bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alteration in long noncoding RNAs in response to oxidative stress and ladostigil in SH-SY5Y cells
Authors: Zohar Keren , Giladi Eliran , Eliyahu Tsiona , Linial Michal 
Published: February 2022

AbstractMicroglia activation causes neuroinflammation, which is a hallmark of neurodegenerative disorders, brain injury, and aging. Ladostigil, a bifunctional reagent with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, reduced microglial activation and enhanced brain functioning in elderly rats. In this study, we studied SH-SY5Y, a human neuroblastoma cell line, and tested viability in the presence of hydrogen peroxide and Sin1 (3-morpholinosydnonimine), which generates reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS). Both stressors caused significant apoptosis and necrotic cell death that was attenuated by ladostigil. Our results from RNA-seq experiments show that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) account for 30% of all transcripts in SH-SY5Y cells treated with Sin1 for 24 hours. Altogether, we identify 94 differently expressed lncRNAs in the presence of Sin1, including MALAT1, a highly expressed lncRNA with anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic functions. Additional activities of Sin-1 upregulated lncRNAs include redox homeostasis (e.g., MIAT, GABPB1-AS1), energy metabolism (HAND2-AS1), and neurodegeneration (e.g., MIAT, GABPB1-AS1, NEAT1). Four lncRNAs implicated as enhancers were significantly upregulated in cells exposed to Sin1 and ladostigil. Finally, we show that H2O2 and Sin1 increased the expression of DJ-1, a redox sensor and modulator of Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2– related factor 2). Nrf2 (NFE2L2 gene) is a major transcription factor regulating antioxidant genes. In the presence of ladostigil, DJ-1 expression is restored to its baseline. The mechanisms governing SH-SY5Y cell survival and homeostasis are highlighted by the beneficial role of ladostigil in the crosstalk involving Nrf2, antioxidant transcription factor DJ-1, and lncRNAs. Stress-dependent induction of lncRNAs represents an underappreciated regulatory level that contributes to cellular homeostasis and the capacity of SH-SY5Y to cope with oxidative stress.
Use of sugarcane mosaic virus for virus-induced gene silencing in maize
Authors: Chung Seung Ho , Zhang Shudi , Song Hojun , Whitham Steven A. , Jander Georg 
Published: February 2022

AbstractPreviously, sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV) was developed as a vector for transient expression of heterologous genes inZea mays(maize). Here we show that SCMV can also be applied for virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) of endogenous maize genes. Comparison of sense and antisense VIGS constructs targeting maizePDS(phytoene desaturase) showed that antisense constructs resulted in a greater reduction in gene expression. In a time course of gene expression after infection with VIGS constructs targetingPDS, Les22(Lesion mimic 22), andIj1(Iodent japonica1), efficient expression silencing was observed two, three, and four weeks after infection with SCMV. However, at week five, expression ofLes22andIj1was no longer significantly reduced compared to control plants. The defense signaling molecule jasmonate-isoleucine (JA-Ile) can be inactivated by 12C-hydroxylation and hydrolysis, and knockout of these genes leads to increased herbivore resistance. JA-Ile hydroxylases and hydrolases have been investigated in Arabidopsis, rice, andNicotiana attenuata. To determine whether the maize homologs of these genes function in plant defense, we silenced expression ofZmCYP94B1(predicted JA-Ile hydroxylase) andZmJIH1(predicted JA-Ile hydrolase) by VIGS with SCMV. AlthoughZmCYP94B1andZmJIH1geneexpression silencing increased resistance toSpodoptera frugiperda(fall armyworm),Schistocerca americana(American birdwing grasshopper), andRhopalosiphum maidis(corn leaf aphid), there was no additive effect from silencing the expression of both genes. Further work will be required to determine the more precise functions of these enzymes in regulating maize defenses.
Pre-existing chromosomal polymorphisms in pathogenic E. coli potentiate the evolution of antibiotic resistance by MCR-1 plasmid acquisition
Authors: Jangir Pramod K. , Yang Qiue , Shaw Liam P. , Caballero Julio Diaz , Ogunlana Lois , Wheatley Rachel M. , Walsh Timothy R. , MacLean Craig 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBacterial pathogens show high levels of standing genetic diversity, but the influence of this diversity on the evolution of antibiotic resistance remains unclear. Here we address this problem in the context of colistin, a ‘last line of defense’ antibiotic. Using experimental evolution, we show that a plasmid carrying the MCR-1 colistin resistance gene dramatically increases the ability of E. coli populations to evolve high-level colistin resistance by acquiring mutations in lpxC, an essential chromosomal gene involved in lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis. Crucially, lpxC mutations increase colistin resistance in the presence of the MCR-1 gene, but decrease the resistance of wild-type cells, revealing positive sign epistasis for antibiotic resistance. Analysis of public genomic datasets shows that lpxC polymorphisms are common in pathogenic E. coli carrying MCR-1, highlighting the clinical relevance of this interaction. Importantly, lpxC diversity is high in pathogenic E. coli from regions with no history of MCR-1 acquisition, suggesting that pre-existing lpxC polymorphisms have potentiated the evolution of high-level colistin resistance by MCR-1 acquisition. More broadly, these findings highlight the importance of standing genetic variation and plasmid/chromosomal interactions in the evolutionary dynamics of antibiotic resistance.
Wasted pumpkins: a real Halloween horror story
Authors: Surucu-Balci Ebru , Berberoglu Bercim 
Published: February 2022

PurposeThis study aims to understand pumpkin waste awareness among people by converting unstructured quantitative data into insightful information to understand the public's awareness of pumpkin waste during Halloween.Design/methodology/approachTo fulfil the study's purpose, we extracted Halloween-related tweets by employing #halloween and #pumpkin hashtags and then investigated Halloween-related tweets via a topic modelling approach, specifically Latent Dirichlet Allocation. The tweets were collected from the UK between October 25th and November 7th, 2020. The analysis was completed with 11,744 tweets.FindingsThe topic modelling results revealed that people are aware of the pumpkin waste during Halloween. Furthermore, people tweet to reduce pumpkin waste by sharing recipes for using leftover pumpkins.Originality/valueThe study offers a novel approach to convert social media data into meaningful knowledge about public perception of food waste. This paper contributes to food waste literature by revealing people's awareness of pumpkin waste during Halloween using social media analytics. Norm activation model and communicative ecology theory are used for the theoretical underpinning of topic modelling.
Exploring the drivers of energetic seniors’ social reengagement intention: evidence from China’s Pearl River Delta region
Authors: Wei Chiou-Fong , Yu Jing , Ding Gwo-Hau , Wei Kai-Ting 
Published: February 2022

Purpose
After retirement, energetic seniors still can contribute to social development. This paper aims to explore the structural relationship between energetic seniors’ social reengagement intention (SRI) and its five drivers. The antecedents of energetic seniors’ SRI were identified through extensive literature (including social marketing) review and focus group interviews.

Design/methodology/approach
Data was collected from Pearl River Delta region of Guangdong Province, China. The proposed model was tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling with a community-based valid sample size of 750 energetic seniors (ages 60+).

Findings
Results indicate that energetic seniors’ SRI is directly determined by their perceived social value and knowledge sharing intention, which are, in turn, directly determined by their individual social capital, social achievement motivation and perceived social risk.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to provide a new approach toward reengagement social development for energetic seniors. The discussion provides implications and managerial new insights for research and practice of population aging.
Buying local food is not a question of attitude: an analysis of benefits and limitations
Authors: Peral-Peral Begoña , Arenas Gaitán Jorge , Reina-Arroyo Jesús 
Published: February 2022

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the shopping intention of local products. Using the theory of planned behavior model, the authors study the effect of egoistic and altruistic benefits and the influence of contextual limitations and people’s own limitations on the intention to buy local fresh fruits and vegetables.MethodologyThis paper uses a sample of 1,200 consumers of a south European city to test the model using a structural equation modeling technique with partial least squares.FindingsAlthough egoistic benefits have a direct effect on the shopping intention, altruistic benefits have a much higher total effect. Surprisingly, attitude does not influence shopping intention. This paper provides elements that favor the consumption of local products from a more global, social and sustainable perspective.ValueThis paper provides new empirical evidence on the influence of perceived benefits and personal limitations on local food consumption.
Soil heterogeneity tends to promote the growth of naturalized aliens when competing with native plant communities
Authors: Wei Guan‐Wen , van Kleunen Mark 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Elton's diversity‐invasibility hypothesis predicts that diverse communities are more resistant against alien invaders. However, observational studies frequently find positive relationships between the numbers of alien and native species. It has been suggested, but rarely tested, that environmental heterogeneity may cause such positive relationships.

Here, we experimentally tested the effects of soil heterogeneity and diversity (species richness) on the invasibility of native communities. We first filled mesocosm pots with either a heterogeneous soil, consisting of one patch of sand, one patch of peat and one patch of an equal mixture of both substrates, or a homogeneous soil, consisting of the mixture only. Then, we planted those pots with 29 native communities consisting of one, four or eight species, and invaded them with populations of four individuals of one of five alien species.

In the heterogeneous soils, individual alien plants benefited more strongly from the resource‐rich peat soil than the native communities did. Moreover, in the mixture soil of the heterogeneous treatment, individual alien plant over‐proportionally produced more biomass than in the mixture soil of the homogeneous treatment. Consequently, the populations of naturalized alien plants in each pot benefited from heterogeneous soil conditions, and this tended to be particularly the case when a native community was present. The native communities did not respond to soil heterogeneity, but they had a negative effect on the naturalized plants, irrespective of their diversity.

Synthesis. Our results indicate that soil heterogeneity might alleviate the competitive effects of native communities on the alien invaders, as the latter took more advantage of the high resource patches than the natives did. The beneficial effect of heterogeneity on invasion success could thus explain why observational studies usually find positive relationships between the numbers of alien and native species.
Recovery of DNA from SERATECⓇ immunochromatographic PSA and saliva test strips
Authors: Conte Jillian , Ruddy Ashley , Domonoski Lindsey , Shanahan Aubrey , Daley Natalie , McDevitt Colleen , Roca Gabriela 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThere is an increased use of immunochromatographic test strips to presumptively identify bodily fluids of forensic interest, such as blood, semen, and saliva. Commonly, forensic samples are of low quantities. In the practice of conserving limited samples, it would be ideal to be able to recover the genetic material deposited on these testing membranes. This research aimed to determine whether DNA could be extracted from semen and saliva test strips, which part of the test strip is best to use, and to assess the quality of the DNA recovered. Semen and saliva samples were deposited on SERATEC® PSA Semiquant and Amylase Tests and analyzed. The testing membrane was then removed from the cassette and DNA extraction methods (forensicGEM Universal, forensicGEM Sperm, QIAamp® DNA Mini kit, Monarch® Nucleic Acid Purification kit, and organic extraction) were performed. Quality was evaluated by qPCR and STR analysis. DNA from semen was best extracted using the Monarch® Nucleic Acid Purification kit, while saliva was best extracted using the forensicGEM or QIAamp kits. No significant differences were observed between collection of the sample well pad and testing strip, thus use of the entire strip is encouraged. DNA from semen and saliva was quantifiable with a 1:1000 dilution. DNA quality analysis by qPCR showed that there is no difference in the DNA quality following elution from the test strip. However, degradation was noted in saliva samples and some semen samples by STR analysis. Scientists are encouraged to consider processed test strips for DNA profiling to preserve evidence.
A deep Generative Artificial Intelligence system to predict species coexistence patterns
Authors: Hirn Johannes , García José Enrique , Montesinos‐Navarro Alicia , Sánchez‐Martín Ricardo , Sanz Veronica , Verdú Miguel 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Predicting coexistence patterns is a current challenge to understand diversity maintenance, especially in rich communities where these patterns' complexity is magnified through indirect interactions that prevent their approximation with classical experimental approaches.

We explore cutting‐edge Machine Learning techniques called Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) to predict species coexistence patterns in vegetation patches, training generative adversarial networks (GAN) and variational AutoEncoders (VAE) that are then used to unravel some of the mechanisms behind community assemblage.

The GAN accurately reproduces real patches' species composition and plant species' affinity to different soil types, and the VAE also reaches a high level of accuracy, above 99%. Using the artificially generated patches, we found that high‐order interactions tend to suppress the positive effects of low‐order interactions. Finally, by reconstructing successional trajectories, we could identify the pioneer species with larger potential to generate a high diversity of distinct patches in terms of species composition.

Understanding the complexity of species coexistence patterns in diverse ecological communities requires new approaches beyond heuristic rules. Generative Artificial Intelligence can be a powerful tool to this end as it allows to overcome the inherent dimensionality of this challenge.
Microglial cathepsin E plays a role in neuroinflammation and amyloid β production in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Xie Zhen , Meng Jie , Kong Wei , Wu Zhou , Lan Fei , Narengaowa  , Hayashi Yoshinori , Yang Qinghu , Bai Zhantao , Nakanishi Hiroshi , Qing Hong , Ni Junjun 
Published: February 2022

AbstractRegulation of neuroinflammation and β‐amyloid (Aβ) production are critical factors in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Cathepsin E (CatE), an aspartic protease, is widely studied as an inducer of growth arrest and apoptosis in several types of cancer cells. However, the function of CatE in AD is unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that the ablation of CatE in human amyloid precursor protein knock‐in mice, called APPNL−G−F mice, significantly reduced Aβ accumulation, neuroinflammation, and cognitive impairments. Mechanistically, microglial CatE is involved in the secretion of soluble TNF‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand, which plays an important role in microglia‐mediated NF‐κB‐dependent neuroinflammation and neuronal Aβ production by beta‐site APP cleaving enzyme 1. Furthermore, cannula‐delivered CatE inhibitors improved memory function and reduced Aβ accumulation and neuroinflammation in AD mice. Our findings reveal that CatE as a modulator of microglial activation and neurodegeneration in AD and suggest CatE as a therapeutic target for AD by targeting neuroinflammation and Aβ pathology.
Impact of risk‐based sexually transmitted infection screening in the emergency department
Authors: Ahmad Fahd A. , Fischer Kayleigh , Gu Hongjie , Bailey Thomas C. , Jeffe Donna B. , Carpenter Christopher R. , Payne Philip R. O. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractObjectivesSexually transmitted infections (STIs), including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pose a significant health burden in adolescents. Many adolescents receiving care in the emergency department (ED) are in need of testing, regardless of their chief complaint. Our objective was to determine whether an electronic, risk‐based STI screening program in our ED was associated with an increase in STI testing among at‐risk adolescents.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of patient outcomes in our pediatric ED after integrating an Audio‐enhanced Computer‐Assisted Self‐Interview (ACASI) as standard of care. It obtained a focused sexual history and generated STI testing recommendations. Patient answers and testing recommendations were integrated in real‐time into the electronic health record. Patients who tested positive received treatment according to our standard‐of‐care practices.All patients 15–21 years of age were asked to complete this on an opt‐out basis, regardless of the reason for their ED visit. Exclusions included those unable to independently use a tablet, severe illness, sexual assault, or non‐English speaking. Our primary outcome was to describe STI‐testing recommendations and test results among ACASI participants. We also compared STI testing between ACASI participants and those who were eligible but did not use it.ResultsIn the first 13 months, 28.9% (1788/6194) of eligible adolescents completed the ACASI and 44.2% (321/790) accepted recommended STI testing. The mean age of participants was 16.6 ± 1.3 years, with 65.4% (1169) being female.Gonorrhea/chlamydia testing was significantly higher among participants vs. non‐participants (20.1% [359/1788] vs 4.8% [212/4406]; p < 0.0001). The proportion of positive STI tests was similar between the two groups: 24.8% (89/359) vs. 24.5% (52/212; p = 0.94) were positive for chlamydia and/or gonorrhea, while 0.6% (2/354) participants vs. 0% non‐participants (p > 0.99) were positive for HIV. Among participants whose chief complaints were unlikely to be related to STIs but accepted recommended testing, 20.9% (37/177) were positive for gonorrhea or chlamydia.ConclusionsOur program facilitated STI testing in the ED and identified many adolescents with STIs, even when their ED complaint was for unrelated reasons. More rigorous implementation is needed to determine the impact of deployment of ACASI to all eligible adolescents and addressing barriers to accepting STI testing recommendations.
Grabbing hand or financial constraint mitigation effect? A reexamination of the relationship between institutional development and cash holdings
Authors: Zhang Xiang , Zhang Zongyi , Zhou Han 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThis study reexamines the impact of institutional development on corporate cash holdings. Our findings confirm that institutional development has a negative effect on corporate cash holdings, which may be partially explained by the financial constraint mitigation effect of institutional development. Our empirical evidence also shows that the corruption index, used as a proxy for the grabbing hand effect, does not mediate the negative effect of institutional development on corporate cash holdings. Furthermore, the impact of institutional development on corporate cash holdings is not significant for large firms and state‐owned enterprises. These results are robust to different measures of cash holdings.
Treatment of pemphigus in Australia: Aligning current practises with global recommendations
Authors: Somerville Erin , Gebauer Kurt , Mclean‐Tooke Andrew 
Published: February 2022

ABSTRACTPemphigus encompasses of a group of rare, and often severe, intraepidermal bullous dermatoses that are mediated by autoantibodies that act against adhesion proteins of the desmosome. The current international consensus is that the use of intravenous CD20 inhibitors should be first‐line in the management of moderate‐to‐severe cases of pemphigus, however Australia is yet to adopt this. Systemic corticosteroids, combined with conventional corticosteroid‐sparing immunosuppressive agents such as azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, cyclosporin and methotrexate is still recommended as first‐line therapy in Australia despite overwhelming evidence that combining rituximab with a rapid corticosteroid tapering regime is more effective in the treatment of moderate‐to‐severe pemphigus, and leads to fewer severe adverse effects. We propose a therapeutic approach that echoes the international consensus and recommend that rituximab, an anti‐CD20 monoclonal antibody, be listed in the formularies of Australian Public Hospitals and on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme for use in moderate to severe pemphigus.
Electrophysiological, structural, and functional disorders in patients with inflammatory cardiomyopathy secondary to inflammatory myopathy
Authors: Liu Yingxian , Hsu Jeffrey , Liu Xiaohang , Lin Xue , Zhu Yanlin , Jia Fuwei , Wu Wei , Chen Wei , Wang Qian , Fang Ligang 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundInflammatory cardiomyopathy (IC) is a syndrome with chronic myocarditis and cardiac remodeling. This study aimed to explore predicting factors of adverse outcomes in patients with IC secondary to idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM‐IC).MethodsBy means of a single‐center retrospective study, 52 patients with IIM‐IC at Peking Union Medical College Hospital were identified from January 1999 to June 2019. Electrocardiogram and echocardiography data were analyzed for the primary outcome (defined as all‐cause death) and secondary outcomes (defined as re‐hospitalization of heart failure and all‐cause death), using regression and survival analysis.ResultsThe prevalence of atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, Q‐wave abnormality, left ventricular conduction abnormalities, and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (≤40%) were 65.4%, 67.3%, 67.3%, 61.6%, and 50.5%. After a median follow‐up of 2 years (IQR 0.8–3.0), 26 cases were readmitted due to heart failure. Twenty‐two deaths were recorded, including 20 cardiogenic deaths. Among the patients with adverse events, the incidence of poor R‐wave progression, low‐voltage of the limb leads, Q‐wave abnormality, QRS duration >130 ms, left ventricular enlargement, and impaired systolic function were higher. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that Q‐wave abnormality, limb leads low‐voltage, LVEF ≤40%, and left ventricular end‐diastolic dimension >60 mm were correlated with shorter survival. However, multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that only Q‐wave abnormality (HR = 12.315) and LVEF ≤40% (HR = 5.616) were independent risk factors for all‐cause death.ConclusionQ‐wave abnormality and reduced LVEF are predictive of poor prognosis in patients with IIM‐IC.