bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Small‐scale dispersal and gene flow of the agricultural pest two‐spotted spider mite in apple orchards: Implication from landscape ecological and population genetic analyses
Authors: Komagata Yasuyuki , Oe Takaho , Sekine Takayuki , Kimura Yuta , Hirota Shun K. , Taguchi Hiroya , Suyama Yoshihisa 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe two‐spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acarina, Tetranychidae), is a notorious agricultural pest known for its high dispersal ability. Understanding the dispersal patterns of T. urticae is crucial for studying its population dynamics and assessing the risk of gene dispersal related to acaricide resistance. We investigated the impact of surrounding landscapes on T. urticae occurrence and detected gene flow between nearby apple orchards. Land use data within 0.2–2 km radius buffers of the orchards were extracted and summarized using principal component analysis. The effects of landscape composition on the occurrence of T. urticae in apple orchards were analyzed using a hierarchical Bayesian model that considers spatial autocorrelation. In addition, we conducted a population genetic analysis on samples collected from five orchards. The results indicate that the best model was one at a 200‐m scale, revealing a positive correlation between forest area ratio and T. urticae occurrence. The population genetic analysis demonstrated distinct genetic structures within T. urticae populations across different orchards. However, we estimated gene flow among some orchards that were geographically close. These findings suggest that T. urticae may migrate from surrounding landscapes, particularly forests, and nearby orchards to apple orchards. These findings have substantial implications for developing control units based on the gene flow range of the two‐spotted spider mite, as well as for assessing the risk of infestation in each orchard.
Pollination ecology of Ranzania japonica (Berberidaceae), a perennial plant of a monotypic genus endemic to deep‐snow regions in Japan
Authors: Okawa Masahiro , Sakata Yuzu 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPlants that bloom in early spring often face constraints on reproduction, which are influenced by low temperatures and unpredictable weather conditions that affect pollinator activity. We aimed to elucidate the pollination ecology and the mating system of Ranzania japonica (Berberidaceae), a perennial plant of a monotypic genus endemic to deep‐snow regions in Japan. We documented the flowering phenology and visiting insects in the field, and conducted pollination experiments by using artificial treatments. R. japonica was suggested to be self‐incompatible but not pollen‐limited. Fruit set varied between years, and florivory seemed to have a negative influence on fruit set. Insects from various taxa were observed to visit the flowers of R. japonica, with Eusphalerum sp. (rove beetle) being the most abundant, followed by Bombylius major and hymenopteran species. The stamen movement in response to insect visits was observed. The results of the observation and the pollination treatments suggested that small‐ and medium‐sized Hymenoptera were the main pollinators and rove beetles may also contribute to pollination in R. japonica. Because early spring weather can be unsuitable for activity of bees, rove beetles may act as supplementary pollinators of R. japonica. The role of the supplementary pollinators may be an overlooked but important aspect for understanding the pollination biology of early‐spring blooming plants.
The New Transition Politics of Net Zero
Authors: Bloomfield Jon , Steward Fred 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe net zero transition requires concurrent and rapid decarbonisation in five major consumption‐production systems—transport, housing, industry, food and power. These systems differ in their public visibility and institutional makeup, as well as in their technologies. Transition politics needs dexterity to facilitate transformation of these multiple systems. Yet, there remain big contrasts in the rate of change of different systems. These are shown by the variation in the fulfilment of the 2020 system targets which were set in the 2009 UK Low Carbon Transition Plan. Comparison of the transition pathways of renewable electricity production and home insulation indicates that current UK net zero transition politics is poorly suited to the transformation of household energy use. A more proactive state and wider public participation are needed for a more effective place‐based approach. Environmental activism and populist backlash have focused attention on everyday transformative change. A new type of transition politics which engages with multiple systems is needed to rise to this urgent climate challenge.
The effects of the Veterans Health Administration's Referral Coordination Initiative on referral patterns and waiting times for specialty care
Authors: Asfaw Daniel A. , Price Megan E. , Carvalho Kristina M. , Pizer Steven D. , Garrido Melissa M. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate whether the Veterans Health Administration's (VA) 2019 Referral Coordination Initiative (RCI) was associated with changes in the proportion of VA specialty referrals completed by community‐based care (CC) providers and mean appointment waiting times for VA and CC providers.Data Sources/Study SettingsMonthly facility level VA data for 3,097,366 specialty care referrals for eight high‐volume specialties (cardiology, dermatology, gastroenterology, neurology, ophthalmology, orthopedics, physical therapy, and podiatry) from October 1, 2019 to May 30, 2022.Study DesignWe employed a staggered difference‐in‐differences approach to evaluate RCI's effects on referral patterns and wait times. Our unit of analysis was facility‐month. We dichotomized facilities into high and low RCI use based on the proportion of total referrals for a specialty. We stratified our analysis by specialty and the staffing model that high RCI users adopted: centralized, decentralized, and hybrid.Data Collection/Extraction MethodsAdministrative data on referrals and waiting times were extracted from the VA's corporate data warehouse. Data on staffing models were provided by the VA's Office of Integrated Veteran Care.Principal FindingsWe did not reject the null hypotheses that high RCI use do not change CC referral rates or waiting times in any of the care settings for most specialties. For example, high RCI use for physical therapy—the highest volume specialty studied—was associated with −0.054 (95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.114 to 0.006) and 2.0 days (95% CI: −4.8 to 8.8) change in CC referral rate and waiting time at CC providers, respectively, among centralized staffing model adopters.ConclusionsIn the initial years of the RCI program, RCI does not have a measurable effect on waiting times or CC referral rates. Our findings do not support concerns that RCI might be impeding Veterans' access to CC providers. Future evaluations should examine whether RCI facilitates Veterans' ability to receive care in their preferred setting.
Decomposing household income differences between farmers and non‐farmers: Empirical evidence from Norway
Authors: Mittenzwei Klaus , Berglann Helge , Hoveid Øyvind , Matthews Alan , Storm Hugo 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIncome comparisons between farm and non‐farm households play a crucial role in many aspects of farm policy. Using household income data from tax returns of all Norwegian taxpayers in the period 2006–2015 we study these income differences. We find that the unconditional mean income is higher for farm households, but with important differences depending on the comparison group considered. We also find that the income difference is reduced when we control for differences in the personal characteristics of the different non‐farm comparison sub‐groups. This finding implies that income comparison using unconditional means, as frequently done in agricultural policy making, is potentially misleading. We also show that the income effect of personal characteristics is not the same for different comparison sub‐groups, as has been assumed in previous studies of income disparities. Differences in personal characteristics, and the income effect of those characteristics, therefore need to be accounted for if income comparisons between farmers and non‐farmers are to inform farm support policies.
Epigenetic clocks, sex markers and age‐class diagnostics in three harvested large mammals
Authors: Czajka Natalie , Northrup Joseph M. , Jones Meaghan J. , Shafer Aaron B. A. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe development of epigenetic clocks, or the DNA methylation‐based inference of age, is an emerging tool for ageing in free ranging populations. In this study, we developed epigenetic clocks for three species of large mammals that are the focus of extensive management throughout their range in North America: white‐tailed deer, black bear and mountain goat. We quantified differential DNA methylation patterns at over 30,000 cytosine‐guanine sites (CpGs) from tissue samples of all three species (black bear n = 49; white‐tailed deer n = 47; mountain goat n = 45). We used a penalized regression model (elastic net) to build explanatory (black bear r = .95; white‐tailed deer r = .99; mountain goat r = .97) and robust (black bear Median Absolute Error or MAE = 1.33; white‐tailed deer MAE = 0.29; mountain goat MAE = 0.61) models of age or clocks. We also characterized individual CpG sites within each species that demonstrated clear differences in methylation levels between age classes and sex, which can be used to develop a suite of accessible diagnostic markers. This tool has the potential to contribute to wildlife monitoring by providing easily obtainable representations of age structure in managed populations.
Circ‐POSTN promotes the progression and reduces radiosensitivity in esophageal cancer by regulating the miR‐876‐5p/FYN axis
Authors: Chu Alan , Sun Chen , Liu Zongwen , Liu Shijia , Li Mengxi , Song Rui , Gan Lanlan , Wang Yongtai , Fan Ruitai 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundCircular RNAs (circRNAs) play critical roles in the tumorigenesis and radiosensitivity of multiple cancers. Nevertheless, the biological functions of circRNA periostin (circ‐POSTN) in esophageal cancer (EC) progression and radiosensitivity have not been well elucidated.MethodsThe expression of circ‐POSTN, microRNA‐876‐5p (miR‐876‐5p), and proto‐oncogene tyrosine‐protein kinase (FYN) was analyzed by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT‐qPCR). Cell proliferation was assessed by MTT, colony formation, and 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine (EDU) assays. All protein levels were detected by western blot assay. Cell apoptosis and invasion were assessed by flow cytometry analysis and transwell assay, respectively. Dual‐luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays were used to validate the interaction between miR‐876‐5p and circ‐POSTN or FYN. The role of circ‐POSTN in vivo was explored by establishing mice xenograft model.ResultsCirc‐POSTN was overexpressed in EC tissues and cells. Knockdown of circ‐POSTN inhibited cell proliferation and invasion and elevated apoptosis and radiosensitivity in EC cells. MiR‐876‐5p was a direct target of circ‐POSTN, and its knockdown reversed the role of sh‐circ‐POSTN in EC cells. FYN was a direct target of miR‐876‐5p, and FYN elevation weakened the effects of miR‐876‐5p overexpression on the progression and radiosensitivity of EC cells. Moreover, circ‐POSTN acted as a miR‐876‐5p sponge to regulate FYN expression. Circ‐POSTN interference also suppressed tumor growth and enhanced radiosensitivity in vivo.ConclusionCirc‐POSTN knockdown inhibited proliferation and invasion, but increased apoptosis and enhanced radiosensitivity in EC cells via modulating miR‐876‐5p/FYN axis, which might be a potential diagnostic and therapeutic target for EC.
Which PDE5 inhibitor is the most effective in the treatment of erectile dysfunction in men with spinal cord injury? A systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Tienforti Daniele , Felzani Giorgio , Di Pasquale Alfonso Boris , Barbonetti Arcangelo 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundPhosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) are the first‐line drugs for erectile dysfunction (ED) but differences among available molecules should drive therapy personalization. Choosing one PDE5i over another is a challenge in men with spinal cord injury (SCI), as the evidence of efficacy for each molecule is derived from few studies and comparative “head‐to‐head” trials are lacking.ObjectiveTo assess the efficacy of the different PDE5i for SCI‐related ED with a network meta‐analysis (NMA) approach.Materials and methodsDatabases from PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library were checked for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing any PDE5i to each other or placebo in men with traumatic SCI lasting ≥6 months. Data were incorporated in a random‐effect NMA, where treatments’ efficacy was ranked using the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA).ResultsThe 10 RCTs included provided information about 1,492 men with ED due to traumatic SCI. Intervention arms included sildenafil, tadalafil, and/or vardenafil. Overall, at the pairwise meta‐analysis, PDE5i were four times more effective than placebo in improving erectile function (risk ratio: 4.13, 95% CI: 2.76, 6.19). The comparative analysis from NMA revealed that tadalafil was associated with the highest SUCRA value (81%), followed by vardenafil (68%) and sildenafil (49%).Discussion and conclusionWithin the grading of comparison network, tadalafil appeared to be the best PDE5i in the treatment of SCI‐related ED. Further focused studies are warranted to confirm these findings and define optimal doses and duration of therapy.
General surgeon performed emergency craniotomies in regional Queensland hospitals: a 20‐year state‐wide study on patient outcomes
Authors: Kelly Madeleine Louise , Stuart Michael , Zouki Jason , Long Brittany , Sabat Nestor , Clark Claudia Rose , Donaldson Eric , Colbran Rachel Emily 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundTraumatic brain injuries account for up to 50% of trauma related deaths and if surgical intervention is indicated, consensus suggests a maximum of 4 hours to surgical decompression. The occurrence and outcomes of craniotomies performed by non‐neurosurgeons in regional Queensland hospitals have never been reported previously in the literature.MethodsA retrospective review was performed at all regional Queensland hospitals without an on‐site neurosurgical service from January 2001 to December 2022 to identify patients undergoing emergency craniotomy. Data recorded included basic demographics, history of anti‐coagulant use, mechanism of injury, type of haemorrhage, Glasgow Coma Score and Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) on discharge. Radiological parameters measured included midline shift and maximal coronal depth of haematoma. The primary aim of this study was to assess the clinical and radiological outcomes of patients who underwent a craniotomy performed by general surgeons.ResultsOver the past 20 years there have been 23 emergency decompressive procedures (one excluded) performed in regional Queensland. Preoperative imaging demonstrated 9 extradural haematomas and 13 subdural haematomas. Six of 17 transferred cases required reoperation after transfer to a neurosurgical centre. Survival was observed in 9 of 22 cases, with ‘good’ functional outcome (GOS ≥3) observed in 7 cases. In no cases were rurally performed burr holes effective.DiscussionQualitatively, a larger craniotomy may be associated with better clinical and radiological outcomes. Although rare occurrences, our results demonstrate that general surgeon performed craniotomies are frequently efficacious in producing radiological and/or clinical improvement and should be considered as a potentially lifesaving procedure.
National screening for colorectal cancer is associated with stage shift to earlier diagnosis
Authors: Sarofim Mina , Ashrafizadeh Amir , Gill Anthony J. , de Silva Keshani , Evans Justin , Clarke Stephen , Pavlakis Nick , Norton Ian , Engel Alexander 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundAustralia's National Bowel Cancer Screening Program consists of an immunohistochemical faecal occult blood test, targeting adults aged 50–74. Existing literature supports the principle of early detection of colorectal cancer (CRC) via national screening, but little is known about the association between colonoscopy or polypectomy rates and CRC stage over time. The aim of this study is to identify the longitudinal change to colonoscopy and polypectomy rates, and any stage shift associated with this screening program.MethodsA retrospective data‐linkage study was performed using the Australian national health database (Medicare) to obtain colonoscopy and polypectomy rates between 1998 and 2017. A second prospective database of CRC resection specimens was analysed for this period. The cohort was divided based on time intervals related to the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program: pre‐commencement 1998–2006 (Period A), immediately post‐commencement 2007–2011 (Period B), and subsequent years 2012–2017 (Period C). Linear regression was used to test relation between annualized predictor and response variables.ResultsAnnual colonoscopy rates doubled, and polypectomy rates tripled during the study (P < 0.001). Annual colonoscopy rate correlated to a lower T‐stage (P = 0.038) and lower N‐stage (P = 0.026), and there was a 7% increase in early CRC (stage I–II) in Period C (P < 0.001). Across the study period there was also a significant increase in right‐sided tumours, and concurrent MMR deficiency and BRAF mutation.ConclusionPolypectomy and colonoscopy rates increased after the introduction of the National Bowel Cancer screening program. There was a clinically significant shift to earlier CRC stage which manifested 5 years after its implementation.
Preoperative coil localization for spinal surgery is accurate, safe and effective: a single‐centre initial experience
Authors: Kam Jeremy K. T. , Castle‐Kirszbaum Mendel , Dhaliwal Tarundeep , Maingard Julian , Chandra Ronil , Quan Gerald , Gonzalvo Carlos Augusto , Goldschlager Tony 
Published: March 2024

AbstractObjective and study designThis is a retrospective, descriptive study of consecutive patients undergoing novel preoperative pushable coil localization for spinal surgery, in order to evaluate its feasibility, safety and accuracy.MethodsConsecutive patients who underwent pre‐operative coil marking for spinal surgery at our institution from May 2018 to July 2021 were included. Data were collected for coil placement, accuracy, complications and fluoroscopy usage. Patient demographic and relevant perioperative and procedural data were also collected.ResultsA total of 34 patients were identified of which 32 (94%) had complete data and imaging at last clinical follow up, with a mean duration of 13.9 months. There were no incorrect level surgeries performed. There were no coil‐related complications found in our cohort.ConclusionsPreoperative coil placement is an accurate, safe and well‐tolerated method for level localization in spinal surgeries.
Decibels in the operating theatre: a study of noise levels during surgical procedures
Authors: Au Joanne , Hamilton Sam , Webb Angela 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundExposure to excessive noise volumes is an occupational health and safety risk. Australian guidelines recommend a time weighted exposure maximum of 85 dB (dB) or a maximum peak noise level of up to 140 dB, as chronic and repeated high dB exposure can result in significant hearing impairment.The aim of this study was to assess the volume of noise generated by common surgical instruments while utilizing the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) app.MethodsSound levels were measured using the NIOSH app. The NIOSH app was used to take equivalent continuous A‐weighted sound levels (LAeq) and the C‐weighted peak sound pressure (LCpeak) measurements for specific instruments while in use in theatre. A minimum of three readings per instrument were taken at immediate and working distances.ResultsLAeq measurements ranged from 62.9 to 89.3 dB. The Padgett Dermatome and Frazier Sucker exceeded recommended exposure limits with an averaged LAeq reading of 85.7 dB(A) and 85.1 dB(A) respectively. LCpeak readings ranged from 89.9 to 114.7 dB(C) with none of the instruments exceeding a peak sound level beyond the recommended level of 140 dB(C).ConclusionThe cumulative effect of loud surgical instruments across prolonged or combined operations may result in theatre staff being exposed to hazardous noise levels, impacting the health and wellbeing of staff, staff performance and patient care. Utilization of a phone app can improve the awareness of noise pollution in theatres, thereby empowering staff to be proactive about their health and improvement of their work environment.
In vitro biomechanical properties of porcine perineal tissues to better understand human perineal tears during delivery
Authors: Lallemant Marine , Kadiakhe Tiguida , Chambert Jerôme , Lejeune Arnaud , Ramanah Rajeev , Mottet Nicolas , Jacquet Emmanuelle 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIntroductionData concerning the mechanical properties of the perineum during delivery are very limited. In vivo experiments raise ethical issues. The aim of the study was to describe some of the biomechanical properties of each perineal tissue layer collected from sows in order to better understand perineal tears during childbirth.Material and methodsSamples of each perineal tissue layer were obtained from the skin, the vagina, the external anal sphincter (EAS), the internal anal sphincter (IAS), and the anal mucosa of fresh dead sows. They were tested in quasi‐static uniaxial tension using the testing machine Mach‐1®. Tests were performed at a displacement velocity of 0.1 mm·s−1. Stress–strain curves of each perineal tissue layer before the first damage for each sow were obtained and modeled using a hyperelastic Yeoh model described by three coefficients: C1, C2, and C3. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to measure the correlation between the C1 hyperelastic coefficient and the duration between the first microfailure and the complete rupture for each perineal tissue layer. Pearson correlation was computed between C1 and the number of microfailures before complete rupture for each tissue.ResultsTen samples of each perineal tissue layer were analyzed. Mean values of C1 and corresponding standard deviations were 46 ± 15, 165 ± 60, 27 ± 10, 19 ± 13, 145 ± 28 kPa for the perineal skin, the vagina, the EAS, the IAS, and the anal mucosa, respectively. According to this same sample order, the first microfailure in the population of 10 sows appeared at an average of 54%, 27%, 70%, 131%, and 22% of strain. A correlation was found between C1 hyperelastic coefficient and the duration between the first microfailure and the complete rupture (r = 0.7, p = 0.02) or the number of microfailures before complete rupture only for the vagina (r = 0.7, p = 0.02).ConclusionsIn this population of fresh dead sow's perineum, the vagina and the anal mucosa were the stiffest tissues. The IAS and EAS were more extensible and less stiff. A significantly positive correlation was found between C1 and the duration between the first microfailure and the complete rupture of the vagina, and the duration between the first microfailure and the complete rupture of the vagina.