bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The potential of ramie as forage for ruminants: Impacts on growth, digestion, ruminal fermentation, carcass characteristics and meat quality of goats
Authors: Zhang Hao , He Yao , Yu Lihuai , Tang Shaoxun , Tan Zhiliang , Zhou Chuanshe , Dong Li , Wang Hongrong 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe objective was to evaluate the effects of ramie conserved as forage supplementation on growth, digestion, and meat quality of Liuyang black castrated goats in a 60 days feedlot study. Forty‐eight goats were randomly assigned to each of four treatments: 24% rice straw + 36% ramie residues silage + 40% concentrate; 24% rice straw + 36% raw ramie silage + 40% concentrate; 24% rice straw + 36% ramie residues hay + 40% concentrate; 24% rice straw + 36% raw ramie hay + 40% concentrate. There was an increased tendency for ADG in ramie hay treatment than that of ramie silage treatment (p = 0.067). There was an increase for the apparent digestibility of DM, CP, NDF, and ADF in the ramie hay treatment than that of ramie silage treatment (p ≤ 0.034). An increased tendency was found for C18:1n−9c (% of total fatty acids) in the longissimus dorsi muscle of raw ramie treatment versus ramie residues treatment (p ≤ 0.087). These results indicate that the ramie hay or raw ramie treatment had a tendency for improving the nutrient digestibility and meat quality of goats than that of ramie silage or ramie residues treatment, respectively.
Physicochemical characterization of goat milk produced in the Comarca Lagunera, Mexico
Authors: Isidro‐Requejo Luis M. , Meza‐Herrera César A. , Pastor‐López Francisco J. , Maldonado Jorge A. , Salinas‐González Homero 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to determine goat milk physicochemical parameters during the feed scarcity season. An evaluation was made for 398 milk samples from 80 multiparous goats belonging to three different production systems: (S1) mechanized milking grazing pasture and harvested residue (alfalfa) and grain supplemented; (S2) system grazing native pasture; and (S3) system grazing native pasture and grain supplemented. The general averages were: fat (FT) 4.0 ± 0.20%, protein (PR) 3.3 ± 0.05%, lactose (LC) 4.9 ± 0.09%, nonfat solids (NFS) 8.9 ± 0.13%, total solids (TS) 14.5 ± 0.20%, temperature (TM) 24.6 ± 1.06°C, and acidity (pH) 6.7 ± 0.049. Most of the physicochemical components of milk were affected (p < 0.0001) by the production system × month interaction and production system × group × month interaction. The FT content was higher (p < 0.05) in S2 (4.56 ± 0.18) than in S1 (3.64 ± 0.20) and S3 (3.50 ± 0.20). LC differed (p < 0.05) in S2 (5.07 ± 0.08) than in S1 (4.77 ± 0.09) and S3 (4.70 ± 0.09). No differences were observed for the rest of the variables (p < 0.05) among the production systems. The study unveiled a higher content of FT, LC, NFS, PR, and TS for S2 than for S1 and S3. This higher content may be explained because S2 only grazed on herbs and shrubs, in contrast to S1 and S3 which were additionally supplemented with grain concentrates.
Hastening death and respect for dignity: Kantianism at the end of life
Authors: Kerstein Samuel 
Published: February 2019

AbstractSuppose that a young athlete has just become quadriplegic. He expects to live several more decades, but out of self‐interest he autonomously chooses to engage in physician‐assisted suicide (PAS) or voluntary active euthanasia (VAE). Some of us are unsure whether he or his physician would be acting rightly in ending his life. One basis for such doubt is the notion that persons have dignity in a Kantian sense. This paper probes responses that David Velleman and Frances Kamm have suggested to the question of whether participating in PAS or VAE to benefit oneself, as the young man might, respects the dignity of persons, specified in an orthodox Kantian way. Velleman claims that it does not, while Kamm insists that, in certain circumstances, it does. I argue against Kamm's position. I go on to contend that while orthodox Kantianism might provide a basis for moral concern regarding the case of the young quadriplegic, it suffers from two serious shortcomings. First, it implies that terminally ill patients are wrong to request VAE or engage in PAS to avoid intense suffering, at least when this suffering has not yet overwhelmed their reason. Second, orthodox Kantianism implies that it is wrong for physicians to withdraw such patients from life‐sustaining treatments, even if they request it. To remedy these shortcomings, I sketch an unorthodox Kantian account of respect for the dignity of persons. This account promises to capture the idea that it would be morally problematic for doctors to help the young quadriplegic to die, but to avoid the shortcomings of an orthodox Kantian account.
Causal Inference When Counterfactuals Depend on the Proportion of All Subjects Exposed
Authors: Miles Caleb H. , Petersen Maya , van der Laan Mark J. 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
The assumption that no subject's exposure affects another subject's outcome, known as the no-interference assumption, has long held a foundational position in the study of causal inference. However, this assumption may be violated in many settings, and in recent years has been relaxed considerably. Often this has been achieved with either the aid of a known underlying network, or the assumption that the population can be partitioned into separate groups, between which there is no interference, and within which each subject's outcome may be affected by all the other subjects in the group via the proportion exposed (the stratified interference assumption). In this article, we instead consider a complete interference setting, in which each subject affects every other subject's outcome. In particular, we make the stratified interference assumption for a single group consisting of the entire sample. We show that a targeted maximum likelihood estimator for the i.i.d. setting can be used to estimate a class of causal parameters that includes direct effects and overall effects under certain interventions. This estimator remains doubly-robust, semiparametric efficient, and continues to allow for incorporation of machine learning under our model. We conduct a simulation study, and present results from a data application where we study the effect of a nurse-based triage system on the outcomes of patients receiving HIV care in Kenyan health clinics.
Familywise Error Control in Multi-Armed Response-Adaptive Trials
Authors: Robertson D. S. , Wason J. M. S. 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Response-adaptive designs allow the randomization probabilities to change during the course of a trial based on cumulated response data so that a greater proportion of patients can be allocated to the better performing treatments. A major concern over the use of response-adaptive designs in practice, particularly from a regulatory viewpoint, is controlling the type I error rate. In particular, we show that the naïve z-test can have an inflated type I error rate even after applying a Bonferroni correction. Simulation studies have often been used to demonstrate error control but do not provide a guarantee. In this article, we present adaptive testing procedures for normally distributed outcomes that ensure strong familywise error control by iteratively applying the conditional invariance principle. Our approach can be used for fully sequential and block randomized trials and for a large class of adaptive randomization rules found in the literature. We show there is a high price to pay in terms of power to guarantee familywise error control for randomization schemes with extreme allocation probabilities. However, for proposed Bayesian adaptive randomization schemes in the literature, our adaptive tests maintain or increase the power of the trial compared to the z-test. We illustrate our method using a three-armed trial in primary hypercholesterolemia.
Potential roles of artificial intelligence learning and faecal immunochemical testing for prioritisation of colonoscopy in anaemia
Authors: Ayling Ruth M. , Lewis Stephen J. , Cotter Finbarr 
Published: February 2019

SummaryIron deficiency anaemia (IDA) is the most common cause of anaemia and a frequent indication for colonoscopy, although the prevalence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in IDA is low. Measurement of faecal haemoglobin by immunochemical techniques (FIT) is used to detect symptomatic patients. We studied FIT in patients with anaemia attending a gastroenterology clinic in Plymouth and looked at an artificial intelligence (AI) learning algorithm (ColonFlag™) in these patients, together with a cohort who had undergone colonoscopy for IDA in London. Of 592 patients referred on the basis of haemoglobin concentration, 21 (3.5%) had CRC. Using ColonFlag™, rather than haemoglobin concentration, in combination with symptoms, would have resulted in prioritisation of 304 patients for urgent referral rather than 592. One CRC would have been missed but might have been detected by FIT, which was not available in this case. In patients aged <55 years in whom the incidence of CRC is low, 15 rather than 109 patients would have been prioritised for urgent referral with no cancers missed. FIT has a high negative predictive value in IDA so its use may enable some patients to avoid investigation and AI learning may be a more useful trigger than haemoglobin concentration for urgent referral for colonoscopy.
Evaluation of the accuracy of multiparametric MRI for predicting prostate cancer pathology and tumour staging in the real world: an multicentre study
Authors: Kam Jonathan , Yuminaga Yuigi , Krelle Matthew , Gavin Dominic , Koschel Samantha , Aluwihare Kushlan , Sutherland Tom , Skinner Sarah , Brennan Janelle , Wong Lih‐Ming , Louie‐Johnsun Mark 
Published: February 2019

ObjectivesTo assess the accuracy of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) for the detection of significant prostate cancer in men undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP) in an Australian multicentre setting, and to assess concordance between mpMRI and RP for local tumour staging and index lesion locations.Patients and MethodsMen who underwent mpMRI within 12 months of RP between January 2013 and August 2016 at three Australian sites were included (Central Coast, NSW, St Vincents Hospital, Melbourne, Vic., and Bendigo Hospital, Vic.). The results of mpMRI were compared with the final RP specimen to analyse the performance of mpMRI for significant prostate cancer detection, index lesion localization, prediction of T3 disease and lymph node metastasis. A comparison between mpMRI cases performed using the technical and reporting specifications of Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI‐RADS) version 1 and version 2 was also performed. Data analysis was performed using spss 24.0.ResultsA total of 235 cases were included for analysis. mpMRI PI‐RADS score ≥3 had a 91% sensitivity and 95% positive predictive value (PPV) for significant prostate cancer at RP. The overall concordance between index lesion location on mpMRI and RP specimen was 75%. The sensitivity for predication of significant prostate cancer was higher in the PI‐RADS version 2 cases compared with PI‐RADS version 1 (87–99%; P = 0.005). Index lesion concordance was higher in the PI‐RADS version 2 group (68% vs 91%; P = 0.002). mpMRI had a 38% sensitivity, 95% specificity, 90% PPV and 57% negative predictive value for extraprostatic disease. Sensitivity for prediction of T3 disease improved from 30% to 62% (P = 0.008) with PI‐RADS version 2.ConclusionsIn patients undergoing RP, an abnormal mpMRI is highly predictive (95% PPV) of significant prostate cancer, with an index lesion concordance of 75%. There has been a significant improvement in accuracy after the adoption of PI‐RADS version 2 technical specifications and reporting criteria; however; further study is required to determine if this is attributable to improved experience with mpMRI or changes in the PI‐RADS system.
Function of cAMP scaffolds in obstructive lung disease: Focus on epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition and oxidative stress
Authors: Zuo Haoxiao , Cattani‐Cavalieri Isabella , Valença Samuel Santos , Musheshe Nshunge , Schmidt Martina 
Published: February 2019

Over the past decades, research has defined cAMP as one of the central cellular nodes in sensing and integrating multiple pathways and as a pivotal role player in lung pathophysiology. Obstructive lung disorders, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are characterized by a persistent and progressive airflow limitation and by oxidative stress from endogenous and exogenous insults. The extent of airflow obstruction depends on the relative deposition of different constituents of the extracellular matrix, a process related to epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition, and which subsequently results in airway fibrosis. Oxidative stress from endogenous and also from exogenous sources causes a profound worsening of COPD. Here we describe how cAMP scaffolds and their different signalosomes in different subcellular compartments may contribute to COPD. Future research will require translational studies to alleviate disease symptoms by pharmacologically targeting the cAMP scaffolds.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Adrenoceptors—New Roles for Old Players. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.14/issuetoc
GPR30‐mediated estrogenic regulation of actin polymerization and spatial memory involves SRC‐1 and PI3K‐mTORC2 in the hippocampus of female mice
Authors: Zhang Yuan‐Yuan , Liu Meng‐Ying , Liu Zhi , Zhao Ji‐Kai , Zhao Yan‐Gang , He Li , Li Wei , Zhang Ji‐Qiang 
Published: February 2019

SummaryAimsThe G‐protein‐coupled estrogen receptor GPR30 (also referred to as GPER) has been implicated in the estrogenic regulation of hippocampal plasticity and spatial memory; however, the molecular mechanisms are largely unclear.MethodsIn this study, we initially examined the levels of GPR30 in the hippocampus of postnatal, ovariectomy (OVX)‐ and letrozole (LET)‐treated female mice. Under G1, G15, and/or OVX treatment, the spatial memory, spine density, levels of ERα, ERβ, and SRC‐1, selected synaptic proteins, mTORC2 signals (Rictor and p‐AKT Ser473), and actin polymerization dynamics were subsequently evaluated. Furthermore, G1, G15, and/or E2 combined with SRC‐1 and/or PI3K inhibitors, actin cytoskeleton polymerization modulator JPK, and CytoD treatments were used to address the mechanisms that underlie GPR30 regulation in vitro. Finally, mTORC2 activator A‐443654 (A4) was used to explore the role of mTORC2 in GPR30 regulation of spatial memory.ResultsThe results showed that high levels of GPR30 were detected in the adult hippocampus and the levels were downregulated by OVX and LET. OVX induced an impairment of spatial memory, and changes in other parameters previously described were reversed by G1 and mimicked by G15. Furthermore, the E2 effects on SRC‐1 and mTORC2 signals, synaptic proteins, and actin polymerization were inhibited by G15, whereas G1 effects on these parameters were inhibited by the blockade of SRC‐1 or PI3K; the levels of synaptic proteins were regulated by JPK and CytoD. Importantly, G15‐induced actin depolymerization and spatial memory impairment were rescued by mTORC2 activation with A4.ConclusionsTaking together, these results demonstrated that decreased GPR30 induces actin depolymerization through SRC‐1 and PI3K/mTORC2 pathways and ultimately impairs learning and memory, indicating its potential role as a therapeutic target against hippocampus‐based, E2‐related memory impairments.
3‐dimensional visualization of implant‐tissue interface with the polyethylene glycol associated solvent system tissue clearing method
Authors: Yi Yating , Men Yi , Jing Dian , Luo Wenjing , Zhang Shiwen , Feng Jian Q. , Liu Jin , Ge Woo‐Ping , Wang Jun , Zhao Hu 
Published: February 2019

AbstractObjectivesDental implants are major treatment options for restoring teeth loss. Biological processes at the implant‐tissue interface are critical for implant osseointegration. Superior mechanical properties of the implant constitute a major challenge for traditional histological techniques. It is imperative to develop new technique to investigate the implant‐tissue interface.Materials and methodsOur laboratory developed the polyethylene glycol (PEG)‐associated solvent system (PEGASOS) tissue clearing method. By immersing samples into various chemical substances, bones and teeth could be turned to transparent with intact internal structures and endogenous fluorescence being preserved. We combined the PEGASOS tissue clearing method with transgenic mouse line and other labelling technique to investigate the angiogenesis and osteogenesis processes occurring at the implant‐bone interface.ResultsClearing treatment turned tissue highly transparent and implant could be directly visualized without sectioning. Implant, soft/hard tissues and fluorescent labels were simultaneously imaged in decalcified or non‐decalcified mouse mandible samples without disturbing their interfaces. Multi‐channel 3‐dimensional image stacks at high resolution were acquired and quantified. The processes of angiogenesis and osteogenesis surrounding titanium or stainless steel implants were investigated.ConclusionsBoth titanium and stainless steel implants support angiogenesis at comparable levels. Successful osseointegration and calcium precipitation occurred only surrounding titanium, but not stainless steel implants. PEGASOS tissue clearing method provides a novel approach for investigating the interface between implants and hard tissue.
The Canadian alcopop tragedy should trigger evidence‐informed revisions of federal alcohol regulations
Authors: Paradis Catherine , April Nicole , Cyr Claude , Morin Réal , Niquette Manon 
Published: February 2019

AbstractOn 1 March 2018, a 14‐year‐old girl was found lifeless in a stream behind her high school after having consumed FCKDUP—a beverage containing 11.9% alcohol and sold in 568 mL cans—during her lunch hour. Following her death, the Canadian government took actions at ministerial and parliamentary levels by seeking experts’ advice to better regulate highly sweetened alcoholic beverages, otherwise referred to as ‘alcopops’. We suggest that the Canadian government uses the work surrounding the alcopop tragedy as an opportunity to make significant amendments and revisions of federal alcohol regulations.
Independent role of neonatal seizures in subsequent neurological outcomes: a population‐based study
Authors: Oh Ahyuda , Thurman David J , Kim Hyunmi 
Published: February 2019

AimThis population‐based study aimed to estimate the impact of neonatal seizures on subsequent neurological outcomes, regardless of underlying etiology.MethodWe performed a retrospective cohort study (1st January 2009–31st December 2014), using a USA nationwide claims database. Newborn infants enrolled in 2009 were followed for up to 6 years. Neonatal seizures were identified by combining the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis code of 779.0 (convulsions in newborn), procedure codes of electroencephalogram and brain imaging, and antiepileptic drugs claims. Cox regression models were built to estimate the independent impact of neonatal seizures on developing epilepsy, intellectual disability, psychiatric/behavioral disorders, and headache.ResultsOut of 490 071 newborn infants (251 850 males [51.4%], 238 221 females [48.6%]), 800 neonatal seizure cases were identified. After controlling for sex, birthweight, preterm birth status, and underlying etiology, neonates with seizures were more likely to have epilepsy (hazard ratio=32.7; 95% confidence interval [CI]=27.7−38.7; p<0.001), intellectual disability (hazard ratio=2.0; 95% CI=1.8−2.3; p<0.001), and headache (hazard ratio=1.6; 95% CI=1.1−2.2; p=0.013) than those without seizures.InterpretationObserved covariates being equal, seizures in neonates appeared to play a significant role in developing epilepsy, intellectual disability, and headache. The findings showed a detrimental impact of the event in the very early life on neurological outcomes in later life.What this paper adds

Seizures had their own impact on the development of adverse neurological outcomes.

The magnitude of impact was quite large in epilepsy.
Response of in vitro obtained oil palm and interspecific OxG hybrids to inoculation with Phytophthora palmivora
Authors: Ávila‐Méndez Kelly , Avila‐Diazgranados Rodrigo , Pardo Alonso , Herrera Mariana , Sarria Greicy , Romero Hernan Mauricio 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBud rot (BR) disease caused by Phytophthora palmivora is the most devastating disease in oil palm cultivation in America. Oil palms that survived BR epidemics were found in areas highly devastated by the disease; these palms were introduced into Cenipalma's in vitro micropropagation (cloning programme). A severity scale was developed for in vitro palms from five ortets inoculated with two different P. palmivora isolates. Then, eight ortets of Elaeis guineensis and two ortets of the OxG interspecific hybrid were evaluated in two inoculation trials under chamber growth conditions. The clone performance response was consistent with that reported in the field for the corresponding ortets, and two contrasting ortets, one susceptible (ortet 57) and one resistant (ortet 34) were identified. We monitored and compared defence responses to P. palmivora in the contrasting ortets. An increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production after inoculation with the pathogen was observed, with higher accumulation of H2O2 in the resistant plants. Catalase (CAT) activity in resistant plants increased after inoculation with the pathogen from 24 hr post‐infection (hpi) and remained high during the observation time. In the susceptible ortets, there was a significant increase on catalase activity only at 48 hpi. Peroxidase (POS) activity increased in clones from both susceptible and resistant ortets, but the increase was much greater in the susceptible ones. Phenylalanine ammonia lyase activity increased in response to inoculation, and these increases were greater in clones of the susceptible ortet than in clones of the resistant ortet.
Classification of radiologically isolated syndrome and clinically isolated syndrome with machine‐learning techniques
Authors: Mato‐Abad V. , Labiano‐Fontcuberta A. , Rodríguez‐Yáñez S. , García‐Vázquez R. , Munteanu C. R. , Andrade‐Garda J. , Domingo‐Santos A. , Galán Sánchez‐Seco V. , Aladro Y. , Martínez‐Ginés M. L. , Ayuso L. , Benito‐León J. 
Published: February 2019

Background and purposeThe unanticipated detection by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the brain of asymptomatic subjects of white matter lesions suggestive of multiple sclerosis (MS) has been named radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS). As the difference between early MS [i.e. clinically isolated syndrome (CIS)] and RIS is the occurrence of a clinical event, it is logical to improve detection of the subclinical form without interfering with MRI as there are radiological diagnostic criteria for that. Our objective was to use machine‐learning classification methods to identify morphometric measures that help to discriminate patients with RIS from those with CIS.MethodsWe used a multimodal 3‐T MRI approach by combining MRI biomarkers (cortical thickness, cortical and subcortical grey matter volume, and white matter integrity) of a cohort of 17 patients with RIS and 17 patients with CIS for single‐subject level classification.ResultsThe best proposed models to predict the diagnosis of CIS and RIS were based on the Naive Bayes, Bagging and Multilayer Perceptron classifiers using only three features: the left rostral middle frontal gyrus volume and the fractional anisotropy values in the right amygdala and right lingual gyrus. The Naive Bayes obtained the highest accuracy [overall classification, 0.765; area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC), 0.782].ConclusionsA machine‐learning approach applied to multimodal MRI data may differentiate between the earliest clinical expressions of MS (CIS and RIS) with an accuracy of 78%.