bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Woody species in resource‐rich microrefugia of granite outcrops display unique functional signatures
Authors: Ottaviani Gianluigi , Keppel Gunnar , Marcantonio Matteo , Mucina Ladislav , Wardell‐Johnson Grant 
Published: March 2019

AbstractRefugia are key environments in biogeography and conservation. Because of their unique eco‐evolutionary formation and functioning, they should display distinct functional trait signatures. However, comparative trait‐based studies of plants in refugia and non‐refugia are lacking. Here, we provide a comparison between resource‐rich (putative microrefugia for species preferring mesic habitats under increasing aridity) and resource‐impoverished woodlands (non‐refugia) around two granite outcrops in south‐western Australia. We measured and compared six functional traits (bark thickness, foliar δ13C, foliar C:N, leaf dry matter content, plant height, specific leaf area) in four woody species. We performed multiple‐trait, multiple‐species and single‐trait, within‐species analyses to test whether plants in resource‐rich habitats were functionally distinct and more diverse than those in the surrounding resource‐impoverished woodlands. We found that species in resource‐rich woodlands occupied larger and distinct multiple‐trait functional spaces and showed distinct single‐trait values (for specific leaf area and bark thickness). This suggests that plants in resource‐rich woodlands can deploy unique and more diverse ecological strategies, potentially making these putative microrefugia more resilient to environmental changes. These findings suggest that species in microrefugia may be characterised by unique functional signatures, illustrating the utility of comparative trait‐based approaches to improve understanding of the functioning of refugia.
Genetic diversity and population structure in multiple Chinese goat populations using a SNP panel
Authors: Berihulay H. , Li Y. , Liu X. , Gebreselassie G. , Islam R. , Liu W. , Jiang L. , Ma Y. 
Published: March 2019

SummaryInformation about genetic diversity and population structure among goat breeds is essential for genetic improvement, understanding of environmental adaptation as well as utilization and conservation of goat breeds. Here, we measured genetic diversity and population structure in multiple Chinese goat populations, namely, Nanjiang, Qinggeda, Arbas Cashmere, Jining Grey, Luoping Yellow and Guangfeng goats. A total of 193 individuals were genotyped for about 47 401 autosomal single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We found a high proportion of informative SNPs, ranging from 69.5% in the Luoping Yellow to 93.9% in the Jining Grey goat breeds with an average mean of 84.7%. Diversity, as measured by expected heterozygosity, ranged from 0.371 in Luoping Yellow to 0.405 in Jining Grey goat populations. The average estimated pair‐wise genetic differentiation (FST) among the populations was 8.6%, ranging from 0.2% to 16% and indicating low to moderate genetic differentiation. Principal component analysis, genetic structure and phylogenetic tree analysis revealed a clustering of six Chinese goat populations according to geographic distribution. The results from this study can contribute valuable genetic information and can properly assist with within‐breed diversity, which provides a good opportunity for sustainable utilization of and maintenance of genetic resource improvements in the Chinese goat populations.
Quality and Safety in Aged Care Virtual Issue: What Australian research published in the Australasian Journal on Ageing tells us
Authors: Wells Yvonne , Brooke Elizabeth , Solly Kane N 
Published: March 2019

ObjectiveTo review studies published in the Australasian Journal on Ageing (AJA) about the aged care workforce, and to identify influences on quality of care and potential policy directions.MethodsArticles in the AJA on the aged care workforce published from 2009 to 2018 were identified, grouped into themes and rated for quality.ResultsTwenty‐eight articles were identified. Articles fell into four themes: (i) staff knowledge, skills and attitudes; (ii) staff well‐being and workforce stability; (iii) environmental factors that influence staff capacity; and (iv) interventions to improve staff capacity. Studies reinforced the importance of staff–consumer, staff–relatives and staff–staff relationships and a supportive workplace culture for staff work ability and capacity to provide high quality care.ConclusionsIt is possible to improve practice in community and residential aged care, given: (i) enough staff; (ii) better training in person‐centred practice; and (iii) a supportive staff culture that encourages staff to put their training into practice.
Computed tomography colonography: a retrospective analysis of outcomes of 2 years experience in a district general hospital
Authors: Lynn William , Vadhwana Bhamini , Bell Daniel J. , Borgstein Rudi , Demetriou George , Nair Manojkumar S. , Meleagros Luke 
Published: March 2019

BackgroundColonoscopy is the gold‐standard investigation for direct luminal visualization of the large bowel. Studies have shown the efficacy of computed tomography colonography (CTC) is equivalent to colonoscopy in both cancer and polyp detection.MethodsA retrospective review of patients undergoing CTC from January 2013 to October 2014 was performed. Patient demographics, indication for investigation, computed tomography findings, optical colonoscopy findings and histology results were recorded.ResultsSeven hundred and fifty‐eight CTC were performed. Three hundred and seventeen patients were male (42%) and 441 (58%) were female. Endoscopy was advised in 209 cases. One hundred and twenty (16%) were deemed suspicious for cancer of whom 96 (80%) had optical colonoscopy. A total of 12 colorectal cancers were detected. Potential polyps were noted in 58 cases (8%). Forty‐four patients underwent endoscopy (75%) and 17 polyps confirmed (38%). Two patients had foci of invasive cancer histologically. Significant extracolonic findings were identified in 60%, including five cases of gastric carcinomas. The most common other findings were gallstones and hernias.ConclusionThe rate of colorectal cancer detection in this study was 2%. The rate of biopsy proven cancer was 10% following a suspicious colonogram. Endoscopic correlation was not obtained in 20% of cases of radiological suspicion. CTC is as efficacious as optical colonoscopy for colorectal cancer and polyp detection.
Management of per rectal bleeding is resource intensive
Authors: Fok Kar Yin , Murugesan Jothi R. , Maher Richard , Engel Alexander 
Published: March 2019

BackgroundHaematochezia or per rectal (PR) bleeding is the most common presentation of lower gastrointestinal bleeding. This study analyses the hospital resources used in the management of patients with PR bleeding.MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed on patients who presented with PR bleeding from June 2012 to December 2013 to a single tertiary centre in Sydney, Australia. Age, gender, comorbidities, use of antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications, vital signs, and haematological data were recorded. The objective factors available on initial patient assessment were analysed for their relationship with the following outcomes: use of computed tomography mesenteric angiogram, formal angiography and embolization, transfusion of blood products, endoscopy, operative management and length of stay.ResultsThere were 523 confirmed presentations of PR bleeding. Four hundred and fifty‐two of these presented directly to emergency department, while 71 were referred from another hospital. One in five patients had blood transfusion (19%), 13% had computed tomography mesenteric angiogram, 4% had embolization and 13% underwent diagnostic and/or therapeutic colonoscopy. Patients referred from other facilities were more comorbid (55% versus 30%), more likely to be on antiplatelet or anticoagulant (69% versus 33%) with a higher rate of embolization (28% versus 4%), more packed cell transfusions (2.1 versus 0.7 units) and longer length of stay (7.9 versus 5.7 days) but mortality was the same (1%).ConclusionsThe management of patients with PR bleeding is resource intensive. Better identification and allocation of resources in patients who present with PR bleeding may lead to better efficiency in managing this growing clinical problem.
Grazing exclusion and vegetation change in an upland grassland with patches of tall herbs
Authors: Watts Sarah H. , Griffith Anna , Mackinlay Lindsay 
Published: March 2019

AbstractQuestionsThe hydrophilous tall herb community is an important refuge for grazing‐sensitive broad‐leaved flowering plants. It is distributed throughout upland Europe but overgrazing has contributed to an unfavourable conservation status. To guide tall herb restoration, we asked: (a) Does using grazing exclusion where the tall herb habitat is confined to cliff ledge patches promote an expansion into the grassland below? (b) Does this management negatively affect vascular plant diversity?LocationBen Lawers NNR, Scotland.MethodsLarge herbivores have been excluded from a 180‐ha area containing patches of outcrops rich in tall herb habitat. Using 1999 and 2017 surveys of permanent plot transects located in the grassland below (Before–After design), we quantify impacts on community composition and tall herb abundance.ResultsSpecies diversity remained constant although total species richness declined slightly and tall herb species richness increased significantly. There was a large expansion in tall herb cover (+29.67%) and a corresponding decrease in grass cover (−26.16%), as well as smaller increases in bryophytes and small herbs and a reduction in bare ground. Community composition shifted significantly from species typical of upland calcareous grassland towards those found in tall herb habitats. Seven tall herb species were amongst those showing the greatest increase in cover, along with taller grasses and understory herbs. Grazing tolerant grasses and low‐growing, prostrate and annual herbs decreased. Competition for light, rather than resilience to herbivory, now has a major influence on the vegetation.ConclusionsUsing grazing exclusion where the tall herb habitat is largely confined to patches on cliff ledges facilitates an expansion into the upland grassland below. Although this management favours species tolerant of shadier conditions, there is no evidence of a negative impact on vascular plant community composition. It is therefore an effective strategy for promoting the restoration and favourable condition of this grazing‐sensitive habitat.
Slope processes in the High Arctic: a 30‐year‐long record from Spitsbergen
Authors: Dzierżek Jan , Szymanek Marcin , Nitychoruk Jerzy 
Published: March 2019

Ten monitoring sites were established in 1986 near the Scottbreen and Renardbreen glaciers (Bellsund, Spitsbergen) in order to determine the rates of gelifluction on raised marine terraces and on talus cones, accumulation on talus cones, and movement of the protalus rampart. The measurements were performed in 1987, 2007 and 2016. The results obtained revealed a very slow rate of changes on the surface of the analysed area. During 30 years, only one out of 84 points where the gelifluction rate was measured was displaced by 15 cm down‐slope. The maximal annual and average gelifluction rates were calculated at 0.5 cm and 0.18 cm a−1, respectively. Several measurement points did not change their position over the observation period. As shown by the observations, the gelifluction rate largely does not depend on slope inclination. Studies of talus cones allowed the level of cone increment to be determined as 314.3 kg of scree per square metre. Analysis of factors influencing the rate of mass movement allowed for correlation of the small‐scale gelifluction movement at the analysed sites with the general trends of climate warming. In this part of the Arctic, these trends are manifested by soil desiccation. It appears that slope processes depend on very local topoclimatic factors. Analysis of the obtained data with regard to palaeogeographical and climatic investigations suggests that the ice segregation forms on raised marine terraces developed during the last Holocene cooling, i.e. the Little Ice Age.
The 10Be deglaciation chronology of the Göschenertal, central Swiss Alps, and new insights into the Göschenen Cold Phases
Authors: Boxleitner Max , Ivy‐Ochs Susan , Egli Markus , Brandova Dagmar , Christl Marcus , Dahms Dennis , Maisch Max 
Published: March 2019

The Göschenertal (Göschenen valley) is the type locality of the so‐called Göschenen Cold Phases I (~3–2.3 ka) and II (~1.8–1.1 ka). According to earlier studies, these Late Holocene climatic cooling periods were characterized by changes in vegetation and pronounced glacier advances. As a peculiarity, the Göschenen Cold Phase I was thought to be connected to a local surge‐type advance of the Chelengletscher (Chelen glacier) – an exceptional event of unparalleled dimension in the European Alps. Based on cosmogenic 10Be exposure ages from moraine boulders, we investigated the local glacier chronology. In contrast to former research, moraines at different positions within the Göschenen valley (central Swiss Alps) have been dated to the Younger Dryas and the Early Holocene. This questions the applicability of palaeo‐Equilibrium Line Altitude (ELA) calculations for stadial attributions without additional numerical age constraints. Furthermore, we have found compelling evidence that the proposed non‐climatic glacier advance attributed to the Göschenen Cold Phase I did not occur. The present results, along with a reappraisal of the original study, question the scientific reliability and the glaciological definition of the Göschenen Cold Phases as glacier advances that clearly exceeded the Little Ice Age positions. While our data do not exclude potential changes in climate and vegetation, we nonetheless show that the Göschenen Cold Phases are not suitable as reference stadials in the system of Alpine Holocene glacier fluctuations.
Delivery of transplant care among Hmong kidney transplant recipients: Outcomes from a single institution
Authors: Odegard Marjorie , Serrano Oscar K. , Peterson Kent , Mongin Steven J. , Berglund Danielle , Vock David M. , Chinnakotla Srinath , Dunn Ty B. , Finger Erik B. , Kandaswamy Raja , Pruett Timothy L. , Matas Arthur J. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractKidney transplantation entails well‐coordinated complex care delivery. Patient‐provider cultural and linguistic discordance can lead to healthcare disparities. We analyzed kidney transplantation outcomes among our institution's Hmong recipients using a retrospective cohort study. From 1995 to 2015, 2164 adult (age ≥18) recipients underwent kidney transplantation at our institution; 78 self‐identified as Hmong. Survival rates were analyzed and compared to Caucasian recipients (n = 2086). Fifty (64.1%) Hmong recipients consistently requested interpreters. Mean follow‐up was 9.8 years for both groups. Hmong recipients (N = 78) were on average younger at transplant (45.7 vs 49.7 years; P = 0.02), more likely to be female (56% vs 38%; P = 0.001), and had higher gravidity (5.0 vs 1.9 births; P < 0.001). There were 13 (16.7%) Hmong living donor recipients, who were younger (32.8 vs 42.9 years; P = 0.006) at transplant compared to Caucasians (1429, 68.5%). Hmong 1‐ and 5‐year patient survival was 100%; Caucasians, 97.1% and 88% (P < 0.001). Hmong 1‐ and 5‐year graft survival was 98.7% and 84.9%; Caucasians 94.8% and 80.9% (P = 0.013). One‐ and 5‐year rejection‐free survival showed no difference (88.9% vs 82.4%; 86.7% vs 83.4%, P = 0.996). Despite cultural and linguistic differences between Hmong recipients and providers, we found no evidence of inferiority in KT outcomes in the Hmong population.
What factors contributed to the misconduct of health practitioners? An analysis of Australian cases involving the diversion and supply of pharmaceutical drugs for non‐medical use between 2010 and 2016
Authors: Hulme Shann , Hughes Caitlin Elizabeth , Nielsen Suzanne 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIntroduction and AimsIncreasing quantities of pharmaceutical drugs are used non‐medically around the world, including in Australia, resulting in rising harms. This study examines the role of health practitioners (HP) in diversion and the circumstances surrounding their misconduct in Australia.Design and MethodsTribunal decisions were obtained from the Australasian Legal Information Institute for 117 complaints against HPs for inappropriately prescribing/supplying or misappropriating drugs, representing a comprehensive search of cases from 2010 to 2016. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to examine patterns of misconduct by demographics, drug type, scale and contributors.ResultsCases involving inappropriate prescribing/supply (73%) had greater odds of involving doctors (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 48.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.63–640.11) and pharmacists (AOR 85.59, 95% CI 5.08–1443.05) and HPs over 50 years (AOR 16.54, 95% CI 2.80–97.60) and lower odds of being attributed to individual circumstances (AOR 0.06, 95% CI 0.01–0.57). Cases involving misappropriation (31%) had greater odds of involving nurses (AOR 19.86, 95% CI 2.50–157.93), HPs under 40 years (AOR 5.08, 95% CI 1.24–20.90) and being attributed to individual circumstances (AOR 7.96, 95% CI 1.52–41.75). Subgroup analyses indicated that doctors were more likely to inappropriately prescribe pharmaceutical opioids, sedatives and Schedule 8 drugs, and their misconduct was attributed to lacking the skills and temperament to manage complex patient groups, while pharmacists were more often involved in pseudoephedrine supply for financial reasons.Discussion and ConclusionsStrategies to reduce diversion should be multifaceted and may include better supporting HPs to manage complex patient groups and removing barriers to substance use treatment for HPs.
Literacy acquisition in multilingual educational contexts: Evidence from Coastal Kenya
Authors: Jasińska Kaja K. , Wolf Sharon , Jukes Matthew C.H. , Dubeck Margaret M. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractLiteracy is a powerful tool against poverty, leading to further education and vocational success. In sub‐Saharan Africa, schoolchildren commonly learn in two languages—African and European. Multiple early literacy skills (including phonological awareness and receptive language) support literacy acquisition, but this has yet to be empirically tested in sub‐Saharan Africa, where learning contexts are highly multilingual, and children are often learning to read in a language they do not speak at home. We use longitudinal data from 1,100 schoolchildren spanning three groups of native languages [Mijikenda languages (Digo, Duruma, Chonyi, and Giriama), Kiswahili, Kikamba] in coastal Kenya (language of instruction: Kiswahili and English). We find that baseline phonological awareness and receptive language are differentially important in predicting literacy skills in English and in Kiswahili, and these relations are moderated by the degree of shared cross‐linguistic features between home and school languages. Importantly, the relative importance of these factors changes over development. Implications for language development and literacy acquisition in linguistically diverse contexts are discussed.
Development of guidelines for improving oral health in individuals with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Gosnell Roxanne , Lazear Janice , Hemphill Jean Croce , Dotson Deborah 
Published: March 2019

ObjectiveThe purpose of this project was to develop evidence‐based clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for the management of oral health (OH) for patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD).BackgroundIndividuals with PD have significantly poorer OH than the general population. Poor OH is a risk factor for systemic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections.Materials and MethodsAfter an extensive literature review was completed, available evidence was evaluated for inclusion in the initial draft of the guidelines. The draft was then reviewed for content validity by experts in the areas of dentistry, dental hygiene and neurology using the Delphi method. After consensus among the content experts, final guidelines were completed. The final CPG was presented to individuals with PD and their caregivers at a support group. Participants were asked to review the information in the guidelines for 2 weeks and then submit a survey regarding the usefulness of the CPG. The CPG was also evaluated by practicing nurse practitioners (NPs) and dental hygienists using the AGREE II tool.ResultsTwenty people from the PD support group participated in the educational intervention, and surveys were received from 14 participants. Overall, participants agreed or strongly agreed with each statement related to the applicability and usefulness of the guidelines. The CPG was evaluated using the AGREE II tool, and scores were >80% in all domains with an overall score of 97.1%.ConclusionDevelopment of these guidelines represent an initial step in improving the oral health and overall health of individuals with PD.
Hybrid polymeric systems of mesoporous silica/hydroxyapatite nanoparticles applied as antitumor drug delivery platform
Authors: dos Apostolos Rafaela C. R. , Andrade Gracielle F. , da Silva Wellington M. , de Assis Gomes Dawidson , de Miranda Marcelo C. , de Sousa Edésia M. B. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIn this study, we report the production of a mesoporous silica/hydroxyapatite‐based nanocomposite containing copper (Cu) functionalized with methacrylic acid (MAA), a pH‐sensitive polymer. The functionalization of the nanoparticles surface was performed using the microwave method in order to anchor the cross‐linking tetraethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA), onto the nanoparticles surface followed by MAA polymerization. The materials were characterized by XRD, XRF spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermal analysis, zeta potential, and elemental analysis. Studies of the incorporation and release of the antitumor methotrexate drug were performed in order to evaluate the potential use of these drug carrier systems in cancer therapy. Moreover, the in vitro cytotoxicity of the samples in fibroblast and SAOS‐2 cells was investigated, and the activity of the adipose‐derived stem cell alkaline phosphatase on nanocomposites was studied by in vitro assays. The results indicate that the Cu‐containing nanocomposites can be easily produced and that these compositions have beneficial effects in stem cells, maintaining cell viability, and allowing alkaline phosphatase expression. In conclusion, data from this work show that the nanocomposites obtained have adequate characteristic to be used as drug delivery platform. Furthermore, the biomaterial is a promising structure for treatment of bone tumor.
Holy Scripture under the Auspices of the Holy Trinity: On John Webster’s Trinitarian Doctrine of Scripture
Authors: Sanders Fred 
Published: March 2019

AbstractAs he approached the monumental task of writing his own systematic theology, John Webster gave strategic attention to constructing a doctrine of Scripture that was adequate to support such a project. In contrast to some well‐respected modern systematic theologies that got by with less robust bibliologies (those of Pannenberg and Jenson), Webster saw the need to establish from the outset a more fully elaborated doctrine of Holy Scripture. He framed that doctrine of Scripture by appealing above all to his central dogmatic commitment, the doctrine of the Trinity. The trinitarian contours of Webster’s doctrine of Scripture are most conspicuous in his treatment of the missions of the Son and the Spirit. Webster understands the entire Bible as the self‐testimony of the risen Christ (mission of the Son), and explains its cognitive effectiveness in terms of the full range of the work of the Holy Spirit in inspiration and illumination (mission of the Spirit). The trinitarian grounding of his doctrine of Scripture enabled Webster to retrieve the Protestant orthodox doctrine of Scripture’s inspiration.