bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells overexpressing prion improve outcomes via the NLRP3 inflammasome/DAMP signalling after spinal cord injury in rat
Authors: Yin Tsung‐Cheng , Li Yi‐Chen , Sung Pei‐Hsun , Chiang John Y. , Shao Pei‐Lin , Yip Hon‐Kan , Lee Mel S.
Published: January 2023

Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is a highly destructive disease in human neurological functions. Adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) have tissue regenerations and anti‐inflammations, especially with prion protein overexpression (PrPcOE). Therefore, this study tested whether PrPcOE‐ADMSCs therapy offered benefits in improving outcomes via regulating nod‐like‐receptor‐protein‐3 (NLRP3) inflammasome/DAMP signalling after acute SCI in rats. Compared with ADMSCs only, the capabilities of PrPcOE‐ADMSCs were significantly enhanced in cellular viability, anti‐oxidative stress and migration against H2O2 and lipopolysaccharide damages. Similarly, PrPcOE‐ADMSCs significantly inhibited the inflammatory patterns of Raw264.7 cells. The SD rats (n = 32) were categorized into group 1 (Sham‐operated‐control), group 2 (SCI), group 3 (SCI + ADMSCs) and group 4 (SCI + PrPcOE‐ADMSCs). Compared with SCI group 2, both ADMSCs and PrPcOE‐ADMSCs significantly improved neurological functions. Additionally, the circulatory inflammatory cytokines levels (TNF‐α/IL‐6) and inflammatory cells (CD11b/c+/MPO+/Ly6G+) were highest in group 2, lowest in group 1, and significantly higher in group 3 than in group 4. By Day 3 after SCI induction, the protein expressions of inflammasome signalling (HGMB1/TLR4/MyD88/TRIF/c‐caspase8/FADD/p‐NF‐κB/NEK7/NRLP3/ASC/c‐caspase1/IL‐ß) and by Day 42 the protein expressions of DAMP‐inflammatory signalling (HGMB1/TLR‐4/MyD88/TRIF/TRAF6/p‐NF‐κB/TNF‐α/IL‐1ß) in spinal cord tissues displayed an identical pattern as the inflammatory patterns. In conclusion, PrPcOE‐ADMSCs significantly attenuated SCI in rodents that could be through suppressing the inflammatory signalling.
The burden of Clostridioides difficile on COVID‐19 hospitalizations in the USA
Authors: Sohal Aalam , Chaudhry Hunza , Singla Piyush , Sharma Raghav , Kohli Isha , Dukovic Dino , Prajapati Devang
Published: January 2023

Background and Aim

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is the leading cause of hospital acquired‐infectious diarrhea in the USA. In this study, we assess the prevalence and impact of CDI in COVID‐19 hospitalizations in the USA.

Methods

We used the 2020 National Inpatient Sample database to identify adult patients with COVID‐19. The patients were stratified into two groups based on the presence of CDI. The impact of CDI on outcomes such as in‐hospital mortality, ICU admission, shock, acute kidney injury (AKI), and sepsis rates. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to assess the effects of CDI on outcomes.

Results

The study population comprised 1581 585 patients with COVID‐19. Among these, 0.65% of people had a CDI. There was a higher incidence of mortality in patients with COVID‐19 and CDI compared with patients without COVID‐19 (23.25% vs 13.33%, P < 0.001). The patients with COVID‐19 and CDI had a higher incidence of sepsis (7.69% vs 5%, P < 0.001), shock (23.59% vs 8.59%, P < 0.001), ICU admission (25.54% vs 12.28%, P < 0.001), and AKI (47.71% vs 28.52%, P < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, patients with CDI had a statistically significant higher risk of mortality than those without (aOR = 1.47, P < 0.001). We also noted a statistically significant higher risk of sepsis (aOR = 1.47, P < 0.001), shock (aOR = 2.7, P < 0.001), AKI (aOR = 1.55, P < 0.001), and ICU admission (aOR = 2.16, P < 0.001) in the study population.

Conclusions

Our study revealed the prevalence of CDI in COVID‐19 patients was 0.65%. Although the prevalence was low, its presence is associated with worse outcomes and higher resource utilization.
Limited physician knowledge of sarcopenia: A survey
Authors: Guralnik Jack M. , Cawthon Peggy M. , Bhasin Shalender , Fielding Roger , Magaziner Jay , Cruz‐Jentoft Alfonso J. , Vellas Bruno , Clarke Lindsay , Lattimer Laura , Evans William
Published: January 2023

Background

Sarcopenia, a reduction in skeletal muscle mass and function, is a condition that contributes to functional decline and disability in older adults. Although research on this geriatric condition has developed rapidly in recent years, little work has been done to document whether practicing physicians are incorporating sarcopenia into their clinical practice.

Methods

An online survey of 253 practicing U.S. physicians assessed knowledge of sarcopenia, use of the term in practice, motivation for screening patients, and diagnostic and treatment approaches. They were board certified in four practice areas: internal medicine (n = 69), family medicine (n = 69), geriatrics (n = 40), or physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) (n = 75).

Results

Less than 20% of internists and family medicine physicians reported being very familiar with the term sarcopenia, with substantially higher familiarity at this level reported among geriatricians (70%) and among PM&R specialists (41%). Two additional findings pointed to deficiencies in sarcopenia knowledge and practice: participants substantially overestimated the prevalence of sarcopenia in older adults (44% of participants reported an expected prevalence of >25%) compared to findings from published studies (indicating 10% of older adults experience sarcopenia); over 75% reported not typically using specific diagnostic criteria or being unsure if their approach utilized any specific criteria. When asked what terminology they use in a medical chart for a patient presenting with significant loss of muscle mass and strength, only 8% said sarcopenia.

Conclusions

Sarcopenia, a condition that can have a major impact on older adults as they age, has not been fully incorporated into the knowledge base and practices of active physicians. The survey data suggest that improving physician familiarity with sarcopenia and having universal agreement on criteria for diagnosis may increase the screening for and treatment of sarcopenia.
A Nicotiana benthamiana receptor‐like kinase regulates Phytophthora resistance by coupling with BAK1 to enhance elicitin‐triggered immunity
Authors: Zhang Yifan , Yin Zhiyuan , Pi Lei , Wang Nan , Wang Jinghao , Peng Hao , Dou Daolong
Published: January 2023

Cell‐surface‐localized leucine‐rich‐repeat receptor‐like kinases (LRR‐RLKs) are crucial for plant immunity. Most LRR‐RLKs that act as receptors directly recognize ligands via a large extracellular domain (ECD), whereas LRR‐RLK that serve as regulators are relatively small and contain fewer LRRs. Here, we identified LRR‐RLK regulators using high‐throughput tobacco rattle virus (TRV)‐based gene silencing in the model plant Nicotiana benthamiana. We used the cell‐death phenotype caused by INF1, an oomycete elicitin that induces pattern‐triggered immunity, as an indicator. By screening 33 small LRR‐RLKs (≤6 LRRs) of unknown function, we identified ELICITIN INSENSITIVE RLK 1 (NbEIR1) as a positive regulator of INF1‐induced immunity and oomycete resistance. Nicotiana benthamiana mutants of eir1 generated by CRISPR/Cas9‐editing showed significantly compromised immune responses to INF1 and were more vulnerable to the oomycete pathogen Phytophthora capsici. NbEIR1 associates with BRI1‐ASSOCIATED RECEPTOR KINASE 1 (NbBAK1) and a downstream component, BRASSINOSTEROID‐SIGNALING KINASE 1 (NbBSK1). NbBSK1 also contributes to INF1‐induced defense and P. capsici resistance. Upon INF1 treatment, NbEIR1 was released from NbBAK1 and NbBSK1 in vivo. Moreover, the silencing of NbBSK1 compromised the association of NbEIR1 with NbBAK1. We also showed that NbEIR1 regulates flg22‐induced immunity and associates with its receptor, FLAGELLIN SENSING 2 (NbFLS2). Collectively, our results suggest that NbEIR1 is a novel regulatory element for BAK1‐dependent immunity. NbBSK1–NbEIR1 association is required for maintaining the NbEIR1/NbBAK1 complex in the resting state.
Knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of cardiovascular disease prevention in young adults in the country of Georgia
Authors: Crawford Kimberley , Jakub Karen , Lockhart Joan Such , Wold Judith Lupo
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) accounts for 46% of all mortality in the country of Georgia (former Soviet Union). Young adults in that country have not been studied regarding CVD and a need exists to understand lifestyle modifications to promote cardiovascular health.

Design

An interpretive description qualitative design was used to explore Georgian young adults' knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of CVD preventative practices and life experiences.

Methods

A convenience sample of 19 ethnic Georgian participants (18–40 years old) who were fluent in either English, Georgian, or Russian from a local private university was used. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted via video conferencing utilizing an interpreter.

Results

Four themes were identified: (1) CVD and risk factor knowledge, (2) prevention attitudes, beliefs, and gender differences, (3) health literacy influences, and (4) culture and societal impacts. CVD knowledge was limited and influenced by health literacy and the current healthcare system in Georgia.

Conclusion

Cultural and societal gender norms influence cardiovascular health behaviors.

Clinical implications

Georgian nurses can play a key role in CVD education and screening for young adults in Georgia.
lncRNA HOXA11‐AS maintains the stemness of oral squamous cell carcinoma stem cells and reduces the radiosensitivity by targeting miR‐518a‐3p/PDK1
Authors: Li Baojun , Lv Yuanjing , Zhang Cui , Xiang Cheng
Published: January 2023

Objective

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most prevailing oral malignancy. The lncRNA HOXA11‐AS shows prominent roles in OSCC. This study explored the effects of lncRNA HOXA11‐AS on regulating OSCC stem cell stemness and radiosensitivity by targeting miR‐518a‐3p/PDK1.

Methods

Human OSCC cell lines SCC9 and SCC15 were selected. CD133+ cancer stem cells (CSCs) were sorted by immunomagnetic beads. CD133 expression in cells and HOXA11‐AS expression in SCC9, SCC15, and CD133+ SCC9, CD133+ SCC15 cells were assessed by flow cytometry and RT‐qPCR. HOXA11‐AS was silenced/overexpressed in SCC9, SCC15, CD133+ SCC9, and CD133+ SCC15 cells. Cell proliferation, radiosensitivity, invasion, and stem cell sphere formation ability were examined by CCK‐8, colony formation, Transwell, and stem cell sphere formation. The levels of stemness‐related genes (Oct4, Nanog, Sox2), miR‐518a‐3p, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)‐related proteins (E‐cadherin, Vimentin, N‐cadherin), and PDK1 were assessed by RT‐qPCR and Western blot assay.

Results

HOXA11‐AS was up‐regulated in SCC9, SCC15, CD133+ SCC9, and CD133+ SCC15 cells. HOXA11‐AS silencing inhibited OSCC proliferation and invasion and enhanced radiosensitivity. HOXA11‐AS maintained CSC stemness in OSCC. HOXA11‐AS silencing reduced CD133+ SCC9 and CD133+ SCC15 stem cell sphere formation ability, reduced stem cell stemness‐related gene levels, and inhibited EMT. HOXA11‐AS regulated OSCC stem cell stemness and radiosensitivity by targeting miR‐518a‐3p. PDK1 overexpression annulled the regulatory effects of HOXA11‐AS silencing on OSCC cell stem cell stemness and radiosensitivity.

Conclusion

In vitro lncRNA HOXA11‐AS silencing inhibited OSCC stem cell stemness by targeting the miR‐518a‐3p/PDK1 axis, thus enhancing OSCC cell radiosensitivity.
Salt load transfer and changing salinities across a new causeway breach in Great Salt Lake: Implications for adaptive management
Authors: Brown Phil D. , Bosteels Thomas , Marden Brad T.
Published: January 2023

Gilbert Bay, the largest embayment of the expansive Great Salt Lake (GSL) in the United States, is a productive aquatic system providing a suite of ecosystem services, both locally and across hemispheric flyways and global aquaculture networks. Gilbert Bay is currently at a record low stand and elevated salinity attributable to the coupled effects of drought and human water use in the basin. However, a recent management berm at the breach in the mid‐lake causeway provides a unique adaptive management tool to mitigate harmful salinity changes. The present study measured the fluctuating Gilbert Bay salinities and salt loads across a multi‐year period of changing causeway breach management. Opening of the breach in 2016 and a high spring runoff in 2017 exported a substantial portion of Gilbert Bay salt load into adjacent Gunnison Bay, lowering the salinity–elevation relationship in Gilbert. The salt load in the bay has since returned to nearly pre‐breach levels with salinities at the current low stand now exceeding the ecologically optimal range. The chronicled salt movement and salinity relationships were used to recommend short‐ and long‐term adaptive management strategies for the causeway berm in order to sustain the crucial Gilbert Bay aquatic ecosystem in the face of drought and future variability, as well as highlighting the structural advantages GSL has over other saline lakes experiencing anthropogenic water loss.
The epidemiology and burden of gastroparesis: Real‐world data from a large healthcare provider in Israel
Authors: Yekutiel Naama , Chodick Gabriel , Knop Jana , Cavlar Taner , Tsukinovsky Sveta , Toren Ginat , Kariv Revital
Published: January 2023

Background

Gastroparesis is a gastrointestinal motility dysfunction characterized by delayed gastric emptying in the absence of gastric mechanical obstruction. Data on the epidemiology of gastroparesis are sparse even though the condition substantially impairs patients' quality of life. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiology and estimate the short‐term healthcare resource use burden of gastroparesis in a large population.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study utilized computerized data from Maccabi Healthcare Services, a 2.5‐million member state‐mandated health organization in Israel. Data were collected between 2003 and 2018 to assess the prevalence of gastroparesis. Definite gastroparesis was defined by gastroparesis diagnosis and gastric emptying test. Probable gastroparesis was defined by gastroparesis diagnosis only. To compare the healthcare resource utilization (HCRU), data were also collected on controls that were individually matched (1:2) for age, sex, and comorbidities.

Key Results

A total of 522 patients with gastroparesis were identified (21.1 per 100,000 WHO age‐standardized), including 204 with definite gastroparesis (8.6 per 100,000 WHO). Male to female ratio was 1:2 and mean ± SD age of 54.7 ± 17.1 years. Diabetes accounted for 25.9% of gastroparesis cases and the rest were idiopathic. Gastroparesis patients were more likely to have cardiovascular diseases (10% vs. 6.9% for controls, p = 0.034) and lower prevalence of obesity (17% vs. 24.4%, p < 0.001). HCRU within the 2 years after index date were higher with more hospitalizations than controls (26.4% vs. 15.4%, p < 0.001), and more emergency room visits (31.6% vs. 24.1%, p = 0.002).

Conclusions & Inferences

Gastroparesis is uncommon or under‐documented in community care settings. Gastroparesis in general is associated with cardiovascular morbidities, lower BMI, and elevated utilization of healthcare services.
Nurse practitioner‐delivered cognitive–behavioral treatment as a novel implementation route for irritable bowel syndrome: A proof of concept
Authors: Burton Murray Helen , Weeks Imani , Thurler Andrea , Calabrese Samantha , Kate Lapinel Mary , Madva Elizabeth N , Staller Kyle , Keefer Laurie , Kuo Braden
Published: January 2023

Background

Exposure‐based cognitive–behavioral therapy (exposure‐CBT) is efficacious for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, few patients receive exposure‐CBT due to a lack of behavioral health providers trained in brain–gut behavior therapies. Nurse practitioners (NPs) could fill a critical need for scalable delivery methods. In a pragmatic investigation of a 5‐session NP‐delivered exposure‐CBT for adults with Rome IV‐defined IBS, we evaluated treatment feasibility and acceptability and explored changes clinical outcomes.

Methods

Exposure‐CBT was delivered as part of routine care involving four sessions every other week and a 2‐month booster session. Patients could electively participate in an observational study including pre‐, mid‐, and post‐treatment surveys and a post‐treatment qualitative interview. Independently coded ratings of NP treatment protocol adherence and competence ratings were completed from audio recordings, rated on a 1 (not at all) to 5 (completely) scale.

Results

Twenty‐five patients consented (ages 22‐67 years; 76% female; 48% IBS‐diarrhea predominant). There was high feasibility—adherence average = 4.1, NP competence average = 4.8, 72% treatment completion, 93% satisfaction scores ≥3. Treatment satisfaction was high (rated as 4/4 “very satisfied” by n = 9 and as 3/4 “mostly satisfied” by n = 5). There were improvements in clinical outcomes across treatment with large effects for IBS‐symptom severity (−53%; Hedge's g = 1.0; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.5, 1.5) and IBS quality of life (+31%; Hedge's g = 0.8; 95% CI = 0.4, 1.2).

Conclusions

NP‐delivered exposure‐CBT for IBS was initially feasible and acceptable with promising clinical improvements. Findings will inform a future NIH Stage 1B/ORBIT Phase IIB pilot randomized control trial.
Inconsistent relationships between area, heterogeneity and plant species richness in temperate farmed landscapes
Authors: Maskell Lindsay , Alison Jamie , Forbes Neil , Jarvis Susan , Robinson David , Siriwardena Gavin , Wood Claire , Smart Simon
Published: January 2023

Relationships between area, heterogeneity and species richness are fundamental concepts in ecology yet questions remain about how area and heterogeneity tradeoff (AHTO) to constrain biodiversity. Although there is growing evidence for unimodal heterogeneity diversity relationships (HDR's) and an AHTO, tests of the concept and consequences for species richness across a landscape‐scale gradient of human‐modified ecosystems are rare. Using data from a national (Wales) field survey we analysed relationships between environmental heterogeneity and plant species richness (α and γ). We used ordination to produce a composite metric of heterogeneity and compared this to commonly used metrics. We used niche hypervolumes to categorise the breadth of plant species' ecological preferences and analysed relationships between species richness, niche width and heterogeneity. The HDR was unimodal with α diversity at the smallest scale and positive with α and γ diversity (non‐linear) at the 1 km scale although in low intensity landscapes the HDR with γ diversity was unimodal. There was a unimodal relationship between habitat diversity and γ diversity. Land use intensity was unimodally related to diversity. There were significant interactions between niche width and heterogeneity. Richness of broad niche species increased with heterogeneity with flattening of the curve at higher levels. Narrow niche species were rare and mostly unresponsive. The expected decline in narrow niche species with increasing heterogeneity was not found although they did decline with land‐use intensity. Using a unique dataset, an analysis of a large‐scale mosaic of ecosystems found that the shape of the HDR varies with land use intensity, the heterogeneity metric, spatial scale, diversity type and niche width. Although heterogeneity can increase species richness, there may be tradeoffs at higher heterogeneity. A fundamental constraint on realising the benefit of heterogeneity is the low availability of narrower niche species in local species pools in modified landscapes.
Short‐Term Outcomes of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) for Ankle Fracture Patients: A Single‐Center Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Yao Yuefeng , Li Guoqing , Li Jing , Liu Su , Chen Yixiao , Deng Jiapeng , Wei Yihao , Gao Liang , Wang Deli , Zeng Hui
Published: January 2023

Objective

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) has been successfully adopted for the improvement of medical quality and efficacy in many diseases, but the effect thereof for ankle fracture patients can vary. The aim of the present study was to explore the short‐term postoperative outcomes of ERAS among ankle fracture patients.

Methods

The present study was a retrospective cohort study conducted between January 2019 and May 2019. One hundred and sixty ankle fracture participations (58 males and 102 females, aged 41.71 ± 14.51 years) were included. The participants treated with open reduction and internal fixation were divided into two groups (non‐ERAS vs. ERAS) depending on whether ERAS was applied. Postoperative outcomes included American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, length of stay (LOS), hospital cost, complications, and consumption of opioids. To assess the association between the groups and outcomes, generalized estimating equation (GEE) modeling and multivariable linear regression analysis were performed.

Results

The average follow‐up periods of the participations were 24 months postoperatively. No significant differences were detected between the non‐ERAS group and ERAS group with respect to the demographic of patients in terms of gender, age, Danis‐Weber classification of fracture, dislocation of ankle joint, and comorbidity (P > 0.05). Significant differences in terms of a higher AOFAS score were found in the ERAS group compared with the non‐ERAS group (6.73, 95% CI, 5.10–8.37, p < 0.001) at 3 months postoperatively (PO3M) and (4.73, 95% CI, 3.02–6.45, p < 0.001) at 6 months postoperatively (PO6M). However, similar AOFAS scores were found at 12 months postoperatively (PO12M) (0.28, 95% CI, −0.32 to 0.89, P > 0.05) and at 24 months postoperatively (PO24M) (0.56, 95% CI, −0.07 to 1.19, P > 0.05). Additionally, the GEE analysis and group‐by‐time interaction of AOFAS score revealed that the ERAS protocol could facilitate faster recovery for ankle fracture patients, with higher PO3M and PO6M (both P < 0.05). At the same time, significant differences in terms of a shorter length of stay (−3.19, 95% CI, −4.33 to −2.04, P < 0.01) and less hospital cost (−6501.81, 95% CI, −10955.21 to −2048.42, P < 0.01) were found in the ERAS group compared with the non‐ERAS group.

Conclusion

By reducing LOS and hospital cost, the ERAS protocol might improve the medical quality and efficacy. The present study can provide a realistic evaluation and comparison of the ERAS protocol among ankle fracture patients, and ultimately guide clinical decision making.
Extending Kindness: A Confucian Account
Authors: Brys Waldemar
Published: January 2023

The Confucian philosopher Mengzi believes that ‘extending’ one's kindness facilitates one's moral development and that it is intimately tied to performing morally good actions. Most interpreters have taken Mengzian kindness to be an emotional state, with the extension of kindness to centrally involve feeling kindness towards more people or in a greater number of situations. I argue that kindness cannot do all the theoretical work that Mengzi wants it to do if it is interpreted as an emotion. I submit that Mengzi's notion of extending kindness is best understood as the exercise of a capacity for intelligently performing kind actions.
Abortion, religion, and racial resentment: Unpacking the underpinnings of contemporary abortion attitudes
Authors: Deckman Melissa , Elder Laurel , Greene Steven , Lizotte Mary‐Kate
Published: January 2023

Background

For many Americans, pro‐life attitudes are directly attached to their religious beliefs, especially white evangelicals. Some have argued that evangelicals came to oppose abortion not simply because of their views on the sanctity of life, but out of a growing racial resentment as government policy and society moved towards greater racial equality.

Objectives

This study explores the relationship of evangelicalism, racial attitudes, and views on the legality of abortion to explore whether racial resentment is behind evangelical opposition to abortion.

Methods

To carry out this exploration this study employs American National Election Studies data from 2000 to 2020 and the 2020 Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) Values survey.

Results

We find no support for the idea that racial attitudes are disproportionately correlated with the abortion views of white evangelicals. Rather, we find that racial attitudes are now correlated with views on abortion for all Americans. Where abortion attitudes are distinctive from attitudes on other policy issues is in having very strong religious determinants, suggesting that genuine religious beliefs do indeed underscore the pro‐life views of white evangelicals.

Conclusion

This study provides a good baseline for understanding the relationship between racial attitudes, evangelicalism, and abortion attitudes at the cusp of the Dobbs decision overturning Constitutional protections for abortion, and should be revisited in the post Roe era.
Pine has two glutamine synthetase paralogs, GS1b.1 and GS1b.2, exhibiting distinct biochemical properties
Authors: Valderrama‐Martín José Miguel , Ortigosa Francisco , Aledo Juan Carlos , Ávila Concepción , Cánovas Francisco M. , Cañas Rafael A.
Published: January 2023

The enzyme glutamine synthetase (EC 6.3.1.2) is mainly responsible for the incorporation of inorganic nitrogen into organic molecules in plants. In the present work, a pine (Pinus pinaster) GS1 (PpGS1b.2) gene was identified, showing a high sequence identity with the GS1b.1 gene previously characterized in conifers. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the presence of PpGS1b.2 is restricted to the genera Pinus and Picea and is not found in other conifers. Gene expression data suggest a putative role of PpGS1b.2 in plant development, similar to other GS1b genes from angiosperms, suggesting evolutionary convergence. The characterization of GS1b.1 and GS1b.2 at the structural, physicochemical, and kinetic levels has shown differences even though they have high sequence homology. GS1b.2 had a lower optimum pH (6 vs. 6.5) and was less thermally stable than GS1b.1. GS1b.2 exhibited positive cooperativity for glutamate and substrate inhibition for ammonium. However, GS1b.1 exhibited substrate inhibition behavior for glutamate and ATP. Alterations in the kinetic characteristics produced by site‐directed mutagenesis carried out in this work strongly suggest an implication of amino acids at positions 264 and 267 in the active center of pine GS1b.1 and GS1b.2 being involved in affinity toward ammonium. Therefore, the amino acid differences between GS1b.1 and GS1b.2 would support the functioning of both enzymes to meet distinct plant needs.
The Financial Sector
Authors: Azadi Pooya , Mesgaran Mohsen B. , Mirramezani Matin
Published: January 2023

This chapter explains the evolution of Iran’s financial sector with a focus on the performance of the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) in terms of price stability and oversight on commercial banks and credit institutions. It discusses the performance and characteristics of commercial banks with a focus on financial depth and share of different sectors of the economy in outstanding bank loans. Finally, it presents an overview of the role of Iran’s sovereign wealth fund (National Development Fund of Iran, NDFI) in the management of oil revenues.
Research and Development Policy
Authors: Azadi Pooya , Mesgaran Mohsen B. , Mirramezani Matin
Published: January 2023

This chapter provides a critical analysis of the Islamic Republic’s claim of miraculous achievements in the realm of science and technology. This claim plays a central role in the regime’s broader propaganda to create the impression that under its jihadi-style approach to development, Iran has joined the club of the most technologically advanced countries of the world. We, however, argue that the drastic increase in the quantity of Iran’s scientific publications stemmed from the state’s productionist research policies which consider publication as an end in itself with no implications for technological advancement and economic well-being of the nation.
Conclusion
Authors: Azadi Pooya , Mesgaran Mohsen B. , Mirramezani Matin
Published: January 2023

The final chapter of this book discusses the trajectory of development in Iran based on insights and data presented throughout the book under three different scenarios of business as usual, reforms within the Islamic Republic, and a more optimistic paradigm triggered initially by transformation of political institutions to improve the rule of law and democratic accountability as an entry point to future development.
State against Industry
Authors: Krohn-Hansen Christian
Published: January 2023

The chapter explores the ways in which the Dominican state shapes relations between capital and labor, often in terms of disruptive and disordering interventions. The chapter follows how Dominican furniture makers constantly adapt to the changing dynamics of state/capital relations, and to the complex rhythms of capital circulations. Capitalism for these producers is not synonymous with speed. On the contrary, the nation’s small workshops and firms experience constant delays. They find themselves made to wait, shut out from lucrative markets, and marginalized from arenas of national productivity, which are monopolized by those with effective (often family) links to state power. In the early 1990s, the Dominican economy was conspicuously liberalized, under IMF stabilization programs. Furniture makers now face increasingly tough competition from cheaper imports. The chapter argues that a focus on labor practices reveals the temporal discrepancies that people are required to navigate throughout their everyday working lives.
Of Violence and Precarity
Authors: Krohn-Hansen Christian
Published: January 2023

Today’s Dominican society is, to a striking extent, a place without (decently paid) work. Chapter 2 investigates one form of wageless labor, or precarious livelihoods, among Santo Domingo’s poor. It analyzes the strategies of single mothers who either operated a small food stall or bought and sold vegetables. The chapter seeks to answer four questions. First, how can we best understand the historical emergence and maintenance of this precarious type of livelihood (the mother trading food, or running a kitchen on the street) in today’s Santo Domingo? Second, what characterizes these women’s enterprises and everyday life? Third, what can these women’s histories convey about the lived tension between caring for kin and the demands of economic precariousness? Fourth, just as these women continuously live in many different networks so, too, do they live and act in multiple heterogeneous temporalities. How do temporal concerns shape how they navigate their work?
The Imperial Roots of Armed Conflicts in Eurasia
Authors: Ohanyan Anna
Published: January 2023

This chapter seeks to clarify the impact of regional connectivity at the imperial peripheries on contemporary armed conflicts in Eurasia. It begins with a rationale for applying an imperial frame to Eurasian security studies, explaining how this enriches existing theories and perspectives on the topic. The second section examines existing theories on the post-Soviet wars, some of which are cases that are covered in chapter 7. Next, the chapter delineates the key causal claims within the theory of regional fracture and resilience that is developed in Chapter 2, with a focus on its value to understanding contemporary armed conflicts across Eurasia. The chapter concludes with a section profiling imperial peripheries according to the density and nature of their connectivity and their neighborhood effect.
The Ottoman Empire and Eastern Anatolia>
Authors: Ohanyan Anna
Published: January 2023

This chapter starts out with a background discussion of the millet system of imperial governance in the Ottoman empire, explaining how the system was both a lever and a liability for imperial longevity. Particular emphasis is placed on the opportunities provided by and the limitations of center-periphery relations and their management. This entails discussing the regional implications of the millet system and the nature of regional connectivity and/or fracture in which it manifested. The chapter focuses on the issue of taxation as an area where imperial governance had very direct regional implications. The chapter then follows the same template as is followed for the Habsburg and Russian empires in chapters 4 and 6: it zooms in on one of the political peripheries of the empire, Eastern Anatolia in the last quarter of the 19th century and the early 20th century.
Peace by Proxy
Authors: Ohanyan Anna
Published: January 2023

The policy implications of this work are presented in this chapter. Building on the concept of the neighborhood effect, the chapter argues that regional statecraft has been under-utilized in fractured regions, with direct consequences for armed conflicts and peacebuilding. The policy implications also touch on the neo-imperial rivalry on the Eurasian continent, including an argument for region-building as a policy strategy for managing turbulent multipolarity in post-Cold War Eurasia.
Combining an Artificial Gastrocnemius and Powered Ankle Prosthesis: Effects on Transtibial Prosthesis User Gait
Authors: Ziemnicki David M. , McDonald Kirsty A. , Wolf Derek N. , Molitor Stephanie L. , Egolf Jeremiah B. , Gupta Mohh , Zelik Karl E.
Published: January 2023

Walking is more difficult for transtibial prosthesis users, partly due to a lack of calf muscle function. Powered ankle prostheses can partially restore calf muscle function, specifically push-off power from the soleus. But one limitation of a powered ankle is that emulating the soleus does not restore the multi-articular function of the gastrocnemius. This missing function may explain elevated hip and knee muscle demands observed in individuals walking on powered ankles. These elevated demands can make walking more fatiguing and impact mobility. Adding an Artificial Gastrocnemius to a powered ankle might improve gait for prosthesis users by reducing the prosthesis-side hip and knee demands. This work investigates if an Artificial Gastrocnemius reduced prosthesis-side hip or knee demands for individuals walking with a powered ankle providing high levels of push-off. We performed two case series studies that examined the effects that a passive elastic Artificial Gastrocnemius has on joint moment-impulses when prosthesis users walked with a powered ankle. We found that hip moment-impulse was reduced during stance when walking with an Artificial Gastrocnemius for six of seven participants. The Artificial Gastrocnemius effects on knee kinetics were variable and subject-specific, but in general, it did not reduce the knee flexor or extensor demands. The Artificial Gastrocnemius should be further explored to determine if reduced hip demands improve mobility or the user's quality of life by increasing the distance they can walk, increasing walking economy, or leading to increased physical activity or community engagement.
Investigation of Soot in a Model CFM56 Atmospheric Combustor Using In-Situ Laser-Induced Incandescence Calibration
Authors: Krishnasamy Bharathi Arvind , Shrivastava Poorva , Srivatsav Hrishikesh , T. M. Muruganandam , K. Vasudevarao
Published: January 2023

In this work, we investigate qualitative backlight imaging-based spray characteristics and laser-induced incandescence (LII) based quantitative soot volume fraction (SVF) in a CFM56 model combustor with a simplex nozzle at 1 bar, 303 K. The soot volume fraction is quantitatively measured using an in situ extinction-based calibration technique. Soot was detected immediately downstream of the swirler exit and in the shear layer region as observed by other authors. In addition, soot was also detected inside the inner recirculation region which could be due to the spray distribution, geometry, or difference in flame anchoring. The number-averaged soot volume fraction is of the order of 20 ppb which is comparable in magnitude to previously reported combustor measurements. Large eddy simulation (LES) modeling of the experimental setup coupled with the simple two-equation Tesner model has been done using ansysfluent® to study soot formation. The model shows good qualitative agreement with the experimental results although quantitatively it is lower by one order of magnitude. Soot formation occurs in the rich region immediately downstream of the swirler while the second half of the primary zone becomes lean and soot oxidation is more dominant.
The Prevalence and Association Between Social Support and Physical Activity Among the Rural Community-Dwelling Older Women in a Southeast Asian Country
Authors: Marthammuthu Thaneswaran , Hairi Farizah Mohd , Choo Wan Yuen , Salleh Nur Afiqah Mohd , Naqiah Hairi Noran
Published: January 2023

While physical activity ensures healthy aging, rural community-dwelling older women tend to be more physically inactive compared with their counterparts in Malaysia. As social support is one of the key determinants of physical activity, this retrospective, cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence of physical activity and its association with social support among 1,221 rural community-dwelling older women in Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. The prevalence of physical activity among older women was 45.1% with the highest prevalence reported for housework domain (52.3%). The total mean Duke Social Support index score was 27.24 ± 3.40. Multivariate analysis reported age, employment status, and income level to demonstrate significant association with the physical activity after adjusting for confounders. Older women with an increase in social interaction score were more likely (odds ratio = 1.22; 95% confidence interval [1.10, 1.34]; p < .001) to have high physical activity when adjusted for sociodemographic, health, mental health, and physical disability. Contrarily, older women with an increase in one subjective social support score were less likely (odds ratio = 0.91; 95% confidence interval [0.87, 0.96]; p < .001) to have high physical activity when adjusted for confounders. The findings were insightful to tailor interventions on promoting social support for physical activity enhancement among older women.
“Skinny Little Mexican Kid”: Life History of a Latino Immigrant Preservice Physical Education Teacher
Authors: Gaudreault Karen Lux , Vasquez Martin , Mellor Christopher , Mason Emily , Lucero Adriana
Published: January 2023

Background: In order to recruit and retain Latinx teachers, we must first understand how they choose to enter teaching; are socialized; and the influence of factors such as race, ethnicity, and culture on their beliefs and teaching practices. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the life history of Oscar, a Latino immigrant preservice physical education teacher. Method: Occupational socialization theory and life history methodology guided all the steps of this study. Results: Oscar’s life history revealed key narratives that were influential in constructing his socialization toward teaching and coaching. A constant search for belonging was an emerging theme. Conclusion: This life history highlights the significance and value in voicing the experiences and perspectives of our up and coming ethnically diverse educators. Oscar’s story adds a diverse lens to the occupational socialization and life history literature, especially from a recruitment and retainment standpoint.
ZBTB18 restricts chromatin accessibility and prevents transcriptional adaptations that drive metastasis
Authors: Wang Ruishan , Bhatt Akshita B. , Minden-Birkenmaier Benjamin A. , Travis Olivia K. , Tiwari Srishti , Jia Hong , Rosikiewicz Wojciech , Martinot Ophelie , Childs Eleanor , Loesch Robin , Tossou Guenole , Jamieson Sophie , Finkelstein David , Xu Beisi , Labelle Myriam
Published: January 2023

Metastases arise from rare cancer cells that successfully adapt to the diverse microenvironments encountered during dissemination through the bloodstream and colonization of distant tissues. How cancer cells acquire the ability to appropriately respond to microenvironmental stimuli remains largely unexplored. Here, we report an epigenetic pliancy mechanism that allows cancer cells to successfully metastasize. We find that a decline in the activity of the transcriptional repressor ZBTB18 defines metastasis-competent cancer cells in mouse models. Restoration of ZBTB18 activity reduces chromatin accessibility at the promoters of genes that drive metastasis, such as
Tgfbr2
, and this prevents TGFβ1 pathway activation and consequently reduces cell migration and invasion. Besides repressing the expression of metastatic genes, ZBTB18 also induces widespread chromatin closing, a global epigenetic adaptation previously linked to reduced phenotypic flexibility. Thus, ZBTB18 is a potent chromatin regulator, and the loss of its activity enhances chromatin accessibility and transcriptional adaptations that promote the phenotypic changes required for metastasis.
Realization of thousand-second improved confinement plasma with Super I-mode in Tokamak EAST
Authors: Song Yuntao , Zou Xiaolan , Gong Xianzu , Becoulet Alain , Buttery Richard , Bonoli Paul , Hoang Tuong , Maingi Rajesh , Qian Jinping , Zhong Xiaoming , Liu Adi , Li Erzhong , Ding Rui , Huang Juan , Zang Qing , Liu Haiqing , Wang Liang , Zhang Ling , Li Guoqiang , Sun Youwen , Garofalo Andrea , Osborne Tom , Leonard Tony , Baek Seung Gyou , Wallace Greg , Xu Liqing , Zhang Bin , Wang Shouxin , Chu Yuqi , Zhang Tao , Duan Yanmin , Lian Hui , Zhang Xuexi , Jin Yifei , Zeng Long , Lyu Bo , Xiao Binjia , Huang Yao , Wang Yong , Shen Biao , Xiang Nong , Wu Yu , Wu Jiefeng , Wang Xiaojie , Ding Bojiang , Li Miaohui , Zhang Xinjun , Qin Chengming , Xi Weibin , Zhang Jian , Huang Liansheng , Yao Damao , Hu Yanlan , Zuo Guizhong , Yuan Qiping , Zhou Zhiwei , Wang Mao , Xu Handong , Xie Yahong , Wang Zhengchu , Chen Junling , Xu Guosheng , Hu Jiansheng , Lu Kun , Liu Fukun , Wu Xinchao , Wan Baonian , Li Jiangang ,   EAST Team
Published: January 2023

Mastering nuclear fusion, which is an abundant, safe, and environmentally competitive energy, is a great challenge for humanity. Tokamak represents one of the most promising paths toward controlled fusion. Obtaining a high-performance, steady-state, and long-pulse plasma regime remains a critical issue. Recently, a big breakthrough in steady-state operation was made on the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST). A steady-state plasma with a world-record pulse length of 1056 s was obtained, where the density and the divertor peak heat flux were well controlled, with no core impurity accumulation, and a new high-confinement and self-organizing regime (Super I-mode = I-mode + e-ITB) was discovered and demonstrated. These achievements contribute to the integration of fusion plasma technology and physics, which is essential to operate next-step devices.
Altered host protease determinants for SARS-CoV-2 Omicron
Authors: Chan Jasper Fuk-Woo , Huang Xiner , Hu Bingjie , Chai Yue , Shi Hongyu , Zhu Tianrenzheng , Yuen Terrence Tsz-Tai , Liu Yuanchen , Liu Huan , Shi Jialu , Wen Lei , Shuai Huiping , Hou Yuxin , Yoon Chaemin , Cai Jian-Piao , Zhang Anna Jinxia , Zhou Jie , Yin Feifei , Yuan Shuofeng , Zhang Bao-Zhong , Brindley Melinda A. , Shi Zheng-Li , Yuen Kwok-Yung , Chu Hin
Published: January 2023

Successful severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection requires proteolytic cleavage of the viral spike protein. While the role of the host transmembrane protease serine 2 in SARS-CoV-2 infection is widely recognized, the involvement of other proteases capable of facilitating SARS-CoV-2 entry remains incompletely explored. Here, we show that multiple members from the membrane-type matrix metalloproteinase (MT-MMP) and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase families can mediate SARS-CoV-2 entry. Inhibition of MT-MMPs significantly reduces SARS-CoV-2 replication in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, we show that MT-MMPs can cleave SARS-CoV-2 spike and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and facilitate spike-mediated fusion. We further demonstrate that Omicron BA.1 has an increased efficiency on MT-MMP usage, while an altered efficiency on transmembrane serine protease usage for virus entry compared with that of ancestral SARS-CoV-2. These results reveal additional protease determinants for SARS-CoV-2 infection and enhance our understanding on the biology of coronavirus entry.
The HIPK2/CDC14B-MeCP2 axis enhances the spindle assembly checkpoint block by promoting cyclin B translation
Authors: Partscht Patrick , Simon Alexander , Chen Nan-Peng , Erhardt Sylvia , Schiebel Elmar
Published: January 2023

Mitotic perturbations activate the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) that keeps cells in prometaphase with high CDK1 activity. Prolonged mitotic arrest is eventually bypassed by gradual cyclin B decline followed by slippage of cells into G
1
without chromosome segregation, a process that promotes cell transformation and drug resistance. Hitherto, the cyclin B1 decay is exclusively defined by mechanisms that involve its proteasomal degradation. Here, we report that hyperphosphorylated HIPK2 kinase accumulates in mitotic cells and phosphorylates the Rett syndrome protein MeCP2 at Ser
92
, a regulation that is counteracted by CDC14B phosphatase. MeCP2
S92
phosphorylation leads to the enhanced translation of cyclin B1, which is important for cells with persistent SAC activation to counteract the proteolytic decline of cyclin B1 and therefore to suspend mitotic slippage. Hence, the HIPK2/CDC14B-MeCP2 axis functions as an enhancer of the SAC-induced mitotic block. Collectively, our study revises the prevailing view of how cells confer a sustainable SAC.
Isolating climatic, tectonic, and lithologic controls on mountain landscape evolution
Authors: Leonard Joel S. , Whipple Kelin X. , Heimsath Arjun M.
Published: January 2023

Establishing that climate exerts an important general influence on topography in tectonically active settings has proven an elusive goal. Here, we show that climates ranging from arid to humid consistently influence fluvial erosional efficiency and thus topography, and this effect is captured by a simple metric that combines channel steepness and mean annual rainfall,

k
snQ

. Accounting for spatial rainfall variability additionally increases the sensitivity of channel steepness to lithologic and tectonic controls on topography, enhancing predictions of erosion and rock uplift rates, and supports the common assumption of a reference concavity near 0.5. In contrast, the standard channel steepness metric,

k
sn

, intrinsically assumes that climate is uniform. Consequently, its use where rainfall varies spatially undermines efforts to distinguish climate from tectonic and lithologic effects, can bias reference concavity estimates, and may ultimately lead to false impressions about rock uplift patterns and other environmental influences. Capturing climate is therefore a precondition to understanding mountain landscape evolution.