bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative effects of valsartan plus either cilnidipine or hydrochlorothiazide on home morning blood pressure surge evaluated by information and communication technology–based nocturnal home blood pressure monitoring
Authors: Fujiwara Takeshi , Tomitani Naoko , Kanegae Hiroshi , Kario Kazuomi 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe authors tested the hypothesis that a valsartan/cilnidipine combination would suppress the home morning blood pressure (BP) surge (HMBPS) more effectively than a valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide combination in patients with morning hypertension, defined as systolic BP (SBP) ≥135 mm Hg or diastolic BP ≥85 mm Hg assessed by a self‐measuring information and communication technology–based home BP monitoring device more than three times before either combination's administration. This was an 8‐week prospective, multicenter, randomized, open‐label clinical trial. The HMBPS, which is a new index, was defined as the mean morning SBP minus the mean nocturnal SBP, both measured on the same day. The authors randomly allocated 129 patients to the valsartan/cilnidipine (63 patients; mean 68.4 years) or valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide (66 patients; mean 67.3 years) combination groups, and the baseline HMBPS values were 17.4 mm Hg vs 16.9 mm Hg, respectively (P = .820). At the end of the treatment period, the changes in nocturnal SBP and morning SBP from baseline were significant in both the valsartan/cilnidipine and valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide groups (P < .001): −5.0 vs −10.0 mm Hg (P = .035) and −10.7 vs −13.6 mm Hg (P = .142), respectively. HMBPS was significantly decreased from baseline in both groups (P < .001), but there was no significant difference between the two groups: 14.4 mm Hg vs 14.0 mm Hg, respectively (P = .892). Valsartan/cilnidipine could not significantly suppress HMBPS compared with valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide. Large‐scale randomized controlled studies are needed to assess how reducing HMBPS will affect future cardiovascular outcomes. The information and communication technology–based home BP monitoring device may become an alternative to ambulatory BP monitoring, which has been a gold standard to measure nocturnal BP and the morning BP surge.
Genomic and phenotypic characterization of an atypical Aeromonas salmonicida strain isolated from a lumpfish and producing unusual granular structures
Authors: Rouleau F D , Vincent A T , Charette S J 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAeromonas salmonicida strains are roughly classified into two categories, typical and atypical strains. The latter mainly regroup isolates that present unusual phenotypes or hosts, comparatively to the typical strains that belong to the salmonicida subspecies. This study focuses on an uncharacterized atypical strain, M18076‐11, isolated from lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus) and not part of the four recognized Aeromonas salmonicida subspecies. This isolate presents an unreported phenotype in the A. salmonicida species: the formation of large granular aggregates. Granules are formed of a heterogeneous mix of live and dead cells, with live cells composing the majority of the population. Even if no mechanism was determined to cause cellular aggregation, small globular structures at the cell surface were observed, which might affect granular formation. Pan‐genome phylogenetic analysis indicated that this strain groups alongside the masoucida subspecies. However, phenotypic tests showed that these strains have diverging phenotypes, suggesting that M18076‐11 might belong to a new subspecies. Also, a pAsal1‐like plasmid, which was only reported in strains of the subspecies salmonicida, was discovered in M18076‐11. This study sheds light on unsuspected diversity in A. salmonicida subspecies and stresses the need of thorough identification when a new strain is encountered, as unique traits might be discovered.
Fates of Salmonella Enteritidis and Cronobacter sakazakii in various multiple‐strain yogurts and kefir during cold storage
Authors: Chang Ho‐Seok , Kim Dong‐Hyeon , Jeong Dana , Kang Il‐Byeong , Kim Hong‐Seok , Kim Hyunsook , Song Kwang‐Young , Seo Kun‐Ho 
Published: January 2018

AbstractMany multiple‐strain fermented milks such as yogurt and kefir have been developed and consumed to improve their nutritional and functional benefits. Since these fermented milks can be a vehicle of foodborne illness, we investigated the fates of Salmonella Enteritidis and Cronobacter sakazakii in four fermented milks: multiple‐lactic acid bacteria (multi‐LAB) yogurt, multiple‐LAB‐Bifidobacterium (multi‐LAB‐BIF) yogurt, pH 4.5 kefir (mild kefir), and pH 3.6 kefir (strong kefir). Each was inoculated with 5.6 and 5.8 log cfu/ml of S. Enteritidis and C. sakazakii, respectively, and stored at 4°C for 5 days. Strong and mild kefirs exhibited more potent antimicrobial activities than multi‐LAB and multi‐LAB‐BIF yogurts, inactivating all viable pathogenic bacteria within 1 and 5 days, respectively. Despite having lower pH values than mild kefir (pH 4.49), multi‐LAB (pH 4.25) and multi‐LAB‐BIF (pH 4.38) yogurts failed to clear viable S. Enteritidis cells in 5 days (> 5 log cfu/ml cells survived).Practical applicationsYogurt is one of the most popular fermented milk, and has been implicated in several human foodborne outbreaks. Kefir is unique fermented milk containing multiple strains of lactic acid bacteria and yeast. In this study, we investigated the fates of Salmonella Enteritidis and Cronobacter sakazakii in these fermented milks. Two types of commercial yogurt failed to clear viable S. Enteritidis cells in 5 days, whereas kefir successfully killed all viable S. Enteritidis and C. sakazakii cells in 5 and 4 days, respectively, even with significantly higher pH values suggesting that pH might not be a suitable indicator to ensure the microbiological safety of yogurts and kefir, and that pathogens face other antimicrobial hurdles than low pH and high acidity. Considering the potent self‐clearance effects of kefir against foodborne pathogens, novel yogurt products containing strains with potent antimicrobial activity such as kefir microorganisms could be newly developed in the future.
Linaclotide in irritable bowel syndrome with constipation: A Phase 3 randomized trial in China and other regions
Authors: Yang Yunsheng , Fang Jingyuan , Guo Xiaozhong , Dai Ning , Shen Xizhong , Yang Youlin , Sun Jing , Bhandari Bal Raj , Reasner David S , Cronin Jacquelyn A , Currie Mark G , Johnston Jeffrey M , Zeng Peter , Montreewasuwat Niwat , Chen George Zhijian , Lim Sam 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackground and AimLinaclotide is a guanylate cyclase‐C agonist approved in multiple countries to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS‐C). China has unmet need for well‐tolerated therapy that is effective in treating both bowel and abdominal symptoms of IBS‐C. This trial evaluated linaclotide's efficacy and safety in IBS‐C patients in China and other regions.MethodsThis Phase 3, double‐blind trial randomized IBS‐C patients to once‐daily oral 290‐μg linaclotide or placebo at centers in China, North America, and Oceania. Patients reported bowel and abdominal symptoms daily; adverse events were monitored. Co‐primary and secondary endpoints were tested using a predefined three‐step serial gatekeeping multiple comparisons procedure.ResultsThe intent‐to‐treat population included 839 patients (mean age = 41 years; 82% female; 81% Asian). The trial met all co‐primary and secondary endpoints. Co‐primary responder criteria were met by 60.0% of linaclotide patients versus 48.8% of placebo patients for abdominal pain/discomfort (≥ 30% decrease for ≥ 6/12 weeks; P < 0.05), and 31.7% of linaclotide versus 15.4% of placebo patients for IBS degree of relief (score ≤ 2 for ≥ 6/12 weeks; P < 0.0001). Secondary 12‐week change‐from‐baseline endpoints (spontaneous bowel movement/complete spontaneous bowel movement frequency, stool consistency, straining, abdominal pain, abdominal discomfort, and abdominal bloating) were significantly improved with linaclotide versus placebo (all P < 0.0001). Diarrhea was the most common adverse event (9.4% linaclotide, 1.2% placebo). Discontinuation rates due to diarrhea were low (0.7% linaclotide, 0.2% placebo).ConclusionsOnce‐daily 290‐μg linaclotide improved bowel habits, abdominal symptoms, and global measures in a predominantly Chinese IBS‐C population.
Association Between Sensory Impairment and Dementia in Older Adults: Evidence from China
Authors: Luo Yanan , He Ping , Guo Chao , Chen Gong , Li Ning , Zheng Xiaoying 
Published: January 2018

ObjectivesTo determine the association between sensory impairment and dementia in Chinese older adults.DesignCross‐sectional.SettingOlder adults in 31 provinces of China.ParticipantsIndividuals aged 65 and older (N = 250,752).MeasurementsPsychiatrists ascertained dementia based on the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision. Sensory impairment was measured as only hearing impairment, only vision impairment, and combined sensory impairment (combined hearing and vision impairment). Hearing impairment was defined as greater than 40 dB loss in the better ear according to the standard of the World Health Organization (WHO) Prevention of Deafness and Hearing Impairment (PDH) standard 97.3. Ophthalmologists assessed vision impairment according to the WHO best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) criteria (low vision: 0.05≤BCVA ≤0.29; blindness: no light perception ≤ BCVA <0.05, visual field less than 10 degrees; the better‐seeing eye).ResultsThe prevalence of dementia was 0.41% (95% CI = 0.39–0.44%) without sensory impairment, 0.83% (95% CI = 0.70–0.99%) with only visual impairment, 0.61 (95% CI = 0.53–0.71%) with only hearing impairment, and 1.27% (95% CI = 1.00–1.61%) with combined sensory impairments. After adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, vision impairment (odds ratio (OR) = 1.58, 95% CI = 1.28–1.96) and combined sensory impairments (OR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.23–2.20) were associated with greater risk of severe to extremely severe dementia. Hearing impairment was not significantly associated with dementia.ConclusionSensory impairments are associated with greater risk of dementia in Chinese older adults. Studies are needed to further explore the pathway of this association in Chinese elderly adults and to provide suggestions to improve health status for this population.
The APPswe/PS1A246E mutations in an astrocytic cell line leads to increased vulnerability to oxygen and glucose deprivation, Ca2+ dysregulation, and mitochondrial abnormalities
Authors: Martin‐de‐Saavedra María Dolores , Navarro Elisa , Moreno‐Ortega Ana J. , Cunha Mauricio P. , Buendia Izaskun , Hernansanz‐Agustín Pablo , León Rafael , Cano‐Abad María F. , Martínez‐Ruiz Antonio , Martínez‐Murillo Ricardo , Duchen Michael R. , López Manuela G. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractGrowing evidence suggests a close relationship between Alzheimer′s Disease (AD) and cerebral hypoxia. Astrocytes play a key role in brain homeostasis and disease states, while some of the earliest changes in AD occur in astrocytes. We have therefore investigated whether mutations associated with AD increase astrocyte vulnerability to ischemia. Two astroglioma cell lines derived from APPSWE/PS1A246E (APP, amyloid precursor protein; PS1, presenilin 1) transgenic mice and controls from normal mice were subjected to oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD), an in vitro model of ischemia. Cell death was increased in the APPSWE/PS1A246E line compared to the control. Increasing extracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]) exacerbated cell death in the mutant but not in the control cells. In order to explore cellular Ca2+ homeostasis, the cells were challenged with ATP or thapsigargin and [Ca2+] was measured by fluorescence microscopy. Changes in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]c) were potentiated in the APPSWE/PS1A246E transgenic line. Mitochondrial function was also altered in the APPSWE/PS1A246E astroglioma cells; mitochondrial membrane potential and production of reactive oxygen species were increased, while mitochondrial basal respiratory rate and ATP production were decreased compared to control astroglioma cells. These results suggest that AD mutations in astrocytes make them more sensitive to ischemia; Ca2+ dysregulation and mitochondrial dysfunction may contribute to this increased vulnerability. Our results also highlight the role of astrocyte dyshomeostasis in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative brain disorders.
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The role of glutamate signaling in incentive salience: second‐by‐second glutamate recordings in awake Sprague‐Dawley rats
Authors: Batten Seth R. , Pomerleau Francois , Quintero Jorge , Gerhardt Greg A. , Beckmann Joshua S. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe attribution of incentive salience to reward‐predictive stimuli has been shown to be associated with substance abuse‐like behavior such as increased drug taking. Evidence suggests that glutamate neurotransmission and sequential N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) activation are involved in the attribution of incentive salience. Here, we further explore the role of second‐by‐second glutamate neurotransmission in the attribution of incentive salience to reward‐predictive stimuli by measuring sign‐tracking behavior during a Pavlovian conditioned approach procedure using ceramic‐based microelectrode arrays configured for sensitive measures of extracellular glutamate in awake behaving Sprague‐Dawley rats. Specifically, we show that there is an increase in extracellular glutamate levels in the prelimbic cortex (PrL) and the nucleus accumbens core (NAcC) during sign‐tracking behavior to a food‐predictive conditioned stimulus (CS+) compared to the presentation of a non‐predictive conditioned stimulus (CS−). Furthermore, the results indicate greater increases in extracellular glutamate levels in the PrL compared to NAcC in response to the CS+, including differences in glutamate release and signal decay. Taken together, the present research suggests that there is differential glutamate signaling in the NAcC and PrL during sign‐tracking behavior to a food‐predictive CS+.
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Study on the correlation between adipocyte fatty‐acid binding protein, glucolipid metabolism, and pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Lin Yan‐Ping , Xu Cai‐Lin , Lin Kui‐Sheng , Gu Hai‐Bin , Chen Lei , Wang Ying , Weng Bao‐Chuan , Huang Hai‐Qing , Li Ya‐Ping , Zou Yu‐Liang , Li Zi‐Shun 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAimWe aimed to explore the relation between the level of adipocyte fatty‐acid binding protein (A‐FABP) in the gestational period and related indices of glucolipid metabolism, and the possible mechanisms of occurrence and development of pre‐eclampsia.MethodsSeventy‐six pre‐eclampsia patients were enrolled and divided into the mild pre‐eclampsia (n = 42) and severe pre‐eclampsia (n = 34) groups. Forty‐eight healthy pregnant women were selected as a control group. The indices of all participants were examined, including serum A‐FABP, fasting insulin (FINS), fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL), and homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) index was calculated. After the delivery of the placenta, the level of A‐FABP in the placenta was detected by immunochemistry. Then, the correlation between serum A‐FABP and indices of glucolipid metabolism and placental A‐FABP were analyzed.ResultsSerum A‐FABP, FINS, TG, TC, HOMA‐IR, and placental A‐FABP were significantly higher in pre‐eclampsia patients and the level of HDL was obviously lower than in the control group. Serum A‐FABP was positively correlated with FINS, TG, TC, and HOMA‐IR, and placental A‐FABP was negatively correlated with HDL in pre‐eclampsia patients. In the control group, serum A‐FABP was positively correlated only with TG, and uncorrelated with the other indices (P > 0.05).ConclusionThe level of A‐FABP was correlated with insulin resistance and indices of glucolipid metabolism in pre‐eclampsia patients. High‐levels of A‐FABP might increase insulin resistance by causing glucose and lipid metabolism disorders and ultimately inducing the occurrence and development of pre‐eclampsia.
Bowel health in chronic kidney disease: Patient perceptions differ from clinical definitions
Authors: Trimingham Claire , McDonald Stephen , Dansie Kathryn , Jesudason Shilpa , Faull Randall , Clayton Phil , Liew Grace , Le Leu Richard , Meade Anthony 
Published: January 2018

SUMMARYBackgroundThe bowel health of those with chronic kidney disease (CKD) can be affected by medications, fluid/dietary allowances, reduced activity and pre‐existing medical conditions. Patient perceptions of their bowel health can differ from those of health care professionals and the burden of gastrointestinal symptoms could be inaccurately reported.MethodsAdults with CKD, including those undergoing haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis and kidney transplant from four South Australian hospitals enrolled in the study. Participants completed a five‐item questionnaire, to investigate their perception of bowel health compared with clinical criteria for ‘normal and abnormal’ bowel health using the Bristol Stool Form Scale, bowel frequency and reported symptoms.ResultsA total of 324 individuals completed the questionnaire. Of those with clinically defined ‘abnormal’ bowel health (n = 180), 50.6% perceived their bowels as ‘normal’ or ‘more normal than abnormal’. Only 6% of this clinically ‘abnormal’ group perceived their bowel health as abnormal. Of those with clinically defined ‘normal’ bowel health (n = 144), 16% perceived their bowel health as ‘abnormal’, ‘more abnormal than normal‘ or ‘variable’. Fifty‐seven percent of patients with clinically defined ‘abnormal’ bowel health were not taking any treatments. Peritoneal dialysis recipients were the highest users of treatments to improve bowel function, with 62% using 1 or more treatment.ConclusionsIt is common for patients with CKD to experience signs and symptoms of abnormal bowel health. There is a disconnect between patient perceptions and clinical definitions of normal or abnormal bowel health. Clinical care team members must carefully obtain and clarify patient‐reported symptoms related to bowel function in order to help ensure recommendations and use of appropriate treatments.
Urbanization and mortality decline
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Sanghamitra , Green Elliott 
Published: January 2018

AbstractWe investigate the relationship between mortality decline and urbanization, which has hitherto been proposed by demographers but has yet to be tested rigorously in a global context. Using cross‐national panel data, we find evidence of a robust negative correlation between crude death rates and urbanization. The use of instrumental variables suggest that this relationship is causal, while historical data from the early 20th century suggest that this relationship holds in earlier periods as well. Finally, we find robust evidence that mortality decline is correlated with urbanization through the creation of new cities rather than promoting urban growth in already‐extant cities.
Histopathological frequency of feline hepatobiliary disease in the UK
Authors: Bayton W. A. , Westgarth C. , Scase T. , Price D. J. , Bexfield N. H. 
Published: January 2018

ObjectivesTo determine the histopathological frequency of feline hepatobiliary diseases in the UK and to identify breed, age and gender predispositions to developing individual diseases.
MethodsHistopathology results from 1452 feline liver biopsies were assessed. A control population of microchipped cats was used for breed comparison. Data were retrospectively categorised into hepatobiliary diseases according to World Small Animal Veterinary Association standards. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated to determine breed predispositions to the 10 most frequent diseases. Gender and age distributions were also evaluated.ResultsThe most frequent diseases based on histopathology were neutrophilic cholangitis (20·5%), reactive hepatitis (20·4%), reversible hepatocellular injury (8·4%), lymphocytic cholangitis (6·8%), biliary cysts (5·7%), acute hepatitis (5·6%), haematopoietic neoplasia (5·6%), hepatocellular neoplasia (4·9%), congenital portosystemic shunt (3·8%) and cholangiocellular neoplasia (3·1%). Some previously unreported breed and age predispositions were identified.Clinical significanceThis is the first study to document the histopathological frequency of hepatobiliary diseases in a large cohort of cats in the UK, as well as novel breed and age predispositions. These data may help increase the index of suspicion of a particular disease in the absence of a biopsy‐confirmed diagnosis.
Evaluation of oscillometric blood pressure monitor BLT M9000 VET in anaesthetised healthy adult dogs
Authors: Zrimšek P. , Sredenšek J. , Vengušt M. , Seliškar A. 
Published: January 2018

ObjectivesTo examine agreement in anaesthetised dogs between invasive blood pressure measurements and measurements obtained with an oscillometric blood pressure monitor.Materials and MethodsPaired invasive and oscillometric measurements were taken in 24 dogs every 5 minutes during anaesthesia (9 to 37 measurements per dog). Agreement between measurement methods was explored using Bland–Altman plots. To determine the accuracy of the oscillometric measurements, the results were compared with the guidelines recommended by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation.ResultsIn total, 493 paired readings were obtained: 98·6% of oscillometric readings were successful. Biases (±standard deviation) for oscillometric readings of systolic arterial blood pressure and mean arterial blood pressure were 2·1 (±11·5) and −9·8 (±7·6) mm Hg, indicating slight over‐ and under‐estimation, respectively, versus invasive measurements. More than 50% and 80% of systolic arterial and mean arterial pressure measurements were within 10 and 20 mmHg of invasively measured values, respectively. A large negative bias (−14·1 ±9·2 mmHg) against invasive measurements revealed that the oscillometric measures of diastolic arterial blood pressure measurements were under‐estimated.Clinical SignificanceIn healthy adult anaesthetised dogs, this oscillometric monitor met the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine requirements for systolic arterial and mean arterial pressure measurement but failed to meet the requirements for the measurement of diastolic arterial pressure.
Authoritarian Resilience Versus Everyday Resistance: The Unexpected Strength of Religious Advocacy in Promoting Transnational Activism in China
Authors: Wang Ray 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThis article examines one of the most sensitive forms of transnational activism—the money and services foreign advocacy groups provide to empower locals—and explores the reasons why some aid groups have been allowed to work in certain locations when conventional wisdom and experience would indicate otherwise. In a careful comparison of four Chinese cities with similar geographic, political, and economic conditions, we find that only one particular form of religious activist network has been tolerated and its rule‐breaking nature has created a persistent activism of “everyday resistance.” Thus, decoding the mechanisms of its success, named “backdoor listing” and “minority‐majority alliance,” can help to expand our knowledge about not only the possibility of religious freedom in China, but also our theoretical understanding of the transnational activism strategies that are being widely debated and employed to improve human rights worldwide.