bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigating the Rescue Potential of Fecal Microbiota Transplants in Anorexia Nervosa using Antibiotic-treated Mice in a Split Group Cross-Over Study
Authors: Maschek Sina , Østergaard Theresa Helena , Krych Lukasz , Zachariassen Line Fisker , Sørensen Dorte Bratbo , Mentzel Caroline M. Junker , Hansen Axel Kornerup , Sjögren Jan Magnus , Barfod Kenneth Klingenberg 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAnorexia nervosa (AN) is a complex and serious mental disorder, which may affect individuals of all ages and sex, but primarily affecting young women. The disease is characterized by a disturbed body image, restrictive eating behavior, and a lack of acknowledgment of low body weight. The underlying causes of AN remain largely unknown, and current treatment options are limited to psychotherapy and nutritional support. This paper investigates the impact of Fecal Microbiota Transplants (FMT) from AN patients on food intake, body weight, behavior, and gut microbiota in antibiotic-treated mice. Two rounds of FMT were performed using AN and control (CO) donors. During the second round of FMT, a subset of mice received FMT from a different donor type. This split-group cross-over design was chosen to demonstrate any recovery effect of FMT from a healthy donor. The first FMT, from AN donors, resulted in lower food intake in mice without affecting body weight. After FMT2, serum analysis revealed higher levels of appetite-influencing hormones (PYY and leptin) in mice receiving AN-GM. Gut microbiota analysis showed significant differences between AN and CO mice after FMT1, before cross-over. Specific bacterial genera and familiesRuminococcaceae, Lachnospiraceae,andFaecalibacteriumshowed different abundances in AN and CO receiving mice. Behavioral tests showed decreased locomotor activity in AN mice after FMT1. Overall, the results suggest that AN-GM may contribute to altered food intake and appetite regulation, which can be ameliorated with FMT from a healthy donor potentially offering FMT as a supportive treatment for AN.
Occurrence of Salmonella species in local and commercial chickens slaughtered at Samaru and Sabon-gari live bird markets, Kaduna State
Authors: Ashar Saaondo James , Ameh Anthony Oche , Adamu Jibril , Kwaga Jacob Kwaga Paghi 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACTSalmonellosis is a bacterial infection caused by members of the genusSalmonella. It is one of the most common and important zoonotic diseases. The route of infection from animals to humans is usually through contaminated food, water and environment. Bacteriological investigation on 303 cloacal swab samples collected from local (139) and commercial (164) chickens slaughtered at Samaru and Sabon-gari live bird markets, Kaduna State was carried out to determine the occurrence ofSalmonellaspecies. Cultural isolation and identification using conventional biochemical tests, microgen test kit™ and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification ofinvA gene of theSalmonellaisolates was carried out. Isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility tests, phenotypic detection of Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamases (ESBLs) producingSalmonellaisolates using the modified Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) ESBL confirmatory test. The occurrence ofSalmonellaspecies based on cultural and biochemical tests was found to be 13 (4.29%), microgen kit identified 7 (53.8%) of the 13Salmonellaspecies while PCR based oninvA gene confirmed 9 (69.2%) as the overall occurrence rate ofSalmonellaspecies. Meanwhile, the study also revealed rate of occurrence ofSalmonellaspecies in local chickens 8 (61.5%) which was higher compared to commercial chickens 1 (7.69%) with a statistical significant association (χ2= 8.775, P = 0.003) between the occurrence ofSalmonellaspecies in local and commercial chickens. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out using panel of 12 antibiotics from 8 different antibiotic classes. Highest rate of sensitivity of the isolates to antibiotics was observed for Ofloxacin with 90%, while all the isolates (100%) were resistant to Nalidixic Acid, Cefazolin, Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid, Oxacillin and Penicillin. This study revealed multidrug-resistance (MDR) profile ofSalmonellawith a total of (25%) ofSalmonellaisolates being resistant to 5 antibiotics belonging to 4 different classes of antimicrobials with the highest multiple antibiotic-resistant (MAR) indices ranging from 0.58 to 0.91. All the nine (9) isolates ofSalmonellatested were found to be negative for ESBLs production. Therefore, it is concluded thatSalmonellaspecies are present in local and commercial chickens slaughtered at Samaru and Sabon-gari live bird markets, Kaduna State and could pose serious public health risks to handlers and to consumers of poultry meat and its products.
Systemic pharmacological suppression of neural activity reverses learning impairment in a mouse model of Fragile X syndrome
Authors: Shakhawat Amin Md , Foltz Jacqueline G , Nance Adam B. , Bhateja Jaydev , Raymond Jennifer L 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACTThe enhancement of associative synaptic plasticity often results in impaired rather than enhanced learning. Previously, we proposed that such learning impairments can result from saturation of the plasticity mechanism (Nguyen-Vu et al., 2017), or, more generally, from a history-dependent change in the threshold for plasticity. This hypothesis was based on experimental results from mice lacking two class I major histocompatibility molecules, MHCI H2-Kband H2- Db(MHCIKbDb−/−), which have enhanced associative long-term depression at the parallel fiber-Purkinje cell synapses in the cerebellum (PF-Purkinje cell LTD). Here, we extend this work by testing predictions of the threshold metaplasticity hypothesis in a second mouse line with enhanced PF-Purkinje cell LTD, theFmr1knockout mouse model of Fragile X syndrome (FXS). Mice lackingFmr1gene expression in cerebellar Purkinje cells (L7-Fmr1KO) were selectively impaired on two oculomotor learning tasks in which PF-Purkinje cell LTD has been implicated, with no impairment on LTD-independent oculomotor learning tasks. Consistent with the threshold metaplasticity hypothesis, behavioral pre-training designed to reverse LTD at the PF-Purkinje cell synapses eliminated the oculomotor learning deficit in the L7-Fmr1KO mice, as previously reported in MHCIKbDb−/−mice. In addition, diazepam treatment to suppress neural activity and thereby limit the induction of associative LTD during the pre- training period also eliminated the learning deficits in L7-Fmr1KO mice. These results support the hypothesis that cerebellar LTD-dependent learning is governed by an experience-dependent sliding threshold for plasticity. An increased threshold for LTD in response to elevated neural activity would tend to oppose firing rate stability, but could serve to stabilize synaptic weights and recently acquired memories. The metaplasticity perspective could inform the development of new clinical approaches for addressing learning impairments in autism and other disorders of the nervous system.
An apparent lack of synergy between degradative enzymes againstStaphylococcus aureusbiofilms
Authors: Ellis Jeremy R. , Rowley Paul A. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe use of enzymes represents an approach to combat bacterial infections by degrading extracellular biomolecules to disperseStaphylococcus aureusbiofilms. Commercial enzyme preparations, including cellulase, amylase, pectinase, zymolyase, and pepsin, exhibit concentration-dependent dispersion ofS. aureusbiofilms. Here, we report that low concentrations of these enzymes generally lack synergy when combined or added together sequentially to biofilms. Only the addition of a protease (pepsin) followed by a commercial mixture of degradative enzymes fromArthrobacter luteus(zymolyase 20T), demonstrated synergy and was effective at dispersingS. aureusbiofilms. A more purified mixture ofArthrobacter luteusenzymes (zymolyase 100T) showed improved dispersal ofS. aureusbiofilms compared to zymolyase 20T but lacked synergy with pepsin. This study emphasizes the complexity of enzymatic biofilm dispersal and the need for tailored approaches based on the properties of degradative enzymes and biofilm composition.
Phospholipid transport to the bacterial outer membrane through an envelope-spanning bridge
Authors: Cooper Benjamin F. , Clark Robert , Kudhail Anju , Bhabha Gira , Ekiert Damian C. , Khalid Syma , Isom Georgia L. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria provides a formidable barrier, essential for both pathogenesis and antimicrobial resistance. Biogenesis of the outer membrane requires the transport of phospholipids across the cell envelope. Recently, YhdP was implicated as a major protagonist in the transport of phospholipids from the inner membrane to the outer membrane however the molecular mechanism of YhdP mediated transport remains elusive. Here, utilising AlphaFold, we observe YhdP to form an elongated assembly of 60 β strands that curve to form a continuous hydrophobic groove. This architecture is consistent with our negative stain electron microscopy data which reveals YhdP to be approximately 250 Å in length and thus sufficient to span the bacterial cell envelope. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulations and in vivo bacterial growth assays indicate essential helical regions at the N- and C-termini of YhdP, that may embed into the inner and outer membranes respectively, reinforcing its envelope spanning nature. Our in vivo crosslinking data reveal phosphate-containing substrates captured along the length of the YhdP groove, providing direct evidence that YhdP transports phospholipids. This finding is congruent with our molecular dynamics simulations which demonstrate the propensity for inner membrane lipids to spontaneously enter the groove of YhdP. Collectively, our results support a model in which YhdP bridges the cell envelope, providing a hydrophobic environment for the transport of phospholipids to the outer membrane.
“Loss of alkyladenine DNA glycosylase alters gene expression in the developing mouse brain and leads to reduced anxiety and improved memory”
Authors: Bordin Diana L. , Grooms Kayla , Montaldo Nicola P. , Martin Sarah L Fordyce , Sætrom Pål , Samson Leona D. , Bjørås Magnar , van Loon Barbara 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACTNeurodevelopment is a tightly coordinated process, during which the genome is exposed to spectra of endogenous agents at different stages of differentiation. Emerging evidence indicates that DNA damage is an important feature of developing brain, tightly linked to gene expression and neuronal activity. Some of the most frequent DNA damage includes changes to DNA bases, which are recognized by DNA glycosylases and repaired through base excision repair (BER) pathway. The only mammalian DNA glycosylase able to remove frequent alkylated DNA based is alkyladenine DNA glycosylase (Aag, aka Mpg). We recently demonstrated that, besides its role in DNA repair, AAG affects expression of neurodevelopmental genes in human cells. Aag was further proposed to act as reader of epigenetic marks, including 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), in the mouse brain. Despite the potential Aag involvement in the key brain processes, the impact of Aag loss on developing brain remains unknown. Here, by using Aag knockout (Aag-/-) mice, we show that Aag absence leads to reduced DNA break levels, evident in lowered number of γH2AX foci in postnatal day 5 (P5) hippocampi. This is accompanied by changes in 5hmC signal intensity in different hippocampal regions. Transcriptome analysis of hippocampi and prefrontal cortex, at different developmental stages, indicates that lack of Aag alters gene expression, primarily of genes involved in regulation of response to stress. Across all developmental stages tested aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (Aldh2) emerged as one of the most prominent genes deregulated in Aag-dependent manner. In line with the changes in hippocampal DNA damage levels and the gene expression, adultAag-/-mice exhibit altered behavior, evident in decreased anxiety levels determined in the Elevated Zero Maze and increased alternations in the Elevated T Maze tests. Taken together these results suggests that Aag has functions in modulation of genome dynamics during brain development, important for animal behavior.HighlightsAag loss results in reduced DNA damage signal in developing hippocampus;5hmC signal intensity is perturbed in hippocampal regions ofAag-/-mice;Gene expression is altered inAag-/-hippocampus and prefrontal cortex;Aag repressesAldh2expression;Aag-/-mice have reduced anxiety and improved memory.
What do we talk about when we talk about strategic renewal: a systematic literature review of 40 years of research
Authors: Ciszewska-Mlinarič Mariola , Wójcik Piotr 
Published: October 2023

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to synthesize the literature on the topic of strategic renewal by identifying the key dimensions of extant research and the connections between fragmented research domains.Design/methodology/approachThis study applies systematic literature review to identify the level of consistency and generalizability of research findings across existing studies in a comprehensive manner.FindingsThis study identifies six main themes of strategic renewal in the extant literature: (1) antecedents, (2) initiation, (3) logic, (4) structure, (5) process and (6) outcomes of strategic renewal.Research limitations/implicationsBy integrating the current streams of research, the review offers a conceptual model of strategic renewal that maps the current state of the research and provide insights into key themes for the future research.Originality/value1This study, identifies connections between fragmented research domain and offers a conceptual framework of strategic renewal.
Farm households’ adaptive strategies in response to climate change in lowlands of southern Ethiopia
Authors: Aboye Almaz Balta , Kinsella James , Mega Tekle Leza 
Published: October 2023

Purpose
This study aims to investigate the adaptation strategies they practice and the factors that influence their use of adaptation strategies.

Design/methodology/approach
The mixed-method sequential explanatory design was used to triangulate the data collected. Multistage sampling was used to select 400 sampled households for household surveys. Eight focus groups, each with eight to ten participants, and 24 key informants, were specifically chosen based on their farming experiences. Chi-square tests, one-way ANOVA and a binary logit model were used to analyze the data.

Findings
The majority of farmers used simple and low-cost adaptation strategies like changing planting dates, selling livestock and off-farm and nonfarm work. A minority of farmers used advanced adaptation strategies like crop diversification and water harvesting for irrigation. The result further revealed that: the age of the household head, educational status of household heads, farm size, livestock ownership, farming experiences, household income, access to credit and access to climate information significantly influenced the adoption of the adaptation strategies. Public policy should provide water harvesting and irrigation technology, climate-related information and the provision of microcredit facilities to enhance the farmers’ resilience to climate change risks.

Originality/value
Although several studies on climate change adaptation strategies are available, this paper is one of the few studies focusing on a particular agro-ecological zone, an essential precursor to dealing with current and projected climate change in the area. It provides helpful insights for developing successful adaptation policies that improve adaptive capacity and agricultural sustainability in southern Ethiopia’s lowlands.
Not all crises are the same: the effects of crisis triggered successions in family firms
Authors: Ren Peng , Botero Isabel C. , Fiet James O. 
Published: October 2023

PurposeAlthough succession planning can be important for the continuity of family firms, not all family business have the opportunity to engage in this planning. Sometimes, these organizations face crisis events that may trigger an intra-family succession. However, what happens when there is an unplanned succession? Are family businesses doomed to fail? This project aims to explore unplanned successions that are triggered by crisis and the impact that this can have on post-succession financial performance. The authors also examine the moderating role of successor characteristics (i.e. education and previous work experience) on this relationship.Design/methodology/approachThe ideas were tested using data from 151 publicly listed family firms in China.FindingsThe findings indicate that having a crisis driven intra-family succession does not always result in lower post-succession performance. It is only successions that are triggered by market crises that negatively impact financial performance after the unplanned succession. In these instances, the education and previous experience of the successor moderate the negative relationship between market crisis succession and financial performance such that having more experience and a college education diminishes these negative effects on performance.Practical implicationsThe results point to the importance of the preparation of the next generation in helping family firms navigate unplanned successions. The findings indicate that education and previous work experience of the successor can help a family firm manage a crisis.Originality/valueThis study continues to build the understanding about unplanned successions and the important role that successor preparation can have for the success of the family firm.
Do we love celebrity endorsers? The joint impacts of consumers' need for status, celebrity’s star power and image congruence on celebrity endorsement effectiveness
Authors: Yang Wan , Zhang Lu , Wei Wei , Yoo Michelle , Rathjens Bobbie 
Published: October 2023

PurposeThe current study aims to examine the joint impact of consumers' need for status (NFS), celebrity's star power and consumer-celebrity image match on consumers' attitudes toward the celebrity endorsement.Design/methodology/approachA factorial design was employed to test the research model. Consumer-celebrity image match was manipulated, and consumers' NFS and celebrity's star power was captured using existing measurement scales. A total of 365 responses were collected via Qualtrics. Hayes's (2013) PROCESS procedure was used to analyze the data and test hypotheses.FindingsResults indicate that consumers with high (vs low) NFS have more favorable attitudes toward the endorsed brand. More importantly, consumers high in NFS, in an endorsement where celebrity-consumer image matches, have more favorable attitudes toward the brand endorsed by a celebrity with more (vs less) star power. In contrast, in an endorsement where celebrity-consumer image mismatches, they react the same regardless of the endorser's star power.Practical implicationsThis study offers suggestions to hospitality marketing professionals in strategically using celebrity endorsers in their marketing campaigns and strategies that allows firms to further formulate positive and enduring brand images while encouraging favorable consumer behaviors.Originality/valueWhile most hospitality studies have focused on the traits of celebrity endorsers, little attention has been paid to the impact of consumers' characteristics on celebrity endorsement. This study advances the growing literature on hospitality celebrity endorsement by providing empirical evidence to delineate the relationship among celebrities, endorsed brands and consumers.
Leveraging social capital to catalyse post-pandemic anti-fragility: the “Vilnius model”
Authors: Warren Giannina , Grigaliūnaitė Simona 
Published: October 2023

PurposeThis paper aims to delve into the interdependent connection between place branding and social capital, specifically focusing on how it contributes to uniting a city’s recovery efforts during times of crisis. By using the theoretical frameworks of social capital and cultural intermediation, the case study of Vilnius, Lithuania, exemplifies how cities can navigate through turbulent periods by prioritising the work of place marketers and their relationships in their strategic approach.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative, mixed method case study approach used four different methods of investigation, drawing on multiple sources of evidence, including a mix of interviews with key actors, content analysis, netnography and participant observation.FindingsGo Vilnius, in collaboration with the City of Vilnius Municipality, leveraged existing stakeholder relationships and a strong common identification among political actors, promotional intermediaries, residents and city institutions to not only adapt to the unfolding crisis but to evolve its marketing, place-making, tourism and community engagement strategies to emerge as a more resilient, dynamic and animated city after the pandemic.Practical implicationsThis case study demonstrates that a “network constellation” approach centralised around key stakeholder relationships held by marketing, tourism and promotional professionals is a crucial component in urban post-pandemic and emergency planning.Social implicationsBy placing marketing professionals at the heart of crisis planning, cities can capitalise on the inherent social capital that is their key occupational resource and leverage their relationships with residents, the business community, international collaborators and the media for swift and maximum impact.Originality/valueBy identifying the “network constellations” that facilitated the institutionalisation of place branding activities in the face of both a local and global shutdown, this paper positions place marketers, acting as cultural intermediaries, at the centre of crisis planning and prevention strategies for anti-fragile cities of the post-pandemic future.