bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of smallholders’ goat production systems and effect of Boer crossbreeding on body measurements of goats in Burundi
Authors: Manirakiza Josiane , Hatungumukama Gilbert , Besbes Badi , Detilleux Johann 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAs part of a national action plan to manage animal genetic resources in Burundi, we characterized smallholders’ goat production systems and assessed the effect of Boer crossbreeding on animal body measures. To that end, 319 farmers were surveyed in the five agro-ecological zones of Burundi and the zootechnical measures of 939 adult goats were taken. Cluster analysis of the goat production systems resulted into two opposed groups and one intermediate. On the one hand, there are the dry lowlands systems characterized by large herds composed mainly of indigenous animals grazing freely, and having high market characteristics. On the other hand, there are the humid highlands systems characterized by small herds composed of indigenous and crossbred animals in stall feeding or herding/tethering systems, and by low market characteristics. Fixed effect linear models were used to evaluate the effect of Boer crossbreeding on body weights and linear body measures, after adjustment for age, sex, grazing systems and agro-ecological zones. Results showed that least square means for body weights of adult Boer crossbreds were 4.74 kg higher than those of indigenous goats, which was lower than expected. Least square means for linear body measures of Boer crossbreds were significantly higher than those of indigenous breeds: differences in chest girth, body length and height at withers were 4.88 cm, 5.59 cm and 4.82 cm, respectively. Goats were heavier and greater in linear measures in lowlands than in highlands. The advantages and issues of a selection programme within indigenous breeds are discussed as an alternative to the crossbreeding programme.
Facial attribute-controlled sketch-to-image translation with generative adversarial networks
Authors: Hu Mingming , Guo Jingtao 
Published: February 2020

AbstractDue to the rapid development of the generative adversarial networks (GANs) and convolution neural networks (CNN), increasing attention is being paid to face synthesis. In this paper, we address the new and challenging task of facial sketch-to-image synthesis with multiple controllable attributes. To achieve this goal, first, we propose a new attribute classification loss to ensure that the synthesized face image with the facial attributes, which the users desire to have. Second, we employ the reconstruction loss to synthesize the facial texture and structure information. Third, the adversarial loss is used to encourage visual authenticity. By incorporating above losses into a unified framework, our proposed method not only can achieve high-quality sketch-to-image translation, but also allow the users control the facial attributes of synthesized image. Extensive experiments show that user-provided facial attribute information effectively controls the process of facial sketch-to-image translation.
A subgradient extragradient algorithm for solving monotone variational inequalities in Banach spaces
Authors: Ma Fei 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIn this paper, we introduce an algorithm for solving classical variational inequalities problem with Lipschitz continuous and monotone mapping in Banach space. We modify the subgradient extragradient methods with a new and simple iterative step size, the strong convergence of algorithm is established without the knowledge of the Lipschitz constant of the mapping. Finally, a numerical experiment is presented to show the efficiency and advantage of the proposed algorithm. Our results generalize some of the work in Hilbert spaces to Banach spaces.
Stability of a discrete-time general delayed viral model with antibody and cell-mediated immune responses
Authors: Elaiw A. M. , Alshaikh M. A. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractWe propose a discrete-time viral model with antibody and cell-mediated immune responses. Two types of infected cells are incorporated into the model, namely latently infected and actively infected. The incidence rate of infection as well as the production and removal rates of all compartments are modeled by general nonlinear functions. The model contains three types of intracellular time delays. We utilize nonstandard finite difference (NSFD) method to discretize the continuous-time model. We prove that NSFD preserves the positivity and boundedness of the solutions of the model. Based on four threshold parameters, the existence of the five equilibria of the model is established. We perform global stability of all equilibria of the model by using Lyapunov approach. Numerical simulations are carried out to illustrate our theoretical results. The impact of time delay on the viral dynamics is established.
Self-rated health and associated factors among the oldest-old: results from a cross-sectional study in Sweden
Authors: Simonsson Bo , Molarius Anu 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Very few population-based studies have investigated self-rated health and related factors in the increasing age group 85 years or older. The aim of this study was to examine self-rated health and its association with living conditions, lifestyle factors, physical and mental health problems and functional ability among the oldest-old in the general population in Sweden.

Methods
The study is cross-sectional and based on 1360 persons, 85 years of age or older, who answered a survey questionnaire sent to a random population sample in 2012 (participation rate 47%). Multivariate logistic regression was used as the statistical method.

Results
The prevalence of good self-rated health was 39% in men and 30% in women. Physical inactivity, impaired physical mobility, pain, anxiety/depression and longstanding illness were independently associated with poorer than good self-rated health, while factors such as gender, age, educational level, cash margin, living alone, social support, smoking, alcohol use, obesity, accidents and impaired vision/hearing were not.

Conclusions
While a considerable part of the oldest-old assess their health as good, not being physically active and having common health problems such as pain and depression as well as impaired physical mobility are associated with poorer than good self-rated health. This should be considered when planning how to improve and maintain health in the growing population of persons 85 years and older.
Fecal microbiota transplantation to maintain remission in Crohn’s disease: a pilot randomized controlled study
Authors:   Saint-Antoine IBD Network, Sokol Harry , Landman Cecilia , Seksik Philippe , Berard Laurence , Montil Mélissa , Nion-Larmurier Isabelle , Bourrier Anne , Le Gall Guillaume , Lalande Valérie , De Rougemont Alexis , Kirchgesner Julien , Daguenel Anne , Cachanado Marine , Rousseau Alexandra , Drouet Élodie , Rosenzwajg Michelle , Hagege Hervé , Dray Xavier , Klatzman David , Marteau Philippe , Beaugerie Laurent , Simon Tabassome 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
The role of the gut microbiota in Crohn’s disease (CD) is established and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is an attractive therapeutic strategy. No randomized controlled clinical trial results are available. We performed a randomized, single-blind, sham-controlled pilot trial of FMT in adults with colonic or ileo-colonic CD.

Method
Patients enrolled while in flare received oral corticosteroid. Once in clinical remission, patients were randomized to receive either FMT or sham transplantation during a colonoscopy. Corticosteroids were tapered and a second colonoscopy was performed at week 6. The primary endpoint was the implantation of the donor microbiota at week 6 (Sorensen index > 0.6).

Results
Eight patients received FMT and nine sham transplantation. None of the patients reached the primary endpoint. The steroid-free clinical remission rate at 10 and 24 weeks was 44.4% (4/9) and 33.3% (3/9) in the sham transplantation group and 87.5% (7/8) and 50.0% (4/8; one patient loss of follow-up while in remission at week 12 and considered in flare at week 24) in the FMT group. Crohn’s Disease Endoscopic Index of Severity decreased 6 weeks after FMT (p = 0.03) but not after sham transplantation (p = 0.8). Conversely, the CRP level increased 6 weeks after sham transplantation (p = 0.008) but not after FMT (p = 0.5). Absence of donor microbiota engraftment was associated with flare. No safety signal was identified.

Conclusion
The primary endpoint was not reached for any patient. In this pilot study, higher colonization by donor microbiota was associated with maintenance of remission. These results must be confirmed in larger studies (NCT02097797).
Dispersal and life-history traits in a spider with rapid range expansion
Authors: Wolz Marina , Klockmann Michael , Schmitz Torben , Pekár Stano , Bonte Dries , Uhl Gabriele 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Dispersal and reproduction are key life-history traits that jointly determine species’ potential to expand their distribution, for instance in light of ongoing climate change. These life-history traits are known to be under selection by changing local environmental conditions, but they may also evolve by spatial sorting. While local natural selection and spatial sorting are mainly studied in model organisms, we do not know the degree to which these processes are relevant in the wild, despite their importance to a comprehensive understanding of species’ resistance and tolerance to climate change.

Methods
The wasp spider Argiope bruennichi has undergone a natural range expansion - from the Mediterranean to Northern Europe during the recent decades. Using reciprocal common garden experiments in the laboratory, we studied differences in crucial traits between replicated core (Southern France) and edge (Baltic States) populations. We tested theoretical predictions of enhanced dispersal (ballooning behaviour) and reproductive performance (fecundity and winter survival) at the expansion front due to spatial sorting and local environmental conditions.

Results
Dispersal rates were not consistently higher at the northern expansion front, but were impacted by the overwintering climatic conditions experienced, such that dispersal was higher when spiderlings had experienced winter conditions as occur in their region. Hatching success and winter survival were lower at the range border. In agreement with theoretical predictions, spiders from the northern leading edge invested more in reproduction for their given body size.

Conclusions
We found no evidence for spatial sorting leading to higher dispersal in northern range edge populations of A. bruennichi. However, reproductive investment and overwintering survival between core and edge populations differed. These life-history traits that directly affect species’ expansion rates seem to have diverged during the recent range expansion of A. bruennichi. We discuss the observed changes with respect to the species’ natural history and the ecological drivers associated with range expansion to northern latitudes.
Inflammation of the choroid plexus in progressive multiple sclerosis: accumulation of granulocytes and T cells
Authors: Rodríguez-Lorenzo Sabela , Konings Julia , van der Pol Susanne , Kamermans Alwin , Amor Sandra , van Horssen Jack , Witte Maarten E. , Kooij Gijs , de Vries Helga E. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe choroid plexus (CP) is strategically located between the peripheral blood and the cerebrospinal fluid, and is involved in the regulation of central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis. In multiple sclerosis (MS), demyelination and inflammation occur in the CNS. While experimental animal models of MS pointed to the CP as a key route for immune cell invasion of the CNS, little is known about the distribution of immune cells in the human CP during progressive phases of MS. Here, we use immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy to explore the main immune cell populations in the CP of progressive MS patients and non-neuroinflammatory controls, in terms of abundance and location within the distinct CP compartments. We show for the first time that the CP stromal density of granulocytes and CD8+ T cells is higher in progressive MS patients compared to controls. In line with previous studies, the CP of both controls and progressive MS patients contains relatively high numbers of macrophages and dendritic cells. Moreover, we found virtually no B cells or plasma cells in the CP. MHCII+ antigen-presenting cells were often found in close proximity to T cells, suggesting constitutive CNS immune monitoring functions of the CP. Together, our data highlights the role of the CP in immune homeostasis and indicates the occurrence of mild inflammatory processes in the CP of progressive MS patients. However, our findings suggest that the CP is only marginally involved in immune cell migration into the CNS in chronic MS.
Inelastic deformation zone in the lower crust for the San-in Shear Zone, Southwest Japan, as observed by a dense GNSS network
Authors: Meneses-Gutierrez Angela , Nishimura Takuya 
Published: February 2020

AbstractWe analyze Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) within the San-in Shear Zone (SSZ), Southwest Japan, in order to clarify the width of the inelastic deformation zone in the lower crust beneath it. We assumed multiple discrete fault dislocations distributed below the seismogenic depth in a channel to represent inelastic deformation in the lower crust. Kinematic models at 68% confidence level at three profiles indicate that deformation can be explained by a deep inelastic deformation zone with a width of 0.5–56.0 km, 0.5–79.5 km, and 0.0–58.5 km, for the Eastern, Central and Western profiles, respectively; and a relative moving rate between the two blocks sandwiching the zone of 6.2–8.0 mm/year. In Eastern Tottori, the center of the estimated inelastic zone coincides with the source region of the 1943 Tottori earthquake. In Central and Western Tottori, the channel is in agreement with the source regions of the 2000 Western and the 2016 Central Tottori earthquake. Current GNSS network provides a limited contribution to constraining the width of the deformation in the lower crust.
Metachronous rupture of a residual pancreaticoduodenal aneurysm after release of the median arcuate ligament: a case report
Authors: Kimura Nana , Matsui Koshi , Shibuya Kazuto , Yoshioka Isaku , Naruto Norihito , Hoshino Yui , Mori Kosuke , Hirano Katsuhisa , Watanabe Toru , Hojo Shozo , Sawada Shigeaki , Okumura Tomoyuki , Nagata Takuya , Noguchi Kyo , Fujii Tsutomu 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Multiple pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysms in association with median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) are relatively rare. A treatment option, such as a median arcuate ligament (MAL) release or embolization of the aneurysms, should be considered in such cases, but the treatment criteria remain unclear.

Case report
A 75-year-old man was transferred to our hospital because of a ruptured pancreaticoduodenal aneurysm. Emergency angiography showed stenosis of the root of the celiac axis (CA), a ruptured aneurysm of the posterior inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery (PIPDA), and an unruptured aneurysm of the anterior inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery (AIPDA). Coil embolization of the PIPDA was performed. Five days after embolization, the gallbladder became necrotic due to decreased blood flow in the CA region, and an emergency operation was performed. We performed a cholecystectomy and released the MAL to normalize the blood flow of the CA region. However, the patient died on postoperative day 8 because of rupture of the untreated aneurysm of the AIPDA.

Conclusions
This is the first report of metachronous ruptures of multiple pancreaticoduodenal aneurysms due to MALS, even after a MAL release. Although rare, a residual aneurysm in the pancreatic head region may need to be embolized quickly.
Ruptured visceral artery aneurysms in a patient of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1) successfully treated by endovascular treatment
Authors: Fukushima Naoko , Aoki Hiroaki , Takenaga Shinsuke , Morikawa Kazuhiko , Ogawa Masaichi , Yanaga Katsuhiko 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1) is an autosomal dominant disease and arteriovenous abnormalities are a well-recognized complication. There are several case reports of ruptured aneurysms; however, among them, reports of superior pancreaticoduodenal artery (PDA) and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) aneurysms are rare. We experienced the case of ruptured PDA and SMA aneurysms in a patient of neurofibromatosis type I successfully treated by endovascular treatment.

Case presentation
A 55-year-old woman with NF-1 came to our hospital with abdominal pain and vomiting. Enhanced abdominal computed tomography revealed a hematoma in the retroperitoneum and an aneurysm in the head of the pancreas. Angiography was performed, and a ruptured aneurysm was suspected the periphery of the PDA, and we embolized it using coils. However, on postoperative day 2, the hemoglobin level decreased, and a branch of the SMA was ruptured. She underwent embolization using coils again and discharged on postoperative day 27 without any further hemorrhage.

Conclusions
To our knowledge, this is the first successfully treated case of ruptured SMA and PDA aneurysms in a patient with NF-1.
Laparoscopic two-stage operation for rectal cancer with refractory obstructive colitis after kidney transplantation: a case report
Authors: Fujinaga Atsuro , Akagi Tomonori , Etoh Tsuyoshi , Tada Kazuhiro , Itai Yusuke , Kono Yohei , Hiratsuka Takahiro , Suzuki Kosuke , Shibata Tomotaka , Ueda Yoshitake , Toujigamori Manabu , Shiroshita Hidefumi , Shiraishi Norio , Inomata Masafumi 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Although obstructive colitis with colon cancer is not a rare disease, most cases can be improved with conservative therapy. We report a case of a patient who underwent a laparoscopic two-stage operation for rectal cancer with refractory obstructive colitis after kidney transplantation.

Case presentation
The patient was a 71-year-old man taking immunosuppressants who had previously undergone right living kidney transplantation for chronic nephritis. He presented to hospital complaining of abdominal pain and was diagnosed as having rectal cancer with obstructive colitis. Although conservative therapy by fasting was continued for 5 weeks, his obstructive colitis did not improve. Therefore, we decided to perform a two-stage operation. First, we performed a laparoscopic Hartmann’s operation. It took 6 months for his obstructive colitis to improve after this operation, and then we performed a laparoscopic colorectal anastomosis. There were no postoperative complications in either operation.

Conclusion
A laparoscopic two-stage operation could be one of the operative options to reduce postoperative complications in patients with comorbidities such as taking immunosuppressants.
Designing integrated interventions to improve nutrition and WASH behaviors in Kenya
Authors: Jacob Arriola Kimberly R. , Ellis Anna , Webb-Girard Amy , Ogutu Emily Awino , McClintic Emilie , Caruso Bethany , Freeman Matthew C. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundChild stunting, an indicator of chronic malnutrition, is a global public health problem. Malnutrition during pregnancy and the first 2 years of life undermines the survival, growth, and development of children. Exposure to fecal pathogens vis-à-vis inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) has been implicated in the etiology of child stunting, highlighting the need to integrate WASH with nutrition-sensitive interventions to comprehensively address this complex problem. The aim of this study was to describe a systematic, theoretically informed approach (that drew from the Starr and Fornoff approach to the Theory of Change development and the Behavior Change Wheel approach) to design a multi-component and integrated social and behavior change intervention to improve WASH and nutrition-related behaviors in western Kenya.MethodsThis intervention was developed to be integrated into an existing project that utilized the care group model and aimed to create a culture of care and support for HIV/AIDS-affected children under two and their caregivers and was executed by local partners. We tested the newly created intervention packages in user-testing trials using an adapted Trials of Improved Practices approach to pilot acceptability and feasibility.ResultsUsing authentic stakeholder engagement and relevant theories, we conducted an 8-step process: (1) conduct mixed methods formative research, (2) prioritize target behaviors, (3) use causal analysis to create problem trees, (4) develop solution trees and articulate assumptions and rationales for change, (5) link solution trees to intervention functions, (6) develop the intervention plan, (7) create the intervention packages, and (8) test and refine the intervention packages.ConclusionsThis study highlights the need to take a multi-sectorial, integrated approach that integrates contextually relevant behavior change theories with the experiential knowledge gleaned from stakeholders into the design of interventions that seek to reduce child stunting. This process resulted in the creation of intervention packages that grouped behaviors thematically to be most relevant and responsive to the population context. This work has the potential to make important contributions towards achievement of the United Nations’ sustainable development goals.
Blood pressure trajectory modeling in childhood: birth-cohort study
Authors: Lee Jung Won , Kim Nameun , Park Bohyun , Park Hyesook , Kim Hae Soon 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundSystolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) tends to increase with age and increase in proportion to body weight and height. Recent epidemiological and longitudinal cohort studies have found that high BP in children can be progressed into hypertension (HTN) in adulthood. Therefore, the aim of this study is that we monitor and analyze the tendency of the BP trajectory in children from the age of 3 years to the age of 10 years.MethodA total of 767 subjects were gathered from Ewha Birth and Growth cohort study. We observed and analyzed the data of 65 subjects which were completely repeated measures for 6 times as 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10 years old follow-up. We collected retrospective information such as BP and anthropometric data measured for children and constructed the trajectory models of SBP and DBP in early stage of life.ResultsThree distinct trajectories on SBP and DBP from 3 to 10 years old were identified. As a result of SBP, 82.7% (n = 54) of subjects experienced moderate SBP levels maintained stable levels; 13.7% (n = 9) of subjects experienced a rapid increase as the age increase; 3.6% (n = 2) of subjects experienced high SBP levels throughout follow-up as moderate grade. For DBP, 6.7% (n = 4) of subjects started with low levels and experienced generally a gradual grade; 61.7% (n = 41) of subjects started with moderate levels and experienced a steep increase at 7-years-old; 31.6% (n = 20) of subjects experienced a rapid increase on DBP levels.ConclusionThe result of study shows tendency of increase BP as the age increase. This research inspires that we verify risk group and risk factor in early stage of life with trajectory modeling for the HTN prevention in adulthood.