bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
GPI transamidase complex is required for primordial germ cell migration and development in zebrafish
Authors: Zhang Weiying , Li Yaqi , Chen Jing , Yao Likun , Zhang Bingjie , Zhang Lin , Liu Boqi , Shen Weimin , Meng Anming , Wu Xiaotong 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Proteins without transmembrane domains could be anchored to the cell surface for regulating various biological processes when covalently linked to glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) molecules by the GPI transamidase (GPIT) complex. However, it remains poorly understood whether and how the GPIT complex affects primordial germ cell (PGC) development. In this study, we report the important roles of GPI transamidase in PGC migration and development in zebrafish embryos. Mutation of pigu or pigk, both encoding essential GPIT complex subunits, resulted in defective PGC migration with ectopically located PGCs and reduction of PGC counts. Notably, a detailed analysis of filopodia in PGCs revealed the attenuated polarity of filopodia distribution along the migration direction in mutant embryos. PGC transplantation and PGC-specific rescue experiments demonstrated that both PGC and somatic cell-expressed Pigu are required for PGC migration. Furthermore, expression levels of PGC-specific genes decreased in pigu mutant PGCs with the derepression of somatic cell genes. Hence, we propose that the GPIT complex plays a critical role during PGC migration and development.
An intersectional analysis of behavioral financial hardship and healthcare utilization among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, plus cancer survivors
Authors: Waters Austin R , Wheeler Stephanie B , Fine Jeremey , Cheung Christabel K , Tan Kelly R , Rosenstein Donald L , Roberson Mya L , Kent Erin E 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or another nonheterosexual or cisgender identity (LGBTQ+) cancer survivors experience high financial hardship. However, structural drivers of inequities do not impact all LGBTQ+ individuals equally. Using All of Us data, we conducted an intersectional analysis of behavioral financial hardship among LGBTQ+ cancer survivors.

Methods
LGBTQ+ inequities in behavioral financial hardship (ie, cost-related foregone care, delayed care, and medication alterations) and non-cost-related delayed care were estimated using All of Us data. Multivariable logit models were used to generate predicted probabilities, average marginal effects, and 95% confidence intervals. Models were then used to estimate inequities when disaggregating LGBTQ+ status and combing LGBTQ+ status with age, race, ethnicity, and treatment status.

Results
This analysis included N = 36 217 cancer survivors (6.6%, n = 2399 LGBTQ+). In multivariable models, LGBTQ+ identity was associated with higher probabilities of and significant average marginal effects for all types of behavioral financial hardship (foregone care 31.1% vs 19.4%; delayed care 22.6% vs 15.6%; medication alterations 19.2% vs 11.9%) and non–cost delayed care (14.3% vs 7.2%). Within the disaggregated analysis, cisgender bisexual and another/multiple orientation women and gender minority survivors had the highest predicted probabilities of all outcomes. In intersectional analyses, survivors who were aged 18-39 and LGBTQ+, Black and LGBTQ+, or Hispanic/Latine and LGBTQ+ had the highest predicted probabilities of all outcomes.

Conclusions
LGBTQ+ cancer survivors experience significantly more behavioral financial hardship and non-cost-related delayed care than non-LGBTQ+ cancer survivors. Interventions at the individual, system, and policy level are needed to address LGBTQ+ inequities in financial hardship.
Pathological PNPase variants with altered RNA binding and degradation activity affect the phenotype of bacterial and human cell models
Authors: Pizzoccheri Roberto , Falchi Federica A , Alloni Andrea , Caldarulo Marianna , Camboni Tania , Zambelli Federico , Pavesi Giulio , Visentin Cristina , Camilloni Carlo , Sertic Sarah , Briani Federica 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Human PNPase (hPNPase) is an essential RNA exonuclease located in mitochondria, where it contributes to RNA import from the cytoplasm, degradation of mitochondrial RNA and R-loop homeostasis. Biallelic mutations in the hPNPase PNPT1 gene cause different genetic diseases, ranging from hereditary hearing loss to Leigh syndrome. In this work, we used an Escherichia coli model to test the effects of four pathological PNPT1 mutations associated with diseases of different severity. Moreover, we generated a new human cell model by introducing PNPT1 mutations into 293T cells via CRISPR-Cas editing. Notably, the bacterial cells expressing the different mutant alleles exhibited similar phenotypes consistent with hPNPase loss of function. In contrast, the human cell model responded differently to the two mutations tested, with responses correlating with the severity of the respective pathologies. We interpreted the data derived from both models in the light of the in vitro RNA binding and degradation activity of the wild-type and mutated hPNPase variants. We found that all pathogenic mutations tested caused defects in protein assembly and affected the degradation and RNA binding efficiency to varying degrees. However, the severity of the conditions caused by different mutations did not correlate with the catalytic activity of the mutant proteins.
Ninety percent circular polarization detected in a repeating fast radio burst
Authors: Jiang Jinchen , Xu Jiangwei , Niu Jiarui , Lee Kejia , Zhu Weiwei , Zhang Bing , Qu Yuanhong , Xu Heng , Zhou Dejiang , Cao Shunshun , Wang Weiyang , Wang Bojun , Cao Shuo , Zhang Yongkun , Zhang Chunfeng , Gan Hengqian , Han Jinlin , Hao Longfei , Huang Yuxiang , Jiang Peng , Li Dongzi , Li Hui , Li Ye , Li Zhixuan , Luo Rui , Men Yunpeng , Qian Lei , Sun Jinghai , Wang Lin , Xu Yonghua , Xu Renxin , Yang Yuanpei , Yao Rui , Yue Youling , Yu Dongjun , Yuan Jianping , Zhu Yan 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT
Fast radio bursts (FRBs) are extra-galactic sources with unknown physical mechanisms. They emit millisecond-duration radio pulses with isotropic equivalent energy of $10^{36}$–$10^{41}$ ergs. This corresponds to a brightness temperature of FRB emission typically reaching the level of $10^{36}$ K, but can be as high as above $10^{40}$ K for sub-microsecond timescale structures, suggesting the presence of underlying coherent relativistic radiation mechanisms. Polarization carries key information to understand the physical origin of FRBs, with linear polarization usually tracing the geometric configuration of magnetic fields and circular polarization probing both intrinsic radiation mechanisms and propagation effects. Here we show that the repeating source FRB 20201124A emits $90.9\%\pm 1.1\%$ circularly polarized radio pulses. Such a high degree of circular polarization was unexpected in theory and unprecedented in observation in the case of FRBs, since such a high degree of circular polarization was only common among solar or Jovian radio activities, attributed to the sub-relativistic electrons. We note that there is no obvious correlation between the degree of circular polarization and burst fluence. Besides the high degree of circular polarization, we also detected a rapid swing and orthogonal jump in the position angle of linear polarization. The detection of high-degree circular polarization in FRB 20201124A, together with its linear polarization properties that show orthogonal modes, place strong constraints on FRB physical mechanisms, calling for an interplay between magnetospheric radiation and propagation effects in shaping the observed FRB radiation.
Centering historically minoritized populations to design effective messages about an evidence-based policy to advance social equity
Authors: Niederdeppe Jeff , Porticella Norman , Liu Jiawei , Michener Jamila , Franklin Fowler Erika , Nagler Rebekah H , Taylor Teairah , Barry Colleen L , Lewis Neil A 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Researchers have raised concerns that messages describing racial disparities in social outcomes can reduce or polarize support for public policies to address inequality. We questioned this assumption by testing the impact of carefully crafted messages about child tax credit (CTC) expansion. We conducted two randomized message trials, study 1 using Prolific's nonprobability panel (n = 1,402) and study 2 using SSRS's Opinion Panel, a web-based probability sample of US adults (n = 4,483). Each study included comparably sized subsamples of Black, Hispanic, and White respondents from across the political spectrum. Study 1 compared six candidate messages to a control message and identified promising message strategies for replication. Study 2 compared two messages advocating for CTC expansion—one emphasizing policy benefits to all children (universalist) and the other describing benefits to all but even greater benefits to Black and Hispanic children (targeted universalist)—to a control message simply describing the policy. Primary outcomes were policy support and policy advocacy intentions. Study 2 tested preregistered hypotheses and conducted additional exploratory analyses using linear models. Both treatment messages produced greater policy support and advocacy intentions than the control message among Black and Hispanic respondents (Cohen's d 0.12 to 0.28). The universalist message also produced greater policy support than the control message among White respondents (Cohen's d = 0.16). The targeted universalist message did not reduce policy support or advocacy intentions among White and Republican respondents. Well-designed messages emphasizing policy efficacy can promote support for a redistributive tax policy across racial, ethnic, and political identities.
Revised method for constructing acoustic vulnerability curves in trees
Authors: De Boeck Kaat , Steppe Kathy 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
During drought, the formation of air bubbles known as embolisms in the water-conducting xylem reduces hydraulic conductivity, which can ultimately result in tree death. Accurately quantifying vulnerability to embolism formation is, therefore, essential for understanding tree hydraulics. Acoustic emission (AE) analysis offers a non-destructive method to monitor this process, yet the interpretation of captured signals remains debated. In this study, we introduce an improved methodology for constructing acoustic vulnerability curves (VCAE) that minimizes subjectivity and enhances the accuracy of assessing a tree’s vulnerability to drought stress. Our approach combines AE signal clustering with an objective method for pinpointing the endpoint (point of 100% embolism) based on the observed correlation between water potential at maximum AE activity and 50% loss of hydraulic conductivity. By applying a refined clustering algorithm to four temperate tree species (Platanus × acerifolia (Aiton) Willd., Betula pendula Roth, Quercus robur L. and Fagus sylvatica L.), we consistently identified natural frequency-based clusters that effectively separate embolism-related (ER) AEs from other signals. This focus on ER AE activity allowed us to minimize the influence of non-ER signals and identify the true VCAE endpoint. Our method, by reducing the subjectivity inherent in previous approaches, enhances the accuracy of VCAE construction, offering broader insights into tree hydraulics and expanding its applicability across different species and environmental conditions.
Promoting gender diversity and ergonomic equity in the cardiac surgery operating room
Authors: Altin Eslem , Majeed Hamnah , Verma Raj , Paterson Ema , Yanagawa Bobby 
Published: January 2025

Purpose of review
The operating room (OR) infrastructure and equipment such as gloves, were historically designed at a time when most surgeons were male. Today, there are increasing numbers of females in the OR and we should ensure that there is not a disproportionate risk of ergonomic stress and risk of work-related injuries. This review provides a perspective on the representation of female cardiac surgeons globally and examines the unique ergonomic challenges they may face.

Recent findings
Female cardiac surgeons represent approximately 17% of practitioners in our sample of cardiac surgery centers, underscoring significant underrepresentation. Female cardiac surgeons report higher incidences of work-related musculoskeletal injuries and ergonomic challenges compared to their male colleagues. This could negatively impact their physical health and performance. Studies further highlight the inadequacy of standardized surgical tools and workstations in accommodating sex-specific anthropometry, contributing to the disproportionate strain experienced by female surgeons.

Summary
To mitigate gender disparities in cardiac surgery, there is a need to optimize OR infrastructure and surgical instrumentation to accommodate sex-based anatomical differences. Implementing ergonomic solutions, such as adjustable workstations and gender-specific surgical tools, could reduce musculoskeletal injuries and improve overall surgeon performance. Addressing these disparities represents a critical step toward fostering an equitable and inclusive surgical workforce, enhancing both the health and career longevity of female cardiac surgeons.
Omega-3 fatty acids and sleep: recent advances in understanding effects and mechanisms
Authors: Jackson Philippa 
Published: January 2025

Purpose of review
Sleep disturbance and low dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids are common in modern society. Previous research shows that omega-3 fatty acids play an integral role in the regulation of sleep processes, but efficacy data in adults have been equivocal to date. This review examines recent studies highlighting the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on sleep quality and circadian processes.

Recent findings
Two randomized controlled trials in healthy adults found that supplementation with DHA-rich interventions improved sleep quality, though effects may vary depending on age, current sleep habits and habitual omega-3 intake. Conversely, EPA-rich interventions in menopausal women, men with prostate cancer and people experiencing episodic migraines did not improve sleep quality. Advances in lipidomics reveal a bidirectional relationship between sleep disturbance and lipid metabolism, to some extent underpinned by activity of omega-3 fatty acids in circadian processes. Therefore, adequate omega-3 fatty acid intake is both a preventive and therapeutic approach to sleep quality and health.

Summary
Omega-3 fatty acids and DHA in particular show promise for improving sleep quality and limiting the adverse effects of sleep disturbance on health. Future research should focus on developing sex-specific and age-specific recommendations for omega-3 fatty acid intake to optimize sleep health.
Omega 6 fatty acids: helpful, harmless or harmful?
Authors: Visioli Francesco , Poli Andrea 
Published: January 2025

Purpose of review
This paper reviews the most recent literature from January 2023 to August 2024 on the physiological effects of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), with a focus on linoleic acid (LA).

Recent findings
Contrary to previous concerns that high LA intake may increase inflammation, most recent evidence supports the benefits of LA for cardiometabolic health. Several large studies report that higher blood LA levels correlate with reduced risks of coronary heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Potential mechanisms include activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors and modulation of oxylipins involved in glucose and lipid metabolism. The ideal LA intake level remains uncertain, but current intakes around 5–10% of energy appear beneficial. In other areas like cancer, asthma and sleep, the evidence is still inconclusive on LA's effects.

Summary
More research on diverse populations is needed to determine optimal LA levels, effects on specific conditions, and interactions with genetic factors affecting PUFA metabolism. Overall, the review highlights the emerging view that LA, the primary dietary n-6 PUFA, has cardiometabolic benefits rather than harmful effects.
Bounded optimality of time investments in rats, mice, and humans
Authors: Ott Torben , Bosc Marion , Sanders Joshua I. , Masset Paul , Kepecs Adam 
Published: January 2025

SummaryTime is our scarcest resource. Allocating time optimally presents a universal challenge for all organisms because the future benefits of time investments are uncertain. We developed a normative framework for assessing bounded optimality in time allocation, emphasizing the accuracy of future predictions, independent of subjective costs and benefits. In a common decision task across humans, rats, and mice, we varied uncertainty by titrating ambiguous sensory evidence and measured the time each subject was willing to invest post-decision. We observed that all species and subjects invested more time when they were more likely to be correct, which reflected a statistical confidence of uncertain evidence. Time allocation strategy approached the lower bound of optimality, indicating an accurate decision-by-decision assessment of confidence in the likelihood that waiting will pay off – independent of the subjective payoff values and time costs. We demonstrate that an elementary algorithm based on a drift-diffusion process algorithm can implement this optimal time investment strategy. These results illuminate the computational mechanisms governing rational time investment, showing that humans, rats, and mice can maximize payoffs via confidence-guided time allocation.HighlightsComputational and behavioral framework to assess bounded optimality of investments.Humans, rats, and mice invest more time to obtain more likely payoffs, in proportion to statistical confidence.Time investment was close to optimal model predictions, reflecting bounded optimality of investments under uncertainty.Bounded-optimal time investment may be an evolutionary ancient adaptive behavioral strategy.
The Role of the Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex in Ego Dissolution and Emotional Arousal During the Psychedelic State
Authors: Coleman Clayton R. , Shinozuka Kenneth , Tromm Robert , Dipasquale Ottavia , Kaelen Mendel , Roseman Leor , Muthukumaraswamy Suresh , Nutt David J. , Barnett Lionel , Carhart-Harris Robin 
Published: January 2025

AbstractLysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a classic serotonergic psychedelic that induces a profoundly altered conscious state. In conjunction with psychological support, it is currently being explored as a treatment for generalized anxiety disorder and depression. The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) is a brain region that is known to be involved in mood regulation and disorders; hypofunction in the left DLPFC is associated with depression. This study investigated the role of the DLPFC in the psycho-emotional effects of LSD with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and magnetoencephalography (MEG) data of healthy human participants during the acute LSD experience. In the fMRI data, we measured the correlation between changes in resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) of the DLPFC and post-scan subjective ratings of positive mood, emotional arousal, and ego dissolution. We found significant, positive correlations between ego dissolution and functional connectivity between the left & right DLPFC, thalamus, and a higher-order visual area, the fusiform face area (FFA). Additionally, emotional arousal was significantly associated with increased connectivity between the right DLPFC, intraparietal sulcus (IPS), and the salience network (SN). A confirmational “reverse” analysis, in which the outputs of the original RSFC analysis were used as input seeds, substantiated the role of the right DLPFC and the aforementioned regions in both ego dissolution and emotional arousal. Subsequently, we measured the effects of LSD on directed functional connectivity in MEG data that was source-localized to the input and output regions of both the original and reverse analyses. The Granger causality (GC) analysis revealed that LSD increased information flow between two nodes of the ‘ego dissolution network’, the thalamus and the DLPFC, in the theta band, substantiating the hypothesis that disruptions in thalamic gating underlie the experience of ego dissolution. Overall, this multimodal study elucidates a role for the DLPFC in LSD-induced states of consciousness and sheds more light on the brain basis of ego dissolution.
A compact protein panel for organ-specific age and chronic disease prediction
Authors: Vladimirova Anastasiya , Goeminne Ludger J.E. , Tyshkovskiy Alexander , Gladyshev Vadim N. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractRecent advances in plasma proteomics have led to a surge of computational models that accurately predict chronological age, mortality, and diseases from a simple blood draw. We leverage the data of ∼50,000 participants in the UK Biobank to investigate the predictive power of such models compared to individual proteins and metabolites by assessing disease risk and organ aging. We find that, with the exception of brain-related diseases, individual protein levels often match or surpass the predictive power of elaborate clocks trained on chronological age or mortality risk. Certain proteins effectively predict multiple diseases affecting specific organs. We show that in most cases, proteins predict diseases better than polygenic risk scores, and identify novel associations between human plasma protein levels and diseases, including LAMP3 and COPD, CHHR2 and liver disease, FAMC3 and kidney disease, and TMED1 and gout. We present a focused panel of 21 protein biomarkers that reveals the health state of the six organs associated with major age-related diseases. Our panel predicts common age-related diseases, including liver cirrhosis and fibrosis, dementia, kidney failure, and type II diabetes better than established blood panels and aging models. Through its vast coverage of age-related diseases, our compact panel offers a cost-effective alternative to full-scale proteomic analyses, making it a prime candidate for the non-invasive clinical detection and management of numerous age-related diseases simultaneously.
Angiogenic mechanisms governing the segregation of blood-brain barrier and fenestrated capillaries derived from a multipotent cerebrovascular niche
Authors: Lee Nathanael J. , Parab Sweta , Lam Amanda E. , Leong Jun Xiong , Matsuoka Ryota L. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTCerebrovascular endothelial cell (EC) subtypes characterized by blood-brain barrier (BBB) properties or fenestrated pores are essential components of brain-blood interfaces, supporting brain function and homeostasis. To date, the origins and developmental mechanisms underlying this heterogeneous EC network remain largely unclear. Using single-cell-resolution lineage tracing in zebrafish, we discover a multipotent vascular niche at embryonic capillary borders that generates ECs with BBB or fenestrated molecular identity. RNAscope analysis demonstrates restricted expression offlt4in sprouting ECs contributing to fenestrated choroid plexus (CP) vasculature, identifying an early molecular distinction from adjacent BBB vessels. Mechanistically,flt4null and cytoplasmic-domain-deletion mutants exhibit CP vascularization defects when combined withvegfr2zebrafish paralog deletion. Pharmacological results support this co-requirement of Flt4 and Vegfr2 signaling and suggest the PI3K and ERK pathways as downstream effectors. These findings reveal a specialized developmental origin for BBB and fenestrated EC subtypes, and establish Flt4 as a crucial guidance receptor mediating their angiogenic segregation.