bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Future of Multilateralism in the Post‐pandemic World
Authors: Song Ligang , Agarwal Vishesh 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThis paper applies an endogenous institutionalist framework to understand the evolution of the rules‐based international trading system since the end of World War II. We argue that the initial success of the General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs and re‐enforcement that led to the formation of the WTO can be explained by three major factors: the hegemonic position of the US, the belief that international trade would foster prosperity and peace, and Cold War politics. However, declining US hegemony along with a shift in global comparative advantage in labor‐intensive manufacturing led to a shift from multilateral towards preferential trade agreements since the 1990s. Today, the WTO faces several new challenges, including increasing geo‐political competition between the US and China, increasing digitization of commerce, and disrupted supply chains following COVID‐19. A functioning WTO that facilitates global economic re‐integration remains crucial to ensure a strong recovery from the pandemic and continued long‐term prosperity and stability of the global economy.
Epicuticular wax content of western white pine is involved in Cronartium ribicola resistance
Authors: Noshad David , Ukrainetz Nicholas , King John , Yanchuk Alvin 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe introduction of Cronartium ribicola, the causative agent of white pine blister rust, has been devastating for white pines in North America, including western white pine. Among the observed partial resistance responses to white pine blister rust is a mechanism referred to as difficult‐to‐infect (DI), which is characterized by lower frequency of infection spots on needles and a lower incidence of branch and stem cankers than susceptible host plants. Parents with the DI trait were selected and bred to produce nine full‐sib families. Progeny were propagated and cloned using in vitro techniques in controlled environmental conditions. Explants were inoculated with a single strain of C. ribicola and characterized by using a disease assessment index (DAI), which was used to compare DI full‐sib families to several other full‐sib families (from Idaho) selected for other partial resistance traits. Most DI families had significantly lower DAI scores and higher epicuticular wax content. When the wax was removed from the surface of needles, the DAI of all full‐sib families increased. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that stomata in DI full‐sib families are mostly occluded by epicuticular wax. The results of this study suggest that the DI resistance mechanism of western white pine is related to needle surface epicuticular wax, which likely hinders the penetration of stomata by fungal hyphae. The occurrence and magnitude of this trait in the breeding population remains unknown, and special assessment technique for large‐scale screening will have to be developed.
The impact of prior and current information of a new nest on relocation dynamics in an Indian ant
Authors: Mukherjee Ishani , Das Susnato , Paul Bishwarup , Annagiri Sumana 
Published: January 2023

AbstractAnimals are known to acquire and store information of their environment in order to enhance their performance in different tasks like foraging, migration and breeding. Having information regarding nesting sites would be particularly useful when they have to relocate. In the current study, we asked if having information of a new nest prior to or at the onset of relocation has a positive impact on the ability of ant colonies to relocate. We performed five sets of experiments on a ponerine ant species Diacamma indicum that recruits nestmates solely by tandem running. By analyzing data of 4756 unique ants across 61 colonies, we found that, access to information of the new nest for 1 day prior to the relocation did not give any significant advantage as compared to no prior information of the new nest. However, access to information for 7 days prior to relocation resulted in 50% increase in the number of tandem leaders and reduction of the transport time by an average of 49%. Our data on providing information at the onset of relocation indicates that introducing explorers to the new nest did not aid the process of relocation but when information of a new nest was self‐acquired, there was a reduction in discovery time by 50% and also in the transport time per unit distance for relocation into a new nest. Having information regarding only the surroundings and not the nest at the onset of a relocation did not give any significant advantages. Further, the manner in which work was organized during the relocation process was not significantly influenced by prior information across any of the treatments. Our findings suggest that information of new nest is important and when such information is self‐acquired at the onset of relocation or is available for a long enough duration, it has a positive influence in the process of relocation in this ant species.
Assortative mating for reproductive timing affects population recruitment and resilience in a quantitative genetic model
Authors: May Samuel A. , Hard Jeffrey J. , Ford Michael J. , Naish Kerry A. , Ward Eric J. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractQuantitative models that simulate the inheritance and evolution of fitness‐linked traits offer a method for predicting how environmental or anthropogenic perturbations can affect the dynamics of wild populations. Random mating between individuals within populations is a key assumption of many such models used in conservation and management to predict the impacts of proposed management or conservation actions. However, recent evidence suggests that non‐random mating may be underestimated in wild populations and play an important role in diversity‐stability relationships. Here we introduce a novel individual‐based quantitative genetic model that incorporates assortative mating for reproductive timing, a defining attribute of many aggregate breeding species. We demonstrate the utility of this framework by simulating a generalized salmonid lifecycle, varying input parameters, and comparing model outputs to theoretical expectations for several eco‐evolutionary, population dynamic scenarios. Simulations with assortative mating systems resulted in more resilient and productive populations than those that were randomly mating. In accordance with established ecological and evolutionary theory, we also found that decreasing the magnitude of trait correlations, environmental variability, and strength of selection each had a positive effect on population growth. Our model is constructed in a modular framework so that future components can be easily added to address pressing issues such as the effects of supportive breeding, variable age structure, differential selection by sex or age, and fishery interactions on population growth and resilience. With code published in a public Github repository, model outputs may easily be tailored to specific study systems by parameterizing with empirically generated values from long‐term ecological monitoring programs.
Global soil nitrogen cycle pattern and nitrogen enrichment effects: Tropical versus subtropical forests
Authors: Elrys Ahmed S. , Zhu QiLin , Jiang Chunlan , Liu Juan , Sobhy Hamida H. H. , Shen Qunli , Uwiragiye Yves , Wu Yanzheng , El‐Tarabily Khaled A. , Meng Lei , Müller Christoph , Zhang Jinbo 
Published: January 2023

AbstractTropical and subtropical forest biomes are a main hotspot for the global nitrogen (N) cycle. Yet, our understanding of global soil N cycle patterns and drivers and their response to N deposition in these biomes remains elusive. By a meta‐analysis of 2426‐single and 161‐paired observations from 89 published 15 N pool dilution and tracing studies, we found that gross N mineralization (GNM), immobilization of ammonium () and nitrate (), and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA) were significantly higher in tropical forests than in subtropical forests. Soil N cycle was conservative in tropical forests with ratios of gross nitrification (GN) to (GN/) and of soil nitrate to ammonium (NO3−/NH4+) less than one, but was leaky in subtropical forests with GN/ and NO3−/NH4+ higher than one. Soil NH4+ dynamics were mainly controlled by soil substrate (e.g., total N), but climatic factors (e.g., precipitation and/or temperature) were more important in controlling soil NO3− dynamics. Soil texture played a role, as GNM and were positively correlated with silt and clay contents, while and DNRA were positively correlated with sand and clay contents, respectively. The soil N cycle was more sensitive to N deposition in tropical forests than in subtropical forests. Nitrogen deposition leads to a leaky N cycle in tropical forests, as evidenced by the increase in GN/, NO3−/NH4+, and nitrous oxide emissions and the decrease in and DNRA, mainly due to the decrease in soil microbial biomass and pH. Dominant tree species can also influence soil N cycle pattern, which has changed from conservative in deciduous forests to leaky in coniferous forests. We provide global evidence that tropical, but not subtropical, forests are characterized by soil N dynamics sustaining N availability and that N deposition inhibits soil N retention and stimulates N losses in these biomes.
Regulatory B cells (Bregs) in Helicobacter pylori chronic infection
Authors: Hassuna Noha A. , Hussien Sahar Sh. , Abdelhakeem Mohammed , Aboalela Ahmed , Ahmed Elham , Abdelrahim Soha S. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackgroundHelicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is linked with a wide variety of diseases and was reported in more than half of the world's population. Chronic H. pylori infection and its final clinical outcome depend mainly on the bacterial virulence factors and its ability to manipulate and adapt to human immune responses. Bregs blood levels have been correlated with increased bacterial load and infection chronicity, especially Gram‐negative bacterial infection. This study aimed to identify prevalence and virulence factors of chronic H. pylori infection among symptomatic Egyptian patients and to examine its possible correlation to levels of regulatory B cells (Bregs) in blood.Materials and MethodsGastric biopsies and blood samples from each of 113 adult patients, who underwent upper endoscopy, were examined for the detection of H. pylori by culture and PCR methods. Conventional PCR was used to determine various virulent genes prevalence and association to clinical outcome. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate Bregs levels.ResultsHelicobacter pylori prevalence was 49.1% (55/112). Regarding virulence genes incidence, flaA gene was detected in 73% (40/55), vir B11 in 56.4% (31/55), hopZ1 in 34.5% (19/55), hopZ2 in 89% (49/55), babA2 in 52.7% (29/55), dupA jhp917 in 61.8% (34/55), vacA m1/m2 in 70.9% (39/55), and vacA s1/s2 in 69% (38/55) strains. Bregs levels were significantly lower in H. pylori‐infected patients (p = 0.013), while total leukocyte count (TLC) showed no significant differences.ConclusionHelicobacter pylori infection prevalence was almost 49%, and the infection was found to be related to inflammatory conditions as gastritis and ulcers rather than malignant transformations. Also, we found that CD24+CD38+ B cells were downregulated in H. pylori‐infected patients.
Effectiveness of nurse‐led multidisciplinary interventions in primary health care: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lei Yan‐Yuan , ya Sa ren tuo , Zheng Yu‐Rong , Cui Xiang‐Shu 
Published: January 2023

AbstractAimThis review aimed to synthesize the available evidence on the effectiveness of nurse‐led multidisciplinary interventions in primary health care.MethodsThe following Chinese and English databases were searched for relevant articles: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), from the establishment of the databases until the last updating search 1 April 2022. Two researchers screened the studies independently and extracted the data. Meta‐analysis was performed using the RevMan 5.3 software.ResultsA total of 12 studies were included in this review. It was found that nurse‐led multidisciplinary interventions significantly shortened patients' length of stay in hospital (standardized mean differences [SMD] = −1.28, 95%CI: −2.03 to −0.54; P<0.001) and decreased incidences of complications (RR = 0.24, 95%CI:0.10 to 0.54; P = 0.0006) compared to the control group, and lowered patients' anxiety levels (SMD = −1.21, 95%CI: −1.99 to −0.44; P<0.01) and depression levels (SMD = −1.85, 95%CI: −3.42 to −0.28; P<0.0001). Furthermore, the results of subgroup analysis indicated that nurse‐led multidisciplinary interventions had significant effects on patients' self‐management ability (SMD = 4.45, 95%CI:2.45 to 6.44; P<0.0001) and quality of life (SMD = 1.01, 95%CI: 0.63 to 1.40; P<0.0001) compared to the control group.ConclusionsNurse‐led multidisciplinary interventions had strong effects in primary health care, contributing to shorten patients' length of stay in hospital, decrease incidences of complications and reduce the levels of anxiety and depression. Moreover, nurse‐led multidisciplinary interventions also improved patients' self‐management ability and quality of life.
Evolution of m6A‐related genes in insects and the function of METTL3 in silkworm embryonic development
Authors: Liu Shuai‐Qi , Jia Shun‐Ze , Tian Huan , Li Ying‐Hui , Hu Kai‐Wen , Tao Jian‐Guo , Lu Yi‐Cheng , Xu Yu‐Song , Wang Hua‐Bing 
Published: January 2023

AbstractN6‐methyladenosine (m6A) plays a key role in many biological processes. However, the function and evolutionary relationship of m6A‐related genes in insects remain largely unknown. Here we analysed the phylogeny of m6A‐related genes among 207 insect species and found that m6A‐related genes are evolutionarily conserved in insects. Subcellular localization experiments of m6A‐related proteins in BmN cells confirmed that BmYTHDF3 was localized in the cytoplasm, BmMETTL3, BmMETTL14, and BmYTHDC were localized in the nucleus, and FL2D was localized to both the nucleus and cytoplasm. We examined the expression patterns of m6A‐related genes during the embryonic development of Bombyx mori. To elucidate the function of BmMETTL3 during the embryonic stage, RNA sequencing was performed to measure changes in gene expression in silkworm eggs after BmMETTL3 knockdown, as well as in BmN cells overexpressing BmMETTL3. The global transcriptional pattern showed that knockdown of BmMETTL3 affected multiple cellular processes, including oxidoreductase activity, transcription regulator activity, and the cation binding. In addition, transcriptomic data revealed that many observed DEGs were associated with fundamental metabolic processes, including carbon metabolism, purine metabolism, amino acid biosynthesis, and the citrate cycle. Interestingly, we found that knockdown of BmMETTL3 significantly affected Wnt and Toll/Imd pathways in embryos. Taken together, these results suggest that BmMETTL3 plays an essential role in the embryonic development of B. mori, and deepen our understanding of the function of m6A‐related genes in insects.
Influx of podoplanin‐expressing inflammatory macrophages into the genital tract following Chlamydia infection
Authors: Chan Yee Teng , Cheok Yi Ying , Cheong Heng Choon , Tan Grace Min Yi , Seow Shi Rui , Tang Ting Fang , Sulaiman Sofiah , Looi Chung Yeng , Gupta Rishein , Arulanandam Bernard , Wong Won Fen 
Published: January 2023

AbstractGenital Chlamydia trachomatis infection remains a major health issue as it causes severe complications including pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy and infertility in females as a result of infection‐associated chronic inflammation. Podoplanin, a transmembrane receptor, has been previously reported on inflammatory macrophages. Thus, strategies that specifically target podoplanin might be able to reduce local inflammation. This study investigated the expression level and function of podoplanin in a C. trachomatis infection model. C57BL/6 mice infected with the mouse pathogen Chlamydia muridarum were examined intermittently from days 1 to 60 using flow cytometry analysis. Percentages of conventional macrophages (CD11b+CD11c−F4/80+) versus inflammatory macrophages (CD11b+CD11c+F4/80+), and the expression of podoplanin in these cells were investigated. Subsequently, a podoplanin‐knockout RAW264.7 cell was used to evaluate the function of podoplanin in C. trachomatis infection. Our findings demonstrated an increased CD11b+ cell volume in the spleen at day 9 after the infection, with augmented podoplanin expression, especially among the inflammatory macrophages. A large number of podoplanin‐expressing macrophages were detected in the genital tract of C. muridarum–infected mice. Furthermore, analysis of the C. trachomatis–infected patients demonstrated a higher percentage of podoplanin‐expressing monocytes than that in the noninfected controls. Using an in vitro infection in a transwell migration assay, we identified that macrophages deficient in podoplanin displayed defective migratory function toward C. trachomatis–infected HeLa 229 cells. Lastly, using immunoprecipitation–mass spectrometry method, we identified two potential podoplanin interacting proteins, namely, Cofilin 1 and Talin 1 actin‐binding proteins. The present study reports a role of podoplanin in directing macrophage migration to the chlamydial infection site. Our results suggest a potential for reducing inflammation in individuals with chronic chlamydial infections by targeting podoplanin.
Determinants of student performance with mobile‐based assessment systems for English as a foreign language courses
Authors: Bacca‐Acosta Jorge , Fabregat Ramon , Baldiris Silvia , Kinshuk  , Guevara Juan 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackgroundMobile‐based assessment has been an active area of research in the field of mobile learning. Prior research has demonstrated that mobile‐based assessment systems positively affect student performance. However, it is still unclear why and how these systems positively affect student performance.ObjectivesThis study aims to identify the determinants of student performance during students' use of a mobile‐based assessment application in a formative assessment activity as part of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) courses in higher education.MethodsA structural model based on hypotheses was validated using PLS‐SEM with data from the interaction of 127 students of eight EFL courses from the A1 and A2 levels of English that used a mobile‐based assessment system for a period of 4 weeks. Automatic data collection in the application and self‐reported instruments were applied.Results and ConclusionsUse of scaffolding mechanisms, time on‐task and reported effort are strong predictors of students' learning outcomes. The use of scaffolding strategies predicts students' time on‐task. The provision of corrective feedback is not a predictor of students' learning performance but predicts other constructs such as perceived usefulness and the behavioural intention to use.ImplicationsMobile‐based assessment systems should include scaffolding mechanisms and integrate strategies to increase the perceived relevance of the formative assessment activity to increase the student learning performance. Scaffolding mechanisms are also useful to increase the student time on‐task in the formative assessment activity. In mobile‐based formative assessment activities more elaborated forms of feedback other than corrective feedback are needed to increase student performance.
Fixed‐dose combination therapy‐based protocol compared with free pill combination protocol: Results of a cluster randomized trial
Authors: Sanuade Olutobi A. , Ale Boni M. , Baldridge Abigail S. , Orji Ikechukwu A. , Shedul Gabriel L. , Ojo Tunde M. , Shedul Grace , Ugwuneji Eugenia N. , Egenti Nonye , Omitiran Kasarachi , Okoli Rosemary , Eze Helen , Nwankwo Ada , Hirschhorn Lisa R. , Chopra Aashima , Ye Jiancheng , Tripathi Priya , Banigbe Bolanle , Kandula Namratha R. , Huffman Mark D. , Ojji Dike B. ,   the Hypertension Treatment in Nigeria Program Investigators
Published: January 2023

AbstractFixed‐dose combination (FDC) therapy is recommended for hypertension management in Nigeria based on randomized trials at the individual level. This cluster‐randomized trial evaluates effectiveness and safety of a treatment protocol that used two‐drug FDC therapy as the second and third steps for hypertension control compared with a protocol that used free pill combinations. From January 2021 to June 2021, 60 primary healthcare centers in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria were randomized to a protocol using FDC therapy as second and third steps compared with a protocol that used the same medications in free pill combination therapy for these steps. Eligible patients were adults (≥18 years) with hypertension. The primary outcome was the odds of a patient being controlled at their last visit between baseline to 6‐month follow‐up in the FDC group compared to the free pill group. 4427 patients (mean [SD] age: 49.0 [12.4] years, 70.5% female) were registered with mean (SD) baseline systolic/diastolic blood pressure 155 (20.6)/96 (13.1) mm Hg. Baseline characteristics of groups were similar. After 6‐months, hypertension control rate improved in the two treatment protocols, but there were no differences between the groups after adjustment (FDC = 53.9% versus free pill combination = 47.9%, cluster‐adjusted p = .29). Adverse events were similarly low (<1%) in both groups. Both protocols improved hypertension control rates at 6‐months in comparison to baseline, though no differences were observed between groups. Further work is needed to determine if upfront FDC therapy is more effective and efficient to improve hypertension control rates.
A pilot randomized controlled trial of CAPABLE in permanent supportive housing for formerly homeless adults
Authors: Henwood Benjamin F. , Semborski Sara , Pitts Deborah B. , Niemiec Stacey Schepens , Yay Ozan , Paone Deborah L. , Szanton Sarah L. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackgroundCAPABLE is a time‐limited, evidence‐based intervention that helps older adults live independently. It has not been previously tested for use among formerly homeless adults in permanent supportive housing (PSH) who experience accelerated aging that can jeopardize their ability to live independently and age in place.MethodsA pilot randomized controlled trial with PSH tenants with an average age of 63 years old was conducted to examine the impact of CAPABLE on basic and instrumental activities of daily living (ADL) (and other function‐related parameters). Twenty‐seven PSH tenants received the intervention and 30 PSH tenants were assigned to a waitlist control group.ResultsThose who received the intervention showed improvements in five of seven health outcomes with small to medium effect sizes (Cohen's d = 0.20–0.47). When compared to the control group, the intervention group showed significantly greater improvements in two health outcomes—namely, reduction in limitations in instrumental ADL (p = 0.03) and depression (p = 0.01)—and greater effect sizes (d = 0.17–0.61).ConclusionsCAPABLE is an evidence‐based practice that can be successfully implemented in PSH to improve outcomes in a population that experiences significant health disparities and premature decline. Further investigation with a larger sample is warranted.