bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Within‐host and external environments differentially shape β‐diversity across parasite life stages
Authors: Warburton Elizabeth M. , Budischak Sarah A. , Jolles Anna E. , Ezenwa Vanessa O. 
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Uncovering drivers of community assembly is a key aspect of learning how biological communities function. Drivers of community similarity can be especially useful in this task as they affect assemblage‐level changes that lead to differences in species diversity between habitats. Concepts of β‐diversity originally developed for use in free‐living communities have been widely applied to parasite communities to gain insight into how infection risk changes with local conditions by comparing parasite communities across abiotic and biotic gradients.

Factors shaping β‐diversity in communities of immature parasites, such as larvae, are largely unknown. This is a key knowledge gap as larvae are frequently the infective life‐stage and understanding variation in these larval communities is thus key for disease prevention. Our goal was to uncover links between β‐diversity of parasite communities at different life stages; therefore, we used gastrointestinal nematodes infecting African buffalo in Kruger National Park, South Africa, to investigate within‐host and extra‐host drivers of adult and larval parasite community similarity.

We employed a cross‐sectional approach using PERMANOVA that examined each worm community at a single time point to assess independent drivers of β‐diversity in larvae and adults as well as a longitudinal approach with path analysis where adult and larval communities from the same host were compared to better link drivers of β‐diversity between these two life stages.

Using the cross‐sectional approach, we generally found that intrinsic, within‐host traits had significant effects on β‐diversity of adult nematode communities, while extrinsic, extra‐host variables had significant effects on β‐diversity of larval nematode communities. However, the longitudinal approach provided evidence that intrinsic, within‐host factors affected the larval community indirectly via the adult community.

Our results provide key data for the comparison of community‐level processes where adult and immature stages inhabit vastly different habitats (i.e. within‐host vs. abiotic environment). In the context of parasitism, this helps elucidate host infection risk via larval stages and the drivers that shape persistence of adult parasite assemblages, both of which are useful for predicting and preventing infectious disease.
Changes in the rearing environment cause reorganization of molecular networks associated with DNA methylation
Authors: von Holdt Bridgett M. , Kartzinel Rebecca Y. , van Oers Kees , Verhoeven Koen J. F. , Ouyang Jenny Q. 
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Disentangling the interaction between the genetic basis and environmental context underlying phenotypic variation is critical for understanding organismal evolution. Environmental change, such as increased rates of urbanization, can induce shifts in phenotypic plasticity with some individuals adapting to city life while others are displaced.

A key trait that can facilitate adaptation is the degree at which animals respond to stressors. This stress response, which includes elevation of baseline circulating concentrations of glucocorticoids, has a heritable component and exhibits intra‐ and inter‐individual variation. However, the mechanisms behind this variability and whether they might be responsible for adaptation to different environments are not known. Variation in DNA methylation can be a potential mechanism that mediates environmental effects on the stress response, as early‐life stressors increase glucocorticoid concentrations and change adult phenotype.

We used an inter‐ and intra‐environmental cross‐foster experiment to analyse the contribution of DNA methylation to early‐life phenotypic variation. We found that at hatching, urban house wren (Troglodytes aedon) offspring had higher methylation frequencies compared with their rural counterparts.

We also observed age‐related patterns in offspring methylation, indicating the developmental effects of the rearing environment on methylation. At fledgling, differential methylation analyses showed that cellular respiration genes were differentially methylated in broods of different origins and behavioural and metabolism genes were differentially methylated in broods of different rearing environments. Lastly, hyper‐methylation of a single gene (CNTNAP2) is associated with decreased glucocorticoid levels and the rearing environment.

These differential methylation patterns linked to a specific physiological phenotype suggest that DNA methylation may be a mechanism by which individuals adjust to novel environments during their lifespan. Characterizing genetic and environmental influences on methylation is critical for understanding the role of epigenetic mechanisms in evolutionary adaptation.
Underexplored viral auxiliary metabolic genes in soil: Diversity and eco‐evolutionary significance
Authors: Sun Mingming , Yuan Shujian , Xia Rong , Ye Mao , Balcázar José Luis 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBacterial viruses are the most abundant biological entities in soil ecosystems. Owing to the advent of metagenomics and viromics approaches, an ever‐increasing diversity of virus‐encoded auxiliary metabolic genes (AMGs) have been identified in soils, including those involved in the transformation of carbon, phosphorus, and sulfur, degradation of organic pollutants, and antibiotic resistance, among other processes. These viral AMGs can alter soil biogeochemical processes and metabolic activities by interfering with bacterial host metabolism. It is recognized that viral AMGs compensate for host bacterial metabolism outputs by encoding accessory functional genes and are favourable for the hosts' adaptation to stressed soil environments. The eco‐evolutionary mechanisms behind this fascinating diversity of viral AMGs in soil microbiomes have begun to emerge, such as horizontal gene transfer, lytic‐lysogenic conversion, and single‐nucleotide polymorphisms. In this mini‐review, we summarize recent advances in the diversity and function of virus‐encoded AMGs in the soil environment, especially focusing on the evolutionary significance of AMGs involved in virus‐host interactions. This mini‐review also sheds light on the existing gaps and future perspectives that could have major significance for viral AMGs research in soils.
Debunking misinformation in times of crisis: Exploring misinformation correction strategies for effective internal crisis communication
Authors: Kim Young , Lim Hyunji (Dana) 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThis study aimed to explore misinformation correction strategies for effective internal crisis communication. Using an experimental study (N = 1196) with full‐time employees in the United States, this study found that a corrective strategy using more elaborated facts was effective in protecting internal reputation and that timely, proactive communication to debunk crisis misinformation was a significant factor influencing employees' cognitive reactance (counterarguing) and behavioural outcomes. This research can help crisis communicators better understand how to prevent negative outcomes that undermine the effectiveness of evidence‐based communication efforts. Specifically, the findings suggest the use of more proactive internal crisis communication to correct misinformation and to prevent damage caused by employees' misconceptions and related communication behaviours. Furthermore, the study theoretically extends the literature on debunking crisis‐misinformation by elucidating the cognitive and behavioural processes of crisis misinformation in internal crisis communication.
Standard Error Biases When Using Generated Regressors in Accounting Research
Authors: CHEN WEI , HRIBAR PAUL , MELESSA SAM 
Published: December 2022

ABSTRACTWe analyze the standard error bias associated with the use of generated regressors—independent variables generated from first‐step regressions—in accounting research settings. Under general conditions, generated regressors do not affect the consistency of coefficient estimates. However, commonly used generated regressors can cause standard errors to be understated. Problematic generated regressors include predicted values, coefficient estimates, and measures derived from these estimates. Widely used generated regressors in accounting include measures of earnings persistence, normal accruals, litigation risk, and conditional conservatism. Using simple regression models and simulation, we demonstrate how generated regressors can produce understated standard errors in accounting research settings. We also demonstrate how the magnitude of the standard error bias is inversely related to the precision of the generated regressor. Finally, we discuss bootstrapping as a correction for the bias and demonstrate the pairs cluster bootstrap as a tool to improve inferences in common accounting settings involving generated regressors.
Blue economy, blue finance and ocean governance for achieving sustainable development goals
Authors: Sarangi Unmana 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThis research paper is an attempt to define and analyse the concept of the blue economy (BE) and its implications for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study covers aspects such as building a blue economy to achieve SDGs, the importance of a healthy ocean for current and future generations, maintaining the momentum to save the ocean, achievements of the United Nations (UN) conference on the Sustainable Blue Economy, and the highlights of the UN World Water Development Report 2020. This study specifically analyses the health effects and threats to biodiversity, adaptation and mitigation, improved wastewater management, prioritizing water, accessing climate funds, water and climate change, and the relationship between the blue economy and UN SDGs as well as identification of key stakeholders. This is achieved through a detailed literature review on the blue economy that identifies global organizations working on creating a blue economy, elements of the blue economy and current development efforts, United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, sustainability and equity, ocean governance, international law and frameworks, and improvement in governance frameworks among other issues. The methodology used attempted to develop a macro, comprehensive, and systematic aggregate database at the country level on macro parameters, namely blue economy, blue finance, BE‐SDGs linkages, water development, marine sector, SDGs data on SDG‐14 (life underwater), SDG‐6 (access to safe drinking water and sanitation), SDG‐3 (good health and well‐being), and optimal management of water resources through scientific techniques, such as building several small reservoirs instead of mega projects, develop small catchment dams and protect wetlands, soil management, micro catchment development, recharging of underground aquifers thus reducing the need for large dams, which has encountered challenges due to data limitations. The results of this research study emphasize broader stakeholder consultations at the global level to resolve the issues relating to blue economy, blue finance, and ocean governance. The most important conclusion and policy implications of the study are that international organizations including the United Nations, the Asian Development Bank, and the World Bank are working towards achieving the SDGs in general, and the blue economy, blue finance, and ocean governance in particular.
The remote work revolution: Impact on real estate values and the urban environment: 2023 AREUEA Presidential Address
Authors: Van Nieuwerburgh Stijn 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe covid‐19 pandemic induced a major shift in the prevalence of remote and hybrid work arrangements. This review article studies the effects of this remote work revolution for residential and commercial real estate values and for the future of cities. It also discusses consequences for productivity, innovation, local public finance, and the climate. The last part of the article discusses policy interventions.
Patterns of emergency department use in rural and metropolitan New South Wales by socioeconomic status: A population‐based study
Authors: Stephens Alexandre S , Dinh Michael M , Kinsman Leigh 
Published: December 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the patterns of ED use in metropolitan and rural New South Wales (NSW) by socioeconomic status (SES).MethodsWe undertook a retrospective, population‐based study of de‐identified data from the NSW Emergency Department Data Collection (EDDC). The study population comprised of NSW residents who presented to an NSW public hospital ED in 2013–2019 and were registered in the NSW EDDC. Total ED presentations, negative binomial regression modelled annual changes in ED presentations over 2013–2019, and age‐ and sex‐standardised rates of ED presentations in 2019 were assessed.ResultsOverall, between 2013 and 2019, ED presentations increased in metropolitan and rural NSW, with mean annual percentage increases of 3.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.8–3.5) and 2.5% (95% CI 2.0–2.9), respectively. This growth varied by SES, with larger increases observed in higher SES groups. The bulk of presentations in rural NSW were from individuals living in disadvantaged areas. Standardised rates of ED presentations were highest in the most disadvantaged quintiles (SES 1) and progressively decreased with increasing SES in both rural and metropolitan NSW (negative gradients). Rates were higher in rural NSW compared to metropolitan NSW across all SES quintiles for total, low acuity and non‐low acuity presentations.ConclusionsNegative gradients in rates of ED presentations with increasing SES were observed in both metropolitan and rural NSW. At each SES quintile, rates of ED presentations were higher in rural compared to metropolitan areas. Further research exploring the underlying causal mechanisms leading to increased ED demand in rural NSW and socioeconomically disadvantaged populations is warranted.
Malaria and economic activity: Evidence from US agriculture
Authors: Malpede Maurizio 
Published: December 2022

AbstractI conduct a disaggregated empirical analysis of the relationship between the reduction in malaria transmission and agricultural development in the United States. Exploiting exogenous geographic variations in malaria‐suitable weather conditions and using historical county data together with a robust quasi‐experimental approach, I show that the farm value per acre of arable land of more endemic counties increased by around eight percentage points after the eradication of the disease relative to less endemic counties. Using historical data on cropland distribution within the United States, I also find that arable land increased in high malaria‐risk areas. Finally, I shed light on the increased productivity of farmers as a potential channel. Robustness checks from geographic variations in malaria prevalence within neighboring counties and placebo treatments reinforce the positive effect of eradicating malaria on agricultural development in the United States.
Timing of migration dates and detection of first wintering sites for the Turtle Dove in Northwest Africa
Authors: Mansouri Ismail , Squalli Wafae , Nefla Aymen , Mounir Mohamed , Achiban Hamid , Abdelwahab Chedad , Hmidani Mohammed , El Ghadraoui Lahsen , Dakki Mohamed 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe identification of migration dates and wintering zones for migratory birds are key elements for the understanding of the Afro‐Palearctic migration system. From 2015 to 2022, a large‐scale survey of Turtle Doves Streptopelia turtur, a vulnerable species, was established in Northwest Africa, including Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. We monitored migration dates and wintering individuals using the line‐transect method. We found that Turtle Doves arrived in the last week of March and left the North African region in mid‐October. Compared with Morocco, Doves arrived significantly earlier in Algeria and Tunisia. Moreover, Doves were discovered wintering on nine Northwest African sites, from October to February, where individuals feed in groups. We found that the occurrence probability of wintering Turtle Doves decreased significantly with increasing temperature and rainfall. Birds wintered most often close to wetlands since the overwintering probability decreased with the increasing distance from the recording area to the nearest water body. These are the first and only detailed findings on the migration phenology of the globally vulnerable Turtle Dove in north western Africa.
Immunotherapy in advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: Sydney west cancer network experience
Authors: Hasmat Shaheen , Howle Julie R. , Carlino Matteo S. , Sundaresan Puma , Veness Michael J. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackgroundCutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) is the second most common malignancy in the Caucasian population. A minority of cases are inoperable at presentation, recur or develop metastatic disease with a historical 5‐year overall survival of ~10%. Treatment options in this setting are generally palliative. Immunotherapy has emerged as a new paradigm in managing these patients.MethodsPatients presenting to Sydney West Cancer Network with locally advanced or metastatic CSCC treated with the anti‐PD1 agent cemiplimab were identified. Response to treatment was objectively assessed based on RECIST1.1 or PERCIST criteria. Primary end point was objective response rate (ORR). Secondary end points included progression‐free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), therapy toxicity, and predictors of treatment response.ResultsA total of 19 patients were identified with a median age of 76 (range 56–94) and 4 immunosuppressed. The longest follow up duration was 28 months. ORR, complete response (CR), and partial response (PR) were 68% (13/19), 53% (10/19), and 16% (3/19), respectively. Median PFS was 12 months (95% CI 9–14) whilst median OS was not reached by end of study. Responders (CR or PR) had significantly superior OS compared to those with no response (P < 0.01). A primary site of head and neck cancer was significantly associated with ORR (P = 0.04). A single patient experienced Grade 3 toxicity with the rest being Grades 0–1.ConclusionThis study confirms the clinical efficacy of cemiplimab in patients with advanced CSCC with many experiencing a durable response and an acceptable adverse effect profile.
Establishing a state‐wide pelvic exenteration multidisciplinary team meeting in South Australia
Authors: Fitzsimmons Tracy , Thomas Michelle , Tonkin Darren , Murphy Elizabeth , Hollington Paul , Solomon Michael , Sammour Tarik , Luck Andrew 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackgroundPelvic exenteration surgery is complex, necessitating co‐ordinated multidisciplinary input and improved referral pathways. A state‐wide pelvic exenteration multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting was established in SA and the outcomes of this were audited and compared with historical data.MethodsAll patients referred for discussion between August 2021 and July 2022 to the SA State‐wide Pelvic Exenteration MDT were included in this study. MDT discussion centred around disease resectability, risk versus benefit of surgery, and need for local or interstate referral. Prospective data collection included patient demographics and MDT recommendations of surgery, palliation, or referral. Patients referred for surgery locally or interstate were compared with a retrospective patient cohort treated previously between January and December 2020.ResultsOver 12 months, 91 patients were discussed (including nine multiple times), by a mean of 18 meeting participants each month. Forty‐eight patients (58.5%) had primary malignancy, 25 (30.5%) recurrent malignancy, and 9 (11.0%) had non‐malignant disease. Colorectal cancer was the most common presentation (56.1%), followed by gynaecological (30.5%) and urological (6.1%) malignancy. Pelvic exenteration surgery was recommended to be performed locally in 53.7% of patients and the remainder for non‐surgical treatment, palliation, or re‐discussion. During this time, 44 patients underwent surgery locally (versus 34 in 2020) and only 4 referred interstate (versus 8 in 2020).ConclusionThe establishment of a dedicated state‐wide pelvic exenteration MDT has resulted in better coordination of care for patients with locally advanced pelvic malignancy in SA, and significantly reduced the need for interstate referral.
Longitudinal follow‐up on vascular morphology and function in children with kidney transplants
Authors: Bergdahl Ebba , Westphal Ladfors Susanne , Linnér Christina , Brandström Per , Hansson Sverker , Dangardt Frida 
Published: December 2022

AbstractAimOur aim was to evaluate cardiovascular risk profile in 42 children with kidney transplants (KT) at the Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, Gothenburg Sweden.MethodsForty‐two children (7.1–18 years) with KT, time from transplantation 3.5 (0.9–13) years, were examined at inclusion and annually for three consecutive years. Eighteen matched controls were examined once. Cardiovascular phenotyping included ultra‐high‐frequency ultrasound (UHFUS), pulse wave velocity (PWV), and endothelial function.ResultsChildren with KT had higher body mass index (BMI) z‐score and blood pressure (BP) z‐score than healthy controls (BMI z‐score: 0.4 ± 1.0 and − 0.2 ± 0.9, respectively, p = 0.02; SBP z‐score: 0.5 ± 0.9 and − 0.8 ± 0.7; DBP z‐score: 0.7 ± 0.7 and − 0.3 ± 0.5, respectively, p < 0.001). BP z‐score decreased significantly over 3 years; other vascular markers remained unchanged. PWV and carotid intima thickness (IT) were higher in children with KT compared to healthy controls. Children with pre‐emptive KT had lower radial IT and dorsal pedal media thickness (MT) compared to children with preceding dialysis.ConclusionChildren with KT show increased cardiovascular risk parameters, not increasing over time. Children on dialysis before KT have more pronounced vascular changes than those with pre‐emptive KT, suggesting pre‐emptive transplantation more beneficial for cardiovascular health.