bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustainable employability of long‐term care staff in self‐managing teams: A qualitative study
Authors: Heijkants Ceciel H. , De Wind Astrid , Van Hooff Madelon L. M. , Geurts Sabine A. E. , Boot Cécile R. L.
Published: March 2024

Aim

To discover what long‐term care (LTC) staff working in self‐managing teams consider necessary to remain sustainably employable.

Design

Qualitative study with semi‐structured interviews.

Methods

In 2020, semi‐structured interviews were conducted one‐on‐one with 25 LTC workers from a medium‐large Dutch organization providing long‐term care. All interviews were audio‐recorded, anonymously transcribed verbatim and analysed with thematic content analysis in the software program Atlas.ti.

Results

LTC workers indicated a need for autonomy. They wanted their control and involvement in decisions to be strengthened. Furthermore, LTC workers indicated a need for relatedness, by experiencing support, a feeling of togetherness and more time to have attention for the residents. Lastly, LTC workers expressed a need for (assistance in) further developing their competence.

Conclusion

In order to remain willing and able to work, LTC workers in self‐managing teams want their needs for autonomy, relatedness and competence to be addressed. Working conditions are important to these LTC workers' sustainable employability since they can hinder or promote the satisfaction of their needs.

Implications

It is important that management in LTC is aware of the importance of LTC workers' needs for sustainable employability. We recommend that management critically reflect on and invest in addressing these needs by enhancing indicators and limiting inhibitors of the needs.

Impact

A robust LTC workforce is necessary to provide care to the aging population. In the context of the increasing implementation of self‐managing teams in LTC organizations, understanding what workers in self‐managing teams need in order to remain sustainably employable is crucial.

For sustainable employability (i.e. to remain willing and able to work), interviewees indicated a need for autonomy, relatedness, and competence. Nearly all participants stressed the importance of belonging and feeling connected. Working conditions seemed to relate not only directly to the sustainable employability of LTC staff but also indirectly through their lack of contribution to the satisfaction of workers' psychological needs.

The outcomes of this study primarily impact workers and management within LTC organizations with self‐managing teams. They benefit from recognizing the significance of addressing workers' needs to ensure their essential and sustainable employability in the sector.

Reporting Method

The Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research and the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative (COREQ) research were used.

Patient or Public Contribution

Two LTC workers provided advice and feedback regarding the materials and set up of the interviews. These two ambassadors additionally helped in reaching our population, by disseminating information about the study.
Facilitating planned home death: A qualitative study on home care nurses' experiences of enablers and barriers
Authors: Sørstrøm Anne Kristine , Ludvigsen Mette Spliid , Kymre Ingjerd Gåre
Published: March 2024

Aim

The aim of this study was to explore home care nurses' experience of enablers and barriers for planned home death in municipal health care.

Design

A focused ethnography.

Methods

This qualitative study collected data from 20 semi‐structured interviews of home care nurses and 8.5 h of participant observations. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

The findings in our study show that home care nurses consider supportive cultures, a commitment to safety and continuity when facilitating planned home deaths and family rotations to be enablers for planned home deaths. Barriers to planned home deaths involve a lack of palliative experience affecting confidence, shortages of nurses and medical supplies and night shift challenges.

Conclusion

This study underscores the need for supportive organizational cultures, ongoing education and improved communication and staffing policies to enhance the quality of care and the experiences of patients and home care nurses, especially in the context of planned home deaths.

Impact

The study adds knowledge to the evidence base of the practice of facilitating planned home deaths. The findings of the study could offer valuable insights for shaping future policies or devising effective implementation strategies.

Reporting Method

Adherence to the COREQ guidelines for reporting qualitative research was maintained.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

What Does this Article Contribute to the Wider Global Clinical Community?

Identified enablers and barriers provide a new perspective, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of planning home deaths.

The study emphasizes supportive cultures, safety commitment and family rotations as crucial for planned home deaths, guiding healthcare professionals to adopt best practices and enhance palliative care quality.
Association between vision impairment and increased prevalence of falls in older US adults
Authors: Jin Huiyan , Zhou Yunshu , Stagg Brian C. , Ehrlich Joshua R.
Published: March 2024

Background

Vision impairment (VI) is associated with falls in older adults. However, past studies have relied on geographically constrained samples with limited generalizability or self‐reports of visual difficulty. To date, there have not been nationally representative studies on the association of objective measures of visual function and falls outcomes.

Methods

We used cross‐sectional data from Round 11 of National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS), a nationally representative panel study of age‐eligible Medicare beneficiaries (N = 2951). We performed Poisson regression to calculate the prevalence and prevalence ratio (PR) of >1 fall in the past year, any fall in the past month, fear of falling (FoF), and activity limitation due to FoF as a function of distance visual acuity, near visual acuity, and contrast sensitivity. Models were adjusted for demographic and health covariates and were weighted to make nationally representative parameter estimates.

Results

The weighted proportion of participants with VI was 27.6% (95% CI, 25.4%–29.9%). Individuals with any VI had a higher prevalence of falls compared with those without VI (18.5% vs. 14.1%, PR = 1.25, 95% CI 1.02–1.53). Specifically, contrast sensitivity impairment was associated with a higher prevalence of recurrent falls (20.8% vs. 14.7%; PR = 1.30, 95% CI 1.01–1.67) and recent falls (17.1% vs. 9.9%; PR = 1.40, 95% CI 1.01–1.94). This relationship existed even independent of near and distance visual acuity. Distance and near visual acuity were not significantly associated with falls. Having any VI was also associated with a higher prevalence of FoF (38.4% vs. 30.5%, PR = 1.17, 95% CI 1.02–1.34).

Conclusion

The prevalence of falls is associated with poor contrast sensitivity but not with near or distance visual acuity. Findings suggest greater collaboration between geriatricians and eye care providers may be warranted to assess and address fall risk in older adults with VI.
NK3R signalling in the posterodorsal medial amygdala is involved in stress‐induced suppression of pulsatile LH secretion in female mice
Authors: Ivanova Deyana , Voliotis Margaritis , Tsaneva‐Atanasova Krasimira , O'Byrne Kevin T. , Li Xiao‐Feng
Published: March 2024

Psychosocial stress negatively impacts reproductive function by inhibiting pulsatile luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion. The posterodorsal medial amygdala (MePD) is responsible in part for processing stress and modulating the reproductive axis. Activation of the neurokinin 3 receptor (NK3R) suppresses the gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) pulse generator, under hypoestrogenic conditions, and NK3R activity in the amygdala has been documented to play a role in stress and anxiety. We investigate whether NK3R activation in the MePD is involved in mediating the inhibitory effect of psychosocial stress on LH pulsatility in ovariectomised female mice. First, we administered senktide, an NK3R agonist, into the MePD and monitored the effect on pulsatile LH secretion. We then delivered SB222200, a selective NK3R antagonist, intra‐MePD in the presence of predator odour, 2,4,5‐trimethylthiazole (TMT) and examined the effect on LH pulses. Senktide administration into the MePD dose‐dependently suppresses pulsatile LH secretion. Moreover, NK3R signalling in the MePD mediates TMT‐induced suppression of the GnRH pulse generator, which we verified using a mathematical model. The model verifies our experimental findings: (i) predator odour exposure inhibits LH pulses, (ii) activation of NK3R in the MePD inhibits LH pulses and (iii) NK3R antagonism in the MePD blocks stressor‐induced inhibition of LH pulse frequency in the absence of ovarian steroids. These results demonstrate for the first time that NK3R neurons in the MePD mediate psychosocial stress‐induced suppression of the GnRH pulse generator.
Twenty‐four hour continuous transvenous temporary right ventricular pacing in healthy horses
Authors: Avison Amanda , Gelzer Anna R. , Reef Virginia B. , Wulster Bills Kathryn B. , de Solis Cris Navas , Kraus Marc S. , Slack JoAnn , Stefanovski Darko , Deacon Lindsay J. , Underwood Claire
Published: March 2024

Background

The ability to perform transvenous temporary cardiac pacing (TV‐TP) is critical to stabilize horses with symptomatic bradyarrhythmias. Reports of successful TV‐TP in horses are limited, and only briefly describe short‐term pacing.

Objective

To describe temporary, medium‐term (24 h) transvenous right ventricular pacing in awake horses using a bipolar torque‐directed pacing catheter.

Animals

Six healthy adult institutional teaching horses.

Methods

Prospective experimental study with 2 immediately successive TV‐TP lead placements in each horse with a target location of the RV apex. One placement was performed primarily with echocardiographic guidance and 1 primarily with fluoroscopic guidance. In all placements, corresponding images were obtained with both imaging modalities. Horses were then paced for 24 h, unrestricted in a stall with continuous telemetric ECG monitoring. Echocardiographically determined lead position, episodes of pacing failure in the preceding 6 h, and pacing thresholds were recorded every 6 h. Pacing failure was defined as a period of loss of capture longer than 20 s.

Results

Pacing leads were placed with both guidance methods and maintained for 24 h with no complications. Two horses with leads angled caudally in the right ventricular apex had no pacing failure, the remaining 4 horses had varying degrees of loss of capture. Leads located in the right ventricular apex had longer time to pacing failure and lower capture thresholds P < 0.05.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Medium‐term TV‐TP is feasible and has potential for stabilization of horses with symptomatic bradyarrhythmias. Lead position in the right ventricular apex appears optimal. Continuous ECG monitoring is recommended to detect pacing failure.
Excessive fatty acids activate PRMT5/MDM2/Drosha pathway to regulate miRNA biogenesis and lipid metabolism
Authors: Hou Aijun , Xu Xiaoding , Zhang Yu , He Hongxiu , Feng Yihan , Fan Wenhui , Tan Rongrong , Gong Likun , Chen Jing
Published: March 2024

Background

Excessive fatty acids in the liver lead to the accumulation of lipotoxic lipids and then cellular stress to further evoke the related disease, like non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). As reported, fatty acid stimulation can cause some specific miRNA dysregulation, which caused us to investigate the relationship between miRNA biogenesis and fatty acid overload.

Methods

Gene expression omnibus (GEO) dataset analysis, miRNA‐seq, miRNA cleavage assay, RT‐qPCR, western blotting, immunofluorescence and co‐immunoprecipitation (co‐IP) were used to reveal the change of miRNAs under pathological status and explore the relevant mechanism. High fat, high fructose, high cholesterol (HFHFrHC) diet‐fed mice transfected with AAV2/8‐shDrosha or AAV2/8‐shPRMT5 were established to investigate the in vivo effects of Drosha or PRMT5 on NAFLD phenotype.

Results

We discovered that the cleavage of miRNAs was inhibited by analysing miRNA contents and detecting some representative pri‐miRNAs in multiple mouse and cell models, which was further verified by the reduction of the Microprocessor activity in the presence of palmitic acid (PA). In vitro, PA could induce Drosha, the core RNase III in the Microprocessor complex, degrading through the proteasome‐mediated pathway, while in vivo, knockdown of Drosha significantly promoted NAFLD to develop to a more serious stage. Mechanistically, our results demonstrated that PA can increase the methyltransferase activity of PRMT5 to degrade Drosha through MDM2, a ubiquitin E3 ligase for Drosha. The above results indicated that PRMT5 may be a critical regulator in lipid metabolism during NAFLD, which was confirmed by the knocking down of PRMT5 improved aberrant lipid metabolism in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusions

We first demonstrated the relationship between miRNA dosage and NAFLD and proved that PA can activate the PRMT5‐MDM2‐Drosha signalling pathway to regulate miRNA biogenesis.
Chloroplast ion homeostasis – what do we know and where should we go?
Authors: Kunz Hans‐Henning , Armbruster Ute , Mühlbauer Susanne , de Vries Jan , Davis Geoffry A.
Published: March 2024

Plant yields heavily depend on proper macro‐ and micronutrient supply from the soil. In the leaf cells, nutrient ions fulfill specific roles in biochemical reactions, especially photosynthesis housed in the chloroplast. Here, a well‐balanced ion homeostasis is maintained by a number of ion transport proteins embedded in the envelope and thylakoid membranes. Ten years ago, the first alkali metal transporters from the K+ EFFLUX ANTIPORTER family were discovered in the model plant Arabidopsis. Since then, our knowledge about the physiological importance of these carriers and their substrates has greatly expanded. New insights into the role of alkali ions in plastid gene expression and photoprotective mechanisms, both prerequisites for plant productivity in natural environments, were gained. The discovery of a Cl− channel in the thylakoid and several additional plastid alkali and alkali metal transport proteins have advanced the field further. Nevertheless, scientists still have long ways to go before a complete systemic understanding of the chloroplast's ion transportome will emerge. In this Tansley review, we highlight and discuss the achievements of the last decade. More importantly, we make recommendations on what areas to prioritize, so the field can reach the next milestones. One area, laid bare by our similarity‐based comparisons among phototrophs is our lack of knowledge what ion transporters are used by cyanobacteria to buffer photosynthesis fluctuations.
Integration of cell differentiation and initiation of monoterpenoid indole alkaloid metabolism in seed germination of Catharanthus roseus
Authors: Uzaki Mai , Mori Tetsuya , Sato Mayuko , Wakazaki Mayumi , Takeda‐Kamiya Noriko , Yamamoto Kotaro , Murakami Akio , Guerrero Delia Ayled Serna , Shichijo Chizuko , Ohnishi Miwa , Ishizaki Kimitsune , Fukaki Hidehiro , O'Connor Sarah E. , Toyooka Kiminori , Mimura Tetsuro , Hirai Masami Yokota
Published: March 2024

In Catharanthus roseus, monoterpenoid indole alkaloids (MIAs) are produced through the cooperation of four cell types, with final products accumulating in specialized cells known as idioblasts and laticifers. To explore the relationship between cellular differentiation and cell type‐specific MIA metabolism, we analyzed the expression of MIA biosynthesis in germinating seeds.

Embryos from immature and mature seeds were observed via stereomicroscopy, fluorescence microscopy, and electron microscopy. Time‐series MIA and iridoid quantification, along with transcriptome analysis, were conducted to determine the initiation of MIA biosynthesis. In addition, the localization of MIAs was examined using alkaloid staining and imaging mass spectrometry (IMS).

Laticifers were present in embryos before seed maturation. MIA biosynthesis commenced 12 h after germination. MIAs accumulated in laticifers of embryos following seed germination, and MIA metabolism is induced after germination in a tissue‐specific manner.

These findings suggest that cellular morphological differentiation precedes metabolic differentiation. Considering the well‐known toxicity and defense role of MIAs in matured plants, MIAs may be an important defense strategy already in the delicate developmental phase of seed germination, and biosynthesis and accumulation of MIAs may require the tissue and cellular differentiation.
A WRI1‐dependent module is essential for the accumulation of auxin and lipid in somatic embryogenesis of Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Zhang Wen Jie , Tang Li Ping , Peng Jing , Zhai Li Ming , Ma Qiu Li , Zhang Xian Sheng , Su Ying Hua
Published: March 2024

The potential for totipotency exists in all plant cells; however, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Earlier findings have revealed that the overexpression of LEAFY COTYLEDON 2 (LEC2) can directly trigger the formation of somatic embryos on the cotyledons of Arabidopsis. Furthermore, cotyledon cells that overexpress LEC2 accumulate significant lipid reserves typically found in seeds. The precise mechanisms and functions governing lipid accumulation in this process remain unexplored.

In this study, we demonstrate that WRINKLED1 (WRI1), the key regulator of lipid biosynthesis, is essential for somatic embryo formation, suggesting that WRI1‐mediated lipid biosynthesis plays a crucial role in the transition from vegetative to embryonic development.

Our findings indicate a direct interaction between WRI1 and LEC2, which enhances the enrichment of LEC2 at downstream target genes and stimulates their induction. Besides, our data suggest that WRI1 forms a complex with LEC1, LEC2, and FUSCA3 (FUS3) to facilitate the accumulation of auxin and lipid for the somatic embryo induction, through strengthening the activation of YUCCA4 (YUC4) and OLEOSIN3 (OLE3) genes.

Our results uncover a regulatory module controlled by WRI1, crucial for somatic embryogenesis. These findings provide valuable insights into our understanding of plant cell totipotency.
Genomic basis of the distinct biosynthesis of β‐glucogallin, a biochemical marker for hydrolyzable tannin production, in three oak species
Authors: Yang Qinsong , Li Jinjin , Wang Yan , Wang Zefu , Pei Ziqi , Street Nathaniel R. , Bhalerao Rishikesh P. , Yu Zhaowei , Gao Yuhao , Ni Junbei , Jiao Yang , Sun Minghui , Yang Xiong , Chen Yixin , Liu Puyuan , Wang Jiaxi , Liu Yong , Li Guolei
Published: March 2024

Hydrolyzable tannins (HTs), predominant polyphenols in oaks, are widely used in grape wine aging, feed additives, and human healthcare. However, the limited availability of a high‐quality reference genome of oaks greatly hampered the recognition of the mechanism of HT biosynthesis. Here, high‐quality reference genomes of three Asian oak species (Quercus variabilis, Quercus aliena, and Quercus dentata) that have different HT contents were generated.

Multi‐omics studies were carried out to identify key genes regulating HT biosynthesis. In vitro enzyme activity assay was also conducted. Dual‐luciferase and yeast one‐hybrid assays were used to reveal the transcriptional regulation.

Our results revealed that β‐glucogallin was a biochemical marker for HT production in the cupules of the three Asian oaks. UGT84A13 was confirmed as the key enzyme for β‐glucogallin biosynthesis. The differential expression of UGT84A13, rather than enzyme activity, was the main reason for different β‐glucogallin and HT accumulation. Notably, sequence variations in UGT84A13 promoters led to different trans‐activating activities of WRKY32/59, explaining the different expression patterns of UGT84A13 among the three species.

Our findings provide three high‐quality new reference genomes for oak trees and give new insights into different transcriptional regulation for understanding β‐glucogallin and HT biosynthesis in closely related oak species.
Comparison of Clinical Efficacy between Arthroscopic and Open Surgery for Ogden Type 1–2 Peroneal Tendon Dislocation
Authors: Wang Zhenyu , Zheng Guo , Yang Fangcheng , Li Yuanqiang , Liu Yang , Xie Xinyu , Tao Xu
Published: March 2024

Objective

While the incidence of peroneal tendon dislocation (PTD) is relatively low, it is frequently underdiagnosed in clinical practice, and the misdiagnosis or improper treatment of this condition may lead to a decline in patients' quality of life. Currently, the surgical treatment options for PTD mainly include open and arthroscopic surgery. However, in order to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of these two surgical approaches, further comparative research is needed. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the early clinical outcomes of arthroscopic and open surgery in the treatment of Ogden type 1–2 PTD.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive analysis of 46 patients diagnosed with PTD who underwent surgery at our institution between January 2017 and January 2023. The patients were divided into two groups: the open surgery group, consisting of 26 cases, and the arthroscopic surgery group, consisting of 20 cases. To compare the effectiveness of the surgical approach, we evaluated several parameters, including the integrity of the superior peroneal retinaculum on MRI images, functional scores, pain interference scores, and ankle eversion muscle strength. These assessments are conducted respectively before the surgery, 1 month after the surgery, 3 months after the surgery, and at the final follow‐up for each group of patients (at least 6 months post‐surgery). Demographics and intergroup comparisons of the two groups of data were analyzed by t‐test or the Mann–Whitney U test. Intragroup comparisons of the two groups of data were analyzed by one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) or the Kruskal–Wallis test, followed by post hoc multiple comparisons.

Results

In the intragroup comparisons, both the arthroscopic surgery and the open surgery group demonstrated significant improvement in functional scores, pain interference scores, muscle strength, and MRI findings at the final follow‐up postoperatively (p < 0.01). However, the open surgery group exhibited significant improvements in these outcomes at the final follow‐up, while the arthroscopic surgery group showed significant improvement at 3 months postoperatively. In intergroup comparisons, the arthroscopic surgery group outperformed the open surgery group in functional scores, pain interference scores, and muscle strength 3 months after the surgery, with statistically significant differences (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Arthroscopic surgery offers advantages in early clinical outcomes, such as pain relief, function, and muscle strength improvement. However, over time, both approaches provide similar results regarding effectiveness.
Where Does the Black–White Life Expectancy Gap Come From? The Deadly Consequences of Residential Segregation
Authors: Hendi Arun S.
Published: March 2024

The disparity in life expectancy between white and black Americans exceeds five years for men and three years for women. While prior research has investigated the roles of healthcare, health behaviors, biological risk, socioeconomic status, and life course effects on black mortality, the literature on the geographic origins of the gap is more limited. This study examines how the black–white life expectancy gap varies across counties and how much of the national gap is attributable to within‐county racial inequality versus differences between counties. The estimates suggest that over 90 percent of the national gap can be attributed to within‐county factors. Using a quasi‐experimental research design, I find that black–white residential segregation increases the gap by approximately 16 years for men and five years for women. The segregation effect loads heavily on causes of death associated with access to and quality of healthcare; safety and violence; and public health measures. Residential segregation does not appear to operate through health behaviors or individual‐level factors but instead acts primarily through institutional mechanisms. Efforts to address racial disparities in mortality should focus on reducing racial residential segregation or reducing inequalities in the mechanisms through which residential segregation acts: public services, employment opportunities, and community resources.
Proline‐rich protein PRPL1 enhances Panax notoginseng defence against Fusarium solani by regulating reactive oxygen species balance and strengthening the cell wall barrier
Authors: Su Linlin , Li Wenyun , Chen Xiaohua , Wang Pengcheng , Liu Diqiu
Published: March 2024

The root rot mainly caused by Fusarium solani is a bottleneck in the cultivation of Panax notoginseng. In this study, we reported a gene encoding a plant cell wall structural protein, P. notoginseng proline‐rich protein (PnPRPL1), whose transcription was upregulated by F. solani and induced by some hormone signals. The PnPRPL1 recombinant protein significantly inhibited the growth and conidial germination of the root rot pathogens. Downregulation of PnPRPL1 by RNA interference (RNAi) in P. notoginseng leaves increased the susceptibility to F. solani, whereas overexpression of PnPRPL1 in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) enhanced the resistance to F. solani. Compared with wild‐type tobacco, the PnPRPL1‐overexpressing transgenic tobacco had higher reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐scavenging enzyme activities, lower ROS levels, and more lignin and callose deposition. The opposite results were obtained for the P. notoginseng expressing PnPRPL1 RNAi fragments. Furthermore, the PnPRPL1 promoter transcription activity was induced by several plant hormones and multiple stress stimuli. In addition, the transcription factor PnWRKY27 activated the expression of PnPRPL1 by directly binding to the promoter region. Thus, PnPRPL1, which is positively regulated by a WRKY transcription factor, encodes an antimicrobial protein that also mediates ROS homoeostasis and callose/lignin deposition during the response to F. solani infection.
Mitogen‐activated protein kinase MxMPK3‐2 mediated phosphorylation of MxZR3.1 participates in regulating iron homoeostasis in apple rootstocks
Authors: Li Keting , Zhai Longmei , Pi Ying , Fu Sitong , Wu Ting , Zhang Xinzhong , Xu Xuefeng , Han Zhenhai , Wang Yi
Published: March 2024

The micronutrient iron plays a crucial role in the growth and development of plants, necessitating meticulous regulation for its absorption by plants. Prior research has demonstrated that the transcription factor MxZR3.1 restricts iron absorption in apple rootstocks; however, the precise mechanism by which MxZR3.1 contributes to the regulation of iron homoeostasis in apple rootstocks remains unexplored. Here, MxMPK3‐2, a protein kinase, was discovered to interact with MxZR3.1. Y2H, bimolecular fluorescence complementation and pull down experiments were used to confirm the interaction. Phosphorylation and cell semi‐degradation tests have shown that MxZR3.1 can be used as a substrate of MxMPK3‐2, which leads to the MxZR3.1 protein being more stable. In addition, through tobacco transient transformation (LUC and GUS) experiments, it was confirmed that MxZR3.1 significantly inhibited the activity of the MxHA2 promoter, while MxMPK3‐2 mediated phosphorylation at the Ser94 site of MxZR3.1 further inhibited the activity of the MxHA2 promoter. It is tightly controlled to absorb iron during normal growth and development of apple rootstocks due to the regulatory effect of the MxMPK3‐2‐MxZR3.1 module on MxHA2 transcription level. Consequently, this research has revealed the molecular basis of how the MxMPK3‐2‐MxZR3.1 module in apple rootstocks controls iron homoeostasis by regulating the MxHA2 promoter's activity.
Thioredoxins o1 and h2 jointly adjust mitochondrial dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase‐dependent pathways towards changing environments
Authors: Timm Stefan , Klaas Nicole , Niemann Janice , Jahnke Kathrin , Alseekh Saleh , Zhang Youjun , Souza Paulo V. L. , Hou Liang‐Yu , Cosse Maike , Selinski Jennifer , Geigenberger Peter , Daloso Danilo M. , Fernie Alisdair R. , Hagemann Martin
Published: March 2024

Thioredoxins (TRXs) are central to redox regulation, modulating enzyme activities to adapt metabolism to environmental changes. Previous research emphasized mitochondrial and microsomal TRX o1 and h2 influence on mitochondrial metabolism, including photorespiration and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. Our study aimed to compare TRX‐based regulation circuits towards environmental cues mainly affecting photorespiration. Metabolite snapshots, phenotypes and CO2 assimilation were compared among single and multiple TRX mutants in the wild‐type and the glycine decarboxylase T‐protein knockdown (gldt1) background. Our analyses provided evidence for additive negative effects of combined TRX o1 and h2 deficiency on growth and photosynthesis. Especially metabolite accumulation patterns suggest a shared regulation mechanism mainly on mitochondrial dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (mtLPD1)‐dependent pathways. Quantification of pyridine nucleotides, in conjunction with 13C‐labelling approaches, and biochemical analysis of recombinant mtLPD1 supported this. It also revealed mtLPD1 inhibition by NADH, pointing at an additional measure to fine‐tune it's activity. Collectively, we propose that lack of TRX o1 and h2 perturbs the mitochondrial redox state, which impacts on other pathways through shifts in the NADH/NAD+ ratio via mtLPD1. This regulation module might represent a node for simultaneous adjustments of photorespiration, the TCA cycle and branched chain amino acid degradation under fluctuating environmental conditions.
OsEIN2‐OsEIL1/2 pathway negatively regulates chilling tolerance by attenuating OsICE1 function in rice
Authors: Zhai Mingjuan , Chen Yating , Pan Xiaowu , Chen Ying , Zhou Jiahao , Jiang Xiaodan , Zhang Zhijin , Xiao Guiqing , Zhang Haiwen
Published: March 2024

Low temperature severely affects rice development and yield. Ethylene signal is essential for plant development and stress response. Here, we reported that the OsEIN2‐OsEIL1/2 pathway reduced OsICE1‐dependent chilling tolerance in rice. The overexpressing plants of OsEIN2, OsEIL1 and OsEIL2 exhibited severe stress symptoms with excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation under chilling, while the mutants (osein2 and oseil1) and OsEIL2‐RNA interference plants (OsEIL2‐Ri) showed the enhanced chilling tolerance. We validated that OsEIL1 and OsEIL2 could form a heterxodimer and synergistically repressed OsICE1 expression by binding to its promoter. The expression of OsICE1 target genes, ROS scavenging‐ and photosynthesis‐related genes were downregulated by OsEIN2 and OsEIL1/2, which were activated by OsICE1, suggesting that OsEIN2‐OsEIL1/2 pathway might mediate ROS accumulation and photosynthetic capacity under chilling by attenuating OsICE1 function. Moreover, the association analysis of the seedling chilling tolerance with the haplotype showed that the lower expression of OsEIL1 and OsEIL2 caused by natural variation might confer chilling tolerance on rice seedlings. Finally, we generated OsEIL2‐edited rice with an enhanced chilling tolerance. Taken together, our findings reveal a possible mechanism integrating OsEIN2‐OsEIL1/2 pathway with OsICE1‐dependent cascade in regulating chilling tolerance, providing a practical strategy for breeding chilling‐tolerant rice.
Scrofuloderma of the chest with mediastinal TB
Authors: Estrada Vanessa Bustamante , Lemos Ana Claudia Lada , Luz Pedro Machado , Lucena Iara Regina Siqueira , Chakr Valentina Coutinho Baldoto Gava , Hoffmann Anneliese
Published: March 2024

Cutaneous tuberculosis is a rare manifestation of extrapulmonary tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis in most cases and rarely by Mycobacterium bovis. Diagnosis may be challenging due to a wide range of clinical findings and similarities to other chronic dermatoses, leading to delayed treatment. We present a case of scrofuloderma in a 4‐year‐old girl that arose from a contiguous spread from the anterior mediastinum with associated pulmonary involvement.
Restoration success limited by poor long‐term survival after 9 years of Acropora cervicornis outplanting in the upper Florida Keys, United States
Authors: Boisvert Tiffany S. , Ruzicka Rob R. , Schopmeyer Stephanie A. , Stallings Christopher D.
Published: March 2024

The degradation of coral reefs has resulted in the expansion of coral reef restoration projects worldwide. In the tropical western Atlantic, most restoration efforts focus on outplanting Acropora cervicornis, once a dominant reef‐building branching coral, now found predominantly in spatially isolated populations. Hundreds of thousands of A. cervicornis colonies are outplanted onto degraded reefs every year; however, long‐term growth and survival data of outplanted corals is limited. In this study, we assessed the long‐term restoration of A. cervicornis by determining the relationship between surviving outplant populations and restoration effort. We surveyed coral populations at 11 sites in the upper Florida Keys that represented a gradient of restoration effort, defined by the total number of outplants, number of outplanting years, and time since last outplanting. We found a negative relationship between the amount of A. cervicornis live tissue and time since last outplanting, suggesting that outplants are not surviving longer than 2 years. In addition to restoration effort, we investigated how past and present benthic community metrics such as coral density and diversity may influence long‐term outplant survival. We found a positive relationship between the amount of live A. cervicornis tissue and pre‐restoration coral density, suggesting that areas that previously supported dense populations of corals may facilitate restoration success. Ultimately, this study finds that restored A. cervicornis populations decline over time, and continued outplanting effort is needed for the persistence of the species in certain areas. This study also highlights the need for more long‐term monitoring to inform adaptive management and restoration strategies.
Poverty reduction and migration in rural Vietnam: Role of local firm clusters
Authors: Thanh Pham Tien , Saito Katsuhiro
Published: March 2024

Firm clusters are considered as a contributing factor to local economic development. However, there are limited studies on the effect of firm clusters on the well‐being of rural communities, particularly in terms of income improvement, poverty reduction, and migration. Our research aims to shed light on these relationships at both the household and commune levels. For empirical analysis, we employ the propensity score matching method to mitigate endogeneity bias. Our results reveal the role of firm clusters in increasing income and reducing poverty. Firm clusters also contribute to decreasing labor emigration and attracting immigrants. However, the magnitude of these impacts is relatively small, with moderate effects on income and modest effects on poverty and migration. In particular, firm clusters reduce the commune poverty rate by around 2.36%–2.51% and enhance household annual income by approximately 16.46–17.08 million VND (725–752 USD). Furthermore, analyses at the household level highlight the significance of larger clusters in improving household income. Our research underscores policy implications for rural development with a specific emphasis on firm clusters.
“It's purely mutual respect”: Cross‐cultural taboos and the everyday reproduction of Singaporean nationalism
Authors: Kathiravelu Laavanya , Pandian Sharad
Published: March 2024

While differences often threaten ethnonationalist projects, the Singaporean state has rendered a particular configuration of racial‐religious diversity constitutive of nationalism in the city‐state. In this paper, we approach nationalism through an often‐overlooked avenue: intangible heritage such as everyday myths, customs, and taboos. A total of 150 interviews were conducted in three neighbourhoods in Singapore, where guided conversations were conducted regarding common customs, myths, and taboos in individuals’ families and communities. We found that respondents imagined their (state‐designated) racial‐religious groups as communities of shared customs, while also demonstrating familiarity, even deference, to the customs of other groups. However, this intimacy with other groups’ practices did not undermine the integrity of respondents’ own group identity, since they remained committed to their cultural practices as embodying ancient and useful – even “scientific” – knowledge. The data thus showed that citizens are deeply reflexive about the nature, origins, and justification of the practices they undertake. This domain of everyday practices was neither simply defined into being by the state, nor is it some heroic realm of defiance: instead, it is one where people display creativity and agency in making sense of cherished cultural similarities and differences, all while using state‐prescribed categories as resources for their meaning‐making.
Gender, teacher, and school characteristics as predictors of advanced placement physics performance
Authors: Krakehl Robert , Kelly Angela M. , Khosla Puneet
Published: March 2024

Advanced placement (AP) physics performance is an important metric for examining precollege student preparation for post‐secondary study. The present study examined potential predictors of AP Physics 1 performance including gender, teacher, and school‐level characteristics. A theoretical framework proposed teacher preparation and experiential variables are predictive of student outcomes, in addition to contextual variables that include demographics and academic offerings. Data showed that AP Physics 1 participants varied statistically from the overall high school population in terms of gender and ethnicity, with more women, White, and Asian students enrolled. AP Physics 1 teachers tended to be more experienced than other physics teachers. A multivariable linear regression model indicated significant negative predictors included female gender and socioeconomic status; the sole positive academic predictor was whether the school offered AP Chemistry. Notably, physics performance was not predicted by physics teacher characteristics including gender, certification type, years of experience, course load in physics, and isolation. Physics performance was also unrelated to school size, AP Physics enrollment, and access to AP Biology and Calculus. Results suggest that targeted resources should be identified to support teachers in high poverty schools, and training them to enact strategies that diminish gender achievement gaps.
The neurorehabilitation of post‐stroke dysphagia: Physiology and pathophysiology
Authors: Sasegbon Ayodele , Cheng Ivy , Hamdy Shaheen
Published: March 2024

Swallowing is a complex process involving the precise contractions of numerous muscles of the head and neck, which act to process and shepherd ingested material from the oral cavity to its eventual destination, the stomach. Over the past five decades, information from animal and human studies has laid bare the complex network of neurones in the brainstem, cortex and cerebellum that are responsible for orchestrating each normal swallow. Amidst this complexity, problems can and often do occur that result in dysphagia, defined as impaired or disordered swallowing. Dysphagia is common, arising from multiple varied disease processes that can affect any of the neuromuscular structures involved in swallowing. Post‐stroke dysphagia (PSD) remains the most prevalent and most commonly studied form of dysphagia and, as such, provides an important disease model to assess dysphagia physiology and pathophysiology. In this review, we explore the complex neuroanatomical processes that occur during normal swallowing and PSD. This includes how strokes cause dysphagia, the mechanisms through which natural neuroplastic recovery occurs, current treatments for patients with persistent dysphagia and emerging neuromodulatory treatments.

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State-of-Health Estimation for Sustainable Electric Vehicle Batteries Using Temporal-Enhanced Self-Attention Graph Neural Networks
Authors: Zhao Yixin , Behdad Sara
Published: March 2024

Electric vehicles (EVs) have emerged as an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional fuel vehicles. Lithium-ion batteries are the major energy source for EVs, but they degrade under dynamic operating conditions. Accurate estimation of battery state of health is important for sustainability as it quantifies battery condition, influences reuse possibilities, and helps alleviate capacity degradation, which finally impacts battery lifespan and energy efficiency. In this paper, a self-attention graph neural network combined with long short-term memory (LSTM) is introduced by focusing on using temporal and spatial dependencies in battery data. The LSTM layer utilizes a sliding window to extract temporal dependencies in the battery health factors. Two different approaches to the graph construction layer are subsequently developed: health factor-based and window-based graphs. Each approach emphasizes the interconnections between individual health factors and exploits temporal features in a deeper way, respectively. The self-attention mechanism is used to compute the adjacent weight matrix, which measures the strength of interactions between nodes in the graph. The impact of the two graph structures on the model performance is discussed. The model accuracy and computational cost of the proposed model are compared with the individual LSTM and gated recurrent unit (GRU) models.
Flow Physics of a Rotating Bernoulli Pad: A Numerical Study
Authors: Tomar Anshul S. , Hellum Aren , Kamensky Kristina , Mukherjee Ranjan
Published: March 2024

Bernoulli pads are traditionally used for noncontact pick-and-place operations in industry. The normal force produced by a Bernoulli pad allows it to adhere to an object or workpiece. In addition to the normal force, the pad produces shear forces, which allows it to clean a workpiece without contact. A direct relationship between the inlet fluid power and the shear losses motivates us to explore other methods of providing power to the system with the objective of increasing shear forces and thereby improving cleaning efficacy. Here, we numerically investigate a system in which additional mechanical power is added by rotating the Bernoulli pad. The rotating system provides additional fluid forces (normal and shear) for the same inlet fluid power. For a specific pad that we investigated, the maximum wall shear stress increased by ≈15% and the normal force changed from +1.4 N (repulsive) to −6.6 N (attractive) for change in the rotational speed by 60 rad/s. Also, for a given normal attractive force, a stable equilibrium configuration can exist for two mass flow rates, with the higher mass flowrate resulting in a higher stiffness of the flow field.
Influence of Permeability and Shear-Thinning Behavior on the Hydrodynamics Flow Features Around Porous Square Cylinders
Authors: Jamshed Saqib , Dhiman Amit Kumar
Published: March 2024

This article investigates the laminar flow of power-law fluids through two porous square cylinders in a side-by-side configuration. The effects of power-law index (n), Darcy number (Da), and gap ratio (g/W) are examined within ranges of g/W = 0.5–5, n = 0.4–0.8, and Da = 10−6–10−2, respectively. Two flow conditions are considered: first, for a creeping flow (unseparated flow) at Re = 1 where Darcy's law is applicable; second, for a viscous dominant flow at Re = 100, where Darcy–Forchheimer-extended model is exercised. Flow patterns behind the porous cylinders are analyzed using streamlines, velocity profiles, pressure distribution curves, and vorticity structural parameters (Г). In low permeability levels, the flow exhibits an irregular nonperiodic vortex shedding characterized by a single large vortex street far off the downstream for g/W = 0.5. However, synchronized wake patterns were observed in either antiphase or in-phase modes for higher gap ratios. Leading-edge separation with two-side recirculation induces quasi-periodicity in the flow for all g/W. It was found that increasing the permeability can prevent the leading edge separation. Additionally, a transition from antiphase to in-phase mode occurs when the permeability is altered while maintaining constant flow-time. The presence of a jet-like flow between cylinders significantly impacts unsteady wake patterns. The impact of g/W, power-law index, and permeability on drag is also examined. A jump in some flow parameters was observed at higher Re for the midrange Darcy number, but no such increase was noted for the high shear-thinning behavior. These findings provide a potential approach for improving the design of fluidic systems involving porous cylinders.
Oficinas de Atención a migrantes en 6 municipios chilenos; problemas y limitaciones
Authors:   Chile, Torres Matus Leonora
Published: March 2024

El presente artículo es un trabajo exploratorio con alcances descriptivos sobre el trabajo diario de las oficinas de atención a migrantes y los problemas/ limitaciones que enfrentan 6 municipios de la Región Metropolitana de Santiago, Chile, en el año 2022. La hipótesis de trabajo se refiere a la diferencia entre problema y limitación en la atención a migrantes. Esto redunda en las distintas estrategias que tiene cada municipio para enfrentar la temática migratoria y la carencia de un plan nacional de integración, hasta la fecha. Los resultados de la investigación apuntan específicamente a la situación de vulnerabilidad, particularmente hacia los migrantes en situación irregular y el acceso a servicios/ beneficios sociales. Las limitaciones que enfrentan son dificultades en materia presupuestaria y la implementación de la nueva ley migratoria.
Bridging the gap between annular and can-annular acoustic spectra
Authors: Pedergnana Tiemo , Orchini Alessandro , Moeck Jonas , Noiray Nicolas
Published: March 2024

In the literature on thermoacoustic instabilities in combustors, a distinction is typically made between annular and can-annular systems because these are the most common gas turbine architectures. In reality, however, annular combustors typically feature discretely symmetric elements, such as burner tubes, and can-annular combustors feature an azimuthally symmetric plenum at the turbine inlet. To better understand the general case in between the annular and can-annular extremes, we analyze the acoustic spectrum of an idealized can-annular combustion chamber with variable geometry, where the length of the axial gap distance beyond the ends of the cans—hence, the coupling strength—may be adjusted. For small gap sizes, the geometry approaches a set of isolated combustor cans, whereas for large gap sizes, it approaches that of pure annular systems. We present two theoretical models based on Bloch wave theory and validate them against finite-element simulations of the Helmholtz equation. We demonstrate that the azimuthal modes transform into the eigenmodes of an annular chamber as the gap is fully opened, and we show that below a certain frequency, all the modes in between the can-annular and annular limits can be classified by their axial and azimuthal mode orders.