bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of autonomous consumption of different sweet substances on the urinary proteome of mice
Authors: Wang Haitong , Gao Youhe 
Published: May 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo explore the possible effects on the organism by analysing changes in the urinary proteome of mice after autonomous consumption of different sweet substances.MethodsUrine samples were collected from C57BL/6l mice before and after active consumption of sweet substances. The sweet substances included sucrose, stevia glycosides, acesulfame, and sucralose, which are more widely used worldwide and can elicit a preference response in mice, and the concentrations of the non-nutritive sweeteners were chosen to be those that have been shown by existing studies to have the strongest preference response in mice. The analyses were performed by the non-labelled quantitative proteomics technique of high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and groups were screened for differential proteins in the urinary proteome for the analysis of protein functions and biological processes; comparisons of urinary proteomes before and after consumption of sweeteners by a single mouse were carried out; and side-by-side comparisons of different sweeteners were made.Results and ConclusionsUrine proteome could reflect the changes in the organism of mice after voluntary consumption of sweeteners, and the effects of different sweeteners on the urine proteome were not the same. Among the four sweeteners, sucralose and sucrose induced the most similar changes in the organism, and steviol glycosides induced the furthest changes in the organism; the changes induced by sucrose, acesulfame, and sucralose were similar, and steviol glycosides induced changes different from those of the other sweeteners. Stevia glycosides induced changes that were different from the other sweeteners. The urinary proteomic proteins that differed among the four sweeteners consumed autonomously by mice included proteins that have been reported to be associated with brain reward circuits, whereas only the urinary proteomic proteins that differed among the four sweeteners consumed autonomously by mice were associated with metabolic processes in large quantities after the voluntary consumption of sucrose, acesulfame, and sucralose, and the urinary proteomic proteins that differed among the four sweeteners consumed autonomously by mice were associated with the assembly of nucleosomes, gene expression, and other processes after the voluntary consumption of stevia glycosides.
Syncytiotrophoblast extracellular vesicles contain functional kynurenine metabolising enzymes: potential implications for preeclampsia
Authors: Logenthiran Prassana , Awoyemi Toluwalase , Wilbourne Morganne , Yu Zhanru , Kessler Benedikt , Escudero Carlos , Zhang Wei , Cerdeira Sofia , Vatish Manu 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundPlacentae of women with preeclampsia (PE) exhibit reduced levels of kynurenine (Kyn), a biological compound derived from tryptophan metabolism with antioxidant, vasorelaxant, and hypotensive properties. Little is known regarding functional levels of the Kyn metabolizing enzymes (KYNME) in women with preeclampsia. Since high circulating levels of syncytiotrophoblast extracellular vesicles (STB-EVs) have been associated with preeclampsia onset, we aimed to study whether Kyn reduction in preeclampsia may be attributed to increased degradation by KYNME present in STB-EVs.MethodsWe conducted a study that included women with normal (n=9) and early-onset preeclamptic (EOPE) pregnancies (n=9). From them, STB-EVs were isolated by dual-lobe placental perfusions from normal (n=3) and EOPE (n=3). KYNME were identified using placental immunohistochemistry and western blot in placental and STB-EV extractions. Serum Kyn levels were measured using gas chromatography mass spectrometry.ResultsCargo of STB-EVs consist of functional KYNME, which break down Kyn in a dose and time-dependent manner. No significant differences in the content of Kyn metabolizing enzymes were found in STB-EVs between normal and EOPE pregnancies. However, decreased serum levels of Kyn were found in women with EOPE relative to normal pregnancies.ConclusionSTB-EVs carry functional KYNME and may regulate the levels of circulating Kyn during normal pregnancy and preeclampsia. Due to the dose effect of increased STB-EVs in EOPE, the functional KYNME content of said vesicles may contribute to reduced levels of Kyn. This finding opens a new avenue for investigating the potential benefits of KYNME inhibitors in conjunction with kynurenine replacement for managing preeclampsia.
Nanobodies against the myelin enzyme CNPase as tools for structural and functional studies
Authors: Markusson Sigurbjörn , Raasakka Arne , Schröder Marcel , Sograte-Idrissi Shama , Rahimi Amir Mohammad , Asadpour Ommolbanin , Körner Henrike , Lodygin Dmitri , Eichel-Vogel Maria A. , Chowdhury Risha , Sutinen Aleksi , Muruganandam Gopinath , Iyer Manasi , Cooper Madeline H. , Weigel Maya K. , Ambiel Nicholas , Werner Hauke B. , Zuchero J. Bradley , Opazo Felipe , Kursula Petri 
Published: May 2024

Abstract2’,3’-cyclic nucleotide 3’-phosphodiesterase (CNPase) is an abundant constituent of central nervous system non-compact myelin, frequently used as a marker antigen for myelinating cells. The catalytic activity of CNPase, the 3’-hydrolysis of 2’,3’-cyclic nucleotides, is well characterisedin vitro, but thein vivofunction of CNPase remains unclear. CNPase interacts with the actin cytoskeleton to counteract the developmental closure of cytoplasmic channels that travel through compact myelin; its enzymatic activity may be involved in adenosine metabolism and RNA degradation. We developed a set of high-affinity nanobodies recognizing the phosphodiesterase domain of CNPase, and the crystal structures of each complex show that the five nanobodies have distinct epitopes. One of the nanobodies bound deep into the CNPase active site and acted as an inhibitor. Moreover, the nanobodies were characterised in imaging applications and as intrabodies, expressed in mammalian cells, such as primary oligodendrocytes. Fluorescently labelled nanobodies functioned in imaging of teased nerve fibers and whole brain tissue sections, as well as super-resolution microscopy. These anti-CNPase nanobodies provide new tools for structural and functional biology of myelination, including high-resolution imaging of nerve tissue.
Zika virus infection in a cell culture model reflects the transcriptomic signatures in patients
Authors: Berglund Gillian , Lennon Claudia D. , Badu Pheonah , Berglund J. Andrew , Pager Cara T. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractZika virus (ZIKV), a re-emerging flavivirus, is associated with devasting developmental and neurological disease outcomes particularly in infants infectedin utero. Towards understanding the molecular underpinnings of the unique ZIKV disease pathologies, numerous transcriptome-wide studies have been undertaken. Notably, these studies have overlooked the assimilation of RNA-seq analysis from ZIKV-infected patients with cell culture model systems. In this study we find that ZIKV-infection of human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells, mirrored both the transcriptional and alternative splicing profiles from previously published RNA-seq data of peripheral blood mononuclear cells collected from pediatric patients during early acute, late acute, and convalescent phases of ZIKV infection. Our analyses show that ZIKV infection in cultured cells correlates with transcriptional changes in patients, while the overlap in alternative splicing profiles was not as extensive. Overall, our data indicate that cell culture model systems support dissection of select molecular changes detected in patients and establishes the groundwork for future studies elucidating the biological implications of alternative splicing during ZIKV infection.
Post-transcriptional regulation of insulin mRNA storage by G3BP1/2+condensates in beta cells
Authors: Quezada Esteban , Vasiljevic Jovana , Pal Akshaye , Münster Carla , Friedland Daniela , Schöniger Eyke , Sönmez Anke , Seiler Annika , Roch Pascal , Wegbrod Carolin , Ganß Katharina , Knoch Klaus-Peter , Kipke Nicole , Alberti Simon , Nano Rita , Piemonti Lorenzo , Aust Daniela , Weitz Jürgen , Distler Marius , Solimena Michele 
Published: May 2024

AbstractHyperglycemia upregulates insulin translation in pancreatic beta cells. Several RNA- binding proteins involved in this process have been identified, including G3BP1, a stress granule marker downregulated in islets of subjects with type 2 diabetes. We show that in mouse insulinoma MIN6-K8 cells exposed to fasting glucose levels G3BP1 and its paralog G3BP2 colocalize to cytosolic condensates with eIF3b andIns1/2mRNA. Upon glucose stimulation, the condensates dissolve and G3BP1/2, eIF3b, and insulin mRNAs redistribute throughout the cytosol. Intriguingly, G3BP1+condensates in MIN6-K8 cells differ from sodium arsenate-induced stress granules in regards to eIF2α and AMPKα phosphorylation. Knockout ofG3BP1orG3BP2prevented condensate assembly, but onlyG3BP1deletion decreased the levels ofIns1/2mRNA and proinsulin and impaired polysome formation. Like glucose, other insulin secretagogues such as Exendin-4 and palmitate, but not high KCl, prompted the dissolution of G3BP1+condensates. G3BP1+/InsmRNA+condensates were also present in mouse and human beta cells from normoglycemic donors. Hence, G3BP1+condensates represent a glucose-regulated compartment for the physiological storage and protection of insulin mRNA in resting beta cells.
Loss of AATF ameliorates metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis by suppressing the AKT-mTORC1 signaling pathway
Authors: Srinivas Akshatha N. , Suresh Diwakar , Anirvan Prajna , Moorthy Manju , Ramaswamy Gopalkrishna , Nataraj Suma M. , Santhekadur Prasanna Kumar , Suvarna Deepak , Singh Shivaram P. , Kumar Divya P. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractMetabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a complex and multifaceted condition affecting over 30% of the world’s population. It is influenced by a range of molecular factors, making the identification of key disease drivers crucial for the development of targeted therapeutic strategies for MASH. Here, we demonstrate the impact of the loss of apoptosis antagonizing transcription factor (AATF) on MASH, uncovering detailed mechanisms through transcriptome and metabolome analysis. AAV8-mediated specific knockdown of AATF in hepatocytes significantly reduced body weight, liver weight, and insulin resistance in mice fed with western diet (WD). However, no such effects were observed in mice fed with chow diet (CD). Further analyses showed reduced liver injury, steatosis, and steatohepatitis in WDsiAATF mice. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated that loss of AATF alleviated cellular stress, inflammation, and fibrosis in WD-fed mice. Moreover, AATF silencing led to alterations in lipid metabolism, notably by decreasing hepatic lipogenesis in the WD mice. Interestingly, untargeted metabolomics revealed increased biosynthesis of glycerophospholipids and beta-oxidation of fatty acids in WDsiAATF mice. Our findings reveal the molecular link between AATF and hepatic lipid metabolism, mediated by modulation of the AKT-mTORC1 signaling pathway. Based on these findings, targeting AATF may offer a promising therapeutic avenue for treating MASH.
Molecular mechanism of the flotillin complex in membrane microdomain organization
Authors: Lu Ming-Ao , Qian Yunwen , Ma Liangwen , Guo Qiang , Gao Ning 
Published: May 2024

AbstractFlotillin-1 and flotillin-2, initially identified as markers of lipid rafts, assemble together as hetero-oligomers and facilitate the organization of flotillin membrane microdomains, which play a crucial role in various cellular processes, such as endocytosis, protein sorting, and vesicle trafficking. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying flotillin oligomerization and flotillin microdomain organization remain incompletely understood.Here we present the cryo-electron microscopy structure of the human flotillin complex, at an overall resolution of 3.57 Å. It demonstrates that flotillin-1 and-2 are alternately arranged to form a 44-mer ring structure. This dome-shaped complex is hollow and sealed, attaching to the cytoplasmic leaflet of the plasma membrane and encompassing a circular domain with a diameter of approximately 30 nm. These structural features demonstrate a direct role for the flotillin complex in segregating the membrane to organize an isolated microdomain and also suggests a potential regulatory role in sequestering its interacting proteins. The cryo-electron tomography study further demonstrates the structural plasticity of the flotillin complexes in situ, indicative of dynamic conformational changes during their functional activities. In addition, aggregations of the flotillin complexes on the plasma membrane or intracellular vesicles, are frequently observed. Our data suggest that the flotillin complex constitutes the basic structural unit of membrane microdomains, and the further clustering of flotillin complexes might facilitate the formation of larger and more elaborate membrane microdomains.These findings enhance our understanding of the architecture of the SPFH family proteins and their common role in membrane microdomain organization, and more importantly, provide models for explaining the diverse functions of flotillin proteins in different biological processes.
Co-dependent formation of theToxoplasma gondiisub-pellicular microtubules and inner membrane skeleton
Authors: Engelberg Klemens , Bauwens Ciara , Ferguson David J. P. , Gubbels Marc-Jan 
Published: May 2024

AbstractOne of the defining features of apicomplexan parasites is their cytoskeleton composed of alveolar vesicles, known as the inner membrane complex (IMC) undergirded by intermediate-like filament network and an array of subpellicular microtubules (SPMTs). InToxoplasma gondii, this specialized cytoskeleton is involved in all aspects of the disease-causing lytic cycle, and notably acting as a scaffold for parasite offspring in the internal budding process. Despite advances in our understanding of the architecture and molecular composition, insights pertaining to the coordinated assembly of the scaffold are still largely elusive. Here,T. gondiitachyzoites were dissected by advanced, iterative expansion microscopy (pan-ExM) revealing new insights into the very early sequential formation steps of the tubulin scaffold. A comparative study of the related parasiteSarcocystis neuronarevealed that different MT bundling organizations of the nascent SPMTs correlate with the number of central and basal alveolar vesicles.In absence of a so far identified MT nucleation mechanism, we genetically dissectedT. gondiiγ-tubulin and γ-tubulin complex protein 4 (GCP4). While γ-tubulin depletion abolished the formation of the tubulin scaffold, a set of MTs still formed that suggests SPMTs are nucleated at the outer core of the centrosome. Depletion of GCP4 interfered with the correct assembly of SPMTs into the forming daughter buds, further indicating that the parasite utilizes the γ-tubulin complex in tubulin scaffold formation.
The meaning of the home in the realm of Korean everyday life
Authors: Lee Keunhye 
Published: May 2024

Purpose This paper investigates the relationship between home spaces and social practice to explore how social practice informs the spatial typologies of the Korean home in the realm of everyday life. It identifies everyday activities socially embedded within the culture that contribute to a phenomenological understanding of the Korean home.Design/methodology/approach This paper incorporates a literature review of the conceptualisation of the traditional Korean home, as well as theoretical research concerning the spatial usage of the Korean home. This paper investigates (1) architectural and social aspects of traditional Korean homes, (2) social practice in the ondol, maru and madang as living spaces, and (3) the meaning of Korean home through analysis of spatial usages.Findings The analysis of the relationship between everyday activity and the home suggests that the Korean home is marked by (1) flexibility (changing the role and characteristics of individual components), (2) spatial extension (combining different areas), and (3) a blurred boundary between indoors and outdoors.Originality/value This paper considers the social and cultural aspects of the Korean home rather than its physical and architectural components; it demonstrates that the home as an everyday space holds both social and sacredness in a manner that is responsive to Korean cultural and social identity. Therefore, this paper will contribute to an understanding and provide knowledge of particular cultural types of the Korean home.
Establishment of a smart building assessment framework in the context of smart cities
Authors: Domingos Leonor , Sousa Maria José , Resende Ricardo , Pizarro Miranda Bernardo , Rego Susana , Ferreira Rúben 
Published: May 2024

PurposeThis study proposes an assessment framework for improving smart building performance in the broader context of smart city development, considering dimensions like environmental sustainability, building characteristics, intelligence, computation management and analytics. The framework is crafted to guide future research, aligning with the growing emphasis on sustainability and intelligence in evolving urban landscapes within smart cities.Design/methodology/approachIn the initial phase, the concepts of “Smart City” and “Smart Buildings” are analyzed through a systematic literature review, considering the impact of governance on city sustainability and growth, along with the role of public policies in transforming buildings and cities. The empirical research evaluates innovation levels in small and medium-sized European cities, proposing a new framework with validated dimensions and sub-dimensions. This validation involves input from international experts through a Focus Group.FindingsThe key research findings validate the new proposed assessment framework for smart buildings within smart city development. The experts’ insights align with and support the dimensions identified in the bibliographic research, providing a comprehensive understanding of the role of smart buildings in sustainable urban development.Originality/valueThis framework not only provides insights for a new model with specific dimensions and sub-dimensions but also serves as a guide for formulating strategies and policies to enhance innovation in these settings. The value of this approach is strengthened by the validation and consolidation process involving international experts in the field.
Disasters and gender in Japanese anime films: Makoto Shinkai’sYour NameandWeathering with You
Authors: Li Zhizi 
Published: May 2024

PurposeThis article focuses on the representations of natural hazards, disasters, gender roles and norms in Makoto Shinkai’s disaster-themed anime filmsYour Name(2016) andWeathering with You(2019).Design/methodology/approachThis article commences with a literature review on disasters, disaster films, gender in disasters and gender in disaster films; then, this article thoroughly investigates the portrayal of disasters and gender in the two films, drawing data from their narratives and plots.FindingsThis article finds that the two films’ depictions of disasters and gender adhere to the traditional patterns observed in Hollywood and Japanese disaster films. The natural hazards and disasters in the two films reflect real-world disasters that occurred in Japan’s recent decades, especially the 3.11 Tohoku earthquake in 2011. Traditional gender figures and prevalent heterosexual expectations in Japanese culture and society deeply influence the two films’ portrayal of gender roles and norms.Originality/valueNumerous academic works explored Hollywood disaster films, their representations of gender roles and norms in disaster themes. However, few focus on recent Japanese anime films such asYour NameandWeathering with You. This article aims to fill this gap.
Reasonable adjustment for inclusive development: a cautionary case study of Australian VET teachers’ experience
Authors: Nakar Sonal , Bagnall Richard G. 
Published: May 2024

PurposeVocational education and training (VET) in Australia has for some time been driven by an agenda of “reasonable adjustment”, in which practices are modified to ensure equitable access and participation by disadvantaged students. However, the growing marketization of VET has instead encouraged the use of more flexible approaches to attract and retain students from diverse backgrounds. They have thus paralleled and confounded reasonable adjustment practices for inclusive development. This study sought to identify the moral dilemmas experienced by VET teachers arising from implementing reasonable adjustment practices.Design/methodology/approachThis phenomenological research project used in-depth conversational interviews with 19 experienced VET teachers from a diversity of teaching fields to identify moral dilemmas experienced as arising from changes in their workplace contexts.FindingsOne of the identified dilemmas was responding flexibly to heightened student diversity, to which study participants largely responded by prioritising the economic imperative over social inclusion. Well-intended actions thus led to unintentionally damaging outcomes, raising important ethical questions about the relative value of economic and social development outcomes and the role of reasonable adjustment in their attainment. The study also highlights the lack of appropriate VET teacher training in managing ethical conflicts to minimise risks to themselves and their employing organizations.Originality/valueAs a case study of inclusive development policies in practice, this research may be seen as a cautionary tale for inclusive development policies in other countries with similarly strong VET economic and socially inclusive development policies for sustainability. The paper thus opens a dialogue for critical reflection on the current problems in a reasonable development approach in the field of comparative and international education. Those two parallel agendas have presented VET teachers and trainers with ethically challenging situations in which the economic and social development imperatives are experienced as being conflict with each other.
Explanatory and predictive analysis of smartphone security using protection motivation theory: a hybrid SEM-AI approach
Authors: Khan Naurin Farooq , Murtaza Hajra , Malik Komal , Mahmood Muzammil , Asadi Muhammad Aslam 
Published: May 2024

PurposeThis research aims to understand the smartphone security behavior using protection motivation theory (PMT) and tests the current PMT model employing statistical and predictive analysis using machine learning (ML) algorithms.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs a total of 241 questionnaire-based responses in a nonmandated security setting and uses multimethod approach. The research model includes both security intention and behavior making use of a valid smartphone security behavior scale. Structural equation modeling (SEM) – explanatory analysis was used in understanding the relationships. ML algorithms were employed to predict the accuracy of the PMT model in an experimental evaluation.FindingsThe results revealed that the threat-appraisal element of the PMT did not have any influence on the intention to secure smartphone while the response efficacy had a role in explaining the smartphone security intention and behavior. The ML predictive analysis showed that the protection motivation elements were able to predict smartphone security intention and behavior with an accuracy of 73%.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings imply that the response efficacy of the individuals be improved by cybersecurity training programs in order to enhance the protection motivation. Researchers can test other PMT models, including fear appeals to improve the predictive accuracy.Originality/valueThis study is the first study that makes use of theory-driven SEM analysis and data-driven ML analysis to bridge the gap between smartphone security’s theory and practice.