bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Avian responses to forest fragmentation during the breeding and non‐breeding seasons
Authors: Verga Ernesto Gustavo , Galetto Leonardo , Peluc Susana Inés 
Published: March 2020

Forest fragmentation represents a threat to several bird species worldwide. Several factors can change across seasons (e.g. bird perception of the landscape, weather conditions, biotic interactions), which can modify the response of bird populations to forest fragmentation. However, most studies have been conducted only during the breeding season. Here we assessed the relationship between forest fragmentation (patch area and patch isolation) with population abundances of resident species during both the breeding and the non‐breeding seasons. Bird population abundances (all species in the community, subsets of forest and habitat generalist species and for individual species) were estimated across a gradient of area‐isolation in a semi‐arid forest in Cordoba, Argentina. Population abundance of the overall avian community and of the subset of forest species declined with patch area reduction independently of the season. By contrast, the subset of habitat generalist species was not affected by patch area reduction or by the increase in patch isolation, either during the breeding or during the non‐breeding season. When the analyses were carried out for individual species, we found four forest species and one habitat generalist species whose responses (the relationship between population abundance and patch area or with isolation) were different between breeding and non‐breeding seasons. The negative effects of forest fragmentation were found mainly during the breeding season. Our results suggest that reduction of patch area may lead to a reduction of more than 65% of the population abundance of forest bird species, during both the breeding and the non‐breeding season. Therefore, there is an urgent need to conserve large forest patches within the region as irreplaceable elements for the conservation of populations of several species.
A global survey on trends in advanced practice and specialisation in the pharmacy workforce
Authors: Bates Ian , Bader Lina R , Galbraith Kirsten 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Objectives
Despite the increasingly complex care and demanding health challenges shaping pharmacy, little work has been carried out to understand the global status of advanced and/or specialised pharmacy practice scopes and the models in which they exist. This study aims to describe the current global status of initiatives relating to advancement of pharmacy practice.

Methods
A global survey was conducted between January and May 2015 to collect country-level data from member organisations of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), and national-level contacts from regulatory, professional and government agencies or universities; data requests were sent to 109 countries. The collected data were triangulated (comparing multiple sources from single countries, e.g.), cleaned and analysed by descriptive and comparative statistics.

Key findings
Full data sets from 48 countries and territories were obtained. The findings demonstrate varying systems of advanced pharmacy practice and specialisation often linked to income level. The study found that there are variations within terminology and definitions, frameworks for specialisation and advanced practice, professional recognition mechanisms and benefits across countries.

Conclusions
This survey of 48 countries and territories was the first of its kind to describe the range of specialisation and professional recognition systems for advanced pharmacy practice worldwide. Despite the variance, it is clear from this global study that professional advancement and the recognition of advancement in practice are developing around the world and this could be due to the increasingly complex nature of pharmaceutical care delivery and a consequent need to be able to endorse professional capabilities.
Trends in advanced practice and specialisation in the global pharmacy workforce: a synthesis of country case studies
Authors: Bader Lina R , Bates Ian , Galbraith Kirsten 
Published: March 2020

AbstractObjectivesThis study aims to gain a better understanding of the drivers and barriers to the development of advanced practice and specialised systems around the world. Through the synthesis of in-depth country case studies, this paper aims to identify current models of advanced practice and specialisation in pharmacy and illustrate trends, drivers and barriers in policy development. This is the first analysis of its kind to examine pharmacy specialisation and advanced practice in this depth from a global perspective.MethodsA synthesis of country case studies was carried out. The country case study template was reviewed and approved by an expert working group drawn from a cross section of International Pharmaceutical Federations (FIP) experts and special-interest groups. FIP member organisations and country-level contacts from regulatory, professional and government agencies and universities were approached to contribute to the case study database. The data were collected between January and May 2015. Descriptive comparative analysis and qualitative thematic analysis were both used to analyse the data.Key findingsCase study submissions were received from 17 countries. The findings demonstrate that the pace and depth of change in advanced practice and specialisation are occurring at different rates across countries and regions, although many countries appear to be moving towards recognising advanced and specialised practice of pharmacists and developing frameworks and/or formalised recognition systems.ConclusionsCountry-specific examples are useful in identifying factors that may contribute to the rate at which developments in advanced practice and specialisation in pharmacy are taking place and enable progress in around the world.
The developing immune network in human prenatal skin
Authors: Botting Rachel Anne , Haniffa Muzlifah 
Published: March 2020

SummaryEstablishment of a well‐functioning immune network in skin is crucial for its barrier function. This begins in utero alongside the structural differentiation and maturation of skin, and continues to expand and diversify across the human lifespan. The microenvironment of the developing human skin supports immune cell differentiation and has an overall anti‐inflammatory profile. Immunologically inert and skewed immune populations found in developing human skin promote wound healing, and as such may play a crucial role in the structural changes occurring during skin development.
Controlled nano‐crystallization of IR frequency‐doubling Cd4GeS6 crystal in chalcogenide glass
Authors: Ye Qilin , Weng Kaibo , Chen Dan , Lin Changgui 
Published: March 2020

AbstractCrystallization of IR frequency‐doubling nanocrystals in chalcogenide glasses is a promising approach to achieve novel nonlinear optical materials. However, controllable glass crystallization remains challenging. In this study, IR‐transparent chalcogenide glass‐ceramics containing novel Cd4GeS6 IR frequency‐doubling nanocrystals (about 60‐80 nm) are fabricated through controlled nano‐crystallization. Nanocrystalline structure of the Cd4GeS6 nano‐crystallized glass‐ceramics is investigated in detail through X‐ray diffractometer, field emission scanning electron microscope, and Raman scattering techniques. The structural similarity of [Cd4GeS6] polyhedron in the network structure of as‐prepared glass is found to be responsible for the nucleation of Cd4GeS6 crystal. A unique microstructure of Cd4GeS6 nanocrystals embedded GeS2 phase‐separated structure is discovered in samples thermally treated at high temperatures (370°C and 380°C). This study would not only shed more light on glass crystallization mechanism but also provide a feasible approach for the design and fabrication of new IR frequency‐doubling materials through glass crystallization.
Efficacy of guselkumab in a subpopulation with pustulotic arthro‐osteitis through week 52: an exploratory analysis of a phase 3, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study in Japanese patients with palmoplantar pustulosis
Authors: Yamamoto T. , Fukuda K. , Morita A. , Kimura T. , Morishima H. , Goto R. , Zheng R. , Terui T. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundPrevious studies of guselkumab have demonstrated clinical benefits in patients with plaque‐type psoriasis, generalized pustular psoriasis, erythrodermic psoriasis and palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP).ObjectiveThe aim of this exploratory analysis of a double‐blind, multicenter, placebo‐controlled, phase 3 study in Japanese patients with PPP was to evaluate the efficacy of guselkumab in the subset of patients with pustulotic arthro‐osteitis (PAO).MethodsPatients were randomized to receive guselkumab 100 or 200 mg at weeks 0, 4, 12 and every 8 weeks, or placebo with cross‐over to guselkumab 100 or 200 mg at week 16 (placebo group). Efficacy endpoints were changes from baseline in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) score, EuroQOL‐5 dimensions (EQ‐5D) index score, EQ‐5D pain/discomfort dimension score and C‐reactive protein (CRP, mg/L) level in all PAO patients through week 52. Data from both guselkumab groups were combined and presented as results for a single overall guselkumab group.ResultsAmong 159 patients with PPP, 66 with PAO were randomized across treatment groups. For patients with MRI data for all regions assessed, the proportion of patients in the guselkumab group with PAO characterized as severe decreased from 23.8% (10/42) at baseline to 5.4% (2/42) at week 52. The mean (SD) change from baseline at week 52 in EQ‐5D index score was 0.20 (0.17) among PPP patients with PAO and 0.15 (0.17) among those without PAO in the guselkumab group. Among all PAO patients, the proportions with an EQ‐5D pain/discomfort dimension score of no or slight pain/discomfort in the guselkumab group increased from baseline to week 52 [33.3% (7/21) vs. 87.5% (35/40)]. The mean (SD) CRP levels decreased in all PAO patients in the guselkumab group at week 52 compared to baseline [−1.71 (8.16) mg/L].ConclusionGuselkumab treatment showed beneficial outcomes for PAO signs and symptoms in Japanese patients with PPP.
Can governance help in making an IPO “successful”? New evidence from Europe
Authors: Brogi Marina , Lagasio Valentina , Pesic Valerio 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThis paper investigates the determinants of a “successful” IPO from a corporate governance perspective upon a representative sample of European listings from 2000 to 2015. We use an extensive dataset of market performance, financial data, and corporate governance characteristics to run the investigation. Differently from previous studies, our analysis embraces both a short‐term perspective and a medium–long‐term perspective, where the board of directors seems to perform different tasks, moving from a value creation to a value protection strategy. Among the others, we find that board size, board independence, and their qualifications, together with their experience in other boards, are associated with a positive performance of the IPO in a short‐term horizon and in the medium–long‐term period, although significant differences emerge among those time perspectives.
RFRP3 increases food intake in a sex‐dependent manner in the seasonal hamster Phodopus sungorus
Authors: Cázarez‐Márquez Fernando , Laran‐Chich Marie‐Pierre , Klosen Paul , Kalsbeek Andries , Simonneaux Valérie 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIn addition to its regulatory role in luteinising hormone secretion, Rfamide‐related peptide 3 (RFRP3) has also been reported to modulate food intake in several mammalian species. Djungarian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus), similar to other seasonal mammals, display a remarkable inhibition of RFRP3 expression in winter short‐day conditions, associated with decreased food intake and bodyweight. This species is therefore a valuable model for assessing whether RFRP3 might be involved in the seasonal control of feeding behaviour and investigating its possible brain targets. We found that, although both male and female animals exhibit the same robust reduction in Rfrp expression in short‐ (SD) compared to long‐day (LD) conditions, acute central administration of RFRP3 displays sex‐dependent effects on food intake. RFRP3 increased food intake in female hamsters in SD or in LD dioestrus, but not in LD pro‐oestrus, indicating that the orexigenic effect of RFRP3 is observed in conditions of low circulating oestradiol levels. In male hamsters, food intake was not changed by acute injections of RFRP3, regardless of whether animals were in SD or LD conditions. Analysing the gene expression of various metabolic neuropeptides in the brain of RFRP3‐injected Djungarian hamsters revealed that Npy expression was increased in female but not in male animals. The present study suggests that, in Djungarian hamsters, RFRP3 exhibits a sex‐dependent orexigenic effect possibly by inducing increased Npy expression.
A morphometric analysis of the lungs of high‐altitude ducks and geese
Authors: Bakkeren Ciska , Smith Emily , York Julia M. , Chua Beverly , McCracken Kevin G. , Milsom William K. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractWe examined the morphology of the lungs of five species of high‐altitude resident ducks from Lake Titicaca in the Peruvian Andes (yellow‐billed pintail [Anas georgica], cinnamon teal [Anas cyanoptera orinomus], puna teal [Anas puna], speckled teal [Anas flavirostris oxyptera], and ruddy duck [Oxyura jamaicensis ferruginea]) and compared them with those of the high‐altitude migratory bar‐headed goose (Anser indicus) and the low‐altitude migratory barnacle goose (Branta leucopsis). We then determined the relationship between mass‐specific lung volume, the volume densities of the component parts of the lung, and previously reported hypoxia‐induced increases in pulmonary O2 extraction. We found that the mass‐specific lung volumes and the mass‐specific volume of the exchange tissue were larger in the lungs of high‐altitude resident birds. The bar‐headed goose had a mass‐specific lung volume that fell between those of the low‐altitude species and the high‐altitude residents, but a mass‐specific volume of exchange tissue that was not significantly different than that of the high‐altitude residents. The data suggest that the mass‐specific volume of the lung may increase with evolutionary time spent at altitude. We found an inverse relationship between the percentage increase in pulmonary O2 extraction and the percentage increase in ventilation across species that was independent of the volume density of the exchange tissue, at least for the resident Andean birds.
Clinical and serum lipid profiles and LDLR genetic analysis of xanthelasma palpebrarum with nonfamilial hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Zhimin Wang , Hui Wang , Fengtao Ji , Wenjuan Sun , Yongrong Li 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundXP is a flat xanthoma that usually presents as bilateral, symmetrical, soft, yellowish papules over the eyelids. The etiology of XP is unknown, but it may be related to complex heterozygous mutations.AimsTo investigate the lipid profiles, important clinical characteristics, and low‐density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) gene mutation in the patients suffering from xanthelasma palpebrarum (XP) with nonfamilial hypercholesterolemia.Patients/MethodsThe prospective study included 25 individuals of XP with nonfamilial hypercholesterolemia, and 30 controls neither with XP nor familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). Each one underwent detailed clinical examination, serum lipid profile, and LDLR gene detection at the 400th exon and the 1246th exon.ResultsIn our study, patients with XP were often not present with FH and family history. The mean serum cholesterol (CHOL) (5.20 ± 1.82) and the prevalence of carotid atherosclerosis (4.34 ± 0.78) were significantly higher in study group, while there was no statistically significant difference between two groups in terms of triglyceride (TG) (P = .38) and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) (P = .23). Unusually, the mean levels of high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) (1.59 ± 0.31) in the study group were much higher than the controls (1.31 ± 0.30), and the LDLR gene mutation was not found.ConclusionClinical and serum lipid profiles indicated that XP was sporadic and underlying lipid abnormalities especially higher HDL. XP did not occur with mutations in the LDLR gene at the two exons. We suggested too high HDL level may be contributed to pathogenesis of XP and XP is often not associated with FH.
Leukocyte subsets and abdominal aortic aneurysms detected by screening in men
Authors: Langenskiöld M. , Smidfelt K. , Nordanstig J. , Bergström G. , Tivesten Å. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractObjectiveIn the present case–control study, we describe the associations between leukocyte subsets in blood and early, screening‐detected AAA in men. An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) may result in a life‐threatening rupture of the aortic wall. The trigger for AAA formation remains unknown, but the vascular adventitia of advanced AAAs is infiltrated by various leukocytes, indicating that the pathogenesis may involve inflammation.MethodsIn Sweden, all 65‐year‐old men are invited to an ultrasound examination for detection of AAA. At the Gothenburg screening site, 16 256 men were examined in 2013–2017, 1.2% of whom had an AAA (diameter of the infrarenal aorta ≥30 mm). All men with AAA at screening as well as a randomized selection of AAA‐free screened men were invited to participate in a case–control study.ResultsThe median diameter of AAAs was 33 mm. Men with an AAA (n = 151) had a higher frequency of smoking, hypertension and statin use than controls (n = 224). Blood levels of neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes and basophils were higher in individuals with an AAA, but eosinophil count did not differ from controls. Odds ratios (95% confidence interval) for AAA were 8.6 (4.2–17.4), 3.5 (1.9–6.6) and 3.3 (1.8–6.3) for the highest versus lowest quartile of neutrophils, lymphocytes and monocytes, respectively. For neutrophils and lymphocytes, the association with AAA remained significant after adjustment for smoking and other known risk factors/markers.ConclusionSeveral, but not all, subsets of circulating leukocytes are associated with screening‐detected AAA in men, which is insufficiently explained by associations with smoking and other confounders.
Mothers' and Fathers' Mental State Talk: Ethnicity, Partner Talk, and Sensitivity
Authors: Reynolds Elizabeth , Garrett‐Peters Patricia , Bratsch‐Hines Mary , Vernon‐Feagans Lynne ,   The Family Life Project Key Investigators
Published: March 2020

AbstractObjectiveThe current study examined the contributions of cultural and economic contexts and family, child, and parent characteristics to explain variation within and between mothers' and fathers' mental state talk (i.e., cognition, desire, modulation of assertion, and other mental state talk) to their 6‐month‐old infants.BackgroundGrowing evidence supports the importance of mental state talk for children, yet few studies have examined factors that might contribute to this type of verbal input.MethodIn a sample of 582 African American and European American mothers and 582 African American and European American fathers living in low‐wealth rural areas, we explored the extent to which cultural context (ethnicity), economic context (income), family characteristics (partners' use of mental state talk), child characteristics (gender, attention, distress to novelty), and parent characteristics (parental sensitivity) contribute to mothers' and fathers' use of mental state talk in a series of multilevel models.ResultsResults suggest that parental sensitivity was positively associated with mental state talk for both mothers and fathers, and child attention was positively associated with mental state talk for mothers with significant but small effect sizes. Fathers' mental state talk contributed positively to mothers' mental state talk, but this was true only for African American families.ConclusionOur identified main effects and significant interaction enhance our understanding of factors that contribute to mothers' and fathers' mental state talk with their preverbal infants.
Regulatory effect of 17β‐estradiol on the expression of β‐defensin‐2 and proinflammatory cytokines in human oral epithelial cells
Authors: Wu Tiantian , Tang Caijin , Chen Yi , Yong Xiangzhi , Liu Zhenmin , Jiang Lanlan , Zeng Qixin , Tao Renchuan 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundAlthough estrogen deficiency has been proposed as a risk factor for oral mucosal inflammatory diseases in post‐menopausal women, the mechanisms involved remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effect of 17β‐estradiol (E2) on the inflammatory response stimulated by interleukin‐1 beta (IL‐1β) in human oral mucosal epithelial cells (hOMECs) and its possible mechanism.MethodsPrimary hOMECs were obtained from female infants and cultured in keratinocyte growth medium. The hOMECs at second passage were collected and stimulated by 10−7 mol/L ICI182,780 or 10−7 mol/L G1 for 1 hour, E2 (10−7 mol/L, 10−8 mol/L, 10−9 mol/L) for 36 hour, 100 ng/mL IL‐1β for 12 hours, respectively. Human beta‐2 defensin (hBD‐2), tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF)‐α, IL‐6, IL‐8, estrogen receptor‐alpha (ERα), estrogen receptor‐beta (ERβ), and G protein‐coupled receptor 30 (GPR30) mRNA levels and protein levels were measured by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR), enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and Western Blot (WB), respectively.ResultsExpression of hBD‐2 and inflammatory cytokines increased after IL‐1β stimulation, which was down‐regulated by E2 pre‐treatment. With ICI182,780, the suppression of E2 on hBD‐2 mRNA was attenuated. With G1, the mRNA expression and protein expression of hBD‐2 were reduced.ConclusionPre‐treatment of hOMECs with E2 at physiological concentrations inhibited the IL‐1β‐induced expression of hBD‐2 and inflammatory cytokines. The protective effects of E2 suggest its potential use treating oral inflammatory diseases in clinical practice.
Reducing unnecessary neonatal testing in infants of mothers with thyroid disease
Authors: Churcher Louisa M , Wood Julia A , Ramjan Kim A , Gill Anna C 
Published: March 2020

AimTo examine the numbers of asymptomatic infants <8 weeks who had appropriate thyroid function tests (TFTs) in addition to the newborn screening test, because of maternal thyroid disease, before and after the implementation of an updated institutional guideline and staff education.MethodsA medical record audit of infants <8 weeks born at a metropolitan teaching hospital, who had TFTs between 1 July 2017 and 31 October 2017 was performed as part of a quality improvement project. Records were reviewed to determine the indication for testing and whether this complied with the current 2011 institutional guideline. A multidisciplinary staff education package was developed to coincide with the publication of an updated guideline in August 2018. Staff education and resources were provided throughout July 2018. A post‐intervention audit was repeated between 1 August 2018 and 1 December 2018, assessing compliance with the 2018 guideline.ResultsIn the baseline period, 40 of 457 infants born had TFTs performed, of which 26 of 40 (65%) were for maternal thyroid disease. Of these 10 of 26 (38%) met the 2011 criteria for testing; 1 of 26 (4%) met the updated 2018 criteria. In the post‐intervention period, 14 of 412 infants born had TFTs of which 5 of 14 (36%) were tested due to maternal thyroid disease and all were compliant with the new guideline.ConclusionsBaseline audit revealed unnecessary neonatal thyroid function testing of healthy babies. Implementation of an updated guideline and a brief, targeted education package successfully increased awareness of the updated recommendations, reduced unnecessary testing and led to improved practice.