bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of model heat treatment conditions on selected properties of milk fat
Authors: Staniewski Bogusław , Smoczyński Michał , Żulewska Justyna , Wiśniewska Krystyna , Baranowska Maria 
Published: February 2020

In this study, the effect of diverse thermal treatments on the physical characteristics of anhydrous milk fat was monitored with the use of scanning calorimetry, firmness analysis, electron microscopy and image analysis. The optimal properties of milk fat were achieved for the thermal treatment taking into account its composition as well as melting and solidification points of the main triacylglycerol fractions (temperatures: 6/20.5/14 °C). Unfavourable results were obtained for the one‐stage system (10 °C/13 h). These results may be helpful in optimising parameters of milk fat crystallisation in high‐fat products, and the fractal analysis has proven to be useful in the evaluation of fat crystallisation.
Conservative surgery for ovarian torsion in young women: perioperative complications and national trends
Authors: Mandelbaum RS , Smith MB , Violette CJ , Matsuzaki S , Matsushima K , Klar M , Roman LD , Paulson RJ , Matsuo K 
Published: February 2020

ObjectiveTo analyse populational trends and perioperative complications following conservative surgery versus oophorectomy in women <50 years of age with ovarian torsion.DesignPopulation‐based retrospective observational study.SettingNationwide Inpatient Sample in the USA (2001–2015).PopulationIn all, 89 177 ovarian torsions including 20 597 (23.1%) conservative surgeries and 68 580 (76.9%) oophorectomies.Methods(1) Trend analysis to assess utilisation of conservative surgery over time, (2) multivariable binary logistic regression to identify independent factors associated with conservative surgery and (3) inverse probability of treatment weighting with a generalised estimating equation to analyze perioperative complications.Main outcome measuresTrends, characteristics and complications related to conservative surgery.ResultsPerformance of conservative surgery increased from 18.9 to 25.1% between 2001 and 2015 (32.8% relative increase, P = 0.001) but decreased steadily after age 15, and sharply declined after age 35 (P < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, younger age exhibited the largest effect size for conservative surgery among the independent factors (adjusted odds ratios 3.39–7.96, P < 0.001). In the weighted model, conservative surgery was associated with an approximately 30% decreased risk of perioperative complications overall (10.0% versus 13.6%, odds ratio 0.73, 95% confidence interval 0.62–0.85, P < 0.001) and was not associated with venous thromboembolism (0.2 versus 0.3%, P = 0.457) or sepsis (0.4 versus 0.3%, P = 0.638).ConclusionThere has been an increasing utilisation of conservative surgery for ovarian torsion in the USA in recent years. Our study suggests that conservative surgery for ovarian torsion may not be associated with increased perioperative complications.Tweetable abstractConservative surgery for ovarian torsion may not be associated with increased perioperative complications.
Status and trends in EFlows in southern Africa
Authors: Brown Cate , Campher Dirk , King Jackie 
Published: February 2020

AbstractEnvironmental Flows (EFlows) are defined as the quantity, timing and quality of the flow of water, sediment and biota necessary to sustain freshwater and estuarine ecosystems, and the human livelihoods and well‐being that depend on these ecosystems. As such they are a vital component of Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM). A recent survey found that, in general, Africa lags behind schedule with respect to the global SDG Target 6.5 to implement IWRM at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate. This web‐based review explores progress made in EFlows Assessments and implementing their outcomes in southern Africa. It outlines the apparent impetus to the uptake of EFlows provided by legislation, common funding mechanisms for EFlows assessment and evolving trends in EFlows assessment. It also highlights instances of implementation of EFlows in both in‐country and transboundary settings.
Reforming Agricultural Policies Will Help to Improve Environmental Performance
Authors: DeBoe Gwen , Deconinck Koen , Henderson Ben , Lankoski Jussi 
Published: February 2020

SummaryAgriculture is a major source of environmental pressure worldwide. At the same time, most countries support the farming sector through a variety of policy instruments. This article discusses the impact of agricultural policies on environmental performance. The available evidence as well as modelling studies undertaken at the OECD show that the way in which agricultural support is provided affects its environmental impact. Support coupled to production or input use is particularly harmful for the environment, while other instruments such as largely decoupled payments, which do not depend on current production choices, are among the least environmentally harmful forms of support. Yet the most environmentally harmful instruments remain widely used, although less so in the EU. Policies should therefore be reoriented towards more decoupled forms of support – a reform which would pay a ‘double dividend’ in terms of both improved economic efficiency and environmental performance. This would reduce the environmental harm created by agricultural activities, but additional policy measures are needed to address the remaining environmental externalities – both in providing public goods and reducing environmental damage – that are not reflected in prices received or paid by farmers. Policymakers also have an important role to play in designing policies that can be effectively monitored and evaluated in terms of both their economic and environmental consequences.
Efficacy of dual use of Tc‐99m‐pertechnetate and Tc‐99m‐tetrofosmin scintigraphy for the assessment of thyroid nodules
Authors: Bhatia Nisha , Dhingra Vandana K , Kumari Saumya , Dhawan Devinder K , Chadha Vijayta D 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIntroductionRadioisotope methods have shown to be useful in the non‐invasive diagnosis of thyroid nodules over the past years. The present prospective study aims to evaluate the efficacy of gamma imaging using single and dual tracer using Tc‐99m pertechnetate and Tc‐99m tetrofosmin for evaluation and management of thyroid nodules.MethodsDynamic (perfusion) imaging was performed after injecting 148–185 MBq (4–5 mCi) of Tc‐99m pertechnetate followed by static imaging. A second, dynamic (perfusion) imaging study within same week was performed with 296–370MBq (8–10mCi) of Tc‐99m tetrofosmin on same group of patients followed by early and delayed images. Results of radionuclide perfusion scan from both studies were compared qualitatively with postsurgical histopathology or fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC).ResultsTotal 65 nodules in 50 patients were included in the study. With single tracer, the specificity and accuracy of Tc‐99m pertechnetate was 23% and 45% and for Tc‐99m tetrofosmin scan was 40% and 49%. When dual tracers were evaluated for the same group of patients, the specificity was 56% and accuracy was 55%.ConclusionDual Tracer technique with Tc‐99m pertechnetate and Tc‐99m tetrofosmin could be helpful in selecting nodules need surgical intervention. This technique can be used for convenient and rapid diagnostic evaluation of thyroid nodules non‐invasively. We suggest a combination of fine needle aspiration biopsy and dual use of Tc‐99m‐pertechnetate and Tc‐99m‐tetrofosmin as a routine diagnostic approach to thyroid nodules.
Heterochromatin loss as a determinant of progerin‐induced DNA damage in Hutchinson–Gilford Progeria
Authors: Chojnowski Alexandre , Ong Peh Fern , Foo Mattheus Xing Rong , Liebl David , Hor Louis‐Peter , Stewart Colin L. , Dreesen Oliver 
Published: February 2020

AbstractHutchinson–Gilford progeria is a premature aging syndrome caused by a truncated form of lamin A called progerin. Progerin expression results in a variety of cellular defects including heterochromatin loss, DNA damage, impaired proliferation and premature senescence. It remains unclear how these different progerin‐induced phenotypes are temporally and mechanistically linked. To address these questions, we use a doxycycline‐inducible system to restrict progerin expression to different stages of the cell cycle. We find that progerin expression leads to rapid and widespread loss of heterochromatin in G1‐arrested cells, without causing DNA damage. In contrast, progerin triggers DNA damage exclusively during late stages of DNA replication, when heterochromatin is normally replicated, and preferentially in cells that have lost heterochromatin. Importantly, removal of progerin from G1‐arrested cells restores heterochromatin levels and results in no permanent proliferative impediment. Taken together, these results delineate the chain of events that starts with progerin expression and ultimately results in premature senescence. Moreover, they provide a proof of principle that removal of progerin from quiescent cells restores heterochromatin levels and their proliferative capacity to normal levels.
Lion (Panthera leo) demographics in the south‐western Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Authors: Ferreira Sam M. , Beukes B. Otto , Haas Tim C. , Radloff Frans G. T. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractChanges in demographic features of the lion population in the south‐western Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park cause conservation concern. The ratio between adult males and females changed from 1♂:2♀ to 1♂:1♀ over a 32‐year period (1977–2010). This is atypical for undisturbed lion populations. We evaluated mechanisms that on their own or together could explain the trend by using both a discrete‐ and continuous‐time capture–recapture model to analyse 2 years of individual‐based observation data (May 2013–June 2015). Although most vital rates were within expected parameters, shifts in the sex structure remained similar to that reported for sub‐adults previously. The population comprised of 26.9% cubs and juveniles (<2 years), 14.2% sub‐adults (2–4 years) and 59% adults (>4 years). Litters had equal sex ratios at first detection. Birth rates were lower (0.44 cubs per female per year) than between 1998 and 2001 (0.69 cubs per female per year). The continuous model indicated a higher survival effect for female cubs, while both models showed higher survival rates/effects for sub‐adult and adult females relative to males. However, the sex ratio for sub‐adults was male‐biased. The shift in demographic signals may associate with changes in age‐related immigration rates of sub‐adult males.
Quality indicators in colonoscopy: an evolving paradigm
Authors: Shine Rebecca , Bui Andrew , Burgess Adele 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe year 1969 marked a revolution in the diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC). It is when Dr Wolff developed the colonoscope and quickly realized its potential in both diagnosis and treatment of colonic neoplasms. Over the past 50 years there has been exponential increase in utilization of colonoscopy with over 1 million colonoscopies performed annually throughout Australasia. Endoscopic removal of pre‐malignant lesions has been proven to reduce the incidence and mortality of colorectal. Although timing and frequency of surveillance colonoscopy plays a crucial role in risk reduction of CRC, this is dependent upon the findings of the index colonoscopy. The goal of screening colonoscopy is to detect CRC and identify and remove pre‐malignant neoplasms that risk progression to CRC. With increasing uptake of bowel screening throughout Australasia, there is increasing pressure to ensure all endoscopists and endoscopy units perform at a universal high‐quality. All too often high demand and constant delays compromise colonoscopy quality. Without clear and concise quality indicators with transparent measurement and audit, these flaws can quickly jeopardize screening goals and patient outcomes. This review aims to explore six key quality indicators and explore the evidence behind the current recommended standards. These key indicators include; rate of adequate bowel preparation, caecal intubation rate, adenoma detection rate, withdrawal time, complication rates and surveillance intervals.
Surgeon’s experience and clinical outcome after retropubic tension‐free vaginal tape—A case series
Authors: Holdø Bjørn , Møllersen Kajsa , Verelst Margareta , Milsom Ian , Svenningsen Rune , Skjeldestad Finn Egil 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIntroductionThe retropubic tension‐free vaginal tape procedure has been the preferred method for primary surgical treatment of stress and stress‐dominant mixed urinary incontinence in women for more than 20 years. In this study, we assessed associations between surgeon's experience with the primary tension‐free vaginal tape procedure and both perioperative complications and recurrence rates.Material and methodsUsing a consecutive case‐series design, we assessed 596 patients treated with primary retropubic tension‐free vaginal tape surgery performed by 18 surgeons from 1998 through 2012, with follow up through 2015 (maximum follow‐up time: 10 years per patient). Data on perioperative complications and recurrence of stress urinary incontinence from medical records was transferred to a case report form. Surgeon's experience with the tension‐free vaginal tape procedure was defined as number of such procedures performed as lead surgeon (1‐19 [“beginners”], 20‐49 and ≥50 procedures). All analyses were done with a 5% level of statistical significance. We applied the Chi‐square test in the assessment of perioperative complications. The regression analyses of recurrence rate by number of tension‐free vaginal tape procedures performed were restricted to the three surgeons who performed ≥50 procedures.ResultsWe found a significantly higher rate of bladder perforations (P = .03) and a higher rate of urinary retentions among patients whose tension‐free vaginal tape procedures were performed by “beginners” (P = .06). We observed a significant reduction in recurrence rates with increasing number of tension‐free vaginal tape procedures for one surgeon (P = .03).ConclusionsSurgeon's experience with the tension‐free vaginal tape procedure is associated with the risk of bladder perforation and urinary retention, and may be associated with the long‐term effectiveness of the procedure.
Leader Member Exchange in Leaders’ Support for Voice: Good Relationships Matter in Situations of Power Threat
Authors: Urbach Tina , Fay Doris 
Published: February 2020

While previous research underscores the role of leaders in stimulating employee voice behaviour, comparatively little is known about what affects leaders’ support for such constructive but potentially threatening employee behaviours. We introduce leader member exchange quality (LMX) as a central predictor of leaders’ support for employees’ ideas for constructive change. Apart from a general benefit of high LMX for leaders’ idea support, we propose that high LMX is particularly critical to leaders’ idea support if the idea voiced by an employee constitutes a power threat to the leader. We investigate leaders’ attribution of prosocial and egoistic employee intentions as mediators of these effects. Hypotheses were tested in a quasi‐experimental vignette study (N = 160), in which leaders evaluated a simulated employee idea, and a field study (N = 133), in which leaders evaluated an idea that had been voiced to them at work. Results show an indirect effect of LMX on leaders’ idea support via attributed prosocial intentions but not via attributed egoistic intentions, and a buffering effect of high LMX on the negative effect of power threat on leaders’ idea support. Results differed across studies with regard to the main effect of LMX on idea support.
CSR for Happiness: Corporate determinants of societal happiness as social responsibility
Authors: Chia Austin , Kern Margaret L. , Neville Benjamin A. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractOver the past decade, societal happiness has increasingly been considered important to public policy initiatives globally, supported by interdisciplinary scholarly efforts spanning the social sciences, economics, and public health. Curiously, despite for‐profit corporations being core social institutions of modern societies, scant attention has been given to the social role and responsibilities of corporations in relation to societal happiness. In this article, we review and integrate research from positive psychology and related disciplines to examine happiness as a social outcome of corporate activity. We propose that corporations have a social responsibility to respect, preserve, and advance people's right to, and experience of, happiness—which we term CSR for Happiness. Within the existing literature, stakeholder happiness has generally been narrowly conceptualized in hedonic terms and has failed to consider the broader impacts of corporate activities on societal happiness. Drawing on advances in psychological theory and research, we provide a holistic conceptualization of happiness, which includes objective, subjective, hedonic, and eudaimonic dimensions of happiness. We offer an integrative conceptual framework, which includes the macro‐to‐micro and micro‐to‐macro pathways through which corporations directly and indirectly impact upon societal happiness. Finally, we consider implications of happiness research for the intersections of business and society.
A pilot trial of complement inhibition using eculizumab to overcome platelet transfusion refractoriness in human leukocyte antigen allo‐immunized patients
Authors: Vo Phuong , Purev Enkhtsetseg , West Kamille A. , McDuffee Emily , Worthy Tatyana , Cook Lisa , Hawks Geri , Wells Brian , Shalabi Reem , Flegel Willy A. , Adams Sharon D. , Reger Robert , Aue Georg , Tian Xin , Childs Richard 
Published: February 2020

SummaryHeavily transfused patients frequently develop human leukocyte antigen (HLA) allo‐immunization resulting in platelet transfusion refractoriness and a high risk for life‐threatening thrombocytopenia. Data suggest complement activation leading to the destruction of platelets bound by HLA allo‐antibodies may play a pathophysiologic role in platelet refractoriness. Here we conducted a pilot trial to investigate the use of eculizumab, a monoclonal antibody that binds and inhibits C5 complement, to treat platelet transfusion refractoriness in allo‐immunized patients with severe thrombocytopenia. A single eculizumab infusion was administered to 10 eligible patients, with four (40%) patients overcoming platelet refractories assessed measuring the corrected platelet count increment (CCI) 10–60 min and 18–24 h post transfusion. Responding patients had a reduction in the requirement for subsequent platelet transfusions and had higher post‐transfusion platelet increments for 14 days following eculizumab administration. Remarkably, three of the four responders met CCI criteria for response despite receiving HLA‐incompatible platelets. Our results suggest that eculizumab has the ability to overcome platelet transfusion refractoriness in patients with broad HLA allo‐immunization. This study establishes proof of principle that complement inhibition can treat platelet transfusion refractoriness, laying the foundation for a large multicentre trial to assess the overall efficacy of this approach (ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT02298933).
Genomic evolution of ibrutinib‐resistant clones in Waldenström macroglobulinaemia
Authors: Jiménez Cristina , Chan Gloria G. , Xu Lian , Tsakmaklis Nickolas , Kofides Amanda , Demos Maria G. , Chen Jiaji , Liu Xia , Munshi Manit , Yang Guang , Castillo Jorge J. , Wiestner Adrian , García‐Sanz Ramón , Treon Steven P. , Hunter Zachary R. 
Published: February 2020

SummaryIbrutinib is highly active in Waldenström macroglobulinaemia (WM) patients, but disease progression can occur due to acquired mutations in BTK, the target of ibrutinib, or PLCG2, the protein downstream of BTK. However, not all resistant patients harbour these alterations. We have performed a whole‐exome sequencing study to identify alternative molecular mechanisms that can drive ibrutinib resistance. Our findings include deletions on chromosomes 6q, including homozygous deletions, and 8p, which encompass key regulators of BTK, MYD88/NF‐κB, and apoptotic signalling. Moreover, we have identified recurring mutations in ubiquitin ligases, innate immune signalling, and TLR/MYD88 pathway regulators in ibrutinib‐resistant WM patients.
Testing for the effects of credit crunch on agriculture investment in the EU
Authors: Mamatzakis E. C. , Staikouras C. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThere are several research papers focusing on the detrimental effects of the credit crunch on the economic performance. A sector of the economy where the implications of the credit crunch have not been thoroughly studied is the agriculture. This is surprising given the importance of agriculture for the European economy. We focus on agriculture in fourteen European Union (EU) Member States in the aftermath of the credit crunch. To this end, we employ the micro‐econometric data set of Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN) of EU at NUTS 2 level. From a methodological point of view, we model agriculture investment based on a flexible panel Vector Autoregressive (VAR) model that provides impulse response functions (IRFs) and variance decompositions (VDCs). The empirical estimates indicate that agriculture investment has been constrained by negative shocks in interest paid and total liabilities. Unless those financial constraints are eased, agriculture investment in EU would remain rather sluggish at best.
Intraocular pressure fluctuation and neurodegeneration in the diabetic rat retina
Authors: Jung Kyoung In , Woo Jung Eun , Park Chan Kee 
Published: February 2020

Background and PurposeEarly retinal neurodegeneration occurs as one of the complications of diabetes even before clinically detectable diabetic vascular retinopathy. The pathogenesis of retinal diabetic neuropathy is still not well understood. We investigated the serial changes or fluctuations in intraocular pressure (IOP) and examined their roles in the pathogenesis of neuronal degeneration in diabetic retina.Experimental ApproachMale Sprague Dawley rats with streptozotocin‐induced diabetes were treated with ophthalmic preparations of brinzolamide, latanoprost, both drugs (combined treatment) or saline for 8 weeks. IOP was measured daily under general anaesthesia using a rebound tonometer. Antegrade axoplasmic flow in the optic nerve was assessed with a fluorescent substrate. Immunohistochemical staining, TUNEL assays and western blots were also used.Key ResultsThe fluctuation of IOP was higher in the diabetes group than in the normal control or the combined treatment group. Diabetes‐induced apoptosis of retinal ganglion cells was decreased by combined treatment. Increased expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein or Iba‐1 in the retina or optic nerve head, induced by diabetes, was attenuated only by the combined treatment. Intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 was increased in diabetic rats but not in the combined treatment group. Diabetes‐induced loss of antegrade axoplasmic transport was partially relieved with combined treatment.Conclusion and ImplicationsElevated IOP fluctuations seemed to be associated with the gliosis, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration induced by diabetes. The loss of retinal ganglion cells might be relieved by IOP‐lowering medication. The improvement of unstable perfusion pressure could play a role in neuroprotection in the diabetic retina.