bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PET-CT for characterising TB infection (TBI) in immunocompetent subjects: a systematic review
Authors: Kim Jee Whang , Munavvar Rayhan , Kamil Anver , Haldar Pranabashis
Published: September 2023

Introduction. There is emerging evidence of a potential role for PET-CT scan as an imaging biomarker to characterise the spectrum of tuberculosis infection (TBI) in humans and animal models.

Gap Statement. Synthesis of available evidence from current literature is needed to understand the utility of PET-CT for characterising TBI and how this may inform application of PET-CT in future TBI research.

Aim. The aims of this review are to summarise the evidence of PET-CT scan use in immunocompetent hosts with TBI, and compare PET-CT features observed in humans and animal models.

Methodology. MEDLINE, Embase and PubMed Central were searched to identify relevant publications. Studies were selected if they reported PET-CT features in human or animals with TBI. Studies were excluded if immune deficiency was present at the time of the initial PET-CT scan.

Results. Six studies – four in humans and two in non-human primates (NHP) were included for analysis. All six studies used 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-d-glucose (2-[18F]FDG) PET-CT. Features of TBI were comparable between NHP and humans, with 2-[18F]FDG avid intrathoracic lymph nodes observed during early infection. Progressive TBI was characterised in NHP by increasing 2-[18F]FDG avidity and size of lesions. Two human studies suggested that PET-CT can discriminate between active TB and inactive TBI. However, data synthesis was generally limited by human studies including inconsistent and poorly characterised cohorts and the small number of eligible studies for review.

Conclusion. Our review provides some evidence, limited primarily to non-human primate models, of PET-CT utility as a highly sensitive imaging modality to reveal and characterise meaningful metabolic and structural change in early TBI. The few human studies identified exhibit considerable heterogeneity. Larger prospective studies are needed recruiting well characterised cohorts with TBI and adopting a standardized PET-CT protocol, to better understand utility of this imaging biomarker to support future research.
Divergent transcriptomic profiles in depressed individuals with hyper- and hypophagia implicating inflammatory status
Authors: Dan Shu , Hall Julia , Holsen Laura M. , Klengel Torsten
Published: September 2023

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a heterogenous and etiologically complex disease encompassing a broad spectrum of psychopathology, presumably arising from distinct pathophysiological mechanisms. Divergent appetitive phenotypes including Hyperphagic MDD (characterized by an increased appetite) and Hypophagic MDD (characterized by a decrease in appetite) are important clinical characteristics that are closely related to comorbidities, including cardiometabolic disorders. Prior evidence supports the notion that hyperphagia is associated with atypical depression, decreased stress-hormone signaling, a pro-inflammatory status, hypersomnia, and poorer clinical outcomes. Yet, our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of Hyperphagic and Hypophagic MDD is limited, and knowledge of associated biological correlates of these endophenotypes remain fragmented. We performed an exploratory study on peripheral blood RNA profiling using bulk RNAseq in unmedicated individuals with Hyperphagic and Hypophagic MDD (n=8 and n=13, respectively) and discovered individual genes and gene pathways associated with appetitive phenotypes. In addition, we used the Maastricht Acute Stress Task to uncover stress-related transcriptomic profiles in Hyper- and Hypophagic MDD.
Number of children and mid- to later-life cognitive function and cognitive impairment in rural South Africa: Evidence from “Health and Aging in Africa: A Longitudinal Study of an INDEPTH Community in South Africa” (HAALSI)
Authors: Phillips Meredith L , Kobayashi Lindsay C , Chakraborty Rishika , Wagner Ryan , Mahlalela Nomsa , Harezlak Jaroslaw , Brown Joshua W , Ludema Christina , Rosenberg Molly
Published: September 2023

Background

Cognitive impairment is projected to rise substantially by 2050, particularly in low- and middle-income countries with aging populations. Reproductive life history may be associated with later-life cognitive function. We aim to estimate the association between number of children and mid- to later-life cognitive performance.

Method

Data were from 5059 older adults (46% men) aged ≥40 years in the population-representative rural cohort of the “Health and Aging in Africa: A Longitudinal Study of an INDEPTH Community in South Africa” (HAALSI). We fit linear regression and modified Poisson models to estimate the associations between number of children and cognitive function. Analyses were stratified by sex/gender, controlling for age, education, literacy, self-reported childhood health, country of birth, and father’s occupation.

Results

After adjustment, men with any number of children and women with 5+ children had higher cognitive function compared to those without children (β[95% CI]: Men: 1-2: 0.29[0.13 – 0.45], 3-4: 0.50[0.34 – 0.65], 5+: 0.48[0.33 – 0.63]; Women: 5+: 0.17[0.01 – 0.34]). Results from the adjusted modified Poisson regression models found that for men and women, groups with any number of children showed a lower prevalence of cognitive impairment than the group with 0 children (PR[95% CI] Men: 1-2: 0.48[0.31 – 0.75], 3-4: 0.21[0.12 – 0.37], 5+: 0.28[0.19 – 0.41], Women: 1-2: 0.52[0.31 – 0.88], 3-4: 0.55[0.33 – 0.91], 5+: 0.41[0.25 – 0.69]).

Conclusion

Among older rural South African adults, having children was associated with greater cognitive performance and lower prevalence of cognitive impairment. Men tended to have larger protective associations than women, which may be due to sex/gender differences in biological and social roles of childbearing and rearing. Understanding the complex relationship between having children and later-life cognitive function may help identify interventions to reduce the impact of cognitive decline.
Adaptive Functions of Structural Variants in Human Brain Development
Authors: Ding Wanqiu , Li Xiangshang , Zhang Jie , Ji Mingjun , Zhang Mengling , Zhong Xiaoming , Cao Yong , Liu Xiaoge , Li Chunqiong , Xiao Chunfu , Wang Jiaxin , Li Ting , Yu Qing , Mo Fan , Zhang Boya , Qi Jianhuan , Yang Jie-Chun , Qi Juntian , Tian Lu , Xu Xinwei , Peng Qi , Zhou Wei-Zhen , Liu Zhijin , Fu Aisi , Zhang Xiuqin , Zhang Jian-Jun , Sun Yujie , Hu Baoyang , An Ni A. , Zhang Li , Li Chuan-Yun
Published: September 2023

Quantifying the structural variants (SVs) in nonhuman primates could provide a niche to clarify the genetic backgrounds underlying human-specific traits, but such resource is largely lacking. Here, we report an accurate SV atlas in a population of 562 rhesus macaques, verified by two public SV benchmarks, an inhouse benchmark of eight macaque genomes with long-read sequencing and another inhouse benchmark of one macaque genome with whole-genome assembly. This accurate, quantitative SV map indicates stronger purifying selection on inversions, one type of poorly-clarified SVs to date, especially for those located on regulatory regions, suggesting a strategy for prioritizing inversions with the most important functions. Based on the distribution and the evolutionary features of these inversions in macaque population, we then identified 75 human-specific inversions, clarified their functional effects and prioritized them. Notably, the top-ranked inversions have substantially shaped the human transcriptome, through their dual-effects of reconfiguring the ancestral genomic architecture and introducing regional mutation hotspots at the inverted regions. As a proof-of-concept, we linkedAPCDD1, located on one of these inversions with the highest rank score and downregulated in human brains, to neuronal maturation. The accumulation of human-specific mutations on its promoter region, accelerated by the formation of the inversion, contributed to the decreased expression in humans. Notably, the overexpression ofAPCDD1could accelerate the neuronal maturation, while its depletion in mice delays the neuronal maturation. This study thus highlights the contribution of SVs, especially the inversions, to the distinct features in human brain development.
A Novel Subtype of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Driven by a MYC-Alarmin Axis
Authors: Vincelette Nicole D. , Yu Xiaoqing , Kuykendall Andrew T. , Moon Jungwon , Su Siyuan , Cheng Chia-Ho , Sammut Rinzine , Razabdouski Tiffany N. , Nguyen Hai Vu , Eksioglu Erika A. , Chan Onyee , Al Ali Najla , Patel Parth C. , Lee Dae Hyun , Nakanishi Shima , Ferreira Renan B. , Mo Qianxing , Cory Suzanne , Lawrence Harshani R. , Zhang Ling , Murphy Daniel J. , Komrokji Rami S. , Lee Daesung , Kaufmann Scott H. , Cleveland John L. , Yun Seongseok
Published: September 2023

Despite advances in understanding the genetic abnormalities in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) and the development of JAK2 inhibitors, there is an urgent need to devise new treatment strategies, particularly for triple negative myelofibrosis (MF) patients whose MPNs lack mutations in the JAK2 kinase pathway and have very poor clinical outcomes. Here we report thatMYCcopy number gain and increased MYC expression frequently occur in triple negative MF, and that MYC-directed activation of S100A9, an alarmin protein that plays pivotal roles in inflammation and innate immunity, is necessary and sufficient to drive development and progression of MF. Notably, the MYC-S100A9 circuit provokes a complex network of inflammatory signaling that involves various hematopoietic cell types in the bone marrow microenvironment. Accordingly, genetic ablation ofS100A9or treatment with small molecules targeting the MYC-S100A9 pathway effectively ameliorates MF phenotypes, highlighting the MYC-alarmin axis as a novel therapeutic vulnerability for this subgroup of MPNs.

SIGNIFICANCE

This study establishes that MYC expression is increased in triple negative MPNs via trisomy 8, that a MYC-S100A9 circuit manifest in these cases is sufficient to provoke myelofibrosis and inflammation in diverse hematopoietic cell types in the BM niche, and that the MYC-S100A9 circuit is targetable in triple negative MPN.
Input-specific gating of NMDA amplification via HCN channels in mouse L2/3 pyramidal neurons
Authors: Oláh Viktor János , Wu Jing , Kaczmarek Leonard K. , Rowan Matthew JM
Published: September 2023

Layer 2/3 pyramidal cells (L2/3 PCs) play a crucial role in cortical information transfer. Although the dendritic arbors of L2/3 PCs are impressive, they often lack the distinct anatomical compartments characteristic of deeper L5 PCs. For example, many L2/3 PCs do not display an apparent distal tuft region. However, L2/3 PCs receive inputs from both thalamic (bottom-up) and cortical (top-down) inputs, which preferentially synapse onto their proximal and distal dendrites, respectively. Nonuniform organization of channels and NMDA receptors in L2/3 dendrites could serve to independently modulate these information streams to affect learning and behavior, yet whether L2/3 PC dendrites possess this capability has not been established. Here we found a previously unappreciated, non-uniform HCN channel distribution in L2/3 PCs, allowing for pathway-specific gating of NMDA receptor recruitment at bottom-up (proximal) but not top-down (distal) synapses. HCN availability shifted depending on developmental stage and neuromodulation, suggesting that the gain of thalamic and cortical-cortical signals in L2/3 may be independently modifiedin vivoacross different timescales.
Genome-wide family prediction unveils molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of agronomic traits inUrochloa ruziziensis
Authors: Martins Felipe Bitencourt , Aono Alexandre Hild , Moraes Aline da Costa Lima , Ferreira Rebecca Caroline Ulbricht , Vilela Mariane de Mendonça , Pessoa-Filho Marco , Motta Mariana Rodrigues , Simeão Rosangela Maria , de Souza Anete Pereira
Published: September 2023

Tropical forage grasses, especially species of the genusUrochloa, play an important role in cattle production and are the main food source for animals in tropical/subtropical regions. Most of the species are apomictic and tetraploid, which gives special importance toU. ruziziensis, a sexual diploid species that can be tetraploidized for use in interspecific crosses with apomictic species. As a means to assist in breeding programs, this study investigates the applicability of genome-wide family prediction (GWFP) inU. ruziziensishalf-sibling families to predict growth and biomass production. Machine learning and feature selection algorithms were used to reduce the necessary number of markers for prediction and to enhance the predictive ability across the phenotypes. Beyond that, to investigate the regulation of agronomic traits, the positions of the markers with more importance for the prediction were considered putatively associated to quantitative trait loci (QTLs), and in a multiomic approach, genes obtained in the species transcriptome were mapped and linked to those markers. Furthermore, a gene coexpression network was modeled, enabling the investigation of not only the mapped genes but also their coexpressed genes. The functional annotation showed that the mapped genes are mainly associated with auxin transport and biosynthesis of lignin, flavonol and folic acid, while the coexpressed genes are associated with DNA metabolism, stress response and circadian rhythm. The results provide a viable marker-assisted breeding approach for tropical forages and identify target regions for future molecular studies on these agronomic traits.
Ensembled best subset selection using summary statistics for polygenic risk prediction
Authors: Chen Tony , Zhang Haoyu , Mazumder Rahul , Lin Xihong
Published: September 2023

Polygenic risk scores (PRS) enhance population risk stratification and advance personalized medicine, yet existing methods face a tradeoff between predictive power and computational efficiency. We introduce ALL-Sum, a fast and scalable PRS method that combines an efficient summary statistic-based L0L2penalized regression algorithm with an ensembling step that aggregates estimates from different tuning parameters for improved prediction performance. In extensive large-scale simulations across a wide range of polygenicity and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) sample sizes, ALL-Sum consistently outperforms popular alternative methods in terms of prediction accuracy, runtime, and memory usage. We analyze 27 published GWAS summary statistics for 11 complex traits from 9 reputable data sources, including the Global Lipids Genetics Consortium, Breast Cancer Association Consortium, and FinnGen, evaluated using individual-level UKBB data. ALL-Sum achieves the highest accuracy for most traits, particularly for GWAS with large sample sizes. We provide ALL-Sum as a user-friendly command-line software with pre-computed reference data for streamlined user-end analysis.
Systematic comparison of Amber force fields for the mechanical properties of double-stranded DNA
Authors: Roldán-Piñero Carlos , Luengo-Márquez Juan , Assenza Salvatore , Pérez Rubén
Published: September 2023

Abstract

The response of double-stranded DNA to external mechanical stress plays a central role in its interactions with the protein machinery in the cell. Modern atomistic force fields have been shown to provide highly-accurate predictions for the fine structural features of the duplex. In contrast, and despite their pivotal function, less attention has been devoted to the accuracy in the prediction of the elastic parameters. Several reports have addressed the flexibility of double-stranded DNA via all-atom molecular dynamics, yet the collected information is insufficient to have a clear understanding of the relative performance of the various force fields. In this work, we fill this gap by performing a systematic study in which several systems, characterized by different sequence contexts, are simulated with the most up-to-date force fields, bcs1 and OL15, in the presence of external forces with increasing magnitude. Analysis of our results, together with their comparison with previous work focused on bsc0, allows us to unveil the differences in the predicted rigidity between the newest force fields, and suggests a road map to test their performance against experiments.
Temporal interference stimulation disrupts spike timing in the primate brain
Authors: Vieira Pedro G. , Krause Matthew R. , Pack Christopher C.
Published: September 2023

Electrical stimulation can regulate brain activity, producing clear clinical benefits, but focal and effective neuromodulation often requires surgically implanted electrodes. Recent studies argue that temporal interference (TI) stimulation may provide similar outcomes non-invasively. During TI, scalp electrodes generate multiple electrical fields in the brain, modulating neural activity only where they overlap. Despite considerable enthusiasm for this approach, little empirical evidence demonstrates its effectiveness, especially under conditions suitable for human use. Here, using single-neuron recordings in non-human primates, we show that TI reliably alters the timing of spiking activity. However, we find that the strategies which improve the focality of TI — high frequencies, multiple electrodes, and amplitude-modulated waveforms — also limit its effectiveness. Combined, they make TI 80% weaker than other forms of non-invasive brain stimulation. Although this is too weak to cause widespread neuronal entrainment, it may be ideally suited for disrupting pathological synchronization, a hallmark of many neurological disorders.
Nuclear lamin A-associated proteins are required for centromere assembly
Authors: Landeros Adriana , Wallace Destiny A. , Rahi Amit , Magdongon Christine B. , Suraneni Praveen , Amin Mohammed A. , Chakraborty Manas , Adam Stephen A. , Foltz Daniel R. , Varma Dileep
Published: September 2023

Many Lamin A-associated proteins (LAAP’s) that are key constituents of the nuclear envelope (NE), assemble at the “core” domains of chromosomes during NE reformation and mitotic exit. However, the identity and function of the chromosomal core domains remain ill-defined. Here, we show that a distinct section of the core domain overlaps with the centromeres/kinetochores of chromosomes during mitotic telophase. The core domain can thus be demarcated into a kinetochore proximal core (KPC) on one side of the segregated chromosomes and the kinetochore distal core (KDC) on the opposite side, close to the central spindle. We next tested if centromere assembly is connected to NE re-formation. We find that centromere assembly is markedly perturbed after inhibiting the function of LMNA and the core-localized LAAPs, BANF1 and Emerin. We also find that the LAAPs exhibit multiple biochemical interactions with the centromere and inner kinetochore proteins. Consistent with this, normal mitotic progression and chromosome segregation was severely impeded after inhibiting LAAP function. Intriguingly, the inhibition of centromere function also interferes with the assembly of LAAP components at the core domain, suggesting a mutual dependence of LAAP and centromeres for their assembly at the core domains. Finally, we find that the localization of key proteins involved in the centromeric loading of CENP-A, including the Mis18 complex and HJURP were markedly affected in LAAP-inhibited cells. Our evidence points to a model where LAAP assembly at the core domain serves a key function in loading new copies of centromeric proteins during or immediately after mitotic exit.
From buds to shoots: Insights into grapevine development from the Witch’s Broom bud sport
Authors: Ritter Eleanore J. , Cousins Peter , Quigley Michelle , Kile Aidan , Raju Sunil K. Kenchanmane , Chitwood Daniel H. , Niederhuth Chad
Published: September 2023

Premise of Study

Development is relatively understudied in woody vines, such as grapevine (Vitis vinifera). We used the Witch’s Broom bud sport in grapevine to understand the developmental trajectories of the bud sports, as well as the potential genetic basis of the bud sport.

Methods

We phenotyped shoots, buds, and leaves of two independent cases of the Witch’s Broom bud sport, in the Dakapo and Merlot varieties of grapevine, alongside wild-type counterparts of the same variety. We also performed Illumina and Oxford Nanopore sequencing on the two independent cases and two wild-type counterparts of the same variety.

Key Results

The Dakapo and Merlot cases of Witch’s Broom displayed severe developmental defects, with no fruit/clusters formed and dwarf vegetative features. However, the Dakapo and Merlot cases of Witch’s Broom studied were also phenotypically different from one another, with distinct differences in bud and leaf development. We were able to identify unique genetic mutations in our two Witch’s Broom cases that are strong candidates for the genetic basis of the bud sports.

Conclusions

The Witch’s Broom bud sport in grapevine serves as a useful natural mutant in which to study grapevine development. The Witch’s Broom bud sports in both varieties studied had dwarf phenotypes, but the two instances studied were also vastly different from one another. Future work on Witch’s Broom bud sports in grapevine could provide more insight into development and the genetic pathways involved in grapevine.
A suite of engineered mice for interrogating psychedelic drug actions
Authors: Chiu Yi-Ting , Deutch Ariel Y. , Wang Wei , Schmitz Gavin P , Huang Karen Lu , Kocak D. Dewran , Llorach Pierre , Bowyer Kasey , Liu Bei , Sciaky Noah , Hua Kunjie , Chen Chongguang , Mott Sarah E. , Niehaus Jesse , DiBerto Jeffrey F. , English Justin , Walsh Jessica J. , Scherrer Grégory , Herman Melissa A , Wu Zhuhao , Wetsel William C , Roth Bryan L
Published: September 2023

Psychedelic drugs like lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin have emerged as potentially transformative therapeutics for many neuropsychiatric diseases, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, migraine, and cluster headaches. LSD and psilocybin exert their psychedelic effects via activation of the 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A receptor (HTR2A). Here we provide a suite of engineered mice useful for clarifying the role of HTR2A and HTR2A-expressing neurons in psychedelic drug actions. We first generatedHtr2a-EGFP-CT-IRES-CreERT2 mice (CT:C-terminus) to independently identify both HTR2A-EGFP-CT receptors and HTR2A-containing cells thereby providing a detailed anatomical map of HTR2A and identifying cell types that express HTR2A. We also generated a humanizedHtr2amouse line and an additional constitutiveHtr2A-Cre mouse line. Psychedelics induced a variety of known behavioral changes in our mice validating their utility for behavioral studies. Finally, electrophysiology studies revealed that extracellular 5-HT elicited a HTR2A-mediated robust increase in firing of genetically-identified pyramidal neurons--consistent with a plasma membrane localization and mode of action. These mouse lines represent invaluable tools for elucidating the molecular, cellular, pharmacological, physiological, behavioral, and other actions of psychedelic drugsin vivo.
IRAK1 is a critical mediator of low molecular weight hyaluronic acid-induced stemness in high-grade serous ovarian cancer
Authors: Standing David , Dandawate Prasad , Gunewardena Sumedha , Covarrubias-Zambrano Obdulia , Roby Katherine F. , Khabele Dineo , Jewell Andrea , Tawfik Ossama , Bossmann Stefan H. , Godwin Andrew K. , Weir Scott J. , Jensen Roy A. , Anant Shrikant
Published: September 2023

Advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) survival rates are dishearteningly low, with ∼25% surviving beyond 5 years. Evidence suggests that cancer stem cells (CSCs) contribute to acquired chemoresistance and tumor recurrence. Here, we show that IRAK1 is upregulated in EOC tissues, and enhanced expression correlates with poorer overall survival. IRAK1 andBRCA1/2mutation status are mutually exclusive. Moreover, low molecular weight hyaluronic acid (LMW HA), which is abundant in malignant ascites from patients with advanced EOC, induced IRAK1 phosphorylation leading to STAT3 activation and enhanced spheroid formation. Knockdown ofIRAK1impaired tumor growth in peritoneal disease models, and impaired HA-induced spheroid growth and STAT3 phosphorylation. Finally, we determined that TCS2210, a known inducer of neuronal differentiation in mesenchymal stem cells, is a selective inhibitor of IRAK1. TCS2210 significantly inhibited EOC growthin vitroandin vivoboth as monotherapy, and in combination with cisplatin. Collectively, these data demonstrate IRAK1 as a druggable target for EOC.
Alteration of mechanical stresses in the murine brain by age and hemorrhagic stroke
Authors: Zheng Siyi , Banerji Rohin , LeBourdais Rob , Zhang Sue , DuBois Eric , O’Shea Timothy , Nia Hadi T.
Published: September 2023

Residual mechanical stresses in tissues arise during rapid differential growth or remodeling such as in morphogenesis and cancer. These residual stresses, also known as solid stresses, are distinct from fluid pressures and dissipate in most healthy adult organs as the rate of growth decreases. However, studies have shown that residual stresses remain substantially high even in mature, healthy brains. The genesis and consequences of these mechanical stresses in a healthy brain, and in aging and disease remain to be explored. Here, we utilized and validated our previously developed method to map residual mechanical stresses in the brains of mice in three different age groups: 5-7 days, 8-12 weeks, and 22 months old. We found that residual solid stress increases rapidly from 5-7 days to 8-12 weeks in mice, and remains high even in mature 22-month-old mice brains. Three-dimensional mapping of the residual stresses revealed an increasing trend from anterior to posterior in coronal sections of the brain. Since the brain is rich in negatively charged hyaluronic acid, we evaluated the contribution of charged extracellular matrix (ECM) constituents in maintaining solid stress levels. We found that lower ionic strength leads to elevated solid stresses, a finding consistent with the unshielding effect of low ionic strength and the subsequent expansion of charged ECM components. Lastly, we demonstrated that hemorrhagic stroke, accompanied by loss of cellular density, resulted in decreased levels of residual stress in the murine brain. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the spatiotemporal alteration of residual solid stresses in healthy and diseased brains, a crucial step toward uncovering the biological and immunological consequences of this understudied mechanical phenotype in the brain.

Significance Statement

While emerging evidence highlights the importance of solid stresses in embryogenesis and tumor growth, the genesis and consequences of residual solid stresses in the adult normal brain remain poorly understood. Understanding the spatiotemporal distribution and alteration of the residual solid stresses as the brain ages and is impacted by neuropathologies, such as a stroke, will elucidate the biological and immunological consequences of maintaining these stresses. This study suggests solid stress could serve as a potential biomarker in aging and diseases associated to the brain.
Harnessing the endogenous Type I-C CRISPR-Cas system for genome editing inBifidobacterium breve
Authors: Han Xiao , Chang Lulu , Chen Haiqin , Zhao Jianxin , Tian Fengwei , Paul Ross R. , Stanton Catherine , van Sinderen Douwe , Chen Wei , Yang Bo
Published: September 2023

Bifidobacterium breve, one of the main bifidobacterial species colonizing the human gastrointestinal tract in early life, has received extensive attention for its purported beneficial effects on human health. However, exploration of the mode of action of such beneficial effects exerted byB. breveis cumbersome due to the lack of effective genetic tools, which limits its synthetic biology application. Given the widespread presence of endogenous CRISPR-Cas systems inB. breve, the current study developed an endogenous CRISPR-based gene editing toolkit for genetic manipulation ofB. breve. Deletion of the gene coding uracil phosphoribosyl-transferase (upp) was achieved in two differentB. brevestrains using this system. In addition, translational termination of uracil phosphoribosyl-transferase was successfully achieved inB. breveFJSWX38M7 by single-base substitution of theuppgene and insertion of three stop codons. The gene encoding linoleic acid isomerase (bbi) inB. breve, being a characteristic trait, was deleted after plasmid curing, which rendered it unable to convert linoleic acid into conjugated linoleic acid, demonstrating the feasibility of successive editing. This study expanded the gene manipulation toolkit ofB. breveand provides a reference for functional genome editing and analysis using an endogenous CRISPR-Cas system inBifidobacterium.

Importance

The lack of effective genetic tools forBifidobacterium breveis an obstacle to studying the molecular mechanisms of its health-promoting effects, hindering the development of next-generation probiotics. Here, we introduce a gene editing method based on the endogenous CRISPR-Cas system, which can achieve gene deletion, single base substitution, gene insertion and continuous gene editing inB. breve. This study will promote the excavation of functional genes and elucidation of molecular mechanisms ofB. breve.
Shedding Light on the D1-Like Receptors: A Fluorescence-Based Toolbox for Visualization of the D1and D5Receptors
Authors: Rosier Niklas , Mönnich Denise , Nagl Martin , Schihada Hannes , Sirbu Alexei , Konar Nergis , Reyes-Resina Irene , Navarro Gemma , Franco Rafael , Kolb Peter , Annibale Paolo , Pockes Steffen
Published: September 2023

Dopamine D1-like receptors are the most abundant type of dopamine receptors in the central nervous system and, even after decades of discovery, still highly interesting for the study of neurological diseases. We herein describe the synthesis of a new set of fluorescent ligands, structurally derived from D1R antagonist SCH-23390 and labeled with two different fluorescent dyes, as tool compounds for the visualization of D1-like receptors. Pharmacological characterization in radioligand binding studies identified UR-NR435 (25) as a high-affinity ligand for D1-like receptors (pKi(D1R) = 8.34, pKi(D5R) = 7.62) with excellent selectivity towards D2-like receptors. Compound25proved to be a neutral antagonist at the D1R and D5R in a Gsheterotrimer dissociation assay, an important feature to avoid receptor internalization and degradation when working with whole cells. The neutral antagonist25displayed rapid association and complete dissociation to the D1R in kinetic binding studies using confocal microscopy verifying its applicability for fluorescence microscopy. Moreover, molecular brightness studies determined a single-digit nanomolar binding affinity of the ligand, which was in good agreement with radioligand binding data. For this reason, this fluorescent ligand is a useful tool for a sophisticated characterization of native D1receptors in a variety of experimental setups.
Market mavenism, tourists’ co-creation experience, loyalty, vaxication intention: mediating role of travel incentives in the post-COVID-19 environment
Authors: Abbas Alhamzah F. , Khwaja Muddasar Ghani , Abbasi Amir Zaib , Hameed Athar
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationships between market mavenism, tourists’ cocreation experience, loyalty and the mediating role of travel incentives in the post-COVID-19 tourism environment in the context of vaxication intentions in Turkey.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used covariance-based structural equation modeling to empirically test the proposed hypotheses. A total of 348 respondents participated in the survey.

Findings

The findings of this study support the assumption that market mavenism (MM) engage in cocreating and sharing travel experiences (CCTE). Furthermore, the study reveals that market mavens tend to demonstrate loyalty (LTY) toward service providers when engaging in cocreation with travel industry professionals. In addition, the study establishes the significant mediating effect of travel incentives (TI) between MM and vaxication intention (VI).

Research limitations/implications

The study uses the theory of planned behavior to examine tourists’ intentions for vaxication and the psychological factors influencing their decisions, while also using the macro–micro theory to explore industry-level factors like market mavens and customer engagement, leading to a comprehensive understanding of COVID-19 vaccination and tourism behavior. Further research is needed to address limitations such as country diversity, multiple locations and service providers, online behavior analysis, authenticity perception and identification of market mavens’ personality traits and travel preferences.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the scholarly literature in several ways. First, it explores the influence of market mavens on tourism experience cocreation and customer loyalty during the postpandemic era. Second, it empirically examines the mediating role of travel incentives, adding to the understanding of market mavens and vaccination intentions. Lastly, the study addresses the implications during and after the COVID-19 for managers and service providers in the tourism industry.
Pro-environmental values’ and consumer behavior in base of the pyramid market: Ghana
Authors: Naatu Felicia , Alon Ilan , Amoako George Kofi , Mornah Dekuwmini
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aims to fill the gap on proenvironmental behavior studies among consumers in bottom of the pyramid (BOP) market by examining the relationship between values, beliefs and norms among Ghanaian consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 324 Ghanaian consumers (responses rate of 64%) was used to estimate the model. The data was analyzed using maximum likelihood robust approach of Lavaan package for structural equation modeling in R.

Findings

The findings show that there is no significant relationship between values and the new ecological worldview, which also does not affect awareness of environmental consequences. However, awareness of consequences, likely based on personal experiences, significantly impacts perceived ability to reduce threats to the environment. Ghanaian consumers are mainly influenced by personal experiences with local environmental consequences that affect their perceived ability to reduce threats to their environment and their willingness to engage in proenvironmental behavior. The study supports the argument that proenvironmental behavior is the result of complex decision-making that might be influenced by a country’s economic situation, infrastructure, culture and institutions.

Research limitations/implications

This study focuses on a single country in Africa. More studies are needed among other base of the pyramid countries, and in comparison to developed countries’ consumers.

Originality/value

The study adds to the limited knowledge regarding sustainable consumption in the neglected context of the bottom of the pyramid market.
A consumer perspective of AI certification – the current certification landscape, consumer approval and directions for future research
Authors: Blösser Myrthe , Weihrauch Andrea
Published: September 2023

Purpose

In spite of the merits of artificial intelligence (AI) in marketing and social media, harm to consumers has prompted calls for AI auditing/certification. Understanding consumers’ approval of AI certification entities is vital for its effectiveness and companies’ choice of certification. This study aims to generate important insights into the consumer perspective of AI certifications and stimulate future research.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature and status-quo-driven search of the AI certification landscape identifies entities and related concepts. This study empirically explores consumer approval of the most discussed entities in four AI decision domains using an online experiment and outline a research agenda for AI certification in marketing/social media.

Findings

Trust in AI certification is complex. The empirical findings show that consumers seem to approve more of non-profit entities than for-profit entities, with the government approving the most.

Research limitations/implications

The introduction of AI certification to marketing/social media contributes to work on consumer trust and AI acceptance and structures AI certification research from outside marketing to facilitate future research on AI certification for marketing/social media scholars.

Practical implications

For businesses, the authors provide a first insight into consumer preferences for AI-certifying entities, guiding the choice of which entity to use. For policymakers, this work guides their ongoing discussion on “who should certify AI” from a consumer perspective.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this work is the first to introduce the topic of AI certification to the marketing/social media literature, provide a novel guideline to scholars and offer the first set of empirical studies examining consumer approval of AI certifications.
Deconstructed entrepreneurial orientation and export performance: mediating role of differentiation and cost leadership strategy from the developing country context
Authors: Hossain Kamal , Alam Mohammad Nurul , Muwazir Mohd Rizal , Alsiehemy Ali , Azizan Noor Azlinna
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The aim of this study is to examine the effects of innovativeness (INN), proactiveness, (PRC) and risk-taking (RIT) on the export performance of apparel small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the role of differentiation and low-cost leadership (LCL) strategies as mediating effects between entrepreneurial orientation (EO) dimensions and the performance of exporting firms. INN, RIT and PRC are considered EO dimensions.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional survey was carried out by providing a questionnaire to the owners, directors and senior managers of the apparel SMEs – the primary data of 550 treated by structural equation modeling (SEM) technique for final data analysis.

Findings

The study has revealed the positive dimensional effect of EO on export performance. For the mediation effects of differentiation and LCL, differentiation strategy (DS) positively mediates between INN, PRC and export performance. However, no mediation has been found between RIT and export performance. On the other hand, LCL has found positive effects between INN, RIT and export performance. However, the mediation effect was absent between PRC and export performance.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations/implications- This study has been conducted on only Muslim owners, senior export managers and directors of apparel SMEs in Bangladesh. It has examined the two main competitive strategies as a mediator between EO dimensions and export performance. The findings of this study are based on one country data analysis.

Practical implications

EO, differentiation and low-cost leadership (LCL) strategy are resources and capabilities of an organization to create a competitive advantage to enhance performance. The factors of this research are helpful for SME practitioners.

Originality/value

The direct and indirect effects (differentiation and LCL strategy) of EO dimensions on export performance in an emerging country, i.e. the South-Asia region, is a pioneer study. Therefore, current research has theoretical and managerial implications for the international business and strategic management literature.
PLS-SEM in information systems: seizing the opportunity and marching ahead full speed to adopt methodological updates
Authors: Sabol Misty , Hair Joe , Cepeda Gabriel , Roldán José L. , Chong Alain Yee Loong
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Expanded awareness and application of recent PLS-SEM reporting practices were again called for by Hair (2022) in his PLS 2022 Keynote Address. This paper aims to analyze and extend the application of PLS-SEM in Industrial Management and Data Systems (IMDS) to focus on trends emerging in the more recent 2016–2022 period.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of PLS-SEM applications in information systems studies published in IMDS and MISQ for the period 2012–2022 identifies and comments on a total of 135 articles. Selected emerging advanced analytical PLS-SEM applications are also highlighted to expand awareness of their value in more rigorously evaluating model results.

Findings

There is a continually increasing maturity of the information systems field in applying PLS-SEM, particularly for IMDS authors. Model complexity and improved prediction assessment as well as other advanced analytical options are increasingly identified as reasons for applying PLS-SEM.

Research limitations/implications

Findings demonstrate the continued use and acceptance of PLS-SEM as a useful alternative research methodology within IS. PLS-SEM is the preferred SEM method in many research settings, but particularly when the research objective is prediction to the population, mediation and mediated moderation, formative constructs are specified, constructs must be modeled as higher-order and for competing model comparisons.

Practical implications

This update on PLS-SEM applications and recent methodological developments will help authors to better understand and apply the method, as well as publish their work. Researchers are encouraged to engage in more complete analyses and include enhanced reporting procedures.

Originality/value

Applications of PLS-SEM for prediction, theory testing and confirmation are increasing. Information systems scholars should continue to exercise sound practice by reporting reasons for using PLS-SEM and recognizing its wider applicability for both exploratory and confirmatory research.
A corporate risk assessment and reporting model in emerging economies
Authors: Blue Ghassem , Faraji Omid , Khotanlou Mohsen , Rezaee Zabihollah
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The growing business complexity has caused many risks (e.g. operational, financial, reputational, cybersecurity, regulatory and compliance) that threaten companies' sustainability and have received attention from regulators, investors, and businesses. The authors present a model for assessing and reporting corporate risk by examining the indicators underlying corporate risk reporting.

Design/methodology/approach

A thorough review of the literature and semi-structured interviews with experts were conducted and the fuzzy Delphi technique was used to obtain consensus and screening of risks. The relationships between these risk indicators were recognized, weighted and prioritized by employing a hybrid Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory Model (DEMATEL) method integrated with Analytic Network Process (ANP) (DEMATEL-ANP [DANP]) approach. Finally, using the Iranian setting of corporate risk reporting, a model was developed to calculate the risk-reporting scores.

Findings

The results indicate that risk disclosure quality is more important than risk disclosures' textual properties and quantity. According to the experts, reporting the key risks that the company faces, management's approach to dealing with these risks and quantifying their impact are more important than the other indicators. The results also show that risk reporting in Iran lacks quantitative and specific information, and most risk disclosures are sticky.

Research limitations/implications

The data have been prepared and analyzed according to the unique Iranian reporting environment, which should be considered when interpreting the results.

Practical implications

The results of this research can be used by the regulators of the Stock Exchange Organizations (SEO) to evaluate corporate risk reports and rank companies. Results are also relevant to investors and policymakers to identify companies with poor risk disclosure and to take necessary measures to improve their reporting practices.

Social implications

This paper contributes to the social and governance literature by presenting the importance of risk reporting in corporate disclosures.

Originality/value

The unique Iranian setting of corporate risk reporting furthers the understanding of risk reporting and thus provides education, policy, practice and research implications for other emerging economies like Iran. Many prior studies focus mainly on the quality of risk disclosure, and other aspects of corporate risk disclosure presented in the study have remained largely overlooked. The corporate risk reporting attributes identified in the study are relevant to the rise of non-financial risks, the textual and qualitative nature of risk reporting and textual risk disclosures.
A shared corporate vision: staff and senior management collaborate for market dominance at a large Saudi hotel
Authors: Borzillo Stefano , Alshahrani Salem
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to uncover the essential conditions for establishing a successful collaboration between the Fairmont Hotel (Makkah) staff and the senior management team to prepare for cocreating a future shared corporate vision.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is an action research project involving senior managers of the Fairmont Hotel (Makkah) and EHL Hospitality Business School (Lausanne, Switzerland). Data were collected from 16 hotel staff members, covering functional/department managers, team leaders, operations supervisors and operational-level employees.

Findings

This study uncovered a series of generic proposals made by the hotel staff, which are prerequisites/conditions for successful collaboration with senior management, to prepare for cocreating a future shared vision.

Practical implications

In response to the staff’s generic proposals, the senior management team proposed practical measures to support continued collaboration between hotel staff and the senior management team. These measures aim to maintain a collaborative approach centered on achieving future common goals and a shared vision to promote sustainable innovation in the services of the Fairmont Hotel (Makkah).

Originality/value

This study is innovative in two respects. First, it demonstrates a strong willingness on the part of senior management and staff to collaborate less vertically, contrary to the cultural norm in Saudi Arabia, known for its strong hierarchical distance. Second, the mutual commitment to more horizontal collaboration is not typical of five-star hotels, which are traditionally vertical and hierarchical.
Operational resilience in light of the war in Ukraine: the disruptive effect of implementing economic sanctions on financial service providers
Authors: Teichmann Fabian Maximilian Johannes , Wittmann Chiara , Sergi Bruno S.
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The operational resilience of financial service providers is strained to an unprecedented extent following the Russian aggression in the Ukraine and the subsequent implementation of targeted economic sanctions. This paper aims to consider how operational resilience supports financial service providers in implementing sanctions.

Design/methodology/approach

The demand made of financial service providers by economic sanction is considered through the lens of operational resilience. Practical problems for the providers are aligned with economic sanctions policies.

Findings

A well-established system of operational resilience enables financial service providers to meet compliance requirements of economic sanctions with greater ease.

Originality/value

The literature does not credit operational resilience as a systemic capacity of corporations and rather presents it as a specialised feature. In addition, the role of the regulatory bodies is often dismissed despite directly inciting the practical problems faced.