bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms and implications of bacterial–fungal competition for soil resources
Authors: Wang Chaoqun , Kuzyakov Yakov 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Elucidating complex interactions between bacteria and fungi that determine microbial community structure, composition, and functions in soil, as well as regulate carbon (C) and nutrient fluxes, is crucial to understand biogeochemical cycles. Among the various interactions, competition for resources is the main factor determining the adaptation and niche differentiation between these two big microbial groups in soil. This is because C and energy limitations for microbial growth are a rule rather than an exception. Here, we review the C and energy demands of bacteria and fungi—the two major kingdoms in soil—the mechanisms of their competition for these and other resources, leading to niche differentiation, and the global change impacts on this competition. The normalized microbial utilization preference showed that bacteria are 1.4–5 times more efficient in the uptake of simple organic compounds as substrates, whereas fungi are 1.1–4.1 times more effective in utilizing complex compounds. Accordingly, bacteria strongly outcompete fungi for simple substrates, while fungi take advantage of complex compounds. Bacteria also compete with fungi for the products released during the degradation of complex substrates. Based on these specifics, we differentiated spatial, temporal, and chemical niches for these two groups in soil. The competition will increase under the main five global changes including elevated CO2, N deposition, soil acidification, global warming, and drought. Elevated CO2, N deposition, and warming increase bacterial dominance, whereas soil acidification and drought increase fungal competitiveness.
Canadian colorectal cancer screening programs: How do they measure up using the International Agency for Research on Cancer criteria for organized screening?
Authors: Law Cindy C Y , Zhang Li , Carvalho André L , Rabeneck Linda , Barkun Alan N , Nied-Kutterer Anja , Armstrong David , Wong Clarence K , Lamothe Diane , MacIntosh Donald , Dubé Catherine , Kilfoil Eileen , Telford Jennifer , Baxter Nancy N , Kumar Eshwar , Singh Harminder , McGrath Jerry , Coulter Laura , Sadowski Daniel , Efthimiou Karen , DuPlessis Hendrik , Bunzeluk Kelly , Gentile Laura , Guertin Marie-Hélène , McCurdy Bronwen R , Kohle Michael , Stewart Michael , Stimpson Ross , Antle Scott , Polos Shelley , Heitman Steven J , Zhu Tong , Ebenuwah Simbi , Kosloski Judy , Mok Melissa , Basu Partha , Tinmouth Jill 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Canada has one of the highest incidences of colorectal cancer (CRC) worldwide. CRC screening improves CRC outcomes and is cost-effective. This study compares Canadian CRC screening programs using essential elements of an organized screening program outlined by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

Methods
We collaborated with the Cancer Screening in 5 continents (CanScreen5) program, an initiative of IARC. Standardized data collection forms were sent to representatives of provincial and territorial CRC screening programs. Twenty-five questions were selected to reflect IARC’s essential elements of an organized screening program. We performed a qualitative analysis of Canada’s CRC screening programs and compared programs within Canada and internationally.

Results
CRC screening programs exist in 10 provinces and 2 territories. None of the programs in Canada met all the essential criteria of an organized screening program outlined by IARC. Three programs do not send invitations to participate in screening. Among those that do, 4 programs do not include a stool test kit in the invitations. While all provinces met the essential elements for leadership, governance, finance, and access to essential services, there was more heterogeneity in the domains of service delivery as well as information systems and quality assurance.

Conclusions
There is considerable heterogeneity in the design of CRC screening programs in Canada and worldwide. Programs should strive to meet all the essential IARC criteria for organized screening if local resources allow, such as issuing invitations and implementing systems to track and compare outcomes to maximize screening program quality, effectiveness, and impact.
Taking the pulse of the outer Milky Way with the Halo Outskirts With Variable Stars (HOWVAST) survey: an RR Lyrae density profile out to &gt;200 kpc
Authors: Medina Gustavo E , Muñoz Ricardo R , Carlin Jeffrey L , Vivas A Katherina , Grebel Eva K , Martínez-Vázquez Clara E , Hansen Camilla J 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT
In order to constrain the evolutionary history of the Milky Way, we hunt for faint RR Lyrae stars (RRLs) using Dark Energy Camera data from the High cadence Transient Survey and the Halo Outskirts With Variable Stars survey. We report the detection of $\sim$500 RRLs, including previously identified stars and $\sim$90 RRLs not yet reported. We identify nine new RRLs beyond 100 kpc from the Sun, most of which are classified as fundamental-mode pulsators. The periods and amplitudes of the distant RRLs do not place them in either one of the two classical Oosterhoff groups, but in the Oosterhoff intermediate region. We detect two groups of clumped distant RRLs with similar distances and equatorial coordinates, which we interpret as an indication of their association with undiscovered bound or unbound satellites. We study the halo density profile using spheroidal and ellipsoidal ($q=0.7$) models, following a Markov chain Monte Carlo methodology. For a spheroidal halo, our derived radial profile is consistent with a broken power law with a break at $18.1^{+2.1}_{-1.1}$ kpc separating the inner and the outer halo, and an outer slope of $-4.47^{+0.11}_{-0.18}$. For an ellipsoidal halo, the break is located at $24.3^{+2.6}_{-3.2}$ kpc and the outer slope is $-4.57^{+0.17}_{-0.25}$. The break in the density profile is a feature visible in different directions of the halo. The similarity of these radial distributions with previous values reported in the literature seems to depend on the regions of the sky surveyed (direction and total area) and halo tracer used. Our findings are compatible with simulations and observations that predict that the outer regions of Milky Way-like galaxies are mainly composed of accreted material.
The GALAH survey: tracing the Milky Way’s formation and evolution through RR Lyrae stars
Authors: D’Orazi Valentina , Storm Nicholas , Casey Andrew R , Braga Vittorio F , Zocchi Alice , Bono Giuseppe , Fabrizio Michele , Sneden Christopher , Massari Davide , Giribaldi Riano E , Bergemann Maria , Campbell Simon W , Casagrande Luca , de Grijs Richard , De Silva Gayandhi , Lugaro Maria , Zucker Daniel B , Bragaglia Angela , Feuillet Diane , Fiorentino Giuliana , Chaboyer Brian , Dall’Ora Massimo , Marengo Massimo , Martínez-Vázquez Clara E , Matsunaga Noriyuki , Monelli Matteo , Mullen Joseph P , Nataf David , Tantalo Maria , Thevenin Frederic , Vitello Fabio R , Kudritzki Rolf-Peter , Bland-Hawthorn Joss , Buder Sven , Freeman Ken , Kos Janez , Lewis Geraint F , Lind Karin , Martell Sarah , Sharma Sanjib , Stello Dennis , Zwitter Tomaž 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT
Stellar mergers and accretion events have been crucial in shaping the evolution of the Milky Way (MW). These events have been dynamically identified and chemically characterized using red giants and main-sequence stars. RR Lyrae (RRL) variables can play a crucial role in tracing the early formation of the MW since they are ubiquitous, old (t ≥ 10 Gyr) low-mass stars and accurate distance indicators. We exploited Data Release 3 of the GALAH survey to identify 78 field RRLs suitable for chemical analysis. Using synthetic spectra calculations, we determined atmospheric parameters and abundances of Fe, Mg, Ca, Y, and Ba. Most of our stars exhibit halo-like chemical compositions, with an iron peak around [Fe/H] ≈ −1.40, and enhanced Ca and Mg content. Notably, we discovered a metal-rich tail, with [Fe/H] values ranging from −1 to approximately solar metallicity. This sub-group includes almost 1/4 of the sample, it is characterized by thin disc kinematics and displays sub-solar α-element abundances, marginally consistent with the majority of the MW stars. Surprisingly, they differ distinctly from typical MW disc stars in terms of the s-process elements Y and Ba. We took advantage of similar data available in the literature and built a total sample of 535 field RRLs for which we estimated kinematical and dynamical properties. We found that metal-rich RRLs (1/3 of the sample) likely represent an old component of the MW thin disc. We also detected RRLs with retrograde orbits and provided preliminary associations with the Gaia–Sausage–Enceladus, Helmi, Sequoia, Sagittarius, and Thamnos stellar streams.
Redefining the concept of residual renal function with kidney sodium MRI: a pilot study
Authors: Lemoine Sandrine , Akbari Alireza , Brahm Gary , Dorie Justin , Tamasi Tanya , Penny Jarrin , McIntyre Christopher W 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

Background
The concept of residual kidney function (RKF) is exclusively based upon urine volume and small solute clearance, making RKF challenging to assess in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to test the technical feasibility of obtaining usable sodium magnetic resonance imaging (23Na-MRI) kidney images in hemodialysis (HD) participants.

Methods
We conducted an exploratory prospective study to quantify the cortico-medullary sodium gradient in 17 healthy volunteers and 21 HD participants. Participants fasted for 8 h prior to their study visit. Urine samples were collected to measure urinary osmolarity, before MRI. Proton and sodium pictures were merged; regions of interest were delineated for the medulla and cortex when feasible. In cases where cortex could not be identified, we considered the corticomedullary gradient (CMG) to be no longer present, resulting in a medulla-to-cortex ratio of 1.

Results
Median (interquartile range) fasting medulla-to-cortex ratio was significantly higher 1.56 (1.5–1.61) in healthy volunteers compared with HD patients 1.22 (1.13–1.3), P &lt; .0001. Medulla to cortex ratio and median urinary osmolarity were correlated (r = 0.87, P &lt; .0001) in the whole population. We found a significant association between HD vintage and medulla-to-cortex ratio, whereas we did not find any association with urine volume. Sodium signal intensity distribution within healthy kidney describes two different peaks relating to well defined cortex and medulla, whereas HD participants displays only a single peak indicative of the markedly lower sodium concentration.

Limitations
This study is only exploratory, with a modest number of patients.

Conclusions
The application of kidney 23Na-MRI to the study of RKF in patients receiving maintenance HD is practical and provides a previously unavailable ability to interrogate the function of remnant tubular function.
Clinical Trial Registration: NCT05014178
Efficacy and Safety of Switching to Dolutegravir/Lamivudine Versus Continuing a Tenofovir Alafenamide–Based Regimen in Virologically Suppressed Adults With Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1: Subgroup Analysis of Participants With Elvitegravir as Baseline Third Agent From the TANGO Study
Authors: Ait-Khaled Mounir , Oyee James , Ooi Adrian Yit Reen , Wynne Brian , Maldonado Andres , Jones Bryn , Wang Tao 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

TANGO results have established the durable efficacy of dolutegravir/lamivudine in virologically suppressed individuals who switched from 3- or 4-drug tenofovir alafenamide (TAF)–based regimens. In this post hoc subgroup analysis, 144-week efficacy and tolerability of dolutegravir/lamivudine in participants who switched from elvitegravir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/TAF were consistent with the overall switch population.

Clinical Trials Registration
NCT03446573.
Arabinosylation of cell wall extensin is required for the directional response to salinity in roots
Authors: Zou Yutao , Gigli-Bisceglia Nora , van Zelm Eva , Kokkinopoulou Pinelopi , Julkowska Magdalena M , Besten Maarten , Nguyen Thu-Phuong , Li Hongfei , Lamers Jasper , de Zeeuw Thijs , Dongus Joram A , Zeng Yuxiao , Cheng Yu , Koevoets Iko T , Jørgensen Bodil , Giesbers Marcel , Vroom Jelmer , Ketelaar Tijs , Petersen Bent Larsen , Engelsdorf Timo , Sprakel Joris , Zhang Yanxia , Testerink Christa 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Soil salinity is a major contributor to crop yield losses. To improve our understanding of root responses to salinity, we developed and exploited a real-time salt-induced tilting assay. This assay follows root growth upon both gravitropic and salt challenges, revealing that root bending upon tilting is modulated by Na+ ions, but not by osmotic stress. Next, we measured this salt-specific response in 345 natural Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) accessions and discovered a genetic locus, encoding the cell wall-modifying enzyme EXTENSIN ARABINOSE DEFICIENT TRANSFERASE (ExAD) that is associated with root bending in the presence of NaCl (hereafter salt). Extensins are a class of structural cell wall glycoproteins known as hydroxyproline (Hyp)-rich glycoproteins, which are posttranslationally modified by O-glycosylation, mostly involving Hyp-arabinosylation. We show that salt-induced ExAD-dependent Hyp-arabinosylation influences root bending responses and cell wall thickness. Roots of exad1 mutant seedlings, which lack Hyp-arabinosylation of extensin, displayed increased thickness of root epidermal cell walls and greater cell wall porosity. They also showed altered gravitropic root bending in salt conditions and a reduced salt-avoidance response. Our results suggest that extensin modification via Hyp-arabinosylation is a unique salt-specific cellular process required for the directional response of roots exposed to salinity.
Gamma ray spectrometric analysis and assessment of radiation hazards in soils of Mbeere North region, Kenya
Authors: Muya Joyce Wambui , Riara Martin , Kamweru Paul , Ngugi Fidelis 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
This study used gamma ray spectrometry to determine the radiological safety of construction soil sampled randomly from Mbeere North region, Kenya. The mean activity concentration of 232Th, 238U, and 40K was 149.7 ± 2.8 Bqkg−1, 88.3 ± 2.4 Bqkg−1, and 490 ± 35 Bqkg−1, respectively. These averages exceed the world average for all the radionuclides. The radionuclides were non-uniformly distributed, with higher concentrations along the slopes and on the feet of the hills. The mean absorbed dose rate, indoor and outdoor annual effective dose, radium equivalent, external hazard index, and internal hazard index were 157.9 ± 4.4 nGh−1, 0.58 ± 0.02 mSvy−1, 0.39 ± 0.01 mSvy−1, 340.7 ± 9.2 Bqkg−1, 0.92 ± 0.02 and 1.14 ± 0.03, respectively. Among the radiation safety indicators, only the average internal hazard index exceeded slightly the acceptable safe limit. Therefore, soils of Mbeere North region are radiologically safe for use in brick making and construction of human habitats.
Estimation of 241Am and 239Pu activity embedded in the tissue using portable planar HPGe detector
Authors: Murugan Manohari , Ponraj Sugumar , Ramasamy Mathiyarasu , Durairaj Ponraju , Balasubramanian Venkatraman 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
This paper describes a procedure for the estimation of 241Am and 239Pu activity present in the human tissue by measuring the depth of contaminant using a portable Planar High Purity Germanium detector (HPGe). The ratios of photopeak counts of X-rays or gammas obtained with the detector coupled to collimator are calculated for the estimation of depth of the contaminant and the optimum one is determined. Since Minimum Detectable Activities (MDA) for the detector coupled to a collimator are higher than that of bare detector, activity must be estimated using bare detector, after locating the contaminant. Two methods are described for the estimation of plutonium coexisting with 241Am: (i) Abundance and isotopic correction for 239Pu (ii) and 239Pu:241Am ratio. The procedure to estimate 239Pu when plutonium isotopes alone are present is also established. An optimum monitoring period to detect the minimum value of intake for both radionuclides corresponding to chelation therapy and excision is also derived.
Nitrogen-fixing and non-nitrogen-fixing legume plants differ in leaf nutrient concentrations and relationships between photosynthetic and hydraulic traits
Authors: Xiao Yan , Yang Da , Zhang Shu-Bin , Mo Yu-Xuan , Dong Yi-Yi , Wang Ke-Fei , He Ling-Yun , Dong Bing , Dossa Gbadamassi G O , Zhang Jiao-Lin 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Legumes account for a significant proportion of plants in the terrestrial ecosystems. Nitrogen (N)-fixing capability of certain legumes is a pivotal trait that contributes to their ecological dominance. Yet, the functional traits and trait relationships between N-fixer and non-N-fixer legumes are poorly understood. Here, we investigated 27 functional traits associated with morphology, nutrients, hydraulic conductance and photosynthesis in 42 woody legumes (19 N-fixers and 23 non-N-fixers) in a common garden. Our results showed that N-fixers had higher specific leaf area, photosynthetic phosphorus (P)-use efficiency, leaf N, and iron concentrations on both area and mass basis, N/P ratio, and carbon (C) to P ratio, but lower wood density, area-based maximum photosynthetic rate (Aa), photosynthetic N-use efficiency, leaf mass- and area-based P and molybdenum and area-based boron concentrations, and C/N ratio, compared with non-N-fixers. The mass-based maximum photosynthetic rate (Am), stomatal conductance (gs), intrinsic water-use efficiency (WUEi), mass- and area-based leaf potassium and mass-based boron concentrations, leaf hydraulic conductance (Kleaf), and whole-shoot hydraulic conductance (Kshoot) showed no difference between N-fixers and non-N-fixers. Significant positive associations between all hydraulic and photosynthetic trait pairs were found in N-fixers, but only one pair (Kshoot–Aa) in non-N-fixers, suggesting that hydraulic conductance plays a more important role in mediating photosynthetic capacity in N-fixers compared with non-N-fixers. Higher mass-based leaf N was linked to lower time-integrated gs and higher WUEi among non-N-fixer legumes or all legumes pooled after phylogeny was considered. Moreover, mass-based P concentration was positively related to Am and gs in N-fixers, but not in non-N-fixers, indicating that the photosynthetic capacity and stomatal conductance in N-fixers were more dependent on leaf P status than in non-N-fixers. These findings expand our understanding of the trait-based ecology within and across N-fixer and non-N-fixer legumes in tropics.
MicroRNA‐181 in cardiovascular disease: Emerging biomarkers and therapeutic targets
Authors: Lv Bingjie , He Shaolin , Li Peixin , Jiang Shijiu , Li Dazhu , Lin Jibin , Feinberg Mark W. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractCardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. MicroRNAs (MiRNAs) have attracted considerable attention for their roles in several cardiovascular disease states, including both the physiological and pathological processes. In this review, we will briefly describe microRNA‐181 (miR‐181) transcription and regulation and summarize recent findings on the roles of miR‐181 family members as biomarkers or therapeutic targets in different cardiovascular‐related conditions, including atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, hypertension, and heart failure. Lessons learned from these studies may provide new theoretical foundations for CVD.
Navigating the complexity of pain in psoriatic arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis
Authors: Mease Philip J. 
Published: May 2024

Purpose of review
Pain is the most common and often most troublesome feature of chronic autoimmune diseases such as psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpA). A predominant concept is that the main source of pain is from disease-induced tissue inflammation and structural damage, activating peripheral nerve fibers which relay to the central nervous system. This mechanism is nociceptive pain and the presumption has been that controlling inflammation will be sufficient to reduce this form of pain. However, despite control of inflammation, patients may still have significant residual pain.

Recent findings
We are learning that there are additional pain mechanisms, neuropathic and nociplastic, that are often operative in patients with rheumatologic conditions, that can significantly influence pain experience, quantitation of disease activity, and may benefit from therapeutic approaches distinct from immunotherapy. Neuropathic pain arises from diseased or damaged nerve tissue and nociplastic pain reflects sensitization of the central nervous system due to multiple genetic, neurobiologic, neural network dysregulation, and psychosocial factors. Pain arising from these mechanisms influence assessment of disease activity and thus needs to be factored into decision-making about immunotherapy efficacy.

Summary
This review addresses the importance of accurately assessing the complex mechanisms of pain experience in patients with PsA and AxSpA to more appropriately manage immunomodulatory, neuromodulatory, and nonpharmacologic therapies.
Effectiveness of the Bilateral and Bilevel Erector Spinae Plane Block (ESPB) in Pediatric Idiopathic Scoliosis Surgery: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Controlled Trial
Authors: Domagalska Małgorzata , Ciftsi Bahadir , Janusz Piotr , Reysner Tomasz , Daroszewski Przemysław , Kowalski Grzegorz , Wieczorowska-Tobis Katarzyna , Kotwicki Tomasz 
Published: May 2024

Background:
This study aimed to compare the effect of the ultrasound-guided bilateral and bilevel erector spinae plane block (ESPB) on pain scores, opioid requirement, intraoperative motor-evoked potentials (MEPs), and stress response to surgery expressed by the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) versus standard analgesia methods following idiopathic scoliosis surgery.

Methods:
This was a prospective, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial. Sixty patients aged 10 to 18 years and physical status ASA 1 or 2 were randomized into 2 equal groups, each receiving an ESPB or sham block. The primary outcome was the pain scores (Numerical Rating Scale, NRS) within 48 hours after spinal correction and fusion surgery for idiopathic thoracic scoliosis. The secondary outcomes were total opioid consumption, NLR, and PLR levels at 12 and 24 hours postoperatively and intraoperative MEPs.

Results:
ESPB patients presented lower NRS scores, signifying less pain, at all time points (30, 60, 90, 120 min; and 6, 12, 24, and 48 h after surgery), all P<0.0001. The total opioid consumption, the incidence of nausea or vomiting, and the need for remifentanil and propofol during surgery were significantly lower in the ESPB group. The surgery-induced stress response expressed by NLR and PLR was considerably lower in the ESPB group. ESPB did not affect the intraoperative MEP’s amplitude.

Conclusions:
ESPB is effective for postoperative analgesia, can reduce opioid consumption in patients undergoing scoliosis surgery, and reduces the stress response to surgery. ESPB does not interfere with neuromonitoring.

Level of Evidence:
Level I.