bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of land use and land cover change on biodiversity within and adjacent to Kibasira Swamp in Kilombero Valley, Tanzania
Authors: Seki Hamidu A. , Shirima Deo D. , Courtney Mustaphi Colin J. , Marchant Rob , Munishi Pantaleo K. T. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractWetlands are crucial ecosystems with multiple values and functions to a range of different stakeholders. The future of wetlands depends both on the legacy of the past and how they are currently used. Using 48 vegetation survey plots (0.08 ha) combined with Landsat 5 and 7 TM imagery, we assessed the influence of long‐term (1990–2011) land use and land cover change on the biodiversity of the Kibasira Swamp. Information on perceptions of adjacent communities on historical changes and drivers for the changes were also collected. Results showed an increase in the area covered by open water by 1% and forest by 4% between 1990 and 1998 whilst Cyperus papyrus L and cultivated land area decreased by 8% and 3%, respectively on the same period. Between 1998 and 2011, there was a decrease in areas covered by water by 35% and forest by 9% whereas C. papyrus L increased by 40% and cultivated land increased by 8%. These changes have affected the biodiversity of the swamp and adjacent to it as numbers of mammals have declined. However, the Swamp still provides extensive habitat for plants and bird species despite the ongoing human pressure. Interventions may be necessary to maintain biodiversity in Kibasira Swamp to ensure sustainable ecosystem services.
Composition of a molluscan assemblage associated with macrophytes in Menzel Jemil (Bizerte lagoon, SW Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: Zaabar Wahiba , Zakhama‐Sraieb Rym , Charfi‐Cheikhrouha Faouzia , Achouri Mohamed Sghaïer 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe molluscan species composition and diversity associated with macrophytes was studied throughout 1 year at Menzel Jemil station (Bizerte lagoon, north‐west of Tunisia). A total of 7,539 individuals belonging to 13 species were collected. The molluscan assemblage was mainly composed of gastropods (98.12%, nine species), followed by bivalves (1.88%, four species). Hydrobia acuta ranked first with 49.97% of total abundance, followed by Bittium reticulatum (17.97%), Tritia mutabilis (11.38%), Haminoea navicula (8.98%), Phorcus articulatus (5.17%) and Cerithium vulgatum (3.94%). The large number of juvenile molluscs collected confirms the importance of macroalgae and seagrass for mollusc recruitment. Significant temporal variations of species richness, density and diversity indices of the mollusc assemblage have been observed during the year. Multivariate analyses applied to our data revealed significant relationships between the macrophyte composition and associated molluscan assemblage. The BIOENV analysis indicated that water temperature, phosphates concentration and macrophyte biomass were environmental variables most closely associated with the temporal variation of molluscan assemblage.
Is high species richness at intermediate disturbance level valuable for phylogenetic conservation? A test on bird species in South‐East Botswana
Authors: Yessoufou Kowiyou , Letshwiti Kabelo D. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe intermediate disturbance hypothesis (IDH) is one of the most debated theories in ecology. However, even when evidence is provided to support the hypothesis, its relevance for phylogenetic conservation has rarely been tested. Here, we investigated this question on birds in the South‐East district of Botswana along a disturbance gradient across three types of landscapes. We first reconstructed the phylogeny for all species recorded. Next, we assessed the relationship between dissimilarity measures and habitat types using the permutational MANOVA. Finally, we tested the IDH by fitting a generalized linear mixed effect model to account for errors due to spatial pseudo‐replications of our collection design. We found that, although species richness and phylogenetic diversity (PD) follow the prediction of the IDH, the evolutionary component of PD (i.e. PSV, phylogenetic species variability) contributes little to the prediction, suggesting that the correlation between PD and disturbance level is driven by the richness component of PD (i.e. PSR, phylogenetic species richness). However, the increased richness at the intermediate disturbance level does not result in phylogenetically diverse bird communities, indicating that the IDH contributes little to phylogenetic diversity. Our study adds to the body of literature questioning the relevance of IDH in ecology.
Pelvic examination may be meaningfully taught to novices and be used to predict operating times for laparoscopic excision of endometriosis in one surgical procedure
Authors: Bhatti Mominah , Ketheeswaran Ashradha , Arnold Amy , Nesbitt‐Hawes Erin , Deans Rebecca , Won HaRyun , Abbott Jason 
Published: November 2017

ObjectiveTo investigate whether pelvic examination may be meaningfully taught to novice medical students and its accuracy in predicting operating times for laparoscopic excision of endometriosis at a single surgical procedure.MethodsWomen with suspected endometriosis scheduled for laparoscopy underwent pelvic examination to estimate operative time by medical students (novices), trainees, senior clinicians with <10 years surgical experience (experts) and ≥10 years (masters). Examination and intraoperative findings were compared and stage of disease recorded.ResultsThere were 138 estimations of operating time at the initial assessment and 251 estimations of operating time prior to surgery. The median surgical duration was 44 min (range 12–398) and increased progressively with revised American Society for Reproductive Medicine disease stage. Clinical predictions exceeded actual operating times by a median of 18 min (range overestimating by 180 min and underestimating by 120 min) with 80% of procedures completed in less time than predicted and none requiring a second procedure. There was no statistical difference in operative time estimations between the groups with students and trainees underestimating surgical duration by a median of two and five minutes, respectively, experts having a median time difference of zero minutes, and masters overestimating by 4.5 min.ConclusionTargeted pelvic examining may be taught to novices (medical students) and can be used to predict operating time at one surgical procedure. Less experienced examiners have a tendency to underestimate surgical duration, with masters overestimating surgical time when scheduling laparoscopies for endometriosis, and increasing disease stage is associated with a less precise estimation of surgical duration.
Combination therapy with mifepristone and misoprostol for the management of first trimester miscarriage: Improved success
Authors: Dunford Angela , Fyfe Rina 
Published: November 2017

BackgroundFirst trimester miscarriage affects 20% of pregnancies. Medical management has a high degree of patient acceptance and does not increase the risk of infection. Mifepristone is an anti‐progesterone shown to improve outcomes when used in conjunction with misoprostol for first trimester abortion. However, there have been conflicting results when it has been added to treatment regimens for miscarriage.MethodsWe performed a retrospective cohort analysis of women presenting to the Acute Gynaecology Service of our tertiary referral centre for miscarriage management from December 2010 until December 2013. Patients given misoprostol alone were compared to those who received combination treatment with mifepristone and misoprostol. Primary outcome was failure of treatment determined by the need for repeat medical management or surgical curettage. Secondary outcome was need for hospital admission.ResultsA total of 281 women were treated from December 2010 to December 2013: 179 received combined mifepristone and misoprostol and 102 received misoprostol only. The primary outcome was significantly different between the two groups; 73% of women in the mifepristone and misoprostol group required no further treatment compared to only 56% of women in the misoprostol only group (P = 0.012). There were fewer hospital admissions, with 24% in the combined therapy group being admitted compared to 42% in the misoprostol only group (P < 0.001).ConclusionThe addition of mifepristone to medical treatment regimens for first trimester miscarriage significantly decreased the need for repeat medical dosing and surgical curettage. Hospital admissions were also significantly decreased.
Acceptance and transfer to a regional severe respiratory failure and veno‐venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) service: predictors and outcomes
Authors: Gillon S. A. , Rowland K. , Shankar‐Hari M. , Camporota L. , Glover G. W. , Wyncoll D. L. A. , Barrett N. A. , Ioannou N. , Meadows C. I. S. 
Published: November 2017

SummaryThe use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for respiratory failure is high risk and resource intensive. In England, five centres provide this service and patients who are referred have four possible outcomes: declined transfer due to perceived futility; accepted in principle but remain at the referring centre with ongoing surveillance; retrieved using conventional ventilation; or retrieved on extracorporeal support. The decision‐making process leading to these outcomes has not previously been examined. We evaluated referrals to one centre and identified factors associated with each decision outcome. Five hundred and sixty‐four patients were analysed from January 2012 to October 2015. One hundred and fifty‐seven patients were declined; multivariate analysis demonstrated associated factors to be: age (odds ratio (95% confidence interval) 1.05 (1.04–1.07)); immunocompromise (4.95 (2.58–9.67)); lactate (1.11 (1.01–1.22)); duration of ventilation (1.08 (1.04–1.14)); and cardiac failure (3.22 (1.04–10.51)). Factors associated with the decision to retrieve an accepted patient were: plateau pressure (1.05 (1.01–1.10)); ratio of arterial oxygen partial pressure to fractional inspired oxygen (0.89 (0.85–0.93)); partial pressure of carbon dioxide in arterial blood (1.13 (1.03–1.25)); and the absence of non‐pulmonary infection (0.31 (0.15–0.61)). Only pH was independently associated with the decision to transfer on extracorporeal support (0.020 (0.002–0.017)). Six‐month survival in the declined, non‐retrieved, conventionally retrieved and extracorporeal‐retrieved groups was 16.6%, 71.1%, 76.7% and 72.1%, respectively, substantially supporting the decision‐making model. Survival in the accepted group exceeds that reported previously. However, a proportion of those declined do survive and some remotely managed patients die. This suggests the approach does not account for some important survival‐determining factors.
Cuffed vs. uncuffed tracheal tubes in children: a randomised controlled trial comparing leak, tidal volume and complications
Authors: Chambers N. A. , Ramgolam A. , Sommerfield D. , Zhang G. , Ledowski T. , Thurm M. , Lethbridge M. , Hegarty M. , von Ungern‐Sternberg B. S. 
Published: November 2017

SummaryCuffed tracheal tubes are increasingly used in paediatric anaesthetic practice. This study compared tidal volume and leakage around cuffed and uncuffed tracheal tubes in children who required standardised mechanical ventilation of their lungs in the operating theatre. Children (0–16 years) undergoing elective surgery requiring tracheal intubation were randomly assigned to receive either a cuffed or an uncuffed tracheal tube. Assessments were made at five different time‐points: during volume‐controlled ventilation 6 ml.kg−1, PEEP 5 cmH2O and during pressure‐controlled ventilation 10 cmH2O / PEEP 5 cmH2O. The pressure‐controlled ventilation measurement time‐points were: just before a standardised recruitment manoeuvre; just after recruitment manoeuvre; 10 min; and 30 min after the recruitment manoeuvre. Problems and complications were recorded. During volume‐controlled ventilation, leakage was significantly less with cuffed tracheal tubes than with uncuffed tracheal tubes; in ml.kg−1, median (IQR [range]) 0.20 (0.13–0.39 [0.04–0.60]) vs. 0.82 (0.58–1.38 [0.24–4.85]), respectively, p < 0.001. With pressure‐controlled ventilation, leakage was less with cuffed tracheal tubes and stayed unchanged over a 30‐min period, whereas with uncuffed tracheal tubes, leakage was higher and increased further over the 30‐min period. Tidal volumes were higher in the cuffed group and increased over time, but in the uncuffed group were lower and decreased over time. Both groups showed an increase in tidal volumes following recruitment manoeuvres. There were more short‐term complications with uncuffed tracheal tubes, but no major complications were recorded in either group at long‐term follow‐up. With standardised ventilator settings, cuffed tracheal tubes produced better ventilation characteristics compared with uncuffed tracheal tubes during general anaesthesia for routine elective surgery.
Experimental Investigation of Left Ventricular Flow Patterns After Percutaneous Edge‐to‐Edge Mitral Valve Repair
Authors: Jeyhani Morteza , Shahriari Shahrokh , Labrosse Michel 
Published: November 2017

AbstractMitral valve percutaneous edge‐to‐edge repair (PEtER) is a viable solution in high‐risk patients with severe symptomatic mitral regurgitation. However, the generated double‐orifice configuration poses challenges for the evaluation of the hemodynamic performance of the mitral valve and may alter flow patterns in the left ventricle (LV) during diastole. This in vitro study aims to evaluate the hemodynamic modifications following a simulated PEtER. A custom‐made mitral valve was developed, and two configurations were tested: (i) a single‐orifice valve with mitral regurgitation and (ii) a double‐orifice mitral valve configuration following PEtER. The hemodynamic performance of the valve was evaluated using Doppler echocardiography and catheterization, while the flow patterns in the LV were investigated using particle image velocimetry (PIV). The tests were run at a stroke volume of 65 mL and a heart rate of 70 bpm. PEtER was found to significantly reduce the regurgitant volume (15 vs. 34 mL). There was a good agreement between Doppler and catheter transmitral pressure gradients (peak gradient: 9 vs. 7 mm Hg; mean gradient: 4 vs. 3 mm Hg) as well as an excellent agreement between maximal velocity measured by Doppler and PIV (1.60 vs. 1.58 m/s). Vortex development in the LV during diastole was significantly different after repair. PEtER significantly increased the amplitude of Reynolds and viscous shear stresses, as well as the number of high shear regions in the LV, potentially promoting thromboembolism events.
Children with blindness – major causes, developmental outcomes and implications for habilitation and educational support: a two‐decade, Swedish population‐based study
Authors: de Verdier Kim , Ulla Ek , Löfgren Stefan , Fernell Elisabeth 
Published: November 2017

AbstractPurposeThe aim was to describe the population of children with congenital or early infancy blindness in Sweden, with regard to causes of blindness and prevalence of neurodevelopmental impairments.MethodsMedical, psychological and pedagogical records of Swedish children with congenital or early infancy blindness (total blindness or light perception at the most) born in 1988–2008 were analysed regarding year of birth, gender, cause of blindness, gestational age, associated neurological disorders/syndromes, associated neurodevelopmental impairments, cognitive level and type of school placement.ResultsA total of 150 individuals, 80 girls and 70 boys, were identified, corresponding to a prevalence of 7/100 000. Five causes of blindness dominated, constituting 76% of all represented aetiologies: retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), optic nerve hypoplasia (ONH), Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA), optic nerve atrophy (ONA) and microphthalmia/anophthalmia. Nearly three of four children in the study population had at least one additional disability besides blindness; the most common being intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). More than half of the population had more than one additional disability. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) was most common in children withONH,ROP,LCAand microphthalmia/anophthalmia.ConclusionIn children born within the last decades, isolated blindness is uncommon and the rate of multidisabilities is high. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) seems to be more strongly associated with specific aetiological subgroups. Further development of the support to families and schools should be based on knowledge about the considerable heterogeneity of the population of children with blindness, and the common occurrence of coexisting neurodevelopmental disorders, especiallyIDandASD.
The effect of skin‐to‐skin care on cerebral oxygenation during nasogastric feeding of preterm infants
Authors: Marulli A , Kamlin COF , Dawson JA , Donath SM , Davis PG , Lorenz L 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAimTo describe cerebral oxygenation during gavage feeding of preterm infants during incubator and skin‐to‐skin care.MethodsFurther analysis of data from two crossover studies comparing cerebral oxygenation, heart rate and oxygen saturation during skin‐to‐skin care with incubator care. Data were analysed in three epochs; 10 minutes prefeed, during‐feed and 10 minutes postfeed. Measurements from infants fed during incubator care were compared with those obtained during skin‐to‐skin care.ResultsIn 39 infants [median (IQR) 27.8 (26.1–30.0) weeks' gestation], there was no difference in cerebral oxygenation between pre‐, during‐ and postfeed. Heart rate increased by three beats per minute postfeed compared with during‐feed. Twenty infants received two gavage feeds, one feed in the incubator and another during skin‐to‐skin care. There was no difference in cerebral oxygenation and heart rate; peripheral oxygen saturation decreased by 3% during feeding whilst skin‐to‐skin care compared with feeding in the incubator.ConclusionCerebral oxygenation remained stable before, during and after gavage feeding in an incubator and during skin‐to‐skin care. The small decrease in oxygen saturation whilst receiving gavage feeding during skin‐to‐skin care is unlikely to be clinically important, providing reassurance that preterm infants maintain physiological stability during skin‐to‐skin care.
Facial micro‐expression states as an indicator for conceptual change in students' understanding of air pressure and boiling points
Authors: Chiu Mei‐Hung , Liaw Hongming Leonard , Yu Yuh‐Ru , Chou Chin‐Cheng 
Published: November 2017

AbstractUtilizing facial recognition technology, the current study has attempted to predict the likelihood of student conceptual change with decision tree models based on the facial micro‐expression states (FMES) students exhibited when they experience conceptual conflict. While conceptual change through conceptual conflicts in science education is a well‐studied field, there is little research done on conceptual change through conceptual conflict in terms of students' facial expressions. As facial expressions are one of the most direct and immediate responses one can get during instruction and that facial expressions are often representations student's emotions, a link between students' FMES and learning was explored. Facial data was collected from 90 tenth graders. Only data from the 72 students who made incorrect predictions were analyzed in this study. The concept taught was the relationship between boiling point and air pressure. Through facial recognition software analysis and decision tree models, the current study found Surprised, Sad and Disgusted to be key FMES that could be used to predict student conceptual change in a conceptual conflict‐based scenario.
Platelets derived from fresh and cold‐stored whole blood participate in clot formation in rats with acute traumatic coagulopathy
Authors: Wu Xiaowu , Darlington Daniel N. , Montgomery Robbie K. , Liu Bin , Keesee Jeffrey D. , Scherer Michael R. , Benov Avi , Chen Jacob , Cap Andrew P. 
Published: November 2017

SummaryThe in vitro haemostatic functions of fresh whole blood (FWB) are well preserved after cold storage. This study aimed to determine whether platelets derived from FWB and stored whole blood (SWB) contribute to clot formation in tissue injury after transfusion into coagulopathic rats with polytrauma/haemorrhage (T/H). The rats were resuscitated 1 h after trauma with FWB or SWB collected from green fluorescence protein (GFP) transgenic rats. After transfusion, a liver incision was made and the tissue was collected 10 min after injury to identify GFP+ platelets by immunohistochemistry. In comparison to FWB, platelet aggregation to adenosine diphosphate and protease‐activated receptor‐4 was reduced by 35% and 20%, and clotting time was shortened by 25% in SWB. After transfusion, SWB led to a significant increase in platelet activation as measured by an elevation of CD62P and phosphatidylserine expression. The platelets from SWB were in a higher activation state, and showed higher clearance rate and formation of platelet‐leucocyte aggregates than those from FWB after transfusion. Platelets from both FWB and SWB were equivalently incorporated into the clot at the incisional site, as determined by co‐localization of CD61 and GFP. This study suggests that SWB contributes to haemostatic function and is an effective alternative resource to treat trauma patients.
PERK leads a hub dictating pancreatic β cell homoeostasis
Authors: Kefalas George , Larose Louise 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIn humans, the pathogenesis of diabetes is characterised by two major pancreatic β cell defects: a reduction in β cell mass and the failure of β cells to produce enough insulin. Over the past two decades, multiple studies involving cell cultures, animal models and human subjects have established the importance of the protein kinase RNA‐like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) in the adaptive functional capacity of pancreatic β cells during embryonic development and into adulthood. In this review, we will highlight major findings identifying PERK as a crucial player in β cell physiology and in diabetes.
Understanding Socioeconomic Differences in Parents’ Speech to Children
Authors: Rowe Meredith L. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIn this article, I address our understanding of the word gap, or why parents’ talk to children differs by socioeconomic status. The differences in quantity and quality of parents’ input across early childhood predict children's language development and their readiness for school. As a result, a growing number of interventions target parent–child interactions to enhance children's early experiences and promote learning. Understanding the factors that shape parents’ communication with their children is essential and has implications for empirical research as well as interventions to reduce early disparities in children's language development.