bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of multi‐enzyme preparation supplemented with sodium butyrate on growth performance blood profiles and economic benefit of growing rabbits
Authors: El‐Aziz Ayman Hassan Abd , El‐Kasrawy Nagwa Ibrahim , Abo Ghanima Mahmoud Mahmoud , Alsenosy Abd El‐Wahab Abd Elmohsen , Raza Sayed Haidar Abbas , Khan Samiullah , Memon Sameeullah , Khan Rajwali , Ullah Irfan 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe present study was carried out to explore the impacts of dietary supplementation of enzyme mixture with sodium butyrate on the growth performance, carcass traits, blood profile and economic benefit in two breeds of weanling rabbits adapted to survive in Egypt (New Zealand White and Rex). One‐hundred and twenty weaned male rabbits (New Zealand White and Rex) of 6 weeks of age and 770.5 ± 20 g body weight were allotted randomly into four groups in a factorial arrangement. The obtained results indicated that there were non‐significant differences in all growth performance traits, blood profile and economic parameters due to the breed effect. However, there were significant differences in most of carcass traits due to the breed effect except total giblets and New Zealand White breed showed the highest value of these parameters including dressing % (p < .01), forequarter and loin % (p < .001) and hindquarter % (p < .003) compared with Rex breed counterparts. The effect of the treatment and its interaction with the breed significantly (p < .05) improved body weight gain, feed consumption and carcass traits (percentage of dressing, forequarter, hind quarter and lion). However, final body weight and feed conversion ratio were not significantly influenced. Supplementing a diet with treatment significantly decreased blood triglycerides, cholesterol and the ratio between albumin and globulin (A/G ratio), while increased blood total protein and globulin. Although higher feed cost and total costs in treated groups than control ones in each breed, they showed higher total return and net return. Rex non‐treated rabbit breed showed the lowest profitability measures compared with other groups. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of multi‐enzyme with sodium butyrate is highly recommended in growing rabbits due to their beneficial effects on the growth performance and profitability.
Sink trap: duckweed and dye attractant reduce mosquito populations
Authors: Cuthbert Ross N. , Coughlan Neil E. , Dick Jaimie T. A. , Callaghan Amanda 
Published: October 2019

AbstractDuckweeds, such as Lemna minor Linnaeus (Alismatales: Lemnaceae), are common in aquatic habitats and have been suggested to reduce larval mosquito survivorship via mechanical and chemical effects. Furthermore, pond dyes are used increasingly in aquatic habitats to enhance their aesthetics, although they have been shown to attract mosquito oviposition. The present study examined the coupled effects of L. minor and black pond dye on the oviposition selectivity of Culex pipiens Linnaeus (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquitoes in a series of laboratory choice tests. Subsequently, using outdoor mesocosms, the combined influence of duckweed and pond dye on mosquito abundances in aquatic habitats was quantified. Mosquitoes were strongly attracted to duckweed, and oviposited significantly greater numbers of egg rafts in duckweed‐treated water compared with untreated controls, even when the duckweed was ground. The presence of pond dye interacted with the duckweed and further enhanced positive selectivity towards duckweed‐treated water. The presence of duckweed caused significant and sustained reductions in larval mosquito numbers, whereas the relative effects of dye were not evident. The use of floating aquatic plants such as duckweed, combined with dye, may help reduce mosquito populations via the establishment of population sinks, characterized by high rates of oviposition coupled with high levels of larval mortality.
Stem length, not climate, controls vessel diameter in two trees species across a sharp precipitation gradient
Authors: Fajardo Alex , Martínez‐Pérez Cecilia , Cervantes‐Alcayde María Angélica , Olson Mark E. 
Published: October 2019

Summary

Variation in xylem conduit diameter traditionally has been explained by climate, whereas other evidence suggests that tree height is the main driver of conduit diameter. The effect of climate versus stem length on vessel diameter was tested in two tree species (Embothrium coccineum, Nothofagus antarctica) that both span an exceptionally wide precipitation gradient (2300–500 mm).

To see whether, when taking stem length into account, plants in wetter areas had wider vessels, not only the scaling of vessel diameter at the stem base across individuals of different heights, but also the tip‐to‐base scaling along individuals of similar heights across sites were examined.

Within each species, plants of similar heights had similar mean vessel diameters and similar tip‐to‐base widening of vessel diameter, regardless of climate, with the slopes and intercepts of the vessel diameter–stem length relationship remaining invariant within species across climates.

This study focusing on within‐species variation––thus, avoiding noise associated with the great morphological variation across species––showed unequivocally that plant size, not climate, is the main driver of variation in vessel diameter. Therefore, to the extent that climate selects for differing vessel diameters, it will inevitably also affect plant height.
Ovarian hormones: a long overlooked but critical contributor to cognitive brain structures and function
Authors: Beltz Adriene M. , Moser Jason S. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractCognitive neuroscience research has traditionally overlooked half of the population. Arguing that variability in ovarian hormones confounds empirical findings, girls and women have been excluded from research for decades. But times are changing. This review summarizes historical trends that have led to a knowledge gap in the role of ovarian hormones in neuroscience, synthesizes recent findings on ovarian hormone contributions to cognitive brain structures and function, and highlights areas ripe for future work. This is accomplished by reviewing research that has leveraged natural experiments in humans across the life span that focus on puberty, the menstrual cycle, hormonal contraceptive use, menopause, and menopausal hormone therapy. Although findings must be considered in light of study designs (e.g., sample characteristics and group comparisons versus randomized crossover trials), across natural experiments there is consistent evidence for associations of estradiol with cortical thickness, especially in frontal regions, and hippocampal volumes, as well as with frontal regions during cognitive processing. There are also emerging investigations of resting state connectivity and progesterone along with exciting opportunities for future work, particularly concerning biopsychosocial moderators of and individual differences in effects in novel natural experiments. Thus, delineating complex ovarian hormone contributions to cognitive brain structures and function will advance neuroscience.
Feasibility of autism‐focused public speech training using a simple virtual audience for autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Kumazaki Hirokazu , Muramatsu Taro , Kobayashi Kazuki , Watanabe Tetsuyou , Terada Kazunori , Higashida Haruhiro , Yuhi Teruko , Mimura Masaru , Kikuchi Mitsuru 
Published: October 2019

AimPublic speaking seems to be one of the most anxiety‐provoking situations for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, there are few evidence‐based interventions. We developed Autism‐Focused Public Speech Training using Simple Virtual Audiences (APSV), which differs from a general virtual audience in terms of its simple facial expressions and emphasis on the importance of the eyes. The present study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of APSV as an educational method for individuals with ASD.MethodsFifteen male individuals with ASD were randomly assigned to two groups: one group received APSV (n = 8), and the other group (n = 7) received independent study (IS). From Days 2 to 6, participants in the APSV and IS groups were encouraged to read and answer questions often asked in actual public speaking events. Participants in the APSV study group performed this activity in front of the APSV system, while those in the IS group performed in an empty room. Before and after the intervention (Days 1 and 7), the participants in the two groups had a mock public speaking experience in front of 10 people for approximately 10 min.ResultsAfter the training sessions, the participants’ self‐confidence had improved and salivary cortisol levels were significantly decreased in the APSV group as compared to those in the IS group. APSV improved self‐confidence and decreased public speaking stress in individuals with ASD.ConclusionAPSV appears to be useful in improving self‐confidence and decreasing public speaking stress in individuals with ASD.
Application to soil of disinfectants through irrigation reduces Verticillium dahliae in the soil and verticillium wilt of olive
Authors: Gómez‐Gálvez F. J. , Vega‐Macías V. , Hidalgo-Moya J. C. , Hidalgo‐Moya J. J. , Rodríguez‐Jurado D. 
Published: October 2019

The application of disinfectants through drip irrigation could be a feasible practice against verticillium wilt (Verticillium dahliae) of olive. OX‐VIRIN (activated peroxide) and OX‐AGUA AL25 (quaternary ammonium compounds) are two disinfectants that have shown efficacy against V. dahliae in irrigation water and potential for reducing the disease in young olive plants. In this work, various post‐planting application strategies incorporating OX‐VIRIN (once a month, or twice a month on alternate or successive weeks) or OX‐AGUA AL25 (once a month, or twice a month on alternate weeks) were assessed for their effect on V. dahliae in soil, disease in olive trees, and olive yield, in a 2‐year pot‐experiment under natural environmental conditions. The disinfectants were injected via metering pumps into a drip irrigation system that irrigated olive trees planted in V. dahliae‐inoculated soil. All the application strategies significantly reduced the total inoculum density in soil compared to controls with no disinfectants and noninoculated soil. The microsclerotia density was also significantly reduced in disinfested soils by 73.6–86.8%, depending on the strategy. The symptoms and infection incidence were always lower in treatments subjected to disinfestation. The treatment with OX‐AGUA AL25 applied twice a month on alternate weeks most reduced the symptoms (by 53.0%) and colonization index (by 70.8%) with respect to untreated water control. This soil disinfestation also significantly strengthened the symptom remission. Tree growth and production were negatively affected by soil inoculation (reduced by 45.6% and 88.7%, respectively), but not so by disinfectants, which even relieved the reduction in inoculated soils, especially when OX‐AGUA AL25 was applied.
Interest Rate Pass‐through in Malawi: Implications for the Effectiveness of Monetary Policy
Authors: Chiumia Austin , Palamuleni Arnold 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThis study investigates the interest rate pass‐through in Malawi and its implications on monetary policy effectiveness. Using the cost‐of‐funds approach and monthly data from 2009 to 2015, an autoregressive distributed lag model is fitted. Results show that there is a near complete pass‐through to the lending rate but not the savings rate. The magnitude of the pass‐through is relatively higher under smaller banks. The results suggest that the structure of the banking industry matters. Market power is important in understanding the variation in lending and savings rates across banks. Overall, short‐term rates as operating targets are consistent with inflation targeting in Malawi.
The prevalence of young carers – a standardised survey amongst school students (KiFam‐study)
Authors: Metzing Sabine , Ostermann Thomas , Robens Sibylle , Galatsch Michael 
Published: October 2019

BackgroundChildren and adolescents who provide care, assistance or support for a chronically ill family member are called young carers. While there is a growing body of research about their specific situation, needs and impact of caring, only very few studies provide information on prevalence rates.ObjectivesThe aim was to provide prevalence data for young carers in Germany, and to describe and quantify the nature and extent of their help.DesignA cross‐sectional study.SettingsData collection took place between 2016 and 2017 in 44 secondary schools (fifth to 13th grade) in North Rhine‐Westphalia, Germany.ParticipantsA total of 6313 students aged from 10 to 22 years participated in this study. They represent 0.5% of the basic population.MethodsBased on the results of a preliminary qualitative study, a standardised electronic questionnaire was developed, which comprised four subject areas: socio‐demographic information, general daily aids, health‐related quality of life and chronic illness within the family. Statistical analyses included chi‐square tests for nominal data and univariate analyses of variance for metrical data together with 95% confidence intervals.Results19.6% (n = 1238) of all respondents state that someone in their family needs help due to a chronic illness. Nevertheless, not all of them are involved in caring activities. The prevalence of those defined as young carers in this study is 6.1% (n = 383), 64% are girls. They take on a wide range of activities. In addition to domestic work, they help their ill relatives with mobility, dressing and undressing, medication, feeding, personal hygiene and with intimate care.ConclusionsThe data provide a good insight into the situation of young carers. The prevalence rate is higher than expected. It refers to the social relevance of this topic and the need for further investigations.
A hermeneutic literature review to conceptualise altruism as a value in nursing
Authors: van der Wath Annatjie , van Wyk Neltjie 
Published: October 2019

BackgroundDiscussions on ethics of care are needed to shape the identity of nurses and nursing. In light of the discourses surrounding nursing and altruism, nurses should initiate research on altruism and nursing.AimThe purpose of this literature review was to explore the meaning of altruism as a value in nursing.Review methodsA hermeneutic approach, using a circular framework, was followed to search for literature, review and understand the text.ResultsThe conceptualisation of altruism as a value in nursing care in this review strives to describe what altruism is; in what situations does it appear; for what purpose is it used; and how is it practiced.ConclusionAltruism enables nurses to tolerate difficult situations and motivates them to sacrifice themselves and do what is best for the patient, especially when patients are compromised in their ability to care for themselves.
Traumatic childbirth experiences: practice‐based implications for maternity care professionals from the woman's perspective
Authors: Koster Diana , Romijn Chantal , Sakko Elvira , Stam Catelijne , Steenhuis Nienke , de Vries Daniëlle , van Willigen Ilze , Fontein‐Kuipers Yvonne 
Published: October 2019

ObjectiveTo explore women's traumatic childbirth experiences in order to make maternity care professionals more aware of women's intrapartum care needs.MethodA qualitative exploratory study with a constant comparison/grounded theory design was performed. Thirty‐six interviews were conducted with women who had given birth in a Dutch birth setting.FindingsThree themes, playing a profound role in the occurrence of traumatic birth experiences, emerged: (i) lack of information and consent – maternity care professionals' unilateral decision making during intrapartum care, lacking informed‐consent. (ii) feeling excluded – women's mal‐adaptive response to the healthcare professionals's one‐sided decision making, leaving women feeling distant and estranged from the childbirth event and the experience. (iii) discrepancies – inconsistency between women's expectations and the reality of labour and birth – on an intrapersonal level.ConclusionWomen's intrapartum care needs cohere with the concept of woman‐centred care, including personalised care and reflecting humanising values. Care should include informed consent and shared decision‐making. Maternity care professionals need to continuously evaluate whether the woman is consistently part of her own childbearing process. Maternity care professionals should maintain an ongoing dialogue with the woman, including women's internalised ideas of birth.
Mannose‐capped lipoarabinomannan‐induced B10 cells decrease severity of dextran sodium sulphate‐induced inflammatory bowel disease in mice
Authors: Yuan Chun-Hui , Li Xin , Luo Liang , Wang Ya-Ping , Zhang Dong-Li , Zhou Kai‐Liang , Zhang Xiao‐Lian , Pan Qin 
Published: October 2019

AbstractInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic, non‐specific, inflammatory gastrointestinal disease that mainly consists of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. However, the aetiology and pathogenesis of IBD are still unclear. B10 (IL‐10 producing regulatory B) cells, a subset of regulatory B cells, are known to contribute to intestinal homeostasis and the aberrant frequency of B10 cells is associated with IBD. We have recently reported that B10 cells can be induced by ManLAM (mannose‐capped lipoarabinomannan), a major cell‐wall lipoglycan of M tb (Mycobacterium tuberculosis). In the current study, the ManLAM‐induced B10 cells were adoptively transferred into IL(interleukin)‐10−/− mice and the roles of ManLAM‐induced B10 cells were investigated in DSS (dextran sodium sulphate)‐induced IBD model. ManLAM‐induced B10 cells decrease colitis severity in the mice. The B10 cells downregulate Th1 polarization in spleen and MLNs (mesenteric lymph nodes) of DSS‐treated mice. These results suggest that IL‐10 production by ManLAM‐treated B cells contributes to keeping the balance between CD4+ T cell subsets and protect mice from DSS‐induced IBD.
Examining Job Postings in Sport Management Academia
Authors: Lubisco Robyn , Birren Genevieve F.E. , Vooris Ryan 
Published: October 2019

The purpose of this study was to examine sport management faculty job postings to determine the type of positions available, skills and experience sought, and the classification of the institution advertising the employment opportunity. This study found that (a) there was an emphasis on teaching experience at less research-intensive schools where teaching would generally be more of a focus than at a traditional research institution, (b) the field is growing and the variety of schools looking for positions is expanding, and (c) the tenure-track job market is shifting away from R1 institutions and toward M1 institutions.
New advances in the management of pulmonary sarcoidosis
Authors: Culver Daniel A , Judson Marc A 
Published: October 2019

AbstractSarcoidosis is a highly variable granulomatous multisystem syndrome. It affects individuals in the prime years of life; both the frequency and severity of sarcoidosis are greater in economically disadvantaged populations. The diagnosis, assessment, and management of pulmonary sarcoidosis have evolved as new technologies and therapies have been adopted. Transbronchial needle aspiration guided by endobronchial ultrasound has replaced mediastinoscopy in many centers. Advanced imaging modalities, such as fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography scanning, and the widespread availability of magnetic resonance imaging have led to more sensitive assessment of organ involvement and disease activity. Although several new insights about the pathogenesis of sarcoidosis exist, no new therapies have been specifically developed for use in the disease. The current or proposed use of immunosuppressive medications for sarcoidosis has been extrapolated from other disease states; various novel pathways are currently under investigation as therapeutic targets. Coupled with the growing recognition of corticosteroid toxicities for managing sarcoidosis, the use of corticosteroid sparing anti-sarcoidosis medications is likely to increase. Besides treatment of granulomatous inflammation, recognition and management of the non-granulomatous complications of pulmonary sarcoidosis are needed for optimal outcomes in patients with advanced disease.
Using telemedicine to support care for people with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a qualitative analysis of patients’ perspectives
Authors: Lee Jun Yang , Chan Carina Ka Yee , Chua Siew Siang , Paraidathathu Thomas , Lee Kenneth Kwing-Chin , Tan Christina San San , Nasir Nazrila , Lee Shaun Wen Huey 
Published: October 2019

ObjectiveTelemedicine has been promoted as an economical and effective way to enhance patient care, but its acceptance among patients in low-income and middle-income countries is poorly understood. This study is aimed to explore the experiences and perspectives of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus that used telemedicine to manage their condition.DesignIn-depth and focus group interviews were conducted with participants who have engaged in telemedicine. Questions included were participants’ perception on the programme being used, satisfaction as well as engagement with the telemedicine programme. All interviews and focus groups were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using a thematic approach.Participants and settingPeople with type 2 diabetes (n=48) who participated in a randomised controlled study which examined the use of telemedicine for diabetes management were recruited from 11 primary care clinics located within the Klang Valley.ResultsTwelve focus groups and two in-depth interviews were conducted. Four themes emerged from the analysis: (1) generational difference; (2) independence and convenience, (3) sharing of health data and privacy and (4) concerns and challenges. The main obstacles found in patients using the telemedicine systems were related to internet connectivity and difficulties experienced with system interface. Cost was also another significant concern raised by participants. Participants in this study were primarily positive about the benefits of telemedicine, including its ability to provide real-time data and disease monitoring and the reduction in clinic visits.ConclusionDespite the potential benefits of telemedicine in the long-term care of diabetes, there are several perceived barriers that may limit the effectiveness of this technology. As such, collaboration between educators, healthcare providers, telecommunication service providers and patients are required to stimulate the adoption and the use of telemedicine.NCT0246680.