bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variation in red fox Vulpes vulpes diet in five continents
Authors: Castañeda Irene , Doherty Tim S. , Fleming Patricia A. , Stobo‐Wilson Alyson M. , Woinarski John C. Z. , Newsome Thomas M. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Understanding variation in the diet of widely distributed species can help us to predict how they respond to future environmental and anthropogenic changes.

We studied the diet of the red fox Vulpes vulpes, one of the world's most widely distributed carnivores. We compiled dietary data from 217 studies at 276 locations in five continents to assess how fox diet composition varied according to geographic location, climate, anthropogenic impact, and sampling method.

The diet of foxes showed substantial variation throughout the species' range, but with a general trend for small mammals and invertebrates to be the most frequently occurring dietary items.

The incidence of small and large mammals and birds in fox diets was greater away from the equator. The incidence of invertebrates and fruits increased with mean elevation, while the occurrence of medium‐sized mammals and birds decreased.

Fox diet differed according to climatic and anthropogenic variables. Diet richness decreased with increasing temperature and precipitation. The incidence of small and large mammals decreased with increasing temperature. The incidence of birds and invertebrates decreased with increasing mean annual precipitation. Higher Human Footprint Index was associated with a lower incidence of large mammals and a higher incidence of birds and fruit in fox diet.

Sampling method influenced fox diet estimation: estimated percentage of small and medium‐sized mammals and fruit was lower in studies based on stomach contents, while large mammals were more likely to be recorded in studies of stomach contents than in studies of scats.

Our study confirms the flexible and opportunistic dietary behaviour of foxes at the global scale. This behavioural trait allows them to thrive in a range of climatic conditions, and in areas with different degrees of human‐induced habitat change. This knowledge can help us to place the results of local‐scale fox diet studies into a broader context and to predict how foxes will respond to future environmental changes.
Psychological needs of critical care staff and barriers to accessing support: A qualitative study
Authors: Sutton Olivia Rae , Norton Elisabeth Anne 
Published: May 2022

AbstractWorldwide, critical care staff are vulnerable to mental health difficulties. Support is varied and uptake is minimal.Therefore, barriers need to be understood in order to be addressed; doing so may improve staff's mental health, resulting in positive consequences. This qualitative research took place between September 2020–November 2020 at a National Health Service critical care unit in England. Participants were critical care staff (n = 9). Data were collected through semistructured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Studies (COREQ) was used to report the findings, with analysis resulting in six themes: support is the team together in the moment, keeping work‐related difficulties from the forefront of the mind, it's just part of the job, stigma makes it hard to speak up about psychological difficulties, normalizing psychological support, and desire for psychological support within critical care. Psychologist presence in critical care, as well as further options for support, may help to reduce barriers and improve staff mental health. Further research is needed to evaluate staff outcomes across multiple sites to refine understanding and interventional approach.
Timely linkage to care among men who have sex with men newly diagnosed with HIV: A structural equation model adapted from the HIV‐related stigma framework
Authors: Zhao Yafang , Li Zhen , Sheng Yu 
Published: May 2022

AbstractHIV prevalence among men who have sex with men in China has increased dramatically, and timely linkage to care after being diagnosed with HIV is important to treatment success. This cross‐sectional study aims to utilize structural equation modeling to test a hypothesized model of timely linkage to care adapted from the HIV‐related stigma framework. Data were collected from 257 men who have sex with men living with HIV. The proportion of participants with timely linkage to care within 1 month was 63.42%. The model result showed a good fit. Higher HIV‐related stigma was significantly associated with a lower level of social support, mental health, maladaptive coping (three mechanism variables), and attitude toward linkage to care. Higher CD4+ T‐cell count, disclosure of HIV positivity to sexual partners, and greater convenience of accessing care were related to timely linkage to care (p < 0.05). These model results suggest that enhancing attention to family reactions and social support are needed for further research and interventions to accelerate newly diagnosed people's access to HIV care in China.
Mycorrhizal type of woody plants influences understory species richness in British broadleaved woodlands
Authors: Guy Petra , Sibly Richard , Smart Simon M. , Tibbett Mark , Pickles Brian J. 
Published: May 2022

SummaryMature temperate woodlands are commonly dominated by ectomycorrhizal trees, whereas understory plants predominantly form arbuscular mycorrhizal associations. Due to differences in plant–fungus compatibility between canopy and ground layer vegetation the ‘mycorrhizal mediation hypothesis’ predicts that herbaceous plant establishment may be limited by a lack of suitable mycorrhizal fungal inoculum.We examined plant species data for 103 woodlands across Great Britain recorded in 1971 and in 2000 to test whether herbaceous plant species richness was related to the proportion of arbuscular mycorrhizal woody plants. We compared the effect of mycorrhizal type with other important drivers of woodland plant species richness.We found a positive effect of the relative abundance of arbuscular mycorrhizal woody plants on herbaceous plant species richness. The size of the observed effect was smaller than that of pH. Moreover, the effect persisted over time, despite many woodlands undergoing marked successional change and increased understorey shading.This work supports the mycorrhizal mediation hypothesis in British woodlands and suggests that increased abundance of arbuscular mycorrhizal woody plants is associated with greater understory plant species richness.
Replication proteinRPA2Aregulates floral transition by cooperating withPRC2inArabidopsis
Authors: Zhang Xiaoling , Li Wenjuan , Liu Yue , Li Yanzhuo , Li Yang , Yang Wandong , Chen Xiangsong , Pi Limin , Yang Hongchun 
Published: May 2022

SummaryRPA2A is a subunit of the conserved heterotrimeric replication protein A (RPA) in Arabidopsis, which is an essential replisome component that binds to single‐stranded DNA during DNA replication. RPA2A controls a set of developmental processes, but the underlying mechanism is largely unknown.Here we show that RPA2A represses key flowering genes includingFLOWERING LOCUS T(FT),AGAMOUS(AG) andAGAMOUS LIKE 71(AGL71) to suppress floral transition by cooperating with the PRC2 complex.RPA2A is vigorously expressed in dividing cells and required for correct DNA replication. Mutation ofRPA2Aleads to early flowering, which is dependent on ectopic expression of key flowering genes includingFTmolecularly and genetically. RPA2A and PRC2 have common target genes includingFT,AGandAGL71supported using genetic analysis, transcriptome profiling and H3K27me3 ChIP‐seq analysis. Furthermore, RPA2A physically interacts with PRC2 components CLF, EMF2 and MSI1, which recruits CLF to the chromatin loci ofFT,AGandAGL71.Together, our results show that the replication protein RPA2A recruits PRC2 to key flowering genes through physical protein interaction, thereby repressing the expression of these genes to suppress floral transition in Arabidopsis.
Self‐efficacy matters: Influence of students’ perceived self‐efficacy on statistics anxiety
Authors: Kaufmann Liane , Ninaus Manuel , Weiss Elisabeth M. , Gruber Walter , Wood Guilherme 
Published: May 2022

AbstractStatistical knowledge is a key competency for psychologists in order to correctly interpret assessment outcomes. Importantly, when learning statistics (and its mathematical foundations), self‐efficacy (defined as an individual's belief to successfully accomplish specific performance attainments) is a central predictor of students’ motivation to learn, learning engagement, and actual achievement. Therefore, it is crucial to gain a better understanding of students’ self‐efficacy for statistics and its interrelations with statistics anxiety and students’ belief in the relevance of statistics. Here, we present results showing development and validation of a self‐assessment questionnaire for examining self‐efficacy for statistics in psychology students (Self‐Efficacy for Learning Statistics for Psychologists, SES‐Psy). Upon using different methodological approaches, we demonstrate that the SES‐Psy questionnaire has (1) sound psychometric properties, and within our sample of university students, (2) a robust latent structure disclosing three clearly distinctive profiles that are characterized by a complex and nonlinear interplay between perceived self‐efficacy (for basic and advanced statistics), statistics anxiety, and students’ belief in the relevance of statistics. Implications for educational settings and future research are discussed.
Consecutive Kummell's Disease Combined with Parkinson's Disease and Experienced Internal Fixation Failure: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Zhan Yi , He Guiping , Yang Huiming , Gao Wenjie , Yuan Wei , Sun Honghui , Hao Dingjun , Wang Biao 
Published: May 2022

BackgroundThe continuous occurrence of Kummell's disease is extremely rare in clinical practice, and its treatment is difficult. The study aimed to present a rare case of consecutive Kummell's disease combined with Parkinson's disease (PD) and experienced internal fixation failure.Case presentationA 69‐year‐old female patient had a history of PD for 10 years, and was treated by posterior decompression, fixation, and fusion because of Kummell's disease of T12 with neurological damage. The patient's back pain and lower limb pain were significantly improved after surgery. Twenty‐two months later, the patient was rehospitalized for Kummell's disease of L4 with neuropathic pain of left lower extremity. She received almost identical surgical procedures as T12 lesion, and the difference was no L4 vertebroplasty preformed due to the fact that the L4 vertebrae collapse was not obvious, the intravertebral vacuum cleft (IVC) range was small, and the pedicle screw fixation strength was high. The pain symptoms were significantly relieved after operation. Unfortunately, there was a complication of internal fixation failure that occurred a month later, and a revision operation was carried out.ConclusionOsteoporosis combined with PD may lead patients to become prone to consecutive Kummell's disease, and patients are prone to experience failure of internal fixation. Bone cement filling of vertebral IVC and effective support of anterior vertebral column are very important procedures to ensure the clinical efficacy of treating Kummell's disease.
Effectiveness and Feasibility of Injectable Escherichia coli‐Derived Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenetic Protein‐2 for Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion at the Lumbosacral Junction in Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery: A Clinical Pilot Study
Authors: Im Sang‐Kyu , Lee Jung‐Hee , Lee Ki Young , Yoo Seung‐Jin 
Published: May 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness and feasibility of injectable Escherichia coli‐derived recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (injectable E‐rhBMP‐2, a combination of E. coli‐derived recombinant human bone morphogenic protein‐2 and a hydrogel type beta‐tricalcium phosphate carrier) as a bone substitute for anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) of the lumbosacral junction in adult spinal deformity (ASD) patients.MethodsA prospective single‐institution therapeutic exploratory trial was conducted. Twenty patients (average age: 69.1 years; 19 female and one male; average fusion level: 7.95) diagnosed with ASD with sagittal imbalance who underwent surgical treatment including ALIF at the lumbosacral junction from December 2017 to January 2019 were evaluated. Injectable E‐rhBMP‐2 was prepared by dissolving 3 mg of E. coli‐derived recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 in 1.5 ml H2O and mixing in situ with 9 g hydrogel type beta‐tricalcium phosphate. This bone graft substitute was loaded onto a metal ALIF cage and L5–S1 ALIF was performed in routine manner. Then posterior column osteotomy with multilevel oblique lumbar interbody fusion or pedicle subtraction osteotomy with accessory rod technique was performed to restore sagittal balance. Patients were followed up for 12 months. CT‐based fusion rates were examined at 6 and 12 months after surgery. Also, clinical outcomes (Oswestry Disability Index [ODI], Visual Analog Scale [VAS] score of the back and leg) were evaluated at 6 and 12 months after surgery. All postoperative adverse events were evaluated for the association with injectable E.BMP‐2.ResultsOf the 20 patients, loss to follow‐up occurred with one patient at 6 months after surgery and one patient at 12 months after surgery, resulting in a total of 18 patients who were available for follow‐up. Six months after surgery, 68.4% patients achieved solid fusion. Twelve months after surgery, 100% fusion rate was achieved. Compared to baseline values, ODI scores improved to 45.8% and 63.7%, VAS (back) improved to 69.2% and 72.8%, and VAS (leg) improved to 49.2% and 64.8%, respectively, at 6 and 12 months after surgery (p < 0.001 for all). Ten cases of adverse events occurred. But no adverse events were associated with injectable E‐rhBMP‐2.ConclusionInjectable E‐rhBMP‐2 will be an effective bone graft substitute when achieving solid interbody fusion in the lumbosacral junction.
Clinical Outcomes and Quality of Life in Elderly Patients Treated with a Newly Designed Double Tube Endoscopy for Degenerative Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Authors: Liu Lantao , Dong Jian , Wang Dechun , Zhang Chao , Zhou Yue 
Published: May 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical outcome and quality of life in elderly patients in poor conditions with unilateral symptomatic degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (DLSS) who were treated with percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) assisted by double tubes.MethodsThis study was designed retrospectively. From June 2017 to June 2018, 31 consecutive elderly patients who were presented with unilateral symptomatic DLSS, underwent PELD assisted by double tubes under local anesthesia. American Society of Anesthesiology score (ASA) was used to evaluate the patients' conditions. The operative time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, and complications were evaluated. Clinical outcomes were assessed by the visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), and modified Macnab criteria. Short Form 36 (SF‐36) was used to evaluate the life quality. The CT or MRI was used to evaluate the spinal area.ResultsThirty‐one patients were enrolled and 25 cases achieved at least a 24‐month follow‐up. Three patients were lost to follow‐up and three patients died from other diseases. A total of 76% (19/25) of the patients presented an ASA score of more than 3. The mean operative time was 67.80 min, the mean blood loss was 18.2 ml, and the hospital stay was 6.92 days. The postoperative 12‐month follow‐up VAS score significantly decreased compared with that before the operation (1.12 ± 0.73 vs. 5.12 ± 1.81, p < 0.01). Although the VAS score decreased at the final follow‐up, there was no significant difference compared with that at the 12‐month follow‐up (0.92 ± 0.64 vs. 1.12 ± 0.73, p = 0.549). So did the ODI. Also, there was no difference in the ODI scores between the 12‐month follow‐up and the final follow‐up (12.52 ± 5.58 vs. 9.44 ± 6.32, p = 0.172). The overall excellent rate was 92% (23/25) at the final follow‐up. The scores of the physical function, mental function, and social function of SF‐36 after the operation improved significantly compared with those before operation (p < 0.05). But there was no difference in the physical function score (84.00 ± 6.29 vs 84.40 ± 6.18, p = 0.871), mental function score (81.76 ± 8.01 vs 81.68 ± 6.67, p = 0.974), or social function score (115.50 ± 13.64 vs 118.50 ± 12.03, p = 0.437) between the 12‐month follow‐up and the final follow‐up. There were no differences in the VAS, ODI, and SF‐36 between the L4/5 and L5S1 groups before operation or at the final follow‐up (p > 0.05). The postoperative radiology indicated the lateral recess is opened and the area of the dural sac is expanded. Two cases (8.0%, 2/25) experienced recurrence and a secondary PELD was performed.ConclusionsPELD assisted by double tubes is effective for unilateral symptomatic DLSS in elderly patients with comorbidities and could improve life quality.
Left atrial appendage closure using WATCHMAN device in chronic kidney disease and end‐stage renal disease patients
Authors: Jamal Shakeel , Mughal Mohsin Sheraz , Kichloo Asim , Edigin Ehizogie , Khan Muhammad Zia , Minhas Abdul Mannan Khan , Ali Muzaffar , Kanjwal Khalil 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundChronic kidney disease (CKD) and end‐stage renal disease are considered independent risk factors for developing atrial fibrillation (AF). Percutaneous occlusion of left atrial appendage (LAAC) using WATCHMAN device is a widely accepted alternative to anticoagulation therapy to prevent ischemic stroke in AF in patients who are not candidates for anticoagulation. There is limited data regarding the utilization and periprocedural safety of this intervention in patients with CKD/ESRD.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed all hospitalizations from 2016 to 2017 with (ICD‐10) procedure diagnosis code of LAA closure using WATCHMAN procedure with and without a secondary diagnosis of CKD/ESRD in acute‐care hospitals across the United States using the national inpatient sample. Demographic variables (gender, race, income, hospital characteristics, medical comorbidities) were collected and compared. The primary outcomes were inpatient mortality, hospital length, and cost of stay.ResultsThere were over 71 million discharges included in the combined 2016 and 2017 NIS database. Sixteen thousand five hundred five hospitalizations were for adult patients with a procedure code for LAA closure via watchman procedure. Of 16,505 patients, 3245 (19.66%) had CKD and ESRD. There was no statistically significant difference in mortality, length, and cost of stay in patients with and without CKD/ESRD. There were no statistically significant differences in periprocedural cerebrovascular accidents in both groups.ConclusionPatients with and without ESRD/CKD who undergo LAA occlusion with Watchman have similar procedure related, in‐hospital mortality, and complications.
How qualitative research methods can be leveraged to strengthen mixed methods research in public policy and public administration?
Authors: Hendren Kathryn , Newcomer Kathryn , Pandey Sanjay K. , Smith Margaret , Sumner Nicole 
Published: May 2022

AbstractRecently, there have been a variety of arguments voiced to encourage that more attention be given to the role qualitative methods can play in mixed methods research in public policy and public administration. This article discusses these claims and describes the benefits of qualitative approaches, and how qualitative research methods can be leveraged to strengthen mixed methods research in public administration. We also provide a guide for improving the credibility of mixed methods research through increasing transparency and discussions of all methodological decisions. This study is based on a systematic content analysis of 186 mixed methods studies published in public policy and public administration journals between 2010 and 2018. We found that findings from the quantitative methods dominated the mixed methods studies, little diversity in data collection and analysis methods, and frequent failure to integrate insights from both methods. We also analyzed the 36 qualitative‐dominant studies in the sample, and illuminated seven different ways that authors of qualitative‐dominant studies leveraged the qualitative strand to strengthen mixed methods research. We developed lessons from our analysis of the qualitative‐dominant articles on how to incorporate qualitative methods in a thoughtful manner, articulate a role for each strand, and effectively support findings with one or more strands.
The new culture wars: Why critical race theory matters more than cancel culture
Authors: Kaufmann Eric 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundA set of ‘New Culture Wars’ over questions of majority identity protection and free speech have become important in American politics, but have not received attention from empirical political scienceObjectiveCompare the relative size of partisan differences on issues of ‘Cancel Culture’ and ‘Critical Race Theory’.MethodLogistic regression models using attitudes toward real‐world Cancel Culture and Critical Race Theory examples to predict partisanship.ResultsData show that Republican voters are no more likely to fear career consequences or dismissal for speech than Democrats. Republicans are also more opposed to teaching critical perspectives on race and history in schools than they are to employees being fired for dissenting speech within organizations. Strong white identifiers are both more opposed to diversity training which emphasizes white racism and less opposed to firing people for disputed cases of racist or sexist speech.ConclusionDue to the distinctive moral foundations of conservative voters, this paper argues that perceived attacks on white and American identity are a more powerful source of grievance for Republican voters than concerns over freedom of expression. It is hypothesized that the conservative moral foundation of group loyalty helps to explain these findings.
Lessons learned from the CONCOR‐1 trial
Authors: Callum Jeannie , Bégin Philippe , Jamula Erin , Liu Yang , Kron Amie T. , Auclair Marie‐Christine , Cushing Melissa , Arnold Donald M. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractFaced with an evolving pandemic and a lack of clarity of the role of convalescent plasma for patients with COVID‐19, the CONCOR‐1 trial was launched. In 14 months the trial was designed, launched, completed, and submitted for publication. In total, 72 sites in three countries served by four blood suppliers randomised 940 patients. Many enablers facilitated the trial including: three study principal investigators to distribute the trial workload, diverse steering committee members, an international data safety monitoring committee, multiple statisticians and methodologists, virtual meeting platforms, REDCap data platform, pausing of non‐COVID‐19 trials, rapid approval pathways for institutional review boards and regulators, centralised institutional review boards in many locations, restriction of use of convalescent plasma to trial participants and the incredible dedication by research personnel. In future pandemics, we need to be prepared for rapid launch of trials. The protocols, consent forms, data collection tools, and procedures need to be in draft form ready for use at all times. We were well‐prepared for blood shortages but should have anticipated the need to conduct trials with convalescent plasma. In this short article, we detail our lessons learned to inform researchers faced with the next pandemic pathogen.