bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The interacting effect of habitat amount, habitat diversity and fragmentation on insect diversity along elevational gradients
Authors: Dianzinga Niry T. , Moutoussamy Marie‐Ludders , Sadeyen Joëlle , Ravaomanarivo Lala H. R. , Frago Enric 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAimElevational gradients are a useful approach to evaluate how environmental factors affect animal diversity. Decades of studies on the elevation‐diversity gradient have revealed that this gradient varies greatly with taxa and geographic regions. One potential explanation for this may be the dependence of the relationship on landscape features. We explore the impact of fragmentation, habitat diversity and habitat amount on insect diversity (alpha and beta) and abundance along elevational gradients. We hypothesize that insect diversity and abundance will relate negatively with elevation, but positively with these landscape features. We also hypothesize that landscape features will interact in a way that the positive effect of a given variable on insect diversity may be offset by the others.LocationReunion Island (Indian Ocean).TaxonThe insect order thrips (Thysanoptera).MethodsInsects were sampled along replicated elevational gradients, and at each sampling plot landscape features and abiotic variables were estimated within buffers surrounding the site. Insect alpha diversity was estimated using abundance‐based rarefaction methods, whereas beta diversity was estimated calculating the "Local contributions to beta diversity" metric. The effect of elevation, rainfall, landscape features and their interactions was assessed on insect alpha and beta diversity and abundance during two consecutive seasons using linear mixed effects models.ResultsWe found that thrips alpha and beta diversity was negatively related with elevation, but the relationship varied between seasons and rainfall regimes. Among the different landscape features considered, we found that habitat amount had the strongest effect on diversity. The effect of habitat amount on diversity, however, was offset in areas of low habitat (or land cover) diversity.Main conclusionsGeneralizing the factors that underlie the elevation diversity gradient has become a cornerstone in ecological theory because it can help to understand the impact of human activities on diversity. Here we show that taking landscape information into account may help to fulfil this objective because landscape effects co‐vary with elevation with often intricate consequences for diversity.
Impedance decrement indexes for avoiding steam‐pop during bipolar radiofrequency ablation: An experimental study using a dual‐bath preparation
Authors: Saitoh Osamu , Oikawa Ayaka , Sugai Ayari , Chinushi Masaomi 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIntroductionThis experimental study was conducted to explore impedance monitoring for safely performing bipolar (BIP) radiofrequency (RF) ablation targeted to arrhythmia focus.Methods and ResultsUsing a newly designed dual‐bath experimental model, contact‐force‐controlled (20‐g) BIP ablation (50 W, 60 s) was attempted for porcine left ventricle (17.0 ± 2.7 mm thickness). BIP ablation was successfully accomplished for 60 s in 75 of the 89 RF applications (84.3%), whereas audible steam‐pop occurred in the other 14 RF applications (15.7%). Receiver operating characteristic analysis demonstrated the optimal predictive values regarding the occurrence of steam‐pop as follows; thinner myocardial wall (≤14.8 mm), low minimum impedance (≤89 ohm), greater total impedance decrement (TID) (≤ −25 ohm) and %TID (≤ −22.5%). Greater impedance decrement was not observed immediately preceding the occurrence of steam‐pop but appeared around 15 s before. Four steam‐pops happened before reaching the optimal predictive values of minimum impedance, whereas all 14 steam‐pops developed 11.5 ± 9.2 and 8.1 ± 8.1 s after reaching the optimal predictive values of TID and %TID, respectively. Total lesion depth (endocardial plus epicardial) was 10.7 ± 1.2 mm on average, and was well correlated with TID and %TID. Transmural lesion through the myocardial wall was created in 22 RF applications.ConclusionRelatively thinner areas of the myocardium are likely to be at greater risk for steam‐pop during BIP RF ablation. Lowering the RF application energy to reduce the impedance decrement may help to lessen this risk.
Prognostic value of daytime and nighttime blood pressure in treated hypertensive patients according to age and sex
Authors: Coccina Francesca , Pierdomenico Anna M. , Pizzicannella Jacopo , Ianni Umberto , Bufano Gabriella , Madonna Rosalinda , Trubiani Oriana , Cipollone Francesco , Pierdomenico Sante D. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe authors assessed the prognostic value of daytime and nighttime blood pressure (BP) in adult (≤65 years) or old (> 65 years) women or men with treated hypertension. Cardiovascular outcomes were evaluated in 2264 patients. During the follow‐up (mean 10 years), 523 cardiovascular events occurred. After adjustment for covariates, both daytime and nighttime systolic BP were always associated with outcomes, that is, hazard ratio (95% confidence interval per 10 mm Hg increment) 1.22 (1.04‐1.43) and 1.20 (1.04‐1.37), respectively, in adult women, 1.30 (1.18‐1.43) and 1.21 (1.10‐1.33), respectively, in adult men, 1.21 (1.10‐1.33) and 1.18 (1.07‐1.31), respectively, in old women, and 1.16 (1.01‐1.33) and 1.28 (1.14‐1.44), respectively, in old men. When daytime and nighttime systolic BP were further and mutually adjusted, daytime and nighttime BP had comparable prognostic value in adult and old women, daytime BP remained associated with outcomes in adult men (hazard ratio 1.40, 95% confidence interval 1.13‐1.74 per 10 mm Hg increment), and nighttime BP remained associated with outcomes in old men (hazard ratio 1.35, 95% confidence interval 1.11‐1.64 per 10 mm Hg increment). Daytime and nighttime systolic BP have similar prognostic impact in adult and old women with treated hypertension, whereas daytime BP is a stronger predictor of risk in adult men and nighttime BP is a stronger predictor of risk in old men.
Effect of intensive blood pressure control on the prevention of white matter hyperintensity: Systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized trials
Authors: Lai Yiwei , Jiang Chao , Du Xin , Sang Caihua , Guo Xueyuan , Bai Rong , Tang Ribo , Dong Jianzeng , Ma Changsheng 
Published: September 2020

AbstractHypertension is an important cause of cerebral small vessel disease, especially of white matter hyperintensity (WMH). The ability of intensive blood pressure (BP) control in preventing this pathological progression remains unclear. The authors systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, SCOPUS, and Cochrane library for publications until July 20, 2020. Studies included were clinical trials with random allocation to an antihypertensive medication against placebo, or different treatment targets. The primary outcome was intergroup differences in the change of WMH volume. A random‐effect model was applied for pooling effect measures. Subgroup analysis and meta‐regression were conducted to explore heterogeneity. Seven studies with 2693 patients were identified. Compared with the control group, patients in the intensive BP control group had a slower progression of WMH, with a pooled intergroup standard mean difference (SMD) for WMH change of −0.22 (95% CI: −0.35 ~ −0.09, I2 = 63%). For studies comparing intensive and standard BP target, the pooled SMD is −0.37 (95% CI:‐0.50~‐0.24, I2 = 0%), while the pooled SMD of studies comparing active antihypertensive medication and placebo was only −0.08 (95% CI: −0.17 ~ 0.01, I2 = 0%). Meta‐regression analysis showed that the reduction in WMH progression is proportional to the magnitude of intensive BP control (β = −0.028,P < .001). In conclusion, intensive BP control prevents WMH progression, and its effect is associated with the magnitude of intensive BP control.
Evidence for the existence of CD34+ angiogenic stem cells in human first‐trimester decidua and their therapeutic for ischaemic heart disease
Authors: Bai Long , Sun Lu , Chen Wei , Liu Kai‐Yu , Zhang Chun‐Feng , Wang Fei , Zhang Gui‐Huan , Huang Ye , Li Jing‐Xuan , Gao Ying , Sun Xin , Liu Wei , Du Guo‐Qing , Li Ren‐Ke , Huang Ming‐Li , Tian Hai 
Published: September 2020

AbstractStem cell transplantation is nearly available for clinical application in the treatment of ischaemic heart disease (IHD), where it may be joined traditional methods (intervention and surgery). The angiogenic ability of seed cells is essential for this applicability. The aim of this study was to reveal the presence of CD34+ angiogenic stem cells in human decidua at the first trimester and to use their strong angiogenic capacity in the treatment of IHD. In vitro, human decidual CD34+ (dCD34+) cells from the first trimester have strong proliferation and clonality abilities. After ruling out the possibility that they were vascular endothelial cells and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), dCD34+ cells were found to be able to form tube structures after differentiation. Their angiogenic capacity was obviously superior to that of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). At the same time, these cells had immunogenicity similar to that of BMSCs. Following induction of myocardial infarction (MI) in adult rats, infarct size decreased and cardiac function was significantly enhanced after dCD34+ cell transplantation. The survival rate of cells increased, and more neovasculature was found following dCD34+ cell transplantation. Therefore, this study confirms the existence of CD34+ stem cells with strong angiogenic ability in human decidua from the first trimester, which can provide a new option for cell‐based therapies for ischaemic diseases, especially IHD.
‘Occupational dermatoses from Personal Protective Equipment during the COVID‐19 pandemic in the tropics – A Review’
Authors: Lee H.C. , Goh C.L. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic has enveloped the world and there has been a high incidence of occupational dermatoses related to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) amongst healthcare workers (HCWs) during this period. Prevention and management of these conditions will not only improve staff morale and quality of life, but will also minimize the risk of breaching PPE protocol due to such symptoms. The tropical climate in Singapore predisposes HCWs to more skin damage and pruritus due to intense heat, high humidity and sun exposure. The effects of friction, occlusion, hyperhidrosis and overheating on the skin in the tropics should not be neglected. Preventive measures can be taken based on our recommendations, and the working environment can be made more conducive for frontline HCWs. We review the literature and discuss various preventive and management strategies for these occupational skin diseases for our frontline HCWs, especially those working in less controlled working environments beyond the hospital in Singapore. Shorter shifts and frequent breaks from PPE are recommended. Duration of continuous PPE‐usage should not exceed 6 h, with breaks in non‐contaminated areas every 2–3 h to hydrate and mitigate the risk of skin reactions. Other strategies, such as teledermatology, should be considered so that consultations can remain accessible, while ensuring the safety and well‐being of our clinical staff.
General practitioners' clinical practice on the management of cystitis in Normandy, France: A clinical vignettes‐based study
Authors: Beaurain Claire , Thibon Pascal , Fiaux Elise , Piednoir Emmanuel , Magnani Claude , Caron François , Verdon Renaud 
Published: September 2020

AbstractRationale, aims, and objectivesThe objective was to measure the quality of clinical practice for the management of cystitis in adult women in general practice by collaborating with quality circles and the regional centre for antibiotic counsel.MethodThis descriptive cross‐sectional study was performed in 2018 in Normandy, France. A questionnaire composed of clinical vignettes was used to evaluate practices of general practitioners (GPs) with regard to cystitis classified into four categories: simple, at risk of complication, recurrent, and caused by multidrug‐resistant bacteria. The 2017 French Infectious Diseases Society's guidelines were used as a reference.ResultsA total of 142 GPs participated in the study (45.5% of the solicited). Fosfomycin‐trometamol and pivmecillinam were cited as first‐line treatments for simple cystitis by 134 (94%) and 38 (27%) participants, respectively. For at risk of complication cystitis, the treatments cited were cefixime by 64 participants (45%), ofloxacin by 50 (35%), pivmecillinam by 49 (35%), fosfomycin‐trometamol by 38 (27%), nitrofurantoin by 36 (25%), and amoxicillin‐clavulanic acid by 28 (20%). Mean compliance rates were 85% for simple cystitis, 39% for at risk of complication cystitis, 60% for recurrent cystitis and 14% for cystitis caused by multidrug‐resistant bacteria. Two criteria had less than 10% of the compliant answers: comprehensive knowledge of cystitis complication risk factors (9%) and positivity thresholds of urine cultures (10%).ConclusionsIn this study, diagnostic means, follow‐up testing, and simple cystitis treatment (with fosfomycin predominantly mentioned) were broadly compliant. The use of critical antibiotics was too frequent for at risk of complication cystitis. There may be a need to improve the knowledge of professionals on antibiotic resistance and appropriate antibiotic use.
Gene expression of neuronal soluble N‐ethylmaleimide‐sensitive factor attachment protein receptor complex components in the olfactory organ and brain during seaward and homeward migration by pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha)
Authors: Abe Takashi , Koshino Yosuke , Watanabe Tomoharu , Miyakoshi Yasuyuki , Yoshida Yuji , Kudo Hideaki 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe expression of synaptic vesicle exocytosis‐regulator SNARE complex component genes (snap25, stx1 and vamp2) was examined in the olfactory nervous system during seaward and homeward migration by pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha). The expression levels of snares in the olfactory organ were higher in seaward fry than in feeding and homeward adults, reflecting the development of the olfactory nervous system. The expression of snap25a, b and stx1a was upregulated or stable in the adult olfactory bulb and telencephalon. This upregulated expression suggested alterations in olfactory neuronal plasticity that may be related to the discrimination of natal rivers. The expression of stx1b was downregulated in the adult olfactory bulb, but remained stable in the adult telencephalon. The expression of vamp2 was initially strong in seaward fry, but was downregulated in adults in both the olfactory bulb and telencephalon. Pink salmon has the lowest diversity of maturation age, the largest population, and the most evolutional position in Pacific salmon (genus Oncorhynchus). The expression of snares in the olfactory center of pink salmon reflected the timing of sexual maturation and homeward migration. The present results and our previous studies indicate that snares show distinct expression patterns between two salmon species that depend on physiological and ecological features of migration.
New species of glass knifefish genus Eigenmannia (Gymnotiformes: Sternopygidae) with comments on the morphology and function of the enlarged cephalic lateral‐line canals of Sternopygidae
Authors: Peixoto Luiz A. W. , Pastana Murilo N. L. , Ballen Gustavo A. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractA new species of Eigenmannia is described from the Rio Paraná (the Grande, Paranapanema and Tietê basins). This new species is distinguished from all congeners by colouration pattern, position of the mouth, relative depth of posterodorsal expansion on infraorbitals 1 + 2, number of teeth, osteological features, number of rows of scales above lateral line (LL) and morphometric data. Comments on the widened cephalic lateral‐line canals of Sternopygidae and a dichotomous key to the species of Eigenmannia from the Rio Paraná Basin are provided.
Energy and exergy analysis of freeze‐drying of mint leaves
Authors: Kovacı Tuğba , Dikmen Erkan , Şahin Arzu Şencan 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn this study, the energy and exergy analysis of the drying process of mint leaves was carried out. Long drying times in freeze‐drying lead to high‐energy consumption. While the energy consumption of the freeze‐dryer was evaluated by the energy analysis, the freezing and drying conditions that allow maximizing the exergy efficiency and minimizing the exergy losses was specified by exergy analysis. The total energy consumption has decreased due to increasing temperature and decreasing pressure; thus, the exergy losses have decreased. The chamber surface temperature which minimizes the exergy losses was 30°C. Decreasing the temperature of the cooling source has increased the exergy losses. Obtained results from this study will ensure insight into the optimization of the drying system.Practical ApplicationsDrying is one of the areas with high‐energy consumption in the industrial sector. The energy consumption of freeze‐drying is quite high. In this experimental work, the effect of some parameters on the energy and exergy analysis of the drying process of mint leaves was studied. This study is expected to provide insight into reducing energy consumption in the freeze‐drying system.
Development and Initial Psychometric Testing of the Midwifery Practice Climate Scale ‐ Part 2
Authors: Thumm E. Brie , Shaffer Jonathan , Meek Paula 
Published: September 2020

IntroductionA supportive practice climate is demonstrated to improve patient outcomes, health care provider well‐being, and workforce stability. Midwives are an integral component to improving maternal health care; however, there has been limited research into the qualities and measurement of a supportive practice climate for midwives.MethodsThe Midwifery Practice Climate Scale is a self‐report instrument designed to measure midwives’ perceptions of their work environments. We tested the scale's validity and reliability in multiphase, national cross‐sectional survey of the full roster of certified nurse‐midwives and certified midwives practicing in the United States. To test structural validity and reliability testing, 2 subsamples of 330 participants were randomly extracted from the sample of 2887 for exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and internal consistency determination. Convergent validity was tested in the remaining sample of 1673 respondents.ResultsExploratory factor analysis revealed 2 5‐subscale structures consistent with the loading values and theoretical structure. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed a mediocre fit of the models identified in the exploratory analysis. Consequently, items were systematically reviewed for redundancy, skew, and generalizability and 24 items were removed from the scale. The resulting structure is a 10‐item scale comprising 2 subscales: Practice Leadership and Participation and Support for the Midwifery Model of Care. The revised Midwifery Practice Climate Scale was a good fit with the data demonstrating adequate construct validity (χ2 = 60.397, df = 34, P < 0.001; comparative fit index, 0.987; root mean square of approximation, 0.049) and internal consistency (α = 0.89‐0.84).DiscussionThese findings indicate that the Midwifery Practice Climate Scale accurately and reliably measures the midwives’ perceptions of their practice environment. The next steps include determining the scale's sensitivity to change and assessing the relationship with maternal health outcomes.
Vertebral pneumaticity is correlated with serial variation in vertebral shape in storks
Authors: Moore Andrew J. 
Published: September 2020

ABSTRACTBirds and their ornithodiran ancestors are unique among vertebrates in exhibiting air‐filled sinuses in their postcranial bones, a phenomenon called postcranial skeletal pneumaticity. The factors that account for serial and interspecific variation in postcranial skeletal pneumaticity are poorly understood, although body size, ecology, and bone biomechanics have all been implicated as influencing the extent to which pneumatizing epithelia invade the skeleton and induce bone resorption. Here, I use high‐resolution computed‐tomography to holistically quantify vertebral pneumaticity in members of the neognath family Ciconiidae (storks), with pneumaticity measured as the relative volume of internal air space. These data are used to describe serial variation in extent of pneumaticity and to assess whether and how pneumaticity varies with the size and shape of a vertebra. Pneumaticity increases dramatically from the middle of the neck onwards, contrary to previous predictions that cervical pneumaticity should decrease toward the thorax to maintain structural integrity as the mass and bending moments of the neck increase. Although the largest vertebrae sampled are also the most pneumatic, vertebral size cannot on its own account for serial or interspecific variation in extent of pneumaticity. Vertebral shape, as quantified by three‐dimensional geometric morphometrics, is found to be significantly correlated with extent of pneumaticity, with elongate vertebrae being less pneumatic than craniocaudally short and dorsoventrally tall vertebrae. Considered together, the results of this study are consistent with the hypothesis that shape‐ and position‐specific biomechanics influence the amount of bone loss that can be safely tolerated. These results have potentially important implications for the evolution of vertebral morphology in birds and their extinct relatives.
Factors influencing dentists' willingness to treat Medicaid‐enrolled adolescents
Authors: Chi Donald L. , Kateeb Elham T. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractObjectivesTo identify factors influencing dentists' willingness to treat Medicaid‐enrolled adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Washington state.Data sourcesPrimary data were collected by a survey instrument administered in 2017 to general and pediatric dentists who were Medicaid providers (N= 512).MethodsWe administered a 40‐item survey, which included 20 hypothetical scenarios involving a 12‐year‐old Medicaid‐enrolled adolescent. Based on the characteristics of the potential patient, dentists were asked to rate their willingness to treat (1 = very likely; 5 = very unlikely). We used conjoint analytic techniques to examine the relative importance of six adolescent‐ and family‐level factors (e.g., severity of intellectual and/or developmental disability [IDD], sugar intake, toothbrushing, caregiver beliefs about fluoride, restorative needs, appointment keeping) and state Medicaid reimbursement level (35 percent, 55 percent, 85 percent of usual, customary, and reasonable amount). Analyses focused on data from 178 dentists with complete and varied responses to the scenarios.ResultsThe mean age of participants was 53.8 ± 10.5 years and 10.7 percent were pediatric dentists. The holdouts correlation statistics indicated excellent fit for the conjoint model (Pearson's R = 0.99,P < 0.0001; Kendall's tau = 0.89,P < 0.0001). Reimbursement level and appointment keeping were the most important factors in dentists' willingness to treat Medicaid‐enrolled adolescents (importance scores of 26.7 and 25.7, respectively). Restorative needs, caregiver beliefs about fluoride, and IDD severity were the next most important (importance scores of 15.4, 10.6, and 8.1, respectively). Sugar intake and toothbrushing behaviors were the least important.ConclusionsReimbursement and appointment keeping were the most important determinants of dentists' willingness to treat Medicaid‐enrolled adolescents with IDD.