bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Icariin attenuates ischaemic stroke through suppressing inflammation mediated by endoplasmic reticulum stress signalling pathway in rats
Authors: Zheng Jie , Liao Yuling , Xu Yuanyuan , Mo Zhentao
Published: April 2022

Ischaemic stroke possesses the characteristics of high incidence, high disability and high mortality. Icariin (ICA) is a flavonoid extracted from the traditional Chinese medicine Epimedium. The protective effect of ICA on ischaemic stroke is worthy of further study. In this study, male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into the following seven groups: sham, model, ICA low‐dose (10 mg/kg), ICA medium‐dose (20 mg/kg), ICA high‐dose (40 mg/kg), positive control drug (12 mg/kg nimodipine) and endoplasmic reticulum stress induction (0.16 mg/kg tunicamycin) groups. The model of cerebral ischaemia–reperfusion injury in the rats, including 2 h ischaemia and 24 h reperfusion, was accomplished by applying the method of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). At 24 h reperfusion, neurological deficits, brain water content, pathological damage of brain tissues, the expression of inflammation‐related targets, and the signal pathway‐related proteins were explored. Compared with the model group, ICA significantly improved neurological deficits, brain oedema and pathological damage after MCAO. In addition, ICA increased neuron survival, reduced microglial activation and expression of IL‐1β, alleviating the inflammatory damage caused by ischaemic stroke. Moreover, ICA suppressed the expressions of glucose‐regulated protein 78 (GRP78), inositol requiring enzyme‐1 α (IRE1α), phospho‐IRE1α (p‐IRE1α), protein kinase RNA‐like ER kinase (PERK), phospho‐PERK (p‐PERK), spliced XBP1 (XBP1s), unspliced XBP1 (XBP1u), thioredoxin‐interacting protein (TXNIP), NLRP3, and caspase‐1. These results suggested that ICA offers neuroprotection against ischaemic stroke by inhibiting ER stress‐mediated inflammation.
Universal cooling patterns of the butterfly wing scales hierarchy deduced from the heterogeneous thermal and structural properties of Tirumala limniace (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae, Danainae)
Authors: Tang Chu‐Fei , Li Fan‐Fan , Cao Ye , Liao Huai‐Jian
Published: April 2022

The radiative cooling of butterfly wing scales hierarchy has great value in understanding how poikilotherms adapt to the environment and developing bionic materials. However, it remains unclear what the cooling system is like and how the variation of hierarchy affects the cooling efficiency. Therefore, the correlation between the variations of the structure and emissivity of scale hierarchy is thoroughly investigated in Tirumala limniace (Cramer, 1775), whose thermal properties are highly heterogeneous among different wings and regions but similar between males and females. Patterns were deduced from the biological and model simulation experiments. The scale hierarchy varies at the micro‐ to nanolevel on both surface and section, corresponding to the variating emissivity. Scales on wing veins and margins have large nanostructured units with small lumens and are distinctly thickened, which bring extraordinarily high emissivity. The variations of light and dark scales, respectively, lead to the high emissivity of the middle region of wings and the front wings. Generally, the elevation of the inner surface area and the thickness of the chitin is the key to enhancing the cooling efficiency. For the first time, the effects of the variation of hierarchy toward emissivity of the mid‐infrared spectrum are systematically clarified. It is demonstrated that wing scales integrally differentiate in coping with the heterogeneous cooling needs, which may benefit in balancing multifunctions and the development toward the adaptation to the abiotic environment. The study provides insights into the comprehensive thermoregulation system of butterflies and the further development of radiative cooling materials.
Clinical validation of the nursing diagnosis “Ineffective health self‐management” in people living with HIV
Authors: Júnior Aurean D'Eça , Rabêlo Poliana Pereira Costa , Lopes Marcos Venícios de Oliveira , Rodrigues Livia dos Santos , Lopes Camila Takáo , Silva Richardson Augusto Rosendo da
Published: April 2022

Objective

Check diagnostic accuracy of the defining characteristics of the nursing diagnosis “Ineffective health self‐management” in people living with HIV.

Methods

Methodological study conducted in a specialized public service for people living with HIV in Northeastern Brazil, between February and April 2021, with a sample of 203 people. Latent class analysis was used to calculate the accuracy measurements of the defining characteristics, as well as the sensitivity and specificity values with their respective 95% confidence intervals. The likelihood ratio test (G2) was applied to evaluate the adequacy of the fit of the models obtained (p > 0.05).

Results

The prevalence of Ineffective health self‐management estimated through the latent class model was 67.5%. “Exacerbation of diseases symptoms,” “failure to take action that reduces risk factor,” “exacerbation of diseases signs,” and “ineffective choices in daily living for meeting health goal” had the highest sensitivity values (0.80–0.9429). “Exhibits disease sequelae,” “inattentive to diseases signs,” and “inattentive to disease symptoms” had the highest specificity values (0.9999–1.0000).

Conclusions

The useful characteristics for discriminating PLHIV with and without diagnosis are “exacerbation of diseases symptoms,” “failure to take action that reduces risk factor,” “exacerbation of diseases signs,” and “ineffective choices in daily living for meeting health goal.” The diagnosis can be confirmed by the indicators “exhibits disease sequelae”, “inattentive to diseases signs,” and “inattentive to disease symptoms.”

Implications for nursing practices

The study demonstrates the levels of importance of the defining characteristics of “Ineffective health self‐management” in people living with HIV contributes to suspicion and accurate diagnostic identification of nurses and researchers.
Characterization of cord blood CD3+TCRVα7.2+CD161high T and innate lymphoid cells in the pregnancies with gestational diabetes, morbidly adherent placenta, and pregnancy hypertension diseases
Authors: Haliloglu Yesim , Ozcan Alper , Erdem Serife , Azizoglu Zehra Busra , Bicer Ayten , Ozarslan Ozcan Yeniay , Kilic Omer , Okus Fatma Zehra , Demir Fatma , Canatan Halit , Karakukcu Musa , Uludag Semih Zeki , Kutuk M. Serdar , Unal Ekrem , Eken Ahmet
Published: April 2022

Problem

Although pregnant women with gestational diabetes (GD), morbidly adherent placenta (MAP), and pregnancy hypertension (pHT) diseases lead to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), little is known about their effect on mucosal‐associated invariant T (MAIT) and innate lymphoid cells (ILC) in the umbilical cord. This study aimed to quantify and characterize MAIT cells and ILCs in the cord blood of pregnant women with GD, MAP, and pHT diseases.

Method of study

Cord blood mononuclear cells (CBMCs) were isolated by Ficoll‐Paque gradient. CD3+TCRVα7.2+CD161high cells and ILC subsets were quantified by flow cytometry. CBMCs were stimulated with PMA/Ionomycin and Golgi Plug for 4 h and stained for IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, and granzyme B. The stained cells were analyzed on FACS ARIA III.

Results

Compared with healthy pregnancies, in the cord blood of the pHT group, elevated number of lymphocytes was observed. Moreover, the absolute number of IFN‐γ producing CD4+ or CD4− subsets of CD3+TCRVα7.2+CD161high cells as well as those producing granzyme B were significantly elevated in the pHT group compared to healthy controls suggesting increased MAIT cell activity in the pHT cord blood. Similarly, in the MAP group, the absolute number of total CD3+TCRVα7.2+CD161high cells, but not individual CD4+ or negative subsets, were significantly increased compared with healthy controls’ cord blood. Absolute numbers of total CD3+TCRVα7.2+CD161high cells and their subsets were comparable in the cord blood of the GD group compared with healthy controls. Finally, the absolute number of total ILCs and ILC3 subset were significantly elevated in only pHT cord blood compared with healthy controls. Our data also reveal that IFN‐γ+ or granzyme B+ cell numbers negatively correlated with fetal birth weight.

Conclusions

CD3+TCRVα7.2+CD161high cells and ILCs show unique expansion and activity in the cord blood of pregnant women with distinct diseases causing IUGR and may play roles in fetal growth restriction.
Risk factors for bleeding complications during venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a bridge to recovery
Authors: Kawauchi Akira , Liu Keibun , Nakamura Mitsunobu , Suzuki Hiroyuki , Fujizuka Kenji , Nakano Minoru
Published: April 2022

Background

Bleeding complications during venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V‐V ECMO) can be critical. However, there is limited information on the associated risk factors. This study investigated the risk factors for bleeding complications during V‐V ECMO as a bridge to recovery.

Methods

This single‐center retrospective study enrolled 59 patients (bleeding and non‐bleeding groups) who received V‐V ECMO from 2012 to 2020, to evaluate whether peak activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) value, lowest platelet count, and mobilization to sitting on the edge of the bed during V‐V ECMO were risk factors for bleeding complications, defined according to the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization guidelines. Age, sex, body mass index, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score, and ECMO duration before bleeding complications were covariates in the multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

Thirty‐one (53%) participants experienced 36 bleeding complications; the ECMO cannulation site, gastrointestinal tract, and nasopharyngeal region were the most common bleeding sites. The use of transfusion products and length of ECMO and intensive care unit stay were significantly and medical costs were non‐significantly increased in the bleeding group. Peak APTT (odds ratio [OR] 1.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01–1.05, p < 0.01) was significantly associated whereas the lowest platelet count (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.82–1.13, p = 0.66) was unassociated with bleeding complications during ECMO. Achieving mobilization (OR 0.14, 95% CI 0.02–1.17, p = 0.07) decreased the trend of risk for bleeding complications.

Conclusions

Peak APTT might be an independent modifiable factor for bleeding complications during V‐V ECMO. The protective effect of mobilization during V‐V ECMO requires further investigation.
Effect of spraying behavior and body size on predators of the big head stick insect Megacrania tsudai (Phasmatodea: Phasmatidae)
Authors: Kobayashi Shun , Takaoka Chihaya , Tanimoto Hiromu , Arimitsu Satoru , Izawa Masako
Published: April 2022

Some insects use multiple defensive methods, although little research exists on the complementary effects of these strategies on their predators. For example, Megacrania tsudai uses crypsis to blend with its background and when threatened it uses a chemical spray. However, the effectiveness of the spraying defense is unclear, although some potential predators were known. This study aimed to reveal the effect of the secondary defenses of M. tsudai. Although the liquid chemical amount changes with growth stages, neither geckos, frogs, spiders nor insects could predate M. tsudai when it grew to a certain size, regardless of the spray effectiveness. Therefore, at the fifth instar or older growth stages of M. tsudai, its predators were limited to birds. Megacrania tsudai that did not spray their liquid chemicals were attacked by predators (other than birds) more than species that sprayed the chemicals. Birds predated all instars regardless of the amount of liquid spray. In conclusion, M. tsudai mainly uses cryptic coloration for predators using visual sense such as diurnal birds, and body size and chemical defenses for other predators, as its defensive measure. The defensive strategy of M. tsudai could relate to its life history.
Granulocyte macrophage‐colony stimulating factor and keratinocyte growth factor control of early stages of differentiation of oral epithelium
Authors: Das Ridhima , Virlan Maria Justina Roxana , Xenaki Victoria , Kulasekara Keerthi K. , Lukandu Ochiba , Neppelberg Evelyn , Vintermyr Olav K. , Johannessen Anne. Chr. , Calenic Bogdan , Costea Daniela Elena
Published: April 2022

Oral epithelial differentiation is known to be directed by underlying fibroblasts, but the responsible factor(s) have not been identified. We aimed here to identify fibroblast‐derived factors responsible for oral epithelial differentiation. Primary normal human oral keratinocytes and fibroblasts were isolated from healthy volunteers after informed consent (n = 5) and 3D‐organotypic (3D‐OT) cultures were constructed. Various growth factors were added at a range of 0.1‐100 ng/ml. 3D‐OTs were harvested after ten days and assessed histologically, by immunohistochemistry and the TUNEL method. Epithelium developed in 3D‐OT without fibroblasts showed an undifferentiated phenotype. Addition of granulocyte macrophage‐colony stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) induced expression of cytokeratin 13 in suprabasal cell layers. Admixture of GM‐CSF and keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) induced, in addition, polarization of epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor and β1‐integrin to basal cell layer and collagen IV deposition. Terminal differentiation with polarization of TUNEL‐positive cells to superficial layers occurred only in the presence of fibroblasts in collagen gels either in direct contact or at distance from normal oral keratinocytes. Taken together, these results show that major aspects of oral epithelial differentiation are regulated by the synergic combination of GM‐CSF and KGF. However, the terminal stage seems to be controlled by other yet unidentified fibroblast‐derived diffusible factor(s).
Remarkable effects of microbial factors on soil phosphorus bioavailability: A country‐scale study
Authors: Lu Jing‐li , Jia Pu , Feng Shi‐wei , Wang Yu‐tao , Zheng Jin , Ou Shu‐ning , Wu Zhuo‐hui , Liao Bin , Shu Wen‐sheng , Liang Jie‐Liang , Li Jin‐tian
Published: April 2022

Low soil phosphorus (P) bioavailability causes the widespread occurrence of P‐limited terrestrial ecosystems around the globe. Exploring the factors influencing soil P bioavailability at large spatial scales is critical for managing these ecosystems. However, previous studies have mostly focused on abiotic factors. In this study, we explored the effects of microbial factors on soil P bioavailability of terrestrial ecosystems using a country‐scale sampling effort. Our results showed that soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and acid phosphatase were important predictors of soil P bioavailability of agro‐ and natural ecosystems across China although they appeared less important than total soil P. The two microbial factors had a positive effect on soil P bioavailability of both ecosystem types and were able to mediate the effects of several abiotic factors (e.g., mean annual temperature). Meanwhile, we revealed that soil phytase could affect soil P bioavailability at the country scale via ways similar to those of soil MBC and acid phosphatase, a pattern being more pronounced in agroecosystems than in natural ecosystems. Moreover, we obtained evidence for the positive effects of microbial genes encoding these enzymes on soil P bioavailability at the country scale although their effect sizes varied between the two ecosystem types. Taken together, this study demonstrated the remarkable effects of microbial factors on soil P bioavailability at a large spatial scale, highlighting the importance to consider microbial factors in managing the widespread P‐limited terrestrial ecosystems.
Exceptional heat and atmospheric dryness amplified losses of primary production during the 2020 U.S. Southwest hot drought
Authors: Dannenberg Matthew P. , Yan Dong , Barnes Mallory L. , Smith William K. , Johnston Miriam R. , Scott Russell L. , Biederman Joel A. , Knowles John F. , Wang Xian , Duman Tomer , Litvak Marcy E. , Kimball John S. , Williams A. Park , Zhang Yao
Published: April 2022

Earth's ecosystems are increasingly threatened by “hot drought,” which occurs when hot air temperatures coincide with precipitation deficits, intensifying the hydrological, physiological, and ecological effects of drought by enhancing evaporative losses of soil moisture (SM) and increasing plant stress due to higher vapor pressure deficit (VPD). Drought‐induced reductions in gross primary production (GPP) exert a major influence on the terrestrial carbon sink, but the extent to which hotter and atmospherically drier conditions will amplify the effects of precipitation deficits on Earth's carbon cycle remains largely unknown. During summer and autumn 2020, the U.S. Southwest experienced one of the most intense hot droughts on record, with record‐low precipitation and record‐high air temperature and VPD across the region. Here, we use this natural experiment to evaluate the effects of hot drought on GPP and further decompose those negative GPP anomalies into their constituent meteorological and hydrological drivers. We found a 122 Tg C (>25%) reduction in GPP below the 2015–2019 mean, by far the lowest regional GPP over the Soil Moisture Active Passive satellite record. Roughly half of the estimated GPP loss was attributable to low SM (likely a combination of record‐low precipitation and warming‐enhanced evaporative depletion), but record‐breaking VPD amplified the reduction of GPP, contributing roughly 40% of the GPP anomaly. Both air temperature and VPD are very likely to continue increasing over the next century, likely leading to more frequent and intense hot droughts and substantially enhancing drought‐induced GPP reductions.
Community intervention programs prolong the onset of functional disability among older Japanese
Authors: Yamamoto Takafumi , Hikichi Hiroyuki , Kondo Katsunori , Osaka Ken , Aida Jun
Published: April 2022

Aim

This study examined the effects of a “community‐based center” intervention to prevent the onset of functional disability among residents in disaster‐affected areas.

Methods

We used data from a prospective cohort study conducted from 2010 to 2016 in Iwanuma City, Japan. Participants were community‐dwelling independent adults aged ≥65 years. The exposure variable was the experience of using a community‐based center. The outcome variable was functional disability onset. The average treatment effect on the treated (ATET) was estimated by adjusting for possible confounders. Additional analysis stratified by sex was conducted considering the sex differences in social participation rates.

Results

Among 3794 participants (mean ± SD age = 72.9 ±5.3 years, 46.0% men), 196 (5.2%) used the community‐based center, and 849 (22.4%) exhibited disability onset. Of those with functional disabilities, 40 (20.4%) used the community‐based center, while 809 (22.5%) did not. The ATET for functional disability onset with community‐based center activities across all participants were not significant (ATET: 0.51 years [95% confidence interval [CI] = −0.23; 1.27]). However, the direction of the effect of community‐based center activities differed by sex (ATET: −0.14, 95% CI = −2.59; 2.31 for men [n = 18], and 0.66, 95% CI = 0.18; 1.16 for women [n = 178]). Women exhibited a 15.63% (95% CI = 3.58; 27.68) increase in the time until functional disability onset.

Conclusions

The use of community‐based centers was associated with a longer period without functional disability in women. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 465–470.
Effects of four multi‐compound freezing medium on the quality of red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) during frozen storage
Authors: Zhao Xi , Li Hongyue , Cui Fangchao , Wang Jinxiang , Yi Shumin , Mi Hongbo , Lv Yanfang , Li Xuepeng , Li Jianrong
Published: April 2022

Taking air freezing (AF) as the reference, the effects of four types of multi‐compound freezing medium for cryogenic liquid quick‐freezing (immersion freezing, IF) on the freezing rate, quality and myofibrillar protein (MP) denaturation of red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) fillets during frozen storage (−18°C) from days 0 to 90 were studied. Samples were gathered on days 0, 15, 30, 45, 60 and 90 for analysis. The results showed that IF groups (IF‐1: 20% ethanol, 30% propylene glycol, 10% sodium chloride aqueous solution; IF‐2: 20% ethanol, 20% propylene glycol, 10% glycerol, 10% sodium chloride aqueous solution; IF‐3: 20% ethanol, 20% propylene glycol, 10% polyethylene glycol, 10% sodium chloride aqueous solution; IF‐4: 20% ethanol, 20% propylene glycol, 5% glycerol, 5% polyethylene glycol, 10% sodium chloride aqueous solution) significantly shortened the time to cross the formation zone of maximum ice crystals while the freezing rate was 6.13 times higher than the AF group after adding 30% propylene glycol as the freezing medium. Furthermore, compared with the AF group, the IF groups significantly reduced losses in the water‐holding capacity, the myofibrillar fragmentation index, microstructure damage, texture characteristics, drip loss and water migration (P < 0.05). In addition, the MP of IF groups had higher maximum transition temperatures (Tmax1 and Tmax2), total sulfhydryl content, Ca2+‐ATPase activity and relative α‐helix content compared with the AF group. In conclusion, IF could significantly increase the freezing rate of red drum fillets, and slow down quality deterioration and denaturation of MP during frozen storage for 90 days (−18°C). In particular, IF‐2 (20% ethanol, 20% propylene glycol, 10% glycerol, 10% sodium chloride aqueous solution) was found to be more suitable for the immersion freezing of marine fish among the four multi‐compound freezing medium.
Ultrasound and effect on the surface hydrophobicity of proteins: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Bezerra Jaqueline de Araújo , Sanches Edgar Aparecido , Lamarão Carlos Victor , Campelo Pedro Henrique
Published: April 2022

This review aims to investigate and evaluate the effect of ultrasound process parameters on the interfacial properties (surface hydrophobicity) of food proteins. The data obtained from English published papers accessed on Web of Science, PubMed and Wiley published from 2013 to 2021 allowed a table overview construction and a meta‐analysis. Study selection was conducted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses method. A total of 40 relevant reports and 185 data used for meta‐analysis were considered. In general, the results revealed that the use of the ultrasound process increased the surface hydrophobicity of proteins. Processing time, power, amplitude and ultrasound frequency were significant in protein modification. The findings showed that the ultrasound process parameters should be considered to assess the effect on the modification and improvement of the interfacial properties of proteins.
Effects of simulated saliva‐gastrointestinal digestion on the physicochemical properties and bioactivities of Siraitia grosvenorii polysaccharides
Authors: Guo Yuxi , Chen Xuefeng , Gong Pin , Wang Mengrao , Yao Wenbo , Yang Wenjuan , Chen Fuxin
Published: April 2022

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of simulated saliva‐gastric digestion (SGID) on the physicochemical properties and bioactivity of Siraitia grosvenorii polysaccharides (SGPs). The results revealed that the digestibility (bioavailability) of SGPs was approximately 16.81%, 43.86%, and 52.38% after saliva digestion (SD), saliva‐gastric digestion (SGD), and SGID, respectively. SGID significantly altered the physicochemical properties of SGPs, such as total polysaccharide content (from 88.25% to 69.26%) and molecular weight (from 23.00 to 7.82). The structure of SGPs was significantly altered after digestion. In addition, SGID affected the biological activity of SGPs. after SGID, SGPs still had strong antioxidant activity, as well as α‐glucosidase, α‐amylase inhibition, and cellular hypoglycemic activity. However, the ability to bind bile acids and cholesterol in vitro was not affected. In conclusion, these results could provide a theoretical basis for investigating the mechanism of action of SGPs during digestion in vivo.
Authenticity green coffee bean species and geographical origin using near‐infrared spectroscopy combined with chemometrics
Authors: Nguyen Minh Quan , Lai Quoc Dat , Nguy Minh Hoang , Tran Kieu Minh Tu , Lam Gia Ngoc , Le Uyen , Hang My Phung , Nguyen Hoang Dung , Chau Tran Diem Ai , Doan Ngoc Thuc Trinh
Published: April 2022

To prevent the adulteration of agricultural resources and provide a solution to enhance the green coffee bean supply chain, authentication using the near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) technique was investigated. Partial least square with discrimination analysis (PLS‐DA) models combined with various preprocessing methods were built from NIR spectra of 153 Vietnamese green coffee samples. The model combined with the standard normal variate and the first order of derivative yielded excellent performance in predicting coffee species with the error cross‐validation of 0.0261. PLS‐DA model of mean centre and first‐order derivative spectra also yielded good performance in verifying geographical indication of green coffee with the error of 0.0656. By contrast, the predicting abilities of post‐harvest methods were poor. The overall results showed a high potential of the NIRS in online authentication practices.
Are we underutilising computer tomography colonography in Australia?
Authors: Lee Shawn Z. , Schubert Jonathon P. , Prowse Simon J. B. , Bryant Robert V.
Published: April 2022

Computed tomography colonography (CTC) is a safe and accurate tool for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. CTC requires dedicated radiological expertise and demonstrates a high sensitivity and specificity in polyp detection, which is similar to optical colonoscopy (OC). Newer preparation techniques for CTC, such as faecal tagging without catharsis might further improve both the tolerability and accuracy of the test. While exposure to ionising radiation, lack of capacity for therapeutic intervention and potentially diminished sensitivity for flat serrated polyps are limitations of CTC, the technique has a role in select populations. CTC should be considered in frail or elderly patients at high anaesthetic risk for OC, patients with stricturing colonic lesions as well as incomplete colonoscopy, or in patients at risk of delayed access to timely OC. With an ever‐growing demand for endoscopic services, increased utilisation of CTC could reduce waiting times for colonoscopy, thereby broadening access to timely and effective CRC screening. Further research is required to improve further the detection of flat lesions, including sessile serrated polyps.
Monocytes and macrophages in pregnancy: The good, the bad, and the ugly*
Authors: True Heather , Blanton Madison , Sureshchandra Suhas , Messaoudi Ilhem
Published: April 2022

A successful human pregnancy requires precisely timed adaptations by the maternal immune system to support fetal growth while simultaneously protecting mother and fetus against microbial challenges. The first trimester of pregnancy is characterized by a robust increase in innate immune activity that promotes successful implantation of the blastocyst and placental development. Moreover, early pregnancy is also a state of increased vulnerability to vertically transmitted pathogens notably, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Zika virus (ZIKV), SARS‐CoV‐2, and Listeria monocytogenes. As gestation progresses, the second trimester is marked by the establishment of an immunosuppressive environment that promotes fetal tolerance and growth while preventing preterm birth, spontaneous abortion, and other gestational complications. Finally, the period leading up to labor and parturition is characterized by the reinstatement of an inflammatory milieu triggering childbirth. These dynamic waves of carefully orchestrated changes have been dubbed the “immune clock of pregnancy.” Monocytes in maternal circulation and tissue‐resident macrophages at the maternal‐fetal interface play a critical role in this delicate balance. This review will summarize the current data describing the longitudinal changes in the phenotype and function of monocyte and macrophage populations in healthy and complicated pregnancies.
Solar/visible light photocatalytic dye degradation using BaTi1−xFexO3 ceramics
Authors: Gaur Akshay , Sharma Moolchand , Chauhan Vishal Singh , Vaish Rahul
Published: April 2022

BaTi1−xFexO3 compositions (for x = 0, 0.1, and 0.2) were prepared via a solid‐state reaction route. The presence of iron (Fe) in barium titanate (BaTiO3) eventually decreased the energy bandgap; thus, its utilization for water cleaning application through photocatalysis process was explored (using methylene blue [MB] dye as an indicative pollutant in water). Characterization of the synthesized powder was performed through scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The bandgap of the synthesized powder was calculated as 3.2, 2.12, and 1.67 eV for BaTi1−xFexO3 compositions (for x = 0, 0.1, and 0.2), respectively. BaTi0.8Fe0.2O3 powder showed excellent results, and ∼71% of the MB dye (∼5 mg/L concentrated) was degraded using the photocatalysis process under visible light. To check the potentiality of BaTi1−xFexO3 compositions (for x = 0, 0.1, and 0.2), the photocatalysis process was carried out by changing the concentration of MB dye (2.5–10 mg/L with a step of 2.5 mg/L) and the amount of BaTi0.8Fe0.2O3 powder (0.05–0.2 g with a step of 0.05 g) for ∼5‐mg/L concentrated MB dye. The treated water was further used as a growth parameter and phytotoxicity analysis through germination index on the wheat seeds. Lastly, the BaTi1−xFexO3 compositions (for x = 0, 0.1, and 0.2) were explored for water cleaning applications under real‐time solar irradiation.
The complex story of educational identity in adolescence: Longitudinal relations with academic achievement and perfectionism
Authors: Negru‐Subtirica Oana , Damian Lavinia E. , Pop Eleonora Ioana , Crocetti Elisabetta
Published: April 2022

Objective

Education has a strong impact on adolescent development. This study investigated the complex longitudinal associations between educational identity processes, academic achievement, and perfectionism.

Method

The study used a 4‐wave design (N = 744 adolescents, Mage = 15.2 years, 55% girls).

Results

Results showed that self‐oriented perfectionism mediated the longitudinal relation between academic achievement and educational commitment, whereas educational commitment mediated the longitudinal relation between self‐oriented perfectionism and academic achievement. Also, a unidirectional positive direct link from educational in‐depth exploration to socially prescribed perfectionism was found, while self‐oriented perfectionism mediated the positive relationship between academic achievement and exploration. Finally, higher academic achievement led to decreases in educational reconsideration of commitment, whereas socially prescribed perfectionism predicted increases in educational reconsideration of commitment and decreases in academic achievement.

Conclusions

These findings bring forward the intricate and possibly sabotaging links between educational identity processes, academic achievement, and perfectionism.
When I say … diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI)
Authors: Rossi Alexis L. , Wyatt Tasha R. , Huggett Kathryn N. , Blanco Maria A.
Published: April 2022

To create belonging in medical education, Wyatt et al. argue that institutions must consider diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) from a systems‐based perspective that integrates each of these components.
Landscape and regulation of alternative splicing and alternative polyadenylation in a plant pathogenic fungus
Authors: Lu Ping , Chen Daipeng , Qi Zhaomei , Wang Haoming , Chen Yitong , Wang Qinhu , Jiang Cong , Xu Jin‐Rong , Liu Huiquan
Published: April 2022

Alternative splicing (AS) and alternative polyadenylation (APA) contribute significantly to the regulation of gene expression in higher eukaryotes. Their biological impact in filamentous fungi, however, is largely unknown.

Here we combine PacBio Isoform‐Sequencing and strand‐specific RNA‐sequencing of multiple tissues and mutant characterization to reveal the landscape and regulation of AS and APA in Fusarium graminearum.

We generated a transcript annotation comprising 51 617 isoforms from 17 189 genes. In total, 4997 and 11 133 genes are alternatively spliced and polyadenylated, respectively. Majority of the AS events alter coding sequences. Unexpectedly, the AS transcripts containing premature‐termination codons are not sensitive to nonsense‐mediated messenger RNA decay. Unlike in yeasts and animals, distal APA sites have strong signals, but proximal APA isoforms are highly expressed in F. graminearum. The 3′‐end processing factors FgRNA15, FgHRP1, and FgFIP1 play roles in promoting proximal APA site usage and intron splicing. A genome‐wide increase in intron inclusion and distal APA site usage and downregulation of the spliceosomal and 3′‐end processing factors were observed in older and quiescent tissues, indicating intron inclusion and 3′‐untranslated region lengthening as novel mechanisms in regulating aging and dormancy in fungi.

This study provides new insights into the complexity and regulation of AS and APA in filamentous fungi.
MoIug4 is a novel secreted effector promoting rice blast by counteracting host OsAHL1‐regulated ethylene gene transcription
Authors: Liu Xinyu , Gao Yixin , Guo Ziqian , Wang Nian , Wegner Alex , Wang Jintao , Zou Xi , Hu Jiexiong , Liu Muxing , Zhang Haifeng , Zheng Xiaobo , Wang Ping , Schaffrath Ulrich , Zhang Zhengguang
Published: April 2022

Magnaporthe oryzae secretes several effectors that modulate and hijack rice processes to colonize host cells, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We report on a novel cytoplasmic effector MoIug4 that targets the rice ethylene pathway as a transcription repressor to subvert host immunity.

We found that MoIug4 binds to the promoter of the host OsEIN2 gene that encodes a central signal transducer in the ethylene‐signaling pathway. We also identified a MoIug4 interacting protein, OsAHL1, which acts as an AT‐hook motif‐containing protein binding to the A/T‐rich promoter regions. Our knockout and overexpression studies showed that OsAHL1 positively regulates plant immunity in response to M. oryzae infection.

OsAHL1 exhibits transcriptional regulatory activities by binding the OsEIN2 promoter region, similar to MoIug4. Intriguingly, we found that MoIug4 exhibits a higher binding affinity than OsAHL1 to the OsEIN2 promoter, suggesting differential regulatory specificities.

These results revealed a counter‐defense strategy by which the pathogen effector suppresses the activation of host defense genes by interfering with host transcription activator functions.
A parsimonious and comprehensive screening tool for adult health behaviors
Authors: Kuo Ya‐Wen , Chang Shu‐Hung , Huang Cheng‐Hsien , Chen Mei‐Yen
Published: April 2022

Background

A practical screening tool for early detection of unhealthy behaviors among adults to provide tailored care can have an important role in public health nursing.

Purpose

To develop a screening tool with valid psychometric properties for adult health behaviors (AHBs).

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted between March 2018 and September 2019 in central‐southern Taiwan. The AHBs development included qualitative and quantitative measurement of items based on literature reviews and expert opinion and exploration and confirmatory factor analysis.

Results

A total of 765 community adult participants: 377 women and 388 men, with a mean age of 39.3 (SD = 10.6), ranging from 20 to 64 years completed the AHBs screening tool. Analysis of the 23‐items AHBs scale identified six dimensions – stress management, physical activity, health responsibility, life appreciation, healthy eating, and oral hygiene accounting for 67.3% of the variance. Total scale scores were significantly associated with a criterion variable of life satisfaction.

Conclusion

The AHBs scale is a suitable screening tool that can be used to identify adults’ unhealthy behaviors early, which is useful for public health nurses to conduct a regular assessment and initiate individualized health programs.
Acting to teach communication skills to nurses
Authors: del Vecchio Alexis , Moschella Phillip Charles , Lanham Janice Garrison , Zavertnik Jean Ellen
Published: April 2022

Background

Interpersonal and communication skills are core competencies for nursing students. Empathetic, patient‐centred communication improves patient outcomes and the care experience. Nursing trainees have reported a lack of preparation and confidence in communication and interpersonal skills with patients and members of the health care team. Acting‐based hands‐on training may provide a novel approach to develop communication in nursing students.

Approach

The corresponding author worked as a professional actor before pursuing a medical career. He created an acting‐based workshop, inspired by classic acting exercises taught in drama conservatories for decades, to develop core communication and interpersonal skills for health care professionals. The course creator and an instructor with no acting background each facilitated the workshops. The initiative was taught to over 200 preclinical baccalaureate freshmen and sophomore nursing students as part of their clinical skills courses at one institution.

Evaluation

Participants were asked to rate their self‐efficacy for skills developed in the workshop using a 5‐point Likert scale. A 4 or 5 rating was considered agreement. Most participants agreed the workshop developed their skills of self‐awareness, observation, teamwork, flexibility, nonverbal and verbal communication, trust, mindfulness, body language awareness, active listening, and sensitivity to emotions expressed by others.

Implications

An acting‐based teaching intervention is efficacious in instilling core communication and interpersonal skills to preclinical nursing students based on participants' self‐efficacy ratings. This innovative way to teaching communication provides students with an experiential environment conducive to learning. Similar ratings between sessions suggest that health professions educators with no formal acting training can successfully teach this course.
Variation in compensatory strategies as a function of target constriction degree in post-glossectomy speech
Authors: Hagedorn Christina , Lu Yijing , Toutios Asterios , Sinha Uttam , Goldstein Louis , Narayanan Shrikanth
Published: April 2022

Individuals who have undergone treatment for oral cancer oftentimes exhibit compensatory behavior in consonant production. This pilot study investigates whether compensatory mechanisms utilized in the production of speech sounds with a given target constriction location vary systematically depending on target manner of articulation. The data reveal that compensatory strategies used to produce target alveolar segments vary systematically as a function of target manner of articulation in subtle yet meaningful ways. When target constriction degree at a particular constriction location cannot be preserved, individuals may leverage their ability to finely modulate constriction degree at multiple constriction locations along the vocal tract.
Novel quantification of regional fossil fuel CO2reductions during COVID-19 lockdowns using atmospheric oxygen measurements
Authors: Pickers Penelope A. , Manning Andrew C. , Le Quéré Corinne , Forster Grant L. , Luijkx Ingrid T. , Gerbig Christoph , Fleming Leigh S. , Sturges William T.
Published: April 2022

It is not currently possible to quantify regional-scale fossil fuel carbon dioxide (ffCO2) emissions with high accuracy in near real time. Existing atmospheric methods for separating ffCO2from large natural carbon dioxide variations are constrained by sampling limitations, so that estimates of regional changes in ffCO2emissions, such as those occurring in response to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdowns, rely on indirect activity data. We present a method for quantifying regional signals of ffCO2based on continuous atmospheric measurements of oxygen and carbon dioxide combined into the tracer “atmospheric potential oxygen” (APO). We detect and quantify ffCO2reductions during 2020–2021 caused by the two U.K. COVID-19 lockdowns individually using APO data from Weybourne Atmospheric Observatory in the United Kingdom and a machine learning algorithm. Our APO-based assessment has near–real-time potential and provides high-frequency information that is in good agreement with the spread of ffCO2emissions reductions from three independent lower-frequency U.K. estimates.
Structural basis for C-type inactivation in a Shaker family voltage-gated K
+
channel
Authors: Reddi Ravikumar , Matulef Kimberly , Riederer Erika A. , Whorton Matthew R. , Valiyaveetil Francis I.
Published: April 2022

C-type inactivation is a process by which ion flux through a voltage-gated K
+
(K
v
) channel is regulated at the selectivity filter. While prior studies have indicated that C-type inactivation involves structural changes at the selectivity filter, the nature of the changes has not been resolved. Here, we report the crystal structure of the K
v
1.2 channel in a C-type inactivated state. The structure shows that C-type inactivation involves changes in the selectivity filter that disrupt the outer two ion binding sites in the filter. The changes at the selectivity filter propagate to the extracellular mouth and the turret regions of the channel pore. The structural changes observed are consistent with the functional hallmarks of C-type inactivation. This study highlights the intricate interplay between K
+
occupancy at the ion binding sites and the interactions of the selectivity filter in determining the balance between the conductive and the inactivated conformations of the filter.
Allogeneic double-negative CAR-T cells inhibit tumor growth without off-tumor toxicities
Authors: Vasic Daniel , Lee Jong Bok , Leung Yuki , Khatri Ismat , Na Yoosu , Abate-Daga Daniel , Zhang Li
Published: April 2022

The development of autologous chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapies has revolutionized cancer treatment. Nevertheless, the delivery of CAR-T cell therapy faces challenges, including high costs, lengthy production times, and manufacturing failures. To overcome this, attempts have been made to develop allogeneic CAR-T cells using donor-derived conventional CD4
+
or CD8
+
T cells (T
convs
), but severe graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) and host immune rejection have made this challenging. CD3
+
CD4
−
CD8
−
double-negative T cells (DNTs) are a rare subset of mature T cells shown to fulfill the requirements of an off-the-shelf cellular therapy, including scalability, cryopreservability, donor-independent anticancer function, resistance to rejection, and no observed off-tumor toxicity including GvHD. To overcome the challenges faced with CAR-T
convs
, we evaluated the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of using healthy donor–derived allogeneic DNTs as a CAR-T cell therapy platform. We successfully transduced DNTs with a second-generation anti–CD19-CAR (CAR19) without hampering their endogenous characteristics or off-the-shelf properties. CAR19-DNTs induced antigen-specific cytotoxicity against B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). In addition, CAR19-DNTs showed effective infiltration and tumor control against lung cancer genetically modified to express CD19 in xenograft models. CAR19-DNT efficacy was comparable with that of CAR19-T
convs
. However, unlike CAR19-T
convs
, CAR19-DNTs did not cause alloreactivity or xenogeneic GvHD-related mortality in xenograft models. These studies demonstrate the potential of using allogeneic DNTs as a platform for CAR technology to provide a safe, effective, and patient-accessible CAR-T cell treatment option.
A critical saturated state-based constitutive model for volumetric behavior of compacted bentonite
Authors: Wang Yang , Ye Wei-Min , Wang Qiong , Chen Yong-Gui , Cui Yu-Jun
Published: April 2022

In recent years, more and more unique volumetric behaviors, including the nonlinear compression and unloading curves in the e-lnp plane, and different types of swelling and shrinkage curves obtained from suction-controlled swelling and shrinkage tests, etc., which are significantly different from those of nonexpansive clays, have been reported on compacted bentonite. More importantly, limitations were encountered when describing the unique behavior with existing constitutive models for unsaturated expansive soils. In this study, a new concept of critical saturation state (CSS) was proposed for compacted bentonite, in which, as the saturated state was reached, the matric suction still remained nonzero in the soil. Incorporated with this concept, a constitutive model was proposed. In this model, the CSS curve was defined in the suction-isotropic stress plane, delimiting the unsaturated zone. To validate the model, the volume change tests conducted on compacted GMZ bentonite under different stress paths were simulated. Good agreement confirmed that the proposed model could well describe the volume change behavior, including the swelling on hydration, shrinkage during drying, nonlinear compression, and unloading behavior.
A Game of Power or Discipline: Minority Shareholders’ Activism in China
Authors: Sun Rui
Published: April 2022

This paper examines 781 proposals sponsored by minority shareholders of Chinese listed companies since the Company Law was revised in 2005, which made proposals more accessible to smaller shareholders. I find that the shareholder structure is essential for minority shareholders to target a company. When the controlling ownership is smaller and minority ownership is relatively larger, a company is more likely to be targeted by minority shareholders’ proposals (MSPs). There is also evidence that minority shareholders target poor performers, but that only happens when the shareholder structure is optimal for minority shareholders to initiate activism. Power, in the form of ownership and identity, dominates the probability of activism behavior. The passage of MSPs heavily depends on whether the proposal is friendly to the management, the identity of the sponsor, and the issues involved. Being targeted by MSPs are often followed by forced top management turnover, but there are no performance improvements in the medium term. Minority shareholders’ activism is more of a game of power.
Machine Learning to Predict Recommendation by Tourists in a Spanish Province
Authors: Aparicio Castillo Santiago , Basurto Hornillos Nuño , Arranz Val Pablo , Antón Maraña Paula , Herrero Cosío Álvaro
Published: April 2022

The analysis of the opinions and experiences of tourists is a key issue in tourist promotion. More precisely, forecasting whether a tourist will or will not recommend a given destination, based on his/her profile, is of utmost importance in order to optimize management actions. According to this idea, this research proposes the application of cutting-edge machine learning techniques in order to predict tourist recommendation of rural destinations. More precisely, classifiers based on supervised learning (namely Support Vector Machine, Decision Trees, and [Formula: see text]-Nearest Neighbor) are applied to survey data collected in the province of Burgos (Spain). Available data suffer from a common problem in real-life datasets (data unbalance) as there are very few negative recommendations. In order to address such problem, that penalizes learning, data balancing techniques have been also applied. The satisfactory results validate the proposed application, being a useful tool for tourist managers.