bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on the effect of community legal consciousness health management on cognitive function of senile patients
Authors: Ma Pingyun
Published: March 2023

Background

Senile asthenia is an old-age syndrome. Patients have increased vulnerability due to degenerative changes in the body and a variety of chronic diseases. Senile asthenia involves multiple bodily system functions of patients and is a pre-disease state. Its incidence shows an upward trend with the increase in the age. This study takes community health service as the breakthrough point to explore the role of community legal awareness health management in improving the cognitive function of elderly frail patients, hoping to provide references for improving the health level of elderly frail patients.

Subjects and Methods

660 elderly patients who were hospitalized at our hospital from June to December 2021 were selected as the study objects and were randomly divided into the management intervention group and the general group, with 30 cases each. Both groups of patients were given basic disease treatment and in-hospital rehabilitation guidance, while the management intervention group increased community legal awareness of health management services at community health service stations. The cognitive function of patients was evaluated by Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). The senile weakness, cognitive function score, and quality of life of the two groups of patients were compared and analyzed.

Results

It can be seen from the comparison of the cognitive function scores of the two groups of patients that the cognitive function level of the management intervention group is significantly higher than that of the conventional group. The cognitive function score of the management intervention group after treatment is 26.46±2.39 points, and that of the conventional group after treatment is 23.58±2.41 points. The difference between the two groups is statistically significant (P < 0.05). As shown in Table 1.Table 1.

MMSE scores of two groups of patients before and after treatment

ModeManagement intervention groupGeneral grouptPBefore treatment22.54±2.3722.56±2.291.305>0.05After treatment26.46±2.3923.58±2.416.398<0.05t6.4542.743--P<0.05>0.05--

Conclusions

Carrying out community legal awareness health management services can effectively improve the cognitive function level of the elderly and weak patients, and promote the improvement of the quality of life of the elderly and weak patients. Publicizing legal awareness to the elderly and weak patients and carrying out community health and health management services can help the elderly and weak patients solve their life problems in time. Legal awareness management education with disease prevention and health education can promote cognitive function training and improvement of the elderly and weak patients.
A Study on the improving effect of ancient Chinese poetry on depression — A case study of Dongpo Ci
Authors: Sun Chunli , Liu Hongzhong
Published: March 2023

Background

In today’s society, the prevalence of depression in China is increasing year by year. It will not only affect the quality of life of patients but also endanger their lives. The generation of depression is inseparable from long-term negative emotions, which are the feedback of deep mental and spiritual problems. Therefore, the exploration of depression should not be limited to the physiological and genetic levels, and it is also closely related to the traditional social culture. The ancient Chinese culture has an important enlightenment on the regulation of depression. For instance, Dongpo’s poems, with a bold and uninhibited style, conveys the poet’s optimistic and open-minded mood and enables readers to immerse themselves in a positive mood. Therefore, this experiment aims to explore the improvement effect of Dongpo’s poems on patients’ depression.

Subjects and Methods

In the experiment, 34 students with depression screened by psychological tests in two universities were selected as the research objects, and they were equally divided into the experimental group (17) and the control group (17). The students in the control group were given general psychological counseling and care. On this basis, the students in the experimental group organized a weekly Dongpo word evaluation and exchange meeting, each lasting 90 minutes. The effect of depression was evaluated by the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) and Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), and the results were observed 8 weeks later.

Results

Table 1 shows the improvement effect of depression of the two groups of students. It can be seen from the data in the table that the depression of 34 students has improved to some extent. Among them, the HAMD score and SDS score of students in the experimental group decreased significantly after the Dongpo poems intervention, and their scores were lower than those of the control group, and the differences between the two groups were statistically significant.Table 1.

Comparison of HAMD and SDS scores between the two groups before and after intervention ($ \overline{x}\pm s $)

GaugeGroupBefore InterventionAfter InterventiontPHAMDExperimental group37.38±3.6515.22±2.983.6120.001Control group37.67±3.7223.33±2.43SDSExperimental group80.12±7.6563.21±5.725.1320.001Control group81.22±6.6571.01±5.63

Conclusions

Long-term depression easily turns into depression, which is very likely to cause depression and seriously endanger life and health. People should keep a good positive mood and avoid depression. This experiment verified that Dongpo poems had a positive effect on improving negative emotions because of its open-minded and positive values. Therefore, we should pay more attention to the positive impact of ancient Chinese poetry on patients when exploring depression.
Intervention strategies for separation disorder of nursing staff in sudden infectious public health events
Authors: Tan Haiyan , Gu Donghu
Published: March 2023

Background

Separability disorder is also called hysteria, and its main manifestations are separation symptoms and conversion symptoms. Patients often have symptoms such as acute stress disorder and traumatic stress disorder. Infectious public health emergencies are unpredictable and have a wide range of impacts. In such cases, nurses are faced with intensive work, and their mental health is greatly damaged. What’s more, it will cause psychological diseases such as acute stress disorder and traumatic stress disorder. Therefore, it is necessary to organize psychological experts to form intervention teams and establish perfect intervention procedures so as to pay attention to the psychological health of nursing staff and to track and evaluate their psychological status.

Subjects and Methods

The experiment randomly selected 46 nursing staff with dissociative disorder in sudden public health events, and divided them into an experimental group (23) and a control group (23). The patients in the observation group were given routine nursing care, and the experimental group added a team of psychological experts to intervene on this basis. During the intervention, attention should be paid to the construction of a good atmosphere and the maintenance of indoor lighting, temperature, humidity, and another comfortable physical environment. After 2 months of the experiment, the SAS and SDS scores of the two groups were observed.

Results

Table 1 shows the comparison of SAS (Self-Rating Anxiety Scale) scores and SDS (Self-Rating Depression Scale) scores of patients with dissociative disorder in two groups of public health emergencies before and after the intervention. Before the intervention, there was no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). After the intervention of the psychological experts, the scores of the two groups decreased, indicating that the patient’s condition had improved. However, the psychological status of patients in the experimental group was significantly better than that in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05).Table 1.

Comparison of SAS and SDS scores between two groups before and after intervention ($ \overline{x}\pm s $)

GroupSASSDSBefore InterventionAfter InterventionBefore InterventionAfter InterventionExperimental group46.38±3.2532.72±3.9847.23±3.2434.36±4.21Control group47.02±3.0543.51±4.6348.13±4.0345.65±5.13P>0.05<0.05>0.05<0.05

Conclusions

Nursing staff in public health emergencies are prone to suffer from separation disorder due to the particularity of their occupation. Therefore, based on the topic of psychological health of nursing staff, the experiment proposed the method of establishing a team of psychological experts to intervene in the psychological health of front-line nursing staff. The final experimental results show that this method can indeed improve the probability of separation disorder among nursing staff.
Effect of music therapy based on traditional Chinese musical instruments on fine motor development of patients with mental retardation
Authors: Zhao Ran
Published: March 2023

Background

Mental retardation is a kind of mental disorder in which the intelligence of the patient is lower than that of children of the same age before maturity, which is specifically manifested as difficulties in social adaptation and sports ability defects. Music therapy establishes a good therapeutic relationship through music experience, without obvious toxic side effects. Therefore, the study used traditional Chinese musical instruments to intervene in patients with mental retardation and explore the therapeutic effect on fine motor development.

Subjects and Methods

The 68 children with mental retardation who came to our hospital from February 2019 to June 2020 were selected and included in the study according to their compliance and the principle of parental voluntariness. Then, 68 children’s fine motor development quotient and original scores of fine motor test items were evaluated and recorded by Peabody Motor Development Scale. The patients were given music therapy with Chinese traditional instruments and music playing, three times a week. After 12 weeks of treatment, they were evaluated again with Peabody Motor Development Scale.

Results

Table 1 shows the comparison of children’s fine motor scores and development quotient before and after music therapy. The results showed that the fine motor of the children improved significantly after treatment, with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001).Table 1.

Comparison of fine motor score and development quotient of children before and after music therapy

ProjectGrasping abilityVisual motor integrationFine motor development quotientBefore treatment27.76±3.3850.61±9.6354.78±4.72After treatment31.18±3.7558.41±8.5658.71±5.13t5.5864.9924.649P0.000.000.00

Conclusions

Mental retardation is a kind of mental disorder that endangers the healthy growth of children. The study used music therapy of traditional Chinese musical instruments to treat patients with mental retardation. The results showed that the method effectively improved the fine motor function of children and had certain clinical application value.
Ranking Candidates in Local Elections: Neither Panacea nor Catastrophe for Candidates of Color
Authors: Crowder-Meyer Melody , Gadarian Shana Kushner , Trounstine Jessica
Published: March 2023

Electoral rules can affect who wins and who loses elections. Most cities select office holders through plurality rule, but an alternative, ranked-choice voting (RCV), has become increasingly popular. RCV requires voters to rank candidates, instead of simply selecting their most preferred candidate. Observers debate whether RCV will cure a variety of electoral ills or undermine representation. We test the effect of RCV on voter’s choices and perceptions of representation using survey experiments with large, representative samples of respondents. We find that candidates of color are significantly penalized in both plurality and RCV elections, with no significant difference between the rule types. However, providing respondents with candidates’ partisan affiliation significantly increases support for candidates of color.
Meta-analysis and meta-regression of the total endovascular aortic	repair in aortic arch
Authors: Ahmad Wael , Wegner Moritz , Dorweiler Bernhard
Published: March 2023

Summary: Background: The total endovascular repair of the aortic arch is becoming more and more an acceptable alternative to the open repair in selected patients. The aim of the present study is to perform a meta-analysis of the available data on the outcomes of the various endovascular techniques used to treat the pathologies in this challenging anatomical area. Patients and methods: An extensive electronic search in PubMed/MEDLINE, Science Direct Databases, and the Cochrane Library was conducted. All papers published up to January 2022 on the endovascular techniques in the aortic arch (chimney-thoracic endovascular aortic repair (ChTEVAR), fenestrated/branched grafts as custom made devices (CMD) and surgeon modified TEVAR (SM TEVAR) providing information about at least one of the essential outcomes defined in the inclusion criteria. Results: Out of the 5078 studies found through the search in the databases and registers, 26 studies with a total number of patients of 2327 with 3497 target vessels were included in the analysis. The studies reported a high technical success rate with an estimated proportion of 95.8% (95% CI, 93–97.6%). Moreover, the pooled estimation of the early type Ia/III endoleak was 8.1% (95% CI, 5.4–12.1%). The pooled mortality was 4.6% (95 CI, 3.2–6.6%) with a significant heterogeneity and the stroke had an estimated proportion (major and minor combined) of 4.8% (95% CI, 3.5–6.6%). A meta-regression analysis showed no significant variation between the groups in mortality (P=.324) showed however a significant difference between the therapeutic methods regarding stroke P<.001 (lower rate in ChTEVAR and SM vs. CMD). Conclusions: The present meta-analysis could demonstrate good short- and long-term outcomes of the multiple total endovascular repair methods used in the aortic arch.
“Mixed Reality” in patient education prior to abdominal	aortic aneurysm repair
Authors: Hatzl Johannes , Hartmann Niklas , Böckler Dittmar , Henning Daniel , Peters Andreas , Meisenbacher Katrin , Uhl Christian
Published: March 2023

Summary: Background: To investigate the usability of Mixed-Reality (MR) during patient education in patients scheduled for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair. Patients and methods: Consecutive patients scheduled for elective AAA repair were block-randomized in either the Mixed-Reality group (MR group) or the conventional group (control group). Patients of both groups were educated about open and endovascular repair of their respective AAA. The MR group was educated using a head-mounted display (HMD) demonstrating a three-dimensional virtual reconstruction of the respective patient’s vascular anatomy. The control group was educated using a conventional two-dimensional monitor to display the patient’s vasculature. Outcomes were informational gain as well as patient satisfaction with the educational process. (DRKS-ID: DRKS00025174). Results: 50 patients were included with 25 patients in either group. Both groups demonstrated improvements in scores in the Informational Gain Questionnaire (IGQ) when comparing pre- and post-education scores. (MR group: 6.5 points (±1.8) versus 7.9 points (±1.5); Control group: 6.2 points (±1.8) versus 7.6 points (±1.6); p<0.01) There was no significant difference between the MR group and the control group either in informational gain (MR group: 1.4±1.8; Control group: 1.4±1.8; p=0.5) nor in patient satisfaction scores (MR group: mean 18.3 of maximum 21 points (±3.7); Control group: mean 17 of 21 points (±3.6); p=0.1) Multiple regression revealed no correlation between the use of MR and informational gain or patient satisfaction. Usability of the system was rated high, and patients’ subjective assessment of MR was positive. Conclusions: The use of MR in patient education of AAA patients scheduled for elective repair is feasible. While patients reported positively on the use of MR in education, similar levels of informational gain and patient satisfaction can be achieved with MR and conventional methods.
Diagnose- und Behandlungsbereitschaft der Borderline-Persönlichkeitsstörung im Jugendalter unter Therapierenden
Authors: Bürger Arne , Scheiner Christin , Panning Lea , Huetter Sophia , Koelch Michael , Kleindienst Nikolaus
Published: March 2023

Zusammenfassung: Theoretischer Hintergrund: Eine eingeschränkte Diagnosebereitschaft der Borderline-Persönlichkeitsstörung (BPS) im Jugendalter verhindert möglicherweise deren Früherkennung und -behandlung. Fragestellung: Die Studie zielt auf eine Quantifizierung von Diagnose- und Behandlungsbereitschaft der BPS im Jugendalter bei kinder- und jugend-/psychotherapeutischen/-psychiatrischen Therapierenden ab. Methode: Die Studie basiert auf einer Onlinebefragung von 207 Therapierenden. Ergebnisse: 32 % der Therapierenden würden ab dem 14. Lebensjahr, 56 % ab der Volljährigkeit und 12 % gar keine Diagnose einer BPS vergeben. Die Vorbehalte „mangelnde Stabilität der Persönlichkeit“ und „Sorge um Pathologisierung“ waren mit geringer Diagnosebereitschaft assoziiert. Insgesamt sind 72 % der Therapierenden bereit, Jugendliche mit BPS-Symptomatik zu behandeln. Diskussion und Schlussfolgerung: Mixed-Methods Ansätze könnten die Diskrepanz zwischen der Diagnose- und Behandlungsbereitschaft aufklären.
Pacific Decadal Oscillation Modulates the Relationship Between Pacific Meridional Mode and Tropical Cyclone Genesis in the Western North Pacific
Authors: Wang Chao , Fu Meiling , Wang Bin , Wu Liguang , Luo Jing‐Jia
Published: March 2023

Pacific Meridional Mode (PMM) is known to be significantly correlated with tropical cyclone (TC) genesis over the western North Pacific (WNP), while the stability of their relationship remains unknown. Here we found that their relationship is nonstationary, which depends on the phase of Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO). During the PDO warm phases, the PMM‐emanated cyclonic circulation and ascending motion can propagate to the entire WNP due to the enhanced background convection. In contrast, during the PDO cold phases, the PMM‐resulted cyclonic circulation and ascending motion are confined to the eastern WNP, while the compensated descending motion prevails in the western WNP. Accordingly, the PMM‐induced consistent (inconsistent) changes in large‐scale conditions across the western and eastern WNP act to strengthen (weaken) the relationship between the PMM and WNP TC genesis during the PDO warm (cold) phases. The result provides further guidance for improving seasonal prediction of TC genesis.
Groundwater Volume Loss in Mexico City Constrained by InSAR and GRACE Observations and Mechanical Models
Authors: Khorrami Mohammad , Shirzaei Manoochehr , Ghobadi‐Far Khosro , Werth Susanna , Carlson Grace , Zhai Guang
Published: March 2023

Groundwater withdrawal can cause localized and rapid poroelastic subsidence, spatially broad elastic uplift of low amplitude, and changes in the gravity field. Constraining groundwater loss in Mexico City, we analyze data from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment and its follow‐on mission (GRACE/FO) and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Sentinel‐1A/B images between 2014 and 2021. GRACE/FO observations yield a groundwater loss of 0.85–3.87 km3/yr for a region of ∼300 × 600 km surrounding Mexico City. Using the high‐resolution interferometric SAR data set, we measure >35 cm/yr subsidence within the city and up to 2 cm/yr of uplift in nearby areas. Attributing the long‐term subsidence to poroelastic aquifer compaction and the long‐term uplift to elastic unloading, we apply respective models informed by local geology, yielding groundwater loss of 0.86–12.57 km3/yr. Our results suggest Mexico City aquifers have been depleting at faster rates since 2015, exacerbating the socioeconomic and health impacts of long‐term groundwater overdrafts.
Coral Record of Increased Soil Erosion Since East and Southeast Asia Economic Boom
Authors: Li Xiaohua , Zeng Zhen , Liu Yi , Shen Chuan‐Chou , Sun Ruoyu , Chang Ching‐Chih , Sun Weidong , Yu Hui‐Min , Huang Fang , Wu Chung‐Che , Yu Tsai‐Luen , Huang Chun‐Yuan , Chiang Hong‐Wei
Published: March 2023

Soil erosion in East and Southeast Asia is believed to have increased significantly since the regional economic boom of the 1970s–1980s. However, limited records of soil erosion make it difficult to understand and indeed verify such changes. Here we present two new monthly resolved Ba/Ca records from Porites coral skeletons from southern Taiwan and central Vietnam, supplemented with some sporadic monthly and annually resolved coral δ138/134Ba data. Our records span the 1980s to the 2000s and suggest that there were intervals of elevated seawater Ba concentrations (Basw) during the intervals 1987–1995 in southern Taiwan and 1992–2001 in central Vietnam. In combination with evidence for insignificant changes in regional seawater δ138/134Ba values, model simulations, and other published coral Ba/Ca records from Lanyu (offshore southeast Taiwan) and Hainan, we infer that the intervals of high Basw values are linked to soil erosion associated with land use changes and socioeconomic developments. The increased sediment loads are also likely responsible for the recent degradation of regional coral reefs. Our study provides new insights into regional soil erosion histories, which may prove useful for guiding soil conservation and sustainable land management.
Mars Global Surveyor's Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) Wide‐Angle Images (1999–2006): 2. Data Investigation Into North Polar Hood Formation, Broad Brightness Changes in Acidalia, and Seasonal Frost in Hellas
Authors: Robbins Stuart J.
Published: March 2023

Mars Orbiter Camera Wide Angle images were taken from late 1999 through most of 2006, in both red and blue, providing nearly daily, nearly global coverage of Mars for approximately four Mars Years. Significant work has been published from those data, but there did not exist in a public archive a uniform, full time series of the processed data for easier analysis. The companion work to this (Robbins, 2023a, https://doi.org/10.1029/2022EA002673) presents that processing and quality control of the data, producing the full time series in both colors, in equirectangular and polar stereographic projections, in mosaics that have been binned into four different time intervals (daily, ΔLs = 2°, 5°, and 10° [≈4 through 19 days]) and as approximately true‐color composites. The multidimensional data set can be mined for surface and atmospheric variations on Mars. To demonstrate agreement with past work, several well‐known trends are demonstrated in a review‐style narrative format in Supporting Information S1, including changes after a global dust storm, seasonal frost variations at the poles, and surface variations. The data are analyzed further in the main text to demonstrate new qualitative and quantitative analyses of atmospheric and surface features: the North Polar Hood can form earlier than previously demonstrated, Acidalia has significant seasonal brightness variations that can be quantified, and the seasonal frost deposition and sublimation of Hellas can be quantified and shown to vary from year‐to‐year. These different investigations represent a small slice of what can be done now that these data are made available and easily accessible.
Lateral Erosion of Bedrock Channel Banks by Bedload and Suspended Load
Authors: Li Tingan , Venditti Jeremy G. , Sklar Leonard S. , Lamb Michael P.
Published: March 2023

Bedrock rivers carry large amounts of fine sediment in suspension. We developed a mechanistic model for erosion of bedrock channel banks by impacting bedload and suspended load particles that are advected laterally by turbulent eddies (advection‐abrasion model). The model predicts high lateral erosion rates near the bed, with rates decreasing up to the water surface. The model also predicts greater erosion within the suspended load layer than the bedload layer for many typical sediment supply and transport conditions explored. We compared the advection‐abrasion model with a previously derived model for lateral erosion of bedrock banks by bedload particles deflected by stationary bed alluvium (deflection‐abrasion model). Erosion rates predicted by the deflection‐abrasion model are lower, except within limited conditions where sediment is transported near the threshold of motion and the bed is near fully covered in sediment. Both processes occur in bedrock rivers at the same time, so we combined the advection‐abrasion and deflection‐abrasion models and found that the lateral erosion rate generally increases with increasing transport stage and relative sediment supply for a given grain size. Application of our combined‐abrasion model to a natural bedrock river with a wide distribution of discharge and supply events, and mixed grain sizes, indicates that finer sediment dominates the lateral erosion on channel banks in low sediment supply environments and can be as important as coarser sediment in high sediment supply environments.
Toward a Realistic Representation of Sucrose Transport in the Phloem of Plants
Authors: Nakad Mazen , Domec Jean‐Christophe , Sevanto Sanna , Katul Gabriel
Published: March 2023

The significance of phloem hydrodynamics to plant mortality and survival, which impacts ecosystem‐scale carbon and water cycling, is not in dispute. The phloem provides the conduits for products of photosynthesis to be transported to different parts of the plant for consumption or storage. The Mnch pressure flow hypothesis (PFH) is the leading framework to mathematically represent this transport. It assumes that osmosis provides the necessary pressure differences to drive water and sucrose within the phloem. Mathematical models utilizing the PFH approximate the phloem by a relatively rigid slender semi‐permeable tube. However, the phloem consists of living cells that contract and expand in response to pressure fluctuations. The effect of membrane elasticity on osmotically driven sucrose front speed has rarely been considered and frames the scope here. Laboratory experiments were conducted to elucidate the elastic‐to‐plastic pressure‐deformation relation in membranes and their effect on sucrose front speeds. It is demonstrated that membrane elasticity acts to retard the sucrose front speed. The retardation emerges because of two effects: (a) part of the osmotic pressure is diverted to perform mechanical work to expand the membrane instead of pressurizing water, and (b) expansion of the membrane reduces the sucrose concentration driving osmotic potential due to volume increases and concomitant dilution effects. These results offer a novel perspective about the much discussed presence of sieve plates throughout the phloem acting as structural expansion dampers.
New developments in polymer brush fabrication: concepts and physical properties of dynamic polymer brushes
Authors: Yokoyama Hideaki
Published: March 2023

In contrast to fabricating polymer brushes using conventional grafting-to and grafting-from techniques, we fabricated polymer brushes using a novel concept. This novel concept involves block copolymer segregation from the polymer region at the water interface. The resulting polymer brush is called a dynamic polymer brush because block copolymer segregation is a dynamic process that occurs at room temperature and is activated through contact with water. Dynamic polymer brushes undergo self-organization in the processes of self-assembly and self-healing (if destroyed). However, the analysis of dynamic polymer brushes is typically complicated because they are only detectable when in contact with water and change over time. Dynamic polymer brushes are not only a fascinating research topic but can also be used in many different fields, and the concept of dynamic polymer brushes is recognized as a core surface modification concept. The concept and physical characteristics of dynamic polymer brushes are discussed in this review.
Development of the oral resistome during the first decade of life
Authors: Sukumar Smitha , Wang Fang , Simpson Carra A. , Willet Cali E. , Chew Tracy , Hughes Toby E. , Bockmann Michelle R. , Sadsad Rosemarie , Martin F. Elizabeth , Lydecker Henry W. , Browne Gina V. , Davis Kylie M. , Bui Minh , Martinez Elena , Adler Christina J.
Published: March 2023

Antibiotic overuse has promoted the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) with significant health and economic consequences. Genome sequencing reveals the widespread presence of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) in diverse microbial environments. Hence, surveillance of resistance reservoirs, like the rarely explored oral microbiome, is necessary to combat AMR. Here, we characterise the development of the paediatric oral resistome and investigate its role in dental caries in 221 twin children (124 females and 97 males) sampled at three time points over the first decade of life. From 530 oral metagenomes, we identify 309 ARGs, which significantly cluster by age, with host genetic effects detected from infancy onwards. Our results suggest potential mobilisation of ARGs increases with age as the AMR associated mobile genetic element, Tn916 transposase was co-located with more species and ARGs in older children. We find a depletion of ARGs and species in dental caries compared to health. This trend reverses in restored teeth. Here we show the paediatric oral resistome is an inherent and dynamic component of the oral microbiome, with a potential role in transmission of AMR and dysbiosis.
Circadian clock molecule REV-ERBα regulates lung fibrotic progression through collagen stabilization
Authors: Wang Qixin , Sundar Isaac Kirubakaran , Lucas Joseph H. , Park Jun-Gyu , Nogales Aitor , Martinez-Sobrido Luis , Rahman Irfan
Published: March 2023

Molecular clock REV-ERBα is central to regulating lung injuries, and decreased REV-ERBα abundance mediates sensitivity to pro-fibrotic insults and exacerbates fibrotic progression. In this study, we determine the role of REV-ERBα in fibrogenesis induced by bleomycin and Influenza A virus (IAV). Bleomycin exposure decreases the abundance of REV-ERBα, and mice dosed with bleomycin at night display exacerbated lung fibrogenesis. Rev-erbα agonist (SR9009) treatment prevents bleomycin induced collagen overexpression in mice. Rev-erbα global heterozygous (Rev-erbα Het) mice infected with IAV showed augmented levels of collagens and lysyl oxidases compared with WT-infected mice. Furthermore, Rev-erbα agonist (GSK4112) prevents collagen and lysyl oxidase overexpression induced by TGFβ in human lung fibroblasts, whereas the Rev-erbα antagonist exacerbates it. Overall, these results indicate that loss of REV-ERBα exacerbates the fibrotic responses by promoting collagen and lysyl oxidase expression, whereas Rev-erbα agonist prevents it. This study provides the potential of Rev-erbα agonists in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.
Accelerating electrochemical CO2 reduction to multi-carbon products via asymmetric intermediate binding at confined nanointerfaces
Authors: Zhang Jin , Guo Chenxi , Fang Susu , Zhao Xiaotong , Li Le , Jiang Haoyang , Liu Zhaoyang , Fan Ziqi , Xu Weigao , Xiao Jianping , Zhong Miao
Published: March 2023

Electrochemical CO2 reduction (CO2R) to ethylene and ethanol enables the long-term storage of renewable electricity in valuable multi-carbon (C2+) chemicals. However, carbon–carbon (C–C) coupling, the rate-determining step in CO2R to C2+ conversion, has low efficiency and poor stability, especially in acid conditions. Here we find that, through alloying strategies, neighbouring binary sites enable asymmetric CO binding energies to promote CO2-to-C2+ electroreduction beyond the scaling-relation-determined activity limits on single-metal surfaces. We fabricate experimentally a series of Zn incorporated Cu catalysts that show increased asymmetric CO* binding and surface CO* coverage for fast C–C coupling and the consequent hydrogenation under electrochemical reduction conditions. Further optimization of the reaction environment at nanointerfaces suppresses hydrogen evolution and improves CO2 utilization under acidic conditions. We achieve, as a result, a high 31 ± 2% single-pass CO2-to-C2+ yield in a mild-acid pH 4 electrolyte with >80% single-pass CO2 utilization efficiency. In a single CO2R flow cell electrolyzer, we realize a combined performance of 91 ± 2% C2+ Faradaic efficiency with notable 73 ± 2% ethylene Faradaic efficiency, 31 ± 2% full-cell C2+ energy efficiency, and 24 ± 1% single-pass CO2 conversion at a commercially relevant current density of 150 mA cm−2 over 150 h.
Arboviruses and symbiotic viruses cooperatively hijack insect sperm-specific proteins for paternal transmission
Authors: Wan Jiajia , Liang Qifu , Zhang Ruonan , Cheng Yu , Wang Xin , Wang Hui , Zhang Jieting , Jia Dongsheng , Du Yu , Zheng Wenhui , Tang Dingzhong , Wei Taiyun , Chen Qian
Published: March 2023

Arboviruses and symbiotic viruses can be paternally transmitted by male insects to their offspring for long-term viral persistence in nature, but the mechanism remains largely unknown. Here, we identify the sperm-specific serpin protein HongrES1 of leafhopper Recilia dorsalis as a mediator of paternal transmission of the reovirus Rice gall dwarf virus (RGDV) and a previously undescribed symbiotic virus of the Virgaviridae family, Recilia dorsalis filamentous virus (RdFV). We show that HongrES1 mediates the direct binding of virions to leafhopper sperm surfaces and subsequent paternal transmission via interaction with both viral capsid proteins. Direct interaction of viral capsid proteins mediates simultaneously invasion of two viruses into male reproductive organs. Moreover, arbovirus activates HongrES1 expression to suppress the conversion of prophenoloxidase to active phenoloxidase, potentially producing a mild antiviral melanization defense. Paternal virus transmission scarcely affects offspring fitness. These findings provide insights into how different viruses cooperatively hijack insect sperm-specific proteins for paternal transmission without disturbing sperm functions.
Central retinal microvasculature damage is associated with orthostatic hypotension in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Ahn Jong Hyeon , Kang Min Chae , Lee Dongyoung , Cho Jin Whan , Park Kyung-Ah , Youn Jinyoung
Published: March 2023

Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is a common non-motor symptom in Parkinson’s disease (PD). OH can cause cerebral and retinal hypoperfusion and is associated with microvascular damage in PD. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is a non-invasive technology that can be used to visualize the retinal microvasculature and detect microvascular damage in PD. In the present study, 51 PD patients (OH+, n = 20, 37 eyes; OH−, n = 32, 61 eyes) and 51 healthy controls (100 eyes) were evaluated. The Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale III, Hoehn and Yahr scale, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, levodopa equivalent daily dose, and vascular risk factors, including hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia, were investigated. PD patients underwent a head-up tilt (HUT) test. The PD patients had a lower superficial retinal capillary plexus (SRCP) density in the central region than control patients. The PDOH+ group had lower vessel density in the SRCP of the central region compared with the control group and lower vessel density in the DRCP of the central region than the PDOH− and control groups. The changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure during the HUT test in PD patients showed a negative correlation with the vessel density in the DRCP central region. The presence of OH was a critical factor associated with central microvasculature damage in PD. These findings indicate that OCTA can be a useful and non-invasive tool for detecting microvasculature damage in PD patients.
Why residual emissions matter right now
Authors: Buck Holly Jean , Carton Wim , Lund Jens Friis , Markusson Nils
Published: March 2023

Net-zero targets imply that continuing residual emissions will be balanced by carbon dioxide removal. However, residual emissions are typically not well defined, conceptually or quantitatively. We analysed governments’ long-term strategies submitted to the UNFCCC to explore projections of residual emissions, including amounts and sectors. We found substantial levels of residual emissions at net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, on average 18% of current emissions for Annex I countries. The majority of strategies were imprecise about which sectors residual emissions would originate from, and few offered specific projections of how residual emissions could be balanced by carbon removal. Our findings indicate the need for a consistent definition of residual emissions, as well as processes that standardize and compare expectations about residual emissions across countries. This is necessary for two reasons: to avoid projections of excessive residuals and correspondent unsustainable or unfeasible carbon-removal levels and to send clearer signals about the temporality of fossil fuel use.
Combinatorial protein dimerization enables precise multi-input synthetic computations
Authors: Bertschi Adrian , Wang Pengli , Galvan Silvia , Teixeira Ana Palma , Fussenegger Martin
Published: March 2023

Bacterial transcription factors (TFs) with helix-turn-helix (HTH) DNA-binding domains have been widely explored to build orthogonal transcriptional regulation systems in mammalian cells. Here we capitalize on the modular structure of these proteins to build a framework for multi-input logic gates relying on serial combinations of inducible protein–protein interactions. We found that for some TFs, their HTH domain alone is sufficient for DNA binding. By fusing the HTH domain to TFs, we established dimerization dependent rather than DNA-binding-dependent activation. This enabled us to convert gene switches from OFF-type into more widely applicable ON-type systems and to create mammalian gene switches responsive to new inducers. By combining both OFF and ON modes of action, we built a compact, high-performance bandpass filter. Furthermore, we were able to show cytosolic and extracellular dimerization. Cascading up to five pairwise fusion proteins yielded robust multi-input AND logic gates. Combinations of different pairwise fusion proteins afforded a variety of 4-input 1-output AND and OR logic gate configurations.
Designing an integrated blockchain-enabled supply chain network under uncertainty
Authors: Babaei Ardavan , Khedmati Majid , Akbari Jokar Mohammad Reza , Tirkolaee Erfan Babaee
Published: March 2023

With the development of communication infrastructure, the design of supply chains has changed significantly. Blockchain technology, as one of the most cutting-edge technologies, can promote transparency among members of the supply chain network. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that tries to develop a novel bi-objective optimization model to integrate the transparency resulting from the use of blockchain for designing a three-level supply chain network. The first objective function is to minimize total cost while the second objective function seeks to maximize transparency based on the application of blockchain technology. Moreover, it is worth noting that it is the first attempt to investigate the role of a blockchain model under stochastic conditions. The bi-objectiveness and stochastic nature of the proposed model are then treated using Fuzzy Goal Programming (FGP) and Chance-Constrained programming (CCP) approaches, respectively. To tackle the problem, an improved Branch and Efficiency (B&E) algorithm is developed by incorporating transparency along with cost and service. The impacts of blockchain exclusively through transparency (Case 1) or through transparency, cost, and benefits (Case 2) in Supply Chain Design (SCD) are compared. The results demonstrated that the first case has less computational complexity and better scalability, while the second case has more transparency, less congestion, and more security. As one of the main implications, supply chain managers who are focused on cost minimization as well as transparency maximization are advised to take into account the trade-off between featuring costs and benefits of blockchain technology.
A MAPKKK gene from rice, RBG1res, confers resistance to Burkholderia glumae through negative regulation of ABA
Authors: Mizobuchi Ritsuko , Sugimoto Kazuhiko , Tsushima Seiya , Fukuoka Shuichi , Tsuiki Chikako , Endo Masaki , Mikami Masafumi , Saika Hiroaki , Sato Hiroyuki
Published: March 2023

Burkholderia glumae causes bacterial seedling rot (BSR) of rice and is a threat to a consistent food supply. When previously screening for resistance against B. glumae in the resistant cultivar Nona Bokra (NB) versus the susceptible cultivar Koshihikari (KO), we detected a gene, Resistance to Burkholderia glumae 1 (RBG1), at a quantitative trait locus (QTL). Here, we found that RBG1 encodes a MAPKKK gene whose product phosphorylates OsMKK3. We also found that the kinase encoded by the RBG1 resistant (RBG1res) allele in NB presented higher activity than did that encoded by the RBG1 susceptible (RBG1sus) allele in KO. RBG1res and RBG1sus differ by three single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and the G390T substitution is essential for kinase activity. Abscisic acid (ABA) treatment of inoculated seedlings of RBG1res-NIL (a near-isogenic line (NIL) expressing RBG1res in the KO genetic background) decreased BSR resistance, indicating that RBG1res conferred resistance to B. glumae through negative regulation of ABA. The results of further inoculation assays showed that RBG1res-NIL was also resistant to Burkholderia plantarii. Our findings suggest that RBG1res contributes to resistance to these bacterial pathogens at the seed germination stage via a unique mechanism.
A prosocial fake news intervention with durable effects
Authors: Orosz Gábor , Paskuj Benedek , Faragó Laura , Krekó Péter
Published: March 2023

The present online intervention promoted family-based prosocial values—in terms of helping family members—among young adults to build resistance against fake news. This preregistered randomized controlled trial study is among the first psychological fake news interventions in Eastern Europe, where the free press is weak and state-sponsored misinformation runs riot in mainstream media. In this intervention, participants were endowed with an expert role and requested to write a letter to their digitally less competent relatives explaining six strategies that help fake news recognition. Compared to the active control group there was an immediate effect (d = 0.32) that persisted until the follow-up four weeks later (d = 0.22) on fake news accuracy ratings of the young, advice-giving participants. The intervention also reduced the bullshit receptivity of participants both immediately after the intervention and in the long run. The present work demonstrates the power of using relevant social bonds for motivating behavior change among Eastern European participants. Our prosocial approach with its robust grounding in human psychology might complement prior interventions in the fight against misinformation.
Longitudinal uric acid has nonlinear association with kidney failure and mortality in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Prezelin-Reydit Mathilde , Combe Christian , Fouque Denis , Frimat Luc , Jacquelinet Christian , Laville Maurice , Massy Ziad A. , Lange Céline , Ayav Carole , Pecoits-Filho Roberto , Liabeuf Sophie , Stengel Bénédicte , Harambat Jérôme , Leffondré Karen ,   CKD-REIN study group, de Pinho Natalia Alencar , Herpe Yves-Edouard , Pascal Christophe , Schanstra Joost , Lambert Oriane , Metzger Marie , Speyer Elodie
Published: March 2023

We investigated the shape of the relationship between longitudinal uric acid (UA) and the hazard of kidney failure and death in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, and attempted to identify thresholds associated with increased hazards. We included CKD stage 3–5 patients from the CKD-REIN cohort with one serum UA measurement at cohort entry. We used cause-specific multivariate Cox models including a spline function of current values of UA (cUA), estimated from a separate linear mixed model. We followed 2781 patients (66% men, median age, 69 years) for a median of 3.2 years with a median of five longitudinal UA measures per patient. The hazard of kidney failure increased with increasing cUA, with a plateau between 6 and 10 mg/dl and a sharp increase above 11 mg/dl. The hazard of death had a U-shape relationship with cUA, with a hazard twice higher for 3 or 11 mg/dl, compared to 5 mg/dl. In CKD patients, our results indicate that UA above 10 mg/dl is a strong risk marker for kidney failure and death and that low UA levels below 5 mg/dl are associated with death before kidney failure.
Genome- and transcriptome-wide splicing associations with alcohol use disorder
Authors: Huggett Spencer B. , Ikeda Ami S. , Yuan Qingyue , Benca-Bachman Chelsie E. , Palmer Rohan H. C.
Published: March 2023

Genetic mechanisms of alternative mRNA splicing have been shown in the brain for a variety of neuropsychiatric traits, but not substance use disorders. Our study utilized RNA-sequencing data on alcohol use disorder (AUD) in four brain regions (n = 56; ages 40–73; 100% ‘Caucasian’; PFC, NAc, BLA and CEA) and genome-wide association data on AUD (n = 435,563, ages 22–90; 100% European-American). Polygenic scores of AUD were associated with AUD-related alternative mRNA splicing in the brain. We identified 714 differentially spliced genes between AUD vs controls, which included both putative addiction genes and novel gene targets. We found 6463 splicing quantitative trait loci (sQTLs) that linked to the AUD differentially spliced genes. sQTLs were enriched in loose chromatin genomic regions and downstream gene targets. Additionally, the heritability of AUD was enriched for DNA variants in and around differentially spliced genes associated with AUD. Our study also performed splicing transcriptome-wide association studies (TWASs) of AUD and other drug use traits that unveiled specific genes for follow-up and splicing correlations across SUDs. Finally, we showed that differentially spliced genes between AUD vs control were also associated with primate models of chronic alcohol consumption in similar brain regions. Our study found substantial genetic contributions of alternative mRNA splicing in AUD.
Kelvin-Helmholtz instability in a compressible dust fluid flow
Authors: Kumar Krishan , Bandyopadhyay P. , Singh Swarnima , Dharodi Vikram S. , Sen A.
Published: March 2023

We report the first experimental observations of a single-mode Kelvin-Helmholtz instability in a flowing dusty plasma in which the flow is compressible in nature. The experiments are performed in an inverted $$\Pi$$
Π
-shaped dusty plasma experimental device in a DC glow discharge Argon plasma environment. A gas pulse valve is installed in the experimental chamber to initiate directional motion to a particular dust layer. The shear generated at the interface of the moving and stationary layers leads to the excitation of the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability giving rise to a vortex structure at the interface. The growth rate of the instability is seen to decrease with an increase in the gas flow velocity in the valve and the concomitant increase in the compressibility of the dust flow. The shear velocity is further increased by making the stationary layer to flow in an opposite direction. The magnitude of the vorticity is seen to become stronger while the vortex becomes smaller with such an increase of the shear velocity. A molecular dynamics simulation provides good theoretical support to the experimental findings.