bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The variation in hectolitre weight of wheat grain fed with or without enzyme supplementation influences nutrient digestibility and subsequently affects performance in pigs
Authors: Clarke Louise C. , Sweeney Torres , Duffy Sarah K. , Rajauria Gaurav , O’Doherty John V. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractA 2 × 2 factorial experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of feeding a wheat‐based diet of two different hectolitre weights (66 vs. 74 kg/hl), achieved through different agronomical conditions, with or without the supplementation of a β‐glucanase and β‐xylanase enzyme mix on young pigs. The parameter categories which were assessed included growth performance, coefficient of apparent total tract digestibility (CATTD), faecal consistency, faecal microbial populations and faecal volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations. Sixty‐four pigs (11.6 kg SD 0.97) were assigned to one of four dietary treatments: (T1) low hectolitre weight wheat diet, (T2) low hectolitre weight wheat diet containing 0.1 g/kg β‐glucanase and β‐xylanase enzyme supplement, (T3) high hectolitre weight wheat diet and (T4) high hectolitre weight wheat diet containing 0.1 g/kg β‐glucanase and β‐xylanase enzyme supplement. The inclusion of wheat was 500 g/kg in the diet. The low hectolitre weight grain had a higher level of zearalenone, aflatoxin and ochratoxin contamination compared to the high hectolitre weight grain. The high hectolitre weight wheat had a higher gross energy (GE), crude protein (CP) and lysine contents compared to the low hectolitre weight wheat. Pigs offered the low hectolitre weight diet had a lower average daily gain (ADG) (p < 0.001), a lower gain to feed (G:F) ratio (p < 0.001) and a higher faecal score (more diarrhoea) (p < 0.001) compared to pigs offered the high hectolitre weight. The low hectolitre weight diet had a reduced CATTD (p < 0.05) of nitrogen (N) and gross energy (GE) compared with pigs offered the high hectolitre weight diet. In conclusion, the higher level of mycotoxins and lower content of GE, CP and lysine in the low‐quality wheat reduced ADG and the CATTD of nutrients in pigs offered this diet. The inclusion of a β‐glucanase and β‐xylanase enzyme mix had no effect on growth performance or nutrient digestibility.
Dynamic changes of fatty acids and minerals in sow milk during lactation
Authors: Hu Ping , Yang Huairong , Lv Bo , Zhao Daoyuan , Wang Jing , Zhu Weiyun 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe objective of the present study was to explore the changes in fatty acids (FAs) and minerals composition in sow milk in order to improve the knowledge about FAs and mineral requirements for piglets. The FAs and minerals composition in the sow milk samples which were collected from ten sows during a period of 16 days of lactation was analysed. The proportion of FAs in sow milk has a significant increase in C8:0, C10:0, C12:0, C14:0, C16:0, C14:1 and C16:1 FAs and the sum of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) according to the lactation period (p < 0.05). The proportion of C18:2 cis‐9,12 FA and the sum of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) significantly decreased with the advancing of lactation (p < 0.05). The concentrations of minerals, including potassium, copper, manganese and zinc, were higher on day 1 and day 2 than those on day 13 and day 16 (p < 0.05). On the contrary, the lowest concentrations of calcium, sodium, magnesium and iron and the lowest molar calcium: phosphorus ratio emerged in colostrum (p < 0.05). In summary, our results demonstrated FAs profile and minerals concentrations were changed with lactation period. Better understanding of the changes of FAs and minerals may be valuable to swine nutritionists in the commercial industry. In addition, those results provided some meaningful information for sow's diet formulation during lactation.
Effects of isoquinoline alkaloids from Macleaya cordata on physiological, immunological and inflammatory parameters in healthy beagles
Authors: Faehnrich B. , Pastor A. , Heide C. , Kröger S. , Zentek J. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe aim of the study was to investigate nutritional, physiological and immunological effects of a plant‐derived blend of isoquinoline alkaloids (Sangrovit® Extra) in healthy dogs. Two groups of healthy, adult beagles (N = 10) were tested in a cross‐over experiment, lasting two consecutive three‐week periods. The experimental group received 1.2 g additive/kg feed, according to the recommendation of 10–20 mg/kg live weight per day. The control group received the same feed without additive. Complete blood count, immunological parameters and amino acid concentrations in serum were assessed. Faeces were analysed for short‐chain fatty acids, lactate and ammonium; moreover, their quantity and consistency were determined. Neither feed intake, total apparent nutrient digestibility (crude protein and fat, organic matter, sodium, potassium) were affected by intake of the product. Lymphocyte and monocyte counts were slightly increased in both groups. Elevation was not treatment dependant. IgA, IgG, haptoglobin in serum and flow cytometric phenotyping of peripheral lymphocytes were not affected by alkaloids supplementation. Numerically greater methionine concentrations in blood serum occurred in the experimental group (p = 0.182). Quantity and consistency of faeces and ammonium concentration in faeces were not affected by the additive. Faecal concentrations of short‐chain organic acids differed between groups (acetic acid, % of total SCFA: control group 52.3 ± 5.2 vs. experimental group 57.1 ± 4.5, p = 0.042), lactate concentrations (d‐, l‐ and total) did not. Due to the shift of SCFA proportions in faeces, an effect of isoquinoline alkaloids (IQs) on the metabolic activity of intestinal microbiota is probable. In conclusion, the addition of IQs in the given dose was well tolerated and did not have adverse effects in healthy dogs.
Mosaic modularity: an updated perspective and research agenda for the evolution of vascular cambial growth
Authors: Tomescu Alexandru M. F. , Groover Andrew T. 
Published: December 2018

SummarySecondary growth from a vascular cambium, present today only in seed plants and isoetalean lycophytes, has a 400‐million‐yr evolutionary history that involves considerably broader taxonomic diversity, most of it hidden in the fossil record. Approaching vascular cambial growth as a complex developmental process, we review data from living plants and fossils that reveal diverse modes of secondary growth. These are consistent with a modular nature of secondary growth, when considered as a tracheophyte‐wide structural feature. This modular perspective identifies putative constituent developmental modules of cambial growth, for which we review developmental anatomy and regulation. Based on these data, we propose a hypothesis that explains the sources of diversity of secondary growth, considered across the entire tracheophyte clade, and opens up new avenues for exploring the origin of secondary growth. In this hypothesis, various modes of secondary growth reflect a mosaic pattern of expression of different developmental–regulatory modules among different lineages. We outline an approach that queries three information systems (living seed plants, living seed‐free plants, and fossils) and integrates data on developmental regulation, anatomy, gene evolution and phylogeny to test the mosaic modularity hypothesis and its implications, and to inform efforts aimed at understanding the evolution of secondary growth.
Imbalance of peripheral follicular helper T lymphocyte subsets in active vitiligo
Authors: Jacquemin Clément , Taieb Alain , Boniface Katia , Seneschal Julien ,   the FHU ACRONIM
Published: December 2018

AbstractVitiligo is an autoimmune disease characterized by the presence of several autoantibodies, some of which are directed against melanocyte components and have been shown to be associated with the progression of the disease. However, the mechanism involved in the production of autoantibodies remains unclear. Follicular helper CD4+ T cells (TFH) are specialized in B‐cell activation and antibody production, especially the TFH cell subsets type 2 and type 17. To date, TFH cell subsets have not been studied in human vitiligo. This study in 44 vitiligo patients and 19 healthy controls showed an increase in circulating TFH cells associated with disease clinical progression. A more precise analysis of TFH cell phenotype demonstrated that vitiligo is characterized by populations of peripheral TFH cells responsible for helping B‐cell function, such as TFH type 2 and type 17 which produce Th2‐ and TH17‐related cytokines, respectively. These findings suggest a new mechanism involving TFH cell subsets in the pathogenesis of human vitiligo and leading to the production of autoantibodies and disease.
Changing the norms that drive intimate partner violence: findings from a cluster randomised trial on what predisposes bystanders to take action in Kampala, Uganda
Authors: Abramsky Tanya , Musuya Tina , Namy Sophie , Watts Charlotte , Michau Lori 
Published: December 2018

IntroductionDespite widespread calls to end violence against women, there remains limited evidence on how to prevent it. Community-level programmes seek to engage all levels of the community in changing norms that drive intimate partner violence (IPV). However, little is known about what predisposes ordinary people to become active in violence prevention.MethodsUsing data from the SASA! study, a cluster randomised trial of a community mobilisation intervention in Kampala, Uganda, we explore which community members are most likely to intervene when they witness IPV. A cross-sectional survey of community members (18–49 years) was conducted 4 years after intervention implementation began (2012). Among those who had seen IPV in their community (past year), multivariate logistic regression, disaggregated by sex and trial arm, explored the associations between ‘trying to help’ and demographics, IPV experience (women)/perpetration (men), childhood abuse experiences, IPV attitudes and SASA! exposure.ResultsOverall, SASA! community members were more likely to intervene than their control counterparts (57% vs 31%). In control communities, older age (women), increasing relationship duration (men), talking to neighbours (men) and believing it is okay for a woman to tell if she is experiencing IPV (men) were positively associated with trying to help. In SASA! communities associated factors were increasing relationship duration (women/men), employment (women), talking to neighbours (women), childhood abuse experiences (women), lifetime IPV (women/men), IPV-related attitudes (women/men) and greater SASA! exposure (women/men).ConclusionsDiffering results between intervention and control communities suggest contextual factors may modify the effects of personal characteristics/experiences on helping behaviours. Motivation to act brought about by personal experiences of IPV, for example, might only propel individuals into action if they are equipped with the skills, confidence and support of others to do so. Community mobilisation can help create environments and synergies supportive of action.Trial registration numberNCT00790959.Study protocolAvailable athttp://www.trialsjournal.com/content/13/1/96.
Insufficient sleep and fitness to drive in shift workers: a systematic literature review protocol
Authors: Knott Melissa , Classen Sherrilene , Krasniuk Sarah , Tippett Marisa , Alvarez Liliana 
Published: December 2018

BackgroundThe majority of shift workers experience insufficient sleep as a result of their employment. Insufficient sleep is associated with impaired neurocognitive functioning, affecting key skills required for driving, resulting in shift workers experiencing a disproportionate burden of RTC injuries and fatalities. Yet, to our knowledge, no systematic literature review (SLR) exists to critically appraise and synthesise evidence on the determinants of fitness to drive (assessed on-road) and driving performance (assessed in a driving simulator) in shift workers with insufficient sleep.ObjectivesA SLR protocol is established to conduct analysis and synthesis of the level of evidence and confidence in the determinants of fitness to drive and driving performance, among shift workers with insufficient sleep.MethodsThis study follows Cooper and Hedges’ established SLR methodology: formulate the problem, locate and select studies, collect data, appraise critically, analyse and present data, interpret results and disseminate information. Critical appraisal and analysis follows the 2017 American Academy of Neurology guidelines determining the level of evidence and the level of confidence for each determinant identified in the literature. Protocol and results reporting adhere to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols guidelines.ConclusionsThis SLR contributes to research evidence examining the impact of insufficient sleep and driver sleepiness on fitness to drive and driving performance. Analysis of the level of evidence and level of confidence in the existing literature will advance evidence-informed prevention strategies and critical decision-making, to mitigate adverse effects of insufficient sleep for improving road safety.
Work absence due to compensable RTCs in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Gray Shannon Elise , Gabbe Belinda J , Collie Alex 
Published: December 2018

IntroductionRTC burden is commonly measured using fatality or hospitalisation statistics. However, non-fatal and less severe injuries contribute substantial economic and human costs, including work absence. In Victoria, Australia, two major compensation systems provide income support to employed people injured in RTCs; workers’ compensation (if RTC occurred during work) and an RTC-specific compensation system. This study aimed to describe the number and rate of episodes of work absence due to compensable RTC and determine factors associated with work-related RTC resulting in work absence.MethodsAdministrative data for working-age people (15–65 years) with accepted compensation claims between 1 July 2003 and 30 June 2013 were extracted from Victoria’s Compensation Research Database and analysed. Injured people receiving at least one day of income support were retained. Rate calculations used Victoria’s labour force as the denominator and negative binomial regression determined any time-based trend changes. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine odds of the RTC being work-related.ResultsThere were 40 677 claims made by workers with an RTC injury that consequently missed work, averaging 4068 claims per year at a rate of 12.9 per 100 000 working population. Work-related cases contributed 17.4% (N=7061). Males, older adults and RTCs involving heavy vehicles, buses, trains and trams had higher odds of a work-related RTC resulting in work absence. More severe injuries tended not to be work-related.ConclusionsWork absence due to RTC injury constitutes a substantial burden, and this measure could provide a valuable addition to conventional RTC statistics.
Use of supplemental oxygen in emergency patients: a systematic review and recommendations for military clinical practice
Authors: Cottey Laura , Jefferys S , Woolley T , Smith J E 
Published: December 2018

IntroductionSupplemental oxygen is a key element of emergency treatment algorithms. However, in the operational environment, oxygen supply poses a challenge. The lack of high-quality evidence alongside emerging technologies provides the opportunity to challenge current guidelines. The aim of this review was to appraise the evidence for the administration of oxygen in emergency patients and give recommendations for its use in clinical practice.MethodsA critical review of the literature was undertaken to determine the evidence for emergency supplemental oxygen use.ResultsBased on interpretation of the limited available evidence, five key recommendations are made: pulse oximetry should be continuous and initiated as early as possible; oxygen should be available to all trauma and medical patients in the forward operating environment; if peripheral oxygen saturations (SpO2) are greater than or equal to 92%, supplemental oxygen is not routinely required; if SpO2is less than 92%, supplemental oxygen should be titrated to achieve an SpO2of greater than 92%; and if flow rates of greater than 5 L/min are required, then urgent evacuation and critical care support should be requested.ConclusionOxygen is not universally required for all patients. Current guidelines aim to prevent hypoxia but with potentially conservative limits. Oxygen should be administered to maintain SpO2at 92% or above. New areas for research, highlighted in this review, may provide a future approach for oxygen use from point of injury to definitive care.
Perceptions of health and healthcare in ex-Army residents of Tameside: a pilot qualitative study
Authors: Senior Steven L. 
Published: December 2018

BackgroundLocal authorities and other service providers need data on their local ex-military communities to be able to plan services. However, published research and data may not be applicable to the local population. Qualitative research offers a relatively low-cost way to get insights into the needs of local ex-military communities.MethodsA pilot study using in-depth interviews with a small convenience sample of former ex-Army residents of Tameside. Framework analysis was used to identify and group themes arising from the data. This study was conducted using the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research.ResultsWhile participants saw mental health as a particular challenge, they felt that it tends to get disproportionate attention relative to other needs. The study identified potential barriers to accessing health services that arise from an interaction between aspects of military and civilian healthcare culture and practices. Participants also said that military service could affect the health of both partners and children and that these effects might be more pronounced at key times, such as during adolescence.ConclusionParticipants’ perceptions of the health of former members of the Armed forces reflect the published epidemiological literature. This suggests that qualitative data can be valid for understanding the health needs of local ex-military communities. Further research is needed to test the findings here with a broader group of ex-military personnel, to explore the barriers faced in accessing healthcare and to understand the health needs of the families of ex-service personnel.
Childbearing and maternity leave in residency: determinants and well-being outcomes
Authors: Stack Shobha W , McKinney Christy M , Spiekerman Charles , Best Jennifer A 
Published: December 2018

AbstractPurposeTo characterise determinants of resident maternity leave and their effect on maternal and infant well-being. Among non-parents, to identify factors that influence the decision to delay childbearingStudy designIn 2016, a survey was sent to female residents at a large academic medical centre on their experiences with maternity leave, the impact of personal and programme factors on length of leave, reasons for delaying childbearing and measures of well-being.ResultsForty-four percent (214/481) of residents responded. Fifty (23%) residents were parents, and 25 (12%) took maternity leave during training. The average maternity leave length was 8.4 weeks and did not differ across programme type, size or programme director gender but was longer for programmes with fewer women than men. The most common self-reported determinant of leave was financial. Residents with &gt;8 weeks of leave were less likely to have postpartum depression or burnout and more likely to breastfeed longer, perceive support from colleagues and programme directors, and be satisfied with resident parenthood. Among 104 non-parents who were married or partnered, 84 (81%) were delaying childbearing, citing busy work schedules, concern for burdening colleagues and finances.ConclusionsThis study suggests that multiple aspects of resident wellbeing are associated with longer maternity leaves, yet finances and professional relationships hinder length of leave and lead to delayed childbearing. These issues could be addressed at a programme level with clear policies describing how work is redistributed during parental leave and at an institutional and state level through provision of paid family leave.
Growth/differentiation factor 15 causes TGFβ-activated kinase 1-dependent muscle atrophy in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Garfield Benjamin E , Crosby Alexi , Shao Dongmin , Yang Peiran , Read Cai , Sawiak Steven , Moore Stephen , Parfitt Lisa , Harries Carl , Rice Martin , Paul Richard , Ormiston Mark L , Morrell Nicholas W , Polkey Michael I , Wort Stephen John , Kemp Paul R 
Published: December 2018

IntroductionSkeletal muscle dysfunction is a clinically important complication of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Growth/differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15), a prognostic marker in PAH, has been associated with muscle loss in other conditions. We aimed to define the associations of GDF-15 and muscle wasting in PAH, to assess its utility as a biomarker of muscle loss and to investigate its downstream signalling pathway as a therapeutic target.MethodsGDF-15 levels and measures of muscle size and strength were analysed in the monocrotaline (MCT) rat, Sugen/hypoxia mouse and in 30 patients with PAH. In C2C12 myotubes the downstream targets of GDF-15 were identified. The pathway elucidated was then antagonised in vivo.ResultsCirculating GDF-15 levels correlated with tibialis anterior (TA) muscle fibre diameter in the MCT rat (Pearson r=−0.61, p=0.003). In patients with PAH, plasma GDF-15 levels of <564 pg/L predicted those with preserved muscle strength with a sensitivity and specificity of ≥80%. In vitro GDF-15 stimulated an increase in phosphorylation of TGFβ-activated kinase 1 (TAK1). Antagonising TAK1, with 5(Z)-7-oxozeaenol, in vitro and in vivo led to an increase in fibre diameter and a reduction in mRNA expression of atrogin-1 in both C2C12 cells and in the TA of animals who continued to grow. Circulating GDF-15 levels were also reduced in those animals which responded to treatment.ConclusionsCirculating GDF-15 is a biomarker of muscle loss in PAH that is responsive to treatment. TAK1 inhibition shows promise as a method by which muscle atrophy may be directly prevented in PAH.Trial registration numberNCT01847716; Results.