bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alpha-defensin binding expands human adenovirus tropism
Authors: Zhao Cheng , Porter Jessica M. , Burke Phillip C. , Arnberg Niklas , Smith Jason G. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractMammalian α-defensins are a family of abundant effector peptides of the mucosal innate immune system. Although primarily considered to be antimicrobial, α-defensins can increase rather than block infection by certain prominent bacterial and viral pathogens in cell culture andin vivo. We have shown previously that exposure of mouse and human adenoviruses (HAdVs) to α-defensins is able to overcome competitive inhibitors that block cell binding, leading us to hypothesize a defensin-mediated binding mechanism that is independent of known viral receptors. To test this hypothesis, we used genetic approaches to demonstrate that none of several primary receptors nor integrin co-receptors are needed for human α-defensin-mediated binding of HAdV to cells; however, infection remains integrin dependent. Thus, our studies have revealed a novel pathway for HAdV binding to cells that bypasses viral primary receptors. We speculate that this pathway functions in parallel with receptor-mediated entry and contributes to α-defensin-enhanced infection of susceptible cells. Remarkably, we also found that in the presence of α-defensins, HAdV tropism is expanded to non-susceptible cells, even when viruses are exposed to a mixture of both susceptible and non-susceptible cells. Therefore, we propose that in the presence of sufficient concentrations of α-defensins, such as in the lung or gut, integrin expression rather than primary receptor expression will dictate HAdV tropismin vivo. In summary, α-defensins may contribute to tissue tropism not only through the neutralization of susceptible viruses but also by allowing certain defensin-resistant viruses to bind to cells independently of previously described mechanisms.Author SummaryIn this study, we demonstrate a novel mechanism for binding of human adenoviruses (HAdVs) to cells that is dependent upon interactions with α-defensin host defense peptides but is independent of known viral receptors and co-receptors. To block normal receptor-mediated HAdV infection, we made genetic changes to both host cells and HAdVs. Under these conditions, α-defensins restored cell binding; however, infection still required the function of HAdV integrin co-receptors. This was true for multiple types of HAdVs that use different primary receptors and for cells that are either naturally devoid of HAdV receptors or were engineered to be receptor deficient. These observations suggest that in the presence of concentrations of α-defensins that would be found naturally in the lung or intestine, there are two parallel pathways for HAdV binding to cells that converge on integrins for productive infection. Moreover, these binding pathways function independently, and both operate in mixed culture. Thus, we have found that viruses can co-opt host defense molecules to expand their tropism.
Dysfunctional S1P/S1PR1 signaling in the dentate gyrus drives vulnerability of chronic pain-related memory impairment
Authors: Cui Mengqiao , Pan Xiaoyuan , Fan Zhijie , Wu Shulin , Ji Ran , Wang Xianlei , Kong Xiangxi , Wu Zhou , Song Lingzhen , Song Weiyi , Yang Jun-Xia , Zhang Hongjie , Zhang Hongxing , Ding Hai-Lei , Cao Jun-Li 
Published: May 2024

AbstractMemory impairment in chronic pain patients is substantial and common, and few therapeutic strategies are available. Chronic pain-related memory impairment has susceptible and unsusceptible features. Therefore, exploring the underlying mechanisms of its vulnerability is essential for developing effective treatments. Here, combining two spatial memory tests (Y-maze test and Morris water maze), we segregated chronic pain mice into memory impairment-susceptible and -unsusceptible subpopulations in a chronic neuropathic pain model induced by chronic constrictive injury of the sciatic nerve. RNA-seq analysis and gain/loss-of-function study revealed that S1P/S1PR1 signaling is a determinant for vulnerability to chronic pain-related memory impairment. Knockdown of the S1PR1 in the DG promoted a susceptible phenotype and led to structural plasticity changes of reduced excitatory synapse formation and abnormal spine morphology as observed in susceptible mice, while overexpression of the S1PR1 and pharmacological administration of S1PR1 agonist in the DG promoted an unsusceptible phenotype and prevented the occurrence of memory impairment, and rescued the morphological abnormality. Finally, GO enrichment analysis and biochemical evidence indicated that down-regulation of S1PR1 in susceptible mice may impair DG structural plasticity via interaction with actin cytoskeleton rearrangement-related signaling pathways including Itga2 and its downstream Rac1/Cdc42 signaling and Arp2/3 cascade. These results reveal a novel mechanism and provide a promising preventive and therapeutic molecular target for vulnerability to chronic pain-related memory impairment.
STAG3 promotes exit from pluripotency through post-transcriptional mRNA regulation in the cytoplasm
Authors: Weeks Sam , Pezic Dubravka , Dodel Martin , Shah Kunal , Bhamra Amandeep , Henderson Stephen , Surinova Silvia , Sharp Tyson , Mardakheh Faraz , Hadjur Suzana 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACTSTAG proteins are key regulators of the cohesin complex and are often linked to alterations in cell identity and disease. Among the mammalian STAG paralogs, STAG3 has been less extensively studied beyond its known roles in meiosis. In this work, we demonstrate that STAG3 is expressed in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) and primordial germ cell-like cells (PGCLCs), where it is required for cell fate decisions. Distinct from the other STAG proteins, STAG3 mediates its effects in the cytoplasm, facilitating the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Furthermore, STAG3 localises to the centrosome independently of cohesin and interacts with proteins involved in mRNA localisation and stability. The knockdown of STAG3 in mESCs using siRNAs results in the destabilisation of the centrosome and the key P-body RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) component TNRC6C, leading to the derepression of P-body localised mRNAs, such as DPPA3. Our results propose a model in which STAG3 collaborates with RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and specific target mRNAs to control post-transcriptional gene expression and facilitate the transition from pluripotency in mESCs. Given that STAG3 is upregulated in various cancers, our results provide a novel perspective on how STAG proteins might contribute to cell identity and disease.
An intelligent framework for rework risk identification in prefabricated construction processes based on compliance checking
Authors: Meng Fanfan , Cao Xinying 
Published: May 2024

PurposeThis study establishes an ontology-based framework for rework risk identification (RRI) by integrating heterogeneous data from the information flow of the prefabricated construction (PC) process. The main objective is to enhance the automation level of rework management and reduce the degree of reliance on human factors and manual operations.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed framework comprises four levels aimed at managing dispersed rework risk knowledge and integrating heterogeneous data. The functionalities were realised through an integrated ontology that aligned the rework risk ontology with the PC ontology. The ontologies were developed and edited with Protégé. Ultimately, the potential benefit of the framework was validated through a case study and an expert questionnaire survey.FindingsThe framework is proven to effectively manage rework risk knowledge and can identify risk objects, clarify risk factors, determine risk events, and retrieve risk measures, thereby enabling the pre-identification of prefabricated rework risk (PRR) and improving the automation level. This study is meaningful and lays the foundation for the application of other computer methods in rework management research and practice in the future.Originality/valueThis research provides insights into the application of ontology to solve rework risk issues in the PC process and introduces a novel risk management method for future prefabricated project research and practice. The findings have significant theoretical value in terms of enriching the methods of risk assessment and control and the information management system of prefabricated projects.
Information sharing and feeling of competency at work: a proactive training seeking perspective
Authors: Cangialosi Nicola , Odoardi Carlo , Déprez Guillaume R.M. 
Published: May 2024

Purpose
This study aims to investigate the mediating role of challenging tasks, organizational identification and technological training seeking behavior in the relationship between information sharing as a human resource practice and employees’ feelings of competency at work.

Design/methodology/approach
Structural equation modeling was used to analyze data collected from a three-wave online survey conducted in an Italian aerospace manufacturing company (n = 294).

Findings
The results reveal an indirect path between information sharing and feelings of competence, mediated by organizational identification and training seeking behavior. However, no total indirect path was observed between feelings of competency and information sharing through challenging tasks and training seeking.

Originality/value
This research contributes to the understanding of the impact of information sharing on individuals’ feelings of competency in the context of organizational change, particularly through the introduction of the concept of proactive training seeking as a novel dimension of proactive behavior.
Perceptions of organizational politics and organizational commitment: role of personal motive and ability
Authors: Lee Jun-hyuk 
Published: May 2024

PurposeThis study expanded previous studies on the relationship between POP (Perceptions of Organizational Politics) and OC (Organizational Commitment); and it examined the mediating effect of OCM (Organizational Concern Motive) and the moderated mediating effect of PS (Political Skills). Based on the uncertainty management and expectancy theories, the mediating role of OCM was assumed; also, the moderated mediating effect of PS was assumed, because of the effect of the POP on members' motives would vary depending on each individual's ability to respond.Design/methodology/approachTo collect the required data for analyzing the research model of this study, a questionnaire was conducted on employees of South Korean companies and institutions. To verify the hypothesis of this study, the measurement and hypothesized models were analyzed sequentially.FindingsThe results of this study indicated that the OCM mediates the relationship between POP and OC. Furthermore, the mediating effect of OCM is moderated by PS. Specifically the negative effect of the POP on the OCM was mitigated in the group with proficient PS.Research limitations/implicationsTo mitigate the negative effects of POP, this study suggests that managers should provide fair evaluation and reward based on performance, and consider PS as an important factor in employee selection and education/training.Originality/valueThis study is original in that it presents the mechanisms of both variables in terms of an individual's motive towards the organization. Furthermore, this study is valuable in that it suggests ways to mitigate the negative effects of POP through PS.
Impact of small-scale irrigation on the income of rural farm households: empirical evidence from Ethiopia
Authors: Jatana Desta , Tesfahun Azmeraw Ayehu 
Published: May 2024

PurposeAgricultural production in Ethiopia is largely dependent on seasonal rainfall. This has made the agriculture-based economy of the country extremely vulnerable to the impacts of climatic change. To reduce this risk, the government has introduced strategies that promote irrigation as a key policy priority. Despite this, there has been limited empirical evidence on the impact of practicing small-scale irrigation on household income. This study was, therefore, conducted to examine the impact of access to small-scale irrigation on farm-household income in GannaBossa district, Ethiopia.Design/methodology/approachA multistage stratified random sampling technique was adopted to select 289 study participants. The data were analysed using both descriptive and inferential data analysis techniques. Propensity score matching (PSM) and logit regression were applied to analyse the impact of irrigation utilization on farm households’ income and identify factors influencing farm households’ decisions about irrigation-utilization, respectively.FindingsThe results of the study indicated that access to irrigation has a positive and significant impact on farm-household income. Estimates of the PSM model also confirmed that the mean income of irrigating households is significantly higher than that of non-irritating households. Further analysis of the results of the regression model revealed that amongst the hypothesized predictors of irrigation utilization, family size, soil fertility status, access to credit, access to extension services and access to the market were found to be positive and significant determinants of irrigation utilization, while distance to a water source was found to be a negative and significant predictor of irrigation utilization.Practical implicationsThe results of the study can inform development practitioners on how expanding access to irrigation can serve as one key driver in enhancing growth in agricultural productivity, increasing household income and contributing to the alleviation of rural poverty in areas with irregular rainfall and a high risk of drought.Originality/valueGiven the country’s irrigation potential and policy priorities, such empirical evidence informs decision-makers to make informed decisions regarding prioritizing irrigation interventions and expanding access and management in Ethiopia.
Ecologically‐related variation of digit morphology in Cyrtodactylus (Gekkota, Squamata) reveals repeated origins of incipient adhesive toepads
Authors: Riedel Jendrian , Eisele Katrin , Gabelaia Mariam , Higham Timothy E. , Wu Joseph , Do Quyen Hanh , Nguyen Truong Quang , Meneses Camila G. , Brown Rafe M. , Ziegler Thomas , Grismer L. Lee , Russell Anthony P. , Rödder Dennis 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Exploitation of different locomotor substrates in different ecological niches has driven the evolution of specialized morphological structures, and similar ecological demands, such as the structure of the microhabitat, often lead to convergent or parallel evolution.

The evolution of adhesive toepads in geckos remains understudied because of the paucity of phylogenetically‐informed investigations of candidate clades exhibiting purported incipient expression of these (i.e. species having evolved some, but not all, parts of the complex adhesive system of pad‐bearing geckos).

Using Cyrtodactylus, a speciose genus with well‐established ecotypes, we tested the hypothesis that microhabitats that require more climbing will lead to the acquisition of incipient adhesive morphology.

We measured subdigital scale area, a proxy for adhesive toepad evolution, and quantified subdigital scale shape for 77 of the 354 described species, including at least one representative of each ecotype.

Subdigital scale area increased from terrestrial through generalist and saxicoline (rock‐dwelling) to arboreal ecotypes, with subdigital scale shape evolving from ancestral conditions for padless lizards to lateromedially expanded lamella‐like scales only in the arboreal ecotypes.

This significant link between phenotype and environment supports the contention that scansorial, and particularly arboreal, Cyrtodactylus ecotypes have evolved incipiently expressed adhesive toepads. This highlights the suitability of this genus as a model system for studying the ecology and evolution of adhesive toepads as well as being a promising candidate for research on adaptive radiations.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Research on the influence of emergency rescue information importance on emergency decisions
Authors: Jiang Wei , Zhou Jiankai , Ma Shengxiang , Wu Zonghao , Cui Xiaoyuan , Yang Chaofan 
Published: May 2024

AbstractEmergency rescue information is a significant factor affecting emergency decisions in the accident process, and determining the content and importance of this information can greatly assist emergency decisions and improve their effectiveness. For this reason, this paper combines decision‐making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) with a backpropagation (BP) neural network and uses the Levenberg‒Marquardt (LM) algorithm to optimize it, builds the LM‐BP‐DEMATEL model, and investigates the contents and importance of emergency rescue information with hazardous chemical spills as an illustrative case. First, the meaning of emergency rescue information was defined using national laws and regulations and academic research. Second, using hazardous chemical spills as an example, 62 hazardous chemical spills were collected, and 7 categories with a total of 32 emergency rescue information were extracted. Third, the constructed LM‐BP‐DEMATEL model was utilized to analyse the importance of 14 types of common emergency rescue information in 62 cases. Last, the centrality and causality of 14 types of emergency rescue information were obtained and then classified into four categories according to centrality and causality. The research results show that deaths (U8) and leakage information (U6) are the most critical emergency rescue information, that more attention should be given to emergency decision‐making and that targeted strategies should be formulated to improve the effect of emergency decisions.
Spermatocytes are the terminals of germ cell differentiation in plateau zokor (Eospalax baileyi) during the non‐breeding season
Authors: AN Kang , YAO Baohui , TAN Yuchen , KANG Yukun , WANG Zhicheng , SU Junhu 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPlateau zokor (Eospalax baileyi) is a subterranean rodent and seasonal breeder. During the non‐breeding season, the testicles regress, leading to the arrest of spermatogenesis and loss of fertility. The identification of the specific germ cell type at which spermatogenesis is arrested, as well as potential regulatory factors during the non‐breeding season, is important for understanding seasonal spermatogenesis in subterranean species. This study analyzed genes in spermatocytes of plateau zokor by referring to single‐cell RNA results in mice. We discovered that spermatogenesis is arrested at the spermatocyte during the non‐breeding season, which was corroborated via immunofluorescence staining results. The analysis of gene expression during different stages of meiotic prophase I has revealed that germ cell development may be arrested, starting from zygonema, during the non‐breeding season. Meanwhile, we discovered that the apoptosis genes were up‐regulated, leading to apoptosis in spermatocytes. To confirm that the germ cell differentiation was blocked during the non‐breeding season due to a decrease in the androgen level, we used androgen receptor antagonist (flutamide) to intervene in the breeding season and found that the inner diameter of the seminiferous tubules was significantly reduced, spermatogenesis was arrested, and spermatocytes underwent apoptosis. This study revealed that spermatocytes are the terminal of germ cell differentiation in plateau zokor during the non‐breeding season and that the arrest of differentiation is attributed to a decline in androgen levels. Our results complement the theoretical basis of seasonal reproduction in plateau zokor.
Place of death among children from 0 to 17 years of age: A population‐based study from Sweden
Authors: Nilsson Stefan , Öhlén Joakim , Nyblom Stina , Ozanne Anneli , Stenmarker Margaretha , Larsdotter Cecilia 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAimThe aim of this study is to contribute to the development of paediatric palliative care by investigating, on a population basis, where children in Sweden died, from 2013 to 2019. A particular focus was on comparing two groups: children who died during their first year of life with children who died at 1–17 years of age.MethodsWe hypothesised that there might be variations in place of death between the defined groups. Utilising national registry data, descriptive statistics were used to assess the distribution and variations in the place of death. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to ascertain the impact of associated factors.ResultsMost children died in hospitals (74.7%). The hypothesis postulating divergences in the place of death between age groups was not substantiated. Sex and birthplace showed no significant differences in home deaths. Deaths due to malignancies had a relatively high likelihood of occurring at home (39.0%). For perinatal diagnoses, the incidence of home deaths was relatively low (1.5%).ConclusionChildren who received support from a specialist palliative service in their own homes were notably less likely to die in a hospital setting compared to those who did not receive such support. An unplanned hospital visit increased the likelihood of hospital death.
Thrombocytopenia 4 (THC4): Six novel families with mutations of the cytochrome c gene
Authors: Marzollo Antonio , Zampieri Stefania , Barozzi Serena , Yousaf Muhammad Abrar , Quartararo Jade , De Rocco Daniela , Faleschini Michela , Marconi Caterina , Ceccatelli Berti Camilla , Bozzi Valeria , Russo Giovanna , Giordano Paola , Goffrini Paola , Bresolin Silvia , Pastore Annalisa , Savoia Anna , Pecci Alessandro 
Published: May 2024

SummaryThrombocytopenia 4 (THC4) is an autosomal‐dominant thrombocytopenia caused by mutations in CYCS, the gene encoding cytochrome c (CYCS), a small haeme protein essential for electron transport in mitochondria and cell apoptosis. THC4 is considered an extremely rare condition since only a few patients have been reported so far. These subjects presented mild thrombocytopenia and no or mild bleeding tendency. In this study, we describe six Italian families with five different heterozygous missense CYCS variants: p.Gly42Ser and p.Tyr49His previously associated with THC4, and three novel variants (p.Ala52Thr, p.Arg92Gly, and p.Leu99Val), which have been classified as pathogenic by bioinformatics and segregation analyses. Moreover, we supported functional effects of p.Ala52Thr and p.Arg92Gly on oxidative growth and respiratory activity in a yeast model. The clinical characterization of the 22 affected individuals, the largest series of THC4 patients ever reported, showed that this disorder is characterized by mild‐to‐moderate thrombocytopenia, normal platelet size, and function, low risk of bleeding, and no additional clinical phenotypes associated with reduced platelet count. Finally, we describe a significant correlation between the region of CYCS affected by mutations and the extent of thrombocytopenia, which could reflect different degrees of impairment of CYCS functions caused by different pathogenetic variants.