bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Organohalide respiration by aDesulforhopalus-dominated community
Authors: Zhang Chen , Atashgahi Siavash , Bosma Tom N.P. , Smidt Hauke 
Published: April 2023

AbstractDespite the fact that several potential organohalide-respiring bacteria (OHRB) were discovered in metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) in our previous study of marine sediments from Aarhus Bay, delineation of their roles and interactions are yet to be disentangled. Henceforth, obtaining corresponding pure cultures or more defined consortia would be highly instrumental for more detailed eco-physiological studies. To this end, we isolated a colony from an anaerobic slant tube culture inoculated with a stable PCE dehalogenating enrichment. Intriguingly, the derived culture exhibited debromination only, instead of PCE dechlorination, under sulfate-reducing conditions. The culture was capable of conserving energy for growth via debromination of 2,6-dibromophenol (2,6-DBP). Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequence data extracted from shot gun metagenome sequences revealed that a strain belonging toDesulforhopaluswas the predominant member of the consortium at a relative abundance of 29 %. Moreover, five bins (completeness > 85% and contamination < 3%) were assembled and all were identified as potentially new species (average nucleotide identity, ANI < 95%). Two bins from potential OHRB, bin.3 belonging toDesulfoplanes, and bin.4 belonging toMarinifilaceae, were found to encode reductive dehalogenase (RDase) genes, whereas bin.5 was found to contain a gene coding for thiolytic tetrachloro-p-hydroquinone (TPh-) RDase bearing 23.4 % identity to TPh-RDase ofSphingobium chlorophenolicum. The expression of all three RDase genes was strongly-induced after adding 2,6-DBP. Acetylene, a known inhibitor of different redox-active metalloenzymes, was found to inhibit methanogenesis as well as reductive dehalogenation without affecting gene expression, suggesting post-transcriptional inhibition. Phylogenomic analyses revealed the ecological importance of complementary roles of community members, including completede novovitamin B12 biosynthesis, which agreed with physiological data. Altogether, the findings presented here provided insight into the mutualism of the consortium and provided leads for synthetic OHR community optimization strategies forin situbioremediation.
Human fetal virtual histology with X-ray phase contrast imaging
Authors: Vérot Pierre-Louis , Charnay Laura , Tavakoli Clément , Singh Shifali , Quénot Laurène , Cruz Eva Solé , Barnat Monia , Humbert Sandrine , Dommergues Marc , Durr Alexandra , Piolat Christian , Rabattu Pierre-Yves , Brun Emmanuel 
Published: April 2023

AbstractHuman fetal analysis is of fundamental importance in understanding normal and pathological development. Congenital malformations and prenatal deaths are commonly linked to alterations of organs formation during embryonic and fetal life. Normal and pathological developments are not completely understood yet, because access to human fetal samples is difficult and exploratory means are scarce.Here we show the first X-ray phase contrast images ofpost mortemhuman fetuses performed at the tissue scale. Imaging was performed on both an entire sample and isolated organs at higher resolution.X-ray phase contrast imaging is based on the detection of refraction of a high energy X-ray beam after sample exposure. We were able to produce a tomographic imaging of human fetal tissues at the beginning of their second trimester at resolutions of 23 µm, 6 µm and 3 µm with high contrast on soft tissues.Our results demonstrate how X-ray phase contrast imaging is a promising technique for human development analysis as it gives high-contrast and high-resolution results for soft and hard tissues.We assume this technique to be a reference in the future of human development studies as it is conservative for rare and precious human specimens.
Plasmodium falciparumcontains functional SCF and CRL4 ubiquitin E3 ligases, and CRL4 is critical for cell division and membrane integrity
Authors: Rizvi Zeba , Reddy G. Srinivas , Gorde Somesh M. , Pundir Priyanka , Das Divya , Sijwali Puran Singh 
Published: April 2023

AbstractProtein ubiquitination is essential for cellular homeostasis and regulation of several processes, including cell division and genome integrity. Ubiquitin E3 ligases determine substrate specificity for ubiquitination, and Cullin-RING ubiquitin E3 Ligases (CRLs) make the largest group among the ubiquitin E3 ligases. Although conserved and most studied in model eukaryotes, CRLs remain underappreciated inPlasmodiumand related parasites. To investigate the CRLs of human malaria parasitePlasmodium falciparum, we generated parasites expressing taggedP. falciparumcullin-1 (PfCullin-1), cullin-2 (PfCullin-2), Rbx1 (PfRbx1) and Skp1 (PfSkp1). PfCullin-1 and PfCullin-2 were predominantly expressed in erythrocytic trophozoite and schizont stages, with nucleocytoplasmic localization and chromatin association, suggesting their roles in different cellular compartments and DNA-associated processes. Immunoprecipitation,in vitroprotein-protein interaction and ubiquitination assay confirmed the presence of a functional SCF (PfSCF), comprising of PfCullin-1, PfRbx1, PfSkp1, PfFBXO1 and calcyclin binding protein. Immunoprecipitation, sequence analysis and ubiquitination assay indicated that PfCullin-2 forms a functional human CRL4-like complex (PfCRL4), consisting of PfRbx1, cleavage and polyadenylation specific factor subunit_A and WD40 repeat proteins. PfCullin-2 knock-down at the protein level, which would hinder PfCRL4 assembly, significantly decreased asexual and sexual erythrocytic stage development. Several pathways, including protein translation and folding, lipid biosynthesis and transport, DNA replication, and protein degradation were dysregulated upon PfCullin-2-depletion, which likely reflects association of PfCRL4 with multiple pathways. Consistent with dysregulation of multiple pathways, PfCullin-2-depleted schizonts had poorly delimited merozoites and internal membraned structures, suggesting a role of PfCRL4 in maintaining membrane integrity. PfCullin-2-depleted parasites had significantly lower number of nuclei/parasite than the normal parasites, indicating a crucial role of PfCRL4 in cell division. Taken together, we for the first time demonstrate the presence of functional CRLs inP. falciparum, with crucial roles for PfCRL4 in cell division and maintaining membrane integrity. This study will benefit investigation of similar ligases in related parasites.
BOUNTI: Brain vOlumetry and aUtomated parcellatioN for 3D feTal MRI
Authors: Uus Alena U. , Kyriakopoulou Vanessa , Makropoulos Antonios , Fukami-Gartner Abi , Cromb Daniel , Davidson Alice , Cordero-Grande Lucilio , Price Anthony N. , Grigorescu Irina , Williams Logan Z. J. , Robinson Emma C. , Lloyd David , Pushparajah Kuberan , Story Lisa , Hutter Jana , Counsell Serena J. , Edwards A. David , Rutherford Mary A. , Hajnal Joseph V. , Deprez Maria 
Published: April 2023

AbstractFetal MRI is widely used for quantitative brain volumetry studies. However, currently, there is a lack of universally accepted protocols for fetal brain parcellation and segmentation. Published clinical studies tend to use different segmentation approaches that also reportedly require significant amounts of time-consuming manual refinement. In this work, we propose to address this challenge by developing a new robust deep learning-based fetal brain segmentation pipeline for 3D T2w motion corrected brain images. At first, we defined a new refined brain tissue parcellation protocol with 19 regions-of-interest using the new fetal brain MRI atlas from the Developing Human Connectome Project. This protocol design was based on evidence from histological brain atlases, clear visibility of the structures in individual subject 3D T2w images and the clinical relevance to quantitative studies. It was then used as a basis for developing an automated deep learning brain tissue parcellation pipeline trained on 360 fetal MRI datasets with different acquisition parameters using semi-supervised approach with manually refined labels propagated from the atlas. The pipeline demonstrated robust performance for different acquisition protocols and GA ranges. Analysis of tissue volumetry for 390 normal participants (21-38 weeks gestational age range), scanned with three different acquisition protocols, did not reveal significant differences for major structures in the growth charts. Only minor errors were present in < 15% of cases thus significantly reducing the need for manual refinement. In addition, quantitative comparison between 65 fetuses with ventriculomegaly and 60 normal control cases were in agreement with the findings reported in our earlier work based on manual segmentations. These preliminary results support the feasibility of the proposed atlas-based deep learning approach for large-scale volumetric analysis. The created fetal brain volumetry centiles and a docker with the proposed pipeline are publicly available online athttps://hub.docker.com/r/fetalsvrtk/segmentation(tag brain bounti tissue).
BATF relieves hepatic steatosis by inhibiting PD1 and promoting energy metabolism
Authors: Zhang Zhiwang , Liao Qichao , Pan Tingli , Yu Lin , Luo Zupeng , Su Songtao , Liu Shi , Hou Menglong , Li Yixing , Damba Turtushikh , Liang Yunxiao , Zhou Lei 
Published: April 2023

SummaryThe rising prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become a global health threat that needs to be addressed urgently. Basic leucine zipper ATF-like transcription factor (BATF) is commonly thought to be involved in immunity, but its effect on lipid metabolism is not clear. Here, we investigated the function of BATF in hepatic lipid metabolism. BATF alleviated high-fat diet (HFD)-induced hepatic steatosis and inhibited elevated programmed cell death protein (PD)1 expression induced by HFD. A mechanistic study confirmed that BATF regulated fat accumulation by inhibiting PD1 expression and promoting energy metabolism. PD1 antibodies alleviated hepatic lipid deposition. In conclusion, we identified the regulatory role of BATF in hepatic lipid metabolism and that PD1 is a target for alleviation of NAFLD. This study provides new insights into the relationship between BATF, PD1 and NAFLD.
Proline provides a nitrogen source in the retinal pigment epithelium to synthesize and export amino acids for the neural retina
Authors: Zhu Siyan , Xu Rong , Engel Abbi L. , Wang Yekai , McNeel Rachel , Hurley James B. , Chao Jennifer R. , Du Jianhai 
Published: April 2023

AbstractIt is known that metabolic defects in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) can cause degeneration of its neighboring photoreceptors in the retina, leading to retinal degenerative diseases such as age-related macular degeneration. However, how RPE metabolism supports the health of the neural retina remains unclear. The retina requires exogenous nitrogen sources for protein synthesis, neurotransmission, and energy metabolism. Using15N tracing coupled with mass spectrometry, we found human RPE can utilize the nitrogen in proline to produce and export 13 amino acids, including glutamate, aspartate, glutamine, alanine and serine. Similarly, we found this proline nitrogen utilization in the mouse RPE/Cho but not in the neural retina of explant cultures. Co-culture of human RPE with the retina showed that the retina can take up the amino acids, especially glutamate, aspartate and glutamine, generated from proline nitrogen in the RPE. Intravenous delivery of15N prolinein vivodemonstrated15N-derived amino acids appear earlier in the RPE before the retina. We also found proline dehydrogenase (PRODH), the key enzyme in proline catabolism, is highly enriched in the RPE but not the retina. The deletion of PRODH blocks proline nitrogen utilization in RPE and the import of proline nitrogen-derived amino acids in the retina. Our findings highlight the importance of RPE metabolism in supporting nitrogen sources for the retina, providing insight into understanding the mechanisms of the retinal metabolic ecosystem and RPE-initiated retinal degenerative diseases.
Use of a human small airway epithelial cell line to study the interactions ofAspergillus fumigatuswith pulmonary epithelial cells
Authors: Liu Hong , Lin Jianfeng , Phan Quynh T. , Gravelat Fabrice N. , Sheppard Donald C. , Filler Scott G. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractDuring the initiation of invasive aspergillosis, inhaledAspergillus fumigatusconidia are deposited on the epithelial cells lining the bronchi, terminal bronchioles, and alveoli. While the interactions ofA. fumigatuswith bronchial and type II alveolar cell lines have been investigatedin vitro, little is known about the interactions of this fungus with terminal bronchiolar epithelial cells. We compared the interactions ofA. fumigatuswith the A549 type II alveolar epithelial cell line and the HSAEC1-KT human small airway epithelial (HSAE) cell line. We found thatA. fumigatusconidia were poorly endocytosed by A549 cells, but avidly endocytosed by HSAE cells.A. fumigatusgermlings invaded both cell types by induced endocytosis, but not by active penetration. A549 cell endocytosis ofA. fumigatuswas independent of fungal viability, more dependent on host microfilaments than microtubules, and induced byA. fumigatusCalA interacting with host cell integrin α5β1. By contrast, HSAE cell endocytosis required fungal viability, was more dependent on microtubules than microfilaments, and did not require CalA or integrin α5β1. HSAE cells were more susceptible than A549 cells to damage caused by direct contact with killedA. fumigatusgermlings and by secreted fungal products. In response toA. fumigatusinfection, A549 cells secreted a broader profile of cytokines and chemokines than HSAE cells. Taken together, these results demonstrate that studies of HSAE cells provide complementary data to A549 cells and thus represent a useful model for probing the interactions ofA. fumigatuswith bronchiolar epithelial cellsin vitro.ImportanceDuring the initiation of invasive aspergillosis,Aspergillus fumigatusinvades, damages, and stimulates the epithelial cells that line the airways and alveoli. Previous studies ofA. fumigatus- epithelial cell interactionsin vitrohave used either large airway epithelial cell lines or the A549 type II alveolar epithelial cell line. The interactions of fungi with terminal bronchiolar epithelial cells have not been investigated. Here, we compared the interactions ofA. fumigatuswith A549 cells and the Tert-immortalized human small airway epithelial HSAEC1-KT (HSAE) cell line. We discovered thatA. fumigatusinvades and damages these two cell lines by distinct mechanisms. Also, the proinflammatory responses of the cell lines toA. fumigatusare different. These results provide insight into howA. fumigatusinteracts with different types of epithelial cells during invasive aspergillosis and demonstrate that HSAE cells are useful in vitro model for investigating the interactions of this fungus with bronchiolar epithelial cells.
Synthesis, crystal structure and thermal decomposition pathway of bis(isoselenocyanato-κN)tetrakis(pyridine-κN)manganese(II)
Authors: Näther Christian , Mangelsen Sebastian , Boeckmann Jan 
Published: April 2023

The reaction of MnCl2·2H2O with KSeCN and pyridine in water leads to the formation of the title complex, [Mn(NCSe)2(C5H5N)4], which is isotypic to its Fe, Co, Ni, Zn and Cd analogues. In its crystal structure, discrete complexes are observed that are located on centres of inversion. The Mn cations are octahedrally coordinated by four pyridine coligands and two selenocyanate anions that coordinate via the N atom to the metal centres to generate trans-MnN(s)2N(p)4 octahedra (s = selenocyanate and p = pyridine). In the extended structure, weak C—H...Se contacts are observed. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) investigations prove that a pure sample was obtained and in the IR and Raman spectra, the C—N stretching vibrations are observed at 2058 and 2060 cm−1, respectively, in agreement with the terminal coordination of the selenocyanate anions. Thermogravimetric investigations reveal that the pyridine coligands are removed in two separate steps. In the first mass loss, a compound with the composition Mn(NCSe)2(C5H5N)2 is formed, whereas in the second mass loss, the remaining pyridine ligands are removed, which is superimposed with the decomposition of Mn(NCSe)2 formed after ligand removal. In the intermediate compound Mn(NCSe)2(C5H5N)2, the CN stretching vibration is observed at 2090 cm−1 in the Raman and at 2099 cm−1 in the IR spectra, indicating that the Mn cations are linked by μ-1,3-bridging anionic ligands. PXRD measurements show that a compound has formed that is of poor crystallinity. A comparison of the powder pattern with that calculated for the previously reported Cd(NCSe)2(C5H5N)2 indicates that these compounds are isotypic, which was proven by a Pawley fit.
Delicious promoter of the restaurant business: measuring impact of supply chain, brand personality and CSR on brand equity development
Authors: Huang Yung-Chuan 
Published: April 2023

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to discuss the importance of customer-based brand equity (CBBE) and identify the critical attributes of how to develop CBBE during the most difficult time of the COVID-19 pandemic.Design/methodology/approachThis study collected 386 restaurant managers' viewpoints to examine the mutual relationships among CBBE and other critical attributes of corporate social responsibility (CSR), electronic word of mouth (EWOM) and brand personality. Furthermore, structural equation modeling (SEM) was conducted to examine the proposed moderation and mediation hypotheses.FindingsThe results show that corporate social responsibility (CSR) mediates the relationship between brand personality and brand image. Furthermore, the mutual relationship among CBBE is discovered in that brand image may indirectly affect brand loyalty through perceived quality and brand awareness. Furthermore, with the reliance on social media, the moderating roles of electronic word of mouth (EWOM) are also revealed that strengthen the indirect effect of brand personality on brand awareness through CSR and brand image.Originality/valueWith the increasing attention to CBBE, which aims at tourism destination brand equity, hotel branding from the customer perspective, restaurant managers' viewpoints are not considered. Further, because of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, customers are paying more attention to food safety and food delivery processes, which are important for CSR and connected to CBBE. However, until now, fewer studies have addressed these issues as such. The present study reflects the bidirectional effects of such a comprehensive viewpoint.
Exploring corporate environmental ethics and green creativity as antecedents of green competitive advantage, sustainable production and financial performance: empirical evidence from manufacturing firms
Authors: Baah Charles , Agyabeng-Mensah Yaw , Afum Ebenezer , Lascano Armas Johana Andrea 
Published: April 2023

PurposeEnvironmental degradation in emerging economies has induced stakeholder pressures on diverse firms to ensure sustainable business performance. Consequently, firms are adopting environmentally ethical cultures and reinforcing green creativity to satisfy stakeholders' environmental needs while attaining green competitive advantage, sustainable production and higher financial performance. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether corporate environmental ethics and green creativity serve as antecedents to higher competitiveness, sustainable production and financial performance, and also examine if green competitive advantage and sustainable production mediate the relationships between corporate environmental ethics, green creativity and financial performance in the context of an emerging economy.Design/methodology/approachThis study using a survey approach examined data from 290 manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises. Data were analyzed and interpreted using SmartPLS 3.0 software, a variance-based structural equation modelling technique. This modelling technique was adopted due to its suitability for predictive research models.FindingsThe findings show that corporate environmental ethics and green creativity are critical antecedents to green competitive advantage, sustainable production and financial performance. The results connote that while corporate environmental ethics and green creativity directly and robustly influence green competitive advantage, sustainable production and financial performance, their effect on financial performance is strengthened via the indirect effects of green competitive advantage and sustainable production. Contrasting past findings, corporate environmental ethics negatively related to financial performance in this study context. The findings indicate that the integration of environmental ethics and green creativity can be a unique strategy for mitigating environmental negative risks while improving green competitive advantage, sustainable production and financial performance.Originality/valueThe study is among the few that draws insights from organizational ethics and the natural resource-based view (NRBV) to examine the interactions between corporate environmental ethics, green creativity, green competitive advantage, sustainable production and financial performance. Drawing insights from the findings, the study provides suggestions for managers, academicians, policymakers and governments as well as highlights implications and directions for future research.
Comparative analysis of selected process maturity assessment models applied in the public sector
Authors: Gębczyńska Alicja , Vladova Katya 
Published: April 2023

PurposeDespite the multitude of publications concerning the process maturity assessment models applied in the private sector, the matter of the choice of a process maturity assessment model is not so unambiguous in the public sector. The goal of this article is to identify process maturity assessment models applicable to the public sector.Design/methodology/approachLiterature review, enabling identification of process maturity assessment models applicable to the public sector. Comparative analysis, making it possible to identify the advantages and disadvantages of the selected maturity assessment models.FindingsModels enabling assessment of process maturity and e-government maturity applicable to the public sector have been identified. Potential benefits and limitations specific to the analysed models have been established.Practical implicationsThe publication indicates which process maturity assessment models can be successfully applied in the public sector. As such, it provides important support for the public sector in the decision-making process concerning the choice and implementation of a specific process maturity assessment model.Originality/valueThis is one of the few study which refers to a comprehensive review and analysis of process maturity assessment models applicable to the public sector. As the relevant contribution, it clarifies the relationships and differences between process and e-government maturity assessment models. This study provides important aid to both practitioners and theorists in terms of the selection of a process maturity assessment model against specific research needs.