bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of overweight and obesity and associated demographic and health factors in India: Findings from Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey (CNNS)
Authors: Sethi Vani , Bassi Shalini , Bahl Deepika , Kumar Abhishek , Choedon Tashi , Bhatia Neena , de Wagt Arjan , Joe William , Arora Monika
Published: February 2024

Background

Childhood obesity (5–9 years) in India is likely to contribute 11% to the global burden by 2030.

Methods

Data from India's Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey (CNNS, 2016–2018) was used to assess the prevalence and key associated factors of overweight and obesity. Multivariable logistic regression models were applied to identify potential determinants associated with being overweight and obese.

Results

Overweight prevalence (including obesity) varied from 1.6% (0–4 years) to 4.8% (10–19 years). The majority of states reported a higher proportion of adolescents overweight and obese, than younger age group 5–9 years. A significantly higher prevalence of children and adolescents with obesity was reported in higher wealth quintiles and residents of urban areas. The prevalence of overweight and obesity and associated demographic and health factors in India included: the presence of NCD risk factor (adolescents: 1.68, 95% CI [1.31–2.14]), micronutrient deficiency (5–9 years children: 1.72, 95% CI [1.30–2.28]), mother's education (5–9 years children: 4.84, 95% CI [2.92–8.03]; adolescents: 2.17, 95% CI [1.42–3.32]), wealth (adolescents: 1.92, 95% CI [1.16–3.19]), place of residence (5–9 years children: 1.68, 95% CI [1.39–2.03]; adolescents: 1.39, 95% CI [1.16–1.66]), child age (5–9 years children: 1.64, 95% CI [1.40–1.93], and screen‐time (adolescents: 1.63, 95% CI [1.22–2.19].

Conclusion

The findings set out policy and research recommendations to pave the path for curtailing the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity and achieving the World Health Assembly's Global Nutrition target of ‘no increase in childhood overweight (Target 4) by 2025’.
Analysis of pathogen distribution and associated risk factors for surgical site infections following laparoscopic urological surgeries
Authors: Wang Ke , Jiang Ye , Cao Wei , Zhao Runheng
Published: February 2024

Surgical site infections (SSIs) pose a significant complication following laparoscopic urological surgeries, impacting patient recovery and healthcare resources. Understanding the pathogen distribution and identifying associated risk factors for SSIs is critical for improving surgical outcomes. A retrospective analysis was performed on 90 patients, from March 2020 to June 2023, to investigate the risk factors and pathogen profiles in SSIs post‐laparoscopic urological procedures. Patients with documented infections were compared to a control group without SSIs. Data on demographics, comorbidities and perioperative variables were collected. Pathogens were identified using the VITEK‐2 Compact system. Statistical analyses included univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. Upon evaluation, demographic and clinical characteristics showed no significant variance in patients with SSIs compared to those without such infections. The predominant pathogen identified was Escherichia coli. Administration of prophylactic antibiotics correlated with a reduced incidence of SSIs, whereas an array of risk factors including surgery duration of 2 h or more, anaemia, white blood cell counts exceeding 10 × 109/L, a history of urinary tract infections, the presence of diabetes mellitus and incidences of urinary leakage post‐surgery were identified as contributors to a heightened risk of SSIs. Prophylactic antibiotics serve as a protective factor against SSIs, whereas several modifiable risk factors, including operation duration, anaemia, elevated leukocytes, history of urinary infections, diabetes and urinary leakage, contribute to the increased risk.
The effect of hyaluronic acid and iodine complex gel compared to Vaseline on deep second‐degree burn wound in rats
Authors: Farokh Forghani Siamak , Bagheri Tooran , Naderi Gharahgheshlagh Soheila , Hoveidamanesh Soodabeh , Ghadimi Tayyeb , Ghorbanian Kelachayeh Sara , Irilouzadian Rana
Published: February 2024

The combination of hyaluronic acid and iodine (Hyodine) has sparked interest in wound care and could have valuable applications in treating burn injuries. We aimed to provide valuable insight into the potential advantages, limitations, and implications of using Hyodine in burn wound management. We studied 25 male rats to assess the clinical outcomes and wound‐healing effects of Hyodine. Each rat received a deep second‐degree burn wound on their back using metal stamps. Subsequently, the rats were then randomly split into two groups. The first group was treated with a layer of Hyodine gel, while the second group received Vaseline. The burn sites were photographed on days 1, 7, 14, and 21 using a digital camera. After excision of the burn wounds, histopathology slides were stained and evaluated in terms of the degree of epithelialization, angiogenesis, inflammatory cells' infiltration, and collagen amount and arrangement. Despite a non‐significant difference regarding the extent of burn wound area between intervention and control groups in the first day of experiment, the rats that were treated with Vaseline showed a significant decrease compared to those who received Hyodine in the second and third weeks (p = 0.02). On the other hand, epithelialization, pathology score, and collagen synthesis were significantly different between days 7, 14, and 21 of each group. However, collagen arrangement and neovascularization were only significantly different between days 7, 14, and 21 in Hyodine group (p = 0.02 and p = 0.03, respectively). The Hyodine gel may offer beneficial outcomes in patients with a burn wound. Based on our findings, despite a non‐significant difference in the extent of burn wound area, using Hyodine revealed a significant improvement in different histopathological variables including neovascularization, and collagen arrangement.
Effects of negative pressure wound therapy on wound infection and healing in patients with open fracture wounds: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Xu Ning‐Lu , Mi Wei
Published: February 2024

A meta‐analysis was conducted to comprehensively evaluate the impact of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) on wound infection and healing in patients with open fracture wounds. Computer searches were performed in EMBASE, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Wanfang and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the application of NPWT in open fracture wounds, with the search period covering the databases inception to September 2023. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted data and conducted quality assessments. Stata 17.0 software was employed for data analysis. Overall, 17 RCTs involving 1814 patients with open fracture wounds were included. The analysis revealed that compared with other treatment methods, NPWT significantly shortened the wound healing time (standardized mean difference [SMD] = −2.86, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: −3.51 to −2.20, p < 0.001) and fracture healing time (SMD = −3.14, 95% CI: −4.49 to −1.79, p < 0.001) in patients with open fracture wounds. It also significantly reduced the incidence of wound infection (odds ratio [OR] = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.23–0.56, p < 0.001) and complications (OR = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.20–0.40, p < 0.001). This study indicates that in the treatment of open fracture wounds, NPWT, compared with conventional treatment methods, can accelerate the healing of wounds and fractures, effectively control infections and reduce the occurrence of complications, demonstrating high safety.
Late life‐threatening arrhythmia in patients with Brugada syndrome: Results from long‐term follow‐up in a large Japanese cohort
Authors: Shinohara Tetsuji , Takagi Masahiko , Kamakura Tsukasa , Komatsu Yuki , Aizawa Yoshiyasu , Sekiguchi Yukio , Yokoyama Yasuhiro , Aihara Naohiko , Hiraoka Masayasu , Aonuma Kazutaka ,   for the Japan Idiopathic Ventricular Fibrillation Study (J‐IVFS) Investigators
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Most patients with Brugada syndrome (BrS) are first diagnosed in their 40s, with sudden cardiac death (SCD) often occurring in their 50s. Ventricular fibrillation (VF) may occur in some patients with BrS despite having been asymptomatic for a long period. This study aimed to assess the incidence and risk factors for late life‐threatening arrhythmias in patients with BrS.

Methods

Patients with BrS (n = 523; mean age, 51 ± 13 years; male, n = 497) were enrolled. The risk of late life‐threatening arrhythmia was investigated in 225 patients who had experienced no cardiac events (CEs: SCD or ventricular tachyarrhythmia) for at least 10 years after study enrollment. The incidence of CEs during the follow‐up period was examined.

Results

During the follow‐up of the 523 patients, 59 (11%) experienced CEs. The annual incidences of CEs were 2.87%, 0.77%, and 0.09% from study enrollment to 3, 3−10, and after 10 years, respectively. Among 225 patients who had experienced no CEs for at least 10 years after enrollment, four patients (1.8%) subsequently experienced CEs. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed significant differences in the incidence of late CEs between patients with and without a history of symptoms (p = .032). The positive and negative predictive values of late CEs for the programmed electrical stimulation (PES) test were 2.9% and 100%, respectively.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that patients with BrS who are asymptomatic and have no ventricular tachycardia/VF inducibility by PES are at extremely low risk of experiencing late life‐threatening arrhythmias.
Editorial: Thinking outside the box – enhancing causal models of neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Moll Kristina
Published: February 2024

Neurodevelopmental disorders are best conceptualised as the result of multiple risk factors, which accumulate and determine the likelihood of reaching the threshold for fulfilling agreed diagnostic criteria. This multiple‐risk framework allows the inclusion of research findings focusing on single disorders, while highlighting the need for extending and specifying existing causal models. Such specifications need to address at least three challenges: First, causal models need to account for the heterogeneity of symptoms within neurodevelopmental disorders, the dissociations between disorders, and also the high comorbidity rates observed between them. Second, causal models need to take into account the fact that associations between risk factors and psychopathology may be developmentally conditioned and are likely to change over time. Third, causal models need to incorporate a better understanding of the causal pathways between neurobiological risk factors and their interaction with environmental risk factors. Several articles in the present issue address these challenges, by assessing the interplay between neurobiological and environmental risk factors, and their impact on psychopathology, and by investigating how this relationship changes over time.
PIF4 interacts with ABI4 to serve as a transcriptional activator complex to promote seed dormancy by enhancing ABA biosynthesis and signaling
Authors: Luo Xiaofeng , Dai Yujia , Xian Baoshan , Xu Jiahui , Zhang Ranran , Rehmani Muhammad Saad , Zheng Chuan , Zhao Xiaoting , Mao Kaitao , Ren Xiaotong , Wei Shaowei , Wang Lei , He Juan , Tan Weiming , Du Junbo , Liu Weiguo , Yuan Shu , Shu Kai
Published: February 2024

Transcriptional regulation plays a key role in the control of seed dormancy, and many transcription factors (TFs) have been documented. However, the mechanisms underlying the interactions between different TFs within a transcriptional complex regulating seed dormancy remain largely unknown. Here, we showed that TF PHYTOCHROME‐INTERACTING FACTOR4 (PIF4) physically interacted with the abscisic acid (ABA) signaling responsive TF ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE4 (ABI4) to act as a transcriptional complex to promote ABA biosynthesis and signaling, finally deepening primary seed dormancy. Both pif4 and abi4 single mutants exhibited a decreased primary seed dormancy phenotype, with a synergistic effect in the pif4/abi4 double mutant. PIF4 binds to ABI4 to form a heterodimer, and ABI4 stabilizes PIF4 at the protein level, whereas PIF4 does not affect the protein stabilization of ABI4. Subsequently, both TFs independently and synergistically promoted the expression of ABI4 and NCED6, a key gene for ABA anabolism. The genetic evidence is also consistent with the phenotypic, physiological and biochemical analysis results. Altogether, this study revealed a transcriptional regulatory cascade in which the PIF4–ABI4 transcriptional activator complex synergistically enhanced seed dormancy by facilitating ABA biosynthesis and signaling.
Increased long‐distance and homo‐trans interactions related to H3K27me3 in Arabidopsis hybrids
Authors: Gao Zhaoxu , Su Yanning , Chang Le , Jiao Guanzhong , Ou Yang , Yang Mei , Xu Chao , Liu Pengtao , Wang Zejia , Qi Zewen , Liu Wenwen , Sun Linhua , He Guangming , Deng Xing Wang , He Hang
Published: February 2024

In plants, the genome structure of hybrids changes compared with their parents, but the effects of these changes in hybrids remain elusive. Comparing reciprocal crosses between Col × C24 and C24 × Col in Arabidopsis using high‐throughput chromosome conformation capture assay (Hi‐C) analysis, we found that hybrid three‐dimensional (3D) chromatin organization had more long‐distance interactions relative to parents, and this was mainly located in promoter regions and enriched in genes with heterosis‐related pathways. The interactions between euchromatin and heterochromatin were increased, and the compartment strength decreased in hybrids. In compartment domain (CD) boundaries, the distal interactions were more in hybrids than their parents. In the hybrids of CURLY LEAF (clf) mutants clfCol × clfC24 and clfC24 × clfCol, the heterosis phenotype was damaged, and the long‐distance interactions in hybrids were fewer than in their parents with lower H3K27me3. ChIP‐seq data revealed higher levels of H3K27me3 in the region adjacent to the CD boundary and the same interactional homo‐trans sites in the wild‐type (WT) hybrids, which may have led to more long‐distance interactions. In addition, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) located in the boundaries of CDs and loop regions changed obviously in WT, and the functional enrichment for DEGs was different between WT and clf in the long‐distance interactions and loop regions. Our findings may therefore propose a new epigenetic explanation of heterosis in the Arabidopsis hybrids and provide new insights into crop breeding and yield increase.
How plants sense and respond to osmotic stress
Authors: Yu Bo , Chao Dai‐Yin , Zhao Yang
Published: February 2024

Drought is one of the most serious abiotic stresses to land plants. Plants sense and respond to drought stress to survive under water deficiency. Scientists have studied how plants sense drought stress, or osmotic stress caused by drought, ever since Charles Darwin, and gradually obtained clues about osmotic stress sensing and signaling in plants. Osmotic stress is a physical stimulus that triggers many physiological changes at the cellular level, including changes in turgor, cell wall stiffness and integrity, membrane tension, and cell fluid volume, and plants may sense some of these stimuli and trigger downstream responses. In this review, we emphasized water potential and movements in organisms, compared putative signal inputs in cell wall‐containing and cell wall‐free organisms, prospected how plants sense changes in turgor, membrane tension, and cell fluid volume under osmotic stress according to advances in plants, animals, yeasts, and bacteria, summarized multilevel biochemical and physiological signal outputs, such as plasma membrane nanodomain formation, membrane water permeability, root hydrotropism, root halotropism, Casparian strip and suberin lamellae, and finally proposed a hypothesis that osmotic stress responses are likely to be a cocktail of signaling mediated by multiple osmosensors. We also discussed the core scientific questions, provided perspective about the future directions in this field, and highlighted the importance of robust and smart root systems and efficient source‐sink allocations for generating future high‐yield stress‐resistant crops and plants.
“Diabetes is really simple on paper, but really complicated when you actually have it”: Understanding the daily stressors of adolescents living with Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Rechenberg Kaitlyn , Geiss Carley , Koerner Rebecca , Ríos Nicole , Menon Usha
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the daily stressors experienced by adolescents with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) and the perceived impact of those stressors on their self‐management and psychological well‐being.

Design and Methods

We conducted semistructured in‐depth telephone interviews using a qualitative descriptive approach with 20 adolescents aged 14–17 years with T1D and analyzed subsequent data using thematic analysis.

Results

Participants who were non‐Hispanic white made up 85% of the sample, 75% identified as female and mean age was 15 years. The study identified two key themes: “the everyday stress of living with diabetes” and “managing stress and supporting psychological well‐being.” Participants described heightened mental load, the impact of daily activities, stress associated with public diabetes management, and added stress due to COVID‐19. Primary mitigation techniques included family support, peer support networks, activity engagement, and personal acceptance of their condition.

Practice Implications

We found that there is a compound effect that occurs with balancing daily disease management with normative activities of daily living. These data will help guide the design of new interventions and tailoring of existing interventions. Future intervention development may include physical exercise, mindfulness training, and stress reducing techniques.
Test characteristics for combining non‐invasive liver fibrosis staging modalities in individuals with Hepatitis C virus
Authors: Epstein Rachel L. , Buzzee Benjamin , White Laura F. , Feld Jordan J. , Castera Laurent , Sterling Richard K. , Linas Benjamin P. , Taylor Lynn E.
Published: February 2024

Non‐invasive methods have largely replaced biopsy to identify advanced fibrosis in hepatitis C virus (HCV). Guidelines vary regarding testing strategy to balance accuracy, costs and loss to follow‐up. Although individual test characteristics are well‐described, data comparing the accuracy of using two tests together are limited. We calculated combined test characteristics to determine the utility of combined strategies. This study synthesizes empirical data from fibrosis staging trials and the literature to estimate test characteristics for Fibrosis‐4 (FIB4), APRI or a commercial serum panel (FibroSure®), followed by transient elastography (TE) or FibroSure®. We simulated two testing strategies: (1) second test only for those with intermediate first test results (staged approach), and (2) second test for all. We summarized empiric data with multinomial distributions and used this to estimate test characteristics of each strategy on a simulated population of 10,000 individuals with 4.2% cirrhosis prevalence. Negative predictive value (NPV) for cirrhosis from a single test ranged from 98.2% (95% CB 97.6–98.8%) for FIB‐4 to 99.4% (95% CB 99.0–99.8%) for TE. Using a staged approach with TE second, sensitivity for cirrhosis rose to 93.3–96.9%, NPV to 99.7–99.8%, while PPV dropped to <32%. Using TE as a second test for all minimally changed estimated test characteristics compared with the staged approach. Combining two non‐invasive fibrosis tests barely improves NPV and decreases or does not change PPV compared with a single test, challenging the utility of serial testing modalities. These calculated combined test characteristics can inform best methods to identify advanced fibrosis in various populations.
Factors affecting feed conversion ratios in US commercial catfish production ponds
Authors: Stone Nathan M. , Engle Carole R. , Kumar Ganesh , Li Menghe H. , Hegde Shraddha , Roy Luke A. , Kelly Anita M. , Dorman Larry , Recsetar Matthew S.
Published: February 2024

Feed conversion ratio (FCR) is widely used as a measure of feed use efficiency in commercial aquaculture production and research. Surprisingly, little work has focused on the factors that affect FCR in plankton‐based, commercial ponds despite the widespread use of FCR as a production metric. Proposals to use FCR as a numeric standard for environmental regulation (mandatory or voluntary) raise questions as to whether FCR meets the reliability and consistency requirements of a good metric, and whether it would lead to desired behavioral changes. This article summarizes FCR data from university research verification programs conducted on US catfish farms and databases developed from commercial farm records. The relevant research literature is synthesized with respect to factors that affect FCR. US catfish is used as a case study because pond‐level data from verification trials (Extension/research‐led on‐farm trials of best available science) and commercial farm records are available. While specific to US catfish production, the analysis provides insights into factors affecting FCR that likely apply to other pond‐based aquaculture species. Commercial verification of pond data showed (1) significant variation in FCR (coefficients of variation from 1% to 47%) among ponds with similar stocking, feeding, and aeration rates; (2) significant effects of survival on FCR; and (3) no significant effects on FCR of yield, feed type, management, or production system. Improvements in FCR would occur with improved survival that requires improved management of federally protected fish‐eating bird populations and development of additional, effective vaccines for diseases. FCRs were found to not exhibit the degree of reliability and consistency required for use as an effective metric or numeric standard for regulatory purposes. Use of FCR for mandatory or voluntary regulation is unlikely to lead to behavioral changes by farmers.
Measuring Lexical Diversity in Texts: The Twofold Length Problem
Authors: Bestgen Yves
Published: February 2024

The impact of text length on the estimation of lexical diversity has captured the attention of the scientific community for more than a century. Numerous indices have been proposed, and many studies have been conducted to evaluate them, but the problem remains. This methodological review provides a critical analysis not only of the most commonly used indices in language learning studies, but also of the length problem itself, as well as of the methodology for evaluating the proposed solutions. Analysis of three data sets of texts produced by English language learners revealed that indices that reduce all texts to the same length using a probabilistic or an algorithmic approach solve the length‐dependency problem; however, all these indices failed to address the second problem, which is their sensitivity to the parameter that determines the length to which the texts are reduced. The paper concludes with recommendations for optimizing lexical diversity analysis.
Partisan Governance and Minority Party Vetoes: Evidence from State Legislatures
Authors: Oldham Robert
Published: February 2024

It is often argued that bipartisan lawmaking depends on minority legislative parties controlling institutional veto points through divided government and/or supermajority pivots. Using a new dataset of state legislative rollcall votes on tax increases—an issue where states vary in whether they require majority or supermajority votes—I assess (1) whether minority control of veto points is necessary for bipartisan policymaking and (2) whether there are greater levels of partisan governance when the majority controls all veto points. I find that partisan governance is more likely when the majority controls all vetoes. However, bipartisan policymaking is still the most common outcome even when institutional conditions are seemingly ideal for partisan governance. Interviews with state policymakers uncover various noninstitutional reasons for bipartisanship regardless of veto control. My findings suggest that while institutional rules can compel bipartisanship, they are just one of many reasons why the minority party participates in lawmaking.
L2 English speaking syntactic complexity: Data preprocessing issues, reliability of automated analysis, and the effects of proficiency, L1 background, and topic
Authors: Kim Minjin , Lu Xiaofei
Published: February 2024

The effects of learner‐ and task‐related variables on second language (L2) writing syntactic complexity (SC) have been extensively investigated. However, previous research has rarely assessed the reliability of computational tools for analyzing the SC of L2 spoken production, and we know less about the effects of such variables on L2 speaking SC. Using data from the International Corpus Network of Asian Learners of English, this study explores data preprocessing issues for preparing L2 English speech samples for automated SC analysis, evaluates the reliability of L2 Syntactic Complexity Analyzer on preprocessed L2 English speech samples, and examines the effects of proficiency, first language (L1) background, and topic on L2 speaking SC. Our manual analysis of 30 random speech samples identified several issues that can be addressed through preprocessing to improve the accuracy of automated SC analysis. Results from multiple linear mixed‐effects models revealed significant effects of proficiency, L1 background, and topic on the mean length of clause, the number of complex AS‐units per AS‐unit, and the number of dependent clauses and complex nominals per clause in L2 learners’ spoken production. Our findings have useful implications for L2 speaking pedagogy and assessment as well as future L2 speaking SC research.
Prevalence and characteristics of Epidermophyton floccosum skin infections: A 12‐year retrospective study
Authors: Nokdhes Ya‐Nin , Leeyaphan Charussri , Jirawattanadon Pattriya , Pongkittilar Bawonpak , Sereeaphinan Chudapa , Bunyaratavej Sumanas
Published: February 2024

Background

Epidermophyton floccosum (E. floccosum), an anthropophilic dermatophyte, is the primary causative agent of skin conditions such as tinea cruris, tinea pedis and tinea corporis.

Objectives

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and characteristics of E. floccosum‐induced dermatophytosis, with particular emphasis on the types of infections and demographic profiles.

Methods

In this retrospective study, patient records from the dermatology outpatient clinic were scrutinized, covering the timeframe from January 2009 to December 2020. Eligibility for the study required a dermatophytosis diagnosis verified by microscopic examination and fungal culture.

Results

Of the 4669 confirmed dermatophytosis cases, 82 (1.8%) were attributable to E. floccosum infection. The proportions of male and female patients with E. floccosum infections were 50.0% each. The most common presentation was tinea pedis (39.0%), followed by tinea cruris (37.8%) and tinea corporis (26.8%). The mean age at disease onset for tinea cruris was 38.7 ± 18.7 years, which was lower than that for tinea pedis (50.6 ± 14.2 years) and tinea corporis (53.5 ± 16.4 years). However, these age differences were not statistically significant. A continuous decrease in E. floccosum isolation was observed over the study period.

Conclusions

There was a steady decline in the prevalence of E. floccosum dermatophytosis over the 12‐year study period. Despite the decreasing trend, tinea cruris, tinea corporis and tinea pedis remained the predominant clinical manifestations of E. floccosum infection.
Virus‐induced changes in root volatiles attract soil nematode vectors to infected plants
Authors: van Griethuysen Pierre‐Alain , Redeker Kelly R. , MacFarlane Stuart A. , Neilson Roy , Hartley Sue E.
Published: February 2024

Plant‐derived volatiles mediate interactions among plants, pathogenic viruses, and viral vectors. These volatile‐dependent mechanisms have not been previously demonstrated belowground, despite their likely significant role in soil ecology and agricultural pest impacts. We investigated how the plant virus, tobacco rattle virus (TRV), attracts soil nematode vectors to infected plants.

We infected Nicotiana benthamiana with TRV and compared root growth relative to that of uninfected plants. We tested whether TRV‐infected N. benthamiana was more attractive to nematodes 7 d post infection and identified a compound critical to attraction. We also infected N. benthamiana with mutated TRV strains to identify virus genes involved in vector nematode attraction.

Virus titre and associated impacts on root morphology were greatest 7 d post infection. Tobacco rattle virus infection enhanced 2‐ethyl‐1‐hexanol production. Nematode chemotaxis and 2‐ethyl‐1‐hexanol production correlated strongly with viral load. Uninfected plants were more attractive to nematodes after the addition of 2‐ethyl‐1‐hexanol than were untreated plants. Mutation of TRV RNA2‐encoded genes reduced the production of 2‐ethyl‐1‐hexanol and nematode attraction.

For the first time, this demonstrates that virus‐driven alterations in root volatile emissions lead to increased chemotaxis of the virus's nematode vector, a finding with implications for sustainable management of both nematodes and viral pathogens in agricultural systems.
Dynamic N6‐methyladenosine RNA modification regulates peanut resistance to bacterial wilt
Authors: Zhao Kai , Li Zhongfeng , Ke Yunzhuo , Ren Rui , Cao Zenghui , Li Zhan , Wang Kuopeng , Wang Xiaoxuan , Wang Jinzhi , Ma Qian , Cao Di , Zhao Kunkun , Li Yaoyao , Hu Sasa , Qiu Ding , Gong Fangping , Ma Xingli , Zhang Xingguo , Fan Guoqiang , Liang Zhe , Yin Dongmei
Published: February 2024

N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant mRNA modification in eukaryotes and is an important regulator of gene expression as well as many other critical biological processes. However, the characteristics and functions of m6A in peanut (Arachis hypogea L.) resistance to bacterial wilt (BW) remain unknown.

Here, we analyzed the dynamic of m6A during infection of resistant (H108) and susceptible (H107) peanut accessions with Ralstonia solanacearum (R. solanacearum), the causative agent of BW. Throughout the transcriptome, we identified ‘URUAY’ as a highly conserved motif for m6A in peanut. The majority of differential m6A located within the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of the transcript, with fewer in the exons.

Integrative analysis of RNA‐Seq and m6A methylomes suggests the correlation between m6A and gene expression in peanut R. solanacearum infection, and functional analysis reveals that m6A‐associated genes were related to plant‐pathogen interaction.

Our experimental analysis suggests that AhALKBH15 is an m6A demethylase in peanut, leading to decreased m6A levels and upregulation of the resistance gene AhCQ2G6Y. The upregulation of AhCQ2G6Y expression appears to promote BW resistance in the H108 accession.
Pollution risk and life insurance decisions: Microgeographic evidence from the United Kingdom
Authors: Adetutu Morakinyo O. , Odusanya Kayode A. , Rasciute Simona , Stathopoulou Eleni
Published: February 2024

Recent research documents that exposure to air pollution can trigger various behavioral reactions. This article presents novel empirical evidence on the causal effect of pollution risk on life insurance decisions. We create a unique dataset by linking microgeographic air quality information to the confidential UK Wealth and Assets Survey. We identify an inverse N‐shape relationship between pollution risk and life insurance adoption by exploiting the orthogonal variations in meteorological conditions. Over a given range above a threshold of exposure, rising pollution is associated with rising demand for life insurance, whereas at lower than the threshold levels of pollution, higher exposure risk reduces demand for insurance. Our findings indicate—for the first time—a nonlinear relationship between local pollution risk and life insurance demand.
Personality and burnout complaints: The mediating role of proactive burnout prevention behaviors at work
Authors: Hendrikx Karolien , Van Ruysseveldt Joris , Otto Madelon
Published: February 2024

The aim of this study is to gain insight into how and why certain personality traits are related to experiencing burnout complaints. Drawing on insights from a stimulus‐organism‐response (SOR) model of personality and affect and conservation of resources (COR) theory, we specifically focus on the role of five proactive behaviors to prevent burnout (PBPBs) at work. Two research questions are addressed: (1) How are the HEXACO personality traits related to burnout complaints, and (2) to what extent do the PBPBs aimed at increasing resources act as mediators between the engagement dimensions of personality and burnout complaints. We set up a two‐wave survey examining HEXACO personality, PBPBs at work, and burnout complaints in a sample of 172 employees. For our analyses we relied on multiple regression analyses and structural equation modeling. Our analyses revealed that employees high on Extraversion and Conscientiousness and low on Emotionality are less inclined to experience burnout complaints. For the trait of Conscientiousness, this could be partly explained because conscientious employees demonstrate more proactive behavior aimed at maintaining or increasing job control. Our research contributes to the burnout and personality literature as we offer insight into why specific personality dimensions are related to burnout complaints. Specific proactive behaviors aimed at increasing job resources appeared to play a small, yet relevant role in this respect, specifically for Conscientiousness. By studying the relationship between personality and behavior in association with burnout complaints, this study adds to our understanding of personalized preventive actions in the work context that can reduce burnout complaints.
Experimental and Computational Investigation of Flow Boiling in a 52 μm Hydraulic Diameter Microchannel Evaporator With Inlet Restrictions and Heat Spreading
Authors: Anderson Caleb , Gao Zhaosheng , Hanchak Michael , Bandhauer Todd
Published: February 2024

Microchannel flow boiling presents an effective thermal management strategy for high heat flux (>1 kW/cm2) devices. Fundamental mechanisms of microchannel flow boiling behaviors are difficult to determine due to macroscopic limitations of experimental hardware. In addition, flow stabilizing features of microchannel evaporators such as inlet restrictions and heat spreading further complicate fluid flow and heat transfer dynamics. Computational models, when utilized with experiments, can provide a more detailed understanding of behaviors which cannot be determined experimentally. The present study developed a computational model for flow boiling heat transfer in a 52 μm silicon microchannel evaporator designed to cool a laser diode bar, with inlet restrictions and a nonuniform heating profile at the channel level. A conjugate heat transfer model along with a coupled level set and volume of fluid (CLSVOF) model was created in ansysfluent and compared with experimental flow boiling data to gain further insights into the performance of a realistic microdevice. Heat spreading in the channel outside of the heater footprint was observed due to the high thermal conductivity of the silicon substrate. The inlet orifices impacted local flow patterns by creating a large pressure drop and forming a recirculation zone immediately downstream. This behavior resulted in pressure recovery zones and regions of separated flow boiling behavior. Bubbly, slug, and churn flows were seen to be dominant flow regimes. The heat transfer coefficient was found to be dependent on heat flux and flow regime, and more weakly on mass flux and outlet vapor quality.
Escarpment evolution drives the diversification of the Madagascar flora
Authors: Liu Yi , Wang Yanyan , Willett Sean D. , Zimmermann Niklaus E. , Pellissier Loïc
Published: February 2024

Madagascar exhibits high endemic biodiversity that has evolved with sustained and stable rates of speciation over the past several tens of millions of years. The topography of Madagascar is dominated by a mountainous continental rift escarpment, with the highest plant diversity and rarity found along the steep, eastern side of this geographic feature. Using a process-explicit model, we show that precipitation-driven erosion and landward retreat of this high-relief topography creates transient habitat organization through multiple mechanisms, including catchment expansion, isolation of highland remnants, and formation of topographic barriers. Habitat isolation and reconnection on a million-year timescale serves as an allopatric speciation pump creating the observed biodiversity.
Teach Indigenous knowledge alongside science
Authors: Black Amanda , Tylianakis Jason M.
Published: February 2024

Evidence supports the teaching of Indigenous knowledge alongside sciences in the classroom
Ultrauniform, strong, and ductile 3D-printed titanium alloy through bifunctional alloy design
Authors: Zhang Jingqi , Bermingham Michael J. , Otte Joseph , Liu Yingang , Hou Ziyong , Yang Nan , Yin Yu , Bayat Mohamad , Lin Weikang , Huang Xiaoxu , StJohn David H. , Dargusch Matthew S.
Published: February 2024

Coarse columnar grains and heterogeneously distributed phases commonly form in metallic alloys produced by three-dimensional (3D) printing and are often considered undesirable because they can impart nonuniform and inferior mechanical properties. We demonstrate a design strategy to unlock consistent and enhanced properties directly from 3D printing. Using Ti−5Al−5Mo−5V−3Cr as a model alloy, we show that adding molybdenum (Mo) nanoparticles promotes grain refinement during solidification and suppresses the formation of phase heterogeneities during solid-state thermal cycling. The microstructural change because of the bifunctional additive results in uniform mechanical properties and simultaneous enhancement of both strength and ductility. We demonstrate how this alloy can be modified by a single component to address unfavorable microstructures, providing a pathway to achieve desirable mechanical characteristics directly from 3D printing.
Interface-induced superconductivity in magnetic topological insulators
Authors: Yi Hemian , Zhao Yi-Fan , Chan Ying-Ting , Cai Jiaqi , Mei Ruobing , Wu Xianxin , Yan Zi-Jie , Zhou Ling-Jie , Zhang Ruoxi , Wang Zihao , Paolini Stephen , Xiao Run , Wang Ke , Richardella Anthony R. , Singleton John , Winter Laurel E. , Prokscha Thomas , Salman Zaher , Suter Andreas , Balakrishnan Purnima P. , Grutter Alexander J. , Chan Moses H. W. , Samarth Nitin , Xu Xiaodong , Wu Weida , Liu Chao-Xing , Chang Cui-Zu
Published: February 2024

The interface between two different materials can show unexpected quantum phenomena. In this study, we used molecular beam epitaxy to synthesize heterostructures formed by stacking together two magnetic materials, a ferromagnetic topological insulator (TI) and an antiferromagnetic iron chalcogenide (FeTe). We observed emergent interface-induced superconductivity in these heterostructures and demonstrated the co-occurrence of superconductivity, ferromagnetism, and topological band structure in the magnetic TI layer—the three essential ingredients of chiral topological superconductivity (TSC). The unusual coexistence of ferromagnetism and superconductivity is accompanied by a high upper critical magnetic field that exceeds the Pauli paramagnetic limit for conventional superconductors at low temperatures. These magnetic TI/FeTe heterostructures with robust superconductivity and atomically sharp interfaces provide an ideal wafer-scale platform for the exploration of chiral TSC and Majorana physics.
Sustainable chemistry and food systems lessons—the same procedure as every year?
Authors: Zuin Zeidler Vânia G.
Published: February 2024

“Dinner for One,” a short black-and-white video performed in English from the 1960s, has become a cherished tradition in several German-speaking and Scandinavian countries, broadcast on TV every New Year's Eve for decades and gaining newfound popularity on social media among members of
Generation Z
. The narrative follows a British butler, James, whose employer, Miss Sophie, celebrates her 90th birthday as she has for many years by inviting her closest friends to dinner, though they have long since passed away. When asked by James throughout the dinner “The same procedure as last year?” while soup, fish, chicken, and fruit are being served, each with its corresponding beverage, Miss Sophie replies, “The same procedure as every year.” But although it may be beloved as a work of comedic fiction, the same procedure as every year, the “business as usual” approach, is not sustainable in the real world when it comes to the food on our plates.
Foraminifera as a model of eukaryotic genome dynamism
Authors: Timmons Caitlin , Le Kristine , Rappaport H. B. , Sterner Elinor G. , Maurer-Alcalá Xyrus X. , Goldstein Susan T. , Katz Laura A.
Published: February 2024

In contrast to the canonical view that genomes cycle only between haploid and diploid states, many eukaryotes have dynamic genomes that change content throughout an individual’s life cycle. However, the few detailed studies of microeukaryotic life cycles render our understanding of eukaryotic genome dynamism incomplete. Foraminifera (Rhizaria) are an ecologically important, yet understudied, clade of microbial eukaryotes with complex life cycles that include changes in ploidy and genome organization. Here, we apply fluorescence microscopy and image analysis techniques to over 2,800 nuclei in 110 cells to characterize the life cycle of
Allogromia laticollaris
strain Cold Spring Harbor (CSH), one of few cultivable foraminifera species. We show that haploidy and diploidy are brief moments in the
A. laticollaris
life cycle and that
A. laticollaris
nuclei endoreplicate up to 12,000 times the haploid genome size. We find that
A. laticollaris
reorganizes a highly endoreplicated nucleus into thousands of haploid genomes through a non-canonical mechanism called
Zerfall
, in which the nuclear envelope degrades and extrudes chromatin into the cytoplasm. Based on these findings, along with changes in nuclear architecture across the life cycle, we believe that
A. laticollaris
uses spatio-temporal mechanisms to delineate germline and somatic DNA within a single nucleus. The analyses here extend our understanding of the genome dynamics across the eukaryotic tree of life.

IMPORTANCE

In traditional depictions of eukaryotes (i.e., cells with nuclei), life cycles alternate only between haploid and diploid phases, overlooking studies of diverse microeukaryotic lineages (e.g., amoebae, ciliates, and flagellates) that show dramatic variation in DNA content throughout their life cycles. Endoreplication of genomes enables cells to grow to large sizes and perhaps to also respond to changes in their environments. Few microeukaryotic life cycles have been studied in detail, which limits our understanding of how eukaryotes regulate and transmit their DNA across generations. Here, we use microscopy to study the life cycle of
Allogromia laticollaris
strain CSH, an early-diverging lineage within the Foraminifera (an ancient clade of predominantly marine amoebae). We show that DNA content changes significantly throughout their life cycle and further describe an unusual process called
Zerfall
, by which this species reorganizes a large nucleus with up to 12,000 genome copies into hundreds of small gametic nuclei, each with a single haploid genome. Our results are consistent with the idea that all eukaryotes demarcate germline DNA to pass on to offspring amidst more flexible somatic DNA and extend the known diversity of eukaryotic life cycles.
Surface colonization by
Flavobacterium johnsoniae
promotes its survival in a model microbial community
Authors: Magesh Shruthi , Hurley Amanda I. , Nepper Julia F. , Chevrette Marc G. , Schrope Jonathan H. , Li Chao , Beebe David J. , Handelsman Jo
Published: February 2024

Flavobacterium johnsoniae
is a ubiquitous soil and rhizosphere bacterium, but despite its abundance, the factors contributing to its success in communities are poorly understood. Using a model microbial community,
T
he
H
itchhikers
o
f the
R
hizosphere (THOR), we determined the effects of colonization on the fitness of
F. johnsoniae
in the community. Insertion sequencing, a massively parallel transposon mutant screen, on sterile sand identified 25 genes likely to be important for surface colonization. We constructed in-frame deletions of candidate genes predicted to be involved in cell membrane biogenesis, motility, signal transduction, and transport of amino acids and lipids. All mutants poorly colonized sand, glass, and polystyrene and produced less biofilm than the wild type, indicating the importance of the targeted genes in surface colonization. Eight of the nine colonization-defective mutants were also unable to form motile biofilms or zorbs, thereby suggesting that the affected genes play a role in group movement and linking stationary and motile biofilm formation genetically. Furthermore, we showed that the deletion of colonization genes in
F. johnsoniae
affected its behavior and survival in THOR on surfaces, suggesting that the same traits are required for success in a multispecies microbial community. Our results provide insight into the mechanisms of surface colonization by
F. johnsoniae
and form the basis for further understanding its ecology in the rhizosphere.

IMPORTANCE

Microbial communities direct key environmental processes through multispecies interactions. Understanding these interactions is vital for manipulating microbiomes to promote health in human, environmental, and agricultural systems. However, microbiome complexity can hinder our understanding of the underlying mechanisms in microbial community interactions. As a first step toward unraveling these interactions, we explored the role of surface colonization in microbial community interactions using
T
he
H
itchhikers
O
f the
R
hizosphere (THOR), a genetically tractable model community of three bacterial species,
Flavobacterium johnsoniae
,
Pseudomonas koreensis
, and
Bacillus cereus
. We identified
F. johnsoniae
genes important for surface colonization in solitary conditions and in the THOR community. Understanding the mechanisms that promote the success of bacteria in microbial communities brings us closer to targeted manipulations to achieve outcomes that benefit agriculture, the environment, and human health.
Complete genome sequence of
Opitutales
bacterium strain ASA1, isolated from soil
Authors: Islam Md. Samiul , Yamamoto Kyosuke , Morita Naoki , Yumoto Isao , Kato Souichiro , Nakai Ryosuke , Igarashi Kensuke
Published: February 2024

We present the complete genome of
Opitutales
bacterium ASA1, isolated from soil. The genome is 5,821,695 bp with 4,638 protein-coding sequences. The genome data suggest that this strain belongs to the class
Opitutae
of the phylum
Verrucomicrobiota
, and its genome has six unique biosynthetic gene clusters associated with secondary metabolites.