bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
LncRNA Snhg1-driven self-reinforcing regulatory network promotes cardiomyocyte cytokinesis and improves cardiac function
Authors: Li Mengsha , zheng Hao , Chen Yijin , Li Bing , Chen Guojun , Chen Xiaoqiang , Huang Senlin , He Xiang , Wei Guoquan , Xu Tong , Feng Xiaofei , Liao Wangjun , Liao Yulin , Chen Yanmei , Bin Jianping 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMost of current cardiac regenerative approaches result in very limited cell division. Positive feedback loops are vital for cell division, but their role in CM regeneration remains unclear. We aimed to demonstrate that lncRNA Snhg1 formed a positive feedback loop with c-Myc to induce stable CM cytokinesis. We found that Snhg1 expression was increased in human and mouse fetal and myocardial infarction (MI) hearts, particularly in CMs. Snhg1 overexpression elicited stable CM proliferation and improved post-MI cardiac function. Antagonism of Snhg1 in neonatal mice inhibited CM proliferation and impaired cardiac repair after MI. Proliferative effect was confirmed using cardiac-specific transgenic mice. RNA pull-down assays showed that Snhg1 directly bound to PTEN and activated PI3K-Akt pathway, resulting in c-Myc activation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments showed that Snhg1 expression was upregulated by c-Myc binding to the Snhg1 promoter region, indicating a positive feedback loop between c-Myc and Snhg1. In conclusion, c-Myc/Snhg1/PI3k-Akt positive feedback loop drove sustained activation of cell cycle re-entry and induced stable CM cytokinesis, and thus may be an attractive strategy for promoting heart regenerative response.Clinical PerspectivesMost of the current cardiac regenerative approaches result in very limited cell division and little new cardiomyocyte (CM) mass. Positive feedback loops are vital for cell division, but their role in CM regeneration remain unclear. Here, we identified the long noncoding RNA Snhg1 as a driver to induce stable CM division and improve cardiac function after myocardial infarction (MI) by forming a positive feedback loop to sustain PI3K-Akt signaling activation. This finding might provide a novel therapeutic of Snhg1 as a promising regenerative approach to improve the prognosis of patients with heart failure.
Superior performance of human wastewater-associated viral markers compared to bacterial markers in tropical environments
Authors: Sangkaew Watsawan , Kongprajug Akechai , Chyerochana Natcha , Ahmed Warish , Mongkolsuk Skorn , Sirikanchana Kwanrawee 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIdentifying human sewage contamination via microbial source tracking (MST) marker genes has proven useful for effective water quality management worldwide; however, performance evaluations for these genes in tropical areas are limited. Therefore, this research assessed four human-associated MST marker genes in aquatic environments of Central Thailand: human polyomaviruses (JC and BK viruses [HPyVs]), bacteriophage crAssphage (CPQ_056),LachnospiraceaeLachno3, andBacteroidesBacV6-21. HPyV and crAssphage assays were highly sensitive and specific to sewage (n= 19), with no cross-detection in 120 swine, cattle, chicken, duck, goat, sheep, and buffalo composite fecal samples. Lachno3 and BacV6-21 demonstrated high sensitivity but moderate specificity; however, using both markers could improve specificity to >0.80 (max value of 1.00). The most abundant markers in sewage were Lachno3 and BacV6-21 (5.42-8.02 and non-detected-8.05 log10copies/100 mL), crAssphage (5.28-7.38 log10copies/100 mL), and HPyVs (3.66-6.53 log10copies/100 mL), respectively. HPyVs showed higher levels (up to 4.33 log10copies/100 mL) and higher detection rates (92.7%) in two coastal beaches (n= 41) than crAssphage (up to 3.51 log10copies/100 mL and 56.1%). HPyVs were also found at slightly lower levels (up to 5.10 log10copies/100 mL), but at higher detection rates (92.6%), in a freshwater canal (n= 27) than crAssphage (up to 5.21 log10copies/100 mL and 88.9%). Overall, both HPyVs and crAssphage are suggested as human sewage-associated MST markers in aquatic environments of Central Thailand. This study underlines the importance of characterizing and validating MST markers in host groups and environmental waters before including them in a water quality management toolbox.
An Eutherian-Specific microRNA Controls the Translation ofSatb2in a Model of Cortical Differentiation
Authors: Martins Manuella , Galfrè Silvia , Terrigno Marco , Pandolfini Luca , Appolloni Irene , Dunville Keagan , Marranci Andrea , Rizzo Milena , Mercatanti Alberto , Poliseno Laura , Morandin Francesco , Pietrosanto Marco , Helmer-Citterich Manuela , Malatesta Paolo , Vignali Robert , Cremisi Federico 
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACTCerebral cortical development is controlled by key transcription factors that specify the neuronal identities in the different cortical layers. These transcription factors are crucial for the identity of the different neurons, but the mechanisms controlling their expression in distinct cells are only partially known. Here we investigate the expression and stability of the mRNAs of Tbr1, Bcl11b, Fezf2, Satb2 and Cux1 in single developing mouse cortical cells. We focus on Satb2 and find that its mRNA expression occurs much earlier than its protein synthesis and in a set of cells broader than expected, suggesting an initially tight control of its translation, which is subsequently de-repressed at late developmental stages. Mechanistically,Satb23’UTR modulates protein translation of GFP reporters during mouse corticogenesis. Byin vitropull-down ofSatb23’UTR-associated miRNAs, we select putative miRNAs responsible for SATB2 inhibition, focusing on those strongly expressed in early progenitor cells and reduced in late cells. miR-541, an Eutherian-specific miRNA, and miR-92a/b are the best candidates and their inactivation triggers robust and premature SATB2 translation in both mouse and human cortical cells. Our findings indicate that RNA interference plays a major role in the timing of cortical cell identity and may be part of the toolkit involved in specifying supra-granular projection neurons.
The distribution of mutational effects on fitness inCaenorhabditis elegansinferred from standing genetic variation
Authors: Gilbert Kimberly J. , Zdraljevic Stefan , Cook Daniel E. , Cutter Asher D. , Andersen Erik C. , Baer Charles F. 
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACTThe distribution of fitness effects for new mutations is one of the most theoretically important but difficult to estimate properties in population genetics. A crucial challenge to inferring the distribution of fitness effects (DFE) from natural genetic variation is the sensitivity of the site frequency spectrum to factors like population size change, population substructure, and non-random mating. Although inference methods aim to control for population size changes, the influence of non-random mating remains incompletely understood, despite being a common feature of many species. We report the distribution of fitness effects estimated from 326 genomes ofCaenorhabditis elegans, a nematode roundworm with a high rate of self-fertilization. We evaluate the robustness of DFE inferences using simulated data that mimics the genomic structure and reproductive life history ofC. elegans. Our observations demonstrate how the combined influence of self-fertilization, genome structure, and natural selection can conspire to compromise estimates of the DFE from extant polymorphisms. These factors together tend to bias inferences towards weakly deleterious mutations, making it challenging to have full confidence in the inferred DFE of new mutations as deduced from standing genetic variation in species likeC. elegans. Improved methods for inferring the distribution of fitness effects are needed to appropriately handle strong linked selection and selfing. These results highlight the importance of understanding the combined effects of processes that can bias our interpretations of evolution in natural populations.
Robust Optical Flow Algorithm for General, Label-free Cell Segmentation
Authors: Robitaille Michael C. , Byers Jeff M. , Christodoulides Joseph A. , Raphael Marc P. 
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACTCell segmentation is crucial to the field of cell biology, as the accurate extraction of cell morphology, migration, and ultimately behavior from time-lapse live cell imagery are of paramount importance to elucidate and understand basic cellular processes. Here, we introduce a novel segmentation approach centered around optical flow and show that it achieves robust segmentation by validating it on multiple cell types, phenotypes, optical modalities, and in-vitro environments without the need of labels. By leveraging cell movement in time-lapse imagery as a means to distinguish cells from their background and augmenting the output with machine vision operations, our algorithm reduces the number of adjustable parameters needed for optimization to two. The code is packaged within a MATLAB executable file, offering an accessible means for general cell segmentation typically unavailable in most cell biology laboratories.
Interpreting the dynamic pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease by longitudinal blood transcriptome analysis
Authors: Xue Gang , Wang Gang , Shi Qianqian , Wang Hui , Lv Bo-Min , Gao Min , Niu Xiaohui , Zhang Hong-Yu 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAchieving an improved understanding of the temporal sequence of factors involved in Parkinson’s disease (PD) pathogenesis may accelerate drug discovery. In this study, we performed a longitudinal transcriptome analysis to identify associated genes underlying the pathogenesis of PD at three temporal phases. We firstly found that multiple initiator genes, which are related to processes of olfactory transduction and stem cell pluripotency, indicate PD risk to those subjects at the prodromal phase. And many facilitator genes involved in calcium signaling and stem cell pluripotency contribute to PD onset. We next identified 325 aggravator genes whose expression could lead to disease progression through damage to dopaminergic synapses and ferroptosis via an integrative analysis with DNA methylation. Last, we made a systematic comparison of gene expression patterns across PD development and accordingly provided candidate drugs at different phases in an attempt to prevent the neurodegeneration process.
Deficiency of the splicing factor RBM10 limits EGFR inhibitor response inEGFRmutant lung cancer
Authors: Nanjo Shigeki , Wu Wei , Karachaliou Niki , Blakely Collin M. , Suzuki Junji , Ali Siraj , Kerr D. Lucas , Olivas Victor , Shue Jonathan , Rotow Julia , Mayekar Manasi , Haderk Franziska , Chatterjee Nilanjana , Urisman Anatoly , Kirichok Yuriy , Tan Daniel S. W. , Rosell Rafael , Okimoto Ross A , Bivona Trever G. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMolecularly targeted cancer therapy has improved outcomes for cancer patients with targetable oncoproteins, such as mutantepidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR) in lung cancer. Yet, long-term patient survival remains limited because treatment responses are typically incomplete. One potential explanation for the lack of complete and durable responses is that oncogene-driven cancers with activating mutations in theEGFRoften harbor additional co-occurring genetic alterations. This hypothesis remains untested for most genetic alterations that co-occur with mutantEGFR. Here, we report the functional impact of inactivating genetic alteration of the mRNA splicing factorRBM10that co-occur with mutantEGFR. RBM10 deficiency decreased EGFR inhibitor efficacy in patient-derivedEGFRmutant tumor models. RBM10 modulated mRNA alternative splicing of the mitochondrial apoptotic regulator Bcl-x to regulate tumor cell apoptosis during treatment. Genetic inactivation ofRBM10diminished EGFR inhibitor-mediated apoptosis by decreasing the ratio of Bcl-xS-(pro-apoptotic)-to-Bcl-xL(anti-apoptotic) Bcl-x isoforms. RBM10 deficiency was a biomarker of poor response to EGFR inhibitor treatment in clinical samples. Co-inhibition of Bcl-xL and mutant EGFR overcame resistance induced by RBM10 deficiency. This study sheds light on the role of co-occurring genetic alterations, and on the impact of splicing factor deficiency in the modulation of sensitivity to targeted kinase inhibitor cancer therapy.
The Incidence and Severity of COVID-19 in Adult Professional Soccer Players
Authors: Bezuglov Eduard , Lazarev Artemii , Achkasov Evgeniy , Khaitin Vladimir , Romanova Larisa , Butovskiy Mikhail , Khokhlov Vladimir , Tsyplenko Maxim , Linskiy Alexander , Chetverikov Petr , Sugaipov Magomedtagir , Petrov Arseniy , Talibov Oleg 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIntroductionAt present, there are no data regarding the incidence and clinical course of COVID-19 among professional soccer players, and the studies examining putative complications of COVID-19 infections are probabilistic. Thus, examining the incidence of COVID-19 and various aspects of its clinical course in a group of adult professional soccer players would be of great practical interest.MethodsThe incidence, clinical course, and severity of COVID-19 infection, as well as the duration of treatment and return to play were studied by the questioning of the team physicians and medical records assessment in the group of adult professional soccer players representing the clubs of the Russian Premier-League (RPL) during the period of championship resumption from 01.04.2020 until 20.09.2020.ResultsCOVID-19 infection was detected in 103 soccer players in the course of COVID-19 screening. This number comprises 14.5% of all soccer players which were on the rosters of RPL soccer teams and which were subject to regular COVID-19 testing.The asymptomatic course was observed in 43.7% of cases (n=45). These players were isolated and their clinical condition was monitored closely. Clinical symptoms were observed in 56.3% of cases (n=58), the most common symptoms being fatigue, headache, fever, and anosmia.ConclusionsCOVID-19 infection was commonly diagnosed among adult professional soccer players continuously residing in Russia. However, the majority of infections had a mild course and did not impair return to regular exercise.
Automated segmentation and description of the internal morphology of human permanent teeth by means of micro-CT
Authors: Haberthür David , Hlushchuk Ruslan , Wolf Thomas Gerhard 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMicro-CT is a powerful tool to analyze and visualize the internal morphology of human permanent teeth. It is increasingly used for investigation of epidemiological questions to provide the dentist with the necessary information required for successful endodontic treatment. The aim of the present paper was to propose an image processing method to automate parts of the work needed to fully describe the internal morphology of human permanent teeth.One hundred and four human teeth were scanned on a high-resolution micro-CT using an automatic specimen changer. Python code in a Jupyter notebook was used to verify and process the scans, prepare the datasets for description of the internal morphology and to measure the apical region of he tooth.The presented method offers an easy, non-destructive, rapid and efficient approach to scan, check and preview micro-computer tomographic datasets of a large number of teeth. It is a helpful tool for the detailed description and characterization of the internal morphology of human permanent teeth using automated segmentation by means of micro-CT with full reproducibility and high standardization.
Eco-innovation and the circular economy in the automotive industry
Authors: Maldonado-Guzmán Gonzalo , Garza-Reyes Jose Arturo , Pinzón-Castro Yesenia 
Published: October 2020

PurposeCircular economy is emerging as a new sustainability paradigm. Similarly, eco-innovation is being recognized as one of the most important mechanisms that allow the transition from a linear to a circular economy in production processes, as there is a strong relationship between eco-innovation (eco-innovation of products, processes and management) and circular economy activities. However, the relationship between eco-innovation and circular economy is an issue that has been isolated and little analyzed in the academic literature. Therefore, this research fills this gap by exploring the interdependence between eco-innovation and circular economy.Design/methodology/approachThe research is conducted through an extensive literature review from where a research framework consisting of two measurement scales, 18 items and three hypotheses were developed. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed and 460 responses were obtained from companies in the automotive and auto parts industry in Mexico. The data obtained were analyzed through confirmatory factor analysis, descriptive statistics and structural equation modeling.FindingsThe results suggest that eco-innovation of products, process and management has a significant positive impact on the circular economy of companies in the automotive and auto parts industry.Practical implicationsThe findings of this research can inform managers in the automotive sector and policymakers when formulating and deploying environmentally sustainable strategies.Originality/valueThis paper fills a research gap by expanding the limited body of knowledge that relates eco-innovation and circular economy and providing some evidence of their relationship. The research also allows the unique characteristics of eco-innovation and the circular economy to be understood within a particular context, growing in this manner the body of knowledge on this field.
Open innovation in family firms: empirical evidence about internal and external knowledge flows
Authors: Del Vecchio Pasquale , Secundo Giustina , Rubino Michele , Garzoni Antonello , Vrontis Demetris 
Published: October 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to shed light on how family firms execute open innovation strategies by managing internal and external knowledge flows (KF) to provide a deeper understanding of family firms’ ability to innovate through traditions and create value across generations.Design/methodology/approachEmpirical evidence was collected using an online survey of a sample of 208 Apulian entrepreneurs, who were members of the association of young entrepreneurs of Confindustria in the Apulia region (southern Italy).FindingsThe study derives a model that explains the most relevant factors behind the innovation processes developed by young entrepreneurs in family firms: network membership benefits; KF; track record of innovation; and the entrepreneurial attitude of employees.Research limitations/implicationsBy integrating insights from different research streams, namely, innovation management, open innovation and family firms, the study provides a novel contribution to the open innovation process in family firms.Practical implicationsThe study offers interpretative lenses for entrepreneurs and managers to understand the most suitable knowledge transfer process for encouraging open innovation in family firms, taking into consideration young entrepreneurs’ traditions and interpersonal skills, the KF in local ecosystems and network benefits as the main variables supporting the innovation process.Originality/valueThis study creates a link between open innovation and family firm research by providing an empirically grounded model illustrating how the innovation process is realized in family firms.
Introducing public procurement tenders as part of corporate communications: a typological analysis based on CSR reporting indicators
Authors: Knebel Sebastian , Seele Peter 
Published: October 2020

PurposeCorporations have to increasingly include corporate social responsibility (CSR) communication by responding to public procurement tenders because of the recently revised Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) concluded by the World Trade Organization (WTO). The authors argue that procurement tenders are to be seen as part of corporate communications, particularly when aligned with CSR reporting and performance indicators as proposed by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). The recently published ISO 20400 on sustainable procurement lacks a clear usage indication of sustainability indicators (SIs). This paper aims to close this gap.Design/methodology/approachThe paper performs a typological analysis of sustainability indicators in a sample of 665 currently used SIs. Furthermore, the paper conceptualizes a SIs selector for Sustainable Public Procurement (SPP) which is based on the typological analysis and acknowledges recent developments in the evolution of SIs.FindingsThe SIs typology results in three indicator types. The typology leads to the conceptualization of SI’s selector for sustainable public procurement. It enables professionals to build indicators for SPP considering the context of sustainability with impact valuations and allows scholars to advance research on measurement and decision-making.Originality/valueTo the authors’ best knowledge, this is the first introduction of procurement tender processes as part of corporate communications. Furthermore, the derived typology contributes an overview of existing SIs used in CSR communication. The paper contributes a self-responsible and pragmatic approach to CSR theory as private business self-regulation and a definition of SIs for corporate communications.
Model validation of factors limiting the use of prefabricated construction systems in Turkey
Authors: Gumusburun Ayalp Gulden , Ay Ilhami 
Published: October 2020

PurposePrefabricated construction technology enables relatively faster and easier construction of building structures at a lower project cost, providing improved quality control with minimal material waste. Despite the advantages of prefabricated construction systems, they are not extensively used in Turkey because of specific yet largely undefined challenges. Therefore, the purpose of this study aims to determine the factors currently affecting the extensive use of prefabricated construction systems in Turkey.Design/methodology/approachThe reasons for such systems not being used extensively in Turkey were examined using responses to a questionnaire distributed amongst architects working at design firms, prefabricated-building manufacturers and contractors. The obtained survey data were statistically analysed using the SPSS 22 and LISREL 8.7 software to rank the severity of the identified challenges and determine the most critical factors.FindingsEight critical factors groups affecting the use of prefabricated construction systems and their associated factors were identified according the responses provided by the participants. Potential solutions and recommendations were proposed based on these factor groups that are expected facilitate the implementation of prefabricated construction systems in Turkey.Originality/valueLittle previous research has provided insight into the specific factors limiting the use of prefabricated construction systems. This study accordingly approaches the subject considering all phases of prefabricated construction systems and presents a structural model of the factors obtained by a confirmatory factor analysis for application to expand the use of prefabricated construction systems.