bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of sodium hexametaphosphate addition on the physicochemical properties and microstructure of the milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) in liquid milk after freezing
Authors: Atehli Dima , Ali Fatma , Wang Jianming
Published: November 2019

This research examined the effects of sodium hexametaphosphate on the physicochemical properties and the microstructure of the milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) after freezing. The particle size distribution showed that the peak of the MFGM in the controlled sample was higher than the peak in the frozen sample. The MFGM sample that contained the highest concentration of sodium hexametaphosphate displayed the highest peak. The MFGM samples with the highest concentrations of sodium hexametaphosphate were more stable than the samples with the lowest concentrations. Sodium dodecyl sulfate Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and scanning electron microscopy showed sizeable destruction of the MFGM after freezing.
Restrictive diets in older malnourished cardiac inpatients: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Lee Rui Jia , Collins Peter F. , Elmas Kai , Bell Jack J.
Published: November 2019

Aim

Restrictive diets are commonly prescribed to cardiac patients for therapeutic and preventative reasons. However, these are often contraindicated for malnourished, older patients. The present study aimed to explore dietary behaviours of malnourished older cardiac inpatients and identify sources of nutritional information.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted over 4 months in a cardiology ward. Data on inpatients' habitual dietary behaviour, duration and reasons for dietary practices, and sources of nutrition advice were obtained during a dietetic assessment. From the reported reasons for dietary practices, diets were categorised by the treating dietitian into ‘clinically indicated’ (CI) or ‘not clinically indicated’ (NCI) diets.

Results

Sixty‐seven malnourished patients were included, with mean age 76.6 ± 8.3 years and BMI 19.5 ± 6.2 kg/m2. Twenty‐six (38.8%) reported at least one dietary restriction, 14 (20.9%) were on a high energy‐high protein diet prior to hospitalisation and 27 (40.3%) were on nonrestrictive diets. Five (19.2%) restrictive diets were assessed as CI at the time of admission, while 21 (80.8%) were NCI diets. CI diets were mostly recommended by dietitians (n = 15, 78.9%). Recommendations for NCI restrictive diets came mainly from ‘Other’ sources (n = 10, 55.6%) including the internet, friends and family.

Conclusions

Restrictive diets are common among malnourished cardiac inpatients with the majority no longer clinically indicated. It is important for dietitians to explore current dietary practices of malnourished older inpatients on admission. Inpatients following NCI diets may require additional time for education around nutritional priorities.
Association analysis of interleukin‐23 receptor SNPs and SAPHO syndrome in Chinese people
Authors: Guo Changlong , Li Chen , Han Feifei , Gao Jianen , Ma Xu
Published: November 2019

Objective

SAPHO syndrome (synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis) is an autoimmune disease of unknown etiology that seriously affects patients' daily lives. Family‐based investigations support genetic contributions toward disease susceptibility. The present study evaluated whether the previously reported autoimmune disease‐associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have any genetic overlap with SAPHO syndrome.

Method

Genomic DNA was obtained from 71 SAPHO patients and 104 healthy controls. The SNP genotypes of each patient were determined with polymerase chain reaction and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS). Genotype, allele, and haplotype frequencies were analyzed with SPSS software.

Results

Three SNP sites (rs10889677 and rs2201841 of interleukin [IL]‐23R, and rs2243248 of IL‐4) showed significant correlation with the occurrence of SAPHO syndrome in additive and dominant genetic models, while rs7517847 of IL‐23R showed substantial correlation with SAPHO in the dominant genetic model. The G allele of rs2243248 (IL‐4) was a high risk factor for SAPHO (P = 2.41e−5, odds ratio [OR] =7.79, 95% CI: 2.59‐23.3). The haplotype (A‐G‐C‐G‐T), comprising 5 SNPs of the IL‐23R gene, had a significantly higher frequency in the SAPHO cohort than in the controls (P = .011, OR = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.12‐3.60).

Conclusion

Variants rs10889677, rs2201841, and rs7517847 of IL‐23R, and variant rs2243248 of IL‐4, showed strong associations with SAPHO syndrome. Patients carrying the A‐G‐C‐G‐T haplotype of IL‐23 are significantly more likely to develop SAPHO syndrome.
A systematic review and cost effectiveness analysis of reusable vs. single‐use flexible bronchoscopes
Authors: Mouritsen J. M. , Ehlers L. , Kovaleva J. , Ahmad I. , El‐Boghdadly K.
Published: November 2019

The cost effectiveness of reusable vs. single‐use flexible bronchoscopy in the peri‐operative setting has yet to be determined. We therefore aimed to determine this and hypothesised that single‐use flexible bronchoscopes are cost effective compared with reusable flexible bronchoscopes. We conducted a systematic review of the literature, seeking all reports of cross‐contamination or infection following reusable bronchoscope use in any clinical setting. We calculated the incidence of these outcomes and then determined the cost per patient of treating clinical consequences of bronchoscope‐induced infection. We also performed a micro‐costing analysis to quantify the economics of reusable flexible bronchoscopes in the peri‐operative setting from a high‐throughput tertiary centre. This produced an accurate estimate of the cost per use of reusable flexible bronchoscopes. We then performed a cost effectiveness analysis, combining the data obtained from the systematic review and micro‐costing analysis. We included 16 studies, with a reported incidence of cross‐contamination or infection of 2.8%. In the micro‐costing analysis, the total cost per use of a reusable flexible bronchoscope was calculated to be £249 sterling. The cost per use of a single‐use flexible bronchoscope was £220 sterling. The cost effectiveness analysis demonstrated that reusable flexible bronchoscopes have a cost per patient use of £511 sterling due to the costs of treatment of infection. The findings from this study suggest benefits from the use of single‐use flexible bronchoscopes in terms of cost effectiveness, cross‐contamination and resource utilisation.
The association of pre‐operative anaemia with survival after orthotopic liver transplantation
Authors: Lichtenegger P. , Schiefer J. , Graf A. , Berlakovich G. , Faybik P. , Baron D. M. , Baron‐Stefaniak J.
Published: November 2019

Anaemia is common in patients with end‐stage liver disease. Pre‐operative anaemia is associated with greater mortality after major surgery. We analysed the association of pre‐operative anaemia (World Health Organization classification) with survival and complications after orthotopic liver transplantation using Cox and logistic regression models. We included patients undergoing their first orthotopic liver transplantation between 2004 and 2016. Out of 599 included patients, 455 (76%) were anaemic before transplantation. Pre‐operative anaemia was not associated with the survival of 485/599 (81%) patients to 1 year after liver transplantation, OR (95%CI) 1.04 (0.64–1.68), p = 0.88. Pre‐operative anaemia was associated with higher rates of intra‐operative blood transfusions and acute postoperative kidney injury on multivariable analysis, OR (95%CI) 1.70 (0.82–2.59) and 1.72 (1.11–2.67), respectively, p < 0.001 for both. Postoperative renal replacement therapy was associated with pre‐operative anaemia on univariate analysis, OR (95%CI) 1.87 (1.11–3.15), p = 0.018.
Effects of Natura 2000 on nontarget bird and butterfly species based on citizen science data
Authors: Pellissier V. , Schmucki R. , Pe'er G. , Aunins A. , Brereton T. M. , Brotons L. , Carnicer J. , Chodkiewicz T. , Chylarecki P. , del Moral J. C. , Escandell V. , Evans D. , Foppen R. , Harpke A. , Heliölä J. , Herrando S. , Kuussaari M. , Kühn E. , Lehikoinen A. , Lindström Å. , Moshøj C. M. , Musche M. , Noble D. , Oliver T. H. , Reif J. , Richard D. , Roy D. B. , Schweiger O. , Settele J. , Stefanescu C. , Teufelbauer N. , Touroult J. , Trautmann S. , van Strien A. J. , van Swaay C. A. M. , van Turnhout C. , Vermouzek Z. , Voříšek P. , Jiguet F. , Julliard R.
Published: November 2019

The European Union's Natura 2000 (N2000) is among the largest international networks of protected areas. One of its aims is to secure the status of a predetermined set of (targeted) bird and butterfly species. However, nontarget species may also benefit from N2000. We evaluated how the terrestrial component of this network affects the abundance of nontargeted, more common bird and butterfly species based on data from long‐term volunteer‐based monitoring programs in 9602 sites for birds and 2001 sites for butterflies. In almost half of the 155 bird species assessed, and particularly among woodland specialists, abundance increased (slope estimates ranged from 0.101 [SD 0.042] to 3.51 [SD 1.30]) as the proportion of landscape covered by N2000 sites increased. This positive relationship existed for 27 of the 104 butterfly species (estimates ranged from 0.382 [SD 0.163] to 4.28 [SD 0.768]), although most butterflies were generalists. For most species, when land‐cover covariates were accounted for these positive relationships were not evident, meaning land cover may be a determinant of positive effects of the N2000 network. The increase in abundance as N2000 coverage increased correlated with the specialization index for birds, but not for butterflies. Although the N2000 network supports high abundance of a large spectrum of species, the low number of specialist butterflies with a positive association with the N2000 network shows the need to improve the habitat quality of N2000 sites that could harbor open‐land butterfly specialists. For a better understanding of the processes involved, we advocate for standardized collection of data at N2000 sites.
Predictors of permanent stoma creation in patients with mid or low rectal cancer: results of a multicentre cohort study with preoperative evaluation of anal function
Authors: Kim S. , Kim M. H. , Oh J. H. , Jeong S.‐Y. , Park K. J. , Oh H.‐K. , Kim D.‐W. , Kang S.‐B. ,   the Seoul Colorectal Research Group (SECOG)
Published: November 2019

Aim

Preoperative factors predictive of permanent stoma creation were investigated in a long‐term follow‐up of patients with mid or low rectal cancer.

Method

We included patients who underwent radical resection for mid or low rectal cancer with available data for preoperative anal function measured by manometry and Faecal Incontinence Severity Index questionnaire between January 2005 and December 2015 in three tertiary referral hospitals. A permanent stoma was defined as a stoma present until the patient’s last follow‐up visit or death. Preoperative factors that predicted permanent stoma creation were analysed.

Results

Over a median follow‐up of 57.4 months (range 12–143 months), a permanent stoma was created in 144/577 (25.0%) patients, including 89 (15.4%) who underwent abdominoperineal resection, one (0.2%) who underwent Hartmann’s operation without reversal, 15 (2.6%) with a diverting ileostomy at the time of initial sphincter‐preserving surgery without undergoing stoma reversal, and 39 (6.8%) who underwent permanent ileostomy formation after sphincter‐preserving surgery. Patients with permanent stoma creation had a shorter tumour distance from the anal verge (P < 0.001), larger tumour size (P = 0.020) and higher preoperative Faecal Incontinence Severity Index score (P = 0.020). On multivariable analysis, tumour distance from the anal verge predicted permanent stoma formation (relative risk 0.53 per centimetre increase; 95% confidence interval 0.46–0.60; P < 0.001) but preoperative anal function did not.

Conclusion

Tumour distance from the anal verge was the only preoperative determinant of permanent stoma creation in rectal cancer patients. These data may help mid and low rectal cancer patients understand the need for permanent stoma.
Monetary reinforcement for self‐monitoring of blood glucose among young people with type 1 diabetes: evaluating effects on psychosocial functioning
Authors: Wong J. J. , Addala A. , Naranjo D. , Hood K. K. , Cengiz E. , Ginley M. K. , Feinn R. S. , Wagner J. A.
Published: November 2019

Aims

To explore the auxiliary psychosocial effects of a monetary reinforcement intervention targeting self‐monitoring of blood glucose among young people with Type 1 diabetes.

Methods

Sixty young people with Type 1 diabetes, HbA1c concentrations between 58 and 119 mmol/mol (7.5–13.0%), and average self‐monitoring of blood glucose <4 times per day were randomized to either enhanced usual care or a 24‐week intervention of monetary rewards for self‐monitoring of blood glucose and associated behaviours (e.g. uploading glucose meters). Data were collected from the young people and their parents at baseline, during the intervention (6, 12 and 24 weeks) and after the intervention (36 weeks).

Results

Linear mixed models were used to evaluate the intervention effects on psychosocial outcomes, adjusting for corresponding baseline levels and potential moderation by baseline level. The intervention reduced diabetes distress at week 6 among young people who had average and high baseline distress. It also reduced diabetes distress at weeks 12 and 24 among those with low baseline distress. The intervention also reduced young person‐reported diabetes‐related family conflict and diabetes‐related interference among those with high baseline scores in these areas; however, the intervention worsened young person‐reported diabetes interference among those with low baseline interference. Effects were medium‐sized and time‐limited.

Conclusions

Findings indicate predominantly positive impacts of monetary reinforcement interventions on psychosocial outcomes, although effects varied by outcome and time point. Whereas early improvements in diabetes distress were observed for all who received the intervention, improvements in other areas varied according to the level of psychosocial challenge at baseline. Incorporating psychosocial interventions may bolster and maintain effects over time.
Interrelated Pathogenesis? Neuronal Intranuclear Inclusion Disease Combining With Hemiplegic Migraine
Authors: Wang Rongfei , Nie Xiting , Xu Shiyang , Zhang Mingjie , Dong Zhao , Yu Shengyuan
Published: November 2019

Background

Neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID) is considered a heterogeneous disease because of its highly variable clinical manifestations. To date, there are no reports of NIID patients presenting with hemiplegic migraine (HM)‐like headache, or of HM and NIID co‐occurring as comorbidity, and the connection between these 2 seemingly unrelated clinical conditions has yet to be established.

Method

We present a patient with NIID who was previously diagnosed with HM. To determine the pathogenesis of HM in this NIID patient, we systematically reviewed published NIID and HM cases and cataloged them based on their clinical manifestations.

Result

The clinical manifestations of NIID is highly various; however, there is no case reported to date that shows HM‐like symptoms or cerebral edema. All documented symptomatic HM cases show vascular dysfunction to various degrees, but none of them has been shown to be correlated with NIID.

Conclusion

Our patient is the first documented case in which HM and NIID occur simultaneously. Vascular dysfunctions that cause cerebral hypoperfusion and glucose hypometabolism, two of the dominant causes of symptomatic HM, may be associated with the accumulation of eosinophilic hyaline inclusions that cause NIID. However, the existence of inclusions may also alter neuronal behavior and indirectly cause cerebral hypoperfusion and glucose hypometabolism. Further research and observations are needed to examine the relationship between HM and NIID.
Less nephrotoxicity of paclitaxel and ifosfamide plus nedaplatin for refractory or relapsed germ cell tumors in patients with impaired renal function
Authors: Shiraishi Takumi , Nakamura Terukazu , Takamura Toshiya , Oishi Masakatsu , Yamada Takeshi , Yamada Yasuhiro , Ueda Takashi , Fujihara Atsuko , Hongo Fumiya , Okihara Koji , Ukimura Osamu
Published: November 2019

Objectives

To determine the safety and efficacy of the combined regimen of paclitaxel and ifosfamide plus nedaplatin for patients with refractory or relapsed germ cell tumors and impaired renal function.

Methods

Of a total of 68 patients who received paclitaxel, ifosfamide and nedaplatin chemotherapy for germ cell tumors, those with an estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 before paclitaxel, ifosfamide and nedaplatin treatment were defined as having renal dysfunction. The combination chemotherapy regimen included paclitaxel (210 mg/m2 on day 1) and ifosfamide (1.2 g/m2 on days 2–6) with nedaplatin (100 mg/m2 on day 2) on a 3‐week cycle.

Results

A total of 10 patients had renal dysfunction with a median estimated glomerular filtration rate of 49.97 mg/mL/1.73 m2 (range 31.7–57.5 mg/mL/1.73 m2). Paclitaxel, ifosfamide and nedaplatin chemotherapy was given as second‐line therapy in four patients, third‐line in four and fourth‐line or later in two. Patients with impaired renal function received pretreatment of a median of 5.5 cycles of platinum‐based chemotherapy (range 3–11 cycles) with a median cisplatin dose of 550 mg/m2. The patients were given two to six cycles of paclitaxel, ifosfamide and nedaplatin chemotherapy with no dose reduction, with an overall response rate of 60%. Chemotherapy‐induced kidney dysfunction was not observed in any patient with decreased renal function. Furthermore, there was no difference in the frequency of adverse events between patients with renal dysfunction (estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m2) and those with normal renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2).

Conclusions

Paclitaxel, ifosfamide and nedaplatin chemotherapy can be considered a safe and effective regimen that results in less nephrotoxicity in germ cell tumor patients with renal dysfunction.
What Does the Development of Fresh Expressions of Church in the UK Tell Us about Mission Today?
Authors: Male David , Weston Paul
Published: November 2019

This article explores the significance of the Fresh Expressions movement in the UK since the ground‐breaking Mission‐Shaped Church report was published by the Church of England in 2004. After reviewing the background to this report, the article explores some of the report's central themes and examines some of the more recent research on the movement's impact in the UK. It then highlights six ways in which fresh expressions continue to be significant as a missionary response in a post‐Christian context. These include the movement's theological underpinnings, its reassessment of key questions in ecclesiology, its commitment to local and contextual mission, and the emergence of a predominantly lay leadership. In recognizing that the movement is still in a state of evolution, the article concludes by suggesting some areas of continuing debate and challenge for the future.
Learning about Spirituality Together with “Seekers”
Authors: Bargár Pavol
Published: November 2019

The present era, often referred to as post‐secular, has in many places seen a resurgence in spirituality. Nevertheless, the contemporary quest for spirituality is unique in the sense that many people do not expect to have their spiritual needs fulfilled within the structures of organized religion, starting on a journey of their own explorations instead. Sociologists of religion, therefore, tend to employ the “dwellers” and “seekers” paradigm to account for this phenomenon. This paper will explore this phenomenon in the context of the Czech Republic, whose citizens are frequently characterized as distrustful toward institutional religiosity, through the lens of the recent World Council of Churches' affirmation on mission and evangelism, Together towards Life: Mission and Evangelism in Changing Landscapes (TTL). For our purpose, the statement's emphasis on both “transformative spirituality” and “mission from the margins” will be of central importance. Using the notion of transformative spirituality as the energy engendered by the Spirit for the transformation of life and creation, it will be suggested that “seekers” can be agents in God's mission of liberation, reconciliation, and transformation, despite their inability or unwillingness to identify themselves with the church as institution. Keeping in mind ethical considerations, the paper will not seek to make a case for a forced “christening” of the seekers. Rather, it will argue that they can become partners in missio Dei, thus giving the notion of “mission from the margins” a new, contextually relevant dimension.
Trinitarian Mission and Practical Theology
Authors: Macallan Brian
Published: November 2019

The contextual dimension of mission remains both critical and relevant in understanding the nature and scope of the church with regard to its place and purpose. This is formed against the backdrop of the continual importance of the missio Dei in framing its engagement. Newbigin's conception of trinitarian mission is one approach that can give specific focus to this understanding. A trinitarian missional ecclesiology can find common ground with practical theology in service of mission. Practical theology should be understood contextually and can be conceived missiologically. By bringing Newbigin's trinitarian mission into conversation with practical theology, an important conversation is generated regarding the contextual nature of both the discipline of practical theology and the missio Dei.
Identification of novel influenza A virus exposures by an improved high‐throughput multiplex MAGPIX platform and serum adsorption
Authors: Li Zhu‐Nan , Cheng Emily , Poirot Eugenie , Weber Kimberly M. , Carney Paul , Chang Jessie , Liu Feng , Gross F. Liaini , Holiday Crystal , Fry Alicia , Stevens James , Tumpey Terrence , Levine Min Z.
Published: November 2019

Background

The development of serologic assays that can rapidly assess human exposure to novel influenza viruses remains a public health need. Previously, we developed an 11‐plex magnetic fluorescence microsphere immunoassay (MAGPIX) by using globular head domain recombinant hemagglutinins (rHAs) with serum adsorption using two ectodomain rHAs.

Methods

We compared sera collected from two cohorts with novel influenza exposures: animal shelter staff during an A(H7N2) outbreak in New York City in 2016‐2017 (n = 119 single sera) and poultry workers from a live bird market in Bangladesh in 2012‐2014 (n = 29 pairs). Sera were analyzed by microneutralization (MN) assay and a 20‐plex MAGPIX assay with rHAs from 19 influenza strains (11 subtypes) combined with serum adsorption using 8 rHAs from A(H1N1) and A(H3N2) viruses. Antibody responses were analyzed to determine the novel influenza virus exposure.

Results

Among persons with novel influenza virus exposures, the median fluorescence intensity (MFI) against the novel rHA from exposed influenza virus had the highest correlation with MN titers to the same viruses and could be confirmed by removal of cross‐reactivity from seasonal H1/H3 rHAs following serum adsorption. Interestingly, in persons with exposures to novel influenza viruses, age and MFIs against exposed novel HA were negatively correlated, whereas in persons without exposure to novel influenza viruses, age and MFI against novel HAs were positively correlated.

Conclusions

This 20‐plex high‐throughput assay with serum adsorption will be a useful tool to detect novel influenza virus infections during influenza outbreak investigations and surveillance, especially when well‐paired serum samples are not available.
Selecting the hologenome to breed for an improved feed efficiency in pigs—A novel selection index
Authors: Weishaar Ramona , Wellmann Robin , Camarinha‐Silva Amelia , Rodehutscord Markus , Bennewitz Jörn
Published: November 2019

Most traits in animal breeding, including feed efficiency traits in pigs, are affected by many genes with small effect and have a moderately high heritability between 0.1 and 0.5, which enables efficient selection. Since the microbiota composition in the gastrointestinal tract is also partly heritable and was shown to have a substantial effect on feed efficiency, the host genes affect the phenotype not only directly by altering metabolic pathways, but also indirectly by changing the microbiota composition. The effect of the microbiota composition on the breeding value of an animal is the conditional expectation of its breeding value, given the vector with microbiota frequencies, that is The breeding value of an animal can therefore be decomposed into a heritable contribution that arises from an altered microbiota composition and a heritable contribution that arises from altered metabolic pathways within the animal, so Instead of selecting for breeding value , an index comprising the two components and with appropriate weights, that is , can be used. The present study shows how this breeding strategy can be applied in pig genomic selection breeding scheme for two feed efficiency traits and daily gain.
Assessing the effectiveness of a pharmaceutical care service on the quality of life of women with polycystic ovarian syndrome living in war and non‐war countries
Authors: Alkoudsi Kinda T. , Al‐Qudah Raja'a , Basheti Iman A.
Published: November 2019

Rationale, aims, and objectives

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a serious health problem that affects women of all ages worldwide, including their quality of life (QOL). Interventions on lifestyle modification can be a suitable therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a PCOS pharmaceutical care service on QOL for women diagnosed with PCOS living in Syria (a country affected by war) and Jordan (non–war‐zone country).

Methods

PCOS women from both Syria and Jordan with age above 16 years were recruited in the study. Women randomly allocated into active group received an educational intervention by the pharmacist (via oral and written educational module) with special focus on diet and exercise. Women allocated to the control group did not receive the educational intervention. Both groups were followed for 4 months. Women in both groups completed the QOL questionnaire at both baseline and end of study. Multiple‐regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with change in QOL scores across the study.

Results

PCOS women (n = 118) from both Syria (n = 60) and Jordan (n = 58) were recruited. Unlike control group patients, QOL was significantly improved in the active group at the end of the study for Syrian (102.75 vs 118.50, P < 0.001) and Jordanian women (95.31 vs 112.67, P < 0.001). Study group (active versus control) and difference in anxiety scores across the study were the only independent variables that showed association with the dependent variable, difference in QOL mean scores across the study period.

Conclusion

A pharmacist led intervention on lifestyle modification delivered to PCOS women led to positive effects on QOL scores. The intervention was successful in Syria and Jordan. This highlights the significant role that pharmacists can play in improving the life of women with PCOS whether living in war or non–war‐zone countries.
Dietary supplementation of potassium sorbate, hydrated sodium calcium almuniosilicate and methionine enhances growth, antioxidant status and immunity in growing rabbits exposed to aflatoxin B1 in the diet
Authors: Reda Fayiz M. , Ismail Ismail E. , El‐Mekkawy Mohamed M. , Farag Mayada R. , Mahmoud Hemat K. , Alagawany Mahmoud
Published: November 2019

The present experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation with some feed additives (potassium sorbate; Sor, hydrated sodium calcium almuniosilicate; Hsc and L‐methionine; L‐M) against aflatoxin B1 (AF) toxicity in rabbits. A total of 72 growing rabbits (5‐week‐old) were distributed into six equal groups (4 replicates with 3 rabbits each). The experimental groups are as follows: control group, AF group (supplemented with AF 0.3 mg/kg diet), AF + Sor group (AF 0.3 mg/kg diet + Sor 2 g/kg diet), AF + Hsc group (AF 0.3 mg/kg diet + Hsc 5 g/kg diet), AF + L‐M group (AF 0.3 mg/kg diet + L‐M 8 g/kg diet) and AF + Mix group (AF 0.3 mg/kg diet + 2 Sor + 5 Hsc + 8 L‐M g/kg diet). Live body weight and weight gain at 13 weeks of age were significantly reduced by AF. Feed intake at 13 weeks of age was decreased in AF, AF + Hsc and AF + Mix compared to the control. AF, AF + Hsc and AF + Mix showed the lowest total antioxidant capacity compared to the control. The highest level of reactive oxygen species and 8‐Hydroxy‐2‐desoxyguanosine was observed in AF group. Using of other supplements with AF increased immunoglobulinM than AF alone. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of Sor, L‐M, Hsc or their mixture was effective in reducing the adverse effects of AF on performance, antioxidant and immune status of rabbits with more better improvement obtained by Sor or L‐M separately.
Heritability and genetic correlations for infectious hypodermal and hematopoietic necrosis virus load, body weight at harvest, and survival rate in Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)
Authors: Hernández‐Ruíz Hortencia , Montaldo Hugo H. , Bustos‐Martínez Jaime , Campos‐Montes Gabriel R. , Castillo‐Juárez Héctor
Published: November 2019

Heritability and genetic correlations for body weight at harvest size (BW), grow‐out survival (SU), and log‐transformed infectious hypodermal and hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHHNV) load (VLln) in Litopenaeus vannamei were estimated. Data were obtained in 2012 from a shrimp breeding population in Mexico using 12,440 shrimp for BW and 16,814 shrimp for SU, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction determinations from 160 full‐sib families were obtained for VLln. DNA was extracted from pooled muscle samples of six shrimp per family for a total of 960 individuals. Heritability estimates for BW, SU, and VLln at the family mean and at individual levels were 0.24 ± 0.08, 0.02 ± 0.01, 0.42 ± 0.45, and 0.08 ± 0.11, respectively. Genetic correlation estimates of BW with SU, BW with VLln, and VLln with SU were 0.40, −0.04, and −0.57, respectively. Our results suggest that VLln has genetic variation and a favorable genetic association with BW and SU. No serious drawbacks were found from selection responses estimated using single‐trait and multitrait indices to increase BW and SU and decrease VLln. Favorable correlated responses for IHHNV tolerance estimated as BW/VLln and SU/VLln were also found. This study offers new insights into the possibility of using IHHNV viral load as a possible selection criterion in L. vannamei breeding programs.
The transcription factor Zt107320 affects the dimorphic switch, growth and virulence of the fungal wheat pathogen Zymoseptoria tritici
Authors: Habig Michael , Bahena‐Garrido Sharon Marie , Barkmann Friederike , Haueisen Janine , Stukenbrock Eva Holtgrewe
Published: November 2019

Zymoseptoria tritici is a filamentous fungus causing Septoria tritici blotch in wheat. The pathogen has a narrow host range and infections of grasses other than susceptible wheat are blocked early after stomatal penetration. During these abortive infections, the fungus shows a markedly different gene expression pattern. However, the underlying mechanisms causing differential gene expression during host and non‐host interactions are largely unknown, but likely include transcriptional regulators responsible for the onset of an infection programme in compatible hosts. MoCOD1, a member of the fungal Zn(II)2Cys6 transcription factor family, has been shown to directly affect pathogenicity in the rice blast pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae. Here, we analyse the role of the putative transcription factor Zt107320, a homologue of MoCOD1, during infection of compatible and incompatible hosts by Z. tritici. We show for the first time that Zt107320 is differentially expressed in host versus non‐host infections and that lower expression corresponds to an incompatible infection of non‐hosts. Applying reverse genetics approaches, we further show that Zt107320 regulates the dimorphic switch as well as the growth rate of Z. tritici and affects fungal cell wall composition in vitro. Moreover, ∆Zt107320 mutants showed reduced virulence during compatible infections of wheat. We conclude that Zt107320 directly influences pathogen fitness and propose that Zt107320 is involved in the regulation of growth processes and pathogenicity during infection.
The effect of sleep deficiency on esophageal acid exposure of healthy controls and patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease
Authors: Yamasaki Takahisa , Quan Stuart F. , Fass Ronnie
Published: November 2019

Background

Studies have demonstrated a bi‐directional relationship between sleep deficiency and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, there is limited data on how sleep deficiency affects esophageal acid exposure. We aimed to compare the effect of sleep deficiency on esophageal acid exposure of healthy controls versus GERD patients.

Methods

Eleven patients from each of 2 groups were randomized to undergo pH‐testing after 2 consecutive days of 7‐8 hours of sleep per night (normal sleep) or 2 consecutive days of 4 hours of sleep per night (deficient sleep). All subjects then crossed over to the other arm, after 1‐week washout period. While subjects were instructed to follow the study sleep protocol, actigraphy ensured subjects followed required sleeping time during study period.

Key Results

After normal sleep, all healthy controls had normal esophageal acid exposure. After deficient sleep, 5 healthy controls demonstrated an abnormal pH test. Overall, there was a significant increase in reflux parameters after deficient sleep as compared with normal sleep (% total time‐6.15 ± 5.89 vs 1.74 ± 1.54, % upright time‐4.72 ± 5.36 vs 0.87 ± 1.28, P < .05, respectively). After normal sleep, 6 GERD patients (54.5%) demonstrated an abnormal pH‐testing. After deficient sleep, 10 GERD patients (90.9%) demonstrated an abnormal pH‐testing. GERD patients demonstrated significantly higher reflux parameters than healthy controls after normal sleep (% total time‐5.02 ± 3.45 vs 1.74 ± 1.54, % upright time‐4.11 ± 3.98 vs 0.87 ± 1.28, P < .05, respectively).

Conclusions & Inferences

Sleep deficiency increased esophageal acid exposure in both healthy controls and GERD patients. Sleep deficiency also resulted in abnormal pH tests in almost half of healthy controls.
A new look at population change and regional development in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Brabyn Lars , Jackson Natalie O.
Published: November 2019

In New Zealand, population change is interlinked with regional development. Places growing in population attract regional investment, while regional investment—or lack thereof—can change migration patterns. However, to determine the appropriate response to population change for a community, it is important to understand that population change involves much more than “just” migration. Specifically, it involves interactions between the three components of population change: natural change (births minus deaths), net migration (international and internal) and population ageing (changing cohort size). For example, migration can be negative, but growth can be positive due to underlying natural increase or growth in cohort size. Responses need to differ, depending on these drivers. The goal of this article is to provide new insights into these interactions using data for 275 cities, towns and rural centres (hereafter “urban places”) in New Zealand for the period 1976 to 2013. The results show that natural change has been consistently positive for most urban places up to the present, although projections indicate that in the future this component will become negative across much of the country. At the same time, net migration shows considerable spatial variation, not only in terms of volume, but also direction (negative or positive), which differs markedly by age. A net gain of people of retirement age can offset a net loss of young adults to deliver overall growth, and vice‐versa, but the two have very different implications for longer term growth. An analysis of the drivers of net migration using GIS and machine learning techniques provides an indication of the importance of economic conditions (land‐use and access to markets), lifestyle, access to essential services (hospitals and education) and their interaction with age in regional change. The results show that population age is the best predictor of migration. Younger people are moving to cities for tertiary education and work and older people near or in retirement are moving to smaller lifestyle towns but also want to be close to amenities such as hospitals and international airports. The research also shows that natural lifestyle characteristics (landscape and climate), in combination with age are just as important as economic conditions for understanding migration. Regional development, such as infrastructure that helps business (ports and services) is important for the working age population but not necessarily the retirement age group. When regional development, age/life‐cycle stage and lifestyle come together, such as in Queenstown and Tauranga, net migration gain is high.
THE LIMITS OF NEO‐ARISTOTELIAN PLENITUDE (AND ITS CONCEPTUAL NEIGHBORS)
Authors: Spencer Joshua
Published: November 2019

Neo‐Aristotelian Plenitude is the thesis that, necessarily, any property that could be had essentially by something or other is had essentially by something or other if and only if and because it is instantiated; any essentializable property is essentialized iff and because it is instantiated. In this paper, I develop a partial nonmodal characterization of ‘essentializable' and show it cannot be transformed into a full characterization. There are several seemingly insurmountable obstacles that any full characterization of essentializability must overcome. Moreover, these obstacles threaten other views in the conceptual neighborhood such as Counterpart Theoretic Plenitude and Conceptualist Plenitude.
Assessing genetic variation of maize (Zea mays) root DNA density under contrasting water supply
Authors: Steinemann Sebastian , Westermeier Peter
Published: November 2019

Optimizing root systems is one crucial point in drought tolerance breeding of plants. Introducing root‐related traits to breeding programmes is time‐consuming and laborious. Most of the commonly used methods are not suitable to be applied in a larger amount of plants. Here we present a study applying a DNA‐based root phenotyping method (root DNA density; RDD) for phenotyping the root system of maize. Twenty‐one maize inbred lines were investigated in a rain‐out shelter experiment and 19 maize inbred lines in a greenhouse experiment under well‐watered and drought conditions. Beside other commonly used root traits, agronomic traits of the plants were recorded and compared to RDD. Within root traits, RDD showed high significant genotypic variation and the highest repeatabilities of up to 72.4%. In contrast to most agronomic traits, repeatabilities increased under drought conditions. Values showed also good correlations between rain‐out shelter and greenhouse trial, indicating the potential of this method for obtaining comparable results across different environments.
Catalase, glutathione, and protein phosphatase 2A‐dependent organellar redox signalling regulate aphid fecundity under moderate and high irradiance
Authors: Rasool Brwa , Karpinska Barbara , Pascual Jesús , Kangasjärvi Saijaliisa , Foyer Christine H.
Published: November 2019

Redox processes regulate plant/insect responses, but the precise roles of environmental triggers and specific molecular components remain poorly defined. Aphid fecundity and plant responses were therefore measured in Arabidopsis thaliana mutants deficient in either catalase 2 (cat2), different protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) subunits or glutathione (cad2, pad2, and clt1) under either moderate (250 μmol m−2 s−1) or high (800 μmol m−2 s−1) light. Aphid fecundity was decreased in pp2a‐b'γ, cat2 and the cat2 pp2a‐b'γ double mutants relative to the wild type under moderate irradiance. High light decreased aphid numbers in all genotypes except for cat2. Aphid fecundity was similar in the cat2 and glutathione‐, phytoalexin‐, and glucosinolate‐deficient cat2cad2 double mutants under both irradiances. Aphid‐induced increases in transcripts encoding the abscisic acid‐related ARABIDOPSIS ZINC‐FINGER PROTEIN 1 transcription factor were observed only under moderate light. Conversely, aphid induced increases in transcripts encoding the jasmonate‐synthesis enzyme ALLENE OXIDE CYCLASE 3 was observed in all genotypes only under high light. Aphid‐induced increases in REDOX RESPONSIVE TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR 1 mRNAs were observed in all genotypes except pp2a‐b'ζ1‐1 under both irradiances. Aphid fecundity is therefore regulated by cellular redox signalling that is mediated, at least in part, through PP2A‐dependent mitochondria to nucleus signalling pathways.
Low Temperature History of the Tiegelongnan Porphyry–Epithermal Cu (Au) Deposit in the Duolong Ore District of Northwest Tibet, China
Authors: Yang Huanhuan , Song Yang , Tang Juxing , Wang Qin , Gao Ke , Wei Shaogang
Published: November 2019

The Tiegelongnan is the first discovered porphyry–epithermal Cu (Au) deposit of the Duolong ore district in Tibet, China. In order to constrain the thermal history of this economically valuable deposit and the rocks that host it, eight samples were collected to perform a low‐temperature thermochronology analysis including apatite fission track, apatite, and zircon (U‐Th)/He. Apatite fission track ages of all samples are between 34 ± 3 and 67 ± 5 Ma. Mean apatite (U‐Th)/He ages show wide distribution, ranging from 29.3 ± 2.5 to 56.4 ± 9.1 Ma. Mean zircon (U‐Th)/He ages range from 79.5 ± 12.0 to 97.9 ± 4.4 Ma. The exhumation rate of the Tiegelongnan deposit was 0.086 km m.y.−1between 98 and 47 Ma and decreased to 0.039 km m.y.−1since 47 Ma. The mineralized intrusion was emplaced at a depth of about 1400 m in the Tiegelongnan deposit. Six cooling stages were determined through HeFTy software according to low‐temperature thermochronology and geochronology data: (i) fast cooling stage between 120 and 117 Ma, (ii) fast cooling stage between 117 and 100 Ma, (iii) slow cooling stage between100 and 80 Ma, (iv) fast cooling stage between 80 and 45 Ma, (v) slow cooling stage between 45 and 30 Ma, and (vi) slow cooling stage (<30 Ma). Cooling stages between 120 and 100 Ma are mainly caused by magmatic–hydrothermal evolution, whereas cooling stages after 100 Ma are mainly caused by low‐temperature thermal–tectonic evolution. The Bangong–Nujiang Ocean subduction led to the formation of the Tiegelongnan ore deposit, which was buried by the Meiriqiecuo Formation andesite lava and thrust nappe structure; then, the Tiegelongnan deposit experienced uplift and exhumation caused by the India–Asia collision.
The Transmission of Monetary Policy in South Africa Before and After the Global Financial Crisis
Authors: Kabundi Alain , Rapapali Mpho
Published: November 2019

This paper examines whether the transmission mechanism of monetary policy in South Africa has changed after the global financial crisis (GFC). We use a Bayesian vector autoregressive (BVAR) model with Minnesota priors and 15 monthly variables, extending the system of Christiano, Eichenbaum, with Evans (1999). The benefit of the BVAR approach is that it can accommodate a large cross section of variables without running out of degrees of freedom. To identify the change in the transmission process, we divide the sample size into two subsamples, namely the pre‐GFC period (March 2001 to August 2008) and the post‐GFC period (September 2008 to February 2016). The results indicate that a change in the transmission of monetary policy occurred after the GFC. The magnitude of the effect of a monetary policy shock on output is considerably greater in the pre‐GFC period compared to the post‐GFC period. Moreover, the impact of a policy shock on inflation is not statistically significant in the post‐GFC period. The variance decomposition shows that the interest‐rate channel has possibly weakened in the post‐GFC period.
The age of opportunity: prevalence of key risk factors among adolescents 10–19 years of age in nine communities in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Berhane Yemane , Canavan Chelsey R. , Darling Anne Marie , Sudfeld Christopher R. , Vuai Said , Adanu Richard , Bärnighausen Till , Dessie Yadeta , Bukenya Justine Nnakate , Guwatudde David , Killewo Japhet , Sando Mary M. , Sie Ali , Oduola Ayoade M. J. , Fawzi Wafaie W.
Published: November 2019

Objective

To measure health‐related behaviours and risk factors among sub‐Saharan African adolescents.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study in nine communities in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Eswatini, Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda between 2015 and 2017. Community‐representative samples of males and females 10–19 years of age were selected. All communities used a uniform questionnaire that was adapted from the WHO Global School‐based Student Health Survey. Weighted prevalence estimates and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for each indicator and stratified by age and sex using SAS version 9.4. All prevalence estimates were pooled across communities through random‐effects meta‐analyses in Stata version 14.

Results

A total of 8075 adolescents participated in the study. We observed a high prevalence of inadequate fruit consumption (57–63%) and low physical activity (82–90%); a moderate prevalence of inadequate vegetable consumption (21–31%), unprotected last sex (38–45%), age at first sex <15 years (21–28%) and bullying and physical fighting (12–35%); and a low prevalence of mental health risk factors (1–11%) and alcohol and substance use risk factors (0–6%). We observed a moderate to high prevalence of daily soft drink consumption (21–31%) for all adolescents. Among sexually active adolescents 15–19 years, 37% of females reported ever being pregnant and 8% of males reported to have ever made someone pregnant. Bullying (23%) and physical fighting (35%) were more common among younger male adolescents . The prevalence of low mood was generally higher among older (15–19 years) than younger adolescents (10–14 years). The proportion of adolescents reporting alcohol, drug or cigarette use was very small, with the exception of khat use in Ethiopia.

Conclusion

Overall, diet and physical activity, violence, sexual and reproductive health, and depression are important risk factors for these sub‐Saharan African communities. These findings suggest that more evidence is needed including novel efforts for the collection of sensitive information, as well as a need to move towards community‐tailored interventions to reach adolescent populations with varying needs.