bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combinations of reproductive, individual, and weather effects best explain torpor patterns among female little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus)
Authors: Besler Nicole K. , Broders Hugh G. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractHeterothermic mammals can use torpor, a state of metabolic suppression, to conserve energy during times of limited food and poor environmental conditions. Females may use torpor throughout gestation and lactation; however, there are associated physiological and ecological costs with potential fitness consequences. Previous studies have controlled for, but not quantified the impact of interindividual variation on torpor patterns and understanding this may provide insight on why certain thermoregulatory responses are employed. The objective of this study was to identify and quantitatively characterize the intrinsic variables and weather conditions that best explain variation in torpor patterns among individual female little brown bats, Myotis lucifugus. We used temperature‐sensitive radio‐transmitters affixed to females to measure skin temperature patterns of 35 individuals roosting in bat boxes in the spring and summer. We used Bayesian multi‐model inference to rank a priori‐selected models and variables based on their explanatory power. Reproductive condition and interindividual effects best explained torpor duration and depth, and weather best explained torpor frequency. Of the reproductive conditions, lactating females used torpor for the shortest durations and at shallower depths (i.e., smallest drop in minimum Tsk), while females in early spring (i.e., not‐obviously‐pregnant) used torpor for the longest and deepest. Among individuals, the greatest difference in effects on duration occurred between pregnant individuals, suggesting interindividual variation within reproductive condition. Increases in precipitation and wind were associated with a higher probability of torpor use. Our results provide further support that multiple variables explain torpor patterns and highlight the importance of including individual effects when studying thermoregulatory patterns in heterothermic species.OPEN RESEARCH BADGES

This article has earned an Open Data Badge for making publicly available the digitally‐shareable data necessary to reproduce the reported results. The data is available at https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.c04tj85.
Drivers of tropical rainforest composition and alpha diversity patterns over a 2,520 m altitudinal gradient
Authors: Veintimilla Dario , Ngo Bieng Marie Ange , Delgado Diego , Vilchez‐Mendoza Sergio , Zamora Nelson , Finegan Bryan 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAimWe sought to determine the relationship of forest composition and alpha diversity (the species diversity of a local assemblage) to altitude, soil, and spatial factors over a 440–2,950 m a.s.l gradient.LocationAltitudinal gradient on the Caribbean slope of the Talamanca Cordillera, Costa Rica.TaxonAngiosperm and gymnosperm trees, palms, and tree ferns.MethodsWe measured and identified all stems ≥10 cm dbh in 32 0.25‐ha undisturbed rain forest plots over the gradient. We determined compositional patterns using Non‐Metric Multidimensional Scaling (NMS) ordination, and used linear regressions to explore the relationship between four alpha diversity metrics and altitude. With variation partitioning (VARPART), we determined the compositional variation explained by altitude, soil, and spatial variables quantified using Principle Components of Neighbor matrices.ResultsWe identified 425 species. NMS axis 1 separated a lowland zone (440–1,120 m asl) from a transitional one dominated by holarctic Oreomunnea mexicana (1,400–1,600 m asl) and Quercus‐dominated forests at altitudes >2,100 m asl. The lowland zone was separated into two clusters of plots on NMS axis 2, the first in the 430–620 m asl range and the second at 1,000–1,120 masl. Regressions showed that all alpha diversity metrics were strongly negatively related to altitude (R2 > 0.78). Overall, adjusted R2 from VARPART was 0.43, with 0.30, 0.21, and 0.17 for altitude, soil, and space respectively. The respective adjusted R2 of individual matrices, on controlling for the other two, was 0.06, 0.05 and 0.09 (p < 0.001).Main conclusionsThere are two well‐defined forest compositional zones on this gradient—lowlands 430–1,120 m asl and montane forests >2,150 m asl—with a transitional zone at 1,400–1,600 m asl, where lowland tropical and montane holarctic species are found together. Montane forests are very distinct in their composition and low alpha diversity. Vegetation and soil respond to altitude, and therefore temperature, as an integrated system, a model that goes beyond niche assembly as shown by the significant effect of space in the VARPART.
Diagnostic accuracy of left atrial remodelling and natriuretic peptide levels for preclinical heart failure
Authors: Tsai Jui‐Peng , Sung Kuo‐Tzu , Su Cheng‐Huang , Lai Yau‐Huei , Kuo Jen‐Yuan , Yun Chun‐Ho , Yen Chih‐Hsuan , Hou Charles Jia‐Yin , Wu Tung‐Hsin , Peng Ming‐Cheng , Hung Ta‐Chuan , Yeh Hung‐I , Hung Chung‐Lieh 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAimsLeft atrial (LA) remodelling is an important predictor of cardiovascular events of heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation. Data regarding diagnostic value of LA remodelling on diastolic dysfunction (DD) and preclinical HF remain largely unexplored.Methods and resultsWe assessed LA dimension (LAD) in 8368 consecutive asymptomatic Asians (mean age: 49.7, 38.9% women) and related such measure to updated American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) DD criteria and newly revised N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) cut‐off (≥125 pg/mL) and HF with preserved ejection fraction criteria incorporating NT‐proBNP and echocardiography parameters by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). LAD and indexed LAD (LADi) were both inversely correlated with myocardial relaxation e′ and positively associated with indexed LA volume, left ventricular E/e′, and tricuspid regurgitation velocity (all P < 0.001) and showed significantly graded increase across ASE‐defined ‘normal’, ‘inconclusive’, and ‘DD’ categories (30.9, 34.4, and 36.5 mm; 16.7, 19.1, and 20.6 mm/m2, for LAD/LADi, both P for trend: <0.001, respectively). Substantial differences of LAD/LADi (31.3 vs. 33.6 mm/16.7 vs. 19.2 mm/m2, both P < 0.001) between ESC low and high HF probability using NT‐proBNP cut‐off were also observed. Multivariate linear and logistic models demonstrated that LAD set at 34 mm was independently associated with ASE‐defined diastolic indices, DD existence, and elevated NT‐proBNP (all P < 0.05). The use of LAD further yielded high diagnostic accuracy in DD (area under receiving operative characteristic curve: 0.77, 95% confidence interval [0.73, 0.80]; negative predictive value: 97.9%) and in ESC‐recommended HF with preserved ejection fraction criteria (area under receiving operative characteristic curve: 0.70, 95% confidence interval [0.65, 0.75]; negative predictive value: 98.7%) with high predictive value in LA remodelling (>34 mL/m2; positive predictive value: 96%) and well‐discriminated ESC‐recommended NT‐proBNP (≥125 pg/mL, LAD: 37 mm) for HF.ConclusionsSingle utilization of atrial remodelling is highly useful for ruling out presence of DD and provides practical threshold for identifying preclinical HF based on most updated guidelines.
Dementia Friendly Communities in England: A scoping study
Authors: Buckner Stefanie , Darlington Nicole , Woodward Michael , Buswell Marina , Mathie Elspeth , Arthur Antony , Lafortune Louise , Killett Anne , Mayrhofer Andrea , Thurman John , Goodman Claire 
Published: April 2019

ObjectivesTo describe the characteristics of Dementia Friendly Communities (DFCs) across England in order to inform a national evaluation of their impact on the lives of those affected by dementia.MethodsDFCs in England were identified through online searches and Alzheimer's Society records. A subsample (n = 100) were purposively selected for in‐depth study based on online searches and, where necessary, follow‐up telephone calls. Data collection and analysis were guided by a pilot evaluation tool for DFCs that addressed how DFCs are organised and resourced and how their impact is assessed. The evidence was predominantly qualitative, in addition to some descriptive quantitative information.ResultsOf 284 DFCs identified, 251 were defined by geographical location, while 33 were communities of interest. Among 100 sampled DFCs, 89 had been set up or started activities following policy endorsement of DFCs in 2012. In the resourcing of DFCs, statutory agencies and charities played an important role. Among DFC activities, awareness raising was cited most commonly. There was some evidence of involvement of people living with dementia in organisational and operational aspects of DFCs. Approaches to evaluation varied, with little evidence of findings having effected change.ConclusionsDFCs are characterised by variation in type, resourcing, and activities. England has policy endorsement and a recognition system for DFCs. These can be important catalysts for initiation and growth. A systematic approach to evaluation is lacking. This would enable DFCs to be consistent in how they demonstrate progress and how they enable people living with dementia to live well.
Changes in hospital CEO profiles in Poland—Professionalisation of management?
Authors: Kautsch Marcin , Dela Roksana 
Published: April 2019

SummaryPurposeTo present and discuss the findings of surveys on the profiles of hospital CEOs in Poland, as carried out in 2012 and 2017, involving over a hundred hospital CEOs at various reference levels.FindingsThe findings indicate appreciable changes in the group under study. While until recently, a typical hospital CEO was a male physician; presently, there is a fair proportion of women (36%). The majority of CEOs are non‐physicians (63%), whereas previously, they accounted for approximately 63% of them. Mean work experience in public health care for male CEOs tends to decrease, whereas an opposite trend is well manifested with regard to female CEOs. It was also established that hospital CEOs were steadily less keen on improving their professional qualifications through postgraduate courses.ConclusionThese changes may imply a kind of “stabilisation” within the sector itself or a departure from the all‐male, medicine‐centred model of hospital management. They may have been caused by climbing expectations regarding overall management expertise and a higher salary level offered to physicians. Changes in individual work experience seem to indicate that men are more often “transplanted” from other industry sectors, whereas women tend to pursue their entire career path in public health care institutions.
Judicialization of the right to health: (Un)compliance of the judicial decisions in Medellin, Colombia
Authors: Gómez‐Ceballos Diego , Craveiro Isabel , Gonçalves Luzia 
Published: April 2019

SummaryIntroductionThe judicialization of health arose following the possibility of judicially demanding the right to health before national and international courts. In the case of Colombia, health litigation is done through a constitutional tool called thetutela action, which allows for the immediate protection of fundamental rights.MethodsA retrospective cross‐sectional study using a probabilistic stratified sample of 1031 users of the tutela actions, in Medellín, Colombia, between 2011 and 2014. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed, using statistical tests and multiple logistic regression models.ResultsAccording to the respondents, 95.9% of the tutela actions succeeded in favour of the applicant. On average, the judicial process took 10.96 days (SD = 8.09). After the favourable decision of the tutela action, access to health care followed in 76.2% of cases, partial access was found for 14.0% (median, 10 d), and in 9.8% of cases, claimants had not received access to the health care they sought.ConclusionThe tutela action is an essential constitutional mechanism that guarantees the access to health services. However, it must be strengthened from the legal point of view through the implementation of monitoring and control actions and by imposing the sanctioning measures and deadlines established in existing legislation.
Multi‐Component Self‐Assembly of Proteins and Inorganic Particles: From Discrete Structures to Biomimetic Materials
Authors: Künzle Matthias , Lach Marcel , Beck Tobias 
Published: April 2019

AbstractDue to their defined structure, proteins are suitable building blocks for the bottom‐up construction of multi‐component materials. Especially protein containers, with their inherent cavity, can be used to encapsulate synthetic components such as inorganic nanoparticles. This way, multi‐component discrete structures can be assembled. With recent advances in computational protein design, novel protein containers were successfully created, with a high potential for application in biomedicine and materials research. Moreover, engineered protein containers offer a unique building block for the self‐assembly of three‐dimensional materials. They combine the molecular precision of proteins with nanoscale dimensions. Designed interactions lead to novel protein scaffolds. In addition, nanoparticles encapsulated inside the container cavity introduce orthogonal functionality, important for the realization of nanostructured biomimetic materials with emergent properties.
Bacterial l‐asparaginases for cancer therapy: Current knowledge and future perspectives
Authors: Ghasemian Abdolmajid , Al‐marzoqi Ali‐Hussein , Al‐abodi Hiba Riyadh , Alghanimi Yasemin Khudiar , Kadhum Samah Ahmed , Shokouhi Mostafavi Seyyed Khalil , Fattahi Azam 
Published: April 2019

Abstractl‐Asparaginases hydrolyzing plasma l‐asparagine and l‐glutamine has attracted tremendous attention in recent years owing to remarkable anticancer properties. This enzyme is efficiently used for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and lymphosarcoma and emerged against ALL in children, neoplasia, and some other malignancies. Cancer cells reduce the expression of l‐asparaginase leading to their elimination. The l‐asparaginase anticancerous application approach has made incredible breakthrough in the field of modern oncology through depletion of plasma l‐asparagine to inhibit the cancer cells growth; particularly among children. High level of l‐asparaginase enzyme production by Escherichia coli, Erwinia species, Streptomyces, and Bacillus subtilis species is highly desirable as bacterial alternative enzyme sources for anticancer therapy. Thermal or harsh conditions stability of those from the two latter bacterial species is considerable. Some enzymes from marine bacteria have conferred stability in adverse conditions being more advantageous in cancer therapy. Several side effects exerted by l‐asparaginases such as hypersensitivity should be hindered or decreased through alternative therapies or use of immune‐suppressor drugs. The l‐asparaginase from Erwinia species has displayed remarkable traits in children with this regard. Noticeably, Erwinia chrysanthemi l‐asparaginase exhibited negligible glutaminase activity representing a promising efficiency mitigating related side effects. Application of software such as RSM would optimize conditions for higher levels of enzyme production. Additionally, genetic recombination of the encoding gene would indisputably help improving enzyme traits. Furthermore, the possibility of anticancer combination therapy using two or more l‐asparaginases from various sources is plausible in future studies to achieve better therapeutic outcomes with lower side effects.
NK cells: An attractive candidate for cancer therapy
Authors: Valipour Behnaz , Velaei Kobra , Abedelahi Ali , Karimipour Mohammad , Darabi Masoud , Charoudeh Hojjatollah Nozad 
Published: April 2019

AbstractNatural killer (NK) cells have significant capability in tumor immune‐surveillance. The ability of lyse transformed cells immediately in an antigen‐independent manner make them an attractive candidate for cancer cell therapy. Despite employment of NK cells in cancer immunotherapy, clinical trials are faced with serious limitations such as trouble with the penetration of NK cells in tumor sites, limited in vivo persistence, and tumor microenvironment interference. Taken together, the NK‐cell cancer therapy is still infant scenario that has a long way to be translated in clinic. Current article first reviews characteristic features of NK lymphocytes. Then, it discusses about important disruptive barriers and motivator in the developmental stages of NK cells like as tumor microenvironment. Finally, some revolutionary approaches are highlighted utilizing of NK cells in cancer therapy.
Efficient degradation of cefotaxime by a UV+ferrihydrite/TiO2+H2O2 process: the important role of ferrihydrite in transferring photo‐generated electrons from TiO2 to H2O2
Authors: Jiang Qi , Zhu Runliang , Zhu Yanping , Chen Qingze 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundDeveloping effective removal processes for antibiotics has attracted increasing interest recently. In this work, a novel strategy involving the combination of photocatalysis with Fenton reaction using ferrihydrite/TiO2 (Fh/TiO2) nanohybrids was developed to efficiently degrade the antibiotic cefotaxime. Fh/TiO2 nanohybrids were synthesized by simply growing Fh on the surface of commercially available TiO2. We expected that Fh of Fh/TiO2 could capture photo‐generated electrons from TiO2, inhibiting the recombination of electron–hole pairs; also, by virtue of Fe(III)/Fe(II) cycle on Fh/TiO2, photo‐generated electrons could be continually transferred to H2O2 to produce ·OH. Accordingly, high degradation efficiency of cefotaxime could be achieved.ResultsWith UV light and H2O2, Fh/TiO2 with a Fe/Ti molar radio of 7% showed high catalytic activity indeed, and its degradation rate for cefotaxime was nearly three times higher than that of TiO2. The decomposition of H2O2 and production of ·OH in the UV+7%Fh/TiO2+H2O2 system were also increased markedly. The large amount of Fe(II) on 7%Fh/TiO2 determined in this system supported our hypothesis that Fh of 7%Fh/TiO2 could capture photo‐generated electrons from TiO2. Although dissolved iron was observed, the contribution of Fenton reaction by dissolved iron was rather limited. After four consecutive cycles, 7%Fh/TiO2 still retained good stability.ConclusionsThe UV+7%Fh/TiO2+H2O2 system provides a potential alternative in degradation of cefotaxime for further practical application, and it has the following advantages: high catalytic activity, simple preparation method, good stability and low cost, as well as continued catalytic activity after total consumption of H2O2. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Pharmacists’ attitude, self‐reported knowledge and practice of dosage adjustment among chronic kidney disease patients in Malaysia
Authors: Teh Xin R. , Lee Shaun W. H. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractDrug‐related issues, such as inappropriate drug dosing, are pervasive patient issues that are particularly common among chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Pharmacists have the expertise to play an important role in avoiding such problems. The aim of the present study was to explore pharmacists’ self‐perceived knowledge, attitude and practice towards dosage adjustment among CKD patients. A cross‐sectional, Web‐based, self‐administered survey was conducted among 1594 registered pharmacists in Malaysia. Participants were surveyed regarding their perceived knowledge, attitude and implementation of drug dosage adjustment based on renal function among CKD patients in their practice. The study was completed by 234 pharmacists (14.7%). More than four‐fifths of respondents (n = 199) reported that they are practicing dosage adjustment. The median self‐perceived knowledge score was 27.0 (of a total of 45). Pharmacists younger than 29 years of age and those practicing in hospitals had higher knowledge of drug dosage adjustments. Female pharmacists were more likely to express interest in being involved in the identification, monitoring and resolution of drug therapy problems for CKD patients (p = 0.02). The two most common obstacles reported by pharmacists who did not practice dosage adjustment were a lack of information regarding a patient's renal function status (76%) and medical history (74%). Further training should be given to pharmacists to improve knowledge and awareness. An alert card could be implemented to record a patient's renal function to improve communication between hospitals and primary care settings.
Influence of the expertise, collaborative efforts and trustworthiness of pharmacists on the prescribing decisions of physicians
Authors: Murshid Mohsen Ali , Mohaidin Zurina 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundCollaboration between physicians and community pharmacists has been shown to be effective in influencing the prescribing decisions of physicians. However, little is known about the specific effects of different pharmacists' roles on prescribing decisions.AimThe aim of this study was to determine the influence of the expertise, collaborative efforts and trustworthiness of pharmacists on the prescribing decisions of physicians.MethodsA survey was administered to a sample of 705 physicians in Sana'a city, Yemen. Data were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS‐SEM).ResultsIn all, 410 surveys were completed and returned (response rate = 58%). The results showed that pharmacist expertise does not significantly influence physicians' decisions (β = 0.074, t = 1.13, p > 0.05, f2 = 0.004), whereas pharmacist collaboration (β = 0.157, t = 2.00, p < 0.05, f2 = 0.016) and trustworthiness (β = 0.203, t = 3.29, p < 0.05, f2 = 0.036) positively influenced prescribing decisions, and explained 12.2% of the variance in prescribing decisions.ConclusionThe prescribing behaviour of physicians is influenced by collaboration with pharmacists, as well as the trustworthiness of pharmacists, whereas the effect of pharmacists' expertise was not validated. Implications of the findings and future research are discussed.
Acoustic detection of zooplankton diel vertical migration behaviors on the northern Gulf of Mexico shelf
Authors: Parra Sabrina M. , Greer Adam T. , Book Jeffrey W. , Deary Alison L. , Soto Inia M. , Culpepper Carla , Hernandez Frank J. , Miles Travis N. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractZooplankton respond to light levels, oceanographic conditions, and other cues through diel vertical migrations (DVMs), which can occur at dawn and dusk. However, unraveling the influence of these drivers is difficult without high‐resolution time series data encompassing multiple events that can alter zooplankton DVM. We address this knowledge gap with an interseasonal study using high‐resolution measurements of zooplankton DVMs on the freshwater‐influenced northern Gulf of Mexico shelf. Sampling encompassed 6 months of acoustic backscatter and vertical velocity profiles at five locations, supplemented with zooplankton taxonomic composition and abundance from in situ imaging, net samples, glider profiles, and remote sensing. Relative backscatter anomalies (RBAs) displayed a daily pattern that changed abruptly at dawn and dusk, with lower daytime (2–15 dB lower) values relative to nighttime. Daily variability intensified from autumn to spring. The DVM pattern changed in structure on shorter temporal scales (days to weeks), associated with factors including onshore and off‐shelf currents, lunar variability, cloud cover, and harmful algal bloom passage. In situ imaging and net observations showed that the most likely acoustically observed migrating zooplankton were chaetognaths, shrimp (performing reverse DVMs), copepods, and ostracods. Shrimp and chaetognath orientations also showed diel variability, with individuals more frequently oriented vertically during the daytime. Daily RBA and vertical velocity anomaly patterns could be caused by reverse DVM to the near‐surface or nocturnal DVM to the near‐bottom (outside the acoustic detection range) or diel changes in organism orientation. Pattern complexities suggest that multiple behaviors are happening and being observed simultaneously.