bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Open standing castration in Thoroughbred racehorses in Hong Kong: Prevalence and severity of complications 30 days post‐castration
Authors: Rosanowski S. M. , MacEoin F. , Graham R. J. T. Y. , Riggs C. M. 
Published: September 2017

SummaryBackgroundComplications following open standing castration (OSC) in Thoroughbred racehorses are well recognised but variation in their prevalence and severity between populations is not well documented.ObjectivesTo describe the prevalence and severity of complications in the 30 days following OSC.Study designA retrospective cohort study of veterinary clinical records relating to horses that underwent OSC between July 2007 and July 2012.MethodsComplications were graded on a severity score from N, no complications, to C3, severe complications. Additional data were accessed for each horse including age, import date, racing history, trainer and veterinarian performing the castration. Bacterial culture and antimicrobial sensitivities were performed on a limited number of castration wounds that became infected.ResultsIn total, 250 horses were castrated in Hong Kong using the OSC technique over the period of the study. Sixty percent (150/250) of horses experienced some type of post‐castration complication, with eight horses experiencing a severe (C3) complication requiring intensive veterinary treatment. Scrotal swelling, funiculitis and seroma formation were present in 70.0%, 36.7% and 24.7% of cases respectively. Most horses experiencing complications required wound reopening (87.3%; 131/150), and/or an extended course of first‐line antimicrobials and/or nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (75/150; 50.0%). Eight horses had cultures submitted for bacterial sensitivity, with 17 bacterial isolates grown. In vitro, the bacteria cultured were sensitive to enrofloxacin (76%; 13/17) and ceftiofur (100%; 17/17). Resistance was detected to penicillin, gentamicin, oxytetracycline, metronidazole and trimethoprim‐sulfadiazine.Main limitationsDifferences in post‐castration management cannot be accounted for in this study.ConclusionsComplications following OSC in horses in Hong Kong were common. The majority were mild and were successfully treated using antimicrobials and simple wound management. Given the high rate of complications and antimicrobial usage identified in this study, a review of the technique is warranted.
MOVEMENT AND EMBODIMENT IN KLOPSTOCK AND GOETHE
Authors: Lee Charlotte 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACTPoetry is both physical and mobile: it moves us, and moves in us. This essay focuses on the role of the moving body in the work of Klopstock, with a brief excursus into Goethe's poetry. Klopstock conceived of poetry as a kind of dance, and his innovations in prosody consisted of an intensification of the physical dimension of poetry. He consistently challenged the assumption underlying dualistic philosophies: namely, that the physical and the metaphysical, the tangible and the intangible, are ultimately separate. In his work, it is precisely the substance and weight of language which allows poetry to spin into the realms of the spiritual. His theory and practice is, therefore, thoroughly in tune with the premises of the modern notion of embodied cognition.
Analysis of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) using high‐sensitivity HBsAg assays in hepatitis B virus carriers in whom HBsAg seroclearance was confirmed by conventional assays
Authors: Ozeki Itaru , Nakajima Tomoaki , Suii Hirokazu , Tatsumi Ryoji , Yamaguchi Masakatsu , Kimura Mutsuumi , Arakawa Tomohiro , Kuwata Yasuaki , Ohmura Takumi , Hige Shuhei , Karino Yoshiyasu , Toyota Joji 
Published: September 2017

AimWe investigated the utility of high‐sensitivity hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) assays compared with conventional HBsAg assays.MethodsUsing serum samples from 114 hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers in whom HBsAg seroclearance was confirmed by conventional HBsAg assays (cut‐off value, 0.05 IU/mL), the amount of HBsAg was re‐examined by high‐sensitivity HBsAg assays (cut‐off value, 0.005 IU/mL). Cases negative for HBsAg in both assays were defined as consistent cases, and cases positive for HBsAg in the high‐sensitivity HBsAg assay only were defined as discrepant cases.ResultsThere were 55 (48.2%) discrepant cases, and the range of HBsAg titers determined by high‐sensitivity HBsAg assays was 0.005–0.056 IU/mL. Multivariate analysis showed that the presence of nucleos(t)ide analog therapy, liver cirrhosis, and negative anti‐HBs contributed to the discrepancies between the two assays. Cumulative anti‐HBs positivity rates among discrepant cases were 12.7%, 17.2%, 38.8%, and 43.9% at baseline, 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years, respectively, whereas the corresponding rates among consistent cases were 50.8%, 56.0%, 61.7%, and 68.0%, respectively. Hepatitis B virus DNA negativity rates were 56.4% and 81.4% at baseline, 51.3% and 83.3% at 1 year, and 36.8% and 95.7% at 3 years, among discrepant and consistent cases, respectively. Hepatitis B surface antigen reversion was observed only in discrepant cases.ConclusionsRe‐examination by high‐sensitivity HBsAg assays revealed that HBsAg was positive in approximately 50% of cases. Cumulative anti‐HBs seroconversion rates and HBV‐DNA seroclearance rates were lower in these cases, suggesting a population at risk for HBsAg reversion.
Seeing sunlit owls in a new light: orienting Snowy Owls may not be displaying
Authors: Wiebe Karen L. , Chang Alexander M. 
Published: September 2017

Snowy OwlsBubo scandiacusoften face the sun when sitting on the ground or when perched. Such sun‐orienting has been suggested to represent a visual display to conspecifics but other explanations have not been thoroughly examined. We observed the orientation of wintering Snowy Owls to both the sun and the wind, and their perching behaviour during two winters in central Saskatchewan, Canada. We proposed three new explanations for sun orientation in addition to the display hypothesis: thermoregulation, hunting and defence against predators. On sunny days, 44% of 710 Owls faced the sun; this was non‐random because few did so on overcast days. Sun‐ as opposed to wind‐orienting was strongly associated with weather conditions. Logistic regressions indicated that at temperatures below –13 °C and at wind speeds greater than about 18 km/h, Owls tended to orient to the wind rather than to the sun. The likelihood of wind‐orienting increased if the Owl perched above the ground, whereas the likelihood of sun‐orientating increased slightly when the Owl was sitting on the ground. There was no difference between the sexes in orienting behaviour. Snowy Owls seemed to prioritize wind‐orienting for thermoregulation but the results are also consistent with the idea that sun‐orientation can reduce heat loss. Facing into the sun did not support the hunting explanation because the birds would have been blinded and not able to see prey, but was consistent with the protection explanation if it helps to increase vigilance against enemies. Although we cannot completely rule out the display explanation, the spatial context of sunning Owls and a lack of a sex effect makes it unlikely that this is the main function. Instead, Owls seem to trade‐off wind‐ vs. sun‐orienting according to the prevailing weather conditions and do so mainly to thermoregulate and perhaps to maintain vigilance.
Effect of magnesium content on bioactivity of near invert phosphate‐based glasses
Authors: Islam Md Towhidul , Hossain Kazi M. Zakir , Sharmin Nusrat , Parsons Andrew J. , Ahmed Ifty 
Published: September 2017

AbstractA series of phosphate glasses 40P2O5‐(40−x)CaO‐xMgO‐(20−y)Na2O‐yTiO2 (where 0 ≤ x ≤ 24 and y = 0 or 1) with varying MgO contents were investigated for their in vitro calcium phosphate (CaP) formation. Thermal analysis of these glass compositions was conducted and a significant decrease in glass transition temperature from 448°C to 430°C was seen with reducing MgO content from 24 to 8 mol%. Degradation studies were performed in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) at 37°C, where the 8 mol% MgO glass showed the highest mass loss of around 3.4% after 28 days of immersion. Cation release studies were conducted via ion chromatography, using ultrapure water at 37°C as the degradation medium. The highest release of Ca2+ and Na+ ions was observed with the 8 mol% MgO glass. In vitro CaP formation studies were conducted using glass discs immersed in simulated body fluid (SBF) at 37°C for up to 28 days. The amorphous phase and chemical composition of deposited CaP layers on the glass discs were confirmed via X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis, respectively. CaP layers with Ca/P ratio 0.8‐1.1 were found to be deposited on the lower MgO content (8 to 2 mol%) glass surface after 28 days of SBF study.
Phosphate content affects structure and bioactivity of sol‐gel silicate bioactive glasses
Authors: Ting Hung‐Kai , Page Sam J. , Poologasundarampillai Gowsihan , Chen Shu , Yu Bobo , Hanna John V. , Jones Julian R. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBioactive glasses can heal bone defects and bond with bone through formation of hydroxyl carbonate apatite (HCA) surface layer. Sol‐gel derived bioactive glasses are thought to have potential for improving bone regeneration rates over melt‐derived compositions. The 58S sol‐gel composition (60 mol% SiO2, 36 mol% CaO, and 4 mol% P2O5) has appeared in commercial products. Here, hydroxyapatite (HA) was found to form within the 58S glass during sol‐gel synthesis after thermal stabilization. The preformed HA may lead to rapid release of calcium orthophosphate, or nanocrystals of HA, on exposure to body fluid, rather than the release of separate the calcium and phosphate species. Increasing the P2O5 to CaO ratio in the glass composition reduced preformed HA formation, as observed by XRD and solid‐state NMR. Instead, above 12 mol% phosphate, a phosphate glass network (polyphosphate) formed, creating co‐networks of phosphate and silica. Nanopore diameter of the glass and rate of HCA layer formation in simulated body fluid (SBF) decreased when the phosphate content increased.
Sodium is not essential for high bioactivity of glasses
Authors: Chen Xiaojing , Chen Xiaohui , Brauer Delia S. , Wilson Rory M. , Law Robert V. , Hill Robert G. , Karpukhina Natalia 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThis study aims to demonstrate that excellent bioactivity of glass can be achieved without the presence of an alkali metal component in glass composition.In vitro bioactivity of two sodium‐free glasses based on the quaternary system SiO2‐P2O5‐CaO‐CaF2 with 0 and 4.5 mol% CaF2 content was investigated and compared with the sodium‐containing glasses with equivalent amount of CaF2. The formation of apatite after immersion in Tris buffer was followed by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, 31P and 19F solid‐state MAS‐NMR. The dissolution study was completed by ion release measurements in Tris buffer. The results show that sodium‐free bioactive glasses formed apatite at 3 h of immersion in Tris buffer, which is as fast as the corresponding sodium‐containing composition. This signifies that sodium is not an essential component in bioactive glasses and it is possible to make equally degradable bioactive glasses with or without sodium. The results presented here also emphasize the central role of the glass compositions design which is based on understanding of structural role of components and/or predicting the network connectivity of glasses.
Dielectric spectroscopy and dissolution studies of bioactive glasses
Authors: Elgayar Iman , Hill Robert , Chen Xiaojing , Bubb Nigel , Wood David 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe first and rate‐limiting step in the degradation of bioactive glasses is thought to be the ion exchange of hydrated protons in the external fluid with alkali metal cations in the glass. The activation energy (Ea) for alkali ion hopping can be followed by dielectric spectroscopy. The replacement of CaO by Na2O resulted in a reduction in the Ea for ion hopping. In contrast, increasing the glass network connectivity or reducing the nonbridging oxygen content of the glass resulted in an increase in Ea. Substitution of K2O for Na2O had little influence on Ea. Mixing alkali metals increased the Ea as expected on the basis of the mixed alkali effect. There was no correlation between the Ea for ion hopping and the dissolution behavior of the glass. Furthermore, the activation energy for Si, Ca Na, and K ion release was found to be approximately a factor of three lower than that for ion hopping suggesting that another rate‐controlling mechanism is important in the degradation of bioactive glasses. The presence of a second relaxation process suggested that bioactive glasses undergo amorphous phase separation into silica‐rich and orthophosphate‐rich phases and the two relaxation processes are due to ion hopping in the two phases.
Evaluation of the relation between lipid coat, transepidermal water loss, and skin pH
Authors: Algiert‐Zielińska Barbara , Batory Mirella , Skubalski Janusz , Rotsztejn Helena 
Published: September 2017

AbstractObjectiveThe epidermis is an epidermal barrier which accumulates lipid substances and participates in skin moisturizing. An evaluation of the epidermal barrier efficiency can be made, among others, by the measurement of the following values: the lipid coat, the transepidermal water loss (TEWL) index, and pH.MaterialsThe study involved 50 Caucasian, healthy women aged 19–35 years (mean 20.56).MethodsMeasurements were made using Courage & Khazaka Multi Probe Adapter MPA 580: Tewameter TM 300, pH‐Meter PH 905, Sebumeter SM 815. The areas of measurements included forehead, nose, left cheek, right cheek, chin, and thigh.ResultsIn the T‐zone, the lipid coat was in the range between 0 and 270 μg/cm2 (mean 128 μg/cm2), TEWL between 1 and 55 g/m2/h (mean 11.1 g/m2/h), and pH 4.0–5.6 (mean 5.39). Lower values of the lipid coat up to 100 μg/cm2 were accompanied by TEWL greater than 30 g/m2/h and less acidic pH of 5.6–9.0. In the U‐zone the range of lipid coat was up to 200 μg/cm2 (mean 65.2 μg/cm2), the skin pH remained 4.0–5.6 (mean 5.47), and TEWL was in the range between 1 and 20 g/m2/h (mean 8.7 g/m2/h). Lower values of the lipid coat up to 100 μg/cm2 were accompanied by TEWL between 1 and 20 g/m2/h and less acidic pH of 5.6–9.0. High values of the lipid coat between 180 and 200 μg/cm2 were connected with TEWL of 1–15 g/m2/h. On the skin of the thigh, we observed a very thin lipid coat – 35 μg/cm2 (mean 5.6 μg/cm2), pH (mean 5.37), and TEWL (mean 8.5 g/m2/h) were considered by us to be within regular limits.ConclusionsIn the T‐zone, a thinner lipid coat resulted in relatively high TEWL and pH levels changing toward alkaline. In the U‐zone, thinner lipid coat was accompanied by lower TEWL and pH changing toward alkaline. We also observed that lower values of lipid coat up to 100 μg/cm2 were associated with higher pH values ranging toward the basic character pH 5.6–9.0).
Investigating consumers' perception of apple juice as affected by novel and conventional processing technologies
Authors: Lee Pui Yee , Kebede Biniam T. , Lusk Karen , Mirosa Miranda , Oey Indrawati 
Published: September 2017

SummaryThis work evaluates consumers' perception of apple juice processed by high pressure processing (HPP) and pulsed electric field (PEF) compared with thermal processing. As a case study, young Chinese immigrants living in New Zealand were selected. Targeting a broad understanding of process impact, three industrially relevant apple cultivars (New Zealand Jazz, Rose and Granny Smith) were chosen. The consumer study was performed using napping with ultra‐flash profiling technique (n = 38). The process impact on sensory perception seems to vary among the investigated apple cultivars. For Jazz and Granny Smith apple cultivars, PEF‐ and HPP‐treated juices are perceived as fresh, natural, sweet and balanced flavour. For Rose apple cultivar, however PEF‐processed juices appear to be perceived as fresh flavour in comparison with HPP and thermally treated juices. Moreover, thermal processing caused cooked flavour. With respect to colour, immediately after processing, HPP retains the natural apple juice colour compared with other treatments.
The influence of flaxseed gum on the retrogradation of maize starch
Authors: Yang Xue , Feng Mei‐qin , Sun Jian , Xu Xing‐lian , Zhou Guang‐hong 
Published: September 2017

SummaryThe influence of flaxseed gum (FG) on the retrogradation of maize starch (MS) was investigated in this study. Based on the results of rapid visco‐analyzer (RVA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Low field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF‐NMR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), FG has a retardation effect on the retrogradation of MS. With the addition increasing, the more significant the retardation effect was observed (P < 0.05). However, when the concentration of FG was up to 0.4%, the change of retrogradation ratio showed no significant difference (P > 0.05). FG could wrap around starch granules, suppress the recrystallisation of amylose and amylopectin, increase the water mobility and decrease the water loss. In summary, the overall results suggested that FG could be used as a natural inhibitor of the retrogradation of starch in food industry.
Wage differentials within a female‐dominated occupation: Domestic workers in informal and flexible jobs in Portugal
Authors: SULEMAN Fátima , FIGUEIREDO Maria da Conceição 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe authors use an original cross‐sectional data set to examine the impact of informal and flexible contractual arrangements on the wages of domestic workers hired by private employers in Portugal. OLS estimations suggest that formality benefits workers, whether they have a stable or a flexible contract. However, social and labour market processes help to shape and maintain inequality, especially for migrant workers. Although skills are undervalued and do not generate rewards, higher wages are identified for workers who are engaged in contingent work, work for multiple employers or provide care for the elderly. However, such workers are still subject to exploitation and insecurity.
Delayed Discharges and Hospital Type: Evidence from the English NHS
Authors: Gaughan James , Gravelle Hugh , Siciliani Luigi 
Published: September 2017

AbstractDelayed discharges of patients from hospital, commonly known as bed‐blocking, are a long‐standing policy concern. Delays can increase the overall cost of treatment and may worsen patient outcomes. We investigate how delayed discharges vary by hospital type (Acute, Specialist, Mental Health, Teaching) and the extent to which such differences can be explained by demography, case mix, hospital quality, the availability of long‐term care, and hospital governance as reflected in whether the hospital has Foundation Trust status, which gives greater autonomy and flexibility in staffing and pay. We use a new panel database of delays in all English NHS hospital Trusts from 2011–12 to 2013–14. Employing count data models, we find that a greater local supply of long‐term care (care‐home beds) is associated with fewer delays. Hospitals that are Foundation Trusts have fewer delayed discharges and might therefore be used as exemplars of good practice in managing delays. Mental Health Trusts have more delayed discharges than Acute Trusts, but a smaller proportion of them are attributed to the NHS, possibly indicating a relatively greater lack of adequate community care for mental health patients.
Impact of premature activation of the right ventricle with programmed stimulation in Brugada syndrome
Authors: Nakagawa Koji , Nagase Satoshi , Morita Hiroshi , Wada Tadashi , Tanaka Masamichi , Murakami Masato , Watanabe Atsuyuki , Nishii Nobuhiro , Nakamura Kazufumi , Kusano Kengo F. , Ito Hiroshi , Ohe Tohru 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackgroundIn Brugada syndrome (BrS), it has been reported that delayed activation in the RV is related to the development of type‐1 ECG, which is more critical than type‐2. On the other hand, the coexistence of complete right bundle‐branch block (CRBBB), which also causes delayed activation in the RV, sometimes makes typical BrS ECG misleading. We hypothesized that premature stimulation of the RV can unmask the influence of delayed activation in the RV and convert the morphology of ECG in BrS patients.Methods and resultsIn 35 BrS patients with type‐1 ECG including 8 patients with concomitant CRBBB and 6 control subjects with CRBBB, progressively premature single stimulations were delivered from the RV apex on electrophysiological study. Then we evaluated QRS morphology of fusion beats created by single premature stimulation in each patient. In 29 (83%) of 35 of the BrS patients, conversion from type‐1 to type‐2 ECG was observed during the process of single premature stimulation. Additionally, in all 8 BrS patients with concomitant CRBBB, type‐1 or type‐2 BrS ECG was revealed by premature stimulation with relief of CRBBB. These findings were not observed in any of the control subjects with CRBBB.ConclusionSingle premature stimulation of the RV converts ECG from type‐1 to type‐2 in most BrS cases and unmasks type‐1 ECG in all BrS cases with CRBBB. Our results could suggest that type‐1 ECG is associated with delayed activation of the RV compared with type‐2 ECG.
The tip of the muscle is a dominant location of ventricular ectopy originating from papillary muscles in the left ventricle
Authors: Peichl Petr , Baran Jakub , Wichterle Dan , Čihák Robert , Skála Tomáš , Aldhoon Bashar , Jan Matevž , Antolič Bor , Kautzner Josef 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIntroductionFrequent ventricular premature complexes (VPCs) may cause symptoms and/or lead to deterioration of LV systolic function. Although frequent VPCs may be abolished by catheter ablation, it may be challenging in case of their origin from the LV papillary muscles (PMs). Our collaborative study aimed to analyze in detail the site of origin and the outcome of ablation.MethodsConsecutive 34 patients (males: 68%; aged 62 ± 12 years; LV ejection fraction: 50 ± 9%) undergoing catheter ablation of VPCs originating from PMs were included. All procedures were guided by intracardiac echocardiography.ResultsThe size and shape of PMs were highly variable. The length of anterolateral and posteromedial PM was 23 ± 4 mm and 28 ± 7 mm, respectively. In about one‐third of patients, the PM was formed by two distinctly separate heads. The ectopic foci were located on anterolateral, posteromedial or both PM in 35%, 56% and 9% of cases, respectively. Their location was found within the distal, mid, or proximal (basal) third of PM in the 67%, 19%, and 14%, respectively. A total of 86% of PM foci were acutely abolished and long‐term success was achieved in 65% of patients. Absence of VPCs of other morphologies and a high burden of ectopic activity before ablation were associated with favorable clinical outcome.ConclusionVPCs originate predominantly from the distal portion of the PM. This knowledge may facilitate the mapping in patients with infrequent ectopic beats. Intracardiac echocardiography is of crucial importance for navigation of the ablation catheter and for assessment of its stability at PM target sites.