bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Soil nematode communities in riverbanks non-invaded and invaded by Fallopia japonica across diverse environmental conditions
Authors: Čerevková Andrea , Jakubcsiková Michaela , Demková Lenka , Renčo Marek 
Published: September 2023

Summary
Soil nematode communities are one of the most used bioindicators for assessing soil health and soil conditions. However, they are dependent on the presence of plants, some of which, known as ‘invasive’, affect local biodiversity when established. This study aimed to compare the communities of soil nematodes in riverbanks non-invaded and invaded by Fallopia japonica at three sites characterised by different environmental conditions. Our findings indicated that the ecosystem had a larger impact on the nematode communities than did the environmental variability at the study sites. Soil properties, such as pH, moisture content and organic-carbon content, differed significantly amongst the sites, but the nematode communities remained similar. Organic-carbon content was lower, and soil pH was higher, in the ecosystem with invasive F. japonica. Total nematode abundance, the abundances of fungivores, herbivores, omnivores and predators, and the maturity indices were significantly lower with invasive F. japonica. Fungivorous nematodes are essential for breaking down organic matter and releasing nutrients. Herbivorous nematodes respond to changes in the vegetation, and omnivorous and predatory nematodes contribute to the overall biodiversity and ecological balance in the soil ecosystem, so their lower abundance suggests a disturbance in the soil food web. The lower maturity indices suggested a disturbance or degradation of the soil ecosystem, which could have secondary negative effects on plant growth, nutrient availability and ecosystem resilience. These findings indicate that invasion both decreased the abundance of important soil organisms and disrupted the cycling of nutrients, potentially leading to long-term negative consequences for the invaded ecosystems. Understanding and managing the effects of invasive plants such as F. japonica are crucial for preserving soil health and promoting sustainable ecosystem functioning.
Different Propagation Mechanisms of Deep and Shallow Wintertime Extratropical Cyclones over the North Pacific
Authors: Yao Yuling , Zhang Yang , Hodges Kevin I. , Tamarin-Brodsky Talia 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Extratropical cyclones (ETCs) are three-dimensional synoptic systems in the middle and high latitudes. Previous studies on ETC propagation have typically focused on cyclones identified at a single level. However, more recent studies have found that ETCs have diverse vertical structures and cyclones with different vertical extents always exhibit distinct characteristics and surface impacts. In this work, we study the movement of wintertime (December–February) extratropical cyclones by classifying North Pacific ETCs into deep cyclones, shallow low-level cyclones, and shallow upper-level cyclones, based on reanalysis data from 1979 to 2019. Applying a Lagrangian perspective, we track the cyclones at different vertical levels to investigate the different characteristics and mechanisms for the propagation of deep and shallow ETCs. A potential vorticity (PV) tendency analysis of cyclone-tracking composites reveals that, for deep cyclones, the diabatic heating at 850 hPa and the horizontal advection by the stationary flow at 500 hPa are the main contributors to the poleward movement. For shallow cyclones, the nonlinear advection terms play a dominant role in their meridional motion, advecting shallow low-level cyclones poleward but shallow upper-level cyclones equatorward. A piecewise PV inversion analysis suggests that the nonlinear advection by winds induced from upper-level PV anomalies is responsible for the different performance of nonlinear advection terms for shallow low-level and upper-level cyclones. These findings further our understanding of the mechanisms and variations of cyclone propagation.

Significance Statement
Extratropical cyclones (ETCs) can be identified at different levels in the troposphere. These mobile low pressure cyclonic storms are the main sources of synoptic variability in the extratropics and often bring severe or even disastrous weather. Previous studies on ETC movement have typically been restricted to cyclones identified at a single level. Our study, by identifying ETCs at multiple levels, classifies cyclones into deep, shallow low-level, and shallow upper-level cyclones. For deep cyclones, their poleward movement is found to be a result of diabatic heating at lower levels and dominated by the stationary circulation at upper levels. For shallow cyclones, nonlinear advection determines whether they propagate poleward or equatorward. These findings further our understanding of the mechanisms of cyclone propagation and imply that the movement of deep and shallow cyclones may undergo different changes with different weather and climate impacts in the future, given the enhanced diabatic heating under global warming, which deserves further investigation.
Unraveling the Formation Mechanism of Exceptionally Strong Marine Heatwaves in the Northeast Pacific in 2020
Authors: Ge Zi-An , Chen Lin , Li Tim , Sun Ming 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Throughout 2020, a persistent marine heatwave (MHW) event occurred in the northeast (NE) Pacific, which exhibited a record-breaking intensity and long duration. Three peaks of sea surface temperature (SST) anomaly are identified in April, July, and November 2020, respectively, all of which are caused by the surface latent heat flux (LH) term. A Taylor expansion analysis for the LH term reveals that positive LH anomaly (LHA) played the decisive role in increasing the latent heating effect, whereas the mixed layer depth anomaly was not important in the 2020 MHW. The positive LHA was primarily caused by the southerly wind anomalies, which advected more humid air from lower latitudes to the NE Pacific and thus reduced the difference between the saturated specific humidity at sea surface and actual surface specific humidity. This reduced sea–air humidity difference was conducive to less evaporation, leading to positive LHA. Using an atmospheric general circulation model forced by observed SSTs, we find that although the atmospheric circulation anomalies associated with the 2020 MHW can be partly constrained by both tropical Pacific SST and local SST over the North Pacific, the role of internal atmospheric variability in the 2020 MHW’s formation cannot be overlooked. The prediction skill for the 2020 MHW in the North American Multimodel Ensemble models is limited to one month, indicating the challenge of accurately predicting MHW in the NE Pacific. The finding about the contribution of sea–air humidity difference to the LHA provides a new insight into the formation mechanism of MHW.

Significance Statement
An exceptionally strong and persistent marine heatwave occurred in the northeast Pacific throughout 2020, with three peaks in April, July, and November, causing considerable damage to local fisheries and ecosystems. This study found that the evolution of this marine heatwave was due to the less-than-normal release of latent heat at the ocean surface. This was mainly caused by the reduced sea–air humidity difference, which was attributed to the increased near-surface moisture transported by southerly wind anomalies. Our model experiments demonstrated that the associated anomaly fields in the atmosphere partly stemmed from stochastic processes. The state-of-the-art dynamic models can only predict this marine heatwave one month in advance, indicating the necessity of improving prediction skill for marine heatwave’s evolution in current models.
Inflammatory Markers in Mother’s Own Milk and Infant Stool of Very Low Birthweight Infants
Authors: Hoban Rebecca , Nir Hadar , Somerset Emily , Lewis Jordan , Unger Sharon , O’Connor Deborah L. 
Published: September 2023

Background: Mother’s breastmilk is the gold standard for feeding preterm infants. Preterm delivery may be precipitated by inflammatory maternal states, but little is known about milk cytokine profiles and how they correlate with markers of infant gut inflammation (i.e., stool calprotectin) in this vulnerable population. Research Aim: To assess cytokines and inflammatory markers in milk from parents of very preterm infants over time as well as correlations between milk and infant’s stool calprotectin. Method: This is a secondary analysis of milk samples collected during OptiMoM, a triple-blind randomized clinical trial of infants born < 1250 g (NCT02137473). Longitudinally collected samples were analyzed for cytokines, choline, and inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein [CRP], IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-1β, IL-1ra, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α). Infant stools were collected for longitudinal calprotectin analysis. Generalized estimating equations quantified longitudinal profiles of milk markers and stool calprotectin, their associations, and the correlation between free choline and C-reactive protein over follow-up. Result: Participants included 92 parents and infants (median weeks of gestation 27.3, median birth weight 845 g, and prevalence of male infants 45%). In all, 212 milk samples and 94 corresponding stool calprotectin levels were collected 1–11 weeks postpartum. C-reactive protein was present in much higher concentrations than other markers, and was highest in Week 1 postpartum. It decreased over time. IL-8 and free choline also changed over time while other markers did not. There was no correlation between any milk markers and stool calprotectin. Conclusion: Milk from mothers of very preterm infants has detectable inflammatory markers, some of which change over time. Research is needed to determine if infant outcomes are associated with these markers.
The incidence and severity of diabetic hand infection presentations during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Riyat Harjoat , Morris Holly , Gillott Elizabeth , Chris Bainbridge L , Johnson Nicholas 
Published: September 2023

Diabetic hand infections are difficult to treat and can present with high morbidity. We set out to identify any changes in presentation and disease severity during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 61 pre-COVID and 32 during COVID patients with diabetes with a hand infection requiring intravenous antibiotics were included in the study. The pandemic caused a decrease in the number and proportion of presentations. Hospital admissions reduced as service provision was amended to enable increased outpatient treatment. However, there was a significant increase in surgical management (25 vs. 21, p = 0.02), total complications (5 vs. 8, p < 0.05) and incidence of amputations (2 vs. 4, p = 0.09). Mean haemoglobin A1C was also higher (48 mmol/L vs. 40 mmol/L, p < 0.05). While fewer patients attended the service during the pandemic, we witnessed an increased severity of hand infections in those we treated. There is a role for daily outpatient administration of intravenous antibiotics in selected patients to reduce the number of hospital admissions.   Level of evidence: IV
Ribosome biogenesis disruption mediated chromatin structure changes revealed by SRAtac, a customizable end to end analysis pipeline for ATAC-seq
Authors: Freeman Trevor F. , Zhao Qiuxia , Surya Agustian , Rothe Reed , Cenik Elif Sarinay 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe nucleolus is a large nuclear body that serves as the primary site for ribosome biogenesis. Recent studies have suggested that it also plays an important role in organizing chromatin architecture. However, to establish a causal relationship between nucleolar ribosome assembly and chromatin architecture, genetic tools are required to disrupt nucleolar ribosome biogenesis. In this study, we used ATAC-seq to investigate changes in chromatin accessibility upon specific depletion of two ribosome biogenesis components, RPOA-2 and GRWD-1, in the model organismCaenorhabditis elegans. To facilitate the analysis of ATAC-seq data, we introduced two tools: SRAlign, an extensible NGS data processing workflow, and SRAtac, a customizable end-to-end ATAC-seq analysis pipeline. Our results revealed highly comparable changes in chromatin accessibility following both RPOA-2 and GRWD-1 perturbations. However, we observed a weak correlation between changes in chromatin accessibility and gene expression. While our findings corroborate the idea ofa feedback mechanism between ribosomal RNA synthesis, nucleolar ribosome large subunit biogenesis, and chromatin structure during the L1 stage of C. elegans development, they also prompt questions regarding the functional impact of these alterations on gene expression.
Epigenetic regulation of functional candidate genes for milk production traits in dairy sheep subjected to protein restriction in the prepubertal stage
Authors: Fonseca P. A. S. , Suárez-Vega A. , Esteban-Blanco C. , Pelayo R. , Marina H. , Gutiérrez-Gil B. , Arranz J. J. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
As the prepubertal stage is a crucial point for the proper development of the mammary gland and milk production, this study aims to evaluate how protein restriction at this stage can affect methylation marks in milk somatic cells. Here, 28 Assaf ewes were subjected to 42.3% nutritional protein restriction (14 animals, NPR) or fed standard diets (14 animals, C) during the prepubertal stage. During the second lactation, the milk somatic cells of these ewes were sampled, and the extracted DNA was subjected to whole-genome bisulfite sequencing.

Results
A total of 1154 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified between the NPR and C groups. Indeed, the results of functional enrichment analyses of the genes harboring these DMRs suggested their relevant effects on the development of the mammary gland and lipid metabolism in sheep. The additional analysis of the correlations of the mean methylation levels within these DMRs with fat, protein, and dry extract percentages in the milk and milk somatic cell counts suggested associations between several DMRs and milk production traits. However, there were no phenotypic differences in these traits between the NPR and C groups.

Conclusion
In light of the above, the results obtained in the current study might suggest potential candidate genes for the regulation of milk production traits in the sheep mammary gland. Further studies focusing on elucidating the genetic mechanisms affected by the identified DMRs may help to better understand the biological mechanisms modified in the mammary gland of dairy sheep as a response to nutritional challenges and their potential effects on milk production.
Efficacy and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitors in Proficient Mismatch Repair (pMMR)/ Non-Microsatellite Instability-High (non-MSI-H) metastatic colorectal cancer: a study based on 39 cohorts incorporating 1723 patients
Authors: Wu Qing , Wang Ziming , Luo Yang , Xie Xianhe 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Purpose
This study was designed to investigate the efficacy and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs)-based therapy in proficient mismatch repair (pMMR)/non-microsatellite instability-high (non-MSI-H) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).

Methods
Electronic databases were screened to identify relevant trials. The primary endpoints were pooled objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR). Stratified analysis was accomplished on ICIs-based regimens, treatment lines and RAS status.

Results
Totally, 1723 mCRC patients from 39 cohorts were included. The pooled ORR, DCR, 12-month overall survival (OS) rate and 6-month progression-free survival (PFS) rate of ICIs-based therapy in pMMR/non-MSI-H mCRC were 8.5% (95% CI: 4.4%-13.5%), 48.2% (95% CI: 37.8%-58.6%), 52.3% (95% CI: 46.4%-58.1%) and 32.8% (95% CI: 23.5%-42.7%) respectively. As a whole, no significantly differences were shown between ICIs-based and non-ICIs-based therapy for pMMR/non-MSI-H mCRC in terms of both PFS (HR = 1.0, 95% CI: 0.9–1.1, P = 0.91) and OS (HR = 1.0, 95% CI: 0.9–1.2, P = 0.51). It was worth noting that the addition of ICIs to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agent plus chemotherapy displayed excellent efficacy in pMMR/non-MSI-H mCRC (ORR = 42.4%, 95% CI: 10.0%-78.6%; DCR = 92.0%, 95% CI: 68.3%-100.0%; 12-month OS rate = 71.4%, 95% CI: 50.0%-89.1%; 6-month PFS rate = 55.2%, 95% CI: 24.8%-83.8%; and PFS (compared with non-ICIs-based therapy): HR = 0.9, 95% CI: 0.8–1.0, P = 0.02), especially served as first-line therapy (ORR = 74.2%, 95% CI: 61.4%-85.4%; DCR = 98.7%, 95% CI: 92.0%-100.0%); and without additional treatment related adverse events (TRAEs) were observed.

Conclusions
ICIs-based combination therapy, especially the addition of ICIs to first-line anti-VEGF agent plus chemotherapy, is promising in pMMR/non-MSI-H mCRC with good efficacy and controllable toxicity.
Association between weight-adjusted-waist index and risk of cardiovascular diseases in United States adults: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Fang Haiyang , Xie Feng , Li Kai , Li Meng , Wu Yanqing 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
As a new obesity-related index, the weight-adjusted-waist index (WWI) appears to be a good predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in East Asian populations. This study aimed to validate the association between WWI and CVD in United States (US) adults and also evaluate its relationships with the prevalence of specific CVDs.

Methods
The data were obtained from the 2009–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. WWI was calculated as waist circumference divided by the square root of weight, and CVD was ascertained based on self-reported physician diagnoses. Multivariable logistic regression models and subgroup analyses were performed to evaluate the association between WWI and CVD.

Results
A total of 21,040 participants were included. There was a positive linear relationship between WWI and the odds of CVD (P = 0.310). After adjusting for all covariates, each unit of increased WWI was associated with 48% increased risk of CVD (odds ratio [OR]: 1.48, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.25–1.74). Moreover, compared with the lowest quintile (< 10.3 cm/√kg), the multivariable-adjusted OR was 3.18 (95% CI: 1.80–5.59) in the highest quintile (≥ 11.8 cm/√kg). Besides, positive associations were also found between WWI and increased prevalence of congestive heart failure (OR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.11–1.96), coronary heart disease (OR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.01–1.60), angina (OR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.06–1.96), heart attack (OR: 1.66, 95% CI: 1.29–2.12), and stroke (OR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.02–1.70). Subgroup analyses showed that stronger associations between WWI and CVD were detected in participants younger than 50 years of age (P < 0.001).

Conclusions
High levels of WWI were significantly associated with an increased risk of CVD in US adults, particularly in people under 50 years of age. These findings indicate that WWI may be an intervention indicator to reduce the risk of CVD in the general adult population.
Prevalence of social frailty and its associated factors in the older Chinese population: a national cross-sectional study
Authors: Qi Xin , Li Yingying , Hu Jiabin , Meng Lingbing , Zeng Ping , Shi Jing , Jia Na , Zeng Xuezhai , Li Hui , Zhang Qiuxia , Li Juan , Liu Deping 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Social frailty has not been comprehensively studied in China. Our objective is to investigate the prevalence of social frailty among the older population in China, as well as identify relevant factors and urban-rural differences.

Methods
We obtained data from the Fourth Sample Survey of the Aged Population in Urban and Rural China (SSAPUR) database. The study employed a multistage, stratified, cluster-sampling method, recruiting a total of 224,142 adults aged 60 years or older. Participants were interviewed to gather demographic data and information on family, health and medical conditions, health care service status, living environment conditions, social participation, protected rights status, spiritual and cultural life, and health. Social frailty was assessed using the HALFE Social Frailty Index. A score of three or above indicated social frailty.

Results
We analyzed a total of 222,179 cases, and the overall prevalence of social frailty was found to be 15.2%. The highest prevalence was observed among participants aged 75–79 years (18.0%). The prevalence of social frailty was higher in rural older populations compared to urban older populations (19.9% in rural vs. 10.9% in urban, P < 0.0001). In urban areas, women had a higher prevalence than men (11.7% in women vs. 9.9% in men, P < 0.0001), while in rural areas, men had a higher prevalence than women (20.6% in men vs. 19.2% in women, P < 0.0001). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that living in a rural/urban environment (OR 1.789, 95% CI 1.742–1.837), absence of a spouse/spousal presence (OR 4.874, 95% CI 4.743–5.009), self-assessed unhealthy/health status (OR 1.696, 95% CI 1.633–1.761), and housing dissatisfaction/satisfaction (OR 2.303, 95% CI 2.233–2.376) were all significantly associated with social frailty.

Conclusions
Using the HALFE social frailty index, we found a prevalence of 15.2% among older people in China, with the highest prevalence observed in the 75–79 age group. Social frailty was more prevalent in rural areas than in urban areas. Various factors, including spousal presence, housing satisfaction, health status, and urban-rural residential differences, were significantly associated with social frailty. These findings highlight the modifiable and non-modifiable factors that contribute to social frailty among older individuals in China.
Suspected medullary washout leading to severe polyuria following delayed cerebral ischemia: a case report
Authors: Sene Pape-Mamadou , Gebai Ahmad , Kopel Tal , Cailhier Jean-François , Lafrance Dominique , Côté Jean-Maxime 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Delayed cerebral ischemia is a clinical entity commonly encountered in patients presenting with acute neurological injury and is often complicated by dysnatremias, such as the cerebral salt wasting syndrome. In this case report, we described an exceptional case of polyuria attributed to an initial cerebral salt wasting phenomenon and iatrogenic-induced medullary washout.

Case presentation
A 53-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital for the management of a Modified Fisher scale grade 4 subarachnoid hemorrhage due to a ruptured posterior communicating aneurysm. She was initially managed with coil embolization and external ventricular drain due to secondary hydrocephalus. Throughout the course of her hospitalization, she developed severe polyuria reaching up to 40L per day. To keep up with the excessive urinary losses and maintain appropriate cerebral perfusion, fluid replacement therapy was adjusted every hour, reaching up to 1.3 L of crystalloid per hour in addition to aminergic support. An initial diagnosis of partial diabetes insipidus, followed by a cerebral salt wasting syndrome was suspected. While the urine output continued to increase, her serum urea concentration progressively decreased to a point of almost being undetectable on day 9. At that time, the presence of an interstitial medulla washout was hypothesized. Various pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions were progressively introduced to regain normal renal homeostasis, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, fludrocortisone, oral urea and high-protein intake. Medications were progressively weaned, and the patient was successfully discharged from the ICU.

Conclusions
Cerebral salt wasting should be considered in the initial differential diagnosis of a patient presenting with polyuria in the context of acute neurological injury. Early recognition of this entity is critical to quickly implement proper management. However, as shown in this case report, the concomitance of delayed cerebral ischemia may complexify that management.