bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
RESEARCH IN THE RETIREMENT VILLAGE COMMUNITY – DOES THE RECRUITED SAMPLE REFLECT THE RESIDENT POPULATION?
Authors: Connolly Martin Joseph , Hikaka Joanna , Bloomfield Katherine , Broad Joanna , Wu Zhenqiang , Boyd Michal , Peri Kathy , Calvert Cheryl , Tatton Annie , Higgins Ann-Marie , Bramley Dale 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Background

Retirement Villages (RVs) for older people represent a burgeoning industry. However, we know little about residents’ demographics and health/disability issues - information which could inform health planning, facilitate independence and reduce service demand. RVs are semi-closed communities: access for researchers is most conveniently gained via RV managers. We are studying RV residents in Auckland, New Zealand (NZ) to acquire demographic, health, disability and social data, with a randomized-controlled-trial of a multidisciplinary intervention aimed to reduce adverse outcomes. We here describe recruitment problems we encountered.

Methods

We planned to approach all RVs in Auckland/Waitemata Districts, with random sampling of residents in each village using unit/apartment lists as the sampling frame. Exclusions: Refusal of/inability to consent (complying with NZ legislation; ACER<65, or person clinicians felt lacked capacity). We planned access via RV managers and contact residents by ‘letter-drop’ then ‘door-knocks’. In ‘small’ RVs (n<60 units), we planned to contact all residents, with random selection in ‘larger’ RVs.

Results

We approached managers of 53 of the 65 RVs. 38 initially replied positively, of which 34 permitted us to recruit residents, 6 did not reply. Another 9 declined our first approach, of which eight were ‘small’, seven independently-owned. Some managers prohibited ‘letter-drops’ or ‘door-knocks’ at all or without prior residents’ meetings to assess acceptance of this methodology. Hence, we had to recruit volunteers (in 23 villages) via residents’ meetings, posters/newsletters and word-of-mouth. We recruited 578 residents from 33 villages (one village had no volunteers) (median age=82yrs; 420 female; 217 sampled, 361 volunteers).

Conclusions

Due to organizational/managers’ policy, and the fact that NZ legislation did not allow recruitment of residents without legal capacity to consent, our sample does not fully represent our RV population. Future RV research should consider alternative recruitment strategies e.g. random sampling from national census, electoral roll, or via residents’ organizations.
Using the Edinburgh Visual Gait Score to Compare Ankle-Foot Orthoses, Sensorimotor Orthoses and Barefoot on Gait Pattern in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Cross-Sectional Cohort Study
Authors: MacFarlane Clare , Hing Wayne , Orr Rob 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Background: Gait analysis is one of the important aspects of evaluation in ambulatory children with cerebral palsy (CP). Typically prescribed for children with CP, ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) improve gait and alignment through providing support and stability to the ankle complex. An alternative and under-researched orthosis being used in this population is the Sensomotoric orthotic (SMotO), which uses a different approach to correct alignment and improve gait. The Edinburgh Visual Gait Score (EVGS) is a valid, robust, reliable and easy-to-use observational gait analysis scale to measure of gait quality in CP. Improvements to gait could then be attributed to intervention, or regression of gait could be attributed to poor intervention or physical changes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to use the EVGS to determine the effect of SMotOs, AFOs and barefoot on gait pattern in children with CP. Methods: This cross-sectional cohort study investigated the differences in gait quality in children with CP between wearing SMotOs and AFOs through using the EVGS. Video imagery was taken when walking barefoot (where appropriate), in SMotOs and in AFOs for at least 5m at a self-directed pace. Individual scores and averages across the population were recorded. Data was analysed through SPSS statistics software (Version 20) and the Microsoft Office Excel 2007. A one-way ANOVA and post hoc Bonferroni were completed to identify significant differences with the alpha level set at p<.05. Results: One-way ANOVA analyses revealed significant differences between total left (p=0.011) and right (p=0.014) scores between SMotO and AFOs. Overall, results demonstrate improved gait in favour of SMotO vs AFO and that there are no significant differences between being barefoot and wearing AFOs. Conclusions: SMotOs are a viable orthotic option to improve gait in children with CP, but due to small yield of participants, a larger scale, blinded study should be performed to further determine results.
Evaluation of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) Assay for detection of aprV2 positive Dichelobacter nodosus in-field by secondary users
Authors: Best Nickala , Rodoni Brendan , Rawlin Grant , Beddoe Travis 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Objective

Dichelobacter nodosus is the causative agent of footrot in sheep. Ovine footrot causes considerable economic losses and substantial animal welfare issues in the Australian sheep industry. Recently, we developed a robust LAMP assay (VDN LAMP) that was able to identify aprV2 positive D. nodosus in-field. A major advantage of LAMP technology is the ability of the assay to be performed by non-specialists with minimal training. We aimed to assess the performance of the VDN LAMP in comparison to a laboratory rtPCR test when used by secondary users.

Results

Two animal health officers (termed secondary users) from Department of Primary Industries and Regions, South Australia were trained in the use of VDN LAMP, before carrying out in-field testing. The performance of VDN LAMP assay by secondary user 1 was shown to successfully detect 73.91% aprV2 positive samples, while secondary user 2 detected 37.93% aprV2 positive samples. Overall, the ability to identify virulent D. nodosus by VDN LAMP by secondary users was mixed, however, this could be rectified by additional training and commercial production of the LAMP kits to increase stability. We envisaged in the future VDN LAMP will able to be used by non-specialists to aid control programs.
Association between vitamin D status and metabolic syndrome in a longitudinal study of Iranian adults
Authors: Khosravi-Boroujeni Hossein , Sarrafzadegan Nizal , Sadeghi Masoumeh , Roohafza Hamidreza , Ng Shu-Kay , Ahmed Faruk 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Background

In recent years, hypovitaminosis D has been linked to many chronic diseases, including metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, there are considerable discrepancies in the study findings. Therefore, the present study investigated the association between vitamin D status and MetS in a cohort of Iranian adults followed from 2001 to 2013.

Method

This study was designed using the data from Isfahan cohort study which is an ongoing cohort of Iranian adults. For this study, 170 cases with MetS were selected from those who were free of MetS in 2001 but developed the condition in 2013. Controls (n=200) were selected from those who were free of MetS throughout the study period. Various biochemical parameters, including serum vitamin D concentrations, and socio-demographic information were assessed in 2001, 2007 and 2013. Generalized Estimating Equations was used to analyse the longitudinal association between vitamin D status and MetS.

Results

The subjects with MetS had higher levels of serum vitamin D [25(OH)D], total cholesterol, triglyceride, body mass index, waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure than that in the control subjects in 2001, while they had lower physical activity levels. A family history of hyperlipidemia was also more prevalent in the subjects with MetS. This study did not find any association between MetS and serum vitamin D status after controlling for potential confounders.

Conclusion

In spite of the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and MetS among studied population, this study failed to show any association between vitamin D status and MetS and/or its components. Randomized controlled trials are warranted to investigate the potential association more meticulously.
Phenotypic Analysis Combined with Tandem Mass Tags (TMT) Labeling Reveals the Heterogeneity of Strawberry Stolon Buds
Authors: Guan Ling 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Background: Ramet propagation in strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) is the most effective way in production. However, the lack of systematically phenotypic observations and high-throughput methods limits our ability to analyze the key factors regulating the heterogeneity in strawberry stolon buds.
Results: From observation, we found that the axillary bud located in the first node quickly stepped into dormancy (DSB), after several bract and leaf buds were differentiated. The stolon apical meristem (SAM) degenerated as the new ramet leaf buds (RLB) and the new active axillary stolon buds (ASB) differentiated continually, after the differentiation of the first leaf. Using tandem mass tags (TMT) labeling method, totally 7,271 strawberry proteins were identified, and were used for further bioinformatics analysis in differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) between the groups of ASB and DSB, RLB and DSB, and RLB and ASB. Between ASB and DSB, the spliceosome DEPs, such as Ser/Arg-rich (SR) and heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein particle (hnRNP), showed the highest enrichment and high PPI connectivity. This indicated that the differences in DEPs (e.g., SF-3A subunit 2 isoform X1, hnRBP C1827.05c, and PK, cytosolic isozyme) at the transcriptional level may be causing the differences between the physiological statuses of ASB and DSB. As expected, the photosynthetic pre-form RLB mainly differentiated from ASB and DSB judging by the DEP enrichment of photosynthesis. However, there are still other specialized features of DEPs between RLB and DSB and between ASB and DSB. The DEPs relative to DNA duplication [e.g., minichromosome maintenance protein (MCM 2, 3, 4, 7)], provide a strong hint of functional gene duplication leading the bud heterogeneity between RLB and DSB. In addition, the top fold change in DEP LSH 10-like protein might be involved in the degeneration of SAM into RLBs. As for RLB/ASB, the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway probably regulates the ramet axillary bud specialization, and further promotes the differentiation of xylem when ASB develops into a new stolon [e.g., cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase 1 (CAD1) and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase 1 (PAL1)].
Conclusions: The definite dormancy phase of DSB, and the biological pathways and gene networks that might be responsible for stolon buds heterogeneity were also revealed.
The neuroprotective effects of xenon on neonatal rats with white matter damage by regulating expression of microRNA-210 and HIF-1α
Authors: yin xiangyun , Zhao Jixiu , Jiang Jian , Xi Hongmin , Li Xianghong , Zhang Lulu , Jiang Hong 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Background

Premature birth is a significant health care burden. White matter damage (WMD) is a leading cause of acute mortality and chronic morbidity in preterm birth. Xenon(Xe) is a general anesthetic with neuroprotective effects.We aimed to reveal the molecular basis and neuroprotective mechanism of Xe intervention in treating white matter damage by detecting the expression level of microRNA 210 (miR-210) and hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) in brain tissues of 3-day-old neonatal rats.

Methods

Three-day-old SD rats were randomly divided into sham group(Group A, n=24), lipopolysaccharide(LPS)+hypoxia-ischemia(HI) group (Group B, n=24) and LPS+HI+Xe group (n=72). The onset of Xe inhalation started at 0,2 and 5 hours in subgroups C,D,and E respectively.We investigated the neurobehavioral deficits by performing TUNEL and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and examining the expression of miR-210and HIF-1α in brain tissues via RT-PCR and western blot.

Results

HE staining revealed distorted cytoarchitecture, tangled nerve fibers and pyknosis along with apoptosis in group B.Xe treatment improved the histological alterations and decreased the number of apoptotic cells in group C pups.Compared to group A,Detection of miR-210 level by RT-PCR. the expression level of miR-210 in neonatal rats' periventricular tissue increased significantly at all time points in group B (p<0.05).While the expression level of miR-210 in brain tissues of group B was significantly lower at 48h and 72h than that of group C(p<0.05).Similarly,Detection of HIF-1α protein by Western blot. The level of HIF-1α protein in group B brain tissues was significantly higher than that of group A at each time point (p<0.05), Xe treatment resulted in a marked increase in HIF-1α in C,D, and E subgroups (P < 0.05, compared togroup B).

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that the expression of HIF-1α and miR-210 increased in periventricular tissues and Xe could relieve the white matter damage by up-regulating the expression of HIF-1α and its target gene miR-210.The Xe therapeutic time window was within 5 hours after intervention, the sooner the better.
Predictors of Urinary Tract Infection in Acute Stroke Patients: A Case Control Study
Authors: Li Ya-ming , Zhao Yan-xin , Xu Jian-hua 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Background

Patients with stroke have a high risk of infection which may be predicted by methods. The methods can reduce unfavourable outcome by preventing the occurrence of infection. Therefore, we aim to identify early predictors for urinary tract infection in patients after stroke.

Methods

In 186 collected acute stroke patients, we divided them into urinary tract infection group, other infection type groups, and non-infected group. Data were recorded at admission. Independent risk factors and infection prediction model were determined using Logistic regression analyses. Likelihood ratio test was used to detect the prediction effect of the model. Receiver Operating Characteristic curve and the corresponding area under the curve were used to measure the predictive accuracy of indicators for urinary tract infection.

Results

Of the 186 subjects, there were 35 cases of urinary tract infection. Elevated interleukin-6, higher NIHSS, and decreased hemoglobin may be used to predict urinary tract infection. And, the predictive model for urinary tract infection (including sex, NIHSS, interleukin-6, and hemoglobin) have the best predictive effect.

Conclusion

This study is the first to discover decreased hemoglobin which may predict urinary tract infection. The prediction model shows the best accuracy.
IMPUTATION OF MISSING VALUES BY USING RAW MOMENTS
Authors: Sohail Muhammed Umair , Shabbir Javid , Sohil Fariha 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
The estimation of population parameters might be quite laborious and inefficient, when the sample data have missing values. In comparison follow-up visits, the method of imputation has been found to be a cheaper procedure from a cost point of view. In the present study, we can enhance the performance of imputation procedures by utilizing the raw moments of the auxiliary information rather than their ranks, especially, when the ranking of the auxiliary variable is expensive or difficult to do so. Equations for bias and mean squared error are obtained by large sample approximation. Through the numerical and simulation studies it can be easily understood that the proposed method of imputation can outperform their counterparts.
Simulation‐based Maize–Wheat Cropping System Optimization in the Midhills of Nepal
Authors: Laborde John P. , Wortmann Charles S. , Blanco‐Canqui Humberto , McDonald Andrew J. , Lindquist John L. 
Published: June 2019

Rainfed maize (Zea mays L.)–wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production in the midhill region of Nepal is limited in the winter season by cool temperatures, low rainfall, and low fertility. Here, we use the Decision Support System for Agricultural Transfer Cropping System Model (DSSAT‐CSM) to simulate potential productivity for conservation agriculture (CA) and conventional practice (CP), contrasting N application rates, and wheat planting dates ranging from 1 September to 15 December under six different weather scenarios in the midhills of Nepal. Total maize plus wheat aboveground biomass increased up to 56% with longer vs. shorter duration maize varieties, but the subsequent dry‐season wheat failed 71% of the time after late‐planted, long‐season maize in areas where mean seasonal temperature was below 14°C. The optimal wheat planting date increased from August to December as seasonal rainfall amount increased. Increasing N application rate in wheat from 50 to 150 kg ha–1 resulted in significant yield and net profit gains for all weather scenarios given current grain and fertilizer prices in the midhills, especially where conditions were cool and rainfall exceeded 400 mm. Principal component analysis of soil and climate parameters indicated that CA benefits most from higher N application rates when conditions are cool and wet due to increased residue retention coupled with slow soil organic matter decomposition.Core Ideas

Conservation agriculture out‐yields conventional practice in wheat for weather scenarios with high seasonal rainfall.
Insufficient growing degree days may force earlier than optimal wheat planting in cooler midhill weather scenarios.
Optimal wheat planting date occurs before October in warmer and drier midhill weather conditions.
Planting Green Effects on Corn and Soybean Production
Authors: Reed Heidi K. , Karsten Heather D. , Curran William S. , Tooker John F. , Duiker Sjoerd W. 
Published: June 2019

No‐till farmers who want more from their cover crops (CCs) are delaying CC termination until the main crop is planted. Delaying termination can help dry wet soils and reduce erosion. This process is referred to as planting green (PG). We hypothesized that PG would (i) dry soil at main crop planting, but conserve soil moisture later in the growing season; (ii) reduce soil temperature; (iii) reduce slug damage on main crops; and (iv) not reduce main crop yield. This experiment was conducted in Pennsylvania between 2015 and 2017 to compare two CC termination dates: preplant killed (PK) and planting green (PG) in corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. Planting green increased CC biomass an average of 94% and 94 to 181% compared to PK preceding corn and soybean, respectively. Soil was 7 to 24% drier and 0.9°C cooler at corn planting, and 8% drier and 0.7 to 2.4°C cooler at soybean planting in PG compared to PK. Slug damage was not different, lower, or higher in PG corn, and not different or lower in PG soybean compared to PK. Corn yield was reduced and not impacted by PG in higher and lower yielding environments, respectively. Soybean yield was stable across locations, and not affected by cover crop termination date. We concluded that corn was more vulnerable to yield losses from conditions created by PG than soybean; therefore, growers who desire potential benefits and lower risk from PG should first consider soybean.Core Ideas

Planting green refers to planting the main crop into a living cover crop.
Planting green increased cover crop biomass by 94% in corn and by 94 to 181% in soybean.
Planting green dried the soil at main crop planting.
Planting green cooled soil 0.7 to 2.4°C at planting.
Soybean yield was not influenced by planting green; corn yield was reduced.
Shading Effects on Marandu Palisadegrass in a Silvopastoral System: Plant Morphological and Physiological Responses
Authors: Gomes Fagner J. , Pedreira Carlos G. S. , Bosi Cristiam , Cavalli Josiana , Holschuch Solange G. , Mourão Gerson B. , Pereira Dalton H. , Pedreira Bruno C. 
Published: June 2019

The understanding of plant morphological and physiological responses to shading can contribute to developing sustainable silvopastoral systems (SPS). Our objective was to evaluate the shading effect on herbage accumulation (HA), plant‐part composition, physiology, and canopy structural characteristics of Marandu palisadegrass {Urochloa brizantha (Hochst. ex A. Rich.) R.D. Webster [syn. Brachiaria brizantha (Hochst. ex A. Rich.) Stapf]} under intermittent defoliation in a SPS with Eucalyptus urograndis (hybrid of Eucalyptus grandis W. Hill ex Maiden and Eucalyptus urophylla S.T. Blake) in Sinop, Mato Grosso, Brazil. The experimental design was a randomized complete block arranged under a strip‐split‐plot, where the plots were allocated to four distances from the Eucalyptus grove (3, 6, 10, and 15‐m) in the SPS, on both faces (north and south), with four replications. The evaluations were done during two summer rainy seasons (RS1 and RS2) and one dry season (DS). The herbage accumulation (HA) in RS1 (4290 kg DM ha–1) was 51% greater than in RS2. The greatest canopy height, light interception, and leaf area index (LAI) values were measured during RS1 (25 cm, 91%, and 3.5 cm2 cm–2, respectively). Leaf photosynthesis rate was less at the 3‐m distance (12.5 μmol CO2 m–2 s–1) than at other distances (17.3 μmol CO2 m–2 s–1). We conclude that Marandu palisadegrass has the ability to physiologically adapt to shaded environments, although the dynamics along the whole tree growing cycle needs to be considered so that grass productivity can be sustained in the long‐term.Core Ideas

Longer shading impacted canopy structure and forage accumulation at 3‐m distance.
Physiological responses shows reduced light effects on the forage growth pattern.
Morphologic composition and sward characteristics were only affected at 3‐m distance.
Leaf photosynthesis rate was lesser close to the grove.
Silvopastoral systems is an option for livestock production in the Brazilian Amazon.
Mineral Elements Bioavailability in Milling Fractions of Wheat Grain Response to Zinc and Nitrogen Application
Authors: Zhang Panpan , Ma Geng , Wang Chenyang , Zhu Yunji , Guo Tiancai 
Published: June 2019

A field experiment was conducted in a high‐yield region in North China to estimate the effect of Zn and N fertilization on mineral element distribution and bioavailability in eight milling fractions of wheat grain (Triticum aestivum L.), which included bran, shorts, break (B1, B2, and B3) and reduction (R1, R2, and R3). The results indicated that foliar Zn decreased Ca and Mn concentration in wheat grain averagely by 4.3 and 6.8%, respectively, but increased Zn by 42.6%. Soil N application improved N, Ca, Cu, Fe, and Zn concentration by 38.9, 10.5, 19.95, 7.0, and 24.4%, respectively. All elements, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Mn, Fe, and Zn, were mostly located in bran and shorts. Foliar Zn significantly decreased the accumulation of Mn in bran, shorts, and B2, and increased Zn in each fraction, but did not influence the distribution of Mn and Zn among the eight fractions. Nitrogen application increased the accumulation of all elements in shorts, and altered the distribution in wheat grain. Both measures improved the bioavailability of Zn in B3, R1, R2, and reduction, but did not affect that in bran and shorts. Foliar Zn and N application increased total daily absorbed Zn in flour by 66.0 and 48.9%, and grain by 32.0 and 28.4%, respectively. The concentration of N in wheat grains was positively correlated with Ca, Cu, Fe, and Zn. No correlation was found between Zn and Fe concentration. These results are relevant to agronomic management strategies to improve the element nutrition of wheat grain.Core Ideas

Foliar Zn decreases Mn accumulation in bran, shorts, and B2 and increased Zn in each fraction.
Soil N application increased accumulation of all elements in shorts, Cu, and Fe in bran but decreased P and K in bran fraction.
Zinc bioavailability was higher in break and reduction, and improved by foliar Zn and soil N application.
Nitrogen concentration was positively correlated with Ca, Cu, Fe, and Zn in wheat grains.
Zinc concentration was not correlated with Fe in wheat grains.