bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of experimental nitrogen deposition on soil organic carbon storage in Southern California drylands
Authors: Püspök Johann F. , Zhao Sharon , Calma Anthony D. , Vourlitis George L. , Allison Steven D. , Aronson Emma L. , Schimel Joshua P. , Hanan Erin J. , Homyak Peter M.
Published: December 2022

Atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition is enriching soils with N across biomes. Soil N enrichment can increase plant productivity and affect microbial activity, thereby increasing soil organic carbon (SOC), but such responses vary across biomes. Drylands cover ~45% of Earth's land area and store ~33% of global SOC contained in the top 1 m of soil. Nitrogen fertilization could, therefore, disproportionately impact carbon (C) cycling, yet whether dryland SOC storage increases with N remains unclear. To understand how N enrichment may change SOC storage, we separated SOC into plant‐derived, particulate organic C (POC), and largely microbially derived, mineral‐associated organic C (MAOC) at four N deposition experimental sites in Southern California. Theory suggests that N enrichment increases the efficiency by which microbes build MAOC (C stabilization efficiency) if soil pH stays constant. But if soils acidify, a common response to N enrichment, then microbial biomass and enzymatic organic matter decay may decrease, increasing POC but not MAOC. We found that N enrichment had no effect on C fractions except for a decrease in MAOC at one site. Specifically, despite reported increases in plant biomass in three sites and decreases in microbial biomass and extracellular enzyme activities in two sites that acidified, POC did not increase. Furthermore, microbial C use and stabilization efficiency increased in a non‐acidified site, but without increasing MAOC. Instead, MAOC decreased by 16% at one of the sites that acidified, likely because it lost 47% of the exchangeable calcium (Ca) relative to controls. Indeed, MAOC was strongly and positively affected by Ca, which directly and, through its positive effect on microbial biomass, explained 58% of variation in MAOC. Long‐term effects of N fertilization on dryland SOC storage appear abiotic in nature, such that drylands where Ca‐stabilization of SOC is prevalent and soils acidify, are most at risk for significant C loss.
Marsupial genome analysis suggests that satellite DNA formation from walb endogenous retrovirus is an event specific to the red‐necked wallaby
Authors: Koga Akihiko , Hashimoto Kenji , Honda Yusuke , Nishihara Hidenori
Published: December 2022

We recently identified walbRep, a satellite DNA residing in the genome of the red‐necked wallaby Notamacropus rufogriseus. It originates from the walb endogenous retrovirus and is organized in a manner in which the provirus structure is retained. The walbRep repeat units feature an average pairwise nucleotide identity as high as 99.5%, raising the possibility of a recent origin. The tammar wallaby N. eugenii is a species estimated to have diverged from the red‐necked wallaby 2–3 million years ago. In PCR analyses of these two and other related species, walbRep‐specific fragment amplification was observed only in the red‐necked wallaby. Sequence database searches for the tammar wallaby resulted in sequence alignment lists that were sufficiently powerful to exclude the possibility of walbRep existence. These results suggested that the walbRep formation occurred in the red‐necked wallaby lineage after its divergence from the tammar wallaby lineage, thus in a time span of maximum 3 million years.
Oxygen octahedra distortion‐induced multiferroic properties of Er and Zr co‐doped BiFeO3 nanoparticles
Authors: Divyalakshmi S. , Shameem Banu I. B. , Rajesh R.
Published: December 2022

The present work unveiled the distortion of oxygen octahedra influencing magnetic and magnetoelectric properties of novel Bi1−xErxFe1−yZryO3 (x = 0, .05, .1, y = .02, .05) polycrystalline nanoparticles by sol–gel route. X‐ray diffraction patterns analysis reveals that pristine BiFeO3 and doped BiFeO3 are crystalized in the rhombohedral structure (R3c). The Fe–O–Fe bond angle of Bi1−xErxFe1−yZryO3 (x = 0, .05, .1, y = .02, .05) varies between 141° and 159.62° as the concentration of Er (via Bi site) and Zr (via Fe site) ions increases in BiFeO3. As a result, the tilt angle of oxygen octahedra and the canting angle of spiral spin arrangement increase. Hence, the maximum magnetization varies between .03144 and .37558 emu/g in Er and Zr co‐doped BiFeO3 system. The number of electrons per unit cell of Bi1−xErxFe1−yZryO3 (x = 0, .05, .1, y = .02, .05) lies between 733.38 and 831, respectively. Further, the number of coherently diffracting domains increases from 3.07 to 5.21, and then it decreases when Er and Zr are increased in BiFeO3. Consequently, the magnetoelectric coupling coefficient varies between .0265 and .2511 mV/cm Oe, respectively. Particularly, Bi0.95Er0.05Fe0.98Zr0.02O3 shows enhanced magnetic and magnetoelectric behaviors compared to other samples.
Nitric oxide synthase is required for the pea aphid's defence against bacterial infection
Authors: Ma Li , Yan Xizhong , Zhou Lin , Wang Wentao , Chen Kangkang , Hao Chi , Lu Zhiqiang , Qie Xingtao
Published: December 2022

Compared to other insects, the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum has a reduced immune system with an absence of genes coding for a lot of immunity‐related molecules. Notably, nitric oxide synthase (NOS), which catalyses the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO), is present in the pea aphid. However, the role of NO in the immune system of pea aphid remains unclear. In this study, we explored the role of NO in the defence of the pea aphid against bacterial infections and found that the NOS gene of the pea aphid responded to an immune challenge, with the expression of ApNOS observably upregulated after bacterial infections. Knockdown of ApNOS using RNA interference or inhibition of NOS activity increased the number of live bacterial cells in aphids and the mortality of aphids after bacterial infection. Conversely, the increase in NO level in aphids using NO donor inhibited the bacterial growth, increased the survival of bacteria‐infected aphids, and upregulated immune genes, such as Toll pathway and phagocytosis related genes. Thus, NO promotes immune responses and plays an important role in the immune system of pea aphid.
Chatbot‐mediated learning of cardiac auscultation
Authors: Cho Kenneth , Foo Yun M. , Dalziel Bronwen , Hu Wendy
Published: December 2022

Previous research suggested cardiac auscultation is underdeveloped in physicians‐in‐training. Developing proficiency requires wide exposure to signs, practice and feedback, which may not regularly occur in clinical environments. Our novel pilot study using a mixed‐methods approach (n = 9) suggests chatbot‐mediated learning of cardiac auscultation is accessible and possesses unique advantages, including immediate feedback, helping in the management of cognitive overload and facilitating deliberate practice.
Ozone therapy for skin diseases: Cellular and molecular mechanisms
Authors: Liu Liyao , Zeng Liyue , Gao Lihua , Zeng Jinrong , Lu Jianyun
Published: December 2022

Ozone is a highly reactive oxidant molecule consisting of triatomic oxygen atoms. Ozone therapy can be achieved using ozonated hydrotherapy, ozonated oil, ozone autohemotherapy, and other innovative dosage forms of ozone products. Ozone is frequently used as a complementary therapy for various cutaneous diseases, including infectious skin diseases, wound healing, eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, axillary osmidrosis, diabetic foot, and pressure ulcers. In addition, several studies have reported the superior potential of ozone therapy for improving skin and gut microbiomes, as well as antitumour and antiaging treatment. Ozone therapy is an emerging treatment strategy that acts via complex mechanisms, including antioxidant effects, immunomodulatory capacity, and modulation of local microcirculation. Studies assessing the mechanism of ozone have gradually expanded in recent years. This review article aims to summarise and explore the possible molecular biological mechanisms of ozone in cutaneous diseases and provide compelling theoretical evidence for the application of ozone in cutaneous diseases.
Enhanced magnetism in Ru‐doped hybrid improper perovskite Ca3Mn2O7 via experimental and first‐principles study
Authors: Yuan Kejia , Zhang Hanwen , Gu Qiang , Xiao Tianqi , Li Zhiyan , Wong‐Ng Winnie Kwai , Zhou Wei , Wang Chao , Wang Shouyu , Liu Weifang
Published: December 2022

The quasi‐2D Ruddlesden–Popper layered perovskites with single‐phase multiferroicity have attracted much attention in recent magnetoelectric memory applications. We have systematically investigated the optical and magnetic properties of Ru‐doped hybrid improper perovskite Ca3Mn2O7 both experimentally and using first‐principles calculations. The Ca3RuxMn2−xO7 (x = 0, 0.02, 0.06, 0.10) powders were successfully synthesized using the sol–gel method. Ru doping enhanced the ferromagnetism of Ca3Mn2O7. The quasi‐2D antiferromagnetic (AFM) fluctuation effect was observed in Ca3Mn2O7 and in certain doped samples. We also found that the optical bandgaps of the doped samples were reduced after doping, agreeing with the results of the first‐principles calculations. Infrared absorption spectra indicated the distortion of the Mn–O bonds was possibly due to the Jahn–Teller effect. To analyze the electronic structures and to understand the detailed atomic contributions of magnetic moments, the Crystal Orbital Hamilton Population (COHP) and Integrated COHP of the (Mn,Ru)O6 octahedra were also calculated. The Ru‐doped materials with the coexistence of ferromagnetic and AFM orderings are expected to be excellent candidates for magnetoelectric devices.
“I think it impacts all areas of his life”: Perspectives on hearing from mothers of individuals with Down syndrome
Authors: Porter Heather L. , Braza Meredith D. , Knox Randi , Vicente Manuel , Buss Emily , Leibold Lori J.
Published: December 2022

Background

Individuals with Down syndrome are known to have high rates of hearing loss, but it is unclear how this impacts their ability to communicate and function in real‐world environments.

Methods

Sixteen English‐speaking and Spanish‐speaking mothers of individuals with Down syndrome ages 6–40 years participated in individual, semi‐structured interviews using a videoconferencing platform. Session transcripts were analysed using applied thematic analysis.

Results

Mothers described listening environments, the impact of hearing on daily life, barriers to successful listening, and strategies to overcome communication barriers for their children with Down syndrome.

Conclusions

Hearing was largely discussed in terms of challenges and detriments, suggesting that hearing experiences are predominately considered to negatively impact the functional abilities of individuals with Down syndrome. Background noise and hearing loss were sources of communication difficulties. Parent‐reported barriers and strategies can inform ecologically valid research priorities aimed at improving outcomes for individuals with Down syndrome.
In vivo tissue temperatures during 90 W/4 sec‐very high power‐short‐duration (vHPSD) ablation versus ablation index‐guided 50 W‐HPSD ablation: A porcine study
Authors: Otsuka Naoto , Okumura Yasuo , Kuorkawa Sayaka , Nagashima Koichi , Wakamatsu Yuji , Hayashida Satoshi , Ohkubo Kimie , Nakai Toshiko , Hao Hiroyuki , Takahashi Rie , Taniguchi Yoshiki
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Neither the actual in vivo tissue temperatures reached with 90 W/4 s‐very high‐power short‐duration (vHPSD) ablation for atrial fibrillation nor the safety and efficacy profile have been fully elucidated.

Methods

We conducted a porcine study (n = 15) in which, after right thoracotomy, we implanted 6–8 thermocouples epicardially in the superior vena cava, right pulmonary vein, and esophagus close to the inferior vena cava. We compared tissue temperatures close to a QDOT MICRO catheter, between during 90 W/4 s‐vHPSD ablation during ablation index (AI: target 400)‐guided 50 W‐HPSD ablation, both targeting a contact force of 8–15 g.

Results

Maximum tissue temperature reached during 90 W/4 s‐vHPSD ablation did not differ significantly from that during 50 W‐HPSD ablation (49.2 ± 8.4°C vs. 50.0 ± 12.1°C; p = .69) and correlated inversely with distance between the catheter tip and the thermocouple, regardless of the power settings (r = −0.52 and r = −0.37). Lethal temperature (≥50°C) was best predicted at a catheter tip‐to‐thermocouple distance cut‐point of 3.13 and 4.27 mm, respectively. All lesions produced by 90 W/4 s‐vHPSD or 50 W‐HPSD ablation were transmural. Although there was no difference in the esophageal injury rate (50% vs. 66%, p = .80), the thermal lesion was significantly shallower with 90 W/4 s‐vHPSD ablation than with 50W‐HPSD ablation (381.3 ± 127.3 vs. 820.0 ± 426.1 μm from the esophageal adventitia; p = .039).

Conclusion

Actual tissue temperatures reached with 90 W/4 s‐vHPSD ablation appear similar to those with AI‐guided 50 W‐HPSD ablation, with the distance between the catheter tip and target tissue being shorter for the former. Although both ablation settings may create transmural lesions in thin atrial tissues, any resulting esophageal thermal lesions appear shallower with 90 W/4 s‐vHPSD ablation.
Pharmacology of orismilast, a potent and selective PDE4 inhibitor
Authors: Silverberg Jonathan I. , French Lars E. , Warren Richard B. , Strober Bruce , Kjøller Kim , Sommer Morten O. A. , Andres Philippe , Felding Jakob , Weiss Anne , Tutkunkardas Deniz , Skak‐Nielsen Tine , Guttman Emma
Published: December 2022

Background

There remains an unmet need for oral medications that are safe and efficacious for long‐term management of chronic inflammatory skin diseases (CISD). Inhibition of phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) can modulate a broad range of pro‐inflammatory cytokines that play a major role in CISD pathogenesis. Orismilast is a second generation PDE4 inhibitor in clinical development for CISD treatment.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to examine the PDE4 enzymatic activity and anti‐inflammatory effects of orismilast in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo.

Methods

The PDE1‐11 enzymatic activity of orismilast was tested in vitro using a single concentration of 308 nM orismilast. The PDE4 selectivity and inhibitory potency was further examined in a radiometric assay. Orismilast was tested on human whole blood and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) to determine effects on its cytokine secretion and inhibition profile ex vivo. Orismilast was orally administered in a murine model of chronic oxazolone‐induced ear skin inflammation. Ear thickness, a marker of inflammation, and inflammatory cytokines were analysed.

Results

Orismilast selectively inhibited PDE4 and demonstrated potent inhibition of PDE4B and PDE4D subtype splice variants in vitro. Orismilast inhibited whole blood and PBMC production of tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα), and the secretion of T‐helper (Th)1 (TNFα and IFNγ), Th17 (IL‐22 and IL‐23), and Th2 (IL‐4, IL‐5, and IL‐13) related cytokines in PBMC. In vivo, 10 and 30 mg/kg doses of orismilast significantly reduced ear thickness and inflammation markers (p < 0.0001, respectively).

Conclusion

Orismilast displayed selective and potent PDE4 inhibition and broad‐spectrum anti‐inflammatory activity in several pre‐clinical models. The results of the study support clinical development of oral orismilast as a novel treatment option for CISD including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and hidradenitis suppurativa.
Spesolimab improves patient‐reported outcomes in patients with generalized pustular psoriasis: Results from the Effisayil 1 study
Authors: Navarini Alexander A. , Prinz Jörg C. , Morita Akimichi , Tsai Tsen‐Fang , Viguier Manuelle‐Anne , Li Ling , Thoma Christian , Sivalingam Mogana , Lebwohl Mark G.
Published: December 2022

Background

Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a rare inflammatory skin disease with a considerable clinical burden. In the Effisayil™ 1 study, spesolimab, an anti‐interleukin‐36 receptor monoclonal antibody, demonstrated efficacy in treating GPP flares.

Objectives

To evaluate patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) of patients with GPP who were treated with intravenous (IV) spesolimab 900 mg in the Effisayil™ 1 study.

Methods

Fifty‐three patients presenting with a GPP flare were randomized (2:1) to receive a single dose of IV spesolimab 900 mg or placebo and were followed for 12 weeks. Four PROs (pain visual analogue scale [pain VAS]; Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy–Fatigue [FACIT–Fatigue]; Dermatology Life Quality Index [DLQI]; and Psoriasis Symptom Scale [PSS]) were assessed throughout the 12‐week study. Minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs) were defined. All data are reported descriptively.

Results

In patients who received spesolimab, improvements from baseline (median [Q1, Q3]) were observed in pain VAS (−21.3 [−55.3, −3.1]), FACIT–Fatigue (7.0 [1.0, 20.0]), DLQI (−2.5 [−8.0, 1.0]) and PSS (−4.0 [−7.0, 0.0]) within 1 week of treatment. These improvements were sustained over 12 weeks and corresponded to the achievement of MCIDs at Week 1, which were also sustained over 12 weeks. Patients in the placebo arm experienced improvements in PROs and achievement of MCIDs after receipt of open‐label spesolimab at Week 1.

Conclusions

Patients with a GPP flare treated with spesolimab achieved improvements in PROs by Week 1, which were sustained for 12 weeks, and achieved MCIDs as early as Week 1.
Spectroscopic and molecular docking studies of the interactions of sunset yellow and allura red with human serum albumin
Authors: Wang Jun , Cheng Jing‐jing
Published: December 2022

Binding interactions of human serum albumin (HSA) with sunset yellow (SY) and allura red (AR), two food colorants, were investigated at the molecular level through fluorescence and UV absorption as well as molecular docking. The collective results of the study under the simulated physiological conditions proposed a static type of binding occurring between the two dyes and HSA. When compared with AR (293 K: Ksv = (4.21 ± 0.36) × 104 L·mol−1; Kb = (0.30 ± 0.23) × 106 L·mol−1), SY (293 K: Ksv = (6.80 ± 0.10) × 104 L·mol−1; Kb = (3.11 ± 2.01) × 106 L·mol−1) had stronger quenching ability and higher affinity for HSA due to less steric hindrance. It can be deduced that the energy transfer from HSA to the two dyes occurred with high probability based on the Förster resonance energy transfer theory (r < 7 nm, 0.5 R0 < r < 2.0 R0). The spectral analysis suggested that the formation of the dye‐HSA complex resulted in the change in microenvironment around Tyr and Trp residues and in the secondary structure of the protein. According to molecular docking simulation, the two structural analogs almost bound to the same site of HSA, near Sudlow's Site I, but significant difference existed in the number and location of hydrogen bond (H‐bond) formed between the dyes and HSA. From the molecular docking along with the thermodynamic parameters (AR: ΔHo = −(58.79 ± 15.24) kJ·mol−1, ΔSo = −(115.1 ± 31.10) J·mol−1·K−1; SY: ΔHo = −(52.24 ± 3.15) kJ·mol−1, ΔSo = −(50.07 ± 11.14) J·mol−1·K−1), it could be inferred that H‐bond and van der Waals forces were the major binding forces involved in formation of the dye‐HSA complexes.
Single‐inlet univentricular heart with persistent truncus arteriosus in a Sumatran orangutan (Pongo abelii)
Authors: Meister Seraina Luzia , Kaiponen Taina Susanna , Wyss Fabia , Wenker Christian , Balmelli Nicola , Roma Llorenç Grau
Published: December 2022

Univentricular heart malformations are rarely described in the veterinary literature. This case report describes a single‐inlet univentricular heart with persistent truncus arteriosus as a cause of death of a captive‐bred, 2‐day‐old, female Sumatran orangutan (Pongo abelii), a critically endangered species.
Adapting Mindfulness‐Based Cognitive Therapy for Perinatal Depression to Improve Access and Appeal of Preventive Care
Authors: Tilden Ellen L. , Holmes Leah R. , Vasquez Guzman Cirila Estela , Orzech Catherine Polan , Seghete Kristen Mackiewicz , Eyo Veronica , Supahan Nisha , Rogers Ginger R. , Caughey Aaron B. , Starr David , DiPietro Jennifer L. , Fisher Philip A. , Graham Alice M.
Published: December 2022

Existing and emerging evidence indicates that perinatal depression is a key contributor to preventable morbidity and mortality during and after childbearing. Despite this, there are few effective options for prevention and treatment that are readily accessible for and appealing to pregnant people. Aspects of routine health care systems contribute to this situation. Furthermore, societal and health care systems factors create additional barriers for people of color, people living in rural regions, and people living in poverty. Our interprofessional team of perinatal care providers, mental health providers, community partners, health services scientists, health equity scientists, and business leaders developed and are piloting a perinatal mental health preventive intervention designed to increase access and appeal of a program incorporating mindfulness cognitive behavioral therapy with proven efficacy in preventing perinatal depression. In this article, we briefly summarize key systems barriers to delivering preventive care for perinatal depression in standard prenatal care clinics. We then describe Mindfulness‐Based Cognitive Therapy for Perinatal Depression and outline our adaptation of this intervention, Center M. Finally, we identify next steps, challenges, and opportunities for this recent innovation.
MicroRNA‐183‐5p regulates TAR DNA‐binding protein 43 neurotoxicity via SQSTM1/p62 in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Kim Han‐Cheon , Zhang Yan , King Peter H. , Lu Liang
Published: December 2022

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that selectively attacks motor neurons, and leads to progressive muscle weakness and death. A common pathological feature is the misfolding, aggregation, and cytoplasmic mislocalization of TAR DNA‐binding protein 43 (TDP‐43) proteins in more than 95% of ALS patients, suggesting a universal role TDP‐43 proteinopathy in ALS. Mutations in SQSTM1/p62 have been identified in familial and sporadic cases of ALS. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non‐coding RNAs that post‐transcriptionally regulate their target genes. Emerging evidence indicates that miRNA dysregulation is associated with neuronal toxicity and mitochondrial dysfunction, and also plays a pivotal role in ALS pathogenesis. Here, we report the first evidence that miR‐183‐5p is aberrantly upregulated in spinal cords of patients with ALS. Using luciferase reporter assays and miR‐183‐5p agomirs, we demonstrate that miR‐183‐5p regulates the SQSTM1/p62 3′‐untranslated region to suppress expression. A miR‐183‐5p agomir attenuated SOSTM1/p62 expression and led to an increase in TDP‐43 protein levels in neuronal and non‐neuronal cells. In contrast, a miR‐183‐5p antagomir decreased TDP‐43 but increased SQSTM1/p62 protein levels. The antagomir repressed formation of stress granules and aggregated TDP43 protein in neuronal cells under stress‐induced conditions and protected against cytotoxicity. Knockdown of SQSTM1/p62 decreased total ubiquitination and increased TDP‐43 protein aggregation, indicating that SQSTM1/p62 may play a protective role in cells. In summary, our study reveals a novel mechanism of TDP‐43 proteinopathy mediated by the miR‐183‐5p and provides a molecular link between aberrant RNA processing and protein degradation, two major pillars in ALS pathogenesis.

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All is nice and well unless she outshines him: Higher social status benefits women's well‐being and relationship quality but not if they surpass their male partner
Authors: Vink Melissa , Derks Belle , Ellemers Naomi , van der Lippe Tanja
Published: December 2022

In two studies, we find that climbing the societal ladder has positive associations with women's well‐being and relationship outcomes but can also have negative consequences when women surpass their male partners in status. In Study 1 (N = 314), we found that women who reported having higher personal status also reported several positive relationship outcomes (e.g., higher relationship quality than women with lower personal status). However, these associations reversed for women who surpassed their partners in social status. In Study 2, a diary study (N = 112), we show how women's implicit endorsement of gender stereotypes qualifies the negative associations of surpassing one's partner in status. Among women with higher status than their partner, traditional women intend to adjust their behavior to fit the gender norm (e.g., thinking about reducing work hours in favor of their time at home), whereas egalitarian women did not, but felt guilty toward their partner. We show how the relationship dynamics of women who have surpassed their partners in social status should be considered when attempting to tackle structural discrimination and advance women's careers.
The charm of country life? Impact of rural childhood residence on physical and mental health in later life
Authors: Nadorff Danielle K. , Duck Angela , Lim Crystal S. , Fastring Danielle
Published: December 2022

Background

Most studies of geographic health disparities are focused on adult rural residence. However, previous studies have shown that the residential area in which one grows up during childhood has lasting impacts on adult health. In one of the only studies to date to examine the impact of rural childhood residence on mental health in middle‐aged and older adults, Murchland and colleagues (2019) evaluated inequalities by childhood residence and noted elevated depressive symptoms were more common among those living in rural areas compared to those living in non‐rural areas.

Aims

The current study expands the model proposed by Murchland and colleagues to include further antecedents related to rural childhood residence, and to include multiple outcomes of physical and mental health among middle‐aged and older adults.

Method

Participants included 4614 individuals aged 40 or older recruited as part of the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study.

Results

Consistent with Murchland's model, childhood rurality played an important part in middle‐aged and older adult's health, despite not having a direct influence. Rurality status was impacted by parental education level and SES during childhood, and was associated with the level of education obtained by the participants (and thus their occupation), which played a direct role in their current health status. Mental and physical health had differential predictors.

Limitations

The study was limited by its non‐diverse sample and self‐reported measures.

Conclusion

Further research into the impact of childhood rurality on health is needed, utilizing comprehensive self‐reported and observed outcome measures.
Factor models for high‐dimensional functional time series II: Estimation and forecasting
Authors: Tavakoli Shahin , Nisol Gilles , Hallin Marc
Published: December 2022

This article is the second one in a set of two laying the theoretical foundations for a high‐dimensional functional factor model approach in the analysis of large cross‐sections (panels) of functional time series (FTS). Part I establishes a representation result by which, under mild assumptions on the covariance operator of the cross‐section, any FTS admits a canonical representation as the sum of a common and an idiosyncratic component; common components are driven by a finite and typically small number of scalar factors loaded via functional loadings, while idiosyncratic components are only mildly cross‐correlated. Building on that representation result, Part II is dealing with the identification of the number of factors, their estimation, the estimation of their loadings and the common components, and the resulting forecasts. We provide a family of information criteria for identifying the number of factors, and prove their consistency. We provide average error bounds for the estimators of the factors, loadings, and common components; our results encompass the scalar case, for which they reproduce and extend, under weaker conditions, well‐established similar results. Under slightly stronger assumptions, we also provide uniform bounds for the estimators of factors, loadings, and common components, thus extending existing scalar results. Our consistency results in the asymptotic regime where the number of series and the number  of time points diverge thus extend to the functional context the ‘blessing of dimensionality’ that explains the success of factor models in the analysis of high‐dimensional (scalar) time series. We provide numerical illustrations that corroborate the convergence rates predicted by the theory, and provide a finer understanding of the interplay between and for estimation purposes. We conclude with an application to forecasting mortality curves, where our approach outperforms existing methods.
Challenges towards management of CARD9‐deficient patients with phaeohyphomycosis: A case report and case series study
Authors: Zhang Lu , Zhang Yi , Ma Yubo , Wang Zijuan , Wan Zhe , Song Yinggai , Wang Xiaowen , Li Ruoyu
Published: December 2022

Background

A number of recalcitrant phaeohyphomycosis cases with a life‐threatening prognosis have been observed in CARD9‐deficient patients, but little is known about the long‐term management strategies that are effective for such intractable individuals.

Objectives

To study the genetic and immunological mechanisms underlying recalcitrant phaeohyphomycosis and to share our clinical experiences regarding its treatment.

Patients/Methods

Ten CARD9‐deficient patients with recalcitrant phaeohyphomycosis admitted to our centre in the past two decades were followed‐up, and their clinical presentations, laboratory findings, treatment and prognoses were analysed; one of them was a novel case of recalcitrant phaeohyphomycosis harbouring CARD9 mutations. Innate and adaptive immunological responses of patient‐derived peripheral blood mononuclear cells were evaluated using ELISA and flow cytometry.

Results

We identified a total of seven CARD9 mutations in the ten analysed patients. Moreover, patient‐derived cells exhibited a significant impairment of innate and adaptive immune responses upon fungus‐specific stimulation. All the patients experienced recurrence and exacerbation; four of them died, two exhibited continued disease progress with unsatisfactory therapeutic efficacy, three showed obvious improvement under maintenance therapy, and only one achieved a clinical cure.

Conclusions

Our study highlighted that otherwise healthy patients diagnosed with early‐onset, unexplained and recalcitrant phaeohyphomycosis should be analysed for CARD9 mutations and immune deficiency. Thereafter, the length and choice of management remain challengeable and must be adjusted based on the clinical presentations and responses of patients over their lifetimes. Although continued posaconazole treatment may be the promising first‐line therapy at present, novel strategies are worth exploring.
Thomas Aquinas on the Sacrifice of Christ and the Eucharist: A Defence
Authors: Nieuwenhove Rik Van
Published: December 2022

In this paper I will discuss one of the soteriological models Thomas Aquinas outlines in his Summa Theologiae, namely ‘sacrifice’. This is only one of several, but not mutually exclusive, ways in which Thomas interprets our salvation in Christ. I will briefly list the other models before focussing in more depth on sacrifice by considering some objections against it. I will continue by outlining Thomas's theology of sacrifice in its own right and explain its connections with the Eucharist. By way of conclusion I will return to the modern criticism raised.
Indirect compatibilism
Authors: Latham Andrew J.
Published: December 2022

In this paper I will introduce a new compatibilist account of free action: indirect conscious control compatibilism, or just indirect compatibilism for short. On this account, actions are free either when they are caused by compatibilist‐friendly conscious psychological processes, or else by sub‐personal level processes influenced in particular ways by compatibilist‐friendly conscious psychological processes. This view is motivated by a problem faced by a certain family of compatibilist views, which I call conscious control views. These views hold that we act freely when we act in a way that is caused by certain conscious psychological processes. One problem for such views is that current neuroscience suggests that most of our actions are not caused by such processes. Instead, many of the actions we typically suppose are free are caused by sub‐personal level processes and hence would count as not free according to contemporary conscious control views. I argue, contra these views, that many actions caused by these sub‐personal level processes are indirectly free. Further, most of the actions we ordinarily judge to be free are free in this indirect manner.
Quantifying chemodiversity considering biochemical and structural properties of compounds with the R package chemodiv
Authors: Petrén Hampus , Köllner Tobias G. , Junker Robert R.
Published: December 2022

Plants produce large numbers of phytochemical compounds affecting plant physiology and interactions with their biotic and abiotic environment. Recently, chemodiversity has attracted considerable attention as an ecologically and evolutionary meaningful way to characterize the phenotype of a mixture of phytochemical compounds.

Currently used measures of phytochemical diversity, and related measures of phytochemical dissimilarity, generally do not take structural or biosynthetic properties of compounds into account. Such properties can be indicative of the compounds' function and inform about their biosynthetic (in)dependence, and should therefore be included in calculations of these measures.

We introduce the R package chemodiv, which retrieves biochemical and structural properties of compounds from databases and provides functions for calculating and visualizing chemical diversity and dissimilarity for phytochemicals and other types of compounds. Our package enables calculations of diversity that takes the richness, relative abundance and – most importantly – structural and/or biosynthetic dissimilarity of compounds into account. We illustrate the use of the package with examples on simulated and real datasets.

By providing the R package chemodiv for quantifying multiple aspects of chemodiversity, we hope to facilitate investigations of how chemodiversity varies across levels of biological organization, and its importance for the ecology and evolution of plants and other organisms.
The female germ unit is essential for pollen tube funicular guidance in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Wang Xiu , Liu Xiangfeng , Yi Xinlei , Wang Min , Shi Wenxin , Li Ruiping , Tang Wenyue , Zhang Liyao , Sun Mengxiang , Peng Xiongbo
Published: December 2022

In angiosperm, two immotile sperm cells are delivered to the female gametes for fertilization by a pollen tube, which perceives guidance cues from ovules at least at two critical sites, micropyle for short‐distance guidance and funiculus for comparably longer distance guidance. Compared with the great progress in understanding pollen tube micropylar guidance, little is known about the signaling for funicular guidance.

Here, we show that funiculus plays an important role in pollen tube guidance and report that female gametophyte (FG) plays a critical role in funicular guidance by analysis of a 3‐dehydroquinate synthase (DHQS) mutant. Loss function of DHQS in FG interrupts pollen tube funicular guidance, suggesting that the guiding signal is generated from FG.

We show the evidence that the capacity of funicular guidance is established during FG functional specification after the establishment of cell identity. Specific expression of DHQS in the synergid cells, central cells, or egg cells can rescue funicular guidance defect in dhqs/+, indicating all the female germ unit cells are involved in the funicular guidance.

The finding reveals that the attracting signal of pollen tube funicular guidance was generated at a site and stage manner and provides novel clue to locate and search for the signal.
CAR modulates plasma membrane nano‐organization and immune signaling downstream of RALF1‐FERONIA signaling pathway
Authors: Chen Weijun , Zhou Huina , Xu Fan , Yu Meng , Coego Alberto , Rodriguez Lesia , Lu Yuqing , Xie Qijun , Fu Qiong , Chen Jia , Xu Guoyun , Wu Dousheng , Li Xiushan , Li Xiaojuan , Jaillais Yvon , Rodriguez Pedro L. , Zhu Sirui , Yu Feng
Published: December 2022

In Arabidopsis, the receptor‐like kinase (RLK) FERONIA (FER) senses peptide ligands in the plasma membrane (PM), modulates plant growth and development, and integrates biotic and abiotic stress signaling for downstream adaptive responses. However, the molecular interplay of these diverse processes is largely unknown.

Here, we show that FER, the receptor of Rapid Alkalinization Factor 1 (RALF1), physically interacts with C2 domain ABA‐related (CAR) proteins to control the nano‐organization of the PM. During this process, the RALF1‐FER pathway upregulates CAR protein translation, and then more CAR proteins are recruited to the PM. This acts as a rapid feedforward loop that stabilizes the PM liquid‐ordered phase. FER interacts with and phosphorylates CARs, thereby reducing their lipid‐binding ability and breaking the feedback regulation at later time points.

The formation of the flg22‐induced FLS2‐BAK1 immune complex, which depends on the integrity of FER‐containing nanodomains, is impaired in fer and pentuple car14569 mutant.

Together, we propose that the FER‐CAR module controls the formation of PM nano‐organization during RALF signaling through a self‐contained amplifying loop including both positive and negative feedback.
Revisiting exit block after entrance block: Investigation of ablation index‐guided pulmonary vein isolation
Authors: Nakashima Takashi , Nagase Masaru , Shibahara Taro , Ono Daiju , Yamada Takehiro , Tanabe Gen , Suzuki Keita , Yamaura Makoto , Ido Takahisa , Takahashi Shigekiyo , Okura Hiroyuki , Aoyama Takuma
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Unidirectional block, left atrium to pulmonary vein (LA‐PV) entrance block without PV‐LA exit block, has not been fully investigated in the setting of ablation index (AI)‐guided pulmonary vein (PV) isolation (PVI). The aim of this study was to investigate unidirectional blocks during AI‐guided PVI.

Methods

After achieving entrance block, exit block was evaluated by pacing from the catheter placed in the PV. Local PV musculature capture without conduction to the LA was necessary to prove exit block.

Results

In total, 441 PVs (including nine left common PVs) from 113 consecutive patients (mean age: 71 ± 12 years, 77 men, 61 paroxysmal atrial fibrillation cases) who underwent initial AI‐guided PVI for atrial fibrillation were studied. Entrance block was achieved in all PVs. of the 247/441 (56%) PVs showing local PV musculature capture, 5/247 (2.0%) showed unidirectional blocks. Three of the five PVs (left superior and inferior PVs in one patient; right superior PV in another patient) showed LA‐PV reconnection, requiring additional ablation to achieve bidirectional block during the procedure. Two of the five PVs (left superior and inferior PVs in one patient) showed LA‐PV reconnection, and thereafter, LA‐PV conduction became blocked again spontaneously, leading to bidirectional block without further ablation during the procedure.

Conclusion

AI‐guided PVI presented a low prevalence of unidirectional block (2%), using entrance block alone as the endpoint of PVI could therefore be justified.
Who should we pay more? Exploring the influence of pay for elected officials and bureaucrats on organizational performance in South African local government
Authors: Fernandez Sergio , Madumo Onkgopotse
Published: December 2022

Despite the recurrent focus on pay as an incentive and the myriad reforms of public sector compensation, researchers have generated surprisingly little evidence of the link between pay level and organizational performance. We propose a theoretical model of how pay leads to improvements in organizational performance by enhancing recruitment, motivation, and retention. Given scarce resources and constraints on the ability to financially reward public officials, we engage the top‐down, bottom‐up debate in policy implementation to theorize about whether pay for elected officials or bureaucrats matters more for performance. Our analysis of panel data from South African municipalities reveals increasing pay for bureaucrats—but not for elected officials—can improve delivery of labor‐intensive public services. However, the results also suggest higher pay may embolden bureaucrats to break rules regarding public spending, thereby weakening accountability.
Circadian rest‐activity rhythm and longitudinal brain changes underlying late‐life cognitive decline
Authors: Jeon So Yeon , Byun Min Soo , Yi Dahyun , Jung Gijung , Lee Jun‐Young , Kim Yu Kyeong , Sohn Chul‐Ho , Kang Koung Mi , Lee Yu Jin , Lee Dong Young ,   for the KBASE Research Group
Published: December 2022

Aim

The neurobiological substrates underlying the relationship of circadian rest‐activity rhythm (RAR) alteration with accelerated late‐life cognitive decline are not clearly understood. In the present study, the longitudinal relationship of objectively measured circadian RAR with in vivo Alzheimer disease (AD) pathologies and cerebrovascular injury was investigated in older adults without dementia.

Methods

The present study included 129 participants without dementia who participated in the KBASE (Korean Brain Aging Study for Early Diagnosis and Prediction of Alzheimer's Disease) cohort. All participants underwent actigraphy at baseline and two consecutive [11C] Pittsburgh compound‐B positron emission tomography (PET), [18F] fluorodeoxyglucose‐PET, magnetic resonance imaging, and Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) at baseline and at a 2‐year follow‐up assessment. The associations of circadian RAR with annualized change in neuroimaging measures including global amyloid‐beta retention, AD‐signature region cerebral glucose metabolism (AD‐CM), and white matter hyperintensity volume were examined.

Results

Delayed acrophase at baseline was significantly associated with greater annualized decline of AD‐CM over a 2‐year period, but not with that of other neuroimaging measures. In contrast, other circadian RAR parameters at baseline had no association with annualized change of any neuroimaging measures. Annualized decline of AD‐CM was also significantly positively associated with the annual change in MMSE scores. Furthermore, a mediation analysis showed that greater reduction in AD‐CM mediated the effect of delayed acrophase at baseline on faster decline of MMSE score.

Conclusion

The findings indicate that delayed acrophase in late life may cause or predict hypometabolism at AD‐signature brain regions, which underlies cognitive decline in the near future.
Expressive arts therapy with asthmatic children: The effects of an 8‐week intervention study
Authors: Ozceker Deniz , Adalı Bihter Yasemin , Aktas Sunay , Tomru Duygu Seda , Tamay Zeynep , Güler Nermin
Published: December 2022

Background

Asthma is the most common chronic disease of childhood. Management of asthma mainly depends on compliance with long‐term therapy. Art therapy, in which children express their experiences through artistic activities, is one of the psychosocial support treatments in chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of expressive art therapy on asthma control and quality of life of asthmatic children.

Methods

A total of 20 children (9 females/11 males), aged 8–13 years, had a group art therapy program consisting of 90 min sessions per week for 8 weeks. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) by spirometry, asthma control tests, and an asthma quality‐of‐life scale for children, the Pediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (PAQLQ), were performed before and after art therapy.

Results

Although a statistically significant increase in PFTs (FEV1, PEF, p = 0.001) and improvement in the items of quality of life (activity limitation, symptoms, p < 0.001) were observed in our patients after art therapy, the increase in asthma control was not significant.

Conclusion

Expressive art therapy can cause improvement in both pulmonary function tests and quality of life scales in children with asthma. Longer term art therapies planned by an experienced team may also be beneficial in achieving asthma control.
Political theories of the business corporation
Authors: Claassen Rutger
Published: December 2022

Business corporations are important, often powerful actors within the economy. They are able to exercise power over other actors, such as employees, consumers and nation‐states. This contribution discusses how corporate power is constituted (ontological question), for what purpose it should be exercised, (normative question) and how it should be controlled (governance question). It focuses on the competing anwers to these questions that have been proposed by three political theories of the corporation. Concession theories emphasize the state's role in chartering corporations, and hence require corporations to act in the public interest. Contractualist theories present corporations as tools for contract partners (most often shareholders), with corporate purpose focused on the benefits to these partners. Real entity theories focus on the corporation as an autonomous, separate entity with a purpose to be determined by the group seeking incorporation.
Baseline sensitivity of Coniella vitis to fluazinam and resistance risk assessment
Authors: Wang Qiannan , Sun Jianing , Wang Wenmei , Ren Weichao , Li Baohua , Zhou Shanyue
Published: December 2022

Grape white rot is a destructive fungal disease caused by the pathogenic fungus Coniella vitis. The sensitivity of C. vitis to fluazinam was tested to select an efficient fungicide to control this disease. Furthermore, the baseline sensitivity of C. vitis populations to fluazinam was established based on the EC50 of 62 C. vitis strains collected from different regions in which grapevines are grown in China. The C. vitis populations were extremely sensitive to fluazinam. The efficiency of fluazinam to grape white rot was determined with detached grapevine leaves. Fluazinam was highly effective in controlling this disease. Moreover, the risk of the C. vitis strains developing resistance to fluazinam was assessed with five mutant strains resistant to fluazinam obtained by a fungicide selection method in the laboratory. The fluazinam‐resistant mutant strains were deficient in their hyphal growth, stress and virulence compared with the parental strain. This led to the conclusion that the C. vitis populations are highly sensitive to fluazinam, and C. vitis is unlikely to develop resistance to fluazinam under natural conditions. Thus, fluazinam is a potential fungicide to efficiently control grape white rot.
Pentecostalism and media in Africa: Theoretical explorations of power and agency of media platforms and their users
Authors: Ibrahim Murtala
Published: December 2022

This survey paper interrogates four theoretical frameworks often invoked to analyze intersections between media and religion: mediatization, mediation of meaning, mediation of the beyond, and religious social shaping of technology. The paper surveys several research works informed by the aforementioned theories that study Pentecostals' engagement with different forms of media in Africa. This paper suggests that these theories need to be revised to provide a balanced assessment of Pentecostalism and media technologies. Advancements in technology, particularly sophisticated of algorithms, transformed media into an intelligent and dynamic space that enormously influences media consumers. The theory of mediatization gave power and agency to media logic. However, the other theories (mediation of meaning, mediation of the beyond, and religious social shaping of technology) focused on human agency and saw media as an inert space with many features that users can use as they see fit. To remedy this unbalanced relationship, the paper calls for a new theory that accounts for the agency of both the users and the media platforms.