bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Manipulating water for amphibian conservation
Authors: Mathwin Rupert , Wassens Skye , Young Jeanne , Ye Qifeng , Bradshaw Corey J. A. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAmphibian populations globally are in decline. One great threat is the abstraction of water resources that alter surface‐water hydrology. Conservation actions aimed at restoring or manipulating surface water are employed as a management tool, but empirical evidence on the effectiveness of these approaches is scarce. In this systematic review, we summarized the global experience of manipulating water for amphibian conservation. We explored examples of manipulating water to conserve amphibian species and communities. Approaches varied in their frequency of implementation and in their success. Extending hydroperiod to match larval requirements showed encouraging results, as did off‐season drying to control predators. Spraying water into the environment showed several potential applications, but successes were limited. Despite some promising interventions, we identified few (n = 17) empirically supported examples of successful water manipulation to benefit amphibians. It is unclear whether this stems from publication bias or if it is an artifact of language selection. However, manipulating water shows some potential in amphibian conservation, particularly at sites with a proximal water source and in regions where aridity is increasing due to climate change. Regardless of the scale of the intervention or its perceived probability of success, high‐quality reporting of empirical results will further understanding of how water manipulations can benefit threatened amphibian populations.
Analysis of clinical features and prognostic factors of lung cancer patients: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Gao Yuan , Zhou Xinjia 
Published: March 2020

AbstractObjectivesThis paper analyses clinical features of lung cancer patients and discusses factors influencing the lung cancer occurrence and prognosis.MethodsPatients diagnosed with lung cancer from 1975 to 2016 are analysed based on SEER database. The samples are divided into groups according to the number of positive lymph nodes of LN > 3 and LN ≤ 3. Univariate and multivariate Cox risk models are performed. After balancing the clinicopathological features of the two groups with the propensity score matching (PSM) method, the survival rates of the two groups are compared.ResultsA total of 30 864 patients are included in this study. Kaplan‐Meier curves show that the survival rate of patients with LN ≤ 3 is higher than that of patients with LN > 3 (P < 0.0001). Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional risk model analysis suggests that the number of lymph nodes is an independent prognostic risk factor for lung cancer. LN ≤ 3 group shows better OS (HR2.066; 95% CI 1.941‐2.199, P < 0.01) and better CSS (HR 2.461; 95% CI 2.304‐2.629, P < 0.01). In addition, age at diagnosis, gender, Laterality, Derived AJCC T, 7th ed (2010‐2015), Derived AJCC N, 7th ed (2010‐2015) and Derived AJCC M, 7th ed, (2010‐2015) have also been proved to be potential prognostic factors. A total of 1,851 pairs of patients are screened after 1:1 PSM matching. Patients with LN ≤ 3 have significant improvements in OS and CSS (HR 1.09; 95% CI 1.001‐1.187, P < 0.05 and HR 1.127; 95% CI 1.03‐1.232, P < 0.001).ConclusionThe number of lymph nodes is an independent prognostic risk factor for lung cancer. Patients with fewer lymph node positives have a better survival prognosis than patients with more lymph nodes.
Socio‐economic differences in cardiovascular disease risk factor prevalence in people with type 2 diabetes in Scotland: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Whittaker E. , Read S. H. , Colhoun H. M. , Lindsay R. S. , McGurnaghan S. , McKnight J. A. , Sattar N. , Wild S. H. ,   the Scottish Diabetes Research Network Epidemiology Group
Published: March 2020

AbstractAimTo describe the association between socio‐economic status and prevalence of key cardiovascular risk factors in people with type 2 diabetes in Scotland.MethodsA cross‐sectional study of 264 011 people with type 2 diabetes in Scotland in 2016 identified from the population‐based diabetes register. Socio‐economic status was defined using quintiles of the area‐based Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) with quintile (Q)1 and Q5 used to identify the most‐ and least‐deprived fifths of the population, respectively. Logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, health board, history of cardiovascular disease and duration of diabetes were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) for Q1 compared with Q5 for each risk factor.ResultsThe mean (sd) age of the study population was 66.7 (12.8) years, 56% were men, 24% were in Q1 and 15% were in Q5. Crude prevalence in Q1/Q5 was 24%/8.8% for smoking, 62%/49% for BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2, 44%/40% for HbA1c ≥ 58 mmol/mol (7.5%), 31%/31% for systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥ 140 mmHg, and 24%/25% for total cholesterol ≥ 5 mmol/l, respectively.ORs [95% confidence intervals (CI)] were 3.08 (2.95–3.21) for current smoking, 1.48 (1.44–1.52) for BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2, 1.11 (1.08–1.15) for HbA1c ≥ 58 mmol/mol (7.5%), 1.03 (1.00–1.06) for SBP ≥ 140 mmHg and 0.87 (0.84–0.90) for total cholesterol ≥ 5 mmol/l.ConclusionsSocio‐economic deprivation is associated with higher prevalence of smoking, BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 and HbA1c ≥ 58 mmol/mol (7.5%), and lower prevalence of total cholesterol ≥ 5 mmol/l among people with type 2 diabetes in Scotland. Effective approaches to reducing inequalities are required as well as reducing risk factor prevalence across the whole population.
Transcriptional differentiation of UV‐B protectant genes in maize landraces spanning an elevational gradient in Chiapas, Mexico
Authors: Kost Matthew A. , Perales Hugo , Wijeratne Saranga , Wijeratne Asela J. , Stockinger Eric J. , Mercer Kristin L. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractGlobally, farmers cultivate and maintain crop landraces (i.e., traditional varieties). Landraces contain unique diversity shaped in part by natural and human‐mediated selection and are an indispensable resource for farmers. Since environmental conditions change with elevation, crop landraces grown along elevational gradients have provided ideal locations to explore patterns of local adaptation. To further probe traits underlying this differentiation, transcriptome signatures can help provide a foundation for understanding the ways in which functional genetic diversity may be shaped by environment. In this study, we returned to an elevational gradient in Chiapas, Mexico, to assess transcriptional differentiation of genes underlying UV‐B protection in locally adapted maize landraces from multiple elevations. We collected and planted landraces from three elevational zones (lowland, approximately 600 m; midland, approximately 1,550 m; highland approximately 2,100 m) in a common garden at 1,531 m. Using RNA‐seq data derived from leaf tissue, we performed differential expression analysis between maize from these distinct elevations. Highland and lowland landraces displayed differential expression in phenylpropanoid and flavonoid biosynthesis genes involved in the production of UV‐B protectants and did so at a rate greater than expected based on observed background transcriptional differentiation across the genome. These findings provide evidence for the differentiation of suites of genes involved in complex ecologically relevant pathways. Thus, while neutral evolutionary processes may have played a role in the observed patterns of differentiation, UV‐B may have also acted as a selective pressure to differentiate maize landraces in the region. Studies of the distribution of functional crop genetic diversity across variable landscapes can aid us in understanding the response of diversity to abiotic/biotic change and, ultimately, may facilitate its conservation and utilization.
It’s a wormy world: Meta‐analysis reveals several decades of change in the global abundance of the parasitic nematodes Anisakis spp. and Pseudoterranova spp. in marine fishes and invertebrates
Authors: Fiorenza Evan A. , Wendt Catrin A. , Dobkowski Katie A. , King Teri L. , Pappaionou Marguerite , Rabinowitz Peter , Samhouri Jameal F. , Wood Chelsea L. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe Anthropocene has brought substantial change to ocean ecosystems, but whether this age will bring more or less marine disease is unknown. In recent years, the accelerating tempo of epizootic and zoonotic disease events has made it seem as if disease is on the rise. Is this apparent increase in disease due to increased observation and sampling effort, or to an actual rise in the abundance of parasites and pathogens? We examined the literature to track long‐term change in the abundance of two parasitic nematode genera with zoonotic potential: Anisakis spp. and Pseudoterranova spp. These anisakid nematodes cause the disease anisakidosis and are transmitted to humans in undercooked and raw marine seafood. A total of 123 papers published between 1967 and 2017 met our criteria for inclusion, from which we extracted 755 host–parasite–location–year combinations. Of these, 69.7% concerned Anisakis spp. and 30.3% focused on Pseudoterranova spp. Meta‐regression revealed an increase in Anisakis spp. abundance (average number of worms/fish) over a 53 year period from 1962 to 2015 and no significant change in Pseudoterranova spp. abundance over a 37 year period from 1978 to 2015. Standardizing changes to the period of 1978–2015, so that results are comparable between genera, we detected a significant 283‐fold increase in Anisakis spp. abundance and no change in the abundance of Pseudoterranova spp. This increase in Anisakis spp. abundance may have implications for human health, marine mammal health, and fisheries profitability.
Public preferences for the allocation of donor organs for transplantation: Focus group discussions
Authors: Oedingen Carina , Bartling Tim , Dierks Marie‐Luise , Mühlbacher Axel C. , Schrem Harald , Krauth Christian 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundDeceased donor organs are scarce resources because of a large supply‐and‐demand mismatch. This scarcity leads to an ethical dilemma, forcing priority‐setting of how these organs should be allocated and whom to leave behind.ObjectiveTo explore public preferences for the allocation of donor organs in regard to ethical aspects of distributive justice.MethodsFocus groups were facilitated between November and December 2018 at Hannover Medical School. Participants were recruited locally. Transcripts were assessed with content analysis using the deductive framework method. All identified and discussed criteria were grouped according to the principles of distributive justice and reported following the COREQ statement.ResultsSix focus groups with 31 participants were conducted. Overall, no group made a final decision of how to allocate donor organ; however, we observed that not only a single criterion/principle but rather a combination of criteria/principles is relevant. Therefore, the public wants to allocate organs to save as many lives as possible by both maximizing success for and also giving priority to urgent patients considering the best compatibility. Age, waiting time, reciprocity and healthy lifestyles should be used as additional criteria, while sex, financial status and family responsibility should not, based on aspects of equality.ConclusionsAll participants recognized the dilemma that prioritizing one patient might cause another one to die. They discussed mainly the unclear trade‐offs between effectiveness/benefit and medical urgency and did not establish an agreement about their importance. The results suggest a need of preference studies to elucidate public preferences in organ allocation.
Chert–clastic sequence in the Cretaceous Shimanto Accretionary Complex on the central Kii Peninsula, SW Japan
Authors: Shimura Yusuke , Takeuchi Makoto , Tokiwa Tetsuya 
Published: March 2020

AbstractOcean plate stratigraphy (OPS) within an ancient accretionary complex provides important information for understanding the history of an oceanic plate from its origin at a mid‐ocean ridge to its subduction at a trench. Here, we report a recently discovered chert–clastic sequence (CCS) that comprises a continuous succession from pelagic sediments to terrigenous clastics and which constitutes part of the OPS in the Akataki Complex within the Cretaceous Shimanto Accretionary Complex on the central Kii Peninsula, SW Japan. As well as describing this sequence, we present U–Pb ages of detrital zircons from terrigenous clastic rocks in the CCS, results for which show that the youngest single grain and youngest cluster ages belong to the Santonian–Campanian and are younger than the radiolarian age from the underlying pelagic sedimentary rock (late Albian–Cenomanian). Thus, the CCS records the movement history of the oceanic plate from pelagic sedimentation (until the late Albian–Cenomanian) to a terrigenous sediment supply (Santonian–Campanian).
Extraction of lipid‐soluble antioxidants from rosemary leaves using vegetable oils
Authors: Ginsburg Shoshana R. , Maleky Farnaz 
Published: March 2020

SummaryThe objective of this research was to extract carnosic acid and carnosol, natural lipid‐soluble antioxidants, from rosemary leaves without the use of chemical aid. Three different vegetable oils [high oleic soybean oil (HOSO), peanut oil (PO) and cottonseed oil (CO)] were used as the medium for extracting rosemary's lipid‐soluble antioxidants. Dried rosemary leaves were ground into fine particles, added two of the selected vegetable oils, mixed and heated. The vegetable oil containing the extracted antioxidants was filtered from the rosemary particles and analysed using high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). As a control, a common extraction method using ethanol was performed to compare the oil extraction efficiency for carnosic acid and carnosol. HPLC analysis confirmed the presence of carnosic acid and carnosol in all three vegetable oil solutions. Compared to the ethanol extraction, a higher level of the carnosic acid was found in the vegetable oil solutions. Among the vegetable oils, high oleic soybean oil contained the most carnosic acid; however, there were similar amounts of carnosol in all three vegetable oil solutions. The extractions' efficacy was tested on soybean oil's (SO) oxidative stability by adding 2% (w/w) of the antioxidant–vegetable oil solution. The results obtained from peroxide value (PV) and p‐anisidine value (AnV) analysis documented a significantly lower degree of oxidation in the soybean oil containing the extracted antioxidant solutions, compared to the pure soybean oil.
Evaluation of global haemostatic assays and fibrin structure in patients with pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Lalic‐Cosic Sanja , Dopsaj Violeta , Kovac Mirjana , Pruner Iva , Littmann Karin , Mandic‐Markovic Vesna , Mikovic Zeljko , Antovic Aleksandra 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIntroductionHaemostatic balance shifted towards hypercoagulability in normal pregnancy is even more pronounced in pre‐eclampsia (P‐EC). The aim of this study was to analyse haemostatic disturbances and fibrin clot properties in women with pre‐eclampsia and to investigate their association with maternal and foetal outcomes.MethodsForty‐six pregnant women diagnosed with pre‐eclampsia were included in the study, with blood sampling done on the morning following admission to hospital, as well as after delivery (mean duration 4.8 days). Two global haemostatic assays—endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) and assay of overall haemostatic potential (OHP)—were employed, including fibrin clot turbidity measurements and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of representative samples.ResultsThree thrombin generation parameters (ETP, t_lag and peak height) and OHP were significantly increased in pre‐eclampsia compared with controls, whereas overall fibrinolytic potential (OFP—determined as a parameter of the OHP assay) had significantly lower values. Clot lysis time was significantly prolonged in patients with pre‐eclampsia. In the pre‐eclamptic group after delivery, we observed a significant elevation in the peak height and a reduction in the time to peak and OFP compared with values before delivery. Pre‐eclamptic patients with renal complications had significantly higher values for ETP, peak height and D‐dimer. Turbidity measurements and SEM revealed dense fibrin structure in patients with pre‐eclampsia.ConclusionPatients with pre‐eclampsia have enhanced coagulation and impaired fibrinolysis before, and even after, delivery. In particular, the presence of multi‐organ dysfunction, such as renal dysfunction, may be associated with increased thrombin generation in pre‐eclampsia.
Hemolysis interference in 10 coagulation assays on an instrument with viscosity‐based, chromogenic, and turbidimetric clot detection
Authors: Hedeland Ylva , Gustafsson Christina M. , Touza Zinah , Ridefelt Peter 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIntroductionHemolysate in plasma samples from patients may cause misleading results in coagulation assays. Even though modern coagulation instruments often are equipped with modules that can detect hemolysis, icterus, and lipemia (HIL), studies that report the influence of these interferences are still limited. The present paper focuses on the influence of hemolysis on 10 coagulation assays.MethodsArtificial hemolysis was created by freezing/thawing, and the hemolysates generated were added to pools of patient plasma. Pathological and normal levels were pooled separately. These spiked samples were analyzed on a STA R Max 2 instrument. The coagulation assays evaluated utilize clot, chromogenic, or immunoturbidimetric detection.ResultsFour of the evaluated assays were not influenced by hemolysis: fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor antigen, activated partial thromboplastin time, and factor VIII. Interestingly, normal and slightly elevated prothrombin time (INR < 2.0) was insensitive to hemolysis, whereas samples with a high INR (≥2.0) exhibited falsely high readings. The assays for antithrombin and fibrin D‐dimer displayed an intermediate sensitivity to hemolysis. The most sensitive assay turned out to be anti‐Xa, followed by protein C and protein S. For the anti‐Xa assay, the results are decreased by 10% already at 0.5 g/L hemoglobin.ConclusionThe present study shows that hemolysis affects several of commonly used coagulation assays. Since the sensitivity for hemolysis is dependent on the brand of the assay as well as the instrument and principle of measurement, it is necessary to evaluate the influence of each specific combination.
Pharmacists and continuing education: a cross-sectional observational study of value and motivation
Authors: Tawil Samah , Hallit Souheil , Sacre Hala , Hajj Aline , Salameh Pascale 
Published: March 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo validate the scales of motivation and value towards CE and determine the factors affecting the motivation and value for CE among the Lebanese pharmacists.MethodsA cross-sectional observational study was conducted between February and May 2018, using a random sample of Lebanese pharmacists. Data collection was performed by a team of pharmacists independent of the study. The self-administered questionnaire was available in both English and French, and comprised sections on factors related to the value and motivation of pharmacists to enrol in the CE programme.ResultsOf the 750 questionnaires distributed, 628 (83.37%) were completed and collected back. The value and motivation scales’ items converged over a solution of one and two factors, respectively, explaining a total of 67.62% and 60.86% of the variance, respectively. Cronbach’s alpha values were as follows: value of CE (0.686) and motivation for CE (0.800). Higher scores of value of CE were significantly associated with pharmacists who find the access to e-library (platform of online courses) easy (Beta = 1.154), want long-term courses with certification (Beta = 1.088) and those employed in a community pharmacy (Beta = 1.344). Higher scores of motivation for CE were significantly associated with pharmacists being aware of their CE credits (Beta = 2.14), working during weekdays and evening shifts (Beta = 1.659) and those who preferred long-term courses (Beta = 1.869).ConclusionThis study validated the scales of motivation and value towards CE among Lebanese pharmacists and showed that pharmacists’ motivation and value towards CE were highly correlated. These findings could help design more convenient and personalized programmes, thereby increasing the motivation of pharmacists towards new CE activities.
Species‐specific schooling behaviour of fish in the freshwater pelagic habitat: an observational study
Authors: Holubová Michaela , Blabolil Petr , Čech Martin , Vašek Mojmír , Peterka Jiří 
Published: March 2020

AbstractSocial living of animals is a broadly occurring phenomenon, although poorly studied in freshwater systems, fish schooling behaviour is an excellent example. The composition of fish schools, species‐specific schooling tendencies and preferences of adult fish were studied in the pelagic habitat of the Římov Reservoir, Czech Republic. Video recordings captured over a total of 34 days (16 h per day) in the clear water period of three seasons were analysed. From four species identified as school‐forming species – bream, bleak, roach and perch, 40% of the individuals observed formed schools of 3–36 individuals. Although conspecific schools prevailed, 20% of individuals formed heterospecific schools, except bleak that schooled strictly with conspecifics. Schools were composed of individuals of similar body size and life strategy. Heterospecific schools were significantly larger than conspecific schools and showed uneven proportion among species, that is, one species being more abundant when the school dimension increased. Probability of encounter in bleak was lowest and proved highest inclination for schooling. Gregarianism levels depended on species morphology and body size, with larger and morphologically advanced fish tending less to sociability. This indicates that the antipredator function of schooling behaviour is intensified with increasing vulnerability of the species.
Acacia gum fluidized bed agglomeration: Use of inulin as a binder and process parameters analysis
Authors: Rosa Juliana G. , Nascimento Raul F. , Andreola Kaciane , Taranto Osvaldir P. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThis work aimed to investigate the use of inulin as an alternative binder in fluidized bed agglomeration to improve both acacia gum functional and handling properties. Acacia gum was agglomerated in fluidized bed with inulin solution (18.0% wt/wt) at two different fluidizing air temperature (65 and 85°C) and binder feed rate (1.5 ml/min and 3.0 ml/min). The granule growth kinetics and system stability were monitored by a spatial filter velocimetry probe. The influence of process parameters on process yields and product characteristics: final particle size, wettability, and flowability were also evaluated. We observed an increase in particle size and the agglomerated particles showed a short wetting time, indicating that inulin can be successfully used as an alternative binder adding both nutritional and functional value to the acacia gum. Low binder feed rate provided better system stability and larger particle size.Practical ApplicationsThis paper presents inulin as an alternative binder for application in powder food agglomeration processes. The use of inulin has provided improved flowability and wetting properties. Moreover, the inulin may also add functional value to agglomerated foods. Besides, it was possible to monitor particle growth and process stability through a relatively new technique that measures the particle size, spatial filter velocimetry. In this way, it is possible to establish which conditions of temperature and binder feed rate are the most suitable for the agglomeration process.