bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic accuracy of LRINEC score and vitals in Necrotising skin infection in clinical Surgical Scar Incision Infection: A meta-analysis
Authors: Götz Marlene Carina , Andharia Dev , Malafi Maria Eleni , Maniyar Pankti , Raval Dwija , Agrawal Siddharth , Desai Dev
Published: June 2023

Background

Necrotizing soft tissue infection (NSTI) is a potentially fatal skin and soft tissue infection, characterized by fulminant tissue damage, systemic signs of toxicity, and high mortality with case fatality rates ranging from 14% to 41% over the last two decades. It can be challenging to diagnose NF in its initial phases as it frequently presents symptoms that are similar to those of other non-necrotic SSTIs, such as cellulitis. It is unclear how the different diagnostic imaging modalities should be used to evaluate patients who have a suspected NSTI and there are concerns about their accuracy and potential delays in surgical intervention. Therefore, we aimed to gather data on the sensitivity and specificity of physical findings of fever, hypotension as well as imaging techniques such as ultrasound (USG) and computed tomography (CT) scans, and the LRINEC score, in detecting Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections (NSTI) in patients.

Methods

Medical literature was comprehensively searched and reviewed without restrictions to particular study designs, or publication dates using PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases for all relevant literature. The extraction of necessary data proceeded after specific inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. In this Meta-Analysis, a total of 49 RCTs with an aggregate of 11,520 cases were handpicked. wherein two writers independently assessed the caliber of each study as well as the use of the Cochrane tool for bias risk apprehension. The statistical software packages RevMan (Review Manager, version 5.3), SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 20), and Excel in Stata 14 were used to perform the statistical analyses.

Results

We calculated the sensitivity and specificity for each of the parameters. Here, USG has a sensitivity of 0.556 and specificity of 0.879, CT has a sensitivity of 0.932 and specificity of 0.849, and LRINEC Score >= 6 has a sensitivity of 0.59 and specificity of 0.849. we also calculated the same for physical signs like fever and hypotension.

Conclusion

we conclude that physical signs like fever and hypotension and LRINEC Score >= 6 are not advisable indicators, however, CT shows significant superior modality but it is not a cost-effective solution. USG is relatively reliable and cost-effective for the early diagnosis of NSTI.
Discriminative Accuracy of CHA2DS2VASc Score, and Development of Predictive Accuracy Model Using Machine Learning for Ischemic Stroke in Cardiac Amyloidosis
Authors: Ullah Waqas , Nair Abhinav , Warner Eric , Zahid Salman , Frisch Daniel R. , Rajapreyar Indranee , Alvarez Rene J. , Alkhouli Mohamad , Yaddanapudi Sridhara S , Maurer Mathew S. , Brailovsky Yegeny
Published: June 2023

Background

Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) in conjunction with atrial fibrillation (AF) presents unique management challenges. CHA2DS2VASc score in these patients is believed to underestimate the risk of ischemic stroke, necessitating a better predictive model in these patients.

Methods

Data was obtained from the National Readmission Database (NRD). Outcomes between CA-AF and no-CA-AF were compared using multivariate regression analysis to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aOR). AutoScore; an interpretable machine learning framework, was used to develop a stroke risk prediction model, the predictive accuracy of which was evaluated with an area under the curve (AUC) using the receiver operating characteristic analysis.

Results

A total of 11,860,804 (CA-AF 22,687 [0.19%] and no-CA-AF 11,838,117) patients were identified from 2015-2019. The adjusted odds of mortality (aOR 1.41 and 1.29), stroke (aOR 1.78 and 1.74), non-intracranial hemorrhage (aOR 2.10 and aOR 1.85), and intracranial hemorrhage (aOR 14.4 and aOR 4.26) were significantly higher in CA-AF compared with non-CA-AF at both index admission and 30-days, respectively. The CHA2DS2VASc score had a poor discriminative accuracy for stroke at 30-days in CA-AF (AUC 49%, 95%CI 47%-51%, p=0.54). The machine learning autoscore integrative model revealed that the predictive ability of our newly proposed E-CHADS score (end-stage renal disease (ESRD), congestive heart failure, hypertension, active cancer, dementia, and diabetes mellitus) for 30-day risk of ischemic stroke in CA-AF was excellent (for a cutoff of 52 points random forest score) with an AUC of 80% (95%CI 74%-86%)

Conclusion

Cardiac amyloidosis carries a high risk of ischemic stroke that is not accurately predicted by the CHA2DS2VASc score. Our proposed model (E-CHADS) identifies 3 new variables (ESRD, dementia, and cancer) that have higher discriminative accuracy for ischemic stroke in these patients.
CyVerse: Cyberinfrastructure for Open Science
Authors: Swetnam Tyson L. , Antin Parker B. , Bartelme Ryan , Bucksch Alexander , Camhy David , Chism Greg , Choi Illyoung , Cooksey Amanda M. , Cosi Michele , Cowen Cindy , Culshaw-Maurer Michael , Davey Robert , Davey Sean , Devisetty Upendra , Edgin Tony , Edmonds Andy , Fedorov Dmitry , Frady Jeremy , Fonner John , Gillan Jeffrey K. , Hossain Iqbal , Joyce Blake , Lang Konrad , Lee Tina , Littin Shelley , Mcewen Ian , Merchant Nirav , Micklos David , Nelson Andrew , Ramsey Ashley , Roberts Sarah , Sarando Paul , Skidmore Edwin , Song Jawon , Sprinkle Mary Margaret , Srinivasan Sriram , Strootman Jonathan D. , Stryeck Sarah , Tuteja Reetu , Vaughn Matthew , Wali Mojib , Wall Mariah , Walls Ramona , Wang Liya , Wickizer Todd , Williams Jason , Wregglesworth John , Lyons Eric
Published: June 2023

CyVerse, the largest publicly-funded open-source research cyberinfrastructure for life sciences, has played a crucial role in advancing data-driven research since the 2010s. As the technology landscape evolved with the emergence of cloud computing platforms, machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) applications, CyVerse has enabled access by providing interfaces, Software as a Service (SaaS), and cloud-native Infrastructure as Code (IaC) to leverage new technologies. CyVerse services enable researchers to integrate institutional and private computational resources, custom software, perform analyses, and publish data in accordance with open science principles. Over the past 13 years, CyVerse has registered more than 110,000 verified accounts from 160 countries and was used for over 1,600 peer-reviewed publications. Since 2011, 45,000 students and researchers have been trained to use CyVerse. The platform has been replicated and deployed in two countries outside the US, with additional private deployments on commercial clouds for US government agencies and multinational corporations. In this manuscript, we present a strategic blueprint for creating and managing SaaS cyberinfrastructure and IaC as free and open-source software.
A novel Nav1.5-dependent feedback mechanism driving glycolytic acidification in breast cancer metastasis
Authors: Leslie Theresa K , Tripp Aurelien , James Andrew D , Fraser Scott P , Nelson Michaela , Sajjaboontawee Nattanan , Toss Michael , Fadhil Wakkas , Salvage Samantha C , Arias Garcia Mar , Beykou Melina , Rakha Emad , Speirs Valerie , Bakal Chris , Poulogiannis George , Djamgoz Mustafa B A , Jackson Antony P , Matthews Hugh R , Huang Christopher L-H , Holding Andrew N , Chawla Sangeeta , Brackenbury William J
Published: June 2023

Solid tumours have abnormally high intracellular [Na+]. The activity of various Na+channels may underlie this Na+accumulation. Voltage-gated Na+channels (VGSCs) have been shown to be functionally active in cancer cell lines, where they promote invasion. However, the mechanisms involved, and clinical relevance, are incompletely understood. Here, we show that protein expression of the Nav1.5 VGSC subtype strongly correlates with increased metastasis and shortened cancer-specific survival in breast cancer patients. In addition, VGSCs are functionally active in patient-derived breast tumour cells, cell lines, and cancer-associated fibroblasts. Knock down of Nav1.5 in a mouse model of breast cancer suppresses expression of invasion-regulating genes. Nav1.5 activity increases glycolysis in breast cancer cells, likely by up-regulating activity of the Na+/K+ATPase, thus promoting H+production and extracellular acidification. The pH of murine xenograft tumours is lower at the periphery than in the core, in regions of higher proliferation and lower apoptosis. In turn, acidic extracellular pH elevates persistent Na+influx through Nav1.5 into breast cancer cells. Together, these findings show positive feedback between extracellular acidification and movement of Na+into cancer cells which can facilitate invasion. These results highlight the clinical significance of Nav1.5 activity as a potentiator of breast cancer metastasis and provide further evidence supporting the use of VGSC inhibitors in cancer treatment.
Dopamine functionalized, red carbon quantum dots forin vivobioimaging, cancer therapeutics, and neuronal differentiation
Authors: Yadav Pankaj , Benner Dawson , Varshney Ritu , Kansara Krupa , Shah Krupa , Dahle Landon , Kumar Ashutosh , Rawal Rakesh , Gupta Sharad , Bhatia Dhiraj
Published: June 2023

One of the crucial requirements of quantum dots for biological applications is their surface modifications for very specific and enhanced biological recognition and uptake. Toward this, we present the green synthesis of bright, red-emitting carbon quantum dots derived from mango leaf extract (mQDs). These mQDs are conjugated electrostatically with dopamine to form mQDs-dopamine (mQDs: DOPA) bioconjugates. Bright red fluorescence of mQDs was used for bioimaging and uptake in multiple cell lines, tissues, andin vivomodels like zebrafish. mQDs exhibited the highest uptake in brain tissue as compared to others. mQD:DOPA conjugate induced cellular toxicity only in cancer cells while showing increased uptake in epithelial cells and zebrafish. Additionally, the mQDs: DOPA promoted neuronal differentiation of SH-SY5Y cells to complete neurons. Both mQDs and mQDs: DOPA exhibited potential for higher collective cell migrations implicating their future potential as next-generation tools for advanced biological and biomedical applications.

TOC

mQDs were electrostatically conjugated with dopamine (DOPA) to form the mQDs: DOPA bioconjugate. mQDs are used to image cells, tissues, and zebrafish embryos. mQDs: DOPA kills cancer cells, differentiates neuronal cells, and increases the uptake of mQDs in zebrafish embryos.
Efficient Methods for Target Gene Manipulation in Haematopoietic Stem Cell Derived Human Neutrophils
Authors: Anthony Yong Kheng Cordero Ng , Fox Eleonore , Brelstaff Jack , Frontini Mattia , Summers Charlotte
Published: June 2023

Neutrophils are the most abundant leukocyte in humans and the principal effectors of the innate immue response. Genetic modification of human neutrophils is challenging due to their short lifespan and tendency to activate in response to even minor perturbation. However, genetic manipulation of haematopoietic progenitor cells and subsequent directed differentation into neutrophils represents a potential avenue to study the contributions of individual genes and pathways to human neutrophil function. Here we present a method of directed granulocytic CD34+progenitor differentiation into neutrophils capable of key functions such as priming and neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation. We further show that differentiating progenitors can be efficiently and stably modified by lentiviral gene delivery and Cas9-gRNP nucleofection to produce potent and activation-free gene knockdown in mature neutrophils, thereby providing new tools for understanding the contribution of neutrophils to health and disease. Using this model we have shown that, contrary to previous reports, CD11b is not required for phagocytosis of serum-opsonised bacterial particles.
Understanding the difference in Diagnostic accuracy of MRI between ccRCC and pRCC :- A meta Analysis
Authors: Desai Dev , Majdouli Sanae , Raval Dwija , Andharia Dev , Shah Abhijay B. , Shah Hetvi
Published: June 2023

Background

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) comprises cancer originating from the renal epithelium and takes up for >90% of cancers in the kidney. The disease consists of >10 histological and molecular subtypes, of which clear cell RCC (ccRCC) is the most common and is responsible for most cancer-related deaths. In an attempt to ensure an early diagnosis to plan the further course of surgical intervention, pre-operative diagnosis plays an important role. MRI plays a crucial role in the diagnosis of RCC and planning for surgery for presumed RCC, especially for identifying enhanced soft tissue within renal lesions. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to ascertain the accuracy of MRI in diagnosing papillary renal cell carcinoma (pRCC) compared to clear cell carcinoma to reach a definitive diagnosis and thus, help in surgical intervention.

Methods

Medical literature was comprehensively searched and reviewed without restrictions to particular study designs, or publication dates using PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases for all relevant literature. The extraction of necessary data proceeded after specific inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. In this Meta-Analysis, a total of 5 papers involving 755 lesions were considered for Clear cell carcinoma. A total number of 13 papers regarding 1009 lesions of papillary renal cell carcinoma were considered. wherein two writers independently assessed the caliber of each study as well as the use of the Cochrane tool for bias risk apprehension. The statistical software packages RevMan (Review Manager, version 5.3), SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 20), and Excel in Stata 14 were used to perform the statistical analyses.

Results

We calculated the sensitivity and specificity of MRI in diagnosing pRCC and ccRCC in the different papers, For the MRI in ccRCC, The sensitivity is 0.81 with a CI of 95% in a range of 0.77 to 0.86, the mean being 0.049. The Specificity of the MRI is 0.77 with a CI of 95% in a range of 0.68 to 0.86, the mean being 0.091. For the pRCC, The Sensitivity of the MRI in pRCC is 0.66 with a CI of 95% in a range of 0.52 to 0.80; the mean being (0.14). The Specificity of the MRI in pRCC is 0.87 with a CI of 95% in a range of 0.80 to 0.94, the mean being 0.072.

Conclusion

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers a thorough evaluation of renal masses that takes in to account both, functional factors and several types of tissue contrast. In light of the above mentioned clinical requirements, these characteristics of MRI have sped up the process of early detection, diagnosis, staging, and evaluation of the aggressiveness and therapeutic r esponse of RCC
Chromosome-scale Genome Assembly of the AllopolyploidArundo donax
Authors: Ren Mengmeng , Liu Fupeng , Han Xiaohong , Wu Daohong , Peng Hai
Published: June 2023

Arundo donaxL (A. donax). is a promising energy crop with high biomass and wide adaptability, while lack of reference genome limiting the genetic improvement of this crop. Here, we report two different chromosome-scale assemblies ofA. donaxgenome (0004 and 0408) using Pacbio SMRT sequencing and Hi-C technology. The genome size of these two assemblies is 1.30 Gb / 2.86 Gb with contig N50 33.15 Mb / 34.62 Mb respectively. A total of 74,403 / 167,586 gene models were predicted in 0004 and 0408 genome, of which over 90% of genes were functionally annotated. Comparative genome analysis revealed that 0004 is alloenneaploid and 0408 is allohexaploid. Further analysis revealed thatA. donaxundergone strong gene family expansion and two whole-genome duplication events during evolution. Our results will enhance genetic understanding and promote the genetic improvement ofA. donax.
Enzyme-mediated alkynylation enables transcriptome-wide identification of pseudouridine modifications
Authors: Wang Yuru , Zhang Lisheng , Zhang Wen , Gao Boyang , Ye Chang , Dai Qing , Wang Ke , Luo Minkui , Pan Tao , He Chuan
Published: June 2023

Pseudouridine (Ψ) is one of the most abundant chemical modifications that exists in various types of RNA species and is known to play important roles in RNA function. The advances in studies of Ψ in less abundant messenger RNA species have been hindered by a lack of suitable methods to precisely and sensitively map their distributions. Here we show that a methyltransferase fromMethanocaldococcus jannaschiican label RNA Ψ efficiently and specifically with various functional groups, both in isolated RNA and inside cells. We leveraged this enzymatic labeling strategy to develop ELAP-seq as a facile method to enrich Ψ-modified transcripts for the detection of Ψ modifications at single base resolution with high sensitivity and low background. Using this method, we identified over 10, 000 candidate Ψ sites from human transcripts, which provides new insights into Ψ biosynthesis and function. Our study provides a chemical biology method that specifically labels Ψ for its detection and functional alteration.
Bio-based decontamination and detoxification of total petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated dredged sediments: perspectives to produce constructed technosols in the frame of the circular economy
Authors: Becarelli Simone , Bernabei Giacomo , Siracusa Giovanna , Baderna Diego , Castiglione Monica Ruffini , Simone Giampiero De , Gregorio Simona Di
Published: June 2023

To accelerate the depletion of total petroleum hydrocarbons, a hydrocarburoclastic ascomycetes,Lambertellasp. MUT 5852, was bioaugmented to dredged sediments co-composting with a lignocellulosic matrix. After only 28 days of incubation, a complete depletion of the contamination was observed. The 16S rDNA metabarcoding of the bacterial community and a predictive functional metagenomic analysis was adopted to evaluate potential bacterial degrading and detoxifying functions. A combination of toxicological assays on two eukaryotic models, the root tips ofVicia fabaand the human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells, was adopted to assess the robustness of the process not only for the decontamination but also for the detoxification of the dredged sediments. Bacterial taxa, such asKocuriaandSphingobacteriumsps. resulted to be involved in both the decontamination and detoxification of the co-composting dredged sediments by potential activation of diverse oxidative processes. At the same time, theKocuriasp. showed plant growth promoting activity by the potential expression of the 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase activity, providing functional traits of interest for a technosol in terms of sustaining primary producer growth and development.
Cortical tension regulates Hippo signaling via Par-1-mediated Kibra degradation
Authors: Tokamov Sherzod A. , Buiter Stephan , Ullyot Anne , Scepanovic Gordana , Williams Audrey Miller , Fernandez-Gonzalez Rodrigo , Horne-Badovinac Sally , Fehon Richard G.
Published: June 2023

The Hippo pathway is an evolutionarily conserved regulator of tissue growth. Multiple Hippo signaling components are regulated via proteolytic degradation. However, how these degradation mechanisms are themselves modulated remains unexplored. Kibra is a key upstream pathway activator that promotes its own ubiquitin-mediated degradation upon assembling a Hippo signaling complex. Here, we demonstrate that Hippo complex-dependent Kibra degradation is modulated by cortical tension. Using classical genetic, osmotic, and pharmacological manipulations of myosin activity and cortical tension, we show that increasing cortical tension leads to Kibra degradation, whereas decreasing cortical tension increases Kibra abundance. Our study also implicates Par-1 in regulating Kib abundance downstream of cortical tension. We demonstrate that Par-1 promotes ubiquitin-mediated Kib degradation in a Hippo complex-dependent manner and is required for tension-induced Kib degradation. Collectively, our results reveal a previously unknown molecular mechanism by which cortical tension affects Hippo signaling and provide novel insights into the role of mechanical forces in growth control.
GTPase activating protein DLC1 spatio-temporally regulates Rho signaling
Authors: Heydasch Max , Hinderling Lucien , van Unen Jakobus , Dobrzynski Maciej , Pertz Olivier
Published: June 2023

Tightly regulated spatio-temporal Rho GTPase activity patterns regulate morphogenetic processes such as cell migration. Emerging evidence suggests that binding of Guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) and GTPase activating proteins (GAPs) to the cytoskeleton or adhesions mediate feedback regulation to spatio-temporal Rho GTPase activation. To explore such feedback regulation, we study the Rho specific GAP Deleted in Liver Cancer 1 (DLC1) which binds to focal adhesions (FAs) through mechanosensitive interactions. Using a FRET biosensor, we show that DLC1 loss of function leads to global increase in Rho activity and contractility throughout the cell without affecting a striking lamellar RhoA activity band in fibroblasts. To interrogate the Rho GTPase signaling flux, we build a genetic circuit consisting of an optogenetic actuator to control Rho activity, and a Rho activity biosensor. In spreading cells at steady state, optogenetic manipulation of Rho activity reveals that DLC1 controls the rate of Rho activation rather than duration, both at FAs and at the plasma membrane (PM). Local and reversible optogenetic control of contractility shows that DLC1 associates/dissociates with FAs during their reinforcement/relaxation. This might provide positive feedback that locally increases the rate of Rho activation at FAs that experience local tension to facilitate FA disassembly. Our results indicate that DLC1 operates both at the PM and at FAs to regulate global Rho activity levels at steady state, or to amplify local Rho activity at FAs experiencing a strong mechanical input, presumably to induce robust FA disassembly. This provides new insights in the complexity of spatio-temporal Rho GTPase signaling.
Proteomics reveals how the tardigrade damage suppressor protein teaches transfected human cells to survive UV-C stress
Authors: Shaba Enxhi , Landi Claudia , Marzocchi Carlotta , Vantaggiato Lorenza , Bini Luca , Ricci Claudia , Cantara Silvia
Published: June 2023

The genome sequencing of the tardigradeRamazzottius varieornatusrevealed a unique nucleosome-binding protein, named Damage Suppressor (Dsup), which resulted to be crucial for the extraordinary abilities of tardigrades in surviving extreme stresses, such as UV. Evidence in Dsup transfected human cells, suggests that Dsup mediates an overall response of DNA damage signaling, DNA repair and cell cycle regulation resulting in an acquired resistance to stress. Given these promising outcomes, our study attempts to provide a wider comprehension of the molecular mechanisms modulated by Dsup in human cells, and to explore the Dsup-activated molecular pathways under stress. We performed a differential proteomic analysis of Dsup-transfected and control human cells, under basal condition and at 24-hour recovery after exposure to UV-C. We demonstrate by enrichment and network analyses, for the first time, that even in the absence of external stimuli and more significantly after stress, Dsup activates mechanisms involved with the Unfolded Protein Response, the mRNA processing and stability, cytoplasmic stress granules, the DNA Damage Response and the telomere maintenance. In conclusion, our results shed new light on Dsup-mediated protective mechanisms, and increase our knowledge of the molecular machineries of extraordinary protection against UV-C stress.
The role of social media content on value co-creation in the food sector: a strategic relationship perspective
Authors: Gokce Aytac , Bazi Saleh , Safavi Bijan , Georgiadou Elena , Hajli Nick
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Customers' participation in the online health community to create value with the brand is growing research interest. In addition, customers are using social media platforms to create value in the food sector. This rises points to the need to study consumers' interactions with online communities and the role of social media content and customer satisfaction in such an environment.

Design/methodology/approach

This research collects data using a survey approach. The data were analysed using a partial least square-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

The findings indicated the impact of social media content and satisfaction on value co-creation in healthy food online communities. The study’s results provide significant new insights into the food sector during the pandemic.

Originality/value

This research enhances the knowledge of satisfaction and value co-creation in the social media context. The findings build on the previous literature on value co-creation, add to the food sector and explain the mediating role of satisfaction between social media content and value co-creation.
Colorful candy, teen vibes and cool memes: prevalence and content of Instagram posts featuring ultra-processed products targeted at adolescents
Authors: Ares Gaston , Alcaire Florencia , Gugliucci Vanessa , Machín Leandro , de León Carolina , Natero Virginia , Otterbring Tobias
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The current research aimed to examine the prevalence of Instagram posts featuring ultra-processed products targeted at adolescents in Uruguay and hence investigate the frequency of such posts among a vulnerable consumer segment in a country that cannot be classified as WEIRD (i.e. Western, educated, industrialized, rich and democratic).

Design/methodology/approach

The study relied on a cross-sectional content analysis. A total of 2,014 Instagram posts promoting ultraprocessed products or brands commercializing such products, generated by 118 Instagram accounts between August 15th, 2020, and February 15th, 2021, were analyzed. Nine indicators of food marketing targeted at adolescents were selected to identify posts targeted at this age segment. Inductive coding was used to describe the content of the posts. Descriptive statistics and generalized linear models were used to analyze the data.

Findings

In total, 17.6% of the posts were identified as targeted at adolescents. Graphic design and adolescent language were the most prevalent indicators of marketing targeted at adolescents, followed by explicit references to adolescents or young adults and memes. Posts identified as targeted at adolescents mainly promoted snacks and discretionary foods. Differences in the content of posts identified as targeted and not targeted at adolescents were observed.

Research limitations/implications

The analysis was restricted to one social media platform in one country during a limited period of time, which limits the generalizability of the findings to other media platforms, samples and settings.

Social implications

Results stress the need to implement digital food marketing regulations to reduce exposure of adolescents to the deleterious effects of stemming from marketing of unhealthy foods and provide empirical evidence to inform their development.

Originality/value

The study breaks new ground by analyzing the prevalence and exploring the characteristics and content of Instagram posts promoting ultra-processed products to adolescents in an under-researched geographic area of the world.
Sustainability of renewable energy production: empirical evidence from developing and middle-income countries
Authors: Osei Bismark , Fiagbe Agbemavor Korsi , Kulu Evans
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the appropriate measures needed toward achieving sustainability of renewable energy production among developing and middle-income countries.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses semi-annual panel data covering the period 2000–2020 among 152 developing and middle-income countries and Cox proportional hazard model for the analysis.

Findings

Estimates indicate that effective operations of environmental institutions, investment in research and development, subsidizing the production of renewable energy, government investment in producing renewable energy and investment in renewable energy production made by the private sector will contribute immensely toward achieving sustainability of renewable energy production.

Practical implications

This study recommends that governments should rationalize their expenditures to mobilize enough resources for investment in renewable energy production. Again, operations of environmental institutions should be enhanced through giving their managers’ performance contracts and licensing its employees. Enabling environment should be created for private sector to increase their investment in renewable energy production.

Originality/value

Empirical studies have been carried out exploring measures to deal with climate change. Nonetheless, the appropriate measures needed toward achieving sustainability of renewable energy production among developing and middle-income countries have not been explored in existing empirical studies. Hence, this study fills the gap in existing empirical studies.
Three decades of house purchase decisions: a scoping review and thematic classification
Authors: Abhang Janhavi , Ravi Kumar V.V.
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study aims to develop a database of existing academic information in house purchase decision (HPD) using systematic literature review (SLR), to facilitate worldwide advancement of research under HPD domain.

Design/methodology/approach

This research examined papers from two reputable databases – Scopus and Google Scholar – from 1992 to 2022 using a scoping review technique (Arksey and O’Malley, 2005) and a theme analysis method. Out of 374, 181 articles fit the inclusion parameters and were evaluated using the theme analysis approach.

Findings

Data from 181 articles was evaluated thematically to create a thematic map of HPD research. Five main themes and their sub-themes were identified: consumer behaviour, housing attributes, factors influencing purchasing decisions, investment analysis and demographics, which proved essential in understanding HPD and customer preferences for house purchase.

Practical implications

Data from 181 articles were evaluated thematically to create a thematic map of HPD research. This SLR intends to provide useful new insights on consumer concerns about home purchases in the rapidly developing residential real estate market and the issues that marketers, housing sector stakeholders, real estate industry and existing and future researchers should prioritize.

Originality/value

This research is unique such that it is the only 30-year-long SLR on the subject matter of HPD. This paper makes a significant contribution to residential real estate domain signifying the present state of research in HPD.
Competitive peer influence on knowledge contribution behaviors in online Q&A communities: a social comparison perspective
Authors: Shi Chencheng , Hu Ping , Fan Weiguo , Qiu Liangfei
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Users' knowledge contribution behaviors are critical for online Q&A communities to thrive. Well-organized question threads in online Q&A communities enable users to clearly read existing answers and their evaluations before contributing. Based on the social comparison and peer influence literature, the authors examine peer influence on the informativeness of knowledge contributions in competitive settings. The authors also consider three levels of moderating factors concerning individuals' perception of competitiveness: question level, thread level and contributor level.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected data from one of the largest online Q&A communities in China. The hypotheses were validated using hierarchical linear models with cross-classified random effects. The generalized propensity score weighting method was employed for the robustness check.

Findings

The authors demonstrate the peer influence due to social comparison concerns among knowledge contribution behaviors in the same question thread. If more prior knowledge contributors choose to contribute long answers in the question thread, the subsequent contributions are more informative. This peer influence is stronger for factual questions and questions with higher popularity of answering but weaker in recommendation-type and well-answered questions and for contributors with higher social status.

Originality/value

This research provides a new cue of peer influence on online UGC contributions in competitive settings initiated by social comparison concerns. Additionally, the authors identify three levels of moderating factors (question level, thread level and contributor level) that are specific to online Q&A settings and are related to a contributor's perception of competitiveness, which affect the direct effect of peer influence on knowledge contributions. Rather than focus on motivation and quality evaluation, the authors concentrate on the specific content of online knowledge contributions. Peer influence here is not based on an actual acquaintance or a following relationship but on answering the same question. The authors also illustrate the competitive peer influence in subjective and personalized behaviors in online UGC communities.
The role of implicit theories in consumer intertemporal preference
Authors: Shirai Miyuri
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the psychological process of intertemporal choices between larger-later and smaller-sooner monetary options. Prior research showed consumer impatience – a tendency to prefer a smaller-sooner option over a larger-later option. This research identifies an individual difference that predicts patience and mediators that explain the underlying mechanism.

Design/methodology/approach

Two studies are conducted. Study 1 examines whether the implicit theory of intelligence consumers endorse (i.e. entity theory vs incremental theory) constitutes an antecedent of patience and whether their thoughts regarding anticipated purchase with the chosen monetary option (i.e. hedonic versus utilitarian purchase) mediate the relationship. Study 2 analyzes whether psychological reactance toward larger-later options is a mediator in this relationship using a perceived threat to freedom and affect as reactance indicators.

Findings

Entity-oriented consumers exhibited less patience than incremental-oriented consumers, especially when anticipating a hedonic purchase. Moreover, entity-oriented consumers perceived a threat to freedom from larger-later options more strongly – this enhanced perception influenced patience through two routes. One route is that the perceived threat to freedom leads to more consideration of a hedonic purchase rather than a utilitarian purchase, thereby decreasing patience. The other route is that the perceived threat to freedom elicits a stronger negative affect, resulting in lower patience.

Originality/value

Findings of this research shed light on the understanding of patience. They demonstrate that consumers’ implicit theory orientation is a crucial individual difference that can explain patience. Also, demonstrating the mediating roles of anticipated purchase using the hedonic/utilitarian classification and psychological reactance expanded literature by showing how they internally interact.
Economic freedom, corruption and bank stability: evidence from sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Adam Baba Mohammed , Sarpong-Kumankoma Emmanuel , Fiador Vera
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of economic freedom and corruption on bank stability in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses 38 countries in SSA from 2008 to 2019 using system GMM technique.

Findings

The authors found that greater economic freedom increases economic efficiency through improving bank stability. Besides this, the authors also find that banks in environments with greater business freedom, financial freedom, trade freedom and investment freedom are less prone to solvency. The results also show that corruption improves bank stability, suggesting evidence of the “grease the wheels” hypothesis.

Practical implications

The results suggest to policymakers that a high economic freedom may be an appropriate policy toward enhancing bank stability. Besides this, the results also suggest to policymakers to prioritize addressing the core issues that encourage corruption to extort bribes.

Originality/value

This study provides insightful discussion on whether economic freedom and its subcomponents and corruption have an effect on bank stability in SSA.
Recent trends, applications and technological evaluation of protective textile with patent analysis
Authors: Altuntas Fatma
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The textile sector is one of the sectors where competition is intense and requires the production of high-value-added products. This study aims to conduct patent analysis to find the technology status, recent trends, applications and technological evaluations of protective textile technologies in practice.

Design/methodology/approach

More than 36,840 patent documents related to protective textile technologies are available for researchers, patent examiners and patent researchers. Patent analysis is conducted to report the technology status, recent trends and applications of protective textile technologies. This analysis provides insights into the possible future directions of protective textile technologies in practice. Additionally, association rule mining (ARM) is performed to find the hidden patterns among protective textile technologies.

Findings

The development of protective textile technologies is revealed by the technology evaluation in this study. In addition, the sub-technology classes affecting protective textile technologies are examined using the cooperative patent classification (CPC) codes of the patent documents. Technology status and recent trends of protective textile technologies are provided in detail. The results of this study show that (1) protective textile technologies are constantly being developed, (2) the working areas of medical protective textiles are increasing, (3) there are frequent studies on fabric structures for saving lives within the framework of human needs and (4) there are four technology classes, namely A41D, Y10T, B32B and A62B impacting the other technology classes related to textile technologies such as D10B, Y10T, F41H, A62D, D04H, Y10S and D10B.

Originality/value

To have a competitive advantage in the marketplace, evaluation of textile technologies is critical in developing “functionalized” and “technologized” textile products. In particular, evaluating technologies in developing protective textile products is extremely important to meet customer demands and present competitive products in the market. Examining these patents for technology developers, decision-makers and policymakers is an urgent and necessary job. However, studies examining the development of protective textile technologies with patent analysis are very limited in the literature. To fill this gap, technology status, recent trends and applications of protective textile technologies are reported based on patent analysis and ARM in this study.
Diversity and inclusion policies in publicly traded New Zealand companies: inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Guruge Dhammika (Dave)
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate employment opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities in publicly traded companies in New Zealand.

Design/methodology/approach

The diversity and inclusion (DI) policies of 163 publicly traded companies listed on the New Zealand equity market were examined and compared to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) reporting standards using content analysis with Leximancer software.

Findings

Only 1.84% of publicly traded companies met all of the GRI reporting standards and disclosed information about the proportion of employees with disabilities in their DI policies.

Originality/value

To the best of the researcher's knowledge, disclosure of inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in publicly traded companies in New Zealand has not been studied. This study provides insights into the level of DI in the New Zealand equity market companies related to people with intellectual disabilities.
Transforming destination-based customer engagement to revisit intention through co-creation: findings from SEM and fsQCA
Authors: Satar Mir Shahid , Rather Raouf Ahmad , Cheema Sadia , Parrey Shakir Hussain , Ghaderi Zahed , Cain Lisa
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The business ambiguity because of COVID-19 has brought the tourism industry under stress. Using the service-dominant-logic and elaboration-likelihood-model, this study tested the effects of destination-based cognitive, affective and behavioral customer brand engagement (CBE) on customer brand co-creation (CBC). This research also examined the effects of involvement and CBC on customer revisit intention (CRI) during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study also tested the moderating role of customers’ age among the modeled relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

Investigating these matters, a sample of 315 tourists was recruited and adopted a mixed-method approach, including structural equation modeling (SEM) as well as fuzzy set qualitative-comparative analysis (fsQCA).

Findings

SEM results render that CBE’s dimensions exercise different impacts on CBC, which affect revisit-intention. Results ascertain customer involvement’s direct effects on CBC and revisit intention. Multi-group analysis uncovers that consumer age significantly moderates the CBC and CRI relationship, and their effect increases as consumers get older. The fsQCA results revealed more heterogenous combinations to predict CBC and revisit intention.

Research limitations/implications

This study focuses on CBE, CBC and involvement, and contributes unique insight to tourism marketing research; thus, it identifies plentiful opportunities for further research, as summarized.

Practical implications

This study offers key implications for destinations to build tourism/marketing strategies to strengthen the CBE/CBC or tourist/destination–brand relationship.

Originality/value

Though CBE/CBC and involvement are identified as important research priorities, empirically derived insights among these and related factors remain limited in the course of the COVID-19 crisis.
Evaluation of antibiotic resistance in Lactobacillus plantarum and their probiotic characteristics during the laboratory evolution in ampicillin and amoxicillin environment
Authors: Liu Yufang , Zhang Ruyue , Wang Bini , Huo Zhenquan , Zhang Fuxin
Published: June 2023

This study assessed the ampicillin and amoxicillin resistance in Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC14917 during the laboratory evolution in culture medium, including a gradually increasing concentration of antibiotic. In ampicillin and amoxicillin environment, both evolved strains obtained high levels of resistance. After the subsequent passage in antibiotic‐free medium, amoxicillin‐resistant strains returned to sensitive level, but resistance to ampicillin remained stable. The homology‐based analysis showed that the spread of antibiotic resistance genes in the gut would not occur in these mutant genes. This study could serve as evidence supporting the safe use of L. plantarum ATCC14917 in clinical practice when ampicillin and amoxicillin were concurrently used.
Pandemic potential of poxviruses: From an ancient killer causing smallpox to the surge of monkeypox
Authors: Brüssow Harald
Published: June 2023

Smallpox caused by the variola virus (VARV) was one of the greatest infectious killers of mankind. Historical records trace back smallpox for at least a millennium while phylogenetic analysis dated the ancestor of VARV circulating in the 20th century into the 19th century. The discrepancy was solved by the detection of distinct VARV sequences first in 17th‐century mummies and then in human skeletons dated to the 7th century. The historical records noted marked variability in VARV virulence which scientists tentatively associated with gene losses occurring when broad‐host poxviruses narrow their host range to a single host. VARV split from camel and gerbil poxviruses and had no animal reservoir, a prerequisite for its eradication led by WHO. The search for residual pockets of VARV led to the discovery of the monkeypox virus (MPXV); followed by the detection of endemic smallpox‐like monkeypox (mpox) disease in Africa. Mpox is caused by less virulent clade 2 MPXV in West Africa and more virulent clade 1 MPXV in Central Africa. Exported clade 2 mpox cases associated with the pet animal trade were observed in 2003 in the USA. In 2022 a world‐wide mpox epidemic infecting more than 80,000 people was noted, peaking in August 2022 although waning rapidly. The cases displayed particular epidemiological characteristics affecting nearly exclusively young men having sex with men (MSM). In contrast, mpox in Africa mostly affects children by non‐sexual transmission routes possibly from uncharacterized animal reservoirs. While African children show a classical smallpox picture, MSM mpox cases show few mostly anogenital lesions, low‐hospitalization rates and 140 fatal cases worldwide. MPXV strains from North America and Europe are closely related, derived from clade 2 African MPXV. Distinct transmission mechanisms are more likely causes for the epidemiological and clinical differences between endemic African cases and the 2022 epidemic cases than viral traits.
Deletion of enzymes for de novo NAD+ biosynthesis accelerated ovarian aging
Authors: Yang Qingling , Li Hui , Wang Huan , Chen Wenhui , Zeng Xinxin , Luo Xiaoyan , Xu Jianmin , Sun Yingpu
Published: June 2023

Recent advances highlight the pivotal role of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) in ovarian aging. However, the roles of de novo NAD+ biosynthesis on ovarian aging are still unknown. Here, we found that genetic ablation of Ido1 (indoleamine‐2,3‐dioxygenase 1) or Qprt (Quinolinate phosphoribosyl transferase), two critical genes in de novo NAD+ biosynthesis, resulted in decreased ovarian NAD+ levels in middle‐aged mice, leading to subfertility, irregular estrous cycles, reduced ovarian reserve, and accelerated aging. Moreover, we observed impaired oocyte quality, characterized by increased reactive oxygen species and spindle anomalies, which ultimately led to reduced fertilization ability and impaired early embryonic development. A transcriptomic analysis of ovaries in both mutant and wild‐type mice revealed alterations in gene expression related to mitochondrial metabolism. Our findings were further supported by the observation of impaired mitochondrial distribution and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential in the oocytes of knockout mice. Supplementation with nicotinamide riboside (NR), an NAD+ booster, in mutant mice increased ovarian reserve and improved oocyte quality. Our study highlights the importance of the NAD+ de novo pathway in middle‐aged female fertility.