bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Screening Potential Cornea Donors for Signs of Sepsis
Authors: Chong Paul , Marsh Kate , Vavra Dean , Fowler W. Craig , Enzenauer Robert W.
Published: July 2024

Purpose:

This study sought to expand upon previous works to explore correlations between cornea donor characteristics and incidence of sepsis/donor ineligibility.

Methods:

The medical records of 837 potential cornea donors with signs of possible sepsis from 2 Eye Bank Association of America–accredited eye banks between 2009 and 2022 were reviewed by an infectious disease clinician consultant for US Food and Drug Administration-designated signs of sepsis. Data and machine learning analysis were performed to explore relationships between different donor features and donor eligibility.

Results:

A review of the potential cornea donor records revealed that the presence of a greater number of signs of sepsis was not associated with a higher probability of donor ineligibility (P = 0.45). The only single sign of sepsis that was associated with a higher likelihood of donor ineligibility determination was positive blood cultures (P < 0.001). Finally, if the patient's length of hospitalization was less than 24 hours, these potential donors were more likely to be deemed ineligible for cornea donation (P < 0.001). Machine learning analysis revealed length of hospitalization to be the most importantly weighted factor in determining donor eligibility.

Conclusions:

Based on our analysis of hundreds of medical records over more than a decade, the data suggest that potential cornea donors who 1) have a positive blood culture or 2) have a length of stay of less than 24 hours may be reasonably deemed likely not eligible for donation and not all forwarded to infectious disease consultants or their respective medical director. The results of this study call for further exploration with the collection of larger sample sizes and more representative populations of cornea donors to pursue potential protocols with respect to determining cornea donor eligibility.
Role of Triamcinolone Acetonide in the Maturation of Scars
Authors: Bhosale Ranjit , Dawar Rakesh , Manas Raj Kumar
Published: July 2024

Background:

Surgeons have tried various measures to achieve a minimum and aesthetically appealing scars after wound healing at surgical sites. Various regimens have been recommended to minimize scars both intraoperatively and postoperatively. Our study aims to assess the outcome of the injection of triamcinolone acetonide used intraoperatively on a normal surgical suture line.

Methods:

This is a prospective, observational study of 21 patients (divided into test and control groups with a single scar at the same site) treated with or without injection of triamcinolone acetonide, and outcomes were assessed using Vancouver Scar Scale and Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale.

Results:

We found a significant difference (P> 0.05) between the median of vascularity, pigmentation, and total score on the Vancouver Scar Scale, whereas there was significant difference between height, color, and overall appearance according to the Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale between the test and the control group. We could not find a significant difference in outcome with varying, increasing doses of triamcinolone acetonide.

Conclusion:

A low dose of triamcinolone acetonide is an effective drug that tends to improve the outcome of a scar in terms of vascularity, pigmentation, height, and overall appearance of the postoperative surgical scar and helps in the maturation of a normal scar.
Unveiling the Shadows: Childhood Traumas and the Dynamics of Seeking Psychological Help and Self-Stigmatization Among Prisoners
Authors: Özdemir Özcan , Işik Seda Sibel , ÇAM Hasan Hüseyin
Published: July 2024

Background

Compared with the general population, prison inmates show a higher prevalence of mental disorders, particularly among those with childhood traumas. Despite childhood traumas being robust indicators of poor mental health, there is limited research on their relationship with prisoners' attitudes toward seeking psychological help. This study investigates the impact of childhood traumas on prisoners' attitudes toward help-seeking and self-stigmatization.

Methods

This cross-sectional, explanatory study was conducted with 250 persons in prison. Data were collected using a sociodemographic information form, the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, the Attitudes Toward Seeking Psychological Help Scale, and the Self-Stigma of Seeking Help Scale. Statistical analysis was performed using Spearman correlation test and multiple linear regression analysis with SPSS Version 28.

Results

A significant link was found between childhood traumas and self-stigmatization in seeking psychological help. Positive attitudes toward help-seeking were significantly associated with increased self-stigmatization. Childhood traumas were significantly related to single-parent families, conflicted intrafamilial relationships, entering prison at the age of 19 years or older, mental health issues, and behavioral disorders. Moreover, a meaningful association was observed between self-stigmatization in help-seeking and being from a single-parent family with a low socioeconomic status.

Conclusion

In conclusion, imprisoned persons with childhood traumas exhibit higher levels of self-stigmatization in seeking psychological help, contributing to negative attitudes. Recommendations for adequate access to mental health services in prisons include fostering a culture of psychological help, enhancing mental health literacy, providing trauma-informed care, and developing comprehensive strategies. In addition, the suggestion is made for the development of societal reintegration programs.
Use of an Osseointegrated Intraosseous Transcutaneous Amputation Prosthesis for Amputated Fingers Is Followed by Frequent Infection and Implant Removal
Authors: Kang Norbert V. , Al-Ajam Yazan , Woollard Alexander , Burr Nikki
Published: July 2024

Introduction

We report on the outcomes of using a custom-built osseointegrated (OI) intraosseous transcutaneous amputation prosthesis (ITAP) as a bone anchor for prosthetic reconstruction of a series of amputated fingers. The aim of ITAP was to reduce the risk of failure due to infection by creating a biological seal at the skin-implant interface.

Methods and Results

A total of 14 patients who suffered from amputations of their digits at a variety of different levels were recruited. Eleven patients (20 implants) underwent treatment with an implant based on the ITAP principle. With the exception of one patient (1 implant), all implants were removed by 9 years after insertion. Patients requested removal because of recurrent infections, exposure of the flange structure (unique to ITAP), loosening of the implant, and inability to secure a prosthesis to the implant.

Conclusions

The ITAP principle does not work when used as part of the design of an OI bone anchor for prosthetic reconstruction after finger amputation.

Clinical Relevance Statement

This study suggests that there are major problems with the principles underlying the design of the ITAP implant when used in humans. Future studies of OI implants using the principles of ITAP may be at risk of similar problems.
Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Direct-to-Consumer Marketing Video About Patients' Right to Evidence-Based Mental Health Care
Authors: Silverman Alexandra L. , Werntz Alexandra , Schofield Casey , Prinstein Mitchell J. , McKay Dean , Teachman Bethany A.
Published: July 2024

This study evaluated the impact of a direct-to-consumer (DTC) marketing video designed to educate the public about patients' rights to evidence-based mental health care (EBMHC). Participants (N = 632) were randomly assigned to an active DTC video condition, a control video condition, or a control condition without a video. Participants who watched the DTC video (vs. both control conditions) had significantly greater knowledge of patients' rights to EBMHC. Further, individuals who watched the DTC (vs. control) video reported significantly greater comfort with accessing care and perceived their assigned video as significantly more culturally sensitive. However, participants who watched the DTC video were not significantly different from both control conditions on self-report measures of self-efficacy in working with a provider, likelihood of asking a provider about one's rights, treatment-seeking intentions, and self-stigma. Findings suggest the potential for a DTC video to promote knowledge of EBMHC, though its impact on help-seeking perceptions and intentions was less promising.
Potential Benefit of Spices for Glycemic Control
Authors: Singletary Keith W.
Published: July 2024

The prevalence of hyperglycemia is increasing worldwide in large part due to the escalating prevalence of obesity. It can occur along with other disorders and diseases, contributing to escalating health costs and accumulating disabilities. Besides dietary approaches and availability of antidiabetic medications, other complementary approaches and adjunct therapies using biologically active botanical phytochemicals have received growing attention for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus. Spices are one source of these bioactive plant constituents, and considerable preclinical studies have investigated their possible health benefits. There also are an increasing number of human clinical trials assessing the ability of spices and their individual plant constituents to improve glucose homeostasis in those with type 2 diabetes mellitus and other dysglycemic conditions. This narrative review provides a summary of the human studies evaluating the effects of select spices on glucose homeostasis and highlights areas for future research.
Sensing, feeling and consciousness
Authors: Damasio Antonio , Damasio Hanna
Published: July 2024

Living organisms achieve homeostasis by using distinct mechanisms tailored to their physiological complexity. Unicellular organisms as well as plants, which are devoid of nervous systems, rely on covert sensing/detecting and equally covert responding mechanisms. Organisms with nervous systems rely on
overt
consciousness which is based on homeostatic feelings and the experiences and consequent subjectivity they generate.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Sensing and feeling: an integrative approach to sensory processing and emotional experience’.
Brain circuits in autonomous sensory meridian response and related phenomena
Authors: Lin I-Fan , Kondo Hirohito M.
Published: July 2024

Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) is characterized by a tingling sensation with a feeling of relaxation and a state of flow. We explore the neural underpinnings and comorbidities of ASMR and related phenomena with altered sensory processing. These phenomena include sensory processing sensitivity (SPS), synaesthesia, Alice in Wonderland syndrome and misophonia. The objective of this article is to uncover the shared neural substrates and distinctive features of ASMR and its counterparts. ASMR, SPS and misophonia exhibit common activations in the brain regions associated with social cognition, emotion regulation and empathy. Nevertheless, ASMR responders display reduced connectivity in the salience network (SN), while individuals with SPS exhibit increased connectivity in the SN. Furthermore, ASMR induces relaxation and temporarily reduces symptoms of depression, in contrast to SPS and misophonia, which are linked to depression. These observations lead us to propose that ASMR is a distinct phenomenon owing to its attention dispatch mechanism and its connection with emotion regulation. We suggest that increased activations in the insula, along with reduction in connectivity within the salience and default mode networks in ASMR responders, may account for their experiences of relaxation and flow states.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Sensing and feeling: an integrative approach to sensory processing and emotional experience’.
DMRIntTk: integrating different DMR sets based on density peak clustering
Authors: Zhang Wenjin , Jie Wenlong , Cui Wanxin , Duan Guihua , Zou You , Peng Xiaoqing
Published: July 2024

Background: Identifying differentially methylated regions (DMRs) is a basic task in DNA methylation analysis. However, due to the different strategies adopted, different DMR sets will be predicted on the same dataset, which poses a challenge in selecting a reliable and comprehensive DMR set for downstream analysis. Results: Here, we develop DMRIntTk, a toolkit for integrating DMR sets predicted by different methods on a same dataset. In DMRIntTk, the genome is segmented into bins and the reliability of each DMR set at different methylation thresholds is evaluated. Then, the bins are weighted based on the covered DMR sets and integrated into DMRs by using a density peak clustering algorithm. To demonstrate the practicality of DMRIntTk, DMRIntTk was applied to different scenarios, including different tissues with relatively large methylation differences, cancer tissues versus normal tissues with medium methylation differences, and disease tissues versus normal tissues with subtle methylation differences. The results show that DMRIntTk can effectively trim the regions with small methylation differences in the original DMR sets and therefore it can enhance the proportion of DMRs with higher methylation differences. In addition, the overlap analysis suggests that the integrated DMR sets are quite comprehensive, and the functional analysis indicates the integrated disease-related DMR sets are significantly enriched in biological pathways, which are associated with the pathological mechanisms of the diseases. Conclusions: Conclusively, DMRIntTk can help researchers obtaining a reliable and comprehensive DMR set from many prediction methods.
Preimaginal development ofAedes aegyptiin brackish water produces adult mosquitoes with thicker cuticles and greater insecticide resistance
Authors: Sivabalakrishnan Kokila , Hemphill Andrew , Parakrama Karunaratne S.H.P. , Naguleswaran Arunasalam , Roditi Isabel , Surendran Sinnathamby N. , Ramasamy Ranjan
Published: July 2024

Aedes aegyptiandAedes albopictusmosquitoes, the principal vectors of many human arboviral diseases, lay eggs and undergo preimaginal development in fresh water habitats. They have also recently been found to develop in brackish water in coastal areas. Adult females emerging from brackish water-developingAe. aegyptilarvae are shown to possess thicker cuticles and greater resistance to common insecticides used against adults (adulticides) compared with fresh waterAe. aegypti. These findings are compatible with previous findings showing that brackish waterAe. aegyptilarvae possess thicker cuticles and greater larvicide resistance. Greater resistance of salinity-tolerantAe. aegyptito adulticides and larvicides is a hitherto unappreciated problem for controlling arboviral diseases and has implications also for other mosquito-borne diseases.
Lectin Microarray Analysis of Salivary Gland Glycoproteins from the Arboviral VectorAedes aegyptiand the Malaria VectorAnopheles stephensi
Authors: Ramasamy Ranjan , Chen Xi , Zhang Jian , Sivabalakrishnan Kokila , Arthiyan Sivasingham , Surendran Sinnathamby N.
Published: July 2024

Salivary gland glycoconjugates in human-feeding insects and arachnids can elicit hypersensitivity reactions. Glycoproteins introduced during blood feeding by arachnid ticks are responsible for red meat allergy or the α-gal syndrome. Dengue virus transmitted byAedesmosquitoes incorporates mosquito glycoproteins into its envelope and malaria parasites transmitted byAnophelesmosquitoes reportedly express α-gal epitopes that are potentially derived from mosquito salivary glands. Tick salivary gland glycoproteins possess α-gal epitopes. We used microarrays containing forty different lectins to analyse salivary gland protein glycoconjugates from the principal arboviral vectorAedes aegyptiand the rapidly spreading malaria vectorAnopheles stephensi. Salivary gland glycoproteins of both mosquitoes possessed very similar lectin-binding specificities. Lectin-binding profiles showed the significant presence of oligomannose N-glycans and O-glycans, a limited presence of glycan structures capped with terminal GalNAc, GlcNAc, β linked Gal, α1-6 linked fucose, and no detectable sialic acids or terminal α-linked Gal in salivary gland glycoproteins.
Soma-germ contact across basement membrane in ovary
Authors: Chikami Yasuhiko , Yahata Kensuke
Published: July 2024

Epithelial cells generally interact with other cells and environments at their apical side. At the basal surface, the basement membrane impedes such an interaction. One notable instance is communication between soma and germ cells within the ovary across numerous bilaterian taxa. This contact underlies proper oogenesis and subsequent embryogenesis through facilitating nutrient supply to gametes, exchange of molecules and ions, and participation in signal transduction for primary axis formation. Throughout layers of the history of morphology and cellular biology, there has been emphasis on this heterocellular interaction primarily occurring at the apical side of epithelial cells. Contrary to this long-standing understanding, we uncover that ovarian follicle cells in three myriapod species belonging to phylogenetically basal myriapod clades extend their cytoplasmic processes, penetrating the basement membrane to establish direct contact with oocytes. These discoveries demonstrate the ovarian soma-germ interaction transverse the basement membrane, suggesting that the basal matrix does not always a physical barrier to soma-germ communication. Furthermore, we find that the ovarian somatic cells in a myriapod directly connect with the oogonia or young oocyte before the formation of their basement membrane. This result suggests an overlooked construction manner of heterocellular communication at the basal domain of epithelial cells.
Inclusive, Exclusive and Hierarchical Atlas of NFATc1+/PDGFR-α+Cells in Dental and Periodontal Mesenchyme
Authors: Yang Xue , Han Chuyi , Yu Changhao , Zhou Bin , Ye Ling , Li Feifei , Yu Fanyuan
Published: July 2024

Platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFR-α) activity is crucial in the process of dental and periodontal mesenchyme regeneration facilitated by autologous platelet concentrates (APCs), such as platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and concentrated growth factors (CGF), as well as by recombinant PDGF drugs. However, it is largely unclear about the physiological patterns and cellular fate determinations of PDGFR-α+cells in the homeostasis maintaining of adult dental and periodontal mesenchyme. We previously identified NFATc1 expressing PDGFR-α+cells as a subtype of skeletal stem cells (SSCs) in limb bone, but their roles in dental and periodontal remain unexplored. To this end, in the present study we investigated the spatiotemporal atlas of NFATc1+and PDGFR-α+cells residing in dental and periodontal mesenchyme, their capacity for progeny cell generation, and their inclusive, exclusive and hierarchical relations in homeostasis. We utilized CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing to generate two dual recombination systems, which wereCre/loxP-Dre/Roxcombined intersectional and exclusive reporters respectively, to concurrently demonstrate the inclusive, exclusive, and hierarchical distributions of NFATc1+and PDGFR-α+cells and their lineage commitment. By employing the state-of-the-art transgenic lineage tracing techniques in cooperating with tissue clearing-based advanced imaging and three-dimensional slices reconstruction, we systematically mapped the distribution atlas of NFATc1+and PDGFR-α+cells in dental and periodontal mesenchyme and tracked theirin vivofate trajectories. Our findings extend current understanding of NFATc1+and PDGFR-α+cells in dental and periodontal mesenchyme homeostasis, and furthermore enhance our comprehension of their sustained therapeutic impact for future clinical investigations.
Emergence of cellular nematic order is a conserved feature of gastrulation in animal embryos
Authors: Li Xin , Huebner Robert J. , Williams Margot L.K. , Sawyer Jessica , Peifer Mark , Wallingford John B. , Thirumalai D.
Published: July 2024

Cells undergo dramatic changes in morphology during embryogenesis, yet how these changes affect the formation of ordered tissues remains elusive. Here we find that the emergence of a nematic liquid crystal phase occurs in cells during gastrulation in the development of embryos of fish, frogs, and fruit flies. Moreover, the spatial correlations in all three organisms are long-ranged and follow a similar power-law decay (y∼x−α) with α less than unity for the nematic order parameter, suggesting a common underlying physical mechanism unifies events in these distantly related species. All three species exhibit similar propagation of the nematic phase, reminiscent of nucleation and growth phenomena. Finally, we use a theoretical model along with disruptions of cell adhesion and cell specification to characterize the minimal features required for formation of the nematic phase. Our results provide a framework for understanding a potentially universal features of metazoan embryogenesis and shed light on the advent of ordered structures during animal development.
Chromosomal fusion drives sex chromosome evolution in treehoppers despite long-term X chromosome conservation
Authors: Palmer Droguett Daniela H , Fletcher Micah , Kocher Sarah , Cabral-de-Mello Diogo C , Wright Alison E
Published: July 2024

Sex chromosomes follow distinct evolutionary trajectories compared to the rest of the genome. In many cases, sex chromosomes (X and Y, or Z and W) significantly differentiate from one another resulting in heteromorphic sex chromosome systems. Such heteromorphic systems are thought to act as an evolutionary trap that prevents subsequent turnover of the sex chromosome system. For old, degenerated sex chromosome systems in which turnover is unlikely, chromosomal fusion with an autosome may be one way that sex chromosomes can ‘refresh’ their sequence content. We investigated these dynamics using treehoppers (hemipteran insects of the family Membracidae), which ancestrally have XX/X0 sex chromosomes. We assembled the first chromosome-level treehopper genome fromUmbonia crassicornisand employed comparative genomic analyses of 12 additional treehopper species to analyze X chromosome variation across different evolutionary timescales. We find that the X chromosome is largely conserved, with one exception being an X-autosome fusion inCalloconophora caliginosa. We also compare the ancestral treehopper X with other X chromosomes in Auchenorrhyncha (the clade containing treehoppers, leafhoppers, spittlebugs, cicadas, and planthoppers), revealing X conservation across more than 300 million years. These findings shed light on chromosomal evolution dynamics in treehoppers and the role of chromosomal rearrangements in sex chromosome evolution.

Significance

The evolutionary forces underlying sex chromosome stability versus turnover have been challenging to disentangle. We present the first chromosome-level treehopper genome and find evidence of long-term X chromosome conservation within treehoppers – and among treehoppers and other hemipteran insects. A key exception is the evolution of neo-XX/XY sex chromosomes via an X-autosome fusion. Sex chromosome-autosome fusions may play an important role in the evolution of otherwise ‘trapped’ (i.e., old and degenerated) sex chromosome systems.
Context-specific eQTLs reveal causal genes underlying shared genetic architecture of critically ill COVID-19 and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Dalapati Trisha , Wang Liuyang , Jones Angela G. , Cardwell Jonathan , Konigsberg Iain R. , Bossé Yohan , Sin Don D. , Timens Wim , Hao Ke , Yang Ivana , Ko Dennis C.
Published: July 2024

Most genetic variants identified through genome-wide association studies (GWAS) are suspected to be regulatory in nature, but only a small fraction colocalize with expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs, variants associated with expression of a gene). Therefore, it is hypothesized but largely untested that integration of disease GWAS with context-specific eQTLs will reveal the underlying genes driving disease associations. We used colocalization and transcriptomic analyses to identify shared genetic variants and likely causal genes associated with critically ill COVID-19 and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. We first identified five genome-wide significant variants associated with both diseases. Four of the variants did not demonstrate clear colocalization between GWAS and healthy lung eQTL signals. Instead, two of the four variants colocalized only in cell-type and disease-specific eQTL datasets. These analyses pointed to higherATP11Aexpression from the C allele of rs12585036, in monocytes and in lung tissue from primarily smokers, which increased risk of IPF and decreased risk of critically ill COVID-19. We also found lowerDPP9expression (and higher methylation at a specific CpG) from the G allele of rs12610495, acting in fibroblasts and in IPF lungs, and increased risk of IPF and critically ill COVID-19. We further found differential expression of the identified causal genes in diseased lungs when compared to non-diseased lungs, specifically in epithelial and immune cell types. These findings highlight the power of integrating GWAS, context-specific eQTLs, and transcriptomics of diseased tissue to harness human genetic variation to identify causal genes and where they function during multiple diseases.
Leukemogenesis in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia through the Lens of Developmental Dynamics of Lymphoid Progenitor Cells: a systematic review
Authors: Shafi Ovais , Rajpar Rahimeen , Kanwal Finza , Waqas Muhammad , Khan Osama Jawed , Raveena  , Kumar Ankash , Jabbar Abdul , Madhwani Manwar
Published: July 2024

Objective

The objective of this study is to investigate how lymphoid progenitor mechanisms contribute to the leukemogenesis in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

Background

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), the leading childhood cancer, remains challenging despite treatment advances. ALL originates from aberrant clonal expansion of immature lymphoid progenitor cells (LPCs) due to genetic abnormalities. This study looks into LPC genetic dysregulations, aiming to identify therapeutic targets and enhance prognostic stratification. Understanding ALL pathogenesis not only improves outcomes but also informs broader cancer research, offering potential insights for hematologic malignancies and oncogenesis, promising advancements in clinical practice.

Methods

Databases, including PubMed, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and open access/subscription-based journals were searched for published articles without any date restrictions, to investigate leukemogenesis in acute lymphoblastic leukemia and the impact of down syndrome through the developmental regulators of lymphoid progenitor cells. Based on the criteria mentioned in the methods section, studies were systematically reviewed to investigate ALL leukemogenesis. This study adheres to relevant PRISMA guidelines (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses).

Results

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) development is marked by dysregulations in key factors governing Lymphoid Progenitor Cells (LPCs) proliferation and differentiation. Dysregulations include upregulation of transcription factors Ikaros and PU.1, along with heightened expression of surface markers CD34 and CD38. Increased levels of signaling molecules IL-7, SCF, and FLT3 Ligand drive LPC proliferation, while alterations in epigenetic modifiers DNMTs, HDACs, and HATs further contribute to uncontrolled cell division. Dysregulated transcription factors Ikaros, PU.1, E2A (TCF3), EBF1, and Notch1 disrupt LPC differentiation pathways, alongside aberrant expression of surface markers CD10, CD7, and CD45RA. Dysregulated signaling through IL-7 and the Notch pathway, along with epigenetic modifications mediated by DNMTs, HDACs, and HATs, collectively create a conducive landscape for ALL development.

Conclusion

This study into the origins of ALL investigates the roles of transcription factors, surface markers, signaling molecules, and epigenetic modifiers in LPC proliferation and differentiation. Dysregulation of these components, often due to mutations in genes like GATA1, CRLF2, JAK2, and RAS, disrupts normal hematopoietic development and leads to leukemic transformation.
Aberrant flexibility of dynamic brain network in patients with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Zhang Hui , Peng Dehong , Tang Shixiong , Bi Anyao , Long Yicheng
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a collection of neurodevelopmental disorders whose pathobiology remains elusive. This study aimed to investigate the possible neural mechanisms underlying ASD using a dynamic brain network model and a relatively large-sample, multi-site dataset.

Methods

Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data were acquired from 208 ASD patients and 227 typical development (TD) controls, who were drawn from the multi-site Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange (ABIDE)-Preproceesed database. Brain network flexibilities were estimated and compared between the ASD and TD groups at both global and local levels, after adjusting for sex, age, head motion, and site effects. Correlations between the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) total score and brain network measures were also investigated after adjusting for the same above covariates.

Results

Significantly increased brain network flexibilities (indicating a decreased stability) at the global level, as well as at the local level within the default-mode and sensorimotor areas were found in ASD patients than TD participants. Additionally, significant ASD-related decreases in flexibilities (indicating excessively increased stability) were also observed in several occipital regions at the nodal level. Most of these changes were significantly correlated with the ADOS total score in the entire sample.

Conclusion

The results in this study suggested that ASD is characterized by significant changes in temporal stabilities of functional brain network. Our results also pointed to ASD-related dysfunctions in the default-mode, sensorimotor, and occipital systems from a perspective of brain network stability, which can further strengthen our understanding of the pathobiology of ASD.
Altered spike IgG Fc N-linked glycans are associated with hyperinflammatory state in adult COVID and Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children
Authors: Sherman Jacob D. , Karmali Vinit , Kumar Bhoj , Simon Trevor W. , Bechnak Sarah , Panjwani Anusha , Ciric Caroline R. , Wang Dongli , Huerta Chris , Johnson Brandi , Anderson Evan J. , Rouphael Nadine , Collins Matthew H. , Rostad Christina A. , Azadi Parastoo , Scherer Erin M.
Published: July 2024

Background

Severe COVID and multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) are characterized by excessive inflammatory cytokines/chemokines. In adults, disease severity is associated with SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG Fc afucosylation, which induces pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion from innate immune cells. This study aimed to define spike IgG Fc glycosylation following SARS-CoV-2 infection in adults and children and following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in adults and the relationships between glycan modifications and cytokine/chemokine levels.

Methods

We analyzed longitudinal (n=146) and cross-sectional (n=49) serum/plasma samples from adult and pediatric COVID patients, MIS-C patients, adult vaccinees, and adult and pediatric healthy controls. We developed methods for characterizing bulk and spike IgG Fc glycosylation by capillary electrophoresis (CE) and measured levels of ten inflammatory cytokines/chemokines by multiplexed ELISA.

Results

Spike IgG were more afucosylated than bulk IgG during acute adult COVID and MIS-C. We observed an opposite trend following vaccination, but it was not significant. Spike IgG were more galactosylated and sialylated and less bisected than bulk IgG during adult COVID, with similar trends observed during pediatric COVID/MIS-C and following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Spike IgG glycosylation changed with time following adult COVID or vaccination. Afucosylated spike IgG exhibited inverse and positive correlations with inflammatory markers in MIS-C and following vaccination, respectively; galactosylated and sialylated spike IgG inversely correlated with pro-inflammatory cytokines in adult COVID and MIS-C; and bisected spike IgG positively correlated with inflammatory cytokines/chemokines in multiple groups.

Conclusions

We identified previously undescribed relationships between spike IgG glycan modifications and inflammatory cytokines/chemokines that expand our understanding of IgG glycosylation changes that may impact COVID and MIS-C immunopathology.
The S-ligninO-demethylase SyoA: Structural insights into a new class of heme peroxygenase enzymes
Authors: Harlington Alix C. , Das Tuhin , Shearwin Keith E. , Bell Stephen G. , Whelan Fiona
Published: July 2024

TheO-demethylation of lignin aromatics is a rate-limiting step in their bioconversion to high-value compounds. A recently discovered cytochrome P450 enzyme SyoA was found to demethylate the sinapyl alcohol-derived (S-lignin) aromatic syringol. In this work, we solved high-resolution X-ray crystal structures of SyoA in the substrate-free and substrate-bound states and evaluate the demethylation ofpara-substituted S-lignin aromatics via the monooxygenase pathway and peroxide shunt pathway. We found that SyoA demethylates S-lignin aromatics with the following activity: 4-methylsyringol > syringaldehyde > syringol exclusively using the peroxide shunt pathway. The atomic-resolution structure of SyoA reveals the position of the non-canonical residues in the I-helix (Gln252 and Glu253). Site-directed mutagenesis of this amide-acid pair of a homologous CYP255 enzyme GcoA, which can catalyze the O-demethylation of guaiacol using both monooxygenase and peroxygenase activity, showed the amide-acid pair is critical for both pathways. This work expands the enzymatic toolkit for improving the capacity to funnel lignin towards high-value compounds, and defines the new chemistry within the active site of the enzyme that enables efficient peroxygenase activity. These insights provide a framework for engineered peroxygenase activity in other cytochrome P450 enzymes, with the potential for more facile catalysis, relative to traditional P450 monooxygenases which require difficult to handle redox partners and expensive nicotinamide cofactors.
Single-cell discovery of m6A RNA modifications in the hippocampus
Authors: Feng Shuangshuang , Tellaetxe-Abete Maitena , Zhang Yujie , Peng Yan , Zhou Han , Dong Mingjie , Larrea Erika , Xue Liang , Zhang Li , Koziol Magdalena J.
Published: July 2024

N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) is a prevalent and highly regulated RNA modification essential for RNA metabolism and normal brain function. It is particularly important in the hippocampus, where m6A is implicated in neurogenesis and learning. Although extensively studied, its presence in specific cell types remains poorly understood. We investigated m6A in the hippocampus at a single-cell resolution, revealing a comprehensive landscape of m6A modifications within individual cells. Through our analysis, we uncovered transcripts exhibiting a dense m6A profile, notably linked to neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. Our findings suggest a pivotal role of m6A-containing transcripts, particularly in the context of CAMK2A neurons. Overall, this work provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying hippocampal physiology and lays the foundation for future studies investigating the dynamic nature of m6A RNA methylation in the healthy and diseased brain.
Convex optimization of contour deformations
Authors: Lawrence Scott , Yamauchi Yukari
Published: July 2024

We discuss various formal aspects of contour deformations used to alleviate sign problems; most importantly, relating these contour deformations to a certain convex optimization problem. As a consequence of this connection we describe a general method for proving upper bounds on the average phase achievable by the contour deformation method. Using this method we show that Abelian lattice Yang-Mills in two spacetime dimensions possesses, for many values of the complex coupling, an exponential sign problem that cannot be removed via any contour deformation.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Deformation-induced
CPT
violation in entangled pairs of neutral kaons
Authors: Bevilacqua Andrea , Kowalski-Glikman Jerzy , Wiślicki Wojciech
Published: July 2024

In this paper we consider description of kaon-antikaon interference in the context of a theory with deformed CPT symmetry. In the case of such theoretical models, deviations from the standard CPT invariance is related to the momentum carried by the particles; in particular the rest masses of particles and antiparticles are equal. We find that the decay intensity of kaon-antikaon pair has three contributing terms: the correct-parity, the wrong-parity, and the interference between them, all of which are affected by deformation. Using the fact that the presence of such terms was not observed we estimate, under plausible assumptions, the magnitude of deformation parameter κ≳1017  GeV at the LHC energy. This limit can be possibly improved to values closer to the expected Planck mass scale κ≳1018  GeV using a next-generation collider with energy larger by an order of magnitude. This raises hopes that the effect, if it exists, could be detected in future accelerator experiments. Uncertainties of the energy measurement and time resolution are important for accuracy of these predictions.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Scalarization of isolated black holes in scalar Gauss-Bonnet theory in the fixing-the-equations approach
Authors: Lara Guillermo , Pfeiffer Harald P. , Wittek Nikolas A. , Vu Nils L. , Nelli Kyle C. , Carpenter Alexander , Lovelace Geoffrey , Scheel Mark A. , Throwe William
Published: July 2024

One of the most promising avenues to perform numerical evolutions in theories beyond general relativity is the approach, a proposal in which new “driver” equations are added to the evolution equations in a way that allows for stable numerical evolutions. In this direction, we extend the numerical relativity code p to evolve a “fixed” version of scalar Gauss-Bonnet theory in the decoupling limit, a phenomenologically interesting theory that allows for hairy black hole solutions in vacuum. We focus on isolated black hole systems both with and without linear and angular momentum, and propose a new driver equation to improve the recovery of such stationary solutions. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the latter by numerically evolving black holes that undergo spontaneous scalarization using different driver equations. Finally, we evaluate the accuracy of the obtained solutions by comparing with the original unaltered theory.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Exotic compact objects and light bosonic fields
Authors: Thaalba Farid , Ventagli Giulia , Sotiriou Thomas P.
Published: July 2024

In this article, we discuss the effect of light, nongauge, bosonic degrees of freedom on the exterior spacetime of an exotic compact object. We show that such fields generically introduce large deviations from black hole spacetimes of general relativity near and outside the surfaces of ultracompact exotic objects unless one assumes they totally decouple from the standard model or new heavy fields. Hence, using black hole spacetimes of general relativity to model ultracompact exotic objects and their perturbations relies implicitly on this assumption or on the absence of such fields.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Connecting Cosmic Inflation to Particle Physics with LiteBIRD, CMB-S4, EUCLID, and SKA
Authors: Drewes Marco , Ming Lei
Published: July 2024

We show that next generation Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) experiments will be capable of the first ever measurement of the inflaton coupling to other particles, opening a new window to probe the connection between cosmic inflation and particle physics. This sensitivity is based on the impact that the reheating phase after cosmic inflation has on the redshifting of cosmic perturbations. For our analysis we introduce a simple analytic method to estimate the sensitivity of future CMB observations to the reheating temperature and the inflaton coupling. Applying our method to LiteBIRD and CMB-S4 we find that, within a given model of inflation, these missions have the potential to impose both an upper and a lower bound on the inflaton coupling. Further improvement can be achieved if CMB data are combined with optical and 21 cm surveys. Our results demonstrate the potential of future observations to constrain microphysical parameters that can provide an important clue to understand how a given model of inflation may be embedded in a more fundamental theory of nature.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
StreamSAXS: a Python-based workflow platform for processing streaming SAXS/WAXS data
Authors: Wang Jiayi , Dong Zheng , Zhang Yi , Hua Wenqiang , Wang Zudeng , Guo Huilong , Yang Yiming , Bi Xiaoxue
Published: July 2024

StreamSAXS is a Python-based small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS) data analysis workflow platform with graphical user interface (GUI). It aims to provide an interactive and user-friendly tool for analysis of both batch data files and real-time data streams. Users can easily create customizable workflows through the GUI to meet their specific needs. One characteristic of StreamSAXS is its plug-in framework, which enables developers to extend the built-in workflow tasks. Another feature is the support for both already acquired and real-time data sources, allowing StreamSAXS to function as an offline analysis platform or be integrated into large-scale acquisition systems for end-to-end data management. This paper presents the core design of StreamSAXS and provides user cases demonstrating its utilization for SAXS/WAXS data analysis in offline and online scenarios.
Diversity, equity and inclusion work: a difference that makes a difference … ?
Authors: Armstrong Ann
Published: July 2024

Purpose

I examine if current diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives can actually accomplish what they aim and claim to do. I argue that perforce they cannot, as they remain instruments of capitalist corporations and other similar structures.

Design/methodology/approach

I draw on a variety of literature, from poetry to theories and to empirical findings.

Findings

DEI work so far does not live up to its hyped-up claims. It is time for scholars and practitioners to question the DEI industrial complex and its influence on organizational dynamics. It is not clear that justice can ever be achieved in a capitalist neoliberal economy.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is not an empirical paper.

Practical implications

DEI work needs to be re-conceived so that it addresses power imbalances, rather serving as a tool to keep organizations comfortable in seeming to change.

Social implications

DEI practitioners will need to draw deeply on their courage so that they do not reinforce the existing systems of capitalist oppression through their well-intentioned work.

Originality/value

The paper argues that DEI work can accomplish little without a radical reconceptualization of its nature as a genuine tool for change, rather than simply window dressing.
Supply chain integration, competitive strategies and firm performance
Authors: Hendijani Rosa , Saeidi Saei Reza
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the interaction between different types of supply chain integration (SCI) and competitive strategies on firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The research method is quantitative. The study develops a structured model and a set of hypotheses based on the related theories. Empirical data is collected in a cross-sectional manner using an online survey to test the model and its hypotheses. The survey comprised standard scales to measure study variables. The scales had high reliability and validity and were commonly used in the literature. The study was conducted on Iranian firms working in steel and auto parts industries. Based on official reports, a total of 305 active companies were found in these two industries. Due to the small population size, all companies in the two industries were contacted for participation. Overall, 84 firms completed the survey. To test the research hypotheses, the authors used hierarchical regression analyses using SPSS 27 software.

Findings

Results showed that internal integration improves financial performance when firms follow a cost leadership strategy. Differentiation strategy and process integration interact positively and improve operational performance. Type of industry had no significant effect. The results add to the SCI literature by showing that a match between competitive strategy and integration type can influence both operational and financial performance. In total, firms should focus on the appropriate dimension of SCI based on their competitive strategy to improve the performance of the firm.

Originality/value

The impact of competitive strategy as a moderator on the SCI-performance relationship has not been widely addressed in the literature. In one study, Huoet al.(2014) investigated this relationship using data from 604 manufacturing companies in China. The results provided support for financial performance but not for operational performance. However, the influence of competitive strategies on the SCI performance may vary in different countries and contexts with dissimilar environmental, social and cultural characteristics. As several supply chain scholars have argued, understanding contextual conditions that influence the effect of best practices such as SCI on performance are critical
Exploring integrated reporting's influence on international firms' value relevance
Authors: Hichri Abir , Alqatan Ahmad
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Analyzing the impact of integrated reporting (IR) on international firms' value relevance, considering diverse information such as income, cash flows, risks, uncertainties and various capitals.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper used a sample of 300 international companies between 2010 and 2019. This paper collected the data from the Thomson Reuters Eikon database. Quantitative methods were used to test the hypotheses. Furthermore, the feasible generalized least squares (FGLS) method was performed to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results suggest that IR and value relevance positively correlate, confirming the hypothesis. Moreover, this paper verified these results by conducting robustness tests on the contribution of the framework and guidelines prepared by the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) in 2013.

Practical implications

This study enables users to evaluate company transparency and the relevance of disclosed nonfinancial information, providing valuable insights for report preparers and investors seeking profitable opportunities.

Originality/value

The interest in this research was motivated by the authors’ research field, which is innovative, as few studies have been conducted to explain the relationship between IR and value relevance. Similarly, this paper incorporated into their analysis the importance of the framework created by the IIRC in 2013 in preparing and presenting an integrated report. This paper considered the contribution of this framework to the creation of information content. This design has been overlooked in previous studies. However, this paper mobilized the FGLS method, which has been little used in previous studies.