bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Micro‐synteny conservation analysis revealed the evolutionary history of bacterial biphenyl degradation pathway
Authors: Ullah Raqeeb , Zhu Bo , Kakar Kaleem U. , Nawaz Zarqa , Mushtaq Muhammd , Durrani Taimoor Shah , Islam Zia Ul , Nawaz Faheem 
Published: May 2022

SummaryPhenolic compounds have been enlisted by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the European Union (EU) as pollutants of priority concern. The biphenyl degradation pathway plays an essential role in prokaryote polychlorinated biphenyls degradation. Our understanding of prokaryotic pathways and their evolution has dramatically increased in recent years with the advancements in prokaryotic genome sequencing and analysis tools. In this work, we applied bioinformatics tools to study the evolution of the biphenyl degradation pathway focusing on the phylogeny and initiation of four representative species (Burkholderia xenovorans LB400, Polaromonas naphthalenivorans CJ2, Pseudomonas putida F1 and Rhodococcus jostii RHA1). These species contained partial or full concatenated genes from bph gene cluster (i.e. bphRbphA1A2A3A4BCKHJID). The aim was to establish this pathway's origin and development mode in the prokaryotic world. Genomic screening revealed that many bacterial species possess genes for the biphenyl degradation pathway. However, the micro‐synteny conservation analysis indicated that massive gene recruitment events might have occurred during the evolution of the biphenyl degradation pathway. Combining with the phylogenetic positions, this work points to the evolutionary process of acquiring the biphenyl degradation pathway by different fragments through horizontal gene transfer in these bacterial groups. This study reports the first‐ever evidence of the birth of this pathway in the represented species.
A taxonomy of occupational and organisational stressors and protectors of mental health reported by veterinary professionals in Australasia
Authors: Connolly CE , Norris K , Martin A , Dawkins S , Meehan C 
Published: May 2022

AimTo develop a taxonomy of positive and negative occupational and organisational factors reported that impact the mental health of veterinary professionals.MethodsVeterinary professionals working in Australasia were surveyed between February and June of 2021. The survey comprised two questions related to participants' perceptions of the positive and negative aspects of their job role that impact their mental health and wellbeing. Reflexive thematic analysis was employed to analyse the responses and generate two taxonomies of occupational and organisation stressors and protectors reported by participants.ResultsFifty‐three responses from veterinary professionals were analysed. The final stressor taxonomy generated contained 9 overarching themes and 36 subthemes. The most common of these were negative work conditions, challenging relationships with clients, and adverse events and patient outcomes. The taxonomy of protectors contained 11 overarching themes and 32 subthemes, with the most common including fulfillment and satisfaction, positive work conditions, and relationships with colleagues.ConclusionThis study is the first to examine both positive and negative factors in the veterinary industry reported by veterinary professionals in Australasia. The results highlighted stressors that can be addressed on both an individual and organisational level to promote the mental and health well‐being of professionals working in the animal care industry.
A comparison of two techniques to identify the sex of the eastern blue‐tongue skink (Tiliqua scincoides scincoides)
Authors: McKenzie A. , Li T. , Doneley B. 
Published: May 2022

IntroductionThe eastern blue‐tongued skink (Tiliqua scincoides scincoides), native to eastern Australia, is commonly kept as both a pet and for breeding. As a sexually monomorphic species, it is important to develop reliable techniques for sex identification, both for breeding and health purposes. Numerous techniques have been developed for the identification of sex in other reptile species but, other than possibly morphometric analysis, none have proven to be reliable in this species. Two techniques showing promise are contrast radiography of the hemepenes/hemeclitores, and morphometrical analysis. This study looks at both techniques and compares them for accuracy.Methods and MaterialsTwenty captive eastern blue‐tongued skinks (of known sex) were sedated, contrast radiography of their hemepenes /hemeclitores was performed, and physical measurements were taken for morphometric analysis. The radiographs were examined by a panel of three researchers (blinded to the known sex) to identify sex. The morphometric data were statistically analysed, following a previously published methodology, and the individual sex identified. Again, the researchers were blinded to the known sex.ResultsThe contrast radiography technique was 100% accurate in correctly identifying the sex of all the skinks. Morphometric analysis was, by contrast, only 70% accurate.Conclusion and Clinical RelevancePhysical differences between wild and captive skinks, as well as different environmental and nutritional factors, may have contributed to the lower accuracy of morphometric analysis in identifying the sex of eastern blue‐tongued skinks. While contrast radiography was more accurate, the need for specialised equipment may render this technique impractical for field researchers, but more suitable for owned animals. More research is needed to assess the impact of captivity on eastern blue‐tongued skinks' physical morphometrics.
Nibble, cut, stomp and burn: Biodiversity effects of disturbances in fen grassland
Authors: Fløjgaard Camilla , Brunbjerg Ane Kirstine , Andersen Dagmar Kappel , Dalby Lars , Lehmann Louise Juhl , Bruun Hans Henrik , Ejrnæs Rasmus 
Published: May 2022

AbstractAimsWe assessed biodiversity effects of disturbance in meadows and rich fens. We hypothesized that disturbances and their timing affect plant and bryophyte species richness and other indicators of conservation success. More specifically, we expected conservation status to improve with disturbances that mimic natural grazing processes, that is, that extensive year‐round grazing with trampling had a more positive effect than intensive summer grazing or mowing.LocationKastbjerg wetlands, Jutland, Denmark.MethodsIn a three‐year field experiment, we applied trampling, season‐specific defoliation with biomass removal and burning in a randomized design in nine wetland sites. We recorded species richness and community composition. Bayesian generalized linear mixed‐effects models were built with treatment as fixed effect, site as random effect and species richness or species composition as responses. Leaf N and P, and soil moisture were included as covariables. Further, a quadratic discriminant analysis (QDA) was applied to test for discrimination between treatments based on a set of biodiversity indicators.ResultsEnvironmental and biotic differences among sites were considerable and significant indicating a considerable effect of historical contingency (local species pool). We found only minor and mostly insignificant effects of disturbance on vegetation. However, a QDA revealed significant differences among treatments based on five indicators for conservation status. Simulated grazing and trampling were generally associated with higher vascular plant richness, bryophyte richness, number of indicator species and stress‐tolerant species and decreasing abundance of competitive species.ConclusionWe found small, but positive effects of disturbance on biodiversity indicators of wetland vegetation after three years of experimental treatments. Initial site differences explained most variation, indicating strong historical contingency. Our results support the need for restoration of disturbances in fens and meadows, and the importance of prioritizing areas with near‐natural biotas.
Outcomes of right lobe donors with BMI≥30 for living donor liver transplantation
Authors: Andacoglu Oya , Tokat Yaman , Malamutmann Eugen , Adali Gupse , Emre Anilalp , Oezcelik Arzu 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundDonor BMI above 30 is generally considered contraindication for donor hepatectomy. We compared the donor outcomes based on BMI threshold and weight loss.Patients and methodsAll potential donors were identified and data were collected retrospectively. Steatosis was assessed based on liver‐spleen Hounsfield unit difference and absolute liver intensity values. We compared BMI≥30 (n = 53) and BMI < 30 (n = 64) donor outcomes. Donors with weight loss (WL) prior to surgery were also analyzed separately. Complications were graded by Clavien–Dindo classification.ResultsAll donors underwent open right donor hepatectomy. There was no difference between BMI≥30 and < 30 groups except female predominance in BMI≥30 group (P = .006). Both groups had similar rates of complication rates in all categories, similar remnant volume, operative time, length of stay and similar postoperative liver function recovery (all P > .05). On the other hand, donors with WL were more commonly male, had smaller graft size, and higher biliary complications rates compared to no‐WL donors (all P < .05). Multivariate binary logistics regression analysis revealed no association between BMI or WL and outcomes.ConclusionWe demonstrate that donors with BMI≥30 have similar outcomes compared to BMI < 30 donors with our defined selection criterion, therefore BMI≥30 is not an absolute contraindication to donate right liver, provided that there is no significant steatosis and remnant liver is satisfactory. For potential overweight donors, WL down to BMI < 30 is a reasonable target. Higher biliary complication rates after WL should be investigated further.
Flexible inclusion of dialogue about psychosocial aspects of life with type 1 diabetes in routine consultations: A study of a questionnaire‐based dialogue tool to promote person‐centred support
Authors: Joensen Lene Eide , Schultz Astrid Andrea , Madsen Kristoffer Panduro , Persson Frederik , Nørgaard Kirsten , Kristensen Peter Lommer , Pedersen Jens , Willaing Ingrid 
Published: May 2022

AbstractAimsTo explore (1) experiences among people with type 1 diabetes and diabetologists of using a questionnaire‐based dialogue tool in routine consultations to identify and address psychosocial challenges and (2) experiences of person‐centredness in this group compared with a group who did not use the tool.MethodsIn all, 42 people with type 1 diabetes (mean age 54 years, mean diabetes duration 31 years and 60% women) were interviewed and completed an evaluation questionnaire following a routine consultation with the use of a dialogue tool including PAID‐5, WHO‐5 and open‐ended questions. A comparison group of 42 people with type 1 diabetes attending routine consultations without the use of dialogue tools completed evaluation questionnaires. All consultations were audio recorded. Diabetologists were interviewed after completing all test consultations. Interviews were analysed using thematic text condensation. Evaluation questionnaires were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi square tests and Student's two‐sided t‐tests.ResultsMost participants found questions in the dialogue tool relevant to discuss with the diabetologist, and two‐thirds were satisfied with the time spent on that. Experiences of people with type 1 diabetes and diabetologists were related to three pathways: (1) the tool supported valuable conversations with the diabetologist, (2) conversations with the diabetologist were unchanged and (3) the tool derailed conversations. All participants reported high levels of person centredness; however, significantly more in the comparison group reported that the diabetologist made them feel at ease (80 vs. 55%) and discussed and planned specific changes with them (93 vs. 67%).ConclusionA questionnaire‐based dialogue tool in consultations can support the discussion of psychosocial issues of people with type 1 diabetes. However, flexible and tailored use of the dialogue tool is crucial as consultations may otherwise be derailed.
Modulation of sensory cortical activity by deep brain stimulation in advanced Parkinson's disease
Authors: Korsun Olesia , Renvall Hanna , Nurminen Jussi , Mäkelä Jyrki P. , Pekkonen Eero 
Published: May 2022

AbstractDespite optimal oral drug treatment, about 90% of patients with Parkinson's disease develop motor fluctuation and dyskinesia within 5–10 years from the diagnosis. Moreover, the patients show non‐motor symptoms in different sensory domains. Bilateral deep brain stimulation (DBS) applied to the subthalamic nucleus is considered the most effective treatment in advanced Parkinson's disease, and it has been suggested to affect sensorimotor modulation and relate to motor improvement in patients. However, observations on the relationship between sensorimotor activity and clinical improvement have remained sparse. Here, we studied the somatosensory evoked magnetic fields in 13 right‐handed patients with advanced Parkinson's disease before and 7 months after stimulator implantation. Somatosensory processing was addressed with magnetoencephalography during alternated median nerve stimulation at both wrists. The strengths and the latencies of the ~60‐ms responses at the contralateral primary somatosensory cortices were highly variable but detectable and reliably localized in all patients. The response strengths did not differ between preoperative and postoperative DBSON measurements. The change in the response strength between preoperative and postoperative condition in the dominant left hemisphere of our right‐handed patients correlated with the alleviation of their motor symptoms (p = .04). However, the result did not survive correction for multiple comparisons. Magnetoencephalography appears an effective tool to explore non‐motor effects in patients with Parkinson's disease, and it may help in understanding the neurophysiological basis of DBS. However, the high interindividual variability in the somatosensory responses and poor tolerability of DBSOFF condition warrants larger patient groups and measurements also in non‐medicated patients.
Patient‐specific structural connectivity informs outcomes of responsive neurostimulation for temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Charlebois Chantel M. , Anderson Daria Nesterovich , Johnson Kara A. , Philip Brian J. , Davis Tyler S. , Newman Blake J. , Peters Angela Y. , Arain Amir M. , Dorval Alan D. , Rolston John D. , Butson Christopher R. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractObjectiveResponsive neurostimulation is an effective therapy for patients with refractory mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. However, clinical outcomes are variable, few patients become seizure‐free, and the optimal stimulation location is currently undefined. The aim of this study was to quantify responsive neurostimulation in the mesial temporal lobe, identify stimulation‐dependent networks associated with seizure reduction, and determine if stimulation location or stimulation‐dependent networks inform outcomes.MethodsWe modeled patient‐specific volumes of tissue activated and created probabilistic stimulation maps of local regions of stimulation across a retrospective cohort of 22 patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. We then mapped the network stimulation effects by seeding tractography from the volume of tissue activated with both patient‐specific and normative diffusion‐weighted imaging. We identified networks associated with seizure reduction across patients using the patient‐specific tractography maps and then predicted seizure reduction across the cohort.ResultsPatient‐specific stimulation‐dependent connectivity was correlated with responsive neurostimulation effectiveness after cross‐validation (p = .03); however, normative connectivity derived from healthy subjects was not (p = .44). Increased connectivity from the volume of tissue activated to the medial prefrontal cortex, cingulate cortex, and precuneus was associated with greater seizure reduction.SignificanceOverall, our results suggest that the therapeutic effect of responsive neurostimulation may be mediated by specific networks connected to the volume of tissue activated. In addition, patient‐specific tractography was required to identify structural networks correlated with outcomes. It is therefore likely that altered connectivity in patients with epilepsy may be associated with the therapeutic effect and that utilizing patient‐specific imaging could be important for future studies. The structural networks identified here may be utilized to target stimulation in the mesial temporal lobe and to improve seizure reduction for patients treated with responsive neurostimulation.
Towards mapping biodiversity from above: Can fusing lidar and hyperspectral remote sensing predict taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic tree diversity in temperate forests?
Authors: Kamoske Aaron G. , Dahlin Kyla M. , Read Quentin D. , Record Sydne , Stark Scott C. , Serbin Shawn P. , Zarnetske Phoebe L. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractAimRapid global change is impacting the diversity of tree species and essential ecosystem functions and services of forests. It is therefore critical to understand and predict how the diversity of tree species is spatially distributed within and among forest biomes. Satellite remote sensing platforms have been used for decades to map forest structure and function but are limited in their capacity to monitor change by their relatively coarse spatial resolution and the complexity of scales at which different dimensions of biodiversity are observed in the field. Recently, airborne remote sensing platforms making use of passive high spectral resolution (i.e., hyperspectral) and active lidar data have been operationalized, providing an opportunity to disentangle how biodiversity patterns vary across space and time from field observations to larger scales. Most studies to date have focused on single sites and/or one sensor type; here we ask how multiple sensor types from the National Ecological Observatory Network’s Airborne Observation Platform (NEON AOP) perform across multiple sites in a single biome at the NEON field plot scale (i.e., 40 m × 40 m).LocationEastern USA.Time period2017–2018.Taxa studiedTrees.MethodsWith a fusion of hyperspectral and lidar data from the NEON AOP, we assess the ability of high resolution remotely sensed metrics to measure biodiversity variation across eastern US temperate forests. We examine how taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic measures of alpha diversity vary spatially and assess to what degree remotely sensed metrics correlate with in situ biodiversity metrics.ResultsModels using estimates of forest function, canopy structure, and topographic diversity performed better than models containing each category alone. Our results show that canopy structural diversity, and not just spectral reflectance, is critical to predicting biodiversity.Main conclusionsWe found that an approach that jointly leverages spectral properties related to leaf and canopy functional traits and forest health, lidar derived estimates of forest structure, fine‐resolution topographic diversity, and careful consideration of biogeographical differences within and among biomes is needed to accurately map biodiversity variation from above.
Piagetian's principles on moral development and its influence on the oral hygiene practices of Indian children: An embedded mixed‐method approach
Authors: Asokan Sharath , GeethaPriya PR , Natchiyar Nambi , Viswanath Sudhandra 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundMoral principles in children can influence their oral hygiene practices and can be beneficial in providing better oral health care.AimTo assess the consistency of Piaget's moral development principles in Indian children aged 7 to 11 years and evaluate its influence on their oral hygiene practices.DesignThe first phase of the embedded mixed‐method approach included telephone interviews of 50 children on eight situations of moral development as suggested by Jean Piaget. Children were categorised into heteronomous and autonomous moralities based on the content analysis. The second phase of the study included a semi‐structured qualitative interview on knowledge and practice behaviour of children on oral hygiene maintenance.ResultsThere was no significant difference in the overall moral development of children aged 7 to 9 years and 9 to 11 years (p = .57). Only 4.8% of girls had heteronomous morality, and a significant difference was noted between boys and girls (p = .014). There was a significant difference in the oral hygiene practices observed between heteronomous morality and autonomous morality children.ConclusionChildren were autonomous in their morality at 7 to 9 years of age. Children with autonomous morality performed better oral hygiene practices than children with heteronomous morality.
Gypsum amendment influences performance and mineral absorption in wheat cultivars grown in normal and saline‐sodic soils
Authors: Morsy Sabah , Elbasyoni Ibrahim S. , Baenziger Stephen , Abdallah Ahmed M. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractIn arid and semi‐arid regions, soil salinity and sodicity are the most common constraints to agriculture production, in particular in North Africa. The effect of gypsum application has been widely studied in saline‐sodic soils. However, the gypsum amendment's influence on the performance, productivity and mineral absorption of salt‐sensitive and tolerant wheat cultivars in both saline‐sodic and normal soils under field conditions has not yet been investigated. A two‐season (2016–17 and 2017–18) field experiment was undertaken to investigate the impact of gypsum on wheat growth, yield and minerals uptake for salt‐tolerant and sensitive cultivars grown in normal(EC = 1.3 dS m−1, pH = 8.4 and ESP = 7.1–8.0%) and saline‐sodic soils (EC = 5.8–6.2 dS m−1, pH = 8.8 and ESP = 19.3–22.4%) in the western Nile delta, Egypt. The gypsum requirement was applied to decrease the initial ESP from 19.3–22.4 to 10.0% was calculated for 0.3 m soil depth. Gypsum application (6.0 and 4.7 ton ha1, for the first and second season, respectively) reduced soil pH, EC and ESP of saline‐sodic soil by 31.6, 7.3 and 39.0%, respectively (two‐season mean). Furthermore, gypsum application increased Ca2+, Mg2+and K+in the flag leaf by 54.7, 24.5 and 45.7%, respectively (2‐season mean) under saline‐sodic soil. While, in the normal soil, gypsum application increased Ca2+, Mg2+and K+by 67.3, 32.7 and 78.7%, respectively. In contrast, gypsum applications decreased Na+and Cl−content by 17.2 and 15.0% and by 40.0 and 35.5%, respectively, in the saline‐sodic and normal soil, respectively. Under saline‐sodic and normal soils, gypsum application significantly increased the K/Na ratio by 90.0 and 175.2%, respectively (2‐season mean). Interestingly, across cultivars, gypsum amendment increased grain yield by 20.7% (6.9 to 8.3 t ha−1) for normal soil and by 8.0% (5.8 to 6.3 t ha−1) for saline‐sodic soil. The positive impact of gypsum was more pronounced under the normal soil and for the salt‐sensitive cultivars than in saline‐sodic soil and for salt‐tolerant cultivars. Growers can cultivate salt‐tolerant cultivars and use gypsum as a precaution to reduce saline‐sodicity build‐up and to increase nutrient absorption.