bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum growth differentiation factor 11 is closely related to metabolic syndrome in a Chinese cohort
Authors: Xu Bo , Huang Yan , Zhang Rong , Tang Mengyang , He Zhen , Jin Li , Zong Yicen , Hu Cheng , Jia Weiping 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAims/IntroductionDespite increasing interest in growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) based on its involvement in age‐related disorders, clinical implications – especially for metabolic diseases – remain unclear. Therefore, we assessed the association between serum GDF11 levels and metabolic disturbance in the Chinese population.Materials and MethodsA total of 381 individuals from the Shanghai Nicheng Cohort Study were included. In addition to anthropometry, laboratory and ultrasonography measurements, serum concentrations of GDF11 were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsCirculating GDF11 concentrations were unchanged with age (r = –0.064, P = 0.210), but showed an inverse relationship to body mass index, waist circumference and fat‐free mass index (all P < 0.05). Correlation analysis showed decreased GDF11 concentrations accompanied by elevated diastolic blood pressure, fasting and 2‐h plasma glucose, triglycerides, and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol after adjusting for sex, age and body mass index, whereas variations in aspartate aminotransferase and free thyroxine were consistent with GDF11 (all P < 0.05). Furthermore, people, especially men, with abnormal glycometabolism, body mass index and/or fat accumulation in the liver had lower serum levels of GDF11 (P < 0.05); an increase in metabolic syndrome morbidity along with the circulatory decline of GDF11 was found when stratified by GDF11‐level quartiles (P‐trend <0.001). Logistic regression showed that serum GDF11 levels were independently correlated with the presence of metabolic syndrome (odds ratio 0.665, 95% confidence interval 0.510–0.867, P = 0.003).ConclusionsWe confirmed GDF11 as an endocrine factor playing a significant role in multiple metabolic processes and an indicator of metabolic syndrome in the Chinese population, particularly in males.
Multiple‐quality Cournot oligopoly and the role of market size
Authors: Long Ngo Van , Miao Zhuang 
Published: June 2020

AbstractWe model an oligopoly where firms are allowed to freely enter and exit the market and choose the quality level of their products by incurring different setup costs. Using this framework, we study the mix of firms in the long‐run Cournot–Nash equilibrium under different cost structures and the effects of market size on market outcomes. Specifically, we consider two alternative specifications of cost structure. In the first specification, quality upgrading requires a large increment in the setup cost or R&D investment. Under this cost structure, we show that in the Nash equilibrium, each firm specializes in a single quality level, and an increase in the market size leads to (a) an increase in the fraction of firms that specialize in the high‐quality product, (b) an increase in the market share of the high‐quality product, and (c) a reduction in firms’ markups and in markup dispersion. Under the second type of cost structure where quality upgrading only requires higher marginal cost, we find that all firms will produce both types of product, and the value share of the high‐quality product increases as the market expands, but in quantity terms, the market share of the high‐quality product does not change. Finally, we find that trade liberalization has broadly similar effects to that of a market expansion, but the supply of the high‐quality product from the smaller economy may decrease.
Bedside education in the art of medicine (BEAM): A learner's perspective on arts‐based teaching
Authors: Kim Kain 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIn today's culture of the medical profession, it is fairly unusual for students to actually witness physicians talking with patients about anything outside scientific explanation. That other side of medicine – the one that goes beyond explanation to understanding – goes unexplored, and the patient's personal narrative is consequently less understood. Meanwhile, though reflective writing is the most frequently used didactic method to promote introspection and deeper consolidation of new ideas for medical learners, there is robust evidence that other art forms – such as storytelling, dance, theatre, literature and the visual arts – can also help deepen reflection and understanding of the human aspect of medical practice. The overall goal of the Bedside Education in the Art of Medicine (BEAM) project is to redress these issues through early interventions within the culture of the medical profession. By creating an arts‐based humanities curriculum, we hope to broaden medical learners' understanding and shine a light on what it means – for patients and clinicians – to be human, live well, experience loss, encounter disease, and engage in a therapeutic relationship. BEAM is envisioned as a modular, online resource of “third things” that any clinician anywhere will be able to access via a smartphone application to deliver brief, focused, humanistic clinical teaching in either hospital or ambulatory care settings. This commentary foregrounds a learner's perspective to model BEAM's usage in an in‐depth manner; it examines the relation of a painting by Edward Hopper to medical education through the lens of a poem by Victoria Chang, in the context of the BEAM web‐based app educational resource. By assessing the poignancy of the painting via the poem, I demonstrate the capacity of the arts and humanities in medical education, with a specific focus on the development of interpretative skills and tolerance for ambiguity that all authentic, engaged physicians need.
Behavioural responses of female lake trout Salvelinus namaycush to male chemical stimuli and prostaglandin F2α
Authors: Buchinger Tyler J. , Li Weiming , Johnson Nicholas S. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractMale olfactory cues may guide aggregation on spawning reefs, mate evaluation and synchronized gamete release in lake trout Salvelinus namaycush, but a lack of information on the source and identity of the cues precludes direct tests of their function. Using a two‐channel flume, we found ovulated female lake trout increased time spent in the channel treated with spermiated male‐conditioned water, urine and bile but not synthesized prostaglandin F2α. We suggest future efforts to characterize male olfactory cues focus on urine and postulate that bile acids contribute to its behavioural activity.
Improving storage quality of refrigerated steamed buns by mung bean starch composite coating enriched with nano‐emulsified essential oils
Authors: Li Kun , Zhang Min , Bhandari Bhesh , Xu Jicheng , Yang Chaohui 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIn this study, the edible antimicrobial coating was prepared from mung bean starch and soluble soybean polysaccharide (MBS‐SSPS) enriched with different concentrations (0%, 0.3%, 0.6%, 0.9%, and 1.2%) of nano‐emulsified clove and cinnamon oil (CCO). Then MBS‐SSPS incorporated CCO coating (MSC) was applied on steamed buns at 10°C, 50% RH and the microbiological attributes (total viable count and the mold and yeast counts), hardness, and organoleptic attributes were assessed. The use of CCO in MBS‐SSPS coating solution reduced viscosity of final coating and increased antimicrobial activity. Also, compared with the uncoated sample, MSC0.6 and MSC0.9 under no adverse effect on flavor quality, reduced the aerobic plate count by 38.5 and 42% and decreased mold and yeast counts by 32 and 37%, respectively. Meanwhile, the coated samples obtained acceptable sensory qualities and lower hardness than the uncoated ones.Practical ApplicationsThe objective of the study was to develop and characterize the MBS‐SSPS coating enriched with nano‐emulsified CCO (the mixture of cinnamon and clove essential oil), then evaluate the effectiveness of antimicrobial coating on the storage quality of steamed buns. MSC0.6 and MSC0.9 improved the storage quality without sacrificing flavor while compared with uncoated samples. Therefore, it was feasible to apply this new edible antimicrobial coating on the surface of the steamed buns.
Determination of mechanical properties of whey protein films during accelerated aging: Application of FTIR profiles and chemometric tools
Authors: Agudelo‐Cuartas Camilo , Granda‐Restrepo Diana , Sobral Paulo J. A. , Castro Wilson 
Published: June 2020

AbstractNowadays, the application of non‐destructive techniques in food engineering is arising. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) combined with chemometric tools show potential in evaluation of food materials. The aim of this work was to determine the applicability of FTIR profiles and chemometric tools to predict the mechanical properties of whey protein‐based film (WPF). A WPF solution was prepared using whey protein concentrate/distilled‐water/glycerol in (10/85/5% wt/wt) respectively. Then, the films were aged at 30°C/5 days and 60% RH. Each day, 10 pieces were evaluated, obtaining their FTIR profiles (4000–650 cm−1), tensile strength (TS), elongation at break (EB), and elastic modulus (EM). Principal component analysis‐multilinear regression (PCA‐MLR) and partial least square regression (PLSR) were developed using the K‐fold cross‐validation technique. For EB and EM, the coefficient of correlation (R2) and root means squared error (RMSE) were above 0.8990 and under 0.5250 (Full PLSR) and 0.8730 and 0.1378 (Optimized PLSR), unlike to TS presented R2 and RMSE values lower than 0.2160 and 2.5247, similar to PCA‐MLR models with values lower than 0.2050 and 0.1889, respectively (for all variables). In this sense, the use of FTIR profiles coupled to chemometric tools could be adequate to predict some properties in WPFs during aging.Practical applicationsThis research presents a practical way for mechanical properties evaluation in films by means of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) coupled to chemometric tools. This new method could be useful for rapid monitoring of textural properties and characterization of films for food packaging.
A multi‐center cross‐sectional study on midwives' self‐efficacy and influencing factors
Authors: Jiang Xiu‐Min , Chen Xiao‐Qian , Zheng Jing , Zheng Qing‐Xiang , Huang Xin‐Xin , Pan Yu‐Qing 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAimHealthcare professionals who lack self‐efficacy may fail to cope with stressful situations, which increases job burnout and turnout. Self‐efficacy of midwives with high workload may affect the quality of service. However, little is known about midwives' self‐efficacy and related factors. This study aimed to examine the level and influencing factors of self‐efficacy among midwives, and to assess the relationships between their self‐efficacy and job burnout.MethodsThis was a multi‐center cross‐sectional study involving 700 midwives from 33 hospitals in China. Data were collected by three self‐administered questionnaires, including a socio‐demographic questionnaire, General Self‐Efficacy Scale and Maslach Burnout Inventory. Pearson correlation was utilized to analyze the association of self‐efficacy with job burnout. A multiple linear regression model was performed to identify variables associated with midwives' self‐efficacy.ResultsThe score of self‐efficacy among Chinese midwives was 24.34 ± 5.28. The incidence of job burnout was 52.9%. The influencing factors of self‐efficacy among midwives were low personal accomplishment, emotional exhaustion, length of service, interest in the midwifery field, marital status and whether they came from a one‐child family or not.ConclusionsChinese midwives had a moderate level of self‐efficacy which easily led to job burnout. Also, several personal‐related and work‐related factors would affect the self‐efficacy of midwives. Nursing managers are called on to attach importance to self‐efficacy of midwives and provide effective interventions to improve their self‐efficacy.
Intrauterine Devices in the Context of Gonococcal Infection, Chlamydial Infection, and Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: Not Mutually Exclusive
Authors: Esposito Christa Palancia 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe use of long‐acting reversible contraception, namely, intrauterine device (IUDs) and the subdermal implant, has been recommended to address the high rate of the unintended pregnancy in the United States. IUDs are a safe, highly effective contraceptive method, suitable for most women. The underutilization of IUDs arises in part from the lack of translation of best practices in the clinical setting as well as fears and misperceptions about this contraceptive method held by health care providers and women. This article reviews screening and management of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis infection and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women who are using or want to use an IUD. An IUD may be inserted without prior screening for N gonorrhoeae or C trachomatis in women who are at low risk for sexually transmitted infections and asymptomatic. An in situ IUD may remain in the uterus during and after treatment for gonococcal infection, chlamydial infection, or PID. The risk of PID with an IUD in situ is less than 1%. Following IUD best practices, including their use in the context of sexually transmitted infections, can increase the availability of this method for suitable candidates and decrease the unintended pregnancy rate.
Calprotectin in acne vulgaris: A possible contributory role
Authors: Fouda Ibrahim , Obaid Zakaria M. , Hegazy Shimaa F. , Samir Abd Al‐Samie Hesham , Nofal Ahmad 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundAcne vulgaris (AV) is a common inflammatory skin disease involving dysfunction of the pilosebaceous unit. Many mechanisms for the pathogenesis of acne have been postulated; however, the precise pathogenesis is still uncertain.AimEvaluation of the level of serum calprotectin in patients with AV and its correlation with the different clinical variables of the disease, particularly severity.Patients and methodsThis is a case‐control study that included ninety subjects who were subdivided into two groups; group I, which included sixty patients complaining of AV with different grades of severity, and group II that included thirty apparent healthy age and sex‐matched participants as a control group. Severity of AV was determined according to the Global Acne Grading System (GAGS). Serum calprotectin level was measured in both patients and controls by the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method.ResultsA highly statistically significant difference in the serum calprotectin level was found between patients with AV and control subjects. A highly significant positive correlation was found between the serum calprotectin levels and the severity of acne. Similarly, a significant positive correlation was found between serum calprotectin levels and the duration of the disease.ConclusionSerum calprotectin levels are increased in acne patients and are positively correlated with its severity.
Absence of BRAFV600E immunohistochemical expression in sporadic odontogenic keratocyst, syndromic odontogenic keratocyst and orthokeratinized odontogenic cyst
Authors: Jain Kejal S. , Bodhankar Kshitija , Desai Rajiv S. , Bansal Shivani , Shirsat Pankaj , Prasad Pooja , Shah Aakruti 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundOdontogenic keratocyst (OKC) is a unique developmental odontogenic cyst that has the potential to behave aggressively and is associated with the nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome. Orthokeratinized odontogenic cyst (OOC) is a distinct, uncommon odontogenic cyst. It significantly differs from OKC not only in its epithelial lining but also in proliferating kinetics, clinical, immunohistochemical and biological behaviour. BRAF gene located on chromosome 7q34 encodes a cytoplasmic serine‐threonine kinase. Various immunohistochemical studies have been conducted to express the BRAFV600E gene mutation in various odontogenic cyst and tumours with varying results. The present study was conducted to evaluate the possible role of BRAFV600E in the pathogenesis of sporadic OKC, syndromic OKC and OOC by immunohistochemistry.MethodsFormalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tissue blocks of 15 diagnosed cases each of sporadic OKC, syndromic OKC and OOC were retrieved from the archives of Department of Oral Pathology and subjected to immunohistochemical staining for the detection of BRAFV600E mutation using a novel rabbit monoclonal antibody clone RM8.ResultsImmunohistochemical analysis showed complete absence of BRAFV600E mutation in all cases of sporadic OKC, syndromic OKC and OOC.ConclusionThe negative immunohistochemical expression of BRAFV600E in sporadic OKC, syndromic OKC and OOC suggests that BRAFV600E plays no role in the pathogenesis of sporadic OKC, syndromic OKC and OOC.
Regulating appetite in broilers for improving body and muscle development – A review
Authors: te Pas Marinus F. W. , Borg Randy , Buddiger Nico J. H. , Wood Benjamin J. , Rebel Johanna M. J. , van Krimpen Marinus M. , Calus Mario P. L. , Park Jong‐Eun , Schokker Dirkjan 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAppetite is the desire for feed and water and the voluntary intake of feed and is an important regulator of livestock productivity and animal health. Economic traits such as growth rate and muscle development (meat deposition) in broilers are directly correlated to appetite. Factors that may influence appetite include environmental factors, such as stress and temperature variation, and animal‐specific factors, such as learning period, eating capacity and preferences. Feed preferences have been reported to be determined in early life, and this period is important in broilers due to their fast growth and relatively short growth trajectories. This may be of importance when contemplating the use of more circular and sustainable feeds and the optimization of appetite for these feeds. The objective of this review was to review the biological mechanisms underlying appetite using data from human, animal and bird models and to consider the option for modulating appetite particularly as it relates to broiler chickens.
Milk urea nitrogen concentration is higher in Brown Swiss than in Holstein dairy cows despite identical feeding
Authors: Kessler Evelyne C. , Bruckmaier Rupert M. , Gross Josef J. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractMilk urea nitrogen (MUN) content is closely related to blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentration and reflects the balance of dietary crude protein and energy supply for ruminal microbial metabolism. The present study investigated whether the higher MUN content in Brown Swiss (BSW) compared with Holstein (HOL) cows is related to milk production and feeding conditions. Therefore, we evaluated test‐day records of three consecutive official milk recordings from 86 BSW and 200 HOL cows kept on the same farm under identical feeding and management conditions. In addition, the relationships between BUN and MUN assessed either by an enzymatic method or by mid‐infrared spectroscopy were analysed. For the second objective, milk and blood samples (1,112 samples each) were collected in parallel from day 5 until day 150 of lactation from 141 dairy cows housed at different farms. Concentrations of MUN determined either enzymatically (MUNENZ) or by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR; MUNIR) were regressed on the BUN concentrations of the concomitantly obtained blood samples. Both MUNIR and MUNENZ were well correlated with BUN (r = .93 and .89 respectively). Concentration of MUN was higher in BSW compared with HOL independently of lactational stage or parity number (p < .0001). Protein and fat content were higher in BSW than in HOL (p < .05). Primiparous cows had lower milk yield and ECM (p < .001 for BSW, p < .0001 for HOL) than multiparous in both breeds. Multiparous BSW had a similar milk production than primiparous HOL (p = .13). In conclusion, BSW cows have higher MUN than HOL when kept under identical feeding and management conditions. The higher MUN in BSW compared with HOL cows is not related to milk production and therefore rather genetically determined.
How Buyers' Attitudes Toward Supplier Diversity Affect Their Expenditures with Ethnic Minority Businesses
Authors: Blount Ian , Li Mingxiang 
Published: June 2020

Using data collected from 277 buyers employed at large purchasing organizations (LPOs) in the U.S. and U.K., this study investigates factors that might influence their willingness to procure goods and services from ethnic minority businesses (EMBs). The social capital literature is used to develop hypotheses concerning the cognitive, structural, and relational dimensions that may play roles in decisions to buy from minority firms. Subsequently, modern discrimination theory is employed to provide inductive insights into how buyers' attitudes toward supplier diversity mediate the effects of social capital on their procurement activities with EMBs. The results of multiple regression analysis suggest that in both the U.S. and U.K., positive social capital as perceived by the buyers has a direct, significant relationship with their expenditures with EMBs. The results also reveal that in both countries, buyers' attitudes toward supplier diversity mediate the relationship. Interestingly, although the U.S. originated the concept of supplier diversity, our research uncovers that U.K. LPO buyers have greater expenditures with their EMBs. Based on these findings, this research illustrates how strategic corporate social responsibility initiatives set forth by LPOs may be impacted by their buyers' social relationships with EMBs and their attitudes toward supplier diversity.
Suspected congenital hyperinsulinism in a Shiba Inu dog
Authors: Cook Simon , McKenna Myles , Glanemann Barbara , Sandhu Ranbir , Scudder Chris 
Published: June 2020

AbstractA 3‐month‐old male intact Shiba Inu dog was evaluated for a seizure disorder initially deemed idiopathic in origin. Seizure frequency remained unchanged despite therapeutic serum phenobarbital concentration and use of levetiracetam. The dog was documented to be markedly hypoglycemic during a seizure episode on reevaluation at 6 months of age. Serum insulin concentrations during hypoglycemia were 41 U/μL (reference range, 10‐29 U/μL). The dog was transitioned to 4 times per day feeding, diazoxide was started at 3.5 mg/kg PO q8h, and antiepileptic drugs were discontinued. No clinically relevant abnormalities were identified on bicavitary arterial and venous phase contrast computed tomographic imaging. The dog remained seizure‐free and clinically normal at 3 years of age while receiving 5.5 mg/kg diazoxide PO q12h and twice daily feeding. Seizures later occurred approximately twice per year and after exertion, with or without vomiting of a diazoxide dose. Blood glucose curves and interstitial glucose monitoring were used to titrate diazoxide dose and dosing interval. Congenital hyperinsulinism is well recognized in people but has not been reported in veterinary medicine.