bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visualizing in situ viral replication across the natural history of chronic HBV infection
Authors: Zhang Hanyue , Zhang Miaoqu , Zhang Qiran , Yu Yiqi , Zhang Fan , Wang Jing , Zhou Mingzhe , Yu Tong , Shen Chuan , Yu Shuili , Huang Yanfang , Huang Yuxian , Zhang Jiming , Jin Jie , Qiu Chao , Guojun Li , Zhang Wenhong
Published: March 2023

Background and Aims:

Chronic HBV infection evolves through different phases. Interactions between viral replication and the host immune response in the liver underlie the pathogenesis of this disease. The aim of this study was to directly visualize the HBV replication intermediates at a single-cell resolution inscribed on morphological changes corresponding to disease activity.

Methods:

A set of archived formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded liver needle biopsies from treatment-naïve patients were collected and categorized into phases according to the American Association for the Study of the Liver Diseases (AASLD) guidelines. HBV RNA and DNA were detected using in situ hybridization assays.

Results:

The hepatocytes were ubiquitously infected in subjects with immune tolerance, and their percentage was gradually decreased in immune-active and inactive chronic hepatitis B phases. HBV-infected hepatocytes were prone to localize close to fibrous septa. The subcellular distribution of signals was able to distinguish hepatocytes with productive infection from those harboring HBV integrants and transcriptionally inactive covalently closed circular DNAs. A smaller number of hepatocytes with productive infection and more harboring transcriptionally inactive covalently closed circular DNA or HBV integrants became apparent in the inactive chronic hepatitis B phase.

Conclusion:

An atlas of in situ characteristics of viral-host interactions for each phase is described, which sheds light on the nature of viral replication and disease pathogenesis among the phases of chronic HBV infection.
The association between mental illness and all-cause mortality in patients with cirrhosis: a Veterans Affairs retrospective cohort study
Authors: Shaffer Lauren R. , Kaplan David E. , Taddei Tamar H. , Mahmud Nadim
Published: March 2023

Background:

Mental health diagnoses are common and known to impact key outcomes in patients with chronic illnesses including cirrhosis. However, the independent impact of psychiatric comorbidities on mortality in these patients and potential mitigating effects of outpatient mental health–related care has not been well characterized.

Methods:

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients with cirrhosis in the Veterans Health Administration between 2008 and 2021. Adjusted Cox regression was performed to evaluate the association between mental health–related diagnoses [groups: alcohol use disorder (AUD)/substance use disorder (SUD) alone, non-AUD/SUD alone, and any mental health diagnosis (AUD/SUD or non-AUD/SUD)] and all-cause mortality. In subgroup analyses, the impact of regular outpatient mental health visits was also assessed.

Results:

We identified 115,409 patients, 81.7% of whom had any mental health diagnosis at baseline. During the study window there was a significant increase in the number of mental health clinic visits per person-year (β=0.078, 95% CI: 0.065–0.092, p < 0.001), but a decrease in AUD/SUD clinic utilization (p < 0.001). In regression models, there was a 54% increased hazard in all-cause mortality for any mental health diagnosis, 11% for non-AUD/SUD, and 44% for AUD/SUD (each p < 0.001). Regular mental health visits resulted in a 21% decreased risk in all-cause mortality for AUD/SUD diagnosis, compared with 3% and 9% for any mental health diagnosis and non-AUD/SUD diagnosis, respectively (each p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Mental illness is associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality in veterans with cirrhosis. Regular outpatient mental health care may be protective against all-cause mortality, particularly among patients with AUD/SUD. Future studies should focus on relevant clinical practice changes, including implementing integrated care programs.
Predicting liver-related events in NAFLD: A predictive model
Authors: Calzadilla-Bertot Luis , Jeffrey Gary P. , Wang Zhengyi , Huang Yi , Garas George , Wallace Michael , de Boer Bastiaan , George Jacob , Eslam Mohammed , Phu Amy , Ampuero Javier , Lucena Valera Ana , Romero-Gómez Manuel , Aller de la Fuente Rocio , Adams Leon A.
Published: March 2023

Background and Aims:

Management of NAFLD involves noninvasive prediction of fibrosis, which is a surrogate for patient outcomes. We aimed to develop and validate a model predictive of liver-related events (LREs) of decompensation and/or HCC and compare its accuracy with fibrosis models.

Approach and Results:

Patients with NAFLD from Australia and Spain who were followed for up to 28 years formed derivation (n = 584) and validation (n = 477) cohorts. Competing risk regression and information criteria were used for model development. Accuracy was compared with fibrosis models using time-dependent AUC analysis. During follow-up, LREs occurred in 52 (9%) and 11 (2.3%) patients in derivation and validation cohorts, respectively. Age, type 2 diabetes, albumin, bilirubin, platelet count, and international normalized ratio were independent predictors of LRE and were combined into a model [NAFLD outcomes score (NOS)]. The NOS model calibrated well [calibration slope, 0.99 (derivation), 0.98 (validation)] with excellent overall performance [integrated Brier score, 0.07 (derivation) and 0.01 (validation)]. A cutoff ≥1.3 identified subjects at a higher risk of LRE, (sub-HR 24.6, p < 0.001, 5-year cumulative incidence 38% vs 1.0%, respectively). The predictive accuracy at 5 and 10 years was excellent in both derivation (time-dependent AUC,0.92 and 0.90, respectively) and validation cohorts (time-dependent AUC,0.80 and 0.82, respectively). The NOS was more accurate than the fibrosis-4 or NAFLD fibrosis score for predicting LREs at 5 and 10 years (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

The NOS model consists of readily available measures and has greater accuracy in predicting outcomes in patients with NAFLD than existing fibrosis models.
Quantifying days at home in patients with cirrhosis: A national cohort study
Authors: Elhence Hirsh , Dodge Jennifer L. , Farias Albert J. , Lee Brian P.
Published: March 2023

Background and Aims:

Days at home (DAH) is a patient-centric metric developed by the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, capturing annual health care use, including and beyond hospitalizations and mortality. We quantified DAH and assessed factors associated with DAH differences among patients with cirrhosis.

Approach and Results:

Using a national claims database (Optum) between 2014 and 2018, we calculated DAH (365 minus mortality, inpatient, observation, postacute, and emergency department days). Among 20,776,597 patients, 63,477 had cirrhosis (median age, 66, 52% males, and 63% non-Hispanic White). Age-adjusted mean DAH for cirrhosis was 335.1 days (95% CI: 335.0 to 335.2) vs 360.1 (95% CI: 360.1 to 360.1) without cirrhosis. In mixed-effects linear regression, adjusted for demographic and clinical characteristics, patients with decompensated cirrhosis spent 15.2 days (95% CI: 14.4 to 15.8) in postacute, emergency, and observation settings and 13.8 days (95% CI: 13.5 to 14.0) hospitalized. Hepatic encephalopathy (−29.2 d, 95% CI: −30.4 to −28.0), ascites (−34.6 d, 95% CI: −35.3 to −33.9), and combined ascites and hepatic encephalopathy (−63.8 d, 95% CI: −65.0 to −62.6) were associated with decreased DAH. Variceal bleeding was not associated with a change in DAH (−0.2 d, 95% CI: −1.6 to +1.1). Among hospitalized patients, during the 365 days after index hospitalization, patients with cirrhosis had fewer age-adjusted DAH (272.8 d, 95% CI: 271.5 to 274.1) than congestive heart failure (288.0 d, 95% CI: 287.7 to 288.3) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (296.6 d, 95% CI: 296.3 to 297.0).

Conclusions:

In this national study, we found that patients with cirrhosis spend as many, if not more, cumulative days receiving postacute, emergency, and observational care, as hospitalized care. Ultimately, up to 2 months of DAH are lost annually with the onset of liver decompensation. DAH may be a useful metric for patients and health systems alike.
Refractive surgery for the glaucoma suspect
Authors: Hein J. Christian , Tauber Jenna , Shrivastava Anurag
Published: March 2023

Purpose of review

The aim of this study was to provide an update on perioperative considerations in the evaluation and management of patients undergoing primary corneal and intraocular refractive procedures who are at risk for progressive glaucomatous optic neuropathy.

Recent findings

The necessity of a comprehensive baseline assessment prior to refractive procedures with structural and functional testing, along with documentation of preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements, is highlighted in recent literature. Substantiation of the increased risk of postoperative IOP elevation in keratorefractive procedures in patients with higher baseline IOP and lower baseline CCT, but not necessarily the degree of myopia, has been variably evidenced. Tonometry methods which are less influenced by postoperative corneal structural change should be considered in patients undergoing keratorefractive procedures. Vigilence in postoperative monitoring for progressive optic neuropathy is suggested given evidence of an increased risk of steroid-response glaucoma in these patients. Additional evidence for the IOP-lowering impact of cataract surgery in patients with an increased risk of glaucoma is provided, irrespective of intraocular lens choice.

Performing refractive procedures on patients at risk for glaucoma remains controversial. Definitive steps to optimize patient selection along with vigilance in disease state monitoring with longitudinal structural and functional testing can help mitigate potential adverse events.
Multidrug-resistant organisms in lung transplant: a narrative review
Authors: Congedi Sabrina , Navalesi Paolo , Boscolo Annalisa
Published: March 2023

Purpose of review

The purpose of this narrative review is presenting the current knowledge of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens in lung transplant recipients, considering both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

Recent findings

Overall prevalence of Gram-negative pathogens has increased remarkably (4.33/1000 recipient-days) in solid organ transplant recipients, while the prevalence of Gram-positive bacteria seems to be decreasing (0.20 cases/100 transplant-years). In lung transplant, the prevalence of postoperative infections due to MDR-GN bacteria has been assessed between 31 and 57%, and the incidence of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales is between 0.4 and 20%, with a related mortality up to 70%. MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa is common in lung transplant recipients with cystic fibrosis and may contribute to bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome. The prevalence of MDR Gram-positive bacteria is around 30% (predominantly Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Coagulase-negative staphylococcus).

Survival after lung transplant, although lower than in other SOT, is increasing and currently at 60% at 5 years. This review highlights the potential clinical and social burden of postoperative infections in lung transplant recipients, and confirmed that a PI due to MDR bacteria negatively affects survival. A prompt diagnosis, prevention and management of these MDR pathogens should remain the cornerstone for higher goals of care.
The free superficially-based low abdominal mini (SLAM) flap for oncoplastic breast reconstruction
Authors: Salibian Ara A. , Swerdlow Mark A. , Kondra Katelyn , Patel Ketan M.
Published: March 2023

Volume replacement in oncoplastic breast reconstruction most commonly utilizes pedicled flaps. In thin patients with small breasts, free tissue transfer may be better-suited to preserve breast size. Evidence on microvascular oncoplastic reconstruction is limited and has often required sacrifice of potential future donor sites. The free superficially-based low abdominal mini (SLAM) flap utilizes a narrow strip of lower abdominal tissue based on superficial perfusion of the abdominal wall that is anastomosed to chest wall perforators to preserve the ability to perform future abdominally-based autologous breast reconstruction. Five patients underwent reconstruction with SLAM flaps for immediate oncoplastic reconstruction. Mean age was 49.8 and body mass index was 23.5. Tumor location was most commonly in the lower outer quadrant (40%). Average lumpectomy size was 30 grams. Two flaps were based on the superficial inferior epigastric artery and three on the superficial circumflex iliac artery. Recipient vessels included internal mammary perforators (40%), serratus branch (20%), lateral thoracic vessel branch (20%) and lateral intercostal perforators (20%). All patients underwent radiation therapy without delay and maintained volume, symmetry and contour at an average of 11.7 months after surgery. There were no cases of flap loss, fat necrosis, or delayed wound healing. The free SLAM flap allows for immediate oncoplastic breast reconstruction in thin, small-breasted patients with limited regional tissue without sacrificing future potential donor sites for autologous breast reconstruction.
The Impact of a Liver Transplant Program on the Outcomes of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Endo Yutaka , Sasaki Kazunari , Moazzam Zorays , Woldesenbet Selamawit , Yang Jason , Araujo Lima Henrique , Alaimo Laura , Munir Muhammad Musaab , Shaikh Chanza F. , Schenk Austin , Kitago Minoru , Pawlik Timothy M.
Published: March 2023

Objective:

We sought to evaluate the impact of liver transplantation (LT) programs on the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients who underwent liver resection (LR) and noncurative intent treatment.

Background:

LT programs have an array of resources and services that would positively affect the prognosis of patients with HCC.

Methods:

Patients who underwent LT, LR, radiotherapy (RT), or chemotherapy (CTx) for HCC between 2004 and 2018 were included in the National Cancer Database. Institutions with LT programs were defined as those that performed 1 or more LT for at least 5 years. Centers were stratified by hospital volume. The impact of LT programs was assessed after propensity score matching to achieve covariate balance.

Results:

A total of 71,735 patients were identified, of which 7997 received LT (11.1%), 12,683 LR (17.7%), 15,675 RT (21.9%), and 35,380 CTx (49.3%). Among a total of 1267 distinct institutions, 94 (7.4%) were categorized as LT programs. Designation as an LT program was also associated with a high volume of LR and noncurative intent treatment (both P<0.001). After propensity score matching, LT programs were associated with better survival among LR and noncurative intent treatment patients. Although hospital volume was also associated with improved prognosis, LT programs were associated with additional survival benefits in noncurative intent treatment. On the other hand, no such benefit was noted in patients who underwent LR.

Conclusions:

The presence of an LT program was associated with a higher volume of LR and noncurative intent treatment. Furthermore, designation as an LT program had a “halo effect” on the prognosis of patients undergoing RT/CTx that went beyond the procedure-volume effect.
Surgical Care for Racial and Ethnic Minorities and Interventions to Address Inequities
Authors: Bonner Sidra N. , Powell Chloé A. , Stewart James W. , Dossett Lesly A.
Published: March 2023

Objective:

Racial and ethnic inequities in surgical care in the United States are well documented. Less is understood about evidence-based interventions that improve surgical care and reduce or eliminate inequities. In this review, we discuss effective patient, surgeon, community, health care system, policy, and multi-level interventions to reduce inequities and identifying gaps in intervention-based research.

Background:

Evidenced-based interventions to reduce racial and ethnic inequities in surgical care are key to achieving surgical equity. Surgeons, surgical trainees, researchers, and policy makers should be aware of the evidence-based interventions known to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in surgical care for prioritization of resource allocation and implementation. Future research is needed to assess interventions effectiveness in the reduction of disparities and patient-reported measures.

Methods:

We searched PubMed database for English-language studies published from January 2012 through June 2022 to assess interventions to reduce or eliminate racial and ethnic disparities in surgical care. A narrative review of existing literature was performed identifying interventions that have been associated with reduction in racial and ethnic disparities in surgical care.

Results and Conclusions:

Achieving surgical equity will require implementing evidenced-based interventions to improve quality for racial and ethnic minorities. Moving beyond description toward elimination of racial and ethnic inequities in surgical care will require prioritizing funding of intervention-based research, utilization of implementation science and community based-participatory research methodology, and principles of learning health systems.
An OmpW-dependent T4-like phage infects Serratia sp. ATCC 39006
Authors: Mahler Marina , Malone Lucia M. , van den Berg Daan F. , Smith Leah M. , Brouns Stan J. J. , Fineran Peter C.
Published: March 2023

Serratia

sp. ATCC 39006 is a Gram-negative bacterium that has been used to study the function of phage defences, such as CRISPR–Cas, and phage counter-defence mechanisms. To expand our phage collection to study the phage–host interaction with

Serratia

sp. ATCC 39006, we isolated the T4-like myovirus LC53 in Ōtepoti Dunedin, Aotearoa New Zealand. Morphological, phenotypic and genomic characterization revealed that LC53 is virulent and similar to other

Serratia

,

Erwinia

and

Kosakonia

phages belonging to the genus Winklervirus. Using a transposon mutant library, we identified the host ompW gene as essential for phage infection, suggesting that it encodes the phage receptor. The genome of LC53 encodes all the characteristic T4-like core proteins involved in phage DNA replication and generation of viral particles. Furthermore, our bioinformatic analysis suggests that the transcriptional organization of LC53 is similar to that of

Escherichia coli

phage T4. Importantly, LC53 encodes 18 tRNAs, which likely compensate for differences in GC content between phage and host genomes. Overall, this study describes a newly isolated phage infecting

Serratia

sp. ATCC 39006 that expands the diversity of phages available to study phage–host interactions.
TANGO2-related rhabdomyolysis symptoms are associated with abnormal autophagy functioning
Authors: de Calbiac Hortense , Montealegre Sebastian , Straube Marjolène , Renault Solène , Debruge Hugo , Chentout Loïc , Ciura Sorana , Imbard Apolline , Le Guillou Edouard , Marian Anca , Goudin Nicolas , Caccavelli Laure , Fabrega Sylvie , Hubas Arnaud , van Endert Peter , Dupont Nicolas , Diana Julien , Kabashi Edor , de Lonlay Pascale
Published: March 2023

Patients with pathogenic variants in the TANGO2 gene suffer from severe and recurrent rhabdomyolysis (RM) episodes precipitated by fasting. Since starvation promotes autophagy induction, we wondered whether TANGO2-related muscle symptoms result from autophagy insufficiency to meet cellular demands in stress conditions. Autophagy functioning was analyzedin vitro, in primary skeletal muscle cells from TANGO2 patients in basal and fasting conditions. In addition, we developed a tango2 morphant zebrafish model to assess the effect oftango2knockdown (KD) on locomotor function and autophagy efficiencyin vivo. We report that TANGO2 mutations are associated with decreased LC3-II levels upon starvation in primary muscle cells, but not in fibroblasts. In zebrafish larvae,tango2knockdown induces locomotor defects characterized by reduced evoked movements which are exacerbated by exposure to atorvastatin, a compound known to cause RM. Importantly, RM features oftango2KD are also associated with autophagy and mitophagy defects in zebrafish. Calpeptin treatment, a known activator of autophagy, is sufficient to rescue the locomotor properties, thanks to its beneficial effect on autophagy functioning in zebrafish and independently to its effect on calpain activity. LC3-II levels of primary muscle cells of TANGO2 patients are also improved by calpeptin treatment. Overall, we demonstrate that TANGO2 plays an important role in autophagy, and that autophagy efficiency is critical to prevent RM, thus giving rise to new therapeutic perspectives in the prevention of these life-threatening episodes in TANGO2 pathology.
Input-specific bi-directional regulation of CA3 pyramidal cell excitability: its implications in sequence learning
Authors: Eom Kisang , Kim Yujin , Baek Seungmin , Park Alan J , Ho Won-Kyung , Lee Suk-Ho
Published: March 2023

Neuronal excitability is a key determinant for recruitment of a neuron to an ensemble. High-frequency mossy fiber (MF) inputs induce a prolonged increase in the excitability of a CA3 pyramidal cell (called long-term potentiation of intrinsic excitability, LTP-IE), thereby weak perforant pathway (PP) inputs can induce long-term potentiation at PP synapses (PP-LTP). However, sustained hyperexcitability is detrimental, and a mechanism to reverse this primed state is necessary. Here, we show that burst firings of CA3 pyramidal cells elicited by PP or recurrent synaptic inputs reverse the MF-induced LTP-IE. Moreover, the high-frequency PP inputs to MF-primed CA3 pyramidal cells induced not only PP-LTP but also restored the high excitability state. Labeling a neuronal ensemble using c-fos promoter in animals exposed to a novel context, we found most CA3 ensemble cells exhibited increased excitability, indicative of LTP-IE. Moreover, when the animals experienced novel contexts twice with an interval, a substantial subset of putative twice-activated CA3 ensemble cells exhibited reduced excitability, implying depotentiation of LTP-IE. We developed an in silico model based on these experimental results and found that MF-induced LTP-IE and its depotentiation are critical for association of orthogonal neuronal ensembles representing temporally discontiguous events.

Highlights

It is unknown how non-overlapping ensembles are linked in the hippocampal CA3 area.

Mossy fiber inputs prime CA3 pyramidal cells by enhancing dendritic excitability.

Perforant pathway (PP) inputs to the primed cells induce synaptic strengthening.

At the same time, the high excitability state is restored by PP inputs.

This learning rule may play a key role in sequence learning in CA3 network.
Glycosylation differentially affects immune cell-specific tetraspanins CD37 and CD53
Authors: van Deventer Sjoerd , Hoogvliet Ilse A. , van de Voort Merel , Arnold Frank , van Spriel Annemiek B.
Published: March 2023

Tetraspanin proteins play an important role in many cellular processes as they are key organizers of different receptors on the plasma membrane. Most tetraspanins are highly glycosylated at their large extracellular loop, but the function of this post-translational modification remains largely unstudied. In this study we investigated the effects of glycosylation of CD37 and CD53, two tetraspanins important for cellular and humoral immunity. Broad and cell-specific repertoires of N-glycosylated CD37 and CD53 were observed in human B cells. We generated different glycosylation mutants of CD37 and CD53 and analyzed their localization, nanoscale organization and partner protein interaction capacity. Abrogation of glycosylation in CD37 revealed the importance of this modification for CD37 surface expression, whereas neither surface expression nor nanoscale organization of CD53 was affected by its glycosylation. CD37 interaction with its known partner proteins, CD20 and IL-6Rα, was not affected by glycosylation, other than via its changed subcellular localization. Surprisingly, glycosylation was found to inhibit the interaction between CD53 and its partner proteins CD45 and CD20. Together, our data show that tetraspanin glycosylation affects their function in immune cells, which adds another layer of regulation to tetraspanin-mediated membrane organization.
A novel interaction between the 5’ untranslated region of the Chikungunya virus genome and Musashi RNA binding protein is essential for efficient virus genome replication
Authors: Sun Kaiwen , Appadoo Francesca , Liu Yuqian , Müller Marietta , Macfarlane Catriona , Harris Mark , Tuplin Andrew
Published: March 2023

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a re-emerging, pathogenic alphavirus that is transmitted to humans byAedes spp. mosquitoes—causing fever and debilitating joint pain, with frequent long-term health implications and high morbidity. The CHIKV replication cycle is poorly understood and specific antiviral therapeutics are lacking. In the current study, we identify host cell Musashi RNA binding protein-2 (MSI-2) as a proviral factor. MSI-2 depletion and small molecule inhibition assays demonstrated that MSI-2 is required for efficient CHIKV genome replication. Depletion of both MSI-2 and MSI-1 homologues was found to synergistically inhibit CHIKV replication, suggesting redundancy in their proviral function. Electromobility shift assay (EMSA) competition studies demonstrated that MSI-2 interacts specifically with an RNA binding motif within the 5’ untranslated region (5’UTR) of CHIKV and reverse genetic analysis showed that mutation of the binding motif inhibited genome replication and blocked rescue of mutant virus. For the first time, this study identifies the proviral role of MSI RNA binding proteins in the replication of the CHIKV genome, providing important new insight into mechanisms controlling replication of this significant human pathogen and the potential of a novel therapeutic target.
The effect of colonic pH on microbial activity and metabolite production using common prebiotics as substrates: anin vitrostudy
Authors: Xie Zhuqing , He Weiwei , Gobbi Alex , Bertram Hanne Christine , Nielsen Dennis Sandris
Published: March 2023

The interplay between gut microbiota (GM) and host via degradation of dietary components leading to the production of metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) is affected by a range of factors including colonic pH and carbohydrate source. Here we investigate how differences in colonic pH influence GM composition and metabolite production using different substrates including inulin, lactose, Galactooligosaccharides (GOS), and Fructooligosaccharide (FOS) in anin vitrocolon setup. We investigated 3 different pH regimes (low, 5.2 increasing to 6.4; medium, 5.6 increasing to 6.8 and high, 6.0 increasing to 7.2) and found thatBacteroidesspp. decreased butBifidobacteriumspp. became abundant under low pH regimes, suggesting complex interactions of the bacterial community in the face of pH fluctuations in the colon. The butyrate producersButyricimonasandChristensenellawere enriched at higher pH conditions, where also butyrate production was increased using inulin as substrate. The relative abundance ofPhascolarctobacterium,Bacteroides, andRikenellaceaewas also increased at higher colonic pH, which was accompanied by increased production of propionate using GOS and FOS as substrate. The gastrointestinal factors are linked in a complex network, where microbial activity leads to the production of SCFAs and other compounds that influence pH, which in turn seems to influence microbial activity. Taken together, our results show that dynamic changes in colonic pH underin vitrosimulated conditions have a strong effect on gut microbial activity with SCFA production being higher at colonic pH conditions close to neutral.
How air pollution affects consumers' local brand choices: explanation from attribution and compensation tendency
Authors: Wang Yong , Meng Meijun , Li Yang , Zhou Qingjie , Cai Bofeng , Chen Shuo , Yang Dandan
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This research aims to explore how consumers' local brand choices differ between air-polluted days and clean days, and why the difference occurs.

Design/methodology/approach

Two studies were conducted. Study 1 used the longitudinal consumption data of various yogurt brands and daily air quality indexes in 2014 and 2015. Study 2 conducted three rounds of surveys on a clean day, a general air-polluted day and a seriously air-polluted day.

Findings

The findings indicate that consumers show less tendency of attribution and compensatory consumption during air-polluted days, which in turn decrease their willingness to choose local brands.

Practical implications

Implications are provided for future research and marketing practice, especially for local companies that rely heavily on local consumers, and retailers in heavy air-polluted areas.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to illustrate the influence of air pollution on consumers' local brand choices, and it extends current understanding on air pollution and consumer choices by discovering psychological process underneath to explain the effect.
Beggars can't be choosers: factors influencing intention to purchase organic food in pandemic with the moderating role of perceived barriers
Authors: Rehman Shafique Ur , Zhang Qingyu , Kubalek Jan , Al-Okaily Manaf
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The authors examined the impact of environmental concerns, knowledge of organic/novel food, food neophobia, food neophilia, health consciousness and social norms on satisfaction toward organic food leading to the intention to purchase organic food (IPOF). Moreover, perceived barriers are used as a moderator between satisfaction toward organic food and IPOF.

Design/methodology/approach

PLS-SEM followed and multiple regression analysis followed for hypotheses testing. Convenience sampling is used and 497 questionnaires were used for the final analysis.

Findings

Environmental concerns, knowledge of organic food, food neophilia, health consciousness, and social norms are positively related to satisfaction toward organic food leading to the IPOF. Food neophobia decreases satisfaction toward organic food. Moreover, perceived barriers are significantly moderate between satisfaction toward organic food and IPOF.

Practical implications

Organic food organizations can use the findings to increase their IPOF. Moreover, academicians and practitioners can get an advantage from study outcomes.

Originality/value

This is a pioneer study that incorporates environmental concerns, knowledge of organic food, food neophobia, food neophilia, health consciousness, social norms, satisfaction toward organic food and perceived barriers to examine IPOF in light of the theory of planned behavior (TPB).
“Green” practices in the food retail sector: evidence from the Romanian market
Authors: Grosu Raluca Mariana
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Within a Europe highly concerned about becoming a zero net greenhouse gas emission continent, and where the circular economy is strongly promoted as a proper lever in this sense, the present paper aims to raise awareness regarding best practices towards a “green” food retail sector in Romania. In a more specific regard, the “green” practices implemented by the main food retailers acting on the Romanian market are analysed, focusing on what these practices are, how they are measured and how transparent they are.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on desk research consisting in the identification and content analysis of the “green”-related information outlined on the food retailers' websites and in their published sustainability reports.

Findings

Food retailers are concerned about becoming carbon neutral, implementing the “green” measures outlined in the paper through the lenses of waste management, minimising/eradicating plastic, reducing/eliminating food waste, energy efficiency/saving, water consumption efficiency, protecting biodiversity, transportation efficiency and compliance with standards/obtained certifications/adherence to pacts. In addition to actions, food retailers are concerned about their proper, continuous monitorization, tackling key indicators in four directions: overall impact on the environment, impact on resources, waste impact and transportation impact.

Originality/value

The paper provides a novel, exhaustive best practices guide to encourage the transition to a “greener” activity in the Romanian food retail sector, highlighting both action measures and key assessment indicators.
Development of optimal placement and sizing of FACTS devices in power system integrated with wind power using modified krill herd algorithm
Authors: Neelamkavil Pappachan Sebi
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study aims to intend and implement the optimal power flow, where tuning the production cost is done with the inclusion of stochastic wind power and different kinds of flexible AC transmission systems (FACTS) devices. Here, the speed with fitness-based krill herd algorithm (SF-KHA) is adopted for deciding the FACTS devices’ optimal sizing and placement integrated with wind power. Here, the modified SF-KHA optimizes the sizing and location of FACTS devices for attaining the minimum average production cost and real power depletions of the system. Especially, the objective includes reserve cost for overestimation, cost of thermal generation of the wind power, direct cost of scheduled wind power and penalty cost for underestimation. The efficiency of the offered method over several popular optimization algorithms has been done, and the comparison over different algorithms establishes proposed KHA algorithm attains the accurate optimal efficiency for all other algorithms.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed FACTS devices-based power system with the integration of wind generators is based on the accurate placement and sizing of FACTS devices for decreasing the actual power loss and total production cost of the power system.

Findings

Through the cost function evaluation of the offered SF-KHA, it was noted that the proposed SF-KHA-based power system had secured 13.04% superior to success history-based adaptive differential evolution, 9.09% enhanced than differential evolution, 11.5% better than artificial bee colony algorithm, 15.2% superior to particle swarm optimization and 9.09% improved than flower pollination algorithm.

Originality/value

The proposed power system with the accurate placement and sizing of FACTS devices and wind generator using the suggested SF-KHA was effective when compared with the conventional algorithm-based power systems.
A cross-platform recommendation system from Facebook to Instagram
Authors: Chang Chia-Ling , Chen Yen-Liang , Li Jia-Shin
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a cross-platform recommendation system that recommends the most suitable public Instagram accounts to Facebook users.

Design/methodology/approach

We collect data from both Facebook and Instagram and then propose a similarity matching mechanism for recommending the most appropriate Instagram accounts to Facebook users. By removing the data disparity between the two heterogeneous platforms and integrating them, the system is able to make more accurate recommendations.

Findings

The results show that the method proposed in this paper can recommend suitable public Instagram accounts to Facebook users with very high accuracy.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to propose a recommender system to recommend Instagram public accounts to Facebook users. Second, our proposed method can integrate heterogeneous data from two different platforms to generate collaborative recommendations. Furthermore, our cross-platform system reveals an innovative concept of how multiple platforms can promote their respective platforms in a unified, cooperative and collaborative manner.
A review on effects of process parameters in milling challenging materials under nanofluid-based MQL conditions
Authors: Vadnere Amol Purushottam , Kalpande Shyamkumar D.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the literature that is currently available and take a glance at minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) with nanofluids (NFs) as viable candidates to improve the efficiency of various milling operations on challenging materials.

Design/methodology/approach

The extensive literature review is carried through the existing literature, which shows the effect of various process parameters in the milling operation of challenging materials under NF-MQL conditions. The manuscript also deals with identifying the inferences and research gaps from the literature review. The role and potential of NF-MQL in milling challenging materials are identified in this work.

Findings

The conclusion has also derived some recommendations for future study from the prior research, which will be helpful for any further research in this area.

Research limitations/implications

This research work is limited to milling operations in challenging materials.

Practical implications

NF-MQL applications in milling operations are comparatively underexplored and merit considerable research. The amount of effort industry practitioners put into sustainable manufacturing will surely be greatly reduced by thorough research on the milling of challenging materials under NF-MQL settings.

Social implications

MQL system has a great potential to perform well in the experimental endeavor. Despite that fact, majority of the small and medium scale manufacturing industries are still using the conventional flood system for the machining of the workpieces because of the unaffordable initial cost and requirement of expertise involved as compared to the flooded lubrication. This issue might be solved when more works will be accomplished in industries for small as well as medium scale production.

Originality/value

These are novel study approaches because there are so many variables that affect cutting efficiency; therefore, more research is required to assess and provide direction for the advancement of hard milling technology.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-01-2023-0010/
Analysis of maintenance outsourcing challenges for belt conveyors in the Industry 4.0 era
Authors: Parmar Narendrasinh Jesangbhai , James Ajith Tom , Asjad Mohammad
Published: March 2023

Purpose

There is an increasing trend of outsourcing maintenance activities of heavy equipment, including belt conveyor installations. However, there are numerous challenges in maintenance outsourcing. This paper aims to identify and analyze various challenges of outsourcing maintenance activities associated with belt conveyor installations.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper identifies maintenance outsourcing challenges of belt conveyor installations through literature review, field visits and expert opinion. An integrated structural hierarchical framework of the identified challenges is developed through analytic hierarchy process and decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory.

Findings

The paper has identified eight challenges, namely, attainment of organizational strength by contractors, legal and financial challenges for contractors, attainment of necessary technician skills by contractors, maintenance data acquisition and analysis challenges, facilitation with modern equipment, gadgets and instrumentation, service quality challenges, health, safety and environment-related challenges and spares supply chain management challenges. The segregation of driver and dependent challenges, including their hierarchical framework had been established in this work.

Research limitations/implications

A comprehensive list of challenges and their prioritization in maintenance outsourcing of belt conveyor installations had been established. This will help the organizations who own and operate these installations to make judicious decisions regarding outsourcing maintenance.

Originality/value

This paper significantly contributes to the literature on maintenance outsourcing of heavy machinery installations like a belt conveyor system based on the input of different stakeholders. This study will lead to the development of frameworks for maintenance contractor selection for such installations.
Simulation of bolted connections under fire: optimization and model validation
Authors: Saglik Huseyin , Chen Airong , Ma Rujin
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Beginners and even experienced ones have difficulties in completing the structural fire analysis due to numerical difficulties such as convergence errors and singularity and have to spend a lot of time making many repetitive changes on the model. The aim of this article is to highlight the advantages of explicit solver which can eliminate the mentioned difficulties in finite element analysis containing highly nonlinear contacts, clearance between modeled parts at the beginning and large deflections because of high temperature. This article provides important information, especially for researchers and engineers who are new to structural fire analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The finite element method is utilized to achieve mentioned purposes. First, a comparative study is conducted between implicit and explicit solvers by using Abaqus. Then, a validation process is carried out to illustrate the explicit process by using sequentially coupled heat transfer and structural analysis.

Findings

Explicit analysis offers an easier solution than implicit analysis for modeling multi-bolted connections under high temperatures. An optimum mesh density for bolted connections is presented to reflect the realistic structural behavior. Presented explicit process with the offered mesh density is used in the validation of an experimental study on multi-bolted splice connection under ISO 834 standard fire curve. A good agreement is achieved.

Originality/value

What makes the study valuable is that the points to be considered in the structural fire analysis are examined and it is a guide that future researchers can benefit from. This is especially true for modeling and analysis of multi-bolted connections in finite element software under high temperatures. The article can help to shorten and even eliminate the iterative debugging phases, which is a problematic and very time-consuming process for many researchers.
Determining outcome factors of city branding post-COVID-19: roles of brand satisfaction, brand experience and perceived risk
Authors: Kusumawati Andriani , Dewantara Rizki Yudhi , Azizah Devi Farah , Supriono Supriono
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate city branding as a post-pandemic COVID-19 outcome factor on brand satisfaction, brand experience, perceived risk and revisit intention. In addition, this research contributes to the discussion of post-COVID-19 city branding that needs to be considered in the development of future tourism marketing.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative approach was used with PLS-SEM statistical analysis and a 263-tourist sample. The study was conducted on tourists from Malang Regency in Indonesia by distributing questionnaires modified from previous studies in a similar context.

Findings

The results of this study found that there were significant influences of city brand personality on brand experience, brand satisfaction, brand experience on perceived risk, brand satisfaction on revisit intention and perceived risk on revisit intention. This study also presents the mediating role.

Research limitations/implications

The study was only conducted on a small regency in Indonesia, and therefore the results cannot be generalized for other cities over the world.

Practical implications

The proposed study model suggests that stakeholders must seek to socialize services to potential tourists, so that tourists can understand the description of tourism activities that can be enjoyed during the COVID-19 pandemic and the way they travel in the future.

Social implications

Understanding the determinant factors of city branding post-COVID-19 was valuable for developing marketing strategies to cope with intense competition among the city.

Originality/value

This study emphasizes the determinants of COVID-19 perceived risk and revisit intentions as explained in the tourism marketing literature by considering the role of brand satisfaction, brand experience and city brand personality which significantly contribute to build the city competitiveness. Therefore, various creative strategies should be implemented to promote the city as well as escalate tourist visits without ignoring the pandemic’s risks.
SDG reporting: an analysis of corporate sustainability leaders
Authors: Ferrero-Ferrero Idoya , Muñoz-Torres María Jesús , Rivera-Lirio Juana María , Escrig-Olmedo Elena , Fernández-Izquierdo María Ángeles
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study aims to empirically analyze a sound commitment and a consistent integration of sustainable development goals (SDGs) in the corporate reporting and management systems of companies that have a leading position in sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applies a content analysis procedure based on a proposed analytical framework to codify the commitment and the SDG integration. In order to analyze the consistency of the integration, this study has provided a “SDG integration” score based on fuzzy inference systems methods. The companies in the sample have been identified as benchmarks in terms of sustainability in a specific region of Spain.

Findings

The findings show a lack of formality regarding the SDG commitment at the highest decision-making level and a low level of SDG integration in the reporting and management systems. These results are mainly explained because the most companies do not prioritize according to the materiality analysis and those SDGs more reported have not been deployed along targets and KPIs in a consistent way.

Research limitations/implications

The results provide practical implications that help to overcome the limitations in terms of comparison and consistency of the SDGs-reported information. It also illustrates how the leading sustainable companies are doing the SDG reporting and suggests which elements could be improved to promote a consistent integration of the SDGs in the management systems.

Originality/value

This study provides new work lines in the promotion of an effective SDG-business reporting based on a robust management structure that allows an alignment among the SDG-business decisions based on a normative, strategic and operational approach.
Home-based telework and job stress: the mediation effect of work extension
Authors: Goñi-Legaz Salomé , Núñez Imanol , Ollo-López Andrea
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate how home-based telework (HBT) affects job stress. The authors argue that an intrinsic effect of telework like work extension mediates this relationship. Work extension is reflected in two employee behaviours: working in free time and presentism.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed model has been estimated using the Preacher and Hayes bootstrap method for multiple mediation analysis, with 1,000 repetitions. The data used come from the sixth European Working Conditions Survey.

Findings

The analysis indicates that HBT does not pose an inherent risk for job stress but causes a change in the employees' behaviour, increasing working in free time and presenteeism and thus job stress. The mediation model indicates that once these behaviours are controlled, the effect of HBT is to reduce stress.

Research limitations/implications

The authors argue that companies should focus on human resource practices to control workers' behaviours that have a detrimental effect on job stress while institutions should regulate HBT.

Originality/value

The analysis deepens the unclear relationship between HBT and job stress by introducing employees' behaviours concerning work extension into the equation.