bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Postsystolic index for distinguishing coronary artery disease in left bundle branch block
Authors: Nabati Maryam , Mahmoudi Payam , Yazdani Jamshid , Parsaee Homa 
Published: March 2019

BackgroundLeft bundle branch block (LBBB) is associated with a high risk of death, particularly from ventricular tachyarrhythmia and myocardial infarction. It is difficult to clinically differentiate between ischemic and nonischemic LBBB. In this study, we investigated whether advanced echocardiographic variables, such as strain delay index (SDI) and postsystolic index (PSI), can be used to distinguish coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with LBBB.MethodsOur study included 102 patients with LBBB. All patients underwent echocardiography. The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular mass, PSI, SDI, global longitudinal strain (GLS), and time‐to‐peak longitudinal strain were then calculated. Coronary angiography was performed, and the patients were divided into groups with significant CAD and without significant CAD.ResultsPatients in the group with significant CAD were older than the patients in the group without significant CAD. The group had a higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and family history of CAD than the group without significant CAD. The group with significant CAD also had lower LVEF and GLS than the group without significant CAD. The group without significant CAD showed a direct correlation between LVEF and SDI and an inverse correlation between LVEF and PSI: P value = 0.040 and r = 0.255, and P value = 0.001 and r = −0.427, respectively. However, the group with significant CAD did not show any significant correlation between LVEF and SDI or PSI.ConclusionStrain delay index and PSI may be useful markers in distinguishing CAD in patients with LBBB and preserved LVEF.
Piloting a more intensive 8‐week mindfulness programme in early‐ and mid‐adolescent school students
Authors: Johnson Catherine , Wade Tracey 
Published: March 2019

AimIt is unclear how adult mindfulness‐based interventions (MBIs) should be modified for youth, and at what ages programmes should be implemented for optimal impact. Recent non‐replication with a 9‐week programme in early adolescence suggested abbreviated programme content might be insufficient and/or that this age group are less receptive.MethodThis controlled quasi‐experimental design tested a more intensive 8‐week MBI (longer meditation and session duration, plus inquiry) in Year 8 (Mage = 13.47; SD = 0.35) and Year 10 (Mage = 15.47; SD = 0.40) secondary students for feasibility and acceptability (N = 143, 45.9% female).ResultsWithin this format students rated the content as agreeable, and school staff deemed content developmentally appropriate, across both age bands. Efficacy was tested in a small subsample (N = 90) to provide an estimate of effect size. Linear mixed modelling demonstrated significant between‐group differences in depression (Cohen's d = 0.61; 95% CI = 0.19 to 1.03) and anxiety (d = 0.52; 95% CI = 0.10 to 0.94) at 4‐month follow‐up, but not immediately post‐intervention.ConclusionAn MBI more closely modelled on adult curricula was acceptable to students, although session duration was harder to timetable by schools. Promising effect sizes support further investigation in a larger sample.
No borders during the post‐glacial assembly of European bryophytes
Authors: Ledent A. , Désamoré A. , Laenen B. , Mardulyn P. , McDaniel S. F. , Zanatta F. , Patiño J. , Vanderpoorten A. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractClimatic fluctuations during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) exerted a profound influence on biodiversity patterns, but their impact on bryophytes, the second most diverse group of land plants, has been poorly documented. Approximate Bayesian computations based on coalescent simulations showed that the post‐glacial assembly of European bryophytes involves a complex history from multiple sources. The contribution of allochthonous migrants was 95–100% of expanding populations in about half of the 15 investigated species, which is consistent with the globally balanced genetic diversities and extremely low divergence observed among biogeographical regions. Such a substantial contribution of allochthonous migrants in the post‐glacial assembly of Europe is unparalleled in other plants and animals. The limited role of northern micro‐refugia, which was unexpected based on bryophyte life‐history traits, and of southern refugia, is consistent with recent palaeontological evidence that LGM climates in Eurasia were much colder and drier than what palaeoclimatic models predict.
Interpreting Probabilistic Classifications From Diagnostic Psychometric Models
Authors: Bradshaw Laine , Levy Roy 
Published: March 2019

AbstractAlthough much research has been conducted on the psychometric properties of cognitive diagnostic models, they are only recently being used in operational settings to provide results to examinees and other stakeholders. Using this newer class of models in practice comes with a fresh challenge for diagnostic assessment developers: effectively reporting results and supporting end users to accurately interpret results. Achieving the goal of communicating results in a way that leads users of the assessment to make accurate interpretations requires a prerequisite step that cannot be taken for granted. The assessment developers must first accurately interpret results from a psychometric, or measurement, standpoint. Through this article, we seek to begin a discussion about reasonable interpretations of the results that classification‐based models provide about examinees. Interpretations from published research and ongoing practice show different—and sometimes conflicting—ways to interpret these results. This article seeks to formalize a comparison, critique, and discussion among the interpretations. Before beginning this discussion, we first present background on the results provided by classification‐based models regarding the examinees. We then structure our discussion around key questions an assessment development team needs to answer themselves prior to constructing reports and interpretative guides for end users of the assessment.
Me against who? Male guppies adjust mating behaviour according to their rival’s presence and attractiveness
Authors: Órfão Inês , Barbosa Miguel , Ojanguren Alfredo F. , Vicente Luís , Varela Susana A. M. , Magurran Anne E. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractSexual selection theory suggests that males need to constantly reappraise their mating decisions to take account of the presence and the phenotypes of their rivals. Here we examine this expectation by asking: (i) If the presence of a rival influences male mating behaviour; (ii) How important is the attractiveness of the rival (absolute attractiveness) in shaping male behaviour; and (iii) How does a male's attractiveness in comparison to his rival (relative attractiveness) influence a male's mating decisions. Using the Trinidadian guppy, a species in which female mate choice (based on males’ attractive traits) plays an important role in male mating outcomes, we recorded the frequency of courtship displays and unsolicited attempts by focal males. First, we quantified focal male mating behaviour with and without a rival. Since the probability of a successful mating is, on average, halved by the presence of a rival, we predicted that under competition the focal male would invest more in less costly mating tactic—unsolicited attempts. Second, we examined how the rival's standard length and area of orange coloration mediated focal male mating behaviour. We found that rival presence influenced how focal males responded to females in terms of both mating tactics. However, the rival attractiveness elicited changes only in male courtship display. Focal males increased courtship display rate if his rival was small or if possessed large amounts of orange, regardless of considering rival absolute or relative attractiveness. Our results show that males invest in the costlier mating tactic when there is no rival or in the presence of a smaller rival. Interestingly, they make a similar investment in the presence of an attractive orange rival. Overall, this study highlights the importance of fine‐grained male decisions in mating encounters and shows that mating tactics are differentially shaped by multiple competition risk cues.
Pharmacokinetics and safety of repeated oral dosing of acetaminophen in adult horses
Authors: Mercer M. A. , McKenzie H. C. , Davis J. L. , Wilson K. E. , Hodgson D. R. , Cecere T. E. , McIntosh B. J. 
Published: March 2019

SummaryBackgroundThere are no published studies on the pharmacokinetics of acetaminophen at the dosage used clinically (20 mg/kg), nor has the safety of multiple doses in horses been investigated.ObjectiveDefine the pharmacokinetic parameters of oral acetaminophen at 20 mg/kg in adult horses as a single dose, and twice daily for 14 days to assess the safety of multiple dosing.Study designPharmacokinetic study, multiple dose safety study.MethodsEight healthy Thoroughbred geldings were given acetaminophen (20 mg/kg; 500 mg tablets) orally as a single dose followed by doses every 12 h for 14 days. Serial blood samples were collected for determination of plasma acetaminophen concentrations using high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. Serum biochemical analysis, gastroscopy and liver biopsy were examined during the safety study.ResultsFollowing a single dose, mean maximum concentration (Cmax) was 16.61 μg/mL at 1.35 h (Tmax), and drug concentration was below the lower limit of detection in most horses by 24 h. Elimination half‐life (T1/2) was 2.78 h. No significant accumulation was noted following multiple doses. Average Cmax of acetaminophen following multiple oral dosing was 15.85 μg/mL, with a Tmax of 0.99 h and T1/2 of 4 h. Serum activities of sorbitol dehydrogenase were significantly decreased and total bilirubin concentrations were significantly increased following the last dose. No statistically significant changes were noted in gastroscopy scores.Main limitationsOnly one dose level (20 mg/kg) was studied, sample size was small and only a single breed and sex was used, with no pretreatment liver biopsies.ConclusionThis study described the pharmacokinetics of acetaminophen following single and multiple 20 mg/kg oral doses in adult horses and demonstrated the safety of acetaminophen with multiple oral dosing over 14 days.
The summary is available in Portuguese – see Supporting information
Continuous fluid infusion per rectum compared with intravenous and nasogastric fluid administration in horses
Authors: Khan A. , Hallowell G. D. , Underwood C. , van Eps A. W. 
Published: March 2019

SummaryBackgroundRectal fluid administration may offer a simple, safe and inexpensive alternative to intravenous or nasogastric fluid therapy in equine clinical cases.ObjectivesTo evaluate the tolerance and effects of rectally administered fluid and compare the measurements of haemodilution and intravascular volume with those during nasogastric and intravenous fluid administration.Study designRandomised controlled experimental trial.MethodsSix clinically normal Standardbred geldings were used in a 4‐way crossover study: each received three different fluid treatments (intravenous, nasogastric and rectal) at 5 mL/kg/h for 6 h and underwent a control (no treatment) with water and feed withheld. Bodyweight was measured at baseline and 6 h. Packed cell volume (PCV), total solids (TS), albumin, electrolytes, lactate, urine specific gravity, vital parameters, gastrointestinal borborygmi and central venous pressure were measured every 2 h.ResultsRectal fluid administration with plain water was well tolerated and caused clinical chemistry changes consistent with haemodilution, indicating absorption. Mean (95% confidence interval)PCVdecreased from 40% [40–42] at 0 h to 35% [34–36] at 6 h during rectal fluid treatment (P<0.001), similar to decreases inPCVoccurring also with i.v. and nasogastric (NGT) treatment (P<0.001). TheTSalso decreased with i.v. and rectal fluid (P<0.001). There was a decrease in bodyweight in the control (P<0.001) but not with any of the fluid treatments.Main limitationsA small sample size of healthy, euhydrated horses and a relatively short duration of fluid administration was used.ConclusionsRectal fluid administration requires clinical evaluation, but may offer an inexpensive, safe alternative or adjunct to i.v. fluid administration, particularly when administration viaNGTis not possible or contraindicated.The Summary is available in Portuguese ‐ see Supporting Information
An outbreak of strangles associated with a novel genotype of Streptococcus equi subspecies equi in donkeys in China during 2018
Authors: Dong J. , Gao N. , Waller A. S. , Cook F. R. , Fan S. , Yuan D. , Du Y. , Li F. , Norimine J. , Zhu W. 
Published: March 2019

SummaryBackgroundStrangles is a highly contagious respiratory disease of equids caused by the bacterium Streptococcus equi subspecies equi.ObjectivesTo identify the cause of an outbreak of strangles that occurred on donkey farms within the Shandong Province of China and determine the prevalence of the disease.Study designCross‐sectional.MethodsSamples were taken from clinically affected animals to measure the prevalence of strangles within the population of donkeys at six intensive farms in China and identify the SeM type of isolate recovered from affected animals. Diagnosis was confirmed by bacterial isolation, biochemical tests and PCR. Epidemiological data were analysed using Chi‐square test and a Fisher's exact two‐sided test. The SeM gene of S. equi isolates recovered from affected animals was determined and compared with the SeM database PubMLST‐seM.ResultsIn July and August 2018, an outbreak of strangles occurred on six donkey farms within the Shandong Province of China. The overall prevalence of disease within the different donkey herds was 13.4%. Younger animals were worst affected with 40.3% (83/206) of donkey foals aged under 1 year exhibiting clinical signs compared with 12.5% (191/1525) of donkeys aged one to 2 years and 3.8% (17/442) of donkeys over 2 years of age. Analysis of SeM sequencing data identified that the farms were affected by the same strain of S. equi, SD201807, which contains the novel 136 allele of SeM.Main limitationsHealthy donkeys were not sampled in this study.ConclusionsThe number of intensive donkey breeding farms in China has risen recently. The higher numbers of animals that are in closer proximity to one another raise the potential for the transmission of infectious diseases such as strangles. This is the first description of a strangles outbreak among donkey herds in China.
The Summary is available in Chinese – see Supporting information.
Laboratory constraints on feeding behaviours in polymorphic bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus)
Authors: Moran Clinton J. , Rzucidlo Caroline L. , Ellerby David J. , Gerry Shannon P. 
Published: March 2019

Abstract

Evaluating fish feeding behaviours is imperative to understanding prey resource use in the field. Previous work on fish feeding has taken place almost exclusively in a laboratory setting, which may impose artificial restrictions. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the constraints the captive setting places on fish feeding behaviours.

We recorded polymorphic (littoral and pelagic) bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus) feeding in the laboratory and the field using a high‐speed camera and underwater cameras. Following successful strikes video events, were digitised using ImageJ (laboratory) and Argus (field).

Gape velocity, ram velocity, and body deceleration were higher in the field than in captive fish. Significantly greater gape velocity in field fish suggests that these fish feed with greater suction pressure than captive fish. Prey effects were detected, as brine shrimp feeding events were characterised by slower gape and ram velocities and a smaller gape. Feeding events on brine shrimp in the field were similar to feeding events on worms in the laboratory suggesting an artefact of training.

These results indicate that feeding behaviours measured in the laboratory may not be representative of feeding behaviours in the wild. Further consideration of organismal performance and laboratory constraints should be taken in future functional studies.
Behavioural plasticity and trophic niche shift: How wintering geese respond to habitat alteration
Authors: Lei Jialin , Jia Yifei , Wang Yuyu , Lei Guangchun , Lu Cai , Saintilan Neil , Wen Li 
Published: March 2019

Abstract

The accelerated rate of human‐induced environmental change poses a significant challenge for wildlife. The ability of wild animals to adapt to environmental changes has important consequences for their fitness, survival, and reproduction. Behavioural flexibility, an immediate adjustment of behaviour in response to environmental variability, may be particularly important for coping with anthropogenic change. The main aim of this study was to quantify the response of two wintering goose species (bean goose Anser fabalis and lesser white‐fronted goose Anser erythropus) to poor habitat condition at population level by studying foraging behaviour. In addition, we tested whether behavioural plasticity could alter trophic niche.

We characterised foraging behaviours and calculated daily home range (HR) of the geese using global positioning system tracking data. We calculated standard ellipse areas to quantify niche width using the δ13C and δ15N values of individual geese. We linked behavioural plasticity with habitat quality using ANCOVA (analysis of covariance) models. We also tested the correlation between standard ellipse areas and HR using ANCOVA model.

We found significant differences in geese foraging behaviours between years in their daily foraging area, travel distance and speed, and turning angle. Specifically, the birds increased their foraging area to satisfy their daily energy intake requirement in response to poor habitat conditions. They flew more sinuously and travelled faster and longer distances on a daily basis. For the endangered lesser white‐fronted goose, all behaviour variables were associated with habitat quality. For bean goose, only HR and turning angle were correlated with habitat quality. The birds, especially the lesser white‐fronted goose, may have had a higher trophic position under poor conditions.

Our findings indicate that wintering geese showed a high degree of behavioural plasticity. However, more active foraging behaviours under poor habitat condition did not lead to a broader trophic niche. Habitat availability could be responsible to the divergent responses of foraging HR and isotopic niche to human‐induced environmental change. Therefore, maintaining natural hydrological regimes during the critical period (i.e. September–November) to ensure that quality food resources are available is central to the future of populations of geese within the East Asian–Australasian Flyway.
Phenotypic variability of rusty crayfish (Faxonius rusticus) at the leading edge of its riverine invasion
Authors: Messager Mathis L. , Olden Julian D. 
Published: March 2019

Abstract

Species around the globe are undergoing phenotypic shifts at ecologically relevant timescales as they invade new ecosystems and respond to changing environments. Disentangling the contribution of environmental gradients from the process of range expansion in shaping these changes, and identifying the specific traits undergoing selection, are both critical to anticipate the secondary spread and impact of invasive species.

Here, we investigate phenotypic changes in rusty crayfish (Faxonius rusticus), a nuisance invasive species, through an extensive survey of their invasion gradient in multiple tributaries of the John Day River (JDR, Oregon, U.S.A.), a major tributary of the Columbia River.

Rusty crayfish in the JDR have developed better physiological condition (intrinsic growth and/or reproductive potential measured as RNA/DNA ratio) but less competitive morphology (lighter body and smaller claws) as they spread upstream and downstream from their location of initial introduction. In addition, rusty crayfish in invasion front populations are at a lower trophic level than conspecifics closer to core areas.

By accounting for variations in temperature, primary productivity, and prey (macroinvertebrates) biomass throughout the invasion extent of rusty crayfish, our findings suggest that low conspecific densities at the invasion edge and spatial sorting primarily drive these phenotypic changes. The trends observed here are thus likely to intensify over time as rusty crayfish continues to rapidly spread throughout the JDR and reach the mainstem Columbia River.

Our study shows that phenotypic shifts can manifest rapidly over environmental gradients experienced during the range expansion of aquatic invasive species. Patterns in both morphological and functional traits documented in the JDR demonstrate the importance of both environmental factors and dispersal processes in shaping these responses in riverine networks.
Global environmental changes impact soil hydraulic functions through biophysical feedbacks
Authors: Robinson David A. , Hopmans Jan W. , Filipovic Vilim , van der Ploeg Martine , Lebron Inma , Jones Scott B. , Reinsch Sabine , Jarvis Nick , Tuller Markus 
Published: March 2019

AbstractAlthough only representing 0.05% of global freshwater, or 0.001% of all global water, soil water supports all terrestrial biological life. Soil moisture behaviour in most models is constrained by hydraulic parameters that do not change. Here we argue that biological feedbacks from plants, macro‐fauna and the microbiome influence soil structure, and thus the soil hydraulic parameters and the soil water content signals we observe. Incorporating biological feedbacks into soil hydrological models is therefore important for understanding environmental change and its impacts on ecosystems. We anticipate that environmental change will accelerate and modify soil hydraulic function. Increasingly, we understand the vital role that soil moisture exerts on the carbon cycle and other environmental threats such as heatwaves, droughts and floods, wildfires, regional precipitation patterns, disease regulation and infrastructure stability, in addition to agricultural production. Biological feedbacks may result in changes to soil hydraulic function that could be irreversible, resulting in alternative stable states (ASS) of soil moisture. To explore this, we need models that consider all the major feedbacks between soil properties and soil‐plant‐faunal‐microbial‐atmospheric processes, which is something we currently do not have. Therefore, a new direction is required to incorporate a dynamic description of soil structure and hydraulic property evolution into soil‐plant‐atmosphere, or land surface, models that consider feedbacks from land use and climate drivers of change, so as to better model ecosystem dynamics.