bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Persistence associated with extractive foraging explains variation in innovation in Darwin’s finches
Authors: Ibáñez de Aldecoa Paula , Tebbich Sabine , Griffin Andrea S 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The capacity to create new behaviors is influenced by environmental factors such as foraging ecology, which can lead to phylogenetic variation in innovativeness. Alternatively, these differences may arise due to the selection of the underlying mechanisms, collaterally affecting innovativeness. To understand the evolutionary pathways that might enhance innovativeness, we examined the role of diet breadth and degree of extractive foraging, as well as a range of intervening cognitive and behavioral mechanisms (neophilia, neophobia, flexibility, motivation, and persistence). Darwin’s finches are very suitable to this purpose: the clade is composed of closely related species that vary in their feeding habits and capacity to develop food innovations. Using a multi-access box, we conducted an interspecies comparison on innovative problem-solving between two diet specialists, extractive foragers (woodpecker and cactus finch), and two diet generalists, non-extractive foragers (small and medium ground finch). We predicted that if extractive foraging was associated with high innovativeness, variation would be best explained by species differences in persistence and motivation, whereas if diet generalism was the main driver, then variation would be due to differences in flexibility and responses to novelty. We found a faster capacity to innovate and a higher persistence for extractive foragers, suggesting that persistence might be adaptive to extractive foraging and only secondarily to innovation. Our findings also show that diet generalism and some variables linking it to innovation were unrelated to innovativeness and call for the development of joint experimental approaches that capture the diversity of factors giving rise to novel behaviors.
Robust discovery of gene regulatory networks from single-cell gene expression data by Causal Inference Using Composition of Transactions
Authors: Shojaee Abbas , Huang Shao-shan Carol 
Published: October 2023

AbstractGene regulatory networks (GRNs) drive organism structure and functions, so the discovery and characterization of GRNs is a major goal in biological research. However, accurate identification of causal regulatory connections and inference of GRNs using gene expression datasets, more recently from single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq), has been challenging. Here we employ the innovative method of Causal Inference Using Composition of Transactions (CICT) to uncover GRNs from scRNA-seq data. The basis of CICT is that if all gene expressions were random, a non-random regulatory gene should induce its targets at levels different from the background random process, resulting in distinct patterns in the whole relevance network of gene–gene associations. CICT proposes novel network features derived from a relevance network, which enable any machine learning algorithm to predict causal regulatory edges and infer GRNs. We evaluated CICT using simulated and experimental scRNA-seq data in a well-established benchmarking pipeline and showed that CICT outperformed existing network inference methods representing diverse approaches with many-fold higher accuracy. Furthermore, we demonstrated that GRN inference with CICT was robust to different levels of sparsity in scRNA-seq data, the characteristics of data and ground truth, the choice of association measure and the complexity of the supervised machine learning algorithm. Our results suggest aiming at directly predicting causality to recover regulatory relationships in complex biological networks substantially improves accuracy in GRN inference.
Plasma adiponectin levels and risk of heart failure, atrial fibrillation, aortic valve stenosis, and myocardial infarction: large-scale observational and Mendelian randomization evidence
Authors: Nielsen Maria Booth , Çolak Yunus , Benn Marianne , Mason Amy , Burgess Stephen , Nordestgaard Børge Grønne 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Aims
Adiponectin may play an important protective role in heart failure and associated cardiovascular diseases. We hypothesized that plasma adiponectin is associated observationally and causally, genetically with risk of heart failure, atrial fibrillation, aortic valve stenosis, and myocardial infarction.

Methods and results
In the Copenhagen General Population Study, we examined 30 045 individuals with plasma adiponectin measurements observationally and 96 903 individuals genetically in one-sample Mendelian randomization analyses using five genetic variants explaining 3% of the variation in plasma adiponectin. In the HERMES, UK Biobank, The Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT), deCODE, the Michigan Genomics Initiative (MGI), DiscovEHR, and the AFGen consortia, we performed two-sample Mendelian randomization analyses in up to 1 030 836 individuals using 12 genetic variants explaining 14% of the variation in plasma adiponectin.
In observational analyses modelled linearly, a 1 unit log-transformed higher plasma adiponectin was associated with a hazard ratio of 1.51 (95% confidence interval: 1.37–1.66) for heart failure, 1.63 (1.50–1.78) for atrial fibrillation, 1.21 (1.03–1.41) for aortic valve stenosis, and 1.03 (0.93–1.14) for myocardial infarction; levels above the median were also associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction, and non-linear U-shaped associations were more apparent for heart failure, aortic valve stenosis, and myocardial infarction in less-adjusted models. Corresponding genetic, causal risk ratios were 0.92 (0.65–1.29), 0.87 (0.68–1.12), 1.55 (0.87–2.76), and 0.93 (0.67–1.30) in one-sample Mendelian randomization analyses, and no significant associations were seen for non-linear one-sample Mendelian randomization analyses; corresponding causal risk ratios were 0.99 (0.89–1.09), 1.00 (0.92–1.08), 1.01 (0.79–1.28), and 0.99 (0.86–1.13) in two-sample Mendelian randomization analyses, respectively.

Conclusion
Observationally, elevated plasma adiponectin was associated with an increased risk of heart failure, atrial fibrillation, aortic valve stenosis, and myocardial infarction. However, genetic evidence did not support causality for these associations.
Differences in Management and Outcomes of Older and Younger Adults with Acute Severe Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Boyd Taylor , Araka Elizabeth Bonareri , Kochar Bharati , Ananthakrishnan Ashwin N 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Older adults with ulcerative colitis [UC] have greater morbidity than younger adults. The goal of this study was to investigate differences in the management and outcomes of older and younger patients hospitalised with severe UC.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients hospitalised for acute severe ulcerative colitis requiring intravenous steroids. We compared outcomes of adults aged ≥65 years with outcomes of younger patients. Primary study outcomes included frequency and timing of medical and surgical rescue therapy during the hospitalisation, postoperative complications, frailty, and mortality outcomes up to 1 year following the hospitalisation.

Results
Our cohort included 63 older adults [≥65 years] and 137 younger adults [14–64 years]. Despite similar disease severity at hospitalisation, older adults were half as likely to receive medical rescue therapy (odds ratio 0.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.22–0.91). This difference was more striking among the frailest older adults. Older patients were similarly likely to undergo surgery but were more likely to undergo urgent or emergent procedures [50%] compared with younger patients [13%] [p &lt;0.004]. The fraction of older adults at high risk for frailty increased from 33% pre-hospitalisation to 42% post-hospitalisation. Nearly one-third [27.8%] of older adults died within 1 year of hospitalisation, with half the deaths among older adults being attributable to UC or complications of UC.

Conclusions
In comparison with younger patients, older adults had lower frequency use of medical rescue therapy, higher rates of emergency surgery, and increased mortality within 1 year. Further research is needed to optimise care pathways in this population.
Mechanical failure analysis of patch materials used in aortic arch reconstruction: implications for clinical practice
Authors: Recco Dominic P , Kizilski Shannen B , Marshall Lauren E , Earley Patrick D , Kneier Nicholas E , del Nido Pedro J , Hammer Peter E , Hoganson David M 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Thick-patch pulmonary homograft, autologous pericardium and CardioCel Neo are common patch materials for aortic arch reconstruction. Insufficient data exist on sutured patch strength and limits of use. We evaluated failure strength of these materials to develop a failure prediction model for clinical guidance.

METHODS
Patch failure strength was evaluated via sutured uniaxial and burst pressure testing. In sutured uniaxial testing, patches were sutured to aortic or Dacron tabs and pulled to failure. In burst pressure testing, patches were sewn into porcine aortas or Dacron grafts and pressurized to failure. Failure membrane tension was calculated. A prediction model of membrane tension versus vessel diameter was generated to guide clinical patch selection.

RESULTS
Combining sutured uniaxial and burst pressure test data, pulmonary homograft failure strength {0.61 [interquartile range (IQR): 0.44, 0.78] N/mm, n = 21} was less than half that of autologous pericardium [2.22 (IQR: 1.65, 2.78) N/mm, n = 15] and CardioCel Neo [1.31 (IQR: 1.20, 1.42) N/mm, n = 20]. Pulmonary homograft burst pressure [245 (IQR: 202, 343) mmHg, n = 7] was significantly lower than autologous pericardium [863 (IQR: 802, 919) mmHg, n = 6] and CardioCel Neo [766 (IQR: 721, 833) mmHg, n = 6]. Our model predicts failure limits for each patch material and outlines safety margins for combinations of aortic diameter and pressure.

CONCLUSIONS
Sutured failure strength of thick-patch pulmonary homograft was significantly lower than autologous pericardium and CardioCel Neo. Patient selection (predicted postoperative arch diameter and haemodynamics) and blood pressure management must be considered when choosing patch material for arch reconstruction. In older children and adolescents, autologous or bovine pericardium may be more suitable materials for aortic patch augmentation to minimize the risk of postoperative patch failure.
Hypothalamic MCH Neurons: From Feeding to Cognitive Control
Authors: Concetti Cristina , Peleg-Raibstein Daria , Burdakov Denis 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Modern neuroscience is progressively elucidating that the classic view positing distinct brain regions responsible for survival, emotion, and cognitive functions is outdated. The hypothalamus demonstrates the interdependence of these roles, as it is traditionally known for fundamental survival functions like energy and electrolyte balance, but is now recognized to also play a crucial role in emotional and cognitive processes. This review focuses on lateral hypothalamic melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) neurons, producing the neuropeptide MCH—a relatively understudied neuronal population with integrative functions related to homeostatic regulation and motivated behaviors, with widespread inputs and outputs throughout the entire central nervous system. Here, we review early findings and recent literature outlining their role in the regulation of energy balance, sleep, learning, and memory processes.
Establishment of new convenient two-line system for hybrid production by targeting mutation of OPR3 in allopolyploid Brassica napus
Authors: Cheng Hongtao , Hao Mengyu , Sang Shifei , Wen Yunfei , Cai Yating , Wang Hui , Wang Wenxiang , Mei Desheng , Hu Qiong 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The two-line pollination control system, which usually depends on the utilization of thermosensitive or photoperiod genic male-sterile lines, has been widely used in various crops. However, this system is susceptible to instability issues caused by uncontrollable weather fluctuations. A stable and handy two-line pollination control system is highly desirable in many crop species for heterosis exploitation. Oxophytodienoic acid reductase 3 (OPR3) was proven to be involved in jasmonate biosynthesis. In the present study, CRISPR/Cas9 (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat) was utilized to mutate two OPR3 homologs in Brassica napus. After two OPR3 homologs were simultaneously mutated, mutants exhibited complete male sterility, and fertility could be easily restored by exogenous MeJA treatment. Hybrids produced from crosses between the opr3 sterile lines and normal varieties exhibited heterosis. This new two-line system based on OPR3 mutation provides higher stability and convenience than traditional systems. By using exogenous MeJA treatment to restore fertility, the system enables more precise control of male fertility transition, which has great potential to significantly contribute to the maneuverable production of hybrid seeds in rapeseed as well as other Brassica species crops.
The Rational Use of Advanced Therapies for Inflammatory Conditions of the Pouch
Authors: Barnes Edward L , Kayal Maia , Schwartzberg David M 
Published: October 2023

Lay Summary
We have seen an emergence of new literature supporting the use of advanced therapies in the treatment of chronic inflammatory conditions of the pouch. In this discussion, we review the use of advanced therapies for chronic pouchitis and Crohn’s-like disease of the pouch and suggest future directions for research and clinical care.
Organizational routines: between change and stability—Introduction to the special section
Authors: Koumakhov Rouslan , Marengo Luigi 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe notion of organizational routine has been at the core of behavioral and evolutionary theories in economics, management and organization studies, but has also been a source of debate and controversy. The discussion has concerned the very definition of what organizational routines are (and are not), their nature, consequences, and units of observation and analysis. In this short introductory article, we try to establish some useful common grounds which, notwithstanding the diversity of definitions and approaches, could promote future useful lines of research. We see the contributions to this special section as moving forward the research on routines in that direction.
Routine regulation as a source for managing conflict within alliances: an integrative framework
Authors: Spencer Bryan , Salvato Carlo , Rerup Claus 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Alliance partners must address goal conflicts to improve performance. Structural solutions to conflict emphasize alliance governance mechanisms like contracts, authority, and control structures, overlooking the role of individual actors and thus limiting our understanding of how alliance participants manage conflict. To address this, we introduce the concept of routine regulation and use the Fiat–Tata alliance to illustrate our insights and explore the microfoundations of organizational conflict through a process perspective, focusing on what participants actually do to balance goal conflicts.
Can a ‘branch-first’ approach to aortic arch replacement be safely utilized in Stanford type A acute aortic syndromes?
Authors: Kemp Ursula , Zhu Alison 
Published: October 2023

Summary
A best evidence topic in cardiac surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was: ‘Can a “branch-first” approach to aortic arch replacement be safely utilized in Stanford type A acute aortic syndromes?’ Altogether 64 papers were found using the reported searches, of which 10represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The authors, journal, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes and results of these papers are tabulated. All papers included in this BET reported acceptable mortality and/or neurological outcomes in comparison to currently published standards for traditional repair. We conclude that while there is a need for larger series, direct comparison and long-term follow-up, the ‘branch-first’ approach to aortic arch replacement has been safely performed in several centres in the setting of acute aortic syndromes with results demonstrating acceptable mortality, neurological outcomes and mid-term survival.
Association between seasonal influenza vaccination and antimicrobial use in Japan from the 2015–16 to 2020–21 seasons: from the VENUS study
Authors: Tsuzuki Shinya , Murata Fumiko , Maeda Megumi , Asai Yusuke , Koizumi Ryuji , Ohmagari Norio , Fukuda Haruhisa 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Seasonal influenza vaccination might be considered an antimicrobial resistance (AMR) countermeasure because it can reduce unnecessary antimicrobial use for acute respiratory infection by mitigating the burden of such diseases.

Objectives
To examine the association between seasonal influenza vaccination and antimicrobial use (AMU) in Japan at the community level and to examine the impact of influenza vaccination on the frequency of unnecessary antimicrobial prescription for upper respiratory infection.

Methods
For patients who visited any healthcare facility in one of the 23 wards of Tokyo, Japan, due to upper respiratory infection and who were aged 65 years or older, we extracted data from the Vaccine Effectiveness, Networking, and Universal Safety (VENUS) study database, which includes all claims data and vaccination records from the 2015–16 to 2020–21 seasons. We used the average treatment effect (ATE) with 1:1 propensity score matching to examine the association of vaccination status with frequency of antibiotic prescription, frequency of healthcare facility consultation, risk of admission and risk of death in the follow-up period of the same season (from 1 January to 31 March).

Results
In total, 244 642 people were enrolled. Matched data included 101 734 people in each of the unvaccinated and vaccinated groups. The ATE of vaccination was −0.004 (95% CI −0.006 to −0.002) for the frequency of antibiotic prescription, −0.005 (−0.007 to −0.004) for the frequency of healthcare facility consultation, −0.001 (−0.002 to −0.001) for the risk of admission and 0.00 (0.00 to 0.00) for the risk of death.

Conclusions
Our results suggest that seasonal influenza vaccination is associated with lower frequencies of unnecessary antibiotic prescription and of healthcare facility consultation.
182 Influence of Group Size on Performance and Tail Damage Caused by Tail Biting in Undocked Growing-Finishing Pigs
Authors: Archer Courtney , Hilbrands Adrienne , Johnston Lee J , Mote Benny E , Schmidt Ty B , Li Yuzhi 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Tail biting is both an economic and welfare problem of grower-finishing pigs. This destructive chewing behavior of tails of pen-mates causes challenges for farmers who raise pigs with intact tails, resulting in the need to find management solutions. Our objective was to determine if group size influences growth performance and tail damage caused by biting behavior of undocked growing-finishing pigs. Pigs (n = 432; initial BW = 22 ± 3.8 kg) with intact tails were allocated to small pens or large pens on totally slatted floors, with equal ratio of barrows to gilts in each pen and balanced for average initial BW across pens. Small pens (SM; n = 24) housed 9 pigs/pen and large pens (LG; n = 12) held 18 pigs/pen. Floor space allowance (0.76 m2/pig) and feeder-space allowance (4 feeder spaces/9 pigs) were consistent across group sizes. Pigs were weighed individually and feed intake was recorded on a pen basis every 4 weeks for 16 weeks until market weight (120 kg ± 3.8 kg), from which ADG, ADFI, and Gain:Feed were calculated. Number of pigs that were dead (mortality) and removed (morbidity) from the study due to tail biting, lameness, and other health issues were recorded throughout the study period. Tail damage was evaluated using a 0 to 4 scale scoring system: 0 = no evidence of tail biting; 1 = evidence of chewing without visible blood; 2 = evidence of tail bitten with visible blood and no signs of infection; 3 = open wounds or abscesses with signs of infection; 4 = partial or total loss of the tail. Tail damage was assessed once weekly during the study period, and the maximum tail score (MTS) that each pig received over the entire 16 weeks was recorded. Data were analyzed using SAS software, with a mixed procedure for performance variables and a frequency procedure with chi-square test for mortality, morbidity, and MTS. Group size did not affect growth performance (all P &gt; 0.70; Table 1), mortality, or morbidity (Chi-square = 2.33, df = 2; P = 0.31). However, group size affected MTS (chi-square = 10.78, df = 4; P = 0.03). Pigs in SM experienced a marginally lower prevalence of tail biting compared with LG (16% vs. 9% of pigs receiving an MTS of 0); but greater severity with 13.0% of pigs in SM vs. 7.4% of pigs in LG receiving an MTS of 4. These results suggest group size did not influence growth performance, mortality, or morbidity; but affect severity of tail damage caused by tail biting. Compared with LG, SM had more pigs that lost their tails due to tail biting, which seriously compromised pig welfare.