bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chronic treatment with apelin, losartan and their combination reduces myocardial infarct size and improves cardiac mechanical function
Authors: Abbasloo Elham , Najafipour Hamid , Vakili Abedin 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe renin–angiotensin system (RAS) has a deleterious and apelin/APJ system has protective effect on the ischaemic heart. The collaboration between these systems in the pathophysiology of myocardial infarction is not clear. We determined the effect of chronic pretreatment with apelin, losartan and their combination on ischaemia–reperfusion (IR) injury in the isolated perfused rat heart and on the expression of apelin‐13 receptor (APJ) and angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R) in the myocardium. During 5 days before the induction of IR, saline (vehicle), apelin‐13 (Apl), F13A (apelin antagonist), losartan (Los, AT1R antagonist) and the combination of Apl and Los were administered intraperitoneally in rats. Ischaemia was induced by left anterior descending (LAD) artery occlusion for 30 minutes followed by reperfusion for 55 minutes in the Langendorff isolated heart perfusion system. Pretreatment with Apl, Los and the combination of Apl + Los significantly reduced infarct size by about 30, 33 and 48 percent respectively; and significantly improved the left ventricular function indices such as left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP), left ventricular end‐diastolic pressure (LVEDP) and rate pressure product (RPP). IR increased AT1R protein level but it did not change APJ significantly. AT1R expression was reduced in groups treated with Apl, Los and Apl + Los. Findings showed that chronic pretreatment with apelin along with AT1R antagonist had more protective effects against IR injury. Combination therapy may diminish the risk of IR‐induced heart damage, by reducing AT1R expression, in the heart of patients with coronary artery disease that are at the risk of MI and reperfusion injury.
Swimming training reduces glucose‐amplifying pathway and cholinergic responses in islets from lean‐ and MSG‐obese rats
Authors: Borck Patricia C. , Leite Nayara de C. , Valcanaia Ana C. , Rickli Sarah , Alípio Jessica C. de L. , Machado Michael , Vellosa Jose C. , Mathias Paulo C. de F. , Boschero Antonio C. , Grassiolli Sabrina 
Published: October 2019

AbstractHere, we investigate the effects of exercise training on glucose‐ and cholinergic‐induced insulin secretion in pancreatic islets from obese and lean rats. Male Wistar rats were treated with monosodium glutamate (MSG) for the first 5 days of life, while control (CON) rats received saline. At 21 days, the rats were divided into exercised (EXE) and sedentary (SED) groups. The EXE rats swam for 30 minutes, three times/week, for 10 weeks. After this, MSG‐SED rats showed hyperglycaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia and hyperinsulinaemia. Besides, islets from MSG‐SED rats exhibited increased glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS), followed by impaired glucose sensitivity, absence of glucose‐amplifying pathway and weak cholinergic response. In contrast, adiposity, hyperinsulinaemia and hypertriglyceridaemia were reduced in MSG‐EXE rats. Moreover, islets from MSG‐EXE rats exhibited lower GSIS and improved islet glucose sensitivity, without restoration of the glucose‐amplifying pathway or alteration in the weak cholinergic effect of these islets. In islets from CON‐EXE rats we also observed reduced GSIS and absence of glucose‐amplifying effects and an accentuated reduction in cholinergic insulinotropic responses, without effect on glucose sensitivity in pancreatic islets from this group. Neither obesity nor exercise modified Muscarinic Receptor 3 (M3R) immunocontent or its downstream pathways (PKC and PKA). Moreover, only CON‐EXE showed increased GSIS in the presence of calcium blocker, Thapsigargin. In conclusion, swimming training reduces GSIS and cholinergic responsiveness in isolated pancreatic islets from lean and hypothalamic obese rats, which could be due to the inhibition of glucose‐amplifying pathways.
What would John Griffith have made of Jonathan Sumption's Reith Lectures?
Authors: Loughlin Martin 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIn his 2019 Reith Lectures on the rise of law and decline of politics, Jonathan Sumption presents a thesis that, on its face, seems identical to that of J.A.G. Griffith's defence of the political constitution. Given the radical differences in their views on equality, democracy, and redistribution—with Griffith working in the tradition of democratic socialism espoused by the Webbs, Tawney and Laski, and Sumption expressing the libertarian philosophy underpinning Thatcherite policies—this is puzzling. This article sets their views in historical and political context and argues that the similarities are superficial, whereas the differences are profound. It then proceeds to show the weaknesses in Sumption's defence of his thesis.
Discrimination in the United States: Perspectives for the future
Authors: Blendon Robert J. , Casey Logan S. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo summarize findings from this Special Issue, which examine reported experiences of discrimination among six underrepresented groups in public opinion research—blacks, Latinos, Native Americans, Asian Americans, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ) adults, and women.Data Source and Study DesignData come from a nationally representative, probability‐based telephone survey of 3453 US adults, conducted January—April 2017.MethodsWe calculated the percent of adults reporting discrimination in several domains, including health care.Principal FindingsIn health care encounters, 32 percent of black adults reported discrimination, as did 23 percent of Native Americans, 20 percent of Latinos, 18 percent of women, 16 percent of LGBTQ adults, and 13 percent of Asian Americans. Significant shares also reported experiencing racial, gender, or LGBTQ identity‐based violence against themselves or family members, including 51 percent of LGBTQ adults, 42 percent of blacks, 38 percent of Native Americans, and 21 percent of women. At least one in seven blacks (22 percent), LGBTQ adults (18 percent), Latinos (17 percent), and Native Americans (15 percent) reported avoiding health care for themselves or family members over concerns of anticipated discrimination or unfair treatment.ConclusionsTaken together, this polling effort illustrates the significant and widespread level of discrimination against many groups in America today, as well as the complex manifestation of these experiences across different groups and different areas of life. While it is beyond the scope of these results to make specific recommendations for how to end discrimination in each area of life we studied, this Special Issue provides important evidence that more research and practice on discrimination are sorely needed in health services research.
Antidiabetic drug use trends in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease: A cross‐sectional analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Gor Deval , Gerber Ben S. , Walton Surrey M. , Lee Todd A. , Nutescu Edith A. , Touchette Daniel R. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundThere is little information on medication use, trends across time, and the impact of guidelines on appropriate use of antidiabetic drugs in participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with chronic kidney disease (CKD).MethodsA cross‐sectional analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2005‐2016 was carried out for participants with T2DM with and without CKD. Multivariate survey‐weighted regression models were used to evaluate trends in antidiabetic drug use across the time periods and CKD severity. Guideline‐discordant use of metformin and glyburide were assessed among those with glomerular filtration rate and serum creatinine‐based contraindications.ResultsOut of 3237 study participants with T2DM, 35.9% had CKD. Comparing 2013‐2016 with 2005‐2008, use of metformin (non‐CKD: 69% vs 83.8%, CKD: 58.6% vs 68.2%) increased, whereas the use of sulfonylureas (non‐CKD: 46.3% vs 27.2%, CKD: 54.7% vs 36.6%) and thiazolidinediones (non‐CKD: 29.3% vs 3.9%, CKD: 24.6% vs 5.5%) decreased. In combined NHANES cycles and across stages of CKD severity, metformin use decreased (non‐CKD, stage 1/2, stage 3, stage 4/5: 78.4%, 69.5%, 54.6%, 4.9%, respectively; P < .01), and insulin use increased (18.5%, 26.8%, 25%, 52.8%, respectively; P < .01) from non‐CKD to progressed CKD. Guideline‐discordant use of metformin and glyburide was observed in 8.3% and 2.8% of the participants, respectively, in 2013‐2016.ConclusionsUse of particular antidiabetic medications in patients with CKD changed noticeably over the years, most in accordance with guidelines and regulatory decisions. Gaps in quality of care still exist, which warrants increasing awareness and implementing programs to mitigate inappropriate use.
Australian evidence on analysts' cash flow forecasts: issuance, accuracy and usefulness
Authors: Chen Xiaomeng , Lu Meiting , Shan Yaowen , Zhang Yizhou 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThis study examines the factors affecting the issuance, accuracy and usefulness of analysts' cash flow forecasts (CFFs) in Australia. Given the economic importance of the mining industry in Australia, we find that analysts are likely to provide CFFs for mining firms with poor financial health and high default risk. In contrast, analysts' provision of CFFs increases with the degree of financial health for non‐mining firms. The determinants of the issuance and accuracy of analysts' CFFs also differ in pre‐ and post‐IFRS adoption periods. Our results add new evidence on the effect of IFRS adoption on analysts' cash flow forecasting behaviours.
Does legal protection affect firm value? Evidence from China’s stock market
Authors: Xu Rong , Xu Xingmei , Zhang Junyan , Li Conggang 
Published: October 2019

AbstractWe examine the question of whether firms derive value in areas with higher legal protection by studying how the difference among regional legal protection levels affects capital market reactions to firms receiving administrative penalty in China. The results show that the level of legal protection has a positive effect on the market reaction to administrative penalty announcements, and the effect is attenuated by non‐state ownership. Furthermore, we find evidence of higher efficiency of law enforcement in regions with higher level of legal protection.
Is the ex‐ante equity risk premium always positive? Evidence from a new conditional expectations model
Authors: Hoang Khoa , Faff Robert 
Published: October 2019

AbstractWe model the conditional risk premium by combining principal component analysis and a statistical learning technique, known as boosted regression trees. The method is validated through various out‐of‐sample tests. We apply the estimates to test the positivity restriction on the risk premium and find evidence that the risk premium is negative in periods of low corporate and government bond returns, high inflation and downward‐sloping term structure. These periods are linked with changes in business cycles; the states when theories predict the existence of negative risk premium. Based on the evidence, we reject the conditional capital asset pricing model and raise a question over the practice of imposing the positive risk premium constraint in predictive models.
Childhood adversity and borderline personality disorder: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Porter C. , Palmier‐Claus J. , Branitsky A. , Mansell W. , Warwick H. , Varese F. 
Published: October 2019

ObjectiveThe aim of this meta‐analysis was to better understand the magnitude and consistency of the association between childhood adversity and borderline personality disorder (BPD) across case–control, epidemiological and prospective cohort studies.MethodFollowing the review protocol (reference: CRD42017075179), search terms pertaining to adversity and BPD were entered into three search engines. Random‐effects meta‐analysis synthesised the size and consistency of the effects.ResultsA total of 97 studies compared BPD to non‐clinical (k = 40) and clinical (k = 70) controls. Meta‐analysis of case–control studies indicated that individuals with BPD are 13.91 (95% CI 11.11–17.43) times more likely to report childhood adversity than non‐clinical controls. This effect was smaller when considering retrospective cohort (OR: 2.59; 95% CI 0.93–7.30) and epidemiological (OR: 2.56, 95% CI 1.24–5.30) studies. Findings were significant across adversity subtypes with emotional abuse (OR: 38.11, 95% CI: 25.99–55.88) and neglect (OR: 17.73, 95% CI = 13.01–24.17) demonstrating the largest effects. Individuals with BPD were 3.15 (95% CI 2.62–3.79) times more likely to report childhood adversity than other psychiatric groups.ConclusionsThis meta‐analysis corroborates theoretical proposals that exposure to adverse life experiences is associated with BPD. It highlights the importance of considering childhood adversity when treating people diagnosed with BPD.
Ghost‐busting: patch occupancy and habitat preferences of Ocyale ghost (Araneae: Lycosidae), a single site endemic in north‐western Madagascar
Authors: Pett Brogan L , Bailey Joseph J 
Published: October 2019

AbstractMicroendemic species are of great conservation concern due to their vulnerability to stochastic events and environmental change. Therefore, understanding the basic ecology of such organisms is integral to future efforts to conserve them. Here, we present the first ecological study of the only known population of Ocyale ghost Jocque & Jocqué 2017 – the single species within this genus in Madagascar – located at a small lake shore in the north‐west of the island. We aimed to reveal spatial patterns of microhabitat selection and patch occupancy in relation to environmental covariates, including distance to lake edge, topography and sand coverage. We found microhabitat selection to be strong in our occupancy models, with plots closer to the lake edge and with a higher proportion of sand showing the highest estimated occupancy. We suggest decreases in prey availability and changes in the physical characteristics of the substrate in relation to the distance from lake shore and sand availability (important for burrowing and temperature regulation), respectively, as potential factors behind occupancy. We discuss our findings in the context of the proportional underrepresentation of invertebrates in conservation research, which threatens the persistence of endemic and microendemic invertebrates in the face of significant global and local environmental change.
Allergic contact dermatitis in children and proposal for an Australian Paediatric Baseline Series
Authors: Felmingham Claire , Davenport Rachael , Bala Harini , Palmer Amanda , Nixon Rosemary 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundAllergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is an increasingly common diagnosis in children. The objectives of this study were to review our experience with ACD in children in tertiary settings, to ascertain the spectrum of allergens in this population and to subsequently propose the first Australian Paediatric Baseline Series for patch testing.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of patch test data from 1993 to 2017 from two tertiary referral patch‐testing centres in Melbourne, Victoria.ResultsA total of 511 children were patch tested during the study period. Of these, 58.3% (298/511) of children tested had a positive patch test, and 65.1% (194/298, or 38.0% of the total) had a relevant positive patch test. The most common relevant patch test reactions were fragrance mix, methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI) and methylisothiazolinone (MI), Myroxylon pereirae, nickel sulphate, and colophonium.ConclusionAllergic contact dermatitis is not uncommon in children, and patch testing should be considered in children with suspected ACD or with recalcitrant atopic dermatitis. Based on our experience over 25 years, we propose the first Australian Paediatric Baseline Series.
Effectiveness of nitrous oxide in external cephalic version on success rate: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Dochez Vincent , Esbelin Julie , Misbert Emilie , Arthuis Chloé , Drouard Anne , Badon Virginie , Fenet Olivier , Thubert Thibault , Winer Norbert 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIntroductionApproximately 4% of singleton pregnancies at term are in breech presentation. External cephalic version (ECV) can reduce the risks of noncephalic birth and cesarean delivery, but this maneuver can be painful. Our aim was to analyze the effect of administering inhaled nitrous oxide for analgesia on the ECV success rate.Material and methodsThis prospective, randomized, single‐blind, controlled trial included women with singleton pregnancies in breech presentation at term who were referred for ECV in a tertiary care center. Women were assigned according to a balanced (1:1) restricted randomization design to inhale either nitrous oxide (N2O) in a 50:50 mix with oxygen or medical air during the procedure. The main outcomes reported are the ECV success rate, degree of pain, adverse event rate, and women’s satisfaction. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01948115.ResultsThe study included 150 women (nitrous oxide group: n = 74; medical air: n = 76). Inhaled nitrous oxide was not associated with a higher ECV success rate than medical air (24.3 vs 19.7%, P = 0.51). Among parous women (n = 34 in each group), the ECV success rate appeared higher in the nitrous oxide group, respectively 47.1% (n = 16) vs 23.5% (n = 8) (P = 0.042). Neither the median pain level nor adverse event rates differed significantly in women with inhaled nitrous oxide compared with medical air.ConclusionsUse of an equimolar mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide during ECV appears safe. Although it does not seem to change the overall success rate, it may increase success in parous women.
Peripheral facial nerve palsy in children in a Borrelia high‐endemic area, a retrospective follow‐up study
Authors: Arnason Sigurdur , Hultcrantz Malou , Nilsson Anna , Laestadius Åsa 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAimTo identify the incidence, aetiology and prognosis of acute peripheral facial nerve palsy (FNP) in children in the Borrelia high‐endemic region of Stockholm.MethodsThe present study identified children from 0 to 18 years of age who visited a paediatric emergency department for acute peripheral FNP during a 1‐year period from 2014 to 2015. Data were collected retrospectively. The Sunnybrook and House‐Brackmann facial grading systems were used to measure clinical outcome.ResultsA total of 77 children were identified with FNP, an estimated incidence of 30 per 100 000 children/year. Forty‐five children (58%) were diagnosed with neuroborreliosis, 28 (36%) with idiopathic FNP and four (6%) with other rarer causes. Neuroborreliosis was common from June to November and mainly seen in children below 10 years of age. Six patients (8%) had remaining symptoms at least 3 months after onset; three had idiopathic facial palsy (IFP) and were all older than 10 years, one had neuroborreliosis and two had other causes.ConclusionNeuroborreliosis and IFP were the major causes of FNP during the study period. Neuroborreliosis‐associated facial palsy had a seasonal variation and dominated in younger ages.
Pain assessment during eye examination for retinopathy of prematurity screening: Skin conductance versus PIPP‐R
Authors: Avila‐Alvarez Alejandro , Pertega‐Diaz Sonia , Vazquez Gomez Lorena , Sucasas Alonso Andrea , Romero Rey Henar , Eiriz Barbeito Dolores , Cabana Vazquez Montserrat 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAimTo assess changes in skin conductance during retinopathy of prematurity screening and to study the correlation between the skin conductance and a validated pain scale.MethodsProspective observational study. Fifty‐three eye examinations were performed in 32 preterm infant candidates for retinopathy of prematurity screening. Outcome measures were changes in Premature Infant Pain Profile‐Revised (PIPP‐R) scale and number of skin conductance fluctuations.ResultsThere was a significant increase from baseline in the number of skin conductance fluctuations and PIPP‐R during the procedure. The maximum value of number of skin conductance fluctuations was 0.64 ± 0.44 peaks/sec, and the maximum value of PIPP‐R was 10.8 ± 3.3.A correlation between the skin conductance and PIPP‐R was not found at any time during the eye examination. Repeated measures correlation analyses showed only a moderate positive correlation between PIPP‐R and number of skin conductance fluctuation values.ConclusionThere were significant changes in both PIPP‐R and number of skin conductance fluctuations during retinopathy of prematurity screening, reaffirming that this procedure is painful and stressful. The number of skin conductance fluctuations and PIPP‐R are not significantly correlated, which likely reflects that these parameters evaluate different but complementary aspects of neonatal pain responses.
The continuing impact of capacity on a region's in utero transfer requests
Authors: Munthali Kalwa , Harrison Catherine 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAimThe Yorkshire and Humber operational delivery network (ODN) aims to ensure 85% of preterm babies are delivered in tertiary centres. Auditing in utero transfers provides key data for streamlining this process. Our study aimed to determine reasons and outcomes of in utero transfers as well as review the impact of staffing on capacity transfer requests.MethodsAll in utero transfer referrals between September 2014 and August 2015 were reviewed, and delivery outcome data were sought from the national data platform, Badgernet. ODN records provided cot occupancy and staffing data.ResultsA total of 479 referrals were made, and 379 transfers were completed. The majority of requests were due to reduced capacity which was linked to poor staffing levels (51.3%). Patients travelled significant distances, with a mean distance of 42.3 miles within network, and 70.3 miles, out of network. Despite the travel burden, only 35.1% of women delivered within 48 hours of transfer.ConclusionIn utero transfers remain difficult and time‐consuming to facilitate. Neonatal staffing at referral units contributes significantly to the decision to transfer women. Challenges remain in predicting which women will deliver after an in utero transfer, as well as obtaining outcome data for these cases.
Evolutionary and cardio‐respiratory physiology of air‐breathing and amphibious fishes
Authors: Damsgaard Christian , Baliga Vikram B. , Bates Eric , Burggren Warren , McKenzie David J. , Taylor Edwin , Wright Patricia A. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAir‐breathing and amphibious fishes are essential study organisms to shed insight into the required physiological shifts that supported the full transition from aquatic water‐breathing fishes to terrestrial air‐breathing tetrapods. While the origin of air‐breathing in the evolutionary history of the tetrapods has received considerable focus, much less is known about the evolutionary physiology of air‐breathing among fishes. This review summarizes recent advances within the field with specific emphasis on the cardiorespiratory regulation associated with air‐breathing and terrestrial excursions, and how respiratory physiology of these living transitional forms are affected by development and personality. Finally, we provide a detailed and re‐evaluated model of the evolution of air‐breathing among fishes that serves as a framework for addressing new questions on the cardiorespiratory changes associated with it. This review highlights the importance of combining detailed studies on piscine air‐breathing model species with comparative multi‐species studies, to add an additional dimension to our understanding of the evolutionary physiology of air‐breathing in vertebrates.