, and GitHub (github.com/gbouras13/pypolca). Polypolish is open-source and freely available on Bioconda and GitHub (github.com/rrwick/Polypolish). All code and data required to reproduce analyses and figures are available atgithub.com/gbouras13/depth_vs_polishing_analysis. All FASTQ sequencing reads are available at BioProjectPRJNA1042815. A detailed list of accessions can be found in Table S1.
Targeting Maternal Gut Microbiome to Improve Mental Health Outcomes-A Pilot Feasibility Trial
Authors: Gallant Faith , Cooley Kieran , Grigoriadis Sophie , Ebrahimi Neda
Published: March 2024

Background

Perinatal Depression and anxiety (PDA) is prevalent in new and expectant mothers affecting millions of women worldwide. Those with a history of mood and anxiety disorders are at the greatest risk of experiencing PDA at a subsequent pregnancy. Current safety concerns with pharmacological treatments have led to a greater need for adjunctive treatment options for PDA. Changes in the composition of the microbiome have been associated with various diseases during pregnancy and these changes are thought to be at least partially at play in perinatal mood disorders. While the relation between PDA and the microbiome has not been explored, evidence suggests that nutritional interventions, with fiber, fish oils, and probiotics, may play a favorable role in neuropsychiatric outcomes during and after pregnancy. The primary objective of the present study is to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a combination of non-pharmacological interventions in currently stable and pregnant women with a history of anxiety and/or depression. This study will also aim to understand ease of recruitment, treatment compliance, and protocol adherence in this cohort.

Methods

This a single centered, partially randomized-placebo controlled-double blind feasibility trial. 100 pregnant women, with a history of depression and/or anxiety/PDA will be recruited and randomized into one of four arms which could include: receiving a daily dose of both investigational products and dietary counselling on increasing dietary fiber, receiving a daily dose of both investigational drugs only, receiving fish oil investigational product and placebo, and a control arm with no intervention. The study involves six study visits, all of which can be conducted virtually every 3 months from the time of enrollment. At all study visits, information on diet, mental health, physical activity, and sleep quality will be collected. Additionally, all participants will provide a stool sample at each visit.

Discussion

It is anticipated that pregnant women with a history of depression and anxiety will be particularly interested in partaking in this trial, resulting in favourable recruitment rates. Given the positive findings of O3FA and probiotic supplements on mental health symptoms in non-pregnant adults, we expect a similar trend in PDA symptoms, with a low likelihood of adverse events. This study will build the foundation for larger powered studied to further contribute evidence for the efficacy of this potential treatment option.

Trial Registration

This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials/gov on October 6, 2023;NCT06074250. Trial Sponsor: The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, 1255 Sheppard Ave E, Toronto, ON M2K 1E2, 416-498-1255.
Glial activation mediates phenotypic effects ofAPOEε4and sex in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Lane Roger M. , Li Dan , Darreh-Shori Taher
Published: March 2024

INTRODUCTION

This study examined the impact ofapolipoprotein ɛ4(APOEɛ4) allele frequency and sex on the phenotype of Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

METHODS

The baseline characteristics, CSF, and neuroimaging biomarkers, and cognition scores collected from 45 patients aged 50-74 years with confirmed early AD from clinical trialNCT03186989were evaluated in a post-hoc study.

RESULTS

A phenotypic spectrum was observed from a predominant amyloid and limbic-amnestic phenotype in maleAPOEɛ4homozygotes to a predominantly tau, limbic-sparing, and multidomain cognitive impairment phenotype in femaleAPOEɛ4noncarriers. Amyloid pathology inversely correlated with tau pathophysiology, glial activation, and synaptic injury, with the strongest correlations observed in maleAPOEɛ4carriers. Tau pathophysiology was correlated with glial activation, synaptic injury, and neuroaxonal damage, with the strongest correlation observed in femaleAPOEɛ4noncarriers.

DISCUSSION

Glial activation is influenced by apoE isoform and sex, which explains much of the phenotypic heterogeneity in early AD below age 75 years.

HIGHLIGHTS

APOEɛ4homozygotes displayed a predominantly amyloid and limbic-amnestic phenotype.

FemaleAPOEɛ4noncarriers displayed a predominantly tau, limbic-sparing, and multidomain cognitive impairment phenotype.

In maleAPOEɛ4carriers, amyloid pathology was inversely correlated with tau pathophysiology, synaptic injury, and glial activation

Females displayed a non-APOEɛ4allele frequency-dependent increase in glial activation and synaptic injury

In femaleAPOEɛ4noncarriers, tau pathophysiology was strongly correlated with glial activation, synaptic injury, and neuroaxonal damage

RESEARCH IN CONTEXT

Systematic review

The impact ofAPOEɛ4alleles and sex on phenotypic features was examined in 45 patients, aged 50-74 years, with early AD.

Interpretation

Findings were consistent with prior reports and suggest that glial activation, influenced by apoE isoform and sex, explains much of the phenotypic heterogeneity in early AD below age 75 years. Lower glial activation inAPOEɛ4homozygotes associated with the highest levels of amyloid and the lowest levels of tau pathology, and a limbic-amnestic phenotype, suggesting degeneration of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons. Higher glial activation in femaleAPOEɛ4noncarriers was associated with the highest tau pathology and synaptic injury, the lowest amyloid pathology, greater ventricular expansion, and multi-domain cognitive deficits.

Future directions

This work defined a combined sex, genotype, and age framework that delineates multiple pathways to end-stage AD. Confirmation is required, followed by optimization of therapeutic approaches to amyloid, tau, and glial activation pathologies along the disease stage continuum.
T cell cholesterol transport is a metabolic checkpoint that links intestinal immune responses to dietary lipid absorption
Authors: Gao Yajing , Kennelly John P. , Xiao Xu , Whang Emily , Ferrari Alessandra , Bedard Alexander H. , Mack Julia J. , Nguyen Alexander H. , Weston Thomas , Uchiyama Lauren F. , Lee Min Sub , Young Stephen G. , Bensinger Steven J. , Tontonoz Peter
Published: March 2024

The intrinsic pathways that control membrane organization in immune cells and the impact of such pathways on cellular function are not well defined. Here we report that the non-vesicular cholesterol transporter Aster-A links plasma membrane (PM) cholesterol availability in T cells to immune signaling and systemic metabolism. Aster-A is recruited to the PM during T-cell receptor (TCR) activation, where it facilitates the removal of newly generated “accessible” membrane cholesterol. Loss of Aster-A leads to excess PM cholesterol accumulation, resulting in enhanced TCR nano-clustering and signaling, and Th17 cytokine production. Finally, we show that the mucosal Th17 response is restrained by PM cholesterol remodeling. Ablation of Aster-A in T cells leads to enhanced IL-22 production, reduced intestinal fatty acid absorption, and resistance to diet-induced obesity. These findings delineate a multi-tiered regulatory scheme linking immune cell lipid flux to nutrient absorption and systemic physiology.
A Scalable Adaptive Quadratic Kernel Method for Interpretable Epistasis Analysis in Complex Traits
Authors: Fu Boyang , Anand Prateek , Anand Aakarsh , Mefford Joel , Sankararaman Sriram
Published: March 2024

Our knowledge of the contribution of genetic interactions (epistasis) to variation in human complex traits remains limited, partly due to the lack of efficient, powerful, and interpretable algorithms to detect interactions. Recently proposed approaches for set-based association tests show promise in improving power to detect epistasis by examining the aggregated effects of multiple variants. Nevertheless, these methods either do not scale to large numbers of individuals available in Biobank datasets or do not provide interpretable results. We, therefore, propose QuadKAST, a scalable algorithm focused on testing pairwise interaction effects (also termed asquadratic effects) of a set of genetic variants on a trait and quantifying the proportion of phenotypic variance explained by these effects.

We performed comprehensive simulations and demonstrated that QuadKAST is well-calibrated. Additionally, QuadKAST is highly sensitive in detecting loci with epistatic signal and accurate in its estimation of quadratic effects. We applied QuadKAST to 53 quantitative phenotypes measured in ≈ 300, 000 unrelated white British individuals in the UK Biobank to test for quadratic effects within each of 9, 515 protein-coding genes (after accounting for linear additive effects). We detected 32 trait-gene pairs across 17 traits that demonstrate statistically significant signals of quadratic effects (accounting for the number of genes and traits tested). Our method enables the detailed investigation of epistasis on a large scale, offering new insights into its role and importance.
Intersite spin nematic ordering in the spin-
12
chain system
Authors: Zvyagin A. A. , Slavin V. V.
Published: March 2024

A spin-1/2 chain system coupled to the elastic subsystem of the crystal is considered. Due to that coupling, the intersite spin nematic ordering in the spin subsystem takes place. The phase transition to the ordered phase is studied using the exact quantum-mechanical approach. It is shown how the nonzero temperature and the external magnetic field affect the transition to the intersite spin nematic phase and the phase itself.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Disoriented isospin condensates may be the source of anomalous kaon correlations measured in Pb-Pb collisions at
sNN=2.76
TeV
Authors: Kapusta Joseph I. , Pratt Scott , Singh Mayank
Published: March 2024

The magnitude of fluctuations between charged and neutral kaons measured by the ALICE Collaboration in heavy-ion collisions at the LHC exceeds conventional explanation. Here it is shown that if the scalar condensate, which is typically associated with chiral symmetry, is accompanied by an isospin=1 field, then the combination can produce large fluctuations where 〈u¯u〉≠〈d¯d〉. Hadronizing strange and antistrange quarks might then strongly fluctuate between charged (us¯ or su¯) and neutral (ds¯ or sd¯) kaons.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Von Neumann entropy and Lindblad decoherence in the high-energy limit of strong interactions
Authors: Chachamis G. , Hentschinski M. , Sabio Vera A.
Published: March 2024

Quantum properties of the state associated to the gluon Green’s function in the Balitsky-Fadin-Kuraev-Lipatov approach are studied using a discretization in virtuality space. Considering the coupling constant as imaginary, its density matrix corresponds to a pure state for any energy. Nonlinear corrections due to high gluon densities are modeled through a suppression of infrared modes in the Hamiltonian making it no longer Hermitian. This introduces quantum decoherence into the evolution equation. When the coupling is real this leads to unbounded normalization of states which becomes bounded for sufficient saturation of infrared modes. Physical quantum properties, such as a purity smaller than one or a positive von Neumann entropy, hence are recovered when the infrared/ultraviolet original symmetry of the formalism is broken. Similarly to the work of Armesto, Domínguez, Kovner, Lublinsky and Skokov in [], an evolution equation of Lindblad type for the normalized density matrix describing the open system is obtained.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Same-sign taus signatures of maximally flavor-violating scalars at the LHC
Authors: Alves Alexandre , Dias Alex G. , Almeida Eduardo da Silva , Gonçalves Diego S. V.
Published: March 2024

We explore single and double flavor-violating scalar (flavon) production at the 13 and 14 TeV LHC in an effective field theory formulation where flavons always change the flavor of the Standard Model fermions. When those scalars couple to mass, their flavor-changing couplings to top quarks and tau leptons are favored. Focusing on the mass region below the top-quark mass, we find couplings that fit the muon (g−2) discrepancy and avoid several current experimental constraints. We determine the potential of the LHC to exclude or discover such a new physics scenario with clean signatures consisting of same-sign tau leptons and the simultaneous observation of resonances in the tau plus electron or muon invariant mass. We found that in the double production mode, effective couplings down to order 10−2  TeV−1 can be probed for flavon masses in the 10–170 GeV range at the 14 TeV HL-LHC, but couplings down to 0.1  TeV−1 can already be excluded at 95% confidence level with data collected from the 13 TeV LHC in the same mass interval. We also explore the impact of sizeable diagonal flavon couplings on the prospects of LHC for the signals we propose.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Poincaré symmetries and representations in pseudo-Hermitian quantum field theory
Authors: Sablevice Esra , Millington Peter
Published: March 2024

This paper explores quantum field theories with pseudo-Hermitian Hamiltonians, where PT-symmetric Hamiltonians serve as a special case. In specific regimes, these pseudo-Hermitian Hamiltonians have real eigenspectra, orthogonal eigenstates, and unitary time evolution. So far, most pseudo-Hermitian quantum field theories have been constructed using analytic continuation or by adding non-Hermitian terms to otherwise Hermitian Hamiltonians. However, in this paper, we take a different approach. We construct pseudo-Hermitian scalar and fermionic quantum field theories from first principles by extending the Poincaré algebra to include non-Hermitian generators. This allows us to develop consistent pseudo-Hermitian quantum field theories, with Lagrangian densities that transform appropriately under the proper Poincaré group. By doing so, we establish a more solid theoretical foundation for the emerging field of non-Hermitian quantum field theory.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Formation fault-tolerant control for multiple UAVs with external disturbances
Authors: Ma Ziyuan , Gong Huajun , Wang Xinhua
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to construct an event-triggered finite-time fault-tolerant formation tracking controller, which can achieve a time-varying formation control for multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) during actuator failures and external perturbations.

Design/methodology/approach

First, this study developed the formation tracking protocol for each follower using UAV formation members, defining the tracking inaccuracy of the UAV followers’ location. Subsequently, this study designed the multilayer event-triggered controller based on the backstepping method framework within finite time. Then, considering the actuator failures, and added self-adaptive thought for fault-tolerant control within finite time, the event-triggered closed-loop system is subsequently shown to be a finite-time stable system. Furthermore, the Zeno behavior is analyzed to prevent infinite triggering instances within a finite time. Finally, simulations are conducted with external disturbances and actuator failure conditions to demonstrate formation tracking controller performance.

Findings

It achieves improved performance in the presence of external disturbances and system failures. Combining limited-time adaptive control and event triggering improves system stability, increase robustness to disturbances and calculation efficiency. In addition, the designed formation tracking controller can effectively control the time-varying formation of the leader and followers to complete the task, and by adding a fixed-time observer, it can effectively compensate for external disturbances and improve formation control accuracy.

Originality/value

A formation-following controller is designed, which can handle both external disturbances and internal actuator failures during formation flight, and the proposed method can be applied to a variety of formation control scenarios and does not rely on a specific type of UAV or communication network.
Gender diversity in corporate boards of companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange: a quantile regression approach
Authors: Mvita Mpinda Freddy , Du Toit Elda
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the effect of female’s presence in corporate governance structures to reduce agency conflicts, using a quantile regression approach.

Design/methodology/approach

The research investigates the relationship between company performance and boardroom gender diversity using quantile regression methods. The study uses annual data of 111 companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange from 2010 to 2020.

Findings

The study reveals that women on the board impact firm return on assets and enterprise value, varying across performance distribution. This contrasts fixed effect findings but aligns with two-stage least squares. However, quantile regression indicates that female executives and independent non-executive directors have notably negative impacts in high and low-performing companies, highlighting non-uniformity in the board gender diversity effect compared with previous assumptions.

Practical implications

The empirical findings suggest that companies with no women directors on the board are generally more likely to experience a decrease in performance and enterprise value relative to companies with women directors on the board. As recommended through the King Code of Corporate Governance, it is thus valuable to companies to ensure gender diversity on the board of directors.

Originality/value

The research confirms through rigorous statistical analyses that corporate governance policies, principles and guidelines should include gender diversity as a requirement for a board of directors.
Exploring the gender entrepreneurial dimension following a long-term crisis: the case of Cypriot and Greek micro and small firms
Authors: Sakellarios Nikolaos , Duarte Alonso Abel , Vu Oanh Thi Kim , O'Brien Seamus , Kok Seng , Velasquez Santiago
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine various key aspects associated with entrepreneurs’ behaviour following a long-term crisis. Specifically, the study compares the perceptions of female and male entrepreneurs operating in Cyprus and Greece concerning success factors and firm performance in the aftermath of the global financial crisis. Conceptually, the study considers the organisational adaptation literature (Miles and Snow’s typology).

Design/methodology/approach

The views of female and male micro and small firm owners-managers operating in Greece and Cyprus, a total of 406, were gathered through a questionnaire. To analyse the quantitative data, independent samples t-test and exploratory factor analysis were applied.

Findings

Participants’ responses reveal similar levels of perceived importance between genders regarding adaptive measures and strategies to confront a long-term crisis, as well as perceived firm performance. Nevertheless, exploratory factor analysis highlights differences in how male/female entrepreneurs perceive actions that, as in the case of financial management, can safeguard the immediate outlook of the firm.

Originality/value

While scholarly discourses on gender and entrepreneurship abound, important knowledge gaps still exist, for instance, in entrepreneurs’ problem-solving strategies adopted by female and male entrepreneurs following crises. In addressing this scholarly gap cross-culturally, that is, drawing on cross-national data (Cyprus and Greece); the present study makes an important contribution. Empirically, the study ascertains similar entrepreneurial behavioural characteristics between female-male entrepreneurs. Theoretically, the study validates Miles and Snow’s typology and develops a theoretical framework linking the typology and dimensions emerging from the empirical findings.
Impact of AACSB accreditation on education quality: perceptions of faculty in an accredited school in Japan
Authors: Ito Hiroshi , Takeuchi Shinichi , Yokoyama Kenji , Makita Yukihiro , Ishii Masamichi
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study examines the impact of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation on education quality. We discern the prospective influences of AACSB, focusing on shifts in teaching methods and content and assessment procedures.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a case study approach, in-depth interviews are conducted with a Japanese-accredited business school’s faculty members to understand their perceptions of the school’s education-quality issues. The data were thematically analyzed.

Findings

Respondents acknowledged that AACSB accreditation has positively influenced teaching, encouraging active learning and the case method. However, they also indicated that accreditation had a restrictive effect on assessment activities, pushing toward compliance rather than genuine learning evaluation. This dichotomy suggests a need for balancing standard adherence with the flexibility to maintain educational depth and assessment integrity.

Research limitations/implications

Convenience sampling may introduce self-selection bias. Furthermore, the qualitative case study approach does not allow for statistical generalization. However, when combined with existing literature, the findings can be analytically generalized and transferred to other contexts.

Originality/value

We provide insights regarding AACSB accreditation’s impact on business education, encompassing shifts in teaching methods and content and faculty perceptions of assessment. This study enhances the scholarly understanding of business school accreditation and offers guidance to accredited or accreditation-seeking academic institutions.
Employee withdrawal behavior during forced remote work: the roles of perceived organizational support and meaningful work
Authors: Rurkkhum Suthinee , Detnakarin Suteera
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Employee withdrawal behavior can be costly for an organization. Referring to the job demands-resources (JD-R) model, this study assessed employee withdrawal behavior during forced remote work due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Job demands in the recent crisis tend to be high, resulting in the use of job resources, that is, perceived organizational support (POS) during remote work and meaningful work. Thus, the study aimed to examine the roles of POS and meaningful work toward employee withdrawal behavior during forced remote work.

Design/methodology/approach

Self-report questionnaires were received from 320 Thai forced remote employees in various industries. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted, followed by structural equation model to test hypotheses.

Findings

The full mediating role of meaningful work between POS during remote work and employee withdrawal behavior was detected, emphasizing its significance as an intrinsic motivator to lessen the likelihood of withdrawal behavior.

Originality/value

Existing knowledge of remote work is questioned in terms of how it applies to a forced remote situation. This study also confirmed the JD-R model in an unfamiliar scenario, contributing to our knowledge of remote work as a future of work.
Understanding store-loyal customers’ mobile channel migration: a trust-transfer perspective
Authors: Wei Xiaoyong , Huang Anwei , Chen Ruoyi , Yang Jiyue
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Retailers have recently leveraged store-loyal customers’ store attachment to maintain customer relationships and motivate patronage intentions. However, the COVID-19 outbreak has driven customer migration from offline to mobile channels. Mobile retail applications (APPs) have been used by numerous retailers to reach their customers. Nonetheless, it has yet to be determined (1) whether store attachment can facilitate (or impede) the adoption of mobile retail APPs and (2) whether store-loyal customers will continue visiting offline stores in the post-pandemic era. To address these questions, we propose a theoretical account using integrated theories on trust transfer and store attachment.

Design/methodology/approach

We conducted multi-stage, longitudinal field surveys in two cities of mainland China: Beijing and Guangzhou. From two rounds of data collection, 237 and 103 responses were obtained in March 2022. Hypotheses were tested by partial least squares – structural equation modelling (PLS–SEM).

Findings

Results showed that customer trust in an offline retailer can be transferred to the retailer’s mobile APP at the pre-adoption stage, facilitating APP adoption. Notably, store-loyal customers who exhibited a strong attachment to the physical store of a retailer were more inclined to transfer their trust to the mobile APP of the retailer. This occurrence leads to an increased adoption rate, enhanced post-adoption satisfaction and increased inclination to continue (rather than discontinue) usage.

Originality/value

This study is the first to investigate the changes in store-loyal customers' shopping behaviour in the mobile retail era and in the post-COVID-19 pandemic recovery. Our findings elucidate the role of physical store attachment in the trust-transfer mechanism. Furthermore, store attachment may not prevent customers’ channel migration behaviour. Retailers may have to re-consider how to manage channel cannibalisation issues in the post-pandemic recovery.
Nexus between participation in nonfarm enterprises and poverty among rural farm households: evidence from Nigeria
Authors: Adeyonu Abigail , Akerele Dare , Kehinde Mojisola Olanike , Ologbon Olugbenga Adesoji Christopher , Akintayo Oluwaremilekun , Kolawole Roseline
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Despite a reduction in poverty the global population in 2015, the incidence of poverty remains very high in Sub-Saharan African countries. Most of the countries in the region are agrarian, with most of their population residing in rural areas, and a majority of the poor in the region are found in Nigeria. This study examined the nexus between participation in nonfarm enterprises (NFEs) and poverty among rural farm households in Nigeria and across the six geopolitical zones.

Design/methodology/approach

The Nigerian Living Standard Survey (NLSS) conducted in 2018–2019 by the National Bureau of Statistics was used. We made use of 13,440 farm households with useful information for the purpose of this study. The sample comprises 6,885 households that participated in NFEs and 6,555 nonparticipating households. The data were analyzed with Foster, Greer, and Thorbecke (FGT) (1984) metrics, probit, and fractional probit models at p = 0.05.

Findings

The incidence of poverty was lower among the participating households than in the nonparticipating households. Participation in NFEs had a mitigating effect on poverty. We also established that zonal differentials in poverty rates exist among households in all the analyses. Participation in NFEs was influenced by individual, household, and institutional factors and was also able to explain the depth of poverty among the respondents.

Practical implications

It is suggested that poverty alleviation policies should be targeted at improving access to nonfarm economic activities by rural farm households residing in vulnerable geopolitical zones.

Originality/value

This study is the first attempt to profile household poverty based on the type of NFEs they are involved in. The study also provides an insight into the effect of the state of residence on zonal poverty models, which is expedient if the country must achieve Sustainable Development Goal 1 on the eradication of poverty everywhere.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-06-2023-0493
Pathogen evolution following spillover from a resident to a migrant host population depends on interactions between host pace of life and tolerance to infection
Authors: Torstenson Martha , Shaw Allison K.
Published: March 2024

Changes to migration routes and phenology create novel contact patterns among hosts and pathogens. These novel contact patterns can lead to pathogens spilling over between resident and migrant populations. Predicting the consequences of such pathogen spillover events requires understanding how pathogen evolution depends on host movement behaviour. Following spillover, pathogens may evolve changes in their transmission rate and virulence phenotypes because different strategies are favoured by resident and migrant host populations. There is conflict in current theoretical predictions about what those differences might be. Some theory predicts lower pathogen virulence and transmission rates in migrant populations because migrants have lower tolerance to infection. Other theoretical work predicts higher pathogen virulence and transmission rates in migrants because migrants have more contacts with susceptible hosts.

We aim to understand how differences in tolerance to infection and host pace of life act together to determine the direction of pathogen evolution following pathogen spillover from a resident to a migrant population.

We constructed a spatially implicit model in which we investigate how pathogen strategy changes following the addition of a migrant population. We investigate how differences in tolerance to infection and pace of life between residents and migrants determine the effect of spillover on pathogen evolution and host population size.

When the paces of life of the migrant and resident hosts are equal, larger costs of infection in the migrants lead to lower pathogen transmission rate and virulence following spillover. When the tolerance to infection in migrant and resident populations is equal, faster migrant paces of life lead to increased transmission rate and virulence following spillover. However, the opposite can also occur: when the migrant population has lower tolerance to infection, faster migrant paces of life can lead to decreases in transmission rate and virulence.

Predicting the outcomes of pathogen spillover requires accounting for both differences in tolerance to infection and pace of life between populations. It is also important to consider how movement patterns of populations affect host contact opportunities for pathogens. These results have implications for wildlife conservation, agriculture and human health.
Soil fertility as a mediator of interactions between an introduced specialist beetle and a native generalist nematode on an exotic invasive plant and its native congener
Authors: Xiang Yao , Zhao Kaiqing , Guo Wenfeng , Li Xiaoqiong
Published: March 2024

Invasive plants are often attacked by both introduced specialist and native generalist natural enemies in new ranges. Soil fertility can potentially alter the interactions of these natural enemies with native versus invasive plants in ways that have largely unexplored implications for biological invasions and biological control.

A common garden experiment was conducted to compare the performance of an introduced specialist flea beetle, Agasicles hygrophila, and/or a native generalist nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, on invasive alligator weed, Alternanthera philoxeroides, and its native congener sessile joyweed, Alternanthera sessilis, under different levels of soil nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P).

At a relatively low or moderate N and P levels, the flea beetle and the nematodes were not significantly affected by each other. Under these conditions, alligator weed responded plastically by producing more branches and biomass, as well as longer stolons, in response to attack by the flea beetle and/or the nematode, compared to sessile joyweed responses to similar levels of damage. However, under a relatively high N and P levels, nematode infestations significantly reduced flea beetle damage on alligator weed, resulting in significantly greater above‐ and below‐ground biomass and longer stolons than plants without herbivory. In contrast, beetle herbivory significantly increased the level of nematode infestations on sessile joyweed, resulting in significantly fewer fine and coarse roots, and lower above‐ and below‐ground biomass compared to plants without herbivory.

Synthesis and applications. Our findings illustrate the importance of soil fertility in mediating interactions between specialist biocontrol agents and native generalists on native versus invasive plants. High phenotypic plasticity seems to be an important attribute that contributes to the success of invasive plants like alligator weed in relatively nutrient‐poor environments. However, nutrient‐rich environments could potentially confer greater growth benefits on invasive plants than on native ones by changing herbivore–herbivore interactions on plants differently. There is a great need to fully investigate the direct and indirect interactions between biocontrol agents and generalists across food webs following classical biocontrol releases. Nutrient measurements of both soil and water bodies should also be incorporated into all stages of biocontrol programmes.
The antibiotic crisis: On the search for novel antibiotics and resistance mechanisms
Authors: Van Goethem Marc W. , Marasco Ramona , Hong Pei‐Ying , Daffonchio Daniele
Published: March 2024

In the relentless battle for human health, the proliferation of antibiotic‐resistant bacteria has emerged as an impending catastrophe of unprecedented magnitude, potentially driving humanity towards the brink of an unparalleled healthcare crisis. The unyielding advance of antibiotic resistance looms as the foremost threat of the 21st century in clinical, agricultural and environmental arenas. Antibiotic resistance is projected to be the genesis of the next global pandemic, with grim estimations of tens of millions of lives lost annually by 2050. Amidst this impending calamity, our capacity to unearth novel antibiotics has languished, with the past four decades marred by a disheartening ‘antibiotic discovery void’. With nearly 80% of our current antibiotics originating from natural or semi‐synthetic sources, our responsibility is to cast our investigative nets into uncharted ecological niches teeming with microbial strife, the so‐called ‘microbial oases of interactions’. Within these oases of interactions, where microorganisms intensively compete for space and nutrients, a dynamic and ever‐evolving microbial ‘arms race’ is constantly in place. Such a continuous cycle of adaptation and counter‐adaptation is a fundamental aspect of microbial ecology and evolution, as well as the secrets to unique, undiscovered antibiotics, our last bastion against the relentless tide of resistance. In this context, it is imperative to invest in research to explore the competitive realms, like the plant rhizosphere, biological soil crusts, deep sea hydrothermal vents, marine snow and the most modern plastisphere, in which competitive interactions are at the base of the microorganisms' struggle for survival and dominance in their ecosystems: identify novel antibiotic by targeting microbial oases of interactions could represent a ‘missing piece of the puzzle’ in our fight against antibiotic resistance.
Successful treatment of PASS syndrome with IVIG and anti‐IL‐1 treatment: A case report
Authors: Kırmızıer Gizem , Kılınç Elif Altunel , Yıldırım Nurdan Oruçoğlu , Türsen Ümit
Published: March 2024

PASS syndrome is a rare autoinflammatory disease characterized by acne vulgaris, hidradenitis suppurativa, pyoderma gangrenosum, and ankylosing spondylitis. Unlike other autoinflammatory disorders such as PAPA and PASH syndrome, there is no documented gene mutation link. Although there are no established treatment guidelines due to the rarity of these diseases, systemic corticosteroids, biologics, and immunosuppressive drugs are used currently. In our report, we presented a case of PASS syndrome who was unresponsive to adalimumab and in whom we observed improvement in both skin and joint manifestations with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and anti‐IL‐1 treatment.
Contribution of infectious diseases to the selection ofADH1BandALDH2gene variants in Asian populations
Authors: Deiana Giovanni , Sun Ruinan , Huang Jie , Napolioni Valerio , Ciccocioppo Roberto
Published: March 2024

Background

The gene variantsADH1B*2 (Arg48His, rs1229984) andALDH2*2 (Glu504Lys, rs671) are common in East Asian populations but rare in other populations. We propose that selective pressures from pathogen exposure and dietary changes during the neolithic transition favored these variants. Thus, their current association with differences in alcohol sensitivity likely results from phenotypic plasticity rather than direct natural selection.

Methods

Samples sourced from the Allele Frequency Database (ALFRED) were utilized to compute the average frequency ofADH1B*2 andALDH2*2 across 88 and 61 countries, respectively. Following computation of the average national allele frequencies, we tested the significance of their correlations with ecological variables. Subsequently, we subjected them to Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Elastic Net regularization. For comprehensive evaluation, we collected individual‐level phenotypic associations, compiling a Phenome‐Wide Association Study (PheWAS) spanning multiple ethnicities.

Results

Following multiple testing correction,ADH1B*2 displayed significant correlations with Neolithic transition timing (r = 0.405,p.adj = 2.013e‐03,n = 57) and historical trypanosome burden (r = −0.418,p.adj = 0.013,n = 57). The first two components of PCA explained 47.7% of the total variability across countries, with the top three contributors being the historical indices of population density and trypanosome and leprosy burdens. Historical burdens of theMycobacteriatuberculosis and leprosy were the sole predictive variables with positive coefficients that survived Elastic Net regularization.

Conclusions

Our analyses suggest thatMycobacteriamay have played a role in the joint selection ofADH1B*2 andALDH2*2, expanding the “toxic aldehyde hypothesis” to includeMycobacterium leprae. Additionally, our hypothesis, linked to dietary shifts from rice domestication, emphasizes nutritional deficiencies as a key element in the selective pressure exerted byMycobacteria. This offers a plausible explanation for the high frequency ofADH1B*2 andALDH2*2 in Asian populations.
Investigation of polymorphisms in BMP2, BMP4, SMAD6 and RUNX2 genes and pulp stones
Authors: Thuller Katherine Azevedo Batistela Rodrigues , Antunes Lívia Azeredo Alves , Kublitski Prescila Mota de Oliveira , Brancher João Armando , Baratto‐Filho Flares , Küchler Erika Calvano , Silva‐Sousa Alice Corrêa , Sousa‐Neto Manoel Damião , Gabardo Marilisa Carneiro Leão , Antunes Leonardo Santos
Published: March 2024

This study aimed to assess the association between genetic polymorphisms in BMP2 (rs1005464 and rs235768), BMP4 (rs17563), SMAD6 (rs2119261 and rs3934908) and RUNX2 (rs59983488 and rs1200425) and pulp stones (PS). A total of 117 participants, consisting of 63 individuals with PS and 54 without PS, were included. Digital radiographs and a demographic/clinical questionnaire were used. Genomic DNA from salivary cells was genotyped via real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Statistical analyses, including Chi‐Square, Fisher's exact tests, Poisson regression and dimensionality reduction, were conducted. The rs2119261 polymorphism in the SMAD6 gene showed an association with genotype distribution in the recessive model (p = 0.049). The T–T haplotype in the SMAD6 gene (rs2119261 and rs3934908) was more prevalent in the control group and significantly linked with PS (p = 0.029). No associations were found between PS risk and genetic polymorphisms in BMP2, BMP4 and RUNX2. Polymorphisms in the SMAD6 gene were associated with PS.
Ancient labor satisfied, exploited, and relieved, expressed in the modern era
Authors: Rowland Marty
Published: March 2024

Labor faces a universal process of increasing exploitation as the following processes converge: Labor is increasingly divorced from a community purpose; the community's economy becomes privatized, which leads to debt bondage and the loss of personal land or availability of land for personal use. This process is repeated from early records of 10,000 BC to the present day. In ancient times, a wise ruler would respond to widespread debt bondage by canceling private debts for the sake of the community. However, there are now no wise rulers on the horizon to cancel debts. This paper may give those who labor, inspiration to continue their struggle for wealth distribution equity.
Two Row Repair: A trilogy
Authors: Vidali Debra
Published: March 2024

The Two Row Repair trilogy refuses erasure as it tracks a journey of attempted recovery and repair, using the Two Row Wampum (Kaswenta) as inspiration, model, and directive. The Two Row Wampum, a foundational agreement made between Haudenosaunee and Dutch in 1613, extends into the present as a promise between Haudenosaunee and people of European descent to co‐exist in peace, respect, and friendship, and in common stewardship for all orders of life. The author, a tenth‐generation Dutch descendant settler, received first place in the 2023 Society for Humanistic Anthropology's 37th Annual Ethnographic Poetry Competition for Parts II and III of this trilogy.
Antifungal drug resistance in Candida: a special emphasis on amphotericin B
Authors: Ahmady Lailema , Gothwal Manisha , Mukkoli Muhammed Mushthaque , Bari Vinay Kumar
Published: March 2024

Invasive fungal infections in humans caused by several Candida species, increased considerably in immunocompromised or critically ill patients, resulting in substantial morbidity and mortality. Candida albicans is the most prevalent species, although the frequency of these organisms varies greatly according to geographic region. Infections with C. albicans and non‐albicans Candida species have become more common, especially in the past 20 years, as a result of aging, immunosuppressive medication use, endocrine disorders, malnourishment, extended use of medical equipment, and an increase in immunogenic diseases. Despite C. albicans being the species most frequently associated with human infections, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis, and C. krusei also have been identified. Several antifungal drugs with different modes of action are approved for use in clinical settings to treat fungal infections. However, due to the common eukaryotic structure of humans and fungi, only a limited number of antifungal drugs are available for therapeutic use. Furthermore, drug resistance in Candida species has emerged as a result of the growing use of currently available antifungal drugs against fungal infections. Amphotericin B (AmB), a polyene class of antifungal drugs, is mainly used for the treatment of serious systemic fungal infections. AmB interacts with fungal plasma membrane ergosterol, triggering cellular ion leakage via pore formation, or extracting the ergosterol from the plasma membrane inducing cellular death. AmB resistance is primarily caused by changes in the content or structure of ergosterol. This review summarizes the antifungal drug resistance exhibited by Candida species, with a special focus on AmB.