bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cancer Mortality Among Solid Organ Transplant Recipients in the United States During 1987–2018
Authors: Wang Jeanny H. , Pfeiffer Ruth M. , Musgrove Donnie , Castenson David , Fredrickson Mark , Miller Jon , Gonsalves Lou , Hsieh Mei-Chin , Lynch Charles F. , Zeng Yun , Yu Kelly J. , Hart Allyson , Israni Ajay K. , Snyder Jon J. , Engels Eric A.
Published: June 2023

Background.

Solid organ transplant recipients (ie, “recipients”) have elevated cancer risk and reduced survival after a cancer diagnosis. Evaluation of cancer mortality among recipients can facilitate improved outcomes from cancers arising before and after transplantation.

Methods.

We linked the US transplant registry to the National Death Index to ascertain the causes of 126 474 deaths among 671 127 recipients (1987–2018). We used Poisson regression to identify risk factors for cancer mortality and calculated standardized mortality ratios to compare cancer mortality in recipients with that in the general population. Cancer deaths verified with a corresponding cancer diagnosis from a cancer registry were classified as death from pretransplant or posttransplant cancers.

Results.

Thirteen percent of deaths were caused by cancer. Deaths from lung cancer, liver cancer, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) were the most common. Heart and lung recipients had the highest mortality for lung cancer and NHL, whereas liver cancer mortality was highest among liver recipients. Compared with the general population, cancer mortality was elevated overall (standardized mortality ratio 2.33; 95% confidence interval, 2.29-2.37) and for most cancer sites, with large increases from nonmelanoma skin cancer (23.4, 21.5-25.5), NHL (5.17, 4.87-5.50), kidney cancer (3.40, 3.10-3.72), melanoma (3.27, 2.91-3.68), and, among liver recipients, liver cancer (26.0, 25.0-27.1). Most cancer deaths (93.3%) were associated with posttransplant cancer diagnoses, excluding liver cancer deaths in liver recipients (of which all deaths were from pretransplant diagnoses).

Conclusions.

Improved posttransplant prevention or screening for lung cancer, NHL, and skin cancers and management of liver recipients with prior liver cancer may reduce cancer mortality among recipients.
Cellular RNA levels define heterotrophic substrate-uptake rate sub-guilds in activated sludge microbial communities
Authors: Guo Bing , Frigon Dominic
Published: June 2023

A heterotrophic-specialist model was proposed previously to divide wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) heterotrophs into sub-guilds of consumers of readily or slowly degradable substrates (RDS or SDS, respectively). The substrate degradation rate model coupled to metabolic considerations predicted that RNA and polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) levels would be positively correlated in the activated sludge communities with high RNA and PHA occurring in RDS-consumers, and low RNA with no PHA accumulation occurring in SDS-consumers because their external substrates are always present. This prediction was verified in previous studies and in the current one. Thus, RNA and PHA levels were used as biomarkers of the RDS- and SDS-consumer sub-guilds for cell sorting using flow cytometry of samples from three WWTPs. Subsequently, 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing revealed that the sorted groups were highly similar over time and among WWTPs, and demonstrated a clear segregation by RNA levels. Predicted ecophysiological traits based on 16S rRNA phylogeny suggested that the high-RNA population showed RDS-consumer traits such as higher
rrn
copy numbers per genome. Using a mass-flow immigration model, it appeared that the high-RNA populations exhibited high immigration rates more frequently than low-RNA populations, but the differences in frequencies were less with increasing solids residence times.
Engineering biology in the face of uncertainty
Authors: Sloan William T. , Gómez-Borraz Tania L.
Published: June 2023

Combining engineering and biology surely must be a route to delivering solutions to the world's most pressing problems in depleting resources, energy and the environment. Engineers and biologists have long recognized the power in coupling their disciplines and have evolved a healthy variety of approaches to realizing technologies. Yet recently, there has been a movement to narrow the remit of engineering biology. Its definition as ‘the application of engineering principles to the design of biological systems' ought to encompass a broad church. However, the emphasis is firmly on construction ‘…of novel biological devices and systems from standardized artificial parts’ within cells. Thus, engineering biology has become synonymous with synthetic biology, despite the many longstanding technologies that use natural microbial communities. The focus on the nuts and bolts of synthetic organisms may be deflecting attention from the significant challenge of delivering solutions at scale, which cuts across all engineering biology, synthetic and natural. Understanding, let alone controlling, every component of an engineered system is an unrealistic goal. To realize workable solutions in a timely manner we must develop systematic ways of engineering biology in the face of the uncertainties that are inherent in biological systems and that arise through lack of knowledge.
Cut-off Ct value of GeneXpert in comparison to gold standard RT-PCR for diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2: A retrospective study
Authors: William Ashish , Rai Yogita , Rawat Deepti , Gogoi Sanjib , Dhakad Megh Singh , Jais Manoj , Kaur Ravinder
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has exposed the chinks in the armour of healthcare systems and has single-handedly literally brought the world to a standstill. Diagnostic testing for COVID-19 is critical for understanding epidemiology, contract-tracing, case management, and to control the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2. RT-PCR test, the gold standard test, involves fairly complex steps and take nearly 24–48 h for generating the results. GeneXpert is a rapid nucleic-acid-detection-based test approved by ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research), which can shorten the turnaround time significantly.AIMThe aim of the study was to compare the performance of GeneXpert against the gold standard RT-PCR for SARS-COV-2.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary care centre from 25th March 2020 to 8th December 2020. The Nasopharyngeal/Oropharyngeal swabs that were sent to the Covid laboratory for testing of SARS COV-2 by GeneXpert (CBNAAT) were included for the study. The samples that gave a positive result were simultaneously tested for rRT-PCR. According to the manufacturer instructions, the cut-off value for GeneXpert is 45 whereas according to ICMR,  cut-off value for RT-PCR to be taken is 35.RESULTSOut of 220 samples positive by GeneXpert , 102 (46%) showed negative results by RT-PCR. Among these 102 samples, 89% (91/102) samples were found to be positive by GeneXpert with  Ct value >35 whereas 90% (96/107) positive GeneXpert samples had Ct value <35 which were also positive by RT-PCR.

CONCLUSION

The formulation of certain cut-off Ct values for the uniform results by both GeneXpert and RT-PCR should be implemented.
A ligation-independent sequencing method reveals tRNA-derived RNAs with blocked 3’ termini
Authors: Scacchetti Alessandro , Shields Emily J. , Trigg Natalie A. , Wilusz Jeremy E. , Conine Colin C. , Bonasio Roberto
Published: June 2023

Despite the numerous sequencing methods available, the vast diversity in size and chemical modifications of RNA molecules makes the capture of the full spectrum of cellular RNAs a difficult task. By combining quasirandom hexamer priming with a custom template switching strategy, we developed a method to construct sequencing libraries from RNA molecules of any length and with any type of 3’ terminal modification, allowing the sequencing and analysis of virtually all RNA species. Ligation-independent detection of all types of RNA (LIDAR) is a simple, effective tool to comprehensively characterize changes in small non-coding RNAs and mRNAs simultaneously, with performance comparable to separate dedicated methods. With LIDAR, we comprehensively characterized the coding and non- coding transcriptome of mouse embryonic stem cells, neural progenitor cells, and sperm. LIDAR detected a much larger variety of tRNA-derived RNAs (tDRs) compared to traditional ligation-dependent sequencing methods, and uncovered the presence of tDRs with blocked 3’ ends that had previously escaped detection. Our findings highlight the potential of LIDAR to systematically detect all RNAs in a sample and uncover new RNA species with potential regulatory functions.
TMELand: An end-to-end pipeline for quantification and visualization of Waddington’s epigenetic landscape based on gene regulatory network
Authors: Zhu Lin , Kang Xin , Li Chunhe , Zheng Jie
Published: June 2023

Waddington’s epigenetic landscape is a framework depicting the processes of cell differentiation and reprogramming under the control of a gene regulatory network (GRN). Traditional model-driven methods for landscape quantification focus on the Boolean network or differential equation-based models of GRN, which need sophisticated prior knowledge and hence hamper their practical applications. To resolve this problem, we combine data-driven methods for inferring GRNs from gene expression data with model-driven approach to the landscape mapping. Specifically, we build an end-to-end pipeline to link data-driven and model-driven methods and develop a software tool named TMELand for GRN inference, visualizing Waddington’s epigenetic landscape, and calculating state transition paths between attractors to uncover the intrinsic mechanism of cellular transition dynamics. By integrating GRN inference from real transcriptomic data with landscape modeling, TMELand can facilitate studies of computational systems biology, such as predicting cellular states and visualizing the dynamical trends of cell fate determination and transition dynamics from single-cell transcriptomic data. The source code of TMELand, a user manual, and model files of case studies can be downloaded freely fromhttps://github.com/JieZheng-ShanghaiTech/TMELand.
Exposure to false cardiac feedback alters pain perception and anticipatory cardiac frequency
Authors: Parrotta Eleonora , Bach Patric , Pezzulo Giovanni , Perrucci Mauro Gianni , Costantini Marcello , Ferri Francesca
Published: June 2023

The experience of pain, like other interoceptive processes, has recently been conceptualized in light of predictive coding models and the free energy minimization framework. In these views, the brain integrates sensory, proprioceptive, and interoceptive signals to generate probabilistic inferences about upcoming events, which heavily shape both the state and the perception of our inner body. Here we ask whether it is possible to induce pain expectations by providing false faster (vs. slower) acoustic cardiac feedback before administering electrical cutaneous shocks, and test whether these expectations will shape both the perception of pain and the body’s physiological state toward prior predictions. Results confirmed that faster cardiac feedback elicited pain expectations that affected both perceptual pain judgments and the body’s physiological response. Perceptual pain judgments were biased towards the expected level of pain, such that participants illusorily perceived identical noxious stimuli as more intense and unpleasant. Physiological changes mirrored the predicted level of pain, such that participants’ actual cardiac response in anticipation of pain stimuli showed a deceleration in heart rates, coherently with the well-known orienting cardiac response in anticipation of threatening stimuli (Experiment 1). In a control experiment, such perceptual and cardiac modulations were dramatically reduced when the feedback reproduced an exteroceptive, instead of interoceptive cardiac feedback (Experiment 2). These findings show for the first time that cardiac feedback manipulation can be conceptualized in terms of an interoceptive inference that modulates both our perception and the physiological state of the body, thereby actively generating the interoceptive and autonomic consequences that have been predicted.
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor regulates epidermal differentiation through transient activation of TFAP2A
Authors: Smits Jos P.H. , Qu Jieqiong , Pardow Felicitas , van den Brink Noa J.M. , Rodijk-Olthuis Diana , van Vlijmen-Willems Ivonne M.J.J. , van Heeringen Simon J. , Zeeuwen Patrick L.J.M. , Schalkwijk Joost , Zhou Huiqing , van den Bogaard Ellen H.
Published: June 2023

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is an evolutionary conserved environmental sensor identified as indispensable regulator of epithelial homeostasis and barrier organ function. Molecular signaling cascade and target genes upon AHR activation and their contribution to cell and tissue function are however not fully understood. Multi-omics analyses using human skin keratinocytes revealed that, upon ligand activation, AHR binds open chromatin to induce expression of transcription factors (TFs), e.g., Transcription Factor AP-2α (TFAP2A), as a swift response to environmental stimuli. The terminal differentiation program including upregulation of barrier genes, filaggrin and keratins, was mediated by TFAP2A as a secondary response to AHR activation. The role of AHR-TFAP2A axis in controlling keratinocyte terminal differentiation for proper barrier formation was further confirmed using CRISPR/Cas9 in human epidermal equivalents. Overall, the study provides novel insights into the molecular mechanism behind AHR-mediated barrier function and potential novel targets for the treatment of skin barrier diseases.
ERAP1 shows distinct regulatory mechanisms on blood pressure modulation between males and females
Authors: Ding Miao , Heydarpour Mahyar , Gomez Dulce Hiraci , Aljaibeji Hayat , Parksook Wasita Warachit , Peng Liming , Pojoga Lumi , Romero Jose R. , Williams Gordon H.
Published: June 2023

The authors have withdrawn their manuscript owing to editing error. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as reference for the project. If you have any questions, please contact the corresponding author.
Internalized β2-Adrenergic Receptors Inhibit Subcellular Phospholipase C-Dependent Cardiac Hypertrophic Signaling
Authors: Wei Wenhui , Smrcka Alan V.
Published: June 2023

Chronically elevated neurohumoral drive, and particularly elevated adrenergic tone leading to β-adrenergic receptor (β-AR) overstimulation in cardiac myocytes, is a key mechanism involved in the progression of heart failure. β1-AR and β2-ARs are the two major subtypes of β-ARs present in the human heart, however, they elicit different or even opposite effects on cardiac function and hypertrophy. For example, chronic activation of β1ARs drives detrimental cardiac remodeling while β2AR signaling is protective. The underlying molecular mechanisms for cardiac protection through β2ARs remain unclear. Here we show that β2-AR protects against hypertrophy through inhibition of PLCε signaling at the Golgi apparatus. The mechanism for β2AR-mediated PLC inhibition requires internalization of β2AR, activation of Gi and Gβγ subunit signaling at endosomes and ERK activation. This pathway inhibits both angiotensin II and Golgi-β1-AR-mediated stimulation of phosphoinositide hydrolysis at the Golgi apparatus ultimately resulting in decreased PKD and HDAC5 phosphorylation and protection against cardiac hypertrophy. This reveals a mechanism for β2-AR antagonism of the PLCε pathway that may contribute to the known protective effects of β2-AR signaling on the development of heart failure.
Soluble LIGHT (TNFSF14) activates endothelial cells, thereby priming the first vessel-occlusive events in acute sickle cell disease
Authors: Chadebech Philippe , Nguyen-Peyre Kim-Anh , Liberto Gaétana Di , Bodivit Gwellaouen , Pirenne France , Bartolucci Pablo
Published: June 2023

In sickle cell disease (SCD), the red blood cells carry a mutated form of hemoglobin (HbS) leading to altered shape and deformability. The mutation causes abnormal hemorheological properties, mechanical hemolysis, and adhesion. The chronic vascular inflammation observed in SCD and hemolysis-related endothelium activation may trigger the vaso-occlusion of blood vessels.

The prothrombotic and pro-inflammatory LIGHT/TNFSF14 is a tumor necrosis factor (TNF)- superfamily cytokine implicated in various inflammatory diseases. It is expressed by various immune cells and is considered an actor in T cell-mediated immunity and immune cell recruitment. LIGHT has also been shown to activate endothelial cells (ECs) strongly. LIGHT levels are high in the plasma of SCD patients, and platelets are a major source of its circulating form.

We studied a cohort of 82 homozygous adult patients with SCD (n=108 samples) to determine whether LIGHT levels were linked to the clinical state of patients included in the ‘Basal’ steady state or during an ‘Acute’ crisis. Soluble LIGHT levels were high in the plasma of SCD patients during acute phases of the disease, particularly during painful occlusive crises. LIGHT levels were associated with Hb levels and inflammatory markers (mainly interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α, specifically in acute SCD patients). Our findings confirm that LIGHT is a strong activator of cultured ECs, inducing a type II inflammatory cytokine profile and the expression of adhesion molecules. Using a physiological flow adhesion test on biochips, we showed that the LIGHT-induced activation of ECs led to the adhesion of both sickle platelets (but not their AA counterparts), and in a less extend sickle RBCs to activated HUVECs, potentially constituting the first step in vaso-occlusion. Indeed, the pretreatment of HUVECs with neutralizing polyclonal Abs against LIGHT, but not the non-specific counterpart, showed a reversal of both the inflammation process activated by LIGHT treatment and platelet adhesion to endothelial cells.

Soluble LIGHT appears to be a promising therapeutic target for preventing adverse occlusive events in SCD through the blockade of its receptor, to prevent the adhesion of blood cell components to the endothelium. Future studies should consider whether soluble LIGHT contributes to other clinical complications in SCD.

HIGHLIGHTS

In patients with SCD, plasma LIGHT is mainly secreted during acute phases, including VOCs.

Both Hb levels and IFNγ levels are correlated with plasma LIGHT with SCD patients in acute phase disease.

The LIGHT-induced activation of endothelial cells leads to the flow adherence of both sickle (SS) platelets and red blood cells.

Both endothelial priming by LIGHT and platelet adherence are abolished by anti-LIGHT polyclonal Abs.
Cryptococcosis, tuberculosis, and a kidney cancer fail to fit the atherosclerosis paradigm for foam cell lipid content
Authors: Guerrini Valentina , Prideaux Brendan , Khan Rehan , Subbian Selvakumar , Wang Yina , Sadimin Evita , Pawar Siddhi , Ukey Rahul , Singer Eric A. , Xue Chaoyang , Gennaro Maria Laura
Published: June 2023

Foam cells are dysfunctional, lipid-laden macrophages associated with chronic inflammation of diverse origin. The long-standing paradigm that foam cells are cholesterol-laden derives from atherosclerosis research. We previously showed that, in tuberculosis, foam cells surprisingly accumulate triglycerides. Here, we utilized bacterial (Mycobacterium tuberculosis), fungal (Cryptococcus neoformans), and human papillary renal cell carcinoma (pRCC) models to address the need for a new explanation of foam cell biogenesis. We applied mass spectrometry-based imaging to assess the spatial distribution of storage lipids relative to foam-cell-rich areas in lesional tissues, and we characterized lipid-laden macrophages generated under correspondingin vitroconditions. Thein vivodata and thein vitrofindings showed that cryptococcus-infected macrophages accumulate triglycerides, while macrophages exposed to pRCC- conditioned-medium accumulated both triglycerides and cholesterol. Moreover, cryptococcus- and mycobacterium-infected macrophages accumulated triglycerides in different ways. Collectively, the data show that the molecular events underlying foam cell formation are specific to disease and microenvironment. Since foam cells are potential therapeutic targets, recognizing that their formation is disease-specific opens new biomedical research directions.
Quorum-sensingagrsystem ofStaphylococcus aureusprimes gene expression for protection from lethal oxidative stress
Authors: Podkowik Magdalena , Perault Andrew I. , Putzel Gregory , Pountain Andrew , Kim Jisun , Dumont Ashley , Zwack Erin , Ulrich Robert J. , Karagounis Theodora K. , Zhou Chunyi , Haag Andreas F. , Shenderovich Julia , Wasserman Gregory A. , Kwon Junbeom , Chen John , Richardson Anthony R. , Weiser Jeffrey N. , Nowosad Carla R. , Lun Desmond S. , Parker Dane , Pironti Alejandro , Zhao Xilin , Drlica Karl , Yanai Itai , Torres Victor J. , Shopsin Bo
Published: June 2023

Theagrquorum-sensing system linksStaphylococcus aureusmetabolism to virulence, in part by increasing bacterial survival during exposure to lethal concentrations of H2O2, a crucial host defense againstS. aureus. We now report that protection byagrsurprisingly extends beyond post-exponential growth to the exit from stationary phase when theagrsystem is no longer turned on. Thus,agrcan be considered a constitutive protective factor. Deletion ofagrincreased both respiration and fermentation but decreased ATP levels and growth, suggesting that Δagrcells assume a hyperactive metabolic state in response to reduced metabolic efficiency. As expected from increased respiratory gene expression, reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulated more in theagrmutant than in wild-type cells, thereby explaining elevated susceptibility of Δagrstrains to lethal H2O2doses. Increased survival of wild-typeagrcells during H2O2exposure requiredsodA, which detoxifies superoxide. Additionally, pretreatment ofS. aureuswith respiration-reducing menadione protected Δagrcells from killing by H2O2. Thus, genetic deletion and pharmacologic experiments indicate thatagrhelps control endogenous ROS, thereby providing resilience against exogenous ROS. The long-lived “memory” ofagr-mediated protection, which is uncoupled fromagractivation kinetics, increased hematogenous dissemination to certain tissues during sepsis in ROS-producing, wild-type mice but not ROS-deficient (Nox2−/−) mice. These results demonstrate the importance of protection that anticipates impending ROS-mediated immune attack. The ubiquity of quorum sensing suggests that it protects many bacterial species from oxidative damage.
Identification and functional characterization of the putative members of the CTDK-1 kinase complex as regulators of growth and development in the genusAspergillus
Authors: Agirrezabala Z. , Guruceaga X. , Martin-Vicente A. , Otamendi A. , Fagoaga A. , Fortwendel J.R. , Espeso E.A. , Etxebeste O.
Published: June 2023

The genusAspergillusincludes industrially, medically and agriculturally important species. All of them, as do fungi in general, disperse to new niches principally by means of asexual spores. Regarding the genetic/molecular control of asexual development,Aspergillus nidulansis the main reference. In this species, two pathways control the production of conidiophores, the structures bearing asexual spores (conidia). The Upstream Developmental Activation (UDA) pathway transduces environmental signals, determining whether the Central Developmental Pathway (CDP) and the required morphological changes are induced. The transcriptional regulator BrlA links both pathways as loss-of-function mutations inflb(UDA) genes blockbrlAtranscription and, consequently, conidiation. However, the aconidial phenotype of specificflbmutants is reverted under salt-stress conditions. Previously, we generated a collection of ΔflbBmutants unable to conidiate on culture medium supplemented with NaH2PO4(0.65M). Here, we identified a Gly347Stop mutation withinflpAas responsible for the FLIP57 phenotype. The putative cyclin FlpA and the remaining putative components of the C-terminal domain kinase-1 (CTDK-1) complex are necessary for proper germination, growth and developmental patterns in bothA. nidulansandA. fumigatus. Cellular localization and functional interdependencies of the three proteins are also analyzed. Overall, this work links the putative CTDK-1 complex of aspergilli with growth and developmental control.

One-sentence summary

Identification of a mutation inflpAas inhibitor of conidiation inA. nidulansand functional characterization of FlpA, Stk47 and FlpB as putative members of the C-terminal domain kinase complex CTDK-1 in the genusAspergillus.
A conserved and druggable pocket in class B G protein coupled receptors for orally active small molecule agonists
Authors: Zhao Li-Hua , He Qian , Yuan Qingning , Gu Yimin , He Xinheng , Li Junrui , Wang Kai , Li Yang , Shen Jianhua , Xu H. Eric
Published: June 2023

Class B G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), including glucagon-like receptor 1 (GLP-1R) and parathyroid hormone receptor 1 (PTH1R), are peptide hormone receptors and important drug targets. Injectable peptide drugs targeting class B GPCRs have been developed for the treatment of many diseases, including type 2 diabetes, obesity, and osteoporosis, but orally available small molecule drugs are hotly pursued in the field, especially small molecule agonists of GLP-1R and PTH1R. Here we report the first high-resolution structure of the human PTH1R in complex with the stimulatory G protein (Gs) and a small molecule agonist, PCO371, which reveals an unexpected binding mode of PCO371 at the interface of PTH1R and Gs. The binding site of PCO371 is totally different from all binding sites previously reported for small molecules or peptide ligands in GPCRs. Residues that make up the PCO371 binding pocket are mostly conserved in class B GPCRs and a single mutation in PTH type 2 receptor (PTH2R) and two residue mutations in GLP-1R convert these receptors to respond to PCO371 activation. Functional assays reveal that PCO371 is a G-protein biased agonist that is defective in promoting PTH1R-mediated arrestin signaling. Together, these results uncover a distinct binding site for designing small molecule agonists for PTH1R and possible other members of class B GPCRs and define a receptor conformation that is only specific for G protein activation but not arrestin signaling. These insights should facilitate the design of distinct types of class B GPCR small molecule agonists for various therapeutic indications.
DNA-targeting short Argonaute triggers effector nuclease to protect bacteria from invaders
Authors: Prostova Maria , Kanevskaya Anna , Panteleev Vladimir , Lisitskaya Lidia , Tugaeva Kristina V. , Sluchanko Nikolai N. , Esyunina Daria , Kulbachinskiy Andrey
Published: June 2023

Two prokaryotic defence systems, Argonautes (pAgos) and CRISPR-Cas, detect invader nucleic acids using complementary guides. Upon recognition, the target is cleaved through nuclease activities of pAgo or Cas proteins thus protecting the cell from invasion. However, not all pAgos are active nucleases. Members of a large clade of short pAgos bind nucleic acid guides but lack nuclease activity suggesting a different mechanism of action. Here, we have investigated short pAgo fromNovosphingopyxis baekryungensis(NbaAgo). We have shown that NbaAgo forms a heterodimeric complex, SPARDA, with a co-encoded effector nuclease. RNA-guided target DNA recognition unleashes the nuclease activity of SPARDA leading to indiscriminate collateral cleavage of DNA and RNA. Activation of SPARDA results in cell death during plasmid transformation or phage infection, thus protecting bacterial population from invaders. The collateral activity of SPARDA allows highly sensitive detection of specific DNA targets. SPARDA expands the list of prokaryotic immune systems that elicit suicidal cell response with a unique range of nuclease activities, creating additional opportunities for biotechnologies.
The perceived value of digital fashion product and purchase intention: the mediating role of the flow experience in metaverse platforms
Authors: Park Yeonseo , Ko Eunju , Do Boram
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to explore digital fashion products in the metaverse platform contexts and empirically examine the effect of the metaverse platform characteristics on the purchase intention of digital fashion products through users' flow experience and perceived value of the products.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey method was used in this study. Answers from 314 metaverse users were analyzed, and the hypotheses were tested using the structural equations modeling and bootstrapping analysis.

Findings

The analyses showed that telepresence, social interaction and economic flow had significant effects on users' flow experience among the metaverse platform characteristics, while the continuity and content creation of the metaverse platform did not have significant effects. The flow experience also appeared to have significant effects on multiple consumption values, including pleasure value, self-expression value and economic value. Last, the perceived pleasure value and economic value of digital fashion products had a positive effect on purchase intention.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this research is that it is one of the first empirical attempts to investigate individual consumers' perceptions and experiences of digital fashion products in the context of metaverse platforms.
Asymmetric market efficiency of the Eurozone using the MF-DFA: a comparison between global financial crisis and COVID-19 era
Authors: Ali Sajid , Raza Syed Ali , Khan Komal Akram
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This research paper aims to explore asymmetric market efficiency of the 13 Euro countries, i.e. Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Netherland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain, concerning the period before global financial crisis (GFC), after GFC and period of COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

Multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis (MF-DFA) is applied to examine the persistence and anti-persistency. It also discusses the random walk behavior hypothesis of these 13 countries non-stationary time series. Additionally, generalized Hurst exponents are applied to estimate the relative efficiency between short- and long-run horizons and small and large fluctuations.

Findings

The current study results suggest that most countries' markets are multifractal and exhibit long-term persistence in the short and long run. Moreover, the results with respect to full sample confirm that Portugal is the most efficient country in short run and Austria is the least efficient country. However, in long run, Austria appeared to be highly efficient, and Slovakia is the least efficient. In the pre-GFC period, Greece is said to be the relatively most efficient market in the short run, whereas Austria is the most efficient market in the long run. In the case of Post-GFC, Netherland and Ireland are the most efficient markets in short and long run, respectively. Lastly, COVID-19 results indicate that Finland's stock market is the most efficient in short run. Whereas, in the long run, the high efficiency is illustrated by Germany. In contrast, the most affected stock market due to COVID-19 is Belgium.

Originality/value

This study will add value to the present knowledge on efficient market hypothesis (EMH) with the MF-DFA approach. Also, with the MF-DFA approach, potential investors will be capable of ranking the stock markets of Eurozone countries based on their efficiency in the period before and after GFC and then specifically in the period of COVID-19.
The impacts of pandemic-related media coverage on workplace ageism among younger hospitality and tourism employees
Authors: Zhong Yun Ying , Leung Xi Yu , Sun Jie , Ng Boon Peng
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impacts of pandemic-related media coverage on younger hospitality and tourism employees’ ageist attitudes toward older people by applying the media priming theory and the terror management theory.

Design/methodology/approach

This study takes a mixed-method approach through an online survey. A total of 416 usable responses are collected from current US hospitality and tourism employees under 55 years. Qualitative data were analyzed using word cloud. Partial least squares structural equation modeling is then used to test the hypothesized model.

Findings

The study’s results show that younger employees' cognitive reaction negatively affects aging anxiety and intergenerational tension, which subsequently influence their willingness to work with older people. Negative media-induced emotions are positively associated with aging anxiety, whereas positive emotions exert no significant impact. Intergenerational contact frequency moderates the effect of intergenerational tension on younger employees’ willingness to work with older people.

Research limitations/implications

This study’s findings contribute to the hospitality and tourism workforce literature by considering the priming effects of media coverage on younger employees’ attitudes toward self-aging and the older group. This study also offers managerial insights on developing effective age-inclusion interventions to reduce workplace ageism in the post-pandemic era.

Originality/value

Existing hospitality and tourism studies on older workers are scant and largely descriptive. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first study that assesses the effects of pandemic-related media coverage on workplace ageism toward older people among the current hospitality and tourism workforce.
The spillover effects of supply chain corruption practices on stock returns
Authors: Wang Geng , Xiong Yangchun , Cheng Yang , Lam Hugo K.S.
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore the spillover effects of supply chain corruption practices (SCCPs) on stock returns along the supply chain and within the industry. Specifically, it investigates how SCCPs affect the stock returns of corrupt firms' bystander supply chain partners and industry peers, both of which are not involved in the SCCPs.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employ the event study methodology to quantify SCCPs' spillover effects in terms of abnormal stock returns. The analysis is based on 117 SCCPs occurring in China between 2014 and 2021.

Findings

The event study results show that SCCPs have negative effects on the stock returns of corrupt firms' bystander supply chain partners. Such negative effects are more pronounced for bystander buyers than bystander suppliers. However, SCCPs do not have a significant impact on the stock returns of corrupt firms' industry peers. Additional analysis further suggests that SCCPs are more likely to affect the stock returns of domestic rather than overseas bystander supply chain partners.

Originality/value

This study is the first attempt to thoroughly examine the spillover effects of SCCPs along the supply chain and within the industry, advancing the understanding of the financial consequences of SCCPs and providing important implications for future research and practices related to supply chain corruption.
Metaverse applications in education: a systematic review and a cost-benefit analysis
Authors: Camilleri Mark Anthony
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Many educators are increasingly acquainting themselves and becoming adept with interactive technologies like augmented reality and virtual reality. Some of them are also looking forward to using Metaverse applications, as they want to benefit from its immersive three-dimensional capabilities. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to critically review the extant literature to investigate how, why, where and when the Metaverse can be used for educational purposes. This study also discusses opportunities, challenges and risks related to this disruptive technology.

Design/methodology/approach

A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses rigorous protocol is used to search, extract, scrutinize and synthesize content from high-impact articles focused on the use of the Metaverse technology in the realms of education. Afterwards, this study theorizes on the costs and benefits of using this interactive technology with students.

Findings

A number of researchers are already experimenting with virtual technologies that are very similar to the Metaverse, in different contexts. This research indicates that most students are lured by immersive multi-sensory three-dimensional environments as well as by virtual reality applications that could simulate real-life situations and provide engaging experiences with virtual representations of people, places and objects. On the other hand, this study reveals that educators ought to consider the potential pitfalls of the Metaverse, including privacy breaches and security risks, as well as possible addictions and the development of mental health issues, among others.

Practical implications

Students and educators can use the Metaverse to catapult themselves in a simulated digital universe that could reconfigure their sensory inputs, definitions of space, time and points of access to information. This research calls for the development of regulatory instruments, including sound principles, guidelines and procedures that are intended to safeguard and protect Metaverse users.

Originality/value

This contribution implies that there is scope for educators to continue developing the Metaverse’s virtual spaces to improve their students’ motivations, aptitudes and learning outcomes. This study clarifies that the use of the Metaverse in education can create infinite possibilities to enhance their knowledge, competences and abilities through its immersive applications. Yet this paper also raises awareness about possible challenges in the short term as well on other risks associated to the prolonged use of this captivating technology.
The current role of management accounting: paradigm shift and future challenges
Authors: Pedroso Elsa , Gomes Carlos F.
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to map the research on management accounting (MA), clarifying its current role and identifying gaps and opportunities for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, 784 papers were reviewed for the 1958–2019 period, published in 220 scientific journals indexed on Clarivate Analytics’ Web of Science (Science Citation Index Expanded [SCI-EXPANDED] and Social Sciences Citation Index [SSCI]). In the process, content analysis, regression analysis and bibliometric analysis were used.

Findings

The most relevant journals, authors and topics in MA, along with trends and patterns in the literature, were identified. Seven clusters that represent the overall thematic research structure of the MA field were also identified. This study shows that MA is becoming a multidimensional management decision-support instrument covering all organizational dimensions. As such, the research on MA is following the recent concerns with the sustainable development and digitalization of business processes.

Research limitations/implications

Based on the findings of this research study, theoretical and practical implications for MA researchers were provided. These findings could also be useful to industry practitioners to improve their knowledge of emerging trends in MA practices, strategies and concepts.

Originality/value

Based on bibliometric and content analysis, a framework that shows an organizational, market and social context for the evolution of MA over the past 60 years was provided. It highlights the dynamics of MA alignment with organizational and external environment changes. Future research opportunities and implications for researchers and practitioners were also identified.
The effect of financial leverage on financial performance: evidence from non-financial institutions listed on the Tokyo stock market
Authors: Arhinful Richard , Radmehr Mehrshad
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The study seeks to find the effect of financial leverage on the firm performance of non-financial companies listed in the Tokyo stock market.

Design/methodology/approach

The study collected data from 263 companies in the automobile and industrial producer sectors listed on the Tokyo stock exchange between 2001 and 2021. The generalized method of moments was used to estimate the effect of leverage on financial performance due to its ability to overcome the problems of endogeneity and autocorrelation.

Findings

The study found that the equity multiplier has a positive and statistically significant effect on return on assets (ROA), return on equity (ROE) and earning per share (EPS). The study discovered that the interest coverage ratio has a positive and statistically significant effect on ROA, ROE, EPS and Tobin’s Q. The results revealed that the degree of financial leverage and debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) have a negative and statistically significant effect on ROE, EPS and Tobin’s Q. The study also found that the capitalization ratios of the firms have a negative and statistically significant effect on ROA, ROE, EPS and Tobin’s Q.

Practical implications

The use of debt financing, which presents financial leverage, indicates that the companies can make enough earnings to pay off the interest and principal (debt service obligations), which were shown by the interest coverage ratio, as well as to pay all the long-term fixed expenses, which were shown by the fixed charge coverage ratio. Interest and fixed charge coverage have a positive statistically significant effect on the financial performance of automobile and industrial producer companies.

Originality/value

The study focused on the effect of financial leverage on financial performance by relying on pecking and trade-off theories to contribute to the existing body of literature in finance.
Developing environmental performance through sustainable practices, environmental CSR and behavioural intentions: an online approach during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Soomro Bahadur Ali , Elhag Ghada Mohamed , Bhatti Mitho Khan , Abdelwahed Nadia A. Abdelmegeed , Shah Naimatullah
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the development of environmental performance (EP) through sustainable practices (SPs), environmental corporate social responsibility (environmental CSR) and behavioural intentions (BIs) among Pakistan’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the researchers applied a quantitative approach which involved significant cross-sectional data. The authors used an online survey to serve the aim of this study. The survey’s respondents are top managers of Pakistan’s manufacturing firms. The authors received 196 valid cases to obtain suitable outcomes from the data.

Findings

By using the structural equation model, the path analysis shows that green practices (GPs) have a positive and significant effect on SPs and environmental CSR. This study’s findings also demonstrate that environmental CSR plays a substantial role in developing the SPs, BIs and EP. The results of this study also show that SP plays a positive and significant role towards BIs and EP. Finally, BI predicts the EP.

Practical implications

This study's findings provide planners and policymakers with guidelines to create EP through environmental CSR, SPs and BIs. This study's findings are valuable results in identifying green practices’ significant role in establishing environmental CSR and SPs. Finally, this study's findings offer a new perception of integrating these factors and their contribution to EP.

Originality/value

This study examined the development of EP in the challenging situation of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, in terms of the empirical findings, this study provides original value.
Biofilm formation on the surface of monazite and xenotime during bioleaching
Authors: van Alin Arya , Corbett Melissa K. , Fathollahzadeh Homayoun , Tjiam M. Christian , Rickard William D. A. , Sun Xiao , Putnis Andrew , Eksteen Jacques , Kaksonen Anna H. , Watkin Elizabeth
Published: June 2023

Microbial attachment and biofilm formation is a ubiquitous behaviour of microorganisms and is the most crucial prerequisite of contact bioleaching. Monazite and xenotime are two commercially exploitable minerals containing rare earth elements (REEs). Bioleaching using phosphate solubilizing microorganisms is a green biotechnological approach for the extraction of REEs. In this study, microbial attachment and biofilm formation of Klebsiella aerogenes ATCC 13048 on the surface of these minerals were investigated using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In a batch culture system, K. aerogenes was able to attach and form biofilms on the surface of three phosphate minerals. The microscopy records showed three distinctive stages of biofilm development for K. aerogenes commencing with initial attachment to the surface occurring in the first minutes of microbial inoculation. This was followed by colonization of the surface and formation of a mature biofilm as the second distinguishable stage, with progression to dispersion as the final stage. The biofilm had a thin‐layer structure. The colonization and biofilm formation were localized toward physical surface imperfections such as cracks, pits, grooves and dents. In comparison to monazite and xenotime crystals, a higher proportion of the surface of the high‐grade monazite ore was covered by biofilm which could be due to its higher surface roughness. No selective attachment or colonization toward specific mineralogy or chemical composition of the minerals was detected. Finally, in contrast to abiotic leaching of control samples, microbial activity resulted in extensive microbial erosion on the high‐grade monazite ore.
Prevalence of opioid dependence in New South Wales, Australia, 2014–16: Indirect estimation from multiple data sources using a Bayesian approach
Authors: Downing Beatrice C. , Hickman Matthew , Jones Nicola R. , Larney Sarah , Sweeting Michael J. , Xu Yixin , Farrell Michael , Degenhardt Louisa , Jones Hayley E.
Published: June 2023

Aims

To estimate the prevalence of, and number of unobserved people with opioid dependence by sex and age group in New South Wales (NSW), Australia.

Design

We applied a Bayesian statistical modelling approach to opioid agonist treatment records linked to adverse event rate data. We estimated prevalence from three types of adverse event separately: opioid mortality, opioid‐poisoning hospitalizations and opioid‐related charges. We extended the model and produced prevalence estimates from a ‘multi‐source’ model based on all three types of adverse event data.

Setting, Participants and Measurements

This study was conducted in NSW, Australia, 2014–16 using data from the Opioid Agonist Treatment and Safety (OATS) study, which included all people who had received treatment for opioid dependence in NSW. Aggregate data were obtained on numbers of adverse events in NSW. Rates of each adverse event type within the OATS cohort were modelled. Population data were provided by State and Commonwealth agencies.

Findings

Prevalence of opioid dependence among those aged 15–64 years in 2016 was estimated to be 0.96% (95% credible interval [CrI] = 0.82%, 1.12%) from the mortality model, 0.75% (95% CrI = 0.70%, 0.83%) from hospitalizations, 0.95% (95% CrI = 0.90%, 0.99%) from charges and 0.92% (95% CrI = 0.88%, 0.96%) from the multi‐source model. Of the estimated 46 460 (95% CrI = 44 680, 48 410) people with opioid dependence in 2016 from the multi‐source model, approximately one‐third (16 750, 95% CrI = 14 960, 18 690) had no record of opioid agonist treatment within the last 4 years. From the multi‐source model, prevalence in 2016 was estimated to be 1.24% (95% CrI = 1.18%, 1.31%) in men aged 15–44, 1.22% (95% CrI = 1.14%, 1.31%) in men 45–64, 0.63% (95% CrI = 0.59%, 0.68%) in women aged 15–44 and 0.56% (95% CrI = 0.50%, 0.63%) in women aged 45–64.

Conclusions

A Bayesian statistical approach to estimate prevalence from multiple adverse event types simultaneously calculates that the estimated prevalence of opioid dependence in NSW, Australia in 2016 was 0.92%, higher than previous estimates.