bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Marginal deficiencies of dietary arginine and methionine could suppress growth performance and immunological responses in broiler chickens
Authors: Jahanian R. , Khalifeh‐Gholi M. 
Published: April 2017

SummaryThe present study was conducted to investigate the effects of different levels of dietary arginine (Arg) and methionine (Met) on performance, immune responses, and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. A total of 540 day‐old Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly assigned into the nine experimental diets, consisting five replicates of 12 birds each. Dietary treatments included three different levels (90%, 100%, and 110% of National Research Council [NRC] specifications) of either dietary Arg or Met, which were fed to the birds according to a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments during a 42 days feeding trial. Results showed that supplementation of Arg and Met into the deficient‐diets increased (p < .01) weight gains during all trial periods. Although average daily feed intake (ADFI) was not influenced by dietary treatments, increasing Arg up to 100% of NRC recommendations improved (p < .05) feed conversion ratio (FCR) throughout the trial period. Similarly, supplementation of deficient‐diets with Met improved FCR values. There was a significant (p < .01) Arg × Met interaction for ADFI during the starter period; increasing the dietary Arg level increased ADFI when the diets were deficient in Met, while had an opposite effect in diets containing higher dietary Met levels. On the other hand, dietary Met fortification improved (p = .067) FCR values to a greater extent in 110% Arg‐diets during the entire trial period. Although different levels of Arg and Met had no marked effects on carcass yield and abdominal fat percentage, supplemental Arg up to 100% of NRC values increased (p < .01) the relative weights of spleen and bursa of Fabricius. Furthermore, bursa weight was affected by Arg × Met interaction (p < .01), so that supplemental Arg level of 100% of NRC increased the relative bursa weight in birds that were fed diets containing 90% and 110% of Met. Serum uric acid level was decreased (p < .05) as a result of dietary Arg fortification up to 110% of NRC recommended values. Supplementation of deficient‐diets with Met decreased (p < .05) serum cholesterol level. Although Newcastle antibody titer was not affected by dietary Arg or Met levels, Arg fortification of deficient‐diets increased (p < .001) antibody responses against infectious bronchitis (IBV) and bursal (IBD) disease viruses. Similarly, Met supplementation of deficient‐diets increased IBD antibody titer. There were significant (p < .05) Arg × Met interactions for IBV and IBD titers; Met fortification of 110% Arg‐diets was more effective in increasing antibody titers. An increase in dietary Met level up to 100% of NRC values increased (p < .001) serum concentration of γ‐globulins. The present findings imply that supplemental Arg could affect feed efficiency and antibody responses when the diets were already fortified with a sufficient Met level.
High non‐esterified fatty acid concentrations promote expression and secretion of fibroblast growth factor 21 in calf hepatocytes cultured in vitro
Authors: Wang J. G. , Guo Y. Z. , Kong Y. Z. , Dai S. , Zhao B. Y. 
Published: April 2017

SummaryNegative energy balance is considered as the pathological basis of energy metabolic disorders in periparturient dairy cows. Serum non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA) are one of the most important indicators of energy balance status. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) has been identified as a hepatokine involved in regulation of metabolic adaptations, such as promoting hepatic lipid oxidation and ketogenesis, during energy deprivation. However, the direct effects of NEFA on FGF21 expression and secretion in bovine hepatocytes are not entirely clear. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of different NEFA concentrations on FGF21 expression and secretion in calf hepatocytes cultured in vitro. NEFA were added to the culture solution at final concentrations of 0.6, 1.2, 1.8 and 2.4 mmol/L. After 24 hr of continuous culture, FGF21 mRNA and protein expression levels in the hepatocytes were determined by real‐time PCR and Western blot respectively. FGF21 secretion in the supernatant was determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results showed that expression and secretion of FGF21 at 0.6 mmol/L NEFA‐treated hepatocytes was higher than that of the control group (p < .05). The FGF21 expression and secretion were similar at 1.2, 1.8 and 2.4 mmol/L NEFA‐treated hepatocytes and significantly higher than those observed for controls (p < .01). These data suggest that high concentrations of NEFA significantly promote FGF21 expression and secretion in bovine hepatocytes. In particular, this promotion occurs in a dose‐dependent manner and may be involved in the pathological processes of energy metabolism disorders of dairy cows in the peripartum period.
Trends and factors associated with insomnia and sleep apnea in all United States military service members from 2005 to 2014
Authors: A. Caldwell John , Knapik Joseph J. , Lieberman Harris R. 
Published: April 2017

SummarySleep disorders are a critical issue for the military, as they impact operational readiness, personnel health, wellbeing and health‐care costs. The incidence of insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are increasing in the United States civilian population, and rates in military personnel exceed those of civilians. Using a comprehensive database, rates of medical encounters for insomnia and OSA were investigated and their associations with various demographic factors examined in the total US military population [1,381,406 ± 25,123, mean ± standard deviation (SD) personnel per year] from 2005 to 2014. Encounters for insomnia increased from 16 of 1000 in 2005 to 75 of 1000 in 2014 (372%). Encounters for OSA increased from 44 of 1000 in 2005 to 273 of 1000 in 2014 (517%). Those experiencing the greatest increases in insomnia included women, individuals ≥40 years of age, blacks, senior enlisted personnel and Army personnel compared to other military services. Those experiencing the greatest rates of OSA included men, individuals ≥40 years of age, blacks, senior officers and Army personnel. Rates of insomnia and OSA increased linearly over time (R2 = 0.95–0.99; P < 0.01) for every subpopulation except those aged <20 years. In response to this epidemic‐like increase in sleep disorders, their prevention, identification and aggressive treatment should become a health‐care priority of the US military.
A qualitative study of the knowledge, behaviour and attitudes of patients with skin cancer regarding sunlight exposure and vitamin D
Authors: Rutkowski David , Farrar Mark D. , Osman Joanne E. , Webb Ann R. , Rhodes Lesley E. 
Published: April 2017

SummaryBackgroundSolar UVR is a major cause of skin cancer but also an important source of vitamin D (VitD), essential for musculoskeletal health. Conflicting public health messages may confuse patients with skin cancer prone to further skin cancer.ObjectiveTo explore the knowledge, behaviour and attitudes of patients with skin cancer to sunlight exposure and VitD sources.MethodsPatients (n = 10) previously treated for multiple basal cell cancer in a hospital setting participated in focus group sessions with semi‐structured discussions to explore: knowledge of VitD, sun‐avoidance behaviour and attitude towards sunlight exposure messages. Thematic data analysis was performed using software programme MAXQDA11.ResultsPre‐existing knowledge of VitD was low. Most patients practised sun avoidance and were not inclined to increase exposure. Patients did not perceive VitD deficiency as a substantial risk to their own health, or a need to take VitD supplements. They aimed to increase VitD status through dietary intake, but knowledge of food VitD content was lacking.ConclusionsThe patients with skin cancer, appropriate to their heightened skin cancer risk, appeared unlikely to increase their sun exposure to gain VitD. However, education is required regarding the generally low levels of VitD in foodstuffs, and the requirement for supplements/fortified foods if strict sun avoidance is employed.
Osmotic stress decreases complexity underlying the electrophysiological dynamic in soybean
Authors: Saraiva G. F. R. , Ferreira A. S. , Souza G. M. 
Published: April 2017

Abstract

Studies on plant electrophysiology are mostly focused on specific traits of single cells. Inspired by the complexity of the signalling network in plants, and by analogy with neurons in human brains, we sought evidence of high complexity in the electrical dynamics of plant signalling and a likely relationship with environmental cues.

An EEG‐like standard protocol was adopted for high‐resolution measurements of the electrical signal in Glycine max seedlings. The signals were continuously recorded in the same plants before and after osmotic stimuli with a −2 MPa mannitol solution. Non‐linear time series analyses methods were used as follows: auto‐correlation and cross‐correlation function, power spectra density function, and complexity of the time series estimated as Approximate Entropy (ApEn).

Using Approximate Entropy analysis we found that the level of temporal complexity of the electrical signals was affected by the environmental conditions, decreasing when the plant was subjected to a low osmotic potential. Electrical spikes observed only after stimuli followed a power law distribution, which is indicative of scale invariance.

Our results suggest that changes in complexity of the electrical signals could be associated with water stress conditions in plants. We hypothesised that the power law distribution of the spikes could be explained by a self‐organised critical state (SOC) after osmotic stress.
Scandiatransplant acceptable mismatch program (STAMP) a bridge to transplanting highly immunized patients
Authors: Koefoed‐Nielsen P. , Weinreich I. , Bengtsson M. , Lauronen J. , Naper C. , Gäbel M. , Sørensen S. S. , Wennberg L. , Reisæter A. V. , Møller B. K. ,   On behalf of the Nordic Kidney group and the Tissue Typing group in Scandiatransplant
Published: April 2017

BackgroundHighly immunized patients are a challenge for organ transplantation programs. One way of increasing the likelihood of transplantation in this group of patients is to expand the possible donations by defining acceptable HLA mismatches. In the Scandiatransplant Acceptable Mismatch Program (STAMP), a de‐centralized approach has been implemented in 2009.AimsThe program has been improved during the years from utilizing HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐DR matching only to include typing of all deceased donors for HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐C, ‐DRB1 and ‐DQB1. The calculation of a transplantability score (TS) has been introduced in order to take both HLA and AB0 into consideration resulting in a more realistic picture of the transplantability chance.Materials and MethodsPatients were selected for eligibility and results of immunisation status were prepared in each of the 9 tissue typing laboratories, while access to the program is finally governed by a common steering group of immunologists and clinicians.ResultsIn the period from March 2009 until February 2015, 96 patients were transplanted within this program. The mean recipient age was 49 years and 57% were females, 30% of the patients were first transplants and of these 93% were females. The majority of the patients had 2‐5 HLA‐A, ‐B. ‐DR mismatches. The allograft survival at 60 months was 79.1%. Applying the TS to the cohort confirmed that patients with a low TS score had longer waiting times.ConclusionThe program has matured during the years and now proves to be a valid approach for transplanting highly immunized patients.
Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomographic characteristics of a glioma causing calvarial erosion in a dog
Authors: Recio Alfredo , de la Fuente Cristian , Pumarola Martí , Espada Yvonne , Añor Sònia 
Published: April 2017

AbstractAn 8‐year‐old female Boxer was examined for acute onset of seizures. On magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), an intra‐axial mass with imaging features consistent with glioma was observed in the right cerebral hemisphere. A defect in the temporal bone adjacent to the mass was observed. Postmortem computed tomography (CT) confirmed temporal bone osteolysis and necropsy demonstrated a glioblastoma with associated calvarial erosion. Although occasionally described in human medicine, to our knowledge, this is the first description of a brain glioma causing calvarial erosion in a dog. Glioma should be included as a differential diagnosis for intracranial lesions that could cause bony changes in the skull.
Sustaining Nurse‐Led Task‐Shifting Strategies for Hypertension Control: A Concept Mapping Study to Inform Evidence‐Based Practice
Authors: Blackstone Sarah , Iwelunmor Juliet , Plange‐Rhule Jacob , Gyamfi Joyce , Quakyi Nana Kofi , Ntim Micheal , Ogedegbe Gbenga 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe use of task‐shifting is an increasingly widespread delivery approach for health interventions targeting prevention, treatment, and control of hypertension in adults living in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). Addressing a gap in the literature, this research examined the sustainability of an ongoing task‐shifting strategy for hypertension (TASSH) from the perspectives of community health nurses (CHNs) implementing the program.MethodsWe used concept‐mapping, a mixed‐methods participatory approach to understand CHNs’ perceptions of barriers and enablers to sustaining a task‐shifting program. Participants responded to focal prompts, eliciting statements regarding perceived barriers and enablers to sustaining TASSH, and then rated these ideas based on importance to the research questions and feasibility to address. Twenty‐eight community health nurses (21 women, 7 men) from the Ashanti region of Ghana completed the concept‐mapping process.ResultsFactors influencing sustainability were grouped into five categories: Limited Drug Supply, Financial Support, Provision of Primary Health Care, Personnel Training, and Patient‐Provider Communication. The limited supply of antihypertensive medication was considered by CHNs as the most important item to address, while providing training for intervention personnel was considered most feasible to address.Linking Evidence to ActionThis study's findings highlight the importance of examining nurses’ perceptions of factors likely to influence the sustainability of evidence‐based, task‐shifting interventions. Nurses’ perceptions can guide the widespread uptake and dissemination of these interventions in resource‐limited settings.
Collateral Damage during Dengue Virus Infection: Making Sense of DNA by cGAS
Authors: Aguirre Sebastian , Fernandez-Sesma Ana 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACT
Early sensing of viral components or infection-induced tissue damage is a prerequisite for the successful control of pathogenic viruses by the host innate immune system. Recent results from our laboratory show how immune cells use the DNA-sensing machinery to detect intracellular damage generated early during infection by an RNA virus, namely, dengue virus (DENV). Conversely, we found that DENV can efficiently dismantle this sensing mechanism by targeting the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) and the stimulator of interferon (IFN) genes (STING), two crucial host factors involved in DNA detection and type I IFN production. These findings highlight the relevance of the DNA-sensing mechanism in the detection and control of infections by RNA viruses. In this review, we discuss how DENV modulates the innate immune DNA-sensing pathway, activated in the context of cellular damage during infection.
Some exact solutions in f(𝒢,T) gravity via Noether symmetries
Authors: Shamir M. Farasat , Ahmad Mushtaq 
Published: April 2017

This paper is devoted to investigate the recently proposed modified Gauss–Bonnet [Formula: see text] gravity, with [Formula: see text], the Gauss–Bonnet term, coupled with [Formula: see text], the trace of energy–momentum tensor. We have used the Noether symmetry methodology to discuss some cosmologically important [Formula: see text] gravity models with anisotropic background. In particular, the Noether symmetry equations for modified [Formula: see text] gravity are reported for locally rotationally symmetric Bianchi type I universe. Explicitly, two models have been proposed to explore the exact solutions and the conserved quantities. It is concluded that the specific models of modified Gauss–Bonnet gravity may be used to reconstruct [Formula: see text]CDM cosmology without involving any cosmological constant.
Improved corrosion resistance of new Fe-based amorphous alloys
Authors: Li Xiang , Zhao Xu , Lv Fang , Liu Fang , Wang Yuxin 
Published: April 2017

Developing amorphous alloys with good corrosion resistance has attracted wide interests recently. In this work, a series of Fe[Formula: see text]Ni[Formula: see text]Cu1Nb3Si[Formula: see text]B9 ([Formula: see text], 1, 2, 3 and 4 at.%) amorphous alloys are fabricated. The influence of Ni addition on the structure and corrosion resistance of the alloys in KNO3 solution was investigated. The amorphous ribbons showed excellent corrosion resistance due to the formation of a stable passive film that ensured a very large passivation plateau. The corrosion resistance is sensitive to the minor addition of Ni ([Formula: see text]4 at.%), which significantly improved the corrosion resistance according to the results of electrochemical measurements.
Entrainment of visual steady-state responses is modulated by global spatial statistics
Authors: Nguyen Thomas , Kuntzelman Karl , Miskovic Vladimir 
Published: April 2017

The rhythmic delivery of visual stimuli evokes large-scale neuronal entrainment in the form of steady-state oscillatory field potentials. The spatiotemporal properties of stimulus drive appear to constrain the relative degrees of neuronal entrainment. Specific frequency ranges, for example, are uniquely suited for enhancing the strength of stimulus-driven brain oscillations. When it comes to the nature of the visual stimulus itself, studies have used a plethora of inputs ranging from spatially unstructured empty fields to simple contrast patterns (checkerboards, gratings, stripes) and complex arrays (human faces, houses, natural scenes). At present, little is known about how the global spatial statistics of the input stimulus influence entrainment of scalp-recorded electrophysiological signals. In this study, we used rhythmic entrainment source separation of scalp EEG to compare stimulus-driven phase alignment for distinct classes of visual inputs, including broadband spatial noise ensembles with varying second-order statistics, natural scenes, and narrowband sine-wave gratings delivered at a constant flicker frequency. The relative magnitude of visual entrainment was modulated by the global properties of the driving stimulus. Entrainment was strongest for pseudo-naturalistic broadband visual noise patterns in which luminance contrast is greatest at low spatial frequencies (a power spectrum slope characterized by 1/ƒ−2). NEW & NOTEWORTHY Rhythmically modulated visual stimuli entrain the activity of neuronal populations, but the effect of global stimulus statistics on this entrainment is unknown. We assessed entrainment evoked by 1) visual noise ensembles with different spectral slopes, 2) complex natural scenes, and 3) narrowband sinusoidal gratings. Entrainment was most effective for broadband noise with naturalistic luminance contrast. This reveals some global properties shaping stimulus-driven brain oscillations in the human visual system.
Randomized Controlled Trial of High‐Volume Energy Drink Versus Caffeine Consumption on ECG and Hemodynamic Parameters
Authors: Fletcher Emily A. , Lacey Carolyn S. , Aaron Melenie , Kolasa Mark , Occiano Andrew , Shah Sachin A. 
Published: April 2017

Background

Caffeine in doses <400 mg is typically not considered arrhythmogenic, but little is known about the additional ingredients in energy drinks. We evaluated the ECG and blood pressure (
BP
) effects of high‐volume energy drink consumption compared with caffeine alone.

Methods and Results

This was a randomized, double‐blind, controlled, crossover study in 18 young, healthy volunteers. Participants consumed either 946 mL (32 ounces) of energy drink or caffeinated control drink, both of which contained 320 mg of caffeine, separated by a 6‐day washout period.
ECG
, peripheral
BP
, and central
BP
measurements were obtained at baseline and 1, 2, 4, 6, and 24 hours post study drink consumption. The time‐matched, baseline‐adjusted changes were compared. The change in corrected
QT
interval from baseline in the energy drink arm was significantly higher than the caffeine arm at 2 hours (0.44±18.4 ms versus −10.4±14.8 ms, respectively;
P
=0.02). The
QT
c changes were not different at other time points. While both the energy drink and caffeine arms raised systolic
BP
in a similar fashion initially, the systolic
BP
was significantly higher at 6 hours when compared with the caffeine arm (4.72±4.67 mm Hg versus 0.83±6.09 mm Hg, respectively;
P
=0.01). Heart rate, diastolic
BP
, central systolic
BP
, and central diastolic
BP
showed no evidence of a difference between groups at any time point. Post energy drink, augmentation index was lower at 6 hours.

Conclusions

The corrected QT interval and systolic
BP
were significantly higher post high‐volume energy drink consumption when compared with caffeine alone. Larger clinical trials validating these findings and evaluation of noncaffeine ingredients within energy drinks are warranted.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier:
NCT
02023723.
Effects of a Family-based Diabetes Intervention on Behavioral and Biological Outcomes for Mexican American Adults
Authors: McEwen Marylyn Morris , Pasvogel Alice , Murdaugh Carolyn , Hepworth Joseph 
Published: April 2017

Purpose The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of a family-based self-management support intervention for adults with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Methods Using a 2-group, experimental repeated measures design, 157 dyads (participant with T2DM and family member) were randomly assigned to an intervention (education, social support, home visits, and telephone calls) or a wait list control group. Data were collected at baseline, postintervention (3 months), and 6 months postintervention. A series of 2 × 3 repeated measures ANOVAs were used to test the hypotheses with interaction contrasts to assess immediate and sustained intervention effects. Results Significant changes over time were reported in diet self-management, exercise self-management, total self-management, diabetes self-efficacy for general health and total diabetes self-efficacy, physician distress, regimen distress, interpersonal distress, and total distress. There were likewise sustained effects for diet self-management, total self-management, diabetes self-efficacy for general health, total self-efficacy, physician distress, regimen distress, and interpersonal distress. Conclusions Results support and extend prior research documenting the value of culturally relevant family-based interventions to improve diabetes self-management and substantiate the need for intensive, longer, tailored interventions to achieve glycemic control.