bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigating associations between blood metabolites, later life brain imaging measures, and genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Green Rebecca , Lord Jodie , Scelsi Marzia A. , Xu Jin , Wong Andrew , Naomi-James Sarah , Handy Alex , Gilchrist Lachlan , Williams Dylan M. , Parker Thomas D. , Lane Christopher A. , Malone Ian B. , Cash David M. , Sudre Carole H. , Coath William , Thomas David L. , Keuss Sarah , Dobson Richard , Legido-Quigley Cristina , Fox Nick C. , Schott Jonathan M. , Richards Marcus , Proitsi Petroula ,   The Insight 46 study team
Published: January 2022

AbstractIdentifying blood-based signatures of brain health and preclinical pathology may offer insights into early disease mechanisms and highlight avenues for intervention. Here, we systematically profiled associations between blood metabolites and whole-brain volume, hippocampal volume, and amyloid-β status among participants of Insight 46 – the neuroscience sub-study of the National Survey of Health and Development (NSHD). We additionally explored whether key metabolites were associated with polygenic risk for Alzheimer’s disease (AD).Following quality control, concentrations of 1019 metabolites – detected with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry – were available for 1740 participants at age 60-64. Metabolite data were subsequently clustered into modules of co-expressed metabolites using weighted coexpression network analysis. Accompanying MRI and amyloid-PET imaging data were present for 437 participants (age 69-71). Regression analyses tested relationships between metabolite measures – modules and hub metabolites – and imaging outcomes. Hub metabolites were defined as metabolites that were highly connected within significant (pFDR<0.05) modules or previously identified as a hub for cognition in the same cohort. Regression models included adjustments for age, sex, APOE genotype, lipid medication use, childhood cognition and social factors. Finally, AD polygenic risk scores (PRS), including and excluding the APOE region, were tested for relationships with metabolites and modules that associated (pFDR<0.05) with an imaging outcome (N=1638).In the fully adjusted model, three lipid modules were associated with a brain volume measure (pFDR<0.05): one enriched in sphingolipids (hippocampal volume: ß=0.14, 95%CI=[0.055,0.23]), one in several fatty acid pathways (whole-brain volume: ß=-0.072, 95%CI=[-0.12,-0.026]), and another in diacylglycerols and phosphatidylethanolamines (whole-brain volume: ß=-0.066, 95%CI=[-0.11,-0.020]). Twenty-two hub metabolites were associated (pFDR<0.05) with an imaging outcome (whole-brain volume: 22; hippocampal volume: 4). Some nominal associations were reported for amyloid-β, and with an AD PRS in our genetic analysis, but none survived multiple testing correction.Our findings highlight key metabolites, with functions in membrane integrity and cell signalling, that associated with structural brain measures in later life. Future research should focus on replicating this work and interrogating causality.
Mesoscale organization in the cell envelope of Deinococcus radiodurans
Authors: Farci Domenica , Haniewicz Patrycja , Piano Dario 
Published: January 2022

AbstractS-layers are highly ordered coats of proteins localized on the cell surface of many bacterial species. In these structures, one or more proteins form elementary units that self-assemble into a crystalline monolayer tiling the entire cell surface. Here, the cell envelope of the radiation-resistant bacterium Deinococcus radiodurans was studied by high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy finding the crystalline regularity of the S-layer extended into the layers below. The cell envelope appears to be highly packed and resulting from a three-dimensional crystalline distribution of protein complexes organized in close continuity but allowing different degrees of voidness in the entire thickness. These insights grade S-layers to mesoscale hubs behaving as structural and functional architraves essential for the entire cell body.
Increasing SARS-CoV-2 mutations against vaccination-acquired immunity
Authors: Konishi Tomokazu 
Published: January 2022

SummaryMonovalent vaccines using RNA or adenoviruses have successfully controlled the COVID-19 epidemic in many countries. However, viral mutations have hampered the efficacy of this approach. The Omicron variant, in particular, has caused a pandemic which has put pressure on the healthcare system worldwide. Therefore, administration of booster vaccinations has been initiated; however, there are concerns about their effectiveness, sustainability, and possible dangers. There is also the question of how a variant with such isolated mutations originated and whether this is likely to continue in the future. Here, we compare the mutations in the Omicron variant with others by direct PCA to consider questions pertaining to their evolution and characterisation. The Omicron variant, like the other variants, has mutated in its human vectors. The accumulated mutations exceeded the range of acquired immunity, causing a pandemic, and similar mutations are likely to occur in the future. We also compare Omicron with variants that have infected animals and discuss the possibility of a vaccine using a weaker variant of the virus.
Glucose stress causes mRNA retention in nuclear Nab2 condensates
Authors: Heinrich Stephanie , Hondele Maria , Marchand Désirée , Derrer Carina Patrizia , Zedan Mostafa , Oswald Alexandra , Malinovska Liliana , Uliana Federico , Khawaja Sarah , Mancini Roberta , Grunwald David , Weis Karsten 
Published: January 2022

SummaryNuclear mRNA export via nuclear pore complexes is an essential step in eukaryotic gene expression. Although factors involved in mRNA transport have been characterized, a comprehensive mechanistic understanding of this process and its regulation is lacking. Here, we use single-RNA imaging in yeast to show that cells use mRNA retention to control mRNA export during stress. We demonstrate that upon glucose withdrawal the essential RNA-binding factor Nab2 forms RNA-dependent condensate-like structures in the nucleus. This coincides with a reduced abundance of the DEAD-box ATPase Dbp5 at the nuclear pore. Depleting Dbp5, and consequently blocking mRNA export, is necessary and sufficient to trigger Nab2 condensation. The state of Nab2 condensation influences the extent of nuclear mRNA accumulation and can be recapitulatedin vitro, where Nab2 forms RNA-dependent liquid droplets. We hypothesize that cells use condensation to regulate mRNA export and to control gene expression during stress.HighlightsThe nuclear poly(A)-binding protein Nab2 forms RNA-containing condensate-like structures upon glucose starvation and upon acute cellular depletion of the DEAD-box ATPase Dbp5The Nab2 multimerization interface but not the intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) are essential for condensationin vitroandin vivoGlucose stress leads to poly(A) RNA retention in the nucleus, which is affected by the state of the Nab2 condensate
Stress resilience is established during development and is regulated by complement factors
Authors: Swaminathan Amrutha , Gliksberg Michael , Anbalagan Savani , Wigoda Noa , Levkowitz Gil 
Published: January 2022

AbstractIndividuals in a population respond differently to stressful situations. While resilient individuals recover efficiently, others are susceptible to the same stressors. However, it remains challenging to identify resilience in mammalian embryos to determine if stress resilience is established as a trait during development or acquired later in life. Using a new behavioural paradigm in zebrafish larvae, we show that resilience is a trait that is determined and exhibited early in life. Resilient and susceptible individuals retained these traits throughout life and passed them on to the next generation. Resilient larvae showed higher expression of resilience-associated genes and larvae lacking neuropeptide Y and miR218 were significantly under-represented in the resilient population. Unbiased transcriptome analysis revealed that multiple factors of the innate immune complement cascade were downregulated in resilient larvae in response to stressors. Pharmacological inhibition and genetic knockouts of critical complement factors led to an increase in resilience. We conclude that resilience is established early during development as a stable trait, and that neuropeptides and the complement pathway play positive and negative roles in determining resilience respectively.Abstract FigureWhy some individual individuals recover better than others from stressful situations is unclear. We show that resilience to stress is established during zebrafish development as a stable and heritable trait. Resilience is augmented by brain-derived neuropeptides and attenuated by innate immune complement factors specifically expressed in the liver.HighlightsWildtype zebrafish larvae show differences in their dynamics of recovering from stress, with some being more resilient than others.Resilience is a stable and heritable trait.Resilient fish show specific stress-responsive transcriptional changes.Neuropeptide Y and miRNA218 positively affect resilience, while innate immune complement factors attenuate resilience.
β-glucan rich functional instant talbina (porridge) premix from barley flour using extrusion: investigating effect of varied moisture and barrel temperature levels using response surface approach
Authors: Jabeen Abida , Ajaz Nusrat , Jan Nusrat , Amin Tawheed , Gani Gousia , Bashir Omar , Amin Quraazah Akeemu 
Published: January 2022

PurposeThroughout the world, there has been a dramatic increase in the demand for functional food products. Owing to the health benefits of barley, its utilization was explored for the development of β-glucan rich functional instant talbina (porridge). The present research was, therefore, undertaken with an aim to optimize the extrusion conditions for development of instant talbina premix and evaluate its functional and quality characteristics.Design/methodology/approachThe independent variables i.e. barrel temperature (105–125°C) and feed moisture (12–20%) were studied to determine their influence on the system parameter i.e. specific mechanical energy and product characteristics i.e. bulk density, breaking strength, water absorption index, expansion ratio, water solubility index, L*, a* and b* by employing a central composite rotatable design.FindingsAll the quality parameters were significantly (p < 0.05) influenced by independent variables. The regression models obtained for all the responses showed higher coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.99). The optimum extrusion conditions obtained by numerical optimization for development of extrudates used for making instant talbina were moisture content (12%) and barrel temperature (105°C). Various functional, pasting, complexing index and physicochemical properties of instant talbina were improved by the addition of honey and milk. The instant talbina prepared from barley flour with the addition of milk and honey showed increase in the β-glucan content, resistant starch, antioxidant activity and decrease in glycemic index with improved overall acceptability.Originality/valueAs far as we could possibly know that very limited or not many studies have been carried out wherein the possibility of developing instant talbina (porridge) have been carried out. As a result, the current study has a lot of potential for the food industry to manufacture β-glucan rich functional instant talbina with improved antioxidant characteristics and low glycemic index.
Mining voice of customers and employees in insurance companies from online reviews: a text analytics approach
Authors: Rajendran Suchithra , Srinivas Sharan , Pagel Emily 
Published: January 2022

PurposeAlthough insurance companies contribute to about $600 billion of the US gross domestic product and employ 2.7 million people, the overall perception of clients and workers employed in this domain is poor. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to propose recommendations to improve the service quality of insurance companies using the voice of customers and employees that are available online.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed methodology consists of four stages: extracting text reviews posted by employees and customers, reviewing feedback using bigrams and trigrams, determining topics and identifying quality-associated managerial recommendations using the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) and root cause analysis techniques.FindingsOur results indicate that primary causes for client dissatisfaction are improper client assistance services, inefficient claims processing, issues related to payments/fees and unresponsive ancillary services. Offering different types of payment methods, immediate car replacement policy and features such as smartphone applications are commended very well. The major reasons for workforce frustrations include long and overly complex training, lack of social events and incentive programs. Coworkers, workplace facilities, clean work environment and other amenities are shown to have a positive impact on employees' satisfaction level.Originality/valueTo the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to propose recommendations to improve the service quality of insurance companies using the voice of customers and employees that are available online. The proposed quality-related insights can assist insurance companies in improving the outlook of their workers as well as customers.
Towards meaningful participation in humanitarian studies: co-researching with persons with disabilities in Central Sulawesi
Authors: Kusumowardoyo Chrysant Lily , Wulansari Husna Yuni 
Published: January 2022

PurposeThis paper presents the experience of co-researching with persons with disabilities in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) humanitarian programming using participatory methods that enable empowerment.Design/methodology/approachThis paper focuses on methods that ensure the active participation of persons with disabilities as co-researchers. These methods include building the capacity of persons with disabilities on the research topic and instruments, pre-interview role-plays, field pilot testing, post-data collection debriefing and reflective learning through writing learning diaries.FindingsThis research shows that persons with disabilities have the drive and capacity to contribute to research. Methods such as continuous engagement, capacity building and feedback mechanisms are essential for their participation and influence in the research production process. These methods can provide empowering experiences for persons with disabilities. However, they are often time-consuming and can be convoluted.Originality/valueResearch conducted with persons with disabilities in disaster and humanitarian studies is still scarce. Consequently, resources on inclusive and participatory methodology involving persons with disabilities are minimal. Therefore, this article contributes to addressing this knowledge gap.
Digital competence in secondary education teachers during the COVID-19-derived pandemic: comparative analysis
Authors: Diz-Otero Mario , Portela-Pino Iago , Domínguez-Lloria Sara , Pino-Juste Margarita 
Published: January 2022

PurposeContinuous training in professional teaching competencies has become one of the challenges of the school of the 21st century, especially if we refer to the mastery of digital competence. The aim of this study is to analyze the degree of digital competence of secondary school teachers of different areas of knowledge during the global pandemic of COVID-19 in the Galician autonomous community and obtain data that allow us to infer whether there is an association between individual variables such as age, gender, degree, work experience and their mastery of digital competence.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional descriptive quasi-experimental study is performed using an accidental sample of secondary school teachers from different fields of knowledge.FindingsThe different results obtained determine that the level of knowledge and use of digital media and tools is low. There are no significant differences depending on the variables analyzed, but it is necessary to establish specific continuing education plans for the improvement of digital competence in secondary school teachers to enable the effective use and management of information and communication technologies in future professionals.Originality/valueTherefore, the findings of this study allow the development of educational interventions focused on increasing the digital competence of teachers, taking into account their individual characteristics.
Transformational leadership promoting employees' informal learning and job involvement: the moderating role of self-efficacy
Authors: Zia Muhammad Qamar , Decius Julian , Naveed Muhammad , Anwar Adnan 
Published: January 2022

PurposeThe aim of this study is to investigate the relationships between transformational leadership (TL), informal learning and job involvement. The study delineates two pathways from TL to job involvement. The first is an indirect link through informal learning on job involvement, while the second pathway focuses on the moderating role of self-efficacy on the relationship between TL and informal learning.Design/methodology/approachSurvey data were gathered from 596 employees of small services firms in Pakistan. The proposed hypotheses were examined using structural equation modeling.FindingsThe results reveal that TL is indirectly related to job involvement through informal learning. The study also shows that self-efficacy strengthens the relationship between TL and informal learning.Originality/valuePrevious studies have overlooked the potential influence of TL on job involvement through the mechanism of informal learning. The current study addresses this gap by examining informal learning as a mediator between TL and job involvement. Furthermore, the study provides several theoretical and managerial implications for research and practice.
Re‐examining the impact of sectoral‐ and industrial‐level FDI on growth: Does institutional quality, education levels and trade openness matter?
Authors: Haini Hazwan , Tan Pauline 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThis study examines whether institutional quality, education levels and trade openness affect the relationship between sectoral‐ and industrial‐level foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows and economic growth. Previous studies highlight the heterogeneous effects of FDI at the sectoral‐ and industrial‐level suggesting the need to examine the growth effects of FDI at a disaggregated level. However, previous studies have not empirically explored the role of absorptive capacities at the industrial‐ and sectoral‐level. Consequently, using a sample of 36 Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development countries from 2000 to 2019, we examine the relationship using the system generalised method of moments estimator to control for endogeneity. Our results show that the magnitudinal effects of overall FDI is dampened as sectoral‐ and industrial‐effects are not considered. We find that both manufacturing and services FDI contributes to growth. However, the effect of manufacturing FDI is greater. Meanwhile, we find education levels to be an effective moderator for services FDI, while trade openness enhances the growth effects of manufacturing FDI more effectively. Institutional quality is shown to have a positive complementary effect across both sectors and certain industries. Policy implications are discussed.
“Skills for pills”: The dialectical‐behavioural therapy skills training reduces polypharmacy in borderline personality disorder
Authors: Soler Joaquim , Casellas‐Pujol Elisabet , Fernández‐Felipe Isabel , Martín‐Blanco Ana , Almenta David , Pascual Juan C. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractObjectivePolypharmacy and overprescription of off‐label medications are common in patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD). The aim of the present naturalistic study was to explore whether the skills training module of dialectical‐behavioural therapy (DBT) can reduce polypharmacy in these patients in routine clinical practice.MethodsRetrospective, observational study of 377 patients with a primary diagnosis of BPD consecutively admitted to the BPD outpatient unit from 2010 through 2020. All patients were invited to participate in the DBT skills training module (DBT‐ST). DBT‐ST participants (n = 182) were compared with a control group who did not participate in DBT‐ST (n = 195). Pre‐post intervention changes in medication load and use of antidepressants, benzodiazepines, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics were evaluated.ResultsAt baseline, most patients (84.4%) were taking at least one medication and 46.9% were on polypharmacy. Compared to controls, patients in the DBT‐ST group presented a significant reduction in the number of medications (2.67–1.95 vs. 2.16–2.19; p < 0.001), medication load (4.25–3.05 vs. 3.45–3.48; p < 0.001), use of benzodiazepines (54.4%–27.5% vs. 40%–40.5%; p < 0.001), mood stabilizers (43.4%–33% vs. 36.4%–39.5%; p < 0.001), and antipsychotics (36.3%–29.1% vs. 34.4%–36.9%; p < 0.001).ConclusionsThese findings suggest that patients with BPD can benefit from the DBT‐ST module, which may reduce the medication load, particularly of sedatives. The results suggest that DBT‐ST may be useful to treat overmedication in patients with BPD and could help to promote “deprescription” in clinical practice.
Loss of mitochondrial diversity in invasive populations of Asian honey bees, Apis cerana (Hymenoptera: Apidae), in the Austral‐Pacific
Authors: Sun Zijia , Chapman Nadine C , Raffiudin Rika , Putra Ramadhani Eka , Roberts John , Widjaya Chandra , Buchmann Gabriele , Holmes Michael , Gloag Rosalyn 
Published: January 2022

AbstractIntroduced species are a significant global concern because they can disrupt native ecosystems and cause economic damage to agricultural systems and infrastructure. The mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) diversity of invasive populations can help to identify the source and number of incursions and reveal whether these populations have maintained standing genetic variation that might allow mitochondrial genomes to adapt to new environments. We investigated mitochondrial diversity in native and invasive populations of the Asian honey bee (Apis cerana). We generated 144 sequences of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) from samples spanning three invasive populations (Australia, New Guinea and Solomon Islands) and three native‐range Indonesian populations (Java, Sulawesi and Flores). We then analysed these sequences together with published COI sequences to evaluate changes in mtDNA diversity associated with the recent spread of A. cerana across the Austral‐Pacific region. Mitochondrial COI diversity was consistent with invasive A. cerana populations having endured severe founder event bottlenecks during colonisation of New Guinea from Java, and then again during colonisation of Australia and the Solomon Islands from New Guinea. Mitochondrial diversity of native‐range Indonesian populations was high (26 COI haplotypes detected), particularly on Java (20 haplotypes), while all samples from invasive populations carried the same COI haplotype. Indeed, the single COI haplotype of invasive A. cerana populations is consistent with invasive populations being founded by just one, or very few, queens, as previously suggested from nuclear markers. Further investigation is needed to understand the fitness effects, if any, of mitochondrial diversity loss in invasive A. cerana populations of the Austral‐Pacific.