bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatial heterogeneity in soil pyrogenic carbon mediates tree growth and physiology following wildfire
Authors: Gale Nigel V. , Thomas Sean C. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Pyrogenic carbon (PyC) is a ubiquitous legacy of wildfire in terrestrial soils, yet how it affects the growth and function of regenerating plants has received little research attention.

We examined responses to a natural gradient of PyC deposition 5 years following a severe fire in a northern boreal forest, based on measurements of growth (height, basal area increment and leader extension), physiological performance (Fv/Fm) and foliar nutrition (C, N, P, K, Mg) of Pinus banksiana Lamb. We determined the concentration of PyC, expressed as a dosage (t/ha, in mineral soils collected from the rootzones of each sapling and used it as an independent factor to model trait responses to increasing PyC levels, in conjunction with measurements of soil physio‐chemical properties (pH, EC, VOC, Ash, N, P, K, Ca and Mg).

Quantification and spatial analysis of PyC reveals heterogeneous deposition across the landscape with fine‐grained patchiness at scales <0.5 m. In response to this heterogeneity, phenotypic and nutritional adjustments followed dose‐dependent response patterns. Beneficial effects of PyC on sapling growth occurred to an optimum point of ~30–60 t/ha, while declining patterns were found for trees in dosages exceeding 100 t/ha. Some traits were positively and negatively related to soil K and N, respectively, and shared strong negative associations with soil pH and volatile matter.

Synthesis. This study supports the longstanding hypothesis that soil PyC enhances growth and physiological function of fire‐adapted plants, but indicates that responses are highly dosage‐dependent, with natural levels of PyC deposition commonly exceeding an optimum point. These results also suggest that the main mechanisms for observed responses to PyC include: (a) enhanced supply of base cations, (b) immobilization of N and (c) pronounced liming. Future changes in climate are expected to increase fire frequency, particularly in circumpolar boreal forests. We predict shifts in PyC to frequently exceed the threshold resulting in reduced plant growth and ultimately ecosystem productivity.
Taking climate change into account: Non‐stationarity in climate drivers of ecological response
Authors: Bueno de Mesquita Clifton P. , White Caitlin T. , Farrer Emily C. , Hallett Lauren M. , Suding Katharine N. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Changes in the global climate system are creating increasingly non‐analogue climate conditions with expectations of non‐stationarity among climate drivers. Decoupling among climate drivers complicates the assessment of ecological response to the changing climate as characteristics that could be once treated as a suite of conditions now need to be treated as potentially independent with possible synergistic effects.

Ecologists commonly use ordination techniques (often principal component analysis; PCA) on large climate and environmental datasets to reduce a range of variables to a few axes that are uncorrelated with each other and often explain large proportion of the variation in the original data. However, non‐stationarity, with correlations among variables changing over time, can affect this approach. Here, we use a 37‐year climate dataset from the Niwot Ridge Long Term Ecological Research site (Colorado, USA) to present the use of both moving window principal component analysis and moving window correlation analysis to determine non‐stationarity in climate data.

Relationships among climate variables and between input variables and PCA axes changed over time; this obscured interpretation of relationships between PCA axes and an ecological response (plant biomass), suggesting that one‐time PCA for environmental variables may lead to inappropriate inferences.

Synthesis. Care must be taken in analysing climate–ecological relationships when predictor variables exhibit non‐stationarity. We present a conceptual decision‐making tree to help ecologists consider when to use PCA and extract axis scores or use alternative approaches for incorporating non‐stationarity into subsequent analysis, including testing variables individually to aid in interpretation, break point analyses and averaging PC scores.
Different functional characteristics can explain different dimensions of plant invasion success
Authors: Liao Huixuan , Pal Robert W. , Niinemets Ülo , Bahn Michael , Cerabolini Bruno E. L. , Peng Shaolin 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

The success of invasive plant species can be evaluated using different dimensions, such as, range size, abundance and impact. These different dimensions do not always covary but are rarely separated, suggesting an urgency to disentangle the functional mechanisms behind them.

A dataset of leaf traits and four dimensions of invasion success (i.e. range size, local abundance, impact on native plant abundance and impact on native plant diversity) were compiled for 395 non‐native plant species in the US and Europe. Associations among dimensions of invasion success and between leaf traits and dimensions were analysed with general linear models (LMs) and supplemented by phylogenetic generalized least square (PGLS) models, which control for the phylogenetic relatedness across species.

The pair‐wise associations between most pairs of invasion dimensions were weak or neutral. The only exception was the association between impact on native plant abundance and impact on native plant diversity, which was strongly positive. Traits of species that have large range sizes were associated with a high metabolic rate; whereas, traits of species that were abundant or had a strong impact at the local scale were associated with low metabolic rate. In addition, traits of species with a large range size or having strong impacts on native plant abundance were associated with acquisitive strategies; whereas, traits of species with a high local abundance or strong impacts on native plant diversity were associated with conservative strategies.

Synthesis. Different dimensions of invasion success were associated with different functional traits. Invasion success at the regional scale was related to traits that promote rapid colonization; whereas, invasion success at the local scale was related to traits that are potentially less preferred by herbivores. Some locally successful invaders even possessed traits that facilitate a high stress tolerance and conservative strategy, which were similar to locally abundant native species. Therefore, an ambiguous definition of ‘invasion success’ in mechanism‐related studies may produce inconsistent or even controversial conclusions, highlighting the importance of separately studying different dimensions of invasion success.
A randomized control trial of duloxetine and gabapentin in painful diabetic neuropathy
Authors: Khasbage Sameer , Shukla Ravindra , Sharma Praveen , Singh Surjit 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundTo analyze the efficacy and safety of duloxetine and gabapentin in painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN).MethodsA randomized, open‐label, active control, 12‐week trial was conducted. A total of 86 participants were randomized in 1:1 ratio into gabapentin 300 mg and duloxetine 60 mg groups. The primary efficacy objective was comparison of mean change in Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) (0‐100 points) scores between duloxetine and gabapentin. The symptom scores and adverse events were assessed as secondary outcomes.Results: Statistically significant (P value<.001) improvement was observed in VAS scores in both duloxetine group and gabapentin group at 12 weeks as compared to baseline. However, no significant difference in VAS scores between duloxetine and gabapentin. Similar improvement in diabetic neuropathy symptoms (DNS), diabetic neuropathy examination (DNE), and neuropathic disability score (NDS) was observed in either group over 12 weeks. There were no significant differences in DNS (P = 0.578), DNE (P = 0.410), and NDS (P = 0.071) scores between the two treatment groups. The overall safety evaluation of both duloxetine and gabapentin were similar. The most common adverse events reported were gastrointestinal.ConclusionThe results indicated that both drugs were effective for the symptomatic relief from PDN and had similar efficacy. Follow‐up of patients was only for 12 weeks and therefore the long‐term efficacy and safety of the study drugs could not be assessed.
Motivating Managers to Invest in Accounting Quality: The Role of Conservative Accounting*
Authors: Ewert Ralf , Wagenhofer Alfred 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACTAlthough internal control over financial reporting has gained increasing regulatory attention, its enforcement is far from perfect; thus, firm‐specific incentives to management become important to increase the quality of financial reports. We study how owners can motivate managers to invest in accounting quality even though it is costly to the managers. Using an agency model, we establish that a sufficiently conservative accounting system (which understates performance) is necessary to induce a manager to invest in accounting quality, and more conservatism increases this investment. The reason is that higher accounting quality mitigates the expected reduction of the manager's compensation from conservatively measured performance. Higher accounting quality makes the performance measure more precise, and the owner optimally lowers incentives, even though that entails some loss of productivity. In total, more conservatism increases both firm value and accounting quality. Our findings suggest that striving for neutral accounting can counteract incentives to improve accounting quality, and they provide support to using conservatism as a metric of financial reporting quality in empirical studies.
Clinical impact of chronic substance abuse in a Norwegian ICU‐population
Authors: Tollisen K. H. , Hadley C. L. , Bjerva M. , Dahl G. T. , Högvall L. M. , Sandvik L. , Andersen G. Ø. , Heyerdahl F. , Jacobsen D. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe clinical impact of chronic substance abuse of alcohol and drugs—referred to as substance use disorders (SUD)—is often overlooked in the intensive care (ICU) setting. The aims of the present study were to identify patients with SUD—regardless of cause of admission—in a mixed Norwegian ICU‐population, and to compare patients with and without SUD with regard to clinical characteristics and mortality.MethodsCross‐sectional prospective study of a mixed medical and surgical ICU‐population aged ≥18 years in Oslo, Norway. Data were collected consecutively, using a questionnaire including the AUDIT‐C test, medical records and toxicology results. Patients classified with SUD were divided into the subgroups alcohol use disorders (AUD) and drug use disorders (DUD).ResultsOverall, 222 (26%) of the 861 patients included were classified with SUD; 137 (16%) with AUD and 85 (10%) with DUD. 130/222 (59%) of the SUD‐patients had substance abuse‐related cause of ICU‐admission. Compared to non‐SUD patients, DUD‐patients were younger (median age 42 vs 65 years) and had lower SAPS II scores (41 vs 46), while AUD‐patients had higher SOFA scores (8.0 vs 7.3). Overall, age‐adjusted logistic regression analysis showed similar hospital mortality for SUD‐patients and non‐SUD patients, but AUD was associated with increased mortality among medical patients and in patients with sepsis (OR 1.7 (95% CI 1.0‐2.8), and OR 2.6 (95% CI 1.1‐6.2)).ConclusionOne in four ICU‐patients had SUD regardless of cause of admission. Alcohol use disorder was associated with increased mortality in medical patients and in patients with sepsis.
3D image‐guided treatment planning for Ruthenium‐106 brachytherapy of choroidal melanomas
Authors: Espensen Charlotte A. , Kiilgaard Jens F. , Klemp Kristian , Gothelf Anita , Appelt Ane L. , Fog Lotte S. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundCurrent standard treatment procedures for Ruthenium‐106 (Ru‐106) brachytherapy for choroidal melanomas do not use 3D image‐guided treatment planning. We evaluated the potential impact of introducing 3D treatment planning and quantified the theoretical clinical benefits in terms of tumour control probability (TCP) and normal tissue complication probability (NTCP).Materials and methodsTreatment plans for thirty‐two patients were optimized using 3D image‐guided treatment planning and compared to the original 2D clinical plans. Optimization of plans was done in an image‐based treatment planning system by optimizing the plaque position and treatment time such that the entire tumour received the prescribed dose of 100 Gy. TCP and NTCP for 2D clinical plans and optimized 3D image‐guided plans were estimated from published outcome prediction models and compared within patients using Wilcoxon signed‐rank test.ResultsThe median minimum tumour dose (D99%) for 2D clinical plans was 93 Gy (range: 23–158 Gy), corresponding to 5‐year TCP of 75% (IQR 61–86%), while median tumour D99% for optimized 3D image‐guided plans was 115 Gy (range 103–141 Gy), corresponding to TCP of 82% (IQR 80–84%). This was a statistically significant increase in estimated TCP (median increase in TCP 8% (IQR: −5–23, p = 0.006). While the dose to normal tissue increased somewhat, there was no significant change in NTCP.Conclusion3D treatment planning theoretically allows for improved tumour dose delivery for Ru‐106 brachytherapy of choroidal melanomas, resulting in a significant increase in expected tumour control compared to traditional approaches using 2D calculations. The deliverability of optimized plans, and potential increased risk of late complications, will have to be confirmed in future clinical studies.
The Beliefs About Breastfeeding Questionnaire (BAB‐Q): A psychometric validation study
Authors: Davie Philippa , Bick Debra , Chilcot Joseph 
Published: December 2020

ObjectivesQuestionnaires used to assess women’s beliefs as a predictor of breastfeeding behaviour are not theoretically informed or tested for psychometric validity and reliability. This study conducted a psychometric evaluation of the Beliefs About Breastfeeding Questionnaire (BAB‐Q).DesignA two‐phase evaluation in an online cross‐sectional questionnaire study (N = 278) and cohort study sample (N = 264). A ten‐item questionnaire was proposed to assess women’s beliefs about the benefits and efforts of breastfeeding.MethodsExploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) assessed construct validity and reliability. Multivariate regression analyses assessed validity in predicting breastfeeding behaviour and experiences.ResultsEFA found a shortened 8‐item, 2‐factor model had good fit (χ2 = 23.3, df = 13, p < .040; CFI = .99, TLI = .99, RMSEA = .05), with significant factor loadings. Factor 1 (benefit beliefs) and factor 2 (effort beliefs) accounted for 47 and 19.4% of the explained variance and correlated moderately (r = −.40). CFA confirmed the solution in the cohort sample (χ2 = 49.6 df = 19, p < .010; CFI = .97, TLI = .96, and RMSEA = .078). Adjusted regression analyses found beliefs did not reliably predict infant feeding practices. Women’s beliefs significantly predicted the likelihood that women experienced breastfeeding as ‘much more’ positive and negative than they expected.ConclusionsThe eight‐item questionnaire showed good model fit with acceptable loadings, and good reliability for all subscales. The utility of the BAB‐Q at predicting breastfeeding behaviour remains unclear and unsupported by empirical evidence. Further assessments of the predictive validity of the questionnaire in longitudinal studies with diverse beliefs and infant feeding practices are required.
MTA2 promotes the metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma via EIF4E‐Twist feedback loop
Authors: Dai Su‐Li , Wei Si‐Si , Zhang Cong , Li Xiao‐Ya , Liu Yue‐Ping , Ma Ming , Lv Hui‐Lai , Zhang Zhenzhen , Zhao Lian‐Mei , Shan Bao‐En 
Published: December 2020

AbstractMetastasis‐associated protein 2 (MTA2) is frequently amplified in many types of cancers; however, the role and underlying molecular mechanism of MTA2 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remain unknown. Here, we reported that MTA2 is highly expressed in ESCC tissue and cells, and is closely related to the malignant characteristics and poor prognosis of patients with ESCC. Through in vitro and in vivo experiments, we demonstrated that MTA2 significantly promoted ESCC growth, metastasis, and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) progression. This integrative analysis combined with expression microarray showed that MTA2 could interact with eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (EIF4E), which positively regulates the expression of Twist, known as a master regulator of EMT. Moreover, the results of chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed that MTA2 was recruited to the E‐cadherin promoter by Twist, which reduced the acetylation level of the promoter region and thus inhibited expression of E‐cadherin, and subsequently promoted the aggressive progression of ESCC. Collectively, our study provided novel evidence that MTA2 plays an aggressive role in ESCC metastasis by a novel EIF4E‐Twist positive feedback loop, which may provide a potential therapeutic target for the management of ESCC.
Molecular intrinsic versus clinical subtyping in breast cancer: A comprehensive review
Authors: Szymiczek Agata , Lone Amna , Akbari Mohammad R. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBreast cancer is a heterogeneous disease manifesting diversity at the molecular, histological and clinical level. The development of breast cancer classification was centered on informing clinical decisions. The current approach to the classification of breast cancer, which categorizes this disease into clinical subtypes based on the detection of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, and proliferation marker Ki67, is not ideal. This is manifested as a heterogeneity of therapeutic responses and outcomes within the clinical subtypes. The newer classification model, based on gene expression profiling (intrinsic subtyping) informs about transcriptional responses downstream from IHC single markers, revealing deeper appreciation for the disease heterogeneity and capturing tumor biology in a more comprehensive way than an expression of a single protein or gene alone. While accumulating evidences suggest that intrinsic subtypes provide clinically relevant information beyond clinical surrogates, it is imperative to establish whether the current conventional immunohistochemistry‐based clinical subtyping approach could be improved by gene expression profiling and if this approach has a potential to translate into clinical practice.
Nurse‐led standardized intervention for low anterior resection syndrome. A population‐based pilot study
Authors: Dalsgaard Peter , Emmertsen Katrine Jøssing , Mekhael Mira , Laurberg Søren , Christensen Peter 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAimOur aim was to study the implementation of the low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) score in a clinical setting and to evaluate a nurse‐led standardized intervention for bowel dysfunction following rectal cancer surgery.MethodAll patients who underwent curatively intended, restorative rectal cancer resection in a single centre between 2012 and 2016 were screened using the LARS score. At clinical follow‐up, patients with major LARS were offered treatment in a nurse‐led clinic. Data were retrospectively collected from patients' electronic medical records.ResultsIn total, 190 out of 286 (66%) patients were screened with the LARS score of whom 89 had major LARS. A total of 86 patients requested treatment for their bowel dysfunction and the majority obtained acceptable function after nurse‐led optimized conservative treatment. Seventeen patients went on to transanal irrigation, and seven patients were treated with biofeedback. Five patients were referred for surgery, three for gastroenterological evaluation. After treatment in the clinic, patients achieved a statistically significant decrease in median LARS score from 37 (interquartile range 34–39) to 31 (interquartile range 23–34) (P < 0.001), and the prevalence of major LARS fell from 95% to 53% (P < 0.001).ConclusionScreening for LARS was not optimal as one‐third of patients were not screened. The majority of patients with major LARS requested treatment for their symptoms and could be successfully treated with standardized interventions managed in a nurse‐led setting.
Sleeve gastrectomy enables simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation in severely obese recipients
Authors: Rössler Fabian , Hübel Kerstin , Di Natale Samuela , Oberkofler Christian , Gerber Philipp , Bueter Marco , de Rougemont Olivier 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundObesity adversely affects wait‐listing and precludes patients with concomitant end‐stage renal disease and type 1 diabetes mellitus from getting a simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation (SPK).ObjectiveTo analyze safety and efficacy of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) before SPK in severely obese type I diabetics.MethodsWe assessed weight curve, complications, and graft function of three patients who underwent LSG before SPK.ResultsLSG was uneventful in all patients. Body mass index dropped from 38.4 (range 35.7 ‐ 39.9) before LSG to 28.5 (26.8 ‐ 30.9) until SPK, with a mean loss of 25.8% (22.4 ‐ 32.3). Interval between LSG and SPK was 364.3 (173 ‐ 587) days. Pancreas and kidney graft function was excellent, with 100% insulin‐free and dialysis‐free survival over a mean follow‐up of 3.6 (2.9 ‐ 4.5) years. A1C dropped from 7% (6.3 ‐ 8.2) before LSG to 4.9% (4.7 ‐ 5.3) and 4.8% (4.5 ‐ 5.1) 1 and 2 years after SPK, respectively.ConclusionLSG before SPK is safe and effective to enable severely obese type I diabetics to receive a lifesaving transplant. This is the first study analyzing the role of bariatric surgery before simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation.
Effects of Rovalpituzumab Tesirine on Ventricular Repolarization in Patients With Small‐Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Goldman Jonathan W. , Barve Minal , Patel Jyoti D. , Wozniak Antoinette , Dowlati Afshin , Starodub Alexander , Owonikoko Taofeek K. , Edenfield William , Laurie Scott A. , Da Costa Daniel , Lally Satwant , Koch Martina , Kosloski Matthew P. , Hoffman David , Dy Grace K. 
Published: December 2020

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a leading cause of cancer death worldwide, with few treatment options. Rovalpituzumab tesirine (Rova‐T) is an antibody‐drug conjugate that targets delta‐like 3 on SCLC cells to deliver a cytotoxic payload directly to tumor cells. In this study, the cardiac safety profile of Rova‐T was assessed by evaluating changes in QT interval, electrocardiogram (ECG) waveform, heart rate, and proarrhythmic adverse events (AEs) after treatment with Rova‐T in patients with previously treated extensive‐stage SCLC. Patients underwent ECG monitoring for 2 weeks after each of 2 i.v. infusions of 0.3 mg/kg Rova‐T over 30 minutes, administered 6 weeks apart. Forty‐six patients received at least one dose of Rova‐T. At the geometric mean Rova‐T maximum serum concentration of 7,940 ng/mL, ECG monitoring showed no significant changes in the Fridericia‐corrected QT (QTcF) interval; the upper limit of the 2‐sided 90% confidence interval did not exceed 10 msec for any time point. There were no clinically significant changes in QRS or PR intervals, ECG waveforms, or heart rate after Rova‐T administration. All patients experienced a treatment‐emergent AE (TEAE); 78% had a grade ≥ 3 TEAE, 59% had a serious TEAE, and 41% had a cardiac‐related TEAE. The TEAEs that might signal proarrhythmia tendencies were uncommon. Confirmed partial responses were observed in 24% of patients. Based on the evaluation of ECG data collected in this study from patients treated with Rova‐T at 0.3 mg/kg i.v. administered every 6 weeks, a QTcF effect of clinical concern can be excluded.