bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Animal functional traits: Towards a trait‐based ecology for whole ecosystems
Authors: Schleuning Matthias , García Daniel , Tobias Joseph A. 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Functional traits and associated trait‐based concepts have driven rapid innovation in ecology over recent years, with most progress based on insights from plants. However, plants are almost entirely restricted to a single trophic level, and an over‐reliance on plant traits therefore neglects the complexity and importance of biotic interactions across trophic levels.

The need to expand the focus of trait‐based ecology to account for trophic complexity has led to an upsurge in attention on animal functional traits and the emergence of new concepts relevant to community ecology, macroecology and ecosystem science. Recent progress in the compilation of global trait datasets for some animal taxa has opened up new possibilities for testing ecological theory.

In this Special Focus, we explore how trait‐based ecology can expand the scope of investigation from single to multiple trophic levels, how insights from these investigations can be used to upscale understanding from local communities to biogeographical patterns and how this can ultimately help to predict the impacts of global change on ecosystem functions. To address these key questions, we showcase studies on diverse animal taxa ranging in size from springtails to crocodiles and spanning multiple trophic levels from primary consumers to apex predators.

This collection of studies shows how precise measurements of morphological or physiological traits can increase mechanistic understanding of community assembly across trophic levels, particularly of the mechanisms underpinning large‐scale biodiversity patterns. Furthermore, a clearer picture is emerging of systematic animal responses to environmental change that shape the trait composition of ecological communities and affect ecosystem functioning.

The articles in this volume highlight the need to move trait‐based ecology beyond the limits of taxonomic boundaries. The integration of trait data and concepts across trophic levels opens up new possibilities for identifying general ecological mechanisms that shape patterns and processes operating at different scales. The identification of key functional traits and their interplay across trophic levels can underpin the development of a trait‐based ecology for whole ecosystems, which could eventually enable predictions of the ecosystem‐level consequences of biodiversity loss.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Should I breed or should I go? Manipulating individual state during migration influences breeding decisions in a long‐lived bird species
Authors: Grandmont Thierry , Fast Peter , Grentzmann Ilona , Gauthier Gilles , Bêty Joel , Legagneux Pierre 
Published: January 2023

AbstractDocumentation of carry‐over effects (COEs), defined as effects resulting from events that occurred in a previous time period, has largely been observational and understanding of specific mechanisms underlying COEs is still lacking. To investigate this, we simulated an environmental perturbation during the spring migration of a long‐lived bird species and looked at the subsequent effects on various breeding parameters.We captured female greater snow geeseAnser caerulescens atlanticuson their spring staging sites and maintained individuals in captivity for up to 4 days before releasing them. We re‐observed females 3000 km North, on their Arctic breeding grounds, to estimate their breeding propensity (i.e. probability of initiating a reproductive event for a given year), and measured their arrival date, laying date, clutch size and nesting success.Only proxies of breeding propensity were affected by our manipulation, which decreased as the time spent in captivity increased. However, females were able to overcome the effects of captivity in two out of the 3 years of experimentation with normal or good environmental conditions at the breeding site.When facing the additional challenge of poor environmental conditions, many individuals manipulated during migration apparently curtailed their reproductive effort by skipping breeding. This experiment is the first to show that breeding propensity is an important parameter affected by COEs resulting from stressful events prior to reproduction in long‐lived species.Read the freePlain Language Summaryfor this article on the Journal blog.
Fencing amplifies individual differences in movement with implications on survival for two migratory ungulates
Authors: Xu Wenjing , Gigliotti Laura C. , Royauté Raphaël , Sawyer Hall , Middleton Arthur D. 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Fences have recently been recognized as one of the most prominent linear infrastructures on earth. As animals traverse fenced landscapes, they adjust movement behaviours to optimize resource access while minimizing energetic costs of coping with fences. Examining individual responses is key for connecting localized fence effects with population dynamics.

We investigated the multi‐scale effects of fencing on animal movements, space use and survival of 61 pronghorn and 96 mule deer on a gradient of fence density in Wyoming, USA.

Taking advantage of the recently developed Barrier Behaviour Analysis, we classified individual movement responses upon encountering fences (i.e. barrier behaviours). We adopted the reaction norm framework to jointly quantify individual plasticity and behavioural types of barrier behaviours, as well as behaviour syndromes between barrier behaviours and animal space use. We also assessed whether barrier behaviours affect individual survival.

Our results highlighted a high‐level individual plasticity encompassing differences in the degree and direction of barrier behaviours for both pronghorn and mule deer. Additionally, these individual differences were greater at higher fence densities. For mule deer, fence density determined the correlation between barrier behaviours and space use and was negatively associated with individual survival. However, these relationships were not statistically significant for pronghorn.

By integrating approaches from movement ecology and behavioural ecology with the emerging field of fence ecology, this study provides new evidence that an extraordinarily widespread linear infrastructure uniquely impacts animals at the individual level. Managing landscape for lower fence densities may help prevent irreversible behavioural shifts for wide‐ranging animals in fenced landscapes.
Does the reduction of seed dormancy during ex situ cultivation affect the germination and establishment of plants reintroduced into the wild?
Authors: Ensslin Andreas , Sandner Tobias M. , Godefroid Sandrine 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Plants or seeds produced in botanic gardens or nurseries have become an important source of plant material for reintroductions or population reinforcements. However, recent research has shown that these living collections bear the risk of being genetically impoverished and adapted to the artificial habitat. In particular, many studies have reported a decline of seed dormancy during ex situ cultivation, which may compromise their suitability for reintroduction programmes. However, the impact of those ex situ derived changes on the germination and establishment of reintroduced plant populations is still unclear.

We studied the germination behaviour, population establishment and plant fitness over 3 years of reintroduced plants of the short‐lived perennial Digitalis lutea, comparing plants grown from (1) a 30‐year botanic garden population, (2) seeds from a seed bank representing the initial starting point of the botanic garden culture and (3) a re‐sampled corresponding wild population.

Under laboratory conditions, wild‐collected seeds required cold stratification to germinate, whereas seeds from the garden population germinated without stratification. This pattern was strongly reduced in an outdoor pot experiment, where only few garden seeds germinated before winter, and all seeds remained dormant when seeded in the natural area of origin. In a transplant experiment, reintroduced plants from the wild population outperformed both, the garden and the seed bank plants, in their fitness in the first 3 years after reintroduction suggesting adaptation to current climatic conditions.

Synthesis and applications. Our study demonstrates that trait changes that occurred during ex situ cultivation can negatively impact the establishment of reintroduced plants. We conclude that wild plant material collected from contemporary populations is best suited for reintroduction and should be preferred over ex situ cultivated and seed bank stored material, especially when the cultivation spanned multiple generations. However, our study also shows that germination requirements change in complex ways, and the loss of dormancy observed under laboratory conditions may not always be directly transferable to natural conditions. When established standards are respected, ex situ propagated material may thus still be a valuable resource, especially when wild material is not available in sufficient quantities.
Testis‐specific proteins, TSNAXIP1 and 1700010I14RIK, are important for sperm motility and male fertility in mice
Authors: Kaneda Yuki , Miyata Haruhiko , Shimada Keisuke , Oura Seiya , Ikawa Masahito 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackgroundTSN (translin), also called testis brain RNA‐binding protein, binds to TSNAX (translin‐associated factor X) and is suggested to play diverse roles, such as RNA metabolism and DNA damage response. TSNAXIP1 (Translin‐associated factor X‐interacting protein 1) was identified as a TSNAX‐interacting protein using a yeast two‐hybrid system, but its function in vivo was unknown.ObjectiveTo reveal the function of TSNAXIP1 in vivo in mice.Materials and methodsWe generated Tsnaxip1 knockout mice using the CRISPR/Cas9 system and analyzed their fertility and sperm motility. Further, we generated 1700010I14Rik knockout mice, because 1700010I14RIK is also predominantly expressed in testes and contains the same Pfam (protein families) domain as TSNAXIP1.ResultsReduced male fertility and impaired sperm motility with asymmetric flagellar waveforms were observed in not only Tsnaxip1 but also 1700010I14Rik knockout mice. Unlike Tsn knockout mice, no abnormalities were found in testicular sections of either Tsnaxip1 or 1700010I14Rik knockout mice. Furthermore, TSNAXIP1 was detected in the sperm tail and fractionated with axonemal proteins.Discussion and conclusionUnlike the TSN–TSNAX complex, whose disruption causes abnormal vacuoles in mouse testes, TSNAXIP1 and 1700010I14RIK may play roles in regulating sperm flagellar beating patterns.
Laparoscopic and robotic multivisceral resection in colorectal cancer: A case series and systematic review
Authors: Osseis Michael , Dahboul Houssam , Mouawad Christian , Aoun Rany , Kassar Serge , Chakhtoura Ghassan , Noun Roger 
Published: January 2023

AbstractPurposeMultivisceral resection (MVR) with open approach is the standard surgical treatment for locally advanced colorectal cancer. However, the medical literature concerning the practice of minimally invasive MVR in order to reduce postoperative complications and hospital stay has been growing exponentially over the last years. The present study aimed to examine our experience and to provide a systematic review about the results and complications of minimally invasive MVR.MethodsData of patients that underwent minimally invasive MVR for locally advanced colorectal cancer from 2015 to 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. The literature was searched for studies concerning minimally invasive MVR for colorectal cancer.ResultsA total of 39 laparoscopic MVR were performed in our department. Complications occurred in 14 patients (35.9%) with major complications in five patients (18.82%) according to Clavien‐Dindo classification. Conversion was required in one case (2.56%) with subsequent mortality (2.56%). Pathologic adjacent organs or structures invasion was observed in 30 patients (76.9%) and positive resection margin occurred in two cases (5.2%). Twenty‐two studies including 1055 patients were identified after literature search. In these studies, laparoscopic surgery and robotic surgery were performed in 90.15% and 9.85% of the patients, respectively. R0 resection was established in 95% of cases, conversion rate varied between 0% and 41.7%, and postoperative mortality ranged between 0% and 7.7% in the included articles.ConclusionMinimally invasive approach may be a safe option for patients requiring MVR for locally advanced colorectal cancer, with equivalent oncological results and could result in better early postoperative outcomes to open approach. However, further studies on this topic are needed to confirm the results of the current study.
Genome‐wide association study of early ischaemic stroke risk in Brazilian individuals with sickle cell disease implicatesADAMTS2andCDK18and uncovers novel loci
Authors: Earley Eric Jay , Kelly Shannon , Fang Fang , Alencar Cecília Salete , Rodrigues Daniela de Oliveira Werneck , Soares Cruz Dahra Teles , Flanagan Jonathan M. , Ware Russell E. , Zhang Xu , Gordeuk Victor , Gladwin Mark , Zhang Yingze , Nouraie Mehdi , Nekhai Sergei , Sabino Ester , Custer Brian , Dinardo Carla , Page Grier P. ,   the International Component of the NHLBI Recipient Epidemiology and Donor Evaluation Study (REDS‐III) and the NHLBI Trans‐Omics for Precision Medicine (TOPMed) Consortium
Published: January 2023

SummaryIschaemic stroke is a common complication of sickle cell disease (SCD) and without intervention can affect 11% of children with SCD before the age of 20. Within the Trans‐Omics for Precision Medicine (TOPMed), a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) of ischaemic stroke was performed on 1333 individuals with SCD from Brazil (178 cases, 1155 controls). Via a novel Cox proportional‐hazards analysis, we searched for variants associated with ischaemic stroke occurring at younger ages. Variants at genome‐wide significance (p < 5 × 10−8) include two near genes previously linked to non‐SCD early‐onset stroke (<65 years):ADAMTS2(rs147625068,p = 3.70 × 10−9) andCDK18(rs12144136,p = 2.38 × 10−9). Meta‐analysis, which included the independent SCD cohorts Walk‐PHaSST and PUSH, exhibited consistent association for variants rs1209987 near geneTBC1D32(p = 3.36 × 10−10), rs188599171 nearCUX1(p = 5.89 × 10−11), rs77900855 nearBTG1(p = 4.66 × 10−8), and rs141674494 nearVPS13C(1.68 × 10−9). Findings from this study support a multivariant model of early ischaemic stroke risk and possibly a shared genetic architecture between SCD individuals and non‐SCD individuals younger than 65 years.
The reaction of disagreements in inflation expectations to fiscal sentiment obtained from information in official communiqués
Authors: Montes Gabriel Caldas , Maia Victor 
Published: January 2023

AbstractUsing official communiqués about fiscal policy, we develop a fiscal sentiment indicator, and we verify the reaction of disagreements in inflation expectations to fiscal sentiment. This analysis is relevant to inflation targeting (IT) countries because transparency and communication can influence expectations. The results suggest that a more optimistic fiscal sentiment reduces disagreements in inflation expectations. Estimates show that, for higher disagreements in inflation expectations at 12‐month maturity, an optimistic fiscal sentiment can reduce the disagreement more sharply. In turn, the fiscal sentiment effect on the disagreement for the 48‐month maturity is stronger the smaller the disagreement is. The results allow us to outline the following policy recommendations. First, an optimistic fiscal environment is important in the task of guiding inflation expectations and reducing inflation uncertainty. Second, fiscal communication is an important tool for the expectations formation process, and therefore it must be carefully managed to help in the task of forward guidance of inflation expectations, being important for the IT regime. Third, both fiscal credibility and monetary policy credibility are important for the expectations formation process, particularly for the reduction of inflation uncertainty, representing aspects that must be preserved in countries that adopt the IT regime.
‘Thinking about myself?’ Experiences of parents of adolescents with cerebral palsy: A qualitative study to guide the implementation of a service for families
Authors: Silvério Ana Paula M. , Mancini Marisa C. , Antunes Fernanda I. T. , Figueiredo Priscilla R. P. , Bueno Kátia M. P. , Brandão Marina B. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackgroundRecently, there has been an increase in the development of transition services for adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP). Studies have emphasized the importance of addressing parents' needs during their children's adolescence.AimsThis study aimed to understand how parents experience the adolescence and transition to adulthood of their adolescents with CP and to identify relevant components for the development of a service for families.Methods and proceduresA qualitative study was conducted with 18 families of adolescents with CP. Caregivers were purposely recruited from a transition programme called Adolescence in Focus Program. Individual interviews were conducted using a semistructured script. Then, the caregivers were invited to participate in focus groups. The interviews and focus groups were recorded and transcribed for content analysis.ResultsThree categories emerged: ‘The onset of adolescence’, ‘What will our future be?’ and ‘Support and services: paths to follow’. The adolescents' behavioural changes seemed to be intensified by their restricted social participation. Parents reported the desire for their adolescents to become independent in daily activities. Regarding their own future, they aimed to re‐establish the occupational roles that were interrupted.ConclusionInformation from this study guided the design of a programme for families regarding content, format and outcomes.
Central serous chorioretinopathy: A review
Authors: Fung Adrian T. , Yang Yi , Kam Andrew W. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractCentral serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is the fourth most common non‐surgical retinopathy associated with fluid leakage. The pathogenesis is not yet completely understood, but changes in the choroid, sclera and RPE have been described associated with venous congestion of choroidal outflow. CSC can be categorised into acute, chronic, and recurrent subtypes with recent classifications of simple and complex based on the area of RPE change seen on fundus autofluorescence. A multimodal imaging approach is helpful in the diagnosis and management of CSC and secondary complications such as type 1 neovascularisation. Although spontaneous resolution with relatively good visual outcomes is common, treatment should be considered in patients with persistent or recurrent SRF. Treatment options include laser, systemic medications, intravitreal therapy, and surgery. Of these, argon laser for focal extramacular fluid leaks and photodynamic therapy of leakage identified by indocyanine‐green angiography currently have the greatest supportive evidence.
Activated SOX9+ renal epithelial cells promote kidney repair through secreting factors
Authors: Nie Hao , Zhao Zixian , Zhou Dewei , Li Dandan , Wang Yujia , Ma Yu , Liu Xutao , Zuo Wei 
Published: January 2023

AbstractA broad spectrum of lethal kidney diseases involves the irreversible destruction of the tubular structures, leading to renal function loss. Following injury, a spectrum of tissue‐resident epithelial stem/progenitor cells are known to be activated and then differentiate into mature renal cells to replace the damaged renal epithelium. Here, however, we reported an alternative way that tissue‐resident cells could be activated to secrete multiple factors to promote organ repair. At single‐cell resolution, we showed that the resident SOX9+ renal epithelial cells (RECs) could expand in the acutely injured kidney of both mouse and human. Compared to other cells, the SOX9+ RECs overexpressed much more secretion related genes, whose functions were linked to kidney repair pathways. We also obtained long‐term, feeder‐free cultured SOX9+ RECs from human urine and analysed their secretory profile at both transcriptional and proteomic levels. Engraftment of cultured human SOX9+ RECs or injection of its conditional medium facilitated the regeneration of renal tubular and glomerular epithelium, probably through stimulating endogenous REC self‐activation and mediating crosstalk with other renal cells. We also identified S100A9 as one of the key factors in the SOX9+ REC secretome. Altogether, the abilities to extensively propagate SOX9+ RECs in culture whilst concomitantly maintaining their intrinsic secretory capacity suggest their future application in cell‐free therapies and regeneration medicine.
CARE program: NCI and FDA interagency collaborations to support oncology small business entrepreneurs
Authors: Pond Monique A. , Narayanan Deepa , Zhang Kehui , Fau Danielle , Summers Jeffrey , Carranza Dorn , Weingarten Michael 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe National Cancer Institute's Small Business Innovation Research Development Center (NCI SBIR) supports the commercialization of novel cancer‐related technologies by providing resources to 300–400 small businesses each year. Whereas Federal funding is crucial for the translation of technologies to the clinic, the majority of these technologies will need to undergo regulatory review to reach clinical testing. Many small businesses find navigating their regulatory pathway challenging, largely due to lack of regulatory expertise on small startup teams with limited revenue. In collaboration with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), NCI SBIR launched a new regulatory assistance program called Connecting Awardees with Regulatory Experts (CARE). The goal of the CARE program is to connect NCI‐funded small businesses with the FDA to receive feedback on their regulatory questions during early‐stage product development. The program has a multipronged support approach and also educates companies about the FDA process and existing resources. To date, 141 companies have participated in the interagency program. Follow‐up surveys indicate that the program guided the companies in planning the next regulatory steps for their technology development (89%) and provided critical information that changed their future NCI small business grant project aims (81%). Overall, companies reported they would recommend the program to other companies (90%). This paper will discuss the CARE program outcomes as well as other NCI and FDA collaborations that support early‐stage small businesses, including the joint development of funding opportunities and online resources that focus on the oncology startup community.