bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of mobile phone application combined with or without self‐monitoring of blood glucose on glycemic control in patients with diabetes: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yu Yuan , Yan Qun , Li Huizhi , Li Hongmei , Wang Lin , Wang Hua , Zhang Yiyun , Xu Lei , Tang Zhaosheng , Yan Xinfeng , Chen Yinghua , He Huili , Chen Jie , Feng Bo 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAims/IntroductionThere is potential for mobile applications to deliver new self‐management interventions for chronic disease, especially in diabetes. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of a mobile phone application (MPA) combined with or without self‐monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) on glycemic control in patients with diabetes.Materials and MethodsThe study was a 24‐week period, four‐arm parallel group, non‐blinded, randomized trial. A total of 185 patients with mean age of 52 years were randomized to group A (no MPA and no SMBG), group B (SMBG only), group C (MPA only) and group D (both MPA and SMBG were used). Changes in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose and 1,5‐anhydroglucitol from baseline to week 24 were analyzed.ResultsAt 24 weeks, the HbA1c levels in patients of all groups decreased significantly from baseline. There were significant differences in the proportions of patients that achieved HbA1c <7% between groups, especially in group C and group D, compared with group A at week 24 (60.4%, 62.2% vs 25.5%, all P < 0.05). 1,5‐Anhydroglucitol changes were obvious in group A and group C at week 24 from baseline (all P < 0.05 within groups). Factorial analysis of anova showed that MPA intervention was the main effective factor for HbA1c change (F = 4.59, P = 0.034), and there was no effect on HbA1c change for SMBG intervention (P = 0.975).ConclusionsImplementation of the MPA, Diabetes‐Carer, is effective in improving the proportion of HbA1c <7% in patients with type 2 diabetes.
The effects of male social environment on sperm phenotype and genome integrity
Authors: Silva Willian T. A. F. , Sáez‐Espinosa Paula , Torijo‐Boix Stéphanie , Romero Alejandro , Devaux Caroline , Durieux Mathilde , Gómez‐Torres María José , Immler Simone 
Published: February 2019

AbstractSperm function and quality are primary determinants of male reproductive performance and hence fitness. The presence of rival males has been shown to affect ejaculate and sperm traits in a wide range of taxa. However, male physiological conditions may not only affect sperm phenotypic traits but also their genetic and epigenetic signatures, affecting the fitness of the resulting offspring. We investigated the effects of male‐male competition on sperm quality using TUNEL assays and geometric morphometrics in the zebrafish, Danio rerio. We found that the sperm produced by males exposed to high male–male competition had smaller heads but larger midpiece and flagellum than sperm produced by males under low competition. Head and flagella also appeared less sensitive to the osmotic stress induced by activation with water. In addition, more sperm showed signals of DNA damage in ejaculates of males under high competition. These findings suggest that the presence of a rival male may have positive effects on sperm phenotypic traits but negative effects on sperm DNA integrity. Overall, males facing the presence of rival males may produce faster swimming and more competitive sperm but this may come at a cost for the next generation.
Improving the flavor of microbone meal with Flavourzyme by response surface method
Authors: Zhang Yin , Zhang Longyi , Venkitasamy Chandrasekar , Guo Siya , Pan Zhongli , Ke Huan , Tang Huan , Huang Weiming , Zhao Liming 
Published: February 2019

AbstractTo improve the flavor of microbone meal, Flavourzyme was adopted to hydrolyze the meal and the hydrolysis conditions were optimized with the response surface method. The ANOVA results showed that the degree of hydrolysis (DH) of the microbone meal was significantly (p < 0.05) influenced by the amount of enzyme and hydrolysis time. In addition, the bitter and umami tastes of the microbone meal were significantly (p < 0.05) influenced by hydrolysis time and amount of enzyme, respectively. The optimization results showed that the optimal hydrolysis conditions were a Flavourzyme amount of 10.36%, hydrolysis temperature of 59.60°C, hydrolysis time of 5.84 hr, and pH of 7.75. The corresponding DH, bitter, and umami taste of the hydrolysate were 4.11%, 0.80 cent, and 1.90 cent, respectively. Characteristic volatile flavor compounds of the hydrolysate indicated that the Flavourzyme hydrolysis increased the meaty flavor of the microbone meal.Practical applicationsThe obvious fishy smell and less meaty taste limited the microbone meal being mainly used in feeds. To broaden the applications of microbone meal in other fields, the Flavourzyme was adopted to improve its flavor. The Flavourzyme hydrolysis conditions were optimized with response surface method. The obtained hydrolysis conditions will benefit not only future investigations of animal bone by‐products applications, but also bone meal related product development. We believe that our findings could be of interest to meat related research units and enterprises by virtue of providing an alternative flavor improvement processing for bone meal application.
Incidence of Lower‐Extremity Fractures in US Nursing Homes
Authors: Sine Kathryn , Lee Yoojin , Zullo Andrew R. , Daiello Lori A. , Zhang Tingting , Berry Sarah D. 
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVESLimited studies suggest lower‐extremity (LE) fractures are morbid events for nursing home (NH) residents. Our objective was to conduct a nationwide study comparing the incidence and resident characteristics associated with hip (proximal femur) vs nonhip LE (femoral shaft and tibia‐fibula) fractures in the NH.DESIGNRetrospective cohort study.SETTINGUS NHs.PARTICIPANTSWe included all long‐stay residents, aged 65 years or older, enrolled in Medicare from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2009 (N = 1 257 279). Residents were followed from long‐stay qualification until the first event of LE fracture, death, or end of follow‐up (2 years).MEASUREMENTSFractures were classified using Medicare diagnostic and procedural codes. Function, cognition, and medical status were obtained from the Minimum Data Set prior to long‐stay qualification. Incidence rates (IRs) were calculated as the total number of fractures divided by person‐years.RESULTSDuring 42 800 person‐years of follow‐up, 52 177 residents had an LE fracture (43 695 hip, 6001 femoral shaft, 2481 tibia‐fibula). The unadjusted IRs of LE fractures were 1.32/1000 person‐years (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.27‐1.38) for tibia‐fibula, 3.20/1000 person‐years (95% CI = 3.12‐3.29) for femoral shaft, and 23.32/1000 person‐years (95% CI = 23.11‐23.54) for hip. As compared with hip fracture residents, non‐hip LE fracture residents were more likely to be immobile (58.1% vs 18.4%), to be dependent in all activities of daily living (31.6% vs 10.8%), to be transferred mechanically (20.5% vs 4.4%), to be overweight (mean body mass index = 26.6 vs 24.0 kg/m2), and to have diabetes (34.8% vs 25.7%).CONCLUSIONSOur findings that non‐hip LE fractures often occur in severely functionally impaired residents suggest these fractures may have a different mechanism of injury than hip fractures. The resident differences in our study highlight the need for distinct prevention strategies for hip and non‐hip LE fractures.
A pilot evaluation of an advocacy programme on knowledge, empowerment, family–school partnership and parent well‐being
Authors: Burke M. M. , Lee C. E. , Rios K. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundInternationally, it has been recognised that parents need to advocate for their children with disabilities to receive services. However, many parents find advocacy difficult because of systemic and logistical barriers. As such, parents of children with disabilities may seek a special education advocate to help them understand their child's rights and secure services. Yet little research has been conducted about programmes to develop special education advocates.MethodsIn this study, we conducted a comparison study to determine the association of an advocacy programme (i.e. the Volunteer Advocacy Project) on a primary outcome (i.e. special education knowledge) and other outcomes (i.e. family–school partnership, empowerment and parent well‐being). Specifically, in 2017, 34 participants, all mothers of children with disabilities, were recruited from disability organisations in the USA. Seventeen mothers participated in the intervention group (i.e. the advocacy training), while 17 mothers participated in the wait list control group. The Volunteer Advocacy Project is a 36 hr advocacy training for individuals to gain instrumental and affective knowledge to advocate for their own children with disabilities and for other families. All participants completed a pre‐survey and post‐survey; only intervention group participants completed a 6‐month follow‐up survey.ResultsCompared with 17 wait list control group participants, the 17 intervention group participants demonstrated improvements in special education knowledge, P = 0.002, η2 = 0.32, and self‐mastery, P = 0.04, η2 = 0.15, and decreases in the quality of family–school partnerships, P = 0.002, η2 = 0.32. At the follow‐up survey, intervention group participants demonstrated increases in empowerment, P = 0.04, η2 = 0.29, and special education knowledge, P = 0.02, η2 = 0.38.ConclusionsImplications for research including the need for a randomised controlled trial are discussed; also, practitioners need to evaluate advocacy training programmes regarding their effectiveness.
Entanglements in Health and Well‐being: Working with Model Organisms in Biomedicine and Bioscience
Authors: Friese Carrie , Latimer Joanna 
Published: February 2019

AbstractDrawing on collaborative ethnographic fieldwork, this article explores how human health becomes entangled with that of model organisms in day‐to‐day biomedical science. Social science scholarship on modeling has exploredeitherhow specific models impact and shape our knowledge of human diseaseorhow animal technicians and scientists affect laboratory animals. This article extends this relational approach by asking how embodied and institutional care practices for model organisms affect the health and well‐being of animal technicians and scientists. We focus on two interspecies bodily experiences: pathogenic exchange and stress. We then explore enrichment as a strategy for producing health and well‐being across species. We suggest that relations of care form a crucial part of biomedical knowledge production. Not only does care figure in the shaping of model organisms; care for technicians and scientists also plays a role in bioscientific knowledge production. We conclude by proposing an interspecies approach to occupational health.
Encoder–decoder network for pixel‐level road crack detection in black‐box images
Authors: Bang Seongdeok , Park Somin , Kim Hongjo , Kim Hyoungkwan 
Published: February 2019

AbstractTimely monitoring of pavement cracks is essential for successful maintenance of road infrastructure. Accurate information concerning crack location and severity enables proactive management of the infrastructure. Black‐box cameras, which are becoming increasingly widespread at an affordable price, can be used as efficient road‐image collectors over a wide area. However, the cracks in these images are difficult to detect, because the images containing them often include objects other than roads. Thus, we propose a pixel‐level detection method for identifying road cracks in black‐box images using a deep convolutional encoder–decoder network. The encoder consists of convolutional layers of the residual network for extracting crack features, and the decoder consists of deconvolutional layers for localizing the cracks in an input image. The proposed network was trained on 427 out of 527 images extracted from black‐box videos and tested on the remaining 100 images. Compared with VGG‐16, ResNet‐50, ResNet‐101, ResNet‐200 with transfer learning, and ResNet‐152 without transfer learning, ResNet‐152 with transfer learning exhibited the best performance, achieving recall, precision, and intersection of union of 71.98%, 77.68%, and 59.65%, respectively. The experimental results prove that the proposed method is optimal for detecting cracks in black‐box images at the pixel level.
Negotiation Contexts: How and Why They Shape Women's and Men's Decision to Negotiate
Authors: Reif Julia A. M. , Kunz Fiona A. , Kugler Katharina G. , Brodbeck Felix C. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIn the substantial body of research on gender differences in the initiation of negotiation, the findings consistently favor men (Kugler et al., 2018). We propose that this research itself is gendered because negotiation research has traditionally focused on masculine negotiation contexts. In the current study, we replicate the gender effect in initiating negotiations (favoring men) and provide an empirically based selection of “masculine,” “feminine,” and “neutral” negotiation contexts, which can be used for future negotiation research. We show that the negotiation context shapes gender differences such that in specific social contexts, women tend to have even higher initiation intentions compared to men. Negotiation contexts generally seem to differ regarding their affordance to negotiate. We offer a possible explanation for gender effects on initiation intentions by uncovering the mediating role of expectancy considerations across all negotiation contexts, especially in masculine contexts, and instrumentality considerations in specific masculine and feminine contexts.
The bZIP73 transcription factor controls rice cold tolerance at the reproductive stage
Authors: Liu Citao , Schläppi Michael R. , Mao Bigang , Wang Wei , Wang Aiju , Chu Chengcai 
Published: February 2019

SummaryCold temperature during the reproductive stage often causes great yield loss of grain crops in subtropical and temperate regions. Previously we showed that the rice transcription factor bZIP73Jap plays an important role in cold adaptation at the seedling stage. Here we further demonstrate that bZIP73Jap also confers cold stress tolerance at the reproductive stage. bZIP73Jap was up‐regulated under cold treatment and predominately expressed in panicles at the early binucleate and flowering stages. bZIP73Jap forms heterodimers with bZIP71, and co‐expression of bZIP73Jap and bZIP71 transgenic lines significantly increased seed‐setting rate and grain yield under natural cold stress conditions. bZIP73Jap:bZIP71 not only repressed ABA level in anthers, but also enhanced soluble sugar transport from anthers to pollens and improved pollen grain fertility, seed‐setting rate, and grain yield. Interestingly, bZIP73Jap:bZIP71 also regulated the expression of qLTG3‐1Nip, and qLTG3‐1Nip overexpression lines greatly improved rice tolerance to cold stress during the reproductive stage. Therefore, our work establishes a framework for rice cold stress tolerance through the bZIP71‐bZIP73Jap‐qLTG3‐1Nip‐sugar transport pathway. Together with our previous work, our results provide a powerful tool for improving rice cold stress tolerance at both the seedling and the reproductive stages.
Dermoscopic findings of umbilical granuloma
Authors: Ancer‐Arellano Jesus , Argenziano Giuseppe , Villarreal‐Martinez Alejandra , Cardenas‐de la Garza Jesus A. , Villarreal‐Villarreal Cesar D. , Ocampo‐Candiani Jorge 
Published: February 2019

AbstractDermoscopic findings in umbilical granuloma are vascular polymorphism comprised of linear irregular and arborizing vessels with structureless areas distributed over a milky‐red background. The increase of angiogenesis and neovascularization is represented by the linear irregular and arborizing vessels. Structureless areas over an irregularly milky‐red background are originated by the proliferation of vascular endothelial cells and fibroblasts, with capillary and granulation tissue formation.
Innovation by Heterogeneous Leaders*
Authors: Iwaisako Tatsuro , Ohki Kazuyoshi 
Published: February 2019

AbstractWe develop a Schumpeterian growth model in which leaders and followers conduct research and development (R&D) activities and in which leaders have different‐sized quality leads over their followers, and thus have different profit flows. We show that leaders with larger quality leads make smaller R&D investments; this result is consistent with the actual behaviors of some previous leader firms, such as Sony and Eastman–Kodak. Moreover, we show that subsidizing the R&D of followers can promote the aggregate R&D of leaders, because promotion of followers' R&D decreases (increases) the number of leaders with larger (smaller) quality leads and smaller (larger) R&D investments.
Novel heterocyclic chitosan‐based Schiff base: evaluation as adsorbent for removal of methyl orange from aqueous solution
Authors: Manchaiah A.S. , Badalamoole V. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractA Schiff base has been made by reacting chitosan with 2‐hydroxy quinoline‐3‐carbaldehyde in the presence of acetic acid. The synthesized compound was characterized by FTIR, TGA, XRD and SEM techniques. The Schiff base was evaluated for removal of anionic dye from aqueous solution using methyl orange as model dye. Influences of initial dye concentration, pH and contact time on the extent of adsorption were investigated. The adsorption data fits best with Freundlich isotherm model and the maximum adsorption capacity was found to be 55.55 mg/g. The kinetic study indicated second‐order adsorption. The thermodynamic parameters showed the adsorption to be endothermic and non‐spontaneous. Desorption studies indicated the reusability of the compound as adsorbent material.
Uveal melanoma incidence trends in Canada: a national comprehensive population-based study
Authors: Ghazawi Feras M , Darwich Rami , Le Michelle , Rahme Elham , Zubarev Andrei , Moreau Linda , Burnier Julia Valdemarin , Sasseville Denis , Burnier Miguel N , Litvinov Ivan V 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundIn the developed countries, uveal melanoma is the most common primary intraocular malignancy in adults. Little is known about the epidemiological and geographical distribution of uveal melanoma in Canada.MethodsTo determine the incidence patterns and geographical distribution of uveal melanoma cases in Canada, we conducted the first comprehensive, population-based national study of this malignancy across all Canadian provinces and territories during 1992–2010 years. We examined two independent population-based registries: the Canadian Cancer Registry and Le Registre Québécois du Cancer using corresponding International Classification of Diseases for Oncology-3rd edition codes for all histological subtypes of uveal melanoma.ResultsWe report that 2215 patients were diagnosed with uveal melanoma, of which 52.1% were males. The average -annual incidence rate of uveal melanoma in Canada was 3.75 cases per million individuals per year (95% CI 3.60 to 3.91). Overall, we report a steady increase in uveal melanoma incidence with an annual increase of 0.074 cases per million individuals per year. Significant differences in the incidence rates of uveal melanoma between Canadian provinces and territories were noted, where the highest crude incidence was in British Columbia and Saskatchewan with rates of 6.38 and 5.47 cases per million individuals per year, respectively.ConclusionsThis work, for the first time, defines the disease burden of uveal melanoma in Canada and highlights important longitudinal, geographical and spatial differences in the distribution of uveal melanoma in Canada.
Early hydroxychloroquine retinopathy: optical coherence tomography abnormalities preceding Humphrey visual field defects
Authors: Garrity Sean T , Jung Joo Yeon , Zambrowski Olivia , Pichi Francesco , Su Daniel , Arya Malvika , Waheed Nadia K , Duker Jay S , Chetrit Yaïr , Miserocchi Elisabetta , Giuffrè Chiara , Kaden Talia R , Querques Giuseppe , Souied Eric H , Freund K Bailey , Sarraf David 
Published: February 2019

Background/AimsHydroxychloroquine (HCQ) retinopathy may result in severe and irreversible vision loss, emphasising the importance of screening and early detection. The purpose of this study is to report the novel finding of early optical coherence tomography (OCT) abnormalities due to HCQ toxicity that may develop in the setting of normal Humphrey visual field (HVF) testing.MethodsData from patients with chronic HCQ exposure was obtained from seven tertiary care retina centres. Ten patients with HCQ-associated OCT abnormalities and normal HVF testing were identified. Detailed analysis of the OCT findings and ancillary tests including colour fundus photography, fundus autofluorescence, multifocal electroretinography and microperimetry was performed in these patients.ResultsSeventeen eyes from 10 patients illustrated abnormalities with OCT and normal HVF testing. These OCT alterations included (1) attenuation of the parafoveal ellipsoid zone and (2) loss of a clear continuous interdigitation zone. Several eyes progressed to advanced parafoveal outer retinal disruption and/or paracentral visual field defects.ConclusionPatients with high risk HCQ exposure and normal HVF testing may develop subtle but characteristic OCT abnormalities. This novel finding indicates that, in some cases of early HCQ toxicity, structural alterations may precede functional impairment. It is therefore important to employ a screening approach that includes OCT to assess for these early findings. Ancillary testing should be considered in cases with suspicious OCT changes and normal HVFs.
Darkroom prone provocative testing in primary angle closure suspects and those with open angles
Authors: Friedman David S , Chang Dolly Shuo-Teh , Jiang Yuzhen , Huang Shengsong , Kong Xiangbin , Munoz Beatriz , Aung Tin , Foster Paul J , He Mingguang 
Published: February 2019

PurposeTo describe the results of darkroom prone provocative testing (DRPPT) in primary angle closure suspects (PACS) and to compare the findings to controls with open angles.Methods889 subjects with PACS in the Zhongshan Angle Closure Prevention Trial (a randomised controlled trial to compare prophylactic laser iridotomy to no treatment in PACS) and 89 with open angles in the 5-year follow-up of Liwan Eye Study were placed in a darkroom face down for 15 min. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured immediately before and after DRPPT.ResultsPACS participants were of similar age than controls (59.3 vs 60.5), more often female (82.9% vs 58.4%) and had lower IOP (14.3 vs 15.2 mm Hg). The average IOP increases after DRPPT was 4.3±3 mm Hg in PACS and 5.2±2.8 in controls (p<0.05). 20.5% of controls and 13.9 % of those with PACS developed an IOP spike ≥8 mm Hg after DRPPT (p<0.05). Among PACS, 15.8 % of those with all four quadrants closed had an IOP elevation of ≥ 8 mm Hg as opposed to 10.0%–12.4 % with two or three closed quadrants (p<0.05). DRPPT failed to predict who would reach a clinical trial endpoint over 6-year follow-up of those with PACS.ConclusionsA modified DRPPT failed to separate PACS from those with open angle. Although the test resulted in greater IOP elevation among those PACS participants with all four quadrants closed than in those with two or three closed quadrants, it did not offer any insight into the risk of developing acute or chronic angle closure disease over 6-year follow-up.