bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The brown root rot fungus Phellinus noxius affects microbial communities in different root‐associated niches of Ficus trees
Authors: Liu Tse‐Yen , Chen Chao‐Han , Yang Yu‐Liang , Tsai Isheng J. , Ho Ying‐Ning , Chung Chia‐Lin 
Published: December 2021

SummaryBrown root rot (BRR) caused by Phellinus noxius is a destructive tree disease in tropical and subtropical areas. To understand how BRR affects the composition of the plant rhizoplane‐enriched microbiota, the microbiomes within five root‐associated compartments (i.e., bulk soil, old/young root rhizosphere soil, old/young root tissue) of Ficus trees naturally infected by P. noxius were investigated. The level of P. noxius infection was determined by quantitative PCR. Illumina sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer and 16S rRNA revealed that P. noxius infection caused a significant reduction in fungal diversity in the bulk soil, the old root rhizosphere soil, and the old root tissue. Interestingly, Cosmospora was the only fungal genus positively correlated with P. noxius. The abundance and composition of dominant bacterial taxa such as Actinomadura, Bacillus, Rhodoplanes, and Streptomyces differed between BRR‐diseased and healthy samples. Furthermore, 838 isolates belonging to 26 fungal and 35 bacterial genera were isolated and tested for interactions with P. noxius. Antagonistic activities were observed for isolates of Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Trichoderma. Cellophane overlay and cellulose/lignin utilization assays suggested that Cosmospora could tolerate the secretions of P. noxius and that the degradation of lignin by P. noxius may create suitable conditions for Cosmorpora growth.
Amsterdam urban canals contain novel niches for methane‐cycling microorganisms
Authors: Pelsma Koen A. J. , in 't Zandt Michiel H. , Op den Camp Huub J. M. , Jetten Mike S. M. , Dean Joshua F. , Welte Cornelia U. 
Published: December 2021

SummaryUrbanised environments have been identified as hotspots of anthropogenic methane emissions. Especially urban aquatic ecosystems are increasingly recognised as important sources of methane. However, the microbiology behind these emissions remains unexplored. Here, we applied microcosm incubations and molecular analyses to investigate the methane‐cycling community of the Amsterdam canal system in the Netherlands. The sediment methanogenic communities were dominated by Methanoregulaceae and Methanosaetaceae, with co‐occurring methanotrophic Methanoperedenaceae and Methylomirabilaceae indicating the potential for anaerobic methane oxidation. Methane was readily produced after substrate amendment, suggesting an active but substrate‐limited methanogenic community. Bacterial 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing of the sediment revealed a high relative abundance of Thermodesulfovibrionia. Canal wall biofilms showed the highest initial methanotrophic potential under oxic conditions compared to the sediment. During prolonged incubations the maximum methanotrophic rate increased to 8.08 mmol gDW−1 d−1 that was concomitant with an enrichment of Methylomonadaceae bacteria. Metagenomic analysis of the canal wall biofilm lead to the recovery of a single methanotroph metagenome‐assembled genome. Taxonomic analysis showed that this methanotroph belongs to the genus Methyloglobulus. Our results underline the importance of previously unidentified and specialised environmental niches at the nexus of the natural and human‐impacted carbon cycle.
Medicaid prevalence and opioid use disorder treatment access disparities
Authors: Richards Michael R. , Leech Ashley A. , Stein Bradley D. , Buntin Melinda B. , Patrick Stephen W. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo examine how variation in the size of the local Medicaid population moderates Medicaid‐to‐private treatment access differentials for women with opioid use disorder (OUD).Data SourcesCounty‐level information on total Medicaid enrollment combined with randomized field experiment data from 10 diverse states that used a simulated patient (audit) methodology to examine buprenorphine providers' appointment granting behavior.Study DesignWe used multiple regression modeling approaches to capture the moderating influence of Medicaid prevalence on differences in the likelihood of receiving an insurance‐covered appointment between Medicaid and privately insured female patients.Data ExtractionCompleted calls to buprenorphine treatment providers.Principal FindingsWe find a 0.37 percentage point (p value <0.01) narrowing of the Medicaid‐to‐private access gap with each one percentage point increase in the local insured population on Medicaid. There is effectively no difference in the likelihood of being granted an insurance‐covered appointment across the two payer groups in the top tercile of Medicaid penetration.ConclusionsWhen Medicaid is a common source of insurance within the local population, buprenorphine providers are much less likely to discriminate between Medicaid and privately insured prospective patients. Efforts to enhance equitable access across patient groups are perhaps best targeted where Medicaid prevalence is lower.
Ambiguity and legal compliance
Authors: Barnum Timothy C. , Nagin Daniel S. 
Published: December 2021

Research SummaryThis study examines the independent and joint effect of ambiguity and perceived certainty of apprehension on law‐breaking decision‐making. Data come from a survey of experienced drivers (N = 1147) who viewed videos depicting a car speeding on an interstate highway under experimentally manipulated circumstances. The sampled drivers were generally ambiguity averse, opting to reduce speeding as ambiguity about the perceived certainty of apprehension increased. However, perceived ambiguity interacted with perceived certainty such that increases in ambiguity increased the deterrent effect of ambiguity for low certainty probabilities and decreased the effect for high probabilities.Policy ImplicationsAmbiguity may serve as a valuable tool for increasing the efficacy of crime‐prevention strategies, especially for crimes with naturally low levels of risk. However, researchers should think carefully about the effects of ambiguity when analyzing the efficacy of certainty‐based policies because the injection of ambiguity can both increase and decrease legal compliance. Also, discussed are the implications for a key function of policing—traffic safety.
Trends in the use of short‐course radiation therapy for rectal cancer in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Batumalai Vikneswary , Descallar Joseph , Wong Karen , Gabriel Gabriel , Delaney Geoff P , Shafiq Jesmin , Vinod Shalini K , Barton Michael B 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIntroductionTrends in the use of short‐course radiation therapy (RT) for rectal cancer in Australia are unknown. The purpose of this study was to compare short‐course RT and long‐course chemoradiation (CRT) utilisation in the neoadjuvant treatment of rectal cancer in New South Wales (NSW).MethodsPatients who received neoadjuvant RT (2009–2014) for rectal cancer were identified from the NSW Central Cancer Registry. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to investigate factors associated with receipt of short‐course RT.ResultsA total of 1196 (81%) patients received long‐course CRT, and 274 (19%) patients received short‐course RT. Receipt of short‐course RT was associated with older age: 54% in patients ≥80 years, and 11% in patients <50 years (P < 0.0001). Patients with T2 disease (30%) were more likely to receive short‐course RT, compared with T3 (19%) or T4 (8%) disease (P = 0.002). Patients with N0 (23%) disease were more likely to be treated with short‐course RT, compared with N+ (16%) (P = 0.03). The proportion of short‐course RT delivered to patients with Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) ≥ 2 (28%) was higher than patients with CCI = 0 (17%) (P = 0.002). There was wide variation in the proportion of short‐course RT used across residence local health districts (5–29%) (P < 0.0001).ConclusionIn rectal cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant RT in NSW, 19% received short‐course RT. The use of short‐course RT was associated with older age, comorbidities and less advanced disease. Wide variation across NSW was identified and future research investigating factors for the variation will be useful.
Fish eDNA metabarcoding from aquatic biofilm samples: Methodological aspects
Authors: Rivera Sinziana F. , Rimet Frédéric , Vasselon Valentin , Vautier Marine , Domaizon Isabelle , Bouchez Agnès 
Published: December 2021

AbstractFish eDNA metabarcoding is usually performed from filtered water samples. The volume of filtered water depends on the study scope and can rapidly become time consuming according to the number of samples that have to be processed. To avoid time allocated to filtration, passive DNA samplers have been used to recover fish eDNA from marine environments faster. In freshwater ecosystems, aquatic biofilms were used to catch eDNA from macroinvertebrates. Here, we test the capacity of aquatic biofilms to entrap fish eDNA in a large lake and, therefore, the possibility to perform fish eDNA metabarcoding from this matrix compared to the traditional fish eDNA approach from filtered water samples. Methodological aspects of the use of aquatic biofilms for fish eDNA metabarcoding (e.g. PCR replicates, biological replicates, bioinformatics pipeline, reference database and taxonomic assignment) were validated against a mock community. When using biofilms from habitats sheltered from wind and waves, biofilm and water approach provided similar inventories. Richness and diversity were comparable between both approaches. Approaches differed only for rare taxa. Our results illustrate the capacity of aquatic biofilms to act as passive eDNA samplers of fish eDNA and, therefore, the possibility to use biofilms to monitor fish communities efficiently from biofilms. Furthermore, our results open up avenues of research to study a diversity of biological groups (among which bioindicators as diatoms, macroinvertebrates and fish) from eDNA isolated from a single environmental matrix reducing sampling efforts, analysis time and costs.
Ultrasonography of auricular cartilage is a potential tool for diagnosing relapsing polychondritis and monitoring disease activity
Authors: Yoshida Mitsuharu , Taniguchi Yoshinori , Yoshida Takeshi , Nishikawa Hirofumi , Terada Yoshio 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAimTo assess the clinical utility of ultrasonography in the diagnosis and monitoring of disease activity in relapsing polychondritis (RP).MethodsAuricular and nasal chondritis of 6 patients with RP were assessed by ultrasonography before treatment initiation. Changes in the ultrasonographic and clinical findings and serum inflammatory markers were longitudinally assessed. Ultrasonography was also performed in 6 patients with repeat ear trauma, 6 patients with auricular cellulitis and 6 healthy controls for comparison among groups.ResultsIn all cases of RP, ultrasonographic findings before treatment revealed low‐echoic swollen auricular and nasal cartilage and perichondral soft‐tissue with increased power Doppler signals (PDS) corresponding to biopsy findings. After 2‐month treatment with prednisolone (PSL) combined with methotrexate, clinical and serum inflammatory markers were completely resolved. Although swollen perichondral soft‐tissue, cartilage and PDS on auricular ultrasonography were also significantly improved, PDS remained in 2 of 6 cases, which showed flare early after tapering PSL. Finally, ultrasonographic findings of RP were substantially differentiated between patients with repeat trauma and cellulitis and healthy controls based on the thickness of soft tissue around the cartilage, PDS and subperichondral serous effusion.ConclusionAssessment of RP lesions by ultrasonography is useful for the evaluation of cartilaginous lesions and monitoring of disease activity, especially when considering the treatment response and the timing of drug tapering.
Congruence of local ecological knowledge (LEK)‐based methods and line‐transect surveys in estimating wildlife abundance in tropical forests
Authors: Braga‐Pereira Franciany , Morcatty Thais Q. , El Bizri Hani R. , Tavares Aline S. , Mere‐Roncal Carla , González‐Crespo Carlos , Bertsch Carolina , Rodriguez Claudia Ramos , Bardales‐Alvites Claudio , von Mühlen Eduardo M. , Bernárdez‐Rodríguez Galicia Fernanda , Paim Fernanda Pozzan , Tamayo Jhancy Segura , Valsecchi João , Gonçalves Jonas , Torres‐Oyarce Leon , Lemos Lísley Pereira , de Mattos Vieira Marina A. R. , Bowler Mark , Gilmore Michael P. , Perez Natalia Carolina Angulo , da Nóbrega Alves Rômulo Romeu , Peres Carlos A. , E. Pérez‐Peña Pedro , Mayor Pedro 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Effective estimation of wildlife population abundance is an important component of population monitoring, and ultimately essential for the development of conservation actions. Diurnal line‐transect surveys are one of the most applied methods for abundance estimations. Local ecological knowledge (LEK) is empirically acquired through the observation of ecological processes by local people. LEK‐based methods have only been recognized as valid scientific methods for surveying fauna abundance in the last three decades. However, the agreement between both methods has not been extensively analysed.

We compared concomitant abundance data for 91 wild species (mammals, birds and tortoises) from diurnal line transects (9,221 km of trails) and a LEK‐based method (291 structured interviews) at 18 sites in Central and Western Amazonia. We used biological and socioecological factors to assess the agreements and divergences between abundance indices obtained from both methods.

We found a significant agreement of population abundance indices for diurnal and game species. This relationship was also positive regardless of species sociality (solitary or social), body size and locomotion mode (terrestrial and arboreal); and of sampled forest type (upland and flooded forests). Conversely, we did not find significant abundance covariances for nocturnal and non‐game species. Despite the general agreement between methods, line transects were not effective at surveying many species occurring in the area, with 40.2% and 39.8% of all species being rarely and never detected in at least one of the survey sites. On the other hand, these species were widely reported by local informants to occur at intermediate to high abundances.

Although LEK‐based methods have been long neglected by ecologists, our comparative study demonstrated their effectiveness for estimating vertebrate abundance of a wide diversity of taxa and forest environments. This can be used simultaneously with line‐transect surveys to calibrate abundance estimates and record species that are rarely sighted during surveys on foot, but that are often observed by local people during their daily extractive activities. Thus, the combination of local and scientific knowledge is a potential tool to improve our knowledge of tropical forest species and foster the development of effective strategies to meet biodiversity conservation goals.
Land certification, rental market participation, and household welfare in rural China
Authors: Xu Licheng , Du Xiaodong 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe 2009 land reform in China marks a move toward a more flexible land tenure system in rural areas. This study evaluates the effect of this reform on rental market participation and household welfare in rural China. Using a four‐period nationally representative household‐level panel data during 2010–2016, we find that the 2009 land reform increased rental market participation by 6.6 to 7.0 percentage points on average. The effect varies significantly with village and household characteristics. The welfare impact of rental market participation on rural households depends on the type of participation. Specifically, the households renting in land witness an increase in their aggregated income by 10.7% on average through the expansion of farm production, which is accompanied by an increase in aggregated expenditure by approximately 11.2%. Those leasing out their land lose the portion of income on the farm but the aggregated household income is on average statistically unchanged, possibly due to a higher off‐farm income and the inflow of land rental income. Along with the statistically unchanged aggregated expenditure, the households leasing out land experience no significant welfare changes after the 2009 land reform.
Mismatch between soil nutrient deficiencies and fertilizer applications: Implications for yield responses in Ethiopia
Authors: Abay Kibrom A. , Abay Mehari H. , Amare Mulubrhan , Berhane Guush , Aynekulu Ermias 
Published: December 2021

AbstractLack of accurate information about soil nutrient deficiencies coupled with limited access to appropriate fertilizers could lead to mismatch between soil nutrient deficiencies (requirements) and fertilizer applications. Such anomalies and mismatches are likely to have important implications for agricultural productivity. In this article we use experimental (spectral soil analysis) data from Ethiopia to examine farmers’ response to soil nutrient deficiencies and its implications for yield responses. We find that farmers’ response to macronutrient (nitrogen and phosphorus) deficiencies is not always consistent with agronomic recommendations. For example, we find that farmers in our sample are applying nitrogen fertilizers to soils lacking phosphorus, potentially due to lack of information on soil nutrient deficiencies or lack of access to appropriate fertilizers in rural markets. On the other hand, farmers respond to perceivably poor‐quality and acidic soils by applying higher amount of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers. We further show that such mismatches between fertilizer applications and soil macronutrient deficiencies are potentially yield‐reducing. Those farmers matching their soil nutrient deficiencies (requirements) and fertilizer application are likely to enjoy additional yield gains. Marginal yield response associated with nitrogen (phosphorus) application increases with nitrogen (phosphorus) deficiency in soils. Similarly, we find that farmers’ response to acidic soils is not yield‐enhancing. These findings suggest that such mismatches may explain heterogeneities in marginal returns to chemical fertilizers and the observed low adoption rates of chemical fertilizers in sub‐Saharan Africa.
Improving Trial Generalizability Using Observational Studies
Authors: Lee Dasom , Yang Shu , Dong Lin , Wang Xiaofei , Zeng Donglin , Cai Jianwen 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Complementary features of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies (OSs) can be used jointly to estimate the average treatment effect of a target population. We propose a calibration weighting estimator that enforces the covariate balance between the RCT and OS, therefore improving the trial-based estimator's generalizability. Exploiting semiparametric efficiency theory, we propose a doubly robust augmented calibration weighting estimator that achieves the efficiency bound derived under the identification assumptions. A nonparametric sieve method is provided as an alternative to the parametric approach, which enables the robust approximation of the nuisance functions and data-adaptive selection of outcome predictors for calibration. We establish asymptotic results and confirm the finite sample performances of the proposed estimators by simulation experiments and an application on the estimation of the treatment effect of adjuvant chemotherapy for early-stage non-small-cell lung patients after surgery.
Seed size and pubescence facilitate secondary dispersal by dung beetles
Authors: Pedersen Karen M. , Blüthgen Nico 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIn tropical forests, primary dispersal by animals is the most important form of seed dispersal. Dung beetles are secondary seed dispersers attracted to mammal feces. When they bury dung of frugivorous mammals, they move seeds to new sites, possibly protecting them from seed predation or pathogens, or moving to better micro‐climates and away from conspecifics. As a result, secondary dispersal by dung beetles potentially increases rates of seed survival and germination. Previous studies examined how dung beetles filter seeds by size. However, other seed traits have not been examined. We discovered that pubescent seeds covered with hairs on their surface hold a thin layer of dung and possibly “trick” the dung beetles into burying them like a dung ball. In a lowland tropical forest (Chocó Ecuador), we collected dung balls from dung beetles (Canthon angustatus, Oxysternon conspicillatum, Sulcophanaeus noctis, and Scybalocanthon trimaculatus), and fecal samples from brown‐headed spider monkeys (Ateles fusciceps fusciceps) and mantled howler monkey (Alouatta palliata). We characterized the traits of seed morphospecies found within samples and counted them. Our data show that larger size is coupled with a higher proportion of pubescence in seeds. The association between seed size and pubescence may extend beyond our study area supported by an analysis of the literature data for neotropical seeds at the genus level. Large pubescent seeds were more likely to be included in dung balls than smooth large seeds. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that secondary dispersal by dung beetles exerts some selection pressure on the phenotype of endozoochorous seeds.
The role of FoxO1 and its modulation with small molecules in the development of diabetes mellitus: A review
Authors: Nathanael Joshua , Suardana Putu , Vianney Yoanes Maria , Dwi Putra Sulistyo Emantoko 
Published: December 2021

AbstractDiabetes mellitus type 2 (T2D) is one of the metabolic disorders suffered by a global human being. Certain factors, such as lifestyle and heredity, can increase a person's tendency for T2D. Various genes and proteins play a role in the development of insulin resistance and ultimately diabetes in which one central protein that is discussed in this review is FoxO1. In this review, we regard FoxO1 activation as detrimental, promote high plasma glucose level, and induce insulin resistance. Indeed, many contrasting studies arise since FoxO1 is an important protein to alleviate oxidative stress and promote cell survival, for example, also by preventing hyperglycemic‐induced cell death. Inter‐relation to PPARG, another important protein in metabolism, is also discussed. Ultimately, we discussed contrasting approaches of targeting FoxO1 to combat diabetes mellitus by small molecules.
Pediatric obesity and body weight following the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Dubnov‐Raz Gal , Maor Shay , Ziv‐Baran Tomer 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe SARS‐CoV‐19 pandemic and its associated lockdowns affected children's lifestyle dramatically. The effect of such changes on children's weight and obesity status is unknown. The aim of this study was to compare body weight and obesity rates in children from before the pandemic to 6 months after the major periods of lockdowns in Israel.MethodsWe used data from medical records of pediatric emergency department visits, where weight is routinely measured, to compare weight and obesity prevalence in the fourth quartile of 2020 (n = 2468) as compared with the fourth quartiles of 2018–2019 (n = 5300). Weight was transformed to age‐ and sex‐specific standard‐deviation‐scores (SDS) for analysis.ResultsWeight‐SDS increased by a mean of 0.07 during the first 6 months of the pandemic, yet this was only significant in preschoolers. Obesity rates also increased in this age group only, by 37%, from 8.1% to 11.1% (p = 0.01).ConclusionsWeight‐SDS and obesity prevalence increased during the SARS‐CoV‐19 pandemic, yet only in younger children. Additional studies from other populations are needed.