bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Vertebral Fracture Risk
Authors: Koromani Fjorda , Ghatan Samuel , van Hoek Mandy , Zillikens M. Carola , Oei Edwin H. G. , Rivadeneira Fernando , Oei Ling
Published: January 2021

Purpose of Review

The purpose of this review is to summarize the recently published evidence concerning vertebral fracture risk in individuals with diabetes mellitus.

Recent Findings

Vertebral fracture risk is increased in individuals with T2DM. The presence of vertebral fractures in T2DM is associated with increased non-vertebral fracture risk and mortality. TBS could be helpful to estimate vertebral fracture risk in individuals with T2DM. An increased amount of bone marrow fat has been implicated in bone fragility in T2DM. Results from two recent studies show that both teriparatide and denosumab are effective in reducing vertebral fracture risk also in individuals with T2DM.

Individuals with T2DM could benefit from systematic screening in the clinic for presence of vertebral fractures.
Lignin Synthesis Related Genes with Potential Significance in the Response of Upland Cotton to Fusarium Wilt Identified by Transcriptome Profiling
Authors: Hou Jianan , Zhao Fu’an , Yang Xiaojie , Li Wu , Xie Deyi , Tang Zhongjie , Lv Shuping , Nie Lihong , Sun Yao , Wang Mengmeng , Zhu Yajing , Bo Xiaopei , Zhang Qianwen , Zhao Yuanming , Fang Weiping
Published: January 2021

Fusarium wilt, caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum Schlecht. f. sp. vasinfectum (Fov) is a destructive soil-borne cotton disease. To profile the genes and pathways responding to Fov infection, we compared transcriptomic responses before and after F. oxysporum inoculation in a highly resistant cotton cultivar, Yumian21, and a highly susceptible cultivar, Jimian11. Although the overall gene expression pattern was downregulated in both cultivars, the global gene expression in the resistant cultivar was stronger than that in the susceptible cultivar. In addition, the expressed genes of two cultivars mostly differed in “cellular process,” “single-organism process,” “metabolic process,” and “response to stimulus” functional groups in the biological process Gene Ontology category: the upregulated differentially expressed genes (DEG) were largely enriched in the resistant cultivar, while the downregulated DEGs were largely enriched in the susceptible cultivar. Phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and phenylalanine metabolism are the key metabolic pathways in cotton in response to Fov. We found that lignin plays a potential role in cotton resistance to Fov. Two coding genes, caffeic acid 3-O-methyltransferase and peroxidase2, as well as the two transcription factors MYB46 and MYB86, are possibly involved in the accumulation and synthesis of lignin. Furthermore, the result showed that the quantification of lignin could be potentially used as a selection tool to identify Fusarium wilt resistant cotton.
Determining Real-Time Patterns of Lightning Strikes from Sensor Observations
Authors: Sibolla Bolelang H. , Van Zyl Terence , Coetzee Serena
Published: January 2021

Transient spatiotemporal events occur within a short interval of time, in a particular location. If such events occur unexpectedly with varying durations, frequencies, and intensities, they pose a challenge for near-real-time monitoring. Lightning strikes are examples of such events and they can have severe negative consequences, such as fires, or they precede sudden flash storms, which can result in damage to infrastructure, loss of Internet connectivity, interruption of electrical power supply, and loss of life or property. Furthermore, they are unexpected, momentary in occurrence, sometimes with high frequency and then again with long intervals between them, their intensity varies considerably, and they are difficult to trace once they have occurred. Despite their unpredictable and irregular nature, timely analysis of lightning events is crucial for understanding their patterns and behaviour so that any adverse effects can be mitigated. However, near-real-time monitoring of unexpected and irregular transient events presents technical challenges for their analysis and visualisation. This paper demonstrates an approach for overcoming some of the challenges by clustering and visualising data streams with information about lightning events during thunderstorms, in real time. The contribution is twofold. Firstly, we detect clusters in dynamic spatiotemporal lightning events based on space, time, and attributes, using graph theory, that is adaptive and does not prescribe number and size of clusters beforehand, and allows for use of multiple clustering criteria and thresholds, and formation of different cluster shapes. Secondly, we demonstrate how the space time cube can be used to visualise unexpected and irregular transient events. Along with the visualisation, we identify the interactive elements required to counter challenges related to visualising unexpected and irregular transient events through space time cubes.
Numerical and experimental investigation of defects formation during friction stir processing on AZ91
Authors: Agha Amini Fashami Hoda , Bani Mostafa Arab Nasrollah , Hoseinpour Gollo Mohammad , Nami Bahram
Published: January 2021

The heat generated during friction stir processing greatly affects defects formation in the processed zone of workpieces. In this paper, numerical modeling of this process is performed to determine the influence of tool rotational and traverse speeds and hence their ratio on the thermal distribution attained during the process. The aim is to produce defect-free processed samples by selecting adequate tool speeds. The mechanisms of defects formation depending on the peak temperature are also investigated. Experiments to verify the simulation results were conducted with the same process parameters. Several traverse speeds of 20, 40, 60, and 80 mm/min and rotational speeds of 700, 1000, 1200, and 2000 rpm were used during modeling and conducting the experiments. From the numerical and experimental results, it was found that; the high-speed processing conditions (low-generated heat) can produce defects such as tunnels and grooves, and the low-speed processing conditions (high-generated heat) can cause defects such as flashes. The experimental results show that during friction stir processing with the rotational speed of 1200 rpm and the traverse speed of 60 mm/min (speed ratio of 20), no macro defects in the processed zone were observed. According to the numerical results, the peak temperature during friction stir processing with these speeds was 475 °C. At this temperature, the material softened, the structure finely equiaxed and no large scale melting zone appeared in the processed zone. The developed model can be useful to investigate the occurrence of defects associated with different tool rotational and traverse speeds.

Graphic abstract
Piperazine-substituted derivatives of favipiravir for Nipah virus inhibition: What do in silico studies unravel?
Authors: Lipin Raju , Dhanabalan Anantha Krishnan , Gunasekaran Krishnasamy , Solomon Rajadurai Vijay
Published: January 2021

Favipiravir is found to show excellent in-vitro inhibition activity against Nipah virus. To explore the structure–property relationship of Favipiravir, in silico designing of a series of piperazine substituted Favipiravir derivatives are attempted and computational screening has been done to evaluate its bimolecular interactions with Nipah virus. The geometrical features of all the molecules have been addressed from Density Functional Theory calculations. Chemical reactivity descriptor analysis was carried out to understand various reactivity parameters. The drug-likeness properties were estimated by a detailed ADMET study. The binding ability and the mode of binding of these derivatives into the Nipah virus are obtained from molecular docking studies. Our calculations show greater binding ability for the designed inhibitors compared to that of the experimentally reported molecule. Overall, the present work proves to offers new insights and guidelines for synthetic chemists to develop new drugs using piperazine substituted Favipiravir in the treatment of Nipah virus.
Changes in the Vaginal Microbiome during the Pregnancy to Postpartum Transition
Authors: Nunn Kenetta L. , Witkin Steven S. , Schneider G. Maria , Boester Allison , Nasioudis Dimitrios , Minis Evelyn , Gliniewicz Karol , Forney Larry J.
Published: January 2021

Substantial changes in the composition of the vaginal microbiome occur following the end of pregnancy. To identify potential drivers of microbiome changes in individual women during the pregnancy to postpartum transition, we evaluated vaginal samples from 48 pregnant women during their first and third trimesters and postpartum. We determined the species composition of vaginal communities and the vaginal fluid levels of compounds involved in mediating changes in host physiology and the immune system at each time point. We used linear mixed-effects models to characterize associations. Consistent with previous reports, but with a larger sample size, a US population, and variations in the dominant bacteria, the vaginal microbiome was found to be more diverse during the postpartum period. There was a lower abundance of Lactobacillus and significantly higher proportions of Streptococcus anginosus and Prevotella bivia. Moreover, we uniquely demonstrated that postpartum vaginal secretions were also altered postpartum. There were elevated levels of hyaluronan and Hsp70 and decreased levels of the D- and L-lactic acid isomers. We posit that these variations are consequences of alterations in the vagina after delivery that profoundly alter the host environment and, thus, lead to changes in the capability of different bacterial species to survive and proliferate.
Examining Online Traffic Patterns to Popular Direct-To-Consumer Websites for Evaluation and Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Wackerbarth Joel J. , Fantus Richard J. , Darves-Bornoz Annie , Hehemann Marah C. , Helfand Brian T. , Keeter Mary Kate , Brannigan Robert E. , Bennett Nelson E. , Halpern Joshua A.
Published: January 2021

Background

Direct-to-consumer (DTC) Internet-based prescription and pharmacy platforms offer electronic consultation for evaluation and pharmacologic treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) without a physical exam or in-person visit, presenting a potentially dramatic shift in care for this condition.

Aim

To characterize the extent to which DTC prescribing sites for ED generate traffic and attract individual users.

Methods

Using SEMRush, a marketing software platform that provides analytics regarding website traffic, we examined online site visits to 6 major DTC prescribing websites offering ED evaluation and treatment from October 2017 through December 2019.

Outcomes

We recorded trends in the number of unique visitors over time, visitor referral patterns, and the proportion of overall visitors to individual sites.

Results

During the study period, the total number of unique, quarterly visitors increased by 1,688% from 655,733 in the 4th quarter (Q4) 2017 to over 11 million in Q4 2019. In 2019, there were on average 4,971,674 visits to all sites combined each month. For the 2 largest sites (Hims and Roman), visitors predominantly reached the site via direct web address (27.3%) or search engine referral (27.3%).

Clinical implications

An increasingly large number of potential patients are utilizing DTC prescribing platforms for the diagnosis and treatment of ED, which do not require physical exams or treatment of other comorbid conditions.

Strength & Limitations

Demonstrates high demand for ED DTC prescribing services using independent market research software and characterizes the number of visits for the first time. Limitations include the lack of individual demographics and lack of information regarding what proportion of unique visits lead to evaluation and treatment using the services.

Conclusion

The dramatic increase in visits to DTC prescribing sites that treat ED represents a paradigm shift in ED care, and it is imperative that clinicians and researchers work to understand how patients utilize online telemedicine, the safety and efficacy of online management of ED, and the potential downstream implications of its widespread use.
Shedding light in otolaryngology: A brief history on the surgical tools of visualization and access
Authors: Berryhill McCarty E. , Frost Ariel
Published: January 2021

Visualization and access. Historically, these have been the two major factors that have limited advancement in the field of Otolaryngology. No other surgical specialty deals with anatomical challenges quite like those presented by the structures of the head and neck. Otolaryngology is a field of dark cavities, complex and miniscule structures, and awkward angles. The aim of this article is to briefly explore how Otolaryngologists have historically met these challenges, with a specific focus on technological advancements in illumination, visualization, and access. From mirrors reflecting candlelight to fiberoptic illuminated scopes, from bamboo nasal speculums to Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS), tracing the historical arc of these technologies highlights the innovative spirit that has come to define the field of Otolaryngology.
Verlinde formulae on complex surfaces: K-theoretic invariants
Authors: Göttsche L. , Kool M. , Williams R. A.
Published: January 2021

We conjecture a Verlinde type formula for the moduli space of Higgs sheaves on a surface with a holomorphic 2-form. The conjecture specializes to a Verlinde formula for the moduli space of sheaves. Our formula interpolates between K-theoretic Donaldson invariants studied by Göttsche and Nakajima-Yoshioka and K-theoretic Vafa-Witten invariants introduced by Thomas and also studied by Göttsche and Kool. We verify our conjectures in many examples (for example, on K3 surfaces).
Log -modules and index theorems
Authors: Wu Lei , Zhou Peng
Published: January 2021

We study log

$\mathscr {D}$

-modules on smooth log pairs and construct a comparison theorem of log de Rham complexes. The proof uses Sabbah’s generalized b-functions. As applications, we deduce a log index theorem and a Riemann-Roch type formula for perverse sheaves on smooth quasi-projective varieties. The log index theorem naturally generalizes the Dubson-Kashiwara index theorem on smooth projective varieties.
The use of biofeedback intervention in the improvement of depression levels: a randomised trial
Authors: Maynart Willams Henrique da Costa , Albuquerque Maria Cicera dos Santos de , Santos Regina Célia Sales , Sarmento Patrícia de Albuquerque , Silva Jadelson Júnior da , Costa Christine de Sousa Gomes , Santos Jessica Diodino da Silva , Pontes Crislane de Oliveira , Barros Marcela Cristina dos Santos , Belo Flaviane Maria Pereira , Costa Christefany Régia Braz , Cabral Júnior Cyro Rego
Published: January 2021

Objective:

To evaluate the use of biofeedback intervention in the levels of depression. The main hypothesis tested if the use of biofeedback improves depression levels compared to the control group.

Methods:

A randomised clinical trial. The final sample was composed of 36 participants (18 in the experimental group, receiving 6 training, once a week, with biofeedback; and 18 in the control group, who received conventional treatment in the service).Outcome measures were assessed in two stages: pre-test and post-test. The research used the following instruments: demographic survey data, Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview 5.0.0 and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The factors and variables were presented in terms of descriptive and inferential statistics. Fisher’s exact test (p < 0.05) was used to verify the existence of an association between the counting variables. The multinomial logistic regression model was adopted, and the Logit link function was used, as the software RStudio version 3.6.2.

Results:

The factors that remained in the final model were group, sex, partner, atypical antidepressant, benzodiazepines, mood stabiliser, antiepileptic and antihistamine, according to the levels of depression based on the BDI. The group that did not receive biofeedback intervention had 16 times more chances of increasing the depression levels compared to participants in the experimental group.

Conclusion:

The use of biofeedback reduces depression, thus, representing a complementary alternative for the treatment of moderate and severe depression, and dysthymia.
Women Thinkers and the Canon of International Thought: Recovery, Rejection, and Reconstitution
Authors: HUTCHINGS KIMBERLY , OWENS PATRICIA
Published: January 2021

Canons of intellectual “greats” anchor the history and scope of academic disciplines. Within international relations (IR), such a canon emerged in the mid-twentieth century and is almost entirely male. Why are women thinkers absent from IR’s canon? We show that it is not due to a lack of international thought, or that this thought fell outside established IR theories. Rather it is due to the gendered and racialized selection and reception of work that is deemed to be canonical. In contrast, we show what can be gained by reclaiming women’s international thought through analyses of three intellectuals whose work was authoritative and influential in its own time or today. Our findings question several of the basic premises underpinning IR’s existing canon and suggest the need for a new research agenda on women international thinkers as part of a fundamental rethinking of the history and scope of the discipline.
Geology of the recently discovered massive and stockwork sulphide mineralization at Semblana, Rosa Magra and Monte Branco, Neves–Corvo mine region, Iberian Pyrite Belt, Portugal
Authors: Pereira Zélia , Matos João X. , Solá A. Rita , Batista Maria João , Salgueiro Rute , Rosa Carlos , Albardeiro Luís , Mendes Márcia , Morais Igor , de Oliveira Daniel , Pacheco Nelson , Araújo Vitor , Castelo Branco José M. , Neto Rodrigo , Lains Amaral João , Inverno Carlos , Oliveira José T.
Published: January 2021

The recently discovered massive and stockwork sulphide mineralization of Semblana-Rosa Magra and Monte Branco, situated ESE of the Neves–Corvo volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) deposit in the Iberian Pyrite Belt (IPB) is presented. Geological setting and tectonic model is discussed based on proxies such as palynostratigraphy and U–Pb zircon geochronology. The mineralization is found within the IPB Volcano-Sedimentary Complex (VSC) Lower sequence, which includes felsic volcanic rocks (rhyolites) with U–Pb ages in zircons of 359.6 ± 1.6 Ma, and black shales of the Neves Formation of late Strunian age. Massive sulphides are enveloped by these shales, implying that felsic volcanism, mineralization and shale sedimentation are essentially coeval. This circumstance is considered highly prospective, as it represents an important exploration vector to target VMS mineralization across the IPB, in areas where the Lower VSC sequence is present. The Upper VSC sequence, with siliciclastic and volcanogenic sedimentary rocks of middle–late Visean age, shows no massive mineralization but a late Tournaisian (350.9 ± 2.3 Ma) volcanism with disseminated sulphides was also identified. Nevertheless, stratigraphic palynological gaps were found within the Strunian and in the Tournaisian sediments, between the Lower and Upper VSC sequences, reflecting probable erosion and uplift mechanisms linked with extensional tectonics. The Semblana and Monte Branco deposits and the Rosa Magra stockwork are enclosed by tectonic sheets that dismembered the VSC sequence in a fold-and-thrust tectonic complex, characteristic of the NE Neves–Corvo region. The methodologies used allow a geological comparison between Neves–Corvo and other IPB mine regions such as Lousal–Caveira, Herrerias, Tharsis and Aznalcollar.
Social support and health among older adults – the Singapore Chinese Health Study
Authors: Barrenetxea Jon , Yang Yi , Markides Kyriakos S. , Pan An , Koh Woon-Puay , Feng Qiushi
Published: January 2021

While having social support can contribute to better health, those in poor health may be limited in their capacity to receive social support. We studied the health factors associated with social support among community-dwelling older adults in Singapore. We used data from the third follow-up interviews (2014–2016) of 16,943 participants of the Singapore Chinese Health Study, a population-based cohort of older Singapore Chinese. Participants were interviewed at a mean age of 73 years (range 61–96 years) using the Duke Social Support Scale (DUSOCS). We first applied ordinary least squares regression to DUSOCS scores and found that those with instrumental limitations, poor self-rated health, cognitive impairment and depression had lower social support scores. We then applied latent class analysis to DUSOCS answer patterns and revealed four groups of older adults based on the source and amount of social support. Among them, compared to the ‘overall supported’ group (17%) with the highest social support scores and broad support from family members and non-family individuals, the ‘family restricted’ (50%) group had the lowest social support scores and only received support from children. Health factors associated with being ‘family restricted’ were instrumental limitations (odds ratio (OR) = 1.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.19–1.49), poor self-rated health (OR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.28–1.53), cognitive impairment (OR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.04–1.37) and depression (OR = 2.50, 95% CI = 2.22–2.82). We found that while older adults in poor health have lower social support scores, they were more likely to receive a lot of support from children. Our results showed that lower social support scores among Singaporean older adults in poor health may not indicate lack of social support, but rather that social support is restricted in scope and intensified around children. These results may apply to other Asian societies where family plays a central role in elder-care.
INSTRUMENTAL VARIABLE ESTIMATION OF STRUCTURAL VAR MODELS ROBUST TO POSSIBLE NONSTATIONARITY
Authors: Cheng Xu , Han Xu , Inoue Atsushi
Published: January 2021

This paper considers the estimation of dynamic causal effects using a proxy structural vector-autoregressive model with possibly nonstationary regressors. We provide general conditions under which the asymptotic normal approximation remains valid. In this case, the asymptotic variance depends on the persistence property of each series. We further provide a consistent asymptotic covariance matrix estimator that requires neither knowledge of the presistence properties of the variables nor pretests for nonstationarity. The proposed consistent covariance matrix estimator is robust and is easy to implement in practice. When all regressors are indeed stationary, the method becomes the same as the standard procedure.
ON MARKOVIAN QUEUES WITH SINGLE WORKING VACATION AND BERNOULLI INTERRUPTIONS
Authors: Tian Ruiling , Zhang Zhe George , Su Siping
Published: January 2021

This paper considers the customers’ equilibrium and socially optimal joining–balking behavior in a single-server Markovian queue with a single working vacation and Bernoulli interruptions. The model is motivated by practical service systems where the service rate can be adjusted according to whether or not the system is empty. Specifically, we focus on a single-server queue in which the server's service rate is reduced from a regular to a lower one when the system becomes empty. This lower rate period is called a working vacation for the server which may represent that part of the service facility is under a maintenance process or works on other non-queueing job, or simply for saving the energy (for a machine server case). In this paper, we assume that the working vacation period is terminated after a random period or with probability p after serving a customer in a non-empty system. Such a system is called a queue with single working vacation and Bernoulli interruptions. Customers are strategic and can make choice of joining or balking based on different levels of system information. We consider four scenarios: fully observable, almost observable, almost unobservable, and fully unobservable queue cases. Under a reward-cost structure, we analyze the customer's equilibrium and social-optimal strategies. In addition, the effects of system parameters on optimal strategies are illustrated by numerical examples.
A systematic review of caregiver–child physiological synchrony across systems: Associations with behavior and child functioning
Authors: DePasquale Carrie E.
Published: January 2021

Extensive research has established a positive association between caregiver-child behavioral synchrony and child developmental functioning. Burgeoning research examining physiological synchrony has yet to elucidate its impact for children’s developing self-regulation. The objectives of this systematic review were to: 1) determine whether there is evidence that caregiver-child physiological synchrony promotes positive child development, 2) examine developmental differences in physiological synchrony and its correlates, and 3) explore whether context, risk, and/or stress influence patterns of synchrony. Sixty-nine studies met the following criteria on PubMed and PsycINFO: 1) peer-reviewed empirical articles in English that 2) examine autonomic, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical, and/or central nervous system activity 3) for caregivers and children 4) in response to a task and 5) directly examine the association between caregiver and child physiology. Findings varied based on developmental period and current behavioral context. Functional differences may exist across physiological systems and contexts. Synchrony may have different developmental consequences for dyads with and without certain risk factors. Few studies examine physiological synchrony across multiple systems or contexts, nor do they measure child characteristics associated with synchrony. Statistical and methodological challenges impede interpretation. Findings generally support the idea that physiological synchrony may support children’s developing self-regulation. Longitudinal research is needed to examine child developmental outcomes over time.
Addressing educational inequalities and promoting learning through studies of stress physiology in elementary school students
Authors: Obradović Jelena , Armstrong-Carter Emma
Published: January 2021

To be ready to learn, children need to be focused, engaged, and able to bounce back from setbacks. However, many children come to school with heightened or diminished physiological arousal due to exposure to poverty-related risks. While stress physiology plays a role in explaining how adversity relates to processes that support students’ cognitive development, there is a lack of studies of physiological stress response in educational settings. This review integrates relevant studies and offers future directions for research on the role of stress physiology in the school adaptation of elementary school students, focusing on these important questions: (a) What are the links between physiological stress response and learning-related skills and behaviors, and do they vary as a function of proximal and distal experiences outside of school? (b) How are school experiences associated with students’ physiological stress response and related cognitive and behavioral adaptations? (c) How can we leverage measures of students’ physiological stress response in evaluations of school-based interventions to better support the school success of every student? We hope to stimulate a new wave of research that will advance the science of developmental stress physiology, as well as improve the application of these findings in educational policy and practice.
The prospective association between stressful life events and inflammation among adolescents with a history of early institutional rearing
Authors: Tang Alva , Wade Mark , Fox Nathan A. , Nelson Charles A. , Zeanah Charles H. , Slopen Natalie
Published: January 2021

Early adversity has been shown to sensitize individuals to the effects of later stress and enhance risk of psychopathology. Using a longitudinal randomized trial of foster care as an alternative to institutional care, we extend the stress sensitization hypothesis to examine whether early institutional rearing sensitizes individuals to stressful events in adolescence engendering chronic low-grade inflammation. At baseline, institutionalized children in Romania (ages 6–31 months) were randomly assigned to foster care or to remain in usual care within institutions. A group of never-institutionalized children was recruited as an in-country comparison sample. At ages 12 and 16, participants reported stressful events. At age 16, Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were derived from blood spots. Among children assigned to care as usual, more stressful events at age 12, but not age 16, were associated with higher IL-6. In the same group, stressful events at age 16 were associated with higher CRP, though these effects attenuated after adjusting for covariates. These associations were not observed in the foster care or never-institutionalized groups. The findings suggest that heightened inflammation following stress exposure is one pathway through which early neglect could compromise physical health. In contrast, early family care might buffer against these risks.
Rangeland loss and population decline of the critically endangered Liben LarkHeteromirafra archeriin southern Ethiopia
Authors: MAHAMUED BRUKTAWIT A. , DONALD PAUL F. , COLLAR NIGEL J. , MARSDEN STUART J. , NDANG’ANG’A PAUL KARIUKI , WONDAFRASH MENGISTU , ABEBE YILMA DELLELEGN , BENNETT JAMES , WOTTON SIMON R. , GORNALL DANIEL , LLOYD HUW
Published: January 2021

Liben LarkHeteromirafra archeriis a ‘Critically Endangered’ species threatened by the loss and degradation of grassland at the Liben Plain, southern Ethiopia, one of only two known sites for the species. We use field data from nine visits between 2007 and 2019 and satellite imagery to quantify changes over time in the species’ abundance and in the extent and quality of its habitat. We estimate that the population fell from around 279 singing males (95% CL: 182–436) in 2007 to around 51 (14–144) in 2013, after which too few birds were recorded to estimate population size. Arable cultivation first appeared on the plain in the early 1990s and by 2019 more than a third of the plain had been converted to crops. Cultivation was initially confined to the fertile black soils but from 2008 began to spread into the less fertile red soils that cover most of the plain. Liben Larks strongly avoided areas with extensive bare ground or trees and bushes, but the extent of these did not change significantly over the survey period. A plausible explanation for the species’ decline is that grassland degradation, caused before 2007 by continuous high-pressure grazing by livestock, reduced its rates of reproduction or survival to a level that could not support its previous population. Since 2015, communalkalos(grazing exclosures) have been established to generate forage and other resources in the hope of also providing breeding habitat for Liben Larks. Grass height and density within four grasslandkalosin 2018 greatly exceeded that in the surrounding grassland, indicating that the plain retains the potential to recover rapidly if appropriately managed. Improvement of grassland structure through the restitution of traditional and sustainable rangeland management regimes and the reversion of cereal agriculture to grassland are urgently needed to avert the species’ extinction.
Insomnia, sleep loss, and circadian sleep disturbances in mood disorders: a pathway toward neurodegeneration and neuroprogression? A theoretical review
Authors: Palagini Laura , Geoffroy Pierre A. , Miniati Mario , Perugi Giulio , Biggio Giovanni , Marazziti Donatella , Riemann Dieter
Published: January 2021

The present paper aims at reviewing and commenting on the relationships between sleep and circadian phasing alterations and neurodegenerative/neuroprogressive processes in mood disorder. We carried out a systematic review, according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, in PubMed, PsycINFO, and Embase electronic databases for literature related to mood disorders, sleep disturbances, and neurodegenerative/neuroprogressive processes in relation to (1) neuroinflammation, (2) activation of the stress system, (3) oxidative stress, (4) accumulation of neurotoxic proteins, and (5) neuroprotection deficit. Seventy articles were collectively selected and analyzed. Experimental and clinical studies revealed that insomnia, conditions of sleep loss, and altered circadian sleep may favor neurodegeneration and neuroprogression in mood disorders. These sleep disturbances may induce a state of chronic inflammation by enhancing neuroinflammation, both directly and indirectly, via microglia and astrocytes activation. They may act as neurobiological stressors that by over-activating the stress system may negatively influence neural plasticity causing neuronal damage. In addition, sleep disturbances may favor the accumulation of neurotoxic proteins, favor oxidative stress, and a deficit in neuroprotection hence contributing to neurodegeneration and neuroprogression. Targeting sleep disturbances in the clinical practice may hold a neuroprotective value for mood disorders.
Adherence to food-based dietary guidelines among adolescents in Germany according to socio-economic status and region: results from Eating Study as a KiGGS Module (EsKiMo) II
Authors: Brettschneider Anna-Kristin , Lage Barbosa Clarissa , Haftenberger Marjolein , Lehmann Franziska , Mensink Gert BM
Published: January 2021

Objective:

Dietary habits developed during childhood and adolescence are likely to continue into adulthood. An unbalanced diet may cause nutrient deficiencies and excessive energy intake; these enhance the risk for developing overweight and obesity and their co-morbidities. In the present analysis, food consumption of adolescents is described and evaluated against German food-based dietary guidelines with special focus on socio-economic status (SES) and region of residence.

Design:

Within the ‘German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents’ (KiGGS Wave 2), the cross-sectional ‘Eating Study as a KiGGS Module’ (EsKiMo II) was conducted from 2015 until 2017 to provide data about dietary behaviour.

Setting:

Germany.

Participants:

1353 adolescents aged 12–17 years from a nationwide representative sample with food consumption data from computer-assisted dietary history interviews.

Results:

The median consumption of fruits, vegetables, starchy foods and milk/dairy products among adolescents in Germany was below the recommendation. The median consumption of both meat/meat products and unfavourable foods, like confectionery, which should be consumed sparingly, was about 1·5 times the recommended amount. The total amount of beverages consumed by most adolescents was above the minimum amount recommended. Soft drink consumption of adolescents with a low SES was three to five times higher than soft drink consumption of adolescents with a high SES.

Conclusions:

The results indicate the need for an improvement of dietary habits among adolescents in Germany. Further approaches to promote healthy diets in Germany should be continued, and the focus on social inequalities should be strengthened.
Do adults and older people follow current guidelines for milk consumption?
Authors: Luz Renata , Barros Marilisa Berti de Azevedo , de Assumpção Daniela , Domene Semíramis Martins Álvares , Barros Filho Antonio de Azevedo
Published: January 2021

Objective:

To estimate the prevalence of frequent milk consumption (≥five times/week), the consumption of low-fat/skimmed milk and associated factors in adults and older people, evaluating adherence to current Brazilian guideline.

Design:

Population-based cross-sectional study involving the analysis of data from the 2015 Campinas Food Intake and Nutritional Status and 2015 Campinas Health Survey. The prevalence of milk consumption was analysed according to socio-economic characteristics, morbidities and health-related behaviours.

Setting:

City of Campinas, state of São Paulo, Brazil.

Participants:

A sample of 1710 participants of the 2015 Campinas Nutritional and Health Surveys.

Results:

A total of 73·8 % of the population consumed milk, but the prevalence of frequent consumption was only 44·0 %. Frequent milk consumption was higher among women, older people and individuals with better diet quality. A total of 18·4 % of the individuals who consumed milk reported consuming low-fat/skimmed milk; this prevalence was higher among women, individuals with a higher socio-economic status, those with better diet quality and those with chronic diseases.

Conclusion:

Despite the high nutritional quality of milk and the different types available on the market, adults and older people do not follow current recommendations regarding its consumption. Information on the nutritional quality of milk and current recommendations should be disseminated more at healthcare services.
A Tried-and-True Medium to Broaden the Reach of Science
Authors: Duncan Seraphin Kanesa
Published: January 2021

Television programming reaches broad, diverse audiences, but scientists must help tell their own stories and speak to the communities in which they live.
Low-loss optical waveguides made with a high-loss material
Authors: Urbonas Darius , Mahrt Rainer F. , Stöferle Thilo
Published: January 2021

For guiding light on a chip, it has been pivotal to use materials and process flows that allow low absorption and scattering. Based on subwavelength gratings, here, we show that it is possible to create broadband, multimode waveguides with very low propagation losses despite using a strongly absorbing material. We perform rigorous coupled-wave analysis and finite-difference time-domain simulations of integrated waveguides that consist of pairs of integrated high-index-contrast gratings. To showcase this concept, we demonstrate guiding of visible light in the wavelength range of 550–650 nm with losses down to 6 dB/cm using silicon gratings that have a material absorption of 13,000 dB/cm at this wavelength and are fabricated with standard silicon photonics technology. This approach allows us to overcome traditional limits of the various established photonics technology platforms with respect to their suitable spectral range and, furthermore, to mitigate situations where absorbing materials, such as highly doped semiconductors, cannot be avoided because of the need for electrical driving, for example, for amplifiers, lasers and modulators.
Requirement of brain interleukin33 for aquaporin4 expression in astrocytes and glymphatic drainage of abnormal tau
Authors: Wu Jean , Carlock Colin , Shim Junbo , Moreno-Gonzalez Ines , Glass William , Ross April , Barichello Tatiana , Quevedo Joao , Lou Yahuan
Published: January 2021

Defective aquaporin4 (AQP4)-mediated glymphatic drainage has been linked to tauopathy and amyloid plaque in Alzheimer’s disease. We now show that brain interleukin33 (IL33) is required for regulation of AQP4 expression in astrocytes, especially those at neuron-facing membrane domain (n-AQP4). First, IL33-deficient (Il33−/−) mice showed a loss of n-AQP4 after middle age, which coincided with a rapid accumulation of abnormal tau in neurons and a reduction in drainage of abnormal tau to peripheral tissues. Second, injection of recombinant IL33 induced robust expression of AQP4 at perivascular endfoot (p-AQP4) of astrocytes, but not n-AQP4, in Il33−/− brains. Although the increased p-AQP4 greatly accelerated drainage of intracerebroventricularly injected peptides, it did not substantially accelerate drainage of abnormal tau. These results suggest that p-AQP4 drives overall convective flow toward perivenous space, i.e., glymphatics, whereas n-AQP4 may generate an aqueous flow away from neurons to remove neuronal wastes, e.g., abnormal tau. We have previously shown the role of brain IL33 in DNA repair and autophagy in neurons with oxidative stress. Now, we show that IL33 deficiency also impairs glymphatic drainage. Defects in those mechanisms together may lead to chronic neurodegeneration and tauopathy at old age in IL33-deficient mice.
Histone demethylase KDM5A promotes tumorigenesis of osteosarcoma tumor
Authors: Peng Daohu , Lin Birong , Xie Mingzhong , Zhang Ping , Guo QingXi , Li Qian , Gu Qinwen , Yang Sijin , Sen Li
Published: January 2021

Osteosarcoma is a primary bone malignancy with a high rate of recurrence and poorer prognosis. Therefore, it is of vital importance to explore novel prognostic molecular biomarkers and targets for more effective therapeutic approaches. Previous studies showed that histone demethylase KDM5A can increase the proliferation and metastasis of several cancers. However, the function of KDM5A in the carcinogenesis of osteosarcoma is not clear. In the current study, KDM5A was highly expressed in osteosarcoma than adjacent normal tissue. Knockdown of KDM5A suppressed osteosarcoma cell proliferation and induced apoptosis. Moreover, knockdown of KDM5A could increase the expression level of P27 (cell-cycle inhibitor) and decrease the expression of Cyclin D1. Furthermore, after knockout of KDM5A in osteosarcoma cells by CRISPR/Cas9 system, the tumor size and growth speed were inhibited in tumor-bearing nude mice. RNA-Seq of KDM5A-KO cells indicated that interferon, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), IL6/JAK/STAT3, and TNF-α/NF-κB pathway were likely involved in the regulation of osteosarcoma cell viability. Taken together, our research established a role of KDM5A in osteosarcoma tumorigenesis and progression.
MicroRNAs expression dynamics reveal post-transcriptional mechanisms regulating seed development in Phaseolus vulgaris L.
Authors: Parreira José Ricardo , Cappuccio Michela , Balestrazzi Alma , Fevereiro Pedro , Araújo Susana de Sousa
Published: January 2021

The knowledge on post-transcriptional regulation mechanisms implicated in seed development (SD) is still limited, particularly in one of the most consumed grain legumes, Phaseolus vulgaris L. We explore for the first time the miRNA expression dynamics in P. vulgaris developing seeds. Seventy-two known and 39 new miRNAs were found expressed in P. vulgaris developing seeds. Most of the miRNAs identified were more abundant at 10 and 40 days after anthesis, suggesting that late embryogenesis/early filling and desiccation were SD stages in which miRNA action is more pronounced. Degradome analysis and target prediction identified targets for 77 expressed miRNAs. While several known miRNAs were predicted to target HD-ZIP, ARF, SPL, and NF-Y transcription factors families, most of the predicted targets for new miRNAs encode for functional proteins. MiRNAs-targets expression profiles evidenced that these miRNAs could tune distinct seed developmental stages. MiRNAs more accumulated at early SD stages were implicated in regulating the end of embryogenesis, postponing the seed maturation program, storage compound synthesis and allocation. MiRNAs more accumulated at late SD stages could be implicated in seed quiescence, desiccation tolerance, and longevity with still uncovered roles in germination. The miRNAs herein described represent novel P. vulgaris resources with potential application in future biotechnological approaches to modulate the expression of genes implicated in legume seed traits with impact in horticultural production systems.
Mathematical modeling of COVID-19 in 14.8 million individuals in Bahia, Brazil
Authors: Oliveira Juliane F. , Jorge Daniel C. P. , Veiga Rafael V. , Rodrigues Moreno S. , Torquato Matheus F. , da Silva Nivea B. , Fiaccone Rosemeire L. , Cardim Luciana L. , Pereira Felipe A. C. , de Castro Caio P. , Paiva Aureliano S. S. , Amad Alan A. S. , Lima Ernesto A. B. F. , Souza Diego S. , Pinho Suani T. R. , Ramos Pablo Ivan P. , Andrade Roberto F. S.
Published: January 2021

COVID-19 is affecting healthcare resources worldwide, with lower and middle-income countries being particularly disadvantaged to mitigate the challenges imposed by the disease, including the availability of a sufficient number of infirmary/ICU hospital beds, ventilators, and medical supplies. Here, we use mathematical modelling to study the dynamics of COVID-19 in Bahia, a state in northeastern Brazil, considering the influences of asymptomatic/non-detected cases, hospitalizations, and mortality. The impacts of policies on the transmission rate were also examined. Our results underscore the difficulties in maintaining a fully operational health infrastructure amidst the pandemic. Lowering the transmission rate is paramount to this objective, but current local efforts, leading to a 36% decrease, remain insufficient to prevent systemic collapse at peak demand, which could be accomplished using periodic interventions. Non-detected cases contribute to a ∽55% increase in R0. Finally, we discuss our results in light of epidemiological data that became available after the initial analyses.
The power of electrified nanoconfinement for energising, controlling and observing long enzyme cascades
Authors: Morello Giorgio , Megarity Clare F. , Armstrong Fraser A.
Published: January 2021

Multistep enzyme-catalyzed cascade reactions are highly efficient in nature due to the confinement and concentration of the enzymes within nanocompartments. In this way, rates are exceptionally high, and loss of intermediates minimised. Similarly, extended enzyme cascades trapped and crowded within the nanoconfined environment of a porous conducting metal oxide electrode material form the basis of a powerful way to study and exploit myriad complex biocatalytic reactions and pathways. One of the confined enzymes, ferredoxin-NADP+ reductase, serves as a transducer, rapidly and reversibly recycling nicotinamide cofactors electrochemically for immediate delivery to the next enzyme along the chain, thereby making it possible to energize, control and observe extended cascade reactions driven in either direction depending on the electrode potential that is applied. Here we show as proof of concept the synthesis of aspartic acid from pyruvic acid or its reverse oxidative decarboxylation/deamination, involving five nanoconfined enzymes.
Cellular and molecular landscape of mammalian sinoatrial node revealed by single-cell RNA sequencing
Authors: Liang Dandan , Xue Jinfeng , Geng Li , Zhou Liping , Lv Bo , Zeng Qiao , Xiong Ke , Zhou Huixing , Xie Duanyang , Zhang Fulei , Liu Jie , Liu Yi , Li Li , Yang Jian , Xue Zhigang , Chen Yi-Han
Published: January 2021

Bioelectrical impulses intrinsically generated within the sinoatrial node (SAN) trigger the contraction of the heart in mammals. Though discovered over a century ago, the molecular and cellular features of the SAN that underpin its critical function in the heart are uncharted territory. Here, we identify four distinct transcriptional clusters by single-cell RNA sequencing in the mouse SAN. Functional analysis of differentially expressed genes identifies a core cell cluster enriched in the electrogenic genes. The similar cellular features are also observed in the SAN from both rabbit and cynomolgus monkey. Notably, Vsnl1, a core cell cluster marker in mouse, is abundantly expressed in SAN, but is barely detectable in atrium or ventricle, suggesting that Vsnl1 is a potential SAN marker. Importantly, deficiency of Vsnl1 not only reduces the beating rate of human induced pluripotent stem cell - derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) but also the heart rate of mice. Furthermore, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) unveiled the core gene regulation network governing the function of the SAN in mice. Overall, these findings reveal the whole transcriptome profiling of the SAN at single-cell resolution, representing an advance toward understanding of both the biology and the pathology of SAN.