bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SMC1A facilitates gastric cancer cells proliferation, migration and invasion via promoting SNAI2 activated EMT
Authors: Liu Yaling , Fang Xianrui , Wang Qianqian , Xiao Da , Peng Zhenyu , Zhou Ting , Ren Feng , Zhou Jingyu 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundstructural maintenance of chromosomes protein 1A (SMC1A) is a crucial subunit of the cohesion protein complex and plays a vital role in cell cycle regulation, genomic stability maintenance, chromosome dynamics. Recent studies demonstrated that SMC1A participate in tumorigenesis. This reseach aims to explore the role and the underlying mechanisms of SMC1A in gastric cancer (GC).Materials and methodsRT-qPCR and western blot were used to examine the expression levels of SMC1A in GC tissues and cell lines. The role of SMC1A on GC cell proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)were analyzed. Furthermore,the mechanism of SMC1A action was investigated.ResultsSMC1A was highly expressed in GC tissues and cell lines. The high expression of SMC1A indicated the poor overall survival of GC patients from Kaplan-Meier Plotter. Enhancing the expression of SMC1A in AGS remarkably promoted cell proliferation, migration and invasion. While knockdown of SMC1A in HCG27 inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion of HGC27 cells. Moreover, it’s observed that SMC1A promoted EMT and malignant cell behaviors via regulating SNAI2Conclusionour study revealed SMC1A facilitates gastric cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion via promoting SNAI2 activated EMT, which indicated SMC1A may be a potential target for gastric cancer therapy.
Influence of high energy diet and polygenic predisposition for obesity on postpartum health in rat dams
Authors: Leuthardt Andrea S. , Bayer Julia , Monné Rodriguez Josep M. , Boyle Christina N. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIt is estimated that 30% of pregnant women worldwide are overweight or obese, which leads to adverse health effects for both the mother and child. Women with obesity during pregnancy are at higher risk for developing both metabolic and mental disorders, such as diabetes and depression. Numerous studies have used rodent models of maternal obesity to understand its consequences on the offspring, yet characterization of changes in the dams is rare, and most rodent models rely solely on a high fat diet to induce maternal obesity, without regarding genetic propensity for obesity. Here we present the influence of both peripartum high energy diet (HE) and obesity-proneness on maternal health using selectively-bred diet-resistant (DR) and diet-induced obese (DIO) rat dams. Outbred Sprague-Dawley rats were selected and bred according to their propensity to gain weight. From F1 onward, dams consuming a HE diet displayed higher body weight gain during pregnancy, and HE diet had a strong effect on meal patterns. Sensitivity to the hormone amylin was preserved during pregnancy, regardless of diet. After several rounds of selective breeding, dams from generation F3 were assessed for their postpartum physiology and behaviors. We observed strong diet and phenotype effects on gestational weight gain, with DIO-HE dams gaining 119% more weight than DR-chow. A high-resolution analysis of maternal behaviors on postpartum day 2 (P2) did not detect main effects of diet or phenotype, but a subset of DIO dams showed decreased pup-related behaviors. During a sucrose preference test (SPT) on P14, all DR dams consumed at least 70% sucrose, while a subset of DIO dams preferred water. In generation F6/F7 dams, effects on gestational weight gain persisted, and we observed a main effect of phenotype of SPT, with DIO-chow dams showing the lowest sucrose preference. Both DIO and DR dams consuming HE diet had severe postpartum liver lipidosis and exhibited reduced leptin sensitivity in the arcuate nucleus at the time of pup-weaning. These data demonstrate that both diet and genetic obesity-proneness have consequences on maternal health.
FirmicutesandBacteroidetesexplain mass gain variation in an obligate hibernator
Authors: Johnson Gina C. , Degregori Samuel , Barber Paul H. , Blumstein Daniel T. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBody condition is an important life history challenge that directly impacts individual fitness and is particularly important for hibernating animals, whose maintenance of adequate body fat and mass is essential for survival.It is well documented that symbiotic microorganisms play a vital role in animal physiology and behaviour. Recent work demonstrates that gut microbes are associated with fat accumulation and obesity;Firmicutesis consistently associated with obesity whileBacteroidetesis associated with leanness both in humans and other animals.The focus of most microbiome studies has been on human health or involved lab reared animals used as a model system. However, these microbes likely are important for individual fitness in wild populations and provide potential mechanistic insights into the adaptability and survival of wildlife.Here we test whether symbiotic microorganisms within the phyla ofFirmicutesandBacteroidetesare associated with summer mass gain in an exceptionally well-studied wild population of yellow-bellied marmots (Marmota flaviventer) by quantifying microbial abundance over five years of fecal samples (2015 – 2019) collected during their summer active season.Results show that marmots with higher mass gain rates have a greater abundance ofFirmicutes. In contrast, higher abundance ofBacteroideteswas associated with lower mass gain rates, but only for marmots living in harsher environments. Similar patterns were found at the family level whereRuminococcaceae, a member ofFirmicutes, was associated with higher mass gain rates, andMuribaculaceae, a member ofBacteroidetes, was associated with lower mass gain rates, and similarly in harsher environments.Although correlative, these results highlight the importance of symbiotic gut microbiota to mass gain in the wild, a trait associated with survival and fitness in many taxonomic groups.
A phenotypic screen using splitCas9 identifies essential genes required for actin regulation during host cell egress and invasion by Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Li Wei , Grech Janessa , Stortz Johannes Felix , Gow Matthew , Periz Javier , Meissner Markus , Jimenez-Ruiz Elena 
Published: September 2021

AbstractApicomplexan parasites, such as Toxoplasma gondii, possess unique organelles, cytoskeletal structures, signalling cascades, replicate by internal budding within a specialised compartment and actively invade and exit the host cell, to name a few aspects of the unique biology that characterise this phylum. Due to their huge phylogenetic distance from well established model organisms, such as opisthokonts, comparative genomics has a limited capacity to infer gene functions and conserved proteins can fulfil different roles in apicomplexans. Indeed, approximately 30% of all genes are annotated as hypothetical and many had a crucial role during the asexual life cycle in genome-wide screens. While the current CRISPR/Cas9-based screens allow the identification of fitness conferring genes, only little information about the respective functions can be obtained. To overcome this limitation, and to group genes of interest into functional groups, we established a conditional Cas9-system in T. gondii that allows phenotypic screens. Using an indicator strain for F-actin dynamics and apicoplast segregation, we identified critical genes required for defined steps during the asexual life cycle. The detailed characterisation of two of these candidates revealed them to be critical for host cell egress and invasion and to act at different time points in the disassembly of the intravacuolar F-actin network. While the signalling linking factor (SLF) is an integral part of a signalling complex required for early induction of egress, a novel conoid protein (conoid gliding protein, CGP) acts late during egress and is required for the activation of gliding motility.
Alpha oscillations link action to cognition: An oculomotor account of the brain’s dominant rhythm
Authors: Popov Tzvetan , Miller Gregory A. , Rockstroh Brigitte , Jensen Ole , Langer Nicolas 
Published: September 2021

AbstractPower modulations in alpha oscillations (8-14Hz) have been associated with most human cognitive functions and psychopathological conditions studied. These reports are often inconsistent with the prevailing view of a specific relationship of alpha oscillations to attention and working memory (WM). We propose that conceptualizing the role of alpha oscillations in oculomotor control resolves this inconsistency. This proposition is based on a review of results across species (human Npooled=295, one non-human primate, honey bee N=5), experimental conditions (rest, attention, and working memory), and recording techniques (EEG, ECOG, eye-tracking, and MEG) that encourage the following relationships between alpha oscillations and eye-movement control: (i) saccade initiation prompts power decrease in brain circuits associated with saccadic control; (ii) the direction of a saccade is consistent with alpha lateralization, both during task and resting conditions; (iii) the phase of alpha activity informs saccade occurrence and biases miniature eye movements during fixation (e.g. fixational tremor); and (iv) oculomotor action differentiates WM load. A new theory on how alpha oscillations link oculomotor action to cognition is proposed. Generalizing across tasks and species: low oculomotor activity is associated with high alpha power and vice versa. Alpha oscillations regulate how long to look at a given target and how fast to saccade to a next. By ensuring steady gaze position, any potential input outside foveal vision is “suppressed”.
RNA nucleotide repeats induce mitochondrial dysfunction and the ribosome-associated quality control
Authors: Teixeira Joana , Harju Anu-Mari , Othman Alaa , Eriksson Ove , Brandão Ana , Battersby Brendan J. , Garcia Susana M. D. A. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractNucleotide repeat sequences are prevalent in the genome and expansion of these sequences is associated with more than 40 neuromuscular disorders. To understand the pathogenic mechanisms underlying RNA-repeat toxicity, we performed a genetic screen in aCaenorhabditis elegansmodel expressing an expanded CUG repeat specifically in the muscle. Here, we show that expression of this RNA repeat impairs motility by mitochondrial dysfunction, disrupting mitochondrial morphology and respiration. The phenotype is dependent on the RNA-binding factor MBL-1 and requires factors from the ribosome-associated protein quality control complex. Furthermore, Coenzyme Q supplementation rescued the motility impairment and all of the mitochondrial phenotypes. Together, our data reveal the importance of mitochondrial dysfunction in the molecular pathogenesis of RNA repeat expansion disorders.
Determinants of the online purchase intention: hedonic motivations, prices, information and trust
Authors: Santo Pedro Espírito , Marques Alzira Maria Ascensão 
Published: September 2021

PurposeThe Internet has changed the nature of purchasing, proof of this being the proliferation of e-commerce sites which have seen their activity grow more quickly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the authors aim to investigate the impact of the consumer's hedonic motivations, price, access to information and trust on the online purchase intention.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative, transversal study of a conclusive nature was carried out. Based on information gathered through a questionnaire administered to a sample of 750 online purchasers, a structural equation model was estimated.FindingsThe results showed that the intention to continue purchasing in online shops is partly explained by access to information online, hedonic motivations and trust in e-commerce sites. It stands out that online information generates trust, and the perception of online prices does not influence loyalty but has a positive influence on hedonic motivations.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough some constructs were ignored, for example, the integration of channels, experiential marketing and the fear of fraud, including unauthorised use of personal details, the study shows that easy access to useful information about products, prices, promotions is an important antecedent of online purchase.Practical implicationsOnline shop managers should pay special attention to e-commerce websites, and the information provided there should explore consumer's hedonic motivations for adventure. Furthermore, it is fundamental to create trust in order to maintain the interest in online shopping.Originality/valueThe estimation of the structural model in the context of online shopping includes the influence of utilitarian motivations (price and access to information), which offer a rational experience and also include emotional motivations (hedonic adventure motivations) on the intention to buy online. The results also revealed that it plays an important role to promote online trust and online loyalty.
Manipulating plant microbiomes in the field: Native mycorrhizae advance plant succession and improve native plant restoration
Authors: Koziol Liz , Bauer Jonathan T. , Duell Eric B. , Hickman Karen , House Geoffrey L. , Schultz Peggy A. , Tipton Alice G. , Wilson Gail W. T. , Bever James D. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

The plant microbiome is critical to plant health and is degraded with anthropogenic disturbance. However, the value of re‐establishing the native microbiome is rarely considered in ecological restoration. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are particularly important microbiome components, as they associate with most plants, and later successional grassland plants are strongly responsive to native AM fungi.

With five separate sites across the United States, we inoculated mid‐ and late successional plant seedlings with one of three types of native microbiome amendments: (a) whole rhizosphere soil collected from local old‐growth, undisturbed grassland communities in Illinois, Kansas or Oklahoma, (b) laboratory cultured AM fungi from these same old‐growth grassland sites or (c) no microbiome amendment. We also seeded each restoration with a diverse native seed mixture. Plant establishment and growth was followed for three growing seasons.

The reintroduction of soil microbiome from native ecosystems improved restoration establishment.

Including only native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities produced similar improvements in plant establishment as what was found with whole soil microbiome amendment. These findings were robust across plant functional groups.

Inoculated plants (amended with either AM fungi or whole soil) also grew more leaves and were generally taller during the three growing seasons.

Synthesis and applications. Our research shows that mycorrhizal fungi can accelerate plant succession and that the reintroduction of both whole soil and laboratory cultivated native mycorrhizal fungi can be used as tools to improve native plant restoration following anthropogenic disturbance.
Revisiting the return‐volatility relationship of exchange rates: New evidence from offshore RMB
Authors: Chen Yue , Lin Juan , Wu Ximing 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThis study investigates the return‐volatility relationship of the offshore Chinese RMB (CNH). Based on a regime‐switching copula model, we find that the return‐volatility relationship has changed since the August 2015 reform of the central parity formation mechanism. Before the reform, implied volatility increased only in response to CNH depreciation. After the reform, both large depreciation and appreciation of CNH trigger higher implied volatility. We show that both the “fear of a crash” and interest rate differentials are important factors contributing to the return‐volatility dynamics. Our study provides empirical evidence that the 2015 reform increased the two‐way flexibility of the USD/CNH exchange rate. Specifically, after the reform, both large negative and large positive USD/CNH returns have created fear of future losses, which causes investors to bid up option prices and therefore implied volatility.
Genital mycoplasma infection and spontaneous preterm birth outcome: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Cunha GKP , Bastos LB , Freitas SF , Cavalli RC , Quintana SM 
Published: September 2021

ObjectiveTo assess the risk of spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) associated with genital mycoplasma infection in asymptomatic women.DesignProspective cohort.SettingPublic and private health services in Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.PopulationA cohort of 1349 asymptomatic women with a singleton pregnancy at 20–25 weeks of gestation.MethodsParticipants completed a sociodemographic and clinical history questionnaire during the prenatal visit and provided cervicovaginal samples for the evaluation of Mycoplasma hominis (Mh), Ureaplasma spp. and bacterial vaginosis (BV). For gestational outcome, information about the delivery was assessed and sPTB was defined as a birth that occurred before 37 weeks of gestation. The association between variables and the risk of sPTB was evaluated using logistic regression analysis to estimate the odds ratios (ORs).Main outcome measuresGenital mycoplasma infection and prematurity.ResultsThe prevalence of sPTB and genital mycoplasma was 6.8 and 18%, respectively. The infection was not a risk factor for sPTB (aOR 0.66, 95% CI 0.32–1.35), even when Mh and Ureaplasma spp. were found together (P = 0.83). Pregnant women with genital mycoplasma infections had greater BV (P < 0.0001), but this vaginal microbiota condition was not associated with sPTB (P = 0.35). Regarding the risk factors associated with sPTB, a previous history of sPTB (aOR 12.06, 95% CI 6.21–23.43) and a cervical length of ≤2.5 cm (aOR 3.97, 95% CI 1.67–9.47) were significant.ConclusionsGenital mycoplasma infection was not a risk factor for sPTB, even in the presence of other abnormal vaginal microbiota.Tweetable abstractGenital mycoplasma infection was not a risk for sPTB, even when associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV).
CKMRpop: Forward‐in‐time simulation and tabulation of pairwise kin relationships in age‐structured populations
Authors: Anderson Eric C. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIn the last five years, interest in close‐kin mark–recapture (CKMR), a variant of mark–recapture that uses genetically inferred kin as ‘recaptures’, has grown dramatically. However, understanding the basis of CKMR, and properly implementing it, remains challenging. This paper describes an R package, CKMRpop, for simulating age‐structured populations with user‐specified demography, overdispersed variance in reproductive success (allowing for different ratios of effective to census size) and random sampling of individuals. Using compiled code for the simulation makes it feasible to simulate populations of millions of individuals. From the simulation output, pairs of sampled individuals related within a user‐specified number of generations are found. Such pairs form the foundation for CKMR inference, and simulating them provides insight for understanding the statistical basis for CKMR and for assessing the feasibility of CKMR in different scenarios. We predict that CKMRpop will serve as an important tool for researchers contemplating CKMR estimation of population size. Furthermore, the methods presented here for identifying and categorizing relationships beyond half‐siblings allow a more complete picture of the wide variety of kin pairs encountered in populations. This identifies the fraction of kin pairs that may not be the target of a CKMR experiment, but may be inadvertently mistaken for a more closely related ‘target’ kin pair. Additionally, as more distant kin categories will likely be accurately inferred from increasingly available and inexpensive whole genome resequencing, understanding the distributions of more distant relationships in populations is a first step towards broadening the scope of CKMR to include them.
The FSHR G‐29A variant is not associated with the ovarian response to exogenous FSH stimulation
Authors: Song Di , Hong Ling , Zhang Zhao‐feng , Xu Jian‐hua , Zhang Hui‐qin , Huang Xian‐liang , Du Jing 
Published: September 2021

AbstractA common genetic variant in the follicle stimulating hormone receptor gene (FSHR) 5′‐untranslated region has been previously reported to influence FSHR gene expression. However, studies on the ovarian response to exogenous gonadotropin stimulation are limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of variants at positions ‐29 of the FSHR gene with the ovarian response to exogenous FSH stimulation in Chinese women. The genotypes of the FSHR gene were assayed using the Sequenom MassARRAY system. Total RNA and protein was extracted from granulosa cells, and FSHR expression at the mRNA and protein levels was assessed using quantitative PCR and western blotting. Our data revealed that there was no association between the FSHR genotype at the ‐29 position and the outcome of controlled ovarian stimulation. The expression of FSHR, at both the mRNA and protein levels, was similar amongst the different FSHR genotypes assessed, but was significantly reduced in the low responders. These results indicate that the variants caused by mutations at position ‐29 are not associated with ovarian response, and the low ovarian response to gonadotropin stimulation may be caused by decreased FSHR expression.
Followers' unclear demands during the COVID‐19 pandemic can undermine leaders' well‐being: A moderated mediation model from an entrapment perspective
Authors: Zheng Yuyan , Wu Chia‐Huei , Zheng Xiaotong ( Janey) , Pan Jingzhou 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAlthough effective leaders are important for reducing employee stress during the COVID‐19, limited studies have examined how follower behaviors can influence leader stress and well‐being during the COVID‐19. This study draws on defeat‐entrapment theory to examine how followers' unclear demands during the COVID‐19 consequently impact leaders' psychological states and well‐being. We conducted a three‐wave time‐lagged investigation with a sample of 281 leaders in the United Kingdom and found that followers' unclear demands could generate feelings of entrapment in leaders, leading to decreased levels of well‐being outcomes in leaders. Importantly, we found that leaders who have higher levels of leadership responsibility during the COVID‐19 are likely to feel trapped by followers' unclear demands. They are also likely to face higher levels of feelings of entrapment and impaired well‐being compared with leaders who have lower levels of leadership responsibility. We discuss the implications for theories and practices, as well as directions for future research.