bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Absorbable suture can be effectively and safely used to close the mesenteric defect in a gastric bypass Sprague-Dawley Rat Model
Authors: Yao Libin , Dolo Ponnie Robertlee , Shao Yong , Li Chao , Widjaja Jason , Hong Jian , Zhu Xiaocheng 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background: To observe if absorbable suture can effectively and safely be used to close the mesenteric defect after Roux-en-Y reconstruction.
Methods: Rats were randomly assigned to 5 experimental groups according to different suture materials used in closing the mesenteric defects (Peterson’s space) after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Group A (control group), Group B (non-absorbable suture, Prolene suture), Group C (biological glue), Group D (non-absorbable suture, polyester suture) and Group E (absorbable suture). All rats were followed up for 8 weeks postoperatively and underwent laparotomy to observe the degree of adhesion and closure of the mesenteric defect.
Results: No significant difference was found in the decrease in food intake and body weight among all groups. No internal hernia (IH) occurred in any group. The mesenteric defects of Group A remained completely visible without any closure or adhesion. Multiple gaps were found between Prolene suture and the mesentery along the suture line in Group B. The mesenteric defects of Group C were complete closed with multiple adhesions of the small intestine and the greater omentum. The mesenteric defects had closed completely in both Group D and Group E. Average adhesion score of Group A and Group B was 0 and 0.33±0.52 respectively. Average adhesion score was higher in group C (3.83±0.41) than the other groups (p＜0.05). Group D and E had similar average adhesion score, 3.17±0.41 and 3.00±0.00 respectively.
Conclusion: Absorbable sutures can be effectively and safely used to close the mesenteric defect in a rat model.
What shapes physical activity attitudes within an ethnic minority? An intergenerational comparison of British Indian women
Authors: Bhatnagar Prachi , Foster Charlie , Shaw Alison 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background: Survey data indicate that second-generation UK South Asian women are more physically active than first-generation women, but less active than White British women. In the 2011 UK census, approximately 50% of UK South Asian ethnic groups were born in the UK, and this group is increasing as the second-generation also have children. Qualitative work is needed to determine why these changes in physical activity have occurred and how we might further reduce the gap in physical activity levels between White British women and British Indian women.
Methods : We used qualitative methods to understand attitudes, barriers and motivations for physical activity in two generations of British Indian women, using a socioecological model to take into account the wider social and physical contexts. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 28 Indian women living in Manchester, England. Respondents completed a 7-day exercise diary prior to the interview. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, thematically coded and analysed using a grounded theory approach.
Results : Gender strongly influenced the physical activity of both the first and second-generation. Physical activity lessons in school and the media influenced second-generation Indian women's attitudes to physical activity. Consequently, their motivations and barriers to physical activity were very similar to those reported for White British women. Second-generation Muslim women reported their religion affecting the way they exercise, however this was not the case for the Hindu and Sikh women in this study. First-generation Indian women reported prioritising family and housework over leisure-time physical activity; this is similar to findings reported in previous research on physical activity in South Asian women.
Conclusions : Among second-generation Indian women, gender-related barriers to physical activity were very similar to those already reported for White British women. Therefore public health measures aimed at combating conflicts between femininity and being physically active may also positively affect second-generation Indian women. First-generation Indian women are likely to respond better to culturally tailored interventions. Future research should further explore the effects of religion on the physical activity on women and generational differences in the physical activity attitudes of other ethnic minorities.
High concentration of plasma cell free DNA alerting disease recurrence in high risk neuroblastoma children
Authors: Su Yan , Wang Lijun , Jiang Chiyi , Yue Zhixia , Fan Hongjun , Hong Huimin , Duan Chao , Jin Mei , Zhang Dawei , Qiu Lihua , Cheng Xianfeng , Xu Zhong , Ma Xiaoli 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background Neuroblastoma is the third-most common cancer in children. The high rate of tumor recurrence accounts for a low survival rate in high risk neuroblastoma. Therefore it is clinically of extreme importance to find an effective biomarker for alerting disease recurrence.Methods Total 116 high risk neuroblastoma patients were recruited in Beijing Children’s Hospital from February, 2015 to December, 2017. All patients had received multiple-disciplinary treatment, then went into maintenance treatment phase after evaluation. Blood samples were collected to quantify plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) at time points of the beginning of maintenance treatment, every three months afterwards, and diagnosis of recurrence.Results Results showed that 36 high risk neuroblastoma patients developed recurrence during maintenance treatment. The plasma cfDNA concentration was significantly higher in recurrence than in event-free patients (29.34 ng/ml VS 10.32 ng/ml). The time span of cfDNA level higher than 29 ng/ml was consistently detected ahead of recurrence at mean of 0.55 months. The ROC analysis showed that AUC was 0.825, optimal sensitivity and specificity of 80.6% and 71.3% respectively, at cfDNA level of 12.93 ng/ml.Conclusions We concluded that high level of plasma cfDNA could serve as a promising molecular marker to alert recurrence disease in high risk neuroblastoma children.
Premature Mortality of Gastrointestinal Cancer in Iran: Trends and Projections for 2001–2030
Authors: Shadmani Fatemeh Khosravi , Farzadfar Farshad , Yoosefi Moein , Mansori Kamyar , Shadman Reza Khosravi , Haghdoost Ali Akbar 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to determine the trend and projection of premature mortality from gastrointestinal cancers (GI) at national and subnational levels in Iran.
Methods: According to the data gathered through Iranian Death Registry System (DRS) and population data from census, mortality rate was calculated among 30-70 age group. The trends of premature mortality of esophageal, colon and rectum, gallbladder, pancreases, stomach, and liver cancers were estimated and projected at the national and subnational levels from 2001 to 2030. Spatio-temporal model was used to project spatial and temporal correlations.
Results: The mortality rate of GI cancers in males was higher than females, indicating 6.1, 3.9 and 3.9 percent per 100000 in 2001, 2015 and 2030 respectively among males; whereas, the corresponding values for females were 3.8, 3.1 and 3.7 per 100000. The mortality rate of GI cancers had been decreasing by 2015 but it will remain stable by 2030 in males; however, the rate will be increasing in females. Also, there was a considerable variation in the mortality trends of different cancers. Pancreatic, gallbladder, and liver cancers were shown to have an increasing trend while a dropped was observed in the mortality of stomach, colon and rectum, and esophageal cancers.
Conclusion: The difference in the patterns of GI cancers and their trends around the country showed that a more comprehensive control plan is needed that includes the predicted variations.
Maternal Perceptions of the Experience of Attempted Labor Induction and Medically Elective Inductions: Analysis of Survey Results from Listening to Mothers in California
Authors: Declercq Eugene , Belanoff Candice , Iverson Ronald 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background

The rate of induction of labor in the U.S. has risen from 9.6% in 1990 to 25.7% in 2017, including 31.7% of first-time births. Recent studies that have examined inductions have been small qualitative studies or relied on either medical records or administrative data. This study examines induction from the perspective of those women who experienced it, with a particular focus on the prevalence and predictors of inductions for nonmedical indications, women’s experience of pressure to induce labor and the relationship between the attempt to medically initiate labor and cesarean section.

Methods

Study data are drawn from the 2,119 women in the Listening to Mothers in California survey who were planning to have a vaginal birth in 2016. Mothers were asked if there had been an attempt to medically initiate labor, if it actually started labor, if they felt pressured to have the induction, if they had a cesarean and the reason for the induction. Reasons for induction were classified as either medically indicated or elective.

Results

Almost half (47%) of our respondents indicated an attempt was made to medically induce their labor, and 71% of those attempts initiated labor. More than a third of the attempts (37%) were elective. Attempted induction was most strongly associated with giving birth at 41+ weeks (aOR 3.28; 95% C.I. 2.21-4.87). Elective inductions were more likely among multiparous mothers and in pregnancies at 39 or 40 weeks. The perception of being pressured to have labor induced was related to higher levels of education, maternal preference for less medical intervention in birth, having an obstetrician compared to a midwife and gestational ages of 41+ weeks. Cesarean births were no more likely in the case of elective inductions. Cesarean birth was more likely in the case of induction (aOR 1.51; 95% C.I. 1.11-2.07) and especially following a failed attempt at labor induction (aOR 4.50; 95% C.I. 2.93-6.90).

Conclusions

Clinicians counselling mothers concerning the need for labor induction should be aware of mothers’ perceptions about birth and engage in true shared decision making in order to avoid the maternal perception of being pressured into labor induction.
Smartphone usage in diabetic patients and their intention to use it for self-management: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Jeddi Fatemeh Rangraz , Nabovati Ehsan , Hamidi Rahele , Sharif Reihane 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background Mobile health has potential for promotion of self-management in patients with chronic diseases. This study was conducted to investigate smartphone usage in type II diabetic patients and their intention to use it for self-management.Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018 with 176 type II diabetic patients visiting a specialized diabetes clinic and two endocrinology and metabolism specialists in north of Iran. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire containing items on demographic characteristics, disease information, use of mobile phones, smartphones and the internet, and intention to use smartphones for diabetes self-management.Results The majority of the participants had mobile phones (94.9%), smartphones (61.1%), and daily access to the internet (81.3%), and used phones two hours per day on average (80.1%). They mostly used mobile phones to contact friends (89.2%) and search for information (50.6%), and their greatest intention for using smartphones and the internet for self-management was related to dietary planning (96%), checking blood glucose (90.9%), and contacting specialists (87.5%). Younger participants were more interested in using smartphone applications (apps) (P<0.001). About half of the participants argued that using apps can be interesting (54%) and useful (50%) for diabetes management, and intended to use apps much more in future (48.3%).Conclusions Type II diabetic patients are interested in using smartphones for diabetes self-management. Their intention to use mobile phones and the internet rather related to dietary planning, checking blood glucose, and contacting specialists. Most patients believed using apps can be beneficial and interesting for the diabetes management.
Yield Gap Analysis of County Level Irrigated Wheat in Hebei Province, China
Authors: Liu Zitong , Yin Yulong , Pan Junxiao , Ying Hao , Lu Dianjun , Batchelor W.D. , Ma Wenqi , Cui Zhenling 
Published: September 2019

Yield gap analyses are useful for examining differences between potential yield (Yp) and actual yield realized in farmer fields. However, it is often difficult to estimate the attainable yields in smallholder farm agriculture. In this study, we estimated the yield gaps in irrigated wheat in the Hebei Province in China using data from farmer surveys and crop modeling. The EPIC (Environment Policy Integrated Climate) model was calibrated and evaluated for high‐yielding wheat experiments in Hebei Province to estimate the Yp at the county level. The model was run for 10 yr (2005–2014) using county‐level weather data, and the area‐weighted average model‐based estimate of Yp was 9.93 Mg ha−1 across 116 counties in Hebei Province, which was higher than the estimate of approximately 9.0 Mg ha−1 that was reported in previous studies. The attainable yield potential (Ya) during this period was defined as the mean yield of the top 5% of farmers, and the actual farm yield (Yf) in these counties was calculated based on a survey of 385,167 farmers. The area‐weighted average Yf was 6.47 Mg ha−1, corresponding to 65.2% of the model‐based estimate of Yp. The total yield gap was high at 3.46 Mg ha−1. The top‐producing farmers achieved only 77% of the model‐based Yp, which indicates that closing the yield gap remains a challenge. In the future, investments should be made in technology transfer for irrigated wheat production in China.Core Ideas

We evaluated yield gap based on model study and survey of 385,167 farmers.
Model‐based yield potential of irrigated wheat averaged 9.93 Mg ha−1.
Farmers achieved 65.2% of yield potential, giving a yield gap of 3.46 Mg ha−1.
The top 5% of farmers in the survey achieved 77% of yield potential.
Optimizing Management of Mulched Fertigation Systems to Improve Maize Production Efficiency in Northeast China
Authors: Wang Meng , Wang Lichun , Cui Zhenling , Chen Xinping , Hou Yunpeng 
Published: September 2019

Mulched fertigation (MF) systems are quickly becoming one of the most promising technologies for achieving both high yields and high efficiencies in China. However, some regions show unsatisfactory results due to poor management. In this study, we designed a whole‐maize (Zea mays L.) production system (DS) based on the local environment, drawing on appropriate hybrid, densities, and advanced nutrient and water managements on the maize belt of Northeast China (NEC). Then, we performed seven on‐farm experiments over 2 yr to assess agronomic and economic performances comparing DS and farmers’ practices (FP) and conventional recommendations for high yield (HY) with the MF system. The grain yield with the DS averaged 14.5 Mg ha−1 with nutrient use efficiencies of 54 kg N kg−1, 161 kg P kg−1, and 161 kg K kg−1, and water productivity of 31.8 kg mm−1, which were all significantly higher than those of the FP. As a result, the net economic return of the DS significantly increased by 116% compared to the FP. The amount of fertilizer and irrigation water with the DS were 22 and 62% lower than those of HY, yet no yield losses occurred. As a result, water productivity and nutrient use efficiencies increased by 84% and 31 to 42%, respectively. Our DS optimized crop, fertilizer and water management provides an alternative approach to simultaneously increase both grain yield and resource use efficiency in China and could be applied to other similar arid and semiarid regions worldwide.Core Ideas

We designed maize production system of mulched fertigation with hybrid maize model.
Designed system had higher crop yields and economic returns than farmers’ practices.
Designed system had higher nutrient efficiency and water productivity than high‐yielding and farmers’ system.
The higher postanthesis biomass and N uptake was crucial for both high yield and high efficiency.
Optimal Wheat Seeding Rate is Influenced by Cultivar‐Specific Topsoil and Subsoil Root Traits
Authors: Fang Yan , Miao Qingxia , Liu Shuo , Xu Bingcheng , Zhang Suiqi , Siddique Kadambot H.M. , Palta Jairo , Chen Yinglong 
Published: September 2019

Competition among plants for limited soil resources is influenced, in part, by seeding rate. This study aimed to investigate how cultivars that differ in root traits affect water acquisition and the optimal seeding rate. Three cultivars of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) with contrasting root systems (CW134, more roots in topsoil and less roots in subsoil; CH58, small root biomass; CH1, less roots in topsoil and more roots in subsoil) were sown at 180, 225, and 280 seeds m−2 in 2014–2015 and 2015–2016 in a semiarid farmland on the Loess Plateau of China. As the seeding rate increased, grain yield declined in CW134, with topsoil roots increasing and subsoil roots decreasing in both seasons. In contrast, both grain yield and subsoil roots increased in CH1, and the highest grain yield was produced by CH1 at 280 seeds m−2 in both seasons. Subsoil root traits had a positive effect on soil water consumption after anthesis, which was strongly affected by yield components in the dryer season (2015–2016). However, the reverse was true for topsoil root traits. In 2014–2015, the topsoil roots had a positive effect on soil water consumption before anthesis, and aboveground traits at anthesis had a greater positive effect on yield components. To maintain higher yields in semiarid environments, genotypes with more topsoil roots should have lower seeding rates to alleviate the negative effect of excessive topsoil roots on postanthesis water absorption, while the reverse may be true for genotypes with more roots in subsoil layers.Core Ideas

Excessive topsoil roots negatively affected postanthesis water absorption under drought stress.
Increased root length in subsoil layers helped exploitation of deep soil water after anthesis.
In semiarid areas, genotypes with large topsoil root traits should use lower seeding rates.
Increased seeding rates may help yields of genotypes with more roots in subsoil layers.
Horseweed Control with Preplant Herbicides after Mechanical Injury from Small Grain Harvest
Authors: Flessner Michael L. , Pittman Kara B. 
Published: September 2019

Horseweed [Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronquist] plants present during small grains harvest are variable in size, but tall plants are mechanically cut (“topped”) by the combine. Horseweed is best controlled prior to planting double‐cropped soybeans, which must be planted quickly after harvest to preserve yield potential. This urgency eliminates an opportunity for horseweed regrowth, leaving topped plants with reduced leaf area for herbicide spray interception, likely impacting herbicidal control, but little information has been reported in this regard. Horseweed control is further complicated by the prevalence of multiple herbicide‐resistant biotypes. Therefore, field research was conducted to evaluate herbicidal control of glyphosate‐susceptible horseweed that was topped (cut to 46 cm tall) prior to treatment. Additional greenhouse experiments evaluated glyphosate‐resistant horseweed at the rosette and bolt growth stages as well as topped plants prior to treatment. Paraquat alone or in combination with 2,4‐D or dicamba, resulted in 80 to 100% control of topped horseweed across field and greenhouse experiments. In greenhouse experiments, the rosette growth stage was most effectively controlled, followed by the bolt growth stage, which was similar or more effectively controlled, compared with topped horseweed. The authors recommend paraquat with 2,4‐D or dicamba for control of topped horseweed plants, due to efficacy and mixing of multiple effective herbicides.Core Ideas

Small grains harvest equipment can cut horseweed, reducing herbicide efficacy.
Paraquat containing treatments controlled rosette, bolt, and topped horseweed ≥80%.
Dicamba and 2,4‐D controlled rosette stage glyphosate‐resistant horseweed >90%.
Authors recommend paraquat with 2,4‐D or dicamba to control topped horseweed.
Nutrient Cycling in Organic Field Crops in Canada and the United States
Authors: Carr Patrick M. , Cavigelli Michel A. , Darby Heather , Delate Kathleen , Eberly Jed O. , Gramig Greta G. , Heckman Joseph R. , Mallory Ellen B. , Reeve Jennifer R. , Silva Erin M. , Suchoff David H. , Woodley Alex L. 
Published: September 2019

Organic farmers have identified soil fertility and weed management as the two highest research priority areas. No review exists of research on soil nutrient management in organic field crop systems. We conducted a comprehensive review to identify the principles and factors governing nutrient management, knowledge gaps, and future research needs in organic grain and other field crop systems in Canada and the United States. We compared results from research conducted in different climates, soils, and crop rotational sequences. Results indicate that (i) dual‐use cover/green manure crops and/or animal manure are the most common sources of plant available N and other nutrients in organic field crop systems; (ii) soil nutrient deficiencies can develop through sole reliance on cover/green manure crops; (iii) dependence on animal manure can lead to N and P excesses; (iv) conventional soil testing procedures may not accurately predict crop nutrient needs; (v) greater knowledge of microbial processes governing nutrient cycling is needed; and (vi) better understanding of the impact of weeds on soil fertility may create weed and nutrient management synergies. Knowledge gaps include a lack in understanding of how the soil and plant biomes influence nutrient‐use efficiency and how crop diversity and rotations impact soil fertility, sustainability, and resilience in organic field crop systems. Likewise, interactions between weeds, crops, soil fertility, and weed management strategies are poorly understood.Core Ideas

Soil, climate, fertility sources, and land use impact organic nutrient management strategies.
Cover/green manure crops and animal manures are used to maintain soil fertility on organic farms.
Conventional soil testing may not be ideally suited to organic systems.
Tracking soil nutrient temporal changes can improve comprehensive nutrient management plans.
More research of how weeds and soil microbial community structure/function impact nutrient cycling and crop production is needed.