bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Elderly patients, isometric exercise, and native vascular access maturation: An unsolved question?
Authors: Tapia González Irati , Esteve Simó Vicent , Ibañez Sara , Moreno Guzman Fátima , Fulquet Nicolás Miquel , Duarte Gallego Verónica , Saurina Solé Anna , Pou Potau Mónica , Yeste Campos Montserrat , de Arellano Serna Manel Ramírez 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIntroductionThe number of elderly patients undergoing hemodialysis is steadily increasing. The choice and management of vascular access (VA) in these patients are difficult, and the role of postoperative isometric exercises on native VA maturation in the elderly population is not clearly established.ObjectivesTo assess the effect of postoperative isometric exercises on native VA maturation in patients older than 75 years with advanced chronic kidney disease.MethodologyThis was a randomized single‐center study over a 24‐month period. Postoperative isometric exercises were performed in the exercise group (EG), while the control group (CG) received usual care. Demographic data, muscle strength (using handgrip [HG] dynamometer), Doppler ultrasound (DUS), incidence of VA complications, and clinical and DUS maturation were assessed at 4 and 8 weeks.ResultsA total of 27 patients were included (EG: 14, CG: 13). The mean age of the patients was 79.9 ± 2.8 years; 74.1% were men, and 59.2% had radiocephalic VA. Demographic data, HG, and DUS measurements were similar at baseline. DUS measurements significantly increased in both groups at the end of the study. A significant increase in HG (19.1 ± 7.8 kg vs. 22.9 ± 9.7 kg, P = 0.001) and the highest clinical (CG vs. EG: 46.2% vs. 78.6%; P = 0.049) and DUS maturation (CG vs. EG: 30.8% vs. 71.4%; P = 0.041) were observed in the EG at 8 weeks. Globally, medical or surgical VA complications were lower in the EG and mainly included significant stenosis (CG vs. EG: 23.1% vs. 7.1%), although no significant differences were observed.ConclusionsOnce a native VA is indicated in elderly patients, postoperative isometric exercise should be considered in order to improve the odds of achieving a mature functional arteriovenous fistula. Further studies are required to support our findings in this population.
Impact of thermoplastic extrusion process on chemical, nutritional, technological and sensory properties of gluten‐free breakfast cereals from pigmented rice
Authors: Rivero Meza Silvia Leticia , Louro Massaretto Isabel , Sinnecker Patricia , Schmiele Marcio , Chang Yoon Kil , Noldin Jose Alberto , Lanfer Marquez Ursula Maria 
Published: November 2020

SummaryThe black rice and red rice varieties cultivated in Brazil are rich in dietary fibres, proteins, and phenolic compounds with great antioxidant potential, being a promising alternative for the production of healthy gluten‐free snacks. In this study, pigmented rice flours and their respective extrudates were characterised for the nutrient profile, phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity, technological properties and colour aspects, and the results were compared through heat map analysis. Black rice snacks presented better nutrient and phenolic profiles, while the red rice snacks stood out for the expansion and texture properties. Both breakfast cereals were nutritive, gluten‐free, hypoallergenic, naturally coloured (no need to add artificial colorants) and presented good sensory acceptance, with the higher scores for the attributes shape, size, colour and crispness.
The threat of COVID‐19 and its influence on nursing staff burnout
Authors: Manzano García Guadalupe , Ayala Calvo Juan Carlos 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAimsTo evaluate whether the perceived threat of COVID‐19 moderates the influence of work resources and demands on burnout.DesignA cross‐sectional study.MethodsWe used a convenience sample of 771 nurses working in 10 hospitals in northern Spain. The data on burnout, demand, and resources at work and the perceived threat of COVID‐19 were compiled in the second fortnight of April 2020 using an online questionnaire. We used several hierarchical linear regression models.ResultsWork overload, material and human resources and social support at work were significant in explaining burnout. The perceived threat of COVID‐19 variable was also significant and presented the highest regression coefficient (β = 0.392). The perceived threat of COVID‐19 moderated the relationship between social support at work and burnout.ConclusionThe perceived threat of COVID‐19 helped to explain the degree of burnout in nurses and moderated the relationship between social support at work and burnout.ImpactHospitals should implement strategies to ensure that health emergency situations are not perceived as a threat. In pandemics, the organization should maintain clear, fluid, and regular communication with the nursing staff, which would help increase staff members’ confidence and sense of control.
From premise to practice: Applicability of a consensus statement for supporting adults with IDD who are frail
Authors: Barabash Tori , Ouellette‐Kuntz Hélène , Martin Lynn 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundStudy of frailty in adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) is relatively new. To build the body of literature, an international consensus statement on how to support adults with IDD as they become frail was developed based on fictional cases. This study examined the face validity and applicability of the consensus statement to real‐world care planning.MethodTwenty‐three care plans for adults with IDD who were classified along the frailty continuum were reviewed. Documented goals, actions and outcomes were coded according to the consensus statement's principles and recommendations.ResultsThe recommendations ‘Improvement and maintenance are viable goals’ and ‘Intersectoral collaboration is needed’ were documented the most often. Attention to the needs of formal and informal caregivers was mentioned the least often in care plans.ConclusionsThis study provides some support for the face validity of the consensus statement and its applicability to supporting adults with IDD who are frail.
IFN‐γ+IL‐17+Th17 cells regulate fibrosis through secreting IL‐21 in systemic scleroderma
Authors: Xing Xiaojing , Li Anqi , Tan Hong , Zhou Yong 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThis study aimed to explore the function of IFN‐γ+IL‐17+Th17 cells on fibrosis in systemic scleroderma (SSc). Blood and skin samples were collected from 20 SSc cases and 10 healthy individuals. The percentage of IFN‐γ+IL‐17+Th17 cells was detected using flow cytometry. The in vitro induction of IFN‐γ+IL‐17+Th17 cells was performed adopting PHA and rIL‐12. Gene expression was detected via quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), whereas western blot analysis was adopted for protein analysis. The distribution of IFN‐γ+IL‐17+Th17 cells was significantly increased in SSc cases and positively correlated with SSc stages (P = .031), disease duration (P = .016), activity (P = .025) and skin scores (P < .001). In vitro, IFN‐γ+IL‐17+Th17 cells could promote the expressions of α‐SMA and COL1A1, revealing increased fibroblasts’ proliferation and enhanced collagen‐secreting capacity. In addition, IL‐21 expression was significantly increased in co‐culture medium of IFN‐γ+IL‐17+Th17 cells and fibroblasts (P < .001). IL‐21 neutralizer treatment resulted in the down‐regulation of α‐SMA and COL1A1. IL‐21 was confirmed as an effector of IFN‐γ+IL‐17+Th17 cells in fibrosis process. The distribution of IFN‐γ+IL‐17+Th17 cells was significantly increased in SSc cases and positively correlated with disease activity. IFN‐γ+IL‐17+Th17 cells could promote fibroblast proliferation and enhance collagen‐secreting ability via producing IL‐21, thus contributing to fibrosis in SSc.
Social competence in early childhood: An empirical validation of the SOCIAL model
Authors: Tuerk Carola , Anderson Vicki , Bernier Annie , Beauchamp Miriam H. 
Published: November 2020

Social skills are the basis of human interactions and functioning in society. Social competence (SC) is thought to evolve gradually during childhood and adolescence via the interplay of multiple factors. In particular, the early years of life are marked by the emergence of basic social abilities and constitute the foundation for successful social development. The biopsychosocial SOcio‐Cognitive Integration of Abilities modeL (SOCIAL) posits that internal (child‐based), external (environment), and cognitive factors are critical to SC in the context of normal brain maturation; but this has yet to be shown empirically and comprehensively. This study tested the SOCIAL model in a sample of typically developing preschool children. Parents of 103 children (M = 67.59 months, SD = 11.65) completed questionnaires and children underwent neuropsychological assessment of executive functioning (EF), communication skills and social cognition. Three‐step hierarchical regression analyses (1) Internal factors, 2) External factors, 3) Cognitive factors) confirmed that each step of the regression model significantly predicted SC. In the final model, general cognitive and socio‐cognitive factors significantly predicted SC above and beyond internal and external factors: children with lower temperamental negative affect and less parent‐reported executive dysfunction, as well as better non‐verbal communication and theory of mind had better SC. Our findings support the conceptual SOCIAL model, and highlight the importance of internal, external, and cognitive factors for SC in the preschool years. Identification of factors associated with early social development can inform both normative and clinical approaches to identifying intervention loci and optimizing SC in those at risk for maladaptive social functioning.
B‐waves are present in patients without intracranial pressure disturbances
Authors: Riedel Casper Schwartz , Martinez‐Tejada Isabel , Norager Nicolas Hernandez , Kempfner Lykke , Jennum Poul , Juhler Marianne 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIntracranial pressure (ICP) B‐waves are defined as short, repeating elevations of ICP of up to 50 mmHg with a frequency of 0.5–2 waves/min. The presence of B‐waves in overnight recordings is regarded as a pathological phenomenon. However, the physiology of B‐waves is still not fully understood and studies with transcranial Doppler, as a surrogate marker for ICP, have suggested that B‐waves could be a normal physiological phenomenon. We present four patients without known structural neurological disease other than a coincidentally found unruptured intracranial aneurysm. One of the patients had experienced well‐controlled epilepsy for several years, but was included because ICP under these conditions is unlikely to be abnormal. Following informed consent, all four patients had a telemetric ICP probe implanted during a prophylactic operation with closure of the aneurysm. They underwent overnight ICP monitoring with simultaneous polysomnography (PSG) sleep studies at 8 weeks after the operation. These patients exhibited nocturnal B‐waves, but did not have major structural brain lesions. Their ICP values were within the normal range. Nocturnal B‐waves occurred in close association with sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB) in rapid eye movement (REM) and non‐REM sleep stages. SDB during REM sleep was associated with ramp‐type B‐waves; SDB during non‐REM sleep was associated with the sinusoidal type of B‐wave. We propose that B‐waves are a physiological phenomenon associated with SDB and that the mechanical changes during respiration could have an essential and previously unrecognised role in the generation of B‐waves.
Simulating the forest fuel market as a socio‐ecological system with spatial agent‐based methods: A case study in Carinthia, Austria
Authors: Scholz Johannes , Breitwieser Florian , Mandl Peter 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe paper presents an agent‐based modeling and simulation approach to model the forest fuel supply chain for heating purposes (i.e., heating plants). The paper focuses on the simulation of the processes of timber harvesting by forest enterprises and the competition of heating plants for the limited resource of wood chips. In particular, the work identifies different stakeholders having an adaptive behavior—with respect to the overall market conditions and timber prices. The agent‐based model developed here—called SimFoMa—uses three types of agents—forest enterprises, heating plants, and traders. The agents are interacting in an environment that has rich information on the forests and road network. The SimFoMa model is applied to a test area, the province of Carinthia, Austria. We defined six different simulation scenarios that cover different market situations—from increasing timber prices, volatile market conditions, or decreasing market conditions—and evaluated the harvest patterns, transport distances and the forest itself. The paper utilizes the agent‐based modeling methodology to model the agent's adaptive behavior of the forest fuel supply chain and to model the competition of heating plants for forest fuels. To evaluate this phenomena we mainly analyze transport distances of the simulation runs. For the test area of Carinthia, the experiments show that the behavior of small forest owners influences the supply of forest fuels. Timber prices not meeting the expectations of small forest owners might not motivate them to produce timber and forest fuels. On the long run the overall forest fuel supply does not meet the demand in the test area Carinthia—hence it relies on biomass imports. Furthermore, we witnessed increasing transport distances from harvest site to heating plant.Recommendations for Resource ManagersThe results of the spatial Agent‐based simulation of the forest fuel market with agents competing for the limited resource forest biomass show that transport distances for forest fuels can vary and may increase over time. Hence, the planning of the forest fuels supply and the respective transport distances is crucial to reduce the carbon footprint of the timber for heating purposes.As small forest owners produce timber on a more irregular basis (based on the price in the market), the motivation of small forest owners is crucial for the steady supply of biomass for heating purposes—for the case of Carinthia.In the long run it is not possible to fulfill the demand of biomass for heating purposes for Carinthia, without imports of timber. Again, crucial is the motivation of small forest owners to produce timber.
Moral reasoning as a catalyst for cultural competence and culturally responsive care
Authors: Markey Kathleen 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe importance of developing cultural competence among healthcare professionals is well recognized. However, the widespread reports of insensitivity and deficiencies in care for culturally diverse patients illuminate the need to review how cultural competence development is taught, learnt and applied in practice. Unless we can alter the ‘hearts and minds’ of practising nurses to provide the care that they know they should, culturally insensitive care will continue operating in subtle ways. This paper explores the ideas behind nurses’ actions and omissions when caring for culturally diverse patients and proposes the need to examine cultural competence development through a moral reasoning lens. Examining cultural competence development through a moral reasoning lens can help empower nurses, whilst nurturing commitment and courage to providing quality care that meets the needs of culturally diverse patients. The model of morality provides a framework that explores how moral motivation and behaviour occur and can provide a vehicle for critically examining the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to provide culturally responsive care.
Multiple pulmonary infantile hemangiomas responsive to oral propranolol
Authors: Galdeano Florencia , Herón Alejandro , Moreno Sivia , Aprea Gabriela , Meneses Marina , Torrelo Antonio 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIntrathoracic infantile hemangiomas (IHs) are extremely rare. They may be located in the pericardium, trachea, bronchia, diaphragm, mediastinum, or the lungs and may be associated with cutaneous IHs. We present a newborn with multiple pulmonary IHs in the absence of skin lesions that showed a dramatic response to oral propranolol.
Biomarker implementation: Evaluation of the decision‐making impact of CXCL10 testing in a pediatric cohort
Authors: Lamarche Caroline , Sharma Atul K. , Goldberg Aviva , Wang Li , Blydt‐Hansen Tom D. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundChildren are at high risk for subclinical rejection, and kidney biopsy is currently used for surveillance. Our objective was to test how novel rejection biomarkers such as urinary CXCL10 may influence clinical decision‐making to indicate need for a biopsy.MethodsA minimum dataset for standard decision‐making to indicate a biopsy was established by an expert panel and used to design clinical vignettes for use in a survey. Pediatric nephrologists were recruited to review the vignettes and A) estimate rejection risk and B) decide whether to biopsy; first without and then with urinary CXCL10/Cr level. Accuracy of biopsy decisions was then tested against the biopsy results. IRA was assessed by Fleiss Kappa (κ) for binary choice and ICC for probabilities.ResultsEleven pediatric nephrologists reviewed 15 vignettes each. ICC of probability assessment for rejection improved from poor (0.28, P < .01) to fair (0.48, P < .01) with addition of CXCL10/Cr data. It did not, however, improve the IRA for decision to biopsy (K = 0.48 and K = 0.43, for the comparison). Change in clinician estimated probability of rejection with additional CXCL10/Cr data was correlated with CXCL10/Cr level (r2 = 0.7756, P < .0001). Decision accuracy went from 8/15 (53.3%) cases to 11/15 (73.3%) with CXCL10/Cr, although improvement did not achieve statistical significance. Using CXCL10/Cr alone would have been accurate in 12/15 cases (80%).ConclusionThere is high variability in decision‐making on biopsy indication. Urinary CXCL10/Cr improves probability estimates for risk of rejection. Training may be needed to assist nephrologists in better integrate biomarker information into clinical decision‐making.
C‐theories of time: On the adirectionality of time
Authors: Farr Matt 
Published: November 2020

Abstract‘The universe is expanding, not contracting’. Many statements of this form appear unambiguously true; after all, the discovery of the universe's expansion is one of the great triumphs of empirical science. However, the statement is time‐directed: the universe expands towards what we call the future; it contracts towards the past. If we deny that time has a direction, should we also deny that the universe is really expanding? This article draws together and discusses what I call ‘C‐theories’ of time—in short, philosophical positions that hold time lacks a direction—from different areas of the literature. I set out the various motivations, aims and problems for C‐theories, and outline different versions of antirealism about the direction of time.
Improving nitrogen‐use efficiency by using ridge tillage in rice paddy soils
Authors: Qin Chuan , Wright Alan L. , Ma Lihua , He Xinhua , Xie Deti , Jiang Xianjun 
Published: November 2020

AbstractNitrogen (N) fertilizers are increasingly being used to meet crop demand for the expanding human population. However, historical N‐use efficiency (NUE) is low for rice paddy fields compared to upland ecosystems. This study aimed to investigate the fate of N fertilizer and compared NUE under different tillage regimes in a rice‐based agroecosystem. A long‐term field study of tillage regimes (i.e. flooded paddy field, conventional tillage and ridge tillage) and 15N isotope tracer methods (in situ and incubation) was used to determine N fertilizer fate and uptake. Nitrogen uptake by rice (which represents NUE) significantly differed between tillage regimes (p < .05). Nitrogen‐use efficiency was 31% of applied N fertilizer for ridge tillage, which was the highest among the three tillage regimes, while the lowest NUE occurred for conventional tillage (17%). The soil residual N for ridge tillage was significantly higher (21%), than for the flooded paddy field or conventional tillage. The total gaseous N loss was highest for ridge tillage (28%) and lowest for conventional tillage (17%). Ammonia (NH3) volatilization accounted for the largest proportion of gaseous loss from N fertilizer for all three tillage regimes. However, the largest loss of applied N was with water (runoff and leaching), where N loss accounted for 20% of applied N for ridge tillage but up to 54% for conventional tillage. Ridge tillage changed the soil micro‐topography and water regimes leading to better N conservation. Based on these results, adoption of ridge tillage should significantly improve NUE for rice paddy fields.
Traders' dilemma: Developing countries' response to trade wars
Authors: Devarajan Shantayanan , Go Delfin S. , Lakatos Csilla , Robinson Sherman , Thierfelder Karen 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAs the United States engages in a trade war with its major trading partners, policymakers in developing countries face the ‘traders’ dilemma’: should they join the trade war, stay out or do something different, including continuing to pursue regional trading arrangements? Using a global, general equilibrium model, we paper simulate an increase in U.S. tariffs to non‐MFN rates and retaliation in kind by its major trading partners—the European Union, China, Mexico, Canada and Japan. We consider four possible responses by developing countries to this trade war: (a) join the trade war; (b) do nothing; (c) form regional trading arrangements with all regions outside the United States; and (d) unilaterally liberalise tariffs on imports from the United States. We find that joining the trade war is the worst option for developing countries (twice as bad as doing nothing); and forming RTAs with non‐U.S. regions and liberalising tariffs on U.S. imports (“turning the other cheek”) is the best. The reason is that a trade war between the United States and its major partners creates opportunities for developing countries to increase their exports to these markets. Liberalising tariffs increases developing countries’ price competitiveness, enabling them to further capitalise on these opportunities.
Comparison of crop and weed height, for potential differentiation of weed patches at harvest
Authors: Shahbazi Nooshin , Flower Ken C. , Callow J. Nikolaus , Mian Ajmal , Ashworth Michael B. , Beckie Hugh J. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractWeeds and weed control are major production costs in global agriculture, with increasing challenges associated with herbicide‐based management because of concerns with chemical residue and herbicide resistance. Non‐chemical weed management may address these challenges but requires the ability to differentiate weeds from crops. Harvest is an ideal opportunity for the differentiation of weeds that grow taller than the crop, however, the ability to differentiate late‐season weeds from the crop is unknown. Weed mapping enables farmers to locate weed patches, evaluate the success of previous weed management strategies, and assist with planning for future herbicide applications. The aim of this study was to determine whether weed patches could be differentiated from the crop plants, based on height differences. Field surveys were carried out before crop harvest in 2018 and 2019, where a total of 86 and 105 weedy patches were manually assessed respectively. The results of this study demonstrated that across the 191 assessed weedy patches, in 97% of patches withAvena fatua(wild oat) plants, 86% withRaphanus raphanistrum(wild radish) plants and 92% withSonchus oleraceusL. (sow thistles) plants it was possible to distinguish the weeds taller than the 95% of the crop plants. Future work should be dedicated to the assessment of the ability of remote sensing methods such as Light Detection and Ranging to detect and map late‐season weed species based on the results from this study on crop and weed height differences.