bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased expression of the hypoxia‐related genes in peripheral blood leukocytes of human subjects with acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Yan Jun , Liu Jia , Greer Judith M. , McCombe Pamela A. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractObjectiveThe present study was carried out to determine whether the peripheral blood leukocytes in patients with acute ischemic stroke show changes in expression of genes that are involved in the response to hypoxia.MethodsRNA expression was examined in peripheral blood cells from subjects at day 1, week 1 and week 3 after acute ischemic stroke, subjects with motor neurone disease and healthy controls. A human quantitative polymerase chain reaction array kit containing 84 different hypoxia pathway‐related genes was used in the primary screening of biological triplicates from each time‐point after stroke.ResultsOf these 84 genes, 15 showed more than twofold upregulation on one or more days after stroke, and one showed more than twofold downregulation. A total of 12 of these 84 genes were selected for further assessment in 37 stroke patients, 22 subjects with motor neurone disease and 19 healthy controls. There was significant upregulation of hypoxia‐related genes after stroke. The upregulated genes were ADM, HIF3A, VEGFA, NPY, BIRC5 and ECE1.ConclusionsThe upregulation of hypoxia‐related genes in peripheral blood cells after acute ischemic stroke could affect the function and contribute to the activation of these cells.
Extra‐cerebral oxygenation influence on near‐infrared‐spectroscopy‐determined frontal lobe oxygenation in healthy volunteers: a comparison between INVOS‐4100 and NIRO‐200NX
Authors: Sørensen Henrik , Rasmussen Peter , Siebenmann Christoph , Zaar Morten , Hvidtfeldt Morten , Ogoh Shigehiko , Sato Kohei , Kohl‐Bareis Matthias , Secher Niels H. , Lundby Carsten 
Published: March 2014

SummaryIntroductionFrontal lobe oxygenation (ScO2) is assessed by spatially resolved near‐infrared spectroscopy (SR‐NIRS) although it seems influenced by extra‐cerebral oxygenation. We aimed to quantify the impact of extra‐cerebral oxygenation on two SR‐NIRS derived ScO2.MethodsMultiple regression analysis estimated the influence of extra‐cerebral oxygenation as exemplified by skin oxygenation (SskinO2) on ScO2 in 21 healthy subjects exposed to whole‐body exercise in hypoxia (FiO2 = 12%; n = 10) and normoxia (n = 12), whole‐body heating, hyperventilation (n = 21), administration of norepinephrine with and without petCO2‐correction (n = 15), phenylephrine and head‐up tilt (n = 7). ScO2 was assessed simultaneously by NIRO‐200NX (SniroO2) and INVOS‐4100 (SinvosO2). Arterial (SaO2) and jugular bulb oxygen saturations (SjO2) were obtained.ResultsThe regression analysis indicated that SinvosO2 reflects 46% arterial, 14% jugular, 35% skin and 4% oxygenation of tissues not interrogated. SinvosO2 follows a calculated estimate of cerebral capillary oxygenation (r = 0·67; P<0·0001). In contrast, the NIRO‐200NX‐determined ScO2 did not correlate with the estimate of cerebral oxygenation (r = 0·026; P = 0·71).ConclusionFor all interventions, 35% of the INVOS‐4100 signal reflected extra‐cerebral oxygenation while, on the other hand, NIRO‐200NX did not follow changes in a calculated estimate of cerebral capillary oxygenation. Thus, the NIRO‐200NX and INVOS‐4100 do not provide for unbiased evaluation of the cerebral signal.
Simplified one‐orifice venoplasty for middle hepatic vein reconstruction in adult living donor liver transplantation using right lobe grafts
Authors: Kim Joo Dong , Choi Dong Lak , Han Young Seok 
Published: March 2014

AbstractMiddle hepatic vein (MHV) reconstruction is often essential to avoid hepatic congestion and serious graft dysfunction in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). The aim of this report was to introduce evolution of our MHV reconstruction technique and excellent outcomes of simplified one‐orifice venoplasty. We compared clinical outcomes with two reconstruction techniques through retrospective review of 95 recipients who underwent LDLT using right lobe grafts at our institution from January 2008 to April 2012; group 1 received separate outflow reconstruction and group 2 received new one‐orifice technique. The early patency rates of MHV in group 2 were higher than those in group 1; 98.4% vs. 88.2% on postoperative day 7 (p = 0.054) and 96.7% vs. 82.4% on postoperative day 14, respectively (p = 0.023). Right hepatic vein (RHV) stenosis developed in three cases in group 1, but no RHV stenosis developed because we adopted one‐orifice technique (p = 0.043). The levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in group 2 were significantly lower than those in group 1 during the early post‐transplant period. In conclusion, our simplified one‐orifice venoplasty technique could secure venous outflow and improve graft function during right lobe LDLT.
Three-Dimensional Analysis of the Left Atrial Appendage for Detecting Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Tanaka Koji , Koga Masatoshi , Sato Kazuaki , Suzuki Rieko , Minematsu Kazuo , Toyoda Kazunori 
Published: March 2014

Background Atrial fibrillation impairs left atrial appendage function and the thrombus formation in the left atrial appendage is a major cause of cardioembolic stroke. Aims To evaluate the association between the volume of the left atrial appendage measured by real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography and presence of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in patients with cerebral infarction or transient ischemic attack. Methods Real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography was performed to measure left atrial appendage end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes to calculate left atrial appendage ejection fraction. Patients with normal sinus rhythm at the time of real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography were divided into groups with and without paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Volumetric data were corrected with the body surface area. Results Of 146 patients registered, 102 (29 women, 72·2 ± 10·7 years) were normal sinus rhythm at the examination. In 23 patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, left atrial appendage end-diastolic volume (4·78 ± 3·00 ml/m2 vs. 3·14 ± 2·04 ml/m2, P = 0·003) and end-systolic volume (3·10 ± 2·47 ml/m2 vs. 1·39 ± 1·56 ml/m2, P < 0·001) were larger and left atrial appendage ejection fraction (37·3 ±19·1% vs. 57·1 ± 17·5%, P < 0·001) was lower than in the other 79 patients without paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. The optimal cutoff for left atrial appendage peak flow velocity to predict paroxysmal atrial fibrillation was 39·0 cm/s (sensitivity, 54·6%; specificity, 89·7%; c-statistic, 0·762). The cutoffs for left atrial appendage end-diastolic volume, end-systolic volume, and ejection fraction were 4·52 ml/m2 (sensitivity, 47·8%; specificity, 82·3%; c-statistic, 0·694), 1·26 ml/m2 (sensitivity, 91·3%; specificity, 60·3%; c-statistic, 0·806), and 47·9% (sensitivity, 78·3%; specificity, 74·7%; c-statistic, 0·774), respectively. In multivariate analysis, all these parameters were independently associated with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation after adjusting for sex, age, diabetes mellitus, and previous stroke. Conclusions Left atrial appendage volumetric analysis by real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography is a promising method for detecting paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in acute cerebral infarction or transient ischemic attack.
Long‐term outcomes in patients with restrictive filling following ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Hee L. , Brennan X. , Chen J. , Allman C. , Whalley G. A. , French J. K. , Juergens C. P. , Thomas L. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThis study evaluated the effect of restrictive filling pattern (RFP) on 5‐year outcomes in patients following ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). A hundred STEMI patients treated either by rescue or primary percutaneous coronary intervention with an echocardiogram performed within 6 weeks of STEMI comprised the study group. Creatinine kinase (CK) and left ventricular ejection fraction were independent determinants of RFP, and RFP was an independent predictor of cardiac and all‐cause mortality at median follow up of 5 years.
Does Corporate Social Responsibility Really Make a Difference? An Explorative Analysis for Chinese Companies
Authors: Graafland Johan , Smid Hugo 
Published: March 2014

AbstractMany studies have been performed to assess the impacts of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on the financial performance of companies. There are, however, very few studies that analyze how CSR policies and instruments affect the realization of social and environmental CSR goals, such as the reduction of workplace accidents or CO2 emissions. Therefore, it remains uncertain to what extent CSR really contributes to sustainable development and whether it can serve as an alternative to government regulation to internalize external effects from market operation. The present study provides an explorative empirical analysis that aims to fill this gap. We employ regression analysis on a sample of 109 Chinese companies. The estimation results show that having a code of conduct stimulates the implementation of other organizational CSR instruments, but CSR implementation only partly affects the realization of CSR goals. Having codes of conduct without implementing CSR does not have a significant impact on societal welfare.
A randomized controlled trial of a nurse‐led case management programme for hospital‐discharged older adults with co‐morbidities
Authors: Chow Susan Ka Yee , Wong Frances Kam Yuet 
Published: March 2014

AbstractAimTo examine the effects of a nurse‐led case management programme for hospital‐discharged older adults with co‐morbidities.BackgroundThe most significant chronic conditions today involve diseases of the cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine and renal systems. Previous studies have suggested that a nurse‐led case management approach using either telephone follow‐ups or home visits was able to improve clinical and patient outcomes for patients having a single, chronic disease, while the effects for older patients having at least two long‐term conditions are unknown. A self‐help programme using motivation and empowerment approaches is the framework of care in the study.DesignRandomized controlled trial.MethodThe study was conducted from 2010–2012. Older patients having at least two chronic diseases were included for analysis. The participants were randomized into three arms: two study groups and one control group. Data were collected at baseline and at 4 and 12 weeks later.ResultsTwo hundred and eighty‐one patients completed the study. The interventions demonstrated significant differences in hospital readmission rates within 84 days post discharge. The two intervention groups had lower readmission rates than the control group. Patients in the two study arms had significantly better self‐rated health and self‐efficacy. There was significant difference between the groups in the physical composite score, but no significant difference in mental component score in SF‐36 scale.ConclusionThe postdischarge interventions led by the nurse case managers on self‐management of disease using the empowerment approach were able to provide effective clinical and patient outcomes for older patients having co‐morbidities.
Professional conduct among Registered Nurses in the use of online social networking sites
Authors: Levati Sara 
Published: March 2014

AbstractAimTo explore the use of Facebook by Registered Nurses (RNs) in Italy and the United Kingdom (UK), focusing on the disclosure of personal and professional information.BackgroundThe use of online social network sites among medical students and doctors is posing new ethical challenges to the profession. To date, little research has explored the use of online social networking sites among nurses.DesignA cross‐national survey.MethodsData were assessed on 124 nurses’ profile pages, readily available without viewing restrictions. Content analysis and inferential statistics were undertaken to describe usage and identify similarities and differences between the two country‐groups of nurses. Data were collected between December 2011–January 2012.ResultsOverall, UK and Italian RNs showed a similar use of the online platform, tending to disclose personal pictures, home town and current home location, as well as updates and comments related to personal and work‐related activities. A statistically significant higher proportion of nurses in Italy disclosed their sexual orientation. In both groups, a few cases were observed of potentially unprofessional content in relation to the use of alcohol, nudity and material of a salacious nature.ConclusionAlthough most of the UK and Italy RNs appear to be aware of the risks posed by their online exposure, their online activity indicates the blurring of their personal and professional lives; this is posing new ethical, legal and professional challenges to members of the nursing profession. Further research and debate is encouraged at national and international level.
Psychometric properties of a Swedish version of the Consequences of Screening – Breast Cancer questionnaire
Authors: Bolejko Anetta , Brodersen John , Zackrisson Sophia , Wann‐Hansson Christine , Hagell Peter 
Published: March 2014

AbstractAimTo evaluate the psychometric properties of a questionnaire addressing psychosocial consequences of false‐positive mammographic screening.BackgroundThe Consequences of Screening ‐ Breast Cancer and Lung Cancer questionnaires target psychosocial consequences of false‐positive cancer screening. The Consequences of Screening ‐ Breast Cancer questionnaire and ten items not considered lung cancer specific from the Lung Cancer questionnaire have been adapted for use in mammographic screening in Sweden, but remain psychometrically untested.DesignInstrument development paper with psychometric cross‐sectional and test–retest design.MethodsTwelve scales of a Swedish questionnaire version were tested by the Rasch model and traditional psychometric methods. Women with false‐positive (Group I, n = 640) and negative (Group II, n = 802) screening mammography responded to the study questionnaire and the Nottingham Health Profile during 2009–2011.ResultsIterative analyses resulted in nine scales demonstrating Rasch model fit, but all scales exhibited poor targeting with relatively large floor effects. Corrected item‐total correlations exceeded the recommended criterion. Score differences between Groups I and II and correlations with Nottingham Health Profile sections followed an expected pattern. Cronbach's α and test–retest reliability was acceptable for group‐level assessments for ten and seven scales, respectively.ConclusionsFive scales (Sense of dejection, Anxiety, Behavioural, Sleep and Existential values) of the Swedish questionnaire version demonstrated the best psychometric properties. Other scales should be used more cautiously. Although filling an important gap, causes of concern were identified across scales. The questionnaire should therefore be considered for group‐level assessments rather than for measurement of individual degrees of psychosocial consequences.
Atopy patch test with Aleuroglyphus ovatus antigen in patients with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Lorenzini D. , Pires M. , Aoki V. , Takaoka R. , Souza R.L. , Vasconcellos C. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackgroundEpicutaneous test made with dust mite antigens.ObjectiveEvaluation of the response of the epicutaneous test with Aleuroglyphus ovatus antigen in atopic patients.MethodsWe patch tested 119 individuals, 48 with atopic dermatitis, 50 with respiratory allergy and 21 healthy controls. We compare the positive response frequency to a closed patch test using Aleuroglyphus ovatus antigen in different concentrations and 48 and 96h reading times among those individuals.ResultsSix patients with atopic dermatitis (12.5%) and 4 with respiratory atopy (8.0%) had positive reactions. None of the non‐atopic controls had a positive response. As the antigen concentration raised, the number of positive reactions to epicutaneous test raised as well.ConclusionOur data suggest a positive relation between Atopy Patch Test positive responses and Aleuroglyphus ovatus antigen concentration, no matter the kind of the atopic clinical expression.
THE PRICE‐TAKER EFFECT ON THE VALUATION OF EXECUTIVE STOCK OPTIONS
Authors: Yang Tung‐Hsiao , Chance Don M. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBecause of vesting requirements and the absence of liquidity, executive stock options are valued at less, and often far less, than Black–Scholes–Merton values. We argue that this view assumes the subtle condition that option holders are price takers and therefore cannot influence the payoffs of their options, an assumption that clearly contradicts the very reason for granting options. We build a model to incorporate the executive's effort and perception of his quality, private beliefs, and confidence to show that these options are worth considerably more than previously believed and under some conditions even more than Black–Scholes–Merton values.
Quality Optimization of Canned Potatoes during Rotary Autoclaving
Authors: Rattan Navneet Singh , Ramaswamy Hosahalli S. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe study was conducted to evaluate the optimal processing conditions for maximizing quality retention in canned potatoes during agitation thermal processing. A range of process parameters employed in this study were: retort temperature 115–125C; rotation speed 20 rpm; can headspace 10 mm; and still and agitating modes (end‐over‐end, fixed and free axial). Potatoes were prepared as 1.6 × 1.6 × 1.6‐cm cubes, filled in 307 × 409 cans, covered with 1% aqueous solution of carboxy‐methyl cellulose and the processing times were adjusted to provide an equivalent lethality (Fo value) of 10 min. During the study, selected color (L, b, h angle and ΔE) parameters and textural (hardness, gumminess and chewiness) attributes, as well as the heat penetration parameters (fh and jch) and cooking quality index (Co/Fo) were evaluated. The study indicated that potato particles processed at higher temperatures and under better agitating conditions demonstrated better quality retention.Practical ApplicationsThe food processing industries aim at achieving balance between the conducive and harmful effects of the thermal processing. Hence, for designing a thermal process, time–temperature combinations are chosen to impart required lethal effect to ensure microbiological safety and to simultaneously reduce the extent of thermal damage to color, texture and nutritional attributes. Optimization on the basis of color and texture becomes even more important because acceptance or rejection of most foods rely on the mouth feel and external appearance. Hence, in this study, the color and textural attributes were studied during retorting of potatoes and the optimal conditions for preparing canned potatoes were identified.
Use of Fulvic Acid or Sodium Silicate‐Based Sanitizers to Inactivate Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella Typhimurium and Pseudomonas aeruginosa on Food Contact Surfaces
Authors: Zhu Libin , Chirase Norbert , Ravishankar Sadhana 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of five fulvic acid‐based and one sodium silicate‐based sanitizers against Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella Typhimurium DT104 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa on food contact surfaces. Minimum inhibitory concentration assays were conducted to determine the lowest effective concentration of sanitizers A, B, C, D, E and F against each bacterium. Stainless steel, high‐density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride and polycarbonate coupons were inoculated with the culture of one of the test organisms and dried for 1 h. The coupons were then sprayed with sanitizer A, B, C, E or F, and treated for 2 min. Samples were taken to enumerate the surviving organisms. The sanitizers reduced L. monocytogenes, S. Typhimurium and P. aeruginosa population by 2–6, 2.7–5.8 and 2–6 log cfu/coupon on food contact surfaces, respectively. In general, the tested sanitizers were the most effective on P. aeruginosa, followed by S. Typhimurium and then L. monocytogenes.Practical ApplicationsMicroorganisms attached to food contact surfaces can be a source of contamination of foods, leading to spoilage and food safety issues. Chemical disinfection with sanitizers is generally used to reduce the microbial contamination on food contact surfaces. Fulvic acid or sodium silicate‐based sanitizers have been developed for use in food processing plants, but studies on the effects of these new sanitizers on food contact surfaces are limited. Our results demonstrated that sodium silicate‐based sanitizer A and fulvic acid‐based sanitizers B, C, E and F effectively reduced L. monocytogenes, S. Typhimurium and P. aeruginosa populations on stainless steel, high‐density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride and polycarbonate coupon surfaces. These results may help the food industry in selecting alternative sanitizers for cleaning food contact surfaces.
Progress in TILLING as a tool for functional genomics and improvement of crops
Authors: Chen Liang , Hao Liugen , Parry Martin A. J. , Phillips Andrew L. , Hu Yin‐Gang 
Published: March 2014

AbstractFood security is a global concern and substantial yield increases in crops are required to feed the growing world population. Mutagenesis is an important tool in crop improvement and is free of the regulatory restrictions imposed on genetically modified organisms. Targeting Induced Local Lesions in Genomes (TILLING), which combines traditional chemical mutagenesis with high‐throughput genome‐wide screening for point mutations in desired genes, offers a powerful way to create novel mutant alleles for both functional genomics and improvement of crops. TILLING is generally applicable to genomes whether small or large, diploid or even allohexaploid, and shows great potential to address the major challenge of linking sequence information to the function of genes and to modulate key traits for plant breeding. TILLING has been successfully applied in many crop species and recent progress in TILLING is summarized below, especially on the developments in mutation detection technology, application of TILLING in gene functional studies and crop breeding. The potential of TILLING/EcoTILLING for functional genetics and crop improvement is also discussed. Furthermore, a small‐scale forward strategy including backcross and selfing was conducted to release the potential mutant phenotypes masked in M2 (or M3) plants.