bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neuropsychiatric Disturbances in Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Scientometric Analysis
Authors: Amrapala Arisara , Sabé Michel , Solmi Marco , Maes Michael 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBehavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) have been extensively studied in dementia than its prodromal stage, known as mild cognitive impairment (MCI). A scientometric study on BPSD in MCI would be valuable in synthesizing the existing body of research and provide insights into the trends, networks, and influencers within this area. We searched for related literature in the Web of Science database and extracted complete text and citation records of each publication. The primary objective was to map the research evolution of BPSD in MCI and highlight dominant research themes. The secondary objective was to identify research network characteristics (authors, journals, countries, and institutions) and abundances. A total of 12,369 studies published between 1980 to 2022 were included in the analysis. We found 51 distinct clusters from the co-cited reference network that were highly credible with significant modularity (Q = 0.856) and silhouette scores (S = 0.932). Five major research domains were identified: symptoms, diagnosis, brain substrates, biochemical pathways, and interventions. Within recent years, the research focus in this area is on gut microbiota, e-health, COVID-19, cognition, and delirium. Collectively, findings from this scientometric analysis can help clarify the scope and direction of future research and clinical practices.
Dietary Practice and its Association with Glycemic Control among Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Ethiopia: A Multi-Center Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kitaw Firegenet Asnake , Megiso Muluken Zeleke , Yesuf Indris Ahmed , Tewodros Bersabel Hilawi , Shaweno Yohannes Shiferaw , Teklu Blen Solomon , Berhanu Mefthe Fikru , Weldesenbet Edengenet Solomon , Leulseged Tigist Workneh 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundType 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder that needs a comprehensive management plan. The integral role of nutrition therapy in diabetes management is getting special attention in guidelines though the practice is in a primitive stage, especially in resource limited settings where lifestyle modifications have a large role in the overburdened healthcare system. Understanding the current dietary practice and its effect on disease control in settings where a tertiary level care is provided is a critical step in providing targeted intervention. Therefore, the aim of the study was to assess dietary practice and its association with level of glycemic control among individuals with T2DM who were on follow-up at two large tertiary hospitals in Ethiopia.MethodsA hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2023 among 314 systematically selected individuals with T2DM who were on follow-up at diabetes clinics of St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College and Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital. Data was collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire and summarized using frequency and median (interquartile range). To examine the association of dietary practice with level of glycemic control, a binary logistic regression model was run at 5% level of significance where Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) and 95% CI for AOR were used to interpret the results.ResultsFrom the 314 participants, 146 (46.5%) patients had adequate knowledge regarding the recommended dietary practices and only 42 (13.4%) of the individuals practiced a healthy diet. A total of 107 (34.1%, 95% CI=29.0%-39.2%) had optimal glycemic control. Poor dietary practice (AOR=7.93, 95% CI=2.63-23.89, p<0.001), obesity (AOR=2.74, 95% CI=1.05-7.18%, p=0.04), and taking combination oral anti-diabetic drugs (AOR=6.22, 95% CI=3.05-12.69, p<0.001) were significantly associated with suboptimal glycemic control.ConclusionsDietary knowledge and practice among individuals with T2DM were very low, as is the level of glycemic control, which are similar to studies conducted years back, indicating a lack of improvement in the desired behavior over time. Poor dietary practice in turn was associated with suboptimal glycemic control. It is important to target interventions that enhance the understanding and application of dietary practice in these individuals.
Immune Response of Transplanted Kidney Tissues Assembled from Organoid Building Blocks
Authors: Borges Thiago J. , Ganchiku Yoshikazu , Aceves Jeffrey O. , van Gaal Ronald , Uzel Sebastien G. M. , Rubins Jonathan E. , Kobayashi Kenichi , Hiratsuka Ken , Tekguc Murat , Rosales Ivy A. , Ribas Guilherme T. , Lima Karina , Gassen Rodrigo B. , Morizane Ryuji , Lewis Jennifer A. , Riella Leonardo V. 
Published: August 2023

SummaryThe increasing scarcity of organs and the significant morbidity linked to dialysis requires the development of engineered kidney tissues from human-induced pluripotent stem cells. To accomplish this, integrative approaches that synergize scalable kidney organoid differentiation, tissue biomanufacturing, and comprehensive assessment of their immune response and host integration are essential. Here, we create engineered human kidney tissues composed of kidney organoid building blocks (OBBs) and transplant them into mice reconstituted with allogeneic human immune cells. We assess their host vascular integration,in vivomaturation, and their ability to trigger human immune responses. Tissue-infiltrating human immune cells are composed of effector T cells and innate cells. This immune infiltration leads to kidney tissue injury characterized by reduced microvasculature, enhanced kidney cell apoptosis, and a unique inflammatory gene signature comparable to kidney organ transplant rejection in humans. Upon treatment with the immunosuppressive agent Rapamycin, the induced immune response is greatly suppressed. Our model serves as a translational platform to study engineered kidney tissue immunogenicity and develop novel therapeutic targets for kidney rejection.
Human TUBA1B short open reading frame product regulates cancer cell growth via importin β
Authors: Tao Yaling , Bai Xuefeng , Zhou Yinjie , Zhao Yue , Yang Liangwei , Zhang Shun , Liu Huina , Huang Xiaochun , Schneider Edoardo , Zampetaki Anna , Margariti Andriana , Giacca Mauro , Arnold James N. , Zeng Lingfang , Cai Ting 
Published: August 2023

AbstractUnderstanding cancer biology is crucial for improving treatment strategies. This study identified TUBA1B-sORF1, a short open reading frame product alternatively translated from the human α-tubulin gene (TUBA1B), which has a completely different amino acid sequence from the α-tubulin 1B chain. TUBA1B-sORF1 is highly expressed in cancer cell lines and gastric carcinoma. Both methionine-initiated canonical and leucine-initiated noncanonical translations of TUBA1B-sORF1 coexist in cancer cells, and there is a transition between sORF1 and α-tubulin translations, evidenced by the TUBA1B-sORF1⁺/α-tubulinlow/-subpopulation. Knocking down TUBA1B-sORF1 reduces cancer cell proliferation and tumorigenicity. TUBA1B-sORF1 facilitates protein nuclear translocation, leading to the upregulation of proliferation-promoting genes and downregulation of proliferation-inhibiting genes. Specifically, it forms a complex with importin β and β-catenin, promoting β-catenin nuclear translocation and target gene transcription. These findings reveal that TUBA1B is a polycistronic gene translating at least two entirely different proteins: α-tubulin and TUBA1B-sORF1. The variable translation between them may regulate tumorigenesis, making TUBA1B-sORF1 a promising therapeutic target and diagnostic biomarker for cancer treatment.
Uncovering the Infection Strategy ofPhyllachora maydisduring Maize Colonization: A Comprehensive Analysis
Authors: Caldwell Denise L. , Da Silva Camila R. , McCoy Austin G. , Avila Harryson , Bonkowski John C. , Chilvers Martin I. , Helm Matthew , Telenko Darcy E. , Iyer-Pascuzzi Anjali S. 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACTTar spot, a disease caused by the ascomycete fungal pathogenPhyllachora maydis, is considered one of the most significant yield-limiting diseases of maize (Zea maysL.) within the United States.P. maydismay also be found in association with other fungi, forming a disease complex with characteristic fish eye lesions. Understanding howP. maydiscolonizes maize leaf cells is essential for developing effective disease control strategies. Here, we used histological approaches to elucidate howP. maydisinfects and multiplies within susceptible maize leaves. We collected tar spot-infected maize leaf samples from four different fields in northern Indiana at three different time points during the growing season. Samples were chemically fixed and paraffin-embedded for high-resolution light and scanning electron microscopy. We observed a consistent pattern of disease progression in independent leaf samples collected across different geographical regions. Each stromata contained a central pycnidium that produced asexual spores. Perithecia with sexual spores developed in the stomatal chambers adjacent to the pycnidia, and a cap of spores formed over the stromata.P. maydisreproductive structures formed around but not within the vasculature. In our samples containing fish eye lesions,P. maydisis associated with two additional fungi, one of which is likely a member of theParaphaeospheriagenus; the other is an unknown fungi. Our data provide fundamental insights into how this pathogen colonizes and spreads within maize leaves. This knowledge can inform new approaches to managing tar spot, which could help mitigate the significant economic losses caused by this disease.
Adult sex ratio variation and its sex-specific predictors in shorebirds
Authors: Valdebenito José O. , Torres-Paris Tamara , Navedo Juan G. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe proportion of adult males to females in the adult population, the adult sex ratio (ASR), is an important demographic parameter that has implications in sexual selection, ecology and conservation. ASR variation can be multifactorial but specific variables including sex roles – sex differences in courtship, mate competition, social pair-bonds and parental care– and sex-specific mortality have been suggested as important ASR determinants in birds. However, these relationships have not yet been comprehensively tested in specific avian groups. Here, we used phylogenetic comparative methods to study drivers of ASR variation across shorebirds (Charadrii and Scolopaci; n = 205 species), a charismatic bird group characterised by displaying extreme variations in ecology, sex roles and sexual selection traits. We found that ASR variation is associated with most sex role components but not with their sex-specific mortality. Although sex role and life history variables showed no significant sex bias, we found a trend towards reversed size dimorphism and sex role reversal across shorebirds. Sex roles components also showed correlations among each other that were surprisingly strong and in unexpected directions. Our results confirm that sex roles are important drivers of ASR variation and suggest that shorebirds may have alternative means of sex-specific mortality, possibly linked to their ecology.
Inhibitory feedback enables predictive learning of multiple sequences in neural networks
Authors: Saponati Matteo , Vinck Martin 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAnticipating future events is a key computational task for neuronal networks. Experimental evidence suggests that reliable temporal sequences in neural activity play a functional role in the association and anticipation of events in time. However, how neurons can differentiate and anticipate multiple spike sequences remains largely unknown. We implement a learning rule based on predictive processing, where neurons exclusively fire for the initial, unpredictable inputs in a spiking sequence, leading to an efficient representation with reduced post-synaptic firing. Combining this mechanism with inhibitory feedback leads to sparse firing in the network, enabling neurons to selectively anticipate different sequences in the input. We demonstrate that intermediate levels of inhibition are optimal to decorrelate neuronal activity and to enable the prediction of future inputs. Notably, each sequence is independently encoded in the sparse, anticipatory firing of the network. Overall, our results demonstrate that the interplay of self-supervised predictive learning rules and inhibitory feedback enables fast and efficient classification of different input sequences.
Antibacterial activity ofXenopsylla cheopisattacins againstYersinia pestis
Authors: Mathew Basil , Aoyagi Kari L , Fisher Mark A. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAntimicrobial peptide resistance has been proposed to play a major role in the flea-borne transmission ofYersinia pestis. However, the antimicrobial peptide response in fleas and their interaction withY. pestisis largely unknown. Attacins are one of the most abundantly expressed antimicrobial peptides within the first hours afterY. pestisinfection ofXenopsylla cheopis, a major vector of plague. In this study, we report the cloning, expression, and purification of twoX. cheopisattacin peptides and describe their interactions with and antimicrobial activities againstY. pestis. These flea attacins were shown to bind lipopolysaccharides and have potent activity againstY. pestis, however the mechanism of killing does not involve extensive membrane damage. Treatment with attacins rapidly inhibitsY. pestiscolony formation and results in oxidative stress, yet live-cell imaging revealed that bacteria continue to grow and divide for several hours in the presence of attacins before undergoing morphological changes and subsequent lysis. This data provides insights into an early battle between vector and pathogen that may impact transmission of one of the most virulent diseases known to man.
Structural dynamics at cytosolic inter-protomer interfaces control gating of a mammalian TRPM5 channel
Authors: Karuppan Sebastian , Schrag Lynn Goss , Jara-Oseguera Andrés , Zubcevic Lejla 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin (TRPM) family of tetrameric cation channels is involved in a wide range of biological functions, from sensory perception to cardiac function. The structurally conserved TRPM cytoplasmic domains make up > 70 % of the total protein. To investigate the mechanism by which the TRPM cytoplasmic domains contribute to gating, we employed electrophysiology and cryo-EM to study TRPM5 – a channel that primarily relies on activation via intracellular Ca2+. Here we show that activation of mammalian TRPM5 channels is strongly altered by desensitization. Structures of rat TRPM5 identify a series of conformational transitions triggered by Ca2+binding. These transitions involve formation and dissolution of cytoplasmic inter-protomer interfaces, where the MHR1/2 domain and the rib helix play important roles. This study shows the importance of the cytoplasmic assembly in TRPM5 channel function and sets the stage for future investigations of other members of the TRPM family.
A conserved ion channel function of STING mediates non-canonical autophagy and cell death
Authors: Xun Jinrui , Zhang Zhichao , Lyu Bo , Lu Defen , Yang Haoxiang , Shang Guijun , Tan Jay Xiaojun 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe cGAS/STING pathway triggers inflammation in response to diverse cellular stresses such as infection, cellular damage, senescence, normal aging, and age-related disease. Besides inflammation, STING also triggers non-canonical autophagy and cell death, the former of which requires the proton pump V-ATPase- mediated LC3 lipidation to single membrane STING vesicles. V-ATPase is known to sense organelle de- acidification in other contexts and recruits the ATG16L1 complex for direct conjugation of LC3/ATG8 to single membranes (CASM). However, it is unclear how STING activates V-ATPase for non-canonical autophagy. Here we report that upon STING activation, the transmembrane domain (TMD) of STING significantly reorganizes and forms an electron-sparse pore in the center. Cellular imaging and in vitro ion flux assays revealed that STING is critical for proton efflux and pH neutralization of Golgi-derived STING vesicles. A chemical ligand of STING, C53, which binds to and blocks the channel of STING strongly inhibited STING-mediated proton flux in vitro and vesicular de-acidification in cells. C53 also abolished STING-dependent LC3 lipidation and cell death. Thus, the ion channel function of STING activates non-canonical autophagy and cell death through vesicle de-acidification.
Evaluating the role of amino acids in type 2 diabetes risk: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Mo Jacky Man Yuen , He Baoting , Wong Tommy Hon Ting , Liang Ying , Luo Shan , Lo Kenneth , Louie Jimmy Chun Yu , Au Yeung Shiu Lun 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundPrevious observational and Mendelian randomization studies suggested different amino acids associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, these studies may suffer from confounding or the use of invalid instruments, respectively.MethodsWe extracted strong (p< 5×10-8), independent (r2< 0.001) genetic variants associated with nine amino acids (alanine, glutamine, glycine, histidine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, isoleucine, leucine, and valine) from summary statistics of UK Biobank (N ≤ 115,075), with exclusion of potentially pleiotropic variants. We then applied them to T2D summary statistics from DIAMANTE Consortium (without UK Biobank participants) (N = 455,313) and FinnGen study (N = 365,950), and glycemic traits (MAGIC consortium, N ≤ 209,605). Inverse variance weighed (IVW) method was the main analysis, with multiple sensitivity analyses to assess robustness of findings.ResultsAlanine was associated with higher T2D risk, correcting for multiple testing (Odds Ratio (OR) 1.50 per SD; 95% CI 1.16 to 1.95). At nominal significance, isoleucine was associated with higher T2D risk (OR 1.13; 95% CI 1.00 to 1.27) and tyrosine was associated with lower T2D risk (OR 0.89; 95% CI 0.80 to 0.99). Alanine was also associated with lower insulin, higher glycated hemoglobin and glucose whereas isoleucine and leucine were associated with lower insulin. These associations were consistent in most sensitivity analyses.ConclusionAlaine likely contributed to higher T2D risk whilst the associations for isoleucine and tyrosine requires further verification. Whether these findings explain health effects of sources of amino acids, such as diet, should be further explored.
Improvement of immune dysregulation and health-related quality of life in individuals with long COVID at 24-months following SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Phetsouphanh Chansavath , Jacka Brendan , Ballouz Sara , Jackson Katherine JL , Wilson Daniel B , Manandhar Bikash , Klemm Vera , Tan Hyon-Xhi , Wheatley Adam , Aggarwal Anupriya , Akerman Anouschka , Milogiannakis Vanessa , Starr Mitchell , Cunningham Phillip , Turville Stuart G , Kent Stephen J , Byrne Anthony , Brew Bruce J , Darley David R , Dore Gregory J , Kelleher Anthony D , Matthews Gail V 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACTThis study investigated the humoral and cellular immune responses in individuals with long COVID (LC) compared to age and gender matched recovered COVID-19 controls (MC) over 24-months. LC participants showed elevated spike and nucleocapsid IgG levels, higher neutralizing capacity, and increased spike- and nucleocapsid-specific CD4+ T cells, PD-1, and TIM-3 expression on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells at 3- and 8-months, but these differences did not persist at 24-months. Some LC participants had detectable IFN-γ and IFN-β, that was attributed to reinfection and antigen re-exposure. Single-cell RNA sequencing at 24-month timepoint revealed similar immune cell proportions and reconstitution of naïve T and B cell subsets in LC. No significant differences in exhaustion scores or antigen-specific T cell clones were observed. These findings suggest resolution of immune activation in LC and return to comparable immune responses between LC and MC over time. Improvement in self-reported health-related quality of life at 24-months was also evident in the majority of LC (62%). PTX3, CRP levels and platelet count were associated with improvements in health-related quality of life.
Spatiotemporal development of growth and death zones in expanding bacterial colonies driven by emergent nutrient dynamics
Authors: Kannan Harish , Sun Paul , Çağlar Tolga , Yao Pantong , Taylor Brian R. , Sahu Kinshuk , Ge Daotong , Mori Matteo , Warren Mya , Kleinfeld David , Dong JiaJia , Li Bo , Hwa Terence 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACTBacterial colony growth on hard agar is commonplace in microbiology; yet, what occurs inside a growing colony is complex even in the simplest cases. Robust colony expansion kinetics featuring a linear radial growth and a saturating vertical growth indicates a common developmental program which is elucidated here forEscherichia colicells using a combination of modeling and experiments. Radial colony expansion is found to be limited by mechanical factors rather than nutrients as commonly assumed. In contrast, vertical expansion is limited by glucose depletion inside the colony, an effect compounded by reduced growth yield due to anaerobiosis. Carbon starvation in the colony interior results in substantial cell death within 1-2 days, with a distinct death zone that expands with the growing colony. Overall, the development of simple colonies lacking EPS production and differentiation is dictated by an interplay of mechanical constraints and emergent nutrient gradients arising from obligatory metabolic processes.
Chloride intracellular channel (CLIC) proteins function as fusogens
Authors: Manori Bar , Vaknin Alisa , Vaňková Pavla , Nitzan Anat , Zaidel-Bar Ronen , Man Petr , Giladi Moshe , Haitin Yoni 
Published: August 2023

AbstractChloride Intracellular Channel (CLIC) family members uniquely transition between soluble and membrane-associated conformations. Despite decades of extensive functional and structural studies, CLICs’ function as ion channels remains debated, rendering our understanding of their physiological role incomplete. Here, we expose a novel function of CLIC5 as a fusogen. We demonstrate that purified CLIC5 directly interacts with the membrane and induces fusion, as reflected by increased liposomal diameter and lipid and content mixing between liposomes. Moreover, we show that this activity is facilitated by acidic pH, a known trigger for CLICs’ transition to a membrane-associated conformation, and that increased exposure of the hydrophobic inter-domain interface is crucial for this process. Finally, mutation of a conserved hydrophobic interfacial residue diminishes the fusogenic activity of CLIC5in vitroand impairs excretory canal extension inC. elegans in vivo. Together, our results unravel the long-sought physiological role of these enigmatic proteins.