High-Quality Genomes of Pangolins: Insights into the Molecular Basis of Scale Formation and Adaption to Myrmecophagous Diet.

Pangolins are one of nature's most fascinating species being scales covered and myrmecophagous diet, yet relatively little is known about the molecular basis. Here, we combine the multi-omics, evolution, and fundamental proteins feature analysis of both Chinese and Malayan pangolins, highlighting the molecular mechanism of both myrmecophagous diet and scale formation, representing a fascinating evolutionary strategy to occupy the unique ecological niches. In contrast to conserved organization of epidermal differentiation complex, pangolin has undergone large scale variation and gene loss events causing expression pattern and function conversion that contribute to cornified epithelium structures on stomach to adapt myrmecophagous diet. Our assemblies also enable us to discover large copies number of high glycine-tyrosine keratin-associated proteins (HGT-KRTAPs). In addition, highly homogenized tandem array, amino content, and the specific expression pattern further validate the strong connection between the molecular mechanism of scale hardness and HGT-KRTAPs.

Deciphering the biodesulfurization pathway employing marine mangrove Bacillus aryabhattai strain NM1-A2 according to whole genome sequencing and transcriptome analyses.

In the biogeochemical cycle, sulfur oxidation plays a vital role and is typically referred to as the elemental sulfur or reductive sulfide oxidation process. This study aimed to characterize a subtropical mangrove-isolated bacterial strain using biochemical, whole-genome, and transcriptome sequencing analyses to enhance our understanding of sulfur metabolism and biodegradation from a molecular genetic perspective. Strain NM1-A2 was characterized as Gram-positive and found to have a close molecular phylogenetic relationship with Bacillus aryabhattai. NM1-A2 efficiently converted dibenzothiophene (DBT) into 2-hydroxybiphenyl (2-HBP) via a 4S pathway with 95% efficiency, using enzymes encoded by the dsz operon (dszA, dszB, and dszC), which determine monooxygenases (DszA & DszC) and desulfinase (DszB). The whole-genome sequence of NM1-A2 had a length of approximately 5,257,678 bp and included 16 sulfur metabolism-related genes, featuring the ABC transport system, small subunit (ssu) and cysteine (cys) gene families, and adenosine 5'-phosphosulfate (APS) and 3'-phosphoadenosine-5'-phosphosulfate (PAPS) biosynthesis-related genes. Transcriptomic analysis of NM1-A2 using three sulfur groups-magnesium sulfate (MS), sulfur powder (SP), and sodium thiosulfate (ST) resulted in a significant number of differentially expressed genes (1200, 2304, and 2001, respectively). This analysis revealed that intracellular cysteine concentration directly regulated the expression of cys and ssu genes. Sulfate did not directly affect cys gene expression but repressed ssu gene expression. The cys gene expression levels decreased during the conversion of sulfate to sulfide and cysteine. The transcriptomic data was validated by analyzing the expression patterns of NM1-A2 using real-time quantitative PCR validation analysis. The expression levels of cysl, mccB, and nrnA were significantly upregulated, while cysH, metB, and sat were downregulated in the SP, ST, and MS groups, respectively. This research contributes to our understanding of marine mangrove microorganisms' bacterial efficiency through characterization, whole-genome, and transcriptome sequencing-based molecular degradation of organic compounds in the mangrove ecosystem, which may enhance nutrient availability.

A Bibliometric Analysis of the 100 Most Cited Articles on Otoplasty.

A bibliometric analysis was conducted in April 2024, to review the current trends in otoplasty. It involved literature search on Scopus database for original articles using the query term "otoplasty" and "pinnaplasty", without restricting publication dates or selecting journals in the database. The top 100 articles with the highest citations were reviewed. Bibliometric analysis was performed using Scimago journal impact factor. The screening was done using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and MetaAnalyses (PRISMA) guidelines to extract the top 100 most cited articles in otoplasty. We excluded articles not focused on otoplasty, those involving other surgical procedures, and non-English articles. Scopus and manual screening were used together to perform citation analysis of selected articles. Mean values were calculated for the number of citations and citations per year. Of the 951 studies identified, 100 (10.5%) were analyzed in detail. The studies were published between 1941-2024, with a mean of 36 ± 23.7 citations per paper. The journal "Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery" reported the highest number (23[23%]) of articles, followed by "Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery" with 13% (n=13) articles. The highest number of articles originated from the United States (38%, n=38), followed by United Kingdom (15%, n=15). Our bibliometric analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the landscape of otoplasty research, highlighting key publications, authors, and journals. This study contributes to the understanding of the evolution and impact of otoplasty literature, laying the groundwork for further research and innovation in this field.

The freezability of Mediterranean buffalo sperm is associated with lysine succinylation and lipid metabolism.

Semen cryopreservation is used for the propagation of variety among species and domestic breeding. Mitochondria are implicated in sperm freezability, and their proteins are prone to succinylation, but the relationship between sperm freezability and mitochondrial protein succinylation is unclear. In this study, six bulls were classified as having good or poor freezability ejaculates (GFE or PFE, each 3 bulls). The fresh sperm mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and pan succinylation level of the two groups were first detected. Then the lysine succinylome and fatty acid content of the two groups were analyzed using label-free LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) modes, respectively. The results indicated that the GFE sperm had significantly higher MMPs than the PFE group (p < 0.05). A total of 1393 succinylation sites corresponding to 426 proteins were assessed and 5 succinylated peptides of the GFE group were markedly upregulated, while 3 were significantly downregulated (FC > 2.0 - < 0.5 and p-value < 0.05) when compared to the PFE group. Forty-six succinylated proteins were identified to have consistent presence/absence expression. The upregulated succinylated proteins in the GFE sperm were enriched in lipid metabolic processes. A total of 31 fatty acids were further subjected to quantitative analysis of which 23 including arachidic (C20:0), linolenic (C18:3n3), and docosahexaenoic acids (C22:6n3) were decreased in GFE sperm when compared with PFE (p < 0.05). These results suggest that lysine succinylation can potentially influence the sperm freezability of Mediterranean buffaloes through mitochondrial lipid metabolism. This novel study provides our understanding of sperm succinylation and the molecular basis for the mechanism of sperm freezability.

Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Traditional Antimalarial and Antidengue Plants: A Mechanistic Perspective.

Malaria, a highly perilous infectious disease, impacted approximately 230 million individuals globally in 2019. Mosquitoes, vectors of over 10% of worldwide diseases, pose a significant public health menace. The pressing need for novel antimalarial drugs arises due to the imminent threat faced by nearly 40% of the global population and the escalating resistance of parasites to current treatments. This study comprehensively addresses prevalent parasitic and viral illnesses transmitted by mosquitoes, leading to the annual symptomatic infections of 400 million individuals, placing 100 million at constant risk of contracting these diseases. Extensive investigations underscore the pivotal role of traditional plants as rich sources for pioneering pharmaceuticals. The latter half of this century witnessed the ascent of bioactive compounds within traditional medicine, laying the foundation for modern therapeutic breakthroughs. Herbal medicine, notably influential in underdeveloped or developing nations, remains an essential healthcare resource. Traditional Indian medical systems such as Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani, with a history of successful outcomes, highlight the potential of these methodologies. Current scrutiny of Indian medicinal herbs reveals their promise as cutting-edge drug reservoirs. The propensity of plant-derived compounds to interact with biological receptors positions them as prime candidates for drug development. Yet, a comprehensive perspective is crucial. While this study underscores the promise of plant-based compounds as therapeutic agents against malaria and dengue fever, acknowledging the intricate complexities of drug development and the challenges therein are imperative. The journey from traditional remedies to contemporary medical applications is multifaceted and warrants prudent consideration. This research aspires to offer invaluable insights into the management of malaria and dengue fever. By unveiling plant-based compounds with potential antimalarial and antiviral properties, this study aims to contribute to disease control. In pursuit of this goal, a thorough understanding of the mechanistic foundations of traditional antimalarial and antidengue plants opens doors to novel therapeutic avenues.

Genomic analysis of arginine vasopressin gene in riverine buffalo reveals its potential association with silent estrus behavior.

BACKGROUND: Poor estrus expression behavior causes suboptimal reproductive efficiency through poor conception rate. Various signaling pathways are involved in estrus expression but arginine vasopressin (AVP) gene with oxytocin predominantly regulates estrus behavior. This study aimed to perform genomic characterization and evolutionary dynamics of AVP gene through association testing of the novel polymorphic loci and comparative genomic analysis to explore the potential effect of AVP gene on estrus behavior of Nili-Ravi buffaloes. METHODS AND RESULTS: 198 Nili-Ravi buffaloes were screened for the quest of novel polymorphism in the AVP gene. In exon-1, five polymorphic sites were detected including deletion of two (c.47delA and c.57delA) nucleotides that caused drastic variation in subsequent amino acid sequence due to frame shift including functional short peptide of nine residues. The 3-D structure revealed a loss of transmembrane loop between 16 and 31 residues in Nili-Ravi buffalo AVP protein sequence, suggesting that missing loop apparently reduced the gene functionality in Nili-Ravi buffalo by inhibiting cellular reactions and muting the animal estrus cyclicity. Three polymorphisms detected in AVP gene were significantly associated with silent estrus (P < 0.05). The comparative genomic analysis revealed that AVP gene is present on chromosome 14 having one conserved motif (Neurohypophysial) in buffalo. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggested the potential use of polymorphic sites as promising genetic markers for selection of buffaloes with pronounced estrus expression.

Proteomic analysis identifies potential markers in small white and small yellow follicle development in chickens.

Extensive knowledge of follicular development is imperative for improving egg production in chickens. The functional role of follicles to produce oocytes (eggs) is well recognised; however, specific markers associated with follicle development have been poorly explored. Therefore, a tandem mass tag based proteomic technique was used to identify the status of the proteome of small white follicles (1-4mm) and small yellow follicles (6-8mm). Analysis of differentially expressed proteins (DEP, Fold Change>1.2, P -value<0.05) demonstrated a total of 92 proteins (n =92), of which 35 (n =35) were upregulated and 57 were downregulated. DEP were further used for gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways. The GO analysis found that DEP were mainly associated with the RNA metabolic process, cellular component organisation, peptide biosynthetic process and protein folding, thereby suggesting a key role in the follicle development process. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment pathway analysis of the DEP substantiated the findings of GO analysis and described that DEP are involved in regulation of the cytoskeleton, carbon metabolism and amino acid biosynthesis. The validation of proteomic data through real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction suggested HSPA8, HSPA2, SOD1 and FKPB3 as potential markers of small white and small yellow follicle development. This study demonstrates an understanding of proteome dynamics and represents the most comprehensive information on the entire Guangxi Ma chicken follicular proteome.

Effect of environmental temperature on semen quality and seminal plasma metabolites of Mediterranean buffalo bulls.

High-quality semen with high viability is critical to improving the in-vitro fertilization efficiency. This study aimed to understand the effect of ambient temperature and humidity on semen quality and seminal plasma biochemical parameters of Mediterranean buffalo in March and July. The metabolites of seminal plasma in two seasons were detected using the UPLC-MS/MS method. The results showed that temperature and humidity index (THI) in March were 66.86 ± 2.98, and 82.94 ± 3.52 in July. Compared with in March, breath frequency, rectal temperature, and heat shock protein 70 expressions of seminal plasma were significantly increased in July (p < 0.05), motility of sperm was dramatically reduced, and sperm deformity rate was significantly increased (p < 0.05). Fructose, acid phosphatase and α-glucosidase in seminal plasma were significantly increased (p < 0.05) in July, while testosterone level was significantly reduced (p < 0.05). Six different metabolites were found in the two groups, which involved in three metabolic pathways, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, glycerophospholipid, glyoxylic acid and dicarboxylic acid. The above results indicate that the increased ambient temperature has obvious side effects on the semen quality of Mediterranean buffalo, and the compromised quality is associated with the change of metabolites related to male hormone secretion, energy metabolism and fatty acid oxidation.

Efficient Top-K Identical Frequent Itemsets Mining without Support Threshold Parameter from Transactional Datasets Produced by IoT-Based Smart Shopping Carts.

Internet of Things (IoT)-backed smart shopping carts are generating an extensive amount of data in shopping markets around the world. This data can be cleaned and utilized for setting business goals and strategies. Artificial intelligence (AI) methods are used to efficiently extract meaningful patterns or insights from such huge amounts of data or big data. One such technique is Association Rule Mining (ARM) which is used to extract strategic information from the data. The crucial step in ARM is Frequent Itemsets Mining (FIM) followed by association rule generation. The FIM process starts by tuning the support threshold parameter from the user to produce the number of required frequent patterns. To perform the FIM process, the user applies hit and trial methods to rerun the aforesaid routine in order to receive the required number of patterns. The research community has shifted its focus towards the development of top-K most frequent patterns not using the support threshold parameter tuned by the user. Top-K most frequent patterns mining is considered a harder task than user-tuned support-threshold-based FIM. One of the reasons why top-K most frequent patterns mining techniques are computationally intensive is the fact that they produce a large number of candidate itemsets. These methods also do not use any explicit pruning mechanism apart from the internally auto-maintained support threshold parameter. Therefore, we propose an efficient TKIFIs Miner algorithm that uses depth-first search strategy for top-K identical frequent patterns mining. The TKIFIs Miner uses specialized one- and two-itemsets-based pruning techniques for topmost patterns mining. Comparative analysis is performed on special benchmark datasets, for example, Retail with 16,469 items, T40I10D100K and T10I4D100K with 1000 items each, etc. The evaluation results have proven that the TKIFIs Miner is at the top of the line, compared to recently available topmost patterns mining methods not using the support threshold parameter.

Role of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors (PPARs) in Energy Homeostasis of Dairy Animals: Exploiting Their Modulation through Nutrigenomic Interventions.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are the nuclear receptors that could mediate the nutrient-dependent transcriptional activation and regulate metabolic networks through energy homeostasis. However, these receptors cannot work properly under metabolic stress. PPARs and their subtypes can be modulated by nutrigenomic interventions, particularly under stress conditions to restore cellular homeostasis. Many nutrients such as polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, dietary amino acids and phytochemicals have shown their ability for potential activation or inhibition of PPARs. Thus, through different mechanisms, all these nutrients can modulate PPARs and are ultimately helpful to prevent various metabolic disorders, particularly in transition dairy cows. This review aims to provide insights into the crucial role of PPARs in energy metabolism and their potential modulation through nutrigenomic interventions to improve energy homeostasis in dairy animals.

Therapeutic Attributes of Endocannabinoid System against Neuro-Inflammatory Autoimmune Disorders.

In humans, various sites like cannabinoid receptors (CBR) having a binding affinity with cannabinoids are distributed on the surface of different cell types, where endocannabinoids (ECs) and derivatives of fatty acid can bind. The binding of these substance(s) triggers the activation of specific receptors required for various physiological functions, including pain sensation, memory, and appetite. The ECs and CBR perform multiple functions via the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1); cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2), having a key effect in restraining neurotransmitters and the arrangement of cytokines. The role of cannabinoids in the immune system is illustrated because of their immunosuppressive characteristics. These characteristics include inhibition of leucocyte proliferation, T cells apoptosis, and induction of macrophages along with reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines secretion. The review seeks to discuss the functional relationship between the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and anti-tumor characteristics of cannabinoids in various cancers. The therapeutic potential of cannabinoids for cancer-both in vivo and in vitro clinical trials-has also been highlighted and reported to be effective in mice models in arthritis for the inflammation reduction, neuropathic pain, positive effect in multiple sclerosis and type-1 diabetes mellitus, and found beneficial for treating in various cancers. In human models, such studies are limited; thereby, further research is indispensable in this field to get a conclusive outcome. Therefore, in autoimmune disorders, therapeutic cannabinoids can serve as promising immunosuppressive and anti-fibrotic agents.

Fatty acid biosynthesis and transcriptional regulation of Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase 1 (SCD1) in buffalo milk.

BACKGROUND: Buffalo milk is considered as a highly nutritious food owing to its higher contents of fatty acids (FA) and rich nutrient profile. Higher fat contents of buffalo milk make it suitable for processing to develop various healthy and nutritious products. Moreover, buffalo milk contains more unsaturated FAs (UFA) such as oleic and linolenic acid, which are important from the human health point of view owing to their desirable physiological effects. However, inadequate information is available about the chemical composition and mechanism of FA synthesis in buffalo milk. In this study, we hypothesized that expression of SCD1 gene could alter the biosynthesis of FA in epithelial cells of mammary gland and subsequently affect the FA contents in buffalo milk. We investigated the transcriptional and biological role of Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase 1 (SCD1) in the buffalo mammary epithelial cells (BMECs) during FA and triacylglycerol (TAG) synthesis. RESULTS: Results revealed that unsaturated fatty acid contents were much higher in concentration in buffalo milk as compared to Holstein cow. Significant increase in the expression level of FAS, ACACA, SREBP1, PPARG, GPAT, and AGPAT genes was observed in response to altered expression of SCD1 in buffalo milk. Moreover, change in SCD1 gene in BMECs also mediated the expression of genes related to FA biosynthesis subsequently leading to alter the FA composition. Overexpression of SCD1 significantly increased the expression of genes associated with FA and TAG synthesis leading to enhance FA and unsaturated FA contents in BMECs. However, down-regulation of SCD1 exhibited opposite consequences. CONCLUSION: Our study provides mechanistic insights on transcriptional regulation of SCD1 to alter FA and TAG synthesis through directly or indirectly mediating biosynthesis and metabolic pathways in BMECs. We provide preliminary findings regarding engineering of FA contents in buffalo milk through SCD1 signaling.

Fast removal of high quantities of toxic arsenate via cationic p(APTMACl) microgels.

Hydrogels are resourceful materials and can be prepared in different morphology, size, surface charge and porosity adopting different polymerization techniques and reaction conditions. The cationic poly(3-acrylamidopropyl)trimethylammonium chloride (p(APTMACl)) microgels were synthesized by photo-initiated inverse suspension polymerization technique. These microgels were utilized as absorbents for the removal of toxic arsenate (As) from different aqueous environments. The experimental parameters affecting absorption efficiency were investigated, and it was demonstrated that these types of microgels are highly efficient in removing arsenate anions from different aqueous environments compared to the previously reported bulk hydrogel, and cryogel of the same material. A removal efficiency of approximately 97.25% was obtained by immersing 0.5 g microgel in 250 ppm 100 mL solution of arsenate anions for 60 min. Both Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms were applied to adsorption of arsenate anions by p(APTMACl) microgels, and the Langmuir isotherm was a better representation of the adsorption of arsenate with a high value of R(2) (0.9982). Furthermore, mag-p(APTMACl) microgels were synthesized for the adsorption of arsenate anions to provide easy removal of the microgel composite by using an externally applied magnetic field. Furthermore, re-usability of the p(APTMACl) microgels was also investigated for the adsorption of arsenate anions.

Retraction: Influence of chemical composition on the amount of second phases precipitates and transformation temperatures of TiNiPdCu shape memory alloys prepared through novel powder metallurgy route.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1039/D3RA05513B.].

Multi-nodal basin drainage in lower limb melanoma.

Lymph node status is an important factor that influences outcomes in melanoma. Whilst certain anatomical areas have multiple-nodal basin drainage, limb melanomas are thought to have more predictable lymphatic drainage patterns, with lower limb melanomas reliably draining to the corresponding ipsilateral inguinal lymph node basin with occasional popliteal drainage. Here we share our unique experience of a patient with a lower limb melanoma demonstrating sentinel lymph nodes, and subsequent metastatic spread, in both the ipsilateral and contralateral inguinal lymph node basins, highlighting an important learning point with respect to our clinical examination of melanoma patients.

Hybrid multimodule DC-DC converters accelerated by wide bandgap devices for electric vehicle systems.

In response to the growing demand for fast-charging electric vehicles (EVs), this study presents a novel hybrid multimodule DC-DC converter based on the dual-active bridge (DAB) topology. The converter comprises eight modules divided into two groups: four Insulated-Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) modules and four Metal-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor (MESFET) modules. The former handles high power with a low switching frequency, while the latter caters to lower power with a high switching frequency. This configuration leverages the strengths of both types of semiconductors, enhancing the converter's power efficiency and density. To investigate the converter's performance, a small-signal model is developed, alongside a control strategy to ensure uniform power sharing among the modules. The model is evaluated through simulation using MATLAB, which confirms the uniformity of the charging current provided to EV batteries. The results show an impressive power efficiency of 99.25% and a power density of 10.99 kW/L, achieved through the utilization of fast-switching MESFETs and the DAB topology. This research suggests that the hybrid multimodule DC-DC converter is a promising solution for fast-charging EVs, providing high efficiency, power density, and switching speed. Future studies could explore the incorporation of advanced wide bandgap devices to handle even larger power fractions.

Rates and Predictors of Structural Valve Degeneration and Failure of Trifecta Bioprosthetic Valve Over a 5-year Follow-up Period: A Single-center Experience.

Introduction: The Trifecta bioprosthetic valve has been commonly used for surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). Multiple studies have been done to define the rate of structural valve degeneration (SVD) and failure (SVF), but the outcomes are still debatable. Therefore, we aim to conduct this single-center study to estimate the rate and predictors of SVD/SVF. Methodology: This retrospective observational cohort single-center study was conducted between 2014 and 2019 among Trifecta SAVR patients. Data were patient's characteristics collected from electronic medical records at baseline and follow-up (3-5 years). Statistical analysis was performed with a significance level of P ≤ 0.05. Results: A total of 271 eligible patients were identified. Most of our sample were males (57.9%), with a mean age of 71.1 ± 10.6 years. The mean baseline preoperative ejection fraction (EF) was 53.0%, with no change (P = 0.88) in the immediate postoperative EF (53.6%). A most recent follow-up EF revealed a significant increase of EF (55.2%), P = 0.01. Furthermore, there was a significant increase from peak velocity to PVMRE (mean difference [MD] ± standard error of mean (SEM) [0.15 ± 0.04], P < 0.01), an increase in pressure gradient (PGIPE) to PGMRE (MD ± SEM [1.70 ± 0.49], P < 0.01), and a decrease in Doppler velocity index (DVIIPE) to DVIMRE (MD ± SEM [-0.037 ± 0.01], P = 0.01). Regarding the SVF rate, 13 (4.8%) patients had failed valves requiring replacement throughout the study period. Conclusions: Over a 5-year follow-up period, 4.8% had SVF with an SVD of 23.2%, with the majority of SVD not being clinically significant except in six patients. These results corroborate with a previously published study suggesting a bad clinical outcome of Trifecta valve placement.

A Circular RNA Generated from Nebulin (NEB) Gene Splicing Promotes Skeletal Muscle Myogenesis in Cattle as Detected by a Multi-Omics Approach.

Cattle and the draught force provided by its skeletal muscle have been integral to agro-ecosystems of agricultural civilization for millennia. However, relatively little is known about the cattle muscle functional genomics (including protein coding genes, non-coding RNA, etc.). Circular RNAs (circRNAs), as a new class of non-coding RNAs, can be effectively translated into detectable peptides, which enlightened us on the importance of circRNAs in cattle muscle physiology function. Here, RNA-seq, Ribosome profiling (Ribo-seq), and peptidome data are integrated from cattle skeletal muscle, and detected five encoded peptides from circRNAs. It is further identified and functionally characterize a 907-amino acids muscle-specific peptide that is named circNEB-peptide because derived by the splicing of Nebulin (NEB) gene. This peptide localizes to the nucleus and cytoplasm and directly interacts with SKP1 and TPM1, key factors regulating physiological activities of myoblasts, via ubiquitination and myoblast fusion, respectively. The circNEB-peptide is found to promote myoblasts proliferation and differentiation in vitro, and induce muscle regeneration in vivo. These findings suggest circNEB-peptide is an important regulator of skeletal muscle regeneration and underscore the possibility that more encoding polypeptides derived by RNAs currently annotated as non-coding exist.

Impact of corporate motives for sustainable sourcing: key moderating role of regulatory pressure.

Organizational decisions and their motivations are crucial for successfully implementing sustainable sourcing practices (SSP). Still, there is scant research on how SSPs are impacted by corporate motives (CM). To fill this research gap, we formed a three-tiered stakeholder theory (ST) based paradigm that accounts for the moderating impact of regulatory pressure (RP) while examining the relationship between different types of corporate motives (instrumental, relational, and moral) and SSP. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to examine data collected from 248 respondents in the Pakistani manufacturing industry. The outputs of SEM disclosed that all CMs affect SSP. RP also confoundedly moderated these targeted relationships. Importance performance map analysis (IPMA) showed that regulatory pressure (0.319) and relational motives (67.38) are more important and perform better than all other exogenous variables. This study sheds light on corporate strategies and decision-making in multi ways. All dimensions of CM greatly enhance SSP directly and through RP, as RP firmly moderates these associations, indicating the relevance of ST. Finally, this empirical investigation ends with a framework of testable assertions and many future research endeavors on environmental sustainability.