bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climate engineering management: an emerging interdisciplinary subject
Authors: Wei Yi-Ming , Yu Bi-Ying , Li Hui , Kang Jia-Ning , Wang Jin-Wei , Chen Wei-Ming
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Climate engineering management (CEM) as an emerging and cross-disciplinary subject gradually draws the attention to researchers. This paper aims to focus on economic and social impacts on the technologies of climate engineering themselves. However, very few research concentrates on the management of climate engineering. Furthermore, scientific knowledge and a unified system of CEM are limited.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the concept of CEM and its characteristics are proposed and elaborated. In addition, the framework of CEM is established based on management objectives, management processes and supporting theory and technology of management. Moreover, a multi-agent synergistic theory of CEM is put forward to guide efficient management of climate engineering, which is composed of time synergy, space synergy, and factor synergy. This theory is suitable for solving all problems encountered in the management of various climate engineering rather than a specific climate engineering. Specifically, the proposed CEM system aims to mitigate the impact of climate change via refining and summarizing the interrelationship of each component.

Findings

Overall, the six research frontiers and hotspots in the field of CEM are explored based on the current status of research.

Originality/value

In terms of the objectives listed above, this paper seeks to provide a reference for formulating the standards and norms in the management of various climate engineering, as well as contribute to policy implementation and efficient management.
Social support, depressive symptoms, and online gaming network communication
Authors: Prochnow Tyler , Patterson Megan S. , Hartnell Logan
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The increase of videogame use has raised concerns regarding mental health of gamers (e.g. social isolation, depression); however, online gaming may offer the benefit of social connectivity. Many games provide ways for people to meet and interact, providing social opportunities difficult to come by for some young adults. One way to investigate social connection is through social network analysis, which explores the influence of connections on behaviors. The purpose of this paper is to analyze factors related to social connections within an online gaming community, with an emphasis on the influence of social support and depressive symptoms on network ties.

Design/methodology/approach

All members of an online gaming site were asked to report demographics, site use, depressive symptoms, “in-real-life” (IRL) social support, and online social support. Members were also asked to nominate those in their gaming network with whom they spoke to about important life matters. Moran’s I determined the spatial autocorrelation of depressive symptoms and IRL support within the network. Exponential random graph modeling determined factors significantly associated with tie presence between members.

Findings

Members (n=37) were significantly more likely to speak to other members about important life matters if they reported more site hours, more depressive symptoms, and less IRL support. Depressive symptoms and IRL support were not significantly spatially autocorrelated within this network.

Originality/value

Results suggest members may be filling an IRL social support deficit with friends they have met online. Additionally, members who reported more depressive symptoms may be seeking help from informal online connections through online gaming.
Development of probiotic vegetable juice usingLactobacillus RhamnosusGR-1
Authors: Dunkley Kristina Elizabeth , Hekmat Sharareh
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the growth and viability ofLactobacillus rhamnosusGR-1 (L. rhamnosusGR-1) in carrot juice (CJ), carrot apple juice (CAJ), carrot orange juice (COJ) and carrot beet juice (CBJ) over 72 h of fermentation and 30 days of refrigerated storage at 4°C. The secondary objective is to evaluate sensory properties.

Design/methodology/approach

Four vegetable juice samples were inoculated with the probiotic strainL. rhamnosusGR-1 and fermented for 72 h. To observe the samples’ storage ability, the samples were refrigerated for 30 days. Microbial enumeration was conducted throughout the fermentation and storage periods to determine the viability ofL. rhamnosusGR-1. Sensory evaluation with 106 participants was also conducted to assess the consumer acceptability of the vegetable juices.

Findings

All tested samples achieved mean microbial counts of at least 109 CFU/ml. During the 72-h fermentation period significant differences in microbial counts in juices CJ (p= 0.001), CAJ (p= 0.031), COJ (p= 0.047) and CBJ (p= 0.001) were observed. Over the 30-day storage period, significant differences in microbial counts were only found in juices CJ (p= 0.001) and COJ (p= 0.019). A significant decline in pH (p= 0.001) was also observed during 72 h of fermentation and 30-days of cold storage. Sensory evaluation of all juices showed significant differences in sensory attributes such as appearance (p= 0.001), flavour (p= 0.001), texture (p= 0.001) and overall acceptability (p= 0.001). Sensory results showed that the probiotic CBJ and CJ had the highest hedonic scores for flavour, texture and overall acceptability (p= 0.001) among participants. This study demonstrated that non-dairy vegetable juices could be an alternative to dairy-based probiotic products.

Originality/value

Commercially available probiotic dairy-based foods make up a large sector of the consumer market. However, the growing consumer interest in healthful eating has led to an increased demand for plant-based products. The probioticL. rhamnosusGR-1 provides numerous therapeutic benefits, such as reducing the recurrence of bacterial vaginosis, yeast and urinary tract infections. The results of this study may have a significant influence on the health of individuals, especially in less economically developed countries.
Atmospheric and soil drought risks combined shape community assembly of trees in a tropical dry forest
Authors: Méndez‐Toribio Moisés , Ibarra‐Manríquez Guillermo , Paz Horacio , Lebrija‐Trejos Edwin
Published: January 2020

Predicting plant community assembly is challenging in part because the influence of environmental conditions via plant functional strategies and the relevance of mechanisms of community assembly change across habitats and these changes remain poorly studied.

To assess how environmental conditions drive species sorting in a tropical dry forest, we used the combined RLQ and Fourth‐Corner methods to analyse changes in tree species assemblages among sites with distinct atmospheric and soil drought risks. We asked how variation in potential radiation, soil water availability and evapotranspiration interact with functional traits to explain the cross‐site sorting of species lying along a continuum of drought coping strategies ranging from acquisitive to conservative resource‐use.

Environment and traits were tightly related. Opposing common expectations on the success of strategies in resource limited environments, drought tolerant conservative species with dense tissues and tardily deciduous leaves were favoured on sites with higher resource (soil water) availability. Drought avoiding acquisitive species with water storing tissues and thin, light leaves with short retention time periods were favoured in sites with drier soils. A decoupling of stressing conditions caused by soil and atmospheric aridity combined with differences in species adaptations to each of these factors can explain the apparent discrepancies.

Synthesis. Drought stress gradients entailed shifts in community functional composition. We show that atmospheric and soil drought risks can be decoupled and jointly determine species distribution in relation to their functional strategies. By considering atmospheric drought stress, a key yet often overlooked factor in studies of community assembly, we offer a novel explanation to a seemingly contrasting pattern in tropical dry forests where species with acquisitive, rather than conservative strategies, predominate in the most resource‐limited yet less water demanding environment. More generally, our results emphasize the need for detailed studies of the multiple habitat‐dependent relationships between traits and environment to advance our predictive understanding of species distributions and community assembly.
The concurrent exposure to aluminium and fructose induces liver injury in rats: Protection by monoammonium glycyrrhizinate
Authors: Zakaria Sarah , Hasan Rehab A. , Mahmoud Mona F. , El Fayoumi Hassan M. , Mahmoud Amr A. A.
Published: January 2020

Aluminium is a ubiquitous element that occurs naturally in the soil making human exposure to it unavoidable. It is implicated in the aetiology of different neurodegenerative diseases and can induce liver injury. In addition, insulin resistance (IR) plays an essential role in the pathogenesis and the progression of liver disorders. The increased consumption of fructose contained in soft drinks and western pattern diet results in IR that along with the wide distribution of aluminium make the concurrent exposure conceivable and increase the risk of liver injury. Therefore, the present study explores the hepatotoxic effects of aluminium and fructose administered concurrently and evaluates the possible protection by monoammonium glycyrrhizinate (MAG). Liver injury was induced by the administration of aluminium chloride (34 mg/kg/d) plus 10% (w/v) fructose in drinking water. Male rats were treated with either MAG (40 mg/kg/d) or silymarin (SIL, 100 mg/kg/d). The concurrent administration of aluminium and fructose (FRUAL) induced liver injury manifested as a significant elevation of serum liver enzymes activities, bilirubin level, and prothrombin time, as well as reduction of albumin level. On the other hand, the administration of MAG improved the FRUAL‐induced aberrations of liver function tests and hepatic cytoarchitecture. We assume that the MAG‐induced suppression of oxidative stress, toll‐like receptor 4 pathway activation, inflammation, and apoptosis might play a crucial role in the hepatoprotective effect of MAG in this model. Intriguingly, the hepatoprotective effect MAG against FRUAL‐induced liver injury surpasses that of the gold standard SIL, suggesting MAG as a better alternative to SIL.
Street Trees, the Private Finance Initiative and Participatory Regeneration: Policy Innovation or Incompatible Perspectives
Authors: Whyman Philip B.
Published: January 2020

In common with other northern cities, Sheffield has experienced a dramatic reduction in funding from central government. Its response has been twofold. Firstly, to reduce the cost of service delivery, in part through augmenting or replacing public sector service provision through transfer to voluntary bodies and/or the private sector; the latter through private finance initiative (PFI) contracts. Secondly, the local authority has sought to promote economic regeneration through increased citizen involvement and participation. The problem for this combined strategy is that the two approaches have clashed over a previously underrated and overlooked area of public provision, namely the maintenance of street trees. Issues relating to the design of the contract, the economic imperative inherent within PFI contracts, initial reaction to popular protests, and reluctance to acknowledge the authority of alternative perspectives, have combined to undermine the salience of the participatory regeneration model for key sections of the local community.
Changes of liposome and antioxidant activity in immature rice during seed development
Authors: Li Dan , Zhang Chao , Zhang Ai‐wu , Qian Li‐li , Zhang Dong‐jie
Published: January 2020

For the past several decades, only a few studies were conducted on the change in immature rice liposomes during seed development. To evaluate and compare the lipid material of different degrees of developing rice grains, this paper focused on fresh rice seeds from only one most popular species of Dasan divided into five growth periods. The lipid components of fresh rice, especially γ‐oryzanol and fatty acids equipped with extremely beneficial phytonutrients, were investigated. The results illustrated that the level of extracted liposome increased gradually along with the development of rice and in the third stage of development, the level of liposome achieved maximum. And then, instead of increasing, it was decreased at later stages of development. Moreover, the antioxidant activity of fresh edible rice (FER) was also evaluated by DPPH and ABTS assay. It was shown that FER has the higher antioxidant activity than the ripened rice seed on lipids, which will improve FER using on the functional foods and help provide certainly theoretical basis in food processing industry.
Prediction of pathological complete response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer using a deep learning (DL) method
Authors: Qu Yu‐Hong , Zhu Hai‐Tao , Cao Kun , Li Xiao‐Ting , Ye Meng , Sun Ying‐Shi
Published: January 2020

Background

The aim of the study was to develop a deep learning (DL) algorithm to evaluate the pathological complete response (pCR) to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer.

Methods

A total of 302 breast cancer patients in this retrospective study were randomly divided into a training set (n = 244) and a validation set (n = 58). Tumor regions were manually delineated on each slice by two expert radiologists on enhanced T1‐weighted images. Pathological results were used as ground truth. Deep learning network contained five repetitions of convolution and max‐pooling layers and ended with three dense layers. The pre‐NAC model and post‐NAC model inputted six phases of pre‐NAC and post‐NAC images, respectively. The combined model used 12 channels from six phases of pre‐NAC and six phases of post‐NAC images. All models above included three indexes of molecular type as one additional input channel.

Results

The training set contained 137 non‐pCR and 107 pCR participants. The validation set contained 33 non‐pCR and 25 pCR participants. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) of three models was 0.553 for pre‐NAC, 0.968 for post‐NAC and 0.970 for the combined data, respectively. A significant difference was found in AUC between using pre‐NAC data alone and combined data (P < 0.001). The positive predictive value of the combined model was greater than that of the post‐NAC model (100% vs. 82.8%, P = 0.033).

Conclusion

This study established a deep learning model to predict PCR status after neoadjuvant therapy by combining pre‐NAC and post‐NAC MRI data. The model performed better than using pre‐NAC data only, and also performed better than using post‐NAC data only.

Key points

Significant findings of the study.

It achieved an AUC of 0.968 for pCR prediction. It showed a significantly greater AUC than using pre‐NAC data only.

What this study adds

This study established a deep learning model to predict PCR status after neoadjuvant therapy by combining pre‐NAC and post‐NAC MRI data.
A genome‐wide significant association on chromosome 15 for congenital entropion in Swiss White Alpine sheep
Authors: Hirter N. , Letko A. , Häfliger I. M. , Becker D. , Greber D. , Drögemüller C.
Published: January 2020

Entropion is a known congenital disorder in sheep presumed to be heritable but no causative genetic variant has been reported. Affected lambs show a variable inward rolling of the lower eyelids leading to blindness in severe cases. In Switzerland, the Swiss White Alpine (SWA) breed showed a significantly higher prevalence for entropion than other breeds. A GWAS using 150 SWA sheep (90 affected lambs and 60 controls), based on 600k SNP data, revealed a genome‐wide significant signal on chromosome 15. The 0.2 Mb associated region contains functional candidate genes, SMTNL1 and CTNND1. Pathogenic variants in human CTNND1 cause blepharocheilodontic syndrome 2, a rare disorder including eyelid anomalies, and SMTNL1 regulates contraction and relaxation of skeletal and smooth muscle. WGS of a single entropion‐affected lamb revealed two private missense variants in SMTNL1 and CTNND1. Subsequent genotyping of both variants in 231 phenotyped SWA sheep was performed. The SMTNL1 variant p.(Asp452Asn) affects an evolutionary conserved residue within an important domain and represents a rare allele, which occurred also in controls. The p.(Glu943Lys) variant in CTNND1 represents a common variant unlikely to cause entropion as the mutant allele occurred more frequently in non‐affected sheep. Therefore, we propose that these protein‐changing variants are unlikely to explain the phenotype. Additionally, WGS of three further disconcordant pairs of full siblings was carried out but revealed no obvious causative variant. Finally, we conclude that entropion represents a more complex disease caused by different non‐coding regulatory variants.
Interventions supporting caregiver readiness when caring for patients with dementia following discharge home: A mixed‐methods systematic review
Authors: Pritchard Elizabeth , Cussen Amy , Delafosse Veronica , Swift Miriam , Jolliffe Laura , Yeates Harriet
Published: January 2020

Objective

To explore programs and information provided to caregivers of inpatients with dementia to assist with readiness to provide care following discharge.

Methods

A mixed‐methods systematic review with meta‐analysis was conducted. Search terms included dementia, inpatient, caregiver, anxiety, discharge and counselling.

Results

The search yielded 1938 studies (six databases), 13 met the inclusion criteria. Meta‐analysis showed no statistically significant changes in anxiety, depression, burden or quality of life 3 months postintervention. Three emergent qualitative themes for staff consideration are as follows: understanding personal characteristics of both patient and caregiver; presenting an inclusive organisational culture; and providing appropriate information at all stages of admission. A Model of Caregiver Readiness was created from the qualitative results.

Conclusion

The programs did not significantly decrease the outcomes measured. However, caregivers identified that inclusion at all stages during hospital admission was a vital factor to reduce stress and increase caregiver readiness.
Continuous LVAD monitoring reveals high suction rates in clinically stable outpatients
Authors: Gross Christoph , Schima Heinrich , Schlöglhofer Thomas , Dimitrov Kamen , Maw Martin , Riebandt Julia , Wiedemann Dominik , Zimpfer Daniel , Moscato Francesco
Published: January 2020

Suction of the left ventricle can lead to potentially life‐threatening events in left ventricular assist device (LVAD) patients. With the resolution of currently available clinical LVAD monitoring healthcare professionals are unable to evaluate patients’ suction occurrences in detail. This study investigates occurrences and durations of suction events and their associations with tachycardia in stable outpatients. Continuous high‐resolution LVAD data from HVAD patients were analyzed in the early outpatient period for 15 days. A validated suction detection from LVAD signals was used. Suction events were evaluated as suction rates, bursts of consecutive suction beats, and clusters of suction beats. The occurrence of tachycardia was analyzed before, during, and after suction clusters. Furthermore, blood work, implant strategy, LVAD speed setting, inflow cannula position, left ventricular diameters, and adverse events were evaluated in these patients. LVAD data of 10 patients was analyzed starting at 78 ± 22 postoperative days. Individuals’ highest suction rates per hour resulted in a median of 11% (range 3%‐61%). Bursts categorized as consecutive suction beats with n = 2, n = 3‐5, n = 6‐15, and n > 15 beats were homogenously distributed with 10.3 ± 0.8% among all suction beats. Larger suction bursts were followed by shorter suction‐free periods. Tachycardia during suction occurred in 12% of all suction clusters. Significant differences in clinical parameters between individuals with high and low suction rates were only observed in left ventricular end‐diastolic and end‐systolic diameters (P < .02). Continuous high‐resolution LVAD monitoring sheds light on outpatient suction occurrences. Interindividual and intraindividual characteristics of longitudinal suction rates were observed. Longer suction clusters have higher probabilities of tachycardia within the cluster and more severe types of suction waveforms. This work shows the necessity of improved LVAD monitoring and the implementation of an LVAD speed control to reduce suction rates and their concomitant burden on the cardiovascular system.
In vitro evaluation of multi‐objective physiological control of the centrifugal blood pump
Authors: Leao Tarcisio , Utiyama Bruno , Fonseca Jeison , Bock Eduardo , Andrade Aron
Published: January 2020

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have been used as a bridge to transplantation or as destination therapy to treat patients with heart failure (HF). The inability of control strategy to respond automatically to changes in hemodynamic conditions can impact the patients’ quality of life. The developed control system/algorithm consists of a control system that harmoniously adjusts pump speed without additional sensors, considering the patient’s clinical condition and his physical activity. The control system consists of three layers: (a) Actuator speed control; (b) LVAD flow control (FwC); and (c) Fuzzy control system (FzC), with the input variables: heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), minimum pump flow, level of physical activity (data from patient), and clinical condition (data from physician, INTERMACS profile). FzC output is the set point for the second LVAD control schemer (FwC) which in turn adjusts the speed. Pump flow, MAP, and HR are estimated from actuator drive parameters (speed and power). Evaluation of control was performed using a centrifugal blood pump in a hybrid cardiovascular simulator, where the left heart function is the mechanical model and right heart function is the computational model. The control system was able to maintain MAP and cardiac output in the physiological level, even under variation of EF. Apart from this, also the rotational pump speed is adjusted following the simulated clinical condition. No backflow from the aorta in the ventricle occurred through LVAD during tests. The control algorithm results were considered satisfactory for simulations, but it still should be confirmed during in vivo tests.
Multipoint dilution hemofiltration: A new technology for maximum convective clearance
Authors: Mott Vienna L. , Finley Violet , Truslow James , Rossetti Daniel , Santos Jose , Gusman Jacob , Gimbel Alla , Rogers Miles , DiBiasio Christopher , Charest Joseph
Published: January 2020

Convection‐based renal replacement therapies (RRTs) have the potential to improve patient outcomes when compared to diffusion‐based RRT such as hemodialysis (HD), but have limited clearance rates. We propose and characterize multipoint dilution hemofiltration (MPD‐HF), a purely convective blood purification technology which removes the fundamental filtration limit associated with convective RRT resulting in clearance rates on par with HD. In MPD‐HF, filtration of liquid and solutes occurs along the length of the hollow fibers that convey the blood, and substitution fluid is pushed into the fibers at multiple points along their length. Since multiple filtration and dilution steps are contained within one pass of the blood through the hollow fiber, the fraction of fluid that can be filtered may be increased to allow a high clearance rate that removes a wide range of toxins. In vitro tests yielded an average steady‐state filtrate fraction of 68%, exceeding commercial HDF cartridge filtrate fractions by a factor of approximately 3. The molecular weights of molecules cleared spans up to the cutoff of 66 kDa for albumin.
Letter: diarrhoea in obese patients—a new nosographic entity?
Authors: Ciccocioppo Rachele , De Giorgio Roberto
Published: January 2020

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Ballou et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15500.
Prevalence of significant hepatic fibrosis using magnetic resonance elastography in a health check‐up clinic population
Authors: Kang Kyung A , Jun Dae Won , Kim Mi Sung , Kwon Heon‐Ju , Nguyen Mindie H.
Published: January 2020

Background

Significant hepatic fibrosis is associated with higher mortality. However, data on the estimated prevalence of liver fibrosis in the general population are scarce.

Aim

To use magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) to investigate the prevalence of hepatic fibrosis in a Korean health check‐up clinic cohort.

Methods

We enrolled 2170 participants at our health check‐up clinic between January 2015 and May 2018, all of whom had MR with chemical shift technique and MRE. The primary objective was to estimate the prevalence of liver fibrosis. For generalisation, sex‐ and age‐standardised prevalence was calculated based on the Korean Statistical Information Service (KOSIS) during the period 2015‐2018.

Results

The prevalence of F2 (≥3.0 kPa) and F3 (≥3.6 kPa) in the overall cohort was 5.1% and 1.3% respectively (sex‐ and age‐adjusted prevalence of 3.8% and 1.3%). Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) prevalence (>5% fat fraction) was 27.7% in the average risk population (after excluding alcohol use and viral hepatitis), and the prevalence of significant and advanced fibrosis in NAFLD participants was 8.0% and 1.5% respectively. In participants with diabetes, 12.5% had ≥F2 and 4.3% ≥F3. In participants with NAFLD plus diabetes, 24.1% had ≥F2 and 6.0% ≥F3. On multivariate analysis, only age, insulin, diabetes and fatty liver on MR were independently associated with significant fibrosis.

Conclusions

In a Korean health check‐up clinic setting, the prevalence of significant and advanced liver fibrosis was 5.1% and 1.3% (sex‐ and age‐adjusted prevalence of 3.8% and 1.3%). The prevalence of advanced liver fibrosis was five times higher for diabetic participants with NAFLD.
On the blue and green pigments of post‐Byzantine Greek icons
Authors: Mastrotheodoros G. P. , Beltsios K. G. , Bassiakos Y.
Published: January 2020

In the framework of a large‐scale investigation of post‐1453 ce icons, the blue and green pigments on more than 50 works were investigated. Studied works date from the mid‐15th to the mid‐19th centuries and originate from various modern‐day Greek regions. Results indicate the use of both natural and artificial pigments; among the latter, the very poorly documented in Greek icons artificial Cu‐based blue is included. A shift as regards the use of specific pigments is reported and local trends are compared with the contemporary Western European ones. Relevant terms found in the renowned Hermeneia craftsman's handbook are also discussed in an attempt to restore pertinent misconceptions.
Characterizations of palace lantern tassels preserved in The Palace Museum, Beijing, by UPLC‐ESI‐Q‐TOF
Authors: Zhang Y. , Wei L. , Cui Z. , Zhang T. , Lei Y. , Gu A. , Chen Y. , Zhang L. Y. , Du Z. X.
Published: January 2020

Palace lanterns were important and highly visible decorations in the imperial palace in Beijing, China, during the Qing dynasty (1636–1912). Most lanterns had colourful tassels made of fibres. The study performed a comprehensive investigation of the materials and dyes used for palace lantern tassels preserved in The Palace Museum, Beijing. Eight samples with different colours, including yellow, green and red, from five palace lanterns were analysed. By using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography combined with time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry, the compositions of the dyes were identified quickly, and thus the dyes' origins were explored. A X‐ray fluorescence spectrometer assisted in the detection of whether a mordant was used during the dyeing process. As a result, the tassels were all made of silk, discovered through the use of microscopic observation and micro‐Fourier transform infrared spectrometry analysis. Different dyeing techniques were found in these tassels: yellow tassels were dyed by cork tree or turmeric by a direct dyeing method; greens were dyed by pagoda bud with an iron mordant, or by the combination of cork tree and indigo using multi‐dyeing method; and red tassels were coloured with different acid red industrial dyes. These results provide valuable data for the conservation of ancient textile tassels and contribute to the investigation of other hanging tags.
Effects of delaying post‐hatch feeding on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme mRNA expression in the pectoralis major muscle of newly hatched chicks
Authors: Kohrogi Rukana , Shimamoto Saki , Nakashima Kazuki , Sonoda Daichi , Ohtsuka Akira , Ijiri Daichi
Published: January 2020

Excessive lipid peroxidation negatively affects the physiological response and meat quality of chickens. Delaying post‐hatch feeding was previously found to increase lipid peroxidation in the skeletal muscle of finishing broiler chickens. The aims of this study were to investigate the effects of delayed post‐hatch feeding on lipid peroxidation and the mRNA expressions of antioxidant enzymes in the pectoralis major muscle of broiler chicks during the post‐hatching period. Newly hatched chicks either had immediate free access to feed (freely‐fed chicks) or had no access to feed from 0 to 2 days old (delayed‐fed chicks), after which both groups were fed ad libitum until 4 or 13 days old. The lipid peroxidation level was higher in the delayed‐fed than freely‐fed chicks at 2, 4, and 13 days old. At 2 days old, the mRNA expressions of Cu/Zn‐SOD, Mn‐SOD, and GPX7 were lower in the delayed‐fed than freely‐fed chicks, while catalase mRNA levels did not differ. Furthermore, at 4 and 13 days old, lower mRNA expressions of Cu/Zn‐SOD and Mn‐SOD were observed in the delayed‐fed than freely‐fed chicks. These results suggest that delaying post‐hatch feeding reduces the mRNA levels of Cu/Zn‐SOD and Mn‐SOD, consequently affecting muscle lipid peroxidation in chicks during subsequent growth.
Lactoferrin concentration and expression in New Zealand cows milked once or twice a day
Authors: Gedye Kristene , Notcovich Shirli , Correa‐Luna Martin , Ariyarathne Pavithra , Heiser Axel , Lopez‐Lozano Raquel , Lopez‐Villalobos Nicolas
Published: January 2020

This study evaluated the concentration and expression of lactoferrin (LF) in cows selected for once a day (OAD) milking compared to twice a day (TAD) milking. Milk samples were collected from the Massey University TAD and OAD herds. Milk traits and expression of LF and insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) were analyzed with a general linear model that included the fixed effects of milking frequency, lactation number, interaction between milking frequency and lactation number, and as covariates proportion of F, heterosis F × J and deviation from the herd median calving date. Cows milked OAD produced milk with higher (p < .01) concentrations of protein and lactose than TAD milked cows. Compared to TAD cows, cows milked OAD had higher expression of the LF gene (1.40 vs. 1.29 folds, p = .03) and the IGF‐1 gene (1.69 vs. 1.48 folds, p = .007). The correlation between the expression of LF gene and the concentration of LF in milk was strong (r = .66 p < .001), but the correlation between the expression of the IGF‐1 gene and LF concentration was stronger (r = .94, p < .001). These results suggest that milking frequency affects the milk composition and expression of milk composition genes at early lactation.
Platelet and immune characteristics of immune thrombocytopaenia patients non‐responsive to therapy reveal severe immune dysregulation
Authors: Monzón Manzano Elena , Álvarez Román María Teresa , Justo Sanz Raúl , Fernández Bello Ihosvany , Hernández Diana , Martín Salces Mónica , Valor Larissa , Rivas Pollmar Isabel , Butta Nora V. , Jiménez Yuste Víctor
Published: January 2020

Multifactorial mechanisms leading to diminished platelet counts in immune thrombocytopaenia (ITP) might condition the ability of patients with ITP to respond to treatments. Examining their platelet and immune features, we aimed to detect singular characteristics of patients with ITP who do not respond to any treatment. We studied patients with chronic primary ITP who had been without treatment, or untreated (UT‐ITP), for at least six months; included were responders to agonists of thrombopoietin receptors (TPO‐RA), patients who showed no response to first‐ and second‐line treatments (NR‐ITP), and healthy controls. Platelets from NR‐ITP patients exposed a reduced amount of sialic acid residues. Increased loss of platelet surface sialic acid residues was associated with increased platelet apoptosis. NR‐ITP patients had an increased fraction of naive lymphocyte (L) B cells and a reduced LTreg (Lymphocyte T‐regulator) subset. They also presented an anomalous monocyte and NK (Natural Killer) cells distribution. TPO‐RA‐treated patients seemed to recover an immune homeostasis similar to healthy controls. In conclusion, our results indicate a severe deregulation of the immune system of NR‐ITP. The inverse correlation between loss of sialic acid and LTreg count suggests a potential relationship between glycan composition on the platelet surface and immune response, positing terminal sugar moieties of the glycan chains as aetiopathogenic agents in ITP.
Transforming care in Cornwall: A review of the quality of the lives of people with learning disabilities a decade post‐discharge from hospital
Authors: Niven Abigail , Gamman Lee , Webb Alison , Goodey Rebecca , Shankar Rohit
Published: January 2020

Accessible summary

The government wants people with learning disabilities and/or autism to move out of hospitals back to their homes.

Cornwall did this in 2007, and we asked the people who moved and their carers how they are now.

They have generally done well, and nearly all have stayed in their homes with lots of support.

Various factors such as accommodation, social network, skill acquisition and impact of their past were explored.

Background

In the light of the current national guidance to reduce the number of inpatient learning disability beds, a review was completed of the quality of lives of the people who had been former inpatients in Cornwall at the time of closure of the learning disability inpatient facilities almost 10 years before transforming care.

Materials and Methods

All former inpatients who were discharged from the learning disability inpatient setting in Cornwall were invited to participate either directly or through their carers or family members. Measures of current activity levels and semi‐structured interviews on quality of life were conducted.

Results

The majority interviewed had person‐centred plans, health action plans and positive behaviour support plans. Guernsey Community Participation & Leisure Assessment showed overall the study group did not meet comparative standards laid out by the scale in any of the subdomains (p < .05). Peoples' lives were varied, with a lack of informal relationships, meaningful occupation, homeownership and advocacy being relatively poor for all. Alongside this, to enable people to have safer lives, restrictive practices were commonplace particularly continuous supervision and use of psychotropic medication to manage behavioural risk.

Conclusions

This study highlights that people with complex concerns with a history of placement breakdowns and past institutionalisation can be settled successfully and safely in local communities. However, it is difficult for many of them to achieve a satisfactory quality of life long term. The obligation for this lies with service providers to provide adequate support to overcome that difficulty.
Debate: You can't take politics out of the debate on gender‐diverse children
Authors: Wren Bernadette
Published: January 2020

The focus of concern in the public conversation about the care of gender‐diverse children and adolescents is to some degree a matter of politics: that is, the dynamics of power and ‘voice’ in our modern world. There are questions relating to child and parent autonomy in making identity‐driven life decisions; the counterbalancing need to safeguard children when new technologies enable new life choices to be made; the role of professional ‘experts’ (e.g. in claiming to evaluate the ‘authenticity’ of a young person's gender identity); and the significance, and credibility, of different kinds of evidence in making treatment decisions. All these weighty and wide‐ranging considerations come to the fore in the United Kingdom and elsewhere when discussing what might be an ethical, safe and just response to gender‐diverse children in our changing society.
Assessing resiliency in paediatric rehabilitation: A critical review of assessment tools and applications
Authors: Seko Yukari , Lamptey De‐Lawrence , Nalder Emily , King Gillian
Published: January 2020

Backgrounds

Resiliency has attracted a growing interest in paediatric rehabilitation as a key capacity for disabled children and their families to thrive. This study aimed to identify measures used to assess resiliency of disabled children/youth and their families and critically appraise the current use of resiliency measures to inform future research and practice.

Methods

A two‐stage search strategy was employed. First, systematic reviews of resiliency measures published since 2000 were searched. Second, full names of measures identified in at least two systematic reviews were searched across four electronic databases. Included studies assessed resiliency among children/youth (0–18 years old) with chronic health conditions and/or disabilities and their families. Identified articles were then analysed to discern the study's definition of resiliency, authors' rationales for measurement selection, and types of perceived adversities facing the study participants.

Results

From an initial yield of 25 measures identified in five systematic reviews, 11 were analysed in two or more reviews. The second stage yielded 41 empirical studies published between 2012 and 2018, which used 8 of the 11 resiliency measures searched by name. Of 41, 17 studies measured resiliency of disabled children/youth, 23 assessed resiliency within family members, and 1 studied both children/youth and their families. Our critical appraisal identified inconsistencies between the studies' definition of resiliency and chosen measures' operationalization, implicit assumption of disabilities as a developmental risk that automatically results in life adversities, and the tendency among family studies to reduce resiliency down to stress coping skills. Research that encompasses contextual factors and developmental influences is lacking.

Conclusions

There is a need for a situated measurement approach that captures multiple interacting factors shaping resiliency over one's life course. Resiliency measures would benefit from a greater focus on a person–environment transaction and an alternative definition of resiliency that accounts for multiple capacities to navigate through disabling environments.
Effect of conversion to implant‐assisted removable partial denture in patients with mandibular Kennedy classification Ⅰ: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Park Jin‐Hong , Lee Jeong‐Yol , Shin Sang‐Wan , Kim Hyun‐Jung
Published: January 2020

Objective

This review evaluated the change in treatment outcomes after conversion from conventional removable partial denture (RPD) to implant‐assisted removable partial denture (IARPD). The patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs), objective parameters for evaluation of functional performance, and biological and mechanical complication were evaluated.

Materials and Methods

This systematic review was based on the Cochrane review methodology and followed the criteria of the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta‐analyses (PRISMA). We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, and Scopus up to April 3, 2019. After the initial search, additional electronic and hand searches were performed to identify further studies, ongoing studies, and gray literature, without restrictions on language, year of publication, or publication type.

Results

In total, 6,544 non‐duplicate articles were identified, and 31 were eligible for full‐text search. Finally, 19 publications based on 13 independent studies were selected. In the meta‐analysis, general patient satisfaction was significantly increased (p < .05), and the improved mastication was remarkable oral function. In oral health‐related quality of life, the oral health impact profile score was significantly improved, and improvements of physical pain and psychological disability were prominent (p < .05). Masticatory performance was improved in terms of maximum bite force, active occlusal contact area, and mandibular jaw movement (p < .05). The weighted mean survival rate of implants was 96.60%.

Conclusions

After conversion from conventional RPD to IARPD, the PROMs and masticatory performance significantly improved in partially edentulous patients under mandibular Kennedy classification I.
Audience research as a cornerstone of demand management interventions for illegal wildlife products: Demarketing sea turtle meat and eggs
Authors: Veríssimo Diogo , Vieira Sara , Monteiro Domingas , Hancock Joana , Nuno Ana
Published: January 2020

The unsustainable wildmeat trade has been long recognized as a threat to wildlife. Yet, its impact on marine species has been underresearched. Sea turtles have been historically threatened by unsustainable trade, but there are few studies of consumer profile, motivations, and preferences. We conducted a survey in São Tomé Island, Gulf of Guinea, West Africa, including eight rural communities (n = 1,160) and the capital city of São Tomé (n = 628). We estimated prevalence of consumption, preference and availability of sea turtle meat and eggs. About 25% of rural and 32% of urban respondents had consumed meat in the past year. Around 25% of rural respondents were egg consumers, whereas little consumption was found in urban areas. Social norms were a predictor of consumption of sea turtle meat and eggs in rural communities but not in São Tomé city. Regarding influencers, teachers and religious leaders were the most trusted sources in rural communities, while teachers and NGOs were most trusted in São Tomé city. Radio and television were the most trusted channels in rural communities, while urban dwellers trusted radio the most. This research showcases how a structured approach to audience research can obtain behavioral insights that can guide behavior change efforts.
Durability of glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes after metformin failure: Prognostic model derivation and validation using the DISCOVER study
Authors: Ling Suping , Sun Ping , Zaccardi Francesco , Khosla Sajan , Cooper Andrew , Fenici Peter , Khunti Kamlesh
Published: January 2020

Aim

To develop and internally validate prognostic models on the long‐term durability of glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes after metformin failure.

Materials and Methods

DISCOVER is a 3‐year, prospective observational study across six continents investigating second‐line glucose‐lowering therapies. In this analysis from 35 countries, we included patients on metformin initiating second‐line glucose‐lowering medication(s) because of physician‐defined lack of efficacy. The outcome was durability of glycaemic control, defined as three consecutive levels of HbA1c at 6‐, 12‐ and 24‐month follow‐up at target (HbA1c equal to or lower than the level when the physician initiated the second‐line therapy in patients with baseline HbA1c ≤7% [53 mmol/mol]; and equal to or lower than 7% in those with baseline HbA1c >7%). We developed and internally validated two prognostic models: a base model, which included age, sex, ethnicity, country income group, baseline HbA1c and second‐line therapy, and an advanced model, established through statistical variable selections from a model including base variables and 13 additional predictors selected from a literature review. We used logistic regression to develop and 500 bootstrapping samples to internally validate the models; discrimination and calibration were used to assess model performance.

Results

Overall, 896 out of 2995 participants (29.9%) had sustained glycaemic control. The base model performed well: Nagelkerke R2 was 0.13, C‐index 0.70 (95% CI: 0.68, 0.71) and bias‐corrected C‐index 0.69 after internal validation. Diabetes duration, insurance type, estimated glomerular filtration rate and glucose self‐monitoring were additionally selected in the advanced model, which had only a slightly better performance compared with the base model: Nagelkerke R2 0.20, C‐index 0.71 (95% CI: 0.69, 0.73) and bias‐corrected C‐index 0.70. Calibration plots showed good calibrations of both validated models.

Conclusion

These prognostic models, which include simple demographic and routinely collected clinical information, enabled the estimation of the probability of 2‐year sustained glycaemic control in patients after metformin failure. The models have been implemented into a web‐based tool to support healthcare professionals in their decisions.
Higher versus standard starting dose of insulin glargine 100 U/mL in overweight or obese Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes: Results of a multicentre, open‐label, randomized controlled trial (BEYOND VII)
Authors: Ji Linong , Wan Hailong , Wen Binhong , Wang Xueying , Wang Junfen , Bian Rongwen , Pang Wuyan , Tian Jian , Wang Yan , Bian Fang , Gao Zhengnan , Condoleon Alex , Feng Wei , Zhang Xia , Cui Nan
Published: January 2020

Aim

To determine the safety of a higher starting dose of basal insulin in overweight/obese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Materials and methods

This 16‐week, randomized, multicentre, open‐label trial enrolled adults with T2D (body mass index 25–40 kg/m2) and suboptimal glycaemic control (glycated haemoglobin [HbA1c] 7.5–11.0% [58–97 mmol/mol] and fasting plasma glucose [FPG] >9.0 mmol/L) with two to three oral anti‐hyperglycaemic drugs at 51 centres in China. Patients were randomized (1:1) to a higher (0.3 U/kg) or standard (0.2 U/kg) starting dose of insulin glargine 100 U/mL, which was then titrated to achieve a self‐monitored fasting blood glucose (FBG) of 4.4 to 5.6 mmol/L. The primary endpoint was the percentage of patients with ≥1 episode of overall confirmed hypoglycaemia (≤3.9 mmol/L or severe).

Results

At the end of study (n = 866), 11.0% patients treated with the 0.3 U/kg starting insulin dose experienced overall confirmed hypoglycaemia versus 8.6% of patients treated with 0.2 U/kg (estimated difference 2.1%, 95% confidence interval − 1.68, 5.89). The proportions of patients with symptomatic (9.8% vs 7.0%; P = 0.128) and nocturnal hypoglycaemia (2.7% vs 1.2%; P = 0.102) were similar in the two groups. There were no events of severe hypoglycaemia or FBG <3.0 mmol/L during the 16‐week treatment, and achievement of HbA1c <7.0% (53 mmol/mol) (37.1% vs 37.1%) or FPG <5.6 mmol/L (15.9% vs 16.3%), <6.1 mmol/L (27.6% vs 26.1%), or < 7.0 mmol/L (48.8% vs 48.3%) without hypoglycaemia were comparable in the two groups. Moreover, the mean time was shorter (4.53, 3.95 and 2.74 weeks vs 5.51, 5.21 and 3.64 weeks) and number of titrations was lower (3.5, 3.0 and 2.0 vs 4.3, 4.0 and 2.8) to achieve self‐monitored FBG targets of <5.6, <6.1 and <7.0 mmol/L in the higher versus the standard insulin dose group (all P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Among overweight/obese patients with T2D, a higher insulin starting dose was as safe as the standard starting dose, and self‐monitored FBG targets were achieved earlier with the higher versus the standard dose.