bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dietary Fisetin Supplementation Protects Against Alcohol‐Induced Liver Injury in Mice
Authors: Sun Qian , Zhang Wenliang , Zhong Wei , Sun Xinguo , Zhou Zhanxiang
Published: August 2016

Background

Overproduction of reactive oxygen species is associated with the development of alcoholic liver disease (ALD). Plant polyphenols have been used as dietary interventions for multiple diseases including ALD. The objective of this study was to determine whether dietary supplementation with fisetin, a novel flavonoid, exerts beneficial effect on alcohol‐induced liver injury.

Methods

C57BL/6J mice were pair‐fed with the Lieber‐DeCarli control or ethanol (EtOH) diet for 4 weeks with or without fisetin supplementation at 10 mg/kg/d.

Results

Alcohol feeding induced lipid accumulation in the liver and increased plasma alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities, which were attenuated by fisetin supplementation. The EtOH concentrations in the plasma and liver were significantly elevated by alcohol exposure but were reduced by fisetin supplementation. Although fisetin did not affect the protein expression of alcohol metabolism enzymes, the aldehyde dehydrogenase activities were significantly increased by fisetin compared to the alcohol alone group. In addition, fisetin supplementation remarkably reduced hepatic NADPH oxidase 4 levels along with decreased plasma hydrogen peroxide and hepatic superoxide and 4‐hydroxynonenal levels after alcohol exposure. Alcohol‐induced apoptosis and up‐regulation of Fas and cleaved caspase‐3 in the liver were prevented by fisetin. Moreover, fisetin supplementation attenuated alcohol‐induced hepatic steatosis through increasing plasma adiponectin levels and hepatic protein levels of p‐AMPK, ACOX1, CYP4A, and MTTP.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that the protective effect of fisetin on ALD is achieved by accelerating EtOH clearance and inhibition of oxidative stress. The data suggest that fisetin has a therapeutical potential for treating ALD.
Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy: long‐term experience and outcomes
Authors: Coumou Adriaan D. , Genders Stijn W. , Smid Trudy M. , Saeed Peerooz
Published: August 2016

Purpose

To report our experience in endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy in treating nasolacrimal duct obstruction over a 14‐year period.

Methods

Retrospective case series carried out over a 14‐year period from 1999 to 2014. A total of 624 endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy procedures were performed in 442 patients who were diagnosed with persistent epiphora.

Participants

In total, 624 procedures in a total of 442 patients (<18 yo: 36 and >18 yo: 406) were included. Patients' records were assessed for demographics, intra‐ and postoperative complications, outcome and follow‐up.

Results

In total, 442 patients underwent an endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy. There were 342 females (77.3%) and 100 males with a mean age of 50.2 years. All patients presented with epiphora: 33 congenital (7.5%), 357 acquired (80.7%) and 52 functional cases (11.8%). The adult dacryocystorhinostomy (n = 577) had an anatomical success of 90.1%. Children's group (<18 yo) n = 36 with a total of 47 procedures and an anatomical success of 91.5%. Functional cases (all adults – n = 52) showed a 91% benefit after operation. In 624 DCRs, we found a complication rate of 3.2%.

Conclusion

Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy offers good success rates with a safety profile and efficacy equivalent to the traditional external approach is an effective treatment with good outcome results in adults and children with persistent or functional epiphora.
Beneficial effects of renal denervation on cardiac angiogenesis in rats with prolonged pressure overload
Authors: Lu D. , Wang K. , Wang S. , Zhang B. , Liu Q. , Zhang Q. , Geng J. , Shan Q.
Published: August 2016

Aim

Renal denervation (RDN) has beneficial effects on cardiac remodelling and function in resistant hypertension. We aimed to investigate the impact of RDN on cardiac angiogenesis during prolonged pressure overload.

Methods

Cardiac pressure overload was reproduced by transverse aorta constriction (TAC) procedure in adult Sprague Dawley male rats (n = 35). RDN/sham‐RDN procedure was performed in surviving rats at 5 weeks after TAC.

Results

Five weeks post‐TAC, transthoracic echocardiography revealed that myocardial hypertrophy occurred in TAC rats, with ejection fraction and fractional shortening not significantly changed. At the end of 10 weeks, cardiac systolic function was preserved in RDN group, but not in sham group. CD31 immunohistochemical staining showed that RDN‐treated rats had higher cardiac capillary density than sham rats. However, no significant between‐group difference was observed in the kidneys. A decreased protein expression of left ventricle vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was observed in sham group, while RDN attenuated this decrease. Compared with sham, RDN resulted in a higher protein expression of VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) and phosphorylated endothelial nitric oxide synthase (p‐eNOS) in the heart.

Conclusion

Renal denervation benefits cardiac angiogenesis during sustained pressure overload, involving regulation of VEGF and VEGFR2 expression as well as activation of eNOS.
The Dynamic Effects of Works Councils on Labour Productivity: First Evidence from Panel Data
Authors: Mueller Steffen , Stegmaier Jens
Published: August 2016

We estimate dynamic effects of works councils on labour productivity using newly available information from West German establishment panel data. Conditioning on plant fixed effects and control variables, we find negative productivity effects during the first five years after council introduction but a steady and substantial increase in the councils’ productivity effect thereafter. Our findings support a causal interpretation for the positive correlation between council existence and plant productivity that has been frequently reported in previous studies.
REGIONAL EFFECTS OF MONETARY POLICY IN CHINA: EVIDENCE FROM CHINA'S PROVINCES
Authors: Guo Xiaohui , Masron Tajul Ariffin
Published: August 2016

This study examines the provincial effects of monetary policy from 1978 to 2011 in China. We used the SVAR method to measure the magnitude and timing of each province's response to monetary policy shocks when considering the influences of spillover effects among provinces. Then we also explored the regional effects of monetary policy employing multiple linear regressions. The results confirm that provinces respond differently to monetary policy actions. It was found that in the short run, the influence of spillover effects on a province's response is very important, but in the long run, the negative influence of deposit transfers overtake the positive impact of the spillover effect. For the factors causing the regional effects on monetary policy, the results show that the interest rate channel is rather weak at the regional level in China. The bank lending channel can explain the regional effects of monetary policy to some extent. Thus in China, the bank lending channel is more effective than the interest rate channel at the regional level.
Cancer stem cells in human gastrointestinal cancer
Authors: Taniguchi Hiroaki , Moriya Chiharu , Igarashi Hisayoshi , Saitoh Anri , Yamamoto Hiroyuki , Adachi Yasushi , Imai Kohzoh
Published: August 2016

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are thought to be responsible for tumor initiation, drug and radiation resistance, invasive growth, metastasis, and tumor relapse, which are the main causes of cancer‐related deaths. Gastrointestinal cancers are the most common malignancies and still the most frequent cause of cancer‐related mortality worldwide. Because gastrointestinal CSCs are also thought to be resistant to conventional therapies, an effective and novel cancer treatment is imperative. The first reported CSCs in a gastrointestinal tumor were found in colorectal cancer in 2007. Subsequently, CSCs were reported in other gastrointestinal cancers, such as esophagus, stomach, liver, and pancreas. Specific phenotypes could be used to distinguish CSCs from non‐CSCs. For example, gastrointestinal CSCs express unique surface markers, exist in a side‐population fraction, show high aldehyde dehydrogenase‐1 activity, form tumorspheres when cultured in non‐adherent conditions, and demonstrate high tumorigenic potential in immunocompromised mice. The signal transduction pathways in gastrointestinal CSCs are similar to those involved in normal embryonic development. Moreover, CSCs are modified by the aberrant expression of several microRNAs. Thus, it is very difficult to target gastrointestinal CSCs. This review focuses on the current research on gastrointestinal CSCs and future strategies to abolish the gastrointestinal CSC phenotype.
Intensity‐specific effect of physical activity on urinary levels of 8‐hydroxydeoxyguanosine in middle‐aged Japanese
Authors: Hara Megumi , Nishida Yuichiro , Shimanoe Chisato , Otsuka Yasuko , Nanri Hinako , Yasukata Jun , Miyoshi Nobuyuki , Yamada Yosuke , Horita Mikako , Kawai Kazuaki , Li Yun‐Shan , Kasai Jun , Kasai Hiroshi , Higaki Yasuki , Tanaka Keitaro
Published: August 2016

Physical activity (PA) is recommended to both promote and maintain health and prevent cancer by improving the body's DNA repair system, which is considered a mechanism of cancer prevention. However, associations between PA and urinary levels of 8‐hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8‐OH‐dG), which reflects DNA damage, are unclear. This cross‐sectional study included 2370 men and 4052 women aged 45–74 years enrolled between 2010 and 2012. Habitual PA was assessed by single‐axis accelerometer and urinary 8‐OH‐dG levels by automated HPLC. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between log‐transformed urinary 8‐OH‐dG and total PA (TPA) and PA of moderate/vigorous intensity (MVPA; ≥3 metabolic equivalents), with adjustment for age, body mass index, energy intake, alcohol consumption, smoking status, daily coffee drinking, menopause status (in women), and TPA (for MVPA). On multivariate adjustment, urinary 8‐OH‐dG levels were inversely correlated with TPA (β = −0.020, P < 0.01) in women, and this correlation was not changed by PA intensity. Conversely, urinary 8‐OH‐dG levels were inversely correlated with MVPA (β = −0.022, P < 0.05) in men, although the correlation with TPA was non‐significant. This inverse correlation was clearer in current smokers than in never or former smokers, although the interaction between smoking status and MVPA on urinary 8‐OH‐dG levels was non‐significant. In conclusion, greater TPA in women and greater MVPA in men were correlated with reduction in urinary 8‐OH‐dG, suggesting sex‐specific effects of MVPA and TPA on protection from oxidative DNA damage. Increasing PA may mediate reduction in oxidative stress.
Cow's milk allergy guidelines: a quality appraisal with the AGREE II instrument
Authors: Ruszczyński M. , Horvath A. , Dziechciarz P. , Szajewska H.
Published: August 2016

Background

The appropriate diagnosis and management of cow's milk allergy (CMA) is challenging.

Objective

To systematically review the quality of the existing guidelines on CMA.

Methods

The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases were searched from 2010 to November 2015. The methodological rigour, quality, and transparency of relevant guidelines were assessed with the use of the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) tool.

Results

Of the 15 included guidelines, two, both developed by recognized scientific organizations, achieved the highest score (100%). Eight others were considered to be of high quality (i.e., overall quality scores >60%). The quality scores for each domain varied. Of all the domains, clarity and presentation had the highest mean score, and applicability had the lowest mean score. The scores (mean ± SD) for individual domains were as follows: domain 1 (score and purpose) 62 ± 36%; domain 2 (stakeholder involvement) 56 ± 33%; domain 3 (rigor of development) 55 ± 38%; domain 4 (clarity of presentation) 71 ± 29%; domain 5 (applicability) 44 ± 33%; and domain 6 (editorial independence) 60 ± 36%. One guideline had the maximum possible score of 100% for all AGREE II domains.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance

A number of guidelines on CMA are available; however, their quality varies. Overall, the guidelines developed by recognized professional/scientific organizations were of the highest quality. These guidelines should be recommended for use. Still, the methodological quality of CMA guidelines may be improved.
Effects of metformin on bone healing around titanium implants inserted in non‐diabetic rats
Authors: Bastos Marta Ferreira , Serrão Caroline Ribeiro , Miranda Tamires Szeremeske , Cruz Daniele Ferreira , de Souza Malta Fernando , Duarte Poliana Mendes
Published: August 2016

Objective

To evaluate the effects of metformin on bone healing around titanium implants inserted in non‐diabetic rats.

Methods

Twenty Wistar rats were randomly assigned to one of the following groups: control group (n = 10): rats without metformin treatment; MT group (n = 10): rats treated with metformin (40 mg/kg/day by gavage). At thirty days after implant placement, animals were euthanized. Histometric measurements of bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC) and bone area (BA), in addition to immunohistochemical analysis of the number of cells stained for RANKL and OPG, were assessed in the cortical and medullary areas around implants.

Results

The percentages of BIC and BA in the cortical bone were significantly lower in the MT group than in the control group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the medullary bone around the implants inserted in the metformin‐treated animals exhibited an increased number of RANKL‐stained cells than that around the implants inserted in the control animals (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Metformin negatively affected osseointegration by reducing the percentages of BIC and BA and increasing the expression of RANKL around titanium implants inserted in non‐diabetic rats.
Agency Costs of Moving to Tax Havens: Evidence from Cross‐border Merger Premia
Authors: Col Burcin
Published: August 2016

Manuscript Type

Empirical

Research Question/Issue

This paper explores the valuation effects of the tradeoff between tax avoidance and corporate governance through tax haven M&As. Firms can achieve tax savings by selling to an acquirer based in a tax haven, making the newly created multinational a haven resident. Changing a firm's tax home through a 100 percent acquisition is also accompanied by a change in legal system and corporate governance. Therefore, tax savings could come at the expense of corporate governance degradation making the value implications of such tax avoidance attempts an important empirical issue.

Research Findings/Insights

Using an international sample of cross‐border M&As from 1989 to 2012, we find value evidence supporting the agency costs hypothesis. For 100 percent M&As, a lower target premium is associated with those transactions where the tax haven acquirer has weaker investor protection than the target.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

Our findings provide value evidence regarding the agency costs of tax‐motivated M&As as a result of the secrecy laws and limited investor protection of tax havens.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

This study provides a perspective for executives of multinational firms to take into account the value consequences associated with secrecy laws and weak investor protection while considering a possible relocation to tax havens. It also offers further insight to policymakers concerning the costs of limited investor protection and lack of transparency.
Action mechanisms for social cognition: behavioral and neural correlates of developing Theory of Mind
Authors: Bowman Lindsay C. , Thorpe Samuel G. , Cannon Erin N. , Fox Nathan A.
Published: August 2016

Many psychological theories posit foundational links between two fundamental constructs: (1) our ability to produce, perceive, and represent action; and (2) our ability to understand the meaning and motivation behind the action (i.e. Theory of Mind; ToM). This position is contentious, however, and long‐standing competing theories of social‐cognitive development debate roles for basic action‐processing in ToM. Developmental research is key to investigating these hypotheses, but whether individual differences in neural and behavioral measures of motor action relate to social‐cognitive development is unknown. We examined 3‐ to 5‐year‐old children's (N = 26) EEG mu‐desynchronization during production of object‐directed action, and explored associations between mu‐desynchronization and children's behavioral motor skills, behavioral action‐representation abilities, and behavioral ToM. For children with high (but not low) mu‐desynchronization, motor skill related to action‐representation abilities, and action‐representation mediated relations between motor skill and ToM. Results demonstrate novel foundational links between action‐processing and ToM, suggesting that basic motor action may be a key mechanism for social‐cognitive development, thus shedding light on the origins and emergence of higher social cognition.
Texts as Metaphoric Machines and the Challenge of the Digital
Authors: Kouppanou Anna
Published: August 2016

In this essay Anna Kouppanou expands the notion of metaphor from its received meaning to refer to an embodied and material process of connectedness that transforms the domains that it brings together. Because of metaphor's reliance on materiality and exteriority Kouppanou turns to literary texts, which she calls “metaphoric machines.” In doing so she sheds light on the specific way texts, as reading/writing technologies, work through metaphorical processes of association. Through the study of print and electronic literary texts Kouppanou shows that every medium brings contents and domains, such as space and time, together and indeed in specific ways, allowing different forms of association, selective organization, and filtering of information. She also underlines that the mappings between these domains often take place unexpectedly and not always between their respective parts. Finally, she discusses the need for literacies that make the reader/writer/user aware of the metaphorical‐associative power of texts.
Cognitive‐behavioural social skills training for first‐episode psychosis: a feasibility study
Authors: Herman Yarissa , Shireen Huma , Bromley Sarah , Yiu Natalie , Granholm Eric
Published: August 2016

Aim

To conduct a preliminary feasibility examination of cognitive‐behavioural social skills training (CBSST) in a first‐episode psychosis population.

Methods

Twenty two first‐episode psychosis clients participated in an 18‐week CBSST group adapted for a younger population.

Results

Adaptive functioning significantly improved following group participation and was maintained at 3‐month follow‐up.

Conclusion

The CBSST group was feasible and well accepted in the first episode programme. These preliminary findings warrant further testing in a larger trial to determine efficacy.
When left‐hemisphere reading is compromised: Comparing reading ability in participants after left cerebral hemispherectomy and participants with developmental dyslexia
Authors: Katzir Tami , Christodoulou Joanna A. , de Bode Stella
Published: August 2016

Objective

We investigated reading skills in individuals who have undergone left cerebral hemispherectomy and in readers with developmental dyslexia to understand diverse characteristics contributing to reading difficulty. Although dyslexia is a developmental disorder, left hemispherectomy requires that patients (re)establish the language process needed to perform the language‐based tasks in the nondominant (right) hemisphere to become readers.

Methods

Participants with developmental dyslexia (DD; n = 11) and participants who had undergone left hemispherectomy (HEMI; n = 11) were matched on age and gender, and were compared on timed and untimed measures of single word and pseudo‐word reading. The hemispherectomy group was subdivided into prenatal (in utero) and postnatal (>3 years) insult groups, indicating the timing of the primary lesion that ultimately required surgical intervention.

Results

On an untimed reading measure, the readers with DD were comparable to individuals who had undergone left hemispherectomy due to prenatal insult, but both scored higher than the postnatal hemispherectomy group. Timed word reading differed across groups. The hemispherectomy prenatal subgroup had low average scores on both timed and untimed tests. The group with dyslexia had average scores on untimed measures and below average scores on timed reading. The hemispherectomy postnatal group had the lowest scores among the groups by a significant margin, and the most pronounced reading difficulty.

Significance

Patients with prenatal lesions leading to an isolated right hemisphere (RH) have the potential to develop reading to a degree comparable to that in persons with dyslexia for single word reading. This potential sharply diminishes in individuals who undergo hemispherectomy due to postnatal insult. The higher scores of the prenatal hemispherectomy group on timed reading suggest that under these conditions, individuals with an isolated RH can compensate to a significant degree.
Transform high seas management to build climate resilience in marine seafood supply
Authors: Cheung William W L , Jones Miranda C , Lam Vicky W Y , D Miller Dana , Ota Yoshitaka , Teh Louise , Sumaila Ussif R
Published: August 2016

Climate change is projected to redistribute fisheries resources, resulting in tropical regions suffering decreases in seafood production. While sustainably managing marine ecosystems contributes to building climate resilience, these solutions require transformation of ocean governance. Recent studies and international initiatives suggest that conserving high seas biodiversity and fish stocks will have ecological and economic benefits; however, implications for seafood security under climate change have not been examined. Here, we apply global‐scale mechanistic species distribution models to 30 major straddling fish stocks to show that transforming high seas fisheries governance could increase resilience to climate change impacts. By closing the high seas to fishing or cooperatively managing its fisheries, we project that catches in exclusive economic zones (EEZs) would likely increase by around 10% by 2050 relative to 2000 under climate change (representative concentration pathway 4.5 and 8.5), compensating for the expected losses (around −6%) from ‘business‐as‐usual’. Specifically, high seas closure increases the resilience of fish stocks, as indicated by a mean species abundance index, by 30% in EEZs. We suggest that improving high seas fisheries governance would increase the resilience of coastal countries to climate change.
Species interactions in a grassland mixture under low nitrogen fertilization and two cutting frequencies: 1. dry‐matter yield and dynamics of species composition
Authors: Ergon Å. , Kirwan L. , Bleken M. A. , Skjelvåg A. O. , Collins R. P. , Rognli O. A.
Published: August 2016

Four‐species mixtures and pure stands of perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, white clover and red clover were grown in three‐cut and five‐cut systems at Ås, southern Norway, at a low fertilization rate (100 kg N ha−1 year−1). Over a three‐year experiment, we found strong positive effects of species diversity on annual dry‐matter yield and yield stability under both cutting frequencies. The overyielding in mixtures relative to pure stands was highest in the five‐cut system and in the second year. Among the possible pairwise species interaction effects contributing to the diversity effect, the grass–grass interaction was the strongest, being significant in both cutting systems and in all years. The grass–legume interactions were sometimes significant, but no significant legume–legume interaction could be detected. Competitive relationships between species varied from year to year and also between cutting systems. Estimations based on species identity effects and pair‐specific interactions suggested that the optimal proportions of red clover, white clover, perennial ryegrass and tall fescue in seed mixtures would have been around 0·1, 0·2, 0·4 and 0·3 in the three‐cut system, and 0·1, 0·3, 0·3 and 0·3 in the five‐cut system.
Positive antimitochondrial antibody but normal serum alkaline phosphatase levels: Could it be primary biliary cholangitis?
Authors: Berdichevski Tania , Cohen‐Ezra Oranit , Pappo Orit , Ben‐Ari Ziv
Published: August 2016

Aim

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease, typically diagnosed by elevated cholestatic liver enzymes and a positive antimitochondrial antibody (AMA) test. The clinical significance of AMA positivity in patients with normal cholestatic liver enzymes is uncertain.

Methods

Charts of patients with normal cholestatic liver enzymes and AMA positivity who underwent liver biopsy between 2012 and 2015 were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

Six AMA‐positive patients with normal cholestatic liver enzymes who underwent a liver biopsy were identified. Four (67%) showed florid bile duct lesion compatible with early‐stage PBC, whereas the other two showed mild and non‐specific histological findings. The patients with histological findings compatible with PBC had higher enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay‐determined AMA titers and significantly elevated immunoglobulin M (IgM) level. Patients with non‐specific histological findings (33%) had low‐titer AMA and a borderline elevated IgM level.

Conclusions

Antimitochondrial antibody‐positive patients with normal cholestatic liver enzymes should be meticulously evaluated for PBC including a liver biopsy, mainly in patients with high‐titer seropositivity for AMA and a significantly elevated IgM level. More studies are required to clarify the role of liver biopsy in these patients and further follow‐up may elucidate the relationship of these patients to those with more classical forms of PBC.
A multicenter, randomized, split‐face clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of chromophore gel‐assisted blue light phototherapy for the treatment of acne
Authors: Antoniou Christina , Dessinioti Clio , Sotiriadis Dimitrios , Kalokasidis Konstantinos , Kontochristopoulos George , Petridis Athanasios , Rigopoulos Dimitrios , Vezina Denis , Nikolis Andreas
Published: August 2016

Background

Although a variety of laser/light‐based devices have been reported to be effective for the treatment of acne, long‐term data on efficacy and safety in the management of moderate and severe inflammatory acne is lacking. The objective of this 12‐week clinical trial was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the KLOX BioPhotonic System, a LED blue light device using specific photo‐converter chromophores, in the treatment of moderate to severe acne vulgaris.

Methods

One patient hemiface was randomly selected to receive 6 weeks of treatment (twice weekly) with the LED light and the photo‐converter chromophores whereas the contralateral hemiface was not treated with the BioPhotonic System. All patients were provided with a skin cleanser and a non‐comedogenic cream with ultraviolet protection to be used on the entire face during the treatment period. Following completion of the 6‐week treatment period, the patient was followed for an additional 6 weeks. Efficacy was assessed through changes in acne severity using the Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) scale and inflammatory acne lesion counts, both evaluated against baseline at weeks 6 and 12. Safety was assessed through physical exam, vital signs, laboratory evaluations, and physician and patient reporting of adverse events.

Results

A reduction of at least two grades in IGA scale severity was demonstrated in 51.7% of patients at week 12. Furthermore, at week 12, subjects with a baseline IGA grade of 3 (moderate) demonstrated a success rate (2 or greater grade drop) of 45.3% whereas patients with a baseline IGA grade of 4 (severe) demonstrated a success rate of 61.1%. Acne inflammatory lesion counts confirmed these results, with a reduction of at least 40% of lesions in 81.6% of treated hemifaces after 12 weeks. Treatment was considered as safe and well tolerated, with no serious adverse event and no patient discontinuation from the study from any adverse event. Patients' quality of life was also improved with a decrease of pain linked to acne after the 6‐week treatment period.

Conclusions

The BioPhotonic System comprised of LED blue‐light phototherapy and photo‐converter chromophores was found to be efficacious and safe, with a sustained clinical response at 12 weeks for the management of moderate to severe facial inflammatory acne.
Week 4 viral load predicts long‐term suppression of hepatitis B virus DNA during antiviral therapy: improving hepatitis B treatment in the real world
Authors: Truong J. , Shadbolt B. , Ooi M. , Chitturi S. , Kaye G. , Farrell G. C. , Teoh N. C.
Published: August 2016

Background

Entecavir and tenofovir potently suppress hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication so that serum HBV DNA levels <20 IU/mL can be achieved after 2 years. Despite this, inadequate suppression is reported in >20% of cases for unclear reasons.

Aim

We tested whether 4‐week viral load (VL) assessment could improve 96‐week treatment outcome.

Methods

Data on all chronic hepatitis B patients treated with entecavir or tenofovir between 2005 and 2014 were entered prospectively. Full data capture included pre‐treatment, weeks 4, 24, 48 and 96 HBV DNA titre, HBeAg, age, gender, antiviral agent and dose escalation. Compliance data were compiled from pharmacy records, doctors’ letters and clinic bookings/attendance. Time to achieve complete viral suppression (HBV DNA < 20 IU/mL) was graphed using Kaplan–Meier curves. Factors affecting this were examined using a multivariate Cox Proportional Hazard model.

Results

Among 156 patients treated, 72 received entecavir and 84 tenofovir. Pre‐treatment HBV DNA titre, 4‐week assessment and compliance impacted significantly on time to complete viral suppression. At 96 weeks, 90% of those assessed as compliant by 4‐week HBV DNA had complete viral suppression versus 50% followed by 6‐month VL estimation. Continuing care by the same physician was related to 4‐week VL testing and optimal compliance.

Conclusions

Medium‐term outcomes of HBV antiviral therapy are improved by early on‐treatment VL testing, facilitating patient engagement and improved compliance. The observation that 90% complete viral suppression after 2 years monotherapy is achievable in a routine clinic setting questions the need for combination therapy in HBV cases with suboptimal response.
Immunotherapeutic strategies in antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Hoi A. Y. , Ross L. , Day J. , Buchanan R. R. C.
Published: August 2016

Antiphospholipid syndrome is an autoimmune condition, characterised by the persistent presence of antiphospholipid antibodies and either thrombosis or obstetric morbidity. The cornerstone of therapy is long‐term anticoagulation to reduce morbidity and mortality; however, better understanding of the immunological pathways may direct us to develop future therapeutic strategies. We provide an overview of the current understanding of the immunopathogenesis of this perplexing condition and its associated morbidities and current evidence for some of the immunotherapeutic strategies.
Wisdom within: unlocking the potential of big data for nursing regulators
Authors: Blumer L. , Giblin C. , Lemermeyer G. , Kwan J.A.
Published: August 2016

Aim

This paper explores the potential for incorporating big data in nursing regulators' decision‐making and policy development. Big data, commonly described as the extensive volume of information that individuals and agencies generate daily, is a concept familiar to the business community but is only beginning to be explored by the public sector.

Background

Using insights gained from a recent research project, the College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta, in Canada is creating an organizational culture of data‐driven decision‐making throughout its regulatory and professional functions. The goal is to enable the organization to respond quickly and profoundly to nursing issues in a rapidly changing healthcare environment.

Sources of evidence

The evidence includes a review of the Learning from Experience: Improving the Process of Internationally Educated Nurses' Applications for Registration (LFE) research project (2011–2016), combined with a literature review on data‐driven decision‐making within nursing and healthcare settings, and the incorporation of big data in the private and public sectors, primarily in North America.

Discussion

This paper discusses experience and, more broadly, how data can enhance the rigour and integrity of nursing and health policy.

Conclusion

Nursing regulatory bodies have access to extensive data, and the opportunity to use these data to inform decision‐making and policy development by investing in how it is captured, analysed and incorporated into decision‐making processes.

Implications for Nursing and Health Policy

Understanding and using big data is a critical part of developing relevant, sound and credible policy. Rigorous collection and analysis of big data supports the integrity of the evidence used by nurse regulators in developing nursing and health policy.
Structure–Property Relationships in Aligned Electrospun Barium Titanate Nanofibers
Authors: Bauer Matthew J. , Snyder Catherine S. , Bowland Christopher C. , Uhl Amanda M. , Budi Maeve A. K. , Villancio‐Wolter Maria , Sodano Henry A. , Andrew Jennifer S.
Published: August 2016

Barium titanate nanofibers were uniaxially aligned by electrospinning onto a rotating copper wire drum and alignment was maintained during calcination of the fibers. Two methods for maintaining alignment during calcination were tested, by either using carbon tape or a peeling off method to remove the aligned fibers from the mandrel followed by calcination. The carbon tape removal method led to the formation of shorter aligned nanowires while the peeling off method resulted in longer nanofibers. Additionally, the effects of calcination temperature and time on crystal structure were also examined. The degree of tetragonality in the barium titanate nanofibers increased at higher calcination temperatures and times. Piezoelectricity was confirmed in the nanofibers calcined using piezoeresponse force microscopy, yielding a d33 value of 15.5 pm/V. Using the methods presented here, large quantities of aligned piezoelectric barium titanate and other ceramic fibers or wires can be produced to fulfill their demand in novel microelectronics.
Substrate‐Based Ablation Versus Ablation Guided by Activation and Entrainment Mapping for Ventricular Tachycardia: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: KUMAR SAURABH , BALDINGER SAMUEL H. , ROMERO JORGE , FUJII AKIRA , MAHIDA SAAGAR N. , TEDROW USHA B. , STEVENSON WILLIAM G.
Published: August 2016

Substrate vs. Activation/Entrainment Guided VT Ablation

Introduction

Substrate‐based ablation for scar‐related ventricular tachycardia (VT) has gained prominence: however, there is limited data comparing it to ablation guided predominantly by activation and entrainment mapping of inducible and hemodynamically tolerated VTs. We compared the acute procedural efficacy and outcomes of predominantly substrate‐based ablation versus ablation guided predominantly by activation and entrainment mapping.

Methods and Results

Database searches through April 2016 identified 6 eligible studies (enrolling 403 patients, with 1 randomized study) comparing the 2 strategies. The relative risk of VT recurrence at follow‐up was assessed as the primary outcome using a random‐effects meta‐analysis. Secondary endpoints of acute success (based on noninducibility of VT), procedural complications, and mortality were assessed using weighted mean difference with the random effects model. At a median follow‐up of 18 months, the relative risk (RR) of VT recurrence was not significantly different with substrate‐based versus activation/entrainment guided VT ablation (0.72, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.44–1.18), P = 0.2). Acute success (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.95–1.1, P = 0.6), procedural complications (RR 0.8, 95% CI 0.35–1.82, P = 0.5) cardiovascular mortality and total mortality did not differ significantly (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.38–1.79, P = 0.6 and RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.36–1.59, P = 0.5, respectively).

Conclusions

This meta‐analysis demonstrates similar acute procedural efficacy, and complications, VT recurrence and mortality rates when comparing a predominantly substrate‐based ablation strategy to a strategy guided predominantly by activation and entrainment mapping of inducible and hemodynamically tolerated VTs.
Influence of Genotype on Structural Atrial Abnormalities and Atrial Fibrillation or Flutter in Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia/Cardiomyopathy
Authors: BOURFISS MIMOUNT , TE RIELE ANNELINE S.J.M. , MAST THOMAS P. , CRAMER MAARTEN J. , VAN DER HEIJDEN JEROEN F. , VAN VEEN TOON A.B. , LOH PETER , DOOIJES DENNIS , HAUER RICHARD N.W. , VELTHUIS BIRGITTA K.
Published: August 2016

Structural Atrial Involvement in ARVD/C

Introduction

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy (ARVD/C) is associated with desmosomal mutations. Although desmosomal disruption affects both ventricles and atria, little is known about atrial involvement in ARVD/C.

Objective

To describe the extent and clinical significance of structural atrial involvement and atrial arrhythmias (AA) in ARVD/C stratified by genotype.

Methods

We included 71 patients who met ARVD/C Task Force Criteria and underwent cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging and molecular genetic analysis. Indexed atrial end‐diastolic volume and area‐length‐ejection‐fraction (ALEF) were evaluated on CMR and compared to controls with idiopathic right ventricular outflow tract tachycardia (n = 40). The primary outcome was occurrence of AA (atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter) during follow‐up, recorded by 12‐lead ECG, Holter monitoring or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) interrogation.

Results

Patients harbored a desmosomal plakophilin‐2 (PKP2) (n = 37) or nondesmosomal phospholamban (PLN) (n = 14) mutation. In 20 subjects, no pathogenic mutation was identified. Compared to controls, right atrial (RA) volumes were reduced in PKP2 (P = 0.002) and comparable in PLN (P = 0.441) mutation carriers. In patients with no mutation identified, RA (P = 0.011) and left atrial (P = 0.034) volumes were increased. Bi‐atrial ALEF showed no significant difference between the groups. AA were experienced by 27% of patients and occurred equally among PKP2 (30%) and no mutation identified patients (30%), but less among PLN mutation carriers (14%).

Conclusion

Genotype influences atrial volume and occurrence of AA in ARVD/C. While the incidence of AA is similar in PKP2 mutation carriers and patients with no mutation identified, PKP2 mutation carriers have significantly smaller atria. This suggests a different arrhythmogenic mechanism.
Vildagliptin reduces plasma stromal cell‐derived factor‐1α in patients with type 2 diabetes compared with glimepiride
Authors: Park Kyeong Seon , Kwak SooHeon , Cho Young Min , Park Kyong Soo , Jang Hak C , Kim Seong Yeon , Jung Hye Seung
Published: August 2016

Aims/Introduction

Dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors might have pleiotropic protective effects on cardiovascular disease (CVD), in contrast to sulfonylureas. Therefore, we compared various CVD risk factors between vildagliptin and glimepiride.

Materials and Methods

We carried out a randomized, prospective and crossover trial. A total of 16 patients with type 2 diabetes whose glycated hemoglobin was >7% were randomized to add vildagliptin or glimepiride. After 12‐week treatment, each drug was replaced with the other for another 12 weeks. Before and after each treatment, glucose homeostasis and CVD risk factors were assessed, and the continuous glucose monitoring system was applied to calculate glycemic variability.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 60 years, 31% were men, body mass index 25.5 kg/m2 and HbA1c 8.41%. Both vildagliptin and glimepiride significantly decreased glycated hemoglobin and glycemic variability indices. Despite the improved glucose homeostasis, favorable change of CVD markers was not prominent in both the arms, along with significant weight gain. Only plasma stromal cell‐derived factor (SDF)‐1α decreased by 30% in the vildagliptin arm. According to regression analyses, the reduction of SDF‐1α was independently associated with vildagliptin usage and serum interleukin‐6 changes, but white blood cells were not related with the SDF‐1α changes.

Conclusion

Compared with glimepiride, vildagliptin arrestingly decreased plasma SDF‐1α, and its clinical implications should be further investigated.
Exercise and BMI z‐score in Overweight and Obese Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Network Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Trials
Authors: Kelley George A. , Kelley Kristi S. , Pate Russell R.
Published: August 2016

Aim

Examine the effects of selected types of exercise (aerobic, strength training, both) on BMI z‐score in overweight and obese children and adolescents.

Methods

Randomized exercise intervention trials ≥ 4 weeks were included. Studies were retrieved by searching six electronic databases, cross‐referencing and expert review. Dual selection and abstraction occurred. Risk of bias and confidence in cumulative evidence were assessed. Network meta‐analysis was performed using multivariate random‐effects meta‐regression models while surface under the cumulative ranking curves were used to calculate a hierarchy of exercise treatments. The number needed to treat (NNT) and percentile improvement (U3) were also calculated.

Results

Thirty‐four studies representing 2,239 participants were included. Median exercise occurred 3 times per week, 50 minutes per session over a 12‐week period. Statistically significant reductions in BMI z‐score were found for aerobic exercise and combined aerobic and strength exercise, but not strength training alone (M±SD, 95% CI: aerobic, ‐0.10, ‐0.15 to ‐0.05; aerobic and strength, ‐0.11, ‐0.19 to ‐0.03; strength, 0.04, ‐0.07 to 0.15). Combined aerobic and strength training was ranked best, followed by aerobic exercise and strength training. The NNT was 2 for both aerobic exercise and combined aerobic exercise and strength training. Percentile improvements were 28.8% for aerobic exercise and 31.5% for combined aerobic exercise and strength training. Confidence in effect estimates was ranked as low for aerobic exercise and very low for combined aerobic and strength training as well as strength training.

Conclusions

Aerobic exercise and combined aerobic exercise and strength training are associated with reductions in BMI z‐score.
Realising the potential of natural water retention measures in catchment flood management: trade‐offs and matching interests
Authors: Collentine D. , Futter M.N.
Published: August 2016

Natural water retention measures (NWRM) are a multifunctional form of green infrastructure that can play an important role in catchment‐scale flood risk management. While green infrastructure based on natural processes is increasingly recognised as being complementary to traditional flood control strategies based on grey infrastructure in urban areas, there are a number of outstanding challenges with their widespread uptake. At a catchment scale, it is widely accepted that NWRM in upstream areas based on the concept of ‘keeping the rain where it falls’ can help reduce the risk of downstream flooding by enhancing or restoring natural hydrological processes including interception, evapotranspiration, infiltration, and ponding. However, both the magnitude of flood risk reduction and the institutional structures needed for widespread uptake of NWRM are inadequately understood. Implementing NWRM can involve trade‐offs, especially in agricultural areas. Measures based on drainage management and short rotation forestry may help ‘keep the rain where it falls’ but can result in foregone farm income. To identify situations where the implementation of NWRM may be warranted, an improved understanding of the likely reductions in downstream urban flood risk, the required institutional structures for risk management and transfer, and mutually acceptable farm compensation schemes are all needed.
Colonic N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor contributes to visceral hypersensitivity in irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Qi Qingqing , Chen Feixue , Zhang Wenxue , Wang Peng , Li Yanqing , Zuo Xiuli
Published: August 2016

Background and Aims

N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR) in brain, spinal cord, and enteric nervous system is involved in visceral hypersensitivity. This study aimed to reveal the functional expression of NMDAR on mucosal cells in colon and to investigate the downstream signal pathway from colonic NMDAR activation to visceral hypersensitivity in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Methods

The expression of mucosal NMDAR in IBS patients and healthy controls was assessed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot and correlated with abdominal pain/discomfort scores quantified by a validated questionnaire. Electromyography recording in response to colorectal distension was recorded to measure the colonic sensitivity of mice receiving NMDA administration intracolonically. Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) pathway activation were examined in human colonic epithelial HT29 cells after NMDA stimulation, with or without MK801 or U0126 pretreatment.

Results

A significant upregulation of mucosal NMDAR was observed in IBS patients compared with controls, which was significantly correlated with abdominal pain/discomfort scores. Intracolonic administration of NMDA in normal mice produced increased colonic sensitivity to colorectal distension and elevated expression of BDNF and activation of ERK. Activation of NMDAR in colonic epithelial HT29 cells in vitro induced increased BDNF secretion in cell supernatants and higher BDNF expression in cells, as well as elevated phosphorylated ERK.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that the activation of mucosal NMDAR in colon may contribute to the visceral hypersensitivity in IBS, by increasing production of BDNF in an ERK‐dependent pathway.