bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interaction between the genetic variant of rs696217‐ghrelin and food intake and obesity and dyslipidemia
Authors: Yadegari Mehran , Zare‐Feyzabadi Reza , Zakariaeiseraji Mohanna , Sahebi Reza , Shabani Niloofar , Khedmatgozar Hamed , Ferns Gordon A. , Ghazizadeh Hamideh , Mohammadi‐Bajgiran Maryam , Jalalian Melika , Zoghi Mohadese , Darban Reza Assaran , Mohammadian‐Ghosooni Mahdi , Esmaily Habibollah , Avan Amir , Ghayour‐Mobarhan Majid
Published: August 2021

In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between the genetic variant of rs696217‐ghrelin and fasted lipid profile, indices of obesity, and environmental parameters. Amplification refractory mutation system‐polymerase chain reaction (ARMs‐PCR) was used for genotyping 1118 individuals recruited as part of the Mashhad Stroke and Heart Atherosclerotic Disorder (MASHAD) cohort study. The interaction between the presence of the genetic variant of rs696217‐ghrelin and nutritional intake and other major determinants of obesity and lipid profile was examined in the MASHAD study population. Individuals with the TT genotype at the locus had the lowest prevalence of obesity compared to other genotypes among the individuals. No significant relationship was found between the two groups regarding the lipid profile and TT genotype. Furthermore, no significant association was found between dietary intake and the genetic variant of rs696217‐ghrelin in the population under study. Individuals with a TT or GT genotype appear to be at a higher risk of obesity, compared to those with a GG genotype. The results of the current study revealed a significant association between the genetic variant of rs696217‐ghrelin and obesity; however, this gene did not correlate with the risk factors of cardiovascular diseases and dyslipidemia in the Iranian population.
Strategic Authoritarianism: The Political Cycles and Selectivity of China's Tax‐Break Policy
Authors: Chen Ling , Zhang Hao
Published: August 2021

A rich literature has noted political business cycles in democracies. We argue that in an autocracy with strong bureaucratic institutions, the pressure of evaluation and promotion has also generated political cycles of tax‐break policies. Furthermore, the timing and content of the evaluation have driven leaders to use tax breaks strategically to build economic performance, producing distributional consequences. Combining panel data of 1,510,153 firm‐year observations, city‐leader data from 1995 to 2007, and field interviews, we find that the tax‐break rates dropped for most firms during mayors’ turnover years. In the first year of office, that is, the “busy year,” mayors needed to prioritize large firms and especially large foreign firms. Small domestic private firms bore the cost of tenure cycles. In the last year of the mayors' tenure, that is, the “dust‐settled” year, there was little incentive to seek promotion, and even important firms could not gain the mayors' attention.
Systematic review with network meta‐analysis: comparative efficacy of pharmacologic therapies for fibrosis improvement and resolution of NASH
Authors: Majzoub Abdul M. , Nayfeh Tarek , Barnard Abbey , Munaganuru Nagambika , Dave Shravan , Singh Siddharth , Murad Mohammad Hassan , Loomba Rohit
Published: August 2021

Background

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a common cause of chronic liver disease. There is a major need to understand the efficacy of different pharmacological agents for the treatment of NASH.

Aim

To assess the relative rank‐order of different pharmacological interventions in fibrosis improvement and NASH resolution.

Methods

A comprehensive search of several databases was conducted by an experienced librarian. We included randomised controlled‐trials (RCTs) comparing pharmacological interventions in patients with biopsy‐proven NASH. The primary outcome was ≥1 stage improvement in fibrosis. The secondary outcome was NASH resolution.

Results

A total of 26 RCTs with 23 interventions met the eligibility criteria. Lanifibranor and obeticholic acid had the highest probability of being ranked the most effective intervention for achieving ≥1 stage of fibrosis improvement (SUCRA 0.78) and (SUCRA 0.77), respectively. For NASH resolution, semaglutide, liraglutide and vitamin E plus pioglitazone had the highest probability of being ranked the most effective intervention for achieving NASH resolution (SUCRA 0.89), (SUCRA 0.84) and (SUCRA 0.83), respectively. Lanifibranor, obeticholic acid, pioglitazone and vitamin E were significantly better than placebo in achieving ≥1 stage of fibrosis improvement. Conversely, semaglutide, liraglutide, vitamine E plus pioglitazone, pioglitazone, lanifibranor and obeticholic acid were significantly better than placebo in achieving NASH resolution.

Conclusion

These data provide relative rank‐order efficacy of various NASH therapies in terms of their improvements in liver fibrosis and NASH resolution. Therapies that have been shown to improve NASH resolution may be combined with therapies that have an antifibrotic effect to further boost treatment response rate in future.
Exploring the Relationship between Target Costing Functionality and Product Innovation: The Role of Information Systems
Authors: Pavlatos Odysseas , Kostakis Hara
Published: August 2021

The role of management control practices in product innovation is a subject that has received great attention in management control literature. This research explores the relationship between target costing (TC) functionality, the quality of information systems (IS) and product innovation. We conducted an empirical study in 108 large industrial enterprises, which have research and development departments. The results show that there is a positive relationship between TC functionality and product innovation in terms of product newness and innovation rate. A direct effect of the quality of IS information on product innovation was not established but rather it was found that the positive association between the functionality of TC and product innovation is stronger in firms that provide IS information of higher quality as compared to firms that provide IS information of lower quality.
Volcanic facies architecture of early bimodal volcanism of the NW Deccan Traps: Volcanic reservoirs of the Raageshwari Deep Gas Field, Barmer Basin, India
Authors: Millett John M. , Jerram Dougal A. , Planke Sverre , Mund Bineet K. , Konar Shubhodip , Sharda Ruchika , Maharjan Dwarika , Patankar Tanzeem
Published: August 2021

The Deccan Traps large igneous province (LIP) comprises one of the largest continental flood basalt provinces on Earth with the main phase of volcanism spanning the Cretaceous‐Palaeogene boundary. The oldest volcanism of the province is encountered in the northwest of modern‐day India where Deccan stratigraphy is often buried beneath thick Cenozoic sedimentary sequences. The Raageshwari Deep Gas (RDG) Field, located onshore in the central Barmer Basin, NW India, produces gas from the early Deccan Raageshwari Volcanics which are subdivided into two members, the Agni Member and the overlying Prithvi Member. The RDG comprises a globally important example of a producing volcanic reservoir whilst also offering unique insights into the early volcanism of the Deccan with the aid of extensive high quality sub‐surface data. Within this study, the volcanic facies of the RDG sequences are investigated from five cored intervals (total 160 m). Core‐based facies determinations are compared with geochemical analyses, petrophysical analyses of the cores (density, porosity and permeability), and wireline data including micro‐resistivity borehole images (FMI) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) data. A wireline based volcanic lithofacies scheme is developed and applied to the uncored parts of the sequence which in turn is compared to 3D seismic data. Results of the study reveal the Agni Member to comprise a compositionally bimodal (basalt through to trachyte), dominantly alkaline series with mixed volcanic facies including spectacular felsic ignimbrites, basic‐intermediate simple lava flows, volcaniclastic units and newly identified shallow intrusions. The Prithvi Member in contrast is dominated by tholeiitic basalt compositions with less common basic‐intermediate alkaline compositions and comprises a sequence dominated by classic tabular lava flow facies inter‐digitated with boles, volcaniclastic units, rare compound braided lava facies and evolved tuffaceous ash layers. In one interval of the Prithvi Member, evidence for agglutinated spatter is recorded inferring potential proximity to a palaeo‐eruption site within the area. Comparison between core data and volcanic facies reveals a first order control of volcanic facies on reservoir properties highlighting the importance of volcanic facies appraisal in the development of volcanic reservoirs.
Plant susceptible responses: the underestimated side of plant–pathogen interactions
Authors: Gorshkov Vladimir , Tsers Ivan
Published: August 2021

Plant susceptibility to pathogens is usually considered from the perspective of the loss of resistance. However, susceptibility cannot be equated with plant passivity since active host cooperation may be required for the pathogen to propagate and cause disease. This cooperation consists of the induction of reactions called susceptible responses that transform a plant from an autonomous biological unit into a component of a pathosystem. Induced susceptibility is scarcely discussed in the literature (at least compared to induced resistance) although this phenomenon has a fundamental impact on plant–pathogen interactions and disease progression. This review aims to summarize current knowledge on plant susceptible responses and their regulation. We highlight two main categories of susceptible responses according to their consequences and indicate the relevance of susceptible response‐related studies to agricultural practice. We hope that this review will generate interest in this underestimated aspect of plant–pathogen interactions.
The emergence of children’s natural number concepts: Current theoretical challenges
Authors: Sella Francesco , Slusser Emily , Odic Darko , Krajcsi Attila
Published: August 2021

Learning the meaning of number words is a lengthy and error‐prone process. In this review, we highlight outstanding issues related to current accounts of children’s acquisition of symbolic number knowledge. We maintain that, despite the ability to identify and label small numerical quantities, children do not understand initially that number words refer only to sets of discrete countable items, not to other nonnumerical dimensions. We question the presence of a sudden change in children’s understanding of cardinality, and we report the limits of the give‐a‐number task. We also highlight that children are still learning the directional property of the counting list, even after acquiring the cardinality principle. Finally, we discuss the role that the Approximate Number System may have in supporting the acquisition of symbolic numbers. We call for improvements in methodological tools and refinement in theoretical understanding of how children learn natural numbers.
Valuing the whole community: Children, schools and language
Authors: Cohen Bronwen J. , Rønning Wenche
Published: August 2021

What help is given to children in exploring linguistic and cultural diversity in their local communities? Drawing on a comparative study of Place‐Based Learning (PBL) in three predominantly rural areas in Scotland, Norway and the USA, the article examines educational and cultural approaches to supporting indigenous and minority community languages. It offers examples of the potential these offer in contributing to children's personal language awareness and development and cultural learning, but finds that language and education policies are fragmented and failing in particular to take advantage of newer migrant languages as a tool for developing linguistic and intercultural skills.
Immediate loading protocols increase the risk of failure of implants placed by fully guided surgery in partially edentulous jaws: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Ko Kyung‐A , Song Young Woo , Park Ji‐Man , Park Young‐Bum , Kim Chang‐Sung , Lee Jung‐Seok
Published: August 2021

Aim

To compare the 1‐year outcomes of immediate loading (IL) and delayed loading (DL) protocols for implants placed by fully guided surgery in partially edentulous jaws.

Materials and Methods

This study included 72 patients who received implant surgery with either IL (93 implants, 36 patients) or DL (94 implants, 26 patients). A prefabricated provisional prosthesis was delivered immediately for the IL group (86 implants, 32 patients) with the exception of 4 subjects in whom an initial torque of >20 Ncm and an implant stability quotient of >65 were not achieved, while all DL‐group implants were loaded after 3 months. The 1‐year implant survival rate estimated by intention‐to‐treat (ITT) and per‐protocol (PP) analyses, and the marginal bone loss (MBL) estimated by cone‐beam computed tomography were statistically evaluated (p < 0.05).

Results

The survival rate in the DL group was 100% at both patient and implant levels. With only 26 subjects with 78 implants surviving in the IL group, the survival rates were 69.4% and 83.4% at the patient and implant levels, respectively, in the ITT analysis, and 78.1% and 90.2% in the PP analysis. All intergroup differences in survival rates were statistically significant (p < 0.01). MBL was less than 0.1 mm in both groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

IL for implants placed by fully guided surgery in the partially edentulous jaws increased the probability of failure compared to 3‐month DL. Regardless of when loading occurred, marginal bone levels remained stable.
Molecular phylogeny and evolution of Calaphidinae (Hemiptera: Aphididae)
Authors: Lee Yerim , Kanturski Mariusz , Foottit Robert G. , Kim Sora , Lee Seunghwan
Published: August 2021

Calaphidinae is the second‐largest subfamily in the family Aphididae. Despite their species diversity and some taxonomic controversy, no phylogenetic studies have been conducted on them thus far. Herein, we report the first molecular phylogeny of Calaphidinae and two related lineages, Phyllaphidinae and Saltusaphidinae, based on five genes (3418 bp) for 126 taxa. Maximum parsimony, maximum‐likelihood and Bayesian inference phylogenetic analyses were performed on the multilocus dataset. Divergence time estimation, biogeographical reconstruction, ancestral host plant reconstruction and PhyloType analyses were performed to identify evolutionary trends in Calaphidinae. Our phylogenetic results lead to several conclusions: Phyllaphidinae is a sister group to Calaphidinae s.l.; Calaphidinae is paraphyletic with respect to the former “Saltusaphidinae”; the ingroup clade was subdivided into nine newly recognized lineages; and three subtribes of Calaphidinae (Monaphidina, Calaphdina and Panaphidina) and many genera were not recovered as monophyletic. A new classification is proposed with eight tribal divisions that reflect our phylogenetic results, including three new tribes (Pterocallidini trib.n., Pseudochromaphidini trib.n. and Shivaphidini trib.n.) and three new statuses (Saltusaphidini stat.n., Therioaphidini stat.n. and Myzocallidini stat.n.). The ancestral reconstruction results imply that the ingroup taxa’s common ancestor originated in the Eastern Palaearctic and might have fed on Fagaceae in the Late Cretaceous. Later, multiple host shifts and an expanding geographical distribution led to the current species diversity of Calaphidinae. Our reconstructions suggest that species diversification cannot solely be explained by speciation via host shifts and that geographical isolation probably also played a key role. Our results provide new insight into the natural classification and history of the host plant associations and biogeography of Calaphidinae s.l.
Variants of candidate genes associated with the risk of obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Yi Minhan , Tan Yun , Pi Yuze , Zhou Yicen , Fei Quanming , Zhao Wangcheng , Zhang Yuan
Published: August 2021

Background

The researches on the associations between different candidate genes and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are inconsistent. Here, we performed a comprehensive qualitative and quantitative analysis to estimate the contribution of variants from candidate genes to the risk of OSA.

Methods

Qualitative analysis was conducted to find the relationships for all included genes. Then, quantitative analysis of both allele models and genotype models was applied to evaluate the risk variants for OSA. Furthermore, a similar analysis was performed in different ethnic groups.

Results

We included 152 publications containing 75 genes for qualitative analysis. Among them, we included 93 articles containing 28 variants from 16 genes for quantitative analysis. Through allele models, we found 10 risk variants for OSA (rs1801133 ofMTHFR,ɛ4 ofApoE, −1438G/A of5‐HT2A, −308G/A ofTNF‐α, Pro1019Pro ofLEPR, rs1130864 and rs2794521 ofCRP, D/I ofACE, LPR and VNTR of5‐HTT) with the ORs of 1.21–2.07 in global population. We found that the variant of ɛ2 ofApoEcould uniquely decrease the risk of OSA in the East Asian subgroup, while the other 6 variants, including ɛ4 inApoE, −308G/A inTNF‐α, Pro1019Pro inLEPR, D/I inACE, LPR and VNTR in5‐HTT, could increase the risk of OSA. As for the European subpopulation, we only found that −308G/A inTNF‐αcould increase the risk for OSA.

Conclusions

Eleven variants from the candidate genes are associated with the risk of OSA, which also show ethnicity differences in East Asian and European subgroups.
Surprising roles of climate in regulating flowering phenology in a subtropical ecosystem
Authors: Song Zhuqiu , Du Yanjun , Primack Richard B. , Miller‐Rushing Abraham J. , Ye Wanhui , Huang Zhongliang
Published: August 2021

Climate‐driven changes in phenology have widespread effects on ecological interactions and species' abundances. Most predictions of changes in phenology and the consequences for ecology and conservation are based on research in temperate systems. Climate‐driven changes in phenology are largely undocumented in subtropical regions, which host much of the world's biodiversity. Factors important to regulating phenology in temperate systems (e.g. winter chilling requirements) are likely weak or absent in subtropical ecosystems; plant phenology in these regions could respond to climate differently than in the temperate zone. Here we examine flowering phenology data for 105 plant species based on herbarium specimens and photographs from 1911 to 2015 in the southern subtropical Nanling region in south China. Temperatures in this region warmed 0.3°C over the 105‐year study period, and most plant species flowered earlier over time, although species varied substantially in the magnitude of phenological response to warming temperatures. Spring flowering times advanced in response to warming temperatures in late summer and early autumn and in early spring, with late summer and early autumn temperatures having almost twice as strong an effect on spring flowering times as early spring temperatures (−4.7 versus −2.5 days °C−1). This strong effect of late summer and early autumn temperatures is very different from temperate systems and has substantial implications for anticipating future changes in phenology. The temperatures in late summer and early autumn may affect spring phenology by accelerating bud formation or initial growth. Warming January temperature delayed summer flowering and advanced winter flowering. Increases in precipitation during April to June also tended to delay summer flowering. Autumn flowering species showed inconsistent responses to warming. These results highlight important differences between climate‐driven changes in phenology in temperate and subtropical areas. Understanding these differences will be important in understanding the effects of climate change on vegetation phenology and ecosystem processes.
Putting parental overprotection into a family systems context: Relations of overprotective parenting with perceived coparenting and adolescent anxiety
Authors: Van Petegem Stijn , Albert Sznitman Gillian , Darwiche Joëlle , Zimmermann Grégoire
Published: August 2021

Previous research offers evidence for how overprotective parenting is related to psychosocial maladjustment among adolescents, and documents the parent‐related and child‐related antecedents of overprotective parenting. Using a family systems perspective, the present study aimed at extending this knowledge by looking into contextual determinants of overprotective parenting. More specifically, the goal of this study was to examine associations between adolescents’ perceptions of the coparental relationship (i.e., the way parental figures relate to each other in their role as parents) and overprotective parenting, which in turn was expected to relate to more adolescent anxiety symptoms. A sample of 174 Swiss adolescents (Mage =16.99 years, 73% girls) completed questionnaires assessing their perceptions of the coparental relationship (in terms of cooperation, conflict, and triangulation), overprotective parenting, and symptoms of anxiety. Analyses indicated that triangulation, in particular, was uniquely related to higher levels of overprotective parenting, which in turn was associated with more anxiety symptoms among adolescents. These results provide evidence for the importance of considering the larger family systems context for understanding the dynamics involved in overprotective parenting. Theoretical and clinical implications of these findings are discussed.
Vegetation composition modulates the interaction of climate warming and elevated nitrogen deposition on nitrous oxide flux in a boreal peatland
Authors: Gong Yu , Wu Jianghua
Published: August 2021

Northern peatlands with large organic nitrogen (N) storage have the potential to be N2O hotspots under climate warming, elevated N deposition, and vegetation composition change caused by climate change. However, the interactions of these three factors and the primary controls on N2O fluxes in peatlands are not well‐known. Here, the three factors were manipulated in a boreal bog in western Newfoundland, Canada for 5 years. We found that warming mitigated the positive N effect on N2O fluxes in the mid‐growing season under intact vegetation owing to the increase of available N uptake by vegetation and less N for N2O production. In contrast, warming strengthened the N effect on N2O fluxes in the early growing season under the absence of graminoids or shrubs, which could be attributed to the increase of available carbon and nitrogen for N2O production. It should be noted that these effects were not observed under the condition of low carbon availability. In addition, gross primary production was found as a critical control on N2O fluxes under N addition. Our findings emphasize that the interaction of abiotic (warming and elevated nitrogen deposition) and biotic factors (vegetation composition change) on N2O fluxes should be taken into account in order to project N2O fluxes in peatland ecosystems accurately.
Effect of interfacial microstructure evolution on the peeling strength and fracture of AMB Cu‐metalized AlN substrate
Authors: Zhang Yukun , Zhang Jinsong , Chen Jichun
Published: August 2021

Silver‐titanium (Ag‐Ti) paste was used to prepare copper‐metalized aluminum nitride (AlN) substrate under 2 MPa by brazing. The effects of Ti concentration and brazing temperature on interfacial microstructure were evaluated. The evolution of the interfacial microstructure was examined based on six types of samples. The growth of TiN reaction layer at the AlN/Cu interface is from the island type to the continuous type, and then grows and thickens along the AlN grain boundary until the superficial AlN grains transform into TiN completely. The peeling strength increases as TiN reaction layer tends to be continuous, and reaches the maximum value of 34.6 N/mm. The copper‐metalized AlN substrates crack at the AlN ceramic, accompanied by the local plastic deformation of the copper foil, and then form the typical wave fracture. With further thickening of TiN reaction layer, the porous TiN layer becomes the weak link, and peeling strength decreased.
Urbanization buffers seasonal change in composition of bird communities: A multi‐continental meta‐analysis
Authors: Leveau Lucas M. , Jokimäki Jukka , Kaisanlahti‐Jokimäki Marja‐Liisa
Published: August 2021

Aim

Urbanization buffers the seasonality of climate conditions and food availability and, therefore, may cause a seasonal homogenization of animal communities. However, the global effect of urbanization on the seasonal dynamics of animal communities remains unexplored. Our aim was to study the multi‐continental relationship between urbanization and the seasonal change in bird composition and explore the influence of climatic factors on the urban‐induced reduction of seasonality of bird composition.

Location

Multi‐continental.

Taxon

Birds.

Methods

We performed a literature review and a meta‐analysis. The risk ratio effect size (here referred to as urban seasonality index, USI) was used, considering the number of species seen either in the breeding (spring and/or summer) or the non‐breeding (autumn and/or winter) season, and the number of species seen during both seasons between urban and less urbanized sites. Low USI values indicated a decrease in the seasonal change in bird composition in urban areas. A total of 38 USIs were obtained from 34 cities of six continents.

Results

Multi‐continentally, there are fewer differences in bird composition between seasons in urban than in less urbanized areas, indicating seasonal homogenization due to urbanization. The USI decreased in areas with the lowest maximum temperature and the highest latitude, suggesting the highest decrease in the seasonality of bird composition in urban areas located in regions near the poles and with high seasonal change in temperature. Moreover, studies in the Northern Hemisphere and those that compared suburban versus natural and urban versus rural habitats had a significant decrease in seasonality of bird community in urban areas.

Main conclusions

Urbanization induces a seasonal homogenization of bird composition, and this impact seems more pronounced in temperate areas with broad annual temperature range, and located in the Northern Hemisphere. Results indicate that efforts to restore seasonal dynamics in habitats and resources should be made in urban areas of temperate regions.
Couple and family therapy for substance use disorders: Evidence‐based update 2010–2019
Authors: Hogue Aaron , Schumm Jeremiah A. , MacLean Alexandra , Bobek Molly
Published: August 2021

This article updates the evidence‐based on couple and family therapy interventions for substance use disorders (SUD) since publication of the previous JMFT reviews in 2012. It first summarizes previous reviews along with findings from more recent reviews and meta‐analytic studies. It then presents study design and methods criteria used to select 13 studies of couple and family therapy for level of support evaluation. Cumulative level of support designations are then determined for identified treatment approaches. Findings indicate that systemic family therapy is well‐established as a standalone treatment, and behavioral family therapy and behavioral couple therapy are probably efficacious as standalone treatments and well‐established as part of a multicomponent treatment. The article then suggests practice guidelines with regard to treatment modality considerations and implementation challenges. It concludes with future directions for delivering couple and family interventions in routine systems of care for SUD.
Associations between nutritional frailty and 8‐year all‐cause mortality in older adults: The Salus in Apulia Study
Authors: Zupo Roberta , Castellana Fabio , Guerra Vito , Donghia Rossella , Bortone Ilaria , Griseta Chiara , Lampignano Luisa , Dibello Vittorio , Lozupone Madia , Coelho‐Júnior Hélio José , Solfrizzi Vincenzo , Giannelli Gianluigi , De Pergola Giovanni , Boeing Heiner , Sardone Rodolfo , Panza Francesco
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Preventive nutritional management of frailty, a multidimensional intermediate status in the ageing process, may reduce the risk of adverse health‐related outcomes. We investigated the ability of a measure combining physical frailty with nutritional imbalance, defined as nutritional frailty, to predict all‐cause mortality over a period of up to 8 years.

Methods

We analysed data on 1,943 older adults from the population‐based ‘Salus in Apulia Study’. Physical frailty was operationalized using Cardiovascular Health Study criteria and cognitive frailty by combining physical frailty with cognitive impairment. A novel five‐item construct was built to assess the extent of nutritional imbalance identified with a machine learning algorithm. Cox models and Kaplan–Meier survival probability analyses of physical frailty, nutritional imbalance (two or more of the following: low body mass index, low skeletal muscle index, ≥2.3 g/day sodium intake, <3.35 g/day potassium intake and <9.9 g/day iron intake), cognitive frailty and the novel nutritional frailty phenotype (physical frailty plus nutritional imbalance) were applied to assess all‐cause mortality risk, adjusted for age, sex, education and multimorbidity.

Results

The overall prevalence of nutritional frailty was 4.52% (95% confidence interval, CI:3.55–5.44), being more frequent in males. Subjects with nutritional frailty were at higher risk for all‐cause mortality [hazard ratio (HR):2.31; 95%CI:1.41–3.79] than those with physical frailty (HR:1.45,95% CI:1.0–2.02), nutritional imbalance (HR:1.39; 95%CI:1.05–1.83) and cognitive frailty (HR:1.06; 95%CI:0.56–2.01).

Conclusions

Efforts to identify, manage and prevent frailty should include the nutritional domain. The nutritional frailty phenotype may highlight major nutritional determinants that could drive survival and health trajectories in older adults.
The potential remedy of melatonin on osteoarthritis
Authors: Lu Ko‐Hsiu , Lu Peace Wun‐Ang , Lu Eric Wun‐Hao , Tang Chih‐Hsin , Su Shih‐Chi , Lin Chiao‐Wen , Yang Shun‐Fa
Published: August 2021

Osteoarthritis (OA), the most common arthritis worldwide, is a degenerative joint disease characterized by progressive cartilage breakdown, subchondral remodeling, and synovial inflammation. Although conventional pharmaceutical therapies aimed to prevent further cartilage loss and joint dysfunction, there are no ideal strategies that target the pathogenesis of OA. Melatonin exhibits a variety of regulatory properties by binding to specific receptors and downstream molecules and exerts a myriad of receptor‐independent actions via intracellular targets as a chondrocyte protector, an anti‐inflammation modulator, and a free radical scavenger. Melatonin also modulates cartilage regeneration and degradation by directly/indirectly regulating the expression of main circadian clock genes, such as transcriptional activators [brain and muscle aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator‐like protein (Bmal) and circadian locomotor output cycles kaput (Clock)], transcriptional repressors [period circadian regulator (Per)1/2, cryptochrome (Cry)1/2, and Dec2], and nuclear hormone receptors [Rev‐Erbs and retinoid acid‐related orphan receptors (Rors)]. Owing to its effects on cartilage homeostasis, we propose a potential role for melatonin in the prevention and therapy of OA via the modulation of circadian clock genes, mitigation of chondrocyte apoptosis, anti‐inflammatory activity, and scavenging of free radicals.
Strategic delegation and network externalities under export rivalry market
Authors: Choi Kangsik , Lee Ki‐Dong
Published: August 2021

In the presence of network externalities, this study examines the endogenous delegation structure in an export rivalry market with import tariff under Bertrand competition. Contrast to previous works, we show that (i) with strong (weak) network externalities, choosing delegation for exporters is a dominant strategy, which implies the managerial delegation for output expansion (restriction) is socially desirable; (ii) with intermediate network externalities, the exporters choose no delegation in equilibrium; (iii) compared to no delegation, a smaller import tariff further increases both exporters incentives, consumer surplus and social welfare to choose delegation for output expansion unless the strength of network externalities is small; and (iv) hence, two contrasting prisoner’s dilemmas occur in the Bertrand competition when the network effect is medium‐sized.
Decline in telomere length with increasing age across nonhuman vertebrates: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Remot Florentin , Ronget Victor , Froy Hannah , Rey Benjamin , Gaillard Jean‐Michel , Nussey Daniel H. , Lemaitre Jean‐François
Published: August 2021

The prediction that telomere length (TL) shortens with increasing age is a major element in considering the role of telomeres as a key player in evolution. While telomere attrition is found in humans both in vitro and in vivo, the increasing number of studies reporting diverse age‐specific patterns of TL challenges the hypothesis of a universal decline of TL with increasing age. Here, we performed a meta‐analysis to estimate the relationship between TL and age across 175 estimates encompassing 98 species of vertebrates. We found that, on average, TL does decline with increasing age during adulthood. However, this decline was weak and variable across vertebrate classes, and we also found evidence for a publication bias that might weaken our current evidence of decreasing TL with increasing age. We found no evidence for a faster decline in TL with increasing age when considering the juvenile stage (from birth to age at first reproduction) compared to the adult stage. Heterogeneity in TL ageing rates was explained by the method used to measure telomeres: detectable TL declines with increasing age were found only among studies using TRF with in‐gel hybridisation and qFISH methods, but not in studies using qPCR and Southern blot‐based TRF methods. While we confirmed that TL declines with increasing age in most adult vertebrates, our results identify an influence of telomere measurement methodology, which highlights the need to examine more thoroughly the effect of the method of measurement on TL estimates.
Formalising Star Clusters: Sonata Process and Breakthrough Function in the Adagio of Mahler's Tenth Symphony
Authors: LEE KELVIN H. F.
Published: August 2021

This article revisits the long‐standing issue of form in the Adagio of Mahler's Tenth Symphony (1910) in light of recent developments inFormenlehreand neo‐Riemannian theory. I consider the movement's sonata properties, as discerned by Kofi Agawu (1986) and Richard Kaplan (2005), by exploring the applicability of William E. Caplin's form‐functional theory (1998) and James Hepokoski and Warren Darcy's Sonata Theory (2006) in a post‐Wagnerian tonal environment, construed in terms of Richard Cohn's hexatonic systems (1999) and Julian Horton's model of orbital tonality (2018b). While the argument posits a hexatonically orientated conception of form based on what I theorise as hexatonic tension, special attention is given to the idea of breakthrough as an analytical and hermeneutic point of reorientation: conceived after Janet Schmalfeldt's concept of becoming (2011), the breakthrough initiates a retrospective reinterpretation of the Adagio's tonal universe and consequently turns its form into a diatonically orientated sonata form. The article thus explicates the formal function of breakthrough based on Adorno's aesthetic formulation, propounding a chromatically inflected model of sonata form in response to Seth Monahan's call for a novel framework for Mahler's late works (2011). Together they constitute a foundation of a theory of fin‐de‐siècle modernist symphonic sonata form.
The inability to belch syndrome: A study using concurrent high‐resolution manometry and impedance monitoring
Authors: Oude Nijhuis Renske A.B. , Snelleman Jurjaan A. , Oors Jac M. , Kessing Boudewijn F. , Heuveling Derrek A. , Schuitenmaker Jeroen M. , ten Cate Liesbeth , Smout Andreas J.P.M. , Bredenoord Albert J.
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Although inability to belch has previously been linked to dysfunction of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES), its underlying pathogenesis remains unclear. Our aim was to study mechanisms underlying inability to belch and the effect of UES botulinum toxin (botox) injections in these patients.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled consecutive patients with symptoms of inability to belch. Patients underwent stationary high‐resolution impedance manometry (HRIM) with belch provocation and ambulatory 24‐h pH‐impedance monitoring before and 3 months after UES botox injection.

Results

Eight patients (four males, age 18–37 years) were included. Complete and normal UES relaxation occurred in response to deglutition in all patients. A median number of 33(15–64) gastroesophageal gas reflux episodes were observed. Despite the subsequent increase in esophageal pressure (from −4.0 [−7.7–4.2] to 8 [3.3–16.1] mmHg; p < 0.012), none of the gastroesophageal gas reflux events resulted in UES relaxation. Periods of continuous high impedance levels, indicating air entrapment (median air presence time 10.5% [0–43]), were observed during 24‐h impedance monitoring. UES botox reduced UES basal pressure (from 95.7[41.2–154.0] to 29.2 [16.7–45.6] mmHg; p < 0.02) and restored belching capacity in all patients. As a result, esophageal air presence time decreased from 10.5% (0–43.4) to 0.7% (0.1–18.6; p < 0.02) and esophageal symptoms improved in all patients (VAS 6.0 [1.0–7.9] to 1.0 [0.0–2.5]; p < 0.012).

Conclusion

The results of this study underpin the existence of a syndrome characterized by an inability to belch and support the hypothesis that ineffective UES relaxation, with subsequent esophageal air entrapment, may lead to esophageal symptoms.
Language competition on lattices
Authors: Kapitula Todd , Kevrekidis Panayotis G.
Published: August 2021

We consider a language dynamics ODE model for two languages on a square lattice. The model is an extension of the one popularized by Abrams and Strogatz. In our study, we are interested in the existence and spectral stability of structures such as stripes, which are realized through pulses and/or the concatenation of fronts, and spots, which are a contiguous collection of sites in which one language is dominant. Because the coupling between adjacent sites is nonlinear, the transition between regions speaking two different languages is super‐exponential. The full dynamics are considered as a function of the prestige of a language. It is seen that as the prestige varies, it allows for a language to spread through the lattice, or conversely for its demise. Although most of the work is done assuming a square lattice, we briefly consider the problem on a triangle lattice to illustrate the robustness of the findings. We conclude by looking at the existence and spectral stability of fronts and pulses for an associated continuum PDE model. In this model, the super‐exponential decay associated with the lattice model is reflected in the existence of compactly supported structures (compactons).
The predictive values of a deliberative and a paternalistic attitude towards two situations of moral conflict: A study among Dutch nurse practitioners and physician assistants
Authors: Kuilman Luppo , Jansen Gerard J. , Mulder Laetitia B. , Roodbol Petrie F.
Published: August 2021

Background

In this study, we examined the predictive values of a moral deliberate and paternalistic attitude on the propensity of yielding to pressure. In these hypothesised positive and negative relationships, we further sought to ascertain whether moral disengagement plays a pivotal role when individuals deviate from ethical standards, rules and regulations when yielding to pressure.

Aim(s)

This study's primary aim was to assess the predictive value of a moral deliberative and paternalistic attitude for yielding to pressure when physician assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) face moral conflicts.

Method

This validation study was cross‐sectional and based on a convenience sample of Dutch PAs and NPs. The MSQ‐DELIB and MSQ‐PATER scales indicate a moral deliberate or paternalistic attitude. These scales were assumed to have a predictive value towards the degree of yielding to pressure by PAs and NPs. Yielding to pressure was measured by two vignettes in which respondents faced a moral conflict (vignette 1: prescribing unindicated antibiotics and vignette 2: discharging a difficult patient from the hospital).

Results

Only moral deliberation was a significant predictor of yielding to pressure. That is, we found a positive effect in vignette 1 (in which the pressure came from the patient). In contrast, we found a negative relationship in vignette 2 (in which pressure went from the working environment). Paternalism did not affect yielding to pressure in either vignette.

Conclusion

This study suggests that PAs and NPs having a moral deliberative attitude makes them receptive to pressure exerted by patients to break moral standards. On the other hand, they are more resilient against doing so when this pressure comes from different sources than the patient. Further research is needed to find more conclusive evidence for this differential effect.
Does Blood Flow Restriction Resistance Training Improve Knee-Extensor Strength, Function, and Reduce Patient-Reported Pain? A Critically Appraised Topic
Authors: Zaremba Matthew , Martin Joel , Fyock-Martin Marcie
Published: August 2021

Clinical Scenario: Knee pathologies often require rehabilitation to address the loss of knee-extensor (KE) strength, function, and heightened pain. However, in the early stages of rehabilitation, higher loads may be contraindicated. Blood flow restriction (BFR) resistance training does not require high loads and has been used clinically to promote strength improvements in a variety of injured populations. BFR resistance training may be an effective alternative to high-intensity resistance training during early rehabilitation of knee pathologies. Clinical Question: Following a knee injury, does BFR resistance training improve KE strength and function, and reduce patient-reported pain? Summary of Key Findings: Four randomized controlled trial studies met the inclusion criteria. Each included study evaluated the use of BFR resistance training on knee pathologies and the effects on KE strength, functional outcomes, and pain compared with high- or low-load resistance training. All 4 studies reported significant improvements in KE strength, function, and pain through a variety of outcome measures, following BFR resistance training use as the treatment. Clinical Bottom Line: There is consistent evidence to support the use of BFR resistance training as a treatment intervention following knee injury and as a means to improve KE strength and function and to reduce pain. Strength of Recommendation: Grade A evidence supporting the use of BFR resistance training for improvement in KE strength and function, and the reduction of patient-reported pain following an acute or chronic knee pathology.
Afghan scholars despair after Taliban’s takeover
Authors: Stone Richard
Published: August 2021

Many scramble to leave the country in fear of return to harsh “antiscience” rule
Unethical? Unnecessary? The booster debate intensifies
Authors: Vogel Gretchen
Published: August 2021

As United States reveals its plan to offer an extra dose of COVID-19 vaccine, equity and scientific questions abound
Looking to the Rockies for clues to water woes
Authors: Stokstad Erik
Published: August 2021

New effort to understand precipitation and runoff could improve Colorado River forecasts
Feeling the pressure
Authors: Service Robert F.
Published: August 2021

Can room-temperature superconductors transform from a tantalizing glimmer to practical materials?
Enterococcuspeptidoglycan remodeling promotes checkpoint inhibitor cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Griffin Matthew E. , Espinosa Juliel , Becker Jessica L. , Luo Ji-Dung , Carroll Thomas S. , Jha Jyoti K. , Fanger Gary R. , Hang Howard C.
Published: August 2021

SagA promotes immunotherapy response

The gut microbiome can influence the treatment outcome for cancer patients receiving PD-L1 immunotherapy, but the mechanisms underlying favorable responses are unclear. Griffinet al. found that a particular type of bacteria called enterococci enhance anti–PD-L1 immunotherapy in mice (see the Perspective by Ansaldo and Belkaid). The researchers show that enterococci secrete an enzyme called SagA that breaks down components of the bacterial cell wall. This process results in the release of muramyl peptide fragments, which in turn act as stimulatory molecules to promote signaling of the innate immune sensor protein NOD2 and improved immunotherapy responses. —PNK
Prenatal maternal infection promotes tissue-specific immunity and inflammation in offspring
Authors: Lim Ai Ing , McFadden Taryn , Link Verena M. , Han Seong-Ji , Karlsson Rose-Marie , Stacy Apollo , Farley Taylor K. , Lima-Junior Djalma S. , Harrison Oliver J. , Desai Jigar V. , Lionakis Michail S. , Shih Han-Yu , Cameron Heather A. , Belkaid Yasmine
Published: August 2021

Mom’s IL-6 rewires baby’s gut immunity

Most infections that occur during pregnancy are mild and transient. However, whether such pathogen encounters can shape the long-term trajectory of the offspring’s immune system remains unclear. Lim
et al
. infected pregnant mice with the common food-borne pathogen
Yersinia pseudotuberculosis
(YopM) (see the Perspective by Amir and Zeng). Although the infection was maternally restricted and short-lived, the offspring harbored greater numbers of intestinal T helper 17 cells into adulthood. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) mediated this tissue-restricted effect by acting on fetal intestinal epithelium during development. Although offspring from mothers infected with YopM or injected with IL-6 showed enhanced resistance to oral infection with
Salmonella
Typhimurium, they also exhibited higher susceptibility toward enteric inflammatory disease. —STS
The gRAMP CRISPR-Cas effector is an RNA endonuclease complexed with a caspase-like peptidase
Authors: van Beljouw Sam P. B. , Haagsma Anna C. , Rodríguez-Molina Alicia , van den Berg Daan F. , Vink Jochem N. A. , Brouns Stan J. J.
Published: August 2021

CRISPR and Caspase meet

Many prokaryotes use CRISPR RNA–bound proteins to sense viral RNA instead of DNA to set an immune response in motion that protects from virus infection. Although these ribonucleoproteins are typically composed of many protein subunits, van Beljouw
et al
. discovered that CRISPR-Cas type III-E systems are formed by a large, single-component effector protein capable of double RNA cleavage. Distinct from other systems, this effector forms a complex with a peptidase from the caspase family, raising the intriguing possibility that viral RNA activates a protease activity to prevent virus propagation by host suicide. —DJ
How microbiota improve immunotherapy
Authors: Ansaldo Eduard , Belkaid Yasmine
Published: August 2021

Ligands derived from the gut microbiota enhance cancer immunotherapy
Draft Genome Sequence of
Desulfurobacterium
sp. Strain AV08, a Thermophilic Chemolithoautotroph Isolated from a Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Vent
Authors: Skoog Emilie J. , Huber Julie A. , Serres Margrethe H. , Levesque Alice , Zeigler Allen Lisa
Published: August 2021

A thermophilic chemolithoautotrophic bacterium was isolated from vent fluids at Axial Seamount, an active deep-sea volcano in the northeast Pacific Ocean. We present the draft genome sequence of
Desulfurobacterium
sp. strain AV08.