bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Infectious Contribution to Intussusception Causality Using the Effects of COVID-19 Lockdowns in Australia: An Ecological Study
Authors: Townley Benjamin , Akin Deniz , Dimaguila Gerardo Luis , Sawires Rana , Sepulveda Kattan Gonzalo , King Sebastian , Bines Julie , Wood Nicholas , Lambert Stephen , Buttery Jim 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Intussusception is the primary cause of acute bowel obstruction in infants. The majority of cases &lt;2 years of age are classed as idiopathic, with viral infection implicated as one of the causes. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health measures led to significant decreases in communicable disease prevalence. During these times, reductions in intussusception frequency were greater than would be expected with our previous understanding of its infectious etiology.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective, multistate, ecological study over a 12-year period. Monthly case numbers of “intussusception”-coded admissions (code K56.1; International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision, Australian Modification) were acquired from state-wide admissions data sets from New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland, representing 77.62% of the eligible Australian population. These counts within differing jurisdictional lockdowns were compared with non-lockdown periods in order to investigate a correlation between intussusception frequency and lockdown periods.

Results
We found a negative association between intussusception frequency and lockdown periods in both eligible states. The largest reductions were seen in the &lt;2-year age groups, with Victoria experiencing a 62.7% reduction (rate ratio, 0.37; P &lt; .001) and New South Wales a 40.1% reduction (0.599; P = .006) during lockdown times. Controls for variations in lockdown restrictions between both regional and metropolitan areas also showed expected decreases.

Conclusions
Our ecological study demonstrates significant decreases in the frequency of pediatric intussusception admissions during the COVID-19 lockdown periods. The unexpected magnitude of the reductions suggests that the true proportion of infectious disease-caused idiopathic intussusception is greatly underestimated.
Is accounting a matter for bookkeepers only? The effects of IFRS adoption on the financialisation of economy
Authors: Haldane Andrew G , Migliavacca Alessandro , Palea Vera 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The process of financialisation has been extensively studied and several stylised facts identified. Short-termism is one of these. This article analyses the role that changes in accounting rules have played in increasing short-termism in company management. Our study considers the adoption of the International Financial Reporting Standards in the European Union (EU), showing that the new accounting standards have altered companies’ sensitivity to investment opportunities, leading to underinvestment in the real economy. In doing so, our article highlights the public-policy profile of accounting standards setting and possible tensions with EU societal objectives. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study empirically analysing the role of accounting rules in the financialisation of economy.
The effect of the conduit size on middle-term outcomes in patients with extracardiac total cavopulmonary connection
Authors: Hirose Keiichi , Ikai Akio , Ito Hiroki , Ishidou Motonari , Toritsuka Daisuke , Nakamura Yuji , Watanabe Seito , Nakatani Eiji , Sakamoto Kisaburo 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The 18- and 16-mm conduits in extracardiac total cavopulmonary connection (eTCPC) were reported to be optimal based on energy loss and flow stagnation at the relatively early phase. However, because the artificial conduit lacks growth potential, we have recently encountered some cases in which the conduit needs to be changed several years after eTCPC. These cases prompted us to reconsider the surgical strategy for eTCPC.

METHODS
We reviewed our 20-year single-centre experience with eTCPC patients (n = 256) to compare the 18-mm conduit (n = 195) and 16-mm conduit (n = 61) in terms of mortality and morbidity.

RESULTS
The 16-mm conduit was used significantly more frequently in patients whose main chamber was right ventricle (P &lt; 0.001). There was also a significant difference in preoperative inferior vena cava pressure (P = 0.008). There was a significant difference in the actuarial rate of freedom from late-occurring complications, including mortality, between the 2 groups (P = 0.003). There was a significant difference in the actuarial rate of reoperation-free survival (P = 0.042); however, there was no significant difference in resurgical intervention for the conduit (P = 0.333). In multivariate analysis, preoperative inferior vena cava pressure was an independent predictor for late-occurring complications (hazard ratio 1.19; P = 0.026). Conduit size (18 or 16 mm) itself was not an independent predictive factor for late-occurring complications (P = 0.690).

CONCLUSIONS
The mid-term clinical outcomes in patients who underwent eTCPC were excellent with low mortality. Preoperative inferior vena cava pressure was the only predictive risk factor for postoperative morbidity, and the 16 mm conduit was not predictive thereof.
An evaluation of Goudriaan’s summary model for light interception in strip canopies, using functional-structural plant models
Authors: Li Shuangwei , van der Werf Wopke , Gou Fang , Zhu Junqi , Berghuijs Herman N C , Zhou Hu , Guo Yan , Li Baoguo , Ma Yuntao , Evers Jochem B 
Published: February 2024

AbstractDealing with heterogeneity in leaf canopies when calculating light interception per species in a mixed canopy is a challenge. Goudriaan developed a computationally simple, though conceptually sophisticated, model for light interception in strip canopies, which can be reasonably represented as ‘blocks’, such as vineyards and crop rows. This model is widely used, but there is no independent verification of the model. Hence, we developed a comparison of light interception calculations with Goudriaan’s model and with detailed spatially explicit three-dimensional functional–structural plant models (FSPM) of maize in which plant architecture can be represented explicitly. Two models were developed, one with small randomly oriented leaves in blocks, similar to Goudriaan’s assumption, which we refer to as the intermediate model (IM), and another with a realistic representation of individual plants with stems and leaves having shape, orientation and so on, referred as FSPM. In IM and FSPM, light interception was calculated using ray tracing. In Goudriaan’s model, the light extinction coefficient (k), including both its daily and seasonal average values, was generated using the FSPM. Correspondence between the three models was excellent in terms of light capture for different levels of crop height, leaf area and uniformity, with the difference less than 3.3 %. The results are strong support for the use of Goudriaan’s summary model for calculating light interception in strip canopies.
Cost-effectiveness of surveillance intervals after curative resection of colorectal cancer
Authors: Takayama Yuji , Tsukamoto Shunsuke , Kudose Yozo , Takamizawa Yasuyuki , Moritani Konosuke , Esaki Minoru , Kanemitsu Yukihide , Igarashi Ataru 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Major guidelines consistently recommend 5 years of postoperative surveillance for patients with colorectal cancer. However, they differ in their recommendations for examination intervals and whether they should vary according to disease stage. Furthermore, there are no reports on the cost-effectiveness of the different surveillance schedules. The objective of this study is to identify the most cost-effective surveillance intervals after curative resection of colorectal cancer.

Methods
A total of 3701 patients who underwent curative surgery for colorectal cancer at the National Cancer Center Hospital were included. A cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted for the five surveillance strategies with reference to the guidelines. Expected medical costs and quality-adjusted life years after colorectal cancer resection were calculated using a state-transition model by Monte Carlo simulation. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio per quality-adjusted life years gained was calculated for each strategy, with a maximum acceptable value of 43 500–52 200 USD (5–6 million JPY).

Results
Stages I, II and III included 1316, 1082 and 1303 patients, respectively, with 45, 140 and 338 relapsed cases. For patients with stage I disease, strategy 4 (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio $26 555/quality-adjusted life year) was considered to be the most cost-effective, while strategies 3 ($83 071/quality-adjusted life year) and 2 ($289 642/quality-adjusted life year) exceeded the threshold value. In stages II and III, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for strategy 3 was the most cost-effective option, with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $18 358–22 230/quality-adjusted life year.

Conclusions
In stage I, the cost-effectiveness of intensive surveillance is very poor and strategy 4 is the most cost-effective. Strategy 3 is the most cost-effective in stages II and III.
Seed traits and recruitment interact with habitats to generate patterns of local adaptation in a perennial grass
Authors: Razzaque Samsad , Juenger Thomas E 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
A fundamental challenge in the field of ecology involves understanding the adaptive traits and life history stages regulating the population dynamics of species across diverse habitats. Seed traits and early seedling vigor are thought to be key functional traits in plants, with important consequences for recruitment, establishment, and population persistence. However, little is known about how diverse seed traits interact with seed and microsite availability to impact plant populations. Here, we performed a factorial experiment involving seed addition and surface soil disturbance to explore the combined effects of seed and site availability using genotypes characterized by varying seed mass and dormancy traits. Additionally, we included hybrids that exhibited recombined seed trait relationships compared with natural genotypes, allowing us to assess the impact of specific seed traits on establishment across different sites. We detected a significant three-way interaction between seed addition, site conditions, and soil surface disturbance, influencing both seedling establishment and adult recruitment in Panicum hallii, a perennial grass found in coastal mesic (lowland) and inland xeric (upland) habitats. This establishment/recruitment pattern suggests that mesic and xeric establishment at foreign sites is constrained by the interplay of seed and site limitations. Notably, soil surface disturbance facilitated establishment and recruitment of the xeric genotype while limiting the mesic genotype across all sites. Our results highlight the importance of seed size and dormancy as key factors impacting seedling establishment and adult recruitment, suggesting a potential interactive relationship between these traits.
Twenty years of irrigation acclimation is driven by denser canopies and not by plasticity in twig- and needle-level hydraulics in a Pinus sylvestris forest
Authors: Gauthey Alice , Bachofen Christoph , Chin Alana , Cochard Hervé , Gisler Jonas , Mas Eugénie , Meusburger Katrin , Peters Richard L , Schaub Marcus , Tunas Alex , Zweifel Roman , Grossiord Charlotte 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Climate change is predicted to increase atmospheric vapor pressure deficit, exacerbating soil drought, and thus enhancing tree evaporative demand and mortality. Yet, few studies have addressed the longer-term drought acclimation strategy of trees, particularly the importance of morphological versus hydraulic plasticity. Using a long-term (20 years) irrigation experiment in a natural forest, we investigated the acclimation of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) morpho-anatomical traits (stomatal anatomy and crown density) and hydraulic traits (leaf water potential, vulnerability to cavitation (Ψ50), specific hydraulic conductivity (Ks), and tree water deficit) to prolonged changes in soil moisture. We found that low water availability reduced twig water potential and increased tree water deficit during the growing season. Still, the trees showed limited adjustments in most branch-level hydraulic traits (Ψ50 and Ks) and needle anatomy. In contrast, trees acclimated to prolonged irrigation by increasing their crown density and hence the canopy water demand. This study demonstrates that despite substantial canopy adjustments, P. sylvestris may be vulnerable to extreme droughts because of limited adjustment potential in its hydraulic system. While sparser canopies reduce water demand, such shifts take decades to occur under chronic water deficits and might not mitigate short-term extreme drought events.
Live Iterative Ptychography
Authors: Weber Dieter , Ehrig Simeon , Schropp Andreas , Clausen Alexander , Achilles Silvio , Hoffmann Nico , Bussmann Michael , Dunin-Borkowski Rafal E , Schroer Christian G 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
We demonstrate live-updating ptychographic reconstruction with the extended ptychographical iterative engine, an iterative ptychography method, during ongoing data acquisition. The reconstruction starts with a small subset of the total data, and as the acquisition proceeds the data used for reconstruction are extended. This creates a live-updating view of object and illumination that allows monitoring the ongoing experiment and adjusting parameters with quick turn around. This is particularly advantageous for long-running acquisitions. We show that such a gradual reconstruction yields interpretable results already with a small subset of the data. We show simulated live processing with various scan patterns, parallelized reconstruction, and real-world live processing at the hard X-ray ptychographic nanoanalytical microscope PtyNAMi at the PETRA III beamline.
Investigating the Evolution of Drosophila STING-Dependent Antiviral Innate Immunity by Multispecies Comparison of 2′3′-cGAMP Responses
Authors: Hédelin Léna , Thiébaut Antonin , Huang Jingxian , Li Xiaoyan , Lemoine Aurélie , Haas Gabrielle , Meignin Carine , Cai Hua , Waterhouse Robert M , Martins Nelson , Imler Jean-Luc 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Viruses represent a major threat to all animals, which defend themselves through induction of a large set of virus-stimulated genes that collectively control the infection. In vertebrates, these genes include interferons that play a critical role in the amplification of the response to infection. Virus- and interferon-stimulated genes include restriction factors targeting the different steps of the viral replication cycle, in addition to molecules associated with inflammation and adaptive immunity. Predictably, antiviral genes evolve dynamically in response to viral pressure. As a result, each animal has a unique arsenal of antiviral genes. Here, we exploit the capacity to experimentally activate the evolutionarily conserved stimulator of IFN genes (STING) signaling pathway by injection of the cyclic dinucleotide 2′3′-cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate into flies to define the repertoire of STING-regulated genes in 10 Drosophila species, spanning 40 million years of evolution. Our data reveal a set of conserved STING-regulated factors, including STING itself, a cGAS-like-receptor, the restriction factor pastel, and the antiviral protein Vago, but also 2 key components of the antiviral RNA interference pathway, Dicer-2, and Argonaute2. In addition, we identify unknown species- or lineage-specific genes that have not been previously associated with resistance to viruses. Our data provide insight into the core antiviral response in Drosophila flies and pave the way for the characterization of previously unknown antiviral effectors.
Adaptive Selection of Cis-regulatory Elements in the Han Chinese
Authors: Liu Shuai , Luo Huaxia , Zhang Peng , Li Yanyan , Hao Di , Zhang Sijia , Song Tingrui , Xu Tao , He Shunmin 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Cis-regulatory elements have an important role in human adaptation to the living environment. However, the lag in population genomic cohort studies and epigenomic studies, hinders the research in the adaptive analysis of cis-regulatory elements in human populations. In this study, we collected 4,013 unrelated individuals and performed a comprehensive analysis of adaptive selection of genome-wide cis-regulatory elements in the Han Chinese. In total, 12.34% of genomic regions are under the influence of adaptive selection, where 1.00% of enhancers and 2.06% of promoters are under positive selection, and 0.06% of enhancers and 0.02% of promoters are under balancing selection. Gene ontology enrichment analysis of these cis-regulatory elements under adaptive selection reveals that many positive selections in the Han Chinese occur in pathways involved in cell–cell adhesion processes, and many balancing selections are related to immune processes. Two classes of adaptive cis-regulatory elements related to cell adhesion were in-depth analyzed, one is the adaptive enhancers derived from neanderthal introgression, leads to lower hyaluronidase level in skin, and brings better performance on UV-radiation resistance to the Han Chinese. Another one is the cis-regulatory elements regulating wound healing, and the results suggest the positive selection inhibits coagulation and promotes angiogenesis and wound healing in the Han Chinese. Finally, we found that many pathogenic alleles, such as risky alleles of type 2 diabetes or schizophrenia, remain in the population due to the hitchhiking effect of positive selections. Our findings will help deepen our understanding of the adaptive evolution of genome regulation in the Han Chinese.
A system of reporters for comparative investigation of EJC-independent and EJC-enhanced nonsense-mediated mRNA decay
Authors: Kolakada Divya , Campbell Amy E , Galvis Laura Baquero , Li Zhongyou , Lore Mlana , Jagannathan Sujatha 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) is a network of pathways that degrades transcripts that undergo premature translation termination. In mammals, NMD can be divided into the exon junction complex (EJC)-enhanced and EJC-independent branches. Fluorescence- and luminescence-based reporters have long been effective tools to investigate NMD, yet existing reporters largely focus on the EJC-enhanced pathway. Here, we present a system of reporters for comparative studies of EJC-independent and EJC-enhanced NMD. This system also enables the study of NMD-associated outcomes such as premature termination codon (PTC) readthrough and truncated protein degradation. These reporters are compatible with fluorescence or luminescence-based readouts via transient transfection or stable integration. Using this reporter system, we show that EJC-enhanced NMD RNA levels are reduced by 2- or 9-fold and protein levels are reduced by 7- or 12-fold compared to EJC-independent NMD, depending on the reporter gene used. Additionally, the extent of readthrough induced by G418 and an NMD inhibitor (SMG1i), alone and in combination, varies across NMD substrates. When combined, G418 and SMG1i increase readthrough product levels in an additive manner for EJC-independent reporters, while EJC-enhanced reporters show a synergistic effect. We present these reporters as a valuable toolkit to deepen our understanding of NMD and its associated mechanisms.
Characterising polymyalgia rheumatica on whole-body 18F-FDG PET/CT: an atlas
Authors: Owen Claire E , Poon Aurora M T , Liu Bonnia , Liew David F L , Yap Lee Pheng , Yang Victor , Leung Jessica L , McMaster Christopher R , Scott Andrew M , Buchanan Russell R C 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The impact of modern imaging in uncovering the underlying pathology of PMR cannot be understated. Long dismissed as an inflammatory syndrome with links to the large vessel vasculitis giant cell arteritis (GCA), a pathognomonic pattern of musculotendinous inflammation is now attributed to PMR and may be used to confirm its diagnosis. Among the available modalities, 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET/CT is increasingly recognized for its high sensitivity and specificity, as well as added ability to detect concomitant large vessel GCA and exclude other relevant differentials like infection and malignancy. This atlas provides a contemporary depiction of PMR’s pathology and outlines how this knowledge translates into a pattern of findings on whole body 18F-FDG PET/CT that can reliably confirm its diagnosis.
Exploring rabbit as a nonrodent species for general toxicology studies
Authors: Sokolowski Katie , Turner Patricia V , Lewis Elise , Wange Ronald L , Fortin Marie C 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
To avoid adverse events in humans, toxicity studies in nonclinical species have been the foundation of safety evaluation in the pharmaceutical industry. However, it is recognized that working with animals in research is a privilege, and conscientious use should always respect the 3Rs: replacement, reduction, and refinement. In the wake of the shortages in routine nonrodent species and considering that nonanimal methods are not yet sufficiently mature, the value of the rabbit as a nonrodent species is worth exploring. Historically used in vaccine, cosmetic, and medical device testing, the rabbit is seldom used today as a second species in pharmaceutical development, except for embryo-fetal development studies, ophthalmic therapeutics, some medical devices and implants, and vaccines. Although several factors affect the decision of species selection, including pharmacological relevance, pharmacokinetics, and ADME considerations, there are no perfect animal models. In this forum article, we bring together experts from veterinary medicine, industry, contract research organizations, and government to explore the pros and cons, residual concerns, and data gaps regarding the use of the rabbit for general toxicity testing.
Does menopause hormone therapy improve symptoms of depression? Findings from a specialized menopause clinic
Authors: Gnanasegar Rahavi , Wolfman Wendy , Galan Leticia Hernandez , Cullimore Amie , Shea Alison K. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Objective
Depressive symptoms are commonly reported during the perimenopause and in the early postmenopausal years. Although menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is considered the most effective treatment option for vasomotor symptoms, its effect on mood-related symptoms is less established. This study aims to assess interval change in depressive symptoms after initiation of MHT treatment in women seeking care at a Canadian specialized menopause clinic.

Methods
Women and female-presenting people attending the St. Joseph's Healthcare Menopause Clinic in Hamilton, Ontario, were invited to participate in this study. Participants (n = 170) completed a self-report questionnaire, which included their medical history as well as validated tools for bothersome symptoms at their initial visit. A shortened version was administered at the follow-up visit 3 to 12 months later with the same validated tools. We sought to examine interval changes on the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale based on type of treatment used and MHT dose, while controlling for relevant demographic variables (smoking, education level, age).

Results
There was a high rate of depressive symptoms in those seeking specialized menopause care (62%). MHT use was associated with significantly improved depressive symptoms, both alone and in addition to an antidepressant medication (P < 0.001). Younger age, lower education attainment, and smoking were all associated with higher depression scores.

Conclusion
This study supports the use of MHT to improve depressive symptoms experienced by those seeking specialized menopause care. Further investigation into timing of treatment initiation may facilitate a personalized treatment approach to improve quality of life of women in the peri- and postmenopausal years.