bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Link between cattle and the trophic status of tropical high mountain lakes in páramo grasslands in Ecuador
Authors: Van Colen Willem , Mosquera Pablo V. , Hampel Henrietta , Muylaert Koenraad 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe high‐altitude páramo grasslands of the Andes Mountains are rich in lakes that represent a source of high‐quality water for the region. Páramo grasslands are mainly used for cattle grazing. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of cattle on the trophic status of páramo lakes. In a survey of 30 lakes in Cajas National Park (NP), a semi‐quantitative estimate for cattle abundance in the vicinity of the lakes was the best predictor of the chlorophyll‐a concentrations in the lakes. Cattle abundance was also significantly related to phytoplankton community composition, being associated with a shift from chlorophytes to diatoms and dinoflagellates. Lake Culibrillas, a lake situated in the Sangay National Park (Sangay NP), a region with much more intensive cattle farming than Cajas NP exhibited a chlorophyll‐a concentration greater than twice as much as the largest concentration measured in the Cajas NP lakes, being characterized by a dinoflagellate bloom. Although chlorophyll‐a concentrations increased with cattle abundance, the concentrations in all the study lakes remained low (0.02–1.8 μg/L), indicating that extensive cattle farming does not cause severe eutrophication. The results of this study nevertheless indicate that intensification of livestock farming in páramo grasslands might result in a deterioration of water quality in the páramo lakes.
Factors related to exclusive breastfeeding in Thai adolescent mothers: Concept mapping approach
Authors: Nuampa Sasitara , Tilokskulchai Fongcum , Patil Crystal L. , Sinsuksai Nittaya , Phahuwatanakorn Wanna 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe advantages of exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months are well‐known. Unfortunately, adolescent mothers have lower rates of breastfeeding exclusivity and shorter duration of breastfeeding. There is limited evidence regarding exclusive breastfeeding determinants in adolescent mothers. The purpose of this study was to obtain adolescent mother‐generated factors related to exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months. A mixed‐methods design was conducted through concept mapping. Thirty adolescent mothers aged 15–19 years who had wide range of exclusive breastfeeding experiences brainstormed about specific factors. They then sorted and rated the statements into key clusters. Finally, half of the participants were involved in the interpretation of the mapping results and the creation of pathway diagrams. Data were analysed by multivariate statistics in the Concept System Global MAX program. The results showed that the adolescent mothers brainstormed about 104 statements on the factors related to exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months. These factors can be categorized into the following six key clusters: (a) breastfeeding advantages; (b) facilitating factors and necessary skills; (c) promotion and support needed; (d) community and social influence; (e) internal and external barriers; and (f) key problems in families. The pattern matching provided understanding of how key clusters are important to successful breastfeeding through comparing three groups of exclusive breastfeeding durations. Finally, the relationships of the stated factors were drawn in pathway diagrams. Exclusive breastfeeding experiences among Thai adolescent mothers showed complexity involving multilevel influences of social systems. The promotion of optimal breastfeeding should recognize the influences of both personal and environmental factors.
Nitrous oxide effluxes from plants as a potentially important source to the atmosphere
Authors: Lenhart Katharina , Behrendt Thomas , Greiner Steffen , Steinkamp Jörg , Well Reinhard , Giesemann Anette , Keppler Frank 
Published: October 2018

Summary

The global budget for nitrous oxide (N2O), an important greenhouse gas and probably dominant ozone‐depleting substance emitted in the 21st century, is far from being fully understood. Cycling of N2O in terrestrial ecosystems has traditionally exclusively focused on gas exchange between the soil surface (nitrification–denitrification processes) and the atmosphere. Terrestrial vegetation has not been considered in the global budget so far, even though plants are known to release N2O.

Here, we report the N2O emission rates of 32 plant species from 22 different families measured under controlled laboratory conditions. Furthermore, the first isotopocule values (δ15N, δ18O and δ15Nsp) of N2O emitted from plants were determined.

A robust relationship established between N2O emission and CO2 respiration rates, which did not alter significantly over a broad range of changing environmental conditions, was used to quantify plant‐derived emissions on an ecosystem scale. Stable isotope measurements (δ15N, δ18O and δ15Nsp) of N2O emitted by plants clearly show that the dual isotopocule fingerprint of plant‐derived N2O differs from that of currently known microbial or chemical processes.

Our work suggests that vegetation is a natural source of N2O in the environment with a large fraction released by a hitherto unrecognized process.
Eocene isopods on electric rays: tracking ancient biological interactions from a complex fossil record
Authors: Robin Ninon , Marramà Giuseppe , Vonk Ronald , Kriwet Jürgen , Carnevale Giorgio 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIsopod crustaceans have developed a variety of feeding strategies, which impact on their various life habits over time. Apart from morphological adaptations and the typical secondary deformations that some parasitic isopods inflict on their host's exoskeleton, traces of feeding behaviours involving isopods on their victim/food are seldom fossilized. Many of these rare occurrences consist of cases for which the degree of association between the isopods and their potential food source is unclear, or the interaction only very briefly explained (recently analysed cases excepted). There are two limiting problems in identifying the biological nature of fossilized associations: (1) direct associations of organisms preserved as ‘imprint’ (as opposed to inclusions in cherts or amber) are shaped by several taphonomic events difficult to identify (such as the time of death, burial and fossilization of the organism); (2) even in modern nature, differences withinsyn vivointeractions (like parasitism and micropredation) are poorly understood in marine systems. We report the occurrence of isopods associated with ancient chondrichthyans which also represent rare cases of the preservation of several fossil isopods on larger organisms. These organisms are adult electric rays of the genus †TitanonarkeCarvalho from the late Ypresian (Eocene) of the Monte Postale site, Bolca Lagerstätte, Italy. By examining: (1) the involved lineages of rays and isopods; (2) the taphonomy of the association; (3) its environmental context; and (4) biological/adaptive features; we identify this association as a selective case, either of ancient scavenging or of micropredation on specific electric rays by isopods.
Effect on Morphine Requirement of Early Administration of Oral Acetaminophen vs. Acetaminophen/Tramadol Combination in Acute Pain
Authors: Bouida Wahid , Beltaief Kaouthar , Msolli Mohamed Amine , Ben Marzouk Maryem , Boubaker Hamdi , Grissa Mohamed Habib , Zorgati Asma , Methamem Mehdi , Boukef Riadh , Belguith Asma , Nouira Semir 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the effect on opioid requirement of pain treatment starting at triage, and to evaluate satisfaction in emergency department (ED) patients with acute pain.MethodsThis is a single‐blind, randomized, prospective study conducted in the ED. The included patients were randomly assigned to single oral doses of placebo, acetaminophen, or a tramadol/acetaminophen combination. Protocol treatment was given at triage. The primary outcome was the need for rescue morphine during ED stay. The secondary outcome included patient satisfaction, ED length of stay, and percentage of patients discharged from the ED with a VAS score of <30.ResultsWe included 1,485 patients: 496 patients in the placebo group, 497 in the acetaminophen group, and 492 in the tramadol/acetaminophen combination group. The groups were similar regarding demographic and clinical characteristics and baseline VAS pain scores. Rescue morphine was significantly decreased in the tramadol/acetaminophen combination group compared to that in the placebo and acetaminophen groups (11.5%, 23.2%, and 18.9%, respectively; P = 0.03). Patient satisfaction was higher in the tramadol/acetaminophen combination group (77% vs. 69% in the acetaminophen group and 68% in the placebo group). A VAS score of <30 was observed in 84% of patients in the placebo group, 83% in the acetaminophen group, and 87% in the tramadol/acetaminophen combination group (P = 0.01 between the acetaminophen group and tramadol/acetaminophen combination group). The ED length of stay was 60 minutes for the acetaminophen group and tramadol/acetaminophen combination group and 71 minutes for the placebo group (P = 0.04).ConclusionOral tramadol/acetaminophen combination administered early in triage was associated with a decrease in intravenous morphine requirement and increase in satisfaction among ED patients with acute pain when compared with patients taking acetaminophen. No significant increase in side effects was found. This intervention may be considered in EDs with an aim of similar benefits.
A comparison of international management guidelines for atopic dermatitis
Authors: LePoidevin Lindsey M. , Lee Dylan E. , Shi Vivian Y. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackground/ObjectivesAtopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic condition that is predominantly found in pediatric patients and commonly presents therapeutic challenges. The management ofADencompasses a variety of factors, and the pillars of optimal management revolve around skin barrier repair and antiinflammatory, antimicrobial, and antipruritic treatment.ADmanagement guidelines exist in various geographic regions globally. The purpose of this review was to compare international guidelines to highlight the similarities and variances among populations and skin types. Comparisons were made for recommendations regarding moisturization, bathing, wet wrap therapy, topical corticosteroids, topical calcineurin inhibitors, antihistamines, antipruritics, antibiotics, systemic immunosuppressants, and biologics.MethodsA literature search of the PubMed,EMBASE, andMEDLINEdatabases was performed for published guidelines in each geographic region. Inclusion criteria included publications available in English that were established by a dermatological association or group including dermatologists, pertained to the treatment ofADin humans, were the most recent guidelines available that were published between 2007 and 2018, and included comprehensive treatment recommendations.ResultsPublications from Europe, North America, Asia, the Asia‐Pacific region, Australia, and Africa were reviewed, encompassing 14 guidelines. Notable diversity exists across these guidelines regarding recommendations for moisturization and bathing, as well as topical and systemic therapies forAD.ConclusionsDue to the heterogeneity of the disease and regional treatment accessibility, complete standardization ofADmanagement guidelines may be difficult. Nevertheless, more consensus on management guidelines is needed, and recommendations should be updated as new treatment modalities become available.
Predictors of health related‐quality of life among elderly with disabilities
Authors: Janjusevic Ana , Cirkovic Ivana , Lukic Iva , Janjusevic Vesna , Jevtic Ksenija , Grgurevic Anita 
Published: October 2018

AimThere have been no previous studies of health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) among adults aged 65 years and older with disabilities in Serbia. The aim of study was to identify predictors of HRQOL in the context of sociodemographic characteristics, disability aetiology, comorbid diseases, indices of comorbidities, realization of social rights, and domestic violence.MethodsThe cross‐sectional study involved 275 consecutive elderly outpatients with disabilities. They were recruited by general practitioners at Primary Health Centers in Belgrade, Serbia, from March to May 2015. Data were acquired through face‐to‐face interviews and general practitioners’ charts, while the generic 36‐item Short Form Health Survey was used to assess HRQOL. In statistical analysis, Student's t‐test, Z‐test, Spearman's correlation test, and both univariate and multivariate linear regression were performed.ResultsMultivariate analysis revealed that a higher Functional Comorbidity Index (β = −0.194, P < 0.01) and not asking for realization of right to assistance and care financial benefits (β = −0.142, P < 0.05) were predictors of a lower scores Mental Composite Score (F = 9.262; P < 0.001). Not asking for realization of right to assistance and care financial benefits (β = −0.187, P < 0.01), congestive heart failure (β = −0.123, P < 0.05), and stroke (β = −0.120, P < 0.05) were predictors of a lower Physical Composite Score (F = 7.169, P < 0.001).ConclusionsThis study provides valuable data for better understanding the underlying factors associated with the HRQOL of elderly persons with disabilities, and currently, these are the only available data of their kind in Serbia. National authorities could identify predictors of HRQOL as a basic starting point for improving the social welfare and health‐care systems. Better prevention and management of clinical factors, increased access to social services, and enhanced delivery of social services will improve the ageing process and HRQOL of this vulnerable population.
The apparel industry in the post‐Multifiber Arrangement environment: A review
Authors: Alam M. S. , Selvanathan E. A. , Selvanathan S. , Hossain M. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe apparel industry contributes significantly to the economic development of many developing countries. Between 1974 and 2004, the Multifiber Arrangement (MFA) heavily regulated this industry. Since the total abolition of the MFA in 2005, competition in apparel trade has increased many folds and some developing countries, such as Bangladesh and Vietnam, have been successful while some others, such as Mexico and the Philippines, are struggling to meet this challenge. This study presents a historical evolution of the apparel industry before and after the introduction of MFA and analyzes the factors that enhance apparel export performance during the post‐MFA period. The analysis reveals that cheap labor, firm size, product quality, foreign ownership, availability of local input materials, new product development, preferential market access and working conditions are the major factors that help gaining competitiveness in apparel exports during the post‐MFA period. These observations provide new insights to the policy makers and business managers to formulate and implement appropriate policies in order to become competitive in apparel exports.
Impact of land use during winter on the balance of greenhouse gases
Authors: Posse G. , Lewczuk N. , Di Bella C. , Richter K. , Oricchio P. , Hilbert J. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe increase in atmospheric greenhouse gases (GHGs) can be mitigated by capturing CO2 from the atmosphere and/or by reducing their emissions. Replacing winter intercrop fallow by cover crops (CCs) can sequester carbon and improve nitrogen use efficiency under proper management. We monitored two cycles of a cash crop namely soybean (soy1) and double‐cropping soybean (soy2) and their respective post‐harvest periods. During the first period, a winter crop (wheat) was used as an alternative to CCs, and in the second period, a chemical fallow treatment (bare soil) was applied. Carbon dioxide and N2O exchange rates were estimated with turbulent flux measurements and N2O fluxes with complementary static chambers. During the soy1/wheat sequence, the soil gained 2800 kg C eq/ha, while during the soy2/bare fallow sequence the soil lost 5083 kg C eq/ha. Excluding the carbon exported by harvest, both sequences lost carbon, but the soy2/bare fallow cycle was fivefold higher. The replacement of bare fallow by a winter cover crop like wheat decreases N2O emissions considerably and converts carbon losses (by respiration) into gains (by fixation in photosynthesis). The replacement of traditional non‐harvested cover crops by winter wheat may provide not only similar advantages in terms of soil improvement, preservation, and reduction in nitrogen loss, but also an additional harvest. It will be necessary to adjust the fertilization of this cover crop to prevent excess nitrogen from accumulating in soils.
Trends, patterns and causes of respiratory disease mortality among inpatients in Tanzania, 2006–2015
Authors: Kishamawe Coleman , Rumisha Susan F. , Mremi Irene R. , Bwana Veneranda M. , Chiduo Mercy G. , Massawe Isolide S. , Mboera Leonard E. G. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the causes, patterns and trends of respiratory diseases‐related deaths in hospitals of Tanzania 2006–2015.MethodsRetrospective study involving 39 hospitals. Medical records of patients who died in hospital were retrieved, reviewed and analysed. Sources of data were hospital admission registers, death registers and International Classification of Diseases report forms. Information on demographic characteristics, date of death, the immediate underlying cause of death and co‐morbid conditions was collected.ResultsOf the 247 976 deaths reported during the 10‐year period, respiratory diseases accounted for 12.92% (n = 32 042). The majority of the respiratory mortality was reported among males (55.9%). Overall median age at death was 31 years with an interquartile range (IQR) of 1–47. Median age at death was significantly higher among males (35 years) than females (28 years) (P < 0.0001). Most deaths (37.8%) occurred in eastern Tanzania. About one‐third (31.3%) of all respiratory mortality was reported among under‐five children, being among girls than boys (34.3% vs. 28.9%, χ2 = 10.3, P < 0.0001). Adolescent and young adult females (15–29 years) had higher age‐standardised mortality rates per 100 000 due respiratory diseases than males. Pneumonia (n = 16 639; 51.9%) and pulmonary tuberculosis (n = 9687; 30.2%) accounted for the majority of deaths due to respiratory diseases. Significantly more females (n = 7665; 54.5%) than males died from pneumonia (n = 8878; 49.8%; χ2 = 8.5, P < 0.0001). By contrast, significantly more males (n = 6024; 34%) than females (n = 3596; 26%; χ2 = 15.5, P < 0.0001) died of tuberculosis. The proportion of death due to tuberculosis declined from 32.8% in 2006–2010 to 7.9% in 2011–2015. However, there was a significant increase in the proportion of death due to pneumonia from 49.6% in 2006–2010 to 53.4% in 2011–2015. Co‐morbid conditions contributed to 9.1% (2871/31 628) of all deaths due to respiratory diseases. The most common co‐morbid condition was HIV which accounted for 1735 (60.4%) deaths and was more common among males (60.8%; n = 957) than among females (59.7%; n = 764).ConclusionsRespiratory diseases account for a substantial proportion of all causes of hospital death in Tanzania. Pneumonia and tuberculosis contribute to more than three quarters of all deaths due to respiratory diseases. Since most major respiratory illnesses are avoidable, it is important to strengthen the capacity of the health delivery system in managing cases of respiratory diseases.
Retrospective evaluation of 4 methods for outcome prediction in overt disseminated intravascular coagulation in dogs (2009–2014): 804 cases
Authors: Goggs Robert , Mastrocco Alicia , Brooks Marjory B. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectiveThe clinical diagnosis of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in dogs is challenging. It was hypothesized that dogs with laboratory abnormalities consistent with overt DIC have increased mortality and hence survival could be used to evaluate the performance of DIC scoring systems. Four DIC scoring systems were compared in clinically ill dogs: The International Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) score; a previously published veterinary DIC score; a system using in‐house reference intervals (RIs) for coagulation assays; and the published veterinary DIC score modified by use of in‐house RI values.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingUniversity teaching hospital.AnimalsEight hundred four client‐owned dogs with underlying disorders associated with DIC.InterventionsNone.Measurements and Main ResultsMedical records were reviewed to identify dogs for which a coagulation panel consisting of coagulation times, D‐dimer concentration, antithrombin activity, fibrinogen concentration, and platelet count had been analyzed. Four methods for overt DIC scoring were then applied, and the ability of these scores to predict mortality was evaluated. Use of institution RIs for diagnosis of overt DIC provided the most accurate prognostic assessment. A score based on abnormalities in 3 of 6 parameters to identify overt DIC was 72.7% sensitive and 80.9% specific for mortality and was accurate in 78.4% of cases. The mortality rate of dogs diagnosed with overt DIC via this method was 62.5%, compared to 12.9% in the dogs not in overt DIC, a relative risk of nonsurvival of 4.84 (95% confidence interval 3.80–6.16).ConclusionsIn dogs at‐risk for DIC, an in‐house RI scoring system accurately predicted mortality. With further prospective validation, this system holds promise as a diagnostic tool for consistent characterization of overt DIC in clinical studies and clinical practice.
Emphysematous gastritis in a cat
Authors: Rhue Kathryn E. , Biddick Allison A. , Foltz Kelly M. , Cole Robert C. , Newton Joseph C. , Bacek Lenore A. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of a case of emphysematous gastritis (EG) in a cat.Case Series SummaryA 15‐year‐old female neutered domestic short‐hair cat presented for a 4‐month history of weight loss and intermittent vomiting. Clinicopathologic and imaging findings suggested an underlying primary gastrointestinal (GI) disease, as well as possible hepatobiliary disease. Two days following exploratory laparotomy to obtain GI and liver biopsies, the patient became septic and intracellular bacteria were present on cytology of peritoneal effusion. On radiographs, the stomach was markedly distended with fluid and contained a thin gas opacity surrounding the stomach wall. The patient was taken back to surgery to identify a source of sepsis. At surgery, the patient's stomach was firm and emphysematous on palpation but grossly appeared normal. There were no signs of dehiscence of the previous biopsy sites. Stomach biopsy confirmed the presence of intralesional Gram‐positive rods, consistent with microbial EG, and a light growth of a Clostridium sp. was cultured from abdominal fluid, consistent with clostridial peritonitis. During a third surgery for suspected septic peritonitis, a jejunostomy tube was placed for postgastric enteral feeding. The patient ultimately survived to discharge and is clinically stable 10 months later.New/Unique Information ProvidedEG is a rare but potentially fatal clinical entity in the human and veterinary literature with only 1 other case reported in cats. Though clostridial organisms have been reported in EG in people, this is the first implication of EG secondary to a Clostridium sp. in the cat. This is also the first report to document the use of a jejunostomy tube for postgastric enteral nutrition to treat EG in the veterinary literature.