bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment failure is a key factor in the development of Helicobacter pylori resistance
Authors: Xie Jinliang , Peng Jianxiang , Liu Dingwei , Zeng Rong , Qiu Jiayu , Shen Liting , Gong Xiaomin , Liu Dongsheng , Xie Yong
Published: May 2024

Background

Helicobacter pylori eradication failure influences its antibiotic resistance.

Aims

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of previous treatment failures on it, including the changes in the antibiotic resistance rates, minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) distributions, and resistance patterns.

Materials and Methods

This single‐center retrospective study included 860 primary isolates and 247 secondary isolates. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed for amoxicillin, metronidazole, clarithromycin, levofloxacin, furazolidone, tetracycline, and rifampicin. The demographic data and detailed regimens were collected.

Results

The primary resistance rates to amoxicillin, metronidazole, clarithromycin, levofloxacin, tetracycline, rifampin, and furazolidone were 5.93%, 83.84%, 28.82%, 26.28%, 0.35%, 1.16%, and 0%, while secondary were 25.10%, 92.31%, 79.76%, 63.16%, 1.06%, 3.19%, and 0%, respectively. The resistance rates to amoxicillin, metronidazole, clarithromycin, and levofloxacin increased significantly with the number of treatment failures accumulated, and showed a linear trend. The proportion of primary and secondary multidrug‐resistant (MDR) isolates were 17.79% and 63.16%, respectively. The MIC values of amoxicillin, clarithromycin, and levofloxacin were elevated significantly with medication courses increased.

Conclusion

The prevalence of amoxicillin, clarithromycin, levofloxacin, and metronidazole resistance would increase rapidly following first‐line treatment failure, as well as the MIC values of them. Clinicians should pay great attention to the first‐line treatment to cure H. pylori infection successfully.
Single‐crystalline indium selenide fibers by laser‐induced recrystallization and their tunable whispering‐gallery‐mode lasing by pressure‐modulating
Authors: Xin Litao , He Huiyu , Wang Xiuhong , Cheng Zhaochen , Zhang Xin , Pan Shengli , Lu Xin , Wang Pu
Published: May 2024

Indium selenide (InSe) crystal, as an emerging Van der Waals semiconductor, showed great potential in optical and optoelectronic devices due to its remarkable electron mobility, flexible direct bandgap, and photoresponsivity. Especially, the bulk single‐crystalline InSe shows superplastic deformability with the aid of the interlayer gliding and cross‐layer dislocation slip. The extraordinary mechanical behavior brings significant opportunities and possibilities to pressure‐modulated optical devices, which, however, have not been explored sufficiently. Additionally, InSe crystals are challenged in the rapid large‐scale preparation and reproduction due to limitations, such as phase heterogeneity, dissociation risks, and chemical instability. Herein, we proposed a fiber drawing technique to create single‐crystalline InSe by the molten core drawing method combined with CO2 laser‐induced recrystallization. The fabricated InSe fiber, spanning several meters in length, shows a uniform and directional single‐crystalline InSe core encased within a 450 µm thick protective borosilicate glass cladding. The inherent core‐cladding configuration of the InSe fibers not only provides robust protection to the InSe crystals but also seamlessly creates a whispering‐gallery‐mode microcavity. Utilizing a 532 nm nanosecond pulsed laser as a pump, a tunable lasing from 1076.2 to 1111.8 nm was achieved, dictated by the controlled pressure within the InSe fiber. We present a simple and effective method for single‐crystalline InSe fabrication and first achieve a pressure‐modulated laser in a near‐infrared band based on InSe fiber, heralding an advancement for the scalable, efficient generation of tunable lasers.
Gamebrics: Design, implementation and practical evaluation of analytical rubrics in serious game play
Authors: Hummel Hans G. K. , Nadolski Rob , Huurdeman Hugo , van Lankveld Giel , Georgiadis Konstantinos , Slootmaker Aad , Kurvers Hub , Hummel Mick , Neessen Petra , van den Boomen Johan , Pat‐El Ron , Fischmann Julia
Published: May 2024

Background

Complex skills, like analytical thinking, are essential in preparing students for future professions. Serious games hold potential to stimulate the online acquisition of such professional skills in an active and experiential way.

Objective

Rubrics are proven assessment and evaluation instruments, but were never directly integrated into actual gameplay. We present our approach towards the integration of analytical rubrics into gameplay, the implementation into existing (scenario‐based) serious games, and main findings from a study on learning effects and appreciation of the tooling (dashboard with progress information and reflective feedback).

Method

Our experimental research setup randomly allocated 84 participating students into either a control group or an experimental group. The intervention for the control group consisted of an existing serious game with natural feedback as part of the scenario, supporting the gameplay itself. The intervention for the experimental group also provided an additional dashboard with reflective feedback, monitoring the acquisition of analytical skills through gameplay. Learning growth through gameplay was measured by pre‐/post‐test scores on a knowledge test, in‐game performance by means of computer logging, and appreciation of the dashboard and feedback by means of a questionnaire.

Results and Conclusions

Participants receiving reflective feedback show higher learning increases (on a pre‐/post‐knowledge test), and more efficient gameplay behaviour (on performance scores). Participants receiving reflective feedback feel more confident about competence development. These findings appear promising for this approach on integrating formative assessment in serious gameplay to support the acquisition of complex skills.
Mechanism of Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi, HQ) for treatment of heart failure based on network pharmacology and molecular docking
Authors: Chen Qiuxiang , Wang Juan , Sun Lihua , Ba Bayinsilema , Shen Difei
Published: May 2024

Heart failure is a leading cause of death in the elderly. Traditional Chinese medicine, a verified alternative therapeutic regimen, has been used to treat heart failure, which is less expensive and has fewer adverse effects. In this study, a total of 15 active ingredients of Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi, HQ) were obtained; among them, Isorhamnetin, Quercetin, Calycosin, Formononetin, and Kaempferol were found to be linked to heart failure. Ang II significantly enlarged the cell size of cardiomyocytes, which could be partially reduced by Quercetin, Isorhamnetin, Calycosin, Kaempferol, or Formononetin. Ang II significantly up‐regulated ANP, BNP, β‐MHC, and CTGF expressions, whereas Quercetin, Isorhamnetin, Calycosin, Kaempferol or Formononetin treatment partially downregulated ANP, BNP, β‐MHC and CTGF expressions. Five active ingredients of HQ attenuated inflammation in Ang II‐induced cardiomyocytes by inhibiting the levels of TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐18 and IL‐6. Molecular docking shows Isorhamnetin, Quercetin, Calycosin, Formononetin and Kaempferol can bind with its target protein ESR1 in a good bond by intermolecular force. Quercetin, Calycosin, Kaempferol or Formononetin treatment promoted the expression levels of ESR1 and phosphorylated ESR1 in Ang II‐stimulated cardiomyocytes; however, Isorhamnetin treatment had no effect on ESR1 and phosphorylated ESR1 expression levels. In conclusion, our results comprehensively illustrated the bioactives, potential targets, and molecular mechanism of HQ against heart failure. Isorhamnetin, Quercetin, Calycosin, Formononetin and Kaempferol might be the primary active ingredients of HQ, dominating its cardioprotective effects against heart failure through regulating ESR1 expression, which provided a basis for the clinical application of HQ to regulate cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure.
Short‐chain fatty acids: bridges between diet, gut microbiota, and health
Authors: Wang Ling‐Yun , He Li‐Hong , Xu Li‐Jun , Li Shi‐Bo
Published: May 2024

In recent years, gut microbiota has become a hot topic in the fields of medicine and life sciences. Short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs), the main metabolites of gut microbiota produced by microbial fermentation of dietary fiber, play a vital role in healthy and ill hosts. SCFAs regulate the process of metabolism, immune, and inflammation and have therapeutic effects on gastrointestinal and neurological disorders, as well as antitumor properties. This review summarized the production, distribution, and molecular mechanism of SCFAs, as well as their mechanisms of action in healthy and ill hosts. In addition, we also emphasized the negative effects of SCFAs, aiming to provide the public with a more comprehensive understanding of SCFAs.
Nephrologists' perspectives and experiences with hospice among older adults with end‐stage kidney disease
Authors: Wachterman Melissa W. , Sinha Anupallavi , Leveille Tarikwa , Waikar Sushrut S. , Widera Eric , Romero Kai , Bokhour Barbara
Published: May 2024

Background

Hospice care leads to improved patient and family outcomes. Hospice use among older adults with end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD) is markedly lower than among older adults with other serious illnesses, and the majority of those with ESKD who use hospice enroll in the last days of life. Here, our aim was to explore barriers to timely receipt of high‐quality hospice care for older adults with ESKD.

Methods

Utilizing a qualitative study design, we conducted a secondary analysis focused on hospice, a theme that we identified in our larger overarching study that involved semi‐structured interviews with 20 nephrologists in the United States focused on treatment decision‐making in older adults with advanced chronic kidney disease. We analyzed the interview transcripts using emergent thematic analysis to develop an understanding of barriers to high‐quality hospice.

Results

With a couple notable exceptions, nephrologists voiced general support for the concept of hospice, but few recalled patients of theirs who had received hospice. Nephrologists' interviews revealed two interrelated contributors to the lack of timely access to high‐quality hospice care for seriously ill older adults with ESKD: (1) nephrologists view dialysis and hospice as mutually exclusive models of care; (2) nephrologists feel unsure who should manage hospice care for patients with ESKD. The first contributor was rooted in nephrologists' narrow vision of when to consider hospice (informed, in part, by policy barriers) and, in a couple of cases, strong discomfort with hospice. The second stemmed from nephrologists' belief that neither they nor hospice are adequately prepared to provide hospice care for ESKD.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that, in addition to Medicare policy change, nephrologists need to receive more training in primary palliative care skills including in indications for hospice, initiating conversations about hospice with patients, and collaborating with hospice clinicians to care for these vulnerable patients.
‘There is just nothing to hold on to in this case’: legal technicalities and the use of psychological reports in Chilean domestic violence procedures
Authors: RIQUELME ESPINOSA IGNACIO
Published: May 2024

This ethnographic study examines how Chilean family courts adjudicate domestic violence (DV) cases, highlighting a paradoxical shift away from their intended flexibility towards rigid bureaucratic procedure by examining the undue influence of psychological reports, which are expensive and difficult‐to‐obtain documents, on case outcomes. This research explores the role of these reports as ‘legal technicalities’, serving as both products and catalysts of specific social relations and tensions, and reveals an earnest yet unsuccessful effort to establish judicial authority amid poorly conceived DV reform. The article contributes to an empirical, bottom‐up analysis of authority construction techniques used in recent widespread judicial reforms in Chile, providing fresh insights into the complexities of institutional changes within these contexts.
Gastroschisis and septo‐optic‐pituitary dysplasia: Is there an association?
Authors: Salman Michael S , Ruth Chelsea A , Yogendran Marina S , Zrinyi Anna , Morris Melanie
Published: May 2024

Aim

There are several case reports describing patients with both optic nerve hypoplasia/septo‐optic‐pituitary dysplasia (ONH/SOD) and gastroschisis (GS). Our aim was to investigate whether ONH/SOD is associated with GS.

Methods

A retrospective population‐based study was undertaken using the Population Research Data Repository at the Manitoba Center for Health Policy in Manitoba, Canada to investigate if any patient with ONH/SOD also had GS. In addition, Winnipeg's Surgical Database of Outcomes and Management (WiSDOM), a hospital‐based paediatric surgical database, was searched to ascertain if any of the patients with GS also have ONH/SOD.

Results

Cases were 124 patients with ONH/SOD diagnosed during 1990–2019. None had GS. The surgical database had 188 patients from Manitoba with GS during 1991–2019. None had ONH/SOD.

Conclusion

There does not appear to be an association between ONH/SOD and GS in our cohorts of patients with these two disorders.
Melatonin restores hepatic lipid metabolic homeostasis disrupted by blue light at night in high‐fat diet‐fed mice
Authors: Guan Qingyun , Wang Zixu , Cao Jing , Dong Yulan , Tang Shusheng , Chen Yaoxing
Published: May 2024

Artificial light at night (ALAN) is an emerging environmental pollutant that threatens public health. Recently, ALAN has been identified as a risk factor for obesity; however, the role of ALAN and its light wavelength in hepatic lipid metabolic homeostasis remains undetermined. We showed that chronic dim (~5 lx) ALAN (dLAN) exposure significantly promoted hepatic lipid accumulation in obese or diabetic mice, with the most severe effect of blue light and little effect of green or red light. These metabolic phenotypes were attributed to blue rather than green or red dLAN interfering with hepatic lipid metabolism, especially lipogenesis and lipolysis. Further studies found that blue dLAN disrupted hepatic lipogenesis and lipolysis processes by inhibiting hepatic REV‐ERBs. Mechanistically, feeding behavior mediated the regulation of dLAN on hepatic REV‐ERBs. In addition, different effects of light wavelengths at night on liver REV‐ERBs depended on the activation of the corticosterone (CORT)/glucocorticoid receptor (GR) axis. Blue dLAN could activate the CORT/GR axis significantly while other wavelengths could not. Notably, we demonstrated that exogenous melatonin could effectively inhibit hepatic lipid accumulation and restore the hepatic GR/REV‐ERBs axis disrupted by blue dLAN. These findings demonstrate that dLAN promotes hepatic lipid accumulation in mice via a short‐wavelength‐dependent manner, and exogenous melatonin is a potential therapeutic approach. This study strengthens the relationship between ALAN and hepatic lipid metabolism and provides insights into directing ambient light.
Specialist nurse's health promotion work with the national childhood immunization programme: A qualitative study
Authors: Aradottir Louis , Wellman Linnea , Göransson Carina
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Childhood immunizations have proven to be one of the most beneficial interventions to promote public health and prevent childhood deaths due to disease. However, global coverage of childhood immunization has decreased throughout the world due to guardians' growing hesitancy towards immunizations. This study aims to describe how specialist nurses promote legal guardians to adhere to national childhood immunization programmes.

Design and Methods

This study had a qualitative design. Semistructured interviews with 11 specialist nurses, who were paediatric primary care nurses or nurse practitioners, were conducted. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis.

Results

The findings, with four main categories including four subcategories, showed nurses using both local guidelines and national guidelines to promote guardians to adhere to the childhood immunization programme. The main intervention the nurses did to promote childhood immunization coverage was giving legal guardians general information about the programme. With hesitant guardians, adopting a person‐centred approach towards the legal guardian improved adherence.

Practice Implications

Further research should focus on how specialist nurses can respond to guardians who decline immunization for their children, as this study identified difficulties in this area. Furthermore, research on guardians' perspectives towards childhood immunization may also help generate further effective guidance on how to promote immunization coverage among children.
ACVIM consensus statement on the treatment of immune thrombocytopenia in dogs and cats
Authors: LeVine Dana N. , Goggs Robert , Kohn Barbara , Mackin Andrew J. , Kidd Linda , Garden Oliver A. , Brooks Marjory B. , Eldermire Erin R. B. , Abrams‐Ogg Anthony , Appleman Elizabeth H. , Archer Todd M. , Bianco Domenico , Blois Shauna L. , Brainard Benjamin M. , Callan Mary Beth , Fellman Claire L. , Haines Jillian M. , Hale Anne S. , Huang Alice A. , Lucy John M. , O'Marra Shana K. , Rozanski Elizabeth A. , Thomason John M. , Walton Jenny E. , Wilson Helen E.
Published: May 2024

Management of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) in dogs and cats is evolving, but there are no evidence‐based guidelines to assist clinicians with treatment decisions. Likewise, the overall goals for treatment of ITP have not been established. Immunosuppressive doses of glucocorticoids are the first line treatment, but optimal treatment regimens beyond glucocorticoids remain uncertain. Additional options include secondary immunosuppressive drugs such as azathioprine, modified cyclosporine, and mycophenolate mofetil, usually selected based on clinician preference. Vincristine, human IV immunoglobulin (hIVIg), and transfusion of platelet or red blood cell–containing products are often used in more severe cases. Splenectomy and thrombopoietin receptor agonists are usually reserved for refractory cases, but when and in which patient these modalities should be employed is under debate. To develop evidence‐based guidelines for individualized treatment of ITP patients, we asked 20 Population Intervention Comparison Outcome (PICO) format questions. These were addressed by 17 evidence evaluators using a literature pool of 288 articles identified by a structured search strategy. Evidence evaluators, using panel‐designed templates and data extraction tools, summarized evidence and created guideline recommendations. These were integrated by treatment domain chairs and then refined by iterative Delphi survey review to reach consensus on the final guidelines. In addition, 19 non‐PICO questions covering scenarios in which evidence was lacking or of low quality were answered by expert opinion using iterative Delphi surveys with panelist integration and refinement. Commentary was solicited from multiple relevant professional organizations before finalizing the consensus. The rigorous consensus process identified few comparative treatment studies, highlighting many areas of ITP treatment requiring additional studies. This statement is a companion manuscript to the ACVIM Consensus Statement on the Diagnosis of Immune Thrombocytopenia in Dogs and Cats.
Understanding mesopredator responses to changes in apex predator populations in Europe: implications for the mesopredator release hypothesis
Authors: van Schaik Thomas , van Kuijk Marijke , Sterck Elisabeth H. M.
Published: May 2024

Conservation successes in Europe have sparked the recovery of apex predators, which may affect the populations of mesopredators. The mesopredator release hypothesis (MRH) predicts that a decline in apex predators triggers a ‘release’ of mesopredators from suppression.

We expanded the MRH to include predictions of inverse responses following increases in apex predator abundance or distribution. We examined European mesopredator responses to changes in apex predator populations and evaluated the extended MRH's explanatory power.

We examined the results of 47 studies on European predators for supporting evidence, mixed evidence, no evidence, or contrasting evidence for the extended MRH.

Out of 38 apex predator – mesopredator pairings, 10 predominantly supported the extended MRH, while others provided limited or no support. In 23 instances across 17 pairings, mesopredator responses contradicted predictions. Initial findings suggest the extended MRH better predicts mesopredator responses in pairings with intermediate to large body size differences and in pairings where mesopredators primarily hunt.

Our results reveal non‐uniform mesopredator responses to changing apex predator populations. This emphasises the complexity of predator interactions, which extends beyond suppression. We suggest the MRH's scope is more restricted than previously thought, cautioning against overreliance on the MRH as a default expectation for European mesopredator responses to apex predator population changes.
Compositional evidence for chondrule origins of low‐Ca pyroxenes in comet Wild 2 and a giant cluster IDP
Authors: Joswiak D. J. , Brownlee D. E. , Westphal A. J. , Gainsforth Z. , Zhang M. , Kita N. T.
Published: May 2024

A literature compilation of 1136 low‐Ca pyroxene compositions from chondrules from 12 primitive type 2–3 carbonaceous, ordinary and enstatite chondrite groups define unique regions on an Al2O3 and Cr2O3 diagram when compared to low‐Ca pyroxenes from equilibrated type 4‐6 chondrites. Measured compositions of 100 low‐Ca pyroxenes from comet Wild 2 and a giant cluster IDP of probable cometary origin are similar to each other and fall in the type 2–3 chondrite chondrule region suggesting that most of the pyroxenes likely formed in the solar nebula like conventional chondrules. The data imply that most low Ca‐pyroxenes from comet Wild 2 and the giant cluster IDP formed from igneous crystallization processes and did not experience significant thermal metamorphism, indicating that the low‐Ca pyroxenes were unlikely incorporated into large parent bodies prior to accretion in their respective comet bodies. An intriguing group of nine low‐Ca pyroxenes from comet Wild 2 with low Cr and Al that fall where type 4–6 chondrites are located are interpreted as products of condensation. The compositional data combined with previously measured oxygen isotopes on 17 low‐Ca pyroxenes support earlier conclusions that comet samples have links with carbonaceous, ordinary, and possibly enstatite chondrite groups. Our results provide additional evidence that comets accreted materials from multiple chondrule reservoirs throughout the solar nebula.
Understanding adherence to continuous positive airway pressure in patients with obstructive sleep apnea post‐stroke: A prospective study based on the Andersen model
Authors: Yang Hua‐Lu , Wang Mian , Xu Yan‐Fei , Mo Bei‐Rong , Liu Xian‐Liang , Redding Sharon R.
Published: May 2024

Adherence to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) post‐stroke is often problematic, despite potential benefits. This study aimed to evaluate CPAP adherence in patients with OSA post‐stroke based on the Andersen behavioral model of health services utilization. A total of 227 eligible participants were recruited from a Chinese hospital. After baseline assessment, participants were followed for 6 months to determine short‐term CPAP adherence. Those with good short‐term adherence were followed for an additional 6 months to explore long‐term adherence and influencing factors. Short‐term CPAP adherence rate was 33%. Being married or living with a partner, having an associate degree or baccalaureate degree or higher, and stronger health beliefs independently predicted short‐term CPAP adherence. Only 25% of participants from the adherent group showed good long‐term adherence. The factor associated with long‐term CPAP adherence was participants not using alcohol. Adherence to CPAP is suboptimal among patients having OSA post‐stroke. Addressing unfavorable predisposing factors and modifying health beliefs are suggested.
‘I didn't know it was you’: The impersonal grounds of relational normativity
Authors: Lewinsohn Jed
Published: May 2024

A notable feature of our moral and legal practices is the recognition of privileges, powers, and entitlements belonging to a select group of individuals in virtue of their status as victims of wrongful conduct. A philosophical literature on relational normativity purports to account for this status in terms of such notions as interests, rights, and attitudes of disregard. This paper argues that such individualistic notions cannot account for prevailing and intuitive ways of demarcating the class of victims. The paper is focused on the wrongful infliction of harm, and centers on the mediating role played by impersonal “danger‐making properties” in the determination of the class of victims. The paper begins with an analysis of one of the most well‐ known discussions of negligently‐inflicted harm — from the most famous case of the American common law tradition, Palsgraf v. Long Island Railroad Co. — and the analysis is then extended to the morality of harm‐doing more broadly, negligent and intentional alike. The paper's chief targets are interest theories of rights — including contractualist theories of moral claim‐rights of the kind defended by R. Jay Wallace — and neo‐Strawsonian Quality of Will theories of “moral injury”.
A qualitative, multi‐perspective study on causal beliefs about adolescent depression
Authors: Wentholt Wilma G. M. , Janssen Loes H. C. , van Houtum Lisanne A. E. M. , Wever Mirjam C. M. , Tollenaar Marieke S. , Alink Lenneke R. A. , Elzinga Bernet M.
Published: May 2024

Objectives

The current study aimed to examine: (1.1) causal beliefs about adolescent depression in a sample of adolescents with a clinical depression and their mothers and fathers; (1.2) within‐family overlap of causal beliefs; (2.1) mothers' and fathers' reflected causal beliefs about their child's perspective; (2.2) the accuracy of mothers' and fathers' reflected causal beliefs as related to their child's causal beliefs.

Design

Qualitative study using a within‐family approach.

Methods

Adolescents with a current clinical depression (MDD/dysthymia; N = 34) and their parents (N = 34 mothers, N = 26 fathers) were independently interviewed about their causal beliefs about the adolescents' depression. Parents were additionally interviewed about their perception of their child's causal beliefs (i.e., reflected causal beliefs).

Results

The causal beliefs most frequently mentioned by adolescents, mothers and fathers are: characteristics of the child, social factors, school and various stressful experiences. Parent–child overlap was relatively low, specifically for the themes of bewilderment, cumulative effect and stressful life events, whereas overlap was relatively high for themes of social factors, school and stressful experiences outside of the family. Parents were relatively accurate in their reflected causal beliefs, but tended to underestimate their child's insights into possible causes of their depression. Accuracy of parents' reflected causal beliefs was particularly low for the theme cumulative effect and high for social factors.

Conclusions

The various causal beliefs of adolescents and their parents could be used in therapeutic setting. Future research could examine whether (guided) conversations may promote alignment within families and treatment efficacy.
C‐Type LECTIN receptor‐like kinase 1 and ACTIN DEPOLYMERIZING FACTOR 3 are key components of plasmodesmata callose modulation
Authors: Kumar Ritesh , Iswanto Arya B. B. , Kumar Dhinesh , Shuwei Wu , Oh Kyujin , Moon Jiyun , Son Geon H. , Oh Eun‐Seok , Vu Minh H. , Lee Jinsu , Lee Keun W. , Oh Man‐Ho , Kwon Chian , Chung Woo S. , Kim Jae‐Yean , Kim Sang H.
Published: May 2024

Plasmodesmata (PDs) are intercellular organelles carrying multiple membranous nanochannels that allow the trafficking of cellular signalling molecules. The channel regulation of PDs occurs dynamically and is required in various developmental and physiological processes. It is well known that callose is a critical component in regulating PD permeability or symplasmic connectivity, but the understanding of the signalling pathways and mechanisms of its regulation is limited. Here, we used the reverse genetic approach to investigate the role of C‐type lectin receptor‐like kinase 1 (CLRLK1) in the aspect of PD callose‐modulated symplasmic continuity. Here, we found that loss‐of‐function mutations in CLRLK1 resulted in excessive PD callose deposits and reduced symplasmic continuity, resulting in an accelerated gravitropic response. The protein interactome study also found that CLRLK1 interacted with actin depolymerizing factor 3 (ADF3) in vitro and in plants. Moreover, mutations in ADF3 result in elevated PD callose deposits and faster gravitropic response. Our results indicate that CLRLK1 and ADF3 negatively regulate PD callose accumulation, contributing to fine‐tuning symplasmic opening apertures. Overall, our studies identified two key components involved in the deposits of PD callose and provided new insights into how symplasmic connectivity is maintained by the control of PD callose homoeostasis.
Swimming was associated with rhinitis and pollinosis in a duration‐dependent manner
Authors: Kawabata Ayu , Motoyama Yuie , Takeuchi Jiro , Kusunoki Takashi
Published: May 2024

Background

Previous studies have reported conflicting results regarding the effects of childhood swimming on respiratory allergic symptoms. We investigated the relationship between swimming and respiratory allergic symptoms in schoolchildren.

Methods

A questionnaire regarding participation in sports club activities and respiratory allergic symptoms in schoolchildren was distributed to the parents of all 6853 public school students (aged 6–14 years) in Omihachiman City, Shiga, Japan. The relationships between participation in sports club activities and the prevalence of respiratory allergic symptoms were analyzed by multivariable logistic regression analyses.

Results

Questionnaires were returned for 4991 schoolchildren (response rate: 72.8%). Logistic regression analysis revealed significant positive associations between swimming and rhinitis (42.9% vs. 38.9%; adjusted odds ratio, 1.26; 95% confidence interval, 1.10–1.44), and swimming and pollinosis (32.1% vs. 28.1%; adjusted odds ratio, 1.28; 95% confidence interval, 1.11–1.47). The duration of participation in swimming activities was also significantly positively associated with the prevalence of rhinitis and pollinosis. Those who had participated in swimming activities for 6 years or more showed significantly higher prevalences of rhinitis and pollinosis (46.3% and 36.4%, respectively) than those without swimming activities (38.9% and 28.1%, respectively) and those who had participated in swimming activities for 5 years or less (40.1% and 28.5%, respectively).

Conclusions

Swimming was associated with the prevalence of rhinitis and pollinosis in schoolchildren, especially among those who had participated in swimming activities for 6 years or more. Preventive measures and early interventions for rhinitis and pollinosis should be recommended to these children.
First evaluation of Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory for foster children in Japan
Authors: Matano Miyuki , Katabira Hisayo , Sekine Tomoe , Kurane Koyuru , Wakabayashi Kei , Kono Yumi , Tajima Toshihiro , Iwai Kosuke , Osaka Hitoshi , Monden Yukifumi
Published: May 2024

Background

Behavioral problems of foster children are an important issue for the maintenance of the foster care system, but they have not been adequately studied in Japan. We used the Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory (ECBI) to investigate behavioral problems among foster children and to examine associated factors.

Methods

Twenty‐nine foster children and their foster parents and 479 non‐foster children and parents were recruited for the foster and control groups, respectively. Both groups underwent statistical comparative analyses using data from their ECBI assessments. The ECBI has two scales: the Intensity Scale quantifies the severity of child behavioral problems, and the Problem Scale captures the caregiver's perceived difficulties handling each behavior. We conducted a retrospective investigation of the background of the foster parent–child pairs to explore potential causal relationships with behavioral problems.

Results

The mean intensity score for the foster group was significantly higher than that for the control group (p = 0.001). The mean problem scores for the foster group and the control group were not significantly different (p = 0.79). In the foster group, the retrospective investigation revealed two children with neurological or neurodevelopmental disorders, 17 with histories of abuse, and 10 with other issues.

Conclusion

Intensity scores showed severe behavioral problems among foster children, perhaps caused by neurological disorders, abuse, parental mental health, or economic hardship. Problem scores showed no significant differences between groups. It can therefore be posited that foster parents might exhibit a more lenient parenting style when dealing with children who have a history of abuse by their biological parents.
GpEF1A: a novel lysine methyltransferase gene from Gypsophila perfoliata L. involved in boron homeostasis
Authors: Akbudak M. A. , Cirik N. , Erdeger S. N. , Filiz E. , Dogu S. , Bor M.
Published: May 2024

Rapid accumulation of boron (B) leads to toxicity in plant tissues, and the narrow gap between deficiency and toxicity makes it difficult to adjust essential B levels in soil for plant productivity. Therefore, understanding different aspects of B tolerance is necessary to provide new and valid solutions to B toxicity. Gypsophila perfoliata stands out as a remarkable example of a B‐tolerant plant, with a natural propensity to thrive in environments such as B mines and soils enriched with high levels of B.

In this study, a yeast functional screening experiment was conducted using cDNA libraries from G. perfoliata leaf and root cells for B tolerance.

Ten colonies from the leaf library grew in 80 mm boric acid, while none emerged from the root library. Analysis of isolated cDNAs showed identical sequences and a unique motif related to B tolerance. The gene GpEF1A was identified in the tolerant yeast colonies, with predicted structural features suggesting its role, and RT‐qPCR indicating increased expression under B stress.

A regulatory role for EF1A lysine methylation was proposed in mammalian cells and fungi because of its dynamic and inducible nature under environmental constraints. This could also be relevant for plant cells, as the high similarity of the GpEF1A gene in some salt‐tolerant plants might indicate the upregulation of EF1A as a conserved way to cope with abiotic stress conditions. This report represents the first instance of involvement of GpEF1A in B tolerance, and further detailed studies are necessary to understand other components of this tolerance mechanism.
Effects of demographic history on recombination hotspots in soybean
Authors: McConaughy Samantha , Amundsen Keenan , Hyten David
Published: May 2024

Recombination is the primary mechanism underlying genetic improvement in populations and allows plant breeders to create new allelic combinations for agronomic improvement. Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] has gone through multiple genetic bottlenecks that have significantly affected its genetic diversity, linkage disequilibrium, and altered allele frequencies. To investigate the impact of genetic bottlenecks on recombination hotspots in soybeans, historical recombination was studied in three soybean populations. The populations were wild soybean [Glycine soja (Sieb. and Zucc.)], landraces, and North American elite soybean cultivars that have been genotyped with the SoySNP50K BeadChip. While each population after a genetic bottleneck had an increased average haplotype block size, they did not have a significant difference in the number of hotspots between each population. Instead, the increase in observed haplotype block size is likely due to an elimination of individuals that contained historical recombination at hotspots which decreased the observed rate of recombination for the hotspot after each genetic bottleneck. Conversely, heterochromatic DNA which has an increased haplotype block size compared to euchromatic DNA had a significantly different number of hotspots but not a significant difference in the average hotspot recombination rate. Previously identified genomic motifs associated with hotspots were also associated with hotspots found in the historical populations suggesting a common mechanism. This characterization of historical recombination hotspots in soybeans provides further insights into the effect genetic bottlenecks and selection have on recombination hotspots.
Transfusion‐associated acute lung injury following albumin treatment in liver disease
Authors: Hennawi Hussam Al , Okoyeze Kimberley , Boigon Margot , Nair Sunil
Published: May 2024

Background and Objectives

Transfusion‐related acute lung injury is an infrequent adverse reaction observed in patients receiving blood products. The lung injury can range in severity and can be associated with both mortality and mortality. All blood products except albumin have been linked to cases of transfusion‐related acute lung injury. In fact, albumin may be used as a salvage modality in severe transfusion‐related acute lung injury. We report an alcoholic patient who developed lung injury following treatment with albumin in the setting of hypoalbuminaemia.

Materials and Methods

A 41‐year‐old male with alcoholic liver disease was admitted for severe ascites and alcoholic hepatitis. Chest x‐ray showed small pleural effusions at the lung bases with no overt pulmonary oedema. He received high doses of furosemide for lower extremity oedema. The patient received a total of two albumin infusions to augment the diuresis effect.

Results

He subsequently developed acute hypoxic respiratory failure with imaging showing interstitial and airspace abnormalities concerning for pulmonary oedema. He showed no additional signs of volume overload and was treated supportively until the condition improved.

Conclusion

This is the first reported case of albumin‐associated lung injury proximally related to albumin infusion. We aim to increase awareness of this possible sequelae among physicians.
Quantitative upper bounds related to an isogeny criterion for elliptic curves
Authors: Cojocaru Alina Carmen , Hinz Auden , Wang Tian
Published: May 2024

For and elliptic curves defined over a number field , without complex multiplication, we consider the function counting nonzero prime ideals of the ring of integers of , of good reduction for and , of norm at most , and for which the Frobenius fields and are equal. Motivated by an isogeny criterion of Kulkarni, Patankar, and Rajan, which states that and are not potentially isogenous if and only if , we investigate the growth in of . We prove that if and are not potentially isogenous, then there exist positive constants , , and such that the following bounds hold: (i) ; (ii) under the Generalized Riemann Hypothesis for Dedekind zeta functions (GRH); (iii) under GRH, Artin's Holomorphy Conjecture for the Artin ‐functions of number field extensions, and a Pair Correlation Conjecture for the zeros of the Artin ‐functions of number field extensions.
Rational cross‐sections, bounded generation, and orders on groups
Authors: Bodart Corentin
Published: May 2024

We provide new examples of groups without rational cross‐sections (also called regular normal forms), using connections with bounded generation and rational orders on groups. Our examples contain a finitely presented HNN‐extension of the first Grigorchuk group. This last group is the first example of finitely presented group with solvable word problem and without rational cross‐sections. It is also not autostackable, and has no left‐regular complete rewriting system.
Third harmonic generation in monoclinic 2D KNbO3 with high power endurance
Authors: Zhou Fei , Li Yang , Song Haizeng , Wei Xianhua , Dai Bo
Published: May 2024

Two-dimensional (2D) KNbO3 is prepared by topotactic transition from 2D KNbO2 at 530 °C in air, which has a single spontaneous polarization (Ps) direction along the [101¯]pc zone axis. The strong Ps anisotropy leads to a negligible second harmonic generation of 2D KNbO3 with laser vertically incident on the sample. However, a strong third harmonic generation is observed. The effective third-order susceptibility of 2D KNbO3 with the order of ∼10−19 m2 V−2 is estimated by comparing it with the χeff(3) of graphene. The robust power tolerance of 2D KNbO3 endows it great potential in the application of high-power third harmonic generation 2D devices.
Corrosion resistance and conductivity of CrN, CrAlN, and CrTiN coatings applied to bipolar plates for proton exchange membrane fuel cells
Authors: Chen Qiang , Su Mingxu , Liang Dandan , Zhou Qiong , Huang Biao , Zhang Ergeng
Published: May 2024

In order to improve the corrosion resistance and conductivity of 316L stainless steel bipolar plates used for proton exchange membrane fuel cells, three Cr-containing nitride coatings were deposited on 316L stainless steel by multiarc ion plating. First, the microstructure, composition, and contact angle of the three coatings were systematically investigated. Then, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, potentiodynamic polarization, potentiostatic polarization (PSP), and interfacial contact resistance (ICR) of the three coatings were also fully examined. The results revealed that CrN coating has the highest contact angle of 98.26°, indicating its superior hydrophobicity. Additionally, CrN coating performed the best corrosion resistance with the highest corrosion potential of 0.31 V, the lowest corrosion current density of 2.28 × 10−7 A cm−2, and the largest resistance. Furthermore, CrN coating showed the lowest current density during PSP tests and the smallest ICR value after corrosion. The superior corrosion resistance of CrN coating is mainly attributed to its decreased pore density caused by vacancylike defects and its uniform structure. This article provided evidence for the potential application of CrN coating to bipolar plates.
A new unit of measurement for introductory physics lab
Authors: Aubin Christopher , Bierowiec Jan C. , Saunders Jackson
Published: May 2024

In introductory physics labs, a challenge arises when students are asked to measure a well-known quantity, such as the free fall acceleration, g. Students often don't perform a proper error analysis if they already know the correct answer, and their result is “close enough.” Masking, or disguising the correct answer, as is often done in nuclear and particle physics research, encourages students to be more careful. In this paper, we introduce a new unit of measurement; in these units, students don't know what the value of g should be, leading to a more engaging and authentic scientific experience. Additionally, we instituted a mock “conference” in which students settled on a consensus value of g in this new system of units. When students quantitatively compare their measurements of an unknown quantity, it motivates them to perform a detailed error analysis. Student feedback on this reformed lab was largely positive.
On the state principle of classical thermodynamics
Authors: Smith J. G. , Schmidt B. E.
Published: May 2024

We discuss the state principle of classical thermodynamics, namely that the thermodynamic state of a simple compressible system can be uniquely determined by specifying two independent properties. We show that for certain combinations of properties, one is not guaranteed to arrive at a unique state. This caveat to the state principle is illustrated with three examples, two involving liquid water and a third using real gases. Finally, we show that to guarantee a unique state for a simple compressible system, the required two independent properties must be chosen from the trio consisting of a thermodynamic potential and its two natural variables.
Learning data distribution of three-dimensional ocean sound speed fields via diffusion models
Authors: Li Siyuan , Cheng Lei , Li Jun , Wang Zichen , Li Jianlong
Published: May 2024

The probability distribution of three-dimensional sound speed fields (3D SSFs) in an ocean region encapsulates vital information about their variations, serving as valuable data-driven priors for SSF inversion tasks. However, learning such a distribution is challenging due to the high dimensionality and complexity of 3D SSFs. To tackle this challenge, we propose employing the diffusion model, a cutting-edge deep generative model that has showcased remarkable performance in diverse domains, including image and audio processing. Nonetheless, applying this approach to 3D ocean SSFs encounters two primary hurdles. First, the lack of publicly available well-crafted 3D SSF datasets impedes training and evaluation. Second, 3D SSF data consist of multiple 2D layers with varying variances, which can lead to uneven denoising during the reverse process. To surmount these obstacles, we introduce a novel 3D SSF dataset called 3DSSF, specifically designed for training and evaluating deep generative models. In addition, we devise a high-capacity neural architecture for the diffusion model to effectively handle variations in 3D sound speeds. Furthermore, we employ state-of-the-art continuous-time-based optimization method and predictor-corrector scheme for high-performance training and sampling. Notably, this paper presents the first evaluation of the diffusion model's effectiveness in generating 3D SSF data. Numerical experiments validate the proposed method's strong ability to learn the underlying data distribution of 3D SSFs, and highlight its effectiveness in assisting SSF inversion tasks and subsequently characterizing the transmission loss of underwater acoustics.
Asymptotic analysis of acoustic black hole effect in cylindrical shells
Authors: Hansen K. , Sorokin S. V.
Published: May 2024

The acoustic black hole (ABH) effect is investigated within the framework of thin shell theory. Asymptotic solutions to the dispersion equation for the thin cylindrical shell are obtained, and the ABH effect is examined using analytical formulas for group velocities and anti-derivatives of the asymptotic expansions of wave numbers. It is shown that the ABH effect is achievable in thin cylindrical shells with variable thickness, in a similar manner as for beams and plates. However, it should not be expected to exist in the low-frequency range where the flexural wave motion in the wall of a shell is strongly coupled with uniform longitudinal wave motion.