bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detection of aflatoxigenicity of Aspergillus flavus, based on potential gene marker, from food and feed samples
Authors: Khalid Saima , Hussain Noshal , Imran Muhammad 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIn this study, the incidence of aflatoxigenic strains of Aspergillus flavus was evaluated in cattle feed, water, and milk from three districts of Northern Punjab region of Pakistan. In total, 39 of the hundred samples collected were found contaminated by A. flavus. Specifically, the incidence of A. flavus was 54.28 %, 53.3 %, and 11.42 % in feed (n = 35), water (n = 30), and milk (n = 35) samples, respectively. The UV method indicated aflatoxigenic potential in 62 % of strains, and the ammonia vapor test showed 54 % of samples to be positive for aflatoxin production. Polymerase chain reaction detection of aflatoxin producing cluster of A. flavus was done by identifying four structural genes, that is, nor‐1, ver‐1, omt‐A, afl‐R. It is inferred that omt‐A and afl‐R genes were regarded as potential markers for aflatoxins production. Therefore, this study proved that omt‐A could be used for rapid detection of potential aflatoxigenic strains in feed, water and food products.Practical applicationsIn this study, the isolates of Aspergillus flavus were investigated for their aflatoxigenic nature using cultural (fluorescence under UV‐light and NH4OH vapor induced color change test) and molecular (PCR) methods. The UV test is more sensitive than the ammonia test; however, comparable results from both methods strengthened our confidence in the findings. PCR results indicated the omt‐A and afl‐R genes as potential markers for aflatoxins biosynthesis because these genes were amplified in all those strains that were regarded as aflatoxigenic based on cultural methods for aflatoxin detection. Thus, the combined use of cultural and molecular methods used in this study can provide a cheaper and faster way to detect aflatoxigenic A. flavus in food and feed samples in developing countries.
Health‐related life satisfaction and its influencing factors: A cross‐sectional study in China
Authors: Wang Shou‐Qi , Ying Jie , Zhang Mei‐Ling , Shi Ying , Li Yuan , Xing Zhuang‐Jie , Li Huan‐Huan , Sun Jiao 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAimWith the rapid development of science and technology, the pace of life has accelerated. Health and life satisfaction issues of persons are gaining more attention. China, Japan, Malaysia, and Taiwan conducted international cooperative research on health of four regional populations. This research was a part of the study in mainland China, which aimed to explore health‐related life satisfaction and its influencing factors on large samples in mainland China.MethodsA random group of 1404 persons from universities, factories, companies, and elderly centers in Changchun completed a structured questionnaire. This study centered on life satisfaction indicators, which included the current whole life, income, family relationships, peer relationships, relationships with the neighbors, living environment, personal health, family health, spare time, and housework share. Other collected data included the Body Mass Index, blood pressure, self‐rated health, Breslow's seven health practices, medical treatment within the past 6 months, physical examinations, General Health Questionnaire (GHQ)‐12 Scale, social activities, networking relationships with persons around the community, social support, and sociodemographic variables. Associations between life satisfaction, demographics, and health‐related variables were analyzed through a multiway ANOVA.ResultsThe living environment and income of Chinese persons were related to their low life satisfaction. The multiway ANOVA showed that the independent relationship of self‐rated health, regular physical examinations, GHQ‐12 Scale, trust in the community, communication with the neighbors, education, and age related with life satisfaction accounting for 20.3% of the variance. Education and age showed interactive effects on life satisfaction.ConclusionThis study identified seven factors that influenced the life satisfaction of persons in mainland China. Life satisfaction can be enhanced through interventions to improve self‐rated health, regular physical examinations, mental health, trust in the community, communication with the neighbors, education, and improvement in the health service.
Relationships between morphometrical properties and the texture of an extrusion‐expanded snack made from squid mantle (Dosidicus gigas)
Authors: Valenzuela‐Lagarda José Luis , García‐Armenta Evangelina , Pacheco‐Aguilar Ramón , Gutiérrez‐Dorado Roberto , Mazorra‐Manzano Miguel Ángel , Lugo‐Sánchez María Elena , Muy‐Rangel María Dolores 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe giant squid (Dosidicus gigas) is a species of commercial interest as a source of protein, and it can be developed into ready‐to‐eat food products, including expanded extrusion snacks (EES). EES are prepared primarily from starch; however, adding animal protein increases the nutritional contents. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the protein–carbohydrate interactions on the physical and morphological characteristics of an EES made of squid mantle and potato–corn flour. The independent variable was the squid mantle content (40, 60, 80, and 100%) and two controls (01 = 100% potato, 02 = 100% corn). The expansion rate (ER) of the sample is significantly minor (p < .5) when the squid mantle content increases ER = 2.0, 1.8 1.4 to 40, 60, and 80%, respectively. In samples with more protein, crispness and crunchiness were reduced, whereas the hardness increased. Digital imaging analysis indicated that the interaction between protein and starch causes significant morphometric changes to the fractal dimension (2.665–2.739) and lacunarity (0.61–1.29). The results showed that it is possible to incorporate up to 60% squid mantle to prepare EES that possess texture and morphometric characteristics competitive in reported studies with snacks usually incorporating flours, corn, and wheat in the formulations.Practical applicationsThe giant squid is a very attractive species because its meat has low caloric intake, high protein content, and is an important source of omega 3 fatty acids. Despite the desirable qualities of the squid meat its consumption is very low due to the low diffusion of the properties of its meat, acid, and ammoniacal flavor, rigid texture that requires prolonged cooking times and lack of alternatives of consumption. In Mexico, this type of squid is mainly destined for export as frozen mantle and products with little added value, which generates little economic benefit. Therefore, the results of this research may be of interest to the squid processing industry, which demands new forms of consumption of this marine species to increase their commercialization and added value.
Secondary Stress Responses in Juvenile Brazilian Flounder, Paralichthys orbignyanus, throughout and after Exposure to Sublethal Levels of Ammonia and Nitrite
Authors: C. Maltez Lucas , L. Barbas Luis A. , H. Okamoto Marcelo , L. de Alcantara Lopes Diogo , Romano Luis A. , Sampaio Luís A. , Garcia Luciano 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThis study investigated the secondary stress responses of Paralichthys orbignyanus exposed to ammonia and nitrite and after recovery. Fish were exposed to 0.12, 0.28, and 0.57 mg NH3‐N/L, or 5.72, 10.43, and 15.27 mg NO2‐N/L for 10 d followed by the same time length for recovery. Ammonia‐ and nitrite‐free water was used as a control treatment. Blood samples were collected after 1, 5, and 10 d of exposure and after recovery. Fish exposed to ammonia presented lower and higher glucose levels after 10 d of exposure and recovery, respectively. Ammonia induced initial and transient ionic disturbances and metabolic alkalosis. Nitrite exposure caused hyperglycemia, increased plasma K+ levels, and respiratory alkalosis, whereas metabolic acidosis was observed after recovery. Increased proportion of monocytes and/or granulocytes and reduced number of lymphocytes were demonstrated in fish exposed to 0.28 mg NH3‐N/L (Day 1) and 10.43 mg NO2‐N/L (Day 5) and after recovery in the 0.28 and 0.57 mg NH3‐N/L treatments. Exposure to ammonia decreased the proportion of granulocytes on Day 5. In conclusion, exposure to concentrations at 0.12 mg NH3‐N/L and 5.72 mg NO2‐N/L provoked physiological disorders in Brazilian flounder. Nonetheless, fish exposed to 5.72 mg NO2‐N/L following a 10‐d recovery period showed complete resumption of homeostasis.
Toll‐like receptors 7 and 9 in myasthenia gravis thymus: amplifiers of autoimmunity?
Authors: Cavalcante Paola , Barzago Claudia , Baggi Fulvio , Antozzi Carlo , Maggi Lorenzo , Mantegazza Renato , Bernasconi Pia 
Published: January 2018

AbstractPathogen infections and dysregulated Toll‐like receptor (TLR)–mediated innate immune responses are suspected to play key roles in autoimmunity. Among TLRs, TLR7 and TLR9 have been implicated in several autoimmune conditions, mainly because of their ability to promote abnormal B cell activation and survival. Recently, we provided evidence of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) persistence and reactivation in the thymus of myasthenia gravis (MG) patients, suggesting an involvement of EBV in the intrathymic pathogenesis of the disease. Considerable data highlight the existence of pathogenic crosstalk among EBV, TLR7, and TLR9: EBV elicits TLR7/9 signaling, which in turn can enhance B cell dysfunction and autoimmunity. In this article, after a brief summary of data demonstrating TLR activation in MG thymus, we provide an overview on the contribution of TLR7 and TLR9 to autoimmune diseases and discuss our recent findings indicating a pivotal role for these two receptors, along with EBV, in driving, perpetuating, and/or amplifying intrathymic B cell dysregulation and autoimmune responses in MG. Development of therapeutic approaches targeting TLR7 and TLR9 signaling could be a novel strategy for treating the chronic inflammatory autoimmune process in myasthenia gravis.
Microbiota in obesity: interactions with enteroendocrine, immune and central nervous systems
Authors: Mulders R. J. , de Git K. C. G. , Schéle E. , Dickson S. L. , Sanz Y. , Adan R. A. H. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryWestern diets, with high consumption of simple sugars and saturated fats, contribute to the rise in the prevalence of obesity. It now seems clear that high‐fat diets cause obesity, at least in part, by modifying the composition and function of the microorganisms that colonize in the gastrointestinal tract, the microbiota. The exact pathways by which intestinal microbiota contribute to obesity remain largely unknown. High‐fat diet‐induced alterations in intestinal microbiota have been suggested to increase energy extraction, intestinal permeability and systemic inflammation while decreasing the capability to generate obesity‐suppressing short‐chain fatty acids. Moreover, by increasing systemic inflammation, microglial activation and affecting vagal nerve activity, ‘obese microbiota’ indirectly influence hypothalamic gene expression and promote overeating. Because the potential of intestinal microbiota to induce obesity has been recognized, multiple ways to modify its composition and function are being investigated to provide novel preventive and therapeutic strategies against diet‐induced obesity.
A general linear method to evaluate the hardening behaviour of metals at large strain with full‐field measurements
Authors: Rossi M. , Lattanzi A. , Barlat F. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe hardening behaviour of metals is generally described in terms of a stress‐strain curve derived from experiments. In this paper, a linear method to identify the stress‐strain curve starting from full‐field measurement data is presented. This method can be applied to any stress state using a generic yield function, the only requirement is that the full‐field measurement is extended up to the border of the specimen. The method is presented and validated using a finite element model of a notched specimen. Moreover, experiments were performed on specimens cut from a BH340 steel sheet to illustrate the viability to actual cases. Two geometries were considered, a standard uniaxial test, where the method was used to evaluate the post‐necking behaviour, and a notched specimen with a heterogeneous strain field. The proposed method, named linear stress‐strain curve identification (LSSCI), can be a useful tool in combination with inverse methods to identify the constitutive behaviour of metals in large strain plasticity.
Hematology and serum biochemistry of free‐ranging and captive Sechuran foxes (Lycalopex sechurae)
Authors: Lescano Jesús , Quevedo Miryam , Villalobos Marina , Gavidia Cesar M. 
Published: January 2018

BackgroundHematologic and serum biochemical reference values obtained from captive or free‐ranging wildlife populations may not be comparable as there can be significant variations due to preanalytic and analytic differences, including methods of capture and restraint, overall management in captivity including diet and composition of animal groups, and analytic methods being used. Hematology and serum biochemistry have never been studied in captive or free‐ranging populations of Sechuran foxes (Lycalopex sechurae).ObjectivesThe purposes of the study were to determine hematologic and serum biochemical RI in Sechuran foxes and to explore differences in these variables related to sex and overall life circumstances.MethodsBlood samples were obtained from 15 free‐ranging and 15 captive Sechuran foxes. Hematology variables were assessed by blood smear examination and automated analyzer methodology. Serum biochemical analysis was performed by automated analyzer methodology. Descriptive statistics were calculated for each variable. Data obtained from free‐ranging and captive groups were statistically compared and RIs were calculated.ResultsCaptive Sechuran foxes had significantly (P < .05) higher MCH, MCHC, and eosinophil counts and significantly lower band neutrophil counts than free‐ranging foxes. Free‐ranging Sechuran foxes had significantly (P < .05) higher serum lipase and globulins and significantly lower albumin, total bilirubin, and indirect bilirubin than captive foxes.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that there are hematologic and serum biochemical differences between captive and free‐ranging Sechuran fox populations. Hence, such differences should be considered when using these variables to assess the health status of this species.
Cell shortening and calcium dynamics in epicardial and endocardial myocytes from the left ventricle of Goto‐Kakizaki type 2 diabetic rats
Authors: Smail Manal , Al Kury Lina , Qureshi Muhammad Anwar , Shmygol Anatoliy , Oz Murat , Singh Jaipaul , Howarth Frank Christopher 
Published: January 2018

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?
To investigate haemodynamic dysfunction in the type 2 diabetic Goto‐Kakizaki (GK) rat, we measured shortening and Ca2+ transport in ventricular myocytes from epicardial (EPI) and endocardial (ENDO) regions.

What is the main finding and its importance?
EPI and ENDO GK myocytes displayed similar hypertrophy. Time to peak (TPK) and time to half (THALF) relaxation were prolonged in EPI GK myocytes. TPK Ca2+ transient was prolonged and THALF decay of the Ca2+ transient was shortened in EPI GK myocytes. Amplitude of shortening, Ca2+ transient and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ were unaltered in EPI and ENDO myocytes from Goto‐Kakizaki compared with control rats. We demostrated regional differences in shortening and Ca2+ transport in Goto‐Kakizaki rats.

AbstractDiabetic cardiomyopathy is considered to be one of the major diabetes‐associated complications, and the pathogenesis of cardiac dysfunction is not well understood. The electromechanical properties of cardiac myocytes vary across the walls of the chambers. The aim of this study was to investigate shortening and Ca2+ transport in epicardial (EPI) and endocardial (ENDO) left ventricular myocytes in the Goto‐Kakizaki (GK) type 2 diabetic rat heart. Shortening and intracellular Ca2+ transients were measured by video edge detection and fluorescence photometry. Myocyte surface area was increased in EPI‐GK and ENDO‐GK compared with control EPI‐CON and ENDO‐CON myocytes. Time to peak shortening was prolonged in EPI‐GK compared with EPI‐CON and in ENDO‐CON compared with EPI‐CON myocytes. Time to half‐relaxation of shortening and time to peak Ca2+ transient were prolonged in EPI‐GK compared with EPI‐CON myocytes. Time to half‐decay of the Ca2+ transient was prolonged in EPI‐CON compared with EPI‐GK and in EPI‐CON compared with ENDO‐CON myocytes. The amplitude of shortening and the Ca2+ transient were unaltered in EPI‐GK and ENDO‐GK compared with their respective controls. Sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ and myofilament sensitivity to Ca2+ were unaltered in EPI‐GK and ENDO‐GK compared with their respective controls. Regional differences in Ca2+ signalling in healthy and diabetic myocytes might account for variation in the dynamics of myocyte shortening. Further studies will be required to clarify the mechanisms underlying regional differences in the time course of shortening and the Ca2+ transient in EPI and ENDO myocytes from diabetic and control hearts.
Pulmonary arterial hypertension reduces energy efficiency of right, but not left, rat ventricular trabeculae
Authors: Pham Toan , Nisbet Linley , Taberner Andrew , Loiselle Denis , Han June‐Chiew 
Published: January 2018

Key points
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) triggers right ventricle (RV) hypertrophy and left ventricle (LV) atrophy, which progressively leads to heart failure.
We designed experiments under conditions mimicking those encountered by the heart in vivo that allowed us to investigate whether consequent structural and functional remodelling of the ventricles affects their respective energy efficiencies.
We found that peak work output was lower in RV trabeculae from PAH rats due to reduced extent and velocity of shortening. However, their suprabasal enthalpy was unaffected due to increased activation heat, resulting in reduced suprabasal efficiency. There was no effect of PAH on LV suprabasal efficiency.
We conclude that the mechanism underlying the reduced energy efficiency of hypertrophied RV tissues is attributable to the increased energy cost of Ca2+ cycling, whereas atrophied LV tissues still maintain normal mechano‐energetic performance.
AbstractPulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) greatly increases the afterload on the right ventricle (RV), triggering RV hypertrophy, which progressively leads to RV failure. In contrast, the disease reduces the passive filling pressure of the left ventricle (LV), resulting in LV atrophy. We investigated whether these distinct structural and functional consequences to the ventricles affect their respective energy efficiencies. We studied trabeculae isolated from both ventricles of Wistar rats with monocrotaline‐induced PAH and their respective Control groups. Trabeculae were mounted in a calorimeter at 37°C. While contracting at 5 Hz, they were subjected to stress–length work‐loops over a wide range of afterloads. They were subsequently required to undergo a series of isometric contractions at various muscle lengths. In both protocols, stress production, length change and suprabasal heat output were simultaneously measured. We found that RV trabeculae from PAH rats generated higher activation heat, but developed normal active stress. Their peak external work output was lower due to reduced extent and velocity of shortening. Despite lower peak work output, suprabasal enthalpy was unaffected, thereby rendering suprabasal efficiency lower. Crossbridge efficiency, however, was unaffected. In contrast, LV trabeculae from PAH rats maintained normal mechano‐energetic performance. Pulmonary arterial hypertension reduces the suprabasal energy efficiency of hypertrophied right ventricular tissues as a consequence of the increased energy cost of Ca2+ cycling.
Comparisons of Segment Coordination: An Investigation of Vector Coding
Authors: Freedman Silvernail Julia , van Emmerik Richard E.A. , Boyer Katherine , Busa Michael A. , Hamill Joseph 
Published: January 2018

The development of a methodology to assess movement coordination has provided gait researchers a tool to assess movement organization. A challenge in analyzing movement coordination using vector coding lies within the inherent circularity of data garnered from this technique. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to determine if accurate group comparisons can be made with varying techniques of vector coding analyses. Thigh–shank coordination was analyzed using a modified vector coding technique on data from 2 groups of runners. Movement coordination was compared between groups using 3 techniques: (1) linear average completed with compressed data (0°–180°) and noncompressed data (0°–360°), (2) coordination phase binning analysis; and (3) a circular statistics analysis. Circular statistics (inferential) analysis provided a rigorous comparison of average movement coordination between groups. In addition, the binning analysis provided a metric for detecting even small differences in the time spent with a particular coordination pattern between groups. However, the linear analysis provided erroneous group comparisons. Furthermore, with compressed data, linear analysis led to misclassification of coordination patterns. While data compression may be attractive as a means of simplifying statistical analysis of inherently circular data, recommendations are to use circular statistics and binning methods on noncompressed data.
Effects of a 4-Week Intrinsic Foot Muscle Exercise Program on Motor Function: A Preliminary Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Fraser John J. , Hertel Jay 
Published: January 2018

Context: Intrinsic foot muscle (IFM) exercises are utilized clinically in the treatment of foot and ankle conditions. However, the effectiveness of training on IFM motor function is unknown. Objective: To study the effects of a 4-week IFM exercise program on motor function, perceived difficulty, and IFM motor activation measured using ultrasound imaging (USI) during 3 IFM exercises. Design: Single-blinded randomized control trial. Setting: Laboratory. Participants: A total of 24 healthy, recreationally active young adults without history of ankle–foot injury who have never performed IFM exercises participated (12 males and 12 females; mean age = 21.5 [4.8] y; body mass index = 23.5 [2.9] kg/m2) Intervention: Following randomization, participants allocated to the intervention group received a 4-week progressive home IFM exercise program performed daily. Participants in the control group did not receive any intervention. Main Outcome Measures: Clinician-assessed motor performance (4-point scale: 0 = does not initiate movement and 3 = performs exercise in standard pattern), participant-perceived difficulty (5-point Likert scale: 1 = very easy and 5 = very difficult), and USI motor activation measures of the abductor hallucis, flexor digitorum brevis, quadratus plantae, and flexor hallucis brevis were assessed during toe-spread-out, hallux-extension, and lesser-toe-extension exercises. Results: The intervention group demonstrated significant improvement in motor performance in the toe-spread-out exercise (pre = 1.9 [0.5], post = 2.6 [0.5], P = .008) and less perceived difficulty in the toe-spread-out (pre = 3.1 [1.3], post = 2.3 [1.2], P = .01), hallux-extension (pre = 3.2 [1.5], post = 2.0 [1.2], P = .005), and lesser-toe-extension (pre = 1.9 [0.7], post = 1.2 [0.4], P = .03) exercises. Both groups demonstrated increased USI motor activation in the abductor hallucis during the toe-spread-out exercise (intervention: pre = 1.07 [0.06], post = 1.11 [0.08] and control: pre = 1.08 [0.06], post = 1.11 [0.06]; P = .05). No other significant main effects or group by time interactions were observed. Conclusion: A 4-week IFM exercise intervention resulted in improved motor performance and decreased perceived difficulty when performing the exercises, but not changes in USI measures of IFM activation compared with a control group.