bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ancestral role of Pax6 in chordate brain regionalization
Authors: Kozmik Zbynek , Kozmikova Iryna
Published: July 2024

The Pax6 gene is essential for eye and brain development across various animal species. Here, we investigate the function of Pax6 in the development of the anterior central nervous system (CNS) of the invertebrate chordate amphioxus using CRISPR/Cas9-induced genome editing. Specifically, we examined Pax6 mutants featuring a 6 bp deletion encompassing two invariant amino acids in the conserved paired domain, hypothesized to impair Pax6 DNA-binding capacity and gene regulatory functions. Although this mutation did not result in gross morphological changes in amphioxus larvae, it demonstrated a reduced ability to activate Pax6-responsive reporter gene, suggesting a hypomorphic effect. Expression analysis in mutant larvae revealed changes in gene expression within the anterior CNS, supporting the conserved role of Pax6 gene in brain regionalization across chordates. Additionally, our findings lend support to the hypothesis of a zona limitans intrathalamica (ZLI)-like region in amphioxus, suggesting evolutionary continuity in brain patterning mechanisms. ZLI region, found in both hemichordates and vertebrates, functions as a key signaling center and serves as a restrictive boundary between major thalamic regions.
Oxysterole-binding protein targeted by SARS-CoV-2 viral proteins regulates coronavirus replication
Authors: Ma-Lauer Yue , Li Pengyuan , Niemeyer Daniela , Richter Anja , Pusl Konstantin , von Brunn Brigitte , Ru Yi , Xiang Chengyu , Schwinghammer Sebastian , Liu Jia , Baral Priya , Berthold Emilia J. , Qiu Haibo , Roy Avishek , Kremmer Elisabeth , Flaswinkel Heinrich , Drosten Christian , Jin Zhendong , von Brunn Albrecht
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Oxysterol-binding protein (OSBP) is known for its crucial role in lipid transport, facilitating cholesterol exchange between the Golgi apparatus and endoplasmic reticulum membranes. Despite its established function in cellular processes, its involvement in coronavirus replication remains unclear.

Methods

In this study, we investigated the role of OSBP in coronavirus replication and explored the potential of a novel OSBP-binding compound, ZJ-1, as an antiviral agent against coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2. We utilized a combination of biochemical and cellular assays to elucidate the interactions between OSBP and SARS-CoV-2 non-structural proteins (Nsps) and other viral proteins.

Results

Our findings demonstrate that OSBP positively regulates coronavirus replication. Moreover, treatment with ZJ-1 resulted in reduced OSBP levels and exhibited potent antiviral effects against multiple coronaviruses. Through our investigation, we identified specific interactions between OSBP and SARS-CoV-2 Nsps, particularly Nsp3, Nsp4, and Nsp6, which are involved in double-membrane vesicle formation—a crucial step in viral replication. Additionally, we observed that Nsp3 a.a.1–1363, Nsp4, and Nsp6 target vesicle-associated membrane protein (VAMP)-associated protein B (VAP-B), which anchors OSBP to the ER membrane. Interestingly, the interaction between OSBP and VAP-B is disrupted by Nsp3 a.a.1–1363 and partially impaired by Nsp6. Furthermore, we identified SARS-CoV-2 orf7a, orf7b, and orf3a as additional OSBP targets, with OSBP contributing to their stabilization.

Conclusion

Our study highlights the significance of OSBP in coronavirus replication and identifies it as a promising target for the development of antiviral therapies against SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses. These findings underscore the potential of OSBP-targeted interventions in combating coronavirus infections.
Overexpression of NLRP12 enhances macrophage immune response and alleviates herpes simplex keratitis
Authors: Jiang Jiaxuan , Zhang Di , Liu Wei , Yang Jingya , Yang Fan , Liu Junpeng , Hu Kai
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Herpes simplex keratitis (HSK) is a blinding disease caused by corneal infection of Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Effective clearance of HSV-1 from the infected cornea is crucial for HSK management. Macrophages play an important part in the innate immune defense against viral infections. This study investigates the immunomodulatory role of NLRP12 in macrophage immune response during HSV-1 infection.

Methods

NLRP12 expression post-infection was assessed in various macrophage cell lines. Overexpression of NLRP12 was achieved by lentiviral transfection, and its effect on HSV-1 replication and immune responses were examined. Mechanistic insights into the role of NLRP12 were explored using immunofluorescence and Western Blot. For in vivo studies, ocular adoptive transfer of NLRP12-overexpressing bone marrow derived macrophages (BMDMs) was performed. HSV-1 viral loads, HSK symptoms, and macrophage-mediated immune responses were investigated.

Results

A significant decrease in NLRP12 expression post-infection was observed in various macrophage cell lines. Overexpression of NLRP12 in macrophages reduced HSV-1 replication. Mechanistically, overexpression of NLRP12 triggered early and robust pyroptosis in response to HSV-1 infection, inducing interleukin (IL)-18 production and activating downstream antiviral responses through the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. In vivo, ocular adoptive transfer of NLRP12-overexpressing BMDMs to mouse corneas alleviated HSK damage and reduced HSV-1 viral loads. NLRP12-overexpressing BMDMs improved antiviral responses in the cornea and promoted the maturation of corneal-infiltrating macrophages and dendritic cells. Additionally, NLRP12-overexpressing BMDMs amplified the adaptive immune response in the submandibular draining lymph nodes.

Discussion

These findings highlight the role of NLRP12 in macrophage-mediated immune response against HSV-1 infection and suggest its potential for possible immunotherapy for HSK.
Mining expansion may reduce livestock but facilitate vicuñas recovery in tropical Puna of South America
Authors: Sandoval-Calderon Ana Patricia , van Kuijk Marijke , Hautier Yann , Alberto Humber , Verweij Pita A.
Published: July 2024

High-elevation tropical grasslands in South America are vital for sustaining the livelihoods of indigenous communities, particularly in the Central Andes where herding of both wild and domesticated camelids has been a primary socio-economic activity for centuries. However, these grasslands are facing challenges due to changes in land use, economic activities, and climate, posing threats to the sustainability of camelid herding. Here, we determine the intricate relationship between land use management and camelid populations of the highlands of Apolobamba National Park in Bolivia. We identified two critical milestones in land use management across the indigenous communities: the creation of the Tierra Comunitaria de Origen (TCO) in 1999 and the expansion of the National Park in 2000. These initiatives collectively resulted in the diversification of livelihood sources by increasing the number of mining concessions and facilitating the management of wild camelids for their wool and fibers, catering to international markets. We found that this diversification of livelihood sources was negatively related to the densities of domesticated camelids across the studied communities. In contrast, the densities of wild camelids populations increased with an increasing number of mining concessions, likely due to local conservation efforts and reduced competition with livestock. Our results indicate a potential shift in land use management strategies and suggest that mining activities encroach upon pastoralism practices within indigenous communities. Understanding the long-term effects of land use changes is essential for providing comprehensive and sustainable land use strategies that will support both grasslands and animal conservation while providing livelihood security in this ecologically sensitive region.
Power over and power with: integrating the concept of power into design team and stakeholder interactions
Authors: Schimpf Corey , Swenson Jessica , Burris Courtney
Published: July 2024

As professionals in the workplace, engineers often have high levels of power or social influence over other people or groups they work with, including in decision-making, project planning, and other professional activities. The concept of power has received considerable attention in the social sciences and humanities but has received less attention in engineering education. Despite this, power is a crucial topic for engineers to understand as they are constantly navigating power dynamics across many groups of stakeholders. In this space we introduce the concepts of power over and power with into a two-semester senior engineering design capstone course through a series of activities and project scaffolds. Briefly, power over involves an actor being able to constrain the actions of another whereas power with involves an actor being able to empower or enable another actor to take new actions. Students were taught a framework that combines the concepts of power over and power with to reconsider and transform their interactions with stakeholders. We employ a case study to show how these concepts were integrated into the class and use directed content analysis of students’ final design reports to analyze the degree to which students were able to apply this framework. The results first highlight how activities over the semesters helped students learn the framework and later apply them. Next, the results of the content analysis indicate that students were able to share power with several stakeholders and recognize some instances or risks of power over, although some gaps remained with how power was reported or recognized. This work extends and adapts concepts of power from the social sciences and humanities to the field of engineering education, argues for the importance of covering both power over and power with in classes and provides some evidence of the productive beginnings of engineering students using these concepts. We close with implications for other engineering classes and future research.
Preschoolers’ executive function: effect of the duration of preschool attendance and quality of teacher-child interactions
Authors: Gavrilova Margarita , Karimova Aleksandra , Solopova Oksana , Veraksa Aleksander , Yakushina Anastasia
Published: July 2024

The aim of this study was to determine the role of duration of preschool attendance and the quality of teacher-child interactions in the executive functions development of preschoolers. The study involved 947 children (51% girls) age 4–7 years (M = 70.3 months; SD = 4.3). The number of children attending kindergarten for less than 1 year was 144; 268 children (28.3%) had attended for 1 to 2 years; and 535 children (56.5%) had attended for more than 2 years. The results showed that the children who attended a group with a high quality of teacher-child interaction for one or more years had better results on verbal work memory, and cognitive and physical inhibitory control than those who attended the same group over a shorter period.
Identifying the most critical behavioral lifestyles associated with MAFLD: evidence from the NHANES 2017–2020
Authors: Li Sicheng , Chen Jiajin , Zhang Yuqin , Huang Shourui , Pan Qing , Tang Dan , Lan Tianjiao , Bu Shichen , Wang Yan
Published: July 2024

Background & aims

Accumulating studies have demonstrated associations between single lifestyle exposures and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). However, the joint effects of lifestyle exposures remain unclear, hindering the development of targeted prevention and control strategies. We aimed to investigate the joint associations between lifestyle exposomes and MAFLD.

Methods

This study included 5,002 participants from NHANES 2017–2020. Lifestyle exposomes, including sleep duration, metabolic equivalent of task (MET), Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2015 score, alcohol consumption, and smoke exposure, were identified from questionnaire data. MAFLD was diagnosed by vibration-controlled transient elastography measurements and laboratory data. A logistic regression model and the weighted quantile sum method were used to evaluate the associations of single and joint lifestyle exposomes, respectively, with MAFLD. The population attributable fractions (PAFs) were calculated to assess the population benefits of different intervention strategies.

Results

Per-quartile range increases in sleep duration (OR=0.883, 95% CI: 0.826–0.944), MET (0.916, 0.871–0.963), and HEI-2015 score (0.827, 0.756–0.904) were significantly associated with MAFLD. The joint exposure of sleep duration, MET, and HEI-2015 score was associated with MAFLD (0.772, 0.688–0.865), with the highest weight (importance) for MET (0.526). PAFs revealed greater intervention benefits for sleep and the HEI-2015 when the majority of the population (>5%) had a low MAFLD risk (weak intervention targets), whereas MET was the most efficient intervention strategy when minority populations (≤5%) had a low MAFLD risk (strong intervention targets).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated significant associations between MAFLD and single and joint exposures to sleep duration, MET, and HEI-2015 and identified physical activity as the most important lifestyle factor. Further population benefit analyses may provide evidence and suggestions for population-level interventions.
Metabolic factors are not the direct mediators of the association between type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis
Authors: Yang Qifan , Wang Xinyu , Liu Yanwei , Liu Jing , Zhu Dong
Published: July 2024

Objective

The causal relationship between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and osteoporosis (OS) remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the causal relationship and explore the potential metabolic mechanism and its mediating role.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive study, gathering data on 490,089 T2DM patients from the genome-wide association study (GWAS) database and selecting OS data from FinnGen and MRC-IEU sources, including 212,778 and 463,010 patients, respectively, for causal analysis. Simultaneously, we explored the potential roles of three obesity traits and 30 metabolic and inflammation-related mediating variables in the causal relationship.

Results

There is a strong causal relationship between T2DM and OS. The data from our two different database sources appeared in the same direction, but after correcting for body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), the direction became the same. T2DM may increase the risk of OS [odds ratio (OR) > 1.5, p < 0.001]. Steiger’s test results show that there is no reverse causality. No risk factors related to glycolipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and inflammation were found to mediate the causal relationship.

Conclusion

This study’s findings indicate a robust causal relationship between T2DM and OS, influenced by relevant factors such as BMI. Our results shed light on the pathogenesis of OS and underscore the importance for clinicians to treat metabolic disorders to prevent osteoporosis.
Linking coronary artery disease to neurodegenerative diseases through systems genetics
Authors: Vescio Martina , Pattini Linda
Published: July 2024

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is still a leading cause of death worldwide despite the extensive research and the considerable progresses made through the years. As other cardiovascular diseases, CAD is the result of the complex interaction between genetic variants and environmental factors. Currently identified genetic loci associated to CAD revealed the contribution of multiple molecular pathways to its pathogenesis, suggesting the need for a systemic approach to understand the role of genetic determinants. In this study we wanted to investigate how GWAS variants associated to CAD interact with each other and with nearby genes in the context of the coronary artery molecular interactome. GWAS variants associated to CAD were selected from GWAS Catalog, then, a tissue-specific interactome was constructed integrating protein-protein interactions (PPI) from multiple public repositories and computationally inferred co-expression relationships. To focus on the part of the network most relevant for CAD, we selected the interactions connecting the genes carrying a variant associated to the disease. A functional enrichment analysis conducted on the subnetwork revealed that genes carrying genetic variants associated to CAD closely interact with genes related to relevant biological processes, such as extracellular matrix organization, lipoprotein clearance, arterial morphology and inflammatory response. These results confirm that the identified subnetwork reflects the molecular pathways altered in CAD and intercepted by the selected variants. Interestingly, the most connected nodes of the network included amyloid beta precursor protein (APP) and huntingtin (HTT), both implicated in neurodegenerative disorders. In recent years the interest in investigating the common processes between cardiovascular diseases and neurodegenerative disorders is increasing, with growing evidence of a link between CAD and Alzheimer’s disease. The results obtained in this work support the association between such apparently unrelated diseases and highlight the necessity of a systems biology approach to better elucidate shared pathological mechanisms.
Association between genetically plasma proteins and osteonecrosis: a proteome-wide Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Meng Chen , Ren Junxiao , Gu Honglin , Shi Hongxin , Luo Huan , Wang Zhihao , Li Chuan , Xu Yongqing
Published: July 2024

Background

Previous studies have explored the role of plasma proteins on osteonecrosis. This Mendelian randomization (MR) study further assessed plasma proteins on osteonecrosis whether a causal relationship exists and provides some evidence of causality.

Methods

Summary-level data of 4,907 circulating protein levels were extracted from a large-scale protein quantitative trait loci study including 35,559 individuals by the deCODE Genetics Consortium. The outcome data for osteonecrosis were sourced from the FinnGen study, comprising 1,543 cases and 391,037 controls. MR analysis was conducted to estimate the associations between protein and osteonecrosis risk. Additionally, Phenome-wide MR analysis, and candidate drug prediction were employed to identify potential causal circulating proteins and novel drug targets.

Results

We totally assessed the effect of 1,676 plasma proteins on osteonecrosis risk, of which 71 plasma proteins had a suggestive association with outcome risk (P < 0.05). Notably, Heme-binding protein 1 (HEBP1) was significant positively associated with osteonecrosis risk with convening evidence (OR, 1.40, 95% CI, 1.19 to 1.65, P = 3.96 × 10−5, PFDR = 0.044). This association was further confirmed in other MR analysis methods and did not detect heterogeneity and pleiotropy (all P > 0.05). To comprehensively explore the health effect of HEBP1, the phenome-wide MR analysis found it was associated with 136 phenotypes excluding osteonecrosis (P < 0.05). However, no significant association was observed after the false discovery rate adjustment.

Conclusion

This comprehensive MR study identifies 71 plasma proteins associated with osteonecrosis, with HEBP1, ITIH1, SMOC1, and CREG1 showing potential as biomarkers of osteonecrosis. Nonetheless, further studies are needed to validate this candidate plasma protein.
Hypermethylation of the glutathione peroxidase 4 promoter predicts poor prognosis in patients with hepatitis B virus-associated acute-on-chronic liver failure
Authors: Su Xing , Han Li-Yan , Wang Jing , Zhang Ying , Luo Peng-Yu , Gao Shuai , Fan Yu-Chen , Wang Jing-Wei , Wang Kai
Published: July 2024

Background

Hepatitis B virus-associated acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF) is a syn-drome with a high short-term mortality rate, and its prognosis is critical in clinical management. This study aimed to investigate the clinical significance of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) in the occurrence and development of HBV-ACLF and its prognostic value for 90-day mortality.

Methods

The expression levels of GPX4, oxidative stress-related molecules and inflammatory cytokines in serum or peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 289 participants were determined by RT-qPCR or ELISA, and the methylation level of GPX4 promoter in PBMCs was determined by MethyLight.

Results

The expression levels of GPX4 in the PBMCs and serum of HBV-ACLF patients were lower than those in non-HBV-associated acute-on-chronic liver failure (non-HBV ACLF) patients, patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and healthy control (HC) individuals, while the methylation level of the GPX4 promoter was greater. In HBV-ACLF patients, the methylation level of the GPX4 promoter is correlated with oxidative stress, inflammation-related molecules, and some clinicopathological indicators. The methylation level of the GPX4 promoter was identified as an independent risk factor for 90-day mortality in HBV-ACLF patients and yielded a larger area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) than the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score in predicting 90-day mortality.

Conclusion

The GPX4 promoter methylation level has promising potential as a predictor of 90-day mortality in patients with HBV-ACLF.
Insights into conscious cognitive information processing
Authors: Dere Ekrem
Published: July 2024

For over a century, the neuro- and pathophysiological, behavioral, and cognitive correlates of consciousness have been an active field of theoretical considerations and empirical research in a wide range of modern disciplines. Conscious cognitive processing of information cannot be observed directly, but might be inferred from step-like discontinuities in learning performance or sudden insight-based improvements in problem solving behavior. It is assumed that a sudden step of knowledge associated with insight requires a creative reorganization of mental representations of task- or problem-relevant information and the restructuration of the task, respectively problem to overcome an cognitive dead-end or impasse. Discontinuities in learning performance or problem solving after an insight event can be used as time-tags to capture the time window in which conscious cognitive information processing must have taken place. According to the platform theory of conscious cognitive information processing, the reorganization and restructuration processes, require the maintenance of task- or problem-relevant information in working memory for the operation of executive functions on these mental representations. Electrophysiological evidence suggests that the reorganization and restructuration processes in working memory, that precede insight-based problem solutions are accompanied by an increase in the power of gamma oscillations in cortical areas including the prefrontal cortex. Empirical evidence and theoretical assumptions argue for an involvement of gap junction channels and connexin hemichannels in cortical gamma-oscillations and working memory processes. Discontinuities in learning or problem solving performance might be used as time-tags to investigate the implication of gap junction channels and hemichannels in conscious cognitive processing.
Control of innate immunity and lipid biosynthesis in neurodegeneration
Authors: Scoles Daniel R. , Pulst Stefan M.
Published: July 2024

The cGAS-STING innate immunity pathway and the SREBP-activated cholesterol and fatty acid synthesis pathway are abnormally co-regulated in neurodegenerative disease. Activation of STING signaling occurs at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane with STING anchored by INSIG1 along with SREBP and the sterol-bound SREBP cleavage activating protein (SCAP) when sterols are in abundance. When sterols are low, the INSIG-dependent STING pathway is inactivated and the SREBP-SCAP complex is translocated to the Golgi where SREBP is cleaved and translocated to the nucleus to transactivate genes for cholesterol and fatty acid synthesis. Thus, there is inverse activation of STING vs. SREBP: when innate immunity is active, pathways for cholesterol and fatty acid synthesis are suppressed, and vice versa. The STING pathway is stimulated by foreign viral cytoplasmic nucleic acids interacting with the cyclic GMP–AMP synthase (cGAS) DNA sensor or RIG-I and MDA5 dsRNA sensors, but with neurodegeneration innate immunity is also activated by self-DNAs and double-stranded RNAs that accumulate with neuronal death. Downstream, activated STING recruits TBK1 and stimulates the transactivation of interferon stimulated genes and the autophagy pathway, which are both protective. However, chronic activation of innate immunity contributes to microglia activation, neuroinflammation and autophagy failure leading to neurodegeneration. STING is also a proton channel that when activated stimulates proton exit from STING vesicles leading to cell death. Here we review the salient features of the innate immunity and cholesterol and fatty acid synthesis pathways, observations of abnormal STING and SREBP signaling in neurodegenerative disease, and relevant therapeutic approaches.
Facing further challenges in cancer data quality and harmonisation
Authors: Giusti Francesco , Martos Carmen , Carvalho Raquel N. , Zadnik Vesna , Visser Otto , Bettio Manola , Van Eycken Liesbet
Published: July 2024

This article highlights the recent and ongoing activities of European population-based cancer registries (PBCRs) in data quality and harmonisation in the framework of the collaboration between the European Network of Cancer Registries (ENCR) and the Directorate-General Joint Research Centre (JRC), the science and knowledge centre of the European Commission. The article concludes the Frontiers in Oncology’s Research Topic “Joining Efforts to Improve Data Quality and Harmonization Among European Population-Based Cancer Registries”, which has been an opportunity for several European researchers to share their experience on cancer data quality and harmonisation. Such experience will be helpful for PBCRs in view of future challenges and opportunities in cancer epidemiology, with a few examples discussed in the present article.
Preserved tactile distance estimation despite body representation distortions in individuals with fibromyalgia
Authors: Augière Tania , Metral Morgane , Simoneau Martin , Mercier Catherine
Published: July 2024

Our mental representation of our body depends on integrating various sensory modalities, such as tactile information. In tactile distance estimation (TDE) tasks, participants must estimate the distance between two tactile tips applied to their skin. This measure of tactile perception has been linked to body representation assessments. Studies in individuals with fibromyalgia (FM), a chronic widespread pain syndrome, suggest the presence of body representation distortions and tactile alterations, but TDE has never been examined in this population. Twenty participants with FM and 24 pain-free controls performed a TDE task on three Body regions (upper limb, trunk, lower limb), in which they manually estimated the interstimuli distance on a tablet. TDE error, the absolute difference between the estimation and the interstimuli distance, was not different between the Groups, on any Body region. Drawings of their body as they felt it revealed clear and frequent distortions of body representation in the group with FM, compared to negligible perturbations in controls. This contrast between distorted body drawings and unaltered TDE suggests a preserved integration of tactile information but an altered integration of this information with other sensory modalities to generate a precise and accurate body representation. Future research should investigate the relative contribution of each sensory information and prior knowledge about the body in body representation in individuals with FM to shed light on the observed distortions.
Opioids and the kidney: two sides of the same coin
Authors: Gao Shaowei , He Qiulan
Published: July 2024

Renal dysfunction, including acute renal failure (ARF) and chronic kidney disease (CKD), continues to present significant health challenges, with renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) being a pivotal factor in their development and progression. This condition, notably impacting kidney transplantation outcomes, underscores the urgent need for innovative therapeutic interventions. The role of opioid agonists in this context, however, remains a subject of considerable debate. Current reviews tend to offer limited perspectives, focusing predominantly on either the protective or detrimental effects of opioids in isolation. Our review addresses this gap through a thorough and comprehensive evaluation of the existing literature, providing a balanced examination of the dualistic nature of opioids’ influence on renal health. We delve into both the nephroprotective and nephrotoxic aspects of opioids, dissecting the complex interactions and paradoxical effects that embody the “two sides of the same coin” phenomenon. This comprehensive analysis is vital for understanding the intricate roles of opioids in renal pathophysiology, potentially informing the development of novel therapeutic strategies for preventing or treating hypoxic kidney injury.
Dual chiral structures in the cuticle of Protaetia mirifica analyzed with Mueller matrix spectroscopic ellipsometry
Authors: Mendoza-Galván Arturo , Magnusson Roger , Jansson Nicklas , Arwin Hans , Järrendahl Kenneth
Published: July 2024

Many species of beetles from the family Scarabaeidae reflect light with near-circular polarization. In some cases, spectral narrow-band polarization phenomena result in a distinct color with a metallic shine. In other cases, broad-band features are seen, and these beetles have a silvery or goldish appearance. These features in the cuticles originate from helicoidal structures, so-called circular Bragg structures and also referred to as Bouligand structures. In this communication, Protaetia mirifica, exhibiting near-circular polarization properties in dual spectral regions, centered approximately at the wavelengths of 474 and 770 nm, is investigated in considerable detail using Mueller matrix spectroscopic ellipsometry (MMSE). From interference oscillations in the MMSE spectra, the pitch profile of the helicoidal structures in the beetle cuticle is extracted and further used in electromagnetic modeling of the cuticle structure, including the determination of epicuticle and exocuticle thicknesses (280 nm and 8.1 μm, respectively) and anisotropic optical properties. These findings are confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. The analysis shows that the uppermost 4 μm of the cuticle has a nearly constant pitch of 310 nm, which abruptly jumps to 440 nm and then gradually increases up to 575 nm. Sum decompositions of MMSE spectra reveal that the beetle cuticle reflects like a circular polarizer or like a dielectric mirror, depending on the spectral region.
Epiphytic bacterial community composition on four submerged macrophytes in different regions of Taihu Lake
Authors: Fang Hongda , Zhen Zhuo , Yang Fan , Su Hailei , Wei Yuan
Published: July 2024

The epiphytic bacteria in aquatic ecosystems, inhabiting a unique ecological niche with significant ecological function, have long been the subject of attention. Habitat characteristics and plant species are believed to be important in controlling the assembly of epiphytic bacteria. However, the underlying principle governing the assembly of the epiphytic bacterial community on macrophytes is far from clear. In this study, we systematically compared the diversity and community composition of epiphytic bacteria both in different habitats and on different species of macrophytes where they were attached. Results suggested that neither the plant species nor the habitat had a significant effect on the diversity and community of epiphytic bacteria independently, indicating that the epiphytic bacterial community composition was correlated to both geographical distance and individual species of macrophytes. Furthermore, almost all of the abundant taxa were shared between different lake regions or macrophyte species, and the most abundant bacteria belonged to Proteobacteria and Firmicutes. Our results demonstrated that the competitive lottery model may explain the pattern of epiphytic bacterial colonization of submerged macrophyte surfaces. This research could provide a new perspective for exploring plant–microbe interaction in aquatic systems and new evidence for the lottery model as the mechanism best explaining the assembly of epiphytic bacteria.
The imperative for cross-cultural medical education in globalized healthcare
Authors: Mohiyeddini Changiz
Published: July 2024

Current healthcare systems are like living creatures. They are highly complex, multi-faceted, and dynamic. They must constantly change and adapt; they are like a melting pot, brimming with both rich and diverse cultures from all corners of the world. Beyond just nationality, these systems can include many languages, religious beliefs, socioeconomic backgrounds, and unique health practices. The tides of globalization, multicultural societies, migration, and international collaboration are continuously reshaping how healthcare providers are educated and how healthcare is delivered in an equitable, inclusive, and fair manner. To keep pace with, and within, these highly vibrant socio-cultural frameworks, Cross-Cultural Medical Education is needed to educate healthcare professionals. This education is essential to create professionals who are not just skilled, but who are also culturally savvy and able provide fair and equal care to patients from all sorts of backgrounds. It provides professionals with foundational knowledge to navigate the complex landscape of diverse patient populations. Cross-Cultural Medical Education is thus of paramount importance to satisfy the need for effective cross-cultural communication and understanding in patient care preferences, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes.
Full range leadership style and its effect on effectiveness, employee satisfaction, and extra effort: an empirical study
Authors: Garzón-Lasso Fernando , Serrano-Malebrán Jorge , Arenas-Arango Sandra , Molina Carlos
Published: July 2024

The purpose of this study is to determine if there is a positive relationship between full-range leadership and employees’ effort, efficiency, and satisfaction. A questionnaire was administered to 577 executives from Colombian companies, and the data was analyzed using a partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) approach. The results show that both transformational and transactional leadership have a direct and significant impact on extra effort, effectiveness, and satisfaction, with transformational leadership having the greatest impact on these factors. Conversely, passive-avoidant leadership has negative effects on these three constructs. This study validates the effectiveness of the MLQ 5X in a South American country, a geographical region where such studies are in their early stages. Finally, the whole range of leadership styles—transformational, transactional, and passive-avoidant—is looked at. These styles are seen as second-order constructs that challenge latent multidimensional models as they emerge.
Why and when does multitasking impair flow and subjective performance? A daily diary study on the role of task appraisals and work engagement
Authors: Pluut Helen , Darouei Maral , Zeijen Marijn Eveline Lidewij
Published: July 2024

In this diary study, we contribute to research on day-level multitasking in organizations by investigating why and when multitasking impairs employees’ work-related flow and subjective job performance on a daily basis. Drawing on Lazarus and Folkman’s transactional model of stress and coping, we propose that employees’ appraisal of their daily tasks (i.e., less challenging and more hindering) may explain why multitasking has negative implications for flow and job performance. Moreover, we expect that daily work engagement can buffer the detrimental effects of multitasking on flow and job performance. A total of 33 professional workers in the food industry participated in our study and were asked to respond to 10 daily surveys at work across 4 weeks. In line with our expectations, results showed that on days when employees’ working time was highly fragmented across a high number of tasks, they experienced less flow and, in turn, their job performance was lower on that particular day. Moreover, appraisal of daily tasks as less challenging – though not more hindering – explained why multitasking impairs flow. Finally, daily work engagement buffered the detrimental impact of multitasking on flow. The results presented in this paper offer novel and ecologically valid insights into why and when multitasking may backfire for employees.
Public management approaches to an aging workforce: organizational strategies for strategies for adaptability and efficiency
Authors: Wang Zouhengrui , Fu Jishan , Bai Weijun
Published: July 2024

This study investigates the impact of psychological age climate on the motivation of aged workers in China and explores the mediating mechanisms at play. Two proposed chains of mediation capture the potential mechanisms underlying this process. The first chain involves the task and knowledge characteristics of work design, specifically autonomy arrangements and skill-based job demands, as mediators. The second chain focuses on the social and physical/contextual aspects of work design, including social support and ergonomic working conditions. The study sample consisted of 1,094 Chinese employees aged between 50 and 70 years (M = 55.66, SD = 4.274). Our findings reveal that a positive psychological age climate—organizational norms and practices that value and support older workers—significantly boosts their motivation to continue working. This enhancement in motivation is mediated by increased job autonomy and robust social support within the workplace, confirming that these elements are crucial for translating a positive age climate into tangible outcomes. Contrary to existing literature, our research does not support the mediating role of job design tailored to aged workers’ skills and ergonomic working conditions. This indicates that in the cultural and organizational context of China, where collective values and respect for elder wisdom predominate, autonomy and social support directly influence workers’ motivation more profoundly than ergonomic and job design considerations. The study underscores the importance of creating inclusive organizational cultures and implementing targeted support strategies to retain and engage aged workers effectively. It suggests that public policymakers and organizational leaders should focus on fostering positive psychological age climates and providing necessary autonomy and social resources to meet the unique needs of an aging workforce, thereby enhancing both individual and organizational outcomes in a globally aging society.
The effect of aromatherapy on post-stroke depression: study protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Li Yujia , Hu Zekai , Zhou Kun , Wang Yanyu , Zhang Xinglin , Xue Han , Hu Jun , Wang Jie
Published: July 2024

Background

Post-stroke depression (PSD) is a prevalent psychiatric disorder affecting about one-third of stroke survivors, significantly hindering recovery and quality of life. PSD also imposes a substantial burden on caregivers and healthcare systems. Aromatherapy has shown promise in alleviating depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. This pilot randomized controlled trial aims to assess the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of mixed herb aromatherapy in treating PSD. Feasibility outcomes encompass recruitment, intervention adherence, assessment completion and safety assessment. Secondary outcomes include evaluations of depression, anxiety, cognitive function, sleep quality, quality of life, and brain function using EEG and fNIRS.

Methods

This single-blind pilot randomized controlled trial will be conducted at the Second Rehabilitation Hospital of Shanghai, enrolling ninety-nine post-stroke patients with PSD. Participants will be randomized into three groups: a Non-Active Control Group receiving standardized rehabilitation therapy, a CBT Group receiving conventional rehabilitation with bi-weekly CBT sessions, and an Aromatherapy Group receiving conventional rehabilitation with daily aromatic inhalation sessions. Interventions will last for four weeks, with efficacy assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and one month post-intervention. Rating scales will be used to measure changes in depression, sleep quality, cognitive function, and quality of life. EEG and fNIRS will specifically be used to measure changes in cerebral cortex activity and their correlations with depression. Feasibility will be evaluated through recruitment, intervention adherence, assessment completion and safety assessment.

Discussion

This pilot study highlights the potential of mixed herb aromatherapy inhalation for treating PSD, addressing limitations of CBT by promoting self-management. While demonstrating feasibility through recruitment, adherence, assessment completion and safety assessment, the study also acknowledges limitations such as unequal intervention times, the lack of physical function data. And the use of culturally relevant plant powders may enhance compliance but limits generalizability. Despite these constraints, the study provides valuable preliminary data and insights into the mechanisms of aromatherapy, encouraging further research and development of effective PSD treatments.
Mortality trends in people with disabilities before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea, 2017–2022
Authors: Kim Ye-Soon , Kim Ju-Hee , Kwon Sooyoung , Kim Joo-Hee , Kim Hyun-Ji , Ho Seung Hee
Published: July 2024

Objective

To investigate temporal trends in mortality rates and underlying causes of death in persons with disabilities before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Methods

Annual mortality rates and causes of death were analyzed using data covering the 2017–2022 period.

Results

The mortality rate among people with disabilities increased from 2017 to 2022; the rate was five times higher during COVID-19 in this population than in the general population. When analyzing the cause of death, the incidence of infectious diseases and tuberculosis decreased after COVID-19. In contrast, the incidence of other bacillary disorders (A30–A49) increased. The incidence of respiratory system diseases (J00–J99), influenza and pneumonia (J09–J18), and other acute lower respiratory infections (J20–J22) decreased before COVID-19, while the incidence of lung diseases due to external agents (J60–J70), other respiratory diseases principally affecting the interstitium (J80–J84), and other diseases of the pleura (J90–J94) increased during the pandemic. The risk of COVID-19 death among people with disabilities was 1.1-fold higher for female patients (95% CI = 1.06–1.142), 1.41-fold for patients aged 70 years and older (95% CI = 1.09–1.82), and 1.24-fold higher for people with severe disabilities (95% CI = 1.19–1.28).

Conclusions

The mortality rate in people with disabilities significantly increased during COVID-19, compared with that before the pandemic. People with disabilities had a higher mortality rate during COVID-19 compared with the general population. Risk factors must be reduced to prevent high mortality rates in this population.
Challenges to research implementation during public health emergencies: anecdote of insights and lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic in Gujarat, India
Authors: Memon Farjana , Jobarteh Modou L. , Shah Komal , Sinha Anish , Patel Monali , Patil Shailee , Heffernan Claire , Saxena Deepak B.
Published: July 2024

Health emergencies, including pandemics, are not new occurrences; some notable ones occurred in the past. However, the scale of the COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the unpreparedness of national health systems in effectively managing health emergencies. During the pandemic, controlling the spread of the virus and hopes of exiting into a post-pandemic era were reliant on research to improve patient care and inform government policies. Nonetheless, research implementation during health emergencies can be challenging in low-resourced settings. This paper presents anecdotes of experiences and offers insight into ways research can be supported during health emergencies. We implemented a longitudinal study to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including SARS-CoV-2 infection, during pregnancy on maternal and child health outcomes. The study utilized hospital databases to recruit women who were infected and with no known SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy. Mother-infant pairs in the infected and uninfected group were then followed longitudinally for 3 years. Observations, including challenges during planning, record retrieval, tracking, recruitment, and follow-up of eligible women, were reported by research staff. The challenges observed were group into three overarching themes: (a) individual factors, (b) health system challenges, and (c) research operational challenges. Some notable observations include misinformation, misconception, mistrust, underdeveloped health record systems, stigma, and hesitance. Early planning, effective communication, and community awareness can help in implementing a successful research project. Additionally, efforts to improve collaboration and co-creation between health practitioners, researchers, and the public may benefit the implementation of research projects during a health emergency.
Residential childcare worker perceptions of work-related achievement and pride
Authors: Brend Denise Michelle , Olaniyan Oyeniyi Samuel , Collin-Vézina Delphine
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Multiple risk and protective factors influence the wellbeing and retention of child protective and youth justice professionals. Less attention has been given to empirically understand how residential childcare workers (RCW) experience these factors. A sense of pride and of achievement may be related to competence and satisfaction, which have been identified as protective factors against staff turnover.

Methods

Responses to the Secure Base Interview Protocol question “What aspects of caring for (name of child in their care) have given you the greatest sense of pride or achievement?” were extracted from individual interview transcripts from Canadian RCW and analyzed using the Interpretive Description methodology. Themes were aggregated using the thematic analysis technique to create descriptions of RCW pride and achievement.

Results

The RCW identified many experiences of work-related pride and achievement while caring for children and youth. These positive experiences were described to occur contingent on the level of mutuality and trust in the helping relationship shared between the RCW and child or youth in their care.

Discussion

The reciprocal nature of the relationships described by RCW that gave rise to their felt sense of pride and accomplishment is a novel finding. Future work is indicated to better understand how protective factors related to RCW wellbeing may indeed be relationally constructed and dependent.