bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A low-cost and versatile paramagnetic bead DNA extraction method forMycobacterium ulceransenvironmental surveillance
Authors: Lee Jean Y. H. , Porter Jessica L. , Hobbs Emma C. , Whiteley Pam , Buultjens Andrew H. , Stinear Timothy P. 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACTIn Australia, native possums are an animal reservoir forMycobacterium ulcerans, the causative agent of Buruli ulcer, a neglected tropical skin disease that can progress to extensive ulceration with deformity and disability. Surveillance of possum excreta for shedding ofM. ulceranscan be used to inform geospatial modelling to predict locations at which humans are at increased risk of disease acquisition. This discovery provides opportunities to disrupt transmission pathways. However, the significant expense of commercial kits used for DNA extraction from environmental samples in large scale surveillance studies can hinder implementation of public health measures. To address this barrier, we developed a low-cost method for extraction of nucleic acids from possum excreta, possum tissue swabs, and mycobacterial cultures, using a guanidinium thiocyanate lysis solution and paramagnetic beads for DNA clean-up. In 96-well plate format for high-throughput processing, the SPRI-bead DNA extraction method for possum excreta was 3-fold less sensitive but only 1/6 the cost of a widely used commercial kit. While a SPRI-bead microtube-based extraction method for tissue swabs sampled from possums was 4-fold more sensitive and 1/5 the cost of the corresponding commercial kit. Furthermore, when used for preparing DNA from pure mycobacterial cultures, the SPRI-bead method produced genomic DNA with quality metrics comparable to more laborious techniques. The methods described here provide an economical means to continue large-scaleM. ulceransenvironmental surveillance that should facilitate efforts to halt the spread of Buruli ulcer in Victoria, Australia, with potential for applicability in other endemic countries.IMPORTANCEBuruli ulcer is a neglected tropical skin disease, with an incidence that has dramatically increased in temperate southeastern Australia over the last decade. In this region of the world Buruli ulcer is a zoonosis, Australian native possums are a major wildlife reservoir of the causative agent,Mycobacterium ulcerans, and mosquitoes the vector to humans. Infected possums shedM. ulceransin their excreta, and excreta surveys using PCR to screen for the presence of pathogen DNA are a powerful means to predict future areas of Buruli ulcer risk for humans. However, excreta surveys across large geographic areas require testing of many thousands of samples. The cost of commercial DNA extraction reagents used for preparing samples for PCR testing can become prohibitive to effective surveillance. Here, we describe a simple, low-cost method for extracting DNA from possum excreta using paramagnetic beads. The method is versatile and adaptable to a variety of other sample types including swabs collected from possum tissues and pure cultures of mycobacteria.
Induction of Meiosis from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Pierson Smela Merrick , Adams Jessica , Ma Carl , Breimann Laura , Widocki Ursula , Shioda Toshi , Church George M. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAnin vitromodel of human meiosis would accelerate research into this important reproductive process and development of therapies for infertility. We have developed a method to induce meiosis starting from male or female human pluripotent stem cells. We demonstrate that DNMT1 inhibition, retinoid signaling activation, and overexpression of regulatory factors (anti-apoptotic BCL2, and pro-meiotic HOXB5, BOLL, or MEIOC) rapidly activates meiosis, with leptonema beginning at 6 days, zygonema at 9 days, and pachynema at 12 days. Immunofluorescence microscopy shows key aspects of meiosis, including chromosome synapsis and sex body formation. The meiotic cells express genes similar to meiotic oogoniain vivo, including all synaptonemal complex components and machinery for meiotic recombination. These findings establish an accessible system for inducing human meiosisin vitro.
Low-invasive, wide-field, and cellular resolution two-photon imaging of neural population activity in brainstem and nucleus tractus solitarii
Authors: Agetsuma Masakazu , Hatakeyama Azumi , Yamada Daisuke , Kuniishi Hiroshi , Takeuchi Eri , Tsuji Shinji , Ito Chihiro , Kobayashi Tomoko , Noritake Atsushi , Aoki Yoshitsugu , Yukawa Hiroshi , Saitoh Akiyoshi , Nabekura Junichi , Sekiguchi Masayuki 
Published: June 2024

SummaryBrain-viscera communication plays a crucial role in regulating mental health, with the vagus nerve being a key structure mediating this interaction. Clinically, artificial vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is used to treat various neuropsychiatric disorders, highlighting the importance of vagal afferent fibers in regulating emotion. The nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) is a brainstem structure proposed to receive signals from vagal afferents and relay them to brain networks for emotion regulation. However, due to the anatomical complexity and difficulty in accessing the deep-brain NTS region in living animals, the mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we developed a wide-field and deep-brain two-photon imaging method using a double-prism based optical interface. This approach enables the identification of cellular-resolution neural activities in the NTS while preserving the cerebellum, which covers the NTS and is important for emotion regulation, intact. We systematically evaluated how NTS neurons respond to VNS and a gastrointestinal hormone, suggesting the usefulness of this method for investigating the role of the vagus-NTS pathwayin vivo.
Peripheral Neuropathy in the Adreno-myelo-neuropathy Mouse Model
Authors: Özgür Günes Y , Le Stunff C , Vallat JM , Bougnères PF 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe Abcd1 knockout mouse mimics human adreno-myelo-neuropathy (AMN), thus contributes to a better understanding of disease mechanisms, which yet remain poorly identified. Only limited information is available about peripheral neuropathy (PN), although a notable component of AMN pathology besides myelopathy. To enrich our knowledge of PN, the current study reports the clinical, electromyographic and morphological aspects of peripheral neuropathy. We found that despite obvious electron microscopy anomalies in sciatic nerve axons, nerve conduction was nearly normal and did not seem to contribute significantly to the impaired motor performances of the Abcd1-/- mouse.
Whole-genome sequencing and phenotyping reveal specific adaptations ofLachancea thermotoleransto the winemaking environment
Authors: Vicente Javier , Friedrich Anne , Schacherer Joseph , Freel Kelle , Marquina Domingo , Santos Antonio 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACTAdaptation to the environment plays an essential role in yeast evolution as a consequence of selective pressures.Lachancea thermotolerans, a yeast related to the fermentative process and one of the current trends in wine technology research, has undergone an anthropization process that has led to a strong differentiation both from a genomic and phenomic perspective. Using whole-genome sequencing, we have investigated the genomic diversity of 145L. thermotoleransstrains, identifying six well-defined groups primarily delineated by their ecological origin and exhibiting high levels of genetic diversity. Anthropized strains showed lower genetic diversity due to the purifying selection imposed by the winemaking environment. Strong evidence of anthropization and adaptation to the wine environment through modification of gene content was also found. Differences in genes involved in the assimilation of alternative carbon and nitrogen sources, such as theMAL1andDAL5genes, which confer greater fitness in the winemaking environment, were observed. Additionally, we found that phenotypic traits considered domestication hallmarks are present in anthropized strains. Among these, increased fitness in the presence of ethanol and sulphites, assimilation of non-fermentable carbon sources such as glycerol, and lower levels of residual fructose under fermentative conditions highlight. We hypothesize that lactic acid production by wine-related strains is an anthropization signature consequence of the adaption of early Crabtree-positive yeasts to the fermentative environment. Overall, the results of this work provide valuable insight into the anthropization process inL. thermotoleransand demonstrate how fermentation environments give rise to similar adaptations in different yeast species.
A summer in the Greater Paris: trophic status of peri-urban lakes shapes prokaryotic community structure and functional potential
Authors: Foucault P. , Halary S. , Duval C. , Goto M. , Marie B. , Hamlaoui S. , Jardillier L. , Lamy D. , Lance E. , Raimbault E. , Allouti F. , Trousselier M. , Bernard C. , Leloup J. , Duperron S. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractWith more than 12 million inhabitants, the Greater Paris offers a “natural laboratory” to explore the effects of eutrophication on freshwater lakes within a relatively restricted area. Here, a four-month time-series was carried out during summertime to monitor planktonic microbial communities of nine lakes located within a ∼70 km radius around Paris (Île-de-France, France) of comparable morphologies, yet distinct trophic statuses (mesotrophic to hypereutrophic). The contribution of the trophic status and intra-summer variations were investigated on prokaryotic community structures (16S rRNA gene sequencing) and functions (shotgun metagenomics). Sampled lakes harbored highly distinct and diverse prokaryotic communities. Although their gene pool was quite stable and shared among lakes, taxonomical and functional changes were correlated. The trophic status appears as the main driver of both community structure and functional potential. When focusing on function involved in biogeochemical cycles, responses to phosphorus limitation (mostly polyphosphate-related processes) were highlighted between trophic statuses. Hypereutrophic lakes communities displayed the highest contrast and heterogeneity over time, suggesting a regime shift compared to lakes of lower trophic status. This study explores the influence of eutrophication on lakes’ microbiome ecology, by comparing for the first time the planktonic microbial communities and their functional potential of lakes of distinct trophic status in close vicinity over a summer season.
Disruption of Immune Responses By Type I Diabetes Exacerbates SARS-CoV-2 Mediated Lung Injury
Authors: Kass-Gergi Sara , Zhao Gan , Wong Joanna , Weiner Aaron I. , Tzivelekidis Stephanie Adams , Gentile Maria E. , Mendoza Meryl , Holcomb Nicolas P. , Li Xinyuan , Singh Madeline , Vaughan Andrew E. 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACTCOVID-19 commonly presents as pneumonia, with those most severely affected progressing to respiratory failure. Patient responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection are varied, with comorbidities acting as major contributors to varied outcomes. Focusing on one such major comorbidity, we assessed whether pharmacological induction of Type I Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) would increase the severity of lung injury in a murine model of COVID-19 pneumonia utilizing wild type mice infected with mouse-adapted SARS-CoV-2. Hyperglycemic mice exhibited increased weight loss and reduced blood oxygen saturation in comparison to their euglycemic counterparts, suggesting that these animals indeed experienced more severe lung injury. Transcriptomic analysis revealed a significant impairment of the adaptive immune response in the lungs of diabetic mice compared to those of control. In order to expand the limited options available for tissue analysis due to biosafety restrictions, we also employed a novel technique to digest highly fixed tissue into a single cell suspension, which allowed for flow cytometric analysis as well as single cell RNA sequencing. Flow immunophenotyping and scRNA-Seq confirmed impaired recruitment of T cells into the lungs of T1DM animals. Additionally, scRNA-Seq revealed a distinct, highly inflammatory macrophage profile in the diabetic cohort that correlates with the more severe infection these mice experienced clinically, allowing insight into a possible mechanism for this phenomenon. Recognizing the near certainty that respiratory viruses will continue to present significant public health concerns for the foreseeable future, our study provides key insights into how T1DM results in a much more severe infection and identifies possible targets to ameliorate comorbidity-associated severe disease.NEW AND NOTEWORTHYWe define the exacerbating effects of Type I Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) on COVID-19 pneumonia severity in mice. Hyperglycemic mice experienced increased weight loss and reduced oxygen saturation. Transcriptomic analysis revealed impaired immune responses in diabetic mice, while flow cytometry and single-cell RNA sequencing confirmed reduced T cell recruitment and an inflammatory macrophage profile. Additionally, we introduced a novel technique for tissue analysis, enabling flow cytometric analysis and single-cell RNA sequencing on highly fixed tissue samples.
Mitoregulin supports mitochondrial membrane integrity and protects against cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury
Authors: Stein Colleen S. , Zhang Xiaoming , Witmer Nathan H. , Pennington Edward Ross , Shaikh Saame Raza , Boudreau Ryan L. 
Published: June 2024

SUMMARYWe and others discovered a highly-conserved mitochondrial transmembrane microprotein, named Mitoregulin (Mtln), that supports lipid metabolism. We reported that Mtln strongly binds cardiolipin (CL), increases mitochondrial respiration and Ca2+retention capacities, and reduces reactive oxygen species (ROS). Here we extend our observation of Mtln-CL binding and examine Mtln influence on cristae structure and mitochondrial membrane integrity during stress. We demonstrate that mitochondria from constitutive- and inducible Mtln-knockout (KO) mice are susceptible to membrane freeze-damage and that this can be rescued by acute Mtln re-expression. In mitochondrial-simulated lipid monolayers, we show that synthetic Mtln decreases lipid packing and monolayer elasticity. Lipidomics revealed that Mtln-KO heart tissues show broad decreases in 22:6-containing lipids and increased cardiolipin damage/remodeling. Lastly, we demonstrate that Mtln-KO mice suffer worse myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury, hinting at a translationally-relevant role for Mtln in cardioprotection. Our work supports a model in which Mtln binds cardiolipin and stabilizes mitochondrial membranes to broadly influence diverse mitochondrial functions, including lipid metabolism, while also protecting against stress.
Geometric Study in Binocular Vision of Healthy Human Eye’s Misaligned Optical Components
Authors: Turski Jacek 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe healthy human eye’s optical components are misaligned, which has been overlooked in studies of binocular vision. This study presents comprehensive ge-ometric constructions in the binocular system, with the eye model incorporating the fovea that is not located on and the lens that is tilted away from the eye’s optical axis. It includes the vertical misalignment of optical components and the 3D binocular field of fixations with the previously considered horizontal misalign-ment underlying stereopsis. The consequences and functional roles of vertical misalignment are explained in the following finding: The classic Helmholtz the-ory, which states that the subjective vertical retinal meridian inclination to the retinal horizontal meridian explains the perceived backward tilt of the vertical horopter, is less relevant when the eye’s optical components are misaligned. In-stead, the lens vertical tilt provides the retinal vertical criterion. The typical misalignment of the fovea and lens in the human population confirms the exper-imentally measured vertical horopter’s inclination.
Amygdala TDP-43 pathology is associated with behavioural dysfunction and ferritin accumulation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Rifai Olivia M. , Waldron Fergal M. , O’Shaughnessy Judi , Read Fiona L. , Gilodi Martina , Pastore Annalisa , Shneider Neil , Tartaglia Gian Gaetano , Zacco Elsa , Spence Holly , Gregory Jenna M. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundCognitive and behavioural symptoms associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal spectrum disorders (ALSFTSD) are thought to be driven, at least in part, by the pathological accumulation of TDP-43.MethodsHere we examinepost-mortemtissue from six brain regions associated with cognitive and behavioural symptoms in a cohort of 30 people with sporadic ALS (sALS), a proportion of which underwent standardized neuropsychological behavioural assessment as part of the Edinburgh Cognitive ALS Screen (ECAS).ResultsOverall, the behavioural screen performed as part of the ECAS predicted accumulation of pathological phosphorylated TDP-43 (pTDP-43) with 100% specificity and 86% sensitivity in behaviour-associated brain regions. Notably, of these regions, pathology in the amygdala was the most predictive correlate of behavioural dysfunction in sALS. In the amygdala of sALS patients, we show variation in morphology, cell type predominance, and severity of pTDP-43 pathology. Further, we demonstrate that the presence and severity of intra-neuronal pTDP-43 pathology, but not astroglial pathology, or phosphorylated Tau pathology, is associated with behavioural dysfunction. Cases were also evaluated using a TDP-43 aptamer (TDP-43APT), which revealed that pathology was not only associated with behavioural symptoms, but also with ferritin levels, a measure of brain iron.ConclusionsIntra-neuronal pTDP-43 and cytoplasmic TDP-43APTpathology in the amygdala is associated with behavioural symptoms in sALS. TDP-43APTstaining intensity is also associated with increased ferritin, regardless of behavioural phenotype, suggesting that ferritin increases may occur upstream of clinical manifestation, in line with early TDP-43APTpathology, representing a potential region-specific imaging biomarker of early disease in ALS.Key MessagesWhat is already known on this topicThe amygdala is a key brain region in regulating behavior and emotional cognition and has been shown recently, through imaging studies, to be affected in ALS and FTD patients.What this study addsHere we examine the underlying pathology driving the association between the amygdala and behavioural symptoms in sporadic ALS demonstrating that region specific TDP-43 pathology and brain iron accumulation could represent potential early biomarkers of dysfunction.How this study might affect research, practice, or policyThe correlation between early TDP-43 pathology (detected by RNA aptamer) and increased ferritin (brain iron accumulation) occurring upstream of clinical manifestation represents a potential, region-specific (amygdala), early imaging biomarker in ALS. This means that people at risk could be identified early and stratified for clinical trials prior to substantial neuronal cell loss and symptom onset.
Ethnocentrism or xenocentrism: consumer attitudes toward culture mixing based on spatial metaphor theory
Authors: Nie Chunyan , Zhao Xing 
Published: June 2024

PurposeRapid globalization has continually promoted integration between different cultures. This study attempts to examine responses toward culture mixing based on spatial metaphor theory. Specifically, it focuses on power relationships to explore the impact of space image schemas on consumer attitudes. The boundary conditions of this effect, the significance of cultural symbols and the dominance trait are also analyzed.Design/methodology/approachThree experiments are conducted, and 567 participants are involved in this research. The data are analyzed using ANOVA and Process 213.FindingsThe results show that the relative vertical positions of cultural symbols significantly impact consumer attitudes toward culture mixing, and demonstrate that perceived cultural threat enhances ethnocentric tendencies. The data also indicate that individuals only express their distinct attitudes toward culture mixing when significant cultural symbols are presented, and only high-dominance individuals, who prefer to link vertical spatial metaphor with power relationships, are sensitive to vertical spatial metaphor.Originality/valueThis research highlights the underlying mechanism, encouraging ethnocentric tendencies among the young population in China. It extends work on the use of metaphorical concepts and contributes to the increasing literature on power in consumer behavior. Additionally, it generates useful suggestions for multinational entrepreneurs who want to facilitate symbolic localization.
Health service operational challenges and resilience strategies in “extreme” disruptive events
Authors: Chowdhury Md Maruf Hossan , Khan Eijaz , Mahmud A.K.M. Shakil , Nuruzzaman Md , Rabbanee Fazlul K. , Quaddus Mohammed A. 
Published: June 2024

PurposeConfiguring strategies to ensure a health service provider’s resilience when extreme disruptions occur is not simple. Optimal configuration in such circumstances is rare. Therefore, this research has relied on the dynamic capability view (DCV) to develop a decision-support framework for configuring resilience strategies that will mitigate the worst challenges and improve the performance of health service providers during “extreme” disruptive events.Design/methodology/approachThe research adopted a multi-study, multi-method approach comprising interviews, quality function deployment (QFD), and fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA).FindingsThe findings reveal that, during a crisis, standalone resilience strategies are not enough. To guarantee performance, healthcare services require a combination of resilience strategies and a negation of challenges.Originality/valueThis research extends our current knowledge of healthcare operational management by offering optimal configurations of resilience strategies to manage performance during extreme disruptions. Thus, it offers strategic insights into how health-service managers can be more resilient during a crisis.
Improving stability and adaptability of automotive electric steering systems based on a novel optimal integrated algorithm
Authors: Nguyen Tuan Anh , Iqbal Jamshed 
Published: June 2024

PurposeDesign a novel optimal integrated control algorithm for the automotive electric steering system to improve the stability and adaptation of the system.Design/methodology/approachSimulation and calculation.FindingsThe output signals follow the reference signal with high accuracy.Originality/valueThe optimal integrated algorithm is established based on the combination of PID and SMC. The parameters of the PID controller are adjusted using a fuzzy algorithm. The optimal range of adjustment values is determined using a genetic algorithm.