bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Green algae CO2capture is powered by alternative electron pathways of photosynthesis
Authors: Peltier Gilles , Stoffel Carolyne , Findinier Justin , Madireddi Sai Kiran , Dao Ousmane , Epting Virginie , Morin Amélie , Grossman Arthur , Li-Beisson Yonghua , Burlacot Adrien 
Published: August 2023

AbstractOn Earth, microalgae contribute to about half of global net photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, sunlight is converted into chemical energy (ATP and NADPH) used by metabolism to convert CO2into biomass. Alternative electron pathways of photosynthesis have been proposed to generate additional ATP that is required for sustaining CO2fixation, but the relative importance of each pathway remains elusive. Here, we dissect and quantify the contribution of cyclic, pseudo-cyclic and chloroplast to mitochondria electron flows for their ability to sustain net photosynthesis in the microalgaChlamydomonas reinhardtii. We show that each pathway has the potential to energize substantial CO2fixation, can compensate each other, and that the additional energy requirement to fix CO2is more than 3 times higher than previous estimations. We further show that all pathways have very different efficiencies at energizing CO2fixation, with the chloroplast-mitochondria interaction being the most efficient, thus laying bioenergetic foundations for biotechnological improvement of CO2capture.
Germline mitotic quiescence and programmed cell death are induced inC. elegansby exposure to pathogenicP. aeruginosa
Authors: Bollen Daniel P. , Reddy Kirthi C. , Kim Dennis H. , Colaiácovo Monica P. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe impact of exposure to microbial pathogens on animal reproductive capacity and germline physiology is not well understood. The nematodeCaenorhabditis elegansis a bacterivore that encounters pathogenic microbes in its natural environment. How pathogenic bacteria affect host reproductive capacity ofC. elegansis not well understood. Here, we show that exposure ofC. eleganshermaphrodites to the Gram-negative pathogenPseudomonas aeruginosacauses a marked reduction in brood size with concomitant reduction in the number of nuclei in the germline and gonad size. We define two processes that are induced that contribute to the decrease in the number of germ cell nuclei. First, we observe that infection withP. aeruginosaleads to the induction of programmed germ cell death. Second, we observe that this exposure induces mitotic quiescence in the proliferative zone of theC. elegansgonad. Importantly, these processes appear to be reversible; when animals are removed from the presence ofP. aeruginosa, germ cell death is abated, germ cell nuclei numbers increase, and brood sizes recover. The reversible germline dynamics during exposure toP. aeruginosamay represent an adaptive response to improve survival of progeny and may serve to facilitate resource allocation that promotes survival during pathogen infection.
Self-tests for COVID-19: what is the evidence? A living systematic review and meta-analysis (2020-2023)
Authors: Anand Apoorva , Vialard Fiorella , Esmail Aliasgar , Khan Faiz Ahmad , O’Byrne Patrick , Routy Jean-Pierre , Dheda Keertan , Pai Nitika Pant 
Published: August 2023

AbstractCOVID-19 self-testing strategy (COVIDST) can rapidly identify symptomatic and asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals and their contacts, potentially reducing transmission. In this living systematic review, we evaluated the evidence for real-world COVIDST performance. Two independent reviewers searched six databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, World Health Organization database, Cochrane COVID-19 registry, Europe PMC) for the period April 1st, 2020, to January 18th, 2023. Data on studies evaluating COVIDST against laboratory-based conventional testing and reported on diagnostic accuracy, feasibility, acceptability, impact, and qualitative outcomes were abstracted. Bivariate random effects meta-analyses of COVIDST accuracy were performed (n=14). Subgroup analyses (by sampling site, symptomatic/asymptomatic infection, supervised/unsupervised strategy, with/without digital supports) were conducted. Data from 70 included studies, conducted across 25 countries with a median sample size of 817 (range: 28-784,707) were pooled. Specificity was high overall, irrespective of subgroups (98.37-99.71%). Highest sensitivities were reported for: a) symptomatic individuals (73.91%, 95%CI: 68.41-78.75%; n=9), b) mid-turbinate nasal samples (77.79%, 95%CI: 56.03-90.59%; n=14), c) supervised strategy (86.67%, 95%CI: 59.64-96.62%; n=13), and d) presence of digital interventions (70.15%, 95%CI: 50.18-84.63%; n=14). Sensitivity was lower in asymptomatic populations (40.18%, 95% CI: 21.52-62.20%; n=4), due to errors in test conduct and absence of supervision or a digital support. We found no difference in COVIDST sensitivity between delta and omicron pre-dominant period. Digital supports increased confidence in COVIDST reporting and interpretation (n=16). Overall acceptability was 91.0-98.7% (n=2) with lower acceptability reported for daily self-testing (39.5-51.1%). Feasibility was 69.0-100.0% (n=5) with lower feasibility (35.9-64.6%) for serial self-testing. COVIDST decreased closures in school, workplace, and social events (n=4). COVIDST is an effective rapid screening strategy for home-, workplace- or school-based screening, for symptomatic persons, and for preventing transmission during outbreaks. This data is useful for updating COVIDST policy. Our review demonstrates that COVIDST has paved the way for the introduction of self-tests, worldwide.
Outsmarting refractory glioblastoma usingin silicoguided, phage display derived peptides targeting oncogenic EGFRvIII
Authors: Kodengil Vettath Sunitha , Loghanathan Malarvizhi Giridharan , Menon Krishnakumar N , Sumitra Vijayachandran Lakshmi 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACTEGFRvIII mutation contributes to tumor aggressiveness and poor prognosis in multiple cancers. Despite being tumor-specific, EGFRvIII are not readily detected since they coexist with EGFR. Here, we developed novel, aqueous-dispersible peptides (1-15 kDa) that can detect and actively target EGFRvIII expressing refractory tumors, while sparing wild-type EGFR and normal astrocytes. Based onin silicomolecular modeling, docking and biologics-based approaches, four EGFRvIII-targeting peptides were identified using phage display technology employing a) antibody fragments (AF), and b) random peptide library (RPL). Among RPL-based peptides, RB5 showed appreciable interactions with EGFRvIII receptor, as indicated by binding energy of -10.6 kcal/mol,in silico. In vitrobinding studies using ELISA and immunocytochemistry further confirmed that RB5 could specifically target EGFRvIII+ glioblastoma cell, U87MG.ΔEGFR. Interestingly, AF-based peptide, H13, also showed considerable specificity towards U87MG.ΔEGFR. Importantly, these peptides exerted no cytotoxicity (MTS assay), or affected the downstream phosphorylation (western blot) in EGFRvIII cells. Thus, our study demonstrated that rationally designed peptide molecules can precisely target EGFRvIII tumors with minimal or no intracellular signaling interference. Owing to simple molecular architectures, these non-toxic, aqueous-dispersible peptides hold strong potential for conjugation with antitumor drugs and therapeutic nanoparticles for treating EGFRvIII positive refractory cancers.
Functional recovery associated with dendrite regeneration in PVD neuron ofC. elegans
Authors: Brar Harjot Kaur , Dey Swagata , Singh Pallavi , Pande Devashish , Ghosh-Roy Anindya 
Published: August 2023

AbstractPVD neuron ofC. elegansis a highly polarized cell with well-defined axonal, and dendritic compartments. PVD neuron operates in multiple sensory modalities controlling both nociceptive touch sensation and body posture. Although both axon and dendrites of this neuron show regeneration response following laser-assisted injury, it is rather unclear how the behavior associated with this neuron is affected by the loss of these structures. It is also unclear whether neurite regrowth would lead to functional restoration in these neurons. Upon axotomy, using a femtosecond laser, we saw that harsh touch response was specifically affected leaving the body posture unperturbed. Subsequently, recovery in the touch response is highly correlated to the axon regrowth, which was dependent on DLK-1 MAP Kinase. Dendrotomy of both major and minor primary dendrites affected the wavelength and amplitude of sinusoidal movement without any apparent effect on harsh touch response. We further correlated the recovery in posture behavior to the type of dendrite regeneration events. We found that dendrite regeneration with the fusion and reconnection between the proximal and distal branches of the injured dendrite corresponded to improved recovery of posture. Our data revealed that the axons and dendrites differentially regulate the functions of PVD neurons. It also revealed that dendrite and axon regeneration are both functionally and molecularly distinct.
Protective effects of Mkl1/2 against lipodystrophy and muscle atrophy via PI3K/AKT-independent FoxO repression
Authors: Kubo Atsushi , Hitachi Keisuke , Shirakawa Ryutaro , Ogura Toshihiko 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACTFoxO transcription factors are involved in the pathogenesis of lipodystrophy and muscle atrophy. FoxO proteins are phosphorylated and inactivated by PI3K/AKT signaling; however, little is known about FoxO repressors other than this pathway. Our study showed that the Srf cofactors Mkl1 and Mkl2 directly repressed FoxO transcriptional activity, independent of the PI3K/AKT pathway. Loss ofMkl1/2led to the overactivation of FoxO, which impaired the maintenance of both white adipose tissue (WAT) and skeletal muscle. InMkl2-deficient preadipocytes,Pparγwas suppressed and white adipogenesis was severely impaired. In myotubes, Mkl1 and Mkl2 suppressed the expression of atrophy-related genes (atrogenes) induced by FoxO.Mkl1expression was reduced at the onset of muscle atrophyin vivo, and exogenous supplementation of skeletal muscle Mkl1 suppressed atrogene expression and induced muscle hypertrophy. Finally, both Mkl2 nuclear localization andMkl1/2expression were upregulated by exercise, suggesting thatMkl1/2is involved in the inhibitory effect of exercise on muscle atrophy. These findings indicate that Mkl1/2 act as PI3K/AKT signaling-independent repressors of FoxO and are essential for adipose and muscle tissue homeostasis.
The effects of reference panel perturbations on the accuracy of genotype imputation
Authors: Li Jeremiah H. , Liu Andrew , Buerkle C. Alex , Palmer William , Belbin Gillian M. , Ahangari Mohammad , Gibson Matthew J.S. , Flagel Lex 
Published: August 2023

AbstractReference-based genotype imputation is a standard technique that has become increasingly popular in large-scale studies involving genomic data. The two key elements involved in the process of genotype imputation are (1) the haplotype reference panel to which a target individual is being imputed, and (2) the imputation algorithm used to infer missing genotypes in the target individual. The imputation literature has historically focused mainly on (2), with a typical comparative study investigating the relative performance of various imputation algorithms while holding the reference panel constant. However, the role of the reference panel itself (1) on overall imputation performance is equally, if not more, important than the choice among many high-performing algorithms. Even though it is intuitive that the quality of a reference panel should play a role in the accuracy of imputation, it is nonetheless unclear to what extent common errors during panel creation (e.g., genotyping and phase error) lead to suboptimal imputation performance. In this study, we investigate the effects of applying three distinct modes of perturbations to a widely used haplotype reference panel in human genetics on the resulting imputation accuracy. Specifically, we perturb the reference panel by (1) randomly introducing phase errors, (2) randomly introducing genotype errors, and (3) randomly pruning variants from the panel (all at varying magnitudes). We then impute a set of diverse individuals at various sequencing coverages (0.5x, 1.0x, and 2.0x) to these various perturbed panels and evaluate imputation accuracy using ther2metric for the entire cohort as well as ancestry-stratified subsets. We observe that both phase- and genotype-perturbations can dramatically affect imputation accuracy, particularly at very low allele frequencies, while pruning variants has a far smaller effect. We then empirically verified that our simulations reliably predict the impact of potential filtering techniques in a real-world dataset. In the context of haplotype reference panels, these results suggest that phasing and genotyping accuracy are far more important than the density of a reference panel used for imputation.
The SARM1 TIR domain produces glycocyclic ADPR molecules as minor products
Authors: Garb Jeremy , Amitai Gil , Lu Allen , Ofir Gal , Brandis Alexander , Mehlman Tevie , Kranzusch Philip J. , Sorek Rotem 
Published: August 2023

AbstractSterile alpha and TIR motif-containing 1 (SARM1) is a protein involved in programmed death of injured axons. Following axon injury or a drug-induced insult, the TIR domain of SARM1 degrades the essential molecule nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), leading to a form of axonal death called Wallerian degeneration. Degradation of NAD+by SARM1 is essential for the Wallerian degeneration process, but accumulating evidence suggest that other activities of SARM1, beyond the mere degradation of NAD+, may be necessary for programmed axonal death. In this study we show that the TIR domains of both human and fruit fly SARM1 produce 1′′–2′ and 1′′–3′ glycocyclic ADP-ribose (gcADPR) molecules as minor products. As previously reported, we observed that SARM1 TIR domains mostly convert NAD+to ADPR (for human SARM1) or cADPR (in the case of SARM1 fromDrosophila melanogaster). However, we now show that human andDrosophilaSARM1 additionally convert ∼0.1–0.5% of NAD+into gcADPR molecules. We find that SARM1 TIR domains produce gcADPR molecules both when purifiedin vitroand when expressed in bacterial cells. Given that gcADPR is a second messenger involved in programmed cell death in bacteria and likely in plants, we propose that gcADPR may play a role in SARM1-induced programmed axonal death in animals.
Female specific dysfunction of sensory neocortical circuits in a mouse model of autism mediated by mGluR5 and Estrogen Receptor α
Authors: Molinaro Gemma , Bowles Jacob E. , Croom Katilynne , Gonzalez Darya , Mirjafary Saba , Birnbaum Shari , Razak Khaleel A. , Gibson Jay R. , Huber Kimberly M. 
Published: August 2023

SummaryAutism manifests differently in males and females and the brain mechanisms that mediate these sex-dependent differences are unknown. Here, we demonstrate that deletion of the ASD-risk gene,Pten,in neocortical pyramidal neurons (NSEPtenKO) results in robust hyperexcitability of local neocortical circuits in female, but not male, mice, observed as prolonged, spontaneous persistent activity states (UP states). Circuit hyperexcitability in NSEPtenKO mice is mediated by enhanced and/or altered signaling of metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) and estrogen receptor α (ERα) to ERK and protein synthesis selectively inPtendeleted female neurons. In support of this idea,Ptendeleted Layer 5 cortical neurons have female-specific increases in mGluR5 and mGluR5-driven protein synthesis. In addition, mGluR5-ERα complexes are elevated in female cortex and genetic reduction of ERα inPtenKO cortical neurons rescues circuit excitability, protein synthesis and enlarged neurons selectively in females. Abnormal timing and hyperexcitability of neocortical circuits in female NSEPtenKO mice are associated with deficits in temporal processing of sensory stimuli and social behaviors as well as mGluR5-dependent seizures. Female-specific cortical hyperexcitability and mGluR5-dependent seizures are also observed in a human disease relevant mouse model, germlinePten+/- mice. Our results reveal molecular mechanisms by which sex and a high impact ASD-risk gene interact to affect brain function and behavior.
Vitamin D, calcium and caffeine intake relationship to bone mineral density
Authors: Mubarak Bodour , Ahmed Maisa , Hussein Nahed , Ibrahim Marwa Ezz El-Din 
Published: August 2023

PurposeThis study aims to evaluate the caffeinated drinks, levels of vitamin D and calcium in the blood, and their relationship to bone mineral density (BMD) in osteoporotic women in Al-Ahsa Saudi Arabia.Design/methodology/approachThis study included 85 women over approximately 18 months with ages ranging from 40 to 70 years who were evaluated in the laboratory via blood analysis. Moreover, sociodemographic data and information on health and nutritional awareness were collected via a questionnaire. The BMD was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and considered osteopenia when the T value total of the lumbar spine or hip was between −1 and −2.5 and osteoporosis < −2.5. Blood levels of vitamin D and calcium were measured via blood analysis.FindingsThere were 54.1% and 45.9% of women who suffered from osteoporosis and low BMD, respectively. There was a significant difference in the number of osteoporotic, and low bone mineral mass groups in marital status (p = 0.04), but no difference was found in age and educational level. A significant difference (p = 0.01) between low bone mass and osteoporosis groups in heights. BMD was significantly and negatively correlated with vitamin D in the blood in individuals with osteoporosis (r = −0.358, P = 0.014). In addition, there was a significant negative correlation between calcium in the blood and total samples (r = −0.355, P = 0.0578). There was a negative significant relationship between calcium supplements and BMD in individuals with low BMD (rt = −0.279, P = 0.041). There was a significant association between cola intake with the occurrence of low BMD (p = 0.027), whereas tea drinking was not associated with risk in both groups.Originality/valueThe study indicated that there is a direct relationship between osteoporosis and low bone mass with different variables. This study was conducted to address the lack of research related to the levels of vitamin D and calcium in the blood and their relationship with BMD in women with low BMD and osteoporosis in Al-Ahsa province-KSA.
What factors influence household financial decisions in Malawi?
Authors: Kachepa Paul , Mumtaz Muhammad Zubair 
Published: August 2023

PurposeThis study investigates the factors influencing household financial choices in Malawi. The authors also compare how household financial decisions differ in urban and rural areas.Design/methodology/approachThe authors utilize the logit model to examine the factors that influence household financial decisions using the Malawi Integrated Household Survey 2019–20, while Oaxaca–Blinder decomposition is used to estimate the variations in household financial decisions between urban and rural areas.FindingsThe authors find that the likelihood of saving increases with income, secondary and tertiary education, and age. The likelihood of saving also decreases with household size and remittances. Additionally, the authors report that marriage reduces the likelihood of loans, whereas sex, age, and income raise the likelihood of loans. According to this study’s findings, income discrepancies between urban and rural samples account for most observed household financial variations. The authors also find that most of the observed variations in household financial decision-making between urban and rural households are reduced when income equality, participation in agriculture, university education, and household size are considered.Originality/valueUsing data from the Malawi Integrated Household Survey 2019–20, this research analyzes the components that affect household financial decisions. While most studies only look at one component of household finances, this study concurrently addresses debt and savings. The study also evaluates whether changes in the variables between urban and rural households impact those households' financing choices.
Dispositional factors enhancing leader–follower relationship's dynamic
Authors: Linando Jaya Addin , Halim M. 
Published: August 2023

PurposeThis study investigates dispositional factors' (need for affiliation, positive affectivity and proactive personality) moderation effect on the relationship between leader–follower relationship variables (leader–member exchange and perceived supervisor support) and affective commitment to supervisor.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 359 employees in Indonesia participated as the study's respondents. This study employs hierarchical regression analysis to test the hypotheses.FindingsThe results show that need for affiliation and positive affectivity moderates the relationship between leader–follower relationship variables and affective commitment to supervisor. In addition, all dispositional factors positively influence affective commitment to supervisor as independent variables. This study's findings depict the social exchange theory in practice.Originality/valueThe present study contributes to theoretical and practical implications. Theoretically, the study extends the knowledge on at least four domains: leader–follower relationship; affective commitment particularly aimed at the supervisor; the roles of dispositional variables on leader–member interactions; and empirically demonstrates social exchange theory. Practically, this study shows which factors are relevant to shaping positive leader–member interactions. Such results are potentially of value for the leader, the organization, and those responsible for recruiting prospective employees.
Standards compliance, participation in the global value chain and the value-added of labour: evidence from Vietnam’s small-and-medium-sized enterprises
Authors: Le Minh Ngoc , Chu Hoang Long 
Published: August 2023

PurposeThe authors investigate the impact of standards compliance on the participation in the global value chain and labour value-added of Vietnam’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).Design/methodology/approachThe authors use a three-period panel dataset of SMEs combined with Vietnam’s Provincial Competitiveness Index. The authors also use multiple econometric models; and with each model, the authors include all independent variables that are available from the study's data and that are suggested by the literature.FindingsThe authors find that standards compliance by Vietnam’s SMEs improved their participation in the global value chain via subcontracts with FDI multinational firms. The authors also find that standards compliance improved the value-added of labour in Vietnam’s SMEs, which is robust to the choice of econometric models.Practical implicationsThe study's results suggest that better outcomes for firms and society will be possible if standards are recognised and respected.Originality/valueThis paper complements scant literature on the impact of standards compliance on global value chain participation via subcontracting work and labour value-added, especially in developing countries.