bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alteration of the tree–soil microbial system triggers a feedback loop that boosts holm oak decline
Authors: Encinas‐Valero Manuel , Esteban Raquel , Hereş Ana‐Maria , Vivas María , Solla Alejandro , Moreno Gerardo , Corcobado Tamara , Odriozola Iñaki , Garbisu Carlos , Epelde Lur , Curiel Yuste Jorge 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

In anthropic savanna ecosystems from the Iberian Peninsula (i.e. dehesa), complex interactions between climate change, pathogen outbreaks and human land use are presumed to be behind the observed increase in holm oak decline. These environmental disturbances alter the plant–soil microbial continuum, which can destabilize the ecological balance that sustains tree health. Yet, little is known about the underlying mechanisms, particularly the directions and nature of the causal–effect relationships between plants and soil microbial communities.

In this study, we aimed to determine the role of plant–soil feedbacks in climate‐induced holm oak decline in the Iberian dehesa. Using a gradient of holm oak health, we reconstructed key soil biogeochemical cycles mediated by soil microbial communities. We used quantitative microbial element cycling (QMEC), a functional gene‐array‐based high‐throughput technique to assess microbial functional potential in carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and sulphur cycling.

The onset of holm oak decline was positively related to the increase in relative abundance of soil microbial functional genes associated with denitrification and phosphorus mineralization (i.e. nirS3, ppx and pqqC; parameter value: 0.21, 0.23 and 0.4; p < 0.05). Structural equation model (χ2 = 32.26, p‐value = 0.73), moreover, showed a negative association between these functional genes and soil nutrient availability (i.e. mainly mineral nitrogen and phosphate). Particularly, the holm oak crown health was mainly determined by the abundance of phosphate (parameter value = 0.27; p‐value < 0.05) and organic phosphorus (parameter value = −0.37; p‐value < 0.5).

Hence, we propose a potential tree–soil feedback loop, in which the decline of holm oak promotes changes in the soil environment that triggers changes in key microbial‐mediated metabolic pathways related to the net loss of soil nitrogen and phosphorus mineral forms. The shortage of essential nutrients, in turn, affects the ability of the trees to withstand the environmental stressors to which they are exposed.

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Is China's new live hog futures market efficient? Evidence from an analysis of market quality, price discovery and hedging effectiveness
Authors: Li Miao , Xiong Tao 
Published: November 2023

AbstractOn 8 January 2021, China's first live‐animal and live‐delivery futures product—in live hogs—was listed on the Dalian Commodity Exchange to serve as a risk management tool. We examine whether this newly established market exhibits good market quality and has realised its primary functions of price discovery and hedging. Our results suggest that the live hog futures market performs its price discovery function well and can hedge between 4% and 27% of the risk in the spot market, even though it is less actively traded, less liquid and more volatile than egg futures markets. To strengthen the hedging function of the live hog futures market, more effort—such as recruiting market makers and introducing night trading sessions—should be exerted to increase and smooth trading and stabilise volatility.
Neonatal mortality risk of large‐for‐gestational‐age and macrosomic live births in 15 countries, including 115.6 million nationwide linked records, 2000–2020
Authors: Suárez‐Idueta Lorena , Ohuma Eric O. , Chang Chia‐Jung , Hazel Elizabeth A. , Yargawa Judith , Okwaraji Yemisrach B. , Bradley Ellen , Gordon Adrienne , Sexton Jessica , Lawford Harriet L. S. , Paixao Enny S. , Falcão Ila R. , Lisonkova Sarka , Wen Qi , Velebil Petr , Jírová Jitka , Horváth‐Puhó Erzsebet , Sørensen Henrik T. , Sakkeus Luule , Abuladze Lili , Yunis Khalid A. , Al Bizri Ayah , Alvarez Sonia Lopez , Broeders Lisa , van Dijk Aimée E. , Alyafei Fawziya , AlQubaisi Mai , Razaz Neda , Söderling Jonas , Smith Lucy K. , Matthews Ruth J. , Lowry Estelle , Rowland Neil , Wood Rachael , Monteath Kirsten , Pereyra Isabel , Pravia Gabriella , Lawn Joy E. , Blencowe Hannah ,   the National Vulnerable Newborn Mortality Collaborative Group and the Vulnerable Newborn Measurement Core Group
Published: November 2023

AbstractObjectiveWe aimed to compare the prevalence and neonatal mortality associated with large for gestational age (LGA) and macrosomia among 115.6 million live births in 15 countries, between 2000 and 2020.DesignPopulation‐based, multi‐country study.SettingNational healthcare systems.PopulationLiveborn infants.MethodsWe used individual‐level data identified for the Vulnerable Newborn Measurement Collaboration. We calculated the prevalence and relative risk (RR) of neonatal mortality among live births born at term + LGA (>90th centile, and also >95th and >97th centiles when the data were available) versus term + appropriate for gestational age (AGA, 10th–90th centiles) and macrosomic (≥4000, ≥4500 and ≥5000 g, regardless of gestational age) versus 2500–3999 g. INTERGROWTH 21st served as the reference population.Main outcome measuresPrevalence and neonatal mortality risks.ResultsLarge for gestational age was common (median prevalence 18.2%; interquartile range, IQR, 13.5%–22.0%), and overall was associated with a lower neonatal mortality risk compared with AGA (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.77–0.89). Around one in ten babies were ≥4000 g (median prevalence 9.6% (IQR 6.4%–13.3%), with 1.2% (IQR 0.7%–2.0%) ≥4500 g and with 0.2% (IQR 0.1%–0.2%) ≥5000 g). Overall, macrosomia of ≥4000 g was not associated with increased neonatal mortality risk (RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.69–0.94); however, a higher risk was observed for birthweights of ≥4500 g (RR 1.52, 95% CI 1.10–2.11) and ≥5000 g (RR 4.54, 95% CI 2.58–7.99), compared with birthweights of 2500–3999 g, with the highest risk observed in the first 7 days of life.ConclusionsIn this population, birthweight of ≥4500 g was the most useful marker for early mortality risk in big babies and could be used to guide clinical management decisions.
The role of payment and financing in achieving health equity
Authors: Eschliman Brede H. , Pham Hongmai H. , Navathe Amol S. , Dale Karen M. , Harris Julian 
Published: November 2023

AbstractObjectiveThe aim was to identify healthcare payment and financing reforms to promote health equity and ways that the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) may promote those reforms.Data Sources and Study SettingAHRQ convened a payment and financing workgroup–the authors of this paper–as part of its Health Equity Summit held in July 2022. This workgroup drew from its collective experience with healthcare payment and financing reform, as well as feedback from participants in a session at the Health Equity Summit, to identify the evidence base and promising paths for reforms to promote health equity.Study DesignThe payment and financing workgroup developed an outline of reforms to promote health equity, presented the outline to participants in the payment and financing session of the July 2022 AHRQ Health Equity Summit, and integrated feedback from the participants.Data Collection/Extraction MethodsThis paper did not require novel data collection; the authors collected the data from the existing evidence base.Principal FindingsThe paper outlines root causes of health inequity and corresponding potential reforms in five domains: (1) the differential distribution of resources between healthcare providers serving different communities, (2) scarcity of financing for populations most in need, (3) lack of integration/accountability, (4) patient cost barriers to care, and (5) bias in provider behavior and diagnostic tools.ConclusionsAdditional research is necessary to determine whether the proposed reforms are effective in promoting health equity.
Advancing health equity through social care interventions
Authors: Peek Monica E. , Gottlieb Laura M. , Doubeni Chyke A. , Viswanathan Meera , Cartier Yuri , Aceves Benjamin , Fichtenberg Caroline , Cené Crystal W. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo use evidence on addressing racism in social care intervention research to create a framework for advancing health equity for all populations with marginalized social identities (e.g., race, gender, and sexual orientation). Such groups have disproportionate social needs (e.g., food insecurity) and negative social determinants of health (SDOH; e.g., poverty). We recommend how the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) could advance health equity for marginalized populations through social care research and care delivery.Data Sources and Study SettingThis commentary is informed by a literature review of social care interventions that were affiliated with healthcare systems; input from health equity researchers, policymakers, and community leaders attending the AHRQ Health Equity Summit; and consensus of the authors.Principal FindingsWe recommend that AHRQ: (1) create an ecosystem that values research on SDOH and the effectiveness and implementation of social care interventions in the healthcare sector; (2) work with other federal agencies to (a) develop position statements with actionable recommendations about racism and other systems that perpetuate marginalization based on social identity and (b) develop aligned, complementary approaches to research and care delivery that address social marginalization; (3) advance both inclusive care delivery and inclusive research teams; (4) advance understanding of racism as a social determinant of health and effective strategies to mitigate its adverse impact on health; (5) advance the creation and scaling of effective strategies for addressing SDOH in healthcare systems, particularly in co‐creation with community partners; and (6) require social care intervention researchers to use methods that advance our understanding of social health equity.ConclusionsAHRQ, as a federal agency, could help advance health equity using a range of strategies, including using the agency's levers to ensure AHRQ stakeholders examine and address the unique experiences of socially marginalized populations in SDOH and social care intervention research.
Highly efficient expression of human extracellular superoxide dismutase (rhEcSOD) with ultraviolet‐B‐induced damage‐resistance activity in transgenic silkworm cocoons
Authors: Wang Feng , Wang Ri‐Yuan , Zhong De‐Bin , Zhao Ping , Xia Qing‐You 
Published: November 2023

AbstractExtracellular superoxide dismutase (EcSOD) protects tissues from oxidative stress, and thus is considered as a therapeutic agent for many diseases such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, and cancer. However, cost‐effective production of bioactive recombinant human EcSOD (rhEcSOD) remains a challenge. Herein, we developed an efficient strategy for producing active rhEcSOD by transgenic silkworms. rhEcSOD was successfully synthesized as homodimers and homotetramers in the middle silk gland and spun into the cocoons with a concentration of 9.48 ± 0.21 mg/g. Purification of rhEcSOD from the cocoons could be conveniently achieved with a purity of 99.50% and a yield of 3.5 ± 0.5 mg/g. Additionally, N‐glycosylation at the only site of N89 in rhEcSOD with 10 types were identified. The purified rhEcSOD gained the potent enzymatic activity of 4 162 ± 293 U/mg after Cu/Zn ions incorporation. More importantly, rhEcSOD was capable of penetrating and accumulating in the nuclei of cells to maintain cell morphology and attenuate ultraviolet B‐induced cell apoptosis by eliminating reactive oxygen species and inhibiting the C‐Jun N‐terminal kinase signaling pathway. These results demonstrated that the transgenic silkworm could successfully produce rhEcSOD with enzymatic and biological activities for biomedical applications.
Egg‐associated secretions from the brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens) activate rice immune responses
Authors: Li Jing , Li Shuai , Li Jing , Tan Xinyang , Zhao Zhichang , Jiang Lei , Hoffmann Ary A. , Fang Jichao , Ji Rui 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe brown planthopper (BPH, Nilaparvata lugens) is a notorious sap‐sucking insect pest that damages rice (Oryza sativa) plants throughout Asia. During BPH feeding, saliva enters rice plant tissues, whereas during oviposition egg‐associated secretions (EAS) are deposited in damaged plant tissue. Dynamic changes in rice to planthopper salivary effectors have been widely reported. However, the effects of EAS from planthopper on rice immunity remains largely unexplored. In this study, we found that both infestation of rice by gravid BPH female adults and treatment with the EAS elicited a strong and rapid accumulation of jasmonic acid (JA), JA‐isoleucine, and hydrogen peroxide in rice. EAS enhanced plant defenses not only in rice but also in tobacco, and these impaired the performance of BPH on rice, as well as the performance of aphids and whiteflies on tobacco. High‐throughput proteome sequencing of EAS led to 110 proteins being identified and 53 proteins with 2 or more unique peptides being detected. Some proteins from BPH EAS were also found in the salivary proteome from herbivores, suggesting potential evolutionary conservation of effector functions across feeding and oviposition; however, others were only identified in EAS, and these are likely specifically related to oviposition. These findings point to novel proteins affecting interactions between planthoppers and rice during oviposition, providing an additional source of information for effector studies.
Shelf life enhancement technique of Musa acuminata in a controlled environment and optimization of process parameters affecting shelf life using genetic algorithm
Authors: Ghosh Niloy , De Jhumpa , Chowdhury Amit Roy 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAn economical and effective storage solution has been designed in this work for the storage of postharvest fruits and vegetables. Musa acuminata or banana has a shelf life of 5–6 days in open uncontrolled environment. This article reports a storage solution of M. acuminata in a controlled enclosure containing titanium oxide (TiO2)‐coated inner walls and irradiated with ultraviolet ray of band “C,” an air filtration unit, 5% by volume potassium permanganate (KMnO4) solution in a clay pot, grow lights, and activated charcoal granules. The same fruit was kept in an uncontrolled environment too. The percentages of dark spots on banana (M. acuminata) upon storage in controlled and uncontrolled environments have been estimated using an image‐processing algorithm. The prediction of dark spots was conducted using multi‐linear and multivariate polynomial regression. Experimentation with optimum process parameters obtained with genetic algorithm resulted in a shelf life extension of 6 days as compared to its storage in an uncontrolled environment. The setup can be used in vegetable and fruit markets for the extension of shelf life of postharvest perishable items in a compact and cost‐effective manner. The setup does not use any refrigeration process thereby decreasing energy requirement.
Preparation of food active packaging materials based on calcium hydroxide and modified porous medium for reducing carbon dioxide and kimchi odor
Authors: Jeong Suyeon , Lee Hyun‐Gyu , Lee Seong Youl , Yoo SeungRan 
Published: November 2023

AbstractCarbon dioxide and kimchi odor compounds, formed during fermentation, negatively affect the long‐distance distribution of commercial kimchi. To address these issues, in this study, we modified different porous media (activated carbon, bleaching earth, diatomite, and zeolite) using sodium bicarbonate and silver (Ag) ions. Functional sheets were prepared using linear low‐density polyethylene, calcium hydroxide, a porous medium, and a blowing agent. Various prepared porous media and sheets were effective in removing acetic acid, sulfur compounds (allyl methyl sulfide, dimethyl disulfide, allyl methyl disulfide, and diallyl disulfide), and carbon dioxide. Porous media with micropores exhibited a sulfur compound removal efficiency of 43.5%–99.4%, while no effect was observed on acetic acid removal. However, porous media with mesopores showed an acetic acid removal efficiency of 42.3%–90.7%, with no reduction in sulfur compounds removal. The impregnation of porous materials with sodium bicarbonate significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced the acetic acid removal activity. Ag modification improved the sulfur compound removal of the mesoporous bleaching earth and diatomite statistically (p < 0.05). Additionally, the incorporation of sodium bicarbonate‐impregnated mesoporous media significantly improved carbon dioxide removal, reducing concentrations from 25.97% to 14.27% with respect to the control group. Our functional food packaging materials can solve the current issues in kimchi distribution by removing carbon dioxide and kimchi odor without affecting its quality.Practical ApplicationFood active packaging materials containing calcium hydroxide and modified porous medium are effective in removing carbon dioxide and kimchi odor (acetic acid and sulfur compounds). The removal of carbon dioxide and kimchi odor, which adversely affect the distribution and sale of commercial kimchi, can help solve the current issues with kimchi distribution without affecting its quality.
Segmentectomy quality remains important in ground‐glass‐dominant stage I lung cancer
Authors: Woo Wongi , Lee Jimin , Jin Dae Hyun , Kim Jihoon , Moon Duk Hwan , Lee Sungsoo 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundSegmentectomy for early‐stage lung cancer has benefits for survival and parenchymal preservation. However, segmentectomies are technically challenging, thereby resulting in considerable variability in the quality of resection. In this study, we aimed to review the quality of segmentectomies and analyze their clinical impact.MethodsThis retrospective study reviewed patients diagnosed with stage I lung cancer after segmentectomies between 2013 and 2021. Segmentectomies were classified as anatomical or nonanatomical; anatomical resection included segmental bronchus and vessel (artery and/or vein) divisions; others were classified as nonanatomical. The primary outcome was recurrence‐free and overall survival, and the secondary outcome was postoperative spirometry and lung plication, which is seen as a fibrotic line along the stapling site.ResultsOf the 132 segmental resections included in this study, 101 (76.5%) were anatomical segmentectomies. The median consolidation‐tumor ratio was 0.40, and 83.3% (110/132) had ground‐glass opacities (GGOs). Compared to nonanatomical resections, more N1 and total lymph node stations were retrieved after anatomical segmentectomies. Regarding clinical outcomes, recurrence‐free survival was better after anatomical segmentectomy (p = 0.049); however, overall survival was not significantly different (p = 0.064). Furthermore, at 3–6 months postoperatively, thicker lung plication at the stapling site was observed in nonanatomical resections (p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis for complex segmentectomies revealed a larger decrease in forced‐expiration volume in 1 s after nonanatomical resection.ConclusionAnatomical segmentectomy resulted in better survival and a lower incidence of thick lung plication, even in GGO‐dominant tumors. Therefore, further standardization and quality management of segmentectomy procedures will improve the clinical outcomes.
Extended ICI treatment after first‐line chemoimmunotherapy could predict the clinical benefit of ramucirumab plus docetaxel in advanced non‐small lung cancer: Post hoc analysis from NEJ051 (REACTIVE study)
Authors: Yamaguchi Ou , Mori Keita , Takata Saori , Shibata Kazuhiko , Chikamori Kenichi , Kimura Nozomu , Nagai Yoshiaki , Nakagawa Taku , Igawa Satoshi , Harada Taishi , Yoshioka Hiroshige , Tanaka Hisashi , Nogawa Hitomi , Satoh Hiroaki , Shiozawa Toshihiro , Tsuji Kosuke , Kobayashi Kunihiko , Kaira Kyoichi 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe factors that predict the clinical response to ramucirumab plus docetaxel (RD) after first‐line chemoimmunotherapy are unresolved. We explored whether the therapeutic efficacy of prior chemoimmunotherapy could predict the outcome of RD as sequential therapy in patients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).MethodsOur study comprised 288 patients with advanced NSCLC who received RD as the second‐line treatment after first‐line chemoimmunotherapy at 62 Japanese institutions. Chemoimmunotherapy consisted of a platinum‐based regimen and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). The association between several variables and the therapeutic outcome of RD was determined via logistic regression analysis.ResultsOf the 288 patients, 225 (78.1%) received maintenance therapy and 108 (37.5%) received both ICI treatment for >180 days and maintenance therapy. All of 108 patients having ICIs for >180 days received maintenance therapy. Univariate analysis identified performance status, histology (adenocarcinoma), maintenance therapy, and ICI treatment >180 days as significant predictors of better progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) after RD administration. Multivariate analysis confirmed that these factors independently predicted favorable PFS and OS. The therapeutic response and PD‐L1 expression were not closely associated with outcome after RD treatment. In particular, maintenance therapy >4 cycles was more predictive of the better prognosis for RD treatment.ConclusionExtended ICI treatment after chemoimmunotherapy and maintenance therapy enhanced the efficacy of second‐line RD treatment in patients with advanced NSCLC.
A comparison of photographic and spectrometric methods to quantify the colours seen by animal eyes
Authors: Tedore Cynthia 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Quantifying how colours stimulate animal eyes is an essential first step in many areas of biology, from behavioural and visual ecology to neuroethology. Although multiple methods exist, their relative accuracies remain untested, leaving researchers unsure which methods are most accurate and which might be unacceptably inaccurate.

Here, I compare measurements from reflectance spectrometry and four camera‐based techniques to ground‐truth spectroradiometric measurements of radiance, using eight diverse visual systems. Because errors may compound through successive calculations, I calculate not only relative quantum catches but also chroma and colour contrasts.

I find that filters mimicking photoreceptor spectral sensitivity curves, through either custom fabrication or weighted additive combinations of bandpass filters (‘computational filters’), as well as reflectance spectrometry, are the most accurate techniques, with most R2 > 0.98. Statistical filters trained on the library of reflectance spectra in the multispectral image calibration and analysis (MICA) toolbox lag behind in accuracy, particularly for dark colours, with R2 values dipping as low as 0.23. However, the performance of these filters is vastly improved (all R2 > 0.96) if one (a) uses the full UV–VIS range of camera and animal vision, even for animals lacking UV photoreceptors and (b) expands the library of training spectra to include simulated low‐reflectance spectra. Statistical filters trained on either a 24‐ or 45‐colour chart (an alternative method offered by the MICA toolbox) vary wildly in accuracy, with R2 values ranging from 0.11 to 0.94, and should not be trusted.

For those requiring point measurements only, reflectance spectrometry is highly accurate within the constraints described in the main text. Those using photography and desiring the highest levels of accuracy should opt for custom‐fabricated or computational filters. Statistical filters trained on the MICA toolbox's library of natural spectra can be expected to be reasonably accurate for many combinations of visual systems and stimuli, but only if (a) the full UV–VIS spectrum is used and (b) the training library is expanded to include simulated low‐reflectance spectra. Statistical filters trained on a colour chart are highly unreliable and their use should be discontinued.