bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pearling Drives Mitochondrial DNA Nucleoid Distribution
Authors: Landoni Juan C. , Lycas Matthew D. , Macuada Josefa , Jaccard Roméo , Obara Christopher J. , Moore Andrew S. , Nejma Sheda Ben , Hoffman David , Lippincott-Schwartz Jennifer , Marshall Wallace , Sturm Gabriel , Manley Suliana 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe regular distribution of mitochondrial DNA-containing nucleoids is essential for mitochondrial function and genome inheritance; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Our data reveal that mitochondria frequently undergo spontaneous and reversible pearling – a biophysical instability in which tubules undulate into regularly spaced beads. We discovered that pearling imposes a characteristic length scale, simultaneously mediating nucleoid disaggregation and establishing inter-nucleoid distancing with near-maximally achievable precision. Cristae invaginations play a dual role: lamellar cristae density determines pearling frequency and duration, and preserves the resulting nucleoid spacing after recovery. The distribution of mitochondrial genomes is thus fundamentally governed by the interplay between spontaneous pearling and cristae ultrastructure.
Stress-induced mitochondrial fragmentation in endothelial cells disrupts blood-retinal barrier integrity causing neurodegeneration
Authors: Cueva-Vargas Jorge L. , Belforte Nicolas , Vidal-Paredes Isaac A. , Dotigny Florence , Vande Velde Christine , Quintero Heberto , Di Polo Adriana 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTIncreased vascular leakage and endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction are major features of neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we investigated the mechanisms leading to EC dysregulation and asked whether altered mitochondrial dynamics in ECs impinge on vascular barrier integrity and neurodegeneration. We show that ocular hypertension, a major risk factor to develop glaucoma, induced mitochondrial fragmentation in retinal capillary ECs accompanied by increased oxidative stress and ultrastructural defects. Analysis of EC mitochondrial components revealed overactivation of dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1), a central regulator of mitochondrial fission, during glaucomatous damage. Pharmacological inhibition or EC-specificin vivogene delivery of a dominant negative DRP1 mutant was sufficient to rescue mitochondrial volume, reduce vascular leakage, and increase expression of the tight junction claudin-5 (CLDN5). We further demonstrate that EC-targeted CLDN5 gene augmentation restored blood-retinal-barrier integrity, promoted neuronal survival, and improved light-evoked visual behaviors in glaucomatous mice. Our findings reveal that preserving mitochondrial homeostasis and EC function are valuable strategies to enhance neuroprotection and improve vision in glaucoma.
Transcriptomic analysis of adult mouse cardiac stromal cells using single-cell qRT-PCR
Authors: Alonaizan Rita , Chaves-Guerrero Patricia , Samari Sara , Noseda Michela , Smart Nicola , Carr Carolyn 
Published: December 2024

AbstractFate mapping studies have challenged the longstanding view of the adult mammalian heart as a post-mitotic organ, suggesting limited cardiomyocyte renewal. This has spurred efforts to identify cardiac progenitor cell (CPC) populations, but their contribution to cardiac regeneration has been found to be minimal compared to cardiomyocyte proliferation. Despite this, CPC transplantation has shown therapeutic potential through paracrine signalling.The identity of CPCs remains unclear due to overlapping characteristics with other cardiac stromal cell populations such as fibroblasts, mesenchymal cells, and pericytes. This study sought to optimise the isolation of CPCs by developing a cardiac collagenase-trypsin (CT) protocol, which was compared to the established method of isolating cardiosphere-derived cells (CDCs). The CT protocol resulted in a higher cell yield and reduced expansion time, with both CTs and CDCs showing superior survival potential under serum starvation compared to commercially acquired cardiac fibroblasts (CFs).Single-cell qRT-PCR analysis revealed that CTs and CDCs share a similar gene expression profile, distinct from CFs, characterised by the enrichment of cardiogenic transcription factors. Notably, CTs exhibited higher expression ofTcf21and lowerTbx5, suggesting an epicardial-derived fibroblast phenotype, whereasTbx5was enriched in CDCs and CFs. Additionally, CTs showed an enrichment of macrophage-associated genesMrc1andCsf1r, possibly due to the transdifferentiation of macrophages to or from a fibroblast phenotype in a subset of CTs. The study concludes that CTs represent a robust and efficient source of CPCs with therapeutic potential and offers insights into the complex identity of cardiac stromal cells.
Anxa1+ dopamine neuron vulnerability defines prodromal Parkinson’s disease bradykinesia and procedural motor learning impairment
Authors: Mantas Ioannis , Contestabile Alessandro , Skara Vasiliki , Loiseau Camille , Santos Ines A , Cramb Kaitlyn M L , Filograna Roberta , Wade-Martins Richard , Magill Peter , Meletis Konstantinos 
Published: December 2024

SUMMARYProgressive degeneration of dopamine neurons (DANs) defines Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, the identity and function of the most vulnerable DAN populations in prodromal PD remain undefined. Here, we identify substantia nigra DANs with Annexin A1 (Anxa1) expression as selectively vulnerable across multiple prodromal PD models and significantly reduced in patient-derived DANs. We found that Anxa1+ DANs have a unique functional profile, as they do not signal reward or reinforce actions, and they are not necessary for motivated behavior. Instead, activity of Anxa1+ DAN axons correlates with vigorous movements during self-paced exploration, yet their silencing only disrupts a subset of action sequences that mirror a PD bradykinesia profile. Importantly, Anxa1+ DANs are essential for procedural learning in a maze task and for motor learning of dexterous actions. These findings establish the early vulnerability of Anxa1+ DANs in PD, whose function can explain prodromal bradykinesia and impairments in procedural motor learning.
Gender-neutral vs gender-specific education subsidy: effects on schooling and earning inequality
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Ujjaini 
Published: December 2024

PurposeDeveloping countries are characterized by gender wage inequality that can be largely attributed to gender-based disparities in education. Education subsidy can be an effective tool for reducing the inequality in human capital formation. However, the parents’ decision in response to the subsidy is a crucial determinant of gendered inequality in schooling and earnings. The paper aims to examine the effects of gender-neutral and gender-specific education subsidy policies on the gendered differences in schooling and earnings.Design/methodology/approachA three-sector full employment general equilibrium model is developed, where the amount of schooling of children is determined by the intertemporal utility maximizing behaviour of the parents over two periods.FindingsThe results indicate that higher gender-neutral education subsidy may raise the amount of schooling of boys more than girls and aggravate the schooling inequality in a society with traditional gender norms; the effect on earning inequality depends on the relative gendered returns to education and the marginal effects of the subsidy on relative schooling levels. However, gender-specific subsidy policies raise female schooling, thereby narrowing gender-based schooling and are likely to favourably affect the earning inequality.Originality/valueThe paper tries to analyse the linkage between education and labour market within a gender dimension. On the one hand, it tries to explain parental schooling decision due to gender-neutral and gender-specific education subsidies, and on the other, it examines the effects of these two subsidy policies on gendered schooling inequality and gender earnings inequality in a dynamic model.
Facebook vs Twitter: the differential relationship with mass attitudes about democracy in Latin Americas
Authors: Kornrumpf Richard , Gainous Jason , Wagner Kevin M. , Gray Tricia J. 
Published: December 2024

PurposeWe argue that the information flow on Twitter is largely driven by elite communication with a top-down flow, while Facebook’s bottom-up flow is driven by mass public communication. Both are crucial news sources for democratic processes in Latin America. We explore how exposure to these flows affects opinions on democracy across 18 countries with varying democratic conditions.Design/methodology/approachUsing mixed-effects models, our analysis draws on survey data from the 2018 Latinobarómetro paired with democracy measures from the 2018 Varieties of Democracy.FindingsThe results indicate that Facebook’s bottom-up communication correlates with negative perceptions of democracy, whereas Twitter’s top-down model correlates with more favorable views, especially among mass consumers. However, these differences are inconsistent across demographic factors.Research limitations/implicationsCross-sectional survey data limits causal claims. Longitudinal data could provide stronger insights into the mechanisms underlying the observed relationships.Practical implicationsUnderstanding how different platforms influence democratic attitudes can inform strategies for political communication and digital governance in Latin America. Policymakers should consider platform-specific interventions to promote democratic engagement.Originality/valueThis study adds to the limited research on platform differences in political public opinion, particularly in Latin America, and highlights the need to explore mechanisms of change across various social media platforms.
Engagement in the teleworking context: challenges and leadership performance
Authors: Rinker Cáren Maria , Bessi Vania Gisele , Schreiber Dusan 
Published: December 2024

PurposeCommunity college institutions (ICES) experienced a transition movement during the pandemic, with the expansion of teleworking in the area of education. In addition, administrative areas also changed into this work format. This strategy was innovative in these organizations, and engaging the employees who have remained in this modality is a challenge. The objective of the study is to analyze challenges and actions of ICES administrative managers in the state of Rio Grande do Sul/Brazil to engage their teams into teleworking.Design/methodology/approachThe research is descriptive, with a qualitative approach and it was conducted through interview studies. The units of analysis were eight managers from technical administrative areas of six ICES. The interviews and data analysis took place based on pre-defined categories, based on theory.FindingsActions were identified to promote employee engagement in teleworking, with welcoming and outreaching activities. Communication has become a fundamental element for emotional management to take place, and the effective rapport of the leader, in the virtual space, is essential in the process.Originality/valueOriginality of the study lies in the fact that, for these organizations, remote work in the administrative area is an innovation in processes. Reflecting on the performance of leaders in teleworking can be useful for outlining team management strategies and even expanding the theory on leadership, which is relevant in contemporary organizational studies. Studying team engagement is a theoretical gap, especially in the context of teleworking.
Thinking with ideas from affect theory: imagining otherwise in our literacy classrooms
Authors: Sesta Jenny 
Published: December 2024

PurposeThe purpose of this conceptual paper is to challenge the introduction and implementation of policy mandates that threaten to reduce democratic, creative and responsive literacy pedagogies and practices in the early years. It draws on affect theory as a means to expand theorisations of literacy teaching and learning with approaches that privilege children’s knowledge as being central to the meaning making process.Design/methodology/approachThinking with ideas from the conceptual paradigm of affect theory, I consider ways in which teachers can expand their repertoire of theories and literacy pedagogies in order to understand the diverse needs of children in contemporary classrooms.FindingsEmphasising the importance of expanding how we imagine our daily pedagogies I thread reflective prompts throughout the discussion to engage the reader to consider how ideas might live in daily literacy classroom practice.Originality/valueThis paper shares insights from contemporary research in affect theory to disrupt the hegemony of early literacy practices. It speaks back to the dominance of reductive models of program approaches and expands views of what counts in early literacy teaching. It considers how we can become more closely attuned to the affective relations in classroom life.
Disordered eating attitudes and behaviours among older adults with type 1 diabetes: An exploratory study
Authors: Ercolino Gabriella T. , Sprinkles Jessica , Fruik Angela , Muthukkumar Rashmi , Gopisetty Nikhita , Qu Xiaorui , Young Laura A. , Mayer‐Davis Elizabeth J. , Sarteau Angelica Cristello , Kahkoska Anna R. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractAimsWe explored the prevalence of disordered eating behaviours (DEBs) and attitudes among older adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and associations with demographic and clinical variables.MethodsAdults aged ≥65 years with T1D from a university‐affiliated hospital system completed an electronic survey (September to November 2023) including the Diabetes Eating Problem Survey‐Revised (DEPS‐R). Clinical data were extracted from medical records.ResultsSeventy‐seven older adults (mean [SD] age: 71.8 [4.1]; mean [SD] HbA1c [mmol/mol]: 51 [12]; BMI [kg/m2]: 27.3 [4.7]) with T1D completed the DEPS‐R. Mean DEPS‐R score was 11.5 (6.0), with 5.2% (n = 4) having clinically significant DEBs (score ≥ 20). We found a positive linear association between DEPS‐R score and BMI (adjusted p = 0.002). There was no significant association with HbA1c.ConclusionsOlder adults with T1D endorsed variable degrees of DEBs. Greater DEBs were associated with higher BMI; more research is needed to characterise this relationship.
Insights into thermal sensitivity: Effects of elevated temperature on growth, metabolic rate, and stress responses in Atlantic wolffish (Anarhichas lupus)
Authors: Hinchcliffe James , Roques Jonathan A. C. , Ekström Andreas , Hedén Ida , Sundell Kristina , Sundh Henrik , Sandblom Erik , Björnsson Björn Thrandur , Jönsson Elisabeth 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe Atlantic wolffish (Anarhichas lupus) is a cold‐water fish with potential for aquaculture diversification. To unveil the mechanisms underlying the compromised growth in Atlantic wolffish when reared at higher temperatures, we investigated the relationship between temperature, growth rate, aerobic capacity, stress biomarkers, and gut barrier function. Juveniles acclimated to 10°C were maintained at 10°C (control) or exposed to 15°C for either 24 h (acute exposure) or 50 days (chronic exposure). Fish exposed to 15°C exhibited reduced growth, higher standard, and maximum metabolic rates compared to those at 10°C. In the chronically exposed group at 15°C, metabolic rates were lower than those of acutely exposed fish. The absolute aerobic scope exhibited no significant variation in temperatures; however, the factorial scope showed a notable reduction at 15°C in both acute and chronic exposed groups, aligning with a correlated decrease in individual growth rates. Chronic warming led to increased plasma glucose levels, indicating energy mobilization, but cortisol levels were unaffected. Furthermore, chronic warming resulted in reduced intestinal barrier function, as evidenced by increased ion permeability and a negative potential in the serosa layer. We conclude that warming elevates metabolic rates while reducing intestinal barrier function, thus increasing energy expenditure, collectively, limiting energy available for growth at this temperature from increased allostatic load. Thus, juvenile wolffish maintaining their aerobic scope under thermal stress experience slower growth. This research provides insights for improving the welfare and resilience of wolffish in aquaculture at elevated temperatures and understanding their response to increased environmental temperatures.
Understanding stress‐induced transmission of peripherally derived factors into the brain and responses in non‐neuronal cells
Authors: Kudo Mikiko , Yamamoto Shota , Hiraga Shin‐ichiro , Masuda Takahiro 
Published: December 2024

AbstractStress is a significant cause of mental disorders, for which effective treatments remain limited due to an insufficient understanding of its pathogenic mechanisms. Recent research has increasingly focused on non‐neuronal cells to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying psychopathology. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on how non‐neuronal cells in the central nervous system, including microglia, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes, respond to peripherally derived stress‐related factors and how these responses contribute to the development of mental disorders. A more comprehensive understanding of stress‐induced alterations, with careful consideration of the type and timing of stress exposure, will provide fundamental insights into the pathogenesis of diverse stress‐related mental disorders.image
Exploring the Role of Ccn3 in Type III Cell of Mice Taste Buds
Authors: Wang Kuanyu , Mitoh Yoshihiro , Horie Kengo , Yoshida Ryusuke 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTDifferent taste cells express unique cell‐type markers, enabling researchers to distinguish them and study their functional differentiation. Using single‐cell RNA‐Seq of taste cells in mouse fungiform papillae, we found that Cellular Communication Network Factor 3 (Ccn3) was highly expressed in Type III taste cells but not in Type II taste cells. Ccn3 is a protein‐coding gene involved in various biological processes, such as cell proliferation, angiogenesis, tumorigenesis, and wound healing. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to explore the expression and function of Ccn3 in mouse taste bud cells. Using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry (IHC), we confirmed that Ccn3 was predominantly expressed in Type III taste cells. Through IHC, quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR, gustatory nerve recordings, and short‐term lick tests, we observed that Ccn3 knockout (Ccn3‐KO) mice did not exhibit any significant differences in the expression of taste cell markers and taste responses compared to wild‐type controls. To explore the function of Ccn3 in taste cells, bioinformatics analyses were conducted and predicted possible roles of Ccn3 in tissue regeneration, perception of pain, protein secretion, and immune response. Among them, an immune function is the most plausible based on our experimental results. In summary, our study indicates that although Ccn3 is strongly expressed in Type III taste cells, its knockout did not influence the basic taste response, but bioinformatics provided valuable insights into the possible role of Ccn3 in taste buds and shed light on future research directions.image
Effects of orally administered clioquinol on the fecal microbiome of horses
Authors: Smith Mikaila Z. , York Mary , Townsend Kile S. , Martin Lynn M. , Gull Tamara , Coghill Lyndon M. , Ericsson Aaron C. , Johnson Philip J. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundWhereas restoration of fecal consistency after treatment with clioquinol for chronic diarrhea and free fecal water syndrome has been attributed to its antiprotozoal properties, actions of clioquinol on the colonic bacterial microbiota have not been investigated.ObjectivesCharacterize the dynamics of fecal microbial diversity before, during, and after PO administration of clioquinol to healthy horses.Study DesignExperimental prospective cohort study using a single horse group.MethodsEight healthy adult horses received PO clioquinol (10 g, daily) for 7 days. Feces were obtained daily for 7 days before, during, and after conclusion of treatment, and again 3 months later. Libraries of 16S rRNA V4 region amplicons generated from fecal DNA were sequenced using the Illumina sequencing platform. Bioinformatic analysis was undertaken with QIIME2 and statistical analyses included analysis of variance (ANOVA) and permutational multivariate ANOVA (PERMANOVA).ResultsThe richness and composition of the fecal microbiome was altered after administration of clioquinol, reaching a maximum effect by the fifth day of administration. Changes included a 90% decrease in richness, and compensatory expansion of facultative anaerobes including Streptococcaceae, Enterococcaceae, and Enterobacteriaceae. Multiple horses had Salmonella cultured from feces.Main LimitationsLimitations including lack of control group and modest sample size are obviated by robust longitudinal study design and strong effect size associated with drug exposure.ConclusionsClioquinol has broad‐spectrum antibacterial effects on the fecal microbiome of horses, but spares certain bacterial families including several pathogens and pathobionts. Clioquinol should be used with caution in horses, in an environment free of contamination with fecal pathogens.
Regulation of DNA Topology in Archaea: State of the Art and Perspectives
Authors: Villain Paul , Basta Tamara 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTDNA topology is a direct consequence of the double helical nature of DNA and is defined by how the two complementary DNA strands are intertwined. Virtually every reaction involving DNA is influenced by DNA topology or has topological effects. It is therefore of fundamental importance to understand how this phenomenon is controlled in living cells. DNA topoisomerases are the key actors dedicated to the regulation of DNA topology in cells from all domains of life. While significant progress has been made in the last two decades in understanding how these enzymes operate in vivo in Bacteria and Eukaryotes, studies in Archaea have been lagging behind. This review article aims to summarize what is currently known about DNA topology regulation by DNA topoisomerases in main archaeal model organisms. These model archaea exhibit markedly different lifestyles, genome organization and topoisomerase content, thus highlighting the diversity and the complexity of DNA topology regulation mechanisms and their evolution in this domain of life. The recent development of functional genomic assays supported by next‐generation sequencing now allows to delve deeper into this timely and exciting, yet still understudied topic.