bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
LbCas12-mediated multiplex gene editing and 2-fluoroadenine counter-selection inPhytophthora palmivora
Authors: Verhoeven Tim , Pluis Max HJ , Peippo Maaria , Couillaud Gabriel , van den Berg Grardy CM , Evangelisti Edouard 
Published: February 2024

AbstractCRISPR-Cas systems have moved forward genetic engineering in virtually any organism amenable to genetic modification. In particular, these systems have unlocked unprecedented possibilities to generate mutants in oomycetes, a group of filamentous microbes comprising over two hundredPhytophthoraspecies, including the cacao killerPhytophthora palmivora. Here, we showcase multiplex gene editing inP. palmivorausing LbCas12. We have developed a straightforward protocol to simultaneously knock out two genes encoding adenine phosphoribosyltransferase (APT), an essential enzyme of the purine salvage pathway. We show thatAPTknockouts (ΔPpATP1/2) are insensitive to 2-fluoroadenine (2-FA) and retain full virulence onNicotiana benthamiana. We rely on zoospore electroporation using an all-in-one construct to facilitate the rapid editing of multiple genes. This work enhances the genetic toolbox forPhytophthoraspecies and simplifies the exploration of gene function, laying the groundwork for future innovations aiming to tackle oomycete plant diseases.
MicroRNA-29a-5p Attenuates Oxygen-glucose Deprivation and Reoxygenation Injury in Astrocytes by Targeting Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3β
Authors: Li Chang-Luo , Zhuang Jin-Kun , Liu Zhong , Huang Zhong-Run , Xiang Chun , Shi Zhong-Song 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundCerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) after endovascular reperfusion treatment is associated with adverse prognosis in acute ischemic stroke patients. MicroRNAs contribute to CIRI and become the diagnostic and prognosis biomarkers for acute ischemic stroke. In this study, we investigate the role of microRNA-29a-5p in CIRI in the oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation (OGD/R) model of neurovascular cells.MethodsThe expression of microRNA-29a-5p in rat neurons, astrocytes, brain microvascular endothelial cells, microglia, and pericytes model of OGD/R were assessed. The astrocyte injury, phenotype shifting of reactive astrocytes, and regulation of microRNA-29a-5p target genes were evaluated after microRNA-29a-5p mimics and inhibitors treatment in the OGD/R model.ResultsMicroRNA-29a-5p decreased in the astrocyte model 24 hours after OGD/R but did not significantly change in the other neurovascular cells after OGD/R. Twelve predicted target genes for microRNA-29a-5p were significantly differentially expressed in the astrocyte OGD/R model; eleven participated in the Wnt signaling pathway. Increased microRNA-29a-5p alleviated astrocyte injury and cell apoptosis. Overexpression of microRNA-29a-5p suppressed neurotoxic A1 astrocyte markers of complement 3, FK506 binding protein 51, and Serping1 and increased neuroprotective A2 astrocyte markers of S100a10, Pentraxin 3, and Emp1. MicroRNA-29a-5p effectively regulated the direct target gene of Glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β expression and its downstream β-catenin in astrocytes after OGD/R.ConclusionsMicroRNA-29a-5p alleviated astrocyte injury, transformed the A1/A2 phenotype of reactive astrocyte, and regulated its direct target gene of GSK-3β and its downstream mediator of β-catenin in astrocytes after OGD/R. Astrocytic microRNA-29a-5p may be a protective target for reducing CIRI.
Mitigation of Fetal Irradiation Injury from Mid-Gestation Total Body Radiation with Mitochondrial-Targeted GS-Nitroxide JP4-039
Authors: Wu Yijen L. , Christodoulou Anthony G. , Beumer Jan H. , Rigatti Lora H. , Fisher Renee , Ross Mark , Watkins Simon , Cortes Devin R. E. , Ruck Cody , Manzoor Shanim , Wyman Samuel K. , Stapleton Margaret C. , Goetzman Eric , Bharathi Sivakama , Wipf Peter , Tan Tuantuan , Eiseman Julie L. , Christner Susan M. , Guo Jianxia , Lo Cecilia W. Y. , Epperly Michael W. , Greenberger Joel S. 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTVictims of a radiation terrorist event will include pregnant women and unborn fetuses. Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are key pathogenic factors of fetal irradiation injury. The goal of this preclinical study is to investigate the efficacy of mitigating fetal irradiation injury by maternal administration of the mitochondrial-targeted gramicidin S (GS)- nitroxide radiation mitigator, JP4-039. Pregnant female C57BL/6NTac mice received 3 Gy total body ionizing irradiation (TBI) at mid-gestation embryonic day 13.5 (E13.5). Using novel time- and-motion-resolved 4Din uteromagnetic resonance imaging (4D-uMRI), we found TBI caused extensive injury to the fetal brain that included cerebral hemorrhage, loss of cerebral tissue, and hydrocephalus with excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Histopathology of the fetal mouse brain showed broken cerebral vessels and elevated apoptosis. Further use of novel 4D Oxy-wavelet MRI capable of probingin vivomitochondrial function in intact brain revealed significant reduction of mitochondrial function in the fetal brain after 3Gy TBI. This was validated byex vivoOroboros mitochondrial respirometry. Maternal administration JP4-039 one day after TBI (E14.5), which can pass through the placental barrier, significantly reduced fetal brain radiation injury and improved fetal brain mitochondrial respiration. This also preserved cerebral brain tissue integrity and reduced cerebral hemorrhage and cell death. As JP4-039 administration did not change litter sizes or fetus viability, together these findings indicate JP4-039 can be deployed as a safe and effective mitigator of fetal radiation injury from mid-gestational in utero ionizing radiation exposure.One Sentence SummaryMitochondrial-targeted gramicidin S (GS)-nitroxide JP4-039 is safe and effective radiation mitigator for mid-gestational fetal irradiation injury.
Molecular signatures of cortical expansion in the human fetal brain
Authors: Ball G. , Oldham S. , Kyriakopoulou V. , Williams L. Z. J. , Karolis V. , Price A. , Hutter J. , Seal M.L. , Alexander-Bloch A. , Hajnal J.V. , Edwards A.D. , Robinson E.C. , Seidlitz J. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe third trimester of human gestation is characterised by rapid increases in brain volume and cortical surface area. A growing catalogue of cells in the prenatal brain has revealed remarkable molecular diversity across cortical areas.1,2Despite this, little is known about how this translates into the patterns of differential cortical expansion observed in humans during the latter stages of gestation. Here we present a new resource, μBrain, to facilitate knowledge translation between molecular and anatomical descriptions of the prenatal developing brain. Built using generative artificial intelligence, μBrain is a three-dimensional cellular-resolution digital atlas combining publicly-available serial sections of the postmortem human brain at 21 weeks gestation3with bulk tissue microarray data, sampled across 29 cortical regions and 5 transient tissue zones.4Using μBrain, we evaluate the molecular signatures of preferentially-expanded cortical regions during human gestation, quantifiedin uterousing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We find that differences in the rates of expansion across cortical areas during gestation respect anatomical and evolutionary boundaries between cortical types5and are founded upon extended periods of upper-layer cortical neuron migration that continue beyond mid-gestation. We identify a set of genes that are upregulated from mid-gestation and highly expressed in rapidly expanding neocortex, which are implicated in genetic disorders with cognitive sequelae. Our findings demonstrate a spatial coupling between areal differences in the timing of neurogenesis and rates of expansion across the neocortical sheet during the prenatal epoch. The μBrain atlas is available from:https://garedaba.github.io/micro-brain/and provides a new tool to comprehensively map early brain development across domains, model systems and resolution scales.
Changes in mitochondrial distribution occur at the axon initial segment in association with neurodegeneration inDrosophila
Authors: Wodrich Andrew P. K. , Harris Brent T. , Giniger Edward 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTChanges in mitochondrial distribution are a feature of numerous age-related neurodegenerative diseases. InDrosophila, reducing the activity of Cdk5 causes a neurodegenerative phenotype and is known to affect several mitochondrial properties. Therefore, we investigated whether alterations of mitochondrial distribution are involved in Cdk5-associated neurodegeneration. We find that reducing Cdk5 activity does not alter the balance of mitochondrial localization to the somatodendritic vs. axonal neuronal compartments of the mushroom body, the learning and memory center of theDrosophilabrain. We do, however, observe changes in mitochondrial distribution at the axon initial segment (AIS), a neuronal compartment located in the proximal axon involved in neuronal polarization and action potential initiation. Specifically, we observe that mitochondria are partially excluded from the AIS in wild-type neurons, but that this exclusion is lost upon reduction of Cdk5 activity, concomitant with the shrinkage of the AIS domain that is known to occur in this condition. This mitochondrial redistribution into the AIS is not likely due to the shortening of the AIS domain itself but rather due to altered Cdk5 activity. Furthermore, mitochondrial redistribution into the AIS is unlikely to be an early driver of neurodegeneration in the context of reduced Cdk5 activity.Summary statementInDrosophila, mitochondria are excluded from the axon iniCal segment, a neuronal compartment that regulates neuron polarity and axon potenCals, and this paYern is disrupted in a model of neurodegeneraCon.
The potential for blockchain to improve small-scale agri-food business’ supply chain resilience: a systematic review
Authors: Jellason Nugun P. , Ambituuni Ambisisi , Adu Douglas A. , Jellason Joy A. , Qureshi Muhammad Imran , Olarinde Abisola , Manning Louise 
Published: February 2024

PurposeWe conducted a systematic review to explore the potential for the application of blockchain technologies for supply chain resilience in a small-scale agri-food business context.Design/methodology/approachAs part of the research methodology, scientific databases such as Web of Science, Google Scholar and Scopus were used to find relevant articles for this review.FindingsThe systematic review of articles (n = 57) found that the use of blockchain technology in the small-scale agri-food business sector can reduce the risk of food fraud by assuring the provenance of food products.Research limitations/implicationsOnly a few papers were directly from a small-scale agribusiness context. Key challenges that limit the implementation of blockchain and other distributed ledger technologies include concerns over the disclosure of proprietary information and trade secrets, incomplete or inaccurate information, economic and technical difficulties, low levels of trust in the technology, risk of human error and poor governance of process-related issues.Originality/valueThe application of blockchain technology ensures that the risks and costs associated with non-compliance, product recalls and product loss are reduced. Improved communication and information sharing can increase resilience and better support provenance claims and traceability. Better customer relationships can be built, increasing supply chain efficiency and resilience.
Use of nutrition facts panels and traffic light labelling and perceived healthiness of food: conjoint analysis and cross-sectional survey
Authors: Cheikh Ismail Leila , Radwan Hadia , Osaili Tareq , Mustafa Eman H. , Nasereddin Fatema M. , Saleh Hafsa J. , Matar Sara A. , Saleh Sheima T. , Mohamad Maysm N. , Al Daour Rameez , Al Rajaby Radhiya , Saif Eman R. , Stojanovska Lily , Al Dhaheri Ayesha S. 
Published: February 2024

PurposeNutrition labels provide a cost-effective method of conveying nutrition information to consumers. This study aimed to assess the use of nutrition facts panels, knowledge of traffic light labelling (TLL) and perceived healthiness of food items using TLL among consumers.Design/methodology/approachA web-based cross-sectional study was conducted among adults in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) (n = 1,322). TLL knowledge score was derived for each participant. Conjoint analysis was used to calculate the utilities and relative importance of the perceived healthiness scores for four attributes (fat, saturated fat, total sugar, salt) at the aggregate level.FindingsParticipants had a positive attitude towards TLL but were less familiar with TLL than the nutrition facts panel (47.4 vs 85.8%). The mean TLL knowledge score was 3.6 out of 7 (51.6%). Younger age, higher education, higher income, and health-related qualifications were associated with higher scores. Conjoint analysis showed that participants tend to choose products with greener labels, especially for sugars (80.1%) and avoid red labels for fats. Sugars had the highest percentage value of relative importance compared to the other attributes (27.1%).Originality/valueThe study outcomes offer valuable insights into the extent of consumer awareness, comprehension and utilization of nutrition facts panels in the UAE. These findings contribute essential knowledge for a deeper understanding of the impact of nutrition labels on consumer behaviour and decision-making in the region.
Audit committee attributes and bank performance in Africa
Authors: Umar Umar Habibu , Shawai Jamilu Sani , Adesugba Anthony Kolade , Jibril Abubakar Isa 
Published: February 2024

PurposeThis study aims to evaluate how audit committee (AC) characteristics affect the performance of banks in Africa.Design/methodology/approachThe authors manually generated unbalanced panel data from 78 commercial banks operating in twelve (12) countries whose annual reports were published on the website of African Financials between 2010 and 2020.FindingsThe results indicate that AC size has an insignificant positive association with bank performance (return on equity and Tobin’s Q). AC independence has a significant positive association with bank performance. However, AC gender diversity has a significant negative association with bank performance. Besides, AC financial expertise has a significant positive and negative association with return on equity and Tobin’s Q, respectively.Research limitations/implicationsThe study considered only 78 banks that operate in twelve (12) African countries. Besides, the authors consider only four (4) AC attributes.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest the need to maintain a smaller AC, appoint more independent members to AC, reduce the number of women appointed to AC and ensure most AC members have financial expertise. These measures could improve bank performance in Africa.Originality/valueUnlike previous African studies that are mostly restricted to a country level, the study examined how AC attributes influence the performance of banks that operate in Africa.
An institutional approach to analyze the multi-level policymaking system of online social networks: a case study of Iran
Authors: Namdarian Leila , Khedmatgozar Hamid Reza 
Published: February 2024

Purpose
This study aims to elucidate institutional analysis as an effective approach to investigating and designing the multilevel policymaking system of online social networks (OSN) for achieving a participatory model.

Design/methodology/approach
The institutional mapping approach has been used to analyze Iran’s OSN multilevel policymaking system. A combination of two matrices, including institutions-institutions and institutions-functions, was used to perform the institutional mapping. Two main steps were taken to draw the mentioned matrices. First, a review of related studies in Iran’s OSN policymaking system was conducted and the policy functions mentioned in these studies were identified and categorized using the meta-synthesis. Second, based on analyzing two policy documents of Iran’s OSN, institutions and their interactions were identified and policy functions were allocated to institutions.

Findings
Based on the results, the most important policy functions in the current OSN policymaking system in Iran are support, regulatory, monitoring and evaluation, business environment development, culture building and promotion, organizing licenses and permissions, policymaking and legislation. Also, the results show that there are shortcomings in this system, some of the most important of which are lack of transparency in regulatory, little work in culture building and promotion, neglect of the training of specialized human resources and research and development, slow development of the business environment and neglecting the role of nongovernmental organizations in policymaking.

Originality/value
By examining and analyzing how different institutions operate within a multilevel policymaking system, the policymaking process and its overall effectiveness can be enhanced. This analysis helps identify any inconsistencies, overlaps or conflicts in the roles and policies of these institutions, leading to a better understanding of how a multilevel policymaking system is organized.
Assessing green innovation practices in construction firms: a developing-country perspective
Authors: Dang Chau Ngoc , Wipulanusat Warit , Nuaklong Peem , Witchayangkoon Boonsap 
Published: February 2024

PurposeIn developing countries, construction organizations are seeking to effectively implement green innovation strategies. Thus, this study aims to assess the importance of green innovation practices and develop a measurement model for quantifying the green innovation degrees of construction firms.Design/methodology/approachA mixed-methods research approach is adopted. First, an extensive literature review is performed to identify potential green innovation items, which are then used to design a preliminary questionnaire. Next, expert interviews are conducted to pilot-test this questionnaire. Subsequently, by using a convenience non-probability sampling method, 88 valid responses are collected from construction firms in Vietnam. Then, one-sample and independent-samples t tests are employed to assess the importance of green innovation practices. Fuzzy synthetic evaluation (FSE) is also applied to quantitatively compare such practices. Finally, green innovation level (GIL) is proposed to measure the green innovation indexes and validated by a case study of seven construction firms.FindingsThis study identifies 13 green innovation variables, of which several key practices are highlighted for small/medium and large construction firms. The results of FSE analysis indicate that green process innovation is the most vital green category in construction firms, followed by green product and management innovations, respectively. As a quantitative measure, GIL could allow construction firms to frequently evaluate their green innovation indexes, thereby promoting green innovation practices comprehensively. Hence, construction firms would significantly enhance green competitive advantages and increasingly contribute to green and sustainable construction developments.Originality/valueThis research is one of the first attempts to integrate various green innovation practices into a comprehensive formulation. The established indexes offer detailed green innovation evaluations, which could be considered as valuable references for construction practitioners. Furthermore, a reliable and practical tool (i.e. GIL) is proposed to measure the GILs of construction firms in developing countries.
How does COVID-19 affect workplace employee relations in China? Evidence based on a survey of firms from Guangdong province
Authors: Sun Zhongwei , Zhang Xuchuang , Wu Xiaofang 
Published: February 2024

PurposeThis study investigates the mediating role of wage and workforce adjustments, along with the moderating influence of collective bargaining system and employees’ localization, in elucidating the relationship between the COVID-19 shock and workplace employee relations (ER) tension.Design/methodology/approachSurvey data from 1,483 enterprises across 21 prefectural cities in China’s Guangdong Province are collected. The hypotheses are tested by logistic regression.FindingsThe study reveals a positive correlation between the COVID-19 shock and workplace ER tension across crisis-hit enterprises, irrespective of their size or industrial sector. Wage reduction and mass layoffs emerge as significant mediators, while the collective bargaining system (CBS) and employees’ localization act as moderators.Research limitations/implicationsThe measurement of ER is limited in a single-item scale. Representation of China is also limited since the study exclusively focuses on Guangdong province. The study offers some contributions that firm-level data reveal the pathway through which COVID-19 creates ER tension.Practical implicationsOn the one hand, the authors recommend the establishment of an effective communication system between employers and employees. On the other hand, managers should consider the role of informal institutions. Furthermore, the authors suggest implementing tailored strategies at the enterprise level.Social implicationsIntense external shocks result in widespread layoffs and increased wage reductions within workplaces, and under such circumstances, formal or informal institutions may be insufficient to alleviate ER tension. In this case, the state authorities – including governments and other public agencies or bodies – are necessary to intervene in to organize tripartite dialogue.Originality/valueWhile numerous emerging studies on COVID-19 explore how different countries manage industrial relations tension at the national level, few focus on ER at workplace level, particularly in developing countries. Understanding how workplace ER evolve during external shocks and identifying institutional measures to mitigate their negative impact is crucial for future crisis management.
Firm performance in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic: the role of perceived organizational support during change and work engagement
Authors: Katsaros Kleanthis K. 
Published: February 2024

PurposeBy drawing on the perceived organizational support (POS) theory and the extended job demands-resources model (JD-R model), the aim of this study is to investigate the influence of different levels of organizational support during change (i.e. organizational level, supervisory level, coworker level) on firm financial performance and to explore the role of employee work engagement.Design/methodology/approachData were collected during the second outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in two waves, approximately 2 weeks apart. A total of 291 employees in the Greek telecommunication industry completed questionnaires examining the POS during change and consequently, their supervisors evaluated their work engagement. The research model was tested with the use of structural equation modeling.FindingsThe research findings note the importance of different levels of organizational support during change; they describe how each level influences employees' work engagement as well as they confirm that employee work engagement mediates the relationship between POS during change and firm financial performance. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.Practical implicationsThe results indicate that should firms manage to influence positively employees' work engagement by providing support at all levels during change, they may boost their financial performance.Originality/valueThe research findings provide new insights into how POS and work engagement may influence firm financial performance. The originality of this study lies in the finding that employees' work engagement mediates the relationship between POS during change and firm financial performance. Further, the study was carried out in the Greek telecommunication industry during the second outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.