bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structural resistance and functional resilience of the Chaco forest to wildland fires: an approach with MODIS time series
Authors: Landi Marcos A. , Di Bella Carlos M. , Bravo Sandra J. , Bellis Laura M. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractForests have resistance that allows them to resist fires without changing to another state, and resilience that allows them to recover after disturbance. These properties are determined by many structural and functional determinants that interact between them. Despite the importance of structural resistance and functional resilience to wildland fires, few studies have evaluated the combined effect that structural and functional determinants have on them. Our goal was to assess the structural resistance and functional resilience to fire using remote sensing information. We specifically assessed the combined effect of pre‐fire vegetation characteristics, burn severity, and post‐fire precipitation on forest structural resistance and functional resilience to fire. Eighty‐five forest plots of 250 m × 250 m were selected in areas that burned in 2003. For each burned plot, a paired unburned control plot of 250 m × 250 m was selected outside the burned areas. We measured burn severity and post‐fire precipitations (2004–2011). We analysed MODIS time series in order to calculate the following pre‐ (2002) and post‐fire (2011) phenological parameters: minimum level of photosynthetic activity per year; maximum level of photosynthetic activity per year; length of growing season per year; integral of annual photosynthetic activity; relative seasonality of photosynthetic activity. Also we detected plots that changed into a shrubland eight years after the fire. Fifty three per cent of burned plots changed from forest into a shrubland state. Results show that the forest structural resistance to fire depends on the balance between the level of severity and the parameters related to pre‐fire aboveground net primary production. The impact of pre‐fire vegetation characteristics on functional resilience ability was driven by burn severity and it’s interactions with pre‐fire productivity and seasonality. Results suggest that changes in forest species composition and aboveground net primary production reduced forest structural resistance and functional resilience to fire.
Current estimates and vegetation preferences of an endangered population of the vulnerable greater glider at Seven Mile Beach National Park
Authors: Vinson Simon G. , Johnson Aidan P. , Mikac Katarina M. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis study aimed to provide accurate and current distribution and density estimates of the greater glider population size at Seven Mile Beach National Park, New South Wales Australia from extensive spotlight surveys. Distribution mapping of greater gliders and ArcGIS modelling allowed effective visual representation of the population’s distribution and provided preliminary evidence of a vegetation preference for the species within the study area. Spotlight surveys revealed the population ranged from 0 to 1.13 (±0.34) greater gliders per hectare; with an average of 0.41 greater gliders per hectare across Seven Mile National Park. An estimated total of 335 greater gliders could reside in the area. Vegetation surveys confirmed there was a higher encounter rate of greater gliders within Eucalyptus pilularis, blackbutt dominated forest. As expected, the number of suitable hollows was also an important factor affecting greater glider distribution. These findings have site‐specific implications for a number of suitable management options (e.g. nest boxes, road crossing structures and glider poles).
Effectiveness of bat boxes for bat conservation and insect suppression in a Western Australian urban riverine reserve
Authors: Burgar Joanna M. , Hitchen Yvette , Prince Jim 
Published: February 2021

AbstractUrban wetlands are important habitat for wildlife, particularly insectivorous bats which provide a key ecosystem service in suppressing insects. While claims are often made that bats consume high numbers of mosquitoes in a given night, the evidence for this claim is scant at best. The Canning River Regional Park (CRRP), an urban riverine reserve in Western Australia, has fauna conservation as a primary goal and mosquito control as a top priority. We took advantage of occupied bat boxes within the CRRP to determine the roosting bat species and their diet using non‐invasive DNA metabarcoding of bat faecal samples. The widespread and urban‐adapted Chalinolobus gouldii was the only bat species detected roosting in the bat boxes. This opportunistic forager consumed over 700 unique prey (operational taxonomic units; OTUs); only 14% of OTUs were assigned to either species or genus, representing seven insect orders. Mosquitoes were detected in 11% of the 90 faecal samples, over multiple years and in both the maternity and non‐maternity seasons. Assigned prey was predominantly Lepidoptera with 40% of the 49 Lepidoptera species negatively impacting humans. Urban riverine reserves are critical habitat for bats, which in turn, are crucial in providing the ecosystem service of insect suppression.
The role of tayra (Eira barbara) as predator of medium and large‐sized mammals
Authors: Grotta‐Neto Francisco , Mello Michel C. H. , Mello Raphael C. , Bernardi Itiberê P. , Carrano Eduardo , Passos Fernando C. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractInteractions between predators and prey affect their distributions and abundances, and these effects are of central importance in ecology. However, these interactions are difficult to observe in some free‐ranging species due to their elusive behaviour. We describe the video‐recorded observation of predation of a grey brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira) by a tayra (Eira barbara), which is the largest prey reported for this mustelid. Additionally, we report three other wild species (Dasypus sp., Sylvilagus brasiliensis and Leontopithecus chrysopygus) predated by tayra and we present a review of tayra attacks on, and predation of, small primates and other medium and large‐sized mammal prey. Surprisingly, this mustelid is capable of predating a high diversity of species, both arboreal and terrestrial. At least 20 species were seen to be predated or attacked by tayras, which are capable of predating species with up to twice its own body weight, information which may be unknown due to its elusive behaviour. Additionally, we discuss the role of tayra in a community structure and raised the question of its potential key role as a predator species. This makes this mustelid a predator with greater prey diversity than previously thought and elucidate aspects of the natural history of trophic ecology of tayra, grey brocket deer and others elusive forest species.
Stereotactic body radiotherapy prolongs the progression‐free survival and delays the change of systemic therapy regimen in patients with lung oligoprogressive metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Li Shuai , Dong Dezuo , Geng Jianhao , Zhu Xianggao , Shi Chen , Zhang Yangzi , Wang Hongzhi , Zhou Shun , Wu Hao , Cai Yong , Li Yongheng , Wang Weihu 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPurposeTo analyze the effect of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) on colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with lung oligoprogression (OP).MethodPatients with lung OP from CRC treated by SBRT at our center were included in this retrospective analysis. The progression‐free survival (PFS), change of systemic therapy (CST), local control (LC), and overall survival (OS) were analyzed. Cumulative incidence was used to report CST, and the Kaplan‐Meier method was used to evaluate PFS and LC.ResultsA total of 17 patients with 38 lung OP lesions treated by SBRT from October 2012 to December 2018 were involved. All patients had undergone radical resection for primary CRC and administered with standard systemic therapy regimens (seven for the first line and 10 for the second line). Among them, nine (52.9%) had received targeted therapy before SBRT, 14 (82.4%) patients underwent chemotherapy, and 12 received targeted therapy after SBRT. Six patients (35.3%) underwent CST after a median time of 5.2 months (range: 1.7‐27.5 months). The median follow‐up was 9.9 months, and the 1‐year OS rate for all patients was 73.5%. Progression was observed in of 14 of 17 patients (82.4%), and the 6‐month PFS for all patients was 25.9%. Univariate analysis indicated that only targeted therapy before SBRT was a beneficial prognostic indicator for 6‐month PFS (P = .026) and N‐PFS (P = .013). The 1‐year LC for all 38 lesions was 77.8%, and during and after SBRT, no grade 3 or higher toxicities were observed.ConclusionSBRT combined with systemic therapy made partial CRC patients with lung OP avoid the progress within 6 months and delayed the need for CST to 5.2 months, and targeted therapy before SBRT was a positive indicator of PFS.
Towards more effective health workforce governance: The case of overseas‐trained doctors
Authors: Marcus Kanchan , Purwaningrum Farah , Short Stephanie 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectiveThe over‐reliance on overseas‐trained doctors remains a pressing problem in a handful of countries. This study aimed to explore the experience of rural and remote overseas‐trained doctors as regards to their migration, recruitment and ongoing support in Australia as the basis for more effective health workforce governance.DesignQualitative interviews were undertaken with overseas‐trained doctors in rural and remote Australia. Interview questions focused on the experiences of overseas‐trained doctors.SettingMigrant doctors working in general practice in rural and remote Australia.ParticipantsOverseas‐trained doctors who met inclusion criteria participated in interviews (n=14), which were digitally recorded and transcribed. Thematic coding and analysis were conducted with input from the study's Expert Policy Stakeholder Group.ResultsOverseas‐trained doctors enjoyed the relative autonomy of working in rural or remote general practice and were grateful to be in Australia. Specialised rural and remote skills such as cultural competence in matters of Indigenous health and specialised emergency rural skills was a key finding as was the deskilling or lack of career development opportunities. Our analysis pointed to the mismatch in expectations and experiences between overseas‐trained doctors, policy‐makers and employers, as some doctors experienced obstacles with registration, or the location was not ideal, or there was a lack of awareness of Indigenous‐related health and cultural challenges.ConclusionsIn the context of Australia's continuing reliance on overseas‐trained doctors, this study revealed the need for improved communication and coordination between overseas‐trained doctors, policy‐makers (education, health, employment and immigration) and employers, as a basis for more effective health workforce governance.
Management of LDL‐cholesterol levels in patients with Diabetes Mellitus in Cardiology Practice: Real‐life evidence of Under‐treatment from the EPHESUS registry
Authors: Mert Kadir Uğur , Başaran Özcan , Mert Gurbet Özge , Doğan Volkan , Rencüzoğulları İbrahim , Özlek Bülent , Cinier Göksel , Şenol Utku , Çelik Oğuzhan , Özlek Eda , Özdemir İbrahim Halil , Karadeniz Fatma Özpamuk , Bekar Lütfü , Aktaş Müjdat , Resulzade Mübariz Murat , Kalçık Macit , Aksan Gökhan , Akay Kadriye , Pekel Nihat , Biteker Murat , Kayıkçıoğlu Meral 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackground and aimsEffective treatment of high low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) levels has been shown to improve cardiovascular outcomes of patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Herein, we aimed to provide insight to the real‐life management of patients with DM in terms of LDL‐C goal attainment and adherence to lipid management recommendations. Our objective was also to reveal the reasons of poor LDL‐C goal attainment by assessing the perceptions of both physicians and patients.MethodsWe compared the diabetic and non‐diabetic patients from the database of a nationwide registry conducted in cardiology outpatient clinics with regard to the demographic characteristics, educational status, comorbidities, medications, laboratory parameters and LDL‐C goal attainment. Also, both the patients and attending physicians were surveyed to analyse perceptions and awareness of hypercholesterolemia.ResultsOf the 1868 consecutively enrolled patients, 873 (47%) had DM. Proportion of patients on statins was significantly lower in patients with DM (67.8% vs 55.3%; P < .001). The proportion of patients who attained LDL‐C targets were lower among the diabetic patients (17.8% vs 15%; P = .06). The most common causes of the discontinuation of statin therapy were negative media coverage about statins (32.1%), and recommendations of physicians to stop the lipid lowering therapy (29.6%). Analysis of the physician survey revealed that the physicians could determine the off‐target patients accurately (negative predictive value 98.4%) while the positive predictive value (48.8%) was low. The reasons for not attaining the LDL‐C goals in diabetic patients were not prescription of statins (38%) and inadequate (eg low‐dose, non‐adherent) statin (28.3%) dosages.ConclusionsIn real‐life clinical cardiology practice, diabetic patients are far below the recommended LDL‐C treatment goals. High‐intensity statin treatment in diabetic population is still avoided because of the concerns about polypharmacy and drug interactions. Also, the inertia of physicians and even cardiologists is probably a major cause of refraining of prescription of optimal statin dosages.
The effect of intracranial stenosis on cognitive decline in a memory clinic cohort
Authors: Lim Mervyn Jun Rui , Tan Chuen Seng , Gyanwali Bibek , Chen Christopher , Hilal Saima 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackground and purposeIntracranial stenosis (ICS) is a risk factor for cognitive impairment and dementia in cross‐sectional studies. However, data examining the effect of ICS on cognitive decline are limited. We investigated the effect of ICS on cognition over a period of 3 years in a memory clinic cohort.MethodsPatients were recruited from the National University Hospital in Singapore. Data were collected using a standardised questionnaire, physical examination, and 3‐T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at baseline. ICS was defined as arterial narrowing that exceeded 50% of the luminal diameter in any intracranial vessel. Cognition was measured at baseline and annually for 3 years using the Mini‐Mental State Examination, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and a detailed neuropsychological test battery. The association between ICS and cognitive decline was analysed using generalised estimating equations.ResultsA total of 364 patients were included in the analysis. The mean (±SD) age was 71.9 (±8.0) years, and 164 (45.1%) patients were male. A total of 66 (18.1%) patients had ICS. ICS was associated with worse executive function (β = −0.37, 95% confidence interval = −0.68 to −0.05, p = 0.022) and modified the effect of follow‐up time on memory (p = 0.005) and visuomotor speed (p = 0.047). These results remained significant after controlling for demographics, overall diagnosis, cardiovascular risk factors, and MRI markers of cerebrovascular disease.ConclusionsIntracranial stenosis was independently associated with worse executive function across all time points, and cognitive decline in memory and visuomotor speed over 3 years of follow‐up. This suggests that ICS may be a useful indicator of vascular brain damage leading to cognitive decline and may warrant consideration of antiatherosclerotic treatment in clinical trials.
The efficacy of a rubber bristles interdental cleaner on parameters of oral soft tissue health‐a systematic review‐
Authors: van der Weijden Fridus , Slot Dagmar Else , van der Sluijs Eveline , Hennequin‐Hoenderdos Nienke Lisette 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAimThis study aimed to establish the efficacy of a rubber bristles interdental cleaner (RBIC) as an adjunct to toothbrushing (TB) compared to that of the adjuvant use of other interdental cleaning devices and TB alone on plaque and gingivitis parameters. Additionally, the safety aspects and panellists’ appreciation were evaluated.Materials and MethodsDatabases were searched for randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) evaluating plaque (PI), bleeding (BS), and gingival index (GI) scores, safety assessments, and participants’ appreciation. Extracted data were summarized in a descriptive and, if possible, a meta‐analysis.ResultsThe search retrieved 142 unique papers; six studies with 10 comparisons were included in a descriptive analysis. Five RCTs compared RBICs with interdental brushes (IDBs), four with dental floss (DF) and one with manual TB only. No comparisons to wood sticks were retrieved. Using an RBIC resulted in no difference in plaque scores compared to DF and IDBs. For overall bleeding scores, no difference was found. Two studies analysing the accessible sites separately found RBICs to be more favourable than DF and IDBs. Conversely, one study evaluating the efficacy of RBICs compared to IDBs, according to the GI scores, showed that IDBs achieved significantly greater reduction. Moreover, RBICs caused fewer gingival abrasions and were preferred by the study participants.ConclusionBased on a descriptive and a meta‐analysis of the available literature, it is synthesized that in gingivitis patients, a weak to very weak certainty exists that a RBIC is indicated for gingivitis and plaque reduction. The evidence supports user safety and participants’ preferences.
Effectiveness of self‐management programmes for adolescents with a chronic illness: A systematic review
Authors: Gauci Jaunna , Bloomfield Jacqueline , Lawn Sharon , Towns Susan , Steinbeck Katharine 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAimTo assess what is known about the effectiveness of face‐to‐face self‐management programmes designed specifically for adolescents (10–19 years) with a chronic illness.DesignA systematic review and synthesis without meta‐analysis (SWiM).Data sourcesSix international web‐based reference libraries were searched with a date range of 1946 to July 2020.Review methodThe PRISMA statement and SWiM guideline were used for reporting the methods and results. The PICO format was used to develop a focused clinical question and the eligibility criteria of our review. Quality assessment of the included studies was performed using the Cochrane Effective Practice Organisation of Care criteria.ResultsEight studies (four randomized controlled trials and four descriptive designs) met the inclusion criteria and were published between 2003 and 2017. Results of the review: Three studies demonstrated measures of illness control which showed initial improvements in adherence as a result of the interventions but failed to demonstrate sustained adherence over time. Booster sessions were identified as an effective strategy to improve adherence, but were often omitted.ConclusionsThere is a limited body of evidence on the effectiveness of self‐management programmes specifically developed for adolescents with a chronic illness, an important but under researched area. Future research lies in the development of more rigorous studies that focus on quantitative outcome measures for evaluating the effectiveness of self‐management programmes to guide the development of future programmes.ImpactIt is crucial for adolescents with a chronic illness to develop independence and the self‐management skills required to effectively manage their chronic condition as they transition to adulthood. On current evidence, in planning future self‐management interventions should include booster sessions. Nurses with additional training and experience have a key role in supporting adolescents with a chronic illness to develop self‐management skills as they assume responsibility for their own healthcare.
Dielectric imaging for electrophysiology procedures: The technology, current state, and future potential
Authors: Abeln Bob G.S. , van den Broek Johannes L.P.M. , van Dijk Vincent F. , Balt Jippe C. , Wijffels Maurits C.E.F. , Dekker Lukas R.C. , Boersma Lucas V.A. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractElectroanatomic mapping systems have become an essential tool to guide the identification and ablation of arrhythmic substrate. Recently, a novel guiding system for electrophysiology procedures was introduced that uses dielectric sensing to perform high resolution anatomical imaging. Dielectric imaging systems use electrical fields to differentiate anatomic structures based on their conductivity and permittivity. This technique enables non‐fluoroscopic, noncontact mapping of anatomic structures, assessment of pulmonary vein occlusion state during cryoballoon ablation, and has the potential to assess for additional tissue characterization including tissue thickness and tissue type. This article elaborates on the functioning and potential of dielectric imaging systems and provides two cases to illustrate the clinical impact for electrophysiology procedures.
Proactive primary care model for frail older people in New Zealand delays aged‐residential care: A quasi‐experiment
Authors: Robinson Thomas E. , Boyd Michal L. , North Diana , Wignall Jean , Dawe Martin , McQueen Jean , Frey Rosemary A. , Raphael Deborah L. , Kerse Ngaire 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackground/ObjectivesTo determine the effect of a proactive primary care program on acute hospitalization and aged‐residential care placement for frail older people.DesignControlled before and after, and controlled after only quasi‐experimental studies, with a comparison group created via propensity score matching. One‐year follow‐up.SettingNine general practices in Auckland, New Zealand.ParticipantsCommunity‐dwelling people aged 75 and older identified as at increased risk of hospitalization. One thousand and eighty five patients are compared with 3750 comparison patients matched by propensity score based on known risks.InterventionPrimary healthcare based, registered nurse‐led, comprehensive geriatric assessment, goal‐setting, care planning, and regular follow‐up. Patients were also provided self‐management education, health and social care navigation, and transitional care for hospital discharges. Practices received program support, workforce development, and mentoring of primary healthcare nurses by gerontology nurse specialists.MeasurementsOutcomes from routinely collected administrative data. Primary: aged‐residential care placement. Secondary outcomes: acute hospitalization, mortality, and other health service utilization.ResultsAged‐residential care placement (odds ratio [OR] 0.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.48‐0.91) and mortality (OR 0.66, 95% CI = 0.49–0.88) were significantly lower over the first year in Kare patients compared with matched controls. There was no difference in acute hospitalization (+0.06 admissions per year, 95% CI = −0.01–0.13). Support service use (allied health therapists and assessment for social support) was increased, and emergency department use decreased.ConclusionThe Kare participants had lower aged‐residential care placement and mortality in the first year, but no decrease in acute hospitalization. Because the design is nonexperimental caution is required in interpreting these results.