bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Home range establishment and utilization by reintroduced lions (Panthera leo) in a small South African wildlife reserve
Authors: YIU Sze‐Wing , PARRINI Francesca , KARCZMARSKI Leszek , KEITH Mark 
Published: October 2016

AbstractUnderstanding of animal spatial behavior is essential for informed management decisions. In southern Africa, reintroduction of lions (Panthera leo) to small reserves (<1000 km2) has increased since the early 2000s, however studies on their ranging behavior in these enclosed systems remain lacking. We applied Time Local Convex Hull (T‐LoCoH) methods to study the home range establishment and utilization of 11 lions reintroduced to Dinokeng Game Reserve, South Africa, during 2011 through 2014. Lions established home ranges close to their release sites and during the following 3 years their home range sizes continued to increase, but in each individual case the size remained smaller than half of the reserve area (<70 km2). Space use strategies differed between the core and the entire home range, with higher frequency of visits found in core areas. Exceptionally high rates (>60 separate visits) around the largest dam and along rivers suggest the importance of water and its surrounding vegetation in the lions' space utilization pattern. The home range size did not differ with season or sex of the individuals, whereas shifts in locations of home ranges revealed differences in the response of the 2 sexes to territorial conflicts and management interventions. Our study shows a dynamic home range utilization pattern and highlights the importance of both fine‐scale space use patterns (frequency and duration of visits) and broad‐scale home range changes in understanding the ranging behavior of reintroduced animals.
Evaluation of the Penetration of Multiple Classes of Pesticides in Fresh Produce Using Surface‐Enhanced Raman Scattering Mapping
Authors: Yang Tianxi , Zhao Bin , Hou Ruyan , Zhang Zhiyun , Kinchla Amanda J. , Clark John M. , He Lili 
Published: October 2016

AbstractUnderstanding pesticide penetration is important for effectively applying pesticides and in reducing pesticide exposures from food. This study aims to evaluate multiclass systemic and nonsystemic pesticide penetration in 3 representative fresh produce (apples, grapes, and spinach leaves). Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering mapping was applied for in situ and real‐time tracking of pesticide penetration over time. The results show that 100 mg/L of systemic pesticides, thiabendazole and acetamiprid, penetrated more rapidly and deeply with maximum depth around 220 μm after 48‐h exposure into the tested fresh produce than 100 mg/L of nonsystemic pesticides, ferbam and phosmet, with maximum depth about 80 μm. The fact that 2 nonsystemic pesticides were also able to penetrate over time into all 3 fresh produce tested may raise additional food safety concerns. Comparatively, grapes were generally more resistant for pesticide penetration with all pesticides penetration depth below 80 μm compared to apples and spinach leaves. The information obtained here could provide technical support and guidance for accurate, effective, and safe application of pesticides and for the reduction of pesticide exposure from fresh produce.
Diagnostic reference levels for digital mammography in New South Wales
Authors: Suleiman Moayyad E , McEntee Mark F , Cartwright Lucy , Diffey Jennifer , Brennan Patrick C 
Published: October 2016

AbstractIntroductionThis work aims to explore radiation doses delivered in screening mammography in Australia, with a focus on whether compressed breast thickness should be used as a guide when determining patient derived diagnostic reference levels (DRLs).MethodsAnonymized mammograms (52,405) were retrieved from a central database, and DICOM headers were extracted using third party software. Women with breast implants, breast thicknesses outside 20–110 mm and images with incomplete exposure or quality assurance (QA) data were excluded. Exposure and QA information were utilized to calculate the mean glandular dose (MGD) for 45,054 mammograms from 61 units representing four manufacturers using previously well‐established methods. The 75th and 95th percentiles were calculated across median image MGDs obtained for all included data and according to specific compressed breast thickness ranges.ResultsThe overall median image MGD, minimum, maximum were: 1.39, 0.19 and 10.00 mGy, respectively, the 75th and 95th percentiles across all units’ median image MGD for 60 ± 5 mm compressed breast thickness were 2.06 and 2.69 mGy respectively. Median MGDs, minimum, maximum, 75th and 95th percentiles were presented for nine compressed breast thickness ranges, DRLs for NSW are suggested for the compressed breast thickness range of 60 ± 5 mm for the whole study and three detector technologies CR, DR, and photon counting to be 2.06, 2.22, 2.04 and 0.79 mGy respectively.ConclusionMGD is dependent upon compressed breast thickness and it is recommended that DRL values should be specific to compressed breast thickness and image detector technology.
Intraspecific genetic variation in complex assemblages from mitochondrial metagenomics: comparison with DNA barcodes
Authors: Gómez‐Rodríguez Carola , Timmermans Martijn J. T. N. , Crampton‐Platt Alex , Vogler Alfried P. 
Published: October 2016

Summary

Metagenomic shotgun sequencing, using Illumina technology, and de novo genome assembly of mixed field‐collected samples of invertebrates readily produce mitochondrial genome sequences, allowing rapid identification and quantification of species diversity. However, intraspecific genetic variability present in the specimen pools is lost during mitogenome assembly, which limits the utility of ‘mitochondrial metagenomics’ for studies of population diversity.

Using 10 natural communities (>2600 individuals) of leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae), DNA variation in the mitochondrial cox1‐5′ ‘barcode’ was compared for Sanger‐sequenced individuals and Illumina shotgun‐sequenced specimen pools.

Generally, only a single mitochondrial contig was assembled per species, even in the presence of intraspecific variation. Ignoring ambiguity from the use of two different assemblers, the cox1 barcode regions from these assemblies were exact nucleotide matches of a Sanger‐sequenced barcode in 90·7% of cases, which dropped to 76% in assemblies from samples with large intra‐ and interspecific variability. Nucleotide differences between barcodes from both data types were almost exclusively in synonymous 3rd codon positions, although the number of affected sites was very low, and the greatest discrepancies were correlated with poor quality of Sanger sequences.

Unassembled shotgun reads were also used to score single nucleotide polymorphisms and to calculate intraspecific nucleotide diversity (pi) for all available populations at each site. These values correlated with Sanger‐sequenced cox1 variation but were significantly higher.

Overall, the assemblage‐focused shotgun sequencing of pooled samples produced nucleotide variation data comparable to the well‐established specimen‐focused Sanger approach. The findings thus extend the application of mitochondrial metagenomics of complex biodiversity samples to the estimation of diversity below the species level.
Internal and contextual drivers of dairy restructuring: evidence from French mountainous areas and post‐quota prospects
Authors: Dervillé Marie , Allaire Gilles , Maigné Élise , Cahuzac Éric 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe end of the milk quota system in Europe has resulted in substantial structural changes to the dairy industry, calling its future into question, especially in mountainous areas. This study analyzes the internal and contextual factors that influence dairy restructuring in French mountainous areas. Three complementary logit models are used to specify farmer decisions (e.g., dairy production exit, stability, and growth). Original and exhaustive geo‐located administrative datasets are combined to create a farm longitudinal dataset and characterize farm‐restructuring patterns on a fine geographical scale. Farm size, corporate legal status, and specialization are positively associated with farm growth. Viable diversification strategies through either farm processing or agro‐environmental scheme contracting are also highlighted. Farm sustainability is supported by the economic success of the local industry and the propensity to adopt extensive practices. With respect to public policy, dairy policy appears to have the strongest impact. Thus, the liberalization of dairy policy threatens the future of dairy farming, particularly in areas with low milk density and no production under labels. This work calls for a policy that promotes the collective dimension of dairy farm performance. The current rural development policy alone may be insufficient to support farms’ long‐term sustainability.
Assessing guideline adherence and patient outcomes in cervical cancer
Authors: Chiew Kim‐Lin , Chong Shanley , Duggan Kirsten J , Kaadan Nasreen , Vinod Shalini K 
Published: October 2016

AbstractAimTo investigate adherence to clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) in cervical cancer and the correlation with clinical outcomes.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted using patient information from a population‐based cancer registry (2005–2011, n = 208). Compliance to 10 widely accepted CPGs was assessed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess sociodemographic factors associated with CPG adherence. Multivariate Cox regression was performed to assess the relationship between CPG adherence and 5‐year survival.ResultsAdherence to individual CPGs ranged from 47% to 100%. Compliance to all applicable CPGs was seen in 54% (n = 72) of patients, 62% of stage I and II patients and 22% of stage III and IV patients. Poorest adherence was seen with those with locally advanced disease receiving chemoradiotherapy. Patients who lived within 5 km of the treatment facility were more likely to be compliant. No difference was found for either age, country of birth or socioeconomic status group. Five‐year survival was greater for stage I and II patients who received guideline adherent care (93.7% vs 69.7%, P = 0.002), and they had a significant lower risk of death on multivariate analysis (HR = 0.22, P = 0.015). There was no significant difference for those with stage III or IV disease.ConclusionsIn this study, CPG adherence is variable between treatment modalities and only half complied to all applicable CPGs. There was better adherence in those with early‐stage disease and this was associated with improved patient outcomes. CPG adherence may be a useful surrogate for quality of care.
Assessing the validity and response distribution of the simplified psoriasis index in patients receiving phototherapy
Authors: Meah Nekma , Alsharqi Ali , Azurdia Richard M , Owens Lynne‐Catherine , Parslew Richard , Chularojanamontri Leena 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBackground/ObjectivesThe simplified psoriasis index (SPI) is a three‐part multidimensional tool incorporating disease severity, psychosocial impact and historical course completed by the health‐care professional (professional SPI, [proSPI]) or the patient (self‐assessment SPI, [saSPI]). We aimed to assess the validity and response distribution of proSPI and saSPI in patients with psoriasis undergoing phototherapy.MethodsThe validity and response distribution of SPI was assessed by recording saSPI and proSPI in patients with psoriasis before and after a course of phototherapy. Recruitment ended once 100 complete data sets were available for analysis.ResultsAltogether 52 of the 100 patients evaluated were male and most (93) underwent narrowband UVB phototherapy. There was a close correlation between the proSPI‐current severity score (proSPI‐s) with the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) score (r = 0.76, r = 0.86) before and after treatment, respectively. Although pretreatment correlation between the saSPI‐current severity score (saSPI‐s) and PASI was weak (r = 0.39), a more close correlation was noted at the end of treatment (r = 0.50). A moderate correlation was observed between the SPI‐psychosocial impact score (SPI‐p) and the dermatology life quality index (DLQI), both before and after phototherapy (r = 0.64, r = 0.73). The SPI had wide response distributions in all three domains.ConclusionsBoth versions of SPI demonstrated wide response distributions and the proSPI‐s in particular was shown to have good validity with PASI.
A randomised controlled trial comparing two popliteal nerve catheter tip positions for postoperative analgesia after day‐case hallux valgus repair
Authors: Ambrosoli A. L. , Guzzetti L. , Chiaranda M. , Cuffari S. , Gemma M. , Cappelleri G. 
Published: October 2016

SummaryWe compared the effect of two different positions of a sciatic nerve catheter within the popliteal fossa on local anaesthetic consumption and postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing day‐case hallux valgus repair. Eighty‐four patients were randomly allocated to receive a sciatic nerve catheter either between the tibial and peroneal components (sciatic group) or medial to the tibial nerve (tibial group). The primary endpoint was postoperative local anaesthetic consumption, while secondary endpoints were pain scores, number of occasions where sleep was disturbed by pain and incidence of insensate limb and foot drop at 24 h and 48 h postoperatively. Postoperative median (IQR [range]) local anaesthetic consumption was 126 (106–146 [98–180]) ml in the sciatic group versus 125 (114–158 [98–200]) ml in the tibial group (p = 0.103). Insensate limb occurred in 14 patients in the sciatic group versus one patient in the tibial group (p < 0.001), while foot drop was reported by six patients in the sciatic group and none in the tibial group (p = 0.012). Sciatic nerve catheter placement medial to the tibial nerve may be a superior analgesic technique for day‐case foot surgery.
Submucosal dissection has advantages over full‐thickness transanal endoscopic microsurgery in selected rectal lesions
Authors: Yap Kiryu , Mills Sarah , Thomas Michelle , Moore James 
Published: October 2016

BackgroundTo establish the incidence of unsuspected malignancy in lesions excised through transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) and examine the justification for full‐thickness excision of all lesions thought to be benign pre‐operatively.MethodsDemographic, operative and pathology data of all patients undergoing TEM at a single institution were collected in a prospectively maintained database. Follow‐up data were collected with a focus on polyp recurrence rates and outcome in patients found to harbour malignancy. For lesions thought to be benign pre‐operatively, a submucosal excision was routinely performed.Results
TEM was attempted in 156 cases between June 1999 and April 2013. Mean (standard deviation) patient age was 66.8 (2.1) years, with 111 males. Mean tumour size was 4.1 (1.6) cm, and mean height from anal verge was 10.4 (2.1) cm. In nine cases, the procedure was unable to be completed and in eight cases a deliberate full‐thickness excision was performed. In 139 patients with a presumed benign lesion, mean operating time was 53.4 min. A total of 17 (12.2%) were found to harbour an unsuspected malignancy. Recurrent polyp was seen in 14 (11.7%) of 122 cases of benign pathology (mean follow‐up 24.5 months) and was managed by endoscopic means in 10 patients. Mean length of stay was 1.2 days and complications occurred in 7% of cases. No patient with an unsuspected malignancy has developed recurrent disease (mean follow‐up 43 months).ConclusionSubmucosal TEM can result in low complication rates, short duration of surgery, short hospital stay and satisfactory recurrence rates when performed for presumed benign rectal tumours.
A comprehensive renal vascular access clinic results in improved patient outcomes and reduced costs
Authors: Thomas Shannon D. , Ip Eugenia C. , Katib Nedal , Pugh Debbie , Lennox Andrew , Endre Zoltan , Tan Elaine , Ellery Chris , Varcoe Ramon L. 
Published: October 2016

BackgroundManagement of vascular access for haemodialysis is a leading cause of morbidity and hospitalization in patients with end‐stage renal disease. We sought to evaluate the change in admission and procedural outcomes before and after the establishment of a vascular surgeon‐led comprehensive renal vascular access clinic (RVAC).MethodA retrospective clinical study was conducted after an RVAC was established in January 2013, with retrospective database created for the 24‐month period prior to and after.ResultsThe number of inpatient encounters for haemodialysis vascular access care fell over identical time periods before (n = 193) and after (n = 164) the RVAC was established. This reduction was associated with a significant decrease in length of stay (from 10.71 to 3.14 days; P = 0.0056) and thrombosed access procedures (from 32 to 16; P = 0.048). The proportion of emergency procedures fell (from 54.5 to 25.4%; P = 0.002) with a trend towards less arteriovenous fistula formations in the latter group (from 75 to 49; P = 0.099). There was also a trend towards fewer procedures in the latter group (from 195 to 151; P = 0.22). A case‐mix costing analysis showed an estimated reduction in mean admission cost from $25 883.15 to $9332.81 for those 2‐year periods, equating to a saving of $3.46 million associated with the introduction of the clinic.ConclusionThe establishment of an RVAC has led to a variety of objective performance outcome improvements, including a decrease in hospital admission, length of stay, revision and emergency surgeries, with associated cost saving. It reflects positive outcomes observed in other surgical specialties’ clinics.
Detection of fetal abnormalities by second‐trimester ultrasound screening in a non‐selected population
Authors: Rydberg Catharina , Tunón Katarina 
Published: October 2016

AbstractIntroductionThis study assessed the sensitivity of routine ultrasound examination for the detection of abnormal chromosomes and structural malformations in fetuses in the second trimester in a non‐selected population.Material and methodsPrenatal diagnoses of fetal abnormalities in 10 414 fetuses and newborns were reviewed and compared with all postnatal diagnoses of congenital abnormalities between 2006 and 2013.ResultsOverall, 243 fetuses and newborns had confirmed congenital abnormalities, with a prevalence of 2.3%. Of these fetuses and newborns, 23% (56/243) had chromosomal abnormalities (overall prevalence 0.5%), and 77% (187/243) had normal chromosomes with either major (44%; 82/187) or minor (56%; 105/187) structural malformations (overall prevalence 1.8%). One hundred and seven abnormalities were detected prenatally, yielding a total sensitivity for prenatal detection of fetal abnormalities of 44.0% (107/243; 95% CI 37.8–50.2), with specificity of 99.9%, a positive predictive value of 94.7%, and a negative predictive value of 98.7%. The sensitivity for prenatal detection before 22 weeks of gestation was 40.3% (98/243; 95% CI 34.1–46.5). The prenatal detection rate of chromosomal abnormalities was 60.7% (34/56) and, for structural malformations, was 39.0% (73/187).ConclusionsIn a routine clinical setting at a county hospital with a non‐selected population, half of the major structural malformations in chromosomally normal fetuses are detected by routine ultrasound examination in the second trimester. Chromosomal abnormalities have the highest probability for prenatal detection; the majority are diagnosed by amniocentesis before the routine ultrasound examination in high‐risk women.
Traditional Chinese medicine for schizophrenia: A survey of randomized trials
Authors: Deng Hongyong , Adams Clive E. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo survey the reports of randomized trials of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) interventions for schizophrenia and produce a broad overview of this type of research activity in this area.MethodWe searched the Cochrane Schizophrenia Group's comprehensive Trials Register (January 2016), selected all relevant randomized trials, and extracted the data within each study. Finally, we sought relevant reviews on the Cochrane Library.ResultsWe initially screened 423 articles from which we identified 378 relevant studies randomizing 35 341 participants (average study size 94, SD 60). There were 7 herbs used as single medicine, 4 compositions or extractions, more than 144 herbal mixes, and 7 TCM principles reported for schizophrenia. Nonpharmacological interventions of TCM included acupuncture and exercise. The most commonly evaluated treatments are Ginkgo biloba, acupuncture, Wendan decoction, and Shugan Jieyu Capsule. There are 3 directly relevant Cochrane reviews.ConclusionsMost treatment approaches—and some in common use—have only one or two relevant small trials. Some coordination of effort would help ensure that further well‐designed appropriately sized randomized trials are conducted. Systematic reviews should be performed in this field but with titles that take into account the complexity of TCM.
The politics of water democracy: insights from grassroot struggles in the Ecuadorian Highlands
Authors: Hoogesteger Jaime 
Published: October 2016

AbstractIn the past two decades spaces for user participation have been opened within water governance structures at many scales. In this contribution, based on a case study of the Provincial Water Users Federation Interjuntas‐Chimborazo in the Ecuadorian Highlands, I explore how and why formal participation of water users in itself is problematic in terms of democracy. The case shows that for organised peasant water users to work on more democratic water governance, the creation of upscaled federations, alliances, networks and sometimes street protests is crucial to open up spaces in which their interests are represented. This suggests that democracy is not merely about participation, but more importantly, it is about the politics of how democracy is made through conflicts, protests, negotiations and the creation of strategic alliances that challenge the structures and processes through which decisions are taken.
Land‐use legacies and the role of persistence traits in species recovery
Authors: Fraterrigo Jennifer M. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractModern‐day plant communities often retain imprints of intensive past land use. Do low‐intensity land‐use practices also produce legacies? In this issue, Jonason et al. (Applied Vegetation Science) demonstrate that, 80 yrs after grassland abandonment, meadow species can recover if habitat improves. I interpret these findings in the context of the spatiotemporal processes that shape regional‐scale population dynamics.