bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regulatory T cell-derived enkephalin gates nociception
Authors: Midavaine Élora , Moraes Beatriz C. , Benitez Jorge , Rodriguez Sian R. , Braz Joao M. , Kochhar Nathan P. , Eckalbar Walter L. , Domingos Ana I. , Pintar John E. , Basbaum Allan I. , Kashem Sakeen W. 
Published: May 2024

SummaryT cells have emerged as sex-dependent orchestrators of pain chronification but the sexually dimorphic mechanisms by which T cells control pain sensitivity is not resolved. Here, we demonstrate an influence of regulatory T cells (Tregs) on pain processing that is distinct from their canonical functions of immune regulation and tissue repair. Specifically, meningeal Tregs (mTregs) express the endogenous opioid, enkephalin, and mTreg-derived enkephalin exerts an antinociceptive action through a presynaptic opioid receptor signaling mechanism that is dispensable for immunosuppression. We demonstrate that mTregs are both necessary and sufficient to suppress mechanical pain sensitivity in female, but not male, mice, with this modulation reliant on sex hormones. These results uncover a fundamental sex-specific, and immunologically- derived endogenous opioid circuit for nociceptive regulation with critical implications for pain biology.Highlights1. Gating of allodynia by meningeal Tregs is sex hormone-dependent3. Treg-derived enkephalin modulates mechanical pain sensitivity, not inflammation4. Delta opioid receptor on MrgprD+sensory neuron mediates pain processing by mTregs
Structural Basis of Aquaporin-4 Autoantibody Binding in Neuromyelitis Optica
Authors: Gupta Meghna , Khandelwal Nitesh Kumar , Nelson Andrew , Hwang Peter , Pourmal Sergei , Bennett Jeffrey L. , Stroud Robert M. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractNeuromyelitis Optica (NMO) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system where pathogenic autoantibodies target the human astrocyte water channel aquaporin-4 causing neurological impairment. Autoantibody binding leads to complement dependent and complement independent cytotoxicity, ultimately resulting in astrocyte death, demyelination, and neuronal loss. Aquaporin-4 assembles in astrocyte plasma membranes as symmetric tetramers or as arrays of tetramers. We report molecular structures of aquaporin-4 alone and bound to Fab fragments from patient-derived NMO autoantibodies using cryogenic electron microscopy. Each antibody binds to epitopes comprised of three extracellular loops of aquaporin-4 with contributions from multiple molecules in the assembly. The structures distinguish between antibodies that bind to the tetrameric form of aquaporin-4, and those targeting higher order orthogonal arrays of tetramers that provide more diverse bridging epitopes.One-Sentence SummaryPathogenic autoantibodies in Neuromyelitis Optica distinguish multiply presented epitopes on arrays of human aquaporin-4.
Prenatal Pyrethroid Exposure, Placental Gene Network Modules, and Neonatal Neurobehavior
Authors: Wang Yewei , Holstein Jacqueline , Hermetz Karen , Burt Amber , Lesseur Corina , Panuwet Parinya , Fiedler Nancy , Prapamontol Tippawan , Suttiwan Panrapee , Nimmapirat Pimjuta , Sittiwang Supattra , Naksen Warangkana , Yakimavets Volha , Barr Dana Boyd , Hao Ke , Chen Jia , Marsit Carmen J. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPrenatal pesticide exposure may adversely affect child neurodevelopment which may partly arise from impairing the placenta’s vital role in fetal development. In a cohort of pregnant farmworkers from Thailand (N=248), we examined the links between urinary metabolites of pyrethroid pesticides during pregnancy, placental gene expression networks derived from transcriptome sequencing, and newborn neurobehavior assessed using the NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scales (NNNS) at 5 weeks of age. Focusing on the 21 gene network modules in the placenta identified by Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA), our analysis revealed significant associations between metabolites and nine distinct modules, and between thirteen modules and NNNS, with eight modules showing overlap. Notably, stress was negatively associated with the interferon alpha response and Myc target modules, and the interferon alpha response module was correlated positively with attention, and negatively with arousal, and quality of movement. The analysis also highlighted the early and late trimesters as critical periods for the influence of exposures on placental function, with pyrethroid metabolites measured early in pregnancy significantly negatively associated with the protein secretion module, and those measured later in pregnancy negatively associated with modules related to oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and DNA repair. Additionally, the cumulative sum of 3-phenoxybenzoic acid across pregnancy was significantly negatively associated with the OXPHOS module. These findings suggest that prenatal exposure to pyrethroid pesticides may influence neonatal neurobehavior through specific placental mechanisms that impact gene expression of metabolic pathway, and these effects may be pregnancy period specific. These results offer valuable insights for future risk assessment and intervention strategies.
Cohort Profile: Health and Attainment of Pupils in a Primary Education National-Cohort (HAPPEN) – A hybrid total population cohort in Wales, UK
Authors: Locke A , Jones H , James M , Marchant E , Kennedy J , Burdett D , Bandyopadhyay A , Stratton G , Brophy S 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPurposeHAPPEN is a primary school national cohort which brings together education, health and wellbeing research in line with the Curriculum for Wales framework for health and wellbeing. Health, education and social care data of primary school children are linked and held in the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage (SAIL) Databank. In addition, school-aged children can take part in the HAPPEN Survey throughout the academic year to inform design and implementation of the Health and Wellbeing curriculum area based on their pupils’ needs. There are over 600 schools registered to take part in the HAPPEN Survey. The linkage of health and education records from the HAPPEN national cohort with the HAPPEN Survey responses gives enriched cohort depth and detail which can be used to extrapolate to other schools in Wales. We present the descriptive data available in HAPPEN, and the future expansion plans.ParticipantsThe HAPPEN cohort includes 37,902 primary-aged school children from 2016-July 2023. Of this number, 28,019 can be linked in SAIL with their anonymised linkage field (ALF). In addition, to date (May 2024), HAPPEN Survey data has been captured from over 45,000 children which can in turn be linked to the electronic data. The survey is completed on an ongoing basis and continues to rise by 7000-8000 responses annually.Findings to dateThe child cohort is 49% girls, 47% boys (3% prefer not to state their gender and 1% of this data is missing) and 14% are from an ethnic minority background (10% prefer not to state their ethnicity). Initial findings have explored the impact of Covid-19 on wellbeing and play opportunities. As well as a longitudinal exploration of wellbeing throughout the years.Future plansHAPPEN is an ongoing dynamic cohort of data collection. Access to the cohort is available through SAIL or HDRUK gateway applications. Ongoing research includes the evaluation of interventions for primary school children such as natural experiment methods, non-means tested free school meal roll-out in Wales, interventions to improve physical literacy including changes to the built environment and interventions to improve health and wellbeing of primary school children.STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS OF THIS STUDYHAPPEN is a pan-Wales primary school cohort with a specific focus on children’s self-reported health and wellbeing.The existence of this cohort and ongoing survey data enables the evaluation of natural experimentsThis cohort facilitates life course research on the health and wellbeing of the children in Wales.Missing data or errors in routine and administrative data may be a constraint when discussing population level outcomes for children.A potential restriction of HAPPEN is the loss of data pertaining to individuals who relocate outside of Wales during childhood.
Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on sympathectomies in Brazil’s public health system
Authors: Sorbello Carolina Carvalho Jansen , Portela Felipe Soares Oliveira , Girardi Giulia St. Sève , da Silva Marcelo Fiorelli Alexandrino , Teivelis Marcelo Passos , Wolosker Nelson 
Published: May 2024

2.AbstractObjectiveTo analyze and compare the number of sympathectomies for the treatment of hyperhidrosis in the public health system (SUS - Unified Health System) before, during, and after the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil.MethodA retrospective cross-sectional study, in accordance with the guidelines of the Research Ethics Committee, which analyzed the number of elective surgical procedures performed in SUS-Brazil, including the number of thoracic sympathectomies for the treatment of hyperhidrosis, in the 2 years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic (2018 and 2019) as well as in the 2 years of maximum prevalence (2020-2021) and in the 2 years following the peak of cases (2022-2023). The data analyzed was obtained from the database of the Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System (DATASUS).ResultsThe number of thoracic sympathectomies performed in the SUS during the years 2020 and 2021 significantly decreased, probably secondary to the allocation of resources to the care of COVID-19 patients. This was followed by a lower than expected increase in the number of sympathectomies compared to pre-pandemic data.ConclusionThe volume of sympathectomies, and consequently the surgical treatment of hyperhidrosis patients dependent on the SUS, have been extremely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and remain in slow recovery, with no short-term prospect of returning to previous figures.
Deep Visual Proteomics advances human colon organoid models by revealing a switch to anin vivo-like phenotype upon xenotransplantation
Authors: Post Frederik , Hausmann Annika , Kabatnik Sonja , Steigerwald Sophia , Brand Alexandra , Clement Ditte L. , Skov Jonathan , Boye Theresa L. , Sato Toshiro , Steenholdt Casper , Mund Andreas , Nielsen Ole H. , Jensen Kim B. , Mann Matthias 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIntestinal epithelial damage predisposes to chronic disorders like inflammatory bowel disease. The organoid model allows cultivation, expansion and analysis of primary intestinal epithelial cells and has been instrumental in studying epithelial behavior in homeostasis and disease. Recent advances in organoid transplantation allow studying human epithelial cell behavior within the intestinal tissue context. However, it remained unclear how organoid transplantation into the colon affects epithelial phenotypes, which is key to assessing the model’s suitability to study human epithelial cells. We employed Deep Visual Proteomics, integrating AI-guided cell classification, laser microdissection, and an improved proteomics pipeline to study the human colon. This created an in-depth cell type-resolved proteomics resource of human intestinal epithelial cells within human tissue,in vitroorganoids, and the murine colon post-xenotransplantation. Our findings reveal thatin vitroconditions induce a proliferative organoid phenotype, which was reversible upon transplantation and adjustment of organoid culturing conditions.
Deep mutational scanning of a multi-domain signaling protein reveals mechanisms of regulation and pathogenicity
Authors: Jiang Ziyuan , van Vlimmeren Anne E. , Karandur Deepti , Semmelman Alyssa , Shah Neel H. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractMulti-domain signaling enzymes are often regulated through extensive inter-domain interactions, and disruption of inter-domain interfaces by mutations can lead to aberrant signaling and diseases. For example, the tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 contains two phosphotyrosine recognition domains that auto-inhibit its catalytic domain. SHP2 is canonically activated by binding of these non-catalytic domains to phosphoproteins, which destabilizes the auto-inhibited state, but numerous mutations at the main auto-inhibitory interface have been shown to hyperactivate SHP2 in cancers and developmental disorders. Hundreds of clinically observed mutations in SHP2 have not been characterized, but their locations suggest alternative modes of dysregulation. We performed deep mutational scanning on full-length SHP2 and the isolated phosphatase domain to dissect mechanisms of SHP2 dysregulation. Our analysis revealed mechanistically diverse mutational effects and identified key intra- and inter-domain interactions that contribute to SHP2 activity, dynamics, and regulation. Our datasets also provide insights into the potential pathogenicity of previously uncharacterized clinical variants.
E. coliFtsN coordinates synthesis and degradation of septal peptidoglycan by partitioning between a synthesis track and a denuded glycan track
Authors: Lyu Zhixin , Yang Xinxing , Yahashiri Atsushi , Ha Stephen , McCausland Joshua W. , Chen Xinlei , Britton Brooke M. , Weiss David S. , Xiao Jie 
Published: May 2024

AbstractTheE. colicell division protein FtsN was proposed to coordinate septal peptidoglycan (sPG) synthesis and degradation to ensure robust cell wall constriction without lethal lesions. Although the precise mechanism remains unclear, previous work highlights the importance of two FtsN domains: the E domain, which interacts with and activates the sPG synthesis complex FtsWIQLB, and the SPOR domain, which binds to denuded glycan (dnG) strands, key intermediates in sPG degradation. Here, we used single-molecule tracking of FtsN and FtsW (a proxy for the sPG synthesis complex FtsWIQLB) to investigate how FtsN coordinates the two opposing processes. We observed dynamic behaviors indicating that FtsN’s SPOR domain binds to dnGs cooperatively, which both sequesters the sPG synthesis complex on dnG (termed as the dnG-track) and protects dnGs from degradation by lytic transglycosylases (LTs). The release of the SPOR domain from dnGs leads to activating the sPG synthesis complex on the sPG-track and simultaneously exposing those same dnGs to degradation. Furthermore, FtsN’s SPOR domain self-interacts and facilitates the formation of a multimeric sPG synthesis complex on both tracks. The cooperative self-interaction of the SPOR domain creates a sensitive switch to regulate the partitioning of FtsN between the dnG- and sPG-tracks, thereby controlling the balance between sequestered and active populations of the sPG synthesis complex. As such, FtsN coordinates sPG synthesis and degradation in space and time.
Nonrelativistic trace anomaly and equation of state in dense fermionic matter
Authors: Tajima Hiroyuki , Iida Kei , Liang Haozhao 
Published: May 2024

We investigate theoretically a nonrelativistic trace anomaly and its impact on the low-temperature equation of state in spatially one-dimensional three-component fermionic systems with a three-body interaction, which exhibit a nontrivial three-body crossover from a bound trimer gas to dense fermionic matter with increasing density. By applying the G-matrix approach to the three-body interaction, we obtain the analytical expression for the ground-state equation of state relevant to the high-density degenerate regime and thereby address how the three-body contact or, equivalently, the trace anomaly emerges. The analytical results are compared with the recent quantum Monte Carlo data. Our study of the trace anomaly and the sound speed could have some relevance to the physics of hadron-quark crossover in compact stars.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
New signal of atmospheric tau neutrino appearance: Sub-GeV neutral-current interactions in JUNO
Authors: Meighen-Berger Stephan A. , Beacom John F. , Bell Nicole F. , Dolan Matthew J. 
Published: May 2024

We propose the first practical method to detect atmospheric tau neutrino appearance at sub-GeV energies, which would be an important test of νμ→ντ oscillations and of new-physics scenarios. In the Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO; starts in 2024), active-flavor neutrinos eject neutrons from carbon via neutral-current quasielastic scattering. This produces a two-part signal: the prompt part is caused by the scattering of the neutron in the scintillator, and the delayed part by its radiative capture. Such events have been observed in KamLAND, but only in small numbers and were treated as a background. With νμ→ντ oscillations, JUNO should measure a clean sample of 55 events/yr; with simple νμ disappearance, this would instead be 41 events/yr, where the latter is determined from Super-Kamiokande charged-current measurements at similar neutrino energies. Implementing this method will require precise laboratory measurements of neutrino-nucleus cross sections or other developments. With those, JUNO will have 5σ sensitivity to tau-neutrino appearance in five years of exposure, and likely sooner.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
China’s space sector, firm CSR and patent quality
Authors: Li Bin , Guo Fei , Xu Lei , McIver Ron , Cao Ruiqing 
Published: May 2024

PurposeThis paper examines firm-level accountability and performance implications under a state-dominated institutional environment, China, for firms engaged in the space economy. Extant studies on the rapidly evolving civil space economy predominantly focus on developed Western economies at national or sector levels, frequently ignoring alternative institutional contexts. Additionally, limited attention has been given to firm-level empirical evidence and analysis, including corporate social responsibility (CSR) practice-R&D quality relationships in the space economy. The paper addresses each of these areas.Design/methodology/approachThis paper utilises multiple regression, propensity score matching and split sampling methods applied to a proprietary dataset of Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchange-listed A-share firms. Results are robust to endogeneity issues, alternative measurement of dependent variables and sampling.FindingsChina’s space firms demonstrate superior CSR performance to their counterparts in other sectors, supporting CSR‘s role in maintaining legitimacy. Their CSR practices also positively contribute to firm patent quality. The link is more pronounced among firms facing higher economic policy uncertainty and for state-owned enterprises (SOEs). The latter is due to SOEs’ government support, advantages in financing and attracting and retaining a high-quality workforce.Originality/valueThis paper adds to discussion on major space power’s, by examining China’s state-dominated civil space sector. It also addresses a lack of empirical firm-level evidence on space firm behaviour by examining the impact of firm-level CSR practices on R&D quality outcomes, areas in which there is a limited literature.
An in-depth analysis of undergraduate students experiences in the transition from F2F learning to online learning
Authors: Saikia Sunita , Sultana Yeasmin , Law Mei Yuan 
Published: May 2024

PurposeThis research aimed to capture undergraduate students' experiences in the transition from face-to-face (F2F) learning to online learning. This study explored their perceptions regarding the effectiveness of online learning in their academic lives, challenges encountered and suggestions for enhancing online learning in the post-COVID-19 era.Design/methodology/approachThis study employed a concurrent mixed-methods research design and selected 118 undergraduate students using a multistage random sampling technique from four colleges in Assam. Standardized questionnaires and open-ended interview schedules were used.FindingsUndergraduate students reported a positive attitude and satisfaction with online learning, valuing its adaptability to their schedules, its role as a motivating factor for self-learning, its effect on making them more technically proficient and enhancing their communication skills to articulate their thoughts. However, the challenges identified by the students have the potential to overshadow the promises of online learning. This research provided more constructive suggestions under the themes of “content delivery”, “systemic and infrastructural issues”, “pedagogy” and “capacity building” to enhance their experiences with online learning.Practical implicationsOur research findings would assist educational institutions in adopting innovative approaches for simpler and more efficient online learning experiences post-COVID-19 pandemic. Institutions should prepare themselves and design dual-mode courses for F2F and online learning.Originality/valueThe paper addressed a relevant topic in this era of online learning by examining undergraduate students’ viewpoints that added complementary information to the current body of literature on online learning in rural India. The insights gleaned from their experiences would be beneficial for the development of best practices for online learning in the coming decades.
Impact of board gender diversity on performance of public sector vis-à-vis private sector banks in India
Authors: Baby Maria Minnu , Hussain Farah 
Published: May 2024

Purpose
The Companies Act of 2013 stressed upon gender diversity in the board of management considering the significant role of women toward the success of an organization. Following it, both public and private sector banks in India implemented the act from 2015 onward. This study aims to investigate whether its implementation has improved board gender diversity uniformly across public and private sector banks. Furthermore, the authors study the impact of board gender diversity on the performance of public and private sector banks in India.

Design/methodology/approach
Secondary data on listed Indian commercial banks for the period 2015–2021 have been used in this study that encompasses 15 commercial and 12 public sector banks. Return on assets, return on equity and Tobin’s Q are considered as the banking performance indicators in this study, while gender diversity of the board is measured by using Blau index. Furthermore, generalized method of moments has been adopted to analyze the effect of board gender diversity on performance of the Indian banking sector.

Findings
Empirical results exhibit that board gender diversity has been gradually improving since 2015 in both public and private sector banks in India. However, board diversity in case of public sector banks is seen to be lower than that of private sector banks. Furthermore, this study found a significant impact of board diversity on the performance indicators of both public and private sector banks.

Practical implications
This study gives a clear picture that board diversity of both public and private banks has remained quite low over the years. Apparently, women representation has been found to be less than 50% throughout the period of 2015–2021. As board diversity has significant impact on banking performance, it is important on the part of banks to take proper steps to improve the board diversity.

Originality/value
This study has added to the existing literature by highlighting on the divergence between gender diversity across public and private sector banks in India. It emphasizes on the need to improve gender diversity by a significant increase in the proportion of women in the board to create an impact on decision-making.