bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
From rags to enriched: metagenomic insights into ammonia‐oxidizing archaea following ammonia enrichment of a denuded oligotrophic soil ecosystem
Authors: Vuong Paton , Moreira‐Grez Benjamin , Wise Michael J. , Whiteley Andrew S. , Kumaresan Deepak , Kaur Parwinder 
Published: April 2022

SummaryStored topsoil acts as a microbial inoculant for ecological restoration of land after disturbance, but the altered circumstances frequently create unfavourable conditions for microbial survival. Nitrogen cycling is a critical indicator for ecological success and this study aimed to investigate the cornerstone taxa driving the process. Previous in silico studies investigating stored topsoil discovered persistent archaeal taxa with the potential for re‐establishing ecological activity. Ammonia oxidization is the limiting step in nitrification and as such, ammonia‐oxidizing archaea (AOA) can be considered one of the gatekeepers for the re‐establishment of the nitrogen cycle in disturbed soils. Semi‐arid soil samples were enriched with ammonium sulfate to promote the selective enrichment of ammonia oxidizers for targeted genomic recovery, and to investigate the microbial response of the microcosm to nitrogen input. Ammonia addition produced an increase in AOA population, particularly within the genus Candidatus Nitrosotalea, from which metagenome‐assembled genomes (MAGs) were successfully recovered. The Ca. Nitrosotalea archaeon candidates' ability to survive in extreme conditions and rapidly respond to ammonia input makes it a potential bioprospecting target for application in ecological restoration of semi‐arid soils and the recovered MAGs provide a metabolic blueprint for developing potential strategies towards isolation of these acclimated candidates.
Ride the dust: linking dust dispersal and spatial distribution of microorganisms across an arid landscape
Authors: Schiro Gabriele , Chen Yongjian , Blankinship Joseph C. , Barberán Albert 
Published: April 2022

SummaryIn arid ecosystems, where the soil is directly exposed to the action of the wind due to sparse vegetation, dust aerosolization is a consequence of soil degradation and concomitantly, a major vector of microbial dispersal. Disturbances such as livestock grazing or fire can exacerbate wind erosion and dust production. Here, we sampled surface soils in 29 locations across an arid landscape in southwestern USA and characterized their prokaryotic and fungal communities. At four of these locations, we also sampled potential fugitive dust. By comparing the composition of soil and dust samples, we determined the role of dust dispersal in structuring the biogeography of soil microorganisms across the landscape. For Bacteria/Archaea, we found dust associated taxa to have on average, higher regional occupancies compared to soil associated taxa. Complementarily, we found dust samples to harbour a higher amount of widely distributed taxa compared to soil samples. Overall, our study shows how dust dispersal plays a role in the spatial distribution of soil Bacteria/Archaea, but not soil Fungi, and might inform indicators of soil health and stability in arid ecosystems.
The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute Disparities Elimination through Coordinated Interventions to Prevent and Control Heart and Lung Disease Alliance
Authors: Kho Abel , Daumit Gail L. , Truesdale Kimberly P. , Brown Arleen , Kilbourne Amy M. , Ladapo Joseph , Wali Soma , Cicutto Lisa , Matthews Alicia K. , Smith Justin D. , Davis Paris D. , Schoenthaler Antoinette , Ogedegbe Gbenga , Islam Nadia , Mills Katherine T. , He Jiang , Watson Karriem S. , Winn Robert A. , Stevens June , Huebschmann Amy G. , Szefler Stanley J. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) sponsored Disparities Elimination through Coordinated Interventions to Prevent and Control Heart and Lung Disease (DECIPHeR) Alliance to support late‐stage implementation research aimed at reducing disparities in communities with high burdens of cardiovascular and/or pulmonary disease.Study SettingNHBLI funded seven DECIPHeR studies and a Coordinating Center. Projects target high‐risk diverse populations including racial and ethnic minorities, urban, rural, and low‐income communities, disadvantaged children, and persons with serious mental illness. Two projects address multiple cardiovascular risk factors, three focus on hypertension, one on tobacco use, and one on pediatric asthma.Study DesignThe initial phase supports planning activities for sustainable uptake of evidence‐based interventions in targeted communities. The second phase tests late‐stage evidence‐based implementation strategies.Data Collection/Extraction MethodsNot applicable.Principal FindingsWe provide an overview of the DECIPHeR Alliance and individual study designs, populations, and settings, implementation strategies, interventions, and outcomes. We describe the Alliance's organizational structure, designed to promote cross‐center partnership and collaboration.ConclusionsThe DECIPHeR Alliance represents an ambitious national effort to develop sustainable implementation of interventions to achieve cardiovascular and pulmonary health equity.
Natural colorants from vegetable food waste: Recovery, regulatory aspects, and stability—A review
Authors: Benucci Ilaria , Lombardelli Claudio , Mazzocchi Caterina , Esti Marco 
Published: April 2022

AbstractWorldwide, approaches inspired by the Circular Economy model have been increasing steadily, generating new business opportunities such as the recovery of high‐added value molecules (e.g., pigments) from vegetable food waste that may be applied as food additives (e.g., colorants). Indeed, food waste is a global problem that does not seem to be decreasing, leading to economic, environmental, and social issues. Moreover, synthetic dyes have been associated with adverse effects on human health, encouraging research to explore much safer, natural, and eco‐friendly pigments. This state‐of‐the‐art review gives a brief overview of the regulatory aspects concerning food waste, Circular Economy, and natural versus synthetic colorants. We have critically reviewed the recent advances in pigment recovery from vegetable food waste bringing back the green/unconventional extraction methods. Among them, enzyme‐assisted extraction as a depth feature technique is highlighted, given that it allows the recovery of pigments in a mild, selective, efficient, and sustainable way. Furthermore, the stability issue of the different natural colorants has been critically discussed in relation to the extraction and application conditions. Several and tailored stabilization methods have been described and reported for each pigment although additional research is necessary on their long‐lasting stabilization and utilization in food matrices.Practical ApplicationThis review focuses on the main types of natural pigments in vegetable food waste, their legislative framework, extraction technologies and strategies to improve the stability , as well as their possible applications.
Quantitative analysis of smokeless powder particles in post‐blast debris via gas chromatography/vacuum ultraviolet spectroscopy (GC/VUV)
Authors: Reavis Madison , Goodpaster John 
Published: April 2022

AbstractForensic analysis of smokeless powder particles recovered from the debris of an improvised explosive device can provide information about the type of smokeless powder used and can aid investigation efforts. In this study, quantitative methods were used to yield information about the difference in the chemical composition of the particles pre‐ and post‐blast. The technique, gas chromatography/vacuum ultraviolet spectroscopy (GC/VUV), was able to quantify nitroglycerin, 2,4‐dinitrotoluene, diphenylamine, ethyl centralite, and di‐n‐butyl phthalate in pre‐ and post‐blast smokeless powder particles using heptadecane as an internal standard. Post‐blast debris was obtained via controlled explosions with assistance from the Indiana State Police Bomb Squad. Two galvanized steel and two polyvinyl chloride pipe bombs were assembled. Two devices contained single‐base smokeless powder and two contained double‐base smokeless powder. 2,4‐dinitrotoluene and diphenylamine were successfully quantified in the single‐base smokeless powder post‐blast debris while nitroglycerin, diphenylamine, and ethyl centralite were successfully quantified in the double‐base smokeless powder post‐blast debris. Compounds were detected at concentrations as low as 9 μg of 2,4‐dinitrotoluene per mg, <3 μg of diphenylamine per mg, 131 μg of nitroglycerin per mg, and <3 μg of ethyl centralite per mg. Concentration changes between pre‐ and post‐blast smokeless powder particles were determined as well as microscopic differences between pre‐ and post‐blast debris for both smokeless powders in all devices. To our knowledge, this is the first use of GC/VUV for the quantification of explosives.
Anti‐mitochondrial antibodies in Indian patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies
Authors: Gaur Prithvi Sanjeevkumar , R Naveen , Anuja Anamika Kumari , Singh Mantabya Kumar , Rai Mohit Kumar , Muhammed Rizwan , Sahu Ankit Kumar , Agarwal Vikas , Gupta Latika 
Published: April 2022

AbstractAimsAnti‐mitochondrial antibodies (AMAs) are associated with distinct clinical phenotypes including cardiac and hepatic manifestations in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs). This article studies the prevalence, clinical characteristics and outcomes of AMA in Indian patients with IIM.MethodsPatients (97: 81 adult, 16 juvenile) clinically diagnosed with polymyositis or antibody‐negative IIM were retrieved from the MyoCite bio‐archive. They were tested for myositis‐specific autoantibodies / myositis autoantibodies (MSAs/MAAs) using line immunoassay and antinuclear antibodies and AMAs using immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Patients were also screened for cardiac biomarkers (cardiac troponin I [c‐TnI] and N terminal‐pro brain natriuretic peptide [NT‐pro‐BNP] using immunometric immunoassay technique and enhanced chemiluminescence assay testing respectively) and hepatic manifestations using AMA testing. Results were formulated after carrying out analytical tests.ResultsOf the cohort, 5 adults (6.2%) (M:F 0:1) with a median age and disease duration of 37 years and 2 months respectively, tested AMA+ while the children tested negative. Dermatomyositis was the commonest phenotype, with amyopathic forms being common, often with MSA positivity. Cancer‐associated myositis and polymyositis were also seen. AMA positivity is associated with Gottron's sign and calcinosis. Comparable levels of C‐TnI and NT‐pro‐BNP and AMA testing in patients help to rule out subclinical cardiac and hepatic involvement respectively.ConclusionAnti‐mitochondrial antibodies are rare (6.2%) in different subtypes of IIM in the Indian population, and often coexist with MSAs. Their negative association with cardiac and hepatic involvement and probable association with Gottron's sign and calcinosis merit further investigation and long‐term follow‐up to understand the entire spectrum of the disease.
Adaptive co‐management, co‐existence or just wildlife conservation? Case study of the human and Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) conflicts in Ngezi Dam, Mashonaland West, Zimbabwe
Authors: Chakanyuka Tafadzwa , Utete Beaven 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIncreased human–wildlife conflicts in shared and partially closed conservation areas encompassing terrestrial and aquatic systems such as Ngezi Dam in Zimbabwe may arise from competing uses. This case study aimed to (i) estimate the abundance and distribution of Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus), (ii) identify potential human–crocodile conflict hotspots, (iii) assess the perceptions and attitudes of Ngezi Dam side communities towards crocodiles and their effects on rural livelihoods and (iv) examine the application of co‐existence and adaptive co‐management concepts in human–crocodile conflict resolution. A mixed‐methods research approach integrating field surveys, focus group discussions and face‐to‐face interviews was used to collect data on crocodiles and human communities. A total of 54 and 57 Nile crocodiles were observed in 2017 and 2018, respectively, with no significant spatiotemporal differences (p > 0.05) in crocodile abundances. Crocodile hotspots (Getis‐Ord >1.96) detected round the dam indicated potential human–crocodile‐livestock conflicts. Most respondents (76%) showed a negative attitude towards crocodiles, which they indicated destroy livelihoods through injury, death and livestock depredation. The lopsided losses, for example human injuries and fatalities, loss of fishing equipment and livestock in human–crocodile conflicts drawn from this case study reflected a need to delicately recalibrate the contextualised optimisation and balanced implementation of conservation, co‐management and human needs in shared landscapes. Astute crocodile conservation whilst offsetting human needs requires an inductive rather than deductive perspective lens. We propose a human–crocodile conflict contextual resolution framework (HCCCR), which prioritises interactive adaptive co‐management in a specific context in shared conservation landscapes.
Fraction mapping and fraction comparison skills among grade 4 Chinese students: An error analysis
Authors: Di Lonardo Burr Sabrina M. , Xu Chang , Li Hongxia , Si Jiwei , LeFevre Jo‐Anne , Wang Yangyang 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundMapping fraction symbols to magnitudes is easier for students to master than comparing fraction magnitudes. Fraction mapping assesses students’ understanding of part‐whole interpretations of fractions; fractions represent the parts of an object or set of objects. Fraction comparison assesses students’ understanding of measurement interpretations of fractions; a fraction is a single numerical quantity, not a combination of two whole numbers.AimTo examine and compare the types of errors made by emergent fraction learners on fraction mapping and comparison tasks.SampleGrade 4 Chinese students (N = 1036; 577 boys; Mage = 9.9 years).MethodWe examined performance and identified errors on fraction mapping and comparison tasks. For mapping, students converted pictorial representations into fraction notation. For comparison, they chose the larger of two symbolic fractions.ResultsConsistent with curriculum expectations, most students successfully mapped pictorial representations to fraction notation. In contrast, few students were able to accurately compare fraction magnitudes. Within each task, students’ errors were consistent across trials, suggesting that they applied systematic but incorrect procedures. However, errors were not consistent between tasks and the correlation between mapping and comparison performance was weak.ConclusionEmergent fraction learners can acquire part‐whole knowledge of fractions without acquiring measurement interpretations of fractions. Moreover, misconceptions about different interpretations of fractions need not overlap. Awareness of the types of errors that students make can assist educators in identifying misconceptions early so that students do not build their fraction knowledge on erroneous beliefs.
Social withdrawal and academic achievement, intertwined over years? Bidirectional effects from primary to upper secondary school
Authors: Stenseng Frode , Tingstad Eivind B. , Wichstrøm Lars , Skalicka Vera 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundSocially withdrawn children tend to perform poorer academically than their peers. What remains unknown, is the temporal ordering of the two phenomena. Also, substantial gender differences exist in both social withdrawal and academic achievement; thus, it is conceivable that the strength of the relation between them is gendered as well.AimsTo investigate cross‐sectional correlates and test directional effects of social withdrawal and academic achievement from primary to upper secondary school, and to examine potential gendered effects.MethodsProspective associations were analysed from age 6 to age 14 using biannual teacher ratings of children's social withdrawal and academic achievement in a representative community sample (n = 845), by means of random intercept cross‐lagged panel modelling.ResultsIn boys, increased academic achievement at ages 8 and 12 forecasted decreased social withdrawal 2 years later, whereas increased social withdrawal at age 10 predicted reduced academic achievement at age 12. No such effects were seen in girls.ConclusionsSocial withdrawal and academic achievement are bidirectionally related among boys, but not girls. Results are discussed in light of need‐to‐belong theory, and practical implications for schools and teachers are illuminated.
Recovery of polyclonal immunoglobulins during treatment in patients ineligible for autologous stem‐cell transplantation is a prognostic marker of longer progression‐free survival and overall survival
Authors: Dávila Julio , González‐Calle Verónica , Escalante Fernando , Cerdá Seila , Puig Noemí , García‐Sanz Ramón , Bárez Abelardo , Montes Carmen , López Rosa , Alonso José María , Aguilar Carlos , García‐Mateo Aránzazu , Labrador Jorge , Aguilera Carmen , García‐Coca Alfonso , Hernández Roberto , Mateos María‐Victoria , Ocio Enrique M. 
Published: April 2022

SummaryImmunoparesis is the suppression of normal polyclonal immunoglobulins and is present in most patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM). The association of immunoparesis at diagnosis, and particularly its recovery along with treatment, with survival in patients ineligible for autologous stem‐cell transplantation (ASCT) has not been well established. This retrospective study evaluated the impact of immunoparesis in 431 patients diagnosed with MM, ineligible for ASCT, with a median overall survival of 36 months [95% confidence interval (CI): 31–40]. Immunoparesis was present in 81.2% of patients at diagnosis and was associated with a trend to a worse overall response rate (ORR: 84.8% vs. 74.9%; OR 1.88 (95% CI: 0.97–3.63), shorter progression‐free survival (PFS) [22.0 vs. 18.2 months; hazard ratio (HR) 0.775; 95%CI: 0.590–1.018; p = 0.066], and overall survival (OS) (45.9 vs. 34.2 months; HR 0.746; 95% CI: 0.551–1.010; p = 0.057). Twenty‐four per cent of patients who had immunoparesis at diagnosis recovered polyclonal immunoglobulins in the follow‐up period. Interestingly, these patients had a better ORR (96.3% vs. 68.2%; OR 12.29 (95% CI: 3.77–40.06), PFS (HR 0.703; 95CI%: 0.526–0.941; p = 0.018) and OS (HR 0.678; 95 CI%: 0.503–0.913; p = 0.011) than patients who did not recover it. In summary, restoring a healthy immune system along with first‐line treatment in patients with MM, not receiving ASCT, is associated with better outcomes.
Change in weight category among youth early in the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Eneli Ihuoma , Xu Jinyu , Pratt Keeley 
Published: April 2022

SummaryRemote learning and shelter‐in‐place orders during the COVID‐19 pandemic are associated with obesity risk factors such as decreased physical activity, altered routines and sleep schedules, increased screen time, and non‐nutritious food choices. The objective of this brief report is to describe change in weight category 3–6 months after the onset of the pandemic in a cohort of 4509 low‐income youth. Inclusion criteria were youth aged 2–17 years with weight and height measure in a large primary care network between 1 January and 30 March 2020 (Q1), designated as pre‐COVID period; and 1 June–30 September 2020, (Q3), as early‐COVID period. Change in weight category was assessed between Q1 and Q3. Adjusting for visit type and time lapse, logistic regression was conducted to examine the association between weight category change and age, sex, and race/ethnicity. The proportion of youth with overweight or obesity increased from 37.8% to 44.6%; and declined by 5.6% in the healthy weight category. Over the 3–6 month period, 23.1% of youth gained ≥5 kg, 4.3% gained ≥10 kg, and 17.8% increased their BMI by ≥2 units. Among underweight youth, 45.3% switched to the healthy weight category, with a median weight gain of 2.1 kg (interquartile range [IQR] = 2.1 kg). Median weight gain was highest among those youth with severe obesity (5.8 kg, IQR = 5.2 kg). Younger age (2–9 years), female and ethnic‐minority youth were more likely to change to a higher/worse weight category. Significant weight gain occurred in the first 3–6 months of the pandemic among low‐income youth, reflecting the short‐term effects of the pandemic.
Aspiration cytology of facial nerve schwannoma of parotid gland: A rare diagnosis
Authors: Behera Pushpanjali , Jain Swasti , Kaushal Manju 
Published: April 2022

AbstractSchwannoma is a benign nerve sheath tumour rarely found in the head and neck region and much less commonly found in the intraparotid facial nerve. It is a slow‐growing encapsulated tumour arising from differentiated Schwann cells or axonal nerve sheath. It can occur anywhere along the course of the facial nerve. Patients most commonly present with an asymptomatic swelling, in the absence of any signs of facial nerve palsy. Accordingly, diagnosis is usually difficult before surgical removal and histopathological examination. Here, we report a rare case of facial nerve schwannoma (FNS), diagnosed on fine needle aspiration cytology, in a 35‐year‐old male who presented with a painless, gradually increasing swelling in the right infra‐auricular region for the last 2 years. His general examination revealed no signs of facial muscle weakness. The cytodiagnosis of intraparotid FNS was further confirmed by immunohistochemistry on cell block.
Tracheostomy is associated with increased survival in Multiple System Atrophy patients with stridor
Authors: Giannini Giulia , Provini Federica , Cani Ilaria , Cecere Annagrazia , Mignani Francesco , Guaraldi Pietro , Di Mirto Cristian Vincenzo Francesco , Cortelli Pietro , Calandra‐Buonaura Giovanna 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackground and purposeStridor treatment in multiple system atrophy (MSA) mainly comprises tracheostomy or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), but guidelines for the use of these treatments are lacking. The aim of the study was to evaluate the predictive value of stridor treatment in an MSA cohort.MethodsThis is a retrospective and prospective monocentric cohort study including MSA patients evaluated at least once a year during the disease course. Stridor was video‐polysomnography confirmed. The time of stridor treatment (CPAP or tracheostomy) and latency from stridor onset were collected. Survival and predictors of survival were calculated.ResultsA total of 182 (107 males, mean age at disease onset 57.3 ± 8.4 years) MSA patients were included in the study; 141 were deceased at the time of study. Of the total sample, 75 patients were diagnosed with stridor: 22 patients were treated with tracheostomy and 29 with CPAP, whilst 24 patients did not receive treatment. Treatment with tracheostomy showed longer survival compared with both treatment with CPAP or no treatment (incidence rate of death 12 vs. 21 vs. 23 per 100 person‐years, respectively). Tracheostomy remained an independent factor associated with longer survival (hazard ratio 0.38, p = 0.029), also after adjustment for other confounders and latency for stridor treatment.ConclusionsThis is the largest monocentric and long‐term follow‐up study comparing survival between tracheostomy and CPAP in MSA patients with stridor. Treatment with tracheostomy showed longer survival compared with both treatment with CPAP or no treatment. A careful multidisciplinary approach is required for the management of MSA patients with stridor.