bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mitochondrial morphodynamics are modulated by physiological range of temperature and influence host cell outcomes during influenza infection
Authors: McLoughlin Grant J. , Pekosz Andrew 
Published: September 2024

AbstractInfluenza viruses replicate in both the cooler, upper portions of the airway and the warmer, lower portions of the respiratory tract. This study investigates how physiological ranges of temperature, specifically 33°C and 37°C, impact host cell biology and how temperature-dependent differences in host cells influence outcomes during influenza A virus infection. This study prioritizes describing mitochondrial networks due to their importance in maintaining cellular homeostasis and mediating immune responses to viral infection. The temperature at which cells are incubated significantly influences mitochondrial network morphology and mitochondrial function. Moreover, temperature-dependent changes to mitochondrial networks prior to infection result in temperature-specific changes to host cell outcomes during infection. These findings indicate that mitochondrial structure alone can modulate host cell outcomes during viral infection and that both the form and function of mitochondria directly impact influenza A virus production. While not all mitochondrial processes were shown to be affected by temperature or infection, these results highlight the importance of using physiologically relevant temperatures in respiratory pathogen research and elucidate how mitochondrial dynamics contribute to host cell outcomes during influenza A virus infection.ImportanceRespiratory viruses infect the upper and lower respiratory tract but rarely is the impact of physiological ranges of temperature (33°C to 37°C) considered. Mitochondria are central mediators of numerous physiological pathways, and their functions are often modified by virus infection. Physiological ranges of temperature can alter mitochondrial form and function, which is further impacted by virus infection. The study sheds light on how temperature can impact mitochondrial form and function in concert with virus infection.
Iron content of commercial mucin contributes to compositional stability of a cystic fibrosis airway synthetic microbiota community
Authors: Giedraitis Emily , Neve Rachel L. , Phelan Vanessa V. 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTIn vitroculture models of mucosal environments are used to elucidate the mechanistic roles of the microbiota in human health. These models often include commercial mucins to reflect thein-siturole of mucins as an attachment site and nutrient source for the microbiota. Two types of mucins are commercially available: porcine gastric mucin (PGM) and bovine submaxillary mucin (BSM). These commercial mucins have been shown to contain iron, an essential element required by the microbiota as a co-factor for a variety of metabolic functions. In these mucin preparations, the concentration of available iron can exceed physiological concentrations present in the native environment. This unexpected source of iron influences experimental outcomes, including shaping the interactions between co-existing microbes in synthetic microbial communities used to elucidate the multispecies interactions within native microbiota. In this work, we leveraged the well-characterized iron-dependent production of secondary metabolites by the opportunistic pathogenPseudomonas aeruginosato aid in the development of a simple, low-cost, reproducible workflow to remove iron from commercial mucins. Using the mucosal environment of the cystic fibrosis (CF) airway as a model system, we show thatP. aeruginosais canonically responsive to iron concentration in the chemically defined synthetic CF medium complemented with semi-purified PGM, and community composition of a clinically relevant, synthetic CF airway microbial community is modulated, in part, by iron concentration in PGM.IMPORTANCEMucins are critical components ofin vitrosystems used to model mucosal microbiota. However, crude commercial mucin preparations contain high concentrations of iron, which impacts interactions between members of the microbiota and influences interpretation of experimental results. Therefore, we developed and applied a simple, reproducible method to semi-purify commercial porcine gastric mucin as an affordable, low-iron mucin source. The development of this simplified workflow for semi-purification of commercial mucin enables researchers to remove confounding iron from a critical nutrient source when modeling clinically relevant microbial communitiesin vitro.
Design and testing of a PCR assay to quantify coliform bacteria in drinking water
Authors: Thom Claire , Moore Graeme , Weir Paul , Smith Cindy J 
Published: September 2024

AbstractHere we present an enhancedlacZqPCR assay targeting β-galactosidase, encoded by lacZ, to assess coliforms in drinking water. Coliform bacteria are a diverse group of over 80 species, commonly found in enteric environments, and act as indicators of water supply contamination. Due to the significant variation among coliforms, and the size of the group designing a single target was challenging, as previous studies have demonstrated. To address this, a coliformlacZsequence database was created, and the phylogeny of the group was reviewed. The degree of phylogenetic differences both between and among different coliform genera is indeed large, raising questions about their current definition. Using the database, current and new primer sets were tested for specificity and coverage bothin silicoandin vitro. The de novo primer set, LZ1, was found to be the most effective for qPCR. When compared directly with traditional culture-based methods and flow cytometry total cell counts, the LZ1lacZqPCR assay quantifiedE. coliin drinking water down to a concentration of 1.82 x 103cfu/100mL, equivalent to 360 cfu per qPCR reaction.ImportanceColiform bacteria and E. coli are key indicators of faecal contamination in drinking water. Compliance with U.K., U.S.A., or European regulations requires that drinking water be free of these organisms. However, the culture-based methods used to quantify these bacteria have remained unchanged for over 100 years, relying on the culturability of the organisms, sampling only a small volume at a single time point, and lacking direct correlation to pathogenic microbes. There is a pressing need for a rapid, high-throughput analysis capable of detecting coliforms more representatively, without relying solely on culturability. By analysing larger volumes or more replicates, this qPCR assay could potentially be used to assess the risk of drinking water contamination over longer periods of time, offering a more comprehensive evaluation compared to traditional, culture-dependent methods.
Nodal Modulator (NOMO) is a force-bearing transmembrane protein required for muscle differentiation
Authors: Naughton Brigitte S , Devarkar Swapnil C , Mallik Sunanda , Oxendine Stacey , Junnarkar Sanjana , Ren Yuan , Todorow Vanessa , Berro Julien , Kirstein Janine , Xiong Yong , Schlieker Christian 
Published: September 2024

SummaryThe endoplasmic reticulum (ER) relies on specialized membrane-shaping proteins to maintain a continuous network of sheets and tubules that host distinct biological processes. How this intricate structure of the ER membrane system is maintained under conditions of mechanical strain is incompletely understood. NOMO is an ER-resident transmembrane protein that contributes to ER morphology and is highly expressed in striated muscle. In this study, we identify a critical interface between distal Ig domains that enables NOMO to maintain ER morphology and buffer mechanical forces. By incorporating two independent tension sensors in the luminal domain of NOMO, we demonstrate that NOMO assemblies experience forces in the single piconewton (pN) range, with a significant contribution from the identified interface. These newly defined features are important, if not indispensable, for myogenesis, as interface mutations affecting mechanosensing fail to restore the essential role of NOMO during myogenesis in a C2C12 differentiation model. Moreover, NOMO depletion impairs nematode motility, underscoring a broader functional importance in muscle physiology.
Mouse nephron formation is impaired by moderate-dose arsenical exposure
Authors: Alonso Carlos Agustin Isidro , Haverfield Jenna , Regalado Gabriela , Sellami Sihem , Gagnon Natascha , Rajaram Ajay , Fiset Pierre Olivier , Ryan Aimee K , Mann Koren K , Gupta Indra R 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundArsenic is a naturally occurring toxicant and industrial byproduct with significant health risks. Globally, millions of people are exposed to arsenic concentrations that exceed the World Health Organization’s recommended limit of 10 μg/L. Chronic arsenic exposure is linked to an increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD); however, the effects of arsenic exposure on kidney development remain unclear. Eukaryotes methylate inorganic arsenic (iAsIII) using the enzyme arsenic 3 methyltransferase (As3mt), that converts it to methylated intermediates, mono and dimethyl arsonous acid (MMAIII and DMAIII), and mono and dimethyl arsonic acid (MMAV and DMAV). We hypothesized that arsenicals exposure during mouse kidney development impairs nephron formation.MethodsCultured mouse embryonic kidney explants were treated with inorganic arsenite (iAsIII), MMAIII, MMAV, and DMAV. Female mice harboring a humanized version ofAS3MTand wild-type mice with murineAs3mtwere exposed to iAsIII throughout gestation and weaning and their offspring were analyzed for kidney defects.ResultsInorganic arsenic, iAsIII (200 μg/L), inhibited ureteric bud branching morphogenesis and growth of mouse kidneys at embryonic day 11.5 (E11.5) and E12.5, but not at E13.5. MMAIII, but not MMAV or DMAV, impaired ureteric bud branching and kidney explant growth. Additionally, iAsIII exposure increased apoptosis in the metanephric mesenchyme of E11.5 explants and decreasedGdnftranscription, which may explain the impairment in ureteric bud branching. Humanized mouse pups exposed to 200μg/LiAsIIIin utero, showed a 20% reduction in kidney weight normalized to body weight and a 28% reduction in nephron number, compared to kidneys of wild-type mice.ConclusionExposure to arsenicals during embryonic development impairs ureteric bud branching morphogenesis and decreases nephron endowment, which may predispose to CKD in adulthood.
Enhancing fairness, transparency and accountability during tendering under Ghana’s procurement system: a systematic review
Authors: Asare Samuel Owusu , Fobiri Godfred , Bondinuba Francis Kwesi 
Published: September 2024

PurposeGhana’s legal framework for procurement has undergone substantial reform to increase its efficacy. However, disregard for legal obligations set forth has resulted in issues of fraud, corruption and poor oversight. This study seeks to synthesize literature on the recognition of legal obligations arising from tendering procedures and measures to promote fairness, transparency and accountability under Ghana’s procurement framework.Design/methodology/approachLegal frameworks and publications from diverse countries have been synthesized using a systematic literature review across three databases (Scopus, JSTOR and HeinOnline) to illuminate key concepts, issues and best practices relevant to the study. Data obtained from included publications was synthesized using Sandelowski and Barroso’s two-step approach by using a qualitative meta-summary and thematic synthesis.FindingsThe study reveals that issues of conflict of interest, corruption, lack of capacity, inadequate oversight and insufficient legal follow-through hinder the effectiveness of procurement regulations. The findings highlight the need for targeted improvements in resource allocation for consistent application of transparency measures, regular publication of notices and robust enforcement of accountability mechanisms. The report proposes the creation of a common data environment for networking and information dissemination, implementing feedback systems and trust rating schemes.Practical implicationsThe study contributes to the body of knowledge on procurement regulation by providing a thorough analysis of Ghana’s procurement framework. The findings will help policymakers close the observed implementation gaps by guiding the revision of current legislation and the introduction of new regulations. Research findings can be used to guide the creation of focused training courses.Originality/valueThis study, one of the first of its kind in Ghana, examines the current procurement framework, including legal obligations and implementation challenges. It contributes to the body of knowledge on the subject by providing a current and fact-based analysis as well as relevant recommendations for strengthening the framework.
Employment discrimination against transgender women in England
Authors: Drydakis Nick 
Published: September 2024

PurposeThe study aimed to assess whether transgender women, who were students at a university in London, England, faced hiring discrimination when seeking employment.Design/methodology/approachThree comparable university classmates—a cisgender woman, a cisgender man and a transgender woman—studying Engineering applied to the same job openings. Similarly, another set of three university classmates—a cisgender woman, a cisgender man and a transgender woman—studying Social Work applied to the same job openings. The degree of discrimination was quantified by calculating the difference in the number of interview invitations received by each group.FindingsWhen three comparable university classmates apply for the same job openings, the rate of interview invitations differs based on gender identity. For cisgender women, the invitation rate is 31.3%, while for cisgender men, it stands at 35.1%. However, for transgender women, the rate drops significantly to 10.4%. Additionally, transgender women face further challenges in male-dominated sectors (STEM), where their chance of being invited for a job interview is even lower compared to those in female-dominated sectors, with a reduction of 8.7 percentage points. The study also reveals that firms with written equality policies on gender identity diversity show a 25.7 percentage point increase in invitation rates for transgender women compared to firms without such policies. Furthermore, the research highlights that negative beliefs among job recruiters regarding various aspects of transgender women, including their gender identity status, disclosure, job performance, vocational relationships and turnover, contribute to their exclusion from job interviews. Moreover, for transgender women who do receive interview invitations, these tend to be for lower-paid jobs compared to those received by cisgender women (by 20%) and cisgender men (by 21.3%). This wage sorting into lower-paid vacancies suggests a penalty in terms of lower returns on education, which could drive wage and income differences.Practical implicationsTransgender women received a higher number of job interview invitations when firms had written equality policies on gender identity diversity. This outcome can help policymakers identify actions to reduce the exclusion of transgender people from the labour market.Originality/valueThe study gathers information from job recruiters to quantify the roots of hiring discrimination against transgender women. It also enables an examination of whether workplaces' written equality policies on gender identity diversity are related to transgender women’s invitations to job interviews.
Examining the carbon reduction effect of renewable resource utilization: based on national “urban mining” demonstration base
Authors: Xiao Junfu , Chen Siying , Tan Zhixiong , Chen Yanyu , Wang Jiayi , Jingwei Han 
Published: September 2024

PurposeGiven the inevitable transition to renewable resource utilization and the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions, this study conducted quasi natural experiments to assess the impact of renewable resource utilization on carbon emissions based on the national “urban mining” demonstration bases (NUMDB).Design/methodology/approachThis study uses panel data from 275 prefecture-level cities in China from 2006 to 2019. The paper selects NUMDB as the proxy variable and conducts a quasi-natural experiment using a multi-period differences-in-differences model. We examine the impact of NUMDB on reducing carbon emissions, and then deeply explore its mechanism and spatial spillover effect.FindingsThis study found that: (1) the construction of NUMDB can significantly decrease the carbon emission in the host cities; (2) NUMDB’s construction has more significantly reduced the carbon emission in regions with higher levels of circular economy development, green technology innovation, regional environmental pollution, digital economy development and financial development; (3) by means of green technology innovation, optimized energy structure, and high-quality talent aggregation, NUMDB reduces urban carbon emissions; (4) NUMDB construction positively affects the carbon reduction efficiency of neighboring regions.Research limitations/implicationsWe propose corresponding policy suggestions to further promote the carbon emission reduction effect of NUMDB and develop the renewable resources industry in China based on the research findings.Practical implicationsThe contributions of this paper are as follows. Our study contributes to expanding the research scope on the environmental impact of the renewable resource industry, as there are few quantitative studies in this area.Social implicationsWe further consider the spatial heterogeneity of policies and analyze the carbon reduction effect of the NUMDB from the city level, which is beneficial to exploring more targeted and operable carbon reduction paths.Originality/valueThis study on identifying the causal relationship between renewable resource utilization and carbon emission reduction helps to explore the sustainable development path of renewable resource more comprehensively. Meanwhile, this paper provides a reference for other countries to improve the utilization of renewable resource and effectively reduce carbon emissions.
A hybrid analysis of reverse logistics barriers in Iranian construction
Authors: Valizadeh Mitra , Azizi Mojtaba , Hosseini M. Reza , Mahoor Pegah 
Published: September 2024

PurposeThis paper presents a pioneering investigation into the barriers impeding the adoption of reverse logistics (RL) in the Iranian construction industry, addressing a significant gap in the current literature within the country.Design/methodology/approachThrough a meticulous examination of the literature, complemented by 19 in-depth interviews, a battery of barriers to RL implementation was initially identified, distilled into a final set of 30 barriers, which served as the basis for the design of a structured survey questionnaire. Employing Partial Least Squares–Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), an analysis was conducted on a dataset that comprised of 80 responses. Subsequently, the barriers approved through the PLS- SEM were subjected to prioritization through the application of Fuzzy TOPSIS.FindingsFindings reveal the critical inadequacy of contemporary technology and infrastructure, a foundation essential for the efficacious enactment of RL. This shortfall manifests in procurement and logistics processes plagued by inefficiency and ineffectiveness, as consequences of an immature information and technology ecosystem. Furthermore, the study underscores the dominance of traditional markets where the adoption of secondary materials/products remains sporadic, signaling a crucial area for further research and intervention.Originality/valueThis study offers original insights into the significant hurdles that hinder the adoption and integration of RL practices within the Iranian construction industry, an under-explored area within the RL research domain. For industry practitioners, findings point to recommendations for overcoming these barriers in the specific Iranian context while also offering broader insights and lessons that may be relevant to other countries and similar contexts.
Influence of technology-related factors on zero-carbon building development in Lagos Nigeria
Authors: Osuizugbo Innocent Chigozie , Oshodi Olalekan Shamsideen , Ibrahim Kabir , Njogo Bibiana O. 
Published: September 2024

PurposeThe development of zero-carbon buildings (ZCBs) is beneficial to the society and biodiversity. Despite the benefits of ZCBs, there are challenges limiting its development in construction industry. The current study seeks to examine the technology-related factors affecting the development of ZCB in Lagos Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachThe study designed a questionnaire to achieve the main objective. Data were collected using non-probability and snowballing sampling methods. Questionnaires were distributed, and 272 valid responses were collected. Thereafter, data were analysed using mean value, percentage, frequency distribution, normality test, Kruskal Wallis test and Kendall’s coefficient of concordance.FindingsThe results from data analysis showed that, “less technical expertise in new technological advancements”, “research outcomes are not translated effectively into technology innovations”, “high cost of maintenance on ZCB”, “poor knowledge on renewable technologies” and “industry’s ability to embrace ZCB technologies (policy initiatives and industry practices)” were the topmost five technology-related factors hindering development of ZCBs in Lagos, Nigeria. Also, the results from the study show a statistically significant degree of agreement between various groups of construction organisations in Lagos, Nigeria concerning the technology-related factors hindering the development of ZCBs.Originality/valueThe study contributed to more effective ZCB studies by drawing attention to technology-related factors hindering the development of ZCBs in construction industry. An understanding of these challenges can help construction stakeholders, organisations, policymakers and governments in devising strategies targeted at minimising these challenges and fostering the development of ZCBs in the construction sector. The identified results on technological barriers to ZCBs development can guide targeted interventions and policy adjustments, promoting more effective implementation of ZCBs in Lagos Nigeria and serving as a model for addressing similar challenges in other developing countries. Recommendations for future research on ZCBs were also highlighted.