bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inter‐user and intra‐user variation of two tonometers in horses
Authors: Lewin Andrew C. , Liu Chin‐Chi , Camacho‐Luna Pilar , Alling Christopher , Carter Renee T. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundIt is currently unknown which of the two devices most commonly used in equine ophthalmology for intraocular pressure (IOP) estimation demonstrates the lowest inter‐user and intra‐user variation.ObjectivesTo assess the inter‐user and intra‐user variation of two tonometers in sedated and unsedated horses.Study designRandomised masked cross‐over trial.MethodsFour examiners used the rebound (ICare®TonoVet) and applanation (TonoPen®) tonometers to measure the intraocular pressure (IOP) in triplicate in 10 normal horses before and after sedation with xylazine. For inter‐user variation, coefficient of variation (CV) values were calculated from the mean of each examiner for each condition combination. For intra‐user variation, CV values were calculated from the individual measurements of each examiner for each condition combination. CV values were also assessed in relation to other variables using ANOVA.ResultsThe rebound tonometer was found to have lower inter‐user (15.4% vs 21.7%,P = .01) and intra‐user (9.1% vs 16.1%,P < .0001) variation in unsedated horses and lower intra‐user (8.4% vs 14.7%,P < .0001) variation in sedated horses than the applanation tonometer. Both instruments had similar inter‐user variation in sedated horses. For the rebound tonometer, sedation did not affect inter‐user or intra‐user variation, but for the applanation tonometer inter‐user variation was lowest while horses were sedated (16.0% vs 21.7%,P = .03). No other variable assessed was found to have an effect on IOP.Main limitationsNo animals with ocular disease were included in this study.ConclusionsThe rebound tonometer may be the preferred instrument to minimise intra‐user and inter‐user variation for IOP measurement in unsedated horses. The rebound tonometer is also likely to be the preferred instrument to minimise intra‐user variation in sedated horses. If the applanation tonometer is used to perform IOP measurement in horses, it is recommended that this is performed while horses are sedated to minimise inter‐user variation for this instrument.
The Janus Kinase inhibitor tofacitinib impacts human dendritic cell differentiation and favours M1 macrophage development
Authors: Stalder Romaine , Zhang Bin , Jean Wrobel Ludovic , Boehncke Wolf‐Henning , Brembilla Nicolo Costantino 
Published: November 2019

AbstractSeveral cytokines signalling via Janus Kinase (JAK) proteins have been implicated in the pathogenesis of immune‐mediated inflammatory diseases, including psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Tofacitinib, a small JAK inhibitor, is approved for the treatment of RA and has demonstrated good efficacy in psoriasis phase III clinical trials. In this work, we analysed the in vitro effects of tofacitinib on the functions of human dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages. When assessing the effects of tofacitinib on monocyte‐derived DCs, we observed reduced differentiation of monocytes into immature DCs, as evidenced by a decreased transcription of CD209 and CD80. Phenotype assessment in the presence of tofacitinib suggested a switch towards a M1‐like macrophage phenotype, as evidenced by the expression of M1 markers such as iNOS, as well as cytokines typically expressed by M1 cells, including IL‐12 and IL‐23. Of note, Arginase1 and CD200R, typically expressed by M2 cells, were absent on tofacitinib‐treated DCs. Furthermore, tofacitinib affected the response of differentiated DCs to maturation stimuli such as LPS and IFNγ, resulting in a partial up‐regulation of IL‐23 and down‐regulation of IL‐12, as assessed by qPCR. When investigating macrophage development, we found that tofacitinib inhibited the ability of monocytes to differentiate and polarize into regulatory M2 macrophages, while rather enhancing the ability to develop into inflammatory M1‐like macrophages, as evidenced by decreased expression of the M2 marker CD200R and enhanced production of IL‐12 and IL‐23. In conclusion, tofacitinib impacts the differentiation of human DCs and macrophages, it particularly favours generation of M1‐like pro‐inflammatory macrophages.
Biological controls over the abundances of terrestrial ammonia oxidizers
Authors: Xiao Rui , Qiu Yunpeng , Tao Jinjin , Zhang Xuelin , Chen Huaihai , Reberg‐Horton S. Chris , Shi Wei , Shew H. David , Zhang Yi , Hu Shuijin 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAimAmmonia‐oxidizing archaea (AOA) and bacteria (AOB) are the primary agents for nitrification, converting ammonia (NH4+) into nitrate (NO3−) and modulating plant nitrogen (N) utilization and terrestrial N retention. However, there is still lack of a unifying framework describing the patterns of global AOA and AOB distribution. In particular, biotic interactions are rarely integrated into any of the conceptual models.LocationWorld‐wide.Time period2005–2016.Major taxa studiedAmmonia‐oxidizing archaea and ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria.MethodsA meta‐analysis and synthesis were conducted to obtain a general picture of global AOA and AOB distribution and identify the primary driving factors. A microcosm experiment was then conducted to assess effects of relative carbon to nitrogen availability for heterotrophic microbes on AOA and AOB in two distinct soils. A mesocosm experiment was further carried out to characterize the effects of plant roots and their arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on AOA and AOB abundances using hyphae‐ or root‐ingrowth techniques.ResultsOur meta‐analysis showed that soil carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratios explained the most variance in AOA and AOB abundances, although soil pH had a significant effect. Experimental results demonstrated that high cellulose and mineral N inputs increased total microbial biomass and microbial activities, but inhibited AOA and AOB, suggesting microbial inhibition of AOA and AOB. Also, AMF and roots suppressed AOA and AOB, respectively.Main conclusionsOur study provides convincing evidence illustrating that relative carbon to nitrogen availability can predominantly affect the abundances of AOA and AOB. Our experimental results further validate that biotic competition among plants, heterotrophic microbes and ammonia oxidizers for substrate N is the predominant control upon AOA and AOB abundances. Together, these findings provide new insights into the role of abiotic and biotic factors in modulating terrestrial AOA and AOB abundances and their potential applications for management of nitrification in an increasing reactive N world.
Association of oral health and activities of daily living with cognitive impairment
Authors: Lee Kyeong Hee , Jung Eun Seo , Choi Yoon Young 
Published: November 2019

AbstractObjectivesThis study compared the oral health status between elderly individuals with and without cognitive impairment and explored the association of oral health and activities of daily living (ADL) with cognitive impairment.MethodsWe conducted convenience sampling on patients aged more than 65 years and analysed data from 630 participants. Data were collected and analysed via a survey evaluating general characteristics, oral health behaviour, subjective oral health status, Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP‐14), Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) and ADL.ResultsThe path analysis and regression analysis of the association of oral health and ADL with cognitive impairment showed that the OHIP‐14 was not significantly associated with cognitive impairment, whereas the GOHAI and ADL had significant associations with cognitive impairment. A 1‐point increase in the GOHAI was associated with a 0.024‐point increase in the cognitive impairment score, and a 1‐point increase in the ADL was associated with a 0.006‐point decrease in the cognitive impairment score (normal = 0, cognitive impairment = 1).ConclusionsPoor oral health and ADL were associated with cognitive impairment. Therefore, oral hygiene management is important in maintaining oral health in elderly individuals with cognitive impairment.
Including the patient voice in the development and implementation of patient‐reported outcomes in cancer clinical trials
Authors: Addario Bonnie , Geissler Jan , Horn Marcia K. , Krebs Linda U. , Maskens Deborah , Oliver Kathy , Plate Ananda , Schwartz Erin , Willmarth Nicole 
Published: November 2019

AbstractContextPatient‐reported outcomes (PROs) are used in parallel with clinical evidence to inform decisions made by industry, clinicians, regulators, health technology assessment bodies and other health‐care decision‐makers. In addition, PRO data can also guide shared decision making and individual patient choice. Yet, the quality of many PROs in cancer clinical trials is suboptimal and requires improvement to add value to health care and policy decision making.ObjectiveTo show how the integration of the patient and/or patient advocate at all stages of PRO development can help to realize the full potential of PROs.MethodsWe examined the literature to show that the patient voice is often absent from the planning and implementation of PROs in cancer clinical trials. Good practice examples from the literature were combined with guideline recommendations, training or educational resources, and our own experience to create detailed practical steps for the inclusion of patients and/or patient advocates throughout PRO development.ResultsPatient or patient advocates can play an active role in shaping PROs that are meaningful to the patient. They can contribute to content, choice of medium and implementation in a way that may support PRO completion and minimize missing data. Patients and their advocates can work to ensure PRO findings are disseminated appropriately in a way that is accessible to patients.ConclusionThis practical guidance aims to optimize PRO development and implementation in clinical trials, resulting in robust, relevant data that reflect the patient experience and that support decisions made by all stakeholders involved in research and health care.
Laser precipitation of PbS quantum dots in glass rods to achieve broadband near‐infrared emission
Authors: Zhao Zhiyong , Park Wonji , Lee Hojeong , Liu Chao , Heo Jong 
Published: November 2019

AbstractContinuous‐wave laser (λ = 532 nm) was irradiated on Ag+‐exchanged glass surfaces to precipitate PbS quantum dots (QDs) of various diameters. TEM images combined with element mapping results confirmed the formation and size distribution of PbS QDs. Photoluminescence spectra red‐shifted from 1336 nm to 1635 nm with increases in power density and duration of laser irradiation. Three representative irradiation conditions are proposed to realize broadband photoluminescence from one glass rod to cover the 1.3‐1.7 μm communication window.
Soluble dietary fibres from sugarcane bagasse
Authors: Dimopoulou Maria , Kontogiorgos Vassilis 
Published: November 2019

SummarySoluble dietary fibres from sugarcane bagasse were extracted under alkaline conditions and characterised. Precipitated fibres were dialysed, and the fibre composition was evaluated before and after the dialysis step. Compositional analysis indicated that the fibres both before and after dialysis consisted of 39% w/w total sugars, 16% w/w protein, 10% w/w Klason lignin and 30% w/w ash. Xylose was the main neutral sugar followed by arabinose with glucose, galactose and uronic acids also present in all samples. The structural properties were also spectroscopically examined, which confirmed the presence of arabinoxylans. Macromolecular characterisation revealed that molecular weight is reduced after dialysis, indicating that a range of dietary fibres with different macromolecular characteristics may be obtained depending on the specific processing steps. The present work shows that soluble arabinoxylans may be obtained from sugarcane agricultural wastes that may be used as a source of novel dietary fibres.
Effect of different treatment methods on protein aggregation characteristics in wheat flour maturation
Authors: Ma Sen , Wang Zhen , Zheng Xueling , Li Li , Li Limin , Wang Na , Wang Xiaoxi 
Published: November 2019

SummaryThe effects of flour treatment methods, including with glucose oxidase (GOX), lipoxygenase (LOX), xylanase and heating for 1 h at 37 °C (HEAT), on protein aggregation during the flour maturation were investigated. GOX has strong oxidising effects; LOX not only oxidises, but also may affect unsaturated fatty acids; xylanase degrades sugar molecules; HEAT can accelerate the thermal motion of molecules. Data analysis after treatment with GOX, LOX, xylanase and HEAT revealed that the glutenin macropolymer content increased by 0.43%, 0.87%, 0.39% and 0.62%, and the median size of the sample (D50) increased by 1.56, 1.64, 0.52 and 0.74 μm, respectively. In addition, the proportion of a random coil and β‐sheet increased and that of α‐helix and β‐turns decreased, while the polymeric protein content increased. This study contributes to our understanding of the protein changes during flour maturation and helps to predict the quality of wheat flour.
Production of reduced‐fat whipped toppings by solid fat‐based W/O/W double emulsions: proof of concept
Authors: Rebry Ferre , Nelis Veronique , Moens Kim , Dewettinck Koen , Van der Meeren Paul 
Published: November 2019

SummaryWater‐in‐oil‐in‐water (W/O/W) double emulsions present a reduced‐fat alternative to conventional O/W food emulsions, as part of the dispersed oil phase is replaced with water. In this study, the concept of a reduced‐fat whipped topping produced by W/O/W technology was proven. Whipping of a W/O/W emulsion, containing only 20% oil phase and a solid fat content of 78%, produced a superior whipped topping, in terms of firmness and overrun, compared to its whipped O/W emulsion counterparts. The presence of PGPR in the oil phase increased structure formation during whipping, while the additional dispersed‐phase volume resulted in a better air inclusion. Two commercial monoacylglycerols (saturated and unsaturated) were investigated to improve the whipping properties of the produced W/O/W double emulsion. Both increased the susceptibility towards partial coalescence, thereby reducing whipping time and overrun, while increasing firmness of the produced whipped topping. Furthermore, the effect was stronger for the unsaturated than for the saturated monoacylglycerol.
Focal salvage low‐dose‐rate brachytherapy for recurrent prostate cancer based on magnetic resonance imaging/transrectal ultrasound fusion biopsy technique
Authors: Yamada Yasuhiro , Okihara Koji , Masui Koji , Ueno Akihisa , Shiraishi Takumi , Nakamura Yuichi , Saito Yumiko , Fujihara Atsuko , Hongo Fumiya , Yamada Kei , Ukimura Osamu 
Published: November 2019

ObjectiveTo examine the effect of permanent salvage brachytherapy in prostate cancer patients suffering recurrence after three‐dimensional conformal external beam radiotherapy.MethodsThe ultra‐focal (target lesion alone), hemi‐lobe (within a hemi‐lobe) or focused whole‐gland (focusing on the lesion, but extending into the whole gland) pattern was selected based on the Gleason score for the targeted biopsy, the numbers of positive cores in the targeted and systematic biopsies, and the locations of the positive cores. Novel dosimetry criteria derived from three‐dimensional cancer mapping, which was based on targeted magnetic resonance imaging/transrectal ultrasound fusion biopsies, were used in these cases.ResultsPermanent salvage brachytherapy was carried out in 13 patients who suffered prostate‐specific antigen failure (prostate‐specific antigen 2.1–6.8 ng/mL; age range 57–75 years; Gleason score ≤7 [n = 10], Gleason score ≥8 [n = 2] and Gleason score not available [n = 1]) since 2012. The targeted biopsy showed a single focus in three patients. The ultra‐focal, hemi‐lobe and focused whole‐gland patterns were chosen in three, five and five patients, respectively. During the follow‐up period (median duration 48 months), prostate‐specific antigen failure occurred in zero of three, one of five and three of five of the patients treated with the ultra‐focal, hemi‐lobe and focused whole‐gland patterns, respectively. The 4‐year biochemical recurrence‐free survival rate was 74%. No grade 3–4 adverse intestinal or urological events occurred.ConclusionsTargeted fusion biopsy‐based three‐dimensional cancer mapping should be used for permanent salvage brachytherapy treatment planning to reduce the incidence of treatment‐related adverse events while maintaining good oncological outcomes.
Nurse‐led interventions in the interim: waiting on universal health coverage
Authors: Spies L.A. , Nanyonga R.C. , Nakaggwa F. 
Published: November 2019

AimThe aim of the study was to test a nurse‐led intervention to enhance lifestyle modification and improve hypertension outcomes.BackgroundHypertension is the leading modifiable contributor to non‐communicable disease morbidity and mortality affecting more than 25% of adults in Uganda.MethodsA mixed‐method study was conducted to evaluate nurse‐led interventions for hypertension. Group education and support with text message follow‐up was the bundled interventions implemented in an outpatient clinical setting.Conclusion and implicationsThe statistically favourable outcomes of the nurse‐led interventions support a cost‐effective approach to, with policy support, sustainably improve practice outcomes.
Watching the Glass: Policy Hurdles for 21st Century Nurses
Authors: McDonald Tracey 
Published: November 2019

AbstractOur nursing clinical identity is being neglected as it dwindles into a support role for other clinicians. Underlying this process is a web of policies involving health practitioner licensure and credentialling, standardizing of nursing undergraduate preparation, hospital staffing models and nursing work design, nurse authorization limitations, government funding of nursing services and client access to insurance items and other subsidies in the private nursing market. Constraints placed on clinical nurses working in institutional services result in systematic deskilling and dismissal of the comprehensive knowledge and contribution of nurses. Nurses of the 21st century need to be savvy and earnest in reforming policy if they are to rescue the profession from the relentless contraction of clinical nursing status and profile that is happening worldwide. If a revival of clinical nursing as a professional role by 2030 is the goal, the process of reform needs to start now.
Tropospheric ozone pollution reduces the yield of African crops
Authors: Hayes Felicity , Sharps Katrina , Harmens Harry , Roberts Ieuan , Mills Gina 
Published: November 2019

AbstractNorthern, Southern and Equatorial Africa have been identified as among the regions most at risk from very high ozone concentrations. Whereas we know that many crop cultivars from Europe, north America and Asia are sensitive to ozone, almost nothing is known about the sensitivity of staple food crops in Africa to the pollutant. In this study cultivars of the African staple food crops, Triticum aestivum (wheat), Eleusine coracana (finger millet), Pennisetum glaucum (pearl millet) and Phaseolus vulgaris (bean) were exposed to an episodic ozone regime in solardomes in order to assess whether African crops are sensitive to ozone pollution. Extensive visible leaf injury due to ozone was shown for many cultivars, indicating high sensitivity to ozone. Reductions in total yield and 1,000‐grain weight were found for T. aestivum and P. vulgaris, whereas there was no effect on yield for E. coracana and P. glaucum. There were differences in sensitivity to ozone for different cultivars of an individual crop, indicating that there could be possibilities for either cultivar selection or selective crop breeding to reduce sensitivity of these crops to ozone.
Domain‐scale imaging to dispel the clouds over the thermal depolarization of Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3‐based relaxor ferroelectrics
Authors: Yin Jie , Tao Hong , Liu Gang , Wu Jiagang 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThermal depolarization temperature, Td, of ferroelectric oxides Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3 (BNT), where dielectric and piezoelectric signals exhibit remarkable changes, is providing rich research contents but is not well understood yet. Herein, on the domain‐scale, we give the direct and clear real‐space images of thermal depolarization process on BNT‐based complex oxides. As disclosed by the piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM), heating above Td breaks the poling‐induced large‐sized‐oriented domains into smaller sized polar clusters with different orientations, leading to the thermal depolarization phenomenon. Although the poling‐induced domain decays above Td, the broken domains exhibit a rather larger coherence length than that of the incipient labyrinth‐like nano‐domains. During the heating process, BNT possesses a structural transition from the long‐range‐correlated R3c (a−a−a− anti‐phase tilting) to the short‐range‐correlated P4bm (a0a0c+ in‐phase tilting) phase, which should be the fundamental driving force for the fluctuations of poling‐induced large‐sized‐oriented domains. We expect these results will further promote the understanding about the origin of Td in BNT‐based relaxor ferroelectrics, and provide an intuitive method for the characterization of the thermodynamic and kinetic process in this kind of materials.
Lamb wool shedding is a good predictor of ewe wool shedding
Authors: Vargas Jurado Napoleón , Kuehn Larry A. , Lewis Ronald M. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractInterest in reducing labour costs due to shearing has led to development of breed types that shed their wool naturally. Selection at young ages can facilitate response. Reliability of predictions of adult from lamb wool shedding (WS) is thus key in the design of breeding programmes to increase shedding. Our objectives were to estimate heritabilities and genetic relationships between WS measured once in lambs and repeatedly in ewes and to assess the accuracy of lamb WS EBV to predict ewe WS EBV based on a multi‐trait threshold or a repeatability model. Data were 4,971 lamb and 3,335 ewe WS records on a Romanov, White Dorper and Katahdin composite flock. For the multivariate model, WS heritability ranged from 0.47 ± 0.03 in lambs to 0.59 ± 0.04 at 1 year of age. For the repeatability model, WS in adult ewes was moderately heritable (0.50 ± 0.03) and repeatable (0.60 ± 0.02). Genetic correlations were 0.72 ± 0.04, 0.65 ± 0.05, 0.50 ± 0.09 and 0.51 ± 0.09 between lamb WS and 1st through 4th record, respectively. Given the moderately high heritability and high correlations between WS performance in lambs and ewes, selecting animals early in life would effectively increase WS in crossbred flocks.