bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seasonality and longer-term development generate temporal dynamics in the
Populus
microbiome
Authors: Argiroff William A. , Carrell Alyssa A. , Klingeman Dawn M. , Dove Nicholas C. , Muchero Wellington , Veach Allison M. , Wahl Toni , Lebreux Steven J. , Webb Amber B. , Peyton Kellie , Schadt Christopher W. , Cregger Melissa A. 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Temporal variation in community composition is central to our understanding of the assembly and functioning of microbial communities, yet the controls over temporal dynamics for microbiomes of long-lived plants, such as trees, remain unclear. Temporal variation in tree microbiomes could arise primarily from seasonal (i.e., intra-annual) fluctuations in community composition or from longer-term changes across years as host plants age. To test these alternatives, we experimentally isolated temporal variation in plant microbiome composition using a common garden and clonally propagated plants, and we used amplicon sequencing to characterize bacterial/archaeal and fungal communities in the leaf endosphere, root endosphere, and rhizosphere of two
Populus
spp. over four seasons across two consecutive years. Microbial community composition differed among seasons and years (which accounted for up to 21% of the variation in microbial community composition) and was correlated with seasonal dissimilarity in climatic conditions. However, microbial community dissimilarity was also positively correlated with time, reflecting longer-term compositional shifts as host trees aged. Together, our findings demonstrate that temporal patterns in tree microbiomes arise from both seasonal fluctuations and longer-term changes, which interact to generate unique seasonal patterns each year. In addition to shedding light on two important controls over the assembly of plant microbiomes, our results also suggest future studies of tree microbiomes should account for background temporal dynamics when testing the drivers of spatial patterns in microbial community composition and temporal responses of plant microbiomes to environmental change.

IMPORTANCE

Microbiomes are integral to the health of host plants, but we have a limited understanding of the factors that control how the composition of plant microbiomes changes over time. Especially little is known about the microbiome of long-lived trees, relative to annual and non-woody plants. We tested how tree microbiomes changed between seasons and years in poplar (genus
Populus
), which are widespread and ecologically important tree species that also serve as important biofuel feedstocks. We found the composition of bacterial, archaeal, and fungal communities differed among seasons, but these seasonal differences depended on year. This dependence was driven by longer-term changes in microbial composition as host trees developed across consecutive years. Our findings suggest that temporal variation in tree microbiomes is driven by both seasonal fluctuations and longer-term (i.e., multiyear) development.
Data-driven decision-making for district health management: a cluster-randomised study in 24 districts of Ethiopia
Authors: Avan Bilal Iqbal , Dubale Mehret , Taye Girum , Marchant Tanya , Persson Lars Åke , Schellenberg Joanna 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundUse of local data for health system planning and decision-making in maternal, newborn and child health services is limited in low-income and middle-income countries, despite decentralisation and advances in data gathering. An improved culture of data-sharing and collaborative planning is needed. The Data-Informed Platform for Health is a system-strengthening strategy which promotes structured decision-making by district health officials using local data. Here, we describe implementation including process evaluation at district level in Ethiopia, and evaluation through a cluster-randomised trial.MethodsWe supported district health teams in 4-month cycles of data-driven decision-making by: (a) defining problems using a health system framework; (b) reviewing data; (c) considering possible solutions; (d) value-based prioritising; and (e) a consultative process to develop, commit to and follow up on action plans. 12 districts were randomly selected from 24 in the North Shewa zone of Ethiopia between October 2020 and June 2022. The remaining districts formed the trial’s comparison arm. Outcomes included health information system performance and governance of data-driven decision-making. Analysis was conducted using difference-in-differences.Results58 4-month cycles were implemented, four or five in each district. Each focused on a health service delivery challenge at district level. Administrators’ practice of, and competence in, data-driven decision-making showed a net increase of 77% (95% CI: 40%, 114%) in the regularity of monthly reviews of service performance, and 48% (95% CI: 9%, 87%) in data-based feedback to health facilities. Statistically significant improvement was also found in administrators’ use of information to appraise services. Qualitative findings also suggested that district health staff reported enhanced data use and collaborative decision-making.ConclusionsThis study generated robust evidence that 20 months’ implementation of the Data-Informed Platform for Health strengthened health management through better data use and appraisal practices, systemised problem analysis to follow up on action points and improved stakeholder engagement.Trial registration numberNCT05310682.
Bibliometric analysis of the 3-year trends (2018–2021) in literature on artificial intelligence in ophthalmology and vision sciences
Authors: Monson Hayley , Demaine Jeffrey , Perryman Adrianna , Felfeli Tina 
Published: February 2024

ObjectivesThe objective of this analysis is to present a current view of the field of ophthalmology and vision research and artificial intelligence (AI) from topical and geographical perspectives. This will clarify the direction of the field in the future and aid clinicians in adapting to new technological developments.MethodsA comprehensive search of four different databases was conducted. Statistical and bibliometric analysis were done to characterise the literature. Softwares used included the R Studio bibliometrix package, and VOSviewer.ResultsA total of 3939 articles were included in the final bibliometric analysis. Diabetic retinopathy (391, 6% of the top 100 keywords) was the most frequently occurring indexed keyword by a large margin. The highest impact literature was produced by the least populated countries and in those countries who collaborate internationally. This was confirmed via a hypothesis test where no correlation was found between gross number of published articles and average number of citations (p value=0.866, r=0.038), while graphing ratio of international collaboration against average citations produced a positive correlation (r=0.283). Majority of publications were found to be concentrated in journals specialising in vision and computer science, with this category of journals having the highest number of publications per journal (18.00 publications/journal), though they represented a small proportion of the total journals (<1%).ConclusionThis study provides a unique characterisation of the literature at the intersection of AI and ophthalmology and presents correlations between article impact and geography, in addition to summarising popular research topics.
REMOTE-ILD study: Description of the protocol for a multicentre, 12-month randomised controlled trial to assess the clinical and cost-effectiveness of remote monitoring of spirometry and pulse oximetry in patients with interstitial lung disease
Authors: Barth Sarah , Edwards Colin , Borton Rebecca , Beever Dan , Adams Wendy , Jenkins Gisli , Pizzo Elena , Stewart Iain , Wickremasinghe Melissa 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionRemote monitoring of home physiological measurements has been proposed as a solution to support patients with chronic diseases as well as facilitating virtual consultations and pandemic preparedness for the future. Daily home spirometry and pulse oximetry have been demonstrated to be safe and acceptable to patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) but there is currently limited evidence to support its integration into clinical practice.AimOur aim is to understand the clinical utility of frequent remote physiological measurements in ILD and the impact of integrating these into clinical practice from a patient, clinical and health economic perspective.Methods and analysis132 patients with fibrotic ILD will be recruited and randomised to receive either usual care with remote digital monitoring of home spirometry and pulse oximetry or usual care alone for 12 months. All participants will complete health-related quality of life and experience questionnaires.The primary outcome compares the availability of spirometry measurements within the 2 weeks preceding planned clinic appointments. Secondary outcomes will explore other aspects of clinical and cost-effectiveness of the remote monitoring programme.Ethics and disseminationThe study has been approved by the Camden and Kings Cross Research Ethics Committee (22/LO/0309). All participants will provide informed consent.This study is registered withwww.clinicaltrials.gov(NCT05662124).The results of the study will be submitted for presentation at regional and national conferences and submitted for peer-reviewed publication. Reports will be prepared for study participants with the support from our public involvement representatives through the charity Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis.
Fifteen out of 16 elite athletes showed concomitant low-grade cartilage lesions of the ankle with unstable syndesmotic injuries: concerns from a prospective case series
Authors: Walinga Alex B , Dahmen Jari , Stornebrink Tobias , Emanuel Kaj S , Kerkhoffs Gino M M J 
Published: February 2024

ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine the incidence rate and characterise the location and severity of cartilage lesions in the ankle in elite athletes undergoing suture-button stabilisation for unstable distal syndesmotic injuries using needle arthroscopic examination. The feasibility and safety of ad hoc needle arthroscopy and its assisted interventions were also assessed.MethodsThis prospective case series included elite athletes undergoing surgical stabilisation between April 2021 and June 2023. Procedures involved suture button fixation and needle arthroscopy, conducted by a single ankle fellow-trained surgeon. Ankle cartilage lesions were graded using the Cheng and Ferkel classification and located using the nine-zone grid. The study followed the STROBE statement.ResultsThis study included 16 elite athletes undergoing surgery for distal syndesmotic injuries, with 75% having acute and 25% chronic injuries. Cartilage lesions were prevalent (n=15/16, 94%), mainly at the talar dome (90%), and primarily scored as grade 1 (33%) or grade 2 (67%). Distal tibia cartilage damage occurred in 13% of cases. All patients were diagnosed with an instability of the syndesmosis confirmed through needle arthroscopy and were treated with a suture button (one or two buttons) fixation.ConclusionIn 15/16 elite athletes with syndesmotic injuries, concomitant ankle cartilage lesions were identified through needle arthroscopy. In addition, most of the lesions were classified as grade 1 or 2, denoting superficial damage. Needle arthroscopic interventions proved feasible and safe for confirming syndesmotic instability and addressing intra-articular pathologies.
Quantization of Weyl invariant unimodular gravity with antisymmetric ghost fields
Authors: García-López David , Martin Carmelo P. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe enforcement of the unimodularity condition in a gravity theory by means of a Lagrange multiplier leads, in general, to inconsistencies upon quantization. This is so, in particular, when the classic linear splitting of the metric between the background and quantum fields is used. To avoid the need of introducing such a Lagrange multiplier while using the classic linear splitting, we carry out the quantization of unimodular gravity with extra Weyl symmetry by using Becchi–Rouet–Stora–Tyutin (BRST) techniques. Here, two gauge symmetries are to be gauge-fixed: transverse diffeomorphisms and Weyl transformations. We perform the gauge-fixing of the transverse diffeomorphism invariance by using BRST transformations that involve antisymmetric ghost fields. We show that these BRST transformations are compatible with the BRST transformations needed to gauge-fix the Weyl symmetry, so that they can be combined in a set of transformations generated by a single BRST operator. Newton’s law of gravitation is derived within the BRST formalism we put forward as well as the Slavnov–Taylor equation.
Improved Risk-Stratification Scheme for Mismatch-Repair Proficient Stage II Colorectal Cancers Using the Digital Pathology Biomarker QuantCRC
Authors: Wu Christina , Pai Reetesh K. , Kosiorek Heidi , Banerjee Imon , Pfeiffer Ashlyn , Hagen Catherine E. , Hartley Christopher P. , Graham Rondell P. , Sonbol Mohamad B. , Bekaii-Saab Tanios , Xie Hao , Sinicrope Frank A. , Patel Bhavik , Westerling-Bui Thomas , Shivji Sameer , Conner James , Swallow Carol , Savage Paul , Cyr David P. , Kirsch Richard , Pai Rish K. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Purpose:
There is a need to improve current risk stratification of stage II colorectal cancer to better inform risk of recurrence and guide adjuvant chemotherapy. We sought to examine whether integration of QuantCRC, a digital pathology biomarker utilizing hematoxylin and eosin–stained slides, provides improved risk stratification over current American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) guidelines.

Experimental Design:
ASCO and QuantCRC-integrated schemes were applied to a cohort of 398 mismatch-repair proficient (MMRP) stage II colorectal cancers from three large academic medical centers. The ASCO stage II scheme was taken from recent guidelines. The QuantCRC-integrated scheme utilized pT3 versus pT4 and a QuantCRC-derived risk classification. Evaluation of recurrence-free survival (RFS) according to these risk schemes was compared using the log-rank test and HR.

Results:
Integration of QuantCRC provides improved risk stratification compared with the ASCO scheme for stage II MMRP colorectal cancers. The QuantCRC-integrated scheme placed more stage II tumors in the low-risk group compared with the ASCO scheme (62.5% vs. 42.2%) without compromising excellent 3-year RFS. The QuantCRC-integrated scheme provided larger HR for both intermediate-risk (2.27; 95% CI, 1.32–3.91; P = 0.003) and high-risk (3.27; 95% CI, 1.42–7.55; P = 0.006) groups compared with ASCO intermediate-risk (1.58; 95% CI, 0.87–2.87; P = 0.1) and high-risk (2.24; 95% CI, 1.09–4.62; P = 0.03) groups. The QuantCRC-integrated risk groups remained prognostic in the subgroup of patients that did not receive any adjuvant chemotherapy.

Conclusions:
Incorporation of QuantCRC into risk stratification provides a powerful predictor of RFS that has potential to guide subsequent treatment and surveillance for stage II MMRP colorectal cancers.
Reading Performance of The Grade II Pupils in the Different Teaching Approaches
Authors: Mara Joann T. 
Published: February 2024

This study aimed determine the level of reading performance of 210 Grade 2 pupils of Sta. Cruz District, Division of Zambales using Marungko Reading Approach and Phonic Reading Approach.
The researcher utilized a quantitative descriptive research design and comparative study which helped the researcher collect information that best describe the existing problem by asking respondents of their perceptions about the strategies of teachers in improving the reading preparedness of Grade 2 pupils during modular distance learning.
The study revealed that the level of pupils’ reading performance using the Marungko Reading Approach was outstanding while excellent in the use of Phonic Reading Approach was excellent. The level of pupils’ reading difficulty using both the Marungko Reading Approach and the Phonic Reading Approach was very easy. The level of pupils’ reading performance using the Marungko Reading Approach and Phonic Reading Approach has no significant difference. The level of pupils’ reading performance using both the Marungko Reading Approach and the Phonic Reading Approach has significant relationship to their academic performance in English and Filipino.
Based on the summary of the investigations conducted and the conclusions arrived at, Teachers use the Marungko Reading Approach and Phonic Reading Approach to improve the reading performance of pupils. Teachers should develop reading program and activities responsive to pupils who are facing difficulty in reading using the Marungko Reading Approach and Phonic Reading Approach. Teachers should seek support from stakeholders for the provision of reading materials appropriate to the garde of pupils. A follow up study may be conducted to validate the results of this research by extending the study in other schools or districts. Teachers should develop reading materials such as strategic intervention material appropriate to the level of pupils using the Marungko Reading Approach and Phonic Reading Approach.
Reading Level Vis-À-Vis Academic Performance in English of Grade 6 Learners in Subic District
Authors: Arca Kimberly B. 
Published: February 2024

This study was conducted to determine the Reading Level and Academic Performance of Grade 6 Learners in Subic District. The unit of analysis of the study was the 30 grade six Teachers of the said school who serve as respondents. This study focuses on the Reading Comprehension Level and Academic Performance of Grade 6 students in Subic District. The descriptive correlational research method was used in this study. To obtain the needed data the researchers administered a survey questionnaire to identify the challenges and strategies of Teachers in Teaching Reading which consisted of 30 items and collect the Academic Performance in 1st – 4th Quarter grades and Final average in English Subject. Aside from that the researcher collects the Philippine Informal Reading Inventory or Phil-IRI result of Grade 6 Students in School Year 2021-2022.The data were tabulated, analyzed and interpreted. The statistical tools employed in this study were the percentage, weighted mean and pearson (r).
Based on the Findings, the researcher concluded the following: A typical teacher in the Grade 6 level in Subic district schools is a female mid-adult, married, has been in service to the Department of Education for at least half a decade with a general elementary education degree. The level of competencies that pupils have in letter recognition, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension; The teachers-respondents agreed that in the use of teaching reading strategies they have procedures and challenges encountered that they have remedies or strategies to address the challenges. There is a correlation between the learner’s learning competencies and teachers’ challenges and there is a significant relationship between reading level and academic performance in English of grade 6 Learners in selected schools of Subic District, Division of Zambales.
Causal Relationship Between Branched‐Chain Amino Acids and Hypertension: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Cai Shiyuan , Fu Yuanyuan , Chen Jie , Tian Mingjie , Li Xue 
Published: February 2024

Background
This study aimed to investigate the causal relationships between branched‐chain amino acids (BCAAs) and the risks of hypertension via meta‐analysis and Mendelian randomization analysis.

Methods and Results
A meta‐analysis of 32 845 subjects was conducted to evaluate the relationships between BCAAs and hypertension. In Mendelian randomization analysis, independent single‐nucleotide polymorphisms associated with BCAAs at the genome‐wide significance level were selected as the instrumental variables. Meanwhile, the summary‐level data for essential hypertension and secondary hypertension end points were obtained from the FinnGen study. As suggested by the meta‐analysis results, elevated BCAA levels were associated with a higher risk of hypertension (isoleucine: summary odds ratio, 1.26 [95% CI, 1.08–1.47]; leucine: summary odds ratio, 1.28 [95% CI, 1.07–1.52]; valine: summary odds ratio, 1.32 [95% CI, 1.12–1.57]). Moreover, the inverse variance‐weighted method demonstrated that an elevated circulating isoleucine level might be the causal risk factor for essential hypertension but not secondary hypertension (essential hypertension: odds ratio, 1.22 [95% CI, 1.12–1.34]; secondary hypertension: odds ratio, 0.96 [95% CI, 0.54–1.68]).

Conclusions
The increased levels of 3 BCAAs positively correlated with an increased risk of hypertension. Particularly, elevated isoleucine level is a causal risk factor for essential hypertension. Increased levels of leucine and valine also tend to increase the risk of essential hypertension, but further verification is still warranted.
Placental Pathology Contributes to Impaired Volumetric Brain Development in Neonates With Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Nijman Maaike , van der Meeren Lotte E. , Nikkels Peter G. J. , Stegeman Raymond , Breur Johannes M. P. J. , Jansen Nicolaas J. G. , ter Heide Henriette , Steenhuis Trinette J. , de Heus Roel , Bekker Mireille N. , Claessens Nathalie H. P. , Benders Manon J. N. L. , Nijman Joppe , Alderliesten Thomas , Bosch Rian , Wösten‐van Asperen Roelie M. , Slieker Martijn G. , van Iperen Gabrielle G. , Grotenhuis Heynric B. , van Loon Kim , Koomen Erik , van Wijk Bram , Schoof Paul H. , Talacua Hanna , van Schooneveld Monique M. J. , Sprong Maaike C. A. , Haak Monique C. , Snoep Maartje C. 
Published: February 2024

Background
Neonates with congenital heart disease are at risk for impaired brain development in utero, predisposing children to postnatal brain injury and adverse long‐term neurodevelopmental outcomes. Given the vital role of the placenta in fetal growth, we assessed the incidence of placental pathology in fetal congenital heart disease and explored its association with total and regional brain volumes, gyrification, and brain injury after birth.

Methods and Results

Placentas from 96 term singleton pregnancies with severe fetal congenital heart disease were prospectively analyzed for macroscopic and microscopic pathology. We applied a placental pathology severity score to relate placental abnormalities to neurological outcome. Postnatal, presurgical magnetic resonance imaging was used to analyze brain volumes, gyrification, and brain injuries. Placental analyses revealed the following abnormalities: maternal vascular malperfusion lesions in 46%, nucleated red blood cells in 37%, chronic inflammatory lesions in 35%, delayed maturation in 30%, and placental weight below the 10th percentile in 28%. Severity of placental pathology was negatively correlated with cortical gray matter, deep gray matter, brainstem, cerebellar, and total brain volumes (
r
=−0.25 to −0.31, all
P
<0.05). When correcting for postmenstrual age at magnetic resonance imaging in linear regression, this association remained significant for cortical gray matter, cerebellar, and total brain volume (adjusted
R
2
=0.25–0.47, all
P
<0.05).

Conclusions
Placental pathology occurs frequently in neonates with severe congenital heart disease and may contribute to impaired brain development, indicated by the association between placental pathology severity and reductions in postnatal cortical, cerebellar, and total brain volumes.