bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fabrication and properties of monolayer graphene reinforced Al2O3/TiN ceramic tool material
Authors: Tian Xianhua , Sun Qihang , Yang Xiaodong , Wang Qingqing , Wang Lei , Wu Kun
Published: January 2024

Al2O3/TiN/graphene ceramic tool materials were prepared by spark plasma sintering technology and the strengthening and toughening mechanisms were studied. The influence of monolayer graphene content on the mechanical properties and microstructure of the composite material were analyzed and the strengthening and toughening mechanisms were researched. The results showed that with an addition of .5 vol.% graphene the mechanical properties of the material reached the best. The bending strength, hardness, and fracture toughness were 624 MPa, 23.24 GPa, and 6.53 MPa·m1/2, respectively. Graphene existed in the forms of few‐layer and multilayer. The toughening mechanism of few‐layer graphene was mainly graphene breaking, and that of multilayer graphene included graphene breaking and pulling‐out. Graphene could contribute to the uniform growth of grains due to the excellent electrical conductivity and the high thermal conductivity. The addition of nano‐TiN introduced many endocrystalline structures and graphene promoted this phenomenon. Micro‐TiN grains made the crack extension show a combination of transgranular fracture, intergranular fracture, crack bridging, and crack deflection, while graphene introduced weak grain interfaces and made the crack appear more branches. The layered graphene made the material fracture change from two‐dimension to three‐dimension.
Digital nomadism as a new part of the visitor economy: The case of the “digital nomad capital”Chiang Mai, Thailand
Authors: Jiwasiddi Angtyasti , Schlagwein Daniel , Cahalane Michael , Cecez‐Kecmanovic Dubravka , Leong Carmen , Ractham Peter
Published: January 2024

Digital nomadism allows individuals to travel worldwide while using various forms of information technology (IT) to work digitally. Places like Chiang Mai, Thailand, and Canggu, Bali/Indonesia, have gained popularity among digital nomads in the past decade. In contributing to the economies of local communities, these nomads, with their unique characteristics, are an interesting, new visitor type. Governments worldwide are starting to recognise the potential of digital nomadism to improve local visitor economies. However, the impacts of digital nomadism on local communities, their culture and economies, are not without challenges and require further understanding. Almost all existing studies on digital nomadism focus on the nomads themselves, while, in this study, we take the perspective of the locals visited by digital nomads. Using the case study of Chiang Mai, the “digital nomad capital”, we answer the following research questions: What are the impacts of digital nomadism on local communities? How do digital nomads compare to other visitor types within the visitor economy of a local community? Our findings reveal diverse socio‐cultural, economic and technological impacts and how locals in Chiang Mai evaluate digital nomads differently compared to other types of visitors. This research, grounded in an in‐depth case study, contributes to a better understanding of digital nomadism by offering new knowledge about its ambivalent impacts on local communities. We also discuss contributions to the wider literature and implications for policy.
Low expression of TGF‐β2 and matrilin2 in human aqueous humour with acute primary angle closure
Authors: Wang Liming , Xu Zhao , Hong Yaru , Liu Yan , Zhang Xiaomin , Feng Qiang , Zhang Dandan , Chen Kexi , Yiming Guli Humaer , Li Xiaorong , Liu Aihua , Dong Lijie
Published: January 2024

Primary angle‐closure glaucoma (PACG) is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the world. Angle closure induced by pupil block and secondary iris synechia is the fundamental pathology of the PACG. The molecular mechanisms of angle closure have not yet been clearly illustrated. This study was designed to investigate the protein difference in the aqueous humour and explore new biomarker of the PACG. Aqueous humour (AH) was collected from patients with acute primary angle closure (APAC) and cataract (n = 10 in APAC group) and patients with cataract only (n = 10 in control group). Samples were pooled and measured using label‐free proteome technology. Then, the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were verified by ELISA using independent AH samples (n = 20 each group). More than 400 proteins were revealed in both groups through proteomics. Comparing the two groups, there were 91DEPs. These proteins participate in biological activities such as inflammation, fibrosis, nerve growth and degeneration and metabolism. We found that the expression of transforming growth factor‐β2 and matrilin2 was downregulated in the APAC group. The two proteins are related to inflammation and extracellular matrix formation, which might be involved in angle closure. This study characterized DEPs in AH of the APAC and found a downregulated protein matrilin2.
Effectiveness of lifestyle interventions/culturally bespoke programmes in South Asian ethnic groups targeting weight loss for prevention and/or remission of type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of intervention trials
Authors: Farhat Grace , Mellor Duane D. , Sattar Naveed , Harvie Michelle , Issa Basil , Rutter Martin K.
Published: January 2024

Background

People from South Asian heritage are at high risk of type 2 diabetes, but there are limited specific strategies to prevent and manage this condition. The aim was to assess the effectiveness of culturally bespoke lifestyle programmes in South Asians that target weight loss for the prevention or remission of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis of intervention trials. PubMed, Scopus, MEDLINE (EBSCOhost), CINAHL, PsycINFO and CENTRAL were searched. Human intervention trials (randomised controlled trials and quasi‐experimental) investigating the effect of lifestyle interventions on the prevention and remission of T2DM in South Asians were included. Studies including participants at risk of T2DM (prevention trials) and having the disease (remission trials) with duration ≥12 weeks were eligible. For prevention trials, the primary outcome was change in weight (kg) from baseline; for remission trials, it was decrease in HbA1c to non‐diabetic levels (HbA1c ≤ 6.5%) without diabetes medications. Prevention trials were separated into (i) lifestyle modification advice and (ii) lifestyle modification advice including a supervised physical activity programme.

Results

Twenty‐four trials were eligible (21 prevention trials and 3 remission trials). In T2DM prevention trials involving only lifestyle modification advice, the mean postintervention difference in weight between intervention and control groups was −0.65 kg (95% confidence interval [CI]: −1.04, −0.26; p = 0.01). Lifestyle modification advice including a physical activity programme was associated with greater decreases in weight: −1.13 kg (95% CI: −2.04, −0.21; p = 0.02). Fasting blood glucose levels were slightly lower in intervention groups for both intervention subtypes, although there was no significant change in HbA1c levels or 2‐h plasma glucose levels.

Diabetes remission trials showed potential acceptability but were limited in number and involved a small sample size, and some did not include a control group.

Conclusions

In South Asians, lifestyle interventions for prevention of T2DM offer only modest impacts on weight and glucose control and will unlikely reduce diabetes incidence. Alternative lifestyle interventions co‐designed with members of the communities and aimed at both prevention and remission of T2DM must be urgently considered. Systematic review registration number: PROSPERO CRD42022385174 https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=385174
Prevalence of intellectual disability among adults born in the 1980s and 1990s in the United States
Authors: Benevides T. W. , Datta B. , Jaremski J. , McKee M.
Published: January 2024

Background

Prevalence of intellectual disability (ID) is currently estimated through parent report on surveys of children. It is difficult to estimate the number of adults living with ID in the United States because no comprehensive survey or surveillance allows for identification. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence and number of adults with ID born between 1980 and 1999 using multiple years of the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) and Census data.

Methods

We concatenated the NHIS from 1997–2016 that evaluated parental response about whether a child aged 3–17 years had an ID. Using weighted survey analyses, we estimated the prevalence of ID among individuals across four birth cohorts—(1) 1980–1984, (2) 1985–1989, (3) 1990–1994, and (4) 1995–1999. The number of adults with ID was then extrapolated by applying these prevalence rates to Census population estimates (as of 1 July 2021) of respective birth cohorts.

Results

Weighted prevalence of ID varied by birth cohort, sex, race and ethnicity, and US Census Bureau regions. The overall prevalence rate was 1.066 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.831–1.302] for adults born between 1980 and 1984, 0.772 (CI: 0.654–0.891) for adults born between 1985 and 1989, 0.774 (0.675–0.874) for adults born between 1990 and 1994, and 1.069 (CI: 0.898–1.240) for adults born between 1995 and 1999. Overall, we estimate that 818 564 adults with ID who were approximately 21–41 years were living in the United States as of 2021.

Conclusions

This study provides researchers examining adult health outcomes with an estimated denominator of young and middle‐aged adults living with ID in the United States. Policymakers can use this information to support justification for resource and service needs, and clinicians may benefit from understanding that ID is a lifelong developmental condition often with additional physical, emotional and developmental needs requiring tailored care.
Effects of virtual reality‐based cognitive interventions on cognitive function and activity of daily living among stroke patients: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Rose Sin Yi Lin , Jing Jing Su , Hammoda Abu‐Odah , Jonathan Bayuo , Ladislav Batalik , Jing Qin
Published: January 2024

Aims

To examine the effects of virtual reality‐based cognitive interventions on cognitive function and activities of daily living among stroke patients, and to identify the optimal design for such intervention.

Design

Systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Data Sources

Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane, CINANL, JBI‐EBP and Web of Science from inception to October 2023.

Methods

Methodological quality was assessed by Risk of Bias Tool. Meta‐analyses were assessed by Review Manager 5.4. Subgroup analyses were conducted to explore the influence of study design. Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach was adopted to assess the certainty of evidence.

Results

Twenty‐five randomized controlled trials (1178 participants) were included. Virtual reality‐based cognitive interventions demonstrated moderate‐to‐large effects in improving global cognitive function (SMD = 0.43; 95% CI [0.01, 0.85]), executive function (SMD = 0.84; 95% CI [0.25, 1.43]) and memory (SMD = 0.65; 95% CI [0.15, 1.16]) compared to control treatments. No significant effects were found on language, visuospatial ability and activities of daily living. Subgroup analyses indicated one‐on‐one coaching, individualized design and dynamic difficulty adjustment, and interventions lasting ≥ 6 weeks had particularly enhanced effects, especially for executive function.

Conclusions

Virtual reality‐based cognitive interventions improve global cognitive function, executive function and memory among stroke patients.

Implications for the Patient Care

This review underscores the broad cognitive advantages offered by virtual technology, suggesting its potential integration into standard stroke rehabilitation protocols for enhanced cognitive recovery.

Impact

The study identifies key factors in virtual technology interventions that effectively improve cognitive function among stroke patients, offering healthcare providers a framework for leveraging such technology to optimize cognitive outcomes in stroke rehabilitation.

Reporting Method

PRISMA 2020 statement.

PROSPERO Registration Number

CRD42022342668.
Unmet Dental Needs in Children Following Suspension of School‐Based Oral Health Services Due to COVID‐19
Authors: Ruff Ryan R. , Barry Godín Tamarinda J. , Whittemore Rachel , Murray Small Topaz , Santiago‐Galvin Nydia , Sharma Priyanka
Published: January 2024

Background

Dental caries (tooth decay) is the world's most prevalent noncommunicable disease and can lead to pain, infection, and edentulism. Many children with caries lack access to traditional dental services. School‐based caries prevention can increase access to care and reduce health inequities. Disruptions in school‐based care due to pandemic control policies may result in children losing access to their primary dental care option.

Methods

The CariedAway project was a school‐based caries prevention program in operation from 2019 to 2023 in urban schools with a high proportion of low‐income, minority students. Program operations were suspended for 2 years due to the COVID‐19 pandemic. We estimated the prevalence of untreated decay, swelling, fistula, and pulpal involvement in participants at baseline and again after restrictions were lifted.

Results

A total of 2998 children between the ages of 5 and 13 years were enrolled and received preventive care prior to pandemic shutdowns, and 1398 (47%) completed a follow‐up observation after 2 years. At baseline, approximately 30% had untreated caries on any dentition, 11% of children presented with evidence of dental sealants, and no participants had swelling, fistula, or pulpal involvement. After 24 months, 12% of participants had swelling fistula, or pulpal involvement that was not treated during the pandemic period.

Conclusion

There are considerable unmet dental needs in high‐risk children that may be further exacerbated by a lack of access to care during disease outbreaks.
Accuracy of three diagnostic tests to detect tooth resorption in unowned unsocialised cats in Denmark
Authors: Eriksson J. , Denwood M. , Nielsen S. S. , McEvoy F. , Allberg C. , Thuesen I. S. , Kortegaard H.
Published: January 2024

Objectives

To estimate the relative diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of oral clinical examination, full‐mouth dental radiography, and cone‐beam CT for the detection of tooth resorption in cats, and to estimate the prevalence of tooth resorption in unowned, unsocialised cats in Denmark.

Materials and Methods

Cadavers of 144 adult cats underwent an oral examination, full‐mouth dental radiography, and cone‐beam CT. Sensitivity and specificity of the three tests, along with the true prevalence, overall and stratified by sex and tooth location, were estimated using latent class methods.

Results

We found cone‐beam CT to be the superior image modality, with a sensitivity of 99.5% and a specificity of 99.8%. Dental radiography had a sensitivity of 78.9% and a specificity of 100%, and oral clinical examination had a sensitivity of only 36.0% and specificity of 99.9%. We estimated the prevalence of tooth resorption among unowned unsocialised cats in Denmark to be 40% of adult individuals, and 6.1% of teeth.

Clinical Significance

When dealing with tooth resorption, cone‐beam CT can help the operator to find and treat affected teeth that could otherwise go undiagnosed. The prevalence of tooth resorption among unowned, unsocialised cats in Denmark does not appear to differ from other populations of cats.
Bright individuals: Applications of fluorescent protein‐based reporter systems in single‐cell cellular microbiology
Authors: Schulte Marc , Grotheer Luisa , Hensel Michael
Published: January 2024

Activation and function of virulence functions of bacterial pathogens are highly dynamic in time and space, and can show considerable heterogeneity between individual cells in pathogen populations. To investigate the complex events in host–pathogen interactions, single cell analyses are required. Fluorescent proteins (FPs) are excellent tools to follow the fate of individual bacterial cells during infection, and can also be deployed to use the pathogen as a sensor for its specific environment in host cells or host organisms. This Resources describes design and applications of dual fluorescence reporters (DFR) in cellular microbiology. DFR feature constitutively expressed FPs for detection of bacterial cells, and FPs expressed by an environmentally regulated promoter for interrogation of niche‐specific cues or nutritional parameters. Variations of the basic design allow the generation of DFR that can be used to analyze, on single cell level, bacterial proliferation during infection, subcellular localization of intracellular bacteria, stress response, or persister state. We describe basic considerations for DFR design and review recent applications of DFR in cellular microbiology.
Dynamic shifts in predator diel activity patterns across landscapes and threat levels
Authors: Rees Matthew W. , Wintle Brendan A. , Pascoe Jack H. , Le Pla Mark , Birnbaum Emma K. , Hradsky Bronwyn A.
Published: January 2024

Understanding the constraints that dominant predators impose on subordinate species is important for predicting ecosystem dynamics and anticipating outcomes of predator management. Subordinate predators may avoid dominant predators in time or space, making it difficult to quantify antipredator behaviours unless joint spatiotemporal analyses are used. Here, we test whether an invasive dominant predator (red fox Vulpes vulpes) alters the spatiotemporal activity of an invasive subordinate predator (feral cat Felis catus). We collated records of both species from 3667 camera‐traps deployed experimentally across two regions of south‐eastern Australia with simplified predator guilds. Foxes were poison‐baited in some landscapes within each region. We used generalised additive models to quantify changes in predator spatiotemporal activity across geographic space, vegetation types, human footprints and (artificially manipulated) gradients of dominant predator activity. Foxes and cats had similar diel activity patterns when averaged across all sites, but there was important differentiation at a finer scale: cats did not reduce their spatial activity but shifted diel patterns when localised fox activity was high. Cats were crepuscular on average. However, across dry vegetation types of both regions (where foxes were nocturnal), cats shifted to diurnal behaviour with increasing fox activity. In contrast, fox activity was relatively consistent throughout the daily cycle in the wet forest; here cats avoided dawn when fox activity was high. Changes in cat diel activity patterns may facilitate spatial coexistence between these two invasive predators, potentially shifting feral cat impacts onto different native prey. While it is well‐appreciated that predator activity varies spatially and fluctuates throughout the daily cycle,our study demonstrates that diel activity patterns also vary across space, likely mediated by both landscape‐context and fear. Dominant predator avoidance in time also appears to be spatially dynamic – a key nuance overlooked when simply comparing the average activity overlap between two species.
Impact of skilled labour migration on energy, environment and economic growth in home and host countries: A computable general equilibrium analysis
Authors: Abbas Shujaat , Nejati Mehdi , Taleghani Fatemeh
Published: January 2024

The migration of both unskilled and skilled labour force can alter economic conditions and environmental sustainability of both host and home countries. Consequently, this study endeavors to investigate the impact of skilled labour migration on economic growth, energy demand, and environmental sustainability of both home and host countries. This objective is achieved by constructing a multiregional computable general equilibrium model for developed and developing countries. Moreover, developing countries are classified into four distinct groups based on their income levels such as high income, upper middle income, lower middle‐income and low‐income countries. The outcome of policy simulations indicate that skilled labour migration diminishes the gross domestic product, welfare, energy consumption and carbon emissions in home countries, and the reverse is true for the host countries. The influx of remittances to home counties is shown to bolster their economic growth, energy consumption, and CO2 emissions, whereas a contrary trend in remittance outflow is observed in host countries. Likewise, reverse migration has the potential to augment economic growth in developing countries alongside an increase in energy demand and CO2 emissions. The study advocates for developed countries to harness the skills of immigrants in environment‐friendly manufacturing industries. Furthermore, it emphasizes that developing countries should utilise remittances for both socio‐economic and environmental development to retain the migration of skilled labour forces.
Bark structure is coordinated with xylem hydraulic properties in branches of five Cupressaceae species
Authors: Jupa Radek , Rosell Julieta A. , Pittermann Jarmila
Published: January 2024

The properties of bark and xylem contribute to tree growth and survival under drought and other types of stress conditions. However, little is known about the functional coordination of the xylem and bark despite the influence of selection on both structures in response to drought. To this end, we examined relationships between proportions of bark components (i.e. thicknesses of tissues outside the vascular cambium) and xylem transport properties in juvenile branches of five Cupressaceae species, focusing on transport efficiency and safety from hydraulic failure via drought‐induced embolism. Both xylem efficiency and safety were correlated with multiple bark traits, suggesting that xylem transport and bark properties are coordinated. Specifically, xylem transport efficiency was greater in species with thicker secondary phloem, greater phloem‐to‐xylem thickness ratio and phloem‐to‐xylem cell number ratio. In contrast, species with thicker bark, living cortex and dead bark tissues were more resistant to embolism. Thicker phellem layers were associated with lower embolism resistance. Results of this study point to an important connection between xylem transport efficiency and phloem characteristics, which are shaped by the activity of vascular cambium. The link between bark and embolism resistance affirms the importance of both tissues to drought tolerance.
Latinx young adults' retrospective sibling caregiving: Associations with ethnic identity, responsibility, and depressive symptoms
Authors: Kline Gabrielle , Maiya Sahitya , Carlos Chavez Fiorella L.
Published: January 2024

The current research used reports among 350 Latinx young adults (60.3% male) between 18 and 21 years (Mage = 20.18, SD = 1.02). Using the cultural transmission model (Carlo & de Guzman, Handbook of U.S. Latino psychology. Sage Publications, Inc., 2009), the goal of the current study was to investigate the associations that sibling caregiving during adolescence, measured retrospectively, may have on ethnic identity resolution (EIR), and in turn, depressive symptoms, and responsibility among Latinx young adults. Path analysis results suggest that sibling caregiving was positively associated with EIR and responsibility. EIR was negatively associated with depressive symptoms and positively associated with responsibility. Both indirect effects via EIR were significant: sibling caregiving to depressive symptoms and responsibility. Our findings highlight that sibling caregiving affects young adult outcomes indirectly via ethnic identity development. The findings have important implications for practitioners and researchers to understand how ethnic identity may be related to young adult outcomes through a sibling‐focused lens. Family interventions that leverage sibling relationships can be incorporated to improve the well‐being of Latinx adolescents and young adults.
Community health nurses leadership in advancing health equity
Authors: Baxter Catherine , Schofield Ruth , Currie Genevieve , Gauley Patti
Published: January 2024

Objective

To describe the solutions community health nurses (CHNs) identify to address health inequities during the COVID‐19 pandemic and to explore what leadership competencies enable CHNs to enact these solutions.

Design

Online survey, distributed to all members of the Community Health Nurses of Canada and associated provincial and territorial networks.

Participants

Inclusion criteria included all nurses who were working during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Canada. A total of 245 responses were included in the analysis.

Measurement

The survey included 25 open ended and fixed response questions. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the quantitative data. Framework Analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data.

Results

Solutions focused on advancing health equity and expanding community relationships and partnerships were identified as priorities. To enact these solutions system transformation, engaging others, and developing coalitions were identified as the main leadership competencies required by CHNs.

Conclusion

Participants in this study clearly articulated structural and process solutions to address health inequities among priority populations during the pandemic. CHNs described with practice knowledge and confidence that solutions enacted in system transformation with community partners are necessary to advance health equity.
The effects of Fasciola hepatica recombinant proteins (peroxiredoxin and cathepsin L1) on Crohn's disease experimental model
Authors: Hasanpour Hamid , Falak Reza , Mokhtarian Kobra , Sadeghi Fatemeh , Masoumi Elham , Asadollahi Parisa , Badirzadeh Alireza , Azami Sanaz Jafarpour , Gholami Mohammad Davoodzadeh , Pashangzadeh Salar , Gharagozlou Mohammad Javad , Naserifar Razi , Mowlavi Gholamreza
Published: January 2024

The immunomodulatory potential of the excretory‐secretory (E/S) proteins of the helminths has been shown in previous investigations. This study evaluated the effects of the recombinants and excretory‐secretory proteins of the Fasciola hepatica on induced colitis in Balb/c mice. The F. hepatica Recombinant proteins, Cathepsin L1 and Peroxiredoxin, and E/S proteins were intraperitoneally injected into the three mice groups as the case groups, while the control groups received PBS. Colitis was induced in mice by intraluminal administration of the 2, 4, 6‐Trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid solution (TNBS). After 8 h, the case groups received the second dosage of the treatments, and it was repeated 24 h later. The immunological, pathological, and macroscopic changes were evaluated 3 days after colitis induction. The macroscopic evaluation revealed significantly lower inflammatory scores in the mice treated with recombinant Peroxiredoxin (rPRX) and recombinant Cathepsin L1 (rCL1). Despite the macroscopic observation, the pathological finding was insignificant between the groups. IFN‐γ secretion was significantly lower in splenocytes of the groups that received rPRX, rCL1, and E/S than the controls. IL‐10 showed significantly higher levels in groups treated with rPRX and rCL1 than controls, whereas the level of IL‐4 was not statistically significant. Excretory‐secretory proteins of the F. hepatica showed immunomodulatory potency and the main effects observed in this study were through the reduction of inflammatory cytokine and inflammation manifestation as well as induction of anti‐inflammatory cytokines.
Unveiling mechanisms for induced systemic resistance, resistance breeding and molecular marker‐assisted breeding against Phomopsis blight ofSolanum melongena
Authors: Goutam Etalesh , Kumar Adesh , Tripathi Vishal , Bharti  , Kumar Lokesh , Raj Amit
Published: January 2024

Phomopsis vexansis one of the most destructive fungal pathogens associated with eggplant and currently poses a significant threat to eggplant production worldwide. The detrimental impact ofP.vexanson eggplant yield has been extensively explored by various mycologists who have conducted thorough studies on the diversity, pathology and biological aspects of the pathogen. However, achieving enduring resistance or effective management has proven to be a challenge thus far. PCR‐based detection and molecular association ofPhomopsisresistance use molecular markers to examine the potential for heterosis in various crosses, aiming for premium hybrids with genetic resistance and high‐yielding capabilities. The latest genome sequencing methods and availability of a wider range of genetic diversity has enabled the breeding of resistant varieties of eggplant. This review provides a detailed description onP.vexansincluding its epidemiology, dispersal methods, symptomology, colony characteristics, taxonomy and evolution of its strains. Different resistance breeding techniques including heterosis breeding, host plant resistance, identification of resistant sources, inheritance pattern forPhomopsisresistance, importance of grafting to impart resistance, significance of induced resistance, PCR‐based detection and molecular association ofPhomopsisresistance are explained. Future approaches include molecular marker techniques such as genome‐wide association studies, sequence‐characterized amplified regions (SCAR), role of biotic inducers, pathogenesis‐related proteins and plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria againstPhomopsisblight of eggplant.
Vagus nerve stimulation: Potential for treating chronic wounds
Authors: Budhiraja Anuj , Mehta Alisha , Alhamo Moyasar A. , Swedarsky Richard , Dahle Sara , Isseroff R. Rivkah
Published: January 2024

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has been approved as a treatment for various conditions, including drug‐resistant epilepsy, migraines, chronic cluster headaches and treatment‐resistant depression. It is known to have anti‐inflammatory, anti‐nociceptive and anti‐adrenergic effects, and its therapeutic potential for diverse pathologies is being investigated. VNS can be achieved through invasive (iVNS) or non‐invasive (niVNS) means, targeting different branches of the vagus nerve. iVNS devices require surgical implantation and have associated risks, while niVNS devices are generally better tolerated and have a better safety profile. Studies have shown that both iVNS and niVNS can reduce inflammation and pain perception in patients with acute and chronic conditions. VNS devices, such as the VNS Therapy System and MicroTransponder Vivistim, have received Food and Drug Administration approval for specific indications. Other niVNS devices, like NEMOS and gammaCore, have shown effectiveness in managing epilepsy, pain and migraines. VNS has also demonstrated potential in autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease, as well as neurological disorders like epilepsy and migraines. In addition, VNS has been explored in cardiovascular disorders, including post‐operative atrial fibrillation and myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury, and has shown positive outcomes. The mechanisms behind VNS's effects include the cholinergic anti‐inflammatory pathway, modulation of cytokines and activation of specialised pro‐resolving mediators. The modulation of inflammation by VNS presents a promising avenue for investigating its potential to improve the healing of chronic wounds. However, more research is needed to understand the specific mechanisms and optimise the use of VNS in wound healing. Ongoing clinical trials may support the use of this modality as an adjunct to improve healing.
The Nature of Sports Coach Development in China: What Are We Trying to Achieve?
Authors: Li Shiyang , Carson Howie J. , Collins Dave
Published: January 2024

Coach education and continuing career development have become a significant focus of global discussion within the sport domain. Current mainstream strategies for developing and assessing coaches in most countries, including China, are based on competency-based systems. However, there are many shortcomings of this system, especially when considering the varied practical challenges and needs of coaches and athletes; in short, such an approach does not facilitate enough adaptability. The purpose of this article is to critically review the literature, exploring both competence- and expertise-based coach development systems and their implications for coaching practice in China. First, we introduce and discuss the competency-based approach, including its strengths and weaknesses and how this applies within the Chinese development system. Next, we introduce and evaluate an alternative, expertise-based development system characterized by adaptability and greater inclusiveness within the coaching domain, which is underpinned by a distinct set of cognitive decision-making skills from the coach’s perspective. In addition, we expand this discussion by explaining the implications of this approach for coach assessment and offer some future suggestions for research in this area.
Physical Activity and Engagement Coping: A Key for Stress-Recovery in Mexican University Students
Authors: Fernández-Barradas Erick-Yael , Marván-Garduño María-Luisa , Cibrián-Llanderal Tamara , Reynoso-Sánchez Felipe , Herrera-Meza Socorro
Published: January 2024

Physical activity and coping styles are factors that contribute to health status and to the reduction of stress. The aim of this research was to analyze the influence of physical activity and coping styles on recovery-stress state among Regular Physical Activity University Students (n = 67) and High-Performance University Athletes (n = 67) from a Mexican university. The results show statistically significant differences in the capacity of recovery from stress in High-Performance University Athletes. Additionally, two positive correlations emerged: one of engagement coping and recovery, and one of disengagement coping and stress. The interaction between engagement coping and physical activity predicted general well-being. In females, the engagement coping style predicts recovery from stress. We concluded that physical activity in combination with an engagement coping style contributes to the development of health in university students.
Persistent complement dysregulation with signs of thromboinflammation in active Long Covid
Authors: Cervia-Hasler Carlo , Brüningk Sarah C. , Hoch Tobias , Fan Bowen , Muzio Giulia , Thompson Ryan C. , Ceglarek Laura , Meledin Roman , Westermann Patrick , Emmenegger Marc , Taeschler Patrick , Zurbuchen Yves , Pons Michele , Menges Dominik , Ballouz Tala , Cervia-Hasler Sara , Adamo Sarah , Merad Miriam , Charney Alexander W. , Puhan Milo , Brodin Petter , Nilsson Jakob , Aguzzi Adriano , Raeber Miro E. , Messner Christoph B. , Beckmann Noam D. , Borgwardt Karsten , Boyman Onur
Published: January 2024

Long Covid is a debilitating condition of unknown etiology. We performed multimodal proteomics analyses of blood serum from COVID-19 patients followed up to 12 months after confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. Analysis of >6500 proteins in 268 longitudinal samples revealed dysregulated activation of the complement system, an innate immune protection and homeostasis mechanism, in individuals experiencing Long Covid. Thus, active Long Covid was characterized by terminal complement system dysregulation and ongoing activation of the alternative and classical complement pathways, the latter associated with increased antibody titers against several herpesviruses possibly stimulating this pathway. Moreover, markers of hemolysis, tissue injury, platelet activation, and monocyte–platelet aggregates were increased in Long Covid. Machine learning confirmed complement and thromboinflammatory proteins as top biomarkers, warranting diagnostic and therapeutic interrogation of these systems.
Surface deformations of the 6 February 2023 earthquake sequence, eastern Türkiye
Authors: Meng Jiannan , Kusky Timothy , Mooney Walter D. , Bozkurt Erdin , Bodur Mehmet Nuri , Wang Lu
Published: January 2024

Two powerful earthquakes struck Türkiye on 6 February 2023. The initial rupture was on the Dead Sea fault zone, yet maximum displacements and energy release [moment magnitude (
M
w
) 7.8] occurred 24 seconds later when rupture transferred to the East Anatolian fault zone (EAFZ). More than 7 hours later, a
M
w
4.5 aftershock at the junction of the EAFZ with the east-west striking Çardak-Sürgü fault was followed 86 minutes later by the second large (
M
w
7.5) earthquake, suggesting a causal relationship. We provide quantitative ground and aerial documentation of surface offsets and kinematics from the slipped faults, providing important data on surface deformation during large continental strike-slip earthquakes, rupture propagation mechanisms, and how slip may be transferred between complex fault systems. We also provide insight into how slip along linked fault systems accommodates global plate motions.
Near-unity NIR phosphorescent quantum yield from a room-temperature solvated metal nanocluster
Authors: Shi Wan-Qi , Zeng Linlin , He Rui-Lin , Han Xu-Shuang , Guan Zong-Jie , Zhou Meng , Wang Quan-Ming
Published: January 2024

Metal nanoclusters have emerged as promising near-infrared (NIR)–emissive materials, but their room-temperature photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY), especially in solution, is often low (<10%). We studied the photophysics of Au
22
(

t

BuPhC≡C)
18
(Au
22
) and its alloy counterpart Au
16
Cu
6
(

t

BuPhC≡C)
18
(Au
16
Cu
6
) (where

t

Bu is
tert
-butyl and Ph is phenyl) and found that copper (Cu) doping suppressed the nonradiative decay (~60-fold less) and promoted intersystem crossing rate (~300-fold higher). The Au
16
Cu
6
nanocluster exhibited >99% PLQY in deaerated solution at room temperature with an emission maximum at 720 nanometers tailing to 950 nanometers and 61% PLQY in the oxygen-saturated solution. The approach to achieve near-unity PLQY could enable the development of highly emissive metal cluster materials.
Qubits without qubits
Authors: Pfister Olivier
Published: January 2024

Light-based platforms for quantum computing do not require physical qubits
Immune damage in Long Covid
Authors: Ruf Wolfram
Published: January 2024

Links between the complement and coagulation systems could lead to Long Covid therapies
Pneumocystis jirovecii
pneumonia in people living with HIV: a review
Authors: McDonald Emily G. , Afshar Avideh , Assiri Bander , Boyles Tom , Hsu Jimmy M. , Khuong Ninh , Prosty Connor , So Miranda , Sohani Zahra N. , Butler-Laporte Guillaume , Lee Todd C.
Published: January 2024

Pneumocystis jirovecii
is a ubiquitous opportunistic fungus that can cause life-threatening pneumonia. People with HIV (PWH) who have low CD4 counts are one of the populations at the greatest risk of
Pneumocystis jirovecii
pneumonia (PCP). While guidelines have approached the diagnosis, prophylaxis, and management of PCP, the numerous studies of PCP in PWH are dominated by the 1980s and 1990s. As such, most studies have included younger male populations, despite PCP affecting both sexes and a broad age range. Many studies have been small and observational in nature, with an overall lack of randomized controlled trials. In many jurisdictions, and especially in low- and middle-income countries, the diagnosis can be challenging due to lack of access to advanced and/or invasive diagnostics. Worldwide, most patients will be treated with 21 days of high-dose trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole, although both the dose and the duration are primarily based on historical practice. Whether treatment with a lower dose is as effective and less toxic is gaining interest based on observational studies. Similarly, a 21-day tapering regimen of prednisone is used for patients with more severe disease, yet other doses, other steroids, or shorter durations of treatment with corticosteroids have not been evaluated. Now with the widespread availability of antiretroviral therapy, improved and less invasive PCP diagnostic techniques, and interest in novel treatment strategies, this review consolidates the scientific body of literature on the diagnosis and management of PCP in PWH, as well as identifies areas in need of more study and thoughtfully designed clinical trials.
Yersiniabactin is a quorum-sensing autoinducer and siderophore in uropathogenic
Escherichia coli
Authors: Heffernan James R. , Wildenthal John A. , Tran Hung , Katumba George L. , McCoy William H. , Henderson Jeffrey P.
Published: January 2024

Patients with urinary tract infections are often infected with
Escherichia coli
strains carrying adaptations that increase their pathogenic potential. One of these adaptations is the accumulation of multiple siderophore systems, which scavenge iron for nutritional use. While iron uptake is important for bacterial growth, the increased metabolic costs of siderophore production could diminish bacterial fitness during infections. In a siderophore-dependent growth condition, we show that the virulence-associated yersiniabactin siderophore system in uropathogenic
E. coli
is not redundant with the ubiquitous
E. coli
enterobactin system. This arises not from differences in iron-scavenging activity but because yersiniabactin is preferentially expressed during bacterial crowding, leaving bacteria dependent upon enterobactin for growth at low cell density. Notably, this regulatory mode arises because yersiniabactin stimulates its own expression, acting as an autoinducer in a previously unappreciated quorum-sensing system. This unexpected result connects quorum-sensing with pathogenic potential in
E. coli
and related
Enterobacterales
.
Prevotella copri
variants among a single host diverge in sphingolipid production
Authors: Xiao Xieyue , Le Henry H. , Lee Min-Ting , Lamm Daniel , Johnson Elizabeth L. , Brito Ilana L.
Published: January 2024

Sphingolipids are important signaling molecules for maintaining metabolic and immune homeostasis in the host. These lipids are also produced by gut commensals, most notably by
Bacteroides
species. Despite the global prevalence of
Prevotella copri
in gut microbiomes of individuals, little is known about the types of sphingolipids they produce and whether they are similar in composition and structure to those produced by
Bacteroides
. Given the varied associations of
P. copri
with diverse sphingolipid-related health outcomes, such as rheumatoid arthritis and glucose intolerance, it is important to first characterize the specific sphingolipids produced by individual strains of
P. copri
and to identify the genes involved in their pathways of production. This characterization of
P. copri
-derived sphingolipids provides further insight into how bacterial sphingolipid production can serve as a mechanism for microbial modulation of host phenotypes.
Molecular pharmacodynamics of meropenem for nosocomial pneumonia caused by
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Farrington Nicola , Dubey Vineet , Johnson Adam , Horner Iona , Stevenson Adam , Unsworth Jennifer , Jimenez-Valverde Ana , Schwartz Julie , Das Shampa , Hope William , Darlow Christopher A.
Published: January 2024

The emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) during antimicrobial treatment for hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) is a well-documented problem (particularly in pneumonia caused by
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
) that contributes to the wider global antimicrobial resistance crisis. During drug development, regimens are typically determined by their sufficiency to achieve bactericidal effect. Prevention of the emergence of resistance pharmacodynamics is usually not characterized or used to determine the regimen. The innovative experimental platform described here allows characterization of the emergence of AMR during the treatment of HAP and the development of strategies to mitigate this. We have demonstrated this specifically for meropenem—a broad-spectrum antibiotic commonly used to treat HAP. We have characterized the antimicrobial resistance pharmacodynamics of meropenem when used to treat HAP, caused by initially meropenem-susceptible
P. aeruginosa
, phenotypically and genotypically. We have also shown that intensifying the regimen and using combination therapy are both strategies that can both treat HAP and suppress the emergence of resistance.
Genetic factors affecting storage and utilization of lipids during dormancy in
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Sturm Alexander , Sun Penny , Avila-Pacheco Julian , Clatworthy Anne E. , Bloom-Ackermann Zohar , Wuo Michael G. , Gomez James E. , Jin Soomin , Clish Clary B. , Kiessling Laura L. , Hung Deborah T.
Published: January 2024

Tuberculosis is a global threat, with ~10 million yearly active cases. Many more people, however, live with “latent” infection, where
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
survives in a non-replicative form. When latent bacteria activate and regrow, they elicit immune responses and result in significant host damage. Replicating and non-growing bacilli can co-exist; however, non-growing bacteria are considerably less sensitive to antibiotics, thus complicating treatment by necessitating long treatment durations. Here, we sought to identify genes important for bacterial survival in this non-growing state using a carbon starvation model. We found that a previously uncharacterized gene,
omamC
, is involved in storing and utilizing fatty acids as bacteria transition between these two states. Importantly, inhibiting lipid metabolism using a lipase inhibitor eradicates non-growing bacteria. Thus, targeting lipid metabolism may be a viable strategy for treating the non-growing population in strategies to shorten treatment durations of tuberculosis.