bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The evolution of colistin resistance increases bacterial resistance to host antimicrobial peptides and virulence
Authors: Jangir Pramod K. , Ogunlana Lois , Szili Petra , Czikkely Márton , Stevens Emily J. , Yang Yu , Yang Qiue , Wang Yang , Pál Csaba , Walsh Timothy R. , MacLean Craig 
Published: February 2022

AbstractAntimicrobial peptides (AMPs) offer a promising solution to the antibiotic resistance crisis. However, an unresolved serious concern is that the evolution of resistance to therapeutic AMPs may generate cross-resistance to host AMPs, compromising a cornerstone of the innate immune response. We systematically tested this hypothesis using globally disseminated mobile colistin resistance (MCR) that has been selected by the use of colistin in agriculture and medicine. Here we show that MCR provides a selective advantage to E. coli in the presence of key AMPs from humans and agricultural animals by increasing AMP resistance. Moreover, MCR promotes bacterial growth in human serum and increases virulence in a Galleria mellonella infection model. Our study shows how the anthropogenic use of AMPs can drive the accidental evolution of resistance to the innate immune system of humans and animals. These findings have major implications for the design and use of therapeutic AMPs and they suggest that MCR will be difficult to eradicate, even if colistin use is withdrawn.
Improved structural variant discovery in hard-to-call regions using sample-specific string detection from accurate long reads
Authors: Denti Luca , Khorsand Parsoa , Bonizzoni Paola , Hormozdiari Fereydoun , Chikhi Rayan 
Published: February 2022

AbstractStructural variants (SVs) account for a large amount of sequence variability across genomes and play an important role in human genomics and precision medicine. Despite intense efforts over the years, the discovery of SVs in individuals remains challenging due to the diploid and highly repetitive structure of the human genome, and by the presence of SVs that vastly exceed sequencing read lengths. However, the recent introduction of low-error long-read sequencing technologies such as PacBio HiFi may finally enable to overcome these barriers. Here we present SVDSS, a novel hybrid method for discovery of SVs from long-read sequencing technologies (e.g., PacBio HiFi) that combines and effectively leverages mapping-free, mapping-based and assembly-based methodologies for overall superior SV discovery performance. Our experiments on several human samples show that SVDSS outperforms state-of-the-art mapping-based methods for discovery of insertion and deletion SVs in PacBio HiFi reads and achieves significant improvements in calling SVs in repetitive regions of the genome.SVDSS is open source and publicly available at: https://github.com/Parsoa/SVDSS
DNA-functionalized Gold Nanorods for Targeted Triple-modal Optical Imaging and Photothermal Therapy of Triple-negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Pal Suchetan , Koneru Jaya Krishna , Andreou Chrysafis , Rakshit Tatini , Rajasekhar Vinagolu K. , Wlodarczyk Marek , Healey John H. , Kircher Moritz F. , Mondal Jagannath 
Published: February 2022

AbstractTargeted imaging and therapy for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) in the perioperative period are believed to be imperative for better disease management and improved life expectancy. Still, they are not yet available in clinical settings, and only a few nanoparticle-based theranostic agents potentially offer these capabilities. Herein, we develop an innovative class of biocompatible triple-modality nanoprobes (TMNPs) that offer optical imaging using optoacoustic, fluorescence, and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), as well as photothermal therapy (PTT) with near-infrared (NIR) light. The TMNPs are fabricated by immobilizing positively charged NIR fluorophores on negatively charged DNA-coated gold nanorods (AuNR), then silica encapsulation. The DNA-based design allows the screening of commercially available positively charged NIR fluorophores for the optimum fluorescence and SERS signals. After the design optimization, we functionalize TMNPs with folate groups to target folate receptor1 (FOLR1)-overexpressing TNBC in vitro and in vivo. Our results reveal that TMNPs preferentially accumulate in the FOLR1 positive tumors in TNBC patient-derived xenograft mouse models and show excellent imaging capabilities with all three imaging modalities. Selective exposure of the tumor with NIR laser further shows efficient thermal tissue ablation without causing systemic toxicity. Collectively, TMNP holds great promise for real-time multiplexed imaging of cancer biomarkers and therapeutic capability.
Pervasive species-specific repulsion among adult tropical trees
Authors: Kalyuzhny Michael , Lake Jeffrey K. , Wright S. Joseph , Ostling Annette M. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractFor species to coexist, performance must decline as the density of conspecific individuals increases. Although evidence for such Conspecific Negative Density Dependence (CNDD) exists in forests, the spatial repulsion it should produce has not been demonstrated in adults. Here we show that in comparison to a null model of stochastic birth, death and limited dispersal, the adults of dozens of tropical forest tree species show almost ubiquitous and strong spatial repulsion, some to surprising distances of ~100 meters. We use simulations to show such strong repulsion can only occur if CNDD considerably exceeds Heterospecific Negative Density Dependence, an even stronger condition required for coexistence, and that large-scale repulsion can indeed result from small-scale CNDD. These results highlight the power of limited dispersal spatial null models.One-Sentence SummarySpatial distributions of tropical trees reflect a strong negative effect of conspecifics, exceeding that of heterospecifics
Lack of evidence for participation of TMEM150c/TENTONIN3 in sensory mechanotransduction
Authors: Ojeda-Alonso Julia , Bégay Valérie , Garcia-Contreras Jonathan Alexis , Campos-Pérez Andrea Fernanda , Purfürst Bettina , Lewin Gary R. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe membrane protein TMEM150c has been proposed to form a mechanosensitive ion channel that is required for normal proprioceptor function. Here we examined whether expression of TMEM150c in neuroblastoma cells lacking Piezo1 is associated with the appearance of mechanosensitive currents. Using three different modes of mechanical stimuli, indentation, membrane stretch and substrate deflection we could not evoke mechanosensitive currents in cells expressing TMEM150c. We next asked if TMEM150c is necessary for the normal mechanosensitivity of cutaneous sensory neurons. We used an available mouse model in which the Tmem150c locus was disrupted through the insertion of a LacZ cassette with a splice acceptor that should lead to transcript truncation. Analysis of these mice indicated that ablation of the Tmem150c gene was not complete in sensory neurons of the dorsal root ganglia (DRG). Using a Crispr/cas9 strategy we made a second mouse model in which a large part of the Tmem150c gene was deleted and established that these Tmem150c-/- mice completely lack TMEM150c protein in the DRGs. We used an ex vivo skin nerve preparation to characterize the mechanosenstivity of mechanoreceptors and nociceptors in the glabrous skin of the Tmem150c-/- mice. We found no quantitative alterations in the physiological properties of any type of cutaneous sensory fiber in Tmem150c-/- mice. Since it has been claimed that TMEM150c is required for normal proprioceptor function we made a quantitative analysis of locomotion in Tmem150c-/- mice. Here again we found no indication that there was altered gait in Tmem150c-/- mice compared to wild type controls. In summary, we conclude that existing mouse models that have been used to investigate TMEM150c function in vivo are problematic. Furthermore, we could find no evidence that TMEM150c forms a mechanosensitive channel or that it is necessary for the normal mechanosensitivity of cutaneous sensory neurons.
The tRNA thiolation-mediated translational control is essential for plant immunity
Authors: Zheng Xueao , Chen Hanchen , Deng Zhiping , Wu Yujing , Zhong Linlin , Wu Chong , Chen Qiansi , Yan Shunping 
Published: February 2022

AbstractPlants have evolved sophisticated mechanisms to regulate gene expression to activate immune responses against pathogen infections. However, how the translation system contributes to plant immunity is largely unknown. The evolutionarily conserved thiolation modification of tRNA ensures efficient decoding during translation. Here we show that tRNA thiolation is required for plant immunity inArabidopsis. We identify acgb Arabidopsismutant, which is hyper-susceptible to the pathogenPseudomonas syringae. CGBencodes ROL5, a homolog of yeast NCS6 required for tRNA thiolation. ROL5 physically interacts with CTU2, a homolog of yeast NCS2. Mutations in eitherROL5orCTU2result in loss of tRNA thiolation. Further analyses reveal that both transcriptional reprogramming and translational reprogramming during immune responses are compromised incgb.Notably, the translation of the salicylic acid receptor NPR1 is reduced incgb, resulting in reduced salicylic acid signaling. Our study not only reveals a new regulatory mechanism for plant immunity but also uncovers a new biological function of tRNA thiolation.
Oligodendrocyte-lineage cell exocytosis and L-type prostaglandin D synthase promote oligodendrocyte development and myelination
Authors: Pan Lin , Trimarco Amelia , Zhang Alice J. , Fujimori Ko , Urade Yoshihiro , Sun Lu O. , Taveggia Carla , Zhang Ye 
Published: February 2022

SummaryIn the developing central nervous system, oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) differentiate into oligodendrocytes, which form myelin around axons. Oligodendrocytes and myelin are essential for the function of the central nervous system, as evidenced by the severe neurological symptoms that arise in demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis and leukodystrophy. Although many cell-intrinsic mechanisms that regulate oligodendrocyte development and myelination have been reported, it remains unclear whether interactions among oligodendrocyte-lineage cells (OPCs and oligodendrocytes) affect oligodendrocyte development and myelination. Here, we show that blocking vesicle-associated membrane protein (VAMP) 1/2/3-dependent exocytosis from oligodendrocyte-lineage cells impairs oligodendrocyte development, myelination, and motor behavior in mice. Adding oligodendrocyte-lineage cell-secreted molecules to secretion-deficient OPC cultures partially restores the morphological maturation of oligodendrocytes. Moreover, we identified L-type prostaglandin D synthase as an oligodendrocyte-lineage cell-secreted protein that promotes oligodendrocyte development and myelination in vivo. These findings reveal a novel autocrine/paracrine loop model for the regulation of oligodendrocyte and myelin development.
Glutathione in the nucleus accumbens regulates motivation to exert reward-incentivized effort
Authors: Zalachoras Ioannis , Ramos-Fernández Eva , Hollis Fiona , Trovò Laura , Rodrigues João , Strasser Alina , Zanoletti Olivia , Steiner Pascal , Preitner Nicolas , Xin Lijing , Astori Simone , Sandi Carmen 
Published: February 2022

AbstractEmerging evidence is implicating mitochondrial function and metabolism in the nucleus accumbens in motivated performance. However, the brain is vulnerable to excessive oxidative insults resulting from neurometabolic processes and whether antioxidant levels in the nucleus accumbens contribute to motivated performance is not known. Here, we identify a critical role for glutathione (GSH), the most important endogenous antioxidant in the brain, in motivation. Using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) at ultra-high field in both clinical and preclinical populations, we establish that higher accumbal GSH levels are highly predictive of better, and particularly steady performance over time in effort-related tasks. Causality was established in preclinical in vivo experiments that, first, showed that down-regulating GSH levels through micro-injections of the GSH synthesis inhibitor buthionine sulfoximine in the nucleus accumbens impaired effort-based reward-incentivized performance. In addition, systemic treatment with the GSH precursor N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) increased accumbal GSH levels and led to improved performance, potentially mediated by a cell-type specific shift in glutamatergic inputs to accumbal medium spiny neurons. Our data indicate a close association between accumbal GSH levels and individual’s capacity to exert reward-incentivized effort over time. They also suggest that improvement of accumbal antioxidant function may be a feasible approach to boost motivation.
Participatory practice guideline development at the intersections of domestic and family violence, mental distress and/or parental substance use
Authors: Heward-Belle Susan Lynn , Kertesz Margaret , Humphreys Cathy , Tsantefski Menka , Isobe Jasmin 
Published: February 2022

PurposeIt is well established that the service system has a poor history of responding holistically to address the needs of children and families living with co-occurring complexities such as domestic violence, parental mental health and/or substance use. The purpose of this conceptual paper is to primarily describe the developmental process used to create guidelines to inform practice at the intersections of domestic violence, mental health and alcohol and other drug services, ensuring that the tactics of coercive control are visible in contexts of complexity.Design/methodology/approachThe guidelines were developed through undertaking a literature review, followed by a practice-led research approach with practitioners from 33 organisations across three Australian states, Safe & Together consultants and researchers. Communities of practice composed of practitioners providing interventions to children and families were central to the approach. Data that informed the development of the guidelines included a literature review, ethnographic notes, qualitative interviews, quantitative surveys and reflections.FindingsPractice-led research engaged practitioners in the development of guidelines to promote an integrated response to working with families experiencing domestic violence, substance use and mental health issues. The integrated approach drew from the Safe & Together model, emphasising partnering with women survivors, pivoting to the perpetrator, focusing on children’s safety and well-being, promoting worker safety, collaborating across agencies and influencing organisational change. The process demonstrated the usefulness of this integrated approach, using practitioner-based examples.Originality/valueSuccessful iterative processes to develop the guidelines were undertaken to support cultural change towards holistic and collaborative work across multiple sectors and organisations.
An individualized life-skills coaching program for adults with autism
Authors: Hillier Ashleigh , Poto Nataliya , Schena II David , Buckingham Abigail , Frye Alice 
Published: February 2022

Purpose
The lack of services for adults on the autism spectrum is of growing concern. Given the huge variation in how autism impacts people, individualized approaches might be particularly effective. The purpose of this paper is to present an overview of a community-based life-skills coaching program for adults with autism “LifeMAP.”

Design/methodology/approach
LifeMAP is structured around individualized meetings between a client and their coach where they identify, prioritize and make progress toward self-selected goals. LifeMAP was established in 2008 and has since served around 2,600 clients. This paper provides an outline of the LifeMAP program, how sessions with clients are structured, goals that adults with autism prioritize and preliminary data on progress toward goal attainment.

Findings
Findings indicated that the LifeMAP program model was effective in supporting progress toward goals, increasing confidence toward goals and reducing anxiety.

Originality/value
Given the scope of the LifeMAP program, this overview is unique in providing pertinent information to others looking for effective and authentic strategies to support autistic adults and those transitioning from high school. This study provides a realistic perspective on how programs are applied in community-based settings, outside a structured, formal lab setting. It is concluded that individualized intervention approaches might be key to successful outcomes for adults with autism.
Does Islamic microfinance contribute to economic empowerment in Tunisia?: a case study of Zitouna Tamkeen
Authors: Zitouni Takwa , Ben Jedidia Khoutem 
Published: February 2022

PurposeIslamic microfinance is a substantial tool for poverty alleviation and economic empowerment. The paper aims at accessing the potential of Islamic microfinance for the purpose of achieving the economic empowerment in Tunisia.Design/methodology/approachA structured questionnaire survey method is used. The method is intended for some of the beneficiaries of Zitouna Tamkeen (ZT), the only Islamic microfinance institution in Tunisia. Responses are analyzed using the statistical package for the social sciences program.FindingsThe authors infer that though the Islamic and conventional microfinance have similar objectives, the methods are different. What is more, the economic empowerment requires not only financial inclusion and entrepreneurship, but also skill development. The results of the survey reveal that ZT has contributed to certain economic empowerment of most of ZT's beneficiaries. In addition, the authors bring to the fore that providing supportive infrastructure and investment is a prominent component of the economic empowerment process.Research limitations/implicationsIn the paper, the sample is limited.Practical implicationsThe authors have highlighted that some structural barriers to entrepreneurship – such as legal, operational and marketing challenges – need to be addressed in a practical way.Originality/valueThis paper establishes the relationship between the Islamic microfinance and economic empowerment. The current paper is the first investigation in this field in Tunisia.
Can attraction to and competition for high‐quality habitats shape breeding propensity?
Authors: Acker Paul , Schaub Michael , Besnard Aurélien , Monnat Jean‐Yves , Cam Emmanuelle 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

In many animal species, sexually mature individuals may skip breeding opportunities despite a likely negative impact on fitness. In spatio‐temporally heterogeneous environments, habitat selection theory predicts that individuals select habitats where fitness prospects are maximized. Individuals are attracted to high‐quality habitat patches where they compete for high‐quality breeding sites. Since failures in contests to secure a site may prevent individuals from breeding, we hypothesized that attraction to and competition for high‐quality habitats could shape breeding propensity.

Under this hypothesis, we predicted the two following associations between breeding propensity and two key population features. (1) When mean habitat quality in the population increases in multiple patches such that availability of high‐quality sites increases across the population, the resulting decrease in competition should positively affect breeding propensity. (2) When the number of individuals increases in the population, the resulting increase in competitors should negatively affect breeding propensity (negative density dependence).

Using long‐term data from kittiwakes Rissa tridactyla, we checked the prerequisite of prediction (1), that availability of high‐quality sites is positively associated with current mean habitat quality in the population (represented by breeding success). We then applied integrated population modelling to quantify annual fluctuations in population mean breeding success, breeding propensity and number of individuals by breeding status (pre‐breeders, breeders, skippers and immigrants), and tested our predictions.

Our results showed that breeding propensity acts as an important driver of population growth. As expected, breeding propensity was positively associated with preceding mean habitat quality in the population, and negatively with the number of competitors. These relationships varied depending on breeding status, which likely reflects status dependence in competitive ability.

These findings highlight the importance of competition for high‐quality breeding sites in shaping breeding propensity. Thereby, we draw attention towards alternative and complementary explanations to more standard considerations regarding the energetic cost of reproduction, and point to possible side effects of habitat selection behaviours on individual life histories and population dynamics.
Drivers of the Australian native pet trade: The role of species traits, socioeconomic attributes and regulatory systems
Authors: Toomes Adam , García‐Díaz Pablo , Stringham Oliver C. , Ross Joshua V. , Mitchell Lewis , Cassey Phillip 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

The pet trade is a major driver of both biodiversity loss and the introduction of invasive alien species. Building a comprehensive understanding of the pet trade would improve prediction of conservation and biosecurity threats, with the aim to prevent further negative impacts.

We used South Australia’s native wildlife permit reporting system as a data‐rich example of a vertebrate pet market, spanning 590 distinct taxa across 105 families of terrestrial vertebrates (mammals, reptiles, birds and amphibians). Using a piecewise structural equation modelling (SEM) approach, we tested the influence of 11 a priori variables relating to pets (e.g. species traits), pet owners (e.g. socioeconomic metrics) and regulatory systems (e.g. permit requirements) on the quantities of captive pet keeping, breeding, trading and escapes into the wild.

Birds and reptiles with higher annual fecundity were more likely to be kept in captivity and birds with larger adult mass were more likely to be sold. Species with more stringent permit requirements were possessed and escaped, in lower abundances. Pet keeping was weakly correlated with regions of lower human population densities and higher unemployment rates, yet all socioeconomic variables were ultimately poor at explaining trade dynamics.

More escapes occurred in regions that possessed larger quantities of pets, further emphasising the role of propagule pressure in the risk of pet escapes.

Synthesis and applications. Species traits are a strong determinant of native pet trade dynamics, yet permit systems also play a key role in de‐incentivising undesirable trade practices. While our research highlighted the positive potential of trade regulatory systems, we recommend that consistent permit category criteria are established to reduce trade in threatened species as well as invasive alien species of high biosecurity risk. Implementation of such systems is broadly needed across a greater diversity of wildlife markets and jurisdictions.