bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A club convergence analysis of financial integration: cross-country evidence
Authors: Akram Vaseem , Singh Sarbjit , Sahoo Pradipta Kumar 
Published: March 2023

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the club convergence of Financial integration (FI) in the case of 60 countries from 1970 to 2015. FI plays a vital role in economic growth through sharing the risk between countries, cross-border capital association, investment and financial information. It also leads to the efficient allocation of capital and capital accumulation, thereby improving the systematic growth and productivity of the economy. Literature on examining the convergence hypothesis of FI is scarce.Design/methodology/approachThis study applies the clustering algorithm to identify club convergence, advanced by the Phillips and Sul test, which enables the identification of multiple steady states or club convergence, unlike beta and sigma convergences.FindingsThe findings indicate the non-convergence when all 60 countries were taken together. This highlights that the selected countries' have unique transition paths in terms of FI. Hence, the authors implement the clustering algorithm, and the estimation shows that 56 countries are categorised into three different clubs. However, for the rest of four countries, the results are sort of ambiguous, favouring neither convergence nor divergence.Practical implicationsOn the basis of three country clubs, Club 1 presents the model countries such as the Netherlands, Singapore and Switzerland. The Club 2 and Club 3 countries can start making moves towards the model countries by making policy adaptations for trade, finance and business facilitation.Originality/valueThe existing literature provides a plethora of studies investigating the convergence of stock markets, exchange rates and equity markets, but studies on the convergence of FI, particularly across the countries, are scarce. This study contributes by bridging this gap. The study is unique in its type as it takes into account the multiple steady states or club convergence. This study also contributes in policymaking by suggesting Club 1 countries (the Netherlands, Singapore and Switzerland) as the model ones for the FI.
FOXA2 suppresses PKM2 transcription and affects the Wnt/β‐catenin activity to block aerobic glycolysis in thyroid carcinoma
Authors: He Yawei , Chen Wanjing , Yu Liang , Liu Yanwei , Cheng Yunsheng , Li Xianghua , Yu Gang 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAerobic glycolysis is critical for the energy metabolism of cancer cells. This study focuses on the regulation of forkhead box A2 (FOXA2) on pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) and their effects on the glycolytic activity and malignant phenotype of thyroid carcinoma (THCA) cells. By analysing four Gene Expression Omnibus datasets and querying bioinformatics systems, we obtained FOXA2 as a poorly expressed transcription factor in THCA. Later, we validated decreased mRNA and protein levels of FOXA2 in THCA cells by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot assays. FOXA2 upregulation in THCA cells suppressed the glucose uptake and lactate production, and it reduced the extracellular acidification rate, but increased the oxygen consumption rate of cells. Meanwhile, the FOXA2 overexpression blocked the proliferation and mobility, and the tumourigenic activity of cancer cells. The chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase assays showed that FOXA2 bound to PKM2 promoter and suppressed the transcription of PKM2, which was highly expressed in THCA cells. Further upregulation of PKM2 elevated the β‐catenin, c‐Myc and cyclin D1 levels and restored the glycolytic activity as well as the malignant properties of cancer cells. Collectively, this work reveals that FOXA2 suppresses aerobic glycolysis and progression of THCA by blocking PKM2 transcription and inactivating the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway.
CITIES AND THEIR GURUS: The Role of Superstar Consultants in Post‐political Urban Governance
Authors: Keidar Noga 
Published: March 2023

AbstractWhile consultants have crept into various aspects of municipal governance, a selected few have transcended the others reaching the status of urban gurus. Although consultants are often perceived as depoliticizing urban affairs, research shows that the urban guru often instigates politicization. Research on urban gurus does thus highlight distinctions between gurus and ‘lay’ consultants, but it has paid insufficient attention to describing how, through their interaction with cities, politicization occurs. Moreover, the literature often portrays this interaction as an authority relationship in which the guru is superior, while in fact cities play an important role in bestowing ‘guru’ status. Using fieldwork, I examine the long‐term interaction between Richard Florida and the City of Toronto, explaining how Florida's elevation to guru status by being brought to Toronto ended with him self‐describing as ‘persona non‐grata’. To explain the anomaly of this interaction and the way in which gurus instigate politicization, I differentiate between consultants’ ‘substance’ and ‘process’ roles in policy formulation processes. I show that, regarding substance, the guru offers a policy paradigm rather than policy instruments and, regarding process, their strength is in performing ideas rather than pulling strings behind the scenes—in both respects making the policy process more public and contested.
Current and future control of the wood‐boring pest Anoplophora glabripennis
Authors: Wang Lixiang , Li Chunchun , Luo Youqing , Wang Gaijing , Dou Zhipeng , Haq Inzamam UI , Shang Suqing , Cui Mingming 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe Asian longhorn beetle (ALB) Anoplophora glabripennis is one of the most successful and most feared invasive insect species worldwide. This review covers recent research concerning the distribution of and damage caused by ALB, as well as major efforts to control and manage ALB in China. The distribution and destruction range of ALB have continued to expand over the past decade worldwide, and the number of interceptions has remained high. Detection and monitoring methods for the early discovery of ALB have diversified, with advances in semiochemical research and using satellite remote sensing in China. Ecological control of ALB in China involves planting mixtures of preferred and resistant tree species, and this practice can prevent outbreaks. In addition, strategies for chemical and biological control of ALB have achieved promising results during the last decade in China, especially the development of insecticides targeting different stages of ALB, and applying Dastarcus helophoroides and Dendrocopos major as biocontrol agents. Finally, we analyze recommendations for ALB prevention and management strategies based on native range and invasive area research. This information will hopefully help some invaded areas where the target is containment of ALB.
Quantitative analysis of lung parenchymal involvement in Behçet's disease by the novel automatic program
Authors: Polat Gökhan , Tezcan Mehmet Alperen , Polat Merve , Barutçugil Furkan , Bayram Tuncay , Sade Recep , Kudaş Özlem , Pirimoğlu R. Berhan , İsmailova Elshad , Yalçın Ahmet , Meletlioğlu Emrah , Kahraman Mustafa 
Published: March 2023

AbstractObjectivesWe aimed to quantitatively analyze lung parenchymal changes in Behçet's patients and to detect early parenchymal quantitative changes that occur in the absence of positive visual radiological findings.MethodsIn our study, a total of 31 patients with Behçet's disease, 17 with positive radiological findings and 14 patients without positive radiological findings, and a control group of 33 individuals were evaluated. The automatic program determined lung volumes, lung densities, and opacity volume percentages by evaluating the contrast‐enhanced lung computed tomography scans.ResultsThe total lung volume was 3632.98 ± 1100.53 mL in the Behçet's disease patient group and 4925.70 ± 1098.88 mL in the control group, and there was a significant decrease in the total lung volume in Behçet's disease patients (P < 0.0001). The mean lung density was −723.73 ± 65.16 in the Behçet's disease patient group and −767.35 ± 41.17 in the control group, and there was a significant increase in the mean density in the Behçet's patients (P = 0.0023). A significantly higher correlation was observed between lung density and lung volume in Behçet's patients (P < 0.0001, r = −0.795). The lung volume of Behçet's disease patients with negative radiological findings was significantly lower than that of the control group (P = 0.0342).ConclusionsLung volumetric changes in Behçet's disease patients are the quantitative data most affected by the disease. In addition, lung volume decreases in Behçet's patients who do not have visual parenchymal involvement.
The southern cassowary (Casuarius casuarius johnsonii) remains an important disperser of native plants in fragmented rainforest landscapes
Authors: Campbell Mariana A. , Lawton Tom , Udyawer Vinay , Bell‐Anderson Kim S. , Westcott David , Campbell Hamish A. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractLarge‐bodied frugivores are essential to the ecological function of rainforest communities. The southern cassowary (Casaurius casuarius johnsonii) is the only large frugivore in the tropical rainforests of Australia. Here, we assessed whether cassowaries remain important to native plant seed dispersal in areas where the rainforest is highly fragmented, and exotic fruits are abundant. To do this, we developed a tri‐axial acceleration logger integrated with a motion sensor and VHF radio transmitter. The telemetry device was small enough to be hidden inside a native fruit. The cassowaries ingested it, transported it and defecated it up to 24 h later with the seeds from the fruits they had ingested during the tracking period. The telemetry device was then located by VHF radio and collected with the scat. The distance travelled, activity profile, consumed fruit diversity, and scat energy content were assessed for cassowaries inhabiting regions with different degrees of urbanization. We found that cassowaries inhabiting more urbanized areas consumed the greatest proportion of fruits from exotic plants (~30%) but still incorporated a significant proportion of fruits from native plants in their diet. These individuals existed in higher states of activity and rested less than individuals inhabiting more intact swathes of rainforest, actively moving between urban gardens and the rainforest. The study shows cassowaries have a flexible foraging strategy that has enabled them to persist in rainforest‐fragmented landscapes. They remain a significant disperser of seeds from native plants between rainforest patches, and as such, cassowaries remain essential in maintaining native plant diversity within these fragmented patches.
Not all dung beetles feed on dung: Scarabaeinae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) attracted to different carrion types in contrasting habitats at Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Correa César M. A. , Salomão Renato Portela , Xavier Bruno F. S. , Puker Anderson , Ferreira Kleyton R. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBy understanding how assemblages segregate according to food types, it is possible to depict and understand species distribution and exploitation of similar food resources. Although it is well known that dung beetles may feed on carrion, but the attractiveness of different carrion types for these beetles is still poorly understood. In this study, we compared the dung beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) diversity attracted to two carrion types in different habitats in an Amazonian landscape. Dung beetles were captured by using pitfall traps baited with decaying cattle beef and cattle liver in native forest, peach palm plantation, teak plantation and exotic pasture. Overall, we captured 582 dung beetles of 43 species, where Canthidium aff. lentum was classified as a specialist of cattle beef, Deltochilum sp. One was considered specialist of liver carrion, 11 were considered generalists and for the 30 remaining species, it was not possible to determine their carrion preference due to the low number. Abundance, but not species richness, was affected by carrion type, and a higher number of beetles was recorded in beef‐baited traps compared to liver‐baited traps. According to functional groups, endocoprid beetles were more abundant in traps baited with decaying beef, while paracoprid and telecoprid beetles did not show preference for any carrion type. This study suggests a novel scenario of intra‐resource segregation, where species vary their preferences depending to the part of the dead corpse being exploited. The amount of food resource, the maintenance of stable populations and trophic preference mediated by chemical cues are some mechanisms that may explain the segregation of dung beetles among carrion types.
Association of birth by cesarean section with academic performance and intelligence in youth: A cohort study
Authors: Ladelund Agnes K. , Slavensky Julie A. , Bruun Frederik J. , Fogtmann Sejer Emilie Pi , Mortensen Erik Lykke , Ladelund Steen , Kesmodel Ulrik S. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIntroductionIt is suggested that birth by elective cesarean section (CS) reduces the risk of birth‐related infant mortality and injury. Other studies suggest an increased risk of somatic immune‐related diseases among children born by CS such as asthma, type 1 diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease. The WHO Statement on Cesarean Section Rates 2015 described an increase in CS globally. The statement concluded that the effects of CS on social and psychological outcomes remain unclear and that more research is needed to fully understand the effects of CS, including effects on cognition and intelligence in the child. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association between delivery by CS (elective and acute) and school performance and intelligence in youth.Material and methodsThis cohort study included all Danish live‐born children in 1978–2000. We retrieved data regarding pregnancies, births, parents, school grades, and intelligence of the children from Danish registers and performed multiple imputations to avoid discarding data. The final cohort after exclusion comprised 1 408 230 children. Associations between CS and school graduation, grades, conscription attendance, and conscription intelligence scores were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic and linear regressions.ResultsAdjusted odds ratio with 95% CI of graduating from lower (LSE) and upper (USE) secondary education and of attending conscription were significantly lower in the CS group: LSE graduation: 0.87 (0.84–0.89), USE graduation: 0.93 (0.92–0.94), attending conscription: 0.95 (0.93–0.98). The CS group had significantly lower grade point averages (GPA) in LSE with adjusted differences in mean total GPA of −0.090 (−0.10 to −0.007), and mean core subject GPA of −0.098 (−0.11 to −0.08), in USE with total GPA difference of −0.091 (−0.11 to −0.075) and lower mean intelligence scores of −0.36 (−0.46 to −0.27) in adjusted linear models. A sub‐analysis revealed lower chances of graduating LSE and USE when born by acute rather than elective CS.ConclusionsChances of LSE and USE graduation and of attending conscription were significantly lower for children born by CS. However, even significant differences in mean GPAs and intelligence scores were very small, so performances when graduating school and attending conscription were comparable regardless of delivery mode.
Polymorphisms of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis may lead to an inadequate response to stress and contribute to sudden infant death syndrome
Authors: Uzuntas Elanur , Schürmann Peter , Rothämel Thomas , Dörk Thilo , Klintschar Michael 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAimImpaired resilience to stress may be a factor in sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). However, no comprehensive studies have been performed on polymorphisms that are relevant to the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, which regulates the stress hormone cortisol.MethodsWe analysed 22 relevant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 206 anonymised SIDS cases who died at a mean of 131 days (range: 5–343) and 256 adult controls who were recruited from paternity testing cases. Additional stratified analyses were performed for sex, age and season of death. Both the cases and the controls were Caucasian.ResultsVariants for rs2235543 (HSD11B1) and rs3779250 (CRHR2) were associated with SIDS in the overall analysis, and borderline for rs2446432 (CRH), at least before corrections for multiple testing. A combination of these three variants was observed in 52.9% of SIDS cases but only 43.0% of controls (p = 0.039). Five or more variants showed an association in the subgroups.ConclusionOur findings suggest that the HPA axis influences SIDS and supports the hypothesis that an inadequate stress response may add to the risk. The associated variants for rs2235543, rs3779250 and rs2446432 appeared to decrease the cortisol concentration and impair an appropriate stress response.
Time course of CYP3A activity during and after metamizole (dipyrone) in healthy volunteers
Authors: Breithaupt Mareile H. , Krohmer Evelyn , Taylor Lenka , Körner Eva , Hoppe‐Tichy Torsten , Burhenne Juergen , Foerster Kathrin I. , Dachtler Markus , Huber Gerald , Venkatesh Rakesh , Eggenreich Karin , Czock David , Mikus Gerd , Blank Antje , Haefeli Walter E. 
Published: March 2023

AimsIn patients of all ages, metamizole is a frequently used analgesic. Recently, metamizole has been identified as an inducer of, among others, cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A activity, but the time course of this interaction has not been evaluated.MethodsUsing repeated oral microdoses (30 μg) of the CYP3A index substrate midazolam, we assessed changes in midazolam pharmacokinetics (area under the concentration–time curve from 2–4 h: AUC2–4 and estimated partial metabolic clearance: eClmet) before, at steady‐state, and after discontinuation of 3 × 1000 mg metamizole/day orally for 8 days.ResultsSignificant changes in pharmacokinetic parameters were detected already 3 days after start of metamizole treatment. At the steady‐state of enzyme induction, the geometric mean ratio of midazolam AUC2–4 was substantially reduced to 0.18 (90% confidence interval: 0.14–0.24) with a corresponding 5.43‐fold (4.15–7.10) increase of eClmet. After discontinuation of metamizole, the changes slowly recovered, but were still significant at the end of the observation period on the fifth day after discontinuation of metamizole therapy (AUC2–4 reduced to 0.50 [0.41–0.63] and eClmet 1.99‐fold increased [1.60–2.47, P < 0.05]).ConclusionMetamizole acts as a strong inducer of CYP3A already few days after start of metamizole administration and, thus, should be avoided in patients using drugs with narrow therapeutic index and major clearance via CYP3A. If their administration is essential, close monitoring and dose adjustment of comedication should be performed as early as the first week after the initiation and after discontinuation of metamizole therapy.
Post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder: Update on treatment and novel therapies
Authors: Atallah‐Yunes Suheil Albert , Salman Omar , Robertson Michael J. 
Published: March 2023

SummaryPost‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is rare and heterogeneous lymphoid proliferations that occur as a result of immunosuppression following solid organ transplant (SOT) and haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) with the majority being driven by EBV. Although some histologies are similar to lymphoid neoplasms seen in immunocompetent patients, treatment of PTLD may be different due to difference in pathobiology and higher risk of treatment complications. The most common treatment approach in SOT PTLD after failing immunosuppression reduction (RIS) takes into consideration a risk‐stratified sequential algorithm with rituximab +/− chemotherapy based on phase 2 studies. In HSCT PTLD, RIS alone and chemotherapy are usually ineffective making rituximab +/− RIS as the gold standard of frontline treatment. In this review, we give an update on the treatment of PTLD beyond RIS. We highlight the most recent studies that attempted to incorporate more aggressive chemotherapy regimens and novel treatments into the traditional risk‐stratified sequential approach. We also discuss the role of EBV‐cytotoxic T lymphocytes in treatment of EBV‐driven PTLD. Other novel agents with potential role in PTLD will be discussed in addition to the challenges that could arise with chimeric antigen receptor T‐cell therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors in this population.
Clinical characteristics and genotypes of 201 patients with mucopolysaccharidosis type II in China: A retrospective, observational study
Authors: Zhong Lin , Gao Xiaolan , Wang Yu , Qiu Wenjuan , Han Lianshu , Gu Xuefan , Zhang Huiwen 
Published: March 2023

AbstractMucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II) is an X‐linked recessive lysosomal storage disease caused by a disease‐associated variant in the IDS gene, which encodes iduronate 2‐sulfatase (IDS). We aimed to characterize the clinical characteristics and genotypes of the largest cohort of Chinese patients with MPS II and so gain a deeper understanding of natural disease progression. Patients with confirmed MPS II and without treatment were included. The disease was classified as severe in patients with neurological impairment, and as attenuated in patients aged >6 years without neurological impairment. Of the 201 male patients, 78.1% had severe MPS II. Cognitive regression occurred before age 6 years in 94.3% of patients. Of 122 IDS variants identified, 37 were novel. Among the large gene alteration types identified, only the frequency of IDS‐IDS2 recombination was significantly higher in severe versus attenuated MPS II (P = 0.032). Some identified point variants could inform the understanding of genotype–phenotype correlations. In conclusion, this study showed that classification of the disease as attenuated should only be made in patients aged >6 years. Our findings expand the understanding of the genotype–phenotype relationship, inform the diagnostic process, and provide an indication of the likely prognosis.
Potential predictive value of CT radiomics features for treatment response in patients with COVID‐19
Authors: Huang Gang , Hui Zhongyi , Ren Jialiang , Liu Ruifang , Cui Yaqiong , Ma Ying , Han Yalan , Zhao Zehao , Lv Suzhen , Zhou Xing , Chen Lijun , Bao Shisan , Zhao Lianping 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIntroductionThis study aims to explore the predictive value of CT radiomics and clinical characteristics for treatment response in COVID‐19 patients.MethodsData were collected from clinical/auxiliary examinations and follow‐ups of COVID‐19 patients. Whole lung radiomics feature extraction was performed at baseline chest CT. Radiomics, clinical, and combined features (nomogram) were evaluated for predicting treatment response.ResultsAmong 36 COVID‐19 patients, mild, common, severe, and critical disease symptoms were found in 1, 21, 13, and 1 of them, respectively. Twenty‐five (1 mild, 18 common, and 6 severe) patients showed a good response to treatment and 11 poor/fair responses. The clinical classification (p = 0.025) and serum creatinine (p = 0.010) on admission and small area emphasis (p = 0.036) from radiomics analysis significantly differed between the two groups. Predictive models were constructed based on the radiomics, clinical features, and nomogram showing an area under the curve of 0.651, 0.836, and 0.869, respectively. The nomogram achieved good calibration.ConclusionThis new, non‐invasive, and low‐cost prediction model that combines the radiomics and clinical features is useful for identifying COVID‐19 patients who may not respond well to treatment.