bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Additive effects of developmental acclimation and physiological syndromes on lifetime metabolic and water loss rates of a dry‐skinned ectotherm
Authors: Dezetter Mathias , Dupoué Andréaz , Le Galliard Jean‐François , Lourdais Olivier 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Developmental plasticity and thermal acclimation can contribute to adaptive responses to climate change by altering functional traits related to energy and water balance regulation. How plasticity interacts with physiological syndromes through lifetime in long‐lived species is currently unknown.

Here, we examined the impacts of long‐term thermal acclimation in a long‐lived temperate ectotherm Vipera aspis and its potential flexibility at adulthood for two related functional traits: standard metabolic rate (SMR) and total evaporative water loss (TEWL).

We used climatic chambers to simulate three contrasted daily thermal cycles (warm, medium and cold) differing in mean temperatures (28, 24 and 20℃ respectively) and amplitudes (5, 10 and 13℃ respectively) during immature life (0 to 4 years of age). Individuals were then maintained under common garden conditions (medium cycle) for an additional 3‐year period (4–7 years of age). SMR and TEWL were repeatedly measured in the same individuals throughout life during and after the climate manipulation.

Individuals reduced their SMR (negative compensation) when experiencing the warm cycle but flexibly adjusted their SMR to common garden conditions at adulthood. In addition, thermal conditions during the juvenile life stage led to changes in TEWL persisting until adulthood.

We further found consistent intra‐individual variation for SMR and TEWL and a positive intra‐individual and inter‐individual covariation between them throughout life. Thus, plastic responses were combined with a physiological syndrome linking SMR and TEWL.

Our study demonstrates the capacity of long‐lived organisms to flexibly shift their SMR to reduce daily maintenance costs in warmer and less variable thermal environments, which might be beneficial to low‐energy specialist organisms such as vipers. It further suggests that thermal conditions provide cues for developmental changes in TEWL. Beside plasticity, contrasted individual physiological syndromes could be selected for and contribute to the response to climate change.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Environmental effects on the genetic architecture of fitness components in a simultaneous hermaphrodite
Authors: Janicke Tim , Chapuis Elodie , Meconcelli Stefania , Bonel Nicolas , Delahaie Boris , David Patrice 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Understanding how environmental change affects genetic variances and covariances of reproductive traits is key to formulate firm predictions on evolutionary responses. This is particularly true for sex‐specific variance in reproductive success, which has been argued to affect how populations can adapt to environmental change.

Our current knowledge on the impact of environmental stress on sex‐specific genetic architecture of fitness components is still limited and restricted to separate‐sexed organisms. However, hermaphroditism is widespread across animals and may entail interesting peculiarities with respect to genetic constraints imposed on the evolution of male and female reproduction.

We explored how food restriction affects the genetic variance–covariance (G) matrix of body size and reproductive success of the simultaneously hermaphroditic freshwater snail Physa acuta.

Our results provide strong evidence that the imposed environmental stress elevated the opportunity for selection in both sex functions. However, the G–matrix remained largely stable across the tested food treatments. Importantly, our results provide no support for cross‐sex genetic correlations suggesting no strong evolutionary coupling of male and female reproductive traits.

We discuss potential implications for the adaptation to changing environments and highlight the need for more quantitative genetic studies on male and female fitness components in simultaneous hermaphrodites.
Minimally invasive surgery for suspected early‐stage ovarian cancer; a cost‐effectiveness study
Authors: Dioun S , Chen L , Melamed A , Gockley A , St. Clair CM , Hou JY , Tergas AI , Khoury‐Collado F , Elkin E , Accordino M , Hershman DL , Wright JD 
Published: October 2021

ObjectiveWhile there are a number of benefits to minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for women with ovarian cysts, there is an increased risk of ovarian capsule rupture during the procedure, which could potentially seed the abdominal cavity with malignant cells. We developed a decision model to compare the risks, benefits, effectiveness and cost of MIS versus laparotomy in women with ovarian masses.DesignCost‐effectiveness studyPopulationHypothetical cohort of 10 000 women with ovarian masses who were undergoing surgical management.MethodsThe initial decision point in the model was performance of surgery via laparotomy or a MIS approach. Model probabilities, costs and utility values were derived from published literature and administrative data sources. Extensive sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the robustness of the findings.Main outcome measuresThe primary outcome was the cost‐effectiveness of MIS versus laparotomy for women with a pelvic mass measured by incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICERs).ResultsMIS was the least costly strategy at $7,732 per women on average, compared with $17,899 for laparotomy. In our hypothetical cohort of 10 000 women, there were 64 cases of ovarian rupture in the MIS group and 53 in the laparotomy group, while there were 26 cancer‐related deaths in the MIS group and 25 in the laparotomy group. MIS was more effective than laparotomy (188 462 QALYs for MIS versus 187 631 quality adjusted life years [QALYs] for laparotomy). Thus, MIS was a dominant strategy, being both less costly and more effective than laparotomy. These results were robust in a variety of sensitivity analyses.ConclusionMIS constitutes a cost‐effective management strategy for women with suspicious ovarian masses.Tweetable abstractMIS is a cost‐effective management strategy for women with suspicious ovarian masses.
Using machine learning to advance disparities research: Subgroup analyses of access to opioid treatment
Authors: Kong Yinfei , Zhou Jia , Zheng Zemin , Amaro Hortensia , Guerrero Erick G. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo operationalize an intersectionality framework using a novel statistical approach and with these efforts, improve the estimation of disparities in access (i.e., wait time to treatment entry) to opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment beyond race.Data sourceSample of 941,286 treatment episodes collected in 2015–2017 in the United States from the Treatment Episodes Data Survey (TEDS‐A) and a subset from California (n = 188,637) and Maryland (n = 184,276), states with the largest sample of episodes.Study designThis retrospective subgroup analysis used a two‐step approach called virtual twins. In Step 1, we trained a classification model that gives the probability of waiting (1 day or more). In Step 2, we identified subgroups with a higher probability of differences due to race. We tested three classification models for Step 1 and identified the model with the best estimation.Data collectionClient data were collected by states during personal interviews at admission and discharge.Principal findingsRandom forest was the most accurate model for the first step of subgroup analysis. We found large variation across states in racial disparities. Stratified analysis of two states with the largest samples showed critical factors that augmented disparities beyond race. In California, factors such as service setting, referral source, and homelessness defined the subgroup most vulnerable to racial disparities. In Maryland, service setting, prior episodes, receipt of medication‐assisted opioid treatment, and primary drug use frequency augmented disparities beyond race. The identified subgroups had significantly larger racial disparities.ConclusionsThe methodology used in this study enabled a nuanced understanding of the complexities in disparities research. We found state and service factors that intersected with race and augmented disparities in wait time. Findings can help decision makers target modifiable factors that make subgroups vulnerable to waiting longer to enter treatment.
Examining emergency department inequities in Aotearoa New Zealand: Findings from a national retrospective observational study examining Indigenous emergency care outcomes
Authors: Curtis Elana , Paine Sarah‐Jane , Jiang Yannan , Jones Peter , Tomash Inia , Healey Olivia , Reid Papaarangi 
Published: October 2021

AbstractObjectiveThere is increasing evidence that EDs may not operate equitably for all patients, with Indigenous and minoritised ethnicity patients experiencing longer wait times for assessment, differential pain management and less evaluation and treatment of acute conditions.MethodsThis retrospective observational study used a Kaupapa Māori framework to investigate ED admissions into 18/20 District Health Boards in Aotearoa New Zealand (2006–2012). Key pre‐admission variable was ethnicity (Māori:non‐Māori), and outcome variables included: ED self‐discharge; ED arrival to assessment time; hospital re‐admission within 72 h; ED re‐presentation within 72 h; ED length of stay; ward length of stay; access block and mortality (in ED or within 10 days of ED departure). Generalised linear regression models controlled for year of presentation, sex, age, deprivation, triage category and comorbidity.ResultsDespite some ED process measures favouring Māori, for example arrival to assessment time (mean difference −2.14 min; 95% confidence interval [CI] −2.42 to −1.86) and access block (odds ratio [OR] 0.89, 95% CI 0.87–0.91), others showed no difference, for example self‐discharge (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.97–1.00). Despite this, Māori mortality (OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.50–1.71) and ED re‐presentation (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.09–1.12) were higher than non‐Māori.ConclusionTo our knowledge, this is the most comprehensive investigation of acute outcomes by ethnicity to date in New Zealand. We found ED mortality inequities that are unlikely to be explained by ED process measures or comorbidities. Our findings reinforce the need to investigate health professional bias and institutional racism within an acute care context.
The chromosome‐scale genome assembly, annotation and evolution of Rhododendron henanense subsp. lingbaoense
Authors: Zhou Xiao‐Jun , Li Jian‐Tao , Wang Hai‐Liang , Han Jun‐Wang , Zhang Kai , Dong Shuai‐Wei , Zhang Yan‐Zhao , Ya Hui‐Yuan , Cheng Yan‐Wei , Sun Shan‐Shan 
Published: October 2021

AbstractRhododendron henanense subsp. lingbaoense (hereafter referred to as R. henanense) is an endemic species naturally distributed in the Henan province, China, with high horticultural, ornamental and medicinal value. Herein, we report a de novo genome assembly for R. henanense using a combination of PacBio long read and Illumina short read sequencing technologies. In total, we assembled 634.07 Mb with a contig N50 of 2.5 Mb, representing ~96.93% of the estimated genome size. By applying Hi‐C data, 13 pseudochromosomes of R. henanense genome were assembled, covering ~98.21% of the genome assembly. The genome was composed of ~65.76% repetitive sequences and 31,098 protein‐coding genes, 88.77% of which could be functionally annotated. Rhododendron henanense displayed a high level of synteny with other Rhododendron species from the Hymenanthes subgenus. Our data also suggests that R. henanense genes related to stress responses have undergone expansion, which may underly the unique abiotic and biotic stress resistance of the species. This alpine Rhododendron chromosome‐scale genome assembly provides fundamental molecular resources for germplasm conservation, breeding efforts, evolutionary studies, and elucidating the unique biological characteristics of R. henanense.
Morphometric study of the testis in sheep embryos using unbiased design‐based stereology
Authors: Sadeghinezhad Javad , Ganji Zahra , Sadeghian Chaleshtori Sirous , Bojarzadeh Hadis , Aghabalazadeh Asl Mahdi , Khomejini Ali Bayat , Roominai Ehsan , Hosseini Mohsen , De Silva Margherita 
Published: October 2021

AbstractSheep have been used as translational models of human postnatal testicular development. However, the morphometric features of the normal developing testis in sheep embryos have not been previously investigated using stereology. The objective of the present work was to establish normal quantitative parameters for fetal testicular tissue components in sheep, using unbiased design‐based stereological methods. Twenty‐four sheep embryos were divided into four gestational age groups (9–11, 12–14, 15–17 and 18–20 weeks of gestation) on the basis of the embryos’ crown‐rump length. Isotropic, systematic uniform random sections of the left testes were obtained by employing the orientator method. Testicular total volume, the absolute and proportional volumes occupied by the seminiferous tubules and interstitial tissue, as well as the seminiferous tubule length, were estimated using the point‐counting system and the unbiased counting frame principle. All the parameters, with the exception of the interstitial tissue's fractional volume, gradually increased along with gestational age, with the maximum increase especially seen in the late fetal stages. The proportional volume of the interstitial tissue, on the other hand, showed a decreasing trend along with increasing gestational age. The absolute volume of the testes, of the seminiferous tubules and of the interstitial tissue, and the length of the seminiferous tubules showed a significant (p< 0.05) positive linear correlation with gestational age. Several similarities were observed with human testicular embryogenesis. The stereological data emerging from the present study might prove useful as basic contribution to the fields of andrology and embryology and stimulate further research in these areas.
TCF4 trinucleotide repeat expansion in Swedish cases with Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy
Authors: Viberg Andreas , Westin Ida Maria , Golovleva Irina , Byström Berit 
Published: October 2021

AbstractPurposeFuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) has been considered a genetically heterogeneous disease but is increasingly associated with the transcription factor 4 (TCF4) gene. This study investigates the prevalence of the cytosine‐thymine‐guanine (CTG)n repeat expansion in TCF4 among FECD patients in northern Sweden coupled to the phenotype.MethodsBlood samples were collected from 85 FECD cases at different stages. Short tandem repeat PCR and triplet repeat‐primed PCR were applied in order to determine TCF4 (CTG)n genotype.ResultsA (CTG)n repeat expansion (n > 50) in TCF4 was identified in 76 of 85 FECD cases (89.4%) and in four of 102 controls (3.9%). The median (CTG)n repeat length was 81 (IQR 39.3) in mild FECD and 87 (IQR 13.0) in severe FECD (p = 0.01). A higher number of (CTG)n repeats in an expanded TCF4 allele increased the probability of severe FECD. Other ocular surgery was overrepresented in FECD cases without a (CTG)n repeat expansion (44.4%, n = 4) compared with 3.9% (n = 3) in FECD cases with an (CTG)n repeat expansion (p < 0.001).ConclusionIn northern Sweden, the FECD phenotype is associated with (CTG)n expansion in the TCF4 gene, with nearly 90% of patients being hetero‐ or homozygous for (CTG)n expansion over 50 repeats. Furthermore, the severity of FECD was associated with the repeat length in the TCF4 gene. Ocular surgery might act as an environmental factor explaining the clinical disease in FECD without a repeat expansion in TCF4.
Transperineal abdominoperineal resection in the prone jackknife position in male patients with low rectal cancer
Authors: Uematsu Dai , Sugihara Takehiko 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIntroductionIn male patients with low rectal cancer undergoing abdominoperineal resection (APR), successful dissection of the anterior anorectum is key to reducing the risk of circumferential resection margin involvement, intraoperative bowel perforation, and local recurrence, but it is challenging. To overcome difficulties dissecting the anterior anorectum, we present a safe and feasible procedure using a transperineal endoscopic approach during APR (TpAPR).Materials and Surgical TechniqueThe male patient is placed in the prone jackknife position. TpAPR precedes the procedure from an abdominal approach. We use some pelvic tissues as clear anatomical landmarks to dissect the anterior anorectum. The key steps of this procedure are shown in the video.DiscussionThe identification of a clear anatomical dissection plane of the anterior anorectum is difficult because of the complex surgical anatomy of the region. Clear anatomical landmarks for dissection of the anterior anorectum are necessary for safe implementation of this procedure. Therefore, TpAPR in the prone jackknife position can be performed to obtain better visualization of each anatomical landmark at a glance.
Evaluation of inbreeding and genetic diversity in Japanese Shorthorn cattle by pedigree analysis
Authors: Uemoto Yoshinobu , Suzuki Keiichi , Yasuda Jumpei , Roh Sanggun , Satoh Masahiro 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe Japanese Shorthorn is a Japanese Wagyu breed maintained at a small population size. We assessed the degree of inbreeding and genetic diversity among Japanese Shorthorn cattle using pedigree analysis. We analyzed the pedigree records of registered Japanese Shorthorn born between 1980 and 2018, after evaluating the pedigree completeness. The average of the actual inbreeding coefficients increased at the same rates annually from approximately 1.5% in 1980 to 4.2% in 2018 and was higher than the expected inbreeding coefficients over time. The effective population size based on the individual coancestry rate largely decreased from 127.8 in 1980 to 82.6 in 1999, and then remained almost constant at approximately 90. Three effective numbers of ancestors decreased over time until 1995, then remained almost constant. In particular, the effective number of founder genomes (Nge) decreased from 43.8 in 1980 to 11.9 in 2018. The index of genetic diversity based on Nge decreased from 0.99 in 1980 to 0.96 in 2018 due to genetic drift in non‐founder generations. Changes in inbreeding and genetic diversity parameters were similar between Japanese Shorthorn and other Japanese Wagyu breeds, but the magnitude of the changes was lower in the Japanese Shorthorn.
Azacitidine for patients with Vacuoles, E1 Enzyme, X‐linked, Autoinflammatory, Somatic syndrome (VEXAS) and myelodysplastic syndrome: data from the French VEXAS registry
Authors: Comont Thibault , Heiblig Mael , Rivière Etienne , Terriou Louis , Rossignol Julien , Bouscary Didier , Rieu Virginie , Le Guenno Guillaume , Mathian Alexis , Aouba Achille , Vinit Julien , Dion Jeremie , Kosmider Olivier , Terrier Benjamin , Georgin‐Lavialle Sophie , Fenaux Pierre , Mekinian Arsène ,   the French VEXAS study group, Groupe Francophone des Myélodysplasies (GFM) and MedecineINterne, HEmato et ONco (MINHEMON) group
Published: October 2021

SummaryAzacitidine can be effective in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) associated with inflammatory/autoimmune diseases. Vacuoles, E1 Enzyme, X‐linked, Autoinflammatory, Somatic syndrome (VEXAS) is a new monogenic autoinflammatory syndrome caused by somatic ubiquitin‐like modifier‐activating enzyme 1 (UBA1) mutation, often associated with MDS, whose treatment is difficult and not yet codified. Based on a French nationwide registry of 116 patients with VEXAS, we report the efficacy and safety of azacitidine treatment in 11 patients with VEXAS with MDS. Clinical response of VEXAS to azacitidine was achieved in five patients (46%), during 6, 8+, 12, 21, 27+ months respectively, suggesting that azacitidine can be effective in selected patients with VEXAS and associated MDS.
Finding mover–stayer quantile difference due to unobservables using quantile selection corrections
Authors: Lee Myoung‐jae , Choi Jin‐young 
Published: October 2021

AbstractFor movers () from a state and stayers (), it is of interest to know how they differ in their distributions of a response variable given some observed regressors (e.g., wage given education ), which is equivalent to their quantile differences in due to unobservables (e.g., ability) given . In many mover/stayer cases, however, is observed only for the movers, enabling the identification of only quantiles of the movers; for example, moving is migration and is the wage in the host country. For this, we propose a practical parametric way to find quantile differences between movers and stayers despite unobserved for the stayers. Our approach has the advantage comparing the movers to the stayers, whereas the existing semiparametric alternatives compare the movers only to the population to dilute the mover–stayer differences. Also, our approach easily allows heteroskedasticity and heterocorrelation in the and equations. An empirical example demonstrates these points.
Does more market competition lead to higher income and utility in the long run?
Authors: Stauvermann Peter J. , Kumar Ronald R. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIn this paper, we investigate if more competition leads to higher per capita incomes and/or to a higher level of utility in the long run. To this end, we use a Diamond overlapping‐generations model but relaxing the assumption of perfect competition in the good market. We show that the weaker the competition the more unequal the distribution of income. Surprisingly, we note that in general, tougher competition does not lead either to an increase in per capita incomes or to an increase in nonfirm owners’ utility in the long run.
Modeling the building blocks of country‐level absorptive capacity: Comparing developed and emergent economies
Authors: Silveira Naijela Janaina Costa , Ferraz Diogo , Polloni‐Silva Eduardo , Mello Diego Scarpa de , Falguera Fernanda Pereira Sartori , Moralles Herick Fernando 
Published: October 2021

AbstractSeveral studies analyzed the importance of absorptive capacity (AC) to achieve economic development. However, to the best of our knowledge, no study compares the building blocks (BBs) of AC between developed and emergent economies. This paper aims to identify and analyze the impact of the BBs on AC under distinct levels of development (i.e., developed vs. emerging economies) using systematic literature review (SLR) and econometrics. Specifically, both linear and nonlinear analyses were employed. Our findings show that BBs in developed and emergent regions are different. For both groups, R&D, FDI (foreign direct investment), infrastructure, and HDI (human development index) variables are BBs of AC. For developed economies, BBs also contemplate secondary education enrollments, the higher education index, and the percentage of GDP spent on higher education. Moreover, the thresholds of BBs also differ between developed and emergent economies. This identification of BBs and possible AC thresholds is valuable, as it provides information to set goals and strategies before a foreign investment attraction policy. Thus, the results facilitate the development of more suitable strategies to enhance positive productivity spillovers and avoid negative spillovers whenever possible. These results show that policymakers cannot employ the same policies for the development of developed and emerging countries.