bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The AdcACB/AdcAII system is Essential for Zinc Homeostasis and an Important Contributor of Enterococcus faecalis Virulence
Authors: Lam Ling Ning , Brunson Debra N. , Molina Jonathan J. , Flores-Mireles Ana L. , Lemos José A. 
Published: December 2021

ABSTRACTBacterial pathogens require a variety of micronutrients for growth, including trace metals such as iron, manganese, and zinc (Zn). Despite their relative abundance in host environments, access to these metals is severely restricted during infection due to host-mediated defense mechanisms collectively known as nutritional immunity. Despite a growing appreciation of the importance of Zn in host-pathogen interactions, the mechanisms of Zn homeostasis and the significance of Zn to the pathophysiology of E. faecalis, a major pathogen of nosocomial and community-associated infections, have not been investigated. Here, we show that E. faecalis encoded an ABC-type transporter AdcACB and an orphan substrate-binding lipoprotein AdcAII that work cooperatively to maintain Zn homeostasis. Simultaneous inactivation of adcA and adcAII or the entire adcACB operon led to significant reduction in intracellular Zn under Zn-restricted conditions, heightened sensitivity to Zn-chelating agents including human calprotectin, aberrant cell morphology, and impaired fitness in serum ex vivo. Additionally, inactivation of adcACB and adcAII significantly reduced bacterial tolerance towards cell envelope-targeting antibiotics, which may be associated to altered fatty acid abundance and species. Lastly, we show that the AdcACB/AdcAII system contributes to E. faecalis virulence in an invertebrate (Galleria mellonella) infection model and in two catheter-associated mouse infection models that recapitulate many of the host conditions associated with enterococcal human infections. Collectively, this report reveals that high-affinity Zn import is essential for the pathogenesis of E. faecalis indicating that the surface-associated AdcA and AdcAII lipoproteins are potential therapeutic targets.
Reproductive developmental dynamics during the early and intermediate prepuberal periods in Nelore breed (Bos indicus) calves
Authors: Kawamoto Taynan Stonoga , Viana João Henrique Moreira , Franco Maurício Machaim , Faria Otávio Augusto Costa de , Fidelis Andrei Antonioni Guedes , Figueiredo Ricardo Alamino 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe demand for calves as oocyte donors for in vitro embryo production is growing. However, Bos indicus have a late puberty, and some aspects of the reproductive physiology during the prepubertal period remain unclear. We characterized endocrine and morpho-functional reproductive features in Nelore calves (n=8) at 2-5 (early prepubertal period, EPP) and from 8-11 months old (mo., intermediate prepubertal period, IPP). The calves’ ovaries and uterus were B-mode transrectal ultrasonography examined, and blood samples were collected every second week. The antral follicles number and size, and ovarian and uterine horn diameters, were recorded, and plasma FSH and LH concentrations were measured (RIA). Non-pregnant, non-lactating cyclic Nelore cows (n=8) were used as controls for endocrine endpoints. Somatic development was monitored by monthly weighing, and 3D scanning of the rump area. The somatic and endocrine endpoints were compared within and between EPP and IPP, and between each period and control cows. Associations were determined by the Spearman correlation method, and the developmental rates were determined by non-linear regression. All morphological endpoints, except antral follicle count, increased (P < 0.001) from the EPP to the IPP. However, within each period differences occurred only at EPP. During the EPP LH and FSH plasma concentrations were similar (P > 0.05), whereas during the IPP LH was lower (P < 0.05) and FSH was higher (P < 0.001) than control cows. The EPP calves showed moderate to high positive correlations among ovarian, uterine, and somatic endpoints. Conversely, the IPP such correlations were mostly weak. In summary, distinct ovarian activity and development patterns of primary and secondary sexual characteristics occurred in Nelore calves at 2-5 mo compared to 8-11 mo.
The impact of family harmony on family SMEs' performance: the mediating role of information technologies
Authors: Dutot Vincent , Bergeron Francois , Calabrò Andrea 
Published: December 2021

PurposeWith the increasing digitalization processes taking place in different industries, the success of family small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) appears to be more under threat than for any other types of organizations, especially when information technologies (ITs) are not adequately used and managed. To grow and increase the chances of survival, family SMEs need more than ever IT. Stemming from agency theory, the aim of this article is to understand whether family harmony impacts the performance of family SMEs and to what extent IT mediates this relationship.Design/methodology/approachThe research follows a quantitative approach, based on a sample of 182 family SMEs. Structured equation modeling, through SmartPLS, was employed to validate the research model.FindingsThis study’s main findings suggest that family harmony positively impacts firm performance and that IT governance and strategy mediate positively this relationship.Research limitations/implicationsFirst, the relatively limited number of respondents limits the degree of representativeness of all family SMEs. Replicating the research with a larger number of respondents could strengthen the findings. Second, this study is limited to French firms and future research could extend the findings by looking at cross-country comparisons.Practical implicationsFamily SMEs are encouraged to link their IT governance with their IT strategy in order to increase their organizational performance. A favorable family harmony will make it easier to choose and implement a richer IT strategy and put in place an adequate IT governance function.Originality/valueThis research offers an enriched knowledge of the roles of family harmony and technological innovation in family SMEs and IT contexts as significant predictors of organizational performance. It contributes to family firm theory through the identification of three determinants of family SMEs' performance.
Toward a holistic understanding of sustainability in corporations: resource-based view of sustainable supply chain management
Authors: Arda Ozlem Ayaz , Montabon Frank , Tatoglu Ekrem , Golgeci Ismail , Zaim Selim 
Published: December 2021

PurposeWhile the three interconnected aspects of the triple bottom line -environmental, social and economic sustainability- are well-established, these aspects have insufficiently been addressed together in the supply chain management literature. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to examine whether environmental and social performance mediates the relationship between environmental management practices and operational performance and whether operational performance mediates the relationship between environmental and social performance and financial performance.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on a data set of 208 firms operating in a wide range of manufacturing industries, the authors test the hypotheses using structural equation modeling. The research context for the study is Turkey, an important emerging market and one of the nexuses of European and Asian supply chains.FindingsThe findings indicate that all three aspects of sustainability have mutually supportive relationships as demonstrated by positive mediating mechanisms between environmental management practices and operational performance and between environmental and social performance and financial performance. The mediation results correspond with the resource-based view. They indicate that building up capabilities and resources in the form of environmental management practices supports three areas of the triple bottom line and boosts firms’ financial performance.Originality/valueResearch on sustainability is well-established, yet supply chain management research has, thus, far paid insufficient attention to all three aspects. This paper, thus, sets itself apart by explicitly considering all three aspects of sustainability and contributes to understanding how they relate to one another.
Utilising power analyses and occupancy modelling to inform population monitoring of the regionally endangered black‐striped wallaby (Macropus dorsalis) in New South Wales
Authors: McHugh Darren , Goldingay Ross L. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractSmall macropodoid marsupials are well represented among Australia’s extinct and threatened mammals. Population monitoring is central to understanding how remaining species respond to on‐going landscape change and threatening processes on private land and within managed conservation reserves. Camera trapping and occupancy modelling provide a reliable approach to monitor these often cryptic species. However, understanding the survey effort required to detect population declines of a given magnitude with high statistical certainty is often overlooked. We use empirical data from camera trapping and occupancy modelling to determine an optimal survey design for a regionally endangered population of the black‐striped wallaby. We established a 1200 ha grid of 60 cameras and sampled in three 30‐day intervals over a 1‐year period. We investigated factors that may influence occupancy and detection followed by power analyses with our broad objective being to devise a monitoring program that would be robust enough to detect a 50% decline with at least 80% power. This species was not detected at rainforest sites. Naïve occupancy within eucalypt forest was 0.42. The detection probability (using 5‐day detection occasions) varied with season (from 0.17 ± 0.04 in autumn to 0.34 ± 0.05 in spring). Occupancy was negatively influenced by shrub cover and negatively influenced by elevation. We found no apparent influence of dingo detection on occupancy or detection of the black‐striped wallaby. We explored different configurations of detection sites and number of survey occasions to satisfy our 50:80 criteria when initial occupancy was 0.40. Sampling 60 sites for a minimum of 30 days would satisfy these criteria. Power analyses can inform optimal designs for threatened species monitoring and similar investigations should be conducted for other threatened small macropods to assist their conservation.
Sex‐specific developmental trajectories of eczema from infancy to age 26 years: A birth cohort study
Authors: Ziyab Ali H. , Mukherjee Nandini , Zhang Hongmei , Arshad Syed Hasan , Karmaus Wilfried 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundEczema is a common inflammatory skin disease with varying developmental trajectories/patterns that are influenced by different risk factors. The aim of this study was to investigate eczema development from infancy to early adulthood by identifying distinct developmental trajectories that describe disease patterns over time and evaluate the role of prenatal and early‐life risk factors.MethodsThe Isle of Wight Birth Cohort (n = 1456) was prospectively assessed at birth, 1, 2, 4, 10, 18 and 26 years. In all assessments, eczema was defined as chronic or chronically relapsing itchy dermatitis lasting >6 weeks with characteristic morphology and distribution in the past 12 months. Developmental trajectories of eczema between 1 or 2 and 26 years were identified separately for males and females by applying semiparametric mixture models. Associations were assessed by applying a modified Poisson regression to estimate adjusted risk ratios (aRR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).ResultsIn both males and females, the following eczema developmental trajectories were identified: unaffected/transient (males: 77.7% vs. females: 73.0%), mid‐onset late‐resolving (males: 7.8% vs. females: 4.4%), late‐onset (males: 5.2% vs. females: 9.5%) and early‐onset persistent (males: 9.3% vs. females: 5.4%). In females, an additional trajectory was identified as follows: early‐onset early‐resolving (7.7%). Among males, filaggrin gene (FLG) variants (aRR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.34–4.46) and paternal eczema (2.66, 1.39–5.08) were associated with the early‐onset persistent trajectory. Among females, maternal eczema (2.84, 1.42–5.70) and high birthweight (2.25, 1.08–4.69) were associated with the early‐onset persistent trajectory.ConclusionsFour and five trajectories represented eczema development among males and females, respectively, with different predisposing risk factors. Our results indicate that males and females may experience a different course of eczema.
Phonetic versus spatial processes during motor‐oriented imitations of visuo‐labial and visuo‐lingual speech: A functional near‐infrared spectroscopy study
Authors: Zhao Tinghao , Hu Anming , Su Rongfeng , Lyu Chengchen , Wang Lan , Yan Nan 
Published: December 2021

AbstractWhile a large amount of research has studied the facilitation of visual speech on auditory speech recognition, few have investigated the processing of visual speech gestures in motor‐oriented tasks that focus on the spatial and motor features of the articulator actions instead of the phonetic features of auditory and visual speech. The current study examined the engagement of spatial and phonetic processing of visual speech in a motor‐oriented speech imitation task. Functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) was used to measure the haemodynamic activities related to spatial processing and audiovisual integration in the superior parietal lobe (SPL) and the posterior superior/middle temporal gyrus (pSTG/pMTG) respectively. In addition, visuo‐labial and visuo‐lingual speech were compared with examine the influence of visual familiarity and audiovisual association on the processes in question. fNIRS revealed significant activations in the SPL but found no supra‐additive audiovisual activations in the pSTG/pMTG, suggesting that the processing of audiovisual speech stimuli was primarily focused on spatial processes related to action comprehension and preparation, whereas phonetic processes related to audiovisual integration was minimal. Comparisons between visuo‐labial and visuo‐lingual speech imitations revealed no significant difference in the activation of the SPL or the pSTG/pMTG, suggesting that a higher degree of visual familiarity and audiovisual association did not significantly influence how visuo‐labial speech was processed compared with visuo‐lingual speech. The current study offered insights on the pattern of visual‐speech processing under a motor‐oriented task objective and provided further evidence for the modulation of multimodal speech integration by voluntary selective attention and task objective.
The Influence of Financial Education Sources on Emergency Savings: The Role of Financial Literacy
Authors: Fan Lu , Zhang Lini 
Published: December 2021

Using data from the 2018 National Financial Capability Study, this research explored the relationship between financial education sources and emergency savings of U.S. adults, and examined the mediating role of financial literacy. The results showed that receiving financial education from both school and workplace had positive associations with having emergency funds. Financial literacy was found to be positively associated with having emergency funds and financial literacy mediated the relationship between financial education and having emergency savings. The findings reinforced the significance of different financial education sources in increasing the likelihood of saving for emergencies. Implications for policymakers, financial educators and counselors, and employers are included.
Rural Healthcare Providers’ Perceptions of Patient Financial Well‐Being and Integrating Financial Capability Services
Authors: Bartholomae Suzanne , Kiss D. Elizabeth , Collins J. Michael , Johnson Carrie L. , Janney Carol A 
Published: December 2021

This exploratory study documents rural healthcare providers’ perspectives on patients’ financial well‐being, and the feasibility of integrating financial capability supports into healthcare services. Surveys (n = 132) and online focus groups (n = 17) in 2019 were used to collect data. Three key findings were that rural healthcare providers: (i) recognize the influence of financial capability on patients’ health outcomes and healthcare access, (ii) saw a need for resources to support patients’ financial capability, and (iii) do not feel well‐positioned to address patients’ financial needs. Implications include the need for tools, resources, partnership strategies, and programs that support rural patients’ financial capability.
Oxytocin variation and brain region‐specific gene expression in a domesticated avian species
Authors: Tobari Yasuko , Theofanopoulou Constantina , Mori Chihiro , Sato Yoshimi , Marutani Momoka , Fujioka Sayaka , Konno Norifumi , Suzuki Kenta , Furutani Akari , Hakataya Shiomi , Yao Cheng‐Te , Yang En‐Yun , Tsai Chia‐Ren , Tang Pin‐Chi , Chen Chih‐Feng , Boeckx Cedric , Jarvis Erich D. , Okanoya Kazuo 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe Bengalese finch was domesticated more than 250 years ago from the wild white‐rumped munia (WRM). Similar to other domesticated species, Bengalese finches show a reduced fear response and have lower corticosterone levels, compared to WRMs. Bengalese finches and munias also have different song types. Since oxytocin (OT) has been found to be involved in stress coping and auditory processing, we tested whether the OT sequence and brain expression pattern and content differ in wild munias and domesticated Bengalese finches. We sequenced the OT from 10 wild munias and 11 Bengalese finches and identified intra‐strain variability in both the untranslated and protein‐coding regions of the sequence, with all the latter giving rise to synonymous mutations. Several of these changes fall in specific transcription factor‐binding sites, and show either a conserved or a relaxed evolutionary trend in the avian lineage, and in vertebrates in general. Although in situ hybridization in several hypothalamic nuclei did not reveal significant differences in the number of cells expressing OT between the two strains, real‐time quantitative PCR showed a significantly higher OT mRNA expression in the cerebrum of the Bengalese finches relative to munias, but a significantly lower expression in their diencephalon. Our study thus points to a brain region‐specific pattern of neurochemical expression in domesticated and wild avian strains, which could be linked to domestication and the behavioral changes associated with it.
Vasorin deficiency leads to cardiac hypertrophy by targeting MYL7 in young mice
Authors: Sun Junming , Guo Xiaoping , Yu Ping , Liang Jinning , Mo Zhongxiang , Zhang Mingyuan , Yang Lichao , Huang Xuejing , Hu Bing , Liu Jiajuan , Ouyang Yiqiang , He Min 
Published: December 2021

AbstractVasorin (VASN) is an important transmembrane protein associated with development and disease. However, it is not clear whether the death of mice with VASN deficiency (VASN−/−) is related to cardiac dysfunction. The aim of this research was to ascertain whether VASN induces pathological cardiac hypertrophy by targeting myosin light chain 7 (MYL7). VASN−/− mice were produced by CRISPR/Cas9 technology and inbreeding. PCR amplification, electrophoresis, real‐time PCR and Western blotting were used to confirm VASN deficiency. Cardiac hypertrophy was examined by blood tests, histological analysis and real‐time PCR, and key downstream factors were identified by RNA sequencing and real‐time PCR. Western blotting, immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy analysis were used to confirm the downregulation of MYL7 production and cardiac structural changes. Our results showed that sudden death of VASN−/− mice occurred 21–28 days after birth. The obvious increases in cardiovascular risk, heart weight and myocardial volume and the upregulation of hypertrophy marker gene expression indicated that cardiac hypertrophy may be the cause of death in young VASN−/− mice. Transcriptome analysis revealed that VASN deficiency led to MYL7 downregulation, which induced myocardial structure abnormalities and disorders. Our results revealed a pathological phenomenon in which VASN deficiency may lead to cardiac hypertrophy by downregulating MYL7 production. However, more research is necessary to elucidate the underlying mechanism.
VLX1570 regulates the proliferation and apoptosis of human lung cancer cells through modulating ER stress and the AKT pathway
Authors: Wang Juan , Du Tongde , Lu Ya , Lv Yan , Du Yuxin , Wu Jianzhong , Ma Rong , Xu Chenxin , Feng Jifeng 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe ubiquitin‐proteasome system (UPS) possesses unique functions in tumorigenesis and has great potential for targeting tumours. The effectiveness of inhibitors targeting UPS in solid tumours remains to be studied. We screened a library of inhibitors targeting the ubiquitination system and found the highly potent, low‐concentration inhibitor molecule VLX1570 that specifically killed lung cancer cells. VLX1570 is an inhibitor of deubiquitinating enzyme activity and has also shown potential for preclinical cancer treatment. We found that VLX1570 significantly inhibited lung cancer cells proliferation and colony formation. VLX1570 induced a G2/M cell cycle arrest by downregulating CDK1 and CyclinB1. Moreover, VLX1570 significantly promoted the mitochondrial‐associated apoptosis. Mechanistically speaking, VLX1570 activated the PERK/IRE1/ATF6 pathway and induced ER stress in lung cancer cell lines. The inhibition of ER stress by tauroursodeoxycholic acid sodium or 4‐phenylbutyric acid enhanced VLX1570‐induced apoptosis. In addition, VLX1570 treatment led to the inactivation of Akt signalling and inhibited the proliferation of lung cancer cells by downregulating the Akt pathway. Moreover, combined treatment with VLX1570 and Afatinib or Gefitinib induced synergistic anti‐lung cancer activity. Our present study demonstrated a novel therapy using VLX1570, which inhibited the proliferation and increased apoptosis in human lung cancer.
Exosomal hsa_circ_0125310 promotes cell proliferation and fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy via sponging miR‐422a and targeting the IGF1R/p38 axis
Authors: Zhu Yingchun , Zha Fangfang , Tang Bo , Ji Ting‐Ting , Li Xiao‐Ying , Feng Linhong , Bai Shou‐Jun 
Published: December 2021

AbstractDiabetic nephropathy (DN) is still on the rise worldwide, and millions of patients have to be treated through dialysis or transplant because of kidney failure caused by DN. Recent reports have highlighted circRNAs in the treatment of DN. Herein, we aimed to investigate the mechanism by which high glucose‐induced exo‐circ_0125310 promotes diabetic nephropathy progression. circ_0125310 is highly expressed in diabetic nephropathy and exosomes isolated from high glucose‐induced mesangial cells (MCs). High glucose‐induced exosomes promote the proliferation and fibrosis of MCs. However, results showed that the effects of exosomes on MCs can be reversed by the knockdown of circ_0125310. miR‐422a, which targets IGF1R, was the direct target of circ_0125310. circ_0125310 regulated IGF1R/p38 axis by sponging miR‐422a. Exo‐circ_0125310 increased the luciferase activity of the WT‐IGF1R reporter in the dual‐luciferase reporter gene assays and upregulated the expression level of IGF1R and p38. Finally, in vivo research indicated that the overexpression of circ_0125310 promoted the diabetic nephropathy progression. Above results demonstrated that the high glucose‐induced exo‐circ_0125310 promoted cell proliferation and fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy via sponging miR‐422a and targeting the IGF1R/p38 axis.