bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cross‐taxon congruence of multiple diversity facets of freshwater assemblages is determined by large‐scale processes across China
Authors: Xu Jun , García Molinos Jorge , Su Guohuan , Matsuzaki Shin‐ichiro S. , Akasaka Munemitsu , Zhang Huan , Heino Jani 
Published: June 2019

Abstract

An intensively debated issue in ecology is whether variability in the patterns of diversity of different groups of organisms is congruent in space, a phenomenon referred to as cross‐taxon congruence. Whereas this has been previously mainly tested in terms of taxonomic dissimilarity, the role of ecological processes in determining the congruence of multiple diversity facets (i.e. α‐ and β‐diversity, taxonomic, and functional) remains poorly understood.

We used a data set of observation records for 469 macrophyte and 543 fish taxa at the catchment‐scale from the existing literature and data bases to test the existence of multi‐faceted congruence patterns and investigate the variables driving them across 214 catchments covering the whole Chinese mainland.

We found cross‐taxon congruence of multiple diversity aspects between fish and macrophyte communities. The energy (i.e. diversity is limited by energy availability), area/environmental heterogeneity (i.e. diversity is higher in larger and more heterogeneous areas), and dispersal (i.e. diversity is driven by dispersal) hypotheses were all significantly attributed to the cross‐taxon congruence, suggesting the existence of key repeated mechanisms underlying assemblage organisation.

Our study provides new evidence that can further our understanding of the factors and underlying processes explaining cross‐taxon congruence patterns at broad spatial scales in the freshwater realm, the studies of which significantly lag those in the marine and terrestrial realms. The present findings also provide important baseline information for freshwater conservation initiatives.
Annual winter water level drawdowns limit shallow‐water mussel densities in small lakes
Authors: Carmignani Jason R. , Roy Allison H. , Hazelton Peter D. , Giard Holly 
Published: June 2019

Abstract

Regulated water level fluctuations alter the physical, chemical, and biological environments in lakes. However, few studies have measured the effects of repeated annual winter drawdowns on freshwater mussel populations (Bivalvia: Unionida), and it is unknown whether drawdowns permanently constrain mussel populations to deeper depths or are resilient to the annual disturbance.

We quantified mussel densities during normal water levels and their mortality after the initiation of drawdown in lakes with annual winter (December–March) water level drawdown regimes that have existed for several decades. We used systematic quadrat sampling and visual snorkel surveys to estimate the number of live mussels at the surface and buried, and shell length in six drawdown and three control lakes at exposed (0.5‐m) and unexposed (1‐m) depths during winter drawdown. We also estimated mortality of mussels along the exposed lakebed for nine drawdown lakes.

Study lakes were dominated by Elliptio complanata and Pyganodon cataracta. During normal water levels, mussel densities were much lower in drawdown lakes than control lakes at 0.5‐m depths. When mussels were present in drawdown lakes at 0.5‐m depths, they were often burrowed in the substrate and smaller than buried mussels in control lakes. At unexposed 1‐m depths, mussel densities were primarily explained by geographic region (western versus central Massachusetts), and found higher densities in drawdown lakes compared to control lakes.

Mussel mortality after a single drawdown event in nine drawdown lakes was not correlated with drawdown magnitude or rate. Concordance of shell length‐frequency distributions between dead and buried living mussels in drawdown lakes suggests annual mortality of colonising individuals, which are typically small and presumably of young cohorts.

Annual winter drawdowns still limit densities of E. complanata and P. cataracta in shallow‐water habitats in the following autumn (September–October) after 4–5 months of potential recovery, and hence constrain their distribution in lakes exposed to drawdowns. The development of sustainable water level management practices will be essential to minimise impacts to native mussel populations.
Impact and biocompatibility studies on Mg2+‐substituted Apatite‐derived 3D porous scaffolds for hard tissue engineering
Authors: Ramadas Munusamy , Nivedha Vediyappan , EI Mabrouk Khalil , Ballamurugan Anbalagan M. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe objective of this study was to develop Mg2+‐substituted Apatite scaffolds by slip‐casting method. The Apatite scaffolds were prepared as engineering constructs with interconnected pore structure with a pore size of 128‐194 μm range. The physicochemical properties such as crystalline phase, functional group, microstructure, pore size distribution, and elemental compositions of the scaffolds were characterized. The bioactivity of the developed porous scaffolds was investigated in Simulated Body Fluid (SBF) for various time periods (3 and 7 days). In vitro bioactivity results confirm the hydroxyl Apatite layer formation of the scaffolds and results suggest that the developed microporous scaffold could be used as suitable candidates in bone tissue engineering.
Student Interior Design Projects in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Aburas Rehab 
Published: June 2019

AbstractInterior design students should be able to use research and evidence‐based design outcomes to make decisions that promote health, safety and wellbeing. This approach will contribute to resolving social, environmental and community issues through design‐oriented thinking Accordingly, the aim of this research in a senior design studio course is to promote a better connection to the local environment needs without losing the creativity aspect. This study covered two semesters and used multiple data collection methods, including interviews, observational field notes, discussions and personal reflections. The findings showed that jury critiques and case study analysis were the most beneficial sources of information for students to develop their project ideas and solutions. The paper illustrates processes, products and aspects that are used in senior projects to find solutions to environmental needs. In addition, the study offers lessons learned and reflections to raise students’ awareness of the cultural needs in relation to the interior design field. This study shows findings similar to earlier research that found that students who identified and analysed a local case study understood the design problem better and were creative in linking their project design solution to the society's needs. The study also reveals that students who relied on analysis of well‐defined local case studies developed focused and detailed concepts and design solutions according to the instructor's and jurors’ assessments. The study also contributes to literature by using a multi‐method approach and offers implications for local and international policy‐makers on interior design curricula.
Communication barriers in maternity care of allophone migrants: Experiences of women, healthcare professionals, and intercultural interpreters
Authors: Origlia Ikhilor Paola , Hasenberg Gabriele , Kurth Elisabeth , Asefaw Fana , Pehlke‐Milde Jessica , Cignacco Eva 
Published: June 2019

AbstractAimTo describe communication barriers faced by allophone migrant women in maternity care provision from the perspectives of migrant women, healthcare professionals, and intercultural interpreters.BackgroundPerinatal health inequality of migrant women hinges on barriers to services, with a major barrier being language. Their care is often also perceived as demanding due to conflicting values or complex situations. Potentially divergent perceptions of users and providers may hinder efficient communication.DesignQualitative explorative study.MethodsA convenience sample of 36 participants was recruited in the German speaking region of Switzerland. The sample consisted of four Albanian and six Tigrinya speaking women, 22 healthcare professionals and four intercultural interpreters (March–June 2016) who participated in three focus group discussions and seven semi‐structured interviews. Audio recordings of the discussions and interviews were transcribed and thematically analysed.ResultsThe analysis revealed three main themes: the challenge of understanding each other's world, communication breakdowns and imposed health services. Without interpretation communication was reduced to a bare minimum and thus insufficient to adequately inform women about treatment and address their expectations and needs.ConclusionA primary step in dismantling barriers is guaranteed intercultural interpreting services. Additionally, healthcare professionals need to continuously develop and reflect on their transcultural communication. Institutions must enable professionals to respond flexibly to allophone women's needs and to offer care options that are safe and in accordance to their cultural values.ImpactOur results give the foundation of tenable care of allophonic women and emphasize the importance of linguistic understanding in care quality.
Drought alters the functional stability of stream invertebrate communities through time
Authors: Leigh Catherine , Aspin Thomas W. H. , Matthews Thomas J. , Rolls Robert J. , Ledger Mark E. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractAimIn fresh waters, most biogeographical understanding of how extreme events such as drought modify biodiversity and ecosystem functioning derives from static, spatial comparisons of ecological communities, between intact and disturbed sites or along stress gradients. Impacts of drought on the development of ecological communities over time remain poorly resolved, with information on parallel trends in community structure and function particularly scarce. In theory, drought could progressively eliminate both species and functional traits, rendering communities increasingly taxonomically and functionally nested subsets of their pre‐existing counterparts. Alternatively, drought could create new niche opportunities, producing a continuous turnover of species and traits, or simply constrain natural community succession.LocationDorset, UK.TaxonAquatic invertebrates.MethodsWe studied temporal changes in community structure and function in artificial streams over 2 years, comparing drought (frequent drying) with control (constant flow) conditions. Temporal beta diversity was partitioned into turnover and nestedness components, calculated using both presence–absence and abundance data, and analysed using time‐lag and null modelling approaches.ResultsCommunity development was comparable taxonomically under control and drought conditions, driven primarily by temporal turnover of species. Under control conditions, corresponding trends in functional composition were not apparent, and species turnover was characterized by the progressive replacement of some species by others of equivalent abundance. By contrast, species turnover in disturbed communities was accompanied by both functional turnover and greater loss of individuals, indicating that new colonists were not equivalent, either functionally or numerically, to those they replaced. Furthermore, functional dissimilarities between time points were greatest under drought, and more similar in magnitude to taxonomic dissimilarities, implying that drying reduced the stability and redundancy of functional attributes.Main conclusionA shift to drier climate could disrupt the natural development of stream community structure, and undermine functional stability, at local and biogeographical scales, with potentially significant consequences for ecosystem services provisioning in fresh waters.
Exploring sociodemographic factors related to practice, attitude, knowledge, and skills concerning evidence‐based practice in clinical nursing
Authors: Tomotaki Ai , Fukahori Hiroki , Sakai Ikuko 
Published: June 2019

AbstractAimThis study aimed to explore sociodemographic factors related to evidence‐based practice (EBP) competency in Japanese nurses in university hospitals.MethodsIn March 2016, a survey was distributed to 843 clinical nurses who directly provide nursing care at two university hospitals in Japan. Multiple regression analyses were conducted on data received from 472 nurses using the Evidence‐Based Practice Questionnaire (Japanese version).ResultsSociodemographic factors related to EBP competency were experience with conducting nursing research as a part of continuing education, education about EBP, advanced practice certification (certified nurse specialists/certified nurses), and years of experience in clinical nursing. These factors differed across the four subscales of the questionnaire: Practice, Attitude, Knowledge of Research and Practice, and Skills of Research and Practice. Specifically, experience with two or more nursing research activities was significantly positively associated with Attitude and Knowledge/Skills Concerning Research and Practice of EBP, but not related to the implementation of EBP itself. Advanced practice certification was significantly positively associated with Practice and Attitude of EBP.ConclusionsOur study quantitatively identified sociodemographic factors including experience with conducting nursing research and advanced practice certification status that were found to be related to EBP competency and these factors were differently associated with the four subscales of the Evidence‐Based Practice Questionnaire (Japanese version). EBP education should depend on nurses' levels of EBP competency, and nursing educators and managers need to be cognizant of their nurses' sociodemographic factors when providing EBP education.
Women Coping With a Partner's Dementia‐Related Violence: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Band‐Winterstein Tova , Avieli Hila 
Published: June 2019

AbstractPurposeThe aim of the present study was to differentiate between the lived experience of two groups of women caregiving for a partner with dementia. One group was coping with lifelong intimate partner violence (IPV) and dementia‐related violence (Group 1); the other group was coping with dementia‐related violence only (Group 2).DesignAn interpretive phenomenological analysis perspective was used. Data collection was performed through in‐depth, semistructured interviews with eight female spouses of men with dementia from each of the two above‐mentioned groups, followed by a content analysis.FindingsComparing the narratives of the aging women revealed their different experiences over several dimensions: (a) the identification of violence as a symptom of dementia; (b) the use of past couplehood memories; (c) feelings over time; (d) willingness to care for the partner with dementia; and (e) a prospective view of life.ConclusionsThe complexities of being old and having to cope with caregiving responsibilities for a spouse with dementia, accompanied by violent behaviors, emphasize the significance of the couple's past relationship. This notion should be taken into account in practical interventions.Clinical RelevanceAs part of the aging process, there is an increase in people who are engaged in dementia‐related violence. Nurses' education and practice should focus on the dynamics of dyads coping with violence and identify the particular needs of the caregiver spouse in this context.
Fetal seizure: A video recording and possible etiology
Authors: Takahashi Hironori , Matsubara Teppei , Horie Kenji , Kobayashi Ami , Furukawa Rieko , Matsubara Shigeki 
Published: June 2019

AbstractFetal seizure is rarely observed. Investigation of both video‐recording of seizures and cardiotocography is crucial for a precise diagnosis. Here, we report a case of fetal seizure, and also show a video‐ultrasound recording. A 40‐year‐old woman was admitted to us due to loss of variability in cardiotocography. Ultrasound repeatedly revealed opisthotonus‐like and clonic‐seizure‐like movements. After the abnormal movement, tachycardia up to 210 bpm (postictal tachycardia) was noted. Ultrasound revealed a nuchal cord. A careful investigation of video‐ultrasound recording by an epilepsy specialist led to the confirmation of epileptic seizures. At 364/7, she vaginally gave birth to an infant with an umbilical artery pH of 7.22. The infant died 30 min after birth. No clear video‐recordings associated with fetal seizure were available for cases reported so far in the literature. The video provided in this case may be of use for further analyses.
Quality of life in patients with oral leukoplakia
Authors: Min Ang Xin , Chi Khang Au Phil , Kwok Kevin , Yeon Park Ka , Kujan Omar , Frydrych Agnieszka M. , Farah Camile S. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundOral leukoplakia (OL) is the most common oral potentially malignant disorder, yet despite its chronic and potentially disabling nature, the literature concerning impacts of OL on quality of life (QoL) is limited. This study aimed to evaluate QoL in subjects with OL compared to controls using QoL questionnaires.MethodsFifty individuals with OL and 50 controls matched for age, gender, smoking, and alcohol use were administered the Short Generic Health Questionnaire (SF‐12) and the discipline‐specific Oral Potentially Malignant Disorder Questionnaire (OPMDQ). Responses were compared between the two groups.ResultsSubjects with OL reported poorer QoL scores compared to controls in two domains “Role limitations due to physical problems” and “Pain” of the SF‐12 questionnaire, and in two domains “Difficulty with diagnosis” and “Effect of treatment on daily life” and in the overall scores of the OPMDQ. Females reported poorer QoL in the overall OPMD QoL score and in the domains of “Physical and function limitation” and “Psychological and social well‐being,” while older individuals in the domains of “Physical and function limitation” and “Effect of treatment on daily life.” Non‐alcohol drinkers and subjects with dysplastic or non‐homogeneous OLs also reported poorer QoL scores.ConclusionsQuality of life assessments provide useful insight into the impact of OL on an individual's life and opportunity to improve clinical care.
Leukoencephalomyelopathy in cats linked to abnormal fatty acid composition of the white matter of the spinal cord and of irradiated dry cat food
Authors: van den Ingh Ted S. G. A. M. , Grinwis Guy C. M. , Corbee Ronald Jan 
Published: June 2019

AbstractFour outbreaks of leukoencephalomyelopathy in colonies of SPF cats on a long‐term diet of irradiated dry cat food were observed in the Netherlands between 1989 and 2001. As a primary defect in myelin formation was suspected to be the cause of the disease and myelin consists mainly of lipids and their fatty acids, we investigated the fatty acid composition of the white matter of the spinal cord of affected and control cats and of irradiated and non‐irradiated food. The irradiated food had low levels of alpha‐linolenic acid compared to linoleic acid as well as a high total omega‐6:omega‐3 ratio of 7:1 in the irradiated and of 2:1 in the non‐irradiated food. The white matter of the spinal cord showed low levels of linoleic acid and absence of alpha‐linolenic acid in affected cats as well as absence of lignoceric and nervonic acid in both affected and control cats. These abnormalities in fatty acid composition of the white matter of the spinal cord may reflect an increased need for alpha‐linolenic acid as a substrate for longer chain omega‐3 fatty acids to compose myelin and thus indicate a particular species sensitivity to dietary deficiency in omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly alpha‐linolenic acid in cats. Our findings indicate that abnormalities in fatty acid metabolism in myelin play an essential role in the pathogenesis of this acquired form of leukoencephalomyelopathy in cats.
HCV resistance compartmentalization within tumoral and non‐tumoral liver in transplanted patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Sorbo Maria C , Carioti Luca , Bellocchi Maria C , Antonucci FrancescoPaolo , Sforza Daniele , Lenci Ilaria , Ciancio Manuelli Matteo , Armenia Daniele , De Leonardis Francesco , Milana Martina , Manzia Tommaso M , Angelico Mario , Tisone Giuseppe , Cento Valeria , Perno Carlo F , Ceccherini‐Silberstein Francesca 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackground & aimsWe investigated the HCV‐RNA amount, variability and prevalence of resistance‐associated substitutions (RASs), in plasma, hepatic tumoral and non‐tumoral tissue samples in patients undergoing liver‐transplant/hepatic‐resection (LT/HR), because of hepatocellular carcinoma and/or cirrhosis.MethodsEighteen HCV‐infected patients undergoing LT/HR, 94.0% naïve to direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs), were analysed. HCV‐RNA was quantified in all compartments. NS3/NS5A/NS5B in plasma and/or in tumoral/non‐tumoral tissues were analysed using Sanger and Ultra‐deep pyrosequencing (UDPS, 9/18 patients). RASs prevalence, genetic‐variability and phylogenetic analysis were evaluated.ResultsAt the time of LT/HR, HCV‐RNA was quantifiable in all compartments of DAA‐naïve patients and was generally lower in tumoral than in non‐tumoral tissues (median [IQR] = 4.0 [1.2‐4.3] vs 4.3[3.1‐4.9] LogIU/µg RNA; P = 0.193). The one patient treated with sofosbuvir + ribavirin represented an exception with HCV‐RNA quantifiable exclusively in the liver, but with higher level in tumoral than in non‐tumoral tissues (51 vs 7 IU/µg RNA). RASs compartmentalization was found by Sanger in 4/18 infected‐patients, and by UDPS in other two patients. HCV‐compartmentalization resulted to be associated with HBcAb‐positivity (P = 0.013). UDPS showed approximately higher genetic‐variability in NS3/NS5A sequences in all compartments. Phylogenetic‐analysis showed defined and intermixed HCV‐clusters among/within all compartments, and were strongly evident in the only non‐cirrhotic patient, with plasma and non‐tumoral sequences generally more closely related.ConclusionsHepatic compartments showed differences in HCV‐RNA amount, RASs and genetic variability, with a higher segregation within the tumoral compartment. HBV coinfection influenced the HCV compartmentalization. These results highlight HCV‐strain diversifications within the liver, which could explain some of the failures occurring even today in the era of DAAs.
Individual risk factors and critical care unit effects on Invasive Candida Infection occurring in critical care units in the UK: A multilevel model
Authors: Patterson Lynsey , McMullan Ronan , Harrison David A. 
Published: June 2019

SummaryGeographical variation is observed in invasive candida infection (ICI) and differences between critical care units (CCUs) may contribute. To examine rates, risk factors and individual and unit‐level variation of ICI in UK CCUs. Data from the Fungal Infection Risk Evaluation Study was used to examine individuals admitted to 96 CCUs in the UK; July 2009‐March 2011. Cases were non‐neutropenic individuals aged 18 years and over with ICI identified after admission. Mixed‐effects Poisson regression models adjusted for the CCU. There were 225 cases of ICI, a rate of 6.84/10 000 bed days and a threefold variation between the lowest and highest UK regions. Independent risk factors included abdominal surgery (adjusted incidence rate ratio (AIRR) 2.03 95% CI 1.49, 2.76), parenteral nutrition (AIRR 1.89 95% CI 1.33, 2.70), fungal colonisation at two or more sites (AIRR 2.30 95% CI 1.34, 3.95) and indwelling devices. Approximately 4% of the variation in ICI rates could be attributed to the CCU. We identified independent risk factors for ICI and showed, for the first time, that the critical care unit effect was small. Despite this, future studies should consider the hierarchical structure of the data to ensure robust estimates.