bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Constitutive expression of apple endo‐POLYGALACTURONASE1 in fruit induces early maturation, alters skin structure and accelerates softening
Authors: Gunaseelan Kularajathevan , Schröder Roswitha , Rebstock Ria , Ninan Annu S. , Deng Cecilia , Khanal Bishnu P. , Favre Laurie , Tomes Sumathi , Dragulescu Monica A. , O'Donoghue Erin M. , Hallett Ian C. , Schaffer Robert J. , Knoche Moritz , Brummell David A. , Atkinson Ross G. 
Published: December 2023

SUMMARYDuring fruit ripening, polygalacturonases (PGs) are key contributors to the softening process in many species. Apple is a crisp fruit that normally exhibits only minor changes to cell walls and limited fruit softening. Here, we explore the effects of PG overexpression during fruit development using transgenic apple lines overexpressing the ripening‐related endo‐POLYGALACTURONASE1 gene. MdPG1‐overexpressing (PGox) fruit displayed early maturation/ripening with black seeds, conversion of starch to sugars and ethylene production occurring by 80 days after pollination (DAP). PGox fruit exhibited a striking, white‐skinned phenotype that was evident from 60 DAP and most likely resulted from increased air spaces and separation of cells in the hypodermis due to degradation of the middle lamellae. Irregularities in the integrity of the epidermis and cuticle were also observed. By 120 DAP, PGox fruit cracked and showed lenticel‐associated russeting. Increased cuticular permeability was associated with microcracks in the cuticle around lenticels and was correlated with reduced cortical firmness at all time points and extensive post‐harvest water loss from the fruit, resulting in premature shrivelling. Transcriptomic analysis suggested that early maturation was associated with upregulation of genes involved in stress responses, and overexpression of MdPG1 also altered the expression of genes involved in cell wall metabolism (e.g. β‐galactosidase, MD15G1221000) and ethylene biosynthesis (e.g. ACC synthase, MD14G1111500). The results show that upregulation of PG not only has dramatic effects on the structure of the fruit outer cell layers, indirectly affecting water status and turgor, but also has unexpected consequences for fruit development.
Laparoscopic partial pancreatectomy of the left limb using a harmonic scalpel in nine cats
Authors: Case J. Brad , Adin Christopher , Chiquitha Crews , Gilor Chen 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo describe a laparoscopic technique and outcome for partial pancreatectomy in cats.Study designProspective cohort study.AnimalsNine cats.MethodsLaparoscopic pancreatectomy was performed using a single incision laparoscopic surgery port and an additional 5.5 mm port. The left pancreatic limb was dissected, sealed and divided at the level of the splenic vein insertion to the portal vein using a harmonic device. Surgical time and complications were recorded. The weight and length of the resected pancreatic limb was recorded. Pre‐ and postoperative trypsin‐like immunoreactivity (TLI), pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (PLI), and hemoglobin A1C were documented.ResultsLaparoscopic partial pancreatectomy was performed successfully in all cats. One grade 1 intraoperative complication occurred (1/9; 11%) resulting in minor hemorrhage from a caudal splenic vein branch. A grade 2 postoperative complication occurred within 3 days after surgery in one cat (1/9; 11%), involving localized, sterile peritonitis in the region of the pancreatic angle. Signs resolved with conservative management. No cats exhibited signs of pancreatitis postoperatively. Long‐term, mean TLI decreased by 37% ± 38% (p = .03) following partial pancreatectomy, while PLI and A1C were unchanged. All cats were alive and clinically well at last follow‐up 250 to 446 days following surgery.ConclusionsLaparoscopic partial pancreatectomy using a harmonic device is effective in cats, and offers a minimally‐invasive alternative to open surgical pancreatectomy techniques. Laparoscopic pancreatectomy of the left limb results in adequate exocrine and endocrine function in the long‐term.
Artificial Flow Guidance Method for Combined Off-Tracking and Stability Improvement for Automated Articulated Vehicles
Authors: Rahman Shammi , Gordon Timothy , Liu Qingwei , Gao Yangyan , Henderson Leon , Laine Leo 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This paper considers an integrated control method combining autonomous driving and active steering. By using artificial flow guidance (AFG), the steering at all five axles on a tractor–semitrailer are synchronized for precise low-speed path tracking and improved lateral stability. AFG is a motion planning method which uses velocity vectors to guide the motion of the vehicle; here, two modification on AFG are proposed to form the integrated-AFG which improves the transient performance and generalizes the choice of the tracking points. Simulations rendered in TruckMaker show submillimeter level steady-state off-tracking for a broad speed range, with maximum deviation being 1 cm for a high-speed lane change; amplification of trailer lateral motion is also suppressed, with rearward amplification (RWA) &lt; 1 maintained throughout. This control method is robust to changes in key parameters such as trailer mass and road friction coefficient. The methods presented provide a new foundation for implementing automated freight transportation on highways.
Interstage Performance and Power Consumption of a Multistage Mixed-Flow Electrical Submersible Pump in Gas–Liquid Conditions: An Experimental Study
Authors: Yang Chenyu , Xu Qiang , Chang Liang , Dai Xiaoyu , Wang Hanxuan , Su Xiaobin , Guo Liejin 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The performance degradation of electrical submersible pump (ESP) caused by high gas volume fraction (GVF) has always been a common problem in the field of oil and gas production. Experiments are conducted to investigate the gas–liquid performances of pressurization, power, and efficiency of a 15-stage mixed-flow ESP self-designed and manufactured. A calculation method of gas–liquid useful power is proposed based on the hypothesis of isothermal compression, with the relative error of calculated results within ±2% between isothermal compression and polytropic compression. The rapid decrease of useful power is found to be the main reason for the rapid decrease of hydraulic efficiency as the pump-inlet gas volume fraction (IGVF) increases. Moreover, the interstage pressurization deterioration gradually weakens along the increasing direction of stage number. The calculation method of interstage gas volume fraction is proposed, and the gas–liquid pressurization of each booster stage is found to follow the same distribution with the variation of interstage gas volume fraction. Increasing the stage number can efficiently improve the critical gas volume fraction of interstage pressurization deterioration, as well as the pressurization boundary and maximum value of average single-stage gas–liquid pressurization. The prediction correlations of gas–liquid operating conditions of the maximum pressurization and the highest hydraulic efficiency are established, respectively, and the gas–liquid condition range of high-efficiency pressurization is discovered.
A Collective Case Study of Parent–Athlete–Coach Triads in British Youth Tennis
Authors: Tagliavini Ella F. , Harwood Chris G. , Jowett Sophia , Thrower Sam N. 
Published: December 2023

While important for athletic development and well-being in youth sport, knowledge remains limited around the processes underpinning triadic relationships between parents, athletes, and coaches. This study aimed to examine the relational processes that drive the functioning of parent–athlete–coach triads across three developmental stages of youth tennis. Using a collective-case-study design, 10 players, 10 coaches, and 9 mothers completed preinterview tasks and semistructured interviews and provided conversational history. Reflexive thematic analysis led to the generation of two higher order themes: foundations of relationship quality and factors enabling team effectiveness. Findings highlighted how specific relationship qualities (i.e., commitment, trust, respect, and parent–coach proximity) and team effectiveness constructs (i.e., shared goals, collaborative and adjusted roles, support, and role-specific communication) served to facilitate the tennis experience for triads. Scholars are encouraged to consider integrating small-group principles (e.g., team building) into tailored support programs that address the psychosocial needs of the triad.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Canadian transplant journeys: a mixed methods study
Authors: Fox Danielle , Hall Marc , Thibodeau Carrie , Coldwell Kristi , Lauder Lydia , Dewell Sarah , Davidson Sandra 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundNavigating the organ donation and transplantation system in Canada can be challenging for individuals on transplant journeys. Although it is likely that the COVID-19 pandemic has further contributed to these challenges, the experiences of individuals during the pandemic in Canada have not been well elicited.ObjectiveTo illuminate how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted individuals on transplant journeys in Canada.DesignConvergent parallel mixed-methods study.SettingCanada.ParticipantsAdult patients, caregivers, and donors on transplant journeys across Canada.Data collectionEight focus groups and an online survey between May and November 2021. Focus group transcripts were analysed using an inductive conventional content analysis approach. Survey data were analysed using descriptive statistics. The study was guided by individuals with lived experience of organ donation and transplantation.ResultsA total of 830 participants completed three COVID-19 related survey questions, with 21 participating in the focus groups.Survey results: over 50% of patients and caregivers reported that the pandemic impacted their access to their healthcare team, their mental health (60% and 65%, respectively) and their comfort going out in public (80% and 75%, respectively). Although many donors reported several factors that impacted their transplant journey, the impact appeared to be greater for patients and caregivers.Qualitative results: three themes emerged from the qualitative data that contextualise participant’s experiences: compounding isolation, disruption amid uncertainty and unforeseen benefits.ConclusionThe COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated many of the challenges that individuals on transplant journeys experience. It will be critical for transplant programmes to consider these factors in future care provision.
How do network meta-analyses address intransitivity when assessing certainty of evidence: a systematic survey
Authors: Wang Ying , Xia Ruyu , Pericic Tina Poklepovic , Bekkering Geertruida E , Hou Liangying , Bala Malgorzata M , Gao Ya , Wu Michael , Gloss David , Siemieniuk Reed Alexander , Fei Yutong , Rochwerg Bram , Guyatt Gordon , Brignardello-Petersen Romina 
Published: December 2023

ObjectivesTo describe how systematic reviews with network meta-analyses (NMAs) that used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) NMA approach addressed intransitivity when assessing certainty of evidence.DesignSystematic survey.Data sourcesMedline, Embase and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews from September 2014 to October 2022.Eligibility criteriaSystematic reviews of randomised controlled trials with aggregate data NMAs that used the GRADE NMA approach for assessing certainty of evidence.Data extraction and synthesisWe documented how reviewers described methods for addressing intransitivity when assessing certainty of evidence, how often they rated down for intransitivity and their explanations for rating down.ResultsOf the 268 eligible systematic reviews, 44.8% (120/268) mentioned intransitivity when describing methods for assessing the certainty of evidence. Of these, 28.3% (34/120) considered effect modifiers and from this subset, 67.6% (23/34) specified the effect modifiers; however, no systematic review noted how they chose the effect modifiers. 15.0% (18/120) mentioned looking for differences between the direct comparisons that inform the indirect estimate. No review specified a threshold for difference in effect modifiers between the direct comparisons that would lead to rating down for intransitivity. Reviewers noted rating down indirect evidence for intransitivity in 33.1% of systematic reviews, and noted intransitivity for network estimates in 23.0% of reviews. Authors provided an explanation for rating down for intransitivity in 59.6% (31/52) of the cases in which they rated down. Of the 31 in which they provided an explanation, 74.2% (23/31) noted they detected differences in effect modifiers and 67.7% (21/31) specified in what effect modifiers they detected differences.ConclusionsA third of systematic reviews with NMAs using the GRADE approach rated down for intransitivity. Limitations in reporting of methods to address intransitivity proved considerable. Whether the problem is that reviewers neglected to address rating down for transitivity at all, or whether they did consider but not report, is not clear. At minimum systematic reviews with NMAs need to improve their reporting practices regarding intransitivity; it may well be that they need to improve their practice in transitivity assessment. How to best address intransitivity may remain unclear for many reviewers thus additional GRADE guidance providing practical instructions for addressing intransitivity may be desirable.
Relationship Between Birth Weight and Asthma Diagnosis: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study Based on the National Survey of Children’s Health in the U.S.
Authors: Ni Meng , Li Baihe , Zhang Qianqian , Zhao Jiuru , Li Wei , Qi Sudong , Shen Qianwen , Yao Dongting , Chen Ze , Wang Tao , Ding Xiya , Lin Zhenying , Cheng Chunyu , Liu Zhiwei , Chen Hao 
Published: December 2023

ObjectiveTo assess the association between birth weight and childhood asthma risk using data from the 2019–2020 National Survey of Children’s Health database.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingThe USA.PatientsA representative cohort of American children.ExposureThe exposure of this study was birth weight regardless of gestational age. Birth weight was divided into three groups: <1500 g, 1500–2500 g and >2500 g.Main outcome measuresPrimary outcomes were parent-reported diagnosis of asthma.MethodThe Rao-Scott χ2test was used to compare the groups. The main analyses examined the association between birth weight and parent-report asthma in children using univariable and multivariable logistic models adjusting for preterm birth, age, sex, race, family poverty, health insurance, smoking, maternal age. Subgroup analysis was performed based on interaction test.ResultsA total of 60 172 children aged 3–17 years were enrolled in this study; of these, 5202 (~8.6%) had asthma. Children with asthma were more likely to be born preterm, with low birth weight (LBW) or very LBW (VLBW). The incidence of asthma was the highest in VLBW children at 20.9% and showed a downward trend with an increase in birth weight class, with rates of 10.7% and 8.1% in the LBW and normal birthweight groups, respectively. Children with VLBW (OR 1.97; 95% CI 1.29 to 3.01) had higher odds of developing asthma in the adjusted analysis model. However, VLBW was only shown to be a risk factor for asthma among Hispanics, black/African-Americans and children between the ages of 6 and 12 years, demonstrating racial and age disparities.ConclusionsVLBW increases the risk of childhood asthma; however, racial and age disparities are evident.
Preventive strategies for low anterior resection syndrome: a protocol for systematic review and evidence mapping
Authors: Zhang Xin-Yu , Yang Ke-Lu , Li Yang , Li Rui-Shu , Wang Shi-Qi , Liu Xiao-Nan , Wang Quan 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionRectal cancer is one of the top 10 cancers worldwide. Up to 80% of patients with rectal tumours have had sphincter-saving surgery, mainly due to the large expectation of anal preservation. However, patients tend to experience low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) after rectal resection, which is disordered bowel function that includes faecal incontinence, urgency, frequent defecation, constipation and evacuation difficulties. LARS, with an estimated prevalence of 41%, has been reported to substantially decrease the quality of life of patients. However, no comprehensive preventive strategies are currently available for LARS. This systematic review aims to synthesise evidence on the current LARS preventive strategies.Methods and analysisThis protocol is reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) checklist. Literature in PubMed (via Medline), Embase and the Cochrane Library from inception to July 2023 will be searched to identify articles relevant to preventive effectiveness against LARS. The Cochrane Collaboration’s risk of bias tool for randomised controlled trials and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for clinical controlled trials, cohort studies and case–control studies will be used to assess the risk of bias. We will group the included studies by the type of LARS prevention strategy and present an overview of the main findings in the form of evidence mapping. A meta-analysis is planned if there is no substantial clinical heterogeneity between the included studies. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) will be used to evaluate the quality of the evidence.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not needed for systematic review of published data. The findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and disseminated at scientific conferences.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42023402886.
Short-read whole genome sequencing identifies causative variants in most individuals with previously unexplained aniridia
Authors: Hall Hildegard Nikki , Parry David , Halachev Mihail , Williamson Kathleen A , Donnelly Kevin , Campos Parada Jose , Bhatia Shipra , Joseph Jeffrey , Holden Simon , Prescott Trine E , Bitoun Pierre , Kirk Edwin P , Newbury-Ecob Ruth , Lachlan Katherine , Bernar Juan , van Heyningen Veronica , FitzPatrick David R , Meynert Alison 
Published: December 2023

Background

Classic aniridia is a highly penetrant autosomal dominant disorder characterised by congenital absence of the iris, foveal hypoplasia, optic disc anomalies and progressive opacification of the cornea. >90% of cases of classic aniridia are caused by heterozygous, loss-of-function variants affecting the
PAX6
locus.

Methods

Short-read whole genome sequencing was performed on 51 (39 affected) individuals from 37 different families who had screened negative for mutations in the
PAX6
coding region.

Results

Likely causative mutations were identified in 22 out of 37 (59%) families. In 19 out of 22 families, the causative genomic changes have an interpretable deleterious impact on the
PAX6
locus. Of these 19 families, 1 has a novel heterozygous
PAX6
frameshift variant missed on previous screens, 4 have single nucleotide variants (SNVs) (one novel) affecting essential splice sites of
PAX6
5′ non-coding exons and 2 have deep intronic SNV (one novel) resulting in gain of a donor splice site. In 12 out of 19, the causative variants are large-scale structural variants; 5 have partial or whole gene deletions of
PAX6
, 3 have deletions encompassing critical
PAX6 cis
-regulatory elements, 2 have balanced inversions with disruptive breakpoints within the
PAX6
locus and 2 have complex rearrangements disrupting
PAX6
. The remaining 3 of 22 families have deletions encompassing
FOXC1
(a known cause of atypical aniridia). Seven of the causative variants occurred
de novo
and one cosegregated with familial aniridia. We were unable to establish inheritance status in the remaining probands. No plausibly causative SNVs were identified in
PAX6 cis
-regulatory elements.

Conclusion
Whole genome sequencing proves to be an effective diagnostic test in most individuals with previously unexplained aniridia.
Anorectal gonorrhoea and chlamydia among transgender women in Brazil: prevalence and assessment of performance and cost of anorectal infection detection and management approaches
Authors: McCartney Daniel Jason , Luppi Carla Gianna , Silva Roberto José Carvalho , de Araújo Sandra , Bassichetto Katia Cristina , Mayaud Philippe , Veras Maria Amélia 
Published: December 2023

ObjectivesWe aimed to determine the prevalence of anorectalNeisseria gonorrhoeae(NG) andChlamydia trachomatis(CT) among transgender women in Brazil, and to assess the performance and costs of various approaches for the diagnosis and management of anorectal NG/CT.MethodsTransOdara was a multicentric, cross-sectional STI prevalence study among 1317 transgender women conducted in five capital cities representing all Brazilian regions. Participants aged>18 years were recruited using respondent-driven sampling (RDS), completed an interviewer-led questionnaire, offered an optional physical examination and given choice between self-collected or provider-collected samples for NG/CT testing. Performance and cost indicators of predetermined management algorithms based on the WHO recommendations for anorectal symptoms were calculated.ResultsScreening uptake was high (94.3%) and the estimated prevalence of anorectal NG, CT and NG and/or CT was 9.1%, 8.9% and 15.2%, respectively. Most detected anorectal NG/CT infections were asymptomatic (NG: 87.6%, CT: 88.9%), with a limited number of participants reporting any anorectal symptoms (9.1%). Of those who permitted anal examination, few had clinical signs of infection (13.6%). Sensitivity of the tested algorithms ranged from 1.4% to 5.1% (highest for treatment based on the reported anorectal discharge or ulcer and receptive anal intercourse (RAI) in the past 6 months) and specificity from 98.0% to 99.3% (highest for treatment based on the reported anorectal discharge with clinical confirmation or report of RAI). The estimated cost-per-true case of anorectal NG/CT infection treated varied from lowest providing treatment for anorectal discharge syndrome based on the reported RAI ($2.70–4.28), with algorithms including clinical examinations decreasing cost-effectiveness.ConclusionsHigh prevalence of mostly asymptomatic anorectal NG and CT was observed among Brazilian transgender women. Multi-site NG/CT screening should be offered to transgender women. Where diagnostic testing capacity is limited, syndromic management for those presenting with anorectal symptoms is recommended.
Effects of the illicit market on the price elasticity of cigarette consumption in Brazil
Authors: Divino Jose Angelo , Ehrl Philipp , Candido Osvaldo , Valadao Marcos Aurelio Pereira 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundAn important element to consider in tobacco tax policy is the illicit market of cigarette sales. The objective of this paper is to provide estimates of both conditional and unconditional price elasticities of cigarette consumption in the licit and illicit markets in Brazil.MethodologyMicrodata from the National Health Survey in 2013 and 2019 are used to estimate conditional and unconditional price elasticities of cigarette consumption in the licit and illicit cigarette markets by income quartiles and age cohorts. The identification is based on brand information and the official minimum cigarette price defined by the government, as sales below this price are prohibited and illegal.FindingsThe results, robust to potential endogeneity, indicate that there is joint statistical difference in price elasticities across age cohorts and income groups by market type. However, individuals smoking illicit cigarettes, regardless of age cohort and income quartiles, are less sensitive to price changes than those consuming licit brands.ConclusionsThe illicit cigarette market prevents the government from collecting tobacco tax revenues and weakens the social reach of price-oriented antismoking public policies. Fighting the illicit trade should be a major concern of public policies aiming at reducing cigarette consumption.