bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cultivation protocols for the rhodophytes,Devaleraea mollisandPalmaria hecatensisfrom Alaska
Authors: Dittrich Muriel C. , Meyer Lindsay , Stekoll Michael , Kelley Amanda , Umanzor Schery
Published: October 2024

Species diversification is crucial for the long-term viability, competitiveness, and sustainability of the seaweed farming industry in the United States. This study investigated the effects that temperature (4, 8 and 12°C), photoperiod (8L:16D, 12L:12D and 16L:8D), and irradiance (20, 40, 100 ± 10 µmol photons m−2s−1) had on the specific growth rate (SGR) ofDevaleraea mollisandPalmaria hecatensisfrom Alaska. Outputs were used to adjust indoor cultivation protocols forD. mollisand develop the first protocols forP. hecatensis. This study also explored the use of two low-cost commercial nutrient products (F/2 and Jack’s Special 25-5-15) as alternatives to the recommended nutrient medium, von Stosch Enrichment. Assessments determined whether their use resulted in similar SGRs without compromising biomass quality or raising production costs. Results showed that both species responded differently to each factor, indicating distinct ecological and physiological adaptations.D. mollisexhibited higher growth rates in warmer temperatures and responded to higher irradiance levels with spore release but showed no clear preference between neutral and long-day photoperiods. In contrast,P. hecatensisdemonstrated higher growth rates in cooler environments with a long-day photoperiod promoting the most growth without spore release. Nutrient supplementation revealed that growth inD. molliswas affected by nutrient formulation, whileP. hecatensisshowed no significant growth variation. These findings underscore the importance of species and geographic-specific protocols for seaweed farming. Further research is needed to optimize the potential cultivation protocols provided here. Cultivation protocols would also benefit from exploring the ecological and physiological nuances of both species.
All-trans retinoic acid-mediated ADAR1 degradation synergizes with PD-1 blockade to suppress pancreatic cancer
Authors: Li Ching-Fei , Bai Li-Yuan , Wei Yongkun , Lee Heng-Huan , Yang Riyao , Yao Jun , Wang Huamin , Wang Ying-Nai , Chang Wei-Chao , Shen Yi-Chun , Wang Shao-Chun , Chou Cheng-Wei , Fu Jie , Ling Jianhua , Chu Yu-Yi , Chiu Chang-Fang , Wang Michael , Yu Dihua , Chiao Paul J , Liang Han , Maitra Anirban , Ying Haoqiang , Hung Mien-Chie
Published: October 2024

As a double-stranded RNA–editing enzyme and an interferon-stimulated gene, double-stranded RNA-specific adenosine deaminase (ADAR1) suppresses interferon signaling and contributes to immunotherapy resistance. Suppression of ADAR1 overcomes immunotherapy resistance in preclinical models, but has not yet been translated to clinical settings. By conducting a screening of a subset of the FDA-approved drugs, we found that all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA, also known as tretinoin) caused ADAR1 protein degradation through ubiquitin-proteasome pathways and concomitantly increased PD-L1 expression in pancreatic and breast cancers. In addition, the combination of ATRA and PD-1 blockade reprogrammed the tumor microenvironment and unleashed antitumor immunity and thereby impeded tumor growth in pancreatic cancer mouse models. In a pilot clinical trial, a higher dose of ATRA plus the anti-PD-1 antibody nivolumab prolonged median overall survival in patients with chemotherapy-resistant pancreatic cancer compared to a lower dose of the same regimen. In this study, ATRA was the first drug to be found to cause ADAR1 degradation. We propose translation of a promising 2-pronged antitumor strategy using ATRA and nivolumab to convert immunologically “cold” into “hot” tumors susceptible to immune checkpoint blockade.
Enhancing Radiation-induced Reactive Oxygen Species Generation Through Mitochondrial Transplantation in Human Glioblastoma
Authors: Marshall Kent L , Velayutham Murugesan , Khramtsov Valery V. , Mizener Alan , Cifarelli Christopher P
Published: October 2024

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive primary brain malignancy in adults, with high recurrence rates and resistance to standard therapies. This study explores mitochondrial transplantation as a novel method to enhance the radiobiological effect (RBE) of ionizing radiation (IR) by increasing mitochondrial density in GBM cells, potentially boosting reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and promoting radiation-induced cell death. Using cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), mitochondria were transplanted into GBM cell lines U3020 and U3035. Transplanted mitochondria were successfully incorporated into recipient cells, increasing mitochondrial density significantly. Mitochondrial chimeric cells demonstrated enhanced ROS generation post-irradiation, as evidenced by increased electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) signal intensity and fluorescent ROS assays. The transplanted mitochondria retained functionality and viability for up to 14 days, with mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequencing confirming high transfection and retention rates. Notably, mitochondrial transplantation was feasible in radiation-resistant GBM cells, suggesting potential clinical applicability. These findings support mitochondrial transplantation as a promising strategy to overcome therapeutic resistance in GBM by amplifying ROS-mediated cytotoxicity, warranting further investigation into its efficacy and mechanismsin vivo.
Nested admixture during and after the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade on the island of São Tomé
Authors: Ciccarella Marta , Laurent Romain , Szpiech Zachary A. , Patin Etienne , Dessarps-Freichey Françoise , Utgé José , Lémée Laure , Semo Armando , Rocha Jorge , Verdu Paul
Published: October 2024

Human admixture history is rarely a simple process in which distinct populations, previously isolated for a long time, come into contact once to form an admixed population. In this study, we aim to reconstruct the complex admixture histories of the population of São Tomé, an island in the Gulf of Guinea that was the site of the first slave-based plantation economy, and experienced successive waves of forced and deliberate migration from Africa. We examined 2.5 million SNPs newly genotyped in 96 São Toméans and found that geography alone cannot explain the observed patterns of genetic differentiation within the island. We defined five genetic groups in São Tomé based on the hypothesis that individuals sharing the most haplotypes are more likely to share similar genetic histories. Using Identical-by-Descent and different local ancestry inference methods, we inferred shared ancestries between 70 African and European populations and each São Toméan genetic group. We identified admixture events between admixed groups that were previously isolated on the island, showing how recently admixed populations can be themselves the sources of other admixture events. This study demonstrates how complex admixture and isolation histories during and after the Transatlantic Slave-Trade shaped extant individual genetic patterns at a local scale in Africa.
Cannabidiol reverses microglia activation and loss of parvalbumin interneurons and perineuronal nets in a mouse model of schizophrenia
Authors: Rodrigues da Silva Naielly , Gobbo Davide , Gomes Felipe V. , Scheller Anja , Kirchhoff Frank , Del Bel Elaine , Silveira Guimarães Francisco
Published: October 2024

Cannabidiol (CBD) has shown potential for treating schizophrenia (SCZ) by targeting its positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms. In this study, we investigated if CBD could reverse the memory impairment observed after chronic administration of the NMDA receptor antagonist. MK-801 treatment (0.5 mg/kg i.p., twice a day, for 14 days) resulted in short- and long-term memory deficits and decreased relative power of γ oscillation in freely moving animals. CBD administration (60 mg/kg i.p. daily for seven days after the MK-801 treatment period) reversed these changes. The positive cognitive effects of CBD were prevented by a 5-HT1A, but not a CB2, receptor antagonist. On the cellular level, CBD reversed MK-801-induced reduced number of parvalbumin-positive neurons and their associated perineuronal nets in the prelimbic medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and ventral hippocampus (vHip). This neuroprotective effect was mediated by 5-HT1A and CB2 receptors in the vHip but was independent of these receptors in the mPFC. Additionally, CBD reversed MK-801-induced microglial activation in both mPFC and vHip, again through 5-HT1A and CB2 receptors. These findings suggest that CBD modulates multiple pathways affected in SCZ-like conditions, offering a promising therapeutic avenue for SCZ treatment.

Chemical compounds studied in this article

CBD (PubChem CID: 644019), MK-801 (PubChem CID: 180081), AM630 (PubChem CID: 4302963), WAY100635 (PubChem CID: 11957721).
Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation Boosts Post-Error Accuracy During Perceptual Decision-Making
Authors: Su Shiyong , Vanvoorden Thomas , Le Denmat Pierre , Zénon Alexandre , Braconnier Clara , Duque Julie
Published: October 2024

The locus coeruleus-norepinephrine (LC-NE) system is a well-established regulator of behavior, yet its precise role remains unclear. Animal studies predominantly support a “gain” hypothesis, suggesting that the LC-NE system enhances sensory processing, while human studies have proposed an alternative “urgency” hypothesis, postulating that LC-NE primarily accelerates responses. To address this discrepancy, we administered transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) in two experiments involving 43 participants. In the first experiment, we showed that 4-second tVNS trains reliably induced greater pupil dilation compared to SHAM condition, indicating increased LC-NE activity. In the second experiment, we applied tVNS during a random dot motion task to assess its impact on perceptual decision-making. Notably, tVNS improved accuracy without affecting reaction times, which appears inconsistent with the “urgency” hypothesis. Drift-diffusion model analyses further supported the “gain” hypothesis, revealing that tVNS increased the drift rate, indicative of enhanced evidence accumulation. Accuracy and drift-rate improvements were especially pronounced following errors and in less proficient participants, who otherwise exhibited post-error declines in these measures under SHAM condition. Our findings suggest that the influence of the LC-NE system adapts to task demands, becoming especially beneficial in challenging contexts. Overall, this study underscores the potential of tVNS as a non-invasive tool to investigate the causal role of the LC-NE system in human behavior.
Comparative modeling of fetal exposure to maternal long-acting injectable versus oral daily antipsychotics
Authors: Bediako-Kakari Philip , Monyo Mariella , Atoyebi Shakir , Olagunju Adeniyi
Published: October 2024

This study employed physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modelling to compare the extent of fetal exposure between oral and long-acting injectable (LAI) aripiprazole and olanzapine. Adult and pregnancy PBPK models were developed and validated with relevant clinical data. Relevant indices of fetal exposure during pregnancy were predicted from concentration-time data at steady-state dosing for both oral and LAI formulations. Fetal Cmaxfor aripiprazole was 59-78% higher with LAI than oral, and 68-181% higher with LAI olanzapine than the oral formulation. Predicted C:M ratios (range) was 0.59-0.69 for oral aripiprazole and 0.61-0.66 for LAI aripiprazole, 0.34-0.64 for oral olanzapine and 0.89-0.96 for LAI olanzapine. Also, cumulative fetal exposure over 28 days from oral formulations were generally predicted to be lower compared with their therapeutic-equivalent LAI. Asin uterofetal exposure to maternal drugs does not necessarily translate to risk, these data should be interpreted in a broader context that includes benefit-risk assessments.
Genetically Predicted Blood Metabolites Mediate the Association Between Gut Microbiota and Childhood with obesity: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Zhang Min , Yan Wenjuan
Published: October 2024

Background

Childhood with obesity is characterized by metabolic dysregulation and unique gut microbiota profiles. Nevertheless, the comprehensive understanding of gut microbiota and metabolic dysregulation of Childhood with obesity remains unclear.

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the causal relationship of gut microbiota and Childhood with obesity and identify the blood metabolites as potential mediators.

Methods

The exposure genome-wide association studies (GWAS) data were sourced from the GWAS Catalog, while the outcome GWAS data were obtained from the Early Growth Genetics (EGG) Consortium. The study used 473 types of gut microbiota, 233 types of blood metabolites, and Childhood with obesity from GWAS. We then performed two-sample Mendelian randomization (TSMR) and bidirectional Mendelian randomization (BDMR) analyses to explore the causal relationships between gut microbiota, blood metabolites, and Childhood with obesity. Additionally, we conducted multivariable Mendelian randomization (MVMR) and two-step Mendelian randomization (2SMR) to identify potential mediating blood metabolites in this process.

Results

MR analysis identified 13 types of gut microbiota and 12 types of blood metabolites that were causally associated with Childhood with obesity. Furthermore, there was no strong evidence that genetically predicted Childhood with obesity had an effect on these gut microbiota and blood metabolites. Further, 2SMR analysis revealed that the association between K10 sp001941205 and Childhood with obesity was mediated by the Total cholesterol to total lipids ratio in medium VLDL, accounting for 2.53% (95%CI; 2.14%-2.92%) of the association. Similarly, the relationship between SM23-33 and Childhood with obesity was mediated by the Ratio of 22:6 docosahexaenoic acid to total fatty acids, which accounted for 4.07% (95%CI; 2.70%-5.44%) of the association.

Conclusions

The present study is the first to investigate the causal relationships among 473 gut microbiota phenotypes, 233 blood metabolites, and Childhood with obesity through Mendelian randomization analysis, identifying 13 gut microbiota types with potential causal links to Childhood with obesity and suggesting that 2 blood metabolites may mediate these associations, thereby providing valuable insights for future intervention strategies aimed at addressing Childhood with obesity.
Emodin-Enhanced hUC-MSC Extracellular Vesicles Alleviate Acute Pancreatitis by Targeting Inflammation and Pyroptosis
Authors: Liu Xiong , Huang Xianwei , Huang Xiaodong , Liu Siyao , Hu Jun , Jiyan Lin
Published: October 2024

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a complex condition requiring immediate treatment. Both extracellular vesicles derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSC-EVs) and emodin, a naturally occurring anthraquinone used in traditional Chinese medicine, have shown therapeutic potential in treating AP. However, the mechanisms by which hUC-MSC-EVs and emodin alleviate AP, and whether they exert a synergistic effect on inflamed pancreatic tissues, remain unclear.

In this study, we developed AP cell, organoid, and animal models to compare the effects of emodin, hUC-MSC-EVs, and emodin-loaded hUC-MSC-EVs on cell viability, inflammation, and pyroptosis. Our data revealed that all three treatments improved cell viability, reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, and inhibited pyroptosis in the AP models. Notably, the encapsulation of emodin significantly enhanced the protective effects of hUC-MSC-EVs.

These findings suggest that emodin’s protective effects on inflamed pancreatic tissues may be attributed, at least in part, to its anti-inflammatory and anti-pyroptotic properties. Additionally, our study proposes a novel strategy for engineering hUC-MSC-EVs for potential therapeutic applications in AP treatment.
Longitudinal neuromelanin changes in prodromal and early Parkinson’s disease in humans and rat model
Authors: Pérot Jean-Baptiste , Ruze Anthony , Gaurav Rahul , Rebbah Sana , Cadin Capucine , Le Troter Arnaud , Soustelle Lucas , Mouton Laura , Valabrègue Romain , Parent Annabelle , Mangone Graziella , Lejeune François-Xavier , Arnulf Isabelle , Corvol Jean-Christophe , Vidailhet Marie , Santin Mathieu D. , Vila Miquel , Lehéricy Stéphane
Published: October 2024

Studies in animal models of Parkinson’s disease (PD) suggested that the accumulation of the neuromelanin (NM), a pigment contained in nigral dopaminergic neurons, could trigger neurodegeneration above a pathogenic threshold. Here we investigated this hypothesis using NM-sensitive MRI in rodents and in patients with isolated rapid eye movement sleep disorders (iRBD) subjects, a prodromal phase of parkinsonism, and early PD. We first combined NM-sensitive MRI and histology to study NM accumulation and neurodegeneration in a humanized rat model of PD. NM-MRI signal changes were biphasic with an initial increase due to the accumulation of NM in dopaminergic neurons, followed signal decrease due to neurodegeneration. In healthy subjects and patients with iRBD, NM-MRI signal increased initially and then decreased similarly as in rodents after reaching a similar maximum signal intensity in both groups. In early PD and converted iRBD patients, NM-MRI signal drop was greater than in healthy individuals. Results in animals and humans show that NM-sensitive MRI is a marker of the intracellular NM accumulation up to a threshold then of neuronal degeneration beyond this threshold and agree with the hypothesis of a pathogenic threshold of NM triggering neurodegeneration.
Fish are poor sentinels for surveillance of riverine AMR
Authors: Tskhay Faina , Köbsch Christoph , Elena Alan X. , Bengtsson-Palme Johan , Berendonk Thomas U. , Klümper Uli
Published: October 2024

Effective surveillance of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the environment is crucial for assessing the human and animal health risk of AMR pollution. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are one of the main sources of AMR pollutants discharged into water bodies. One important factor for assessing the risks associated with such pollution is the colonization potential of the resistant bacteria (ARB) and resistance genes (ARGs) from the environment into human or animal microbiomes upon exposure. This study explores whether fish can act as sentinels for surveillance of AMR pollution in general and specifically the human colonization potential of ARB in rivers impacted by WWTP effluents. Two riverine fish species, Brown trout, and European bullhead, were sampled up- and downstream a German WWTP. The two fish species were chosen due to their different lifestyles: Trout are mainly actively swimming in the water phase, while bullheads are sedentary and river sediment-associated. The bacterial microbiomes and resistomes of fish gills, skin, and feces were compared with those of the respective river water and sediment up- and downstream of the WWTP. Microbiomes of both fish mirrored the changes in river water and sediment downstream of the WWTP, with significant shifts in bacterial community composition, particularly an increase in Proteobacteria and Verrucomicrobia. However, increases in ARG abundances observed in water and sediment downstream of the WWTP were not reflected in any of the fish-associated resistomes. This indicates that while the fish microbiome is sensitive to environmental changes, resistomes of poikilothermic animals such as fish are less responsive to colonization by ARB originating from WWTPs and may not serve as effective sentinels for assessing AMR pollution and colonization risks in freshwater environments. This study highlights the complexity of using wildlife as indicators for environmental AMR pollution and suggests that other species are better suited for surveillance efforts.

Highlights

WWTP effluent affected downstream river microbiome composition of water and sediment

WWTP effluent significantly increased the level of six tested ARGs downstream

Changes in environmental microbiome composition were mirrored in trout and bullhead

No effect of the WWTP effluent on resistomes and individual ARG abundance in fishes
Parkinsonism disrupts neuronal modulation in the pre-supplementary motor area during movement preparation
Authors: Hendrix Claudia M. , Baker Hannah E. , Yu Ying , Schneck David D. , Wang Jing , Johnson Luke A. , Vitek Jerrold L.
Published: October 2024

Multiple studies suggest that Parkinson’s disease (PD) is associated with changes in neuronal activity throughout the basal ganglia-thalamocortical motor circuit. There are limited electrophysiological data, however, describing how parkinsonism impacts neuronal activity in the pre-supplementary motor area (pre-SMA), an area in medial frontal cortex involved in movement planning and motor control. In this study, single unit activity was recorded in the pre-SMA of two non-human primates during a visually cued reaching task in both the naive and parkinsonian state using the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) model of parkinsonism. In the naive state neuronal discharge rates were dynamically modulated prior to the presentation of the instructional go-cue. In a subset of these modulated cells, the magnitude of modulation correlated linearly with reaction time (RT). In the parkinsonian state, however, modulation of discharge rates in the pre-SMA was disrupted and the predictive encoding of RT was significantly diminished. These findings add to our understanding of the role of pre-SMA in motor behavior and suggest that disrupted encoding in this cortical area contributes to the alteration of early preparatory and pre-movement processes that are present in Parkinson’s disease.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

Goal-directed movements, such as reaching for an object, necessitate temporal preparation and organization of information processing within the basal ganglia-thalamocortical motor network. Impaired movement in people with Parkinson’s disease is thought to be the result of pathophysiological activity disrupting information flow within this network. This work provides neurophysiological evidence linking altered motor preplanning processes encoded in pre-supplementary motor area (pre-SMA) neuronal firing to the pathogenesis of motor disturbances in parkinsonism.
MIIST305 mitigates gastrointestinal acute radiation syndrome injury and ameliorates radiation-induced gut microbiome dysbiosis
Authors: Mitra Debmalya , Armijo Gabriel K. , Ober Elizabeth H. , Baker Shenda M. , Turner Helen C. , Broustas Constantinos G.
Published: October 2024

High-dose radiation exposure results in gastrointestinal (GI) acute radiation syndrome identified by the destruction of mucosal layer, intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction, and aberrant inflammatory responses. In addition, radiation causes gut microbiome dysbiosis characterized by diminished microbial diversity, reduction in the abundance of beneficial commensal bacteria, and the spread of bacterial pathogens that trigger the recruitment of immune cells and the production of pro-inflammatory factors that lead to further GI tissue damage. Currently, there are no FDA- approved countermeasures that can treat radiation-induced GI injury. To meet this critical need, SynedgenInc., has developed a glycopolymer radiomitigator (MIIST305) that is specifically targeted to the GI tract which acts by intercalating into the mucus layer and the glycocalyx of intestinal epithelial cells that could potentially ameliorate the deleterious effects of radiation. Male C57BL/6J adult mice were exposed to 13 Gy total body X-irradiation with 5% bone marrow shielding and MIIST305 was administered on days 1, 3, and 5 post-irradiation. Approximately 85% of the animals survived the irradiation exposure and were apparently healthy until the end of the 30-day study period. In contrast, no control, vehicle-treated animals survived past day 10 at this radiation dose. We show that MIIST305 improved intestinal epithelial barrier function and suppressed systemic inflammatory response mediated by radiation-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines. Taxonomic profiling and community structure of the fecal and colonic mucosa microbiota demonstrated that MIIST305 treatment increased microbial diversity and restored abundance of beneficial commensal bacteria, includingLactobacillusandBifidobacteriumgenera, while suppressing potentially pathogenic bacteria compared with vehicle-treated animals. In summary, MIIST305 is a novel GI-targeted therapeutic that greatly enhances survival in mice exposed to lethal radiation and protects the GI tract from injury by restoring a balanced gut microbiota and effectively reducing proinflammatory responses. Further development of this drug as an FDA-approved medical countermeasure will be of critical importance in the event of a radiation public health emergency.
Astrocyte TrkB.T1 deficiency disrupts glutamatergic synaptogenesis and astrocyte-synapse interactions
Authors: Pinkston Beatriz T.C. , Browning Jack L. , Olsen Michelle L.
Published: October 2024

Perisynaptic astrocyte processes (PAPs) contact pre- and post-synaptic elements to provide structural and functional support to synapses. Accumulating research demonstrates that the cradling of synapses by PAPs is critical for synapse formation, stabilization, and plasticity. The specific signaling pathways that govern these astrocyte-synapse interactions, however, remain to be elucidated. Herein, we demonstrate a role for the astrocyte TrkB.T1 receptor, a truncated isoform of the canonical receptor for brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), in modulating astrocyte-synapse interactions and excitatory synapse development. Neuron-astrocyte co-culture studies revealed that loss of astrocyte TrkB.T1 disrupts the formation of PAPs. To elucidate the role of TrkB.T1 in synapse development, we conditionally deleted TrkB.T1 in astrocytes in mice. Synaptosome preparations were employed to probe for TrkB.T1 localization at the PAP, and confocal three-dimensional microscopy revealed a significant reduction in synapse density and astrocyte-synapse interactions across development in the absence of astrocytic TrkB.T1. These findings suggest that BDNF/TrkB.T1 signaling in astrocytes is critical for normal excitatory synapse formation in the cortex and that astrocyte TrkB.T1 serves a requisite role in astrocyte synapse interactions. Overall, this work provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms of astrocyte-mediated synaptogenesis and may have implications for understanding neurodevelopmental disorders and developing potential therapeutic targets.
Mitochondrial fission controls astrocyte morphogenesis and organization in the cortex
Authors: Salazar Maria Pia Rodriguez , Kolanukuduru Sprihaa , Ramirez Valentina , Lyu Boyu , Sejourne Gabrielle , Sesaki Hiromi , Yu Guoqiang , Eroglu Cagla
Published: October 2024

Dysfunctional mitochondrial dynamics are a hallmark of devastating neurodevelopmental disorders such as childhood refractory epilepsy. However, the role of glial mitochondria in proper brain development is not well understood. We show that astrocyte mitochondria undergo extensive fission while populating astrocyte distal branches during postnatal cortical development. Loss of mitochondrial fission regulator, Dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), decreases mitochondrial localization to distal astrocyte processes, and this mitochondrial mislocalization reduces astrocyte morphological complexity. Functionally, astrocyte-specific conditional deletion of Drp1 induces astrocyte reactivity and disrupts astrocyte organization in the cortex. These morphological and organizational deficits are accompanied by loss of astrocytic gap junction protein Connexin 43. These findings uncover a crucial role for mitochondrial fission in coordinating astrocytic morphogenesis and organization, revealing the regulation of astrocytic mitochondria dynamics as a critical step in neurodevelopment.

During cortical astrocyte morphogenesis, mitochondria decrease in size to populate distal astrocyte processes. Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fission is necessary for peripheral astrocyte process formation. Astrocyte-specific Drp1 loss induces astrocyte reactivity, disrupts cortical astrocyte organization, and dysregulates gap-junction protein Connexin 43 abundance.
The NHGRI-EBI GWAS Catalog: standards for reusability, sustainability and diversity
Authors: Cerezo Maria , Sollis Elliot , Ji Yue , Lewis Elizabeth , Abid Ala , Bircan Karatuğ Ozan , Hall Peggy , Hayhurst James , John Sajo , Mosaku Abayomi , Ramachandran Santhi , Foreman Amy , Ibrahim Arwa , McLaughlin James , Pendlington Zoë , Stefancsik Ray , Lambert Samuel A. , McMahon Aoife , Morales Joannella , Keane Thomas , Inouye Michael , Parkinson Helen , Harris Laura W.
Published: October 2024

The NHGRI-EBI GWAS Catalog serves as a vital resource for the genetic research community, providing access to the most comprehensive database of human GWAS results. Currently, it contains close to 7,000 publications for more than 15,000 traits, from which more than 625,000 lead associations have been curated. Additionally, 85,000 full genome-wide summary statistics datasets - containing association data for all variants in the analysis - are available for downstream analyses such as meta-analysis, fine-mapping, Mendelian randomisation or development of polygenic risk scores. As a centralised repository for GWAS results, the GWAS Catalog sets and implements standards for data submission and harmonisation, and encourages the use of consistent descriptors for traits, samples and methodologies. We share processes and vocabulary with the PGS Catalog, improving interoperability for a growing user group. Here, we describe the latest changes in data content, improvements in our user interface, and the implementation of the GWAS-SSF standard format for summary statistics. We address the challenges of handling the rapid increase in large-scale molecular quantitative trait GWAS and the need for sensitivity in the use of population and cohort descriptors while maintaining data interoperability and reusability.
Accurate bacterial outbreak tracing with Oxford Nanopore sequencing and reduction of methylation-induced errors
Authors: Lohde Mara , Wagner Gabriel E. , Dabernig-Heinz Johanna , Viehweger Adrian , Braun Sascha D. , Monecke Stefan , Diezel Celia , Stein Claudia , Marquet Mike , Ehricht Ralf , Pletz Mathias W. , Brandt Christian
Published: October 2024

Our study investigates the effectiveness of Oxford Nanopore Technologies for accurate outbreak tracing by resequencing 33 isolates of a 3-year-longKlebsiella pneumoniaeoutbreak with Illumina short-read sequencing data as the point of reference. We detect considerable base errors through cgMLST and phylogenetic analysis of genomes sequenced with Oxford Nanopore Technologies, leading to the false exclusion of some outbreak-related strains from the outbreak cluster. Nearby methylation sites cause these errors and can also be found in other species besidesK. pneumoniae. Based on these data, we explore PCR-based sequencing and a masking strategy, which both successfully address these inaccuracies and ensure accurate outbreak tracing. We offer our masking strategy as a bioinformatic workflow (MPOA) to identify and mask problematic genome positions in a reference-free manner. Our research highlights limitations in using Oxford Nanopore Technologies for sequencing prokaryotic organisms, especially for investigating outbreaks. For time-critical projects that cannot wait for further technological developments by Oxford Nanopore Technologies, our study recommends either using PCR-based sequencing or using our provided bioinformatic workflow. We advise that read mapping–based quality control of genomes should be provided when publishing results.
Algorithms for numerically stable scattering amplitudes
Authors: Bothmann Enrico , Campbell John M. , Höche Stefan , Knobbe Max
Published: October 2024

The numerically stable evaluation of scattering matrix elements near the infrared limit of gauge theories is of great importance for the success of collider physics experiments. We present a novel algorithm that utilizes double-precision arithmetic and reaches higher precision than a naive quadruple-precision implementation at smaller computational cost. The method is based on physics-driven modifications to propagators, vertices, and external polarizations.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Crystalline electric field excitations and their nonlinear splitting under magnetic fields in YbOCl
Authors: Cai Yanzhen , Ren Wei , Dai Xijing , Kang Jing , Zhuo Weizhen , Xie Mingtai , Zhang Anmin , Ji Jianting , Jin Feng , Zhang Zheng , Zhang Qingming
Published: October 2024

Recently reported van der Waals layered honeycomb rare-earth chalcohalides REChX (RE = rare earth, Ch = chalcogen, and X = halogen) are considered to be promising Kitaev spin liquid (KSL) candidates. The high-quality single crystals of YbOCl, a representative member of the family with an effective spin of 1/2, are available now. The crystalline electric field (CEF) excitations in a rare-earth spin system are fundamentally important for understanding both finite-temperature and ground-state magnetism but remain unexplored in YbOCl so far. In this paper, we conduct a comprehensive Raman scattering study to unambiguously identify the CEF excitations in YbOCl and determine the CEF parameters and wave functions. Our Raman experiments further reveal the anomalous nonlinear CEF splitting under magnetic fields. We have grown single crystals of YbOCl, the nonmagnetic LuOCl, and the diluted magnetic Lu0.86Yb0.14OCl to make a completely comparative investigation. Polarized Raman spectra on the samples at 1.8 K allow us to clearly assign all the Raman-active phonon modes and explicitly identify the CEF excitations in YbOCl. The CEF excitations are further examined using temperature-dependent Raman measurements and careful symmetry analysis based on Raman tensors related to CEF excitations. By applying the CEF Hamiltonian to the experimentally determined CEF excitations, we extract the CEF parameters and eventually determine the CEF wave functions. The study experimentally pins down the CEF excitations in the Kitaev compound YbOCl and sets a foundation for understanding its finite-temperature magnetism and exploring the possible nontrivial spin ground state.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Universal density shift coefficients for the thermal conductivity and shear viscosity of a unitary Fermi gas
Authors: Li Xiang , Huang J. , Thomas J. E.
Published: October 2024

We measure universal temperature-independent density shifts for the thermal conductivity κT and shear viscosity η, relative to the high temperature limits, for a normal phase unitary Fermi gas confined in a box potential. We show that a time-dependent kinetic theory model enables extraction of the hydrodynamic transport times τη and τκ from the time-dependent free decay of a spatially periodic density perturbation, yielding the static transport properties and density shifts, corrected for finite relaxation times.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
How does blockchain-based food traceability system drive consumers’ repurchase and word-of-mouth intentions toward organic food: a curvilinear role of producer-retailer (in)congruence
Authors: Duong Cong Doanh , Nguyen Thanh Hieu , Ngo Thi Viet Nga , Tran Quang Yen , Nguyen Minh Hoa , Pham Thi Thu Phuong
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This research applies the stimulus-organism-behavior-consequence framework to explore how blockchain-enabled traceability influences trust in organic food producers and retailers, which impacts consumers’ purchase behaviors and subsequent outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a purposive sample of 5,326 Vietnamese consumers, multiple linear and polynomial regression with response surface analysis were employed to examine the hypotheses.

Findings

Blockchain-enabled traceability significantly enhances trust in both producers and retailers, which congruently and incongruently influences organic food purchase behaviors. This behavior also drives consumers’ word-of-mouth and repurchase intentions. Serial mediation analysis confirms blockchain’s impact through trust and purchase behaviors.

Research limitations/implications

Stakeholders should adopt blockchain to boost transparency and trust, which increases consumer engagement. Policymakers can support this transition through regulations and incentives to enhance food security and sustainability.

Originality/value

This study expands on blockchain research by applying the stimulus-organism-behavior-consequence framework in the organic food supply chain, showing how blockchain-enhanced trust synergistically affects consumers’ purchase behaviors, word-of-mouth and repurchase intentions.
Two decades of sustainable development studies in higher education management: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Chusniyah Atin , Makruf Imam , Supriyanto
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study aims to identify the growth pattern of research literature, most influential authors, most impactful documents and most relevant topics on sustainable development (SD) in higher education management (HEM) from 2000 to 2023.

Design/methodology/approach

The research approach used descriptive quantitative and bibliometric analysis. Scopus was used to retrieve data from 811 selected documents from 2000 to 2023. Data analysis used VOSviewer and R Biblioshiny.

Findings

The results showed intense development of sustainable development research in higher education management, especially in 2013–2023. Core literature was identified based on the volume of publications or citations from the perspective of authors, documents and keywords. Global research topics on SD in HEM focus on curriculum development and sustainable learning, sustainable higher education management and enhancing research and development of SD in HEM. The results of this research reveal the emerging intellectual structure in the field of educational management and provide reference points for academics who wish to study this discipline.

Originality/value

This study offers a valuable knowledge map for future research on sustainable development in higher education management. As a map, researchers can find core documents and current topics and identify potential research issues in this study.
Leveraging recommendations using a multiplex graph database
Authors: Yuehgoh Foutse , Djebali Sonia , Travers Nicolas
Published: October 2024

Purpose

By applying targeted graph algorithms, the method used by the authors enables effective prediction of user interactions and thus fulfils the complex requirements of modern recommender systems. This study sets a new benchmark for multidimensional recommendation strategies and offers a path towards more advanced and user-centric models.

Design/methodology/approach

To improve multidimensional data recommendation systems, multiplex graph structures are useful to capture various types of user interactions. This paper presents a novel framework that uses a graph database to compute and manipulate multiplex graphs. The approach enables flexible dimension management and increases expressive power through a specialised algebra designed for multiplex graph manipulation.

Findings

The authors compare the multiplex graph approach with traditional matrix methods, in particular random walk with restart, and show that the method not only provides deeper insights into user preferences by integrating scores from different layers of the multiplex graph, but also outperforming matrix-based approaches in most configurations. The results highlight the potential of multiplex graphs for developing sophisticated and customised recommender systems that significantly improve both performance and explainability.

Originality/value

The study provides a formal specification of a multiplex graph construction based on interaction and content-based information; and the study also developed an algebra dedicated to multiplex graphs, enabling robust and precise graph manipulations necessary for effective recommendation queries. The authors implement these algebraic operations within the Neo4j graph database system with a thorough analysis and experimentation with three different data sets, benchmarked against traditional matrix-based methods.
A bibliometric analysis of accounting education literature in the digital era: current status, implications and agenda for future research
Authors: Amin Hala M.G. , Hassan Rasha S. , Ghoneim Hebatallah , Abdallah Amr S.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study aims to identify and discuss influential aspects of accounting education literature in the digital era, such as key streams, themes, authors, keywords, journals, affiliations and countries. It also constructs agendas for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study uses a bibliometric approach to analyze 287 studies indexed by the Scopus Database from 1982 to 2023.

Findings

The analysis reveals three themes: “the impact of emerging technologies on the accounting profession,” “the essential skills for modern accountants” and “the integration of technology into the accounting curricula.” Beyond this, the analysis points out that Macquarie University and the Queensland University of Technology were the most productive institutions. Furthermore, the leading journal was the Accounting Education Journal. The USA and Australia were leading in total citations and publications, while 2023 was the peak publishing year.

Research limitations/implications

The study acknowledges that alternative search keywords, databases and research categories may reveal unexplored relationships. The present study’s findings have crucial theoretical and practical implications for researchers in the accounting domain, higher education institutions and policymakers.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the extant accounting literature by presenting a holistic view of the impact of emerging technologies on accountants’ skills, profession and accounting curriculum, identifying gaps in the literature and proposing a research agenda.
Thriving minds, thriving workplaces: unleashing creativity through psychological wellbeing and psychological capital
Authors: Iqbal Junaid , Aukhoon Mubashir Ahmad , Parray Zahoor Ahmad
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study examines the complicated relationship between psychological wellbeing, joy at work, creative ability and the mediating influence of psychological capital, drawing insights from self-determination theory within the context of the banking sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilized random sampling to gather comprehensive data from 465 banking employees. Following data collection, structural equation modeling was employed to test the hypotheses formulated based on the collected data.

Findings

Findings underscore a significant association between psychological wellbeing and both joy at work and creative ability within the banking sector. Moreover, the study elucidates that psychological capital acts as a crucial mediator, illuminating the pathway through which psychological wellbeing influences joy at work and subsequently enhances creative ability.

Practical implications

This research offers valuable insights for organizational leaders and policymakers, emphasizing the imperative of prioritizing psychological wellbeing initiatives and nurturing positive work environments to enhance employee satisfaction, productivity and innovative contributions within the banking sector.

Originality/value

The application of self-determination theory as a theoretical framework provides a robust foundation for understanding the dynamics between psychological factors and workplace outcomes. The banking industry, often characterized by high stress levels and demanding work environments, stands to benefit substantially from interventions aimed at fostering psychological wellbeing. By cultivating positive mental health and capitalizing on joy at work, organizations can stimulate employee creativity ability, thereby fostering innovation and adaptive problem-solving capabilities crucial in the contemporary banking landscape.
Improving international brand performance: the implications of marketing capabilities, brand orientation and customer value cocreation
Authors: Ghasempour Ganji Seyedeh Fatemeh , Kazemi Ali
Published: October 2024

Purpose

To thrive in today’s competitive market, international small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) recognize the importance of building strong brands. Choosing the right capabilities to effectively drive brand performance remains a key challenge for SMEs. This study aims to explore how marketing capabilities affect brand orientation and performance. Specifically, the study considered the mediating impact of value cocreation and the moderating effect of innovation capabilities on the association between brand orientation and performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The population of interest included SMEs exporting food and agricultural products. A sample of 296 managers and export executives completed the questionnaire. Structural equation modeling (SEM) using Smart PLS3 was applied to analyze the data.

Findings

The findings revealed that export market planning capabilities positively affect brand orientation, but the impact of marketing information capabilities on brand orientation was not supported. The results showed that brand orientation was directly and indirectly associated with brand performance through the mediating effect of value cocreation, and that innovation capability adversely moderated the relationship between brand orientation and performance.

Research limitations/implications

This research focused only on two primary internal marketing capabilities affecting brand orientation, i.e. market information and product planning capabilities.

Practical implications

Explaining why some international SMEs adopt brand orientation activities, the results may help international firms increase their brand performance by emphasizing their marketing capabilities and creating covalue with their customers.

Originality/value

This research expands the existing knowledge of branding in international markets.
Hydrochemical gradients driving extremophile distribution in saline and brine groundwater of southern Poland
Authors: Słowakiewicz Mirosław , Goraj Weronika , Segit Tomasz , Wątor Katarzyna , Dobrzyński Dariusz
Published: October 2024

Extreme environments, such as highly saline ecosystems, are characterised by a limited presence of microbial communities capable of tolerating and thriving under these conditions. To better understand the limits of life and its chemical and microbiological drivers, highly saline and brine groundwaters of Na‐Cl and Na‐Ca‐Cl types with notably diverse SO4 contents were sampled in water intakes and springs from sedimentary aquifers located in the Outer Carpathians and the Carpathian Foredeep basin and its basement in Poland. Chemical and microbiological methods were used to identify the composition of groundwaters, determine microbial diversity, and indicate processes controlling their distribution using multivariate statistical analyses. DNA sequencing targeting V3‐V4 and V4‐V5 gene regions revealed a predominance of Proteobacteriota, Methanobacteria, Methanomicrobia, and Nanoarchaea in most of the water samples, irrespective of their geological context. Despite the sample‐size constraint, redundancy analysis employing a compositional approach to hydrochemical predictors identified Cl/SO4 and Cl/HCO3 ratios, and specific electrical conductivity, as key gradients shaping microbial communities, depending on the analysed gene regions. Analysis of functional groups revealed that methanogenesis, sulphate oxidation and reduction, and the nitrogen cycle define and distinguish the halotolerant communities in the samples. These communities are characterised by an inverse relationship between methanogens and sulphur‐cycling microorganisms.