bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regrouping of pigs by body weight at weaning does not affect growth performance, carcass quality or uniformity at slaughter of heavy weight pigs
Authors: Cámara Lourdes , Berrocoso Julio Díaz , Fuentetaja Alfonso , López‐Bote Clemente José , DE Blas Carlos , Mateos Gonzalo G. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractWe studied the influence of pen uniformity at weaning (7.5 ± 0.6 kg vs. 7.5 ± 1.2 kg body weight (BW ± SD)) and sex on growth performance during the nursery (7.5 to 27.3 kg BW) and the fattening (27.1 to 130.5 kg BW) phases and carcass quality of barrows and castrated females (CF). During the nursery phase, pigs from the more uniform pens had lower feed efficiency (P = 0.05) than pigs from the less uniform pens. Also, barrows had higher average daily feed intake (ADFI) (P < 0.05) and average daily gain (P < 0.001) and better feed efficiency (P < 0.001) than CF. During the fattening phase, initial pen uniformity did not affect growth performance of the pigs but barrows tended (P = 0.08) to have higher ADFI and worse feed efficiency than CF. Trimmed primal cut yield tended to be higher for the more uniform pigs and better for barrows than for CF (P = 0.09). It is concluded that regrouping of the pigs at weaning according to uniformity of BW did not affect growth performance or carcass quality of the pigs at slaughter. Castrated females might be used as an alternative to barrows for the production of carcasses destined to the dry‐cured industry.
Effects of cellulase supplementation to corn soybean meal‐based diet on the performance of sows and their piglets
Authors: Upadhaya Santi D. , Lee Sang In , Kim In Ho 
Published: September 2015

AbstractA total of 15 primiparous sows (Landrace × Yorkshire) and their litters were used in the current study to evaluate the efficacy of cellulase supplementation on the production performance of sows and piglets. Pigs were randomly allocated into one of three treatments with five replicates per treatment. The dietary treatments were as follows: (i) CON (corn‐soybean meal‐based control); (ii) EZ1 (CON + 0.05% cellulase); and (iii) EZ2 (CON + 0.10% cellulase). The supplementation of cellulase had no effect (P > 0.05) on body weight and feed intake of lactating sows. At weaning, back fat thickness loss decreased (P = 0.04) linearly in EZ1 and EZ2 treatments. The average daily gain (ADG) of piglets increased (linear P = 0.06, quadratic P = 0.04)) during days 14 to 21 as well as at days 21 to 25 (linear P = 0.03 and quadratic P = 0.01) with the increase in the level of supplemented enzyme. Dry matter and nitrogen digestibility increased (linear P = 0.01) in lactating sows fed EZ1 and EZ2 diet compared with CON. In conclusion, it is suggested that cellulase supplementation to corn‐soybean meal based diet exerts beneficial effects to sows in reducing their back fat thickness loss at weaning and also helps to improve nutrient digestibility. It also helped to improve the ADG of piglets.
Estimation of potassium and magnesium flows in animal production in Dianchi Lake basin, China
Authors: Amachika Yuta , Anzai Hiroki , Wang Lin , Oishi Kazato , Irbis Chagan , Li Kunzhi , Kumagai Hajime , Inamura Tatsuya , Hirooka Hiroyuki 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe objectives of this study were to estimate and evaluate potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg) budgets and flows of animal production in the basin of Dianchi Lake, China. Feed sampling and farmer interviews were conducted in field surveys. The supplies of K and Mg from local and external feeds and the retention, production and excretion of animals were calculated individually for dairy cows, fattening pigs, breeding sows, and broilers and laying hens. The K and Mg flows on a regional level were estimated using the individual budgets. At the individual level, in dairy cattle, the K and Mg supplied from local feeds accounted for large parts of the total nutrient intakes, whereas in the other animal categories most of the K and Mg in the feeds depended on external resources. Our findings also suggested that excessive Mg intake resulted in high Mg excretion and low use efficiency in dairy cattle and fattening pigs. At the regional level, the K and Mg amounts of manure produced and applied in the area (K: 339 and Mg: 143 t/year) exceeded those used as local feeds. Our results imply the animal production potentially increased the K and Mg loads in the regional agriculture system.
Business Groups and Corporate Governance: Review, Synthesis, and Extension
Authors: Colli Andrea , Colpan Asli M. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractManuscript TypeReviewResearch Question/IssueThis article addresses the diverse and fragmented literature about the corporate governance of business groups. We collected scholarly work on the subject, proposed a conceptualization of the main research questions they addressed, classified them according to their research themes, and identified future research directions.Research Findings/InsightsAcademic research on corporate governance in business groups has been increasing but is still a developing field. Available analyses make use of the main theoretical frameworks in general in corporate governance research. However, there are several areas of analysis that still need stronger conceptualization and empirical work, leaving many opportunities for future studies and a pressing need to substantiate and extend the findings of previous studies.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsOur study identifies four avenues for future research on corporate governance in business groups. This includes the examination of the complex relationships and co‐evolutionary processes among corporate governance attributes and organizational and performance outcomes of business groups; the effects of ownership goals on groups' performance outcomes; the role and the actual functioning of boards inside business groups; and the analyses of cross‐national comparison and long‐term development of the governance of business groups.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsThis research allows practitioners and policymakers to get a better understanding of the crucial areas regarding business groups and their governance, and offers pathways to examine inside the “black‐box” of business groups.
Effects of fertilisation on amino acid mobilisation by a plant‐manipulating insect
Authors: DARDEAU FRANCE , BODY MÉLANIE , BERTHIER ALEXANE , MIARD FLORIE , CHRISTIDÈS JEAN‐PHILIPPE , FEINARD‐DURANCEAU MURIEL , BRIGNOLAS FRANCK , GIRON DAVID , LIEUTIER FRANÇOIS , SALLÉ AURÉLIEN 
Published: September 2015

1. Phytophagous insects frequently manipulate their host‐plant to improve their immediate environment. This generally implies substantial modifications of host metabolism, and sometimes an alteration of nitrogen allocation within the host‐plant. However, the outcome of plant manipulation on amino acid or protein content can be modulated by environmental factors and host‐plant traits.2. It was investigated whether the pseudogall induced by the aphid Phloeomyzus passerinii (Signoret) (Aphididae: Phloeomyzinae) in the bark of its host‐plant affects the amino acid content in bark tissues, and whether the strength of the modification is modulated by the fertilisation regime and/or the resistance level of the host‐plant. The development of aphid colonies on a resistant and a susceptible poplar genotype, under three fertilisation regimes, was studied. After the development of colonies, the free and protein‐bound amino acid content of the infested bark were quantified.3. Fertilisation enhanced poplar growth and increased the free amino acid content of bark tissues. Infestation also triggered accumulations of both free and protein‐bound amino acids in the feeding sites, but in the susceptible genotype only. The increase in amino acid content was more pronounced when fertilisation was low, and fertilisation did not enhance aphid development.4. In conclusion, infestation by P. passerinii triggers an accumulation of amino acids, but the effect is influenced by both the fertilisation regime and the resistance level of the host‐plant. This suggests that P. passerinii could affect the allocation of nutrients within trees during outbreaks.
Design of Randomized, Double-Blind, Evaluation in Secondary Stroke Prevention Comparing the Efficacy and Safety of the Oral Thrombin Inhibitor Dabigatran Etexilate vs. Acetylsalicylic Acid in Patients with Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source (Re-Spect Esus)
Authors: Diener Hans-Christoph , Easton J. Donald , Granger Christopher B. , Cronin Lisa , Duffy Christine , Cotton Daniel , Brueckmann Martina , Sacco Ralph L. 
Published: September 2015

Rationale Cryptogenic ischemic strokes constitute 20–30% of ischemic strokes, the majority of which are embolic strokes of undetermined source. The standard preventive treatment in these patients is usually acetylsalicylic acid. Aim The Randomized, double-blind, Evaluation in secondary Stroke Prevention comparing the EfficaCy and safety of the oral Thrombin inhibitor dabigatran etexilate vs. acetylsalicylic acid in patients with Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source (RE-SPECT ESUS) is designed to determine whether the oral thrombin inhibitor dabigatran, taken within three-months after embolic stroke of undetermined source, is superior to acetylsalicylic acid for prevention of recurrent stroke and to characterize the safety of dabigatran in this setting. Design Prospective, randomized, double-blind, multicenter trial in approximately 6000 patients and 550 centers with embolic stroke of undetermined source. Subjects are randomized to dabigatran or acetylsalicylic acid and treated for an expected minimum of six-months and up to approximately three-years. It is an event-driven trial aiming for 353 adjudicated primary outcome events. Study outcomes The primary efficacy outcome is time to first recurrent stroke (ischemic, hemorrhagic, or unspecified). Key secondary outcomes are time to first ischemic stroke and time to first occurrence in the composite outcome of nonfatal stroke, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and cardiovascular death. The primary safety outcome is major hemorrhage, including symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. Discussion Acetylsalicylic acid is the most common antithrombotic given to patients with embolic strokes of undetermined source to reduce recurrence risk. This trial will determine whether anticoagulation with dabigatran is more effective than acetylsalicylic acid, and acceptably safe.
Mothers’ group participation: associations with social capital, social support and mental well‐being
Authors: Strange Cecily , Bremner Alexandra , Fisher Colleen , Howat Peter , Wood Lisa 
Published: September 2015

AbstractAimTo investigate the relationships between participation in mothers’ groups and social capital, social support and mental well‐being measures for mothers whose oldest child was 0‐5 years.BackgroundEvaluations of facilitated mothers’ groups have found positive benefits for information sharing and support. Mothers’ groups often continue as parent‐led groups; however, little is known about the potential benefits of ongoing participation compared with non‐participation.DesignCross‐sectional survey.MethodsData were collected through a survey from March 2013–January 2014 in Perth, Western Australia. The data from a subgroup of mothers (N = 313) whose oldest child was 0‐5 years of age were analysed using multivariable regression. Participation in mothers’ groups in the previous 12 months was investigated for associations with social capital {Neighbourhood Cohesion Index (NCI); Families, Social Capital and Citizenship Survey (FSCCS) and Reciprocity}; social support {Medical Outcomes Study‐Social Support Survey (MOS‐SSS) and Parent Support Outside Home Scale (PSOHS)}; and mental well‐being {Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well‐Being Scale (WEMWBS)}. Participation was measured as three groups – locally, outside area of residence and non‐participation.ResultsMothers who participated in mothers’ groups locally scored significantly higher than those who had not participated in mothers’ group for ‘social capital’ (NCI,FSCCS, Reciprocity), ‘social support’ (MOS‐SSS,PSOHS) and ‘mental well‐being’ (WEMWBS). Mothers who participated in mothers’ group outside the area scored significantly higher than those who had not participated in mothers’ groups for one measure of ‘social support’ (PSOHS).ConclusionsParticipation in mothers’ group locally may provide support and social capital benefits for mothers of children aged 0‐5 years, which may influence mental well‐being.
Is the ventrogluteal site suitable for intramuscular injections in children under the age of three?
Authors: Yapucu Güneş Ülkü , Ceylan Burcu , Bayındır Petek 
Published: September 2015

AbstractAimThis study was conducted to determine whether the ventrogluteal site could be used for intramuscular injections in children under the age of 3 and to compare the subcutaneous and muscle layer thickness at the anterolateral, deltoid and ventrogluteal site in the different age groups and in both sexes.BackgroundAlthough recent literature has reported that the ventrogluteal area can be an alternative site for intramuscular injections in children ≤12 months of age, little research‐based evidence has been found for the use of the ventrogluteal site in infants and toddlers.DesignA descriptive study which took place between November 2013–August 2014.MethodA total of 142 children between the ages of 1‐36 months were selected by random sampling and ultrasound measurements were made of subcutaneous and muscle thicknesses in the anterolateral, deltoid and ventrogluteal areas. Measurements were analysed using one‐way anova and independent samples t‐test.ResultsThe subcutaneous tissue thicknesses in the deltoid, anterolateral and ventrogluteal areas in children between 1‐12 months old (n = 56) were 5·20, 6·62 and 7·26 mm respectively, while in children between 13‐24 months old (n = 42), these measurements were 4·35, 6·72 and 7·98 mm; in children between 25‐36 months old (n = 44), the measurements were 5·92, 7·97 and 13·5 mm. The muscle thicknesses in the deltoid, anterolateral and ventrogluteal areas in children 1‐ 12 months old were 5·86, 9·10 and 8·17 respectively, while in children between 13‐24 months old, the measurements were 7·71, 12·92 and 17·32 mm; in children 25‐36 months old, the measurements were 9·28, 18·81 and 19·62 mm.ConclusionThis study found that the muscle in the ventrogluteal site is adequately developed, even in infants between the ages of 1‐12 months and that in particular, in children 12‐36 months old, the ventrogluteal site is even thicker than the anterolateral.
Relationship between polyunsaturated fatty acid levels in maternal diets and human milk in the first month post‐partum
Authors: Liu G. , Ding Z. , Li X. , Chen X. , Wu Y. , Xie L. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe present study evaluated the relationship between dietary fatty acid (FA) intakes and human milk FA levels.MethodsHealthy lactating women (n = 514) from Northern China participated in the study. Dietary intake was assessed with a 24‐h dietary recall questionnaire and evaluated using golden key maternal nutrition software (Wincome, Shanghai, China) and China Food Composition 2009. Human milk FA composition was determined by gas chromatography.ResultsThe maternal daily median intakes of linoleic acid (LA), α‐linolenic acid (ALA) and arachidonic acid (AA) were 19.93 g, 3.08 g and 16.33 mg, respectively. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) intakes were below the recommended levels. FA levels in 100 g of human milk were 0.363 g LA, 0.038 g γ‐linolenic acid (GLA), 0.052 g dihomo γ‐linolenic acid (DGLA), 0.144 g ALA, 0.079 g AA, 0.007 g EPA, 0.018 g docosatetraenoic acid (DTA) and 0.048 g DHA. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that human milk DGLA levels were negatively correlated with dietary LA intake (β = −0.223, P = 0.030), and human milk GLA and DTA levels were negatively correlated with dietary ALA intake (β = −2.189, P = 0.031; β = −2.252, P = 0.027) after adjusting for possible confounding factors.ConclusionsThe results of the present study suggest the presence of competitive interactions between n‐3 fatty acids (ALA) and n‐6 fatty acids (GLA and DTA).
Effectiveness of individualised intervention on older residents with constipation in nursing home: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Huang Tzu‐Ting , Yang Shu‐Di , Tsai Yu‐Hsia , Chin Yen‐Fan , Wang Bi‐Hwa , Tsay Pei‐Kwei 
Published: September 2015

Aims and objectivesTo develop and examine the effectiveness of individualised intervention to reduce constipation among older adults in nursing homes.BackgroundIn long‐term care facilities, approximately 60–80% of the residents have symptoms of constipation. Constipation may lead to haemorrhoids, faecal impaction, ulcers, intestinal bleeding and can also lead to a decrease in quality of life. Although a high prevalence of constipation in older adults can be seen, there is a lack of empirical evidence for delivering interventions based on individual risk factors of constipation. Many factors cause constipation but the risk factors are different for each individual.DesignA prospective, randomised control trial conducted in northern Taiwan.MethodsNursing home residents (n = 43) were randomly assigned to either the control group or the experimental group. The control group received no extra care from the researcher while the experimental group received an individualised intervention and an eight‐week follow‐up. Participants were assessed using the Bristol Stool Form Scale, the Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptoms, types and dosages of laxative, and bowel sound observations. Data were taken at baseline, four weeks as well as eight weeks after the intervention.ResultsThe participants in the experimental group had a significantly higher increase in the frequency of defecation (group effect, p = 0·029) and in bowel sounds (interaction effect, p = 0·010) compared to those in the control group. However, the two groups did not differ significantly in symptoms and the severity of the constipation symptoms, Bristol Stool Form and use of laxatives.ConclusionsThe results of this trial suggest that the individualised intervention may be appropriate for decreasing constipation among nursing home residents and encourage further study and confirmation.Relevance to clinical practiceUsing individualised intervention to enhance the self‐care ability related to constipation among older adults is recommended.
Physical assessment techniques performed by Italian registered nurses: a quantitative survey
Authors: Cicolini Giancarlo , Tomietto Marco , Simonetti Valentina , Comparcini Dania , Flacco Maria Elena , Carvello Maicol , Manzoli Lamberto 
Published: September 2015

Aims and objectivesThe aims of the study were to describe which of the core techniques of the physical assessment are regularly performed by a sample of Italian nurses, and to investigate the potential predictors of a more complete examination.BackgroundPhysical examination is among the essential tasks of nursing professionals, who are requested to perform a correct and complete physical assessment.DesignCross‐sectional survey.MethodsThe study was performed between August 2013 and January 2014 in 17 Italian regions. A total of 1182 questionnaires were collected.ResultsMost participants were females (age range 41–50 years), and worked in Internal Medicine, Intensive Care and Surgical hospital units. Of the 30 core techniques that are currently taught and performed according to the Italian Baccalaureate degree requirements, 20 were routinely performed, 6 were seldom used and 4 were learnt but almost never performed (auscultation of lung, heart and bowel sounds and spine inspection). Graduate and postgraduate nurses, working in Intensive Care Units and Nursing Homes, were more prone than the others to carry out a more complete physical assessment.ConclusionsThe skills to perform a physical assessment are suboptimal among this sample of Italian nurses. Health and educational providers should pose more attention and efforts to provide nurses with an acceptable training in physical examination practice.Relevance to clinical practiceThis study describes the specific physical techniques performed by nurses in real practice and provides information on which skills require more attention in nursing educational programmes.
Demographic and psychosocial correlates of sexual activity in older Chinese people
Authors: Yang Shuyan , Yan Elsie 
Published: September 2015

Aims and objectivesThis study examines sexual activity and associated psychosocial factors in older Chinese people.BackgroundSexuality continues to play a pivotal role in our lives even as we grow old. There is, however, very limited research on the topic in older populations.DesignCross‐sectional survey.MethodsA representative sample of 688 older Chinese people (>60 years old) were individually interviewed on their demographic characteristics; their interest in, knowledge of and perceived control over sexual activities; and their engagement in sexual activity.ResultsThe results show that 51·32% of men and 41·26% of women reported engaging in some form of sexual activity. Sexual intercourse and caressing were commonly reported. A multiple regression analysis also showed that a higher level of sexual activity was associated with being younger, living with a spouse, having a strong interest in sex, having sufficient knowledge of elder sexuality and a high perceived control over sex. Distinct predictive factors in each gender were observed. A high level of perceived control was associated with a higher level of sexual activity in males but not females. A series of binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the demographic and psychosocial correlates of sexual activity. With the exception of the use of objects (sex toys), sexual activities were consistently associated with being younger; living with a spouse; and having high levels of interest, knowledge and perceived control.ConclusionsA sizable amount of older Chinese people engage in varying degrees of sexual activity, and most are still interested in sex.Relevance to clinical practiceFrontline health professionals need to be aware of the growing needs for sex education in older persons, particular attention should be paid to discuss the limitations brought about by various chronic conditions associated with ageing and their relevance to elder sexuality.