bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Outcomes in Persons Coinfected With Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Hepatitis C Virus: Impact of Hepatitis C Virus Treatment
Authors: Mocroft Amanda , Lundgren Jens , Gerstoft Jan , Rasmussen Line D , Bhagani Sanjay , Aho Inka , Pradier Christian , Bogner Johannes R , Mussini Christina , Uberti Foppa Caterina , Maltez Fernando , Laguno Montse , Wandeler Gilles , Falconer Karolin , Trofimova Tatyana , Borodulina Elena , Jevtovic Djordje , Bakowska Elzbieta , Kase Kerstin , Kyselyova Galina , Haubrich Richard , Rockstroh Jürgen K , Peters Lars
Published: June 2019

Background

A hepatitis C (HCV) cure is associated with changes in lipids and inflammatory biomarkers, but its impact on clinical endpoints among treated human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/HCV coinfected persons is unclear.

Methods

People living with HIV from EuroSIDA with a known HCV status after January 2001 were classified into strata based on time-updated HCV RNA measurements and HCV treatment, as either HCV antibody–negative; spontaneously resolved HCV; chronic, untreated HCV; cured HCV (HCV RNA–negative); or HCV treatment failures (HCV RNA–positive). Poisson regression was used to compare incidence rates between HCV groups for end-stage liver disease (ESLD; including hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC]), non–acquired immunodeficiency virus defining malignancy (NADM; excluding HCC), and cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Results

There were 16 618 persons included (median follow-up 8.3 years, interquartile range 3.1–13.7). There were 887 CVD, 902 NADM, and 436 ESLD events; crude incidence rates/1000 person-years follow-up were 6.4 (95% confidence interval [CI] 6.0–6.9) for CVD, 6.5 (95% CI 6.1–6.9) for NADM, and 3.1 (95% CI 2.8–3.4) for ESLD. After adjustment, there were no differences in incidence rates of NADM or CVD across the 5 groups. HCV-negative individuals (adjusted incidence rate ratio [aIRR] 0.22, 95% CI 0.14–0.34) and those with spontaneous clearance (aIRR 0.61, 95% CI 0.36–1.02) had reduced rates of ESLD compared to cured individuals. Persons with chronic, untreated HCV infections (aIRR 1.47, 95% CI 1.02–2.13) or treatment failure (aIRR 1.80, 95% CI 1.22–2.66) had significantly raised rates of ESLD, compared to those who were cured.

Conclusions

Incidences of NADM or CVD were independent of HCV group, whereas those cured had substantially lower incidences of ESLD, underlining the importance of successful HCV treatment for reducing ESLD.
Multi-Band Contourlet Transform For Adaptive Remote Sensing Image Denoising
Authors: Wang Haijiang , Wang Jingpu , Yao Fuqi , Ma Yongqiang , Li Lihong , Yang Qinke
Published: June 2019

The ability to remove noise from remote sensing images, while retaining the important features of the images, is becoming increasingly important. In this paper, we introduce the multi-band contourlet transform, a new method for adaptively denoising remote sensing images. We describe existing methods that use multi-resolution analysis transforms for denoising images and discuss their respective advantages and disadvantages. We then introduce our novel denoising method, which exploits the advantages of existing methods. We summarize the results of a comprehensive set of experiments designed to evaluate the performance of our method and compare it with the performance of existing methods. The results demonstrate that our method is superior to existing methods, both in terms of its ability to denoise images and to retain salient features of those images following denoising.
A Metric to Assess the Readability of Video Closed Captions for the Persons With Low Literacy Skills
Authors: Pantula Muralidhar , Kuppusamy K S
Published: June 2019

The power of the WWW (World Wide Web) lies in the adoption of multiple types of media, which makes effective communication of content. Videos have emerged into a quick and efficient information delivery channel for users. To make a video accessible to persons with disabilities, several approaches have been proposed, which include various accessibility features such as closed captions and video descriptions. Captioning agencies use English as a primary language for creating captions, which cause problems for persons with low literacy skills. Ambiguity in the video affects the persons with low literacy skills and senior citizens and it leads them to consume more time in identifying/capturing the intended meaning. As the closed captions run along with the video frame, the comprehension is an issue. For predicting the readability assessment of closed captions for persons with low literacy skills, we developed a statistical formula based on the lexical and semantical ambiguity of the context. As a case study, caption files of top 50 English movies (as per IMDB top rated movies chart) were chosen and their readability scores were calculated. In addition, a machine learning model was developed using the ambiguity feature set in assessing the readability score of the closed captions. The result shows, our model is predicting the readability score with an accuracy of 92.6%.
Psychotropic medication before and after disability retirement by pre-retirement perceived work-related stress
Authors: Halonen Jaana I , Chandola Tarani , Hyde Martin , Leinonen Taina , Westerlund Hugo , Aalto Ville , Pentti Jaana , Laaksonen Mikko , Stenholm Sari , Mänty Minna , Vahtera Jussi , Oksanen Tuula , Kivimäki Mika , Virtanen Marianna , Lallukka Tea
Published: June 2019

Background

Retirement has been associated with improved mental health, but it is unclear how much this is due to the removal of work-related stressors. We examined rates of psychotropic medication use before and after the transition to disability retirement due to mental, musculoskeletal and other causes by pre-retirement levels of perceived work stress (effort-reward imbalance, ERI).

Methods

Register-based date and diagnosis of disability retirement of 2766 participants of the Finnish Public Sector study cohort were linked to survey data on ERI, social- and health-related covariates, and to national records on prescribed reimbursed psychotropic medication, measured as defined daily doses (DDDs). Follow-up for DDDs was 2–5 years before and after disability retirement. We assessed differences in the levels of DDDs before and after retirement among those with high vs. low level of pre-retirement ERI with repeated measures regression.

Results

Those with high (vs. low) levels of ERI used slightly more psychotropic medication before disability retirement due to mental disorders [rate ratio (RR) 1.14, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.94–1.37], but after retirement this difference attenuated (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.80–1.10, P for interaction 0.02). Such a change was not observed for the other causes of disability retirement.

Conclusions

The level of psychotropic medication use over the transition to disability retirement due to mental, but not musculoskeletal or other, causes was modified by pre-retirement perceived work-related stress. This suggests that among people retiring due to mental disorders those who had stressful jobs benefit from retirement more than those with low levels of work-related stress.
Conserved motifs in the CRISPR leader sequence control spacer acquisition levels in Type I-D CRISPR-Cas systems
Authors: Kieper Sebastian N , Almendros Cristóbal , Brouns Stan J J
Published: June 2019

Integrating short DNA fragments at the correct leader-repeat junction is key to successful CRISPR-Cas memory formation. The Cas1–2 proteins are responsible to carry out this process. However, the CRISPR adaptation process additionally requires a DNA element adjacent to the CRISPR array, called leader, to facilitate efficient localization of the correct integration site. In this work, we introduced the core CRISPR adaptation genes cas1 and cas2 from the Type I-D CRISPR-Cas system of Synechocystis sp. 6803 into Escherichia coli and assessed spacer integration efficiency. Truncation of the leader resulted in a significant reduction of spacer acquisition levels and revealed the importance of different conserved regions for CRISPR adaptation rates. We found three conserved sequence motifs in the leader of I-D CRISPR arrays that each affected spacer acquisition rates, including an integrase anchoring site. Our findings support the model in which the leader sequence is an integral part of type I-D adaptation in Synechocystis sp. acting as a localization signal for the adaptation complex to drive CRISPR adaptation at the first repeat of the CRISPR array.
PROMIS Physical Function 10-Item Short Form for Older Adults in an Emergency Setting
Authors: Fox G W Conner , Rodriguez Sandra , Rivera-Reyes Laura , Loo George , Hazan Ariela , Hwang Ula
Published: June 2019

Background

Functional status in older adults predicts hospital use and mortality, and offers insight into independence and quality of life. The Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) was developed to improve and standardize patient-reported outcomes measurements. The PROMIS Physical Function (PROMIS PF) 10-Item Short Form was not created specifically for older adults. By comparing PROMIS with the Katz Index of Activities of Daily Living (Katz), we evaluated PROMIS for measurement of physical function versus general function in an older adult population seen in the ED.

Methods

A prospective, convenience sample of ED patients 65 years and older (from January 1, 2015 to June 30, 2015) completed Katz and PROMIS PF. Both were compared for scoring distributions and conventional scoring thresholds for severity of impairment (eg, minimal, moderate, severe). We assessed convergence through Spearman correlations, equivalents of conventional thresholds and ranges of physical function, and item-response frequencies.

Results

A total of 357 completed both function surveys. PROMIS PF and Katz have a modest positive correlation (r = .50, p < .01). Mean PROMIS PF scores within Katz scoring ranges for minimal (43, SD = 10), moderate (32, SD = 7), and severe (24, SD = 7) impairment fell within respective PROMIS PF scoring ranges (severe = 14–29, moderate = 30–39, mild = 40–45), indicating convergence. PROMIS identified impairment in 3× as many patients as did Katz, as PROMIS assesses vigorous physical function (eg, running, heavy lifting) not queried by Katz. However, PROMIS does not assess select activities of daily living (ADLs; eg, feeding, continence) important for assessment of function in older adults.

Conclusions

There is a modest correlation between PROMIS and Katz. PROMIS may better assess physical function than Katz, but is not an adequate replacement for assessment of general functional status in older adults.
Aging and the Rising Burden of Noncommunicable Diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa and other Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Call for Holistic Action
Authors: Gyasi Razak M , Phillips David R
Published: June 2019

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are a prevalent and growing burden among older cohorts in sub-Saharan Africa and other low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) as in many wealthier parts of the world. This stems from the combined effects of factors such as demographic aging, behavioral transitions, and developmental origins of health and disease. A crucial characteristic of many NCDs is that their personal and family impacts and costs are not accurately reflected in mortality data. Their effects are often chronic and long-term and can cause morbidity, loss of work ability, and impaired quality of life over a prolonged period. Unless addressed seriously, the continuing increase of NCDs and their burden in sub-Saharan African countries and other LMICs will almost certainly undermine progress toward achieving the target of reducing by 25% premature mortality from NCDs in these countries by 2025 and also one-third reduction of NCDs target by 2030. To have any chance of meeting or even getting near to these targets, this article calls for action by national and regional governments to strengthen universal health coverage (UHC), economic empowerment of vulnerable groups, public–private partnerships, effective fiscal regulation, and public education on NCDs, their risk factors and impacts in sub-Saharan Africa in particular and most LMICs globally.
Implications of Perceived Neighborhood Quality, Daily Discrimination, and Depression for Social Integration Across Mid- and Later Life: A Case of Person-Environment Fit?
Authors: Stokes Jeffrey E
Published: June 2019

Background and Objectives

Integration in one’s social community may depend in part upon feeling safe and secure within one’s physical community, or neighborhood. Moreover, high-quality neighborhoods may serve as a supportive resource, potentially “buffering” against the harmful influence of experiences such as discrimination or depression that could otherwise erode adults’ sense of belonging. This study examines longitudinal associations of perceived neighborhood quality, daily discrimination, and depression with social integration among midlife and older adults, and tests whether perceived neighborhood quality is of increased importance with age and/or in the contexts of discrimination and depression.

Research Design and Methods

Multilevel random intercept models analyzed 6,016 observations of 3,102 individuals drawn from the 3 waves of the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS, 1995–2014).

Results

Perceived neighborhood quality was associated with greater social integration throughout adulthood, though its impact was slightly attenuated with age. Moreover, depression was harmful for social integration across the age range, yet its influence was significantly buffered by perceived neighborhood quality. Daily discrimination was not associated with social integration, net of covariates.

Discussion and Implications

Findings underscore the importance of physical place and person-environment fit for social well-being throughout adulthood, and confirm the deleterious effects of depression for adults’ social integration. Further, results highlight perceived neighborhood quality as a critical component for successful “aging in place,” particularly as a social resource adults may call upon in the context of depression.
Neighborhood Social Cohesion, Resilience, and Psychological Well-Being Among Chinese Older Adults in Hawai’i
Authors: Zhang Wei , Liu Sizhe , Zhang Keqing , Wu Bei
Published: June 2019

Background and Objectives

A growing body of literature indicates that neighborhood social cohesion is generally associated with lower levels of psychological distress and higher levels of life satisfaction (LS). However, very few studies have examined these relationships among Chinese older adults, the fastest growing aging population across all racial/ethnic groups in the U.S. Focusing on this population, the current study aims to examine the associations of neighborhood cohesion with psychological distress and LS as well as the mediating role of resilience and the moderating role of birth place in the associations.

Research Design and Methods

Ordinary least squares regressions were applied to analyze data collected among 430 Chinese older adults aged 55 and older residing in Honolulu, Hawai’i.

Results

Results show that neighborhood social cohesion was positively associated with lower levels of psychological distress and higher levels of LS for the whole sample. The association between social cohesion and psychological distress was moderated by birth place such that the protecting effects of neighborhood cohesion on distress were only salient for the U.S.-born but not for the foreign-born. Moreover, the mediating role of resilience was identified: It contributed to more than 60% of the association between social cohesion and psychological distress, and more than 22% of the association between social cohesion and LS.

Discussion and Implications

Our findings indicate the importance of a cohesive social environment and resilience in shaping psychological well-being and quality of life for older Chinese adults, the U.S.-born in particular, living in Honolulu, Hawai’i.
Constraining crustal structure in the presence of sediment: a multiple converted wave approach
Authors: Cunningham Erin , Lekic Vedran
Published: June 2019

Receiver functions are sensitive to sharp seismic velocity variations with depth and are commonly used to constrain crustal thickness. The H–κ stacking method of Zhu & Kanamori is often used to constrain both the crustal thickness (H) and ${V_P}$/${V_S}$ ratio ($\kappa $) beneath a seismic station using P-to-s converted waves (Ps). However, traditional H–κ stacks require an assumption of average crustal velocity (usually ${V_P}$). Additionally, large amplitude reverberations from low velocity shallow layers, such as sedimentary basins, can overprint sought-after crustal signals, rendering traditional H–$\ \kappa $ stacking uninterpretable. We overcome these difficulties in two ways. When S-wave reverberations from sediment are present, they are removed by applying a resonance removal filter allowing crustal signals to be clarified and interpreted. We also combine complementary Ps receiver functions, Sp receiver functions, and the post-critical P-wave reflection from the Moho (SPmp) to remove the dependence on an assumed average crustal ${V_P}$. By correcting for sediment and combining multiple data sets, the crustal thickness, average crustal P-wave velocity and crustal ${V_P}$/${V_S}$ ratio is constrained in geological regions where traditional H–$\ \kappa $ stacking fails, without making an initial P-wave velocity assumption or suffering from contamination by sedimentary reverberations.
Interpolation for Curves in Projective Space with Bounded Error
Authors: Larson Eric
Published: June 2019

Given $n$ general points $p_1, p_2, \ldots , p_n \in{\mathbb{P}}^r$ it is natural to ask whether there is a curve of given degree $d$ and genus $g$ passing through them; by counting dimensions a natural conjecture is that such a curve exists if and only if $$\begin{equation*}n \leq \left\lfloor \frac{(r + 1)d - (r - 3)(g - 1)}{r - 1}\right\rfloor.\end{equation*}$$The case of curves with nonspecial hyperplane section was recently studied in [2], where the above conjecture was shown to hold with exactly three exceptions.

In this paper, we prove a “bounded-error analog” for special linear series on general curves; more precisely we show that existence of such a curve subject to the stronger inequality $$\begin{equation*}n \leq \left\lfloor \frac{(r + 1)d - (r - 3)(g - 1)}{r - 1}\right\rfloor - 3.\end{equation*}$$Note that the $-3$ cannot be replaced with $-2$ without introducing exceptions (as a canonical curve in ${\mathbb{P}}^3$ can only pass through nine general points, while a naive dimension count predicts twelve).

We also use the same technique to prove that the twist of the normal bundle $N_C(-1)$ satisfies interpolation for curves whose degree is sufficiently large relative to their genus, and deduce from this that the number of general points contained in the hyperplane section of a general curve is at least $$\begin{equation*}\min\left(d, \frac{(r - 1)^2 d - (r - 2)^2 g - (2r^2 - 5r + 12)}{(r - 2)^2}\right).\end{equation*}$$

As explained in [7], these results play a key role in the author’s proof of the maximal rank conjecture [9].
Ranking migration cue contributions to guiding individual fibroblasts faced with a directional decision in simple microfluidic bifurcations
Authors: Pham Quang Long , Tong Anh , Rodrigues Lydia N , Zhao Yang , Surblyte Migle , Ramos Diomar , Brito John , Rahematpura Adwik , Voronov Roman S
Published: June 2019

Directed cell migration in complex micro-environments, such as in vivo pores, is important for predicting locations of artificial tissue growth and optimizing scaffold architectures. Yet, the directional decisions of cells facing multiple physiochemical cues have not been characterized. Hence, we aim to provide a ranking of the relative importance of the following cues to the decision-making of individual fibroblast cells: chemoattractant concentration gradient, channel width, mitosis, and contact-guidance. In this study, bifurcated micro-channels with branches of different widths were created. Fibroblasts were then allowed to travel across these geometries by following a gradient of platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) established inside the channels. Subsequently, a combination of statistical analysis and image-based diffusion modeling was used to report how the presence of multiple complex migration cues, including cell-cell influences, affect the fibroblast decision-making. It was found that the cells prefer wider channels over a higher chemoattractant gradient when choosing between asymmetric bifurcated branches. Only when the branches were symmetric in width did the gradient become predominant in directing which path the cell will take. Furthermore, when both the gradient and the channels were symmetric, contact guidance became important for guiding the cells in making directional choices. Based on these results we were able to rank these directional cues from most influential to the least as follows: mitosis > channel width asymmetry > chemoattractant gradient difference > and contact-guidance. It is expected that these results will benefit the fields of regenerative medicine, wound healing and developmental biology.
Pressure cycling technology for challenging proteomic sample processing: application to barnacle adhesive
Authors: Schultzhaus Janna N , Dean Scott N , Leary Dagmar H , Hervey W Judson , Fears Kenan P , Wahl Kathryn J , Spillmann Christopher M
Published: June 2019

Successful proteomic characterization of biological material depends on the development of robust sample processing methods. The acorn barnacle Amphibalanus amphitrite is a biofouling model for adhesive processes, but the identification of causative proteins involved has been hindered by their insoluble nature. Although effective, existing sample processing methods are labor and time intensive, slowing progress in this field. Here, a more efficient sample processing method is described which exploits pressure cycling technology (PCT) in combination with protein solvents. PCT aids in protein extraction and digestion for proteomics analysis. Barnacle adhesive proteins can be extracted and digested in the same tube using PCT, minimizing sample loss, increasing throughput to 16 concurrently processed samples, and decreasing sample processing time to under 8 hours. PCT methods produced similar proteomes in comparison to previous methods. Two solvents which were ineffective at extracting proteins from the adhesive at ambient pressure (urea and methanol) produced more protein identifications under pressure than highly polar hexafluoroisopropanol, leading to the identification and description of >40 novel proteins at the interface. Some of these have homology to proteins with elastomeric properties or domains involved with protein-protein interactions, while many have no sequence similarity to proteins in publicly available databases, highlighting the unique adherent processes evolved by barnacles. The methods described here can not only be used to further characterize barnacle adhesive to combat fouling, but may also be applied to other recalcitrant biological samples, including aggregative or fibrillar protein matrices produced during disease, where a lack of efficient sample processing methods has impeded advancement. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD012730.
Postprandial insulin and nutrient concentrations in lipopolysaccharide-challenged growing pigs reared in thermoneutral and high ambient temperatures1
Authors: Campos Paulo Henrique Reis Furtado , Merlot Elodie , Renaudeau David , Noblet Jean , Le Floc’h Nathalie
Published: June 2019

The aim of this study was to evaluate the associated effects of ambient temperature and inflammation caused by repeated administration of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on insulin, energy, and AA metabolism. Twenty-eight pigs were assigned to one of the two thermal conditions: thermoneutral (24 °C) or high ambient temperature (30 °C). The experimental period lasted 17 d, which was divided into a 7-d period without LPS (days −7 to −1), and a subsequent 10-d LPS period (days 1 to 10) in which pigs were administered 5 repeated injections of LPS at 2-d intervals. Postprandial profiles of plasma insulin and nutrients were evaluated through serial blood samples taken on days −4 (P0), 4 (P1), and 8 (P2). Before the LPS-challenge (P0), postprandial concentrations of glucose, lactate, Gln, Ile, Leu, Phe, Tyr, and Val were greater in pigs kept at 24 °C than at 30 °C (P < 0.05). In contrast, Arg, Asp, Gly, His, and Met postprandial concentrations at P0 were lower at 24 °C than at 30 °C (P < 0.05). At both 24 and 30 °C conditions, pigs had greater postprandial concentrations of insulin (P < 0.01) and lower concentrations of NEFA (P < 0.01) and α-amino nitrogen (P < 0.05) at P1 and P2 than at P0. Compared with P0, postprandial concentrations of glucose were greater (P < 0.05) at P1 in pigs kept at 24 °C, and at P1 and P2 in pigs kept at 30 °C. At both ambient temperatures, pigs had lower (P < 0.05) postprandial concentrations of Ala, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, and Val at P1 and P2 than at P0. Arginine postprandial concentration at P1 was lower than at P0 in pigs kept at 24 °C (P < 0.05), whereas no difference was observed in pigs at 30 °C. Relative to P0, Gln and Tyr concentrations were lower at P1 and P2 in pigs kept at 24 °C (P < 0.01), whereas lower Gln concentration was observed only at P2 (P < 0.01) and lower Tyr only at P1 (P < 0.01) in pigs kept at 30 °C. Our study shows a hyperglycemic and hyperinsulinemic state in LPS-challenged pigs and a greater magnitude of this response in pigs kept at 30 °C. Furthermore, LPS caused important changes in BCAA, His, Thr, and Trp profiles, suggesting the role these AA in supporting the inflammatory response. Finally, our results suggest that LPS-induced effects on postprandial profiles of specific AA (Arg, Gln, Phe, and Tyr) may be modulated by ambient temperature.
BOARD INVITED REVIEW: The pig microbiota and the potential for harnessing the power of the microbiome to improve growth and health1
Authors: Aluthge Nirosh D , Van Sambeek Dana M , Carney-Hinkle Erin E , Li Yanshuo S , Fernando Samodha C , Burkey Thomas E
Published: June 2019

A variety of microorganisms inhabit the gastrointestinal tract of animals including bacteria, archaea, fungi, protozoa, and viruses. Pioneers in gut microbiology have stressed the critical importance of diet:microbe interactions and how these interactions may contribute to health status. As scientists have overcome the limitations of culture-based microbiology, the importance of these interactions has become more clear even to the extent that the gut microbiota has emerged as an important immunologic and metabolic organ. Recent advances in metagenomics and metabolomics have helped scientists to demonstrate that interactions among the diet, the gut microbiota, and the host to have profound effects on animal health and disease. However, although scientists have now accumulated a great deal of data with respect to what organisms comprise the gastrointestinal landscape, there is a need to look more closely at causative effects of the microbiome. The objective of this review is intended to provide: 1) a review of what is currently known with respect to the dynamics of microbial colonization of the porcine gastrointestinal tract; 2) a review of the impact of nutrient:microbe effects on growth and health; 3) examples of the therapeutic potential of prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics; and 4) a discussion about what the future holds with respect to microbiome research opportunities and challenges. Taken together, by considering what is currently known in the four aforementioned areas, our overarching goal is to set the stage for narrowing the path towards discovering how the porcine gut microbiota (individually and collectively) may affect specific host phenotypes.
Immune system stimulation increases the plasma cysteine flux and whole-body glutathione synthesis rate in starter pigs1
Authors: Rakhshandeh Anoosh , de Lange Cornelis F M , Htoo John K , Gheisari Abbasali , Rakhshandeh Amanda R
Published: June 2019

Glutathione (GSH) is the major intracellular thiol that plays a role in numerous detoxification, bio-reduction, and conjugation reactions. The availability of Cys is thought to be the rate-limiting factor for the synthesis of GSH. The effects of immune system stimulation (ISS) on GSH levels and the GSH synthesis rate in various tissues, as well as the plasma flux of Cys, were measured in starter pigs fed a sulfur AA (SAA; Met + Cys) limiting diet. Ten feed-restricted gilts with initial body weight (BW) of 7.0 ± 0.12 kg were injected i.m. twice at 48-h intervals with either sterile saline (n = 4; ISS−) or increasing amounts of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (n = 6; ISS+). The day after the second injection, pigs received a primed constant infusion of 35S-Cys (9,300 kBq/pig/h) for 5 h via a jugular catheter. Blood and tissue free Cys and reduced GSH were isolated and quantified as the monobromobimane derivatives by HPLC. The rate of GSH synthesis was determined by measurement of the specific radioactivity of GSH and tissue free Cys at the end of the infusion period. Plasma Cys and total SAA levels were reduced (16% and 21%, respectively), but plasma Cys flux was increased (26%) by ISS (P < 0.05). Immune system stimulation increased GSH levels in the plasma (48%; P < 0.05), but had no effect on GSH levels in the liver, small and large intestines, heart, muscle, spleen, kidney, lung, and erythrocytes. The fractional synthesis rate (FSR) of GSH was higher (P < 0.05) in the liver (34%), small intestine (78%), large intestine (72%), heart (129%), muscle (37%), and erythrocytes (47%) of ISS+ pigs compared to ISS− pigs. The FSR of GSH tended (P = 0.08) to be higher in the lungs (45%) of ISS+ pigs than in ISS− pigs. The absolute rate of GSH synthesis was increased by ISS (mmol/kg wet tissue/d ± SE, ISS− vs. ISS+; P < 0.05) in the liver (5.22 ± 0.22 vs. 7.20 ± 0.59), small intestine (2.54 ± 0.25 vs. 4.52 ± 0.56), large intestine (0.61 ± 0.06 vs. 1.06 ± 0.16), heart (0.21 ± 0.03 vs. 0.48 ± 0.08), lungs (1.50 ± 0.10 vs. 2.90 ± 0.21), and muscle (0.21 ± 0.03 vs. 0.34 ± 0.04), but it remained unchanged in erythrocytes, the kidney, and the spleen (P > 0.80). The current findings suggest that GSH synthesis is increased during ISS, contributing to enhanced maintenance sulfur amino acid requirements in starter pigs during ISS.
Energy values of solvent-extracted canola meal and expeller-derived canola meal for broiler chickens and growing pigs determined using the regression method1
Authors: Zhong Ruqing , Adeola Olayiwola
Published: June 2019

The energy values of solvent-extracted canola meal (SECM) and expeller-derived canola meal (EDCM) for broiler chickens and growing pigs were determined in 2 experiments using the regression method. Corn–soybean meal reference diet (RF) and 4 test diets were prepared. The test diets consisted of SECM or EDCM that partly replaced the energy sources in the RF at 100 or 200 g/kg, respectively. The ratios of all energy ingredients were kept similar across all experimental diets. In Exp. 1, a total of 300 birds were fed standard broiler starter diet from days 0 to 19 posthatching. On day 19, 240 birds (776 ± 79.3 g initial BW) were assigned into 5 experimental diets in a randomized complex block design with BW as a blocking factor. Excreta were collected from days 23 to 25 and ileal digesta were collected after birds were euthanized by CO2 asphyxiation on day 26. In Exp. 2, 40 barrows (28.4 ± 1.6 kg initial BW) were allotted to 5 experimental diets according to the randomized complete block design with BW as a blocking factor. After 5-d adaption period, the feces and urine samples were collected for 5 d by total collection method. The ileal digestible energy (IDE), apparent ME (AME), and nitrogen-corrected apparent ME (AMEn) in Exp. 1 and the DE, AME, and AMEn in Exp. 2 for experimental diets and canola meals were determined. In Exp. 1, the inclusion of canola meals to RF linearly decreased the IDE, AME, and AMEn for birds fed SECM diets (P < 0.01) and the AME and AMEn for birds fed EDCM diets (P < 0.01). Furthermore, quadratic effects were also found in the IDE, AME, and AMEn by the inclusion of EDCM to RF (P < 0.05). The IDE were 2,194 and 3,514 kcal/kg DM for SECM and EDCM in broiler chickens, respectively. The respective ME and MEn values were 1,919 and 1,695 kcal/kg DM for SECM and 3,134 and 2,937 kcal/kg DM for EDCM. In Exp. 2, the SECM or EDCM addition to RF linearly decreased the AME and AMEn for pigs (P < 0.01). The DE content was also decreased linearly with the increasing level of SECM (P < 0.01). The DE, ME, and MEn of SECM for pigs were 3,109, 2,891, and 2,655 kcal/kg DM, respectively. The EDCM contained 3,850 kcal of DE, 3,581 kcal of ME, and 3,491 kcal of MEn/kg DM for pigs. In conclusion, the energy values of EDCM are greater than those of SECM for broiler chickens and pigs, and pigs utilize more of the GE in SECM and EDCM than broiler chickens.
Effects of a recombinant fibrolytic enzyme on fiber digestion, ruminal fermentation, nitrogen balance, and total tract digestibility of heifers fed a high forage diet1
Authors: Ran Tao , Saleem Atef M , Shen Yizhao , Ribeiro Gabriel O , Beauchemin Karen A , Tsang Adrian , Yang Wenzhu , McAllister Tim A
Published: June 2019

A metabolism study was conducted using 8 ruminal cannulated beef heifers to investigate the effects of a recombinant fibrolytic enzyme (RFE; xylanase XYL10C) selected specifically for forage-fed ruminants on ruminal pH, fermentation, nitrogen balance, and total tract digestibility of heifers. The experiment was a cross-over design with 2 treatments and 2 periods. The 2 treatments were a basal diet containing 60% barley silage, 30% barley straw, and 10% supplement (DM basis) without (control) or with RFE. The enzyme was sprayed onto the barley straw at a rate of 6.6 × 104 IU·kg−1 DM 24 h before feeding. Each period comprised 2 wk of diet adaptation and 1 wk of sampling and data collection. Feed intake and total tract digestibility of DM, OM, NDF, and ADF were unaffected by RFE. Ruminal pH including mean, minimum, maximum, and duration pH <5.8, did not differ between treatments. Total VFA concentration, molar proportion of individual VFA, and acetate-to-propionate ratio were also not affected by RFE. However, ruminal NH3-N concentration (P < 0.06) and endoglucanase activity (P < 0.08) in ruminal fluid tended to be higher with RFE. Nitrogen utilization and microbial protein synthesis were not affected by treatment. These results indicate that XYL10C did not improve fiber digestion in heifers fed a high forage diet, despite the fact that it was specifically selected for this trait in laboratory assays. However, the increased ruminal NH3-N concentration suggests it potentially increased ruminal proteolytic activity.
Through a Glass, Darkly: Three Important Conversations for Human Rights Professionals
Authors: Sharp Dustin N
Published: June 2019

The current moment in history is marked by a sense of anxiety about the future of human rights as a global project. In many instances, human rights pessimism has eclipsed a larger empirical picture of human rights progress. In assessing this paradox of perception, I argue that human rights professionals themselves contribute to this sense of pessimism and crisis in ways that can become counterproductive and demobilizing. Promoting a more positive and balanced human rights vision reflecting both progress and challenges will require several shifts in emphasis over the coming years, beginning with some neglected conversations for the broader field of human rights. These conversations relate to (1) an assessment of the ways in which the prism of professional experience has shaped the messaging and world view of human rights advocates; (2) the role of human rights critics in promoting new thinking and reform; and (3) the need for advocates to go beyond what I call the ‘legalistic referee model’ in their attempts to promote positive change.
Sexual Obsessions in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Authors: Williams Monnica T. , Wetterneck Chad T.
Published: June 2019

Although there have been several manuals written about how to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) using cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), there has been little focus on application of CBT principles to those suffering from sexual obsessions. Treating sexual obsessions in OCD differs from the treatment of other forms of OCD due to heightened feelings of shame surrounding symptoms, widespread misdiagnosis from professionals, and the covert nature of ritualizing behaviors. This book provides clinicians with the tools needed to successfully help clients suffering from unwanted, intrusive thoughts of a sexual nature. It provides instructions on how to diagnose OCD in clients reporting sexual obsessions, guidance on measures to employ during assessment, and a discussion of differential diagnoses. It includes a step-by-step manual describing how to provide treatment, using a combination of exposure and ritual (response) prevention (Ex/RP), cognitive therapy, and newer CBT techniques. Also included are case examples of pedophile-themed OCD (sometimes called P-OCD) and sexual orientation worries in OCD (called SO-OCD or H-OCD) and their treatment approaches, along with a catalogue of specific ideas for in vivo exposures and detailed templates for imaginal exposures. Included are strategies therapists can use to tackle relationship issues that commonly emerge as a result of sexually themed OCD. Also included are appendices of handouts for clients and helpful measures for therapists to utilize with clients.
Association Splitting
Authors: Ching Terence H. W. , Moritz Steffen , Jelinek Lena
Published: June 2019

Beginning with a description of a semantic network conceptualization of intrusions in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), the authors lay the groundwork for the development of the cognitive therapeutic technique of association splitting. The basic principles of association splitting are then elaborated. The existing research evidence for the efficacy of association splitting for treating various forms of obsessions is also described in detail. This is followed by an extensive discussion of the pragmatic utility of association splitting for complementing established cognitive-behavior therapy programs for OCD (e.g., exposure and response/ritual prevention) in overcoming certain treatment barriers. The chapter concludes with an easy-to-understand walk-through of the steps that therapists can take to guide their clients in their practice of association splitting for sexual obsessions, within and outside of therapy sessions.
How I Would Apply Change Principles in Psychotherapy with Three Cases of Depression
Authors: Johnson Benjamin
Published: June 2019

This chapter describes how the author would implement each of the empirically based principles of change identified in Chapter 2, as they are specifically related to the three cases of depression presented in Chapter 3. The chapter begins with the author’s initial reaction to the list of principles, as well as to the task of describing their implementation in his day-to-day clinical work. Also included in the chapter are the author’s case formulation and treatment for each case, which serve as the general context for the author’s detailed explanation of why and how he would apply the principles in ways that are best attuned to the needs of particular clients. The chapter ends with the description of the author’s thoughts and experience about writing this chapter.
Conceptual, Clinical, and Empirical Perspectives on Principles of Change for Depression
Authors: Johnson Benjamin , Vivian Dina , Wolf Abraham W. , Beutler Larry E. , Castonguay Louis G. , Constantino Michael J.
Published: June 2019

The goal of this chapter is to generate new conceptual, clinical, and empirical perspectives about principles of change that are relevant to the treatment of depression. It provides an opportunity for the authors of the previous three chapters to present their views about convergences and differences in the implementation of principles, the clinical helpfulness of these principles, the possible ways of combining them, as well as the principles that should be investigated in future research. The chapter also includes comments from the editors on each of these issues, as a way to engage conversations and/or future collaboration between researchers and clinicians.
A Cognitive-Behaviorist’s Report from the Trenches
Authors: Spayd Catherine S.
Published: June 2019

This chapter describes how the author would implement each of the empirically based principles of change identified in Chapter 2, as they specific related to the three cases of social anxiety presented in Chapter 8. The chapter begins with the author’s initial reaction to the list of principles, as well as to the task of describing their implementation in her day-to-day clinical work. Also included in the chapter are the author’s case formulation and treatment for each case, which serve as the general context for the author’s detailed explanation of why and how she would apply the principles in ways that are best attuned to the needs of particular clients. The chapter ends with the description of the author’s thoughts and experience about writing this chapter.
More Than a Feeling?
Authors: Weinberg Igor
Published: June 2019

This chapter describes how the author would implement each of the empirically based principles of change identified in Chapter 2, as they specific related to the three cases of social anxiety presented in Chapter 8. The chapter begins with the author’s initial reaction to the list of principles, as well as to the task of describing their implementation in his day-to-day clinical work. Also included in the chapter are the author’s case formulation and treatment for each case, which serve as the general context for the author’s detailed explanation of why and how he would apply the principles in ways that are best attuned to the needs of particular clients. The chapter ends with the description of the author’s thoughts and experience about writing this chapter.
Conceptual, Clinical, and Empirical Perspectives on Principles of Change for Anxiety Disorders
Authors: Papiasvili Eva D. , Spayd Catherine S. , Weinberg Igor , Beutler Larry E. , Castonguay Louis G. , Constantino Michael J.
Published: June 2019

This chapter provides an opportunity for the authors of the previous three chapters on anxiety disorders to present their perspectives about a number of conceptual, clinical, and empirical issues regarding principles of change. These include convergences and differences in the implementation of principles (in terms of how much they are emphasized and the way that they are implement), the clinical helpfulness of these principles, the possible ways of combining them, as well as the principles that should be investigated in future research. The chapter also includes comments from the editors on each of these issues, as a way to engage conversations and/or future collaboration between researchers and clinicians.
Keys to Effective Communication in All Circumstances
Authors: Broadfoot Kirsten J. , Guth Todd A.
Published: June 2019

Emergency departments (EDs), with their high degree of interruption, evolving and often incoherent patient stories, and multiple patient needs, strain practitioner cognitive processing over time, forcing a reliance on default communication approaches and pattern recognition. This shift to scripted, routinized, and default approaches to interaction in the ED reduces situational awareness, impacting providers’ ability to respond appropriately to the person and story in front of them and their clinical decision making. However, being able to rapidly and effectively adapt to circumstances is essential for high-functioning providers in emergency department settings. Although solid, learned fundamental communication checklists can suffice in straightforward, low-stakes, or routine individual and team encounters, complicated, high-stakes, or unusual circumstances or situations require effective communicators to move beyond habituated communication practices to those that enable providers to appropriately interpret and adapt to circumstances while respecting self, others, and context.
Patient Communication
Authors: Breyer Michael , Shockley Lee
Published: June 2019

Good communication with patients has now been recognized as critical to their care. Although there are many potential barriers to communication in the patient care setting, health care workers understand that breaking them down to communicate in a healthy, positive fashion helps to provide patients with better care, improves staff morale, and decreases medical errors. Skilled practitioners recognize these challenges and come equipped with a toolbox designed to communicate well with patients, as they know good communication skills denote good patient care.
Communication With Family
Authors: Handel Daniel L. , Madison Stefani D.
Published: June 2019

This chapter addresses key elements of effective communication and common communication challenges encountered in the emergency department setting with families and concerned persons. It discusses the principles of effective communication, including AIDET and ask-tell-ask styles; demonstrates language that acknowledges and respects diversity; and provides methods to enhance staff training in these areas. Additionally, the chapter provides models for sharing difficult news, including notification of death, and pertinent legal and ethical principles to guide disclosure of patient information. Specific communication methods are shared to manage common challenges such as conflict, disagreement, and unrealistic patient or family expectations. These situations are commonly encountered in emergency settings and are linked to provider burnout. The chapter includes a primer on “therapeutic language,” including the use of suggestions for patient and family comfort during procedures to lessen anxiety and discomfort.
Communication With Minors in Emergency Settings
Authors: Carney Kevin P.
Published: June 2019

This chapter provides an overview and description of the challenges health care workers face when encountering pediatric patients in emergency settings. Children make up a substantial portion of annual visits to US emergency departments, though most children are seen in settings where adults make up the majority of the patient volume, meaning there is often a lack of comfort in communicating with children. Special attention is paid in this chapter to the importance of the “triadic” nature of the visit (provider-child-parent), introductions and body language, pediatric developmental stages, issues of consent and confidentiality, and decision-making capacity. The chapter uses case examples of commonly encountered clinical scenarios to provide tips and tricks for engaging with pediatric patients in these stressful situations. Case examples include the reticent child, the painful procedure, delivering bad news, the angry parent, and the overtalkative parent.