bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extraordinary peptide-binding mode of a songbird MHC class-I molecule suggests mechanism to counter pathogen immune evasion
Authors: Eltschkner Sandra , Mellinger Samantha , Buus Sören , Nielsen Morten , Paulsson Kajsa M , Lindkvist-Petersson Karin , Westerdahl Helena
Published: March 2023

Long-distance migratory animals such as birds and bats have evolved to withstand selection imposed by pathogens across the globe, and pathogen richness is known to be particularly high in tropical regions. Immune genes, so-called Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) genes, are highly duplicated in songbirds compared to other vertebrates, and this high MHC diversity has been hypothesised to result in a unique adaptive immunity. To understand the rationale behind the evolution of the high MHC genetic diversity in songbirds, we determined the structural properties of an MHC class I protein, Acar3, from a long-distance migratory songbird, the great reed warblerAcrocephalus arundinaceus(in short:Acar). The structure of Acar3 was studied in complex with pathogen-derived antigens and shows an overall antigen presentation similar to human MHC class I. However, the peptides bound to Acar3 display an unusual conformation: Whereas the N-terminal ends of the peptides display enhanced flexibility, the conformation of their C-terminal halves is rather static. This uncommon peptide-binding mode in Acar3 is facilitated by a central Arg residue within the peptide-binding groove that fixes the backbone of the peptide at its central position, and potentially permits successful interactions between MHC class I and innate immune receptors. Our study highlights the importance of investigating the immune system of wild animals, such as birds and bats, to uncover unique immune mechanisms which may neither exist in humans nor in model organisms.
Classical solutions for the generalized Kadomtsev–Petviashvili I equations
Authors: Georgiev Svetlin , Boukarou Aissa , Bouhali Keltoum , Zennir Khaled
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This paper is devoted to the generalized Kadomtsev–Petviashvili I equation. This study aims to propose a new approach for investigation for the existence of at least one global classical solution and the existence of at least two nonnegative global classical solutions. The main arguments in this paper are based on some recent theoretical results.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is devoted to the generalized Kadomtsev–Petviashvili I equation. This study aims to propose a new approach for investigation for the existence of at least one global classical solution and the existence of at least two nonnegative global classical solutions. The main arguments in this paper are based on some recent theoretical results.

Findings

This paper is devoted to the generalized Kadomtsev–Petviashvili I equation. This study aims to propose a new approach for investigation for the existence of at least one global classical solution and the existence of at least two nonnegative global classical solutions. The main arguments in this paper are based on some recent theoretical results.

Originality/value

This article is devoted to the generalized Kadomtsev–Petviashvili I equation. This study aims to propose a new approach for investigation for the existence of at least one global classical solution and the existence of at least two nonnegative global classical solutions. The main arguments in this paper are based on some recent theoretical results.
Achieving transparency in business processes by developing and implementing ethical climate: an integrated model of ethical leadership and engagement
Authors: Burhan Qurat-ul-Ain , Khan Muhammad Asif , Malik Muhammad Faisal
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The current research aims to investigate the role of ethical leadership in improving business processes and the impact of ethical leadership on employee engagement with mediating role of relational identification and ethical climate. Although ethical leadership displays and promotes morality in their followers, current literature is silent about the inclusion of relational identification and ethical climate. The present study intends to develop and test a model with the chain of mediation in the relationship between ethical leadership and employee engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of237 responses were collected from the banking sector using quantitative research techniques, and data were gathered through a self-administrated questionnaire. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used through SEM- MPLUS to generate the results and test hypotheses.

Findings

The results suggested a significant impact of ethical leadership on employee engagement through relational identification and ethical climate (moral obligations, moral convictions and elevation). By using the results, practical and theoretical implications are discussed.

Research limitations/implications

Besides all the proposed hypotheses that have been accepted, there are some limitations associated with this study. One limitation is usage of single source information, as the data were collected only from the banking sector employees. Moreover, only three variables are taken in the context of ethical climate (moral obligations, moral convictions and elevation). However, some other variables could also be included under the umbrella of ethical climate, e.g. moral virtue. Future researchers should also add different employee attitudes, such as job involvement, job satisfaction and organizational commitment, other than employee engagement.

Originality/value

An abundance of research is conducted on ethical leadership; however, with the development of knowledge and new thoughts related to identification and ethical climate, there is a strong need to conduct the research by including other overlooked possible paths.
Regulating sharing platforms in lateral exchange markets: the role of power and trust
Authors: Tang Xiaofei , Luo Yong (Eddie) , Zhou Pan , Lowe Ben
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to examine different types of sharing platforms based on risk perceptions of product/service providers and users, and to illustrate appropriate platform regulation preferences.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was used (N= 540) to collect data on platform participants’ risk perceptions and regulation preferences in the Chinese (N= 263) and the US markets (N= 277). Cluster analysis and multiple correspondence analysis were used to categorise platforms and match their regulation preferences with the risk characteristics.

Findings

The results show that i) four types of sharing platforms are categorised in terms of the risk perceived by the supply and demand side, and ii) four types of regulation preferences are clustered, drawing on the power and trust elements proposed from the slippery slope framework. Furthermore, coercive power regulation is favoured by participants of platforms with high supply risk and low demand risk, legitimate power regulation is preferred by actors of platforms with low supply risk and high demand risk, reason-based trust regulation is preferred by actors of platforms with high supply and demand risk, and implicit trust regulation is favoured by participants of platforms with low supply and demand risk.

Research limitations/implications

This paper develops an empirical typology of platforms based on risk perceptions of providers and users, and advances our understanding about lateral exchange markets from a consumer perspective.

Practical implications

This paper provides implications for platforms to regulate transactions through two mechanisms – the power of platforms and trust in platform participants.

Originality/value

Regulating by power ensures transaction security while regulating by trust enhances transaction efficiency, so it is important to configure the power and trust elements in platform regulation in an appropriate manner. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is one of the first attempts at addressing platform regulation and shows how consumers’ risk perception of platforms can lead to important implications for theory and practice in marketing and better regulation of platform transactions.
Difficulties to digitalize: ambidexterity challenges in law firms
Authors: Kronblad Charlotta , Pregmark Johanna E. , Berggren Rita
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to understand what prevents established law firms from embracing digitalization and discusses barriers to solving the emerging ambidexterity problem. Law firms have been organized in the same way for decades. However, digital opportunities are emerging and new competitors are challenging established firms. This presents established law firms with an ambidexterity problem: How can law firms simultaneously uphold their successful way of working while entering a new world of digitalization, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning?

Design/methodology/approach

Previous research suggests that law firms are slow in digital transformation, compared to other Professional Service Firms (PSFs). In this paper, the authors explore why this happens. Interview data from representatives in law firms are complemented with data from architects as well as legal industry data and field notes. The data have been analyzed to spot patterns and emerging themes.

Findings

The authors find that established law firms face structural and cultural barriers to applying ambidextrous solutions. When comparing law firms with architecture firms, the authors see that while established architecture firms have combined digital exploration with ongoing exploitation, established law firms have focused on exploitation, leaving digital exploration to new legal tech firms. This difference can be attributed to industry context and professional culture.

Originality/value

This paper shows that both structural and contextual ambidexterity is a challenge for established law firms. This paper contributes to the understanding of barriers to embrace digital technology, and supports practitioners in efforts to remove these barriers.
Corporate social responsibility and risk-taking in banking
Authors: Shao Yingying , Baradwaj Babu G. , Dewally Michaël , Liu Pu
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine whether banks’ commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) is related to the diversification of their activities and whether CSR, as a result, affects banks’ risk profile.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 215 publicly traded U.S. bank holding companies between 1996 and 2016, this study applies regression analysis to examine the links between CSR and activity diversification and risk-taking. It also conducts a mediation test to determine whether CSR affects risk through its influence on banks’ activity diversification.

Findings

The results of this study show that banks engaging in positive CSR activities significantly increase the diversification of their banking activities, consistent with the theory that CSR serves as an implicit risk hedging strategy. Mediation analysis provides evidence that this translates into more stable and less risky banks.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by suggesting that activity diversification is a channel through which CSR reduces bank risk and improves asset quality.
The use and application of the 7 new quality control tools in the manufacturing sector: a global study
Authors: McDermott Olivia , Antony Jiju , Sony Michael , Fernandes Marcelo Machado , Koul Rajesh , Doulatabadi Mehran
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The main objective of this study is to investigate the 7 new quality control or the 7 new management tools and their use in manufacturing organisations. This research investigates the understanding, knowledge of the tools and the level of application of the tools within the manufacturing sector. In addition, this paper aims to identify the benefits, challenges and critical success factors (CSFs) for the application of the 7 new quality control (QC) tools.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey instrument was developed, and data collection was performed utilising a stratified random sampling strategy. The primary strata/clusters were formed by quality professionals working in all aspects of manufacturing organisations and functions. A total of 86 participants from different countries responded to the survey.

Findings

The main finding of this study is that 10% of participants within the manufacturing sector perceived that the 7 new QC tools could solve above 80% of organisational problems. Another relevant finding presented in this paper is that tree diagrams were the most utilised of the 7 new QC tools within the manufacturing sector. The least utilised tools are arrow diagrams. The common benefits of using 7 new QC tools in the manufacturing sector are helping people define, measure and analyse the problem areas or even prioritises them and providing some form of structure to the problem-solving efforts. This paper also revealed that the 7 new QC tools were most used in the manufacturing area but least utilised in the new products and research and development (R&D) functions. This work also presents a list of CSFs and challenges required to properly apply the 7 new QC tools in the manufacturing sector.

Research limitations/implications

This study was just carried out in manufacturing organisations. It would be interesting to try and expand to services sectors and compare use within the services sector.

Originality/value

Authors understand that this is the very first empirical study analysing the use and understanding of the 7 new QC or management tools within the manufacturing sector. The results of this study represent an important first step towards a complete understanding of the applicability of these tools in continuous improvement programs on a global scale and the context in which they can be utilized.
Compensatory dynamics drive grassland recovery from drought
Authors: Luo Wentao , Ma Wang , Song Lin , Te Niwu , Chen Jiaqi , Muraina Taofeek O. , Wilkins Kate , Griffin‐Nolan Robert J. , Ma Tianxiao , Qian Jianqiang , Xu Chong , Yu Qiang , Wang Zhengwen , Han Xingguo , Collins Scott L.
Published: March 2023

Grasslands are expected to experience droughts of unprecedented frequency and magnitude in the future. Characterizing grassland responses and recovery from drought is therefore critical to predict the vulnerability of grassland ecosystems to climate change. Most previous studies have focused on ecosystem responses during drought while investigations of post‐drought recovery are rare. Few studies have used functional traits, and in particular bud or clonal traits, to explore the mechanisms underlying grassland responses to and recovery from drought.

To address this issue, we experimentally imposed a four‐year drought in a C3‐dominated grassland in northeastern China and monitored recovery for 3 years post‐drought. We investigated the immediate and legacy effects of drought on total above‐ground net primary productivity (ANPP), ANPP of functional groups (rhizomatous grasses, bunch grasses and forbs), and how the legacy effects were driven by plant species diversity, clonal traits and vegetative traits.

We found that drought progressively reduced total ANPP over the 4‐year period. The reductions in total ANPP in the first and third drought years were caused by the decrease in ANPP of bunch grasses only, while that of the second year was caused by declines in ANPP of bunch grasses and forbs, and the fourth year decline was linked to all three functional groups. The post‐drought recovery of ANPP, which occurred despite the continued loss of plant species diversity, was mainly driven by rapid recovery of rhizomatous and bunch grasses, which compensated for the slow response by forbs. The rapid post‐drought recovery of these grasses can be attributed to their relatively large, intact bud and shoot densities post‐drought, as well as the recovery of plant height and specific leaf area. The rapid recovery of grasses possibly restricted the growth and distribution of forbs, resulting in reduced forb ANPP and, consequently, lower species diversity during the recovery period.

Synthesis. These results highlight the potential for positive legacy effects of drought on ANPP as well as the important and complementary roles of plant reproductive and vegetative traits in mediating ecosystem recovery from drought in a C3‐dominated grassland.
What cultural hierarchy? Cultural tastes, status and inequality
Authors: Jæger Mads Meier , Rasmussen Rikke Haudrum , Holm Anders
Published: March 2023

Research on cultural stratification often draws on Bourdieu's misrecognition model to interpret socioeconomic gradients in cultural tastes and participation. In this model, an assumed cultural hierarchy leads individuals to adopt cultural tastes and behaviours whose status is congruent with that of their socioeconomic position (SEP). Yet, this assumed cultural hierarchy remains opaque. In this paper, we derive and test three empirical implications of the cultural hierarchy: (1) cultural activities have different status (recognition); (2) individuals in high and low SEPs have similar perceptions of the status of cultural activities (necessary condition for misrecognition); and (3) individuals prefer and engage in cultural activities whose status matches that of their SEP (status congruence). We collected survey data in Denmark and find that cultural activities differ in terms of perceived status (e.g., opera has higher perceived status than flea market), status perceptions are similar in high‐ and low‐SEP groups and individuals prefer activities whose status matches that of their SEP. These results are consistent with the idea that a cultural hierarchy exists that sustains SEP gradients in cultural tastes and participation.
Characterization of an odor permeable membrane device for the storage of explosives and use as canine training aids
Authors: Davis Kymeri , Reavis Madison , Goodpaster John V.
Published: March 2023

The storage and use of explosives is regulated at the state and federal level, with a particular focus on physical security and rigorous accounting of the explosive inventory. For those working with explosives for the training and testing of explosive‐detecting canines, cross‐contamination is an important concern. Hence, explosives intended for use with canine teams must be placed into secondary storage containers that are new, clean, and airtight. A variety of containers meet these requirements and include screw‐top glass jars (e.g., mason jars). However, an additional need from the explosive‐detecting canine community is secondary containers that can also be used as training aids whereby the volatiles emitted by explosives are emitted in a predictable and stable manner. Currently, a generally accepted method for the storage of explosives and controlled emission of explosive vapor for canine detection does not exist. Ideally, such containers should allow odor to escape from the training aid but block external contaminates such as particulates or other volatiles. One method in use places the explosive inside a permeable cotton bag when in use for training and then stores the cotton bag inside an impermeable nylon bag for long‐term storage. This paper describes the testing of an odor permeable membrane device (OPMD) as a new way to store and deploy training aids. We measured the evaporation rate and flux of various liquid explosives and volatile compounds that have been identified in the headspace of actual explosives. OPMDs were used in addition to traditional storage containers to monitor the contamination and degradation of 14 explosives used as canine training aids. Explosives were stored individually using traditional storage bags or inside an OPMD at two locations, one of which actively used the training aids. Samples from each storage type at both locations were collected at 0, 3, 6, and 9 months and analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy and Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) with Solid‐Phase Microextraction (SPME). FTIR analyses showed no signs of degradation. GC–MS identified cross‐contamination from ethylene glycol dinitrate (EGDN) and/or 2,3‐dimethyl‐2,3‐dinitrobutane (DMNB) across almost all samples regardless of storage condition. The contamination was found to be higher among training aids that were stored in traditional ways and that were in active use by canine teams.
The effect of recreational cannabis legalization on rates of traffic injury in Canada
Authors: Walker Madison , Saarela Olli , Mann Robert , Carpino Melissa , Cusimano Michael D.
Published: March 2023

Aims

To measure the impact of Canada's recreational cannabis legalization (RCL) in October 2018 and the subsequent impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) lockdowns from March 2020 on rates of emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations for traffic injury.

Design

An interrupted time series analysis of rates of ED visits and hospitalizations in Canada recorded in population‐based databases from January/April 2010 to March 2021.

Setting

ED visits in Ontario and Alberta and hospitalizations in Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, the Prairies (Manitoba and Saskatchewan) and the Maritimes (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island).

Participants

Monthly counts of presentations to the ED or hospital for motor vehicle injury or pedestrian/cyclist injury, used to calculate monthly rates per 100 000 population.

Measurements

An occurrence of one or more International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision, Canada (ICD‐10‐CA) code for motor vehicle injury (V20–V29, V40–V79, V30–V39 and V86) and pedestrian/cyclist injury (V01–V09 and V10–V19) within the National Ambulatory Care Reporting System and Discharge Abstract Database.

Findings

There were no statistically significant changes in rates of ED visits and hospitalizations for motor vehicle or pedestrian/cyclist injury after RCL after accounting for multiple testing. After COVID‐19, there was an immediate decrease in the rate of ED visits for motor vehicle injury that was statistically significant only in Ontario (level change β = −16.07 in Ontario, 95% CI = −20.55 to −11.60, P = 0.000; β = −10.34 in Alberta, 95% CI = −17.80 to −2.89, P = 0.008; α of 0.004) and no changes in rates of hospitalizations.

Conclusions

Canada's recreational cannabis legalization did not notably impact motor vehicle and pedestrian/cyclist injury. The rate of emergency department visits for motor vehicle injury decreased immediately after COVID‐19 lockdowns, resulting in rates below post‐recreational cannabis legalization levels in the year after COVID‐19.
After the economic crisis of 2008: Economic conditions and crime in the last decade for the case of Spain
Authors: Torres‐Tellez Jonathan , Montero Soler Alberto
Published: March 2023

The economic approach to crime confirms that the deterioration of economic conditions influences the motivation of potential offenders to commit a crime or not. The relationship between crime and the economy status received considerable attention among the international literature. However, in Spain, there are just few studies that analyse this connection, and those that analyse the influence of the deterioration of the economy on crime after the crisis that began in 2008 are practically non‐existent. In order to fill this gap, this research applies the difference‐GMM estimator for a sample of 47 provinces during the 2010–2018 period and controls the influence of different economic, demographic and dissuasive factors on the crime rate. The results obtained are similar to those of different investigations, since in the face of worsening economic conditions, no evidence of a positive and uniform effect on the crime rate is detected, especially when it differs according to different types of crimes possible. However, that relationship does exist and is robust in property crimes. Another common result in the empirical literature is also confirmed: adolescent male cohorts present the highest crime rates.
Editorial: severe colitis induced by targeted therapies in dermato‐oncology beyond check point‐inhibitors
Authors: Hammoudi Nassim , Allez Matthieu
Published: March 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Carbonnel et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17352
Letter: repeat hepatic resection versus radiofrequency ablation for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma in ideal candidates
Authors: Teng Yu‐Xian , Zhang Wan‐Guang , Chan Anthony Wing‐hung , Chong Charing Ching Ning , Serenari Matteo , Wang Yan‐Yan , Peng Ning , Huang Tao , Lu Shi‐Dong , Liang Zhi‐Yin , Ma Liang , Zhong Jian‐Hong
Published: March 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Tong et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17263 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17423
Letter: trial of antitubercular therapy for diagnosing Crohn's disease in LMICs—double whammy?
Authors: Gupta Akshita , Kedia Saurabh , Ahuja Vineet
Published: March 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Jayasooriya et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17370
Evidence of potential pro‐haemorrhagic drug interactions between CYP3A4 inhibitors and direct oral anticoagulants: Analysis of the FAERS database
Authors: Li Dandan , Yan Cilin , Guo Mingxing , Zhao Ying , Zhang Yang , Cui Xiangli
Published: March 2023

Aims

There is no consensus on the haemorrhagic risk associated with potential interactions between commonly used CYP3A4 inhibitors and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs).

Methods

Macrolide antibiotics and azole antimycotics were investigated in this study. Data from Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System were retrieved from July 2010 to September 2021. Haemorrhagic signals were expressed by reporting odds ratios (RORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) based on the interaction/noninteraction methodology as (a/c) / (b/d) and considered significant when the lower limit of 95% CI was >1 and the case number of interaction group was ≥3. Subgroup analyses and logistic regression were conducted by adjusting associated factors in haemorrhagic events.

Results

From the third quarter of 2010 to the first quarter of 2021, we retrieved 382 853 distinct cases of adverse events associated with DOACs, in which 1128 cases of bleeding were associated with coadministration of CYP3A4 inhibitors and DOACs. The haemorrhagic signal was significant for apixaban when coadministered with clarithromycin (ROR 1.60, 95% CI 1.16–2.20) and posaconazole (ROR 2.69, 95% CI 1.37–5.28). For dabigatran, coadministration with azithromycin (ROR 4.06, 95% CI 2.77–5.95), fluconazole (ROR 2.26, 95% CI 1.52–3.37), itraconazole (ROR 7.52, 95% CI 1.51–37.46) and ketoconazole (ROR 2.06, 95% CI 1.25–3.41) was associated with significantly higher risks of haemorrhages. At the same time, addition of itraconazole to rivaroxaban also indicated significant haemorrhagic signal (ROR 3.58, 95% CI 1.30–9.85).

Conclusions

Macrolide antibiotics and azole antimycotics have potential but different effects on the bleeding risk of DOACs. Close attention is needed when using these drugs together. Such precautions have already been included in some drug labels.
Understanding China's Economic Growth from a Regional Policy Perspective
Authors: Huang Jiashun , Shen Jim Huangnan , Sun Zhiyan
Published: March 2023

There has been ongoing interest in China's economic growth. What were the drivers of China's economic growth in past years? What policies were used to promote China's economic growth? Although different lenses may be used to understand and explain China's economic growth, this paper draws on historical, theoretical, and empirical perspectives to discuss the nexus between China's regional policies and economic growth. First, we review the evolution of China's regional policy and the policy's changing emphasis in different development stages, from balanced, unbalanced, and coordinated development to synergistic development. Then we construct a theoretical model to illustrate the impact of regional policy on the local economy and conduct an empirical examination with a case study of regional policy using regression discontinuity design. This paper analyzes the concept of regional policy and the underpinning logic of economic growth and presents practical approaches to formulate a better regional policy framework.
Detecting amyloid‐β positivity using regions of interest from structural magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Hwang Jeongyoung , Park Hee Kyung , Yoon Hai‐jeon , Jeong Jee Hyang , Lee Hyunju ,   for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: March 2023

Background and purpose

Alzheimer disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia. Amyloid‐β (Aβ) positivity is the main diagnostic marker for AD. Aβ positron emission tomography and cerebrospinal fluid are widely used in the clinical diagnosis of AD. However, these methods only assess the concentrations of Aβ, and the accessibility of these methods is thus relatively limited compared with structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI).

Methods

We investigated whether regions of interest (ROIs) in sMRIs can be used to predict Aβ positivity for samples with normal cognition (NC), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia. We obtained 846 Aβ negative (Aβ−) and 865 Aβ positive (Aβ+) samples from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative database. To predict which samples are Aβ+, we built five machine learning models using ROIs and apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotypes as features. To test the performance of the machine learning models, we constructed a new cohort containing 97 Aβ− and 81 Aβ+ samples.

Results

The best performing machine learning model combining ROIs and APOE had an accuracy of 0.798, indicating that it can help predict Aβ+. Furthermore, we searched ROIs that could aid our prediction and discovered that an average left entorhinal cortical region (L‐ERC) thickness is an important feature. We also noted significant differences in L‐ERC thickness between the Aβ− and Aβ+ samples even in the same diagnosis of NC, MCI, and dementia.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that ROIs from sMRIs along with APOE can be used as an initial screening tool in the early diagnosis of AD.
Wetting‐induced soil CO2 emission pulses are driven by interactions among soil temperature, carbon, and nitrogen limitation in the Colorado Desert
Authors: Andrews Holly M. , Krichels Alexander H. , Homyak Peter M. , Piper Stephanie , Aronson Emma L. , Botthoff Jon , Greene Aral C. , Jenerette G. Darrel
Published: March 2023

Warming‐induced changes in precipitation regimes, coupled with anthropogenically enhanced nitrogen (N) deposition, are likely to increase the prevalence, duration, and magnitude of soil respiration pulses following wetting via interactions among temperature and carbon (C) and N availability. Quantifying the importance of these interactive controls on soil respiration is a key challenge as pulses can be large terrestrial sources of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) over comparatively short timescales. Using an automated sensor system, we measured soil CO2 flux dynamics in the Colorado Desert—a system characterized by pronounced transitions from dry‐to‐wet soil conditions—through a multi‐year series of experimental wetting campaigns. Experimental manipulations included combinations of C and N additions across a range of ambient temperatures and across five sites varying in atmospheric N deposition. We found soil CO2 pulses following wetting were highly predictable from peak instantaneous CO2 flux measurements. CO2 pulses consistently increased with temperature, and temperature at time of wetting positively correlated to CO2 pulse magnitude. Experimentally adding N along the N deposition gradient generated contrasting pulse responses: adding N increased CO2 pulses in low N deposition sites, whereas adding N decreased CO2 pulses in high N deposition sites. At a low N deposition site, simultaneous additions of C and N during wetting led to the highest observed soil CO2 fluxes reported globally at 299.5 μmol CO2 m−2 s−1. Our results suggest that soils have the capacity to emit high amounts of CO2 within small timeframes following infrequent wetting, and pulse sizes reflect a non‐linear combination of soil resource and temperature interactions. Importantly, the largest soil CO2 emissions occurred when multiple resources were amended simultaneously in historically resource‐limited desert soils, pointing to regions experiencing simultaneous effects of desertification and urbanization as key locations in future global C balance.
Height loss is associated with decreased kidney function: The Japan Specific Health Checkups (J‐SHC) Study
Authors: Kosugi Takaaki , Eriguchi Masahiro , Yoshida Hisako , Uemura Takayuki , Tasaki Hikari , Fukata Fumihiro , Nishimoto Masatoshi , Matsui Masaru , Samejima Ken‐ichi , Iseki Kunitoshi , Fujimoto Shouichi , Konta Tsuneo , Moriyama Toshiki , Yamagata Kunihiro , Ichiei Narita , Kasahara Masato , Shibagaki Yugo , Kondo Masahide , Asahi Koichi , Watanabe Tsuyoshi , Tsuruya Kazuhiko
Published: March 2023

Aim

Height loss that occurs with aging is a common phenomenon associated with musculoskeletal abnormalities, such as osteoporosis and sarcopenia. Notably, such height loss is also associated with poor outcomes, including cardiovascular disease and mortality. In this study, we investigated the relationship between height loss and kidney outcome.

Methods

This longitudinal study includes data from the Japan Specific Health Checkups Study from 2008 to 2014. Height loss was estimated using the first three visits (visits 1–3), and kidney outcomes were evaluated using data from the following visits (visit 3 to the last visit). The annual height change for each participant was estimated using mixed‐effects model, and participants were divided into five groups according to the quintile of the rate. The association between height change and the incidence of 1.5‐fold increase in serum creatinine level from baseline was analyzed using Cox regression analysis. The decline rates of estimated glomerular filtration rate among the groups were compared using a mixed‐effects model.

Results

In total, 187 682 participants were included in the analyses. The median rate of height change was −0.11 cm/year. The adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) for 1.5‐fold increase in serum creatinine level in participants with the steepest category of height decline (Q1; Quintile 1) was 1.45 (1.26–1.67) compared with the reference (Q4; Quintile 4). The decline of the estimated glomerular filtration rate in Q1 (−1.25 mL/min/1.73 m2/year) was significantly higher than that of the reference: Q4 (−0.92 mL/min/1.73 m2/year) (P for interaction <0.001).

Conclusion

Height loss is associated with a rapid decline in kidney function. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 282–288.
A cross‐sectional follow‐up study of physical activity in adults with moderate and severe haemophilia
Authors: Kennedy Megan , Roche Sheila , McGowan Mark , Larkin Niamh , O'Connell Niamh M. , O'Mahony Brian , Lavin Michelle , O'Donnell James S. , Turecek Peter L. , Gormley John ,   the iPATH study group
Published: March 2023

Aim

To conduct a cross‐sectional follow‐up assessment of physical activity (PA) in people with moderate and severe haemophilia (PwMSH) from the Irish Personalised Approach to the Treatment of Haemophilia (iPATH) study.

Methods

Between June–December 2021, participants’ PA was measured over one week using accelerometery, and was compared with their previously measured data from the original iPATH assessment. Self‐awareness of PA and the impact of the Covid‐19 pandemic on PA, pain, mobility and function were retrospectively examined using a survey.

Results

Of 30 participants who returned surveys [n = 19, severe (FVIII, <.01 IU/mL); n = 4, moderate (FVIII, .01–.05 IU/mL); n = 7, severe (FIX, <.01 IU/mL); age: 47 (36, 55) years], 28 completed accelerometery (follow‐up time: 3 years). There were no significant differences in accelerometer PA (all p > .05), but achievement of World Health Organisation guidelines increased (67.9%–75.0%; p = .646). Increased self‐awareness of PA was reported by 76.7%, and 66.7% reported desires to become more physically active. Compared to normal, most reported either no differences or lower levels of PA during lockdown restrictions. Self‐reported PA increased for most when restrictions eased from April 2021 onwards. Beyond the pandemic, concerns included pain and access to exercise resources.

Conclusion

Self‐reported PA throughout the pandemic was variable, whilst there were no significant differences in objectively measured PA between assessment periods, despite reports of increased self‐awareness and desires to be physically active at follow‐up. Further qualitative research is needed to design personalised PA and health interventions, capturing perspectives of patients, their families, and multi‐disciplinary haemophilia healthcare providers.
Design and implementation of the participatory German network for translational dementia care research (TaNDem): A mixed‐method study on the perspectives of healthcare providers and dementia researchers in dementia care research
Authors: Scharf Annelie , Rädke Anika , Purwins Daniel , Heppner Marie Marleen , Köhler Stefanie , Roes Martina , Teipel Stefan , Hoffmann Wolfgang , Michalowsky Bernhard
Published: March 2023

Background

Currently, there is a lack of interaction between research and healthcare practice. As a result, research findings reach healthcare practice only late, and topics relevant to practice are often not known in research. Involving people living with dementia (PlwD), their relatives and healthcare providers in dementia care research can accelerate this process. For inclusion, firm and reliable structures are needed, which are to be established with the help of the Translational Network for Dementia Care Research in Germany. However, there is only limited knowledge about the priorities, expectations and conditions of stakeholders (healthcare providers and dementia researchers) for such cooperation within a network.

Objectives

The aim is to gather stakeholders' views on (i) future research topics to be addressed within the dementia care research network, (ii) the nature of collaboration within the network and (iii) the facilitating and hindering factors for establishing such a network.

Methods

Within an exploratory sequential mixed‐method study, we interviewed 87 stakeholders within eleven semistructured focus group interviews. The interviews were transcribed, pseudonymized and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The qualitative data were analyzed with MAXQDA. Based on the qualitative results found in the focus group interviews, a supplementary online questionnaire was developed to prioritise and rank these findings afterwards.

Results

Stakeholders prioritized a comprehensible transfer of research results into practice, increased involvement of PlwD and their relatives (additionally marginalized groups such as people with a migrant background) in research and exchange between researchers. Cooperation should preferably occur in a regional context with local contacts, and the latest research results should be made available via an online database. The stakeholders' time, finances and human resources should be considered.

Conclusion

Stakeholders have partly similar preferences and goals for cooperation and involvement, emphasizing that such interaction in a network offers the possibility of long‐term, effective collaboration and added value for practice and research.

Patient or Public Contribution

For this study, dementia healthcare providers and dementia care researchers were asked about their perspectives. Their involvement is further elucidated in the manuscript text.
The joint associations of high birth weight and not having siblings with metabolic obesity phenotype among school‐aged children and adolescents: A National Survey in China
Authors: Liu Jieyu , Wu Yu , Ma Qi , Wang Xinxin , Chen Manman , Ma Tao , Cui Mengjie , Li Yanhui , Gao Di , Ma Ying , Chen Li , Zhang Yi , Yuan Wen , Guo Tongjun , Ma Jun , Dong Yanhui
Published: March 2023

Objective

Birth weight (BW) and sibling's status are two important indicators of early intrauterine environment and subsequent living environment, but no evidence has emerged on their joint associations on metabolic obesity phenotype. To determine the joint associations between BW and single‐child status with childhood metabolic obesity phenotype was our purpose.

Methods

A cross‐sectional assessment of children and adolescents aged 7–18 years was performed in Chinese seven provinces in 2013. We obtained anthropometric, blood pressure and biochemical measurements, and distributed questionnaires covering demographic, neonatal and lifestyle characteristics. The metabolic obesity phenotype was defined by 2018 consensus‐based criteria. Logistic regression and restricted cubic spline models were applied to evaluate the associations of BW and metabolic obesity phenotype, and estimate the multiplicative interactions and the combined associations of BW and single‐child status with metabolic obesity phenotype.

Results

Of enrolled 12 346 children and adolescents, the prevalence of metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) and metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO) was 1.96% and 3.03%. There were 8.95% and 4.03% children with high BW or low BW, and 67.55% did not have siblings. High BW was positively associated with MHO (OR = 1.94, 95%CI = 1.28–2.94). Single‐child also had increased odds of MHO and MUO (p < 0.05), and it had joint associations with high BW showing 0.85‐ to 2.58‐fold higher odds of MUO and MHO.

Conclusions

High BW and single‐child status have joint positive associations with the subsequent odds of MHO and MUO, which should be jointly prevented through earlier screening and subsequent preventive strategies.
Curbing the demographic “drifting dune” in long‐term care insurance financing: The case of Germany
Authors: Bahnsen Lewe , Wimmesberger Florian Maximilian
Published: March 2023

Long‐term care provision and financing are becoming increasingly important matters in all ageing economies. Therefore, a major challenge for policy makers is to strike a balance between adequate care and sustainable financing. In this study, we evaluate the proposal of a so‐called sustainability factor in German long‐term care insurance. Considering changes in the beneficiary‐contributor ratio, it aims for a rule‐based consideration of demographic dynamics to alleviate pressure on long‐term care financing. Using the framework of generational accounting, we demonstrate that this proposal could have a relieving effect on finances, depending on the share of involvement of current and future generations. It may offer an option for pay‐as‐you‐go long‐term care insurance systems worldwide that need to curb the impact of ageing societies. Therefore, this article addresses policy makers tasked with designing a sustainable financing model for long‐term care insurance. It demonstrates that the sustainability factor represents a step towards sustainable finances and, thus, it might be one component of a more comprehensive reform package.
The 2022 Greek pension reform: The rebirth of carve‐out privatization in Eastern Europe
Authors: Altiparmakov Nikola
Published: March 2023

After a decade of unprecedented austerity, Greece abruptly changed the course of pension consolidation in 2022 and implemented the controversial carve‐out pension funding approach, whereby a portion of existing pay‐as‐you‐go (PAYG) contributions are diverted to fund individual pension savings, thus undermining the financing of existing PAYG pensions. Although inspired by the World Bank’s 1994 pension privatization blueprint, the Greek 2022 reform features a major policy shift by entrusting the management of individual pension savings to a dedicated government body, ostensibly to try to remedy inherent market failures in private pension provision. Like earlier reforms in Eastern Europe, the multi‐decade transition costs of carve‐out funding have been vastly underestimated in Greece, which will give rise to fiscal distress in the coming years when annual transition costs become sizeable and favourable international financing terms start to change. Unless firm political commitment is established to implement the measures necessary to finance the transition costs, Greece may have to resort to reform reversals similar to those already implemented across Eastern Europe.
Special pension schemes for workers in arduous and hazardous jobs: Functions and conditions to ensure equal treatment
Authors: Mittlaender Sergio
Published: March 2023

Most jurisdictions grant differentiated and more beneficial treatment – usually in the form of early retirement, and commonly under special pension schemes – to workers in arduous or hazardous jobs. Several justifications for such treatment have been advanced, including i) compensating the worker for the hardship, ii) protecting the worker from the hazard, and iii) realizing the principle of equality in the distribution of costs and benefits in the social security system. This article analyses these functions from a socioeconomic perspective and explains how early retirement for workers in arduous and hazardous jobs is necessary to ensure equality by treating “unequals unequally”, and in proportion to their inequality. Moreover, this article presents a precise formula to calculate when a worker should be allowed to retire, so that workers in occupational domains with a shorter life expectancy do not systematically enjoy lower expected benefits from the pension system while having contributed the same amount. Implications for the design and desirability of special pension benefits are discussed.
Neogene–Quaternary tectonic, eustatic and climatic events shaped the evolution of a South American treefrog
Authors: Abreu‐Jardim Tatianne Piza Ferrari , de Lima Natácia Evangelista , Jardim Lucas , Maciel Natan Medeiros , de Magalhães Rafael Félix , Colli Guarino Rinaldi , Haddad Célio Fernando Baptista , Collevatti Rosane Garcia
Published: March 2023

Aim

Understanding how past geological and climatic events could have generated intraspecific genetic variation at different temporal and spatial scales in the Neotropics requires a model encompassing distinct ecoregions. Because Anura species have their evolutionary history affected by climate and environmental changing, it is a suitable model to investigate the signatures of Neotropical historical events in species populations. Here we used a treefrog species to test hypotheses associated with tectonic, eustatic and climatic events along with isolation‐by‐environment and isolation‐by‐distance spatial patterns in genetic diversity.

Taxon

Scinax squalirostris (Lutz, 1925), Anura: Hylidae.

Location

Atlantic Forest, Cerrado, Chaco, Uruguayan Savanna and Pampas ecoregions in South America.

Methods

We sequenced nuclear and mitochondrial data from 219 individuals of S. squalirostris sampled at 26 locations in South America. We performed statistical phylogeographic analyses and reconstruction of spatiotemporal dispersal dynamics. Ecological niche modelling was conducted to predict spatial changes in environmental suitability from the Last Glacial Maximum to the Holocene and present day.

Results

We recovered a significant phylogeographic break roughly dated back to the Miocene (~7.6 Ma), coinciding with the retraction of marine incursions in the Paraná basin. Most dispersal events occurred in cooler periods of the Pliocene–Pleistocene transition. The spatial pattern in genetic diversity was not correlated with geographical distance or environmental variables.

Main Conclusions

Scinax squalirostris had a quasi‐stable distribution through time. Neogene–Quaternary tectonic, eustatic and climatic events drove the demographic history and dispersal dynamics of species, with a phylogeographical break dated to the Miocene coinciding with retractions of marine incursions in the Paraná basin. Lineage dispersal spread from the southern Atlantic Forest and retrieved gene flow signals congruent with the cold periods of the Pliocene and Pleistocene.