bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Irx3Promotes Gap Junction Communication Between Uterine Stromal Cells to Regulate Vascularization during Embryo Implantation
Authors: Brown Ryan M. , Wang Linda , Fu Anqi , Kannan Athilakshmi , Mussar Michael , Bagchi Indrani C. , Jorgensen Joan S. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractSpontaneous abortions have been reported to affect up to 43% of parous women, with over 20% occurring before pregnancy is clinically diagnosed. Establishment of pregnancy is critically dependent on proper embryo-uterine interactions at the time of implantation. Besides oocyte abnormalities, implantation failure is a major contributor to early pregnancy loss. Previously, we demonstrated that two members of the Iroquois homeobox transcription factor family, IRX3 and IRX5, exhibited distinct and dynamic expression profiles in the developing ovary to promote oocyte and follicle survival. Elimination of each gene independently caused subfertility, but with different breeding pattern outcomes.Irx3KO (Irx3LacZ/LacZ) females produced fewer pups throughout their reproductive lifespan which could only be partially explained by poor oocyte quality. Thus, we hypothesized that IRX3 is also expressed in the uterus where it acts to establish functional embryo-uterine interactions to support pregnancy. To test this hypothesis, we harvested pregnant uteri from control andIrx3KO females to evaluate IRX3 expression profiles and the integrity of embryo implantation sites. Our results indicate that IRX3 is expressed in the endometrial stromal cells of the pregnant uterus. Notably, of the days evaluated, IRX3 expression expanded into the endometrial stroma starting at day 4 of pregnancy (D4) with peak expression at D5-6, and then greatly diminished by D7. This pattern corresponds to the critical window for implantation and remodeling of the vasculature network in mice. Further, histology and immunohistochemistry at D7 showed that while embryos were able to attach to the uterus, implantation sites inIrx3KO pregnant mice exhibited impaired vascularization. In addition, our results showed significantly diminished expression of decidualization markers and disruptions in GJA1 organization in the decidual bed. These data, taken together with previous reports focused on the ovary, suggest that IRX3 promotes fertility via at least two different mechanisms: 1) promoting competent oocytes and 2) facilitating functional embryo-uterine interactions during implantation. Future research aims to tease apart the roles for IRX3 in the oocyte versus the uterus and the mechanisms by which it promotes early embryo survival and a successful pregnancy outcome.
Pharmacologically induced weight loss is associated with distinct gut microbiome changes in obese rats
Authors: Raineri Silvia , Sherriff Julia A. , Thompson Kevin S.J. , Jones Huw , Pfluger Paul T. , Ilott Nicholas E. , Mellor Jane 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundObesity, metabolic disease and some psychiatric conditions are associated with changes to relative abundance of bacterial species and specific genes in the fecal microbiome. Little is known about the impact of pharmacologically induced weight loss on distinct gut microbiome species and their respective gene programs in obese individuals.ResultsUsing shotgun metagenomics, the composition of the microbiome was obtained for two cohorts of obese female Wistar rats (n=10-12, total of 82) maintained on a high fat diet before and after a 42-day treatment with a panel of four investigatory or approved anti-obesity drugs (tacrolimus/FK506, bupropion, naltrexone and sibutramine), alone or in combination. We found that sibutramine treatment induced consistent weight loss through reducing food intake. Decreased weight loss in sibutramine-treated rats was associated with changes to the gut microbiome that included increased beta-diversity, increased Bacteroides/Firmicutes ratio and increased relative abundance of multipleBacteroidesspecies. In addition, the relative abundance of multiple genes was found to be differentially abundant, including significant reductions in components of flagellum and genes involved in flagellum assembly.ConclusionsThis study provides a large resource comprising complete shotgun metagenomics datasets of the fecal microbiome coupled with weight change and food intake at day 3, day 15 and day 42 from 82 obese rats treated with a range of compounds used for weight loss, which are available to the community for detailed analysis. Furthermore, by conducting a detailed analysis of the microbiome associated with sibutramine-induced weight loss, we have identified multiple weight-loss associated microbial taxa and pathways. These include a reduction in components of flagellum and the flagellum assembly pathway that points to a potential role of sibutramine-induced weight-loss on regulating bacterially driven anti-inflammatory responses.
Restoring vascular endothelial autophagic flux reduces atherosclerotic lesions
Authors: Chatterjee Shruti , Kheloufi Marouane , Mazlan Stephane , Loyer Xavier , McKinsey Timothy A. , Boulanger Chantal M. , Coly Pierre-Michaël 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAtherosclerotic lesions preferentially develop in arterial areas exposed to low shear stress, where endothelial cells express a pro-inflammatory, apoptotic, and senescent phenotype. Endothelial cells exposed to atheroprone low shear stress present a defective autophagic flux, which favors a pro-inflammatory phenotype and the formation of atherosclerotic lesions. We tested the hypothesis that HDAC6 inhibition could restore adequate levels of autophagy in endothelial cells exposed to low shear stress. We found that blocking HDAC6 activity, either by pharmacological inhibition (Tubastatin-A) or genetic approaches (shHDAC6), raised levels of acetylated α-tubulin, as well as LC3-II/I ratio, LC3 puncta area, nuclear TFEB translocation and autophagic flux in cultured endothelial cells exposed to low shear stress. This effect was associated with a reduced expression of inflammatory markers (ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and MCP-1) in TNF-α-stimulated cells. Impaired endothelial autophagic flux was restored in the aortic arch (atheroprone conditions) ofHDAC6-/-mice, when compared to control littermates. Atherosclerotic plaque size was significantly decreased in the aortic arch of chimericHDAC6-/-/ApoE-/-mice, transplanted withHDAC6+/+/ApoE-/-bone marrow, when compared toHDAC6+/+/ApoE-/-littermate controls. Taken together, these results indicate that HDAC6-inhibition may be an interesting strategy to restore endothelial autophagic flux, to help promote an atheroprotective endothelial phenotype despite unfavorable shear stress conditions.
Cardioluminescence in transgenic zebrafish embryos: a Ca2+imaging tool to study drug effects and pathological modeling
Authors: Vicente Manuel , Salgado-Almario Jussep , Collins Michelle M. , Martínez-Sielva Antonio , Minoshima Masafumi , Kikuchi Kazuya , Domingo Beatriz , Llopis Juan 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe zebrafish embryo has emerged as an excellent model in cardiovascular research. The existing techniques to monitor Ca2+in the heart based on fluorescent Ca2+biosensors are limited due to phototoxicity and photobleaching. To overcome these issues, we have used bioluminescence. We generated a transgenic line expressing GFP-Aequorin in the heart,Tg(cmlc2:GA), and optimized anin vivoaequorin reconstitution protocol to improve the luminescence capacity. This allowed imaging Ca2+in long duration recordings in embryos of 3 to 5 days post-fertilization. The analogsdiacetyl h-coelenterazine andf-coelenterazine enhanced the light output and signal-to-noise ratio from the embryos. With this cardioluminescence model, we monitored the time-averaged Ca2+levels and beat-to-beat Ca2+oscillations. Changes in Ca2+levels were observed by incubation with BayK8644, an L-type Ca2+channel agonist, the channel blocker nifedipine, and β-adrenergic blocker propranolol. Treatment of zebrafish embryos with terfenadine for 24 hours has been proposed as a model of heart failure.Tg(cmlc2:GA) embryos treated with terfenadine showed a 2:1 atrioventricular block and a decrease in the ventricular Ca2+levels.
Scaling of cellular proteome with ploidy
Authors: Yahya Galal , Menges Paul , Ngandiri Devi Anggraini , Schulz Daniel , Wallek Andreas , Kulak Nils , Mann Matthias , Cramer Patrick , Savage Van , Raeschle Markus , Storchova Zuzana 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPloidy changes are frequent in nature and contribute to evolution, functional specialization and tumorigenesis (1,2). Analysis of model organisms of different ploidies revealed that increased ploidy leads to an increase in cell and nuclear volume, reduced proliferation (2-4), metabolic changes (5), lower fitness (6,7), and increased genomic instability (8,9), but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. To investigate how the gene expression changes with cellular ploidy, we analyzed isogenic series of budding yeasts from 1N to 4N. We show that mRNA and protein abundance scales allometrically with ploidy, with tetraploid cells showing only threefold increase in proteins compared to haploids. This ploidy-specific scaling occurs via decreased rRNA and ribosomal protein abundance and reduced translation. We demonstrate that the Tor1 activity is reduced with increasing ploidy, which leads to rRNA gene repression via a novel Tor1-Sch9-Tup1 signaling pathway. mTORC1 and S6K activity are also reduced in human tetraploid cells and the concomitant increase of the Tup1 homolog Tle1 downregulates the rDNA transcription. Our results revealed a novel conserved mTORC1-S6K-Tup1/Tle1 pathway that ensures proteome remodeling in response to increased ploidy.
Intrinsic circadian timekeeping properties of the thalamic lateral geniculate nucleus
Authors: Chrobok L. , Pradel K. , Janik M.E. , Sanetra A.M. , Bubka M. , Myung J. , Rahim A.R. , Klich J.D. , Jeczmien-Lazur J.S. , Palus-Chramiec K. , Lewandowski M.H. 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACTCircadian rhythmicity in mammals is sustained by the central brain clock – the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus (SCN), entrained to the ambient light-dark conditions through a dense retinal input. However, recent discoveries of autonomous clock gene expression cast doubt on the supremacy of the SCN and suggest circadian timekeeping mechanisms devolve to local brain clocks. Here we use a combination of molecular, electrophysiological and optogenetic tools to evaluate intrinsic clock properties of the main retinorecipient thalamic centre – the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN). We identify the dorsolateral geniculate nucleus (DLG) as a slave oscillator, which exhibits core clock gene expression exclusivelyin vivo. Additionally, we provide compelling evidence for intrinsic clock gene expression accompanied by circadian variation in neuronal activity in the intergeniculate leaflet (IGL) and ventrolateral geniculate nucleus (VLG). Finally, our optogenetic experiments propose the VLG as a light-entrainable oscillator, whose phase may be advanced by retinal input at the beginning of the projected night. Altogether, this study for the first time demonstrates autonomous timekeeping mechanisms shaping circadian physiology of the LGN.
The miR-424/503 cluster modulates Wnt/β-catenin signaling in the mammary epithelium by regulating the expression of the LRP6 co-receptor
Authors: Nekritz Erin A. , Rodriguez-Barrueco Ruth , Yan Koon-Kiu , Davis Meredith L. , Werner Rachel L. , Devis-Jauregui Laura , Mukhopadhyay Partha , Yu Jiyang , Llobet-Navas David , Silva Jose 
Published: May 2021

AbstractDuring the female lifetime, the enlargement of the epithelial compartment dictated by the ovarian cycles is supported by a transient increase in the MaSC population. Notably, activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling is an important trigger for MaSC expansion. Here, we report that the miR-424/503 cluster is a novel modulator of canonical Wnt-signaling in the mammary epithelium that exerts its function by targeting the LRP6 co-receptor. Additionally, we show that the loss of this microRNA cluster is associated with breast cancers possessing high levels of Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
Multi-site enzymes as a mechanism for bistability in reaction networks
Authors: Hayes Clarmyra , Feliu Elisenda , Soyer Orkun S 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACTHere, we focus on a common class of enzymes that have multiple substrate-binding sites (multi-site enzymes), and analyse their capacity to generate bistable dynamics in the reaction systems that they are embedded in. Using mathematical techniques, we show that the inherent binding and catalysis reactions arising from multiple substrate-enzyme complexes creates a potential for bistable dynamics in a reaction system. We construct a generic model of an enzyme withnsubstrate binding sites and derive an analytical solution for the steady state concentration of all enzyme-substrate complexes. By studying these expressions, we obtain a mechanistic understanding for bistability and derive parameter combinations that guarantee bistability and show how changing specific enzyme kinetic parameters and enzyme levels can lead to bistability in reaction systems involving mjulti-site enzymes. Thus, the presented findings provide a biochemical and mathematical basis for predicting and engineering bistability in multi-site enzymes.
Characterization of cellular, biochemical and genomic features of the diazotrophic plant growth-promoting bacteriumAzospirillumsp. UENF-412522, a novel member of theAzospirillumgenus
Authors: Rodrigues Gustavo L. , Matteoli Filipe P. , Gazara Rajesh K. , Rodrigues Pollyanna S. L. , dos Santos Samuel T. , Alves Alice F. , Pedrosa-Silva Francisnei , Oliveira-Pinheiro Isabella , Canedo-Alvarenga Daniella , Olivares Fabio L. , Venancio Thiago M. 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACTGiven their remarkable beneficial effects on plant growth, severalAzospirillumisolates currently integrate the formulations of various commercial inoculants. Our research group isolated a new strain,Azospirillumsp. UENF-412522, from passion fruit rhizoplane. This isolate uses carbon sources that are partially distinct from closely-relatedAzospirillumisolates. Scanning electron microscopy analysis and population counts demonstrate the ability ofAzospirillumsp. UENF-412522 to colonize the surface of passion fruit roots.In vitroassays demonstrate the ability ofAzospirillumsp. UENF-412522 to fix atmospheric nitrogen, to solubilize phosphate and to produce indole-acetic acid. Passion fruit plantlets inoculated withAzospirillumsp. UENF-41255 showed increased shoot and root fresh matter, as well as root dry matter, further highlighting its biotechnological potential for agriculture. We sequenced the genome ofAzospirillumsp. UENF-412522 to investigate the genetic basis of its plant-growth promotion properties. We identified the keynifgenes for nitrogen fixation, the complete PQQ operon for phosphate solubilization, theacdSgene that alleviates ethylene effects on plant growth, and thenapCABoperon, which produces nitrite under anoxic conditions. We also found several genes conferring resistance to common soil antibiotics, which are critical forAzospirillum sp.UENF-412522 survival in the rhizosphere. Finally, we also assessed theAzospirillumpangenome and highlighted key genes involved in plant growth promotion. A phylogenetic reconstruction of the genus was also conducted. Our results supportAzospirillum sp.UENF-412522 as a good candidate for bioinoculant formulations focused on plant growth promotion in sustainable systems.
Food literacy and food choice – a survey-based psychometric profiling of consumer behaviour
Authors: Trieste Leopoldo , Bazzani Andrea , Amato Alessia , Faraguna Ugo , Turchetti Giuseppe 
Published: May 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the associations between food literacy, consumer profiling and purchasing behaviour in a sample of Italian consumers.Design/methodology/approachParticipants (N = 194) completed an online survey including personal data, two questionnaires on purchase behaviour and food consumption, the General Trust Scale (GTS), a questionnaire assessing individual chronotype and two scales about food literacy: one investigating nutritional knowledge (short food literacy questionnaire, SFLQ) and the other focussing on procedural skills (self-perceived food literacy scale, SPFL). Associations between food literacy, consumer profiling and purchase behaviour were analysed with linear regression models.FindingsParticipants with specific education in nutrition reported higher scores in food literacy. The final score of food literacy was predicted by a greater attention to nutritional content and nutritional properties of products. Women paid more attention to nutritional properties than men, and they obtained higher scores in SFLQ. Evening types obtained lower scores in SFPL compared to intermediate and morning chronotypes. Body mass index (BMI) was negatively correlated to SPFL score, while it was associated with the easy availability of a product, so that obese (BMI ≥ 30) subjects considered the easy availability of a product more important compared to non-obese ones (BMI < 30).Originality/valueThis study investigates the influence of personal and psychometric variables of consumer profiling on food literacy and consequently on purchase behaviour, paving the way for implementing healthier food consumption policies. These findings reinforce the primacy of specific education in building healthy eating habits.
Examining the intention to stay home due to COVID-19: a pandemic's second wave outlook
Authors: Soomro Bahadur Ali , Shah Naimatullah 
Published: May 2021

PurposeAt present, almost the whole globe is facing a severe threat of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The present study examines the intention to stay home due to COVID-19 during a second wave of the pandemic.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed a deductive approach based on cross-sectional data. An online survey is conducted from citizens of Pakistan. A convenience sampling is applied to target the respondents. In total, 238 useable responses proceed for final analysis. The structural equation model (SEM) is used to infer the results.FindingsThe findings of the study highlight a positive and significant effect of fear of COVID-19, attitudes to stay at home behaviour (AtSHB), knowledge about COVID-19 (Ka19) and health consciousness (HC) on the intention to stay at home (ItSAH).Practical implicationsThe study would provide the guidelines to policymakers and planners to develop the policies which may establish the individual's ItSAH. This strategy would restrict the spread of COVID-19. The government should also formulate the plannings to reduce the fear about COVID-19 and health concerns to combat the pandemic. The government should launch awareness programs regarding the spread and cure of COVID-19.Originality/valueThis study is the first study which highlights the factors such as fear, HC, attitudes and knowledge towards ItSAH. The study may be unique in the COVID-19 perspective, particularly in the Pakistani context.
The impacts of sustainable inter-firm collaboration on business performance of shipping companies
Authors: Tran Thi Minh Trang , Woo Su-Han , Yuen Kum Fai 
Published: May 2021

PurposeTo gain competitive advantage, shipping companies need the abilities to manage environmental requirements, which this study refers to as sustainable shipping capabilities, including internal resources and external factors such as inter-firm collaboration. However, previous studies mainly focused on the effectiveness of internal resources, leading decision-makers in shipping companies to undervalue the significance of external relationships in managing sustainability issues and their impact on performance. Therefore, this paper aims to identify and examine the impacts of sustainable inter-firm collaboration on shipping companies' business performance (i.e. shippers' loyalty and financial performance).Design/methodology/approachA proposed model that explains the relationships between relation bonding strategies, sustainable inter-firm collaboration and business performance was developed. Accordingly, a survey questionnaire was constructed and sent to 294 shipping companies in Vietnam. Structural equation modeling was deployed to examine the validity of the measurement items and investigate relationships among the latent constructs.FindingsThe findings show that financial bonding strategies have the most significant impact on sustainable inter-firm collaboration, followed by social bonding strategies and structural bonding strategies. Furthermore, sustainable inter-firm collaboration has direct and indirect (via perceived shippers' loyalty) effects on business performance.Research limitations/implicationsRelational bonding strategies provide a unique perspective to sustainable inter-firm collaboration. This study also contributes to allocate external resources and capabilities to improve inter-firm collaboration, thereby maximizing financial performance.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the literature by applying relational bonding strategies that determine the key factors enabling sustainable inter-firm collaboration.
Empirical classification of European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) model enabler sub-criteria using a quadrant matrix
Authors: Murthy Narasimha , Sangwan Kuldip Singh , Narahari Nuggenahalli S. 
Published: May 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine how sub-criteria of the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) model is structurally connected and influence each other. This paper also tries to find the underpinning logics in the EFQM model.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses the empirical methodology based on assessment scores of 58 different organizations to gauge the underlying structure, develop the construct and establish interlinkages among the various sub-criteria in the EFQM model. Statistical analysis is used to find the impact on results and cross influencing of criteria at the sub-criteria level. The factorial analysis is carried out using the Doe technique to create factorial plots for result categories (customer results, people results, society results and business results). The approach is to unravel (1) the role played by each sub-criterion of the model, (2) the effects of sub-criteria on the results of the EFQM model and (3) the influence of sub-criteria on the managerial aspects of the model in an organizational context.FindingsThe EFQM sub-criteria are categorised as promoters, proponents, defenders or detractors based on their impact on the results and cross-influence on each other. The study unfolded seven sub-criteria positively impacting the results and one sub-criterion negatively impacting the results if not handled properly. Out of 32 sub-criteria, nine sub-criteria are influencing more than six other sub-criteria.Originality/valueThe paper investigates, for the first time: (1) the role played by each sub-criteria of the model; (2) the relationships that are produced between these sub-criteria on the EFQM results and (3) identify how such sub-criteria would influence the managerial aspects of the model in an organizational context. This research develops underlying logics in the EFQM model using Doe factorial methods for overcoming the multi-collinearity.