bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive characterization of multi-omic landscapes between gut-microbiota metabolites and the G-protein-coupled receptors in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Qiu Yunguang , Hou Yuan , Zhou Yadi , Xu Jielin , Bykova Marina , Leverenz James B. , Pieper Andrew A. , Nussinov Ruth , Caldwell Jessica Z.K. , Brown J. Mark , Cheng Feixiong
Published: September 2022

Accumulating evidence suggests that gut-microbiota metabolites contribute to human disease pathophysiology, yet the host receptors that sense these metabolites are largely unknown. Here, we developed a systems pharmacogenomics framework that integrates machine learning (ML), AlphaFold2-derived structural pharmacology, and multi-omics to identify disease-relevant metabolites derived from gut-microbiota with non-olfactory G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRome). Specifically, we evaluated 1.68 million metabolite-protein pairs connecting 408 human GPCRs and 516 gut metabolites using an Extra Trees algorithm-improved structural pharmacology strategy. Using genetics-derived Mendelian randomization and multi-omics (including transcriptomic and proteomic) analyses, we identified likely causal GPCR targets (C3AR, FPR1, GALR1 and TAS2R60) in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Using three-dimensional structural fingerprint analysis of the metabolite-GPCR complexome, we identified over 60% of the allosteric pockets of orphan GPCR models for gut metabolites in the GPCRome, including AD-related orphan GPCRs (GPR27, GPR34, and GPR84). We additionally identified the potential targets (e.g., C3AR) of two AD-related metabolites (3-hydroxybutyric acid and Indole-3-pyruvic acid) and four metabolites from AD-related bacterium Eubacterium rectale, and also showed that tridecylic acid is a candidate ligand for orphan GPR84 in AD. In summary, this study presents a systems pharmacogenomics approach that serves to uncover the GPCR molecular targets of gut microbiota in AD and likely many other human diseases if broadly applied.
The chromodomain proteins, Cbx1 and Cbx2 have distinct roles in the regulation of heterochromatin and virulence in the fungal wheat pathogen, Zymoseptoria tritici
Authors: Fraser Callum J. , Rutherford Julian C. , Rudd Jason J. , Whitehall Simon K.
Published: September 2022

Heterochromatin is characterized by specific histone post-translational modifications such as the di- and tri-methylation of histone H3 on lysine 9 (H3K9me2/3), which direct the recruitment of ‘reader’ proteins to chromatin. In the fungal phytopathogen, Zymoseptoria tritici, deletion of the H3K9 methyltransferase gene kmt1, results in a global increase in the expression of transposable elements (TEs), genome instability and loss of virulence. Here we have identified two Z. tritici chromodomain proteins, Cbx1 and Cbx2, that recognise H3K9me modifications. Cbx1 is a Heterochromatin Protein 1 homolog that binds H3K9me2/3 in vitro and associates with heterochromatic loci in vivo. Transcriptomic analysis also indicates that Cbx1 and Kmt1 regulate overlapping sets of protein-encoding genes. However, unlike Δkmt1 mutants, Δcbx1 strains do not exhibit a global increase in TE expression and have only a partial reduction in virulence, suggesting the existence of additional H3K9me reader proteins. Accordingly, we have identified a fungal-specific chromodomain protein, Cbx2, that binds H3K9me3 in vitro. Strikingly, the growth defects of Δcbx1 Δcbx2 double mutants closely resemble those of Δkmt1 consistent with Cbx1 and Cbx2 playing redundant roles in gene silencing. Overall, the data suggest that key functions of H3K9me modifications are mediated by a combination of Cbx1 and Cbx2.
From motor protein to toxin: Mutations in the zonula occludens toxin (Zot) of Vibrio cholerae phage CTXϕ suggest a loss of phage assembly function
Authors: Ma Long , Roux Simon , Hua Xiaoting , Wang Yong , Loh Belinda , Leptihn Sebastian
Published: September 2022

Prophages, i.e. dormant viruses residing in bacterial cells, are not just passive passengers in the bacterial host. Several prophage-encoded genes have been shown to be contributors to bacterial virulence by mediating antimicrobial resistance or by providing toxins. Other prophage genes exhibit beneficial effects on the host by modulating e.g. motility or biofilm formation. In this study, we used an in vivo phage assembly assay and tested an extensive array of single point mutations or their combinations found in Zot, the zonula occludens toxin encoded by the Vibrio cholerae phage CTXϕ. The assay makes use of the highly homologous Zot-like protein g1p of the filamentous Coliphage M13, a motor protein that mediates the trans-envelope assembly and secretion of filamentous phages. We also measured the in vitro ATP hydrolysis of purified proteins, and quantified virus production in V. cholerae mediated by Zot or the Zot-like protein of the two Vibrio phages CTXϕ and VFJϕ. In addition, we investigated sequence variations of the Walker motifs in Vibrio species using bioinformatics method, and revealed the molecular basis of ATP binding using molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation based on the structure predicted by AlphaFold2. Our data indicates that g1p proteins in Vibrio can easily accumulate deleterious mutations and likely lose the ability to efficiently hydrolyse ATP, while the CTXϕ Zot was further exapted to now act as an auxiliary toxin during the infection by Vibrio cholerae.
SARS-CoV-2 Sublingual Vaccine with RBD Antigen and Poly(I:C) Adjuvant: Preclinical Study in Cynomolgus Macaques
Authors: Yamamoto Tetsuro , Tanji Masanori , Mitsunaga Fusako , Nakamura Shin
Published: September 2022

Mucosal vaccine for sublingual route was prepared with recombinant SARS-CoV-2 spike protein receptor binding domain (RBD) antigen and poly(I:C) adjuvant components. The efficacy of this sublingual vaccine was examined using Cynomolgus macaques. Nine of the macaque monkeys were divided into three groups of three animals; control (just 400 μg poly(I:C) per head); low dose (30 μg RBD and 400 μg poly(I:C) per head); and high dose (150 μg RBD and 400 μg poly(I:C) per head), respectively. N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a mild reducing agent losing mucin barrier, was used to enhance vaccine delivery to mucosal immune cells. RBD-specific IgA antibody secreted in pituita was detected in two of three monkeys of the high dose group and one of three animals of the low dose group. RBD-specific IgG and/or IgA antibodies in plasma were also detected in these monkeys. These indicated that the sublingual vaccine stimulated mucosal immune response to produce antigen-specific secretory IgA antibodies in pituita and/or saliva. This sublingual vaccine also affected systemic immune response to produce IgG (IgA) in plasma. Little RBD-specific IgE was detected in plasma, suggesting no allergic antigenicity of this sublingual vaccine. Thus, SARS-CoV-2 sublingual vaccine consisting of poly(I:C) adjuvant showed reasonable efficacy in a non-human primate model.
Characterization of Plasmodium falciparum RAP domain proteins-RAP291 and RAP070, and their association with ribosomal RNAs
Authors: Akhtar Asif , Deshmukh Arunaditya , Panda Ashutosh , Saini Ekta , Pandey Rajan , Junaid Iqbal Taliy , Onchieku Noah Machuki , Parveen Sadaf , Singh Suneet Shekhar , Gupta Dinesh , Theisen Michael , Mohmmed Asif , Malhotra Pawan
Published: September 2022

Plasmodium genomes encode multiple RAP (RNA-binding domain abundant in Apicomplexan) domain proteins that contain a conserved module of 56 to 73 amino acids. Here, we characterized two of the P. falciparum RAP domain proteins; PfRAP291 & PfRAP070, for their expression and role at asexual blood stages. RNA binding assays and high-throughput CLIP-seq analysis showed that these proteins mainly bind ribosome associated RNAs. Blue-native PAGE and protein-protein interaction studies suggested association of these proteins with MSP-1 complex. Anti-PfRAP291 and anti-PfRAP070 antibodies showed moderate inhibitions in in-vitro merozoite invasion assays. Together, these results suggest multiple roles of these proteins; PfRAP291 and PfRAP070, in merozoite invasion and in ribosome regulation during asexual stages of the parasite.
Cellular and molecular dynamics in the lungs of neonatal and juvenile mice in response to E. coli
Authors: McGrath-Morrow Sharon A. , Venezia Jarrett , Ndeh Roland , Singer Benjamin D. , Cimbro Raffaello , Soloski Mark , Scott Alan L.
Published: September 2022

Bacterial pneumonias cause significantly higher morbidity and mortality in neonates compared to other age groups. To understand the immune mechanisms that underlie these age-related differences, we employed a mouse model of E. coli pneumonia to examine cellular and molecular dynamics in immune responsiveness in neonates (PND 3-5) and juveniles (PND 12-18) at 24, 48, and 72 hours. Cytokine gene expression from whole lung extracts was quantified using qRT-PCR. E. coli challenge resulted in rapid and significant increases in neutrophils, monocytes, and yδT cells and significant decreases in dendritic cells and alveolar macrophages for both neonates and juveniles. Juveniles had significant increases in interstitial macrophages and recruited monocytes that were not observed in neonatal lungs. Expression of IFNγ-responsive genes were positively correlated with the levels and dynamics of MHCII-expressing innate cells in neonatal and juvenile lungs. Several facets of the responses of wild-type neonates was recapitulated in juvenile MHCII-/- juveniles. Employing a pre-clinical model of E. coli pneumonia, we identified significant differences in the early cellular and molecular dynamics in the lungs that likely contribute to the elevated susceptibility of neonates to bacterial pneumonia and could represent targets for intervention to improve respiratory outcomes and survivability of neonates.
in vivo expression vector derived from anhydrobiotic tardigrade genome enables live imaging in Eutardigrada
Authors: Tanaka Sae , Aoki Kazuhiro , Arakawa Kazuharu
Published: September 2022

Water is essential for life, but anhydrobiotic tardigrades can survive almost complete dehydration. Anhydrobiosis has been a biological enigma for more than a century with respect to how organisms sustain life without water, but the few choices of genetic toolkits available in tardigrade research have been a challenging circumstance. Here, we report the development of an in vivo expression system for tardigrades (the TardiVec system). TardiVec is based on a plasmid vector with promoters that originated from an anhydrobiotic tardigrade Ramazzottius varieornatus. It enables the introduction of GFP-fused proteins and genetically encoded indicators such as the Ca2+ indicator GCaMP into tardigrade cells; consequently, the dynamics of proteins and cells in tardigrades may be observed by fluorescence live imaging. This system is applicable for several tardigrades in the class Eutardigrada: the promoters of anhydrobiosis-related genes showed tissue-specific expression in this work. Surprisingly, promoters functioned similarly between multiple species, even for species with different modes of expression of anhydrobiosis-related genes, such as Hypsibius exemplaris, in which these genes are highly induced upon facing desiccation, and Thulinius ruffoi, which lacks anhydrobiotic capability. These results suggest that the highly dynamic expression changes in desiccation-induced species are regulated in trans. Tissue-specific expression of tardigrade-unique unstructured proteins also suggests differing anhydrobiosis machinery depending on the cell types. We believe that TardiVec opens up various experimental possibilities in tardigrade research, especially to explore anhydrobiosis mechanisms.
Hierarchical sequence-affinity landscapes shape the evolution of breadth in an anti-influenza receptor binding site antibody
Authors: Phillips Angela M. , Maurer Daniel P. , Brooks Caelan , Dupic Thomas , Schmidt Aaron G. , Desai Michael M.
Published: September 2022

Broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) that neutralize diverse variants of a particular virus are of considerable therapeutic interest1. Recent advances have enabled us to isolate and engineer these antibodies as therapeutics, but eliciting them through vaccination remains challenging, in part due to our limited understanding of how antibodies evolve breadth2. Here, we analyze the landscape by which an anti-influenza receptor binding site (RBS) bnAb, CH65, evolved broad affinity to diverse H1 influenza strains3, 4. We do this by generating an antibody library of all possible evolutionary intermediates between the unmutated common ancestor (UCA) and the affinity-matured CH65 antibody and measure the affinity of each intermediate to three distinct H1 antigens. We find that affinity to each antigen requires a specific set of mutations – distributed across the variable light and heavy chains – that interact non-additively (i.e., epistatically). These sets of mutations form a hierarchical pattern across the antigens, with increasingly divergent antigens requiring additional epistatic mutations beyond those required to bind less divergent antigens. We investigate the underlying biochemical and structural basis for these hierarchical sets of epistatic mutations and find that epistasis between heavy chain mutations and a mutation in the light chain at the VH-VL interface is essential for binding a divergent H1. Collectively, this work is the first to comprehensively characterize epistasis between heavy and light chain mutations and shows that such interactions are both strong and widespread. Together with our previous study analyzing a different class of anti-influenza antibodies5, our results implicate epistasis as a general feature of antibody sequence-affinity landscapes that can potentiate and constrain the evolution of breadth.
SARS-CoV-2 Omicron boosting induces de novo B cell response in humans
Authors: Alsoussi Wafaa B. , Malladi Sameer K. , Zhou Julian Q. , Liu Zhuoming , Ying Baoling , Kim Wooseob , Schmitz Aaron J. , Lei Tingting , Horvath Stephen C. , Sturtz Alexandria J. , McIntire Katherine M. , Evavold Birk , Han Fangjie , Scheaffer Suzanne M. , Fox Isabella F. , Parra-Rodriguez Luis , Nachbagauer Raffael , Nestorova Biliana , Chalkias Spyros , Farnsworth Christopher W. , Klebert Michael K. , Pusic Iskra , Strnad Benjamin S. , Middleton William D. , Teefey Sharlene A. , Whelan Sean P.J. , Diamond Michael S. , Paris Robert , O’Halloran Jane A. , Presti Rachel M. , Turner Jackson S. , Ellebedy Ali H.
Published: September 2022

The primary two-dose SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine series are strongly immunogenic in humans, but the emergence of highly infectious variants necessitated additional doses of these vaccines and the development of new variant-derived ones1–4. SARS-CoV-2 booster immunizations in humans primarily recruit pre-existing memory B cells (MBCs)5–9. It remains unclear, however, whether the additional doses induce germinal centre (GC) reactions where reengaged B cells can further mature and whether variant-derived vaccines can elicit responses to novel epitopes specific to such variants. Here, we show that boosting with the original SARS- CoV-2 spike vaccine (mRNA-1273) or a B.1.351/B.1.617.2 (Beta/Delta) bivalent vaccine (mRNA-1273.213) induces robust spike-specific GC B cell responses in humans. The GC response persisted for at least eight weeks, leading to significantly more mutated antigen-specific MBC and bone marrow plasma cell compartments. Interrogation of MBC-derived spike-binding monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) isolated from individuals boosted with either mRNA-1273, mRNA-1273.213, or a monovalent Omicron BA.1-based vaccine (mRNA-1273.529) revealed a striking imprinting effect by the primary vaccination series, with all mAbs (n=769) recognizing the original SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Nonetheless, using a more targeted approach, we isolated mAbs that recognized the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron (BA.1) but not the original SARS-CoV-2 spike from the mRNA-1273.529 boosted individuals. The latter mAbs were less mutated and recognized novel epitopes within the spike protein, suggesting a naïve B cell origin. Thus, SARS-CoV-2 boosting in humans induce robust GC B cell responses, and immunization with an antigenically distant spike can overcome the antigenic imprinting by the primary vaccination series.
A systematic review and future research agenda for sustainable fashion in the apparel industry
Authors: Sinha Pragati , Sharma Monica , Agrawal Rajeev
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to synthesise the published literature on consumer awareness and acceptance of Sustainable Fashion (SF) and highlight that sustainability decisions taken across procurement, designing, manufacturing and retailing must include the consumer perspective of SF.

Design/methodology/approach

Systematic Literature Review (SLR) on sustainable fashion combined with consumer behavior was conducted. The study approach involved descriptive analysis, content analysis and theoretical analysis in the first section. The later sections focus on sustainability practices across the apparel supply chain that can foster acceptance of sustainable fashion.

Findings

In this review paper, five solutions that are typically used for leveraging consumer awareness and acceptance towards sustainable fashion are identified from the latest research papers: (1) attention to micro-sensitive factors (2) shared responsibilities (3) repositioning sustainable fashion for larger audience (4) positioning conscious fashion and (5) unified approach. These solutions are proposed as most important for achieving success in sustainable production and sustainable consumption (SPSC) for the fashion industry. Further, suggestions for how to embed sustainability related business decisions across sourcing, designing, manufacturing, distribution and recollection and retailing are also provided.

Practical implications

Through this research, a clear view emerges of the progression of publication and where future research should be directed to popularise sustainable fashion among consumers. Research findings and proposed solutions will be valuable inputs for brand managers, marketers and retailers as they conceive new plans and make decisions about addressing sustainability challenges in textile and apparel manufacturing firms.

Originality/value

This is a first of its kind of study on sustainable fashion that highlights the importance of understanding consumer behaviour in influencing sustainability decisions required across sourcing, designing, manufacturing and retailing to achieve substantial economic advantages in the fashion industry. End-to-end supply chain processes (i.e. procurement, design, manufacturing, marketing and retailing) are considered to identify several factors that influence consumer behavior in favor of sustainable fashion throughout the supply chain.
Configuration processing and construction of large-span karbandi vaults: a case of the karbandi vaulting of Haj-Mohammad-Qoli Timche in Tabriz Historic Bazaar
Authors: Amjad Mohammadi Amir , Safaeipour Hadi , Chenaghlou Mohammad Reza , Behnejad Alireza , Afghani Khoraskani Roham
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This paper aims at discovering the traditional techniques of Persian architecture for covering large-span spaces with a kind of ribbed vault titled “Karbandi”. This structure is generated by intersecting several arches with a harmonic stellar geometry. Preliminary studies show that span factor affects the structural form of karbandi and large-span cases, despite similar architectural forms, have different structural systems and specific construction methods. The main focus of this paper is how karbandi has been designed and built on large-spans. To answer this question, the configuration and construction of a large-span karbandi in Tabriz Bazaar were recognized.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collection of the research was initially done in three parallel directions through the archival study of restoration documents, direct observation of the corpus of the vaultings and interviews with the master mason of the Haj-Mohammad-Qoli Timche restoration team. Then by cross-referencing the gathered data, the construction process of the karbandi was simulated in Rhino 6 and Grasshoppers software and its BIM-M models were created in three levels of development: LOD300, LOD350 and LOD400. In the next step, the preliminary BIM-M models of the karbandi were presented to the interviewed mason and revised and completed based on his comments.

Findings

Analyzing the BIM models by reverse engineering, resulted in (1) Discovering a unique self-supporting masonry construction method applied for the erection of karbandi vaulting on large-spans. (2) Finding the effect of scale factor on the architectural and structural form of the karbandi vault. (3) Discovering the connection types of the karbandi vault based on the construction details.

Originality/value

Despite the wide applications of karbandi vaults throughout history, very little information of their construction techniques is available. The techniques have mostly been experientially and orally passed down from masters to apprentices and rarely been documented. The quest to design and construct a karbandi vault is therefore like solving a puzzle whose most important guide is historical cases. Due to the geometric complexity of karbandi and its ability to cover large-span spaces, solving the puzzle can lead to achieving some technical ideas for masonry cross-ribbed vaulting. A great riddle of the karbandi vaults is how to design and build them on a large span.
The plethora of information and individuals’ perceived feelings during COVID-19 pandemic in Greece
Authors: Skarpa Paraskevi El , Garoufallou Emmanouel
Published: September 2022

Purpose

In the digital era individuals are overwhelmed by huge amount of readily available information. The information provided at the time of COVID-19 crisis is increasingly available. The purpose of this paper was to investigate individuals’ perceived feelings due to the plethora of information during COVID-19 pandemic in Greece in Spring 2020.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted through a Web-based questionnaire survey posted on the Google Forms platform. The questionnaire consisted of closed-ended, seven-point Likert-scale questions. The data collected were subjected to a principal component analysis. The retained principal components (PCs) were subjected to statistical analysis between genders and among age groups and professional status with the nonparametric criteria Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis.

Findings

Responses by 776 individuals were obtained. Seventeen original variables from the questionnaire were summarized into three PCs that explained the 71.7% of total variance: “affective disorders,” “uncertainty issues and inaccurate information worries” and “satisfaction and optimism.” Participants partly agree that the received amount of information on the disease caused them feelings of uncertainty about the future and worries about relatives’ lives, but also satisfaction with developments in the country. Females seem to experience stronger perceived feelings of “affective disorders” (p < 0.001) and reported higher degree of agreement about “uncertainty issues and inaccurate information worries.”

Originality/value

The recorded feelings caused by the volume of available information may have forced people accept the necessary precautionary behavioral changes that had contributed to the Greek success in preventing spread of the disease in Spring 2020.
Towards the regional aspects of institutional trust and entrepreneurial ecosystems
Authors: Khlystova Olena , Kalyuzhnova Yelena , Belitski Maksim
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Institutional trust is vital for social and economic activity and crucial in reducing uncertainty for entrepreneurs and society. To shed light on the role of institutional trust on productive entrepreneurial activity, this paper analyses the impact of six urban entrepreneurial ecosystems (EEs) using the contexts of the transition economies of Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia. This study aims to pursue the research question: what role does institutional trust play in the relationship between formal institutions and productive entrepreneurship in the EEs of transition economies? This paper aims to posit that the development and enforcement of formal institutions and institutional trust enhance productive entrepreneurship.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the authors apply a mixed-method approach. The authors’ dataset includes 657 respondents (ecosystem stakeholders) from six city-level entrepreneurial ecosystems in the transition economies of Georgia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan, as well as 51 semi-structured interviews from EE representative stakeholders to examine the validity of the findings.

Findings

Institutional trust in many cities has been negatively affected by institutionalised corruption and continuous non-transparent reforms, furthering prior research in developing and transition economies. The authors’ findings suggest that institutional trust can be investigated not as a country phenomenon but as a regional phenomenon extending prior research towards understanding the institutional trust – productive entrepreneurship research domain at the city EE level.

Originality/value

The authors apply the institutional trust perspective to the EEs in cities in order to examine how institutional trust affects productive entrepreneurship in challenging institutional environments. The authors contribute to the literature on institutions and entrepreneurship by using a mixed-method analysis to examine the relationship between formal institutions and institutional trust in the context of EEs in transition economies.
Deals and value measuring in interactive health-care services
Authors: Ahlgren Per Christian , Lind Johnny
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the role of value measuring (VM) as an integrated part of a deal introduced to govern the cross-boundary relationship of state specialist- and primary care providers in the Norwegian health sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on a longitudinal ethnographic case study, this study explores the role of payment for dischargeable patients (PDP), an incentive arrangement introduced as a mechanism of value appropriation intended to create stability in the relationship and support improved patient flows between care providers. The fieldwork took place over approximately 18 months, consisting of intensive participant observations, interviews and document studies.

Findings

The VM integrated in the PDP deal between the hospital and municipality, on the surface level, appears simple. The VM, however, rests on a very complex practice of information sharing where accounts on patient status, procedures and activities form the basis of the integrated VM. The deal and its VM, despite its ambitious aims, were not able to fulfill the expectations of a smooth appropriation of value through the management of monetary flows or supporting information sharing for value creation. The VM of the PDP deal aimed at bringing the parties closer together, rather created a distance where money matters became a source of tension.

Originality/value

This study investigates the interconnections of deals and VM in a public sector service context, showing aspects of deals different from that of prior studies into private sector deals.
The link between supply chain risk management and innovation performance in SMEs in turbulent times
Authors: Foli Samuel , Durst Susanne , Temel Serdal
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Acknowledging, on the one hand, the increasing fragility of supply chains and the number of risks involved in supply chain operations and, on the other hand, the role of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in supply chains and the high exposure of these firms to risks of different types, this study aims to examine the relationship between supply chain risk management (SCRM) and innovation performance in SMEs. Furthermore, the impact of technological turbulence on this relationship was studied to take into account recent technological changes.

Design/methodology/approach

Structural equation modelling was carried out on a sample of Turkish SMEs to test the hypotheses developed.

Findings

The findings presented allow the authors to better understand the link between SCRM and innovation performance in SMEs. More precisely, empirical evidence is provided about the impact of SCRM components such as maturity and ability on innovation performance. Furthermore, the findings show the impact of technological turbulence on both SCRM and innovation performance.

Originality/value

By focusing on SCRM in SMEs, this paper contributes to the body of knowledge with regard to SCRM in general and with regard to SMEs in particular; research on the latter has only started recently. Moreover, by having studied SMEs from a developing country (other than China), this paper helps to develop a broader and more diverse perspective of SCRM.
Attitudes toward the design of Islamic mobile shopping apps in Turkey: the case of hijab clothing mobile apps from the perspective of conservative consumers
Authors: Baran Tamer , Barutçu Süleyman
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This study aims to determine the attitudes of Turkish consumers toward Islamic mobile shopping apps and discuss whether these apps will need to be designed in accordance with Islamic rules in Muslim countries or not in the sample of Turkey.

Design/methodology/approach

A descriptive study was used. The data was collected online through a questionnaire form. The one-sample t-test and univariate analysis of variance were used to analyze the data obtained from 379 individuals.

Findings

The results show that Turkish customers have mostly positive attitudes toward Islamic mobile shopping apps and demand that the pictures, videos and advertisements used on mobile shopping apps be in concordance with Islamic rules. As a result of this study, consumers do not mind the colors or lean toward the use of models on Islamic mobile shopping apps. Furthermore, there are differences between gender with regard to using Islamic mobile shopping apps, showing that male consumers have a more positive attitude toward Islamic mobile shopping apps compared with female consumers.

Research limitations/implications

Like many previous empirical studies, this study has limited its context to capture a particular geographical area. Moreover, in this study, the data are obtained by judgmental sampling as a nonrandom sampling method. The contributions of the current study are restricted to Islamic mobile apps for the hijab clothing sector in Turkey.

Practical implications

The results obtained can become a yardstick to measure consumer attitudes toward Islamic mobile apps’ attributes.

Originality/value

The primary benefit is to call the attention of mobile app designers to the design features of mobile shopping apps aimed at Muslim users. The second benefit is to determine the expectations of Muslim users regarding the design of Islamic mobile shopping apps, and eventually establish the fundamental Islamic design features needed to be available on new Islamic mobile shopping apps.
Factors enabling pervasiveness of belief and ethics-based marketing practice: an interpretive structural modeling approach
Authors: Mustafa Farhan , Sharma Vinay
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This study aims to identify enablers of belief and ethics-based marketing practices, establish relationships among the factors and present them in a hierarchical model to derive critical insights. This paper emphasizes interpretations of the in-depth interviews to decipher the market pervasiveness of the evolved model.

Design/methodology/approach

In-depth interviews were conducted with individuals and small groups of informed and elite respondents pursuing marketing guided explicitly by ethics and led by belief. The interview data further corroborated with the related literature contributed to specific factors. Finally, interpretive structural modeling has been implemented step by step to develop a systematic model for enablers.

Findings

This paper contributes a structural relationship of morality and ethics, strengthening faith and belief through philosophical understanding, which traverses into the actions related to societal benefits with the support of market opportunity development while bringing in value, enhancing the demand in return and establishing market pervasiveness. The crux of this paper is that the foundation of belief will reduce the hierarchy of other related factors while strengthening their interdependencies with equity to contribute to the development of the pervasiveness of the market for such organizations.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study exploring and examining the enablers contributing to belief and ethics-based organizations’ pervasiveness along with their interrelationships. The initial intrigue that led to the inquiry was evidence of the market pervasiveness of such organizations’ products and services across various streams.
Impacts of pastures and forestry plantations on herpetofauna: A global meta‐analysis
Authors: López‐Bedoya Pablo A. , Cardona‐Galvis Erika Alejandra , Urbina‐Cardona José Nicolás , Edwards Felicity A. , Edwards David P.
Published: September 2022

The establishment of pastures and forestry plantations has increased globally to meet growing demands for meat and wood products. Pasture and plantation expansion often drives deforestation, which causes homogenization of biotic communities and is a major driver of the global extinction crisis. A core question is how the severity of losses varies between pastures and plantations, and in turn, how geographical location and plantation management characteristics moderate these impacts.

Focusing on herpetofauna (amphibians and reptiles) as the most endangered vertebrate group, we performed a global synthesis using 41 scientific articles that reported species richness or abundance in pastures and forestry plantations relative to natural forest in 191 case studies among 19 countries.

We found a severe negative effect of pasture and a less negative effect of forestry plantations on species richness and abundance of herpetofauna. Within plantations, species richness and total abundance were more negatively impacted in amphibians than reptiles, in the tropics, when planting exotic tree species, monocultures, large or commercial plantations, and when clearing understory vegetation. Yet mixed, old, small or conservation plantations and those permitting recovery of understory vegetation had no negative impacts relative to the reference natural forest.

Synthesis and applications. The loss of herpetofauna species richness and abundance underscores the importance of halting ongoing tropical deforestation for pasture and intensive forestry plantations. The potential for appropriately managed forestry plantations to support biodiversity in regions lacking forest cover, including via replacement of anthropogenic pastures, suggests that such plantations have an important role under global reforestation agendas.
Intraspecific differentiation of Allium canadense var. canadense (Amaryllidaceae) across the North American Coastal Plain
Authors: Babin Courtney H. , Anthony Nicola M. , Bell Charles D.
Published: September 2022

Polyploidy increases genetic variation in plants, leading to adaptations allowing expansion into novel habitats and increased genetic differentiation among populations isolated by barriers to dispersal. Allium canadense var. canadense is a polyploid taxon distributed within the North American Coastal Plain (NACP) biodiversity hotspot. It is the only one of six varieties in a species complex of wild onions native to North America that exhibits bulbils responsible for vegetative reproduction, which may lead to low levels of genetic variation within populations. Despite its threatened/endangered status in the northeast United States and noxious weed listing in Arkansas, USA, little is known about intraspecific differentiation among populations which may be impacted by riverine barriers or seasonal latitudinal gradients. We used sequences of one nuclear (ITS) and two chloroplast (trnL‐F and rpl32‐trnL) DNA regions generated from eight populations in the NACP and one population in Kansas, USA to examine genetic diversity and population structure of A. canadense var. canadense. A total of 12 ITS ribosomal and 10 chloroplast DNA haplotypes were identified. Phylogenetic analyses indicated two major lineages which corresponded to the genealogical relationships identified in the population structure analyses. Significant genetic subdivision among populations was detected across all populations by analysis of molecular variance. Overall, geographic structuring is apparent among populations of A. canadense var. canadense and populations showed moderate levels of gene diversity. These findings are indicative of the complex nature of polyploids and their contribution to genetic diversity among populations with mating systems that might otherwise have no phylogeographic structure.
Unconstrained trade: The impact of EU cage bans on exports of poultry‐keeping equipment
Authors: Ferguson Shon M.
Published: September 2022

This study evaluates the impact of conventional cage bans for laying hens in the EU on exports of poultry‐keeping equipment. Using detailed data on international trade in poultry‐keeping equipment combined with an event study regression approach yields several new findings. The results suggest that the cage bans were associated with an increase in intra‐EU trade, and also an increase in exports of poultry equipment from EU member states to non‐EU countries where conventional cages are still permitted. The results suggest that some banned cages were likely exported to countries outside the EU to be used in egg production.
Was the Panzhihua Large Fe‐Ti Oxide Deposit, SW China, Formed by Silicate Immiscibility?
Authors: DING Xiangli , CHEN Xuanhua , SHAO Zhaogang
Published: September 2022

The Panzhihua mafic intrusion, which hosts a world‐class Fe‐Ti‐V ore deposit, is in the western Emeishan region, SW China. The formation age (∼260 Ma), and Sr and Nd isotopes indicate that the Panzhihua intrusion is part of the Emeishan large igneous province and has little crustal contamination. To assess ore genesis of the Panzhihua Fe‐Ti‐V ore deposit, two different models have been provided to explain the formation, namely silicate immiscibility and normal fractional crystallization. Silicate immiscibility occurring around 1,000°C at the late stage of basaltic magma evolution argues against the silicate immiscibility model. Apatite‐hosted melt inclusion research indicates that silicate immiscibility occurred at the late stage of Panzhihua magma evolution, which may not have offered potential to form such large ore deposits as Panzhihua. Alternatively, continuous compositional variations of the Panzhihua intrusion and calculations using thermodynamic modelling software support the hypothesis that the Panzhihua deposit was formed by normal fractional crystallization. Reciprocal trace element patterns of the Panzhihua intrusion and nearby felsic rocks also coincide with the fractional crystallization model. Normal fractional crystallization of high‐Ti basaltic magma played a key role in the formation of the Panzhihua Fe‐Ti‐V ore deposit.
Factors associated with cytomegalovirus infection in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody‐associated vasculitis: A narrative review
Authors: Leong Ashley , Fong Warren
Published: September 2022

Patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody‐associated vasculitis (AAV) are vulnerable to opportunistic infections, including cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. This narrative review aims to identify factors associated with CMV infection in patients with AAV. The literature review was conducted on Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Cochrane, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The start date of the literature search was unrestricted and the end date was February 2022. CMV infection was defined as (a) CMV pp65 antigenemia or positive CMV DNA viral load by polymerase chain reaction or CMV detection on histological specimens, with associated signs and symptoms compatible with CMV infection; (b) presence of CMV clinical syndrome (defined as presence of compatible symptoms and signs and documentation of CMV by biopsy by virus isolation, rapid culture, immunohistochemistry, or DNA in biopsy material as defined by the CMV Drug Development Forum); and (c) CMV infection as coded by the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th revision with at least one prescription for CMV treatment. We identified 4505 articles, of which three (2327 patients with AAV) were included. All studies were retrospective and only one of the three studies included only patients with AAV. Low or decreasing lymphocyte counts and higher prednisolone usage were associated with CMV infection in patients with AAV. Patients with AAV with lymphopenia and on high doses of prednisolone should be monitored closely for signs and symptoms of CMV infection, and might benefit from CMV prophylaxis. Prospective studies are urgently needed to better identify causes of CMV infections in patients with AAV.
The morphological postnatal development of the testis of the Nubian bucks
Authors: Shaaeldin Sara A. , Tingari Muddathir D. , Kumar Patricia M. , Makawi Sharaf Eldin A. , Yahya Imadeldin I.
Published: September 2022

This study was designed to monitor the morphological development of the reproductive tract of the Nubian bucks in relation to puberty. Thirty‐two Nubain male kids were used in the study. The animals were slaughtered at intervals of 2 weeks starting from 1 day old up to 24 weeks of age. Tissue samples were obtained from the testes and processed for ultrastructural studies. The boundary tissue of the newly forming seminiferous tubule adhered closely to the basal lamina. It consisted of a single continuous layer of myoid cells, the outer surface of which was covered by scattered fibroblasts. The ultrastructural study of the boundary of the seminiferous tubule revealed that it consisted of three layers; inner fibrous, middle and outer cellular. The seminiferous tubules at week one were lined by two layers of epithelia; spermatogonia and Sertoli cells in the basal layer, and primary spermatocytes in the second layer. A gradual increase in the diameter of the tubules and epithelial height continued to increase with age. Furthermore, spermatocytes number showed an increase with age. In conclusion, based on the appearance of spermatozoa in the lumina of the seminiferous tubules, puberty age was achieved between weeks 18 and 20.
Unrestricted drinking before surgery: an iterative quality improvement study
Authors: Rüggeberg A. , Nickel E. A.
Published: September 2022

Average pre‐operative fasting times for clear liquids are many times longer than those specified in national and international guidelines. We sought to decrease fasting times by applying a quality management tool aimed at continuous improvement. Through the application of iterative ‘plan‐do‐study‐act’ cycles, tools to reduce pre‐operative liquid fasting times were developed and applied, the effects measured, analysed and interpreted and the conclusions used to inform the next plan‐do‐study‐act cycle. The first step was the introduction of unrestricted drinking until the patient was called to the operating theatre, with training of anaesthetic staff, adaption of local standard procedures and verbal information for patients. This did not result in short liquid fasting times, median (IQR [range]) 12.0 (9.5–14.0 [0.8–23.5]) h. In the second cycle, fasting cards were introduced as a subliminal written training tool for staff, patients and their relatives. This enabled short liquid fasting times to be achieved for outpatients (2.6 (0.8–5.1 [0.3–16]) h) and pre‐admission patients (3.4 (1.8–9.4 [0.2–17.2]) h), but not for inpatients (6.5 (2.0–11.7 [0.2–16.2]) h). The third cycle included lectures for ward staff, putting up information posters throughout the hospital, revision of all written materials and provision of screencasts on the homepage for staff and patients. This decreased median liquid fasting time to 2.1 (1.2–3.8 [0.4–18.8]; p < 0.0001) h, with inpatients having the shortest fasting time of 1.4 (1.1–3.8 [0.4–18.8]) h. Repeated quality improvement cycles, adapted to local context, can support sustained reductions in pre‐operative liquid fasting times.
A localized salt-dependent aquagenic urticaria successfully treated with omalizumab
Authors: Carra Sophie , Dereure Olivier , Raison-Peyron Nadia
Published: September 2022

We present the first case of a localized salt-dependent aquagenic urticaria confirmed by a challenge test. A good therapeutic response was achieved after only the first dose of omalizumab.
von Willebrand factor activity levels are influenced by driver mutation status in polycythemia vera and essential thrombocythemia patients with well‐controlled platelet counts
Authors: Iizuka Kazuhide , Morishita Soji , Nishizaki Yuji , Iizuka Yoshikazu , Iriyama Noriyoshi , Ochiai Tomonori , Yanagisawa Naotake , Yasuda Hajime , Ando Jun , Gotoh Akihiko , Takei Masami , Hatta Yoshihiro , Nakamura Hideki , Nakayama Tomohiro , Komatsu Norio
Published: September 2022

von Willebrand factor ristocetin cofactor (vWF activity) and platelet count (PLT) are negatively correlated in patients with polycythemia vera (PV) and essential thrombocythemia (ET). However, vWF activity does not always normalize upon controlling PLT in those patients. To address this issue, we investigated the correlation between vWF activity and PLT in PV and ET patients. The negative correlation between vWF activity and PLT was stronger in calreticulin mutation‐positive (CALR+) ET than in Janus kinase 2 mutation‐positive (JAK2+) PV or ET groups. When PLT were maintained at a certain level (<600 × 109/L), low vWF activity (<50%) was more frequently observed in JAK2+ PV patients than in JAK2+ ET (p = .013) or CALR+ ET (p = .013) groups, and in PV and ET patients with ≥50% JAK2+ allele burden than in those with allele burden <50% (p = .015). High vWF activity (>150%) was more frequent in the JAK2+ ET group than in the CALR+ ET group (p = .005), and often associated with vasomotor symptoms (p = .002). This study suggests that some patients with JAK2+ PV or ET have vWF activity outside the standard range even with well‐controlled PLT, and that the measurement of vWF activity is useful for assessing the risk of thrombosis and hemorrhage.
Microbial respiratory thermal adaptation is regulated by r‐/K‐strategy dominance
Authors: Chen Hongyang , Jing Qingfang , Liu Xiang , Zhou Xuhui , Fang Changming , Li Bo , Zhou Shurong , Nie Ming
Published: September 2022

Microbial thermal adaptation is considered to be one of the core mechanisms affecting soil carbon cycling. However, the role of microbial community composition in controlling thermal adaptation is poorly understood. Using microbial communities from the rhizosphere and bulk soils in an 8‐year warming experiment as a model, we experimentally demonstrate that respiratory thermal adaptation was much stronger in microbialK‐strategist‐dominated bulk soils than in microbialr‐strategist‐dominated rhizosphere soils. Soil carbon availability exerted strong selection on the dominant ecological strategy of the microbial community, indirectly influencing respiratory thermal adaptation. Our findings shed light on the linchpin of the dominant ecological strategy exhibited by the microbial community in determining its respiratory thermal adaptation, with implications for understanding soil carbon losses under warming.