bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prioritizing landscapes for mitigating the impacts of onshore wind farms on multidimensional waterbird diversity in the Yellow Sea
Authors: Zhao Shanshan , Xu Huan , Wang Tianhou , Li Hepeng , Li Xiuzhen , Liu Ningning , Song Xiao , Guan Feng , Chen Xuechu , Xu Aichun , Li Ben 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Ongoing wind energy developments play a key role in mitigating the global effects of climate change and the energy crisis; however, they have complex ecological consequences for many flying animals. The Yellow Sea coast is considered as an ecological bottleneck for migratory waterbirds along the East Asian–Australasian flyway (EAAF), and is also an important wind farm base in China. However, the effects of large-scale onshore wind farms along the EAAF on multidimensional waterbird diversity, and how to mitigate these effects, remain unclear. Here we examined how wind farms and their surrounding landscapes affected multidimensional waterbird diversity along the Yellow Sea coast. Taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity of the waterbird assemblages, and mean pairwise distances and nearest taxon distances with null models were quantified in relation to 4 different wind turbine densities. We also measured 6 landscape variables. Multi-dimensional waterbird diversity (taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity) significantly decreased with increasing wind turbine density. Functional and phylogenetic structures tended to be clustered in waterbird communities, and environmental filtering drove waterbird community assemblages. Furthermore, waterbird diversity was regulated by a combination of wind turbine density and landscape variables, with edge density of aquaculture ponds, in addition to wind turbine density, having the greatest independent contribution to waterbird diversity. These results suggest that attempts to mitigate the impact of wind farms on waterbird diversity could involve the landscape transformation of wind farm regions, for example, by including high-edge-density aquaculture ponds (i.e., industrial ponds) around wind farms, instead of traditional low-edge-density aquaculture ponds.
SingleQ: a comprehensive database of single-cell expression quantitative trait loci (sc-eQTLs) cross human tissues
Authors: Zhou Zhiwei , Du Jingyi , Wang Jianhua , Liu Liangyi , Gordon M Gracie , Ye Chun Jimmie , Powell Joseph E , Li Mulin Jun , Rao Shuquan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Mapping of expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) and other molecular QTLs can help characterize the modes of action of disease-associated genetic variants. However, current eQTL databases present data from bulk RNA-seq approaches, which cannot shed light on the cell type- and environment-specific regulation of disease-associated genetic variants. Here, we introduce our Single-cell eQTL Interactive Database which collects single-cell eQTL (sc-eQTL) datasets and provides online visualization of sc-eQTLs across different cell types in a user-friendly manner. Although sc-eQTL mapping is still in its early stage, our database curates the most comprehensive summary statistics of sc-eQTLs published to date. sc-eQTL studies have revolutionized our understanding of gene regulation in specific cellular contexts, and we anticipate that our database will further accelerate the research of functional genomics.
Database URL: http://www.sqraolab.com/scqtl
The burden of recurrent respiratory tract infections in adult population: a population-based study in primary care
Authors: Lapi Francesco , Marconi Ettore , Rossi Alessandro , Cricelli Claudio 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Viral infections are the main original cause of recurrent respiratory tract infections (RRTIs), but their complications and recurrences are due to bacteria as well. While some operational definitions and epidemiology of RRTIs are reported in paediatrics, no similar definitions have been proposed for adults.

Aim
To assess the epidemiology and characteristics of RRTIs in the adult population.

Design and setting
Cohort study in the primary care setting.

Methods
Using the Health Search Database, we selected a cohort of patients aged 18 years or older between 2002 and 2022. Yearly, we counted upper and lower respiratory tract infections (RTIs) per patient. We investigated 2 cut-offs defining RRTIs, nominally 3+ RRTIs/patient/year or greater than the mean value of RTIs/patient/year. The associations between these two event definitions and the correlates defining the patients’ vulnerability were assessed by estimating a logistic regression model.

Results
Over the study years, the mean number of RTIs/patient/year ranged from 0.07–0.16 or 1.10-1.13 events, when the denominator was formed by the overall population or those diagnosed with RTIs, respectively. When the analysis was focussed on 2022, we obtained 0.2% (1.3% among those with RTIs) or 13% (11.3% among those with RTIs) cases of RRTIs, using a cut-off of 3+ or &gt;=0.16 events (mean value/patient), respectively. Consistent associations were found for these two operational definitions and the investigated clinical correlates.

Conclusion
We provided evidence on the epidemiology and concurrent/predisposing factors of RRTIs in adults. These data should support health authorities and general practitioners for the application of the most appropriate preventive and/or treatment strategies.
Genome-wide analysis of the bHLH family and identiﬁcation ofbHLHgenes involved in fruit development and ripening of cultivated octoploid strawberry
Authors: Zhao Qian , Li Jiqi , Wang Baotian , Wu Qingyue , Zhang Chao , Zhang Zhihong , Wang Yan 
Published: March 2024

AbstractObjectivesThe basic helix–loop–helix (bHLH) transcription factors (TFs) regulate fruit growth in many plants. However, there is no available study on the bHLH gene family in the haplotype-resolved genome of cultivated strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa).Materials and MethodsThe 131 FabHLH genes identified in the strawberry cultivar ‘Yanli’ haplotype-resolved genome were classified into 24 subfamilies according to their phylogenetic relationships. Gene structure, conserved motifs, and chromosomal locations were investigated using bioinformatics.ResultsIn total, 15 FabHLH genes potentially involved in fruit development were screened based on transcriptome analysis of different stages of fruit development. We also identified the cis-regulatory elements of these 15 FabHLH genes, predicted upstream transcription factors, and identified protein–protein interactions.ConclusionsThe findings of this study improve our understanding of the regulation mediated by bHLH TFs during strawberry fruit growth and maturation.
Tobacco policy (in)coherence in Mozambique: an examination of national and subnational stakeholder perspectives
Authors: Nguenha Nicole , Rodriguez Charo , Drope Jeffrey , Bialous Stella Aguinaga , Cunguara Benedito , Lencucha Raphael 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Mozambique ranks fifth on the list of tobacco producing countries in Africa, while also being a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). Tobacco farming is regarded by some governments as a strategic economic commodity for export and remains deeply entrenched within Mozambique’s political and economic landscape. This study uses a qualitative description methodology to identify tensions, conflicts and alignment or misalignment in policy on tobacco across government sectors and levels in Mozambique. We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with 33 key informants from sectors across national and subnational levels including health, agriculture, economic and commercial sectors, as well as non-state actors from civil society organizations, the tobacco industry, farmers unions and associations and individual farmers. Incoherence was present across sectoral mandates, perspectives on industry’s presence in the country and regions and between FCTC provisions and informant perceptions of tobacco production as a development strategy. Despite tobacco being viewed as an important economic commodity by many informants, there was also widespread dissatisfaction with tobacco from both farmers and some government officials. There were indications of an openness to shifting to a policy that emphasizes alternatives to tobacco growing. The findings also illustrate where points of convergence exist across sectors and where opportunities for aligning tobacco policy with the provisions of the FCTC can occur.
Telehealth Use during COVID-19: An Exploratory Study on Adaptations and Experiences of Providers
Authors: DeHart Dana , Iachini Aidyn L , Browne Teri , Reitmeier Melissa , King L Bailey 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The current exploratory study examines the impact of the rapid acceleration of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic from the perspective of healthcare providers. Understanding provider perspectives, particularly in terms of adaptations made during this critical time, is a useful lens into service innovation in times of crisis and can help elucidate successful strategies for continuing the use of telehealth during the postpandemic period. Fourteen providers from 11 different service agencies in a southeastern state were interviewed. Findings identified three themes: (1) dynamic adaptations enacted by healthcare providers at the onset of the pandemic, such as hybrid services, rapid innovations in workflow, collective decision making among providers, and outreach to educate patients; (2) the relaxation of policies by regulators/insurers, focused most often on reimbursement of services; and (3) how patient engagement was impacted via telehealth, including openness to telehealth, more family-level accessibility, and reduced no-show rates. Implications for social workers include heightened professional training on telehealth as well as increasing the critical role that social workers serve in educating providers and patients on telehealth.
Secession from and secession within the European Union: Toward a holistic theory of secession
Authors: Bossacoma Busquets Pau 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
After presenting some convergent tendencies and eclectic approaches to moral theories of secession in light of some practical applications of these theories, the article outlines the constitutional landscape on the regulation of secession and analyzes the legal right to withdraw from the European Union, arguing that this right to secede from the Union helps to justify a right to secede from EU member states. Through the exploration of several arguments that may distinguish between these rights of exit, the article contends that their regulation and qualification should not be substantially different from one another. Taking a holistic approach, the article defends a qualified right to secede from the European Union as a whole and from its individual member states.
Enhancing the Rights of Protection-Seeking Migrants through the Global Compact for Migration: The Case of EU Asylum Policy
Authors: Bast Jürgen , Endres de Oliveira Pauline , Wessels Janna 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This article argues that the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) is not only a breakthrough for a rights-based approach in international migration governance but also an asset to the international protection system. By way of example, three key issues of the European Union’s (EU) Common European Asylum System are discussed: access to protection, reception conditions, and detention. These examples illustrate that faithfully implementing the Migration Compact would require the EU and its Member States to make significant changes in their asylum policy.
The parallel emergence of the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR) may suggest otherwise – namely, that the GCM is not relevant for refugees and other protection-seeking migrants. However, the legal construction that best serves the object and purpose of both documents is the assumption that the two Compacts have an overlapping scope of application. The GCM addresses specific protection needs of protection-seeking migrants who are not covered by the 1951 Refugee Convention, and it serves as an umbrella, strengthening the core human rights of migrants regardless of their status, including protection-seeking migrants. Hence, the GCM improves the international protection system as a whole and should be acknowledged as such.
Incidence of Invasive and Noninvasive Pneumococcal Pneumonia Hospitalizations in People Aged ≥50 Years: Assessing Variability Across Denmark and Spain
Authors: López-Lacort Mónica , Amini Marzyeh , Emborg Hanne-Dorthe , Nielsen Jens , McDonald Scott A , Valentiner-Branth Palle , Díez-Domingo Javier , Orrico-Sánchez Alejandro 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Determining pneumococcal pneumonia (PP) burden in the elderly population is challenging due to limited data on invasive PP (IPP) and, in particular, noninvasive PP (NIPP) incidence. Using retrospective cohorts of adults aged ≥50 years in Denmark (2 782 303) and the Valencia region, Spain (2 283 344), we found higher IPP hospitalization rates in Denmark than Valencia (18.3 vs 9/100 000 person-years [PY], respectively). Conversely, NIPP hospitalization rates were higher in Valencia (48.2 vs 7.2/100 000 PY). IPP and NIPP rates increased with age and comorbidities in both regions, with variations by sex and case characteristics (eg, complications, mortality). The burden of PP in adults is substantial, yet its true magnitude remains elusive. Discrepancies in clinical practices impede international comparisons; for instance, Valencia employed a higher frequency of urinary antigen tests compared to Denmark. Additionally, coding practices and prehospital antibiotic utilization may further influence these variations. These findings could guide policymakers and enhance the understanding of international disparities in disease burden assessments.
Risks of incident major osteoporotic fractures following SARS-CoV-2 infection among older individuals: a population-based cohort study in Hong Kong
Authors: Lui David T W , Xiong Xi , Cheung Ching-Lung , Lai Francisco T T , Li Xue , Wan Eric Y F , Chui Celine S L , Chan Esther W Y , Cheng Franco W T , Chung Matthew S H , Au Ivan C H , Lee Chi-Ho , Ip Tai-Pang , Woo Yu-Cho , Tan Kathryn C B , Wong Carlos K H , Wong Ian C K 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Population-based epidemiological studies on post-acute phase coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19)-related fractures in older adults are lacking. This study aims to examine the risk of incident major osteoporotic fractures following SARS-CoV-2 infection among individuals aged ≥50, compared to individuals without COVID-19. It was a retrospective, propensity-score matched, population-based cohort study of COVID-19 patients and non-COVID individuals identified from the electronic database of the Hong Kong Hospital Authority from January 2020 to March 2022. The primary outcome was a composite of major osteoporotic fractures (hip, clinical vertebral, and upper limb). COVID-19 patients were 1:1 matched to controls using propensity-score according to age, sex, vaccination status, medical comorbidities and baseline medications. Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using Cox proportional hazards regression models. A total of 429 459 COVID-19 patients were included, 1:1 matched to non-COVID individuals. Upon median follow-up of 11 months, COVID-19 patients had higher risks of major osteoporotic fractures (5.08 vs 3.95 per 1000 persons; HR 1.22 95%CI [1.15–1.31]), hip fractures (2.71 vs 1.94; 1.33 [1.22–1.46]), clinical vertebral fractures (0.42 vs 0.31; 1.29 [1.03–1.62]), and falls (13.83 vs 10.36; 1.28 [1.23–1.33]). Subgroup analyses revealed no significant interaction. In acute (within 30 days) and post-acute phases (beyond 30 days) following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, we consistently observed a significant increase in fractures and falls risks. Our study demonstrated increased risk of major osteoporotic fractures after SARS-CoV-2 infection in both acute and post-acute phases in older adults, partly due to increased fall risk. Clinicians should be aware of musculoskeletal health of COVID-19 survivors.
Local application of zoledronate inhibits early bone resorption and promotes bone formation
Authors: Hsieh Ming-Kai , Wang Chi-Yun , Kao Fu-Cheng , Su Hui-Ting , Chen Mei-Feng , Tsai Tsung-Ting , Lai Po-Liang 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Nonunion resulting from early bone resorption is common after bone transplantation surgery. In these patients, instability or osteoporosis causes hyperactive catabolism relative to anabolism, leading to graft resorption instead of fusion.
Systemic zoledronate administration inhibits osteoclastogenesis and is widely used to prevent osteoporosis; however, evidence on local zoledronate application is controversial due to osteoblast cytotoxicity, uncontrolled dosing regimens, and local release methods. We investigated the effects of zolendronate on osteoclastogenesis and osteogenesis and explored the corresponding signaling pathways. In vitro cytotoxicity and differentiation of MC3T3E1 cells, rat bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) and preosteoclasts (RAW264.7 cells) were evaluated with different zolendronate concentrations. In vivo bone regeneration ability was tested by transplanting different concentrations of zolendronate with β-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) bone substitute into rat femoral critical-sized bone defects. In vitro, zolendronate concentrations below 2.5 × 10-7 M did not compromise viability in the three cell lines and did not promote osteogenic differentiation in MC3T3E1 cells and BMSCs. In RAW264.7 cells, zoledronate inhibited extracellular regulated protein kinases and c-Jun n-terminal kinase signaling, downregulating c-Fos and NFATc1 expression, with reduced expression of fusion-related dendritic cell‑specific transmembrane protein and osteoclast-specific Ctsk and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (. In vivo, histological staining revealed increased osteoid formation and neovascularization and reduced fibrotic tissue with 500 μM and 2000 μM zolendronate. More osteoclasts were found in the normal saline group after 6 weeks, and sequential osteoclast formation occurred after zoledronate treatment, indicating inhibition of bone resorption during early callus formation without inhibition of late-stage bone remodeling. In vivo, soaking β-TCP artificial bone with 500 μM or 2000 μM zoledronate is a promising approach for bone regeneration, with potential applications in bone transplantation.
Evolution of intraspecific floral variation in a generalist–specialist pollination system
Authors: Leménager Marion , Clark John L , Martén-Rodríguez Silvana , Almarales-Castro Abel , Joly Simon 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Intraspecific processes impact macroevolutionary patterns through individual variation, selection, and ecological specialization. According to the niche variation hypothesis, the broader ecological niche of generalist species results in an increased morphological variation among individuals either because they are constituted of diversified specialized individuals each exploiting a fraction of the species’ niche or because they are constituted of true generalist individuals that experience relaxed selection. To test this hypothesis, we surveyed the individual floral morphology of species of Antillean Gesneriaceae, a group that has transitioned between specialization for hummingbird pollination and generalization multiple times throughout its evolutionary history. We characterized the profiles of corollas using geometric morphometrics and compared the intraspecific shape variance of specialists and generalists in a phylogenetic context. We used three approaches that differently accounted for the high dimensionality of morphological traits, the ancestral reconstruction of pollination syndromes over time, and the error associated with the estimation of the intraspecific variance. Our findings provide partial support for the niche variation hypothesis. If considering the whole shape in the analysis corroborated this idea, decomposing the shape into principal components indicated that not all aspects of the corolla exhibit the same pattern of variation. Specifically, pollination generalists tend to display greater intraspecific variation than specialists in terms of tubularity, but not of curvature. Accounting for the error in the variance estimation also reduced the support for the hypothesis, suggesting that larger sample sizes may be required to reach stronger conclusions. This study emphasizes the reciprocal influence between plants and their pollinators on floral morphology at different biodiversity scales and suggests that ecological strategies of species can affect patterns of morphological variation at macroevolutionary scales.
Cooperation in public goods game does not require assortment and depends on population density
Authors: Károlyi Adél , Scheuring István 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The threshold public goods game is one of the best-known models of non-linear public goods dilemmas. Cooperators and defectors typically coexist in this game when the population is assumed to follow the so-called structured deme model. In this article, we develop a dynamical model of a general N-player game in which there is no deme structure: Individuals interact with randomly chosen neighbours and selection occurs between randomly chosen pairs of individuals. We show that in the deterministic limit, the dynamics in this model leads to the same replicator dynamics as in the structured deme model, i.e., coexistence of cooperators and defectors is typical in threshold public goods game even when the population is completely well mixed. We extend the model to study the effect of density dependence and density fluctuation on the dynamics. We show analytically and numerically that decreasing population density increases the equilibrium frequency of cooperators till the fixation of this strategy, but below a critical density cooperators abruptly disappear from the population. Our numerical investigations show that weak density fluctuations enhance cooperation, while strong fluctuations suppress it.
A pilot screening project for the detection of hip dysplasia in young patients
Authors: Møse Frederik Berstad , Mohseni Shahin , Borg Tomas 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT
Hip dysplasia in young adults is underdiagnosed and can cause pain and discomfort. Progression to osteoarthritis (OA) is common, necessitating total hip arthroplasty at an early age. When discovered early, symptomatic patients can be offered physiotherapy and/or hip-preserving surgery to alleviate pain and decrease the risk of early OA. A pilot project to screen radiograms for hip dysplasia was started across the Swedish region of Örebro Län in January 2019, comparing the incidence of dysplasia before and after initiation of the screening program. All elective conventional radiograms of the hip (age 12–44 years), requested by primary care physicians, were analyzed by consultant radiologists according to a pre-established algorithm to identify hip abnormalities. If the hip radiograms showed dysplastic changes, or other pathological signs, the radiologist advised referral to a specialized Youth Hip Clinic for further work-up and treatment. A total of 1056 radiograms were requested by clinicians during the study periods (601 and 455 during 2018 and 2020, respectively). A total of 457 trauma-related cases were excluded, resulting in 599 available for analysis (348 and 251 during 2018 and 2020, respectively). During 2018, 17 patients (4.9%) received the radiologic diagnosis of dysplasia, compared with 44 patients (17.5%) during 2020 (P &lt; 0. 001). A three-fold increase of patients diagnosed with hip dysplasia was detected as a result of the implementation of the screening program. The advantage of screening is early referral to an orthopedic department for evaluation and consideration for physiotherapy and/or surgical intervention.