bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Top‐down regulation of filamentous cyanobacteria varies among a raptorial versus current feeding copepod across multiple prey generations
Authors: Leitão Ewaldo , Panosso Renata , Molica Renato , Ger Kemal Ali 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Although considered a key functional trait, little is known about how zooplankton feeding mode affects top‐down regulation of phytoplankton communities. Indeed, copepods are expected to promote the dominance of toxic phytoplankton by selective removal of their edible competitors; however, empirical evidence comparing the effect among calanoid and cyclopoid copepods is lacking.

We compared the top‐down effects of two copepods with contrasting feeding modes—the calanoid Notodiaptomus iheringi (current feeder) and the cyclopoid Thermocyclops decipiens (ambush feeder) — on the relative and absolute biomass of the filamentous cyanobacterium Raphidiopsis raciborskii co‐cultured with the nutritious eukaryotic phytoplankton Cryptomonas obovata in a week‐long laboratory assay.

The current feeder had a stronger top‐down effect on the biomass of both prey throughout the experiment, with mass‐specific clearance rates 3–5× higher than ambush feeder. By the end of the experiment, the current feeder significantly reduced cyanobacteria biomass compared to controls while the ambush feeder did not. During the week‐long experiment, the current feeder switched from grazing on edible prey to cyanobacteria as the former became less abundant.

Contrary to expectation, neither of the copepod species promoted cyanobacterial dominance by the end of the experiment. This is because both grazers, but especially the current feeder, initially increased but subsequently decreased the relative contribution of cyanobacteria to total phytoplankton biomass. Moreover, both copepods decreased the length of cyanobacteria filaments by c. 70%

Current feeders can switch from edible prey to cyanobacteria when the abundance of shortened filaments surpasses the abundance of edible prey. While top‐down regulation of phytoplankton can be stronger for current feeding copepods, ambush feeding copepods can have a significant role during blooms by shortening cyanobacterial filaments. Hence, the broader role of contrasting copepod feeding traits on phytoplankton communities merits further study.
Temperature‐driven harvest decisions amplify US winter wheat loss under climate warming
Authors: Zhu Peng , Burney Jennifer 
Published: November 2020

AbstractMost studies quantifying the impacts of climatic variability and warming on crop production have focused on yields and have overlooked potential areal and frequency responses, potentially biasing future projections of food security in a warming world. Here we analyze US winter wheat production from 1970 to 2017 and find that harvest area ratio (harvested area/planted area, HAR) has declined while yields have risen, standing in stark contrast to other US staple crops. Although lower profitability due to declining wheat prices appears to explain the HAR trend, fluctuating wheat yields—largely explained by temperature exposure—drive the interannual variation of HAR. Our analysis suggests that warming‐induced declines in HAR are comparable in magnitude to heat‐related yield losses, and lower wheat prices amplify the sensitivity of HAR to warming and yield variation. Although irrigation mitigates some temperature‐driven yield effects, it does little to change HAR, likely due to infrastructure cost and limited influence on relative profitability. Our results suggest that an accurate quantification of climate impacts on crop production must account for harvested area response, and that future adaptation strategies should not only target crop choice and management but also harvest incentives.
Interests over institutions: Political‐economic constraints on public debt management in developing countries
Authors: Cormier Ben 
Published: November 2020

AbstractSome use the model of independent central banks to posit that independent Debt Management Offices (DMOs) can enhance public debt sustainability. This study argues this is unlikely in developing countries. Developing country DMOs have limited space to apolitically manage (a) debt levels and (b) borrowing strategies. A comparison of South Africa and Botswana, using in‐depth interviews and primary sources, traces public debt processes to argue DMOs are unlikely to significantly affect the link between political interests and these two key public debt outcomes over time. This argument has three implications. First, it gives rise to questions about the role of institutions in the governance of public debt. Second, it adds to recent literature on developing country external borrowing preferences by highlighting ideological effects. Third, it reinforces the idea that political economy theories of the relationship between interests, institutions, and policy outcomes should vary by policy area and national income level.
Gateways or backdoors to development? Filtering mechanisms and territorial embeddedness in the Chilean copper GPN’s urban system
Authors: Atienza Miguel , Arias‐Loyola Martín , Phelps Nicholas 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThis paper analyses the role played by different urban nodes in the Chilean copper mining Global Production Network (GPN), and how filtering mechanisms act in favour of the capital city, limiting the territorial embeddedness of extractive industry in resource peripheries. In doing so, we make three contributions to the literature. First, in addition to observing gateway cities (those connecting the mining hinterlands to the global economy), we propose an intermediate category in urban hierarchies which we label the “backdoor city” (those that can perform one or more functions of a gateway city but lack chances for value capture and sustainable development outcomes). Second, we analyse the filtering mechanisms that work to the detriment of resources peripheries. Third, we analyse how these mechanisms reduce the territorial embeddedness of mining activity across the Chilean urban hierarchy. Our main results show that the capital city of Santiago stands out as the only gateway city in the country, and Antofagasta acts as a backdoor city for the Chilean resource peripheries where the extractive activity is weakly embedded, limiting their development opportunities.
TGFBR3 is an independent unfavourable prognostic marker in oesophageal squamous cell cancer and is positively correlated with Ki‐67
Authors: Zhang Xueyan , Chen Yanan , Li Zhihang , Han Xueying , Liang Yingying 
Published: November 2020

SummaryThe transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β) superfamily plays an important role in cancer development. One aspect of this is that the transforming growth factor beta receptor III (TGFBR3) is frequently overexpressed in some tumours. However, the role of TGFBR3 in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) has not been explored as yet. In this study, we aimed to determine the role of TGFBR3 in the development and prognosis of ESCC and the correlation between TGFBR3 expression and Ki‐67 and p53. Immunohistochemistry was performed to investigate the expression of TGFBR3 in the tumour tissue microarray consisting of ESCC tissues and matched adjacent normal tissues (n = 80). Only ESCC tissues (n = 20) were also used in our analysis. The association between TGFBR3 expression and clinicopathological characteristics, such as Ki‐67 and p53, was analysed by Spearman's rank correlation coefficient analysis. The association between TGFBR3 expression and prognosis of ESCC was analysed using Kaplan‐Meier analysis and log‐rank tests. The expression levels of TGFBR3 in oesophageal cancer tissues were markedly higher than in matched adjacent normal tissues. Furthermore, TGFBR3 overexpression was significantly associated with tumour‐node‐metastasis (TNM) stage, lymph node metastasis (N stage) and Ki‐67 expression. However, TGFBR3 overexpression was not significantly related to age, sex or p53. In univariate analysis, overall survival of ESCC patients was significantly associated with high TGFBR3 expression, sex, T stage, N stage and TNM stage. Moreover, ESCC patients with high TGFBR3 expression had poorer overall survival than those with low TGFB R3 expression. Our findings showed that TGFBR3 was upregulated in the development of human ESCC and high TGFBR3 expression was associated with high expression of Ki‐67 and poor prognosis of ESCC. Therefore, TGFBR3 may be a valuable prognostic marker and a novel therapeutic target for ESCC.
How does the gut microbiome influence immune checkpoint blockade therapy?
Authors: Almonte Andrew A , Rangarajan Hareesha , Yip Desmond , Fahrer Aude M 
Published: November 2020

AbstractImmune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies are revolutionary cancer treatments; however, they only benefit about a third of patients. Therefore, extensive research is underway to find methods to improve their therapeutic efficacy. One avenue of study that has recently emerged is to consider the role the gut microbiome plays in therapeutic success. Several high‐impact studies have repeatedly shown that the presence, composition and level of diversity of the gut flora directly impact cancer treatment outcome in both mice and patients. These studies have also highlighted the danger of using antibiotics shortly before or during cancer treatments. However, there are still several questions that need to be answered, including which bacteria promote the greatest benefit, the mechanisms by which they act and how we can use this information to influence treatment outcome. In this review, we explain how the gut microbiome was realized to be of such importance and propose hypotheses for why gut flora have such a critical impact on ICB therapeutic success. We also describe a hypothetical mechanism involving bacterial translocation out of the gut and into the tumor, whereby the bacteria act in an adjuvant capacity to facilitate an antitumor response. By highlighting key papers in the field, we hope to hasten research on the subject so as to find a means to improve the therapeutic efficacy of these ground‐breaking cancer treatments.
New graduate nurses' coping with death and the relationship with death self‐efficacy and death anxiety: A multicentre cross‐sectional study
Authors: Zheng Ruishuang , Bloomer Melissa Jane , Guo Qiaohong , Lee Susan Fiona 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAimsTo examine new graduate nurses' perceptions of competency on coping with dying and death and the relationship with death self‐efficacy and death anxiety.DesignA multicentre, cross‐sectional study.MethodsThree hundred and forty new graduate nurses from five metropolitan hospitals were recruited between August–November 2018. Participants completed the Coping with Death Scale, Death Self‐efficacy Scale, and Death Anxiety Scale.ResultsTwo hundred and ninety‐eight new graduate nurses responded to the survey. The mean score of coping with death and death self‐efficacy was 120.11 (SD 24.59), 259.11 (SD 57.70) respectively. 88.9% feared a painful death, 81.5% were particularly afraid of getting cancer, and 80.2% were afraid of death. There was a positive relationship between coping with death and death self‐efficacy, a negative relationship between coping with death and death anxiety and a negative correlation between death self‐efficacy and death anxiety. Five variables, including death self‐efficacy, three dimensions of death anxiety including emotion, cognition with life and death and stress and distress and religion in total accounted for 46.9% of the variance of coping with death.ConclusionNew graduate nurses are at a disadvantage in terms of death self‐efficacy, less well prepared in coping with death and are more anxious about death.ImpactIt is imperative for educational institutions to support new graduate nurses with pre‐licensure learning related to patient death issues and care. Organizations are also strongly advised to support new graduate nurses to cope with patient death through development of culturally sensitive interventions and guidelines, which may in turn assist with decreasing new graduate nurses' risk of burnout and increasing their longevity in the profession.
The biogeography of diet diversity of barn owls on Mediterranean islands
Authors: Janžekovič Franc , Klenovšek Tina 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAimFollowing the classical MacArthur‐Wilson island equilibrium model of species richness, we hypothesize that island size and isolation affect prey composition and diet diversity of predators on islands. We used the barn owl as a model predatory organism that is known for feeding and habitat flexibility and explored the patterns of its diet on Mediterranean islands in relation to the island biogeography and human population density.LocationMediterranean Islands.TaxonBarn owl (Tyto alba) and its prey.MethodsData on taxonomic composition of the barn owl diet were obtained from pellets (Adriatic island of Korčula) and from published studies performed on 18 Mediterranean islands. For each island, diet diversity indices were calculated and correlated with island area, linear distance from the mainland, human population size and density, and geospatial trends.ResultsMurinae mice and rats were the dominant prey. The proportion of birds and reptiles consumed was 5 and 18 times higher, respectively, than in Europe in general. Diet diversity correlated with island size, but not island isolation. Island size was also a good predicator of the proportions of the vertebrate prey. Human population density and longitude had no effect on diet diversity.Main conclusionsDiet diversity of the barn owl on Mediterranean islands only partly followed the island biogeography theory. Diet diversity was greater on the larger Mediterranean islands. However, a more diverse diet did not mean a higher number of taxa, but a wider range of abundant and evenly represented taxa. The smaller the islands, the more birds and reptiles were consumed, compared to higher proportions of mammals on the larger islands. These findings support the idea of barn owls’ feeding flexibility and opportunistic predator behaviour. Despite the barn owl being a synanthropic bird, urbanization had no influence on its diet diversity. Also island isolation had no significant effect.
Impact of extracellular‐to‐intracellular fluid volume ratio on albuminuria in patients with type 2 diabetes: A cross‐sectional and longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Nakajima Hanako , Hashimoto Yoshitaka , Kaji Ayumi , Sakai Ryosuke , Takahashi Fuyuko , Yoshimura Yuta , Bamba Ryo , Okamura Takuro , Kitagawa Noriyuki , Majima Saori , Senmaru Takufumi , Okada Hiroshi , Nakanishi Naoko , Ushigome Emi , Asano Mai , Hamaguchi Masahide , Yamazaki Masahiro , Fukui Michiaki 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAims/IntroductionBody fluid volume imbalance is common in patients with kidney failure, and is associated with all‐cause mortality. This study aimed to investigate the association between fluid volume imbalance and albuminuria in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus without kidney failure.Materials and MethodsUsing data from one cohort study, a baseline cross‐sectional study of 432 participants and a longitudinal cohort study of 368 participants who could follow up was carried out. Body fluid imbalance was determined by measuring the extracellular water (ECW)‐to‐intracellular water (ICW) ratio (ECW/ICW) using bioelectrical impedance analysis. A change in the urinary albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio (ACR) was defined as the ratio of urinary ACR at follow up to that at baseline. The ECW/ICW ratio was compared with the level of albuminuria.ResultsIn this cross‐sectional study, the ECW/ICW ratio increased with the level of albuminuria. There was an association between the ECW/ICW ratio and logarithms of urinary ACR after adjusting for covariates (β = 0.205, P < 0.001). Furthermore, the ECW/ICW ratio was associated with a change in the urinary ACR after adjusting for covariates (β = 0.176, P = 0.004) in this longitudinal study. According to the receiver operating characteristic curve, the optimal cut‐off point of the ECW/ICW ratio for incident macroalbuminuria, defined as ACR >300 mg/gCr, was 0.648 (area under the curve 0.78, 95% confidence interval 0.58–0.90).ConclusionsThe ECW/ICW ratio is independently associated with the level of albuminuria in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus without kidney failure. This reinforces the importance of monitoring fluid balance in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Characteristics of Brazilian clinical studies registered in ClinicalTrials.gov between 2010 and 2020
Authors: Tiguman Gustavo Magno Baldin 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAimEvidence‐based medicine uses high‐quality methods, such as randomization and blinding prcedures, to support and inform clinical practice. The investigation of trials registered in clinical research databases may help understand the main characteristics of studies conducted in countries, such as Brazil. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of Brazilian clinical trials registered in ClinicalTrials.gov in the last decade.MethodsCross‐sectional study performed in ClinicalTrials.gov database with clinical studies registered in Brazil between 2010 and 2020. A search was conducted in the database considering this period using filters for country (Brazil), start date (01 January 2010) and end date (date of the search: 07 May 2020). Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the studies. All analyses were conducted on Stata 14.2.ResultsIn total, 5368 studies were retrieved, which were mostly randomized (93.2%), blinded (63.2%), Phase III (48.7%) interventional studies (89.9%) with small sample sizes (57.2%) conducted with adults (93.0%) using drugs (42.7%) with a treatment purpose (77.3%), with funding from institutions other than the industry, the NIH, and the US Federal (71.3%).ConclusionsThe majority of Brazilian clinical studies used blinding and randomization procedures in the last 10 years. However, the predominance of trials with small sample sizes and with a focus on adult patients indicate the need of larger studies conducted with the pediatric population.
Trends in Restricting Symptoms at the End of Life from 1998 to 2019: A Cohort Study of Older Persons
Authors: Gill Thomas M. , Gahbauer Evelyne A. , Leo‐Summers Linda , Murphy Terrence E. 
Published: November 2020

OBJECTIVESTo describe changes in the occurrence of restricting symptoms at the end of life from 1998 to 2019 and compare these changes according to the condition leading to death.DESIGNProspective longitudinal study.SETTINGGreater New Haven, CT.PARTICIPANTSA total of 665 decedents from a cohort of 754 community‐living persons, 70 years or older.MEASUREMENTSThe occurrence of 16 restricting symptoms was ascertained during monthly interviews. Information on the conditions leading to death was obtained from death certificates and comprehensive assessments that were completed every 18‐months. For each restricting symptom, adjusted rates (per 100 person‐months) were calculated separately for six multiyear time intervals.RESULTSFrom 1998 to 2019, rates decreased for five (31.3%) restricting symptoms (difficulty sleeping; chest pain or tightness; shortness of breath; cold or flu symptoms; and nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea), increased for three (18.8%: arm or leg weakness; urinary incontinence; and memory or thinking problem), and changed little for the other eight (50.0%: poor eyesight; anxiety; depression; musculoskeletal pain; fatigue; dizziness or unsteadiness; frequent or painful urination; and swelling in feet or ankles). The decrease in rates was most pronounced for shortness of breath, with a reduction from 15.0 (95% credible interval = 11.7–18.6) in 1998 to 2001 to 8.2 (95% credible interval = 5.9–10.5) in 2014 to 2019, yielding a rate ratio (95% credible interval) of 0.92 (0.86–0.98). When evaluated according to the condition leading to death, the results were similar, with 10 of the 13 statistically significant rate ratios representing decreases in rates over time and only 3 representing increases.CONCLUSIONThe occurrence of most restricting symptoms at the end of life has been decreasing or stable over the past two decades. These results suggest that end‐of‐life care has been improving, although additional efforts will be needed to further reduce symptom burden at the end of life.
How does scanner choice and 3D model resolution affect data accuracy?
Authors: Balolia Katharine L. , Massey Jason S. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractResearchers using digital methods often collect data from 3D models at different resolutions, obtained using different scanning techniques. Although previous research has sought to understand whether scanning method and model resolution affect data accuracy, no study has systematically evaluated the sources of error associated with scanning method, data acquisition method and model resolution with the aim of providing practical recommendations about the model resolution required to yield sufficiently accurate data for specimens of given sizes. In this study, using data taken from primate specimens of three broad size categories, we test whether 3D models obtained using five different scanners (Breuckmann SmartSCAN, DAVID/HP 3D Pro S3, NextEngine 2020i, Creaform Go!Scan 20 and microCT/clinicalCT) yield accurate measurements. We assess whether caliper measurements can be used alongside measurements collected from 3D surface models, whether scanning resolution affects measurement accuracy, and how scan resolution, estimated using each scanner's proprietary software, compares to model resolution measured in a standardized way. Each scanner produces 3D models that yield accurate measurements for each size category, however, combining caliper data with those taken from digital models can be problematic. Our results indicate that the accuracy of measurements taken from 3D models depends on both object size and model resolution. Based on our findings, we recommend that small specimens should be scanned at <0.3 mm, medium specimens at 0.3–0.7 mm, and large specimens at 0.3–0.5 mm resolutions if data taken from 3D surface models are to be combined with caliper datasets. We further show, for the first time, that discrepancies in estimated final model resolution are frequently observed across software packages. We therefore recommend that researchers ensure that final model resolutions are adequate based on specimen size and are independently verified using a software package other than the scanner's proprietary software. Finally, we consider the implications of the findings that measurements obtained from surface models are variably consistent with those obtained using calipers.
Guideline for Gynecological Practice in Japan: Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Japan Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists 2020 edition
Authors: Kawaguchi Ryuji , Matsumoto Koji , Ishikawa Tetsuya , Ishitani Ken , Okagaki Ryugo , Ogawa Mariko , Oki Toshimichi , Ozawa Nobuaki , Kawasaki Kaoru , Kuwabara Yoshimitsu , Koga Kaori , Sato Yuichi , Takai Yasushi , Tanaka Kyoko , Tanebe Kyoko , Terauchi Masakazu , Todo Yukiharu , Nose‐Ogura Sayaka , Noda Tsuneo , Baba Tsukasa , Fujii Eriko , Fujii Takuma , Miyazaki Hiroaki , Yoshino Osamu , Yoshimura Kazuaki , Maeda Tsugio , Kudo Yoshiki , Kobayashi Hiroshi 
Published: November 2020

AbstractNine years after the first edition of The Guideline for Gynecological Practice, which was jointly edited by The Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology and The Japan Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the 4th Revised Edition was published in 2020. The 2020 Guidelines includes 4 additional clinical questions (CQ), which brings the total to 99 CQ (12 on infectious disease, 29 on oncology and benign tumors, 29 on endocrinology and infertility and 29 on healthcare for women). Currently, a consensus has been reached on the Guidelines, and therefore, the objective of this report is to present the general policies regarding diagnostic and treatment methods used in standard gynecological outpatient care that are considered appropriate. At the end of each answer, the corresponding Recommendation Level (A, B, C) is indicated.