bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sustainable landscape, soil and crop management practices enhance biodiversity and yield in conventional cereal systems
Authors: Redlich Sarah , Martin Emily A. , Steffan‐Dewenter Ingolf 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Input‐driven, modern agriculture is commonly associated with large‐scale threats to biodiversity, the disruption of ecosystem services and long‐term risks to food security and human health. A switch to more sustainable yet highly productive farming practices seems unavoidable. However, an integrative evaluation of targeted management schemes at field and landscape scales is currently lacking. Furthermore, the often‐disproportionate influence of soil conditions and agrochemicals on yields may mask the benefits of biodiversity‐driven ecosystem services.

Here, we used a real‐world ecosystem approach to identify sustainable management practices for enhanced functional biodiversity and yield on 28 temperate wheat fields. Using path analysis, we assessed direct and indirect links between soil, crop and landscape management with natural enemies and pests, as well as follow‐on effects on yield quantity and quality. A paired‐field design with a crossed insecticide‐fertilizer experiment allowed us to control for the relative influence of soil characteristics and agrochemical inputs.

We demonstrate that biodiversity‐enhancing management options such as reduced tillage, crop rotation diversity and small field size can enhance natural enemies without relying on agrochemical inputs. Similarly, we show that in this system controlling pests and weeds by agrochemical means is less relevant than expected for final crop productivity.

Synthesis and applications. Our study highlights soil, crop and landscape management practices that can enhance beneficial biodiversity while reducing agrochemical usage and negative environmental impacts of conventional agriculture. The diversification of cropping systems and conservation tillage are practical measures most farmers can implement without productivity losses. Combining local measures with improved landscape management may also strengthen the sustainability and resilience of cropping systems in light of future global change.
Predictors of need for catheterisation and urinary retention after radical cystectomy and orthotopic neobladder in male patients
Authors: Ghodoussipour Saum , Ladi Seyedian Seyedeh Sanam , Jiang Daniel , Lifton Jacob , Ahmadi Hamed , Wayne Kevin , Miranda Gus , Cai Jie , Djaladat Hooman , Schuckman Anne , Bhanvadia Sumeet , Daneshmand Siamak 
Published: December 2020

ObjectivesTo investigate the prevalence of catheterisation and urinary retention in male patients with bladder cancer after radical cystectomy (RC) and orthotopic neobladder (ONB) and to identify potential predictors.Patients and MethodsUsing an Institutional Review Board approved, prospectively maintained bladder cancer database, we collected information using a diversion‐related questionnaire from 299 consecutive male patients with bladder cancer upon postoperative clinic visit. Urinary retention was defined as ≥3 catheterisations/day or a self‐reported inability to void without a catheter. Uni‐ and multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of catheterisation and urinary retention.ResultsSelf‐catheterisation was reported in 51 patients (17%), of whom, 22 (7.4% of the total patients) were in retention. Freedom from any catheterisation at 3, 5, and 10 years after RC was 85%, 77%, and 62%, respectively. Freedom from retention at 3, 5, and 10 years after RC was 93%, 88%, and 79%, respectively. Multivariable Cox regression showed that higher body mass index (BMI; ≥27 kg/m2) significantly increased the need for catheterisation (hazard ratio [HR] 2.34, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.26–4.32) as well as retention (HR 5.20, 95% CI 1.74–15.51). Greater medical comorbidity (Charlson Comorbidity Index score ≥2) correlated with the need for any catheterisation (HR 1.84, 95% CI 1.02–3.3), but not retention. Pathological stage and type of diversion were not significant predictors of the need to catheterise or urinary retention.ConclusionIn males undergoing RC with ONB, retention requiring catheterisation to void is uncommon. Patients with a BMI of ≥27 kg/m2 are at significantly increased risk of retention and need for self‐catheterisation.
Plasma creatine and incident type 2 diabetes in a general population‐based cohort: The PREVEND study
Authors: Post Adrian , Groothof Dion , Schutten Joëlle C. , Flores‐Guerrero Jose L. , Swarte J. Casper , Douwes Rianne M. , Kema Ido P. , de Boer Rudolf A. , Garcia Erwin , Connelly Marge A. , Wallimann Theo , Dullaart Robin P. F. , Franssen Casper F. M. , Bakker Stephan J. L. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundType 2 diabetes is associated with both impaired insulin action at target tissues and impaired insulin secretion in pancreatic beta cells. Mitochondrial dysfunction may play a role in both insulin resistance and impaired insulin secretion. Plasma creatine has been proposed as a potential marker for mitochondrial dysfunction. We aimed to investigate the association between plasma creatine and incident type 2 diabetes.MethodsWe measured fasting plasma creatine concentrations by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy in participants of the general population‐based PREVEND study. The study outcome was incident type 2 diabetes, defined as a fasting plasma glucose ≥7.0 mmol/L (126 mg/dl); a random sample plasma glucose ≥11.1 mmol/L (200 mg/dl); self‐report of a physician diagnosis or the use of glucose‐lowering medications based on a central pharmacy registration. Associations of plasma creatine with type 2 diabetes were quantified using Cox proportional hazards models and were adjusted for potential confounders.ResultsWe included 4735 participants aged 52 ± 11 years, of whom 49% were male. Mean plasma creatine concentrations were 36.7 ± 17.6 µmol/L, with lower concentrations in males than in females (30.4 ± 15.1 µmol/L vs. 42.7 ± 17.7 µmol/L; p for difference <.001). During 7.3 [6.2–7.7] years of follow‐up, 235 (5.4%) participants developed type 2 diabetes. Higher plasma creatine concentrations were associated with an increased risk of incident type 2 diabetes (HR per SD change: 1.27 [95% CI: 1.11–1.44]; p < .001), independent of potential confounders. This association was strongly modified by sex (p interaction <.001). Higher plasma creatine was associated with an increased risk of incident type 2 diabetes in males (HR: 1.40 [1.17–1.67]; p < .001), but not in females (HR: 1.10 [0.90–1.34]; p = .37).ConclusionFasting plasma creatine concentrations are lower in males than in females. Higher plasma creatine is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in males.
The prevalence and impact of migraine and severe headache in the United States: Updated age, sex, and socioeconomic‐specific estimates from government health surveys
Authors: Burch Rebecca , Rizzoli Paul , Loder Elizabeth 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesAccurate, up‐to‐date estimates of the burden of migraine and severe headache are important for evidence‐based decision‐making about workforce needs and the distribution of health resources. We used data from US government health surveys to report the prevalence, trends, and impact of this condition by age, sex, and poverty status.MethodsWe identified the most recent, publicly available summary statistics from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, and the National Health Interview Survey. We extracted and compiled relevant information from each study, with an emphasis on sex, age, and economic‐related statistics.ResultsThe age‐adjusted prevalence of migraine and severe headache in the United States has remained stable over many years. In 2018, the age‐adjusted prevalence was 15.9% across all adults. The sex ratio also remains stable, with 21% of women and 10.7% of men affected. Migraine continues to be an important public health problem, accounting for roughly 4 million emergency department (ED) visits in 2016, when headache was the fifth most common reason for an ED visit overall and the third most common reason for ED visits in females 15–64. Migraine also accounted for over 4.3 million office visits. Many adults with migraine or severe headaches are disadvantaged. In 2018, for example, roughly 40% of US adults with migraine were unemployed, and a similar proportion were classified as poor or “near poor.” Roughly one in five had no health insurance and about a third had a high school education or less.ConclusionsMigraine and severe headaches are a serious public health issue in the United States, with the highest impact in women of childbearing age and those of lower socioeconomic status. Socioeconomic disadvantages also are highly prevalent among those with headaches. The economic consequences of the current coronavirus pandemic are likely to exacerbate all of these inequities. Increased attention to this high impact chronic pain condition, and improved funding for treatment provision and research, are warranted to reduce the future burden of disease.
Growing together with African health libraries: partnerships in Health Information's impact and lessons for future partnerships
Authors: Phillips Ray , Twomey Cheryl 
Published: December 2020

AbstractPartnerships in Health Information (Phi) was a UK charity which worked with African health librarians, and other information professionals, to improve access to high‐quality information for health professionals and the public in Africa from 1992 to 2016. This research was initiated by Shane Godbolt and aims to explore the experiences of African librarians and information professionals who visited the UK and who otherwise worked in partnership with Phi, following up on a previous Phi report that had shown significant mutual learning and development benefits for the UK hosts of such visitors. Also, to derive lessons on how visits and partnerships may be improved. In March 2020, a total of 21 people who had participated in partnership activities with Phi were invited to take part in an online survey. Thirteen people completed the survey. The results from the survey indicate it was hugely beneficial to visiting information professionals from Africa, for themselves and their services, through capacity building, networking, professional and personal development and learning tangible skills. Respondents provided several ideas on how partnerships could be improved in the future, including more opportunities for networking, longer‐term evaluation, enlarged programmes and increased funding. We conclude that partnerships based on Phi's long‐term, flexible approach can be of great benefit and provide insights and recommendations that could help any organisation seeking to emulate the Phi model of partnership working, based on co‐development between UK health libraries and those in low‐ to middle‐income countries.
‘Moving Forward’: how health librarians can continue supporting the legacy of Shane Godbolt
Authors: Atiogbe Potenza , Fricker Alan , Reid Lucy 
Published: December 2020

AbstractOver the course of her life, Shane influenced the careers of many people working in health library and knowledge services. This article brings together three personal perspectives exploring aspects of this influence. By considering the activities prompted by contact with Shane, we look to how librarians might build on the example she provided of living a full professional life.
Functional investigation of monoterpenes for improved understanding of the relationship between hosts and bark beetles
Authors: Fang Jia‐Xing , Zhang Su‐Fang , Liu Fu , Cheng Bin , Zhang Zhen , Zhang Qing‐He , Kong Xiang‐Bo 
Published: December 2020

AbstractSpruce bark beetle (Ips typographus L.) is the most destructive insect pest of spruce forests in Eurasia. However, contact toxicity, in vivo metabolism, and ecological functions of host monoterpenes are poorly understood at the spruce tree–bark beetle–predator tritrophic level. Spruce monoterpenes including S‐(–)‐α‐pinene, R‐(+)‐α‐pinene, and myrcene showed contact toxicity to I. typographus, with LD50 values ranging from 22–32 μg/mg. When topically treated with S‐(–)‐α‐pinene or R‐(+)‐α‐pinene, the amounts of volatile metabolites, including 4S‐(–)‐cis‐verbenol, 4S‐(+)‐/4R‐(–)‐trans‐verbenol, R‐(+)‐/S‐(–)‐verbenone and 1R‐(–)‐/1S‐(+)‐myrtenol, in the hindgut extracts of I. typographus varied significantly between sexes, and their quality (enantiomeric composition) varied significantly with the chirality of α‐pinene. More importantly, S‐(–)‐α‐pinene induced male adults to produce large amounts of 4S‐(–)‐cis‐verbenol and S‐(–)‐verbenone. When topically treated with myrcene, the expected semiochemicals such as E‐myrcenol, ipsenol and ipsdienol were not detected in the beetle hindguts, indicating that the pheromone biosynthetic system of I. typographus does not participate in the metabolism of host myrcene. In trap tests, S‐(–)‐α‐pinene and R‐(+)‐α‐pinene increased the catches of I. typographus and its predator Thanasimus substriatus in pheromone‐baited traps, whereas myrcene exhibited a strong repellent (or inhibitory) effect on I. typographus but not on its predator. I. typographus seems to adopt different ecological strategies (e.g. avoidance to myrcene and preference for α‐pinene) to adapt to and tolerate different host monoterpenes. Extensive investigation of these monoterpenes will help us understand their roles in manipulating the arms race between host trees and bark beetles, and potentially improve the efficacy of controlling I. typographus via the push‐pull strategy using host kairomones.
Disclosure experience among COVID‐19‐confirmed patients in China: A qualitative study
Authors: Sun Wenxiu , Zhou Ying , Chen Wei‐Ti , Huang Feifei , Sun Meiyan , Shen Lei , Gao Yan , Zhang Qing , Ma Siyue , Shiu Chengshi , Zhang Lin , Lu Hongzhou 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAimTo understand COVID patients’ experiences of and perspectives on disclosure of their illness and to explore and describe the factors affecting disclosure decisions among COVID patients in China.BackgroundDisease disclosure is a critical component of prevention and control of a virus outbreak, and this is especially true during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Understanding COVID patients’ experiences and perspectives on disclosure could play a vital role in COVID management.DesignA qualitative study.MethodsA semi‐structured interview guide was used to conduct qualitative in‐depth interviews from April to June 2020. All the interviews were audio‐recorded and transcribed, and then, a thematic analysis was conducted. The Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR) were applied to this study.ResultsA total of 26 COVID‐confirmed patients were recruited for the in‐depth interviews. Four themes emerged from the thematic analysis on disclosure: persons disclosed to, reasons for disclosure, reasons for nondisclosure and impact of disclosure. The participants disclosed their COVID diagnosis to different groups, including family, close friends, community members and workplace contacts. The main reasons for disclosure included the following: government policy, social responsibility, gaining support and fear of being blamed for nondisclosure. However, some participants decided not to disclose to some groups for fear of facing stigma and discrimination or to protect family members from discrimination. Despite the potential benefits of obtaining support after disclosure, many participants did experience stigma and discrimination, privacy exposure, psychological distress and social isolation.ConclusionsAn individual's decision as to whether to disclose their COVID‐positive status is affected by many factors. To prevent the spread of COVID‐19 and reduce the potential risks of disclosure, such as discrimination and privacy exposure, a balanced intervention should be designed to protect COVID patients and to secure any contact tracing. Therefore, the chances of discrimination could be decreased and patients’ confidentiality could be protected.Relevance to Clinical PracticeAs the number of COVID patients increases, disclosure of an individual's infectious status is encouraged by health departments. Despite the potential benefits of disclosure, discrimination and privacy exposure should not be ignored. A disclosure protocol is necessary to ensure patients’ privacy regarding their COVID status.
Feline mycobacterial disease in northern California: Epidemiology, clinical features, and antimicrobial susceptibility
Authors: Munro Matthew J. L. , Byrne Barbara A. , Sykes Jane E. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundMycobacterial infections in cats are challenging to treat and incompletely described.Hypothesis/objectivesTo describe the features of mycobacterial infections in cats from northern California.AnimalsNineteen cats, all with nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections; 4 withMycobacterium aviuminfection, 15 with rapid‐growing mycobacterial (RGM) infection.MethodsRetrospective study. Cases with positive mycobacterial culture, species identification, and susceptibility testing were included. Descriptive statistics were used. Fisher's exact test and Mann‐WhitneyUtest were used for comparisons betweenM aviumand RGM infections (P ≤ .05).ResultsRapid‐growing mycobacterial cases includedMycobacterium smegmatis(9),Mycobacterium fortuitum(4),Mycobacterium abscessus(1), andMycobacterium thermoresistibile(1).Mycobacterium aviuminfections were more likely than RGM infections to be disseminated (3/4 vs 0/15;P= .004). Disease of the skin/subcutis (15/15 vs 0/4;P < .001) and outdoor access (14/15 vs 0/4;P= .001) were primary features of RGM infections. Resistance to fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides was common amongM aviumisolates. A high prevalence of resistance to third‐ and fourth‐generation cephalosporins was noted in RGM species. Death/euthanasia was noted only inM aviumcases (3/4). Twelve of 15 cats with RGM infection had available follow‐up; 4 of these cats achieved remission.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThe most prevalent RGM species isolated from cats from northern California areM smegmatisandM fortuitum. Susceptibility to prescribed antimicrobials does not appear to guarantee treatment success. Combination drug treatment is recommended. Repeat culture and susceptibility testing should be performed when disease is persistent/relapsing.
The reliance on α‐adrenergic receptor stimuli for blood pressure regulation in the chronically hypoxaemic fetus is not dependent on post‐ganglionic activation
Authors: Darby Jack R. T. , Varcoe Tamara J. , Holman Stacey L. , McMillen I. Caroline , Morrison Janna L. 
Published: December 2020

Key points
Chronic hypoxaemia is associated with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and a predisposition to the development of hypertension in adult life.
IUGR fetuses exhibit a greater reliance on α‐adrenergic activation for blood pressure regulation.
The fetal blood pressure response to post‐ganglionic blockade is not different between control and IUGR fetuses.
The decrease in mean arterial pressure is greater in the IUGR sheep fetus after α‐adrenergic receptor blockade at the level of the vasculature and this is inversely related to fetal .
The increased reliance that the IUGR fetus has on α‐adrenergic activation for maintenance of mean arterial pressure is not a result of increased post‐ganglionic sympathetic activation.
AbstractIntrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in adult life. Placental restriction (PR) in sheep results in chronic hypoxaemia and early onset IUGR with increased circulating plasma noradrenaline concentrations. These IUGR fetuses exhibit a greater decrease in mean arterial pressure (MAP) during α‐adrenergic blockade. We aimed to determine the role of post‐ganglionic sympathetic activation with respect to regulating MAP in IUGR fetal sheep. PR was induced by carunclectomy surgery prior to conception. Fetal vascular catheterization was performed at 110–126 days gestational age (GA) (term, 150 days) in nine control and seven PR‐IUGR fetuses. The fetal blood pressure response to both a post‐ganglionic and an α‐adrenergic receptor blocker was assessed at 116–120 days GA and/or 129–131 days GA. The effect of both post ganglionic and α‐adrenergic blockade on fetal blood pressure was then compared between control and IUGR fetuses at both GAs. There was no difference in the effect of post‐ganglionic blockade on MAP in control and IUGR fetal sheep at either 116–120 days GA or 129–131 days GA. α‐adrenergic receptor blockade decreased MAP to the same extent in both control and IUGR fetuses at 116–120 days GA. At 129–131 days GA, the drop in MAP in response to α‐adrenergic receptor blockade was greater in IUGR fetuses than controls. There was a significant inverse relationship between the drop in MAP in response to α‐adrenergic receptor blockade at both GAs with fetal . Thus, the increased dependence on α‐adrenergic activation for blood pressure regulation in the chronically hypoxaemic IUGR fetus is not a result of increased post‐ganglionic sympathetic activation.
Performance of a Downstream Finned Solar Photovoltaic Thermal Air System
Authors: Franklin J. Charles , Chandrasekar M. , Sridharan M. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
A new photovoltaic thermal air (PVTa) system with fins in the downstream portion of the air channel was tested for its thermal and electrical performance in this work. For this purpose, two fin configurations were opted. One is a longitudinal fin oriented longitudinally along the air channel and the other is a wavy fin placed in the direction of air flow. The experiments were conducted between June and November months of the year 2018 on daily basis in the location of Tiruchirappalli, a city in Tamil Nadu state of India (10.82 latitude and 78.70 longitude). The results indicated that the PVTa system with downstream wavy fins performed thermally better than the PVTa system with downstream longitudinal fins. A fuzzy-based model was also developed for predicting the thermal and electrical performance of the newly developed solar PVTa collector. The fuzzy model forecasted the air outlet temperature, operating photovoltaic (PV) panel temperature, and power output with a net prediction accuracy of about 95%.
Planar Variable Structure Cable-Driven Parallel Robots for Circumventing Obstacles
Authors: Rushton Mitchell , Khajepour Amir 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
This article aims to address some of the current limitations of cable-driven parallel robots (CDPRs) by enabling regional changes in dynamic structure through collisions between cables and fixed objects placed in the work area (such as idler pulleys). This leads to the definition of a new class of robots referred to as variable structure cable-driven parallel robots (VSCRs). One of the major advancements from VSCRs is their ability to cover nonconvex reachable workspaces: a significant relaxation on the constraints of traditional CDPRs that is especially useful for circumventing obstacles and has implications for a wide range of applications. Specific examples of vertical farming and rehabilitation are demonstrated experimentally. It is shown that VSCRs can dramatically improve the reachability and accessible workspace of traditional CDPRs. In addition, an online method for solving the planar VSCR inverse kinematics problem is introduced, which is based on an extended cable model. The method is general and has been validated through experimental studies.