bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Type-2 diabetes mellitus enhancesKlebsiella pneumoniaepathogenesis
Authors: Todd Katlyn , Gunter Krista , Bowen James M. , Holmes Caitlyn L. , Tilston-Lunel Natasha L. , Vornhagen Jay 
Published: June 2024

AbstractKlebsiella pneumoniaeis an opportunistic pathogen and an important cause of pneumonia, bacteremia, and urinary tract infection.K. pneumoniaeinfections are historically associated with diabetes mellitus. There is a fundamental gap in our understanding of how diabetes mellitus, specifically type 2 diabetes, influencesK. pneumoniaepathogenesis.K. pneumoniaepathogenesis is a multifactorial process that often begins with gut colonization, followed by an escape from the gut to peripheral sites, leading to host damage and infection. We hypothesized that type 2 diabetes enhancesK. pneumoniaepathogenesis. To test this, we used well-established mouse models ofK. pneumoniaecolonization and lung infection in conjunction with a mouse model of spontaneous type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We show that T2DM enhances susceptibility to bothK. pneumoniaecolonization and infection. The enhancement of gut colonization is dependent on T2DM-induced modulation of the gut microbiota community structure. In contrast, lung infection is exacerbated by the increased availability of amino acids in the lung, which is associated with higher levels of vascular endothelial growth factor. These data lay the foundation for mechanistic interrogation of the relationship betweenK. pneumoniaepathogenesis and type 2 diabetes mellitus, and explicitly establish T2DM as a risk factor forK. pneumoniaedisease.
The development of social attention in orangutans: comparing peering behaviour in wild and zoo-housed individuals
Authors: Kukofka Paulina , Young Richard , Kunz Julia A. , Nellissen Lara , Alavi Shauhin E. , Basalamah Fitriah , Haun Daniel B. M. , Schuppli Caroline 
Published: June 2024

AbstractSocial learning is the cornerstone of all cultural processes and plays a pivotal role during the evolution of cognition. To understand how social learning evolved, we have to look at the immediate and developmental conditions affecting individuals’ tendencies to attend to social information. We compared peering behaviour (i.e., close-range and sustained observation of the activities of conspecifics) in wild and zoo-housed immature Sumatran orangutans (Pongo abelii) by analysing long-term data which included 3101 peering events collected at the Suaq Balimbing research site in Indonesia and at four European zoos on 35 immature individuals. Using Generalized-Additive-Mixed-Models, we tested for age-specific patterns in peering frequency, target, and context selection. We found similar age trajectories of peering in both settings but higher mean frequencies of peering in the zoos, even after controlling for varying social opportunities to peer. Wild immatures preferably peered at their mothers but zoo-housed immatures at non-mother individuals. In both settings, immatures preferred to peer at older individuals, and in learning-intense contexts. Our findings suggest a hard-wired component in the tendency to attend to social information and a considerable degree of ontogenetic plasticity - a combination that was likely foundational for the evolution of complex cultures, including human culture.HighlightsWe compared attendance to social information in wild and zoo-housed orangutansImmature orangutans peer in contexts where learning is expectedPeering frequency develops similarly over age, suggesting hardwired propensitiesPeering target and context selection differs between the two settingsOrangutans’ tendency to attend to social information shows plasticity
Melanocortin 4 receptor-expressing neurons in the lateral stripe of the striatum are involved in affect regulation and motor control
Authors: Sköld Johan , Lazzarino Gisela Paola , Nett Myra , Wiskerke Joost , Engblom David 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe dopaminergic system is crucial for affect regulation. Melanocortin 4 receptors (MC4R) in the ventral striatum have been shown to be necessary for establishing aversive states. Here, we set out to functionally characterize MC4R-expressing striatal neurons. MC4Rs were enriched in atypical Dopamine receptor 1 (D1) neurons in the lateral stripe of the striatum (LSS), an understudied area in the ventrolateral striatum. Fiber photometry recordings showed that MC4R neuron activity and local dopamine release in the LSS were increased by rewarding as well as aversive stimuli. Moreover, MC4R neuronal activity and glutamate release correlated strongly to body movement. Optogenetic activation of MC4R-LSS neurons was rewarding in a real-time place preference test and a self-stimulation paradigm, increased locomotor activity and induced striatal dopamine release. Collectively, our findings suggest that MC4R-LSS neurons are activated by salient stimuli of both rewarding and aversive character and that they induce positive affect, dopamine release and locomotion.
A mycobacterial DNA extraction protocol designed for resource limited settings generates high quality whole genome sequencing
Authors: Percy Caitlin , Memelis Ilinca , Edwards Thomas , Roberts Adam P. , Biagini Giancarlo , Cantillon Daire 
Published: June 2024

AbstractMycobacteria are major global human pathogens and includeMycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis, andM. abscessus, an emerging multidrug resistant pathogen.M. abscessusaffects people with structural lung disease and those who are immunocompromised, most commonly causing pulmonary disease but also disseminated infections in the central nervous system and skin. High quality whole genome sequencing is essential to research mycobacterial epidemiology, pathogenesis and antimicrobial resistance. However, current DNA extraction protocols are time consuming, use toxic chemicals, require cold chain storage for certain reagents and can often result in poor quality, degraded DNA that directly impacts whole genome sequencing outputs. This is a particular challenge in low-income settings.Here, we report a novel optimised DNA extraction workflow forM. tuberculosisandM. abscessusthat invariably generates high quality Illumina short read sequencing data. We evaluated input culture CFU and physical cell disruption times. DNA quantity was determined using a Qubit fluorometer system with DNA integrity assessed using the Agilent TapeStation platform.We showed that this protocol facilitated complete genome assemblies ofM. abscessusandM. tuberculosisreference strains. There is no requirement for cold chain transport or storage of reagents, solvent extractions, or boiling to heat inactivate cultures, and the method does not require surfactant chemicals such as cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB).
Cardiometabolic state links neurovascular burden with brain structure and function across age: evidence from EEG and MRI
Authors: Franco-O’Byrne Daniel , Castro-Laguardia Ana M. , Delgado Carolina , Shine James M. , Huepe David , Tagliazucchi Enzo , Campo Cecilia Gonzalez , Ibañez Agustín , Medel Vicente 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAging affects brain structure and function alongside metabolic and vascular processes leading to energetic impairments. While local neurometabolic dysfunction in aging is well-documented, the influence of systemic cardiometabolic and vascular markers on brain structure and function remains less understood. We examine the link between cardiometabolic dysfunction (measured by an allostatic load index) and neurovascular burden (measured by white matter hyperintensities) with brain changes, including ventricular and hippocampal volume, as well as EEG activity, across age. Analyzing data from 196 healthy individuals across age (20-75 years), we found a significant positive correlation between allostatic load index and white-matter hyperintensities, irrespective of age. White-matter hyperintensities are also positively linked with ventricular enlargement, but not hippocampal atrophy. The allostatic load index mediated the relationship between white-matter hyperintensities and ventricular volume. Regarding brain function, changes in the spectral aperiodic exponent but not periodic alpha power were linked to white-matter hyperintensities and the allostatic load index. Such index mediated the relationship between spectral aperiodic exponent and white-matter hyperintensities. Thus, findings suggest that the cardiometabolic state, as measured by an allostatic load index, plays a crucial role in brain health across age, particularly influencing ventricular enlargement and increased aperiodic activity.
Picophytoplankton dominate phytoplankton communities in the Elbe estuary in terms of cell counts
Authors: Martens Nele , Biederbick Johanna , Schaum C.-Elisa 
Published: June 2024

Summary(1)Picophytoplankton are important primary producers, but not always adequately recognized, e.g. due to methodological limitations.(2)In this study, we combined flow cytometry and metabarcoding to investigate seasonal and spatial patterns of picophytoplankton abundance and community composition in the Elbe estuary.(3)Picophytoplankton (mostly picoeukaryotes such asMychonastesandMinidiscus)contributed on average 70 % (SD = 14 %) to the total phytoplankton counts. In the summer picocyanobacteria (e.g.Synechococcus) played a more significant role. The contributions of picophytoplankton to the total phytoplankton were particularly high from summer to winter as well as in the mid estuary. However, at salinities of around 10 PSU in the mixing area the proportion of picophytoplankton was comparably low (average 49 %, SD = 13 %).(4)Our results indicate that picophytoplankton prevail in the Elbe estuary year-round with respect to cell counts. Picophytoplankton could occupy important niche positions to maintain primary production under extreme conditions where larger phytoplankton might struggle (e.g. at high or low temperature and high turbidity), and also benefit from high nutrient availability here. However, we did not find evidence that they played a particularly significant role at the salinity interface. Our study highlights the importance of including picophytoplankton when assessing estuarine phytoplankton as has been suggested for other ecosystems such as oceans.
Molecular insight into theDrosophilapiRNA pathway network through a combination of systematic protein interaction screening and structural prediction
Authors: Salgania Harpreet Kaur , Metz Jutta , Lingren Eric , Bleischwitz Christian , Hauser David , Oliveras Máté Katalin , Bollack Daniel , Lahr Felix , Garbelyanski Asen , Jeske Mandy 
Published: June 2024

SUMMARYpiRNA-bound PIWI proteins mediate the silencing of transposons at both the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels, processes that are critical for genome integrity and fertility in animals. While numerous additional proteins are known to be essential for piRNA biogenesis and function inDrosophilaand other animals, their molecular and mechanistic functions have remained largely unknown. To improve our molecular understanding of theDrosophilapiRNA pathway, we used a cell culture-based protein-protein interaction assay called ReLo to perform a systematic pairwise interaction screen involving 22 factors operating in the cytoplasm, including PIWI proteins, Tudor domain-containing proteins (TDRDs), RNA helicases, and mitochondrial surface proteins. Through additional ReLo interaction testing and structural modeling using AlphaFold-Multimer, we have characterized six protein complexes at the molecular and structural levels. We believe that the results of this screen and our methodological approach are likely to guide future research into the molecular mechanisms underlying piRNA biogenesis and function.
CRMP/UNC-33 maintains neuronal microtubule arrays by promoting individual microtubule rescue
Authors: Liang Xing , Agulto Regina , Eichel Kelsie , Taylor Caitlin Ann , Paat Victor Alexander , Deng Huichao , Ori-McKenney Kassandra , Shen Kang 
Published: June 2024

SummaryMicrotubules (MTs) are intrinsically dynamic polymers. In neurons, staggered individual microtubules form stable, polarized acentrosomal MT arrays spanning the axon and dendrite to support long-distance intracellular transport. How the stability and polarity of these arrays are maintained when individual MTs remain highly dynamic is still an open question. Here we visualize MT arraysin vivoinC. elegansneurons with single microtubule resolution. We find that the CRMP family homolog, UNC-33, is essential for the stability and polarity of MT arrays in neurites. Inunc-33mutants, MTs exhibit dramatically reduced rescue after catastrophe, develop gaps in coverage, and lose their polarity, leading to trafficking defects. UNC-33 is stably anchored on the cortical cytoskeleton and forms patch-like structures along the dendritic shaft. These discrete and stable UNC-33 patches concentrate free tubulins and correlate with MT rescue sites.In vitro, purified UNC-33 preferentially associates with MT tips and increases MT rescue frequency. Together, we propose that UNC-33 functions as a microtubule-associated protein (MAP) to promote individual MT rescue locally. Through this activity, UNC-33 prevents the loss of individual MTs, thereby maintaining the coverage and polarity of MT arrays throughout the lifetime of neurons.
Extracellular vesicles mediate OxLDL-induced stromal cell proliferation in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Authors: Roldán Gallardo Franco F. , Martinez Piñerez Daniel E. , Reinarz Torrado Kevin F. , Berg Gabriela A. , Da Ros Vanina G. , Seoane Manuel López , Maldonado Cristina A. , Quintar Amado A. 
Published: June 2024

2AbstractBackgroundClinical and basic research evidence has suggested a possible linkage of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) to proatherogenic conditions such as dyslipedemia and hypercholesterolemia, but the underlying mechanisms remain still unknown. We here aimed to explore the impact of dyslipidemic contexts on prostatic stromal cell proliferation and on the release of extracellular vesicles (EVs).MethodsMice were exposed to a high-fat diet and human prostatic stromal cells (HPSC) subjected to oxidized-LDL (OxLDL). Cell proliferation assays and EV characterization were performed to elucidate the involvement of EVs in the BPH.ResultsPro-atherogenic conditions significantly induced proliferation in murine prostatic cells and HPSC, while metformin demonstrated a mitigating effect on OxLDL-induced proliferation. Additionally, OxLDL augmented EV production and release by HPSC, thereby promoting further proliferation, highlighting a potential mechanism underlying BPH progression.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that pro-atherogenic conditions contributes to prostatic cell proliferation and EV production, influencing BPH progression. Metformin emerges as a promising therapeutic avenue for BPH management. This study underscores the intricate interplay between dyslipidemia, cell proliferation, and therapeutic targets in BPH pathogenesis.
Transportome remodeling of a symbiotic microalga inside a planktonic host
Authors: Juery C , Auladell A , Füssy Z , Chevalier F , Yee DP , Pelletier E , Corre E , Allen AE , Richter DJ , Decelle J 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACTMetabolic exchange is one of the foundations of symbiotic associations between organisms and is a driving force in evolution. In the ocean, photosymbiosis between heterotrophic host and microalgae is powered by photosynthesis and relies on the transfer of organic carbon to the host (e.g. sugars). Yet, the identity of transferred carbohydrates as well as the molecular mechanisms that drive this exchange remain largely unknown, especially in unicellular photosymbioses that are widespread in the open ocean. Combining genomics, single-holobiont transcriptomics and environmental metatranscriptomics, we revealed the transportome of the marine microalgaPhaeocystisin symbiosis within acantharia, with a focus on sugar transporters. At the genomic level, the sugar transportome ofPhaeocystisis comparable to non-symbiotic haptophytes. By contrast, we found significant remodeling of the expression of the transportome in symbiotic microalgae compared to the free-living stage. More particularly, 32% of sugar transporter genes were differentially expressed. Several of them, such as GLUTs, TPTs and aquaporins, with glucose, triose-phosphate sugars and glycerol as potential substrates, were upregulated at the holobiont and community level. We also showed that algal sugar transporter genes exhibit distinct temporal expression patterns during the day. This reprogrammed transportome indicates that symbiosis has a major impact on sugar fluxes within and outside the algal cell, and highlights the complexity and the dynamics of metabolic exchanges between partners. This study improves our understanding of the molecular players of the metabolic connectivity underlying the ecological success of planktonic photosymbiosis and paves the way for more studies on transporters across photosymbiotic models.
Putting boundaries in the middle of business model innovation: A framework to face megatrends in the digital and sustainable landscape
Authors: Capurro Rosita , Fiorentino Raffaele , Garzella Stefano 
Published: June 2024

PurposeThe paper aims to analyse the construct of business model innovation (BMI) in the digital and sustainable landscape, investigating the key role of boundary strategies. The paper advances a comprehensive framework aimed at further understanding the overlap among digitalization, sustainability and BMI development, by a “boundary approach”.Design/methodology/approachThe paper follows a theoretical approach based on an in-depth review of relevant literature on BMI, digitalization and sustainability as relevant megatrends and, boundary management. By critically integrating the literature, a framework is developed with the objective of supporting firms in the current transformation challenges.FindingsThe paper highlights the interplay among BMIs, megatrends and boundary management. The pressures and opportunities driven by the technological changes have made even more relevant the management of resources placed in the boundary area. Our study shows how firms can rethink their BMs in the digital and sustainable landscape by providing a boundary-based framework.Practical implicationsThe framework offers insights and guidelines to help practitioners manage the change processes dictated by digitalization and sustainability. The authors encourage a focus on boundary resources/capabilities to increase the effective management of the digitalization and sustainability processes, to grasp the external stimuli driven by these two megatrends and to develop new/renewed BMIs.Originality/valueThis study emphasizes the importance of developing new BMIs in the current digital and sustainable landscape starting from the analysis of firm’s boundaries. The paper enriches the BMI literature supporting the enhancement of boundary management, leading firms to overcome challenges in the digital and sustainable landscape.
Linking green entrepreneurial orientation and ambidextrous green innovation to stimulate green performance: a moderated mediation approach
Authors: Baquero Asier 
Published: June 2024

PurposeIn view of the significance of intangible organizational resources and firm sustainability, this study investigates the mediating role of ambidextrous green innovation and the moderating effects of resource orchestration capability in the relationship between green entrepreneurial orientation and green performance.Design/methodology/approachThe research employed a quantitative analysis technique using hierarchical linear regression and a moderated mediation approach on a sample of 409 managers from UAE manufacturing firms to investigate the proposed relationships among the variables.FindingsThe research results show that a firm’s green performance is influenced by its green entrepreneurial orientation. Green innovation, both exploratory and exploitative, mediates the link between green entrepreneurial orientation and green performance. Moreover, the association between green entrepreneurial orientation and exploitative green innovation, as well as between exploitative green innovation and a firm's green performance, is strengthened by resource orchestration capability. The findings of the moderated mediation show that when resource orchestration capacity is high, exploitative green innovation has a greater mediating effect on green entrepreneurial orientation and green performance.Practical implicationsThis study provides valuable insights for manufacturing firms to achieve sustainable performance and reduce their environmental impact. Firms should adopt proactive environmental strategies and innovative approaches to achieve sustainable green performance by adopting green entrepreneurship and establishing ambidextrous green innovation.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature on GEO, ambidextrous green innovation, resource orchestration capability, and green performance. These results provide insight into fostering green innovation in the manufacturing industry, deepen the theoretical foundation for green entrepreneurship, and advance the field of green entrepreneurship study.
Education and FinTech adoption: evidence from China
Authors: Wang Qi , Niu Geng , Zhou Yang , Gan Xu 
Published: June 2024

PurposeIn this paper, we explore the role of education in household financial technology (FinTech) adoption.Design/methodology/approachUsing representative nationwide household data from the 2017 China Household Finance Survey, we employ the change in China’s compulsory schooling law in the 1980s as an instrumental variable for educational attainment.FindingsWe find that among Chinese households, education has statistically significant and economically important effects on the use of various FinTech services, including digital banking, mobile payment, digital wealth management and digital consumer credit. Further analysis indicates that exogeneous increases in education lead to higher levels of financial literacy and social trust, both of which are potential drivers of FinTech adoption. Our findings provide new insights into the importance of education for household financial decision-making and technology adoption.Originality/valueThe contribution of our study is mainly twofold. First, we provide evidence on the role of education in household financial decision making. Second, this study adds to the literature on household adoption of technological innovation in finance. Our findings are also policy-relevant.
Serious gaming to explore and investigate disaster recovery gaps
Authors: Forrest Steven Ashley , De Ita Cecilia , Smith Kate , Davidson Giles , Amen-Thompson Patience Ejuma 
Published: June 2024

Purpose The purpose of this study is to understand the potential of serious gaming as an imaginative and creative method to collect data in disaster studies that address key concerns such as extractive research, power inequalities, and bridging the theory-practice gap in exploring post-disaster recovery.Design/methodology/approach Novel serious gaming approach deployed to connect theory-practice by identifying and co-analysing post-disaster recovery gaps in a workshop setting.Findings The serious game has value in bridging theory-practice divides, identifying and exploring gaps/solutions in post-flood recovery, and serving as a novel social science research approach for disaster studies.Practical implications Outlining a dialogic approach to knowledge construction between academics, practitioners, policymakers and community voices on post-disaster recovery.Social implications Fostering collaboration and knowledge construction on post-disaster recovery gaps across stakeholders is valuable in improving disaster resilience strategies that benefit communities affected by disasters.Originality/value The paper proposes a creative and co-developed serious game method of data collection for disaster studies.