bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biomass calculation for plant-parasitic nematodes reveals variability across genera of the same family
Authors: Ghaderi Reza 
Published: October 2020

Summary
Nematodes are the most abundant metazoan organisms in soils. Plant-parasitic nematodes are a component of nematode communities. Biomass calculation is an important step to link biological communities to ecosystem functioning and services. In the present study, the biomass (fresh weight) of plant-parasitic nematodes was calculated based on a database with taxon-specific body-size values (length and the ratio of length to the greatest body diam.) using publicly available literature. In total, 1653 reported populations worldwide belonging to 890 species from 115 genera of all the families in the infraorder Tylenchomorpha, as well as Longidoridae (order Dorylaimida) and Trichodoridae (order Triplonchida), were included in the calculations. In each of the included genera and families, biomass was estimated for different life stages. The results revealed that certain families should not be treated as an entity for the purposes of ecological studies as they contain different biomass values that may confer different effects on their ecosystems. Members of the family Dolichodoridae sensu lato should be treated as four separate families, viz. Dolichodoridae sensu stricto, Belonolaimidae, Merliniidae and Telotylenchidae. Members of the families Anguinidae, Pratylenchidae and Tylenchulidae should also each be grouped into subcategories on the basis of their body shape (vermiform, fusiform, obese or swollen). The results of the present work may be helpful in studies on nematode community structure, in particular to estimate respiration, assimilation and metabolic footprints of plant-parasitic nematodes.
The taxonomic status of Aphelenchoides besseyi Christie, 1942 (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae) populations from the southeastern USA, and description of Aphelenchoides pseudobesseyi sp. n.
Authors: Subbotin Sergei A. , Oliveira Clemen J. , Álvarez-Ortega Sergio , Desaeger Johan A. , Crow William , Overstreet Charles , Leahy Robert , Vau Silvia , Inserra Renato N. 
Published: October 2020

Summary
Populations reviously identified as Aphelenchoides besseyi were studied. Using an integrated approach, the A. besseyi species complex contains several cryptic species: A. besseyi sensu stricto, A. oryzae, A. pseudobesseyi sp. n. and other putative undescribed species. A population from Florida strawberry morphologically fits the A. besseyi of both Christie and Allen and is considered the only representative of this species. A Louisiana rice population fitted the descriptions of A. oryzae of both Yokoo and Fortuner; PUS length was consistently less than one-third of VA. Aphelenchoides oryzae, parasitising rice and other monocots, was re-established based on morphological and molecular datasets. Three populations from Florida ornamental plants (Dryopteris erythrosora, Echinacea sp. and Farfugium japonicum) differed from those of the two above-mentioned species and are described as A. pseudobesseyi sp. n. Populations previously identified as ‘A. besseyi’ from several countries were considered representatives of this new species, which usually had a large and conspicuous PUS, 8-14 μm wide and with a length greater than one-third of VA in 40-70% of studied specimens. Morphological variability made separation of A. pseudobesseyi sp. n. from A. oryzae and A. besseyi unreliable without the examination of numerous specimens and molecular analysis.
Occurrence of two species of Bursaphelenchus (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae) in the reproductive organs of Monochamus saltuarius (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)
Authors: Ozawa Sota , Maehara Noritoshi , Aikawa Takuya , Yanagisawa Kenichi , Nakamura Katsunori 
Published: October 2020

Summary
To clarify the species composition and residency of Bursaphelenchus nematodes in the bodies of Monochamus saltuarius adults, we dissected 70 adults that had emerged from cut pine bolts set at two locations at the frontline of pine wilt disease spread in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. Fourth-stage dispersal juveniles of Bursaphelenchus nematodes were detected in 39 insects; PCR-based identification showed that the insects mainly harboured B. mucronatus, but could sometimes harbour B. xylophilus or both. Detailed dissection of 17 insects revealed that hundreds of Bursaphelenchus nematodes were often found in the reproductive organs of both sexes, including the inner parts such as the internal sac and the ejaculatory ducts in males. Thus, the residence of Bursaphelenchus nematodes in the reproductive organs of their vectors is not an accidental invasion but indicative of the phoretic nature of the nematodes.
Medium- to Long-Term Forecasts of Sea Surface Height Anomalies Using a Spatiotemporal Empirical Orthogonal Function Method
Authors: Zhao Yuxin , Yang Dequan , Li Wei , Liu Chang , Deng Xiong , Hao Rixu , He Zhongjie 
Published: October 2020

AbstractA spatiotemporal empirical orthogonal function (STEOF) forecast method is proposed and used in medium- to long-term sea surface height anomaly (SSHA) forecast. This method embeds temporal information in empirical orthogonal function spatial patterns, effectively capturing the evolving spatial distribution of variables and avoiding the typical rapid accumulation of forecast errors. The forecast experiments are carried out for SSHA in the South China Sea to evaluate the proposed model. Experimental results demonstrate that the STEOF forecast method consistently outperforms the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA), optimal climatic normal (OCN), and persistence prediction. The model accurately forecasts the intensity and location of ocean eddies, indicating its great potential for practical applications in medium- to long-term ocean forecasts.
Early Adverse Events Following Transcervical Hypopharyngeal Diverticulum Surgery
Authors: Goshtasbi Khodayar , Verma Sunil P. 
Published: October 2020

Objective: To describe rates of short-term morbidity following transcervical surgical treatment of hypopharyngeal diverticulum (HD) and analyze predictors of adverse events. Methods: The 2005 to 2017 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried to identify patients diagnosed with HD undergoing open transcervical diverticulectomy. Results: A total of 597 patients with a mean age of 71.4 ± 12.3 years were included. Thirty-day adverse events were experienced by 63 (10.6%) subjects, including 6.5% unplanned reoperations, 4.2% surgical complications, 4.4% medical complications, 2.7% readmissions, and 0.7% deaths. Medical complications notably included pneumonia (2.0%), reintubation (1.2%), sepsis (1.2%), intubation >48 hours (0.5%), urinary tract infection (0.5%), or deep vein thrombosis (0.5%), while surgical complications included organ/space infection (2.0%) and superficial (1.3%) or deep (1.0%) surgical site infection. Gender, race, functional status, diabetes, dyspnea, hypertension, steroid use, and recent weight loss were not associated with adverse events. Length of operation and hospitalization were both higher among those with adverse events (127.4 ± 107.9 vs 95.7 ± 59.8 minutes, P = 0.027, and 7.4 ± 7.4 vs 2.8 ± 3.6 days, P < 0.001). On multivariable logistic regression, high American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class (OR = 2.02, P = 0.017), smoking (OR = 2.10, P = 0.044), and operation time (OR = 1.01; P = 0.005) were independent predictors of adverse events. Obesity was not associated with length of stay, readmission/reoperation, or complications. However, increased age was associated with shorter operations ( P = 0.020), higher length of hospitalization ( P < 0.001), and higher mortality ( P = 0.027) and readmission rates ( P = 0.023). Conclusion: Understanding clinical factors associated with complications following open surgery for HD such as ASA score, smoking status, length of operation, and age can help optimize surgical outcomes for at-risk patients.
A Cheek Mass in a 5-Year-Old Child
Authors: Abijay Claire , Miller Stanton , Booth Timothy , Mitchell Ron B. , Liu Christopher 
Published: October 2020

Objectives: To describe the management of a 5-year old female with a painless, mobile cheek mass. Methods: A retrospective chart review of presentation, imaging, pathology and management. Results: Magnetic resonance imaging showed a heterogenous mass with solid and lipomatous components. The mass was a lipoblastoma on histopathology and was excised completely with no evidence of recurrence. Conclusions: The diagnosis and management of a cheek mass in a child is challenging. Imaging is important but not diagnostic. Surgical excision is the primary management of a lipoblastoma.
Pilot Mobile Phone Intervention in Promoting Type 2 Diabetes Management in an Urban Area in Ghana: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Asante Ernest , Bam Victoria , Diji Abigail Kusi-Amponsah , Lomotey Alberta Yemotsoo , Owusu Boateng Agnes , Sarfo-Kantanka Osei , Oparebea Ansah Eunice , Adjei Dennis 
Published: October 2020

Purpose The purpose of the study was to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a nurse-led mobile phone call intervention on glycemic management and adherence to self-management practices among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Ghana. Methods This was a pilot randomized controlled trial to compare diabetes care as usual to a mobile phone call intervention delivered by nurses in addition to care as usual over a 12-week period in a tertiary referral hospital in Ghana. Sixty patients with T2DM were randomized to either the intervention or the control arm. The intervention group received up to 16 mobile phone calls (mean duration = 12 minutes) from a diabetes specialist nurse in addition to their care as usual. The control group received only care as usual. The primary outcome was the change in A1C over the 12-week period. The secondary outcomes were changes in self-reported adherence to medication and diabetes self-management measures over the 12-week period. Results Mean baseline A1C was comparable between the intervention and control groups (9.54%, SD = 2.00% vs 9.07%, SD = 1.72%, P = .334). After 12 weeks, A1C was significantly lower in the intervention group compared to the control group. The difference in mean A1C in the control group rose by +0.26 ± 1.30% ( P = .282; 95% CI, −0.23 to 0.75), whereas that of the intervention group reduced by −1.51 ± 2.67% ( P = .004; 95% CI, −2.51 to −0.51). No improvements in self-management were recorded in the control group. In the intervention group, however, the only significant improvement was recorded in the area of foot care practices. Participant recruitment and retention were 100% without any attrition. About 87% (n = 26) of the intervention group completed at least 70% (≥11) of the calls. At the end of the trial, participants who received the intervention rated their satisfaction as 89.3% on average. Conclusion A mobile phone follow-up call by nurses emphasizing adherence to self-management practices is feasible and can improve short- to medium-term glycemic management among patients with T2DM.
Effect of Different Intensities of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Postural Response to External Perturbation in Patients With Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Beretta Victor Spiandor , Vitório Rodrigo , Nóbrega-Sousa Priscila , Conceição Núbia Ribeiro , Orcioli-Silva Diego , Pereira Marcelo Pinto , Gobbi Lilian Teresa Bucken 
Published: October 2020

Background Habituation of postural response to perturbations is impaired in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) due to deficits in cortico-basal pathways. Although transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) modulate cortico-basal networks, it remains unclear if it can benefit postural control in PD. Objective To analyze the effect of different intensities of anodal tDCS on postural responses and prefrontal cortex (PFC) activity during the habituation to the external perturbation in patients with PD (n = 24). Methods Anodal tDCS was applied over the primary motor cortex (M1) with 1 mA, 2 mA, and sham stimulation in 3 different sessions (~2 weeks apart) during 20 minutes immediately before the postural assessment. External perturbation (7 trials) was applied by a support base posterior translation (20 cm/s and 5 cm). Primary outcome measures included lower limb electromyography and center of pressure parameters. Measures of PFC activity are reported as exploratory outcomes. Analyses of variance (Stimulation Condition × Trial) were performed. Results Habituation of perturbation was evidenced independent of the stimulation conditions. Both active stimulation intensities had shorter recovery time and a trend for lower cortical activity in the stimulated hemisphere when compared to sham condition. Shorter onset latency of the medial gastrocnemius as well as lower cortical activity in the nonstimulated hemisphere were only observed after 2 mA concerning the sham condition. Conclusions tDCS over M1 improved the postural response to external perturbation in PD, with better response observed for 2 mA compared with 1 mA. However, tDCS seems to be inefficient in modifying the habituation of perturbation.
The cross-sectional relationship between pain and awareness of age-related changes
Authors: Sabatini Serena , Ukoumunne Obioha C , Ballard Clive , Collins Rachel , Corbett Anne , Brooker Helen , Clare Linda 
Published: October 2020

Background: Awareness of positive and negative age-related changes (AARC gains and losses) captures the perceived changes that older individuals experience in several domains of their lives including physical, cognitive and social functioning; interpersonal relationships; and lifestyle. Exploring antecedents of AARC is important to identify those individuals that could benefit the most from interventions promoting positive experiences of ageing and/or adaptation to age-related changes. This study investigates the experience of pain as a predictor of lower AARC gains and higher AARC losses. Methods: Analyses are based on cross-sectional data from the PROTECT cohort (2019); 1013 UK residents (mean (SD; range) age: 65.3 (7.1; 51.4–92) years, 84.4% women) completed measures of AARC and pain and provided demographic information. Linear regression models were fitted to examine pain as a predictor of AARC gains and AARC losses. Results: Higher levels of pain predicted more AARC losses both before (regression coefficient, B = 0.36; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.29 to 0.42, p-value < 0.001; R2 = 0.11) and after adjusting for demographic covariates ( B = 0.34; 95% CI: 0.27 to 0.40; p-value < 0.001; Partial R2 = 0.11). Pain was not significantly associated with AARC gains (unadjusted B = 0.05; 95% CI: −0.03 to 0.12, p-value = 0.21; Partial R2 = 0.01). Conclusion: Individuals experiencing pain may perceive more AARC losses. Interventions aiming to decrease levels of pain could include a component targeting self-perceptions of ageing and/or promoting acceptance of the negative changes that can happen with ageing. Statement of significance: The predictive role of greater levels of pain for more negative perceptions of age-related changes extends the literature on the negative psychological outcomes of pain and on predictors of perceived awareness of age-related changes (AARC). As individuals experiencing pain may be more at risk of perceiving their own ageing in a more negative way, they may benefit from interventions that combine strategies to reduce levels of pain and the interference that pain exerts on their daily activities with an educational component enhancing positive self-perceptions of ageing and promoting acceptance of negative age-related changes.
Earthworms and rice straw enhanced soil bacterial diversity and promoted the degradation of phenanthrene
Authors: Elyamine Ali Mohamed , Hu Chengxiao 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
Since the industrial revolution, the contamination of agricultural soils by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) has increasingly become of serious global environmental concern and poses a huge threat to human beings and natural ecosystems. Microbial degradation is a proved technology mostly used to depollute polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) in the environment. However, very limited information is available regarding the interaction of earthworms with rice straw on the soil microbial community and the degradation of phenanthrene. This study was performed to enlighten the rice straw and earthworms’ interaction on soil bacterial abundance and structure and phenanthrene removal.

Results
Result about functional gene information revealed that both rice straw and earthworm enhanced phenanthrene degradation. Subsequently, both Shannon diversity index (r2 = − 0.8807, p < 0.001) and bacterial 16S rRNA genes (r2 = − 0.7795, p < 0.001) negatively correlated with the remaining phenanthrene concentration in soil. The application of both rice straw and earthworms in soil had the lowest ratio of soil remaining phenanthrene concentration (0.16 ± 0.02), the highest Shannon diversity index (6.45 ± 0.2) and the highest bacterial 16S rRNA genes. This implied that both earthworms and rice straw might improve the phenanthrene metabolism by increasing soil bacteria diversity. The abundance of genera Pseudomonas, Luteimonas, Rhodanobacter, Sphingomonas, Gemmatimonas, Flavobacterium, and Leifsonia was significantly increased in the presence of both earthworms and rice straw and was found to negatively correlate with the remaining phenanthrene concentration in soil.

Conclusion
Based on these results, this study offers clear and strong evidences that the positive interaction between earthworms and rice straw could promote phenanthrene degradation in soil. These finding will improve our understanding on the importance of the natural resources forsaken and how they can interact with the soil macro- and microorganisms to change soil structure and enhance PAH degradation in soil.
Reunion Island, a sentinel territory for antimicrobial-resistant bacteria surveillance in the South-Western Indian Ocean: a retrospective survey using hospitalized patient screening, 2015–2017
Authors: Gay Noellie , Lugagne Nathalie , Miltgen Guillaume , Belmonte Olivier , Cardinale Eric 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
In 2015, antimicrobial resistance was identified as a public health priority for the South-Western Indian Ocean (SWIO) (i.e. Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mayotte (France), Reunion Island (France), and Seychelles). However, in 2020, colonization rates of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria (ARB) in human populations on most islands in SWIO were still not known and neither hospital nor community colonization rates had been estimated. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of colonization of six ARB groups in hospitalized patients residing in the SWIO territories. The six groups comprise extended-spectrum betalactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E), carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), and both ceftazidime and/or imipenem-resistant Acinetobacter spp. (ACB), and ceftazidime and/or imipenem-resistant Pseudomonas spp. (PSA)).

Methods
Based on comprehensive hospital laboratory ARB screening data, we provide the first estimation of ARB colonization rates in hospitalized patients residing in SWIO (2015–2017). Using ARB colonization rates in Reunion Island (France) as the reference for estimating odds ratio, we identified at risk patients based on their territory of residence.

Results
The survey pointed to significantly higher overall ARB colonization rates in patients from Comoros, Madagascar, Mayotte, and Seychelles compared to Reunion Island as the reference. Extended-spectrum betalactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae was found to be the most common ARB group colonizing patients from SWIO territories. The highest MRSA colonization rates were observed in patients from Mayotte and Seychelles. Colonization by carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) was highest in patients from Mauritius.

Conclusion
These results identify high ARB colonization rates in hospitalized patients from SWIO territories that require further investigation, particularly CRE in Mauritius and MRSA in Seychelles and Mayotte. This study is the first step toward the implementation of a broader regional ARB surveillance system.
No change in the consumption of thyroid hormones after starting low dose naltrexone (LDN): a quasi-experimental before-after study
Authors: Raknes Guttorm , Småbrekke Lars 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
Low dose naltrexone (LDN) is reported to have beneficial effects in several autoimmune diseases. The purpose of this study was to examine whether starting LDN was followed by changes in the dispensing of thyroid hormones to patients with hypothyroidism.

Methods
We performed a quasi-experimental before-after study based on the Norwegian Prescription Database. Study participants were identified by using reimbursement codes for hypothyroidism. Cumulative dispensed Defined Daily Doses and the number of users of triiodothyronine (T3) and levothyroxine (LT4) 1 year before and after the first LDN prescription was compared in three groups based on LDN exposure.

Results
We identified 898 patients that met the inclusion criteria. There was no association between starting LDN and the subsequent dispensing of thyroid hormones. If anything, there was a tendency towards increasing LT4 consumption with increasing LDN exposure.

Conclusion
The results of this study do not support claims of efficacy of LDN in hypothyroidism.
Dnmt3b regulates DUX4 expression in a tissue-dependent manner in transgenic D4Z4 mice
Authors: Bouwman Linde F. , den Hamer Bianca , Verveer Elwin P. , Lerink Lente J. S. , Krom Yvonne D. , van der Maarel Silvère M. , de Greef Jessica C. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is a skeletal muscle disorder that is caused by derepression of the transcription factor DUX4 in skeletal muscle cells. Apart from SMCHD1, DNMT3B was recently identified as a disease gene and disease modifier in FSHD. However, the exact role of DNMT3B at the D4Z4 repeat array remains unknown.

Methods
To determine the role of Dnmt3b on DUX4 repression, hemizygous mice with a FSHD-sized D4Z4 repeat array (D4Z4-2.5 mice) were cross-bred with mice carrying an in-frame exon skipping mutation in Dnmt3b (Dnmt3bMommeD14 mice). Additionally, siRNA knockdowns of Dnmt3b were performed in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) derived from the D4Z4-2.5 mouse model.

Results
In mESCs derived from D4Z4-2.5 mice, Dnmt3b was enriched at the D4Z4 repeat array and DUX4 transcript levels were upregulated after a knockdown of Dnmt3b. In D4Z4-2.5/Dnmt3bMommeD14 mice, Dnmt3b protein levels were reduced; however, DUX4 RNA levels in skeletal muscles were not enhanced and no pathology was observed. Interestingly, D4Z4-2.5/Dnmt3bMommeD14 mice showed a loss of DNA methylation at the D4Z4 repeat array and significantly higher DUX4 transcript levels in secondary lymphoid organs. As these lymphoid organs seem to be more sensitive to epigenetic modifiers of the D4Z4 repeat array, different immune cell populations were quantified in the spleen and inguinal lymph nodes of D4Z4-2.5 mice crossed with Dnmt3bMommeD14 mice or Smchd1MommeD1 mice. Only in D4Z4-2.5/Smchd1MommeD1 mice the immune cell populations were disturbed.

Conclusions
Our data demonstrates that loss of Dnmt3b results in derepression of DUX4 in lymphoid tissues and mESCs but not in myogenic cells of D4Z4-2.5/Dnmt3bMommeD14 mice. In addition, the Smchd1MommeD1 variant seems to have a more potent role in DUX4 derepression. Our studies suggest that the immune system is particularly but differentially sensitive to D4Z4 chromatin modifiers which may provide a molecular basis for the yet underexplored immune involvement in FSHD.