bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Where did the finch go? Insights from radio telemetry of the medium ground finch (Geospiza fortis)
Authors: Beausoleil Marc‐Olivier , Camacho Carlos , Rabadán‐González Julio , Lalla Kristen , Richard Roxanne , Carrion‐Avilés Paola , Hendry Andrew P. , Barrett Rowan D. H. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractMovement patterns and habitat selection of animals have important implications for ecology and evolution. Darwin's finches are a classic model system for ecological and evolutionary studies, yet their spatial ecology remains poorly studied. We tagged and radio‐tracked five (three females, two males) medium ground finches (Geospiza fortis) to examine the feasibility of telemetry for understanding their movement and habitat use. Based on 143 locations collected during a 3‐week period, we analyzed for the first time home‐range size and habitat selection patterns of finches at El Garrapatero, an arid coastal ecosystem on Santa Cruz Island (Galápagos). The average 95% home range and 50% core area for G. fortis in the breeding season was 20.54 ha ± 4.04 ha SE and 4.03 ha ± 1.11 ha SE, respectively. For most of the finches, their home range covered a diverse set of habitats. Three finches positively selected the dry‐forest habitat, while the other habitats seemed to be either negatively selected or simply neglected by the finches. In addition, we noted a communal roosting behavior in an area close to the ocean, where the vegetation is greener and denser than the more inland dry‐forest vegetation. We show that telemetry on Darwin's finches provides valuable data to understand the movement ecology of the species. Based on our results, we propose a series of questions about the ecology and evolution of Darwin's finches that can be addressed using telemetry.
In vitro relationships of galactic cosmic radiation and epigenetic clocks in human bronchial epithelial cells
Authors: Nwanaji‐Enwerem Jamaji C. , Boileau Philippe , Galazka Jonathan M. , Cardenas Andres 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIonizing radiation is a well‐appreciated health risk, precipitant of DNA damage, and contributor to DNA methylation variability. Nevertheless, relationships of ionizing radiation with DNA methylation‐based markers of biological age (i.e. epigenetic clocks) remain poorly understood. Using existing data from human bronchial epithelial cells, we examined in vitro relationships of three epigenetic clock measures (Horvath DNAmAge, MiAge, and epiTOC2) with galactic cosmic radiation (GCR), which is particularly hazardous due to its high linear energy transfer (LET) heavy‐ion components. High‐LET 56Fe was significantly associated with accelerations in epiTOC2 (β = 192 cell divisions, 95% CI: 71, 313, p‐value = .003). We also observed a significant, positive interaction of 56Fe ions and time‐in‐culture with epiTOC2 (95% CI: 42, 441, p‐value = .019). However, only the direct 56Fe ion association remained statistically significant after adjusting for multiple hypothesis testing. Epigenetic clocks were not significantly associated with high‐LET 28Si and low‐LET X‐rays. Our results demonstrate sensitivities of specific epigenetic clock measures to certain forms of GCR. These findings suggest that epigenetic clocks may have some utility for monitoring and better understanding the health impacts of GCR.
The green total factor productivity and convergence in China
Authors: Zhuang Weiwei , Wang Yujia , Lu Ching‐Cheng , Chen Xiang 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe green total factor productivity (GTFP) has become an important index of balancing the energy consumptions, economic development, and environmental protections. This study extends the slacks‐based directional distance function (SDDF) of Fare and Grosskopf into the framework of the Malmquist–Luenberger productivity index to estimate the slack‐based GTFP. This SDDF can allow decision‐making units to explore the optimal direction and measure a more precise productivity index. For the empirical study, we employ the new model to measure the slack‐based GTFP for Chinese 30 provinces over the period of 2005–2017. Furthermore, we investigate the effect of the regional differences on the GTFP and the convergence of the Chinese GTFP with β‐converge and σ‐convergence. Our results show that there is a rapid improvement in the GTFP in China, which is attributed to the technical change. However, there exists a significant difference in GTFP for three regions of China. The eastern region performs significantly better than the others. Finally, we find there is a strong convergence in China, and the eastern region has a faster convergence than the other regions.
The importance of implementation: Putting evaluation policy to work
Authors: Fierro Leslie A. , Kinarsky Alana R. , Echeverria‐Estrada Carlos , Sabat Bass Nadia , Christie Christina A. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractFederal agencies are increasingly expected to write and implement guidance for program evaluation, also known as evaluation policies. The Foundations for Evidence‐Based Policymaking Act required such policies for some federal agencies, and guidance from the White House Office of Management and Budget outlined an expectation that all agencies develop evaluation policies. Before these expectations, many federal agencies were already developing such policies to suit organizational needs and contexts. This chapter details findings from interviews with stakeholders at ten federal agencies and offices that developed and implemented evaluation policies before enacting the Foundations for Evidence‐Based Policymaking Act. These organizations represent early adopters of evaluation policies that can support future guidance and implementation of evaluation frameworks and capacity building in government. The study provides insight into the breadth and depth of the various strategies they used as well as their experiences with implementation.
Impact of the new definition of metabolic dysfunction–associated fatty liver disease on detection of significant liver fibrosis in US adolescents
Authors: Ciardullo Stefano , Carbone Marco , Invernizzi Pietro , Perseghin Gianluca 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Recently, an expert panel proposed diagnostic criteria for metabolic dysfunction–associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in the pediatric population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of MAFLD among US adolescents and to investigate whether the new MAFLD definition is able to identify individuals with more advanced liver disease. We analyzed data from participants 12–18 years old included in the 2017–2020 cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a large survey aimed at including individuals representative of the non‐institutionalized general US population. Participants with a complete vibration‐controlled transient elastography exam were included. Steatosis was evaluated through the median controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) and fibrosis through median liver stiffness measurement (LSM). Recently proposed criteria for the diagnosis of MAFLD were applied. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the impact of the new MAFLD definition on the odds of significant liver fibrosis. We included a total of 1446 adolescents (mean age: 14.9 years; 52.0% male; 47.3% overweight or obese). No participant reported a previous history of viral hepatitis. Steatosis (CAP ≥ 248 dB/m) was present in 25.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 23.3–28.9) of individuals, and among these, 87.7% met the MAFLD criteria. Only 22.9% of patients with steatosis had elevated alanine aminotransferase levels. Among participants with steatosis, prevalence of significant liver fibrosis (LSM ≥ 7.4 kPa) did not differ significantly according to whether they met MAFLD criteria (9.7% vs. 15.2%, p = 0.276). In the multivariable model, odds of significant fibrosis did not differ significantly between these two groups. MAFLD criteria are met by most US adolescents with elastographic evidence of steatosis. Nonetheless, these criteria do not appear to improve detection of subjects with more advanced liver disease. Further longitudinal studies are needed to evaluate whether metabolic dysfunction is associated with faster progression toward inflammation, fibrosis, and liver‐related events.
Combined effects of chlorpyrifos and cyfluthrin on neurobehavior and neurotransmitter levels in larval zebrafish
Authors: Zhang Wanjun , Fan Ruiqi , Luo Sunlin , Liu Ying , Jin Yongpeng , Li Yongchen , Li Bo , Chen Yiqiang , Jia Li , Yuan Xiaoyan 
Published: April 2022

AbstractChlorpyrifos and cyfluthrin are insecticides commonly used in agriculture. The mixed residues of chlorpyrifos and cyfluthrin in the aquatic environment may have combined effects on nontarget species. Therefore, studying the combined toxic effects and mechanisms of pesticide mixtures is of great significance to environmental risk assessment. To evaluate the risk of combined exposure, we examined the effects of both compounds, separately and together, on motor activity, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, and neurotransmitter levels in larval zebrafish. Chlorpyrifos exposure significantly reduced functional motor capacity (swim distance and velocity) and enhanced meandering, while cyfluthrin exposure alone had no significant effects on swim parameters. However, combined exposure significantly reduced total swimming distance and mean velocity and increased meandering. Both compounds alone and the combination significantly reduced AChE activity, and the combined effect was antagonistic. Combined exposure also significantly altered the concentrations of serotonin, serotonin precursors, and dopamine precursors, as well as concentrations of the amino acid neurotransmitters glycine, alanine, and aspartic acid. Combined exposure to chlorpyrifos and cyfluthrin exhibited distinct joint action modes in terms of neurobehavior, AChE activity, and neurotransmitter levels, thereby providing an experimental basis for assessing the combined exposure to chlorpyrifos and cyfluthrin's environmental risk.
Two‐layer molecular rotors: A zinc dimer rotating over planar hypercoordinate motifs
Authors: Yu Rui , Yan Gai‐ru , Liu Yu‐qian , Cui Zhong‐hua 
Published: April 2022

AbstractMulti‐layer molecular rotors represent a class of unique combination of topology and bonding, featuring a barrier‐free rotation of one layer with respect to other layers. This emerging fluxional behavior has been found in a few doped boron clusters. Herein, we strongly enrich this intriguing family followed by an effective design strategy, summarized as essential factors: i) considerable electrostatic interactions originated from a strong charge transfer between layers; ii) the absence of strong covalent bonds between layers; and iii) fully delocalized σ/π electrons from at least one layer. We found that planar hypercoordinate motifs consisting of monocyclic boron rings and metals with σ + π dual aromaticity can be regarded as one promising layer, which can support the suspended X2 (X = Zn, Cd, Hg) dimers. By detailed investigations of thermodynamic and kinetic stabilities of 60 species, eventually, MB7X2− and MB8X2 (X = Zn, Cd; M = Be, Ru, Os; Be works only for Zn‐based cases) clusters were verified to be the global‐minimum two‐layer molecular rotors. Especially, their electronic structure analyses vividly confirm the practicability of the electronic structure requirements mentioned above for designing multi‐layer molecular rotors.
Light‐initiated chemiluminescent assay of 17β‐estradiol metrological traceability system established by manufacturer according to ISO17511:2020 and basic performance evaluation performed by clinical end‐users
Authors: Shang Chenyu , Yuan Xue , Lin Haibiao , Liu Dongdong , Yan Xiaoxin , Ren Xinxin , Lin Xiyang , Di Huang , Li Huiqiang 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundIn order to ensure the accuracy of the product, we established 1st model of metrological traceability hierarchy for light‐initiated chemiluminescent assay (LICA) of 17β‐estradiol (E2) at the manufacturer, based on International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 17511:2020. Moreover, we verified/validated the basic performance (such as matrix effect and long‐term stability of end‐user IVD MD calibrator, precision, linearity interval, accuracy/ trueness, and detection capability) at the clinical end‐user.MethodsHuman serum samples were used in this study. E2 was detected by mass spectrometry (MS) and LICA. The metrological traceability of LICA for E2 was established according to ISO 17511: 2020 standards, and pools of human samples were used as the m.3. secondary calibrator. Precision was validated according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) EP05‐A3. The linear interval was verified according to CLSI EP06‐ED2. Comparison of accuracy and trueness of E2 with MS and Roche according to CLSI EP09‐A3. The detection capability was validated according to EP17‐A2. Matrix effect and long‐term stability evaluation of end‐user IVD MD calibrator were carried out according to CLSI EP14‐A2, EP25‐A. Statistical software was used for data analyses.ResultsThe use of pools of human samples and fine adjusting calibrators ensured the accuracy of end‐user test results. The metrological traceability of LICA for E2 was established. It showed excellent precision, meeting the requirements of allowable imprecision (7.5%). The allowable deviation from linearity (ADL) of 5% was allowed to show a good linear interval (12.52–4167.25 pg/ml). The accuracy/ trueness was verified, and relative deviation in the medical decision level met the performance specification of 10.03% compared with MS or Roche. The validated limit of blank, limit of detection, and limit of quantitation of E2 were 4.95 pg/ml, 8.93 pg/ml, and 9.88 pg/ml, respectively (the allowed imprecision is 20.00%). The interference rate of E2 ranged from −5.5% to 6.6%.ConclusionLICA showed high sensitivity, high specificity, excellent precision, wide linearity interval, IVD MD calibrator has long‐term stability, and no matrix effect. The metrological traceability of E2 established by using pools of human samples as M.3. can deliver accuracy to the end‐user IVD MD and show good consistency with MS and Roche.
Novel findings, mini‐review and dysmorphological characterization of 16p13.11 microduplication syndrome
Authors: Arslan Ahmet Burak , Zamani Ayşe Gül , Yıldırım Mahmut Selman 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe short arm of chromosome 16 and especially the region 16p13.11 is a chromosome region where many structural variants, especially deletions and duplications, can be observed. Although deletions of this region are clinically well defined, duplications are rare, and so far, there is no established clinical consensus in regard with its clinical picture, and especially the dysmorphic perspective of the disease is far from being clear. A 5‐year‐and‐2‐month‐old patient who presented with epilepsy, autism and late speech onset complaints was evaluated in our genetics department. On physical examination, unilateral preauricular skin tag and upslanting palpebral fissures were noted. Microarray analysis was performed and reported as ([hg19]: 16p13.11 (14.897.804‐16.730.375) x3). The literature review revealed only a few reports about the syndrome, but some dysmorphological findings appear to recur in different reports, which enables a possible characterization. Dysmorphic findings were discussed.
Predictors of growth patterns in children with mucopolysaccharidosis I after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Maier Stefanie , Zivicnjak Miroslav , Grigull Lorenz , Hennermann Julia B. , Aries Charlotte , Maecker‐Kolhoff Britta , Sauer Martin , Das Anibh M. , Beier Rita 
Published: April 2022

AbstractMucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I) is an autosomal‐recessive metabolic disorder caused by an enzyme deficiency of lysosomal alpha‐l‐iduronidase (IDUA). Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the therapeutic option of choice in MPS I patients younger than 2.5 years, which has a positive impact on neurocognitive development. However, impaired growth remains a problem. In this monocentric study, 14 patients with MPS I (mean age 1.72 years, range 0.81–3.08) were monitored according to a standardised follow‐up program after successful allogeneic HSCT. A detailed anthropometric program was carried out to identify growth patterns and to determine predictors of growth in these children. All patients are alive and in outpatient care (mean follow‐up 8.1 years, range 0.1–16.0). Progressively lower standard deviation scores (SDS) were observed for body length (mean SDS −1.61; −4.58 – 3.29), weight (−0.56; −3.19 – 2.95), sitting height (−3.28; −7.37 – 0.26), leg length (−1.64; −3.88 – 1.49) and head circumference (0.91; −2.52 – 6.09). Already at the age of 24 months, significant disproportions were detected being associated with increasing deterioration in growth for age. Younger age at HSCT, lower counts for haemoglobin and platelets, lower potassium, higher donor‐derived chimerism, higher counts for leukocytes and recruitment of a matched unrelated donor (MUD) positively correlated with body length (p ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, this study characterised predictors and aspects of growth patterns in children with MPS I after HSCT, underlining that early HSCT of MUD is essential for slowing body disproportion.
Dermal ultrasound measurements for bone quality assessment : An investigation of advanced glycation endproducts derived from confocal fluorescence microscopy
Authors: Haffer Henryk , Chiapparelli Erika , Moser Manuel , Muellner Maximilian , Dodo Yusuke , Adl Amini Dominik , Zhu Jiaqi , Miller Theodore T. , Han Yi Xin , Donnelly Eve , Shue Jennifer , Sama Andrew A. , Cammisa Frank P. , Girardi Federico P. , Hughes Alexander P. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBone quality is increasingly being recognized in the assessment of fracture risk. Nonenzymatic collagen cross‐linking with the accumulation of advanced glycation end products stiffens and embrittles collagen fibers thus increasing bone fragility. Echogenicity is an ultrasound (US) parameter that provides information regarding the skin collagen structure. We hypothesized that both skin and bone collagen degrade in parallel fashion. Prospectively collected data of 110 patients undergoing posterior lumbar fusion was analyzed. Preoperative skin US measurements were performed in the lumbar region to assess dermal thickness and echogenicity. Intraoperative bone biopsies from the posterior superior iliac spine were obtained and analyzed with confocal fluorescence microscopy for fluorescent advanced glycation endproducts (fAGEs). Pearson's correlation was calculated to examine relationships between (1) US and fAGEs, and (2) age and fAGEs stratified by sex. Multivariable linear regression analysis with adjustments for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), diabetes mellitus, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was used to investigate associations between US and fAGEs. One hundred and ten patients (51.9% female, 61.6 years, BMI 29.8 kg/m2) were included in the analysis. In the univariate analysis cortical and trabecular fAGEs decreased with age, but only in women (cortical: r = −0.32, p = 0.031; trabecular: r = −0.32; p = 0.031). After adjusting for age, sex, BMI, diabetes mellitus, and HbA1c, lower dermal (β = 1.01; p = 0.012) and subcutaneous (β = 1.01; p = 0.021) echogenicity increased with increasing cortical fAGEs and lower dermal echogenicity increased with increasing trabecular fAGEs (β = 1.01; p = 0.021). This is the first study demonstrating significant associations between skin US measurements and in vivo bone quality parameters in lumbar fusion patients. As a noninvasive assessment tool, skin US measurements might be incorporated into future practice to investigate bone quality in spine surgery patients.
Adherence to guidelines at the patient‐ and hospital‐levels is associated with improved overall survival in patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Kaslow Sarah R. , Ma Zhongyang , Hani Leena , Prendergast Katherine , Vitiello Gerardo , Lee Ann Y. , Berman Russell S. , Goldberg Judith D. , Correa‐Gallego Camilo 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesAdherence to evidence‐based guidelines in gastric cancer is low. We aimed to evaluate adherence to National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Guidelines for gastric cancer at both patient‐ and hospital‐levels and examine associations between guideline adherence and treatment outcomes, including overall survival (OS).MethodsWe applied stage‐specific, annual NCCN Guidelines (2004–2015) to patients with gastric cancer treated with curative‐intent within the National Cancer Database and compared characteristics of patients who did and did not receive guideline‐adherent care. Hospitals were evaluated by guideline adherence rate. We identified associations with OS through multivariable Cox regression.ResultsOf 37 659 patients included, 32% received NCCN Guideline‐adherent treatment. OS was significantly associated with both guideline adherence (51 months for patients receiving guideline‐adherent treatment vs. 22 for patients receiving nonadherent treatment, p < 0.001). Treatment at a hospital with higher adherence was associated with longer OS (21 months for patients treated at lowest adherence quartile hospitals vs. 37 months at highest adherence quartile hospitals, p < 0.001), regardless of type of treatment received.ConclusionsGuideline‐adherent treatment was strongly associated with longer median OS. Guideline adherence should be used as a benchmark for focused quality improvement for physicians taking care of patients with gastric cancer and institutions at large.
Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: Impact of systemic treatments on health‐related quality of life and patient‐reported outcomes
Authors: Aimar Giacomo , Marino Donatella , Zichi Clizia , Gamba Teresa , Caglio Andrea , De Vita Francesca , Sperti Elisa , Di Maio Massimo 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIn the past years, treatment options for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have thriven. Although globally recognised, the patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) are often underused and quality of life (QoL) results are underreported in many phase III trials. We performed a systematic review to describe the prevalence of QoL inclusion and heterogeneity in QoL reporting in published phase III trials of systemic treatment in advanced HCC. Twenty‐one publications were identified: 12 (57.1%) in first line setting, eight (38.1%) in second line and only one (4.7%) in second and further lines. In 14 trials (66.6%), Qol was included in the analysis as a secondary or tertiary endpoint but only in nine (47.4%) cases Qol results were published in the main paper. QoL data are lacking in a significant proportion of published phase III trials in advanced HCC. The methodology of QoL analysis is heterogeneous for type of instruments, analysis and presentation of results.