bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global scale phylogeography of functional traits and microdiversity inProchlorococcus
Authors: Ustick Lucas J. , Larkin Alyse A. , Martiny Adam C.
Published: January 2023

Prochlorococcusis the most numerically abundant photosynthetic organism in the surface ocean. TheProchlorococcushigh-light and warm-water adapted ecotype (HLII) is comprised of extensive microdiversity, but specific functional differences between microdiverse sub-clades remain elusive. Here we characterized both functional and phylogenetic diversity within the HLII ecotype using Bio-GO-SHIP metagenomes. We found widespread variation in gene frequency connected to local environmental conditions. Metagenomically assembled marker genes and genomes revealed a globally distributed novel HLII haplotype defined by adaptation to chronically low P conditions (HLII-P). Environmental correlation analysis revealed different factors were driving gene abundances verses phylogenetic differences. An analysis of cultured HLII genomes and metagenomically assembled genomes revealed a subclade within HLII, which corresponded to the novel HLII-P haplotype. This work represents the first global assessment of the HLII ecotype’s phylogeography and corresponding functional differences. These findings together expand our understanding of how microdiversity structures functional differences and reveals the importance of nutrients as drivers of microdiversity inProchlorococcus.
Path analysis reveals that corticosterone mediates gluconeogenesis from fat-derived substrates during acute stress in songbirds
Authors: Fokidis H. Bobby
Published: January 2023

Glucocorticoids (e.g., corticosterone or CORT in birds) mobilize energy reserves during stress to aid survival. Stress liberates glucose (GLU) by glycogenolysis, but with glycogen depletion, gluconeogenesis of fat and protein sources predominates. Songbirds have higher metabolic rates and GLU concentrations than mammals and likely rely more on fat and protein stores during stress. We tested this hypothesis in four songbird species using path analysis to model the interrelationships between CORT and energy metabolites both at baseline and after acute stress. Individuals in better condition had higher triglyceride and CORT levels at baseline than individuals in poor body condition, and these differences became more pronounced with stress. Free CORT (the fraction unbound to circulating proteins) was associated with more GLU and free glycerol at baseline, but the former relationship was lost after acute stress. This suggests a shift from a combination of glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis to solely the latter with acute stress. Glucose levels were also associated with uric acid indicating that birds obtain GLU during stress from gluconeogenesis of mostly fat-derived substrates. This provides a previously elusive functional link between body condition and the stress response, and suggests songbirds are more susceptible to stress challenges during energy-limiting conditions than mammals.
in vivoquantitative FRET small animal imaging: intensity versus lifetime-based FRET
Authors: Smith Jason T. , Sinsuebphon Nattawut , Rudkouskaya Alena , Michalet Xavier , Intes Xavier , Barroso Margarida
Published: January 2023

Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) microscopy is used in numerous biophysical and biomedical applications to monitor inter- and intramolecular interactions and conformational changes in the 2–10 nm range. FRET is currently being extended toin vivooptical imaging, its main application being in quantifying drug-target engagement or drug release in animal models of cancer using organic dye or nanoparticle-labeled probes. Herein, we compared FRET quantification using intensity-based FRET (sensitized emission FRET analysis with the 3-cube approach using an IVIS imager) and macroscopic fluorescence lifetime (MFLI) FRET using a custom system using a time-gated ICCD, for small animal opticalin vivoimaging. The analytical expressions and experimental protocols required to quantify the productfDEof the FRET efficiencyEand the fraction of donor molecules involved in FRET,fD, are described in detail for both methodologies. Dynamicin vivoFRET quantification of transferrin receptor-transferrin binding was acquired in live intact nude mice upon intravenous injection of near infrared-labeled transferrin FRET pair and benchmarked againstin vitroFRET using hybridized oligonucleotides. Even though bothin vivoimaging techniques provided similar dynamic trends for receptor-ligand engagement, we demonstrate that MFLI FRET has significant advantages. Whereas the sensitized emission FRET approach using the IVIS imager required 9 measurements (6 of which are used for calibration) acquired from three mice, MFLI FRET needed only one measurement collected from a single mouse, although a control mouse might be needed in a more general situation. Based on our study, MFLI therefore represents the method of choice for longitudinal preclinical FRET studies such as that of targeted drug delivery in intact, live mice.

WHY IT MATTERS

FRET measurements in live animals open a unique window into drug-target interaction monitoring, by sensing the close proximity between a donor and acceptor-labeled molecular probes. To perform these measurements, a 3-cube fluorescent intensity measurement strategy can be adopted, as is common forin vitroFRET microscopy studies. However, it is challenging to translate this already cumbersome approach toin vivosmall animal imaging. Here, we compare this standard approach, for which we provide a revised analytical framework, to a conceptually much simpler and more powerful one based on fluorescence lifetime measurements. Our results demonstrate that the technical challenge ofin vivofluorescence lifetime macroscopic imaging is well worth surmounting to obtain quantitative, whole-animal information regarding molecular drug-target engagement.
The circadian clock is required for rhythmic lipid transport in theDrosophilahemolymph in interaction with diet, photic condition and feeding
Authors: Amatobi Kelechi M. , Ozbek-Unal Ayten Gizem , Schäbler Stefan , Deppisch Peter , Helfrich-Förster Charlotte , Mueller Martin J , Wegener Christian , Fekete Agnes
Published: January 2023

Modern lifestyle often is at odds with endogenously driven rhythmicity, which can lead to circadian disruption and metabolic syndrome. One signature for circadian disruption is a diminished or altered cycling of metabolites in the circulating tissue reflecting the current metabolic status.Drosophilais a well-established model in chronobiology, but day-time dependent variations of transport metabolites in the fly circulation are poorly characterized. Here, we sampled fly hemolymph throughout the day and analysed diacylglycerols (DGs), phosphoethanolamines (PEs) and phosphocholines (PCs) using LC-MS. In wildtype flies kept on sugar-only medium under a light-dark cycle, all transport lipid species showed a synchronized bimodal oscillation pattern with maxima at the beginning and end of the light phase which were impaired inperiod01clock mutants. In wildtype flies under constant dark conditions, the oscillation became monophasic with a maximum in the middle of the subjective day. In strong support of clock-driven oscillations, levels of DGs, PEs and PCs peaked once in the middle of the light phase under time-restricted feeding independent of the time of food intake. Rearing of wildtype flies on lipid-containing standard medium masked the rhythmic alterations of hemolymph lipid levels. Our data suggest that the circadian clock aligns daily oscillations of DGs, PEs and PCs in the hemolymph to the anabolic siesta phase, whith a strong influence of light on phase and modality. This finding opens the question whether and to what extent the circadian regulation of transport lipid levels in the hemolymph contributes to the health of the fly.
RAMEN Unveils Clinical Variable Networks for COVID-19 Severity and Long COVID Using Absorbing Random Walks and Genetic Algorithms
Authors: Xiong Yiwei , Wang Jingtao , Shang Xiaoxiao , Chen Tingting , Fraser Douglas D. , Fonseca Gregory , Rousseau Simon , Ding Jun
Published: January 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly altered global socioeconomic structures and individual lives. Understanding the disease mechanisms and facilitating diagnosis requires comprehending the complex interplay among clinical factors like demographics, symptoms, comorbidities, treatments, lab results, complications, and other metrics, and their relation to outcomes such as disease severity and long term outcomes (e.g., post-COVID-19 condition/long COVID). Conventional correlational methods struggle with indirect and directional connections among these factors, while standard graphical methods like Bayesian networks are computationally demanding for extensive clinical variables. In response, we introduced RAMEN, a methodology that integrates Genetic Algorithms with random walks for efficient Bayesian network inference, designed to map the intricate relationships among clinical variables. Applying RAMEN to the Biobanque québécoise de la COVID-19 (BQC19) dataset, we identified critical markers for long COVID and varying disease severity. The Bayesian Network, corroborated by existing literature and supported through multi-omics analyses, highlights significant clinical variables linked to COVID-19 outcomes. RAMEN’s ability to accurately map these connections contributes substantially to developing early and effective diagnostics for severe COVID-19 and long COVID.
Volumetric Printing across Melt Electrowritten Scaffolds Fabricates Multi-Material Living Constructs with Tunable Architecture and Mechanics
Authors: Größbacher Gabriel , Bartolf-Kopp Michael , Gergely Csaba , Bernal Paulina Nuñez , Florczak Sammy , de Ruijter Mylène , Groll Jürgen , Malda Jos , Jüngst Tomasz , Levato Riccardo
Published: January 2023

Major challenges in biofabrication revolve around capturing the complex, hierarchical composition of native tissues. However, individual 3D printing techniques have limited capacity to produce composite biomaterials with multi-scale resolution. Volumetric bioprinting recently emerged as a paradigm-shift in biofabrication. This ultra-fast, light-based technique sculpts cell-laden hydrogel bioresins into three-dimensional structures in a layerless fashion, providing unparalleled design freedom over conventional bioprinting. However, it yields prints with low mechanical stability, since soft, cell-friendly hydrogels are used. Herein, for the first time, the possibility to converge volumetric bioprinting with melt electrowriting, which excels at patterning microfibers, is shown for the fabrication of tubular hydrogel-based composites with enhanced mechanical behavior. Despite including non-transparent melt electrowritten scaffolds into the volumetric printing process, high-resolution bioprinted structures were successfully achieved. Tensile, burst and bending mechanical properties of printed tubes were tuned altering the electrowritten mesh design, resulting in complex, multi-material tubular constructs with customizable, anisotropic geometries that better mimic intricate biological tubular structures. As a proof-of-concept, engineered vessel-like structures were obtained by building tri-layered cell-laden vessels, and features (valves, branches, fenestrations) that could be resolved only by synergizing these printing methods. This multi-technology convergence offers a new toolbox for manufacturing hierarchical and mechanically tunable multi-material living structures.
Functional Overlap of Inborn Errors of Immunity and Metabolism Genes Define T Cell Immunometabolic Vulnerabilities
Authors: Patterson Andrew R. , Needle Gabriel A. , Sugiura Ayaka , Chi Channing , Steiner KayLee K. , Fisher Emilie L. , Robertson Gabriella L. , Bodnya Caroline , Markle Janet G. , Gama Vivian , Rathmell Jeffrey C.
Published: January 2023

Inborn Errors of Metabolism (IEM) and Immunity (IEI) are Mendelian diseases in which complex phenotypes and patient rarity can limit clinical annotations. Few genes are assigned to both IEM and IEI, but immunometabolic demands suggest functional overlap is underestimated. We applied CRISPR screens to test IEM genes for immunologic roles and IEI genes for metabolic effects and found considerable crossover. Analysis of IEM showed N-linked glycosylation and thede novohexosamine synthesis enzyme,Gfpt1, are critical for T cell expansion and function. Interestingly,Gfpt1-deficient TH1 cells were more affected than TH17 cells, which had increasedNagkfor salvage UDP-GlcNAc synthesis. Screening IEI genes showed the transcription factorBcl11bpromotes CD4+T cell mitochondrial activity andMcl1expression necessary to prevent metabolic stress. These data illustrate a high degree of functional overlap of IEM and IEI genes and point to potential immunometabolic mechanisms for a previously unappreciated set of these disorders.

HIGHLIGHTS

Inborn errors of immunity and metabolism have greater overlap than previously known

Gfpt1deficiency causes an IEM but also selectively regulates T cell subset fate

Loss ofBcl11bcauses a T cell deficiency IEI but also harms mitochondrial function

Many IEM may have immune defects and IEI may be driven by metabolic mechanisms
Double-strand breaks induce inverted duplication chromosome rearrangements by a DNA polymerase δ and Rad51-dependent mechanism
Authors: Al-Zain Amr , Nester Mattie R. , Symington Lorraine S.
Published: January 2023

Inverted duplications, also known as foldback inversions, are commonly observed in cancers and are the major class of chromosome rearrangement recovered from yeast cells lacking Mre11 nuclease. Foldback priming at naturally occurring inverted repeats is one mechanism proposed for the generation of inverted duplications. However, the initiating lesion for these events and the mechanism by which they form has not been fully elucidated. Here, we show that a DNA double-strand break (DSB) induced near natural short, inverted repeats drives high frequency inverted duplication in Sae2 and Mre11-deficient cells. We find that DNA polymerase δ proof-reading activity acts non-redundantly with Rad1 nuclease to remove heterologous tails formed during foldback annealing. Additionally, Pol32 is required for the generation of inverted duplications, suggesting that Pol δ catalyzes fill-in synthesis primed from the foldback to create a hairpin-capped chromosome that is subsequently replicated to form a dicentric isochromosome. Stabilization of the dicentric chromosome after breakage involves telomere capture by non-reciprocal translocation mediated by repeat sequences and requires Rad51.
In vitro and in vivo Antioxidant potential of aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts leaves ofDracaena deistelianaEng. (Dracacenaceae)
Authors: Feudjio Huguette Bocanestine Laure , Chekem Goka Marie Stéphanie , Djeguemtar Josias , Kamsu Gabriel Tchuente , Sokoudjou Jean Baptiste , Famen Louis-Claire Ndel , Kodjio Norbert , Gatsing Donatien
Published: January 2023

Enterobacteria such as those of the genusSalmonellaexpress the oxyR gene that codes for several proteins that allow it to resist free radicals. This resistance ofSalmonellais often at the origin of an overproduction of these free radicals that can lead to oxidative stress. To investigate the antioxidant activity in vitro (aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts in vivo (of the 55% hydroethanolic extract) of Dracaena deisteliana leaves in albino rats of Wistar strain previously infected with the Salmonella strain Typhi ATCC 6539. Thein vitroantioxidant activity of these extracts was determined by studying their anti-radical power with DPPH•, then their iron-reducing power and determining their flavonoids and total phenols content.In vivoantioxidant activity was determined in plasma and tissues of albino rats of wistar strain aged between 8 and 10 weeks previously infected withSalmonellatyphi ATCC 6539. These infected rats concurrently received daily doses ofDracaena deistelianaextract (10, 20 and 51.84 mg/kg) or ciprofloxacin (14 mg/kg) as positive control, for 15 days. At the end of the treatment period, the animals were sacrificed and blood, liver, kidney, heart, lung, spleen testis and ovaris were collected for evaluation of antioxidants parameters, which included malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, catalase and peroxidase, as well as biological responses. Regardingin vitroantioxidant tests, the 65% hydroethanolic extract showed an anti-radical activity with DPPH• superior to that of all hydroethanolic extracts at 100 μg/ml. However, the infused showed lower antiradical activity than all extracts at 12.5 and 200 μg/ml concentrations. The 55% hydroethanolic extract had the best IC50of (11.99 μg/ml). The iron reducing power of this extract was higher than the other extracts at 200 μg/ml. The highest levels of flavonoids and total phenols were obtained respectively with the 55% and 95% hydroethanolic extract. The hydroethanol extract ofDracaena deisteliana(10, 20 and 51.84 mg/kg) cured the infected rats between the 9th and 13th day of treatment. The extract also significantly reduced (p < 0.05) blood malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels, and significantly increased (p >0.05) the activity of catalase and peroxidase in the infected rats. The results suggest that leaves extract ofDracaena deistelianacontains antisalmonella and antioxidant substances, which could be used for the treatment of typhoid fever and another salmonellosis. In addition, 55% hydroethanolic extract of this plant possesses antisalmonella activity and reduces the state of oxidative stress caused by S. typhi during rat’s infection.
Targeting the intestinal circadian clock by meal timing ameliorates gastrointestinal inflammation
Authors: Niu Yunhui , Heddes Marjolein , Altaha Baraa , Birkner Michael , Kleigrewe Karin , Meng Chen , Haller Dirk , Kiessling Silke
Published: January 2023

Objective

Impaired clock genes expression has been observed in biopsy samples from patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Disruption of circadian rhythms, which occurs in shift workers, has been linked to an increased risk of gastrointestinal diseases, including IBD. The intestinal clock balances gastrointestinal homeostasis by regulating the microbiome. Here we characterize intestinal immune functions in mice lacking the intestinal clock and IBD-relevant mouse model under different feeding conditions to describe the functional impact of the intestinal clock in the development of gastrointestinal inflammation.

Design

Tissues and fecal samples from intestinal clock-deficient mice (Bmal1IEC-/-) and mouse models for colitis (IL-10-/-,Bmal1IEC-/-xIL-10-/-, dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) administration) under ad libitum and restricted feeding (RF) conditions were used to determine the causal role of the intestinal clock for colitis.

Results

InIL-10-/-mice, inflammation correlated with disrupted colon clock genes expression. Genetic loss of intestinal clock functions promoted DSS and IBD inflammatory phenotypes and dramatically reduces survival, and colonization with disease-associated microbiota in germ- freeBmal1IEC-/-hosts increased their inflammatory responses, demonstrating the causal role of colonic clock disruption and the severity of IBD. RF inIL-10-/-mice restored the colon clock and related immune functions, improved the inflammatory responses and rescued the histopathological phenotype. In contrast, RF failed to improve IBD symptoms inBmal1IEC-/-xIL-10-/-demonstrating the significance of the colonic clock to gate the effect of RF.

Conclusion

We provide evidence that inflammation-associated intestinal clock dysfunction triggers host immune imbalance and promotes the development and progression of IBD-like colitis. Enhancing intestinal clock function by RF modulates the pathogenesis of IBD and thus could become a novel strategy to ameliorate the symptoms in IBD patients.
Co-transplantation with mesenchymal stem cells and endothelial cells improvise islet engraftment and survival in STZ treated hyperglycemic mice
Authors: Naqvi Raza Ali , Naqvi Afsar
Published: January 2023

Though intra-portal islet transplantation demonstrated as best suited strategy for the reversal of hyperglycemia without the threat of iatrogenic hyperglycemia in type 1 diabetes (T1D) in patients, the inferior quality of post-transplantation (tx) vascularization needs to be addressed for the maximization of post-tx islet survival. Therefore, in this study, we have first generated MSCs and endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) from mice bone marrow by in house optimized protocol and then 3-D co-cultured them with mice islets. Secretion of in the culture supernatant suggested the pro-angiogenic nature of 3D cultured mice islets. After 5 days post-tx of these pro-angiogenic islets in the omental pouch of syngeneic mice led to: 1) restoration of normoglycemia, 2) secretion of mouse C-peptide and 3) induction of angiogenic factors after 3 days of post-tx. The induction of angiogenic factors was done by RT-qPCR of omental biopsies. Importantly, pro-angiogenic islet recipient mice also demonstrated the clearance of glucose within 75 min, reflecting their efficient function and engraftment. Our results highlights needs of 3-D co-culture islets for superior quality post-tx islet vasculature and better engraftment – crux to improvise the challenges associated with post-tx islet vascularization and functions.
Detection for endogenous retroviral loci in Jungle fowl using whole-genome sequencing
Authors: Ishihara Shinya
Published: January 2023

Chickens harbor two primary families of endogenous retroviruses (ERVs): the avian leukosis virus (ALV) and endogenous avian retrovirus (EAV) families. Characterization of ERVs can provide crucial insights into avian evolution. This study aimed to identify novel ERV loci absent in the reference genome using whole-genome sequencing data of red junglefowl, gray junglefowl, Ceylon junglefowl, and green junglefowl. A total of 837 ERV loci were identified across the four Gallus species. The number of ERV loci detected in red junglefowl with its subspecies, gray junglefowl, Ceylon junglefowl, and green junglefowl, was 363, 217, 194, and 129 loci, respectively. The phylogenetic tree was congruent with previously reported trees, suggesting the potential for inferring relationships among past junglefowl populations from the identified ERV loci. Of the detected loci, 306 ERVs were identified near or within the genes, and some were associated with cell adhesion. The detected ERV sequences was in the long terminal repeat region and were classified as EAV-family, ALV-E, Ovex-1, and murine leukemia virus related ERVs. In addition, the sequence of the EAV family was divided into four patterns by combining the U3, R, and U5 regions. These findings contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the characteristics of chicken ERVs.
Network-based cytokine inference implicates Oncostatin M as a driver for inflammation phenotype of knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Iijima Hirotaka , Zhang Fan , Ambrosio Fabrisia , Matsui Yusuke
Published: January 2023

Inflammatory cytokines released by the synovium after trauma disturb the gene regulatory network and have been implicated in the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis. A mechanistic understanding of how aging perturbs this process can help identify novel interventions. Here, we introduced network paradigms to simulate cytokine-mediated pathological communication between the synovium and cartilage. Cartilage-specific network analysis of injured young and aged murine knees revealed aberrant matrix remodeling as a transcriptomic response unique to aged knees displaying accelerated cartilage degradation. Next, network-based cytokine inference with pharmacological manipulation uncovered IL6 family member, Oncostatin M, as a driver for the aberrant matrix remodeling. By implementing a phenotypic drug discovery approach, we identified that the activation of Oncostatin M recapitulated “inflammation” phenotype of knee osteoarthritis and highlighted high-value targets for drug development and repurposing. These findings offer translational opportunities targeting the inflammation-driven osteoarthritis phenotype.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Group BStreptococcusdrives major transcriptomic changes in the colonic epithelium
Authors: Domínguez Kristen , Lindon April K. , Gibbons Justin , Darch Sophie E. , Randis Tara M.
Published: January 2023

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a leading cause of infant sepsis worldwide. Colonization of the gastrointestinal tract is a critical precursor to late-onset disease in exposed newborns. Neonatal susceptibility to GBS intestinal translocation stems from intestinal immaturity; however, the mechanisms by which GBS exploits the immature host remain unclear. β-hemolysin/cytolysin (βH/C) is a highly conserved toxin produced by GBS capable of disrupting epithelial barriers. However, its role in the pathogenesis of late-onset GBS disease is unknown. Our aim was to determine the contribution of βH/C to intestinal colonization and translocation to extraintestinal tissues. Using our established mouse model of late-onset GBS disease, we exposed animals to GBS COH-1 (WT), a βH/C-deficient mutant (KO), or vehicle control (PBS) via gavage. Blood, spleen, brain, and intestines were harvested 4 days post-exposure for determination of bacterial burden and isolation of intestinal epithelial cells. RNA-sequencing was used to examine the transcriptomes of host cells followed by gene ontology enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis. A separate cohort of animals was followed longitudinally to compare colonization kinetics and mortality between WT and KO groups. We demonstrate that dissemination to extraintestinal tissues occurred only in the WT exposed animals. We observed major transcriptomic changes in the colons of colonized animals, but not in the small intestines. We noted differential expression of genes that indicated the role of βH/C in altering epithelial barrier structure and immune response signaling. Overall, our results demonstrate an important role of βH/C in the pathogenesis of late-onset GBS disease.
A new mouse model of ATR-X syndrome carrying a common patient mutation exhibits neurological and morphological defects
Authors: Tillotson Rebekah , Yan Keqin , Ruston Julie , de Young Taylor , Córdova Alex , Cardin Valérie Turcotte- , Yee Yohan , Taylor Christine , Visuvanathan Shagana , Babbs Christian , Ivakine Evgueni A , Sled John G , Nieman Brian J , Picketts David J , Justice Monica J
Published: January 2023

ATRX is a chromatin remodelling ATPase that is involved in transcriptional regulation, DNA damage repair and heterochromatin maintenance. It has been widely studied for its role in ALT-positive cancers, but its role in neurological function remains elusive. Hypomorphic mutations in the X-linked ATRX gene cause a rare form of intellectual disability combined with alpha-thalassemia called ATR-X syndrome in hemizygous males. Patients also have facial dysmorphism, microcephaly, musculoskeletal defects and genital abnormalities. Since complete deletion of ATRX in mice results in early embryonic lethality, the field has largely relied on conditional knockout models to assess the role of ATRX in multiple tissues. Given that null alleles are not found in patients, a more patient-relevant model was needed. Here, we have produced and characterised the first patient mutation knock-in model of ATR-X syndrome, carrying the most common patient mutation, R246C. This is one of a cluster of missense mutations located in the chromatin interaction domain that disrupts its function. The knock-in mice recapitulate several aspects of the patient disorder, including craniofacial defects, microcephaly and impaired neurological function. They provide a powerful model for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying ATR-X syndrome and for testing potential therapeutic strategies.
ADAR1p150 Prevents MDA5 and PKR Activation via Distinct Mechanisms to Avert Fatal Autoinflammation
Authors: Hu Shi-Bin , Heraud-Farlow Jacki , Sun Tao , Liang Zhen , Goradia Ankita , Taylor Scott , Walkley Carl R , Li Jin Billy
Published: January 2023

Effective immunity requires the innate immune system to distinguish foreign (non-self) nucleic acids from cellular (self) nucleic acids. Cellular double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) are edited by the RNA editing enzyme ADAR1 to prevent their dsRNA structure pattern being recognized as viral dsRNA by cytoplasmic dsRNA sensors including MDA5, PKR and ZBP1. A loss of ADAR1-mediated RNA editing of cellular dsRNA activates MDA5. However, additional RNA editing-independent functions of ADAR1 have been proposed, but a specific mechanism has not been delineated. We now demonstrate that the loss of ADAR1-mediated RNA editing specifically activates MDA5, while loss of the cytoplasmic ADAR1p150 isoform or its dsRNA binding activity enabled PKR activation. Deleting both MDA5 and PKR resulted in complete rescue of the embryonic lethality ofAdar1p150-/-mice to adulthood, contrasting with the limited or no rescue by removing MDA5, PKR or ZBP1 alone, demonstrating that this is a species conserved function of ADAR1p150. Our findings demonstrate that MDA5 and PKR are the primaryin vivoeffectors of fatal autoinflammation following the loss of ADAR1p150.
An unusual disulfide-linked dimerization in the fluorescent protein rsCherryRev1.4
Authors: Bui Thi Yen Hang , Dedecker Peter , Van Meervelt Luc
Published: January 2023

rsCherryRev1.4 has been reported as one of the reversibly photoswitchable variants of mCherry, and is an improved version with a faster off-switching speed and lower switching fatigue at high light intensities than its precursor rsCherryRev. However, rsCherryRev1.4 still has some limitations such as a tendency to dimerize as well as complex photophysical properties. Here, the crystal structure of rsCherryRev1.4 was determined at a resolution of 2 Å and it was discovered that it forms a dimer that shows disulfide bonding between the protomers. Mutagenesis, gel electrophoresis and size-exclusion chromatography strongly implicate Cys24 in this process. Replacing Cys24 in rsCherryRev1.4 resulted in a much lower tendency towards dimerization, while introducing Cys24 into mCherry correspondingly increased its dimerization. In principle, this finding opens the possibility of developing redox sensors based on controlled dimerization via disulfide cross-linking in fluorescent proteins, even though the actual application of engineering such sensors still requires additional research.
Personal values and travel social media use among Generation Z
Authors: Chang Tung-Zong (Donald) , Kong Weng Hang , Bahl Angelica
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine how one's social media use during travel, to connect and/or to update, is related to selected personal values among Generation Z. Hypotheses are proposed based on how values are related to two common dimensions: openness-to-change and self-enhancement.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted using existing and self-developed scales with 177 college students, a group of Chinese Gen Zers, at a public higher education institution in Macao, China.

Findings

Results show that community values and materialistic values have a significant influence on social media use, whereas family values do not. Between two distinctive social media uses, consumers with a stronger materialistic value are more likely to use social media to update. Subjects with a stronger community value are more likely to use social media to connect.

Originality/value

The study scrutinizes how mobile social media may be used in travel among Generation Z, who grew up with mobile devices and social media while forming personal values under the influence of families, communities and external environments. Travel destinations and services could streamline social media marketing efforts at those personal values that are relevant to their target markets. The results offer practical applications and directions for future research.
Relationship between digital twin and building information modeling: a systematic review and future directions
Authors: Radzi Afiqah R. , Azmi Nur Farhana , Kamaruzzaman Syahrul Nizam , Rahman Rahimi A. , Papadonikolaki Eleni
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Digital twin (DT) and building information modeling (BIM) are interconnected in some ways. However, there has been some misconception about how DT differs from BIM. As a result, industry professionals reject DT even in BIM-based construction projects due to reluctance to innovate. Furthermore, researchers have repeatedly developed tools and techniques with the same goals using DT and BIM to assist practitioners in construction projects. Therefore, this study aims to assist industry professionals and researchers in understanding the relationship between DT and BIM and synthesize existing works on DT and BIM.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic review was conducted on published articles related to DT and BIM. A total record of 54 journal articles were identified and analyzed.

Findings

The analysis of the selected journal articles revealed four types of relationships between DT and BIM: BIM is a subset of DT, DT is a subset of BIM, BIM is DT, and no relationship between BIM and DT. The existing research on DT and BIM in construction projects targets improvements in five areas: planning, design, construction, operations and maintenance, and decommissioning. In addition, several areas have emerged, such as developing geo-referencing approaches for infrastructure projects, applying the proposed methodology to other construction geometries and creating 3D visualization using color schemes.

Originality/value

This study contributed to the existing body of knowledge by overviewing existing research related to DT and BIM in construction projects. Also, it reveals research gaps in the body of knowledge to point out directions for future research.
Emerging technologies for digitalized learning in higher education
Authors: Janahi Yusuf Mohamed , AlDhaen Esra , Hamdan Allam , Nureldeen Waleed Ahmed
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Academic institutions, for the most part, discontinued face-to-face classes in favor of adopting and deploying online learning modalities that allowed for immediate participation. The pandemic has hastened the pace of implementation as well as the utilization of and reliance on technology. Artificial intelligence (AI) is important for higher education business continuity. Currently, some institutions are utilizing these resources to strengthen their student recruitment and retention efforts. Others use them to make the classroom more accessible or to construct tailored learning programs.

Design/methodology/approach

The rapid spread of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 has compelled many countries to enact stringent measures to halt the virus’s spread. The pandemic has hastened the adoption of online teaching and remote work technology. While a combination of online and face-to-face learning is the way of the future, it will necessitate additional resources to support program development and delivery, as well as increased collaboration between IT and subject matter experts.

Findings

This successful technological integration, which includes a smooth transition from face-to-face training to digital e-courses, provides a variety of benefits, including money saved on travel expenses. Top technological developments will continue to enhance company innovation and efficiency while also improving service efficiency. The top strategic technology trends for this year fall into three categories: human centricity, location independence, and resilient delivery, and are expected to be significant for the next five to ten years. Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) will need to establish a technological ecosystem that is dependable, cloud-based, data-integrated, and learning-focused to compete successfully in this “new normal.” After the epidemic, when classes resume on campus, a hybrid approach to virtual learning is likely to become the new normal. While it is unlikely that campuses would be totally virtual, they will also be unlikely to be entirely physical.

Originality/value

A blend of actual and virtual classrooms, as well as online learning, is the long-term solution, and strategic decisions made now will be critical in preparing for a post-pandemic world.
Green management practices and trust for green behavioral intentions and mediation of ethical leadership. An attribution theory perspective in tourism
Authors: Ali Muhammad , Hassan Muhammad
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the mediated effect of ethical leadership between trust based on commitment and compliance-based practices and green behavior intention in tourism sector organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

The existing research in sustainability lacks the effects of leadership types on green management practices. This study uses a quantitative method through survey to determine this effect. Data collection is undertaken on the questionnaire formulated from existing studies. The collected data is analyzed with SmartPLS through measurement and structural model assessment for hypothesis confirmation.

Findings

The findings of the study reveal that ethical leadership does strengthen the relationship between trust and green behavior intention when trust is formed on commitment-based practices in comparison to compliance-based practices.

Research limitations/implications

The study contributes to the attribution theory and its application in sustainability studies by showing that both commitment-based and compliance-based practices help shape the individual trust in an organization which resonates with the assumption that an organization’s seriousness to respond to sustainability issues forms the employee’s trust in the organization. On the practical side, this study provides guidelines for the organizations in tourism industry to demarcate the environmental management activities between compliance and commitment-based practices for better outcomes.

Originality/value

A gap is found in sustainability literature where leadership-type effects are rarely explored in green behavior intention formation. To determine the impact of ethical leadership on the relationship between green management practices and green intention behavior, attribution theory is used as a basis combining social responsibility and tourism organizations. The relationship between green management practices and ethical leadership is a novelty by evaluating the compliance-based and commitment-based practices individually to determine their effect on green behavior intention.
A conjoint analysis of attributes influencing attendance of academic conferences
Authors: Cavusoglu Muhittin , Dogan Seden , Kirant Yozcu Ozen , Hsu Meng-Jun , Cobanoglu Cihan
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to explore the relative importance of various attributes (i.e. the total cost of attending, conference organizer, publishing opportunities for an academic career and personal development, reputation as measured by the number of conferences held, location and size) in terms of their ability to impact the decision of attendees in their selection of which academic conference to attend.

Design/methodology/approach

Conjoint analysis was used to examine the relative importance of various attributes to impact an attendee’s decision to select an academic conference (i.e. the total cost of attending, conference organizer, publishing opportunities for an academic career and personal development, reputation as measured by the number of conferences held, location and size).

Findings

The choice-based conjoint analysis revealed that the most crucial attributes for attending an academic conference were the total cost of attending the conference (28% of relative importance) and the conference organizer (28%).

Practical implications

Since the total cost of attending a conference is one of the top two attributes, conference organizers should reduce the costs as much as possible. Recommendations include choosing a university venue instead of a hotel or conference center and offering multiple options for registration passes (i.e. one-day pass). However, organizers should be careful about meals provided during the conference program, as meals have a positive effect on attendees’ decisions.

Originality/value

This study introduces to the literature a new indicator for selecting an academic conference – the reputation of the conference as measured by the number of times it had been held. In previous studies, this variable was not considered in the context of selecting an academic conference.
Changes in the usefulness of communication channels for prospective undergraduates about university studying: afore and during the pandemic
Authors: Ng Annie W.Y.
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This study investigated the usefulness of various communication means for providing university study information with prospective students before and during the pandemic for three consecutive academic years.

Design/methodology/approach

Students who had recently taken undergraduate program admission indicated how useful communication channels were in providing the information about university studying. Seven communication channels were examined: open/information day, admission talk, campus visit, education fair, admission website, social media and summer activities. The students were asked to complete an online survey at the beginning of an academic year. In the survey, they were asked to indicate the usefulness of each of the communication channels using a five-point Likert scale with the descriptors: 1 = not useful, 2 = slightly useful, 3 = somewhat useful, 4 = useful, 5 = very useful. If students did not have any usage experience with a communication channel, they were asked to choose “no experience.” There were 1798, 1735 and 1961 students at a university in Hong Kong participating in the study in academic years 2019/20, 2020/21 and 2021/22, respectively.

Findings

The pandemic has transformed the landscape of the university's ways of marketing channels to communicate with prospective students. The top useful channel of information for students during the pandemic was admission website, followed by social media and then open/information day. Before the pandemic, open/information day was the most useful channel of information for students and then admission website; the least useful one was social media channel. Significant differences were revealed in the usefulness rating on open/information day and social media channel among the three academic years.

Originality/value

The findings facilitate educational managers to determine the appropriate marketing and recruitment strategies for connecting with prospective students under dynamic context in the era of new normal. They helped identify where to focus the marketing efforts to achieve the most impact in particular under budget constraints.
A moderated-mediated model for examining the impact of fear of pandemic on employees’ turnover intention in Dubai’s hospitality and tourism industry
Authors: AlMutawa Shaikha Ebrahim , Ahmad Kamarul Zaman , Behery Mohamed Hussein , Tabche Ibrahim
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The global spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has affected businesses worldwide. Arguably, one of the most affected industries is the hospitality sector, where the world has seen a substantial drop in personal and professional travel owing to severe lockdowns, which has particularly harmed the hotel and tourism industries by lowering occupancy and profits. The purpose of this research is to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on the emotional and mental well-being of hospitality workers in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative cross-sectional technique was used, with 517 respondents drawn from Dubai's major hotels.

Findings

Fear of the COVID-19 pandemic was found to be positively connected to employees' emotional weariness, which is then positively related to their intention to leave their organizations.

Practical implications

The paper gives suggestions to managers on how to best deal with their employees, especially the more competent ones, as they are more likely to leave during a pandemic.

Originality/value

Contrary to suggestions in the literature and our predictions, this paper found that self-efficacy positively moderated the relationship between fear of COVID and emotional exhaustion such that workers with high self-efficacy were more prone to emotional exhaustion as a result of their fear of COVID. Furthermore, the results of the research suggest that it is the more competent workers who are more likely to be affected, during a pandemic, and thus their loss is expected to cause greater loss to their organizations.
Impulsiveness in the grocery store: psychographic drivers and segments
Authors: Lord Kenneth R. , Putrevu Sanjay , Olson Elizabeth A.
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This study aims to enhance the understanding of impulse buying in grocery stores, where such purchases are pervasive and consumers face greater decision fatigue and diminished willpower than in more frequently examined retail environments. The intent is to demonstrate the influence of variables known to affect impulse buying in other environments on grocery shopping behavior, identify and profile segments that vary along those constructs and reveal how those segment characteristics help to explain impulse buying differences.

Design/methodology/approach

A purposive sample of 234 grocery shoppers approached at the point of purchase in a metropolitan area in Northeastern USA completed scales for theoretically derived variables and reported on their impulse purchases.

Findings

Anxiety, perceived financial pressure (PFP), novelty/variety seeking and shopping enjoyment positively influenced, whereas need for cognition had a negative effect on impulse-purchase activity. Two distinct segments of impulse buyers emerged: anxious and innovative shoppers. Anxious shoppers were higher in anxiety, PFP and compulsive buying, whereas innovative shoppers had higher levels of need for cognition and novelty/variety seeking.

Originality/value

The evidence for the dominance of anxiety and novelty/variety seeking as key motivators of distinct segments of impulse buyers in grocery stores is unique to this study. Results yield new insight on tension between the effects of motivational variables on the immediate impulse buying decision and post-purchase evaluation and add precision to marketers’ efforts to encourage spontaneous in-store decision-making.
Investigating the stakeholder influence on environmentally sustainable practices of Thai restaurant chains in Bangkok
Authors: Satchapappichit Sruangporn , Leerattananugulsiri Angkana , Kayom Watcharaporn , Thanasarn Khajornjit , Girum Tanasorn
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This study investigates the relationship between stakeholders and implementing environmentally sustainable practices (ESPs) by Thai restaurant chains.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey method using the questionnaire was used to collect data from 400 owners/managers of Thai restaurant chains. The structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to determine the relationship between stakeholders and the implementation of ESPs by Thai restaurant chains.

Findings

The finding revealed that both primary and secondary stakeholders significantly influence implementing ESPs, with no moderating effect of environmental knowledge on primary stakeholders regarding implementing ESPs.

Practical implications

The results can help restaurant chain businesses understand how stakeholder power, in response to their regular interactions and societal expectations, affects the implementation of ESPs.

Originality/value

This study is among the first study to investigate the effects of stakeholder pressure on the implementation of ESPs in Thai restaurant chains in Thailand. By looking at restaurant chains, the authors add to the body of knowledge on ESPs in the hospitality sector and offer insights on the role of stakeholders and the moderating role of environmental knowledge.