bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Demographic responses of forest-utilizing bats to past climate change in South Africa
Authors: Moir Monika , Richards Leigh R , Cherry Michael I , Rambau Ramugondo V 
Published: March 2020

AbstractHistorical forest contractions may have restricted the distributions of forest-utilizing fauna while providing opportunities for range expansions for open-habitat species. We aimed to test if habitat associations have played an important role in determining population genetic structure and demographic responses of six bats to oscillations in forest extent since the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). We hypothesized that forest-associated species would display high levels of population structure and past population contractions as their distribution is dependent on fragmented forests. By contrast, habitat generalists would demonstrate low geographical structuring and historical population stability as suitable habitats are widely available. We used mitochondrial DNA to generate genetic diversity and population structure metrics of three forest-associated species and three habitat generalists in South Africa. Neutrality tests and Bayesian skyline plots were used to investigate demographic histories. A forest habitat association did not inform the population genetics of the study species. Rather, species-specific traits of roosting requirements, philopatry to the natal range and dispersal ability informed the observed structure. All species demonstrated population expansions during the Pleistocene, with no apparent decline during the LGM. It appears that the lower climate change footprint and refuge-status of eastern South Africa prevented population declines of insectivorous bats during the LGM.
Association of aortic valve calcification and vitamin K antagonist treatment
Authors: Sønderskov Pernille Stegemejer , Lindholt Jes Sandal , Hallas Jesper , Gerke Oke , Hasific Selma , Lambrechtsen Jess , Steffensen Flemming Hald , Busk Martin , Frost Lars , Urbonaviciene Grazina , Karon Marek , Kikar Abdel Monem , Rasmussen Lars Melholt , Diederichsen and Axel 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Aims
Vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) are suspected of causing aortic valve calcification (AVC). The objective of this study was to clarify whether patients undergoing VKA treatment have increased AVC scores compared to patients treated with new oral anticoagulants (NOACs) and patients who never have been treated with VKA/NOAC.

Methods and results
We included participants from the population-based DANCAVAS trial (n = 15 048). Information on confounders was collected, and the AVC scores were measured on non-contrast computed tomography scans. The participants’ medication data, including VKA and NOAC data, were collected from the Danish National Health Service Prescription Database. The final population consisted of 14 604 participants (67.4 years, 95% men) of whom 873 had been treated with VKA and 602 with NOAC. The association between AVC score and duration of anticoagulant use was investigated in an adjusted zero-inflated negative binomial regression model. For every year treated with VKA, the AVC score increased, on average, by 6% [ratio of expected counts (RECs) = 1.06; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02–1.10] compared to non-use. The results were consistent in sensitivity analyses excluding patients with known cardiovascular disease and statin users (REC = 1.07; 95% CI 1.02–1.11 and REC = 1.10; 95% CI 1.03–1.17, respectively). NOAC treatment was not significantly associated with AVC score in any of the corresponding models (REC = 1.03, 1.02, and 0.96).

Conclusion
Compared to no treatment with anticoagulants, VKA use was associated with increased AVC score, while a similar association could not be established for NOAC.
EACVI survey on the evaluation of infective endocarditis
Authors: Holte Espen , Dweck Marc R , Marsan Nina Ajmone , D’Andrea Antonello , Manka Robert , Stankovic Ivan , Haugaa Kristina H 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Aims
To evaluate the diagnosis and imaging of patients with suspected endocarditis and the management in routine clinical practice across Europe, the EACVI Scientific Initiatives Committee performed a survey across European centres. In particular, the routine use of echocardiography, advanced imaging modalities and multidisciplinary team was explored.

Methods and results
A total of 100 European Echocardiography Laboratories from 29 different countries responded to the survey, which consisted of 20 questions. For most of the use of echocardiography and advanced imaging, answers from the centres were relatively homogeneous and demonstrated good adherence to current recommendations. In particular, two-thirds of centres report the use of a specific endocarditis team for decision-making. Echocardiography plays a key role in the diagnosis and management of endocarditis. Nuclear imaging modalities are broadly available among the centres and are mainly used in prosthetic valve endocarditis and cardiac device-related infective endocarditis. Computed tomography (CT) is widely available and used to assess for structural valve abnormalities, neurological complications, and to preoperative assessment of the coronary arteries. Most institutions provide structured patients follow-up following hospital discharge.

Conclusion
In Europe, a relatively homogenous adherence to current recommendation was observed for most diagnostic and management including the follow-up of patients with endocarditis. Decision-making is most commonly performed by a multidisciplinary team. Echocardiography remains the first line and central imaging modality for patient diagnosis and assessment, but 60% of centres also commonly use CT, whilst positron emission tomography imaging is used in patients with prosthetic valve endocarditis or device infection.
Biomarkers of orthodontic tooth movement with fixed appliances and vibration appliance therapy: a pilot study
Authors: Reiss Stacey , Chouinard Marie Claude , Frias Landa Dasha , Nanda Ravindra , Chandhoke Taranpreet , Sobue Takanori , Allareddy Veerasathpurush , Kuo Chia-Ling , Mu Jinjian , Uribe Flavio 
Published: March 2020

SummaryIntroductionThe aim of this study was to investigate the effect of supplemental vibratory force on biomarkers of bone remodelling during orthodontic tooth movement, the rate of mandibular anterior alignment (RMAA), and compliance with a vibration device.Design, settings, and participantsForty patients between the ages 15–35 undergoing fixed appliance treatment that presented to a university orthodontic clinic were randomly allocated to supplemental use of an intraoral vibrational device (n = 20, AcceleDent®) or fixed appliance only (n = 20). Salivary multiplex assay was completed to analyse the concentration of selected biomarkers of bone remodelling before treatment (T0) and at three following time points (T1, T2, T3), 4–6 weeks apart. Irregularity of the mandibular anterior teeth and compliance was assessed at the same trial time points. Data were analysed blindly on an intention-to-treat basis with descriptive statistics, Mann–Whitney U-test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and linear mixed effects regression modelling.ResultsNo difference in the changes in salivary biomarkers of bone remodelling and RMAA between groups at any time point over the trial duration was observed. No correlation was found between changes in irregularity and biomarker level from baseline to another time point. Lastly, there was no association between RMAA and compliance with the AcceleDent® device.ConclusionsSupplemental vibratory force during orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances does not affect biomarkers of bone remodelling or the RMAA.LimitationsThe main limitation of the study was the small sample size and the large variability in the salivary biomarkers.HarmsNo harms were observed during the duration of the trial.ProtocolThe protocol was not published prior to trial commencement.RegistrationThe study was registered in Clinical Trials.gov (NCT02119455) first posted on April 2014.
The great convergence? Mortality in Ireland and Europe, 1956–2014
Authors: Eighan James , Walsh Brendan , Connolly Sheelah , Wren Maev-Ann , Keegan Conor , Bergin Adele 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Background
Until recently, Irish age-standardized mortality rates (ASMRs) were amongst the highest in the EU-15. This study examines changes in ASMRs in Ireland from 1956 to 2014.

Methods
Using data from the World Health Organization Mortality Database, we compare ASMRs in Ireland to other EU-15 countries from 1956 to 2014. ASMRS are used to plot the relative ranking of Ireland within the EU-15, and illustrate trends in which Ireland diverged with, and converged to, the EU-15 average. ASMRS are estimated across sex, age groups (15–64 and 65+ years) and cause of death.

Results
Between 1956 and 1999, ASMRs in Ireland were amongst the highest in the EU-15. ASMRs in Ireland saw slower improvements during this period as compared to other EU-15 countries. However, post-2000, a sharp reduction in Irish ASMRs resulted in an accelerated convergence to the EU-15 average. As a consequence of improvements in ASMRs between 2000 and 2014, there were an estimated 15 300 fewer deaths in 2014. The majority of these averted deaths were due to lower mortality rates for diseases of the circulatory system and respiratory system.

Conclusions
Rather than converging to the EU-15 average during the latter half of the 20th century, there was a divergence in ASMRs between Ireland and the EU-15. However, in recent years, Ireland experienced accelerated improvements in mortality rates with large reductions in mortality observed for diseases of the circulatory system and respiratory system, especially amongst older people.
Abiotic factors influence patterns of bacterial diversity and community composition in the Dry Valleys of Antarctica
Authors: Bottos Eric M , Laughlin Daniel C , Herbold Craig W , Lee Charles K , McDonald Ian R , Cary S Craig 
Published: March 2020

ABSTRACTThe Dry Valleys of Antarctica are a unique ecosystem of simple trophic structure, where the abiotic factors that influence soil bacterial communities can be resolved in the absence of extensive biotic interactions. This study evaluated the degree to which aspects of topographic, physicochemical and spatial variation explain patterns of bacterial richness and community composition in 471 soil samples collected across a 220 square kilometer landscape in Southern Victoria Land. Richness was most strongly influenced by physicochemical soil properties, particularly soil conductivity, though significant trends with several topographic and spatial variables were also observed. Structural equation modeling (SEM) supported a final model in which variation in community composition was best explained by physicochemical variables, particularly soil water content, and where the effects of topographic variation were largely mediated through their influence on physicochemical variables. Community dissimilarity increased with distance between samples, and though most of this variation was explained by topographic and physicochemical variation, a small but significant relationship remained after controlling for this environmental variation. As the largest survey of terrestrial bacterial communities of Antarctica completed to date, this work provides fundamental knowledge of the Dry Valleys ecosystem, and has implications globally for understanding environmental factors that influence bacterial distributions.
The Origin and Composition of Korean Ethnicity Analyzed by Ancient and Present-Day Genome Sequences
Authors: Kim Jungeun , Jeon Sungwon , Choi Jae-Pil , Blazyte Asta , Jeon Yeonsu , Kim Jong-Il , Ohashi Jun , Tokunaga Katsushi , Sugano Sumio , Fucharoen Suthat , Al-Mulla Fahd , Bhak Jong 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Koreans are thought to be an ethnic group of admixed northern and southern subgroups. However, the exact genetic origins of these two remain unclear. In addition, the past admixture is presumed to have taken place on the Korean peninsula, but there is no genomic scale analysis exploring the origin, composition, admixture, or the past migration of Koreans. Here, 88 Korean genomes compared with 91 other present-day populations showed two major genetic components of East Siberia and Southeast Asia. Additional paleogenomic analysis with 115 ancient genomes from Pleistocene hunter-gatherers to Iron Age farmers showed a gradual admixture of Tianyuan (40 ka) and Devil’s gate (8 ka) ancestries throughout East Asia and East Siberia up until the Neolithic era. Afterward, the current genetic foundation of Koreans may have been established through a rapid admixture with ancient Southern Chinese populations associated with Iron Age Cambodians. We speculate that this admixing trend initially occurred mostly outside the Korean peninsula followed by continuous spread and localization in Korea, corresponding to the general admixture trend of East Asia. Over 70% of extant Korean genetic diversity is explained to be derived from such a recent population expansion and admixture from the South.
A Practical Methodology for Improving the Aging-Friendliness of Communities: Case Studies from Three U.S. Communities
Authors: Evans Lauren , Oberlink Mia R , Stafford Philip B 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesIn this paper, we present a series of three case studies to illustrate an innovative and practical approach to improving the aging-friendliness of communities. These three communities used the AdvantAge Initiative to “listen” to the voices of older adults in their communities and to identify and prioritize aging-related issues. This approach was developed by the Center for Home Care Policy and Research at the Visiting Nurse Service of New York (VNSNY), the largest not-for-profit home health care organization in the United States, and has been implemented in over 60 communities throughout the United States. The methodology involves tools such as conceptual frameworks, survey questionnaires, focus groups, and technical assistance to help stakeholders interpret data and find solutions to identified issues.Research Design and MethodsWe interviewed VNSNY program staff and community partners involved in three AdvantAge Initiative projects that commenced at varying time points: Memphis and Shelby County, Tennessee (2012); New York City’s Chinatown neighborhood (2006); and the state of Indiana (2008). We also collected and reviewed secondary materials associated with these projects (e.g., meeting notes from community planning meetings, annual reports from grant recipients, press coverage).ResultsIn this case study, we begin by providing an overview of the AdvantAge Initiative framework and the AdvantAge Initiative key indicators. We then present a more in-depth look at the three communities and how they approached and implemented the AdvantAge Initiative.Discussion and ImplicationsThese case studies demonstrate that this methodology may be implemented in diverse communities and geographic locations. By looking at the longer-term outcomes and by comparing the strategies employed by each community, we see that communities, regardless of size, can bring stakeholders together to promote health and implement meaningful changes that make the community a better place to live for older adults and their families.
ESHRE PGT Consortium good practice recommendations for the organisation of PGT†
Authors:   ESHRE PGT Consortium Steering Committee, Carvalho Filipa , Coonen Edith , Goossens Veerle , Kokkali Georgia , Rubio Carmen , Meijer-Hoogeveen Madelon , Moutou Céline , Vermeulen Nathalie , De Rycke Martine 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
The field of preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is evolving fast, and best practice advice is essential for regulation and standardisation of diagnostic testing. The previous ESHRE guidelines on best practice for preimplantation genetic diagnosis, published in 2005 and 2011, are considered outdated and the development of new papers outlining recommendations for good practice in PGT was necessary.
The current updated version of the recommendations for good practice is, similar to the 2011 version, split into four documents, one of which covers the organisation of a PGT centre. The other documents focus on the different technical aspects of embryo biopsy, PGT for monogenic/single-gene defects (PGT-M) and PGT for chromosomal structural rearrangements/aneuploidies (PGT-SR/PGT-A).
The current document outlines the steps prior to starting a PGT cycle, with details on patient inclusion and exclusion, and counselling and information provision. Also, recommendations are provided on the follow-up of PGT pregnancies and babies. Finally, some further recommendations are made on the practical organisation of an IVF/PGT centre, including basic requirements, transport PGT and quality management.
This document, together with the documents on embryo biopsy, PGT-M and PGT-SR/PGT-A, should assist everyone interested in PGT in developing the best laboratory and clinical practice possible.
Towards regionalization of the chondrichthyan fauna of the Southwest Atlantic: a spatial framework for conservation planning
Authors: Sabadin D E , Lucifora L O , Barbini S A , Figueroa D E , Kittlein M 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBiogeographic regionalization identifies natural species assemblages of a given region. In this study, the geographic distribution of chondrichthyan species richness and species assemblages for the Southwest Atlantic were identified. The geographic distribution of 103 chondrichthyans was estimated through modelling. Based on the obtained binary maps, the distribution of chondrichthyan richness was obtained at four taxonomic levels: class Chondrichthyes (chondrichthyans), subclass Holocephali (chimaeras), division Selachii (sharks), and division Batomorphi (batoids). The continental shelf off Uruguay and southern Brazil presented the highest levels of chondrichthyan richness, and a smaller peak was found in El Rincón (northern Argentina). Shark richness concentrated mainly off Lagoa dos Patos (southern Brazil). Batoid richness was maximal off Uruguay and northern Argentina, including modes in El Rincón, San Jorge Gulf, and slope of the Argentinean shelf. Classification analyses revealed the presence of a hierarchical regionalization, with three main and six minor assemblages. Main assemblages are hierarchically identifiable as provinces and minor ones as ecoregions or districts. Two of the main assemblages correspond with the Argentinean and Magellanic Provinces; the third one is identified here for the first time, the Patagonian Slope Province. This regionalization provides the basis for the design of protected area networks for conservation or management purposes.
The trophic ecology of partial migration: insights from Merluccius australis off NW Patagonia
Authors: Toledo Pamela , Niklitschek Edwin J , Darnaude Audrey M , Leiva Félix P , Harrod Chris , Lillo Sergio , Ojeda Vilma , Klarian Sebastián , Molina-Burgos Blanca E , Gálvez Patricio , Canales-Aguirre Cristian B 
Published: March 2020

AbstractPartial migration, where migrant and resident organisms coexist within the same population, has been found in many fishes. Although it seems obvious that different life cycles exploit habitats and food webs differently, few assessments about the trophic consequences of partial migration are available. To unveil part of this complexity, we combined otolith chemistry with stable isotope analyses data for hind-casting Merluccius australis habitat use and diet composition at age. By providing detailed information about lifetime variability in diet, trophic position, and prey demand of four M. australis life-cycle types, we show that these groups feed differentially in estuarine and oceanic habitats throughout their ontogeny. Although trophic positions were similar between habitats for juvenile and subadults, substantial differences between life-cycle types were found regarding lifetime diet and trophic demand. Thus, the more abundant and heavily exploited oceanic stock of M. australis was heavily dependent of estuarine habitats within the Patagonian Fjords System, where it consumes large biomasses of Macruronus magellanicus, Pasiphaea, Sprattus fuegensis, and Euphausiidae at earlier stages. We show ignoring trophic consequences of partial migration and life-cycle diversity may produce highly biased results, both in terms of prey and habitat use, which appears critical for multispecies and ecosystem management approaches.
On the Construction of Closed Nonconvex Nonsoliton Ancient Mean Curvature Flows
Authors: Bourni Theodora , Langford Mathew , Mramor Alexander 
Published: March 2020

AbstractWe construct closed, embedded, ancient mean curvature flows in each dimension $n\ge 2$ with the topology of $S^1\times S^{n-1}$. These examples are not mean convex and not solitons. They are constructed by analyzing perturbations of the self-shrinking doughnuts constructed by Drugan and Nguyen (or, alternatively, Angenent’s self-shrinking torus when $n =2$).
How health care systems let our patients down: a systematic review into suicide deaths
Authors: Wyder Marianne , Ray Manaan K , Roennfeldt Helena , Daly Michael , Crompton David 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Purpose
To synthesize the literature in relation to findings of system errors through reviews of suicide deaths in the public mental health system.

Data sources
A systematic narrative meta-synthesis using the PRISMA methodology was conducted.

Study selection
All English language articles published between 2000 and 2017 that reported on system errors identified through reviews of suicide deaths were included. Articles that reported on patient factors, contact with General Practitioners or individual cases were excluded.

Data extraction
Results were extracted and summarized. An overarching coding framework was developed inductively. This coding framework was reapplied to the full data set.

Results of data synthesis
Fourteen peer reviewed publications were identified. Nine focussed on suicide deaths that occurred in hospital or psychiatric inpatient units. Five studies focussed on suicide deaths while being treated in the community. Vulnerabilities were identified throughout the patient’s journey (i.e. point of entry, transitioning between teams, and point of exit with the service) and centred on information gathering (i.e. inadequate and incomplete risk assessments or lack of family involvement) and information flow (i.e. transitions between different teams). Beyond enhancing policy, guidelines, documentation and regular training for frontline staff there were very limited suggestions as to how systems can make it easier for staff to support their patients.

Conclusions
There are currently limited studies that have investigated learnings and recommendations. Identifying critical vulnerabilities in systems and to be proactive about these could be one way to develop a highly reliable mental health care system.