bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Benefits of an anti-parasite treatment are influenced by within-brood size variation in Tree Swallows (Tachycineta bicolor)
Authors: Griebel Ilsa A , Dawson Russell D 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIn all animals, susceptibility to parasites can differ among individuals. Young, nest-bound birds are exposed to a diversity of nest-dwelling ectoparasites that typically feed on their blood. Within broods, hatching asynchrony creates size hierarchies that result in morphological and physiological variation among nest mates, and susceptibility to parasites also may vary predictably with this size hierarchy. Our objective was to use a broad-spectrum, anti-parasite drug, ivermectin (IVM), to treat individual nestling Tree Swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) and assess how nestling susceptibility to parasites varied both within and among broods. Broods were either assigned to an IVM group, where half of the nestlings in a brood received IVM injections and half received control injections of pure sesame oil, or to a control group, where all nestlings received oil injections. We found that the IVM treatment reduced parasite loads for broods as a whole, thereby benefiting all nestlings in IVM broods and suggesting our treatment resulted in herd immunity. Specifically, nestlings from IVM broods had higher hemoglobin concentrations, regardless of whether they received injections with IVM or oil, and greater fledging success, than nestlings from control broods. On the contrary, IVM treatment did not strongly affect nestling morphology, with only marginal effects on the growth rate of ninth primary feathers, and the effects of the treatment on 2 other morphological traits depending on temporal factors. Variation in size within broods, however, influenced the chance of an individual fledging, which increased with relative size within a brood, but only under lower parasite loads (i.e. IVM broods). By experimentally manipulating nestling susceptibility to parasites, we have demonstrated variation in nestling response to an anti-parasite treatment both within and among broods, and future studies should investigate the underlying mechanism for why certain nestlings along the brood size hierarchy are more susceptible to parasites.
Bone histology yields insights into the biology of the extinct elephant birds (Aepyornithidae) from Madagascar
Authors: Chinsamy Anusuya , Angst Delphine , Canoville Aurore , Göhlich Ursula B 
Published: January 2020

AbstractGiven that the biology of the recently extinct aepyornithids is poorly understood, we undertook a histological study of 29 skeletal elements of adult and juvenile specimens of Aepyornithidae, i.e. Aepyornis maximus, Aepyornis hildebrandti and Vorombe titan, in addition to a group of taxonomically unidentifiable juvenile Aepyornithiformes. Comparative analysis of the histology of the different skeletal elements showed that although the femur retained a good record of growth during early ontogeny, the tibiotarsus provided the best record of growth. Our data showed that, like other insular birds and their extant relative, the kiwi, Aepyornithidae experienced protracted growth. We also found that intracortical remodelling began early in ontogeny and continued throughout their lives, becoming more extensive throughout the compacta with age, albeit more restricted to the perimedullary region in the femora. We also deduced that the different skeletal elements experienced variable amounts of intracortical remodelling, which was most likely to be related to biomechanical constraints, size of the element and ontogenetic age. Additionally, we documented the occurrence of an unusual endosteal tissue within the large perimedullary erosional spaces of a femur of A. maximus. Overall, our study provided a lot of new information about the life history of these giant, recently extinct ratites.
Commensalism outweighs phylogeographical structure in its effect on phenotype of a Sudanian savanna rodent
Authors: Mikula Ondřej , Nicolas Violaine , Boratyński Zbyszek , Denys Christiane , Dobigny Gauthier , Fichet-Calvet Elisabeth , Gagaré Sama , Hutterer Rainer , Nimo-Paintsil Shirley Cameron , Olayemi Ayodeji , Bryja Josef 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe murid rodent Praomys daltoni is widespread in Sudanian savanna and woodlands of West Africa, and previous study of mitochondrial DNA variability suggested that it encompasses the phenotypically (small, grey-bellied) and ecologically (commensal) distinct form, Praomys derooi. Here, we comprehensively examined the genetic and morphological diversity within the complex. Six mitochondrial lineages showed a fine-scale phylogeographical pattern, whereas delimitation based on nuclear loci pooled four of them into a single widespread unit. A newly discovered lineage from southern Mauritania stands apart from the rest of the complex and might represent an unrecognized species. At the same time, the internal position of P. derooi (C2 mitochondrial lineage) was confirmed by the multilocus analysis. The magnitude of genetic distances between major phylogeographical lineages was typical for interspecific divergence in other clades of Praomys, despite the little differences among them in morphology (skull and upper molar row shapes). The most pronounced morphological shift was associated with a transition to commensalism, especially in P. derooi, but also in other lineages. This makes the whole complex a suitable model for the study of phenotypic novelty, the evolution of commensalism and conditions for ecological speciation.
On Quantifying Water Quality Benefits of Healthy Soils
Authors: Zimnicki Thomas , Boring Timothy , Evenson Grey , Kalcic Margaret , Karlen Douglas L , Wilson Robyn S , Zhang Yao , Blesh Jennifer 
Published: January 2020

AbstractDespite decades of research demonstrating links between many agricultural practices and water quality, the ability to predict water quality on the basis of changes in soil health remains severely limited. By better understanding how soil health affects downstream water quality, researchers and policymakers could prioritize different conservation practices while exploring more innovative soil health management strategies. Focusing on the Great Lakes region, we describe the value and challenges of different approaches to linking soil health and water quality, specifically applying nitrogen and phosphorus mass balances and adapting simulation models to better incorporate changing soil health conditions. We identify critical research needs, including paying greater attention to a broad suite of conservation practices and to biological indicators of soil health. We also discuss key barriers to farmer adoption of conservation practices from field to national scales, highlighting that improved scientific understanding alone is insufficient to drive widespread change.
Comparative floral development reveals novel aspects of structure and diversity of flowers in Cannabaceae
Authors: Leme Flávia M , Schönenberger Jürg , Staedler Yannick M , Teixeira Simone P 
Published: January 2020

AbstractSpecies of Cannabaceae are wind pollinated, have inconspicuous and reduced flowers that are pistillate, staminate and apparently perfect on the same individual or on different individuals, with a single-whorled perianth and a pseudomonomerous gynoecium. Our objective is to understand the developmental processes that lead to such a reduced flower morphology and polygamy in Cannabis sativa, Celtis iguanaea and Trema micrantha. Floral buds and flowers were processed for surface, histological examinations and 3D reconstructions of vasculature. The single-whorled perianth is interpreted as a calyx because the organs are robust, have a broad base, an acute apex and quincuncial aestivation and are opposite the stamens. Petals are absent from inception. The dicliny is established at different development stages: stamens or carpels are absent from inception (Cannabis sativa), initiated and aborted during early (Trema micrantha, before sporo/gametogenesis) or late (Celtis iguanaea, after sporo/gametogenesis) development. Furthermore, in all species studied the carpels are congenitally united and the pseudomonomerous nature of the gynoecium is confirmed. Glandular trichomes are distributed on the bracts, sepals, anther connective and receptacle. Special floral features shared by species of Cannabaceae include precocious ovule development and sepals that are each vascularized by one bundle. The reduced flowers of Cannabaceae are the result of the absence from inception and/or abortion of organs and even of a whole whorl at different developmental stages, which were probably selected in response to pressures exerted by the similar pollination mechanism.
Floral morphology and morphogenesis in Sanguisorba (Rosaceae): flower diversification despite petal reduction and spatial constraints
Authors: Wang Jun-Ru , Wang Xi , Su Na , Li Qiu-Jie , Zhang Xiao-Hui , Ma Yue-Ping , Zhao Liang , Ginefra Toni João Felipe , De Craene Louis Ronse 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Most Rosaceae flowers are pentamerous and have petals, but subtribe Sanguisorbinae have small tetramerous (or trimerous) flowers without petals, and their floral morphology and morphogenesis remain poorly known. We investigated the floral development of three Sanguisorba spp. using scanning electron microscopy to clarify the relationship between floral development and mature flowers, with emphasis on floral constraints affecting reduction of petals, diversity of androecial patterns and the development of the gynoecium and ovule, and to clarify the pollination mechanisms in the absence of petals. All species have botryoids, with numerous flowers initiated acropetally, and the maturation of flowers follows different directions. All flowers are tetramerous and sepals emerge pairwise. No petal primordia appear. Antesepalous stamens are initiated in a pairwise manner; only S. hakusanensis has a second whorl. The ovary appears inferior by development of a cystiform hypanthium. There is only one ovule with a single integument by reduction of the inner. The space occupied by the larger sepals forces the stamens to develop sequentially. Our data demonstrate that petals are basically absent and that there is a possible shift of pollination mechanisms in Sanguisorba among the mainly wind-pollinated Sanguisorbinae, as both anemophilous and entomophilous characters are found in this genus.
Differential effects of deep brain stimulation and levodopa on brain activity in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Mueller Karsten , Urgošík Dušan , Ballarini Tommaso , Holiga Štefan , Möller Harald E , Růžička Filip , Roth Jan , Vymazal Josef , Schroeter Matthias L , Růžička Evžen , Jech Robert 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Levodopa is the first-line treatment for Parkinson’s disease, although the precise mechanisms mediating its efficacy remain elusive. We aimed to elucidate treatment effects of levodopa on brain activity during the execution of fine movements and to compare them with deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nuclei. We studied 32 patients with Parkinson’s disease using functional MRI during the execution of finger-tapping task, alternating epochs of movement and rest. The task was performed after withdrawal and administration of a single levodopa dose. A subgroup of patients (n = 18) repeated the experiment after electrode implantation with stimulator on and off. Investigating levodopa treatment, we found a significant interaction between both factors of treatment state (off, on) and experimental task (finger tapping, rest) in bilateral putamen, but not in other motor regions. Specifically, during the off state of levodopa medication, activity in the putamen at rest was higher than during tapping. This represents an aberrant activity pattern probably indicating the derangement of basal ganglia network activity due to the lack of dopaminergic input. Levodopa medication reverted this pattern, so that putaminal activity during finger tapping was higher than during rest, as previously described in healthy controls. Within-group comparison with deep brain stimulation underlines the specificity of our findings with levodopa treatment. Indeed, a significant interaction was observed between treatment approach (levodopa, deep brain stimulation) and treatment state (off, on) in bilateral putamen. Our functional MRI study compared for the first time the differential effects of levodopa treatment and deep brain stimulation on brain motor activity. We showed modulatory effects of levodopa on brain activity of the putamen during finger movement execution, which were not observed with deep brain stimulation.
Phylogenetic Analysis Indicates a Longer Term Presence of the Globally Distributed H58 Haplotype of Salmonella Typhi in Southern India
Authors: Pragasam Agila Kumari , Pickard Derek , Wong Vanessa , Dougan Gordon , Kang Gagandeep , Thompson Andrew , John Jacob , Balaji Veeraraghavan , Mutreja Ankur 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Background
Typhoid fever caused by Salmonella Typhi is a major public health concern in low-/middle-income countries. A recent study of 1900 global S. Typhi indicated that South Asia might be the site of the original emergence of the most successful and hypervirulent clone belonging to the 4.3.1 genotype. However, this study had limited samples from India.

Methods
We analyzed 194 clinical S. Typhi, temporal representatives from those isolated from blood and bone marrow cultures in southern India, over 26 years (1991–2016). Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) testing was performed for most common clinical agents. Whole-genome sequencing and SNP-level analysis was conducted. Comparative genomics of Vellore isolates was performed to infer transmission and AMR events.

Results
We identified multidrug-resistance (MDR)–associated clade 4.3.1 as the dominant genotype. We detected 4.3.1 S. Typhi as early as 1991, the earliest to be reported form India, and the majority were fluoroquinolone resistant and not MDR. MDR was not detected at all in other genotypes circulating in Vellore. Comparison with global S. Typhi showed 2 Vellore subgroups (I and II) that were phylogenetically highly related to previously described South Asia (subgroup I, II) and Southeast Asia (subgroup II) clades.

Conclusions
4.3.1 S. Typhi has dominated in Vellore for 2 decades. Our study would assist public health agencies in better tracking of transmission and persistence of this successful clade in India and globally. It informs clinicians of the AMR pattern of circulating clone, which would add confidence to their prophylactic/treatment decision making and facilitate efficient patient care.
Technical Characteristics of Curriculum-Based Measurement With Students Who Are Deaf
Authors: Lam Elizabeth A , Rose Susan , McMaster Kristen L 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThis study compared the reliability and validity of student scores from paper–pencil and e-based assessments using the “maze” and “silent reading fluency” (SRF) tasks. Forty students who were deaf and hard of hearing and reading between the second and fifth grade reading levels and their teachers (n = 21) participated. For maze, alternate form reliability coefficients obtained from correct scores and correct scores adjusted for guessing ranged from r = .61 to .84 (ps &lt; .01); criterion-related validity coefficients ranged from r = .33 to .67 (most ps &lt; .01). For SRF, reliability coefficients obtained from correct scores ranged from r = .50 to .75 (ps &lt; .01); validity ranged from r = .25 to .72. Differences between student performance on paper–pencil and e-based conditions were generally non-significant for maze; significant differences between conditions for SRF favored the paper–pencil condition. Findings suggest that maze holds promise, with inconclusive results for SRF.
Game changer? A sporting indication to implant a left atrial appendage closure device in a rugby player with atrial fibrillation: a case report
Authors: Briosa e Gala Andre , Cox Andrew , Pope Michael , Betts Timothy 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Background
Caring for athletes with cardiac disease requires an approach that caters to the specific needs of the athlete.

Case summary
A 27-year-old professional rugby player was admitted with decompensated heart failure and atrial fibrillation (AF). Transthoracic echocardiogram showed features in keeping with a dilated cardiomyopathy with severe left ventricular (LV) systolic impairment. He made good progress on evidence-based heart failure medication and his LV systolic function returned to normal. He failed to maintain sinus rhythm with cardioversion and remained in persistent AF. He then suffered a transient ischaemic attack despite appropriate anticoagulation. At 1-year follow-up, he was asymptomatic and against medical advice continued to play competitive rugby whilst taking rivaroxaban. He subsequently underwent implantation with a percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion device, allowing him to discontinue anticoagulation, reduce his bleeding risk and resume his career, whilst simultaneously lowering the thromboembolic risk.

Discussion
Counselling should include different management options aimed at minimizing the risks to athletes if they to return to competitive sports. Left atrial appendage occlusion devices are a suitable AF-related stroke prevention strategy in athletes competing in full-contact sports.
Seasonal variation of epiphytic bacteria in the phyllosphere of Gingko biloba, Pinus bungeana and Sabina chinensis
Authors: Bao Lijun , Gu Likun , Sun Bo , Cai Wenyang , Zhang Shiwei , Zhuang Guoqiang , Bai Zhihui , Zhuang Xuliang 
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACT
Phyllosphere harbors diverse microorganisms, which influence plant growth and health. In order to understand the extent to which environmental factors affect epiphytic microbial communities, we characterized microbial communities on leaves of three separate tree species present on the college campus, and also present within a forest park over two seasons. Quantitative PCR analysis showed the quantity of 16S rRNA genes was lower in May compared with October, while the abundances of functional genes (nifH and bacterial amoA genes) were extremely high in May. High-throughput sequencing revealed a large variation in the diversity and composition of bacterial and diazotrophic communities over the two seasons, and showed the abundance of functional genera, such as Nocardioides, Bacillus and Zoogloea were significantly elevated in May. In addition, xenobiotic biodegradation pathways of bacterial communities were clearly elevated in May. Network analysis showed the correlations between phyllospheric bacteria in May were more complex than that in October and showed greater negative correlations. These results were consistent in all tree species in this study. This study showed that phyllospheric bacteria varied greatly in different seasons, which implies that different growing seasons should be considered in the exploitation of the interactions between phyllospheric microorganisms and host plants.
Patterns of local, intercontinental and interseasonal variation of soil bacterial and eukaryotic microbial communities
Authors: De Gruyter Johan , Weedon James T , Bazot Stéphane , Dauwe Steven , Fernandez-Garberí Pere-Roc , Geisen Stefan , De La Motte Louis Gourlez , Heinesch Bernard , Janssens Ivan A , Leblans Niki , Manise Tanguy , Ogaya Romà , Löfvenius Mikaell Ottosson , Peñuelas Josep , Sigurdsson Bjarni D , Vincent Gaëlle , Verbruggen Erik 
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACT
Although ongoing research has revealed some of the main drivers behind global spatial patterns of microbial communities, spatio-temporal dynamics of these communities still remain largely unexplored. Here, we investigate spatio-temporal variability of both bacterial and eukaryotic soil microbial communities at local and intercontinental scales. We compare how temporal variation in community composition scales with spatial variation in community composition, and explore the extent to which bacteria, protists, fungi and metazoa have similar patterns of temporal community dynamics. All soil microbial groups displayed a strong correlation between spatial distance and community dissimilarity, which was related to the ratio of organism to sample size. Temporal changes were variable, ranging from equal to local between-sample variation, to as large as that between communities several thousand kilometers apart. Moreover, significant correlations were found between bacterial and protist communities, as well as between protist and fungal communities, indicating that these microbial groups change in tandem, potentially driven by interactions between them. We conclude that temporal variation can be considerable in soil microbial communities, and that future studies need to consider temporal variation in order to reliably capture all drivers of soil microbiome changes.
The influence of diet on the microbiota of live-feed rotifers (Brachionus plicatilis) used in commercial fish larviculture
Authors: Turgay Emre , Steinum Terje Marken , Eryalçın Kamil Mert , Yardımcı Remziye Eda , Karataş Süheyla 
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACT
Live-feed is indispensable to commercial fish larviculture. However, high bacterial loads in rotifers could pose a biosecurity risk. While this may be true, live-feed associated bacteria could also be beneficial to fish larvae through improved feed utilization or pathogen inhibition following host microbiota modification. The study objective was to elucidate the largely unexplored microbiota of rotifers propagated on five different diets through bacterial community profiling by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Investigated rotifer samples had a median observed alpha-diversity of 338 ± 87 bacterial species. Alpha- and Gamma-Proteobacteria dominated the rotifer microbiota followed by members of classes Flavobacteriia, Cytophagia, Mollicutes, Phycisphaerae and Bacteroidia. Different diets significantly altered the bacterial communities associated with rotifers according to PERMANOVA test results and beta dispersion calculations. A common core rotifer microbiome included 31 bacterial species present in relative abundances over 0.01%. We discuss the functional role of some microbiome members. Our data suggested the presence of several known fish pathogens in stock rotifers. However, we found no evidence for increased loads of these presumptive taxa in propagated live-feed rotifers during this field trial.