bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High local trait variability in a globally invasive cyanobacterium
Authors: Bolius Sarah , Wiedner Claudia , Weithoff Guntram 
Published: September 2017

Abstract

During the last couple of decades, invasive species have become a worldwide problem in many freshwater systems. Besides higher plants and animals, microbes, in particular the potentially toxic cyanobacterium Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii, has attracted increasing attention, due to its spread towards temperate zones of the northern and southern hemisphere. A number of advantageous functional traits and a high intraspecific plasticity have been suggested to explain its invasion success.

The aim of this study was to examine intraspecific functional trait variability in 12 different isolates of C. raciborskii originating from different lakes in an invaded region in Northeast Germany. We measured growth rate, C:N:P ratios, chlorophyll‐a content and the abundance of heterocysts under nutrient‐replete and phosphorus‐limited conditions. Moreover, the isolate‐specific morphology and grazing losses by an herbivorous rotifer, as a top‐down force, were studied.

DNA fingerprinting revealed that all isolates were genetically different. C. raciborskii exhibited a large variability in all measured traits among isolates. The C:P, N:P and Chl‐a:C ratios differed by a factor of two or more. The trait variability among isolates was higher under nutrient‐replete conditions, except for the C:P ratio, which varied most during phosphorus limitation. The susceptibility to grazing, calculated as maximum ingestion rates of the rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus on C. raciborskii, varied most among isolates, but was not related to any of the measured physiological or morphological traits, i.e. no trade‐off was found.

Ecological and genetic clustering did not match, indicating that the genetic relationship based on DNA fingerprinting did not cover ecological differences.

Our results show a high trait variability within locally occurring and partly co‐occurring C. raciborskii isolates. No overall trade‐offs between the measured functional traits were found. This demonstrates the ecological relevance of linking multiple traits, e.g. competitive and consumptive. Furthermore, this study emphasises the importance of analysing more than one strain of a species, as different strains show different trait values potentially relevant for their invasibility and the field of general trait‐based ecology.
Continental‐extent patterns in amphibian malformations linked to parasites, chemical contaminants, and their interactions
Authors: Haas Sarah E. , Reeves Mari K. , Pinkney Alfred E. , Johnson Pieter T. J. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractWidespread observations of malformed amphibians across North America have generated both concern and controversy. Debates over the causes of such malformations—which can affect >50% of animals in a population—have continued, likely due to involvement of multiple causal factors. Here, we used a 13‐year dataset encompassing 53,880 frogs and toads from 422 wetlands and 42 states in the conterminousUSAto test hypotheses relating abnormalities and four categories of potential drivers: (i) chemical contaminants, (ii) land use practices, (iii) parasite infection, and (iv) targeted interactions between parasites and pesticides. Using a hierarchically nested, competing‐model approach, we further examined how these associations varied spatially among geographic regions. Although malformations were rare overall (average = 1.6%), we identified 96 hotspot sites with 5%–25% abnormal individuals. Using the full dataset of 934 collections (without data on parasite infection), malformation frequency was best predicted by the presence of oil and gas wells within the watershed. Among collections also examined for parasite infection (n = 154), average parasite load and its interaction with pesticide application positively predicted malformations: wetlands with a greater abundance of the trematodeRibeiroia ondatraewere more likely to have malformed amphibians, but these effects were strongest when pesticide application was also high, consistent with prior experimental research. Importantly, however, the influence of these factors also varied regionally, helping explain divergent results from previous studies at local scales; parasite infection was more influential in the West and Northeast, whereas pesticide application and oil/gas wells correlated with abnormalities in the Northeast, Southeast, and western regions of theUSA. These results, based on the largest systematic sampling of amphibian malformations, suggest that increased observations of abnormal amphibians are associated with both parasite infection and chemical contaminants, but that their relative importance and interaction strength varied with the spatial extent of the analysis.
Hypoxia and hypothermia as rival agents of selection driving the evolution of viviparity in lizards
Authors: Pincheira‐Donoso Daniel , Jara Manuel , Reaney Ashley , García‐Roa Roberto , Saldarriaga‐Córdoba Mónica , Hodgson Dave J. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAimThe evolution of key innovations promotes adaptive radiations by opening access to new ecological opportunity. The acquisition of viviparity (live‐bearing reproduction) has emerged as one such innovation explaining reptile proliferations into extreme climates. By evolving viviparity, females provide embryos with internally stable environments to complete development. The classical hypothesis suggests that natural selection for viviparity arises from low temperatures in cold climates, which promote prolonged egg retention in the mother's body. An alternative hypothesis proposes that declines in atmospheric oxygen at high elevations create natural selection for embryo retention to provide them with optimal oxygen levels during development. However, although experimental studies support the negative effects of low oxygen on egg development, this ‘hypoxia’ hypothesis has never been tested quantitatively. Here, we compete the hypoxia hypothesis against the ‘cold‐climate’ hypothesis, using a highly diverse lizard genus.LocationSouth America.Major taxaLiolaemuslizards.MethodsWe use a multivariate dataset covering 121 species varying extensively in geographical and climatic distribution (including extreme thermal and oxygen gradients) and parity mode. Based on a new molecular phylogeny for the genus, we use phylogenetic logistic regressions to generate a range of models ranking environmental factors as a function of their effects on parity mode transitions.ResultsElevation and oxygen declines were almost perfectly correlated, and both were identified as the dominant predictors of oviparity‐to‐viviparity transitions, whereas the role for temperature (dominated by the coldest winter temperatures and daily fluctuations) was significant but secondary. Overall, we showed that oxygen deprivation and low temperatures both play a role in the evolution of viviparity.Main conclusionsOur findings support the role for selection from declines in oxygen concentrations as the primary driver behind viviparity. However, selection arising from cold temperatures and from reduced fluctuations in daily temperatures contributes to the evolution of these transitions by creating multivariate selection on parity mode.
A randomized clinical trial on the efficacy of a new oxalate‐containing sensitivity relief strip following professional vs self‐application
Authors: Drake MA , Lenton PA , Lunos SA 
Published: September 2017

AbstractObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of 3.14% dipotassium oxalate monohydrate‐containing strip on the relief of dentinal hypersensitivity (DH). A second objective was to determine whether there was a difference in DH levels when the strip was self‐applied vs applied by a dental professional.MethodsSixty subjects were randomized into self‐applied, professionally applied or placebo‐strip groups. Dentinal hypersensitivity was evaluated by a blinded examiner, using the Schiff Air Scale (SAS). A verbal rating scale (VRS) was also used to measure the subjects’ perception of pain. Measures were taken at baseline, 30 minutes, 4 and 8 weeks post‐treatment.ResultsThere was a significant reduction in DH in all three groups (P ≤ .05) at 30 minutes and 8 weeks post‐treatment. At the 4‐week follow‐up, only the self‐ and professionally applied (active ingredient) groups had a significant reduction in DH compared to baseline. When comparing the reduction in DH levels between groups, the only significant difference occurred between the professionally applied treatment group and the placebo group at the 4‐week follow‐up. There were no significant differences in DH reduction levels achieved between the self‐ and professionally applied groups (P > .05).ConclusionsThis study confirmed the short‐term (4 weeks) effectiveness of a single application of 3.14% dipotassium oxalate monohydrate‐containing strip. Self‐ and professional application were not shown to be different.
Is there an increased risk of cervical neoplasia in atopic dermatitis patients treated with oral immunosuppressive drugs?
Authors: Garritsen F.M. , Verheijen R.H.M. , Gerestein C.G. , van Zuilen A.D. , Oosterhaven J.A.F. , van Dijk M. , Bruijnzeel‐Koomen C.A.F. , Schuttelaar M.L. , de Bruin‐Weller M.S. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackgroundOral immunosuppressive drugs are frequently prescribed in young women with atopic dermatitis (AD). Immunocompromised patients may have a higher risk of developing high‐risk HPV infections, cervical intra‐epithelial neoplasia (CIN) and cervical carcinoma. Most literature on patients using oral immunosuppressive drugs is available in organ transplant patients. Literature on the risk of developing cervical carcinoma in AD patients treated with oral immunosuppressive drugs is lacking. At this moment, there is no clear guideline/consensus on this topic, but in daily practice, questions arise concerning whether this risk is increased and whether more intensive screening in women using immunosuppressive drugs should take place.ObjectiveTo investigate the occurrence of cervical carcinoma in women with AD treated with oral immunosuppressive drugs.MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study in two university medical centres in the Netherlands, all female adult AD patients receiving oral immunosuppressive drugs (cyclosporine A, azathioprine, methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil, enteric‐coated mycophenolate sodium and extended release tacrolimus) for more than 2 months between 1989 and 1 January 2014 were included. Patient files in the national histopathology register were screened for PAP3a, CIN I, CIN II, CIN III and cervical carcinoma.ResultsA total of 257 female AD patients with one or more treatment episodes from 1989 until 1 January 2014 were identified and included in this study. In 189 patients (73.5%), results of cervical examination were reported in the national histopathology database. Median total duration of treatment in these 189 women was 407.0 days (IQR 243.0–940.0). No cervical carcinoma during or following immunosuppressive therapy was found in our patient group.ConclusionsNo intensified screening programme for cervical neoplasia seems necessary for women with AD using oral immunosuppressive drugs.
Apremilast in psoriasis – a prospective real‐world study
Authors: Vujic I. , Herman R. , Sanlorenzo M. , Posch C. , Monshi B. , Rappersberger K. , Richter L. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackgroundApremilast is a novel oral phosphodiesterase‐4 inhibitor approved for psoriasis treatment. Randomized trials have documented its efficacy and safety, but data on real‐world patients are scarce.ObjectivesWe aim to characterize psoriasis patients treated with apremilast in a real‐world setting and calculate drug survival as an important measure of efficacy and compliance.MethodsAll patients with psoriasis who received apremilast between 1 April 2015 and 19 January 2017 were evaluated every 4 weeks, and we documented: age, weight, height, smoking status, family history of psoriasis, joint involvement, previous treatments, psoriasis area severity index (PASI) scores, and the onset and duration of adverse events (AE). Efficacy was analysed by PASI50, PASI75 and PASI90, reflecting the improvement of skin lesions compared to the PASI‐baseline. Kaplan–Meier statistics were used for drug survival estimates.ResultsForty‐eight patients were included. The median apremilast drug survival was 12.5 weeks (range 1–87). Three patients (6.3%) reached PASI90, nine (18.8%) PASI75 and eight patients (16.7%) PASI50. Patient weight inversely correlated with a PASI50 response (P < 0.05, n = 37), and none of the obese patients (BMI > 30.0, n = 6) reached PASI75, compared to 32% of the non‐obese patients (BMI < 30.0, n = 31). Thirty‐one patients (64.6%) reported at least one AE, most frequently diarrhoea (n = 21, 43.8%), headache (n = 7, 14.6%) and joint pain (n = 5, 10.4%).ConclusionsDespite differences between real‐world and trial patients, apremilast is safe and effective for the treatment of skin psoriasis in the daily practice. Up to 40% of patients will reach PASI50 or higher, but only few patients will reach PASI90. Bodyweight might affect drug efficacy.
Truncation Error Estimates in Process Life Cycle Assessment Using Input‐Output Analysis
Authors: Ward Hauke , Wenz Leonie , Steckel Jan C. , Minx Jan C. 
Published: September 2017

SummaryProcess life cycle assessment (PLCA) is widely used to quantify environmental flows associated with the manufacturing of products and other processes. As PLCA always depends on defining a system boundary, its application involves truncation errors. Different methods of estimating truncation errors are proposed in the literature; most of these are based on artificially constructed system complete counterfactuals. In this article, we review the literature on truncation errors and their estimates and systematically explore factors that influence truncation error estimates. We classify estimation approaches, together with underlying factors influencing estimation results according to where in the estimation procedure they occur. By contrasting different PLCA truncation/error modeling frameworks using the same underlying input‐output (I‐O) data set and varying cut‐off criteria, we show that modeling choices can significantly influence estimates for PLCA truncation errors. In addition, we find that differences in I‐O and process inventory databases, such as missing service sector activities, can significantly affect estimates of PLCA truncation errors. Our results expose the challenges related to explicit statements on the magnitude of PLCA truncation errors. They also indicate that increasing the strictness of cut‐off criteria in PLCA has only limited influence on the resulting truncation errors. We conclude that applying an additional I‐O life cycle assessment or a path exchange hybrid life cycle assessment to identify where significant contributions are located in upstream layers could significantly reduce PLCA truncation errors.
Impact of High Patient Volume on Midwifery Education in Kampala, Uganda
Authors: Rinne Jocelyn , Nabacwa Oliver Norah , Nabirye Rose Chalo , Shorten Allison 
Published: September 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to understand the barriers to midwifery education within a high‐volume hospital in Kampala, Uganda. Our aim was to determine students’ and midwives’ perceptions of the educational process in the context of a setting with high patient volume.Research QuestionWe hypothesized that when compared with students, practicing midwives view high patient volume as a greater barrier to education.SignificanceDespite advances in maternal care, maternal and infant mortality in sub‐Saharan Africa have continued to lag behind the rest of the world. With an ongoing rise in pregnancies in this region, urgent attention is needed to better train, educate, and retain student midwives.MethodsWe conducted a cross‐sectional survey‐based study to identify challenges to midwifery education among students and midwives based at Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala. We surveyed 60 midwives and 51 midwifery students. Likert‐scale responses were dichotomized and chi‐square tests were used to examine differences in perceptions between students and midwives.ResultsWe identified notable and significant differences in perceptions between midwives and midwifery students when examining the impact of patient volume on education and practice. These differences persisted across multiple questions relating to the educational process. When compared with students, a larger proportion of midwives felt that high patient volume impaired education relating to midwifery knowledge (33% vs 12%, P < .01) and clinical skills (43% vs 4%, P < .01), and contributed to high stress levels (75% vs 35%, P < .01).DiscussionWhile there is ample research on educating midwives within a broader global context, limited research has explored how midwifery training is impacted by high patient volume. Student midwives may view high patient volume as an educational opportunity, while practicing midwives consider high patient volume a barrier to teaching. This difference may relate to a greater perceived responsibility for patient care by midwives. Our findings suggest that excessive patient volume may be impairing midwives’ ability to effectively teach their students the midwifery model of care while balancing their high patient workload. Additional research is urgently needed to identify how to support midwifery practice in health care environments with high patient demand.
Mindfulness Childbirth Classes Transform the Experiences of Postpartum Women
Authors: Kantrowitz‐Gordon Ira , Abbott Shannon , Hoehn Rachel 
Published: September 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to explore women's experiences with mindfulness in the year following childbirth using in‐depth interviews.Research QuestionsThe specific aims were to understand: 1) how women used mindfulness skills to meet the physical, emotional, and relationship challenges in the year after childbirth and 2) how mindfulness helped them enhance their positive experience of the postpartum period.SignificanceThe postpartum period can be a challenging experience for many women as they adjust to the physical and social changes of new motherhood. Mindfulness‐based interventions have been developed for stress reduction in a variety of health contexts, including pregnancy. Mindfulness‐based interventions may provide strategies for new mothers to handle the challenges of breastfeeding and to increase acceptance of postpartum physical changes and image. Limited research has explored the benefits of mindfulness classes for the postpartum experience and parenting.MethodsTwelve women who participated in a Mindfulness for Childbirth and Parenting course during pregnancy were interviewed within the first year postpartum. The semi‐structured interview guide included questions on how participants may have used mindfulness to approach a variety of positive and negative postpartum experiences. Qualitative description methodology guided the research team in independent coding of the transcripts. The team subsequently met to review and achieve consensus in the development of codes, categories, and themes in the data.ResultsFour themes were identified in women's postpartum experiences: 1) challenges across the postpartum experience; 2) formal practices of mindfulness to address postpartum challenges; 3) informal practices to address postpartum challenges; and 4) the life‐changing and transformative effects of mindfulness. These themes showed a pathway by which participants used mindfulness skills to not only address the postpartum challenges, but to also transform their postpartum experience with a positive and magical perspective.DiscussionMindfulness skills helped class participants to cope with physical and emotional challenges postpartum and to develop a positive and meaningful relationship with the newborn. Findings have implications for future research on the postpartum experience and for optimizing the content of perinatal mindfulness classes to maximize the benefit during the postpartum year.
Do universal school‐based mental health promotion programmes improve the mental health and emotional wellbeing of young people? A literature review
Authors: O'Connor Clare A. , Dyson Judith , Cowdell Fiona , Watson Roger 
Published: September 2017

Aims and objectivesTo examine evidence—using a range of outcomes—for the effectiveness of school‐based mental health and emotional well‐being programmes.BackgroundIt is estimated that 20% of young people experience mental health difficulties every year. Schools have been identified as an appropriate setting for providing mental health and emotional well‐being promotion prompting the need to determine whether current school‐based programmes are effective in improving the mental health and emotional well‐being of young people.MethodsA systematic search was conducted using the health and education databases, which identified 29 studies that measured the effectiveness of school‐based universal interventions. Prisma guidelines were used during the literature review process.ResultsThematic analysis generated three key themes: (i) help seeking and coping; (ii) social and emotional well‐being; and (iii) psycho‐educational effectiveness.ConclusionIt is concluded that whilst these studies show promising results, there is a need for further robust evaluative studies to guide future practice.Relevance to clinical practiceAll available opportunities should be taken to provide mental health promotion interventions to young people in the school environment, with a requirement for educational professionals to be provided the necessary skills and knowledge to ensure that the school setting continues to be a beneficial environment for conducting mental health promotion.
Prevalence and correlates of sleep disturbance among older women in Vietnam
Authors: Dao‐Tran Tiet‐Hanh , Seib Charrlotte 
Published: September 2017

Aims and objectivesTo explore prevalence and correlates of sleep disturbance among women aged 60 and over in Vietnam.BackgroundSleep disturbance can negatively influence human's health. Sleep disturbance is likely to increase with age, and women appear to be more likely to experience sleep disturbance than men. Knowledge about sleep disturbance in women aged 60 and over in Vietnam is under‐researched.DesignThe study presents results from a cross‐sectional survey of 440 women aged 60 and over from 16 rural and urban suburbs in Vietnam from August 2014–January 2015MethodsStructured questionnaires were used to gather data about residence, age, marital status, educational attainment, employment status, income, body mass index, physical activity, exercise, perceived stress, general health status, number of chronic diseases and sleep disturbance. Descriptive analysis, bivariate correlation and binary logistic generalised linear model were used for data analysis.ResultsAmong older women in Vietnam, (i) the prevalence of sleep disturbance was 38.9%; (ii) the most commonly problem was difficulty maintaining sleep, followed by sleep latency, reduced sleep quality, early waking and daytime sleepiness, (iii) body mass index and physical health were significantly associated with sleep disturbance status.ConclusionsSleep disturbance was relatively common among older women in Vietnam. Overweight increased their sleep disturbance while physical health was negatively associated with their sleep disturbance.Relevance to clinical practiceThis article provided evidence about sleep problems among older women in Vietnam and suggested that interventions targeting weight control and physical health promotion would be useful to improve their sleep problems.