bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metformin attenuates angiotensin II‐induced TGFβ1 expression by targeting hepatocyte nuclear factor‐4‐α
Authors: Chen Ruifei , Feng Yenan , Wu Jimin , Song Yao , Li Hao , Shen Qiang , Li Dan , Zhang Jianshu , Lu Zhizhen , Xiao Han , Zhang Youyi
Published: February 2017

Background and Purpose

Metformin, a small molecule, antihyperglycaemic agent, is a well‐known activator of AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) and protects against cardiac fibrosis. However, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. TGFβ1 is a key cytokine mediating cardiac fibrosis. Here, we investigated the effects of metformin on TGFβ1 production induced by angiotensin II (AngII) and the underlying mechanisms.

Experimental Approach

Wild‐type and AMPKα2−/− C57BL/6 mice were injected s.c. with metformin or saline and infused with AngII (3 mg·kg−1·day−1) for 7 days. Adult mouse cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) were isolated for in vitro experiments.

Key Results

In CFs, metformin inhibited AngII‐induced TGFβ1 expression via AMPK activation. Analysis using bioinformatics predicted a potential hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α)‐binding site in the promoter region of the Tgfb1 gene. Overexpressing HNF4α increased TGFβ1 expression in CFs. HNF4α siRNA attenuated AngII‐induced TGFβ1 production and cardiac fibrosis in vitro and in vivo. Metformin inhibited the AngII‐induced increases in HNF4α protein expression and binding to the Tgfb1 promoter in CFs. In vivo, metformin blocked the AngII‐induced increase in cardiac HNF4α protein levels in wild‐type mice but not in AMPKα2−/− mice. Consequently, metformin inhibited AngII‐induced TGFβ1 production and cardiac fibrosis in wild‐type mice but not in AMPKα2−/− mice.

Conclusions and Implications

HNF4α mediates AngII‐induced TGFβ1 transcription and cardiac fibrosis. Metformin inhibits AngII‐induced HNF4α expression via AMPK activation, thus decreasing TGFβ1 transcription and cardiac fibrosis. These findings reveal a novel antifibrotic mechanism of action of metformin and identify HNF4α as a new potential therapeutic target for cardiac fibrosis.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Spotlight on Small Molecules in Cardiovascular Diseases. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.8/issuetoc
The geometry of gender: hyper‐diversification of sexual systems in Urtica L. (Urticaceae)
Authors: Grosse‐Veldmann Bernadette , Weigend Maximilian
Published: February 2017

Urtica L. (Urticaceae) is generally reported as a genus of monoecious and dioecious taxa. However, the gender information found in the literature does not at all reflect the actual diversity of gender patterns in Urtica. Dioecy appears to be truly absent from Urtica, but otherwise there has been a major diversification in the geometry of gender and no comparable patterns exist in other plant groups. Thus, we here define technical terms for all unique architectural types of monoecy found in Urtica and closely related genera and reconstruct the ancestral gender states in a Bayesian framework. Our studies are based on a near‐comprehensive sampling, including 61 of the 63 Urtica species recognized. We report polygamy, two types of gynodioecy and five different architectural types of monoecy. A total of 15 switches appear to have taken place within the genus. Although gender characteristics have diversified strongly, they are relatively conserved within clades. Monoecy is the predominant sexual system within Urtica and specifically basiandrous monoecy (i.e. basal inflorescence branches of each individual male only, apical branches female) is the most widespread type, reported for 11 different clades. In particular, it characterizes the basally branching pilulifera‐clade and the sister genus Zhengyia, and may thus represent the plesiomorphic condition for Urtica. Gender distribution and gross morphology appear to evolve largely independently from each other and gender distribution is largely independent of growth habit. However, polygamous taxa are most common amongst rhizomatous perennials (one‐third of the taxa).
n‐butylidenephthalide treatment prolongs life span and attenuates motor neuron loss in SOD1G93A mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Zhou Qin‐Ming , Zhang Jing‐Jing , Li Song , Chen Sheng , Le Wei‐Dong
Published: February 2017

Aims

To evaluate the therapeutic effects of n‐butylidenephthalide (BP) in SOD1G93A mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and explore the possible mechanisms.

Methods

The SOD1G93A mice were treated by oral administration of BP (q.d., 400 mg/kg d) starting from 60 days of age and continuing until death. The rotarod test was performed to assess the disease onset. The expression levels of apoptosis‐related proteins, inflammatory molecules, and autophagy‐associated proteins were determined. The number of apoptotic motor neurons and the extent of microglial and astroglial activation were also assessed in the lumbar spinal cords of BP‐treated mice. Grip strength test, hematoxylin‐eosin staining, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide hydrogen staining, and malondialdehyde assay were conducted to evaluate the muscle function and pathology.

Results

Although BP treatment did not delay the disease onset, it prolonged the life span and thereafter extended the disease duration in SOD1G93A mouse model of ALS. BP treatment also reduced the motor neuron loss through inhibiting apoptosis. We further demonstrated that the neuroprotective effects of BP might be resulted from the inhibition of inflammatory, oxidative stress, and autophagy.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that BP may be a promising candidate for the treatment of ALS.
How does social essentialism affect the development of inter‐group relations?
Authors: Rhodes Marjorie , Leslie Sarah‐Jane , Saunders Katya , Dunham Yarrow , Cimpian Andrei
Published: February 2017

Psychological essentialism is a pervasive conceptual bias to view categories as reflecting something deep, stable, and informative about their members. Scholars from diverse disciplines have long theorized that psychological essentialism has negative ramifications for inter‐group relations, yet little previous empirical work has experimentally tested the social implications of essentialist beliefs. Three studies (N = 127, ages 4.5–6) found that experimentally inducing essentialist beliefs about a novel social category led children to share fewer resources with category members, but did not lead to the out‐group dislike that defines social prejudice. These findings indicate that essentialism negatively influences some key components of inter‐group relations, but does not lead directly to the development of prejudice.
What explains the correlation between growth in vocabulary and grammar? New evidence from latent change score analyses of simultaneous bilingual development
Authors: Hoff Erika , Quinn Jamie M. , Giguere David
Published: February 2017

A close relationship between children's vocabulary size and the grammatical complexity of their speech is well attested but not well understood. The present study used latent change score modeling to examine the dynamic relationships between vocabulary and grammar growth within and across languages in longitudinal data from 90 simultaneous Spanish–English bilingual children who were assessed at 6‐month intervals between 30 and 48 months. Slopes of vocabulary and grammar growth were strongly correlated within each language and showed moderate or nonsignificant relationships across languages. There was no evidence that vocabulary level predicted subsequent grammar growth or that the level of grammatical development predicted subsequent vocabulary growth. We propose that a common influence of properties of input on vocabulary and grammatical development is the source of their correlated but uncoupled growth. An unanticipated across‐language finding was a negative relationship between level of English skill and subsequent Spanish growth. We propose that the cultural context of Spanish–English bilingualism in the US is the reason that strong English skills jeopardize Spanish language growth, while Spanish skills do not affect English growth. A video abstract of this article can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/qEHSQ0yRre0
Effects of short‐term energy restriction on liver lipid content and inflammatory status in severely obese adults: Results of a randomized controlled trial using 2 dietary approaches
Authors: Baldry Emma L. , Aithal Guruprasad P. , Kaye Philip , Idris Iskandar R. , Bennett Andrew , Leeder Paul C. , Macdonald Ian A.
Published: February 2017

Short‐term very‐low‐energy diets (VLEDs) are used in clinical practice prior to bariatric surgery, but regimens vary and outcomes of a short intervention are unclear. We examined the effect of 2 VLEDs, a food‐based diet (FD) and a meal‐replacement plan (MRP; LighterLife UK Limited, Harlow, UK), over the course of 2 weeks in a randomized controlled trial. We collected clinical and anthropometric data, fasting blood samples, and dietary evaluation questionnaires. Surgeons took liver biopsies and made a visual assessment of the liver. We enrolled 60 participants of whom 54 completed the study (FD, n = 26; MRP, n = 28). Baseline demographic features, reported energy intake, dietary evaluation and liver histology were similar in the 2 groups. Both diets induced significant weight loss. Perceived difficulty of surgery correlated significantly with the degree of steatosis on histology. There were reductions in the circulating inflammatory mediators C‐reactive protein, fetuin‐A and interleukin‐6 between baseline (pre‐diet) and post‐diet. The diets achieved similar weight loss and reduction in inflammatory biomarkers. There were no significant differences in perceived operative difficulty or between patients' evaluation of diet satisfaction, ease of use or hunger frequency. Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease histology assessments post‐diet were also not significantly different between diets. The results of this study show the effectiveness of short‐term VLEDs and energy restriction, irrespective of macronutrient composition, although the small sample size precluded detection of subtle differences between interventions.
Comparison of the shock absorption capacities of different mouthguards
Authors: Bochnig Melina Simonetta , Oh Min‐Jung , Nagel Theresa , Ziegler Fred , Jost‐Brinkmann Paul‐Georg
Published: February 2017

Background/Aims

In this in vitro study, the protective qualities of different mouthguard types were examined during small hard object collisions. The aim was to investigate inconclusive aspects of hard inserts, nylon nets, and air spaces as reinforcements in the anterior region and the protection qualities of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA).

Materials and Methods

Five different mouthguards with a labial thickness between 2 mm and 11 mm made of materials of varying stiffness were investigated. As a negative control, the same experiments were performed without a mouthguard. Different combinations of EVA and labial inserts ((polyethylene terephthalate glycol‐modified [PETG]), nylon mesh, air space) were tested. Using a stainless steel pendulum device, blows of different energy (0.07‐2.85 joules) were applied to the center of the crown of a pivoted tooth in a custom‐built jaw model. A laser Doppler vibrometer measured the tooth deflection, while an acceleration sensor attached to the pendulum measured the braking accelerations.

Results

Tooth deflection was reduced up to 99.7% compared to no mouthguard, and the braking acceleration was reduced up to 72.2% by increasing the mouthguards' labial thickness in combination with labial inserts of different stiffness and a built‐in air space between the front teeth and the mouthguard. The mouthguards made of soft materials (EVA with nylon mesh) showed slightly better protection qualities than the more rigid mouthguards of similar thickness (PETG; P<.05). However, with increasing impact energy, their protective capacities decreased to a greater extent than the stiffer mouthguards.

Conclusions

The combination of increased labial thickness and labial inserts of varying stiffness and eventually an air space offers the best protection capacities for hard, small object collisions.
Pieces of eight, pieces of eight: seamen's earnings and the venture economy of early modern seafaring†
Authors: Blakemore Richard J.
Published: February 2017

Historians have generally argued that between the medieval period and the eighteenth century seafarers transformed from collaborative adventurers with a share in their vessel to the first international wage‐earning proletariat. This interpretation has drawn upon relatively limited statistical analysis of mariners’ wages, and underestimates the variety of seafarers’ remuneration and economic activities besides wages themselves. This article undertakes a more sustained analysis of seventeenth‐century wage data drawn from the papers of the English High Court of Admiralty, and uses the same evidence to examine other forms of income, both customary payments as part of shipping, and small‐scale trade. Seafarers of all ranks carried their own commodities on all shipping routes, offering an opportunity to increase their income considerably. This evidence confirms that the maritime labour market was hierarchical, and that very often seafarers were poor labourers facing economic insecurity of many kinds. However, it refines the previous interpretation by emphasizing the presence of skilled workers even among the lower levels of this labour market, and by introducing a new dimension to mariners’ economic agency: they were not simply wage‐workers, but also independent participants in a venture economy.
Unbalanced synaptic inputs underlying multi‐peaked frequency selectivity in rat auditory cortex
Authors: Zhou Chang , Tao Can , Zhang Guangwei , Yan Sumei , Wang Lijuan , Zhou Yi , Xiong Ying
Published: February 2017

By measuring the frequency selectivity at different intensities in the primary auditory cortex of adult rats, we found that a small group of cortical neurons can exhibit relatively weak but robust selectivity at multiple frequencies that are different from the most preferred frequency. Both in vivo multi‐unit recordings (26/93 recordings) and single‐unit recordings (16/137 neurons) confirmed that the preferred frequencies are periodic and have an averaged bandwidth (BW) of 0.3–0.4 octaves, which leads to multi‐peaked frequency selectivity. Interestingly, the averaged bandwidth of the ripple in the frequency response tuning curve was invariant with the sound intensity. An investigation of the synaptic currents in vivo also revealed similar multi‐peaked frequency selectivity for both excitation and inhibition. While the excitatory and inhibitory inputs were relatively balanced for most frequencies, the ratio between excitation and inhibition at the peak and valley of each ripple was highly unbalanced. Since this multi‐peaked frequency selectivity can be observed at the synaptic, single‐cell, and population levels, our results reveal a potential mechanism underlying the multi‐peaked pattern of frequency selectivity in the primary auditory cortex.
Reading Rousseau's Second Discourse in the Light of the Question: What is the Source of Social Inequality?
Authors: James David
Published: February 2017

Rousseau has been cast as someone who is primarily interested in developing a normative social and political philosophy based on the idea of a non‐inflamed form of amour‐propre, which consists in a desire for equal, as opposed to superior, social standing. On this basis it has been argued (1) that inflamed amour‐propre is the principal source of social inequality in his Second Discourse and (2) that the normative aspects of this text can be largely isolated from its descriptive ones. I argue against both claims by showing that the desire for independence provides an alternative principal source of social inequality, and that the Second Discourse points the way to a genuine critical theory precisely because it describes in narrative form dynamic, concrete social processes in such a way as to challenge the claims of ideal social and political theory, including attempts to interpret the Second Discourse itself primarily in terms of an independent normative social and political philosophy.
Modified Atkins diet is an effective treatment for children with Doose syndrome
Authors: Wiemer‐Kruel Adelheid , Haberlandt Edda , Hartmann Hans , Wohlrab Gabriele , Bast Thomas
Published: February 2017

Objective

Children with myoclonic astatic epilepsy (MAE; Doose syndrome) whose seizures do not respond immediately to standard antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are at high risk of developing an epileptic encephalopathy with cognitive decline. A classic ketogenic diet (KD) is a highly effective alternative to AEDs. To date, there are only limited data on the effectiveness of the modified Atkins diet (MAD), which is less restrictive and more compatible with daily life. We report findings from a retrospective study on 30 MAE patients treated with MAD.

Methods

Four participating centers retrospectively identified all patients with MAE in whom a MAD had been started before June 2015. Seven children were recruited from a cohort included in an open prospective controlled trial. A retrospective review of all available charts was performed in the other patients.

Results

Thirty patients (24 boys) were included. Mean age at epilepsy onset was 3.1 years (range 1.5–5.6). MAD was started at a mean age of 4.5 years (range 2.2–9.1) after the children had received an average of six different AEDs (range 2–15). Mean MAD observation time was 18.7 months (range 1.5–61.5). Twenty of 30 patients were still on MAD at the end of study (duration range 1.5–61.5, mean 18.5 months). MAD was stopped without relapse in three patients after sustained seizure freedom for >2 years. For the other seven cases, ineffectiveness (three patients), loss of efficacy (two), or noncompliance (two) led to termination. No severe adverse effects were noted. By the end of the observation period, 25 (83%) of 30 patients experienced a seizure reduction by ≥50% and 14 (47%) of 30 were seizure‐free. None of the evaluated factors differed significantly between the groups of seizure‐free and non–seizure‐free children.

Significance

MAD is an effective treatment for MAE. It should be considered as an alternative to AEDs or the more restrictive classic ketogenic diet.
From endogenous to exogenous pattern formation: Invasive plant species changes the spatial distribution of a native ant
Authors: Li Kevin , He Yifan , Campbell Susanna K. , Colborn A. Shawn , Jackson Eliot L. , Martin Austin , Monagan Ivan V. , Ong Theresa Wei Ying , Perfecto Ivette
Published: February 2017

Invasive species are a significant threat to global biodiversity, but our understanding of how invasive species impact native communities across space and time remains limited. Based on observations in an old field in Southeast Michigan spanning 35 years, our study documents significant impacts of habitat change, likely driven by the invasion of the shrub, Elaeagnus umbellata, on the nest distribution patterns and population demographics of a native ant species, Formica obscuripes. Landcover change in aerial photographs indicates that E. umbellata expanded aggressively, transforming a large proportion of the original open field into dense shrubland. By comparing the ant's landcover preferences before and after the invasion, we demonstrate that this species experienced a significant unfavorable change in its foraging areas. We also find that shrub landcover significantly moderates aggression between nests, suggesting nests are more related where there is more E. umbellata. This may represent a shift in reproductive strategy from queen flights, reported in the past, to asexual nest budding. Our results suggest that E. umbellata may affect the spatial distribution of F. obscuripes by shifting the drivers of nest pattern formation from an endogenous process (queen flights), which led to a uniform pattern, to a process that is both endogenous (nest budding) and exogenous (loss of preferred habitat), resulting in a significantly different clustered pattern. The number and sizes of F. obscuripes nests in our study site are projected to decrease in the next 40 years, although further study of this population's colony structures is needed to understand the extent of this decrease. Elaeagnus umbellata is a common invasive shrub, and similar impacts on native species might occur in its invasive range, or in areas with similar shrub invasions.
Social participation among older adults not engaged in full‐ or part‐time work is associated with more physical activity and less sedentary time
Authors: Kikuchi Hiroyuki , Inoue Shigeru , Fukushima Noritoshi , Takamiya Tomoko , Odagiri Yuko , Ohya Yumiko , Amagasa Shiho , Oka Koichiro , Owen Neville
Published: February 2017

Aim

Social participation provides health benefits for older adults. However, there is the need to identify whether higher social participation is associated with older adults being more physically active and less sedentary (sitting time). We examined the associations of social participation with physical activity, and sedentary time, in a population‐based sample of older Japanese adults.

Methods

A population‐based, cross‐sectional mail survey carried out in 2010 was used to collect data on social participation, physical activity, sedentary time and sociodemographic characteristics. Data were examined from 1146 community‐dwelling, unemployed older adults (mean age 70.1 years, 43% men). Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to calculate odds ratios (OR) for associations of social participation with physical activity and total sedentary time; and, for associations with passive and mentally‐active sedentary (sitting) time.

Results

For both men and women, those with higher social participation were more physically active (OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.44–3.06 among men; OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.39–2.68 among women). Total sedentary time had significant associations among men (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.42–0.90), but not among women (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.58–1.11). Social participation was associated with less passive sedentary time (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.38–0.81 for men; OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.51–0.99 for women).

Conclusions

Promoting social participation among older adults could contribute to increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary time, with potential benefits for chronic disease. Further research is required to elucidate the deleterious and beneficial roles of passive and mentally‐active sedentary time for older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1921–1927.
Excretion of necrotic hepatocellular carcinoma tissues into the biliary system after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization
Authors: Miyayama Shiro , Yamashiro Masashi , Nagai Keiichi , Yokka Akira , Yoshida Miki , Sakuragawa Naoko , Sanada Taku , Notsumata Kazuo
Published: February 2017

Aim

To evaluate the incidence and condition of necrotic tumor excretion into the biliary system in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) >5 cm treated with conventional transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE).

Methods

Eighty‐three patients who underwent TACE for newly developed HCC >5 cm without an intraductal tumor thrombus and were followed‐up by computed tomography for longer than 6 months were eligible. According to the location, the maximum tumors were divided into central (in contact with the left or right hepatic duct, n = 39) or peripheral (not in contact with them, n = 44). When high‐density material in the biliary system that was not seen on pretreatment computed tomography was identified, it was determined as excreted necrotic tumor tissue containing iodized oil. The incidence, interval between TACE and occurrence of the necrotic tumor excretion, and clinical course were evaluated.

Results

Tumor excretion into the biliary system was identified in nine (10.8%) patients with a central tumor (mean diameter, 85.0 ± 29.6 mm) 28–433 days (mean, 219.3 ± 128.2) after the initial TACE. In one patient, the necrotic tumor cast caused cholangitis 1203 days after the initial TACE, and was endoscopically removed. Infection of the embolized tumor developed in two cases and percutaneous drainage was carried out 105 and 158 days later, respectively.

Conclusions

Excretion of necrotic tumors into the biliary system after TACE was not rare in patients with centrally located HCC >5 cm. The detached tumor rarely caused symptoms and the communication between the tumor and bile duct caused the infection of tumors.
Reappraisal of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL): comparative analysis between EBV‐positive and EBV‐negative DLBCL with EBV‐positive bystander cells
Authors: Ohashi Akiko , Kato Seiichi , Okamoto Akinao , Inaguma Yoko , Satou Akira , Tsuzuki Toyonori , Emi Nobuhiko , Okamoto Masataka , Nakamura Shigeo
Published: February 2017

Aims

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)‐positive diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) not otherwise specified is defined as monoclonal EBV+ B‐cell proliferation affecting patients without any known immunosuppression. Non‐neoplastic EBV+ cells proliferating in or adjacent to EBV− DLBCL were reported recently, but their clinical significance is unclear. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic impact of EBV+ cells in DLBCL.

Methods and results

We compared the clinicopathological characteristics of 30 EBV+ DLBCL patients and 29 and 604 EBV− DLBCL patients with and without EBV+ bystander cells (median age of onset 71, 67 and 62 years, respectively). Both EBV+ DLBCL patients and EBV− DLBCL patients with EBV+ bystander cells tended to have high and high–intermediate International Prognostic Index scores (60% and 59%, respectively), as compared with only 46% of EBV− DLBCL patients without EBV+ bystander cells. EBV− DLBCL patients with EBV+ bystander cells showed a significantly higher incidence of lung involvement than those without EBV+ bystander cells (10% versus 2%, P < 0.05). Furthermore, EBV+ DLBCL patients and EBV− DLBCL patients with EBV+ bystander cells had a poorer prognosis than patients without any detectable EBV+ cells [median overall survival (OS) of 100 months and 40 months versus not reached, P < 0.01]. Notably, EBV+ DLBCL patients and EBV− DLBCL patients with EBV+ bystander cells treated with rituximab showed overlapping survival curves (OS, P = 0.77; progression‐free survival, P = 1.0).

Conclusions

EBV− DLBCL with bystander EBV+ cells has similar clinical characteristics to EBV+ DLBCL. DLBCL with EBV+ bystander cells may be related to both age‐related and microenvironment‐related immunological deterioration.
Prevalence of and factors associated with unprotected anal intercourse with regular and nonregular male sexual partners among newly diagnosed HIV‐positive men who have sex with men in China
Authors: Wang Z , Wu X , Lau JTF , Mo PKH , Mak WWS , Wang X , Yang X , Gross D , Jiang H
Published: February 2017

Objectives

This study investigated the prevalence of, and multi‐dimensional factors associated with, unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) with regular male sexual partners (‘regular partners’) and nonregular male sexual partners (‘nonregular partners’) among newly diagnosed HIV‐positive men who have sex with men (MSM) in Chengdu, China.

Methods

A total of 225 newly diagnosed HIV‐positive MSM were interviewed using a combined interviewer−computer‐assisted method in Chengdu, China.

Results

The prevalence of UAI with regular and nonregular partners since diagnosis was 27.7% and 33.8% among participants reporting having sex with regular and nonregular partners (n = 159 and 133), respectively. Adjusted analysis showed that: (1) cognitive variables based on the Health Belief Model (perceived susceptibility to HIV transmission and perceived severity of the consequences of HIV transmission, perceived barriers and perceived self‐efficacy related to consistent condom use), (2) emotion‐related variables (worry about transmitting HIV to others), (3) psychological factors (post‐traumatic growth) and (4) socio‐structural factors (perceived partners’ responsibility for condom use) were significantly associated with UAI with regular and/or nonregular partners.

Conclusions

Interventions are warranted, and should be designed with consideration of multi‐dimensional factors and be partner type‐specific.
Liver‐related mortality and hospitalizations attributable to chronic hepatitis C virus coinfection in persons living with HIV
Authors: Mena A , Meijide H , Rodríguez‐Osorio I , Castro A , Poveda E
Published: February 2017

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare liver‐related mortality and liver‐related hospitalizations for persons living with HIV (PLWH) with and without hepatitis C virus (HCV) exposure, and to estimate the fraction of liver disease attributable to chronic HCV coinfection.

Methods

An ambispective cohort study followed PLWH between 1993 and 2014. PLWH were classified into three groups: those who were HIV‐monoinfected, those who cleared HCV spontaneously and those with chronic HCV coinfection. Liver‐related mortality was estimated for the three groups and compared with the adjusted standardized mortality ratio.

Results

Data for 2379 PLWH were included in the study (1390 monoinfected individuals, 146 spontaneous HCV resolvers and 843 with chronic HCV coinfection). Global mortality was 33.8%, 21.4% of which was liver‐related. Patients who died from liver‐related causes were mostly on antiretroviral therapy and had an undetectable HIV viral load when they died. The liver‐related mortality rate in those with chronic HCV coinfection was 10.01 per 1000 patient‐years vs. 3.84 per 1000 patient‐years in the HIV‐monoinfected group (P < 0.001). The adjusted standardized mortality ratio in the chronically HCV‐coinfected group was 4.52 (95% confidence interval 2.98–5.86). The fractions of liver‐related mortality and liver‐related hospitalizations attributable to chronic HCV coinfection were 0.61 and 0.74, respectively. There were no differences in liver‐related events between HIV‐monoinfected individuals and those who spontaneously cleared HCV.

Conclusions

Chronic HCV infection increases the risk of liver‐related mortality and liver‐related hospitalizations in PLWH, despite good control of HIV infection. Sixty per cent of liver‐related mortality in chronically HCV‐coinfected PLWH could be attributable to chronic HCV infection. The effect of mass HCV eradication with new therapies should be evaluated.
From dendritic cells to B cells dysfunctions during HIV‐1 infection: T follicular helper cells at the crossroads
Authors: Ruffin Nicolas , Hani Lylia , Seddiki Nabila
Published: February 2017

T follicular helper (Tfh) cells are essential for B‐cell differentiation and the subsequent antibody responses. Their numbers and functions are altered during human and simian immunodeficiency virus (HIV/SIV) infections. In lymphoid tissues, Tfh cells are present in germinal centre, where they are the main source of replicative HIV‐1 and represent a major reservoir. Paradoxically, Tfh cell numbers are increased in chronically infected individuals. Understanding the fate of Tfh cells in the course of HIV‐1 infection is essential for the design of efficient strategies toward a protective HIV vaccine or a cure. The purpose of this review is to summarize the recent advance in our understanding of Tfh cell dynamics during HIV/SIV infection. In particular, to explore the possible causes of their expansion in lymphoid tissues by discussing the impact of HIV‐1 infection on dendritic cells, to identify the molecular players rendering Tfh cells highly susceptible to HIV‐1 infection, and to consider the contribution of regulatory follicular T cells in shaping Tfh cell functions.
Lessons from the past: Family involvement in patient admission and discharge, Beechworth Lunatic Asylum, 1900–1912
Authors: Clark Eileen
Published: February 2017

In this study, document analysis is used to examine case books from the Beechworth Lunatic Asylum with the aim of determining the extent of family involvement in patients’ admission and discharge. There were 420 male and 278 female patients admitted in the study period, with over half transferred from other Victorian asylums. Next of kin were identified for 64% of male and 84% of female patients. Families were involved in the admission of 52 (12%) male and 50 (18%) female patients, usually by bringing patients to the asylum or providing evidence of behavioural changes. Approximately 25% of patients were discharged (101 men and 62 women) and of these, families were involved in discharge for 26% of male and 71% of female patients, mainly by taking responsibility for them during trial discharge. Occasionally families refused to do this, or sought to have patients detained because of fears of violence. The relevance of the study to contemporary practice is explored, particularly the need for dialogue between clinicians and families who identify behavioural changes in family members, appropriate support for family carers, and timely provision of community care following discharge from inpatient facilities.
High‐pressure behavior and P‐induced phase transition of CaB3O4(OH)3·H2O (colemanite)
Authors: Lotti Paolo , Gatta Giacomo Diego , Comboni Davide , Guastella Giorgio , Merlini Marco , Guastoni Alessandro , Liermann Hanns‐Peter
Published: February 2017

Colemanite (ideally CaB3O4(OH)3·H2O, space group P21/a, unit‐cell parameters: a ~ 8.74, b ~ 11.26, c ~ 6.10 Å, β ~ 110.1°) is one of the principal mineralogical components of borate deposits and the most important mineral commodity of boron. Its high‐pressure behavior is here described, for the first time, by means of in situ single‐crystal synchrotron X‐ray diffraction with a diamond anvil cell up to 24 GPa (and 293 K). Colemanite is stable, in its ambient‐conditions polymorph, up to 13.95 GPa. Between 13.95 and 14.91 GPa, an iso‐symmetric first‐order single‐crystal to single‐crystal phase transition (reconstructive in character) toward a denser polymorph (colemanite‐II) occurs, with: aCOL‐II=3·aCOL, bCOL‐II=bCOL, and cCOL‐II=2·cCOL. Up to 13.95 GPa, the bulk compression of colemanite is accommodated by the Ca‐polyhedron compression and the tilting of the rigid three‐membered rings of boron polyhedra. The phase transition leads to an increase in the average coordination number of both the B and Ca sites. A detailed description of the crystal structure of the high‐P polymorph, compared to the ambient‐conditions colemanite, is given. The elastic behaviors of colemanite and of its high‐P polymorph are described by means of III‐ and II‐order Birch‐Murnaghan equations of state, respectively, yielding the following refined parameters: KV0=67(4) GPa and KV′=5.5(7) [βV0=0.0149(9) GPa−1] for colemanite; KV0=50(8) GPa [βV0=0.020(3) GPa−1] for its high‐P polymorph.
Beyond Tax Avoidance: Offshore Firms’ Institutional Environment and Financial Reporting Quality*
Authors: Durnev Artem , Li Tiemei , Magnan Michel
Published: February 2017

We explore how firms’ operations in Offshore Financial Centers (OFCs) through subsidiaries or affiliates affect the quality of financial reporting. Using a unique and large sample of firms that have headquarters in the 15 countries with the strictest legal regimes and have subsidiaries or affiliates in OFCs, we find that such firms exhibit lower financial reporting quality than comparable firms without OFC operations. We also find that as OFC characteristics become more prevalent, firms are more likely to engage in both accrual‐based and real earnings management. More importantly, after disentangling OFC characteristics into the opportunity for tax avoidance, regulation arbitrage and secrecy policies, we find that beyond tax avoidance, regulation arbitrage and the secrecy policies of OFCs significantly affect financial reporting quality. The causal effect of OFC operations is supported by the analysis of financial reporting quality when firms set up OFC operations. Our findings are robust to various additional tests addressing potential endogeneity issues. We conclude that the assessment of a firm's institutional environment must encompass the registration status of its subsidiaries or affiliates as well as its own.
Assembly patterns of soil‐dwelling lichens after glacier retreat in the European Alps
Authors: Nascimbene Juri , Mayrhofer Helmut , Dainese Matteo , Bilovitz Peter Othmar
Published: February 2017

Aim

To assess the spatial‐temporal dynamics of primary succession following deglaciation in soil‐dwelling lichen communities.

Location

European Alps (Austria, Switzerland and Italy).

Methods

Five glacier forelands subjected to relevant glacier retreat during the last century were investigated. In each glacier foreland, three successional stages were selected at increasing distance from the glacier, corresponding to a gradient of time since deglaciation between 25 and 160 years. In each successional stage, soil‐dwelling lichens were surveyed within five 1 × 1 m plots. In addition to a classical ecological framework, based on species richness and composition, we applied a functional approach to better elucidate community assembly mechanisms.

Results

A positive relationship was found between species richness and time since deglaciation indicating that richer lichen communities can be found at increasing terrain ageing. This pattern was associated with compositional shifts, suggesting that different community assemblages can be found along the successional stages. The analysis of β‐diversity revealed a significant nested pattern of species assemblages along the gradient (i.e. earlier successional stages hosted a subset of the species already established in older successional stages), while the turnover component was less relevant. Considering functional groups, we found contrasting patterns in relation to time since deglaciation: the incidence of species with a cyanobacterial photobiont and those reproducing by spores decreased, while that of species reproducing by vegetative propagules increased.

Main conclusions

This study reveals that community assembly patterns of soil‐dwelling lichens in alpine glacier forelands are ruled by mechanisms of directional species accumulation and trait selection that involve a trade‐off between different functional strategies. Functional traits that reflect the dispersal and adaptation capability of the species underpin the colonization success of soil‐dwelling lichens in glacier forelands.
Feasibility of Combining Common Data Elements Across Studies to Test a Hypothesis
Authors: Corwin Elizabeth J. , Moore Shirley M. , Plotsky Andrea , Heitkemper Margaret M. , Dorsey Susan G. , Waldrop‐Valverde Drenna , Bailey Donald E. , Docherty Sharron L. , Whitney Joanne D. , Musil Carol M. , Dougherty Cynthia M. , McCloskey Donna J. , Austin Joan K. , Grady Patricia A.
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to describe the outcomes of a collaborative initiative to share data across five schools of nursing in order to evaluate the feasibility of collecting common data elements (CDEs) and developing a common data repository to test hypotheses of interest to nursing scientists. This initiative extended work already completed by the National Institute of Nursing Research CDE Working Group that successfully identified CDEs related to symptoms and self‐management, with the goal of supporting more complex, reproducible, and patient‐focused research.

Design

Two exemplars describing the group's efforts are presented. The first highlights a pilot study wherein data sets from various studies by the represented schools were collected retrospectively, and merging of the CDEs was attempted. The second exemplar describes the methods and results of an initiative at one school that utilized a prospective design for the collection and merging of CDEs.

Methods

Methods for identifying a common symptom to be studied across schools and for collecting the data dictionaries for the related data elements are presented for the first exemplar. The processes for defining and comparing the concepts and acceptable values, and for evaluating the potential to combine and compare the data elements are also described. Presented next are the steps undertaken in the second exemplar to prospectively identify CDEs and establish the data dictionaries. Methods for common measurement and analysis strategies are included.

Findings

Findings from the first exemplar indicated that without plans in place a priori to ensure the ability to combine and compare data from disparate sources, doing so retrospectively may not be possible, and as a result hypothesis testing across studies may be prohibited. Findings from the second exemplar, however, indicated that a plan developed prospectively to combine and compare data sets is feasible and conducive to merged hypothesis testing.

Conclusions

Although challenges exist in combining CDEs across studies into a common data repository, a prospective, well‐designed protocol for identifying, coding, and comparing CDEs is feasible and supports the development of a common data repository and the testing of important hypotheses to advance nursing science.

Clinical Relevance

Incorporating CDEs across studies will increase sample size and improve data validity, reliability, transparency, and reproducibility, all of which will increase the scientific rigor of the study and the likelihood of impacting clinical practice and patient care.
Dermal morphological changes following salicylic acid peeling and microdermabrasion
Authors: Abdel‐Motaleb Amira A , Abu‐Dief Eman E , Hussein Mahmoud RA
Published: February 2017

Background

Microdermabrasion and chemical peeling are popular, inexpensive, and safe methods for treatment of some skin disorders and to rejuvenate skin.

Objectives

To study the alterations of the dermal connective tissue following salicylic acid peeling and microdermabrasion.

Methods

Twenty patients were participated in our study. All participants underwent facial salicylic acid 30% peel or microdermabrasion (10 cases in each group) weekly for 6 weeks. Punch biopsies were obtained from the clinically normal skin of the right postauricular region 1 week before treatment (control group). Other punch skin biopsies were obtained 1 week after the end of the treatments from the left postauricular area. This region was treated in a similar way to the adjacent lesional skin (treated group). We used routine histological techniques (H&E stain), special stains (Masson trichrome and orcein stains), and image analyzer to study the alterations of the dermal connective tissues.

Results

Our study demonstrates variations in the morphological changes between the control and the treated groups, and between chemical peels and microdermabrasion. Both salicylic acid 30% and microdermabrasion were associated with thickened epidermal layer, shallow dermal papillae, dense collagen, and elastic fibers. There was a significant increase among those treated sites vs control regarding epidermal thickness and collagen thickness. Also, there was a highly statistically significant increase among those treated with salicylic acid vs microdermabrasion regarding the epidermal, collagen, and elastin thickness.

Conclusions

Both methods stimulate the repair process. The mechanisms underlying these variations are open for further investigations.
The evaluation of physical activity for community‐dwelling patients with hypertension
Authors: Ma Chunhua
Published: February 2017

Aims and objectives

The study aimed to evaluate the proportion of Chinese patients with hypertension who meet the Chinese Hypertension Management Guideline recommendations for weekly physical activity and to determine possible associated factors that impact meeting the weekly physical activity recommendation.

Background

Accurate evaluation of physical activity levels for hypertensive patients is important to determine patients' health outcomes and intervention measures. However, most of the evidence on the prevalence of physical activity comes from developed countries; therefore, studies from developing countries are needed.

Design

Across‐sectional design was adopted for the study.

Methods

The participants were recruited using a convenience sampling method from three healthcare community centres in Guangzhou, southern China. The data were collected using self‐report questionnaires. Ordinal logistic regression was used to test factors associated with meeting the weekly physical activity recommendation.

Results

Two hundred and seventy‐six (58.6%) hypertensive patients in our study did insufficient physical activity (<150 min/week). One hundred thirty‐four (31.3%) patients achieved the weekly physical activity recommendation (≥150 min/week), and 52 (10.1%) met the recommendation for physical activity for additional health benefits (≥300 min/week). In the adjusted ordinal logistic regression analyses, patients over 60 years of age (OR = 1.35, p < .001), who were unemployed (OR = 1.24, p = .036), had lower blood pressure levels (OR = 0.88, p = .019) and no hypertension‐related complications (OR = 1.18, p = .021), and regarded self‐rated health as good or excellent (OR = 2.37, p = .018), had a higher likelihood of meeting the weekly physical activity recommendation.

Conclusions

Our results showed that the number of Chinese hypertensive patients meeting the weekly physical activity recommendation is suboptimal. Age, employment status, blood pressure, self‐rated health and complications related to hypertension were associated with meeting the weekly physical activity recommendation.

Relevance to clinical practice

The findings implied that hypertensive patients who did insufficient physical activity were subgroups that needed specific instructions in physical activity and motivation to take part in physical activity. Nurses should consider providing counselling and supervision to these patients.
Design Characteristics of Spiral Aerator
Authors: Roy Subha M. , Moulick Sanjib , Mal Bimal C.
Published: February 2017

In this study, the performance of a spiral aerator, a modified design of the paddlewheel aerator, was evaluated to determine its applicability in aquaculture ponds. The aeration characteristics of the spiral aerator were determined by conducting aeration experiments in a cement concrete tank of dimension 5 × 5 × 1.5 m. Nondimensional numbers related to oxygen transfer (E) and power consumption (Ne) were proposed and expressed as functions of geometric (number of handles per shaft, n) and dynamic (Froude and Reynolds number) parameters. Simulation equations for oxygen transfer and power consumption based on the Froude criterion were developed. The maximum brake power standard aeration efficiency was achieved at n = 13. Finally, an economic analysis was performed assuming a typical Indian major carp culture pond to determine the optimum rotational speed of the aerator at different pond volumes and dissolved oxygen concentration present in the pond at which the aeration cost is minimized. The results showed that the least aeration cost is achievable when rotational speed of the spiral aerator is only 70 rpm for pond volumes up to 700 m3 and from 120 to 220 rpm for pond volumes exceeding 700 m3.