bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The stage-specific regulation imposed by Importinβ-1 on HIV-1 propagation and infectivity dynamics
Authors: Yandrapally Sriram , Sarkar Satarupa , Saxena Shalini , Naik Venkateshwarlu , Rapole Srikanth , Banerjee Sharmistha 
Published: June 2024

AbstractDynamics of intra-host molecular evolution of viruses depend on the complexities of the cellular environments through which they transit. HIV infects several cell types in an infected human host, especially during chronic stages, which impose differential regulations on HIV persistence, driving it to latency, rapid propagation, or abortive infection. We observed that HIV-1 emerging from different cell-types differ in their encapsidated protein cargo, and infectivity. We investigated the role of Importinβ-1, which is encapsidated in virus emerging from CD4+T lymphocytes, but not in viruses from astrocytes. We deciphered that Importinβ-1 is packaged via interactions with HIV-1 Gag/Capsid. The encapsidated Importinβ-1 assisted nuclear-entry of the viral core and enhanced the infectivity during pre-integration stages. Conversely, high levels of endogenous Importinβ-1, which was observed to be induced upon infection and inflammatory stimulations, such as, IFNg/LPS treatments, restricted LTR-driven viral transcription during post-integration. The regulatory impact of Importinβ-1 was verified using primary CD4+T lymphocytes, thereby validating a non-canonical and novel role of Importinβ-1 as a restriction factor for HIV-1. Using deletion mutants, we demonstrate that the N-terminal domain of Importinβ-1 regulated viral transcription via SP1, and NRE regions of LTR. We propose that sequestering of Importinβ-1 by packaging in emerging virions thereby reducing its antiviral impact, is an adaptive strategy of a pathogen, supporting the concepts of evolutionary conflicts between viruses and hosts.
M1 Large-scale Network Dynamics Support Human Motor Resonance and Its Plastic Reshaping
Authors: Guidali Giacomo , Arrigoni Eleonora , Bolognini Nadia , Pisoni Alberto 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACTMotor resonance – the activation of the observer’s motor system when viewing others’ actions – grounds the intertwined nature of action perception and execution, with profound implications for social cognition and action understanding. Despite extensive research, the neural underpinnings supporting motor resonance emergence and rewriting remain unexplored.In this study, we investigated the role of sensorimotor associative learning in motor resonance neural mechanisms. To this aim, we applied cross-systems paired associative stimulation (PAS) to induce novel visuomotor associations in the human brain. This protocol, which repeatedly pairs transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) pulses over the primary motor cortex (M1) with visual stimuli of actions, drives the emergence of an atypical, PAS-conditioned motor resonance response. Using TMS and electroencephalography (EEG) co-registration during action observation, we tracked the M1 functional connectivity profile during this process to map the inter-areal connectivity profiles associated with typical and PAS-induced motor resonance phenomena.Besides confirming, at the corticospinal level, the emergence of newly acquired motor resonance responses at the cost of typical ones after PAS administration, our results reveal dissociable aspects of motor resonance in M1 interregional communication. On the one side, typical motor resonance effects acquired through the lifespan are associated with prominent M1 alpha-band and reduced beta-band connectivity, which might facilitate the corticospinal output while integrating visuomotor information. Conversely, the atypical PAS-induced motor resonance is linked to M1 beta-band cortical connectivity modulations, only partially overlapping with interregional communication patterns related to the typical mirroring responses. This evidence suggests that beta-phase synchronization may be the critical mechanism supporting the formation of motor resonance by coordinating the activity of motor regions during action observation, which also involves alpha-band top-down control of frontal areas.These findings provide new insights into the neural dynamics underlying (typical and newly acquired) motor resonance, highlighting the role of large-scale interregional communication in sensorimotor associative learning within the action observation network.
Regeneration ofLumbriculus variegatusrequires post-amputation production of reactive oxygen species
Authors: Beinart Freya R. , Gillen Kathy 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAnimals vary in their ability to replace body parts lost to injury, a phenomenon known as restorative regeneration. Uncovering conserved signaling steps required for regeneration may aid regenerative medicine. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are necessary for proper regeneration in species across a wide range of taxa, but it is unknown whether ROS are essential for annelid regeneration. Since annelids are a widely used and excellent model for regeneration, we sought to determine whether ROS play a role in the regeneration of the highly regenerative annelid,Lumbriculus variegatus. Using a ROS-sensitive fluorescent probe we observed ROS accumulation at the wound site within 15 minutes after amputation; this ROS burst lessened by 6 hours post amputation. Chemical inhibition of this ROS burst delayed regeneration, an impairment that was partially rescued with exogenous ROS. Our results suggest that similar to other animals, annelid regeneration depends upon ROS signaling, implying a phylogenetically ancient requirement for ROS in regeneration.
Human sensory-like neuron cultivation – an optimized protocol
Authors: Schottmann Nicole Michelle , Grüner Julia , Bär Frederik , Karl-Schöller Franziska , Oerter Sabrina , Üçeyler Nurcan 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIntroductionReprogramming of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) and their differentiation into specific cell types, such as induced sensory-like neurons (iSN), are critical for disease modeling and drug testing. However, the variability of cell populations challenges reliability and reproducibility. While various protocols for iSN differentiation exist, development of non-iSN cells in these cultures remains an issue. Therefore, standardization of protocols is essential. This study aimed to improve iSN culture conditions by reducing the number of non-iSN cells while preserving survival and quality of iSN.MethodsiSN were differentiated from a healthy control iPSC line using an established protocol. Interventions for protocol optimization included floxuridine (FdU) or 1-β-D-arabinofuranosyl-cytosin-hydrochlorid (AraC) treatment, Magnetic-Activated Cell Sorting (MACS), early cell passaging, and replating. Cell viability and iSN-to-total-cell-count ratio were assessed using a luminescent assay and immunocytochemistry, respectively.ResultsPassaging of cells during differentiation did not increase the iSN-to-total-cell-count ratio, and MACS of immature iSN led to neuronal blebbing and reduced the iSN-to-total-cell-count ratio. Treatment with high concentrations and prolonged incubation of FdU or AraC resulted in excessive cell death. However, treatment with 10 μM FdU for 24 h post-differentiation showed the most selective targeting of non-iSN cells, leading to an increase in the iSN-to-total-cell count ratio without compromising the viability or functionality of the iSN population. Replating of iSN shortly after seeding also helped to reduce non-iSN cells.ConclusionIn direct comparison to other methods, treatment with 10 μM FdU for 24 h after differentiation represents a promising approach to improve iSN culture purity, offering a potential benefit for downstream applications in disease modeling and drug discovery. However, further investigations involving multiple iPSC lines and optimization of protocol parameters are warranted to fully exploit the potential of this method and enhance its reproducibility and applicability. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into optimizing culture conditions for iSN differentiation and highlights the importance of standardized protocols in iPSC-based research.
Communication subspace dynamics of the canonical olfactory pathway
Authors: González Joaquín , Torterolo Pablo , Bolding Kevin A. , Tort Adriano BL 
Published: June 2024

AbstractUnderstanding how different brain areas communicate is crucial for elucidating the mechanisms underlying cognition. A possible way for neural populations to interact is through a communication subspace, a specific region in the state-space enabling the transmission of behaviorally-relevant spiking patterns. In the olfactory system, it remains unclear if different populations employ such a mechanism. Our study reveals that neuronal ensembles in the main olfactory pathway (olfactory bulb to olfactory cortex) interact through a communication subspace, which is driven by nasal respiration and allows feedforward and feedback transmission to occur segregated along the sniffing cycle. Moreover, our results demonstrate that subspace communication depends causally on the activity of both areas, is hindered during anesthesia, and transmits a low-dimensional representation of odor.
Genome-wide association study for age-related hearing loss in CFW mice
Authors: Polesskaya Oksana , Boussaty Ely , Cheng Riyan , Lamonte Olivia , Zhou Thomas , Du Eric , Sanches Thiago Missfeldt , Nguyen Khai-Minh , Okamoto Mika , Palmer Abraham A , Friedman Rick 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAge-related hearing impairment is the most common cause of hearing loss and is one of the most prevalent conditions affecting the elderly globally. It is influenced by a combination of environmental and genetic factors. The mouse and human inner ears are functionally and genetically homologous. Investigating the genetic basis of age-related hearing loss (ARHL) in an outbred mouse model may lead to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of this condition. We used Carworth Farms White (CFW) outbred mice, because they are genetically diverse and exhibit variation in the onset and severity of ARHL. The goal of this study was to identify genetic loci involved in regulating ARHL. Hearing at a range of frequencies was measured using Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) thresholds in 946 male and female CFW mice at the age of 1, 6, and 10 months.We obtained genotypes at 4.18 million single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) using low-coverage (mean coverage 0.27x) whole-genome sequencing followed by imputation using STITCH. To determine the accuracy of the genotypes we sequenced 8 samples at >30x coverage and used calls from those samples to estimate the discordance rate, which was 0.45%. We performed genetic analysis for the ABR thresholds for each frequency at each age, and for the time of onset of deafness for each frequency. The SNP heritability ranged from 0 to 42% for different traits. Genome-wide association analysis identified several regions associated with ARHL that contained potential candidate genes, includingDnah11,Rapgef5,Cpne4,Prkag2, andNek11. We confirmed, using functional study, that Prkag2 deficiency causes age-related hearing loss at high frequency in mice; this makesPrkag2a candidate gene for further studies. This work helps to identify genetic risk factors for ARHL and to define novel therapeutic targets for the treatment and prevention of ARHL.
Curcumin Inhibition of DYRK Kinases
Authors: Menezes Filipe , Grygier Przemyslaw , Pustelny Katarzyna , Popowicz Grzegorz M. , Czarna Anna 
Published: June 2024

AbstractCurcumin is known as a dietary supplement with several health benefits, including antioxidant, blood sugar-lowering, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. These benefits make it useful in the treatment of diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. This research focuses on how curcumin interacts with dual-specificity tyrosine-regulated kinases (DYRKs), particularly DYRK1A and DYRK2, which control important cellular processes such as protein breakdown, gene activity and DNA packaging. DYRK1A is crucial for the growth and survival of pancreatic β-cells, which are key in the treatment of diabetes. Curcumin helps increase insulin release and sensitivity by affecting these cells. DYRK2, on the other hand, is involved in cancer, where curcumin’s ability to block its activity helps to reduce tumour growth and spread. These interactions demonstrate curcumin’s potential as a versatile treatment option. By affecting DYRK1A and DYRK2, curcumin promotes β-cell health in diabetes and fights cancer by inhibiting cell growth and promoting cell death. This study underscores the promise of curcumin as a natural compound for treating complex diseases associated with oxidative stress and inflammation, highlighting the need for a better understanding of DYRK kinases to effectively exploit their role in disease processes and cell signalling.
Enhancing Retromer Complex Stability Ameliorates Synaptic Dysfunction in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Ramonet David , Daerr Anna , Hallbeck Martin 
Published: June 2024

AbstractSynaptic dysfunction is an early hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease, characterized by the disruption of synaptic transmission and plasticity. Central to these processes is endosomal trafficking, mediated by the retromer complex, which orchestrates the movement of vesicle contents for recycling to the plasma membrane, return to the Golgi, or degradation. Variants of VPS35, the cargo recognition component of the retromer complex, have been linked to neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease (PARK17, D620N mutation) and Alzheimer’s disease (L625P mutation). While substantial research has focused on Parkinson’s, the role of VPS35 in Alzheimer’s has been less explored. This study investigates the acute neuroprotective effects of retromer-stabilizing compounds in the 5xFAD mouse model of Alzheimer’s. Our results reveal that stabilization of the retromer complex not only mitigates pathogenic Aβ production mechanisms but also compensates for early synaptic dysfunction and microglial activation. Specifically, we observed significant modulation of genes involved in long-term potentiation and a reduction in abnormal retromer-associated cargos. These findings highlight the potential of retromer stabilisation as atherapeutic strategy to address fundamental pathological pathological processes in Alzheimer’s disease.
TMEM106B C-terminal fragments aggregate and drive neurodegenerative proteinopathy
Authors: Riordan Ruben , Saxton Aleen , McMillan Pamela J. , Kow Rebecca L , Liachko Nicole F. , Kraemer Brian C. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractGenetic variation in the lysosomal and transmembrane protein 106B (TMEM106B) modifies risk for a diverse range of neurodegenerative disorders, especially frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) with progranulin (PGRN) haplo-insufficiency, although the molecular mechanisms involved are not yet understood. Through advances in cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), homotypic aggregates of the C-Terminal domain of TMEM106B (TMEM CT) were discovered as a previously unidentified cytosolic proteinopathy in the brains of FTLD, Alzheimer’s disease, progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) patients. While it remains unknown what role TMEM CT aggregation plays in neuronal loss, its presence across a range of aging related dementia disorders indicates involvement in multi-proteinopathy driven neurodegeneration. To determine the TMEM CT aggregation propensity and neurodegenerative potential, we characterized a novel transgenicC. elegansmodel expressing the human TMEM CT fragment constituting the fibrillar core seen in FTLD cases. We found that pan-neuronal expression of human TMEM CT inC. eleganscauses neuronal dysfunction as evidenced by behavioral analysis. Cytosolic aggregation of TMEM CT proteins accompanied the behavioral dysfunction driving neurodegeneration, as illustrated by loss of GABAergic neurons. To investigate the molecular mechanisms driving TMEM106B proteinopathy, we explored the impact of PGRN loss on the neurodegenerative effect of TMEM CT expression. To this end, we generated TMEM CT expressingC. eleganswith loss ofpgrn-1, theC. elegansortholog of human PGRN. Neither full nor partial loss ofpgrn-1altered the motor phenotype of our TMEM CT model suggesting TMEM CT aggregation occurs downstream of PGRN loss of function. We also tested the ability of genetic suppressors of tauopathy to rescue TMEM CT pathology. We found that genetic knockout ofspop-1, sut-2,andsut-6resulted in weak to no rescue of proteinopathy phenotypes, indicating that the mechanistic drivers of TMEM106B proteinopathy may be distinct from tauopathy. Taken together, our data demonstrate that TMEM CT aggregation can kill neurons. Further, expression of TMEM CT inC. elegansneurons provides a useful model for the functional characterization of TMEM106B proteinopathy in neurodegenerative disease.
The maturation of infant and toddler visual cortex neural activity and associations with fine motor performance
Authors: Otten Katharina , Edgar J. Christopher , Green Heather L. , Mol Kylie , McNamee Marybeth , Kuschner Emily S. , Kim Mina , Liu Song , Huang Hao , Nordt Marisa , Konrad Kerstin , Chen Yuhan 
Published: June 2024

AbstractOur understanding of how visual cortex neural processes mature during infancy and toddlerhood is limited. Using magnetoencephalography (MEG), the present study investigated the development of visual evoked responses (VERs) in both cross-sectional and longitudinal samples of infants and toddlers 2 months to 3 years. Brain space analyses focused on N1m and P1m latency, as well as the N1m-to-P1m amplitude. Associations between VER measures and developmental quotient (DQ) scores in the cognitive/visual and fine motor domains were also examined. Results showed a nonlinear decrease in N1m and P1m latency as a function of age, characterized by rapid changes followed by slower progression, with the N1m latency plateauing at 6-7 months and the P1m latency plateauing at 8-9 months. The N1m-to-P1m amplitude also exhibited a non-linear decrease, with strong responses observed in younger infants (∼2-3 months) and then a gradual decline. Associations between N1m and P1m latency and fine motor DQ scores were observed, suggesting that infants with faster visual processing may be better equipped to perform fine motor tasks. The present findings advance our understanding of the maturation of the infant visual system and highlight the relationship between the maturation of visual system and fine motor skills.HighlightsThe infant N1m and P1m latency shows a nonlinear decrease.N1m latency decreases precede P1m latency decreases.N1m-to-P1m amplitude shows a nonlinear decrease, with stronger responses in younger than older infants.N1m and P1m latency are associated with fine motor DQ.
Economic cybercrime in the diaspora: case of Ghanaian nationals in the USA
Authors: Abubakari Yushawu , Amponsah Awurafua Amponsaa 
Published: June 2024

Purpose
This study aims to delve into economic cybercrime within the African diaspora, with a specific focus on Ghanaian nationals residing in the USA. It aims to shed light on the nuanced and unique approaches that diasporic actors adopt to execute economic cybercrimes, especially online frauds.

Design/methodology/approach
Drawing on press releases and official indictments collected from the U.S. Department of Justice, the study adopted content analysis. Through this approach, the study outlines its findings

Findings
The analysis reveals patterns in economic cybercrimes among Ghanaians abroad. Notably, the findings suggest that diasporic individuals often work with local accomplices to perpetrate various economic cybercrimes, with money laundering being particularly prevalent among those living outside their home country. This underscores the profound influence of geographical location on the choice of cybercriminal activities. Moreover, the research reveals that diasporic actors use several tactics, including adopting false identities to interact with victims and the creation of sham companies for laundering money. Additionally, demographic characteristics such as age and gender seem to significantly influence the involvement of diasporic individuals in economic cybercrimes.

Research limitations/implications
The research was primarily based on press releases and official indictments within the USA. Although these sources offer substantial insight into the rise of cybercrime among Ghanaian diaspora members, their focus on specific data types and geographical regions might constrain our comprehension of the nuances of this phenomenon, particularly across various diasporic groups and regions. Hence, future research could enhance our understanding by conducting fieldwork, not just in the USA but also in other areas using primary data to delve deeper into the issue of cybercrime within the diaspora.

Practical implications
The study’s findings have implications for individuals, organizations and policymakers alike. By understanding the strategies of economic cybercrime offenders, as demonstrated in this research, individuals can be better equipped to navigate digital technologies for both personal and business purposes. Moreover, policymakers and government agencies can use these insights to develop policies aimed at mitigating the spread of economic cybercrimes, particularly within diasporic communities.

Originality/value
The paper stands out for its innovative approach and scope. While numerous studies have explored cybercrime activities, the prevalence among diasporic actors remains underexamined. Through its methodology and scope, this paper opens avenues for further research into the phenomenon of cybercrime within diasporic communities.
Social relationships in performing arts entrepreneurship
Authors: Wójcik Dagmara , Czernek-Marszałek Katarzyna 
Published: June 2024

PurposeThe paper aims to present the importance of social relationships in cooperation among theaters in the creation of three types of values that characterize arts entrepreneurship (i.e. artistic, economic and social).Design/methodology/approachThe findings are based on qualitative research with the use of 50 semi-structured interviews conducted with 57 representatives of public and private theaters in the performing arts sector in Poland.FindingsThe research shows how social relationships among cooperating representatives of theaters are used to create three types of values that characterize performing arts entrepreneurship (i.e. artistic, economic and social). The findings reveal that theater representatives take advantage of social relationships and engage in inter-organizational cooperation in introducing various changes in their institutions. Thus, by fostering innovation, risk-taking and searching for new opportunities they adapt to the dynamic environment. The paper shows how the three groups of values of performing arts entrepreneurship are interrelated but also sometimes conflicted with one another.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is not representative as it presents the context of the analyzed theaters in Poland.Originality/valueEntrepreneurship, although a popular subject of research, has been much less frequently analyzed with regard to the creative industries, such as the performing arts. In the field of management, researchers have focused primarily on business organization entrepreneurship, excluding cultural and arts institutions such as theaters. In this context, so-called arts entrepreneurship has not yet been widely recognized. In particular, there is a lack of research showing how social relationships between cooperating partners are used in the creation of three types of values in performing arts entrepreneurship, i.e. artistic, economic and social. The article fills this gap and presents both a scientific as well as an applicative contribution.