bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bacterial single-cell RNA sequencing captures biofilm transcriptional heterogeneity and differential responses to immune pressure
Authors: Korshoj Lee E. , Kielian Tammy 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACTBiofilm formation is an important mechanism of survival and persistence for many bacterial pathogens. These multicellular communities contain subpopulations of cells that display vast metabolic and transcriptional diversity along with high recalcitrance to antibiotics and host immune defenses. Investigating the complex heterogeneity within biofilm has been hindered by the lack of a sensitive and high-throughput method to assess stochastic transcriptional activity and regulation between bacterial subpopulations, which requires single-cell resolution. We have developed an optimized bacterial single-cell RNA sequencing method, BaSSSh-seq, to studyStaphylococcus aureusdiversity during biofilm growth and transcriptional adaptations following immune cell exposure. We validated the ability of BaSSSh-seq to capture extensive transcriptional heterogeneity during biofilm compared to planktonic growth. Application of new computational tools revealed transcriptional regulatory networks across the heterogeneous biofilm subpopulations and identification of gene sets that were associated with a trajectory from planktonic to biofilm growth. BaSSSh-seq also detected alterations in biofilm metabolism, stress response, and virulence that were tailored to distinct immune cell populations. This work provides an innovative platform to explore biofilm dynamics at single-cell resolution, unlocking the potential for identifying biofilm adaptations to environmental signals and immune pressure.
Food prices in the United States during COVID-19: generalized facts on price inflation and volatility
Authors: Volpe Richard J. , Cai Xiaowei , Roldan Presley , Stevens Alexander 
Published: June 2024

PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic was a shock to the food supply chain without modern precedent. Challenges in production, manufacturing, distribution and retailing led to the highest rates of food price inflation in the US since the 1970s. The major goal of this paper is to describe statistically the impact of the pandemic of food price inflation and volatility in the US and to discuss implications for industry and for policymakers.Design/methodology/approachWe use Bureau of Labor Statistics data to investigate food prices in the US, 2020–2021. We apply 16 statistical approaches to measure price changes and volatility and three regression approaches to measure counterfactuals of food prices, had the pandemic not occurred.FindingsFood price inflation and volatility increased substantially during the early months of the pandemic, with a great deal of heterogeneity across food products and geographic regions. Food price inflation was most pronounced for meats, and contrary to expectations, highest in the western US Forecasting approaches demonstrate that grocery prices were about 7% higher than they would have been without the pandemic as of the end of 2021.Originality/valueThe research on COVID-19 and the food system remains in its nascent stage. As findings on food loss and waste, employment and wages, food insecurity and more proliferate, it is vital to understand how food prices were connected to these phenomena and affected. We also motivate several ideas for future work.
New ways of fostering sustainable employability in inter-organizational networks: an explorative study to understand the factors and mechanisms for their success
Authors: Courchesne Sarah A. , Stynen Dave , Semeijn Judith H. , Caniëls Marjolein C.J. 
Published: June 2024

PurposeOrganizations are increasingly joining inter-organizational networks to foster sustainable employability for their employees. The purpose of this study is to identify the factors and mechanisms central to their success as experienced by key stakeholders.Design/methodology/approachAn explorative, qualitative approach was adopted, using four focus groups with network coordinators (N = 18) and HR professionals (N = 14). Fourteen Dutch inter-organizational networks were represented. Respondents were recruited through purposive and snowballing sampling techniques. Thematic analysis was applied using open coding to generate themes.FindingsThe results of this study outline environmental, structural, and inter-personal factors and mechanisms that contribute to the success of inter-organizational networks that aim to foster sustainable employability for their employees. The environmental factors and mechanisms consist of challenges stemming from the labor market. The structural factors and mechanisms include: a network’s flat structure, flat fee, lack of informal rules, the allocation of roles and expectations for stakeholders and shared network activities. Lastly, the inter-personal factors and mechanisms are: communication among stakeholders, establishing reciprocity, interaction and collaboration between stakeholders, the valuation of trust, a convivial culture and shared vision among stakeholders. The dynamics between these factors and mechanisms are compared to other forms of inter-organizational networks. Furthermore, several recommendations for network coordinators and practitioners regarding the development of networks are presented.Originality/valueThis study provides insights into the factors and mechanisms that are regarded by stakeholders as influencing the success of inter-organizational networks in their ability to foster sustainable employability for workers. We have identified a unique model that captures this new way of inter-organizational collaboration and builds on insights from literature on collaborative governance regimes, institutional fields and entrepreneurial ecosystems. Specifically, the model provides a framework that consists of environmental, structural and interpersonal factors and mechanisms for network success. This study increases our understanding of how collaborative efforts can be fostered beyond organizational boundaries and existing Human Resource Management practices.
Internationalization of higher education institutions: a comparative study in Taiwan and Japan
Authors: Chen Robin Jung-Cheng , Ho Sophia Shi-Huei , Huang Futao , Lu Ying-Yan 
Published: June 2024

PurposeThe internationalization of higher education institutions (HEIs) is the top stage of international relations among universities, and it is no longer regarded as a goal but as a means to improve the education of sustainability. As institutional commitments to internationalize higher education continue to grow, so does the need to critically consider the intended purposes and actual outcomes of the resulting programs and policies. This study aims to explore how institutional international policies influence outcomes of HEIs internationalization in the East Asian region, specifically in Taiwan and Japan.Design/methodology/approachThe study used quantitative design. 3,158 participants, including 1,192 participants from Taiwan and 1,966 participants from Japan, were randomly recruited to complete the Academic Profession in the Knowledge Society (APIKS), an international survey examining the change in academic work in HEIs. The study adopted quantitative data and used two variables (institutional international policies and outcomes of internationalization) with descriptive, correlational, and moderated multiple hierarchical regression analysis with SPSS computer software to answer the research questions.FindingsThe study showed that both Taiwanese and Japanese academics have high agreements on the outcomes of internationalization for enhancing academic quality and increasing mobility of students. In both countries, two institutional international policies of HEIs internalization-- clear internationalization strategies and funding for faculty members to undertake research abroad-- can significantly influence the process of internationalization in the teaching-oriented and research-oriented HEIs respectively.Originality/valueThis study provides insight into the relationship between institutional international policies and the outcomes of HEIs internationalization in Taiwan and Japan. It provides university leaders with empirical evidence for implementing managerial strategies of internationalization that promote education for sustainability in HEIs.
Viewing inclusion through the lens of democracy—Conceptualizations and enactments in three early childhood educational settings
Authors: Örberg Mimmi , Olsson Ingrid , Klang Nina 
Published: June 2024

AbstractResearch on inclusion in early childhood educational (ECE) settings points to the need for a deeper understanding of professionals' perceptions of the dilemmas and challenges situated in the varying contexts of these settings. Viewing inclusion as a complex phenomenon, this study uses the Deweyan theory of democracy as a lived experience to describe how professionals in three ECE settings understand the values of inclusion and democracy and how these values are enacted in their everyday practices of creating democratic communities. Three case studies were conducted, including individual interviews with head teachers, focus‐group interviews with professionals and semi‐structured observations in three ECE settings. The results show that the three settings present unique prerequisites and challenges for the building of democratic communities related to the varying views on inclusion and democracy. The understandings of values of inclusion and democracy and how these are enacted in the three ECE settings are discussed with regard to the possibilities and obstacles involved in the creation of democratic communities.
Diversity of soil fungi and entomopathogenic fungi in subtropical mountain forest in southwest China
Authors: Zheng Jiyang , Shi Jinduo , Wang Dun 
Published: June 2024

AbstractTill now, the diversity of entomopathogenic fungi in subtropical mountain forest was less studied. Here, the vertical distribution of forest soil fungi, entomopathogenic fungi, and their environmental influencing factors in a subtropical mountain in western China were investigated. Soil samples were collected from four elevations in a subtropical forest in Shaanxi. The results indicated a greater richness of soil fungi at middle elevations and soil fungi were more even at low elevation. Soil pH, available iron, available potassium, total potassium, and available zinc were the most important influencing factors affecting this vertical distribution of fungi. Interestingly, the Isaria genus was predominant while Metarhizium and Beauveria showed decreasing abundance. The presence of Isaria showed a significant positive correlation with both total phosphorus and available iron, while, available zinc was negatively correlated. Metarhizium was influenced by elevation, pH, available phosphorus, and available copper and Beauveria was influenced by soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, total potassium, available potassium, and available zinc. Overall, as environmental factors affecting soil fungi, elevation, and plant species diversity were less important than soil physical and chemical properties. The virulence of isolated entomopathogenic fungi were tested against larvae of Tenebrio molitor, with mortality ranging from 31.11% to 100%. The above findings provide valuable data to deepen our understanding of the diversity of entomopathogenic fungi in subtropical mountain forests.
Pregnancy outcomes in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus compared to a high‐risk tertiary cohort and to standard population from the Austrian birth registry
Authors: Rosta Klara , Heinzl Florian , Kuczwara Valerie , Schindler Stefanie , Falcone Veronica , Catic Anja , Riedmann Marina , Leitner Hermann , Simader Elisabeth , Ritschl Valentin , Stamm Tanja , Szlatinay Alexandra , Mandl Peter , Mazzucato‐Puchner Antonia 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIntroductionWomen with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have a higher risk for fetal and maternal complications. We aimed to investigate maternal and fetal complications in pregnant women with SLE compared to a high‐risk pregnancy cohort (HR) from a tertiary university center and a standard‐risk general population (SR) from the Austrian Birth Registry.Material and MethodsIn this retrospective data analysis, we compared the incidence of fetal/neonatal and maternal complications of pregnancies and deliveries of women with SLE to age, body mass index and delivery date—matched high‐risk pregnancies from the same department, a progressive tertiary obstetric center and to a group of women, who represent pregnancies with standard obstetric risk from the Austrian Birth Registry.ResultsOne hundred women with SLE were compared to 300 women with high‐risk pregnancies and 207 039 women with standard‐risk pregnancies. The incidence of composite maternal complications (preeclampsia, Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes and Low Platelets [HELLP] syndrome, pregnancy‐related hypertension, gestational diabetes mellitus, maternal death, thromboembolic events) was significantly higher in the SLE as compared to the SR group (28% vs. 6.28% SLE vs. SR, p = 0.001). There was no difference between the SLE and the HR groups (28% vs. 29.6% SLE vs. HR group, p = 0.80). The incidence of composite fetal complications (preterm birth before 37 weeks of gestation, stillbirths, birthweight less than 2500 g, fetal growth restriction, large for gestational age, admission to neonatal intensive care unit, 5‐min Apgar <7) was also higher in the SLE than in the SR group (55% vs. 25.54% SLE vs. SR p < 0.001) while the higher incidence of adverse fetal outcome was detected in the HR than in the SLE group (55% vs. 75% SLE vs. HR group, p = 0.0005).ConclusionsAlthough composite fetal risk is higher in the SLE group than in the general population, it is still significantly lower as compared to high‐risk pregnant women at a tertiary obstetric center. Prepregnancy counseling of women with SLE should put fetal and maternal risk in perspective, not only in relation to healthy, low risk cohorts, but also compared to mixed HR populations.
City size distribution of towns in the 17th century in Lower Silesia
Authors: Kosieradzka Angelika , Ludwig Bogna 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis paper attempts to verify the hierarchy of towns in Lower Silesia on the basis of population data from the second decade of the 17th century, assuming that a statistically described distribution law applies. The analysis of the city size distribution was based on Gibrat's law and Zipf's rank‐size rule. This made it possible to verify the assumptions made at the outset and to estimate the population of towns of unknown size and designated rank. The research carried out suggests a revision of the estimates, especially for the largest cities in the region, which tend to be underestimated. Studies have also shown that the method can be extremely useful for verifying uncertain and incomplete historical demographic data.
Laparoscopically treated bowel obstruction secondary to a lesser omental hernia resulting from a previous laparoscopic total colectomy for ulcerative colitis: A report of two cases
Authors: Makutani Yusuke , Iwamoto Masayoshi , Daito Koji , Tokoro Tadao , Kawamura Junichiro , Ueda Kazuki 
Published: June 2024

AbstractLesser omental hernias are rare; however, they should be considered in symptomatic bowel obstruction subsequent to a subtotal or total colectomy. This report describes two cases of recurrent bowel obstruction secondary to lesser omental hernias after laparoscopic total colectomies for ulcerative colitis. Initially, these patients had been treated conservatively; however, due to symptom recurrence, surgical intervention was decided on. In both cases, laparoscopic surgery revealed lesser omental hernias. The small bowel, which had entered from the dorsal aspect of the stomach, was returned to the original position, and the lesser omentum was closed. The patients were discharged uneventfully, with no recurrent bowel obstruction during the follow‐up period. These cases highlight the importance of including internal hernias in the differential diagnosis relative to recurrent bowel obstruction, in patient subpopulations with a prior history of a subtotal or total colectomy. Confirmation by computed tomography is preferable.
Multilayered proteomics reveals that JAM‐A promotes breast cancer progression via regulation of amino acid transporter LAT1
Authors: Magara Kazufumi , Takasawa Akira , Takasawa Kumi , Aoyama Tomoyuki , Ota Misaki , Kyuno Daisuke , Ono Yusuke , Murakami Taro , Yamamoto Soh , Nakamori Yuna , Nakahashi Naoya , Kutomi Goro , Takemasa Ichiro , Hasegawa Tadashi , Osanai Makoto 
Published: June 2024

AbstractRecent studies have shown that transmembrane‐type tight junction proteins are upregulated in various cancers compared with their levels in normal tissues and are involved in cancer progression, suggesting that they are potential therapeutic targets. Here, we demonstrated the expression profile and a novel role of junctional adhesion molecule‐A (JAM‐A) in breast cancer. Immunohistochemistry of surgical specimens showed that JAM‐A was highly expressed from carcinoma in situ lesions, as in other adenocarcinomas, with higher expression in invasive carcinomas. High expression of JAM‐A contributed to malignant aspects such as lymph node metastasis and lymphatic involvement positivity. In breast cancer cells, JAM‐A expression status affects malignant potentials including proliferation and migration. Multilayered proteomics revealed that JAM‐A interacts with the amino acid transporter LAT1 in breast cancer cells. JAM‐A regulates the expression of LAT1 and interacts with it on the whole cell membrane, leading to enhanced amino acid uptake to promote tumor growth. Double high expression of JAM‐A and LAT1 predicts poor prognosis in patients with breast cancer. Of note, an antibody against an extracellular domain of JAM‐A suppressed the proliferation of breast cancer cells. Our findings indicate the possibility of JAM‐A‐targeted therapy ideally combined with LAT1‐targeted therapy as a new therapeutic strategy against breast cancer.
Material hardship and telomere length in children
Authors: Moeckel Camille , Gaydosh Lauren , Schneper Lisa , Mitchell Colter , Notterman Daniel A. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractTelomere length (TL) serves as a biomarker of exposure to stressors, including material hardship. Data from the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study (1998–2015) were utilized to determine whether prior material hardship was associated with shorter salivary TL at years 9 and 15. 49% of the year 9 study population were female, 49% were Black, and 25% were Hispanic. At year 9 (N = 1990), regression analyses found a significant association between prior material hardship and shorter TL (β = −.005, p < .01). Additionally, at year 15 (N = 1874), material hardship experienced during infancy and toddlerhood was associated with shorter TL (β = −.009, p < .01), pointing toward infancy and toddlerhood as a sensitive period.
Methylation modifications in tRNA and associated disorders: Current research and potential therapeutic targets
Authors: Wu Zhijing , Zhou Ruixin , Li Baizao , Cao Mingyu , Wang Wenlong , Li Xinying 
Published: June 2024

AbstractHigh‐throughput sequencing has sparked increased research interest in RNA modifications, particularly tRNA methylation, and its connection to various diseases. However, the precise mechanisms underpinning the development of these diseases remain largely elusive. This review sheds light on the roles of several tRNA methylations (m1A, m3C, m5C, m1G, m2G, m7G, m5U, and Nm) in diverse biological functions, including metabolic processing, stability, protein interactions, and mitochondrial activities. It further outlines diseases linked to aberrant tRNA modifications, related enzymes, and potential underlying mechanisms. Moreover, disruptions in tRNA regulation and abnormalities in tRNA‐derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) contribute to disease pathogenesis, highlighting their potential as biomarkers for disease diagnosis. The review also delves into the exploration of drugs development targeting tRNA methylation enzymes, emphasizing the therapeutic prospects of modulating these processes. Continued research is imperative for a comprehensive comprehension and integration of these molecular mechanisms in disease diagnosis and treatment.
Src inhibition modulates AMBRA1‐mediated mitophagy to counteract endothelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition in renal allograft fibrosis
Authors: Gui Zeping , Liu Xuzhong , Xu Zhen , Feng Dengyuan , Hang Zhou , Zheng Ming , Chen Hao , Fei Shuang , Sun Li , Tao Jun , Han Zhijian , Ju Xiaobin , Gu Min , Tan Ruoyun , Wang Zijie 
Published: June 2024

AbstractChronic allograft dysfunction (CAD) poses a significant challenge in kidney transplantation, with renal vascular endothelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EndMT) playing a vital role. While renal vascular EndMT has been verified as an important contributing factor to renal allograft interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy in CAD patients, its underlying mechanisms remain obscure. Currently, Src activation is closely linked to organ fibrosis development. Single‐cell transcriptomic analysis in clinical patients revealed that Src is a potential pivotal mediator in CAD progression. Our findings revealed a significant upregulation of Src which closely associated with EndMT in CAD patients, allogeneic kidney transplanted rats and endothelial cells lines. In vivo, Src inhibition remarkably alleviate EndMT and renal allograft interstitial fibrosis in allogeneic kidney transplanted rats. It also had a similar antifibrotic effect in two endothelial cell lines. Mechanistically, the knockout of Src resulted in an augmented AMBRA1‐mediated mitophagy in endothelial cells. We demonstrate that Src knockdown upregulates AMBRA1 level and activates mitophagy by stabilizing Parkin's ubiquitination levels and mitochondrial translocation. Subsequent experiments demonstrated that the knockdown of the Parkin gene inhibited mitophagy in endothelial cells, leading to increased production of Interleukin‐6, thereby inducing EndMT. Consequently, our study underscores Src as a critical mediator of renal vascular EndMT and allograft interstitial fibrosis, exerting its impact through the regulation of AMBRA1/Parkin‐mediated mitophagy.