bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Testing the stress gradient hypothesis in soil bacterial communities associated with vegetation belts in the Andean Atacama Desert
Authors: Mandakovic Dinka , Aguado-Norese Constanza , García-Jiménez Beatriz , Hodar Christian , Maldonado Jonathan E. , Gaete Alexis , Latorre Mauricio , Wilkinson Mark D. , Gutiérrez Rodrigo A. , Cavieres Lohengrin A. , Medina Joaquín , Cambiazo Verónica , Gonzalez Mauricio 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Soil microorganisms are in constant interaction with plants, and these interactions shape the composition of soil bacterial communities by modifying their environment. However, little is known about the relationship between microorganisms and native plants present in extreme environments that are not affected by human intervention. Using high-throughput sequencing in combination with random forest and co-occurrence network analyses, we compared soil bacterial communities inhabiting the rhizosphere surrounding soil (RSS) and the corresponding bulk soil (BS) of 21 native plant species organized into three vegetation belts along the altitudinal gradient (2400–4500 m a.s.l.) of the Talabre–Lejía transect (TLT) in the slopes of the Andes in the Atacama Desert. We assessed how each plant community influenced the taxa, potential functions, and ecological interactions of the soil bacterial communities in this extreme natural ecosystem. We tested the ability of the stress gradient hypothesis, which predicts that positive species interactions become increasingly important as stressful conditions increase, to explain the interactions among members of TLT soil microbial communities.

Results
Our comparison of RSS and BS compartments along the TLT provided evidence of plant-specific microbial community composition in the RSS and showed that bacterial communities modify their ecological interactions, in particular, their positive:negative connection ratios in the presence of plant roots at each vegetation belt. We also identified the taxa driving the transition of the BS to the RSS, which appear to be indicators of key host-microbial relationships in the rhizosphere of plants in response to different abiotic conditions. Finally, the potential functions of the bacterial communities also diverge between the BS and the RSS compartments, particularly in the extreme and harshest belts of the TLT.

Conclusions
In this study, we identified taxa of bacterial communities that establish species-specific relationships with native plants and showed that over a gradient of changing abiotic conditions, these relationships may also be plant community specific. These findings also reveal that the interactions among members of the soil microbial communities do not support the stress gradient hypothesis. However, through the RSS compartment, each plant community appears to moderate the abiotic stress gradient and increase the efficiency of the soil microbial community, suggesting that positive interactions may be context dependent.
Arabic language version of the obsession with COVID-19 scale adaptation and validity evaluation in Saudi sample
Authors: Alshomrani Abdulaziz 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
The obsession with COVID-19 scale is a reliable and validated scale developed to assess obsessions related to coronavirus infection (COVID-2019) and because of its usefulness, this paper is aiming to develop an Arabic version of the obsession with COVID-19 scale and evaluate its validity. Firstly, scale translated to Arabic through the guidelines of Sousa and Rojjanasriratw for scale translation and adaptation. Then we distributed the final version with some sociodemographic questions and an Arabic version of the COVID-19 fear scale to a convenient sample of college students. Internal consistency, factor analysis, average variable extraction, composite reliability, Pearson correlation, and mean differences has been measured.

Results
Out of 253 students, 233 responded to the survey, where 44.6% of them were female. Calculated Cronbach’s alpha was 0.82, item-total correlations were 0.891–0.905, and inter-item correlations were 0.722–0.805. Factor analysis identified one factor which reflects 80.76% of the cumulative variances. The average variance extracted was 0.80, and the composite reliability was 0.95. The correlation coefficient between the two scales was 0.472.

Conclusions
The Arabic version of obsession with COVID-19 scale has high values of internal consistency, and convergent validity, and has a unidimensional factor that reflects its reliability and validity.
Idiopathic lumbar epidermoid: review of literature and case report
Authors: Elnoamany Hossam , Salim Mohammud 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Spinal epidermoid tumors are rare, comprising of less than 1% of tumors involving the spine. These tumors arise from pathological displacement of epidermal cells into the spinal canal. Therefore, these tumors can be congenital, when there is improper closure of the neural tube; or acquired, in patients who have had prior lumbar punctures, trauma, or surgery. Spinal epidermoids are typically found in the lumbosacral region but can be found in other locations as well.

Case presentation
We report an original case of a 50 year old. He presented with 1 year with back pain and bilateral sciatica. The patient was neurological intact with no sphincter incompetence. The magnetic resonance image of the lumbosacral spine showed a 12 × 3 cm well-circumscribed intradural mass at the L3–S1 level. The patient was operated on with posterior lumbar laminectomy for tumor removal. Postoperation, the patient had improved pain and numbness. The motor power was intact as preoperative.

Conclusions
MRI with DWI is especially useful to confirm the diagnosis with the lesions appearing hyperintense. The most conventional approach to resection involved laminectomies and intradural tumor resection. GTR provided better outcomes in most cases even when the tumor was adherent to the nearby spinal cord or nerve roots.
Candidatus Phytoplasma ziziphi encodes non-classically secreted proteins that suppress hypersensitive cell death response in Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Gao Xiaoyu , Ren Zhengguang , Zhao Wenjun , Li Weimin 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIncreasing evidence is proving the biological significance of the phytoplasma-secreted proteins. However, besides a few Sec-dependent secretory proteins, no other phytoplasma-secreted proteins have been reported yet. Candidatus Phytoplasma ziziphi is a phytoplasma that causes witches’-broom, a devastating jujube disease prevalent in east Asia. In this study, using the SecretomeP server coupled with an Escherichia coli-based alkaline phosphatase assay, we identified 25 non-classically secreted proteins (ncSecPs) from Ca. P. ziziphi, a novel type of secreted protein associated with phytoplasmas. Among them, six were characterized as hypersensitive cell death response (HR) suppressors that significantly attenuated both Bax- and INF1-triggered HR and H2O2 accumulation in Nicotiana benthamiana, indicating a so-far unknown role of the phytoplasma-secreted proteins. Further, we demonstrated that despite the diverse subcellular localizations in the N. benthamiana cells, the six HR-suppressing ncSecPs enhanced the gene expression of several known cell death inhibitors, including pathogenesis-related proteins (NbPR-1, NbPR-2, and NbPR-5) and Bax inhibitor-1 (NbBI-1 and NbBI-2). Together, our data indicated that Ca. P. ziziphi has evolved an arsenal of ncSecPs that jointly circumvent HR by activating the plant cell death inhibitors, thus providing new insight into understanding the pathogenesis of phytoplasmas.
Effect of social media marketing on online travel purchase behavior post-COVID-19: mediating role of brand trust and brand loyalty
Authors: Azhar Mohd , Husain Rehan , Hamid Sheeba , Rahman Mohd Nayyer 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe present study intends to unleash the influence of social media marketing (SMM) on purchase intention (PI), brand trust (BT) and brand loyalty (BL) in the setting of online travel booking websites. It also analyses the mediating effect of BT and BL in the relationship between SMM and PI. This study also examines the importance of trust and loyalty in the suggested model, which adds to the current research in this area. A self-administered questionnaire was employed to collect the data from the users of online travel booking websites, and the study rested upon 397 valid responses. Data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) through Smart PLS v.3.2.6. The findings reveal that SMM has a favorable and substantial impact on BT and BL, influencing COVID-19 purchase intention. As per the findings, BT and BL's beneficial influence on the purchase intention of arranging travel on social media was discovered. Moreover, it was also confirmed from the results that BT and BL mediate the relationship between SMM and PI. Therefore, SMM significantly impacts online trip booking purchase intentions with increased BT and BL levels. Finally, several theoretical and managerial implications can be delineated from the findings of this study for industry and academia.
Evaluation and application of a milk antibody ELISA for assessing the prevalence and incidence of bovine tuberculosis in dairy herds in Hubei Province, China
Authors: Chen Yingyu , Cheng Shuang , Wang Yu , Wang Guiqiang , Wu Xijuan , Robertson Ian D. , Guo Aizhen 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a chronic zoonotic disease that is endemic in China. Currentin-vitrotests for bTB are mainly based on blood assays. Collection of samples results in some stress to the sampled cattle and associated economic losses for the herd owner. This study was designed to investigate the relationship between milk and serum antibody tests for bTB in dairy cows using 85 cows with milk and corresponding blood samples. Totally 4,395 milk samples were used to assesse the apparent (test) prevalence and incidence of bTB using the milk antibody ELISA. The association between levels of bTB milk antibody and milk quality was also evaluated. Milk and serum antibody tests showed a good correlation with a 87.5% (95% CI: 61.7%, 98.4) positive agreement and 98.7% (95% CI: 95.4, 99.8) negative agreement. The animal level lactoprevalence ranged from 0.3% (95% CI: 0, 1.2) to 33.3% (95% CI: 26.6, 40.6) in different farms and the incidence rate ranged from 0 head/cow-month (95% CI: 0, 0.02) to 0.04 head/cow-month (95% CI: 0.02, 0.07). Twenty percent of sampled farms met the criteria for bTB control in China. The prevalence on large-scale farms was lower (p < 0.001) than on small farms. The bTB milk antibody levels had a negative correlation with milk yield and a positive correlation with somatic cell count (SCC), milk protein percentage (MPP) and percentage of total solids (TS). According to this research, milk ELISA could be used as a supplement of blood samples to assist in the surveillance for bTB and for alerting control and eradication of bTB.
Possible Advantage of Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonists for Kidney Transplant Recipients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Sato Tetsuhiko , Azuma Yoshinori , Ozone Chikafumi , Okazaki Mikako , Takeda Asami , Okada Manabu , Futamura Kenta , Hiramitsu Takahisa , Goto Norihiko , Narumi Shunji , Watarai Yoshihiko 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Context
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (RAs) have the potential to improve native kidney function.

Objective
This work aimed to elucidate the possible protective effects of GLP-1 RAs on kidney graft function after successful kidney transplantation (KTX).

Methods
This retrospective cohort study included all KTX recipients (KTRs) at our facility with type 2 diabetes who were followed up from 1 month post-transplantation for 24 months or longer as of December 31, 2020. We investigated associations between the use of GLP-1 RAs and other antidiabetic medications (non–GLP-1 RAs) and the risk of sustained estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) reduction (40% reduction compared with baseline for 4 months) for KTRs with type 2 diabetes. We calculated the propensity score of initiating GLP-1 RAs compared with that of initiating non–GLP-1 RAs as a function of baseline covariates using logistic regression. The inverse probability of the treatment-weighted odds ratio was estimated to control for baseline confounding variables. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor use was a competing event. The primary outcome was sustained eGFR reduction of at least 40% from baseline for 4 months post-transplantation.

Results
Seventy-three patients were GLP-1 RA users and 73 were non–GLP-1 RA users. Six patients and 1 patient in the non–GLP-1 RA and GLP-1 RA groups had sustained eGFR reduction. GLP-1 RA use after KTX was associated with a lower risk of sustained eGFR reduction.

Conclusion
GLP-1 RAs resulted in lower eGFR reduction compared with non–GLP-1 RAs and may contribute to better kidney graft survival after KTX.
Exploring the experiences of struggling undergraduate medical students with formal mentoring program at a private medical college in Rawalpindi
Authors: Aziz Anbreen , Shadab Wajiha , Siddique Lubna , Mahboob Usman 
Published: March 2023

Objective: To explore the experiences of struggling undergraduate medical students (mentees) with formal mentoring program at a private medical college in Rawalpindi.
Methods: A qualitative exploratory study was carried out from March to August 2019. Data was collected from a purposive sample of sixteen struggling undergraduate students. Validated interview guide was utilized to conduct semi-structured one-to-one interviews. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed accurately. Confidentiality and anonymity were ensured to the participants due to the sensitive nature of the data. Various measures were taken to achieve trustworthiness in the study. Manual thematic analysis was performed and consensus among all authors was built regarding themes and subthemes.
Results: Four themes and twelve subthemes emerged from the data. Participants were satisfied with the psychosocial outcomes of the mentoring program such as emotional, moral, and psychological support, and personal and professional development. Mentees told that mentors were their best guides who shared their life experiences. Moreover, mentors provided guidance on Islam, research methods, and case-based learning. Further, mentees said that mentors provide solutions to their problems. Useful suggestions were provided by the mentees regarding betterment in the present mentoring program such as recruitment of committed staff, the need for verbal feedback from mentees about their mentors, need for career counselling and one-to-one mentoring sessions.
Conclusions: Majority of the mentees were satisfied with the formal mentoring program. Mentoring focuses on personal and professional development of all medical students. In addition to the useful suggestions provided by the mentees, there is a need for the addition of specific strategies to deal with students struggling with personal or professional problems.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.3.7114
How to cite this: Aziz A, Shadab W, Siddique L, Mahboob U. Exploring the experiences of struggling undergraduate medical students with formal mentoring program at a private medical college in Rawalpindi. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(3):815-819. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.3.7114
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
A prospective cohort study of economic and nutritional changes during the COVID-19 pandemic in urban Callao, Lima, Peru
Authors: Datta Sumona , Montoya Rosario , Franco Jessica , Haro Maria , Tapia Pilar , Pozo Carlos , Quispe Janet , Lozano Adelina , Quevedo Cruz Luz , Evans Carlton 
Published: March 2023

Background: Peru followed strict quarantine measures to control COVID-19 but reported excess mortality rates during the pandemic that were the highest globally. High obesity prevalence in Peru may have contributed to COVID-19 mortality, although economic hardship during the pandemic could have reduced obesity. To investigate these potential associations, we updated surveys of economic status, nutritional status, and risk factors for severe COVID-19 in residents of Callao, in the Lima metropolitan area of Peru. Methods: We attempted in December 2021 to invite members of households selected randomly from a map that had provided data in previous surveys 2016-2018 and 2019-2020 to participate in another survey. Households were contacted by telephone and, if uncontactable, were visited. Demographic, economic, and health-related data were collected using the Kobo toolbox platform. Results. We interviewed 83% (305/369) of censused household members for 65% (90/138) of previously participating households. Dissaving activities were reported by all households during the pandemic, more than 2016-2018 (51%, 95% confidence interval, CI=41-62%) and 2019-2020 (44%, 95%CI=33-53%, both p<0.0001). Moreover, 90% (81/90, 95%CI=82-95%) of households reported inability to afford sufficient food and hunger rates increased 1.4 times compared with 2016-2018 (95%CI=1.02, 2.0, p=0.04). Despite financial and food insecurity during the pandemic, the mean adult body mass index was maintained unchanged from the 2019-2020 survey at 27 kg/m2 (standard deviation, SD=4.5 kg/m2), having increased (p=0.0001) from 26 kg/m2 (SD=4.1 kg/m2) in 2016-2018. Overweight/obesity was the most common risk factor for severe COVID-19, and adults were 3.1 times (95%CI=2.3-4.2, p<0.0001) more likely to be overweight/obese than they were to have a co-morbid illness. There was considerable dietary diversity and only 23% of participants had taken micronutrient supplements and 11% probiotics in the past year. Conclusion: Obesity was the most prevalent risk factor for severe COVID-19 despite economic pressure, food insecurity, and hunger during the pandemic.
Decomposition Strategies for Vehicle Routing Heuristics
Authors: Santini Alberto , Schneider Michael , Vidal Thibaut , Vigo Daniele 
Published: March 2023

Decomposition techniques are an important component of modern heuristics for large instances of vehicle routing problems. The current literature lacks a characterization of decomposition strategies and a systematic investigation of their impact when integrated into state-of-the-art heuristics. This paper fills this gap: We discuss the main characteristics of decomposition techniques in vehicle routing heuristics, highlight their strengths and weaknesses, and derive a set of desirable properties. Through an extensive numerical campaign, we investigate the impact of decompositions within two algorithms for the capacitated vehicle routing problem: the Adaptive Large Neighborhood Search of Pisinger and Ropke (2007 ) and the Hybrid Genetic Search of Vidal et al. (2012 ). We evaluate the quality of popular decomposition techniques from the literature and propose new strategies. We find that route-based decomposition methods, which define subproblems by means of the customers contained in selected subsets of the routes of a given solution, generally appear superior to path-based methods, which merge groups of customers to obtain smaller subproblems. The newly proposed decomposition barycenter clustering achieves the overall best performance and leads to significant gains compared with using the algorithms without decomposition. History: Erwin Pesch, Area Editor for Heuristic Search and Approximation Algorithms. Funding: This work was supported by the U.S. Air Force [Grant FA9550-17-1-0234], the Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (Juan de la Cierva Formación), H2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions [Grant 945380], the Ministero dell’Università e della Ricerca [Grant 2015JJLC3E_002], the Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico [Grant 308528/2018-2], and the Fundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro [Grant E-26/202.790/2019]. Supplemental Material: The software that supports the findings of this study is available within the paper and its Supplemental Information ( https://pubsonline.informs.org/doi/suppl/10.1287/ijoc.2023.1288 ) as well as from the IJOC GitHub software repository ( https://github.com/INFORMSJoC/2022.0048 ) at ( http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7613129 ).
Provably Efficient Reinforcement Learning with Linear Function Approximation
Authors: Jin Chi , Yang Zhuoran , Wang Zhaoran , Jordan Michael I. 
Published: March 2023

Modern reinforcement learning (RL) is commonly applied to practical problems with an enormous number of states, where function approximation must be deployed to approximate either the value function or the policy. The introduction of function approximation raises a fundamental set of challenges involving computational and statistical efficiency, especially given the need to manage the exploration/exploitation trade-off. As a result, a core RL question remains open: how can we design provably efficient RL algorithms that incorporate function approximation? This question persists even in a basic setting with linear dynamics and linear rewards, for which only linear function approximation is needed. This paper presents the first provable RL algorithm with both polynomial run time and polynomial sample complexity in this linear setting, without requiring a “simulator” or additional assumptions. Concretely, we prove that an optimistic modification of least-squares value iteration—a classical algorithm frequently studied in the linear setting—achieves [Formula: see text] regret, where d is the ambient dimension of feature space, H is the length of each episode, and T is the total number of steps. Importantly, such regret is independent of the number of states and actions. Funding: This work was supported by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency program on Lifelong Learning Machines.