bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing Broccoli Cultivar Susceptibility to Alternaria brassicicola in Georgia
Authors: Cassity-Duffey Kate , Coolong Timothy , Dutta Bhabesh , McAvoy Theodore
Published: August 2024

Alternaria leaf blight and head rot (causal agent: Alternaria brassicicola and other Alternaria species) in broccoli ( Brassica oleracea L. var. italica) can lead to decreased yields, reduced head quality, and postharvest losses. While cultural practices and fungicides can decrease disease severity, further work is needed to determine resistance or susceptibility in commercial cultivars. This study evaluated the susceptibility of 26 cultivars against A. brassicicola in fall 2021 and 2022 at two locations in Georgia (Tifton and Watkinsville). Commonly used cultivars in the eastern United States were selected and grown in a randomized complete block design. Approximately 20 days after transplant, plants were inoculated with a conidial suspension of A. brassicicola and monitored for disease development. Foliar disease severity, foliar area under the disease progression curve (AUDPC), head disease severity, and yield were determined for each cultivar at each location. Significant differences existed among cultivars (year × location) for foliar AUPDC and head disease severity. Foliar AUPDC ranged from 299 to 1,818 for both years and locations, and head disease severity ranged from 1 to 81% across both years and locations. In this study, cultivars ‘Eastern Crown’, ‘Emerald Jewel’, ‘Lieutenant’, and ‘Abrams’ had greater foliar and head disease severity and lower marketable yields in both locations and years. The cultivars ‘Vallejo’, ‘Emerald Pride’, ‘Burney’, ‘Belstar’, ‘Iron Man’, and ‘Marathon’ exhibited low disease severity across both locations and years and maintained greater marketable yields. Proper selection of commercially available cultivars could help growers maintain yields in areas with high A. brassicicola pressure.
Root Infection and Minituber Yield Response to Powdery Scab in Plant Growth Chamber Conditions
Authors: Kamal Hira , Charlton Brian , Sathuvalli Vidyasagar , Tanaka Kiwamu
Published: August 2024

Powdery scab, caused by the soilborne plasmodiophorid Spongospora subterranea f. sp. subterranea ( Sss), is an increasing concern. Developing potato varieties with enduring resistance is crucial for sustainable disease management. However, the lack of a consistent infection assay for Sss has hindered effective evaluation of disease symptoms, including root gall formation and tuber lesions. This study introduces a reliable method for assessing Sss pathogenicity using a sand/potting mixture in a controlled-environment plant growth chamber. Potato plants were inoculated with three types of inocula sourced from root galls, infested soil, and scab-like tube lesions. All inocula successfully induced root galls and tuber lesions, with the tuber lesion-derived inoculum producing the highest number of root galls and tuber lesions. Additionally, the method demonstrated a marked impact of the disease on tuber yield, weight, and size in both highly susceptible and moderately susceptible cultivars. These findings underscore the efficacy of this infection assay as a robust tool for evaluating Sss pathogenicity. This method holds promise for screening potato germplasm to develop resistant varieties against powdery scab.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY 4.0 International license .
PA job satisfaction
Authors: Cawley James F.
Published: August 2024

A characteristic of physician associates/assistants (PAs) observed consistently is their high degree of career satisfaction. Over 6 decades, national surveys showed that PA job satisfaction levels (either satisfied or very satisfied) consistently were in the mid-80% positive range. This analysis explains this remarkable, consistent, and persistent level of satisfaction among practicing PAs. A review of the literature on PA job satisfaction shows that autonomy in clinical practice appears to be a major correlate with job and career satisfaction.
Hindfoot Alignment in Pediatrics: The Relationship Between Hindfoot Moment Arm and Hindfoot Alignment Angle
Authors: Pascual-Leone Nicolas , Bram Joshua T. , Cororaton Agnes D. , Hillstrom Howard J. , Mintz Douglas N. , Widmann Roger F. , Ellis Scott J. , Scher David M.
Published: August 2024

Background:

Various measurements are used to evaluate hindfoot alignment and determine appropriate treatment, though the best tool is not known. Few studies have examined the relationship between these measurements in pediatric patients. This study sought to compare Hindfoot Moment Arm (HMA) and Hindfoot Alignment Angle (HAA) in evaluation of pediatric hindfoot deformity.

Methods:

This was a retrospective cohort study of pediatric patients by age: school-aged (7 to 10 years old), preadolescents (11 to 14), and adolescents (15 to 18). A total of 10 males and 10 females were randomly selected for each cohort from patients with available hindfoot radiographs. HMA and HAA were measured by 2 independent reviewers. Pearson correlation of HMA and HAA was performed by age cohort. Multivariable linear regression was used to investigate the association of HMA and HAA adjusting for age, sex, height, and weight.

Results:

Sixty participants were analyzed. Interrater reliability was found to be excellent for HMA and HAA (ICC=0.996 and 0.992, respectively). HMA was 8.7±9.4 mm in school age, 5.7±6.7 mm in preadolescents, and 2.5±13.0 mm among adolescents (P=0.153). HAA was 6.3±9.7 degrees in school age, 6.7±8.6 degrees in preadolescents, and 6.0±14.5 degrees among adolescents (P=0.983). The Pearson correlation coefficient was 0.78 (CI: 0.51-0.91) for school-aged, 0.92 (CI: 0.81-0.97) for preadolescents, and 0.86 (CI: 0.67-0.94) for adolescents. Using multivariable regression, each degree increase in HAA, increased HMA by 0.77 mm. Age, height, and weight were not found to be independent predictors of HMA.

Conclusions:

HMA and HAA were both found to be reliable measurements across all age cohorts. When comparing across age cohorts, neither HMA nor HAA differed significantly (P=0.153 and 0.983, respectively). Furthermore, Pearson correlation demonstrated a linear relationship between HMA and HAA. When evaluating hindfoot deformity, surgeons may assess hindfoot alignment via either HMA or HAA regardless of patient age. The authors support the use of HMA for clinical and academic purposes as HMA is considerably simpler to measure.

Level of Evidence:

Level III.
The Role of Paraspinal Muscle in Postoperative Coronal Balance Transition in Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis
Authors: Chen Xing , Xu Rongkun , Yuan Suomao , Fu Wenyang , Zhang Xinzhi , Zhang Yuchen , Wang Lianlei , Liu Xinyu
Published: August 2024

Study Design.

Retrospective observational study

Objective.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether paraspinal muscle could influence postoperative coronal balance and its transition in degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS).

Summary of Background Data.

Although the importance of the paraspinal muscles (PSM) in sagittal alignment is well recognized, there is no information about its role in coronal balance

Methods.

The study included 102 DLS patients. Evaluation of the PSM on magnetic resonance imaging were conducted at baseline. Coronal measurements included coronal balance distance (CBD), major Cobb angle, L4 coronal tilt, and L5 coronal tilt. The cohort was divided based on postoperative parameters into persistent coronal balance (PCB), worsened coronal imbalance (WCIB), recurrent coronal balance (RCB), and persistent coronal imbalance (PCIB) according to immediate postoperative and follow-up coronal balance. Multivariate logistic regression models for postoperative CIB, follow-up WCIB and follow-up RCB were utilized to identify statistically significant associations while accounting for confounders.

Results.

The cohort was divided into 57 with PCB, 13 with WCIB, 10 with RCB, and 22 with PCIB. The follow-up groups with CIB exhibited more severe fatty infiltration in the extensor muscle compared to the balanced groups. Specifically, the WCIB group demonstrated the most severe extensor muscle degeneration, particularly on the concave sides, and the most prominent asymmetrical degeneration of the PSM among the four groups. Furthermore, patients with CIB had worse sagittal malalignment compared to those with CB at the last follow up.

Conclusion.

Patients exhibiting stronger extensor muscle mass were prone to immediate postoperative CB and more likely to experience spontaneous improvement or recurrence of coronal balance during follow-up. Severe extensor muscle degeneration and prominent asymmetrical bilateral PSM degeneration represent potential risk factors for persistent CIB and recurrent CIB. It is crucial to assess the dynamic change during the follow-up period as long-term prognosis may be impacted if CB deteriorates, or otherwise develops during follow-up.

Level of Evidence:

3
Nonablative Fractional Diode Laser Resurfacing (1440 nm and 1927 nm) for Photoaged Skin
Authors: Polder Kristel D. , Friedman Paul M. , Feetham Jill , Gower Jessica , Lin Tina , Jacobson Abby
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND

Nonablative lasers treat photoaged skin and stimulate new collagen formation while sparing epidermal damage.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of nonablative fractional diode combination laser skin resurfacing treatment (1440 and 1927 nm) in mild-to-moderate photoaged skin.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The entire face was treated with both 1440-nm and 1927-nm wavelengths per treatment, with a total of 4 treatments spaced 1 month apart. Follow-up occurred at 1 and 3 months post-treatment. Outcomes were improvement in the appearance of ≥1 measure of photodamage (rhytides, skin texture, dyschromia/pigment, skin radiance, pore size, and overall appearance) at the 3-month (primary) and 1-month (secondary) follow-up visits. Safety was monitored throughout the study.

RESULTS

Participants (N = 28; 89% female; mean age, 40 years) experienced significant mean improvement from baseline in all measures of photodamage with combination laser treatment at 1 and 3 months post-treatment (all p < .001). No serious adverse events occurred. Post-treatment erythema and edema were minimal, and pain levels remained consistent throughout treatment. Most participants (96.4%) considered their overall appearance as improved and expressed satisfaction with treatment outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Nonablative combination laser skin resurfacing treatment was well tolerated and significantly improved measures of photodamage in photoaged skin across diverse skin types.
Madany triangle; a new era of laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Authors: Madany Mohie El-Din M. , Soliman Ahmed , Sabra Tarek A. , Takrouney Mohammed H. , Fathy Mohamed , Abdelmohsen Sarah M.
Published: August 2024

Background:

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has an increased incidence of extrahepatic biliary injury or bleeding. The common hepatic duct is on the medial border of the Calot triangle and at risk of injury. So, the authors describe a new safety triangle with a more critical view of safety that is far from dangerous.

Patient and methods:

Retrospectively, from December 2019 until March 2023, the authors reviewed the medical records for patients who underwent LC. Only 238 patients underwent cholecystectomy using a new technique in approaches to critical safety. The patients who had intraoperatively extensive gallbladder adhesion and improper visualization of the cystic duct were excluded from the study.

Results:

The female-to-male ratio was 5:1. The number of children who were less than 18 years old was 5. The prevalence of cholecystitis among children in this study was 2.1%. The mean operative time was 63 min. The comments indication of cholecystectomy was chronic cholecystitis (66.8%).

Conclusion:

The Madany triangle can be used during LC as a critical measure of safety.
Chest tube in the wrong place when urgency plays a tricks on us: a case report
Authors: Molina Gabriel A. , Ojeda Rommel , Parrales Diana E. , Jiménez Galo E. , Dueñas S. Sabine , Caicedo David S. , Saldaña Armas Gianny , Lara A. Gabriela , Cadena Augusto
Published: August 2024

Introduction:

Unfortunately, medical errors are and will always be frequent in clinical practice. Unfortunately, as this area can lead to repercussions for the medical team and the hospital, it is an understudied area regarding patient safety.

Case presentation:

The authors present a case of a 55-year-old male with a gunshot wound to his left chest; regretfully, the chest radiography was mislabeled and flipped. Due to this, misguided by the image, and even though the bullet hole was on the left chest, a 32 FR tube was placed on the right chest. After realizing the mistake, another chest tube was placed in the proper chest. Thankfully, the patient successfully recovered.

Discussion:

Any process in clinical practice can go wrong, from diagnosis to treatment. If an error goes unnoticed, it can lead to severe complications because the medical team often assumes that the lab or X-ray is rarely wrong. This, coupled with the fatigue of a night shift, can lead to severe complications if there is no thorough review of the patient before a procedure is performed.

Conclusion:

All patients should be reviewed in sufficient detail for reflection and discussion; this daily routine will allow us to overcome the urgency of treating the patient’s illness rather than incorrectly assessing a patient. There are no quick fixes for medical errors, yet many strategies are in place to prevent them from happening. Guidelines, safety nets, standardized protocols, and checklists are crucial elements that could help us in our practice.
Application of the grading system for “nociplastic pain” in chronic primary and chronic secondary pain conditions: a field study
Authors: Schmidt Hannah , Drusko Armin , Renz Malika Pia , Schlömp Lea , Tost Heike , Schuh-Hofer Sigrid , Tesarz Jonas , Meyer-Lindenberg Andreas , Treede Rolf-Detlef
Published: August 2024

The concept “nociplastic pain” has been developed for patients with features of nociceptive system sensitization that are not explained as nociceptive or neuropathic. Here, we tested how well the recently published grading system differentiates between chronic primary and secondary pain conditions. We recruited patients with fibromyalgia (FMS, n = 41), complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS, n = 11), osteoarthritis (OA, n = 21), or peripheral nerve injury (PNI, n = 8). We used clinical history, pain drawings, quantitative sensory testing (QST), and questionnaires to classify their pains as possibly or probably “nociplastic.” All patients with chronic primary pain exhibited widespread/regional pain not explainable by either nociceptive or neuropathic mechanisms. Widespread pain occurred in 12 patients with OA but was identified as nociceptive in 11 of 12. Regional pain occurred in 4 patients with PNI but was identified as neuropathic in 3 of 4. At this step, the grading system had 100% sensitivity and 93% specificity. Clinical evidence for pain hypersensitivity by QST, and history of hypersensitivity and mental comorbidities did not differentiate between chronic primary pain (QST: 36/52 = 69%, history: 43/52 = 83%) and secondary pain conditions (QST: 20/29 = 69%, history: 24/29 83%). Based on these data, specificity remained excellent (93%), but sensitivity dropped substantially (60%) due to lacking evidence for pain hypersensitivity in many patients with FMS. This low sensitivity suggests that the published grading system is not suitable for screening purposes. We suggest structural and content modifications to improve sensitivity, including placement of patient history before clinical examination and addition of a high tender point count as evidence for widespread pain hypersensitivity.
Transapical beating heart septal myectomy learning curve and training of future surgeons: an observational study
Authors: Li Jiangtao , Chen Yue , Li Rui , Fang Jing , Quintana Eduard , Wei Xiang
Published: August 2024

Background:

Description of the learning curve for transapical beating heart septal myectomy (TA-BSM) helps to understand the potential for wider adaptability. The authors elaborate and examine a competency-based training assessment for TA-BSM that could serve to disseminate septal myectomy expertise.

Materials and methods:

Data on 177 consecutive patients who underwent the TA-BSM for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) between April 2022 and June 2023 was collected prospectively, which was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov. Using the cumulative sum analysis, the authors identified two distinct learning phases based on the procedural time. Outcomes of procedural success and major complications were also compared between phases. Assessment through a Likert scale competency-based assessment of a myectomy surgeon after on-site TA-BSM training.

Results:

The cumulative sum analysis of procedural time showed two well-differentiated phases: the initial phase (cases 1–44) and the proficiency phase (cases 45–177). After 44 cases, significant improvements in procedural time were observed (113 vs. 134 min; P<0.001). Optimal procedural success (left ventricular outflow tract gradient <30 mmHg and mitral regurgitation grade ≤1+ without mortality or median sternotomy conversion) increased in the proficiency phase (93.2 vs. 79.5%; P=0.018), while complications decreased. The assessment of another surgeon showed consistent agreement in operative decision-making and performance for all evaluated domains.

Conclusions:

Competence in TA-BSM was achieved after 44 cases, without sacrificing guideline-desired outcomes. Appropriate training of other septal myectomy surgeons could further expedite this learning curve. This new technique may represent an option for wider dissemination of HOCM surgery worldwide and improve disease management.
A scoping review of nonmedical barriers to living donor liver transplant
Authors: Jones Owen , Li Zhihao , Magyar Christian Tibor Josef , Goldaracena Nicolas , Sayed Blayne A. , Ghanekar Anand , Cattral Mark , Selzner Nazia , Sapisochin Gonzalo
Published: August 2024

This study aims to identify and categorize nonmedical barriers encountered by recipients, donors, and health care providers in the context of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). Liver transplantation is vital for individuals with liver failure, yet high mortality rates on the transplant waitlist persist. LDLT was introduced to address deceased donor organ shortages; however, its adoption varies widely across regions, prompting the need to explore barriers hindering its implementation. The scoping review employed inclusion and exclusion criteria to identify studies focusing on nonmedical barriers to LDLT in both adult and pediatric populations. Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method studies were considered, covering the period from January 2005 to February 2023. The review’s search strategy was conducted in the Ovid MEDLINE and Ovid EMBASE databases. Studies meeting the criteria were assessed for their characteristics and findings, which were synthesized into recipient, donor, and provider-level barriers. Among 2394 initially screened articles, 17 studies were eligible for inclusion. Recipient-level barriers encompassed systemic disparities in access, limited social support, immigration status, and inadequate awareness of LDLT. Donor-level barriers involved surgery-related risks, recovery time concerns, financial burdens, and religious beliefs. Provider-level barriers highlighted institutional support inadequacies and specialized surgeon shortages. The scoping review underscores nonmedical barriers to LDLT across recipient, donor, and provider levels. These barriers include socioeconomic disparities, information gaps, and inadequate institutional support. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive national efforts to raise awareness about LDLT and provide essential financial support.
Safety and Depth of Sedation With Ketamine Alone Versus Ketamine With Midazolam in Pediatric Fracture Reduction
Authors: Wells Kimberly , Calleo Vincent
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Pediatric patients with extremity fractures often require sedation for fracture reduction in the pediatric emergency department (PED). Although orthopedic literature suggests combination sedation regimens may be more effective for fracture reduction, some pediatric literature suggests adverse events are more frequent. The primary objective of this study is to determine the comparable depth of sedation and incidence of adverse events when intravenous ketamine is used alone versus with midazolam for pediatric procedural sedation and orthopedic fracture reduction.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study of pediatric patients 2–18 years old who underwent sedation for fracture reduction in the PED at a single level 1 trauma center over a 2-year period. Medical records were reviewed, and occurrence of adverse events, depth of sedation (Ramsey score), midazolam dose, total ketamine administration, opiate administration, total sedation time, and time to PED discharge were compared in patients who received ketamine alone versus those who received ketamine with midazolam. Logistic regression models were adjusted to evaluate for potential confounders.

Results

There was a statistically significant increase in the occurrence of hypoxia with coadministration of midazolam (5% vs 0%). When hypoxia occurred, it was mild and resolved with repositioning or administration of supplemental oxygen. Length of sedation was increased in sedations with coadministration of benzodiazepines by approximately 3.5 minutes. Time to PED discharge was not significantly different. There was no significant difference in depth of sedation, ketamine dose administered, end-tidal CO2 measurements, administration of positive pressure ventilation, vomiting, agitation, or overall occurrence of adverse events. No patients developed apnea or laryngospasm.

Conclusions

This study showed a low rate of adverse events in pediatric sedation for orthopedic reduction with ketamine alone or ketamine with midazolam. There was an increased occurrence of hypoxia with coadministration of midazolam and an increase in the length of sedation. This study showed no difference in depth of sedation based on Ramsay scores when midazolam was coadministered. Information on the orthopedic reduction and provider satisfaction was not collected.
The impact of chemical pollution across major life transitions: a meta-analysis on oxidative stress in amphibians
Authors: Martin Colette , Capilla-Lasheras Pablo , Monaghan Pat , Burraco Pablo
Published: August 2024

Among human actions threatening biodiversity, the release of anthropogenic chemical pollutants which have become ubiquitous in the environment, is a major concern. Chemical pollution can induce damage to macromolecules by causing the overproduction of reactive oxygen species, affecting the redox balance of animals. In species undergoing metamorphosis (i.e. the vast majority of the extant animal species), antioxidant responses to chemical pollution may differ between pre- and post-metamorphic stages. Here, we meta-analysed (
N 
= 104 studies,
k = 
2283 estimates) the impact of chemical pollution on redox balance across the three major amphibian life stages (embryo, tadpole, adult). Before metamorphosis, embryos did not experience any redox change while tadpoles activate their antioxidant pathways and do not show increased oxidative damage from pollutants. Tadpoles may have evolved stronger defences against pollutants to reach post-metamorphic life stages. In contrast, post-metamorphic individuals show only weak antioxidant responses and marked oxidative damage in lipids. The type of pollutant (i.e. organic versus inorganic) has contrasting effects across amphibian life stages. Our findings show a divergent evolution of the redox balance in response to pollutants across life transitions of metamorphosing amphibians, most probably a consequence of differences in the ecological and developmental processes of each life stage.
Natural products from food sources can alter the spread of antimicrobial resistance plasmids in Enterobacterales
Authors: Alav Ilyas , Pordelkhaki Parisa , Rodriguez-Navarro Judith , Neo Onalenna , Kessler Celia , Awodipe Ruth Jesujobalayemi , Cliffe Poppy , Pulavan Nivethanaa , Marton Huba L. , Gibbons Simon , Buckner Michelle M. C.
Published: August 2024

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat to global public health. Notably, resistance to carbapenem and extended-spectrum β-lactam antibiotics in Gram-negative bacteria is a major impediment to treating infections. Genes responsible for antibiotic resistance are frequently carried on plasmids, which can transfer between bacteria. Therefore, exploring strategies to prevent this transfer and the prevalence of AMR plasmids is timely and pertinent. Here, we show that certain natural product extracts and associated pure compounds can reduce the conjugation of AMR plasmids into new bacterial hosts. Using our established high-throughput fluorescence-based flow cytometry assay, we found that the natural products were more active in reducing transmission of the IncK extended-spectrum β-lactamase-encoding plasmid pCT in Escherichia coli EC958c, compared to Klebsiella pneumoniae Ecl8 carrying the IncFII carbapenemase-encoding plasmid pKpQIL. The exception was the natural product rottlerin, also active in K. pneumoniae. In classical conjugation assays, rottlerin also reduced the conjugation frequency of the IncFII bla
NDM-1 carrying plasmid pCPE16_3 from a clinical K. pneumoniae isolate. Our data indicate that the natural products tested here, in their current molecular structure, reduced conjugation by a small amount, which is unlikely to achieve a large-scale reduction in AMR in bacterial populations. However, certain natural products like rottlerin could provide a foundation for further research into compounds with effective anti-plasmid activity.
Transcripts and genomic intervals associated with variation in metabolite abundance in maize leaves under field conditions
Authors: Mathivanan Ramesh Kanna , Pederson Connor , Turkus Jonathan , Shrestha Nikee , Torres-Rodriguez J. Vladimir , Mural Ravi V. , Obata Toshihiro , Schnable James C.
Published: August 2024

Plants exhibit extensive environment-dependent intraspecific metabolic variation, which likely plays a role in determining variation in whole plant phenotypes. However, much of the work seeking to use natural variation to link genes and transcript’s impacts on plant metabolism has employed data from controlled environments. Here we generate and employ data on variation in the abundance of twenty-six metabolites across 660 maize inbred lines under field conditions. We employ these data and previously published transcript and whole plant phenotype data reported for the same field experiment to identify both genomic intervals (through genome-wide association studies) and transcripts (through both transcriptome-wide association studies and an explainable AI approach based on the random forest) associated with variation in metabolite abundance. Both genome-wide association and random forest-based methods identified substantial numbers of significant associations including genes with plausible links to the metabolites they are associated with. In contrast, the transcriptome-wide association identified only six significant associations. In three cases, genetic markers associated with metabolic variation in our study colocalized with markers linked to variation in non-metabolic traits scored in the same experiment. We speculate that the poor performance of transcriptome-wide association studies in identifying transcript-metabolite associations may reflect a high prevalence of non-linear interactions between transcripts and metabolites and/or a bias towards rare transcripts playing a large role in determining intraspecific metabolic variation.
CXCL12 chemokine dimer signaling modulates acute myelogenous leukemia cell migration through altered receptor internalization
Authors: Drouillard Donovan , Halyko Michael , Cinquegrani Elizabeth , McAllister Donna , Peterson Francis C. , Marchese Adriano , Dwinell Michael B.
Published: August 2024

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a malignancy of immature myeloid blast cells with stem-like and chemoresistant cells being retained in the bone marrow through CXCL12-CXCR4 signaling. Current CXCR4 inhibitors mobilize AML cells into the bloodstream where they become more chemosensitive have failed to improve patient survival, likely reflecting persistent receptor localization on target cells. Here we characterize the signaling properties of CXCL12-locked dimer (CXCL12-LD), a bioengineered variant of the dimeric CXCL12 structure. CXCL12-LD binding resulted in lower levels of G protein, β-arrestin, and intracellular calcium mobilization, consistent with the locked dimer being a partial agonist of CXCR4. Further, CXCL12-LD failed to induce chemotaxis in AML cells. Despite these partial agonist properties, CXCL12-LD increased CXCR4 internalization compared to wildtype and locked-monomer forms of CXCL12. Analysis of a previously published AML transcriptomic data showed CXCR4 positive AML cells co-express genes involved in chemoresistance and maintenance of a blast-like state. The CXCL12-LD partial agonist effectively mobilized stem cells into the bloodstream in mice suggesting a potential role for their use in targeting CXCR4. Together, our results suggest that enhanced internalization by CXCL12-LD partial agonist signaling can avoid pharmacodynamic tolerance and may identify new avenues to better target GPCRs.
Maize genetic diversity identifies moisture-dependent root-branch signaling pathways
Authors: Scharwies Johannes D. , Clarke Taylor , Zheng Zihao , Dinneny Andrea , Birkeland Siri , Veltman Margaretha A. , Sturrock Craig J. , Banda Jason , Torres-Martínez Héctor H. , Viana Willian G. , Khare Ria , Kieber Joseph , Pandey Bipin K. , Bennett Malcolm , Schnable Patrick S. , Dinneny José R.
Published: August 2024

Plants grow complex root systems to extract unevenly distributed resources from soils. Spatial differences in soil moisture are perceived by root tips leading to the patterning of new root branches towards available water, a process called hydropatterning. Little is known about hydropatterning behavior and its genetic basis in crops plants. Here, we develop an assay to measure hydropatterning in maize and reveal substantial differences between tropical/subtropical and temperate maize breeding germplasm that likely resulted from divergent selection. Genetic dissection of hydropatterning confirmed the regulatory role of auxin and revealed that the gaseous hormone ethylene acts to locally inhibit root branching from air-exposed tissues. These findings demonstrate the crop relevance of hydropatterning and establish its genetic basis.
Modeling the benefits of virus discovery and pandemic virus identification
Authors: Jeyapragasan Geetha , Graabak Jakob , Luby Stephen , Esvelt Kevin M.
Published: August 2024

Preventing and mitigating future zoonotic pandemics are global health priorities, but there are few quantitative estimates of how best to target interventions. Here we construct a mathematical model to evaluate the benefits of 1) virus discovery and sequencing (VDS) in animals and 2) pandemic virus identification (PVI) via laboratory characterization of pandemic potential. Drawing on historical data and expert surveys of One Health and vaccine researchers, we estimate that intensifying virus discovery efforts by three-fold could prevent between 0 and 1.46 million expected deaths per decade by improving non-pharmaceutical interventions and broad-spectrum vaccines. In contrast, because researchers estimate that there are well over a hundred pandemic-capable viruses in nature, identification through laboratory characterization would prevent 48,000 deaths per decade [10,500; 93,600], or just ∼0.62% of expected pandemic deaths. Further identifications would offer diminishing returns. Given wide-ranging survey responses and limited cost-effectiveness compared to proven global health interventions such as insecticide-treated bed nets, our model suggests that health establishments aiming to mitigate future pandemics should focus on monitoring spillover hotspots and empowering local communities to detect, sequence, and suppress nascent epidemics rather than characterizing pandemic potential in laboratories.
Maternal progesterone and adipose mPRε in pregnancy regulate the embryonic nutritional state
Authors: Watanabe Keita , Yamano Mayu , Miyamoto Junki , Ohue-Kitano Ryuji , Masujima Yuki , Sasahara Daiki , Mouri Yuki , Kono Nozomu , Inuki Shunsuke , Osakada Fumitaka , Nagaoka Kentaro , Aoki Junken , Sugiura Yuki , Ohno Hiroaki , Kondoh Eiji , Kimura Ikuo
Published: August 2024

Sex steroid hormones such as progesterone play a pivotal role in reproductive functions and maintaining pregnancy; however, the impact of progesterone on the interaction between mother and embryo is unclear. Here, we demonstrate that the relationship between maternal progesterone and membrane progesterone receptor epsilon (mPRε) in adipose tissue regulates embryonic nutritional environment and growth after birth in mice. The activation of adipose mPRε by increased progesterone during pregnancy enhanced maternal insulin resistance through the production of prostaglandins, thereby efficiently providing glucose to embryos. The offspring of mPRε-deficient mothers exhibited metabolic dysfunction, whereas mPRε-deficient mothers with high-fat-diet-induced obesity exhibited improved insulin sensitivity. These findings establish the importance of progesterone as a nutritional regulator between mother and embryo, and suggest that mPRε modulators could be developed to treat pregnant glycemic control disorders such as gestational diabetes mellitus, as well as metabolic syndrome in offspring.

Graphical Abstract
Quantum error cancellation in photonic systems: Undoing photon losses
Authors: Taylor Adam , Bressanini Gabriele , Kwon Hyukjoon , Kim M. S.
Published: August 2024

Real photonic devices are subject to photon losses that can decohere quantum information encoded in the system. In the absence of full fault tolerance, quantum error mitigation techniques have been introduced to help manage errors in noisy quantum devices. In this paper, we introduce an error mitigation protocol inspired by probabilistic error cancellation (a popular error mitigation technique in discrete variable systems) for continuous variable systems. We show that our quantum error cancellation protocol can undo photon losses in expectation value estimation tasks. To do this, we analytically derive the (nonphysical) inverse photon loss channel and decompose it into a sum over physically realizable channels with potentially negative coefficients. The bias of our ideal expectation value estimator can be made arbitrarily small at the cost of increasing the sampling overhead. The protocol requires a noiseless amplification followed by a series of photon subtractions. While these operations can be implemented probabilistically, for certain classes of initial state one can avoid the burden of carrying out the amplification and photon subtractions by leveraging Monte Carlo methods to give an unbiased estimate of the ideal expectation value. We validate our proposed mitigation protocol by simulating the scheme on squeezed vacuum states, cat states, and entangled coherent states.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Tritium
β
decay and proton-proton fusion in pionless effective field theory
Authors: Nguyen Ha S. , Vanasse Jared
Published: August 2024

The Gamow-Teller and Fermi matrix elements, 〈GT〉 and 〈F〉, respectively, for tritium β decay are calculated to next-to-leading order (NLO) in pionless effective field theory in the absence of Coulomb interactions and isospin violation giving the leading order predictions 〈GT〉0=0.9807 and 〈F〉0=1. Using an experimentally determined value for the tritium β decay GT matrix element, the two-body axial current low energy constant is fixed at NLO yielding L1,A=6.01±2.08fm3 at the renormalization scale of the physical pion mass, which agrees with predictions based on naive dimensional analysis. The impact of L1,A on proton-proton fusion is also discussed. Finally, the consequences of Wigner-SU(4) spin-isospin symmetry are considered for the Gamow-Teller matrix element.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Calculable neutrino Dirac mass matrix and one-loop
θ¯
in the minimal left-right symmetric model
Authors: Li Gang , Luo Ding-Yi , Zhao Xiang
Published: August 2024

We revisit the contribution to the strong CP parameter θ¯ from leptonic CP violation at one-loop level in the minimal left-right symmetric model in the case of generalized parity as the left-right symmetry. The Hermitian neutrino Dirac mass matrix MD can be calculated using the light and heavy neutrino masses and mixings. We propose a parametrization of the right-handed neutrino mixing matrix VR and construct the heavy neutrino mass that maintains the Hermiticity of MD. We further apply it to evaluate the one-loop θ¯, denoted as θ¯loop, as a function of the sterile neutrino masses for explicit examples of VR. By requiring the magnitude of θ¯loop≲10−10, we derive the upper limits on the sterile neutrino masses, which are within reach of direct searches at the Large Hadron Collider and neutrinoless double beta decay experiments. Furthermore, our parametrization is pertinent for other phenomenological investigations.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Muon-induced collisional flavor instability in core-collapse supernova
Authors: Liu Jiabao , Nagakura Hiroki , Akaho Ryuichiro , Ito Akira , Zaizen Masamichi , Furusawa Shun , Yamada Shoichi
Published: August 2024

Neutrinos are known to undergo flavor conversion among their three flavors. In the theoretical modeling of core-collapse supernova, there has been a great deal of attention to recent discoveries of a new type of neutrino flavor conversions, namely collisional flavor instability (CFI), in which the instability is induced by the flavor-dependent decoherence due to the disparity of neutrino-matter interactions among flavors. In this paper, we study how the appearance of on-shell muons and associated neutrino-matter interactions can impact CFIs based on linear stability analysis of flavor conversions. Some striking results emerge from the present study. First, we analytically show that breaking beta and pair equilibrium is a necessary condition to trigger CFIs. This also indicates that CFIs with on-shell muons could appear in eτ and μτ neutrino mixing sectors in very high-density region (≳1013  g/cm3), exhibiting a possibility of large impacts of CFIs on core-collapse supernova. Second, resonancelike CFIs, having a much higher growth rate than normal CFIs, can be triggered by muons. The resonance point of CFIs is different between eτ and μτ sectors; the former (latter) occurs at μe(μ)=μn−μp, where

μ

i

denotes the chemical potential of i constitute (n and p represent neutrons and protons, respectively). Our result suggests that the nonlinear evolution of CFI with on-shell muons would induce flavor conversions with the complex interplay among all three different neutrino-mixing sectors.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
“Follow the leader”: how inclusive leaders inspire followers to perform well through strengths use
Authors: Gürbüz Sait , Van der Heijden Beatrice , Freese Charissa , Brouwers Evelien P.M.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

While previous research in career studies has highlighted the positive impact of several leadership behaviors on followers’ work and career success, less is known about how the emergent topic of inclusive leadership shapes followers’ task performance. Using an inclusive leadership approach and job demands-resources theory, we developed a novel sequential mediation model in which inclusive leadership indirectly facilitates followers’ performance through self-initiating behavior and work motivation. Specifically, we aimed to investigate whether inclusive leaders encourage followers to show enhanced task performance through strengths use and work engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

A representative sample of 278 Dutch employees from diverse organizations was surveyed at three different time points.

Findings

The results of structural equation modeling evidenced that inclusive leadership was indirectly related to follower task performance, initially through the utilization of strengths and subsequently through work engagement over time. When leaders exhibited behaviors that were inclusive in nature, they encouraged their followers to make use of their strengths at work. Such leadership actions boosted the work engagement of their followers and led to enhanced task performance.

Originality/value

We develop and test a novel sequential mediation model that explores how inclusive leadership fosters improved task performance among followers by promoting the utilization of strengths and subsequent work engagement. This sheds light on the mechanisms through which inclusive leadership contributes to follower performance, a crucial indicator in shaping sustainable career trajectories.
Mapping the jungle: a bibliometric analysis of the application of Gestalt literature in management research
Authors: Mahajan Yogesh , Tatia Karnawat Amrita , Mann Shikha , Sharma Vinod
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the research conducted between 1938 and 2023 on applying Gestalt principles in management research, focusing on publishing and citation trends in this field.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review was conducted using PRISMA criteria, forming a three-phase strategy. A total of 394 articles from the Scopus database were reviewed. Bibliometric analysis involving co-citation and co-word analysis was used to explore the intellectual structure of the research area.

Findings

Eight application clusters were identified through co-citation analysis using Gestalt as a keyword. Co-word analysis revealed key themes and keywords over the period. Substantial literature exists on topics like organization, strategy, physical servicescape, coaching, learning and human resource management. However, Gestalt principles are minimally applied to online retail, social media, website design, mobile app design and emerging areas like Industry 4.0.

Practical implications

The study suggests that Gestalt principles can enhance marketing, communication, decision-making and leadership, according to the study. Understanding Gestalt concepts and how different industries adapt and apply them helps enable cross-industry learning, where successful strategies from one sector can be creatively implemented in others to solve problems.

Originality/value

This study fills a significant gap in the literature by highlighting the underexplored application of Gestalt principles in emerging business and management sectors. It provides a comprehensive discussion on future research directions and identifies specific areas where Gestalt principles can be innovatively applied, offering fresh insights and expanding the theoretical and practical understanding of their utility in modern business contexts.
The interplay between multichannel integration quality, service convenience, service experience, multichannel perceived value and e-WoM
Authors: Addae John Agyekum , Boakye Kwabena Gyasi , Ampong George Oppong Appiagyei , Anyigba Hod , Majeed Mohammed , Abubakari Aidatu , Ofori Kwame Simpe
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The study's goal is to assess the influence of multichannel integration quality on perceived value, service convenience and service experience in a multichannel banking context. Furthermore, the study investigated the impact of perceived value, service convenience and service experience on positive electronic word of mouth (e-WoM).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 527 respondents using online surveys distributed on various social media platforms in Ghana. The data were analysed using the partial least squares approach to structural equation modelling.

Findings

The results showed that multichannel integration quality influences consumers' perceptions of value and service experience favourably. It also showed that the two factors influencing service convenience were service experience and perceived value. Further, the research revealed a significant relationship between positive electronic word of mouth and perceived value, service convenience and service experience.

Practical implications

The study adds to the existing body of knowledge on multichannel integration by empirically testing the relationship between multichannel integration quality and consumer response in the context of multichannel banking.

Originality/value

The study is one of a few that provide important insights into the growing body of literature on multichannel integration quality from the consumers' perspective. The study further develops a model that explicates the relationship between multichannel integration quality, perceived value, service convenience and e-WoM.
Measuring consumer perceptions of online retail platform corporate sustainable development: a scale development and validation
Authors: He Ai-Zhong , Wang Xing-Xin
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Online retail platform corporate sustainable development (ORPCSD) has garnered significant interest and appeal among consumers. However, no scale has been developed to measure consumer perceptions of ORPCSD. Therefore, this study aimed to delineate the conceptual framework and dimensions underlying these perceptions and construct a reliable and valid measurement tool.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed established qualitative and quantitative methods in two studies. In the first study, the dimensions and measurement items of consumer perceptions of ORPCSD were proposed using the grounded method. In the second study, the measurement scale was refined and validated using exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and nomological validity examination.

Findings

The results indicated that consumer perception of ORPCSD consisted of three dimensions: economic, social, and environmental sustainability. The measurement scale for these dimensions comprised 25 items, demonstrating excellent psychometric properties.

Originality/value

This study contributes original insights by enhancing the current understanding of consumer perceptions of ORPCSD. Additionally, it provides researchers and managers with psychometric metrics to gauge these perceptions and offers actionable strategies for sustainable marketing initiatives.