bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Large mammalian herbivores contribute to conspecific negative density dependence in a temperate forest
Authors: Murphy Stephen J. , Comita Liza S. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

The Janzen–Connell Hypothesis (JCH) predicts that density‐responsive and host‐specific natural enemies limit the population sizes of abundant species. Importantly, these interactions help to maintain local community diversity through time. While ample evidence exists for the demographic predictions of the JCH, it remains unclear which natural enemies drive these dynamics across different plant communities.

While large mammalian herbivores are often assumed to lack the specialized diet needed to drive Janzen–Connell effects, they do show a degree of host‐preference that could drive density‐dependent plant demography. However, the potential role of large mammalian herbivores in Janzen–Connell interactions has only rarely been investigated.

Using 204 seedling transects (1 m × 10 m) at 51 sites across a 900‐ha forested reserve in southwestern Pennsylvania (USA), we examined the role that large mammals play in driving conspecific negative density dependence (CNDD) in temperate tree seedlings. Individual fences were erected around half of the transects (n = 102) to exclude large mammals, and were paired with adjacent unfenced transects. Within transects, a total of ~15,000 individual seedlings were monitored over three growing seasons.

Demographic neighbourhood models were constructed to examine the influence of neighbourhood composition and density on seedling survival and growth. An interaction term between conspecific neighbour density and fencing treatment was included to test the hypothesis that large herbivores cause CNDD.

We found that seedling survival was influenced by both conspecific neighbour density and fencing. CNDD was strongest when large mammals were allowed access to seedlings, and these results were driven by two abundant taxa (Prunus serotina and Fraxinus spp). Despite evidence that large mammals mediate CNDD, we found no effect of fencing on rarified species richness or evenness in seedling transects during the study.

Synthesis. Understanding the specific natural enemies driving conspecific negative density dependence remains vital for understanding the maintenance of forest diversity across the globe. Our results indicate that large mammalian herbivores are capable of driving CNDD in temperate tree species. These results suggest that large mammals may be an important and generally overlooked agent contributing to Janzen–Connell interactions in forest communities. We expect that further research examining large mammals in other systems will be important in the future.
Functional diversity of decomposers modulates litter decomposition affected by plant invasion along a climate gradient
Authors: Luan Junwei , Liu Shirong , Li Siyu , Whalen Joann K. , Wang Yi , Wang Jingxin , Liu Yanchun , Dong Wei , Chang Scott X. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Litter decomposition is fundamental to carbon (C) and nutrient cycling in ecosystems, which could be altered by plant invasion. The impacts of plant invasion on litter decomposition are generally predicted by trait difference between leaf litters of invasive and non‐invasive species. However, plant invasion not only changes litter composition, but might also increase the activity or change the functional diversity of decomposers to alter litter decomposition, which is barely studied, and the effect could be different under varied climate conditions.

We studied decomposition of litters from non‐invasive and invasive native plants, as affected by litter treatments (in a mixture or alone) and decomposer organisms of different functional groups (by controlling the mesh size of litterbags), in sites with or without an invasive woody grass, Moso bamboo Phyllostachys edulis, at seven locations across a climate gradient.

We show that greater decomposer functional diversity, particularly the presence of macrofauna, accelerated the cycling of litter C and nitrogen (N), increased the climatic sensitivities of decomposition rates, but decreased the N use efficiency of decomposers (represented by litter C to N loss ratio). Litter decomposed in mixtures decomposed faster (by 9.5%) and had more N loss (by 28.9%) than that of the monoculture, regardless of the functional diversity of decomposers. In contrast, the invasion of Moso bamboo slowed decomposition and decreased N use efficiency; this negative effect could be reversed when macrofauna were excluded from the decomposition process, which challenges the nutrient facilitation hypothesis. Bamboo invasion depressed the climatic sensitivity of decomposer functional groups when macrofauna were present but not when macrofauna were excluded.

Synthesis. We found that the functional diversity of decomposer organisms modulates and largely determines litter decomposition affected by a woody grass invasion along a climate gradient. These results suggest that, under current and future climate, including the changes in decomposer functional groups, particularly macrofauna, and their interaction with litter traits, would provide a mechanistic and more reliable prediction on ecosystem functions altered by invaders than a functional trait‐based framework.
Safety First: Expanding the Global Financial Safety Net in Response to COVID‐19
Authors: Gallagher Kevin P. , Gao Haihong , Kring William N. , Ocampo José A. , Volz Ulrich 
Published: November 2020

AbstractWe call for strengthening the Global Financial Safety Net (GFSN) to manage the economic effects of COVID‐19, in particular the massive capital outflows from emerging market and developing economies EMDEs and the global shortage of dollar liquidity. Both the United Nations (UN) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimate that EMDEs need an immediate $2.5 trillion, yet the financing available to them is just $700 to $971 billion. To meet these immediate needs we propose to: (1) broaden the coverage of the Federal Reserve currency swaps; (2) issue at least $500 billion of special drawing rights through the IMF; (3) improve the IMF’s precautionary and emergency facilities; (4) establish a multilateral swap facility at the IMF; (5) increase the resources and geographic coverage of regional financial arrangements; (6) coordinate capital flow management measures; (7) initiate debt restructuring and relief initiatives; and (8) request that credit‐rating agencies stop making downgrades during the emergency. It argues that leaders should swiftly move to address these structural gaps in the GFSN: (1) agree on a quota reform at the IMF; (2) create an appropriate sovereign debt restructuring regime; (3) expand surveillance activity; and (4) adopt IMF governance reform and strengthen its relations with all agents of the GFSN. All of these reforms must be calibrated toward a just transition to a more stable, inclusive, and sustainable global economy.
Antiviral prophylaxis for hepatitis B carriers improves the prognosis of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma in Taiwan – a population‐based study
Authors: Huang Huai‐Hsuan , Hsiao Fei‐Yuan , Chen Ho‐Min , Wang Chen‐Yu , Ko Bor‐Sheng 
Published: November 2020

SummaryThe prevention of hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation during rituximab treatment for diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is important in the HBV‐endemic area. This population‐based study examines the impact of antiviral prophylaxis for DLBCL patients with HBV infections. We identified 3702 adult patients with newly diagnosed DLBCL between 2011 and 2015 receiving R‐CHOP, R‐CVP, CHOP or CVP from the Taiwan Cancer Registry. We further stratified them into three groups: HBsAg‐negative patients (HBV‐negative, N = 2921), HBV carriers who received antiviral prophylaxis (HBV + Px, N = 711), and HBV carriers who did not receive antiviral prophylaxis (HBV + No Px, N = 70). HBV + Px patients were the youngest, and 69·4% received entecavir for antiviral prophylaxis. The median overall survival (mOS) of HBV‐negative and HBV + Px patients was similar (74·23 months and not reached, respectively). However, the mOS of HBV + No Px patients was only 35·61 months (P = 0·0028 compared with HBV + Px patients), indicating that antiviral prophylaxis improves OS in HBsAg‐positive DLBCL patients. The multivariate analysis showed that the HBV status and antiviral prophylaxis was an independent prognostic factor. In conclusion, our population‐based study illustrates the importance of antiviral prophylaxis in HBsAg‐positive DLBCL patients. Under antiviral prophylaxis, the survival of DLBCL patients with HBV infections was comparable to that of HBV‐negative patients.
An introduction to the economics of immigration in OECD countries
Authors: Edo Anthony , Ragot Lionel , Rapoport Hillel , Sardoschau Sulin , Steinmayr Andreas , Sweetman Arthur 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe share of the foreign‐born population in member countries of the OECD is increasing, and this article summarizes economics research on the effects of immigration in those nations. Four broad topics are addressed: labour market issues, fiscal questions, the political economy of immigration, and productivity and international trade. Extreme concerns about deleterious labour market and fiscal impacts following from new immigrants are not found to be warranted. However, it is also clear that government policies and practices regarding the selection and integration of new migrants affect labour market, fiscal, social and cultural outcomes. Policies that are well informed, well crafted and well executed beneficially improve population welfare.
Overtreatment as an ethical dilemma in Australian private dentistry: A qualitative exploration
Authors: Holden Alexander C. L. , Adam Lee , Thomson W. Murray 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe phenomenon of overtreatment in dentistry is under‐explored and has not been the subject of much research inquiry. Most dental care in Australia is provided by practitioners in private dental practice. This research expands understanding of how the nexus between professionalism and commercialism in dentistry is impacted by the phenomenon of overtreatment.MethodsData were collected through recorded interviews and written reflections from private dentists working in the Australian context. The data were then examined using thematic analysis to understand common themes and reveal deeper insights.ResultsA total of 20 participants were recruited for this study. Participants spoke of their experiences in practice where financial targets and pressure from practice owners to provide high‐cost treatments presented challenges to their professionalism. The participants expressed that the way in which dentistry is remunerated based on activity was a motivation towards engaging in overtreatment. The participants also spoke of finding a balance between commercialism and professionalism within private dental practice.ConclusionsParticipants’ reports provided insights into how the mismanagement of the commercial elements of private dental practice led to a transactional (‘buyer beware’) relationship between the consumers and providers of dental services, rather than a relationship founded upon professional altruism and trust. Consumer empowerment through the commercialization of dentistry has potential to be a positive influence on the patient experience in accessing dental care. However, this research has shown that the shift of power through consumerism also risks attenuating professional appreciation of the imbalanced nature of the patient‐clinician relationship in dentistry.
SARS‐CoV‐2 and COVID‐19 for the ophthalmologist
Authors: Brandão‐de‐Resende Camilo , Diniz‐Filho Alberto , de Almeida Brito Fabiano , Vasconcelos‐Santos Daniel Vitor 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on ophthalmology. This review compiles general aspects of the novel coronavirus and COVID‐19, further dissects the most recent data on the role of the eye regarding disease transmission and manifestations, and summarizes preventive measures in the particular context of eye care.
Expanding the molecular spectrum and the neurological phenotype related to CAMTA1 variants
Authors: Jacobs Eva Z. , Brown Kathleen , Byler Melissa C. , D'haenens Erika , Dheedene Annelies , Henderson Lindsay B. , Humberson Jennifer B. , van Jaarsveld Richard H. , Kanani Farah , Lebel Robert Roger , Millan Francisca , Oegema Renske , Oostra Ann , Parker Michael J. , Rhodes Lindsay , Saenz Margarita , Seaver Laurie H. , Si Yue , Vanlander Arnaud , Vergult Sarah , Callewaert Bert 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe CAMTA1‐associated phenotype was initially defined in patients with intragenic deletions and duplications who showed nonprogressive congenital ataxia, with or without intellectual disability. Here, we describe 10 individuals with CAMTA1 variants: nine previously unreported (likely) pathogenic variants comprising one missense, four frameshift and four nonsense variants, and one missense variant of unknown significance. Six patients were diagnosed following whole exome sequencing and four individuals with exome‐based targeted panel analysis. Most of them present with developmental delay, manifesting in speech and motor delay. Other frequent findings are hypotonia, cognitive impairment, cerebellar dysfunction, oculomotor abnormalities, and behavioral problems. Feeding problems occur more frequently than previously observed. In addition, we present a systematic review of 19 previously published individuals with causal variants, including copy number, truncating, and missense variants. We note a tendency of more severe cognitive impairment and recurrent dysmorphic features in individuals with a copy number variant. Pathogenic variants are predominantly observed in and near the N‐ and C‐ terminal functional domains. Clinical heterogeneity is observed, but 3′‐terminal variants seem to associate with less pronounced cerebellar dysfunction.
High ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery and anastomotic leakage in anterior resection for rectal cancer: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trial studies
Authors: Kong Meng , Chen Hongyuan , Xin Yingying , Jiang Yugang , Han Yue , Sheng Hongguang 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAimSurgeons have concerns whether high ligation (HL) of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) increases the incidence of anastomotic leakage (AL). This meta‐analysis aimed to evaluate the influence of HL of the IMA on AL compared with low ligation (LL).MethodsPubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched. Randomized controlled trial studies that compared HL with LL of the IMA in anterior resection for rectal cancer and reported AL outcomes were eligible for inclusion. The odds ratios and mean differences were analysed by a random‐effects model. Trial sequential analysis was performed to minimize the risk of random errors. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to evaluate the quality of evidence for outcomes.ResultsOf the 531 records screened, five randomized controlled trials with 779 patients were selected for analysis. The pooled incidence of AL was 12.1% (95% Cl 7.77–18.26) in the HL group and 9.7% (95% Cl 5.79–15.82) in the LL group (OR 1.20, 95% CI 0.77–1.87, P = 0.42). In trial sequential analysis, the cumulative Z‐score curve exceeded the futility boundary, although the required information size of 1060 had not been reached. The quality of evidence was judged to be high according to the GRADE approach.ConclusionsThis meta‐analysis shows that HL of the IMA does not increase the incidence of AL in anterior resection for rectal cancer.
The community burden of surgical site infection following elective colorectal resection
Authors: Newton Lydia , Dewi Ffion , McNair Angus , Gane Dawn , Rogers Jodie , Dean Harry , Pullyblank Anne 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAimSurgical site infection (SSI) is common after colorectal surgery. Recent attempts to measure SSI have focused on inpatient SSI and readmissions. This study examined patient‐reported SSI at 30 days over 8 years.MethodsThe Health Protection Agency questionnaire was used to prospectively measure 30‐day patient‐reported SSI in patients undergoing elective colorectal operations between February 2011 and April 2019. Questionnaires were sent by post and followed up with a phone call. Data relating to hospital stay were prospectively recorded on an enhanced recovery database.ResultsIn all, 80.7% (1268) of 1559 patients responded to the questionnaire with an overall SSI rate of 15.9% (201/1268). The majority of patients who reported SSI presented in the community (66.7%) of whom 65% consulted their general practitioner and 35% saw a community nurse. Patient‐reported SSI was validated by a health professional in over 90% of cases. Overall, only 1.5% of readmissions and 2% of ward attendances were due to an isolated wound problem. Patients who developed SSI during their index admission had a longer length of stay (11 days vs. 4 days) but there was no difference in delayed discharge or complications between patients with and without SSI, suggesting that a previously described association between SSI and increased length of stay may be due to observational bias.ConclusionExisting surveillance audits are suboptimal for monitoring SSIs following colorectal surgery as most SSIs present after discharge. There is a need for robust 30‐day surveillance with a standardized methodology if comparisons are to be made between units.
The influence of child maltreatment on substance or alcohol use in 30‐year‐old adults: A birth cohort study
Authors: Kisely Steve , Strathearn Lane , Najman Jake 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIntroduction and AimsRetrospective studies have shown a strong association between experiencing maltreatment in childhood and subsequent illicit substance or alcohol use. Prospective studies are rarer, with limited data following subjects into adulthood. We report findings from a prospective record‐linkage analysis, which examines whether notified and/or substantiated child maltreatment is associated with substance (SUD) or alcohol use disorders (AUD) in early adulthood when participants are 30 years old.Design and MethodsWe linked data from a statutory child protection agency of prospectively notified and substantiated child maltreatment to a survey of a birth cohort recruited from the main maternity hospital of Brisbane. The main outcomes were 30‐day and lifetime diagnoses of SUD or AUD at 30‐year follow‐up as measured by the Composite International Diagnostic Interview, Auto version.ResultsOf the 2861 people at the 30‐year follow‐up, 103 (3.6%) had a history of agency‐substantiated maltreatment by 16 years. On adjusted analyses, AUD in the previous 30 days or lifetime SUD were both significantly associated with childhood maltreatment. Of maltreatment subtypes, 30‐day AUD at 30 years of age was particularly associated with physical and emotional abuse while SUD was associated with sexual maltreatment. Recurring or multiple forms of abuse had the worst outcomes.Discussion and ConclusionsChild maltreatment, especially involving physical and sexual abuse, predicts AUD and SUD that extends to people in their 30s. Children with more than one type of maltreatment are at particular risk. Further research may help to identify possible predictors of long‐term outcomes of child maltreatment.
Novel insight from the first lung transplant of a COVID‐19 patient
Authors: Chen Xiao‐Jun , Li Kai , Xu Lei , Yu You‐Jia , Wu Bo , He Yuan‐Lin , Zhao Wen‐E. , Li Ding , Luan Chang‐Xing , Hu Li , Wang Jie , Ding Jing‐Jing , Yu Yan‐Fang , Li Jing‐Xin , Tan Zhong‐Ming , Liu Xiao‐Fei , Wei Dong , Zhang Zhi‐Hong , Guo Xue‐Jiang , Su Chuan , Hu Zhi‐Bin , Guo Yue‐Shuai , Chen Jing‐Yu , Chen Feng 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundTo reveal detailed histopathological changes, virus distributions, immunologic properties and multi‐omic features caused by SARS‐CoV‐2 in the explanted lungs from the world's first successful lung transplantation of a COVID‐19 patient.Materials and methodsA total of 36 samples were collected from the lungs. Histopathological features and virus distribution were observed by optical microscope and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Immune cells were detected by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. Transcriptome and proteome approaches were used to investigate main biological processes involved in COVID‐19‐associated pulmonary fibrosis.ResultsThe histopathological changes of the lung tissues were characterized by extensive pulmonary interstitial fibrosis and haemorrhage. Viral particles were observed in the cytoplasm of macrophages. CD3+CD4− T cells, neutrophils, NK cells, γ/δ T cells and monocytes, but not B cells, were abundant in the lungs. Higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines iNOS, IL‐1β and IL‐6 were in the area of mild fibrosis. Multi‐omics analyses revealed a total of 126 out of 20,356 significant different transcription and 114 out of 8,493 protein expression in lung samples with mild and severe fibrosis, most of which were related to fibrosis and inflammation.ConclusionsOur results provide novel insight that the significant neutrophil/ CD3+CD4− T cell/ macrophage activation leads to cytokine storm and severe fibrosis in the lungs of COVID‐19 patient and may contribute to a better understanding of COVID‐19 pathogenesis.
Decreased 14‐3‐3 expression correlates with age‐related regional reductions in CNS dopamine and motor function in the pond snail, Lymnaea
Authors: Morgan Lindsay D. , Mohammed Aiyaz , Patel Bhavik Anil , Arundell Martin , Jennert‐Burtson Katrin , Hernádi László , Overall Andrew , Bowler Lucas D. , O'Hare Danny , Yeoman Mark S. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAgeing is associated in many organisms with a reduction in motor movements. We have previously shown that the rate of feeding movements of the pond snail, Lymnaea, decreased with age but the underlying cause is not fully understood. Here, we show that dopamine in the cerebro‐buccal complex is an important signalling molecule regulating feeding frequency in Lymnaea and that ageing is associated with a decrease in CNS dopamine. A proteomic screen of young and old CNSs highlighted a group of proteins that regulate stress responses. One of the proteins identified was 14‐3‐3, which can enhance the synthesis of dopamine. We show that the Lymnaea 14‐3‐3 family exists as three distinct isoforms. The expression of the 29 kDa isoform (14‐3‐3Lym3) in the cerebro‐buccal complex decreased with age and correlated with feeding rate. Using a 14‐3‐3 antagonist (R18) we were able to reduce the synthesis of L‐DOPA and dopamine in ex vivo cerebro‐buccal complexes. Together these data suggest that an age‐related reduction in 14‐3‐3 can decrease CNS dopamine leading to a consequential reduction in feeding rate.