bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Retracted: Niches of nine mangrove species in a Sonneratia apetala‐colonized area of Dongzhai Harbor, Hainan Island, China
Authors: Wu Feng , Liao Baowen , Chen Yujun , Jiang Zhongmao , Guo Yunpeng , Li Mei 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe distribution of mangroves is influenced by the environment. We aimed to understand the ecological adaptability of various mangrove species within the range of the exotic species, Sonneratia apetala Buch.‐Ham., in Dongzhai Harbor, Hainan Island, China. We used three niche breadth indexes (Simpson, Levins, and Shannon–Weiner) and two niche overlap indexes (Pianka and Levins) to quantitatively determine the niche characteristics of nine mangrove species. The results showed that the order of the niche breadth values of mangrove species was as follows: Aegiceras corniculatum (Linn.) Blanco > Kandelia obovata Sheue et al. > Bruguiera gymnorrhiza (L.) Poir. > Avicennia marina (Forsk.) Vierh. Hailanci > S. apetala > S. caseolaris (L.) Engl. > Rhizophora stylosa Griff > Ceriops tagal (Perr.) C. B. Rob. > B. sexangula (Lour.) Poir. Pearson correlation analysis revealed that the niche breadth of each population was significantly correlated with the importance value of the population in the whole sample (R1 = R2 = 0.771, R3 = 0.644, p < .05). The nine mangrove species were divided into three groups by Bray–Curtis cluster analysis; the groups were similar to the distribution of mangrove species in the natural state as determined by tide level. Niche similarity analysis showed that the niche similarity of most mangroves ranged between 0.5 and 0.8 and that the species pairs A. corniculatum–B. gymnorrhiza, A. corniculatum–Avicennia marina, and K. obovata–S. caseolaris were characterized by large niche similarity ratios. Although it had a moderate niche breadth, S. apetala had a relatively broad niche overlap with mangroves in the mid‐ and low‐tide zones (S. caseolaris, A. corniculatum, K. obovata, and Avicennia marina), a moderate overlap with B. gymnorrhiza and R. stylosa, only a slight overlap with C. tagal, and no overlap with B. sexangular. There was no obvious linear relationship between niche width and niche overlap of mangroves. Due to its inefficiency in utilizing certain resources and relatively high degree of resource selection, it seems likely that S. apetala will not pose a threat to the survival of native plants, let alone completely replace native species.
Local disturbance by muskrat, an ecosystem engineer, enhances plant diversity in regionally‐altered wetlands
Authors: Kua Zi Xun , Stella John C. , Farrell John M. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBiotic ecosystem engineers are increasingly recognized as important drivers of biodiversity, structure, and function in many ecosystems. By regulating physical processes and creating local disturbances, ecosystem engineers can serve as important elements of passive habitat restoration, as they continuously alter and shape their environments. Native to North American temperate wetlands, the common muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) is an ecosystem engineer that alters its environment through herbivory, house and structure building, and creation of activity networks. While the physical consequences of muskrat disturbances are well‐known, few studies have quantified their impact on the wetland biotic community. We conducted a field study to investigate the effects of muskrat herbivory and structure building on plant biodiversity in wetlands along the upper St. Lawrence River (New York, USA) that have been extensively modified by long‐term water regulation and non‐native cattail invasion. Plant species richness and diversity were greater in muskrat‐disturbed areas compared to at‐large reference plots within the same wetlands. Soil saturation mediated the biodiversity impacts of muskrats, with intermediate moisture levels resulting in the highest species richness. These interacting drivers, muskrat activity and hydrology, had a compensatory effect on plant biodiversity loss associated with non‐native cattail invasion. Multivariate analysis indicated a distinct plant community associated with muskrat disturbances. Analysis of spatiotemporal patterns of house locations suggests that some muskrats reuse house locations in sequential years, likely amplifying the intensity and duration of their impacts. This study demonstrates that muskrat disturbance influences wetland plant diversity at scales relevant to regional drivers of plant diversity.
Mitochondrial genomes of Danish vertebrate species generated for the national DNA reference database, DNAmark
Authors: Margaryan Ashot , Noer Christina Lehmkuhl , Richter Stine Raith , Restrup Marlene Elise , Bülow‐Hansen Julie Lee , Leerhøi Frederik , Langkjær Emilia Marie Rolander , Gopalakrishnan Shyam , Carøe Christian , Gilbert M. Thomas P. , Bohmann Kristine 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBiodiversity monitoring projects using environmental DNA techniques are becoming increasingly widespread. However, these techniques depend heavily on the quality and richness of the available DNA reference database against which the DNA sequences are queried. To create a comprehensive DNA sequence database for future DNA‐based biodiversity assessments in Denmark, a national DNA reference database, DNAmark, was established, which contains organellar and/or nuclear reference data from vouchered museum species of plants, animals, and fungi from Denmark. Here, we present full or partial mitochondrial genomes of 182 Danish vertebrate species representing ca. 22% of vertebrate species observed in Denmark. Further, we demonstrate that storage conditions of the specimens accounted for ca. 50% of the total variation in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) preservation while the age of museum specimens had little effect: ca. 4%. In addition, we roughly estimate the cost of sequencing to be 25 EUR per specimen for obtaining sufficient amounts of DNA reads (ca. 200‐fold coverage) for reliable mitogenome assemblies while also obtaining low coverage genomic data. The large number of mitogenomes of Danish vertebrate species represents the initial groundwork for DNA‐based biodiversity assessments of vertebrates in Denmark and paves the way for practitioners to freely choose mitochondrial DNA markers.
Fugitive Dust During Planting of Canola with an Air Seeder as a Source of Environmental Contamination for Pesticides Applied on Seed: A Case Study
Authors: Schaafsma Arthur W. , Limay-Rios Victor 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The dispersion of clothianidin from treated seeds was studied in a commercial winter canola field. During planting, using a John Deere 1890 single disk air seeder, a proportion, an estimated 14.2 ± 2.9% (mean ± standard error), of the clothianidin that was applied to the seed escaped into the atmosphere from the seeder's exhaust. We suggest that this source of environmental contamination may be the main contributor that explains the off-target detection of neonicotinoid residues in soils and water near canola plantings better than movement from seed after it is placed in the soil, which is often proposed in the literature. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:2420–2423. © 2020 SETAC
Multiuser context‐aware computation offloading in mobile edge computing based on Bayesian learning automata
Authors: Farahbakhsh Fariba , Shahidinejad Ali , Ghobaei‐Arani Mostafa 
Published: October 2020

AbstractToday a lot of data sensed from the environment by the Internet of things applications. These data need to process with the lowest delay. Mobile devices (MDs) as ubiquitous tools are end devices in the network. These devices with limited resources cannot process all computations locally. Mobile edge computing (MEC) is a good architecture for processing computations in the network's edge. It solves the cloud challenges such as delay, energy, and cost. If MDs could not process the computations, they will offload tasks to the edge or cloud. Research shows that ignoring context information of application, requests, sensors, resources, and network tools cause to not complete the offloading method. In this article, we consider Bayesian learning automata (BLA) with considering context‐aware offloading in MEC with multiuser. BLA learns all states and actions in the network and helps us to improve the offloading algorithm. The contexts are collected using autonomous management as the monitor‐analysis‐plan‐execution loop in all offloading processes. The simulation results indicate that our method is superior to local computing and offload without considering context‐aware algorithms in some metrics such as energy consumption, execution cost, network usage, delay, and fairness.
Beamforming‐based random access protocol for massive MIMO systems
Authors: Mortaheb Matin , Abbasfar Aliazam 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMassive multiple‐input multiple output (MIMO) systems provide a promising technology for the next generation of wireless communication systems (5G). In the present research, a novel random access (RA) protocol is proposed based on the beamforming properties to admit as many user equipment (UE) as possible, enhance the system performance, and manage the limited number of orthogonal pilots simultaneously. First of all, the proposed RA protocol is studied theoretically to find out formulas for average number of users who will have access to the base station (BS). The result shows the same number of UEs can access the BS as conventional protocols such as multichannel RA solutions. However, in contrary to the conventional protocols, the proposed protocol guaranties that the UEs are located in separate locations, thus, the signal to interference ratio (SINR) of the admitted users are enhanced in multiuser MIMO data transmission phase. A series of enhancements are then proposed to save the orthogonal pilots and to increase the average admitted users significantly. It is shown that, using our novel protocols, we can almost admit as many users as the number of antennas in the BS, using only a fraction of orthogonal pilots needed in conventional protocols.
Effects of early nutritional intervention by a nutritional support team for patients with head and neck cancer undergoing chemoradiotherapy or radiotherapy
Authors: Kono Michihisa , Wakisaka Risa , Kumai Takumi , Hayashi Ryusuke , Komatsuda Hiroki , Sato Ryosuke , Abe Yasushi , Yamaki Hidekiyo , Takahara Miki , Katada Akihiro , Hayashi Tatsuya , Harabuchi Yasuaki 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundWe analyzed the effects of early nutritional intervention by a nutritional support team (NST) in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) undergoing chemoradiotherapy or radiotherapy.MethodsThis study investigated whether early nutritional interventions by a multidisciplinary NST improve body weight loss, mucositis, serum albumin level, and hospital length of stay.ResultsSixty‐one patients with HNSCC were treated during the study, and 32 patients received NST intervention since admission. The median weight loss rates were 3.3% and 7.3% and grade 3 mucositis was observed in 25.0% and 70.0% of patients in the intervention and nonintervention groups, respectively. In the intervention group, serum albumin level through treatment increased and the hospital length of stay from the end of treatment was shortened.ConclusionEarly nutritional intervention by a multidisciplinary NST improved body weight loss rate, mucositis, albumin level, and hospital length of stay, which might lead to better clinical outcomes.
MICA polymorphisms associated with antithyroid drug‐induced agranulocytosis in the Chinese Han population
Authors: Gong Xiaojuan , Chen Pu , Ma Pan , Gao Jiayang , Yang Jingsi , Guo Hui , Yan Chunxia , Zhang Bao , He Yayi 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundGraves' disease (GD) is a clinical autoimmune thyroid disease. During the treatment of GD, antithyroid drug‐induced agranulocytosis (TIA) is a common and even life‐threatening adverse drug reaction. Previous studies suggested that susceptibility to TIA is strongly associated with HLA‐B*27:05, HLA‐B*38:02, and HLA‐DRB1*08:03 genetic variation and six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in MICA genes.AimsThe purpose of this study is to further study the associations between TIA, HLA‐B and MICA.Materials & MethodsWe genotyped MICA‐STR and MICA‐129 variants in 41 TIA and 308 control patients with GD and investigated the linkage effect among SNPs and short tandem repeat (STR) of MICA and HLA‐B alleles.ResultsThe results showed that MICA*A5.1 was significantly associated with TIA (p = .007, odd ratio = 1.958, 95% confidence interval, 1.192–3.214). In addition, high linkage among MICA‐129 and six SNPs MICA and HLA‐B was detected, and two haplotypes (AAAACAAAAACGGCCTA and AACAAAAAAAACATTAA (p = 5.14E−07 and p = 3.42E−08, respectively)) were significantly associated with TIA. Furthermore, when we analyzed only MICA‐129 and HLA‐B separately, the haplotypes (AAAACAAAAAA with p = 2.49E−07 and AACAAAAAAAA with p = 2.14E−09) were identified with more significant effects. MICA‐129 was completely linked to six SNPs with haplotypes ACATTACA (p = 2.05E−05) significantly associated with TIA.ConclusionThese data indicated that there was a significant linkage effect between MICA‐129 and other alleles, suggesting that they exert interactive effects as risk factors for the development of TIA.
Pathological complete response after nivolumab therapy following angiogenesis inhibitors in a patient with metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Hagimoto Hiroki , Kashima Soki , Doi Kazuki , Nakayama Shintaro , Sano Takanori , Imai Satoshi , Yasufuku Tomihiko , Muramaki Mototsugu , Yamada Yuji 
Published: October 2020

IntroductionNivolumab is effective for advanced renal cell carcinoma; however, reports are limited wherein nivolumab is combined with sequential therapy of angiogenesis inhibitors and metastasectomy.Case presentationA 65‐year‐old man was diagnosed with left renal cell carcinoma of cT2aN0M1 with lung metastasis. The patient underwent nephrectomy and sequential therapy with interferon‐α and angiogenesis inhibitors. Lung metastasis decreased by angiogenesis inhibitors, but new right adrenal gland metastasis appeared. Nivolumab as the fifth systemic therapy remarkably shrank the metastasis. After discontinuing nivolumab therapy, the metastasis continued to shrink. The patient underwent adrenalectomy, and pathological analysis revealed no remnant cancer cells in the specimen, confirming a pathological complete response. Twenty months postoperatively, he remains in good health without recurrence.ConclusionWe report a rare case with renal cell carcinoma of a pathological complete response by nivolumab after angiogenesis inhibitors.
Collecting e‐cigarette aerosols for in vitro applications: A survey of the biomedical literature and opportunities to increase the value of submerged cell culture‐based assessments
Authors: Smart Daniel J. , Phillips Gary 
Published: October 2020

AbstractElectronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) are being developed as potentially reduced‐risk alternatives to the continued use of combustible tobacco products. Because of the widespread uptake of ENDS—in particular, e‐cigarettes—the biological effects, including the toxic potential, of their aerosols are under investigation. Preclinically, collection of such aerosols is a prerequisite for testing in submerged cell culture‐based in vitro assays; however, despite the growth in this research area, there is no apparent standardized collection method for this application. To this end, through an Institute for in vitro Sciences, Inc. workshop initiative, we surveyed the biomedical literature catalogued in PubMed® to map the types of methods hitherto used and reported publicly. From the 47 relevant publications retrieved, we identified seven distinct collection methods. Bubble‐through (with aqueous solvents) and Cambridge filter pad (CFP) (with polar solvents) collection were the most frequently cited methods (57% and 18%, respectively), while the five others (CFP + bubble‐through; condensation; cotton filters; settle‐upon; settle‐upon + dry) were cited less often (2–10%). Critically, the collected aerosol fractions were generally found to be only minimally characterized chemically, if at all. Furthermore, there was large heterogeneity among other experimental parameters (e.g., vaping regimen). Consequently, we recommend that more comprehensive research be conducted to identify the method(s) that produce the fraction(s) most representative of the native aerosol. We also endorse standardization of the aerosol generation process. These should be regarded as opportunities for increasing the value of in vitro assessments in relation to predicting effects on human health.
Influence of doxycycline administration on rat embryonic development during organogenesis
Authors: Abd‐Allah Entsar R. , Abd El‐Rahman Heba A. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThis experiment was performed to evaluate the possible embryotoxic and teratogenic effects of doxycycline during rat development. Twenty‐one female rats were used and distributed into three groups equally (seven animals/group). The low dose group received doxycycline at a dose of 5 mg/kg bw/day orally from the 6th to 14th day of gestation. The high dose group received 10 mg/kg bw/day orally for the same period, the Control group received 1 mL distilled water orally for the same period. The dams were dissected on the 20th day of gestation and their fetuses were subjected to morphological, skeletal, and histological examination. Moreover, DNA damage analysis of liver cells of pregnant rats and their fetuses or fetal skull was assessed by Comet assay. The obtained results showed a significant decrease in fetal body weight, several morphological anomalies, and severe lack of ossification on the skull bones, phalanges, and sternum bone as well as shortness in the ulna and radius bones. Histological studies of pregnant rats revealed congestion and dilatation of the central vein of the liver lobules and fatty degeneration of the hepatocytes. In addition, 20 day‐fetuses showed a marked increase of necrotic hepatocytes associated with an increased average of megakaryocytes and periportal leukocytic infiltration. Moreover, doxycycline induced a significant increase in the percentage of DNA damage and tail length of examined samples. Conclusively, doxycycline caused certain fetal abnormalities, so it is advisable to avoid using this drug during pregnancy.
Incidence of Deep Venous Thrombosis in Patients With COVID‐19 and Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Franco‐Moreno Anabel , Herrera‐Morueco Maria , Mestre‐Gómez Beatriz , Muñoz‐Rivas Nuria , Abad‐Motos Ane , Salazar‐Chiriboga Danilo , Duffort‐Falcó Mercedes , Medrano‐Izquierdo Pilar , Bustamante‐Fermosel Ana , Pardo‐Guimera Virginia , Ulla‐Anés Mariano , Torres‐Macho Juan ,   the Infanta Leonor Thrombosis Research Group
Published: October 2020

ObjectivesSeveral reports had observed a high risk of pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), most of them in the intensive care unit. Reported findings indicate that a direct viral‐mediated hyperinflammatory response leads to local thromboinflammation. According to those findings, the incidence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in patients with COVID‐19 and PE should be low. The objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence of DVT in patients with COVID‐19 who developed PE.MethodsIn this prospective observational study, consecutive patients hospitalized in the internal medicine ward with a diagnosis of COVID‐19 who developed PE were screened for DVT in the lower extremities with complete compression ultrasound.ResultsThe study comprised 26 patients. Fifteen patients (57.7%) were male. The median age was 60 years (interquartile range, 54–73 years). Compression ultrasound findings were positive for DVT in 2 patients (7.7%; 95% confidence interval, 3.6%–11.7%). Patients with DVT had central and bilateral PE. In both, venous thromboembolism was diagnosed in the emergency department, so they did not receive previous prophylactic therapy with low‐molecular‐weight heparin. Patients without DVT had higher median d‐dimer levels: 25,688 μg/dL (interquartile range, 80,000–1210 μg/dL) versus 5310 μg/dL (P < .05).ConclusionsOur study showed a low incidence of DVT in a cohort of patients with COVID‐19 and PE. This observation suggests that PE in these patients could be produced mainly by a local thromboinflammatory syndrome induced by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection and not by a thromboembolic event.
Predictive Nomogram for the Necessity of Tracheotomy During Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancer Surgery
Authors: Xu Siyuan , Wang Kai , Liu Kan , Liu Yang , Huang Ying , Zhang Ye , Wang Xiaolei , Xu Zhengang , Liu Shaoyan , Liu Jie 
Published: October 2020

Objectives/HypothesisThe individualized risk of airway obstruction after head and neck cancer surgery is unclear, especially oral and oropharyngeal cancer. The study aimed to establish an individualized predictive model for the necessity of temporary tracheotomy in these patients.MethodsPatients who underwent oral and oropharyngeal cancer surgery from 1999 to 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. A nomogram was developed and validated in patients treated from 1999 to 2009 and 2010 to 2019, respectively.ResultsIn total, 1551 patients were included. Oropharyngeal cancer, large tumor, midline crossing, preoperative radiation, mandibulectomy, flap reconstruction, and neck dissection were independent risk factors of postoperative airway obstruction in the training group (n = 707). A nomogram incorporating these factors had a C‐index of 0.931 and was validated in the testing group (n = 844) (C‐index, 0.918). Good calibration curves were observed in both groups.ConclusionsThe nomogram successfully predicted the individual risk of postoperative airway obstruction for patients with oral and oropharyngeal cancer.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 131:E1489–E1495, 2021