bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ATAXIA TELANGIECTASIA MUTATED PROTECTS AGAINST LIPOPOLYSACCARIDE-INDUCED BLOOD-BRAIN BARRIER DISRUPTION BY REGULATING ATK/DRP1-MEDIATED MITOCHONDRIAL HOMEOSTASIS
Authors: Luo Shiyuan , Lyu Zhuochen , Ge Lingling , Li Yinjiao , Liu Yuqi , Yuan Yuan , Zhao Rui , Huang Lei , Zhao Jianyuan , Huang Hongjun , Luo Yan
Published: May 2023

Background: Protein kinase ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) regulates the function of endothelial cells and responds quickly to endotoxin. However, the function of ATM in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the role and underlying mechanism of ATM in the regulation of the BBB function in sepsis. Methods: We used LPS to induce BBB disruption in vivo and to establish an in vitro model of cerebrovascular endothelial cells. Blood-brain barrier disruption was assessed by measuring Evans blue leakage and expression of vascular permeability regulators. To investigate the role of ATM, its inhibitor AZD1390 and clinically approved doxorubicin, an anthracycline that can activate ATM, were administered as scheduled. To explore the underlying mechanism, protein kinase B (AKT) inhibitor MK-2206 was administered to block the AKT/dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1) pathway. Results: Lipopolysaccharide challenge induced significant BBB disruption, ATM activation, and mitochondrial translocation. Inhibiting ATM with AZD1390 aggravated BBB permeability as well as the following neuroinflammation and neuronal injury, while activation of ATM by doxorubicin abrogated these defects. Further results obtained in brain microvascular endothelial cells showed that ATM inhibition reduced the phosphorylation of DRP1 at serine (S) 637, promoted excessive mitochondrial fission, and resulted in mitochondrial malfunction. By activating ATM, doxorubicin increased the protein binding between ATM and AKT and promoted the phosphorylated activation of AKT at S473, which could directly phosphorylate DRP1 at S637 to repress excessive mitochondrial fission. Consistently, the protective role of ATM was abolished by the AKT inhibitor MK-2206. Conclusions: Ataxia telangiectasia mutated protects against LPS-induced BBB disruption by regulating mitochondrial homeostasis, at least in part, through the AKT/DRP1 pathway.
Nationwide use and outcome of Minimally Invasive Distal Pancreatectomy in IDEAL Stage IV following a Training Program and Randomized Trial
Authors: Korrel Maarten , van Hilst Jony , Bosscha Koop , Busch Olivier R.C. , Daams Freek , van Dam Ronald , van Eijck Casper H.J. , Festen Sebastiaan , Groot Koerkamp Bas , van der Harst Erwin , Lips Daan , Luyer Misha , de Meijer Vincent E. , Mieog Sven , Molenaar Quintus , Patijn Gijs , van Santvoort Hjalmar , van der Schelling George , Stommel Martijn W.J. , Besselink Marc G. ,   for the Dutch Pancreatic Cancer Group
Published: May 2023

Objective:

To assess the nationwide long-term uptake and outcomes of minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy (MIDP) after a nationwide training program and randomized trial.

Background:

Two randomized trials demonstrated the superiority of MIDP over open distal pancreatectomy (ODP) in terms of functional recovery and hospital stay. Data on implementation of MIDP on a nationwide level are lacking.

Methods:

Nationwide audit-based study including consecutive patients after MIDP and ODP in 16 centers in the Dutch Pancreatic Cancer Audit (2014-2021). The cohort was divided into three periods: early implementation, during the LEOPARD randomized trial, and late implementation. Primary endpoints were MIDP implementation rate and textbook outcome.

Results:

Overall, 1496 patients were included with 848 MIDP (56.5%) and 648 ODP (43.5%). From the early to the late implementation period, the use of MIDP increased from 48.6% to 63.0% and of robotic MIDP from 5.5% to 29.7% (P<0.001). The overall use of MIDP (45% to 75%) and robotic MIDP (1% to 84%) varied widely between centers (P<0.001). In the late implementation period, 5/16 centers performed >75% of procedures as MIDP. After MIDP, in-hospital mortality and textbook outcome remained stable over time. In the late implementation period, ODP was more often performed in ASA score III-IV (24.9% vs. 35.7%, P=0.001), pancreatic cancer (24.2% vs. 45.9%, P<0.001), vascular involvement (4.6% vs. 21.9%, P<0.001), and multivisceral involvement (10.5% vs. 25.3%, P<0.001). After MIDP, shorter hospital stay (median 7 vs. 8 d, P<0.001) and less blood loss (median 150 vs. 500 mL, P<0.001), but more grade B/C postoperative pancreatic fistula (24.4% vs. 17.2%, P=0.008) occurred as compared to ODP.

Conclusion:

A sustained nationwide implementation of MIDP after a successful training program and randomized trial was obtained with satisfactory outcomes. Future studies should assess the considerable variation in the use of MIDP between centers and, especially, robotic MIDP.
Fluoroquinolone resistance does not facilitate phage Φ13 integration or excision in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Leinweber Helena , Sieber Raphael N. , Bojer Martin S. , Larsen Jesper , Ingmer Hanne
Published: May 2023

Prophages of the ΦSa3int family are commonly found in human-associated strains of Staphylococcus aureus where they encode factors for evading the human innate immune system. In contrast, they are usually absent in livestock-associated methicillin-resistant S. aureus (LA-MRSA) strains where the phage attachment site is mutated compared to the human strains. However, ΦSa3int phages have been found in a subset of LA-MRSA strains belonging to clonal complex 398 (CC398), including a lineage that is widespread in pig farms in Northern Jutland, Denmark. This lineage contains amino acid changes in the DNA topoisomerase IV and the DNA gyrase encoded by grlA and gyrA, respectively, which have been associated with fluoroquinolone (FQ) resistance. As both of these enzymes are involved in DNA supercoiling, we speculated that the mutations might impact recombination between the ΦSa3int phage and the bacterial chromosome. To examine this, we introduced the FQ resistance mutations into S. aureus 8325-4attBLA that carry the mutated CC398-like bacterial attachment site for ΦSa3int phages. When monitoring phage integration and release of Φ13, a well-described representative of the ΦSa3int phage family, we did not observe any significant differences between the FQ-resistant mutant and the wildtype strain. Thus our results suggest that mutations in grlA and gyrA do not contribute to the presence of the ΦSa3int phages in LA-MRSA CC398.
Heat-shock inducible clonal analysis reveals the stepwise establishment of cell fates in the rice stem
Authors: Tsuda Katsutoshi , Maeno Akiteru , Nonomura Ken-Ichi
Published: May 2023

The stem, consisting of nodes and internodes, is one of the major organs in seed plants. In contrast to other organs, however, processes of stem development remain elusive, especially when nodes and internodes are initiated. By introducing an intron into theCrerecombinase gene, we established a heat-shock inducible clonal analysis system in a single binary vector and applied it to the stem in the flag leaf phytomer of rice. With detailed characterizations of stem development, we show that cell fate acquisition for each domain of the stem occurs stepwise. Cell fates for a single phytomer and the foot (non-elongating domain at the stem base) were established in the shoot apical meristem by one plastochron before the leaf initiation. The fate acquisition for the node occurred just before the leaf initiation, separating cell lineages for leaves and stems. Subsequently, fates for the axillary bud were established in early leaf primordia. Finally, cells committed to the internode emerged from, at most, a few tiers of cells when the stem epidermis was at the 12∼25 celled stage. Thus, the internode is the last part of the stem whose cell fate is established. This study provides a groundwork to unveil underlying molecular mechanisms in stem development and a useful tool for clonal analysis, which can be applied to various species.
Diagnostic accuracy of MRI in diagnosing Cardiac Sarcoidosis - A Meta-analysis
Authors: Sabuwala Naqeeya Mustafa , Raval Dwija , Parikh Hetvi , Saiyed Falak , Desai Dev
Published: May 2023

Introduction

A multisystem inflammatory illness-sarcoidosis is characterized by organ failure, noncaseating granuloma development, and inflammation. The most frequently affected tissues are the lungs and pulmonary lymph nodes, although other tissues can also be affected including the heart. Cardiac Sarcoidosis can be lethal and result in conduction abnormalities, arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death. As endocardial biopsy is invasive, Advanced imaging techniques, such as cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) could be used to diagnose cardiac sarcoidosis and evaluate prognosis. Small and focal cardiac abnormalities have been successfully identified by (DE)-MRI. This comprehensive study and meta-analysis was carried out to aid in the CS diagnosis.

Methodology

Using a strategy based on the search terms-sarcoidosis and CMR/MRI separately, we searched-Pubmed, Google Scholar, Embose, Cochrane Library. Studies were disqualified if they lacked enough data to fill out a 2*2 contingency table. We strictly adhered to the Japanese criteria for diagnosing cases. Data from 12 studies with a total of 785 cases with TP of 212 was included.

Results

We found the cardiac MRI Sensitivity= 0.934 (95% CI = 0.904 to 0.964), Specificity = 0.875 (95% CI = 0.826 to 0.923), PPV= 0.752 (95% CI = 0.682 to 0.822), Younden index= 0.808 and AUC (Area under curve) for ROC plot= 0.904 with a Diagnostic accuracy of 0.892 for detecting sarcoidosis.

Conclusion

Cardiac MRI is a good and reliable screening and diagnostic tool that can be employed as a non-interventional method for diagnosis of Cardiac Sarcoidosis and future prognosis. Diagnostic accuracy of cardiac sarcoidosis using MRI, a meta-analysis.
Altered circadian behavior and light sensing in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Weigel Thaddeus K. , Guo Cherry L. , Güler Ali D. , Ferris Heather A.
Published: May 2023

Circadian symptoms have long been observed in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and often appear before cognitive symptoms, but the mechanisms underlying circadian alterations in AD are poorly understood. We studied circadian re-entrainment in AD model mice using a “jet lag” paradigm, observing their behavior on a running wheel after a six hour advance in the light:dark cycle. Female 3xTg mice, which carry mutations producing progressive amyloid beta and tau pathology, re-entrained following jet lag more rapidly than age-matched wild type controls at both 8 and 13 months of age. This re-entrainment phenotype has not been previously reported in a murine AD model. Because microglia are activated in AD and in AD models, and inflammation can affect circadian rhythms, we hypothesized that microglia contribute to this re-entrainment phenotype. To test this, we used the colony stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R) inhibitor PLX3397, which rapidly depletes microglia from the brain. Microglia depletion did not alter re-entrainment in either wild type or 3xTg mice, demonstrating that microglia activation is not acutely responsible for the re-entrainment phenotype. To test whether mutant tau pathology is necessary for this behavioral phenotype, we repeated the jet lag behavioral test with the 5xFAD mouse model, which develops amyloid plaques, but not neurofibrillary tangles. As with 3xTg mice, 7-month-old female 5xFAD mice re-entrained more rapidly than controls, demonstrating that mutant tau is not necessary for the re-entrainment phenotype. Because AD pathology affects the retina, we tested whether differences in light sensing may contribute to altered entrainment behavior. 3xTg mice demonstrated heightened negative masking, an SCN-independent circadian behavior measuring responses to different levels of light, and re-entrained dramatically faster than WT mice in a jet lag experiment performed in dim light. 3xTg mice show a heightened sensitivity to light as a circadian cue that may contribute to accelerated photic re-entrainment. Together, these experiments demonstrate novel circadian behavioral phenotypes with heightened responses to photic cues in AD model mice which are not dependent on tauopathy or microglia.
Stiffness Sensing by Smooth Muscle Cells: Continuum Mechanics Modeling of the Acto-Myosin Role
Authors: Karkhaneh Yousefi Ali Akbar , Petit Claudie , Hassine Amira Ben , Avril Stéphane
Published: May 2023

Aortic Smooth Muscle Cells (SMCs) play a vital role in maintaining homeostasis in the aorta by sensing and responding to mechanical stimuli. However, the mechanisms that underlie the ability of SMCs to sense and respond to stiffness change in their environment are still partially unclear. In this study, we focus on the role of acto-myosin contractility in stiffness sensing and introduce a novel continuum mechanics approach based on the principles of thermal strains. Each stress fiber satisfies a universal stress-strain relationship driven by a Young’s modulus, a contraction coefficient scaling the fictitious thermal strain, a maximum contraction stress and a softening parameter describing the sliding effects between actin and myosin filaments. To account for the inherent variability of cellular responses, large populations of SMCs are modeled with the finite-element method, each cell having a random number and a random arrangement of stress fibers. Moreover, the level of myosin activation in each stress fiber satisfies a Weibull probability density function. Model predictions are compared to traction force measurements on different SMC lineages. It is demonstrated that the model not only predicts well the effects of substrate stiffness on cellular traction, but it can also successfully approximate the statistical variations of cellular tractions induced by intercellular variability. Finally, stresses in the nuclear envelope and in the nucleus are computed with the model, showing that the variations of cytoskeletal forces induced by substrate stiffness directly induce deformations of the nucleus which can potentially alter gene expression. The predictability of the model combined to its relative simplicity are promising assets for further investigation of stiffness sensing in 3D environments. Eventually, this could contribute to decipher the effects of mechanosensitivity impairment, which are known to be at the root of aortic aneurysms.
Wild birds’ plight and role in the current bird flu panzootic
Authors: Klaassen Marcel , Wille Michelle
Published: May 2023

The current avian influenza panzootic is unprecedented and catastrophic for birds. With a focus on the implications of this panzootic for poultry, there is limited attention on wild birds. We highlight shortcomings and geographic biases in reporting leading to a severe underappreciation of wildlife mortality. We estimate the scale of mortality amongst wild birds is in the millions rather than tens-of-thousands reported, through comparison of notification data to accounts literature. The outbreaks amongst wild birds are causing population and species level concerns which may drive extinctions and jeopardise decades of conservation efforts.
Brain activity of professional investors signals future stock performance
Authors: van Brussel Leonard D. , Boksem Maarten A.S. , Dietvorst Roeland C. , Smidts Ale
Published: May 2023

A major aspiration of investors is to better forecast stock performance. Interestingly, emerging ‘neuroforecasting’ research suggests that brain activity associated with anticipatory reward relates to market behavior and population-wide preferences, including stock price dynamics. In this study we extend these findings to professional investors processing comprehensive real-world information on stock investment options while making predictions of long-term stock performance. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we sampled investors’ neural responses to investment cases and assessed whether these responses relate to future performance on the stock market. We find that our sample of investors could not successfully predict future market performance of the investment cases, confirming that stated preferences do not predict the market. Stock metrics of the investment cases were not predictive of future stock performance either. However, as investors processed case information, nucleus accumbens (NAcc) activity was higher for investment cases that ended up overperforming in the market. These findings remained robust, even when controlling for stock metrics and investors’ predictions made in the scanner. Cross-validated prediction analysis indicated that NAcc activity could significantly predict future stock performance out-of-sample above chance. Our findings resonate with recent neuroforecasting studies and suggest that brain activity of professional investors may help in forecasting future stock performance.

Significance Statement

The investors’ dream of forecasting the stock market is typically considered to be just that: An unrealistic aspiration. However, we find that forecasting stock performance may in fact not be completely unattainable. Results of our neuroimaging experiment reveal that professional investors fail to accurately predict long-term stock performance. However, while processing complex information pertaining to investment cases, brain activity in a region associated with reward anticipation was increased for stocks that would end up overperforming in the future market. Remarkably, this effect held after controlling for the stock information presented in the investment cases. Our findings add to recent work in ‘neuroforecasting’, demonstrating that market behavior can be forecasted by brain activity of a small sample, here of professional investors.
MSH2 stimulates interfering and inhibits non-interfering crossovers in response to genetic polymorphism
Authors: Dluzewska Julia , Dziegielewski Wojciech , Szymanska-Lejman Maja , Gazecka Monika , Henderson Ian R. , Higgins James D. , Ziolkowski Piotr A.
Published: May 2023

In Arabidopsis, local sequence polymorphism between homologs can stimulate double-strand break (DSB) repair via crossover formation in a MSH2-dependent manner. To understand how MSH2 regulates crossovers formed by the independent interfering and non-interfering pathways, we combine mutants that elevate non-interfering crossovers withmsh2. We demonstrate that MSH2 blocks non-interfering crossovers at polymorphic loci, which is the opposite effect to interfering crossovers. We also observe MSH2-independent crossover inhibition at highly polymorphic sites. We measure recombination along the chromosome arms, in lines differing in the heterozygosity pattern, and observe a dramatic crossover increase at the boundaries between heterozygous and homozygous regions, which is MSH2-dependent. Together, we show that MSH2 is a master regulator of meiotic DSB repair, with antagonistic effects on interfering and non-interfering crossovers, that shapes the crossover landscape in relation to interhomolog polymorphism.
A provably convergent control closure scheme for the Method of Moments of the Chemical Master Equation
Authors: Wagner Vincent , Strässer Robin , Allgöwer Frank , Radde Nicole
Published: May 2023

In this article, we introduce a novel moment closure scheme based on concepts from Model Predictive Control (MPC) to accurately describe the time evolution of the statistical moments of the solution of the Chemical Master Equation (CME). The Method of Moments, a set of ordinary differential equations frequently used to calculate the firstnmmoments, is generally not closed since lower-order moments depend on higher-order moments. To overcome this limitation, we interpret the moment equations as a nonlinear dynamical system, where the firstnmmoments serve as states and the closing moments serve as control input. We demonstrate the efficacy of our approach using three example systems and show that it outperforms existing closure schemes. For polynomial systems, which encompass all mass-action systems, we provide probability bounds for the error between true and estimated moment trajectories. We achieve this by combining convergence properties of a priori moment estimates from stochastic simulations with guarantees for nonlinear reference tracking MPC. Our proposed method offers an effective solution to accurately predict the time evolution of moments of the CME, which has wide-ranging implications for many fields, including biology, chemistry, and engineering.
Ribosomal protein L24 modulates mammalian microRNA processing and transfer RNA fragment production
Authors: Tzur Yonat , Dubnov Serafima , Madrer Nimrod , Bar Adi , Nadorp Bettina , Mishra Nibha , Heppenstall Paul , Bennett Estelle R , Greenberg David S , Winek Katarzyna , Soreq Hermona
Published: May 2023

The evolutionary mechanism(s) underlying the expression of novel microRNAs (miRs) are still elusive. To explore this issue, we studied the expression of intronic primate-specific hsa-miR-608, located in the Semaphorin 4G (SEMA4G) gene. Engineered ‘humanized’ mice carrying human miR-608 flanked by 250 bp in the murine Sema4g gene expressed miR-608 in several tissues. Moreover, miR-608 flanked by shortened fragments of its human genome region elevated miR-608 levels by 100-fold in murine and human-originated cells, identifying the 150 nucleotides 5’ to pre-miR-608 as an active promoter. Surprisingly, pulldown of this 5’ sequence revealed tight interaction with ribosomal protein L24 (RPL24), which inhibited miR-608 expression. Furthermore, RPL24 depletion altered the levels of 22 miRs, and we discovered that direct interaction of RPL24 with DDX5, a component of the large microprocessor complex, inhibits pri-miR processing. Moreover, RPL24 depletion resulted in Angiogenin (ANG)-mediated production of 5’-half tRFs in human cells, and altered plant tRF profiles. Expanding previous reports that RPL24 regulates miR processing in Arabidopsis thaliana, we implicate RPL24 in an evolutionarily-conserved regulation of miR processing and tRF production.

Abstract Figure
Lactate transporter MCT1 in hepatic stellate cells promotes fibrotic collagen expression in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Min Kyounghee , Yenilmez Batuhan , Kelly Mark , Echeverria Dimas , Elleby Michael , Lifshitz Lawrence M. , Raymond Naideline , Tsagkaraki Emmanouela , Harney Shauna M. , DiMarzio Chloe , Wang Hui , McHugh Nicholas , Bramato Brianna , Morrision Brett , Rothstein Jeffery D. , Khvorova Anastasia , Czech Michael P.
Published: May 2023

Circulating lactate is a fuel source for liver metabolism but may exacerbate metabolic diseases such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Indeed, haploinsufficiency of lactate transporter monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1) in mice reportedly promotes resistance to hepatic steatosis and inflammation. Here, we used adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors to deliver thyroxin binding globulin (TBG)-Cre or lecithin-retinol acyltransferase (Lrat)-Cre to MCT1fl/flmice on a choline deficient, high fat NASH diet to deplete hepatocyte or stellate cell MCT1, respectively. Stellate cell MCT1KO (AAV-Lrat-Cre) attenuated liver type 1 collagen protein expression and caused a downward trend in trichrome staining. MCT1 depletion in cultured human LX2 stellate cells also diminished collagen 1 protein expression. Tetra-ethylenglycol-cholesterol (Chol)-conjugated siRNAs, which enter all hepatic cell types, and hepatocyte-selective tri-N-acetyl galactosamine (GN)-conjugated siRNAs were then used to evaluate MCT1 function in a genetically obese NASH mouse model. MCT1 silencing by Chol-siRNA decreased liver collagen 1 levels, while hepatocyte-selective MCT1 depletion by AAV-TBG-Cre or by GN-siRNA unexpectedly increased collagen 1 and total fibrosis without effect on triglyceride accumulation. These findings demonstrate that stellate cell lactate transporter MCT1 significantly contributes to liver fibrosis through increased collagen 1 protein expressionin vitroandin vivo, while hepatocyte MCT1 appears not to be an attractive therapeutic target for NASH.
Cities as parasitic amplifiers? Malaria prevalence and diversity in great tits along an urbanization gradient
Authors: Caizergues Aude E. , Robira Benjamin , Perrier Charles , Jeanneau Mélanie , Berthomieu Arnaud , Perret Samuel , Gandon Sylvain , Charmantier Anne
Published: May 2023

Urbanization is a worldwide phenomenon that modifies the environment. By affecting the reservoirs of pathogens and the body and immune conditions of hosts, urbanization alters the epidemiological dynamics and diversity of diseases. Cities could act as areas of pathogen dilution or amplification, depending on whether urban features have positive or negative effects on vectors and hosts. In this study, we focused on a host species and investigated the prevalence and diversity of avian malaria parasites (Plasmodium/Haemoproteussp. andLeucocytozoonsp.) in great tits (Parus major) living across an urbanization gradient. In general, we observed high prevalence in adult birds (from 95% to 100%), yet lower prevalence in fledglings (from 0% to 38%). We found a slight tendency for increased Plasmodium sp. prevalence with increasing urbanization in adults. Urban nestlings had higherPlasmodiumsp. infection rates than non-urban nestlings. We found evidence of higher diversity of parasites in the most natural urban park; however, parasite diversity was similar across other urbanization levels (e.g. from a little artificialized park to a highly anthropized industrial area). Parasite lineages were not habitat specific. Only onePlasmodiumsp. lineage (YWT4) was associated with urban areas and some rare lineages (e.g., AFR065) were present only in a zoo area, perhaps because of the presence of African birds. This study suggests that urbanization can lead to a parasite amplification effect and can favor different avian malaria lineages.
Identifying size-dependent toxin sorting in bacterial outer membrane vesicles
Authors: Singh Aarshi N. , Nice Justin B , Brown Angela C. , Wittenberg Nathan J.
Published: May 2023

Gram-negative bacteria produce outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) that play a critical role in cell-cell communication and virulence. Despite being isolated from a single population of bacteria, OMVs can exhibit heterogeneous size and toxin content, which can be obscured by assays that measure ensemble properties. To address this issue, we utilize fluorescence imaging of individual OMVs to reveal size-dependent toxin sorting. Our results showed that the oral bacteriumAggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A.a.)produces OMVs with a bimodal size distribution, where larger OMVs were much more likely to possess leukotoxin (LtxA). Among the smallest OMVs (< 100 nm diameter), the fraction that are toxin positive ranges from 0-30%, while the largest OMVs (> 200 nm diameter) are between 70-100% toxin positive. Our single OMV imaging method provides a non-invasive way to observe OMV surface heterogeneity at the nanoscale level and determine size-based heterogeneities without the need for OMV fraction separation.
DrosophilaFMRP recruits the miRISC to target mRNAs to repress translation
Authors: Kaul Navneeta , Pradhan Sarala J. , Boin Nathan G. , Mason Madeleine M. , Rosales Julian , Starke Emily L. , Wilkinson Emily C. , Chapman Erich G. , Barbee Scott A.
Published: May 2023

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common inherited form of intellectual disability and is caused by mutations in the gene encoding for the Fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein (FMRP). FMRP is an evolutionarily conserved and neuronally enriched RNA binding protein (RBP) with functions in the control of processes including RNA editing, RNA transport, and protein translation. Specific target RNAs play critical roles in neurodevelopment including the regulation of neurite morphogenesis, synaptic plasticity, and cognitive function. The different biological functions of FMRP are modulated by its cooperative interaction with distinct sets of neuronal RNA and protein binding partners. Here, we focus on interactions between FMRP and components of the microRNA (miRNA) pathway. Using theDrosophilamodel system, we show that dFMRP can repress the translation of a reporter mRNA via a deadenylation-independent mechanism. This repression requires the activity of both AGO1 and GW182, conserved components of the miRNA-containing RISC (miRISC). Interestingly, we find that dFMRP can bind directly to a short stem loop structure in the reporter and that dFMRP binding is a prerequisite for repression by miR-958. Finally, we show thatdFmr1interacts genetically withGW182to control neurite morphogenesis. Collectively, these data suggest the dFMRP can directly recruit the miRISC to nearby miRNA binding sites and then repress translation via the activity of the miRISC effector, GW182.
Drosophilacells that express octopamine receptors can either inhibit or promote oviposition
Authors: Rohrbach Ethan W. , Knapp Elizabeth M. , Deshpande Sonali A. , Krantz David E.
Published: May 2023

Adrenergic signaling is known to play a critical role in regulating female reproductive processes in both mammals and insects. InDrosophila, the ortholog of noradrenaline, octopamine (Oa), is required for ovulation as well as several other female reproductive processes. Loss of function studies using mutant alleles of receptors, transporters, and biosynthetic enzymes for Oa have led to a model in which disruption of octopaminergic pathways reduces egg laying. However, neither the complete expression pattern in the reproductive tract nor the role of most octopamine receptors in oviposition is known. We show that all six known Oa receptors are expressed in peripheral neurons at multiple sites within in the female fly reproductive tract as well as in non-neuronal cells within the sperm storage organs. The complex pattern of Oa receptor expression in the reproductive tract suggests the potential for influencing multiple regulatory pathways, including those known to inhibit egg-laying in unmated flies. Indeed, activation of some neurons that express Oa receptors inhibits oviposition, and neurons that express different subtypes of Oa receptor can affect different stages of egg laying. Stimulation of some Oa receptor expressing neurons (OaRNs) also induces contractions in lateral oviduct muscle and activation of non-neuronal cells in the sperm storage organs by Oa generates OAMB-dependent intracellular calcium release. Our results are consistent with a model in which adrenergic pathways play a variety of complex roles in the fly reproductive tract that includes both the stimulation and inhibition of oviposition.
Kappa Opioid Receptor Antagonism Restores Phosphorylation, Trafficking and Behavior induced by a Disease Associated Dopamine Transporter Variant
Authors: Mayer Felix P. , Stewart Adele , Varman Durairaj Ragu , Moritz Amy E. , Foster James D. , Owens Anthony W. , Areal Lorena B. , Gowrishankar Raajaram , Velez Michelle , Wickham Kyria , Phelps Hannah , Katamish Rania , Rabil Maximilian , Jayanthi Lankupalle D. , Vaughan Roxanne A. , Daws Lynette C. , Blakely Randy D. , Ramamoorthy Sammanda
Published: May 2023

Aberrant dopamine (DA) signaling is implicated in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder (BPD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), substance use disorder, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Treatment of these disorders remains inadequate, as exemplified by the therapeutic use of d-amphetamine and methylphenidate for the treatment of ADHD, agents with high abuse liability. In search for an improved and non-addictive therapeutic approach for the treatment of DA-linked disorders, we utilized a preclinical mouse model expressing the human DA transporter (DAT) coding variant DAT Val559, previously identified in individuals with ADHD, ASD, or BPD. DAT Val559, like several other disease-associated variants of DAT, exhibits anomalous DA efflux (ADE) that can be blocked by d-amphetamine and methylphenidate. Kappa opioid receptors (KORs) are expressed by DA neurons and modulate DA release and clearance, suggesting that targeting KORs might also provide an alternative approach to normalizing DA-signaling disrupted by perturbed DAT function. Here we demonstrate that KOR stimulation leads to enhanced surface trafficking and phosphorylation of Thr53 in wildtype DAT, effects achieved constitutively by the Val559 mutant. Moreover, these effects can be rescued by KOR antagonism of DAT Val559 inex vivopreparations. Importantly, KOR antagonism also correctedin vivoDA release as well as sex-dependent behavioral abnormalities observed in DAT Val559 mice. Given their low abuse liability, our studies with a construct valid model of human DA associated disorders reinforce considerations of KOR antagonism as a pharmacological strategy to treat DA associated brain disorders.
Polymorphic structures of 3-phenyl-1H-1,3-benzodiazol-2(3H)-one
Authors: Hong Dabeen , Lee Kyounghoon
Published: May 2023

The polymorphic structures (I and II) of 3-phenyl-1H-1,3-benzodiazol-2(3H)-one, C13H10N2O, acquired from pentane diffusion into the solution in THF, are reported. The structures show negligible differences in bond distances and angles, but the C—N—C—C torsion angles between the backbone and the phenyl substituent, 123.02 (15)° for I and 137.18 (11)° for II, are different. Compound I features a stronger C=O...H—N hydrogen bond than that in II, while the structure of II exhibits a stronger π–π interaction than in I, as confirmed by the shorter intercentroid distance [3.3257 (8) Å in II in comparison to 3.6862 (7) Å in I]. Overall, the supramolecular interactions of I and II are distinct, presumably originating from the variation in the dihedral angle.
The impacts of economic growth, corruption, energy consumption and trade openness upon CO2 emissions: West African countries case
Authors: Abid Lobna , Kacem Sana , Saadaoui Haifa
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This research paper aims to handle the effects of economic growth, corruption, energy consumption as well as trade openness on CO2 emissions for a sample of West African countries during the period 1980 and 2018.

Design/methodology/approach

The current work uses the pooled mean group (PMG)-autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) panel model to estimate the dynamics among the different variables used in the short and long terms.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that all variables have long-term effects. These results suggest that gross domestic product (GDP) per capita exhibits a positive and prominent effect on CO2 emissions. Corruption displays a negative and outstanding effect on long-term CO2 emissions. In contrast, energy consumption in West African countries and trade openness create environmental degradation. Contrarily to long-term results, short-term results demonstrate that economic growth, corruption and trade openness do not influence the environmental quality.

Originality/value

Empirical findings provide useful information to explore deeper and better the link between the used variables. They stand for a theoretical basis as well as an enlightening guideline for policymakers to set strategies founded on the analyzed links.
A framework to build a resilient supply chain: a case study of Javanese tea in Indonesia
Authors: Tanuputri Megita Ryanjani , Bai Hu
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Determining vulnerability and resilience is necessary to develop sustainable agribusiness. The purpose of this study is to clarify and understand the current condition and problems in the tea supply chain and to develop a framework on how to build a sustainable and resilient tea supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is a case study analysis which develops an integrated framework to build a resilient tea supply chain. It evaluates and extends the current knowledge of Javanese tea by applying business process analysis to understand the situation.

Findings

This paper develops an integrated and conceptual framework on how to build resilient supply chain by considering five broad factors: vulnerability analysis, assessment of assets, supply chain collaboration, control mechanism from government and outcome.

Research limitations/implications

The framework provides a conceptual view but limited to field surveys in Central Java Province. This study could increase the general understanding of tea supply chain in Indonesia and its major problems and challenges.

Practical implications

The framework also highlights different stakeholder's organizational constraints and issues, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Originality/value

The business process analysis and conceptual framework offer an expanded and in-depth explanation on how organizations respond to the changing conditions, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Extending and understanding: an application of machine learning to the World Bank's logistics performance index
Authors: Shepherd Ben , Sriklay Tanaporn
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The authors extend the World Bank's Logistics Performance Index (LPI) for 30 additional countries and 13 additional years. The authors develop an inexpensive method for extending survey data when frequent, universal surveys are unavailable. The authors identify groups of country characteristics that influence LPI scores.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data from the World Development Indicators—the broadest global dataset of country socioeconomic features—the authors test machine learning algorithms for their ability to predict the LPI. The authors examine importance scores to identify factors that influence LPI scores.

Findings

The best performing algorithm produces predictions on unseen data that account for nearly 90% of observed variation, and are accurate to within 6%. It performs twice as well as an OLS model with per capita income as the only predictor. Explanatory factors are business environment, economic structure, finance, environment, human development, and institutional quality.

Practical implications

Machine learning offers a simple, inexpensive way of extending the coverage of survey data. This dataset provides a richer picture of logistics performance around the world. The factors the authors identify as predicting higher LPI scores can help policymakers and practitioners target interventions.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the first applications of machine learning to extend coverage of an index based on an international survey. The authors use the new data to provide the most wide-ranging analysis of logistics performance across countries and over time. The output is an important resource for policymakers tracking performance, and researchers particularly in smaller and lower income countries. The authors also examine a wider range of explanatory factors for LPI scores than previous work.
Management accounting practices and organizational change aspects in the public sector: contextual/processual approach
Authors: Alsharari Nizar Mohammad , Daniels Bobbie
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The study aims to explain the process of management accounting practices and organizational change aspects in the public sector’s response to environmental pressures. Specifically, it discusses the interaction process between management accounting practices from one side and culture, leadership and decentralization from the other side.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts qualitative research approach and an interpretive case study. The study uses the triangulation method of data collection, including interviews, annual reports, documents and archival records. A theoretical lens informs it of the contextual/processual approach for interpreting interaction processes between management accounting and organizational change aspects, including culture, leadership and decentralization.

Findings

The findings confirm that a change in organizational culture has an important impact on accounting change, which has played a central role in the desire to initiate and accept such changes by the organizational members. Similarly, the new leadership style created a unique culture that was considered a solid platform to introduce new accounting systems by enhancing the trust between IT staff and management accountants and their trust in themselves to accept the change. The paper concludes that the relationships between the change aspects at the organizational level, and accounting practices at the inherent organizational and accounting levels are both recursive and two way, with the two concepts inextricably interwoven.

Research limitations/implications

The study has some limitations as the data is limited to only a single country – more explanation for Jordanian Customs Organization quantitative understandings of governance improvement. The study has important implications for practitioners and customs officials by showing that different government regulations and customs reforms have varied influences on the public sector. These reforms have included most modifications to the accounting and organizational configurations. This study contributes to institutional theory development and refinement by exploring the interface between external influences and internal origins in the accounting change process.

Originality/value

This study uses a categorical association between organizational changes and accounting in the public sector as most prior studies have been conducted on the private sector due to competitive and technical pressures. It also contributes to organizational change and accounting literature by discussing the relationship between accounting from one side and culture and leadership from another side.
Exploring the relationship between trusts, likability, brand loyalty, and revisit intentions in the context of Airbnb
Authors: Tran Trang P. , Wen Chao , Gugenishvili Ilia
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Collaborative consumption has caught researchers’ attention due to its rapid growth. Drawing on the causal relationship between cognition, affection and conation and collaborative consumption literature, this paper aims to investigate the drivers of brand loyalty and revisit intentions in the context of Airbnb.

Design/methodology/approach

The data was collected from 399 Airbnb users using the online survey. Partial least square structural equation modeling was used to test hypotheses. Mediation tests were conducted with multiple mediation analyses.

Findings

The study reveals that brand likeability enhanced by customers’ trust in both hosts and Airbnb drives satisfaction, brand loyalty and revisit intention. Moreover, satisfaction impacts revisit intention through a full mediation of brand loyalty.

Research limitations/implications

The role that trust and likability play in enhancing brand loyalty and the intention to revisit is not well documented in the literature on collaborative consumption. The results show that consumers’ trust (cognition) is the first step to the success of collaborative consumption, and consumers’ trust in both platform and hosts will make the Airbnb brand more attractive and likable. When brand likability (affection) grows deeper through more engagement, consumers are more willing (intention) to spend more time staying in Airbnb accommodation.

Originality/value

Although existing literature discusses trust from the consumers’ standpoint and categorizes it into two types, the influence of trust on brand likability has never been tested before. Based on the causal relationship between cognition, affection and conation, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first one investigating trust in both the platform and hosts as key drivers of brand likability, which enhances customer satisfaction, brand loyalty and revisit intentions in the Airbnb context.
Bribery, female-led start-ups and product innovation performance in transition economies: the moderating roles of institutional support and self-control
Authors: Wu Yonghui , Xie Xuemei , Lassala Carlos , Ribeiro-Navarrete Samuel
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Given that women around the world face more exclusion in terms of limited access to economic and innovation activities than men do, it is understandable that some female-led start-ups in weak institutional environments engage in bribery to help reduce the difficulties they encounter in the face of intense business competition. However, the link between bribery and product innovation performance is unclear. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between bribery and product innovation performance for female-led start-ups, as well as the roles of institutional support and self-control in this link.

Design/methodology/approach

This empirical study evaluates survey data from female-led manufacturing start-ups in China's Yangtze River Delta region to investigate the relationship between bribery and product innovation performance.

Findings

This research shows that bribery has an inverted U-shaped impact on product innovation performance in female-led manufacturing start-ups, meaning that the product innovation performance of these firms initially increases but then decreases as the bribery intensity (i.e. the frequency and amount of bribes) increases. The authors also focus on the roles of institutional support and self-control in this link, where the authors find that this relationship is steeper for firms with strong institutional support, as well as for individual female entrepreneurs who have high levels of self-control.

Practical implications

The findings of this study indicate that policymakers should undertake efforts to improve institutional quality (e.g. increasing clarity around decisions, providing more institutional support, etc.) and to guide female entrepreneurs to cultivate higher levels of self-control, as such efforts would reduce the appeal of, and the opportunity for, bribery.

Originality/value

To date, very few studies focus specifically on female-led enterprises in the field of bribery research. The research findings presented here on the effect of bribery in female-led start-ups on firm product innovation performance are useful to researchers, policymakers and businesspeople, as they provide a better understanding of bribery in female-led start-ups in China, which can also be extrapolated to encompass other transition economy contexts.
Social network use and life satisfaction: a systematic review
Authors: Akkaş Cemil , Turan Aykut Hamit
Published: May 2023

Purpose

As our time spent on social networking sites (SNS) is increasing, more people are facing the psychological and mental consequences of SNS use. Given the growing body of research on the relationship between social network use and life satisfaction, this study aims to provide an overview of empirical studies through a systematic literature review.

Design/methodology/approach

As a result of the screening process, 43 articles were included in the review in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. First, the characteristics of the studies included in the review, such as sample country, data collection method and data analysis method, are presented. Then, the findings on the relationship between SNS use and life satisfaction are outlined.

Findings

Based on the results, it is seen that the relationship between SNS use and life satisfaction varies considerably with the sample and platforms studied. Theoretically, this systematic review provides a comprehensive picture of the relationship between SNS use and life satisfaction and encourages researchers to study the topic further.

Originality/value

There are reviews on the relationship between SNS use and psychological factors such as self-esteem, loneliness or depression. In the reviews, limited variables such as problematic social network use, adolescents’ social network use and social network addiction have been examined instead of general social network use. However, the number of reviews on the relationship between social network use and life satisfaction is quite limited. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this systematic review is both a comprehensive literature review and one of the first studies to provide a broad perspective on the relationship between social network use and life satisfaction.