bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Double-Reversed Costal Cartilage Graft for Nasal Reconstruction
Authors: Kalmar Christopher L. , Carlson Anna R. , Bartlett Scott P.
Published: May 2023

Costal cartilage provides the ideal graft for reconstruction of the nasal dorsum and tip because of its abundant supply and flexural strength. Nevertheless, autologous costal cartilage grafts can experience warping. Several techniques have been devised to offset the intrinsic warping effects of cartilage, but current techniques have several disadvantages. The authors present a multimedia demonstration of the double-reversed technique for costal cartilage reconstruction. This strategy is unique in its dual axis of rotation to offset warp in all dimensions. This technique can be performed with conventional instruments, does not introduce foreign material, and provides robust support to counteract the often scarred and contracted soft-tissue envelope.
Effects of changing the COS protocol in patients without a transplantable embryo in the previous IVF/ICSI cycle
Authors: Yi Shan-Jia , Yang Yi-Hua , Bi Yin , Zeng Zhong-Hong , Wang Xi , Li Mu-Jun , Ma Wen-Hong
Published: May 2023

Objective:

Some patients fail to obtain an embryo for transplantation during previous in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles, and require multiple reproductive treatments. This study aimed to evaluate whether changing the control ovarian stimulation (COS) protocol during the subsequent stimulation cycle could improve laboratory and clinical outcomes in these patients.

Methods:

Patients without a transplantable embryo (TE) in the previous IVF/ICSI cycles were recruited during their second cycles. They were classified into two groups according to their first cycle protocol: Group A, patients treated with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a), and Group B, patients treated with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist (GnRH-ant). The study group included patients whose stimulation protocols were changed, whereas the control group consisted of patients who used the same stimulation protocol in the second cycle. We then compared the numbers of oocytes collected (OC) and TE, the incidence of non-TE, the pregnancy rate (PR), and the live birth rate (LBR).

Results:

In Group A, the numbers of OC and TE were significantly lower (6.0±4.7 vs. 9.4±6.4, 2.±2.2 vs. 4.5±3.8, P<0.05) in the study group compared with those in the control group. In Group B, the numbers of OC and TE were higher (7.0±5.5 vs. 4.0±4.3, 3.5±3.4 vs. 1.8±2.1, P<0.05) in the study group. There was a significant increase in the incidence of non-TE (AOR=2.12, 95% CI:1.04–4.69) of the study group in Group A but not in Group B. No significant differences in the PR or LBR were found between the study and control groups in either Group A or B.

Conclusions:

Changing the COS protocol from GnRH-ant to GnRH-a or continuing the GnRH-a protocol can improve laboratory outcomes in patients with no TE in the previous IVF/ICSI cycle.
Sphingomonas lycopersici sp. nov., isolated from tomato rhizosphere soil
Authors: Gao Ruixiang , Dong Honghong , Liu Yang , Yao Qing , Li Huaping , Zhu Honghui
Published: May 2023

Two aerobic, Gram-stain-negative, non-motile and non-spore-forming rods bacterial strains, designated MMSM20T and MMSM24, were isolated from tomato rhizosphere soil and could produce indole-3-acetic acid and siderophore. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and 92 core genes showed that strains MMSM20T and MMSM24 belonged to the genus

Sphingomonas

and were most closely related to three validly published species

Sphingomonas jeddahensis

G39T,

Sphingomonas mucosissima

DSM 17494T and

Sphingomonas dokdonensis

DSM 21029T. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between strains MMSM20T and MMSM24 were 97.6 and 81.0 %, respectively, demonstrating that they were conspecific. The ANI and dDDH values between the two strains and the three type strains above were below the threshold values for species delimitation. The genomic DNA G+C contents of strains MMSM20T and MMSM24 were 66.6 and 66.4 mol%, respectively. The major fatty acids of the two strains were identified as C14 : 0 2OH, summed feature 8 (C18 : 1
 ω7c and/or C18 : 1
 ω6c); the predominant quinone was ubiquinone 10; the polar lipids comprised diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, sphingoglycolipid and unidentified lipids. Results of phenotypic and genotypic analyses supported that strains MMSM20T and MMSM24 represent a novel species of the genus

Sphingomonas

, for which the name Sphingomonas lycopersici sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MMSM20T (=GDMCC 1.3401T=JCM 35647T).
Societal feedback induces complex and chaotic dynamics in endemic infectious diseases
Authors: Wagner Joel , Bauer Simon , Contreras Sebastian , Fleddermann Luk , Parlitz Ulrich , Priesemann Viola
Published: May 2023

Classically, endemic diseases are expected to display relatively stable, predictable infection dynamics. Indeed, diseases like influenza show yearly recurring infection waves that can be anticipated accurately enough to develop and distribute new vaccines. In contrast, newly-emerging diseases may cause more complex, unpredictable dynamics, like COVID-19 has demonstrated. Here we show that complex infection dynamics can also occur in the endemic state of seasonal diseases when including human behaviour. We implement human behaviour as a feedback between incidence and disease mitigation and study the system as anepidemiological oscillatordriven by seasonality. When behaviour and seasonality have a comparable impact, we find a rich structure in parameter and state space with Arnold tongues, co-existing attractors, and chaos. Moreover, we demonstrate that if a disease requires active mitigation, balancing costs of mitigation and infections can lead societies right into this complex regime. We observe indications of this when comparing past COVID-19 and influenza data to model simulations. Our results challenge the intuition that endemicity implies predictability and seasonal waves, and show that complex dynamics can dominate even in the endemic phase.
Interplay between charge distribution and DNA in shaping HP1 paralog phase separation and localization
Authors: Phan Tien M. , Kim Young C. , Debelouchina Galia T. , Mittal Jeetain
Published: May 2023

Abstract

The heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1) family is a crucial component of heterochromatin with diverse functions in gene regulation, cell cycle control, and cell differentiation. In humans, there are three paralogs, HP1α, HP1β, and HP1γ, which exhibit remarkable similarities in their domain architecture and sequence properties. Nevertheless, these paralogs display distinct behaviors in liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), a process linked to heterochromatin formation. Here, we employ a coarse-grained simulation framework to uncover the sequence features responsible for the observed differences in LLPS. We highlight the significance of the net charge and charge patterning along the sequence in governing paralog LLPS propensities. We also show that both highly conserved folded and less-conserved disordered domains contribute to the observed differences. Furthermore, we explore the potential co-localization of different HP1 paralogs in multicomponent assemblies and the impact of DNA on this process. Importantly, our study reveals that DNA can significantly reshape the stability of a minimal condensate formed by HP1 paralogs due to competitive interactions of HP1α with HP1β and HP1γ versus DNA. In conclusion, our work highlights the physicochemical nature of interactions that govern the distinct phase-separation behaviors of HP1 paralogs and provides a molecular framework for understanding their role in chromatin organization.

Graphical abstract
Introduction of a Penicillin Allergy De-Labelling Program with Direct Oral Challenge is Associated with Increased Downstream Utilization of Beta-Lactam Antimicrobials: A Multicenter Parallel Cohort Study with Crossover Evaluation
Authors: Mir Adhora , Lanoue Derek , Zanichelli Veronica , van Walraven Carl , Olynych Timothy , Nott Caroline , MacFadden Derek
Published: May 2023

Background

Penicillin allergy labels are common and are often inaccurate. These labels can lead to unnecessary use of second-line non-beta-lactam antibiotics, and worse clinical outcomes.

Objectives

We measured the impact of the introducing of a standardized proactive penicillin allergy de-labelling program with oral amoxicillin challenge on subsequent antibiotic use.

Methods

We performed a retrospective comparison of parallel cohorts from two separate tertiary care hospital campuses across two penicillin de-labelling intervention periods. Outcomes included data including penicillin allergy label and antibiotic use, were collected for the index admission and the subsequent 6-month period. Descriptive statistics as well as multivariate regression analyses were performed.

Results

A total of 368 patients with penicillin allergy label were included across two campuses and study periods. 24 (13.8%) patients in the intervention group sustained penicillin allergy label at 30 days from admission vs. 3 (1.5%) in the non-intervention group (p < 0.001). In the 6-months following admission, beta-lactams were prescribed more frequently in the intervention groups vs. the non-intervention groups for all patients (28 [16.1%] vs 15 [7.7%], p= 0.04) and for only those patients who received antibiotics (28/46 [60.9%] vs. 15/40 [37.5%], p=0.097). In a multivariate analysis, the intervention was found to be associated with an increased odds of beta-lactam prescribing in all patients (OR 2.49, 95% CU 1.29-5.02) and in those prescribed at least one antibiotic (OR 2.44, 95% CI 1.00-6.15). There were no differences in overall antibiotic prescribing by intervention and non-intervention group during admission (113 [64.9%] vs. 112 [57.7%]) or within 6-months (46 [26.4%] vs. 40 [20.6%]). No drug related adverse events were reported.

Conclusions

Proactive penicillin allergy de-labelling for inpatients was associated with a reduced number of penicillin allergy labels and increased utilization of beta-lactam vs. other antibiotics in the subsequent 6-months.

Capsule Summary

A proactive systematic approach to antibiotic allergy de-labelling for inpatients with penicillin allergy label results in an increased number of patients de-labelled at hospital discharge and increased beta-lactam use in the subsequent 6 months.
In vivoProtein Footprinting Reveals the Dynamic Conformational Changes of Proteome of Multiple Tissues in Progressing Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Son Ahrum , Kim Hyunsoo , Diedrich Jolene K. , Bamberger Casimir , McClatchy Daniel B. , Yates John R.
Published: May 2023

Numerous studies have investigated changes in protein expression at the system level using proteomic mass spectrometry, but only recently have studies explored the structure of proteins at the proteome level. We developed covalent protein painting (CPP), a protein footprinting method that quantitatively labels exposed lysine, and have now extended the method to whole intact animals to measure surface accessibility as a surrogate of in vivo protein conformations. We investigated how protein structure and protein expression change as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) progresses by conducting in vivo whole animal labeling of AD mice. This allowed us to analyze broadly protein accessibility in various organs over the course of AD. We observed that structural changes of proteins related to ‘energy generation,’ ‘carbon metabolism,’ and ‘metal ion homeostasis’ preceded expression changes in the brain. We found that proteins in certain pathways undergoing structural changes were significantly co-regulated in the brain, kidney, muscle, and spleen.
Similarity index of ex-Gaussian reaction time signatures
Authors: Manjarrez Elias , DeLuna-Castruita Angel , Lizarraga-Cortes Victoria , Flores Amira
Published: May 2023

In psychology and cognitive neuroscience, reaction time (RT) series and their ex-Gaussian distributions are commonly used to explore the time course of cognitive processes. This study investigated the hypothesis that successive triads of ex-Gaussian mu, sigma, and tau parameters of reaction-time variability across time can be used to construct a geometrical object we termed ex-Gaussian RT-signature, which could help characterize interindividual differences between congruent and incongruent stimuli. To test this hypothesis, we calculated the similarity index of these geometrical objects in young adult participants without detectable neurological disorders. Our findings show that each participant displayed distinct ex-Gaussian RT-signatures in a Cartesian 3D plot, thus exhibiting distinct psychophysical fingerprints. Furthermore, our results revealed that the ex-Gaussian RT-signatures for incongruent stimuli demonstrated a significantly higher similarity index across participants than congruent stimuli (p<0.001; Cohen d=0.4). We suggest that visualizing this psychophysical signature could serve as a valuable tool in characterizing differences in cognitive functioning between individuals, thus providing insights into the development of personalized medicine.
Multi-organ single-cell transcriptomics of immune cells uncovered organ-specific gene expression and functions
Authors: Tsagiopoulou Maria , Rashmi Sonal , Aguilar Sergio , Nieto Juan , Gut Ivo G.
Published: May 2023

Despite the large number of publicly available single-cell datasets, there is a limited understanding of the distinct resident immune cells and their concomitant features in diverse human organs. To address this, we compiled a dataset of 114,275CD45+immune cells from 14 organs from healthy donors. Although the transcriptome of immune cells is constant across organs, organ-specific gene expression changes were detected revealing unique expression in certain organs (GTPX3in kidney,DNTTandACVR2Bin thymus). These alterations are associated with different transcriptional factor activities and pathways including metabolism.TNF-αsignaling through theNFkBpathway was found in various organs and immune compartments including distinct expression profiles ofNFkBfamily genes and their target genes such as cytokines indicating their role in cell positioning. Taken together, immune cells not only protect the organs but also adapt to the host organ environment and contribute to its function and homeostasis.
A highly conserved A-to-I RNA editing event within the glutamate-gated chloride channel GluClα is necessary for olfactory-based behaviors inDrosophila
Authors: Zak Hila , Rosenfeld Eyal , Deng Tricia , Gorelick David , Israel Shai , Levi Mali , Paas Yoav , Li Jin Billy , Parnas Moshe , Shohat-Ophir Galit
Published: May 2023

A-to-I RNA editing is an important cellular process that modifies genomically encoded information during transcription, to generate various RNA isoforms from a single DNA sequence. It involves the conversion of specific adenosines in the RNA sequence to inosines by ADAR proteins, resulting in their recognition as guanosines by cellular machinery, and as such plays a vital role in neuronal and immune functions. Given the widespread occurrence of A-to-I RNA editing events across the animal kingdom, with thousands to millions of editing sites found in the transcriptomes of organisms such as flies and humans, identifying the critical sites and understanding theirin-vivofunctions remains a challenging task. Here we show for the first time the physiological importance of a single editing site, found within the extracellular domain of the glutamate-gated chloride channel (GluClα), and bridge the gap between its evolutionary conservation acrossDrosophilaspecies and its function in shaping the behavior of adult flies. We used genomic editing to ablate editing at this specific site, such that the endogenous channel harbors only the unedited version and used a battery of behavioral paradigms to analyze the effects on various features of adult behavior. We provide evidence thatGluClαuneditedflies exhibit reduced olfactory responses to both appetitive and aversive odors, as well as impaired pheromone-dependent social interactions, and that editing of this site is required for proper processing of olfactory information in olfactory projection neurons. Our findings demonstrate that evolutionary conservation is a useful criterion to pinpoint which of the many editing events has the potential of having a function and pave the path for dissecting the link between RNA modification, neuronal physiology, and behavior.
Using the visual cliff and pole descent assays to detect binocular disruption in mice
Authors: De Jesús-Cortés Héctor , Cramer Teresa L.M. , Bowen Daniel A. , Reilly-Andújar Francis , Lu Sophie , Gaier Eric D. , Bear Mark F.
Published: May 2023

Amblyopia, a neurodevelopmental visual disorder characterized by impaired stereoacuity, is commonly modeled in animals using monocular deprivation (MD) during a critical period of visual development. Despite extensive research at the synaptic, cellular and circuit levels of analysis, reliable behavioral assays to study stereoscopic deficits in mice are limited. This study aimed to characterize the Visual Cliff Assay (VCA) and the Pole Descent Cliff Task (PDCT) in mice, and to evaluate their utility in detecting binocular dysfunction. Using these assays, we investigated the impact of clinically relevant manipulations of binocular vision, including monocular occlusion, pupillary dilation, and amblyopia induced by long-term MD. Our findings reveal that optimal performance in both the VCA and PDCT are dependent on balanced binocular input. However, deficits after MD in the VCA exhibited relatively small effect sizes (7-14%), requiring large sample sizes for statistical comparisons. In contrast, the PDCT demonstrated larger effect sizes (43-61%), allowing for reliable detection of binocular dysfunction with a smaller sample size. Both assays were validated using multiple monocular manipulations relevant to clinical paradigms, with the PDCT emerging as the preferred assay for detecting deficits in stereoscopic depth perception in mice. These findings provide a robust framework for using the VCA and PDCT in mechanistic and therapeutic studies in mice, offering insights into the neural mechanisms of binocular vision and potential interventions for amblyopia
ABCB1 overexpression through locus amplification represents an actionable target to combat paclitaxel resistance in pancreatic cancer cells
Authors: Bergonzini Cecilia , Gregori Alessandro , Hagens Tessa M.S. , van der Noord Vera E. , van de Water Bob , Zweemer Annelien J.M. , Capula Mjriam , Mantini Giulia , Botto Asia , Finamore Francesco , Garajova Ingrid , McDonnell Liam A. , Schmidt Thomas , Giovannetti Elisa , Danen Erik H.J.
Published: May 2023

Aims

Chemotherapies such as gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel are confronted with intrinsic or acquired resistance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We aimed to identify novel actionable mechanisms to overcome such resistance.

Methods

Three paclitaxel (PR) and gemcitabine resistant (GR) PDAC models were established. Transcriptomics and proteomics were used to identify conserved mechanisms of drug resistance. Genetic and pharmacological approaches were used to overcome paclitaxel resistance.

Results

Upregulation of ABCB1 through locus amplification was identified as a conserved feature unique to PR cells. ABCB1 was not affected in any of the GR models and no cross resistance was observed. The ABCB1 inhibitor verapamil or siRNA mediated ABCB1 depletion sensitized PR cells to paclitaxel and prevented efflux of ABCB1 substrates in all models. ABCB1 expression was detected in PDAC patients that had received gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel treatment. A pharmacological screen identified known and novel kinase inhibitors that attenuate efflux of ABCB1 substrates and sensitize PR PDAC cells to paclitaxel.

Conclusion

Upregulation of ABCB1 through locus amplification represents a novel, conserved mechanism of PDAC paclitaxel resistance. ABCB1 has not been previously implicated in PR PDAC. The synthetic lethal interactions identified in this study can be further (pre)clinically explored as therapeutic strategies to overcome paclitaxel resistance in PDAC.
Genotype imputation accuracy and the quality metrics of the minor ancestry in multi-ancestry reference panels
Authors: Shi Mingyang , Tanikawa Chizu , Munter Hans Markus , Akiyama Masato , Koyama Satoshi , Tomizuka Kohei , Matsuda Koichi , Lathrop Gregory Mark , Terao Chikashi , Koido Masaru , Kamatani Yoichiro
Published: May 2023

Large-scale imputation reference panels are now available and have contributed to efficient genome-wide association studies through genotype imputation. However, it is still under debate whether large-size multi-ancestry or small-size population-specific reference panels are the optimal choices for under-represented populations. We imputed genotypes of East Asian (EAS; 180k Japanese) subjects using the Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine (TOPMed) reference panel and found that the standard imputation quality metric (Rsq) substantially overestimated the dosage r2(squared correlation between imputed dosage and true genotype). Variance component analysis of Rsq revealed that the increased imputed-genotype certainty (dosages closer to 0, 1, or 2) caused upward bias, indicating some systemic bias in the imputation. Through systematic simulations using different template switching rates (θ value) in the hidden Markov model, we uncovered that the lower θ value increased the imputed-genotype certainty and Rsq; however, dosage r2was insensitive to the θ value, thereby causing a deviation. In simulated reference panels with different sizes and ancestral diversities, the θ value estimates from Minimac decreased with the size of a single ancestry and increased with the ancestral diversity. Thus, Rsq could overestimate or underestimate dosage r2for a subpopulation in the multi-ancestry panel and the deviation represents different imputed-dosage distributions. Finally, despite the impact of θ value, distant ancestries in the reference panel contributed only a few additional variants passing a predefined Rsq threshold. We conclude that the θ value has a substantial impact on the imputed dosage and the imputation quality metric value.
Network depth affects inference of gene sets from bacterial transcriptomes using denoising autoencoders
Authors: Kion-Crosby Willow , Barquist Lars
Published: May 2023

The increasing number of publicly available bacterial gene expression data sets provides an unprecedented resource for the study of gene regulation in diverse conditions, but emphasizes the need for self-supervised methods for the automated generation of new hypotheses. One approach for inferring coordinated regulation from bacterial expression data is through the use of neural networks known as denoising autoencoders (DAEs), which encode large datasets in a reduced bottleneck layer. We have generalized this application of DAEs to include deep networks and explore the effects of network architecture on gene set inference using deep learning. We developed a DAE-based pipeline to extract gene sets from a large compendium of transcriptomic data inEscherichia coli, independently of the DAE network parameters and architecture. We validate our method by identifying many of the inferred gene sets with known pathways inE. coli, and have subsequently used this pipeline to explore how the choice of network architecture impacts gene sets recovery. We find that increasing network depth leads the DAEs to explain gene expression in terms of fewer, more concisely defined gene sets, and that adjusting the network compression results in a trade-off between generalizability and overall biological inference. Finally, leveraging our understanding of the impact of DAE architecture choices on gene set inference, we apply our pipeline to an independent uropathogenicE. colidataset collected directly from infected patients to identify genes which are uniquely induced during human colonization.
VEGF-C promotes brain-derived fluid drainage, confers neuroprotection, and improves stroke outcomes
Authors: Simoes Braga Boisserand Ligia , Bouchart Jean , Geraldo Luiz Henrique , Lee Seyoung , Sanganahalli Basavaraju G. , Parent Maxime , Zhang Shenqi , Xue Yuechuan , Skarica Mario , Guegan Justine , Li Mingfeng , Liu Xiodan , Poulet Mathilde , Askanase Michael , Osherov Artem , Spajer Myriam , Kamouh Marie-Renee El , Eichmann Anne , Alitalo Kari , Zhou Jiangbing , Sestan Nenad , Sansing Lauren H. , Benveniste Helene , Hyder Fahmeed , Thomas Jean-Leon
Published: May 2023

Meningeal lymphatic vessels promote tissue clearance and immune surveillance in the central nervous system (CNS). Vascular endothelium growth factor-C (VEGF-C) is essential for meningeal lymphatic development and maintenance and has therapeutic potential for treating neurological disorders, including ischemic stroke. We have investigated the effects of VEGF-C overexpression on brain fluid drainage, single cell transcriptome in the brain, and stroke outcomes in adult mice. Intra-cerebrospinal fluid administration of an adeno-associated virus expressing VEGF-C (AAV-VEGF-C) increases the CNS lymphatic network. Post-contrast T1 mapping of the head and neck showed that deep cervical lymph node size and drainage of CNS-derived fluids were increased. Single nuclei RNA sequencing revealed a neuro-supportive role of VEGF-C via upregulation of calcium and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling pathways in brain cells. In a mouse model of ischemic stroke, AAV-VEGF-C pretreatment reduced stroke injury and ameliorated motor performances in the subacute stage. AAV-VEGF-C thus promotes CNS-derived fluid and solute drainage, confers neuroprotection, and reduces ischemic stroke damage.

Short abstract

Intrathecal delivery of VEGF-C increases the lymphatic drainage of brain-derived fluids confers neuroprotection, and improves neurological outcomes after ischemic stroke.
Species composition determines bioplastics production in photosynthetic microbiomes: strategy to enrich cyanobacteria PHB-producers
Authors: Altamira-Algarra Beatriz , Lage Artai , García Joan , Gonzalez-Flo Eva
Published: May 2023

The aim of this study was to set the operating mode in regards to nutrients, temperature and light to use as a strategy to enrich a microbiome rich in cyanobacteria in polyhidroxybutyrate (PHB)-producers in order to enhance this biopolymer production. Alternate growth and accumulation phases were conducted for 179 days in a 3 L photobioreactor. Although, presence of green microalgae potentially reduced PHB production, the microbiome produced up to 22 % dry cell weight (dcw) PHB. Results suggested that this methodology could be applied to a robust microbiome rich in cyanobacteria to boost PHB production.
Dietary fiber induces a fat preference associated with the gut microbiota
Authors: Liow Yijia , Kamimura Itsuka , Masahiro Umezaki , Suda Wataru , Takayasu Lena
Published: May 2023

Eating behavior is essential to human health. However, whether future eating behavior is subjected to the conditioning of precedent dietary composition is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary fiber consumption on subsequent nutrient-specific food preferences between palatable high-fat and high-sugar diets and explore its correlation with the gut microbiota. C57BL/6NJcl male mice were subjected to a 2-week dietary intervention and fed either a control (n = 6) or inulin (n = 6) diet. Afterwards, all mice were subjected to a 3-day eating behavioral test to self-select a high-fat or a high-sugar diet. The test diet feed intakes were recorded, and the mice’s fecal samples were analyzed to evaluate the gut microbiota composition. The inulin mice exhibited a preference for a high-fat diet over a high-sugar diet, associated with distinct gut microbiota compositions profiles between the inulin and control mice. The gut microbiotaBacteroides acidifaciens(99.68%),Bacteroides caecemuris(99.37%), andBacteroides xylanolyticus(92.28%) positively correlated with a preference for fat. Further studies involving fecal microbiota transplantation and eating behavior-related neurotransmitter analyses may clarify the role of gut microbiota on food preferences. Food preferences induced by dietary intervention are a novel observation, and the gut microbiome may be significantly associated with this preference.
The appearance ofsugImixed loci in three individuals during treatment for MDR-TB, supports the involvement ofsugIinMycobacterium tuberculosisd-cycloserine resistancein vivo
Authors: Anthony R.M , Molemans M. , Akkerman O. , Sturkenboom M.G.G. , Mulder A. , de Zwaan R. , van Soolingen D. , Alffenaar J. , van Leth F.C.M. , Ghimire S. , Yatskevich N. , Skrahina A. , Ciobanu N. , Turcan N. , Crudu V.
Published: May 2023

To study the adaptation of multi-drug resistantMycobacterium tuberculosis(MDR-TB) during treatment patients diagnosed with MDR-TB were recruited into an observational study. Clinical data andM. tuberculosisDNA at diagnosis and between seven days and two months of MDR-TB treatment were collected. The drugs prescribed were recorded. Interpretable WGS data from 118 isolates from 54 participants was obtained (11 in Belarus and 43 in Moldova) and screened for the presence of unfixed single nucleotide polymorphisms (mixed SNPs / loci).

This study was performed shortly after the publication of the 2019 WHO consolidated guidelines on drug-resistant tuberculosis treatment. Existing drug supplies and procurement in one country after the switch to the all oral MDR-TB regimen in addition to patient factors, influenced the selection of and exposure to drugs.

Confidently mixed SNPs were identified in samples from multiple participants in only five genes (gyrA, pncA, Rv1129c, Rv1148c, andsugI). All other genes with confidently mixed SNPs were identified in isolates from only a single individual. A significant proportion of the participants (52 of 54 participants) received d-cycloserine as part of their initial treatment, most participants who initially received d-cycloserine did not receive bedaquiline in their initial regimen (all at one site). Three different mixed SNPs were identified insugIgene from a follow up isolate from three participants (P7A, P7T, and Q6stop). Mutations insugIhave previously been reported in spontaneousin vitrod-cycloserine resistant mutants. Alterations in thesugIgene may indicate a sub optimal d-cycloserine containing regimen and potentially be of clinical significance with respect to adaptation to d-cycloserine. Monitoring the accumulation of low frequency escape mutants may help identify regimens insufficiently powerful to block the accumulation of antimicrobial resistance mutants and identify drug(s) at risk of resistance selection.
Transcription Factor EB (TFEB) activity increases resistance of TNBC stem cells to metabolic stress
Authors: Soleimani Milad , Goyal Ria , Somma Alexander , Kaoud Tamer S. , Dalby Kevin N. , Kowalski Jeanne , Eckhardt S. Gail , Berg Carla L. Van Den
Published: May 2023

Breast Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) are difficult to therapeutically target, but continued efforts are critical given their contribution to tumor heterogeneity and treatment resistance in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC). CSC properties are influenced by metabolic stress, but specific mechanisms are lacking for effective drug intervention. Our previous work on TFEB suggested a key function in CSC metabolism. Indeed, TFEB knockdown (KD) inhibited mammosphere formationin vitroand tumor initiation/growthin vivo. These phenotypic effects were accompanied by a decline in CD44high/CD24lowcells. Glycolysis inhibitor 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) induced TFEB nuclear translocation, indicative of TFEB transcriptional activity. TFEB KD blunted, whereas TFEB (S142A) augmented 2-DG-driven UPR mediators, notably BiP/HSPA5 and CHOP. Like TFEB KD, silencing BiP/HSPA5 inhibited CSC self-renewal, suggesting that TFEB augments UPR-related survival. Further studies showed that TFEB KD attenuated 2-DG-directed autophagy, suggesting a mechanism whereby TFEB protects CSCs against 2-DG-induced stress. Our data indicate that TFEB modulates CSC metabolic stress response via autophagy and UPR. These findings reveal the novel role of TFEB in regulating CSCs during metabolic stress in TNBC.

Financial Support

This work was supported by CPRIT Grant RR160093 (to S.G. Eckhardt), CPRIT Grant RP210088 (to K.N. Dalby), UT College of Pharmacy Non-discretionary Funds (to C. Van Den Berg), and UT Graduate Continuing Fellowship (to M. Soleimani).
Robust phase determination in complex solid solutions using diffuse multiple scattering
Authors: Nisbet A. G. A. , Cain M. G. , Hase T. , Finkel P.
Published: May 2023

A novel methodology is presented for identifying and distinguishing between structural phases in multi-phasic systems, such as piezoelectric materials like PMN–PT [Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–PbTiO3], PIN–PMN–PT [Pb(In1/2Nb1/2)O3–Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–PbTiO3] and PZT [Pb(Zr,Ti)O3], using diffuse multiple scattering and Kossel line diffraction techniques. The method exploits the splitting of triple line intersections from special coplanar reflections combined with logical constraints to generate a splitting fingerprint for robust crystallographic phase determination and discrimination.
Organic food purchases: does green trust play a part?
Authors: Rashid Irfana , Lone Aashiq Hussain
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Organic food consumption has received great attention due to the increase in consumer environmental and health concerns. This study intends to analyse how customers' green purchasing intentions for organic food are affected by internal factors of attitude and health consciousness and external factors of social norms and environmental concern, as well as how green trust operates as a moderator between green purchase intention and actual purchase.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research methodology was employed in this study. The data (n = 323) were gathered via a self-administered questionnaire. The respondents, who were current purchasers of organic food, were chosen through a purposive sampling technique. Data were analysed using exploratory factor analysis and structural equation modelling with the aid of IBM SPSS 25.0 and AMOS 25.

Findings

The results reveal that customers' green purchase intention for organic products is positively influenced by internal factors (attitude and health consciousness) and external factors (social norms and environmental concern). This study also shows the moderating effect of green trust on intention and action, demonstrating the necessity of building green trust among customers to diminish green purchasing inconsistency.

Practical implications

The study's results have ramifications for producers of organic goods, merchants and market oversight organizations. Establishing a viable strategy while considering customers' concerns about health and the environment is necessary. The formulated strategy must target specific customer niches, therefore strengthening customers' trust in and understanding of organic food items, which will in turn diminish green purchasing inconsistency in the organic industry.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing literature by extending the Theory of Planned Behaviour model to organic food consumption and by visualizing how various factors (internal, external and green trust) affect a consumer's inclination to make organic food purchases. The authors added to the empirical evidence that green trust plays a crucial role in stimulating green buying intentions into behaviour and ultimately diminishing green purchasing inconsistency.
The role of Industry 4.0 on supply chain cost and supply chain flexibility
Authors: Erboz Gizem , Yumurtacı Hüseyinoğlu Işık Özge
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Industry 4.0 accelerates the performance of supply chains, in particular, the reduction in supply chain cost (SCC) and improvement in supply chain flexibility (SCF). The aim of this study is to examine the role of Industry 4.0 on SCC and SCF, using network theory to explain the interrelationships.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 182 manufacturing firms in Turkey. The partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was employed in testing the research hypotheses.

Findings

The results showed that Industry 4.0 positively affects SCC; however, no direct relationship was found between Industry 4.0 and SCF. Moreover, SCC was found to have a positive impact on SCF, while SCC was found to mediate the relationship between Industry 4.0 and SCF. An additional finding was that customer integration (CI) moderates the relationship between Industry 4.0 and SCC; however, CI does not moderate the relationship between Industry 4.0 and SCF.

Practical implications

The research validates the role of Industry 4.0 on supply chain processes and thus provides valuable insights into supply chain practitioners and decision-makers interested in Industry 4.0 for supply chain management.

Originality/value

In view of the limited number of studies, this study empirically contributes to the literature on the relationships among Industry 4.0, SCC, SCF and CI.
Tracking indoor construction progress by deep-learning-based analysis of site surveillance video
Authors: Wong Johnny Kwok Wai , Bameri Fateme , Ahmadian Fard Fini Alireza , Maghrebi Mojtaba
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Accurate and rapid tracking and counting of building materials are crucial in managing on-site construction processes and evaluating their progress. Such processes are typically conducted by visual inspection, making them time-consuming and error prone. This paper aims to propose a video-based deep-learning approach to the automated detection and counting of building materials.

Design/methodology/approach

A framework for accurately counting building materials at indoor construction sites with low light levels was developed using state-of-the-art deep learning methods. An existing object-detection model, the You Only Look Once version 4 (YOLO v4) algorithm, was adapted to achieve rapid convergence and accurate detection of materials and site operatives. Then, DenseNet was deployed to recognise these objects. Finally, a material-counting module based on morphology operations and the Hough transform was applied to automatically count stacks of building materials.

Findings

The proposed approach was tested by counting site operatives and stacks of elevated floor tiles in video footage from a real indoor construction site. The proposed YOLO v4 object-detection system provided higher average accuracy within a shorter time than the traditional YOLO v4 approach.

Originality/value

The proposed framework makes it feasible to separately monitor stockpiled, installed and waste materials in low-light construction environments. The improved YOLO v4 detection method is superior to the current YOLO v4 approach and advances the existing object detection algorithm. This framework can potentially reduce the time required to track construction progress and count materials, thereby increasing the efficiency of work-in-progress evaluation. It also exhibits great potential for developing a more reliable system for monitoring construction materials and activities.
Bracing up for financial inclusivity: the CabDost way
Authors: Avanesh Neetha Mary , Zachariah Minu
Published: May 2023

Learning outcomes

The learning outcomes of this study are as follows:

1. understand the role of financial inclusivity in the sustainable development of a nation;

2. examine the concept of social entrepreneurship and identify the skills needed to be a social entrepreneur;

3. analyze the opportunities and challenges faced by social entrepreneurs, especially in an emerging economy; and

4. assess the feasible options with respect to upscaling and expansion.

Case overview/synopsis

Yamuna Sastry, a young woman from a traditional Indian family, had set out to achieve her dream of financial inclusivity by helping the underprivileged in her country gain financial independence and credibility. When she was approached by a cab driver to file tax returns for him, a new venture took shape in her mind, and along with a partner, CabDost, a socially driven financial advisory start-up was created to provide financial advisory services exclusively for cab drivers. CabDost had been instrumental in making over 15,000 cab drivers financially literate, instilling in them a culture of compliance, getting them tax refunds and enabling the Indian Government recover eight crores in taxes. The success of financial inclusivity among cab drivers inspired CabDost to extend its financial services to truck drivers, auto drivers, housekeeping staff and other contractual workforce. The company found it challenging to address the demands of the increasing customer base with its available technical resources. The absence of an in-house tech team and the need for an all-in-one tech platform to provide a wide variety of financial services induced CabDost to explore other options. Dvara Money, a neo bank offering financial services, approached CabDost with a merger proposal. Though it was a lucrative offer, the founding members were apprehensive as they knew that most of the mergers failed because of myriad reasons. They were contemplating on their next move as they were in a dilemma about whether to develop a technical team in-house or to go ahead with the merger.

Complexity academic level

The case can be taught to business management students as a part of the introductory course on entrepreneurship or social entrepreneurship. The case can be used specifically to make the students understand the role of financial inclusivity in the sustainable development of a nation, the concept of social entrepreneurship, the journey of social entrepreneurs in the financial inclusivity space, right from ideation to execution, the challenges faced in the bargain, survival mechanisms adopted and the various options available for further growth and expansion.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 3: Entrepreneurship.
Mapping the concept of online purchase experience: a review and bibliometric analysis
Authors: Anas Mohammad , Khan Mohammed Naved , Uddin S.M. Fatah
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Modern businesses strategically focus on improving the online purchase experience (OPE) of customers to acquire a long-term competitive edge. However, the intellectual knowledge structure of OPE research remains uncharted, necessitating further investigation. This study aims to provide a concise synthesis of the evolution, trends and advancements of consumers’ OPE research using bibliometrics.

Design/methodology/approach

Firstly, the authors inventorised the relevant OPE literature, and then the bibliometric trends and the domain’s performance (top articles, outlets and authors) were analysed and illustrated through tables and narratives. Secondly, science mapping tools (such as co-occurrence) and visualisation strategy were deployed to pinpoint relevant OPE research themes and highlight the domain’s intellectual structure.

Findings

The most significant findings concern the most prolific authors, outlets, most cited articles and five thematic clusters forming the ground for potential future research paths. Also, these thematic clusters depicted the intellectual knowledge structure that emerged from the OPE research domain.

Research limitations/implications

This review may be helpful for future academic researchers to identify future research paths in the domain and practitioners to help make policy decisions while formulating and articulating their marketing strategy.

Originality/value

Deploying the VOSviewer and Bibliometrix-R software together, this review is most likely the first attempt to the best of the authors’ knowledge to provide a thorough bibliometric synthesis of the OPE research domain.
Terrorism and economic governance in Africa: analysis of the impact of Boko-Haram on banking administration in Nigeria
Authors: Adinoyi Julius Adavize , Ouma Martin , Nzau Mumo
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Using system theory, this paper aims to interrogate the impact of Boko-Haram on bank administration. The paper explains how death, injury and property destruction caused by terrorism affect banking supervision and structures.

Design/methodology/approach

With the aid of a mixed research method, this paper conducted 47 interviews. It extracted secondary data from the Central Bank of Nigeria database, the National Deposit Insurance Corporation publications, Enhancing Financial Innovation and Access Survey, the World Bank database and the Global Terrorism Index. Descriptive, content and regression analysis was used in this research.

Findings

With a significant regression model (p-value < 0.05), the analysis shows that terrorism accounts for 84.02% variation in banking administration. The impact of Boko-Haram on banking administration is negatively significant, especially in the areas like on-site supervision of Money Deposit Banks/Micro-finance Institutions and citizens’ accessibility to financial systems.

Originality/value

This paper generates new knowledge in the thematic area, which is still grey. The influence of terrorism on financial institutions as an element of economic governance is less researched. Hence, the strategic linkage of the impact of Boko-Haram on banking administration as a component of financial institutions. Therefore, this paper contributes to the existing body of literature on terrorism and economic governance.
Engaging new ways of work: the relevance of flexibility and digital tools in a post-COVID-19 era
Authors: Zapata Laura , Ibarra Gerardo , Blancher Pierre-Henri
Published: May 2023

Purpose

New ways of working have rapidly increased in organizations, promising employees a better control over their work time, space, and more autonomy. The present study analyzes the relationship between new ways of working and employee engagement and productivity.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted to evaluate organizational practices developed based on flexible schemes and the relevance of employee engagement for better productivity based on digital tools. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

New ways of work requires an integration of workspaces' design, social interaction, and individual wellness. Organizations need to recognize how employees' trust, commitment, and passion are fundamental to face current and future changes. Flexibility in time and space and digital tools for work are critical.

Practical implications

A personalization of organizational practices to support individual well-being and flexible and hybrid schemes of work are needed. Developing policies collaboratively to work together respectfully in a hybrid environment is necessary.

Social implications

Hybrid work format is allowing women to balance career and childcare, reducing the wage gap with men. The green imperative has also played a role reducing the amount of carbon monoxide produced via commuter.

Originality/value

The present study exposes how organizational practices must ensure employee well-being and autonomy to perform their tasks. In this regard, employees need to be recognized as individuals, physically and mentally. Attempting to force a one-size-fit-all solution can have detrimental effects on the workforce, particularly on women, people of lower socioeconomic status, and people in less advanced economies. Personalization requests empowerment and democratization at work.