bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epigenome-wide association study meta-analysis of BMI in African American Adults
Authors: Ferrier Kendra , Graff Mariaelisa , Konigsberg Iain R. , Stanislawski Maggie , Highland Heather M. , Raffield Laura M. , Carson April P. , Boerwinkle Eric , Norris Jill M. , Gignoux Chris R. , Hendricks Audrey E. , Raghavan Sridharan , North Kari E. , Allison Matthew A. , Budoff Mathew J. , Kasela Silva , Aguet François , Joseph Joshua J. , Kooperberg Charles , Rich Stephen S. , Rotter Jerome I. , Lange Ethan M. , Lange Leslie A. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTDespite considerable advances in identifying risk factors for obesity development, there remains substantial gaps in our knowledge about its etiology. Variation in obesity (defined by BMI) is thought to be due in part to heritable factors; however, obesity-associated genetic variants only account for a small portion of heritability. Epigenetic regulation defined by genetic and/or environmental factors with changes in gene expression, may account for some of this “missing heritability”. Epigenetic studies of obesity have largely been conducted in populations of European ancestry, despite the disproportionate burden of obesity in African Americans (AAs). To address race/ethnic (RE)-differences in obesity, we conducted a BMI epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) meta-analysis using AA participants from the Jackson Heart Study (JHS, n=1604) and the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA, n=179). Analyses using a linear regression model with methylation as the outcome and continuous BMI as the predictor were stratified by study and sex, then meta-analyzed. There were 208 methylation sites (CpGs) that reached epigenome-wide significance (p< 8.72x10-8); 151 of these were novel. Of the novel CpGs, 29 CpGs were available for replication testing in a separate sample of AA and 20 replicated. Differentially methylated region (DMR) analysis resulted in 54 DMRs significantly associated with BMI. Several regions are proximal to, or include, genes previously associated with obesity traits (e.g.,SOCS3,ABCG1, andTGFB1) in GWAS. Gene and trait enrichment and pathway analysis showed enrichment for genes in immune system and inflammation related pathways (e.g., the IL-6/JAK/STAT pathway). In conclusion, EWAS of BMI in AAs replicated previously known associations identified in European and multi-ethnic EWAS and identified novel obesity-associated CpGs.
Development of Chronic Pain and High-Impact Chronic Pain across the U.S. Rural-Urban Continuum, 2019-2020
Authors: Sun Feinuo , Yang Yulin 
Published: January 2025

AbstractPurposeRural health disadvantages are well-documented in previous literature, however research on rural-urban disparities in chronic pain outcomes is scarce. This paper fills this gap by examining pain prevalences and transitions across the rural-urban continuum (i.e., large central metro, large fringe metro, medium and small metro, and nonmetropolitan).MethodsBased on the 2019-2020 National Health Interview Survey Longitudinal Cohort (NHIS-LC) data, we examined the disparities in pain prevalences and transitions among different pain states, including no pain, nonchronic pain, chronic pain and high-impact chronic pain (HICP), across the rural-urban continuum and by age, sex, race/ethnicity, and region. A test for linear trend was conducted to examine the significance of linear changes across the rural-urban continuum.FindingsThe findings reveal significant linear increases in the prevalence of chronic pain and HICP, as well as transitions from no pain to nonchronic pain and from nonchronic pain to more severe pain conditions, along the continuum from metropolitan to nonmetropolitan areas. Sub-group analyses indicate that rural-urban gaps are most pronounced among middle-aged (45-64) groups and non-Hispanic whites.ConclusionsThis study provides new evidence on rural-urban health disparities by focusing on pain, highlighting the urgent need to enhance healthcare services in remote and rural areas for effective pain prevention and management.Funding sourcesThe authors received no external financial support for the research, authorship, or publication of this article.DisclosuresThe authors declare no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, or publication of this article.
Tracing of streptococcal strains from infant stool across human body sites links gut specificity to adhesins
Authors: Ormaasen Ida , Kjos Morten , Simpson Melanie Rae , Øien Torbjørn , Snipen Lars , Rudi Knut 
Published: January 2025

AbstractStreptococcal species are human commensals known to colonize multiple body sites. Despite being early gut colonizers, we lack strain-level information about their origin and persistence in the gut. To gain more insight into the habitats of the streptococci present in the infant gut, we did a systematic study where mother-infant pairs were sampled from multiple body sites (stool, oral cavity, vagina, breast milk). We performed whole metagenome sequencing and isolated streptococci from 100 infant stool samples (collected at 10 days of age). To trace the streptococci at the strain level, we designed selective qPCR primers for seven streptococcal strains, and these were later utilized to screen corresponding samples from multiple body sites of the infants and their mothers. We found that two of the strains (oneStreptococcus parasanguinisand oneStreptococcus vestibularis) were highly prevalent in stool samples, both from infants during their first 2 years of life and from their mothers, indicating that these strains are adapted to the gut environment. Interestingly, anotherS. parasanguinisstrain, closely related to the gut-prevalent strain, showed a completely different prevalence pattern, and was mainly detected in vaginal swabs, breast milk and oral swabs. Comparisons of their genomes revealed major differences in genes encoding adhesins, suggesting that host surface attachment could be a key factor for the observed differences in body site specificity. Together, our extensive tracing of streptococci across body sites of 100 infants and their mothers, provides strain-level information of prevalence patterns and reveals the presence of gut-specific streptococci.ImportanceStreptococci thrive on the mucosal surfaces covering the human body and colonize multiple body sites. To determine the distinct streptococcal composition in each habitat and to evaluate their presence in different habitats, strain-level characterization is crucial. We show that two closely related strains, both isolated from stool, are distributed differently across the human body, with one of them prevalent in the stool samples and the other more prevalent in other samples. This emphasizes the necessity of strain-level analysis for the identification of true colonizers of a habitat.
Kremen1 dependence receptor induces SEC24C- and ATG9A-dependent autophagic cell death
Authors: Brahim Sonia , Schott Thomas , Ghasemi Shiva , Negulescu Ana , Geneste Clara , Errazuriz-Cerda Elisabeth , Ichim Gabriel , Mehlen Patrick , Meurette Olivier 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTDependence receptors (DRs) induce cell death by apoptosis in the absence of their ligand. Among them, Kremen1 was first described to induce cancer cell death in the absence of its ligand, DKK1. Nevertheless, the exact mechanism of Kremen1-triggered cell death remains unexplored. In this study, we demonstrate that Kremen1 induces cell death with autophagic features, contrasting with the apoptotic process typically associated with dependence receptors. Specifically, chemical inhibition of autophagy by spautin or wortmannin or genetic inhibition of ATG9A or ATG18B effectively blocks this cell death process. Furthermore, through a proximity protein interactome analysis of Kremen1, we identified Sec24C, a component of the COP-II complex, as important effector of Kremen1-induced autophagy and cell death. Our findings reveal an interaction between Sec24C and ATG8 regulated by Kremen1, potentially underlying the increased number of autophagosomes in cancer cells, leading to their death. This correlation between Kremen1 and the induction of aberrant autophagy deserves particular attention, especially as the Kremen1/DKK1 pair is frequently altered in cancers, with higher DKK1 expression associated with poor survival outcomes. Thus, targeting this pathway may offer a potential strategy for treating cancers resistant to current therapies.
Cortical travelling waves may underpin variation in personality traits
Authors: Bailey Neil W , Pacheco Luiza Bonfim , Smillie Luke D. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractObjectivesPersonality traits must relate to stable neural processes, yet few robust neural correlates of personality have been discovered. Recent methodological advances enable measurement of cortical travelling waves, which likely underpin information flow between brain regions. Here, we explore whether cortical travelling waves relate to personality traits from the “Big Five” taxonomy.MethodWe assessed personality traits and recorded resting electroencephalography (EEG) from 300 participants. We computed travelling wave strength using a 3D fast Fourier transform and explored relationships between alpha travelling waves and personality traits.ResultsTrait Agreeableness and Openness/Intellect had significant relationships to travelling waves that passed multiple-comparison controls (pFDR= 0.019,pFDR= 0.036). Agreeableness related to interhemispheric waves travelling from the right hemisphere along central lines (rho = 0.263, p < 0.001, BF10 = 356.350). This relationship was unique to the compassion aspect (t = 3.719, p <0.001) rather than politeness aspect of Agreeableness (t = 0.897, p = 0.370). Openness/Intellect related to backwards travelling waves along midline electrodes (rho = 0.197, p < 0.001, BF10 = 13.800), which was confirmed for the Openness aspect (rho = 0.216, p < 0.001, BF10 = 26.444) but not the Intellect aspect (rho = 0.093, p = 0.109, BF10 = 0.344).ConclusionsGreater cortical travelling wave strength from right temporal regions may partly underpin variation in trait compassion, and backwards travelling wave strength along midline electrodes may mark trait openness. Further research is needed to investigate the mechanistic role of travelling waves in personality traits and other individual differences.
Segmenting Croatian university students and investigating their tendency to adopt innovative food products based on their food-related lifestyles
Authors: Anic Ivan-Damir , Kurnoga Natasa , Knezevic Blazenka 
Published: January 2025

PurposeThis paper aims to detect the patterns of food-related lifestyles of university students, identify the groups of individuals based on these lifestyles and investigate their tendency to adopt innovative food products.Design/methodology/approachThe data collected from university students in Croatia (n = 641) were analysed using factor and cluster analyses and a chi-squared test.FindingsThe findings revealed 11 food-related lifestyles and four groups of university students: “Convenience-oriented”, “Conscious consumers”, “Adventurous eaters” and “Family-oriented Cooks”. Adventurous eaters are the most interested in buying innovative food products, and many of them are food innovators (20%). Sampled individuals are open to new foods, and only a tiny percentage are reluctant to try new and unfamiliar foods.Practical implicationsThe study provides recommendations on how marketers and food producers might target these consumers more efficiently and boost the sales of innovative food products.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature by (1) revealing food-related lifestyles among university students in Croatia, (2) developing the typology of consumers based on their lifestyles and (3) providing new knowledge of how food-related lifestyles affect the adoption of innovative food products.
Perceived blockchain-related information transparency and organic food purchase intention: an extension of the theory of planned behaviour with the moderation role of blockchain-based trust
Authors: Duong Cong Doanh , Nguyen Thanh Hieu , Ngo Thi Viet Nga , Bui Thu Van , Tran Nhat Minh 
Published: January 2025

PurposeThe current study aims to investigate the impact of perceived blockchain-related information transparency on consumers’ intention to purchase organic food. This study examines how perceived blockchain- related information transparency, directly and indirectly, affects purchase intentions through attitudes, perceived behavioural control and subjective norms. Additionally, the study explores how blockchain-based trust moderates the influence of perceived blockchain-related information transparency on these factors and the intention to purchase organic food.Design/methodology/approachBased on the theory of planned behaviour framework and a sample of 5,326 consumers, this study uses partial least squares structural equation modelling to test the research model.FindingsThis study finds that perceived blockchain-related information transparency directly enhances consumers’ attitudes towards organic food purchase, perceived behavioural control, subjective norms and intention to purchase organic food. Additionally, perceived blockchain-related information transparency indirectly affects consumers’ intention to buy organic food through three antecedents of the theory of planned behaviour model. Notably, these indirect effects were moderated by consumers’ blockchain-based trust.Practical implicationsThis study provides recommendations for leveraging blockchain to enhance transparency and build trust, which could boost consumer engagement and organic food purchases.Originality/valueThis research contributes to blockchain literature by empirically examining the role of perceived blockchain-related transparency and blockchain-based trust in consumers’ purchasing decisions regarding organic food. It provides valuable insights into the consumer-centric benefits of blockchain technology. Furthermore, this study also contributes to the literature on organic food, particularly its promotion through blockchain technology.
Blockchain for food and beverage supply: expired buzz word or accelerating trend?
Authors: Thoukidides Evangelia , Calandra Davide , Gay Paolo 
Published: January 2025

PurposeThis study investigates the barriers and motivators for adopting blockchain technology (BCT) in the food and beverage (FNB) supply chain. Additionally, it compares and contrasts the perspectives of two stakeholder groups, FNB managers and technology providers, in order to uncover discrepancies and practical challenges.Design/methodology/approachThe research adopts a qualitative interpretive method, utilizing the theoretical framework of acceptability (TFA) to analyse semi-structured interviews (Appendices 1 and 2). The study involves 16 representatives from 14 companies. Thematic analysis was conducted using NVivo software to identify critical barriers and motivators for BCT adoption.FindingsOur study reveals that FNB managers and technology providers have a similar understanding of theoretical barriers, such as unreliable immutable data, limited scalability and high costs. However, technology providers tend to overestimate the benefits of BCT. Key barriers identified include data security concerns, the burden on partners, underdeveloped data provenance tools and high implementation costs. Adoption motivators include improved traceability, transparency and efficiency, though FNB managers remain sceptical of these benefits.Originality/valueThis research applies the TFA in the context of blockchain adoption in the FNB sector, offering novel insights into stakeholder perspectives and the sociotechnical challenges of BCT implementation. The findings are relevant to regulators, technology providers and researchers in innovation theory for the FNB sector.
When are going concern audit opinions more informative? An analysis of auditor reasons and ex post accuracy
Authors: Desai Vikram , Kim Joung W. , Beck Allison Kristina , Desai Renu , Roberts Robin 
Published: January 2025

PurposeWe examine the content of auditors’ going concern opinions (GCOs) to investigate how the market reacts to particular explanations and to the overall number of reasons presented by auditors. We investigate whether the market reacts differentially to explanatory paragraphs alluding to specific financial concerns emphasized in the finance literature: reductions in expected future cash flows, difficulties with short-term liquidity and violations of debt covenants. Finally, we examine whether GCOs that are ex-post accurate, as indicated by a subsequent bankruptcy, are accompanied by more negative reactions.Design/methodology/approachWe regress cumulative abnormal returns on the number of reasons cited by auditors and indicator variables for whether auditors cited concerns pertaining to future cash flows, debt covenant violations or short-term cash holdings. We include an indicator for subsequent bankruptcy and control variables.FindingsThe market reaction to GCOs is significantly more negative when auditors offer more reasons or specifically cite a decrease in expected future cashflows or a violation of debt covenants and when GCOs are ex-post accurate.Research limitations/implicationsThe results indicate that auditors’ explanations for GCOs contain incremental information content that is useful to investors.Practical implicationsWe find that more detailed GCO reports are more informative to investors, supporting the need for regulations requiring auditors to provide detailed justifications when issuing GCOs.Originality/valueThis study is the first to examine how the number of reasons given by auditors affects market reactions to GCOs and to specifically examine how investors react to GCOs that cite violations of debt covenants or reductions in future cash flows as justifications for the GCO.
The effect of government subsidies on cooperative green innovation of supply chains from the perspective of cost sharing
Authors: Yan Zhishan , Hu Haiqing , Wang Zhaoqun , Liang Zhikang , Kong Weiwei 
Published: January 2025

Purpose
This paper aims to explore the effect of different government subsidy decisions and the differences between the consequences of these decisions when supply chain members engage in cooperative green innovation through cost-sharing arrangements.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper investigates the optimal decisions for green supply chains under two types of subsidies, including subsidies for green innovation research and development (R&D) costs and subsidies for consumers, by integrating game theory with numerical simulation.

Findings
The optimal R&D cost-sharing ratio is found to be 2/3 for manufacturers and 1/3 for retailers. Under any subsidy policy, the supply chain can achieve maximum total profit. When the supply chain adopts the optimal R&D cost-sharing ratio, subsidies for green innovation R&D costs prove to be the most effective in increasing the supply chain’s profit. However, from the perspective of total social welfare, the analysis reveals that government subsidies to consumers are more beneficial for promoting overall social welfare.

Originality/value
Previous studies on green supply chain decisions have primarily focused on either government subsidies or corporate cost sharing in isolation. In contrast, this study combines both government subsidies and cost sharing within a unified framework for a more comprehensive analysis. Additionally, this paper examines the impact of government subsidies on supply chain cost-sharing decisions and their effect on overall social welfare while considering the presence of cost sharing and using the combination of theoretical modeling and simulation analysis.
Navigating implementation strategies: insights from XPS programmes
Authors: Linderson Sara , Larsson John Lars Anders , Birkie Seyoum Eshetu , Bellgran Monica 
Published: January 2025

PurposeThis study explores how industrial production companies adjust implementation strategies to deliver value with their company-specific production system (XPS) in a multi-site setting. Implementing an XPS is part of operations management and is supposed to mobilise employees resource-efficiently to increase operational performance.Design/methodology/approachBased on a multiple-case study, this study qualitatively explores the patterns of implementation decisions within and between five multi-site production companies. Conclusions were drawn on a mix of timely and retrospective data gathered through individual interviews with senior managers and joint workshops where they interacted and shared experiences.FindingsThis study identifies the fact that companies respond differently to non-unique implementation challenges, constituting various decision patterns when implementing their XPS. This paper identifies four implementation strategies (Education, Tool, Pragmatic and Culture Strategy) that explain various implementation setups. More experienced companies frequently shifted between strategies to return to previously de-prioritised implementation aspects.Originality/valueThis paper offers a dynamic model for XPS implementation in contrast to a simplified tool–system–culture sequence in literature today. Companies that deliberately shift implementation strategy by understanding the benefits and challenges of their decisions are more likely to keep momentum in the XPS implementation.
Governmental reforms and earnings management: examining their influence during a crisis
Authors: Cimini Riccardo , Coronella Lorenzo , Mechelli Alessandro 
Published: January 2025

PurposeThis paper examines the ability of those governmental reforms adopted in response to the COVID-19 outbreak to affect earnings management (EM).Design/methodology/approachThe paper focuses on the Italian decision to suspend the recapitalization obligation to guarantee the respect of the going concern’s assumption. By analysing a sample of unlisted entities, this analysis uses different techniques to detect EM before and after the suspension of that obligation.FindingsThe results suggest that EM decreased after the decision to suspend recapitalization obligations.Research limitations/implicationsAccounting quality depends on not only accounting standards but also management practices in response to those government measures instituted during the COVID-19 outbreak.Originality/valueThe results are a novelty in the literature. In terms of the institutional theory, they provide evidence of EM decrease, thereby validating the assumption that regulation can enable and empower social actors – particularly their actions – despite the visions of repression and constraint conjured by that concept. Isomorphism theory supports the thesis and results that indicate that EM decreases not only in emerging markets, where corporate governance mechanisms are less able to obstruct EM, but also in the developed countries. Thus, insightful and novel conceptualizations can still be achieved by using institutional theory. Yet the findings also extend agency theory assumptions and demonstrate that also the issuance of less severe regulation can reduce agency costs and, in turn, also EM.