bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parent’s Views on Access to Dental Care and the Interim Canadian Dental Benefit
Authors: Menon Anil , de Jesus Vivianne Cruz , Virtanen Jorma I. , Schroth Robert J.
Published: May 2024

Introduction

This study investigated parents’ perspectives on access to oral health care and the Interim Canada Dental Benefit (CDB). In the context of Canada’s national health insurance, which historically excluded dental care, the introduction of the Interim CDB in October 2022 represented a paradigm shift towards enhancing dental care accessibility for children under 12 years of age from lower-income families.

Methods

This study analyzed aggregate and de-identified data from the comprehensive online survey conducted by The Strategic Counsel for Health Canada, involving 2,203 parents from across Canada. The survey was administered in March of 2023. Paired/overlap t-test for means and paired/overlap z-test for percentages were performed, with statistical significance atp≤ 0.05.

Results

The majority of participants expressed concerns regarding the costs (90.9%) and accessibility (80.9%) of dental care, indicated that regular dental visits for children is important (97.2%), and would take their children more frequently to dental appointments if had extra money (79.9%). Some of the barriers preventing regular dental visits for children included costs of service and transportation and lack of insurance. The majority of parents showed support for the Interim CDB (87%), with the greatest support coming from the provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan (90.4%).

Conclusion

This research underscores the imperative for ongoing evaluation and policy refinement to ensure the CDCP effectively addresses the nuanced needs of Canadian families, fostering a more inclusive and accessible dental care system. Parents’ concerns regarding dental care and their support for the Interim CDB signal a clear mandate for improving program outreach and accessibility through the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP).

Knowledge Transfer Statement

Findings from this study highlight the significant concern among parents regarding dental care affordability in Canada, reinforcing the necessity of programs like the Interim Canada Dental Benefit (CDB) and Canadian Dental Care Plan. High rates of support suggest a positive public reception of the CDB, which is crucial for policy intervention’s success. Concern about accessing dental services, despite the availability of the insurance, indicates ongoing barriers to dental care, suggesting areas for future policy refinements.
The impact of APOE ε4 in Alzheimer’s disease: a meta-analysis of voxel-based morphometry studies
Authors: Bailey Madison , Ilchovska Zlatomira Georgieva , Hosseini Akram A. , Jung JeYoung
Published: May 2024

Background

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most prevalent form of dementia, exerting substantial personal and societal impacts. The apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele is a known genetic factor that increases the risk of AD, contributing to more severe brain atrophy and exacerbated symptoms.

Purpose

We aim to provide a comprehensive review of the impacts of the APOE ε4 allele on brain atrophy in AD and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) as a transitional stage of AD.

Methods

We performed a coordinate-based meta-analysis of voxel-based morphometry (VBM) studies to identify the patterns of grey matter atrophy in APOE ε4 carriers vs. non-carriers. We obtained coordinate-based structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data for 1135 individuals from 12 studies on PubMed and Google Scholar that met our inclusion criteria.

Results

We found significant atrophy in the hippocampus and parahippocampus of APOE ε4 carriers compared to non-carriers, especially within the AD and MCI groups, while healthy controls showed no significant atrophy in these regions.

Conclusion

Our meta-analysis sheds light on the significant link between the APOE ε4 allele and hippocampal atrophy in both AD and MCI, emphasizing the allele’s critical influence on neurodegeneration, especially in the hippocampus. Our findings contribute to the understanding of the disease’s pathology, potentially facilitating progress in early detection, targeted interventions, and personalized care strategies for individuals with the APOE ε4 allele who are at risk for Alzheimer’s Disease.
Low-Frequency Activity in Dorsal Subthalamic Nucleus Predicts Impulsivity Improvement Following Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinsonian Patients
Authors: Kaymak Ahmet , Cubeddu Laura , Vissani Matteo , Taddeini Fabio , Caremani Luca , Govoni Alessandra , Micheli Federico , Valente Simone , Piattellini Francesca , Greco Davide , Pecchioli Guido , Ramat Silvia , Mazzoni Alberto
Published: May 2024

Objective

The progression of impulsive-compulsive behaviors (ICB) in Parkinson’s Disease (PD) following subthalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery displays a large inter-patient variability. However, the link between the subthalamic neural activity at the single-neuron level and the postoperative evolution of ICB remains unclear. In this study, we investigated neural features associated with postoperative ICB recovery and their spatial distribution within the subthalamic nucleus (STN).

Approach

We examined neural activity extracted from intraoperative microelectrode recordings within the STN of 22 PD patients undergoing STN-DBS. Ten patients were diagnosed with ICB, with half of them showing recovery (ICB-R) from impulsive symptoms following implantation, while the other half remained stable (ICB-S). Both groups presented similar motor symptoms and received similar drug treatments pre- and post-operatively. Following, we compared beta [12-30 Hz] and theta [4-8 Hz] oscillations, firing rate, regularity, and spiking patterns in non-ICB, recovered, and stable patients across STN regions. We adopted linear discriminant algorithms to classify the postoperative state at both single neuron and patient levels.

Main results

We observed significantly weaker beta and theta oscillations and increased spiking regularity at the single neuron level (p<0.05, Mann-Whitney U test) in patients who displayed postoperative ICB recovery. Of note, this difference was significant only on the dorsal portion of the STN, close to the stimulation target region. The discrimination algorithms based on these features correctly classified the postoperative state of 9/10 ICB patients.

Significance

We showed that low-frequency subthalamic neural activity next to the stimulation target could be an effective biomarker for the evolution of ICBs following STN-DBS surgery, independently from other clinical aspects. Our results also support broader implications of beta activity in PD pathology beyond the motor domain.
Physical activity, metabolites, and breast cancer associations
Authors: Watts Eleanor L. , Moore Steven C. , Abar Leila , Hong Hyokyoung G. , Saint-Maurice Pedro F. , O’Connell Caitlin , Matthews Charles E. , Loftfield Erikka
Published: May 2024

Background

The effects of habitual physical activity on physiology and disease prevention are not fully understood. We examined the associations between physical activity, metabolites in systemic circulation, and breast cancer risk.

Methods

Total physical activity levels were assessed using doubly labeled water, accelerometers, and previous day recalls in the IDATA study (N=707 participants, ages 50-74 years, 51% women). Assessments occurred 1-6 times over a 12-month period and blood samples were collected twice. Partial Spearman correlations were used to estimate associations between physical activity and 843 serum metabolites, corrected for multiple testing using the false discovery rate (p-adj<0.05). Associations between physical activity-associated metabolites and breast cancer were explored in a prospective cohort (621 cases, 621 controls) using conditional logistic regression.

Results

Physical activity was associated with 164 metabolites, spanning a wide range of pathways, including many amino acid pathways, glucose homeostasis, and bile acid metabolism. Nine physical activity-associated metabolites were also associated with postmenopausal breast cancer risk. Key metabolites were N-acetylthreonine, isovalerylglycine, 2-methylbutyroylcarnitine (amino acids and derivatives), androsteroid monosulfate C19H28O6S (1), and X-21310. These metabolites were consistent with a protective role of physical activity on breast cancer prevention and particularly implicated a role for branched chain amino acid catabolism. Sphingomyelin (d18:1/20:1, d18:2/20:0) levels were lower in participants with higher physical activity energy expenditure and were also associated with lower breast cancer risk.

Conclusion

Physical activity is associated with a broad range of metabolites, some of which are also associated with reduced breast cancer risk, highlighting potential metabolic pathways for cancer prevention.
Using fibre-optic sensing for non-invasive, continuous dendrometry of mature tree trunks
Authors: van den Ende Martijn , Oberlé Eléonore , Améglio Thierry , Ardito Robin , Gâteblé Gildas
Published: May 2024

Dendrometry is the main non-invasive macroscopic technique commonly used in plant physiology and ecophysysiology studies. Over the years several types of dendrometric techniques have been developed, each with their respective strengths and drawbacks. Automatic and continuous monitoring solutions are being developed, but are still limited, particularly for non-invasive monitoring of large-diameter trunks. In this study, we propose a new type of automated dendrometer based on distributed fibre-optic sensing that continuously measures the change in stem circumference, is non-invasive, and has no upper limit on the trunk diameter on which it can be installed. We perform a three-month validation experiment during which we deploy a fibre-optic cable at three localities around the trunks of two specimens ofBrachychiton. We verify the accuracy of this new method through comparison against a conventional point-dendrometer, and we observe a consistent time lag between the various measurement locations that varies with the meteorological conditions. Finally, we discuss the feasibility of the fibre-based dendrometer in the context of existing dendrometric techniques and practical experimental considerations.
Three cytochrome P450 fromNicotiana attenuataplay key roles in triterpene biosynthesis
Authors: Yang Caiqiong , Halitschke Rayko , O’Connor Sarah E. , Baldwin Ian T.
Published: May 2024

Pentacyclic triterpenoids, recognized for their natural bioactivity, display complex spatiotemporal accumulation patterns within the ecological model plant,Nicotiana attenuata. Despite their ecological significance, the underlying biosynthetic enzymes and functional attributes of triterpenoid synthesis inN. attenuataremain unexplored. Three multifunctional cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (NaCYP716A419, NaCYP716C87, NaCYP716E107) fromN. attenuatawere shown to oxidize the pentacyclic triterpene skeleton as evidenced by heterologous expression inNicotiana benthamiana. NaCYP716A419 catalyzed a consecutive three-step oxidation reaction at the C28 position of β-amyrin/lupeol/lupanediol, yielding the corresponding alcohol, aldehyde, and carboxylic acid. NaCYP716C87 hydroxylated the C2α position of β-amyrin/lupeol/lupanediol/erythrodiol/oleanolic acid/betulinic acid, while NaCYP716E107 hydroxylated the C6β position of β-amyrin/oleanolic acid. Three CYP716 enzymes are highly expressed in flowers and respond to induction by ABA, MeJA, SA, GA3, and abiotic stress treatments. Using VIGS technology, we revealed that silencing of NaCYP716A419 affects the growth and reproduction ofN. attenuata, suggesting the ecological significance of these specialized metabolite biosynthetic steps.

One-sentence summary

Three CYP716 enzymes diversifyN. attenuata’striterpenoid sector with potential roles in growth and development.
Monitoring multi-pathogens and SARS-CoV-2 variants in aircraft and airport wastewater
Authors: Tay Martin , Lee Benjamin , Ismail Muhammad Hafiz , Yam Jerald , Maliki Dzulkhairul , Gin Karina Yew-Hoong , Chae Sae-Rom , Ho Zheng Jie Marc , Teoh Yee Leong , Ng Lee Ching , Wong Judith Chui Ching
Published: May 2024

Background

As global travel resumed in COVID-19 endemicity, the potential of aircraft wastewater monitoring to provide early warning of disease trends for SARS-CoV-2 variants and other infectious diseases, particularly at international air travel hubs, was recognized. We therefore assessed and compared the feasibility of testing wastewater from inbound aircraft and airport terminals for 18 pathogens including SARS-CoV-2 in Singapore, a popular travel hub in Asia.

Methods

Wastewater samples collected from inbound medium- and long-haul flights and airport terminals were tested for SARS-CoV-2. Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) was carried out on positive samples to identify SARS-CoV-2 variants. Airport and aircraft samples were further tested for 17 other pathogens through quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR).

Results

The proportion of SARS-CoV-2-positive samples and the average virus load was higher for wastewater samples from aircraft as compared to airport terminals. Cross-correlation analyses indicated that viral load trends from airport wastewater led local COVID-19 case trends by two to five days. A total of ten variants (44 sub-lineages) were successfully identified from aircraft wastewater and airport terminals, and four variants of interest (VOIs) and one variant under monitoring (VUM) were detected in aircraft and airport wastewater 18-31 days prior to detection in local clinical cases. The detection of five respiratory and four enteric viruses in aircraft wastewater samples further underscores the potential to expand aircraft wastewater to monitoring pathogens beyond SARS-CoV-2.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate the feasibility of aircraft wastewater testing for monitoring infectious diseases threats, potentially detecting signals before clinical cases are reported. The triangulation of similar datapoints from aircraft wastewater of international travel nodes could therefore serve as a useful early warning system for global health threats.
United States Provider Experiences with Telemedicine for Hepatitis C Treatment: A Nationwide Survey
Authors: Patel Pruthvi , Wells Martin T. , Wethington Elaine , Shapiro Martin , Parvez Yasir , Kapadia Shashi N , Talal Andrew H
Published: May 2024

Background

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination requires treatment access expansion, especially for underserved populations. Telehealth has the potential to improve HCV treatment access, although data are limited on its incorporation into standard clinical practice.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional, e-mail survey of 598 US HCV treatment providers who had valid email addresses and 1) were located in urban areas and had written ≥20 prescriptions for HCV treatment to US Medicare beneficiaries in 2019-20 or 2) were located in non-urban areas and wrote any HCV prescriptions in 2019-20. Through email, we notified providers of a self-administered electronic 28-item survey of clinical strategies and attitudes about telemedicine for HCV.

Results

We received 86 responses (14% response rate), of which 75 used telemedicine for HCV in 2022. Of those 75, 24% were gastroenterologists/hepatologists, 23% general medicine, 17% infectious diseases, and 32% non-physicians. Most (82%) referred patients to commercial laboratories, and 85% had medications delivered directly to patients. Overwhelmingly, respondents (92%) felt that telehealth increases healthcare access, and 76% reported that it promotes or is neutral for treatment completion. Factors believed to be “extremely” or “very” important for telehealth use included patient access to technology (86%); patients’ internet access (74%); laboratory access (76%); reimbursement for video visits (74%) and audio-only visits (66%). Non-physician licensing and liability statutes were rated “extremely” or “very” important by 43% and 44%, respectively.

Conclusions

Providers felt that telehealth increases HCV treatment access. Major limitations were technological requirements, reimbursement, and access to ancillary services. These findings support the importance of digital equity and literacy to achieve HCV elimination goals.
Association of body water balance, nutritional risk, and sarcopenia with outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Akimoto Takayoshi , Tasaki Kenta , Ishihara Masaki , Hara Makoto , Nakajima Hideto
Published: May 2024

Background

Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) can serve to evaluate body water balance and muscle mass. The present study aimed to explore the interrelationships among body water balance, nutritional risk, sarcopenia, and outcome after acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

Methods

This single-center, prospective study included 111 patients with AIS and a premorbid modified Rankin Scale score (mRS) ≤2. Overhydration, indicating a body water balance abnormality, was defined as an extracellular fluid/total body water ratio >0.390. The geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) was used as nutrition marker, a GNRI <92 was considered low. Sarcopenia was defined according to the 2019 Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia criteria. Poor outcome was defined as an mRS ≥3 at discharge.

Results

In the overall cohort, including 40 women, the median age was 77 years, 43 had poor prognosis, 31 overhydration, 25 low GNRI, and 44 sarcopenia. Patients with poor outcome had significantly higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores, and significantly more common with overhydration, low GNRI, and sarcopenia (P <0.001 for all). Increasing concomitance of overhydration, low GNRI, and sarcopenia was associated with a heightened rate of poor outcomes. Especially, poor outcome was observed in 19 of 23 patients with low muscle mass and overhydration. In multivariate analysis, overhydration (odds ratio [OR] 5.504, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.717–17.648; P = 0.004), age (OR 1.062, 95%CI 1.010–1.117; P = 0.020) and NIHSS score (OR 1.790, 95%CI 1.307–2.451; P < 0.001) were independent poor prognostic factors.

Conclusions

Body water balance and muscle mass assessment using BIA was useful in predicting AIS outcome. Overhydration was particularly associated with poor outcome. The combination of overhydration and low muscle mass could specifically predict poor outcomes after AIS.

Graphical Abstract
Variant rs9644568 in the intergenic region downstream of the LPL gene is associated with high LDL cholesterol levels among Filipinos
Authors: Cutiongco–de la Paz Eva Maria C. , Nevado Jose B. , Santos Lourdes Ella G. , Aman Aimee Yvonne Criselle L. , Magno Jose Donato A. , Reganit Paul Ferdinand M. , Tiongco Richard Henry P. , Ona Deborah Ignacia D. , Punzalan Felix Eduardo R. , Llanes Elmer Jasper B. , Aherrera Jaime Alfonso M. , Fernandez Carla Mae O. , Abrahan Lauro L. , Agustin Charlene F. , Bejarin Adrian John P. , Sy Rody G.
Published: May 2024

High blood level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Although genetic variants linked to high LDL-C have been studied in other populations, there have been no previous studies among Filipinos. This study aims to determine the association of candidate genetic variants to high LDL-C. We performed an age- and sex-matched case-control study that compared Filipino participants with high LDL-C levels (n=60) with controls (n=60). DNA was extracted from blood samples and genotyped for candidate SNPs using a customized microarray chip. Logistic regression analyses were used to determine the composite association of genetic and clinical variables to the condition. Of the initial eleven SNPs associated with high LDL-C in univariate analyses, only the variant rs9644568 in the intergenic region downstream of theLPLgene remained significantly associated with high LDL-C levels on multiple regression analysis and variable selection after adjustment for hypertension. The G allele was observed as the risk allele in a recessive model. The variant rs9644568-G in theLPLgene was associated with high blood LDL-C levels among Filipinos. In combination with hypertension, this genetic profile may identify individuals who are susceptible to develop high LDL-C in this population.
Full-length tRNAs lacking a functional CCA tail are selectively sorted into the lumen of extracellular vesicles
Authors: Scheepbouwer Chantal , Aparicio-Puerta Ernesto , Gómez-Martin Cristina , van Eijndhoven Monique A.J. , Drees Esther E.E. , Bosch Leontien , de Jong Daphne , Wurdinger Thomas , Zijlstra Josée M. , Hackenberg Michael , Gerber Alan , Pegtel D. Michiel
Published: May 2024

Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) are heterogenous lipid membrane particles typically less than 200 nm in size and secreted by most cell types either constitutively or upon activation signals. sEVs isolated from biofluids contain RNAs, including small non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), that can be either encapsulated within the EV lumen or bound to the EV surface. EV-associated microRNAs (miRNAs) are, despite a relatively low abundance, extensively investigated for their selective incorporation and their role in cell-cell communication. In contrast, the sorting of highly-structured ncRNA species is understudied, mainly due to technical limitations of traditional small RNA sequencing protocols. Here, we adapted ALL-tRNAseq to profile the relative abundance of highly structured and potentially methylated small ncRNA species, including transfer RNAs (tRNAs), small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs), and Y RNAs in bulk EV preparations. We determined that full-length tRNAs, typically 75 to 90 nucleotides in length, were the dominant small ncRNA species (>60% of all reads in the 18-120 nucleotides size-range) in all cell culture-derived EVs, as well as in human plasma-derived EV samples, vastly outnumbering 21 nucleotides-long miRNAs. Nearly all EV-associated tRNAs were protected from external RNAse treatment, indicating a location within the EV lumen. Strikingly, the vast majority of luminal-sorted, full-length, nucleobase modification-containing EV-tRNA sequences, harbored a dysfunctional 3’ CCA tail, 1 to 3 nucleotides truncated, rendering them incompetent for amino acid loading. In contrast, in non-EV associated extracellular particle fractions (NVEPs), tRNAs appeared almost exclusively fragmented or ‘nicked’ into tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) with lengths between 18 to 35 nucleotides. We propose that in mammalian cells, tRNAs that lack a functional 3’ CCA tail are selectively sorted into EVs and shuttled out of the producing cell, offering a new perspective into the physiological role of secreted EVs and luminal cargo-selection.
Raman spectra identify heterogeneous vancomycin resistance and transcriptomes ofStaphylococcus aureus
Authors: Kamei Ken-ichiro F. , Okura Reiko , Kobayashi-Kirschvink Koseki J. , Katayama Yuki , Wakamoto Yuichi
Published: May 2024

Staphylococcus aureusis a pathogenic bacterium that has caused multiple epidemics linked with the emergence of new antibiotic resistance. Vancomycin is the first-line antibiotic to treat methicillin-resistantS. aureus(MRSA) infection. However, several types of vancomycin nonsusceptible MRSA strains have been recognized to date. Although rapid assessment of their resistance levels and underlying molecular profiles are crucial for preventing their spread and counteracting resistance, the broad resistance spectrum and the diversity of genetic changes have impeded the practice. Here, we show that Raman spectra obtained from single cells can elucidate vancomycin resistance levels and global transcriptomic profiles of different MRSA strains. Dimension reduction and classification of Raman spectra reveal common cellular state changes linked with vancomycin susceptibility and differences among the strains with equivalent resistance. Furthermore, Raman spectra predicted more significant phenotypic heterogeneity in a population of a vancomycin-intermediate strain, which was confirmed by single-cell growth analysis. Therefore, these results demonstrate that antibiotic resistance, gene expression profiles, and phenotypic heterogeneity can be interrogated spectroscopically without laborious assays and sample preparation. Overall, our findings underscore the potential of Raman spectroscopy as a powerful and versatile tool in the ongoing battle against antibiotic resistance.
A dissection of the genomic antimicrobial resistance epidemiology ofSalmonellaTyphimurium
Authors: Kaur Sandeep , Payne Michael , Partridge Sally R. , Sintchenko Vitali , Lan Ruiting
Published: May 2024

SalmonellaTyphimurium (STm) is a globally prevalent pathogen. We compiled a dataset comprising ∼65,000 publicly available STm isolates and analysed the predicted-resistance to 15 key antibiotics. Additionally, we typed all isolates using a standardized typing method, multilevel genome typing (MGT), and characterised the resistance profiles by MGT sequence types (ST). We identified 407 MGT STs wherein at least 80% of the isolates were non-susceptible to at least one antibiotic. For the key antibiotics prescribed for severe salmonellosis, we identified three ciprofloxacin non-susceptible MGT STs, and eight cefotaxime non-susceptible MGT STs in the last two years of the dataset (2021-2022). While the ciprofloxacin non-susceptible MGT STs comprised isolates predominantly from the UK; only one cefotaxime non-susceptible MGT ST comprised isolates predominantly from UK and associated with swine, with others from USA, and associated with cattle and poultry. Integration of AMR predictions with MGT strain typing provides sharable, standardised, and specific identification and tracking of resistant isolates. This integrated analysis presents a unique approach for the global surveillance of antimicrobial resistance and resistant strains.
The NHR-23-regulated putative protease inhibitormlt-11gene is necessary forC. eleganscuticle structure and function
Authors: Ragle James Matthew , Turzo Ariela , Jackson Anton , Vo An A. , Pham Vivian T. , Ward Jordan D.
Published: May 2024

C. elegansmolting offers a powerful entry point to understanding developmentally programmed apical extracellular matrix remodeling. However, the gene regulatory network controlling this process remains poorly understood. Focusing on targets of NHR-23, a key transcription factor that drives molting, we confirmed the Kunitz family protease inhibitor genemlt-11as an NHR-23 target. Through reporter assays, we identified NHR-23-binding sites that are necessary and sufficient for epithelial expression. We generated a translational fusion and demonstrated that MLT-11 is localized to the cuticle and lined openings to the exterior (vulva, rectum, mouth). We created a set of strains expressing varied levels of MLT-11 by deleting endogenouscis-regulatory element sequences. Combined deletion of twocis-regulatory elements caused developmental delay, motility defects, and failure of the cuticle barrier. Inactivation ofmlt-11by RNAi produced even more pronounced defects.mlt-11is necessary to pattern every layer of the adult cuticle, suggesting a broad patterning role prior to the formation of the mature cuticle. Together these studies provide an entry point into understanding how individualcis-regulatory elements function to coordinate expression of oscillating genes involved in molting and how MLT-11 ensures proper cuticle assembly.
“Galacturonic acid oxidation: a radical way to stick together”
Authors: Grandjean Cyril , Voxeur Aline , Chabout Salem , Boutet Stéphanie , Pelloux Jérôme , Bouton Sophie , Mouille Grégory
Published: May 2024

The middle lamellae (ML) of plant cells, enriched in Homogalacturonan (HG) is considered to function as a crucial ‘glue’ responsible for cell-cell cohesion (for review see1). Mutants with defective HG content exhibit cell adhesion defects2,3. Despite advances, the mechanisms governing cell adhesion during plant development remain elusive. We previously hypothesized that cell-cell cohesion relies on cell wall integrity signaling, yet the specifics remain undefined4. OligoGalacturonans (OG), degradation products of HG, are prime candidates for ‘informing’ cells about ML status and thereby influencing cell adhesion. This integrity signal is crucial for adhesion homeostasis4. OGs serve as signaling molecules, recognized by membrane-bound cell wall receptors. Notably, restoring adhesion inqua2-1mutants by modulating pectin response gene expression inesmd/qua2mutants underscores potential OGs’ importance4–6. Deciphering the diversity and role of endogenous OGs is imperative for understanding cell adhesion modulation. Our study aims to identify compounds in this signalling pathway that regulate cell adhesion. We focused on characterizing HG degradation products in dark-grown hypocotyls. Our findings highlight various oligomers, along with two key monomers: galacturonic acid and its oxidized form, galactaric acid. These monomers appear to play a pivotal role in controlling cell adhesion by indirectly enhancing the crosslinking of extensin, a cell wall structural protein. This crosslinking leads to the densification of extensin-based cell wall networks, ultimately restoring cell adhesion in defective mutants. Our research sheds light on the intricate interplay between HG degradation product monomer and cell adhesion mechanisms.
Finnish gyrate atrophy mutation OAT;c.1205C>T leads to accumulation of intracellular GABA
Authors: Sartori-Maldonado Rocio , Wartiovaara Kirmo
Published: May 2024

Hyperornithinaemia with gyrate atrophy of choroid and retina (HOGA) is a recessive metabolic disease caused by dysfunction of the ornithine aminotransferase (OAT) gene, leading to ornithine accumulation and a complex metabolic imbalance. This causes retinal degeneration that ultimately evolve to blindness. However, the mechanisms of this degeneration remain unknown. Here, we have conducted untargeted metabolomic analysis in patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells and their isogenic counterparts. Mutant cells show altered levels of ornithine-related metabolites, including low creatine, proline and glutamate, and elevated arginine and citrulline. The untargeted metabolomics approach revealed changes in the urea cycle and polyamine synthesis pathways with a significant intracellular accumulation of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Hence, we propose GABA as a key player in the disease pathogenicity, potentially affecting neuronal function in the eye.
Comparative Analysis of Small Secreted Peptide Signaling during Defense Response: Insights from Vascular and Non-Vascular Plants
Authors: Lyapina Irina , Ganaeva Daria , Rogozhin Eugene A. , Ryabukhina Ekaterina V. , Ryazantsev Dmitry Yu. , Lazarev Vassili , Alieva Sabina E. , Mamaeva Anna , Fesenko Igor
Published: May 2024

Small secreted peptides (SSPs) play an important role in modulating immune responses in all land plants. However, the evolution of stress peptide signaling in different plant phyla remains poorly understood. Here, we compared the expression of SSP genes in the pathogen-induced transcriptomes of vascular and non-vascular plants. We found 13, 19, 15, and 28 SSP families that were differentially expressed during infection inPhyscomitrium patens,Zea mays,Brassica napus, andSolanum tuberosum, respectively. A comparative study of peptide motifs and predicted three-dimensional structures confirmed the similarity of SSPs across the examined plant species. In both vascular and non-vascular plants, however, only the RALF peptide family was differentially regulated under infection. We also found that EPFL peptides, which are involved in growth and development processes in angiosperms, were differentially regulated inP. patensin response to pathogen infection. The search for novel immune-specific peptides revealed a family of PSY-like peptides that are differentially regulated during infection inP. patens. The treatment with synthetic EPFL, MEG, PSY, and PSY-like peptides validated their roles in the immune response and growth regulation. Thus, our study showed the complex nature of SSP signaling and shed light on the regulation of SSPs in different plant lineages during infection.
Magnetic frustration and glassiness in an icosahedral
i−Tb−Cd
quasicrystal
Authors: Denoel Fernand , Joshi Deep Chandra , Huang Yu-Chin , Gebresenbut Girma Hailu , Gómez Cesar Pay , Mathieu Roland
Published: May 2024

The dynamical magnetic properties of the icosahedral i−Tb−Cd quasicrystal (QC) were investigated by means of squid magnetometry. At low temperatures, below T∼4.5 K, we observe conventional spin glass features including aging, memory, and rejuvenation. Interestingly, from T∼4.5 to 10 K, the spin configuration is also found to evolve with time (i.e., age as in spin glass), yet without memory. This suggests a reentrantlike behavior for the i−Tb−Cd QC, where upon cooling from high temperatures, the system first displays a magnetically frustrated phase before turning into a spin glasslike one at the lowest temperatures. We discuss the nature and possible origin of this magnetic behavior, in the light of the results obtained in the i−Gd−Cd QC, and ternary Tb-based quasicrystal approximants.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Constraints on dark matter and astrophysics from tomographic
γ
-ray cross-correlations
Authors: Paopiamsap Anya , Alonso David , Bartlett Deaglan J. , Bilicki Maciej
Published: May 2024

We study the cross-correlation between maps of the unresolved γ-ray background constructed from the 12-year data release of the Large-Area Telescope, and the overdensity of galaxies in the redshift range z≲0.4 as measured by the 2MASS photometric redshift survey and the WISE-SuperCOSMOS photometric survey. A signal is detected at the 8−10σ level, which we interpret in terms of both astrophysical γ-ray sources, and weakly interacting massive particles (WIMP) dark matter decay and annihilation. The sensitivity achieved allows us to characterise the energy and redshift dependence of the signal, and we show that the latter is incompatible with a pure dark matter origin. We thus use our measurement to place an upper bound on the WIMP decay rate and the annihilation cross section, finding constraints that are competitive with those found in other analyses. Our analysis is based on the extraction of clean model-independent observables that can then be used to constrain arbitrary astrophysical and particle physics models. In this sense we produce measurements of the γ-ray emissivity as a function of redshift and rest-frame energy ϵ, and of a quantity F(ϵ) encapsulating all WIMP parameters relevant for dark matter decay or annihilation. We make these measurements, together with a full account of their statistical uncertainties, publicly available.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Black holes immersed in dark matter: Energy condition and sound speed
Authors: Datta Sayak
Published: May 2024

In this work, we study the impact of the environment around a black hole in detail. We introduce nonvanishing radial pressure in a manner analogous to compact stars. We examine both isotropic and anisotropic fluid configurations with and without radial pressure respectively. Our focus extends beyond just dark matter density to the vital role of the energy condition and sound speed in the spacetime of a black hole immersed in matter. In cases of anisotropic pressure with vanishing radial pressure, all profiles violate the dominant energy condition near the BH, and the tangential sound speed exceeds light speed for all dark matter profiles. In our second approach, without assuming vanishing radial pressure, we observe similar violations and superluminal sound speeds. To rectify this, we introduce a hard cutoff for the sound speed, ensuring it remains subluminal. As a consequence, the energy condition is also satisfied. However, this results in increased density and pressure near the BH. This raises questions about the sound speed and its impact on the density structure, as well as questions about the validity of the model itself. With the matter distribution, we also compute the metric for different configurations. It reveals sensitivity to the profile structure. The metric components point toward the horizon structure.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Rationality in four dimensions
Authors: Rastelli Leonardo , Rayhaun Brandon C.
Published: May 2024

By leveraging the physics of the Higgs branch, we argue that the conformal central charges a and c of an arbitrary 4D N=2 superconformal field theory (SCFT) are rational numbers. Our proof of the rationality of c is conditioned on a well-supported conjecture about how the Higgs branch of an SCFT is encoded in its protected chiral algebra. To establish the rationality of a, we further rely on a widely believed technical assumption on the high-temperature limit of the superconformal index.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Next-to-Next-to-Leading-Order QCD Corrections to Pion Electromagnetic Form Factors
Authors: Chen Long-Bin , Chen Wen , Feng Feng , Jia Yu
Published: May 2024

We calculate the next-to-next-to-leading-order (NNLO) QCD radiative correction to the pion electromagnetic form factor with large momentum transfer. We explicitly verify the validity of the collinear factorization to two-loop order for this observable and obtain the respective IR-finite two-loop hard-scattering kernel in the closed form. The NNLO QCD correction turns out to be positive and significant. Incorporating this new ingredient of correction, we then make a comprehensive comparison between the finest theoretical predictions and numerous data for both space- and timelike pion form factors. Our phenomenological analysis provides a strong constraint on the second Gegenbauer moment of the pion light-cone distribution amplitude obtained from recent lattice QCD studies.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Elementary processes in dilatational plasticity of glasses
Authors: Moriel Avraham , Richard David , Lerner Edan , Bouchbinder Eran
Published: May 2024

Materials typically fail under complex stress states, essentially involving dilatational (volumetric) components that eventually lead to material decohesion/separation. It is therefore important to understand dilatational irreversible deformation—i.e., dilatational plasticity—en route to failure. In the context of glasses, much focus has been given to shear (volume-preserving) plasticity, both in terms of the stress states considered and the corresponding material response. Here, using a recently developed methodology and extensive computer simulations, we shed basic light on the elementary processes mediating dilatational plasticity in glasses. We show that plastic instabilities, corresponding to singularities of the glass Hessian, generically feature both dilatational and shear irreversible strain components. The relative magnitude and statistics of the strain components depend both on the symmetry of the driving stress (e.g., shear versus hydrostatic tension) and on the cohesive (attractive) part of the interatomic interaction. We further show that the tensorial shear component of the plastic strain is generally nonplanar and also extract the characteristic volume of plastic instabilities. Elucidating the fundamental properties of the elementary micromechanical building blocks of plasticity in glasses sets the stage for addressing larger-scale, collective phenomena in dilatational plasticity such as topological changes in the form of cavitation and ductile-to-brittle transitions. As a first step in this direction, we show that the elastic moduli markedly soften during dilatational plastic deformation approaching cavitation.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Charge-
4e
and Charge-
6e
Flux Quantization and Higher Charge Superconductivity in Kagome Superconductor Ring Devices
Authors: Ge Jun , Wang Pinyuan , Xing Ying , Yin Qiangwei , Wang Anqi , Shen Jie , Lei Hechang , Wang Ziqiang , Wang Jian
Published: May 2024

The flux quantization is a key indication of electron pairing in superconductors. For example, the well-known h/2e flux quantization is considered strong evidence for the existence of charge-2e, two-electron Cooper pairs. Here we report evidence for multicharge flux quantization in mesoscopic ring devices fabricated using the transition-metal kagome superconductor CsV3Sb5. We perform systematic magnetotransport measurements and observe unprecedented quantization of magnetic flux in units of h/4e and h/6e in magnetoresistance oscillations. Specifically, at low temperatures, magnetoresistance oscillations with period h/2e are detected, as expected from the flux quantization for charge-2e superconductivity. We find that the h/2e oscillations are suppressed and replaced by resistance oscillations with h/4e periodicity when the temperature is increased. Increasing the temperature further suppresses the h/4e oscillations, and robust resistance oscillations with h/6e periodicity emerge as evidence for charge-6e flux quantization. Our observations provide the first experimental evidence for the existence of multicharge flux quanta and emergent quantum matter exhibiting higher-charge superconductivity in the strongly fluctuating region above the charge-2e Cooper pair condensate, revealing new insights into the intertwined and vestigial electronic order in kagome superconductors.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Transient analysis of the electrochemical noise arising from the stainless steel local anodic events by the equivalent circuit approach
Authors: Liu Wei
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the individual electrochemical transients arising from local anodic events on stainless steel, to uncover the potential mechanisms producing different types of transients and to derive appropriate parameters indicative of the corrosion severity of such transient events.

Design/methodology/approach

An equivalent circuit model was used for the transient analysis, which was performed using a local current allocation rule based on the relative instant cathodic resistance of the coupled electrodes, as well as the kinetic parameters derived from the electrochemical polarization measurement.

Findings

The shape and size of the electrochemical current transients arising from SS 316 L were influenced by the film stability, local anodic dissolution kinetics and the symmetry of the cathodic kinetics between the coupled electrodes, where the ultralong transient might correspond to the propagation of film damage with a slow anodic dissolution rate. The dynamic cathodic resistance during the final stage of transient current growth can serve as a characteristic parameter that reflects the loss of passive film protection.

Originality/value

Estimation of the local anodic current trace opens a new way for individual electrochemical transient analysis associated with the charges involved, local current densities and changes in film resistance throughout localized corrosion processes.
Identity-based effect of internal branding on brand performance: the contingent role of co-worker support
Authors: Kashyap Sonia , Kang Lakhwinder Singh
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Drawing on the social identity theory (SIT), this study investigates the relationship between internal branding (IB), organizational identity (OI) and brand performance while considering OI as the linking apparatus of internal branding and brand performance. It also explores the moderating role of co-worker support in the relationship between OI and brand performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 919 frontline employees working in private banks in India was collected by using multi-stage sampling. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was utilized to examine the hypothesized relations. PROCESS macro for SPSS was used to test mediation and moderation effects.

Findings

The results reveal that all IB dimensions (internal brand communication, brand-oriented transformational leadership and brand-oriented HR activities) directly affect OI and indirectly affect brand performance. Additionally, no moderating effect of co-worker support is found.

Research limitations/implications

The current study contributes to the existing literature by portraying IB as identity strengthening phenomenon and brand performance as identity-congruent behavior. It also reveals how social context influences brand performance and assists them in socially categorizing themselves.

Originality/value

The present study portrays a complete understanding of the dynamics between internal branding, organizational identity, and brand performance. The study also emphasizes the empirical examination of the potential mediation effect of organizational identity and the moderation effect of co-worker support.
Consolidating lean practices with quick-response manufacturing: a boon or bane for the textiles industry during the era of COVID-19
Authors: Afum Ebenezer , Agyabeng-Mensah Yaw , Baah Charles , Dacosta Essel
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to find out whether firms in the local textiles industry are benefiting from the combined implementation of lean practices (LPs) and quick-response manufacturing (QRM) during the era of COVID-19. The study further explores the mediating role played by quick response manufacturing in the relationship between LPs, internal process performance (IPP) and customer performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire is used to garner data from 123 local firms in Ghana’s textile industry. The analysis for all the hypothesized relationships is done using partial least square structural equation.

Findings

The results of the study indicate that LPs significantly strengthen the implementation of QRM. The result also suggests that LPs and QRM can be combined to influence IPP and customer performance. The results further suggest that QRM mediates the relationship between LPs, IPP and customer performance.

Originality/value

This study proposes and develops an integrated research model that explores the synergistic application of LPs and QRM in achieving improvements in IPP and customer performance from an emergent country perspective during the era of COVID-19. QRM serves as an important mechanism through which the relationship between LPs, IPP and customer performance can be explained.