bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Icaritin greatly attenuates β‐amyloid‐induced toxicity in vivo
Authors: Li Liangxian , Wei Zaiwa , Tang Yafang , Jin Mingyue , Yao Hua , Li Xia , Li Qinghua , Tan Jie , Xiao Bo
Published: November 2023

Aims

The accumulation and deposition of β‐amyloid (Aβ) has always been considered a major pathological feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The latest and mainstream amyloid cascade hypothesis indicates that all the main pathological changes in AD are attributed to the accumulation of soluble Aβ. However, the exploration of therapeutic drugs for Aβ toxicity has progressed slowly. This study aims to investigate the protective effects of Icaritin on the Aβ‐induced Drosophila AD model and its possible mechanism.

Methods

To identify the effects of Icaritin on AD, we constructed an excellent Drosophila AD model named Aβarc (arctic mutant Aβ42) Drosophila. Climbing ability, flight ability, and longevity were used to evaluate the effects of Icaritin on AD phenotypes. Aβarc was determined by immunostaining and ELISA. To identify the effects of Icaritin on oxidative stress, we performed the detection of ROS, hydrogen peroxide, MDA, SOD, catalase, GST, and Caspase‐3. To identify the effects of Icaritin on energy metabolism, we performed the detection of ATP and lactate. Transcriptome analysis and qRT‐PCR verifications were used to detect the genes directly involved in oxidative stress and energy metabolism. Mitochondrial structure and function were detected by an electron microscopy assay, a mitochondrial membrane potential assay, and a mitochondrial respiration assay.

Results

We discovered that Icaritin almost completely rescues the climbing ability, flight ability, and longevity of Aβarc Drosophila. Aβarc was dramatically reduced by Icaritin treatment. We also found that Icaritin significantly reduces oxidative stress and greatly improves impaired energy metabolism. Importantly, transcriptome analysis and qRT‐PCR verifications showed that many key genes, directly involved in oxidative stress and energy metabolism, are restored by Icaritin. Next, we found that Icaritin perfectly restores the integrity of mitochondrial structure and function damaged by Aβarc toxicity.

Conclusion

This study suggested that Icaritin is a potential drug to deal with the toxicity of Aβarc, at least partially realized by restoring the mitochondria/oxidative stress/energy metabolism axis, and holds potential for translation to human AD.
Comparison of conservative management, microsurgery only, and microsurgery with preoperative embolization for unruptured arteriovenous malformations: A propensity score weighted prospective cohort study
Authors: Han Heze , Chen Yu , Ma Li , Li Ruinan , Li Zhipeng , Zhang Haibin , Yuan Kexin , Wang Ke , Jin Hengwei , Meng Xiangyu , Yan Debin , Zhao Yang , Zhang Yukun , Jin Weitao , Li Runting , Lin Fa , Hao Qiang , Wang Hao , Ye Xun , Kang Shuai , Gao Dezhi , Sun Shibin , Liu Ali , Li Youxiang , Chen Xiaolin , Zhao Yuanli , Wang Shuo
Published: November 2023

Aims

To compare the efficacy and deficiency of conservative management (CM), microsurgery (MS) only, and microsurgery with preoperative embolization (E + MS) for unruptured arteriovenous malformations (AVMs).

Methods

We prospectively included unruptured AVMs undergoing CM, MS, and E + MS from our institution between August 2011 and August 2021. The primary outcomes were long‐term neurofunctional outcomes and hemorrhagic stroke and death. In addition to the comparisons among CM, MS, and E + MS, E + MS was divided into single‐staged hybrid and multi‐staged E + MS for further analysis. Stabilized inverse probability of treatment weighting using propensity scores was applied to control for confounders by treatment indication across the three groups.

Results

Of 3758 consecutive AVMs admitted, 718 patients were included finally (266 CM, 364 MS, and 88 E + MS). The median follow‐up duration was 5.4 years. Compared with CM, interventions (MS and E + MS) were associated with neurological deterioration. MS could lower the risk of hemorrhagic stroke and death. Multi‐staged E + MS was associated with neurological deterioration and higher hemorrhagic risks compared with MS, but the hybrid E + MS operation significantly reduced the hemorrhage risk.

Conclusion

In this study, unruptured AVMs receiving CM would expect better neurofunctional outcomes but bear higher risks of hemorrhage than MS or E + MS. The single‐staged hybrid E + MS might be promising in reducing inter‐procedural and subsequent hemorrhage.
Media Inclination and Outward Foreign Direct Investment: Evidence from Chinese Firms
Authors: Hu Beibei , Luan Qiao , Meng Xue , Wang Kai
Published: November 2023

Media inclinations, whether favorable or biased, play a pivotal role in shaping public opinion. Sometimes, media coverage may unintentionally foster skepticism towards foreign firms, which could create challenges for those companies when they enter new markets. Based on a panel dataset from 2005 to 2020, this is one of the first studies to investigate empirically the impact of media opinion on outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) behaviors at the firm level. The media inclination index was constructed according to the varying inclinations of media from different countries in their reporting on each event. We examined the impact of media inclination on the investment value, frequency, and number of industries. This study has revealed the following insights: (i) Positive media coverage can stimulate the investment behavior of Chinese firms. (ii) The heterogeneity analysis indicates that the promotional effect of media reporting inclination on OFDI is more significant for state‐owned firms from the investor's perspective and especially pronounced for firms in developing countries from the investee's perspective. (iii) Diplomatic visits and scientific research cooperation can amplify the positive impact of media opinions on the OFDI behaviors of Chinese firms.
Academic skills in children with cerebral palsy and specific learning disorders
Authors: Micheletti Serena , Galli Jessica , Vezzoli Marika , Scaglioni Vera , Agostini Stefania , Calza Stefano , Merabet Lotfi B. , Fazzi Elisa
Published: November 2023

Aim

To investigate the prevalence and clinical manifestations of reading, writing, and mathematics disorders in children with cerebral palsy (CP). We explored how the clinical profile of these children differed from those with specific learning disorders (SLDs), taking into account several factors, particularly IQ scores, neuropsychological aspects, and the presence of a visual impairment.

Method

A prospective cross‐sectional study was conducted in 42 children with CP (mean age 9 years 8 months; SD = 2 years 2 months) and 60 children with SLDs (mean age 10 years; SD = 1 year 7 months). Clinical characteristics, neuromotor and cognitive profiles, neuropsychological aspects (speech performance, academic skills, visual attention, phonological awareness, working memory), and signs of visual impairment (visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, visual field, oculomotor functions) were assessed. A machine learning approach consisting of a random forest algorithm, where the outcome was the diagnosis and the covariates were the clinical variables collected in the sample, was used for the analyses.

Results

About 59% of the children with CP had reading, writing, or mathematics disorders. Children with CP with learning disorders had a low performance IQ, normal phonological awareness, and working memory difficulties, whereas children with SLDs had normal performance IQ, impaired phonological awareness, and mild working memory difficulties. There were no differences in verbal IQ between the two groups.

Interpretation

Learning disorders are frequently associated with CP, with different clinical characteristics, compared with SLDs. Assessment of academic skills is mandatory in these children, even if the IQ is normal. At school age, specific interventions to promote academic skills in children with CP could be a major rehabilitative goal.

What this paper adds

Reading, writing, and mathematics disorders in cerebral palsy have specific clinical characteristics.

Their underlying mechanisms differ from those described in specific learning disorders.

Working memory impairment can be considered a hallmark of learning disorders in children with cerebral palsy.
Abnormal connectivity and activation during audiovisual speech perception in schizophrenia
Authors: Hirano Yoji , Nakamura Itta , Tamura Shunsuke
Published: November 2023

The unconscious integration of vocal and facial cues during speech perception facilitates face‐to‐face communication. Recent studies have provided substantial behavioural evidence concerning impairments in audiovisual (AV) speech perception in schizophrenia. However, the specific neurophysiological mechanism underlying these deficits remains unknown. Here, we investigated activities and connectivities centered on the auditory cortex during AV speech perception in schizophrenia. Using magnetoencephalography, we recorded and analysed event‐related fields in response to auditory (A: voice), visual (V: face) and AV (voice–face) stimuli in 23 schizophrenia patients (13 males) and 22 healthy controls (13 males). The functional connectivity associated with the subadditive response to AV stimulus (i.e., [AV] < [A] + [V]) was also compared between the two groups. Within the healthy control group, [AV] activity was smaller than the sum of [A] and [V] at latencies of approximately 100 ms in the posterior ramus of the lateral sulcus in only the left hemisphere, demonstrating a subadditive N1m effect. Conversely, the schizophrenia group did not show such a subadditive response. Furthermore, weaker functional connectivity from the posterior ramus of the lateral sulcus of the left hemisphere to the fusiform gyrus of the right hemisphere was observed in schizophrenia. Notably, this weakened connectivity was associated with the severity of negative symptoms. These results demonstrate abnormalities in connectivity between speech‐ and face‐related cortical areas in schizophrenia. This aberrant subadditive response and connectivity deficits for integrating speech and facial information may be the neural basis of social communication dysfunctions in schizophrenia.
Managing the permanent temporariness of prolonged migration: The role of local and transnational care circulation among Argentine temporary migrants in Australia
Authors: Dewey Bernardo , Baldassar Loretta , Fozdar Farida
Published: November 2023

In the past two decades, Australia has shifted from being a settler nation that promoted state‐supported permanent migration to one where the scale and relative importance of temporary migration schemes have grown significantly. In 2017, Australia was the second largest issuing country of temporary visa permits after the United States, with temporary migrants applying, on average, for 3.3 temporary visas and spending 6.4 years in this multi‐step visa journey to achieve permanent residency . As part of a broader research project on the social implications of temporary migration programs, we examine how Argentine temporary migrants exchange care to navigate temporary visa restrictions and the permanent temporariness in which they live. Our central argument is that transnational and local expressions, practices, and processes of care are co‐constituted in particularistic temporary migrant care configurations that facilitate prolonged migration projects and continuity of care over time, despite the precarity that permanent temporariness brings. Drawing on extensive ethnographic fieldwork among Argentine temporary migrants, we illustrate the dynamics in which economic, accommodation, personal, practical, emotional and moral care is exchanged. The findings reveal the central role that transnational economic and practical as well as local, including local virtual, proximity care has in the everyday lives of Argentine temporary migrants. Ironically, their fragile temporariness may be an incentive to develop local support networks or maintain strong transnational ties to survive living in limbo.
Comorbidity of Myasthenia gravis and Graves' disease as immune reconstitution‐associated autoimmune disease in HIV infection: A case report and literature review
Authors: Lu Lianfeng , Ma Yanan , Cong Yang , Zhou Baotong , Chen Yeye , Niu Jingwen , He Yun , Cao Wei , Li Taisheng
Published: November 2023

Background

Comorbidity of Myasthenia gravis (MG) and Graves' disease (GD) in treated HIV‐infected individuals has rarely been described and little study has been done on the link between HIV‐related immune reconstitution and autoimmune diseases occurring post antiretroviral therapy.

Case Presentation

Here we report on a 33‐year‐old Chinese man with HIV infection who had been virologically suppressed since 2018. The patient was diagnosed with GD and was treated in 2020. Early in 2022, he developed fluctuating weakness and fatigue involving the bilateral extraocular muscles and limbs. With a positive neostigmine test, he was considered to have MG, but showed a poor response to oral medication. After multiple failed medication attempts, a thymectomy was finally performed to resolve his symptoms. The consecutive onset of immunological events may have partially resulted from immune reconstitution after viral control.

Conclusions

This is a rare case of HIV‐related immune reconstitution‐associated autoimmune disease (IRAD) with comorbidity of MG and GD which was reported initially. Cooperation with multidisciplinary teams is essential to avoid misdiagnosis and to promote the overall health of HIV‐infected patients.
Clinical significance and management of low‐level HIV viremia in the era of integrase strand transfer inhibitors
Authors: Shi Jinchuan , Ying Gaoxiang , Zheng Rongrong , Zhang Zhongdong
Published: November 2023

Background

People living with HIV (PLWH) and receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) have a goal of achieving and maintaining viral suppression; however, the existence of PLWH that show events of low‐level viremia (LLV) between 50 and 1000 copies/mL and with different virological consequences have been observed. Moreover, some reports indicate that LLV status can lead to residual immune activation and inflammation, leading to a higher occurrence of non‐AIDS‐defining events (nADEs) and other adverse clinical outcomes. Until now, however, published data have shown controversial results that hinder understanding of this phenomenon's actual cause(s) and origin(s). Integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs)‐based therapies could lead to lower LLV over time and, therefore, more effective virological control.

Objectives

This review aims to assess recent findings to provide a view of the clinical significance and management of low‐level HIV viremia in the era of INSTIs.
Body mass index and visual impairment in Israeli adolescents: A nationwide study
Authors: Nitzan Itay , Shakarchy Nitzan , Megreli Jacob , Akavian Inbal , Derazne Estela , Afek Arnon , Peled Alon
Published: November 2023

Background

Previous research on the association between body mass index (BMI) and visual impairment (VI) in youth has reported inconsistent findings. We aimed to investigate this association in a national cohort of Israeli adolescents.

Methods

This retrospective, population‐based, cross‐sectional study included 1 697 060 adolescents (56.4% men; mean age 17 years) who underwent mandatory pre‐military service assessments from 1993 to 2017. BMI was classified based on the US age‐ and sex‐matched percentiles. Unilateral or bilateral VI was classified as best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) worse than 6/9 in either or both eyes, respectively. Sex‐stratified regression models adjusted for sociodemographic variables were used to analyse the BMI‐VI relationship.

Results

Overall, 17 871 (1.05%) and 5148 (0.30%) adolescents had unilateral and bilateral VI, respectively. Compared with high‐normal BMI (50th to 85th percentile), adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for unilateral and bilateral VI gradually increased with higher BMI, reaching 1.33 (1.13–1.55) and 1.80 (1.37–2.35) in men with severe obesity, and 1.51 (1.24–1.84) and 1.52 (1.08–2.14) in women with severe obesity, respectively. Men with underweight also had increased ORs for unilateral and bilateral VI (1.23; 1.14–1.33 and 1.59; 1.37–1.84, respectively), a pattern not observed in women (0.96; 0.86–1.07 and 1.02; 0.83–1.25, respectively). Results were maintained when the outcome was restricted to mild VI, as well as in subgroups of adolescents with unimpaired health and those without moderate‐to‐severe myopia.

Conclusions

Abnormal BMI, and particularly obesity, is associated with increased OR for VI in late adolescence.
Preparation of transparent Bi2O3‐ZnO‐B2O3 glass by conventional sintering at low temperatures
Authors: Shyu Jiin‐Jyh , Li Cyuan‐Jhou
Published: November 2023

Glass components fabricated by the sintering route have wide‐ranging applications. However, one issue is that the crystallization tendency of glass powders often leads to residual pore‐glass interfaces and crystal‐glass interfaces, thereby causing strong light scattering and rendering the sintered glass opaque. This issue is particularly pronounced in glasses with a low glass transition temperature (Tg) due to their weak bonding and thus high crystallization tendency. In the present study, a Bi2O3‐ZnO‐B2O3 glass with a low Tg of 364°C was fabricated using the conventional sintering method to explore whether transparent glass materials can be obtained. The temperature range of crystallization of the glass powders was analyzed using differential scanning calorimetry. X‐ray diffraction was employed to analyze the crystalline phases formed in the sintered glasses. The microstructure of the sintered glasses was examined using scanning electron microscopy. The optical transmittance of the sintered glasses was measured using ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy. The results show that transparent sintered glasses with the highest transmittance of 54% at the wavelength of 650 nm can be obtained by using a coarser initial particle size, lower forming pressure, and an appropriate sintering temperature/time (430°C/30 min). It is suggested that this combination of processing parameters can suppress glass crystallization while maintaining a low glass viscosity during sintering.
Effect of nanoparticles on the hydration of NaOH‐activated GGBFS
Authors: Joseph Shiju , Unluer Cise
Published: November 2023

The effect of nanoparticles and nucleation seeds on the hydration kinetics of alkali‐activated materials is not well understood. Implications of nano‐TiO2 (nTiO2) and C–S–H nucleation seeds (XSeed) on the early‐age hydration and later‐age properties of sodium hydroxide‐activated ground granulated blast furnace slag were investigated. The effect of NaOH concentration (0.5, 1, 2, and 4 M) in the activator solution was reported. Results indicated the acceleration of early hydration kinetics with mixes of XSeed and nTiO2 when the concentration of the activator solution was 0.5/1 M. No considerable effects were noted with XSeed addition for 2/4 M, whereas there was an acceleration with the addition of nTiO2. These differences were attributed to the lack of dispersion of XSeed at higher activator concentrations. Hydrate phase assemblage did not change with the addition of nanoparticles by 28 days of hydration. Increase in strength, along with pore refinement, was observed with the incorporation of nanoparticles.
Periodontitis exacerbation during pregnancy in mice: Role of macrophage migration inhibitory factor as a key inductor
Authors: Ortiz‐Sánchez Betsaida J. , Juárez‐Avelar Imelda , Andrade‐Meza Antonio , Mendoza‐Rodríguez Mónica Gabriela , Chirino Yolanda I. , Monroy‐Pérez Eric , Paniagua‐Contreras Gloria Luz , Rodriguez‐Sosa Miriam
Published: November 2023

Objective

The present study was designed to investigate the role of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in the exacerbation of pregestational periodontal disease (PGPD).

Background

Periodontitis (PT) is a severe stage of periodontal disease characterized by inflammation of the supporting tissues of the teeth, which usually worsens during pregnancy. MIF is a proinflammatory cytokine that is significantly elevated in periodontitis, both at the beginning and at the end of pregnancy. Although periodontitis usually presents with greater severity during pregnancy, the participation of MIF in the evolution of periodontitis has not been established.

Methods

To analyze the relevance of MIF in the exacerbation of PGPD, we employed a model of PGPD in WT and Mif‐/‐ mice, both with a BALB/c genetic background. PT was induced with nylon suture ligatures placed supramarginally around the second upper right molar. For PGPD, PT was induced 2 weeks before mating. We evaluated histological changes and performed histometric analysis of the clinical attachment loss, relative expression of MMP‐2 and MMP‐13 by immunofluorescence, and relative expression of the cytokines mif, tnf‐α, ifn‐γ, and il‐17 by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR).

Results

Our data revealed that periodontal tissue from PGPD WT mice produced a twofold increase in MIF compared with PT WT mice. Moreover, the evolution of periodontitis in Mif‐/‐ mice was less severe than in PGDP WT mice. Periodontal tissue from Mif‐/‐ mice with PGPD produced 80% less TNF‐α and no IFN‐γ, as well as 50% lower expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐2 and 25% less MMP‐13 compared to WT PGDP mice.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that MIF plays an important role in the exacerbation of periodontitis during pregnancy and that MIF is partially responsible for the inflammation associated with the severity of periodontitis during pregnancy.
Does obstructive sleep apnea increase the risk of cancer and cancer mortality in combined community‐based cohorts?
Authors: Theorell‐Haglöw Jenny , Zhou Xingwu , Wittert Gary , Adams Robert , Appleton Sarah , Reynolds Amy , Ljunggren Mirjam , Marshall Nathaniel
Published: November 2023

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been linked to cancer in several clinical and community‐based cohorts. The effect in community‐based studies free of clinical referral bias needs to be replicated. In this observational prospective cohort study, we pooled data from three community‐based prospective cohorts (Uppsala Sleep and Health in Men cohort [UMEN]; Sleep and health in women [SHE]; Men Androgen Inflammation Lifestyle Environment and Stress Cohort [MAILES]; nTotal = 1467). All cohorts had objective data on obstructive sleep apnea and registry linkage data on cancer and cancer mortality. Analyses for different obstructive sleep apnea measures (apnea–hypopnea index [AHI], oxygen desaturation index [ODI], and minimal saturation) as risk factors for cancer incidence (all cancers) were performed using Cox proportional hazards models (follow‐up 5–16 years). We did not find an overall increased risk of cancer after adjustment for age, sex, and BMI (HRAHI [95% CI] = 1.00 [0.98; 1.01] and HRODI [95% CI] = 0.99 [0.97; 1.01]). Stratifying by daytime sleepiness did not influence the association. Cancer mortality was not significantly associated with obstructive sleep apnea. Taken together, we did not observe an overall increased risk of cancer or cancer mortality in relation to obstructive sleep apnea, however, our confidence limits remain wide for important diagnostic categories of sleep apnea severity. The relationship between obstructive sleep apnea and cancer needs further investigation in a comprehensive multi‐cohort approach with greater statistical precision. For future studies we may need to find and then combine every community‐based cohort study that can provide a definitive answer to the question on the risk of cancer from obstructive sleep apnea in the general population.
Comparison of five retinoids for anti‐photoaging therapy: Evaluation of anti‐inflammatory and anti‐oxidative activities in vitro and therapeutic efficacy in vivo
Authors: Shu Peng , Jiang Ling , Li Menggeng , Li Yi , Yuan Zhengqiang , Lin Li , Wen Ju , Aisa Haji Akber , Du Zhiyun
Published: November 2023

Over the past decades, increasing evidences have demonstrated that five retinoids, including retinol (ROL), retinol acetate (RAc), retinol propionate (RP), retinol palmitate (RPalm), and hydroxypinacolone retinoate (HPR), can be potential therapeutic agents for skin photoaging. However, therapeutic efficacies and biosafety have never been compared to these compounds. This study aimed to determine the optimal retinoid type(s) for anti‐photoaging therapy both in vitro and in vivo. Our data demonstrated that four retinoids (RPalm, RP, HPR and ROL) but not RAc were effective for anti‐photoaging treatment at 5 μg/mL in vitro, with action mechanisms associated with antioxidative, anti‐inflammatory and anti‐skin ECM degradation activities. Notably, both RPalm and RP appeared superior to HPR and ROL for those activities. Importantly, both RPalm and RP were shown to be optimal for anti‐photoaging therapy when topically applied at 5 mg/kg in a UVB‐induced mice model of photoaging, which is consistent with their high anti‐photoaging activities in vitro. Additionally, topical application of these five retinoids showed satisfactory biosafety without causing significant apoptosis in animal organs, although RP application led to a slight decline in animal body weights. Collectively, these data have laid a good foundation for the next development of the clinical application of these retinoids for skin healthcare.
Reinforcement learning and the reward positivity with aversive outcomes
Authors: Bauer Elizabeth A. , Watanabe Brandon K. , MacNamara Annmarie
Published: November 2023

The reinforcement learning (RL) theory of the reward positivity (RewP), an event‐related potential (ERP) component that measures reward responsivity, suggests that the RewP should be largest when positive outcomes are unexpected and has been supported by work using appetitive outcomes (e.g., money). However, the RewP can also be elicited by the absence of aversive outcomes (e.g., shock). The limited work to‐date that has manipulated expectancy while using aversive outcomes has not supported the predictions of RL theory. Nonetheless, this work has been difficult to reconcile with the appetitive literature because the RewP was not observed as a reward signal in these studies, which used passive tasks that did not involve participant choice. Here, we tested the predictions of the RL theory by manipulating expectancy in an active/choice‐based threat‐of‐shock doors task that was previously found to elicit the RewP as a reward signal. Moreover, we used principal components analysis to isolate the RewP from overlapping ERP components. Eighty participants viewed pairs of doors surrounded by a red or green border; shock delivery was expected (80%) following red‐bordered doors and unexpected (20%) following green‐bordered doors. The RewP was observed as a reward signal (i.e., no shock > shock) that was not potentiated for unexpected feedback. In addition, the RewP was larger overall for unexpected (vs expected) feedback. Therefore, the RewP appears to reflect the additive (not interactive) effects of reward and expectancy, challenging the RL theory of the RewP, at least when reward is defined as the absence of an aversive outcome.
Invasive grass density negatively impacts chaparral seedling establishment
Authors: Phillips Michala L. , Allen Edith B.
Published: November 2023

Type conversion from native shrubland to invasive annual grassland is on the rise due to global change factors such as prolonged drought and increasing fire frequency. Efforts to restore chaparral ecosystems are limited by current understanding of competitive interactions between shrub seedlings and invasive grasses as well as soil moisture requirements of chaparral seedlings. We set up a restoration experiment where we out‐planted Adenostoma fasciculatum seedlings, manipulated invasive grass density, monitored soil moisture at two depths, and tracked seedling survival and biomass. We found that higher invasive grass cover was associated with higher rates of seedling mortality but found no difference in biomass per surviving plant. Soil moisture was higher at 15 cm under the 100% weeded treatment than the 50% weeded and control treatments during January. Lower invasive cover resulted in higher richness of annual native plant species, as plots with 100% invasive removal had higher richness than 50% removal and unplanted control plots. Future restoration efforts in the chaparral will likely be more successful in increasing initial seedling establishment if invasive grass removal is included.
Doubly localized two‐dimensional rogue waves generated by resonant collision in Maccari system
Authors: Cao Yulei , He Jingsong , Cheng Yi
Published: November 2023

In this paper, the Maccari system is investigated, which is viewed as a two‐dimensional extension of nonlinear Schrödinger equation. We derive doubly localized two‐dimensional rogue waves on the dark solitons of the Maccari system with Kadomtsev–Petviashvili hierarchy reduction method. The two‐dimensional rogue waves include line segment rogue waves and rogue‐lump waves, which are localized in two‐dimensional space and time. These rogue waves are generated by the resonant collision of rational solitary waves and dark solitons, the whole process of transforming elastic collision into resonant collision is analytically studied. Furthermore, we also discuss the local characteristics and asymptotic properties of these rogue waves. Simultaneously, the generating conditions of the line segment rogue wave and rogue‐lump wave are also given, which provides the possibility to predict rogue wave. Finally, a new way to obtain the high‐order rogue waves of the nonlinear Schrödinger equation are given by proper reduction from the semi‐rational solutions of the Maccari system.
Policy representation of everyday harm experienced by people with disability
Authors: Smyth Ciara , Fisher Karen R. , Robinson Sally , Ikäheimo Heikki , Hrenchir Nicole , Idle Jan , Yoon Jung
Published: November 2023

People with disability are at heightened risk of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation (VANE) with policy geared towards responding to and eliminating VANE harm. Yet not all harm experienced by people with disability is captured within the VANE harm. Many people also experience harm in everyday interactions that leave them feeling uncomfortable, devalued, disrespected, threatened or silenced. Our multi‐method study begins with the term ‘everyday harm’ to describe these subtle, difficult‐to‐define and easily overlooked experiences, with the proviso that a more appropriate vocabulary may emerge from subsequent fieldwork. This article presents the results of a policy review about the representation of everyday harm between people with disability and paid support workers in disability policies. Results show that everyday harm is acknowledged in some disability policies. However, this acknowledgement is neither consistent nor comprehensive and policies do not consider the cumulative impact of everyday harm nor the subjective experience of harm. This review suggests a gap in conceptualising this type of harm and having a vocabulary that people with disability, support workers and organisations can use to acknowledge, name and, ultimately, prevent this form of harm. Empirical research about their experience of everyday harm is needed to address this gap.
Curating a media‐linked curriculum
Authors: Alroumi Fahad , Belforti Raquel , Villarroel Nadia , Blanchard Rebecca D.
Published: November 2023

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic motivated considerable educational innovation in technology‐enhanced learning (TEL), and educators must now thoughtfully apply identified best practices to both in‐person and virtual learning experiences through instructional design and reflective practice. This paper describes the development and evaluation of an innovation utilising TEL to enhance our core curriculum content and students' learning.

Approach

The curriculum‐linked media (CLM) was introduced as a part of a doctoring and clinical skills course for pre‐clinical medical students as a structured curriculum that pairs audio and/or video‐based content with reflection prompts designed to prime students for active, in‐person learning upon arrival to their classrooms. The CLM aimed to help students (1) gain a deeper understanding of the course content, (2) partake in reflective practice and (3) explore diverse perspectives on a particular topic.

Evaluation

All students completed a survey at the end of their academic year to evaluate the activity. Some students found the innovation helpful in that it facilitated perspective taking and prepared them for their in‐person class. The reflection questions that paired with the media prompted discussion in class and a deeper connection with the materials. Making the content relevant to the local community and highlighting regional issues made the activity more relatable.

Implications

Our experience demonstrated that the CLM model can be a helpful and efficient tool to stretch the educational reach of the classroom. Future applications may consider the implementation and evaluation of the model with clinical students and postgraduate trainees.
An innovative programme to track and address burnout in physician trainees
Authors: Snyder Deborah J. , Guinee Emily P. , Lipshutz Angela K. M. , Cheng M. Jennifer
Published: November 2023

Background

There is a call to action for health care systems to assess and address burnout among physician trainees. To address this need for programmatic change, we developed a novel initiative to (1) proactively assess trainee burnout and identify drivers and (2) provide resources and recommendations for preventing and reducing burnout.

Approach

This pilot burnout tracking initiative began in 2020. A two‐question burnout survey was disseminated to physician trainees at a hospital devoted exclusively to clinical research. The survey assessed burnout level and drivers of burnout. An algorithm was created to recommend action steps based on trainee responses. Participating training programmes completed a 23‐question survey annually to provide information about their trainees and feedback.

Evaluation

Seven of 10 (70%) programmes completed the annual survey in the first year, and 12 of the 15 (80%) programmes completed it the second year. Reported average burnout levels and drivers of burnout varied across programmes; all drivers of burnout were cited as key drivers by at least one programme. Most programmes had conversations with their trainees and found these conversations helpful. All responding programmes who administered the trainee survey felt the initiative improved their ability to track and reduce burnout.

Implications

An initiative to systematically track burnout levels and offer targeted interventions was feasible and useful. This project can be a model for institution‐wide efforts to address trainee burnout and extend to other clinical health care settings and academic medicine faculty.
Update on the skin barrier, cutaneous microbiome and host defence peptides in canine atopic dermatitis
Authors: Santoro Domenico , Saridomichelakis Manolis , Eisenschenk Melissa , Tamamoto‐Mochizuki Chie , Hensel Patrick , Pucheu‐Haston Cherie ,   for the International Committee on Allergic Diseases of Animals (ICADA)
Published: November 2023

Background

Canine atopic dermatitis (AD) is a complex inflammatory skin disease associated with cutaneous microbiome, immunological and skin barrier alterations. This review summarises the current evidence on skin barrier defects and on cutaneous microbiome dysfunction in canine AD.

Objective

To this aim, online citation databases, abstracts and proceedings from international meetings on skin barrier and cutaneous microbiome published between 2015 and 2023 were reviewed.

Results

Since the last update on the pathogenesis of canine AD, published by the International Committee on Allergic Diseases of Animals in 2015, 49 articles have been published on skin barrier function, cutaneous/aural innate immunity and the cutaneous/aural microbiome in atopic dogs. Skin barrier dysfunction and cutaneous microbial dysbiosis are essential players in the pathogenesis of canine AD. It is still unclear if such alterations are primary or secondary to cutaneous inflammation, although some evidence supports their primary involvement in the pathogenesis of canine AD.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance

Although many studies have been published since 2015, the understanding of the cutaneous host–microbe interaction is still unclear, as is the role that cutaneous dysbiosis plays in the development and/or worsening of canine AD. More studies are needed aiming to design new therapeutic approaches to restore the skin barrier, to increase and optimise the cutaneous natural defences, and to rebalance the cutaneous microbiome.
Multidisciplinary Prediction of Spatial–Temporal Evolution of Creep Damage on an Internally Cooled Turbine Vane
Authors: He Qingfu , Chi Zhongran , Zang Shusheng
Published: November 2023

One of the main causes of damage to gas turbine nozzle guide vanes (NGVs) is creep, which threatens the safety and reliability of gas turbines. Although creep life prediction has been applied to design and maintenance, creep damage is still frequently observed. Inadequate knowledge of the spatial–temporal evolution of creep damage makes it difficult to evaluate and accurately protect NGVs against abnormal creep damage. An integrated aero-thermal-structural simulation method based on conjugate heat transfer (CHT), computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and finite element method (FEM) is proposed to predict the spatial–temporal evolution of creep damage in the NGVs with internal cooling structures. In the temporal dimension, creep life is calculated by Larson–Miller parameters. In the spatial dimension, creep damage is characterized by a parametric modeling and CHT mesh generation procedure. The predicted results show that creep damage forms a groove or crack along the span at the leading edge of the suction side where the stress concentrates, which is similar to the frequently observed damage on the actual NGVs. The interactions between creep damage, flow, and heat transfer are discussed. The increase in turbine inlet temperature significantly shortens the time required for creep formation and evolution. It is suggested that creep damage through the NGV wall could radically alter the heat transfer and flow, resulting in a 30 K increase in average leading edge temperature. As a result, the evolution of creep damage is self-promotingly accelerated.
DESIGUALDAD SOCIAL Y TELETRABAJO: LAS EXPERIENCIAS DE LAS MUJERES ZAPOTECAS DEL ISTMO DE TEHUANTEPEC DURANTE LA PANDEMIA Y SUS EFECTOS EN LA POSTPANDEMIA
Authors: Fuentes Valdivieso Rocio
Published: November 2023

El objetivo es analizar los cambios sociales que se dieron con el teletrabajo durante la pandemia y sus efectos en la vida de las mujeres trabajadoras del istmo de Tehuantepec. En el año 2020, la pandemia afectó la economía, y con ello se presentó la resistencia a dejar el comercio local de comida, verduras y artesanías. A pesar de estos escenarios, las mujeres trataron de continuar con el comercio anunciándose, a través de los medios de comunicación como los teléfonos celulares, con la conexión a Internet y de manera local, se utilizaron los altoparlantes para anunciar la venta de los productos. La metodología para realizar esta investigación es cualitativa y se aplicaron entrevistas en profundidad a mujeres trabajadoras, artesanas, productoras de totopos (tortilla local) y profesionistas que utilizaron medios electrónicos para desarrollar su trabajo o cumplir con sus empleos durante la pandemia. Los hallazgos muestran que una vez que han disminuido los contagios se observa que el comercio local creció y se ha dado una apertura al mercado local y también han surgido nuevas maneras de contratarse o vender sus productos, así como trabajar desde casa para las mujeres profesionistas. Situación parecida ocurrió con las mujeres cantantes que fueron contratadas para conciertos o representaciones en otras zonas geográficas. Entonces, la pregunta que rige este trabajo es ¿cuál fue el impactó del teletrabajo en la vida de las mujeres trabajadoras y profesionistas zapotecas?
Deconvolving microbial and environmental controls on marine sedimentary pyrite sulfur isotope ratios
Authors: Bryant R. N. , Houghton J. L. , Jones C. , Pasquier V. , Halevy I. , Fike D. A.
Published: November 2023

Reconstructions of past environmental conditions and biological activity are often based on bulk stable isotope proxies, which are inherently open to multiple interpretations. This is particularly true of the sulfur isotopic composition of sedimentary pyrite (δ
34
S
pyr
), which is used to reconstruct ocean-atmosphere oxidation state and track the evolution of several microbial metabolic pathways. We present a microanalytical approach to deconvolving the multiple signals that influence δ
34
S
pyr
, yielding both the unambiguous determination of microbial isotopic fractionation (ε
mic
) and new information about depositional conditions. We applied this approach to recent glacial-interglacial sediments, which feature over 70‰ variations in bulk δ
34
S
pyr
across these environmental transitions. Despite profound environmental change, ε
mic
remained essentially invariant throughout this interval and the observed range in δ
34
S
pyr
was instead driven by climate-induced variations in sedimentation.
From nature to industry: Harnessing enzymes for biocatalysis
Authors: Buller R. , Lutz S. , Kazlauskas R. J. , Snajdrova R. , Moore J. C. , Bornscheuer U. T.
Published: November 2023

Biocatalysis harnesses enzymes to make valuable products. This green technology is used in countless applications from bench scale to industrial production and allows practitioners to access complex organic molecules, often with fewer synthetic steps and reduced waste. The last decade has seen an explosion in the development of experimental and computational tools to tailor enzymatic properties, equipping enzyme engineers with the ability to create biocatalysts that perform reactions not present in nature. By using (chemo)-enzymatic synthesis routes or orchestrating intricate enzyme cascades, scientists can synthesize elaborate targets ranging from DNA and complex pharmaceuticals to starch made in vitro from CO
2
-derived methanol. In addition, new chemistries have emerged through the combination of biocatalysis with transition metal catalysis, photocatalysis, and electrocatalysis. This review highlights recent key developments, identifies current limitations, and provides a future prospect for this rapidly developing technology.
Air channels create a directional light signal to regulate hypocotyl phototropism
Authors: Nawkar Ganesh M. , Legris Martina , Goyal Anupama , Schmid-Siegert Emanuel , Fleury Jérémy , Mucciolo Antonio , De Bellis Damien , Trevisan Martine , Schueler Andreas , Fankhauser Christian
Published: November 2023

In plants, light direction is perceived by the phototropin photoreceptors, which trigger directional growth responses known as phototropism. The formation of a phototropin activation gradient across a photosensitive organ initiates this response. However, the optical tissue properties that functionally contribute to phototropism remain unclear. In this work, we show that intercellular air channels limit light transmittance through various organs in several species. Air channels enhance light scattering in
Arabidopsis
hypocotyls, thereby steepening the light gradient. This is required for an efficient phototropic response in
Arabidopsis
and Brassica. We identified an embryonically expressed ABC transporter required for the presence of air channels in seedlings and a structure surrounding them. Our work provides insights into intercellular air space development or maintenance and identifies a mechanism of directional light sensing in plants.
Uncovering the functional diversity of rare CRISPR-Cas systems with deep terascale clustering
Authors: Altae-Tran Han , Kannan Soumya , Suberski Anthony J. , Mears Kepler S. , Demircioglu F. Esra , Moeller Lukas , Kocalar Selin , Oshiro Rachel , Makarova Kira S. , Macrae Rhiannon K. , Koonin Eugene V. , Zhang Feng
Published: November 2023

Microbial systems underpin many biotechnologies, including CRISPR, but the exponential growth of sequence databases makes it difficult to find previously unidentified systems. In this work, we develop the fast locality-sensitive hashing–based clustering (FLSHclust) algorithm, which performs deep clustering on massive datasets in linearithmic time. We incorporated FLSHclust into a CRISPR discovery pipeline and identified 188 previously unreported CRISPR-linked gene modules, revealing many additional biochemical functions coupled to adaptive immunity. We experimentally characterized three HNH nuclease–containing CRISPR systems, including the first type IV system with a specified interference mechanism, and engineered them for genome editing. We also identified and characterized a candidate type VII system, which we show acts on RNA. This work opens new avenues for harnessing CRISPR and for the broader exploration of the vast functional diversity of microbial proteins.
Homogenized NiO

x

nanoparticles for improved hole transport in inverted perovskite solar cells
Authors: Yu Shiqi , Xiong Zhuang , Zhou Haitao , Zhang Qian , Wang Zhenhan , Ma Fei , Qu Zihan , Zhao Yang , Chu Xinbo , Zhang Xingwang , You Jingbi
Published: November 2023

The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is still lagging behind that of conventional PSCs, in part because of inefficient carrier transport and poor morphology of hole transport layers (HTLs). We optimized self-assembly of [4-(3,6-dimethyl-9H-carbazol-9-yl)butyl]phosphonic acid (Me-4PACz) onto nickel oxide (NiO

x

) nanoparticles as an HTL through treatment with hydrogen peroxide, which created a more uniform dispersion of nanoparticles with high conductivity attributed to the formation of Ni
3+
as well as surface hydroxyl groups for bonding. A 25.2% certified PCE for a mask size of 0.074 square centimeters was obtained. This device maintained 85.4% of the initial PCE after 1000 hours of stabilized power output operation under 1 sun light irradiation at about 50°C and 85.1% of the initial PCE after 500 hours of accelerated aging at 85°C. We obtained a PCE of 21.0% for a minimodule with an aperture area of 14.65 square centimeters.
Can AI help scientists surf a paper flood?
Authors: Brainard Jeffrey
Published: November 2023

Technical and legal barriers may hinder widespread use