bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Carcass parameters and meat quality of Tibetan sheep and Small‐tailed Han sheep consuming diets of low‐protein content and different energy yields
Authors: Jiao Jianxin , Wang Ting , Zhou Jianwei , Degen Abraham Allan , Gou Nana , Li Shanshan , Bai Yanfu , Jing Xiaoping , Wang Weiwei , Shang Zhanhuan 
Published: January 2020

AbstractToday, consumers are very health conscious and are more aware of the nutritional value of food, especially of meat, than they were in the past. The aim of this study was to evaluate the carcass parameters and meat quality of Tibetan sheep and Small‐tailed Han sheep when consuming a diet of low‐protein (~7%) and different energy yields (digestible energy, 8.21, 9.33, 10.45 and 11.57 MJ/kg) in the cold season. Twelve sheep of each breed were divided randomly into four treatments of different diets with three replicates per treatment per breed. Crude protein of the meat decreased linearly (p < .05), whereas energy increased linearly (p < .05) with an increase in energy level. Tibetan sheep tended to have a higher (p < .1) dressing percentage and rib eye area, while live body weight and hot carcass weight did not differ between breeds but increased linearly (p < .01) with an increase in energy level. Water holding capacity, as indicated by pressing loss and drip loss, did not differ between breeds and was not affected by dietary energy. The concentration of n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) was greater in Tibetan sheep meat but saturated fatty acids (SFAs), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and n‐6 PUFA did not differ between breeds. With an increase in energy content of the diet, SFA decreased (p < .05), whereas MUFA increased (p < .05). The n‐6:n‐3 PUFA ratio was lower (p < .001) in Tibetan sheep meat, while the atherogenic index did not differ between breeds, but tended to decrease (p < .1) with an increase in dietary energy content. The essential amino acid (EAA) content and ratio of EAA:NEAA (non‐essential amino acid) were close to the world standards for healthy meat. In summary, (a) Tibetan sheep meat was preferable to Small‐tailed Han sheep meat, although differences between breeds were small; and (b) some carcass parameters and meat quality were improved with an increase in dietary energy level when a low‐protein diet was offered.
From the manifestations of culture to the underlying sensemaking process. The contribution of semiotic cultural psychology theory to the interpretation of socio‐political scenario
Authors: Russo Federico , Mannarini Terri , Salvatore Sergio 
Published: January 2020

AbstractSeveral explanations of the current syndrome affecting advanced democracies make reference to a process of cultural change that has been triggered by the complex and interrelated phenomena known as globalization. The rise of populist‐authoritarian parties, the advent of post‐truth politics and the increasing dissatisfaction with democracy are seen by many political scientists as rather direct consequences of social and economic transformations which had changed the context in which the democratic process takes place. The main limitation of this literature is that it treats culture as a black box receiving inputs from the social context and translate them into political consequences. By doing so it cannot explain why the same conditions produce different consequences in different contexts and it is silent on the criteria to develop anti‐crisis policies. This article argues that some of the insights offered by the Semiotic Cultural Psychology Theory, most notably the idea that cultural evolution is moved by the need to find affect‐laden, simplified interpretations of the reality to restore the capacity of making sense on an uncertain socio‐political context, can enhance the ability of political scientists to understand the current political phenomena and to develop methodological criteria to counteract the current scenario of democratic crisis.
Carbon isotope differences between grassland and savanna herbivores reveal environmentally driven rather than phylogenetically conserved niches
Authors: Malindie S. , Buschke F.T. , Codron D. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractStable isotope analyses provide insights into large herbivore diets. Carbon isotopes are particularly useful for analysing diet given their ability to reflect C3 or C4 photosynthetic pathways and, therefore, distinguish between browser and grazer diets. Although isotopes are useful for comparing diets across a range of spatial and temporal scales, most studies have focused on either interspecific differences within habitats or single species averages across their geographic range. In this study, we use both new and existing carbon isotopic data to compare large mammal herbivore diets across habitat types in southern and east Africa. We examined whether species in the grassland biome of central South Africa had the same carbon isotopic signatures as counterparts from savannas in southern and east Africa. Within the grassland biome, isotopic signatures from faecal samples were strongly correlated with signatures from bone and dentine collagen samples, supporting our approach of comparing faecal data from the grasslands with savanna data obtained mainly through analysis of skeletal materials. Regression analysis comparing grasslands and savannas confirmed that species' isotopic niches within communities were conserved across different geographic regions. However, herbivore δ13C values were generally lower in the grassland compared with the savanna biome, highlighted particularly by the lower δ13C values of several grazer species (but not browsers), indicating greater consumption of C3 vegetation in grasslands. This finding is counter‐intuitive and suggests that non‐woody C3 vegetation may be an important component of grazer diets in the grassland biome. We speculate on various environmental factors, related to food abundance that could underline the pattern.
Epidemiological features of nosocomial candidaemia in neonates, infants and children: A multicentre study in Iran
Authors: Ahangarkani Fatemeh , Shokohi Tahereh , Rezai Mohammad Sadegh , Ilkit Macit , Mahmoodi Nesheli Hassan , Karami Hossein , Tamaddoni Ahmad , Alizadeh‐Navaei Reza , Khodavaisy Sadegh , Meis Jacques F. , Badali Hamid 
Published: January 2020

SummaryNosocomial bloodstream candidaemia is a life‐threatening fungal infection with high morbidity and mortality, especially among paediatric patients undergoing intensive immunosuppressive therapy. Limited data on the epidemiology of candidaemia and susceptibility profiles are available for Iran. To characterise candidaemia epidemiology, comorbidity risk factors, species distribution, and antifungal susceptibility profiles among paediatric patients in Iran. This observational cross‐sectional study enrolled 26 189 patients <18 years old at three reference paediatric hospitals in Mazandaran and Tehran over 2 years. Blood samples from patients with suspected fungal bloodstream infection were analysed using the BACTEC culture system. Fungal isolates were identified using matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionisation time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF) and DNA sequencing. Antifungal susceptibility testing was performed using the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute broth microdilution guideline. We observed 109 episodes of nosocomial candidaemia in paediatric patients with or without immunosuppressive therapy. The most common healthcare‐associated factor was central vascular catheter use (97%). The all‐cause mortality rate was 40%, of which 48% was attributable to candidaemia. While Candida albicans was the most frequent causative agent (49%), emerging and uncommon Candida species were also isolated. Candidaemia mortality by non‐albicans Candida species was significantly higher than that by C. albicans (P < .05). All fluconazole‐resistant species were non‐albicans Candida species. Uncommon Candida species with reduced susceptibility to antifungals are emerging as major agents of nosocomial candidaemia in high‐risk paediatric patients in Iran. Appropriate source control, antifungal regimens and improved antifungal stewardship are warranted for managing and decreasing the burden of nosocomial candidaemia.
Predictive Validity of the Braden Scale for Pressure Ulcer Risk in Critical Care: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Wei Min , Wu Ling , Chen Yan , Fu Qiaomei , Chen Wenyue , Yang Dongliang 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundPressure ulcers (PUs) are encountered in all types of care settings. The incidence of PUs in the intensive care unit (ICU) is higher for a variety of reasons. The Braden Scale is a widely used tool to assess the risk of PU, but its predictive power is controversial in ICU settings. In this systematic review and meta‐analysis, we aimed to evaluate the predictive accuracy of the Braden Scale for measurement of risk of PU in adult ICU patients.MethodsA comprehensive literature search in English databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, OVID, and Web of Science), Chinese databases (SinoMed, CNKI, and Wanfang), and gray literature was performed. Studies assessing the predictive value of the Braden Scale for risk of PU in adult ICU patients were searched. Quality of the studies was scored with Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies‐2. Country, study design, setting, blinding, and characteristics of included studies were extracted.ResultsEleven full‐text articles containing 10 044 patients, comprising 1058 patients with PUs were included. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of the Braden Scale for predicting PU risk in ICU adults were 0.89 (95% CI, 0.87‐0.91; I2 = 94.9%, P = .0000) and 0.28 (95% CI, 0.27‐0.29; I2 = 99.2%, P = .0000), respectively. The pooled DOR was 6.29 (95% CI: 4.09‐9.68). The overall weighted AUC was 0.7812 ± 0.0331 (95% CI: 0.7163‐0.8461) and the Q* value was 0.7196 ± 0.0283 (95% CI: 0.6641‐0.7751). Significant heterogeneity was noted among the included studies. Meta‐regression analysis showed that there was no heterogeneity in blinding (P = .074), study design (P = .679), or cut‐off value (P = .821).ConclusionsThis meta‐analysis demonstrated that the Braden Scale had a moderate predictive validity with good sensitivity and low specificity in adult critically ill patients. Further development and modification of this tool or generation of a new tool with higher predictive power is warranted for use in ICU populations.Relevance to clinical practiceThe first step in prevention of PU is risk assessment. In this meta‐analysis, we aimed to evaluate the predictive power of the Braden Scale for assessing risk of PU in ICU adult patients, which could potentially guide clinical practice.
Some mycoheterotrophic orchids depend on carbon from dead wood: novel evidence from a radiocarbon approach
Authors: Suetsugu Kenji , Matsubayashi Jun , Tayasu Ichiro 
Published: January 2020

Summary

Mycoheterotrophic plants depend entirely on fungal associations for organic nutrients. While most mycoheterotrophic plants are associated with the mycorrhizal partners of surrounding green plants, some mycoheterotrophs are believed to obtain carbon from decaying litter or dead wood by parasitising saprotrophic fungi, based on culture experiments and 13C and 15N isotopic signatures.
The carbon age (the time since carbon was fixed from atmospheric CO2 by photosynthesis) can be estimated by measuring the concentration of 14C arising from the bomb tests of the 1950s and 1960s. Given that mycorrhizal fungi obtain photosynthate from their plant partners, and saprotrophic wood‐decaying fungi obtain carbon from older sources, radiocarbon could represent a new and powerful tool to investigate carbon sources of mycoheterotrophic plants.
We showed that the Δ14C values of mycoheterotrophs exploiting ectomycorrhizal fungi were close to 0‰, similar to those of autotrophic plants. By contrast, the Δ14C values of mycoheterotrophs exploiting saprotrophic fungi ranged from 110.7‰ to 324.8‰, due to the 14C‐enriched bomb carbon from dead wood via saprotrophic fungi.
Our study provides evidence supporting that some mycoheterotrophic orchids depend on forest woody debris. Our study also indicates that radiocarbon could be used to predict the trophic strategies of mycoheterotroph‐associated fungal symbionts.
Examining the linkage between human capital and energy consumption: cross‐country evidence
Authors: Akram Vaseem , Jangam Bhushan Praveen , Rath Badri Narayan 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThough voluminous empirical studies examine the linkage between energy consumption (EC) and economic growth, the impact of human capital on EC is scarce. This paper investigates this research issue by using annual data of 73 countries over the period 1990–2014. Furthermore, we classify 73 countries based on income (developed, developing and emerging economies) and regions (Asia, Africa, Europe and Latin America). The empirical results indicate that human capital negatively affects EC. This implies that EC can be lowered by improving human capital, which ultimately can help in energy conservation and environmental protection. Policies promoting substitutability between energy inputs and human capital, and structural policies like improving economic efficiency and improving human capital through educational levels can help economies in achieving greater sustainable growth with low EC.
A rare case of parosteal osteosarcoma of the maxilla in a 14‐year old and a review of the current literature
Authors: Dioufa N. , Zhang P. , Black R. , Khurana J. , Kuklani R. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractParosteal osteosarcoma of craniofacial location was first described in 1961 and since then, less than 20 cases have been reported in the English literature. This rare tumour of the jaws most commonly affects middle aged men, is considered a low grade, well‐differentiated neoplasm, characterised by spindle cell stroma with minimal atypia and rare mitotic figures, separating irregular well‐developed trabeculae of woven bone. It is considered to have a favourable prognosis and low metastatic potential if treated by radical excision, compared to conventional and periosteal osteosarcomas. Clinically and radiographically it can be mistaken for a benign lesion, therefore high clinical suspicion is advised. Herein we report a case of parosteal osteosarcoma located at the posterior maxilla in a 14‐year‐old male and review of the literature with respect to clinical, radiographical and histopathological features of these lesions.
Comparison of the structure of chinchilla sperm isolated from semen and from the tail of the epididymis
Authors: Andraszek Katarzyna , Banaszewska Dorota , Szeleszczuk Olga , Niedbała Piotr , Kuchta‐Gładysz Marta 
Published: January 2020

AbstractSperm cells isolated from the tail of the epididymis and from the semen of the same individuals were analysed. The use of silver nitrate to stain sperm cells isolated from the tail of the epididymis made it possible to identify structures that were not visible in the sperm from semen. Silver nitrate very clearly distinguished the acrosomal and distal parts of the sperm head. Following silver nitrate staining, the sperm isolated from the tail of the epididymis were characterized by dark ‘collars’ in the distal part of the head. These ‘collars’ are not visible in the sperm cells isolated from semen. The results of the study indicate differences in the dimensions of sperm isolated from the tail of the epididymis and sperm in semen. Sperm isolated from the tail of the epididymis had smaller heads, despite their longer length, and had longer midpieces and tails than ejaculate sperm. Silver nitrate staining is a simple and fast technique. Silver nitrate makes it possible to identify the acrosome and post‐acrosomal region of the sperm head and to clearly identify the midpiece. Therefore, it can be successfully used to supplement routine techniques for evaluating sperm morphology or as an independent technique.
Situated Food Safety Risk and the Influence of Social Norms
Authors: Veflen Nina , Scholderer Joachim , Langsrud Solveig 
Published: January 2020

AbstractPrevious studies of risk behavior observed weak or inconsistent relationships between risk perception and risk‐taking. One aspect that has often been neglected in such studies is the situational context in which risk behavior is embedded: Even though a person may perceive a behavior as risky, the social norms governing the situation may work as a counteracting force, overriding the influence of risk perception. Three food context studies are reported. In Study 1 (N = 200), we assess how norm strength varies across different social situations, relate the variation in norm strength to the social characteristics of the situation, and identify situations with consistently low and high levels of pressure to comply with the social norm. In Study 2 (N = 502), we investigate how willingness to accept 15 different foods that vary in terms of objective risk relates to perceived risk in situations with low and high pressure to comply with a social norm. In Study 3 (N = 1,200), we test how risk‐taking is jointly influenced by the perceived risk associated with the products and the social norms governing the situations in which the products are served. The results indicate that the effects of risk perception and social norm are additive, influencing risk‐taking simultaneously but as counteracting forces. Social norm had a slightly stronger absolute effect, leading to a net effect of increased risk‐taking. The relationships were stable over different social situations and food safety risks and did not disappear when detailed risk information was presented.
Family‐centred empowerment program for health literacy and self‐efficacy in family caregivers of patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Jafari Yasaman , Tehrani Hadi , Esmaily Habibollah , Shariati Mohammad , Vahedian‐shahroodi Mohammad 
Published: January 2020

BackgroundWith the obtained advancement in solving health problems, family caregivers are replaced with the care institutions. The accompanying and supporting patients during the disease treatment is very effective in the Iranian culture.AimThis study aims at determining the effect of health intervention based on family‐centred empowerment model on health literacy and self‐efficacy among caregivers of patients with multiple sclerosis.MethodsIn this quasi‐experimental study, 70 family caregivers were randomly assigned to the two control and experimental groups, who were evaluated using demographic TOFHLA health literacy and self‐efficacy questionnaires. Then, based on training needs in the experimental group, intervention was conducted based on the family‐centred empowerment model during one month. The control group received no intervention, and immediately after training and three months after implementing the program, the health literacy and self‐efficacy in both the experimental and control groups were re‐evaluated.ResultsBefore intervention, mean of health literacy in the experimental group was 57.2 ± 9.15 and 3 months after intervention, it reached 62.45 ± 9.39, (p < 0.001). The self‐efficacy score in the experimental group was 17.2 ± 3.48 before intervention and it reached to 19.34 ± 11.3 after intervention, which was also significant(p < 0.001).Conclusioninterventions based on family‐centred empowerment approach can improve the health literacy and self‐efficacy of caregivers, assist them to provide specialised and efficient care and lead to improved quality of care in caregiving.
Healthcare costs and productivity losses associated with county‐based home‐care service for sick children in Sweden
Authors: Castor Charlotte , Bolin Kristian , Hansson Helena , Landgren Kajsa , Kristensson Hallström Inger 
Published: January 2020

AimsThe aim of this study was to estimate the healthcare costs and productivity losses associated with county‐based home‐care services (HCS) for sick children.MethodsIn this observational follow‐up study, a combination of hospital care and HCS was compared to estimated alternative care solely at the hospital. Data on one year of healthcare utilisation for 32 children, supplied by the hospital and HCS, were collected from administrative systems. Corresponding healthcare unit prices were collected from healthcare pricelists. The human‐capital approach was applied to estimate productivity losses and the value of productivity losses for 25 parents. Family characteristics, including parental work absenteeism and income, were collected by a questionnaire distributed to parents at five time points during a year. Descriptive and comparative statistics were used for analysis and carried out with ethical approval.ResultsHealthcare costs for children receiving a combination of hospital care and HCS varied among children with estimated average healthcare cost savings of SEK 50 101 per child compared to the alternative of care provided only in the hospital. The reduced costs were related to children receiving nonpalliative HCS care tasks. Average annual productivity losses due to parental work absenteeism were estimated at 348 hours with an associated monetary value estimated at SEK 137 524 per parent.ConclusionCounty‐based HCS, provided as complement to and substitute for hospital care for ill children, does not increase healthcare cost and should be a prioritized area when organising paediatric health care. Productivity losses vary greatly among parents and are pronounced also when children receive HCS with signs of gender‐related differences.
Patient preferences for heart failure education and perceptions of patient–provider communication
Authors: Ivynian Serra E. , Newton Phillip J. , DiGiacomo Michelle 
Published: January 2020

ObjectiveFor people managing chronic illness, such as heart failure, adequate health literacy is crucial to understand the complex information that underpins self‐care, yet evidence suggests poor understanding in this patient population. To better understand patients' heart failure comprehension and why knowledge gaps may exist, this study sought to explore perceptions of patient–provider communication and ascertain unmet educational needs and preferences.MethodsSemi‐structured in‐depth interviews were conducted with 15 symptomatic inpatients with heart failure. Data collection and analysis occurred simultaneously until saturation was reached. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsParticipants relied heavily on providers for HF information and support, expressed numerous unmet educational needs and had mixed feelings about quality of communication. Participants expressed the need for credible, tailored heart failure information that accounted for comorbid conditions and preference for face‐to‐face information delivery. Knowledge gaps included heart failure pharmacotherapy, symptom appraisal and management, cause and chronicity of heart failure, and a specific action plan for heart failure symptom exacerbation. Barriers to effective patient–provider communication included providers using complex medical terminology, lack of adequately detailed information, relationships that did not foster open communication and participants' memory problems.ConclusionGaps in knowledge and poor communication may indicate inadequate availability of multidisciplinary heart failure management programmes and/or fidelity to guideline recommendations.Practice implicationsEvaluating heart failure management programmes is important to ensure consistent delivery of best‐practice education and care. Nurses play a key role in the delivery of patient‐focused health information.