bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Astrocytic Chitinase‐3‐like protein 1 in neurological diseases: Potential roles and future perspectives
Authors: Li Fei , Liu An , Zhao Minggao , Luo Lanxin
Published: April 2023

Chitinase‐3‐like protein 1 (CHI3L1) is a secreted glycoprotein characterized by its ability to regulate multiple biological processes, such as the inflammatory response and gene transcriptional signaling activation. Abnormal CHI3L1 expression has been associated with multiple neurological disorders and serves as a biomarker for the early detection of several neurodegenerative diseases. Aberrant CHI3L1 expression is also reportedly associated with brain tumor migration and metastasis, as well as contributions to immune escape, playing important roles in brain tumor progression. CHI3L1 is synthesized and secreted mainly by reactive astrocytes in the central nervous system. Thus, targeting astrocytic CHI3L1 could be a promising approach for the treatment of neurological diseases, such as traumatic brain injury, ischemic stroke, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and glioma. Based on current knowledge of CHI3L1, we assume that it acts as a molecule mediating several signaling pathways driving the initiation and progression of neurological disorders. This narrative review is the first to introduce the potential roles of astrocytic CHI3L1 in neurological disorders. We also equally explore astrocytic CHI3L1 mRNA expression under physiological and pathological conditions. Inhibiting CHI3L1 and disrupting its interaction with its receptors through multiple mechanisms of action are briefly discussed. These endeavors highlight the pivotal roles of astrocytic CHI3L1 in neurological disorders and could contribute to the development of effective inhibitors based on the strategy of structure‐based drug discovery, which could be an attractive therapeutic approach for neurological disease treatment.

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Functional imaging and neurochemistry identify in vivo neuroprotection mechanisms counteracting excitotoxicity and neurovascular changes in the hippocampus and visual cortex of obese and type 2 diabetic animal models
Authors: Caramelo Beatriz , Monteiro‐Alfredo Tamaeh , Martins João , Sereno José , Castelhano João , Manadas Bruno , Castelo‐Branco Miguel , Matafome Paulo
Published: April 2023

Functional MRI (fMRI) with 1H‐MRS was combined on the hippocampus and visual cortex of animal models of obesity (high‐fat diet, HFD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) to identify the involved mechanisms and temporal evolution of neurometabolic changes in these disorders that could serve as potentially reliable clinical biomarkers. HFD rats presented elevated levels of N‐acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) (p = 0.0365 vs. standard diet, SD) and glutathione (GSH) (p = 0.0494 vs. SD) in the hippocampus. NAAG and GSH levels in this structure proved to be correlated (r = 0.4652, p = 0.0336). This mechanism was not observed in diabetic rats. Combining MRS and fMRI‐evaluated blood‐oxygen‐level‐dependent (BOLD) response, elevated taurine (p = 0.0326 vs. HFD) and GABA type A receptor (GABAAR) (p = 0.0211 vs. SD and p = 0.0153 vs. HFD) were observed in the visual cortex of only diabetic rats, counteracting the elevated BOLD response and suggesting an adaptative mechanism against hyperexcitability observed in the primary visual cortex (V1) (p = 0.0226 vs. SD). BOLD amplitude was correlated with the glutamate levels (r = 0.4491; p = 0.0316). Therefore, here we found evidence for several biological dichotomies regarding excitotoxicity and neuroprotection in different brain regions, identifying putative markers of their different susceptibility and response to the metabolic and vascular insults of obesity and diabetes.

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SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody dynamics over time and risk factors associated with infection and long COVID‐19 symptoms in large working environments
Authors: Hansen Cecilie Bo , Dvoncova Kristina , Pérez‐Alós Laura , Fogh Kamille , Madsen Johannes Roth , Garred Caroline Hartwell , Jarlhelt Ida , Nielsen Pernille Brok , Petersen Steffan Svejgaard , Fjordager Charlotte Gandsø , Lauritsen Klara Tølbøll , Hilsted Linda , Boding Lasse , Iversen Kasper Karmark , Hyveled Liselotte , Garred Peter
Published: April 2023

Background

Factors influencing SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody dynamics, transmission, waning and long COVID‐19 symptomatology are still not fully understood.

Methods

In the Danish section of the Novo Nordisk Group, we performed a prospective seroepidemiological study during the first and second waves of the COVID‐19 pandemic. All employees and their household members (>18 years) were invited to participate in a baseline (June–August 2020), 6‐month follow‐up (December 2020–January 2021), and 12‐month follow‐up (August 2021) sampling. In total, 18,614 accepted and provided at least one blood sample and completed a questionnaire regarding socioeconomic background, health status, previous SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, and persistent symptoms. Total antibody and specific IgM, IgG and IgA levels against recombinant receptor binding domain were tested.

Results

At baseline, the SARS‐CoV‐2‐antibody seroprevalence was 3.9%. At 6‐month follow‐up, the seroprevalence was 9.1%, while at 12‐month follow‐up, the seroprevalence was 94.4% (after the vaccine roll‐out). Male sex and younger age (18–40 years) were significant risk factors for seropositivity. From baseline to the 6‐month sampling, we observed a substantial waning of IgM, IgG and IgA levels (p < 0.001), regardless of age, sex and initial antibody level. An increased antibody level was found in individuals infected prior to vaccination compared to vaccinated infection naïves (p < 0.0001). Approximately a third of the seropositive individuals reported one or more persistent COVID‐19 symptoms, with anosmia and/or ageusia (17.5%) and fatigue (15.3%) being the most prevalent.

Conclusion

The study provides a comprehensive insight into SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody seroprevalence following infection and vaccination, waning, persistent COVID‐19 symptomatology and risk factors for seropositivity in large working environments.
Marked versus unmarked tip catheter for less invasive surfactant administration: A crossover randomised controlled manikin trial
Authors: Cavallin Francesco , Beltrame Francesca , Bua Benedetta , Margarita Teresa , Pasta Elisa , Villani Paolo Ernesto , Trevisanuto Daniele
Published: April 2023

Aim

Less invasive surfactant administration is becoming increasingly popular, but health‐care providers may experience some difficulties in achieving the correct positioning of the catheter in the trachea. We compared catheters with marked versus unmarked tips in terms of correct depth positioning in the trachea, total time, number of attempts and participant's opinion on using the device in a manikin model.

Methods

A randomised controlled crossover trial of surfactant administration with less invasive surfactant administration catheters with marked versus unmarked tip in a preterm infant manikin. Fifty tertiary hospital consultants and paediatric residents with previous experience in surfactant administration participated. The primary outcome measure was the positioning of the device at the correct depth in the trachea. The secondary outcome measures were the total time and the number of attempts for positioning the device in the trachea, and participant's opinion on using the device.

Results

Correct depth in the trachea was achieved by 38 (76%) and 28 (56%) participants using the catheters with marked and unmarked tip, respectively (P = 0.04). Median time of device positioning (P = 0.08) and number of attempts (P = 0.13) were not statistically different between the two catheters. Participants found the catheter with the marked tip easier to use (P = 0.007), especially concerning the insertion in the trachea (P = 0.04) and the positioning at the correct depth (P = 0.004).

Conclusions

In a preterm manikin model, the marked tip catheter offered a higher chance of achieving the correct depth of the device in the trachea and was favoured by the participants.
Salivary levels of BAFF, TWEAK, and soluble CD163 and salivary arginase activity before and after periodontal treatment
Authors: Yilmaz Mustafa , Demir Esra , Gürsoy Mervi , Firatli Erhan , Loimaranta Vuokko , Gürsoy Ulvi Kahraman
Published: April 2023

Objective

To monitor salivary B‐cell activating factor (BAFF), tumor necrosis factor‐like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK), and soluble (s)CD163 levels and arginase activity in periodontitis patients following nonsurgical periodontal treatment.

Background

BAFF, TWEAK, and sCD163 and arginase are associated with activities of B cells and macrophages, which are important regulators of periodontal immune‐inflammatory response and healing following treatment. Increased salivary BAFF and sCD163 levels and arginase activity in periodontitis have been demonstrated, but their changes following treatment have not been evaluated before.

Materials and Methods

Forty‐four Stage III/IV periodontitis patients and 35 periodontally healthy controls were included in the study. Full‐mouth periodontal measurements were recorded and unstimulated saliva was obtained from all participants at baseline. Sample collection and measurements were repeated in periodontitis patients at 2, 6, 12, and 24 weeks following full‐mouth scaling and root debridement, whereas controls were only seen at baseline. BAFF, TWEAK, and sCD163 levels were analyzed with bead‐based multiplexed immunoassay. Arginase activity was measured with Chinard's method.

Results

BAFF (p < .001) and sCD163 (p = .003) levels and arginase activity (p < .015) were higher in periodontitis patients compared to healthy controls. BAFF levels (p < .001) and arginase activity (p < .001) of periodontitis patients were reduced at 2 weeks posttreatment and continued to decrease up to 6 (p = .038) and 12 weeks (p = .024), respectively. The reduction of sCD163 levels became significant (p = .003) at 24 weeks posttreatment.

Conclusions

The decrease in salivary BAFF levels 2 weeks after periodontal treatment indicates a change in cell signaling toward limited B‐cell activation. Decreasing arginase activity similarly reflects a significant reduction in inflammatory response. The reduction in sCD163 levels that are observed at 24 weeks may reflect a longstanding anti‐inflammatory macrophage activation, given their multiple functions in immune response, inflammation, and healing.
Analytical performance evaluation of two automated urine sediment analysers using two levels of commercially available quality control material
Authors: Hokamp J. A. , Freeman K. , Harr K. E.
Published: April 2023

Objectives

Evaluate the in‐clinic performance of point‐of‐care sediment analysers, Analyzer V (Vetscan SA, Abaxis) and Analyzer S (SediVue DX, IDEXX), using assayed, bilevel (2 concentrations) urine quality control material to determine if instrument specifications are acceptable for semi‐quantitative clinical urine sediment analysis.

Materials and Methods

Accuracy, precision and clinical utility of Analyzer V and Analyzer S measurements were evaluated using a bilevel, assayed quality control material in 23 veterinary practices.

Results

Photomicrographs taken by the instruments facilitated manual review and quality assessment. Analyzer V and Analyzer S under‐identified the presence of cystine crystals with 83 and 13% inaccuracy in the positive quality control material, respectively. Analyzer V and Analyzer S over‐reported bacteria in the sterile quality control material with 82 and 94% specificity, respectively. Analyzer V and Analyzer S reported RBCs and WBCs within manufacturer specifications with excellent sensitivity (93 to 100%) and specificity (100%).

Clinical Significance

Additional improvement is needed to better classify crystal types and reduce false positives for bacteria before clinical use. While normal samples can generally be trusted, a manual review of abnormal samples is required to ensure that clinically important urine components are correctly evaluated. Future studies should evaluate the performance of these instruments with species‐specific urine sediment.
The main factors that drive plant dieback under extreme drought differ among Mediterranean shrubland plant biotypes
Authors: Maturano‐Ruiz Adrián , Ruiz‐Yanetti Samantha , Manrique‐Alba Àngela , Moutahir Hassane , Chirino Esteban , Vilagrosa Alberto , Bellot Juan F.
Published: April 2023

Questions

Knowledge of how extreme drought events induce plant dieback and, eventually, plant mortality, may improve our forecasting of ecosystem change according to future climate projections, especially in Mediterranean drylands. In them, shrublands are the main vegetation communities in transition areas from a subhumid to semi‐arid climate. This study analyzed differences in plant dieback after an unusual drought in 2014 and identified their main underlying factors in relation to three groups of explanatory variables: water availability, soil properties and vegetation structure attributes.

Location

Four Mediterranean shrublands along a climatic gradient in SE Spain.

Methods

At each experimental field site, we sampled a pool of vegetation structure characteristics, soil depth and soil surface properties, and we also determined water availability by continuously monitoring soil moisture and the microclimate conditions.

Results

The climatic analysis showed that there was an extreme drought event in 2014, which was below the first percentile of the driest years. Under such conditions, vegetation dieback occurred at all the study sites. However, plant dieback differed between sites and plant biotypes. Subshrubs were the main affected biotype, with diebacks close to 60% at the driest sites, and up to 40% dieback for shrubs depending on their vertical development. Relative extractable water and bare soil surface cover were the best explanatory variables of plant community dieback but changed between plant biotypes. Vegetation structure variables related to plant vertical development (leaf area index [LAI], plant height, phytovolume) were significant explanatory variables of plant dieback in shrubs, subshrubs and grasses. Consecutive dry days fitted the best model to explain subshrub dieback.

Conclusions

We found that rainfall pattern rather than total annual rainfall was the climatic factor that best determined water availability for plants in Mediterranean drylands. These results also pointed out the relevance of plant structure and soil properties for explaining ecosystem responses to extreme drought.
Trophic structure using ecological relationships between five dominant commercial fish in Kolahi to Dargahan
Authors: Masoomi Zahra , Haghi Mahsa , Zakeri Mohammad , Momeni Mohammad
Published: April 2023

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of frequent species population fluctuations and the impact of different rates of exploitation on other ecological links in the food web. The mass‐balanced Ecopath model represents the trophic interactions among the 31 defined functional groups in the Kolahi to Dargahan area, with five main species, including Trichiurus lepturus, Saurida tumbil, Nemipterus japonicus, Sillago sihama, and Cynoglossus arel (from April 2018 to April 2019). To investigate the effects of fishing and environmental disturbances, the Ecopath modeling approach combines software for analyzing ecosystem trophic‐level balances with population dynamic models. In the past 5 years, Hormozgan province has caught more than 45% of the benthic fish caught off the northern coasts of the Persian Gulf. From Kolahi to Dargahan, one of the most important fishing grounds in this province's southeast is located. Food web models are used to represent a marine system's current state, assess stock levels, and predict change over time. Over a year, the first five dominant fish in the study area, S. tumbil, S. sihama, C. arel, N. japonicus, and T. lepturus, were biometrically measured, and their population dynamics parameters as well as feeding ecology indices were analyzed. According to the trophic‐level index results, the five most common species studied in this study belonged to the third (N. Japonicas, S. sihama, and C. arel) and fourth (T. lepturus, and S. tumbil) trophic levels. The key species with the greatest impact on other groups of studied species were identified as S. tumbil and T. lepturus, respectively. The estimated ecosystem indicators were the system operational power (75846.797), the primary production/respiration ratio (0.034), the connectance index (0.159), and the system omnivory index (0.253). A pedigree index (PI) of 0.38 was estimated for the present model. Overexploitation of T. lepturus could disrupt the aquatic food web and adversely affect the long‐term sustainable use of aquatic resources, according to data. As a result, ecosystem‐based fisheries management should be implemented to find a more appropriate solution to sustainable exploitation in the studied habitat, an important fishing area in the Persian Gulf's north.
Oral health, anxiety symptoms and depressive symptoms: findings from the survey of health, ageing and retirement in Europe
Authors: Hajek André , Lieske Berit , König Hans‐Helmut , Zwar Larissa , Kretzler Benedikt , Moszka Nina , Aarabi Ghazal
Published: April 2023

Background

There is limited knowledge regarding the association between oral health and mental health in terms of depressive symptoms and particularly anxiety symptoms. Therefore, our aim was to close this gap in knowledge.

Methods

Cross‐sectional data were used from wave 5 of the pan‐European Survey of Health Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) (n = 62 358 observations). The Beck Anxiety Inventory was used to quantify anxiety symptoms and the Euro‐D was used to measure depressive symptoms. Oral health was quantified based on the presence of missing natural teeth, the number of missing natural teeth and the extent of replaced teeth. It was adjusted for several covariates in regression analysis.

Results

Multiple linear regressions revealed that the presence of missing natural teeth was associated with higher anxiety symptoms (β = 0.11, P < 0.001) and higher depressive symptoms (β = 0.22, P < 0.001) among the total sample. Among individuals with at least one missing natural tooth, the number of missing natural teeth was positively associated with higher anxiety symptoms (β = 0.02, P < 0.001) and higher depressive symptoms (β = 0.02, P < 0.001) – and fully replaced teeth (compared to not at all replaced teeth) were associated with lower anxiety symptoms (β = −0.35, P < 0.001) and lower depressive symptoms (β = −0.36, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our study stresses the association between lower oral health and lower mental health among older adults in Europe. Future studies based on longitudinal data are required.
Reproductive response of crossbredBos taurus × Bos indicuscows to biostimulation by pre‐pubertal and pubertal teasers
Authors: Landaeta‐Hernández Antonio J. , Castellanos Mario , Gil‐Araujo Marcelo , Peña‐Marcano María E. , Soto‐Belloso Eleazar , Dios‐Palomares Rafaela , Rae D. Owen , Archbald Louis F. , Chenoweth Peter J.
Published: April 2023

Although the beneficial effect of biostimulation on reproduction has been reported, the influence of selectivity and social factors on the response to biostimulation has not received sufficient research attention in bothBos indicusandBos indicusinfluenced cattle. Furthermore, ‘green and cheap’ strategies to improve cattle reproduction are currently in demand whileBos indicusinfluenced cattle with inferior reproductive performance, and farmers with economic limitations are common in tropical zones. Hence, to assess the reproductive response of crossbredtaurus × indicuscows to biostimulation by pre‐pubertal (PPM) or pubertal (PM) teasers males, two trials of 2 years each were conducted. Trial 1n = 187 cows (Year 1:85 cows exposed to PPM and Year 2:102 cows exposed to PM). Trial 2n = 196 cows (Year 1:101 cows exposed to PPM and Year 2:95 cows exposed to PM). The effect of exposing cows to PPM and PM on the intervals calving to first service (ICFS), calving to conception (ICC) and economic cost of days open (ECDO) was analysed using Kruskal–Wallis ANOVA and the effect of exposing cows to PPM and to PM on reproductive status at 90 days (RS90) and proportion of cows requiring hormonal protocols (PRH) was compared usingχ2analysis. Both ICFS and ICC were shorter (p < .0001) for PM‐exposed females (96.12 ± 4.1 and 110.93 ± 2.9 days; respectively) compared with those PPM‐exposed (134.41 ± 3.3 and 135.64 ± 2.4 days; respectively). With RS90, more (p < .0001) PM‐exposed cows (50.7%) were pregnant compared with PPM‐exposed cows (16.1%). The PRH was greater (p < .0001) in PPM‐exposed cows (79.0%) compared with PM‐exposed (27.9%). The ECDO was less (p < .0001) in PM‐exposed cows (US$ 142.9 ± 3.8) compared with PPM‐exposed (US$ 176.3 ± 2.9). In conclusion, cows exposed to PM had shorter ICFS and ICC compared with cows exposed to PPM. More cows exposed to PM were pregnant after 90 days, and PRH was less than cows exposed to PPM. Cows exposed to PM had a reduced ECDO than those exposed to PPM.
Fall fertilization during nursery production increases nitrogen status of Purshia tridentata seedlings: implications for outplanting
Authors: Dumroese R. Kasten , Zhu Yan , Acevedo Manuel A. , Pinto Jeremiah R. , Álvarez‐Maldini Carolina E. , Liu Yong
Published: April 2023

During container nursery production of Purshia tridentata (antelope bitterbrush), we found that three fall fertilization applications successfully loaded plants with nitrogen (N) with little effect on plant biomass. Using 15N‐labeled fertilizer to track N movements, we observed that N‐loaded seedlings attained luxury consumption and ultimately translocated more N toward roots. In trees, such N‐loading efforts have been reported to increase seedling survival and growth after outplanting by improving initial root growth. This leads to enhanced access to water and nutrients that increases overall plant competitiveness and performance. Our results add, in general, to the paucity of information concerning fall fertilization of shrubs, and specifically that this technique offers promise to enhance the quality of antelope bitterbrush seedlings. This could improve overall planting success of this important shrub native to western United States rangelands. Increasing the effectiveness of planting antelope bitterbrush, which can often improve restoration trajectories more than direct seeding or reliance on natural regeneration of this species, could accelerate the pace and scope of critical habitat restoration. Restoration is needed as antelope bitterbrush abundance has been reduced across the landscape because of conversion to agriculture, invasion by nonnative annual grasses, and an increase in fire frequency and intensity, among other reasons. In addition, this species provides browse for ungulates and critical habitat for at‐risk species, such as Centrocercus urophasianus (greater sage‐grouse). Although N loading antelope bitterbrush has potential to improve outplanting performance, the resulting higher nutrient status of this preferred browse species may lead to elevated browsing during seedling establishment.
Industry‐Specific Productivity and Spillovers Through Input–Output Linkages: Evidence from Asia‐Pacific Value Chain
Authors: Liu Weilin , Sickles Robin C.
Published: April 2023

Global value chains (GVCs) promote the diffusion of knowledge and technology. This paper develops an empirical production model that combines spillovers and productivity growth heterogeneity at the industry‐level. We exploit the GVCs linkages from inter‐country input–output tables to describe the interdependencies of technology within the input–output space and combine that with the Asian‐Pacific and US KLEMS database to estimate productivity growth. The spillover effects from capital deepening, intermediate deepening, and technical change are identified and decomposed into domestic and international effects. Our empirical results find that ignoring the industrial interactions leads to an overestimation of China's productivity growth, and underestimation for the US and Japan. The spillovers of capital and intermediate are found to be significantly positive. The spillovers of technical change received account for 32 to 40 percent of total productivity growth. These findings provide a better understanding of how technical changes are distributed and diffused within GVCs.
Unfair inequality and growth*
Authors: Marrero Gustavo A. , Rodríguez Juan G.
Published: April 2023

Fighting against economic inequality is one fundamental social goal in the agendas of most governments. However, recent studies highlight that people actually prefer unequal societies, as they accept inequality generated by an individual's effort and wish to reduce only unfair inequality (generated by factors beyond an individual's control). This distinction might help to explain the fundamental unsolved question about whether inequality is good or bad for growth: unfair inequality (UI) could be growth‐deterring, while fair inequality (FI) might be growth‐enhancing. We derive a reduced‐form growth equation from a stylized overlapping‐generations model with human capital that includes FI, UI, and poverty. Then, using an instrumental variable approach, we show for alternative samples and inequality measures at the worldwide level that the estimated coefficient associated with UI is always negative, while the coefficient of total inequality increases when UI is included in the regression. Moreover, we find that poverty mediates this relationship because the higher the poverty rate, the smaller the impact of either type of inequality on growth.
Hours risk and wage risk: repercussions over the life cycle*
Authors: Jessen Robin , König Johannes
Published: April 2023

We decompose earnings risk into contributions from hours and wage shocks. To distinguish between hours shocks, modeled as innovations to the marginal disutility of work, and labor supply reactions to wage shocks, we formulate a life‐cycle model of consumption and labor supply. For estimation, we use data on married American men from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics. Permanent wage shocks explain 31 percent of total risk, permanent hours shocks 21 percent. Progressive taxation attenuates cross‐sectional earnings risk, but its life‐cycle insurance impact is much smaller. At the mean, a one‐standard‐deviation hours shock raises lifetime income by 11 percent, a wage shock by 13 percent.
Cotton peroxisome‐localized lysophospholipase counteracts the toxic effects of Verticillium dahliaeNLP1 and confers wilt resistance
Authors: Wang Guilin , Wang Xinyu , Song Jian , Wang Haitang , Ruan Chaofeng , Zhang Wenshu , Guo Zhan , Li Weixi , Guo Wangzhen
Published: April 2023

Plasma membrane represents a critical battleground between plants and attacking microbes. Necrosis‐and‐ethylene‐inducing peptide 1 (Nep1)‐like proteins (NLPs), cytolytic toxins produced by some bacterial, fungal and oomycete species, are able to target on lipid membranes by binding eudicot plant‐specific sphingolipids (glycosylinositol phosphorylceramide) and form transient small pores, causing membrane leakage and subsequent cell death. NLP‐producing phytopathogens are a big threat to agriculture worldwide. However, whether there are R proteins/enzymes that counteract the toxicity of NLPs in plants remains largely unknown. Here we show that cotton produces a peroxisome‐localized enzyme lysophospholipase, GhLPL2. Upon Verticillium dahliae attack, GhLPL2 accumulates on the membrane and binds to V. dahliae secreted NLP, VdNLP1, to block its contribution to virulence. A higher level of lysophospholipase in cells is required to neutralize VdNLP1 toxicity and induce immunity‐related genes expression, meanwhile maintaining normal growth of cotton plants, revealing the role of GhLPL2 protein in balancing resistance to V. dahliae and growth. Intriguingly, GhLPL2 silencing cotton plants also display high resistance to V. dahliae, but show severe dwarfing phenotype and developmental defects, suggesting GhLPL2 is an essential gene in cotton. GhLPL2 silencing results in lysophosphatidylinositol over‐accumulation and decreased glycometabolism, leading to a lack of carbon sources required for plants and pathogens to survive. Furthermore, lysophospholipases from several other crops also interact with VdNLP1, implying that blocking NLP virulence by lysophospholipase may be a common strategy in plants. Our work demonstrates that overexpressing lysophospholipase encoding genes have great potential for breeding crops with high resistance against NLP‐producing microbial pathogens.
Compassion fatigue and COVID‐19: A global view from nurses
Authors: Jo Soojung , Kurt Şule , Mayer Kala , Pituch Keenan A. , Simpson Vicki , Skibiski Jeanie , Takagi Etsuko , Reifsnider Elizabeth
Published: April 2023

Background

Due to the rapid spread of COVID‐19 variants, the number of people hospitalized for COVID‐19 may create psychological burdens on nurses. Nurses with high levels of compassion fatigue (CF) are more likely to make work errors, deliver poor‐quality care, and have greater intent to leave their position.

Objectives

This study utilized the social‐ecological model to examine factors associated with nurses' CF and compassion satisfaction (CS) during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

Data were collected from the United States, Japan, and South Korea from July to December 2020. The Professional Quality of Life Scale was used to measure burnout (BO), secondary traumatic stress (STS), and CS.

Results

Data from 662 responses were used in the analysis. Mean scores were 25.04 (±6.44) for BO, 24.81 (±6.43) for STS, and 37.85 (±7.67) for CS. Multiple regression analyses indicated that resilience and intention to leave nursing were related to each study outcome (i.e., BO, STS, and CS). Greater resilience predicted lower BO and STS but greater CS, whereas intention to leave nursing indicated greater BO and STS, but lower CS. Furthermore, intrapersonal factors and organizational factors (i.e., nurses involved in developing policies to prepare for COVID‐19 patients, organizational support, and personal protective equipment [PPE] provisions) were related to BO, STS, and CS.

Linking Evidence to Practice

To promote nurses' psychological well‐being, improvement of organizational factors such as support, PPE, and programs to enhance resilience is recommended to prepare for future emerging infectious disease crises.
Google Assistant Assisted Language Learning (GAALL): ESL Learners’ Perception and Problem towards AI-powered Google Assistant-Assisted English Language Learning
Authors: N Moulieswaran , N S Prasantha Kumar
Published: April 2023

The New-fangled strategy called Artificial Intelligence (AI) Assisted Language Learning (AI-ALL) incorporates Google Assistant (GA) to support the learning activities of learners. At present, it is considered Google Assistant Assisted Language Learning (GAALL). For many years, academicians have been exploring ways to use AI for tasks that are related to education. The major objectives of this study are to emphasize 1) The ESL learners' perceptions of using AI-powered Google Assistant for learning the English language; 2). The ESL learners’ problems are concerned with utilizing AI-powered Google Assistant to support language learning, especially in English. A survey instrument was employed to the data, including primary research objects, from (n = 141) engineering stream undergraduates. The data was gathered using a questionnaire with 5 points Likert scale. According to the survey, the vast majority of students, especially individuals who were learning English, had a positive opinion of AI-driven GA. The major problem is the lack of quality in GA on smartphones. However, it is envisaged that AI-powered GA in language learning, also known as GAALL, would be deployed as one of the instructional media that might help learners to learn English efficiently as a Second Language. This study suggests that further research studies in this field could be conducted to test the efficacy of AI in ESL contexts.
Chemical mechanical planarization for Ta-based superconducting quantum devices
Authors: Bhatia Ekta , Kar Soumen , Nalaskowski Jakub , Vo Tuan , Olson Stephen , Frost Hunter , Mucci John , Martinick Brian , Hung Pui Yee , Wells Ilyssa , Schujman Sandra , Papa Rao Satyavolu S.
Published: April 2023

We report on the development of a chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) process for thick damascene Ta structures with pattern feature sizes down to 100 nm. This CMP process is the core of the fabrication sequence for scalable superconducting integrated circuits at a 300 mm wafer scale. This work has established the elements of various CMP-related design rules that can be followed by a designer for the layout of circuits that include Ta-based coplanar waveguide resonators, capacitors, and interconnects for tantalum-based qubits and single flux quantum circuits. The fabrication of these structures utilizes a 193 nm optical lithography along with 300 mm process tools for dielectric deposition, reactive ion etch, wet-clean, CMP, and in-line metrology—all tools typical for a 300 mm wafer CMOS foundry. Theprocess development was guided by measurements of the physical and electrical characteristics of the planarized structures. Physical characterization such as atomic force microscopy across the 300 mm wafer surface showed that local topography was less than 5 nm. Electrical characterization confirmed low leakage at room temperature, and less than 12% within wafer sheet resistance variation for damascene Ta line widths ranging from 100 nm to 3 μm. Run-to-run reproducibility was also evaluated. Effects of process integration choices including the deposited thickness of Ta are discussed.
Recognition of spectrally shaped speech in speech-modulated noise: Effects of age, spectral shape, speech level, and vocoding
Authors: Fogerty Daniel , Ahlstrom Jayne B. , Dubno Judy R.
Published: April 2023

This study examined the recognition of spectrally shaped syllables and sentences in speech-modulated noise by younger and older adults. The effect of spectral shaping and speech level on temporal amplitude modulation cues was explored through speech vocoding. Subclinical differences in hearing thresholds in older adults were controlled using threshold matching noise. Older, compared to younger, adults had poorer recognition but similar improvements as the bandwidth of the shaping function increased. Spectral shaping may enhance the sensation level of glimpsed speech, which improves speech recognition in noise, even with mild elevations in hearing thresholds.
Illustration of diffusion and equipartitioning as local processes: A numerical study using the scalar radiative transfer equation
Authors: Jaimes Manuel , Snieder Roel
Published: April 2023

We study the transition from ballistic to diffusive to equipartitioned waves in scattering media using the acoustic radiative transfer equation. To solve this equation, we first transform it into an integral equation for the specific intensity and then construct a time stepping algorithm with which we evolve the specific intensity numerically in time. We handle the advection of energy analytically at the computational grid points and use numerical interpolation to deal with advection terms that do not lie on the grid points. This approach allows us to reduce the numerical dispersion, compared to standard numerical techniques. With this algorithm, we are able to model various initial conditions for the intensity field, non-isotropic scattering, and uniform scatterer density. We test this algorithm for an isotropic initial condition, isotropic scattering, and uniform scattering density, and find good agreement with analytical solutions. We compare our numerical solutions to known two-dimensional diffusion approximations and find good agreement. We use this algorithm to numerically investigate the transition from ballistic to diffusive to equipartitioned wave propagation over space and time, for two different initial conditions. The first one corresponds to an isotropic Gaussian distribution in space and the second one to a plane wave segment. We find that diffusion and equipartitioning must be treated as local rather than global concepts. This local behavior of equipartitioning has implications for Green's functions reconstruction, which is of interest in acoustics and seismology.
Accelerated epithelial layer healing induced by tactile anisotropy in surface topography
Authors: Pramotton Francesca Michela , Cousin Lucien , Roy Tamal , Giampietro Costanza , Cecchini Marco , Masciullo Cecilia , Ferrari Aldo , Poulikakos Dimos
Published: April 2023

Mammalian cells respond to tactile cues from topographic elements presented by the substrate. Among these, anisotropic features distributed in an ordered manner give directionality. In the extracellular matrix, this ordering is embedded in a noisy environment altering the contact guidance effect. To date, it is unclear how cells respond to topographical signals in a noisy environment. Here, using rationally designed substrates, we report morphotaxis, a guidance mechanism enabling fibroblasts and epithelial cells to move along gradients of topographic order distortion. Isolated cells and cell ensembles perform morphotaxis in response to gradients of different strength and directionality, with mature epithelia integrating variations of topographic order over hundreds of micrometers. The level of topographic order controls cell cycle progression, locally delaying or promoting cell proliferation. In mature epithelia, the combination of morphotaxis and noise-dependent distributed proliferation provides a strategy to enhance wound healing as confirmed by a mathematical model capturing key elements of the process.
Loss of Earth system resilience during early Eocene transient global warming events
Authors: Setty Shruti , Cramwinckel Margot J. , van Nes Egbert H. , van de Leemput Ingrid A. , Dijkstra Henk A. , Lourens Lucas J , Scheffer Marten , Sluijs Appy
Published: April 2023

Superimposed on long-term late Paleocene–early Eocene warming (~59 to 52 million years ago), Earth’s climate experienced a series of abrupt perturbations, characterized by massive carbon input into the ocean-atmosphere system and global warming. Here, we examine the three most punctuated events of this period, the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum and Eocene Thermal Maximum 2 and 3, to probe whether they were initiated by climate-driven carbon cycle tipping points. Specifically, we analyze the dynamics of climate and carbon cycle indicators acquired from marine sediments to detect changes in Earth system resilience and to identify positive feedbacks. Our analyses suggest a loss of Earth system resilience toward all three events. Moreover, dynamic convergent cross mapping reveals intensifying coupling between the carbon cycle and climate during the long-term warming trend, supporting increasingly dominant climate forcing of carbon cycle dynamics during the Early Eocene Climatic Optimum when these recurrent global warming events became more frequent.
Small-molecule PIK-93 modulates the tumor microenvironment to improve immune checkpoint blockade response
Authors: Lin Chia-Yi , Huang Kuo-Yen , Kao Shih-Han , Lin Ming-Shiu , Lin Chih-Chien , Yang Shuenn-Chen , Chung Wei-Chia , Chang Ya-Hsuan , Chein Rong-Jie , Yang Pan-Chyr
Published: April 2023

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting PD-L1 immunotherapy are state-of-the-art treatments for advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the treatment response of certain patients with NSCLC is unsatisfactory because of an unfavorable tumor microenvironment (TME) and poor permeability of antibody-based ICIs. In this study, we aimed to discover small-molecule drugs that can modulate the TME to enhance ICI treatment efficacy in NSCLC in vitro and in vivo. We identified a PD-L1 protein-modulating small molecule, PIK-93, using a cell-based global protein stability (GPS) screening system. PIK-93 mediated PD-L1 ubiquitination by enhancing the PD-L1–Cullin-4A interaction. PIK-93 reduced PD-L1 levels on M1 macrophages and enhanced M1 antitumor cytotoxicity. Combined PIK-93 and anti–PD-L1 antibody treatment enhanced T cell activation, inhibited tumor growth, and increased tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) recruitment in syngeneic and human peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) line–derived xenograft mouse models. PIK-93 facilitates a treatment-favorable TME when combined with anti–PD-L1 antibodies, thereby enhancing PD-1/PD-L1 blockade cancer immunotherapy.
Response to comment on “Reexamination of 2.5-Ga ‘whiff’ of oxygen interval points to anoxic ocean before GOE”
Authors: Slotznick Sarah P. , Johnson Jena E. , Rasmussen Birger , Raub Timothy D. , Webb Samuel M. , Zi Jian-Wei , Kirschvink Joseph L. , Fischer Woodward W.
Published: April 2023

Sedimentological, textural, and microscale analyses of the Mount McRae Shale revealed a complex postdepositional history, previously unrecognized in bulk geochemical studies. We found that metal enrichments in the shale do not reside with depositional organic carbon, as previously proposed by Anbar
et al
., but with late-stage pyrite, compromising claims for a “whiff” of oxygen ~50 million years before the Great Oxygenation Event.
Tomography of Feshbach resonance states
Authors: Margulis Baruch , Horn Karl P. , Reich Daniel M. , Upadhyay Meenu , Kahn Nitzan , Christianen Arthur , van der Avoird Ad , Groenenboom Gerrit C. , Meuwly Markus , Koch Christiane P. , Narevicius Edvardas
Published: April 2023

Feshbach resonances are fundamental to interparticle interactions and become particularly important in cold collisions with atoms, ions, and molecules. In this work, we present the detection of Feshbach resonances in a benchmark system for strongly interacting and highly anisotropic collisions: molecular hydrogen ions colliding with noble gas atoms. The collisions are launched by cold Penning ionization, which exclusively populates Feshbach resonances that span both short- and long-range parts of the interaction potential. We resolved all final molecular channels in a tomographic manner using ion-electron coincidence detection. We demonstrate the nonstatistical nature of the final-state distribution. By performing quantum scattering calculations on ab initio potential energy surfaces, we show that the isolation of the Feshbach resonance pathways reveals their distinctive fingerprints in the collision outcome.
Targeting the undruggable
Authors: Bakhoum Samuel F.
Published: April 2023

Journey through basic biology reveals a way to treat chromosomally unstable cancers
Structure of the R2 non-LTR retrotransposon initiating target-primed reverse transcription
Authors: Wilkinson Max E. , Frangieh Chris J. , Macrae Rhiannon K. , Zhang Feng
Published: April 2023

Non–long terminal repeat (non-LTR) retrotransposons, or long interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs), are an abundant class of eukaryotic transposons that insert into genomes by target-primed reverse transcription (TPRT). During TPRT, a target DNA sequence is nicked and primes reverse transcription of the retrotransposon RNA. Here, we report the cryo–electron microscopy structure of the
Bombyx mori
R2 non-LTR retrotransposon initiating TPRT at its ribosomal DNA target. The target DNA sequence is unwound at the insertion site and recognized by an upstream motif. An extension of the reverse transcriptase (RT) domain recognizes the retrotransposon RNA and guides the 3′ end into the RT active site to template reverse transcription. We used Cas9 to retarget R2 in vitro to non-native sequences, suggesting future use as a reprogrammable RNA-based gene-insertion tool.
Chemistry that allows plastic recycling
Authors: Guillaume Sophie M.
Published: April 2023

Enhancing thermal stability of polyhydroxyalkanoates for their closed-loop chemistry
Human T follicular helper clones seed the germinal center–resident regulatory pool
Authors: Le Coz Carole , Oldridge Derek A. , Herati Ramin S. , De Luna Nina , Garifallou James , Cruz Cabrera Emylette , Belman Jonathan P. , Pueschl Dana , Silva Luisa V. , Knox Ainsley V. C. , Reid Whitney , Yoon Samuel , Zur Karen B. , Handler Steven D. , Hakonarson Hakon , Wherry E. John , Gonzalez Michael , Romberg Neil
Published: April 2023

The mechanisms by which FOXP3
+
T follicular regulatory (Tfr) cells simultaneously steer antibody formation toward microbe or vaccine recognition and away from self-reactivity remain incompletely understood. To explore underappreciated heterogeneity in human Tfr cell development, function, and localization, we used paired
TCRVA
/
TCRVB
sequencing to distinguish tonsillar Tfr cells that are clonally related to natural regulatory T cells (nTfr) from those likely induced from T follicular helper (Tfh) cells (iTfr). The proteins iTfr and nTfr cells differentially expressed were used to pinpoint their in situ locations via multiplex microscopy and establish their divergent functional roles. In silico analyses and in vitro tonsil organoid tracking models corroborated the existence of separate T
reg
-to-nTfr and Tfh-to-iTfr developmental trajectories. Our results identify human iTfr cells as a distinct CD38
+
, germinal center–resident, Tfh-descended subset that gains suppressive function while retaining the capacity to help B cells, whereas CD38
−
nTfr cells are elite suppressors primarily localized in follicular mantles. Interventions differentially targeting specific Tfr cell subsets may provide therapeutic opportunities to boost immunity or more precisely treat autoimmune diseases.
Too Much or Not Enough: The Role of
mprF
in Regulating Overall Phospholipid Content
Authors: Fozo Elizabeth M.
Published: April 2023

Despite their fundamental role in defining cells, lipids and the contributions of specific lipid classes in bacterial physiology and pathogenesis have not been highlighted well.
Enterococcus faecalis
, a commensal bacterial and major hospital-acquired bacterium, synthesizes only a few known phospholipids. One of these variants, lysyl-phosphatidylglycerol, is critical for surviving cationic antimicrobial peptides, but its consequence on overall membrane composition and cellular properties has not been thoroughly examined.
Investigating the Relationship between CRISPR-Cas Content and Growth Rate in Bacteria
Authors: Liu Zhi-Ling , Hu En-Ze , Niu Deng-Ke
Published: April 2023

Accumulating evidence indicates that slowing the growth of cultured bacteria could stimulate their CRISPR spacer acquisition. We observed a positive correlation between CRISPR-Cas content and cell cycle duration across the bacteria domain. This observation extends the physiological conclusion to an evolutionary one. In addition, the correlation provides evidence supporting the existence of a trade-off between bacterial growth/reproduction and antiviral resistance.
Correlation between the IgG/IgA Antibody Response against PEDV Structural Protein and Virus Neutralization
Authors: Song Xu , Qian Jiali , Wang Chuanhong , Wang Dandan , Zhou Junming , Zhao Yongxiang , Wang Wei , Li Jizong , Guo Rongli , Li Yunchuan , Zhu Xuejiao , Yang Shanshan , Zhang Xuehan , Fan Baochao , Li Bin
Published: April 2023

The humoral immune response plays an important role in virus neutralization. Against PEDV, both IgG and the mucosal immune component IgA play roles in virus neutralization.