bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Occurrence, Characterization, and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Salmonella enterica in Slaughtered Pigs in Sardinia
Authors: Fois Federica , Piras Francesca , Torpdahl Mia , Mazza Roberta , Consolati Simonetta G. , Spanu Carlo , Scarano Christian , De Santis Enrico P. L. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe aim of this study was to determine Salmonella occurrence in slaughtered finishing pigs and piglets and in slaughterhouse environment in order to characterize the isolates with phenotypical (antimicrobial testing) and molecular (PFGE, MLVA) methods. Nine slaughterhouses located in Sardinia were visited. Six hundred and eight samples collected from 106 pigs and 108 environmental samples were collected and analyzed. Salmonella was isolated in 65 of 504 (12.9%) samples from finishing pigs, with an occurrence of 15.1% in colon content, 12.7% in lymph nodes and liver, and 11.1% in carcass surface samples. Salmonella was never detected in piglets. The combined results of serotyping and PFGE showed a possible self‐contamination in 71.5% of Salmonella positive carcasses of lymph nodes and/or colon content carriers, pointing out the role of healthy pigs for carcass contamination. A significantly higher (P < 0.05) occurrence was detected in finishing pigs of EC countries origin (23%) than in pigs of local farms (8%). Salmonella was also detected in 3.7% of environmental samples. The most prevalent serovar was S. Anatum, followed by S. Rissen, S. Derby, and monophasic S. Typhimurium. Resistance to at least 3 antimicrobial was observed in 97.1% of strains and 7 different patterns of multiple resistance were identified. The most common resistance was detected against sulphonamide compounds. A strict slaughterhouse application of hygiene standards is essential to control the risk of Salmonella contamination.
Randomised clinical trial: the efficacy and safety of oltipraz, a liver X receptor alpha‐inhibitory dithiolethione in patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Kim W. , Kim B. G. , Lee J. S. , Lee C. K. , Yeon J. E. , Chang M. S. , Kim J. H. , Kim H. , Yi S. , Lee J. , Cho J.‐Y. , Kim S. G. , Lee J.‐H. , Kim Y. J. 
Published: February 2017

SummaryBackgroundOltipraz is a synthetic dithiolethione with an antisteatotic effect by inhibiting the activity of liver X receptor alpha (LXR‐α). Recent studies demonstrated the disruptive role of oltipraz on LXR‐α‐dependent lipogenesis in hepatocytes and a high‐fat diet mouse model.AimTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of oltipraz for reducing liver fat in subjects with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).MethodsWe performed a multicentre, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, phase II study. Subjects with a liver fat >20% and hypertransaminasemia were randomised to the three groups: placebo (n = 22), 30 mg of oltipraz (n = 22) or 60 mg of oltipraz (n = 24) twice daily for 24 weeks. Changes in the liver fat from baseline to 24 weeks quantified using magnetic resonance spectroscopy were the primary outcome.ResultsCompared with the placebo group (−3.2 ± 11.1%), absolute changes in the liver fat content increased in a dose‐dependent manner: −7.7 ± 7.0% and −13.9 ± 10.7% for the low‐dose and high‐dose groups (P = 0.13 and P < 0.01). Per cent reduction in the liver fat content was also significantly greater in the high‐dose group than in the placebo group (−34.6 ± 29.4% vs. −0.6 ± 62.9%, P = 0.046). Body mass indices (−1.0 ± 0.9% vs. −0.5 ± 1.4%, P = 0.04) significantly decreased in the high‐dose group compared to the placebo group. However, absolute changes in insulin resistance, liver enzymes, lipids and cytokines were not significantly different among groups. The incidence of adverse events was comparable among groups.ConclusionsTwenty‐four‐week oltipraz treatment significantly reduced the liver fat content in patients with NAFLD. Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01373554).
Revising Ellenberg's indicator values for continentality based on global vascular plant species distribution
Authors: Berg Christian , Welk Erik , Jäger Eckehart J. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractQuestionsMisunderstandings and methodological inconsistencies have hampered the applicability of Ellenberg's biogeographic indicator values for continentality. To redefine the indicator values we focused on the following questions: (1) what is meant by phytogeographic continentality as the basic principle behind Ellenberg's indicator values for continentality; (2) can we redefine the continentality indicator values based on an assessment protocol rendering the values more reproducible; and (3) what are the differences between Ellenberg's indicator values for continentality and the redefined ones as a statistical data set, and in application?LocationNorthern Hemisphere, Central Europe.MethodsBiogeographic indicator values are based on global species distribution data. Species’ distribution information is converted to standardized range formulas that combine information on occurrence across floristic zones, altitudinal preferences and the distribution within the oceanity–continentality gradient. Improved and revised range formulas are converted to new indicator values for continentality (C‐value) using simple algorithms.ResultsNew indicator values for continentality (C‐values) and amplitudes for 2984 taxa of Central European vascular plants are presented. The main improvement is the application of a comprehensible assessment protocol. The new C‐value gained a more balanced frequency distribution, rendering it more useful for broad‐scale biogeographic analysis.ConclusionsFor the first time, biogeographic indicator values derived with a consistent method that is based on distribution data are presented. Occurrence information and vegetation data are becoming increasingly available globally, while changing climatic conditions inevitably accelerate species range dynamics, and therefore the application of biogeographic indicator values will increase.
Gateway reflexes: A new paradigm of neuroimmune interactions
Authors: Ohki Takuto , Kamimura Daisuke , Arima Yasunobu , Murakami Masaaki 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe immune system is affected considerably by the physical environment. The molecular mechanisms that regulate this connection are not well understood. Because neural activities sense the environment, it has been hypothesized that neural signals transduce environmental stimulations into immune responses. Recently, we discovered that regional neural activations change the dynamics of immune cell migration through the activity of endothelial cells by using a multiple sclerosis model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. More specifically, we identified the dorsal vessels of the fifth lumbar (L5) spinal cord as the initial entry site of pathogenic T cells. This entry site was defined by the activation of sensory neurons innervating from the soleus muscles, which are the main antigravity muscles. The resulting sensory neural activation created a gateway through the activation of regional sympathetic pathways to increase the expression of chemokines at the dorsal vessels of the L5 spinal cord, attracting autoreactive pathogenic T cells. In other experiments, we activated different regional neurons by electric pulses or pain sensation and discovered that gateways for immune cells, including autoreactive pathogenic T cells, are dependent on the site of the regional neural activation, particularly the sensory–sympathetic crosstalk. We termed these neuroimmune interactions as “gateway reflexes.” In the present review, we discuss details of the gateway reflex.
When and how disease‐modifying drugs for multiple sclerosis should be changed in daily practice
Authors: Shimizu Yuko , Ikeguchi Ryotaro , Kitagawa Kazuo 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIn Japan, four classes and five kinds of disease‐modifying drugs (DMD), such as interferon‐beta (IFNβ1a and IFNβ1b), glatiramer acetate, fingolimod and natalizumab, are approved as curative treatments for multiple sclerosis. There are advantages and disadvantages of each of these DMD, and treatment guidelines for escalation and induction therapy have yet to be established. Escalation therapy starts with a first‐line DMD, and when the first‐line DMD does not provide optimal efficacy, therapy involves a step‐up to a second DMD. Induction therapy supports the early use of a highly effective second DMD for the purpose of long‐term maintenance treatment. The DMD can be separated by their treatment efficacy and long‐term safety. Because of their demonstrated long‐term safety and efficacy, the drugs of choice are first‐line DMD (IFNβ and glatiramer acetate). In addition, their long‐term administration has not been associated with malignancies, opportunistic infections, secondary immune disease or fetal toxicity. Though fingolimod and natalizumab have been shown to have high efficacy, their long‐term safety has not been established; thus, they are used as second‐line therapies. The physician sometimes has to consider switching DMD when treating multiple sclerosis patients. The reasons for changing treatment are lack of efficacy, intolerability, adverse effects, cost, pregnancy, incorrect diagnosis and disease stability. The present review provides a general introduction to the most recent findings to help practitioners determine when and how DMD treatment should be changed for multiple sclerosis.
Endangered Species, Ecosystem Integrity, and Human Livelihoods
Authors: Aburto‐Oropeza Octavio , López‐Sagástegui Catalina , Moreno‐Báez Marcia , Mascareñas‐Osorio Ismael , Jiménez‐Esquivel Victoria , Johnson Andrew Frederick , Erisman Brad 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIf efforts to conserve endangered species lack long‐term visions and neglect the human dimensions, conservation success will be questionable. Exclusion of stakeholders in decisions can lead to mistrust and polarization of groups. The story of the vaquita marina (Phocoena sinus) in the Upper Gulf of California provides a unique opportunity to discuss this paradigm. A proposed gear‐switch in the regional fisheries addresses the bycatch issue that threatens the vaquita but neglects livelihoods, the traditions and heritage of the community, and the ecological integrity of the area, and it increases dependence on fishing subsidies. We estimate that it will cost an additional US $8.5 million (2/3 of the net revenue produced by gillnets and 30% more in fuel consumption) if local revenues are to be maintained at pregear‐switch levels. Additionally, suggested new trawl gears caught 2.7 times more unusable (therefore discarded) bycatch than gillnets, which included invertebrates and small juvenile fishes of economically valuable and endangered species. Our results show that the proposed gear switch intervention can be considered another “quick‐fix” intervention in the history of the vaquita conservation agenda that urgently needs long‐term goals that adequately incorporate ecological, economic, and human well‐being.
Children remember words from ignorant speakers but do not attach meaning: evidence from event‐related potentials
Authors: Mangardich Haykaz , Sabbagh Mark A. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAlthough we know much about the conditions under which children demonstrate selective social learning, we have a limited understanding of the cognitive mechanisms by which children's selectivity manifests. Here, we report findings from a brain electrophysiological (ERP) study designed to determine the extent to which words presented by ignorant speakers were later both familiar to children and associated with semantic meaning. Forty‐eight children (mean age = 6.5 years) first experienced novel word training from either a knowledgeable or an ignorant speaker. Children's ERPs were subsequently recorded as they heard a recording of the speaker using the novel word, followed by a picture of either the object the word was paired with during training (congruent) or a distractor object that was also present during training (incongruent). Children trained by a knowledgeable speaker showed both N200 and N400 effects to the incongruent word–referent pairings, thereby suggesting that the novel words were both familiar and bore a semantic association. In contrast, children trained by an ignorant speaker demonstrated only the N200 effect, thereby suggesting that the word–referent links were familiar, but not associated with semantic meaning. These findings provide evidence that selective word learning involves the disruption of processes specifically associated with semantic consolidation of word learning events.
Effectiveness of group‐based self‐management education for individuals with Type 2 diabetes: a systematic review with meta‐analyses and meta‐regression
Authors: Odgers‐Jewell K. , Ball L. E. , Kelly J. T. , Isenring E. A. , Reidlinger D. P. , Thomas R. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAimsPatient education for the management of Type 2 diabetes can be delivered in various forms, with the goal of promoting and supporting positive self‐management behaviours. This systematic review aimed to determine the effectiveness of group‐based interventions compared with individual interventions or usual care for improving clinical, lifestyle and psychosocial outcomes in people with Type 2 diabetes.MethodsSix electronic databases were searched. Group‐based education programmes for adults with Type 2 diabetes that measured glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and followed participants for ≥ 6 months were included. The primary outcome was HbA1c, and secondary outcomes included fasting blood glucose, weight, body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure, blood lipid profiles, diabetes knowledge and self‐efficacy.ResultsFifty‐three publications describing 47 studies were included (n = 8533 participants). Greater reductions in HbA1c occurred in group‐based education compared with controls at 6–10 months [n = 30 studies; mean difference (MD) = 3 mmol/mol (0.3%); 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.48, −0.15; P = 0.0002], 12–14 months [n = 27 studies; MD = 4 mmol/mol (0.3%); 95% CI: −0.49, −0.17; P < 0.0001], 18 months [n = 3 studies; MD = 8 mmol/mol (0.7%); 95% CI: −1.26, −0.18; P = 0.009] and 36–48 months [n = 5 studies; MD = 10 mmol/mol (0.9%); 95% CI: −1.52, −0.34; P = 0.002], but not at 24 months. Outcomes also favoured group‐based education for fasting blood glucose, body weight, waist circumference, triglyceride levels and diabetes knowledge, but not at all time points. Interventions facilitated by a single discipline, multidisciplinary teams or health professionals with peer supporters resulted in improved outcomes in HbA1c when compared with peer‐led interventions.ConclusionsGroup‐based education interventions are more effective than usual care, waiting list control and individual education at improving clinical, lifestyle and psychosocial outcomes in people with Type 2 diabetes.
Care of women with diabetes before, during and after pregnancy: time for a new approach?
Authors: Egan A. M. , Carmody L. , Kirwan B. , Dunne F. P. ,   the Atlantic DIP Collaborators
Published: February 2017

AbstractAimsThis study assesses the impact of pregnancy and pre‐pregnancy care on longer‐term treatment goals in women with diabetes.MethodsThis retrospective study included women with Type 1 (n = 247) and Type 2 diabetes (n = 137) who were evaluated before, during and after pregnancy.ResultsAmong women with Type 1 diabetes, average HbA1c at 12 months post‐partum was similar to the preconception level [63 vs. 64 mmol/mol (7.9% vs. 8.0%), P = 0.60]. This was also the case for women with Type 2 diabetes [52 vs. 52 mmol/mol (6.9% vs. 6.9%), P = 0.79]. At 12 months post‐partum, there was no improvement in other measures of diabetes control and one in five women are lost to follow‐up from clinical care. In total, 44.9% of women with Type 1 diabetes and 27.7% of those with Type 2 diabetes attended pre‐pregnancy care. Attendees maintained superior glycaemic control throughout the study and were more likely to be receiving specialist care post‐partum.ConclusionsThese findings identify a need to change our approach to the reproductive care of women with diabetes. In particular, efforts should be made to ensure all women have access to and attend pre‐pregnancy care, and barriers to engagement with post‐partum care should be addressed.
Exploring the Phenomena of Online Dating Platforms Versus Saudi Traditional Spouse Courtship in the 21st Century
Authors: Naji Bajnaid Ayman , Elyas Tariq 
Published: February 2017

AbstractWhile traditional Saudi Arabian courtship is rigidly structured according to a set of Islamic codes of conduct, over the past decade, Saudis have increasingly turned to unconventional means of finding and courting a potential spouse: matrimonial Web sites. This research explores the debate in the literature on computer meditated communication regarding whether online settings provide rich information about other users, as they show that online interactions can provide more information about the opposite sex for users who belong to gender‐segregated societies than they can get through their offline lives. The article will shed some light on the interplay between young generations and their obsessions with the world of Internet dating and the societal norms and social conducts with which they are comfortable while living in Saudi Arabia. The article may contribute to the online dating literature by showing the similarities and differences between conservative, Islamic Saudi users and Western users when using Web sites to search for a potential mate. The research shows the power of both social and religious norms in affecting these users’ behaviors and decisions when using matrimonial Web sites.
Out on a limb: bandicoot limb co‐variation suggests complex impacts of development and adaptation on marsupial forelimb evolution
Authors: Garland Kathleen , Marcy Ariel , Sherratt Emma , Weisbecker Vera 
Published: February 2017

SUMMARYMarsupials display far less forelimb diversity than placentals, possibly because of the laborious forelimb‐powered climb to the pouch performed by most marsupial neonates. This is thought to result in stronger morphological integration (i.e., higher co‐variance) within the marsupial forelimb skeleton, and lower integration between marsupial fore‐ and hind limbs, compared to other mammals. Possible mechanisms for this constraint are a fundamental developmental change in marsupial limb patterning, or alternatively more immediate perinatal biomechanical and metabolic requirements. In the latter case, peramelid marsupials (bandicoots), which have neonates that climb very little, should show lower within‐limb and higher between‐limb integration, compared to other marsupials. We tested this in four peramelid species and the related bilby, using partial correlation analyses of between‐landmark linear measurements of limb bones, and Procrustes‐based two‐block partial least‐squares analysis (2B‐PLS) of limb bone shapes using the same landmarks. We find extensive between‐limb integration in partial correlation analyses of only bone lengths, consistent with a reduction of a short‐term biomechanical/allocation constraint in peramelid forelimbs. However, partial correlations of bone proportions and 2B‐PLS reveal extensive shape divergence between correlated bone pairs. This result contradicts expectations of developmental constraints or serial homology, instead suggesting a function‐driven integration pattern. Comparing visualizations from cross‐species principal components analysis and 2B‐PLS, we tentatively identify selection for digging and half‐bounding as the main driver of bandicoot limb integration patterning. This calls for further assessments of functional versus developmental limb integration in marsupials with a more strenuous neonatal climb to the pouch.
The control of eye movements by the cerebellar nuclei: polysynaptic projections from the fastigial, interpositus posterior and dentate nuclei to lateral rectus motoneurons in primates
Authors: Prevosto Vincent , Graf Werner , Ugolini Gabriella 
Published: February 2017

AbstractPremotor circuits driving extraocular motoneurons and downstream motor outputs of cerebellar nuclei are well known. However, there is, as yet, no unequivocal account of cerebellar output pathways controlling eye movements in primates. Using retrograde transneuronal transfer of rabies virus from the lateral rectus (LR) eye muscle, we studied polysynaptic pathways to LR motoneurons in primates. Injections were placed either into the central or distal muscle portion, to identify innervation differences of LR motoneurons supplying singly innervated (SIFs) or multiply innervated muscle fibers (MIFs). We found that SIF motoneurons receive major cerebellar ‘output channels’ bilaterally, while oligosynaptic cerebellar innervation of MIF motoneurons is negligible and/or more indirect. Inputs originate from the fastigial nuclei di‐ and trisynaptically, and from a circumscribed rostral portion of the ventrolateral interpositus posterior and from the caudal pole of the dentate nuclei trisynaptically. While disynaptic cerebellar inputs to LR motoneurons stem exclusively from the caudal fastigial region involved in saccades, pursuit and convergence (via its projections to brainstem oculomotor populations), minor trisynaptic inputs from the rostral fastigial nucleus, which contributes to gaze shifts, may reflect access to vestibular and reticular eye‐head control pathways. Trisynaptic inputs to LR motoneurons from the rostral ventrolateral interpositus posterior, involved in divergence (far‐response), is likely mediated by projections to the supraoculomotor area, contributing to LR motoneuron activation during divergence. Trisynaptic inputs to LR motoneurons from the caudal dentate, which also innervates disynaptically the frontal and parietal eye fields, can be explained by its superior colliculus projections, and likely target saccade‐related burst neurons.
Object‐Dependent Thought Without Illusion
Authors: Aasen Solveig 
Published: February 2017

AbstractWhen unknowingly experiencing a perceptual hallucination, a subject can attempt to think specifically about what is, as far as he or she can tell, the perceived object. Is the subject then deceived about his or her cognitive situation? I answer negatively. Moreover, I argue that this answer is compatible with holding that thought specifically about a certain object – singular thought – is object‐dependent. By contrast, both critics and advocates of the view that singular thought is object‐dependent have assumed this view to be committed to postulation of illusions of object‐dependent thought in cases like that mentioned. The core ingredient in my illusion‐free version of the view is a special form of disjunctivism. Alleged cases of illusion are not considered parasitic on ‘the good case’ where the object thought about is perceived.