bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
steps: Software for spatially and temporally explicit population simulations
Authors: Visintin Casey , Briscoe Natalie J. , Woolley Skipton N. C. , Lentini Pia E. , Tingley Reid , Wintle Brendan A. , Golding Nick 
Published: January 2020

AbstractSpecies population dynamics are driven by spatial and temporal changes in the environment, anthropogenic activities and conservation management actions. Understanding how populations will change in response to these drivers is fundamental to a wide range of ecological applications, but there are few open‐source software options accessible to researchers and managers that allow them to predict these changes in a flexible and transparent way.We introduce an open‐source, multi‐platformrpackage,steps, that models spatial changes in species populations as a function of drivers of distribution and abundance, such as climate, disturbance, landscape dynamics and species ecological and physiological requirements.To illustrate the functionality ofsteps, we model the population dynamics of the greater gliderPetauroides volans, an arboreal Australian mammal. We demonstrate howstepscan be used to simulate population responses of the glider to forest dynamics and management with the types of data commonly used in ecological analyses.stepsexpands on the features found in existing software packages, can easily incorporate a range of spatial layers (e.g. habitat suitability, vegetation dynamics and disturbances), facilitates integrated and transparent analyses within a single platform and produces interpretable outputs of changes in species' populations through space and time. Further,stepsoffers both ready‐to‐use, built‐in functionality, as well as the ability for advanced users to define their own modules for custom analyses. Thus, we anticipate thatstepswill be of significant value to environment and wildlife managers and researchers from a broad range of disciplines.
Clinical and experimental validation of a capnodynamic method for end‐expiratory lung volume assessment
Authors: Öhman Tomas , Sigmundsson Thorir S. , Hallbäck Magnus , Suarez Sipmann Fernando , Wallin Mats , Oldner Anders , Björne Håkan , Hällsjö Sander Caroline 
Published: January 2020

IntroductionLung protective ventilation can decrease post‐operative pulmonary complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate a capnodynamic method estimating effective lung volume (ELV) as a proxy for end‐expiratory lung volume in response to PEEP changes in patients, healthy subjects and a porcine model.MethodsAgreement and trending ability for ELV in anaesthetized patients and agreement in awake subjects were evaluated using nitrogen multiple breath wash‐out/in and plethysmography as a reference respectively. Agreement and trending ability were evaluated in pigs during PEEP elevations with inert gas wash‐out as reference.ResultsIn anaesthetized patients bias (95% limits of agreement [LoA]) and percentage error (PE) at PEEP 0 cm H2O were 133 mL (−1049 to 1315) and 71%, at PEEP 5 cm H2O 161 mL (−1291 to 1613 mL) and 66%. In healthy subjects: 21 mL (−755 to 796 mL) and 26%. In porcines, at PEEP 5‐20 cm H2O bias decreased from 223 mL to 136 mL LoA (34‐412) to (−30 to 902) and PE 29%‐49%. Trending abilities in anaesthetized patients and porcines were 100% concordant.ConclusionThe ELV‐method showed low bias but high PE in anaesthetized patients. Agreement was good in awake subjects. In porcines, agreement was good at lower PEEP levels. Concordance related to PEEP changes reached 100% in all settings. This method may become a useful trending tool for monitoring lung function during mechanical ventilation, if findings are confirmed in other clinical contexts.
An instructive case of amlodipine‐induced reversible granulomatous CD30+T‐cell pseudolymphoma
Authors: Cheong Kah Wai , Lim Gareth Zigui , Tan Kong Bing , Lim Joel Hua‐Liang 
Published: January 2020

AbstractWe report an unusual case of drug‐associated granulomatous CD30+T‐cell pseudolymphoma secondary to amlodipine. A 55‐year‐old Chinese man presented with a 6‐month eruption of disseminated erythematous dermal papulonodules and annular infiltrated plaques over his neck and limbs symmetrically. Histopathology revealed a perivascular and interstitial infiltrate of histiocytes, eosinophils and morphologically normal lymphocytes associated with CD30 expression. The eruption improved rapidly after discontinuation of amlodipine and did not recur.
Local anaesthesia for haemorrhoidal rubber band ligation reduces immediate post‐operative recovery time and use of opioid analgesia
Authors: Behrenbruch Corina , Kong Joseph , Chen Frank 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundHaemorrhoidal rubber band ligation (RBL) is a well‐established, safe and cost‐effective treatment for bleeding haemorrhoids. It is generally well tolerated; however, some patients may require narcotic analgesia or even admission to hospital for pain management. This comparative cohort study reports on the difference in peri‐procedural analgesia administration and post‐operative recovery time between patients who received local anaesthetic (LA) infiltration in addition to RBL, compared with patients treated only with RBL.MethodsConsecutive patients with haemorrhoids treated over a 3‐month period with LA infiltration in addition to RBL were compared to a consecutive control group who received RBL alone in the preceding 3 months. Clinical data were collected prospectively for LA group and retrospectively for the control group. Data collected included analgesia administered during the procedure and in recovery, as well as the mean time to discharge.ResultsA total of 32 patients treated with LA infiltration following RBL for haemorrhoids were compared with 22 patients who were treated with RBL alone. There was a reduction in the administration of intra‐procedural parecoxib in the LA group (P < 0.001). Following the procedure, there was a reduction in the administration of both oral and intravenous opioid analgesia (P = 0.009) and reduced mean time to discharge in the LA group (P < 0.001).ConclusionInfiltration of LA proximal to the band following RBL for haemorrhoids reduced the administration of analgesia both during the procedure and in recovery, as well as mean time to discharge following the procedure.
A systematic review of prevention and treatment of infant behavioural sleep problems
Authors: Reuter Antonia , Silfverdal Sven‐Arne , Lindblom Kristin , Hjern Anders 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAimThe aim of this review was to evaluate the evidence for interventions for behavioural sleep problem in infants.MethodsSystematic review based on a search in MEDLINE, Web of Science and PsychINFO in December 2017 for articles published in English during 2007‐2017 about preventive and treatment interventions for sleep problems in infants. The review included controlled trials and meta‐analyses with at least 20 infants in study groups assessed according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation criteria.ResultsOut of 476 original articles assessed for eligibility, 12 studies were included in the synthesis. Interventions with behavioural, educational and massage strategies were evaluated. No intervention was evaluated in more than one trial. Five interventions with behavioural methods for establishing consistent routines or controlled crying showed modest short‐term effects, while the evidence for elements of education was inconsistent. Studies of massage were of poor quality. Knowledge gaps were identified regarding interventions in cross‐cultural context, involving fathers, in children below six months of age, in high‐risk populations and consequences of interventions that include extinction.ConclusionSome support for short‐term effects of behavioural treatment strategies was found, but more studies are needed to establish evidence.
Canine systemic mycosis associated withChaetomium globosumin a dog
Authors: Mesa‐Sánchez I , Jolly‐Frahija IT , Sánchez‐González K , Pumarola‐Batlle M , Cervera‐Castellanos V , Ródenas S 
Published: January 2020

BackgroundDisseminated mycoses other than aspergillosis are infrequently reported in dogs.Case reportA 4‐year‐old female Labrador retriever was evaluated because of hyperthermia, cough and intermittent lameness. Computed tomography showed a soft tissue mass in the cranioventral mediastinum, severe left and central tracheobronchial lymphadenopathy, and moderate bilateral pleural effusion. Magnetic resonance imaging identified an irregular intra‐axial well‐defined contrast enhancing mass extending from the right frontal lobe to the right thalamus. Fungal culture yielded growth of Chaetomium globosum.ConclusionIn this case, the authors report a systemic mycosis in a Labrador retriever caused by C. globosum. To the best of authors' knowledge, this is the first report of systemic disease by this species in veterinary medicine.
Evaluation of functional outcomes after a second focal high‐intensity focused ultrasonography (HIFU) procedure in men with primary localized, non‐metastatic prostate cancer: results from the HIFU Evaluation and Assessment of Treatment (HEAT) registry
Authors: Lovegrove Catherine E. , Peters Max , Guillaumier Stephanie , Arya Manit , Afzal Naveed , Dudderidge Tim , Hosking‐Jervis Feargus , Hindley Richard G. , Lewi Henry , McCartan Neil , Moore Caroline M. , Nigam Raj , Ogden Chris , Persad Raj , Virdi Jaspal , Winkler Mathias , Emberton Mark , Ahmed Hashim U. , Shah Taimur T. , Minhas Suks 
Published: January 2020

ObjectivesTo assess change in functional outcomes after a second focal high‐intensity focused ultrasonography (HIFU) treatment compared with outcomes after one focal HIFU treatment.Patients and MethodsIn this multicentre study (2005–2016), 821 men underwent focal HIFU for localized non‐metastatic prostate cancer. The patient‐reported outcome measures of International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), pad usage and erectile function (EF) score were prospectively collected for up to 3 years. To be included in the study, completion of at least one follow‐up questionnaire was required. The primary outcome was comparison of change in functional outcomes between baseline and follow‐up after one focal HIFU procedure vs after a second focal HIFU procedure, using IPSS, Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC) and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaires.ResultsOf 821 men, 654 underwent one focal HIFU procedure and 167 underwent a second focal HIFU procedure. A total of 355 (54.3%) men undergoing one focal HIFU procedure and 65 (38.9%) with a second focal HIFU procedure returned follow‐up questionnaires, respectively. The mean age and prostate‐specific antigen level were 66.4 and 65.6 years, and 7.9 and 8.4 ng/mL, respectively. After one focal HIFU treatment, the mean change in IPSS was −0.03 (P = 0.02) and in IIEF (EF score) it was −0.4 (P = 0.02) at 1–2 years, with no subsequent decline. Absolute rates of erectile dysfunction increased from 9.9% to 20.8% (P = 0.08), leak‐free continence decreased from 77.9% to 72.8% (P = 0.06) and pad‐free continence from 98.6% to 94.8% (P = 0.07) at 1–2 years, respectively. IPSS prior to second focal HIFU treatment compared to baseline IPSS prior to first focal HIFU treatment was lower by −1.3 (P = 0.02), but mean IPSS change was +1.4 at 1–2 years (P = 0.03) and +1.2 at 2–3 years (P = 0.003) after the second focal HIFU treatment. The mean change in EF score after the second focal HIFU treatment was −0.2 at 1–2 years (P = 0.60) and −0.5 at 2–3 years (P = 0.10), with 17.8% and 6.2% of men with new erectile dysfunction. The rate of new pad use was 1.8% at 1–2 years and 2.6% at 2–3 years.ConclusionA second focal HIFU procedure causes minor detrimental effects on urinary function and EF. These data can be used to counsel patients with non‐metastatic prostate cancer prior to considering HIFU therapy.
“She was accused of colluding with the mother”; the training and support needs of parent‐and‐child foster carers: A qualitative study
Authors: November Lucy , Sandall Jane 
Published: January 2020

AbstractParent‐and‐child foster placements are used to accommodate parents with their children, either when the mother is a looked‐after child or as a setting for a parenting assessment. Despite this being a specialized role with significant potential for affecting outcomes for disadvantaged families, there is currently a lack of accessible learning opportunities for foster carers on the physical and mental well‐being of women with complex needs such as a history of domestic abuse, substance abuse, perinatal mental ill‐health, or having a learning disability. Parent‐and‐child carers experience some unique stresses and value the support of others with similar experiences; this kind of peer support is currently largely absent. This qualitative study has used ten focus groups with foster carers, eight interviews with mothers, and nine interviews with supervising social workers, to inform the development of an online learning resource and a social media‐based peer support network for parent‐and‐child foster carers.
Simulating the Evolution of Ancient Fortified Cities
Authors: Mas Albert , Martin Ignacio , Patow Gustavo 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAncient cities and castles are ubiquitous cultural heritage structures all over Europe, and countless digital creations (e.g. movies and games) use them for storytelling. However, they got little or no attention in the computer graphics literature. This paper aims to close the gap between historical and geometrical modelling, by presenting a framework that allows the forward and inverse design of ancient city (e.g. castles and walled cities) evolution along history. The main component is an interactive loop that cycles over a number of years simulating the evolution of a city. The user can define events, such as battles, city growth, wall creations or expansions, or any other historical event. Firstly, cities (or castles) and their walls are created, and, later on, expanded to encompass civil or strategic facilities to protect. In our framework, battle simulations are used to detect weaknesses and strengthen them, evolving to accommodate to developments in offensive weaponry. We conducted both forward and inverse design tests on three different scenarios: the city of Carcassone (France), the city of Gerunda (Spain) and the Ciutadella in ancient Barcelona. All the results have been validated by historians who helped fine‐tune the different parameters involved in the simulations.
Family members' experiences with adult participation in weight management programs: Triadic perspectives from patients, partners and children
Authors: Albright Charlotte A. , Pratt Keeley J. , Martin Sarah B. , Hulshult Hannah , Brown Callie L. , Lewis Kristina H. , Skelton Joseph A. 
Published: January 2020

SummaryObjectiveSpouses are known to influence the outcomes of an individual's attempt at weight loss, but little is known about the broader influence of, and on, the family. The objectives were to explore: (a) the effects of an adult weight management program on the family and (b) family factors that help or hinder patient weight loss.MethodsA qualitative design was employed to explore triadic family members' experiences of patient participation in a weight management program. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with patients, partners and children (ages 7‐18). Questions included support for patient participation and weight loss, dietary choices, meal preparation, physical activity routines, the home‐food environment, communication about health and family dynamics. Thematic analysis was used, where codes and categories of codes were then grouped together to create themes and subthemes.ResultsNineteen triadic interviews were conducted (57 total). Seven themes emerged, including four related to Outcomes (objective 1): (a) shift in family dynamics, (b) family behaviour change, (c) child observations of family change, (d) indirect benefit to partner; and three related to Process (objective 2): (e) level of accountability, (f) patient perception of support and (g) support is essential and flexible.ConclusionsFuture research and clinical applications from these themes should seek to determine the positive behaviour change that was evident in the families that were interviewed, where the culmination of family interactions, expectations and concurrent partner weight loss indicates the potential longevity of weight management programs beyond patients' own participation.
Cross talk between RNA N6‐methyladenosine methyltransferase‐like 3 and miR‐186 regulates hepatoblastoma progression through Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway
Authors: Cui Xichun , Wang Zhifang , Li Jianhao , Zhu Jianming , Ren Zhigang , Zhang Dandan , Zhao Wei , Fan Yingzhong , Zhang Da , Sun Ranran 
Published: January 2020

AbstractObjectivesN6‐methyladenosine (m6A) is a ubiquitous epigenetic RNA modification that plays a pivotal role in tumour development and metastasis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the expression profiling, clinical significance, biological function and the regulation of m6A‐related genes in hepatoblastoma (HB).Materials and MethodsThe mRNA and protein expression levels of m6A‐related genes were analysed using Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and tissue microarray (TMA) cohort. Kaplan‐Meier analysis was performed to evaluate the prognostic value of m6A‐related genes in HB. Knockdown of m6A‐related genes was conducted to analyse its function on cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Furthermore, bioinformatics analysis and experimental verification were used to explore the potential molecular mechanism and signalling pathway.ResultsWe found that most m6A‐related genes were significantly upregulated in HB tumour tissues. High levels of methyltransferase‐like 3 (METTL3, P = .013), YTHDF2 (P = .037) and FTO (P = .032) indicated poor clinical outcomes, and the upregulation of METTL3 was an independent prognostic factor in HB patients. Functional assays showed that knockdown of METTL3 could dramatically suppress the proliferation, migration and invasion of HB cells. In addition, METTL3 was identified to be a direct target of microRNA‐186 (miR‐186). Consistently, miR‐186 was low expressed in HB tumour tissues. Moreover, overexpression of miR‐186 significantly inhibited cell aggressive phenotype both in vitro and in vivo, while the inhibitory effect could be reversed by METTL3 overexpression. Mechanism study indicated that miR‐186/METTL3 axis contributed to the progression of HB via the Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway.ConclusionsM6A‐related genes were frequently dysregulated in HB. miR‐186/METTL3/Wnt/β‐catenin axis might serve as novel therapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers in HB.
Examining beverage‐specific trends in youth drinking in Australia before and after the implementation of the alcopops tax
Authors: Mojica‐Perez Yvette , Callinan Sarah , Livingston Michael 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIntroduction and AimsAlcohol consumption among young Australians has declined markedly since the early 2000s. As yet, there has been no data on how this decline has been spread across different beverages and instead high‐level survey data with significant potential for recall and other bias has been used. Trends in beverage choice among young people following an increase in the ‘alcopops’ tax have also not received much attention.Design and MethodsData on ‘yesterday’ drinking occasions were obtained from five waves (2004, 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016) of the National Drug Strategy Household Survey. A total of 23 536 respondents aged 14–29 years were included in this study. Descriptive and regression analyses were conducted to explore trends in alcohol consumption and changes in beverage preferences.ResultsYouth drinking declined by 45% across the study period, with declines of 66% in premix, 48% in spirits, 46% in beer and 33% in wine. Consumption of premix was significantly lower in 2013 and 2016 compared to 2007 amongst the overall sample, males, females, respondents aged 14–21 and 22–29 years, light and heavy drinkers. Significant reductions were also observed in the consumption of premix immediately following the tax (2010) for the younger age group, males and light drinkers.Discussion and ConclusionsYouth consumption of alcohol has declined during the study period with significant variation across beverage types. We found some evidence of a separate impact for the alcopops tax, although for some groups, declines in premix consumption occurred well after the implementation of the tax.
Global longitudinal strain assessment of the left ventricle by speckle tracking echocardiography detects acute cellular rejection in orthotopic heart transplant recipients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Elkaryoni Ahmed , Altibi Ahmed M. , Khan Muhammad Shahzeb , Okasha Osama , Ellakany Karim , Hassan Adil , Singh Annapoorna , Qarajeh Raed , Mehta Shrushti , Nanda Navin C. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundIn orthotopic heart transplant recipients, surveillance with endomyocardial biopsy is crucial to detect acute cellular rejection (ACR) early. ACR is a common and serious complication of transplantation with substantial morbidity and mortality. Speckle tracking echocardiography with global longitudinal strain (GLS) assessment of the left ventricle has emerged as a possible noninvasive screening modality. We have conducted a systematic literature review and meta‐analysis to evaluate the role of GLS in diagnosing ACR.MethodsThe following databases were queried: PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Scopus, and Embase. We compiled all articles evaluating changes in GLS in comparison to endomyocardial biopsy in ACR dated prior to September 2019. Weighted mean differences (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled by using a random effects model. In order to determine the risk of bias, we used the revised version of the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS‐2) tool.ResultsTwelve studies met inclusion criteria of which ten were chosen. These studies encompassed 511 patients and 1267 endomyocardial biopsies. There was a significant difference in GLS between patients who did and did not have ACR proven by biopsy (WMD = 2.18; 95% CI: 1.57‐2.78, P = <.001; I2 = 76%). The overall sensitivity for GLS in detecting ACR was 78% (CI: 63%‐90%, P = .123; I2 = 52.2%) while the overall specificity was 68% (CI: 50%‐83%, P = <.001; I2 = 88.3%).ConclusionGlobal longitudinal strain assessment of the left ventricle by speckle tracking echocardiography is useful in detecting ACR and could potentially reduce the burden of frequent endomyocardial biopsies in heart transplant recipients.
Racism, Xenophobia, and Migration in Italy, a Post‐Catholic Country
Authors: Dotti Guido 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThis paper looks at the present situation of xenophobia and racism in Italy through the lenses of land and displacement. It examines the relationship between the homeland and the phenomenon of migration – internal and international – from the beginning of the unitary unified state of Italy (1861) and the Catholic identity of Italian society. Colonialism opened the door to disdain for Black people, while fascism decreed racial laws against Jews without opposition from the Catholic hierarchy. After the Second World War, the Italian Republic banned any form of racism; but more recently the fear of the stranger has led to intolerance of migrants arriving in Italy because of war, violence, hunger, and poverty in their homelands. While Pope Francis, Italian bishops, and many Catholic associations and individuals have called for an attitude toward migrants based on the gospel, sentiments of racism and hate against foreigners are widely present among the population of a formerly Catholic country.