bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional topography of cardiovascular regulation along the rostrocaudal axis of the rat posterior insular cortex
Authors: Marins Fernanda Ribeiro , Limborço‐Filho Marcelo , Xavier Carlos Henrique , Biancardi Vinicia C , Vaz Gisele C , Stern Javier E. , Oppenheimer Stephen M , Fontes Marco Antonio Peliky 
Published: January 2016

SummaryCardiovascular (CV) representation has been identified within the insular cortex (IC) and a lateralization of function previously suggested. In order to further understand the role of IC on cardiovascular control, the present study compared the CV responses evoked by stimulation of N‐metil‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the right and left posterior IC at different rostrocaudal levels. Intracortical microinjections of NMDA were performed into the IC of male Wistar rats anaesthetized with urethane (1.4 g/kg) prepared for blood pressure, heart rate and renal sympathetic nerve activity. Gene expression of NMDA receptor subunits NR2A and NR2B in the IC was confirmed by RT‐PCR. Immunofluorescence for the NMDA receptor NR1 subunit was demonstrated in the IC (coordinates anteroposterior (AP) +1.5, 0.0 and −1.5 mm). A cardiac sympathoinhibitory site was identified, more rostrally located than identified in previous studies. A site of sympathoexcitatory cardiac control was identified more caudal to this region in agreement with earlier work. Under the experimental conditions, no lateralization of cardiovascular function was identified with chemical stimulation eliciting the same responses from either left or right insular cortices. No tonic role of the insula on cardiovascular control was identified with the use of the NMDA antagonist, AP‐5. Peri‐insular microinjection of NMDA was without cardiovascular effect indicating the specificity of the insula as a cardiovascular regulatory site. The current study reveals a functional topography for autonomic cardiovascular control along the rostrocaudal axis of the posterior IC.
Effects of autonomic balance and fluid and electrolyte changes on cardiac function in infarcted rats: A serial study of sexual dimorphism
Authors: Souza NS , Dos‐Santos RC , Silveira Anderson Luiz Bezerra da , R Sonoda‐Côrtes , Gantus Michel Alexandre Villani , Fortes FS , Olivares Emerson Lopes 
Published: January 2016

SummaryPremenopausal women are known to show lower incidence of cardiovascular disease than men. During myocardial infarction (MI), homeostatic responses are activated, including the sympathetic autonomic nervous system and the rennin–angiotensin–aldosterone system, which is related to the fluid and electrolyte balance, both aiming to maintain cardiac output. This study sought to perform a serial evaluation of sexual dimorphism in cardiac autonomic control and fluid and electrolyte balance during the development of MI‐induced heart failure in rats. Experimental MI was induced in male (M) and female (F) adult (7–9 weeks of age) Wistar rats. The animals were placed in metabolic cages to assess fluid intake and urine volume 1 and 4 weeks after inducing MI (male myocardial infarction (MMI) and female myocardial infarction (FMI) groups). They subsequently underwent echocardiographic evaluation and spectral analysis of heart rate variability. After completing each protocol, the animals were killed for postmortem evaluation and histology. The MMI group showed earlier and more intense cardiac morphological and functional changes than the FMI group, although the extent of MI did not differ between groups (P > 0.05). The MMI group showed higher sympathetic modulation and sodium and water retention than the FMI group (P < 0.05), which may partly explain both the echocardiographic and pathological findings. Females subjected to infarction seem to show attenuation of sympathetic modulation, more favourable fluid and electrolyte balances, and better preserved cardiac function compared to males subjected to the same infarction model.
Salmonellainfection in grey seals (Halichoerus grypus), a marine mammal sentinel species: pathogenicity and molecular typing ofSalmonellastrains compared with human and livestock isolates
Authors: Baily Johanna L. , Foster Geoffrey , Brown Derek , Davison Nicholas J. , Coia John E. , Watson Eleanor , Pizzi Romain , Willoughby Kim , Hall Ailsa J. , Dagleish Mark P. 
Published: January 2016

SummaryMicrobial pollution of the marine environment through land–sea transfer of human and livestock pathogens is of concern.Salmonellawas isolated from rectal swabs of free‐ranging and stranded grey seal pups (21.1%; 37/175) and compared with strains from the same serovars isolated from human clinical cases, livestock, wild mammals and birds in Scotland,UKto characterize possible transmission routes using pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis and multi‐locus variable number of tandem repeat analyses. A higher prevalence ofSalmonellawas found in pups exposed to seawater, suggesting that this may represent a source of this pathogen.SalmonellaBovismorbificans was the most common isolate (18.3% pups; 32/175) and was indistinguishable from isolates found in Scottish cattle.Salmonella Typhimurium was infrequent (2.3% pups; 4/175), mostly similar to isolates found in garden birds and, in one case, identical to a highly multidrug resistant strain isolated from a human child.Salmonella Haifa was rare (1.1% pups; 2/175), but isolates were indistinguishable from that of a human clinical isolate. These results suggest thatS.Bovismorbificans may circulate between grey seal and cattle populations and that bothS.Typhimurium andS.Haifa isolates are shared with humans, raising concerns of microbial marine pollution.
Auditor–Client Compatibility and Audit Firm Selection
Authors: BROWN STEPHEN V. , KNECHEL W. ROBERT 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACTWe examine auditor switching conditional on the compatibility of clients and their auditors using a unique text‐based measure of similarity of financial disclosures. We find clustering of clients within an audit firm based on this measure. We find that clients with the lowest similarity scores are significantly more likely (9.4%–10.6%) to switch auditors, and will change to an audit firm to which they are more similar. Regarding the effect on audit quality, we find that discretionary accruals are lower when similarity is higher. However, accounting restatements are more likely when text disclosures that are unaudited—business description, and management discussion and analysis (MD&A)—are more similar. We find no such similarity effect for the audited footnotes. Finally, we find that firms that are more similar are less likely to receive a going concern opinion (GCO), but the GCO reporting decision is more accurate. It is unclear if this reflects higher or lower audit quality since firms that are candidates for a GCO are intrinsically different from the average firm in an auditor's portfolio due to their financial distress. One implication of these results is that auditors might have greater involvement in the quality of the text disclosures that are currently not audited.
Qualitative study of patients' choice between public and private hospital emergency departments
Authors: He Jun , Toloo Ghasem‐Sam , Hou Xiang‐Yu , FitzGerald Gerry 
Published: January 2016

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to gather patients' perceptions regarding their choice between public and private hospital EDs for those who hold private health insurance. The findings of this study will contribute to knowledge regarding patients' decision‐making processes and therefore may contribute to the development of evidence based public policies.MethodsAn in‐depth semi‐structured guide was used to interview participants at public and private hospital EDs. Questions sought to identify the issues that were considered by the participants to decide to attend that hospital ED, previous ED experience, expectations of ED services and perceived benefits and barriers to accessing services. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using content and thematic approaches.ResultsFour core themes emerged: prior good experience with the hospital, perceived quality of care, perceived waiting times and perceived costs that may explain patients' choice. Patients' choice between public and private EDs can be explained by the interaction of these core themes. The principal issues appear to be concern for gap payments at private hospital ED and waiting times at public hospital ED.ConclusionsPatients who choose to attend public EDs appear to value financial concern over waiting time; those who choose to attend private EDs appear to value waiting time ahead of financial concerns.
Evaluation of the reference genes for expression analysis using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction in the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae
Authors: Kang Zhi‐Wei , Liu Fang‐Hua , Tian Hong‐Gang , Zhang Meng , Guo Shan‐Shan , Liu Tong‐Xian 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe green peach aphid, Myzus persicae Sulzer (Hemiptera, Aphididae), is an important cosmopolitan pest. Real time qRT‐PCR has been used for target gene expression analysis on M. persicae. Using real time qRT‐PCR, the expression levels are normalized on the basis of the reliable reference genes. However, to date, the stability of available reference genes has been insufficient. In this study, we evaluated nine candidate reference genes from M. persicae under diverse experimental conditions. The tested candidate genes were comprehensively ranked based on five alternative methods (RefFinder, geNorm, Normfinder, BestKeeper and the comparative ΔCt method). 18s, Actin and ribosomal protein L27 (L27) were recommended as the most stable reference genes for M. persicae, whereas ribosomal protein L27 (L27) was found to be the least stable reference genes for abiotic studies (photoperiod, temperature and insecticide susceptibility). Our finding not only sheds light on establishing an accurate and reliable normalization of real time qRT‐PCR data in M. persicae but also lays a solid foundation for further studies of M. persicae involving RNA interference and functional gene research.
Effects of thinning on scatter‐hoarding by rodents in temperate forest
Authors: ZHANG Yifeng , YU Jing , SICHILIMA Alfred M. , WANG Weirui , LU Jiqi 
Published: January 2016

AbstractDeforestation and thinning are human activities that can destabilize the forest ecological system and, consequently, impact significantly on habitat and behavior of forest‐dwelling animals. This hypothesis was tested in Yugong in the Mount Taihangshan area by comparing the tracks of tagged seeds of Armeniaca sibirica. in sites of unthinned and thinned forests. Our results showed that: (i) the diversity of vegetation and rodents drastically reduced in sites with thinned forests, compared to unthinned sites; (ii) the amount of both removed and scatter‐hoarded seeds significantly declined in sites with thinned forests, compared with the unthinned sites; (iii) there was no significant difference observed in the distance of seed dispersal between the thinned and unthinned areas; and (iv) the thinning did not show a significant change to the model of cache size. These results suggested that the thinning of forests negatively influenced the species richness and food‐hoarding behavior of rodents. In addition, the results indicated that the weakened scattered‐hoarding might be disadvantageous to seedling recruitment and forest restoration.
Galápagos land iguana (Conolophus subcristatus) as a seed disperser
Authors: TRAVESET Anna , NOGALES Manuel , VARGAS Pablo , RUMEU Beatriz , OLESEN Jens M. , JARAMILLO Patricia , HELENO Ruben 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe role of the most common land iguana (Conolophus subcristatus) in the Galápagos Islands as an effective seed disperser is explored in this study. A total of 5705 seeds of 32 plant species were identified from 160 scats, 4545 of which (80%) appeared visually undamaged. Germination trials of 849 seeds from 29 species revealed that at least 10 species remained viable after passing through the iguana's gut, although only a small proportion of those seeds (4%) germinated. In any case, we argue thatC. subcristatusexerts an important role on the 7 Galapagos islands where it occurs because of its abundance and capacity to ingest and disperse seeds at long distances. Our results strongly suggest that the GalápagosC. subcristatusplays an important role as a seed disperser of not only of native species but also some introduced plants in the Galápagos Islands.
Antimicrobial, Rheological, and Thermal Properties of Plasticized Polylactide Films Incorporated with Essential Oils to Inhibit Staphylococcus aureus and Campylobacter jejuni
Authors: Ahmed Jasim , Hiremath Nikhil , Jacob Harsha 
Published: January 2016

AbstractPolylactide (PLA) is the most mature biobased and biodegradable polymer. Due to its inherent brittleness, the polymer cannot be used as a packaging material without plasticizer. An attempt was made to develop antimicrobial plasticized PLA film by incorporating polyethylene glycol (PEG) and 3 essential oils (EO), namely cinnamon, garlic, and clove by solvent casting method. Physical, thermal, and rheological properties of those films were evaluated for practical applications whereas the antimicrobial properties were tested against Staphylococcus aureus and Campylobacter jejuni—pathogens related to poultry industry. Both PEG and EOs led to the formation of flexible PLA/PEG/EO films with significant drop in the glass transition temperature (Tg), and mechanical property. Time–temperature superposition (TTS) principle was employed to melt rheology of EO‐based films at selected temperature, and rheological moduli superimposed well in an extended frequency range. Among EOs, cinnamon and clove oil–based films (PLA/PEG/CIN and PLA/PEG/CLO) exhibited a complete zone of inhibition against C. jejuni at the maximum concentration (1.6 mL per 2 g PLA/PEG blend) whereas the garlic oil–based film (PLA/PEG/GAR) had the lowest activity.
Microstructural Changes in High‐Protein Nutrition Bars Formulated with Extruded or Toasted Milk Protein Concentrate
Authors: Banach J.C. , Clark S. , Lamsal B.P. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractMilk protein concentrates with more than 80% protein (that is, MPC80) are underutilized as the primary protein source in high‐protein nutrition bars as they impart crumbliness and cause hardening during storage. High‐protein nutrition bar texture changes are often associated with internal protein aggregations and macronutrient phase separation. These changes were investigated in model high‐protein nutrition bars formulated with MPC80 and physically modified MPC80s. High‐protein nutrition bars formulated with extruded MPC80s hardened slower than those formulated with toasted or unmodified MPC80. Extruded MPC80 had reduced free sulfhydryl group exposure, whereas measurable increases were seen in the toasted MPC80. High‐protein nutrition bar textural performance may be related to the number of exposed free sulfhydryl groups in MPC80. Protein aggregations resulting from ingredient modification and high‐protein nutrition bar storage were studied with sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Disulfide‐based protein aggregations and changes in free sulfhydryl concentration were not consistently relatable to high‐protein nutrition bar texture change. However, the high‐protein nutrition bars formulated with extruded MPC80 were less prone to phase separations, as depicted by confocal laser scanning microscopy, and underwent less texture change during storage than those formulated with toasted or unmodified MPC80.
Effect of Hops Beta Acids on the Survival of Unstressed‐ or Acid‐Stress‐Adapted‐Listeria Monocytogenes and on the Quality and Sensory Attributes of Commercially Cured Ham Slices
Authors: Wang Li , McKeith Amanda Gipe , Shen Cangliang , Carter Kelsey , Huff Alyssa , McKeith Russell , Zhang Xinxia , Chen Zhengxing 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThis study evaluated the antilisterial activity of hops beta acids (HBA) and their impact on the quality and sensory attributes of ham. Commercially cured ham slices were inoculated with unstressed‐ and acid‐stress‐adapted (ASA)‐L. monocytogenes (2.2 to 2.5 log CFU/cm2), followed by no dipping (control), dipping in deionized (DI) water, or dipping in a 0.11% HBA solution. This was followed by vacuum or aerobic packaging and storage (7.2 °C, 35 or 20 d). Samples were taken periodically during storage to check for pH changes and analyze the microbial populations. Color measurements were obtained by dipping noninoculated ham slices in a 0.11% HBA solution, followed by vacuum packaging and storage (4.0 °C, 42 d). Sensory evaluations were performed on ham slices treated with 0.05% to 0.23% HBA solutions, followed by vacuum packaging and storage (4.0 °C, 30 d). HBA caused immediate reductions of 1.2 to 1.5 log CFU/cm2 (P < 0.05) in unstressed‐ and ASA‐L. monocytogenes populations on ham slices. During storage, the unstressed‐L. monocytogenes populations on HBA‐treated samples were 0.5 to 2.0 log CFU/cm2 lower (P < 0.05) than control samples and those dipped in DI water. The lag‐phase of the unstressed‐L. monocytogenes population was extended from 3.396 to 7.125 d (control) to 7.194 to 10.920 d in the HBA‐treated samples. However, the ASA‐L. monocytogenes population showed resistance to HBA because they had a higher growth rate than control samples and had similar growth variables to DI water‐treated samples during storage. Dipping in HBA solution did not adversely affect the color or sensory attributes of the ham slices stored in vacuum packages. These results are useful for helping ready‐to‐eat meat processors develop operational procedures for applying HBA on ham slices.
Clinical characteristics of type 2 diabetic patients on basal insulin therapy with adequate fasting glucose control who do not achieve HbA1c targets
Authors: Mata‐Cases Manel , Mauricio Dídac , Franch‐Nadal Josep 
Published: January 2016

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of the present study was to determine the clinical characteristics of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) treated with basal insulin who achieved an adequate fasting plasma glucose (FPG) level (<130 mg/dL), but were unable to achieve the HbA1c target (<7%; <53 mmol/mol).MethodsA cross‐sectional study was performed on T2DM patients aged 31–90 years treated with basal insulin registered in the SIDIAPQ primary healthcare electronic database during 2010.ResultsIn 2010, of a population of 126 811 T2DM subjects, 9899 were treated with basal insulin (neutral protamine Hagedorn [NPH], detemir, or glargine). Of these, 23.5% (n = 2322) achieved optimal FPG control levels (<130 mg/dL) but an inadequate HbA1c target (>7%). Mean HbA1c values in the contolled and uncontrolled groups were 8.15% (65.6 mmol/mol) and 6.31% (45.5 mmol/mol), respectively. Patients with controlled FPG but uncontrolled HbA1c had longer T2DM duration (11.6 vs 9.9 years), higher systolic blood pressure (138.2 vs 136.3 mmHg) and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (104 vs 99 mg /dL), and a higher prevalence of retinopathy (24.8% vs 18.2%) than patients (17.8%) with optimal control of both glycemic targets (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that inadequate glycemic control was positively related only to younger age.ConclusionOne‐quarter of T2DM patients treated with basal insulin have difficulties attaining the recommended HbA1c goal despite adequate FPG levels. As some guidelines state, healthcare professionals should focus on PPG to identify and intensify treatment to control prandial glucose excursions in these patients.
Perforating arteries of the thigh: An anatomical and radiological study
Authors: Dissanayake Ravi , Spelman Christopher , Balasubramanium Umatheepan , McPherson Rory , Martin Thomas , Buckenham Tim 
Published: January 2016

AbstractIntroductionWe aimed to advance the understanding of the anatomy of the perforating branches of the profunda femoris artery to facilitate the avoidance of iatrogenic injury in surgery around the thigh and ensure safe percutaneous embolisation.MethodsDissection was carried out on seven cadavers, examining the relationship of the point of origin of the perforating branches of profunda femoris, relative to lines connecting palpable bony landmarks (lines A and B). These were compared with 16 computed tomography angiograms (CTA). Left to right variation within subjects and variation between the dissection and imaged group was examined. The anatomy of the two groups was then compared with that described in anatomical textbooks.ResultsThe side to side variation in number of perforators was not significant in the dissection (P = 0.20) nor the CT group (P = 0.70). Similarly, the point of origin of the perforating vessels along lines A and B did not demonstrate any significant difference except for the fourth perforator along line B (P = 0.03). There was no significant difference in points of origin along line B between the dissection and CT groups for the first four perforators on the left (P = 0.51, P = 0.80, P = 0.66, P = 0.09 respectively) and right (P = 0.79, P = 0.45, P = 0.56, P = 0.11 respectively). The number and distribution of perforators were then compared with commonly used anatomical texts.ConclusionAs in other parts of the body, textbook descriptions of anatomical structures may not be reflected consistently in vivo. However, the perforating branches of the profunda femoris demonstrate a predictable topographical relationship to palpable bony landmarks.
Relocation of patients after cardiac surgery: is it worth the effort?
Authors: Hansen L. S. , Hjortdal V. E. , Jakobsen C.‐J. 
Published: January 2016

BackgroundFast‐track protocols may facilitate early patient discharge from the site of surgery through the implementation of more expedient pathways. However, costs may merely be shifted towards other parts of the health care system. We aimed to investigate the consequence of patient transfers on overall hospitalisation, follow‐up and readmission rate after cardiac surgery.MethodsA single‐centre descriptive cohort study using prospectively entered registry data. The study included 4,515 patients who underwent cardiac surgery at Aarhus University Hospital during the period 1 April 2006 to 31 December 2012. Patients were grouped and analysed based on type of discharge: Directly from site of surgery or after transfer to a regional hospital. The cohort was obtained from the Western Denmark Heart Registry and matched to the Danish National Hospital Register.ResultsMedian overall length of stay was 9 days (7.0;14.4). Transferred patients had longer length of stay, median difference of 2.0 days, p < 0.001. Time to first outpatient consultation was 41(30;58) days in transferred patients vs. 45(29;74) days, p < 0.001. 18.6% was readmitted within 30 days. Mean time to readmission was 18.4 ± 6.4 days. Median length of readmission was 3(1,6) days. There was no difference in readmissions between groups. Leading cause of readmission was cardiovascular disease with 48%.ConclusionTransfer of patients does not overtly reduce health care costs, but overall LOS and time to first outpatient consultation are substantially longer in patients transferred to secondary hospitals than in patients discharged directly. Readmission rate is high during the month after surgery, but with no difference between groups.