bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Progressive alterations in polysomal architecture and activation of ribosome stalling relief factors in a mouse model of Huntington’s disease
Authors: Martin-Solana Eva , Diaz-Lopez Irene , Mohamedi Yamina , Ventoso Ivan , Fernandez Jose-Jesus , Fernandez-Fernandez Maria Rosario
Published: December 2021

Given their highly polarized morphology and functional singularity, neurons require precise spatial and temporal control of protein synthesis. Alterations in protein translation have been implicated in the development and progression of a wide range of neurological and neurodegenerative disorders, including Huntington’s disease (HD). In this study we examined the architecture of polysomes in their native brain context in striatal tissue from the zQ175 knock-in mouse model of HD. We performed 3D electron tomography of high-pressure frozen and freeze-substituted striatal tissue from HD models and corresponding controls at different ages. Electron tomography results revealed progressive remodelling towards a more compacted polysomal architecture in the mouse model, an effect that coincided with the emergence and progression of HD related symptoms. The aberrant polysomal architecture is compatible with ribosome stalling phenomena. In fact, we also detected in the zQ175 model an increase in the striatal expression of the stalling relief factorEIF5A2and an increase in the accumulation of eIF5A1, eIF5A2 and hypusinated eIF5A1, the active form of eIF5A1. Polysomal sedimentation gradients showed differences in the relative accumulation of 40S ribosomal subunits and in polysomal distribution in striatal samples of the zQ175 model. These findings indicate that changes in the architecture of the protein synthesis machinery may underlie translational alterations associated with HD, opening new avenues for understanding the progression of the disease.
Pre-treatment of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) with ozone nanobubbles improve efficacy of heat-killed Streptococcus agalactiae immersion vaccine
Authors: Linh Nguyen Vu , Dien Le Thanh , Sangpo Pattiya , Senapin Saengchan , Thapinta Anat , Panphut Wattana , St-Hilaire Sophie , Rodkhum Channarong , Dong Ha Thanh
Published: December 2021

Nanobubble technology has shown appealing technical benefits and potential applications in aquaculture. We recently found that treatment with ozone nanobubbles (NB-O3) activated expression of several immune-related genes leading to effective response to subsequent exposure to fish pathogens. In this study, we investigated whether pre-treatment of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) with NB-O3 can enhance specific immune responses and improve efficacy of immersion vaccination against Streptococcus agalactiae. Spleen and head kidney of fish in the vaccinated groups showed a substantial upregulation in expression levels of three immunoglobulin classes(IgM, IgD, and IgT) compared with the unvaccinated control groups. At day 21 post-immunization, the relative expression was greatest (approx. 3.2 to 4.1 folds). Both systemic and mucosal IgM antibodies were elicited in vaccinated groups. As the result, the cumulative survival rate of the vaccinated groups was found to be higher than that of the unvaccinated groups, with a relative percent survival (RPS) ranging from 52.9-70.5%. However, fish in the vaccinated groups that received pre-treatment with NB-O3, bacterial antigen uptakes, expression levels of IgM, IgD, and IgT, as well as the specific-IgM antibody levels and percent survival, were all slightly or significantly higher than that of the vaccinated group without pre-treatment with NB-O3. Taken together, our findings suggest that utilizing pre-treatment with NB-O3 may improve the immune response and efficacy of immersion vaccination in Nile tilapia.

Highlights

Immune response and efficacy of a heat-killed Streptococcus agalactiae immersion vaccine for Nile tilapia with and without pre-treatment with NB-O3 were accessed.

Bacterial antigen uptake in the NB-O3-VAC compared to the AT-VAC groups was increased 1.32 and 1.80-fold at 3 and 6 h post-vaccination, respectively.

Vaccinated group that received pre-treatment with NB-O3 had slightly to significantly higher levels of IgM, IgD, and IgT mRNA expression; IgM levels; and survival rate.

Pre-treatment with NB-O3 may be a novel strategy for improving efficacy of immersion vaccine in aquaculture
Unveiling effects of growth conditions on crown architecture and growth potential of Scots pine trees
Authors: Saarinen Ninni , Kankare Ville , Huuskonen Saija , Hynynen Jari , Bianchi Simone , Yrttimaa Tuomas , Luoma Ville , Junttila Samuli , Holopainen Markus , Hyyppä Juha , Vastaranta Mikko
Published: December 2021

Trees adapt to their growing conditions by regulating the sizes of their parts and their relationships. For example, removal or death of adjacent trees increases the growing space and the amount of light received by the remaining trees enabling their crowns to expand. Knowledge about the effects of silvicultural practices on crown size and shape as well as about the quality of branches affecting the shape of a crown is, however, still limited. Thus, the aim was to study the crown structure of individual Scots pine trees in forest stands with varying stem densities due to past forest management practices. Furthermore, we wanted to understand how crown and stem attributes as well as tree growth affects stem area at the height of maximum crown diameter (SAHMC), which could be used as a proxy for tree growth potential. We used terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) to generate attributes characterizing crown size and shape. The results showed that increasing stem density decreased Scots pine crown size. TLS provided more detailed attributes for crown characterization compared to traditional field measurements. Furthermore, decreasing stem density increased SAHMC and strong relationships (Spearman correlations >0.5) were found between SAHMC and crown and stem size as well as stem growth. Thus, this study provided quantitative and more comprehensive characterization of Scots pine crowns and their growth potential.
An mRNA silencing mechanism reliant on the cooperation between REGE-1/Regnase-1 and RLE-1/Roquin-1
Authors: Sobańska Daria , Komur Alicja A , Chabowska-Kita Agnieszka , Gumna Julita , Kumari Pooja , Pachulska-Wieczorek Katarzyna , Ciosk Rafal
Published: December 2021

Regnase-1 is an evolutionarily conserved endoribonuclease, degrading diverse mRNAs important, among others, for immune homeostasis, development, and cancer. There are two competing models of Regnase-1 mediated mRNA silencing. One model postulates that Regnase-1 works together with another RNA-binding protein, Roquin-1. The other model proposes that the two proteins function separately. Studying the C. elegans Regnase-1 ortholog, REGE-1, we have uncovered a functional relationship between REGE-1 and the nematode counterpart of Roquin-1, RLE-1. While REGE-1 and RLE-1 associate with mRNA independently of each other, both proteins are essential for mRNA silencing. Intriguingly, the functional interdependence between REGE-1 and RLE-1 is reminiscent of the proposed cooperation between mammalian Regnase-1 and Roquin-1, which may underlie a prototypic silencing mechanism involving both proteins.
Water droplet-in-oil digestion method for single-cell proteomics
Authors: Masuda Takeshi , Inamori Yuma , Furukawa Arisu , Momosaki Kazuki , Chang Chih-Hsiang , Kobayashi Daiki , Ohguchi Hiroto , Kawano Yawara , Ito Shingo , Araki Norie , Ong Shao-En , Ohtsuki Sumio
Published: December 2021

Recent advances in single-cell proteomics highlight the promise of sensitive analyses in limited cell populations. However, technical challenges remain for sample recovery, throughput, and versatility. Here, we first report a water droplet-in-oil digestion (WinO) method based on carboxyl-coated beads and phase transfer surfactants for proteomic analysis using limited sample amounts. This method was developed to minimize the contact area between the sample solution and the container to reduce the loss of proteins and peptides by adsorption. This method increased protein and peptide recovery 10-fold as well as the number of quantified transmembrane proteins compared to an in-solution digestion (ISD) method. The proteome profiles obtained from 100 cells using the WinO method highly correlated with those from 10000 cells using the ISD method. We successfully applied the WinO method to single-cell proteomics and quantified 462 proteins. Using the WinO method, samples can be easily prepared in a multi-well plate, making it a widely applicable and suitable method for single-cell proteomics.
A mutation associated with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease enhances the formation of stable dynamin 2 complexes in cells
Authors: Hedde Per Niklas , Barylko Barbara , Chiu Chi-Li , Albanesi Joseph P. , Jameson David M. , James Nicholas G.
Published: December 2021

Mutations in dynamin 2 (DNM2) have been associated with two distinct motor disorders, Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathies (CMT) and centronuclear myopathy (CNM). The majority of these mutations are clustered in the pleckstrin homology domain (PHD) which engage in intramolecular interactions that suppress dynamin self-assembly and GTPase activation. CNM mutations in the PHD interferes with these intramolecular interactions, thereby blocking the formation of the auto-inhibited state. CMT mutations are located primarily on the opposite surface of the PHD, which is specialized for lipid PIP2 binding. It has been speculated that the distinct locations and interactions of residues mutated in CMT and CNM explain why each set of mutations cause either one disease or the other, despite their close proximity within the PHD sequence. We show that at least one CMT-causing mutant, lacking residues 555DEE557 (ΔDEE), displays this inability to undergo auto-inhibition as observed in CNM-linked mutants. This ΔDEE deletion mutant induces the formation of abnormally large cytoplasmic inclusions similar to those observed for CNM-linked mutant R369W. We also found substantially reduced migration from the membrane of the ΔDEE deletion mutant. These findings call into question the molecular mechanism currently believed to underlie the absence of pathogenic overlap between DNM2-dependent CMT and CNM.
Coevolution of the olfactory organ and its receptor repertoire in ray-finned fishes
Authors: Policarpo Maxime , Bemis Katherine E , Laurenti Patrick , Legendre Laurent , Sandoz Jean-Christophe , Rétaux Sylvie , Casane Didier
Published: December 2021

Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii) perceive their environment through a range of sensory modalities, including olfaction 1,2. Anatomical diversity of the olfactory organ suggests that olfaction is differentially important among species 1,3,4. To explore this topic, we studied the evolutionary dynamics of the four main gene families (OR, TAAR, ORA/VR1 and OlfC/VR2) 5 coding for olfactory receptors in 185 species of ray-finned fishes. The large variation in the number of functional genes, between 28 in the Ocean Sunfish Mola mola and 1317 in the Reedfish Erpetoichthys calabaricus, is the result of parallel expansions and contractions of the four main gene families. Several ancient and independent simplifications of the olfactory organ are associated with massive gene losses. In contrast, polypteriforms, which have a unique and complex olfactory organ, have almost twice as many olfactory receptor genes as any other ray-finned fish. These observations suggest a functional link between morphology of the olfactory organ and richness of the olfactory receptor repertoire. Further, our results demonstrate that the genomic underpinning of olfaction in ray-finned fishes is heterogeneous and presents a dynamic pattern of evolutionary expansions, simplifications and reacquisitions.
Endoplasmic reticulum oxidoreductin (ERO) provides resilience against reductive stress and hypoxic conditions by mediating luminal redox dynamics
Authors: Ugalde José Manuel , Aller Isabel , Kudrjasova Lika , Schmidt Romy R. , Schlößer Michelle , Homagk Maria , Fuchs Philippe , Lichtenauer Sophie , Schwarzländer Markus , Müller-Schüssele Stefanie J. , Meyer Andreas J.
Published: December 2021

Oxidative protein folding in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) depends on the coordinated action of protein disulfide isomerases and ER oxidoreductins (EROs). Strict dependence of ERO activity on molecular oxygen as the final electron acceptor implies that oxidative protein folding and other ER processes are severely compromised under hypoxia. While many key players involved in oxidative protein folding are known, our understanding of how redox homeostasis in the ER is maintained and how EROs, the Cys residues of nascent proteins, and the luminal glutathione redox buffer interact is limited. Here, we isolated viableero1 ero2double mutants largely deficient in ERO activity, which rendered the mutants highly sensitive to reductive stress and hypoxia. To elucidate the specific redox dynamics in the ER lumenin vivo, we expressed the glutathione redox potential (EGSH) sensor Grx1-roGFP2iL-HDEL with a midpoint potential of -240 mV in the ER of Arabidopsis plants. We foundEGSHvalues of -241 mV in wild-type plants, which is less oxidizing than previously estimated. In theero1 ero2mutants, luminalEGSHwas reduced further to -253 mV. Recovery to reductive ER stress, as induced by acute exposure to dithiothreitol, was delayed inero1 ero2mutants. The characteristic signature ofEGSHdynamics in the ER lumen triggered by hypoxia was affected in theero1 ero2mutant reflecting a disrupted balance of reductive and oxidizing inputs, including nascent polypeptides and glutathione entry. The ER redox dynamics can now be dissectedin vivo, revealing a central role of EROs as major redox integrators to promote luminal redox homeostasis.

One sentence summary

Dynamic monitoring the ER luminal glutathione redox potential highlights the role of EROs in defining redox conditions and the interplay between different redox inputs during hypoxia and reductive stress.
Salubrinal induces fetal hemoglobin expression via the stress-signaling pathway in human sickle erythroid progenitors and sickle cell disease mice
Authors: Lopez Nicole H. , Li Biaoru , Palani Chithra , Siddaramappa Umapathy , Takezaki Mayuko , Xu Hongyan , Zhi Wenbo , Pace Betty S.
Published: December 2021

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder caused by a mutation in the HBB gene leading to hemoglobin S production and polymerization under hypoxia conditions leading to vaso-occlusion, chronic hemolysis, and progressive organ damage. This disease affects ∼100,000 people in the United States and millions worldwide. An effective therapy for SCD is fetal hemoglobin (HbF) induction by pharmacologic agents such as hydroxyurea, the only Food and Drug Administration-approved drug for this purpose. Therefore, the goal of our study was to determine whether salubrinal (SAL), a selective protein phosphatase 1 inhibitor, induces HbF expression through the stress-signaling pathway by activation of p-eIF2α and ATF4 trans-activation in the γ-globin gene promoter. Sickle erythroid progenitors treated with 24µM SAL increased F-cells levels 1.4-fold (p=0.021) and produced an 80% decrease in reactive oxygen species. Western blot analysis showed SAL enhanced HbF protein by 1.6-fold (p=0.0441), along with dose-dependent increases of p-eIF2α and ATF4 levels. Subsequent treatment of SCD mice by a single intraperitoneal injection of SAL (5mg/kg) produced peak plasma concentrations at 6 hours. Chronic treatments of SCD mice with SAL mediated a 2.3-fold increase in F-cells (p=0.0013) and decreased sickle erythrocytes supporting in vivo HbF induction.
Genetic evidence that uptake of the fluorescent analog 2NBDG occurs independently of known glucose transporters
Authors: D’Souza Lucas J. , Wright Stephen H. , Bhattacharya Deepta
Published: December 2021

The fluorescent derivative of glucose, 2-Deoxy-2-[(7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-yl)-amino]-D-glucose (2NBDG), is a widely used surrogate reagent to visualize glucose uptake in live cells at single cell resolution. Using a model of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing in 5TGM1 myeloma cells, we demonstrate that ablation of the glucose transporter gene Slc2a1 abrogates radioactive glucose uptake but has no effect on the magnitude or kinetics of 2NBDG import. Extracellular 2NBDG, but not NBD-fructose was transported by plasma cells into the cytoplasm suggesting specific activity that is unlinked to glucose import and that of chemically similar compounds. RNA-Seq analysis of primary plasma cells and the 5TGM1 myeloma cell line revealed expression of other candidate glucose transporters. Yet, deletion of these transporters individually or in combination with one another also had no impact on 2NBDG uptake. Ablation of the genes in the Slc29 and Slc35 families of nucleoside and nucleoside sugar transporters as well as the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter family also failed to impact 2NBDG import. Thus, cellular uptake of 2NBDG is promoted by an unknown mechanism and is not a faithful indicator of glucose transport.
Inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A virus by spraying hypochlorous acid solution and hydrogen peroxide solution in the form of Dry Fog
Authors: Urushidani Masahiro , Kawayoshi Akira , Kotaki Tomohiro , Saeki Keiichi , Mori Yasuko , Kameoka Masanori
Published: December 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is transmitted by droplet and contact infection. SARS-CoV-2 that adheres to environmental surfaces remains infectious for several days. We herein attempted to inactivate SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A virus adhering to an environmental surface by spraying aerosolized hypochlorous acid solution and hydrogen peroxide solution in the form of Dry Fog (fog that does not wet objects even if touched). SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus were dried on plastic plates and placed into a test chamber for inactivation by the Dry Fog spraying of disinfectants. The results obtained showed that Dry Fog spraying inactivated SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A virus in time- and exposed disinfectant amount-dependent manners. SARS-CoV-2 was more resistant to the virucidal effects of aerosolized hypochlorous acid solution and hydrogen peroxide solution than influenza A virus; therefore, higher concentrations of spray solutions were required to inactivate SARS-CoV-2 than influenza A virus. The present results provide important information for the development of a strategy that inactivates SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A virus on environmental surfaces by spatial spraying.
Modelling biochemical gradients in vitro to control cell compartmentalization in a microengineered 3D model of the intestinal epithelium
Authors: Altay Gizem , Abad-Lázaro Aina , Gualda Emilio J. , Folch Jordi , Insa Claudia , Tosi Sébastien , Hernando-Momblona Xavier , Batlle Eduard , Loza-Álvarez Pablo , Fernández-Majada Vanesa , Martinez Elena
Published: December 2021

Gradients of signaling pathways within the intestinal stem cell (ISC) niche are instrumental for cellular compartmentalization and tissue function, yet how are they sensed by the epithelium is still not fully understood. Here we present a new in vitro model of the small intestine based on primary epithelial cells (i), apically accessible (ii), with native tissue mechanical properties and controlled mesh size (iii), 3D villus-like architecture (iv), and precisely controlled biomolecular gradients of the ISC niche (v). Biochemical gradients are formed through hydrogel-based scaffolds by free diffusion from a source to a sink chamber. To confirm the establishment of spatiotemporally controlled gradients, we employ light-sheet fluorescence microscopy and in-silico modelling. The ISC niche biochemical gradients coming from the stroma and applied along the villus axis lead to the in vivo-like compartmentalization of the proliferative and differentiated cells, while changing the composition and concentration of the biochemical factors affects the cellular organization along the villus axis. This novel 3D in vitro intestinal model derived from organoids recapitulates both the villus-like architecture and the gradients of ISC biochemical factors, thus opening the possibility to study in vitro the nature of such gradients and the resulting cellular response.
Absolute Scaling of Single-Cell Transcriptomes Reveals Pervasive Hypertranscription in Adult Stem and Progenitor Cells
Authors: Kim Yun-Kyo , Ramalho-Santos Miguel
Published: December 2021

Hypertranscription facilitates biosynthetically demanding cellular state transitions through global upregulation of the nascent transcriptome. Despite its potential widespread relevance, documented examples of hypertranscription remain few and limited predominantly to early development. This limitation is in large part due to the fact that modern sequencing approaches, including single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), generally assume similar levels of transcriptional output per cell. Here, we use molecule counting and spike-in normalization to develop absolute scaling of single-cell RNA sequencing data. Absolute scaling enables an estimation of total transcript abundances per cell, which we validate in embryonic stem cell (ESC) and germline data and apply to adult mouse organs at steady-state or during regeneration. The results reveal a remarkable dynamic range in transcriptional output among adult cell types. We find that many different multipotent stem and progenitor cell populations are in a state of hypertranscription, including in the hematopoietic system, intestine and skin. Hypertranscription marks cells with multilineage potential in adult organs, is redeployed in conditions of tissue injury, and can precede by 1-2 days bursts of proliferation during regeneration. In addition to the association between hypertranscription and the stem/progenitor cell state, we dissect the relationship between transcriptional output and cell cycle, ploidy and secretory behavior. Our analyses reveal a common set of molecular pathways associated with hypertranscription across adult organs, including chromatin remodeling, DNA repair, ribosome biogenesis and translation. Our findings introduce an approach towards maximizing single-cell RNA-seq profiling. By applying this methodology across a diverse collection of cell states and contexts, we put forth hypertranscription as a general and dynamic cellular program that is pervasively employed during development, organ maintenance and regeneration.

SUMMARY STATEMENT

Absolute scaling of single-cell transcriptomic data reveals highly dynamic global levels of transcription across adult cell lineages
Rapid generation of ventral spinal cord-like astrocytes from human iPSCs for modeling non-cell autonomous mechanisms of lower motor neuron disease
Authors: Soubannier Vincent , Chaineau Mathilde , Gursu Lale , Haghi Ghazal , Franco Flores Anna Kristyna , Rouleau Guy , Durcan Thomas M , Stifani Stefano
Published: December 2021

Astrocytes play important roles in the function and survival of neuronal cells. Dysfunctions of astrocytes are associated with numerous disorders and diseases of the nervous system, including motor neuron diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based approaches are becoming increasingly important for the study of the mechanisms underlying the involvement of astrocytes in non-cell autonomous processes of motor neuron degeneration in ALS. These studies must account for the molecular and functional diversity among astrocytes in different regions of the brain and spinal cord. It is essential that the most pathologically-relevant astrocyte preparations are used when investigating non-cell autonomous mechanisms of either upper or lower motor neuron degeneration in ALS. In this context, the main aim of this study was to establish conditions enabling rapid and robust generation of physiologically-relevant ventral spinal cord-like astrocytes that would provide an enhanced experimental model for the study of lower motor neuron degeneration in ALS. Neural progenitor cells with validated caudal and ventral features were derived from human iPSCs and differentiated into astrocytes, which were then characterized by examining morphology, markers of ventral spinal cord astrocytes, spontaneous and induced calcium transients, and astrogliosis markers. Efficient and streamlined generation of human iPSC-derived astrocytes with molecular and biological properties similar to physiological astrocytes in the ventral spinal cord was achieved. These induced astrocytes express markers of mature ventral spinal cord astrocytes, exhibit spontaneous and ATP-induced calcium transients, and lack signs of overt activation. Human iPSC- derived astrocytes with ventral spinal features offer advantages over more generic astrocyte preparations for the study of both ventral spinal cord astrocyte biology and the involvement of astrocytes in mechanisms of lower motor neuron degeneration in ALS.
Transcription Factor RFX3 Stabilizes Mammary Basal Cell Identity
Authors: Tross Erica M. , de Caestecker Christian R. , Lau Ken S. , Macara Ian G.
Published: December 2021

The myoepithelial cell compartment of the murine postnatal mammary gland is generated from basal cap cells in the terminal end bud and maintained by self-renewal. Transdifferentiation to the luminal lineage does not normally occur but can be induced by DNA damage, luminal cell death or transplantation into a recipient mammary fat pad. Myoepithelial cells cultivated in vitro can also transdifferentiate towards the luminal lineage. Little is known about the molecular mechanisms and gene regulatory networks underlying this plasticity. Using a transgenic mouse (Tg11.5kb-GFP) that marks cap cells with GFP, we discovered that mature myoepithelial cells placed in culture begin to express GFP within ∼24 hrs and later express the Keratin 8 (K8) luminal marker. Cell tracking showed that most K8+ cells arose from GFP+ cells, suggesting that myoepithelial cells de-differentiate towards a progenitor state before changing lineage. Differential gene expression analysis, comparing pure GFP+ cap cells with mature myoepithelial cells, identified multiple transcription factors that iRegulon predicted might regulate the myoepithelial to cap cell transition. Knockout of one of these genes, Regulatory Factor 3 (Rfx3), significantly reduced the population of GFP+ cells and increased differentiation to the K8+ luminal lineage. Rfx3 knockout also reduced mammosphere growth and mammary gland regeneration efficiency in a transplantation assay, but had no effect on proliferation in vitro. Together, these data support a key role for Rfx3 in the stabilization of the mammary basal cell lineages.
Effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines against the Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant of concern
Authors: Andrews Nick , Stowe Julia , Kirsebom Freja , Toffa Samuel , Rickeard Tim , Gallagher Eileen , Gower Charlotte , Kall Meaghan , Groves Natalie , O’Connell Anne-Marie , Simons David , Blomquist Paula B. , Zaidi Asad , Nash Sophie , Aziz Nurin Iwani Binti Abdul , Thelwall Simon , Dabrera Gavin , Myers Richard , Amirthalingam Gayatri , Gharbia Saheer , Barrett Jeffrey C. , Elson Richard , Ladhani Shamez N , Ferguson Neil , Zambon Maria , Campbell Colin NJ , Brown Kevin , Hopkins Susan , Chand Meera , Ramsay Mary , Bernal Jamie Lopez
Published: December 2021

Background

A rapid increase in cases due to the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant in highly vaccinated populations has raised concerns about the effectiveness of current vaccines.

Methods

We used a test-negative case-control design to estimate vaccine effectiveness (VE) against symptomatic disease caused by the Omicron and Delta variants in England. VE was calculated after primary immunisation with two BNT162b2 or ChAdOx1 doses, and at 2+ weeks following a BNT162b2 booster.

Results

Between 27 November and 06 December 2021, 581 and 56,439 eligible Omicron and Delta cases respectively were identified. There were 130,867 eligible test-negative controls. There was no effect against Omicron from 15 weeks after two ChAdOx1 doses, while VE after two BNT162b2 doses was 88.0% (95%CI: 65.9 to 95.8%) 2-9 weeks after dose 2, dropping to between 34 and 37% from 15 weeks post dose 2.From two weeks after a BNT162b2 booster, VE increased to 71.4% (95%CI: 41.8 to 86.0%) for ChAdOx1 primary course recipients and 75.5% (95%CI: 56.1 to 86.3%) for BNT162b2 primary course recipients.

For cases with Delta, VE was 41.8% (95%CI: 39.4-44.1%) at 25+ weeks after two ChAdOx1 doses, increasing to 93.8% (95%CI: 93.2-94.3%) after a BNT162b2 booster. With a BNT162b2 primary course, VE was 63.5% (95%CI: 61.4 to 65.5%) 25+ weeks after dose 2, increasing to 92.6% (95%CI: 92.0-93.1%) two weeks after the booster.

Conclusions

Primary immunisation with two BNT162b2 or ChAdOx1 doses provided no or limited protection against symptomatic disease with the Omicron variant. Boosting with BNT162b2 following either primary course significantly increased protection.
Application of multi-edge HERFD-XAS to assess the uranium valence electronic structure in potassium uranate (KUO3)
Authors: Bes René , Leinders Gregory , Kvashnina Kristina
Published: December 2021

The uranium valence electronic structure in the prototypical undistorted perovskite KUO3 is reported on the basis of a comprehensive experimental study using multi-edge HERFD-XAS and relativistic quantum chemistry calculations based on density functional theory. Very good agreement is obtained between theory and experiments, including the confirmation of previously reported Laporte forbidden f–f transitions and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic measurements. Many spectral features are clearly identified in the probed U-f, U-p and U-d states and the contribution of the O-p states in those features could be assessed. The octahedral crystal field strength, 10Dq, was found to be 6.6 (1.5) eV and 6.9 (4) eV from experiment and calculations, respectively. Calculated electron binding energies down to U-4f states are also reported.
Crystal structure of a trigonal polymorph of aquadioxidobis(pentane-2,4-dionato-κ2
O,O′)uranium(VI)
Authors: Hernandez Alejandro , Chakraborty Indranil , Ortega Gabriela , Dares Christopher J.
Published: December 2021

The title compound, [UO2(acac)2(H2O)] consists of a uranyl(VI) unit ([O=U=O]2+) coordinated to two monoanionic acetylacetonate (acac, C5H7O2) ligands and one water molecule. The asymmetric unit includes a one-half of a uranium atom, one oxido ion, one-half of a water molecule and one acac ligand. The coordination about the uranium atom is distorted pentagonal–bipyramidal. The acac ligands and Ow atom comprise the equatorial plane, while the uranyl O atoms occupy the axial positions. Intermolecular hydrogen bonding between complexes results in the formation of two-dimensional hexagonal void channels along the c-axis direction with a diameter of 6.7 Å. The monoclinic (P21/c space group) polymorph was reported by Alcock & Flanders [(1987). Acta Cryst. C43, 1480–1483].
Synthesis and crystal structure of (E)-2-benzyl-1,3-diphenylisothiouronium iodide
Authors: Kang Sungmin , Kim Taek Hyeon , Kwak Chee-Hun
Published: December 2021

In the title molecular salt, C20H19N2S+·I−, prepared by the reaction of 1,3-diphenylthiourea and benzyl iodide, the C—S—C thioether bond angle is 101.66 (9)° and electrons are delocalized over the N+= C—N skeleton. The dihedral angle between the aromatic rings attached to the N atoms is 40.60 (9)°. In the crystal, N—H...I hydrogen bonds link the components into [100] chains.
Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of 3-methyl-4-oxo-N-phenyl-3,4-dihydroquinazoline-2-carbothioamide
Authors: Pirnazarova Nasiba , Yakubov Ubaydullo , Allabergenova Sevara , Tojiboev Akmaljon , Turgunov Kambarali , Elmuradov Burkhon
Published: December 2021

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C16H13N3OS, comprises two molecules (A and B) with similar conformations that differ mainly in the orientation of the phenyl group relative to the rest of the molecule, as expressed by the Cthioamide—Nthioamide—Cphenyl—Cphenyl torsion angle of 49.3 (3)° for molecule A and of 5.4 (3)° for molecule B. In the crystal, two intermolecular N—H...N hydrogen bonds lead to the formation of a dimer with R
2
2(10) graph-set notation. A Hirshfeld surface analysis revealed that H...H interactions are the most important intermolecular interactions, contributing 40.9% to the Hirshfeld surface.
An economic analysis of nontraditional lending in Chapter 12 bankruptcy cases
Authors: Rabinowitz Adam N. , Secor William Glen
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Nontraditional lenders are important credit providers for farmers. However, previous research has found that farmers who use nontraditional lenders are riskier lending opportunities. Using a unique dataset of Chapter 12 bankruptcy cases, the authors analyze the share of payment that is made or allowed by the courts on debt owed to traditional and nontraditional lenders.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use a Tobit model to calculate parameter estimates and marginal effects of the impact of creditor type (traditional/nontraditional) and debt classification (secured, priority and unsecured) on the proportion of a bankruptcy claim that lenders receive or are expected to receive when a case is discharged.

Findings

The authors find that traditional lenders with secured debt receive a greater repayment than nontraditional lenders. Meanwhile, there are more than twice the number of nontraditional lenders that are owed debt in these bankruptcy claims. While this raises concern for nontraditional lenders, that is mitigated some by the level of debt that is on average about one-sixth the size of the average debt of traditional lenders. Finally, the authors show there are numerous opportunities for future research in this area using case level bankruptcy data.

Originality/value

This paper fills a research gap by focusing on the state of nontraditional lenders in Chapter 12 bankruptcy cases and their treatment in discharged cases.
Role of factors in eHealth literacy in period of COVID-19: a study of Turkey
Authors: Yuce Alp Eren , Albayrak Ahmet , Baran Bahar , Kalafat Özgür
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This study aims to understand the eHealth literacy skills of chronic patients and to explore the relations, patterns between eHealth literacy skills and different factors such as demographics, search strategies and health information sources and to explain their effects on eHealth literacy in Turkey in Izmir in COVID-19 outbreak.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative method was used in the study including a questionnaire. A total of 604 chronic patients responded to the questionnaire who applied the five popularly identified hospitals in Izmir in Turkey. CHAID analysis method was implemented to explore the strongest correlation between eHealth literacy and independent variables.

Findings

Using different social media types were correlated with patients’ eHealth literacy scores. Using Facebook, Twitter were the supportive predictors for the eHealth literacy scores. However, digital literacy was highly important for eHealth literacy.

Originality/value

This study shows that the social media channels which provides much more information such as Facebook and Twitter for the chronic patient. This could be beneficial for the eHealth tools and social media content developers in terms of the supply of health information. Moreover, the study gives ideas about the effect of digital literacy and the importance of health information provided.
Gendered impacts of climate-smart agriculture on household food security and labor migration: insights from Bihar, India
Authors: Agarwal Tripti , Goel Prarthna Agarwal , Gartaula Hom , Rai Munmum , Bijarniya Deepak , Rahut Dil Bahadur , Jat M.L.
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Increasing trends of climatic risk pose challenges to the food security and livelihoods of smallholders in vulnerable regions, where farmers often face loss of the entire crop, pushing farmers (mostly men) out of agriculture in destitution, creating a situation of agricultural making agriculture highly feminization and compelling male farmers to out-migrate. Climate-smart agricultural practices (CSAPs) are promoted to cope with climatic risks. This study aims to assess how knowledge related to CSAPs, male out-migration, education and income contribute to the determinants of male out-migration and CSAPs adoption and how they respond to household food security.

Design/methodology/approach

Sex-disaggregated primary data were collected from adopter and non-adopter farm families. STATA 13.1 was used to perform principle component analysis to construct knowledge, yield and income indices.

Findings

Yield and income index of adopters was higher for men than women. The probability of out-migration reduced by 21% with adoption of CSAPs. An increase in female literacy by 1 unit reduces log of odds to migrate by 0.37. With every unit increase in knowledge index, increase in log-odds of CSAPs adoption was 1.57. Male:female knowledge gap was less among adopters. Non-adopters tended to reduce food consumption when faced with climatic risks significantly, and the probability of migration increased by 50% with a one-unit fall in the nutrition level, thus compelling women to work more in agriculture. Gender-equitable enhancement of CSAP knowledge is, therefore, key to safeguarding sustainable farming systems and improving livelihoods.

Social implications

The enhancement of gender equitable knowledge on CSAPs is key to safeguard sustainable farming systems and improved livelihoods.

Originality/value

This study is based on the robust data sets of 100 each of male and female from 100 households (n = 200) using well-designed and validated survey instrument. From 10 randomly selected climate-smart villages in Samastipur and Vaishali districts of Bihar, India, together with focus group discussions, the primary data were collected by interviewing both men and women from the same household.
Spatiotemporal patterns of future meteorological drought in the Yellow River Basin based on SPEI under RCP scenarios
Authors: Ji Guangxing , Lai Zhizhu , Yan Dan , Wu Leying , Wang Zheng
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess the spatiotemporal patterns of future meteorological drought in the Yellow River Basin under different representative concentration pathway (RCP) scenarios.

Design/methodology/approach

Delta method is used to process the future climate data of the global climate models, then analyzed the spatiotemporal variation trend of drought in the Yellow River Basin based on standardized precipitation evaporation index (SPEI) under four RCP scenarios.

Findings

This research was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (41901239), Soft Science Research Project of Henan Province (212400410077, 192400410085), the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2016YFA0602703), China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (2018M640670) and the special fund of top talents in Henan Agricultural University (30501031).

Originality/value

This study can provide support for future meteorological drought management and prevention in the Yellow River Basin and provide a theoretical basis for water resources management.
Key factors driving customers’ restaurant dining behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Jeong Miyoung , Kim Kawon , Ma Forest , DiPietro Robin
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This study aims to identify key factors that affected US respondents’ dining behavior at restaurants during the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

Due to the lack of a prior framework or model to test customers’ perceptions of dining-out behavior during this unprecedented time, this study used a mixed-methods approach, conducting two focus group discussions to generate potential restaurant attributes, followed by a US-based survey using an online panel. Using structural equation modeling, this study tested eight developed propositions.

Findings

The findings of this study indicated that the three key factors (i.e. restaurant dining environment, communication and hygiene and contactless features) made customers feel comfortable dining in the restaurant during the pandemic. Out of these three factors, only the restaurant dining environment and communication and hygiene were essential predictors for customers’ perceived trust toward the restaurant, leading to their willingness to pay more. This study used two moderators, customers’ perceived risk and support for restaurants to examine how they affected customers’ perceived trust and willingness to pay, respectively.

Practical implications

This study provides both theoretical and practical implications to the current body of knowledge in customers’ dining-out behavior and the development of operational strategies for restaurants to accommodate customers’ changing dining-out behavior due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To develop a holistic conceptual framework, this study incorporates two COVID-19-focused measurement items, perceived risk and support of the restaurant, to identify their moderating roles in the relationships among the five proposed measurement items. This study provides restaurant operators with insights into the altered dining-out behavior of their customers due to the COVID-19 pandemic and prepares them for the post pandemic environment.

Originality/value

During the unprecedented pandemic situation, few customers are willing to dine in restaurants. As local and national governments lifted the mandated COVID-19 protocols, restaurants opened their business slowly to cater to customers in compliance with the centers for disease control’s health and safety regulations. It is of utmost importance for restaurant operators to accommodate their customers’ needs when they dine in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. There is a paucity of research that has examined customers’ comfort level when dining in restaurants and customers’ preferred dining environment during the pandemic.
What triggers mobile application-based purchase behavior during COVID-19 pandemic: evidence from Vietnam
Authors: Le Xuan Cu
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has shifted purchase behavior and accelerated the diffusion of modern retail channels via mobile application (or m-application). This work aims to frame a mechanism of m-application-based behavioral intentions in the COVID-19 context.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors designed a web-based survey to retrieve empirical data from 478 Vietnamese users. Quantitative approach and structural equation modeling (SEM) were employed to test a research model.

Findings

Findings reveal that antecedents of Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) (i.e. performance expectancy and facilitating conditions), external influences (i.e. perceived imitation), m-application-related factors (i.e. additive value and alternative attractiveness) and COVID-19-related factors of Protective Motivation Theory (PMT) (i.e. perceived contraction threat, fear and social distancing) are determinants of use intention. Moreover, COVID-19-related dimensions and use intention have direct and indirect positive influences on purchase intention.

Practical implications

Practitioners should stay agile and focus greater attention on a mechanism in which consumer adoption and purchase intention are formulated in the pandemic.

Originality/value

This work narrows the gap by simultaneously identifying the importance of the dimensions from UTAUT and COVID-19-related factors from PMT, especially social distancing, integrated with additive value and alternative attractiveness of m-applications in forming the behavioral intention model in a disease context.
When and whom should retailers offer price reductions in times of crisis?
Authors: Jeong Haeyoung , Bhatt Siddharth , Ye Hongjun , Zhang Jintao , Suri Rajneesh
Published: December 2021

Purpose

With a decrease in consumer spending during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, many retailers are offering price reductions to stimulate demand. However, little is known about how consumers perceive such price reductions executed during turbulent times. The authors examine whether the timing of price reductions and individual differences impact consumers' evaluations of the retailers offering such reductions.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a longitudinal design, the authors inquire into four retailers' motives that consumers may infer from a price decrease at two different times during the COVID-19 crisis.

Findings

The authors find that the timing of price reductions plays a key role in shaping consumers' inference of retailers' motives. The authors also uncover individual characteristics that affect consumers' inferences.

Originality/value

This research advances the literature by demonstrating the critical role of timing and individual characteristics in consumers' perceptions of price reductions during times of crisis. The authors findings also provide retailers with actionable insights for their pricing strategies. The findings may be generalizable to other types of crises that may arise in the future.
Assessing the role of venturesomeness in a destination consumer-based brand equity model
Authors: Cruz-Milán Oliver
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Given the lack of research on the nomological validity of tourism destination consumer-based brand equity (CBBE) constructs incorporating core, well-established constructs from the travel and tourism discipline, this research investigates the influence of venturesomeness as a moderator in a model with destination image, satisfaction, and overall CBBE as antecedents of return intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses online panel data of past visitor to the sea-side destination of Corpus Christi, Texas. A sample of 210 residents in Texas and surrounding states was employed to estimate the hypothesized effects through partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

Results demonstrate the predictive effects of destination CBBE dimensions on tourists' revisit intention, with the significant moderation effects of venturesomeness through its influence on tourist satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

Findings provide general support to the nomological validity of the proposed model, highlighting the role of satisfaction as a central dimension to explain destination loyalty, the limitations of generic scales to investigate tourism destination contexts, and the incorporation of consumers' psychographics and lifestyle variables on destination CBBE.

Practical implications

Destination marketers should develop segmentation strategies to target travelers with psychographic profiles that are more responsive to the factors that foster CBBE.

Originality/value

This research provides insights on the nomological validity of a CBBE model by evaluating its integration with a context-specific theoretical domain, which is a condition to increase the explanatory scope of theoretical relations and claims in intermediate theory, and to move the research field forward.