bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of experimental, environmental, and geographic factors on nutrient‐diffusing substrate experiments in running waters
Authors: Beck Whitney S. , Rugenski Amanda T. , Poff N. LeRoy 
Published: August 2017

Abstract

Freshwater algal growth is often limited by the availability of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), or both nutrients (NP). For over 30 years, investigators have conducted nutrient‐diffusing substrate (NDS) experiments to quantify algal nutrient limitation or co‐limitation in rivers and streams. Previous meta‐analyses of NDS have shown that algae are commonly co‐limited by N and P and that water column nutrients are weakly predictive of limitation. These analyses have not, however, comprehensively addressed the experimental, environmental, and geographic covariates affecting nutrient limitation results.

We surveyed the literature and extracted data for algal biomass effect sizes and a suite of covariates across a total of 649 experiments. We built meta‐regression models to identify important controls on NDS results and to gain insights about algal nutrient limitation patterns over space and time. We also reviewed potential mechanisms for the reported result that NDS N and P treatments can inhibit algal growth.

Experimental variables including substrate type, chemical concentration, and experimental length significantly affected P and NP effect sizes, while NDS chemical compound influenced N, P, and NP effect sizes. We also found that environmental variables such as in‐stream nutrients and riparian canopy cover significantly affected limitation by N, P, and NP. Temperature, stream discharge, and stream velocity only affected limitation by NP. Land use, ecoregion, and season showed clear trends in nutrient limitation for all treatments that could generally be tied to environmental factors like in‐stream nutrients and riparian canopy cover.

Most experimental and environmental variables that were statistically significant in the meta‐regression models produced very low R2 index values, indicating that the models explained little variation in among‐site effect sizes. Spatial factors including stream order, ecoregion, and climate classification had the highest R2 index values, but these models still produced a large amount of unexplained variance.

In light of these findings, we provide recommendations for improving NDS experimental design and pursuing future research avenues using NDS. We also highlight the need for future experiments to consider algal stressors that may interact with nutrient limitation experiments.
Comparison of periphyton communities on natural and artificial macrophytes with contrasting morphological structures
Authors: Hao Beibei , Wu Haoping , Cao Yu , Xing Wei , Jeppesen Erik , Li Wei 
Published: August 2017

Abstract

It remains an open question whether or not artificial macrophytes are good alternatives to natural macrophytes in studies of periphyton abundance and composition in lakes. Here, a mesocosm experiment was conducted in winter (when plant growth is low) to compare simultaneously the periphyton community on three submerged macrophytes (Potamogeton lucens, Vallisneria sp. and Cabomba caroliniana) with contrasting leaf structural complexities (leaf fractal dimension = 1.12, 1.17 and 1.37, respectively) and on three types of artificial macrophytes with similar morphologies as the natural plants. We also compared intertreatment differences in phytoplankton sampled from mesocosms.

Both for natural and artificial macrophytes, the periphyton chlorophyll a (Chl‐a) was positively associated with leaf fractal dimension. Although the morphological structure of natural and artificial plants and the physicochemical characteristics of the water were similar, the periphyton community differed between natural and artificial macrophytes, with the difference being dependent on the leaf structural complexity of the macrophytes. For leaves with a simple structural complexity, the abundance and composition of periphyton on natural and artificial plants were not statistically different. In addition, periphyton Chl‐a, density and biovolume were higher on the adaxial side than on the abaxial side of natural P. lucens leaves, but no differences were found between sides of the artificial leaves.

For leaves with a medium structural complexity, the abundance of periphyton was lower on the natural than artificial plants, and the proportion of diatoms to the total community differed. For leaves with a high structural complexity, periphyton Chl‐a of the artificial plants was notably higher than on the natural plants, while no significant differences were found for periphyton density, biovolume, and the proportion of diatoms and green algae.

Permutational multivariate analysis of periphyton genus composition confirmed that periphyton composition on the artificial plants (medium and high leaf structural complexities) was different overall from that on the natural plants.

Phytoplankton Chl‐a, density, biovolume, and diversity did not show any pronounced differences among treatments.

Our results suggest that artificial macrophytes cannot fully substitute for natural plants even when they are morphologically similar. Artificial macrophytes should therefore be used with caution when investigating the periphyton community on macrophytes.
Population density–range size relationship revisited
Authors: Novosolov Maria , Rodda Gordon H. , North Alexandra C. , Butchart Stuart H. M. , Tallowin Oliver J. S. , Gainsbury Alison M. , Meiri Shai 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAimThe species population density–range size relationship posits that locally abundant species are widely distributed. However, this proposed pattern has been insufficiently tested. The few tests conducted were usually limited in scale and gave conflicting results. We tested the generality of the positive population density–range size relationship. We then studied whether similar environmental niche requirements are correlated with range size and with population density to search for mechanisms driving the hypothesized link between population density and range size.LocationWorldwide.MethodsWe collected data on population density, range size and environmental niche for a global dataset of 192 lizard, 893 bird and 350 mammal species. Assessing the relationship between population density and range size and environmental niche parameters, we corrected for phylogenetic relationships, body mass, diet and study area.ResultsOur findings reveal that density had a weak negative correlation with bird range size and was unrelated to lizard and mammal range size. These trends were consistent at the global scale and across the biogeographical realms. Range size was related to relatively similar environmental niche parameters in all groups. Population density, however, was explained by taxon‐specific factors and was therefore unrelated to range size by common causation.Main conclusionsWe suggest that the positive relationship between population density and range size identified in previous studies might be an artefact arising through incomplete sampling of range sizes. Our results indicate that the mechanisms shaping population density and range size may be independent.
Does Administrative Status Matter for Urban Growth? Evidence from Present and Former County Capitals in East Germany
Authors: Heider Bastian , Rosenfeld Martin T. W. , Kauffmann Albrecht 
Published: August 2017

AbstractPublic sector activities are often neglected in the economic approaches used to analyze the driving forces behind urban growth. The institutional status of a regional capital is a crucial aspect of public sector activities. This paper reports on a quasi‐natural experiment on county towns in East Germany. Since 1990, East German cities have demonstrated remarkable differences in population development. During this same period, many towns have lost their status as a county seat due to several administrative reforms. Using a difference‐in‐differences approach, we compare the annual population development of former county capitals to population change in towns that have successfully held on to their capital status throughout the observed period. The estimations show that losing county capital status has a statistically significant negative effect on annual changes in population. This effect continues to increase over time after the respective reforms have been implemented.
Protective efficacy of a hydroxy fatty acid against gastric Helicobacter infections
Authors: Matsui Hidenori , Takahashi Tetsufumi , Murayama Somay Y. , Kawaguchi Marina , Matsuo Koichi , Nakamura Masahiko 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackgroundWe have previously revealed that omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids can prevent Helicobacter pylori infection by blocking the futalosine pathway, an alternative route for menaquinone (MK) biosynthesis.Materials and Methods1, Different H. pylori strains were grown in liquid media supplemented with linoleic acid, an omega‐6 fatty acid, or its 10‐hydroxy derivative, 10‐hydroxy‐cis‐12‐octadecenoic acid (HYA), in the presence or absence of MK. The bacterial numbers in the media were estimated by plating; 2, C57BL/6NCrl mice received drinking water supplemented with different fatty acids starting from 1 week before infection with H. pylori or Helicobacter suis until the end of the experiment. The gastric colonization levels of H. pylori or H. suis were determined 2 weeks after infection by plating or quantitative PCR, respectively; 3, Mice were given HYA, starting 1 week before infection with H. suis and continuing until 6 months after infection, for analysis of the gastric conditions.Results1, A low concentration (20 μmol/L) of HYA in culture broth suppressed the growth of H. pylori, and this inhibition was reduced by MK supplementation; 2, HYA treatment protected mice against H. pylori or H. suis infection; 3, HYA treatment suppressed the formation of lymphoid follicles in the gastric mucus layer after H. suis infection.ConclusionsHYA prevents gastric Helicobacter infections by blocking their futalosine pathways. Daily HYA supplementation is effective for the prevention of gastric mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma induced by persistent infection with H. suis.
Interleukin‐10 secreted by mesenchymal stem cells attenuates acute liver failure through inhibiting pyroptosis
Authors: Wang Jinglin , Ren Haozhen , Yuan Xianwen , Ma Hucheng , Shi Xiaolei , Ding Yitao 
Published: August 2017

AimRecently, the benefit of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as a cell‐based therapy for acute liver failure (ALF) has gained much attention, although the mechanism of action of MSCs in the treatment of ALF remains elusive. Pyroptosis is a novel form of programmed cell death with an intense inflammatory response. The aim of the present study was to explore the soluble cytokines secreted by MSCs and their therapeutic effects through inhibiting pyroptosis in ALF.MethodsMesenchymal stem cells obtained from C57BL/6 mice were isolated and cultured according to an established protocol. The MSCs were transplanted into mice with D‐galactosamine (D‐Gal)‐induced ALF. Liver function, survival rate, histology, and inflammatory factors were determined. Exogenous recombinant rat interleukin (IL)‐10, ShIL‐RNA, and MCC950 (NLRP3 inhibitor) were given to the mice to explore the therapeutic mechanism of MSCs. Statistical analyses were carried out with spss version 19.0, and all data were analyzed by independent‐samples t‐test.ResultsInjection of IL‐10 or MSC transplantation ameliorated D‐Gal‐induced increase in alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin, NH3, and inflammatory cytokines. Blockage of IL‐10 confirmed the therapeutic significance of this cytokine.ConclusionPyroptosis was inhibited after IL‐10 infusion and inhibition of NLRP3 by MCC950 reversed liver dysfunction.
Pharmacist awareness and views towards counterfeit medicine in Lebanon
Authors: Sholy Lydia , Gard Paul , Williams Sian , MacAdam Angela 
Published: August 2017

Abstract

Background
Pharmacists, as healthcare professionals, have patients' well-being and safety as their primary concern. However, the safety and efficacy of treatments may be compromised by the availability of counterfeit medicine (CFM) which could have serious consequences for public health.

Objectives
To assess pharmacist awareness and views towards CFM in Lebanon.

Methods
The study used convenience sampling and selected pharmacists based on their willingness to participate and used a questionnaire as a tool to determine their experiences and views towards CFM. The questionnaires were completed in different regions in Lebanon.

Key findings
A total of 223 pharmacists participated in the study, and all were able to define CFM, however were inconsistent in their definitions. The majority reported identifying CFM by the medicine’s effect (67.7%), followed by cost (66.8%). Almost 43% reported knowing of pharmacists who dispensed CFM. Additionally, participants reported that they believed that pharmacists who dealt with CFM were unprofessional (89.2%) and unethical (86.5%), and that they did it for the ‘easy money’ (87.9%) and large profit (86.5%).

Conclusion
The study highlighted the need for additional CFM awareness campaigns with an emphasis on the role that pharmacists have in protecting patients from using CFM. In addition, there is a need for an official CFM definition that distinguishes between the different types of counterfeiting. Furthermore, the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health and regulatory authorities should control and secure the supply chain of medicine in the country and enforce the law.
Persistence and adherence to overactive bladder medications in Japan: A large nationwide real‐world analysis
Authors: Kato Daisuke , Uno Satoshi , Van Schyndle James , Fan Alan , Kimura Tomomi 
Published: August 2017

ObjectivesTo evaluate persistence and adherence to mirabegron and antimuscarinics in Japan using data from two administrative databases.MethodsThe present retrospective study evaluated insurance claims for employees and dependents aged ≤75 years, and pharmacy claims for outpatients. From October 2012 to September 2014, new users of mirabegron or five individual antimuscarinics indicated for overactive bladder in Japan (fesoterodine, imidafenacin, propiverine, solifenacin and tolterodine) were identified and followed for 1 year. Persistence with mirabegron and antimuscarinics were evaluated using Kaplan–Meier methods. Any associations between baseline characteristics (age, sex and previous medication use) and persistence were explored. Adherence was assessed using the medication possession ratio.ResultsIn total, 3970 and 16 648 patients were included from the insurance and pharmacy claims databases, respectively. Mirabegron treatment was associated with longer median persistence compared with antimuscarinics (insurance claims: 44 [95% confidence intervals 37–56] vs 21 [14–28] to 30 [30–33] days, pharmacy claims: 105 [96–113] vs 62 [56–77] to 84 [77–86] days). The results were consistent when patients were stratified by age, sex and previous medication. Persistence rate at 1 year was higher for mirabegron (insurance claims: 14.0% [11.5–16.8%] vs 5.4% [4.1–7.0%] to 9.1% [5.3–14.2%], pharmacy claims: 25.9% [24.6–27.3%] vs 16.3% [14.0–18.6%] to 21.3% [20.2–22.4%]). Compared with each antimuscarinic, a higher proportion of mirabegron‐treated patients had medication possession ratios ≥0.8.ConclusionsThis large nationwide Japanese study shows that persistence and adherence are greater with mirabegron compared with five antimuscarinics.
Barrier‐free communication in maternity care of allophone migrants: BRIDGE study protocol
Authors: Origlia Ikhilor Paola , Hasenberg Gabriele , Kurth Elisabeth , Stocker Kalberer Barbara , Cignacco Eva , Pehlke‐Milde Jessica 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAimTo describe communication and access barriers encountered by allophone women of different migration backgrounds in the Swiss maternity care services, from the perspective of users, healthcare professionals and intercultural interpreters.BackgroundIn addition to the challenges of maternal adjustment, pregnant migrant women must also deal with an unfamiliar health service system. Some must overcome language barriers and the stress of uncertain residence status. Limited access to maternity care increases perinatal morbidity and mortality. Almost 10% of foreigners speak none of Switzerland's official languages. Factors that facilitate or hinder communication between migrant women and perinatal healthcare professionals are under‐studied and must be understood if we are to overcome those barriers in clinical practice.DesignQualitative exploratory study with quantitative sub‐study.MethodsParticipants will be drawn from German to speaking regions of Switzerland. We will conduct focus group discussions and semi‐structured interviews with users in their own language (Albanian and Tigrinya) and with healthcare professionals and intercultural interpreters (March–June 2016), then perform Thematic Analysis on the data. In the sub‐study, midwives will report their experience of using a telephone interpreting service during postnatal home visits in a questionnaire (October 2013–March 2016). Data will be analysed with descriptive statistics.DiscussionOur study will reveal patterns in communications between allophone migrant women and healthcare providers and communication barriers. By incorporating multiple perspectives, we will describe the challenges all parties face. Our results will inform those who draft recommendations to improve provision of maternity care to allophone women and their families.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov ID: BernUAS NCT02695316.
Clinical evaluation of a new pressure ulcer risk assessment instrument, the Pressure Ulcer Risk Primary or Secondary Evaluation Tool (PURPOSE T)
Authors: Coleman Susanne , Smith Isabelle L. , McGinnis Elizabeth , Keen Justin , Muir Delia , Wilson Lyn , Stubbs Nikki , Dealey Carol , Brown Sarah , Nelson E. Andrea , Nixon Jane 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAimTo test the psychometric properties and clinical usability of a new Pressure Ulcer Risk Assessment Instrument including inter‐rater and test–retest reliability, convergent validity and data completeness.BackgroundMethodological and practical limitations associated with traditional Pressure Ulcer Risk Assessment Instruments, prompted a programme to work to develop a new instrument, as part of the National Institute for Health Research funded, Pressure UlceR Programme Of reSEarch (RP‐PG‐0407‐10056).DesignObservational field test.MethodFor this clinical evaluation 230 patients were purposefully sampled across four broad levels of pressure ulcer risk with representation from four secondary care and four community NHS Trusts in England. Blinded and simultaneous paired (ward/community nurse and expert nurse) PURPOSE‐T assessments were undertaken. Follow‐up retest was undertaken by the expert nurse. Field notes of PURPOSE‐T use were collected. Data were collected October 2012–January 2013.ResultsThe clinical evaluation demonstrated “very good” (kappa) inter‐rater and test–retest agreement for PURPOSE‐T assessment decision overall. The percentage agreement for “problem/no problem” was over 75% for the main risk factors. Convergent validity demonstrated moderate to high associations with other measures of similar constructs.ConclusionThe PURPOSE‐T evaluation facilitated the initial validation and clinical usability of the instrument and demonstrated that PURPOSE‐T is suitable of use in clinical practice. Further study is needed to evaluate the impact of using the instrument on care processes and outcomes.
Genetic testing in intellectual disability psychiatry: Opinions and practices of UK child and intellectual disability psychiatrists
Authors: Wolfe Kate , Stueber Kerstin , McQuillin Andrew , Jichi Fatima , Patch Christine , Flinter Frances , Strydom André , Bass Nick 
Published: August 2017

BackgroundAn increasing number of genetic causes of intellectual disabilities (ID) are identifiable by clinical genetic testing, offering the prospect of bespoke patient management. However, little is known about the practices of psychiatrists and their views on genetic testing.MethodWe undertook an online survey of 215 psychiatrists, who were contacted via the Royal College of Psychiatrist's Child and Adolescent and Intellectual Disability Psychiatry mailing lists.ResultsIn comparison with child and adolescent psychiatrists, intellectual disability psychiatrists ordered more genetic tests, referred more patients to genetic services, and were overall more confident in the genetic testing process. Respondents tended to agree that genetic diagnoses can help patient management; however, management changes were infrequently found in clinical practice.ConclusionsDifferences are apparent in the existing views and practices of child and adolescent and intellectual disability psychiatrists. Developing training and collaboration with colleagues working in genetic services could help to reduce discrepancies and improve clinical practice.
The transition to adulthood of young adults with IDD: Parents’ joint projects
Authors: Young Richard A. , Marshall Sheila K. , Stainton Tim , Wall Jessie M. , Curle Deirdre , Zhu Ma , Munro David , Murray John , El Bouhali Asmae , Parada Filomena , Zaidman‐Zait Anat 
Published: August 2017

INTRODUCTIONParents have found the transition to adulthood for their sons or daughters with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) particularly challenging. The literature has not examined how parents work together and with others in face of this transition nor has it highlighted parental goals in this process. This study used a perspective based on joint, goal‐direct action to describe the projects that Canadian parents engaged in together and with others relative to this transition.MethodsUsing the qualitative action‐project method, joint projects between parents and with others were identified from their conversations and followed for 6 months.FindingsThree groups of projects were described: equipping the young adult for adult life, connecting for personal support and managing day‐to‐day while planning for the future.ConclusionsParents act together and with others relative to the transition to adulthood of their young adult children with IDD. These projects are complex and differ in goals, steps, resources and emotional regulation and motivation.
Stress in caregivers of individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities: A systematic review of mindfulness‐based interventions
Authors: Ó Donnchadha Seán 
Published: August 2017

BackgroundThe efficacy of mindfulness‐based interventions (MBIs) for stress and psychological distress in professional caregivers supporting individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDDs) is reviewed.MethodsEight studies met inclusion criteria and were systematically reviewed, including RCTs and single‐group designs.ResultsAs per Reichow, Volkmar, and Cicchetti (Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 38, 2008), three studies were classified as “adequate quality” and five were classified as “weak.” There were inconsistent findings in relation to stress, with significant reductions or increases reported by caregivers following MBIs. MBIs consistently improved caregivers’ ratings of distress. Process outcomes suggested increased mindful awareness, increased cognitive defusion and reduced thought suppression. Treatment effects were maintained or continued to grow at follow‐up.ConclusionsCaregivers of individuals with IDDs face multiple challenges on a daily basis. This review supports, at least, short‐term benefits for MBIs in the management of stress and distress in caregivers of individuals with IDDs.