bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The door opens inward: meeting Linda Tuhiwai Smith
Authors: Meyer Manulani Aluli , Tualaulelei Eseta 
Published: September 2024

PurposeThis article demonstrates the reach of Tuhiwai Smith’s ideas across Pacific research. It discusses the theoretical and practical influence of her seminal work Decolonizing Methodologies: Research and Indigenous Peoples through “holographic epistemology”, an indigenous way of viewing knowledge.Design/methodology/approachThe authors present a talanoa (Pacific-style relational conversation) to explore Tuhiwai Smith’s legacy for Pacific Islander researchers and research. The talanoa between two academics at different career stages draws upon personal and professional research experiences and peer-reviewed published sources to explore the expansive and enduring legacy of Tuhiwai Smith’s life and ideas.FindingsDecolonizing Methodologies has helped Pacific Islander researchers flourish, and Pacific Island research approaches gain legitimacy in higher education. Its epistemological influence can be seen in research which utilises knowledge of body, mind and spirit – holographic epistemology – and in indigenous innovations to qualitative research.Originality/valueThis article has value for those seeking to understand the epistemological underpinnings of indigenous approaches to research. It has originality in its presentation as a talanoa between two researchers who have found affirmation and academic freedom with Tuhiwai Smith’s ideas. It is also original in offering a Pacific perspective from a Hawaiian and a Samoan academic about the immense koha (gift) they have received from a Maori tuahine (sister).
Silvicultural regime shapes understory functional structure in European forests
Authors: Chianucci Francesco , Napoleone Francesca , Ricotta Carlo , Ferrara Carlotta , Fusaro Lina , Balducci Lorenzo , Trentanovi Giovanni , Bradley Owen , Kovacs Bence , Mina Marco , Cerabolini Bruno E. L. , Vandekerkhove Kris , De Smedt Pallieter , Lens Luc , Hertzog Lionel , Verheyen Kris , Hofmeister Jeňýk , Hošek Jan , Matula Radim , Doerfler Inken , Müller Jörg , Weisser Wolfgang W. , Helbach Jan , Schall Peter , Fischer Markus , Heilmann‐Clausen Jacob , Riis‐Hansen Rasmus , Goldberg Irina , Aude Erik , Kepfer‐Rojas Sebastian , Kappel Schmidt Inger , Riis Nielsen Torben , Mårell Anders , Dumas Yann , Janssen Philippe , Paillet Yoan , Archaux Frederic , Xystrakis Fotios , Tinya Flóra , Ódor Péter , Aszalós Réka , Bölöni János , Cutini Andrea , Bagella Simonetta , Sitzia Tommaso , Brazaitis Gediminas , Marozas Vitas , Ujházyová Mariana , Ujházy Karol , Máliš František , Nordén Björn , Burrascano Sabina 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Managing forests to sustain their diversity and functioning is a major challenge in a changing world. Despite the key role of understory vegetation in driving forest biodiversity, regeneration and functioning, few studies address the functional dimensions of understory vegetation response to silvicultural management.

We assessed the influence of the silvicultural regimes on the functional diversity and redundancy of European forest understory. We gathered vascular plant abundance data from more than 2000 plots in European forests, each associated with one out of the five most widespread silvicultural regimes. We used generalized linear mixed models to assess the effect of different silvicultural regimes on understory functional diversity (Rao's quadratic entropy) and functional redundancy, while accounting for climate and soil conditions, and explored the reciprocal relationship between three diversity components (functional diversity, redundancy and dominance) across silvicultural regimes through a ternary diversity diagram.

Intensive silvicultural regimes are associated with a decrease in functional diversity and an increase in functional redundancy, compared with unmanaged conditions. This means that although intensive management may buffer communities' functions against species or functional losses, it also limits the range of understory response to environmental changes.

Policy implications. Different silvicultural regimes influence different facets of understory functional features. While unmanaged forests can be used as a reference to design silvicultural practices in compliance with biodiversity conservation targets, different silvicultural options should be balanced at landscape scale to sustain the multiple forest functions that human societies are increasingly demanding.
Change in functional trait diversity mediates the effects of nutrient addition on grassland stability
Authors: Chen Qingqing , Wang Shaopeng , Seabloom Eric W. , Isbell Forest , Borer Elizabeth T. , Bakker Jonathan D. , Bharath Siddharth , Roscher Christiane , Peri Pablo Luis , Power Sally A. , Donohue Ian , Stevens Carly , Ebeling Anne , Nogueira Carla , Caldeira Maria C. , MacDougall Andrew S. , Moore Joslin L. , Bagchi Sumanta , Jentsch Anke , Tedder Michelle , Kirkman Kevin , Alberti Juan , Hautier Yann 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Nutrient enrichment impacts grassland plant diversity such as species richness, functional trait composition and diversity, but whether and how these changes affect ecosystem stability in the face of increasing climate extremes remains largely unknown.

We quantified the direct and diversity‐mediated effects of nutrient addition (by nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) on the stability of above‐ground biomass production in 10 long‐term grassland experimental sites. We measured five facets of stability as the temporal invariability, resistance during and recovery after extreme dry and wet growing seasons.

Leaf traits (leaf carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and specific leaf area) were measured under ambient and nutrient addition conditions in the field and were used to construct the leaf economic spectrum (LES). We calculated functional trait composition and diversity of LES and of single leaf traits. We quantified the contribution of intraspecific trait shifts and species replacement to change in functional trait composition as responses to nutrient addition and its implications for ecosystem stability.

Nutrient addition decreased functional trait diversity and drove grassland communities to the faster end of the LES primarily through intraspecific trait shifts, suggesting that intraspecific trait shifts should be included for accurately predicting ecosystem stability. Moreover, the change in functional trait diversity of the LES in turn influenced different facets of stability. That said, these diversity‐mediated effects were overall weak and/or overwhelmed by the direct effects of nutrient addition on stability. As a result, nutrient addition did not strongly impact any of the stability facets. These results were generally consistent using individual leaf traits but the dominant pathways differed. Importantly, major influencing pathways differed using average trait values extracted from global trait databases (e.g. TRY).

Synthesis. Investigating changes in multiple facets of plant diversity and their impacts on multidimensional stability under global changes such as nutrient enrichment can improve our understanding of the processes and mechanisms maintaining ecosystem stability.
Adenylate cyclase 1 knockdown attenuates pirarubicin‐induced cardiotoxicity
Authors: Zhang Wenqing , Shu Zhiyun , Huang Peng , Cheng HongYuan , Ji Jiahua , Wei Dexian , Ren Liqun 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the effects and possible mechanisms of adenylate cyclase 1 (ADCY1) on pirarubicin‐induced cardiomyocyte injury. HL‐1 cells were treated with pirarubicin (THP) to induce intracellular toxicity, and the extent of damage to mouse cardiomyocytes was assessed using CCK‐8, Edu, flow cytometry, ROS, ELISA, RT‐qPCR and western blotting. THP treatment reduced the viability of HL‐1 cells, inhibited proliferation, induced apoptosis and triggered oxidative stress. In addition, the RT‐qPCR results revealed that ADCY1 expression was significantly elevated in HL‐1 cells, and molecular docking showed a direct interaction between ADCY1 and THP. Western blotting showed that ADCY1, phospho‐protein kinase A and GRIN2D expression were also significantly elevated. Knockdown of ADCY1 attenuated THP‐induced cardiotoxicity, possibly by regulating the ADCY1/PKA/GRIN2D pathway.
Addressing immortal time bias in precision medicine: Practical guidance and methods development
Authors: Weymann Deirdre , Krebs Emanuel , Regier Dean A. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo compare theoretical strengths and limitations of common immortal time adjustment methods, propose a new approach using multiple imputation (MI), and provide practical guidance for using MI in precision medicine evaluations centered on a real‐world case study.Study Setting and DesignMethods comparison, guidance, and real‐world case study based on previous literature. We compared landmark analysis, time‐distribution matching, time‐dependent analysis, and our proposed MI application. Guidance for MI spanned (1) selecting the imputation method; (2) specifying and applying the imputation model; and (3) conducting comparative analysis and pooling estimates. Our case study used a matched cohort design to evaluate overall survival benefits of whole‐genome and transcriptome analysis, a precision medicine technology, compared to usual care for advanced cancers, and applied both time‐distribution matching and MI. Bootstrap simulation characterized imputation sensitivity to varying data missingness and sample sizes.Data Sources and Analytic SampleCase study used population‐based administrative data and single‐arm precision medicine program data from British Columbia, Canada for the study period 2012 to 2015.Principal FindingsWhile each method described can reduce immortal time bias, MI offers theoretical advantages. Compared to alternative approaches, MI minimizes information loss and better characterizes statistical uncertainty about the true length of the immortal time period, avoiding false precision. Additionally, MI explicitly considers the impacts of patient characteristics on immortal time distributions, with inclusion criteria and follow‐up period definitions that do not inadvertently risk biasing evaluations. In the real‐world case study, survival analysis results did not substantively differ across MI and time distribution matching, but standard errors based on MI were higher for all point estimates. Mean imputed immortal time was stable across simulations.ConclusionsPrecision medicine evaluations must employ immortal time adjustment methods for unbiased, decision‐grade real‐world evidence generation. MI is a promising solution to the challenge of immortal time bias.
Financial Transparency of Private Firms: Evidence from a Randomized Field Experiment
Authors: GASSEN JOACHIM , MUHN MAXIMILIAN 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTThis paper examines why private firms choose to be financially transparent or opaque by conducting a field experiment with more than 25,000 firms in Germany. We inform a randomly chosen set of firms about a disclosure option that allows eligible firms to restrict access to their otherwise publicly available financial statements. We also vary the messaging in subtle ways to induce experimental variation in the probability that firms take transacting (capital providers or customers and suppliers) versus non‐transacting stakeholders (competitors or general interest parties) into consideration when making their filing decision. Based on each firm's actual filing decision, we find that treated firms are 15% more likely to restrict access to their financial statements. This intention‐to‐treat effect is persistent and concentrated among firms that should derive lower net benefits from disclosure (smaller, more mature firms in less capital‐intensive industries). These findings indicate that informational constraints affect firms’ disclosure practice. Additionally, we show that the treatment effect is almost 40% larger for firms that have a higher, exogenously induced, probability of considering non‐transacting stakeholders when making their disclosure decision. By analyzing subsequent firm activity and complementary survey evidence, we also provide suggestive evidence that disclosure requirements put an undue burden on very small private firms.
Selection strategy for endoscopic necrosectomy approaches of infected walled‐off pancreatic necrosis: Analysis of 101 patients from a single center with long‐term follow‐up
Authors: Luo Jie , Zhang Sheng Wei , He Jia Lin , Tian Li Xing , Peng Xue , Nie Xu Biao , Ye Shao Song , Zuo Ying , Lin Hui , Bai Jian Ying , Liu En , Yang Shi Ming , Fan Chao Qiang 
Published: September 2024

ObjectivesEndoscopic necrosectomy (EN) is a promising minimally invasive approach for treating infected walled‐off pancreatic necrosis (WOPN). Multiple EN approaches are currently available, though criteria for selecting the optimal approaches are lacking. We aimed to propose a rational selection strategy of EN and to retrospectively evaluate its safety and effectiveness.MethodsAltogether 101 patients who underwent EN for infected WOPN at a tertiary hospital between June 2009 and February 2023 were retrospectively included for analysis. Demographic characteristics, details of the EN procedures, procedure‐related adverse events, and clinical outcomes were investigated.ResultsAmong these 101 patients with WOPN, 56 (55.4%) underwent transluminal EN, 38 (37.6%) underwent percutaneous EN, and seven (6.9%) underwent combined approach, respectively. Clinical success was achieved in 94 (93.1%) patients. Seven (6.9%) experienced procedure‐related adverse events, and seven (6.9%) died during the treatment period. During a median follow‐up of 50 months, 5 (5.3%) of the 94 patients had disease recurrence, 17.0% (16/94) had new‐onset diabetes mellitus, and 6.4% (6/94) needed oral pancreatic enzyme supplementation. The clinical success rate, procedure‐related adverse event rate, and long‐term follow‐up outcomes were not significantly different among the three groups. High APACHE‐II scores (≥15) and organ failure were identified as factors related to treatment failure.ConclusionsA selection strategy for EN approaches, based on the extent of necrosis and its distance from the gastrointestinal lumen (using a threshold of 15 mm), is safe and effective for treating infected WOPN in both short‐term and long‐term outcomes.
The prevalence and clinical features of leflunomide‐associated peripheral neuropathy in patients with rheumatic disease in a New Zealand cohort
Authors: Kaur Gursimran , Barclay Murray , Mitchell Joanne , Jordan Sarah , Stebbings Simon 
Published: September 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo identify the prevalence and clinical features of leflunomide‐associated peripheral neuropathy in patients with rheumatic disease over a 42‐month observational period between January 1, 2016 and June 30, 2019.MethodsA retrospective observational study was conducted using regional prescription data identifying all patients treated with leflunomide for rheumatic diseases in the Southern District Health Board of New Zealand. Medical records were used to identify patients who developed peripheral neuropathy while receiving treatment with leflunomide. Demographic characteristics, co‐therapies, and additional risk factors for peripheral neuropathy were also recorded.ResultsA total of 482 patients were identified as receiving leflunomide for the treatment of rheumatic during the study period. In total, 23 patients developed leflunomide‐induced peripheral neuropathy within the cohort giving a prevalence of 4.7%. Nerve conduction studies (NCS) performed in 18 (78.2%) of these patients confirmed a distal axonal, sensory, or sensorimotor peripheral neuropathy. The majority of patients (n = 22; 95.6%) either improved, stabilized, or resolved on cessation of the drug, with or without medication washout. Adverse symptoms were reported in association with peripheral neuropathy in 15 of the 23 patients (65.2%): these included pain, poor sleep, compromised skin integrity, poor balance, and a Charcot‐like arthropathy. Additional treatment was required to manage symptoms of peripheral neuropathy including nine patients (39%) who received pain relief.ConclusionsThis study supports the previously reported association between leflunomide treatment and the development of a peripheral neuropathy. However, our findings suggest that this is more common than the previous estimates. In patients with psoriatic arthritis and previous tarsitis, there appeared to be an association with a Charcot's‐like arthropathy, a complication not previously noted in the literature.
Sex‐specific high‐sensitivity troponin T cut‐points have similar safety but lower efficacy than overall cut‐points in a multisite U.S. cohort
Authors: Montgomery Connor M. , Ashburn Nicklaus P. , Snavely Anna C. , Allen Brandon , Christenson Robert , Madsen Troy , McCord James , Mumma Bryn , Hashemian Tara , Supples Michael , Stopyra Jason , Wilkerson R. Gentry , Mahler Simon A. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundData comparing the performance of sex‐specific to overall (non–sex‐specific) high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs‐cTn) cut‐points for diagnosing acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are limited. This study aims to compare the safety and efficacy of sex‐specific versus overall 99th percentile high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs‐cTnT) cut‐points.MethodsWe conducted a secondary analysis of the STOP‐CP cohort, which prospectively enrolled emergency department patients ≥ 21 years old with symptoms suggestive of ACS without ST‐elevation on initial electrocardiogram across eight U.S. sites (January 25, 2017–September 6, 2018). Participants with both 0‐ and 1‐h hs‐cTnT measures less than or equal to the 99th percentile (sex‐specific 22 ng/L for males, 14 ng/L for females; overall 19 ng/L) were classified into the rule‐out group. The safety outcome was adjudicated cardiac death or myocardial infarction (MI) at 30 days. Efficacy was defined as the proportion classified to the rule‐out group. McNemar's test and a generalized score statistic were used to compare rule‐out and 30‐day cardiac death or MI rates between strategies. Net reclassification improvement (NRI) index was used to further compare performance.ResultsThis analysis included 1430 patients, of whom 45.8% (655/1430) were female; the mean ± SD age was 57.6 ± 12.8 years. At 30 days, cardiac death or MI occurred in 12.8% (183/1430). The rule‐out rate was lower using sex‐specific versus overall cut‐points (70.6% [1010/1430] vs. 72.5% [1037/1430]; p = 0.003). Among rule‐out patients, the 30‐day cardiac death or MI rates were similar for sex‐specific (2.4% [24/1010]) vs. overall (2.3% [24/1037]) strategies (p = 0.79). Among patients with cardiac death or MI, sex‐specific versus overall cut‐points correctly reclassified three females and incorrectly reclassified three males. The sex‐specific strategy resulted in a net of 27 patients being incorrectly reclassified into the rule‐in group. This led to an NRI of −2.2% (95% CI −5.1% to 0.8%).ConclusionsSex‐specific hs‐cTnT cut‐points resulted in fewer patients being ruled out without an improvement in safety compared to the overall cut‐point strategy.
Regional Analysis of the Immune Microenvironment in Human Endometrium
Authors: Yang Lingtao , Su Yiyi , Cai Songchen , Ma Huan , Yang Jing , Xu Mingjuan , Li Yuye , Huang Chunyu , Zeng Yong , Li Qiyuan , Feng Mingqian , Li Hanjie , Diao Lianghui 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTProblemEndometrial immune cells are essential for maintaining homeostasis and the endometrial receptivity to embryo implantation. Understanding regional variations in endometrial immune cell populations is crucial for comprehending normal endometrial function and the pathophysiology of endometrial disorders. Despite previous studies focusing on the overall immune cell composition and function in the endometrium, regional variations in premenopausal women remain unclear.Method of StudyEndometrial biopsies were obtained from four regions (anterior, posterior, left lateral, and right lateral) of premenopausal women undergoing hysteroscopy with no abnormalities. A 15‐color human endometrial immune cell‐focused flow cytometry panel was used for analysis. High‐dimensional flow cytometry combined with a clustering algorithm was employed to unravel the complexity of endometrial immune cells. Additionally, multiplex immunofluorescent was performed for further validation.ResultsOur findings revealed no significant variation in the distribution and abundance of immune cells across different regions under normal conditions during the proliferative phase. Each region harbored similar immune cell subtypes, indicating a consistent immune microenvironment. However, when comparing normal regions to areas with focal hemorrhage, significant differences were observed. An increase in CD8+ T cells highlights the impact of localized abnormalities on the immune microenvironment.ConclusionsOur study demonstrates that the endometrial immune cell landscape is consistent across different anatomical regions during the proliferative phase in premenopausal women. This finding has important implications for understanding normal endometrial function and the pathophysiology of endometrial disorders.
Current sessile serrated lesion incidence: implications for future clinical practice
Authors: Bone Emma , Kumar Shiristi , Richards Simon , McCombie Andrew , Chalmers‐Watson Teresa , Glyn Tamara , Eglinton Tim 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundSessile serrated lesions (SSL) account for up to 30% of colorectal carcinoma pathogenesis. With multiple classification changes and improvements in colonoscopy equipment and technique, historical reporting may have underestimated the true incidence of SSLs. This study aimed to determine the incidence of SSLs in patients undergoing colonoscopic investigation in Canterbury, New Zealand over a 1‐year period and describe their clinical and pathological characteristics.MethodsElectronic records were searched to identify all lower endoscopy procedures with polypectomy performed from 1 January 2022 to 1 December 2022 (inclusive). Patients' electronic records were used to collect histological classification, location and size of each polyp removed during their procedure. The primary outcome was the number of procedures that had one or more SSL, adenoma or hyperplastic polyp identified. Secondary outcomes included histological classification, location and size of each polyp removed.ResultsThere were 4346 procedures completed during the study period. Of these, 64.1% (2786) had a polypectomy and 18.6% (808) had at least one SSL excised. Individual polyp analysis was completed on 9166 polyps and found that 24.0% of polyps removed were SSLs and they were found predominately in the right colon (65.1% right colon, 32.6% left colon, 2.3% rectum). SSLs were typically <10 mm (84.8%).ConclusionThis study found a higher incidence of SSLs compared to previous research. These results raise questions regarding whether SLL rates have been historically underestimated, whether SSL detection rate should be included as a key performance indicator and raises further concerns regarding the use of computed tomography colonography as a screening tool.