bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aggregated filter‐feeders govern the flux and stoichiometry of locally available energy and nutrients in rivers
Authors: Hopper Garrett W. , Chen Shuo , Sánchez González Irene , Bucholz Jamie R. , Lu YueHan , Atkinson Carla L. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Biogeochemical cycling has often been characterized by physical and microbial processes, yet animals can be essential mediators of energy and nutrients in ecosystems. Excretion by aggregated animals can be an important local source of inorganic nutrients in green food webs; however, whether animals are a source of dissolved energy that can support brown food webs is understudied.

We tested whether animal aggregations are a substantial flux of bioavailable dissolved organic matter (DOM) by studying spatially stable, biogeochemical hotspots formed by filter‐feeding freshwater mussels. We used parallel‐factor analysis to quantify DOM fluorescent components composition of mussel excretion and expected digestive breakdown of particulate food sources would lead to excretion of labile DOM. Next, we combined measured excretion rates of DOM, ammonium (, N) and phosphorous (SRP; P) for 22 species with biomass estimates for 14 aggregations to quantify contributions of DOM, N and P to local availability. Because mussels occupy distinct stoichiometric niches, we anticipated that differences in species biomass and assemblage structure would elicit different flux and stoichiometries of aggregate excretion.

Aggregate dissolved organic carbon (DOC) excretion was minor (1%–11%) compared to N (12%–2,860%) and P (1%–97%), yet generalities across assemblages emerged regarding organic matter transformation by mussels towards labile protein‐like compounds compared to abundant aromatic, humic compounds in ambient water.

Aggregate excretion of labile DOM was a substantial pool of bioavailable energy, contributing 2%–114% of local labile DOM. Spatial differences in assemblage structure led to strong differences in aggregate flux and stoichiometry driven by biomass and stoichiometric trait expression of species with contrasting dominance patterns.

Under the nutrient conditions of our study (high C:nutrient), biogeochemical hotspots associated with low‐trophic position animal biomass may indirectly control energy flow to the brown food web by shifting C:nutrient stoichiometry available to microbes or directly by increasing the flux of microbially available DOM. Collectively, our results highlight a potentially substantial flux of labile energy and nutrients to microbial communities through the transformation of ingested organic matter by aggregations of animals and emphasize that shared functional trait classification may not translate into shared ecological function.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Community‐wide consequences of nonconsumptive predator effects on a foundation species
Authors: Catalán Alexis M. , Büchner‐Miranda Joseline , Riedemann Bárbara , Chaparro Oscar R. , Valdivia Nelson , Scrosati Ricardo A. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Predators can exert nonconsumptive effects (NCEs) on prey, which often take place through prey behavioural adjustments to minimise predation risk. As NCEs are widespread in nature, interest is growing to determine whether NCEs on a prey species can indirectly influence several other species simultaneously, thus leading to changes in community structure.

In this study, we investigate whether a predator can exert NCEs on a foundation species and indirectly affect community structure.

Through laboratory experiments, we first tested whether the predatory marine snail Acanthina monodon exerts negative NCEs on larviphagy (consumption of pelagic larvae) and phytoplankton filtration rates of the mussel Perumytilus purpuratus, an intertidal foundation species. These hypotheses stem from the notion that mussels may decrease feeding activities in the presence of predator cues to limit detection by predators. Afterwards, a field experiment tested whether the presence of A. monodon near mussel beds leads to higher colonisation rates of invertebrates that reproduce through pelagic larvae (expected under a lower larviphagy in P. purpuratus) and to a lower algal biomass on P. purpuratus shells (expected under a lower metabolite excretion in the mussels), thereby changing the community structure of the species typically found in P. purpuratus beds.

The laboratory experiments revealed that waterborne cues from A. monodon limit the larviphagy and filtration rates of P. purpuratus. In turn, the field experiment showed that A. monodon cues led to greater abundances of barnacles and bivalves and a lower algal biomass in P. purpuratus beds, thus altering community structure.

Overall, this study shows that a predator can indirectly affect community structure through NCEs on an invertebrate foundation species. As invertebrate foundation species are ubiquitous worldwide, understanding predator NCEs on these organisms could help to better understand community regulation in systems structured by such species.
Field evidence reveals conservative water use of poplar saplings under high aerosol conditions
Authors: Wang Bin , Wang Zhenhua , Wang Chengzhang , Wang Xin , Li Jing , Jia Zhou , Li Ping , Wu Jin , Chen Min , Liu Lingli 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Anthropogenic aerosols could alter multiple meteorological processes such as radiation regime and air temperature, thereby modifying plant transpiration. However, the lack of field observations at leaf and plant level hinders our ability to understand how aerosols could affect plant water use.

Aerosol concentrations in northern China fluctuate periodically over a wide range. Taking advantage of this unique natural experiment opportunity, we conducted a series of physiological and environmental measurements at different times of the day to explore diurnal aerosols' effect on leaf transpiration and sap flow of planted poplar saplings (Populus × canadensis Moench).

We found that high aerosol concentrations suppressed sun leaf transpiration by reducing leaf‐to‐air vapour pressure deficit (VPDleaf), while had no effect on shade leaf transpiration mainly because the negative effect of reduced VPDleaf on transpiration offset the positive effects of the increased stomatal conductance (gs). As aerosol concentration increased, the gs of both sun and shade leaves decreased more rapidly with an increase in VPDleaf, which caused their transpiration rates to become less sensitive to VPDleaf. Similarly, aerosols reduced sap flow density and its sensitivity to VPD.

Synthesis. Our study provided observational evidence on aerosols' effects on plant transpiration at the leaf and canopy scales. The reduced transpiration and stronger stomatal control indicated that plant water use becomes more conservative under elevated aerosol concentrations.
Association of haemoglobin levels in the first trimester and at 26–30 weeks with fetal and neonatal outcomes: a secondary analysis of the Global Network for Women's and Children's Health's ASPIRIN Trial
Authors: Jessani S , Saleem S , Hoffman MK , Goudar SS , Derman RJ , Moore JL , Garces A , Figueroa L , Krebs NF , Okitawutshu J , Tshefu A , Bose CL , Mwenechanya M , Chomba E , Carlo WA , Das PK , Patel A , Hibberd PL , Esamai F , Liechty EA , Bucher S , Nolen TL , Koso‐Thomas M , Miodovnik M , McClure EM , Goldenberg RL 
Published: February 2021

ObjectiveLimited data are available from low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) on the relationship of haemoglobin levels to adverse outcomes at different times during pregnancy. We evaluated the association of haemoglobin levels in nulliparous women at two times in pregnancy with pregnancy outcomes.DesignASPIRIN Trial data were used to study the association between haemoglobin levels measured at 6+0–13+6 weeks and 26+0–30+0 weeks of gestation with fetal and neonatal outcomes.SettingObstetric care facilities in Pakistan, India, Kenya, Zambia, The Democratic Republic of the Congo and Guatemala.PopulationA total of 11 976 pregnant women.MethodsGeneralised linear models were used to obtain adjusted relative risks and 95% CI for adverse outcomes.Main outcome measuresPreterm birth, stillbirth, neonatal death, small for gestational age (SGA) and birthweight <2500 g.ResultsThe mean haemoglobin levels at 6+0–13+6 weeks and at 26–30 weeks of gestation were 116 g/l (SD 17) and 107 g/l (SD 15), respectively. In general, pregnancy outcomes were better with increasing haemoglobin. At 6+0–13+6 weeks of gestation, stillbirth, SGA and birthweight <2500 g, were significantly associated with haemoglobin of 70–89 g/l compared with haemoglobin of 110–129 g/l The relationships of adverse pregnancy outcomes with various haemoglobin levels were more marked at 26–30 weeks of gestation.ConclusionsBoth lower and some higher haemoglobin concentrations are associated with adverse fetal and neonatal outcomes at 6+0–13+6 weeks and at 26–30 weeks of gestation, although the relationship with low haemoglobin levels appears more consistent and generally stronger.Tweetable abstractBoth lower and some higher haemoglobin concentrations were associated with adverse fetal and neonatal outcomes at 6–13 weeks and 26–30 weeks of gestation.
Disruption of egg‐specific protein causes female sterility inBombyx mori
Authors: Xu Xia , Wang Yao‐Hui , Liu Zu‐Lian , Wang Yong‐Qiang , He Lin , Li Kai , Huang Yong‐Ping 
Published: February 2021

AbstractYolk proteins are the main source of nutrients during embryonic and early larval development in oviparous animals. Therefore, vitellogenesis is crucial for reproduction. The silkworm,Bombyx mori, is a model lepidopteran insect in which there are three yolk proteins: vitellin, 30‐kDa protein, and egg‐specific protein (Esp). In this study, we explored the gene function ofEspthrough transgenic clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR) / CRISPR‐associated protein 9 technology‐mediated mutations in the silkworm. We found thatEspmutation resulted in female sterility but had no effect on male fertility. Female mutants could lay eggs after mating, but the eggs were smaller and lighter colored than those laid by wild‐type females. The most important finding is that the eggs laid by female mutants did not hatch. Furthermore, we observed stable inheritance of female sterility caused byEspmutation through successive generations. Thus,Espencodes a yolk protein that is crucial for female reproductive success and is a potential target for pest control.
Preoperative consolidation‐to‐tumor ratio is effective in the prediction of lymph node metastasis in patients with pulmonary ground‐glass component nodules
Authors: Chen Yi‐Chung , Lin Yi‐Han , Chien Hung‐Che , Hsu Po‐Kuei , Hung Jung‐Jyh , Huang Chien‐Sheng , Hsieh Chih‐Cheng , Hsu Wen‐Hu , Hsu Han‐Shui 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundPreoperative positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) is recommended as a guideline for staging of lung cancer. However, for patients with pulmonary ground‐glass opacity (GGO) nodules who are supposed to have a relatively low risk of incidence of lymphatic metastasis, it remains uncertain whether PET/CT is more effective than consolidation‐to‐tumor ratio (CTR) in the prediction of regional lymphatic metastasis.MethodsThe data on patients who underwent surgery for lung cancer from 2011 to 2016 were collected retrospectively, which included CTR, results of PET/CT, and pathological characteristics. The patients who had undergone preoperative PET/CT were identified to find the risk factors for lymphatic metastasis. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and multiple logistic regression was utilized to clarify the predictive value of CTR and main tumor maximal standardized uptake value (SUVmax).ResultsAmong 217 patients who had PET/CT before lobectomy, chest computed tomography revealed that 75 patients had CTR greater than 62%. The patients with lymphatic metastasis were shown to have higher CTR and higher main tumor SUVmax. Multiple logistic regression showed that younger age (<60 years), higher main tumor SUVmax on PET/CT, and greater CTR were independent predictive factors for lymphatic metastasis. The area under the ROC curve was comparable, 0.817 for CTR, and 0.816 for main tumor SUVmax.ConclusionsThe present study revealed that CTR was not inferior to main tumor SUVmax considering the predictive power for lymphatic metastasis preoperatively in lung cancer patients with a GGO component. PET/CT might not be necessary preoperatively in selected patients.
Reducing tree density affects interactions between trees and atmospheric Tillandsia species (Bromeliaceae)
Authors: Chaves Cleber J. N. , Rossatto Davi R. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractDisruptions in species interactions derived from forest fragmentation are a major driver of biodiversity declines. Atmospheric bromeliads, a group of extreme epiphytes in the Tillandsia genus, often thrive in anthropogenic landscapes, spreading beyond their usual distribution. Here, we investigate how distinct tree densities affect the interactions between tree traits and patterns of atmospheric bromeliad host selection, abundance, functional composition, and canopy distribution. We measured a total of 3130 atmospheric bromeliads hosted on 140 of the 384 trees sampled and found a greater contribution of tree traits on their host selection and abundance at low tree density. We observed that distinct tree traits were significantly correlated to atmospheric bromeliad traits under low and high tree densities, with most correlations positive under low tree density and negative under high tree density. Additionally, the canopy distribution of individuals under high tree density was less scattered and slightly restricted to outer canopy layers. Shading levels seem to be a strong environmental filter on atmospheric bromeliad fitness, limiting their spread in forests with high tree densities; however, major reductions in tree density may allow atmospheric bromeliads to spread to other canopy layers and increase their abundance, mainly boosted by traits related to tree size. Our results suggest that reductions in tree densities of forests may alter ecological interactions among plants, which could lead to the spread of opportunistic species.
Landscape monitoring reveals initial trends in occupancy and activity of bats in multiple‐use forests
Authors: Law Bradley , Gonsalves Leroy , McConville Anna , Tap Patrick 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBiodiversity monitoring is recognised as a key action for ecologically sustainable land use, but there are few examples of landscape programmes. We outline the first five years of biodiversity monitoring focusing on insectivorous bats in low rainfall, multiple‐use forests and woodlands of the Pilliga, Australia. Using ultrasonic sampling over multiple nights, both on‐ and off‐tracks, we identify annual trends in bat activity and occupancy and environmental covariates. Trends differed depending on whether occupancy or bat activity was the response variable. Site occupancy was almost 100% and remained stable and/or did not decline for most species nor diversity over the monitoring period, suggesting little variation in bat populations. In comparison, total activity was initially very high (567 passes night−1 on‐track) and then declined by up to 40% in the following three years, but then fully recovered in the fifth year. This general pattern was evident both on‐ and off‐tracks for most taxa, though activity was three times greater on‐ than off‐track, highlighting the importance of these distinct habitat features for bats. Multivariate state‐space (MARSS) models predicted, unexpectedly, that high winter rainfall prior to our surveys was negatively related to activity for many taxa. In contrast, disturbance from timber harvesting or fire had weak or no identifiable effects on trends in activity for most taxa. One exception was Chalinolobus picatus (threatened), whose occupancy off‐tracks was negatively related to the extent of recent (<5 years) fire and to harvesting, though at the landscape scale, occupancy remained stable. This result, together with patterns for other bat taxa, suggests that disturbance effects were short‐lived/dispersed and/or environmental mitigations were effective at maintaining bat populations at a landscape level. Annual monitoring highlighted annual variation in activity and its implications when setting a baseline for monitoring. We also discuss modifications to future monitoring effort, based on the existing five years of data.
Expression of WW domain‐containing oxidoreductase and its clinical implication in endometrial adenocarcinoma patients with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Shen Yan , Gao Leilei , Jiang Shanshan , Liu Jinwei , Cheng Weiye , Shou Huafeng 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAimMetabolic syndrome (MS) is tightly associated with the oncogenesis and prognosis of endometrioid adenocarcinoma, but the underlying mechanism is unclear. Here, we studied the relation between the expression status of WW domain‐containing oxidoreductase (WWOX) and the clinicopathological features of endometrioid adenocarcinoma patients with MS.MethodsFifty‐seven samples of endometrial adenocarcinoma were chosen for detection of expression level of WWOX. Overall survival (OS) time of these patients was analyzed by univariate and multivariate analysis. Survival analysis of patients with different WWOX expression levels from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was also performed.ResultsThe WWOX expression is significantly higher in MS group than that in non‐MS group (36.4% vs 65.7%, P = .03). WWOX was closely related to MS (P = .03) and muscle invasion of tumor cells (P = .04), but age, tumor grade, status of lymphatic metastasis, and FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) stage were not significantly different between the two WWOX expression status. Univariate analysis revealed that lymphatic metastasis (P = .023) and lower stage (P = .006) are significantly associated with OS. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that stage was an independent prognostic factor for OS (hazard ratio = 0.197; 95% CI, 0.043‐0.896). Downregulation of WWOX was statistically associated with OS in patients from TCGA database (P = .04).ConclusionWWOX may play an important role in the progression of endometrial cancer with MS.
Breast cancer treatment‐related arm lymphoedema and morbidity: A 6‐year experience in an Australian tertiary breast centre
Authors: Huang Yang Yang , Toh Pei Yinn , Hunt Catherine , Lin Joshua Tzi Wei , Kamyab Roshi , Ponniah Ananda Kallyani 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAimRecent surgical de‐escalation of the axilla in breast cancer management has led to reduced number of immediate and delayed axillary lymph node dissections (ALND) after sentinel lymph node biopsies (SLNBs). We aim to assess the postoperative impact of SLNB versus immediate and delayed ALND on arm lymphoedema and morbidity.MethodsA retrospective analysis from a prospectively collected institutional database was performed reviewing the rates of lymphoedema and arm morbidity in terms of shoulder restriction and patient‐reported functional deficit in women undergoing axillary surgery for breast cancer between 2013 and 2018.ResultsIn this 776 patient cohort (564 SLNBs, 192 immediate ALNDs and 20 delayed ALNDs), at 12 months after surgery, the results are as follows: lymphoedema rate: SLNB (4.62%), immediate ALND (19.51%), delayed ALND (15.00%); axillary cording rate: SLNB (3.08%), immediate ALND (10.65%), delayed ALND (5.00%); new functional deficit: SLNB (5.58%), immediate ALND (13.66%) and delayed ALND (20%); pain SLNB (14.02%), immediate ALND (15.97%), delayed ALND (17.65%); shoulder flexion/abduction restrictions: SLNB (8.14%/5.14%), immediate ALND (16.45%/15.79%) and delayed ALND (17.65%/20.00%). ALND was associated with increased risk of developing lymphoedema, shoulder dysfunction and development of more than one morbidity. No statistically significant difference in lymphoedema and morbidity outcome was observed between immediate and delayed ALND.ConclusionImmediate and delayed ALND have comparable outcomes, but both are associated with increased postoperative arm lymphoedema and morbidity outcomes compared to SLNB alone. Preoperative appropriate selection of patients for axillary surgery treatment may improve lymphoedema outcomes in breast cancer patients.
Diurnal QT analysis in patients with sotalol after cardioversion of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Lenhoff Hanna , Darpö Börje , Page Alex , Couderc Jean Philippe , Tornvall Per , Frick Mats 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe risk of ventricular arrhythmias in patients on QT prolonging drugs is indicated to be increased early after cardioversion (CV) of atrial fibrillation (AF) to sinus rhythm (SR). Sotalol, used to prevent AF relapse, prolongs cardiac repolarization and corrected QT interval (QTc). A pronounced QTc prolongation is an established marker of pro‐arrhythmias. Our objective was to use novel technique to quantify and evaluate the diurnal variation of the QTc interval after elective CV to SR in patients on sotalol or metoprolol.MethodsFifty patients underwent twelve‐lead Holter recording for 24 hr after elective CV for persistent AF. All patients had the highest tolerable stable dose of sotalol (n = 27) or metoprolol (n = 23). Measurements of QT and RR intervals were performed on all valid beats.ResultsA clear diurnal variation of both HR and QTc was seen in both groups, more pronounced in patients on sotalol, where a high percentage of heartbeats with QTc >500 ms was observed, especially at night. Six patients (22%) on sotalol but none on metoprolol had >20% of all heart beats within the 24‐hour recording with QTc >500 ms.ConclusionTwenty‐four‐hour Holter recordings with QT‐measurement immediately after CV demonstrated that one in five patients on sotalol had >20% of all heart beats with prolonged QTc >500 ms, especially during night‐time. The QTc diurnal variation was retained in patients on β‐blockade or a potent class III anti‐arrhythmic drug with β‐blocking properties.
Alternating and gradually changing narrow QRS complex tachycardia in a patient with heart failure: What is the mechanism?
Authors: Chen Songwen , Zhang Feilong , Wei Yong , Lu Xiaofeng , Zhou Genqing , Liu Shaowen 
Published: February 2021

AbstractA 23‐year‐old woman with palpitations for 9 years was referred for catheter ablation. ECG showed an irregular narrow complex tachycardia with alternating and gradually changing QRS morphologies after alternating and changing RR intervals, with a clear pattern of 2 alternating QRS complexes. An electrophysiology study was performed and confirmed that the mechanism of tachycardia was an automatic left‐side His‐Purkinje system (HPS) ventricular tachycardia. The gradually changing type‐2 QRS complexes was the conduction delayed in the left anterior fascicle due to the short RR interval or the short left‐side HH interval. Nine months after the index electrophysiology study, the patient encounter a progressive of heart failure with increased heart rate to 130‐150 bpm during rest. Radiofrequency ablation was performed at the upper‐septum for eliminating the tachycardia and resulted in complete atrioventricular block. A permanent pacemaker with left bundle branch pacing was implanted. Twelve months after the ablation, the enlarged heart shrink to normal with normal left ventricular ejection fraction. In conclusion, careful interpretation of the ECG can identify the sinus P waves followed by irregular narrow complexes, thus avoiding misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment. Unifocal HPS tachycardia could present with alternating and gradually changing narrow QRS complexes tachycardia and lead to tachycardia cardiomyopathy. Electrophysiology study and catheter ablation were useful for the diagnosis and treatment of HPS tachycardia but with high risk of atrioventricular block. However, successfully elimination the tachycardia would resolve and reverse the enlarged heart and deteriorative heart function.